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

Chapter 13 Duel King - Jack Atlas

The engines roared as Yuni and Katrina weaved through the late-night traffic, their Duel Runners gliding across the streets with practiced precision. Behind them, Satoshi and Ryu kept pace, while a second cluster of riders—Vivian, Yuzu, Yugo, and Risu—followed closely. The faint echo of the stadium's cheers carried even into the streets, pulling them forward like a magnet.

When they finally reached the towering structure at the city center, the bright lights of the Duel Palace lit up the skyline like a beacon. The moment their engines died down, a voice thundered from the broadcast speakers outside, vibrant and commanding.

"A huge audience of over twenty thousand has gathered here in the Duel Palace that towers over all else in the City central!" Melissa Claire's voice rang out, carrying the cadence of a seasoned announcer. "Everyone's anticipation for the opening of the Friendship Cup is firing up the atmosphere! Tonight, with myself, Melissa Claire, let's all enjoy the eve of the largest duel festival in the City—the Friendship Cup!"

The crowd erupted, a wave of cheers so powerful it seemed to shake the ground beneath their feet.

Yuni glanced back at his friends, grinning at their wide-eyed reactions. Together, they hurried into the entrance and emerged into the sea of audience seats.

"We're here!" Yugo exclaimed, throwing his arms wide as his eyes swept over the stadium. "This is the Duel Stadium!"

Vivian spun in place, taking in the sheer scale of the stands. "Wow... this place is so big and wide!"

Ryu tilted his head back, his voice full of awe. "Yeah... it's much bigger than our hometown arenas."

"Miami City's Duel Stadium was also huge," Yuzu added, her tone thoughtful as she compared the memories, "but the grounds for Riding Duels here are so spacious. It feels different—like the whole arena was built just for the speed of the duels."

Satoshi blinked, almost overwhelmed by the immensity of it all. "Are we really going to duel here?"

"That's right," Yuni answered with confidence, eyes flashing as if the sight of the stadium had only strengthened his resolve.

Just then, a pair of familiar voices called out. "Over here!"

Rua and Ruka stood up from their seats, waving both arms to catch their attention. The group hurried over, relief washing over them when they saw the twins' excited smiles.

Risu cocked an eyebrow curiously. "Hey, guys... aren't you going to watch from the Tops Special Area? You'd get a much better view there."

Rua shook his head, grinning. "We prefer watching the duel here with you guys. Feels more real this way."

Ruka nodded in agreement, her smile soft. "Besides, it's more fun together."

Inside the waiting room, the muffled roar of the stadium crowd seeped through the walls, a constant reminder of the spectacle waiting outside. Yuya sat alone on the bench, already dressed in his Riding outfit. His Duel Disk was fixed snugly against his arm, and his fingers lingered on the deck resting in his hands. He turned the cards over slowly, one by one, as if reassurance lay in their familiar weight.

Crow's words from earlier echoed in his mind like a curse.

Jack Atlas...a traitor.

Yuya's expression hardened, the word slipping past his lips in a low murmur. "Traitor..." He looked up suddenly, eyes landing on the boy stationed nearby—one of the attendants tasked with guiding participants to the field. "Hey," Yuya asked, breaking the silence, "what kind of person is Jack Atlas?"

The boy froze. His head jerked slightly, but when Yuya's gaze met his, he quickly looked away.

"Ah," Yuya tilted his head, half-smiling despite the heaviness in his chest, "were you told not to talk to me?"