Hikaru achieved a brilliant opening victory, yet the reactions to this win differed greatly between the two sides.
After losing, Yugo wasn't overly discouraged. After all, losing a single duel wasn't that significant. He frequently lost to Rin and Yusei during everyday duels anyway.
However, after his defeat, security officers forcefully dragged him away, hurling insults such as "Satellite trash" at him, which infuriated him.
Yugo struggled, persistently aiming to strike back, but the security had learned from past experiences. They sent two of their strongest officers to restrain him, while others used batons to subdue him. Such a lineup would challenge even Yusei, let alone someone as young as Yugo.
"Hey, you guys! How can you treat a child like this?!" Jaden, unable to tolerate this sight, charged forward to stop them. Someone grabbed his hand, he turned around to see Jesse, also clenching his fists yet not moving forward, which gradually calmed Jaden down.
Indeed, they were from two separate worlds. This was not their place to intervene. If they did, what kind of retaliation would the locals face after their departure? They could act heroically and then leave, but what about those left behind?
This was only their first contact, and there was limited action they could take. Even if they genuinely wished to change things, further engagement was necessary.
On their side, most of the spectators remained stunned, unlike their counterparts, who might not grasp the full significance. However, seeing "Dark Paladin" left them completely astounded.
Particularly, this time, Hikaru didn't use a substitute Fusion Material; he directly used an authentic "Dark Magician" card!
That was one of the world's most precious cards! Though there were about a dozen in existence, each was an absolute top-tier collectible, representing the ace monster of the first King of Games.
Beyond shock, many also had different thoughts.
The Tyler sisters exchanged glances, noticing each other's shock and speculation. Their high status in the Fusion Army, as the "strongest" tag-team duelists, allowed them insight into many secrets. Although Hikaru had briefly flashed "Dark Magician," it reminded them of the "Dark Magician" the organization had previously lost.
They exchanged another glance, excitement evident in their eyes. If it were true, things would become even more intriguing!
Other spectators quickly crowded around Hikaru after their initial shock, eager to glimpse the authentic "Dark Magician."
Usually, such a card could only be seen as replicas in exhibitions, as the originals were meticulously preserved, and Hikaru appeared to be the first duelist in recent years to place and use "Dark Magician" in his deck, piquing everyone's curiosity.
Though this "Dark Magician" differed in color from Yugi Muto's original, it was still a "Dark Magician!"
"Great duel, Hikaru! Um, can I see your Dark Magician?" Jaden asked straightforwardly.
"Ahem, Hikaru, you know my master is that person. So, I've always wanted to duel a Dark Magician myself, so;" Chazz was uncharacteristically subtle this time.
Numerous others, both known and unknown, including duelists and even staff members, flocked over hoping to catch a glimpse.
"A beautiful duel," a voice interrupted the enthusiastic group. Everyone turned swiftly and, upon recognizing the newcomer, respectfully stepped aside.
It was Yugi Muto!
He glanced at Hikaru, then briefly at Tierra beside him. Tierra hastily hid behind Hikaru, slightly startled. Hikaru awkwardly smiled.
"I watched your entire duel; it was excellent." Yugi Muto simply praised Hikaru, then calmly reached into his deck box, pulled out a card, smiled lightly, and handed it over. "This card is for you."
Hikaru gasped in shock, carefully accepted the card, looked at it, then instantly raised his head to thank Yugi, "Thank you very much, Mr. Yugi!"
Truly, Yugi Muto's generosity was extraordinary!
'Gaia the Fierce Knight!'
Yugi nodded gently to the group, smiling as he turned away. Seto Kaiba, watching from a distance, firmly etched Hikaru's face into his memory.
Kaiba had already noticed Hikaru previously, though he hadn't intervened directly. Now, seeing Hikaru using "Dark Magician" and even receiving a card from Yugi, Kaiba's regard for Hikaru surged exponentially.
"Wow…" The spectators were speechless, holding onto this memory.
Suddenly, they realized something else.
"Hey, if we perform well, could we..."
"Maybe! Didn't that kid named Yuki get a card from Mr. Yugi before?"
"Hmm...yeah! Let's go, let's go!"
Some were excitedly discussing their fortunate visit, others fantasizing about receiving Yugi's recognition, achieving fame in their hometowns, while some calmly adjusted their decks, silently motivating themselves.
KaibaCorp hadn't mentioned any rewards for this event.
Still, receiving a card from Yugi Muto, like Hikaru did, who needed other rewards?
Even a single compliment from Yugi could elevate someone's status immensely!
Meanwhile, Yugo was tossed roughly into a cell by two policemen, dropped onto the ground like garbage. Rin and Yusei hurriedly assisted him. Fortunately, Yugo was tough; though beaten, he quickly stood up after stretching a bit.
"Ah, what a shame to lose…" he sighed, sitting cross-legged on the ground.
"You did great," Yusei encouraged. "Your opponent simply prepared more than you did."
Yugo was still young, and Yusei saw he had much to learn. Losing wasn't unexpected. After all, the opponents were elite students from another dimension's Duel Academy, and Yugo wasn't even old enough to attend such schools.
Yusei frowned, displeased. They had requested that no young children participate, yet the upper echelons had sent one anyway. Didn't they have any sense of responsibility?
While comforting Yugo, a voice called from outside.
"Number 1! Whoever number 1 is, come out now!"
Yusei glanced outside and instructed the two juniors, "Rin, I'm going to duel. Take care of Yugo."
"Don't worry, Yusei! He'll be fine!"
Yusei nodded, took up his Duel Disk and deck, and calmly exited the cell.
At the same time...
In the upper area, within the Security Management Bureau, a man stood with hands clasped behind his back, watching Yusei emerge from the enclosure.
...
Bonus Chapter @450 $tonks
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