The holidays passed quickly, and Duel Academy once again welcomed a new academic year.
But this time, the start of the new school year at Duel Academy brought more than just adorable freshmen.
The sky was a pure blue, as if washed clean, with sunlight streaming through to cast mottled shadows, bathing the world in a warm, gentle golden glow. The sparkling sea looked like it was studded with countless tiny sapphires, swaying gently under the breeze.
A white passenger ship sailed slowly across this magnificent scene where sea and sky met, cutting through the waves toward Duel Academy.
"October 11th."
A red-haired man with glasses stood at the bow, speaking to the recorder in his hand as if talking to himself.
"The voyage to Duel Academy finally seems to be coming to an end.
KaibaCorp specially prepared a luxurious ship for us this time, and I heard it cost a fair bit, even though there are only five passengers on board."
The red-haired man—Adrian Gecko, young master of the world-renowned Gecko Conglomerate—looked around, pushing his glasses up his nose.
Adrian Gecko appeared to be a refined and scholarly man, and the glasses on his nose contributed much to this image. But anyone who's seen GX's story would know that his appearance is intentionally misleading to some extent.
Anyone who mistook him for a weak, pampered young master would definitely regret it. Beneath this civilized exterior lay a body forged through countless trials—he had the physique of a mercenary, with not just great strength, but also top-level combat skills. He was confident he wouldn't lose to anyone in a fight.
"I already know about all the passengers. The first, naturally, is myself, Adrian Gecko.
The second is Jim Crocodile Cook."
As he spoke, he looked toward the pool area nearby.
A man in a broad hat, dressed like a cowboy, was comfortably lying under the sun. But on closer look, you'd notice his head was not resting on a pillow, but on a fearsome-looking green crocodile.
"Jim is the easiest member to spot. That deck is his favorite place. He's always there."
As Adrian spoke, Jim yawned lazily under the sun. The crocodile under his head seemed to roll its eyes upward.
"The third and fourth are Professor Viper and Axel Brodie," Adrian continued, glancing back. "But those two rarely leave their rooms."
…
The mercenary Axel Brodie was in his room at that moment, expertly drawing a gun-shaped object from his waist. But as he unfolded it on his arm, it revealed itself to be a duel disk.
He was a mercenary, and this was a custom duel disk. It could be used as a gun when needed, and transformed into a duel disk during duels.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Who is it?"
Axel got up and opened the door.
Professor Viper's tall, muscular frame appeared in the doorway. He looked down at Axel and said calmly, "Besides me, who else would come looking for you?"
Axel handed a file from the table to Viper.
"This person has been asking about me," Axel Brodie said.
The professor took it, glanced at the file, and frowned.
"Adrian Gecko. From that Gecko conglomerate, huh."
Viper put down the file, giving a soft snort.
"I see. Looks like he's here with some purpose—might turn out to be troublesome. Well, never mind him for now. He can't trouble us yet."
Axel nodded. "Yes, Professor."
"Don't forget your mission," Professor Viper said sternly. "I sent others to infiltrate Duel Academy before, but it didn't go well."
Axel's expression was serious. "Because it's the King's Domain, right?"
"That's right."
Professor Viper clasped his hands behind his back and nodded.
"Rumor has it that this generation's King is cunning and suspicious by nature. Just acting on his territory is already a big risk."
Axel opened his mouth, but hesitated and said nothing.
"What is it?" Professor Viper asked. "If you have something to say, just say it."
Axel thought for a moment and said, "Why does it have to be at Duel Academy?
I mean, if acting here is so risky…"
"It's necessary."
Professor Viper interrupted before he could finish.
"I'm your commander. Just follow orders. All you need to know is that our mission must be carried out at Duel Academy, understand?"
Axel bowed his head. "Yes, sir."
"Good." Professor Viper turned, "I hear you're the best. I hope you're at least better than the last guy I hired. Don't let me down."
Axel: "I won't, sir."
…
On the deck, Adrian paused, then continued recording.
"As for the fifth passenger, they're still a ghost.
This person is on the manifest, but hasn't shown up so far. I'm starting to suspect he's not actually on the ship."
"But it doesn't matter."
Adrian smiled lightly at this point.
"When we arrive at Duel Academy, he'll show up no matter what. By then, the truth will come out."
"More worrying than this, though, is something else on this trip…"
Adrian put down the recorder, his smile fading as he looked gravely toward Duel Academy.
From here, the outline of Duel Academy Island was just beginning to appear on the endless sea. But even in this perfect weather, the island looked hazy, as if shrouded in an invisible mist.
It felt as if some kind of barrier—an ominous one—covered the island, warning anyone who approached with bad intentions.
"The King's Domain," Adrian murmured. "In the underworld, they say the King is cunning and ruthless.
Only the King's Domain is truly off-limits. Set foot on the island with any ulterior motives, and you'll be noticed immediately. The end result is either expulsion, or being trapped forever in a nightmare abyss.
Legend has it that even the brightest Light organization—whose faith is in the Cosmic Light—had their light extinguished forever on this island, with countless followers falling into darkness forever…"
He paused, then suddenly laughed, picking up the recorder again.
"Well, legends are always a bit exaggerated."
"I'm curious to see if the King's Domain is really as forbidden as they say."