Time ticked by second by second, and there were still only five people at the venue for the semifinals, with the last three contestants yet to appear.
President Haima frowned repeatedly, his gaze unblinkingly fixed on the sole entrance.
Yugi, what are you doing? Why haven't you shown up yet?
Marik also stared at the entrance, his mind racing.
He participated in this competition primarily to seek revenge against the Pharaoh, never really considering the possibility that "the Pharaoh would be eliminated in the preliminary round."
But now he seemed to have no choice but to seriously ponder this issue—if the Pharaoh indeed bailed out, wouldn't he lose his target for revenge?
Youyu was feeling a bit perplexed as well.
Come to think of it, in the television series, aside from Kaiba, wasn't Yugi and the others supposed to arrive the fastest? Could it be because he won a match against Jonouchi, causing a slight delay?
But this delay was rather prolonged, wasn't it? Jonouchi only lacked two Puzzle Cards; he should have acquired them quite effortlessly, right?
Finally, just as everyone was waiting for what felt like eternity, the protagonists finally appeared from outside the door.
Leading them was indeed Muto Yugi—the harmless version of his surface personality, seemingly exhausted from playing continuously for too long.
Following him were Jonouchi, Kujaku Mai, and their cheering friends and supporters.
The reason for the delay was that, on the way, Mai had been held up in a game by that Hollywood star uncle.
Thankfully, Kujaku Mai managed to win in the end, narrowly avoiding being taken away as his wife. Jonouchi, appearing carefree on the surface, now felt a bit anxious upon reflection...
At least the original protagonist group managed to make it. Three duelists, conveniently fitting the remaining three spots...
"You... Youyu-san!"
Another voice sounded from outside the door. Youyu was startled and looked towards the source, finding... Oh, wasn't that Xue Lang?
Xue Lang waved vigorously outside the door, excitedly rushing straight towards Youyu, even passing by Yugi and Jonouchi without glancing at them.
World protagonist?
What's the point of that? How can it compare to Youyu-san!
What? You say there are full-figured beauties and adorable girl-next-door types?
Huh, what's the point!
Now, he's seen it clearly. Forget about chests and legs; they actually don't matter!
Dating is nothing compared to playing games!
I am determined to become the Duel King; women are just distractions!
... Youyu-san, sorry for the wait, I'm here~
"..."
Well, to be honest, seeing Xue Lang here didn't surprise Youyu much.
He felt that if a player could advance in the Duel City Tournament, Xue Lang might very well have the best chance.
After all, Xue Lang was the player Youyu interacted with earliest, essentially his first, and consistently performed so enthusiastically and diligently. Plus, he had officially settled into the Dream Card Shop as a worker, and Youyu had already given him considerable benefits.
Compared to other players who were still groping around blindly in the game, Xue Lang had already obtained quite a bit of good stuff, being one of the frontrunners among the players.
Actually, Xue Lang was somewhat renowned in the player forum. After all, he was the only one who got the opportunity to "work by Youyu's side," making it difficult not to become famous.
And with this Duel City Tournament being an excellent promotional chance, Youyu naturally arranged some perks for him, allowing him to perform more outstandingly compared to other players, showcasing the advantages of following him, thus ensuring better harvests in the coming year...
But now there was a new issue here.
There were only eight spots for the elimination match, yet there were already nine people present. Moreover, the last quartet had arrived at the venue almost simultaneously...
However, since everyone is a Duelist, resolving such a minor issue is relatively easy.
Kaiba directly waved his hand: "Then, the last ones to arrive should settle the final spot amongst yourselves through a duel! The loser must withdraw and give up their qualifications in the tournament!"
Solving it with a card game made things suddenly straightforward.
Muto Yugi stepped forward without a word, the Millennium Pendant on his chest flashing golden. Yugi closed and then opened his eyes, with the big eyes that appeared gentle and kind in the previous second now brimming with 'Who should we take on, AIBO.'
"Alright! I'll accept this duel," Dark Yugi, having switched personalities, declared, "I'll compete with you for the last spot."
Xue Lang couldn't help but curse.
Why do I have to face off against the guarding boss right at the onset for my advancement?
Besides, don't think I don't know your booster secretly logged in! The referee turns a blind eye even when someone cheats right in front of you!
...Oh, the referee is President's family, so it's okay.
Just when Xue Lang despairingly thought his dream of being "the sole player advancing to Duel City" was about to shatter, Sister Kujaku Mai stood up in the nick of time.
"No, Yugi, Jonouchi, this match must be mine," she said, "It's my fault for the delay that put everyone behind; if it hadn't been for waiting for me, you should have all arrived much earlier."
"Mai..." Jonouchi hesitated.
That's true. The card game with the Hollywood foreigner on the way was initially Mai's private matter; Yugi and Jonouchi delayed their time purely waiting for her.
"There's no need for further discussion; if you all take my place, as a duelist, I wouldn't find peace even if I advanced," Kujaku Mai insisted, "Come on, let's decide the final spot right here!"
"Alright! I'll accept this duel!"
Xue Lang quickly chimed in before the king could refuse.
Facing Dark Yugi, he felt he was virtually doomed, but facing Kujaku Mai, he still had a chance.
Not that he thought Kujaku Mai wasn't capable, but rather among those present, only she didn't have a spirit guide, a divine artifact, nor a cheat...
...nor Jonouchi's incredible luck.
A duel with her still held hope.
Meanwhile, Lady Yue Hua's live broadcast, serving as the camera tool person, grew exceptionally vibrant.
"I recognize him! Isn't that Xue Lang? The one working at Youyu's shop!"
"I heard his favorability rating has surpassed fifty!"
"No way, that's just speculation without evidence."
"Impressive, he actually advanced to the semifinals? This should be the strongest player of the public test, right?"
Amidst the audience's chatter and clamoring, the duel commenced.
First up was Sister Kujaku Mai's opening move. Mai started by summoning a Harpie Lady, and then set three cards backstage before passing.
[Harpie Lady, Attack Power 1300]
Seeing that stance, Xue Lang couldn't help but snark, "Wow, really, three set cards right off the bat? Isn't that a bit over the top, sis?"
But it was fine; he had the Soul Card he received from Youyu-san, containing the power of bonds! (Referring to the formidable 40-point favorability rating)
"My turn, draw!" Xue Lang proclaimed loudly, "A hero cannot falter in battle!
I summon 'Elemental Hero Featherman'!"