He understood.
If Duel Academy was sealed shut, then they were likely trapped within an even smaller "box" inside the Duel Academy—a seal specifically targeting both of them!
For them, this area around the volcano became a "maze," a place they couldn't leave, and where no one could come in from the outside.
However, even so, he still didn't fall.
Because he gradually discovered that those black-clad figures [could not] harm him.
Thus, they always resorted to indirect assaults, attacking Tenjouin Asuka to weaken Fubuki's mental and physical strength.
Even though he didn't understand at first, Fubuki relied on his intellect and perception of those black-clad figures' powers and soon found the crucial point.
Darkness!
The power of Darkness could restrict those black-clad figures. Once he wore the mask of Darkness, those figures could no longer approach him.
Although he still couldn't find a way out of this volcanic "maze," based on his years of reckless experiences in various places, Fubuki managed to provide his dear sister with fruits and grilled fish.
If he just had a bit more time...
If given more time to research the other possibilities of Darkness's powers, he was sure he could find a way to break the maze.
No—
Rather, if given enough time, with his strong resilience against the mental erosion of the Darkness mask, he was confident he could break the seal on the entire Academy Island.
However—
That person appeared.
A man clad in black clothes similar to those he wore after transforming, with an eerie metal half-mask covering his mouth, a face both familiar and strange to Tenjouin Fubuki.
A face he should have remembered clearly, but somehow had forgotten—
It was...
Fujiwara Yusuke!
His friend, his cherished friend, a friend to both him and Caesar!
Upon seeing Fujiwara Yusuke, he recalled everything.
Remembered they were once important friends, studying and dueling together at Duel Academy; remembered Yusuke, more talented with "Spirits" than him and Caesar, mysteriously disappeared; remembered even this event was absent from his memory.
Remembered...
Back then, he disappeared into that Other Dimension with Fujiwara Yusuke!
He strained himself to ask Fujiwara Yusuke for clarity, yet Fujiwara simply smiled and told him not to struggle anymore.
Although he desperately wanted to duel with his old friend, Tenjouin Fubuki's physical condition meant walking was already an achievement; dueling with him was truly wishful thinking.
At this moment, Asuka stood up. She faced Fujiwara Yusuke and uttered words that made Fubuki both comforted and pained...
"I've been protected by my brother long enough. Now, let me protect him—"
However—
What happened was unknown...
Yes, completely [unknown] what happened.
When he returned to his senses, Asuka had already lost to Fujiwara Yusuke, and he too, in the impact, had the power of Darkness instantly cleared away...
Then followed the last few days of escape, being forced into the volcano, with no escape route.
He thought he was destined to die, unable even to protect his sister, disappearing from the world with final regrets and secrets.
Yet unexpectedly—
The Skeleton Dragon, the lifeless giant dragon, dispelled the dark invasion, saving him from the volcano's mouth amidst roaring winds.
At that moment, he felt an unprecedented sense of peace!
Tenjo, still you kid...
Thump thump.
A cascade of loud taps echoed outside the special care room, as Tenjo Hikari's friends, members of the Fusion Department, all rushed into the room, squeezing in to shout: "Found Senior Fubuki and Asuka?"
"That's great, I was worried about them—"
"Are they okay, after being missing for so long?"
Some ordinary Fusion Department members, upon seeing the two, immediately remembered them and naturally assumed they hadn't forgotten the pair, but rather the pair had lost contact.
"Phew..." Manjome let out a sigh of relief seeing the two safe and sound, saying, "It's great that they're found."
He had nearly exhausted his efforts finding information about the two, now feeling a sense of security seeing them safely return to the academy.
"Hikari, those two—" Judai asked.
"The teacher said they weren't knocked unconscious by that weird mental attack but rather fainted due to long-term fatigue and injury. With proper care, they should wake up soon."
"That's great!" Judai replied excitedly.
Not to mention, at this moment, having a reliable upperclassman certainly reassured them, the second-year students.
Besides, although he didn't understand much, in yesterday's discussion between Tenjo Hikari and Manjome, it was evidently mentioned that Senior Fubuki might possess significant secrets related to the mastermind behind the scenes; otherwise, he wouldn't have been specifically targeted at this time.
"Got to be prepared for anything." Tenjo Hikari stood by the door, watching Fubuki's breathing gradually steady.
"I see, I'll stay here and keep watch." Manjome understood immediately.
Though not fully explained, Judai's matter couldn't be heavily postponed either.
Next up, Tenjo Hikari was probably going to help Judai with some things.
Moreover, despite Senior Fubuki having been specifically targeted by the Darkness, even after being rescued, it's hard to guarantee someone else won't cause trouble.
Not to mention, what if a teacher couldn't withstand the pressure, thinking their girlfriend was stolen by Fubuki, they'd certainly have to protect him.
Although he estimated that the same trick shouldn't deceive classmates and teachers again, since it's happened before, precautions should be taken.
"Then, let me help too." A gentle voice suddenly interrupted.
At some point, Amon also appeared behind them, smiling and nodding at the group, who exchanged glances, with Manjome slightly wary, while Tenjo Hikari directly voiced his gratitude.
"If you're willing to help, Amon, then that would be wonderful. Thank you."
Not to mention, Amon's mental resistance should be the highest here besides Judai and Fubuki.
Amon had presumably just finished his work—or perhaps finally laid down his heavy burden, thus appearing much more relaxed.
Upon overhearing that Fubuki likely harbored secrets related to the mastermind, even possessing facts about the mastermind, this seeker of solutions decisively stepped forward to offer help.
Seeing Tenjo Hikari didn't object, Manjome gave a slight nod in return, reaching out to shake hands, the two thus acquainting themselves.
Compared to their tense initial meeting in the original, now things were considerably better.
Frankly, even so, Tenjo Hikari still felt a bit uneasy, but Ed had already gone off alone to search for clues, so he couldn't call Ed back.
Fortunately, the "dolls" previously kept at the Fusion Department had been fully transported to the academy building by Tenjo Hikari during his free time. Considering John, Jim, and O'Brien might decide to act based on the current situation, it was probably the most reassuring combination.
Then, Tenjo Hikari and Yuki Judai left the teaching building and headed to the Fusion Department.
Though currently no one was at the Fusion Department, the power and such were still functional.
Judai wanted to summon the "Supreme King" within; he felt the need to genuinely merge with the Supreme King.
But this was entirely different from staring into a mirror.
Wanting to summon the Darkness within Judai wasn't a simple task accomplished with ease.
Thus, Tenjo Hikari needed to do considerable preparations.
The most crucial task was...
Tenjo Hikari took out the card hanging on his chest.
Super Polymerization—
Tenjo Hikari looked at his unique Super Polymerization.
At present, this card seemed to subtly radiate a peculiar force, appearing restless.
It's time for it to take the stage.
He felt an inexplicable premonition.
Perhaps his potential to further master Super Polymerization lay in the present?