The injury during interdimensional travel was not discussed for long among the students at school. Many treated it as just a minor episode, and after a few days of discussion, they stopped thinking about it deeply.
After all, interdimensional travel inherently comes with risks, something everyone was aware of; it was just that no one had been injured before.
Besides, during Manjome's live duel before, he was also bombarded by the spirits' artillery, which was considered quite normal.
However, in Tenjo Hikari's heart, this matter was something he couldn't let go of.
The appearance of Ed Phoenix, the first sighting of the "Light of Destruction," and this major issue that was about to appear in the world and before him had to be seriously considered. For this, apart from managing the curious Thunder Dragon that came to the Human World and ran around everywhere, he also needed to continue studying alchemy and carefully plan for the upcoming events.
"So diligent." Mitsuzawa Daichi's wound wasn't deep. After a few days, once the teacher confirmed it was no longer a concern, he resumed classes.
Today, when he returned to the classroom during a self-study session, he saw Tenjo Hikari's desk covered with books and notes again, and he couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
Even though he was already first in the grade, both academically and in practical skills, Tenjo Hikari was still so diligent. Besides running the Fusion Department, he also mastered the alchemy left behind by Teacher Daitokuji. His level of effort was truly astonishing.
Besides, he didn't need to learn alchemy.
But precisely because of this astonishment, he told himself that he absolutely must not lose to Tenjo Hikari again!
At least this time, at least in the academic courses, he must win against Hikari!
Then, he glanced to the side and saw Manjome calculating various things with a furrowed brow, including some contracts from different companies.
It seemed this time, Manjome didn't have the time to interfere in their "battle."
Though Manjome had "defeated" him only once, that time when he "lost in love," it was still a kind of pressure for him. For this semester's final exams, he must not be surpassed again.
Compared to the "high-achieving" trio busy with academics, business plans, and alchemy, the trio of "underperformers" Judai, Shou, and Maeda Hayato was much more relaxed.
Judai had just woken up from a long nap; Shou was in a similar state, while Maeda Hayato was surprisingly writing something seriously today.
Judai rubbed his eyes, surprised by Maeda Hayato's actions, and asked, "Hayato, what are you doing?"
Maeda Hayato heard Judai's question, smiled, and told him, "It's a job application form."
"Job application!" Judai was so surprised that he nearly fell off his chair. He looked at Maeda Hayato and quickly asked, "Wh-What company?"
He couldn't believe that while everyone else was preparing for mid-term exams, Maeda Hayato was already preparing for work!
"Industrial Illusions Company."
"Industrial Illusions!!!!"
Wow—
Upon hearing Maeda Hayato's words, a bunch of classmates froze as if they had been struck, then quickly rushed over.
"What, what, Maeda, Industrial Illusions, is it that Industrial Illusions!?"
"Yes, yes..."
"Is it the Industrial Illusions led by President Pegasus!?"
"Maeda, did you really get recognized by such a company!?"
"Re-Really, Maeda, Hayato! Hayato, we usually have a good relationship, right!? Can you strengthen a few cards in my deck, please, I'm begging you, this is a lifelong request!"
A large group of people crowded over.
Tenjo Hikari looked up and, noticing the situation, was uninterested and continued writing and drawing.
He recently encountered a very challenging alchemy problem—he wanted to create a teleportation gate with lighter consumption. For this, he had to rewrite the Dimension Gate left behind by Teacher Daitokuji, but for a beginner, something like a "simple-to-make Dimension Gate" may seem straightforward, but in fact, it's the "most refined," "safest," and "most stable" Dimension Gate. The difficulty level is not small at all.
The fact that Maeda Hayato joined the Industrial Illusions Company was also something that happened in the original story. Later, Maeda Hayato even designed a "Skyscraper 2 - Hero City" for Judai, which can be considered a real brotherly act—Bro, I printed a card for you!
However...
Tenjo Hikari remembered that in the original story, he designed a card named "Ayers Rock Sunrise," which gained him Pegasus's appreciation. If he could pass the upgrade exam successfully, he could even work at Industrial Illusions.
But—at this time, Professor Cronos reminded the principal that Maeda Hayato was once a dropout student who gave up on dueling in school. He couldn't allow such a student to go to Industrial Illusions.
So his requirement was that Maeda Hayato had to score enough on the upgrade exam the next day, and he would personally act as the examiner, leaving no room for leniency.
The final result was that despite Maeda Hayato fusing to create a Master of Oz with 4200 ATK using his designed "Ayers Rock Sunrise" in hopes of defeating the Ancient Gear Golem to win, he failed due to Professor Cronos's "Limiter Removal."
But Professor Cronos acknowledged his growth and confirmed that he was no longer the student who only knew how to sleep and was self-indulgently lazy. He personally wrote him a recommendation letter, recommending him to Industrial Illusions. He even told him that he was his most proud student.
This shows that Professor Cronos is truly attentive to every student, even those like Maeda Hayato, who had little attendance and gave up hope before meeting Judai, was well aware of his situation.
In this world.
Tenjo Hikari remembered.
During an earlier school exchange, there were indeed Industrial Illusions staff present, and perhaps during that time, Maeda Hayato received Pegasus's appreciation?
Different paths but the same destination.
"So, does this mean Hayato is about to leave school?" Shou felt a bit reluctant.
"At this moment, we can only look forward." Judai was more open-minded and instinctively said so.
However, at that moment, Judai suddenly remembered.
Yes—
Suddenly, his gaze became sharp.
He quickly changed his previous demeanor, hurriedly took out various miscellaneous items, and found the application form he had asked Professor Cronos for half a month ago.
Yes!
Besides Hayato, there was someone else who was also about to part ways with them!
The strongest duelist in the academy and the pride of the academy!
The person he once lost to, also like a senior brother!
Marufuji Ryo!
Before he becomes a Professional Duelist, the best graduation gift must be prepared for him!