Asuka Tenjouin came to the door of the hospital room and froze when she saw the man lying on the hospital bed, pale-faced and hooked up to various medical devices.
Then she slowly walked forward, as if she couldn't quite believe it, reached out to touch the man's pale face.
It was as if she feared this was just another dream.
But it wasn't a dream. This time it was real; the man she had been searching for with all her might, her primary target ever since she entered Duel Academy, lay right in front of her.
Though he was on the brink of death, seemingly ready to collapse at any moment, at least he was alive, which was much better than her worst expectations.
"Brother..."
The girl knelt by the hospital bed, holding her brother's hand tightly, as if she never wanted to let go again.
"It's so good... so good... really so good..."
After sobbing for a long time, she finally managed to control her emotions and stop her tears, standing up again.
She then looked at Yugen, who had been standing beside her all along. Thinking about her uncontrolled state earlier, she couldn't help but lower her head with a slight blush.
But her natural disposition was bold; she always saw herself as a Duelist rather than just a girl. Since her brother's disappearance, she had developed a tough side.
Asuka quickly composed herself and solemnly bowed to thank Yugen.
"Thank you... thank you, Yugen, for helping me retrieve my brother. This is my greatest wish; if I couldn't find him, I don't know..."
She seemed hesitant to continue, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
"I don't know how I can thank you enough..."
"It's nothing, really nothing."
Yugen waved his hand with a casual smile.
As for your brother being a Dark Duelist before, just being beaten into this state by me, there's no need to say much about it.
Fubuki was controlled by the Darkness mask, and aside from awakening him through a Dark Duel, there was no other way. Later in the animation, Fubuki voluntarily put on the mask twice, returning to darkness, and was awakened in time through a duel to avoid being controlled again.
Asuka inquired about her brother's condition, and Yugen simply said he wasn't entirely sure. The specifics would have to wait until he wakes up to ask him directly.
Of course, this wouldn't happen soon. Yugen knew that Fubuki's coma would likely last several months, and the doctors examining him said the outlook wasn't good; his recovery would depend on fate.
Asuka felt sorrow but didn't say much more, instead repeatedly thanking Yugen.
Now, looking at Yugen again, she felt quite complicated. Although she knew Yugen was much stronger than ordinary students, and had seen him beat legends, she never thought too much of it, just considering him as one of the top students like Caesar leading the Academy.
But now, it felt different.
Duel King.
Such a title was once incredibly distant for ordinary students like them. Even the legendary Duelists they admired, famous long before they entered the dueling realm, seemed to pale in comparison.
The Duel King was absolute proof of being the strongest. She couldn't even imagine such a person being by her side, right in this Duel Academy. Though in the same environment, he had embarked on a distinctly different path, leaving everyone else to look up in admiration for a lifetime.
In the first semester, they were already quite good friends, and now with Yugen's immense favor toward her and her brother, and then the Duel King status, she felt respect but also a bit distant.
Even speaking became a bit reserved.
"Well, if you insist on thanking me, let me think..."
Yugen tilted his head, seemingly genuinely pondering the price.
Asuka held her breath, feeling a bit nervous waiting for him to speak.
For such a huge favor, naturally, she should agree to whatever he asks. But now he was already the supreme Duel King, almost everything was at his fingertips. Whatever he says might not be something she could afford...
"Ah yes, this."
Yugen suddenly pulled out a Card Deck, handing it over. Asuka received it, suddenly a bit stunned.
"True Red-Eyed Black Dragon..."
She looked up at Yugen in surprise.
"This is my brother's..."
"Yes, the Card Deck of King Fubuki, the legendary True Red Eye, definitely formidable. But in my view, it has far more potential than it shows now."
Yugen smiled.
"Until Fubuki wakes up, naturally his deck should be entrusted to his sister. So, as a reward, I assign you a new task."
Yugen assumed a serious demeanor, genuinely like a leader assigning tasks to a subordinate.
"The new project group is set to start at the beginning of the semester. I've had quite a few good ideas for developing the True Red Eye, so until Fubuki wakes up, you'll be responsible for this group... then, when your brother wakes, figure out a way to get him onboard, and you can hand over this part of the work."
Yugen spoke, smiling.
"You may need to work overtime this year."
Asuka looked at the Card Deck in her hand, dazed for a moment.
Then she suddenly couldn't help but laugh.
Then she stood straight, nodding firmly.
"Okay."
...
...
Somewhere in Darkness.
In a space devoured by all light, there were only sparse, twisted shadows. The air was heavy, dark outlines clustered here, dangerous gazes sizing each other up.
In the center, a gloomy voice rang out.
"Darkness... won't return."
"Oh? That little cool guy?"
The speaker was a woman's voice. Though only a black silhouette, it was faintly visible that she was voluptuous. She lay languidly in an enticing posture, unabashedly showcasing the curve of her long legs.
"What a pity, I thought he looked quite handsome. Maybe I could have had a chance to bear an exceptional child with him..."
No one paid her any attention.
"One of the Seven Stars has fallen."
Another person spoke coldly.
"Should the plan be delayed?"
"No... it can't be delayed."
The central figure said. His voice wasn't loud, yet carried an authority.
"Time is short; we must act now. We must..."
The person lifted his head, his eyes filled with a non-negotiable determination.
"The Three Phantom Demon Cards, I am determined to obtain them. The deadline is a maximum of three months, three months... at all costs, they must be captured."
"But circumstances have changed."
The person who spoke earlier said.
"You should know, the Duel Academy has just produced a King. Jiaodao won't likely refrain from using such power; he will certainly ask the new King to protect the Academy..."
"No worries; isn't there still you at the Academy?"
The central figure coldly looked at the speaking shadow.
"You've infiltrated the Academy, and you... have already gotten acquainted with the new Duel King, right?"
The shadow remained silent.
"I always trust your abilities; you can handle everything internally. I believe you. Alright, no more words, I've already decided."
The person said in a deep voice.
"Prepare yourselves. Seven-Star... we must be ready to act."