I returned to the GEN Academy control room. Opening the door and seeing Yuuma waiting for me, I couldn't help but smile.

"Yuuma-san!"

"Minoru-san!"

Her face lit up as we ran towards each other, meeting with a tight hug.

"You did it! You really won against Jouraku-san!"

"Was there ever any doubt?"

I laughed, but Yuuma pouted.

"W-when he checked the Over trigger and reduced your hand to zero, I was so worried... I really thought Minoru-san was going to lose there..."

"Ah true, that mishap definitely got me on the ropes... if it wasn't for Sagitta being the top card of my deck, things might have ended much differently."

Even though it was clutch, drawing Ruby from Sagitta's Persona Ride was what allowed me to rebuild a board. If it weren't for those two cards, I would've lost... or rather, be forced to use my Arcana to buy myself another turn.

"Then I'm glad... that things ended like this."

Yuuma smiled, hugging me tighter.

"So... the Ace Reaper, eh?"

From the corner of my eye, I could see Reona giggling.

"W-what? You have a problem with it?"

"I just never expected Minoru-san to say something so bold, that's all~"

"Well, I thought it sounded cool..."

"I-it suits Minoru-san! A Reaper who doesn't need a legacy... only to defeat all the Aces that stand in his way!"

Yuuma giggled, releasing me from her bearhug to strike a guts pose. I scratched the back of my head, my face going red.

"Yeah, I totally see it! But you know... becoming the next Reaper of GEN Academy is some big shoes to fill. Are you sure you're up for the challenge?"

I raised my eyebrows at Reona's provocation, scratching the back of my head.

"Well..."

I was well aware of the weight that the title Reaper carried.

After all, it was the title given to mommy when she was a student at this school and passed onto the strongest Kings of GEN Academy, including the legendary Kishou Arashi.

Originally, I wasn't interested in such grand things since I didn't want to dirty mommy's legacy in the case I wasn't good enough... but after seeing Jouraku so flagrantly use it made me want to bring it back to where it truly belonged.

"...if it's not me, then who's going to be it? I don't see anyone else casually beating Aces like I do."

I pointed to myself with a grin. Reona sighed with a smile.

"What a Minoru-like response... plenty of students are vying for the title of Reaper, so you'll definitely be competing against them."

"Then they can bring it on. No matter their Category, I don't intend to lose!"

"I look forward to seeing your growth then."

For some reason, Reona laughed. A pop-up appeared in front of us.

<Commencing next game>
[GEN] Kurosaki Yuuma vs [Alba] Agon Ikuto

"L-looks like I'm next..."

"As expected. All that's left is for you to win now, Yuuma-san."

I grinned. She took a deep breath.

"Yes... I-I'll try my very best...!"

"Good luck, Yuuma-chan! You've got this!" Reona said.

"Break a leg." Akitani said.

"Give it your best! Everyone's rooting for you!" Lucina-sensei said.

"E-everyone... thank you very much!"

Yuuma bowed. She looked at me.

"L-let's go... to the final stage."

I nodded.

"We're heading out!"

Like last time, I accompanied her to the tunnel. As we approached the entrance, Yuuma released a long sigh.

"I-I still can't believe I'm in the semi-finals... it feels like a fever dream."

"I think this is a first for the Tri-deity Circuit in general... we've never had one Category Zero make it this far, let alone two."

"Y-yeah... that's what makes me most sad about this fight, to be honest..."

"If the match-ups were handled a tiny bit differently, we could've witnessed something historic happening... but instead, one of you will be going home after this."

Yuuma stopped, looking down at her feet.

"I... I don't want to eliminate Agon-san from this tournament."

My eyes widened.

"Yuuma-san...?"

She diverted her gaze.

"I know... it must be strange for Minoru-san to hear that... especially because Agon-san hurt you."

"Well, I have to admit... yeah. I can't say I share the same sentiment, especially after I made him lose during the last round."

"A-and that's totally understandable! You worked hard to beat him... but for me... I don't want to take away from someone else who's just like me. After all... we both fought like hell to make it here... and knowing he had to play extra games under nausea to claw his way back in... h-having me of all people kick him back down... it feels too cruel."

"You wanted both of you to succeed, since you're both Category Zero?"

She nodded.

"I know it's selfish of me... t-that I want all of us to go to the finals, even though there can only be one winner... but when I imagine what it must be like for him, I..."

I put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay... I get it. You don't want to feel alone in this. Otherwise, you start to believe the voices in your head telling you don't deserve it, right?"

Her eyes widened. Lowering her head, she cast her eyes downwards, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

"H-how... how does Minoru-san know...?"

"Because I've been there before... thousands of times, I've asked myself whether I deserved any of this."

From being born into wealth, from being born into a loving family, from being able to chase after becoming a pro... this privilege, while I'm thankful for it, was also a source of anguish, because I could see how much luckier I was compared to everyone else.

In the end, it wasn't my own hard work or skill that got me to this point. It was sheer luck I had ended up with all these things, including my overpowered Arcana. When I look at others who work hard and end up with nothing... I feel overwhelmingly guilty.

When I think about myself that way, I start to doubt whether I deserve everything I have. Including the things I did work hard for, like my Category, my skill in Vanguard, and even my tournament wins.

"But you know... I had to learn the hard way that this world is intrinsically unfair. Even if you think it's not deserved, you still had to take the first step to get yourself into that position or opportunity. No one's successful off pure ability alone... that's sophistry, and if anyone tries to claim that, they're an idiot. Luck is inevitably a factor of success. So, please don't feel bad Yuuma-san... this is just the unfair way this world works. It's not your fault."

Yuuma grit her teeth, tears welling in her eyes.

"...I hate it, Minoru-san. I hate that things are this way."

"Yeah. I do too."

As her tears began to fall, I hugged her.

"If anything, I think Yuuma-san's grown more than anyone else."

"W-what...?"

"Whether you realise it or not, you've become way more confident in yourself. Compared to how you were in the beginning, you look so much happier being yourself. I'm proud of you for that."

"M-Minoru-san..."

She raised her head, her face going red as she wiped away her spilling tears.

"T-telling me this before my fight... is so unfair... y-you could have waited until later...!"

I laughed.

"Sorry. I couldn't help it."

Yuuma pouted a little before smiling.

"I... I don't think I'm that much more confident... I-I still feel scared and nervous... but I think I can act this way now because I know there are people on my side who will support me no matter what... like you. So... thank you, Minoru-san... for taking that chance on the day we first met... and becoming my friend."

I blinked, my vision becoming misty. I laughed.

"It's nothing... I'm just glad that things worked out for you."

"For us."

Yuuma gently corrected me. I nodded, hiding my own tears from her by wiping the corners of my eyes.

"Ah, I was going to say... after your fight, we should get lunch with Agon... but that guy is our enemy now, huh?"

"I... I still believe that Agon-san is a good person!"

I raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"I... I don't know... it's just a hunch, but... because he's also Category Zero, he knows of pain that others haven't felt. Someone like that... I don't think they'd hurt someone else so easily... at least not without reason."

"I want to give him the benefit of the doubt too, but... he's aligned himself with Enmitsu Mario. That's something I just can't..."

"I-I know... that must hurt Minoru-san a lot... but I think that makes me a better candidate for this job."

"...are you going to try and find out why Agon did that?"

She nodded.

"This upcoming fight... is the perfect place for us to find out what Agon-san's true intentions are."

I lowered my head, looking away.

"...then I hope he has a damn good reason."

Yuuma hugged me, snapping me out of my negative thoughts.

"E-either way, I have to beat him to advance... especially because I want to fight Etou-san!"

"You still haven't given up on that, huh?"

"O-of course not! After seeing Minoru-san get your fight with Jouraku-san, I'm even more determined to meet Etou-san in the finals!"

"Then I'll make sure to save her for you. Afterwards, we'll have the best finals ever!"

I grinned, pumping my fist.

"Yes! Fighting both Etou-san and Minoru-san in the finals... hehe, I can't wait!"

"Just so you know, I won't go easy on you."

"S-same here! I want you to give me everything you've got!"

"You bet. Sagitta and I are gonna be the ones to win!"

"Not if Thegrea and I beat you first!"

Yuuma laughed before slapping her cheeks.

"Yosh...! Alright, I've made up my mind... good or bad, Agon-san's going down, no matter what!"

"Hell yeah, that's the spirit!"

As we arrived at the tunnel, Yuuma took one last deep breath.

"L-looks like I'll be going ahead..."

"Good luck out there. I know you can make it."

I extended my fist to her. She fist bumped it.

"Hehe, thank you... I feel a little bit stronger knowing you believe in me so much."

"Through heaven or hell, I'd support you no matter what. Just make it on the other side, alright?"

She nodded.

"T-that's a promise! I'll be sure to meet you in the finals, Minoru-san!"

"Heh, I can't wait. I'll see you on the other side then, Yuuma-san!"

I waved goodbye, seeing her off as she walked into the tunnel. I went the opposite direction, returning to the control room.

On the screen projecting the fight, Yuuma was the first to arrive at the fight table. Not long after, Agon also arrived, wiping the corners of his mouth with a light blue handkerchief.

"Pardon my lateness."

"I-it's okay! A-Agon-san was eating again, huh...?"

"How could you tell?"

"Y-you still have sauce on your lips..."

"I apologise. It seems mapo tofu is saucier than it appears."

Agon took out his handkerchief and dabbed his lips again.

"Is that better?"

Yuuma gave a small thumbs up.

"Thank you."

"N-no problem!"

What a strange opening interaction... rather than heated tension between the two of them for the last spot in the finals, it looked like two friends having an amicable preamble.

"B-before we put on our Desire Gazers, Agon-san..."

Agon stopped, holding his Gazer midway through putting them on his face.

"I... I was just wondering..."

"Is it about what Alba will do now that Jouraku-san is eliminated?"

"K-kind of, but—"

Before she could even reply, Agon sharply cut in.

"I will be the one to deliver the fatal blow to Takamine Minoru."

Her eyes widened.

"H-huh...?"

I narrowed my eyes, muttering to myself.

"So that's how it is..."

Yuuma leaned forward, putting a hand to her chest.

"W-wait, but why...?! Why, Agon-san...? Why do you... no, why does Alba want to defeat Minoru-san so badly...?!"

It hurt, seeing Yuuma up there ask questions I didn't care for anymore on my behalf.

"Do not misunderstand, Kurosaki-san. I have no problems with Takamine as a person."

After all, there was no more reason to give Agon the benefit of the doubt anymore.

"But there is no other choice except me."

He had willingly aligned himself with Enmitsu Mario by declaring me as his primary target.

"I am the only one left in Alba who can make it to the finals."

I didn't care what his reasons or motivations were anymore.

"Thus, the job now falls upon me."

The only way to stop this... would be crushing it from the root.

"I will complete what Jouraku-san failed."

I had to kill Enmitsu Mario with my own two hands.

"That is why this will not be a fight between two Category Zero."

"E-eh? W-what do you mean by that...?"

Agon looked up, straight into the camera, glaring at it.

"This is a warning. To Takamine. About what will happen in the next round."

I narrowed my eyes.

"He thinks he's already won, huh...?"

To Agon, this wasn't a battle to get to the finals.

It was a way to demonstrate his power and instil fear into me.

I clenched my fists.

"Sorry, Kurosaki-san. You were just unlucky to have matched into me."

"T-then, what about Etou-san...? If you make it into the finals, you'll have to face her too!"

"She is irrelevant. Win or lose, the outcome does not change. The only thing that matters... is severing Takamine's wings."

Yuuma's eyes widened before gritting her teeth.

"I... I won't let you! I won't let you hurt him like that!"

"You are free to try and resist, but I would advise you to stay out of it. After all..."

A cold breath left Agon's lips.

"...you are merely a bystander in this. We do not need unnecessary casualties."

Yuuma froze up, her eyes widening.

"A-a bystander...? Me...?"

"That is correct."

She bit her bottom lip, shaking her head.

"N-no... I refuse...! T-there's no way I can just sit on the sidelines and watch as you bully Minoru-san... there's no way!"

Yuuma raised her head.

"I... I won't let you... or anyone else... hurt Minoru-san!"

Hearing that, I couldn't help but smile a little.

Even in the midst of my own darkness, seeing her stand up for me, like how I stood up for her, brought a strange warmth in my chest.

She thinks she hasn't grown in confidence at all, and yet look at her go... I don't think the Yuuma of a month ago would have the gall to this much, let alone speak back.

"If you will become an obstacle in my path, then I have no choice but to remove you as well."

"T-then just try to get me out of your way!"

"Alright. No hard feelings, Kurosaki-san."

Agon was simple. He didn't need any provocations or unresolved feelings to make you an enemy. Getting in the way of his goal was more than enough for him.

A blue card each descended in front of them, with Kurosaki grabbing hers like a sword and Agon grabbing his with two fingers. A burst of special effects ignited the cards, realising their decks.

A purple crest of blooming lilies appeared over Kurosaki's deck, while a navy blue crest of a skull and crossbones overlaid tangled tentacles appeared over Agon's deck.

"Stand up, (the!) Vanguard!"

"Dream Nibbling."

"Knight of Integrity, Thegrea!"

The system decided Kurosaki would go first.

"S-stand and draw! I discard to ride Player of the Lovely Harp, Adorphas! I get the Energy Generator! T-turn end!"

Yuuma:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Agon:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"Stand and draw. I ride Rancour Chain. Nibbling's skill, draw. Rancour's skill, draw 2 and discard 1."

Agon narrowed his eyes as he put the card in the drop, his hand hovering over it. As he pulled away his lingering hand, my eyes widened seeing what the card was.

"Wait, but he wasn't using that before..."

It was Roaming Prison Dragon.

"I call Philander and scry 5 to mill Roaming Prison."

"T-that's two new cards..."

Yuuma also started to notice the major differences in Agon's deck.

"I play Mythiarq Habitat. I scry 7 to call Yolanda. Both Roaming Prison revive with +10k. (5000 > 15000) (5000 > 15000) I call Actiasticky."

"He called a full board on turn 1?!"

I covered my mouth. What the hell was this new list? I've never seen Agon play so aggressively before...

"M-more new cards... and Agon-san is blitzing me from the get go as well...!"

Not only was he tri-laning, but he set up his columns so that his attacks would hit regardless of Yuuma's defensives. Even if she checked two triggers, Yolanda's +10k would push the last attack through.

"I've never seen that card, Actiasticky, before either..." Reona said.

"It's niche, but it allows Agon to reuse his Roaming Prisons by putting them back in drop." I said.

"Wait, this means Yuuma-chan will have to deal with those huge columns again on her next turn!"

"Yeah... he's exploiting the fact Thegrea is a slow deck by doing everything he can to cripple her early."

The sooner he pushes Yuuma to four, the sooner this game becomes his, as Roaming Prison go critical on turn 3, forcing her to stop those attacks.

"Boosted by Actiasticky, Rancour. (8000 > 16000)"

"N-no guard!"

"Drive check. (Command of Death's Restraint)"

"D-damage check! (Obligator Dragon)"

"Boosted by Philander, Roaming Prison. (15000 > 23000)"

"N-no guard! (Blade Feather Dragon) C-critical trigger! All to vanguard! (8000 > 18000)"

"Boosted by Yolanda, Roaming Prison. Yolanda's skill, retire two to draw and get +10k. (15000 > 23000 > 33000)"

"Disma and Cerrgaon guards...! (38000)"

"Turn end."

Yuuma:
Hand: 3
Damage: 2
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Agon:
Hand: 6
Damage: 0
Energy: 3
XXX
XOO

"S-stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Player of the Beautiful Chord, Elegenia! Biscotti's skill, energyblast 3 to draw! Adorphas's skill! I soulblast, draw 2, and discard 1! I call Valtrossa and use their skill! I botdeck and counterblast to scry 5 and call Cerrgaon!"

"Damn... I just realised, Yuuma-san can't even use Cerrgaon this turn..."

Because Agon flooded his board with units, she would be forced to commit another two cards on field just to have Cerrgaon's skill be live.

If Yuuma does that though, she'll be opening herself up to be more susceptible to his rush... and being pushed to high damage when he has both Roaming Prisons in rotation was incredibly dangerous.

What the hell can she do in this situation...? If she tries to bite back, Agon will hit back even harder. If she doesn't bite back, Agon will shred her resources even faster.

"V-Valtrossa attacks! (10000)"

"Yolanda guards. (13000)"

"B-boosted by Cerrgaon, Elegenia attacks! (10000 > 18000)"

"No guard."

"D-drive check! (Brilliant Dragon, Bradiark)"

"Damage check. (Conceited Noble, Philander)"

"T-turn end!"

Yuuma:
Hand: 5
Damage: 2
Energy: 0
XXO
OXO

Agon:
Hand: 5
Damage: 1
Energy: 3
XXX
XOO

"Stand, draw, charge. I ride Split the Preordained. I call Actiasticky. Actiasticky's skill, retire two to draw and get +5k. (8000 > 13000) I play Death's Restraint. I mill and revive Philander. Both Roaming Prison revive with +10k. (10000 > 15000) (5000 > 15000) Boosted by Philander, Preordained. (10000 > 18000)"

"N-no guard!"

"Drive check. (Abomination of Impending Karma)"

"D-damage check! (Elementaria Sanctitude)"

"Boosted by Actiasticky, Roaming Prison. (15000 > 28000)"

"N-no guard! (Invigorate Sage) H-heal trigger! I-I recover a damage and give it all to vanguard! (10000 > 20000)"

That heal trigger was huge for keeping her in the game. Otherwise, Yuuma would be entering Agon's turn on 4 damage, putting her within his kill range...

"Boosted by Yolanda, Roaming Prison. Yolanda's skill, retire to draw and get +10k. (15000 > 23000 > 33000)"

"A-Alpacc guards! (35000)"

"Turn end."

Yuuma:
Hand: 4
Damage: 3
Energy: 0
XXO
OXO

Agon:
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Energy: 6
XXX
XOO

"S-stand, draw, and charge...! The sword of light that cuts away evil and protects the weak... promise to always shine radiantly within our hands! I ride my avatar, One Who Walks the Path of Light, Thegrea!"

Yuuma took a deep breath, putting her hand to her heart.

"I-I set Oath of Vengeance! Thegrea's skill...! I counterblast to scry 5... and call Maple! V-Valtrossa attacks! (10000)"

"Straight into the battle phase, huh...?"

I muttered, feeling bad for Yuuma. Since she went first, her deck wouldn't come online until turn 4, meaning she had to preserve what she could to survive until the next turn.

"Alana. (25000)"

"B-boosted by Cerrgaon, Thegrea attacks! Cerrgaon's skill, +5k! (13000 > 26000)"

"No guard."

"T-Twin Drive!! (Divine Sister, Biscotti, Blade Feather Dragon) C-critical trigger! Power to Maple, critical to vanguard! (26000/1 > 2) (10000 > 20000)"

"Damage checks. (Mythiarq Habitat, Planar Prevent Dragon)"

"C-Cerrgaon retires, I scry 2, and add one to hand! Maple attacks! (20000)"

"Abyss Temptation. (25000)"

"T-turn end..."

Yuuma:
Hand: 6
Damage: 3
Energy: 3
XXX
OOO

Agon:
Hand: 4
Damage: 3
Energy: 6
XXX
XOO

"Stand, draw, charge. I ride Zorga Nadir. Preordained's skill, return Restraint to hand. I energyblast 7 to draw. Zorga's skill, energyblast 2 and bind Corpses to revive Actiasticky and Philander with +5k. (8000 > 13000) (8000 > 13000) Actiasticky's skill, retire two to draw and get +5k. (13000 > 18000) I alchemagic Miasma and Corpses. I revive Philander, my front row gets +5k, (13000 > 18000) and all revived units get +5k. (8000 > 13000) (18000 > 23000) (13000 > 18000) Both Roaming Prison revive with +10k and a crit. (5000 > 10000 > 15000 > 25000/1 > 2) (5000 > 10000 > 15000 > 25000/1 > 2) Philander gets +10k. (13000 > 23000) (18000 > 28000)"

The circuits in Agon's body lit up, causing the navy blue veins in his body to coalesce into a glowing Roman numeral etched upon the pupil of his cosmic coloured right eye.

IV.

"Emperor ability, activate."

"Bounding Cthulhu. Until end of turn, all of your "cannot be hit" effects are nullified."

Without hesitation, Agon ruthlessly took Yuuma's only safe way out. It was clear to everyone that he was aiming to bring an end to things on turn 3, before she even had a chance to play the game.

"Let us end the transmission. Boosted by Actiasticky, Zorga Nadir. (18000 > 41000) Deliverance Resurrector."

Yuuma took a glance at her hand, at Agon's board, and bit her bottom lip.

"M-Maple and Valtrossa intercept! D-Disma and Biscotti guard! Biscotti's skill, energyblast 3 to draw...! (13000 > 18000 > 23000 > 38000 > 43000) O-one to pass..."

"This is dangerous... she's gambling on him not checking any triggers!" Reona said.

"At the very least, if he does get one, she can still cushion the blow by going to four or five. But if he checks double crit... it's game over..." I said.

I put my hands together and prayed. Please be okay, Yuuma...!

"Twin Drive. (Unwavering Maiden, Yolanda, Conceited Noble, Philander) No triggers."

"Alright! She survived the vanguard attack!" I said.

"And now she can even safely take the next attack to dig for damage triggers!" Reona said.

"Boosted by Philander, Roaming Prison. (25000 > 48000/2)"

"N-no guard! (Knight of Evil Slash, Meyrig, Spiritual King of Aquatics, Idosfaro) O... o... o-over trigger...?!"

Yuuma gasped as she saw what her fifth damage was. Reona and I jumped out of our seats. Agon closed his eyes.

"Holy— that's the best trigger she could've gotten in this moment!"

"Let's go! Yuuma-san is still in this! Get his ass!"

I think this is first time I've ever been happy to see an Over trigger be checked...

"I... I... I-I-I give all to vanguard...! (13000 > 100,013,000)"

"Turn end. Philander and Actiasticky retire."

Yuuma:
Hand: 6
Damage: 4
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Agon:
Hand: 8
Damage: 3
Energy: 0
XXX
XOO

"S-stand, draw, and charge! The flaming sword of justice that upholds law and forgives destruction... promise to always seek revenge and swear upon the vow within our hands! Persona Ride my avatar, Epee De Justice, Thegrea! (10000 > 25000) (13000 > 28000) M-Maple's skill, she revives from drop...! (10000 > 25000) Justice's skill! I put Dark Thegrea into soul... then, I discard to superior ride...! The sword of darkness that swallows the light and exacts retribution... promise to always avenge mercilessly within our hands! Persona Ride my avatar, One Who Blooms in the Dark, Thegrea! (25000 > 40000) (13000 > 43000) Then, I play my Regalis Piece... Forbidoll Surrogate!"

"It's the special method!" Reona and I exclaimed.

"From deck or drop, I call two different grade 3s...! The unshakeable bond of the sword and shield that protects it makes their love their greatest weapon— I call Heavenly Shield of Encompassment, Felicida!"

"Thegrea's wife!" I said.

"And you, who were once chained by a future that doesn't exist... cross the boundaries of death and reincarnate from the geyser of diablo supremacy— I call Decisive Axe Dragon! (13000 > 43000)"

"Their evil horse!" Reona said.

"F-Felicida's skill! I counterblast 2 and retire her to give Thegrea drive +1...! (43000/2d > 3d) Let's rock! Thegrea attacks! (43000/3d)"

The circuits on Yuuma's body flashed claret red, changing colour. Starting from her fingertips, running all the way up to the right side of her face through her arm were the corrupted circuits that formed a Roman numeral on her cheek.

"Hermit ability, activate."

IX.

"Encompassing Shield! Until end of turn, my vanguard gets +5k and drive +1! (43000 > 48000/3d > 4d) Adamas Bloodriver!"

"No guard."

"Q-quadruple Drive!!!! (Epee De Justice, Thegrea, Exalted Dragon, Knight of Evil Slash, Meyrig, Gallant Mechanical Agility, Valtrossa&Liel) F-four blanks..."

Despair washed over Yuuma's face as she failed to hit even a single trigger in four checks.

"Damage check. (Elegy Pixy) Heal trigger. Power to vanguard. (13000 > 23000)"

"T-Thegrea's skill! I counterblast and discard to restand her with drive -1! (48000/4d > 3d) Exalted's skill! I soulblast to call him! Once more, Thegrea attacks! (48000/3d) Adamas Bloodrevolt!"

"Planar Prevent, nullify."

"T-triple Drive!!! (Oath of Vengeance, Thegrea, Brilliant Dragon, Bradiark, Bard of Heavenly Song, Alpacc) F-front trigger! My front row gets +10k! (40000 > 50000) (48000 > 58000) (43000 > 53000)"

"Only one trigger in seven checks... what? Are you kidding me?" I said.

"Looks like Yuuma-chan dried up all her luck on checking that Over trigger last turn..." Reona said.

"M-Maple attacks! (50000)"

"Temptation and Pixy. (53000)"

"B-boosted by Exalted, Decisive Axe attacks! (53000 > 63000) Decisive Axe's skill, y-you can't guard with normal units from hand!"

"Unnecessary. No guard. (Roaming Prison Dragon)"

"T-turn end...!"

Yuuma managed to turn the tides and push him to five damage. With his Arcana also out of the way and her huge hand, she had a very good chance at surviving his next turn. The only advantage Agon had was his Divine Skill, which he had yet to fire.

All she had to do now was reach her turn... and close the gap between them!

Yuuma:
Hand: 14
Damage: 4
Energy: 3
XXX
OOO

Agon:
Hand: 4
Damage: 5
Energy: 0
XXX
XOO

"Stand, draw, charge. Zorga's skill, energyblast 2 and bind Miasma to revive Yolanda and Actiasticky with +10k. (8000 > 18000) (8000 > 18000) Actiasticky's skill, retire two to draw and get +5k. (18000 > 23000) I alchemagic Corpses and Miasma. I revive Pomegranate, my front row gets +5k, (13000 > 18000) and all revived units get +5k. (18000 > 23000) (8000 > 13000) (23000 > 28000) Both Roaming Prison revive with +10k and a crit. (5000 > 10000 > 15000 > 25000/1 > 2) (5000 > 10000 > 15000 > 25000/1 > 2) Pomegranate's skill, my 5k units get +5k. (25000 > 30000/2) (25000 > 30000/2) Boosted by Actiasticky, Roaming Prison. (30000 > 58000/2)"

Yuuma blinked as she saw Agon attack with his rear-guard first. Oh no, don't tell me...

"Umm... E-Esras, perfect guard!"

"Boosted by Pomegranate, Zorga Nadir. (18000 > 31000)"

"N—"

Before Yuuma could respond, she flinched as Agon closed his eyes, the circuits running through his body going berserk as they ignited navy blue. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes that flashed sky blue.

"Liberating the Divine Skill. I restand Roaming Prison and Actiasticky."

Yuuma's eyes widened, causing her to take a step back.

"H-huh...?"

I grit my teeth.

"I knew it... Yuuma-san really did forget about this...!"

She was so focused on surviving last turn... she didn't even realise he hadn't used his Divine Skill yet!

"Deliverance... Resurrector."

Agon stretched his arm out, making a crushing motion with his right hand.

"N... n-no guard!"

Yuuma bit her bottom lip, tightening the grip on her cards.

"This is the only attack she can safely take, so it makes sense..." I said.

"But if he checks one single critical though..." Reona said.

"He won't! And, even if he does... Yuuma-san will just check a Heal trigger! I just know she will!"

I squeezed my fist.

"Come on, Yuuma-san! I believe in you!"

I screamed from the bottom of my lungs.

"Twin Drive. (Unwavering Maiden, Yolanda, Aspiring Maiden, Alana) Critical trigger. Power to Roaming Prison, critical to Zorga Nadir. (30000 > 40000) (31000/1 > 2)"

Yuuma froze. She frowned, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"D... d-damage checks... first... (Epee De Justice, Thegrea)"

A bead of sweat ran down her forehead. She held her breath, reaching out for the next card in her deck.

"The next one is going to be a Heal... it has to be a Heal... I can just feel it!" I said.

"S-second check... (One Who Blooms in the Dark, Thegrea) N... n-no... t-triggers..."

Releasing her tense breath, Yuuma's shoulders slumped.

"No!"

I slammed my hands on the table, curling them up into tight fists.

"That bastard...!"

Yuuma raised her head, looking up at Agon with a bittersweet smile.

"G-good game, Agon-san..."

Agon took off his Desire Gazer, nodding.

"Good game."

He then looked over his shoulder, staring directly straight into the camera.

It was a stare directed straight at me.

A silent threat that I would be next.

"Agon...!"

I grit my teeth watching as he walked away from the table without another word.

"I swear to god... I'll make you pay for this...!"

I got up from the seat and stormed out of the control room.

"Minoru-san? Hey, Minoru-san! Wait!"

Ignoring Reona, I rushed over to the tunnel where Yuuma would exit from.

However, upon arriving there, I stopped just short of the entrance as I saw that her parents were already there to comfort her.

She was crying into her parent's arms as they hugged her, with her father patting her head and her mother rubbing her back.

I stood behind a nearby pillar and smiled to myself while watching them.

I was glad that Yuuma had such kind parents waiting for her.

Still, though...

I lowered my head, punching myself in the face for feeling this way.

"Get a grip on yourself, Minoru..."

I hissed, trying to expel the irrational jealousy in my heart.

"You're in the finals... you're not out yet... you need to beat Agon and get your revenge..."

I kept muttering that to myself, but...

If I was being honest, I...

Deep down, I...

I—

I wondered to myself—

"Mommy will show up to the finals, right?"

Now that I've made it all the way here...

"She'll come watch me win the tournament... right?"

Above everything else, that fear perpetuated in my heart the most.

I covered my mouth, my chest tightening up.

I felt like I was going to be sick.

I punched myself again, on my other cheek.

"Get a grip, damn it..."

I peeked around the corner, seeing Yuuma's parents say their goodbye to her.

This was my opportunity to go greet her, so I stepped out from my hiding spot and approached her.

"Yuuma-san!"

"M-Minoru-san..."

Yuuma, her eyes slightly red and puffy from the crying, turned to me with a smile.

"Yuuma-san, are you okay?"

She nodded.

From the corner of my eye, I could see her father look back over his shoulder.

Our eyes met for a split second, and he gave a light nod.

"I... I feel better now that the nausea's gone down..."

"I'm glad. Oh, here you go."

I gave her a bottle of water, since I know that helped her. She took the bottle and opened it, chugging half of it at once.

"M-Minoru-san..."

"What is it?"

"I... I'm sorry... that I couldn't protect you..."

She squeezed the bottle in her hand. My eyes widened.

"Now... Agon-san... and Mario... they're going to be able to go after you again in the finals...!"

"Yuuma-san... it's okay. It's not your fault. Please don't apologise for this."

"I-it's not! Because I lost, now you... now Minoru-san has to... face them... I-I wasn't any help at all...!"

Yuuma lowered her head, frowning. I shook my head, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm already grateful that you even tried to stop Agon on my behalf. When you said those words to him... it made me really happy. If anything, I should be thanking you for standing up for me. And besides... that fight wasn't about me. It was about you."

"E-even so... I wanted to protect Minoru-san the same way you protected me..."

"Just you being here, by my side, is more than enough for me, Yuuma-san. Don't worry about it."

I think she took my words a bit too literally, since she scooted to be closer to me.

"W-wait, that's not what I—"

"I-if anything... I'm most disappointed that I won't be able to fight with Etou-san... now everyone's going to think her Thegrea build is superior..."

Before I could finish, Yuuma cut me off with a sigh. Hearing that, I laughed a little.

"That's such a Yuuma-like thing to be upset about."

"W-what? I-I knew I didn't have any chance at making it to the finals even before the tournament began, so I made peace with that idea long ago... b-but I'm glad that I even made it this far in the first place! I... I had no clue I could go so far..."

"I admire how positive you are about the whole thing. I think I'd be frustrated as hell if I got stopped here..."

"A-ah, don't get me wrong! I... I am frustrated... and upset... the thought of people looking at the results of this tournament and seeing Etou-san's list rank higher than mine means her deck recipe will get more attention and be net-decked more... a-and the thought of seeing people pick up Thegrea and put Retrospective in the list makes me mad! So, so, so mad!"

Yuuma pouted, stomping the floor like a child.

"B-but... I-I'm only trying to be positive, because... if I think too hard about the bad stuff, I'll end up being hurt even more... and I don't want that!"

"Yeah, I understand. Better to be head empty than to overthink things, huh?"

"E-exactly! T-this was already a fairy tale like dream for me... a Category Zero going this far? The magic had to wear off at some point... so, even if I didn't get to reach the finals, that's okay... I still had fun!"

Even though she was saying all those pretty words and acting strong, I could see the corners of Yuuma's eyes water up again.

"I'm glad you had fun... but it's okay to be honest with yourself too."

Yuuma looked away, her face going red.

"I-I really can't hide anything from you, huh...?"

"Not when you wear your emotions on your sleeve like that."

I pulled her into a hug as she started crying again.

"S-sorry... just talking about it, made me think... t-think about what could have been... if things were different..."

"Don't apologise, you didn't do anything wrong. It's only natural you'd be sad. But, hey... this is just the start of your journey, Yuuma-san. If you're serious about competing or going pro, engrave this sadness into your heart and use it as fuel for your next tournament. I know you're capable of it!"

A small smile appeared on her face as she wiped her tears away.

"T-thank you, Minoru-san... and... I know you're capable too... of winning this entire tournament...!"

I grinned.

"Of course. I'll make sure to win enough times over... for the both of us!"

I said that, but...

I didn't have a choice.

I had to win.

Or else, so much more would be lost.

My revenge... Kuyou's autonomy... GEN Academy's glory...

And of course, allowing Mario to get his way.

Before I knew it, the pressure of the finals had slowly accumulated on me.

And now... it was beginning to manifest as self-doubt.

I don't know if I'm good enough for this.

Why did my heart start to waver at this moment?