The orc trio lay sprawled on the ground, lost in their scattered thoughts. The three brothers glanced at each other, seeing only confusion and grievance in each other's eyes.
Did we... lose already?
An ironclad formation, ten thousand Life Points, and a three-on-one fight... wiped out in an instant?
Is the gap between duelists in this world truly this vast?
Only now did the orcs recall the legends about the duelists from other worlds, whose mastery over cards was said to be unparalleled, and whose strength was seemingly beyond the comprehension of their world.
Though these tales have been passed down for generations, few believed them. Despite the tales of such legendary strength, none had ever met a duelist of that caliber.
Yet now, the orc trio started to believe.
And it's not exactly like what's in the legends. In a duel against such another-world strength, the overwhelming impact wasn't just being defeated so quickly; it was a feeling of powerlessness, a sense of "Why am I defeated?" that ate deeply at their sense of injustice…
Isn't a duel supposed to be a ceremonial battle where both sides determine the victor?
They felt that today probably shouldn't be counted as a duel.
Today was them being "dueled".
The opponent clearly enjoyed the process, likely amused by beating them akin to facing a wall, taking pleasure in their expressions of grievance and suffering...
However, among them, the orc leader was quick to react, realizing they might still have a chance.
Because in the Elf Realm, duels are matters of life or death, yet they were still alive, meaning the opponent spared them.
There's still hope!
Orc A quickly realized this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, eagerly saying, "Your duel skill is unprecedented and unparalleled, your strength leaves me utterly convinced..."
He knew the only option was to impress the opponent with eloquence, hoping such an advanced being might forgive lower-level beings and spare them.
"I only have a few questions," Yugen said.
Indeed.
The orc trio perked up; there was an opportunity here.
"Please, ask away, we'll answer anything we know..."
"Oh, you certainly will answer everything."
Yugen chuckled softly.
It was only then that the trio noticed that the surroundings had subtly darkened.
The sky was shrouded in darkness, as an ominous mist churned uncertainly all around. The encroaching blackness cloaked the trees, mountains, sky, and earth in a veil of shadows.
The darkness formed a swirling vortex, like some sort of lightless barrier, of which Yugen stood at the center, while they were ensnared within, powerless to escape.
The lead orc turned pale with fear: "This... this is the legendary... Dark Game..."
"Oh? You do seem to know quite a bit."
Yugen leisurely took out a fragment of a pendant from his pocket.
The incomplete piece emitted a faint golden glow, the source of the all-encompassing darkness.
This was the first dark artifact Yugen acquired.
In fact, he'd studied alchemy extensively under Da德寺, perusing numerous books, and quickly discovered that the world's alchemy was likely a form, or closely related to, the Dark Game. This was why Da德寺, as a top-tier alchemist, also held considerable prowess in the Dark Game.
Thus, after extensive academic exploration, he'd theoretically understood much about utilizing dark powers. However, he only recently acquired a true dark artifact, providing his first chance to execute hands-on practice.
This marks his first proactive initiation of a Dark Game.
"Alright, my turn to ask now. But, you've likely realized, you don't really have the right to refuse answering."
Yugen slowly approached, and as he did, the swirling darkness crept closer, encircling the three orcs.
They'd heard that even in another world, duelists with mastery over the Dark Game were top-tier. Today was a chance meeting with a true heavyweight, leaving them huddled together in fearful trembling.
"Spare... spare me..."
"..."
Yugen soon finished.
It was expected, because he quickly found there wasn't much to ask. They knew little about the mission, with key information held by an upcoming contact.
Likely a measure by the organization to prevent information leaks in situations like this.
After all, under Dark Game rules, defeating the opponent would easily extract information, making leaks too simple.
Moments later, as the dark mist dissipated, Yugen emerged, now holding something.
After the initial test, Yugen realized that although he'd surpassed the extraordinary threshold without using Elf Power, his strength wasn't imposing, nor was his control proficient.
Even though he won the duel, coercing answers through dark power seemed to be the limit; he couldn't take lives through game rules nor completely control them like brainwashing puppets.
Perhaps due to technique inadequacies, or insufficient power level.
If he later wins the other pendant fragment from Fubuki, completing the artifact, there might be significant improvement.
No, before anything, these "Sealing Artifacts" mentioned by elves seem to be powerful tools themselves, which could be useful too.
"..."
Proven was Yugen's quick efficiency, for soon after dispatching the trio, a tall, burly demon form appeared from the opposite side of the forest.
Yugen squinted, assessing the creature, but quickly recognized it.
Good heavens, a monster with screen time.
A Five-Star Demon, Overlord of the Dark Demon Realm, 2000 Attack Power.
Though it seemed just a Five-Star Mortal Bone, but following the Maze Brothers' theory, it once "faced Duel King," making it noteworthy. This creature was the ace of a Dark Duelist in the Duel Kingdom Chapter, dying a tragic death back then.
The Dark Duelist summoned a beast called "Dark City," resembling a floating fortress. The Game masterfully said Bouncing Turtle knocked off the "Floating Ring," causing the castle to plummet and crush its own monster...
This unfortunate Demon Realm Overlord was among those crushed to a pulp.
After its short-lived miserable stay in DM, it found new employment in GX under Overlord Judai, as one of his minor followers.
This led Yugen to think, maybe this place is among the Twelve Dimensions ruled by Overlord from the animation?
But Overlord hasn't yet appeared, and Orichalcos forces have occupied this place?
At this moment, the Demon Realm Overlord stood before him. Yugen decided to set aside his doubts and presented a task card as he'd done with the earlier defeated henchmen.
The Demon Realm Overlord likewise revealed a task card, confirming their identities like exchanging passwords.
Nodding, he tucked away the card, frowning as he asked, "Why just you? Weren't there supposed to be four?"