The duel was scheduled right after school ended for the day. All Heartslabyul students gathered in the rose maze, excited and worried about whoever was so stupid to challenge Riddle Rosehearts to a duel. Naomi, Serena and Grim stood with Trey, Cater and Felix, as well as a boy they didn't recognize. He had two giant screws on his head, dark circles under his eyes and was trembling like the white rabbit. That must be that Alex Felix had mentioned the other day. When Naomi asked if he was okay, he just nodded. "I'm scared for them. They're fighting the monster." He said.

"Monster? Do you mean Riddle?" Naomi asked. Alex just nodded. Naomi decided not to question it, given Felix told her Alex had hallucinations.

"What kind of monster?" Felix joined into the conversation. Alex looked at Riddle, trying to describe him. "Like... human... but his body is covered in ink. And there's a giant, bigger monster behind him that has a glass ball for a head."

"That's... odd." Felix said, patting Alex's shoulder. "But it's gonna be alright. Crowley's here, so if things get out of hand he'll interfere." He said, and Alex relaxed a little, feeling reassured. Felix turned to Naomi and Serena. "He's never described a monster like that, let alone a human." He whispered.

"Is his condition getting worse?" Serena asked carefully. "Maybe. But despite what many people think, he has a great sense for danger. I worry that something bad is about to happen."

Serena and Naomi looked at each other, frowning. Serena suddenly felt a shiver down her spine. She remembered the dream she had last night. It was another dream about Alice in Wonderland: The trial scene, to be exact. She pondered about these strange dreams. First, she dreamt about the card soldiers painting the roses red, and that day, they met Cater and painted the roses of Heartslabyul red for the unbirthday party. Next, she dreamt about the card soldier being dragged away to have his head cut off. That day, Ace and Deuce were kicked out of Heartslabyul and collared by Riddle's unique magic. And today, she dreamt about the trial scene, where the Queen of Hearts would go ballistic after being insulted by Alice. Add to that Alex's words about Riddle being a monster...

"Fuck..." Serena muttered under her breath. Just then, Crowley spoke up.

"We are about to commence two challenges for the housewarden position at Heartslabyul Dorm." He announced. "The first challenger is Ace Trappola. The second challenger is Deuce Spade. The current housewarden they have challenged is Riddle Rosehearts."

He then asked for the collars to be removed as they provided an unfair advantage. Riddle did as told, a smug look on his face as he told the two first-years that they would be back on soon enough.

Cater reminded Riddle about his 4 pm afternoon tea, given it was already past 3:30 pm. Riddle was unconcerned, but wanted to get it over with, so he declared he would take Ace and Deuce on at the same time. The other students cheered Riddle on. Deuce loudly called them cowards, but his insult was drowned out in the noise.

Crowley gave the signal, and the two parties began fighting. Unfortunately, all the dodging training they did yesterday was for naught, as apparently Riddle's signature spell didn't need to hit you, just be directed at you. The collars were back on, and Ace and Deuce had now already lost.

"You didn't even last 5 seconds. That was all you had, and you still thought to challenge me? You must be utterly humiliated." Riddle taunted. "I guess my mother was right. A man who cannot follow rules is a man who cannot achieve anything."

"Tch... We agree that rules should be followed. But forcing others to follow nonsensical rules like the ones you've enacted is tyranny!" Deuce said.

"Then you agree that breaking the rules is wrong. And in this dorm, I AM the rules." Riddle declared. "Therefore, those who cannot abide by my decisions deserve not the heads they use to complain!"

Serena stomped over. "You can't just use rules to do whatever you please!" She yelled.

"If there were no penalties, no one would follow the rules." Riddle said smugly. "I have to wonder what sort of pitiful education left you unable to comprehend so simple a concept. Clearly, you were born to parents with no great magical capability. And as a result, you lack even the basic education necessary to attend a school such as this. It's quite sad."

Serena was shocked for a moment by the cruelty of that comment. She teared up as she was overcome by rage, balling her fists and swinging at him.

"YOU SHUT YOUR SPOILED LITTLE MOUTH!" At the same time, Ace also screamed and squared up. Ace and Serena both punched Riddle square in the face, making him fall to the ground. Everyone was shocked that they punched Riddle.

"Well, sorry for being from another world where magic doesn't exist. Did I mention that I'm stranded here for the time being and my parents have no doubt noticed that I'm missing and are worried sick right now?" Serena shouted angrily, tears flowing down her cheeks.

"H-Huh?" Riddle stammered.

"That's all I can take. Forget Riddle. Forget the duel. I'm done." Ace said.

"That hurt! You... p-punched me?!" Riddle stammered again, completely disregarding Serena's comment.

"Kids aren't trophies for their parents to flaunt. And the accomplishments of a child aren't determined by the worth of their parents." Ace exclaimed. Serena smiled softly as Ace defended her. "You've been here a year and haven't even made a friend who will tell you you're outta line. And that's on you." Ace continued.

"What are you even talking about?" Riddle asked.

Ace continued scolding Riddle: "Yeah, maybe you had some rigid upbringing from a relentless helicopter-mom, but is that all you are? An extension of her? Can't you think for yourself? You call yourself the "red sovereign"? You're just a baby who's good at magic!"

"Baby...? Did you just call me a baby?!" Riddle asked angrily. "You don't know anything about me! You don't know anything about anything!"

"We don't. But we don't need to. Your attitude says it all." Serena said. "You expect everything to be done the way you want, and you throw a temper tantrum when things don't go your way. You're nothing but a spoiled brat."

"Shut up, shut up, shut UP!" Riddle screamed. "My mother was right! And that means I am right, too!"

"Riddle, calm down. The duel is already over!" Trey interrupted, trying to deescalate the situation. Crowley agreed, disqualifying Ace for using physical violence. But just then, another Heartslabyul student agreed with Ace, and an egg was thrown at Riddle.

"Who did that? Who threw that egg?" Riddle exclaimed angrily. No one admitted to it, so Riddle freaked out, deciding to punish everyone instead, mass collaring most of the student body. Trey and Cater got worried about him using so much magic, and Crowley told him to stop immediately.

"See? You're throwing a temper tantrum right now!" Ace pointed out. Riddle went as red as a tomato, veins pulsating on his forehead. "Retract your comment immediately, or I shall skewer you where you stand!" He yelled. Ace refused, and Riddle screamed like a banshee.

Suddenly, the rose trees and debris started floating and the sky turned red, the air thick and heavy. Riddle screamed and hurled the rose trees at Ace and Serena, who could do nothing but duck in hopes that they wouldn't be skewered.