Domino City.
The airport bustled under the fading glow of sunset. At the end of the runway, a silver plane descended through the clouds, touching down.
". . ."
". . . Just moments ago, the Egyptian Archaeological Bureau's plane landed at Domino airport," a female reporter spoke to the camera.
"This time, the Bureau is personally led by Director Ishizu Ishtar."
"Director Ishizu was a familiar face to fans during the original Duel City tournament, making it to the top eight.
Her brother Marik Ishtar was the runner-up, and former owner of the Egyptian God Card 'The Winged Dragon of Ra.'"
". . ."
"Rumor has it the Egyptian Bureau is here to collaborate with KaibaCorp on an important project, speculated to be a major discovery in the field of dueling archaeology."
The TV cut to footage of Ishizu Ishtar.
Now in her thirties, Ishizu's chocolate skin was well-maintained; she looked almost unchanged, but with added maturity.
Facing the cameras, she swept her gaze across the crowd and spoke calmly:
"Egypt is regarded by many as the birthplace of Duel Monsters. Our bureau is dedicated to uncovering precious ruins and advancing the field of Duel Monsters."
"We will continue our close partnership with KaibaCorp to further the progress of dueling civilization."
". . ."
In the presidential suite, Marik Ishtar lounged on a sofa, watching his sister's interview and teasing, "Sis, you really know how to handle the media now!"
Flipping through the schedule, Marik sighed.
"Banquets, banquets, opening ceremonies... Oh, and golf."
Ishizu replied calmly, "We're not here to play, Marik."
"I know."
Marik's smile faded as he looked out the window at the starry sky and bustling city below.
"The three Egyptian Gods have all left this world," Marik said. "With them gone, and Pharaoh Atem's soul returned to the afterlife, I thought our clan's three-thousand-year curse was finally over.
But nothing ever really ends, does it, sis? Every time you think you've escaped the past, it comes back. Our clan of Tomb Keepers... We'll never stop fighting, will we?"
Ishizu closed her eyes, then smiled faintly.
"It's not fate, Marik," she said softly. "We fight because we choose to. We are warriors, and the world always needs warriors."
"I knew you'd say that," Marik replied. "But you know as well as I do—darkness is returning. And this time, there's no Pharaoh to stand before it."
"Yes. The Pharaoh is gone."
Ishizu's smile was gentle.
"But don't worry. There will always be a new King in this world."
…
In the mountains, among the thick forest.
Heavy black clouds rolled overhead, swallowing the last rays of sunlight. Lightning crackled in the sky, thunder booming as if the gods were angry.
This was the gathering place of the Advent Church.
A jet approached from above.
"Mr. Kira, there's severe interference ahead—anomalous storms and lightning," the pilot apologized to Kira.
"Sorry, but we can't go any further."
"No problem."
Kira strapped on his jetpack. He opened the hatch, grinned at the pilot.
"Thanks. I'll take it from here."
With that, he leapt into the clouds.
Below, the faithful of the Advent Church gathered around an altar.
The Archbishop stood at the altar's center, presiding over the sacred ritual. The congregation was solemn, eyes devout, chanting ancient incantations.
At the Archbishop's command, they all raised their hands.
In an instant, everyone felt as if a part of their soul was being drawn out. Their bodies were drained of energy, as if they'd dueled all night. The weaker ones collapsed on the spot.
This was a sacrificial ritual. Sometimes the offering was a living soul, sometimes a spirit, sometimes their own stamina.
At least the Evil God was polite enough to leave his followers alive. They'd be exhausted, but not dead.
After all, if all the followers died, the Evil God would have to recruit new labor, which was a hassle. Even evil gods understood the basics of sustainable development.
As a reward, the Evil God would sometimes show them miracles.
Usually thunder, lightning, maybe a tree struck down. Sometimes he'd possess the Archbishop or a high-ranking member and deliver an oracle.
Well, oracle was the polite term. Really, it was just assigning them new tasks.
But today, things went off-script.
A bolt of lightning—blinding in its intensity—struck the altar. Instead of exploding, the lightning swirled around the altar, forming a vortex.
The congregation stared wide-eyed as a humanoid shape began to appear in the light.
For several seconds, everyone was stunned.
Then someone shouted, "The Evil God! The Evil God has descended!"
The crowd instantly became electric with excitement.
Yes, the Evil God—surely! Or at least his avatar.
This had never happened before. Usually, the Evil God only spoke through intermediaries—never had he appeared in person.
Everyone fell to their knees.
Kira landed in the center of the altar, dusted himself off, and looked over the kneeling congregation.
He couldn't help but chuckle.
Raising his hand with mock solemnity, he declared:
"At ease. You may rise."
PS: Lol