"But you know the slots for master-level replicas are quite limited."

"If you allocate one to a Silver-level card player, it will certainly cause dissatisfaction among the masters."

"After all, those slots are important to them."

Song Pai could only explain with difficulty because Hideo Hideki was also aware of the situation.

"That's not hard to solve, just promote him directly to master level."

Hideo Hideki pointed at Li Pu.

"Ah?!"

This statement made Ah Yajun, who hadn't spoken the whole time, even more dumbfounded.

Why use the word 'more'?

Because he never expected to meet such a heavyweight figure from the Hua District Association today.

And then to see such a big shot being humbled and controlled in front of Li Pu's teacher.

Song Pai: You're talking nonsense, I didn't do that.

The most crucial part is, turns out the one Li Pu defeated was a master-level bot?!

No wonder this bot was so strong, possessing a 4A1S card set!

Is he really going to jump straight to master level now?

Bronze - Silver - Gold - Platinum - Diamond - Master - King

There's an entire Diamond rank between Platinum and Master to consider!

Ah Yajun only narrowly achieved Platinum 3 after the winter break.

And now, in just three human-machine matches, he's going to be left far behind again?

The key issue is he feels confident to reach Platinum 3 but not master level, at least not right now.

"Of course that's not possible, Hideo King."

"Without solid battle achievements to back it up, how could he jump such big ranks all at once?"

Song Pai broke into a cold sweat from Hideo Hideki's suggestion.

If Li Pu were suddenly moved from Platinum to Master, his official position would be at risk.

Especially since there haven't been any recent competitions, promoting someone suddenly would attract attention.

With scrutiny from higher-ups, no explanation would suffice, and he'd have to take the fall.

"How far do you suggest, then? You have to give some indication, don't you?"

Hideo Hideki's tone suggested she was sure there would be a promotion.

"This…"

Song Pai looked troubled upon hearing this.

"Promote him to Diamond 5. How does that sound?"

After hesitating for a moment, he provided an answer.

The greatest permissible leap, according to his capacity, was to promote Li Pu from Platinum 3 to Diamond 5.

This bypassed the hassle of three intermediary rank promotions and one advancement competition.

"Just barely acceptable."

Hideo Hideki frowned slightly, seemingly unsatisfied.

In her mind, though, she marveled.

Li Fan, that crafty fellow, what a genius!

From the moment she entered, every line she spoke was designed by this guy.

And Song Pai's every reaction had been predicted by him!

Essentially, their operation — no, action — was to swiftly advance Li Pu's rank to Diamond, facilitating his activities on Seven-Star Street.

Now the target was achieved; further benefits would depend on Hideo Hideki's performance.

"I understand; this surely won't satisfy Hideo King completely."

But Song Pai lived up to his name; without waiting for Hideo Hideki to open her mouth, he proactively offered.

"Didn't Li mention earlier he was conflicted about which card to choose?"

"With my authority, gifting him an extra card is absolutely no issue!"

At this point, Li Pu finally realized with a lightbulb moment, Song Pai equals gift Pai.

Thus, Li Pu smoothly acquired his desired [Dragon Mushroom] + [Bang Bang Dragon], without having to choose.

Soon, a glum Song Pai cleared away the bot.

Then he left the room together with Hideo Hideki.

"By the way, I've got a relative who's a freshman here too."

"If you run into them, don't bully them."

Upon leaving, Hideo Hideki added.

Li Pu only found this baffling; he had never bullied anyone, okay?

Grass men don't count as people.

Grass Man: [Crap!]

After sending Ah Yajun off, Li Pu stayed in the room alone.

As he had some things to do now.

Mainly, to sort out his dragon cards.

Now including the [Dragon Egg], he had 8 dragon cards.

Considering [Mindful Dragon] doesn't occupy space, 8 dragon cards were just right to fill a 6+1 card game.

But he was dissatisfied with many aspects of this deck.

If the bot hadn't foolishly played an S-level mushroom counter card in the third match, he wouldn't have won as easily; even the win wouldn't look impressive.

So enhancing the dragon cards was the way to go.

Actually, Li Pu had considered using the three S-level dragon cards before.

But they didn't work out, even when previewing two S-level card fusions.

Combining two initial cards doesn't require matching types.

Only already fused cards require balance + balance, determination + determination to continue fusing.

[Mindful Dragon] + [Dragon Lady Tree] = [Mindful Dragon Tree] / [Dragon Lady Ghost]

Different core settings result in different outcomes.

Among them, [Mindful Dragon Tree] was the least useful, losing the excellent mobility of [Dragon Lady Tree] and the signature lockdown of [Mindful Dragon].