From Youming's point of view, the seating arrangement at the round table was surprisingly interesting.
First up was Machina Sergeant Ōta Sōichirō, sitting alongside Nightmare Penguin, Deep Sea Warrior, the Judge, and Cyborg Sphinx. The Nine-Tailed Fox and Red Ogre were seated near each other, while the small, frail demon had a loyal guard standing behind. Additionally, there were a zombie, a skeleton, a Taoist priest, and a ninja.
At first glance, the seating seemed chaotic—but look closely, and you could see distinct factions forming. The non-human beings—monsters, demons, zombies—clearly grouped themselves together. As for the humans… or rather, the ones Youming recognized as "humans," they weren't fully united either. The well-known Big Five formed one bloc, while Keith and the wild—but nameless—fisherman sat a bit apart, indicating independence. And in the end… there was Seto Kaiba.
"You can sit anywhere you prefer," Kaiba had said, yet Youming realized that he had carefully positioned himself right between factions. That was Kaiba's version of "sit anywhere," huh? Rolling his eyes, Youming mimicked the move and found himself a relatively neutral spot.
Right then, Kaiba lifted his Duel Disk and activated a device that rose from the center of the table. A hum filled the air—and a projection appeared: a green map unfamiliar to Youming, with "New Domino City" clearly marked.
"I assume everyone is aware: the frontline defenses have been broken, and our city came under simultaneous attack," Kaiba began. "Many of you have had encounters with the invaders."
Although "New Domino City" isn't a full reconstruction yet, Kaiba said, it still faces serious issues. He then invited open discussion.
As Youming snapped back to the moment, he felt fully integrated into this circle—no introduction round, no pointless small talk. Useful, if abrupt.
"Youming, what are your thoughts?" Kaiba asked, his voice calm as ever. Youming turned to look—Kaiba's countenance seemed formulaically gentle. But around him, various glances—human and monstrous—bore into him with inquisitive scrutiny.
"I'm new," Youming protested. "I don't know much about this city or its situation." Hell, he hadn't even had time to explore New Domino City properly.
"But if I have to say something…" He paused, "I'd focus on timing." He cleared his throat. "You got that phone call right when the demons broke through. Then the attacks began." He met Kaiba's gaze. "That seems like more than coincidence."
A note of echoing shock came from deep in the room—Ōta Sōichirō. Kaiba nodded gravely: "Yes, but we've contained them." A heavy atmosphere fell.
Youming continued. "If invaders seemingly knew your exact location and planned accordingly, before defenses collapsed—it's too precise. Someone had inside knowledge." He could see the shift in faces: human, creature, demon, zombie—all glancing at each other.
"Damn it. Who betrayed us?" one growled.
"Was it you eastern-landers?"
"Or you disgusting guy?"
"Weren't you necromancers originally defectors from the Undead King?"
The suspense thickened. Then Kaiba spoke up: "Cut it out. This arguing accomplishes nothing."
"But Kaiba-sama," the penguin—Ōtaki Shūzō—exclaimed with urgency, "if there's a spy, our plans are compromised!" Sweat beaded on his brow.
Kaiba said calmly, "No need to panic. Catching a traitor is simple. First, let's discuss something else." He tapped his Duel Disk. The map shifted—now showing deep-black tendrils spreading from the breached frontline toward the city.
"So the Undead King's army isn't just probing—they're preparing a full assault," Kaiba explained.
"So the attacks earlier were just distractions," Youming realized, "and now the real force arrives in two hours."
"Right," Kaiba confirmed. "Their main army will be here in two hours."
Youming frowned. "So much effort… the Undead King is taking you very seriously."
Kaiba nodded ruefully. "He's using the Red-Eyes. Ten years ago, with the Red-Eyes, he took over the Underworld. He knows the power another Red-Eyes brings."
He paused and smiled. "I bet you've wondered—how are we holding our own against all these monsters?"
"By dueling?" Youming answered quickly.
Kaiba's face stiffened. "That… is part of it."
He sighed. Then said slowly, "I also possess another Red-Eyes." The room fell silent.
PS: Access advance chapters at
https://www.patreon.com/c/NanamiTL