What many people did not know was that this card had originally been created by Daichi Misawa. In the original manga, Mezuki's effect was weaker. It could only be banished during the Standby Phase of the turn after it was sent to the Graveyard, and it could then Special Summon a Yokai monster from the Graveyard.
The Yokai type was unique to the manga. After research, Yugen concluded that it was essentially a branch of Zombie-Type. When those cards were adapted into real cards, they had all been classified under Zombie-Type.
With Yugen pointing out this direction, Daichi Misawa had spent this period developing a much stronger version. The updated effect allowed the player to banish Mezuki from the Graveyard at any time to Special Summon any Zombie-Type monster from the Graveyard.
The restriction was expanded from Yokai to any Zombie-Type, and the activation timing was no longer limited to the next turn's Standby Phase. It was far more practical.
His praise was sincere. Even with guidance, completing such development in so little time proved that Daichi Misawa's talent for research was remarkable.
"No, first place is still stronger," Daichi Misawa said seriously. "I have had Mezuki for so long and never realized it could be developed further."
"I was just lucky during research."
"I doubt it was only luck."
Asuka Tenjoin appeared at the laboratory door with a light smile. "I also never realized the hidden potential of Cyber Angel. The more I study it recently, the more I see that your direction was right. I think we are close to results."
"That is surprising," Daichi Misawa said, studying Yugen. "Not only are you strong in Duel, but you also have this level of talent in card development. Honestly, I find it hard to believe you only started learning card design this semester."
Yugen shrugged. He was telling the truth. If they did not believe him, there was nothing he could do.
"Oh right, I went out to secure sponsorship a few days ago," he added casually. "The Foundation under Kaiba Corporation will be funding us from now on."
Daichi Misawa froze.
Asuka Tenjoin also stared at him.
He had just casually secured sponsorship from Kaiba Corporation?
They exchanged a look, both sensing that there was more to the story. Could the rumors at Duel Academy about him being the man favored by Seto Kaiba actually be true?
When Daidouji saw the results produced by the small laboratory that Yugen had only recently set up, even he nearly lost his usual calm composure. He stared at the data and models for a long time, as if trying to find a flaw. In the end, he could only swallow his words.
He wanted to say that this was a bit too much.
"Please take a look, sir, and see if there is anything improper in our research process," Yugen said politely. "We would appreciate your guidance."
Daidouji fell silent.
Guidance on what?
If anything, he felt the principal could shut down the research department at Duel Academy and let these few students take over starting today.
People said that if you lived long enough you would see anything, but even after all his years, Daidouji had never seen something this unusual. The speed and quality of their progress simply did not match their age or status. It felt unreasonable.
Daichi Misawa and Asuka Tenjoin were both puzzled about why Yugen had invited Daidouji to be their main supervisor. In their eyes, he was the kind of teacher who drifted through his days, and they kept quiet only out of respect. Still, considering everything Yugen had done so far, they believed he must have his reasons.
Many of his actions looked strange at first glance and even went against common sense for a Duelist. Yet the results always proved him right. After working with him for some time, they had grown used to following his instructions first and asking questions later.
After thinking for a moment, Daidouji said, "I do have a suggestion."
He picked up the plump Pharaoh Atem and stroked it as he spoke, as if the motion helped him organize his thoughts.
"I have a friend who has some achievements in card creation and knows quite a few people in the field," Daidouji said with a light cough. "Recently, Industrial Illusions has been holding some kind of academic event. A conference of sorts."
He slapped his forehead lightly. "Anyway, if you can present your results there, you might receive sponsorship from Industrial Illusions. There is even a chance to attract the attention of Mr. Maximillion Pegasus."
"The registration deadline has already passed, but my friend knows some people at Industrial Illusions. If we ask them for help, it should not be too late to join."
"I see." Yugen considered this seriously.
Securing sponsorship from both Industrial Illusions and Kaiba Corporation would be ideal. Participating in a public conference would also raise their laboratory's profile and make it easier to obtain more manpower and resources in the future. As far as he was concerned, he already counted as having acquaintances within Industrial Illusions, and perhaps one day he might even find a chance to look around their storage facilities.
"Then thank you, sir."
Daichi Misawa and Asuka Tenjoin still felt as if they were dreaming. They had only been enrolled for a short time, yet now they were about to attend an academic event. What was more, they actually had several results worth presenting.
On Asuka Tenjoin's side, the animated versions of the Cyber Angel trio, Cyber Angel Benten, Cyber Angel Idaten, and Dakini, had already received upgrades adapted for real cards. To her, this was already an achievement beyond anything she had imagined before.
To Yugen, however, this was only the beginning.
Strengthening animated cards for real play was just the first step of development. He continued to guide Asuka Tenjoin and helped her expand her thinking.
"I think our ideas have become a bit rigid," Yugen said. "Including mainstream research, everyone treats Cyber Angel as the representative of aggressive Ritual strategies."
Asuka Tenjoin frowned. "Isn't that true?"
As the owner of Cyber Angel, she should have had the most authority to speak on the subject. Yet after working with Yugen for so long, she no longer felt so certain.
"Yes and no. Cyber Angel excels at offense, but because of that, her potential in other areas has been ignored," Yugen said. "I recently discovered a new direction. New Cyber Angel Ritual monsters do not have to focus on extension or pure attack. I believe Cyber Angel has defensive potential that everyone has overlooked."
He was referring to Cyber Angel Nashira.
It was a Level 5 Cyber Angel Ritual monster with only 1000 ATK and 1000 defense, and all three of its effects leaned toward defense rather than aggression.
Its first effect allowed you to target one monster you controlled and gain Life Points equal to half that monster's ATK. Its second effect could negate an attack when one of your Ritual monsters was targeted. The third effect was the key. While this card was in the Graveyard, you could banish other Cyber Angel monsters there to Special Summon it, then take control of one monster your opponent controlled.
Compared to pure destruction, Yugen found this kind of control effect far more interesting. Unfortunately, no one seemed to be exploring this direction for the Deck at all.