Duel Academia was in a bit of an uproar. When Principal Samejima heard the news from Kyoshiro that the missing students had suddenly reappeared, he immediately ordered the D.E.C. to bring all of them into the school infirmary. It was packed, but thankfully the other Spirit Key Duelists stood guard whilst Ayukawa looked over the missing students as well as the injured Kuromu.
"You know, you're starting to become a regular around here." The school nurse mused.
"Don't I know it…" Kuromu sighed, as he was laying in his cot. "And it's probably gonna be like that for another two years, assuming that a certain schmuck is still trying to kill me."
She chuckled at the joke before looking towards the unconscious students.
"How are they though?" Kuromu muttered.
"Miraculously, still alive." Ayukawa said. "Their families are going to be relieved that they're back safe and sound. Principal Samejima already has his hands full making those phone calls."
"That's a relief." Kuromu sighed. "What about Fubuki? How's he doing?"
"He's doing fine, for the most part." Ayukawa observed. "It'll be a while before he wakes up though. You and him have it worse out of the rest of these students."
"Right…" Kuromu nodded.
Just then the doors to the infirmary opened revealing the Osiris Trio, Rika, Koji, Ryo, Jun, Misawa, Asuka, Junko, and Momoe coming in. They minded their steps since the infirmary was packed, from the beds to the floor.
"Hey guys…" Kuromu greeted them with a weak wave.
"How are you doing?" Asuka asked, stepping forward.
"I'm alive." Kuromu answered. "Though I'm not gonna be getting off of this bed for a while, other than using the bathroom."
"Yeah, you went through hell man." Rex observed. "Quite literally."
"Still want your hero's reward?" Momoe winked.
"Hey now…" Asuka glared at Momoe with a deadpan.
"Alright, if you're so sour about it, how about you give the reward?" Momoe smugly offered.
"M-Me?" Asuka stuttered.
"Yeah, but then again, Momoe and I were the ones that got saved, so~" Junko smirked with half-lidded eyes.
"Ladies, ladies, don't you know what you already have?" Koji reminded them.
"Kuromu-san no akuma…" Sho pouted.
"This again?" Kuromu sweat dropped.
"I mean you are taking girls left and right without breaking a sweat." Judai grinned teasingly.
"Oi…" Kuromu deadpanned, but then shook his head. "By the way, Asuka. Did you call Chiyomi-san about Fubuki?"
"I did and well, she was happy." Asuka confirmed.
"I see…"
"In fact… after I told her, she said she's coming straight over to the island."
"Wait, really? Right now?" Rika said wide-eyed.
"Yeah, and I heard Otou-san's coming too."
Kuromu suddenly felt his face stiffen. He did not look forward to seeing Asuka's father. In fact, the last time he ever saw Asuka's father was after he confessed to Asuka during junior high. He was lucky to make it out of the encounter alive given how much Asuka's father loves doting over her.
"Kuromu? Are you doing alright?" Rex asked, "You looked like you've seen a ghost, and I don't mean a Duel Spirit."
"Uh…" Kuromu got out. "Asuka, are you sure that your dad's coming?" Asuka nodded, unaware of the incoming dread the Rider Duelist was feeling. "Great…"
"What's wrong?" Asuka asked.
"Uh… remember the aftermath of me confessing to you in junior high?"
Asuka immediately blushed hard, further confusing those not in the know.
"How bad is he?" Jun asked plainly.
"You… have no idea…" Kuromu muttered.
"Oh, wait, I remember now…" Rika grimaced.
"Oy vey, me too…" Koji frowned.
"What are you guys getting so worked up about?" Jun asked. "It's Asuka's dad, isn't it?"
"That's exactly it…" Kuromu muttered. "After I confessed to Asuka in junior high, the very next day, her father came straight to our school, demanding for my blood."
"Ah, the old shotgun method." Rex observed, "I've seen that before." He looked to Judai before the Elemental HERO Duelist could say a word, "Don't ask me how. It's a long story."
"He caused so much of a scene that day…" Kuromu sighed wearily. "Chasing me throughout the school, throwing desks, chairs, and a couple of fire extinguishers. I think a cat was thrown at me too."
The males all did a double take at the Rider Duelist's words.
"Beg pardon, what?" Misawa gawked.
"The point is, he dotes on her daughter too much, and hates my guts…"
The other males, sans Koji and Ryo, all gave their silent condolences to the Rider Duelist.
"And I'm afraid that if he sees me again, I'm gonna be staying on this bed permanently…" Kuromu paled. "Drinking through a straw…"
They all winced in fear of that image.
"The only reason why I'm alive today is because Kaa-san showed up and did her "angry smile" on him. And… oh, the horror of what she did to Asuka's old man, I will never forget…"
"Face of an angel, fury of a devil?" Rex guessed, to which Kuromu nodded.
"Like that anime with those shinigami, that lady…"
"Say no more. I think I got the memo." Rex shivered in fear, "She must have taken "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", and cranked it up ten notches…"
"Alright, that's enough everyone," Ayukawa told everyone. "As much as I love hearing this story, I have patients here and they need their rest. Go on, shoo, shoo." She motioned with her hands of shooing them away.
The group groaned then left one by one, as Kuromu let out a sigh of relief. Though Asuka was the only one left.
"Ayukawa-sensei, can I… stay here a bit with Fubuki-niisan?" Asuka asked.
"Of course. Please, take your time." She told her.
Kuromu could only smile softly as his eyes felt heavy. "So… sleepy…" He muttered, before tilting his head and falling asleep after. Asuka couldn't help but smile sadly as she tucked the Rider Duelist in before she went to go check on her brother.
Samejima sighed heavily, sitting back at his desk after making that last phone call. This morning had certainly been tiring. Kyoshiro had rushed into his office and told him of the events that transpired the other night, and to say he was shocked about the missing students, was an understatement.
At the very least, it was good to know that they were safe and sound and that their families will be able to see them again. He'll also have to give them their long overdue graduation, after being gone for so long.
However, now that they've been found, their families would no doubt want answers as to how they disappeared and why they decided to show up now. No doubt that the school would be under pressure from the media, and will be subjected to scrutiny. There was no way that the Principal could tell them that some entity of evil had spirited these students away for the sake of plunging the world into darkness.
And there was also the fact that it left the Seven Stars down to six. The principal knew that whoever his enemy sends next could be just as powerful as Darkness. So he had to play his cards right, and avoid overextending his advantage.
Just then, he heard his doors slide open to reveal Kyoshiro and Tsukasa coming in.
"Thank you for coming, gentlemen." The principal thanked the pair. "Kyoshiro-san, how is your son?"
"Resting… though I'm somewhat annoyed that he's becoming a regular at the infirmary…" Kyoshiro sighed. "Not that it's his fault, but… it's tiring."
Samejima sadly nodded in agreement, "I wish there was another choice, but Kuromu's experience with Games of Darkness is vital in this war."
"Yes. I understand."
"Speaking of vital," Samejima said, turning to Tsukasa. "Kadoya-san, you said your friend had information that he would want to go into more detail with me about the missing students and this Darkness?"
Tsukasa nodded as he activated his Duel Disk and drew out Kamen Rider W's card. After placing the card on the tray, Philip appeared, much to Samejima's surprise.
"Greetings, Principal." Philip introduced himself.
"Kadoya-san, he's-"
"He's a Duel Spirit, as are all the Kamen Riders." Tsukasa explained.
"I… I see…" Samejima deflated, "So the rumors are true." He then cleared his throat and shook his head, "R-Regardless, what do you have on this Darkness?"
"From what we understand, Darkness was a being who existed between your world and another. He had hoped to have his world, what many refer to as either the World of Darkness or the Shadow Realm, merge with Earth to create a world of eternal conformity."
"In other worlds, merge his world and Earth into one planet." Tsukasa said. "The World of Darkness is a place where, according to Darkness, everyone loses their individuality, crushing their hopes and dreams in order for all living beings to be one entity."
"My word…" Samejima gasped in horror.
"His summoning was possible thanks to one of your students who goes by the name of Fujimaru Yusuke."
"Fujimaru Yusuke?!" Samejima said, as he went into his desk and looked through the filing cabinet, before pulling out a file that had Yusuke's profile. "It… can't be…"
"Yes, the student that caused the Abandoned Dorm incident." Phillip confirmed, "It's a miracle that Kuromu was able to defeat him here and now. Had he not let the card get away, likely we would have been in for a much worse outcome."
"How-"
"From what I understand in my research, Fujimaru Yusuke was a troubled yet talented Duelist. His parents had suddenly died at a very young age. And his fears of being forgotten drove him to madness. So during his time at the Duel Academia, when he was assigned to the Abandoned Dorm, he devised a ritual to summon Darkness in an attempt for him to forget about everyone, so he won't have to deal with the pain of everyone forgetting about him."
"Oh my, that is…"
Kyoshiro nodded, sharing the same fear and worry Samejima currently had.
"And what of Fujimaru Yusuke himself? Is he…"
"Unfortunately, he's not among the missing students we have now." Tsukasa sighed, shaking his head. "We double checked to be sure. My guess is… since he's the one that started the incident and made that contract with Darkness in the first place…"
"It stands to reason that in exchange, he is there in the World of Darkness… permanently." Philip grimaced, placing his book to his heart as a sign of respect.
Samejima shook his head in defeat, of course this victory would come at a cost.
"As saddening as that is, we have a more pressing matter." Kyoshiro said. "What do we tell the public? Those missing students did pop out of nowhere after all."
"It's tough, because there's a chance we might inspire hysteria in the people." Samejima admitted, "I'd rather not imagine what Kaiba-san had to go through after the Ghouls ran amok in the Battle City tournament."
"But at the same time, the more we keep this a secret, the more the public will keep demanding answers." Tsukasa said.
"Yes. You're right…" The principal was left scratching his head on how to break the news to the masses about these missing students.
"The missing students are in a coma and given how Fujimaru Yusuke was the cause of all of this…" Philip muttered, having a hand to his chin, before an idea popped in his head, but one that was frowned upon. "I may have a cover story for you, but…"
"Let me guess, it won't be a good look on Fujimaru." Tsukasa guessed.
"It won't. But at the same time, given how he was the last of his family to begin with…"
"With no next of kin, no one would oppose that kind of claim…" Kyoshiro sighed, scratching his head. "Dammit, is there really no other way?"
"I don't like this as much as everyone else here in this room, but it would give the public something to accept."
Samejima sighed, "I supposed it's the best we can do without disclosing the full truth to them."
"And when this whole Seven Star thing is done and over with, I suggest demolishing the building." Tsukasa said. "That way, we don't have any more incidents like this."
"Indeed. I believe I should have done that years ago." Samejima agreed.
In the darkness of the cave, the Seven Stars convened to discuss their comrade who had fallen in battle. To say that they didn't take too kindly to Darkness's defeat, was an understatement. Even though this was only the first of many battles, they had hoped that they would at least have the advantage over the Spirit Key Keepers.
"Darkness has fallen." One of the Seven Stars grumbled.
"Talked a big game, yet got swept." Another piped up.
"A minor setback. We must not act rash and keep our wits about us. It is only the first battle, after all." The leader said, calming them back down, "Who will be the next to attempt and succeed where Darkness failed?" he asked of the others.
"I'll go." A voice said, stepping forward and out of the darkness.
"Are you sure about this?" one of the Seven Stars asked tepidly as the figure stepped forward, revealing a rather stern looking blonde young man wearing a white military uniform, complete with the hat.
"I don't need any help in facing off against this foe." the stern man said as he looked towards his fellow Seven Star. "I'll make quick work of those Key Keepers."
"Heh, it's your funeral dude." another of the Seven Stars shrugged.
"Hmph…" The stern man scoffed, before turning on his heel and leaving.
Asuka looked on as he watched her brother and friend sleeping. It had been a few hours since everyone visited Kuromu and she had stayed behind to watch over them. Relief washed over her, as she watched her brother. Finally, after so long, she was reunited with him, though she wished it had been under different circumstances.
While she was grateful that Kuromu had saved her brother, in the end, she felt she didn't do much to contribute to the rescue. The data on the missing students she had given to her mother was now useless. Now that the missing students were found, she would have no need for it. Though she did feel bad that the one who caused this, Fujimaru Yusuke, would likely be trapped in that realm forever.
The cover story of this incident was that Fujimaru Yusuke was accused of being a member of the remnant Ghouls that haunted Battle City ten years ago. These remnants supposedly recruited him in order to try and summon the Egyptian Gods through traditional ritualistic means.
Having taken advantage of his mental psyche, the Ghouls would have Yusuke abduct his fellow classmates at the Abandoned Dorm to an unknown location on the island. There he would attempt to use them as sacrifices for the Egyptian Gods. However, something went wrong that left the students in their current state in the infirmary and it was through recent events that they were actually found. As for Yusuke himself, no one has seen him since that event, with the likely option that he was taken by the Ghouls after the failed ritual to parts unknown.
Naturally, if and when this cover story is brought out, the public will be of two minds. Many would be understandably not happy with how Duel Academia handled this situation. But on the other hand, there wouldn't be enough evidence to prove their cover story was false and the public would have to accept it. As for the missing students themselves, if and when they wake up from their comas, they'll most likely not remember what at the moment they were whisked away. She just hoped that there were no side effects to being stuck in that dark world for that long.
Then there was Kuromu, who had been repeatedly thrown into a lot of Games of Darkness in this school year alone. She couldn't stand the thought of her best friend being hurt so many times for someone else's sake. Especially for his mother. He was the only one who knew how these Games of Darkness worked, thanks in part to having worked, and survived each one. He just hoped that luck of winning these dark Duels would remain as more of the Seven Stars appeared.
"Mmmm…" Kuromu groaned, stirring awake.
Asuka breathed a sigh of relief as the Rider Duelist woke up.
"Hey, Asuka…" Kuromu murmured, smiling softly at her.
"Hey Kuro, how are you feeling?" She asked.
"Still sore all over." He said, then looked at Fubuki, who was still asleep. "Has he woken up yet?"
"No… not yet…" Asuka shook her head.
"I see…" Kuromu muttered. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I Dueled your possessed brother. I just hope that whatever Darkness did to possess him isn't permanent."
"I hope so too." Asuka murmured. Kuromu then slowly sat up, cringing in pain as he did. "Don't strain yourself." She said worried.
"I'll be fine. This isn't the first time, after all." Kuromu sighed, after getting comfortable. He then turned his head to see Darkness's card on the nightstand, picking it up, and staring at it. "This card…" He frowned.
He began to wonder just how this object could have caused so much grief for this school and the families of the missing students.
"What do you plan to do with it?" Asuka asked.
"If anything, seal this card permanently." Kuromu answered. "And I think burying this with the Abandoned Dorm once they decide to demolish the building will do it. This card should never see the light of day ever again."
"Right…" Asuka trailed off.
"Hm? What's wrong?" Kuromu looked confused and worried.
"It's just… I hate that someone had to pay the price." she admitted. "This Fujimaru Yusuke, Fubuki-niisan, and now you…"
"Asuka…"
She clenched her hands tight, "Why? Why do bad things have to happen to good people?"
Kuromu didn't have an easy answer to that question, and likely if he tried to ask any of the Riders, likely they'd be feeling the same way.
"That's why we're here." Kuromu said, getting Asuka's attention. "So it doesn't happen again. And if we can't do anything, and there's nothing we can do… we do what we can."
"Kuro…" Asuka murmured.
"The best thing you can do right now is be there for your brother when he wakes up. After all, we've all faced trials like this before, haven't we?" Asuka could only nod, as Kuromu now held her hands with his own, to further reassure her. "No matter what happens, we're in this together, and we'll get out of it together. I promise."
She couldn't help but smile, "Another promise?" She wearily yet also light-heartedly giggled.
"I intend to keep them both." Kuromu chuckled.
Just then, the doors of the infirmary slid open, revealing a frantic Chiyomi.
"O-Okaa-san!" Asuka stuttered, after the two backed off.
"Chiyomi-san?" Kuromu got out.
"Where is he?! Where's-" She looked around before noticing the person she was looking for. "Fubuki!" She cried out, rushing over to his unconscious form, while minding her step and came to his bedside. She soon felt tears roll down her face as she saw her son finally back, despite being unconscious at the moment. "Oh Fubuki…" She sobbed, kneeling at his bedside.
The Tenjoin matriarch couldn't believe her eyes. Her son was actually here after being missing for two years.
"Okaa-san." Asuka said sadly.
"You're back… you're really back," Chiyomi cried, wanting to hug her son after being away from her for so long.
"Ayukawa-sensei said it'll be some time before he wakes up." Kuromu began, getting her attention. "But at least you can rest easy, knowing that he's going to be okay."
"I see…" Chiyome noted before getting up and approaching his bedside before hugging Kuromu, much to his surprise and Asuka's, "Thank you. Thank you for saving him."
Kuromu blushed at the gesture, "I-It's no problem. I'm just glad that Fubuki is back where he belongs." He reassured her, gingerly returning the hug back, before breaking said hug. "I only hope that no one else will have to suffer like he did."
"Chiyomi, you need to stop rushing into things."
Kuromu stiffened, hearing that voice. He suddenly felt the need to make himself scarce, injured or not. Coming through the door was what looked to be an older version of Fubuki with shorter hair and a slightly better build and he had a pair of rectangular glasses.
"Otou-san." Asuka said, to which the Tenjoin patriarch looked at her. He soon smiled as he quickly hugged her.
"Oh, how's my little princess doing!" He cheered to her embarrassment.
"O-Otou-san!" Asuka blushed.
"Akihiro, stop doting on her," Chiyomi pouted, upset after wiping her tears. "Can't you see our son is in a coma?"
"Yes, I see." The father, Akihiro, quickly remembered as he looked towards Fubuki. "He hasn't woken up yet?"
"No, not yet." Asuka shook her head. "Otou-san, you might not believe this, but Kuromu is the one who saved Fubuki-niisan." Asuka told her father.
"Kururugi? Is that true?" He asked, turning to the Rider Duelist.
"Y-Yes sir. I Dueled him myself to save him." Kuromu spoke up.
"I see." He breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you. Words can't express… how eternally grateful I am that you've saved my son and brought him back to us."
"Akihiro-san…" Kuromu muttered. "I didn't do it alone though. I had my friends supporting me through and through." While he was calm on the outside, on the inside Kuromu was singing a different tune due to seeing the face of his fear staring him in the face.
"Regardless, you have my gratitude for making our family whole again." Akihiro smiled, before placing his hands on Kuromu's shoulders. "…but that doesn't mean you're off the hook." He said whilst maintaining the smile, despite the demonic aura around him.
Kuromu gulped hard.
"Oi, Aki-kun," Kyoshiro said, arriving at the infirmary with a miffed look. "Need I remind you that his mother is still missing?"
"Ah yes, of course. Er-hem." He noted as he let go of Kuromu, allowing the Rider Duelist to breathe easy.
'I thought I was going to die.' Kuromu thought.
"Anyhow, how have you two been doing?" Kyoshiro asked the pair.
"Other than being unable to leave this bed, I'm doing fine for the most part." Kuromu sighed.
"I've mostly been watching over him and Fubuki-niisan." Asuka added.
"Right, it's only natural." Kyoshiro nodded. "Anyways, Asuka. I came here to get ya. Principal Samejima is calling for a meeting."
"Oh…"
"It's okay, Asuka. I'll be fine." Kuromu assured. "You should get going."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, your parents and I can look after Fubuki." Kuromu nodded.
She was hesitant for a moment but nodded and followed Kyoshiro to Samejima's office where the rest of the Spirit Key Duelists were waiting.
Upon Kyoshiro and Asuka arriving at the Principal's Office, everyone was present waiting for them.
"Asuka-san, glad of you to join us." Samejima said. "How is your brother?"
"Still sleeping." Asuka answered, "Okaa-san, Otou-san, and Kuromu are looking after him."
"I see." Samejima said, before clearing his throat. "Now then, the Seven Stars seemed to be planning their next move. After all, one of their own had just been defeated. That being said, I received a strange phone call asking that they and another person are to be admitted into Duel Academia."
"This late into the year?" Misawa raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. And that's what worries me." Samejima frowned. "This person and their friend could be of the Seven Stars."
"Meaning we need to be on guard." Rex noted before looking to the principal, "Did this phone call reveal anything about the new transfers?"
"Only a name." Samejima replied. "David Rabb."
Ryo perked up a bit as the others were surprised that he recognized the name.
"Senpai? What's up?" Rika asked. "You know this person?"
"I remember that he and his adopted sister were meant to arrive earlier in the school year, but delays in the paperwork pushed them back."
"But why so late?" Jun frowned. "They can't just have a crash course and expect to be caught up to us."
"You would be surprised." Ryo said, "David was much more focused between himself and his sister. And I can assure they're learning the same lessons as we are. There's an American branch of Duel Academia."
"Huh?! I didn't hear about this!" Judai gawked.
"That's because my brother was in America for his second year… and Rex said he failed the entrance exam for that branch." Sho reminded him.
"Pretty much…" The mutt groaned, "And even then, I barely passed and got in here."
"Regardless, we have no idea as to what his intentions are." Samejima said. "So be on your guard."
"Yes sir." They all affirmed.
The next day had arrived as Principal Samejima and Ryo were waiting at the docks for the arrival of David Rabb. The wait was already nerve-wracking as it already is. Mainly due to the fact that there was a possibility that he was a member of the Seven Stars. Even more so was that there was also a possibility that his adoptive sister was also a member of the Seven Stars. But that has yet to be proven.
Soon enough, the boat carrying David Rabb was on the horizon, gradually coming closer to the docks, and eventually arrived and came to a sudden halt. The crewman used a ramp to connect the boat to the dock in order for their passenger to step onto the dock.
Coming off the boat was a rather stern looking blonde young man wearing a white military uniform, complete with the hat. He looked around the area as another person exited the boat, this time a young woman with a similar hair color despite her hair being slightly longer and militaristic uniform to her brother.
"David, Reggie." Ryo smiled. "It's been a while."
"Indeed it has." the stern young man observed with a nod.
"Greetings, you two. And welcome to Central Duel Academia." Samejima greeted them. "I trust the trip was smooth sailing for you both?"
"It has." David noted before looking up at the volcano, "There's smoke coming from the mountain. It probably won't erupt though. Right, Mac?"
"True, but it's more impressive than looking at the photos." she agreed.
"How is Mr. MacKenzie by the way?" Samejima asked Reggie.
"He has been… well, to say the least." Reggie explained albeit with some hesitation. "It's nothing serious, I assure you. He is getting on in his years after all."
"I see. That I can understandably relate to." Samejima chuckled, before the four of them decided to walk from the docks. "I apologize for the call earlier. I must reiterate that there's been an incident lately regarding our missing students."
"So I heard." David nodded.
"I assume that there won't be any further problems?" Reggie inquired.
"Hopefully. We plan to put out an official statement to the public once the missing students are awake and are reunited with their families." Samejima said. "No doubt that they'll be wanting answers as to why they suddenly showed up out of nowhere."
"Especially since they were gone for a long time." The stern young man said.
"It's good to see you both though. We have a lot to catch up on." Ryo said.
"Yes, a lot." Reggie smiled as the four walked towards the center of the island.
"So, where's the American branch of Duel Academia exactly located?" Judai asked Rex as he and Ryo were the only people to go to the American branch.
"If I remember correctly, Renton, Washington. Near where Pegasus himself lives." The mutt recalled.
"All the way there?" Judai asked wide-eyed.
"Pegasus did found Industrial Illusions over in California, so it's not a surprise that his workplace and home are located on the West Coast." Rex shrugged off.
"So, did you use your Gladial Deck or your old deck?" Sho asked.
"Gladial, as I mentioned." The mutt said, "Remember I still only got Aloof Lupine left from when the deck got burned."
"Actually, what was your old deck? Did it have something to do with Chimera the Flying Phantom Beast?" Judai asked, recalling how it seemed like he knew Chimera during Kuromu and Kagurazaka's Duel.
"Maybe." The mutt shrugged, not giving a straight answer.
"Rex, c'mon. You don't need to hide it, y'know," Judai said, "It's kind of fun learning about who came before Dicaerii, Laquer, Bestrouli, and Murmullo."
"True, but honestly it's been a while since I've even touched the Phantom Beast archetype." Rex argued, "I kind of forgot what my old deck list was."
"Well, nothing that the ol' card database can't fix." Judai grinned widely. Just then, the duo caught Ryo and Principal Samejima walking David and Reggie through the academy's facilities. "Hey, is that them?" He wondered.
"I think so." Rex said.
"Let's meet 'em!" Judai smiled, before running off.
"H-Hey, hold on!" The mutt yelped. "Gah, who am I kidding? He never listens." He groaned, shaking his head in defeat before going after him.
"As you can see Mr. Rabb, Ms. Mackenzie, Kaiba spared no expense in building this school for the good of the best and brightest Duelists." Samejima spouted.
"Yes. Quite." David observed, looking around before noticing Judai and Rex running in.
"Hey, isn't that the guy who summoned that leviathan last year at the Entrance Duels?" She observed.
"It is." David frowned. "So he ended up here."
Judai and Rex soon arrived as the Elemental HERO Duelist wanted to greet the pair.
"Hey, so you're Americans like Rex right?" Judai said, "Well, minus the hair and eyes."
*POW!*
"OW!"
"Mind your manners!" Rex scolded, after whacking Judai on the head with his fist, before looking up to see the duo. "David. Reggie. Long time no see."
"Quite. I remember you terrified everyone when you called upon that leviathan to mercilessly defeat your opponent." David observed, "There's a reason monsters like that are mostly kept on a leash." Rex felt his fists clench in frustration and shame.
"I-I promise I've gotten a better handling of that, sir." The mutt said. 'Dammit, why did the champion have to act like that when I first summoned him?' He thought.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Judai frowned.
"He didn't tell you?" David looked to Judai with a raised eyebrow.
"It's a long story, trust me." Rex said, looking away with a bit of hesitation.
"David," Reggie elbowed her adopted brother. "Don't be rude."
"Hmph… I'm merely recalling what I remembered." David scoffed.
"Now, now, there's no need for any tension." Samejima told the two groups. "You're all fellow students, and students learn from their mistakes, right?"
David cleared his throat, backing off, "Yes, I suppose so. Apologies, Principal."
Judai could tell Rex had a story to tell, but now was not the time.
"Oh right, name's Yuki Judai. Nice to meetcha! Hope we get along!" The Elemental HERO Duelist bowed.
"At least he's polite." Reggie observed.
It's then that the two adopted siblings felt a force emanating from Judai, or rather the force emanating from Elemental HERO Terra Firma.
"Is that…?" the militaristic woman asked her brother, to which he nodded.
"It would seem so." the stern young man confirmed.
"Hm? Something wrong?" Judai blinked.
"It's nothing." David reassured the pair before he, alongside his sister, as well as Ryo and Principal Samejima left to continue the tour.
That gave Judai and Rex enough space for the Elemental HERO Duelist to ask in his thoughts…
'Why did Domitianus go berserk?'
"Zzzzzzzzz… zzzzzzzzzzz…" Kuromu slept peacefully as Asuka looked on at him and her brother, who was still unconscious. It was then that Rika came into the room.
"Asuka-chan, you should get some rest." Rika said, concerned, "You've been watching over them for a while now."
"I know, but…" the Obelisk Queen felt uneasy about leaving either Kuromu or Fubuki unattended. Rika placed her hand on one of Asuka's shoulders.
"C'mon, you need it." Rika said. "Besides, we got two D.E.C. members, guarding the door. They'll be okay in case anyone tries to attack everyone in here."
"I… suppose you're right." Asuka trailed off before getting up and following Rika out, but she did look back to both the Rider Duelist and her brother before finally leaving the infirmary. The two of them walked in silence as they made their way back to their dorm. Asuka still felt uneasy and Rika didn't know what to say to comfort her. She could go that route-
'No, no! No Rika, you're not supposed to take advantage of this! It's wrong!' The Foodon Duelist berated herself in her thoughts, 'Besides, I should be on high alert right now! We got a likely Seven Star in the academy right now!'
"Rika?"
"H-Huh?" Rika looked at the Obelisk Queen. "Y-Yeah, what's up?"
"Are you okay?"
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Just the jitters." she explained, "You know, with the Seven Stars and all."
"Right. Don't we all?" Asuka replied, "Maybe this was how Kuromu felt when Oogumo menaced him?"
"I guess so." The chef agreed before the two noticed David, Reggie, Ryo, and Principal Samejima walking past them, "Wait, are those two Americans?" she pondered.
Asuka giggled, "What gave it away?" she pointed out.
"I mean blonde hair? Blue eyes? That just screams American." Rika rolled her eyes, "I mean come on, what other American doesn't have that?"
"AACHOO!" Rex sneezed.
"Hey, you okay buddy?" Judai asked, confused as to why the mutt would randomly sneeze like that.
"Why do I feel like someone's talking about me?" he asked.
"Pffffft, that's just an urban legend." Judai waved off.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Rex chuckled, "It's probably nothing."
"Now then, as you can see, things are different here at Duel Academia's Japanese branch." Samejima explained, "Rather than separating students into dorms based on the seven Attributes, we separate them by the three Egyptian God cards."
"Obelisk being your highest dorm, Ra in second, and Osiris being the lowest, correct?" David responded.
"Y-Yes, you're well informed." Samejima replied, a bit surprised.
"We had to be since we will be transferring here." Reggie explained.
"Of course, that's only natural." Samejima smiled sheepishly, "I suppose we should start with the lowest dorm and work our way to the top. We apologize in advance for the… accommodations."
"What do you-" David's words were cut off when they found themselves in front of Osiris Red's dorm. "I… assume this is Osiris Red's dorm then."
"It's… quaint." The militaristic woman had to say lightly.
"Yes well… Kaiba-san made these accommodations to his specifications." Samejima said, clearing his throat.
"Dios mio! These kids are going to be the death of me!" a currently soot-faced Chronos snarled as he stomped past them after having to deal with more of the scrappy dorm's antics.
"And that is?" Reggie raised an eyebrow.
"Chronos de Medici. One of our staff. He's currently an aide to Daitokuji-sensei, who is the headmaster of Osiris Red." Samejima explained.
"Red doesn't suit him, by the looks of it." David commented to Ryo, "From what I heard, he was supposed to be the head of Obelisk Blue."
"He was…" Ryo frowned. "Until we uncovered a scandal that put him in his current position. I'd rather not say."
David shook his head, "As an old machine would; outdated and nothing like before."
"I can assure he's quite capable as a Duelist." Samejima said. "Now then, shall we continue the tour?"
As the others walked to the next dorm, David stayed behind a bit to glare at Chronos.
Nighttime had finally arrived…
For the moment, David and Reggie were given temporary lodgings over at the Obelisk Blue Dorm for their respective genders for obvious reasons. Under the cloak of night, David walked towards the Osiris Red dorm with cold determination. He had a feeling that whoever had defeated Darkness was here judging from the fact that a powerful aura was here. That aura he felt came from that Judai kid, it was that of a Legendary Planet Monster. He was going to get to the bottom of this here and now.
So, here he was, hoping to discover the truth of the boy known as Osiris Red's Hero King.
It was then that he took out what appeared to be a golden visor with a blue line, and in the middle of it was an Eye of Anubis. He placed it over his eyes and the item came to life. He then scanned the area and spotted two signatures, one of which was the leviathan he had seen before at the Entrance Duel, Gladial Beast Dominiatus, but the other was of the Legendary Planet Monster that people had seen when Duel Academia and North Academia broadcasted their Inter-School Duel, Elemental HERO Terra Firma.
"There you are…" David said, before walking towards the dorm.
Meanwhile inside, the four Osiris Red students were sleeping peacefully. Well most of them anyhow.
"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz… zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!" Judai snored.
"I swear, one of these days, I'm gonna move out…" Jun grumbled.
"Join the club." Rex growled before gripping his pillow and chucking it at Judai, "Can it dude, we're trying to get some sleep here!"
"Oof! Ow! What the heck?" Judai groaned.
"You're snoring, Aniki…" Sho sighed. "It gets louder and louder every night."
Judai could see that all of his friends had slight bags under their eyes, so perhaps they all had a point.
"Ah, sorry about that." he apologized.
"Get a freakin' CPAP…" Jun said, before chucking another pillow at Judai's face.
"Ow! Okay, already." Judai groaned.
However, before any of them could get some rest, Winged Kuriboh and the Ojama trio popped up.
"Guys, we have a problem!" Ojama Yellow freaked out.
"There's a weird guy outside with a strange visor!" Ojama Green added.
"And he looks dangerous!" Ojama Black finished.
"Kuri Kuri!" Winged Kuriboh affirmed.
To further emphasize this, Judai's, Jun's, and Rex's Spirit Keys around their necks started shaking. The three looked to each other; it was clear that another Seven Star Duelist was here. Without hesitation, the quartet quickly dressed themselves and ran outside to find David standing there.
"Hey, ain't that the guy Ryo-senpai was helping the principal give a tour to?" Judai asked, quickly recognizing the stern young man.
"Yeah, wait… you mean…" Rex got out, realizing the implications. He then glared at David. "What the hell's all this?" He demanded.
David sighed as he glanced upon the keys around the mutt, ace, and Elemental HERO Duelist's necks.
"I see, so I have found three of you in one dorm. It's my lucky day." David observed, lifting his visor to stare the three in the eyes.
"So, you're one of the Seven Stars?" Rex growled. "Mind explaining why you of all people would join them?"
"Let's just say, I'm not exactly doing this of my own volition. You just happen to have what we're looking for." David said whilst scratching his neck.
"The hell is that supposed to mean?" Jun snarled, with no one noticing the scratching.
"What on Earth are you four doing violating your curfew?!" Chronos snapped at the four, ready to rail at them only to notice the Spirit Keys were shaking; meaning that this person was likely a Seven Star.
"So the rust bucket decides to show up," David scoffed.
"Grr, why I oughta! I believe it's time to teach you some manners!" the former Obelisk Blue head snarled.
"Why should I face you? I have a brief glimpse of your story about your fall from grace, and here you are swimming with the guppies." David stated.
"I may be forced to be with Osiris Red, but that doesn't mean I can't Duel like an Obelisk Blue." Chronos affirmed.
David scoffed at this. He then saw Chronos hold up his Spirit Key.
"You're looking to Duel for these, yes? Then try your mettle against mine! I was chosen by the Principal to defend our school! He knows what I'm capable of! So how about it? You and I for this Spirit Key?" He challenged.
"Instructor-" Judai got out, but Rex held his arm out.
"Remember… he's our first line of defense…" Rex reminded the Elemental HERO Duelist with a low mutter that David wouldn't hear.
The Elemental HERO Duelist could tell from the look on both the mutt and Jun that neither of them want to let Chronos do this, but they have no choice.
"Fine. I'll humor you. But let's take this elsewhere. Wouldn't want your students to see you fall even further." David mocked.
Soon, the two, Judai, Sho, Rex, and Jun went to the area where Kuromu and Kagurazaka Dueled. Rex messaged the other Key Keepers, save for Kuromu to come to their location immediately. Chronos readied his Duel Coat while David readied his Duel Disk.
"There they are!" A voice shouted. They turned to see Koji, Rika, Asuka, Misawa, Ryo, Tsukasa, Ryotaro, Kyoshiro, and Daitokuji arriving at the scene.
"Just in time, it's about to start." Judai said.
"Wait, that guy is a Seven Star?" Rika gawked.
"Now then, I assume that you won't mind the Master Duel format?" David said, "8000 Life Points?"
Chronos scoffed and smirked, "I see that you wish to face my full power? Very well, I will play along with your game."
["Hey, is it about to start?"] Kuromu asked as Asuka heard his voice from her Duel Pilot. She took the device out and nodded as she pointed it towards the incoming Duel.
"Wait, the PDA's can do that?" Judai said surprised.
"Yeah, pretty much." Rex said as he looked at both his and the Elemental HERO Duelist's Duel Pilots, "This is Kaiba's school after all."
"Huh… neat…"
"David!" A voice called out as they turned to see Reggie running towards the group. "What are you doing?!"
"I'm just teaching this outmode what true progress looks like." David said with determination in his eyes.
"This late at night? You could wake everyone up or worse, hurt someone! This school is testing out Real Solid Vision after all." Reggie reminded him.
"Real Solid what now?" Koji asked.
"It means the Monsters now have mass." Misawa quickly explained.
"Wait, but that would mean-" Rika gasped in horror, realizing the implications as everyone else nodded in affirmation of her own fears, "Oh no… oh no no no…"
"All we can do is watch." Tsukasa frowned.
"And hope that Instructor Chronos can make it out of this in one piece." Ryotaro added.
"DUEL!"
David: 8000
Chronos: 8000
"I will go first." David said as he drew his first card to bring his hand up to six. Looking at it briefly, he gave a nod. "I'll activate the Field Spell Union Hangar!" The stern young man declared before everyone was quickly transported to a futuristic hanger with different machines being moved to and from their designated zones. "When this card is activated, I can add to my hand one LIGHT Machine Union Monster from my deck and I choose Z-Metal Caterpillar."
Jun perked up, "So he's using Union Monsters." he observed.
"You mean those Monsters that double as Equip Spells?" the mutt guessed, which made the ace nod.
"I'll admit, I was tempted to use the A-Z archetype myself, but I felt like it just didn't fit my current playstyle." Jun admitted.
"So you're using the A-Z archetype," Chronos observed. "And just what do you hope to gain with that besides the victory you think you'll get?"
"You'll see, but for now I'll summon my A-Assault Core in ATK position!"
Slapping the card onto the tray, the hanger came to life and opened up the A bunker, allowing a yellow robot with two tank treads and a scorpion-like laser cannon to roll out onto his side of the field (4/ATK: 1900/DEF: 200).
"Now Union Hangar's effect activates!" David declared, "When a LIGHT Machine Union Monster is either normal or Special Summoned to my side of the field, I can target one of those monsters and equip an appropriate LIGHT Machine Union monster with a different name from my deck but I cannot Special Summon it on my turn. So I'll equip my B-Buster Drake with my A-Assault Core from my Deck!"
The hanger whirred to life once more as a large green dragon mecha with two cannons on its back emerged and slotted onto the top of Assault Core's main body.
"When I equip this card to any monster, they remain unaffected by any spell card effects." David said, "I set one card face-down and end my turn."
"Now it is my turn." Chronos said, as his sixth card ejected out of his Duel Vest. He looked at it, and at first frowned, but then saw a card he liked and looked at the other cards in hand and smirked. "I shall start by activating the Spell, Antique Gear Fusion! With it, I can use any number of Antique Gear monsters from my hand and use them as Fusion Material for a Fusion Monster! I'll fuse the three Antique Gear Golems that are in my hand!"
"Ancient mechanoids of the past, unite your spirits as one to create the ultimate fighting machine!"
That's when the three mechanical golems appeared and merged together to form the huge large hulking machine with six arms, the right side being claws while the left side being fists, and six legs. It also was a complete gray save for the one glowing red eye. (9/ATK: 3300/DEF: 3300)
"Fusion Summon! Antique Gear Megaton Golem!"
"The big boy is back…" Rex muttered.
David was not impressed, "Do you think that will scare me?"
"How's this for scaring you? For every Antique Gear Golem I used to summon this monster, it can attack that many times per Battle Phase! In other words, since I used three Antique Gear Golems, I can attack thrice every turn! Not to mention that when it does, you can't activate any Spell/Trap cards until the end of the Damage Step!"
"Nice one, Instructor!" Judai cheered, much to the professor's chagrin.
["If he can pull this off, David's Life Points will drop to… no way, he just did a First Turn Kill!"] Kuromu gawked.
"I think not." David said curtly, before revealing his face-down. "I activate the trap card, Pitfall of Naraka! When you summon a monster with 1500 or more ATK, it's automatically destroyed and banished!"
Suddenly, a dark hole filled with monsters appeared and dragged the golem into the ground. Chronos scoffed. "Of course you wouldn't make it easy for me." He snarled.
"I will admit, that was a clever tactic." David observed.
"Yes, but what you did wasn't clever, because you activated a special ability of his. If he's destroyed by a card effect, I can Special Summon a new Antique Gear Fusion Monster, ignoring its summoning conditions! Come forth! Antique Gear Ultimate Golem!" On cue, the centaur-like golem with the large blue metallic arm leaped out of the hole, taking its counterpart's place (10/ATK: 4400/DEF: 3400)
"Hmm…" David frowned.
"And while Antique Gear Ultimate Golem may not have a special effect such as Megaton Golem, it can still dish out pain! Battle! Antique Gear Ultimate Golem attacks A-Assault Core! Ultimate Pound Charge!"
The centaur-like golem charged forward and delivered a horse kick to the machine, forcibly destroying… B-Buster Drake?
David: 5500
Chronos: 8000
"I activate B-Buster Drake's effect! If A-Assault Core was to be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can destroy it instead!" David finished.
"Tsk, typical." Chronos growled, "Fine, I shall finish by playing Treasure Cards from the Heavens, letting us refresh our hands." the two Duelists then both drew until they had six cards. "I shall place one card face-down. Ta-n endo."
"Not bad, instructor." David complimented him, "It seems you can still function after all, at least for an outmode."
"I'll have you know that I didn't become an Instructor through sheer bluster." Chronos spat.
"Very well then. It's my turn now. Draw!" David declared as he drew his next card, increasing his hand to seven. "I summon Strengthening Support Mecha - Heavy Armor in ATK position!" The hanger came to life as a monochrome boxy mecha was lowered onto his side of the battlefield. (3/ATK: 500/DEF: 500)
"Now I activate its effect! Since this was normal summoned to the field, I can target one Union Monster from my Graveyard to special summon. Revive, B-Buster Drake!" Soon, the green dragon mecha was returned to the battlefield. "Next, Union Hangar's effect activates. Since I normal summoned my Strengthening Support Mecha - Heavy Armor who is a LIGHT Machine Union monster, I can equip B-Buster Drake with C-Crush Wyvern from my Deck!"
From the hangar, a purple wyvern-like mecha appeared and quickly split itself apart, attaching its hip-mounted rockets onto Buster Drake's legs, its wings onto the green dragon mecha's back, and its head above Buster Drake's own head. (4/ATK: 1200/DEF: 2000)
"And what exactly will that do?" Chronos frowned.
"I'm banishing all three machines to perform a Contact Fusion!" the stern young man declared.
Both Rika and Rex were shocked, "Contact Fusion?!"
"Initiate mechanical combination, armored tank, twin metal dragons! Bring together your powers as one!"
Buster Drake split apart and quickly merged into Assault Core with the former's cannons, while the latter's rocket launchers and wings, alongside both dragons' heads attaching to the tail of Assault Core. Buster Drake's wings quickly attached themselves to the treads of the scorBusterpion tank while it's legs vanished into a green light.
"Contact Fusion! ABC-Dragon Buster!" (8/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2800)
["Something tells me that this won't go well…"] Kuromu muttered.
"You and me both." Rex agreed.
"Now, I activate its effect! I can discard one card and target one card on the field to banish it, and I choose Antique Gear Ultimate Golem! Buster Crush Frenzy!"
The combined dragon mecha's cannons quickly charged up and fired a green and purple blast that vaporized the centaur-like golem.
"And because Antique Gear Ultimate Golem was banished and not destroyed, you can't special summon one of your Antique Gear Golems from your graveyard." David pointed out.
"Hate to say it, but he's right." Tsukasa admitted.
"Battle! With no monsters on your side of the field, ABC-Buster Dragon attacks you directly!" The stern young man declared. The dragon mecha's cannon charged up, aiming towards Chronos before firing the same green and purple energy blast that vaporized his golem.
"Non, Signore! You won't be getting through to my Life Points that easily, because I activate my face-down! Attack Nullification! This stops your attack and immediately ends your Battle Phase!" Chronos declared, after pressing the button to activate the vortex that absorbed the beam.
"Tsk, I set one card face down and end my turn." David clicked his tongue.
"What's wrong? Baffled at how this outdated machine is keeping up with a lug nut like you?" Chronos taunted. "Now then, it's time I set up my field. Draw!" With his hand increased to six, he checked the card before immediately playing it, "I activate my Field Spell, Geartown! This card allows us to both Normal Summon Antique Gear Monsters for one less Tribute!"
The hangar was soon replaced with the steampunk-style city, making the stern young man snarl.
"With Geartown's effect, I summon Antique Gear Engineer!" Chronos declared as the drill-mounted golem appeared (5/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500), "Next I play Fusion to fuse my Antique Gear Engineer on my field with the Antique Gear Dragon in my hand to Fusion Summon!"
Suddenly, a dragon golem on two wheels (5/ATK: 500/DEF: 2500) appeared and broke apart alongside the engineer as they merged into one.
"Ancient mechanoids of the past, come together to let loose a mighty blast!"
The end result was a large dragon-like golem with two cannons for arms and a head that had one glowing red mono-eye on it. (8/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1800)
"Fusion Summon! Antique Gear Devil!"
However, to everyone's surprise, Chronos Fusion Summoned this creature in DEF position rather than ATK position.
"Why in defense mode?" Ryotaro asked, confused.
"I now activate my Antique Gear Devil's effect! Once per turn, I can inflict 1000 damage onto my opponent during the Main Phase!" Chronos called out as the machine quickly aimed its gun arms and fired them right at David, sending him a bit into the air due to the force of the blasts.
David: 4500
Chronos: 8000
"Ah, I see. So Chronos is planning on using burn damage to whittle down his opponent's Life Points." Misawa observed.
"But that's gonna take another five of his turns." Rika pointed out.
"Next, I will use Fusion Recovery to recover both Fusion as well as a monster used for material of a Fusion Summon back to my hand. In this case, Antique Gear Golem! And I'll subsequently play my Pot of Greed to draw two extra cards!" With his hand now at four cards, the sum of obtaining two new cards from Pot of Greed alongside getting two cards back, the instructor smirked, "Now, I will play Fusion to send Antique Gear Golem back to the Graveyard, alongside the Antique Gear Hound and Antique Gear Beast I just drew, and the Antique Gear Devil on my side of the field to perform another Fusion Summon!"
Soon, all three Antique Gear monsters appeared and came apart to merge themselves onto Antique Gear Devil.
"Ancient mechanoids of the past, combine and create a power that rivals the gods themselves!"
What resulted from the fusion was a hulking azure giant with two large dragon-like shoulders and two hound-like arm cannons. (10/ATK: 4500/DEF: 3000)
"Fusion Summon! Unearth my foes, Antique Gear Chaos Giant!"
"Holy guacamole!" Koji gawked.
"He's certainly not holding back." Kyoshiro added with awe. "If he had summoned that during our Duel, I would've lost."
"Now then, allow me to tell you its effects. It's unaffected by whatever Spells or Traps you intend to activate and you can't activate any monster effects during the Battle Phase." Chronos revealed. "Also, this monster can deal piercing Damage."
"Tsk." David clicked his tongue.
"Battle! Antique Gear Chaos Giant attacks your Strengthening Support Mecha - Heavy Armor! Ultimate Chaos Pound!"
The giant soon grabbed the support mecha and slammed it into the ground as hard as it possibly could, sending shockwaves through the ground.
David: 500
Chronos: 8000
"Ta-n endo." Chronos said confidently.
"You are starting to get on my nerves, old man." David snarled.
"I thought that the brightest of the LIGHT dorm would put up a better fight." the instructor scoffed, "I still haven't received a single point of damage to my Life Points."
"That will change. Draw!" David declared as he checked his new card, after increasing his hand to five, "I play Spellbook from the Pot! Both of us will now draw three cards!" He said, as they did, with Chrono's hand at three, and David's now at seven. However, when David looked at it, he smirked. "I'm afraid this is the end for you."
"Che cosa?" Chronos frowned.
"First I activate ABC-Dragon Buster's effect. By discarding a card, I banish Antique Gear Chaos Giant! Buster Crush Frenzy!"
Once again, after discarding a card, another one of Chronos' boss monsters was banished from the battlefield.
"Next I play Dual Summon to call on both X-Head Cannon and Z-Metal Caterpillar!"
Two monsters then emerged from the hanger, one a blue and yellow machine with a mace-like lower half and two large cannons on its shoulders (4/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1500) and the other another crawler mecha with two large claws at the front end of its tank treads and a single green eye on its head. (4/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1300)
"From there, I'll activate the spell card, Frontline Base, allowing me to special summon 1 Union Monster from my hand. So I special summon Y-Dragon Head!" he added, as a red dragon mecha arrived. (4/ATK: 1500/DEF:1600)
"Now I'll combine them together via banishing them to perform another Contact Fusion!" he finished as the three machines merged into one in a totem formation.
"Initiate mechanical combination, azure head, crimson dragon, topaz tank! Bring together your powers as one!"
The completed monster soon stood tall alongside its counterpart, "Contact Fusion! XYZ-Dragon Cannon!" (8/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2600)
"ABC and XYZ… no, it can't be…" Jun said wide-eyed.
"What's up?" Asuka asked.
"He's… he's planning on assembling it!" he gasped.
"Now I'll Contact Fuse both ABC-Dragon Buster and XYZ-Dragon Cannon to create the ultimate A-to-Z machine!" David declared as the two machines quickly flew into the air and broke apart into a new combined form.
"Initiate the ultimate mechanical combination to create a true titan of war, rolling dragon cannon, totem metal dragon!"
All of a sudden, each of the six components began to merge into one until it became a larger version of XYZ Dragon Cannon with it's left and right side of it's treads sporting the heads of Drake Buster and Crush Wyvern, a large dragon head on it's front to go alongside the Assault Core hanging from the bottom like a deployed missile silo. For the main X-Head Cannon unit, it now sported two large arm cannons alongside both of Buster Drake's cannons being merged onto its own.
"Contact Fusion! Deploy, A-to-Z-Dragon Buster Cannon!" (10/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000)
"Dammit! He actually did it!" Jun growled.
"The fuck?!" Rex gasped.
"Holy smokes!" Koji gawked. "He combined all of them!"
"David, you need to stop this now!" Reggie called out.
"This is the end, instructor." David declared, ignoring his adoptive sister. "I will play the last card that will end this Game of Darkness. Limiter Removal! For one turn, my A-to-Z Dragon Buster Cannon's ATK is doubled!"
The machine roared as electricity enveloped the machine, overloading it with power. (10/ATK: 4000-8000/DEF: 4000)
"You…" Chronos frowned at David.
"In the end, the old must make way for the new. You sir, as part of the "old guard" need to be removed for the sake of a new world. One where the old ways are no longer necessary."
"Instructor!" Judai cried out, trying to rush to the instructor's aide but Jun and Rex held him back.
Chronos however, seemed calm as he turned towards the group of students and staff. "All of you… listen to me carefully…" He began. "You must promise… Even if you are defeated in a Game of Darkness, the darkness cannot surpass the light. Please promise me that you will believe so, and that you will never yield your hearts."
"Instructor Chronos…" Ryo muttered.
He then looked to Judai, "Boy, keep your chin up. The Seven Stars will win if they break your spirit, you and Signore Kururugi are the best of all of us."
["Instructor Chronos."] Kuromu got out.
"Signore Kururugi, use your dueling of light to bring us out of this darkness."
"Are you finished with your final lecture, Instructor?" David asked curtly. "Because now is the time for your Farewell. A-to-Z-Dragon Buster Cannon attacks you directly! Hyper Buster Destruction!"
The combined dragon mecha then powered up its barrels and fired off a barrage of beams right at Chronos, consuming him in an overwhelming blast.
David: 500
Chronos: 0
"INSTRUCTOR CHRONOS!" Everyone shouted.
When the dust cleared, Chronos stood there, his body smoking before falling to the ground unconscious.
"David… what did you do?!" Reggie demanded David.
"What I had to." David said, as he approached the unconscious Instructor and took the Spirit Key off of him. "One down, six to-" However, his words were cut short as the Spirit Key… crumbled to dust. "What?!"
'So that's what happens when a false Spirit Key is grabbed.' The Rider Duelist thought.
"Tch… so you Key Keepers have the nerve to use fakes in order to make things more difficult for us… how vexing…" David grunted. He then placed his Shadow Visor over his eyes, before pressing the side of it. A beam of light shot out from the lens onto Chronos seemingly scanning him, but then… his body started breaking down into motes of data?! And all of it was absorbed into the visor.
"Deck recipe obtained." He said rather coldly, before taking it off.
"What just happened-nya?!" Daitokuji panicked.
"I merely assimilated his data. For all of his bluster, his archetype has potential." The stern young man said, before coming back ashore and walking past the group and his sister.
"David, do you realize what you've just done?!" Reggie asked, prompting the man to stop in his tracks.
"What of it?" David inquired indifferently.
"This could get both our branch and theirs in trouble!" She reminded him.
"I did what was necessary for the mission." David refuted before walking away, but not before glaring at Judai, "Unless you have another false keeper to face me, I suggest you bring one of your actual holders to me tomorrow night."
With this, he walked away, as he was done for the night.
["Dammit!"] Kuromu cursed.
Everyone was left reeling at this loss, because now the enemy knew their trick. Which meant now they all had a target on their back, both false and true Spirit Key holders alike.
"What do we do now?" Rika asked.
"We get ready." Koji said, "Rika, you want to handle this?"
"M-Me?!" Rika stuttered.
"C'mon sistah, I know you ain't gonna back down from this." Koji pointed out.
"Well, yeah, but…" Rika trailed off.
"Rika, he's a Contact Fusion user. Just like me, just like you." Rex pointed out. "We have to step up at some point."
"I know! But… you saw what happened to Instructor Chronos! I don't know if I can-" Rika stuttered scared.
"Sistah, we signed up for this dance-off. You can't back out now!" Koji said.
"Yeah, and we'll be with you all the way!" Judai said.
"That's not- I-" Rika got out, before holding her head, "I'm sorry, I just can't!" She shouted, before running off.
"Rika!" Asuka called out, but to no avail.
Rika was running as far as she could from the group, the image of herself potentially staring down the barrels of David's boss monster constantly replaying in her mind. The way she saw herself being overwhelmed by the intense firepower of the monster, as if it wanted to vaporize her out of existence. It all just filled her with fear.
After running to a nearby tree, the Foodon Duelist just hunkered down and tried to calm herself down, but nothing seemed to be working.
All the while, something was watching her from afar. It wasn't malicious. Quite the opposite. It looked rather worried and concerned.
"Omelet…"