Domino.
Today, the sun seemed to rise unusually early, with the morning light gently casting over the still-sleeping Duel City, gilding the sidewalks with a golden glow.
Sunlight streamed through the skylight into a small room, cut into square shapes that spilled onto the floor, where countless dust particles danced in the light.
The starfish-headed boy in pajamas opened his sleepy eyes and sat up in bed, sleepily muttering, "Good morning... "
"..."
No response.
In the silent morning, there was not a sound inside or outside the house, only the boy's own voice echoing in the room.
... oh, right, he's already gone.
Muto Yugi landed his bare feet on the floor, seeing the sunlight cast window pane shadows by his feet. To be honest, his bedroom wasn't that big, and with the desk, bed, and other furniture crammed inside, there wasn't much room left to maneuver.
But now he felt the room was so big it seemed somewhat empty. The morning breeze blew in through the half-open window, wandering in every corner.
He sat alone by the bed for a long time, staring blankly at the Golden Cabinet on the desk meant for storing treasures.
The Millennium Pendant was once stored in that cabinet. Yugi spent eight years piecing together this pendant and obtained the world's most precious treasure.
But he was no longer here.
From now on, no one would hear him complain about his life's troubles, no one would offer advice when he fretted over wardrobe choices. He must learn to build decks alone, duel alone, and face any future challenges that may arise alone...
"Yugi!"
The shout from outside the window interrupted his thoughts.
Yugi peeked his head out of the window to find Jonouchi, Honda, and Anzu.
The three friends seemed to have planned this as they got up earlier than usual. Already dressed, they appeared before Yugi and waved at him vigorously.
"The sun's shining on your bottom, aren't you up yet?" Jonouchi shouted loudly.
"Jonouchi..."
Yugi felt touched.
It was because they knew he had just left, so they deliberately planned to meet here, right?
Yugi couldn't help but recall the moment after he finished piecing together the Millennium Pendant and the wish he made then.
He wanted friends. Because he had always been alone, a coward without the courage to speak up, he longed for friendship.
Now that dream has truly come true.
Yes, he just left, so how could he feel so forlorn and sorrowful?
They already agreed that from now on, he would walk the path alone.
"Mm!" Yugi lifted his head and replied strongly, "Wait for me, I'll be down soon!"
...
However, clearly, not everyone could accept this fact as calmly as Yugi.
"Gone!?"
When Youyu stood before the desk in the president's office reporting work, President Haima's eyes widened like copper bells.
No wonder, as this Egyptian journey was technically a "corporate business trip," with ticket costs covered by President Haima, who spent money on many segments along the way, Youyu reasonably had to report back to the boss.
Hence, this scene unfolded.
"Yeah." Youyu shrugged, "He's gone."
"Where did he go?"
"To the Netherworld, where he ought to be," Youyu said. "He was initially a departed soul, a spirit that shouldn't remain in the living world. Having fulfilled his wishes and mission, he returned to where he belonged."
"Nonsense!"
The president's hand slammed harshly onto the desk, even the Blue-Eyes White Dragon model on it seemed startled to jump.
Youyu looked helplessly. In fact, before making this report, he somewhat anticipated what the reaction would be from President Haima.
Now Haima looked furious, a face resembling a child robbed of his most beloved toy, written with "can't accept."
But even if he couldn't accept it, there's no use, as he truly was gone.
So they say being tsundere leads to lifelong regret, right? If you'd obediently joined us upon invitation, you'd have at least been able to see him one last time, correct?
Though Atem might still choose Yugi as his final duel opponent, ignoring Haima as usual, at least the president could feast his eyes.
Unlike now, where he left just like that, without even saying goodbye to his old rival.
Haima was visibly angrier, his fists tightly clenched, his bones crackling.
Unforgivable, unforgivable, Yu↑gi↓!
Is there even a place for me, your nemesis, in your heart?
"Our final resolve hasn't been settled yet, and he just leaves as he pleases!?" the president seemed to talk to himself, "I misjudged you, you are indeed a runaway deserter!"
"Um... President," Youyu quietly reminded, "Haven't you already resolved it? And many times, if I recall, you lost..."
Haima abruptly turned his head, glaring at him viciously. Youyu promptly started skillfully watching the scenery outside the window.
But since the king directly left, Youyu also felt immense pressure.
Because this only means whenever the president's card addiction kicks in and he can't contain his urge to duel, he'd undoubtedly seek him...
"Hmph↓."
Haima leaned back in his chair, pondered for a moment, "That place where he left, you mentioned the gate to the Netherworld... where is it?"
"The place has collapsed..."
"Doesn't matter," Haima coldly stated, "Tell me where!"
Youyu: "..."
President, is it necessary?
Is it just to duel that you're considering violating someone's grave...
But from that indisputable tone, it's evident that the president remains unwaveringly determined.
Seems like the king... can't rest peacefully just yet...
...
Egypt, a certain place.
"... The Pharaoh is gone."
A shadow opened its eyes.
The shadow wasn't notably tall, of medium height, but its eyes shone with an eerie dark orange glow, reminiscent of fireflies in the dark.
"Finally, it's coming to that moment, isn't it." Another shadow appeared, calmly stating.
Subsequently, silence prevailed without a word spoken, but shadows emerged one after another. Among them were tall, short, fat, and thin, with both men and women from their silhouettes, resembling a bizarre cult.
"The moment Lord Shadi spoke of is about to come," someone said.
Among the shadows, a young boy emerged.
He had flowing blue hair tied in a braid, wore rounded long boots, and held a dark orange, cube-like object with a missing corner floating in his hand.
It's widely known that there are seven Millennium Items, and now that the spirits of the Pharaoh have faded away, those seven divine artifacts are no more.
But exceptions always exist.
At this moment, what hovered in this boy's hand was indeed the eighth Millennium Item in existence!
The dark orange cube gradually lit up like a lantern, illuminating the boy's confident smile.
"The future belongs to us, Prana."