"The history of games can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Egypt. Ancient games foretold the future of mankind and kings... Sounds pretty interesting," Yuto said, holding up a newspaper. Yugi added an explanation.
"Mm. They say an archaeological team discovered a Pharaoh's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Starting tomorrow, it'll be on display at Domino City Museum."
Miho pumped her little fist in excitement.
"Sounds so fun! Let's go, let's go!"
"The professor who discovered the tomb is a friend of my grandpa's. He said he'd show us the results of the excavation. We can all go together," Yugi said.
At this point, Téa joined the conversation.
"Come to think of it, Yugi, your puzzle was also discovered in Egypt, wasn't it?"
Yugi lifted the Millennium Puzzle to show them and nodded.
"Yeah. This should be called the Millennium Puzzle."
"But didn't your grandpa say that everyone who discovered the Puzzle died under mysterious circumstances?" Yuto said.
Joey flailed his arms, eyes wide.
"What?! Then isn't Yugi cursed?!"
"No, of course not..."
That said, lately, he really had been losing pieces of memory... Still, he decided to keep it to himself.
"Alright, since we've all decided to go, Yugi, you pick a time. After all, we're tagging along thanks to your grandpa," Yuto said, cutting off the drifting conversation.
"Then, Sunday at 1 PM."
…
Sunday, 1 PM.
At the Domino City Museum, Yuto's group stood with Yugi's grandpa at the entrance as a slim man in a suit approached.
"Mr. Muto, sorry! It's been so long since we've been in touch!"
"No, no, not at all. I should be thanking you for giving us a private tour." After exchanging pleasantries, Solomon Muto turned to introduce them.
"Let me introduce Professor Komori."
"Nice to meet you," Komori greeted Yuto and the others.
Then, a short, plump middle-aged man came over.
"And this is Mr. Kanekura, today's sponsor of the exhibit and the leader of the excavation."
Kanekura also welcomed them warmly.
Yuto noticed in the distance a foreigner in Egyptian garb with the Millennium Key hanging on his chest.
Dragged into trouble again? The TV Asahi version's plots are dangerous... Maybe he should get Téa out of here first...
"Mr. Muto, you said your grandson completed that Millennium Puzzle?"
Komori's words pulled Yuto back. He stopped overthinking—just take things as they came.
"Yes, that's right." Solomon Muto pointed to the Puzzle hanging from Yugi's neck.
"So that's the legendary Millennium Puzzle?" Kanekura rushed forward, examining it closely. Not satisfied, he grabbed it with both hands and lifted it.
'Hey! That cord's choking Yugi's neck! Isn't anyone going to say something?'
"Amazing. This is a genuine Egyptian relic!"
Komori chimed in.
"Mr. Kanekura is a dealer of rare art. You can absolutely trust his eye."
Yugi quickly snatched the Puzzle back. He had no intention of selling it.
"Uh, we'd really rather see the mummy," Tristan said.
Regardless, seeing it was just a student speaking, Kanekura ignored him and pressed Yugi further.
"Yugi-kun, please, let me display the Puzzle at this exhibition! Please!"
"Uh..." Yugi looked troubled.
"If you don't want to do it, then don't," Yuto said, as if signaling something to Yugi.
Yugi caught his meaning and firmed his resolve. "Sorry. I want to keep it with me."
"Ah, such a pity..." Kanekura muttered, already scheming how to get the Puzzle.
Yuto thought about warning Yugi, but then remembered the foreigner he'd seen earlier.
Kanekura probably wasn't living past today. Better not worry Yugi.
With Komori leading, they entered the museum.
"Wow, Téa, look at this necklace! The gem's bigger than an egg!"
"Miho, you're drooling..."
"Say, do all these treasures belong to the person who excavated them?" Joey asked.
Komori thought, then said, "Before 1921, yes. But now they all belong to Egypt."
Solomon Muto nodded.
"That's why in 1922, when the Stankalvi treasure was discovered, the excavators didn't see a penny."
"I thought archaeologists were just treasure hunters..." Yugi muttered.
Komori explained.
"No. There's little profit in archaeology. But when you open the door of history, you feel a joy beyond words."
"You really are noble, Komori."
"Mr. Muto flatters me."
Chatting happily, they reached the end of the jewelry exhibit.
"Hey, everyone, how about a group photo?" Miho said excitedly, her voice echoing.
She pulled a compact camera from her bag, smiling brightly.
"Sure!" Yuto answered immediately, taking Téa's hand and hurrying to one side of the jewel wall.
Blushing, Téa followed, cheeks tinged pink.
Solomon and Yugi exchanged a look and moved to the other side. Tristan and Joey joined too, lining up with relaxed smiles.
Komori stepped over to take Miho's camera so she could join as well. Miho slipped in beside Téa, striking a graceful pose with a sweet smile.
"Alright, everyone, smile! Here we go!" Komori called, pressing the shutter.
Click!
The flash captured the moment, preserving not just their smiles but their friendship and joy.
"Next up: the mummy exhibit." Komori led them into the next hall. Right at the entrance was a desiccated corpse.
"Ah!" Téa jumped. Yuto stepped forward, hugging her from behind. Soft warmth in his arms made the twice-born rookie's heart race.
Téa leaned into his chest, face flushed red.
Affection sparkled between them, pink bubbles practically floating around.
Anyhow, it didn't last. Miho squealed too—but not in fear.
"So cute! His bald head looks like a baby's!"
…Girl, your taste is ahead of its time.
By evening, their visit ended. Outside the museum, they bid farewell.
Hand in hand, Yuto and Téa headed home...
...
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