Kaiba Seto, Victory!
"I told you, ultimately you're just this level of Duelist." Kaiba crossed his arms and boasted, "Though by ordinary standards, perhaps still rather impressive.
But as one of the world's strongest Duelists, you're far from qualified!"
The President's proud statement paused midway, as his gaze seemed to inadvertently fall on Youyu, who was watching the duel while rubbing Mokuba's head. Perhaps he thought better and finally appended "one of" behind "the world's strongest Duelists..."
The defeated Egawa still showed little reaction. He quickly got up and approached the officer, slightly bowing, "Sorry."
Fujino frowned but said nothing, only waved for him to step back.
Though disappointing, it was not an entirely surprising result. After all, the opponent is Kaiba Seto, a pillar in the Duel World, losing was normal.
The other Warrior beside him, Ueno, who remained silent throughout like a wooden figure, also stepped forward now.
"You won the first match, we admit defeat." Fujino said, "But as per the agreement, we still have another match to compete.
However, I suggest that your company might want to change the person for the match. For this level of dueling, continuing two matches might be taxing on a regular person's body..."
"No problem!" Kaiba scoffed, "No matter how many such opponents come, the result will be the same!"
Despite his words, the previous match should have consumed a fair amount of his stamina.
Enduring intensified virtual sensations beyond safe values isn't something just anyone can withstand for long. If not for the President's extraordinary physical strength and endurance, another might have not even endured a single strike.
Even if he's able to continue fighting, it's impossible for it to have no impact on his body. Even for Kaiba, the physical burden wouldn't be small.
"Just friendly competition, President Kaiba, we don't wish for anyone to get hurt during the process," Fujino said, "Originally, we came seeking the opportunity to face various strong opponents, not necessarily to find a definitive winner.
If possible, we'd also like the chance to witness the skills of your company's Duel King, Mr. Youyu."
Youyu, suddenly mentioned, instinctively wanted to emphasize that he's merely a consultant, strictly speaking, not really part of Kaiba Company...
... at least not entirely... probably...
However, he still stepped up, "I'll take the next match, President Kaiba."
Kaiba squinted at him for a while, with an expression and gaze that for a moment made Youyu even think he'd say, "Are you trying to steal my card game?"
But in fact, Kaiba said nothing.
He merely gave a heavy snort, flicked his coat, turned around, and stepped out.
"Suit yourself then." He said coldly, "But if you embarrass the company, by tomorrow you'll be packing your things and leaving."
Youyu knew this wasn't likely a joke.
If he loses, the goodwill built with President Kaiba thus far would likely plummet to the negatives...
Had it been Yugi here, the President might have outright refused.
Yet the President probably thought, considering Youyu is a Duel King but also technically an internal member, so he permitted it.
Thus, Youyu swapped in, facing this second duelist from the military.
"Duel!" x2
[Youyu, LP 4000]
[Ueno, LP 4000]
Despite the opponent being the renowned Duel King, the officer Fujino maintained a smile, seemingly confident in his subordinate.
In truth, he did hold high regard for Ueno.
For this Duelist named Ueno was currently the strongest and most outstanding Duelist nurtured by their D Department!
Even Egawa, skilled at constructing "Sea Fortress," had more losses than wins against him.
Having watched the earlier duel between Egawa and Kaiba, Youyu was also cautious of these military-trained Warriors with no trace of underestimation.
The duel between Egawa and Kaiba already suggested that these military-trained Duelists were pretty skilled. It's merely that they don't often participate in official tournaments, rarely appeared in Duel World, and had never publicly dueled, making them less known.
Not to mention, they had military-developed cards in their possession.
Youyu warily observed the uniformed, expressionless Warrior before him.
What strategy would this guy employ?
Still using a Water attribute card deck? Or other means?
"I'll go first, draw."
Ueno took the initiative, quickly revealing the answer to Youyu's enigma.
"Activate from hand, Continuous Magic - Volcano Wall." A card materialized before Ueno, softspoken, "Once per turn, sending the top three cards of the deck to the graveyard. If there are Pyro-Type Monsters, inflict 500 damage for each." (animated card)
Youyu's eyelid twitched.
Volcanic Deck?
Could be trouble, certainly a bit tricky...
Ueno flipped over three cards, displaying them: "Among them, I have one Pyro-Type Monster, 'Volcanic Scattershot.' As per Continuous Magic - Volcano Wall's effect, inflict 500 damage!"
Flames surged over the Continuous Magic card, sending a burning projectile that hit Youyu head-on, exploding with a boom.
[Youyu, LP 4000 → LP 3500]
Youyu raised his arm to shield himself from the frontal flame strike, involuntarily staggering as a scorching impact ran through him.
Indeed, the virtual sensation wasn't ordinary, the level of realism from these impacts seemed comparable to some low-tier Darkness Games.
"Next, the effect of 'Volcanic Scattershot' sent to the grave." Ueno continued, "When this card is sent to the grave, inflict another 500 damage!"
The phantom of Volcanic Scattershot appeared, burning intensely, blasting out like a cannonball. Youyu raised his arm as the projectile exploded over his Duel Disc, transforming into a swirling fireball and black smoke.
[Youyu, LP 3500 → LP 3000]
"However, the turn I use 'Volcano Wall's effect, I can't declare an attack." Ueno stated flatly.
"That's true, but you couldn't attack on the first turn anyway." Youyu replied resignedly.
Mokuba tugged at his brother's clothes, "Brother! This deck can deal massive damage without attacking!"
Kaiba furrowed his brow yet said nothing.
Ueno was undeterred, "Summon 'Volcanic Slicer' in attack mode!"
A green dragon-like creature appeared on the field, seemingly covered by natural armor, solid as rock.
[Volcanic Slicer, Attack 1800]
"Volcanic Slicer's effect!" Ueno announced, "Once per turn, forgo this turn's attack to inflict 500 damage!"
Volcanic Slicer opened its mouth wide, spewing out a high-heat fireball! Blazing light carved a path straight to Youyu, exploding before him, its flames distorting the air.
[Youyu, LP 3000 → LP 2500]
Mokuba exclaimed, "A total of 1500 damage on the first turn!"
"Set three cards, turn end." Ueno stated flatly.