You Ming once said he really liked Hachitaniu.
He wasn't flattering—he meant it.
Yatagarasu (Lv2)
Attribute: Wind
Type: Demon
ATK/DEF: 200/100
On paper, it's weak and has the usual Soul-Monster drawback—"return to hand at End Phase."
But its effect makes up for it—when it inflicts battle damage, it skips the opponent's next Draw Phase.
When this card hits, the Demon Lord immediately loses his ability to draw.
"You're not allowed to play Yu‑Gi‑Oh!"
You Ming never thought this joking line would be so fitting.
This isn't just a play being interrupted—starting now, the Demon Lord loses his ability to draw cards.
"Kagutsuchi, attack the player directly."
[Demon Lord LP: 5000 → 2200]
"Yatagarasu, attack directly."
[Demon Lord LP: 2200 → 2000]
Peck… peck…
As long as Yatagarasu remains, the Demon Lord stays at zero cards—unable to act, defenseless.
If there's any mercy in all this, it's that the opponent isn't that cruel.
"Kagutsuchi, direct attack."
…
[Demon Lord LP: 2000 → 0]
No chip damage—just a final straight hit. You Ming feels he's being merciful.
[Congratulations, host defeated opponents "Demon Lord & Dark Invader". You gained 350 points.]
"Finally… it's done."
He's tired—this was a long, drawn-out duel, and it gets boring once the other side can't react.
Still, phantom flames flicker around the Demon Lord's armor, like a pyroblast. Even after the duel ends, Kagutsuchi's flames linger, dancing.
Eventually…
Crack.
A crack widens across his chest. Black smoke wells up, and his shattered armor coalesces into a card.
You Ming picks it up and sees the artwork: a tortured demon's face—proud, cold, pained.
Spell Card: "Corruption."
"I thought it'd be 'Demon Lord the Fallen,' but it's just a Spell card."
"Seems like they stripped his essence from him."
That's to say…
You Ming stuffs the card and the defeated Demon Lord's deck into his pocket and looks ahead.
With his armor gone, the Demon Lord's hair and flesh return to normal.
He slowly lifts his head—and You Ming recognizes him.
"Dai Grepher the Warrior."
A Normal Monster Card—an oldie.
Fun fact: You Ming has a few cards tied to him in real life, like "Brawler's Insight."
---
"…Where… am I?"
The warrior mumbles. Though dazed, he seems aware.
"Who… are you?"
Before any answers arrive, pain and exhaustion crash into him. He collapses again— fast asleep, snoring lightly. He's hurt but breathing steady.
**"So… should I say congratulations?"
Looking at the sleeping warrior, You Ming turns to Noah.
"He… he seems like a great warrior who never fully fell."
But he hesitates—great or not, there might be more to uncover.
"You're right. I'll manage it."
Noah closes his eyes, staring at Grepher's resting form.
"Their plan, their objective—and how they…"
Thump.
Noah suddenly slumps.
"Noah?"
He hasn't passed out but feels exhausted. You Ming helps him up; he grips the tablecloth to steady himself.
"I'm okay—just tired."
In the dim room, his pale face shows real fatigue.
"After all, Dark Games take a toll on me too."
You Ming nods silently.
Noah hesitates to speak, then sighs:
"If you don't mind, please don't tell anyone about this. I always want to appear flawless."
"Of course. A leader shouldn't show weakness."
Noah smiles quietly.
He switches on the desk lamp—green, like his Duel Disk's light.
With a deep breath, his color returns. He walks to the window, overlooking New Domino City.
Now the city is far from calm: factories ablaze, blackened harbor waters.
This futuristic-yet-antique city has become a chaotic battlefield.
Demon Dragons, Lesser Demons, Evil Knight Dragons roam the streets.
You Ming even sees a few named monsters wandering around.
"I'm sorry."
Noah's voice draws him out of his thoughts.
"I wanted to show you my proud city—but look at this."
"Do you… need help?"
You Ming asks.
Under the green glow, shadows coalesce, making Noah seem unreal.
Yet Noah's next words are firm:
"No—that's our problem."
Boom.
A steel-motor golem rises from the burning factory. Black‑water gunships surge from the port. Artillery booms and ghosts howl. The city fights back.
Ring ring.
The phone rings. Noah doesn't pick up—he presses speaker instead.
A synthesized voice in the speaker says:
"Noah."
Mechanized... unfamiliar.
But Noah smiles:
"Yes? Reporting in?"
Then heavy words follow:
"Something's wrong, Noah."
"Hmm?"
"The frontline base has fallen."
"What?!"
"O'Brien sent a report… the entire frontline collapsed. Defense-line breached. Then…"
The voice falters. You Ming senses the seriousness.
He gently prompts:
"And?"
"Grandpa Kaiba stayed behind to cover retreat—status unknown."
Silence fills the office—You Ming hears only labored air.
After a long pause:
"Summon delegates: I'm holding a war council in half an hour… no, one hour."
Under the green lamp, his eyes shine.
"You Ming—you're a Duelist too: you should attend."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because you're a Duelist."
You Ming stares at Noah, bewildered.
PS: Access advance chapters at
https://www.patreon.com/c/NanamiTL