Shocking News in the New Semester

"H-How could this be?"

In a dimly lit room, a bright light shone on a lone figure. A synthetic voice echoed slowly from the speakers.

"Amnael actually failed?" The voice was old and frail, barely carrying a trace of vitality, manipulating machinery with trembling hands. "How is that possible?"

"Obviously, he underestimated Crowler and the others."

A bald man sat facing him directly, expressionless, hands clasped, and spoke calmly.

Leo Akaba was in the middle of a private meeting.

"Underestimated them?" the elderly voice was still full of doubt. "How could there be anyone stronger than Amnael?"

He knew Banner far too well. He had personally witnessed Banner's "return from the dead", even learning the Sacred Beasts' revival methods from him as repayment. It was hard to believe Banner could lose.

"He let his guard down and wasn't prepared. Losing wasn't impossible," Akaba still insisted.

After repeatedly being obstructed by Crowler, he now viewed him with extreme suspicion. He had never seen Amnael's Duel, so he didn't know what had transpired.

But if Amnael lost, Crowler had to be involved.

In a way, Akaba was right. Hikaru's victory hinged entirely on the Scrap Fusion Professor Crowler had purchased.

Akaba didn't dwell too much on the point. Instead, he furrowed his brow, anxiety mounting like a pledge of loyalty. "Chairman, this means you won't be able to collect all the keys now. Should I prepare a new team to seize the cards? I still have strong Duelists in my secret division."

"That won't be necessary."

From within a life-support pod, sustained by nutrient fluids and science alone, Kagemaru slowly spoke. "You're mistaken about something, Dr. Akaba.

Our goal was never to take the keys. It was to force the Key Holders into 100% all-out Shadow Duels."

Bubbles escaped his mouth as he continued, "Amnael was a peerless genius. He designed the perfect youth restoration ritual. Even without confirmation that all the Key Holders had gone all out, he challenged nearly all of them. All the keys were lit. That is enough."

He admired his past self for having the foresight to invest in Banner.

If he had been a moment too late when KaibaCorp called for experts, he would've missed the chance to recruit someone of Banner's caliber.

Even if Banner hadn't served him wholeheartedly, what did it matter?

What mattered was talent!

Just like Dr. Akaba. As long as they were talented, he would respect them.

"Now, all that remains is to Duel Jaden Yuki, who possesses the strongest spirit power. That will awaken the Sacred Beasts, restore my youth, and through Banner's ritual, grant me immortality! I will rule the world!"

He shouted until he coughed, more bubbles escaping the pod.

Initially, Banner had advised him to use an alchemical artificial body. It wouldn't be true youth, but it would extend his life by decades. That would've been enough.

But after encountering Banner, learning of alternate dimensions, and obtaining the Sacred Beasts, how could he settle for less?

He wanted the best, to be the strongest, and eternal life!

"So that means... the sealed Sacred Beast cards are ready to be retrieved now?"

"Not quite yet. I still need to Duel Jaden Yuki, the one with the strongest spirit power, to fully awaken them."

On the verge of immortality, Kagemaru couldn't stop rambling, assisted by machines. "Once awakened, they can release energy to absorb power from all Duel Spirit cards in the world. With that, I will instantly regain youth and become the strongest Duelist—ruler of—"

"So you can already use the Sacred Beasts to influence and control spirits, correct?"

"?"

Kagemaru faltered, trying to explain, "N-No, that wouldn't be enough to completely revive them—"

"Absorbing all Duel Spirits worldwide… that's too conspicuous," Akaba said quietly. "I prefer using cards and humans to gather power in the shadows."

"Dr. Akaba?" Kagemaru finally reacted, startled.

"Thank you, Chairman. These years working with you have been... enjoyable." For once, Akaba wore a faint smile.

"Now then. Goodbye."

With that, Leo Akaba turned, cape fluttering behind him, and walked away, leaving only a cold, merciless silhouette.

"W-What? Akaba." Kagemaru heard mechanical clicks and gurgling liquid. He was now too old to see, to hear, surviving only through machines.

And now, he felt warmth draining rapidly from his body.

At last, he realized…

He had been betrayed!

"Dr. Akaba—Leo Akaba—Aka... ba—"

The smooth mechanical voice gradually faded into darkness.

Rejuvenation? Eternal youth? Immortality? World domination?

'Foolish.'

'Your ambition was far too small.'

Leo Akaba pulled open the curtains, narrowed his eyes toward the horizon.

His ambition... was farther and beyond, in every dimension.

…

Time passed…

A new semester began.

Ever since Banner made his move, the academy had settled into an eerie calm. Hikaru found it strange that up until the first day of school, nothing odd had happened, no rogue spirits flying across the sky.

Where was Kagemaru?

Didn't he want to reclaim his youth?

Confused, Hikaru passed a peaceful, fulfilling break.

But on the opening day, Principal Sheppard delivered a "tragic" announcement with a somber expression:

The academy's chairman, the centenarian Kagemaru, had peacefully passed away during the break due to complications with his life-support machinery.

As chairman, he had secured many benefits from KaibaCorp for the school. Last semester's opportunity to participate in the Interdimensional Exchange Tournament was thanks to his efforts. He loved the academy, respected education, and cared deeply for the students—

Hikaru tuned out the rest.

He had only one thought.

'Kagemaru's dead!?'

Who was going to use the Sacred Beasts now?

Who was supposed to be the final boss of GX's Phase One!?

Could it be... Banner was this world's true Phase One Final Boss?

That would explain why Jaden lost to him so believably.

'Wait!'

Another thought struck him.

Does that mean... he doesn't have to use the Philosopher's Stone at this awkward time!?

'Great, fantastic—No! Wait, that's wrong!'

Hikaru quickly stopped himself.

Just because Kagemaru hadn't made a move yet didn't mean he was innocent.

Still, not needing to burn the Stone at this delicate time, that was a relief for both Hikaru and Jaden.

Meanwhile, Principal Sheppard reached the final part of his speech.

"Lastly, with grief but also with gratitude, because of Chairman Kagemaru's years of service and excellence, KaibaCorp has decided to host the most magnificent commemorative event this semester!"

"The grand prize will be a replica card of a legendary monster!" Sheppard himself was visibly excited. "It is said to be a monster used by none other than Yugi Muto when facing the Egyptian Gods!"

"Whoa!!??"

"No way!!"

"Chairman, no disrespect, but this is the best thing you've ever done—!!"

"Do I really have a shot at owning a legendary monster!?"

"This Academy is totally worth it!"

The students erupted with joy. A legendary monster once used against the Gods, linked to the King of Games himself, who wouldn't be thrilled?

After the eventful past semester, the school year, now started with yet another major competition. How could they not be excited?

Hikaru, meanwhile, rubbed his chin, thoughtful.

'A card used to fight the Gods?'

'That range is... huge.'

'It could be Dark Paladin, Magician of Black Chaos, Black Luster Soldier, Buster Blader.'

Sheppard's phrasing was way too vague, even to him, who Hikaru couldn't remember every detail, just the most iconic cards.

But that didn't matter. Yugi's Deck was full of Fusion-related cards anyway. Almost every monster had a Fusion form.

This was an event worth joining!