"Director Goodwin, can you provide us with a reasonable explanation for what's currently happening?"
Inside the Security Bureau, Rex Goodwin slightly turned his head to look at a nearby screen. On that screen were the esteemed members of the "City's" highest ruling body, the Council, who were currently scrutinizing Goodwin.
"We suffered a severe defeat in our first duel against these interdimensional visitors. This greatly tarnishes our world's reputation," a dignified elder spoke.
"Although it was intended as a preliminary duel, and we only sent out two local duelists, frequent losses from Satellite duelists wouldn't look good from a public relations standpoint."
"Why didn't you directly send out the KING? If he had competed, we certainly wouldn't have lost."
These people deeply trusted Jack Atlas because, up to this point, he had never lost a duel, earning him the undisputed title of "KING" in their world.
Goodwin stood calmly with his hands behind his back, enduring the reprimands from his superiors. On the surface, he appeared both strong and refined, meticulously groomed, dressed impeccably in a suit and gloves. His mere presence inspired admiration among politicians, a face naturally suited to win votes.
Yet, despite his climb to "Director of Security," he was still relatively insignificant compared to the Council.
"Well, Director Goodwin, is this how you're going to stand silently?" one elder challenged.
"No," Goodwin said softly, "I'm simply waiting."
"Waiting?"
"Waiting for our duelist to bring you victory."
"Oh?" The elders exchanged glances.
"You truly trust those Satellite folk?"
"Of course," Goodwin affirmed, "because the duelist stepping up right now, Yusei Fudo, happens to be an old friend of the KING."
"Oh!"
"Now that's genuinely worth anticipating."
"If that's the case, let us see if this young man can indeed bring victory." With that, they ceased further questioning, shifting their curiosity toward the ongoing duel.
In their world, dueling held tremendous prestige and was the pinnacle of careers. Due to the existence of "Momentum," dueling generated energy that powered the perpetual motion machines, making the City the world's most advanced metropolis and the apex of society. Thus, even the Council elders and elite upper-class citizens were devoted fans.
If this was indeed the KING's friend, it was certainly worth looking forward to.
Goodwin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression unchanged.
However, his clenched fists betrayed hidden tension. He closed the communication device and turned toward the window.
From this top floor of the Security Bureau, one couldn't actually see Satellite duels, but Goodwin had deliberately relocated his office here to observe the broken bridge and the decaying Satellite district.
Rex Goodwin had a secret.
He wasn't originally from the upper district. He had once ridden his Duel Runner across a broken bridge to reach the upper district. The famous "Daedalus Bridge legend" was his creation, single-handedly building the incomplete bridge, then leaping across it during a pursuit by security, becoming a legendary figure.
He had a plan. Through immense effort, he became Director of Security, only to discover this wasn't the pinnacle of the City's power hierarchy. Above him was the "Council."
Ridiculous.
Just a group of decaying, incompetent fools.
He turned his gaze toward the duel broadcast.
The arrival of these interdimensional beings presented him with new opportunities and ideas. He casually pulled several cards from his sleeve, glanced at them, then softly clapped his hands. At his applause, a shadow rose slowly, shaping into a skeletal figure. He observed it before smiling and handing over the cards.
"I've found an interesting individual," he remarked, watching Hikaru onscreen. "If we don't want the Duel Dragons' power in this world, why not simply send it away to another dimension? That would ensure absolute safety."
He wasn't particularly interested in other worlds, just thoroughly disappointed in this one.
From Hikaru's dueling and proclamations, Goodwin sensed this individual was trustworthy. As for the rest, he intended to use the opportunity, while everyone focused on these interdimensional visitors, to shift the strongest security forces to the Satellite district, seizing "true power."
Meanwhile, back in the Satellite district arena.
The duel had reached an intense climax. Jesse Anderson, representing the Duel Academy's Arctic Circle (or North) branch, faced off against the enigmatic Satellite duelist, Yusei Fudo.
On Yusei's field stood a small bird and an odd plane-like monster. Jesse had four differently colored Crystal Beasts surrounding him protectively like family members, along with a robust mammoth standing firm.
Yusei briefly assessed his hand and summoned, "I Normal Summon Junk Synchron!"
"When summoned, it special summons a Level 3 or lower monster from my graveyard. I Special Summon Level 2 Speed Warrior from my graveyard."
"I tune Level 2 Speed Warrior with Level 3 Junk Synchron!"
"Gathered stars awaken a newborn strength, becoming a shining path!"
"Synchro Summon! Appear, Junk Warrior!"
A robot with glowing red eyes emerged amidst stardust, striking a dynamic pose.
[Junk Warrior] Level 5│DARK│Warrior│2300 ATK
"Upon Synchro Summoning, Junk Warrior's attack increases by the total ATK of all Level 2 or lower monsters I control. Sonic Chick's ATK is 300, and Jet Synchron's ATK is 500, making Junk Warrior's ATK 3100!"
[Junk Warrior, ATK: 2300→3100]
"Impressive, Yusei!" Although they'd just met, Jesse warmly addressed Yusei.
Yusei nodded gently, responding by activating another card from his hand, "Quick-Play Spell, Scrap Fist! Targeting Junk Warrior, this turn, when it battles, your monster effects, spells, and traps can't activate during damage calculation!
"It gains piercing damage and doubles the damage inflicted. It won't be destroyed by battle this turn. And your monster that battled it at the end of the Damage Step is destroyed."
"Oh no!" Jaden shouted, realizing the danger. "Jesse's Amber Mammoth has 1700 ATK. If this hits, even with 2500 LP, he'll lose!"
"You're truly impressive, Yusei. But I can't just stand by, I activate Rainbow Gravity! Since I control all seven Crystal Beasts, I Special Summon an 'Ultimate Crystal' monster!"
"Your ace monster?" Yusei prepared himself.
The Crystal Beasts shimmered brilliantly, signaling the arrival of something powerful. Jaden cheered excitedly, while Yusei watched gravely, until the light dissipated, leaving only Amber Mammoth.
"Ah, sorry," Jesse sheepishly scratched his head. "The archaeological team hasn't excavated the 'Ultimate Crystal' card yet, so I don't actually have it."
The stunned audience, including Jaden and Chazz, visibly deflated. Even Hikaru felt a jolt. Originally, Jesse's Crystal Beasts were unique cards from Pegasus, however, the crucial "Rainbow Dragon" had always eluded discovery.
Yusei, usually serious, chuckled softly, "That's unfortunate. Let's duel again someday, when we're both complete."
"Battle! Junk Warrior, Attack Amber Mammoth!"
The duel ended explosively. Unlike Yugo, the police weren't hostile toward victorious Yusei, even offering praise. Returning inside, he found Yugo analyzing his cards.
"If only I had done this earlier," Yugo muttered regretfully.
"You should've activated Daiko Duke sooner!"
"How was I supposed to know he'd fuse monsters from my graveyard? I've never even seen a Tuner Fusion Monster! Next time, I'll know better!"
Yusei smiled.
With supportive juniors and friendly interdimensional visitors, perhaps life still held hope.
"Yusei, wasn't it your turn?"
"It's over. I won."
"Already?!"
"Yeah, the opponent's deck was incomplete."
He reflected that his own deck also felt incomplete, with "Stardust Dragon" taken by Jack. Yet, overall, both sides' wins and losses on the first day were good news.
...
Stones PlZzzz