The molten gold of sunset spilled across the deep blue sea, as the massive ship gradually sailed into the harbor.
The Duel Ship had docked.
Everyone stood up and gathered on the deck, gazing at the final stage of the tournament where they had arrived.
Outlined by the setting sun, the island looked especially magnificent. Colorful buildings dotted the coastline in an artful arrangement. Towering into the clouds was a giant Ferris wheel, its design featuring a Kuriboh-like head, sparkling brilliantly in the sunset. The dazzling lights made the entire island feel like a world of fairies. A three-dimensional projection of a White Dragon soared high in the sky, letting out a resounding roar.
"White Dragon Park?" Kira wondered aloud.
In such an out-of-this-world place?
"That's right, this is the newest, yet-to-open White Dragon Park, but it's unlike any ordinary amusement park," Mokuba explained proudly. "This is White Dragon Island, an island purchased by the Kaiba Corporation, and it marks a new stage in the White Dragon Park project."
As expected of President Kaiba—naming an entire island after the White Dragon.
At this rate, it's probably only a matter of time before a 'White Dragon City' is built.
The finals venue was right in the center of this unopened amusement park, the world's highest-spec dedicated duel arena. The contestants disembarked, passed through most of the venue, and came to the stage. The White Dragon Bingo Machine randomized the final duel order.
First match of the top four: Jaden was up against the Arbiter.
Kira wasn't too optimistic about Jaden's chances, but he'd already said as much.
Jaden strode onto the dueling arena without hesitation, standing before the Arbiter.
The Arbiter smiled lightly.
"Jaden Yuki... I overlooked you before. You seem to be an interesting duelist," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Let me see what you're hiding through this duel."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Jaden replied, "but when it comes to duels, I always give it my all!"
"Heh... that's just as well," the Arbiter smiled.
"I'll go first. Draw."
The Arbiter drew his card, glanced at it, then played it immediately.
"Normal summon 'Armageddon Knight'."
A knight clad in black armor, as if forged from shadows. His long hair fluttered in the sunset, a red mask covered most of his face, and he wielded a gleaming longsword.
[Armageddon Knight, ATK 1400]
"When Armageddon Knight is successfully summoned, I can send a DARK monster from my deck to the graveyard."
A golden flash shot from the Arbiter's deck, as if the card flew automatically to his hand.
"I send the DARK monster 'Stygian Street Patrol' to the graveyard."
The monster card slid from his duel disk into the graveyard.
He narrowed his eyes, a green glint flickering as he sized up Jaden.
"Come, your turn. Show me your duel, and your secrets."
Jaden met his gaze, suddenly feeling a bit dizzy for no reason.
It was that same strange sensation as before.
His temples throbbed dully, his head felt heavy. Images flashed chaotically through his mind—confused, blurry, yet instinct told him they were important. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't make out what they were.
Jaden shook his head, trying to shrug off the strange feeling.
Either way, he had to focus on the duel first.
"My turn, draw!" said Jaden. "I activate the Spell Card 'Polymerization'! I fuse 'Elemental HERO Avian' and 'Elemental HERO Burstinatrix' from my hand! Fusion Summon!"
"Appear, my beloved hero—
—Elemental HERO Flame Wingman!"
Wind and fire combined, and a swirling vortex erupted in a flaming tornado, as if the air itself was about to boil.
A blazing dragon of fire flew out from the vortex, spinning as it emerged, manifesting as a hero who landed upright. Snow-white wings spread, the dragon head on his arm spat fire, and the green-bodied hero stood tall before Jaden.
[Elemental HERO Flame Wingman, ATK 2100]
"Starting with Flame Wingman already?" Kira muttered.
In the anime, this was the standard opening for the later, level-max Jaden, a big improvement over his early habit of just summoning a normal monster and ending his turn. Though opening with a -3 hand is risky, it's hard to comment for now.
"Elemental HERO Flame Wingman, attack 'Armageddon Knight'!" Jaden commanded. "Flame Shoot!"
Flame Wingman leapt into the air, spinning and cloaking himself in fire, diving down like a meteor.
Armageddon Knight raised his sword to block, but couldn't withstand the impact. The flames pierced through, engulfing him in a huge fireball.
[Arbiter, LP 4000 → LP 3300] Find the newest release on NoveI~Fire.net
"It's not over!" Jaden said. "Flame Wingman's effect: when it destroys a monster by battle, it deals damage to the opponent equal to the destroyed monster's ATK!"
Flame Wingman landed before the Arbiter, the dragon head on his arm opening wide and unleashing a blaze, scorching the Arbiter.
[Arbiter, LP 3300 → LP 1900]
The Arbiter took the attack calmly, his hair and cloak fluttering in the flames.
Then he looked at Flame Wingman, who returned to Jaden's side, and said meaningfully: "An effective attack. But is that truly your beloved monster?"
He narrowed his eyes.
"What?" Jaden was puzzled. "Of course—what are you talking abou—uh!?"
He staggered, suddenly feeling dizzy again.
Once more, those inexplicable images surged from deep within his mind.
He saw an ancient castle, a kind old man with a white beard, smiling at him.
And a gentle, beautiful face, bathed in sunlight, smiling and saying something.
But he couldn't hear the words.
It all felt important.
The person before him also seemed important.
But why... couldn't he remember anything?
Forcing himself back to reality, Jaden felt as if he'd barely escaped a raging whirlpool.
No, this opponent can't be beaten with a distracted mind. He had to focus.
"I set a card face-down and end my turn."
PS: Bonus chapter at 500 PS