The gods have descended.
The Snake God emitted a sharp roar, spewing chaotic blasts from its blood-red mouth. Like a black torrent sweeping across the heavens, every place it touched seemed as if space itself was being torn apart.
But it was futile.
The apocalypse-like impact collided with the holy flames. A golden light, like the dawn's break, effortlessly neutralized and dispelled the darkness, as if sunlight was tearing apart the night, vanishing in an instant.
Then, the Sun God opened its mouth, its golden body resembling a burning Phoenix, with dazzling flames swirling within its mouth.
Divine Might Flame Cannon!
The Flame Cannon's blaze cut through the darkness like a scorching meteor. Light and dark intersected briefly, but the latter was quickly suppressed. The Flame Cannon pierced through the massive body of the Snake God, and from the ground, it felt as if the very night itself had been penetrated.
The serpentine body soon ignited, as if detached from the chaotic torrent, falling from the night, burning out in mid-air and turning into void.
After completing this strike, the Winged Divine Dragon soared up, letting out a high-pitched, sharp cry. It spiraled upwards like a shooting star breaking through the sky, also dissipating into flames.
Yugen looked in the direction where the Phantom God disappeared and frowned, saying, "That is..."
"The Winged Divine Dragon of Ra, the Sun God, the strongest among the Phantom Gods... but not really."
The Chaos Warrior murmured softly.
"I think it's probably a state similar to that of the Snake God."
Yugen nodded.
Indeed.
The Phantom Gods' cards had not appeared, and without the cards as a medium, no matter how strong the spirit, it could not wield its full power. What they had just witnessed was probably just the remnant of the power.
Using the derivative of the Millennium Puzzle as a medium, preserving a bit of the leftover power of the Phantom God, was designed for emergencies like this. Only the Divine Artifact left by the Pharaoh could command such power.
Although he might not be able to wield it now, this mini puzzle was undoubtedly an incredible Divine Artifact. If someday he managed to acquire a Winged Divine Dragon card, this thing might come in handy.
Even if he can't wield it directly, it can still serve as a command flag. Perhaps seeing this thing, the Phantom Gods might feel as if seeing a "business trip approval" signed personally by the Pharaoh?
Though the clash of Immortals seemed earth-shattering, it all happened in the blink of an eye. In a moment, the entire valley was left with only Yugen standing.
The cultists collapsed instantly. Even more comical was that they were devoured not by the opposing Phantom God, but by their own Snake God.
Feeling regretful for these cultists who picked the wrong side, Yugen could only shake his head, reluctantly inheriting the will of them all...
...through the Card Deck.
Don't underestimate this seemingly simple task. The Snake God wiped out so many of its own people in one go, retrieving each Card Deck one by one was exhausting, and even bringing them back wasn't a one-time job...
Finally, there was the unexpected gain of a spirit encountered along the way.
After finishing, Yugen pulled out the card of Evil Emperor Gaius. Black fog once again drifted out, manifesting the form of the Evil Emperor.
But this time, the Evil Emperor was more silent than before, with a somewhat strange expression.
"Alright, now I have some time. Our conversation earlier wasn't finished. Where did we leave off..." Yugen asked, "Let me think... I remember you were in the middle of saying... I took down your duelist, quite daring, or something like that?"
The Evil Emperor shook his head repeatedly.
"No, you heard wrong."
"Huh? Wasn't it?" Yugen tilted his head, "Because I felt it sounded like you guys had a good relationship, like you were going to avenge him?"
"Ha, what a joke."
The Evil Emperor chuckled, crossing his arms in the black fog, assertively saying.
"We weren't familiar."
Yugen squinted, thinking he was quite sure you didn't say so earlier...
"I was also captured by the Orichalcos Snake God and had no choice but to join its ranks. I've been annoyed by that disgusting soft creature for a long time. Today I finally met a wise lord; please allow me to pledge my loyalty, join the crusade against that God of Evil, uphold justice, and restore order to the realms soon!"
The Evil Emperor declared with sturdy determination.
Yugen pondered.
Even if you say you want to uphold justice and crusade against the Evil God, you should realize that your card's name is "Evil" Emperor, right...
Well, details aren't important. What's important is that his goal of collecting the "Emperor series" got a step closer; this time he obtained one of the strongest emperors, and it's even a spirit, which after all is a great gain.
If there's anything lacking, it's that the Emperor Spirit is the Evil Emperor. Given the choice, Yugen personally would prefer the Wind Emperor...
...unfortunately, there's no switch.
Well, the Evil Emperor will have to do; it's still acceptable.
Thus, the Evil Emperor, having sworn loyalty, quickly corrected his attitude, retreating back into his card.
No joke, how could he not be respectful?
Though during the previous duel, he vaguely felt that this guy was extraordinary, the power shown was probably just the tip of the iceberg, yet the truth still greatly exceeded his expectations.
Sun God! Winged Divine Dragon!
Such supreme gods from the Duel Monsters realm, with a single Divine Breath Flame attack, reduced Orichalcos' Cheating Snake to a dunce.
In comparison, what is he, a mere Evil Emperor?
Thus, Gaius swiftly positioned himself lower within the team. However, he seemed temporarily unaware that the Winged Divine Dragon wasn't strictly summoned by Yugen, nor did it fight following his commands...
All in all, this endeavor was quite rewarding—visibly so. Yugen finally returned to reality with a new tool, a new spirit, and a dozen new Card Decks.
Although he may need to apologize to President Kaiba, the rumored "Sealing Artifact" among the spirits was ultimately snatched by yours truly, Yugen.
While wandering in the Elf Realm, he didn't feel it, but once he returned, Yugen felt a considerable mental drain, and as he returned to the dormitory, he started feeling quite exhausted.
So, he laid down for a nap, woke up refreshed, and took a shower, then went to the cafeteria to find something to eat.
Turns out, card dueling truly is a mentally and physically exhausting job; upon returning, he devoured three bowls in one go.
After eating and drinking his fill, he left the dorm casually, taking a walk around the stadium to digest. Walking along, he casually flipped open the student terminal, finding unread messages. It was from Keihei, reminding him it was time to register for the Duel City tournament.
Though he was one of the contestants personally designated to participate by the President, it seemed the registration process was still unavoidable.
While pondering to fill out the registration since he had some free time, he suddenly heard footsteps rushing up behind him.
Yugen turned to see it was none other than his classmate Judai, with his inseparable two roommates in tow.
Even though the holiday had started, the ship ferrying students wouldn't arrive until the next day, so most students were still on the island at this time.
"Hey, Yugen?"
The three briefly halted as they rushed past with momentum.
"In such a hurry, where are you heading?" Yugen asked casually.
"Haven't you heard? A Professional Duelist! A professional!"
"Huh?"
"A pro is coming to the academy for a lecture!"
Judai was very excited, pulling Yugen by the hand to drag him to the car without a word.
"Come on, come with us!"