Yugioh [841-843] (Patreon)

Chapter 841: The King's Domain

The holidays passed quickly, and Duel Academy once again welcomed a new academic year.

But this time, the start of the new school year at Duel Academy brought more than just adorable freshmen.

The sky was a pure blue, as if washed clean, with sunlight streaming through to cast mottled shadows, bathing the world in a warm, gentle golden glow. The sparkling sea looked like it was studded with countless tiny sapphires, swaying gently under the breeze.

A white passenger ship sailed slowly across this magnificent scene where sea and sky met, cutting through the waves toward Duel Academy.

"October 11th."

A red-haired man with glasses stood at the bow, speaking to the recorder in his hand as if talking to himself.

"The voyage to Duel Academy finally seems to be coming to an end.

KaibaCorp specially prepared a luxurious ship for us this time, and I heard it cost a fair bit, even though there are only five passengers on board."

The red-haired man—Adrian Gecko, young master of the world-renowned Gecko Conglomerate—looked around, pushing his glasses up his nose.

Adrian Gecko appeared to be a refined and scholarly man, and the glasses on his nose contributed much to this image. But anyone who's seen GX's story would know that his appearance is intentionally misleading to some extent.

Anyone who mistook him for a weak, pampered young master would definitely regret it. Beneath this civilized exterior lay a body forged through countless trials—he had the physique of a mercenary, with not just great strength, but also top-level combat skills. He was confident he wouldn't lose to anyone in a fight.

"I already know about all the passengers. The first, naturally, is myself, Adrian Gecko.

The second is Jim Crocodile Cook."

As he spoke, he looked toward the pool area nearby.

A man in a broad hat, dressed like a cowboy, was comfortably lying under the sun. But on closer look, you'd notice his head was not resting on a pillow, but on a fearsome-looking green crocodile.

"Jim is the easiest member to spot. That deck is his favorite place. He's always there."

As Adrian spoke, Jim yawned lazily under the sun. The crocodile under his head seemed to roll its eyes upward.

"The third and fourth are Professor Viper and Axel Brodie," Adrian continued, glancing back. "But those two rarely leave their rooms."

…

The mercenary Axel Brodie was in his room at that moment, expertly drawing a gun-shaped object from his waist. But as he unfolded it on his arm, it revealed itself to be a duel disk.

He was a mercenary, and this was a custom duel disk. It could be used as a gun when needed, and transformed into a duel disk during duels.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Who is it?"

Axel got up and opened the door.

Professor Viper's tall, muscular frame appeared in the doorway. He looked down at Axel and said calmly, "Besides me, who else would come looking for you?"

Axel handed a file from the table to Viper.

"This person has been asking about me," Axel Brodie said.

The professor took it, glanced at the file, and frowned.

"Adrian Gecko. From that Gecko conglomerate, huh."

Viper put down the file, giving a soft snort.

"I see. Looks like he's here with some purpose—might turn out to be troublesome. Well, never mind him for now. He can't trouble us yet."

Axel nodded. "Yes, Professor."

"Don't forget your mission," Professor Viper said sternly. "I sent others to infiltrate Duel Academy before, but it didn't go well."

Axel's expression was serious. "Because it's the King's Domain, right?"

"That's right."

Professor Viper clasped his hands behind his back and nodded.

"Rumor has it that this generation's King is cunning and suspicious by nature. Just acting on his territory is already a big risk."

Axel opened his mouth, but hesitated and said nothing.

"What is it?" Professor Viper asked. "If you have something to say, just say it."

Axel thought for a moment and said, "Why does it have to be at Duel Academy?

I mean, if acting here is so risky…"

"It's necessary."

Professor Viper interrupted before he could finish.

"I'm your commander. Just follow orders. All you need to know is that our mission must be carried out at Duel Academy, understand?"

Axel bowed his head. "Yes, sir."

"Good." Professor Viper turned, "I hear you're the best. I hope you're at least better than the last guy I hired. Don't let me down."

Axel: "I won't, sir."

…

On the deck, Adrian paused, then continued recording.

"As for the fifth passenger, they're still a ghost.

This person is on the manifest, but hasn't shown up so far. I'm starting to suspect he's not actually on the ship."

"But it doesn't matter."

Adrian smiled lightly at this point.

"When we arrive at Duel Academy, he'll show up no matter what. By then, the truth will come out."

"More worrying than this, though, is something else on this trip…"

Adrian put down the recorder, his smile fading as he looked gravely toward Duel Academy.

From here, the outline of Duel Academy Island was just beginning to appear on the endless sea. But even in this perfect weather, the island looked hazy, as if shrouded in an invisible mist.

It felt as if some kind of barrier—an ominous one—covered the island, warning anyone who approached with bad intentions.

"The King's Domain," Adrian murmured. "In the underworld, they say the King is cunning and ruthless.

Only the King's Domain is truly off-limits. Set foot on the island with any ulterior motives, and you'll be noticed immediately. The end result is either expulsion, or being trapped forever in a nightmare abyss.

Legend has it that even the brightest Light organization—whose faith is in the Cosmic Light—had their light extinguished forever on this island, with countless followers falling into darkness forever…"

He paused, then suddenly laughed, picking up the recorder again.

"Well, legends are always a bit exaggerated."

"I'm curious to see if the King's Domain is really as forbidden as they say."

Chapter 842: Let's Talk About Life

Duel Academy, Yellow Dorm Rooftop.

"Sigh~"

The translucent Jinzo floated above the roof, looking down over the Academy from the edge. Watching the energetic students bustling below, he couldn't help but sigh wistfully.

It's been so long since I've had a chance to appear…

Back when I first showed up, I had some boss vibes—mysterious rituals, sacrificed students, Jinzo in the night like the Grim Reaper…

When did I start becoming a background character?

"You're just too weak."

A cold voice sounded from behind, as if from the depths of darkness.

"It's because you're so weak that you're useless."

Jinzo turned irritably, glancing at the equally boss-like ancient evil god, Shadow Monarch Caius. His translucent form was indistinct, a sinister silhouette that would scare anyone senseless if they met him on a dark night.

Yeah, he looked powerful, but he'd been benched for ages too.

"As if you're any better," Jinzo sneered. "Haven't you been out of action for ages?"

"I'm different from you. I'm too strong. Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? You, on the other hand, are cannon fodder even if you do get deployed."

Jinzo, angry: "Who are you calling cannon fodder?"

Caius: "I'm calling you cannon fodder."

But then he realized he'd fallen into the trap, became furious, and lunged to fight.

Kira sat cross-legged on the rooftop, working on his deck, ignoring the commotion behind him. Maid Alice quietly sat beside him, occasionally handing him cookies and tea.

"Master finally decided to come out at night. I was getting so bored,"

Vampire Fraulein said, sitting elegantly under her parasol.

"I don't dare come out during the day."

She hated the sun.

"By the way, when can we vampires get some action?" Vampire Fraulein leaned in and whispered. "I'm really strong too, you know. If you don't believe me, you can try me anytime."

"I know," Kira smiled. "We'll see when the time is right. When destiny calls, your time will come."

Alice quietly poured more tea for Kira, setting it beside him like a tireless tea-serving machine.

"By the way, Miss Doll's behavior during her sentence has been pretty good, right?"

Vampire Fraulein smiled at Alice.

"If you keep it up, maybe you can go back soon?"

Alice shook her head frantically.

"N-no, I can't yet," she stammered. "I still need to… banish darkness! Yes, there's a big chunk of darkness in my heart—I need to stay with Master to get rid of it!"

Besides, she'd realized she had more of a future following Master.

Trying to plunge duelists into despair on her own was slow and risky—if she met anyone strong, she might lose and end up as their toy…

But it was different with her current master.

Almost every day, she saw duelists being driven into despair, including pros and legends. The duels were delightful to watch, and seeing it every day had cleared away almost all her old gloom.

Alice loved it here. Now, if anyone tried to send her back to the display case as a doll, she'd kick and scream and refuse to go back.

The Eye, nearby, eyed Kira sidelong. "You really are a sinful man, making so many cute spirits obsessed with you…"

"Really? I hadn't noticed."

Kira didn't look up, sipping his tea. As soon as he put down his cup, Alice took it and poured another.

"By the way, you're already this strong," Eye blinked curiously, "so why do you keep seeking new cards?"

At this, Kira finally looked up, speaking sincerely.

"There's a saying—learning is endless, and so is the way of cards. How can you not know that, as a spirit?"

Eye showed a blank look.

"Huh? Really?"

"Dueling is about constant progress and evolution," Kira explained. "Maybe I have no rivals now, but what about ten or twenty years from now?

There will always be new cards, new spirits, stronger systems, and invincible combos. Even summoning methods will evolve.

If I don't prepare, I'll fall behind when the new era comes, won't I?"

"Is that so?"

"Of course," Kira said seriously. "Besides, what if I meet a duelist from the future?

If a future duelist shows up with a deck and strategies far beyond today's, what will I do?"

Eye held back for a while, then couldn't help saying, "Aren't you a bit paranoid?"

Kira shook his head.

"Anything is possible, especially in this world full of the extraordinary."

Besides, there really were time travelers and duelists from distant, destroyed futures in the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! It wouldn't be surprising to meet them at any time.

"You think I seem strong now, but that's just because you haven't seen the ocean's vastness and are content with a trickle before your eyes."

Kira lowered his head, continuing to build his deck as he went on.

"If you'd seen true power, you'd know that what I have now—what others think is invincible—is just a caveman waving a grass fork."

"Is… is that so…"

Eye pondered for a few seconds.

Then suddenly realized something.

"Wait! Did you just say I lack experience?"

Kira ignored him.

Vampire Fraulein's eyes curved into crescents as she leaned almost against Kira's face.

"Master, do you know? Your drive is really attractive."

"Thanks," Kira smiled. "Just don't be attracted into biting me."

Vampire Fraulein giggled.

"How could I?"

She flashed her little vampire fangs, then glanced playfully at the nearby Silent Magician, who looked unfriendly.

"If I ever had such thoughts, Sister Silence would skin me alive."

"Hey, don't make it sound so scary. Silence is actually really gentle."

Kira put away his deck and, when standing, patted Silence's head.

"Right?"

A fleeting blush flashed across Silence's icy face. She quickly dodged his hand and straightened her hair, signaling not to mess up her style.

"Alright, sorry, I won't do it again."

Kira laughed, put his deck in the case, and stood up.

"Alright, looks like the new out-of-town friends have arrived. One of them seems very interested in our island's facilities—he's almost at our alchemy lab."

As he spoke, he used his duel disk to project a surveillance image.

In the dark forest, a figure crept through the shadows—it was Adrian Gecko, the young master who'd just arrived on the island.

"Bold human," Vampire Fraulein narrowed her eyes. "Here with a purpose, are we?"

"Master, should I…"

She didn't finish, but flashed her fangs and made a throat-slitting gesture with her pale hand.

"Haha, no need. This is a school—no need for bloodshed. Besides…"

Kira smiled at the image of Adrian.

"This young master might still be of use. I'll go talk to him myself."

Chapter 843: Adrian's Darkness

No one knew that in the pitch-black night, just outside Duel Academy Island, a steel beast lurked quietly in the water, like a hunter watching its prey.

It was a submarine. Soldiers in uniform bustled inside, and a woman in an officer's uniform was the commander.

Her name was Echo, and she had grown up with Adrian Gecko. She was here as Adrian's backup—if anything unexpected happened, she'd respond immediately.

Meanwhile, Adrian was already deep in the dark forest on Duel Academy Island.

There were many rumors about Duel Academy in the underworld of dueling.

Even before Kira became famous, Duel Academy had attracted attention from many powers. For example, the student disappearances at the old dormitory years ago—rumor had it the Academy once opened a door to the world of darkness, and on the other side was unimaginable power. Whoever obtained it could rule the world.

Although unconfirmed, Kira knew the legend was true. The old dorm incident was indeed connected to another dimension, Nightshroud, the final villain who could drag the world into darkness.

But the incident was covered up by all sides and hadn't been mentioned in years.

Until a Duel King emerged from the Academy, growing ever more famous. Many self-proclaimed top duelists who tried to investigate never returned.

Rumor had it that the door had indeed been opened, and terrible power lay behind it—now held by the Duel King.

So the Duel King became one of the world's most feared beings. Any who dared invade his territory or challenge his authority would be dragged into eternal darkness.

This was one of Adrian's goals—to investigate the legend and find the power said to make a duelist a King.

Crows screeched ominously overhead as Adrian made his way to the old dormitory.

"Echo, I found it," Adrian said into his earpiece.

"Okay, be careful," Echo replied. "If anything happens, we'll act immediately."

"Got it, I'm going in."

Adrian crossed the "No Entry" barrier and entered the dorm.

"Weird, none of my equipment is picking up anything.

The instruments can't detect any dark energy. This place just looks… ordinary—"

Creak.

Adrian's pupils shrank.

That was the sound of the floor cracking.

Before he could react, the ancient planks gave way.

Adrian fell.

For a moment, he felt as if the crack in the floor didn't lead to a basement, but to hell.

He felt like he was falling forever—or maybe it was only an instant.

He hit the ground hard and slowly regained his senses.

Dizzy, disoriented, he struggled up, thinking he might have a concussion.

"Echo, something happened. I fell…"

He spoke into his earpiece.

"I take back what I said—this place is weird. I—"

He paused.

"Echo?"

But there was no human response.

Only a strange whisper in his ear. It sounded like a woman's voice, but sharp and hoarse—impossible to make out, but deeply eerie.

Adrian frowned and cut the connection. He got up and groped forward.

At first, it was total darkness, still looking like the old dorm. But as he walked along the cobwebbed corridor, at some point it became luxurious, though the lighting was even dimmer.

He recognized the corridor, and his pupils shrank.

Compelled, he walked forward.

Ahead was a room with the door ajar.

A boy stood at the doorway.

A red-haired boy, young but with a steely, almost sinister look in his eyes.

Adrian recognized him—it was himself.

His younger self.

The younger Adrian entered the room and went to the bed.

On the bed lay a still younger boy, eyes closed, pale, attached to life-support.

That was his brother.

Adrian's beloved brother, but also his greatest shadow.

Adrian Gecko had been an orphan—really, even orphan was putting it lightly. He was a refugee from a desperately poor area, starving and waiting for death.

But his luck changed—he was chosen as the adopted son of the Gecko Conglomerate chairman, raised as the heir.

He worked desperately hard and didn't disappoint, excelling in every field, called a person with the bearing of a King.

But then, unexpectedly, the chairman had a biological son—Adrian's brother, Shido.

Naturally, the real son got the inheritance, while Adrian, more capable in every way, was left to support Shido.

Adrian loved his brother and would give his life for him.

But if things stayed that way, he'd never inherit the conglomerate, always living in his brother's shadow, doing all the dirty work.

More importantly, he'd never achieve the grand ambition that meant more than life to him.

But Shido had always been sickly.

This scene before Adrian was one of countless chances he'd had—

—Pull the plug, switch off the life support, and with just one action, his brother would die.

If he covered it up—Adrian had the ability—his brother's death would seem natural, and he'd regain his place as heir.

The red-haired boy stood at the bedside, looking at his beloved brother, unmoving.

"…Kill him, and you'll become king."

A voice spoke behind Adrian.

"So that's it, Adrian Gecko. This is your darkness, is it?"

Adrian: "!"

The world spun; hospital bed and younger Adrian vanished into a vortex. Regaining his senses, Adrian turned and saw a young man standing behind him, hands behind his back, smiling warmly.

But Adrian's face turned grave instantly.

The Duel King, Fujiki Kira.