7. Yu-Gi-Oh ARC-V A New Story of Pendulum (Standard Arc)

Chapter 19 Quiz Quagmire

Jean sat stiffly on the train, staring out the window as the scenery blurred by. She wondered for the tenth time why she had agreed to this trip, especially with Nico Smiley humming beside her like a broken radio. Her duel disk rested on her lap, a quiet reminder of the call she'd just received.

Ron's words still echoed in her mind: Ruri and Rumi just dueled their brother. Shun's been knocked out.

Jean bit her lip, cursing inwardly. Damn it... I should have been there.

"So Jean, are you good at quizzes?" Nico's voice pierced her thoughts, annoyingly chipper.

Jean turned slowly, fixing him with a sharp glance. "Of course I am. I may not be the smartest, but I know more than anyone else in my hometown."

"Wonderful!" Nico clapped his hands, his smile as blinding as ever. "Because where we're headed, knowledge is just as important as skill."

When the train finally screeched to a halt, Jean rose quickly, eager to escape her companion. Her eyes widened as they stepped onto the platform.

"So this is one of the famous Duel Schools?" Jean asked, her voice carrying a rare note of awe.

"That's right," Nico said, spreading his arms as though presenting a grand stage. "Clarity Duel School! Whether they're scholars, politicians, or innovators, the top class of every field has walked through these doors. You could call it the school that cultivates those who succeed at the game of life!"

Jean crossed her arms, unimpressed. "I see."

"Of course," Nico added, leaning closer, "they've invested just as much into raising Duelists. Some of the finest talents in the world came from here."

Jean's eyes narrowed. So far, I haven't seen anyone with the power to truly fight Academia. Maybe this place will be different...

Inside, she was greeted by familiar faces—Vivian, Tatsuya, Futoshi, and Ayu—all waving from the stands. Jean gave a curt nod before stepping onto the field.

Her opponent was already waiting. A boy with neatly parted hair and glasses adjusted his collar before smiling politely.

"Eita Kyuando," he introduced himself, his voice even and confident. "I've heard of you, Jean. Quite the reputation, considering you rely solely on Trap Cards. A pleasure to meet you."

Jean approached, extending her hand. "I've seen your quiz shows too. Nice to meet you."

Their handshake was brief but firm.

"Then allow me to begin with a question," Eita said, his glasses glinting. "It pertains to the phrase you just used—'nice to meet you.' Tell me, how do you say it in French? You have ten seconds."

Jean smirked, not missing a beat. "I don't need ten seconds. It's Merci d'avance!"

Eita's eyes widened in surprise, then softened into a grin. "Correct. Impressive... not many people here know French." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "But then again, everyone has strengths and weaknesses. I'm looking forward to this Duel."

He paused, his expression sharpening. "However, Jean—tell me, what is it that you're not good at?"

Jean rolled her eyes. "Why should I tell you that?"

"Oh, come now." Eita's smirk widened as he tapped his temple. "I'll tell you what mine is as well."

Jean crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Fine. I'm not good at dealing with annoying people. Now I told you mine—so you should do the same."