The Chariot - Symbol of Victory
The Chariot, depicting a king's victorious chariot, symbolizes victory and overcoming obstacles.
"A complete victory; does that mean I'll defeat the criminal and win in the end?" Aster said flatly.
Sartorius didn't look back. "Oh, have you gained the same foresight as me, Aster?"
Aster laughed.
"No, Sartorius. It's just that every time you read my fortune, you always draw that card."
He put his hands on his hips, smiling confidently.
"And I trust your abilities, Sartorius. I know I'm strong, and with your help, even more so. As you often say, destiny is on our side, isn't it?"
"That's not exactly my words," Sartorius replied calmly. "Destiny is elusive and hard to control. I only…"
"See and predict, same thing," Aster shrugged. "Anyway, I have confidence in my strength and your judgment. I'll catch that bastard eventually. I'll defeat him myself, make him feel my pain, and—"
He looked at his clenched fist.
"I'll reclaim my father's Ultimate D."
"A hero's heavy fate, indeed." Sartorius nodded. "But take things one step at a time. You have a new match next week, right?"
"Yeah, some so-called rising star from Duel Academy, 'Kaiser.'"
Aster didn't seem to care.
"Just another slightly talented rookie," he chuckled. "Even if you read my fortune, the result would still be…"
The Chariot.
"See? I can't lose," Aster said quietly, his expression serious.
"Not until I reach the top, and find my father's killer."
To reach the top of the world, defeat all his rivals, and become world champion—that's Aster's goal. He also believes the killer is hiding somewhere in the pro league.
If the killer stole the Ultimate Destiny HERO card for more than just money, he's likely a duelist. Someone like that can't resist entering tournaments, seeking fame and fortune.
So as long as he keeps dueling, Aster believes he'll find the guy—and maybe, in battle, unmask him.
For Aster, dueling is more than work; he must win, no matter what, to gain the strength for revenge.
"By the way, Aster," Sartorius said suddenly, "Have you met Jaden Yuki yet?"
"Not yet."
Aster shrugged.
"I've been busy, you know."
"You should find time. After all, you are still a Duel Academy student."
Aster frowned. He never understood why Sartorius insisted he attend Duel Academy. Even the best graduates rarely reached his level, so the degree meant nothing to him.
Even stranger, Sartorius repeatedly stressed that the key person to change his fate was Jaden Yuki—a slacker he never thought much of.
But since Sartorius was never wrong…
"All right, I get it," Aster nodded. "I'll make time."
He turned to leave, then stopped at the door, glancing back.
"So, did you see the result of my duel with Jaden Yuki, Sartorius?"
Sartorius smiled and revealed his tarot card.
The Chariot, again.
"I thought so."
Aster laughed and strode out.
Sartorius put away the card and reshuffled.
So far, all Aster's fortunes had shown only the Chariot—no surprises.
But the Chariot also represents something Sartorius hadn't told Aster: swift action often blinds one to the truth, and those who move too fast may lose their way.
Just like Aster Phoenix.
Sartorius chuckled ominously in the white, light-filled room.
…
"Eh?!"
On the plane back to Duel Academy, Jaden was shocked.
"Aster Phoenix—the pro duelist?"
"Yeah."
"He's coming to the Academy this year?"
"Yes."
"As a student?"
"Yes."
Kira understood Jaden's surprise. Usually, it's graduates desperate to enter the pro scene, not the other way around.
But Kira knew Aster had his reasons.
In the original story, even Sartorius himself would come to the Academy and take over the Blue Dorm as the Society's HQ.
He could wait for Aster to show up, but that would take too long. With his Duel King title, Kira would likely be targeted many times before then. He wasn't afraid, but he preferred to act.
He was the proactive type.
"I'm looking forward to it!" Jaden was excited. "Maybe I'll get to duel him?"
"Yeah, sooner or later."
Kira smiled.
"Don't worry, I have a feeling…"
"…he'll soon become one of us."