This was a world themed around swords and magic—yet not defined by them alone.

Only two supernatural professions existed: Duelists and Cardmakers.

After igniting an organ called the "Spark Core," both gained the power to wield cards. Duelists fought with them; Cardmakers crafted them. Magic, weapons, summoned allies—all manifested through cards.

Thus, even with magitek flourishing, Duelists and Cardmakers remained indispensable.

"So… a world like this is seriously amazing!"

Simon swayed gently in his rocking chair.

One day, just past twenty, he met the dump truck ferryman on his way to a card shop—and skipped decades of hardship straight into another world.

In his past life, he’d been an ordinary card game enthusiast. Not elite, but genuinely passionate.

Discovering his Cardmaker talent here, he promptly took over a shop and became its owner.

Nestled in the Royal Duel Academy’s commercial district, the tiny store had nearly drained his savings.

The Royal Duel Academy stood as the empire’s most prestigious institution. Wealthy students flocked there, making the area—where customers had deep pockets—prime real estate.

Buying the shop cost a fortune. Card crafting cost more. Even inheriting a minor noble’s estate couldn’t withstand such twin drains.

Watching the sun dip slowly, Simon tapped the armrest rhythmically. He almost felt like a convenience store owner waiting for school to let out.

Not a single student had visited all day. Would evening bring customers?

With such heavy startup costs, he desperately hoped not to end opening day with zero sales.

…

"That concludes today’s lesson. Attend tomorrow’s practical exam—no absences."

At the podium, a stunning yet coolly composed woman spoke calmly.

After tidying her notes, she scanned the classroom, then fixed her gaze on the back row.

"Students with weaker practical scores: use tonight to strengthen your decks."

Her eyes settled on a silver-haired girl bowing her head, avoiding eye contact.

"Also, Miss Tidelys—my office after class."

At her name, the girl flinched as if electrocuted. Once the teacher’s heels clicked away, Tidelys slumped onto her desk, utterly defeated.

*Father… Mother… the Ursula Family is doomed…*

Inside the office, lingering teachers sorted papers. Tidelys tiptoed to her homeroom teacher’s desk.

Seeing Atris occupied, she stared at her fidgeting fingers.

The fluorescent light cast a soft glow—but to her, it felt harsh.

"Miss Tidelys, one more loss, and academy rules require your expulsion."

Atris turned slightly in her chair toward Tidris.

"Teacher Atris… I want to win! But my opponent tomorrow is Lei—the top student!"

Atris remained unmoved, voice even. "Can you exchange remaining points for cards in the vault?"

Tidelys shook her head vigorously.

"Gold coins?"

Eyes fixed on the floor: "Only… two hundred."

Cards ranked E to S. Two hundred coins might be a fortune for others—but for her, barely enough for one or two D-rank cards. Useless.

"I’ll lend you a thousand. Repay after you win."

"Teacher!? I can’t possibly—!" Tidelys lifted her head, stunned.

"Just a personal loan."

"But… I can’t repay it."

Atris shook her head lightly. "Passing tomorrow matters most. Expulsion would ruin you financially anyway."

"Thank you, Teacher…"

Though Atris’s tone stayed cool, warmth quietly filled Tidris’s chest.

Then reality deflated her again.

"But… how do I strengthen my deck?"

Lei’s father was a border count. Money solved everything for him. For Tidelys, spending every coin would barely reach class average.

"A thousand is a drop in the bucket. But remember: *becoming stronger* and *winning tomorrow* are not the same goal."

Seeing Tidris’s confused look, Atris sighed. Lending money bridged circumstance; giving strategy would be taking sides.

"Think it over. A new card shop opened in the district. If others fail you… try there."

"Thank you again, Teacher Atris!"

Still uncertain, Tidris bowed deeply and left.

*So… visit the new shop first?*

Head down, she kicked pebbles along the academy path.

Frugal by necessity, she’d memorized every card in every old shop. Stronger cards existed—but never at prices she could afford.

Fiery clouds sank toward the horizon. The fading light on her face felt like a silent urging.

"Excuse me… is the owner here?"

After a hesitant pause before the "Simon’s Card House" sign, Tidris pushed the door open.

She had no idea—this single step would unleash a terrifying demon upon the academy.