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

In life, what people lack the most is often what they desire the most.

The High Spirits Research Association, dedicated to studying high-level monsters, was like a holy land for You Ling, filling the void in his soul caused by Aisha's inability to summon high-level monsters.

"It's rare to see Mr. You Ling so happy. That's great."

Aisha, with her simple mind, felt immense joy whenever You Ling was happy—even more than when she was happy herself.

"Level 9 monsters? Cards with higher levels than my brother's Blue-Eyes White Dragon? That's incredibly rare."

Surprisingly, Kevin Seto, the top-ranked student in the first year, hadn't joined any duel clubs either. Like Aisha, he was part of the "go-home club." But this time, he followed along with great interest.

The literary and duel clubs of Fusion Academy shared a four-story European-style building dedicated to club activities. Each room in the building represented a different club.

The High Spirits Research Association was located in the room at the far end of the top floor.

Such rooms often had an air of mystery.

Of course, the more realistic truth was that the club's low membership and lack of popularity had relegated it to this remote location.

For example, the neighboring Self-Destruct Switch Activation Group didn't sound like a club that would attract many members either.

"Strange, aren't high-level monsters supposed to be popular?" Kevin wondered.

Logically, high-level monsters with immense combat power should be admired by most people.

The fact that the High Spirits Research Association was so unpopular was unexpected.

"It's not that we're completely unpopular. It's just that our club president has a very peculiar personality."

Rovik forced an extremely awkward smile as he slowly pushed open the clubroom door.

"Ohhh, Rovik, you're finally back! Did you bring them?"

Before anyone could see her, the club president's enthusiastic voice echoed from inside the room.

Rovik scolded her, "President, didn't I warn you not to scare them when I brought them over?"

The club president, who had just been scolded by Rovik, was a girl with tanned skin and a tall, curvaceous figure. Her chest, which was easily a hundred times more impressive than Aisha's, exuded a healthy, exotic charm.

"I was just too excited! I couldn't help myself. Let me see the cards—no, let me see the people first!"

The tanned president's gaze immediately fell on Aisha, the white-haired girl who had fused the Sky Paladin in today's duel. Without hesitation, she rushed forward and hugged Aisha tightly.

Before Aisha could react, her head was already buried deep in the president's soft, overwhelming chest.

It was like being smothered by premium black truffle face cream.

As for You Ling, who was in his soul state and couldn't share physical sensations, he only managed to think, Holy cow, that's huge! before losing sight of everything.

"This is amazing! At such a young age, you've already fused a monster like the Sky Paladin. It's so exciting, Aisha Carlos!"

"Mmmph! Mmmph!"

Aisha tried to say something, but her words were muffled by the chest she was buried in.

"President!"

Rovik shouted angrily, grabbing the president by her collar and pulling her back.

"Phew!"

Finally freed from the "face cream," Aisha gasped for air, her face red from nearly suffocating.

"Women are definitely dangerous."

The near-death experience by chest smothering only reinforced Kevin's strange beliefs.

"I'm sorry, Aisha. This is what I meant when I said our club president has a very peculiar personality."

"You can call me President Nia, or just Nia is fine too."

Nia spread her tanned, slender arms, gesturing to the clubroom as she warmly welcomed them.

"Welcome to the High Spirits Research Association! Aisha, feel free to look around. No need to be shy."

"Th-thank you."

Aisha nodded awkwardly, unsure whether she should act happy or serious.

"What about me? Can't I look around too?" Kevin asked.

"Who are you again?" Compared to her enthusiasm for Aisha, Nia's attitude toward Kevin was much colder.

Rovik stepped in to introduce him. "This is Kevin Seto, currently ranked first in the first-year credits. His older brother is Kaiba Seto, whom you should know, President Nia."

"Ohhh, so you're Kaiba's little brother." Nia stroked her chin, examining Kevin curiously. "Tell me, what's the strongest monster in your deck right now?"

"The Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"

Whenever Kevin mentioned his ace monster, the Red-Eyes Black Dragon, he couldn't help but feel a duelist's pride.

"A level 7 Red-Eyes Black Dragon? Not bad, but…"

Nia crossed her index fingers in front of her chest, forming an X.

"Sorry! You're not qualified to join. Our club requires at least one level 9 monster card to join the High Spirits Research Association."

"Who said I wanted to join? Besides, isn't your membership requirement way too high?"

A club that required a level 9 monster to join? Kevin wasn't sure about the second-year students, but how many first-year students at Fusion Academy could meet that condition?

"That's why there are only two members in the club—me and the president."

Rovik sighed, revealing the truth.

As the vice president, he had repeatedly suggested lowering the entry requirements, but Nia always vetoed the idea.

"The requirement isn't high at all."

While Rovik wasn't looking, Nia sneaked up to Aisha again. This time, she didn't hug her but instead poked Aisha's soft, elastic cheek.

"Look at our Aisha Carlos. She perfectly meets the condition. So, what do you say? Want to join?"

"President Nia, I'm just here to visit. I'm not planning to join any clubs right now."

Aisha's purpose was clear. Under You Ling's urging, she had already started observing the High Spirits Research Association.

Most clubrooms might have scrolls or paintings hanging on the walls.

But the walls of the High Spirits Research Association were adorned with frames.

Each exquisite glass frame contained a monster card.

The lowest level was at least 9 stars, and among them were even level 10 monsters like Absolute Obedience Archfiend.

Or level 11 monsters like Gate Guardian.

"Where did they get so many high-level monster cards?" You Ling couldn't help but wonder.

Moreover, upon entering the room, You Ling sensed a divine (?) aura similar to the Egyptian God Cards—but even more powerful.