Yugioh [421-430] (Patreon)

Chapter 421: Like a Legend Reborn

"Shining New Star!"

With Kaiba's shout, the Dragon of Light blazed like the sun, its radiance sweeping across Kira's field, wiping it clean.

Even the invincible Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman was powerless—he was unbeatable against Dragons, but only Dragons.

But the opponent's Dragon had donned a Divine-Beast's skin. With that, he was rendered powerless, vanishing in the white light.

Watching the mighty swordsman leave the field, Jaden murmured, "Even such a powerful Swordmaster is..."

"Of course," Mokuba said, rubbing his nose with pride. "Because that's my brother... the legendary Seto Kaiba."

Yeah, there's nothing to worry about.

His brother's dueling... is the strongest.

"Even Dragon Destroyer Swordsman can't do it... Kaiba really is incredible," Kira admitted.

"In just half a year, you've grown this much," Kaiba said calmly. "Fujiki Kira, even I have to admit, you've exceeded my expectations."

He paused, then smiled slightly.

"Maybe you're the duelist I've been waiting for... Hmph, but not today. Not just yet."

Yes, he'd waited long enough.

This time, as he returned to the top, the Duel King's throne would be his, no matter who stood in his way.

"Although all my cards were destroyed by Shining Dragon, my Battle Phase isn't over yet," Kira said calmly.

Kaiba frowned.

"Oh? But you don't have a single card left on the field," he said. "No monsters to attack with. In this situation, you're saying your attack isn't over?"

"That's right."

"Heh, interesting." Kaiba chuckled. "Let's see it then. In this situation, how do you plan to counterattack?"

"As you wish."

A transparent apparition appeared behind Kira.

Makyura the Destructor!

"That guy..." Kaiba instantly realized.

"That's right. When I Fusion Summoned earlier, I sent not just two Fusion materials, but three more cards to the graveyard. One of them was 'Makyura the Destructor'," Kira explained.

"When Makyura the Destructor is sent to the graveyard this turn, I can activate Trap Cards from my hand this turn. First up..."

Kira waved his hand, and a Trap Card materialized in front of him.

"Trap Card—'High Speed Aria'! Discard a Spell from my hand, and this Trap can activate as that Spell's effect! As a cost, I can't activate any Spell Cards next turn!" (Anime card)

Kira sent a card from hand to the graveyard.

"I discard the Spell Card 'Super Soldier Synthesis' from my hand and gain its effect!" Kira declared. "I tribute the Level 4 LIGHT 'Beginning Knight' from my hand and the Level 4 DARK 'Evening Twilight Knight' from my deck as Ritual materials!

I Ritual Summon 'Black Luster Soldier' from my graveyard!"

"Here he comes—the strongest form of Black Luster Soldier," Kaiba remarked.

Super Soldier Synthesis lets you Ritual Summon Black Luster Soldier from hand or grave, using a LIGHT and DARK Level 4 from hand/deck if the total is 8.

"One soul guides the light, one soul guides the darkness. The gate of chaos opens—"

The two knights became beams of light and darkness, spiraling to the ground. The vortex of chaos soared, then was cleaved open by blades of light and dark.

Black Luster Soldier descends!

[Black Luster Soldier, ATK 3000]

Zane: "To summon a legendary warrior at such a moment..."

"So strong, so strong, Kira!" Jaden exclaimed.

Although still in the Battle Phase and Black Luster Soldier can't use its banishing effect, it still has its double-attack effect.

Kaiba has only Dragon Spirit of White left, now in Defense due to Buster Blader's effect. Black Luster Soldier's first attack will destroy it, triggering its second attack for a direct shot—ending the duel.

"No way..."

Zane muttered, unconsciously glancing at Kira.

Could this guy actually defeat the legendary Seto Kaiba...?

"Black Luster Soldier's first attack—on 'Dragon Spirit of White'!" Kira declared.

Black Luster Soldier soared, spinning through the air, unleashing a storm of sword strikes!

Kaiba gazed up at the endless blades, momentarily lost in thought.

Black Luster Soldier.

What a nostalgic monster.

In fact, this duel had been full of such moments. The Buster Blader just now, the Electromagnetic Turtle, and of course his lifelong nemesis, Kuriboh, and so on...

Now, under Black Luster Soldier's sword, he seemed to see a faint glow from the pendant on Kira's chest.

For a moment, he couldn't tell if he was facing Kira or his old rival.

Despite all his progress, his upgraded Blue-Eyes—even the mighty Shining Dragon—could he still not win against that guy...?

"Brother!" Mokuba called out worriedly.

Kaiba: "..."

No.

Even if that guy stood before him, he'd never lose again.

He'd already resolved that long ago.

Next time, they'd meet as Duel King...

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell 'Dark Spell Regeneration!'" Kaiba shouted.

(Anime-only card, later made into a Trap and limited to use with the Winged Dragon of Ra, but in the anime, it's generic.)

"Dark Spell Regeneration can only be activated when your opponent declares an attack," Kaiba stated. "It lets you gain the effect of a Spell Card in your opponent's graveyard!" (Anime effect)

Kira frowned. "A Spell Card in my graveyard..."

Instantly, all the Spells in Kira's graveyard appeared as projections, floating in the air.

"Looks like your 'Fusion Birth' sent some good stuff to the graveyard. Let me borrow one.

I'll use this card from your graveyard—

—Spell Card 'Monster Reborn'! I revive any monster in either graveyard to my field!"

Kira frowned.

As expected of Kaiba—even at the very end he could pull out a trick like this.

And if it's Kaiba, the monster he's determined to revive is obviously...

"Return once more—Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon!!!"

Chapter 422: MVP of the Duel

Endless radiance—a shining white dragon, like a blue-white sun rising to the sky. The sacred dragon's body appeared again in that light!

[Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon, ATK 3000 → ATK 4800]

"Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon is back!" Mokuba cheered.

"Another comeback...!" Jaden was stunned.

Kira had summoned Black Luster Soldier, thinking a double attack would seal the win. But at the last moment, Kaiba had another ace, reviving his invincible Shining Dragon.

Shining Dragon ignores all effects. Black Luster Soldier can't overpower it, and banishing doesn't work. Next turn, Kaiba can counterattack for a comeback.

Kaiba turns the tables.

And now Kira has lost his trump card, Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman, against Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon.

With things like this, what hope is left...?

"In that case, battle rewinds, attack canceled. I won't attack," Kira said. "End of Battle Phase."

With that, they entered Main Phase 2, and Kira officially gave up on attacking this turn.

Zane breathed a sigh of relief.

Looks like even Kira was powerless at this point.

"...I activate the Spell Card 'Pot of Avarice'," Kira declared.

"I shuffle five monsters from my graveyard back into my deck, then draw two cards."

Five monster cards were displayed, then shuffled back into the deck.

"Of course, 'Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman' is a Fusion Monster, so it goes back to the Extra Deck, not the main deck."

"Oh?" Kaiba smirked. "Recovered your Buster Blader, huh?"

Everyone fell silent.

It was true. To defeat Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon, only the dragon-slaying expert could do it.

Such a god-tier dragon—ordinary monsters stood no chance.

Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman was his only shot.

"But even so, it's just back in the deck," Zane frowned. "Relying on just one draw to get it back out..."

He didn't finish, but everyone felt the same.

At this point, Kira's chances were slim.

No one would blame him, though. Even losing here, he'd already amazed everyone. To duel Seto Kaiba to this point, he was no longer just the king of Duel Academy—he was now one of the world's top duelists.

But even so, to rely on just one draw...

"He can do it," Jaden suddenly said.

Zane looked at him in surprise.

"I believe in Kira," Jaden smiled. "Because Kira is unbelievably strong."

Kira didn't draw right away, but locked eyes with Kaiba.

"So it all comes down to the draw... Kaiba, you really are something," Kira shrugged. "Honestly, I rarely find myself in this position."

"Hmph."

Kaiba feigned indifference, but couldn't hide the upward curve of his lips.

He'd heard plenty of compliments before, but praise from a worthy rival—especially one who could push him this far—was different. Even Kaiba appreciated it.

Not that he'd ever admit it.

"If you think this will make me go easy, you're dreaming," Kaiba said. "In a duel, you always give your all, until only one stands."

"Of course. But one way or another, this is probably my last draw."

Kira closed his eyes.

"Getting to this point was beyond my calculations and plans. Win or lose, it'll be decided by this draw alone."

Kaiba raised an eyebrow. "Are you afraid to see the answer?"

"No."

Kira smiled, reopening his eyes.

There wasn't a hint of doubt in them—the look of someone boldly facing the future.

Kaiba thought, even if he himself were one step away from victory, he probably couldn't be so calm.

"Trust your deck, put your soul into every draw," Kira said softly.

The golden pendant on his chest gleamed.

"Don't overthink it. Just feel it. Just hope..."

Forge the future with a draw, create miracles.

That's the way of a duelist.

"I accept Pot of Avarice' effect—draw!!!"

Kira drew two cards.

At that moment, even the air along his arm's path seemed to sizzle, and his whole being seemed to shimmer with heat, as if reality itself was distorting.

Kaiba's pupils contracted.

The power of the spirits.

But this strange sensation... could it be...?

Kira raised the drawn card.

At the end of this fierce battle, for his final draw, fate responded.

"I tribute Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon and Dragon Spirit of White, and with my soul—my ace—special summon to Kaiba's field!

Awaken from the molten abyss, power of destruction and rebirth—

—Lava Golem!!!"

Molten lava surged like a volcanic eruption, its searing heat incinerating all; not even the gods, not even Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon, could resist.

The sunlight instantly dimmed, as if the stars themselves were devoured. A burning fist slammed onto Kaiba's field, and a towering figure slowly rose from the flames.

[Lava Golem, ATK 3000]

Kaiba: "..."

Of course... that thing.

Zane opened his mouth, as if he had a thousand words stuck in his throat.

Right.

There's more than one way to take down Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon.

That was Kira's real ace.

Only now did everyone realize it.

Although Pot of Avarice shuffled back both Buster Bladers, it was just a feint. Among those five cards was his true ace—Lava Golem.

But even so...

To shuffle five cards, then draw two, and hit Lava Golem—the only chance to win, on the very last draw...

Zane couldn't help but look at Jaden.

This seemed more like Jaden's kind of miracle draw than Kira's.

Yet Jaden stood with hands on his hips, grinning. "Told you, Kira's strength is beyond imagination."

Zane: "..."

A Jaden-style godly topdeck, but the card is something so... sinister...

Both luck and darkness in one!

"And not just that," Jaden added. "Lava Golem inflicts 1000 damage to its controller during their Standby Phase."

[Kaiba, LP 1000]

Not a point more or less: exactly 1000.

And by the way, the 3000 Kaiba lost earlier was also from a Lava Golem punch.

If there were an MVP for this duel, Lava Golem would be it—100% of the team's output, the real star of the match.

"But it's not over yet," Zane said. "Lava Golem's effect activates in the Standby Phase, so Kaiba still gets to draw a card before that."

It's a slim chance, but if it's Seto Kaiba, maybe...

"This turn isn't over, so Makyura the Destructor's effect is still in play," Kira said. "I can still activate Trap Cards from my hand.

So I activate this—"

Kira swept his hand.

"Trap Card—'Time Seal'! Skip your opponent's next Draw Phase!"

Everyone: "..."

Kaiba: "..."

Of course, as someone who'd thoroughly studied his old rival's deck—including countless AI copies—Kaiba instantly recognized the card.

Another one of Yugi's damn cards.

"So, Kaiba's Draw Phase is skipped—he can't draw, and immediately proceeds to the Standby Phase," Kira declared. "And in the Standby Phase, Lava Golem deals 1000 damage to its controller."

Kaiba looked at Kira again, still seeing the glow of the pendant, as if seeing an old friend.

But as the searing heat of Lava Golem washed over him, he snapped back to reality.

Looking again, there was no old friend—only his opponent.

The duelist who had finally handed him a long-overdue defeat: Fujiki Kira.

And nothing more.

[Kaiba, LP 1000 → LP 0]

PS: Damn, no defeat for character development? xD

Poor Kaiba got cooked literally by Lava Golem.

Chapter 423: Pick a Card

Scorching lava fell, marking the duel's end. The onlookers outside the arena watched the scene, their expressions mixed—some strange, some with mouths agape. The entire place was eerily silent, with nothing to say.

A duel like this, representing the clash of the world's top duelists, could truly be called a battle for the summit.

Who could have expected it to end this way?

Lava Golem.

And when the duel ended, before Kira packed away his duel disk and the holograms faded, that burning iron brute actually glanced back at Kaiba, as if a little embarrassed.

Its expression seemed to say: Sorry I ate your dragon, but dueling isn't about personal grudges.

Then the Lava Golem disappeared.

Kaiba let out a long, heavy breath.

He'd guarded against the Dragon Capture Jar, the Light-Imprisoning Mirror, and even the endless trap holes his opponent set.

He'd even played around the "Dragons Must Die" anti-dragon Buster Blader.

He'd countered everything, should have been fully prepared.

And yet—Lava Golem.

Of course, he remembered that card. He'd been there the first time Marik played Lava Golem in the Battle City tournament.

That time, Marik passed Lava Golem to Joey, leading to classic scenes like "Joey's Death" and "Joey on Fire." 

Everyone present had been shocked such a hellish monster existed.

Compared to back then, Kira's Lava Golem had improved. Originally, Marik's Golem dealt 700 damage during the controller's Standby Phase, but ten years on, the card had been updated to deal 1000—matching the real-world version.

Of course, most people wouldn't care about a mere 300-point difference.

But Kaiba, having faced it, knew it wasn't just the card's development.

Kira's ability to wield Lava Golem now surpassed even Marik, the deck's founder.

Alister, who'd also suffered from Kira's Lava Golem barrage, would surely agree. Compared to him, Marik seemed like a downright sunshiney guy—no sarcasm intended.

"Ahem—the winner: Fujiki Kira!"

It was the veteran judge, Roland, who first broke the silence and announced the result.

If it had been any other KaibaCorp judge, seeing their president lose, they'd probably have checked Kaiba's expression before declaring. But Roland, long used to Kaiba's ways, knew that process didn't matter—only win or lose.

Losing is losing. Kaiba would never go for any "special KaibaCorp rules mean this duel doesn't count" nonsense.

"Big Brother!"

Mokuba jumped onto the stage.

Kaiba gestured to him, signaling it was fine.

He then walked straight toward Kira.

"Just half a year... Honestly, when I invited you to participate six months ago, I never expected you'd reach this level so quickly."

"Just luck," Kira replied with a nod.

It was true. During the duel, he'd felt stronger than ever—perhaps thanks to the Sealing Device.

Though the artifact hadn't shown any obvious effects, he could feel it strengthening his aura, or at least helping him resist Kaiba's overwhelming presence.

No wonder the dark duelists risked everything for artifacts or cards infused with power—just possessing such things, even without using them, could give a huge boost.

Of course, it's all rather mysterious. Maybe it depends on the item's attributes and how it's used.

Take the Sealing Device—Kira had had it for a while, and fought many life-or-death duels, but hadn't seen any clear effects until this duel.

Maybe it was because his opponent was Kaiba, Atem's three-thousand-year rival. Or maybe because this duel would determine who would face the final boss—the Arbiter. After all, the artifact was made for that purpose.

"You've proven yourself as a duelist. Congratulations."

Kaiba spoke calmly.

"According to Battle City rules, you may take any card from me."

"Thank you, President Kaiba," Kira said. "But I only participated because of your invitation, and over these months, you, Mokuba, and KaibaCorp have helped me a lot.

So let's skip the card selection. I've already chosen plenty from your collection."

He meant it. If anything, he'd taken more than one rare card—he'd regularly carted away boxes from Kaiba's warehouse, to the point even he didn't know how many benefits he'd received.

So, consider the rare card for this duel as already repaid in advance.

But Kaiba snorted heavily.

"A win is a win. Don't get wishy-washy. Pick a card—even if you choose Blue-Eyes White Dragon, I won't flinch."

Kira felt Kaiba's generosity. Kaiba always meant what he said—if Kira refused or picked a worthless card, he'd probably offend him instead.

But still...

 Kira was at a loss.

Come on, I don't even have a Blue-Eyes. What use is your Blue-Eyes White Dragon to me?

 As a mascot?

Same with the rest of the Blue-Eyes support. The whole system revolves around Blue-Eyes White Dragon—no matter how rare or powerful the support cards, without the Blue-Eyes, they're just mascots.

As Kira pondered, he suddenly thought of something.

"Oh, President Kaiba, just a quick question."

He considered a moment, then asked,

"I heard the world's 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' originally had four copies. Is it true you keep the fourth one?"

Kaiba raised an eyebrow.

Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled.

"Oh? Interested in the power of Blue-Eyes?"

"Just asking," Kira shrugged. "I only heard the rumor. If not—"

"Hmph, even if it's not true, what's the harm in giving you a Blue-Eyes? Do you think I, Seto Kaiba, look like a sore loser?"

Kira said nothing.

No, he didn't doubt Kaiba's pride. He knew if Kaiba only had three Blue-Eyes and Kira asked for one, Kaiba would still probably hand it over.

But then he'd never hear the end of it—Kaiba wouldn't rest until he won it back.

But if the rumored fourth Blue-Eyes really existed...

"Indeed," Kaiba admitted. "That card does exist."

Chapter 424: Friends

Veteran Yu-Gi-Oh! fans know: in this world, there were originally four Blue-Eyes White Dragons.

Each card was in a different owner's hands. One was with Grandpa Mutou. But Kaiba, introduced as a villain, used various means to gather all four, then tore up Grandpa's card right in front of him.

Yet, despite that, the Blue-Eyes still followed him loyally, no complaints. It may have been Kaiba's darkest act, though he'd never admit it.

When the character was first created, Takahashi-sensei just wanted a pure villain; he hadn't planned for further development, or for Yu-Gi-Oh! to become a card game anime.

Afterward, the fourth Blue-Eyes was never mentioned again. But after Kaiba's mind break and subsequent redemption, rumors said he'd recovered the fourth card.

Tearing up Blue-Eyes was probably one of Kaiba's few regrets, even if he'd never show it. Over the years, he'd used advanced technology to try to restore the card.

Rumor had it he'd succeeded. But as everyone knows, you can only have three copies of any card in a deck, so even with the fourth, he couldn't use it. So the legendary fourth Blue-Eyes was just kept as a mascot at KaibaCorp HQ.

But rumor is rumor—this was the first time Kaiba admitted it in person.

"So, Blue-Eyes White Dragon is your choice?"

Kaiba's face was unreadable.

"Very well. You'll receive the card when you return."

Kaiba was a man of his word—if he said it, it would happen; Kira had no doubt.

"Thank you, President."

In truth, there were probably only four Blue-Eyes in this world, but that might only be true for this dimension. In the GX anime, Kaibaman spirit also had a Blue-Eyes deck, with three Blue-Eyes, suggesting the spirit world had more.

Some say Kaibaman was Kaiba himself in disguise, showing up just to inspire Jaden, but it's hard to say—there's little evidence in the anime.

"Don't thank me yet—you've got a bigger problem to deal with," Kaiba said coolly.

Kira understood, following his gaze.

He met the eyes of the Arbiter, across the field.

The Arbiter stood with arms crossed, still wearing that polite smile, looking for all the world like a scholar—nothing like the terrifying evil god he was rumored to be.

"Fujiki Kira."

He stood up, apparently speaking to Kira.

But Kira quickly realized it wasn't traditional speech—they were too far apart. The voice sounded directly in his ear—or perhaps, his mind.

"Perhaps you'll be even more interesting than I expected. Will you be a better sacrifice than Seto Kaiba, I wonder..."

He licked his lips, grinning strangely at Kira, then left the arena.

The finals were about to begin. After all the fighting on Duelist Kingdom, only two remained, so there was no need to draw lots for order.

In one hour, on this isolated island, a new King of Games would be crowned.

And perhaps the fate of the world would be decided.

…

Elsewhere.

A dark aura hovered in midair, and in the darkness, a blurry image appeared, like a hologram.

In the projection, scenes from the Duelist Island appeared. Kira and Kaiba's duel had just ended, and the finalists were decided.

A man in white stood before the image, hands behind his back, frowning slightly.

"Fujiki Kira... He even beat Seto Kaiba," he muttered hoarsely. "This guy..."

He narrowed his eyes, staring at Kira, but the more he looked, the more inscrutable Kira seemed.

Just then, the door behind him opened. Someone stood at the entrance.

"Principal MacKenzie, should I go assist Reggie? Or..."

"No need."

The man addressed as Principal MacKenzie waved his hand.

Yes—he was the American Duel Academy professor, MacKenzie—or rather, the body's current occupant.

Now, the body belonged to Tragodia, the ancient Egyptian royal family's nemesis, a spirit that had haunted the world for three thousand years.

"But the world champion, Koyo Hibiki..."

The person hesitated.

"He's an important sample, right? Just letting him be taken—"

"It doesn't matter."

Principal MacKenzie—Tragodia—waved dismissively, then looked back at the projection with a cold smile.

To be precise, he was staring at Kira.

"This could get interesting. Let's wait and see."

"Yes, Principal."

The person withdrew.

The room fell into darkness again.

Tragodia sneered.

Fujiki Kira, with multiple spirits and even a faint trace of the Pharaoh's aura—though the connection between Tragodia and the Millennium Items ran deep, so even a faint trace could be sensed.

This boy, up against Orichalcos...

He decided it was worth watching.

Once the two revealed their true colors, he'd make his move.

Amused by his own cunning, Tragodia let out a sinister laugh.

…

"You actually made it to the finals! Amazing…!"

Jaden looked at Kira with admiration.

After so many duels today, both were hungry, so they headed to the buffet to recharge.

"Just lucky," Kira said, as usual.

"But be careful in the finals. That Arbiter guy—how to put it—he's really strong. And he feels... different."

"Kuri!" 

Winged Kuriboh appeared.

Kira couldn't understand. "What did it say?"

"It said it senses it too—Arbiter hasn't even used his full strength yet," Jaden explained.

"I see." Kira nodded.

No surprise there.

At the same time, next to him, the spirit of Lava Golem manifested, newly awakened after the intense battle.

Kira had suspected Lava Golem had a spirit before, and seen signs in past duels, but today's fierce fight seemed to have fully awakened it.

"Roar~" said Lava Golem.

"What did it say?" This time Jaden couldn't understand.

"It said it doesn't matter—he'll act," Kira translated.

"Oh, good." Jaden nodded, reassured.

But wait—Kira couldn't understand Kuriboh, but could understand Lava Golem?

Ehhh...

Jaden set the thought aside. "But seriously, that guy's really strong—even you can't afford to be careless."

"I know," Kira nodded.

"Oh, right—since that's the case..."

Jaden suddenly stood up, rummaged through his card box, and pulled out a card.

"Here—use this in the finals," he said, handing it to Kira. "Consider it from both me and Mr. Koyo."

Kira blinked. Instinctively, he thought, "What is this? What if it bricks my hand?"

Not that he blamed Jaden—after all, nine out of ten of Jaden's cards were... questionable.

But he took a look, and was surprised. "This card..."

"You can use it, right?" Jaden smiled.

Indeed.

Kira thought a moment, then accepted without fuss. "Alright, then I'll borrow your and Mr. Koyo's power. Thanks, Jaden."

"Haha, what are friends for?"

They fist-bumped.

"Friends should help each other."

Chapter 425: Final Battle

"The final battle!"

Judge Roland stood at the center of the field. Kira and the Arbiter faced off, both expressionless.

Everyone else stood at the sides, watching with worry or anticipation.

"Kira..." Mokuba muttered. "Will he be okay?"

He'd hoped his brother would win the last match, but Kira was also a good friend. They all knew how terrifying the Arbiter was—not someone a normal person could defeat.

He knew Kira was extraordinary, but still worried.

"He'll be fine."

"Huh?"

Mokuba turned in surprise, only to see Kaiba standing behind him, arms crossed, calm as ever—his eyes even more confident than Kira himself.

"Big Brother?" Mokuba couldn't help but ask.

"That guy will find a way."

Kaiba narrowed his eyes, staring at Kira, with an unspoken thought.

—If he dares lose to someone else right after beating me, I'll never forgive him.

Meanwhile, Midori had left Koyo's hospital room to watch the finals. She didn't know the Arbiter's exact origins, but knew he was no good and a threat to the world.

She desperately hoped Kira would win.

"Fujiki Kira, I've learned about you," the Arbiter said, eyes narrowing. "Fascinating."

"Oh?" Kira replied, interested. "Care to elaborate?"

The Arbiter was surprised by his composure, but continued with a chuckle. "A boy with no talent, who risked everything to walk the path of a champion—now at this level."

He clicked his tongue.

"Truly an inspiring duelist's journey."

Kira: "?"

What is this guy talking about?

Before he could ask, Roland swung his arm down, shouting, "Finals begin!"

Then he leapt off the field.

The Arbiter said no more, activating his duel disk. Kira, though confused, did the same.

"Duel!" x2

[Arbiter, LP 4000]

[Kira, LP 4000]

"I'll go first. Draw!"

Kira took the initiative—nothing to be polite about against this cheat of an opponent. He drew his card.

"I activate the Spell Card 'Take Over Five.'"

Kira played Jaden's anime-only card right away.

"Send the top five cards of my deck to the graveyard."

Five cards were drawn and slid into the graveyard slot, with mechanical clicks. Kira checked what resources he'd just sent.

"I summon 'Ojama Yellow' in defense position."

[Ojama Yellow, DEF 1000]

"Set two cards face-down. Turn end."

"The first turn—building graveyard resources and a defensive field."

The Arbiter spoke calmly, but his eyes glimmered oddly.

"A textbook first turn. Very much your style—or should I say, the current Fujiki Kira. But have your duels always been like this?"

Kira didn't understand, but ignored him for now.

"Silent, are we? Interesting," the Arbiter said, half his face in shadow. "We're all fighting with our secrets—not wanting to talk is understandable."

Kira frowned.

The Arbiter didn't elaborate. "My turn. Draw."

He paused. A slot on his duel disk popped out, and the card he drew didn't even go to his hand—it was slammed straight onto the field.

"Since this is the final battle, let's get right to it—Field Spell: 'Seal of Orichalcos'!"

The card was absorbed into the disk; electricity surged, spreading across the arena. Green light burst out, forming a hexagram, engulfing the field in a glowing barrier.

Everyone present was familiar with this dangerous seal. This time, it shone even brighter, more ominous. Lightning roared around the barrier, thunder crackled through the air.

"Big Brother, it's that seal again!" Mokuba cried. "Whoever loses this duel will—"

"Yeah, it's expected," Kaiba replied calmly.

He shot a look at Kira—like a knife.

But you'll win in the end, right, Fujiki Kira?

 "With this, only one person will leave this barrier when the duel ends."

The Arbiter drew another card.

"I activate 'Pot of Greed'—draw two cards."

He calmly drew two, then immediately played another.

"'Graceful Charity'—draw three, then discard two."

He looked at Kira.

"Honestly, it's a shame. We don't have to fight like this. Watching you these past days, I see we have a lot in common."

"Oh?" Kira raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

He was curious what he could possibly have in common with this cheating snake.

"We're both skilled at piloting different decks, never revealing our trump cards easily, always confident."

The Arbiter studied him as he spoke.

"And... we both hide our true depths."

Kira said nothing.

The Arbiter didn't mind his silence. He smiled and continued.

"But I can see you're different. For this duel, I'll use my trump card.

 I summon 'Gorlag' from my hand!" (Anime-original card)

Flames swirled on his field, forming a massive, fiery beast with blazing eyes. In its hand was a sword of fire, its blade flowing with living flame, and a crown of eternal fire atop its head.

[Gorlag, ATK 1000]

"Gorlag's effect: It gains 500 ATK for each FIRE monster on the field. It's a FIRE monster, so +500. And with Seal of Orichalcos, another +500."

[Gorlag, ATK 2000]

"Big Brother, that's Alister's—" Mokuba blurted.

Kaiba said nothing, but nodded.

Most people had never seen this strange monster—it was another card not available outside, created by Doma, and used by Alister when he first dueled Kaiba.

"Confused?" the Arbiter chuckled. "Don't worry—you'll soon understand its power."

He waved a hand.

"Battle! Gorlag, attack 'Ojama Yellow'!"

Chapter 426: Secret?

Gorlag swung his blazing sword at lightning speed. The audience saw only a flash of fire as it pierced the arena, burning away Ojama Yellow on Kira's field until nothing remained.

[Ojama Yellow, DEF 1000]

The Arbiter continued, "Gorlag's effect activates.

 After destroying a monster in battle and sending it to the graveyard, Gorlag can special summon that destroyed monster to your own field in attack position at the end of the turn.

 The summoned monster's effects are negated, but its attribute becomes FIRE."

"A battle-stealing effect!" Jaden couldn't help but exclaim.

"And since its ATK increases with the number of FIRE monsters, that's terrifying," Midori said gravely. "What a fearsome monster."

Gorlag's flames shot from its sword, piercing the ground and binding the now-defeated Ojama Yellow in the underworld.

"Activate set card," Kira declared. "Trap Card: 'Ojamarble!' When a face-up 'Ojama' monster you control is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, shuffle it back into the deck, draw two cards, then discard one." (Anime card)

The defeated Ojama monster vanished from the graveyard, Kira shuffled it back into his deck, and drew two cards, discarding one.

With its target gone, Ojama Yellow faded into light, and Gorlag's flames grasped at nothing, returning fruitlessly.

"Ojama," the Arbiter frowned.

 To use such a weak monster in the finals, against himself? 

Unthinkable.

Even the Arbiter, who had switched strategies against different finalists, had brought his main deck for the finals out of caution.

 Was Kira looking down on him by using fodder monster?

Of course not. Facing a boss of this level, Kira wouldn't be so reckless.

 But he knew the Arbiter excelled in multiple tactics and was adept at countering opponents' decks. Using unpredictable strategies here would give Kira the element of surprise and avoid being countered.

After the last duel, Kira felt his fate energy was at an all-time high—more in tune with his deck than ever before. In this state, he could handle even mismatched systems with ease.

Spectators, including the Arbiter, likely expected a clash of titans in the finals, a battle for the world's fate. But none could guess what awaited the Arbiter.

The Arbiter: "Set one card. End turn."

"My turn, draw," Kira said. "At the start of my turn, the card I discarded with 'Ojamarble' was 'Treeborn Frog.'

 Treeborn Frog's effect: if it's in the graveyard and I control no spells or traps, it can special summon itself during my standby phase."

He raised his duel disk, and a beam of light brought Treeborn Frog onto the field.

[Treeborn Frog, DEF 100]

"Also during the standby phase, 'Take Over Five' in my graveyard activates: banish it and one copy from the deck, then draw a card."

Kira drew, then immediately played: "Spell Card 'Spider Web'—add a card sent to your opponent's graveyard last turn to your hand." (Anime card)

 White threads shot from the card, snatching a card from the Arbiter's graveyard.

"I add 'Pot of Greed' to my hand, then activate it to draw two."

The Arbiter: "Using my Pot of Greed?"

Kira drew two, then played one at once.

"Spell Card 'Smashing Ground'—destroy the opponent's monster with the highest defense."

A crack ran beneath Gorlag, causing it to fall and shatter.

"I only had Gorlag," the Arbiter nodded. "It's destroyed."

"Now, I tribute Treeborn Frog to tribute summon—

 The Nemesis of Magic—

Spell Canceller!"

Treeborn Frog vanished in a swirl of light, and a massive white machine appeared with a roar.

[Spell Canceller, ATK 1800]

"Oh! Kira's Spell Canceller!" Jaden yelled.

"As long as Spell Canceller is on the field, neither player can activate Spell Cards, and all Spell effects are negated," Kira declared.

"The Field Spell 'Seal of Orichalcos' is present," the Arbiter said coolly, "but it cannot be negated."

Kira ignored him: "Direct attack with Spell Canceller."

A blast of energy struck the Arbiter. He stood firm, calmly absorbing the blow.

[Arbiter, LP 4000 → LP 2200]

"Excellent!"

Even Zane couldn't help but cheer.

"First blood—Kira has seized the advantage."

Kira set three cards.

"Set three cards. End turn."

The Arbiter calmly brushed imaginary dust from his shoulder.

"A neat attack, and you've sealed my Spell Cards."

The Arbiter narrowed his eyes.

Spell Canceller was troublesome for him.

 With Spell Cards sealed, he couldn't activate the higher levels of the Orichalcos barrier, leaving his deck's strategy hamstrung.

Could Kira have known about his deck's features and chosen Spell Canceller as a counter?

But only Dartz had ever used Orichalcos before—only Atem and Kaiba had seen it in action.

How did this man know? Did Seto Kaiba tell him?

No, he suspected Kira might even know more than Kaiba.

The Arbiter's frown deepened, finding Kira more inscrutable and himself more cautious.

"Fujiki Kira, what secret are you hiding?"

Chapter 427: A Flaw in the Lock

"My turn, draw."

The Arbiter drew.

But before he could move, Kira snapped his fingers and flipped a set card.

"Activate Trap: 'Ojama Trio!'

 Special summon three Ojama tokens to your opponent's field!"

Yellow, green, and black tokens leapt onto the Arbiter's field, each settling in to snack, read, or nap.

"Sorry to intrude!"

"Hope you don't mind us using your yard."

"Zzz..."

The Arbiter frowned at these fodder monsters given to him.

"Next, activate another set card, Continuous Trap—"

Kira swept his hand and activated another.

"—'Spatial Collapse!'"

Jaden jumped up: "That combo!"

He remembered it well—it was the combo that brought endless trouble to the Paradox Brothers with Kira.

The Space Lock with Ojama cards!

"Spatial Collapse: As long as this card is on the field, each player can only have five cards on their field. If there are more, send cards to the graveyard until there are five.

 Once the limit is reached, neither player can play more cards."

Mokuba: "Ah, the Arbiter has..."

"Three Ojama tokens, the Seal of Orichalcos, and one set card—exactly five," Kaiba said.

"Hmph, such weird tactics."

 He couldn't help but smirk, glancing at the Arbiter.

With this, the Arbiter couldn't summon new monsters or set new spells/traps. And with Spell Canceller, Spell Cards were already unusable.

The Arbiter's expression turned odd.

"Spatial Collapse, combined with Ojama, seals my ability to play cards. That's a terrifying tactic, very much your style."

He studied Kira.

"Doma knows everything in this world. I've investigated you, Fujiki Kira.

 You used to dislike such tactics. In fact, for most of your life, you were a completely ordinary amateur duelist.

 Yet in just half a year, you rose from obscurity to the top of the dueling world.

 What an inspiring story."

Kira frowned, silent.

The Arbiter didn't mind his lack of response, only lowering his voice:

"One question. At this stage, on this stage—are you really Fujiki Kira, or someone else?"

Kira's heart skipped.

Could he have guessed Kira was a transmigrator?

 But after a moment's surprise, Kira regained his composure.

 Even if the Arbiter knew, it wouldn't affect the duel.

He just needed to focus.

"Not fazed at all... You must think, with Spatial Collapse locking me out, I'm as good as dead, right?"

He smiled mysteriously.

"Ojama Trio's tokens can't be tributed for tribute summons, so unless you can reduce their number, you can't break the lock. A fearsome tactic. But not without a flaw."

He raised his hand, a red trap card spinning out from his graveyard.

"From the graveyard: 'Breakthrough Skill.'

 During your own turn, banish this card from your graveyard to negate the effect of one of your opponent's monsters until the end of the turn!"

Mokuba was shocked: "Activating a trap from the graveyard!"

Kaiba explained, "Traps activated from the graveyard don't need to be placed on the field. He caught that loophole."

"Breakthrough Skill negates Spell Canceller's effect for this turn."

A ring of light bound the white machine; Spell Canceller's power faded.

"With spells no longer sealed, I activate—"

The Arbiter flipped his set card.

"Spell Card: 'Sky Union!'

 Tribute three Ojama tokens to special summon from the deck—

 Air Fortress Ziggurat!"

The three tokens vanished, replaced by a sky-piercing beam.

 A black steel fortress, like a floating mountain, cast a foreboding shadow. Gears, pipes, and cannon arrays bristled with destructive power.

[Air Fortress Ziggurat, ATK 2500 → 3000] (Orichalcos boost)

"Ziggurat!?" Mokuba exclaimed.

"Alister's fortress was also designed by Doma," Kaiba noted.

"Oh, right," Mokuba remembered.

 Doma's card factory really did make terrifying things.

"Ojama tokens can't be tributed for normal summons, but other forms of tributing are allowed. So I used them for Ziggurat's special summon."

The Arbiter said coldly.

"Now, my field has only two cards, so Spatial Collapse's lock is broken."

Mokuba gulped.

 "He found a way to use traps from the graveyard and a loophole to tribute the tokens for something other than a tribute summon...

 He's amazing."

He glanced nervously at Kira and his brother, but both seemed unfazed, as if expecting this counter.

"Air Fortress Ziggurat, attack Spell Canceller!"

Hundreds of cannons locked on, firing a net of death—flames, lightning, and energy waves raining down, destroying Spell Canceller instantly.

[Kira, LP 4000 → 2800]

"Battle phase over."

The Arbiter solemnly drew another card, then smiled.

"This card can only be activated while 'Seal of Orichalcos' is on the field.

 This duel will now enter a new stage."

His duel disk's field zone opened again, blue lightning crackling.

"By sending the Seal of Orichalcos to the graveyard, I activate the second barrier—

 Orichalcos Deuteros!"

Chapter 428: The Second Barrier

The second barrier, Orichalcos Deuteros, activates!

 A second green light shot into the sky, forming a rune-inscribed ring, sealing the arena even more tightly.

"The second barrier is up," Mokuba murmured, looking at Kira with deepening worry.

As it activated, the Arbiter's Orichalcos mark glowed, his power surging, the beast in his eyes growing fiercer.

"Orichalcos Deuteros counts as the Seal of Orichalcos and has all its effects," the Arbiter said.

"And it has a new ability: Once per turn, during your main phase, recover 500 LP for each monster you control.

 Right now, I have only 'Air Fortress Ziggurat,' so I recover 500."

Waves of energy flowed from the fortress into the Arbiter.

[Arbiter, LP 2200 → 2700]

"Set three cards. End turn."

He paused.

"End phase: Ziggurat's effect activates.

 At each of my end phases, I special summon a 'Robot Token' in defense position."

A small robot appeared, crouching in defense.

[Robot Token, DEF 0]

"While a Robot Token is on the field, you can only attack it."

Kira had seen this effect before against Alister's fortress, so he wasn't surprised.

"My turn, draw."

Kira drew, then flipped his set cards.

"Activate 'Good Goblin Housekeeping'—draw a number of cards equal to the number of 'Good Goblin Housekeeping' in my graveyard plus one, then return one card to the bottom of the deck.

 And a second copy as well."

Both activated.

"And now, Quick-Play Spell 'Emergency Provisions'—send spells/traps from your field to the graveyard to recover 1000 LP each.

 I send both 'Good Goblin Housekeeping' and 'Spatial Collapse'—three cards—to recover 3000 LP."

All three dissolved into golden light, surging into Kira.

[Kira, LP 2800 → 5800]

"Both 'Good Goblin Housekeeping' cards are now in the graveyard, plus the third one sent by 'Take Over Five' earlier.

 I draw four cards total, put one back.

 So, two activations—draw eight, return two."

A massive hand refill.

"End of effect, moving to standby phase.

 With no spells/traps on my field, Treeborn Frog in the graveyard can be special summoned."

A vortex opened, and Treeborn Frog hopped out again.

[Treeborn Frog, DEF 100]

"Impressive—refilling your hand and clearing your field to enable Treeborn Frog," the Arbiter noted. "Plus a huge LP boost.

 Such precise tactics—offense, defense, staying power—can the old Fujiki Kira really do this?"

Kira frowned.

"Who are you really?" the Arbiter demanded coldly.

Kira paused.

"I don't understand what you mean," he replied coolly.

"Drop the act. Let's be honest," the Arbiter said. "I've investigated you—your life was so ordinary, your dueling career unimpressive.

 Suddenly, you make miraculous progress. The ordinary may be fooled, but not me.

If you're worried about your true identity being revealed, don't be.

 With the second barrier, this conversation is blocked from others—only you and I can hear it."

He narrowed his eyes.

 "So, tell me—where are you from? A high-level spirit? A monster born from the darkness of the mind, like Tragoedia? Or a powerful soul residing in this body, like the Pharaoh?

 Or…"

He lowered his voice.

"…a god from another world, like me?"

Kira was stunned, then realized—the Arbiter thought they were the same kind of being.

In his eyes, for a loser to suddenly become a dueling god, there was only one explanation:

 A spirit or god soul taking over.

And since Kira played with such ruthless and inscrutable tactics, the Arbiter had lumped him in with the likes of Tragoedia or Zorc.

"I am who I am, believe it or not," Kira said, not caring about the misunderstanding.

"Tribute Treeborn Frog—

 Tribute Summon!

 The evil monarch from the abyss—

Caius the Shadow Monarch!"

A deafening roar, darkness engulfed everything as the giant appeared, crackling with purple-blue lightning.

[Caius the Shadow Monarch, ATK 2400]

"When Caius is summoned, banish one card from the field."

"Nice!" Mokuba exclaimed. "Ziggurat isn't affected by spells or traps, but monster effects can break through!"

Kira swept his hand.

"Caius—banish Air Fortress Ziggurat!"

Chapter 429: Ryu Senshi

Endless darkness gathered in the Shadow Monarch's hands, forming an orb like the gloom of the underworld, shooting toward the massive fortress in the sky that blocked out the sun!

"Hmph, Air Fortress Ziggurat can't be affected by spells or traps, so you're trying to break through with a monster effect now?" the Arbiter remarked. "But such a simple tactic won't work.

I activate the trap 'Spellbinding Illusion.' One monster on the field loses 500 ATK, and its effect is negated." (Manga card)

 He raised his hand toward Kira's Shadow Monarch on the field.

"I reduce 'Caius the Shadow Monarch' ATK by 500 and negate its effect."

A transparent magic circle locked around the Shadow Monarch like invisible shackles, instantly dimming the dark orb he had just fired. The Shadow Monarch grunted, the dark aura around him fading.

[Caius the Shadow Monarch, ATK 2400 → ATK 1900]

The orb of darkness vanished in midair, unable to strike the colossal fortress.

"Oh, what a pity," Mokuba lamented, "just a bit short."

"Don't rush," Kaiba replied coolly. "This is just the beginning."

Sure enough, after his first attempt failed, Kira immediately played his next card.

"Spell Card 'Metamorphosis'! I tribute a monster on the field to special summon a Fusion Monster with the same level.

I tribute the Level 6 'Caius the Shadow Monarch'!"

A green spell card appeared behind Caius, enveloping him in energy until only a vague silhouette remained. The outline rapidly transformed, growing into a warrior clad in dragon armor, wielding a blue blade, landing on Kira's field.

"Level 6, Ryu Senshi, special summon!"

[Ryu Senshi, ATK 2000]

The Arbiter stayed silent.

"Next, I banish from the graveyard the LIGHT monster 'Zaborg the Thunder Monarch' and the DARK monster 'Caius the Shadow Monarch'—the first sent this turn."

Beams of light and darkness spiraled upward, vanishing into a chaotic vortex. Power surged through the field, like a hurricane battering the transparent Orichalcos barrier.

"Oh? Here it comes," the Arbiter looked up at the vortex.

"Light and darkness, sacrificed to the field of chaos—for the legendary swordsman returns!"

Kira swung his arm.

"Worlds divide! Descend now—

—Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning!"

Chaotic light descended from the sky, his sword cleaving through the chaos. The armored warrior landed in a crouch, then stood, sword gleaming, eyes locked fiercely on the Arbiter.

[Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning, ATK 3000]

This was the reason he came to this world.

The source of evil that once sealed him away, now coveting both the world of spirits and duelists—the most terrifying Evil God of this era.

"The legendary warrior. You seem much stronger than before—looks like you found a worthy master," the Arbiter said calmly.

"Envoy of the Beginning, activate effect," Kira declared. "Once per turn, by giving up this turn's attack, I can banish one monster on the field."

"Going after the fortress again?" the Arbiter said.

"The fortress's tokens can block attacks, but monster effects bypass them," Kira replied. "Envoy, banish the fortress!

Chaos Dimension Slash!"

Sword gleamed—a dimension-shattering slash. Light and dark fused on the blade, forming a silver dragon that split the heavens!

"Then I activate my set card, trap 'Memory Loss,'" the Arbiter said. "Negate the effect of an attacking monster, and change it to defense position."

"He's got another counter!" Jaden exclaimed from the sidelines.

The Air Fortress Ziggurat was immune to spells and traps, tokens blocked attacks, and now he's ready to counter monster effects too—a wall of defense.

But Kira was prepared: "It's useless. Ryu Senshi, block it for me!"

As Memory Loss triggered, its magic hadn't yet locked onto Black Luster Soldier when Ryu Senshi leapt out. His sword flashed, slashing through the trap card, dispelling its energy vortex.

The Arbiter frowned slightly. "That monster's effect…"

"Ryu Senshi can pay 1000 Life Points to negate a trap's effect," Kira explained.

[Kira, LP 5800 → LP 4800]

"So that's why you used Metamorphosis to summon Ryu Senshi!" Mokuba cheered.

Zane also praised, "A monster that counters traps, clearing the way for Black Luster Soldier's arrival and attack."

Ryu Senshi may be obscure for modern players, but when Metamorphosis was legal, it was a top-tier—no, a staple card.

Its proper Fusion materials are 'Warrior Dai Grepher' and 'Spirit Ryu'—strictly limited. No substitutes like King of the Swamp allowed, making it hard to summon by Fusion alone, and nearly useless that way.

But its advantage: it doesn't require Fusion Summon to appear.

So, naturally, it became Metamorphosis's go-to Level 6 Fusion.

No Fusion Summon restriction, built-in trap negation, and immunity to spell cards that target it—almost certainly the top Level 6 Fusion of its era.

If it's lacking anywhere, it's only that at 2000 ATK, it can't beat Cyber Dragon.

"So, under Ryu Senshi's protection, Black Luster Soldier's effect resolves. Chaos Dimension Slash!" Kira declared.

The sword finally fell, leaving a dramatic spatial fissure. The fortress was sucked in by a powerful force, vanishing into nothing.

"Yes!" Mokuba shouted. "The fortress is gone! Go, Kira!"

The Arbiter remained calm, his expression unreadable.

Kira didn't attack, but set another card.

"I activate the spell 'Shield Crush' to destroy a defense-position monster.

This will destroy the 'Robot Token!'"

For the first time, the Arbiter's face shifted slightly.

Chapter 430: Unknown Details

Spell Card—Shield Crush, activate!

 A green beam shot from the card, piercing the Arbiter's last line of defense—the Robot Token exploded into fragments.

"Using Shield Crush on a monster with 0 DEF—yeah, I get it," Mokuba said, "Black Luster Soldier can't attack after using his effect, so clearing the token lets him deal damage later."

Is that really it?

Though the Arbiter frowned, his eyes fixed on Kira, as if to read his mind.

The Orichalcos's second barrier, Orichalcos Deuteros, hid another effect he hadn't revealed.

Compared to the first barrier, the second offered powerful counterattacks.

When the opponent declares an attack, you can tribute a monster to negate the attack and destroy the attacking monster.

This is Orichalcos Deuteros's absolute defense—as long as you have monsters, you can reflect any attack. He had a Robot Token; if Kira had attacked it, he could have used it as ammo for a counter.

Now, with an empty field, with no monsters to tribute, the absolute defense is gone.

But he still had options.

"Black Luster Soldier can't attack this turn, but Ryu Senshi can," Kira said. "Ryu Senshi, attack directly!"

The Arbiter raised his hand.

"I activate the trap, 'Widespread Ruin.'

When the opponent declares an attack, destroy the highest ATK attack position monster they control!"

Mokuba was shocked: "That would destroy Black Luster Soldier!"

Ryu Senshi attacks, but the trap targets Black Luster Soldier?

Kira remained calm. "Then Ryu Senshi's effect activates again.

Pay 1000 Life Points to negate the trap."

[Kira, LP 4800 → LP 3800]

The Arbiter frowned again, and the crowd was stunned.

This Ryu Senshi's negation isn't once per turn!?

Kira declared, "Wide Spread Ruin—effect negated!"

Ryu Senshi's blade flashed, destroying the trap card and dispersing its energy.

Now, nothing stood in the way. The warrior's sword cut through, slicing with overwhelming force.

[Arbiter, LP 2700 → LP 700]

"Tch."

Damage in the barrier is real, both physical and mental. Plus, Kira's monsters are fueled by dark power, every blow is supernatural.

But such pain means little to a serpent god. What matters is how much Kira knows about him.

He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Kira.

Kira could have just been dealing damage, but the Arbiter sensed more.

He knows about Orichalcos Deuteros's hidden effect.

That raises more questions.

If he knows that, what else does he know?

 The Arbiter felt a tinge of irritation.

He has existed for countless ages, his years forgotten. In the past, Dartz acted for him, secretly building power for ten thousand years, eventually forming the mighty Doma organization—he always had the upper hand, knowing everything about his enemies, exploiting their darkness as their weakness.

Even three thousand years ago, when the Egyptian pharaohs fought Zorc, he watched from the shadows. So when Atem searched for his past, Dartz and the serpent god already knew his true name.

They knew the pharaoh's name was his power, and a seal. In his nameless state, they faced only a weakened king—no way would they help him recover.

If the pharaoh had remembered his name and invoked the Creator God of Light, a single attack would have obliterated the serpent god.

Though Atem once wavered under Dartz's manipulations, he nearly succumbed to darkness, a testament to Dartz's skill.

But this time, for the first time, the Arbiter felt at a disadvantage—as if Kira knew all his tricks, while he understood nothing about Kira's tactics, origins, or mind.

"Good, only 700 Life Points left!" Jaden cheered. "Kira is insanely strong—just a little more to go!"

The others watched silently, holding their breath.

In just one turn, both sides exchanged attacks and counters. The Arbiter's counterattacks were fierce, but Kira calmly neutralized every move, reducing his Life Points to a sliver.

It seemed Kira was ahead, but on reflection it was risky—without Metamorphosis and Ryu Senshi, he couldn't have cleared the fortress; Black Luster Soldier would have been destroyed, and his situation would be dire next turn.

The Arbiter: "My turn, draw."

He revealed his drawn card.

"Spell Card 'Spell Books from the Pot.' Both players draw three cards." (Manga card)

 His face darkened as he drew.

"Looks like I underestimated you. But not anymore.

I'll uncover the truth hidden in your shell—your darkest secrets."

He set a card.

Then he drew another.

"Orichalcos Kyutora—by discarding a card and paying 500 Life Points, I can special summon it from my hand."

[Arbiter, LP 700 → LP 200]

He discarded a card and summoned the monster.

"Come, Kyutora!"