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

Chapter 53 A Vicious Cycle

"It's no use! The elevator isn't running—use the emergency stairs!" one of the Security officers shouted, panic echoing through the metallic corridors.

Below them, Roget's private elevator hummed downward, cutting through the depths of the Public Security headquarters. Sparks flickered in the dark shaft as the car descended into a vast, circular chamber—a colossal room dominated by a single central pillar. Four steel walkways jutted from it like a cross, suspending the structure above an endless pit of shadow and humming machinery.

"You're awful!" Yuzu snapped, glaring at Roget as the elevator came to a stop. She stormed out onto the walkway, fury igniting in her voice. "Not only did you use those dirty tricks during our Duel, but you shut down every other elevator so only you could escape!"

Roget sneered, his voice cold and dripping with arrogance. "There is no reason for a true winner to take pity on the weak. That is the true path to victory!"

Yuzu's eyes blazed. "You're no winner! You've already lost—Yuya won and united the City! That's why you're running, isn't it? You've given up on controlling New Domino! You're fleeing back to Academia with your tail between your legs!" She took a step closer, fists trembling. "And if you think taking me there will save you, you're wrong!"

Roget's face twisted with rage. "Silence!" he roared, grabbing her by the arm and slamming her against the wall. The sound echoed through the chamber. "I am not running away! I am merely retreating—to plan my next move! This is a strategy, girl!"

"Strategy?" came a new voice from above. "Or just the last lie of a coward?"

Twin shadows swooped through the air—Dimension Hunger Dragon, its obsidian scales shimmering with starlight, and Blood Sucking Dragon, its crimson wings slicing through the darkness.

On their backs stood Vivian and Katrina, their duel disks glowing as they descended, landing hard on the walkway between Yuzu and Roget.

"Is taking Yuzu back with you part of that so-called strategy, too?" Vivian's voice was ice-cold. "We both know you're only trying to protect yourself!"

Roget turned sharply, eyes widening as the dragons circled him like predators.

Vivian stepped forward. "That's why you took her hostage, isn't it? After betraying Academia, you planned to use her as a shield—a bargaining chip for your own safety! You'd sell her out to clear your name if it meant saving your own miserable hide."

She extended her hand sharply. "Making excuses for your defeat means you've already lost the battle! Do it, Vivian!"

"Gladly!" The two dragons unleashed simultaneous blasts—crimson and violet energy colliding in an explosion of light. The shockwave ripped across the chamber, shattering the steel railings. Roget and Yuzu were both thrown off their feet.

As the smoke cleared, Katrina darted forward, catching Yuzu just in time before she could fall. The two landed safely on the walkway below.

"Yuzu! Are you alright?" Katrina asked, helping her to her feet.

Yuzu nodded weakly, smiling in gratitude. "Yeah... thanks, Katrina. Vivian."

Vivian landed beside them, brushing smoke from her sleeve. "Glad we made it in time."

A hoarse growl echoed from the other side of the walkway. Roget staggered upright, his lab coat torn, eyes glowing with fury. "Damn you..." he hissed, gripping his Duel Disk tightly.