After Mitsuzawa Daichi accepted the challenge, the Amazon warriors pushed in a gigantic throne.
With a thunderous crash, the throne fell to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. The Empress then casually placed her large sword by her feet and sat right down, quietly waiting.
"Go Mitsuzawa!"
"Mitsuzawa, everyone is counting on you!!!"
Whether it was classmates who knew him or those from other schools, everyone was excitedly shouting Mitsuzawa Daichi's name; even those who hardly knew him couldn't help but cheer for Mitsuzawa.
If he won, they would immediately receive the LV 4 emblem, which was much more convenient than spending time here facing various types of trials.
This was no pervert in love with Spirits; he was a great benefactor!
The Empress also sat on the throne, quietly waiting.
Don't think it was just a casual suggestion, as the leader of a territory, every duel she held had to be carefully considered.
Don't think "select 4 warriors for a duel" could be picked randomly.
This was full of "tests" for Mitsuzawa Daichi.
Wanting to be a diplomat is not that simple.
First of all, the first point:
The opponent you selected might not accept your invitation or want to join such a large-scale duel. If the other party is unwilling, how will you respond?
"Empress, can you participate in the competition as a duelist?"
"Oh, choosing me as the first participant? Then, state your reason."
"You must be the strongest Spirit Warrior in this camp. Naturally, a thrilling and exciting duel cannot be without you."
"Ha, alright. I agree."
The Empress did not spend much on words.
That's her second consideration.
Namely "level of excitement".
What kind of duel can be considered exciting?
Powerful monsters? A battle of wits?
No matter what, one main point is that it cannot be "boring".
If Mitsuzawa Daichi casually picked 4 students for the duel, this point would definitely fail.
But—
Choosing her was a very wise move.
Because, as the leader of the "opposing side", she would undoubtedly delight in winning to put an end to Mitsuzawa Daichi's "whimsical notions".
However, if the duel were completely one-sided, it would certainly be uninteresting.
"Hikari." Mitsuzawa Daichi wasted no words; everything was unspoken.
For his brother's happiness and future, he needed Hikari's support!
"Ha... no problem," Tenjo Hikari responded.
"Ha, as expected!"
"Oh yeah, it's Tenjo Hikari! We are saved!"
Some of the students accompanying the Tyler Sisters saw this and couldn't help but cheer.
Even the Tyler Sisters couldn't help but nod in acknowledgment.
They were most aware of Tenjo Hikari's strength.
The Empress raised an eyebrow, observing Tenjo Hikari.
Such trust and such easy acceptance, none of the surrounding humans had any doubts.
It seemed that this human warrior held high esteem among humans.
But—
The next choice of participants posed a problem.
Mitsuzawa Daichi looked toward Tania, then gave a glance to the Amazoness head warrior.
According to his thinking, neither of these should be selected.
Because of [repetition].
Thinking about it, his eyes suddenly lit up.
He immediately pulled out his Deck, quickly shuffling through his cards, and after a moment, whispered to a card, "Teacher, something requires your help."
With his call, a white-bearded elder slowly emerged in the arena.
Mathematician!
Mitsuzawa Daichi's "teacher" and partner.
"Ho ho ho, Daichi, in trouble?"
"I need your help, teacher." Mitsuzawa nodded, then turned to the Empress and said, "Empress, Mathematician is my partner. It is a Spirit I befriended in the Secret Village of the Spellcasters.
As you said, to choose [besides myself] 4 warriors for the duel, regardless of whether they are human or Spirit, correct?"
"Indeed."
"Then, Teacher Mathematician is a Spirit here, so he can join us!"
"Ha, choosing such a roundabout approach, ha, so, in the end, you want to duel with friends, with our Amazoness warriors?"
"No!" Mitsuzawa Daichi smirked, "I hope Teacher Mathematician teams up with you for the duel, how about that!!"
"What?!" Everyone was shocked.
Because Mitsuzawa's choice was incredibly bewildering.
Who sends their own people out?
Moreover, what if it intentionally cheats, intentionally loses?
These are all issues, aren't they?
The Empress observed Mitsuzawa Daichi's confident smile and understood his intentions.
With the expansion of dimensional exploration, what's the biggest problem between Spirits and humans?
It's misunderstandings and distrust.
If the Mathematician stood by her side and put in all efforts for the duel, then the Empress had no reason to counter Mitsuzawa Daichi's "ideals".
"Alright, I agreed." The Empress looked at the Mathematician and gently nodded to it, "Hello, esteemed Mage."
"Ho ho ho, then thank you." The old Mage lightly pushed his glasses and responded.
Now, the last choice remained, someone to team up with Tenjo Hikari.
Mitsuzawa Daichi glanced at the students.
Student selection was a must here.
A team consisting of Spirit and Spirit, human and human, this lineup was more reasonable.
Following Mitsuzawa's gaze, Serena raised her hand high, jumping with excitement.
She definitely wanted to team up with her mentor for the duel.
To date, she had yet to experience a double duel in the Spirit World, of course she'd want to participate.
But Mitsuzawa quickly passed over her, looking the other way.
Gloria, arms crossed, watched the drama unfold, then noticed Mitsuzawa Daichi's gaze shift toward her. Before she could react, her sister's eyes lit up, raising her hand high, "Yes, yes, Gloria wants to join, yes!"
While speaking, Grace pushed her sister from behind, encouraging her forward.
Gloria, pushed forward by her sister, was flustered, her face a slight red, calling out her sister's name, "Grace!?"
"Ahem—" Mitsuzawa Daichi cleared his throat, "Ms. Gloria, how about teaming up with Hikari? You also use an Amazoness Deck, right?"
"Oh, using Amazoness warriors?" The Empress looked at Gloria and instantly grasped Mitsuzawa Daichi's intentions.
Reasonable.
Very reasonable.
But actually—there's even a more reasonable reason.
Besides common students, there were many from the Integration Department accompanying the Tyler Sisters; these were students who hadn't left Integration even when Akaba Leo lost his standing. It's hard to gain their "approval" with only Tenjo Hikari on stage.
Thus, the Tyler Sisters are essential!
Initially, he worried they might be unwilling, but seeing the Tyler Sisters' expression, it appeared simpler than imagined.
"Sister is bored too, right? Teaming up with Tenjo Hikari against others should be exciting too."
"Grace!!" Gloria, her face reddened further.
"I'm giving sister the chance, otherwise, should I join?" Grace teased as she gently tapped her own face with a finger.
"...Alright—" Gloria gradually composed herself, taking a deep breath, gazing at Tenjo Hikari, "Ha, Tenjo Hikari, don't drag my feet!"
She returned to her previous spirited self, stomping on the training ground floor, putting on a smile.
Tenjo Hikari lightly sneered, looking at her stand tall.
In short—
The teams had been decided.
"The rules of the double battle, everyone is aware, right?" the Empress asked.
Everyone nodded in response.
"Then—come, warriors!"
"Oh oh oh oh!!!"
With the Amazoness warriors' cries, the forest began to tremble, lions and tigers howled to the sky, and flames lit up all the camp lights.
Gloria & Tenjo Hikari LP: 8000.
Empress & Mathematician LP: 8000.