Is this the world of card dealers? Yada thieves!

"Tuo!"

"Wash your socks!"

"boom!"

The Double-Barreled Pistol Dragon was instantly destroyed under the attack from both sides. With the shockwave from the explosion of the Double-Barreled Pistol Dragon, Honda and the others stared blankly at the three monsters that landed in front of them. They were clearly the Harpy Sisters!

"What... what is this?" Mai looked at the Harpy Sisters card she had placed on the Duel Disk in a daze, completely unable to understand what was going on.

Malik, on the other hand, had a knowing look on his face after his experiment with the peacock dance and verified his conjecture.

“It’s been strange since the beginning. Although it’s not as clear as when I was holding the Millennium Scepter, I could at least always sense Lishid’s condition, even though we were worlds apart.” Malik stood up, his face serious. “But since the unexpected situation just happened, I’ve gradually stopped being able to sense Lishid!”

When he spoke, Malik's expression was quite serious and earnest, as if he had returned to his three-year-old self before he was corrected, making people wonder if he would pull out a great treasure, [Lava Demon], and bestow it upon his opponent at any moment.

If he weren't wearing a t-shirt covered in bizarre anime character images.

"Although it might be a bit inappropriate to interrupt you when you're speaking so seriously, I think you should wear a cape or something, otherwise it'll feel really jarring for us listeners," Honda offered a sharp critique.

“That’s not the point.” Malik waved his hand, though he was exhausted but could still walk with difficulty. “We can’t stay here. Anyway, the rescuers aren’t coming. We have to figure it out ourselves.”

As he spoke, Malik glanced at the unconscious man in black lying on the ground, and somewhat awkwardly followed Hayato's example to take down his Duel Disk, also taking the opportunity to steal the opponent's deck.

"What do you mean the rescue can't come, Malik? What are you talking about?" Honda, seeing that Malik had also learned to take advantage of others, didn't bother to complain. He was now quite concerned about what Malik had just said. "What do you mean by relying on ourselves?"

Malik fastened the dueling ring to his wrist and answered Honda with a cold smile:

"Why can Duel Monsters materialize directly on the field without even needing a virtual projection system?"

"Why can't I sense Lishid anymore?"

Why are so many people in this venue completely drained of their energy and spirit, and even falling into a coma?

There's only one answer.

Malik pointed his finger at Hayato and Rein Wilson, who were still dueling in the center of the Seahorse Dome: "As a duelist who once fell deeply into darkness, my intuition tells me that something dangerous is constantly absorbing the fighting spirit and life force of everyone here, turning this place into another world where spirits exist!"

——————Detective Malik——————

On the dueling field, Hayato and Rein were quite engrossed in their duel, but when such a significant change occurred inside the Kaiba Dome, the two, while not ending their duel, temporarily ceased their exchange.

"W-What's going on!?"

The cheers from the surrounding audience gradually faded and even fell into an eerie silence, which made Ryan Wilson turn his gaze to the audience. He noticed that the once enthusiastic audience was now collapsing in large numbers in their seats like harvested leeks.

Beneath his feet, the magnificent Golden Palace of Rapids Mountain still shone brightly, but now it shone with an eerie light.

Hayato frowned as he looked around. When Daitokuji told him about the magic circle underground, he mentioned that although the circle was only the size of a dueling arena, its range would inevitably expand after activation. However, Hayato hadn't expected it to affect everyone inside the Kaiba Dome.

With the activation of the barrier, Hayato finally realized what kind of use that thing was meant to have.

"Ah, Ani Gei!"

As expected, [Disruptive Yellow], always eager to get his attention, popped out again from Hayato's shoulder, mimicking an anime girl by clutching her other arm with her hand. "Ugh, I feel so awful! I feel like I'm going to die any second now~"

While reciting her lines in a tone that showed no sign of weakness, [Disruption·Yellow] nuzzled against Hayato's cheek: "Ah~ni~giee--!!"

"Curibo kick!"

Just before [Disruption Yellow] was about to brush against Hayato's face, [Rainbow Kuriboh] decisively struck—or rather, kicked?—kicking [Disruption Yellow] off Hayato's shoulder, then took over the spot where [Disruption Yellow] had just been, looking all cool.

"Oh, Nore! You colorful bastard!"

Listening to the two clowns' playful banter, Hayato sighed helplessly: "How could you possibly get into trouble? If anything should be in trouble, it should be me."

"Although this feels similar to the Three Phantom Demons, it clearly feels like their power has been reversed. Instead of absorbing the power of card monsters and feeding it back to humans, it has become absorbing the power of humans and feeding it back to the card spirits of Duel Monsters. Also, it doesn't seem to have the same suction power as when the Three Phantom Demons are all gathered together; it's probably only at the level of one entity."

"Was it Bakura who caused this with the [Divine Flame Emperor - Uria]? Perhaps the people of Doma were also involved."

With a furrowed brow, Hayato looked at the bewildered Renn opposite him: "Ren Wilson, although our duel is not over yet, you should be able to tell that the duel can no longer continue."

"Huh? Hmm." Ryan Wilson turned his head and responded absentmindedly. The changes inside the Seahorse Dome were no small matter. Although they hadn't affected the dueling arena yet, the best option now seemed to be to end the duel as soon as possible.

Moreover, although Raine had no evidence, his intuition told him that the current anomaly was very likely related to his brother, Chigurhfrid, and might even be connected to him.

Rein glanced at the Field Spell Card area on his Duel Disk. The anomaly began after that sudden power outage, which happened exactly the instant he activated the card "Golden Palace of Rapids," which his brother had given him. To say that all of this was just a simple accident would be too much of a coincidence.

With that thought in mind, Renn reached for the Duel Disk, intending to retrieve the already activated [Golden Palace of Rapids].

But just as Renn placed his finger on the Field Spell area of ​​the Duel Disk, the card slot that had been retracted wouldn't open no matter what he did. It even released an electric current that shocked Renn, who was trying to force the mechanism open. In pain, Renn withdrew his finger and looked at his Duel Disk in surprise: "W-What's going on?!"

Why can't I open my Duel Disk?

"Could it be that my brother tampered with my Duel Disk too?!"

Hayato wasn't too disappointed when Rein's attempt to "pull the screw" failed. It would be strange if Kigu Lloyd, who had allied with Doma and the Rabbit-Eared Great Evil God, could have his scheme foiled simply by removing the card.

Even if the duel is interrupted, the opponent might activate a hidden program in the card and come up with some new tricks.

"So, it seems the duel will continue after all." Hayato stood still and raised his Duel Disk. "I don't know if I should be glad about it, but the fact that most things can be solved by playing cards in this world really saves a lot of trouble."

"If pulling the screws doesn't work, then I'll just have to beat you."

"I'm sorry!" Renn wasn't quite sure what was going on, but judging from the strange occurrences on his duel disk, it was definitely related to his brother.

Looking at his deck with considerable distress, Renn took a deep breath to calm himself and raised his Duel Disk: "Although it seems I've been dragged into something dangerous, when it comes to Duel Monsters, I won't give up!"

As he spoke, Renn saw several people in the audience behind Hayato being led to the front row by a white-haired Egyptian man wearing anime-style anime-themed clothing. The Egyptian man even shouted towards the dueling arena, "Brother-in-law, let me use the Millennium Scepter first!"

"I've already said it's nothing to be done yet, so don't call me brother-in-law! Who is your brother-in-law?!"

Hayato casually remarked and tossed the Millennium Scepter, which he had been carrying on his waist, toward Malik. Fortunately, Honda was agile enough to catch the scepter even while carrying Kyoko on his back.

Looking at the Millennium Scepter handed over by Honda, Malik took a deep breath, smiled and picked up the golden scepter, feeling the weakness and powerlessness in his body being swept away.

Although he no longer possesses the title of "God," Malik, the former leader of the Gluthus, a top eight contestant in Duel City, and a master of facial expressions, has been resurrected after reclaiming the Millennium Scepter!

Meanwhile, Ryan Wilson looked at Hayato, who had reverted to being the "Duel King" after the illusion was no longer maintained by the Millennium Scepter: "Mr. Kobayashi Hayato!?!"

Chapter 456 Shooting, already a fraction of a thousand.

[Hayato: 2000LP]

[Raine: 1LP]

"It's...it's Hayato-san!?"

Hayato's previous ability to manipulate minds using the Millennium Scepter prevented others from associating him with "Kobayashi Hayato," thus achieving a different kind of "disguise." However, after throwing the Millennium Scepter to Malik, Ryan Wilson was finally able to connect Hayato with "Kobayashi Hayato."

'Why is my opponent Hayato-san?! Why didn't I notice before?!'

Looking at the bewildered Ryan Wilson, Hayato knew that the guy was definitely thinking about something else that had nothing to do with the duel.

Under normal circumstances, Hayato might have enjoyed watching Rein Wilson's ever-changing expressions as his emotions shifted, but the situation was urgent. Although Hayato wouldn't kill Astra, he wanted to end the duel as quickly as possible.

Although, in reality, Hayato's current duel with Ryan Wilson to stop Bakura and the others' plans seems to violate the agreement the two made in the Dark Games, it is well known that Kaiba orchestrated the KC Cup's event arrangements, and Hayato was "used" by Kaiba.

Just as there's nothing wrong with a repairman carrying a hammer and a wrench, there's nothing wrong with Hayato giving his all as a duelist, it just so happens that his opponent is Ryan Wilson.

After obtaining the Millennium Scepter, Malik was as excited as if he had eaten cheap candy and then brandy. He led Honda and the others to some unknown place, while Hayato felt that he needed to move even faster.

“Rain Wilson, bring it on! Let me see the Federation—I mean, let me see your strength as a duelist.” Since it was still Rain Wilson’s turn, Hayato felt a little embarrassed to end his turn without even having a battle phase. “No matter who the opponent is, you have to fight with all your might. That’s one of the essential qualities of a duelist.”

"Come on, Ryan Wilson!"

Hayato had already said all that, and although Rein didn't think he could defeat Hayato, the Duel King, so easily, he was somewhat encouraged.

At this moment, Ryan Wilson's base score is only 1 point, but Hayato only has one face-down card on the field.

Rein has a "Living Water" card in his hand, which can be used to revive the "Iron Knight" sleeping in Rein's graveyard. Then, "Golden Palace of Rapids" also has the effect of Special Summoning a monster from the Deck to the field in Attack Position once per turn. In this way, he can assemble a combination of monsters with an ATK of 2000 or more on the field.

If the attack succeeds, victory will be assured. It seems the glorious feat of defeating the Duel King is within reach?

A surge of excitement coursed through Renn's heart. Despite being quite wary of what card Hayato had in the backcourt, he couldn't help but imagine the scene of his victory.

"I activate the effect of my Field Spell Card, 'Golden Palace of Rapids.'" After retrieving a card from his Deck, Renn Wilson summoned it to the field. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a random monster of 4 stars or lower from my Deck to my field in Attack Position."

"Come forth, my monster!"

The effect of Special Summoning monsters with 【Golden Palace of Rapids】 is random, meaning that what monster appears is entirely up to luck. If you're lucky, you might summon a monster with high attack power or a powerful effect, which is great. But if you're unlucky and summon a low-attack monster like 【Disruptor Yellow】, that's terrible.

However, Ryan Wilson was clearly lucky, as the monster that appeared on his field was Little Red Riding Hood with an attack power of 800.

A cute little girl wearing a hat made of red cloth skipped and hopped onto the field in Rennes, looking relaxed and cheerful. She would occasionally look around, and when she looked at the magnificent Golden Palace of Rapids Mountain, there was no greed in her eyes like that of an adult seeing gold, only innocent curiosity.

Little Red Riding Hood】【3 stars/location

[Angel Race/Effect]

[800/1200]

While it has significantly less ATK than [Iron Knight]'s 1700, it possesses the effect of Special Summoning a 4-star or lower Warrior-Type monster from the Deck when destroyed by battle. Of course, with only 1 LP left, if [Little Red Riding Hood] is destroyed by battle, he'll lose instantly, rendering any potential effect useless.

In reality, Ryan Wilson had no intention of holding out until the next round. Both players' base points were already dwindling, and a single battle phase would suffice to determine a winner.

"I use my last card, the Spell Card 'Live Water,' to Special Summon 'Iron Knight' from my Graveyard in Attack Position, and then enter the Battle Phase!"

Ryan Wilson was completely absorbed in the duel. At this moment, he had put everything else out of his mind. All he could think about was "winning the duel," and all he could see was Hayato standing opposite him.

Even Graves, the strange bird abandoned by Ryan Wilson in the graveyard, sensed his astonishing fighting spirit.

"Such a strong desire to win. Has he transferred all his inner unease and concerns about other things into the duel? It's certainly a good way to win." The illusory spirit murmured in a voice even its master couldn't hear, its gaze flicking towards Hayato's direction.

"But ultimately, the best you can do with fighting spirit is to unleash your full potential. When the difference in strength becomes too great..."

Ryan Wilson waved his hand forward: "First, I'll use [Little Red Riding Hood] to launch a direct attack, Mushroom Mushroom Bump!"

As the protagonist of the famous fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood", Little Red Riding Hood may have weak attack power, but she has a powerful force, which is the so-called protagonist aura.

Upon receiving the attack order from Raine, Little Red Riding Hood hurriedly took action, but she had only taken one step when she unleashed her legendary skill, "flat fall," and fell to the ground, her basket full of mushrooms she had picked from the forest flying out of her hand.

The basket spun in mid-air, and all the colorful mushrooms "coincidentally" flew towards Hayato's location. Judging from the quality of the mushrooms, even just one of them could make the whole village collapse.

Hayato raised an eyebrow, completely surprised that Little Red Riding Hood's attack method was the legendary mushroom stew. He had initially thought it would be little fists pounding his chest.

Although the colorful mushrooms were quite a shock to his mind, Hayato could barely manage.

[Hayato: 2000→1200LP]

The mushroom rain passed through Hayato, taking away 800 of his life points. Seeing this, Rein said excitedly, "Niiiice! The last 1200 life points! [Iron Knight], let's press our advantage and launch a final direct attack!"

Beside Little Red Riding Hood, who had just sat up from the ground and was looking at her basket that had fallen to the ground with teary eyes, Iron Knight, who was also a protagonist of a fairy tale, spurred his warhorse into a charge.

However, to Rein's surprise, Hayato's backcourt card, which hadn't made a sound when Little Red Riding Hood attacked, opened the moment Iron Knight declared his attack.

"Don't think you can take me down with an attack of this level, Rein Wilson," Hayato laughed smugly, flipping the card in his back row over. "I'm going to use the invincible [Absorption Shield] to turn your [Iron Knight]'s attack into fuel for my Life Points!"