INNER SHRINE – GRAND SHRINE – SUPERHEAVY SAMURAI VILLAGE – SOUTH – DUEL MONSTER REALM

"Benmaru!" Ginger rushed into the field as Benmaru fell flat to the ground, coughing out blood from the impact and barely conscious. His entire body was hurt. While it wasn't his real body, he was positive that it'll still feel hurt once he returned to the real world.

"He is getting too cocky just because he gained two new Monsters. He let himself open. What a fool." Rowan stated coldly.

Ginger gasped when Rowan was approaching. Ginger stood protectively in front of Benmaru, glaring at the Apophis offspring. He clicked the screen of his Duel Disk, sending a message back to the HQ. Their little trip has just turned unexpectedly turned worse than he imagined.

"I'm your next opponent!" Ginger challenged the Apophis offspring, activating his Duel Disk.

"Very well. Come. I'll obliterate each one of you." Rowan activated his Duel Disk, beginning the Duel once more.

[[MASTER DUEL!]]

"I'm taking the first Turn! With Scale 4 Death-Toy Claw Pirate and Scale 9 Death-Toy Bone Diver, I set the Pendulum Scale! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my Monsters!" Ginger Pendulum summoned Death-Toy Meister (ATK: 0 / DEF: 0) and Furnimal Leo (ATK: 1600 / DEF: 1200 / LV: 4) in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"I activate Meister's effect! I can Special Summon another copy of a Death-Toy Monster I control from the Deck!" Ginger summoned another copy of Furnimal Leo in Attack Position.

"I activate the second effect of Meister! By releasing two copies of Death-Toy or its lower unit Monsters, I can Special Summon a Death-Toy Monster from my Extra Deck whose Level equals to the sum of Levels of copies of the released Monsters ignoring its Summoning Condition!" Ginger summoned Death-Toy Daredevil (ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2500 / LV: 8) in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"I set 1 card and end my Turn!" Ginger concluded.

"My Turn! I activate Magic Card: Djinn's Magical Lamp! I can add a Ritual Djinn monster from my Deck to my hand." Rowan added Ritual Djinn Presider (ATK: 1800 / DEF: 1400 / LV: 4) into his hand.

"I summon Ritual Djinn Enforcer (ATK: 1300 / DEF: 500 / LV: 4)!" Rowan summoned Djinn Enforce in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"I activate Djinn Enforcer's effect. When this card is summoned from my hand, I can add 2 Magic or Trap Cards into my hand." Rowan added one Magic and one Trap into his hand.

"I activate Magic Card: Djinn Arcane! I can pick 2 Djinn Cards from my Deck and then send it to the Graveyard!" Rowan sent Ritual Djinn Demolisher (ATK: 200 / DEF: 200 / LV: 1) and Ritual Djinn Releaser (ATK: 1200 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 3) to his Graveyard.

"I activate Ritual Spell: Ritual of Destruction! I use Djinn Enforcer and Djinn Releaser in my Graveyard as materials to Ritual Summon! When I performed Ritual Summon and Djinn Releaser is in Graveyard, I can banish it as one of the monsters required for the Ritual Summon!" Rowan declared, releasing Enforcer from his Field and banished Releaser from his Graveyard.

"Ritual Summon! Appear! Level 7! Demon King of Destruction – Garlandolf (ATK: 2500 / DEF: 1400 / LV: 7)!" Rowan summoned Garlandolf in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"When Djinn Releaser is used as Ritual material, my opponent cannot Special Summon Monster as long as there's a Ritual Monster on my Field." Rowan revealed. Ginger clicked his tongue at the news. This means that he first must get rid of Rowan's Ritual Monster first if he wants to summon another powerful monster.

"Heh. You're pretty good." Ginger said sarcastically.

"Obviously. Since His Excellency has started to regaining his power, we, as his offspring, have also grown stronger." Rowan replied. Apophis' dark sinister aura emitting from Rowan's body as if to emphasize his extraordinary growth within a short time.

"Is that so? Well, we won't lose either! We have Ma'at on our side!" Ginger retorted. While his voice was confident, inside, the Fusion user was rather unnerved by Rowan's new power. He defeated Benmaru so easily after all, even with the help of the new monster. If all of Apophis' army became stronger this far, the upcoming battle would be far from easy. It's almost frightening.

"Hmph. Even the almighty Ma'at would be reduced to an insect before His Excellency's current power. Even after losing your friend, you still can't see the difference between us. How pitiful." Rowan said with a sympathetic tone, but his words were clearly condescending.

It took everything Ginger has not to lose his cool. How dare this guy demeaned Yuya like that. The nerve he has. He glared at the Apophis offspring. Anger built up within his stomach that threatened to explode. But his mind knew that he mustn't take the bait. Yuya wouldn't want that.

"I set a card and end my Turn." Rowan concluded.

"My Turn! Battle! I attack with Death-Toy Dare Devil!" Ginger declared Battle Phase. Dare Devil used its trident and slashed down Garlandolf, destroying the Ritual Monster.

ROWAN LP: 4000 = 3500

"I activate Dare Devil's effect! When this card destroys an opponent's monster, I can deal 1000 damage to my opponent!" Ginger dealt an additional damage to Rowan. Dare Devil's eyes unleashed lightning shock, electrocuting the Apophis offspring. Rowan crossed his arms to partially block the damage, gritting his teeth as he endured the damage taken.

ROWAN LP: 3500 = 2500

Holding his ground, Rowan opened his face-down card. "Trap Card: Djinn Recycle! When a Ritual Monster summoned using Djinn Ritual Monsters I control is destroyed by Battle, I can Special Summon it back from Graveyard by banishing a Djinn Ritual Monster in my Graveyard!" Rowan banished Djinn Demolisher, reviving Garlandolf back to his Field immediately in the same condition it did before.

"Since Garlandolf is revived from Graveyard, its previous effects are gone, but in exchange, due to Djinn Recycle's effect, its gains Demolisher's effect. It cannot be targeted by my opponent's card effects. Also, it gains 1000 ATK until my opponent's next Standby Phase." Rowan added, increasing Gardlandolf's ATK to 3500.

"So you took the attack to increase your monster's ATK and make it higher than Dare Devil. A fine move, but don't think that you've won yet. I end my Turn." Ginger concluded.

"My Turn! I summon Ritual Djinn Presider from my hand!" Rowan summoned Presider in Defense Position in the Main Zone next to Garlandolf.

"I activate Magic Card: Foggy Lamp. I can add and then activate a Magic Card from my Graveyard." Rowan added Djinn Arcane back to his hand and activated it. He sent two Djinn cards from his Deck to the Graveyard.

"Battle! I attack Death-Toy Dare Devil with Garlandolf!" Rowan declared Battle Phase. Garlandolf formed a ball of destructive energy and blast it towards the Fusion Monster. Dare Devil was trapped within the destructive sphere, crying in pain before exploding to bits together with the sphere.

GINGER LP: 4000 = 3500

"I set a card and end my Turn." Rowan concluded.

Ginger blinked. Now that he realized it, why didn't Rowan set Presider in Attack Position? Its ATK might be not so high, but at least it could deal more damage. He could have declared attack with it after he destroyed Dare Devil. Was he avoiding risk of it being destroyed and received big damage?

"My Turn! I summon Furnimal Bear (ATK: 0 / DEF: 0)!" Ginger summoned Bear in Attack Position in the Main Zone. And since it's already Ginger's phase, Garlandolf's ATK reverted to normal.

"I activate Meister's effect!" Ginger Special summoned another copy of Furnimal Bear in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"I activate Claw Pirate's effect! By destroying Bone Diver from my other Pendulum Zone, I can Special Summon a Death-Toy Monster, whose Pendulum Scale is lower than that of the destroyed monster!" Ginger revived Dare Devil from his Graveyard in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"Once more, I activate Meister's second effect! By tributing Dare Devil and two copies of Furnimal Bear, I can Special Summon a Fusion Monster ignoring its condition! Dangerous Death-Toy Nightmary (ATK: 2000 / DEF: 3000 / LV: 10)!" Ginger summoned a long-haired female doll-like Fusion Monster in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"Battle! I attack Garlandolf with Nightmary!" Ginger declared Battle Phase. And Nightmary's ATK was raised by 300 for each Death-Toy Unit monster in Ginger's Graveyard. Five cards of that archetype were in his Graveyard, so Nightmary's ATK was increased to 3500 ATK. Nightmary opened its mouth, letting out a horrifying screech, forming a sound destructive sound wave.

"Trap Card: The First of Lamp! When a Ritual Monster I control is targeted for attack, my Ritual Monster won't be destroyed!" Rowan opened his Trap, summoning a lamp where Garlandolf hid and protected itself from the sound wave. Once the attack finished, Garlandolf came out and the lamp disappeared, having fulfilled its purpose.

ROWAN LP: 2500 = 2000

"Persistent! I end my Turn." Upon the end of turn, the ATK of Nightmary was returned to normal.

"Ginger-dono!"

Ginger turned around hearing his name being called. Several Superheavy Samurai monsters came in, surprised by what they were seeing. They must have seen when Rowan made his entrance. And with the whole explosion and smoke coming from the inner shrine, it's understandable that the samurais couldn't stay still and went in because they were worried. Seeing the unconscious Benmaru, the samurais quickly attend to him.

"Everyone, take Benmaru far away from here! Now!" Ginger instructed the samurais.

"We'll help too, Ginger-dono! He is Apophis' offspring, isn't he!" Benkei requested, narrowing his gaze at the Ritual user.

"No! He is too dangerous for you! Just prioritize getting Benmaru and everyone who can't fight out of here! Hurry! Now! Lives are at stake here!" Ginger strongly insisted, his eyes telling the Superheavy Samurais that this isn't something he would be debating with them.

"U-understood! Please be careful, Ginger-dono!" Benkei obeyed without further argument, sensing desperation in Ginger's voice. Benkei motioned his comrades to carefully carry their boss and take him outside. He briefly glanced back at Ginger, silently praying for his victory before retreating.

"Sacrificing yourself to let your comrades escape. How noble of you. It's unfortunate that they won't last long because I'll catch up to them soon. Your sacrifice would be in vain." Rowan told the Fusion user, staring at the exit where the Superheavy Samurais have gone to.

"Aren't you being too confident? The Duel is not over yet. I still have Nightmary by my side." Ginger pointed out.

"This will end in this Turn now." Rowan said, surprising the Fusion user.

"I activate Ritual Spell: Ritual of Salvation. I release Presider and banish Enforcer from my Graveyard! Ritual Summon! Appear! Level 7! Beautiful Goddess of Salvation – Northwemko (ATK: 2700 / DEF: 1200 / LV: 7)!" Rowan summoned Northwemko in Attack Position in the Main Zone next to Garlandolf.

"I activate Ritual Spell: Endless of the World. I release Garlandolf and Northwemko as materials to perform another Ritual Summon!" Rowan declared. He summoned a magic formula that emitting orbs with golden light. The orbs joined together, forming a shape of a woman with silver hair holding red-colored axe-like staff in her right hand.

"What?! Another Ritual Summon using his two Ritual Monsters?!" Ginger was shocked.

"Ritual Summon! Appear! Level 10! Ruin – Beautiful Goddess of Destruction (ATK 2900 / DEF: 3000 / LV: 10)!" Rowan summoned his new Ritual Monster in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"Ruin might have lower ATK than Nightmary, but with Nightmary's effect, it won't lose in Battle!" Ginger reminded.

"Will you?" Rowan questioned calmly, not in the least perturbed. "Battle! I attack Dangerous Death-Toy Nightmary with Ruin!"

Ruin twirled its staff before pointing it at the Fusion Monster. From the tip of the staff, it unleashed flame with mixed colors of red and black. Before it reached Nightmary, Rowan revealed a card in his hand and activated it.

"I activate Quick-Play Spell: Ritual Enhancement! Ritual Monster I control gains 1000 ATK until the end of this Turn!" Rowan increased Ruin's ATK to 3900. Ruin's flame incinerated Nightmary's entire body without a trace, leaving Ginger's Field empty.

GINGER LP: 3500 = 3100

"I activate Ruin's effect! When this card destroyed a monster by Battle, I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK!" Rowan added. Ruin hit Ginger with its staff, which Ginger barely dodged.

GINGER LP: 3100 = 1100

"But I still have LP! I'll pay you back in my next Turn–" Ginger was cut off when Rowan revealed his hidden trump card.

"If all materials to summon Ruin are Ritual Monsters, then Ruin can make a second attack!" Rowan declared.

"What?!" Ginger exclaimed. Now he knew why Rowan went out all his way to summon Northwemko. It was because he was aiming for activating Ruin's second effect. He didn't have anything left to protect himself. Ruin shot her flame, engulfing Ginger in a burning hot fire, reducing his remaining LP into nothing.

GINGER LP: 1100 = 0

Ginger lay motionlessly on the ground. His body couldn't move. Not even a finger. Everything hurts. To think Apophis' power could do this much damage even though he's not in his real body. His consciousness was slowly fading away. He could hear footsteps coming towards him. It must be Rowan. He's going to finish the job. Even though he vowed to protect his friends and avenge Yuya, it came to this. He cursed himself. He was all bark and no bite. He failed them.

"I'm sorry everyone...!"

He was prepared for pain to come, but instead, he felt his body being lifted in someone's arms. This metallic body feel was definitely not Rowan. Ginger closed his eyes shut before slowly opening them again, clearing his vision. It was still a bit blurry, but Ginger now was able to identify who was carrying him. It was Big Benkei. And then he heard several other footsteps. It must be belonged to the other samurais

"You...guys...!" Ginger uttered weakly before wincing in pain.

The Superheavy Samurai stood protectively in front of Benkei who was carrying Ginger. They all bravely facing Rowan.

"Take him and run! Hurry!"

The samurais instructed Benkei who quickly rushed out of the temple with Ginger in his arms.

INNER CORE – DUEL MONSTER REALM – DIMENSION PULSE

Yuya and the others arrived at what it seemed to be a massive volcanic caldera that serves as a gateway to an endless maze of chambers and tunnels. There were many separate bands of green-white fluid flowing as a whole from the caldera. When they went further into the caldera, they were amazed to see a giant tree at the very center of the place. Their surroundings consisted of various plants that they doubted exists in the human realm, glowing rocks that lights the path, and several Kuriboh nests. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by the Kuribohs. If it weren't for Kuribohder and Winged Kuriboh, Yuya and Venom may have been suffocated from being surrounded by them.

"This is the core of the Dimension Pulse?" Yuya wondered out loud.

"You're the one who brought us here yet you don't know?" Venom asked.

"I only following Kuribohder's suggestion." Yuya replied, turning to Kuribohder who was still in his lap.

"Kuri! Kuri!" Kuribohder gestured them to stop as they came face-to-face with two paths leading to caverns. Kuribohder jumped to the right path while Winged Kuriboh flew towards the left path. Both Kuribohs pointed at the respective paths they were standing at, telling their respective masters to follow the pathways they have chosen. Yuya and Venom looked at each other and then at their dragons, but the dragons also didn't know why they have to take the path and where these paths lead them to.

"I guess only one way to find out." Yuya said, nodding at Venom. The latter nodded back at him.

Yuya went ahead with Odd-Eyes and Kuribohder. Once their form disappeared into the cave, Venom followed Winged Kuriboh into the path with Starve Venom. At first, it was too dark. It was hard for Venom to see anything and he almost trip several times. He then saw lights. The same glowing stones outside lightened the cave. When Venom's eyes finally able to see his surroundings, he realized that his attire has changed.

"Master, your form is back to normal!" Starve Venom pointed out. Venom has changed back into Yuri.

"How come? We're still inside Dimension Pulse, right?" Yuri wondered as he saw his own reflection on a crystallized wall inside the cave.

"Kuri!" Winged Kuriboh pulled Yuri's sleeve, telling him that they need to continue.

While Yuri has many questions and would like answers from his Kuriboh, Yuri deemed it faster if he just followed its instruction and continue their way. Exiting the cave, Yuri found what it seemed to be a chamber. There were more plants and crystals here compared to outside. Seeing various new plants brought an urge within Yuri to pick one and bring it home with him. But he somehow knew that's impossible as the plants could only live their lives in this realm. As much as Yuri wants it, he won't ruin these plants' beautiful life.

"Winged Kuriboh. Isn't it about time you tell us why we're here?" Yuri finally asked his Kuriboh.

"This is the place where all souls return when they died and wait for their new life to come."

Yuri went still upon hearing the familiar voice. The voice that he thought he won't be able to hear ever again until the day he died. Because the owner of the voice was supposed to have passed on. And he's not dead yet, so it shouldn't be possible to hear that voice. Still. If it's really that person. Yuri slowly turned to where the voice come from. He saw orbs of light, gathering and becoming one, forming into a person that Yuri instantly recognized.

"Professor...?" Yuri uttered with question mixed with disbelief. On the other hand, Starve Venom didn't seem all that surprised to see the former leader of Academia, Leo Akaba, in this place. She understood now.

"It's been a while. Yuri. Starve Venom." Leo greeted them with an unusually kind smile.

"Of course... Dimension Pulse is a point manifestation of mother nature's power that permeates a dimension and the core of the planet's memories. You are the manifestation of Leo Akaba's memories." Starve Venom recalled the lesson she was taught from her father years ago.

"Yes. That is why it's possible for us to meet here." Leo confirmed. His eyes then locked on Yuri and Yuri alone. "I've been wanting to meet you, Yuri."

Yuri didn't answer. He didn't know what to say. Now that he met him again, he thought he could finally tell him everything that he wanted to say. Things that he didn't get to say before because he thought he'll never meet him again. Everything seemed to just stuck on his throat. And after staring at each other for minutes, Yuri turned his eyes away. Leo didn't need to ask what's wrong. He knew what the problem is. And this is something that he must do first.

"I'm sorry, Yuri."

Leo's apology quickly made Yuri face him again with pure surprise. Leo smiled apologetically at the boy who stared incredulously at him. The reaction was more than Leo expected. He never thought Yuri could make such a face. He had never seen it before until now.

"I'm sorry for everything I had done to you. I know that apology won't be enough to atone. And it's too late for me because I can't be with you now. Even so, I felt that it won't be right if I didn't apologize. Even if I won't be forgiven, I must do this. That's what I believe." Leo explained without turning away from Yuri. He never properly treated Yuri as himself. He only saw him as Zarc's reincarnation that he thought he could take advantage of, nothing more and nothing less. It was only during his days in exile that he realized the gravity of his crimes. How much he owed this boy in front of him.

"I don't need your apology...because I never hate you. Not once." Yuri finally took the words out of his mouth, surprising Leo.

"It's true that you stole my happiness once. I went through many unpleasant things since then. However, the fact that you acknowledged my worth, always made me happy. And it's thanks to your guidance that I can become strong. No matter how hard I tried, I can't hate you. Not even once." Yuri admitted honestly. In the midst of his loneliness, whatever the reason was, a praise and acknowledgement from Leo was one of the few things that made him happy.

Yuri turned away again, failing to see how much impact his words have on Leo. If not, he would have seen Leo's almost dumbstruck expression from hearing his reply. Leo couldn't help but regretted his actions even more. If from the beginning he raised Yuri as a normal boy instead of a weapon, if he saw Yuri for who he is now instead who he was before, they could've reached an understanding. However, seeing how much Yuri have grown like this wasn't so bad. He wished he could see how he could grow so much.

"Once you're back to the human realm, go see Reiji. I left him with something that I intended to give to you. I hope it can help you in the battle that is to come." Leo walked closer to Yuri as he spoke. Yuri didn't move from his spot, which was a relief. The boy was still having his head down. Then, gently, Leo ruffled Yuri's head. The boy flinched for a moment, but didn't move or slap away Leo's hand. He let Leo patting him until he removed his hand. It felt different from whenever Ryo pat him, but it wasn't bad.

"Take care. I wish you and your friends' victory." Leo's form slowly dissolved into particles of light. He glanced at Starve Venom whom he realized didn't say anything when he appeared. He had expected the dragon would spout out threat or hateful words at him for hurting her master. The Fusion dragon gave him a look that was a mix of hostility and begrudging respect. Ah. Looks like the dragon indeed resented him for what he had done but at the same time she also respected him for able to acknowledge those mistakes and tried to atone for it.

"Thank you for everything, Professor." Yuri thanked Leo, looking up at him again. He was grinning like usual, but Leo could see from his eyes there was tenderness hidden, something that wasn't there before.

Leo smiled back and closed his eyes contently as he disappeared. Yuri felt a huge weight has been lifted off from his back. The pain in his chest subsided entirely. He touched his head, where Leo has patted him. For the first time since he met the Professor, the man gave him warmth. And this would also be the last time. It's fine. He didn't mind. This was more than enough for him.

Winged Kuriboh snuggled into Yuri's neck in comfort. Yuri petted Winged Kuriboh to assure that he's alright before beckoning Starve Venom to proceed their way. Now that he met the Professor, did that mean Kuribohder and Winged Kuriboh brought him and Yuya here to meet the people who had passed on and their memories remained here? To tie up loose-ends? To put behind their regret?

Yuri stopped when the same firefly-like lights gathered and changed into a form of a person again. However, this time, it took a form of a boy who seemed to be around his age but shorter than him. He wore the yellow-colored Academia uniform. His blue hair is sectioned in three layers, his grey eyes positioned between the three bangs closest to his face and behind a pair of round-lensed glasses. Yuri blinked. He never met this boy before, so why did this boy appear in front of him?

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sho Marufuji." He introduced himself to Yuri.

Yuri blinked again. He had heard that name before. It was in the Academia's textbook. The one who was none other than...

"Ryo-san's younger brother." Yuri recognized the boy. The younger brother of his mentor who had died and became the main drive for Ryo to betray his own friends and sides with Apophis.

"And you're my brother's disciple, right? I've been watching over the two of you." Sho replied, surprising Yuri. While Yuri was confused what Sho meant by he has been watching over them, his mood turned a bit sour at the mention of Ryo being his teacher.

"Then you should know we're no longer teacher and student. Your brother betrayed us. Betrayed me." Yuri said bitterly. Even though Ryo still treated him well when he was held captive, it doesn't change the fact that he betrayed his own student, kidnapped him, which led to him being stuck inside the network while someone else was using his body. It hurt him very much because he truly respected Ryo.

"I know. I saw everything after all. I'm always by his side." Sho said. His smile turned sad at the fact his older brother whom he admired the most took Apophis' side for a ridiculous reason.

"By his side? What do you mean?" Yuri asked.

"I am but a fragment of memory manifested by the Dimension Pulse. My real soul is with my brother. Dimension Pulse recorded each memory from those who are alive and already died. The memories are continuously updated in this place. That's why I knew what happened." Sho explained. Yuri for a moment was still confused as to what Sho meant by him being at Ryo's side. But then everything he had learned since coming here popped out in his mind, and he finally realized what Sho meant.

"But, my brother can't notice me no matter how much I tried. That's why, I want to ask you a favor, Yuri-san." Sho looked up at Yuri, looking at him pleadingly. "Please, save my brother. If it's you, I'm sure you can get through him."

"I'm not sure about that. Maybe all those times he was being nice to me was just because he considered me as your replacement." Yuri said while frowning. He had a feeling that was the case after hearing about Sho from Ryo himself. It irked him even more thinking about Ryo.

"No. I'm sure you can do it. You can reach his heart." Sho insisted on his faith in Yuri.

"What made you think that I can do it? I even lost against him." Yuri clenched his fists, trying to swallow down his anger from remembering the many times he lost against Ryo, especially the last time they dueled at the party.

"Ever since what happened to me, my brother built a wall in his heart. Even though he acted normally, there's a gap between him and his friends. But ever since you came into his life, there's a crack in that wall that he built. Whatever the reason, he's opening up to you. That's why, if he's going to listen to someone, that'll be you, Yuri-san." Sho said further. However, sensing there's still doubt in Yuri, he grasped Yuri's arms, surprising the latter.

"Also, because more than anyone, you want to win against my brother. Most people would just give up when it comes to my brother, but you're different. You never gave up. Each time you're training with my brother, you always try to think to win against him. Just now you said you lost against him, but inside you're actually frustrated and want to duel him again, right?" Sho has been watching Yuri since he first met Ryo. The Predator Plants user never let his loss against Ryo to stop him from trying to become stronger than the latter. No matter how big the gap between them, Yuri kept coming closer and closer to close that gap. He's close to his brother and has the determination to fight against him no matter what the odds, he has fulfilled all conditions to reach his brother's heart.

"And more than anything else, I know you want to open his eyes as much as I do, Yuri-san." Sho added the most important part. Above all, despite what Yuri said, he knew that the Predator Plants user still cares for Ryo. He's hurt and disappointed, but his affection for his mentor is still there. He believes in Yuri. He'll bet everything on him.

"Stop with the 'san', just call me Yuri. You're supposed to be older than me." Yuri said with a sigh. He stared down at Sho. Despite being brothers, Sho and Ryo didn't look alike at all. There's no resemblance whatsoever judging by their appearance. However, he has to admit, that the two brothers sure know how to give someone a lecture. They have way with words to hit him hard. He didn't hate it though.

"I still need to become stronger first if I ever want to reach him." Yuri added. As much as he wanted to get through Ryo, his current skill was still not enough to beat him. He'll need to do something to catch up, no, to surpass him. And he must find it soon.

"Follow this path. You'll find your answer here. And I'll help you too." Sho took Yuri's hand and led him to further to the pathway.

As Yuri let Sho guiding him, he wondered how Yuya is doing.

THE VILLAGE OF HOLY ELF – DUEL MONSTER REALM

"Since we're speaking about the Supreme King Dragons, maybe the answer lies on the Supreme King Dragons that Yuri and the others have?" Artemis wondered. The only people who are in possession of the Supreme King Dragon cards are Yuri, Yugo, Yuto, Yuya, Yuno, and Yukiya. Not counting Apophis who is the Supreme King Chaos Dragon himself. They're the only ones who have connection to the Supreme King Dragons. Perhaps, the scroll was referring to them.

"When it said 'all of the Supreme King Dragons in existence reach their peak', do you think it means once they reach their full potential the last dragon will be born? Because it seems to imply so." Ifrit deduced. Six Duelists with the same faces who are closely connected by blood and soul, possessing the Supreme King Dragons. It was too much for a coincidence.

"Apophis has always been obsessed with Yuno-sama and the others. I thought it's because of their connection with Ma'at, but maybe Apophis is actually aware about this prophecy. He's afraid. That's why he targeted Yuya-kun." Kino assumed, thinking of Apophis' actions up until now. By putting this information and others together, everything was starting to make sense.

"Indeed. Haruna once said that she felt something special from those boys. It'll be best if you watch over them." The Elf Elder suggested to the three guests.

"One person is already down though..." Ifrit mumbled, but it was loud enough for Artemis and Kino to hear. Artemis frowned deeply, remembering her lost friend. Kino sent a cold reprimanding glare at Ifrit who quickly mumbled an apology for slipping his tongue.

"Actually-"

An explosion and shaking house cut off the Elder. All of them almost lost their footing from the quake. Artemis and the others quickly rushed outside to see what happened, and what they saw horrified them. The entire village burned in a sea of red, yellow and orange and the cries of the people echoed into the night. They watched as the flames ripped their way through the buildings surrounding them, tendrils of smoke reaching desperately into the sky, as if trying to escape the blazing inferno below. Apophis' soldiers ran amok, destroying everything on their path.

"Everyone!"

Ginger and Benmaru approached them with several Superheavy Samurai Monsters.

"Ginger! Benmaru! What's happening here?!" Artemis questioned.

"It's Apophis' army! They're attacking the Superheavy Samurai village and now the Elf Village!" Ginger revealed with barely held back panic.

"We already have the Superheavy Samurais to help with the evacuation. And I think we also need to leave now! There's too many of them!" Benmaru firmly told them. The urgency in his voice was enough to let them know that the situation was dire.

"Their main priority is to kill us. The sooner we leave, the sooner they'll leave the village alone." Ginger added.

If it's the old Serena, she would insist that they stay together and fight. But she has learned from experience that they're not alone. These Elves couldn't fight the way they do. Even with the help of the Superheavy Samurais, they're still losing in numbers. If they stay and fight, there might be more casualties from their side, particularly the elves. They couldn't fight these enemies all at once while also needing to evacuate the elves. Back at Xyz Dimension, it was only possible because they have more people.

"No. I cannot leave now." The Elder said, shocking everybody.

"What do you mean?! You will die if you stay here!" Artemis argued.

"I still have duty to uphold as the Elder of the Holy Elves. I cannot leave our sacred village until my duty is fulfilled." The Elder answered back calmly.

"What is this duty you're talking about?" Ifrit asked.

"Please, follow me." The Elder implored.

They were taken to a cathedral. It has a wide central nave of four square bays, with an aisle on either side. The chancel and transepts are of identical polygonal plan, separated by two smaller polygonal chapels. The whole plan forms a Latin cross. The nave and aisles are separated by wide pointed Gothic arches resting on composite piers. Inside the cathedral, several Elves were already there, waiting for them.

"For the last Supreme King Dragon to be born safely, it must receive the blessing of the original Supreme King Dragon, which is Ma'at. However, as Ma'at's power has been splintered to fragments, there's no one to give this dragon a blessing. For this reason, us, Holy Elves, will be the one to bless the birth of the dragon who will become our savior." The Elder said as she walked towards the altar while the rest of the Holy Elves stood still at their seats.

"We shall pray to bestow the last Supreme King Dragon the blessing it deserves. That is something that we can only do in this holy place where we can give all of our power to the fullest. We cannot let this place get destroyed until we finish our prayer." The Elder explained, not budging from her position. This was the duty that has been entrusted to her since the day she was born. For the sake of the world she loves, for the sake of the people she loves, she won't go until she fulfils her duty.

Artemis and her friends looked at each other worriedly. They couldn't just leave the Elves like this. On the other hand, the last Supreme King Dragon is necessary for them to fight against Apophis and it must be blessed through the Elves' prayer to be born. Is it really possible for them to stay here until they finish their prayer? Whatever they said, the Elves certainly won't budge.

Artemis clicked her tongue and headed out with her Duel Disk on, prompting the rest except Ifrit to follow her. She stopped for a moment right in front of the door and turned around to the Elves.

"We'll buy you some time. Pray to your hearts' content." Artemis told them before closing the door.

The elves joined their hands together, beginning their prayer.

"Help us to learn your ways,
Your ways that are only love,
We are grateful for our mother earth,
We are humbled by your gift of life,
We will only move our lips to say good words,
We will open our minds to friendship and love,
We understand that your creation is divine and to be cherished,
We will only serve the Power of Love,
Working every day to bring your Heaven on Earth,
Healing your children,
Protecting our natural world,
Love is the keeper of our souls,"

They absolutely must not fail.

They'll make sure that their savior will be born.

NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW:

Trial of Dragons – Yuya and Yuri enters the sanctuary of the dragons and meets a fragment materialized from the memories within the core of the Dimension Pulse. Yuya and Yuri are then instructed to take a certain trial. Serena and the others fight against the incoming enemies to buy some times for the Elves.

Hello, everyone. How are you doing? I hope all of you are still healthy in the midst of this corona virus pandemic. Fortunately, I'm doing well so far by keeping myself clean and following social distancing. My workplace is closed until this situation calms down, but I still can't update often because I have to help chores and work at home. You should be careful too. I pray for your good health!

Okay, back to the fanfic, I hope this is good enough for the time being. Only two chapters left and then the story will be back to the human realm. After this arc, which characters do you think I'll focus on next? (^w^)

Please don't forget to review this chapter!