An ancient cavern, where temporary light towers and spotlights intertwined into islands of light, illuminating the center.
High-end archaeological equipment had been set up: 3D scanners, ground-penetrating radar, environmental control systems, and precise artifact conservation tools. Archaeologists in matching protective suits hurried back and forth in the cave, clustered around a massive stone slab not yet fully revealed.
A helicopter landed on the outer perimeter. Kira followed behind Mokuba, stepping off and heading toward the dig site.
"Welcome, Kira Boy~"
Pegasus, in his red suit, came forward with open arms as if to give him a hug.
"Looks like President Pegasus has recovered well."
Smiling, Kira reached out to shake hands.
"Thanks to you, Kira Boy," Pegasus said with a smile. "With the Light of Destruction purged, I was able to recover so quickly."
He sighed.
"Time really does catch up to you. Now I can really feel it's time to retire. This new era truly belongs to you youngsters…"
"You flatter me, President. You're still a towering figure in the dueling world."
After a few pleasantries, they walked inward together. At the same time, Kira got to the point.
"Crystal Beasts?"
"Indeed, Kira Boy," Pegasus said. "I imagine Mokuba Boy has already told you the story of the gems?"
"An ancient nation that believed in the power of gemstones obtained the seven finest gems in the world," Kira said. "From the mysterious power within those seven gems, a monster was born from each, and from that came a unique, one-of-a-kind deck."
"More or less," Pegasus added. "In fact, that nation was the ancient Roman Empire. And that emperor was the famous Julius Caesar.
Caesar discovered the incredible power of those gems and sought to craft the finest monster tablets in the world from the seven gems, as proof of Rome's dominion over the earth."
"But his plan failed, right?" Mokuba chimed in.
"The ship transporting the seven gems encountered a storm and sank. Later, Industrial Illusions salvaged the seven gems, and I personally used their power to create seven gemstone spirits—the one-of-a-kind Crystal Beasts."
"Correct," Pegasus said. "But the true power of the gems has never been unleashed. For years we never stopped searching, and only now have we found the fabled slab that unites the power of the seven gems—a slab that hides a godlike power…"
As they spoke, they reached the depths of the cave, and the massive stone slab came into view.
"That is the ultimate Gem God, Rainbow Dragon!"
Pegasus spread his arms, eyes filled with longing.
It was the excitement of a top designer facing a defining challenge in his career.
"So this is Rainbow Dragon."
Kira walked to the front of the slab and looked up. Most of it was still embedded in the ruins, and even the exposed parts were shrouded in dust, hiding its original appearance.
"Then I suppose the boy who holds the gems," Kira said, "is already here too?"
"Indeed," Pegasus smiled. "Jesse Anderson—he's an extraordinary boy. In fact, he reminds me a bit of Jaden Yuki from Duel Academy.
Their unusual passion for dueling and their bonds with monster spirits are unique even on a global scale… In truth, it wasn't my decision to let Jesse Boy wield the Crystal Beasts—the deck chose him."
This was also explained in the anime.
Pegasus had merely attended a public duel event, carrying the Crystal Beast deck on him.
Unexpectedly, the moment Jesse Anderson took the stage, the Crystal Beast spirits Pegasus carried became excited and immediately told Pegasus: he's the one.
This boy is our Crystal Beast chosen one.
At the spirits' request, Pegasus gifted the priceless deck to Jesse free of charge.
Jesse and the Crystal Beasts may be the only duelists in GX—or even in all of Yu-Gi-Oh—whose bond can surpass the main cast's. He and the Beasts are more than life-and-death comrades; they're like family.
"I've already sent people to pick up Jesse Boy. He should be here any—"
Before Pegasus could finish, excited shouting echoed in the cave.
"Mr. Kira! The real Mr. Kira!"
Kira turned and saw a green-haired boy sprinting toward him in excitement, nearly failing to stop and crashing into his arms.
"N-Nice to meet you!"
He straightened up quickly, a little embarrassed.
"I'm Jesse Anderson," the boy said, scratching the back of his head. "I can't believe I'm actually seeing the Duel King in person. Feels like a dream…"
Pegasus patted his shoulder with a smile. "Don't get too excited, Jesse Boy. Because next, you'll have a chance to duel the King yourself."
Kira had heard from Mokuba beforehand; that was precisely why he had come.
The Rainbow Dragon within the slab had slept too long. Only by gathering the seven gems could it be awakened. Pegasus believed that only by having Jesse and his Crystal Beasts personally take the field—and by pushing themselves to the limit in a high-intensity duel—would there be a chance to revive Rainbow Dragon.
And as the Duel King, Kira, invited specifically to be Jesse's opponent, bore the title of the strongest of the era.
"In that case, since everyone's here, let's start right away," Kira said.
"I'm ready!" Jesse nimbly hopped to the opposite side. Kira also stepped back a few paces to open up space.
The two stood on either side of the stone slab. Kira glanced at Pegasus, who had stepped aside.
"Right here is fine, President Pegasus?"
"No problem," Pegasus said, arms folded, intrigued. "Jesse Boy with his invincible bond to the Crystal Beasts, and Kira Boy, the supreme King of the dueling world—what kind of sparks will fly… I can't wait."
"Is that so?" Mokuba mused, then said meaningfully, "Hmm… I don't doubt Kira's potential at all, but for some reason, I don't feel like he's the best at drawing out another duelist's potential…"
"Oh?" Pegasus raised an eyebrow.
On the field, the two had already activated their duel disks.
"Duel!" x2
[Kira, LP 4000]
[Jesse, LP 4000]
"Then I won't be polite about taking the first move, Mr. Kira!" Jesse said excitedly.
"My turn! Draw!"
He slapped a monster from his hand onto the duel disk horizontally.
"I Normal Summon this guy. Come forth!
Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise, in Defense Position!"
The ancient turtle answered the summon, quietly settling onto the field. Its whole body was green, and crystalline jade grew from its heavy shell, lustrous as emerald.
[Crystal Beast Emerald Tortoise, DEF 2000]
After landing, the turtle peeked ahead, narrowed its eyes, and actually spoke. "Looks like we've got a formidable opponent today, Jesse."
"Hahaha, yeah—it really is like a dream, getting to battle the Duel King… We've got to put on a great performance," Jesse said, then set two cards. "I set two cards and end my turn!"