The sun was beginning to set over Neo Domino City, casting a warm orange glow across the towering skyscrapers. Jack led Blue through winding streets and crowded plazas, pointing out various dueling spots where Duelists gathered for practice, tournaments, or just friendly matches.
They arrived at a small, open-air arena tucked between two large buildings. The sounds of excited voices and the clatter of Duel Disks filled the air. A diverse crowd of Duelists, some young and others older, were engaged in spirited duels.
"This is the Duel Arena," Jack explained. "It's where most of the city's duels happen. You'll find plenty of opponents here."
Blue looked around nervously. The Duel Disks on the players' arms, the way they called out their cards, and the intense focus on their faces reminded him of the anime—this was real. He could feel the energy in the air.
Jack pointed to a nearby Duelist, a tall girl with pink hair and a confident smile.
"That's Mia. She's one of the best duelists here. You might get a chance to duel her later."
Blue felt a flutter of nervousness. He barely knew how to duel properly, but Jack's words encouraged him.
"I… I want to try," Blue said quietly. "Can I duel someone?"
Jack nodded, smirking. "Good attitude. You'll need to learn somehow. Let's see if you're ready."
A Duelist stepped forward, a boy with spiky red hair and a mischievous grin. He looked at Blue, then nodded.
"You look new. I'll give you a match," he said, shuffling his cards confidently. "Ready?"
Blue took a deep breath, gripping his Duel Disk as he looked at the starter deck Jack had given him. The cards felt strange but familiar—monsters like "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" and "Dark Magician" flickered in his mind, even if he couldn't remember why.
"Yeah, I'm ready," Blue replied, voice steadier than before.
The duel began. The red-haired Duelist drew his opening hand and quickly summoned a monster, with a confident smirk.
"Let's go," he said, activating a spell card.
Blue hesitated for a moment, then followed his instincts, recalling some basic strategies from the anime—summoning monsters, attacking, and defending.
As the duel progressed, Blue felt a strange sense of focus—like a voice whispering guiding his choices. He didn't understand it yet, but somehow, he was making surprisingly good moves for a beginner.
In the end, Blue managed to land a decisive attack, winning his first duel in Neo Domino City.
The red-haired Duelist clapped him on the back.
"Not bad for a beginner. You've got potential."
Blue smiled shyly, feeling a flicker of pride. He looked over at Jack, who nodded approvingly.
"You did good, Blue. That's just the start."
As the crowd dispersed and the city lights shimmered brighter, Blue realized that this was only the beginning of his journey. Somewhere in this city, there were answers waiting—about who he was, and how he had arrived here. But for now, he would focus on learning, dueling, and surviving in this new world.