Chapter 87: Heritage and Key

"Cough, cough, cough…"

"Master Professor Dadesi!" The simulated planet slowly fell, and students tumbled out; three students from the Red Academy, led by Judai, rushed to Professor Dadesi's side, anxiously watching him.

Though enemies, Professor Dadesi never tortured them; moreover, over the past six months, he told them stories, played with them, cooked for them, secretly added extra dishes, and often frolicked together—they all held deep feelings for Professor Dadesi.

Especially Judai, who had regarded Professor Dadesi as an older brother these past six months, now could only watch as Professor Dadesi's body slowly shattered into fragments.

"Hikari, how are you feeling?" Ryo Fujiki and Professor Chronos approached Hikari Tiancheng, concerned.

Sanze Sanze Dadi supported Hikari.

Though he had not participated in the duel at all, beyond his initial fright at Professor Dadesi's presence, he had stood shoulder to shoulder with Hikari without retreating a single step; as soon as the duel ended, he immediately helped Hikari up, preventing him from collapsing.

"I'm fine. It's mostly psychological trauma." Hikari exhaled, glancing at Tierra, who casually waved his hand and explained his physical condition.

Though the duel showed no mercy, Professor Dadesi had not struck him with excessive force in terms of "power."

Supported by Sanze Sanze Dadi, he slowly walked toward Professor Dadesi, and others gathered around him.

"Judai, don't be sad." Professor Dadesi smiled gently, seeing Judai's pained, slightly wounded expression. "This body is merely an artificial lifeform I created. My true self died long ago while exploring the dimensional rift."

"!!"

"I returned to the human world to bring back my experiences and achievements, to find a successor—and used this alchemical body to become your teacher." He closed his eyes, smiling softly, his body slowly disintegrating.

A mage's silhouette appeared beside him—the spirit of Alistair—extending its hand to silently gather the golden specks rising from Professor Dadesi's form.

"Judai." He opened his eyes; the crimson gaze no longer held malice, but tenderness. "You're far stronger than I imagined, yet also far gentler. You still don't understand the terror of Dark Duels—and with your classmates' efforts, you've let go of your 'only I can do it' ambition… But to become a true 【Hero】, this isn't enough."

Then he turned to the other students: "Manjome, your heart is full of pride, yet your pride hasn't strengthened you—but I'm glad you never abandoned it. Fubuki, Asuka, you two have been far too lax."

"Kaisa, your dedication to dueling and honor is admirable—but duels must always have a winner."

"... Master Professor Dadesi..." Judai twisted his face in sorrow.

He had spoken plainly—he was giving his final words.

"Hikari—"

"Master?"

"The book is yours. All my research, my life's summaries, the traces left by countless spirits I met—I entrust them all to you." Professor Dadesi extended his hand, slowly offering the book to Hikari Tiancheng. "They are all immensely powerful, fiercely independent spirits. Whether you earn their recognition depends on you alone."

Hikari took the book, gently squeezing it, then asked: "Master Professor Dadesi, if you can create your own body, then why..."

"Why still die, is that it?" Professor Dadesi shook his head. "I said it—I'm... too powerful."

He seemed amused by his own words: "Though it sounds boastful, I've grown so strong I'm no longer human. This world no longer permits someone of my level to live as a human."

"I see." Beside him, Tierra nodded, understanding. "He's about my level."

About his level?

"Even the Pharaoh must return to the Netherworld to rest—how could I possibly cling to this world?" Professor Dadesi closed his eyes.

"Professor Chronos."

"Huh!?" Chronos hurried over, wary of this familiar yet alien colleague.

"Take care of the children."

But Chronos replied: "What are you saying? I'm the highest authority of the Noble Duel Academy. The children are naturally my responsibility!"

"Then... good..."

As he spoke, his eyes closed; his body, his cards, all slowly shattered—until finally, all were gathered by Alistair into his hands, forming a massive sphere of light.

The students stared at him. He tucked the book away, glanced around, and the students tensed under the gaze of this powerful Duel Monster: "Warriors of humanity."

"Per my agreement with Professor Dadesi, I must escort his soul to the Mage's Realm."

He carefully secured the book. "Professor Dadesi's soul is vastly stronger than an ordinary human's, and has drawn the greed of countless evil entities. I must personally deliver him to the Mage's Realm—lest some malevolent force exploit his soul to plague the human world."

Everyone exchanged glances, unsure what to say.

"Mage's Realm"? "Evil entities exploiting the soul"? "Plague the human world"? None of it made sense.

Only Hikari Tiancheng and Judai recalled their past journey to the "Warrior's Realm," realizing the place he meant.

After speaking, Alistair's spirit turned to Hikari: "New-generation Alchemist, as a warrior of humanity, your performance has been satisfactory. Frankly, staying to assist you now wouldn't be impossible. But—honoring agreements, fulfilling promises—is the spirit's code. Thus, I must escort Professor Dadesi's soul. Furthermore, the required trials cannot be omitted. That is the spirit's rule."

"When you've studied the knowledge in this book and found the Mage's Realm, I will appear before you again."

"For now, I'll give you this card—Professor Dadesi's favorite."

As he spoke, Alistair raised his staff and drew a glyph in the air; a giant, previously seen, flew out and transformed into a card, drifting into Hikari's hand.

Summoned Beast Mephistopheles, one of Professor Dadesi's four favored elemental spirits—first among earth, water, fire, and wind.

Hikari took a deep breath and tucked the card away.

The next moment, green symbols erupted from the surrounding buildings and sky, glowing brightly and enveloping everyone.

When Hikari regained his senses, he found himself in the academy's forest, surrounded by friends and teachers sprawled across the ground—all else vanished before him, as if the prior events had been a dream.

Yet the lingering voice in his ear reminded him: this was no illusion.

"Professor Dadesi's book contains the key to his laboratory. To perform alchemical experiments, use that key to return to that artificial dimension."

"Farewell. I look forward to our next meeting."

The key to the Alchemy Laboratory...

He opened the book, saw the key tucked between the pages, and carefully put it away.

Master Professor Dadesi hadn't remained as a spirit to guard the students, as in the original story.

This saddened Hikari deeply—he had believed this duel wouldn't separate Professor Dadesi from the students.

After all, in the original, Professor Dadesi guarded Judai until the very end—even followed him on his solo journey! He was unquestionably the character who cared for and protected the protagonist most.

Clearly, the emergence of the dimensional rift had altered this world too drastically.

But it wasn't a complete "disappearance"—there would surely be a day they met again!

In this world, there was no need to grieve or suffer over it.

Before then, he must study this book thoroughly!

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(End of Chapter)