The gentle breeze of the evening drifted across the rooftop of Ryuki's apartment, rustling the leaves of the potted plants and stirring the faint scent of tea still lingering in the air. But the serenity was deceptive—within that quiet rooftop space, the storm of battle raged in the form of a cardfight. Ryuki and Kenji were locked in a fierce clash, their decks slamming against one another like titans in a thunderous duel of will and strategy.
Watching from the sidelines were Ruri and Rin, their eyes wide with fascination. This wasn't Duel Monsters. There were no spells or traps, no holograms dancing in Real Solid Vision. The battlefield existed purely in the imagination of the fighters—and for the two spectators used to the high-stakes spectacle of Duel Monsters, this was an entirely different kind of magic.
"Vanguard really doesn't use spells or traps at all" Rin said, astonished.
"Just units and their abilities," Ruri murmured, equally captivated. "Everything's about positioning, synergy... and the will to fight."
Yet despite the simplicity, the intensity was palpable. As they imagined the battlefield, both girls found themselves drawn into the narrative—the clash of mighty dragons and armored heroes, vivid in their minds. It was a different kind of duel, but no less exhilarating.
The battle had reached its climax.
Ryuki's Field:
Front Row:
Vanguard Circle: Dragonic Overlord "The Legend"
Right: Glow Heater Dragon
Left: [Open]
Back Row:
Center: Lizard Attacker, Conroe
Right: Doom Bringer High Flame
Left: [Open]
Hand: 3
Damage: 5
Kenji's Field:
Front Row:
Vanguard Circle: Super Dimensional Robo, Daiyusha
Left: Dimensional Robo, Daidragon
Right: Dimensional Robo, Daibrave
Back Row:
Center: Dimensional Robo, Goyusha
Right: Dimensional Robo, Daibrave
Left: Dimensional Robo, Daitiger
Hand: 7
Damage: 4
Ryuki calmly drew his card.
"Stand and draw."
As his units stood tall once more, Ryuki glanced across the table at Kenji. A half-smile curved his lips.
"Say, Kenji... I want to try something this turn. So... sorry in advance."
Kenji arched a brow, grinning. "What're you saying, man? If you're gonna pull something wild, then bring it on!"
Ryuki's expression sharpened. "Well, you asked for it."
He held up a card from his hand—another copy of Dragonic Overlord "The Legend"—and with deliberate movement, sent it to the Drop Zone.
"I pay the same cost as my Vanguard... and now, a Zeroth Dragon shall appear."
Immediately, a wave of tension washed over the rooftop.
Chris, sitting beside Kazumi, stiffened. "Oi, Ryuki... you're seriously doing it? Even with the Zeroth Dragon's drawbacks?"
Ryuki's voice was calm. "It's fine. After Gyze fell, those constraints were removed. Now... the power is fully ours to command."
His gaze returned to Kenji. "But even still, this power demands everything. If I don't win this turn... I lose."
The declaration sent a ripple through the group.
Rin leaned closer. "Wait... what does he mean by that?"
Ruri answered, "He's putting everything on this one attack."
Then Ryuki extended his arm.
"Devour my future and manifest yourself! Dragon Empire's Zeroth Dragon—ULTIMATE STRIDE!"
"Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma!!"
A roar of fire erupted in their minds as Ryuki slammed the card into the Vanguard Circle. In their imaginations, a flaming pillar engulfed "The Legend," and from its ashes emerged a monstrous dragon cloaked in molten scales. Drachma descended with a roar that shook the skies of the Dragon Empire.
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
Grade 4 / Triple Drive / G-Unit / Zeroth Dragon / Dragon Empire
POWER: 36000 / Critical: 1
Kenji narrowed his eyes. "Here it comes..."
"Drachma's skill activates!" Ryuki announced. "All your units are bound—including your Vanguard!"
With a burst of flame, six pillars of light shot out from Drachma's body, engulfing every unit on Kenji's field. In an instant, it was wiped clean.
"And it's not just that. All cards in your hand are bound as well... along with the top ten cards of your deck."
Chris jumped to his feet. "Wait, what?! Ten cards from his deck?! That wasn't part of Drachma's skill before!"
"No..." Kazuma murmured in disbelief. "When I fought against Drachma, it never did that..."
"Hm." Kazumi only nodded.
Ryuki's voice was low and resolute. "When I communicated with Drachma... it told me that what we knew before wasn't its full strength. This... this is its true power."
The flames around Ryuki intensified.
"Call!" he shouted.
He placed two cards onto the field.
"Blue Ray Dracokid to the back row, and Burning Horn, Evolute to the front!"
Blue Ray Dracokid
Grade 0 / Boost / Trigger Unit / Flame Dragon / Dragon Empire
POWER: 5000 / Critical: 1
Burning Horn, Evolute
Grade 2 / Intercept / Normal Unit / Flame Dragon / Dragon Empire
POWER: 9000 / Critical: 1
"Now, you draw the same number of cards you had before—seven cards—and ride one of them to your Vanguard Circle."
Kenji looked at the massive stack of bound cards, then drew seven from the remnants of his now-shrinking deck.
He sighed in relief. "I still have one... I ride—Super Dimensional Robo, Daiyusha!"
A shimmering light manifested Daiyusha once more, his blue chrome body gleaming under the weight of the situation.
Super Dimensional Robo, Daiyusha
Grade 3 / Twin Drive / Normal Unit / Battleroid / Star Gate
POWER: 11000 / Critical: 1
But Ryuki wasn't finished.
"Drachma's power still flows. For every card bound, my front row gains +1000 POWER! And if I bound more than 4 cards from your field, my rear-guards also gain +1 Critical, and Drachma gains +1 Drive!!"
He extended his hand to the imaginary sky.
"You lost 23 cards in total. So that's +23000 POWER to my entire front row!"
A tsunami of heat surged across the rooftop. The flames around Ryuki's units exploded.
Burning Horn, Evolute
POWER: 9000 → 32000 / Critical: 1 → 2
Glow Heater Dragon
POWER: 10000 → 33000 / Critical: 1 → 2
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
POWER: 36000 → 59000 / Drive: 3 → 4
Satoru leaned back, folding his arms. "I think that's game."
Aichi shook his head. "Not yet. Look at Koutei... he's not giving up. He still believes he can hold out."
Ryuki pointed. "Blue Ray Dracokid boosts! Burning Horn, Evolute attacks!"
Burning Horn, Evolute
POWER: 32000 → 37000
Evolute's jaw opened, launching a spiraling fireball directly at Daiyusha.
"Perfect Guard!" Kenji shouted. "Dimensional Robo, Daimagnel! And Daimagnel's skill—Daiyusha gains 4000 POWER for every Dimensional Robo in my soul. I have 3!"
Super Dimensional Robo, Daiyusha
POWER: 11000 → 23000
The attack crashed against Daimagnel's defense and scattered harmlessly.
"High Flame boosts—Glow Heater Dragon attacks!"
Glow Heater Dragon
POWER: 33000 → 40000
"Guard!" Kenji called, laying down three cards: one Critical Trigger and two Grade 1 units—stacking up to 20000 Shield. Enough to block.
Ryuki nodded, unfazed. "Then this is it. Drachma attacks! With Conroe's boost! And just to remind you, when Drachma attacks your Vanguard, you cannot guard using Sentinels"
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
POWER: 59000 → 64000
Ruri's breath caught. "If Ryuki-kun gets either a Critical or Stand Trigger... it's over."
Emi nodded slowly. "He's risking everything."
"No Guard," Kenji declared. His hands fell to his sides as he surrendered his fate to the drive checks.
"Check thy Quadruple Drive. First check—"
A glimmer of light. "Draw Trigger! Power to Drachma—and I draw one."
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
POWER: 64000 → 69000
"Second check..." Ryuki flipped the card—no trigger.
"Third check..."
He drew the card slowly. A golden light illuminated the edge as he revealed it.
"Critical Trigger. All effects... to Drachma."
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
POWER: 69000 → 74000 / Critical: 1 → 2
"Final Check..."
He drew the card slowly. Another golden light shined at the top edge as he showed the card.
"Critical Trigger. All effects to my Vanguard."
Zeroth Dragon of Inferno, Drachma
POWER: 74000 → 79000 / Critical: 2 → 3
Drachma let out a thunderous roar, its mouth glowing with a searing inferno. The ground beneath the imagined battlefield cracked as a massive fireball formed—then launched straight at Daiyusha.
"Damage check! First card— no trigger..."
Kenji drew the final card and stared at it for a moment before exhaling. "And second check... no trigger."
The fireball engulfed the battlefield.
Ryuki: 5 Damage
Kenji: 6 Damage
Winner: Ryuki
The rooftop fell silent. Then, slowly, applause broke out—from Ruri, from Rin, from Chris and Kazumi. Even Kenji let out a laugh, running a hand through his hair.
"That was insane, man," he said with admiration. "You really pulled it off."
Ryuki's shoulders finally relaxed. He let out a deep breath, then smiled.
"I told you... sorry in advance."
-----
The flickering images of the Vanguard battlefield faded into digital dust as the last holograms dissipated from the rooftop table. The match had concluded with a fiery crescendo, and now, the adrenaline ebbed into warm camaraderie.
Ryuki and Kenji clasped hands in a firm, genuine shake—two warriors who had crossed blades not out of hostility, but mutual respect.
"That was incredible," Kenji said with a grin.
"Same to you," Ryuki replied. "Thanks for the fight. It feels good to have a Vanguard Fight every now and then."
Suddenly, a weight collided into Ryuki's back.
"Ryuki!! That was so awesome!!" shouted Chrono Dran, who latched onto him like a playful little brother.
Ryuki nearly stumbled from the sudden glomp, laughing. "Easy, Dran, I still need my spine!"
Moments later, the rest of the Zodiac Time Beasts swarmed the rooftop, cheering and howling with joy. And they decided to join in the fun and began piling on Ryuki as he was asking for help.
Laughter filled the air as Ryuki was buried beneath their dogpile of gratitude and energy.
From a safe distance, Chrono Tigar merely crossed his arms, shaking his head. "Children," he muttered with a deep sigh, but the fondness in his eyes betrayed his stoic tone.
Later that night, the rooftop had quieted once again. The celebration for Ryuki and Emi's engagement had finally drawn to a close. The stars above twinkled faintly as the guests began to leave.
One by one, Ryuki's friends—Kazumi, Chris, Kenji, and the rest—departed for the temporary apartments Reiji had arranged for them. The echo of their laughter lingered in the corridors like an afterglow.
Before leaving, Aichi approached his sister with a warm smile and pulled her into a gentle hug.
"I'm proud of you, Emi," he whispered. "And I'm happy for you. Take care of each other."
Emi nodded against his chest, eyes misty with emotion. "I will, Aichi. Thank you."
As Aichi disappeared into the elevator, silence settled over the apartment, leaving only Ryuki, Ruri, Rin, and Emi in the softly lit living room.
Ruri tilted her head with a curious look. "So... where will Emi be sleeping tonight?"
Ryuki, who was adjusting a cushion on the couch, looked up with a calm smile. "She'll be sleeping in my room. I'll take the couch for now."
"Eh?" Rin blinked. "Wait, really?"
Ryuki nodded. "For now, yeah. I'm planning to talk to a real estate agent soon—get us a place big enough for four people. At the same time..." He paused, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I wanted to take the three of you out on a date too."
Rin's and Ruri's faces lit up in a bright shade of pink.
"Wh-What kind of person says that so casually?!" Rin exclaimed, looking away with puffed cheeks.
"You dummy..." Ruri added under her breath, but there was a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
As the two girls escorted Emi to Ryuki's room, he sat down on the couch and exhaled, finally letting the fatigue from the day wash over him.
Floating nearby, Chrono Dran hovered down beside him, head tilting curiously. "Why're you sleeping on the couch, Ryuki? Isn't Emi your fiancée now?"
Ryuki smiled tiredly. "Yeah... but we need a little time. I don't want to rush her into anything."
Chrono Tigar, now seated cross-legged on the floor, gave Ryuki a dry look. "That's noble and all, but you do know couples sleep together after getting engaged, right?"
"Maybe," Ryuki chuckled, "but this isn't about protocol. I just want her to feel comfortable."
A moment of silence passed. Then, Ryuki's tone shifted as he glanced at the two Zodiacs.
"How's Cray doing?"
Dran's cheerful expression dimmed, replaced with seriousness. "Tensions are rising. Preparations for war are underway."
Tigar nodded. "Now that we know the identities of the invaders, Cray isn't holding back. Every nation is rallying its forces."
"And King Alfred?" Ryuki asked.
"He's leading the charge himself," Tigar confirmed. "He chose to stand at the front lines."
Ryuki's eyes narrowed slightly. "Fair enough. Since Aichi is here and fighting alongside us, Alfred will surely take charge at Cray."
The reality of the situation settled on his shoulders, but before he could dwell on it, his D-Pad buzzed with a new message.
From: Reiji
"Due to structural adjustments and broadcast concerns, the time limit for the next round has been reduced to 24 hours. Be prepared."
Ryuki nodded. "Makes sense. They can't keep the audience locked in an arena for three days straight..."
He closed his D-Pad and leaned back, adjusting the couch cushion beneath him.
"Well then... better find the right spot before sunrise."
He closed his eyes, letting sleep pull him in. Beside him on the floor, Dran and Tigar had curled up with a shared blanket, their tiny snores beginning to echo in rhythm with the soft hum of the city beyond the windows.
Morning arrived.
The first rays of sunlight stretched across the Standard Dimension skyline. A soft breeze rustled the curtains, carrying with it the promise of a new day.
Ryuki stirred slowly on the couch, blinking his eyes open. The memories of the prior evening filtered in gradually—Chrono Dran's tackle, the engagement celebration, the laughter, and warmth of his friends.
But one thought came foremost: Emi.
He smiled softly, glancing at the golden ring now nestled on her finger. The moment he proposed still glowed in his chest like an ember refusing to fade.
But now... he wanted to do more.
He wanted to offer the same promise to Ruri... and Rin.
The couch creaked gently as he sat up. Dran and Tigar were still curled on the floor beneath him, breathing softly beneath the shared blanket. Carefully, Ryuki slid off the couch, making sure not to wake them. He navigated around them like a shadow and stepped quietly toward the balcony, opening the sliding door with a muted shuffle.
Cool morning air greeted him.
He stepped out into the light, resting his hands on the railing and breathing in the scent of dew and sunlight. For a brief moment, the world was calm.
Then, a small tug on his shirt broke the silence.
He turned—and there was Emi, dressed in simple but elegant sleepwear, her hair tousled from sleep.
"Good morning," she said with a sleepy smile.
"Good morning," Ryuki replied gently.
They stood together under the soft orange glow of dawn. He reached out and brushed a few strands of hair from her face.
"How'd you sleep?"
Emi stretched her arms and looked at her left hand. "Honestly? I slept well. But... it still feels like a dream."
Her fingers gently traced the aquamarine gem of her engagement ring.
Ryuki gave her a soft pat on the head. "It's not a dream. I'm here. We're here."
Emi blushed lightly and smiled.
"I'll head inside and start breakfast," she said, turning toward the door.
Ryuki watched her go, feeling warmth bloom in his chest. A simple breakfast suddenly sounded like the most comforting thing in the world.
His thoughts drifted back to two years ago—when he had buried himself in work, locking himself in his office for days without rest. On the third day, Emi had arrived unannounced, carrying a homemade meal with a worried smile on her face.
He remembered how he devoured the meal, how the taste and care reinvigorated him. That single act gave him the strength to finish an entire week's worth of work in one day.
"Her cooking really is magical..." Ryuki muttered with a grin.
After a few moments of silent reflection, he stepped back inside.
Time was moving again. Today wouldn't wait.
He gently approached Ruri and Rin, still curled up in peaceful sleep.
"Hey," he said softly, kneeling beside them. "Wake up, you two. We've got a big day ahead of us."
Rin stirred first, rubbing her eyes. "Mmm... five more minutes..."
Ruri groaned into the pillow. "Let the world burn... just not yet..."
Ryuki smiled. The battlefield might have been looming in the distance—but this moment, this quiet morning, was something worth fighting for.
-----
The aroma of freshly prepared breakfast drifted through the apartment like a comforting morning breeze. The quiet clinking of cutlery and soft chatter filled the kitchen as the four sat together around the table.
Rin and Ruri's eyes sparkled with joy as they tasted their first bite of Emi's cooking. Their reactions were instant.
"Mmm! Emi, this is so good!" Rin said with a starry look.
"It's like tasting a home you never knew you missed..." Ruri added, nearly in a trance.
Across the table, Ryuki couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the two girls leaning forward, their plates nearly empty already. "You two look like a pair of baby chicks chirping for their mother," he teased.
The bracelet duo pouted in unison before breaking into laughter.
After their meal, the plan was to head out and visit a real estate agency. Ryuki had been thinking about it for a while now—about finding a place that could house the four of them properly. But just as he reached for his D-Pad, it buzzed with a message.
From: Akaba Reiji
"No need to hunt for a new apartment. I found a place that should be just right. It fits at least six people, and LDS will cover the expenses."
Ryuki blinked in surprise and immediately messaged back.
"Wait, how did you know we were looking?"
Reiji's reply came swiftly.
"Aichi told me last night. Also, it's not an apartment. It's a top-floor condo. Think of it as an engagement gift from the Akaba family. My mother insisted, by the way. Congratulations, Ryuki."
Ryuki stared at the screen, stunned. Reiji, of all people, doing something this generous? And Himika as well?
He smiled softly, the weight of their support warming his heart. "You really didn't have to go that far, Reiji..."
Just then, a knock came at the door.
Ryuki stood and opened it—only to find Nakajima, standing proudly with a clipboard in hand and a small army of uniformed movers behind him.
"Nakajima?" Ryuki blinked.
"Morning, Ryuki," he greeted with his usual crispness. "The President told me to handle the relocation personally. These movers will transport all of your belongings to your new residence."
"You work fast..." Ryuki muttered, stepping aside. "Alright. Let's get started."
As Nakajima coordinated the movers with military precision, Ryuki began instructing them on where each item should go. Furniture, kitchen supplies, books, personal effects—everything was handled with care and precision.
From the hallway, Emi, Ruri, and Rin watched in confusion.
"Uh... what's going on?" Rin asked, blinking rapidly.
"Did we... get evicted or something?" Ruri added.
Ryuki turned to them with a calm smile. "Change of plans. Reiji gave us a new place to live—a top-floor condo. Movers are here to pack up our stuff."
Their jaws dropped.
"A condo?!" Rin exclaimed.
"Top floor?!" Ruri repeated.
"I... I don't have any clothes to pack..." Emi whispered shyly.
"Right, you just got here," Ruri said, and exchanged a glance with Rin.
"Alright then," Rin declared. "Time to fix that!"
After a quick change of clothes, the girls—minus Ryuki—headed out, determined.
"We'll be back!" Rin called as she and Ruri practically dragged Emi toward the city mall. "Time to give Emi a proper wardrobe!"
Left behind, Ryuki gave a small wave before sighing with amusement.
"Well... there they go," he muttered.
Floating beside him in faint shimmer were Chrono Dran and Chrono Tigar, invisible to the world but ever present at Ryuki's side.
"Girls and shopping," Dran said with a grin. "An unstoppable force."
Tigar scoffed. "More like a whirlwind of wallet destruction."
The three shared a chuckle as they wandered through the mall, keeping close to the store where Emi was being dressed up by the enthusiastic duo.
However, Ryuki had something else in mind.
While the girls were preoccupied, he slipped away to a nearby boutique. A quiet, elegant little store nestled between a book café and a specialty trinket shop. Inside, he made a small purchase—something meaningful, something for later.
As he exited with a subtle smile, he suddenly spotted two familiar faces in the crowd.
"Serena? Barret?"
Serena turned, blinking in surprise. "Ryuki?"
Barret gave a respectful nod. "Good morning, Ryuki."
Ryuki approached, mildly surprised. "Didn't expect to see you two here."
"We're taking a short walk," Barret explained. "I thought Serena should experience life... as a normal girl."
"Is that so?" Ryuki said with a gentle smile. "Did Reiji approve this?"
Barret nodded. "Of course. He arranged for a temporary pass for both of us."
Serena glanced around, clearly still adjusting. "It's... strange, but not in a bad way. No orders. No pressure. I can just walk, breathe, and... look at things."
Ryuki folded his arms, observing her carefully. "Sounds like you're adjusting well."
"I guess so," Serena replied, then added with a faint smile, "I never realized how... bright the world could be."
Barret watched her silently, proud yet protective.
Ryuki nodded. "I'm glad. You deserve to live your life, Serena—not just follow orders from Academia."
He then turned to Barret. "How's the Tachikaze deck?"
Barret's eyes lit up with a rare smile. "Took me a while, but I've grasped its rhythm. Aggressive, instinctual... a bit like me. Thank you again, Ryuki—for giving me a second chance."
Ryuki waved it off. "Don't thank me. Just honor the deck with how you play it."
With that, the three chatted a bit longer before Serena and Barret continued on their way, disappearing into the mall crowd.
Ryuki leaned against the railing, watching them with a subtle look of pride.
"They'll be alright," Dran said beside him.
"They will," Ryuki agreed.
Moments later, he heard his name being called.
"Ryuki! We're back!"
Ruri and Rin returned with Emi in tow—and in her hands were several shopping bags. Emi's cheeks were flushed with embarrassment while Rin and Ruri looked satisfied with their work.
"We got Emi everything she'll need!" Rin declared.
"Plus some things we couldn't resist picking up for ourselves," Ruri added with a wink.
Emi handed Ryuki the long, winding receipt.
Ryuki stared. And stared.
"That... is a lot of zeros," he murmured, sighing softly. "But I suppose our finances can handle it."
"No refunds," Rin warned playfully.
Ryuki smiled and placed a hand on Emi's head. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
Emi nodded shyly. "They picked out so many cute things... I wasn't sure at first, but... it felt fun."
Ruri suddenly pointed across the food court. "Hey, isn't that Serena?"
Everyone turned. Serena was standing near a hotdog stand, holding a large, mustard-slathered hotdog awkwardly in her hands. Barret stood behind her, arms crossed and shaking his head with a mix of exasperation and quiet amusement.
"They're trying out street food?" Rin asked, giggling.
"Barret's letting her try all kinds of things today," Ryuki explained. "He's helping her explore what it means to just be a girl... not a soldier. Reiji gave his approval."
The girls smiled gently as they observed the scene.
"Let's leave them be," Ruri said softly. "Everyone deserves a little peace."
The four turned away, walking side by side toward the next stop in their shared day.
Whatever awaited them next—whether duels, danger, or destiny—they would face it together.
-----
After spending an entire day with Ruri, Rin, and Emi, Ryuki found himself embracing something he hadn't experienced in a long time—pure peace. There were no duels to worry about, no tournament stress or looming threats from Academia. Just simple joy with the people who mattered most.
They had started with a shopping spree that lasted well over an hour, where Ruri and Rin practically dragged Emi through every clothing store in the mall. Then came a quiet trip to the movies—nothing flashy, just a slice-of-life film that made all three girls giggle and cry. Afterward, they stopped at a family restaurant for lunch. The food was nice, but to Ryuki, it didn't hold a candle to Emi's cooking. Finally, the four capped the afternoon with a visit to the local theme park, where laughter echoed from rides, stalls, and glowing lights as the sun dipped into the horizon.
By the time they were done, the sky was painted in warm gold and lavender hues. It was time to head home—but not just any home.
Reiji had sent Ryuki a message earlier in the day containing the address of their new place. As they arrived, Ruri and Rin stood dumbfounded. Their eyes climbed the sleek, glass-paneled exterior of the towering high-rise—fifty stories of luxury, nearly rivaling the LDS Tower in size.
"This... this is where we're staying?" Ruri asked in disbelief.
"Isn't this where celebrities live?" Rin added, eyes wide.
A sharply dressed staff member at the entrance approached and asked for their business. Ryuki pulled out the card Reiji sent him—a formal authentication key embedded with LDS's crest and his authorization. The staff checked it, then nodded respectfully.
"Welcome, Mr. Himejima. This way, please."
The condo was only a short distance from the Maiami Arena, an ideal location. The staff guided them through security and into a high-speed elevator, which ascended in smooth silence to the top floor.
When the doors slid open, what greeted them could only be described as exquisite.
The living room alone was larger than their previous apartment. Pristine marble floors reflected warm, ambient lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a stunning panoramic view of the city skyline. A custom-built kitchen stood in one corner, furnished with the latest appliances, while the opposite side featured a lounge area complete with a glass fireplace, deep-cushioned sofas, and a grand entertainment display.
"Okay, this is too much," Rin whispered.
"I don't want to touch anything," Ruri said, frozen in the doorway.
Ryuki and Emi shared a chuckle before gently tugging their stunned companions inside.
After a while, they unpacked what little hadn't already been moved in and took a moment to breathe. Ryuki then gathered them in the living room. He sat with Emi on one side of the plush white couch, while Ruri and Rin sat opposite, still slightly overwhelmed. Floating unseen behind them, Dran and Tigar watched quietly in their spirit forms.
"Alright, Ryuki," Rin said with a slight tilt of her head. "What's going on?"
Ryuki took a deep breath, steadying the nerves that stirred within his chest. "After proposing to Emi," he began, his voice calm but full of feeling, "I told myself I would do the same for the both of you... when the time was right. I originally thought I'd wait until you turned sixteen. But with the invasion from Academia drawing closer... I realized I don't want to wait anymore."
He reached for a bag he had discreetly placed by the sofa—the same one he purchased from the boutique while they were shopping. From it, he pulled out two small boxes. With quiet reverence, he opened them.
The box before Ruri revealed a dark sapphire ring, its gemstone gleaming like the midnight sky. The one before Rin cradled a radiant topaz ring, warm and golden like a summer morning.
Both girls gasped, hands covering their mouths in shock.
Ryuki smiled gently. "We promised... that no matter what happens, we'd always be together—with Emi, with each other. Now I want to make that promise official."
He looked at them with unwavering resolve. "Ruri. Rin. Will you marry me?"
For a moment, time stood still. Then, without hesitation, both Ruri and Rin sprang to their feet and flung themselves into Ryuki's arms. Emi quickly scooted aside to avoid getting caught in the wave of emotion.
Tears streamed down Ruri's and Rin's cheeks as they clung to Ryuki, unable to speak through the mix of joy and disbelief surging in their hearts.
"You dork," Rin whispered, sobbing into his shoulder.
"You really mean it?" Ruri asked between hiccups.
Ryuki nodded and softly slid the rings onto their respective fingers. "We'll be together. Always."
Emi, moved by the moment, leaned in and joined the hug, resting her head against Ryuki's other shoulder. The four embraced in a moment of perfect unity—one that no chaos or conflict could ever shatter.
Floating above them, Dran nudged Tigar's shoulder with a smirk. "Chrono could learn a thing or two from this guy."
Tigar laughed. "No kidding."
Days passed.
Word of Ryuki's triple engagement remained a quiet secret, shared only with Yuzu and Shuzo. The rest of the You Show crew hadn't picked up on it yet, much to the amusement of Ruri and Rin. But the time for laughter was soon eclipsed by the start of the next stage of the Maiami Championship Junior Youth Division.
All qualified duelists gathered at the center of the main arena, anticipation heavy in the air. Yuya, Yuzu, Gongenzaka, Ruri, and Rin stood together, scanning the arena as the murmur of speculation grew.
"What kind of format will it be this time?" Yuya wondered aloud.
His answer arrived swiftly.
Spotlights swirled as Nico Smiley appeared on stage, flanked by none other than Ryuki.
"Huh? Why is Ryuki up there?" Gongenzaka asked.
Ryuki stepped forward. His voice was clear and composed, carrying authority.
"To all qualified duelists—I'm Himejima Ryuki. The next phase of the tournament will be... very different. Before I can explain the rules, you must assemble a team of three duelists. Once all teams have formed, I'll explain everything. You have twenty minutes. Begin."
A stunned silence swept the arena before it erupted into motion. Duelists scrambled to form teams.
Yuya quickly teamed with Yuzu and Gongenzaka. Meanwhile, Ruri and Rin grouped together, but lacked a third member. As time ticked down, someone tapped Rin on the shoulder. She turned—and her eyes widened.
"Emi?!"
Standing there with a calm smile and a sleek light-blue duel disk on her arm was Emi Sendou.
Yuzu blinked. "You're competing?!"
Emi nodded. "There were an odd number of qualifiers. I was added to even the roster. And don't worry, I'm 17 yet so I'm still qualified."
Ruri and Rin lit up in joy.
"Looks like we've got our team," Ruri grinned.
As the clock struck zero, Ryuki once again addressed the duelists.
"Now that all teams have been formed, let me introduce you to the next format: Action Scramble."
A massive holographic projection flickered to life above the arena, revealing four diverse terrains: a lava-ridden volcanic field, a freezing tundra, a dense jungle, and a sprawling set of ancient ruins.
"This time, the entire city of Maiami is your battlefield," Ryuki continued. "The city is now layered with an Action Field divided into zones. You may duel anywhere within the active field."
Gasps filled the stadium.
Nico picked up from there. "All duel disks are now equipped with the Duel Radar created by the Leo Corporation. It will alert you when a non-teammate duelist is nearby. Once you make eye contact—you duel. No interruptions. One-on-one format only."
Ryuki resumed. "A win earns you 1 point. Your team's total score must reach 50 points to advance. Once 16 teams qualify, the round ends."
Strategizing murmurs rippled across the arena.
Yuya looked to his teammates. "We're going to have a target on our backs."
Emi, beside Ruri and Rin, smiled with unshakable confidence.
Yuzu caught the look. "Why are you so relaxed?"
"This format reminds me of the U-20 Championship," Emi replied. "I've done this before."
Ruri and Rin exchanged glances. "Are we cheating?" Rin asked with a smirk.
"If it helps us win," Ruri shrugged, "then we'll take it."
Nico added, "You cannot face someone you've already fought. Keep that in mind."
Ryuki raised a finger. "If you lose, your Duel Radar will teleport you to the Graveyard—not the real one," he clarified, "but a secluded area for eliminated duelists."
A comical animation displayed a duelist dropping through a portal.
Nico continued. "A win will earn you 1 point, but also grants you half the points your opponent had."
The crowd murmured with tension. The stakes had just doubled.
"To rescue a fallen teammate," Ryuki said, "you must defeat the duelist or their fellow teammate who beat them. However, their points will not return. If your entire team is eliminated, you're out."
Gongenzaka crossed his arms. "A single misstep could cost the team everything."
Emi nodded. "That's why we split up. One nearby to respond, one to challenge, one to support."
Nico grinned. "And lastly, Leo Corporation has scattered experimental Pendulum Cards along with standard Action Cards! Use them well!"
The crowd erupted with cheers.
Nico turned to Ryuki. "Ryuki-kun, would you do the honors?"
Ryuki nodded.
Nico raised his arm. "Duelists locked in battle!"
Ryuki's voice followed, sharp and full of fire. "Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters—they storm through this field!"
Together, they declared:
"Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of dueling!"
"Action—"
"DUEL!!"
And with that, the most chaotic and thrilling phase of the tournament began.