On the isolated island, winds stirred and clouds converged as some of the most powerful Phantasms and Egyptian Gods of the age made their appearance, engaging in a battle that wagered almost an entire world in a corner unknown to the world...
...Well, technically speaking, it's not exactly unknown.
Though it seemed that only Youyu and President Kagemaru were on the island, the duel actually had spectators.
First off, as a precaution, when Youyu landed on the island, his Duel Disc also activated the real-time sharing feature.
This is one of the functions added to the Duel Disc after Kaiba developed the "Duel Links" system. While Youyu engaged in the duel, as long as he activated the sharing feature, spectators allowed to watch the match could log into the "Duel Links" system from other locations and watch the duel live.
However, what the spectators saw were virtual projections within the "Duel Links" world. Once the Duel Disc activated the real-time sharing feature, it collected all data, including cards played and monster images summoned during the duel, recreating them in the dedicated spectator room in the virtual world of Duel Links.
Thus, with ultra-realistic data restoration imaging technology, anyone could watch the duel live using this system... like watching a live broadcast.
Youyu considered the necessity of guarding against various special situations — for example, Kagemaru not completing the duel and running off, finishing the duel but without hanging on, or even possibly not winning the duel due to special reasons, so he shared the duel process with his most trusted comrades from the DM Era.
That way, even if he couldn't defeat the Three Phantasms this time, Yugi, Kaiba, and others could obtain first-hand information about the enemy, allowing them to prepare in advance.
Luckily, he managed to win this duel without a hitch, with no surprises.
Tank against the blow from the "God Phoenix," Kagemaru rolled multiple times and crashed into a corner, appearing half-dead, suggesting a heavy hit.
Youyu felt the domain of the Three Phantasms being shattered, and the Phantasm aura possessing Kagemaru had disappeared.
Indeed, beating the Phantasms last time with "Pokémon battles" didn't count; only this time, by winning through playing cards, did the main quest prompt completion. The physical card version of the Three Phantasms was automatically granted to Youyu's System Card Pool as a reward.
Youyu was quite happy upon receiving a reward, but he didn't forget the main task.
Kagemaru lay there nearly lifeless, whether he was still breathing was unknown. However, Youyu didn't care about him, striding forward, leaning down and pulling out his entire Card Deck.
At that moment, he seemed to feel those Three Phantasms roaring angrily in the void, apparently very unwilling to be subdued like this... And for the second time.
After all, before they encountered Kagemaru, they had already been caught by Youyu once?
The dignified Phantasms, each one a rare powerhouse in the Spirit World, were actually being confined by this despicable human!
And it's the second time!
An absolute disgrace.
Yet, they had no way around it. After all, this Duelist wasn't an ordinary human, not someone who could be scared into madness by casual spiritual tricks. Moreover, he had the Egyptian Gods backing him – honestly, they probably didn't have much chance to cause trouble.
The BOSS was finally defeated, with the biggest gain obtained in recent years as a bonus. Youyu was in a great mood, casually opening the chat interface on the Duel Disc, finding there were plenty of message notifications.
Of course, the first message was from the President.
"Well done, though for you, this level is expected."
For some reason, upon seeing these words, Youyu seemed to envision President Haima with his nose pointed skyward, with even his three-stage laughter echoing in his ears.
Then the President sent another message: "Once done, return to the company quickly, there's business."
Business (×), card game (√).
Anyway, as long as it involved cards, the President was the type to get easily excited, capable of getting thrilled just by watching others play cards over the screen.
Youyu silently ignored the President's messages, scrolling down.
Jonouchi was more straightforward. He first expressed unstinting praise for Youyu's performance in this battle, then invited Youyu to have a meal together, saying "hot pot is unlimited."
Honestly, upon seeing Jonouchi say it was free, Youyu was a bit tempted.
Until Youyu continued and saw Yugi's message.
"That's amazing, Youyu, it's been a while since we last met and you can already harness the Three Egyptian Gods to such an extent!"
Followed by an emoji showing reverence with adoration.
But the very next message read: "By the way, Youyu, next time you come back, let's try it too! I haven't dealt with Egyptian Gods for years, and I've recently come up with new tactics against them, it seems very interesting..."
(Three Egyptian Gods: No need, no need...)
Seeing this, coupled with recalling Yugi's innocent sunshine-filled smile, Youyu resolutely abandoned the thought of "returning to Domino."
Finding the President to play cards back in Domino was a minor issue, but playing cards with AIBO...
...Better forget it.
Winning or losing is a minor issue, he feared losing his interest in card games from then on...
However, the spectators of this divine and magical battle were not limited to just these few people.
In fact, when seeking out Kagemaru, considering his reputation, Youyu once again brought along his handy camera tool, Miss Yue Hua.
After all, these silly players are very forgetful beings and have a tendency to abandon the old for the new.
Sometimes they might be passionately calling their two-dimensional poster wife "dear" for her large bust and long legs, then turn to adore a loli a few days later.
In short, if he didn't continue making sensational news to draw their attention, Youyu might soon fall from popularity.
So while playing cards with Kagemaru, Miss Yue Hua behaved like a war journalist, hiding behind the secret room's door with her camera on, streaming the event live.
As expected by Youyu, this first-stage final BOSS battle in the GX era once more became a hot topic in the forums.
Upon sighting the young President Kagemaru coming forth, players heatedly discussed.
"Wait, wasn't there someone who said that Kagemaru had already kicked the bucket?"
The news of Kagemaru supposedly kicking the bucket had been heard by players serving as tutors at the Academy, spreading to the forums.
"Being the first-stage BOSS, it's unlikely he would croak that easily."
"I thought Kagemaru was an old geezer? Doesn't look like it."
"Seems it's the ability of the Three Phantasms. Heard the Three Phantasms can absorb life energy, making people rejuvenate."
"That powerful? A friend of mine asked me to find out if the Three Phantasms can restore vigor for a person?"
Apparently to confirm the credibility of his message, the thread starter even attached a seemingly authentic chat screenshot, with the other party noted conspicuously as "friend."
No Friends Here.JPG.
This peculiar angle naturally attracted another wave of enthusiastic discussions, with a wave of mockery around "isn't the friend you're talking about yourself."
The forum and bullet screens were filled with a joyful atmosphere.
The duel began, and the descent of "Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder" marked the official start of this divine and magical battle.
As that azure lightning streaked across the sky, Thunder of Fallen erupted among humanity, even the silly ones couldn't help but be awed. Some even felt the overwhelming and suffocating powerful surges through the screen, sincerely astonished—
—Whoa, which scumbag is swearing here!?