15 Chapter 14 | Exam Day - Written Test (1/5)

Today was the exam date and I was awake early in the morning, doing my morning routine.

I had now grown accustomed to Sheou, my duel spirit partner, being beside me. On a side note our 'bond' had grown to the level in which she could just barely interact with the physical world. Although she found it difficult to even pick up a glass, she was adamant about aiding me in any way she could as a maid.

Meaning, in the mornings Sheou had taken up the task of waking me up, preparing my clothes, and reminding me of dates and assignments, though she wished to do more, that was what she was limited to for now.

I had also learned that staying beside me, even in a semi-transparent form, took a substantial amount of energy out of her, but she persisted and made it a point to always be beside or behind me.

When I found out about the drain, however, I promptly ordered her to go into her card when outside of my room, unless I called on her or in case of emergency.

Sheou seemed hesitant at first but after stating it was 'an order', she immediately complied and went back to her card... or cards. As it turned out she could freely move between the copies of her, in dragon and human form. I didn't know exactly how that was helpful for me right at the moment, but it would most definitely come in handy at some point.

Shaking my head I focused on my schedule, it seemed Duel Academy had its own unique exam format. The exam was divided into two parts, the written and practical tests.

In the written portion, we had a series of tests from the different classes we took followed by the overall exam on general duel theory that everyone needed to take.

On the practical side, it followed a simple format of a duel between two random students. Usually, the pairing would be randomized between students in particular grade ranges. Meaning people with high 90s would most likely duel other people with high 90s and people with lower academic scores would duel others with a similar score.

Though no one would know their opponent until they received an email with the identity of the opponent.

I wasn't particularly worried about either of the exams though, for me the written exam was common sense and the practical wouldn't be very hard. Even if I was to somehow lose the duel, my grades were so high I wouldn't even drop from the 90s.

Thinking back, I vaguely remember an episode about the exam appearing in the anime, but I didn't remember it well so it was probably nothing important and even if it was, Jaden would probably handle it.

Getting ready, I put on my clothes with my inverse Ra yellow jacket and walked towards the academy's main building. Getting there early I checked the time and it seemed I had reached earlier than I had expected.

Looking around I spotted Bastion and walked over to him.

''Hey, Bastion.'' I greeted and he turned towards me.

''Oh hello, Illumi.'' He greeted me back and I sat down beside him.

''So you prepared for the exam?'' I asked and he nodded.

''Yes, I've gone over all the course material and have prepared several decks depending on my opponent.'' He said as he slightly opened his jacket, exposing a vest with several deck holders.

'God damn, he looks like a school shooter...' I deadpanned as I looked over to Bastion who had a tactical vest under his jacket and looked back at me with a smile.

''*cough*cough* Well that's good to hear...'' I said with a light cough while moving a seat away from him, however, he didn't understand why I had moved away and looked at me with a confused face.

''Well good luck then... I'll go say hi to some other guys,'' I said as I got up and looked over the classroom, before spotting Alexis and her 2 friends and walking over.

...

''What was that all about?'' Bastion mumbled before looking at his decks.

'Doesn't matter I guess, it's best to look over my strategies instead.' He thought to himself

...

Walking over to Alexis waved and greeted them.

''Hey, Lex!'' I said with a wave, referring to her with one of the many nicknames I had given her.

''Good morning, Illumi.'' She replied with a slightly twitching eyebrow. It seemed that some of the nicknames annoyed her, but I only found it funny when she scrunched her face.

''Morning Illumi!'' ''Are you ready for the exam?'' added Mindy and Jasmine, chuckling to myself as I waved off their concerns.

''I don't need to study, I'll ace it anyway you just need to worry about yourself.'' I gloated with a laidback tone, but it seemed Mindy and Jasmine had taken offence to what I had just said as a vein bulged on their head.

''Yeah, sure,'' Mindy said in a skeptical tone.

''Hm. Don't say we didn't warn you when you failed.'' Jasmine chimed in, both of them turning their head away exaggeratedly.

Confused I looked over to Alexis who had been watching from the sidelines with a strained smile.

''Sorry, don't mind them. They don't mean any harm, they've just been really worried and had been studying all weekend.'' Alexis explained with an apologetic tone.

'''' Alexis!'''' The two said accusingly in unison.

Realizing what I said may have come out as rude, I scratched the back of my head.

''Haa... sorry.'' I apologized, and hearing my apology both Mindy and Jasmine turned to my direction in surprise.

''What I said may have sounded a 'bit' too condescending...''

Raising my hands, I gave each of them a pat on the head, which wasn't very difficult considering my tall stature.

''I'm sure you two will do great!'' I smiled reassuring them. Immediately both Mindy and Jasmine became silent as they bowed their heads.

Not wanting to be rude, I removed my hand and gave them one more vote of confidence, ''At the very least I'm sure you'll do better than Chazz.'' I snickered and my laughter seemed to be contagious as Mindy and Jasmine also snickered completely changing the atmosphere.

''Well I'll get out of your hair now,'' I said as I waved goodbye, unbeknownst to me, Alexis's gaze had turned softer as she watched the entire exchange, before snorting and gently shaking her head.

'Now I better go and focus on my own duel, I still need to make sure I win my practical test.' I thought to myself as I left the blue trio.