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

Chapter 31 Vivian vs. Reisho

"Now after the victory of Kurosaki Shun, the matches are going to get heated up! For the next duel, we will have Akaba Reisho versus Sakaki Vivian!" Melissa's lively voice rang out across the stadium as the crowd erupted in cheers, banners waving and voices echoing in a rhythmic chant.

The Lancers froze in shock at the announcement. Ron leaned forward in disbelief. "What? Akaba Reisho versus Sakaki Vivian? What kind of match-up is this?"

"So that means that either one of them is going to the Underground..." Serena murmured, her voice heavy with unease.

Far away at the Council chamber, tension was no less present. Gael crossed his arms, shaking his head. "You might not like this match-up."

"But most of the Lancers have already passed the first round," Gray reasoned, though even his tone betrayed doubt.

Azul smirked faintly, eyes glinting. "It's inevitable that they face each other eventually. The question is how they'll handle it." He tilted his head toward the Chairman. "Let's hope they provide a good challenge, right?"

White Taki's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Who knows? This might turn out to be very interesting."

On the other end, Reiji's sharp eyes never wavered from the monitor, his expression utterly unreadable. Beside him, Reira clenched the edge of the seat, anxiety clear in his small frame.

Among the Lancers, Yuni spoke softly, almost to himself. "The time has come..."

"Yeah..." Yuya exhaled, trying to mask the knot of nerves in his stomach. "I just hope that Reisho and Vivian can handle themselves."

Down at the Duel Line, the roar of engines built into a steady thrum. Vivian stood beside her D-Wheel, her mind drifting back to the words of Manibus that echoed in her head.

So I should duel normally like I was before? she asked silently.

"Yes," Manibus's voice resonated firmly. "The time hasn't come yet. For now, duel as yourself — with the cards crafted by your sister. That way, even in defeat, you will not die."

Vivian's hand tightened on her deck box, a mix of relief and determination flickering across her face. "Okay," she whispered, her resolve settling in.

From across the track, Reisho's keen gaze caught her momentary distraction. "Vivian," he called out evenly.

She blinked and turned toward him. "Yes?"

Reisho gave a small nod, his tone carrying quiet conviction. "Let's have a wonderful duel. One that brings smiles to everyone."

The simplicity of his words struck her, and after a moment, she returned his smile, slipping her deck into place. "You're right."

Melissa raised her microphone, her voice soaring over the crowd. "Now let's get the show on the road! Action Field, on! Field Magic — Crossover Accel!"

A surge of violet light washed across the stadium, transforming the arena into a gleaming crossover track. Action Cards burst into the air, scattering like falling stars before embedding themselves along the winding field.

"Duel mode: on. Auto-pilot, stand by." Both D-Wheels roared to life, their systems igniting with synchronized voices. The holographic countdown appeared in midair, digits blazing one by one as the tension in the arena climbed.

Melissa's words rode the thundering cheers. "Riding Duel—acceleration!"

Reisho and Vivian's voices rang out together, filled with fire and determination. "Duel!" (Vivian:4000)(Reisho:4000)