The Demon King felt like crying but had no tears.
My monsters, my card deck...
He was called Demon King because of the monster card deck he wielded. It was like his soul, accompanying him through most of his dueling career, but it seemed like today was its last day.
So, can a Demon King without his monsters still be called a Demon King?
The Demon King pondered, thinking that if he survived today, he might really need to turn over a new leaf.
Or he was even considering whether he should just become a monk.
But before that...
The Demon King took a deep breath and picked up the communication device brought to him by the emissary of New Doma.
Looking at the device in his hand, the Demon King's face twisted from pain into a sinister grin...
Heh, this kind of situation shouldn't be faced by me alone.
Since we're allies, it's only right we share both blessings and hardships.
Those dogs from New Doma dared to trick me into dealing with such a demon. Perfect, I'll let them feel the horror of being tormented by the Yellow-clothed Demon King.
Thinking of this, the Demon King couldn't help but chuckle.
Don't blame me, brothers, I'm forced into this...
"..."
So the communication connected.
"Demon King," a deep voice quickly asked from the other side, "How's the situation?"
"Hmph, what do you think?"
The Demon King, full of himself, sat with his legs crossed on the sofa, reverting to his prior domineering presence.
"Haha, my apologies. With the Demon King's intervention, it's naturally a piece of cake. I presume the kid has been taken down?"
"I got two of them. Heh, indeed they were quite skilled, required me some effort. But overall, it's no big deal," the Demon King hummed confidently. "They're at the club now, and the item you want should be there too.
If you want it, come and verify personally."
"Alright. Then, please wait, Demon King. We'll come right away."
Communication ended.
After hanging up, the Demon King instantly switched to a subordinate demeanor, nodding and smiling, "They said they'll be here soon, please bear with me for a moment..."
"No rush, no rush," Yugen waved with a smile.
"..."
It seemed that the Demon King was worried his guests would feel bored during the wait, as he soon brought over a group of Female Bodhisattvas. Some with slender waists and long legs, some with a plump sensuality, some purely alluring, some office lady types...
But Yugen just waved them away.
Some cars looked new with big headlights in front, but the actual mileage was unpredictable, the cylinder might have blackened from use.
Judai didn't even bother, yawning from boredom, seemingly thinking days without card games were too hard to endure.
Damn, the cards just now were snatched away by Yugen effortlessly, not even a chance to interrupt...
"By the way."
Yugen wasn't interested in the Demon King's usual entertainment projects, but this did remind him of something.
"You've managed this place for years; you can't possibly have only one main card deck, right? I guess you've collected some other cards as backups?"
Demon King: "..."
"Idle time is idle time, while waiting for them, why not take them out for us to appreciate?" Yugen smiled.
"Hmm... good idea." The Demon King reluctantly agreed.
Estimating that after today, retiring was inevitable.
Judai silently watched Yugen.
"Yugen is truly impressive, making such a terrifying guy dance around..."
For a brief moment, he even felt that Yugen seemed scarier.
...
...
It seemed New Doma was urgently after the "Sealing Artifact" in Yugen's possession. In no time, two individuals in black robes hurriedly arrived.
The duo burst through the door and, upon seeing Yugen and Judai sitting and drinking tea, they were stunned, momentarily unable to react.
They then noticed that the once imposing Demon King who exuded an overwhelming aura was now acting as a servant, pouring tea, nodding obsequiously.
Seeing their entrance, he leapt up excitedly, pointing at them: "There they are! It's them! Master, don't let them escape!"
He seemed more enthusiastic about capturing these allies than the main players themselves.
The two were only dazed for half a second before swiftly understanding the situation and cursing the Demon King for selling out his morals for pennies while turning to flee.
But it was already too late.
The two turned around and rushed out the door only to find their vision blurred. Once they regained clarity, they were back in the room.
The yellow-clothed young man leisurely sat on the sofa, smiling at them, without any intention of blocking their escape.
The Demon King stood by, also smiling, but with a face so sly as if enjoying their predicament.
This strange scenario sent shivers down the duo's spines, prompting them to quickly attempt another escape. But as soon as they stepped half a foot out the door, their vision blurred again, and they found themselves back inside. It was as if they had just rushed in from outside.
No matter how dense they were, the two should realize their predicament—
—they couldn't get out.
They were like trapped in an eternal prison of a supernatural film set, the room an infinite cage, their domain they could never leave.
They were ensnared within a Dark Game barrier.
"Alright, Option A."
Yugen stood up leisurely, revealing the Duel Disc in his hand.
"Let's duel. You can choose to use the 'Orichalcos Barrier.' If you lose, you'll be doomed to serve your Snake God forever, unable to reincarnate.
Of course, then I won't be able to ask you any questions. But never mind, I'll think of other ways.
Or Option B, the loser must comply with any requests... Of course, my terms are clear, so I'll tell you first.
I don't want your lives; I only want you to take me to your headquarters and answer all the questions I have."
Beside him, the Demon King seemed to realize Yugen might have missed something, and promptly spoke up: "Master, don't forget! Card decks! And their card decks must be confiscated too!"
"Oh right." Yugen slapped his forehead, "Thanks for reminding me. To uphold the justice of the Dueling Realm and ensure a healthy environment, I can't allow you to continue using Duel Monsters for evil.
So yes, I need your card decks... Hmm, just like that, I think I haven't missed anything this time."
The duo from New Doma glared at the Demon King furiously.
Whose side are you on!?
But unexpectedly, this traitor not only sold them out but responded confidently, puffing out his chest: "Master Yellow Robe is acting on behalf of heaven, upholding justice!
Your card decks are murderous tools stained with blood; they ought to be confiscated by all. It's unfair for only my deck to be taken... Oh no, I mean, it's necessary for justice to seize!"
The duo from New Doma almost laughed in anger.
You accidentally let your true thoughts slip, didn't you?