[Clero/Jack/Yusei, LP 0]
Clero staggered backward two steps, half-kneeling on the ground, with an expression of some disappointment.
"Lost..."
Three against one, the three joined forces, even borrowing power from the Red Dragon... and more than once at that. In previous duels, the Red Dragon would appear at most once, and after summoning the "World-Saving Dragon," it would instantly win the duel. Yet this time, the Red Dragon was summoned twice, both the World-Saving Star Dragon and World-Saving Demon Dragon appeared, and still they couldn't win.
Although in his heart he had long admitted the opponent was far stronger than himself, Clero still hadn't thought even a combined effort of three would result in this outcome, making him feel a little disappointed.
Is the gap really... this wide?
So there are such powerful duelists in the world.
Indeed, before today, Clero had never imagined that such immensely strong individuals existed in the world. He had always been quite confident in his own strength, especially after witnessing past companions Yusei and Jack gaining the title of "Duel King" upon going to the city, fostering a thought that "duelists from the city are not much to fear."
At that time, he thought even if he wasn't one of the top duelists globally, he ranked among the elite. Even opponents stronger than himself wouldn't easily defeat him.
However, this battle today revealed the truth that there are people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens. In domains totally unknown to him, there still existed terrifyingly strong opponents. Today, it was a three against one; facing this person alone would be like punching a sandbag.
Immediately his mind flashed with what Yugen said during the duel.
"Black Feather... Is the Black Feather I know just the tip of the iceberg?" Clero mumbled.
He always thought he had developed Black Feather to sufficient potential, at least he had significant authority over this card deck in the whole Duel Domain. But today, for the first time, he heard someone present a different opinion, telling him that even though he was proud of Black Feather, he actually didn't fully understand it.
Does Black Feather... have room for improvement as well?
"You three are very strong. No doubt about it, you are indeed among the top duelists of today." Yugen stood at the altar, speaking.
"But more important than strength is your infinite potential. You can become stronger and go further in the future. However, what we can help you with is limited; how far you can walk on your respective paths depends on yourselves."
Yusei: "..."
Well, actually, Yugen said that just to stimulate their efforts; it really doesn't fully depend on themselves.
Yugen's task is temporarily completed at this stage. Next, Team 5DS will probably give their all to explore the path of becoming stronger, seeking their own evolution.
Then it's time for ZONE's number one admirer and mentor Antinomy to appear. Antinomy will reveal the secret of Accelerated Synchro to Yusei, guiding him step-by-step towards the future direction.
ZONE really has worked hard for the protagonists.
But in this case, the tasks are accomplished, and he should almost be able to return and report...
Yugen thought, turning to look far away, towards the location of the old Perpetual Motion Machine in the Satellite District, from where the colorful light rose from the destroyed machine.
Oh right, it's not over yet, not completely ended.
There's one last thing... or rather, a slight task left.
...
...
"Succeeded!"
The chaotic Lord of the Underworld at this moment is extremely excited.
It can dimly sense the commotion outside, peering through the dimension's crevice at the grand ritual atop the altar.
This life-and-death battle with the Dragon Sealers, the ritual to open the gates of the Netherworld is finally concluded. And from the results, it seems its side obtained victory!
Of course, saying its side is not entirely accurate. Because that guy named Godwin doesn't have the mark of a Dark Marker, strictly speaking, he isn't truly one of its own. But this person stood on the altar designated for the ritual, initiated the duel, and defeated the Red Dragon's minion, the Dragon Sealers, which is undoubtedly a solid fact.
Whether he's a Dark Marker or not doesn't matter; what's important is this person seems willing to side with it. So when the Netherworld gate opens, it wouldn't mind bestowing him with its power and authority, even appointing him as a Grand General who would wield control over the Mortal World and suppress one side of the realm in the current world.
The Lord of the Underworld is very excited.
Here it comes!
Not knowing how many times the cycles repeated, it historically engaged in numerous decisive battles against the Red Dragon's camp, yet lost time and time again. Even it couldn't recall how many tens of thousands of years have passed, finally awaiting this day.
I! Lord of the Underworld! Descend!
Through the chaos, a crack was ripped open. The success of the ritual and the luminance of the old Perpetual Motion Machine in the Satellite District resonated, gradually breaking open the dimension's gateway.
It couldn't even wait for this rift to widen, the Lord of the Underworld has already impatiently squeezed its head into the gap, exerting force to expand it wider, eagerly poking its head towards the enticing world on the other side...
Then it saw, three gigantic beings: one red, one gold, and one blue, encircling, closely watching this gap with three pairs of eyes.
Lord of the Underworld: "..."
Divine Flame Emperor x Phantom Demon Emperor x Thunder Emperor: "..."
Before it could ask any questions, the trio had already rushed forward, pinning down the head that had just poked through.
At this moment, the spatial crevice had only opened slightly, the Lord of the Underworld could only barely poke out a dark blurry head, while the rest of its body remained on the other side of the gap, unable to maneuver. The trio pressed down this head with a series of attacks, making it flail its limbs behind, yet utterly unable to fight back.
The Lord of the Underworld was greatly horrified, never having expected that the other side of the hole would contain these three maniacs, hurriedly trying to retreat its head back. But the three brothers, having caught someone, weren't letting go easily; the Divine Flame Emperor bit down on the head and wouldn't let go, while the other two mercilessly hit with Celestial Tyranny Fist and Thunder of Lost Joy, pounding the Lord of the Underworld to dizzy confusion.
The Lord of the Underworld was dumbfounded.
Wait, isn't outside supposed to be the Mortal World? Isn't there supposed to be a beautiful world waiting for me to conquer?
Is it that my side is Hell, or is the outside Hell?
In the next moment, it very reluctantly saw with its head pinned down, shrinking back, there was a figure rising slowly, floating in midair, among the red, gold, and blue giants.
In its perspective, it appeared so small in stature, resembling a human. But under the simultaneous augmentation of the Three Phantom Demons' powers, that human seemed to possess demonic qi even greater than its own!
The Lord of the Underworld was shocked.
What kind of creature is that? Isn't the one seeking my power and completing the summoning ritual a mortal? Inviting my descent?
"Here, don't think about leaving so easily." Yugen floated behind the Three Phantom Demons, smiling.
"At least leave something behind before you go, okay?"