Having obtained the information he wanted, Jaden Yuki did not linger any longer.
As for Bastion... what came next would likely be his "painful yet happy" time.
Since it was a case of one being willing to strike and the other being willing to suffer, Jaden didn't feel it was his place to interfere.
"Jaden Yuki..."
Tania watched Jaden's departing back.
Carrying Bastion Misawa over her shoulder, a solemn light flickered in her eyes. She could feel the pressure the youth exerted just by standing before her. Even though he harbored no overt hostility toward her, as a member of the Shadow Riders, Jaden Yuki was an obstacle she could not avoid.
Could she truly defeat this boy?
...
After leaving the Amazoness Arena, Jaden walked silently on the path back.
Yubel's figure appeared beside him, casting an inconspicuous glance his way. "What you asked just now... do you have something planned?"
"Well, it has to be done sooner or later, doesn't it?" Jaden did not deny it. "Dominating the Spirit World and rebuilding my Supreme King's Armyisn't that what I should be doing?"
Opening his hand, Jaden looked at his palm, where a faint, dark-golden light shimmered in his eyes.
"That's right, that's right! That is exactly what the Great Supreme King should do!"
As if hearing Jaden's words, Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring squeezed her way out of his Deck, chirping in agreement.
"We follow at the Supreme King's side because we believe he has the power to change the Spirit World."
Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit also drifted slowly to Jaden's side, crossing her arms and nodding solemnly. "Moreover, if the Supreme King can unify the Spirit World, we, as the founding veterans, might even secure ourselves some official government positions."
As she spoke, a happy grin spread across Ghost Ogre's face.
"..."
Yubel rolled her eyes, rendered speechless by these Hand Trap spirits and their questionable motives.
But finally, her gaze settled on Jaden.
"Jaden, if this is what you want, I won't stop you. If you need my power, I will give you everything without hesitation. As long as they are your enemies, I will do my utmost to destroy them."
"Yubel..."
Jaden's expression softened. He gave a light smile and took Yubel's hand.
"Kuri kuri~" Winged Kuriboh also appeared by his side, looking at him with a beaming face.
"Ah, and Winged Kuriboh... and everyone else."
Jaden raised his Duel Disk, looking at the thick Deck slotted inside.
"Since everyone is willing to support me... then let us use our collective power."
Accumulate strength, crush the opposing armies, and build a new Spirit World!
"Yes!"
Beside him, the spirits emerged one by one. Every Duel Monster spirit within his Deck gathered around Jaden, responding to his call.
At that moment, an unprecedented power condensed within Jaden's heart. This steady stream of strength caused the dark-golden light in his eyes to grow even more intense.
This power...
Feeling the surging tide of energy within him, Jaden showed a hint of surprise. This power had completely transcended the limits of humanity, approaching something akin to a god.
Could it be... is this the "Power of Bonds" from the Yu-Gi-Oh world?
This sensation was incredibly reassuring. It was no wonder all the protagonists of the Yu-Gi-Oh series placed such importance on the Power of Bonds. Even Jaden could feel a strength so immense it surprised him.
This power even surpassed that of the original Supreme King!
"I'm starting to look forward to what the future Spirit World will become." Jaden clenched his fist and looked toward the horizon.
Just wait. In a year's time at most, the Supreme King would return to the Spirit World with the posture of a ruler descending upon his kingdom!
...
A few days later, outside the arena.
Several figures were lurking stealthily near the woods, observing the ancient coliseum. Ever since Bastion Misawa had been detained by Tania, Alexis Rhodes, Chazz Princeton, Professor Banner, and several other students had been coming by to monitor the situation.
Inside the arena.
Bastion knelt on the ground, propping himself up with his hands, his face filled with disbelief.
He had lost again. He had lost track of how many times he had been defeated by this woman.
"Tania..." Bastion looked at her with an obsessed gaze.
However, Tania simply put away her Duel Disk with an expressionless face and let out a sigh.
"You can leave now."
"Eh?"
"You can no longer satisfy me, Julong."
Tania glanced at Bastion and shook her head, turning to walk away without looking back. She had seen all of Bastion's Decks. But it wasn't enough. It was far from enough! This level of competition was not what she wanted.
She needed a stronger opponent. The Amazoness tribe was born with a fierce, combative instinct. She had to challenge the strong! She had to fight even more powerful duelists!
"Jaden Yuki..."
Her eyes grew sharp. Tania seemed to have made a decision. "I must challenge a stronger man!"
The arena gates swung open.
Bastion walked out, looking like he had lost his soul. His eyes were vacant, his expression numb.
"Bastion!"
Several students from Duel Academy rushed forward to meet him. They saw him collapse onto his back, a faint pink blush still lingering on his cheeks.
"Tania-chan..."
"Eh? Tania-chan?" The students were instantly dumbfounded.
What on earth had happened to this guy?
...
In the forest outside Duel Academy, by the lakeside.
Jaden sat in a tree, using the leaves to shade himself from the sun as he examined the cards in his hand. Below the tree, Alexis looked up at him, her expression worried.
"I heard that since Bastion came back, he's been acting like a lost soul, just staying in his dorm."
"..."
"I can't even imagine what kind of torture he went through these past few days..."
"Mm." Jaden nodded. He pulled a card from his Deck and swapped it with three others.
"Also, Bastion brought back a message. He said Tania wants to duel you and has invited you to the arena tomorrow... are you really going?" Alexis frowned and couldn't help but ask.
"Since a challenge has been issued, then as a duelist, I have to accept."
Jaden put his Side Deck back into its box and spoke without looking up from the forty cards of his Main Deck.
"That woman named Tania gives off a very dangerous feeling. If you insist on going, I won't stop you..." Alexis's gaze was complicated. There seemed to be a tiny hint of jealousy hidden within it. "But, you... you must be careful! Don't believe a word that woman says!"
"Hmm?" Jaden looked at Alexis in confusion.
"Ugh, what I mean is, women are not to be trusted!" Alexis blushed and explained hurriedly. Feeling like she had said something wrong, she quickly added, "A certain part of women!"
Looking at the blonde girl with the crimson cheeks, Jaden gave a shallow smile but didn't say anything further. He leaped down from the tree and slotted his newly assembled Deck into the Duel Disk on his left arm.
"Let's go. Time to face Tania."
With that, he began walking toward the forest.
"Eh?" Alexis blinked. She pointed at herself, unsure if Jaden's words were directed at her or the spirits by his side.
Maybe... it was me.
Thinking to herself, Alexis's lips curled into a smile, and she happily followed after him.
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