Just as Yugen predicted, shortly after they left, Hayato and Sho contacted the Academy.
The disappearance of a student from the old dormitory was naturally of utmost importance, so the matter was reported to the Academy's board. Kaiba Group dispatched a team to investigate, and hearing about it, Keihei tagged along.
Yugen briefly recounted his experience and observations in the Elf Dimension, and after finishing his notes, he chatted with Keihei.
"I see, that Evil God from New Doma has already invaded numerous Elf Dimensions simultaneously..." Keihei pondered, "And you even encountered one of the new Three Musketeers?
It's astounding that you managed to win. I heard none of the Three Musketeers are easy to deal with..."
"It was sheer luck, sheer luck," Yugen said with a look of lingering fear, "but it was extremely dangerous and difficult at the time. Judai and I struggled even when it was two against one, and we only won with difficulty..."
He was cut off mid-sentence as Keihei interrupted him.
"Yes, yes, perhaps it's best to strengthen your card deck as much as possible. You need rare cards, right?"
Yugen smiled.
It's truly advantageous to have a familiar person helping out, as Keihei already foresaw his need.
"I figured you might say that before I came," Keihei chuckled, "and I heard the Chaos Warrior's research group has made progress lately, thanks to the information you provided earlier. I estimate that they will probably contact you soon.
When they do, drop by the headquarters. I'll see if there's something you can use."
Yugen's eyes lit up.
Kaiba Company's headquarters, that's an opportunity not to be missed.
When the time comes, I'll check out what goodies they have.
These days, Yugen had laid out some ideas for different card decks. Sometimes he pondered the shortcomings his card deck might have in different situations, and to address the gaps against specific opponents, he naturally developed various new strategies and structures.
Other times, he derived new ideas based on newly acquired cards, trying to build new structures around a core card. Just like the latest deck he completed, the Abyss Control deck.
This deck was quite versatile and easy to assemble, but he still had many ideas lacking key components, and the list of missing cards was getting longer.
Especially the "Nephthys' Phoenix God" he acquired this time, making him feel that his main deck could undergo another upgrade.
Just like the world championship card deck from back in the day, the Mutated Chaos Phoenix God.
The name alone reveals the three core components of this deck: Sudden Mutation, Chaos Warrior - Messenger of Creation, and Nephthys' Phoenix God.
The Pioneer's Envoy goes without saying, it's the main offensive force and the strongest attacker in the environment. Nephthys' Phoenix God's attack power of 2400 was formidable for its time, with resurrection resistance against mainstream field-clearing Magic Trap, and it came with a Great Storm-style field-clearing effect, making it exceedingly powerful.
Sudden Mutation could transform one's monsters on the field into Fusion Monsters according to the situation, easily summoning various large Fusion Monsters to tackle different circumstances. It was an outstanding deck whether in offense or defense.
However, he still lacked many things in the concept of this deck.
For example, Fusion Monsters. Perhaps because GX was also called the Fusion Era, he quickly realized that Fusion Monsters in this era were particularly expensive, even the Fusion Mortal Bones he didn't fancy were unusually pricey, and quite rare overall.
The Fusion Monsters available for purchase didn't impress him much, and even if he got them, he felt the price was too high. Most of the Fusion Monsters on his wanted list were not readily available.
Keihei's offer presented a good opportunity, as Kaiba Company's headquarters shouldn't lack these things. It looked like another chance for a big haul.
Kaiba Company's professionals had already surrounded the old dormitory room, with people constantly going in and out carrying equipment for surveys. Yugen casually chatted with Keihei on the perimeter, also inquiring about the president's current status, particularly the progress of the New Doma investigation.
But when Keihei mentioned it, he just shook his head.
"I can't exactly say there's no progress... We've dismantled many hideouts and uprooted many Dark Duelist forces collaborating with them. I think our actions have affected their organization, but it's hard to say if it's struck at their core."
Keihei sighed.
"Mainly because we noticed a bit late. Years ago, Dazi had built Old Doma's forces worldwide, infiltrating both the business and political sectors deeply.
Even though my brother and Yugi later teamed up to defeat Dazi, such a large organization couldn't just vanish. We believe the new Doma was rebuilt on the remnants of that organization, hence its vastness, making it difficult to handle."
Keihei furrowed his brow slightly.
"Additionally, the hacker issue has also been a bit distracting lately."
Yugen asked, "The hacker who broke into the Kaiba Park arena? Have you found out who it is yet?"
"It's a real headache because we haven't yet. It's really strange how such a skilled hacker could just appear out of nowhere without leaving a trace."
Keihei stood with his hands in his pockets, speaking with some frustration.
"And they chose to act during the crucial development phase of the Link System..."
"Link System?" Yugen asked.
The term was something he hadn't encountered in the Academy or online, and it was his first time hearing it.
"Oh right, it's not public yet... Ah, it's a trade secret, so I won't say too much now." Keihei smiled, "But when you visit the headquarters next time, you should be able to see it. Consider it a little surprise."
Just then, an expert quickly approached to report.
"The initial site analysis is complete, but we'll need to process the subsequent data back at headquarters," the person reported, "but we suspect the main reason may be something that happened years ago in this old dormitory, causing spatial instability here.
Thus, if Extraordinary powers like an elf approach, there's a possibility of a dimensional rift occurring. But it should be a rare phenomenon; the readings have already returned to normal now."
Something that happened years ago in the old dormitory...
Recalling the original work, Yugen figured it must be referring to the overarching event in the GX storyline: the Darkness incident.
Back then, some reckless students were conducting dark power research here, connecting with GX's final antagonist, Darkness. The related students later all disappeared here, leading to the weakening of that dimension in the old dormitory.
"Understood."
Keihei looked at Yugen.
"It's good you're all safe. Today's investigation is probably wrapping up, so head back to rest. See you in a few days."
Yugen stretched and yawned long: "Alright, I need to catch up on some sleep. I'm off."
After tonight's unexpected ordeal in the Other Dimension, he was feeling exhausted. Fortunately, tomorrow was the weekend, and he planned to return and sleep for at least half the morning.
The students and teachers who had gathered outside to witness the commotion pointed and talked among themselves as they saw the person of interest walk out of the dormitory.
"Whoa, he's chatting and laughing with that Keihei Kaiba; who is this student?"
"I heard someone say he might be the one chosen by the legendary Seto Kaiba..."
"Whoa, seriously?"