Tidris noticed Simon’s expression and quickly chimed in, “Mr. Shopkeeper, The Academy’s Logistics Department produces cards for the institution. It’s usually handled part-time by instructors from the Cardmaker program.”
“Phew, you scared me,” Simon said, patting his chest.
He just wanted to be a teacher—someone The Academy would stand behind. A janitor role? No thanks. If trouble struck, he feared the first announcement would read: *“Incident caused by temporary staff. Dismissed.”*
Simon hastily agreed. “It’s an honor to join The Academy. But… if hired, what would my duties be?”
Atris clasped her hands on her lap. “The Logistics Department supplies cards to The Academy. There’s a points exchange center for students and faculty to redeem cards and materials. Our job is to periodically restock it with high-tier cards.”
Simon blinked in surprise. “Sounds… pretty easy.”
“That’s why teachers usually handle it part-time. This invitation is The Academy’s compensation.”
“Compensation?” Simon shifted slightly. “Shouldn’t it be a reward?”
Atris brushed a strand of hair aside. “The Demonology Sect targeted The Academy. You were collateral damage—hence compensation. The reward is separate.”
Simon set aside curiosity about the reward and asked, “What does the Demonology Sect want? Does The Academy even conflict with them?”
“This relates to your reward.”
Atris gently sipped her tea, fingers resting on the cup’s handle. Just as Simon expected her to continue, she pivoted.
“Before explaining everything… I’d like to confirm something personally.”
“Confirm?”
The topic shifted too fast. Following her gaze, Simon saw her eyes fixed on the card case at his waist. His expression turned odd.
“Wait… you don’t mean—”
Atris tilted her head slightly.
“I’m very interested in you. How about a duel, Simon?”
Yikes.
That tone—like an older sister inviting him to mischief—left him utterly unable to refuse. Especially with her cool, aloof charm. *Right in Simon’s sweet spot.*
“A duel between Teacher Atris and Mr. Shopkeeper… I wanna see it!” Tidris’s eyes sparkled.
Normally, she’d step in for the shopkeeper. But now? Genuine excitement.
*Respected teacher on one side… esteemed shopkeeper on the other… Why do I want this so badly?! Who do I even cheer for?!*
If Simon knew Tidelys’s thoughts, he’d have smacked her head already. *Treating a duel like cricket fighting, huh?*
“Teacher Atris is a Grade B Duelist. Is it fair to ask Simon, a Grade C Cardmaker, to face her?” Viana, ever cautious, weighed the gap. “Whether Duelist or Cardmaker, Grade C to B is a chasm.”
Atris shook her head. “It’s just a test. You don’t need to win.” She turned to Simon, chin propped on her left hand. “Well? Try?”
“Though I don’t know what you’re confirming… I accept.” Simon felt a surge of anticipation.
*A Grade B Duelist… Last time with Liszt wasn’t official—he opened with a ten-star follower. Real duels aren’t that reckless. Time to gauge my gap.*
“Good boy. I look forward to learning from you,” Atris replied warmly.
They moved to the dueling arena. Atris and Simon faced off; Viana and Tidris watched eagerly.
“Just a test—but I won’t hold back,” Atris cautioned, drawing her deck.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Simon chose the deck featuring Ghoul Shepherd and Ghoul Colossus. His Goblin deck had peaked—effective mid-tier, but useless against high-level opponents with potent spells.
“Duel!” ×2
Stats flashed. Both drew five cards.
Before Simon checked his hand, Tidris gasped: “Th-thirty health?! How?!”
Simon glanced—Atris’s display read 30/30.
*Seriously? Standard duel rules, but you’re pulling a Hearthstone move?*
“Don’t focus on my health. Just show your strength,” Atris said, arms crossed, waiting.
“No holding back, then.” With that much HP, even Ghoul Colossus needed three hits.
“I activate *Aggressive Pursuit*—draw two, discard two.”
[Aggressive Pursuit ★★ (Two-Star) Grade D]
Two cards popped up; Simon discarded two after a pause.
“Already drew Ghoul Colossus?” Atris glanced at his graveyard.
“You did your homework, Teacher Atris.”
“No ‘Teacher’,” Atris corrected gently. “You’re my colleague now.”
“Old habit. Sorry. Then… Atris—here I come!”
“Summon Ghoul Shepherd!”
[Ghoul Shepherd ★★★★★ (Five-Star) Grade B]
The tattered-cloak gravekeeper appeared, staff raised. “Ghoul Shepherd’s effect activates! Upon entering the battlefield, it summons an undead from the graveyard—zero mana cost!”
Simon’s hand hovered over the graveyard.
“Rise! Ghoul Colossus!”
[Ghoul Colossus ★★★★★★★★★★ (Ten-Star) Grade B]
No glitch this time. As Simon released the card, a gray-skinned giant with a heavy jaw erupted from the earth.
Viana watched intently. “So this is the follower that pioneered the exile zone?”
Tidris sighed wistfully. “Compressed to three meters… Dark Duels were way more exciting.”
Simon chuckled. “Sure. I still have that hooded figure’s dagger. You fix the roof after.”
“Mr. Shopkeeper, I was wrong!”
