For Hayato Kuroda, this wasn't just a loss.
No, it wasn't even a normal duel—it was an execution, a scourging of his soul. He felt shackled, his worldview and faith rattled like never before.
First, that damned Card Destruction. If not for that, nothing after would've happened. He wouldn't be empty-handed. He wouldn't have become a clown the instant that idiotic Candelato got shoved onto his field—just staring blankly while the opponent got to play Yu-Gi-Oh and he AFK'd…
Oh, and the thing that tortured him with 800 burn per turn, slicing him to death—was his own monster: Assault Cannon Beetle.
As the opponent put it, he didn't even understand how to use his own card.
Kira really did think that.
What's Assault Cannon Beetle's effect? Tribute a monster to deal 800, no once-per-turn. Historically, classics like Cannon Soldier and Catapult Turtle are notorious—none of them are "nice."
Sure, this beetle's summoning condition is more cumbersome—a Union three-way combine—tougher to get out than the other two. But the effect itself is loaded with potential.
Such a potent monster, reduced by Hayato to a 2400-ATK vanilla, like a Red-Eyes Black Dragon with no armor. He truly didn't understand his own card.
No wonder he had an existential crisis after.
As a Society of Light member, he was supposed to be favored by fate, whiter-luck than 99% of the world. Yet everyone else plays Card Destruction with no drama, and his explodes? That's "lucky"?
Where's the goddess of fate? A little help? AFK?
And that stupid Candelato… He was certain he felt Light from it—should be their monster, a crystallization of their power.
So why is the Light's incarnate so stupid!?
That "controller cannot draw" clause—this isn't a "mole," it's a declared enemy agent from the moment it hits the field, no?
Light of Destruction? This thing that will "guide the cosmos to the correct path"? Guide who?
Spare me.
Oh, and by the way, the traitor bug that got turned and used to torture him to death—was also a "gift" from the Society…
Hayato learned a bloody lesson.
"Guidance of fate," "Light of the cosmos"—all crap. Their cards are a pit of traps, useless against darkness, only good for getting you tortured.
Light of Destruction? Wasting my youth.
"How is it?"
Kira looked at the kneeling, slumped Hayato and asked.
"How do you feel?"
Hayato slowly raised his head, gave Kira a complicated look, took a long breath, and exhaled.
"Thank you, Mr. Kira. I'm awake now."
He stood, patted the dust from his legs.
"That blasted Light cult hijacked my soul and brainwashed me with that cosmic-emptiness nonsense.
But thanks to you, Mr. Kira, I'm clear-headed now."
Kira smiled and nodded.
He'd sensed it post-duel anyway—that the man seemed freed from the Light's influence.
In the anime, the Society of Light brainwashed via dueling; those who lost received the "Light's baptism," gained its power, and became Sartorius's zealots.
Conversely, members who lost to Jaden often recovered, with Chazz as a prime example.
It didn't always require a win per se; with Chazz, Jaden used the Ojama trio that Chazz had discarded during his "whitened" period to awaken his original personality's memories.
Sartorius claimed Jaden had mysterious power—one of the few who could defy his prophecies of fate. Also, Jaden carried the power of the "The Gentle Darkness," linked to the universe's dark waves, naturally opposing Sartorius's Light.
Kira achieved a similar effect—freeing a cadre member—but by a different process and principle.
Now Hayato wasn't just freed; he was considering quitting dueling altogether. After today, he seriously wondered if he was cut out for it—maybe retire after this match…
"The King's duel is utterly convincing," Hayato said meaningfully.
"Just lucky."
Kira smiled lightly.
"Today you were under cult control. It wasn't you. If we get the chance, let's duel again—and next time, I hope it's the real you."
Standard dueling pleasantry—didn't mean they'd actually fight again.
But hearing it, Hayato shivered, hair on end, and waved frantically.
"No, no, the King's dueling is number one in the world. I've experienced enough today. No need for another—ha… ha ha…"
As if. He got thrashed even with cult buffs. Next time with no buffs… he'd go mad.
Hayato quickly changed the subject.
"But this isn't over, Mr. Kira," he said seriously. "You may have beaten me, but I'm just a flunky. The Society sent a large force. Their purpose is unclear, but many members came.
I know you're strong, but you're only one person. With such numbers, you can't deal with them one by one. In fact, while we dueled, others surely found students to duel.
Who knows how many Academy students have been converted already…"
He shook his head.
"So their numbers will only grow. For every one you handle, more appear in the meantime. No matter how strong you are, you can't—"
"When did I ever say I'd do it alone?" Kira asked.
"Eh?"
Hayato blinked.
"How much do you remember from your time under control?" Kira asked. "The Society members who came to the Academy—who are they? Do you remember?"
Hayato thought.
"It's getting fuzzy now. Even the names of the ones I knew best are hard to recall…"
Normal. Those freed from the Society usually lose memories from under its control.
"But I was the field lead on this operation. I have a list," Hayato said. "If you want it—"
"Of course."
Kira smiled.
"Your assistance is much appreciated. This is critical."
...
2 Bonus chapters at 500 PS