The Paradox Brothers were speechless.
What kind of nonsense is she talking? Is she implying we're balding?
These are hairstyles, you understand hairstyles?
President Sackbag still looked confused: "Paradox Brothers? I don't remember them."
"No way, haven't you seen the original series?" Cola Sprite said, "They're the two big bald heads in Duelist Kingdom who got blasted by Muto Yugi, and somehow became Legendary Duelists!"
Paradox Brothers: "..."
Even if it's true, don't say it out loud, okay?
Besides, what's with getting blasted? Please respect the facts, okay?
We at least brought Muto Yugi's Life Points down to a flickering candle flame, just shy of winning when he turned the tables with a surprise fusion card!
Getting carded like that... Can you really call that a loss?
Seeing President Sackbag still with a face saying "who are these guys," Sprite couldn't believe it: "President, you really haven't seen it? These two big bald heads, pretty distinctive, aren't they?"
President Sackbag disagreed: "No, no, boiled eggs should be black. These guys are more like hard-boiled eggs."
Cola Sprite pondered: "You have a point."
Paradox Brothers' blood pressure skyrocketed, veins popping on their shiny heads.
What's their problem? Are they here to pick a fight?
At this moment, Sprite's newly admitted student Tenjouin Asuka and her dorm mates Junko and Momoe happened to be passing through the woods.
"Teacher?" Asuka stopped and noticed Sprite engaged in a heated discussion about "boiled eggs vs hard-boiled eggs" with President Sackbag.
"Hey, Asuka? What are you doing here?" Sprite turned back.
"We were just heading to the snack shop..."
"Oh, they're academy teachers? That makes it easier." The Paradox Brothers exchanged a look, "Since you doubt our power, let's settle it with a duel as duelists. How about it?
You two can team up against us brothers in a tag-team duel."
Cola Sprite and President Sackbag simultaneously lowered their heads in sync.
Because they just received a triggered notification for a side quest!
Wow, the rewards for this match seem good.
"Ah!" Asuka's friend Junko finally noticed the two big bald heads, "Are these...the Legendary Duelists?"
Recognized once more, the Paradox Brothers couldn't help but strike a pose.
Para: "Wandering Guardians!"
Dox: "Paradox Brothers!"
Para: "As long as we're united..."
Cola Sprite interrupted the chant: "Your heads can be light bulbs!"
The Paradox Brothers nearly exploded in anger.
Really? Can't get over the hair issue?
Quickly reviewing the task rewards and mode, Sprite and Sackbag huddled together for discussion.
The quest indicated the battle was voluntary, allowing them to refuse the duel or choose the battle mode. They could accept the challenge for a 2-on-2 tag-team duel or propose a one-on-one—considering the "Legendary Duelist" status, there's a good chance they'd accept.
The amount of quest rewards depended on the player's performance in battle, the better they played the higher the score and the better the rewards.
If they wanted to take a bold risk for maximum rewards...
"President." Sprite volunteered, "Why don't I go alone?"
Only by soloing these two brothers can the quest rewards be maximized.
Even in the original, these two were pitiful opponents. Judai as a first-year managed to win even with the burden Marufuji Shou dragging him down, but they still held the "Legendary Duelist" title with some bonuses. Soloing them might lead to instant wealth!
President Sackbag paused in thought: "You sure you're up for it?"
"Conventional tactics might not do."
With a one-versus-two, the significant card deficit is a hurdle, using a normal card deck probably isn't very feasible.
But Sprite shifted the tone: "But if I use 'that deck'..."
"You want to use 'that deck'?" President Sackbag showed surprise, "But isn't 'that deck'..."
"There's no other way." Sprite looked serious, "Roll the dice, maybe there's a chance? If it works, it'll be a huge win!"
They were far enough from the Paradox Brothers that they couldn't hear the mumblings. But Asuka heard everything clearly.
Upon hearing that, Asuka felt a flutter in her heart.
That deck?
The girl quickly imagined a traditional story of a forbidden deck self-sealed by the teacher due to its overwhelming power.
Could she witness her mentor's true strength today?
However, Asuka didn't know the latter half of what President Sackbag swallowed back—
—isn't that deck really just a stunt?
Relying on a stunt to clear the quest...is it really feasible?
Still, they reached an agreement.
Sprite stepped forward, "I accept the challenge. But let's not go together, I'll face you two alone. We'll use a free-for-all rule, each round you two alternate turns against my one turn, sound good?"
Upon hearing this, everyone present gasped.
Such bravery!
Junko covered her mouth: "But they're the 'Legendary Duelists'! Asuka, is your teacher strong?"
"I don't know." Asuka shook her head but couldn't help showing an expectant smile.
Her breathing quickened, her chest heaving dramatically.
She sensed that maybe, her teacher...was incredibly strong!
"We've never encountered such a cocky opponent, interesting." Dox chuckled, glancing at his partner, "Brother, what do you think?"
"Since they said so, I have no objections." Para laughed lightly.
"Duel!" x3
[Para, LP 4000]
[Dox, LP 4000]
[Cola Sprite, LP 4000]
"I'll go first, draw a card."
Cola Sprite drew a card, her breath nearly stopped as she scanned her six opening cards with anticipation—
—victory or defeat would almost be decided here!
This is the charm of the trick deck. Drawing a bad starting hand could mean immediate defeat, with a scoop and surrender. But getting a great start might leave the opponent no chance to play a card before losing, winning can be elating.
But to suppress with double card disadvantage and miraculously win one-on-two, the trick deck was Sprite's best option!
However, as she examined her six cards, her expression stiffened as she froze.
After a silent pause, she pulled out a card.
"I'll set one card face-down...end turn..."
Para: "?"
Dox: "?"
That's it?
Seeing Sprite's reaction, President Sackbag's expression also twitched.
Looks like...there was a hand disaster?