"I activate the Spell Card 'Polymerization' to fuse 'Elemental HERO Avian' and 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix' from my hand to Fusion Summon Flame Wingman!"
"..."
"When Flame Wingman destroys a monster in battle, my opponent takes damage equal to that monster's ATK!"
"..."
"Quick-Play Spell 'De-Fusion'! I split Flame Wingman back up!"
"Avian and Burstinatrix, direct attack!"
"Ugh—argh!"
With a dazzling but straightforward combo, Jaden, going second, sent his hardworking HERO couple charging right through that scorpion.
Flame Wingman OTK. The scorpion was terrified, screaming as Avian's whirlwind blew it away.
"W-Who are you people!?"
Its eyes bulged in disbelief. This level of duelist was far beyond the local power curve, like a bronze-rank lobby suddenly invaded by a pro player.
But it never got its answer.
Its body was enveloped in a pale golden light, and, full of unwillingness, it dissolved into particles. Only its duel disk, stabbed into the ground, remained—like a sword left behind by a fallen warrior.
Jaden, for once, didn't say anything about "what a fun duel." He just stared at the vanishing opponent, a little lost.
"Another duel like this..."
He muttered to himself.
This world's duels were ruthless. There was no joy to be found; the only fate for the loser was death.
Kira stepped forward, deftly collecting the deck.
Hmm, mostly junk cards again. He'd just sell them off cheap when they got back.
Jaden turned to the rescued blonde girl.
"Are you okay?"
The blonde girl still seemed timid, not daring to meet his eyes, head bowed.
"Don't worry, it's all over now." Jaden glanced around. "Are you alone? Where's your family?"
The whole town was dead silent, so it was odd for a little girl to be here alone. There was still no sign of life anywhere.
The girl only shook her head, shrinking back further and hugging herself tightly.
"N-No, I don't want to go back."
Jaden asked, "Back where?"
"Back...home," the girl whispered.
Jaden was even more puzzled. "Why don't you want to go home?"
The girl hesitated for a long time, then cautiously glanced up at him. Maybe it was Jaden's warmth, but she seemed a little braver.
"They want to send me to the mountain god, to appease the mountain god's anger. But I don't want to go."
She bowed her head, voice trembling.
"Mari... my friend, she was sent to see the mountain god before, but she never came back."
"They all say the mountain god is kind, protecting and helping us. But I...I'm just scared."
Jaden sensed something was wrong, but couldn't put his finger on it. At that moment, the spirit of Black Luster Soldier appeared next to Kira, speaking solemnly: "Some evil creatures pose as gods, claiming to offer protection, but actually exploit the people, even demanding live sacrifices."
Jaden was shocked. "Live sacrifices... you mean...?"
He glanced at Black Luster Soldier, then at the pitiful, frightened girl.
Growing up in a peaceful world, Jaden had never seen such cruelty, and his eyes were full of disbelief. Black Luster Soldier pondered, then said, "I can't be sure, but it's very likely. I slew many such fiends back in the day."
"How could they? That's terrible."
Jaden stood up angrily. After a moment's thought, he made up his mind. "Then—"
He looked at the girl. "Do you know where the mountain god is? I want to pay him a visit."
He'd always admired heroes since childhood, dreaming of being like the Elemental HEROEs—fighting for justice beneath shining skyscrapers. Whenever he saw anything wrong, he had to step in. He was a classic hot-blooded shounen protagonist, so he couldn't just ignore this.
But Kira felt things weren't that simple.
From the moment they entered the town, he sensed something odd. Everything seemed orchestrated, like a mist hanging over them.
But Jaden's sense of justice overrode all doubts. Kira chose not to say more for now.
After all, they were just projections in this dimension, and with their skills, they were among the top duelists in most spirit worlds. Even if things were strange, they could handle it.
The girl hesitated, then slowly raised her hand and pointed outside town.
"That way?" Jaden asked.
"I...I think so."
She bit her lip, unsure.
"I just overheard the adults talking about it—they said they take people into the mountains, to a tree split by lightning. All the mountain god's offerings are there."
She stood up, brushing dust from her dress.
"I can take you near there."
Before Jaden could answer, his spirit partner Winged Kuriboh floated to his side.
"Kuriboh, kuriboh!"
"Oh, you can guide us, partner, once we're close?" Jaden patted its fluffy head approvingly. "You're so reliable—thanks!"
So the three of them set out for the mountains outside town.
"Sorry, Kira. I know this may delay what you wanted to do, but I just can't ignore this..." Jaden looked apologetically at Kira.
Kira smiled and waved it off. "No worries. You chose the path of a hero. If you didn't, you wouldn't be Jaden."
Jaden smiled sheepishly. "Haha, you really get me, Kira."
"But whatever happens, be careful."
Kira grew serious.
"We're just projections here through the Link System—supposedly, we can't truly get hurt. But nothing's absolute. If we run into a real powerhouse, their strength might cross dimensions and reach us."
"And..."
He paused, then added:
"The ruler of this world is a supreme dark overlord. We're trespassing in his domain. It's possible he—or his minions—have already noticed us."
Jaden was confused. "But we haven't done anything yet. Why would he notice us?"
"Because of you, Jaden," Kira said. "That overlord is called the Supreme King. The Supreme King...is the greatest darkness inside you."
Jaden: "?"