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

Chapter 17 An Out-Of-Reach Shout

"Battle! Bolt Jockey—finish him off!" Ron shouted, his D-Wheel screeching across the finish as his final attack landed. The opposing duelist's Life Points plummeted to zero in a burst of light.

Melissa raised her arm. "The winner of the seventh match today is Ron! With a flawless Xyz Summon, he secures victory over his opponent!"

The audience erupted in cheers. Jean smiled proudly. "Well done, Brother."

Dennis leaned forward with a chuckle. "Impressive. Just what I'd expect from someone born in the Xyz Dimension."

Melissa tapped her mic again, rallying the crowd. "Let's keep this momentum going! We'll move straight to the next match!"

Sawatari threw his hands up. "Alright, my turn—come on already!"

Yugo grumbled, slumping back. "Tch. Should've been me out there."

Melissa's voice carried through the stadium: "And now, the final match of Day One in the Friendship Cup—Serena versus Tony!"

Yuya jerked upright. "Serena?"

Beside him, Yuzu froze, murmuring under her breath. "She's here too..."

Ray crossed her arms. "Well, we'll see how strong her skills really are."

Sawatari muttered, "Not me again, huh..."

Dennis sighed in exaggerated disappointment. "So I'm not making my grand debut today either."

Risu didn't even open her eyes, stretching out on the bed. "If that's the case, I'll just keep enjoying this wonderfully soft mattress."

Yugo dropped back with a groan. "I got all fired up for nothing..."

On the Commons side, Shinji's voice rang loud. "Tony! Fire up the spirit of the Commons! Rally everyone together!"

Meanwhile, in the Security Bureau, Roget's gaze fixed on the monitors showing Serena's approach to the duel field. His tone was cold and deliberate. "You're wondering why you aren't facing her yet? That time will come. If she proves herself, she'll continue advancing without resistance. She may even reach the finals. The crowds will adore her. And then..." His eyes sharpened. "You will crush her."

Turning to a screen lined with photos of Jack, Reisho, Yuya, and Yuni, Roget's lips curled into a calculating smile. "Defeating the four strongest, most celebrated duelists in the tournament will shake the City to its core. That is your mission, Sergey. Do not fail me."

In the viewing room, Yuya and his friends watched nervously as Serena took her position.

Yuni bit her lip. "If Serena loses, she'll be sent underground too..."

Sona rested a hand on her shoulder, steady but firm. "Knowing her, it won't be easy to bring her down this early."

Katrina counted quickly on her fingers. "Still, six of us remain in the tournament... and two losses already weigh heavily."

The crowd leaned forward as Serena's Dueling energy surged. Her monsters blazed across the field before she raised her hand and declared her summon.

"Fusion Summon!" Serena cried, her voice carrying over the arena. A brilliant light engulfed the field, and from it emerged a graceful beast warrior—Lunalight Panther Dancer.

Melissa's jaw dropped. "Incredible! Serena Fusion Summons Panther Dancer! And—wait—doesn't she look a lot like Yuzu? Could they be sisters?!"

Roget narrowed his eyes at the monitor, processing quickly. "Sisters... I see."