That's right—
Professor Cobra, in this world, specializes in the study of "Spirit Mechanics."
Tenjo Hikari listened to the lecture from below the stage, nodding continuously.
He truly underestimated this professor.
Previously, he thought Professor Cobra would, like in the original work, distribute bracelets and collect the students' duel energy to resurrect Yubel. After all, there are plenty of excuses to make students wear bracelets.
For instance, distributing bracelets in class under the guise of testing spirit power; Professor Cobra has plenty of excuses and reasons.
However, unlike Akaba Leo, who simply trains students to be extreme or soldiers, he became a professor through his own abilities, so naturally, he has his exceptional qualities and knowledge in this world.
No wonder in this world, filled with spirits and the ability for dimension travel, Yubel still sought out this professor.
It turns out he specializes in studying spirit power!
If that's the case, maybe he doesn't even need students to duel to collect duel energy?
"From my research, I gradually discovered a very convenient method to increase duelists' spirit power," Professor Cobra said calmly.
"Eh!!"
"Really?"
"Professor, can ordinary people learn it too? I haven't been able to see spirits so far; can I learn it too!?"
The meeting room suddenly erupted like a boiling pot, everyone chattering trying to get an accurate answer from Professor Cobra.
Professor Cobra raised both hands, gesturing downward, signaling everyone to quiet down.
Then he opened his mouth, revealing the "secret": "It's a simple matter, which is—understanding."
Understanding?
"Understand the story of each card, understand the story of your own cards, learn the secrets behind the cards, and then establish a connection and understand the emotions and feelings of those cards," Professor Cobra said with his hands behind his back.
"Just like Hikari-san, by understanding Polymerization and persisting in Polymerization, his spirit power has skyrocketed in the past two years; O'Brien improved his Flame Spirit adaptability by venturing through adversity; and then there's that student named Jim, who is naturally skilled at learning and excavation, specializing in archaeology, thus understanding geology and fossils so well, which gradually enhances his spirit power and attracts more Fossil Spirits."
It really is—
Many students suddenly realized.
But afterward, students who realized this couldn't help but feel discouraged.
They don't have Jim's talent, nor can they be as "extreme" as Hikari, so how could they achieve what they did?
Bam bam bam—
Professor Cobra tapped the blackboard.
"Quiet!"
"Is this the extent of the Duel Academy's main campus students!?"
Gradually, the students quieted down, staring at him.
"Duel Academy has numerous interest development departments, such as the Tennis Club, the Archery Club, or the externally well-known Fusion Department. These interests will help you grow and enhance your spirit power.
However, I know that among you, some are exceptionally gifted, while others merely go through the motions in the Activity Department.
That's perfectly normal."
He continued: "Compared to those exceptionally talented, those who had miraculous experiences from a young age, those who were born knowing what they want to do, the vast majority of you stumbled into this place, clueless.
But—
You idiots!
Have you forgotten!
The reason you came to this school, to this secluded island, is because... you love [Duels]!"
These words were a wake-up call for many students who felt a pang of regret due to Professor Cobra's words, instantly becoming as excited as if they were injected with adrenaline.
Yeah!
Just duel, just duel, and it will be fine!
Everyone loves dueling, so just duel!
Duel more!
Tenjo Hikari lightly tapped his pen, jotting down a few points in his notes.
Although it's not exactly the same as what he remembered, it's still come to this?
However, this seems to be a good thing.
After all, it's not some twisted way, but a legitimate method of teaching students how to get stronger.
Seeing the students in the audience becoming more motivated, Professor Cobra nodded slightly, then opened his lecture notes and began: "So, before you understand what interests you truly want, let's talk about what I'm going to share today."
"Please tell us, professor!" someone cheered.
Professor Cobra nodded lightly.
"Then, let me tell you the story of [The King]."
?
Tenjo Hikari was momentarily stunned below the stage.
Behind him, Judai curiously perked up his ears.
Even for him, Professor Cobra's course content was somewhat useful and not all that dull, so he listened with interest.
Then, Professor Cobra began telling the story of a "king."
Legend has it that the king was of noble birth, inheriting powerful Darkness Power, ruling over countless dimensions, and had many strong subordinates. But when the kingdom was invaded, he had to become harsh.
To protect the weak and defeat invaders, he had to become relentless, more ruthless than his enemies, spared no means, ruling his subordinates with cruelty, oppressing everything in sight, all to ensure "peace" always prevailed.
"That's just stupid!" a student burst out laughing.