"He doesn't have one."
The leader, [Don Zaloog], said with a sly smile.
"How can you be so sure his strength will surpass mine?" Ryo Marufuji asked in a deep, doubtful voice.
"Of course not!"
"Think about it—the duelists who made the Duel King Gold List after the top thirty, which one of them didn't already build a reputation across different regions? Like a thunderclap, their names spread everywhere."
"And You Feng… had you even heard of him before?"
"Even the profiles of your so-called 'Gold Medal Duelists' are dazzling when searched online. Every one of them has a brilliant record."
"But try searching for You Feng again."
"There are no past duel records. No public victories. Nothing at all."
"This only proves he's just a novice duelist."
"So what does this prove?" Ryo asked coldly.
"It proves your defeat wasn't because you lacked strength—it's because your opponent wielded an Emperor Deck! You have no reason to wallow in despair."
Don Zaloog walked up to him, smirking with a twisted expression.
As Ryo Marufuji listened, he felt their words cut deep.
The more he heard, the more it seemed right.
Perhaps, deep down, he even wanted to believe it.
"But… I don't have a deck anymore. Without my Cyber Dragons, I can't hope to beat him. It's all over…"
Ryo buried his face in his hands.
"Hey! Don't drown in despair—I'm here to help you!"
"We may be thieves, but we're not idiots. Nobody will trace it back to us."
"So, let's steal back the Emperor Deck!"
"You'll challenge him to a Shadow Duel, broadcast across the world."
"You'll even wager your decks! Once you win back your Cyber Dragons, the pain he caused you will be repaid twice over! Hahaha!"
"Are you excited now?"
Don Zaloog's voice drilled into him like venom, brainwashing him.
Normally, Ryo Marufuji's pride would have dismissed them outright.
But now—now was the perfect moment.
Ryo's heart stirred, resentment slowly clawing its way out from the depths.
His eyes burned with hatred.
Don Zaloog smirked. He had succeeded in dragging Marufuji Ryo into the darkness.
"What's the catch?"
"You must have conditions for this."
Ryo's pupils sharpened, his tone dark.
"Hehe… You Feng already crushed several members of the Seven Stars. That vengeance cannot go unanswered."
"Second, once you win—you only need to join the Seven Stars."
Don Zaloog spread his hands, grinning.
"—It's a deal!"
"You Feng! Once I claim the Emperor Deck, I'll crush you and make you taste defeat!"
Ryo's face twisted with ferocity.
——
Later, back at Obelisk Blue dormitory—
You Feng checked his battle rewards. Three duelists from the Gold List had already been eliminated by him.
He chuckled.
"That makes seven left!"
"But these points are amazing… A full 2000 points from that duel!"
"That puts me at 5000 total."
"With today's sign-in, something good is bound to come!"
You Feng eagerly triggered the system.
[Ding! Congratulations, host, for completing sign-in! You've received 5000 bonus points!]
[Ding! Reward granted: [Right Leg of the Forbidden One] and [Terraforming] ×3!]
When he saw the reward, You Feng's eyes lit up.
"Not bad! I actually got a piece of Exodia!"
"With this, I don't even need to wait until Mutou Yugi appears."
"This is perfect!"
He calculated silently—at this rate, in about five days he could gather the full Exodia set.
Then, a legendary OTK deck would rise.
Unless something interrupted…
——
PS: 28,000 words total! Please subscribe and send flowers! The plot is only getting more exciting—don't miss it!
[Illustrations available—tap the button in the lower right corner to view!]
——
"Exodia Deck… not bad at all."
At that moment—
"Ding Dong—"
The sound of the doorbell echoed.
You Feng frowned. Who would come looking for him now?
He opened the door—
And found Asuka Tenjoin standing outside.
"You Feng, can we talk?" she asked softly.
He frowned deeper. Asuka wouldn't come here without a reason. She must be here about Ryo's Cyber Dragon deck.
But that was impossible.
"You Feng, the Cyber Dragon deck means a lot to Ryo. Can't you return it to him?"
"Here—I've prepared ten decks for you to choose from. You can even take them all."
Asuka's voice trembled. She owed Ryo so much—before she even reunited with her brother, she had already treated Marufuji Ryo like family. Of course she couldn't stand to see him like this.
"I knew it. You're here for this."
"Don't bother."
"The wager was fair. Win or lose—that's the rule."
"As for the Cyber Dragon deck… once I've pushed it to its limit, I'll return it. But not before."
You Feng shrugged casually. Right now, the deck was invaluable. While its ceiling wasn't the highest, it was powerful enough for quick victories.
Later, once duelists' decks evolved, Cyber Dragons would fall behind. That's when he'd give it back.
Asuka sighed. "So… it's no use, then."
You Feng stepped onto the balcony.
"It should be about time now."
Asuka followed, puzzled.
"You mean… the Duel King Gold List? That shouldn't be out yet, right?"
But before she could finish speaking—
"Om—"
From the skies, a giant ancient scroll descended, unfurling with divine radiance.
"Ah…" Asuka gasped, eyes wide.
She had spoken too soon.
[Duel King Gold List—endless opportunities await those who enter!]
[Rank 25: Wooden Atlas]
[Origin: Northern Satellite District. Known as the King's Star Duelist!]
[Signature Deck: Red Daemon's Dragon]
[Comprehensive Duelist Stats: Power 78, Interference Resistance 80, Luck 70, Deck Building 75, Defense 85, Tactics 85]
[Overall Strength: 473]
[Rewards: +5 Interference Resistance, +5 Luck, +5 Tactics. Resonator & Red Daemon's Dragon Support Cards ×5!]
"It's here… Today's Duel King Gold List was announced early."
"The Northern Satellite District is on the board. Their so-called King's Star Duelist looks strong."
Duelists from across the regions laughed.
"Hah, don't kid yourself. The Satellite District only ever has one name appear, and the rest is nothing but trash."
"The Northern Satellite District is just a laughingstock."
And once again, the mockery of the Satellite duelists spread like wildfireJOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS