The following night.
The members of the Nightwalker World division spread out according to the instructions they had each received beforehand, surrounding an abandoned warehouse from all directions.
This place was rumored to be the hideout of the Dark Duelists who hunted souls.
The duelists participating in tonight's operation included local NPCs as well as players.
But whether they were players or NPCs, they were all extremely excited at this moment.
Because they had been notified that Duel King Youyu would also be joining the operation today!
The players didn't need any explanation, as Youyu was already the biggest legend in the entire Linked World. And to the NPCs, especially the duelists of the Nightwalker World, Youyu was also a legendary idol.
Being able to participate in this mission with him was an immense honor in itself.
The players were even calculating in their minds that by performing well in this mission, they could leave a lasting impression in front of Youyu-san. What if they caught Youyu's eye and were chosen to be by his side even if it was just as a flute boy, wouldn't that be an instant rise to fame?
Everyone racked their brains, completing tasks, joining the Nightwalker World, grinding their contribution day and night. For what?
Wasn't it all to get close to this great opportunity!
But the figure they were eagerly expecting had not yet appeared.
Everyone got into position and began to wait patiently. The moment Youyu-san arrived, they would immediately charge forward at his command...
As they were waiting, a sudden, deafening explosion came from inside the warehouse, its resounding impact echoing within.
Everyone became alert at once.
What was happening?
Could it be that the criminals realized they were surrounded and were preparing to blow themselves up?
Soon someone discovered it.
"It's... It's Youyu-san! Youyu-san has... he's already gone inside!"
"What!?" x10086
"..."
A minute earlier, inside the warehouse, a group of Dark Duelists cloaked in black robes were gathered around a massive array. The leader was muttering some incantations, seemingly performing some ancient ritual.
No one foresaw, nor could anyone have imagined, what would happen next.
It began with a gigantic crash from above everyone's heads, sounding like the crisp wail of metal being torn in two. The Dark Duelists were startled, feeling as though the entire building trembled as if an earthquake had hit.
This was followed by a louder roar, as if rolling thunder was exploding beside their ears.
Ghastly white light shone from the sky, casting desperate paths through the disordered dust in mid-air.
It was the moonlight.
The entire roof of the warehouse they were in had been blown away, like a lid lifted from a shoebox.
A shadowy figure shot down from the dark night sky, landing in the center of the warehouse. A visible wave of heat erupted beneath them, knocking the bewildered Dark Duelists sprawling.
The figure slowly stood up. It was a warrior with a predominantly red body, flames coiled around him like a dragon. The flames licked his armor, and the metallic armor reflected dazzling firelight.
Masked Hero Goka!
The Dark Duelists in the warehouse weren't the only ones shocked; even the players and NPCs watching from outside were stunned at the sight of the roof being blown off.
Oh my, Youyu-san, he's too fierce!
His spirit is like a superhero!
"...Masked Hero, it's the Masked Hero!" someone among the Dark Duelists in the warehouse shouted in surprise.
"It's the Duel King!"
"The Duel King is here!"
Though frightened, this group were also desperadoes, naturally not so easily scared off. They all activated their unique Duel Discs, manifesting their dark powers to summon their monsters in resistance.
There was the blue-skinned female "Wind Spirit" crafted from the wind, the "Faceless Illusionist" with a blank gold face, save for its thick red lips, the powerful "Gigaplant" with a blood-red mouth and serrated fangs, and the fire-enveloped three-headed hound "Flame Cerebrus"...
Of course, in direct physical confrontation, the strength of the Monsters wasn't determined solely by the card's attack value, but more so by the strength of extraordinary power of their respective Duelist owner.
If it were a Duel Monster Spirit, it would also depend on the spirit's own level of strength.
And unfortunately for them, both Youyu's power and his spirit's, the "Masked Hero," were among the best in the world.
A fierce battle was imminent.
The red Masked Hero was surrounded by the assault of numerous monsters, charging left and right, every punch and kick leaving a fiery trail behind.
The Wind Spirit caught a punch from Goka right in the face, where rings of visible fire erupted, destroying her nose. She let out a wail before dissipating into a hot breeze, her damage directly fedback to her duelist, who immediately burst into flames and rolled around the ground yelling in pain.
The Faceless Illusionist was kicked in the jaw by Goka's flaming kick, which deformed its sausage lips before it was sent airborne, exploding into a fireball.
Goka, unstoppable!
And just as the Masked Hero was pulverizing the monsters, another even more dazzling blaze of flames erupted out of nowhere, sweeping across the scene with immense momentum!
It was a roaring sea of fire like a tsunami, its power far surpassing all those miscellaneous monsters. It advanced relentlessly, engulfing any monsters it met along the way, incinerating them to ashes in the blink of an eye.
The ultimate, domineering golden flame!
For a moment, Masked Hero Goka also sensed the threat. He flipped back, waving an arm, turning the blazing heat around him into liquid streams. His armor also shifted with the special effect, changing from fiery red to a cool blue in less than a fraction of a second.
Form transformation!
Masked Hero: Mist Water!
Mist Water crouched slightly on the ground and extended his right palm into the air. From his waist, the "X" shaped belt emitted an engine-like hum, the power of water channeled through his arm, released from the palm to form a light blue iris shield ahead.
The fierce flames collided with the water barrier, producing a harsh "sshh" sound as they met. A large amount of mist quickly spread visibly.
Moments later, the mist faded, leaving everything clear.
Masked Hero: Mist Water slowly got up, revealing the powerful monster wielding the flame.
It was a golden bird. Its body was as noble as gold, with metallic wings, bright blue eyes, and unique flames coiling around its wings, reminiscent of the legendary, noble Sacred Phoenix.
Sacred Phoenix of Nephthys!
Its owner, a duelist with a markedly different style and aura, stepped out, wearing a uniquely deep blue Duel Disc on his hand.
"The Masked Hero... truly living up to the Duel King's spirit, exceedingly strong," he said faintly.
At this time, Youyu appeared behind Mist Water.
"That's what I should be saying." Youyu spoke calmly.
This was no boast; as of now, among the entire Inner World, a Dark Duelist capable of opposing his summoned Masked Hero had to be considered an exceptional powerhouse.
Pausing, he eyed the distinctive Duel Disc on his opponent's hand.
"This Duel Disc... are you remnants of Doma?"