Chapter 354: A Town Mission
Chapter 354: A Town Mission
"Sam Roston?"
You Xuan was slightly taken aback.
So he's also participating in this tournament. Quite a character in the original story, he claimed the title of World Champion with his "Elemental Hero" deck and is recognized as the world's strongest Hero user.
Debuting in the GX manga, he was not only Judai's mentor and guide to the world of dueling but also Manjoume's childhood idol.
In fact, the "Elemental Hero" deck that Judai uses in the manga was inherited from none other than Sam Roston. After losing to the final antagonist, "Tragoedia," in a Shadow Game and ultimately collapsing, Sam Roston passed on the soul-like deck that had accompanied him through his victorious journey to Judai.
Thus, the infamous cards that made the Elemental Hero brothers famous among duelists, such as Sky Guy and Absolute Zero Man, were all originally Sam Roston's cards.
However, according to the manga's storyline, Sam Roston should have already been bedridden and comatose since Judai's childhood. Now that Judai has arrived at the Duel Academy, it seems the world lines are somewhat different, as Sam Roston is still able to participate in the tournament.
Prior to Judai's arrival at the academy, he clearly did not possess powerful Heroes like Sky Guy and Absolute Zero Man. Therefore, it's hard to say whether they are acquainted or not.
After all, You Xuan had noticed earlier that he was in a world where the manga and anime were partially fused. Many aspects resembled historical inertia, while some details differed.
You Xuan paused for a moment before asking, "How long will the break be?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure either. A day or two? Maybe a week?" Koyo replied, "At the very least, we need to address the safety concerns first. Moreover, with such a significant incident occurring during the tournament, there are some procedural matters that need to be addressed with the higher-ups."
"I see," You Xuan said, "Well, that gives me some time. During this break, I'd like to inquire about a certain research and development team on your side. I want to learn more about them."
"Now?" Koyo looked at him with surprise, "It's possible, but are you sure you want to incorporate new cards into your deck during the tournament?"
Many duelists are wary of making adjustments to their decks right before a major tournament, especially adding cards they are not familiar with.
On one hand, the new cards might not fit the deck's strategy, and without practice and experimentation, they could end up disrupting the player's original tactics.
On the other hand, many believe that cards require time to master and that any new card needs time to develop a bond with its owner.
Unfamiliar cards can feel awkward to use, and unless one is a naturally gifted duelist with incredible draws, even seemingly powerful cards might not live up to their potential.
Even the mighty Lightning Vortex and Feather Duster would be useless if you draw them at the wrong time, like when your opponent has a full field of monsters or when you're about to lose anyway.
"Not necessarily to make adjustments," You Xuan clarified, "I just want to gather information. I believe KaibaCorp must have a development team related to the 'Three Phantom Gods,' right?"
Koyo raised his eyebrows, revealing a look of surprise.
"The Three Phantom Gods? Are you thinking of..."
He shook his head repeatedly.
"No, that's absolutely out of the question."
"Why?"
"You don't understand. It's too dangerous; it's not a domain for ordinary people to meddle with," Koyo said. "Even if it's not used in a duel, just being part of the development team researching the Phantom Gods poses risks.
Ever since the Three Phantom Gods disappeared, there have been plenty of people attempting to recreate their power. But quite a number of them have gone insane from delving into this forbidden domain, and some have even been found dead under mysterious circumstances.
Koyo hesitated as he looked at You Xuan. "Alright then," he finally agreed.
Thinking about the numerous achievements You Xuan had made so far, each one surprising him, Koyo nodded. "There is research on the Phantom Gods, but it's a high-risk project with strict confidentiality. We don't have our own independent research team; we only have a project in collaboration with the International Illusion Society. After all, the original Phantom God cards were developed by them, and they have more experience in this area."
Koyo sent You Xuan a message, which he viewed on his student terminal. It was an electronic business card.
"His name is Francis," Koyo explained. "He's a key person in charge of the Phantom God card research at the International Illusion Society. I'll let them know, and they'll fill you in on the current development progress. But let me be clear—don't get your hopes up too high. The game... I mean, Atem has been gone for so long, and no one has been able to replicate the power of the Gods yet. Their development team reportedly faces an insurmountable bottleneck, so there's only so much they can offer you."
"Thanks, I appreciate it," You Xuan said gratefully.
He then took another look at the business card.
Francis—the photo showed a bespectacled man in a lab coat.
This guy...
Hiss.
Wasn't he the man from GX Season 2 who stole the replica cards from the International Illusion Society and successfully summoned Winged Dragon of Ra?
Duel City, elsewhere.
As the roar of an engine drew closer, a motorcycle came to a stop outside an abandoned warehouse.
Luca shut off the engine, removed his helmet, and crawled through the half-open shutter door.
"I'm back~" he announced lazily.
Soon, heavy footsteps could be heard, and a man stormed forward, grabbing Luca by the collar.
"I told you, Kaiba Seto is mine!" the man growled. "Which part of that didn't you understand?"
"Hey, chill out, Loren," Luca said nonchalantly, his collar still in the man's grip. "Look, he's still alive and well, isn't he?"
Luca, pinned against the wall by his collar, remained unfazed and unperturbed.
"You still have a chance," he added.
Loren, the man holding him, glared at him coldly for a moment before letting go and stepping back.
"But it is quite unexpected that the 'Judgment Dragon' would appear ahead of schedule. I never thought he would show up at this Duel City tournament," Loren remarked.
Luca straightened his clothes. "With the appearance of the 'Seal Instrument,' we have no choice but to accelerate our plans," he said.
Loren, expressionless, continued, "Because of this, we need to make some adjustments to the plan. We have to absorb more usable power. Fortunately, it's the off-season now, so you need to make a trip to Clear Water Town."
"Me?" Luca frowned, clearly reluctant.
"The Judgment's will," Loren stated.
"Sheesh, you sure know how to boss people around," Luca muttered.
"There are indications that the 'Tragic Demon' is there. Your mission is to find him and bring him under our control. But be careful." Loren warned.
"Even though it probably hasn't been long since it woke up, that thing is an extraordinary demon. Be cautious."
"Alright, alright, I get it," Luca waved his hand dismissively, then crawled out through the shutter door and disappeared beyond the warehouse.
(End of Chapter)
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