An unknown corner of a certain city.
The narrow, winding stone steps seemed like a gateway to another dimension, gradually descending until disappearing into a darkness indistinguishable by the naked eye. The air was filled with the smell of dampness and decay, mixed with a faint tar-like scent.
In the darkness, an unknown room, dim candlelight flickered in the breeze. A large black table dominated the space, with a few high-backed chairs scattered around it. Cloaked figures sat sullenly around the table, some wearing masks, others with their hoods pulled low, concealing their faces.
They were all followers of Orichalcos.
Yet they were the last surviving believers in this city.
A week ago, the Duel City GX tournament concluded in Tongshiyi. That tournament was undoubtedly the most watched event of the year, with results that were groundbreaking for both the dueling realm and the world.
A new Duel King was crowned, and it was rumored to be a first-year student from the Duel Academy. The nearly invincible myth of Seto Kaiba was shattered, leading some to see this as the dawn of a new era in dueling.
Of course, many areas were impacted by this tournament, but undoubtedly the most affected were the remaining members of New Doma.
After the tournament, their Three Musketeers were all defeated, and their revered True God was publicly executed in a global broadcast, devoured by the Lava Demon God.
New Doma was left leaderless, and its internal system plunged into chaos.
At this moment, their city was supposed to be the location of the New Doma Headquarters, the heart of the entire organization. They were meant to carry the organization on their shoulders, preventing internal disorder.
But they couldn't.
Because within this week, Kaiba Group had suddenly launched an assault on their headquarters.
Facing a leaderless organization, Seto Kaiba was practically invincible. It was rumored that he even brought along the new Duel King Yugen, together becoming an unstoppable force.
The headquarters were almost instantly broken through, and most of New Doma's leaders were captured, with the remaining hurriedly retreating outward.
But Kaiba's side had impossibly reliable intelligence, as if they had planted a mole within. They seemed to know every hidden emergency base, all the backup bases within their organization.
Now at this critical juncture of survival, these remaining few people were all that was left of New Doma's trusted core.
"Damn Seto Kaiba and that Duel King."
One person cursed under their breath. In the candlelight, his silhouette was cast against the wall, moving like an angry, grim demon.
"They have complete awareness of the organization's movements, knowing everything about our facilities," another spoke in a deep voice. "Now the city is under a lockdown by Kaiba Group, and they are conducting a thorough search.
Although we can still temporarily avoid detection, it's only a matter of time until we are discovered..."
"Is there really no other side branch left?" a cloaked figure said angrily, "This city should be the foundation of our organization, with so many people, how could Seto Kaiba wipe us out in such a short time..."
Everyone lowered their heads in silence.
"...Perhaps we could seek the help of others," someone suggested in a low tone.
In the past, they prided themselves on having the True God preside over them, claiming to be the greatest and strongest Dark Organization in the world, disdainful of alliances or cooperation with the Underworld's peers. But now they stood on the edge of collapse, and without seeking outside aid, the few leaders might not survive this catastrophe.
Thus, no one opposed the suggestion when it was made.
"Speaking of which..." someone said pensively, "recently, the 'Seven-Star' has been expanding rapidly."
"Seven-Star?"
Someone said in confusion.
"I've heard rumors too, that they are recruiting capable individuals?"
"Yes, they require Dark Duelists to pass a review; it's a budding organization,"
one nodded.
"I've heard the same. Although it's a newly developed organization, its growth speed is remarkable.
It's said that their core members now include the Vampire clan, dueling spirits from the Otherworld capable of wielding dark powers, and even Pharaoh, celebrated in ancient times as the Invincible War God, has joined them."
The others who hadn't heard of it before were all shocked.
"That's incredible!?"
"It's just a rumor; I don't know if it's true," the cloaked person pondered, "but whether true or not, there must be some basis to it.
Moreover, the organization's leader must have the power and resources to rally such an army of talents and generals; they certainly aren't ordinary."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Despite the organization's recent establishment, even the Underworld is full of mysteries surrounding the Seven-Star Organization. The mysterious leader is of unknown origin, but the industry generally speculates it must be a heavyweight figure with divine power reaching the heavens.
"Seven-Star seems to be planning a major move recently, intending to act, so they are recruiting talents from the Underworld. Anyone confident in their abilities can apply to join."
The cloaked figure contemplated.
"It could indeed be a good place to go."
The person beside him grew angry upon hearing this: "You bastard, are you suggesting betraying the organization?"
But the cloaked figure merely rolled their eyes at their companion's accusation.
"And so what if I am? Could our great God crawl out of the Lava Demon God's stomach and deliver a Divine Punishment?"
His companion fell silent.
Indeed.
The True God's already been devoured, what's the point of loyalty or sacrifice?
Better to find a good new place...
As they were thinking, a sudden gust blew, extinguishing the flickering candlelight in the room.
The only light source vanished, plunging the room into silent darkness. The cloaked figures surrounding the round table appeared even more sinister and dark.
Moments of silence passed.
One cloaked figure finally couldn't hold back, slamming the table with a palm.
"When is the damn support going to get the power back on? This is the seventh candle to go out, how much longer must we fumble around in the dark?"
Another replied helplessly: "There's nothing we can do; even the hidden backup bases were taken out by that Duel King and Seto Kaiba. Let's just make do for now..."
But even as they spoke, they were losing the will to fight.
Since the boss is gone, maybe we should just disband. Getting caught by the Duel King isn't worth it...
"Hahaha—"
Just as the thought crossed their mind, bursts of loud laughter like thunder echoed
The entire room was startled, instinctively directing their gaze towards the noise, only to see the door violently kicked open from the outside in the darkness.
Seto Kaiba stood confidently at the door, arms crossed, his Duel Disc glowing with a ghostly blue light, making his face seem like an avenging specter in the darkness.
"You really know how to hide, but it's useless," he shouted, "If you have even a shred of duelist pride, pick up your Duel Discs and fight!"
Their faces instantly turned as pale as paper, glancing at each other, as if seeing a single word in each other's eyes.
Doomed.