"This is a monster with 400 or less ATK!?"
A giant winged beast descended onto Hayato's Field, but after Hayato spoke softly to it, it shrunk down to its usual size. However, Geb couldn't forget the shock he felt when this monster suddenly appeared before him, and he spoke with some disbelief.
[Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca][Level 10☆/DARK]
[Winged Beast Type/Effect]
[1/1]
"The Level of [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] isn't just for show," Hayato said proudly, hands on his waist. "Although its ATK/DEF are only 1 point, it possesses an extremely vicious and powerful effect."
"Besides not being affected by your opponent's Spell/Trap Card effects, [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] cannot be targeted for attacks by your opponent's monsters, and it can attack your opponent directly. Also, once per turn, by skipping your Battle Phase, you can change your opponent's Life Points to 1 point!"
"My prediction model shows your Future is as bright as a toaster, hehe, hehe hahahahahaha!"
After a pause, Hayato suddenly felt like he was laughing a bit too arrogant. He wasn't a villain but a Protagonist, after all. He quickly straightened his expression and said, "However, as the name [Earthbound Immortal] suggests, it requires a Field Spell Card to maintain its effect. In the End Phase of a turn when there is no Field Spell on the Field, [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] will self-destruct."
"But that's fine, because I'm activating this card on my Spell/Trap Zone! The Trap Card [Virtual World]! This card allows me to add a Field Spell Card from my Deck to my Hand or activate it directly. The card I choose is this, [Shrine of the Mind's Eye]!"
Although the most powerful ability of [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] lies in its ability to change the opponent's Life Points to 1 point, since it was already the Battle Phase, Hayato couldn't use this effect. At most, he could use [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] with 1 ATK to directly attack Geb.
A mere 1 point of damage, if the effect of [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] hadn't been used beforehand to modify the Life Points, it would be as if nothing happened. To maximize the damage, Hayato chose to activate [Shrine of the Mind's Eye].
From the Underground Shrine of the Tomb Keepers, a second layer of Shrine rose up. And with the appearance of the Field Spell Card, the power of [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] was also stimulated, and the markings on its body lit up.
"Pink..."
Looking at the markings on [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca]'s body, Geb said subconsciously, but the next moment Hayato sharply interrupted him, "That's Magenta!"
Having corrected the very important color error, Hayato waved his hand and ordered, "Then my Battle Phase continues! [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] will bypass [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys] and directly attack the Opponent Duelist!"
"Brave Bird!"
The shrunk vulture ignored [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys] and directly attacked towards Geb.
"To declare attack against me with a mere 1 ATK, you're being so greedy and pushy it's making me angry." Originally, Geb didn't care about the mere 1 point of damage at all, thinking it was Hayato's provocation. He looked at [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] about to hit him with a look of contempt. "This level of attack fundamentally—"
"Ugh!"
[Geb: 4000→3000LP]
After attacking, [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] returned to Hayato's Field. Looking at Geb's pained expression after being hit by the [Earthbound Immortal], Hayato feigned ignorance and said, "While [Shrine of the Mind's Eye] is on the Field, when both players take battle damage, the value becomes 1000 points."
"Oh? Did I not explain it beforehand? Mr. Geb, you look like you took the attack completely unprepared and are in a lot of pain."
The opponent was, after all, Ishizu and Marik's Father. Hayato didn't have any deep-seated hatred towards him, so he didn't let [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] get serious. Actually, it was just a light attack.
However, [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] is a super evil card. It's normal that someone as pure and kind as Hayato can't completely control it, right? It definitely wasn't retaliation for being constantly scolded at just now.
"Tsk, it doesn't hurt at all!" Although his previous composed expression was broken and he showed a clearly uncomfortable expression, Geb still spoke stubbornly.
"Is that so? That's good. Actually, my Battle Phase can only end here, Mr. Geb." Because [Joint Struggle] changed the ATK of [Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], Hayato's original plan fell through, and he couldn't do anything to [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys] for the time being, so he could only end his offensive like this.
"Set one card, I end my turn." With one Meaning Unknown Card remaining in his Hand and another card set in his Spell/Trap Zone, Hayato declared the end of his turn. "It's your turn, Mr. Geb."
[Hayato: 5600LP, Hand 1]
[Little Roadrunner][DEF 300]
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion][ATK 1200→2600]
[Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca][ATK 1]
[Spiral Spear Strike][Set Card]
Field: [Shrine of the Mind's Eye]
"Hmph, my turn." Hearing Hayato's urging, Geb glared at Hayato, annoyed, and drew a card from his Deck. Some golden mist dissipated from his body. "Draw!"
Hayato's Field gathered three monsters. Excluding [Little Roadrunner], which Geb's current monster couldn't break through but also didn't pose a threat, to defeat Hayato, he would inevitably have to face both [Gaia] and the [Earthbound Immortal].
[Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion], free from the one-turn effect of [Joint Struggle], had recovered to its original 2600 ATK. Although its ATK was far less than other monsters like [Blue-Eyes], [Blue-Eyes], and [Blue-Eyes] without the boost from [Spiral Fusion], it still exceeded [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys]'s value by 200 points.
Its ability to change a monster's battle position upon attack declaration and its piercing damage effect combined basically meant that it was impossible for Geb to block its offensive with weak monsters; he had to destroy it head-on.
And that [Earthbound Immortal], just looking at it gave him a natural sense of repulsion from the depths of his inner thoughts. Combined with [Shrine of the Mind's Eye], even with only 1 ATK, it seemed exceptionally unfair because it could only be attacked unilaterally but couldn't be attacked itself. Not to mention its resistance was also troublesome.
At the same time, Geb hadn't forgotten the ability of [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] that Hayato mentioned, the one that modifies the opponent's Life Points. If nothing unexpected happened, Hayato would probably use that incredibly annoying power next turn.
Thinking of this, Geb glanced at the composed Hayato and gave a cold snort: "At this instant, the effect of [Disciple of Nephthys] in my Graveyard, which was destroyed from my Hand by [Protector of Nephthys]'s effect last turn, activates. In the Standby Phase of my next turn after being sent to Graveyard by effect destruction, this card is Special Summoned from the Graveyard."
Beside [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys], the priest who had appeared for a moment before reappeared. Although her power was still too weak compared to the monsters on Hayato's Field, at least it made [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys] feel less alone than before.
[Disciple of Nephthys][Level 2☆/WIND]
[Spellcaster Type/Effect]
[600/600]
Ultimately, Hayato was able to create the current Field by relying on the "card advantage" he created using [Nightmare's Mirage] in the previous turn. The abundant Hand resources allowed Hayato to freely squander cards and build the current Field, with such a luxurious and powerful monster lineup.
So, did Geb's Deck also have a card that could instantly create card advantage? The answer was, of course, yes!
"Although I have to admit that you did bring me a little bit of a sense of crisis—just a little bit—this is the biggest mistake you've made, because you've made me completely serious," Geb said proudly, holding the card he drew. "Next, it's absolutely impossible for you to marry... take the [Millennium Spellbook] from me now that I'm completely serious!"
"I activate the Spell Card [Card of Demise]!"
It appeared, the treasure card that "can replenish everything in one go even if you suffer massive card disadvantage - you deserve to be nerfed"!
"According to the effect of this powerful card, I can draw six cards from my Deck in one go," Geb said, pointing at Hayato proudly while drawing cards. "And you, because you have one card in your Hand, can only draw five cards!"
One has to say, Duel Monsters is truly amazing. Not only can it make people like Yugi and Bakura, who are usually quite gentle, become passionate and decisive, but Geb, who gave the first impression of being a rigid, silent poker face when he first appeared before Hayato and his companions, is now so proud just because he drew one more card.
Duels, aren't they amazing?
Drawing five cards from his Deck, Hayato looked at the card left in his Hand from the previous turn and muttered helplessly to himself, "Sigh, it's all your fault, otherwise I could have drawn one more card."
"Besides [Disciple of Nephthys], the effect of this monster in my Graveyard can also activate," Geb said, taking out a blue-bordered card from his Golden Duel Disk and revealing it. It was [Devotee of Nephthys], which he had sent to Graveyard with the effect of [Joint Struggle] in the previous turn.
"[Devotee of Nephthys]'s effect can be activated when it is in the Graveyard. I destroy one [Nephthys] card in my Hand and Special Summon it from my Graveyard."
"Then the Hand card I destroyed is this monster, the second [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys]. When this monster is sent to Graveyard by effect destruction, in my next Standby Phase, this monster is Special Summoned from the Graveyard!"
From Geb's Graveyard, [Devotee of Nephthys], wearing blue priest robes, appeared. The cost was that one [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys] from Geb's Hand was sent to Graveyard.
Although on the surface, it seems somewhat strange for a priest to appear at the cost of the "Divine Bird" they worship being sent to Graveyard, for [Nephthys], which reincarnates between life and death, this is not something they cannot accept. Also, compared to the unified golden armor worn by other [Nephthys] monsters, [Devotee of Nephthys] wears blue clothing, as if hinting at something.
"After being destroyed by effect, it will reappear on the Field next turn? What a powerful effect!" Joey Wheeler , watching from Off-field, couldn't help but exclaim, while Pegasus was frantically writing something in his notes.
Hearing Joey Wheeler say this, Marik added, "Not only that, but [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys], if Special Summoned by its own effect, also has the ability to destroy all Spell and Trap Cards on Both Fields."
"It's because of this effect that the [Nephthys] Deck is qualified to be called a Deck possessing the power of destruction and rebirth. My Father also ascended to the position of Gravekeeper's Family Leader with this."
"However, in my memory, my Father's Deck shouldn't have any Ritual Monsters," Marik thought, looking at [Devotee of Nephthys] on Geb's Field. "Could it be..."
"Watch closely! This is the new power I've gained by returning to the human world with the power of the [Millennium Spellbook]! The power hidden beneath the [Nephthys]'s golden armor will burst forth now, shining with the light of the soul!"
Saying this, Geb played a Spell Card from his Hand: "I activate the Ritual Spell Card [Ritual of Nephthys]!"
"I tribute the Level 6☆ [Phoenix] from my Hand and the Level 2☆ [Devotee of Nephthys] from my Field as ritual tributes, for a total Level of 8☆! O [Nephthys], display your magnificent inner thoughts!"
"I Ritual Summon this monster from my Hand!"
The blue-clothed priest knelt devoutly before the golden divine bird, injecting the blue flames she possessed into the divine bird's body. The next moment, the seams of the golden armor covering [Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys]'s entire body cracked open, and beams of blue radiance bloomed from within and continuously expanded, as if to tear apart the body that was shackling itself!
The azure flames suddenly spread across almost Geb's entire Field, engulfing the monsters in flames. But the next moment, the burning blue fire surged and gathered towards the sky, reassembling into a flying bird with a similar outline but a vastly changed appearance!
"Roar! The surging undying soul, awaken the flames of reincarnation capable of destruction, purify everything with sacred flame!"
"Ritual Summon! [Azure Phoenix of Nephthys]!"
[Azure Phoenix of Nephthys][Level 8☆/FIRE]
[Winged Beast Type/Ritual/Effect]
[3000/1000]
"ATK, 3000 points! It's actually equal to the legendary [Blue-Eyes White Dragon]! So strong, too strong!" Hayato said in a completely fake tone. "Therefore, I must immediately activate this powerful set card in my Spell/Trap Zone, the Continuous Trap Card [Fiend's Chain]!"
"Eat my dog chain, you punk!"
As Hayato's set card flipped open, countless silver chains filled with magical aura coiled around the newly appeared [Azure Phoenix of Nephthys]. But before they could even get close, [Azure Phoenix of Nephthys] suddenly swung out a burst of firelight, instantly clearing the chains.
"Hmph, trying to use such insidious means to restrict my monster? But it's useless! When [Ritual of Nephthys] tributes [Devotee of Nephthys] or [Azure Phoenix of Nephthys] for a Ritual Summon, I can choose one card on the Field to destroy! Your Trap Card was destroyed before it even touched my monster!"
"Dare to reach out and touch my... monster again, and I will absolutely not spare you!"
Hayato and Geb, both players controlling their monsters, were in a tense situation. At this moment, Tristan , watching the duel, looked at [Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca] on Hayato's Field, then at [Azure Phoenix of Nephthys] on Geb's Field, and couldn't help but rant, "Did I somehow end up on a Pokemon Set? Is this a Flying-Type Champion Civil War?"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 712: Kono Hayato da!
*Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*, the Ritual Form evolved from *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*. Besides the change in appearance, it also transferred 600 DEF to its ATK, making its stats even more skewed.
If it were Hayato's Turn, *Gaia the Dragon Champion* would use its ability to freely choose the Battle Position of the Attack Target Monster during the Attack Declaration to tell Geb that skewed stats aren't good. But now it was Geb's Main Phase, and the Power of *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* was just beginning to show itself.
"Activate the Effect of *Disciple of Nephthys*! Target one Nephthys monster with Level 4 or lower from my Graveyard, except *Disciple of Nephthys*. Destroy one card in my Hand, then Special Summon the targeted monster to the Field in Defense Position with its Effect Negated."
Geb sent one Card from his Hand to the Graveyard. "Resolve will pioneer a Great Dao in the Pitch-Black Wilderness! Destroy *Devotee of Nephthys* in my Hand, and Special Summon *Devotee of Nephthys* again!"
*Devotee of Nephthys* [DEF1200]
The blue-robed Priest returned to the Field. Since she didn't have an Effect that could be Activated in the first place, it didn't matter whether her Effect was Negated or not. She remained on Geb's Field in Defense Position.
Trading a Hand Resource for a Monster that couldn't be Used? No, Geb's true Plan was to play the last two Cards in his Hand!
"Activate *Rebirth of Nephthys* for the second time! I Tribute *Devotee of Nephthys* again as Ritual Tribute, making the total Level 2! Let the Reincarnation of Life and Death be carried out, connecting everything to lead to Hope!"
"Ritual Summon! *Linker of Nephthys*!"
*Devotee of Nephthys*, which Geb had destroyed from his Hand earlier to Return *Devotee of Nephthys* to the Field, reappeared on the Field. *Disciple of Nephthys* placed a Golden Helmet on it. After accepting the Legacy of *Devotee of Nephthys*, it transformed magnificently into *Linker of Nephthys*!
*Linker of Nephthys* [Level 2 / WIND]
[Spellcaster Type / Ritual / Effect]
[2000 / 0]
"The Effect of *Rebirth of Nephthys*! When Ritual Summoning by Tributing *Devotee of Nephthys*, Destroy one Card on the Field! This time, the Card I choose to Destroy is the Field Spell Card *Shrine of the Mind's Eye*!"
Geb said, pointing towards the Field. *Linker of Nephthys* held a Fireball in its Hand and threw it out. The continuously spreading Flames instantly Destroyed Hayato's Field.
And having lost the Power of the Field Spell Card, *Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca* instantly Weakened its own Power. Besides no longer being able to Activate its Powerful Effect that modifies the Opponent's Life Points, it also lost many Abilities such as Direct Attack, not being an Attack Target, and not being affected by the Opponent's Spell and Trap Cards Effects. It became a Vanilla Monster with only 1 ATK that would Self-Destruct at the End Phase of this Turn, even if Geb didn't Attack it.
But Geb's Operation continued. *Linker of Nephthys*, having Destroyed the Field Spell Card, kneaded another Fireball in its Hand, but didn't throw it out. Instead, it Controlled it to transform into the "Ankh" Symbol representing Life.
"When *Linker of Nephthys* is successfully Ritual Summoned, Special Summon one Nephthys Ritual Monster from my Hand or Deck as a Ritual Summon! Life and Death Reincarnation never stops! Come forth, my second *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* from the Deck!"
Drawing the second *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* from the Deck and slapping it onto the Golden Duel Disk, Geb had now used almost all of his Means. And at this moment, his Field had become—
[Geb: 3000 LP, Hand 0]
*Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* [DEF1600]
*Disciple of Nephthys* [ATK600]
*Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* [ATK3000]
*Linker of Nephthys* [ATK2000]
*Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* [ATK3000]
Excluding the filler *Disciple of Nephthys*, Geb's Field had gathered a total of four Monsters with ATK of 2000 or more In one go. The Lineup could be said to be exceptionally luxurious, completely demonstrating his true Strength as the Previous Clan Head of the Tomb Keepers!
"So... so Amazing! In the blink of an eye, he Summoned so many Powerful Monsters In one go!"
"And he Destroyed all of Hayato's Set Cards on the Back Row! If he Attacks with Full Power, it looks like Hayato fundamentally can't withstand it!"
"Hayato's 5600 Life Points are like a Flickering Candle!"
Seeing the Monsters Geb Summoned onto the Field, Joey Wheeler, Tristan, and Marik, who were watching the Duel, spoke in unison. Seeing this, Téa on the side said with some dissatisfaction, "Whose side are you guys on anyway? Can't you cheer for Hayato?"
Pegasus smiled upon hearing this. "Miss, you underestimate Hayato boy's Power. Although it seems he is in danger, me does not think he will be Defeated so easy."
Looking at the three Monsters on Hayato's Field, and the only *Spiral Spear Strike* on Hayato's Back Row, Geb thought for a moment and said, "Although the total ATK of the Monsters on my Field is as high as 10400, as a Safety Measure, I will first Use the Effect of *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*."
"Activate during my Main Phase! Choose any number of Nephthys Cards from my Hand or Face-up Cards on the Field and Destroy them. After that, choose the same Quantity of Monsters on the Opponent's Field and Destroy them!"
As he spoke, Geb took three Cards from his full Duel Disk one after another. "Destroy the three Monsters on my Field, *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*, *Disciple of Nephthys*, and *Linker of Nephthys*. Then, Hayato Kobayashi, the three Monsters on your Field will also be completely Destroyed!"
"Fire Fire Ten Trillion Death Great Burial Array!"
Accompanied by a cool but meaningless Attack Name, *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* spat out a breath of Flames, instantly sweeping across Hayato's entire Field and Destroying *Little Roadrunner*, *Gaia the Dragon Champion*, and *Earthbound Immortal Wiraqocha Rasca* entirely!
Although Geb himself was only left with the last two *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* on his Field, the Nephthys Monsters he Destroyed could all Use their Effects in his Next Turn. From another perspective, it also eliminated the Weakness on his own Field. Trading them for a Direct Attack on Hayato was quite a good deal!
"Enter my Battle Phase! Then, *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* Direct Attack on Hayato Kobayashi!" Geb pointed at the empty Field in front of Hayato. "The Victory or Defeat has been revealed! With no Cards Usable on the Field, you are like a naked person in my eyes! Accept this blow!"
"Fire Talisman: Radiance of the Fire God!"
"Amazing, how is Touhou not kicked out of the second dimension yet?" Watching *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* ascend Above at Geb's Order, freely unleashing a rain of Flames like a continuously changing Vortex, sweeping towards him, Hayato muttered, but became interested. "Don't underestimate my grazing technique! Such slow bullet patterns, watch me—"
"Boom!"
[Hayato: 5400 → 2400 LP]
Before Hayato could take two steps, forgetting that *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*'s Attack was of the locked-onto-the-player-character Type, Hayato was easily hit by the azure Flames. Although he wasn't covered in Dust from the Attack, which somehow carried a hint of physical Damage, thanks to the timely protection of the Millennium Ring, his Life Points did Decrease by the Value of one *Blue-Eyes*.
"Ah, I didn't dodge it," Hayato patted the non-existent Dust off himself and sighed Helplessly. "Seriously, because I held back just a little bit, I ended up getting Direct Attacked. How embarrassing."
"Hmph, do you think that's the End, Hayato Kobayashi?" Seeing that Hayato's appearance wasn't damaged by *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*'s Direct Attack, Geb gave a Cold Snort and Ordered again. "This Attack will be the Last! Go, *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* Unit 2! The Final Direct Attack!"
"Your Life Points will be completely reduced to—"
"Sore wa dou kana!" Hayato suddenly spoke up, Interrupting Geb's words. Inserting a Card from his Hand into his Duel Disk, he said with Composure, "Don't think about pushing your luck after gaining a slight Advantage, Mr. Geb. What comes next is my Stage!"
"That *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* of yours can no longer Attack!"
"Nani!?"
Geb turned his Head sharply upon hearing this, finding that *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*, which he had Ordered to Attack Hayato, truly didn't Attack Hayato as Hayato said, but was frozen in place and didn't Move!
Geb also noticed that as *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* made a Struggle, a rainbow-like light band appeared on its body, binding it at some point!?
"That Equip Card, when did it...?" Noticing an Equip Card that had appeared on his Monster at some point, Geb's Face showed an Expression of surprise.
Hayato slightly raised the Duel Disk on his Wrist, revealing the Card he had inserted into the Spell & Trap Zone when Geb Declared his Attack just now. "Heh heh, then I'll ask you in return, when did you get the illusion that I didn't Activate a Card just now?"
"Chain to *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*'s Attack Declaration, I Activate the Effect of *Rainbow Kuriboh* from my Hand! When an Opponent's Monster Declares an Attack, you can Activate this Effect by targeting that Attack Monster. Equip *Rainbow Kuriboh* from my Hand to that Monster as an Equip Card, and the Monster equipped with *Rainbow Kuriboh* Cannot Attack!"
*Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* (Rainbow Kuriboh) [ATK3000]
"Damn it!" Looking at Hayato's Proud Expression, Geb muttered Annoyed. "Hmph, you got away with your Life, Hayato Kobayashi. My Turn will End for now."
"However, a more powerful Offensive awaits you in the Future! Next Turn, you will not escape the Destiny of being Defeated!"
[Geb: 3000 LP, Hand 0]
*Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* [ATK3000]
*Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* (Rainbow Kuriboh) [ATK3000]
To create the fierce Offensive earlier, Geb had Used up all his Hand Resources, all to try and finish off Hayato this Turn. To be cautious, he even specifically Used *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*'s Effect beforehand to Destroy all the Monsters Hayato could Use.
But in the End, his Plan was Destroyed by one *Rainbow Kuriboh* from Hayato.
In fact, it also proved that Geb's Operation before was not a Mistake. If Hayato had Used *Rainbow Kuriboh* earlier to Control *Disciple of Nephthys*, which was the only Monster on Geb's Field at the time that could Battle Destruction *Little Roadrunner*, then even if Geb Destroyed the other two Monsters on Hayato's Field, he would have no way against that most inconspicuous *Little Roadrunner*.
Although he could inflict a maximum of 3399 Damage to Hayato, as long as he didn't reduce his Life Points to zero, the Value of the Damage was fundamentally meaningless.
With no Resources remaining, he couldn't prepare Set Cards to Defend against Hayato's upcoming Offensive. However, he felt that with two Monsters with ATK as high as 3000 on his Field, he wouldn't be instantly killed in one Turn. And as long as he could hold out until the Next Turn, the large number of Monsters Geb Destroyed this Turn would all Activate their Effects, creating an Offensive even stronger than the current one.
Hayato looked at the two *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* on Geb's Field and Geb's remaining 3000 Life Points, and Exclaimed, "If I don't finish this before the Next Turn, I'll have to face another fierce Offensive. It seems I have to resolve this Duel this Turn."
"Hmph, do you mean to say that even now, you think I'm an Opponent you can easily Defeat just because you want to, Hayato Kobayashi? There's a limit to your arrogance!" Geb glared at Hayato with a sour Face.
"Grandma said that as long as I want to do it, Destiny will absolutely be on my side," Hayato said, placing his Hand on his Duel Disk. "My Hand has already grasped the Future!"
"My Turn, Draw!"
"I feel it, I've found the spot! It's this Card!" Hayato looked at the Card he Drew, inserted it into his Duel Disk, and said very Seriously, "The Bond between people cannot be severed even if they are a thousand miles apart! Let me show you the Bond Card I snatched from my Friend... I mean, was gifted by my Friend!"
"Activate the Spell Card, *Change of Heart* da!"
As Hayato Activated the Card, Geb personally saw that among the two *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* on his Field, the one that wasn't equipped with *Rainbow Kuriboh* and could Attack was hit by the Brainwashing Beam shot from the Card that appeared behind Hayato. A very Awkward Pink Emblem appeared on its chest, and it moved to Hayato's Field in a daze!?
"My *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*!"
"This Monster is the strongest Monster in your Deck, there's no Monster stronger than it, right, Mr. Geb?" Hayato pulled a face, pointing his thumb at himself. "The one Controlling it to Battle now isn't you, it's me, Hayato Kobayashi da!"
"Oh oh oh!" "As expected of Hayato, he easily did what we couldn't! We truly Worship you!"
Taking Control of the *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* Card with Geb's Unwillingness on his Face, Hayato's mouth curved into a smile, and he played another Card from his Hand. "And this Card, the Spell Card *Enlightenment*! Destroy all Monsters equipped with Equip Cards!"
"Using External Force to Enhance your Monsters, your Purity is too low, Geb!"
"Equip Card?" Geb was stunned upon hearing this and looked at the remaining *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* on his Field. On its body, *Rainbow Kuriboh* was indeed equipped!
"Isn't this fundamentally the Card you gave me?!"
"Kuriboh~" Stepping on *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*'s Head, *Rainbow Kuriboh* had a completely Habitual Expression. It was Destroyed and Sent to the Graveyard along with *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* by the Power of *Enlightenment*.
Similar to *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys*, the evolved *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* has the Ability to be Special Summoned back to the Field during the Next Turn's Standby Phase if it is Destroyed by Battle or Effect. But clearly, Geb doesn't have a Next Turn, because the *Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys* whose Control was Transferred by *Change of Heart* is standing on Hayato's Field, glaring at him whose Field is empty!
"To deal with you, this Card should be better, right?" Hayato waved his Hand. "Enter my Battle Phase! And this is the Final Direct Attack!"
"Thunder Sky Sunlight: Calamity Sound Starfall Fire Stream Hammer!"
"Boom!"
[Geb: 3000 LP → 0]
# Chapter 713: The "Truth" of the Millennium Items
Watching Geb's Life Points be reduced to Zero by his own Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys's Direct Attack, Hayato returned the three Cards in his Hand, Psychic Ectoplasm, Megamorph, and Monster Reborn, to his Deck.
He could have Revived Gaia the Dragon Champion, Equipped it with Megamorph to Double its ATK, and then changed Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys's Battle Position to Defeat Geb with Piercing Damage. However, Hayato ultimately chose to specifically use Geb's own Card. As expected, even Hayato himself felt that there was no Duelist more loving than him.
Hayato didn't even use his Soul Card, Psychic Ectoplasm. He truly was the gentlest person on the Surface World (Confirmed).
As for Geb, whose Life Points were Cleared, he was Blasted Away by Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys's Attack just now and fell to the ground. Since he wasn't a living person and had no physical Body, he probably didn't feel Pain, hmm. I, Hayato Kobayashi, always know my limits when doing things.
Looking at Geb, who was sprawled on the ground with a frustrated Expression, unsure if he was upset about losing or about losing to Hayato, the Victorious Hayato leaped like a Frog and plopped down in front of Geb, examining the Expression on his Face up close. He even Taunted him:
"I've been wanting to see it since just now, that kind of Expression on your Face~" Hayato was practically provoking Geb face-to-face. "That jealous Expression, hehe hahaha~"
"Well, there's the saying 'the winner takes all,' and it's generally not too much for the Winner of a Duel to say a few harsh words." Looking at Geb, who was suppressing his Anger, Marik wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Isn't Brother-in-law showing an Attitude that he fundamentally has no Plan of getting along with Father?"
However, with the End of the Duel, it meant that Hayato had successfully passed Geb's so-called "Test" and "Trial," which was perhaps essentially just an unreasonable challenge, on behalf of the group. They could now enter the Tomb Keepers' Secret Chamber to see what the so-called Millennium Spellbook actually was.
However, Hayato waved his Hand at Yugi and the others, telling them to go ahead and look without waiting for him.
"Mr. Geb kept picking on me during the Duel just now. As a Reward, I also want to get a good look at his pathetic, defeated Appearance." Hayato rolled over and sat on the ground, waving his Hand at Yugi and the others. "I have no Interest in that Millennium Spellbook whatsoever. You guys go ahead and look."
After Yugi and Joey Wheeler exchanged glances, since Hayato said he wasn't interested in the Millennium Spellbook, it was Hayato's Freedom not to go see it. Naturally, they wouldn't force Hayato to go with them. After greeting Hayato and Geb, they walked into the Secret Chamber.
As Geb ended the Duel, the Golden Duel Disk he had temporarily "borrowed" returned to the Hand of the Statue on the right side of the Secret Chamber. The Millennium Spellbook that had risen from the Cabinet in the Center remained in its original Position, seemingly waiting for those who entered the Secret Chamber to Flip through it.
"Is that the Millennium Spellbook?" Just looking from a distance, Joey Wheeler could feel the Strange Power contained within the open book. "One of the Treasures that Marik, Miss Ishizu, and Mr. Geb's Tomb Keepers have guarded for A Thousand Years?"
"Just standing here looking at that book, my head feels filled with Duel Monsters Inspiration." Pegasus looked at the Millennium Spellbook with fervent eyes. He turned his head and asked Marik, "Marik boy, can we Flip through that book freely now?"
Marik rolled his eyes and said irritably, "How would you think someone like me, who was kicked out of the Tomb Keepers at ten years old, would know the answer to that Question? I don't Know, okay? About what that book is, what it records, what Material it's made of, what needs to be noted, and if there are any Mechanisms hidden inside."
"If you're brave enough, go ahead and touch that book yourself. Anyway, whether you die or the book gets damaged, it has nothing to do with me."
Hearing Marik's words, not only Pegasus, who was full of Curiosity about the Millennium Spellbook, but also Joey Wheeler, who was standing nearby itching to touch the Golden Book Page to see if it was really Gold, froze his movements. He decisively withdrew his Hand and chose to distance himself from the Ancient Book.
Gambling one's Life on whether a book's Material is Gold... Anyway, even if he knew the Millennium Spellbook was really made of Gold, Joey Wheeler wouldn't possibly take the book to sell for Money. To satisfy some irrelevant Curiosity, it really wasn't necessary.
Since Geb hadn't come inside yet, Yugi and the others, knowing nothing about the Millennium Spellbook, weren't comfortable touching it. After repeated consideration, Yugi stepped forward and Transferred Control of his Body back to Dark Yugi. The Nameless Pharaoh's Soul walked up the Stairs in front of the open Golden Box and simply looked down at the Text on the Ancient Book without reaching out.
With just one glance, Yugi's Pupil contracted. "This is!?"
Yugi, who was usually composed and calm, showed such obvious surprise on his Face, which immediately attracted the Attention of the others. Driven by Curiosity, Téa, Tristan, and Joey Wheeler also came closer. Like Yugi, they chose to stop one step away from the Millennium Spellbook and look at the Text on the book.
However, looking at the Text, which was like ghost scribbles completely incomprehensible to ordinary people, they were all a bit bewildered.
Since the Millennium Spellbook also bore the Title "Millennium," it was not outside Yugi's expectation that the Text on it was the unique Ancient Egyptian Hieratic Text. As a long-lost Text, among the six people who entered the Secret Chamber at this moment, only Marik and Yugi could understand what was recorded on it.
Since the Stairs were quite wide, Marik and Pegasus also walked to a Position parallel to the others to look at the Millennium Spellbook. Marik, who could also read Ancient Egyptian Hieratic Text, fell into a state of Shock the moment he saw the content, showing the same Expression as Yugi.
They didn't make everyone wait too long. Yugi, who had encountered this shocking Knowledge earlier, recovered his composure at the same time Marik deciphered the book's content. With a heavy and serious Expression, he lowered his head and looked at the Millennium Puzzle hanging on his chest, murmuring, "The Millennium Items, they're actually like this..."
Yugi and Marik both understood what was recorded in the Millennium Spellbook, but Téa, Tristan, Joey Wheeler, and Pegasus were all waiting for Yugi and Marik to provide the Translation. Joey Wheeler, whose Curiosity had long been piqued, couldn't help but ask Yugi, "Millennium Items? Yugi, could it be that what's recorded in this book is related to the Millennium Items?"
Téa and Tristan, equally curious about the answer to this Question, stood beside him and nodded vigorously, indicating they were also very curious.
"This book does indeed contain Knowledge related to the Millennium Items, but the Knowledge on it..." Yugi stopped here, not continuing, seemingly hesitating whether to reveal the Truth he had read from the book.
"What about the Knowledge on it? Could it be that the Knowledge about the Millennium Items on it is too shallow and has no Meaning at all?" Pegasus couldn't suppress his curiosity. He also looked at Yugi eagerly and asked. Although he had lost his connection with his Millennium Item, this didn't prevent Pegasus, as a Game Designer, from eagerly wanting to draw Inspiration from the Information close at Hand.
Yugi didn't speak, but Marik recovered from his Shock. Hearing Pegasus's Question, he answered, "No, the Knowledge about the Millennium Items in this book is not shallow at all. It's even deeper than I expected, so deep that it goes to the Source, perhaps even excessively so."
As he spoke, Marik turned around and looked at the two Statues in the Secret Chamber. His gaze swept over the neck of the female Statue where the Millennium Necklace had once been placed, and the empty palm of the male Statue that had once held the Millennium Rod. Marik couldn't help but remark, "I somewhat understand why this book was only guarded by the successive Clan Heads."
"Even though they are tasked with guarding the Millennium Items, if the clan members who believe they bear a noble Mission were to know that the essence of the Millennium Items they guard is such a Wicked Object, it would indeed be deeply unsettling."
Yugi and Marik, who already knew the book's content, spoke in riddles that only they understood, leaving the four people beside them completely bewildered.
"So, what exactly is written in the book, Marik, Yugi? At least tell us what it is first," Tristan asked.
Hearing this, Yugi Sighed and said, "The page of that Millennium Spellbook that is open records the individual Abilities of the Millennium Items, their potential applications, the various powerful effects they can achieve when gathered together, and even the Manufacturing Method of the Millennium Items."
"Eh?! The way to manufacture Millennium Items!?" Joey Wheeler was also shocked. In an Instant, after understanding the Meaning this represented, he couldn't help but gasp sharply. "Doesn't that mean that as long as you can read the Text on it, both you and Marik know how to mass-produce Millennium Items!?"
Hearing Joey Wheeler's words, Pegasus, who was standing nearby, also lit up. His single eye looked at Yugi with intense focus. Millennium Items that can grant Great Power... Honestly, who wouldn't want them? Pegasus wasn't greedy, he just wanted another Millennium Eye.
Marik, hearing this, let out a cold laugh. "Heh, easy for you to say. Setting aside the other materials needed for manufacturing (which only require vast sums of money to acquire), do you have the determination to carry out a large-scale massacre to obtain Millennium Items?"
"Massacre? Why? I don't want to Murder anyone," Joey Wheeler said with a frown. The next moment, his Expression froze, and he looked at Yugi. "D-Don't tell me?"
Yugi's Expression was serious, and he nodded, confirming Joey Wheeler's guess. "Ah, it's just as you thought, Joey Wheeler."
"The manufacturing of Millennium Items requires human sacrifice as an Exchange, and not just a few. To create the seven Millennium Items, Three Thousand Years Ago, a great Massacre occurred!"
Looking at Dark Yugi outside, Yugi Mutou inside the Millennium Puzzle murmured, "The Other Me..."
Meanwhile, outside the Secret Chamber, Hayato looked away from Yugi and the others. He turned his head and glanced at Geb behind him, saying, "So, Mr. Geb, how much time do you have left?"
Geb, who was still lying on the ground, heard Hayato's words. The Angry Expression on his Face paused and turned into Helplessness. He said, "Tsk, when did you find out?"
"The Duel Ritual has held important Meaning since Ancient Egypt and even earlier. It's not just about creating resonance between the hearts of both duelists and understanding each other; it's also normal to know the opponent's state through this Resonance." Hayato turned around and looked at Geb. "Also, compared to when I first saw you in the Room, your Body is much more Transparent now."
"If this way you're fading were a normal situation, I would find it hard to Believe that you've been back in this World for a year. But if it's considered a sign of being about to leave, then it becomes reasonable again."
Hearing this, a rare bitter smile appeared on Geb's Face. "That's pretty much it. Your observation is really sharp. You didn't approach Ishizu using this method, did you?"
"Although my Feeling isn't completely accurate, I estimate that today is the Limit. Maybe I won't even have the remaining strength to take you back to the Surface World."
Geb was admitting Hayato's guess; he really didn't have much time left. And actually, this didn't exceed Hayato's expectation either.
As far as he knew, Geb wasn't a Psychic Powers User, Millennium Item User, or NewType during his Life. Being able to return to the world in this almost ghostly form after Death was already quite rare. Eternal Life wasn't realistic; there would eventually be a limit to his time in the human world. It seems, it was today.
Noticing this point, Hayato had specifically stayed behind, remaining by Geb's side without leaving.
"Mr. Geb, ever since you met Marik, you haven't looked kindly on him. About this, I think it's necessary to tell you now," Hayato said, looking at the spreading Golden Mist around Geb. "The one who killed you back then was Marik's..."
"The Dark Personality fostered by the Dark Power of the Millennium Rod, right?"
Geb said it casually. Seeing Hayato's slight Surprise, he smiled and said, "I've known about this for a long time. But even though I was the Clan Head, it was difficult for me to resist the Family Rules alone. I could only let Marik suffer; he had to endure the Torment of the cruel Family Rules from a young age, and I couldn't change it."
"That day when Marik killed me, I actually already knew what he was doing behind my back. After all, the shadow on the Wall couldn't lie. But perhaps I lacked a Sense of Responsibility and chose that method to fill the guilt in my heart towards Marik. However, that child, Ishizu, is also very smart. She used my death to connect the efforts I made during my life and regained control over everything within the clan."
Geb looked at Marik's back as he walked towards the Millennium Spellbook in the Secret Chamber and said with a smile, "A cold Father who hasn't forgiven himself is better than a Father who has forgiven himself. The former brings more discomfort to that Kid Marik than the latter, right?"
Standing up from the ground, Geb patted the non-existent dust off himself, but only dispersed more Golden Smoke. Looking at Hayato, who had also stood up, he had a regretful Expression. "It's a pity you came a little late. I didn't get to observe carefully what kind of person you are, Kid. I could only use a Duel as an Assessment."
"Well, I noticed that long ago. You can't keep a secret at all, Mr. Geb." Looking at Geb, whose figure was becoming increasingly transparent and faded, Hayato smiled and asked, "So, how do you feel?"
"Terrible, I felt stifled the whole time. Couldn't you just let me have a good time, you bastard? Especially at the End, you used my Cards to hit me. Excessive, annoying." Geb glared at Hayato and said irritably, but then he paused. "Also, it was too obvious. You didn't put in your full effort, Kid."
"But this is good too. That child, Ishizu's personality is much kinder than that Kid Marik's. I was worried she would be bullied in the future. If it's you..." Looking at Hayato, Geb said solemnly, "Protect her well, Hayato Kobayashi."
"Okay, don't worry, Mr. Geb." Hayato extended his Fist and lightly bumped it against Geb's almost shapeless Hand. Geb rolled his eyes at him and said, "Can't you use a different way of addressing me?"
"That won't do. Ishizu and I still haven't gotten anywhere," Hayato said, looking at the completely dispersed Golden Mist and waving his Hand. "Good night, Mr. Geb."
# Chapter 714: Bakura's Arrival
As Geb departed, the golden mist in the Underground Space dispersed. Standing in the Secret Chamber, Yugi and the others were surprised to find that the *Millennium Spellbook* before them automatically cracked open without anyone touching it.
"W-What's going on?" The golden pages turned into points of light and rose up, dispersing. Tristan looked at the tattered *Millennium Spellbook* and said with some confusion, "We didn't do anything, did we?"
Joey Wheeler's expression showed anxiety. "Now's not the time to shirk responsibility, is it? Hurry up and think of something, we can't afford to replace this!"
"Even if you say that..."
Looking at the book that had dispersed from a complete state to only a few remaining pages in a short time, Marik didn't show any nervousness about his own possession being damaged. Instead, he shrugged indifferently, "We don't know how to stop it either."
"Rather, I think the *Millennium Spellbook*'s current appearance is its true form."
"Huh?" Hearing Marik's words, Joey Wheeler and Tristan were also stunned, and Téa belatedly remembered something. "Mr. Geb seemed to have said something like that before, 'What was stored in the Golden Box was only a part of a book,' right?"
"In other words, the book that is now appearing before us should actually be in an incomplete state?" Looking at the *Millennium Spellbook*, which was gradually reduced to only a few damaged pages, Pegasus still maintained his strange tone that hindered others' understanding, even at this moment.
The quantity of golden points of light continuously floating out from the golden pages gradually became rare, revealing ancient, dim, and heavily damaged old residual pages, unlike the previous pages that looked as if they were made of gold. It seemed that this was the true *Millennium Spellbook*.
Looking down again, everyone found that even the text recorded on the pages had undergone a change, becoming some kind of text that even Yugi and Marik couldn't understand, older than the lost Ancient Egyptian Hieratic Text. It became even more impossible to decipher the content on it.
Just as everyone was pondering, Hayato, who had entered the Secret Chamber when everyone was surprised by the *Millennium Spellbook*'s incident, stood behind the group and spoke, "That appearance before, perhaps Mr. Geb wove it using the power of the *Millennium Spellbook*."
"As the Gravekeeper Tribe Chief, Mr. Geb naturally inherited the deciphered content of the *Millennium Spellbook* from previous Clan Heads over the past three thousand years during his lifetime. That's why the previous *Millennium Spellbook* displayed Ancient Egyptian Hieratic Text that people could understand. However, as his power was exhausted, not only Mr. Geb, but the *Millennium Spellbook* could no longer maintain that false appearance."
"Hayato?"
Turning around to look at Hayato, Yugi's face showed a pondering expression. Just seeing the source of darkness of the *Millennium Items* from the *Millennium Spellbook* before had already greatly shocked Yugi, and what he saw was only the content that the Tomb Keepers had deciphered from a small part of the *Millennium Spellbook* over three thousand years.
It was hard to imagine what kind of knowledge was recorded on the complete *Millennium Spellbook*.
Standing next to Yugi, Marik also noticed a key point in what Hayato had just said and looked at Hayato, saying, "Brother-in-law, you said Father he..."
Hayato didn't say anything, just looked at Marik and nodded.
Seeing this, Marik took a deep breath and said with some emotion, "Is that so, he's gone. That's fine too, after all, even now I still can't quite figure out how to face him, how to face my own Father whom I killed with my own hand. It's good that he returned to the Underworld, it saves me from continuing to be troubled."
No one had any way to console him, after all, they truly rarely had the experience of "a relative they killed with their own hand was revived and then died again." They could only let time slowly dilute the emotion in Marik's heart.
Now, the group had seen the secret treasure of the Tomb Keepers, the *Millennium Spellbook*. After learning the truth about the *Millennium Items*, the *Millennium Spellbook* had also turned into a few undecipherable residual pages. Coupled with Geb, who had guided them here, having returned to the Underworld, the few people had no idea of staying here any longer and planned to return to the Surface World.
Walking at the back of the group, Hayato took out his mobile phone, thinking that he should perhaps send Ishizu a text message to tell her what had happened with the Tomb Keepers. Don't ask why Hayato had Ishizu's mobile phone number, just say he accidentally got it, it was definitely not added when they went to see a movie together last time.
However, halfway through editing the text message, Hayato felt that informing the other party via text message might be inappropriate. After thinking about it, Hayato simply made a phone call instead, so he could explain things more clearly.
Although they were in the Underground Space, the Tomb Keepers were quite up-to-date. Not only did mobile phones have signal, but Hayato even searched and found a Wi-Fi he could connect to. It was just a pity that Hayato didn't know the Wi-Fi password, and Geb didn't have time to tell Hayato before he left.
Of course, considering the time Geb died, perhaps this Wi-Fi was actually installed by someone Ishizu sent, and Geb didn't know the password either.
Walking up the long Stairs back to the Surface World, Hayato's mind wandered, but his ears kept hearing the phone's standby "dulu lulu lulu" sound. Ishizu's mobile phone seemed to be continuously unanswered.
This was a bit strange, because as far as Hayato knew, although Ishizu usually wore that white clothing and seemingly had no pockets to put things in, she actually had a place to store things, and that mobile phone should always be carried with her.
Moreover, Ishizu's position as an Egyptian Government official and the director of the Egyptian Antiquities Traveling Exhibition Hall meant that she usually didn't have much social engagement and should have a lot of free time. So why had Hayato been calling for so long, but it remained unanswered?
Thinking this, the group had already returned to the Surface World along the long stone Stairs and entered Marik's house. However, as soon as they returned to the Living Room they had been in before, Joey Wheeler and Tristan, who were walking at the front, froze, pointing into the Living Room and shouting, "You, you are!?"
"Why are you here?!"
Hearing how excited the two were, Yugi and the others also hurried towards the Living Room. Upon entering the Living Room, the group finally understood why Joey Wheeler and Tristan were so excited.
Only to see sitting on the sofa in the Living Room, Bakura, still wearing his blue and white striped sailor shirt, arrogantly resting his legs on the coffee table, boredly playing with a necklace. The golden *Millennium Necklace* spun between Bakura's fingertips, while in his other hand, he held the *Millennium Eye*.
"Yo, you guys finally came out, Yugi, Hayato." Noticing the group entering the Living Room, Bakura completely ignored the others, his gaze fixed on Hayato and Yugi, especially Yugi, whom he paid special attention to. "I've been waiting for you here for quite some time."
"Bakura!?" Yugi was somewhat confused. "Why are you here?"
As soon as he finished speaking, accompanied by a radiance from the *Millennium Puzzle*, Dark Yugi, who had just returned not long ago, appeared again, taking over from Yugi Mutou. His expression was solemn as he said to the others, "Be careful, everyone, this guy isn't Bakura!"
"That bad smell of dark magic power, even more vulgar than frog's urine, he's some kind of evil entity that has taken over Bakura's body, definitely not Bakura!"
Hearing this, Bakura raised his delicate eyebrows slightly, his tone full of annoyed emotion, and said to Dark Yugi, "If possible, could you please not use such annoying descriptions? You make it sound like I'm some kind of inherently bad seed."
"Besides, what qualification do you have to talk about me, Nameless Pharaoh? You are also an existence that has taken over Mutou Yuugi's body, and in terms of dark magic power, you're not much better than me."
Pausing, Bakura's line of sight shifted downwards, glancing at the *Millennium Puzzle* on Dark Yugi's chest, and he said contemptuously, "Moreover, you've probably already learned what the *Millennium Items* are from those few pages downstairs, haven't you? What qualification do you who use such things have to evaluate me?"
"This guy, he even knows about the existence of the *Millennium Spellbook*?" Marik frowned, confused about where the other party could have possibly learned about this secret treasure, something that even he, a former member of the Tomb Keepers, only found out about today.
It was at this moment that Bakura stopped playing with the golden necklace and stood up from the sofa. Marik also clearly saw what the necklace in his hand was, his eyes widening and his expression becoming distorted, "That's, Older Sister's Millennium Necklace!"
"You bastard, what did you do to Older Sister!"
Facing Marik's glare, Bakura wore an indifferent expression, casually tossing the *Millennium Necklace* in his hand, and said with a smile, "Don't question me, I didn't do anything, you know. I just sneak attacked that woman and took this thing."
Hayato took a deep breath, looking at Bakura and saying, "When did that happen?"
"Of course, it was about an hour ago. Unlike you, my action efficiency is very high, Hayato." Bakura said, looking at the mobile phone Hayato had just closed in his hand. "Can't get through? That's normal. To prevent that woman from tipping you off, that woman can't answer the phone for now."
"Swish!"
Suddenly, a sharp lance shot out from beside Hayato, stabbing towards Bakura. It was Gaia the Fierce Knight's sneak attack! However, before it hit Bakura, as if he had anticipated it, Bakura leaned back and dodged the attack, while still provoking, "Oh dear, oh dear, I was almost hit. Is it because you heard the news about that woman that you got excited, Hayato?"
"Honestly, I was here first. Weren't we already friends since the Duelist Kingdom?"
"Heh, if we're friends, don't be such a stranger, Bakura. Come on, open your arms and give me a hug." Hayato looked at Bakura and gave a cold smile.
After failing to hit, Gaia the Fierce Knight, under Hayato's command, was about to attack again, but Bakura suddenly raised his hands at this moment. "Hey, hey, wait a minute, don't look at me like that, okay? I already said I didn't hurt that woman, I just took the *Millennium Necklace*."
"Speaking of which, I'm on your side, you know, at least for now."
"Don't give me that!" Hearing Bakura's words, Joey Wheeler couldn't hold back his anger. He glared at Bakura and said, "You despicable guy, what stance do you have to say you're our partner!"
"Tsk, do you have a say here, Joey Wheeler?" Glancing at Joey Wheeler, Bakura looked at Yugi and Hayato and said, "Although I'm certainly not a good person, I never lie. Actually, I specifically traveled all the way from Domino City to Egypt to help you, you know."
Yugi frowned, a slight curve on his lips. "Help us? By harming people important to us?"
Seeing that Yugi didn't quite believe him, Bakura said helplessly, "Ultimately, your goal is to retrieve Yugi's, or rather, the Nameless Pharaoh's memory and return to the Underworld, right? To achieve the former, the necessary items are the tablet recording the Memory World and the Three Egyptian Gods cards. The latter requires the seven *Millennium Items* and the tablet where the *Millennium Items* are placed."
"Actually, my goal is the same as yours. To prove my sincerity---" Saying this, Bakura threw out the golden necklace and the golden eye in his hands, which were caught by Yugi and Hayato respectively. "Now, the *Millennium Eye* and the *Millennium Necklace* are already in your hands."
"Besides that, I've also scouted out the locations of the two tablets for you. As for whether you believe me, that's up to you."
After speaking, Bakura didn't care what everyone's plan was, and sat back down on the sofa, crossing his legs. He was leisurely and composed, not putting the Gaia the Fierce Knight that Hayato hadn't recalled yet into his heart at all, as if he had already anticipated that Hayato and the others wouldn't make a move on him next.
Yugi, who caught the *Millennium Eye*, looked down at the eyeball in his hand, his face showing a hesitant expression. "Should we, should we believe Bakura?"
"Absolutely not! My intuition tells me that Bakura is fundamentally worse than a mouse dropping in a Restroom. How could he possibly want to help us!" Joey Wheeler said decisively. "Maybe this Millennium Eye and Millennium Necklace are both fake!"
"No, although I'm not sure if the *Millennium Necklace* is fake, this *Millennium Eye* is definitely real, I have 1000% confidence!" Pegasus said, pointing at the *Millennium Eye*.
And Marik, after looking at the *Millennium Necklace*, also confirmed, "This is indeed Older Sister's *Millennium Necklace*."
Téa glanced at Yugi, knowing what he was hesitating about now. On one hand, Bakura was undoubtedly evil, having repeatedly committed acts of disregarding human lives before. But on the other hand, Bakura was now offering an olive branch of "finding memory," which was full of temptation for Yugi, and even offered the *Millennium Items* as proof of his sincerity.
Belief in Bakura meant Yugi chose to satisfy his need and temporarily ignore the evil deeds the other party had done in the past; but not belief in Bakura meant losing the opportunity to satisfy his desire that was within reach.
Just as Yugi was hesitating, Hayato looked at Bakura and said, "Lead the way. Take us to the place you want to take us. However, I don't trust you, Bakura."
"Oh? You don't trust me but you still want me to lead the way?" Bakura looked at Hayato and smiled. "Such an annoying, familiar arrogance, Hayato Kobayashi."
Standing up, Bakura walked ahead and pushed open the door. "Then, follow me. Let's go together to the tablet that records the Memory World."
Please give recommendation tickets!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 715: Memory World, Activated
After leaving Marik's house, everyone finally noticed that while they had been in the Underground Secret Room, all the Tomb Keepers who had been perfectly fine before were now lying on the ground with pained expressions. Although they didn't check each one carefully, as they passed by the fallen Tomb Keepers, everyone could clearly feel the aura of dark magic power clinging to them.
There was no need to guess; they knew it must have been Bakura. To perfectly infiltrate the Tomb Keepers, he had eliminated all witnesses, showing a style reminiscent of a certain man whose name couldn't be spoken.
"Don't worry about these guys. I just subdued them; I didn't hurt anyone. After all, if I killed someone here, you definitely wouldn't continue our cooperation, right?"
Bakura, who was walking ahead, didn't even frown and stepped over the body of a collapsed Tomb Keeper without a second glance—Hayato even recognized that person; he was the most eager among the Guards who had tried to curry favor with him earlier—and said without turning his head, "They will naturally wake up once we leave."
Hearing this, Hayato wore an annoyed expression: "That had better be the case."
If he could, Hayato truly wanted to take care of Bakura right here, but he couldn't.
This wasn't just because Bakura was holding Ishizu as a Hostage, but also because even using the power of spirits to kill Bakura on a physical level would only kill the human "Bakura Ryo". It would be of no use whatsoever against the evil will currently controlling Bakura's body, not even if Hayato used the power of his strongest "Three Egyptian Gods".
After all, the Nameless Pharaoh had already made that attempt three thousand years ago.
As for duel rituals and dark games, it wasn't as if Hayato hadn't used them during the Duelist Kingdom. He had thought that defeating Dark Bakura once back then might keep him quiet for a while, but less than five days after being absorbed by the rules of the Dark Game, Dark Bakura had secretly returned to Bakura Ryo's body and subsequently attacked Pegasus to seize the Millennium Eye.
Without absolute confidence in defeating the opponent, and with the opponent holding an important Hostage, Hayato truly had no way to deal with Bakura.
But it didn't matter. Although Hayato had forgotten many parts of the plot due to the passage of time, he hadn't forgotten the plot of the "Memory World" arc, which was the most memorable part of the Yu-Gi-Oh! plot.
As long as he followed the plot, Dark Bakura, this evil will, would embody his persona—a "99% loss rate"—and lose to Dark Yugi in the final Dark Game, being defeated in the Memory World. At the same time, Dark Yugi would also be able to retrieve his name and memory.
Although there was the risk that Yugi would also be absorbed by darkness if he lost, this was a necessary sacrifice for the final victory. In Hayato's heart, he convinced himself of this, telling himself not to interfere with Bakura.
And just as Hayato had expected, sure enough, after Bakura led everyone out of the Tomb Keepers' Clan Territory and walked a considerable distance, they arrived before a grotto leading Underground. Bakura, who had been leading the way, stopped and turned around to face everyone: "First stop, the Stone Tablet leading to the Memory World has arrived. I told you I wasn't lying, right?"
"It would have been perfectly fine if this Stone Tablet had been specifically sent to Domino City, but it was sent back because of that exhibition. If it were still in Domino City, we wouldn't have had to go through all this trouble to come to Egypt to find this Stone Tablet," Bakura grumbled with a look of disgust. "Fortunately, that woman knew where this Stone Tablet was placed after it was transported back to Egypt, otherwise even I might not have found it."
"Also, I have to mention, the Millennium Eye is really easy to use, but I'd be even happier if it were the Millennium Ring."
"Heh, no can do. The Millennium Ring is mine. Why don't you call out to it and see if it answers you?" Hayato glanced at Bakura and sneered.
"You stole it from me back at that time, and you still have the face to say it so self-righteous?" Bakura rolled his eyes, which was his reply to Hayato, then turned to look at Dark Yugi and chuckled, "Alright, Yugi—no, Nameless Pharaoh. You who have been yearning for your lost memory and vanished name have finally assembled the necessary conditions and arrived before the Stone Tablet where you can retrieve your memory and name."
"Go in, Nameless Pharaoh. That is the destiny that has waited for you three thousand years."
Saying this, Bakura made a respectful gesture and stepped aside, indicating that Dark Yugi could enter the grotto leading to the Stone Tablet of Memories.
"You don't need to tell me that!"
Hearing Bakura's words, the usually steady Dark Yugi showed an annoyed expression.
On one hand, although Hayato had decided to temporarily cooperate with Bakura, Yugi couldn't get past the inner hurdle in his heart. After arriving in Egypt and meeting Bakura again, Yugi couldn't understand why a unique sense of revulsion rose in his heart towards Bakura; he found him displeasing no matter how he looked at him.
On the other hand, although he had been seeking his memory, when it came to the moment he could truly retrieve it, it was false to say there wasn't even a trace of hesitation and confusion in his heart.
Dartz's words, which were meant to mislead people, still echoed in Dark Yugi's ears. He didn't know what kind of person his past self, the Pharaoh three thousand years ago who used the Millennium Items with such a bloody truth behind them, truly was. What reason had caused him to lose his memory and name and return to the human world three thousand years later?
And, would the self who recovered his memory become a completely different person from his present self, and so on.
However, now was not the time to think about those things. Although Dark Yugi also had human flaws, he would hesitate, feel pity, and regret, but he could suppress these emotions with reason. Now that he had arrived just one step away from the Stone Tablet, it was indeed time to retrieve his memory.
Thinking this, Yugi looked at the people beside him, his gaze sweeping over Téa , Joey Wheeler , Tristan , Hayato, and others (Marik, Pegasus: Hey!). He nodded lightly and walked into the grotto that extended downwards.
Following the long stairs downwards, in just a moment, everyone arrived Underground. In the Cave, which was only the size of a single room, the Stone Tablet of Memories that had once been exhibited in Domino City was mounted on the wall. It depicted the Nameless Pharaoh from three thousand years ago, an Ancient Egyptian remarkably similar to Kaiba, Dark Magician and Blue-Eyes White Dragon, as well as the Three Egyptian Gods, recording the Memory World.
"The Stone Tablet of Memories has once again come before me," Dark Yugi muttered to himself, looking up at the "himself" depicted on the Stone Tablet. Behind Dark Yugi, Téa looked at Dark Yugi's back, her thoughts racing.
*'Yugi... Although I always call him 'Yugi' casually, there's another person's personality inside Yugi's body, but I've never known his true name...'* Her hand reached into her pocket, her fingertips touching a hard object, bringing a cold sensation. Téa made up her mind and took out that thing from her pocket.
"Yugi," she called out to Dark Yugi, who was looking at the Stone Tablet and about to retrieve his memory. Téa held out a necklace with a metal plaque attached, offering it to Dark Yugi, "Please, accept this."
Dark Yugi turned around and looked at the thing in Téa's hand. Because he had no memory, he didn't know what was in Téa's hand: "What is this?"
"It's a nameplate that can be engraved with a name. I heard at the airport that it's used to engrave the names of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, so I specifically bought it," Téa explained, watching Dark Yugi reach out and take it.
Picking up the metal plaque and looking at it, Dark Yugi said with some confusion: "But, there's no name engraved on it?"
"In that case, when your memory recovers, Yugi, and you remember your true name, I hope you can engrave the name on this," Téa showed a smile, trying hard to sound relaxed, but she couldn't hide the bitterness. "That way, no matter what happens next time, you won't forget it again."
Following Téa's gaze to the side, everyone noticed that on the weather-beaten Stone Tablet, ravaged by time, some damage was particularly obvious. The location of those openings seemed to be precisely where the pharaoh's name was recorded.
"The pharaoh's name on that Stone Tablet was completely scratched out, wasn't it? I want you to at least let me know your true name."
Meeting Téa's gaze, Dark Yugi smiled: "Thank you, Téa. I will cherish this gift."
Saying this, Dark Yugi unclasped the necklace and put it around his neck, then turned back to face the Stone Tablet.
Meanwhile, seeing that Dark Yugi and Téa's farewell had ended, Hayato held out his hand to Dark Yugi. Obelisk the Tormentor, Slifer the Sky Dragon, and The Winged Dragon of Ra—the three God Cards—were offered to Dark Yugi. This time, the Spirit of Ra had also specifically returned from Sphere Mode to The Winged Dragon of Ra's main card.
"Alright, let's begin, Yugi. Go retrieve your memory."
"Okay, thank you, Hayato." Taking the three cards Hayato offered, Dark Yugi nodded solemnly and looked gravely at the Stone Tablet.
With the three God Cards, I have come before the Stone Tablet. What will happen at this moment? The answer is here!
"Start!" Saying this, Dark Yugi raised his hand, pointing the three God Cards towards the Stone Tablet and raising them all above his head.
In an instant, the underground was enveloped by the radiance bursting from the Stone Tablet, and the source of the light was the Millennium Puzzle-shaped carving in the center of the Stone Tablet. The Stone Tablet that sealed the Memory World officially opened under the power of the Soul of the Nameless Pharaoh and the three God Cards!
In this instant, Dark Yugi felt his body was so light, as if his body was no longer bound by gravity and was floating up. His gaze shifted away from the shining Stone Tablet to avoid the light, and he subconsciously looked down and saw "himself".
No, not himself, but Aibo, Mutou Yuugi's body. His soul had left Aibo's body and seemed to be floating towards the glowing Stone Tablet!
His soul, which had always been bound within the Millennium Puzzle, had its restraint dispelled!
He didn't have time to think further. In the very next instant, Dark Yugi, the Soul of the Nameless Pharaoh, merged into the shining Stone Tablet. And the moment he entered the Stone Tablet, the Nameless Pharaoh instantly knew that this Stone Tablet was opening the gate to his lost memories!
A tunnel-like space appeared before the Nameless Pharaoh's eyes. With an uneasy heart, he closed his eyes and waited for memories to flood his mind.
But what he didn't know was that in the Outside World at this moment, seeing Dark Yugi use the three God Cards to open the Stone Tablet of Memories, Bakura, who had led them here, sat down on the stairs and suddenly collapsed.
From a perspective others couldn't witness, a soul separated from Bakura's body and burst out laughing: "Hahahaha, you fell for it, Hayato Kobayashi, Mutou Yuugi! This is my offensive strategy!"
Following the shining Stone Tablet, Dark Bakura's soul almost immediately followed behind Dark Yugi and merged into the Stone Tablet together.
"I've waited a long time for this day. My avatar hidden within the Millennium Puzzle was my coordinate. The moment the gate to the Memory World opens, I will also enter the Memory World together! This Ultimate Dark Game will—"
Entering the tunnel-like space, Bakura saw the Nameless Pharaoh floating not far in front of him, who hadn't gone far. Bakura laughed proudly, about to make a move on the unprepared Nameless Pharaoh, but suddenly felt his body sink.
Bakura twisted his head sharply and saw that where he had just entered, his legs, which hadn't gone far, were grabbed by an arm.
Immediately after, the owner of the arm also drilled in, sticking out a head. Wasn't it Hayato?
"You guy, how did you get in here?! Don't get in my way!" Dark Bakura said angrily, looking at Hayato.
"If I don't interfere, nothing will change. That's what I thought before, but it's not my style to take a loss and not get revenge."
The moment Dark Yugi opened the Memory World, Hayato, who had been prepared and used the power of a few Millennium Items on his body to merge his soul into the Stone Tablet together, looked at Bakura, whom he was dragging, and sneered, "So, don't think about messing with Yugi. Your opponent is me, Bakura!"
"D-Damn you!" Seeing his body getting further and further from the Nameless Pharaoh because of Hayato's interference, Dark Bakura glared at Hayato. "Anyway, I can't lose. In that case, it's fine to have one more player. You join this Dark Game too, Hayato Kobayashi!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a surge of power suddenly spread from Dark Bakura, enveloping everything within the tunnel space in darkness. Hayato lost consciousness in an instant.
The next moment, Hayato heard someone calling out something in his ear.
end of chapter
translator: One of my books got banned, so I think it's time to move on and open a new account, as my other will get banned very quickly, like in the range of 3-6 days. How do I know this will happen? Because this is my 6th account. When any novel gets banned, the other will follow it fast. Hopefully my website will be made before it, or you guys will wait. Good news: I will upload on my website all my translated work of mine on this account or the old 5 and will upload there 10 chapters per day. If I get banned before opening my website, you can find me at mrsoolhoaf2 or 3. i will repost this novel and others under different names also.