Though he had headphones over both ears, Ian heard Gero Anima’s announcement. The headphones were off, an easy trick for listening to other speak when they thought no one could hear. Unfortunately, no one nearby was saying anything of much import. Instead of listening, Ian’s eyes scanned the competition. Here and there, dotted about the crowd, were spirits monsters. It wasn’t often so many were gathered in one place. What could Anima be planning to learn, or rather, what did he plan to do with what he learned?

Those were questions for someone else to worry about. Ian Rouse yawned, using the hand with his phone in it to cover his mouth, and as he did so he took a dozen pictures of the people in the crowd. Match each face to a deck and he’d know his opponents’ decks before the duels even started. Well, some people change it up each time, but not most.

A white hand tugged on Ian’s arm. His spirit partner in crime, Azure Child, with his white skin and hair and his blue eyes streaming liquid sapphire, pointed at the nearest other duel spirit. “Yes Azu, I see. Crystal Beast Ruby Carbuncle.” Azure Child frowned at Ian. If Ian wouldn’t go over and introduce himself, then Azure Child would. It wasn’t often that he got to meet other people besides Ian who could see him, and dealing with Ian for so long could get annoying.

Azure Child placed himself in front of the boy who had the Ruby Carbuncle spirit partner, clasped his hands behind his back, and put on his biggest smile. Ian leaned against the wall nearby and rolled his eyes. *Click* Taking a picture of the boy Azu had approached, Ian searched for who the duelist was.