Alexis came to the hospital room. When she saw the pale, frail man hooked up to all sorts of medical equipment, she froze in shock.
She slowly approached, as if barely believing it, reaching out to touch his face.
Almost as if afraid this was just a dream.
But it wasn't a dream. The man she'd searched for with all her strength—her top priority since joining Duel Academy—was lying right in front of her.
He was weak, as if he could pass at any moment, but at least he was alive—better than her worst fears.
The girl knelt beside the bed, gripping her brother's hand tightly, as if she'd never let go again.
"Thank goodness… Thank goodness… Thank goodness…"
She sobbed for a long time before finally regaining control, wiping away her tears and standing up again.
Only then did she look at Kira, who had stood silently nearby, aura farming. Thinking of how she'd lost control of herself before, she blushed in embarrassment.
But she was naturally open; she always saw herself as a duelist, not just a girl. Ever since her brother went missing, she'd become even more resilient. Chapters first released on NoveI(F)ire.net
She quickly composed herself and bowed deeply to Kira.
"Thank you… Thank you, Kira, for helping me find my brother. This was my greatest wish. If I hadn't found him, I don't know…"
She trailed off, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
"I don't even know how to thank you…"
"It's nothing, really."
Kira waved it off with a casual smile.
As for her brother having been a dark duelist and getting beaten up by him just now—there was no need to mention that.
Atticus's mind was controlled by the Nightshroud mask; the only way to wake him was through a shadow duel. Later in the anime, he'd voluntarily put on the mask twice more, and both times only a timely duel saved him from being controlled again.
Alexis asked about her brother's condition, but Kira said he didn't know the details; they'd have to ask Atticus himself when he woke up.
Of course, that wouldn't be anytime soon. Kira knew Atticus would likely be in a coma for months. The doctors said things didn't look good—recovery would depend on fate.
Alexis was saddened, but said nothing. She thanked Kira several more times.
Now, looking at Kira, she felt more complicated than before. She'd known he was stronger than the other students, had seen him defeat legends, but never thought much of it, just saw him as a top student like Zane.
But now it was different.
That title had always seemed so far away. Even the legendary duelists they'd all admired, those famous before they'd even started dueling, seemed dim compared to that title.
Duel King—the absolute proof of supremacy. She never imagined someone like that would be at her side, at Duel Academy. Sharing the same campus, but already on a completely different path, one all others could only look up to.
She found herself growing nervous, even in conversation.
"Well, if you insist on thanking me… let me think…"
Kira tilted his head, as if really considering what to ask for.
Alexis held her breath, a little nervous.
Whatever he said, she'd have to agree—the favor owed was enormous. But now he was the Duel King; anything he wanted was probably already his.
Kira suddenly took out a deck and handed it to her. Alexis accepted it, confused.
"Red-Eyes Black Dragon?"
She looked up in surprise.
"This is Onii-chan's…"
"Yeah, Atticus's deck. The legendary Red-Eyes is really powerful. But I think it has even more potential."
"Until Atticus wakes up, you'll naturally be the one to keep his deck safe. And as thanks, I'm giving you a new job."
Kira became serious, like a boss assigning a task.
"At the start of the new semester, a new project team will be formed. I already have several ideas for developing Red-Eyes. Until Atticus wakes up, you'll be in charge. When he recovers, try to get him on board so you can hand off the work."
"You'll be working overtime this year."
Alexis stared at the deck in her hands, stunned for a moment.
Then she couldn't help but laugh.
She stood tall and nodded firmly.
Somewhere in the darkness.
In a space where all light was devoured, only a few wisps of shadow twisted. Heavy air, dangerous presences watching each other.
At the center, a gloomy voice spoke.
"Nightshroud isn't coming back."
A woman's voice. Only a black outline was visible, but her voluptuous figure was clear as she lounged lazily, showing off her long legs.
"That's a shame. He looked pretty handsome. I thought maybe we could make some excellent babies together…"
"One of the Shadow Riders has fallen."
Another voice said coldly.
"Does the plan have to be delayed?"
"No, it can't be delayed."
The person at the center replied, his tone soft but commanding.
"Time is short. We must act now—no more delays."
He looked up, eyes filled with unyielding determination.
"I must have the Sacred Beasts' cards. No matter what, within three months, they must be in our hands."
"But the situation has changed."
The prior speaker said.
"You must know—the Academy just produced a King. Chancellor Sheppard won't hesitate to seek the King's protection for the school…"
"No matter. Isn't one of you still inside the Academy?"
The central figure looked coldly at the shadowy speaker.
"You're already inside, and have gotten close to the new Duel King, haven't you?"
The shadow was silent.
"I've always trusted your abilities. You'll handle everything inside. I'm sure of it. Enough talk—I've made my decision."
He spoke with authority.
"Get ready, everyone. The Shadow Riders… must prepare to act."
PS: Bonus chapters at 2000 PS