Poma's chariot endured a tremendous impact, the fist of the god nearly flipping the triangular chariot completely. At this moment, it spun uncontrollably on the road, the massive tires grinding heavily, metal parts scraping and sparks flying.
"Aaaahhh—"
Poma, or rather, the Evil God, let out a roar of unwilling anger.
Poma's tall body was thrown entirely from the chariot, rolling several times on the ground before crashing violently into the barrier outside the track.
It's just that since Poma had long been dead, he was now a living dead body of the Dark Markers enhanced by the power of the Evil God. Otherwise, if it were an ordinary person, simply being thrown like this would have shattered the bones inside the body.
Of course, the Dark Duel had summoned the Earth-Bound God, and even if physical damage wouldn't kill, the duel's end would spell certain death.
...At least temporarily.
This is why it's said that the Earth-Bound God is probably the best boss in Yu-Gi-Oh! history. They resurrect the dead into Dark Markers, giving them a second chance, and even if they lose the Life Bet Card, death is only temporary.
When the Dark Markers arc ends and the Earth-Bound God's side is thoroughly defeated, all the dead will resurrect. No matter if they're sacrificed or lost the Life Bet Card, they can return safe and sound, continuing an ordinary life.
Of course, before the Earth-Bound Gods collapse, even the Dark Markers themselves don't know they'll have a chance to live again in the future.
Just like Poma now. To him, his life has already ended.
"I... will remember you..."
The Evil God glared angrily in Yugen's direction through Poma's eyes. Speaking this phrase probably exhausted the remaining strength, and that evil aura separated from Poma's body, gradually dissipating.
Poma's eyes slowly regained clarity. But at this time, his person lay in the corner of the track, without any strength to stand up again.
"Hey, you!" Yusei Fudo had already hurried onto the track, running toward Poma's direction, "Are you okay?"
Poma closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh.
"I lost... lost so miserably."
At this moment, Yugen's D-Wheel also stopped beside Poma, got off, and walked over slowly.
Poma slowly lifted his head, looking toward "Officer Godwin," and said with difficulty: "Sorry, Officer. I... cough cough... fell for the villains' words.
When I saw the wretched state of my hometown and thought of my tragically deceased siblings, I immediately became hot-headed, my mind blank, my soul consumed by vengeance. I didn't even verify the solid evidence, accepting the slander against you so simply... cough cough..."
"It's okay," Yugen said calmly, "When it involves family, people easily become emotionally impulsive and lose themselves, it's understandable."
Poma smiled wryly: "Luckily, sir, your strength is extraordinary... No, to say that is an understatement. It seems you are the kind of hidden master of legends with no disputes with the world. I used to pride myself on my dueling skills being exceptional, never thought such a powerful Duelist existed, with such a strong Monster.
To have such divine power, I'm afraid in your eyes, the 'Earth-Bound God' is indeed just a false god..."
Yugen said: "Your time is short, make it brief, ask a question."
Poma nodded: "You ask. As long as it's something I know... cough cough..."
"Did you come to me for revenge entirely of your own volition? Were you instigated by anyone? Especially by someone outside the Dark Markers?"
Since the last battle with the Skeleton Knight, Yugen had begun to feel that someone behind the altered history might be watching him. The Skeleton Knight had already seen that he wasn't the real Godwin, so the hidden force perhaps also knew. Poma might be provoked by that force.
But Poma shook his head: "No, I was just acting for revenge, entirely on my own. Even other Dark Markers were unaware..."
At this, he clenched his fists, gritted his teeth: "I am truly foolish! The real enemies were right beside me, and I knew nothing, even went along with them, nearly... nearly harmed a good person."
He hated in his heart, wishing now to take revenge on the Dark Markers he once allied with. But he understood the rules of the Dark Duel; having lost, his body was already rapidly deteriorating, visibly decaying.
No matter how much he hated, he knew he likely wouldn't get another chance for revenge.
"No worries." Yugen said calmly, "The souls absorbed by the Earth-Bound God haven't perished, but are prepared for the final ritual to open the Netherworld's gate.
Defeat the Earth-Bound God, and your siblings' souls will return."
Poma's heart trembled fiercely, staring wide-eyed at "Godwin."
"Officer, you're... serious? You're sure?"
"Of course." Yugen nodded.
"So my siblings are still..."
"Still alive, yes," Yugen replied.
Poma was overjoyed, tears streaming down the face of the two-meter-tall man, crying like a child.
"Great... great..."
He closed his eyes, temporarily casting aside all thoughts of hatred. Since knowing his hometown was gone, his only remaining life's purpose was revenge. Now knowing his loved ones are safe, all resentment vanished, leaving him feeling as if nothing else mattered in the world.
And it was Godwin who defeated the Earth-Bound God, the same person who was his mortal enemy a minute ago was now his benefactor.
"Don't worry about the Dark Markers, they'll perish," Yugen said, "I promise."
Poma nodded, closing his eyes at ease.
After the duel just now, he completely believed.
The Dark Markers are finished.
Because this "Officer Godwin" said so, their end was ensured.
"Thank you..."
Finally, with his last breath, Poma's body could no longer hold together, disintegrating and vanishing.
Yusei and Jack witnessed someone dueling to death for the first time, both shocked beyond words.
"Godwin!" Jack asked, "What happened to him?"
Yugen turned, hands behind his back facing the two, spoke calmly: "He was a 'Dark Marker,' destined adversary of you Dragon Sealers.
The duels of Dark Markers gamble with life and death; if he doesn't die, you'll die. Soon, you may face this moment too, be mentally prepared."
Having said this, he turned to leave.
"Wait a moment!" Yusei called out, "What do you mean by destined battle? What will happen to this city and the Satellite District in the future?"
Yugen paused his steps, glanced back at the two, and smiled slightly.
"You're not yet awakened. Especially you, Yusei, your Dragon Seal isn't even permanent, right?"
Yusei looked at his now empty arm.
Indeed, unlike other Dragon Sealers, his arm usually bore no Dragon Seal. Only during battles between Dragon Sealers or when facing a Dark Marker like just now did it glow, revealing the Dragon Seal.
This indicated Yusei's awakening level was even lower than other Dragon Sealers.
"If you want to know, continue participating in the Lucky Cup, and win all the way through."
Yugen said.
"Win through, reach the pinnacle of the city's Dueling Realm, and then you'll naturally understand the truth."
With that, he hummed a tune, and walked away.