The Newbie's First Duel

After shuffling his deck, he drew three glistening blue cards, smirking at the powerful monster he got on the first turn.

"Seems like you got a good hand," Thom said, his everyday neighbor's smile stretching his lips. "I can let you start if you want."

Echoing the teenager's words, the desks rumbled to life. A lifelike illusion stretched, making three miniaturised castles appear before them. Then, a vast plain extended to cover the rest of the field.

"Sure. Let me show you my deck!"

His voice reverberated, drawing Shepard's and Aurora's attention as he raised a card above his head with a confident smirk.

"I summon the dullahan!"

He slammed it on the desk's slot.

[Irregular move detected! Penalty applied.]

A sudden voice broke the tension, making him frown. Red lights flashed on his side of the field before it dimmed.

"What the heck is happening?"