Chapter 273: Clearing the Mind

Riding the Kaima Company's Dimensional Train, Tenjo Hikari and the others arrived at the Critical Point Dimension.

The Dimensional Train appeared to be Kaima Company's latest development—a more human-friendly, safer dimensional transport device with less bodily harm than the Dimensional Gate, though it took longer to transmit; even ordinary people could now travel normally.

According to the map, the entire Critical Point had twelve zones directly accessible by train for students; the remaining zones required independent exploration, and Kaima Company specifically warned that students should only enter these unstable areas if confident in their own strength.

After arriving at the Critical Point, as previously mentioned, the group had to scatter.

After all, this tournament was not just a tournament—it was also an opportunity.

The Tenjōin siblings were the first to bid farewell to the group; Asuka would go specifically to the Ritual Zone, and Kaze Yuki would accompany her.

Wan Wan Zhangmu wanted to head to the Dragon Zone, and he also intended to visit the "White Dragon Headquarters."

Judai needed to find Xiang and Dillano Jianshan; he himself also wished to explore strange and unusual regions, so he certainly couldn't stay with the main group.

There was no helping it—time was limited, everyone had their own tasks, and it was impossible for everyone to travel together.

But this didn't matter; during the days they waited together for Tenjo Hikari, they took turns on duty, waiting for him, and their bonds had grown stronger than before.

In the end, the only ones still traveling with Tenjo Hikari—or rather, simply accompanying Tierra—were Tenjo Hikari and Sanze Daichi.

"Daichi, any place you want to go?"

"Me? … Hmm… wherever."

Tenjo Hikari slightly pursed his lips.

Don't be fooled by Sanze Daichi's indifferent demeanor.

In reality, the one most deeply "shattered" by this incident, besides Tierra, was him.

Previously, he had seen Marufuji Ryo successfully perform an Xyz Summon in their world, and suddenly conceived a brilliant idea—he finally realized what tactic he should be using, and had been submitting applications to Kaima Company to go to X-Tongye City, even outright to the X Dimension.

But the matter of Ma Professor Chi Ma Chima Chima Lingwang delivered him a crushing blow.

Whether X-Tongye City was feasible was uncertain, but the X Dimension was definitely out of the question.

Even if a small group of ulterior motives had launched an attack, it was still a rift between two dimensions; the fact that the two dimensions hadn't outright severed communication was due to years of prior exchange—now, going to the X Dimension, what would others think?

Remember, there are still spirits and remnants of the Fusion Army rampaging in the X Dimension right now!

In other words, his previously rising ambition had been abruptly cut off.

Though he still maintained a smile on the surface, his heart may have already died.

On the other side…

"Tierra?"

"Ah… uh, wherever…" Tierra also looked listless.

As an orphan found by Ma Professor Chi Ma Chima Chima Lingwang and brought to the College's Middle Division, then locked in a lab to train in dueling and spirit power, she had always hoped to perform better and earn her father's approval.

After all, her father was her only family.

But what was the result?

What her father wanted was not some "excellent duelist"—but invasion!

Even Tierra, lacking common sense, knew that among children, the worst kind were the strong, well-fed ones who stole from homeless children.

Even though she'd had older siblings accompanying her these past few days and could barely maintain a smile, her heart was already riddled with holes.

She didn't know why she was even alive.

"Two troublesome humans," Tierra muttered to herself.

Both looked at her, then silently lowered their heads.

Tenjo Hikari sighed helplessly.

"Forget it. If that's the case, then I'll decide the destination."

Tenjo Hikari immediately put away the map.

"First, the Forest Zone."

Neither objected; they followed Tenjo Hikari onto the Kaima Company train, where the number of passengers was far greater than at the departure point.

People of all colors and ethnicities were aboard; some didn't recognize Tenjo Hikari, while those who did began whispering among themselves.

"Isn't that…"

"The fusion…"

"How did he end up here too…"

Murmurs arose.

Instantly, the two previously listless individuals perked up—one looked at Tenjo Hikari with concern, the other rolled up his sleeves, fists clenched, ready for a fight.

Fortunately, no one recognized her—if they had known she was Ma Professor Chi Ma Chima Chima Lingwang's daughter, the topic of discussion would have changed.

Tenjo Hikari paid no mind; he simply smiled and nodded to those people, showing not the slightest sign of being affected.

This, however, made the onlookers feel slightly uncomfortable.

Seeing his calmness, Sanze Daichi was also surprised.

Could nothing truly affect Hikari?

Not exactly—

The truth was, Tenjo Hikari had long anticipated this situation.

The only thing he hadn't anticipated was that Ma Professor Chi Ma Chima Chima Lingwang would strike the Xyz Dimension so early.

Ever since he first decided to join Ma Professor Chi Ma Chima Chima Lingwang's organization, Tenjo Hikari knew this day would come.

He wasn't unprepared—he wouldn't be shaken.

After disembarking, Tenjo Hikari did not follow the marked route toward the "Forest Duelist" zone; instead, he led his two companions down another path. As he advanced deeper, his companions gradually grew puzzled.

That's not right—

This isn't the route Kaima Company agreed upon—

Just as they thought this, Tenjo Hikari stopped, pulled out a book, and spoke to it.

"Ah! My Lord, I'll come to meet you immediately."

Shortly after the voice faded, a rapid clatter of hooves echoed from afar; beneath a cloud of dust, a vast horde of horses charged toward Tenjo Hikari and his companions.

"Wh-what?" Sanze Daichi widened his eyes.

"Wow…"

Soon, Gaia halted before Tenjo Hikari, dismounted, bowed to him, then glanced at the two beside Tenjo Hikari and greeted them.

Since Sanze and Tierra were both in poor spirits, and Tenjo Hikari had no urgency to challenge any Gym Leaders, he might as well head directly to the Glory Knight Domain to watch horse racing and clear his mind.

But he hadn't expected Gaia to ask another question after dismounting: "My Lord, are you students participating in the competition? I have certification credentials—I can mark you."

"Huh?"

"Lord Hikari was originally a Special Duelist, but now I've taken his place," Gaia, familiar with the schedule as a Spirit, had directly inherited Lord Hikari's status as a Special Duelist beyond the Twelve-Star Duelists.

Even better.

While clearing his mind, he wouldn't have to worry about falling behind in rankings!

Meanwhile…

Mechanical Duelist Zone.

"Hmph, vanish, loser," Marufuji Ryo crushed a professional duelist's monster, pointed at his opponent, and sneered.

After the opponent threw his badge on the ground, Ryo didn't even look at it—he casually stomped on it, then turned and walked away without a backward glance.

"Wait, wait—you bastard—" the defeated professional duelist struggled to rise, trying to grab Ryo, but couldn't stop him.

Several of the duelist's friends rushed forward, intending to challenge Ryo.

At that moment—

"Wait!!"

A voice rang out.

A short figure leapt from the crowd; several students from their own school immediately stepped aside, fleeing from him as if he were a plague.

No—

Even those unfamiliar with him would instantly make way upon seeing his attire!

Purple uniform, long flowing cape, and shoulder insignia…

This must be a high-ranking Fusion Army duelist.

What business does someone like this have here?

Murmurs swelled.

"Xiang?" Judai, who was searching for Xiang and Jianshan, happened to witness this scene.

"Ryo…" The Tenjōin siblings, who had been heading toward the Ritual Zone but had disembarked upon seeing this sight, also grew concerned.

Marufuji Xiang stood directly opposite Marufuji Ryo.

"Brother, duel me."

"Oh? Want to challenge Hell Kaiser?" Ryo looked at his brother. "Hmph, whatever. Whoever it is, victory belongs to me."

Chapter One

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(End of Chapter)