Manjome lay on the ground, staring blankly at the ceiling of the dueling arena, not even reacting to the applause and cheers ringing in his ears.
He lost... to be precise, he lost half a minute ago, but he was still struggling to accept this fact.
He lost a duel that he absolutely couldn't afford to lose.
At this moment, Manjome was extremely exhausted, far from the level of fatigue he felt during his all-night training sessions. His body felt weightless as he lay on the ground, unwilling to move even a finger, with every cell in his body craving rest like never before.
The cheers from the audience seemed to fade away gradually, becoming harder to hear.
He didn't even dare to look at his mentor's expression... though he could probably imagine it.
Judai happily waved to the enthusiastic students around him.
Usually, after a duel, whether he won or lost (although he hardly ever lost), he would flash a "Yuki Judai style" pose in front of his opponent, exclaiming, "That was an interesting duel."
But seeing Manjome's defeated look, as if he had lost hope and the world had ended over a single card game, he chose not to do that this time.
Judai recalled a past conversation with his teacher Youyu.
"..."
"Judai, when you say 'That was an interesting duel,' although you might genuinely think so, not all opponents may want to hear that."
"Huh? Why?" Judai blinked in confusion.
How could anyone not find dueling fun?
"Because no matter what, this is still a game with winners and losers," Youyu explained. "The satisfaction winners feel equals the frustration losers experience.
Also... not everyone in the world has the luxury to enjoy a duel happily. Some duelists might have reasons where winning is imperative, where not everyone can afford the cost of defeat.
For many, winning may be much more important than the duel itself."
Young Judai was even more puzzled, clearly finding such topics too complex for his simple-mindedness.
"Just understand it eventually," Youyu patted his jellyfish-like hair, "Never forget this, you'll understand one day."
"Oh... okay."
"..."
Judai walked over to Manjome, smiled as he ruffled his hair: "Well... although I won this time, Manjome, you're really strong! I didn't expect you to have such a powerful creature like the 'Light and Darkness Dragon,' it really surprised me..."
Manjome shot him a cold look.
"Actually, I think... after all, dueling should be a happy thing. Although losing can be frustrating, I still feel that no one should be hurt due to a duel."
Judai was unusually serious.
"Winning and losing in duels happen around us all the time, but if you can't enjoy the fun of the process just because you lost a duel once, that's too bad."
He truly meant it from his heart.
Judai grew up getting beaten. Facing off against Teacher Youyu, not only did he not win, but he also struggled to summon his intended monster.
Remembering a few years back, young Judai doubted life after being tricked consecutively by Youyu, and finally wondered, "Are all strong players really so dodgy?"
To resolve Judai's question, Youyu specially invited the legendary duelist from faraway Egypt, Mr. Sunny Boy, to play a card game with young Judai, followed by Mr. Sunny Boy's faithful servant Rishid and his beautiful sister Ishizu for duels too.
Finally, as a grand finale, the First Duel King Muto Yugi was specially invited to play against young Judai...
After being educated by the gravekeeper (hidden) trio and two Duel Kings, and experiencing the eighteen-style heavy pits, Judai accepted the notion—
——Oh, true experts are indeed so skilled at playing cards.
Only a bad player loses.
Even after receiving such treatment that could cure millennium-long card addiction, Judai's passion for dueling never diminished. This shows that in terms of enthusiasm for card games, perhaps only President Haima and Judai are comparable worldwide.
"From another angle, precisely because everything is uncertain, that's why dueling is so interesting?" Judai explained enthusiastically to Manjome. "Just like every time you draw a card, the world might change. Before the duel begins, no one can predict the outcome, can they?
This is the fun of dueling, isn't it? Just think, when we face off next time, I might lose to you, Manjome! Isn't the possibility thrilling?"
Judai couldn't help but beam with joy, as if the possibility of being counter-killed by Manjome was highly anticipated.
He looked like a child eager to share his beloved toy with friends.
Manjome stared at his excited expression, feeling as though the frustration and disappointment deep in his heart were somewhat alleviated.
Yuki Judai... really is a baffling guy, impossible to comprehend.
"Hmph, idiot," he muttered ambiguously.
Judai leaned down and extended his hand: "Come on, let's have a joyful duel next time together!"
Manjome looked at the hand extended toward him and was surprised to find himself hesitating for a couple of seconds over whether he should shake it.
Quickly shaking off this terrifying thought, he slapped Judai's hand aside and stood up himself.
Damn, almost got carried away by this jellyfish's pace!
"Humph↓! Who wants to go next time with you?"
As soon as he spoke, he realized this statement seemed somewhat unfortunate...
"Simple-minded hot-blooded fool!"
He cursed again and then turned away angrily, leaving the arena.
...
"Sorry, teacher."
Outside the academy, in an empty place, Manjome stood with his head down in front of Kaiba.
"I failed."
Kaiba faced away from him, making it impossible for him to see his expression.
"I said failure is not permitted," Kaiba said coldly, his voice brooking no argument.
Manjome bit his lip, bowed his head without speaking.
From the moment he lost, he somewhat anticipated the result—being abandoned, expelled from apprenticeship, and becoming a shame to both his teacher and family.
He wasn't prepared to face such a reality.
Kaiba seemed to have taken a step, ready to walk away.
With every step away, Manjome's heart sank further.
But after not too far, Kaiba's footsteps paused for a moment.
"Failure is not permitted, so until success, one must keep trying!"
Manjome looked up sharply, his face full of surprise.
"Teacher...."
"Hmph↓, don't give me that unsightly expression," Kaiba snorted coldly. "If you don't know how to deal with defeat, you're not fit to be my student."
After all, as a teacher, Kaiba had vast experience with defeats...
"Yes... Yes! Teacher!"
Manjome restrained his joy, bowed deeply, and didn't raise his head until the teacher's figure disappeared from view.
Youyu, who was quietly watching this scene from afar, couldn't help but sigh softly.
These two... are actually quite a match in some respects...