7. Yu-Gi-Oh ARC-V A New Story of Pendulum (Standard Arc)

Chapter 41 Danger Zones

"He's not here..." Yuzu muttered, glancing around the molten ridges of the Volcano Area. Her voice carried uneasily across the glowing rocks. "Where did he go...?"

"If you're looking for Yuya, he already moved on to another area."

The sudden voice made her turn sharply. Dennis stepped out from the haze, his trademark smile shining as if he were stepping onto a stage.

Ruri's eyes widened. "Dennis?"

Rin tilted her head. "You know this guy?"

"Of course," Ruri answered quickly. "He was our friend back in Heartland. But... how did he end up here?"

Dennis swept into a theatrical bow. "I'm Dennis Macfield. Like Ron and Jean, I'm from Heartland. I came here as an LDS exchange student—and Yuya's friend."

"Yuya's friend?" Yuzu repeated, uncertain.

Dennis leapt down from a rocky ledge, his coat swirling behind him as if it were part of an act. "Everyone who Duels can become friends. Yuya and I took down Ryozanpaku together in such dazzling fashion, you wouldn't believe it was our first time fighting side by side!"

In one fluid motion, Dennis stepped closer, pressing Yuzu against the jagged pillar behind her. His smile never wavered. "And now... I want to duel you, Hiiragi Yuzu. So I can become your friend too."

Yuzu blinked, startled. "You... know about me?"

Dennis twirled the rose he pulled from his sleeve, presenting it with a flourish. "You're the daughter of You Show Duel School's Principal, aren't you? And me—I aspire to be an Entertainment Duelist, just like Sakaki Yusho himself!"

From a distance, Shuzo's voice cracked with outrage. "Why's that guy talking so friendly with her?!"

Ayu clenched her fists. "First, he makes friends with Big Brother Yuya, now he's pinning Big Sister Yuzu—not against a wall, but against a rock!"

Ruri stepped forward, her eyes softening. "I still remember the first time I met Dennis... I was chosen for his magic show. He was incredible. And when Academia attacked, he helped us so much."

"I see..." Yuzu exhaled, her doubts easing. If Ruri trusted him, then perhaps she could too. She straightened, meeting Dennis's eyes. "Fine. Let's Duel. As another aspiring Entertainment Duelist, I want to see your style. Since we both already have one win, why don't we each bet two Pendulum Cards?"

Dennis's grin widened. "Brilliant! You truly are an entertainer. This way, the show will be even more exciting!"

The two raised their Duel Disks. The volcanic air pulsed as their Life Points lit up. (Yuzu:4000)(Dennis:4000)

"Well then, ladies first," Dennis said with a bow.

"No, I want to see what you've got. I'll let you go first," Yuzu replied firmly.

Dennis's eyes sparkled. "What an honor! Then allow me to begin! When neither of us controls monsters, I can Special Summon this card! Appear—Entermage Stilts Shooter (ATK:2200/DEF:0/Level 6)!"

The lanky performer landed with a dramatic pose, stilts striking against the rocky ground.

"I set one card face-down, and I set the Scale 10 Pendulum Statue Yellow Scarab in the Pendulum Zone!" A golden scarab statue shimmered into place behind him.

Yuzu narrowed her eyes. He only sets one Pendulum Card...?

Dennis raised his hand. "I activate Yellow Scarab's Pendulum Effect! All Spellcaster-Type monsters I control gain 300 ATK!" (ATK:2200-2500)