After the duel ended, Jain openly admitted his defeat.
Perhaps it's the power of the Wave of Light leaving him, he became less irritable, more courteous, and then, the Lightsworn Spirits also began to negotiate with the Kaiba Company staff.
In this respect, Tenjo Hikari wasn't the expert. Tenjo Hikari knew nothing about management; the Fusion Department's progress was entirely due to his personal prestige and way of handling matters. Other aspects left him clueless, unable to offer suggestions.
Jain was not the strongest among these Spirits, although indeed a High-level Spirit, still not of the caliber of Judgment or Punishment Spirits. But Lightsworn had always been a righteous Spirit Influence, and keeping one's word was fundamental. Moreover, upon seeing Jain's defeat, they realized these humans weren't the kind that needed protection like sheep, thus wouldn't persist stubbornly.
The affair of Destruction Dimension didn't even have their internal consensus; Punishment Dragon's Spirit didn't even speak in this duel, indicating their lack of internal resolve.
They can help humans protect the roads, starting by safeguarding all ordinary life in this dimension.
Though fighting with scattered soldiers from the Dark World might waste time, Lightsworn could tolerate this waste.
During this process, Tenjo Hikari specially mentioned the situation with Judai, suggesting they focus more on that side.
In fact, during communication with Judai, Judai didn't mention his side specifics nor compared which side was more dangerous.
Perhaps Judai saw it as not targeting him personally but as the entirety of the dimension being equally dangerous.
Yet Tenjo Hikari couldn't afford not to prepare.
Perhaps the Archfiends from the Dark World discovered Judai's past life, or maybe they are searching for him. It's even possible that Yubel has long been resurrected; none of this is certain.
Therefore, given the chance, he certainly hoped the Lightsworn would concentrate more.
Lightsworn gradually stationed themselves in various regions, less in number than the Dark World, but because they do not fear death, they wouldn't perform worse than Dark World Low-Level Demons scattered about.
Beyond that, due to Tenjo Hikari's influence, the Lightsworn were willing to engage in deep discussions with humans.
Many Lightsworn even agreed to duel humans to choose partners of their liking.
This is undoubtedly great news for the students.
Because the core intent of this GX Tournament initiated by Principal Samejima was witnessing students' lack of motivation, he devised an opportunity for all students to gain drive.
Only by exploring this dimension is it possible to find a Spirit you resonate with, and by that time, you might grow stronger, altering past achievements.
And Lightsworn were precisely an influence aligning with Principal Samejima's wishes!
Firstly, Lightsworn do not mind which dimension they inhabit; even Leader Level Spirits can leave the Realm of Light to station permanently in any dimension, for their pursuit is justice, accomplished wherever possible.
Secondly, Lightsworn's requirements for Duelists are quite broad; as long as one is willing to accompany them in pursuing "justice," regardless of being not exceptionally strong, they might earn their approval and harness Lightsworn's power.
Thirdly, Lightsworn's moral purity is quite severe; thus, if one forms a partnership with them, whether parent or teacher, they'd be delighted as the presence of such partners indicates the academy's education is well-grounded.
In summary, it's all advantageous.
More importantly, single Lightsworn Spirits are notably strong, often a regular Warrior can defeat two or three Dark World Low-Level Demons, reliable indeed.
If not for Serena's disinterest in the Lightsworn series, Tenjo Hikari would surely recommend her to challenge them as well.
Of course, if encountering Enlightenment Dragon, Tenjo Hikari would be pleased.
In conclusion, everything progresses systematically; thanks to the Lightsworn power's inclusion, the Critical Point's situation improves steadily. Tenjo Hikari contacted Tenjouin Fubuki and Judai, learning from them that situations on their side are equally good.
Everything seemingly advances positively.
But Tenjo Hikari knew well that lurking beneath the lake's surface was darkness.
Yubel.
It must be there.
It must have begun its move.
Only, when it will act, who it will attack, remains uncertain.
Could it be John?
Or perhaps Manjome and the others?
Yubel is a Spirit filled with possessive desire, and when inhabited by the Wave of Light, it evokes its inner morbidity entirely, originally indiscriminately assaulting everyone around Judai. Now, it likely turns to indiscriminate harm in pursuit of monopolizing Judai's affection.
Tenjo Hikari furrowed his brows, a bit concerned, yet his hands did not pause.
Because... there exists another possibility, thus no need for intentional pondering.
Tenjo Hikari opened a paper, noting several pieces of information.
In the southeastern region of the forest zone lies a cave, containing a hidden Duelist area where there's uncertainty of Duelist presence hence Tenjo Hikari needed to investigate.
Most solo rescue missions were taken by Ed, while scattered tasks were handed to Saiou siblings. Though Saiou himself just awoke, his precognition weakened as the Wave of Light left his body but remains able to foresee the future, hence capable of generally pinpointing a location.
Only such remote, hazardous routes Tenjo Hikari couldn't overlook.
Thankfully, Jain, Twilightsworn General, accepted the task of guarding the Kaiba Company starting point, hence Tenjo Hikari didn't have to remain at the site, thus he decided on a rescue mission. This time, Serena intercepted him before departure, wanting to accompany him in exploration. Tenjo Hikari considered, having Tierra by his side with power to activate at any time, indeed more secure than just relying on Lightsworn and Kaiba Company.
No matter how the card came to be or whether the path of souls was trodden, the card in Tenjo Hikari's hand, with Tierra beside him, made this card a "Card-shaped Nuclear Bomb."
With this "Infernoid Tierra," Tenjo Hikari wouldn't need to worry about Spirit strength in most cases.
Tenjo Hikari obtained a vehicle from Kaiba Company, Tierra summoned an Archfiend, and alongside Serena, they boarded the car flying towards the forest zone.
As he departed, a hidden ripple shimmered in the Critical Point's sky, akin to light streaming down.
Meanwhile, a bizarre shadow silently trailed along with Tenjo Hikari's departure.
A chilling voice, too, slowly and quietly resonated alongside the bizarre shadow.
It was resentful yet persistent, crazy yet gentle, filled with possessiveness.
Tenjo Hikari instinctively glanced at the sky from the car, gently furrowing his brow.