"What did you say?" President Kaiba on the other end of the video call looked impatient.
"I said I'm planning to take Yugi and the others to Egypt." Youyu coughed and said, "Well, if you're free, maybe you could... consider joining us?"
That's right, not long ago Youyu had used the excuse of a "business trip" to once again secure a private jet to Egypt from President Kaiba—thanks in no small part to the duel he played with the president before. But now he didn't just want the plane; he was even slightly interested in having the president himself...
As everyone knows, they were heading to Egypt to face Dio—oops, I mean to confront the great Evil God, so having more allies on their side would definitely be beneficial.
However, very few actually qualified to enter the final dungeon called "King's Memory." Aside from Yugi and his friends who could rely on the Power of Idealism known as "Bonds," only someone reincarnated like Priest Kaiba might have a chance.
More importantly, Kaiba possessed the legendary spirit "Blue-Eyes White Dragon" capable of challenging the Three Egyptian God monsters in Ancient Egypt. If they could coax the president into joining, their chances of success would greatly increase.
Of course, Youyu mentioned it offhandedly and didn't hold much hope.
If you ask why...
"Boring!" snapped the president on the other side of the screen, "You guys can play this boring supernatural game by yourselves! I'm not interested in such things!"
As expected, this was the reply.
Still, Youyu didn't give up: "Yugi and I are both going, President. Maybe this trip, we could exchange ideas and spar a bit?
Besides, aren't you even a little interested in the fate between you and the White-dr—I mean, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon?"
Youyu tried his best to persuade.
The president only had interest in a few things in this world: dueling, defeating opponents stronger than himself, and the Blue-Eyes.
(Mokuba: I…)
All these elements were packaged in this Egyptian adventure, so how could the president not be tempted?
Indeed, upon hearing this, President Kaiba seemed momentarily shaken, his gaze flickering slightly.
However, just as Youyu thought he was about to secure this crucial ally...
"Hmph↓!"
The president immediately reverted to his usual aloof demeanor and coldly said, "Go wherever you want, I don't have time to play such boring games with you!"
Before Youyu could say another word, he cut off the signal, leaving the screen black.
It felt as if he was afraid that if Youyu said anything more, he might actually be convinced to accompany them to Egypt...
Youyu: "..."
Pfft, stubborn guy, fine if you're not coming.
Youyu turned off the communication on the Duel Disc—yes, it was the Duel Disc.
The Duel Disc provided by someone from the future naturally lacked no communication features. The latest Duel Disk developed by Kaiba also had this function, and although it was still in the testing phase, basic use was already no problem, with video calling and such not being an issue.
Turning his head, Youyu saw little Judai, who was supposed to be doing homework at the table, staring with curious, big eyes: "Wow! Youyu-sensei's Duel Disc is so cool, it can actually talk to people! I want one too!"
Youyu smiled, walked over, and patted his little jellyfish head.
That's right, not bad, definitely my disciple.
In the past, only the master would covet others' duel discs, but for one to dare to covet the master's duel disc, little jellyfish, you're the first...
Chinai came over with a tray and set down a cup of coffee in front of him.
She remained silent, her expression as sullen as always, but Youyu could sense something was bothering her.
It possibly bothered her that Youyu had made a special call inviting Kaiba along but didn't plan to bring her...
Yet Youyu explained to her, saying that this trip to Egypt was similar to last time, aimed at defeating the boss. Additionally, this time the opponent was at an even higher level, and honestly, Youyu couldn't guarantee their definite victory.
If it weren't for the King to shoulder the burden, he would have hesitated to enter this final dungeon...
"I want to go too," the little jellyfish pouted.
Youyu chuckled.
You?
Maybe in another five or six years, even if he didn't want to go, Youyu would definitely find a way to coax him on board.
But now? Better forget it.
He didn't want to be managing a kid while fighting the boss...
...
Before departure, Youyu gave some simple instructions to the Vampire maid who had thoroughly embraced her role at home.
Since he had been traveling a bit too much recently, spending little time at home. Each day his house was guarded only by this Vampire maid, so a few verbal instructions were necessary to make sure she didn't mess around during his absence.
Summoned by her master, Quine dashed in front of Youyu, still dressed in a maid outfit so tight it barely covered anything, and today she even sported... twin pigtails reminiscent of an anime character, distinctly out of place.
Seeing this incongruous pure-style outfit, Youyu's face darkened.
What are you fiddling with in your room every day? What kind of ridiculous style is this?
Youyu ignored her dual-tailed look, commonly referred to by old drivers as the "steering wheel style," and calmly instructed that he would be out for a while longer, uncertain about the duration, and advised her to stay put and not wreck the house...
Quine nodded like a pecking chicken, her twin-tails bobbing up and down.
Youyu watched with a line across his face—especially after having witnessed her drinking and playing drinking games with a group of strong men before, her pretending to be pure and cute now seemed not just strange, but eerie...
"Youyu-sama, look... shouldn't you consider taking me along?" Quine blinked her eyes furiously, "See, all those big shots bring assistants or secretaries when they go out, right? Maybe I wouldn't be much help, but I would give you some face!
Someone as handsome and strong as Youyu-sama, with such distinguished identity and status, outstanding and elegant..."
"Stop, stop!" Youyu gestured to stop before goosebumps started to form all over him.
"Oh."
Quine had a look on her face as if her mouth had been blocked, dropping the subject.
Yet soon she continued implying, "Even if not a secretary, perhaps you could consider... taking a bed warmer? After all, it's quite far on the road..."
Youyu's face darkened.
Ha, finally revealing that ugly face.
A secretary, an assistant—what nonsense covers!
I see you're just interested in my multi-million project!
With a blank expression, Youyu raised his hand, pointed behind him, and then extended five fingers.
Without needing words, Quine immediately understood, nodding obediently: "Oh, fifty laps, understood? I'm on it, Youyu-sama..."
So the spirited vampire wanting to stir up trouble trotted off again to expend her extra energy.
Youyu hummed internally.
Hmm, this vampire still wouldn't give up and craved my body.
Seriously, how realistic is that?
Like a toad trying to be Batman!
After packing and checking their luggage, and having a phone conversation with Yugi, they were finally ready to set off.
Destination: Linked World 1.0 version final stop, Egypt!