The cave was still, save for the soft drip of water echoing off the jagged walls. Atem sat cross-legged upon a smooth stone, Dark Magician keeping silent vigil behind him. Kuriboh hovered near his shoulder, small sparks of magicule dust glimmering in its fur. He had fought, trained, absorbed, and endured what felt like months in this eternal darkness. His body was sharper, his spirit heavier with power, and yet—he knew there was more.
At last, he broke the silence.
"So tell me, Oracle," Atem said, his voice steady but edged with curiosity. "How will I evolve? I've reached the limits of what I can summon for now. I feel it—like a gate before me, waiting to be opened. What must I do to take that step?"
There was a pause, a heartbeat where the only sound was his own breathing. Then the familiar, divine voice resonated within him:
<
Atem's eyes narrowed slightly. "Explain."
The Oracle's tone was patient, but heavy with ancient certainty.
<
Atem absorbed this quietly, his fingers brushing the golden edges of the Millennium Puzzle that no longer hung at his chest but existed in his spirit.
"So it is not enough to fight small beasts and add them to my deck," he murmured. "I must face stronger foes… beings that test the very limits of my spirit."
<
Atem leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose. "And when I do evolve… what happens?"
<
At the mention of Obelisk, Slifer, and Ra, Atem's chest tightened. The memories of their divine roars in his past life echoed faintly. He clenched his hand into a fist.
"So the path is clear," he said. "I must keep fighting. Keep absorbing. Keep mastering both my blade and my spirit until the walls of this cave—and of my own limits—crumble."
Kuriboh chirped proudly at his side. Dark Magician stepped forward, voice calm and loyal. "Master… if this is the road to greater summoning, then I will fight by your side until your deck reaches its full glory once again."
Atem glanced at him and gave a faint smile. "I know you will."
The Oracle added one last whisper, its tone solemn:
<
Atem lowered his gaze, but his eyes burned with steady fire. "I have lived my life on the edge of shadow and light. I will not falter now. If this is the path to unlocking the Gods once more, then I will take it. No matter the cost."
The cave was silent except for the faint hum of magic that surrounded the massive prison where Veldora, the Storm Dragon, was sealed. The dim glow from the barrier gave the cave a haunting light. Atem stood there, arms crossed, his eyes studying the great beast locked away.
In his mind, the voice of the Oracle of Eternity stirred, calm and steady.
<< Master… you wish to know who in this world wields great power. Those who may one day stand before you as rivals… or enemies. >>
Atem smirked faintly, his tone calm but sharp. "You know me well, Oracle. Tell me everything—every detail. If I'm going to live in this world, I want to know who the strongest are."
The Oracle's voice carried like a whisper echoing through eternity.
<< Then listen carefully. At the top of all existence are the True Dragons. They are unmatched, beings of legend who embody the elements themselves.
Veldora, the Storm Dragon—his power is wild, untamed. He brings destruction like raging tempests, storms that could wipe nations off the map. He is the one sealed before you now.
Velzard, the White Ice Dragon—calm, beautiful, yet merciless. Her icy dominion freezes armies where they stand, her will colder than the frozen world she commands.
Velgrynd, the Flame Dragon—swift, radiant, and fierce. Her flames burn eternally, and her wrath leaves nothing but ash. She is fire incarnate, unstoppable once her fury awakens. >>
Atem's eyes widened slightly, his breath catching as memories rushed back. "Storms… Ice… Flames…" he whispered under his breath. Then his fists clenched. "Oracle… these dragons… they remind me of Ra, Obelisk, and Slifer."
His gaze grew sharper, the weight of memory flashing in his eyes. "I stood with them once… against Kaiba. Their power shook the very heavens. And now this world has beings that feel the same…"
The Oracle's tone was calm, but firm.
<< Yes, Master. Just as the Egyptian Gods once stood beside you, these dragons stand as pillars of this world. They are legends, equal to gods. >>
Atem let out a slow breath, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "Heh… seems like this world won't disappoint me."
The Oracle's voice flowed on without pause.
<< Beyond the dragons are the Demon Lords, rulers who command fear, respect, and devastation.
Guy Crimson—the oldest and strongest among them. Calm, composed, yet terrifying when he chooses to act. His power is the embodiment of calamity itself.
Milim Nava—known as the Destroyer. Though she looks like a young girl, she is a Dragonoid with overwhelming strength. Playful, impulsive, yet her anger can level nations in moments.
Dagruel—the King of Giants. Towering and indomitable, his strength is unmatched in raw physical power. He leads with dignity, feared and respected as a true warrior.
Luminous Valentine—queen of vampires, graceful and eternal. She commands both holy radiance and eternal darkness, ruling her kind with merciless beauty.
Leon Cromwell, the Platinum Saber—sharp, brilliant, and cold. His holy flames and calculating mind make him both an emperor and an executioner.
Carrion, the Beast King—proud and ferocious, carrying the might of a lion. He values loyalty and rules with strength and courage.
Frey, the Sky Queen—once a ruler of the skies, elegant and cunning. Her wings gave her dominion over the heavens.
And Clayman—weaker than the others, but cunning and manipulative. He sought control through schemes, pulling strings from the shadows. >>
Atem tilted his head, his grin widening. "So they're not all monsters. Some are rulers, some schemers, some warriors. Each dangerous in their own way. I like that."
The Oracle's voice softened but carried a deep sense of respect as she moved on.
<< And then, Master, there are the Heroes. They stand as the light against darkness, the ones who oppose Demon Lords and even dragons.
Rudra, Emperor of the Eastern Empire—a man of charisma and strength, commanding the greatest human army. His presence alone can sway nations.
Gazel Dwargo, King of the Dwarves—a warrior-king of unmatched skill with the blade. Wise, honorable, and unyielding, he defends his people as both ruler and shield.
And Chloe Aubert… a girl bound to destiny, mysterious yet extraordinary. She sealed away Veldora, the Storm Dragon himself. With her command of time and holy energy, she holds a power that rivals legends. >>
Atem looked back, his smirk returned, sharp and confident. "Dragons as mighty as gods. Demon Lords that rule through strength, fear, and cunning. Heroes that can rise against them. This world… is filled with legends."
The Oracle's voice lingered gently, like a final warning.
<< Master, remember this—power alone will not decide your battles here. To stand among legends, your resolve, wisdom, and heart must burn brighter than theirs. >>
Atem chuckled under his breath....