Tenjo Hikari seizes the first move through strategic wait.
Tenjo Hikari had actually been waiting here all along.
In fact, before Instructor Napoleon was asked about "food," Tenjo Hikari had contemplated similar matters.
As someone who's "been there," things like the "Battle of Guandu" and "Fire Dragon Burn Warehouse" somewhat linger in Tenjo Hikari's memory. Moreover, before seeing Professor Cobra, he was already pondering potential future dangers, thus last night, he discussed with Professor Cronos about "food relocation."
The reason is simple, to prevent any Spirits from suddenly attacking their "granary," leaving them unable to eat rice.
Professor Cronos is also open to advice; regardless of his close relationship with Tenjo Hikari, even were it a regular student proposing such a suggestion, he would still deliberate carefully.
Since Spirits can now materialize on Duel Academy Island, the relocation speed is exceedingly fast, and Teacher Kabayama is currently handling arrangements and inventory at Warehouse No. 2.
Tenjo Hikari is still waiting here today, aiming to catch those harboring such thoughts first-hand.
Even though things have been relocated, enhancing security is always beneficial.
And now…
"Activate Continuous Spell Card, Flame Swordsrealm!"
Flames gradually spread around Tenjo Hikari, repelling the white chill from his vicinity.
"Flame Swordsman..."
Manjome and Ed found a relatively distant spot, observing the scene and whispering to each other.
"Seems like the chief is highly focused on this duel." Ed whispered.
"It's a matter concerning everyone's safety, after all." Manjome nodded, "It's been a long time since I saw Tenjo open with Flame Swordsman."
Rather than saying it's the opening, it's been ages since Manjome witnessed Flame Swordsman's appearance at all.
"Flame Swordsdance effect, once per turn, send a Monster from the Hand Card to the Graveyard to activate. Fusion Summon one Flame Swordsman from the Extra Deck."
Tenjo Hikari raised a card from his hand, silently sending it to the Graveyard, then the Flame Dragon soared and burned, transforming into a longsword.
"I send Salamandra, the Flying Flame Dragon from my hand to the Graveyard for Fusion Summon, Flame Swordsman!"
Flame Swordsman swung the longsword, nimbly leaping, stopping before Tenjo Hikari.
"Upon successful Fusion Summon, activate Salamandra, the Flying Flame Dragon's effect from the Graveyard. This card's effect can be activated when sent to the Graveyard. Add 1 'Salamandra' Spell·Trap Card from the Deck to the Hand Card."
In front of Tenjo Hikari, several cards burned in flames flew out; he glanced and picked one out.
"I add Equip Spell Card, Salamandra Fusion to my hand!"
"Next... Activate!"
Tenjo Hikari immediately plays the magic in his hand: "Equip Spell Card, Salamandra Fusion! This card can only be equipped to Fire Attribute·Warrior-Type Monster. The equipped Monster's ATK increases by 700 points—"
Flame Swordsman thrust the longsword into the ground, then raised his right hand, a wide Flaming Giant Sword slowly igniting in his hand.
"When Salamandra Fusion is equipped to a Fusion Monster on the field, its fusion effect can be activated! Send the equipped Monster and this card to the Graveyard; Fusion Summon 1 'Flame Swordsman' or a Fusion Monster with that card name mentioned... Fusion Summon!"
Boom!
Roaring flames arose like a pillar before the warehouse door, descending endlessly, Flame Swordsman's armor and weapon appearing anew in the blaze. In no time, what once appeared as a lean swordsman has now transformed into a burly warrior!
"My most trusted partner—"
"Fusion Summon!
My companion, my friend, my symbol!"
"LV 8, Ultimate Flame Swordsman!"
Ultimate Flame Swordsman, LV 8, Fire Attribute, Warrior-Type, Attack Power 2800.
"Ultimate Flame Swordsman!"
"Summon right from the start?"
The two spectators were somewhat surprised.
Possessing potent effects and offensive capabilities, Extreme Flame is usually for finishing moves, yet this time it's summoned as soon as the duel begins!
"The chief continues to grow stronger!" Ed had to commend.
He thought stepping out of adversity made him the one more likely to grow stronger, but unexpectedly, Tenjo Hikari, who'd already reached "the pinnacle" among peers, could still continue progressing on the road of fusion.
Nearby, Manjome listened and felt quite touched.
Indeed, if one has little room for improvement, it wouldn't surprise many if they continued growing, but Tenjo Hikari was already the chief and still strives on the path with nobody ahead; this is not a simple task.
Of course, precisely because of this, the classmates all highly respect and admire Tenjo Hikari.
"Remarkable, summoning his ace so simply..." Seraph nodded continually seeing Tenjo Hikari summoning Extreme Flame, "Simply speaking from dueling, I don't think there's much I could teach you, Professor. After all, the areas explored are different."
Tenjo Hikari heard this, raised his eyebrows slightly, and opened his Graveyard: "The effect in the Graveyard, Salamandra, the Flying Flame Dragon. This card can exist in Hand Card·Graveyard. It can be used as an Equip Spell Card, equipping my Warrior-Type Monster on the field."
In the Graveyard, a Flame Dragon spun around, flying to Ultimate Flame's side, circling it.
"Salamandra, when equipped to 'Flame Swordsman' or a Monster with Flame Swordsman card name mentioned, can increase that Monster's ATK by 700 points."
```