With the Duel concluded, the MC excitedly launched into his closing speech, while Jaden, looking a little worn out, shook his head and kept waving at the cameras.
The third Duel was over, which wrapped up today's matchups.
Tomorrow, a "Tag Duel" exhibition match was scheduled purely for entertainment.
At first, the S-Dimension hadn't planned for any tag matches since their structure was simple: eight Duelists, a series of individual matches, and the final winner would Duel their "KING."
But after Chief Godwin heard that traveling in pairs was the safest mode during dimensional travel, and that tag Duels were often more acceptable for Duel Spirits, they began organizing accordingly.
Still, in this world, even standard Duels weren't very popular anymore, let alone tag Duels, which were practically nonexistent.
So they designated it purely as an "entertainment event," to be held after a few formal Duels.
After the Duel, the Duelist named Rio didn't wake for quite some time. The staff and Security officers of S-Dimension whispered among themselves, assuming he'd been knocked out. Some claimed Jaden had supernatural powers and that interdimensional people were dangerous.
Kaiba had no interest in such drivel.
He already knew Jaden Yuki had once been recognized by Yugi and was even gifted a Winged Kuriboh. That kind of thing didn't concern him.
So what if someone was knocked out?
Big deal. Just some mental backlash. He'd taken worse.
Since the event was billed under "Friendship," the two worlds resumed cultural exchanges after the Duel. While Synchron Summons were still out of reach for them, Tuner Monsters were gaining popularity.
Likewise, the two worlds had been actively sharing technological advancements.
In fact, Dr. Fudo, one of the event participants, proposed a theory that the S-Dimension wasn't a "parallel world" at all, but rather a possible future of their own world. Kaiba immediately scoffed at this.
Impossible. Absolutely impossible. He'd never even heard of KaibaCorp existing in this world. How could it be their future?
Still, Dr. Fudo and that Yusei kid looked suspiciously alike.
Then again, some contestants did look a lot like people from their own world. Maybe that's just how parallel worlds worked.
So the only possible answer, Dr. Fudo must be Yusei Fudo's parallel world counterpart!
If Hikaru had heard that theory, he'd have blurted out, "What kind of father looks like his own son!?"
Meanwhile, the Council of Elders, instead of feeling shame for having inserted a "rising star of the Security Bureau," constantly nitpicked Godwin's choices and arrangements.
"Director Godwin, you never told us interdimensional Duelists could harm people during Duels."
"I think that's fairly normal," Godwin said calmly. "After all, our world also has psychics and even 'witches.'
"Such occurrences should be expected in parallel worlds."
So what if someone got knocked out?
He could kill people if he wanted. This was nothing.
That's just how Duels were. Those who only watched from the sidelines wouldn't understand. That's why he had always shown leniency toward the Elders.
"Besides, that officer provoked his opponent first. Getting defeated in a powerful Duel and being unable to bear the result, a coma isn't far-fetched," he added.
From his deep understanding of Duels, especially Shadow Duels, Godwin was certain Jaden Yuki hadn't meant to go dark. If he had, Rio wouldn't have merely passed out.
"Director Godwin, we're asking why you didn't prepare in advance," a female Elder cut him off. "That 'witch' attacked indiscriminately, yet you failed to make provisions. A promising young man is now unconscious!"
'Promising, huh?'
Godwin wore his usual genial smile.
The closer they got to moments like this, the more forgiving he became toward the Council.
After all... heh.
As for being a "genius"—don't make him laugh.
Let's be honest. They saw how popular "KING" Jack Atlas had become among Duelists and citizens alike, and now wanted their own "star" by copying his path.
While they were at it, they wanted to flood the Security Bureau with loyalists to monitor Godwin, whose influence was clearly growing.
But there was a fundamental difference between the two!
Rio was just an upper-district noble's puppet, an actor with high-rarity cards and powerful Synchro Monsters.
Jack Atlas was different. Even if some opponents were set up to lose, Jack held onto his beliefs as a Duelist. He might not be as strong as he appeared, however, he had a burning Duelist's heart.
He couldn't be compared to some pompous brat who relied on privilege and a powerful Deck to talk down to younger Duelists.
Still, since they were so insistent, what could he say?
He would simply go along with them.
After all, for the soon-to-be-dead, one should be generous.
"Understood. I failed to consider this fully," Godwin placed a hand on his chest and bowed slightly. His robe bore a strange emblem, like some tribal bird sigil.
"Interdimensional people are too dangerous," the Elder-in-Chief spoke. "We must not let our guard down. Godwin, this was your negligence. We'll discuss your punishment later."
He was a master of blame-shifting; nonetheless, Godwin kept his warm smile.
"That's right. Don't forget, there are still Turbo Duels planned around the Satellite District. If we don't plan carefully, those interdimensional Duelists might invade our great City. We must be prepared," another Elder chimed in.
"Then, I'll assign more personnel to security."
"We can reassign more officers from the upper districts. The Satellite District won't be able to cause much trouble."
"Yes. Understood."
Godwin answered softly.
That was one thing the Elders liked about him. He was gentle, warm, obedient to every command, a model representative to handle affairs on their behalf. Most of all, he was excellent at "taking the blame."
Truly, the perfect subordinate.
And with that, Godwin folded his hands behind his back, smiled, and ended the video call. Thereafter, he turned to the next task.
If they were so eager, then they shouldn't complain about what was coming.
Not now, Elders.