"That's right, this dimension has been invaded several times."
ZONE continued.
"Whether it's Godwin or Ludger, the entity behind them seems skilled at using enemies from outside this dimension to invade the current dimension, maliciously disrupting the continuity of space-time.
This kind of malicious invasion has occurred multiple times, and my people have named it 'Anomalies.'
Yugen recalled that Placido had referred to himself as an 'Anomaly' earlier, and now he understood what it meant.
Perhaps Taiyi over there has also realized that I, who replaced Godwin, am equally an invader from outside this dimension, and thus concluded that I am also a type of 'Anomaly.'
ZONE: "You must have had contact with 'Anomalies,' Otherworldly King?"
"Indeed." Yugen replied.
ZONE: "I've seen your actions; thus, I know our goals align. We are both working to prevent this dimension from falling into Darkness."
Yugen pondered for a moment, then said: "Letting a world fall into Darkness... from what you've just mentioned, would killing Yusei Fudo cause the dimension to spiral out of control?"
ZONE: "No, it's not an absolute causal relationship. However, Yusei Fudo is the person most akin to the King in this dimension and is destined to become the savior.
The fate of this dimension is largely linked to him and his companions. If he were to die unexpectedly, the world would naturally be more prone to chaos."
After a pause, ZONE added: "Conversely, Yusei Fudo's evolution could make this dimension more stable. Should he successfully breakthrough and become the King, then a dimension with a Duel King will have a more stable trajectory, and external invaders will find it much harder to destabilize."
Yugen said: "Because once you have the power of the King, ordinary 'Anomalies' can't do much against you, right?"
ZONE shook his head: "It's not just on this level. A 'Duel King' doesn't just describe a duelist achieving a certain level of strength; it's a crucial transformation in the evolutionary process.
Once you are elevated to King, even an ordinary person who originally had no ties to the extraordinary will acquire transformation.
A duelist wielding the power of the King receives the protection of Destiny Power, can instinctively evade danger and attract fortune, and external means are unlikely to affect them."
Yugen noticed that ZONE was referring to methods beyond just 'Game,' implying that various dark games used by Ousama in the early stages could also be effective. But generally, dueling is surely necessary since it's in the world of Yu-Gi-Oh!, and no dark game is more effective than a card duel.
"And the Destiny Power of the King is also connected to its timeline." ZONE continued, "As soon as a King is born on this timeline, it's nearly impossible for this timeline to fall into Darkness before the Duel King is defeated."
At this point, Yugen fully comprehended.
Although he, Yugen, is also a King, he is ultimately an outside King, a Duel King from another dimension. Not to mention he will inevitably leave sooner or later, and his Destiny Power isn't connected to this dimension, unable to protect this timeline.
Once a Duel King is born on this timeline, it essentially has its own Guardian, making it more resilient and indestructible against external forces.
In other words, the best way to fully defend against invasion and prevent this dimension from losing control is to hasten the emergence of its own King.
As ZONE just mentioned, currently on this 5DS timeline, there is no existing King. But the person closest to the title of King is Yusei Fudo.
Yusei Fudo is the closest to becoming a Duel King.
"The Lucky Cup tournament allowed the Dragon Sealers to meet, collide, and mutually stimulate evolution."
ZONE stated.
"Afterward, the united Dragon Sealers accepted the challenge from the Dark Markers, and further evolved in life-and-death dark duels... You have accomplished this well.
Thanks to you, those Dragon Sealers bearing the fate of the world could continue to grow."
Indeed, ZONE had observed all of this.
But previously, ZONE had not intervened, even when Placido presented himself to Yugen, it was of Placido's own accord, without ZONE's orders.
Perhaps it's because ZONE saw that Yugen's actions aligned with his plan. Yugen eliminated the 'Anomaly' Godwin, prevented Yusei Fudo from being killed, organized the Lucky Cup, and then assembled the Dragon Sealers for battle...
Maybe these factors led ZONE to determine that Yugen should be in the same camp as him.
"However, it's not over yet."
ZONE said.
"The battle with the Dark Markers has not concluded. The Dragon Sealers have grown through honing their skills, but it's not enough. The level of Dark Markers they have faced is still lacking; they need one last, most crucial battle."
Yugen immediately understood what ZONE was referring to.
Rex Godwin.
The final battle in the anime's Dark Markers arc features Rex Godwin, empowered by the Red Dragon and the Netherworld King, personally taking on Yusei Fudo, Kro Hogan, and Jack Atlas.
In that battle, Kro, who initially was not a Dragon Sealer, acquired the Dragon Tail Seal and became one of the main character group's Dragon Sealers.
Yusei Fudo, who originally held the Dragon Tail Seal, acquired the Dragon Head Seal, becoming the leader of the Dragon Sealers.
That was indeed a battle with significant importance for the progress of the 5DS main character group.
Now, with Godwin gone, the position of the final boss seems empty.
Coincidentally, Godwin's position has now been taken by Yugen...
ZONE did not continue speaking, instead, he gazed fixedly at Yugen through his mask.
Yugen was silent for several seconds under his gaze.
Then replied helplessly: "Are you saying... that you want me to step up?"
ZONE slowly said: "If possible, I'd appreciate it. Yusei Fudo, along with Jack Atlas and Kro Hogan beside him, are duelists with great potential.
Besides Yusei, the other two, while further from the King Realm, also possess potential. If properly stimulated, surpassing Yusei Fudo later on is not entirely impossible..."
Yugen took a deep breath: "You don't mean to say I should take on all three of them at once, do you?"
ZONE remained silent, but the silence itself seemed to provide an answer.
Of course, this is a request, not a command. They are meeting for the first time, discussing cooperation as allies under the looming destruction of their respective dimensions. ZONE does not intend to issue orders, only to offer advice.
ZONE then explained: "Of course, I could step in personally, but if possible, I would prefer not to do so now. In the future, I will personally intervene, at a more suitable time."
What is a more suitable time? Naturally, the final battle of 5DS, at the arrival of the Arc Cradle, where ZONE personally faces Yusei Fudo in a battle deciding the fate of New Tongshiyi, which is also a key battle for Yusei Fudo to realize 'Beyond Limit Accelerated Synchro' and reach Level 100.
Yugen shrugged helplessly: "These three are no ordinary foes. They are the top duelists in this dimension. Asking me to take all three of them on at once, you must have great faith in me..."
"They all are some distance from the King's Domain, while you have entered that realm long ago. You are not weak even among Duel Kings, so there should be no issue."
ZONE replied gently.
"Of course, as an Otherworldly King extending a hand to assist our world, we will naturally express our gratitude."
Yugen smiled.
ZONE God truly thinks quickly; he understood Yugen's intent in a single sentence.
Yugen hadn't even finished speaking, but indeed, that was his point.
One against three, helping them level up, no problem. Just one condition.
They must pay more.