The human world is different from other dimensions; spirits do not have a physical form here, and although Hikaru has the power of Super Fusion, unlike Jaden or Chazz Princeton, who can directly see them, he can only barely hear the voices of the spirits.
However, even just hearing their voices is quite impressive because, in the original story, Aster Phoenix, the Destiny Hero user who also had spirits, couldn't even hear them.
After stepping through the dimensional gate, Hikaru resumed attending his classes as usual.
He wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but Professor Banner, who used to be the only one talking at the podium while the students below either isolated themselves or slept, frequently asked him questions during class.
But lately, when teaching Hikaru, Banner was especially enthusiastic, often asking Hikaru for his opinion after explaining a section of the lesson.
Hikaru felt somewhat confused.
In this world, alchemy was a real thing. As a super alchemist who had actually created the "Philosopher's Stone," a top-tier alchemist who had truly achieved immortality, it wasn't strange that Professor Banner wanted to find an heir.
After all, his immense talent had no successor. In the original story, he discovered the main character, Jaden, had an extraordinary talent for "Fusion," so before "dying," he passed on the fruits of his life's work to Jaden, a card that in the anime, was considered the strongest fake card, the "Philosopher's Stone!"
It could be transformed into any card the duelist imagined!
This card'd dwell, yet, Banner's "knowledge" and "skills... those had no one to inherit them.
If Jaden could craft a real Philosopher's Stone like Banner, who would even dare duel him afterward?
Let's not mention that Hikaru was already focused on studying, taking exams, and striving for a scholarship to improve his impoverished life.
Now, noticing that Banner was eager to teach him, he naturally didn't hesitate. He focused his mind and studied seriously.
He wasn't sure if it was because he had gained two spirits after visiting another dimension, or if his Super Fusion power had further recovered, but the alchemy that had been completely incomprehensible to him when he first crossed over was gradually making more sense, and he was even able to follow Banner's explanations!
As his knowledge of alchemy grew, he also gradually discovered something he had slightly improved his control over Super Fusion!
For example, the day he first crossed over, he could only fuse an eraser and a pencil, but now, he could fuse a ballpoint pen!
A remarkable improvement!
"You seem to be really interested in alchemy?" After the alchemy class one day, Hikaru was still furiously writing notes. It wasn't until he finished that he noticed someone in a yellow school uniform had appeared beside him.
The person politely greeted him after he finished his notes.
"Who are you?" Hikaru looked confused at the stranger beside him.
"Cough, cough."
The stranger, seemingly surprised by Hikaru's response, continued, "Uh… I heard you and Jaden went to another dimension?"
"Did that bigmouth Jaden start bragging again? Or was it Syrus?" Hikaru tidied up the stuff on his desk, casually brushing off the question. "Yeah, that happened… doesn't matter, we just went to play cards. Nothing new."
He acted impatient.
On the one hand, it was true that many students had been asking him such questions lately, and he was getting a bit annoyed.
On the other hand, this was an effective way to prevent further questioning and avoid letting anything slip.
He had promised not to speak about certain stuff and intended to keep that promise.
"Ah…"
"Is there something else?"
"Did you know Yellow Dorm also has a dimensional gate?"
'Oh…'
"Who are you?"
"It's been this long, and you still haven't remembered my name." The boy looked speechless.
"Oh, oh, oh, I remember now, you're Kore Shino!"
"Bastion Misawa!"
Hikaru, of course, didn't forget.
In fact, this character in the original story was probably positioned as the third male lead and was the top freshman at Yellow Dorm, though he lost all presence in the later parts, so his name was often used for jokes.
But for Hikaru, he was a "great enemy"!
Because he was the "top of the grade," a master of cultural courses. Since Hikaru wanted to win a scholarship to improve his life instead of just eating bread, dry and lonely, every day, Bastion was a challenge he had to overcome!
After a brief conversation, Hikaru learned Bastion's purpose.
Every year, Duel Academy has a friendly match with North Academy, and for some reason, this year, Professor Crowler recommended Bastion to be the representative.
"Oh, I've heard of it. Jaden was recommended by Zane as the new student representative, right?" Hikaru remembered the plot and casually said, "Ah, I get it! So you want to settle things with him, but you don't know what cards he got in another dimension, so you want to fish for information from me?"
"Are you offering next month's Yellow Dorm dimensional gate usage as a reward? I didn't expect that, Bastion-san. You're quite devious."
"Uh…" Bastion broke into a cold sweat. "What are you talking about? Why are you thinking so dark?"
"Huh? Isn't that right? I was already going to say it," Hikaru was surprised.
"Ah... uh... umm…" Bastion struggled for a while, then finally took a deep breath, "That's not it, it's just... the academy suddenly changed its policy."
"Why?" Another plot difference from the original made Hikaru curious.
"It's like this: North Academy is offering an extra prize, apparently a newly discovered dimensional coordinate. I heard it contains cards of monsters from the magician race that have never been discovered. The winner of the academy competition gets to go explore there."
Monsters from the magician race? Actually… It fits the logic of this world.
"But what does this have to do with me?" Hikaru still didn't understand.
"Do you really not know, or are you pretending not to know?" Bastion was a bit speechless, rubbed his hair, and said with some hesitation, "Professor Leo Akaba from the Fusion Club recommended you!"
'HUH?!'
'What the—I've never even met him!'
'What is this idiot up to? This is a conspiracy!'
Hikaru immediately realized that the old man surely had bad intentions.
Otherwise, why would he recommend someone like him, someone he barely knew? That guy was undoubtedly not the "good teacher" type!
Speaking of which, in the original, the final "prize" of this duel was Ms. Dorothy's kiss," which essentially meant the two principals of the academies had been constantly pursuing the welfare officer, so they were both very invested in this.
In reality, it didn't really mean much to the academy students. That's why Hikaru had never paid attention to it before.
But if there was another dimensional gate challenge reward, he would be interested.
"But a three-way battle is not allowed, so Professor Leo Akaba recommended a second-year student to test your qualifications. If you lose, you'll lose your eligibility. If you win, you'll be able to duel with me."
"With you?" Hikaru raised an eyebrow and sized up Bastion.
Bastion put on a confident smile. "I'll surely beat Jaden."
Hikaru took a sharp breath.
'Beat him? That Jaden? You?'
"By the way, Professor Sartyr said that this duel is also the second round of selection for Yellow Dorm's top spot," Bastion said, his eyes gleaming with focus.
Sartyr was the head teacher at the Ra Yellow dorm, at least in title as he had almost no presence.
"Top spot, huh…' Hikaru mused.
"I won't let you have the top spot," Bastion said firmly, crossing his arms.
"Thanks, Bastion, for coming over and telling me all this. You're actually a good person," Hikaru said, feeling a bit emotional. His gaze suddenly turned firm as he looked at Bastion. "By the way, whether it's the top spot or the first in the grade, I'll take it!"
Hikaru's eyes blazed. "I'm going to win that scholarship, Shino!"
Otherwise, surviving on bread for a whole year would be impossible!
"It's Bastion!" Bastion shouted angrily. "Just wait. After I defeat Jaden, I'll make sure you remember my name!"