"Activate the Magic Card 'Fusion,' and fuse the 'Elemental Hero Wingman' and the 'Elemental Hero Blazing Lady' in hand. Fusion Summon Flame Winged People!"
"..."
"When Flame Winged People destroy a monster in battle, inflict damage equal to the destroyed monster's Attack Power on the opponent!"
"..."
"Speed Attack Magic 'Fusion Dispel,' dispel the fusion of Flame Winged People!"
"Wingman and Blazing Lady, direct attack!"
"Ugh, ahhh!"
A series of straightforward yet dazzling maneuvers, Judai protagonist's first turn effortlessly sent the Model Worker Couple into a frenzy against the opponent's scorpion.
Flame Winged People OTK, the scorpion was shocked, screaming and was blown to the ground by the tornado stirred by Winged People.
"Who... who are you people!?"
Its round eyes seem unwilling to close. This level of opponent clearly exceeded the limits of their environment, feeling like a fish bomber suddenly appeared in a bronze match where everyone was happily playing.
Yet it ultimately failed to receive an answer.
That body was enveloped by a faint golden light and then dissipated into particles in its full-eyed unwillingness. Eventually, only the Duel Disc remained stuck in the ground, looking just like a sword left by a fallen swordsman.
This time, Judai didn't say anything about a joyful duel, feeling somewhat lost while watching his vanishing opponent.
"Another duel like this..."
He muttered to himself.
The dueling in this world is so ruthless. There is no joyful enjoyment; the only end awaiting the defeated is death.
Yugen stepped forward, skillfully pulling out the Card Deck.
Mmh, as expected, it's all useless junk again. Sell them cheaply when we get back.
Judai turned to the blonde girl who had just been rescued.
"Are you okay?"
The blonde girl was still a bit timid, not daring to look him in the eye, only lowering her head.
"Don't worry,it's alright now." Judai glanced around, "Are you alone? What about your family?"
The entire town was dead silent, with only one girl present, making it feel rather strange. There still wasn't the slightest sign of life around.
The girl, upon hearing this, just shook her head repeatedly, her body shrinking back, clutching tighter.
"No... don't go back."
Judai puzzledly asked, "Go back where?"
"Back... home." The girl said softly.
Judai was even more puzzled, "Why don't you want to go back?"
The girl hesitated for a long time, cautiously looking him over, perhaps inspired by Judai's fiery passion, her courage seemed to grow slightly.
"They want me... want me to go to the Mountain God, to calm the Mountain God's anger. But I don't want to go."
The girl said timidly, lowering her head.
"Jasmine... my friend, she was also taken to see the Mountain God, but never came back."
"They all say the Mountain God is very good, giving us shelter and help. But I... I'm just scared."
Judai vaguely felt something was amiss but couldn't quite figure it out. Meanwhile, the shadow of Chaos Warrior had floated beside Yugen, speaking in a deep voice, "Some evil creatures assume the guise of gods, claim to offer shelter, yet seize the opportunity to plunder resources en masse, even demanding live offerings from the people."
Judai was shocked: "Live offerings... could it be..."
He looked at the Chaos Warrior and then to the pitiful and helpless girl before him.
Judai, who grew up in a peaceful environment, had never such cruel things, his eyes still carried some suspicion. Chaos Warrior pondered and then said, "These insights are not certain, but they're likely true.
I've defeated many similar evils once in the past."
"How can this be, it's too much." Judai rose angrily. He thought for a moment, then promptly decided, "Here's the deal."
He addressed the girl, "Do you know where the Mountain God is? I'll go check it out."
Since childhood, he had admired various heroes, always dreaming of acting justly like those glamorous Elemental Heroes under the radiance of towering skyscrapers, defending justice. Anything displeasing naturally had to be challenged. As a purer hot-blooded manga protagonist, encountering such matters naturally couldn't be ignored.
Yet Yugen felt that things might not be so simple.
From the moment they entered this town, he felt the atmosphere was peculiar. Everything sighted seemed to be deliberately orchestrated, like the lingering clouds above.
However, Judai's sense of justice burned brightly, intent only on doing what was right, seemingly oblivious to these details. So Yugen, for the time being, did not elaborate on the matter.
They had projected here through the Link System. Additionally, both their card skills were top-notch in the Elf Realm across most dimensions. The high skills embolden them, despite knowing it's eerie, investigating further won't hurt.
After being questioned by Judai, the girl hesitated for a moment before slowly raising one slender hand, pointing in a direction outside of town.
"Over there?" Judai asked.
"I... guess it's there."
The girl, biting her lip, seemed unsure.
"I only overheard my uncle and others mentioning it, saying they take offerings for the Mountain God there under a tree split by lightning."
She stood up, and patted her skirt.
"I can lead you to the vicinity."
Before Judai could respond, his Feathered Chestnut Ball elf had already floated by.
Feathered Chestnut Ball: "Kurikuri."
"Oh, oh, can you lead the way once we're nearby, partner?"
Judai appreciatively stroked its fluffy head.
"You're truly reliable, so I'll rely on you."
Thus, the three set out, searching in the mountains beyond the town.
"Sorry, Yugen, although I might be delaying what you mentioned, I really can't just sit idle and watch..." Judai apologized to Yugen.
Yugen smiled, waving his hand.
"It's fine. You chose the hero's path, if you didn't, you wouldn't be Yuki Judai."
Judai embarrassedly smiled: "Ahaha, Yugen you understand me..."
"But be cautious no matter what we encounter."
Yugen advised seriously.
"We projected here using the Link System. In theory, we won't be truly harmed in this world. However, nothing is absolute, encountering a real powerhouse, their force could transcend dimensions to reach us.
Also..."
He paused, considering, then still told Judai.
"The one ruling this world is a Dark Overlord possessing immense power. We've intruded into his territory and must consistently consider his surveillance on us or his agents already noticing us."
Judai was quite puzzled: "But we haven't done anything yet, why would they target us...?"
"Because of you, Judai." Yugen replied, "The overlord's title is 'Overlord.' Overlord... is your heart's greatest darkness."
Judai: "?"