"Just as life progresses from birth to death, humanity will inevitably experience the process of emerging, flourishing, and perishing. Just like those fallen nations in your history."
"However, this process is not certain. It is not fixed."
In those images, countless possibilities flashed by.
A world where humanity, due to war, is plunged into a biochemical apocalypse and survives by scavenging; a world where humans exploring the stars are captured by alien QU, which resemble insects, and kept as pets; a reality where AI becomes highly developed, turning humans into bio-batteries and human computers.
Like a future where humanity's chaotic inner world leads to the rampage of a mind-sensing Moment, ultimately destroying the Human World, such a dimension also exists.
But compared to the various bizarre "endings," this complete annihilation is actually the rarest.
In a corner of the images, a crimson Red Light shines upon a planet, where the life forms on that planet begin to obsessively pursue strength and purity, abandoning self and will, ultimately leading to their complete destruction, along with the disappearance of the planet.
Tenjo Hikari raised an eyebrow.
That is...
"In my observation, I found that although humanity often steps onto foolish paths, there will always be those who strive to correct these errors time and again. Perhaps sometimes unable to rectify, perhaps sometimes following a train of thought to a dead end, but precisely because of humanity's [traits], the future possibilities remain so unstable."
I see.
If everything proceeded routinely, like Mr. T, for the Darkness, there would be no need to consider future possibilities, because in that case, everything would be "locked" or "sealed," inevitably reaching the future Darkness aims for.
Is that why you hate "traits" so much?
It seemed as if it was simply here to clarify things with Tenjo Hikari and the others, or perhaps conveniently here to reclaim the power granted to "Fujiwara Yusuke." Once these matters were spoken, the figure of Darkness began to gradually grow vague.
"Hold on!" Amon wanted to stop him from leaving, "Don't go—"
He knew that an existence like Darkness, one with endless power capable of altering human memories at will, could hide in the shadows. By slowly waiting for humans to be tormented under his power and driven mad under pressure, he could "win."
"No need, Amon, it's fine now." On the other hand, Tenjo Hikari stopped Amon from rushing to grasp Darkness.
It's fine now.
Once Darkness appeared, there was no longer a problem because it meant that this "Death," forever elusive to humans, could finally be touched by them.
Next comes finding Darkness and then defeating him.
Darkness gazed at Tenjo Hikari, his figure gradually becoming transparent, then completely vanished from human sight.
However, he merely left the Human World, not "Earth." He entered Earth's "Inner World" and still observed Tenjo Hikari and the others.
After Mr. T and Fujiwara Yusuke were defeated, he realized it was time for him to take the stage personally.
But before that, he still wanted to see how humanity would overcome his "puzzles" one by one.
Coma, sealing, the disappearance of existence—each of these was undoubtedly a major challenge for humanity.
If they couldn't even overcome these "challenges," how could humanity be deemed worthy of the final "duel" with him?
He quietly watched everything unfold from his original place.
With his disappearance and Fujiwara Yusuke's death, there was no longer anyone stopping Tenjouin Fubuki from reuniting with them. Fubuki could finally share his insights on using Darkness's power with Tenjo Hikari.
Namely, the secret of "mental influence."
Tenjo Hikari soon discovered that the students fell into a coma not due to illness, but because their consciousness was trapped in the "Inner World." As long as a specific method could awaken their consciousness, they could be revived.
He utilized Alchemy to create some Soul Summoning Potions, and with careful attempts and Tenjouin Fubuki volunteering for experiments, he quickly completed the production, successfully awakening the first comatose individual.
Tenjo Hikari...
Darkness observed Tenjo Hikari.
From the first time he saw Tenjo Hikari, he realized Tenjo Hikari was a more fitting Host Body than Tenjouin Fubuki or Fujiwara Yusuke.
Because Tenjo Hikari's dueling was pure enough, and his self-will unwavering, he resembled an uncut gem, growing into a perfect Crystal under various forces, and those around him became radiant and dazzling under his brilliance.
In his observation of the original world, no humans could withstand his power; eventually, humanity would fall completely into coma and darkness, save for a few individuals. No more humans would walk the Earth.
One John, one Yuki Judai, and no others.
However, Tenjo Hikari shattered his assumptions, enabling humanity to endure under his power.
Not only that—
He looked eastward, towards the outside world unseen by the humans on this island, a massive ship was slowly approaching. On that ship were many people, all somewhat puzzled, unsure why they were headed here.
Only the person at the bow, looking like a man, steadfastly said, "Trust me, Young Master Amon, I have a promise to fulfill. We must find Duel Academy Island—"