The human world is different from other dimensions, spirits don't have a physical presence here. Although Tenjo Hikari has the power boost from Super Polymerization, he can only barely hear the spirits' voices and can't see them directly like Yuki Judai or Manjome.
Nonetheless, being able to hear the voices is actually quite impressive, because in the original series, Destiny Hero User Ed Phoenix couldn't even hear them.
After stepping into the Dimension Gate, Tenjo Hikari resumed normal classes.
He didn't know if it was just his imagination, but Teacher Daitokuji often took the initiative to ask him questions during class.
Clearly, he used to recite from the podium alone while the students below were either detached or sleeping.
But when teaching Tenjo Hikari, Daitokuji was always exceptionally enthusiastic, often asking Tenjo his thoughts after finishing a section of the course.
Could it be that he thought Tenjo was interested in Alchemy?
Tenjo was a bit confused.
In this world, Alchemy really exists, and as a super Alchemist who truly created the "Philosopher's Stone" and achieved "Eternal Life", Daitokuji finding a successor is not surprising.
After all, his talents have no inheritor. In the original story, he discovered that the animated protagonist Yuki Judai had extraordinary "Polymerization" talent, so before "dying", he gifted his life's work to Judai—a card in the animation considered the strongest fake card, the "Philosopher's Stone"!
It can transform into any card according to the duelist's wishes!
While the card was left behind, Daitokuji's "knowledge" and "skills" weren't passed on.
If Judai had Daitokuji's ability to craft the Philosopher's Stone by hand, who could match him in a duel afterwards?
Putting aside, Tenjo Hikari originally had to study hard, take exams, and strive for ranking and scholarships to improve his impoverished life.
Now, noticing Daitokuji's eagerness to teach him, he didn't hesitate, focused his mind and studied earnestly. Maybe it was because he visited another dimension, gaining two spirit assistants, or the power of Super Polymerization further recovered, but the Alchemy he couldn't comprehend at all initially now gradually made sense, and he could really keep up with Daitokuji's explanations!
With the improvement in his knowledge of Alchemy, he also gradually discovered one thing—he slightly enhanced his control over Super Polymerization!
For instance, on the day he first crossed over, he could only fuse an eraser and a pencil, but now he can already polymerize a pen!
That's quite an incredible improvement!
"You seem to be quite interested in Alchemy," one day after the Alchemy class ended, Tenjo Hikari was still diligently writing notes. Only after finishing did he notice someone in a yellow uniform beside him, politely greeting him after he finished.
"Who are you?" Tenjo asked, perplexed, looking at this stranger.
"Ahem—" The stranger coughed twice, apparently surprised by Tenjo's reaction. He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Uh, I heard you went to another dimension with Judai?"
"Judai, that blabbermouth, boasting again, or is it Marufuji Shou?" Tenjo organized the things on his desk, casually replying, "Yeah, that did happen, but it's no big deal, just went there to play cards, nothing exciting."
He appeared quite impatient.
On one hand, many students recently asked him about this matter, indeed a bit annoying.
On the other hand, it was an effective way to prevent further probing, so he wouldn't inadvertently say something he shouldn't.
Keeping promises to others is important.
"Uh…"
"Is there anything else?"
"...Did you know Yellow Academy also has a Dimension Gate?"
Oh—
"Who are you?"
"It's been so long, and you still haven't remembered my name." The boy felt quite helpless, coughed, saying, "I'm Mitsuzawa Daichi."
"Oh, oh, oh—it's Yotsuzawa Sora!"
"Mitsuzawa Daichi!"
Of course, Tenjo Hikari didn't forget.
Actually, this character in the original is roughly a third male lead, a first-year chief at Yellow Academy; however, later on, he completely loses his presence, so his name often becomes a joke.
But for Tenjo Hikari, he's actually a "great nemesis"!
Because he's the "grade topper", an expert in cultural subjects, and Tenjo Hikari wants to earn a scholarship to improve his life rather than endure daily plain bread; Mitsuzawa Daichi is a challenge he must overcome!
After a simple conversation, Tenjo Hikari understood Mitsuzawa Daichi's intent.
Every year, Duel Academy holds a friendly match with Northern Academy. This year, Professor Cronos unexpectedly recommended Mitsuzawa as the representative.
"Oh—I heard, Judai was recommended by Marufuji Ryo as the new student rep, right?" Tenjo recalled this plot, casually saying, "Ah, got it! So you want to defeat him, but unsure of what cards he obtained in another dimension, thus wanting to probe me? Offering next month's Yellow Academy's Dimension Gate usage rights in return?"
Didn't expect that, Mitsuzawa-san, you seem pretty cunning."
"Uh—" Mitsuzawa Daichi broke into a sweat, "What are you talking about? Why think so darkly?"
"Uh? Isn't that right? I was ready to share." Tenjo Hikari was startled.
"Ah... uh... um..." Mitsuzawa Daichi struggled for a while, finally taking a deep breath, "Not really, rather... the school suddenly changed its policy."
"Why?" Another plot deviation intrigued Tenjo Hikari.
"Well, Northern Academy added an extra prize this time, reportedly a newly discovered dimensional coordinate, said to contain undiscovered Spellcaster-Type Monster cards. This academy competition's winner can explore it."
Spellcaster-Type Monsters? This development indeed suits the world's logic.
"So what does it have to do with me?" Tenjo Hikari remained puzzled.
"Are you really unaware or pretending to be?" Mitsuzawa Daichi seemed quite perplexed, rubbing his hair in a bit of dilemma, "Fusion Department's Professor Akaba Leo recommended you!"
????
Darn—
I've never even met him!
What is that baldy up to?
There's a conspiracy!
Tenjo Hikari immediately sensed that old fellow surely has ill intentions.
Otherwise, why would he recommend a complete stranger like me? That guy isn't a "good teacher" at all!
Anyway...
In the original, this duel's "prize" was Auntie Tami's kiss, simply speaking, two academy principals were always vying for it, thus both were deeply invested.
Actually, it meant little to academy students.
So Tenjo Hikari never paid attention before.
But if there's an additional... Dimension Gate challenge prize, then Tenjo Hikari's interested.
"However, a three-way battle is surely out." Mitsuzawa Daichi further explained, "So, Professor Akaba Leo recommended a second-year student as a test for your qualification. If you lose, you'll forfeit the opportunity; if you win, you'll duel me."
"Duel you?" Tenjo Hikari raised an eyebrow, assessing Mitsuzawa Daichi.
Mitsuzawa Daichi displayed a confident smile: "I will definitely defeat Judai."
Tenjo Hikari gasped.
He'll win?
Against Judai?
You?
"By the way, Teacher Kabayama said this duel is also a second selection for Yellow Academy's chief." Mitsuzawa Daichi's eyes shone intensely at Tenjo.
Kabayama is Yellow Academy's advisor, a nearly invisible teacher.
"Chief huh..." Tenjo Hikari mused.
"I won't yield the chief position to you," Mitsuzawa Daichi declared, folding his arms.
"Thank you, Gozawa Umi, for informing me about this matter, you're quite decent," Tenjo Hikari appreciated, then resolutely looked at Mitsuzawa Daichi, "Just to add, whether it's chief or grade topper, I've set my sights on them!"
Tenjo Hikari's eyes burned with passion: "I must get that scholarship!"
Otherwise, enduring bread for a year is unbearable!
"It's Mitsuzawa Daichi!" Mitsuzawa Daichi shouted in irritation.
"Just wait, once I defeat Judai, I'll ensure you remember my name deeply!"