Chapter 410: The Road to the Final Battle
Chapter 410: The Road to the Final Battle
"Jaden!"
As the duel ended, Echo rushed onto the stage first. Jaden, wobbly and half-kneeling, lowered his head, and it was unclear if he was still conscious.
But when Echo helped him up, he turned and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Echo. I'm fine. I'm just sorry that I lost again."
Only then did Echo feel slightly relieved, letting out a sigh. She patted Jaden's head gently. "It's alright. You did your best. I'm just glad you're okay."
However, she also felt puzzled and couldn't help but glance at the Arbitrator.
Echo now clearly understood the terrifying concept of a Dark Duel. Most of the time, losing in a Dark Duel meant falling into a soulless coma.
Just moments ago, her younger brother, Crimson, had lost to this man and was now unconscious.
Yet, Jaden seemed relatively unscathed.
It was then that she realized that throughout the entire duel, the Arbitrator hadn't used the ominous "Orichalcos Barrier" that spelled doom for its victims. Earlier, it had been mentioned that within that barrier, the souls of the defeated would be extracted.
But why?
If someone suggested that the Arbitrator refrained from using it due to a lack of confidence in this duel, Echo would never believe it. Although she didn't know his origins, even she could tell that this Arbitrator was a powerful duelist beyond the realm of normalcy.
Even in his duel with Jaden, he had maintained a calm and collected demeanor. Although she was reluctant to admit it, she believed that whether it was against Crimson or Jaden, this man had held the winning hand from the very start.
So, why would he intentionally spare Jaden?
"Are you after his other soul?" asked Yu Xuan, standing beside them.
The Arbitrator paused in his steps and narrowed his eyes at Yu Xuan.
"Oh?" he said. "Fujiki Yu Xuan, you're becoming more and more interesting. How much do you know about this matter?"
The two locked eyes for a few seconds.
"Your guess is correct," the Arbitrator acknowledged, nodding. He glanced at Jaden, who was still on the stage.
"This boy is, at best, only half-prepared. Even if I defeat him now, I'd only obtain the soul of a fairly decent duelist. But I already have plenty of souls like that."
The Arbitrator spoke calmly.
"In fact, doing so would cause me to lose the medium through which I can connect to that powerful soul. Now, that would truly be a waste of heaven's gifts."
Indeed, Yu Xuan realized his guess was correct.
The Arbitrator's target was the Overking.
Within the Orichalcos Barrier, the souls of the defeated would be extracted, but only one soul. Just like how Atem had lost and Yugi had taken the fall for him, offering up his soul instead.
Perhaps the Arbitrator felt that even if he won here, he would only obtain Jaden Yuki's soul, which wasn't worth the effort. In comparison, he was far more interested in the Overking.
However...
"What do you mean by a medium to connect to a powerful soul?" Yu Xuan asked.
Logically, the Overking should be within Jaden's body, although deeply dormant, akin to an alternate personality. So, if the Arbitrator defeated Jaden here, wouldn't that facilitate the awakening of the alternate personality?
Then, if he dueled and defeated the Overking, he could achieve his goal of absorbing the Overking's power.
But he didn't do that. Instead, he claimed that defeating Jaden here would cause him to lose the medium to connect to the Overking.
"Who knows?" he said, continuing on his way and passing by You Xuan. But as he walked past, he paused momentarily.
"However, if I were you, I wouldn't have the time to worry about others."
He turned his body slightly, half of his figure shrouded in shadow, and said coldly, "Very soon, it will be your turn. You, and the Seal Instrument you possess, will be mine once I gather all the pieces."
He gave an ominous laugh and without another word, turned and continued on his way.
You Xuan: "..."
But just as the Arbitrator walked away, a tall figure blocked his path once more.
It was none other than Kaiba Seto, President of KaibaCorp.
"You don't have to worry about that," Kaiba said calmly. "Because I will be the one to defeat him in the end."
You Xuan understood Kaiba's intention.
With the conclusion of the duel between Jaden and the Arbitrator, only two duelists remained in the semi-finals: Kaiba and himself.
Indeed, if he lost to Kaiba here, the finals would be none of his concern. He wouldn't have to duel the Arbitrator, and the mission to save the world could be left to Kaiba.
Perhaps, in the past, he might have considered this a decent option.
"I understand," You Xuan said, looking at Kaiba. "But I won't hold back, President Kaiba."
"Hmph."
Kaiba's lips curled upward, a hint of approval in his eyes.
"That's more like it. In half an hour, I'll be waiting for you on this very field."
With that, he, too, made his way towards the exit.
However, after taking a few steps, he stopped and turned to look at Jaden, who was still on the stage.
"Your friend... he's a proud duelist as well," Kaiba said. "One day, he, too, will stand upon the world's summit. Don't let him surpass you."
"I know," You Xuan nodded.
Without another word, Kaiba turned and left the dueling arena.
Only then did You Xuan walk onto the stage and approach Jaden.
"How are you feeling?"
"Still got a headache."
Jaden lay on the ground and let out a sigh. "Ah~ I still can't accept the fact that I lost."
"I told you so," You Xuan shrugged.
"But it was an interesting duel, wasn't it?"
Jaden sat up, his eyes distant as he spoke softly. "More importantly, I think what he said might be true."
"What do you mean?"
"I remember now. She was my first monster, my favorite. But later, due to unavoidable reasons, she was sent into space, and I don't know where she is now."
You Xuan patted him on the shoulder. "Regardless, you remember now, don't you? As long as the bond with your monsters remains, you'll surely meet again one day, right?"
"Yeah, you're right. Alright!"
Jaden slapped his cheeks and cheered up. "Then, before that happens, I must become a more reliable duelist."
He jumped to his feet with renewed vigor.
"Alright, now it's time to cheer for You Xuan! His opponent is Kaiba Seto! I'm so jealous, I never got the chance to duel him."
". ."
(End of Chapter)
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