Yu-Gi-Oh: Fusion Is the Noblest Summoning Method!64.50%

Who’s Dueling Who?

The exchange event hosted by KaibaCorp at Duel Academy was soon launched under the efforts of the faculty, with Seto Kaiba himself attending to give the opening speech.

Duel Academy is a school dedicated to training duelists, but it has always had a moderate flaw: The future career paths of its graduates.

They can't exactly guarantee job placements.

After all, duelists are duelists, their career ultimately hinges on dueling.

And good wine fears no alley, yet even if a graduate is competent, most don't know what to do next.

Especially with the intense competition in the pro duelist circuit, jumping in right after graduation is a huge mental challenge.

In the past, the Academy supported whatever paths the students chose.

Now, with KaibaCorp willing to initiate what is essentially a recruitment fair, it's the biggest improvement to the Academy's development in years.

"Apologies, student. Our company's recent focus is dimensional development. It seems your physical parameters are not suited for high-intensity dimensional dueling."

"Ah, student, you have level 5 spirit compatibility? Would you like to consider joining our All-Spirits International."

The most sought-after talents were still duelists with high spirit compatibility.

Though dimensional exploration hadn't yielded huge results yet, everyone knew it was destined to be one of the most attractive ventures for years, decades, even centuries to come.

And discovering anything groundbreaking in another dimension could lead to overnight riches and global fame.

Furthermore, companies that ignored dimensional ventures would be labeled as "unambitious" by assessment organizations—their stock value would tank, and they'd lose investor interest.

Naturally, Amaki Hikaru, who was only a first-year yet already had Spirit Compatibility of Six Stars, was spotted immediately by sharp-eyed recruiters and swarmed in an instant.

"You're Amagi Hikaru, right!? Your duel against the interdimensional duelist earlier this year really lifted our world's morale, your performance was perfect!"

"Amagi Hikaru, you're a Fusion Duelist, correct!? Are you interested in checking out our company, Fusion Motors?"

"Amaki Hikaru, do you have future plans for your studies? Would you consider interning with us? Here's our business card."

He was in no time crowded, unable to even move.

"Hahaha, Hikaru, looks like you're popular, huh?" Tierra, unbothered by the chaos, even offered suggestions, "Quick, see if anyone's selling cup noodles. I bet Instant Fusion Ramen would be a hit!"

She wasn't just joking, it was part of her "divine scheming".

As a god known for cunning, she figured if she ate all the Magical Scientist's cup noodles, she'd have to wait ages for more. So why not push humanity to mass-produce them?

She'd tried other instant noodles, but none beat Instant Fusion in flavor.

If Hikaru wanted a stable income, listening to her might not be a bad idea.

"What's all the noise over there?"

A tall, handsome boy in a white suit had climbed a cliffside and was brushing dust from his hands. Seeing the recruiters crowding Hikaru, he raised an eyebrow.

'Are they fighting over a student?'

It was Aster Phoenix, he figured it out instantly.

Having been through this himself, he had no strong opinion. After initial confusion, he had adapted, and with Sartorius helping him handle logistics, he didn't mind them thereafter.

He glanced up and spotted a green-haired spirit chuckling.

'A duelist with a spirit, huh?'

No wonder. Even as a student, having a spirit companion was valuable in this new era.

Aster stretched his limbs.

At first, he intended to visit during recruitment season, that said, with KaibaCorp hosting this event, he was invited as one of the most famous pro duelists.

He didn't mind arriving early.

Officially, he was on the island as a "future freshman."

In fact, many heirs from prominent families were using that title to visit the island and meet the three students who had defeated the interdimensional threat earlier this year.

Before leaving, Sartorius had performed a reading for him.

The result?

Certain victory!

He would win any duel against students on the island.

"Only victory, huh." Aster looked mildly disappointed.

'Oh well.'

Before anyone noticed him, he headed toward the student area—grabbing his massive bag, he pulled out a map, glanced at it, and put it away.

Leo Akaba had made a deal with Sartorius—In exchange for power from beyond this world, Sartorius asked him to investigate the Fusion Club.

Following the map, Aster walked along the path.

Occasionally, he asked students for directions—Hearing he was looking for the Fusion Club, they warmly guided him.

"Haha, you're a visiting freshman? You came to the right place! Just turn here, and that two-story building with the fusion emblem is their activity room."

'Weird, was Leo Akaba's club really this popular?'

Skeptical, Aster reached the Fusion Club door.

Today, few members were around—Jaden and Bastion were gone, and Hikaru had been stopped on the way.

He politely greeted the members.

Dimitri, half-asleep from boredom, perked up when he saw the suited Aster.

"Oh! Are you here to visit our Fusion Club?"

"Hello, senpai. I'm a prospective student for Duel Academy. I heard this club pursues Fusion, so I'm really interested!" Aster greeted him politely.

"Ohh!! Then you came to the right place!" Dimitri jumped up excitedly. "See this badge? Our president made it overnight. I heard he used some kind of gold-technique alchemy. Super detailed, really pretty!"

He showed off a fusion-themed badge, which Aster instantly recognized.

"Hmm, it is exquisitely crafted." Despite having seen countless trinkets, he had to admit the badge was lifelike.

When he accepted it, a voice echoed in his ear.

"Aster, this badge contains a faint power. It can amplify spirit energy."

He asked in his mind, "Really?"

"Indeed, Aster. It's subtle, but giving this to newcomers as a gift? That president is quite generous."

His pupils narrowed.

'Impressive, Leo Akaba. Didn't expect you to be so generous.'

'Looks like I underestimated you.'

Suddenly, another voice called out.

"Oh, it's that guy from the Polymerization Club." Dimitri saw Syrus Truesdale approaching and looked displeased.

He had once lost to Syrus. Though it was fair, it still stung. Even after growing a lot in the Fusion Club, part of him still held a grudge.

"Polymerization Club?" Aster immediately analyzed, and registered what he said.

'Got it.'

So that was the rival club Leo Akaba had sent him to deal with?'

In that case, no need for subtlety.

"Hey, senpai!" Aster waved at Syrus, who was looking for Jaden. "I'm a new student visiting the island. May I have a duel with you?"

"A duel? Me!?" Syrus pointed at himself in confusion. Looking around and seeing no one else, he scratched his head and laughed, "Ehehe... Has my fame already spread off-campus?"

He was a bit flattered.

"Sure!"

So, by the time Hikaru finally broke away from the recruiters and reluctantly accepted a few business cards, he returned to find Syrus already prepping for a duel with;