"The title of Duel King..."
This caught Yugen a bit off guard.
Ever since Muto Yuugi retired, this title has remained vacant. After the first Duel City Tournament ended, no competitions have used this title as a gimmick.
In truth, everyone knows that now with the Pharaoh gone and the Tabletop Game retired, if Seto Kaiba wanted, the title of Duel King would be almost effortless for him. In this world, there are virtually no opponents left for him.
But he hasn't done so for all these years.
Perhaps it's because Kaiba feels that without defeating "that person," even if he conquers all duelists in the world, how could he be worthy of the title of King?
So, Yugen was surprised. This time, not only did Kaiba decide to return to participate, but he also decided to reopen the Duel King title.
What does this mean? Has the president finally accepted the fact that Atom has left this world and decided to step out of the Pharaoh's shadow?
The opening speech concluded, and Keihei stretched lazily.
"Phew~ Staying up all night preparing for the tournament didn't leave me much sleep, I'm exhausted."
Keihei yawned and turned to Yugen.
"Alright, now the tournament is officially starting, you should go compete as well. Your opponent is all the duelists within the entire Tongshiyi scope, so you better hurry up.
The spots are limited, and if you can't secure one of the eight spots at the forefront, you'll be eliminated."
Yugen nodded to show he understood.
Indeed, this replicates the same rules as the initial tournament in DM. Even for highly skilled duelists confident in their abilities, this creates a sense of urgency. If you move a bit slowly, you might get overtaken by others.
"But this tournament won't be that simple," Keihei added, "You need to be careful. Our people have investigated, and New Doma might try to infiltrate the tournament.
I suppose they have something they must seize in this competition."
Yugen understood: "'The Sealing Artifact,' is it?"
"Yes, so you should be cautious. The appearance of this item might be a call to arms for them... But actually, a fox has already revealed its tail."
Keihei reached out and swiped gently, revealing a surveillance screen in front of them.
The screen showed a suspicious man in a black robe, half-hidden in shadows, seemingly looking around for something.
"This guy has been lurking around the area for a long time, just outside this building. We've cross-referenced with existing intelligence and confirmed this should be a Dark Duelist subordinated to New Doma.
I guess they are probably looking for you."
Keihei chuckled.
"This guy really underestimates the means of our Kaiba Group. Does he really think our surveillance network hasn't noticed him?"
Yugen glanced at the man on the screen, and smiled softly.
Interesting.
"Thanks, Keihei." He stood up, "Looks like my first prey... no, opponent has been determined."
...
...
Night Shadow lurked in the shadows, staring intently at the Kaiba Group building.
Then frowned slightly.
Strange, why hasn't he come out yet?
The tournament has already opened, and logically, people should rush out to compete now, right?
Where is he?
Could he have exited through some other entrance?
Thinking of this, he considered moving to another spot to look...
But as Night Shadow turned and walked back to exit the alley, he was stunned after only a few steps.
Dead end.
But this shouldn't have been possible. He was sure he was heading toward the exit.
Night Shadow began to sense foreboding. He turned around, facing what seemed to be an ominous mist. Passing through it under the dim lights, he walked forward only a few steps before the dark wall obstructed him again.
Another dead end.
Being a somewhat experienced Dark Duelist, Night Shadow quickly realized something was wrong. He frowned, turned around, and stood quietly for a moment.
Soon enough, a figure emerged from the dark mist.
"Seems like you're looking for me." Yugen chuckled softly, "Well, here I am."
"Quite confident, kid."
Night Shadow squinted his eyes. He glanced around, observing the ominous mist surrounding him.
"Shadow game barrier," he said, frowning, "Let me guess, only one of us can walk out of here, right?"
"Haha, New Doma's assassin truly understands quickly." Yugen laughed, "Indeed, it's the shadow game barrier... Besides, you came looking for me with this intention anyway, so I'll save you some trouble here..."
He directly raised his Duel Disc.
"Shall we?"
"Interesting. Indeed, this was my purpose all along. But since you're so fearless, I'll make it quick and dispose of you immediately to complete my task."
Night Shadow also pulled out his Duel Disc. However, his was custom-made by Doma, different from Yugen's.
Yugen smiled, not replying.
"Duel!" x2
[Yugen, LP 4000]
[Night Shadow, LP 4000]
"Then I'll go first, draw." Yugen said, "Place a monster in face-down defense position and set three cards. My turn ends."
A simple start, but typical in a slow strategic environment. Rarely would one burn through all their cards with merely a high-attack monster at the start. Back then, very few monsters could endure a turn unscathed; one removal card could cripple a risky position entirely, which is why unless in the animation, few would opt for it.
"My turn, draw."
Night Shadow drew his card while studying Yugen nervously.
Night Shadow wasn't as confident as he'd initially appeared.
At first, he thought, just a Duel Academy student, hardly anything challenging, right? But now upon confronting him in person, his confidence faltered.
He couldn't pinpoint it, but there was something unsettling about this child.
Putting aside the fact that he should be the hunter and the other the prey, he suddenly felt as if he had become the prey.
It was unexpected that the opponent would willingly commence a shadow game.
Moreover, how did this person sneak behind him, and when did he activate this barrier?
Night Shadow quickly realized that if the other had detected him, he couldn't prevent him from silently bypassing him and slipping away.
Yet, Yugen still appeared in front of him.
What does that mean?
Does it mean he doesn't regard this Doma elite?
"Haha, some arrogant prodigies only learn the vastness of the world once they hit a wall..."
Night Shadow's eyes flashed sharply.
"I'll make you realize that through a duel!"