"A transfer student!!?"
In Class 1-E, everyone was stunned by what their homeroom teacher, Professor White, had just announced.
"That's right! A transfer student!" Professor White adjusted his glasses and continued, "As you all know, our world doesn't consist of only our own Bredt Kingdom, and Fusion Summoning isn't the only method of summoning in existence.
"Across the seas are two other great nations—the Axel Republic, where Synchro Summoning is the main summoning method, and the Chaos Empire, which focuses on Xyz Summoning. Together with our Bredt Kingdom, these are the three strongest nations on this planet.
"Around ninety years ago, when our three nations first discovered one another, there were countless conflicts, and many wars broke out. The vast ocean separating us did nothing to stop the flames of war… instead, it hindered communication between nations and further worsened the conflict.
"In the end, when all three nations were exhausted and suffering heavy casualties, the greatest mages of each country decided to determine the outcome of the war themselves.
"The three strongest magicians in the world gathered on the island at the center of the world—Spirit Island—and there, they fought a long and bitter battle, while the armies of their nations waited outside the island for their own champion's triumphant return.
"That world-shaking battle lasted for three whole months. During those three months, Spirit Island was covered in dark clouds and ravaged by storms. Soldiers stationed offshore said they heard the roars of dragons and lions, thunderclaps, volcanic eruptions, and felt divine, terrifying energy emanating from within the island.
"After three months, the great battle finally came to an end. The victor was none other than our Bredt Kingdom's most powerful mage, Lord Aleister. Thus, the war that had engulfed the entire world finally came to a close.
"It was only after that battle that Lord Aleister was given the title of Great Sage! Not to be outdone, both the Axel Republic and the Chaos Empire also bestowed the same title—Great Sage—upon their own champions who had fought against him.
"After the war, both the Axel Republic and the Chaos Empire submitted formal requests to the Bredt Kingdom, seeking diplomatic and cultural exchange. His Majesty and Lord Aleister both agreed, and thus began the annual exchange of transfer students among the Duelist Academies of the three nations."
When Professor White finished his lengthy explanation, the students of Class E finally understood everything. Most of them had only known that the headmaster was called the Great Sage, but never knew where that title came from.
Now they finally understood… it was the title given to the world's most powerful magician, the strongest duelist alive!
"Then why not call them Duel King instead?" Yuui muttered after hearing the story.
"'Duel King'!?" Alicia's eyes sparkled. "(゜▽゜*) Yuui-san, that title sounds so cool!"
"Right!? Doesn't 'Duel King' sound way cooler than 'Great Sage'?" Yuui crossed his arms and nodded approvingly.
"Mm… I've decided!" Alicia said, her eyes full of dreams. "When I become a Great Sage someday, I'll make my title 'Duel King' instead!"
Yuui let out a laugh, ruffling her short golden hair. "Alright then! I'll make sure you become a Duel King even greater than any Great Sage! The Duel King will be the strongest duelist in the world—that's way more impressive than some honorary title!"
"Yeah!" Alicia nodded firmly.
Meanwhile, Professor White continued, "Actually, rather than just calling them transfer students, it's more accurate to say this program is an exchange between the researchers and talented young duelists of the three nations. The researchers can share their discoveries in history and knowledge, and the young duelists can learn from one another, broaden their horizons, and study new summoning methods. This exchange benefits the growth of every nation, so the tradition has continued ever since."
"Last year, students from our Saint Fusion Academy and the Axel Republic's Starlink Academy traveled to the Chaos Empire's Imperial Academy for the exchange. This year, it's Starlink Academy and Imperial Academy's turn to send their students here to Saint Fusion Academy! The exchange will last three months—coinciding with the remainder of your first semester."
"Professor!" Chuck raised his hand. "Why are you telling us all this? Don't tell me those transfer students are coming to our class!"
Professor White chuckled and pointed at him. "You guessed right! Indeed, there will be transfer students joining our class."
"Eh!!!"
The whole class gasped in surprise. Professor White smiled and continued, "Our academy has fifteen classes in total—five per grade. Each year, Starlink Academy and Imperial Academy send fifteen students between them to study here.
"So, our class will be assigned one student from Starlink Academy and one from Imperial Academy. When they arrive, you can ask them about Synchro Summoning and Xyz Summoning, or learn about life in the Axel Republic and Chaos Empire."
"That said, remember, students… Saint Fusion Academy has always upheld Fusion Summoning as the most noble form of summoning. You may learn about Synchro and Xyz Summons from the others, but never forget—you are students of Saint Fusion Academy, citizens of the Bredt Kingdom."
"Alright, that's enough about the transfer students. Let's begin today's lesson." Professor White pulled out his textbook. "Everyone, turn to page twenty-seven. Today, we'll continue studying the history of Five-Headed Dragon."
At her seat, Alicia stared blankly at her textbook while her thoughts had already drifted toward the mysterious Synchro and Xyz Summoning methods she had never seen before.
She quickly turned to Yuui. "Yuui-san, do you know how to Synchro Summon and Xyz Summon?"
Yuui gave her a helpless look. "...You're asking the creator of Duel Cards whether he knows how to do that?"
...
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