The scorching lava fell, bringing the duel to an end. The audience outside the arena watched this scene, some with strange expressions, others with mouths agape, and for a moment, the whole place fell into an eerie silence, with nothing to say.
Such a duel, representing the clash of the world's top-notch players today, could completely be regarded as a contest for the pinnacle position.
Who would have thought it would end like this?
Lava Demon God...
And when the duel ended, before Yugen stowed away the Duel Disc and the holographic projection disappeared, that burning iron fool seemed to turn around and glance at Kaiba behind him.
The look in its eyes seemed a bit apologetic.
Perhaps it meant, sorry for eating your dragon, but a duel is not a personal vendetta...
Then the Lava Demon God disappeared.
Kaiba let out a long, turbid breath.
He defended against the Dragon Race Underworld Pot, defended against the Light Attribute Mirror that targets Light Attributes, defended against the deep pits his opponent placed every two steps.
Damn, he even defended against the race-specific report type Destructive Knight with the motto "Dragon Race Must Die."
He defended against all of them, everything should have been defended.
But the Lava Demon God...
Of course, he remembers this thing. After all, he was present when Mr. Malikma first took it out in Duel City.
Back then, Mr. Malikma gave the Lava Demon God to Joey, contributing to iconic scenes like "Death of Joey" and "City Flame." Everyone was amazed that such an Underworld monster could exist.
Actually, compared to the early days, Yugen's Lava Demon God has improved somewhat. Initially, the Lava Demon God's effect in Malik's hands dealt 700 damage during the owner's preparation stage, but ten years later, the card has been slightly developed, and the damage has been upgraded to 1000 points, making it consistent with the physical card version.
Of course, this mere 300 points damage difference generally doesn't matter much to people.
However, Kaiba, who has personally experienced it, can feel it's not just about the monster's development.
Yugen's mastery over the Lava Demon God card has already surpassed the founding master of this genre, Mr. Malikma.
Ameluda, who similarly experienced the repeated reception of Lava Demon God's big package, would likely strongly agree. Compared to him, Malik is like a sunny big boy... in a literal sense without sarcasm.
"Ahem, the winner—Fujiki Yugen!"
The battle-hardened judge Izuno was the first to break the silence and announce the result.
If it were another judge from the Kaiba Family witnessing the company president lose, they would likely check the president's expression before announcing the result. But Izuno, having been by the president's side for many years, understands his boss's personality well. Regardless of the process, the president only recognizes victory or defeat.
A loss is a loss; he would not engage in acts such as "the special rules of this competition by the Kaiba Group mean the outcome just now doesn't count."
"Brother!"
Keihei jumped onto the stage.
Kaiba gestured at him, indicating everything was fine.
Then walked face-forward toward Yugen.
"Just half a year... Honestly, when I invited you to compete half a year ago, I didn't expect you to reach such heights in such a short time."
"Lucky," Yugen nodded.
It's indeed what he thought. During the duel, he subtly sensed his status was stronger than ever before, likely due to some extent to the Divine Artifact.
Though the artifact didn't seem to activate conspicuously, he could feel the boost to his "momentum," or the role it played in helping him resist the opponent's strong "momentum."
No wonder each of the Dark Duelists fought desperately for artifact items or cards where power resides, often leading to bitter disputes. Extraordinary items, even if merely possessed without being summoned or used, can greatly enhance strength.
Of course, it's much metaphysics, possibly also dependent on the item's attribute and activation method.
For example, this Sealing Artifact, Yugen has owned it for quite a while and has bet on numerous Life Bet Cards face-offs before, but up until now, he hadn't noticed any very conspicuous effect.
It seems only upon starting this duel could he feel the effect.
Perhaps because the opponent is Atom, Kaiba's nemesis for three thousand years, or maybe it's because this duel determines who will face the final boss, the Judge—after all, this artifact was originally meant to confront him.
"You have already proven your capability as a duelist, congratulations."
Kaiba said indifferently.
"According to Duel City's rules, you can choose to take any card from me."
"Thank you, President," Yugen replied, "but I joined because of your gift as a condition to be invited, and over these six months, I've also received care from you, Keihei, and the Kaiba Group frequently.
So let's waive this between us; I've long selected the cards I needed..."
He genuinely meant it. Truthfully, the rare cards he acquired from the president exceed considerably more than one card. Over these six months, periodically he'd head to the president's warehouse, relocating entire boxes back home, receiving so many perks it became countless for him.
You could say the rare cards from this duel have been prepaid.
But Kaiba let out a heavy snort.
"You won is winning; stop dithering. Pick a card. Even if you choose the Blue-Eyes Light Dragon, I won't flinch."
Yugen profoundly admired the president's magnanimity. President Kaiba is known for sticking to his word without changing; if he persisted on not picking or casually picked an insignificant card, there's a chance of offending him.
Yet, although the president spoke so grandly...
Yugen felt helpless inside.
No, I don't even have a White Dragon, what use is your Blue-Eyes Light Dragon for me...
As a mascot?
It's the same logic for other cards within the White Dragon system. The whole system, after all, revolves around the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, realmthough a card can be rarer or stronger, without a White Dragon aren't they just mascots?
Yugen momentarily pondered uncertainly what to designate, but suddenly a thought sparked in him.
"Right, President. Just a random inquiry..."
Yugen thought for a moment before asking.
"I heard, supposedly there are originally four 'Blue-Eyes White Dragons.' Is it true that you keep the fourth card as well now...?"
Kaiba slightly raised his eyebrows.
Then he suddenly chuckled lightly.
"Oh? You desire Blue-Eyes' power..."
"Just inquiring," Yugen shrugged, "Of course, it's just something I heard, unsure if there's any truth. If it doesn't exist..."
"Hmph, even if it doesn't exist, what harm is giving you a Blue-Eyes card? Do you perceive me, Seto Kaiba, as someone who can't afford to lose?"
Yugen silently refrained from speaking.
No, he absolutely doesn't doubt the president's inability to endure defeat. He understands that even if there were only three Blue-Eyes White Dragons and he designated one, the president most likely would give it to him.
However, in doing so, there would surely be unrest in the days ahead, and President Kaiba would never rest until he won back that Blue-Eyes card.
But, if the legendary fourth card really exists...
"Yes." Kaiba candidly remarked, "That card does indeed exist."