章 6: Reward

[Yuna POV]

As Kaiba's life points dropped to zero, he collapsed onto his knees and dropped the cards in his hand. His face was full of shock and he couldn't accept his defeat.

I patted my chest and felt my thumping heart. My breathing was shaking as the adrenaline was still coursing through my body. That battle was unlike any duel I have ever played. Everything felt so real...

Was this what it feels like? To be a real duelist?

I watched as the virtual monsters slowly disappeared from the field and the device automatically turned off. I was let down from the platform and was immediately confronted by a group of people.

"Sano-san!" I heard them calling my name.

When they got closer, my eyes widened, why were the main characters here?! I stared dumbfoundedly at Yugi and his friends as strange scenarios played in my head.

Oh god, I didn't do anything weird right?!

I definitely said some cringy things during that duel! Ah, what were those looks you're giving me?! Turn away don't stare!

Wahhh, my social life went down the drain right before my very eyes!

Oh, wait, that probably died long ago...

"I never knew you were so good at dueling Sano!" Joey praised.

"Yes, that's right! That's amazing!" Tea added.

Tristan: "You showed him (Kaiba) alright!"

"It was really an outstanding feat," Yugi said with a smile.

Ahh, all these praises feel so embarrassing! What were does looks, the smiles, they're too bright! My retina burn! So much positive energy was directed my way it's longer's biggest weakness!

I groaned and lower my head so I don't have to see their admiring gazes. I hurriedly barged past them and approached Grandpa Muto. If I stay with that group any longer I'm going to faint from their outgoing auras.

I stop before the old man and nervously held out the Blue Eyes White Dragon he gave me. Earlier, I was really caught off guard when he handed me that card as it was his prized possession.

I would've gladly kept it but my consciousness and my pride in being a Yugioh Player. So with a regretful feeling, I returned the card. At least I should be glad that Kaiba didn't tear it in half or else I would have really gone mad.

Grandpa Muto grinned with pride and he laughed: "To think you're such a great duelist! Good work!"

"Nn," I averted my gaze and groaned.

I muffled a sigh, seems like my anxiety returned and I could barely speak again.

Do I really change when I duel? I don't really understand but it's nice to know that I won't be too afraid to say anything during a fight or else I might as well give up my duelist dream right then and there.

Grandpa Muto laughed even louder as he patted my shoulder like a master being proud of their disciple. I felt my face heating up with awkwardness, damn these guys were way too kind.

Thankfully, I manage to escape and finally went towards Kaiba, who was still lying there in a daze while muttering something unintelligible. I hesitantly poked him and he flinched.

Kaiba glimpsed at me with sunken eyes as I nervously opened my mouth: "Lost," I said: "Card..."

I reminded Kaiba of our wager, he stared at his deck and gulped. It was obvious that he was unwilling to follow through, but knowing his personality, his pride won't allow him to weasel his way out.

Kaiba reluctantly gave me his deck and I eagerly skimmed through his cards. He watched anxiously and with every flip of a card, his breathing became tenser. Eventually, I found a card I wanted and presented it to him.

He snatched it out of my hand and frowned: "You want this?"

I nodded and he gnashed his teeth: "Stop fooling around, you would definitely take my Blue Eyes White Dragon, won't you?"

What were you on about? Didn't I show you the card I wanted? Kaiba didn't seem to believe me and I felt that I'm being treated as an idiot.

I shook my head: "Want... this"

Kaiba still seemed doubtful: "Your jokes aren't funny."

I told you I'm not joking! I want this card! Screw your dragons. Just gave it to me!

"Serious..." I said calmly: "This card."

Kaiba scoffed and tossed the card toward me, and I caught it in midair. He stood up, and his height easily towers over me. Kaiba glared and whispered in a rageful tone: "Next time, I won't lose."

Ummmmm okay... Does it kind of sound like you just set up a flag for yourself?

Without a word, he left with quick steps. Kaiba must have assumed that I would change my mind and take his Blue Eyes White Dragon so it's best to get his wives out of there. Well, I don't blame him as the BEWD seriously looked very tempting...

I read the card in my hand, it was a spell card, and the picture of the card showed an image of a woman as she holding a love heart in her hands. On one side, the woman has the appearance of an angel, while on the other was a demon.

[Name: Change of Heart:

Description: Select and control 1 opposing monster (regardless of position) until the end of your turn.]

My lips slowly formed a smile, another card that was deemed severely overpowered in modern times. This was definitely better than a dragon any day! Suddenly a bell noise rang inside my head and a display appeared before my eyes.

[Task (1) Complete!

Collect Reward?]

I happily accepted and watched eagerly as my credits when up from zero to six hundred. Grandpa Muto appeared beside me and huffed as he watched Kaiba leaving: "What card did he give you? Surely he gave you one of his Blue-Eyes White Dragon?"

I shook my head and showed him my new card. Seeing my reward, Grandpa Muto frowned: "That lying brat, does he have no shame?!"

Eh, what are you talking about? This was already as great as the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, you know?

"No... Better..." I tried to explain, and thankfully, he seemed to get my point.

"If you're satisfied, then I won't argue any further." Grandpa Muto sighed: "I still haven't thanked you for what you've done. Next time you visit, you will definitely get some special benefits."

My ears twitched, and I held my breath.

WOOOOHOOOO YESSSSSSSS.

That's what I'm talking about!!!

Luckily, I made sure not to let my smug face show and bowed. With all matters settled, I returned home thinking I would get some rest but oh boy how wrong I am.