## Chapter 586: Red Maggot? Just Fodder
In the more than twenty years since the birth of *Yu-Gi-Oh!*, countless cards have been created.
Some of these cards are so weak they are almost meaningless, while others are incredibly powerful. However, the abilities of most cards are directly proportional to their Summoning difficulty.
That is, until the 20th anniversary of *Yu-Gi-Oh!*, when the despicable Card Printer, Kaiku Corporation, released a commemorative Card Pack containing a card full of Nostalgia. It was a Fusion form of the Ace Monster of the original *Yu-Gi-Oh!* Protagonist, Mutou Yuugi's [Dark Magician], and the third main character, Katsuya Jounouchi's Ace Card, [Red-Eyes Black Dragon].
There had been Nostalgia Cards like this before, but most were just for References or recreating scenes from the original work. However, this Fusion Monster was different. It had extremely excellent Stats, powerful Effects, and its Summoning difficulty was outrageously low.
It was so easy to Summon that even Players who didn't use [Dark Magician] Decks or [Red-Eyes Black Dragon] Decks would specifically include two Normal Monsters in their Deck that were prone to causing a Bricked Hand, just so they could include this Fusion Monster in their Extra Deck.
With the standard ATK/DEF Stats of a second main character's Tamashii, Resistance to Effect Destruction, the ability to destroy monsters on the Opponent's Field without Targeting and inflict LP Reduction Ability equal to their Original ATK, a Quick Effect Omni Negate, and an ATK Boosting Effect, it dominated for nearly three years before finally being listed as a Forbidden Card.
Its name is—
"Fusion Summon! [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]!"
The Flying Dragon [Red-Eyes], spitting out inextinguishable black Flames, transformed into Armor, adorning the body of [Dark Magician]. In one hand was a crimson Magic Orb, an advanced form born from the fusion of their combined Power. In the other hand was a long-handled sword transformed from the Claws of [Red-Eyes Black Dragon]. A Dragon Tail adorned with Mystical Power gems coiled around its body. The Fusion Monster, on which Joey Wheeler and Yugi placed their last Hope, spread its Dragon Wings and slowly descended onto the Field from above.
[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon][Level 8/DARK]
[Spellcaster Type/Fusion/Effect]
[3000/2500]
Fusion: [Dark Magician] + [Red-Eyes Black Dragon] or 1 Dragon Type Effect Monster
①: This card cannot be targeted by card effects, nor can it be destroyed by card effects.
②: You can Activate this Effect during your Main Phase. Destroy one monster on your Opponent's Field, and inflict damage to your Opponent equal to its Original ATK. This Effect can be used up to the number of Normal Monsters used as Fusion Material for this card per Turn.
③: Once per Turn, when a Spell/Trap or Monster Effect is Activated, you can Discard 1 card from your Hand; Negate the Activation, and if you do, Destroy it, and this card gains 1000 ATK.
Summoned by the combined efforts of the two, this is the monster once hailed as "Red Dad," and later, due to its overly Annoying nature, renamed "Red Maggot."
For the pure [Infernoid] Deck used by Hayato, solving Red Dad is truly not a simple matter. Its 3000 ATK means only [Infernoid Onuncu] and [Infernoid Tierra] can clash with it. But once it uses its third Effect to Increase ATK, no [Infernoid] monster will have the Power to continue resisting.
Although [Infernoid] monsters also have the Ability to Destroy monsters or Return them to Hand, Red Dad is immune to Targeting Effects, and even non-Targeting Destruction doesn't Take Effect on it. It's truly Annoying.
Even more outrageous is that because Yugi and Joey Wheeler used two Normal Monsters as Fusion Material to Summon it, Red Dad can now actively Destroy two monsters during the Main Phase and then reduce Hayato's LP.
"Is this the monster fused from the Bond connecting me and Joey Wheeler?" Yugi said with a shocked Expression, looking at the [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] that had descended onto the Field. "If that's the case, we can win!"
"What a great Effect. I was just trying it out, but I didn't expect to actually create such a Powerful Monster."
Joey Wheeler, who was actually very unsure when he Activated [Red-Eyes Fusion] but now confirmed his gamble paid off, couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. Habitually touching his nose out of Pride, he said, "I'll return those words to you, Hayato."
"Grit your teeth and get ready! Take this Damage and snap out of it!"
Yugi and Joey Wheeler said in unison, "During our Main Phase, we Activate the second Effect of [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]!"
"We will directly Destroy your [Infernoid Onuncu] on the Field and inflict damage to you equal to [Infernoid Onuncu]'s Original ATK!"
[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] raised its Left Hand, lifting the Magic Orb above its head. The orb began to expand as it poured Power into it. In just one Breath, the Magic Orb, which had looked small before, was now larger than a person. Then, like a Meteor, it smashed towards [Infernoid Onuncu]!
[Infernoid Onuncu] reluctantly spat out green Flames as if to detonate the falling orb prematurely, but its Attack was completely unable to interfere with this extremely dense "Shooting Quasar Dragon." The Flames were pushed aside, and [Infernoid Onuncu]'s Body instantly vanished the moment it was hit, leaving behind only the Mystical Power that exploded like a bomb.
"Ugh!"
[Hayato: 8600 → 5600 LP]
The Shockwave from [Infernoid Onuncu]'s destruction caused Hayato to take a step back. His Life Points plummeted by a full 3000 Points, and at the same time, the last monster on his Field was cleared.
Clutching the last Card in his Hand, Joey Wheeler confidently waved his hand and said, "Now, Enter Battle Phase! [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]'s Direct Attack!"
"Shiranui Style: Crimson Phoenix Sword!"
Red Mystical Power guided the Black Dragon's magical Flames to coil around the sword, transforming it into the shape of a Long Sword. Spreading its Dragon Wings and raising its Weapon, [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] flew up into the air, looking down at Hayato on the Ground like a Deity from above. Its Power accumulated to the Ultimate, and it threw the Weapon in its hand.
It didn't matter what the Set Card in Hayato's Spell/Trap Zone was. [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]'s third Effect could Negate any Spell/Trap/Monster Effect. Whether it was [Sakuretsu Armor] or [Attack Reflector Unit] or anything else, they would be Negated. [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] could even become more powerful!
And Hayato indeed did not flip his Set Card, allowing [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] to pierce his Body.
"Bu-gah!" This time, Hayato couldn't stand firm at all. He was sent flying several meters away, stopping his backward momentum only a few meters from the cliff previously created by [Infernoid Tierra]. His Life Points plummeted sharply again.
[Hayato: 5600 → 2600 LP]
This Life Point total was quite dangerous. Although it was 600 Points higher than Yugi and Joey Wheeler's 2000 Points, it was nothing against the super Powerful Monster [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]. If Hayato couldn't solve it next Turn, whether he had 600 more Points or 1000 more Points, it would just be a single strike.
Especially when Joey Wheeler finished his Attack and announced his intention to End Turn, he suddenly said proudly, "If I remember correctly, Hayato, at this time, that Field Spell Card on your Field will be Forced Activation, right?"
"Although [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] has strong Resistance, it uniquely lacks the extremely rare Tribute Resistance like [Quintet Magician]. Therefore, if you leave that Field Spell Card on the Field, it will likely be Tributed by the [Infernoid] monsters that Revive from your Graveyard next Turn."
"In that case, I will Chain to the Forced Activation of [Void Imagination] and Activate the third Effect of [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]!"
Saying this, Joey Wheeler sent the Card in his Hand to the Graveyard, allowing Hayato to see that the Card in Joey Wheeler's Hand was actually the [AD Changer] that had been shuffled back into the Deck earlier.
Because of the restriction of [Red-Eyes Fusion], Joey Wheeler couldn't Summon monsters this Turn. At most, he could Set Defense Position Summon [AD Changer] like in the First Turn, but that would be completely unnecessary.
Having only one [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] on the Field right now was just right. If there was one more monster, wouldn't it just provide more Tributes for the appearance of [Lava Golem]? Moreover, they had only seen a few of the [Infernoid] monsters so far. What if there happened to be one [Infernoid] with a piercing Effect that attacked [AD Changer]? Wouldn't that be Bad?
Furthermore, [Void Imagination] indeed needed to be Destroyed. Its Ability to use the Opponent's DARK Attribute Monster as a Substitute Tribute was too powerful. Such an Effect was not Targeting and even [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] couldn't resist it, unless it was a monster unaffected by Spell Card Effects or a monster that cannot be Tributed.
Because Hayato had used the Effect of [Infernoid Onuncu] this Turn to Tribute one [Shadow Token] on his Field to Negate Joey Wheeler's earlier bluff, [Pot of Greed], [Void Imagination] was stirring, about to drop a ball of Flames onto Joey Wheeler's Field.
However, empowered by [AD Changer], the Dragon Claw blade in [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]'s hand flashed with Radiance, cutting an arc through the air. In just the blink of an eye, the Field Spell Card [Void Imagination] was utterly Destroyed, and the surroundings returned to their original Environment, leaving only faint scorch marks on the Ground.
And the Power of this Destroyed Space was not Wasted. [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]'s Left Hand clenched forward fiercely, grasping a large mass of Mystical Power and bringing it under its Control. The Aura around its Body surged!
[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon][ATK 3000 → 4000]
"Yosh, now its ATK has increased to a level comparable to [Obelisk the Tormentor]!"
Joey Wheeler said with full confidence, "Next Turn, it will be our Victory! We will definitely Defeat you, who is now Controlled by Darkness, Hayato!"
[Joey Wheeler: 2000 LP, Hand 0]
[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon][ATK 4000]
Hearing this, Hayato, who was "Controlled by Darkness," gave a Cold Snort: "Indeed, that is quite the Power, but it's still not enough. You're still far from being able to Defeat me."
"Although it seems I have no chance now, and even if I continue to Summon [Infernoid] from the Graveyard, I can't resist [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon], I will entrust my Destiny to this Draw!"
Saying this, Hayato placed his Finger on his Deck and shouted, "My Turn!"
"Draw a Card!"
The drawn Card flashed with a golden light. Feeling the powerful Power building up on the Card, Hayato couldn't help but curl the corner of his mouth: "Ya☆da☆zei! This Duel is my Victory!"
"I Activate the Set Card in my Spell/Trap Zone, [Reckless Greed]! I Draw two cards from my Deck, then I skip my next two Draw Phases." With the sure-win Card in his Hand, Hayato directly pressed the button to Activate the Set Card and Drew two cards. "But it doesn't matter, because this Duel will end this Turn!"
"I Activate the Magic Card [Unexpected Dai]! If there are no monsters on my Field, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from my Deck."
Saying this, Hayato Searched for a Card that made both Joey Wheeler and Yugi stunned: "This is the monster I will Special Summon! Come forth, waga Tamashii!"
"[Crawler]!"
[Crawler][Level 3/DARK]
[Warrior Type/Normal]
[900/800]
"It's [Crawler]!" Joey Wheeler exclaimed in surprise. "You call this a 'pure [Infernoid] Deck'?"
"Why would you Summon [Crawler]?" Yugi also frowned. "A Normal Monster with no Effects, even if its ATK were doubled or tripled, it shouldn't be a match for [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]."
"Heh heh, how does it feel to see a familiar monster appear on my Field, Yugi, Joey Wheeler?" Hayato said, while Activating a Card from his Hand. "But unfortunately, the purpose of doing this is just to prove one thing to you."
"I need Power, more Power! For that, it doesn't matter if I abandon old Friends. Even the Bond connecting you two on the Field, [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon], will become Fodder to Awaken the ultimate and strongest Power in my Deck!"
"Discard one card from my Hand! Activate this Ultimate Power!"
"[Super Polymerization]!"
"Nani? It's that Card!" Joey Wheeler was shocked. He took his eyes off [Crawler] and suddenly looked at the monster on his Field. "[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]!"
Under the Ultimate Power of [Super Polymerization], which can even fuse Time-Space, even a monster as strong as [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] was still powerless to resist, merging with [Crawler].
"That which was born from the Inner Darkness, now descends at the Stakes of a Soul! Devour the Bond and give Birth to a new threat from the depths of Hell!"
Hayato's face was ferocious, and he slammed a Card onto his Duel Disk. "Fusion Summon! Waga Tamashii!"
"[Starving Venom Fusion Dragon]!"
The purple Evil Dragon stood behind Hayato. As he waved his hand forward, it lunged forward.
"Enter Battle Phase! Direct Attack on the Opponent Duelist!"
"Checkmate, Yugi, Joey Wheeler!"
*
Konami was spitting excitedly on the Lectern: "The day when OCG Decks can easily solve Super Magical Dragon Knight is already appearing on the Horizon."
A confused Duelist secretly asked the Puppeteer: "What is the Horizon?"
"The Horizon is that line you can see but will never reach."
Konami was spitting excitedly on the Lectern: "The Finisher of OCG Decks should expand the Advantage, have Self-Negate, have Resistance, and can reappear even if it's solved."
"What is expanding Advantage?" Cabba asked the Puppeteer.
"What is Self-Negate?" True King Sword Emperor asked.
"What is Resistance?" ABC-Dragon Buster asked.
"What is reappear?" Super Magical Dragon Knight asked.
Trickstar was in a bloody Battle with their Opponent.
Finally, Trickstar Candina called her High-Level: "We're out of ammo! We can't hold on! Requesting support from Headquarters!"
The reply from Headquarters was only 4 characters, concise and to the point: "Predaplant."
Trickstar subsequently won the Battle.
The Extra Deck monsters of the Invoked Deck went out to sea together.
Suddenly, a voice came: "I am Pot of Extravagance. For Duel Victory, I must eliminate the existence of a few monsters among you."
Invoked Purgatrio shouted immediately: "For the Glory of Invocation!" and jumped out.
After a while, the voice sounded again.
This time, Invoked Augoeides shouted: "For the Future of Invocation!" and jumped out.
Unexpectedly, after a short while, the voice sounded again.
"For Aleister's Victory!" Super Magical Dragon Knight shouted.
Predaplant Verte Anaconda whipped Invoked Mechaba out with its Dragon Tail.
End of Chapter
Chapter 587: Picking Up the Napkin
Facing Hayato's [Infernoid] monsters, Yugi and Joey Wheeler, through the bond between them, created a miracle called [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon].
If their opponent had been someone else, perhaps Joey Wheeler and Yugi would have truly achieved victory in the end. However, before [Super Polymerization], [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] merely served as material for the evil predatory dragon—[Starving Venom Fusion Dragon]—to grow its fatally beautiful flower, alongside the [Crawler] on Hayato's Field.
"[Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] should have the ability to not be targeted by effects, so why was it used as Fusion Material by [Super Polymerization]?!" Joey Wheeler said unwillingly. "Damn it, if I had a Hand, maybe I could negate the effect of [Super Polymerization]."
"Hehehe, foolish, Joey Wheeler. [Polymerization] is essentially sending to the Graveyard without targeting. A mere resistance to targeting trying to resist the power of [Super Polymerization] is like...! Fusion Summon is the noblest Summoning Method!"
Hayato, who was commanding [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] to attack, laughed loudly, "Furthermore, [Super Polymerization] has the ability to prevent the activation of Spell/Trap and Monster effects in response to its activation. No matter how powerful [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon]'s effect is, it's meaningless if it can't be activated!"
"This is the final blow! Joey Wheeler and Yugi, become fodder for my [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon]!"
[Joey Wheeler: 2000 LP, Hand 0]
[Starving Venom Fusion Dragon][8☆/Dark]
[Dragon Type/Fusion/Effect]
[2800/2000]
With no cards left to activate, the predatory dragon opened its mouth, revealing its poisonous teeth, and lunged towards Joey Wheeler and Yugi. Even the quickest to react, Joey Wheeler, could only manage to push Yugi aside before the rapidly approaching attack hit, then rolled on the ground to avoid being directly bitten by [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] as much as possible.
And Joey Wheeler's reaction was indeed very fast. [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon]'s sharp fangs bit empty air, directly smashing through the wall behind Joey Wheeler and Yugi, further damaging the top floor of the Industrial Illusions Headquarters Building.
After absorbing the power of [Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon] with the ability of [Super Polymerization], even though it was the first time Hayato had used it, [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] was already a materialized Duel Monster. It was fortunate that Joey Wheeler reacted quickly, otherwise, the two who were directly bitten by this attack would have likely died on the spot!
However, they only avoided the direct bite of [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon]. This wasn't an Action Duel where dodging an attack meant truly avoiding it. Then, [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] flicked its vine-like emerald body, its slender body striking Yugi and Joey Wheeler. The spikes on its body scraped their skin, drawing blood, and the battle damage still fell upon the two.
"Ugh!" "Hiss!"
[Yugi + Joey Wheeler: 2000 LP → 0]
The moment the poisonous spikes pierced their skin, Yugi felt something seep into his body through the wounds. It was poison, the predatory poison this monster, [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon], carried, which was literally "ferocious" and eternally "hungry"!
In just an instant, Yugi felt the dark magic power released from the [Millennium Puzzle] protecting him from damage being completely absorbed. Intense pain pierced through the defense of his nerves, and his personality was forcibly sealed back into the dimmed [Millennium Puzzle], leaving Yugi Mutou in control of the body.
Compared to Yugi, the pain Joey Wheeler felt was even more intense, as if lava had been injected into every fine nerve in his body. The burning sensation rapidly spread from the location of the wounds.
This feeling was exactly like a carnivorous plant injecting digestive fluid into prey caught in a trap, intending to turn the entire person into a puddle of liquid for easier digestion!
Even with his strong will, Joey Wheeler was helpless under this level of pain, his limbs going limp and unable to get up. He and Yugi lay side by side on the ground, only able to gasp in pain.
Seeing the duel end and looking at the painful expressions of Yugi and Joey Wheeler, Rafael, who had approached Hayato, found Hayato's merciless act of dealing such a deadly blow to his former friends somewhat unacceptable. "Did that monster just inject some fatal poison into them? How cruel, Hayato Kobayashi."
Nonsense, I clearly just had [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] inject some adrenaline into Yugi and them, alright?
Because Hayato remembered Rafael was nearby from beginning to end, not only did he not forget to act during the duel, but he also had the [Infernoid] monsters and the attacking [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] act along.
The [Infernoid] monsters could have attacked directly but deliberately only used flames. When attacking, the spectacle was grand, tearing down buildings and causing the surroundings to collapse, but in reality, if Rafael had felt it himself, he would have found that the temperature of those flames, aside from causing instinctive discomfort, couldn't even melt butter.
And [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon], when attacking, deliberately waited for Joey Wheeler to push Yugi away before crashing its attack towards a direction that wouldn't affect the two. Not only did it deliberately slow down, but even when flicking its tail, it intentionally retracted the sharp blade at the tip, only using the spikes to scrape out some superficial wounds that looked scary.
To make the effect more realistic, Hayato even had [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] substitute the secreted poison with adrenaline, which can effectively stimulate nerves and indeed cause intense pain afterward, but the dosage was completely controlled to be harmless to the human body, thus deceiving Rafael.
Hayato retorted inwardly, but said aloud, "Hehehe, I am quite satisfied with the power of [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] that awakened through the duel with them. This is the powerful power that suits me. With this level of power, I will undoubtedly become 'Invincible', stronger than 'the Strongest'!"
"That was truly an interesting duel, but all good things must come to an end, even for us, Joey Wheeler, and Yugi." As Hayato spoke, he deliberately slowly pulled out a card from his Duel Disk—the Field Spell Card [The Seal of Orichalcos]. "I didn't have much chance to use this card during the duel just now, after all, my opponents were the two of you."
Calculating the time, besides the adrenaline used for acting, the other power of [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon], or more precisely, the power residing within [Super Polymerization], should have taken effect by now.
"But now you have no ability to get up from the ground and resist, do you? Hehehe, just let me seal your souls."
Saying this, Hayato, as if to stall for time, even showed the card in his Hand to Yugi and Joey Wheeler before placing it into his Duel Disk. Rafael didn't find Hayato's actions strange, merely watching him prepare to act against Yugi and Joey Wheeler.
However, just as Hayato was about to place the card in his Hand into the Duel Disk, a loud dragon roar suddenly came from beneath his feet, followed by violent trembling of the ground!
Immediately, Hayato retracted the [The Seal of Orichalcos] he hadn't intended to activate anyway, and with a wave of his hand, summoned the [Starving Venom Fusion Dragon] that hadn't yet dispersed, which soared into the air and leaped off the cliff behind him. Rafael also hurriedly used the power of the "Orichalcos Fragment" to grant his Card Spirit, [Guardian Eatos], the power of materialization, and leaped out after Hayato.
He didn't forget to look back at Yugi and Joey Wheeler, only to find that beside the two of them, the phantoms of two different colored giant dragons had materialized. They were destroying the building, which seemed like tofu dregs to them, and carrying the two towards the location from which the dragon roar had come, as if to converge with something.
"That's what happened, Lord Dartz." In the Doma base, Rafael, standing at the bottom of the Stairs, reported to Dartz, who had his back to him. "Although we sealed the soul of Pegasus J. Crawford, the 'Father of Duel Monsters', when we tried to seal the soul of the Nameless Pharaoh, we were stopped by the giant dragons that appeared on him and Katsuya Jounouchi. We had to leave."
"Legendary Dragon, huh? Tsk, causing trouble again. Is ten thousand years of slumber not enough for them to learn their lesson?" From Rafael's description, Dartz naturally recalled the experience of the first cleansing of the surface civilization ten thousand years ago, which was interfered with by the Legendary Dragon from the Spirit World. Even someone as composed as Dartz couldn't help but show an annoyed expression.
He remembered clearly that many Atlanteans had become monsters in the truest sense from the inside out due to spiritual corruption. When Dartz decided to destroy the Atlanteans to preserve their dignity and prevent the spread of this darkness, the first person who didn't understand him and even wanted Atlantis to continue their ugly, dying struggle was his own father—the former Emperor of Atlantis, Aiaheart.
Due to their disagreement, Dartz didn't kill him but merely expelled him. He didn't expect that while he continued to use the power of the "Orichalcos God" to execute his cleansing plan, Aiaheart somehow managed to go to the Spirit World to call for help, bringing the Legendary Dragon to stop him.
Dartz was extremely annoyed by this. In his view, whether humans lived or died was a matter for the Human World, and it was none of the Spirit World's business. As the Emperor of humans, if he was to be stopped, he should only be stopped by human power. Can't you guys from the Spirit World just die?
Then, Dartz clashed with the Legendary Dragon. The result was that the "Orichalcos God," which had only recently awakened, was directly knocked out and fell into slumber, and Dartz was also affected. The Legendary Dragon didn't get off easy either, also being knocked out and falling into slumber for nearly ten thousand years.
He didn't expect that while he was waiting for the "Orichalcos God" to recover its will and find a way to be awakened in recent years, the Legendary Dragon also seemed to have awakened, and moreover, it had found the Nameless Pharaoh, whom he had observed three thousand years ago, to be its current user.
It was just slightly strange that in Dartz's impression, there should only be one "Legendary Dragon," named [Timaeus]. But now, according to Rafael and Alister, the Nameless Pharaoh was using a strange card called [The Eye of Timaeus], and Kaiba Seto also had a card called [The Fang of Critias] in his Hand.
What, did the Legendary Dragon not sit idle for the past ten thousand years and give birth to a new one?
Dartz didn't quite understand what was going on, but he also had no interest in figuring out the situation.
Even if the Legendary Dragon returned, what of it? Just interrupt it again.
"The Nameless Pharaoh's current vessel is entrusted to you, Rafael. However, rather than hunting his soul, prioritize dealing with the card in his Hand."
Turning around, Dartz looked at Rafael and the other two before the Stairs. "Then, Kaiba Seto, you, Alister, will continue to be responsible for him. As for the unnamed card in Katsuya Jounouchi's Hand—"
"That guy, I'll handle him, Lord Dartz!" Valon volunteered. "How did that guy do it? Mai kept mentioning his name even during my duel and even kept encouraging herself. It makes me incredibly annoyed, like when you're stepping on bricks and accidentally land on a black brick when you wanted to step on a white one!"
"If I don't defeat that guy and prove I'm stronger than him, I won't be able to regain my calm mood!"
Dartz glanced at Valon and said indifferently, "Since you've said so, then Katsuya Jounouchi will be your opponent, Valon."
"Also..."
Turning to look at Hayato, who was sitting by the Round Table, Dartz's expression was as authoritative just now when facing Rafael and the other two, as it was radiant now when looking at Hayato. "How do you feel about Doma, Hayato?"
"Feelings? It's probably like the water drunk by a Princess playing a harp on the Alps, super refreshing, even making my thirsty heart, which yearns for power, quiet down like a hibernating catfish." Hayato was fiddling with his [Infernoid] Deck. "Suitable, perfectly suitable. Only a Deck with such powerful power can satisfy me. My mood is soaring right now, hahaha."
"You've given birth to monsters using the power of 'Orichalcos', huh? From your appearance, they seem like very powerful cards. As expected of you, Hayato." Dartz smiled, seeing Hayato so satisfied. "Feel free to use Doma's power to become stronger, Hayato. I will support you from behind, my hero~"
Hayato glanced at Dartz, not bothering with him further. Instead, he reached out and took a can of soda from the drinks placed on the Round Table. Without pulling the tab, he casually picked up a pen from the side and stabbed it into the bottom side of the can, making a hole. He then held the can and drank the soda flowing from the hole.
His actions, as if no one else was present, didn't cause Dartz any dissatisfaction. He merely smiled, took the large stack of cards containing the sealed souls of Duelists—including Pegasus—that Rafael had collected during this time, and prepared to offer them as a tribute to the "Orichalcos God."
Watching Dartz leave, Rafael couldn't help but turn his gaze towards Hayato, who was acting completely at home.
"Hayato Kobayashi, may I ask you a question?" Rafael said, looking at Hayato, who had finished his soda and casually discarded the can. "You've said more than once that you want greater power, right? But you've only ever said you need power to stand at the peak forever."
"What is the reason you pursue power?"
Valon and Alister had planned to rest after Dartz left, taking a short break from their continuous hunting Duelist souls during this time, and also preparing for their respective future opponents, Joey Wheeler and Kaiba. But upon hearing Rafael's words, they stopped just as they were about to leave, clearly interested in what kind of answer Hayato would give to Rafael's question.
"Seeking power" was indeed the goal Hayato had mentioned as his reason for staying with Doma. Alister and Valon had heard this before, and Rafael at the time had also expressed understanding that someone standing at the peak would not want to step down.
However, Hayato seeking power to stand at the peak was merely a goal. What was the motivation driving him to achieve this goal? This interested them greatly.
Just like Valon wanted to enjoy a peaceful life, so he was willing to accept Doma's power. Alister needed power to achieve retaliation against KaibaCorp. And Rafael accepted power to realize the new world that Dartz spoke of.
They also needed power, but power was merely a tool to achieve their respective goals, not the ultimate goal itself.
Hayato, with a bit of soda on the corner of his mouth, glanced at Rafael. "Hmm? The reason for seeking power..."
"Instead of saying things you might not understand, how about I answer your question with a question?" As he spoke, Hayato pointed to the Round Table in front of him. "When you are sitting at a Round Table and find napkins on both your left hand and right hand sides, which side's napkin would you pick up? The 'left' side facing you? Or the 'right' side?"
"Huh? Suddenly saying something nonsensical?" Valon frowned in dissatisfaction, hearing Hayato talk about napkins as if changing the subject. "Generally speaking, it's easier to pick up the 'right' side's napkin, right?"
However, Alister had a different opinion. "No, although most people are right-handed, if you're at a dinner table, your right hand is used for knives and spoons. Relatively speaking, the left hand, which only needs to hold a fork, has more free space, so you should pick up the 'left' side's napkin."
Rafael frowned. Like Valon, he thought Hayato's question was too strange and completely unrelated to the question he had asked earlier. However, Hayato still looked at Rafael, waiting for his answer.
"Would you pick up the 'left' side's napkin, or the 'right' side's napkin?"
"In my case, I would pick up the 'left' side's napkin."
Hearing Rafael's answer, Hayato nodded and said, "Hmm, that's also considered a correct answer."
"However, in this 'Society', that is not the case. It is also perfectly fine to substitute the word 'Space'."
"Space?"
"The correct answer is 'the person who first reached out and picked up the napkin'," Hayato announced the correct answer, seeing Rafael's puzzled expression. Rafael was startled upon hearing this, then remembered that it indeed seems like what Hayato said was true. Although the direction for picking up a napkin at a dinner table isn't fixed, it seems like it is determined by the person who first reached out and picked up the napkin.
"Suppose someone picks up the 'right' side's napkin first, then everyone else has no choice but to follow and pick up the 'right' side's napkin; and if they pick up the 'left' side, then everyone else will also pick up the 'left' side. It has to be done this way."
"This is what is called 'Society'."
Saying this, Hayato stood up from the dinner table and walked around the Round Table to the opposite side under the gaze of the three.
"Who determines the value of land? And before that, someone determined the value of money, who was that?"
"What about the size of train tracks and the specification of electrical appliances? Decrees and laws? Who was the first to define these things?"
"Is it because democracy is practiced, allowing everyone in the World to decide together, or is it through free competition?"
"Wrong!"
"The answer is still, determined by 'the person who first picked up the napkin'!"
As he walked and spoke, Hayato's finger traced the surface of the Round Table, disorderly sweeping aside the plates and cutlery that had been neatly arranged on the table.
"The rule of the World is 'either left or right'! As soon as an equilibrium state like this Round Table changes, everyone has no choice but to follow suit and take action! In any era, the movements of this World will only be like these napkins!"
"And the person who picks up the napkin first must necessarily be someone who is 'Respected', such as the 'Host of the Party' or an 'Elder'. Everyone will follow them in picking up the napkin out of 'Respect'."
"And this 'Respect' is relative. It's like the Pope is an important person who is 'Respected', but if Christ is sitting at the dinner table, the Pope also has to follow Christ in picking up the napkin out of 'Respect'."
Upon hearing this, Rafael's eyes widened slightly. Although somewhat vague, he seemed to understand what Hayato was trying to say.
But Alister behind Rafael frowned. "Christ or whatever, what does that have to do with the question? What exactly do you mean?"
"It doesn't mean anything, that was just an 'example'. And what I mean is, I want to obtain something that can make everyone express 'Respect' towards me, express 'Respect' that cannot be shaken by anything, 'Respect' that is as certain as burping after drinking soda."
Hayato stopped and looked at the three. "That is, 'True Power'!"
"Under 'True Power', everyone will only become my 'Companions'. I can be the one who picks up the napkin first. I, Hayato Kobayashi, am destined to sit in the Master's Seat at this 'dinner table'!"
Saying this, Hayato reached out towards a napkin on the table.
"This is the 'napkin on the Round Table'. Everyone in the World after me must abide by this rule!"
"I, Hayato Kobayashi!"
"I have already picked up that first napkin!"
Chapter 588: The Plan to Eliminate Duelists Was Set by Dartz
While Hayato used the famous "Napkin Theory" from the renowned weight loss expert and politician Funny Valentine to bluff Rafael and the other two into a daze, a voice reached Yugi's ears as he lay on the bed.
"Human boy, open your eyes. I am Timaeus."
"!"
Following that call, Yugi suddenly opened his eyes, only to find himself lying on a bed in a Hospital he didn't recognize.
Covering his head and recalling the last memory in his mind, Yugi remembered that The Other Self had been hit by **Starving Venom Fusion Dragon's** attack, clearing his last Life Points, and was then injected with some kind of poison, fell down in pain, and was forced back into the Millennium Puzzle.
He himself had come out of the Millennium Puzzle but happened to encounter a Floor collapse, after which he lost consciousness.
" Joey Wheeler!" His first thought wasn't how he had survived that situation, but rather Joey Wheeler, who had also fallen at the same time.
Fortunately, as soon as he turned his head, Yugi saw Joey Wheeler sitting on the bed next to his. Joey Wheeler looked over with a somewhat confused and dazed gaze, indicating that he seemed to have only recently woken up as well.
"Huh? Where am I?"
Seemingly also having no memory of what happened after being defeated, Joey Wheeler scratched his head and muttered to himself. Seeing Yugi sitting on a bed next to him, he asked again, "Yugi, how are you? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I feel completely normal. How about you, Joey Wheeler?"
"Same here, it feels just like a normal sleep."
Although Joey Wheeler didn't feel any discomfort or pain, this normality was the most abnormal thing. After all, they had previously been defeated in a Duel against Hayato that was even more of a Dark Game than a Dark Game. Why were they completely fine now? Even symptoms like headache, swollen head, and weak limbs would have been more normal.
Moreover, the feeling of falling at that time was genuine, yet now both of them were lying on beds perfectly fine. It was truly difficult to understand what had happened at that time.
At that time, on the Top Floor of Industrial Illusions, there should have only been Hayato, Yugi and Joey Wheeler, that Rafael, and Pegasus, whose soul had been sealed, a total of five people. Could it be that Hayato had saved the two of them?
Yugi couldn't figure it out, but Joey Wheeler put on an exaggerated expression and said to Yugi with a panicked look, "Hey Yugi, could it be that we're actually dead right now? Could it be that we died from the fall at that time and are now in Heaven?"
"Don't say things like that! I haven't seen Shizuka get married yet, I at least need to check out her boyfriend so she doesn't get tricked!"
Before Yugi could even point out how Joey Wheeler's scenario was impossible, Joey Wheeler himself already believed his own scenario and thought that he and Yugi might really be dead and had gone to Heaven.
As for why he didn't see Pegasus? Probably because that guy went to Hell. After all, he was the kind of person who, when Hayato told a joke about "something full of holes rolling around in a dark alley," could answer "Batman's parents" without hesitation.
Just as Joey Wheeler was feeling unwilling, the Hospital Room door was pushed open, and a familiar face appeared before Yugi and Joey Wheeler: "That's why I said, you can safely entrust Shizuka to me, Joey Wheeler."
"Honda!?" Joey Wheeler was a little surprised to see Tristan here, but he finally realized, "Oh right, Heaven shouldn't look like a Hospital Room either, and you, Tristan, are here too."
"So, we're not dead?"
Discovering that he wasn't dead after all, Joey Wheeler became happy again. At the same time, Kujaku Mai and Téa followed in behind Tristan: "Yugi!" "Joey Wheeler!"
"Everyone's okay, that's great."
Although he wasn't worried about dying like Joey Wheeler, Yugi, who woke up to find no one around, was indeed worried about the safety of his other friends. After all, he didn't know the extent of the Floor collapse at that time, and Kujaku Mai and Kaiba had faced members of Organization Doma. If they were defeated, their souls would be sealed.
However, seeing Kujaku Mai here, Yugi knew that she must not have been defeated by that guy named Valon. And when Yugi thought of Kaiba, he still maintained an expressionless attitude and walked into the Hospital Room with Keipei.
A doctor's voice came from outside the door: "The patients have just woken up, too many of you going in will affect their rest."
"Hmph, are you giving me, Kaiba Seto, an order? Idiot, KaibaCorp's goal in wholly acquiring this Hospital wasn't for you to control me."
Saying this without turning his head, Kaiba walked into the Hospital Room and saw Joey Wheeler and Yugi sitting on the beds. A barely noticeable curve appeared at the corner of his mouth, as if he wanted to laugh but held back. He spoke arrogantly, "What a sorry state you're in. Have you become weak from staying with a mediocre person for too long, Yugi?"
"At a time like this, it's okay to reveal a little of your true feelings, Brother." Behind Kaiba, Keipei also peeked his head in. Seeing that Yugi and Joey Wheeler were both energetic, he sighed in relief and said with a smile, "It's good that you're okay, Yugi and Joey Wheeler. Before you woke up, you didn't know how much Brother was outside—"
"You don't need to say things like that, Keipei!" Kaiba directly interrupted Keipei's words, deliberately changing the subject, "Compared to those unimportant things, I have a more important matter to ask you."
"What exactly happened on the rooftop?"
After saying that, as if guessing the question Yugi and Joey Wheeler might ask, Kaiba added, "Pegasus was also one of the victims attacked by Doma. Although he was lucky enough not to die from the fall because of you, he is unconscious like the other victims. So currently, the only insiders are the two of you."
"Because of us, we didn't die from the fall?" Yugi didn't quite understand what Kaiba meant, but he still nodded and said, "As for 'knowing,' we don't know much either, because when Joey Wheeler and I reached the Top Floor, it was exactly when Pegasus was defeated. We couldn't even say a word."
"Tsk, thinking about it now, it's probably because of that reason that although they initially had the plan to stop us from going upstairs, later on, the other two Organization Doma members didn't even try to stop them. It's clear they knew we couldn't stop Pegasus from having his soul sealed," Joey Wheeler said, remembering what happened before, feeling a bit annoyed.
Kaiba glanced at Joey Wheeler and then looked at Yugi, saying, "So, you and the mediocre person just watched the Organization Doma members leave? And how did you lose consciousness later?"
"How could we not stop them? I acted together with The Other Yugi at that time, but, we couldn't win at all. We were suppressed from start to finish, with almost no chance of victory. We finally had a ray of hope, but it was extinguished," Joey Wheeler said, remembering that duel, clenching his fists.
During that duel, Joey Wheeler could say he did his absolute best, with almost no misplays or bricked hands. Every single card was used to its fullest potential, fully unleashing his and his Deck's power.
And Yugi was the same. Several powerful monsters manifested one after another during that duel, wanting to defeat the power of darkness. But even **Red-Eyes Dark Dragoon**, born from the bond between the two of them at the end, was absorbed by the power of **Super Polymerization**, giving birth to that final poison dragon.
"Even Joey Wheeler and Yugi teamed up couldn't defeat the opponent? How could that be!" Tristan and the others were also surprised to hear Joey Wheeler say this. After all, the ones who teamed up weren't just two randomly picked third-rate Duelists, but Yugi and Joey Wheeler, that golden duo.
Even setting aside the bond between them, where they could understand the strategy the other would use and whether a Set card could be utilized just by exchanging glances, one of them was a Battle City Top 4, and the other was undefeated except for the Duel King. Yet they actually lost the duel?
"Could it be that the opponent was being dishonorable and dueled you with more than ten people in one go?" Although he knew this situation was unlikely, at this moment, Keipei could only think of this possibility.
But Joey Wheeler shook his head and said slightly bitterly, "No, the one who defeated me and Yugi teamed up was just one person. Yugi and I were the side with more people."
"And even if Yugi and I teamed up were defeated, it's not some kind of accident," As Joey Wheeler said that name, everyone present, even Kaiba, couldn't help but show a "That's impossible" expression. "After all, the person standing opposite us was that guy Hayato."
"Impossible, didn't Hayato already sacrificed in his fight against Anubis!" The first to deny Joey Wheeler's claim was Kaiba. He completely changed his previous nonchalant demeanor, as if he cannot accept Joey Wheeler's account, and said excitedly, "You second-rate Duelist must be mistaken!"
"Although we also want Hayato to come back, Joey Wheeler, Kaiba is right. Could you have been mistaken?" Tristan was also in disbelief when he heard Joey Wheeler say his opponent was Hayato.
And Téa said from the side, "Oh right, it's like that time during Duelist Kingdom. At that time, didn't Pegasus send someone to disguise as Kaiba and tell us Kaiba was dead? But in the end, the cards used weren't Kaiba's usual **Blue-Eyes White Dragon**."
"Yugi, could you have encountered the same situation?"
But Téa's request for confirmation from Yugi only received a firm shaking of his head: "No, without a doubt, the person standing before us at that time was Hayato. Although he was using a new Deck, the monsters that always accompanied Hayato, like **Ojama Yellow**, couldn't be faked. That person was Hayato."
"Indeed, it could only be Hayato himself." Recalling the various actions during that duel, Joey Wheeler was also certain. After all, people who are good at tributing monsters to exchange for an advantage during a duel aren't non-existent, but the only one who can do it as if it's second nature is truly only Hayato.
Others would feel a bit embarrassed about it, but Hayato would not only be happy but would even laugh loudly.
"However, Hayato at that time said things like 'got tired of playing the game of friendship,' and 'for power' he would join Organization Doma..." Remembering the words Hayato said before, Yugi's expression was a little downcast.
But Joey Wheeler got up from the bed and patted Yugi, saying, "Have some faith in Hayato, Yugi. He is not that kind of person. I actually have evidence that Hayato is being controlled."
"Huh?"
Joey Wheeler's words surprised Yugi somewhat. Even though the two of them went to the Top Floor of Industrial Illusions together and immediately dueled upon arriving, Joey Wheeler actually collected some clues?
Only to see Joey Wheeler proudly raised his head: "As everyone knows, Hayato likes shouting 'Tamashii,' making it seem like every single monster is his 'Tamashii.' But everyone knows that Hayato's true ace card should be that **Spiritual Earthly Entity**."
"Not finishing off the opponent using effect damage, but using a direct attack to clear the opponent's Life Points, that's completely not Hayato's style, you know."
Saying this, Joey Wheeler also said arrogantly, "Nobody understands Hayato better than me." He repeatedly pulled and pushed his hands together like an accordion.
'It would be strange if Hayato's dueling style were that easy to guess.' Although he knew that what Joey Wheeler said wasn't very credible and could only be taken as a joke, seeing Joey Wheeler cheering him on, Yugi also showed a smile.
That's right, I should believe Hayato. If he really wanted to take my life and Joey Wheeler's, with Hayato's ability, whether it was setting up a Dark Game or letting Starving Venom Fusion Dragon directly kill the two of them, it would be an easy thing to do.
He's staying in Doma, putting on a stance of embracing darkness for power, there must be some reason he can't say.
Watching Joey Wheeler and Yugi's interaction, Kaiba gave a cold snort and said slightly regretfully, "Which means Hayato Kobayashi is standing against me, right? That's for the best, I can conveniently defeat him and claim the title of Duel King."
Knowing Kaiba for so long, Yugi and the others had also learned how to translate Kaiba's tsundere remark, knowing that his meaning was actually also happy that Hayato was still alive.
"However, even though I specifically rushed to Industrial Illusions, in the end I couldn't collect any clues at all. My precious time was truly wasted."
Hearing Kaiba's words, Yugi suddenly remembered something and said, "Sore wa dou kana."
Kaiba looked over upon hearing the sound, only to find that at some point, the two Yugis had completed the switch. Dark Yugi had a confident smile on his face and said calmly, "Before, because of the duel with Hayato, I didn't put too much thought into this. Now, I suddenly remembered this one thing."
"Hayato at that time said, 'The plan to eliminate Duelists was set by Dartz.' I think that name, 'Dartz,' might be an opening."
Chapter 589: Deep Blue Stat Points!
"Industrial Illusions?"
Marik, leaning against a jeep, looked at the message on his mobile phone and frowned, his delicate brows furrowed. His appearance was actually quite handsome, so the mere act of frowning attracted the attention of many passing males, who thought to themselves, 'This dark-skinned handsome guy is so cool.'
Only passersby who hadn't seen Marik's top-tier Face Art during his Duels would think that.
Hearing Marik's muttering, Ishizu, sitting beside him inside the jeep, traced her finger over her **Millennium Necklace**. After habitually predicting a short period of the future, she said to Marik, "I see. The Nameless Pharaoh and the others learned from Organization Doma that 'Dartz', the President of Industrial Illusions, is also a member of Organization Doma and holds a high position?"
"Uh, at least let me finish reading the text message, Older Sister." His furrowed brows relaxed, and Marik looked helplessly at Ishizu, who had already seen the message he had just received by looking into the "Future". "This feeling is like receiving a New Year's Gift and knowing what the gift inside is just by looking at the packaging without even opening it. There's no anticipation at all."
After casually remarked, Marik averted his gaze from Ishizu's feigned innocent face and lowered his head again to look at the text message displayed on his mobile phone. Although he had been spoiled on the general message, Ishizu hadn't revealed some of the details, so Marik could only use these "details" to satisfy his anticipation.
And soon, Marik noticed something:
"The Pharaoh and that Joey Wheeler teamed up and still couldn't defeat a mysterious opponent from Organization Doma?"
"Hey, hey, is that for real? Is that something a non-leader character from an antagonist organization who just appeared can do?"
"That Tristan guy, he didn't mix up the words when he was writing the text message, did he?"
The person who sent the text message to Marik was indeed Tristan. He had Marik's contact information before. After their trip to Industrial Illusions proved fruitless, he informed Marik and his group of their plan to go to Industrial Illusions next to continue gathering information on Organization Doma.
However, in the text message, Tristan, who had discussed it with Yugi and Joey Wheeler, did not inform Marik that the opponent in that Duel was Hayato.
Although the news that Hayato hadn't died but had returned completely sounded like good news, what was puzzling now was that Hayato had actually joined Organization Doma, which harms other Duelists, and stood on the opposing side as an enemy.
This was too strange. Before figuring out the situation, Yugi felt it was best not to let Marik, especially Ishizu who had come to America with Marik, know this information for the time being, as faint hope could instead give birth to despair.
In the text message, they only said that Organization Doma currently had four very strong Duelists collecting souls, and the identities of Alister and Rafael had also been somewhat uncovered by KaibaCorp's resources. Valon was a "familiar face" who had dueled Marik in the previous KC Cup.
Hayato's information was not revealed; they only said it was a powerful Duelist who could counter the tag team duel of Joey Wheeler and Yugi. But it was precisely this point that made Marik feel disbelief. The tag team duel of Yugi and Joey Wheeler was defeated? What kind of Sword Wielder from Ten-Mile Slope is this? How come he had never heard of such a formidable person in the world before?
In Marik's heart, among the famous Duelists, Kaiba's strength at most could barely manage a three-seven split with Yugi, with Yugi having the seven. Mai Valentine, who had just won the All-America Duel Monsters Tournament, only had fame; in terms of strength, she was not even as good as Joey Wheeler. Rebecca, who was previously mentioned, was the same. However, he had heard there was someone called "Guardian" who might be able to duel Yugi to a fifty-fifty.
The only person Marik could think of who could counter the tag team duel of Yugi and Joey Wheeler was Hayato, who possessed that kind of strength. But in Marik's understanding, Hayato was no longer in this world, so he naturally ruled out the possibility that this guess was true.
Little did he know, Yugi and the others had kept quiet about Hayato's return. And what Marik didn't know was that Ishizu, sitting in the jeep, had already activated the power of her **Millennium Necklace** again, observing the future.
Three minutes later, Rishid would come out of the mall pushing a shopping cart and would accidentally trip over a soda can that Marik had casually discarded on the way back to the jeep;
An hour later, the three who planned to drive onto the interstate highway towards Industrial Illusions would be stopped on the roadside and harassed by two racist white police officers, and then Marik would use the power of his **Millennium Rod** to make them think they were dogs for three days;
They would be able to arrive in the area where Industrial Illusions was located by car this evening. On the way, they would encounter a gang attempting blackmail by faking an accident. Although it would be delayed for a considerable amount of time, they would still be able to arrive at their destination smoothly, just a bit slower than Yugi and his group.
Inside Industrial Illusions, there would be———
Ishizu's observation of the future suddenly became blurry when it reached the point in time inside "Industrial Illusions". Although it didn't cause common phenomena in fantasy novels like headaches or spitting blood, Ishizu did feel a little dizzy, but this was a normal phenomenon when switching from a bird's-eye view of the future back to a first-person perspective.
However, even though the future became blurry and the details were unclear, Ishizu still noticed the existence of the **Millennium Ring** hanging on the chest of the person standing opposite Seto Kaiba in that brief glimpse of the future.
The future glimpsed by the **Millennium Necklace** is absolute!
Although she already possessed the willpower to transcend destiny, Ishizu was incredibly grateful at this moment that the **Millennium Necklace** was the **Millennium Item** she was most compatible with when she inherited the **Millennium Items** of the Tomb Keepers at that time, and she desperately hoped that the future she had seen would become reality.
Ishizu, opening her eyes, happened to see Rishid pushing a shopping cart from the mall towards the jeep.
"You're too slow, Rishid, I'm almost dying from the sun." Marik urged, "I knew I shouldn't have chosen an off-road jeep just to look cool when renting the car."
"Sorry, Lord Marik, today is Saturday and the mall has discounts, so there were quite a few people rushing to buy things." Rishid heard Marik's urging and couldn't help but quicken his pace, almost slipping and falling when he stepped on a soda can thrown in the center of the road.
On the other side, in the Hospital where Yugi and Joey Wheeler were, they were using Kaiba's ability to search for information on Industrial Illusions.
"Industrial Illusions is an enterprise that can be called the 'largest and strongest' not only in America but globally. Its influence spans over 200 countries worldwide, and it is involved in over sixty industries, from finance and arms to entertainment and scientific research."
"'Dartz' is the president of such a group. We just don't know what Dartz's position is within Organization Doma."
Listening to the information Keipei reported, Yugi said with some surprise, "Even KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions, can't compare to Industrial Illusions?"
"Although it's a bit frustrating to say this, it's true." Keipei spread his hands helplessly. "Industrial Illusions has powerful economic reserves that surpass all of America. Even if KaibaCorp and Industrial Illusions were bound together, it would be difficult to counter it."
Joey Wheeler's face fell. "Are we going to be enemies with such a behemoth next? It's hard to imagine what kind of existence Organization Doma really is. Just the partially revealed true face is already an existence like Industrial Illusions."
"Hmph, are you trembling with fear, mediocre person?"
Kaiba said contemptuously. Just one sentence easily provoked Joey Wheeler's annoyance, making Joey Wheeler glare angrily at Kaiba.
And Yugi, looking at Kaiba and Joey Wheeler, suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "Speaking of which, before Rebecca and Professor Hopkins came to America with us, they went to Florida State to investigate artifacts inscribed with patterns similar to the **Seal of Orichalcos**. I wonder how things are going for them there."
"Arthur Hopkins?" Kaiba thought for a moment and said, "A well-known figure in archaeology. But even if they excavate something, it has nothing to do with us who live in the present. Things buried in the ground should stay buried in the ground. They are simply———"
Kaiba's words were cut short halfway when Joey Wheeler, who had been annoyed with Kaiba for a long time, suddenly interrupted, "Speaking of which, Yugi, wasn't your **Eye of Timaeus** recorded in the Atlantic Seabed Ruins discovered not long ago?"
His tone was simply too artificial, it couldn't be more obvious. Even a fool could tell he had a goal in suddenly saying this.
Although it was even more obvious, it was indeed effective. Kaiba almost instantly changed his words: "———They are simply precious artifacts that must be properly excavated and researched."
Although Kaiba himself didn't like artifacts or anything like that, that thing was related to dueling.
However, since Joey Wheeler brought up the **Eye of Timaeus**, Kaiba naturally remembered something. He proudly drew a card from the Duel Disk he was always wearing on his left hand and showed it off: "But Yugi, don't think you're the only one with that strange card. Although I don't know who put it in the deck, I also got such a nameless card."
"**The Fang of Critias**. That's the name I gave it."
Kaiba's expression at this moment was quite like someone who, after seeing the neighbor's child get a super popular toy, specifically bought the same one to go out and show off.
Before, he had been somewhat concerned about the power of the **Eye of Timaeus** that Yugi had obtained and had thought about whether he could learn a way to counter this power from Pegasus, who might know something about it. But he never expected to get one himself.
Kaiba had even already decided in his heart that after dealing with Doma, he would use the power of **The Fang of Critias** to clash with Yugi's **Eye of Timaeus** to see who was stronger. Of course, he hadn't forgotten Hayato either.
"Ah, speaking of this kind of card..."
However, what Kaiba didn't expect was that Joey Wheeler, after seeing **The Fang of Critias** that Kaiba took out, also drew a card with a similar card face from the deck he was carrying.
It also had no name, attribute, star level, or effect. The only difference was that Kaiba's **The Fang of Critias** was a Black Dragon with sharp claws, while the card art on the card in Joey Wheeler's hand was a Red Dragon with long, sharp claws.
"Huh? Joey Wheeler and Kaiba, they also?"
Yugi looked at the "Legendary Dragon" cards that Joey Wheeler and Kaiba had taken out with some surprise. As the first Sword Wielder to awaken the "Legendary Dragon", Yugi naturally remembered that there were exactly three Dragon Statues he had seen in the Spirit World at that time.
Unexpectedly, Joey Wheeler and Kaiba had also become Sword Wielders after him, awakening and obtaining the power of the "Legendary Dragon".
"Tsk, I was originally thinking it might be a decent power, but it turns out even a mediocre person can obtain it?" Kaiba glanced contemptuously at Joey Wheeler beside him. "Looks like it's just a third-rate card that only second-rate Duelists would use."
Although he said that, Kaiba still put **The Fang of Critias** into his deck.
And Joey Wheeler, who had been belittled by Kaiba, said annoyed, "What do you mean, third-rate card? Why don't you take that card out of your deck then, second-rate Duelist Lord Kaiba?"
"Hmph." Kaiba just gave a cold snort and ignored Joey Wheeler.
Yugi, however, reminded the two: "Joey Wheeler, and Kaiba, there's no doubt that the **Legendary Dragons** possess great power, but they are not ordinary Duel Monsters whose effects are written directly on the card. It's not easy to grasp their use and the limit of their power."
"The power of the **Eye of Timaeus** is to unleash a monster's potential to become a new monster."
"I can feel that the power in your cards is a similar but different ability."
"But if you add the cards to your deck without understanding their power, in the battle we are about to undertake by going to Industrial Illusions, it would be like climbing a mountain without knowing the approach or where the summit is. Then, without a doubt, you will definitely meet with disaster, just as surely as drinking soda will make you hiccup."
Although Yugi only mentioned the possible risk and didn't provide a solution, Kaiba had already understood Yugi's meaning.
It was obvious that if there was a risk in adding unfamiliar cards to their decks, then all they needed to do was become familiar with the cards. As for the best way to become familiar with the cards, it was none other than to duel directly and become familiar with the cards' power through battle.
Joey Wheeler was somewhat moved, but Kaiba was a bit unappreciative.
"Hmph, practice? I've never had that habit. All my achievements so far are based on my talent. Don't compare me to mediocre people who need practice to learn Duel Monsters, Yugi."
Saying this, Kaiba turned and left. "I'm going to prepare for the trip to Industrial Illusions. If you want to practice, you can practice with the mediocre person yourself."
However, despite saying that, as soon as Kaiba walked out of the Hospital Room and confirmed that no one had followed him, he quickly contacted Isono and told him to clear out KaibaCorp's Calculation Center at the America branch. He wanted to calculate the power of The Fang of Critias.
Well, "never practices" Seto Kaiba. After all, he always fights AIs directly.
Thanks to book friend 'Deep Blue Stat Points Clear' for the 500 points tip.
Just a notice, I have a classmate's wedding to attend this Saturday. That's right, I'll be skipping updates again.
End of Chapter
Chapter 590: Conflict Town
"I attack Ultimate Conductor Tyranno with Black Luster Soldier, then activate the effect of Time Magic Hammer equipped to it! For each monster on your Field, roll a die and Banish each monster for the number of turns equal to the result!"
Commanding the monster on his Field that had gained new power, Joey Wheeler said proudly, "Rex, the only monsters on your Field are Ultimate Conductor Tyranno and Miracle Jurassic Egg. I'll roll a die twice to Banish these two monsters!"
At this moment, Joey Wheeler had already left the Hospital he was in before. He was dueling someone in the Desert beside an Interstate Highway. What was rather unusual was that the Duelist standing opposite Joey Wheeler was Rex, who had also been attacked by Organization Doma during the previous "Consecutive Duelist Coma" incident.
It was quite a coincidence. After Rex was knocked unconscious by Valon's Armor Deck (referring to Self-Destruct Button), Valon didn't finish him off by sealing Rex's soul with the Seal of Orichalcos, confident in his Deck's vitality damage ability.
Mainly, in the years Valon had worked for Doma, he had done this more than once and found that trying to retrieve the soul after defeating the opponent yielded nothing; it was just a wasted effort.
On the other hand, it was also because the ambulance Rex had kindly called for the Paradox Brothers earlier had just arrived at the scene, and Valon, not wanting to expose himself, left.
Under normal circumstances, Rex, who had no extraordinary ability, wouldn't have been able to withstand the power of the Armor Deck. The best outcome might have been becoming a vegetative state unable to wake up. However, by a strange coincidence, at the instant he was defeated, Rex awakened the power of Card Spirits.
Having or not having the power of Card Spirits makes a huge difference. A Duelist without a Card Spirit guardian is just a Minor Character with plenty of screen time for getting defeated. But a Duelist with a Card Spirit can instantly become a Spirit User, not only capable of card printing and divine draw, but also, thanks to the Spirit's protection, Rex miraculously woke up.
As the sole person among all the victims so far who had woken up, Rex was specifically transferred by the medical experts who were constantly monitoring the situation from the Hospital where the comatose Duelists were placed to San Francisco for more detailed pathological research. It was because of this that he unexpectedly ran into Joey Wheeler and Yugi, who were planning to be discharged.
After some communication, Yugi and Joey Wheeler learned from Rex that Valon and the others had mentioned in their casual chat after Hayato defeated the Paradox Brothers that their goal in collecting souls seemed to be to awaken a certain divine-beast. They also got additional information about the ability of Infernoid monsters like Beelzebul, which Hayato hadn't summoned before.
Rex also learned that the egg he had been seeing ever since he woke up, which he had thought was just an illusion, was actually a "Card Spirit" residing within a card. He also learned that his waking up seemed to be because his Card Spirit had sacrificed itself to protect him.
The cracking sound he heard just before he fell unconscious seemed to be the sound of the Spirit being born from the egg. However, Rex didn't get to see his Spirit even once. When he woke up, he had the ability to see Spirits, but his Spirit had turned back into an egg.
So, when Yugi and the others said they were going to Industrial Illusions to look for clues about Doma's existence, Rex immediately said he wanted to go too. He wanted revenge against the person named Valon for the other comatose Duelists, for himself, and for his Card Spirit.
As for the experts studying his physical condition? After Rex learned that his waking up was due to his Card Spirit's help, he naturally understood that replicating his situation to wake others up was, of course, impossible. Unless the souls of the Duelists sealed by Doma were retrieved, it would just be a wasted time.
This led to Rex joining the group and the scene of him dueling Joey Wheeler as training on the way to Industrial Illusions.
Seeing Joey Wheeler planning to turn the tables with the newly acquired card he named Hermes' Claw, Rex naturally wouldn't just sit back and wait for defeat.
"At this instant, I activate my Set Card in the Spell/Trap Zone, the Trap Card Friendly Fire! When an opponent's Spell/Trap or Monster Effect is activated, target another card on the Field and destroy it. I choose Black Luster Soldier on your Field!"
Watching Joey Wheeler's monster prepare to attack, Rex felt somewhat helpless that Joey Wheeler had somehow gotten another card with a gambling effect that perfectly matched Joey Wheeler's personal luck, but he still had no plan to surrender.
Time Magic Hammer is a card Joey Wheeler created based on the power of Time Wizard and processed by Hermes' Claw. Although it's a Fusion Monster, it can become an Equip Card and be equipped to a monster. This is the ability of Hermes' Claw: transforming a monster's characteristics into equipment to grant to other monsters.
However, even such a monster has a flaw. As an Equip Card, under the rules restrictions of Duel Monsters, it will be destroyed if the equipped monster is flipped or leaves the Field.
The charging Black Luster Soldier, seeing the incoming impact, desperately swung the Time Magic Hammer in its hand before it was destroyed. The hammer looked less like a weapon with destructive power and more like an inflatable hammer used by children playing.
The watch face on the hammer spun rapidly. With an unsurprised expression on Rex's face, his Miracle Jurassic Egg and Ultimate Conductor Tyranno on the Field were both banished for a full six turns. And after activating its effect once, Time Magic Hammer also went to the Graveyard along with Black Luster Soldier being destroyed.
"Seriously, you still managed to Banish them, and for a full six turns at that. Rolling two sixes in a row is just too much cheating luck. But, this way, I've managed to block your attack, Joey Wheeler," Rex said confidently, looking at the situation on both players' Fields.
[Rex]: 2400 LP, Hand 2
[Joey Wheeler]: 800 LP, Hand 1
Set Card
Naturally, the area around the two Duelists wasn't empty. In fact, an RV was parked nearby, with several people inside watching Joey Wheeler and Rex's duel.
"Rex is really amazing. He managed to push back Joey Wheeler's offensive again." Having watched so many duels, Honda's own strength in the Duel Monsters World was still a layman, but at least he wasn't completely clueless. "Is this the strength of the All-America Duel Monsters Tournament runner-up? He's improved a lot compared to at that time."
"The champion is still standing right here, Honda, you're exclaiming too early," Kujaku Mai said, lifting her head proudly upon hearing Honda's sentiment.
It was true that Rex was the runner-up, but she, Kujaku Mai, had squarely defeated Rex to become the champion.
"As expected of Miss Mai, you easily did what we couldn't. I really admire you!" Téa praised Kujaku Mai quite cooperatively. However, as she spoke, she also looked strangely at Yugi beside her and asked, "But why did Joey Wheeler ask Rex to be his training partner? In terms of strength, isn't Miss Mai stronger?"
Hmm, I'm definitely not expecting to see Joey Wheeler and Miss Mai, those two love idiots, duel together, nope.
Yugi thought for a moment and said, "In terms of strength, Miss Mai is indeed stronger than Rex. But Téa, you've forgotten that Decks also have compatibility with each other, and different Duelists have different styles."
"Compatibility? Style?"
"Miss Mai's Harpie Lady and Amazon Decks both have parts that are good at battle, but their main focus is destroying the Spell/Trap Zone and using the opponent's power against them. This is actually very effective against Rex's Dinosaur Deck. Miss Mai's personal style is to gather monsters and gang attack."
Yugi explained patiently, "As for Rex, his Dinosaur Deck is relatively more direct, and he also has the experience of seriously battling that person named Valon from Organization Doma."
Since it was training, Joey Wheeler naturally had set a goal for himself. Otherwise, there would be no direction to move forward. The goal Joey Wheeler set was to defeat that Valon.
Don't think Joey Wheeler is slow-witted. He had noticed the strange gaze Valon gave Kujaku Mai when he appeared before. Even if Kujaku Mai hadn't confirmed any relationship with Joey Wheeler, Joey Wheeler still felt extremely annoyed by Valon.
Therefore, more than Hayato, Rafael, or Alister, Joey Wheeler wanted to defeat Valon. That's why Rex, who had dueled the "Doma Three Swordsmen" Valon when he was serious, not the Valon who was holding back during the previous KC Cup, became the best opponent. Especially since, according to Rex, Valon's Armor Deck also focuses on a tough battle style.
However, there was one more point Yugi didn't explain, a speculation he wasn't sure about. That is, Joey Wheeler, who had clearly awakened the ability to see Card Spirits during the duel with Hayato before but couldn't awaken his own Card Spirit, might be able to awaken their Card Spirits if he dueled Rex, who also had the ability to see Spirits but whose Spirit was dormant.
With only one monster set during the battle phase, Joey Wheeler looked at Rex's empty Field and laughed proudly, "Heh heh, although Time Magic Hammer was sent to the Graveyard, I still successfully cleared the monsters on your Field. This has already achieved my initial goal."
"Activate Set Card, Red-Eyes Spirit! Special Summon one Red-Eyes monster from my Graveyard!"
"Come forth, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
Watching the Set Card Joey Wheeler had hidden in his Spell/Trap Zone for so long flip open, and the pitch-black dragon flying up from Joey Wheeler's Graveyard, Rex smiled bitterly and helplessly, "I completely fell for it. Is this your offensive strategy?"
"You actually hid your strength instead of showing your full strength from the start like at that time. You've really grown up, Joey Wheeler."
Saying this, Rex helplessly lowered his raised Duel Disk, clearly having no resistance left.
Joey Wheeler also smiled and lowered his Duel Disk, dispersing the Red-Eyes Black Dragon he had just summoned. Although this duel was just ordinary practice and not a Dark Game, the impact simulated by KaibaCorp's virtual projection system installed on the Duel Disk wasn't something light. Joey Wheeler, who had no ill will towards Rex, naturally wouldn't insist on dealing that final blow.
Seeing that the duel had reached a victory or defeat, Yugi and the others also got out of the RV, congratulating Joey Wheeler on developing the fourth form that his Hermes' Claw could awaken, and they didn't forget to comfort the losing Rex a couple of times.
This RV was provided by Kaiba for Yugi and the others to travel from California, where San Francisco is located, to Oregon, where Industrial Illusions is located.
Although they were adjacent states, without transportation, who knew when Yugi and the others would get there. After all, America wasn't a small place like Japan where a single rain cloud could bring rain to the whole country.
Rex, however, ranted that he had just traveled from Washington to California, and now he had to go back.
The current members of Yugi's group were Yugi, Joey Wheeler, Honda, Téa, Kujaku Mai, and Rex, a total of six people. Kaiba and his Brothers Keipei didn't continue to act together this time.
Before, Kaiba went to Industrial Illusions to obtain the virtual projection system data, but he came up empty-handed due to Pegasus's death, and the Industrial Illusions building was now practically ruins, making it impossible to retrieve any data.
However, there were backups, specifically on Duel Kingdom Island, Pegasus's old base. So the Kaiba Brothers chose to split into two groups with Yugi and the others, acting separately.
Although they split up, Kaiba helped Yugi and the others with many things. Not only this RV, but he also used his identity as KaibaCorp President to make a reservation for Yugi and the others to visit Industrial Illusions. He could be said to have helped a lot, but whether they could find any useful clues at Industrial Illusions would depend on Yugi and the others themselves.
While exchanging experience/insights about the power and use of the "Legendary Dragon" with Joey Wheeler, Yugi suddenly frowned, feeling as if something had swept past the surroundings, followed immediately by an ominous premonition, as if he had been targeted by something.
Several kilometers away, in a Town, Valon and Hayato were adjusting a radar device in front of them. Looking at a red point that appeared nearby, Valon said proudly, "What do you know, I checked quite accurately. Seems like the effort just now wasn't completely wasted."
"Mm-hmm, then you'll have to work hard," Hayato said with a smile beside him. "Secretly attaching a signal emitter to Kujaku Mai's Duel Disk during the duel with her last time... I really didn't expect you, Valon, a guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, to come up with such a perverted stalker-like trick."
"Cough, cough, don't talk nonsense. I just wanted to track the movements of the Nameless Pharaoh and Katsuya Jounouchi's group with this. It has nothing to do with Mai. Yes, that's how it is." Valon argued, but his credibility didn't seem high at all.
Seeing Hayato's awkward expression, Valon stiffly transferred the topic. "In short, since Dartz assigned me to handle Joey Wheeler, when they arrive, I'll trouble you to contain the Nameless Pharaoh. As for Mai, I'll find a way to prevent her from affecting the plan."
"I don't mind. Anyway, I'm just having fun acting with you. But calling it 'the plan', 'the plan', it feels too unimpressive." Glancing at the Desert Town outside the window, Hayato said with a smile, "I think we should call it 'The Reaper of Conflict Town'."
"Conflict Town? Does it have any special meaning?"
"Hmm~ No, I just wanted to call it that."
Between their few sentences, this Town located on an Interstate Highway in the Desert of America, secretly controlled by Doma, was unaccountably given a new name.
First update of the month, today is Children's Day.
If anyone pretends to be a child, they will be refined.
(End of Chapter)