"Jewel of Reality" (018)

- Enrokonai City, Wednesday 3:30 pm -

A city filled with people and various types of stalls went about their daily routines and shifts, with multiple students from two different schools dispersed throughout it, some drank, some ate, and some even had fun, but then a blue portal appeared, and as disturbing as it appeared, it did not bother anyone, and everyone ignored it.

"Man! Every time I get a taste of this dish, I get the impression that I'm about to crash a party tonight!" When a red-haired boy with a black bag on his back delved into food, he laughed.

"You're simply being irresponsible with food like you are every day. Make an effort not to suffocate on it." A brother, who appeared to have blue hair and a laid-back demeanor, spoke up.

But, eventually, Arthur, along with the rest of the group, entered the city.

"What the hell is going on here? This street is extremely congested." Codey claimed, while holding Tim's body on his back, and the gateway closed as everyone stood in the middle of the street.

"This is Enrokonai City, the most common place where hundreds of Duelists and students from our institution congregate. They generally have free-for-all Duels, and Alpha appears to be one of the top three." Arthur explained, his glass in hand, as he showed them around a fantastic location.

"Can you tell me how big this city is?" Ayuka inquired, her face both interested and astonished.

"There are around 16,87 million individuals, which is quite a large number, huh?" When everyone froze on the place, Arthur exclaimed, smiling. "That's bigger than the entire city of Tokyo! Why wasn't I informed about it?" Elliot was interrogated, yelling and hearing other people's voices surrounding him.

"The 'Black Storm' is most likely to blame. Others regard this city as a superior replica of Yashikami City, which was gladly destroyed a month ago." Arthur clarified while Shin added.

Our Heroes were disturbed by the sentence that came from Arthur's mouth. ("Now I just don't get it... People claim that City was destroyed years ago, but now, he says it had been destroyed a month ago? This is far too brain-killing for me...") Believed Codey, trying to understand, but no hope.

"He is entirely correct. And for the time being, until we find an antidote or some other form of cure, we'll all be remaining in Enrokonai City. However, I must tell you that living in this city would result in a lot of noise and fighting all over the place. As a result, I advise caution when meddling or honing your skills."

Iva raised her head at Shin's explanation. "That big structure, huh? What exactly is it?"

"It's the Mayor's Residence. He is constantly watching them and dealing with office duties. He's a fantastic combatant as well, possibly better than all of you." Shin explained, his chin held high.

"Dude, you're nuts! I tell you, if Tim and I fought him together, we'd whoop his ass!" exclaimed Elliot, his confidence and ego soaring once more.

"Hey! The only couple that can beat him is me and Tim! Not a pervert like you, asshole!" And, as expected, Elliot and Codey got into an altercation straight afterward.

"Wait, Toyama. Where are we going to stay? A hotel or something? We'll need a place if we're going to be stranded here for a while," Ayuka said when Shin looked at her.

"I've already purchased a dorm consortium for you. It's comparable to the former Yashikami City's Guild but smaller. That's the direction it's going, away from your school. In fact, after I introduce you to your classmates, we should go out there first. Some of them can be found right here on this street."

"Oh, I'm not sure which." Iva asserted, her arms crossed in front of her.

"Let's begin with Ryouhei and Ayumu, two brothers who are also great Duelists." Shin motioned to the two brothers, one with blue hair and the other with red, and they were introduced once they came to a halt.

"Hey, Ayumu, Ryouhei," Ayumu stared bewildered at them while holding food and drink in their hands, and while they were enjoying themselves and leaning back, Ryouhei was calm.

"Oh, Toyama. Who are these individuals?" Ayumu inquired, thrilled to meet new folks.

"They are the new kids in your class. Ayuka, Codey, Elliot, Iva, and Tim, the knocked boy, will be counted as transfer pupils for the time being." Ayumu and Ryouhei both froze the moment they locked their gazes on Tim and Ayuka.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Hold the phone, right this instant! Isn't that Ayuka, the Goddess, and her husband?!" But as soon as Ayumu yelled that, Ryouhei grabbed his mouth and shut him down.

"Wait, what?" Ayuka was perplexed and asked a question. "Okay, dude. This is really heating up now. I'm even more convinced it's true now..." Codey added, irritated and unamused when Ryouhei immediately shut Ayumu down.

"Don't worry, for the most part, he's just plain ignorant. He's talking gibberish." When Ayuka said it, she smiled embarrassingly.

"Yeah, that's OK." She laughed softly as she shifted her gaze to the side.

"This is Ryouhei and Ayumu, in any case. I'm sorry to cut it short, but we need to get moving. They live near the consortium, where you'll be staying. Is it possible for the three of you to show them around your school when school reopens next week?" Shin was perplexed but maintained a pleasant demeanor.

"Yes, of course. It's no problem."

"You bet!" said the speaker. Ayumu gave a wink and a thumbs up.

"I'm included?" Alpha moaned, her hands buried in her pockets.

"You also met them. As a result, it would undoubtedly benefit them. You don't have anything better to do, right?"

"Ugh... Whatever," Alpha took a step back and snatched her phone from the pocket.

"Now. Let's go back to the consortium with Tim and Tessai."

Finally, everyone agreed, and they strolled to the consortium through the city.

- Enrokonai City (Consortium), Wednesday 4:00 pm -

"Heh, maybe this consortium isn't so bad!" While dropping Tessai on the floor, Elliot grinned and scratched the bridge of his nose.

"Hey! He's not a toy, so be careful!" Kylin grumbled and began yelling at him. "What exactly do you mean? He's already asleep and, in my perspective, a toy." Chifumi remained immersed in her thoughts even when she sighed.

"So, what are your current plans? Is this going to be another disaster?" The rest of the gang, on the other hand, appeared befuddled and concerned.

Chifumi took a step forward and stared down at Tim, her face solemn. When Tim cried and screamed, she grabbed his ears and swiftly twisted them.

Chifumi vanished in an instant, and Tim's body rolled over Codey's neck, crashing to the ground when he hit his head. "Come on, man! I was having a fantastic dream!" Tim was now peering up at the ceiling, where he could see a number of faces staring back at him.

"Ha? What the hell happened to bring us here?! And Kylin, we tracked you down?! Wait, I'm completely lost." Codey helped Tim rise up and explain everything after he sat back down. screamed and yelled loudly.

"I think she finally chose to pay attention, huh?" Codey smirked as he slid his head to the side.

"Can you tell me what you're talking about?" Even after Tim's query, everyone else fixed their gaze on him. "Right, he doesn't catch a single thing,". Kylin snatched her brow and took a step to the side.

"And, please, someone explain to me how we got here and why we're here. We were arguing on the beach, I swear, and that was the last thing I remember."

"In any case, you've got a lot of questions. We're in Enrokonai City, in our Consortium. After that 'Spiritual Exorcist' dragged her way out of your sword and knocked you out in battle, things got a little 'interesting' from there. We've met some interesting folks along the way, and next week we'll pay a visit to the 'Talent Maestro School.'"

"Everything you're saying to me doesn't make any sense. But I suppose I'll just take it."

"Never mind, you'll figure it out next week; for now, we should get settled here; Shin bought us this, now it's time to turn it into a sanctuary." Their first mission, according to Codey, was to thoroughly clean the consortium and prepare it for the future.

"Shin?! You're telling me he was also transported to this awful cosmos or whatever it is?"

"Don't bother asking any more questions; you'll figure it out in no time."

- Enrokonai City (Consortium), Wednesday 10:00 pm -

And then, after a long wait, it happened: the last touches were completed, and rooms were prepared with the balcony open, providing fresh air and reducing the heat.

"When you think about it, isn't this consortium just incredible? It has the feel of an apartment with a few extra features, and everyone has their own personal area." While talking to Iva and drinking orange juice, Codey spoke with.

"It certainly does. However, it is a little further away from the School than I expected." Iva leaned on the table, her elbows on the table, and pressed the remote's button to change the channel.

"So what? A little longer walk won't be a problem, will it?" But as soon as Codey finished speaking, they were interrupted by a live-action on television.

"A gang of Enrokonai City's civilization looks to be carelessly rushing through the city's streets, led by an unknown guy dressed in black and sporting what appears to be some kind of diamond on the back of his suit-"

The remaining roommates walked out of their room at the exact instant that was spoken. Tim stood at the balcony, next to Elliot, with Kylin, who appeared to have just stepped out of the shower and was staring down from the higher fenced stairwell.

"Police officers on the front lines are attempting to intimidate passersby, but they look to be failing. Police Force does not plan to injure any of the persons, but is attempting to order them to back off due to their lack of security."

"Although there is no current information on where these people came from or what they came for, many of us assume that the leader is one of the prospective 'Spiritual Duelists.' As for why they're doing it, the data suggests that it has something to do with chaos."

"Many public inquiries were asked, and the only information we have is that these individuals may be following the individual for a prize or an event..."

The details of the current event were continued to be relayed, but Codey became skeptical and decided to speak up. "I'd like to believe it's some type of festival, but everything about this event feels out of the ordinary. It's possible that he's up to naught good."

"Well, it's the most obvious idea, but what if that guy has other intentions that aren't as bad? After all, why would so many people follow the man without a reason?" Iva wondered as she raised her head to look at Codey.

"It might be one of those mind-trick games that entices them to follow; we've met a lot of folks like this. And if they do have a reason to pursue him, we won't get anything unless we confront them." When Kylin responded, Tim spoke out.

"That is not the case, in my opinion. I'd like to talk about it further, but is it just me, or is that jewel on his back a little strange and alarming?"

"I believe I've heard of it, but I'm not sure it's the item I'm thinking of." Everyone was intrigued by Ayuka's interruption. "At the very least, say it."

"That jewel's form appears to be high-priced and unusual in size. While I was at the Holy Arches, my mother used to tell me about an item and the color red reminded me of it."

"And what, exactly, is that item supposed to be?" Elliot, angry, pondered.

"It could be the 'Reality Jewel,' rare but common wisdom." The mystery and intrigue grew as a result of her description, and any inquiries concerning it were met with an individual erupting from behind the Police Force, confronting the man and his followers.

to be continued...