The Millennium Rod—one of the Millennium Items sealed by the Seth family for generations."
Just taking it out of the sealed box released a suffocating aura of darkness, enough to prove how dangerous it was.
Just like when Irena retrieved the Millennium Ring, even a brief glance made Kaima feel a vengeful wrath straight from the depths of hell.
"Father, isn't it too soon to unseal something like this?"
Kaima's instinctive reaction was resistance. Having seen what Irena went through, she couldn't see how something so cursed could improve Dueling.
"Too soon? No—the time is perfect!"
Clutching the Rod in his thick hand, Reigun stared out the window.
Directly opposite his study bedroom: Fusion Duel Academy, glowing in the night.
However, beneath the lights and prosperity, Reigun saw something else.
"This nation has been silent for too long. Under the stagnant Caesar royal family, Livorden has lost all potential to advance. Fusion Academy's decline proves it."
He was referring to their consistent bottom-rank finishes in the Tri-Academy Ranking Matches held in the Spirit Continent.
Every country knew young Duelists were the future. In these matches, which determined national potential, Livorden had always placed last.
Yet the royal family and nobility ignored it entirely.
"They call it the Three Great Nations, but Livorden's already far behind the other two. Peel back this fragile peace, and what remains is imperial ambition, ready to ignite."
Everyone understood the so-called century of peace was due to a delicate balance of power between nations.
That said, that balance was shifting. Fusion Academy's fall mirrored Livorden's.
Break that balance, and war was inevitable. And above the empires, ancient noble families like theirs had no shortage of ambition.
That's why Fusion Academy needed to prove its power—especially this year.
If they kept falling behind, the nation built on Fusion Summoning would be seen as replaceable.
"No exaggeration… this is a national crisis!"
Reigun pointed the Millennium Rod directly at Kaima.
"And you, Kaima, are the one who can change this nation's fate. You must lead the Seth family, save Livorden, and tear down the stagnant royal order!"
"Father..."
Neither Kaima nor Kevin had ever heard Reigun speak like this. No wonder he'd dismissed everyone else first.
Reigun might be arrogant and volatile, yet, as the Iron Lion of the Kingdom, he loved his country more than anyone.
Whether it meant rebellion, using forbidden Millennium powers, or sacrificing blood and bodies like the revolution that overthrew Nero three centuries ago...
"The Seth family's sealed power exists for this moment. According to ancient texts, those with a Millennium Item can even command the gods!"
"The gods!"
Kaima's eyes shifted.
She remembered the last turn in her Duel against Aisha Carlos—the moment Winged Kuriboh, empowered by Dystopia the Despondent, shattered the gap between weak and strong.
"The Carlos girl wielded a God Card—undoubtedly connected to the Millennium Puzzle. Even then, she didn't truly control its power."
After all, Dystopia wasn't officially summoned—just revealed through Berserker Crush as a 5000-ATK threat.
That wasn't true mastery.
"But you, Kaima—you're special. You can control the Rod and the Gods. Time is running out—for our family, and for Livorden. The rebirth must begin."
The allure of power, of commanding gods, of rising to the top of the nation.
Before today, the Kaima who obsessed over ultimate card power would've accepted decisively.
Although after Dueling Aisha Carlos today…
("Watch closely, Kaima Seth. Weak or strong, anyone can break the chains of fate!")
That 'weak' girl's words had shaken her more than any advice from the strong.
Kaima, who had always chased strength, had been utterly defeated by a weak monster and dirt-cheap Spell Cards.
For the first time, she hesitated: was chasing power really the right path?
"No, Father. I must refuse!"
"What?!"
Reigun's brows twitched violently.
Kaima had never disobeyed him before.
"I'll give you one more chance. Answer me, Kaima!"
"Father, I want to find the true path to strength—on my own!"
Her voice was even firmer the second time.
"You dare defy me!"
Reigun's rage finally exploded.
The Iron Lion's steel fist flew at his 'favorite son'—Only to be intercepted by the 'worthless' second son.
Kevin stepped between them, gripping Reigun's wrist in a vein-popping standoff.
"Kevin, you bastard!"
"Old man, I've had enough of you! Face it—your kids are rebelling!"
"You want a beating too?!"
"A beating? No! This family runs on power, right? Then let's settle it the old-fashioned way. Duel me, you relic! Let's see who's beating who!"
"A Duel?!"
So stunned by Kevin's Duel challenge, Reigun ignored being called an old man.
"Of course! Power decides everything in the Seth family—or are you scared?!"
Veins bulging, Reigun had never been challenged like this—let alone by the son he considered a failure.
"You've got guts, Kevin. You think I got my title 'Iron Lion' for nothing?!"
Reigun had always dominated Duels with brute force, earning that title directly from Caesar himself.
"Don't bring up your glory days, old man!"
Kevin forced his arm down, not backing down an inch.
"You're out of touch! What, afraid of being bitten by your mutt of a son?"
"If you want to die so badly, I'll grant your wish! But don't think you'll walk away unscathed. Lose, and you're out of the family—and the Academy!"
"I accept!"
Betting his family, school, and Duelist career.
Ironically, Kevin had once mocked Aisha's expulsion Duel. Now he was in one of his own.
Anyhow, this time, it was his fight.
"Kevin..."
Kaima stared blankly at the back that had protected her.
Was this really the same brother who once followed her around and constantly lost to her?
She had already sensed it—when Kevin had fought Caesar's Cyber Dragons to a draw.
Her brother had changed.
"Kevin, let me Duel him."
Her brother had chosen change. How could she hesitate?
As the eldest, this was her responsibility. She wouldn't let Kevin risk expulsion.
"I, Kaima Seth, challenge you—Reigun Seth!"
She didn't call him 'old man'—but speaking his name directly said everything.
"You're both rebelling?! Fine!"
Reigun's roar shook the villa.
"If it's rebellion you want, I'll crush you both myself! Duel me together!"
...
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