Let's play cards! In a fantasy world of swords and magic

"Aaaaaah——!"

Luka's petite body was sent flying by the impact of the Sky Paladin's swift strike, landing squarely on her massive suitcase.

Though it was unclear what exactly was inside that suitcase, it served as an excellent cushion.

"Ohhhhhhh!"

"The Sky Paladin… so strong!"

"We won! Victory for Fusion Academy!"

The students, recovering from their shock, erupted into thunderous applause for Aisha Carlos as the duel concluded.

"That's amazing! Little Ai won!"

"As expected of my chosen rival!"

Both Ilin and Kevin, caught up in the excitement, even high-fived each other in默契 (默契,默契).

They didn't know why they were so thrilled about winning a simple practical test duel, but it felt incredibly satisfying.

On the other hand, Luka, sprawled on her suitcase, looked utterly dazed and confused.

"To lose to the holder of the Millennium Puzzle… I must have been too careless. Maybe I've been overexerting myself lately. I need to rest."

With a quick soul swap, Luka Slint returned to her normal state, no longer under the influence of the Millennium Ring.

"Huh? Running away already? How irresponsible, other me!"

Even though this wasn't a Shadow Game but just an ordinary practical test duel, the loss still hit Luka hard.

The other Millennium Item holders in this world were far stronger than she had anticipated.

This was the first time since obtaining the Millennium Ring that Luka had realized… there might be duelists like her who were even stronger.

At that moment, the voice of the Millennium Ring echoed in her mind once more.

"The souls to sacrifice to the Phantom Demons are still incomplete. This duel was just a minor skirmish. Wait patiently for the right moment. When the Phantom Demons awaken, they will devour all spirits, and we will rule this continent."

"You say wait patiently?" Luka retorted. "Then why did I bother transferring to Fusion Academy?"

Thinking she could harvest the soul of another Millennium Item holder and claim another Millennium Item, Luka had left the elite XYZ Academy for what she saw as a school full of mediocrity.

"Are you giving up so easily, other me? Shouldn't we try again?" Luka pressed, unwilling to let it go.

"Acting recklessly without certainty of victory will only expose us further. After today's duel, I'm sure the other side has noticed something. Our priority now is to blend in and avoid suspicion."

"Blend in, you say…"

Millennium Item holders could sense each other. During the duel, the shift in Luka's soul state had been clearly felt by You Ling and even Aisha herself.

But fortunately, the Millennium Ring itself hadn't been exposed. Based on feelings alone, it wasn't enough to outright accuse her of being a dark duelist.

After all, once her identity as a dark duelist was exposed—a role that clearly violated the laws of the Elven Continent—even her status as a noble daughter of the empire wouldn't save her from the ensuing trouble.

For now, the top priority was to vehemently deny the existence of the Millennium Ring.

As long as the Millennium Ring remained hidden, no matter how much Aisha Carlos suspected her, even if she stripped Luka naked and searched her, there would be no evidence to find.

"Luka."

Hoh? So she's coming over after all. As a duelist of the same type, instead of keeping her distance, Aisha Carlos is choosing to approach me?

(ー_ー) Well, that's only natural. I did lose the duel, after all.

Quickly getting up from her suitcase, Luka put on her招牌 (招牌,招牌) commercial smile.

"I lost, Aisha. You're really amazing, hehe~"

The smile that belonged to her angelic, pure face was flawless, without a hint of darkness or imperfection.

A smile so pure and innocent that it could melt away any suspicion.

Seeing such a smile, Luka was confident Aisha wouldn't doubt her.

What dark duelist could appear as pure and innocent as she did?

Impossible!

"Luka, let me ask you something. Do you also have a Millennium Item?"

"Huh?"

She actually asked directly.

Luka's proud, innocent smile had no effect.

Of course, if it had been Aisha herself, she might have been swayed by Luka's innocent and cute demeanor.

But who was You Ling?

A man with no distractions, his focus sharp as a blade.

"I'm asking you—during the duel, did you swap souls with the spirit inside a Millennium Item?"

"N-no, how could that be? I-I don't understand what you're talking about, Aisha."

Luka shook her head like a rattle drum. If acting cute didn't work, she'd just stick to denial. After all, there was no way the other side could find any evidence.

"Luka doesn't know anything~"

Aisha: "(•ω•`.) Mr. You Ling, she says she doesn't know anything~"

Why are you mimicking that deliberately cute tone? It doesn't suit you at all.

You Ling: "Just as I expected. Even if we ask, Luka Slint would never admit it."

The lack of evidence was something both sides were aware of.

Whether it was the sensation of soul-swapping during the duel or the three chimes of the wind bell, only You Ling and Aisha had noticed.

And even that wasn't enough to serve as conclusive proof that Luka possessed the Millennium Ring.

After all, to most people, what had just taken place was simply an intense practical test duel between Aisha and Luka.

No one would have guessed that, by the end, neither of them was in control of their own body.

Without evidence and unable to uncover the truth, pressing the matter was just a waste of time.

With a soul swap, You Ling returned control of Aisha's body to her.

"Just be careful, Aisha."

Back inside the Millennium Puzzle, You Ling didn't forget to remind her.

No matter what, the probability that Luka Slint was a Millennium Item holder—or even the holder of the Millennium Ring—was very high.

Under normal circumstances, You Ling would have wanted Aisha to keep her distance from such a dangerous individual, no matter how cute she looked.

But the most pressing reality hit You Ling when he saw the suitcase behind Luka, which was even larger than her petite frame.

This girl… was apparently assigned to the same dorm room as Aisha.

Just when they wanted to keep their distance, they were being pulled closer together.

The fate that destined Millennium Item holders to be drawn to one another.