Riding KaibaCorp's dimensional train, Amagi Hikaru and his friends arrived at the Critical Nexus Dimension.
The dimensional train seemed to be KaibaCorp's latest invention—a more human-friendly, safer dimensional transport device.
Unlike dimensional gates, it caused far less bodily harm. The only drawback was the longer travel time, but even ordinary people could now teleport safely.
According to the map, the Critical Nexus had 12 areas where students could disembark directly via train. The remaining regions required self-exploration, and KaibaCorp had clearly marked these unstable zones with a warning: only those confident in their abilities should enter.
Upon arrival, just as previously discussed, everyone had to split up.
After all, this tournament wasn't just a competition—it was an opportunity.
The Rhodes siblings were the first to say goodbye. Alexis was heading for the Ritual Zone, with Atticus accompanying her.
Chazz wanted to head for the Dragon Sector, and he also wanted to check out this so-called "Hundred Dragons Headquarters."
Jaden needed to find Syrus and Tyranno Hassleberry. He also wanted to explore some strange and exotic areas, making it impossible to stick with the main group.
It couldn't be helped. Time was limited. Everyone had their own objectives. Traveling together wasn't realistic.
But that was fine. During the past few days, waiting for Hikaru, they'd taken turns on watch and grown even closer.
In the end, the only ones still traveling with Hikaru—or rather, simply keeping Celina company—were Hikaru and Bastion Misawa.
"Daichi, anywhere you want to go?"
"Me? Uh... anywhere is fine, really."
Hikaru pressed his lips together slightly.
Though Bastion acted indifferent, in reality, aside from Celina, he was probably the most affected by recent events.
Previously, after watching Zane Truesdale successfully perform an Xyz Summon in their world, Bastion had a sudden epiphany and realized what tactics suited him best. He had even submitted multiple requests to KaibaCorp, hoping to go to Tsudonoya City or even the X-Dimension itself.
However, Leo Akaba's assault had been a brutal wake-up call.
Forget Tsudonoya City—X-Dimension was absolutely out of the question now.
Even though the attack had been launched by just "a small group with ulterior motives," the rift between the two dimensions was undeniable. The fact that full communication hadn't been severed was only thanks to years of prior exchange between the dimensions.
But going to the X-Dimension now? How would others perceive that?
Especially when there were still rogue Spirits and Fusion Army remnants wreaking havoc over there!
His budding drive for progress had been crushed overnight.
Though he kept smiling on the surface, deep down, something had broken.
Meanwhile—
"Celina?"
"Ah... uh... anywhere's fine..." Celina also seemed listless.
An orphan taken in by Leo Akaba, sent to the Academy's middle division, then locked in a lab to train her Dueling and Spirit power... she had always hoped to do better and earn her father's approval.
After all, he was her only family.
Though now?
Her father hadn't wanted a "good Duelist" at all. He wanted conquest!
Even with limited common sense, Celina knew: among children, the strong ones who stole from homeless kids were the worst kind.
Even with her friends staying by her side these past days, helping her smile, her heart was already in ruins.
She didn't even know why she kept going.
"Two troublesome humans," Tierra muttered nearby.
Both of them looked at her, then lowered their heads again.
Hikaru shook his head helplessly.
"Alright then, since that's the case, I'll choose our destination," Hikaru said, folding the map.
"First stop: the Forest Zone."
Neither of them objected. They followed Hikaru onto the KaibaCorp train. This time, the train was far more crowded than at the departure point.
People of all colors and ethnicities filled the train. Some didn't recognize Hikaru, but those who did began murmuring among themselves.
"Isn't that..."
"That Fusion guy..."
"Why is he here too..."
The whispers spread.
Suddenly, both previously lethargic companions perked up. One stared at Hikaru with concern, while the other rolled up her sleeves, ready to throw punches at a moment's notice.
Good thing most people didn't know she was Leo Akaba's daughter, or the gossip would have shifted immediately.
Hikaru didn't mind. He just smiled and nodded at everyone, completely unfazed.
Ironically, his calm demeanor left the onlookers somewhat uncomfortable.
Bastion was equally surprised.
Was there truly nothing that could shake Hikaru?
Not exactly... Hikaru had expected this reaction all along.
The only thing he hadn't anticipated was how soon Leo Akaba would blitz the Xyz Dimension.
Back when he first decided to join Leo Akaba's club, Hikaru knew this day would come eventually.
He had prepared himself long ago. There was no room for pain.
After disembarking, Hikaru didn't follow the marked route toward the "Forest Duelist." Instead, he led his two companions down a different path.
As they ventured deeper, both began to grow suspicious.
This wasn't the KaibaCorp-designated trail...
Just as they were thinking this, Hikaru stopped, pulled out a book, and started speaking into it.
"Ah! My Lord, I'll come pick you up immediately!"
Moments later, the sound of galloping hooves echoed.
From a distance, clouds of dust rose as a thundering cavalry charged toward them.
"W-what?!" Bastion's eyes widened.
"Whoa..."
Soon, Gaia stopped before Hikaru, dismounted, and bowed respectfully. He glanced at the two beside Hikaru and offered them a greeting as well.
Since both Bastion and Celina were in such low spirits, and with no urgency for Gym Battles, Hikaru figured a leisurely visit to the Land of Glorious Knights for some horse racing would lift their mood.
But unexpectedly, after dismounting, Gaia added:
"My Lord, you students are tournament participants, right? I have authorization to grant a recognition mark."
"?"
"The Light Monarch was originally a special Duelist, but I've taken over his role now," Gaia explained. As a Spirit, he had inherited the Light Monarch's identity as a non-Star special Duelist.
Even better.
They could unwind and not fall behind on tournament progress!
Meanwhile—
Machine Duelist Zone.
"Hmph, disappear, loser." Zane crushed a Pro Duelist's monster, pointed at his opponent, and laughed arrogantly.
After the opponent tossed over his badge, Zane didn't even look at it. He casually stomped on it and turned away without a second glance.
"Wait! You...!" The defeated Pro Duelist struggled to get up, trying to grab Zane, but couldn't stop him.
A few of the Duelist's friends tried stepping forward to challenge Zane next.
But at that moment—
"Wait!!"
A voice rang out.
A small figure leapt from the crowd. Students who recognized him scattered immediately like he was the plague.
Even those who didn't know him took one look at his uniform and instinctively gave way.
Purple uniform, long cloak, medals on his shoulders—
"A high-ranking Duelist from the Fusion Army?"
What was someone like him doing here?
The murmurs grew louder.
"Syrus?" Jaden, who had been looking for Syrus and Hassleberry, happened to see this scene.
"Zane..."
The Rhodes siblings, on their way to the Ritual Zone, had also seen the commotion and hurried off their train midway.
Syrus now stood face-to-face with Zane.
"Brother, please duel me."
"Oh? Want to challenge the Hell Kaiser?" Zane smirked. "Hmph, fine. I don't care who it is... Victory belongs to me."