The Chariot, depicting the victorious chariot of a king, symbolizes victory and overcoming obstacles.
"Complete victory, does it mean I can finally utterly defeat that detestable criminal and secure victory?" Ed said flatly.
Takuma Saiou didn't turn around and just said, "Oh, have you also obtained the ability to foresee the future like me, Ed?"
Ed laughed out loud.
"No, Saiou. It's just that every time you predict for me, this is the only card that ever comes up."
Ed placed a hand on his hip and smiled confidently.
"And I also believe in your ability, Saiou. I know I'm strong, especially with your help.
As you often say, destiny is on our side, right?"
"That's not my original phrase," Saiou said calmly. "Destiny is elusive and even harder to control. And I am just..."
"Able to see through and predict, almost the same thing," Ed said, shrugging nonchalantly and smiling, "No matter what, I have confidence in my strength, and I trust your judgment.
It was only a matter of time before I caught that bastard back then, I never doubted. I will personally defeat him and make him feel the pain I have felt over the years. And..."
He looked down at his hand, clenching his fist.
"I will claim the last piece my father left behind, the 'D'."
"The heavy destiny shouldered by the hero, huh."
Saiou nodded.
"But things must be taken one step at a time. Before that, you have a new opponent in next week's match, right?"
"Yeah, a graduate from Duel Academy, a rising star in the professional league, someone called Kaiza Ryo."
Ed nodded, but when brought up, his tone was casual, as if he hadn't even given it much thought.
"Just a newcomer with a bit of potential." Ed chuckled lightly, "Even if Saiou were to predict for me, the result would still be the same card.
The Chariot that symbolizes complete victory, isn't it?"
Saiou drew the Tarot Cards again, placed them flat on the table, and slowly turned them over.
As expected, The Chariot.
"I told you, I won't lose."
Ed spoke softly, his expression growing serious.
"Before I stand at the pinnacle of the league and find that detestable murderer."
"..."
Climbing to the top of the world, conquering the league as an unrivaled Duelist, and becoming the world champion is Ed's main goal. At the same time, he also wants to find the murderer who killed his father years ago.
It seems Saiou's prophecies led him to believe that the killer is hiding in the professional league. Ed also finds this inference very logical. The killer who took his father's greatest masterpiece—said to be the strongest ultimate Destiny Hero, if he didn't just want Rare Cards to sell them, is most likely a Duelist.
If he is a Duelist, he can't resist the urge to use powerful cards to seek fame and fortune. Getting such a strong card, he would likely join competitions to gain reputation and status.
So as long as he continues battling in the professional league, Ed believes he will eventually run into that guy. And through a Duel, perhaps he can find out who the killer truly is.
So for Ed, dueling is not just work and life. He must win, no matter what. He needs to become strong enough, only then can he keep fighting until he finds that guy, and only then will he have the power for revenge.
"By the way, Ed."
Suddenly Saiou added.
"Did you make contact with Yuki Judai yet?"
"Not yet."
Ed shrugged.
"Been really busy lately, you know that."
"You should still take the time to check him out. After all, you are still a student at Duel Academy."
Ed frowned silently.
This is something he never really understood. Saiou insisted he enroll in Duel Academy, and even the best graduates tend to struggle to reach his current level. So the Academy degree is meaningless to him.
What's even harder to comprehend is that Saiou repeatedly emphasized that the person who would bring him a crucial change is Yuki Judai, a student of Osiris Red whom he could hardly take seriously at first glance.
But given that Saiou is indeed never wrong...
"Alright, I got it." Ed nodded, "I'll make time for it."
He turned, and just as he was about to leave the room, he suddenly thought of something, paused with the door slightly open, and looked back at Saiou.
"So, the Duel between me and Yuki Judai, have you seen the outcome, Saiou?"
Saiou smiled silently, slowly revealing the Tarot Cards in his hand again.
Again, The Chariot.
"I thought so."
Ed chuckled and strode out the door.
Saiou put away The Chariot and reshuffled the deck.
Indeed, up until now, the only prediction for Ed has been The Chariot, with no exceptions.
But Saiou only told Ed that The Chariot stood for his absolute victory, without mentioning its other meanings.
A Chariot moves decisively and swiftly, but the faster it goes, the harder it is to see the truth and current situation clearly, inevitably losing sight of its goal.
Much like Ed Phoenix now.
After reshuffling, Saiou lowered his head, letting out an eerie, low laugh that echoed in the bright, radiant room for a long time.
...
...
"Huh!?"
Ten Generations sitting on the plane returning to Duel Academy with Yugen exclaimed.
"Ed Phoenix... is he the expert in the professional circle?"
"Yes."
"Is he coming to the Academy this year?"
"Yes."
"As a student?"
"Yes."
Yugen could understand Ten Generations' astonishment. Although Ed is indeed of enrollment age, it's usually graduates from Duel Academy who scramble to enter the professional circle, not professional big shots who come back for more training.
Of course, just looking at the surface, it seems confusing. But Yugen knows he has a purpose, so he's not surprised.
If the original plot unfolds, Takuma Saiou himself would eventually enter the Duel Academy and carry out a series of actions to replace the Blue Dormitory, transforming it into his Light Association's headquarters.
Waiting for the opponent to appear is certainly an option, but that would take quite some time. During this period, the enemy is in the dark while they're in the light, which could lead to variables. Yugen, with the Duel King title over his head, might be targeted before the opposing force shows itself. Though Yugen doesn't necessarily fear them, he doesn't like to just sit and wait.
He prefers to be proactive.
"So exciting!" Ten Generations was already getting excited, "Doesn't that mean there's a chance for us to duel with him?"
"Yes, it's only a matter of time."
Yugen smiled.
"Don't worry, I have a feeling..."
"...he will soon become one of our own."