Is this the poker world?Ada thief!

"Waaah, what bad luck, what bad luck!"

Sitting inside the [Super Transportation Robot - Mobile Base], Marufuji Sho gripped the joystick controlling the direction: "Even if Kenzan attracted more than half the firepower, the remaining 'Overlord Army' is still far too numerous!"

“Go for it, Marufuji,” Jim said from the side. “My monster will handle the more threatening attacks outside. You just need to drive the vehicle forward.”

"Even if you say that, it's not a problem that can be solved by stepping on the gas and going straight. Those 'Overlord Army' even brought 'barricades' with them. It's only because the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] is big that it can get through. If it were Jim's [Fossil Motorcycles], they might not be able to get through."

The size of the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] is quite large. Although the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] summoned by Marufuji Sho is not as large as the [Giant Robot City] which was the size of a city when it was a Field Spell Card, it is similar to the [E·Hero Neos] of Jaden, which should actually be tens of meters tall, like Ultraman, but after being summoned, it is the size of a human.

Even so, the size of the [Super Transportation Robot - Mobile Base] is still close to that of a mining transport vehicle, with the radius of its tires alone being about the height of a person.

Even so, Marufuji Sho couldn't really treat all the Overlords blocking his way as "speed bumps" while driving, because while the Overlords were mainly composed of human-sized monsters like [Dark World Vanguard - Bege], they also included giant monsters like [Artificial Wooden Man 18].

Even though these monsters' attack power still couldn't break through the defenses of the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base], if Marufuji Sho were to collide with them, it would inevitably cause the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] to slow down. Then, the pursuers behind them would immediately catch up, hindering their escape and dragging them into battle. Therefore, Marufuji Sho had to concentrate on piloting and avoid those large monsters to prevent slowing down.

However, while driving, Marufuji Sho couldn't help but glance to the side and said, "And, is it alright to leave it to Jim? Jim, you look terrible."

Although he wanted to hide it, Jim's eyes had been hurting ever since he arrived in this world of the Overlord Army, but he had been forcing himself to pretend that nothing was wrong. However, after a series of battles and not getting enough rest before being attacked, Jim's forehead was covered in cold sweat. He chuckled awkwardly, "You found out. I guess it's because I didn't get enough rest?"

"And it's not just me, isn't everyone in the same bad state?"

Although Jim's attempt to change the subject was clumsy, what he said was true. Of the group that came to the Spirit Realm, Manjoume, Fubuki, Asuka, Sho, and Kenzan had been in an unstable emotional state and were extremely tired ever since Jaden's duel with [the Mad King of the Dark World - Bronn] ended yesterday, which indirectly affected their condition.

Jim's right eye also hampered him, so few of the group could exert their normal fighting power except for O'Brien, Amon, and Jaden. Jaden had also been exhausted by the series of battles since arriving in this world, which is why O'Brien and Amon were on night watch before.

For some unknown reason, Amon suddenly disappeared in the middle of the night, forcing Manjoume, Judai, and O'Brien to leave to search for him. Fubuki and Jim, who had rested a bit and recovered some strength, took over the night watch. However, the camp was suddenly attacked, interrupting the rest of the others. After being dragged into the battle, everyone's strength, which had not recovered much, was rapidly declining, making it difficult to maintain their condition for long.

That's why Fubuki judged that continuing the fight would be disadvantageous for them and chose to retreat as soon as possible.

Using the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base], Jim, Asuka, and Sho are rapidly passing through the encirclement of the "Overlord Army," constantly "passing" past monsters like the [Dark World Hunter - Brau] as they make their way to the outer perimeter. Meanwhile, the sounds of battle are constantly coming from behind them, in the direction of Kenzan and Fubuki.

However, besides that direction, Marufuji Sho discovered that there was also a battle taking place ahead of them, and he could see a huge magma demon from a great distance.

"That's... O'Brien's [Volcano Demon]?" Jim, who was commanding the [Mesozoic Fossil Knight - Skeleton Knight] to use its shield to block several ranged attacks aimed at the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base], also noticed the lava rising in the distance.

"And there's Big Brother's [E·Hero Lava Neos]!" Marufuji Sho exclaimed excitedly. "Great! Big Brother and the others are here to meet up with us! Let's hurry over there!"

"...Tenth generation?"

Although Asuka was knocked unconscious by Fubuki's sneak attack, it was clear that Asuka was in good physical condition, or perhaps Fubuki controlled her strength very well, hitting Asuka's vagus nerve so that she was only unconscious for such a short time. In any case, just as Marufuji Sho and Jim discovered the suspected Judai and O'Brien, she woke up.

"Ah, Asuka, you're awake." Jim turned around when he heard Asuka's voice. "We're still surrounded by the 'Overlord Army,' but it looks like Judai and O'Brien are fighting ahead. We're rejoining them now."

Looking around, Asuka could only see Sho Marufuji and Jim in the fairly spacious cabin. Although she had somewhat anticipated it before losing consciousness, the confirmation still saddened her: "As expected, it's my brother."

“Tenjōin Fubuki stayed behind to buy us time to hold off the Chaos Wizard and his group.” Jim adjusted his hat and told Asuka the truth. “Although I really want to say something comforting, the Chaos monster that attacked all of us before is now fighting the Chaos Wizard alongside him, and the situation is not optimistic.”

"I understand. His sacrifice will not be in vain." Looking back from inside the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] cabin, Asuka saw through the glass that Fubuki had somehow managed to summon [Red-Eyes Dark Dragon], [Red-Eyes Dark Steel Dragon], and [Red-Eyes Black Steel Dragon], which were now fighting against other monsters.

However, summoning three monsters at once means that the consumption of physical strength and energy will be much higher, and the number of monsters that Fubuki needs to deal with cannot be shared by three monsters, which means that the situation on his side is not optimistic and he will have a hard time lasting for a long time.

Even so, Fubuki still intentionally controlled the black dragons' attacks to occasionally leak towards Asuka and the others' rear. The dark dragon flames created a larger sea of ​​fire than the previous attack by the Chaos Wizard, greatly slowing down the pursuers and buying Asuka and the others more time.

"Let me help clear the way too." Asuka, who had also noticed that Jim wasn't feeling well, said, "Jim, you should rest for a bit. I just lay down and I'm feeling better than you."

“Understood, then I’ll catch my breath.” Jim didn’t stand on ceremony and sat down inside the cabin, putting away the cards on the Duel Disk. The [Mesozoic Fossil Knight - Skeleton Knight] that had been fighting outside the cabin disappeared. But the next moment, Asuka also summoned [Solemn Dragon God - Saphira], enveloping the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] in holy light to defend against the attack.

After advancing a little further and feeling that she had gone far enough, Asuka added another card to the Duel Disk: "Next—I'll use this [Solemn Light] to open up the path in one go!"

"Go forth, [Solemn Dragon God - Saphira]!"

After a brief charge, Asuka summoned the [Solemn Dragon God - Saphira] outside, concentrating its light in its hand. Seizing a gap in the "Overlord Army's" attack, it unleashed its power, firing a powerful beam cannon that pierced through the bodies of several [Goblin Assault Force] units in its path before flying further away.

Although the "Overlord Army" troops, who were positioned slightly further away, reacted quickly and dodged the follow-up attacks from the light cannon, the attack successfully dispersed the enemies in a straight line ahead, opening up an unobstructed path.

Jim could already see the entire Volcano Demon being crushed by a [Scout of the Dark Realm - Scar]. Judai and O'Brien were standing nearby, and he immediately reminded them, "Now! Let's rush over to Judai!"

"Understood, hold on tight!" Marufuji Sho was also spurred to unleash his potential under the threat of life and death, or perhaps it was because the operation of the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] was similar to that of a racing game? In any case, he drove the vehicle quite skillfully, instantly maximizing his speed and moving at full speed towards Judai and the others before the "Overlord Army" could regroup!

Meanwhile, Judai and his companions, having been distracted by Asuka's earlier attack, spotted Marufuji Sho and the others. The [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] design was quite distinctive, and Judai immediately guessed that Marufuji and his group must be hiding inside that massive vehicle. He immediately shouted to the monster beside him, "It must be Asuka and the others! [E·hero Lava Neos], come with me to meet them!"

"I'll cover you, Jaden!" O'Brien coordinated perfectly with Jaden. [Volcano Demon] raised its fist and slammed it heavily into the ground, creating a shockwave that rushed towards [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] and exploded halfway, blasting apart the monsters of the "Overlord Army" on both sides.

[E·Hero Lava Neos] scooped up O'Brien and Jaden, unfurled its elytra, and took flight. A surge of lava energy propelled it forward, carrying the two rapidly towards the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base]. Meanwhile, Marufuji Sho quickly opened the sealed hatch, revealing the internal entrance. Just before [E·Hero Lava Neos] was about to crash into the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base], Jaden recalled it. O'Brien, in coordination, fired a steel cable, securing it to the interior of the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base]. The retrieval mechanism at the other end of the cable activated, pulling O'Brien and Jaden into the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] for a perfect landing!
"Big brother!"

With Judai absent, facing a life-or-death crisis, Marufuji Sho had to put on a mature demeanor. But now that Judai had finally appeared, he couldn't bear the pressure any longer and burst into tears, throwing himself into Judai's arms and saying, "I...I was so scared, big brother!"

"Honestly, why are you crying like a child when you're such a grown-up? But, it's good that you're alright, Sho." Patting Sho Marufuji's head, Judai looked to the side and, noticing Asuka and Jim, smiled. "Thank goodness, Asuka, Jim, you're both alright."

However, looking inside the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] cabin, which contained only the three of them, himself, and O'Brien who had just entered, and no one else, the smile on his face froze.

"What? I didn't see Kenzan or Fubuki?"

In an instant, Judai understood from Asuka and Jim's somber expressions why Sho was so sad.

“Is that so? They are too.” O’Brien said, then suddenly turned around and deployed the [Flame Cannon], firing several [Volcanic Deer Bullets] to repel and annihilate the monsters of the “Overlord Army” that were trying to attack from the open hatch. “But we don’t have much time to reminisce and grieve. We need to get out of the battlefield as soon as possible.”

"I'll continue driving!" Wiping away his tears, Marufuji Sho felt incredibly relieved by Judai's return. Just now, his actions had been driven by fear, but now he was quite confident—because Judai was right behind him. He wasn't a confident person, but he could trust the person Judai trusted.

Jaden gritted his teeth: "But, Fubuki and Kenzan might not be dead yet, right? Maybe if we go back to support them now—"

"Judai." Asuka shook her head and looked behind her. Just then, the Red-Eyes Dark Dragon was killed by magic in mid-air and dissipated into countless points of light. This indicated that the battle on Fubuki's side had entered an irreversible dead end, and the increasingly smaller battle commotion on Kenzan's side also indicated that their situation was not good.

“Even if we go back now, what can we do? The enemy we face is too strong.” Asuka laid out the reality for Jaden. “We can’t do it. Whether it’s going back to help our brother or rescuing Kenzan, we don’t have the strength.”

"We can't let our brother's sacrifice go to waste." As she spoke, Asuka felt her cheeks getting cold. She reached up to touch them and her fingertips touched something wet. Only then did she realize that she couldn't hold back her grief and was crying.

"Sorry, let me compose myself." Overwhelmed by grief, Asuka was arguably the one most eager to go back and save people among everyone present, yet she still tried to dissuade Jaden from returning. The more Asuka tried to remain rational, the more she felt an endless sorrow welling up inside her.

As a result, the condition of [Solemn Dragon God - Saphira], who was escorting them from the outside, also noticeably declined. Fortunately, Jaden and O'Brien, who were in better condition, took over her part. After the [Super Transport Robot - Mobile Base] advanced a distance along the route that Jaden and the others had cleared when they charged into the "Overlord Army" forces, the group of five finally broke free of the encirclement and left the monsters on the outside behind.

However, just to be on the safe side, the group drove quite far to create distance and avoid being quickly overtaken.

With no need for defense or attack, the [Super Transportation Robot - Mobile Base] was retrieved early on. Halfway there, they switched to the smaller and less easily detected [Mesozoic Fossil Vehicle - Skull Travel Vehicle]. The group finally stopped at the edge of a cliff, a location at least one mountain away from where they had been besieged. Presumably, the [Chaos Wizard] and his group wouldn't be able to find this place for a while.

Finally, they had a moment to catch their breath. Jaden and the others began to exchange information between the two sides. They learned that the one who attacked the camp was one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the "Overlord Army" - the "Chaos Wizard". Asuka and the others also learned that Jaden and the others suddenly left because Amon wanted to obtain the power of the "Sealed Exodia" in order to "become king". Manjoume also fought with him because he wanted to attack Jaden and the others. In the end, the two of them perished together and disappeared into the shattered world on the other side.

Of the group that arrived in the elven realm, only five remain. Not only have they failed to rescue their initial target—John Anderson, who disappeared in the elven realm—but they have also continued to suffer losses in this world.

In just one night, the departures of Amon, Manjoume, Fubuki, and Kenzan created a division among the remaining five.

"What are you talking about?!" Jaden clenched his fists, staring incredulously at Jim and O'Brien. "If we do that, won't we lose even the last chance to save the others? Absolutely not! The others might not even be dead yet, I refuse to leave like this!"

“Even if our team has already lost more than half its members? Be rational, Jaden,” O’Brien said. “What we should be doing now is not continuing to risk our lives wandering around this world for some vague possibility, but retreating back to the safe world we have now, returning to the human world.”

—Yes, Jaden and O'Brien represent the current disagreement among the five. Jaden believes that although the others have left the group one after another, there is no evidence that they have died in this world. The fact that no one's death has been witnessed means that they may still be alive somewhere, whether it is Manjoume, Caesar, Edward, or Fubuki and Kenzan who just stayed behind.

The "Overlord Army" is continuously capturing powerful duelists for some purpose. The Chaos Wizard also revealed during the attack on Asuka and her companions that he needed them as research materials. Therefore, Kenzan and Fubuki might not be killed immediately, but rather captured by the Chaos Wizard and imprisoned somewhere. If they can find the Chaos Wizard's base and infiltrate it, just like when they rescued "John," they can bring back their important companions.

However, this plan was far too idealistic. O'Brien rejected the plan without hesitation, stating that the remaining five of them could not withstand the strain of any more battles, and that the "Overlord Army" was too powerful for them to defeat. Leaving the Elf Realm now would at least save their lives.

“I can’t be that kind of ‘rationality’!” When he defeated [the Mad King of the Dark World - Bronn], he made a decision in his heart that he would never lose any more comrades. Yet, he still witnessed Amon and Manjou die together. After returning, he learned about Fubuki and Kenzan’s sacrifice. How could Jaden possibly accept O’Brien’s proposal?
"Even if it's just saving one more person, maybe our efforts are exactly what someone else needs? I absolutely refuse to leave like this!" Judai said solemnly. "I'll do anything, even if it's just saving one person, even if it means doing something unheroic, I will never leave!"

"Calm down, Judai!" Seeing Judai's rather extreme state, Jim, who had just finished feeding the crocodile Karen, quickly intervened to prevent the conflict from escalating. "It is indeed hard to accept that our companions have sacrificed themselves for us and left like this, but at the same time, O'Brien's idea is not wrong. Our next actions cannot be too radical, even for the safety of the rest of us."

“Jim is right, Judai.” Asuka also comforted Judai. “Just as you predicted, my brother and the others may not be in immediate danger, so we must plan carefully. We have experienced the overwhelming numbers of the ‘Overlord Army’ more than once. If we want to rescue the others and evacuate safely, we must find the right opportunity.”

"But—" Looking at the people in front of him, Jaden knew that what they said was quite correct. This was the only way for them, who did not have enough strength to confront the "Overlord Army" head-on. But he just couldn't accept that they had stopped here like this. Jim, Sho, and Asuka, who had just escaped danger, were not in good condition. They needed to rest because they hadn't had enough rest.

He wanted to say something, but in the end he said nothing, only lowered his head and muttered, "I understand." Then he turned around and sat on a rock on the edge of the cliff, gazing at the sea of ​​clouds in the sky.

The sun had not yet risen, but the stars and moon had already disappeared. The flames on the battlefield on the other side of the mountain seemed to be the only light in the world, and the clouds in the sky were tinged red. In Jaden's eyes, there was no reflection of the flames, yet flames flickered.

'strength.'

For what seemed like the umpteenth time, he had thought of this, and Amon's actions had left a deep impression on him: 'If I had enough power, would everything be different? What if I could gain power, and do anything about it? Even if I lost my honor, even if I couldn't find joy in duels, even if I had to abandon heroism?'

'As long as there is power'

Even Judai himself was surprised that when he thought about giving up the heroism he had persisted in and loved for so long, he didn't feel much resistance or reluctance. Instead, he subconsciously weighed the gains and losses, as if he had never cared about heroism in the first place.

He was startled by his own thoughts. (End of Chapter)