Egypt, underground.
"Rumble..."
The solid rock was pierced through, and the sturdy walls were broken down by the archaeological team's relentless excavation, collapsing with a series of delicate murmurs.
A beam of light filtered through the fissures, illuminating a domain where darkness had prevailed for three thousand years. The darkness revealed a stench fermented over three thousand years, followed by a gust of cold wind that seemed to carry some grievance.
The captain of the archaeological team took the lead, guiding the team members through the broken cave.
Through the crack, the area below suddenly opened up.
Although it was known that something was hidden beneath the rock, no one expected to find a sealed chamber preserved so intact here.
The archaeologists marveled at the chamber's completeness, giving the impression of a palace. Patterns and complex ancient texts were engraved on the walls, filled with characters that none of the archaeologists could decipher.
Beams of searchlight were cast into the dark space, where countless dust particles flew irregularly in the light.
When the illuminated area revealed the hard, pitch-black face and those regal, cold black pupils like a king, one archaeologist couldn't help but exclaim in awe.
Only when more light was cast did they realize it was a coffin.
A jackal-shaped coffin, appearing as if it were a sculpture. The craftsmanship was so exquisite, including the expression and gaze of the wolf head, that it seemed so lifelike, giving the illusion it was alive.
The coffin leaned against the earth-brown wall, its shape resembling a jackal with arms crossed, its body bound. Thick golden chains extended from the walls and floor, securely binding the coffin.
As if the person who buried the coffin wasn't even assured by the confinement of the deceased, they had to add layers of stout chains to seal it for peace of mind.
The captain approached, examining the golden chains binding the coffin with his flashlight. When he pulled the chain, it rubbed and clinked against the coffin's surface, making a "clang-clang" sound.
He couldn't help but be impressed by the material's strength—the chain showed no sign of rust despite thousands of years of erosion. Other than the layers of dust, it seemed almost new.
This led the captain to associate it with the legendary alchemy of Ancient Egypt.
Being in this region for archaeology, he naturally heard some related rumors. It was said that the people of Ancient Egypt discovered forbidden secret techniques to create alchemical materials that would never corrode.
According to legend, the ultimate item born from such secret techniques was called the "Millennium Item," possessing terrifying power to rewrite rules for the bearer.
Of course, it was merely a legend.
Yet, the captain had never seen such a strange tomb. From the chamber's size, craftsmanship, and material excellence, he speculated the tomb owner was likely a noble of high status.
But such a bizarre jackal-shaped coffin and this tied burial posture truly led to a blind spot in his knowledge.
Then, something even more eerie unfolded.
As they approached the coffin within the tomb, the side of the golden coffin door... suddenly opened automatically.
It was as if the tomb's owner was welcoming their arrival.
In the next moment, they all saw what lay behind the door—placed neatly at the center of the chamber, a crystalline pyramid-like ornament sparkled like a diamond.
At the ornament's center was like a crimson eye. The scarlet light shone from that eye, reflected clearly in every archaeologist's pupil, magnetically attracting everyone's gaze, unable to shift for a long time.
...
Two hours later.
The SUV traversed the long wilderness, driving under the scorching 40-degree heat sufficient to roast people.
The vehicle pulled up outside the camp, which the archaeological team had long set up. The rear door opened, revealing a long, tanned but slender and proportionate leg.
Ishizu Ishtar emerged from the SUV, shivering intensely as she stepped out. She still wore her white robe, the golden girdle tightly holding her slender waist.
From her chest's curve to the girdle's distance, the leg under the robe seemed truly long.
Emerging from the passenger seat was her brother Marik Ishtar, though dark-skinned, had thoroughly washed away his past.
The siblings had just gotten out of the car when someone from the camp welcomed them with smiles.
As prominent figures in the dueling world, Ishizu's social standing was naturally high.
In fact, Ishizu was not only a descendant of the Gravekeeper Race but also served as Egypt's Archaeology Bureau director, with considerable influence in Egypt's modern government.
Skilled at cards, gentle and considerate in nature, and with an ample bust, she was naturally welcomed wherever she went.
The siblings quickly arrived at the tomb with the archaeological team's welcome and soon saw the bizarre coffin and the crystal pyramid.
"Sister." Marik crouched beside the coffin, "There's inscription here... Ancient Priestly Texts."
Ishizu approached, "What does it say?"
"King of Light and King of Darkness... the battle of destiny." Marik wiped off the dust covering the complex characters, frowning, "At the battle's end... the King of Darkness will be buried by the King of Light. When filled with light, the King of Destruction will awaken."
He raised his head, "Seems like some sort of prophecy, sister."
Ishizu lightly furrowed her brow, "King of Darkness and King of Light..."
"Sister, could it be..."
"Indeed, according to the history we Gravekeeper Race protect, the Pharaoh who wielded the ultimate power of darkness was indeed called 'King of Darkness'."
"So, King of Darkness refers to Muto Yugi... or rather, the nameless Pharaoh?" Marik said, "Then King of Light refers to..."
"Kaiba Seto, the one who wields the ultimate power of light with the White Fantastical Beast." Ishizu nodded, "It's the only possible inference."
"And the 'King of Destruction' mentioned here..."
"I don't know." Ishizu shook her head, "But if this is true, then the prophecy's end would mean the Pharaoh's death and Kaiba Seto's destruction. King of Destruction... Overall, it feels ominous."
"They said these are prepared for exhibition in Domino." Marik frowned, "Maybe we should find a way to stop them?"
Ishizu thought for a moment, "Let's hold off for now. Before coming here, someone from Domino contacted me, saying they wanted to come over and take a look. We might need to prepare for their reception."
"Oh?" Marik thought, "Kaiba Seto?"
Ishizu shook her head, "It's Duel King Youyu."
Marik's eyelid twitched, his expression suddenly turning odd.
...As if recalling some unbearable past.