章節 20: Leaked Photos - 19
***
A/N: I'm stumbling upon some writer's block. Dunno if this needs more editing. Enjoy.
***
Do you know what it's like to be the subject of rumors? Gossip often has a way of distorting facts beyond their original context. There are students with mental issues in this school who are driven by a desire for attention and recognition and may resort to irrational actions to bolster their image or influence the spread of rumors to their liking. And that all starts with rumors on this island. It's actually a daily trend in this shitty island.
~
'Who the fuck started a rumor I'm dating Alexis?' My eyebrow raised as I scrolled down the pointless group chat pinging me if I heard about it. Dark Magician Girl hovered behind me, showing interest in this smart device and what it could do. But there was something even more absurd than the rumor. Right there on the screen was a pic of a female version of me. That's impossible.
~
Group chat: (Unread messages 1500+ scroll up for more)
Bastard (Bastion): You know, @Gojo, there's a rumor stating that you're dating Alexis despite being married. Are you two really dating? @Alexis @Gojo.
Chazz: Lmfao. I heard about that today. That's what you get, @Gojo. Cheating bastard.
Zane read at 09:57 am ✅
Jaden: @Gojo, someone cooked up this pic of you. They got it from the leaked group photo and created this. It's going viral in school. [Insert Image.]
Alexis: Of course, we are not dating. Gojo has a wife, and there's nothing going on between us. It's just a rumor. @Bastion
Alexis Rhodes: Haha! Female Gojo? 😂
Bastard (Bastion): LMAO.
Jaden: 🤡
Zane: 🤨
Chazz: WTF. LOL. Ahahahahaha.
Everyone else screenshotting the image Jaden sent*
~
I don't know how those weirdos (mobs) got their hands on the group photo, but they sure have the time of the world to be turning me into a meme.
"Wow, hubby! Never knew you could rock that look~" Dark Magician Girl teased, poking my cheeks playfully.
"Yeah, I can totally look better than you as a woman if I wanted to." I reply casually, skimming through the chat to catch up on the madness. There was no news about Banner who had gone missing.
"Is that a challenge?" She raised an eyebrow, her playful grin turning into a mischievous one.
I jokingly responded. "Maybe it is. What do you say, honey? You be yourself and I'll take on the role of cosplaying as a female character."
Dark Magician Girl giggled; her emerald eyes gleaming with excitement. As this is going to be her best Monster Duel Spirit Day ever.
~
Interestingly I WAS going to go out of my way to find out the shitty bastard who made that photo. There was another serious issue I had to be worried about. My wife, Dark Magician Girl, wanted to go out... on Halloween, which was coming soon, I guess?
Dark Magician Girl referred to it as Duel Monster Spirit Day, while I insisted on calling it Halloween. So, there was that debate about which term was right. The crazy thing was that she wanted to go out alone by herself. Since it is a once-in-a-year event and her most favorite day, she was determined to go out to enjoy it. It was here that she expressed extreme concerns about me being alone. What could possibly go wrong with me being alone? I reassured her that I'm a grown man who wouldn't cause trouble for anyone at all.
I already have some clue on what's going to happen later on Halloween: she's either going to duel Jaden or some die-hard Dark Magician Girl fan. Because of that, I went all out on upgrading my wife's deck, just in case she agrees to some shady bet. So, I pulled some strings and contacted Pegasus, pleading with him to create or supply me with specific cards. Surprisingly, he agreed after some small talk, although he had a tendency to call me by strange names, like Gojo boy~ 💀.
When I brought up the idea of upgrading her deck to my wife, there was an argument, primarily due to my choices of cards for her deck. Eventually, she conceded and allowed me to modify and add cards to her deck, removing the unnecessary ones. I made sure it was a turn-by-turn deck in this world, as she preferred to have fun not. Instead of those one-turn-kill (OTK) strategies.
***
Right, since this is a Japanese school and I'm in one in this world, we have our own version of cultural festivals. However, here, the term has been replaced with Duel Monster Spirit Day, and it's unique to Duel Academy Island. This island is special because it houses a spiritual portal to the spirit world. On a specific day that's approaching, Duel Monster Spirits can come to life, and that's why there's a festival on this island to celebrate this event.
Originally, I had plans on going into the spirit world. But my wife refused to let me go, claiming I was 'booty hunting' for Silent Magician Girl. Can't say she's entirely wrong about that.
I decided to join in on this event with cosplayers because I wanted to give cosplaying a shot, just like many of the other participants here. It was something I had never tried before. But due to the banter earlier with my wife, I had to cosplay as a female character. My options were extremely limited, and I even considered cosplaying as myself, Gojo Satoru, but with a long white hair wig (like the one shown in the photo). But then it hit me—2B. She fit the bill perfectly.
Now hear me out. Crossing Dressing is weird in itself. But cosplaying is a whole different story. Speaking of unusual outfits, have you ever seen Jackie Chan cosplay as Chun Li 💀? He can kick ass and wear weird get up without batting an eye.
My plan was to keep things simple. I'd use a mole sticker, strategically placed padding, black or white stockings, and wear an overall black gothic costume – that way, I'd have a decent 2B cosplay (since I'm tall). I had all the materials ready to go, and I even received a bit of assistance from my wife to put it all together. The Obelisk dorm had a ton of materials up for grabs, and to complete the cosplay, I even pulled out some real katanas from my gate of infinity.
~
While I was busy deciding which katanas to use, a dark portal suddenly opened right in front of me.
[Hey honey,] I mentally reached out to my wife, [There's a dark magical portal that might lead to the shadow realm that just appeared in front of me. Should I throw some explosives through it?] I observed the portal with curiosity.
Dark Magician Girl, who had been lounging on the bed outside my room and playfully messing with my phone, suddenly transformed into a sphere of pink lights. In a flash, she merged with me, ready to keep me safe.
[No.] she replied, firm and resolute.
That was when a voice emerged, echoing in my room. "Come find me if you wish to restore Alexis's brother's memory. I will have my revenge against you!"
[Husband?!] Dark Magician Girl telepathically exclaimed in alarm. She genuinely felt dark magic within the portal.
"Nah," I casually retorted to the eerie voice before returning my attention to my cosmetic costume.
[Honey?] She questioned me.
"What?" The mysterious voice seemed puzzled.
"I don't even know Alexis's brother; we aren't that close. Shouldn't you be blackmailing Alexis or her parents? No, actually, how the fuck do you know where I live? Are you with those white society weirdos?" I sighed as I scrutinized the katanas before turning back to the portal.
The dilemma of whether to go with one katana or two remained a nagging question. 'Floating katana on my back, or a katana sheathed by my waist?' I thought to myself.
[Husband, just duel him!] She urged me.
"You! You will not mock me, for I challenge you to a shadow game!" The mysterious deep filter voiced. I turned to look back at the portal.
"So, that's what you're here for? Wait, who even are you?" I inquired as I unsheathed the katana.
"WE MET AT THE ABANDONED DORM, AND THEN YOU KILLED ME! I AM TITAN, THE SHADOW RIDER! AFTER I WIN, I WILL CLAIM YOUR SOUL!" The voice yelled.
"Oh? The molester from before." I feigned ignorance, in the hopes of luring the person out of the portal so I could kill him. Unfortunately, he didn't.
~
Feeling like my free time was being wasted, I decided to confront the weirdo by stepping into the portal and dueling this loser in a shadow game. When I saw him, I immediately recognized him; he was alive, fully in flesh just like before. But I could've sworn I had mutilated his body and chucked that piece of trash halfway across the world. How the hell did he survive? Magic? I don't think there is magic in this world that can restore him back in one piece. But maybe I'm wrong.
Long story short, Titan started his turn first with a face up monster and one face down card. He is really wasting my time with this. When it was my turn, I used the classic combo: Raigeki and Harpie's Feather Duster to clear his board. Then, I summoned Ra's Disciple three times, activated a spell card, Double Summon, which allowed me to tribute summon Slifer the Sky Dragon. Finally, I used Card of Sanctity before OTKing him. Good game. He died for real this time 💀
***
It was after that short duel I got some spam texts from Alexis, stating that his brother's memories had suddenly come back.
Just like Jaden, Alexis's brother was also spontaneously waking up from time to time when he was admitted to the infirmary. His name? Atticus. While Jaden had long been discharged, the same couldn't be said for Atticus. While he was now physically healthy, he had lost his memories, and there was a sense that he was no longer the person he used to be. Well, truth be told, I don't even know him, so I can't claim that he's no longer the person he used to be.
~
[Wow, honey, he seems to be fine. Are you happy now?] I telepathically messaged my wife. 'I kinda want to go back home.'
[I had thought his brain would be fried from taking on the infinite void. I guess that Nightshroud guy took the full burden.] I mused to myself as I approached the infirmary room after receiving the text.
[What is with your abilities? It's like they're all designed for killing instead of dueling!] Dark Magician Girl complained.
[Cause it is?] I replied, telepathically.
[Why!?] She inquired.
[Well, there was supposed to be a lot more power than I have now. What I now have is only the tip of the iceberg, and that old man (R.O.B.) refused to give me the rest.] I explained.
[I don't think I want to know any more of those powers of yours.] Dark Magician Girl stayed silent after that.
[Understood~] I cheerfully responded.
~
Inside Atticus' room was Alexis, who was by her brother's side, watching warily, clearly tired and exhausted.
"Attie, you should get some rest now. I'm fine." Atticus said wearily, managing a sad smile as he gazed at his sister.
'Atitty? Did I hear that right?'
"No, you listen here—" Alexis began, her concern and determination evident in her voice.
"Yo, Alexis. Wassuh, dude," I spoke up, revealing my presence.
"Wassuh?" Atticus tilted his head when he heard that.
"You're here, Gojo?" She asked tiredly, as if dealing with one idiot was enough.
"Ahhhh! You're Gojo Satoru that Alexis has been talking about!! You look so cool with that blindfold!" Atticus exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
"I'm glad you have good taste. Unlike a certain someone here." I nodded. Alexis rolled her eyes.
"Not surprised to find Alexis spending most of her free time here," I said.
'And this useless, has been talking about me?' I thought as I glanced at her.
[Friend*] Dark Magician Girl corrected me.
"Anyways, Alexis you look— "As I turned to look at her closer, I saw her appearance. 'Was she crying earlier?'
[Don't say anything rude, Husband.] Dark Magician Girl interjected.
"Tolerable." That slight pause actually ticked off both Dark Magician Girl and Alexis.
"See, I dropped by to see if his memories were really back. Had to go against some weirdo calling himself a shadow rider earlier," I said nonchalantly, glancing at Alexis's brother, who looked at me with curiosity and interest.
'He did what now?' Alexis internally thought then scoffed it off, because it was expected that I would win. "Is that how my bro got back his memories?" She asked. I simply nodded; it was too easy.
"Oh, um. Gojo Satoru. 1st-year Obelisk. The strongest and married." I boasted while introducing myself to Alexis's brother.
"Wow! You've got confidence; I'll give you that! I'd never thought Alexis would make friends! My name is Atticus Rhode, nice to meet ya!" Atticus said full of life.
"He's also the one who teamed up with Jaden to beat you in that duel, brother." Alexis added as she pointed at me.
"So, you're one of my saviors!" Atticus beamed.
"He is definitely not a savior! He almost killed you with that infinite void thing, bro!" Alexis clarified.
"Yeah, I don't know about this whole savior thing too, but I have a question for you, Atticus." I waved him off, it's better this way.
"How did you get possessed? Alexis mentioned you were in the dorm that was used before. It's now abandoned." I asked curiously.
"Oh, that?" Atticus began, his tone calm as he prepared to explain the situation. "That is something I need to tell you guys about. Professor Banner was the one who initiated the shadow game research in the former dormitory. Naturally, I participated because I was curious. But who would have thought I'd end up possessed by the end of my curiosity." There was a brief silence as Atticus shook his head, seemingly trying to distance himself from the incident as if it weren't his fault.
"This is a new one. You are a clown." I broke the silence, slightly taken aback by this revelation.
"Me? I guess I am," Atticus chuckled, pointing at himself.
"But why would Professor Banner research something like that?" Alexis asked.
"Shit like this is what happens when research goes wrong," I remarked, shaking my head. "I mean, there were three Obelisk students who were trying to summon Dark Magician Girl before, but they ended up summoning Jinzo. Then that evil spirit went after their souls."
"Something like that happening here!?" Alexis asked in shock.
"Yeah, it got solved, no worries. That was during winter break," I explained.
"You're skipping on so much information!" Alexis exclaimed.
"It was nothing serious," I retorted with a shrug. After some more small talk, I decided it was a good time to leave.
'Is Banner a possible traitor on the team? I didn't even think that was possible. I was expecting that from Zane or Chazz. Hell, even Crowler was in that assumption of mine.' I was internally surprised.
[Isn't that concerning? You're doubting more than half of the team.] Dark Magician Girl asked with a concerned tone.
[I don't exactly care. Wouldn't that entitle me to more killing to do? More importantly, Banner is the only one with the key left. We might need to change our plans.]
[Wow…Oh my god.]
[Well, let's keep it in mind, Banner could be a traitor. He is just MIA (Missing in action)] I concluded as I walked my way towards the door.
[Wait, check out Alexis's brother's deck really quick. I want to double-check something.] Dark Magician Girl urged.
[Sure, I'll check it out.] I replied to Dark Magician Girl and then turned my attention to Atticus.
"Hmm?" Atticus and Alexis glanced back towards me when I came back.
"Mind if I take a look at your deck?" I said as I proceeded to take his deck of cards and scroll through them without even waiting for his response.
"????" Both Alexis and Atticus were widely shocked and surprised by Gojo's attitude and behavior, leading to hearty laughter from him.
"Gojo, you can't do that!" Alexis tried to stop me.
"PFFFT." "Alexis, let him be. He is funny! I bet he has a good reason for doing so," Atticus said, laughing heartily as he held onto Alexis's arm, preventing her from interrupting me.
[Take those two, they have some links to Nightshroud.] She added.
"You got some wacky cards. These two, The Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon and Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon. Huh. These two got an ominous vibe on them," I remarked, pulling out two cards. "It has links to that previous guy, Nightshroud."
That was when Atticus straightened up and became serious.
"What do you want to do? We could burn and rip these cards to ensure he can't possess you again, or you can still use them for something. These two cards he infused with his magic haven't disappeared yet. There's definitely a connection between these cards and Nightshroud," I pointed out, as I started to formulate my own theory.
"What do you mean? Bro can still be possessed?" Alexis said, sounding fearful.
"Yeah, as you know, shadow games are real, and therefore magic is also real. It wouldn't surprise me if possessing is possible again just by playing this card. In fact, it's almost the norm." I remarked to her as I waved the two cards at her.
"Nightshroud 'can return' if this card is played. Most likely, Atticus was made as a perfect host. But this card is indeed powerful on its own," I explained in simple terms. This information was based on what Dark Magician Girl had telepathically conveyed to me after detecting the continuous dark magic gathering in Atticus's deck.
"Destroy it or take it away from me. I'm sure you have a good way of doing so," Atticus said calmly and without hesitation.
Alexis didn't say anything, but her agreement was clear. Nonetheless, it was a very powerful card, as Gojo had pointed out.
"Okay, I know a few cards that could replace the Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon and Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon. Give me a day or two, and I'll find suitable replacements," I said casually.
"Eh? you don't need to. Haha. Just getting rid of Nightshroud is more than enough for me," Atticus reassured.
I mentally calculated, 'How much was it again? A couple of hundred thousand DP?'
'I have a few over that from beating Zane and Jaden. Then there was also that generous gift from Crowler too, for beating Jaden. Oh, and then the easiest duel I had in my life, four vs one.'
"It's fine; I can afford it. I rarely buy cards. You'll be surprised at how much more fun you'll have with those new cards."
"Really? Okay then, I'll look forward to it, man! I will pay you back someday. Oh, and thanks for looking out for my sister. I heard you helped her a lot. But you've also called her, uh, funny names? She won't tell me what you called her." Atticus smiled.
"Oh, funny names? I call her usele—" Alexis attempted to cover my mouth abruptly, as if she was ready to smack me if I continued. I already knew she didn't want me to say it. Though I didn't expect her to go to great lengths to stop me from being called useless in front of her brother.
"AHHHH! We're great friends, right, bestie?" Alexis quickly yelled with a quirky tone, her expression filled with desperation.
"Pffffffttt." Atticus laughed at our banter.
***
A few days later
I kept my promise and destroyed the two cards I had taken from Atticus.
Following that, I went to a card shop for the first time in my life. I only picked up the cards I had ordered from the vendor's stall. I had to spend a lot of DP on the cards because the cards I wanted weren't available at the academy. I bought them from the creator, of course. The vendors are the ones who manage outside card sources and have them packaged and shipped here.
So, today I have them in hand.
[Those cards are extremely powerful. Are you sure it's okay for you to give it away?] Dark Magician Girl asked.
[Didn't we almost kill him and almost put him in a permanent vegetative state?] I replied.
[Right, right. I see.] She agreed.
~
As I arrived in Atticus' room in the infirmary and presented him with the three new cards.
You could say Atticus was extremely thrilled to see me, and he was even more thrilled to see the brand-new cards: the Red-Eyes Fusion Spell card, the Red-Eyes Slashing Dragon Fusion monster card and most importantly the Red-Eyes Soul monster card.
Yeah, I just let him be after Atticus was talking to himself about the infinite possibilities with just these three new cards. He was very ecstatic and tried to give me a hug, to which I side-stepped. After all, he shouldn't be doing that.
After handing over the three cards, he became completely absorbed in practicing and devising new strategies with the new additions, considering the possibility of overhauling his deck solely with these cards.
***
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票