NOVEL NEXT Chapter 68: TST [68]
Now, the second day of the Junior Division of the Duelist League was about to begin, and not a single seat in the stands was empty.
The hype today was indeed even higher than yesterday.
After all, the Duelist League's viewing policy required a separate ticket for each day. Even if you managed to grab today's ticket, there was no guarantee you'd get one for tomorrow.
And if the duels that day weren't exciting, then your money would have been wasted.
Because of this, most spectators would look up the day's duelists in advance before deciding whether to attend.
Originally, yesterday's match had a dismal turnout since Morgan wasn't a well-known duelist.
But after defeating Dorian and being hailed by the host as the biggest dark horse, most people had taken an interest in Morgan.
As a result, today's tickets sold out in a flash, and scalpers on the forums were reselling them at outrageous prices. Everyone was looking forward to this duel—after all, Morgan's opponent was also a highly anticipated contender.
He was a rising star from the Red Dragon Club, a user of the Red-Eyes Deck: Alban.
"Who do you think will win this duel? Alban's pretty strong."
"Honestly, I favor Alban. The Red-Eyes Deck is brutal. He's already pulled off multiple OTKs."
"Isn't Red-Eyes the Club's signature deck? Why give it to a rookie?"
"Heh, Alban is the Red Dragon Club boss's son. Of course, his dad wants him to shine in the Junior Division."
The audience buzzed with discussion. Compared to the mysterious Morgan, they preferred talking about club duelists with known backgrounds.
Just then, the duelists entered the stage.
Morgan was the first to appear. She unhurriedly walked onto the Duel Platform with her custom Duel Disk. Compared to yesterday, not much had changed, but the aura she radiated made it feel like she dominated the entire field.
Coming in second, Alban looked more like the challenger entering a ring, and that ticked him off.
Alban wore the Red Dragon Club uniform, his wild red hair blazing, though his expression contrasted with it—calm and sharp.
By now, the news of Morgan's arrival had already reached the ears of the managers outside the venue.
They were shocked. How did she get in? They'd been camping outside, yet she still slipped past?
However, now wasn't the time to dwell on it. They abandoned their tents and rushed inside. This match was one they couldn't afford to miss.
On the field, Alban stared at Morgan, a hint of caution and excitement flashing in his eyes.
"I watched your duel with Dorian. You're really strong. Even if that guy hadn't let his guard down, he still would've lost."
"Anyway, I will defeat you. I'm going all out in this match. I'll use the Red Dragon Club's symbol—the Red-Eyes Deck—to bring you down!"
Alban raised his Duel Disk with passion.
The truth was, Alban had always wanted to prove that he hadn't gotten this far just because of connections, but through real strength. Yet, with his father being the head of the Red Dragon Club, special treatment was unavoidable.
So naturally, many people whispered that he was just a nepotism case with no real talent.
Alban had been holding in that frustration for a long time. He wanted to prove that his success came from his own efforts.
And this duel was the perfect opportunity—He planned to win with the fastest OTK he could.
Morgan didn't respond right away.
She actually knew a bit about Alban's background. Yesterday, while in the Duel Arena, she overheard many duelists discussing today's match.
So she could understand Alban's desperation to prove himself.
But...
Morgan's lips curled into a smile.
"I know you want to prove yourself in this match, to show everyone that you earned your position through hard work, not connections."
"But have you ever thought about this: without those connections, would you even be allowed to use the Red-Eyes Deck in the Duelist League? That deck is the Red Dragon Club's symbol, right? Without it, the club would be much weaker in this league."
Morgan's words stunned Alban.
Before he could respond, the sound of ceremonial cannons rang out—the duel was about to begin.
Alban immediately gathered his focus, his gaze locking onto the duel.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and the commentators were just as hyped, eagerly anticipating what kind of duel the two would bring.
"Ladies and gentlemen, you all must already be familiar with the strength of the witch, Morgan!"
"And her opponent is also no slouch: a Red Dragon Club rookie who wields the mighty Red-Eyes Deck!"
"Who will come out on top in this showdown? Let's find out together!"
As the commentator finished, the big screen displayed a familiar White Dragon coin.
With a few flips, Morgan won the right to go first.
Both Duel Disks activated at once, and their Life Points lit up.
"Duel!"
Morgan drew five cards and looked down at her mostly monotone hand, then broke into a grin.
Opening with Eldlich while going first? Not bad at all.
Especially after she gave the Eldlich Deck a slight power boost yesterday.
Morgan placed her pale fingers on her Deck and smiled brightly.
"My turn. Draw!"
...
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