Under the blow of the holographic projection, Kaname knelt painfully on one knee. Only after the projection faded did he grit his teeth, stand up, cast a cold glance at Amagi Hikaru, click his tongue, and leave without a word.
If it were under Leo Akaba's "command," he wouldn't necessarily obey the winner's conditions even if he lost. But since this duel had the recognition of professors and other students, he couldn't refuse.
Although the Fusion Army had hidden "secret forces" on Academy Island, compared to the majority of students, they were still vastly outnumbered.
Now, all he could do was return and accept punishment.
"He won?"
"Then doesn't that mean Amagi's club is now the new Fusion Club?"
"No, no, Amagi is the Fusion Club!"
"Ehh? But I've always been a member of the Fusion Club!"
"Honestly, senpai lost pretty badly."
"And in the end, he chose to attack with monsters instead of Fusion, even though he had Ancient Gear Hound on the field?"
"Exactly. Fusion means believing in Fusion all the way. If the president himself doesn't believe in it, why should we listen to him!"
Hikaru lightly combed his hair with his hand.
It felt refreshing.
"Congrats, Hikaru!" Bastion came up to congratulate him.
"Hahaha, if this isn't Subaru? You're back?"
"Uhh, my name's Bastion." Bastion shook his head helplessly, then smiled and nodded.
Losing to a spirit had caused some changes in his mindset. Thankfully, with Hikaru and the others' help, he hadn't fallen into despair.
"So, from now on, we're officially the Fusion Club?" Jaden joined in.
"Eh, that's a bit of a shame. I still think Hero Fusion Club or NEO Fusion Club sounds cooler."
"Ha, Cyberflow Fusion Club is the best!"
"Fusion what?!"
"Chazz, yours doesn't even make sense!"
Hikaru laughed.
Meanwhile, Syrus finally understood why Zane had told him to watch this duel carefully.
He remembered when he was still an elementary schooler.
Back then, Zane had given him a Power Bond, a Machine-exclusive Fusion Spell Card that could double a Fusion Monster's ATK. Trying to fight back against his bullies, he dueled one of them. When he drew Power Bond, he thought he would finally win, but Zane arrived in time, surrendering on his behalf.
Zane had revealed the opponent's set card, showing that if Syrus had activated Power Bond, it would have been negated, resulting in massive damage and defeat.
Since then, Zane forbade him from using Power Bond and "sealed" it away.
Recently, after defeating the Paradox Brothers with Jaden, Syrus thought he had earned his brother's approval. Yet, Zane still didn't allow him to go to the other dimension.
Turns out he hadn't even noticed the "trap" Hikaru set.
He lowered his head.
Then, he remembered something Hikaru had said before.
'Joining the "Fusion Club"... well, maybe it couldn't be called Fusion Club anymore.'
'Even senpai fell for it. Though, if it was Hikaru, wouldn't he have Set another "trap" beforehand instead? Hm... well…'
'Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.'
Syrus tilted his head, struggling.
"Hey, Syrus, what're you thinking about?" Jaden threw an arm around Syrus. "Come on, Hikaru's treating us! Zane's coming too! Everyone's happy; let's go!"
"Eh—Eh—Ehh—"
They dragged Syrus off.
Meanwhile, in the shadows.
Professor Banner adjusted his glasses slightly.
He had watched everything secretly.
Lately, he had closely observed Hikaru and the others. Even when Hikaru and Jaden left for Neo Domino City, he had "people" collecting info.
In his eyes, the students' growth had become very impressive.
Jaden, who once fought alone, now had reliable friends. Chazz, though still aloof, had grown closer to Jaden thanks to their "common enemy," Hikaru. Zane, after finding Atticus, had also begun to open up, guiding younger students and even talking more with his brother.
Jaden's Fusion abilities had progressed even faster than he had predicted, thanks to Hikaru's influence.
But what about Hikaru?
He looked at Hikaru.
His closest student, known as "Professor Crowler's disciple" to the world, his pursuit of Fusion and exploration of Alchemy, was it mere talk, or had he truly embraced it?
"The ultimate Fusion, huh... hehehe, honestly..." Banner pushed up his glasses, smiling ever brighter.
He pulled out a thick book and flipped through it.
The Four Stages of Alchemy.
Blackening: representing the burning and purification of raw materials;
Whitening: refining the blackened matter, symbolizing purification;
Yellowing: adding new materials, deeply fusing the essence of gold and silver, further sublimation;
Reddening: final synthesis of a dense, fragile, easily melted purple-red material, symbolizing the ultimate goal.
Hikaru, right now… was he still Whitening, or had he already begun Yellowing?
"Looks like it's time to find and arrange a stronger opponent." Banner stroked his chin thoughtfully.
After some thought, he decided to go through with it.
He squeezed the book lightly. The book suddenly opened without wind, pages spinning wildly until it landed on one glowing with golden light.
"I'm counting on you, old friend."
"Interesting, a new generation of alchemists? Very well, I accept this request."
Like the ringing of bells or metal clashing, a voice echoed from the book to his ears.
He could almost see it, a golden spirit, clad in gold and silver, covered in jewels, resting their chin on one hand, smiling mischievously at the cross-dimensional communication.
"Perfect timing. I happen to have someone eager to visit your dimension."
"All the better. I'll create a transfer portal immediately."
Banner nodded gently, closing the book.
'Hikaru. Do you truly have the qualifications to inherit this book symbolizing truth?'
'Let me witness it myself.'
That night…
For once, Hikaru, who normally wasn't fond of indulgences, spent money treating his friends to a meal.
Many first-year students who had applied to join the new Fusion Club also attended, even some second- and third-year. Hikaru welcomed everyone warmly, treating it like a welcome party!
For the regular students, it made no difference where they dueled or where they played. Wouldn't it be better to join a club centered around pure Fusion, where everyone could duel happily together?
Besides, they were the real Fusion Club, and as for that nameless group under Professor Akaba, please, don't steal their name!
The clouds gradually cleared as if mirroring the students' hearts. The moon was exceptionally enormous and bright tonight, illuminating the Academy.
And then, at the highest point of the Academy, a figure stood effortlessly atop a spire, arms crossed.
Their entire body shone gold, dazzling like the sun under the moonlight, while a red cloak billowed in the wind. Proudly standing tall, they seemed to gaze distantly toward Hikaru and his friends.
As the clouds covered the moon again and the welcome party wrapped up, Jaden, struck by a sudden craving to duel, dragged Hikaru for another match.
In this instant, they found themselves standing near a cluster of towering skyscrapers.
"Shadow Riders!?" Jaden shouted instinctively.
"Wha!" Avian popped out, startled.
"Wow..." Alchemist also materialized next to Hikaru, his eyes sparkling.
They looked ahead, two figures, fully clad in gold, were already waiting for them!
Elemental HERO Captain Gold
And Golden Eyes Idol!
"C-Captain!" Avian shivered.