Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds: The Path of Evolution

This Joel Seth looks a little different from what Kanpaku had imagined.

He had assumed it would be a serious and ruthless middle-aged man, like those depicted in most gangster movies.

But this Joel is different.

First, she is a young woman.

Secondly, this person seems to be surrounded by an aura of frivolity.

"Mr. Falcon, your duel has shaken me to my core, even from afar! Please come in, please come in!"

Joel was so excited that he couldn't help but sing an aria, and circled halfway around the clerk, making a welcoming gesture with both hands.

Faced with such an exaggerated performance, Guan Bai's eyes twitched.

He felt like he had suddenly gotten stuck; the draft he had prepared was like a printer that had been clogged up.

The product doesn't match the description. All the negotiation lines I prepared don't seem to fit Joel at all!

Following Joel's greeting, Kanpaku entered the base that resembled an agency.

The lighting is neat and bright, with a black glass coffee table and a pair of beautiful cyan sofas in the center.

Hanging on the wall was a poster of Yugi Muto, with the words "The Great Duel King" written below in small print.

Upon entering the office, Allen closed the door behind him, and then, taking advantage of Joel's inattention, he and his gangster friends quickly slipped into the adjacent cubicle.

Now, only Kanpaku and Yoel remain in the main hall.

Guan Bai coughed and said seriously.

"Ms. Joel, what matter did you summon me here to discuss...?"

Before he could finish speaking, a glass of milk was shoved into Guan Bai's hand.

"No, no, no, it's nothing serious, or rather, what I'm about to say isn't that urgent. Let's have something to drink and relax first."

Joel laughed heartily and took a sip of his drink.

Guan Bai was starting to lose his composure.

At least in Kanpaku's past social experience, he had never met a guy as easygoing as this Joel.

He didn't know what to say, so he just followed the man's lead and gently massaged his temples.

After drinking the milk, Joel spread his arms wide in an exaggerated manner.

"Mr. Falcon, I invited you here to ask if you are interested in learning about underground dueling tournaments?"

Kanpaku wanted to say "thank you" but reason stopped him.

He tried his best to sound like he only half understood.

"I've heard a little about it... they say the guys there are all top-notch in the satellite region..."

Joel slapped his thigh excitedly.

"That's right, the underground tournament, officially called the Satellite Zone Over-Limit Standing Duel Tournament! It's the place all duelists in the Satellite Zone aspire to, teeming with strong fighters and offering incredibly generous rewards..."

Joel began to talk at length about the benefits of underground duels.

Girl, has anyone ever told you that you're a real chatterbox?

Guan Bai couldn't help but complain in his heart.

And most duelists probably yearn for a stage where they can roam freely like Jack Atlas, right?

Underground dueling tournaments, which sound like they have no dreams, are just a compromise made by duelists in the satellite district for the sake of making a living!

Besides, with so many experts around, are there any experts like Kro, Jack, or Yusei?

Joel twirled his fingers, recounting the previous competitions, and then went on to talk about this year's underground competition.

"Moreover, it's said that this year's underground competition offers not only a generous cash prize, but also a beautiful, brand-new D-Wheel!"

Series D?

Guan Bai immediately perked up.

He originally intended to use the Gray Serpent Gang as a springboard to make contact with more underground forces and then find a way to obtain the D-Wheel.

Unexpectedly, this underground tournament contains the D-round that Guan Bai wanted!

When Joel saw the change in Guan Bai's eyes, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

"That's right, it's the D-Wheel! The D-Wheel that contains the perpetual motion machine that can enable humanity to soar into the sky and live a wonderful life!"

Kanpaku realized that the real issue was about to be addressed.

He said seriously.

"So, you mean you want me to participate in this competition?"

Joel suddenly leaned closer to Guan Bai and whispered something.

"That's right, just as you thought, I want you—no, I want me to assist you in this underground competition..."

Guan Bai raised an eyebrow, his tone slightly teasing.

"Should I join your Gray Snake Gang? And call you 'Boss' like those two?"

Joel shook his head frantically, waving his hands wildly in the air.

"No, no, no, you've got us mixed up! We're less like a gang and more like a fledgling duelist workshop!"

She took out a map of the Satellite District and pulled it open—it was a map showing the power structure of the Satellite District's underground world.

"You see, we basically don't have any territory of our own! We don't collect protection money either. Most of our operating funds come from the players of Gray Serpent Studio, which are the various small underground tournaments that Allen participates in."

Guan Bai understood what Joel meant.

"So, you want to be my duel proxy?"

"That's right! Not only will you be my agent for duels, but I'd also like to invite you to be a partner in our Grey Serpent Studio! I will handle everything for you, from registration and communicating with tournament organizers to finding sponsors and managing the business."

Joel snapped his fingers.

"And Mr. Falcon, all you have to do is compete on stage, win, and then share in the studio's profits—how about that, pretty good deal, right?"

Guan Bai was deeply moved.

It must be said that this Joel has a knack for speaking. Although his credibility is questionable, he at least hits the nail on the head regarding what Guan Bai wants to know.

As an unregistered resident, Kanpaku has far too many things to deal with.

If there's someone with some influence who's easier to deal with than those gang leaders, why not take advantage of that?

However, such a good thing can't come without any cost.

Guan Bai asked Joel.

"So, you've told me what you can give me, but aren't you going to tell me what you want in return?"

Joel spun around and plopped down on the sofa opposite Kanpaku.

Her voice became much more serious, and her unreliable, frivolous tone became somewhat deep.

"You're right, all I want is a small cut and the status of your exclusive agent."

"Of course, even this small cut will be turned into profit sharing and come back to you~~"

"As for my ultimate goal, it is to become a great duelist agent and to start my own duelist business."

This reason... well, you can only believe half of it.

Although there was the previous conversation between Allen and the others as evidence, you can't judge a book by its cover, so who knows what Joel is really thinking?

However, Kanpaku needs this opportunity now, or rather, he needs this person's help.

Of course, Kanpaku could refuse Yoel and try to find a ticket for the underground duel on his own.

However, that would require him to find new ways to operate in the gray area, which would take longer and might cause him to miss the opportunity to participate in the underground dueling tournament.

Having missed the underground tournament, Kanpaku will need more effort and connections to secure a Series D finish.

The main story of the 5DS is about to begin, and even for his own safety, Kanpaku must get a D-Wheel as soon as possible.

"Then I will believe in your dream, and please support my duel with all your might."

Kanpaku stood up and solemnly extended his right hand to Joel.

Joel excitedly grasped Guan Bai's right hand with both hands, laughing heartily.

"Haha, our cooperation will definitely, absolutely, and positively be a pleasure!"

After confirming the cooperation, Joel turned around and took out two contract sheets from the cabinet.

Guan Bai took one of the sheets and read it carefully. He found that not only was the format standardized, but the terms and conditions were also clearly listed.

Joel explained from the side.

"This is our cooperation agreement. However, there are no law firms in the satellite district, so this kind of thing is generally not much better than a verbal agreement."

You're quite honest...

Guan Bai mentally complained, but still signed his name on the contract.

As Joel watched Guan Bai finish signing, he muttered a complaint under his breath.

"Actually, I don't mind if you use the nickname 'Falcon' in your signature. After all, powerful duelists can all have their own unique titles!"

But you definitely have to use your real name when signing the contract, right...?

Kanpaku couldn't help but want to complain again.

Why does this guy, Joel, seem both professional and amateur?

After signing the contract, Joel looked at Guan Bai and said seriously once again.

"Let's sign a formal contract when we're able to compete in the city center."

Kanpaku glanced at Joel with some surprise and said casually.

"Let's talk about that when we move into the city for the competition."