Even Lyman, who was usually the picture of calm with his impeccable acting, was nearly left speechless when he saw the results coming out of Kira's newly established little laboratory.
He wanted to say: you guys are getting a bit too amazing here.
"Professor, could you take a look at our research and see if there's anything we're not doing properly?" Kira politely asked. "Please advise us."
Lyman: "..."
Advise?
His advice was: "The Chancellor might as well fire the entire research department and put you guys in charge starting today."
People always say "I've seen it all," but in his long life, Lyman had never seen a situation quite as absurd as this.
Both Misawa and Alexis felt a bit strange about why Kira invited Lyman as their main advisor. After all, to them, he always seemed like someone just coasting through life—though out of respect, they didn't say anything.
But given Kira's track record there was always a reason for anything he said or did. Many of his actions seemed bizarre or inexplicable by normal duelist standards at first glance, but the results always proved he had his logic.
Having gotten used to him, the two had come to accept this and, during research, would usually just follow his instructions, even if they didn't understand them at the time. Kira was almost always right in the end.
After some thought, Lyman said, "I do have a suggestion."
He hugged his chubby Pharaoh cat, petting it as he spoke.
"I have a friend who's also quite accomplished in the card-making field, with some connections. Ahem," Lyman cleared his throat.
Kira nodded, not bothering to dig into whether this "friend" was Lyman himself.
"Anyway, it's just that recently, the Industrial Illusions Company is hosting some kind of academic event—a conference or something?" Lyman patted his forehead. "Ah, whatever, the point is: there's an event.
If you can present your work there, you could get sponsorship from the Industrial Illusions Company, and supposedly there's a chance to get the attention of Pegasus, the Father of Duel Monsters himself.
Although the registration deadline passed a while ago, my friend knows some people at the company. If we ask, it shouldn't be too late to participate..."
"I see," Kira mused.
Landing sponsorships from both the Industrial Illusions Company and the Kaiba Corporation would be incredible, and participating in a public conference would raise the lab's profile, helping them recruit more resources in the future.
Kira thought he already knew some people at the Industrial Illusions Company—maybe he could visit their warehouse someday.
"Thank you, Professor."
Both Misawa and Alexis felt like they were in a dream.
After all, they'd only just enrolled, and suddenly they were about to participate in an academic event. And they already had results to show for it.
On Alexis's side, her Cyber Angel trio—Benten, Idaten, and Dakini—had all been strengthened for real cards, just like in the anime.
To her, this was already an amazing achievement beyond anything she'd imagined, but Kira saw it as just the beginning.
Upgrading anime cards for real play was only the first step; next, he guided Alexis to broaden her thinking.
"I feel like everyone's ideas have gotten a bit rigid," Kira said. "Even in current mainstream research, people see Cyber Angels as a pure aggressive Ritual archetype."
Alexis was puzzled: "Isn't that... true?"
She should have the most say as their master, but after working with Kira, she wasn't so sure anymore.
"Yes, and no. Cyber Angels are good at offense, but that's why their potential is overlooked." Kira said. "Recently I found a new direction.
A new Cyber Angel Ritual Monster doesn't have to be all about combos or attacks. I believe Cyber Angels have defensive potential that's been completely ignored so far."
That's right, he meant "Cyber Angel Natasha."
A Level 5 Cyber Angel Ritual Monster with only 1000 ATK and DEF and all three of her effects are defensive by comparison.
First: Target a monster you control, gain LP equal to half its ATK.
Second: When a Ritual Monster you control is attacked, you can negate the attack.
Third—and most important: If she's in the graveyard, you can banish other "Cyber Angels" to Special Summon her and take control of an opponent's monster.
Rather than pure offense, Kira found this kind of "Fairy" effect more interesting. Unfortunately, nobody seemed to be taking Cyber Angels in that direction.
Still, he had faith in Alexis. While her destiny power wasn't up to Jaden's level (where he could just invent cards as needed), she was still far above the average duelist.
Just a little nudge, a direction—maybe she really would print it.
Once the world saw a Cyber Angel with such a unique playstyle, they'd be delighted.
...
Duel Academy, night.
A nameless room, as if it was a forgotten corner of the school. Flickering candlelight danced as if controlled by an unseen force like a restless eye watching everything.
In the dim light, three white-robed figures sat around an old wooden table, their hoods casting shadows over their faces, their robes glowing faintly.
Their movements were slow and solemn as if performing an ancient ritual.
On the table—was that a Spirit Board?
Yes, just like the "Destiny Board" card from Yu-Gi-Oh!, the one Bakura used in Battle City, where collecting all the letters "DEATH" meant an automatic win.
But the three white-robed men weren't using a hologram projector, but more of a real-world imitation of the card.
It was a séance.
"Oh great Artificial Human, if you can hear our devoted call... please descend here!"
A cold wind blew in through the window. The candlelight flickered violently, then went out. The three white-robed figures wavered eerily, then were swallowed by darkness.
From the shadows, a pair of deep red eyes lit up.
Eyes brimming with greed and hunger.