Seeing Klee's confident, adorable expression, Kaeya let out a laugh. His voice carried a hint of helplessness. "Well, if that's how it is, I can't let you look down on me, can I?"
Faced with Klee's challenge, Kaeya felt no fear at all. In fact—he was a little excited.
He wanted to test the strength of the [Ice Barrier] Deck he had just purchased from Luya, and the Duel Stage before him was the perfect testing ground. To Kaeya, Klee's challenge felt like a fun game. He accepted it gladly, even looking forward to going head‑to‑head with her.
He knew that although Klee looked small and cute, her power was not to be underestimated. This duel would no doubt be full of surprises.
At that moment, Klee stood atop the Duel Stage, her eyes filled with determination and confidence. Clutching her Deck tightly, she stared at Kaeya without backing down. She wanted to prove her strength—and make Kaeya see her in a new light.
Suddenly, a gentle breeze drifted in from the shop entrance. The wind lifted Klee's hair, and her eyes shimmered with the desire for victory.
Sensing her resolve, Kaeya felt a spark of battle ignite within him as well. He decided to give it his all.
Thus, Kaeya prepared to step onto the Duel Stage.
Just then…
The three Exosister girls smiled and reminded him, "It's already closing time, so the Duel Stages are currently disabled."
Hearing this, Klee let out a long sigh. She deflated like a punctured balloon, then reluctantly stepped down from the stage. It was obvious she really wanted to duel.
She wanted to try the power of her Jumpy Dumpties.
Yet… there was nothing she could do.
Seeing Klee's disappointment, Diluc stepped forward.
"How about you duel with me instead?"
Both Diluc and Klee had Duel Disks gifted by Luya, so even without a Duel Stage, they could still duel without issue.
The instant Klee heard Diluc's suggestion, she nodded eagerly. "Then let's duel!"
In the past, Klee thought Diluc was an adult who didn't like smiling. However, after spending some time with him today, she realized he wasn't a bad person at all.
Because Klee could tell—
Diluc was genuinely happy while watching the Yu‑Gi‑Oh! anime!
So now, in her heart, he had already been placed firmly in the "good guy" category.
"Since the shop is closed, why don't you duel outside? And let the three lovely ladies get some rest."
Although Kaeya was a little disappointed he couldn't duel Klee right away, waiting one night meant nothing to him. A day would pass quickly.
Besides… Kaeya could study Klee and Diluc's duel. He wanted to see what cards they used.
To Kaeya, knowing both yourself and your opponent was key to never losing. As long as he studied well enough, he believed he could gain the upper hand in future duels against either of them.
And so… the four of them exited the shop.
.....
At this hour in Mondstadt, the night sky was dark as ink.
Albeit unlike the quiet wilderness outside the city, the streets were alive with joy—nightfall had not brought silence, but had instead ignited the city's energy.
Mondstadt glowed brightly, like a sea of celebration.
Adventurers gathered in small groups, cups of wine glimmering beneath lantern light. Each sip was accompanied by stories and laughter. Tonight, wine was their closest companion—one drink, and their spirits soared.
Street performers played soft, winding melodies, soothing yet emotional, drawing listeners in.
The adventurers spoke excitedly about today's duel between Luya and Diluc…
"Too bad you didn't see it! Let me tell you—"
"Master Diluc's duel at the statue of the Anemo Archon today!"
"Especially that last turn…"
"That [Elemental HERO Shining Flare Wingman] was absolutely incredible!"
"And that Avian hero too—crazy strong…"
...
After Luya and Diluc's duel, word had spread throughout all of Mondstadt. It had already become the hottest topic in the city.
The adventurers discussing it looked thrilled, animated—as if the duel were happening before their eyes.
Luya's shop sat at the corner between the Cat's Tail and the Adventurers' Guild. Right now, the Cat's Tail tavern was in full swing.
Business was booming, and when people saw Diluc and Kaeya appear together—something unbelievably rare—they felt a sudden wave of nostalgia. The Kaeya‑and‑Diluc duo had once been incredibly popular in Mondstadt.
"Whoa, look!"
"It's Master Diluc!"
People exclaimed with excitement, craning their necks, faces glowing with anticipation.
"I really want to see another duel…" a young boy said, eyes blazing.
"Klee has a Duel Disk…"
"Could Master Diluc be dueling Klee!?"
Whispers spread through the crowd, voices buzzing with excitement as gazes shifted between Diluc and Klee.
Klee stood there with big, round eyes, looking curiously at the crowd. The Duel Disk on her arm gleamed under the streetlights.
She touched the Dodoco hanging from her backpack, then placed a hand over her Duel Disk.
Looking at the Jumpy Dumpties in her Deck, she felt fully confident.
Diluc crossed his arms, chin raised slightly, a hint of pride in his eyes. He stood there quietly, as if waiting for her to make the first move.
"Then let's duel, Klee!"
...
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