As the duel field dissolved into fading embers and Drachma's majestic form disappeared in a storm of fire, silence briefly blanketed the battlefield. The only sound that lingered was the faint crackle of flames dispersing into nothingness. Ryuki exhaled slowly, fatigue weighing heavy in his chest. His crimson eyes softened as he saw Yuya, still on the ground, struggling to catch his breath.
With steady steps, Ryuki approached, his presence carrying both the dignity of a monarch and the weariness of a warrior who had given everything. He extended his hand without hesitation.
"Come on, Yuya."
Yuya blinked up at him, surprised for a moment, before reaching out. Their hands met firmly, and Ryuki pulled him up. Despite the soreness in his body, Yuya smiled faintly.
"I... I was this close to beating you," Yuya admitted, his voice a mixture of frustration and pride.
Ryuki chuckled lowly, a rare sound that carried no mockery—only genuine warmth. "And I'm proud of how far you've come. Honestly, I was shocked you managed to pull off a Legion."
Yuya's eyes widened. "You mean it?"
"Of course." Ryuki nodded. "Not many could have forced me to that point."
There was a pause, but Yuya's curiosity pushed him forward. "Ryuki... do you know a man named Zarc?"
The atmosphere shifted instantly. Ryuki's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing with a dangerous edge. "Zarc, you say? How do you know that name?"
Yuya hesitated, then confessed. "When I... blanked out in my last turn, I saw him. He said his name was Zarc. He told me to ask you questions... things I don't understand."
For a long moment, Ryuki was silent, staring at Yuya as though weighing the truth in his words. At last, he gave a curt nod. "I'll tell you everything. But not now. We have matters to settle first."
Yuya's mind immediately turned to the present crisis, his fists clenching. "Right. Academia's invasion..."
The tension broke when familiar voices echoed across the field. "Yuya!"
Yuzu ran forward, her face streaked with tears. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, holding him tight as if afraid he would vanish. Yuya blinked at her, then returned the embrace, his tone soft. "I gave it my all, Yuzu... but I couldn't beat him."
"You did your best, and that's enough!" she sobbed, pressing her face against his shoulder.
"Yuya!" Gongenzaka's booming voice followed, his eyes wet with pride. He clenched his fist dramatically, his whole body trembling with emotion. "That was the manliest duel I've ever seen!"
"Hmph!" Sawatari strode up next, puffing out his chest. "My rival almost took down Ryuki! Of course, that's because I've been such a great influence on him." He grinned smugly, though his eyes betrayed his relief that Yuya was safe.
Yugo bounded in, wrapping an arm tightly around Yuya's neck. "That was insane! I've never seen a duel that intense!"
Yuri approached last, smirking with his usual air of superiority. "Almost beating Ryuki, huh? Not bad. You've come a long way, Yuya."
On the other side, Ryuki's fiancées hurried toward him, their faces pale with concern. "Ryuki! Are you hurt? Those dragons of Yuya's looked dangerous!" one exclaimed, her hands reaching out as if to steady him.
"I'll be fine," Ryuki assured them, though the truth betrayed itself when his knees wobbled slightly. Just as he felt his balance give way, a hand steadied him. Kenji, his comrade, stood firm beside him.
Ryuki let out a weary breath, nodding. "Thanks... I'm already dead tired."
"Then lean on me for now," Kenji replied firmly.
Nearby, Gongenzaka offered his own support to Yuya, who swayed from exhaustion. "Come on, Yuya. Rest your strength."
Before the warmth of reunion could fully settle, Reiji's voice cut through the air with sharp authority. "There is something you must all know."
Everyone turned. The CEO's calm composure hadn't wavered, but his next words made the cardfighters' blood run cold.
"Ryuki, your cardfight against Gastille was broadcasted throughout the city."
Shock rippled through the group. Faces paled. Even Yuya stiffened.
Ryuki's eyes widened. "What? That was supposed to be—!"
"Someone sabotaged the security feeds," Reiji explained grimly. "They unblocked the systems and spread the footage."
A heavy silence followed, broken only by the sound of Ryuki's teeth gritting. His duel with Gastille hadn't been meant for public eyes. The strategies, the stakes, the darkness that had loomed—it was all now exposed.
"You're playing with fire, Reiji," Ryuki warned, his tone sharp. "Do you even realize what's going to happen?"
Reiji adjusted his glasses, the glint on the lenses hiding his eyes for a brief moment. "I am well aware. But I am prepared to bear that burden. In fact, I intend to use this exposure to our advantage."
Everyone stared at him, uncertainty etched into their expressions.
Reiji continued, his voice steady and resolute. "I will reveal selected clips of Academia's invasion to the public. The people deserve to know the truth—and to see who their enemy truly is."
"Reiji..." Yuya muttered, uncertain if the man's decision was bravery or recklessness.
Ryuki shook his head, his gaze sharp. "You're gambling with more than just information. This could ignite panic, distrust, chaos—"
"Or it could unify them," Reiji interrupted firmly. "People will not rally to a cause they cannot see. If they witness Academia's cruelty with their own eyes, their spirit will strengthen. They will fight back, rather than cower in ignorance."
The group exchanged glances, the weight of Reiji's words sinking in. For all his cold logic, there was a steel-like conviction in his tone that could not be dismissed.
At last, Ryuki sighed, shoulders slumping. "...Fine. But don't think for a second I'll stand idle if this backfires."
Reiji offered the faintest of smirks. "I wouldn't expect anything less." He turned on his heel, his coat flowing behind him like a banner. "Come. We head to the Maiami Arena. There, everything will be unveiled."
No one spoke against him. They could only follow.
As they began moving, Yuya glanced at Ryuki, his earlier question still burning in his chest. Zarc. That mysterious name echoed in his thoughts like a shadow refusing to fade. He wanted answers—needed them. But for now, he clenched his fists and walked forward. First, they would face Academia.
And then... the truth would come.
-----
The Maiami Arena, once the stage of dreams and dueling triumphs, now thrummed with an energy unlike anything before. The stands were filled to the brim, spectators chanting names, waving banners, and stomping their feet as Yuya and his companions walked out into the center of the colossal arena. For a moment, it felt like any other grand tournament—anticipation, celebration, pride.
But murmurs quickly swept through the crowd when they noticed a certain familiar figure among the group.
"Hey, isn't that Sawatari?" someone whispered.
"I thought he was disqualified!" another voice called out.
"I bet he used his father's influence to worm his way back in!"
The jeers hit Sawatari like arrows. His veins bulged, his fists clenched, and he stomped a foot forward in outrage.
"Shut up, all of you!" Sawatari bellowed, his voice echoing across the stadium. "I didn't cheat my way back here! I was asked by Akaba Reiji himself to join this fight! And now I'm standing here, not as your scapegoat, but as part of the Lancers!"
His declaration silenced the arena for a brief second before erupting again—not in cheers, but in questions.
"Lancers? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Another gimmick from the Akaba family?"
"What are they hiding from us now?"
The confusion churned like a wave until a dignified voice resounded across the stadium. The massive jumbotron lit up, revealing the composed figure of Akaba Himika, Reiji's mother, adorned in formal attire that radiated authority.
"As the representative organizer of this tournament," she began, her tone steady, "I have an important announcement to make."
The crowd quieted, their attention locked.
"As of today, the Maiami Championship will be discontinued until further notice."
A thunder of displeased murmurs surged at once. Shouts of anger, disbelief, and disappointment echoed through the arena. But Himika, prepared for this storm, did not flinch.
"The real reason," she continued, her voice firm as steel, "is that during the Action Scramble, our world was invaded by a force not of this dimension."
Her words froze the audience. Gasps and laughter mixed—some scoffing at the absurdity, others paling at the implications.
"These invaders," Himika pressed on, "come from a realm beyond our imagination. They waged war against our home, using Duel Monsters not merely as entertainment—but as weapons. Real Solid Vision, twisted for destruction. The broadcasts were cut not due to technical errors, but to prevent mass panic. To protect all of you."
The reaction was instantaneous. The crowd fractured into chaos, the five stages of grief unfolding right before the Lancers' eyes.
"No way! That's impossible!" one man shouted in denial.
"They're lying! This is just another Akaba scheme!" another accused.
A woman sobbed in fear, clutching her child. "If it's true... then we could be next..."
Confusion, anger, despair—the emotions swirled like a storm with no eye.
Himika closed her eyes briefly, as though shouldering their fear herself, before reopening them with resolve. "If you do not believe me... then perhaps this will change your perspective."
The jumbotron flickered. Then came the images—merciless, unflinching. Clips of the Obelisk Force soldiers swarming the Junior and Youth duelists, their cold efficiency evident as one by one, the children fell. Their monsters were destroyed, their spirits shattered, and in chilling clarity, they were turned into cards.
A collective scream tore through the stadium. Parents gripped their children tighter. Friends clasped hands. Fear spread like wildfire, the sound of panic nearly deafening.
"They... they turned them into cards?!" someone cried out in horror.
"Those were just kids!"
Voices overlapped, a cacophony of terror filling every corner of the arena.
But Himika raised her voice, unwavering, commanding silence once more.
"However," she declared, her words cutting through the fear like a blade, "you must not let terror rule your hearts. Put your worries to rest. For these cruel invaders were repelled—not by soldiers or machines—but by our duelists. By the very competitors you have cheered for, and by new allies who have joined their cause."
The footage changed again. The audience watched as Shun's Revolution Falcon pierced through five Obelisk Force soldiers, his defiance a beacon of resistance. The scene shifted to Kenji, summoning the colossal Great Daiyusha, whose radiant form obliterated enemy forces in a single blow. Cheers burst from the crowd at the spectacle.
Then Emi's Pacifica surged forth, waves of power crashing against her foes, cleansing the field. Yuri appeared next, summoning White Lily Musketeer, Cecilia, her elegance matched only by her ferocity as she clashed with Sora.
The crowd gasped at that one, whispers rippling instantly.
"That's Sora?!"
"He was one of ours... wasn't he?"
The shock deepened when the final footage appeared—Ryuki and Gastille, locked in a battle that didn't resemble any Duel Monsters match they had ever seen. Strange cards, unknown mechanics, the clash of Gear Chronicle and Link Joker—it was alien, terrifying, and mesmerizing all at once.
"This... this isn't Duel Monsters..." a spectator whispered in awe.
"And yet, he fought for us," another murmured.
As the last clip faded, Himika stood tall, her voice ringing with pride.
"These are the heroes who defended Maiami City. The ones who risked everything to protect you all from invasion." Her eyes blazed with conviction. "From this day forward, I name them Lancers! Brave duelists who stand as our shield against threats beyond this world!"
The arena erupted in thunderous applause. Fear transformed into exhilaration, anxiety into hope. Chants of "Lancers! Lancers!" filled the air. For a moment, the people forgot their doubts, clinging desperately to the heroes presented before them.
Ryuki exhaled quietly, shaking his head as he watched. "How gullible they are..." he muttered under his breath. Yet, there was no malice in his tone, only weariness. "Still... who can blame them? They need something—someone—to believe in."
The jumbotron lit once more as Himika gave her final decree.
"From this day forward, I urge every one of you: sharpen your skills. Train, duel, and prepare. For the day may come when you, too, must rise. The next generation of Lancers could be standing here among you."
Her words struck like lightning. The crowd roared louder than before, fists raised, spirits ignited. What had been despair moments ago was now fervor. The seed of resistance had been planted, and it grew wild in the hearts of Maiami's people.
Ryuki stood quietly among his companions, the roar of the crowd like an ocean tide crashing in his ears. For a moment, he said nothing, weighing the chaos his words might bring against the truth that could no longer be hidden. At last, he raised a hand, signaling to Nico Smiley at the edge of the arena.
The ever-smiling announcer nodded, tossing a microphone toward him. Ryuki caught it one-handed, steadying himself as Kenji's supportive grip loosened. "I can stand on my own now," he murmured. Kenji gave a firm nod, releasing him.
As Ryuki turned toward the crowd, the stadium fell into an expectant hush. Tens of thousands of eyes bore down on him, waiting, demanding answers. He drew in a long breath, shoulders squared, before letting his voice carry.
"Greetings, everyone. My name is Himejima Ryuki. I stand before you not as a champion, not as a spectacle—but as someone who must tell you the truth."
The weight in his tone alone silenced the restless murmurs.
"The truth is..." Ryuki's gaze swept the crowd. "...I am not from this world."
A wave of shock tore through the arena. Gasps. Cries. Shouts of disbelief. Panic brewed instantly.
"What?!"
"He's one of the invaders!"
"They've tricked us again!"
The stadium rumbled with uncertainty, fear clawing its way back into every corner. Ruri and Rin tensed, exchanging worried glances. "Ryuki... was this wise?" Rin whispered.
But Emi, her eyes steady, shook her head softly. "Trust him. He knows what he's doing."
Ryuki did not flinch, though the roar of panic could have drowned out a weaker man. He raised his hand, commanding silence, his voice sharp and resolute.
"I know your fear is justified. And I understand it." His eyes hardened. "But do not compare me to the invaders. My world is nothing like theirs. The place I come from doesn't have Duel Monsters at all. Instead..."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a card, holding it aloft. The camera zoomed in as the jumbotron projected the unfamiliar design.
"This is what we play."
The crowd leaned forward, murmurs echoing as they took in the card's strange layout, its foreign text, and the fierce dragon depicted upon it—Dragonic Overlord.
"The game my people play is called Cardfight!! Vanguard. And in that world... I am one of the best. Currently ranked fifth in the entire world."
A stunned silence followed before the arena erupted into whispers.
"Fifth in the world?!"
"He's not just strong here, but there too?"
"That's... unbelievable..."
Even Yuya's fellow counterparts—Yugo, Yuri, Serena—and Ashley gaped at him. To hear that Ryuki was not just powerful, but globally renowned in another world entirely, was staggering.
Ryuki allowed the shock to settle before continuing. "The reason I am here is simple. My mission is to protect this city. When the invaders began to interfere with your world, mine could not ignore it. So I was sent first, as a vanguard, until my allies could arrive to support me."
As if on cue, footsteps echoed behind him. One by one, other figures stepped forward, their presence firm and unwavering.
"Sendou Aichi. Sendou Emi. Shouji Kazuma. Onimaru Kazumi. Christopher Lo. Enishi Satoru. Mitsusada Kenji."
Ryuki gestured to them with pride. "These cardfighters come from the same world as I do. Each of them is among the best our world has to offer. You have already seen what Emi and Kenji are capable of. And I assure you, the strength of every one of them is just as real."
The audience, remembering the clips Himika had shown—the overwhelming victories, the unshakable will—felt a ripple of awe sweep through them.
"Do not despair," Ryuki pressed on, his voice strong yet earnest. "As long as I am here, standing with this city, I will ensure that no harm befalls you. That is my vow. My promise. Not just as a cardfighter... but as a man who has sworn to defend those who cannot defend themselves."
The panic began to ebb. Murmurs shifted from fear to tentative belief, from suspicion to cautious hope. Parents who had clutched their children now loosened their grips. People straightened in their seats. The storm was calming.
But Ryuki's tone darkened as he continued. "However, I know many of you have already seen something unusual. The cardfight I had against an enemy unlike any other." His eyes sharpened. "The man's name is Gastille."
At that, the jumbotron replayed a still image of Gastille, his twisted grin immortalized in pixels. The audience stiffened, unease thickening once more.
"Gastille is no ordinary opponent. He is a war criminal from my world, one who threatened to annihilate everything we hold dear two years ago. His army was vast, his ambition endless. We fought him with everything we had and broke his forces apart, leaving him the last remnant of his vile crusade."
Ryuki's fist tightened around the microphone. "He should have disappeared with the fall of his reign. And yet... here he is, allied with the invaders who now threaten your world as well. His presence cannot be ignored, nor can his crimes be forgiven."
The crowd fell silent again. Faces hardened—not in fear, but in understanding.
"Make no mistake," Ryuki declared, his voice booming, resonant with conviction. "My comrades and I—together with the Lancers—swear that we will not rest until Gastille is defeated once and for all. We will find him. We will stop him. And we will bring him to justice."
The words rang across the arena like a solemn oath, one that reverberated in every heart present.
For a heartbeat, silence remained. Then, slowly, applause began. First hesitant, then stronger, until the arena thundered with cheers.
"Ryuki! Ryuki!"
"Lancers! Lancers!"
The chants merged, voices uniting into a tidal wave of support. People rose to their feet, fists pumping the air, hope rekindled in their eyes.
Ryuki let out a quiet sigh, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips. He did not crave their worship, but if his words gave them courage—if his resolve gave them hope—then it was worth it.
Reiji extended a hand, offering the microphone to Ryuki before turning to face the expectant crowd once more. His expression was calm, resolute, yet tinged with the kind of authority that demanded silence.
"The world," Reiji began in his measured, composed voice, "is beginning to change. The era of peace we once knew has come to an end. Now rises the era of battle! From this day forward, all Leo Duel Schools across the globe will be united under a single banner—the Lance Defense Soldiers. We shall stand as the vanguard of our world's defense. Here, all are welcome to refine their dueling skills to their very limits and to dedicate themselves to our cause. And I, Akaba Reiji, will fight alongside the Lancers—as their Commander."
His words echoed across the arena like a solemn oath. The silence that followed carried weight, every ear straining to hear what came next.
Reiji then passed the microphone to Ryuki. The young man grasped it firmly, his eyes sharp with determination. His voice thundered with conviction, contrasting Reiji's calm authority with fiery passion.
"And I," Ryuki declared, "Himejima Ryuki, will stand as the Lancers' Vice-Commander! And I vow this before you all—so long as the Lancers draw breath, we will never fall! Victory will be ours!"
The declaration ignited the crowd. Cheers erupted, a swelling roar that shook the very foundations of the arena. Sawatari immediately threw his hands up, relishing the attention like a performer bathing in applause. Yugo whooped loudly, much to Rin's irritation, while Shun and Yuto remained stoic, eyes closed, their silence speaking of focus rather than disdain. Yuya, Yuzu, and Gongenzaka gave hesitant waves to the people, caught between humility and pride as the cheers grew louder.
But then Ryuki's tone shifted. He raised the microphone again, his eyes narrowing, his voice dropping into something far heavier.
"And before I forget, there is one truth you must all hear... a truth concerning Sakaki Yusho's disappearance."
The cheers faltered almost instantly. The arena, moments ago filled with jubilant cries, was now gripped by tense silence. All eyes turned to him—especially Yuya's, wide and desperate, his heart thundering in his chest.
"You wonder why Sakaki Yusho is not here, do you not?" Ryuki continued, his voice echoing with unflinching strength. "It is because he is fighting. Even now, he fights—not in Maiami, not in this dimension, but at the very heart of enemy territory! He has stood with the rebellion on his side at the gates of the invaders' domain, buying us precious time!"
A ripple of shock surged through the crowd. Yuya's lips trembled, his entire body shaking at the revelation.
"For three years," Ryuki pressed on, his hand clenched into a fist, "he has fought! For three years, he endured the front lines, delaying their invasion. For three long years, he held them back... even as his own body failed him. Even now, with a broken leg, Sakaki Yusho continues to stand tall!"
Gasps broke out among the people. Mothers clasped their children closer. Duelists exchanged stunned glances. The image of the man once branded a coward now reshaped before their very eyes.
"And how do I know this?" Ryuki demanded, his voice tightening with emotion. "Because I met him. On one of my missions, I crossed paths with him. He sheltered me, guided me, and then sent me here—to all of you. The man you once accused of abandoning his duel... the man you spat on and called fraud..." His voice cracked for the briefest second before blazing again with fervor. "To me—he is a goddamn hero!"
The arena fell still. A silence so thick it was suffocating. Then, a single pair of hands began to clap. Another followed. And another. Soon, like sparks catching fire, applause erupted across the stadium.
Cheers rose once more, but now the name upon every lip was Yusho. The man once condemned was being reborn in their voices, no longer a coward, but a savior—Maiami's unseen guardian.
Behind Ryuki, Yuya's tears spilled freely. His chest heaved with sobs as the weight of three years of doubt and shame melted away. His father hadn't abandoned them—he had sacrificed everything to protect them. Yuzu and Gongenzaka embraced him tightly, lending him their strength, while Yoko wept openly, clutching her hands to her heart as the stain upon her husband's honor was washed away. Shuzo's face was drenched in tears, but his cries were those of manly pride. His best friend—his comrade—was finally being recognized for what he truly was.
Once Yuya managed to steady himself, Reiji resumed command of the gathering. "Now, I must ask each of you to hand over your duel disks. LDS technicians will install the dimension-transport programs needed for our next phase of operations."
There was no hesitation. One by one, duelists complied, handing over their disks for modification. The symbol of peace had transformed into the tools of soldiers.
Reiji then turned toward Aichi and his companions. "As for you, the Lancers' allies from beyond—LDS will provide duel disks equipped with the same upgrades."
Aichi bowed his head slightly in gratitude, echoed by the others. The gesture, though simple, carried the weight of warriors preparing for a campaign that might decide the fate of countless worlds.
Meanwhile, Reiji summoned Yuri and Fubuki forward, accompanied by Serena and Barrett. "I will arrange suitable accommodations for you all. Rest while you can. You will need your strength."
The group followed him out, their footsteps echoing faintly as the arena began to empty.
Ryuki, still clutching the microphone, addressed the remaining Lancers. "Tomorrow, I will reveal Academia's true intentions. That truth... will concern every one of you."
Curiosity flared in Yuya and Yuzu's eyes. The unanswered questions weighed heavily on them, but Ryuki's expression left no room for debate.
"Why not tell them now?" Shun pressed, his tone sharp as always as he already know the truth.
"Because all of us are exhausted," Ryuki replied without missing a beat. His voice softened, just slightly. "We've fought without rest. To demand more now would be foolish. Recuperate tonight—tomorrow, we face the truth together."
Shun exhaled slowly. At first, it looked as if he might argue, but then he nodded in agreement. With Yuto at his side, the two departed for the apartment provided by Reiji.
Ashley, too, excused himself, stating firmly that he needed to report everything to his headmaster without delay. Sawatari, yawning dramatically, declared he would be the next to leave. "A star like me needs beauty sleep, after all!" he crowed, drawing a groan from Rin as Yugo only laughed harder.
At last, Aichi, Kazumi, Kazuma, Christopher, Satoru, and Kenji prepared to depart as well. "We'll take our leave," Aichi said kindly. "Rest is the best preparation for war." He paused, his gaze softening as he turned to his sister. "Emi... stay with Ryuki. You'll be safer by his side."
Emi gave a small nod, though her eyes lingered on her brother with quiet worry. With that, Aichi and the others departed, leaving the arena gradually empty, the echoes of the day's revelations still hanging thick in the air.
The Lancers were no longer just a group of duelists. They were soldiers now, standing upon the precipice of war.
And tomorrow, the truth of their enemy would finally be revealed.
The thunderous cheers that once filled the arena gradually subsided, fading into murmurs and the scattered footsteps of a dispersing crowd. Himika's announcement of the Lancers' formation had left a lasting echo, one that marked both the end of the Maiami Championship and the beginning of something far greater. For many, the dream of victory had been cut short, but the crowd's faces weren't of disappointment—they carried a mix of awe, relief, and curiosity for what was to come.
As Yuya, Yuzu, Gongenzaka, Ruri, Rin, Emi, and Ryuki exited the grand stage, the atmosphere shifted. One by one, people who had once scorned and ridiculed Yuya's father approached. With hesitant voices and downcast eyes, they apologized—not just to Yuya, but to the son of the man they had maligned for three long years.
Yuya, ever gentle in spirit, smiled and nodded.
"Don't dwell on the past. If you want to honor my dad... then keep improving yourselves. Show me duels filled with smiles. That's enough for me."
The sincerity in his tone seemed to lift a burden from their shoulders. For the first time in years, their eyes no longer carried suspicion when they spoke the name Yusho Sakaki.
Before long, the remaining competitors from the Action Scramble gathered. Mitchie and Teppei led the way, their presence commanding attention. Mitchie stepped forward first, clapping Yuya on the shoulder before turning toward Ryuki.
"I'm glad you all made it out alive," Mitchie admitted, his usual bravado subdued. "Ryuki, what you said back in the arena... it hit me. I don't want to just stand by anymore. Count me in on this Lancers initiative. I want to be stronger—not just for myself, but for everyone."
Teppei, usually meek and withdrawn, nodded firmly.
"I... I'll join too. I'm done running away. If I'm scared for the rest of my life, then nothing changes. I want to fight—for real this time."
Ryuki studied their faces, searching for hesitation, but found only conviction. He turned his gaze to the rest of the duelists who had withdrawn earlier. Their expressions varied—nervousness, uncertainty—but beneath it all was a spark.
"So, what about the rest of you?" Ryuki asked, his voice steady yet piercing. "Will you keep watching from the sidelines? Or will you stand up and carve your own path?"
There was a brief silence. Then, almost in unison, the group nodded. Words weren't necessary—the determination in their eyes told him everything. Ryuki's speech in the arena hadn't just rallied allies; it had ignited something deep within them.
When the group finally departed, Ryuki and the others were met outside by familiar faces: Yoko, Shuzo, and the children from You Show. The moment Yoko spotted Ryuki, she rushed forward and wrapped him tightly in her arms.
"Ryuki... thank you. Thank you for clearing Yusho's name." Her voice quivered with relief. "For three years I watched people call my husband a coward. Today... you gave him back his honor."
Shuzo stepped beside her, bowing his head deeply.
"You've restored Yusho's legacy. Now, instead of whispers of shame, the city calls him a hero. I can't express how much this means."
Ryuki's expression softened, though his tone carried the weight of truth.
"When Rin, Ruri, and I first arrived in the city, I kept overhearing people badmouthing Yusho. Every insult felt wrong. I knew there had to be more to his story. I promised myself that, one day, I'd make sure the truth came out. Today, I fulfilled that promise."
The children, still trying to process the whirlwind of revelations, crowded closer. Futoshi was the first to speak, his voice trembling.
"Ryuki-sensei... is Sora really the enemy?"
The question hung in the air. Yuya's gaze flickered downward, torn between hope and reality. Ryuki, however, gave a firm nod.
"Yes. Sora is one of the invaders. His mission was to infiltrate the city, weaken it from within, and prepare it for conquest."
The kids froze, their faces pale with disbelief. Sora had been their friend, their playmate—someone they trusted. Accepting the truth was almost unbearable.
Yuya quickly interjected, clinging to hope.
"But... maybe there's still a chance to bring him back. He isn't completely lost."
Ryuki folded his arms. "I've thought about that, too. I have a theory."
Both Ruri and Rin's eyes sharpened with interest.
"A theory?" Rin pressed.
Ryuki nodded. "I believe Sora might be under some kind of mind control. Acting under the orders of their leader. If that's the case, then his actions aren't entirely his own."
Ruri tilted her head, skeptical.
"That's... a stretch. What makes you so sure?"
"Because I've seen it before," Ryuki answered without hesitation. "When we fought the Obelisk Black Ops, I could sense it—the way they moved, the emptiness in their eyes. They weren't fighting of their own will. Sora could be in the same situation."
Yuzu, though shaken, forced herself to ask, "Then... what should we do to bring him back?"
Ryuki didn't sugarcoat it. His voice was blunt, almost harsh.
"Beat him. Beat him so hard that the control shatters and he remembers who he is."
The kids gasped, and Tatsuya's eyes widened.
"Isn't that too much? What if—what if you hurt him for real?"
Ryuki shook his head slowly. "It's the only way. I speak from experience."
Yuya, troubled, asked, "Experience? What do you mean?"
Before Ryuki could answer, Emi stepped in with a weary sigh.
"Yuya, trust me—it's better if you don't know. Let's just say... Ryuki-kun's been through battles where the only way to save someone was the hard way."
The heavy silence lingered, but no one argued further.
Yoko, sensing the tension, changed the subject.
"Ryuki, Ruri, Rin, Emi—are you all available tomorrow?"
Ryuki glanced at the others before shaking his head.
"No. The Lancers will be holding our first official meeting tomorrow. We'll need to be there."
Yoko nodded in understanding, though her eyes betrayed worry. She placed a hand on Ryuki's arm.
"Then promise me one thing. Take care of Yuya. He's brave, but he shoulders too much."
Shuzo added, turning to Yuzu, "And the same for her. Please watch over them."
Ryuki met their gaze firmly, nodding. "I promise. I'll protect them both—no matter what."
With that, the group finally dispersed.
Later that night, as Ryuki, Rin, Ruri, and Emi returned to their condo, Ryuki immediately noticed something amiss. The familiar aura of Dran and Tigar—their constant guardians—was absent. Unease prickled at his senses until he spotted a folded note on the table.
Picking it up, he read aloud:
"Ryuki, we've returned to Cray. The situation on the planet grows uncertain, and we must assess it ourselves. Do not worry—we will return when the time is right."
Ryuki exhaled slowly, lowering the note. "So they've gone back to Cray..." He rubbed the bridge of his nose, the weight of responsibility pressing harder on his shoulders.
Turning toward his three fiancées, he forced a small, reassuring smile.
"Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a busy day."
The three girls exchanged glances, each silently acknowledging the storm that awaited them. For now, though, they obeyed, retreating to their rooms. Ryuki lingered by the window, staring into the city lights that shimmered against the darkened sky.
"Tomorrow..." he muttered to himself. "is where shit hits the fan..."