Though the day started in confusion, a battle was fought.
Soon, the world's state became known, and in order to save it—to bring peace back—You Ming joined the local resistance, intent on defeating the Demon Lord.
So far, everything felt familiar, like a classic game storyline. Nothing seemed off. But… where is the catch?
Thud... thud... thud...
The heavy, ominous footsteps echoed—and You Ming's inner voice protested, "I didn't hit fast-forward, did I?"
Through the dust stepped a figure taller than two meters, flesh and dark-golden armor fused into one. This was no human.
"Demon…" You Ming muttered, recognizing the design. It was a card: "Darkness Invader."
But the invader paid no attention to him.
"Kaiba Naya," the demon intoned, its crimson eyes fixed on the boy. "Your days of hiding and blocking the Netherworld's path are over."
It extended a grotesque hand, iris burning red.
"Hand over the Crimson Eye."
Naya rose from his seat calmly:
"If you want it, come get it yourself."
Hands casually folded behind his back, the boy showed no sign of yielding.
"You should know how things work in this world."
"Hmph—I knew you'd say that."
You Ming felt like face-palming. Why did this look like a boss showdown?
He reached for his cardboard deck with a sigh—but before he could touch it, the demon's hand glowed with scorching intensity.
"It's time to end this game."
You Ming started instinctively: "Hey—where are the cards?" But before the thought finished, a wall of energy bloomed in front of him.
Boom!
"Sacred Sphere – Mirror Shield."
Naya calmly laid down a card, thwarting the demon's attack.
"Playing cheap tricks like that in front of me? You're overconfident."
The invader merely sneered:
"You are dangerous," he admitted, but then said:
"But you won't move now, will you?"
Naya's eyes narrowed. The demon snarled back:
"Attack—take out Kaiba Naya!"
The barrier's surface rippled. A rift opened and another dark figure burst through.
"Roar!"
"No—"
Before You Ming could react again, that newcomer leapt forward with a savage roar, swinging a massive sword in his direction.
It wasn't aimed at Naya… it was aimed at him.
"Whoa!"
He threw himself forward, blocking the blade with his shoulder. The blade stopped—surprisingly, it didn't apply much force.
That gave him a window!
"Get out of here!" he gritted through clenched teeth, shoving the attacker away and sending him crashing beyond the shield.
Boom.
The dark warrior collapsed into the ruins.
Wiping sweat, You Ming exhaled:
"Geez, no need to swing that hard. I thought I was done for."
But something felt off. Naya and the invader both stared at him… stunned.
"Thanks," Naya finally said.
You Ming held his tongue. Could it be the attack was meant for him?
Before he could think more, the barriers flickered.
The invader glared:
"Damnit, what are you doing?"
Rumble.
The warrior's battered form crawled from the rubble—his six-winged armor cracked, struggling to breathe.
"…Dark Overlord?"
From somewhere deep in his memories, the name came to You Ming mind.
Naya murmured in awe:
"He's really strong…"
Even the invader looked off-kilter. His inhuman gaze clouded.
"But you didn't attack Naya."
"I did! You've seen what Naya is capable of—I sensed danger from him!"
"No—I didn't attack him."
"Nonsense! My instincts don't lie!"
You Ming watched this bizarre argument unfold, incredulous.
They'd started fighting about whether Naya was their target!
He glanced at the boy:
"Do they always argue like this?"
Naya blinked, distracted, then cleared his throat:
"Just… normal disagreements."
You Ming thought it'd turned into a farce, but the invader snapped:
"Enough!"
He seemed fed up with Dark Overlord's ramblings.
"I underestimated you, Kaiba Naya."
"And I told you so—he is Kaiba Naya."
The Overlord shut his eyes. The invader inhaled and tensed up.
"You recruited a real power so quickly."
He turned to You Ming with a dangerous glare that raised goosebumps.
"Someone like you… why ally with these charlatans?"
He continued in a whisper:
"With your strength, you deserve better. Join us. We'll remake this world into one where power decides everything—no shadows, no being forgotten. In our Underworld Army, you could reach true heights."
Strange words slithered into You Ming's head—a whisper reaching his mind. But then:
["Mental Influence Detected. System interdicted the effect."]
You Ming shook his head, then pointed at the Overlord:
"If I join you… will I end up like that?" he asked.
He watched the Overlord's gaze.