Chapter 258: Abiake
Chapter 258: Abiake
It was dinnertime.
As the host, Amelda had prepared a sumptuous banquet for her three guests. The venue was elegantly decorated, with a long dining table adorned with a pristine white tablecloth and exquisite silver cutlery. A crystal vase of roses sat in the center, the petals shimmering under the soft lighting.
The warmth and hospitality of the host made You Xuan feel that even if he had just come for the meal, it would have been worth the trip. Delicate French foie gras, Italian ham, perfectly cooked steak, and fragrant pasta—Amelda had reportedly invited a top chef to craft today's feast, with each dish meticulously prepared.
"Amelda, you're still using your old deck, I see," Guiping commented casually between bites.
"I thought... well, I didn't know if you'd want to draw a clear line from your past or not," Amelda replied with a slight smile.
"The past was once my shackle; I lived the first half of my life for it. Of course, with your help, I realized it was all a lie. Dartz carefully wove that web of deception, making me willingly become his pawn.
This deck of mine was born from that lie."
Many of the monsters in Amelda's deck were creations of Toma's technology, born from the darkness of his own heart.
Like the weapons of the Kaiba Corporation that had once brought war to his hometown and the toy robot that had been his little brother's favorite—his deck was a manifestation of his darkest memories and experiences.
"But I've moved on now," Amelda smiled gently, glancing at her deck. "To me, this deck carries my past, it's a collection of memories of my family and my little brother. But it's also the strength that pushes me to keep going.
After all, we must always move towards the future. Dwelling in the past will only hold us back from rebirth. Instead of wallowing in what we've lost, it's better to look forward to what we can still gain."
Amelda paused, glancing at Kaiba, "But I'm sure President Kaiba has already figured that out."
Kaiba: "..."
Though Kaiba remained silent, his mind echoed with the words of a departed friend.
Kaiba had lived his life this way—to him, the "past" only held pain and tragedy. Only the bright future he forged for himself held any meaning.
But during that unforgettable defeat in the sky arena, his arch-rival had said this to him:
"The future will never visit those who have no past," Yami Yugi had said, "No matter what kind of past it is, it connects us to who we are now and who we will become."
Those words were meant for Kaiba, but they were also Yami Yugi's reminder to himself. Because at that time, without a past of his own, even with his eyes on the future, he saw nothing but darkness.
Kaiba's thoughts drifted to his departed friend, and he wondered. If he were still here, would he approve of the future Kaiba had chosen for himself?
"Hey, President Kaiba, you've been alone all these years. Is that really okay with you?" Amelda teased, her legs casually propped up.
Kaiba's expression remained unchanged: "Boring."
After all, President Kaiba was a man destined to become the King of Games; emotions were a nuisance, and it was common knowledge that the King of Games didn't need a romantic partner.
Besides, he already had a white moon.
In You Xuan's opinion, President Kaiba was a typical rival-type protagonist from early boyhood manga. He made his appearance with a high-caliber attitude, seemingly matching the protagonist blow for blow, but always falling just short of victory. A similar character could be found in the neighboring Tragic Tower.
"Let's get down to business," Kaiba said flatly. "You said you've made some progress. What have you found out?"
Amelda also dropped her smile and straightened up.
"Indeed."
As Amelda spoke, she gestured, and immediately two subordinates appeared and projected an image onto the screen behind the dining table.
Soon, an image of a corporate building appeared. Its contours were sturdy and clear, each line meticulously crafted, like a giant fortress constructed with glass walls and aluminum alloy frames.
".Abiake?" Guiping furrowed his brows as he read the company's name.
"Abiake," You Xuan murmured, "the antithesis of the Kaiba Corporation."
Only then did Guiping realize, "Oh, you're right. Is this a coincidence or..."
"There are no such things as coincidences."
Kaiba Seto crossed his fingers under his chin and smirked.
"Interesting. Is this a provocation?"
"It's easy to make that association given the name," Amelda said, "and my people have investigated. On the surface, they appear to be an internet enterprise, but it's impossible to discern their actual operations.
But these guys are not to be underestimated."
"How so?" Guiping asked.
"Firstly, their armed forces," Amelda said, "my people have tried to make contact, and this company seems to possess extraordinary military might.
Their firearms and ammunition, as well as their advanced equipment, are even more sophisticated than the local official armed forces. But we can't figure out their background or how they acquire their weapons.
And..."
Amelda furrowed her brows and paused.
Guiping: "What is it?"
".They also possess some exotic high-end equipment." Amelda continued, "according to our current intelligence from physical contact, they have access to never-before-seen energy rifles, large-scale neurocentric weapons that can incapacitate people, and more.
What's even stranger is that some of the technology seems to..."
He paused for a few seconds.
But there was no need to continue, as Kaiba calmly interjected, "It bears the hallmarks of Kaiba Corporation technology, doesn't it?"
Amelda raised an eyebrow, "Was that your doing?"
"No, the Kaiba Corporation hasn't manufactured weapons in many years, as you well know," Kaiba replied nonchalantly.
"But you know what's going on, don't you?"
"Perhaps. Everything will be clear after tomorrow."
Kaiba didn't elaborate further and instead asked, "How are the arrangements coming along?"
Amelda shrugged, "That building is completely sealed off from the outside, but our reconnaissance team has managed to find the only way in."
With a wave of his hand, a detailed map appeared on the screen.
"From the sewers beneath that building, there's a hidden passage that leads inside. From there, you'll have a chance to access Abiake's server room, and you might find what you're looking for."
Amelda turned serious, "But I must warn you, Abiake is peculiar. Their building is designed like a military fortress, and every step could potentially be a deadly trap."
"Is that so." Kaiba smirked, seemingly unfazed.
"It seems you have a good grasp of the situation, so I won't say more. As for the infiltration route, I've already made the necessary arrangements. What you do once you're inside is up to you."
Amelda shrugged.
"But I do have one question," he looked at Kaiba seriously, "why are you so insistent on going in yourself? I mean, with Kaiba Seto's resources and strength, there must be other ways to handle this, right?"
Kaiba's expression remained unchanged.
"Because this is the only matter that I must settle myself."
(End of Chapter)
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