Dinner time.
As the host, Ameluda prepared a rather lavish dinner for his three guests. The venue was elegantly and solemnly arranged, with a white tablecloth draping over the elongated dining table, adorned with exquisite silverware. A crystal vase with roses stood on the table, the petals glistening under the light.
The host's enthusiasm quickly made Yugen feel that even if he had only come for this meal, it was worth the trip. Delicate French foie gras, Italian ham, perfectly grilled steak, and aromatic Italian pasta. It's said that Ameluda brought in a top chef to handle today's banquet, and every dish had been meticulously crafted by the chef.
"But Ameluda, you're still using your old card deck?"
While eating, Keihei chatted casually.
"I thought... well... I didn't know if you'd want to draw a line with the past or something."
Ameluda smiled faintly.
"The past was once my shackle, and I spent the first half of my life living for it. Of course, with your help, I realized it was all just a lie. Dazi had intricately woven that lie for me, making me willingly become his tool.
This card deck was born for that purpose."
Many of the monsters used in Ameluda's card deck were created using Doma's technology, and they also emerged from the darkness within his own heart.
For example, the Kaiba Group weaponry that once brought war to his hometown, the toy robot most beloved by his younger brother, and so on. His past experiences and darkest memories were the prototypes for his card deck.
"But now I've moved on." Ameluda smiled softly, glancing at the card deck in his hand, "To me, this deck carries my past, it's a compilation of memories with my family, my brother, but at the same time, it's the strength that supports me to keep moving forward.
After all, people always have to move towards the future, and dwelling in the past never leads to rebirth. Instead of being immersed in what you've lost, it's better to look ahead at what you can still achieve."
After saying this, Ameluda paused and glanced at Kaiba, "However, I'm sure President Kaiba already understands this."
Kaiba: "..."
Although Kaiba was silent for a moment, the words of an old friend echoed in his mind.
Kaiba has lived this way all his life; for him, the word "past" only carries pain and tragedy, and only the bright future forged by his own hands holds meaning.
But at that arena in the sky, during the most unforgettable defeat of his life, his nemesis said this to him.
"A person without a past will not be visited by the future," Dark Game said back then, "No matter what kind of past, it is never insignificant; the past is connected with the present and the future self."
This was said not just to Kaiba, but also at that time, it was said by Dark Game to himself. Because at that moment, he had no past, and without retrieving his past, even if he looked towards the future, it was all in utter darkness.
Thinking of the old friend, Kaiba momentarily lost himself.
If that guy were still around, would he acknowledge the future I've connected now...
"Tch, come to think of it, President, after all these years, you're still alone. Is that really okay?" Ameluda teased with a leg crossed.
Kaiba remained expressionless: "Boring."
After all, the President is a man destined to become the Duel King; feelings are a nuisance, and it's well-known that the king of cards never takes a partner.
Besides, he's already got Bai Jia.
In Yugen's view, the President belongs to the early shounen manga's typical main rival character type, appearing with a high-profile posture, seemingly on par with the protagonist, though not truly capable of winning. A similar representative character resides over in the tragic tower...
"Let's talk business," Kaiba said indifferently, "You said there's already a lead. What did you find out?"
Ameluda straightened up, shedding the smile.
"I've received your clues, and on our end, we tracked down a corporation."
"A corporation?" Keihei frowned.
"Indeed."
As Ameluda spoke, he signaled with a gesture. Immediately, two subordinates appeared, projecting an image onto the screen behind the dining table.
Soon, the image of a company building emerged. Tough and clear contours, every line seemed to be crafted meticulously, like a massive fortress constructed with a glass curtain wall and aluminum alloy framework.
"...Abiak?" Keihei frowned, uttering the name of the company.
"Abiak," Yugen said softly, "the counterpart of Kaiba Company."
Keihei then realized: "Ah, really. Is this a coincidence or..."
"There's no such coincidence."
Seto Kaiba intertwined his fingers and rested his chin on them, smirking.
"Interesting. Is this supposed to be a taunt?"
"From this name, it's easy to make such an association," Ameluda remarked, "And my people have investigated. On the surface, they appear to be an internet company, but their specific activities are entirely inaccessible.
But these guys definitely shouldn't be underestimated."
"How so?" Keihei inquired.
"Firstly, their armed forces," Ameluda stated, "My people attempted to make contact with them, and this company seems to possess extraordinary armed forces.
Firearms, cutting-edge equipment, even more sophisticated than the local official arms. But we have no insight into their background nor the source of their weapons.
Even..."
Ameluda frowned, pausing for a moment.
Keihei: "What?"
"...They also have some novel high-end equipment," Ameluda replied, "Through direct contact, we've learned that they have acquired never-before-seen energy rifles and weapons targeting the central nervous system that cause widespread shock.
Even stranger, much of their technology seems..."
He paused for several seconds.
There was no need to continue speaking; Seto Kaiba calmly interjected: "Does it have a shadow of Kaiba Group technology?"
Ameluda raised an eyebrow: "Is that your handiwork?"
"No, Kaiba Group hasn't manufactured weapons in years, as you well know," Kaiba replied softly.
"But you know what's going on?"
"Perhaps. By tomorrow, everything will be clear."
Kaiba didn't intend to continue speaking on the matter, turning to ask instead.
"How's the planning coming along?"
Ameluda shrugged: "That building is completely sealed off from the outside, but our scouts managed to discover the only route to infiltrate inside."
He waved his hand, and a detailed map appeared on the screen.
"Beneath that building, the sewer system hides a pathway leading inside. By going there, there's a chance to reach the Abiak server room, perhaps you'll find what you're looking for."
Turning, Ameluda solemnly said.
"But I must remind you, that Abiak is rather peculiar. Their building layout is akin to a military fortress, possibly with deadly traps at every step."
"Is that so?" Kaiba sneered, seeming unconcerned.
"It seems you're well aware, so I won't say much more. I've already arranged the infiltration route, but once inside, everything depends on you."
Ameluda shrugged.
"But I still have a question..." he looked seriously at Kaiba, "Why are you so insistent on going in personally? I mean... for someone with Seto Kaiba's resources and strength, you have plenty of other methods to handle this, right?"
Kaiba's face remained impassive.
"Because only in this instance, I must end it myself."