Monday Morning — 9:00 AM. High School.
The bell rings, signaling the end of school for the day. Students rush out of classrooms, but for Yugo and Kael, it's a special day. They meet at the bottom of the school stairs, their bags slung over their shoulders, excited smiles on their faces.
— "Did you see the post?" Kael asks teasingly.
— "Yeah, the tournament in Lyon... I don't know, it's super exciting, but it looks like there will be some serious opponents this time." Yugo shrugs, but a spark of challenge in his eyes betrays his excitement.
— "We should all go. Armin, Natsuo, you and me. We'll make a real team. We'll crush everyone!" Kael responds, determination gleaming in his eyes.
Yugo smiles.
— "Alright, I'm in. But the real question is: who are we going to face first?"
They head toward their usual hangout: the canal, where they often train for their duels. The area is much quieter on weekdays, and the fresh morning air feels good before the hard work of training.
---
Saturday Morning — 10:30 AM. Lyon, Parc des Berges.
The tournament begins. The venue is massive. Rows of bikes are lined up, participants from all walks of life preparing. The atmosphere is electric. All around them, teams are forming, holographic screens are being adjusted to handlebars, and opponents exchange competitive glances.
Yugo, Kael, Armin, and Natsuo gather around their training spot. Yugo runs his fingers along the frame of his bike. Every detail matters. He knows that staying focused on the bike is just as important as the strategy on the duel field.
— "Are you guys ready?" Yugo asks, folding his jersey.
— "Ready since yesterday!" Armin replies with a sideways grin.
— "It's now or never." Natsuo remains stoic, but his eyes sparkle with a new intensity.
The event announcement begins, and the first duels are set to start. Players are called at random, and each duel takes place on a winding canal course. The goal is clear: win the duel while maintaining control of the race. A duel that's both fast and intense. No additional effects for the cards. Just pure gameplay.
---
The Duel — Yugo and Kael vs. the "Speed Warriors"
The two friends stand at the starting line. Opposite them are two players who clearly understand the stakes of Cycloduel: top-of-the-line bikes, dark sunglasses, visored helmets… they look intimidating, but Yugo and Kael have no intention of letting them pass easily.
The starting signal sounds. The tires squeal against the ground, and the bikes take off. Yugo moves smoothly, his legs pedaling at a perfect rhythm. Kael is beside him, not losing a second. The holographic screen on their handlebars flashes the start of the duel.
Phase 1 - The Duel Begins
The first laps of the course are just setting up. The terrain is scattered with stones and irregularities that could easily cause a cyclist to skid, but nothing slows Yugo down. He keeps a straight line, focusing equally on controlling his bike and the state of the game.
Kael doesn't waste any time and makes his first move.
— "I summon 'Storm Sorcerer' in attack mode, and I end my turn with a solid defense using 'Stone Dungeon.'" His words are quick and precise, but his tone betrays his concentration.
The two opponents, the Speed Warriors, immediately respond.
— "I summon 'Dracossus' in attack mode, and I activate its special effect!" A giant creature appears on the virtual field, while the rider behind gains a lead over Yugo. The tension builds.
But Yugo stays calm. He accelerates even more, pushing his speed limits.
Phase 2 - Rising Pressure
The course becomes more complex. Natural obstacles appear, such as unstable wooden bridges and metal barriers that require quick reflexes to navigate. Yet, Yugo remains unfazed. He moves through the obstacles with ease. At the same time, his eyes are fixed on his screen.
— "It's not over yet!" he thinks to himself. "I have to keep my rhythm and play my cards carefully."
— "I summon 'Ashen Dragon,' and activate its effect!" Yugo counters 'Dracossus,' using his Ashen Dragon to destroy his opponent's giant creature. He knows that his only chance to win is to stay focused on when to play the right card at the right moment.
The opponents don't let anything slip. A new monster is summoned to their field, a Cyber Dragon ready to attack. But Yugo has an idea. He looks at Kael and gives him a look.
— "Now!"
Their bikes race down the straightaway of the course, and Yugo activates his Mirror Trap, reversing the opponent's attack back at them. The impact is huge. One of the Speed Warriors falls off, but he doesn't stop smiling.
— "Nice play, but it won't last!" yells one of the opponents as he gets back on his bike.
But Yugo doesn't give him a chance to recover. His Ashen Dragon finishes the duel. His screen flashes green: victory for him and Kael.
---
Evening — 9:00 PM. At Yugo's Place.
The pizzas are back. The boxes are open, and soda cans are on the table. The mood is relaxed, but everyone knows this is just the first step of a long series. There's still work to do to perfect their game.
— "Do you think it could have been harder?" Kael asks with a victorious grin.
— "Yeah, but I think we're ready for what's next." Yugo laughs.
They all gather around to discuss the next steps. The tournament is far from over, and they still have some formidable opponents to face.
But for now, it's time to relax, enjoy the moment. The outside wind blows softly against the windows. The games are far behind. It's time to savor the victory and prepare for the next stage of the journey.