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

Chapter 4 Revelations in Xyz

Night had fallen over Heartland. The shattered city glimmered faintly beneath the moonlight as the Resistance led the Lancers up the mountain path. The air grew colder the higher they climbed, until finally, Allen stopped and pointed ahead.

"We're here. This is our hideout," he said proudly. "Thanks to Rumi—she's the one who found this place so Academia wouldn't be able to track us down."

At the summit stood a rounded stone structure built into the cliffside, its domed roof reflecting the stars.

Yuni tilted her head. "That's the Duel Lodge, right, Brother?"

Yuya nodded softly. "Yeah... even this is here as well."

Rumi's voice echoed faintly from within Yuni. "The only thing Allen said wrong is that I wasn't the one who found this place. Sona was. But since we looked the same, I guess it's fine for me to take the credit."

"I know," Yuni replied quietly, smiling at the thought.

Once everyone entered the building, the Resistance members who had stayed behind gasped in surprise. Dozens of faces lit up as they recognized familiar figures. Mr. and Ms. Kurosaki were quickly surrounded, greeted with tears and laughter. After so much loss, their return felt like a miracle.

"Condor, Aera—is that really you?" A man and a boy hurried over, disbelief in their voices.

Condor clasped the man's hand firmly. "Byron! Nice to see you again."

Byron's relief was palpable. "What happened to you two? You just disappeared—we feared the worst."

Aera smiled faintly. "Something did happen. We ended up in another dimension. We'll explain later; for now, we have new comrades to introduce."

Vivian tugged at Katrina's sleeve. "Sister Katrina, who are they?"

Katrina gestured toward the newcomers. "This is Dr. Byron Arclight. He's Michael and Thomas's father—and one of our father's friends. And this young man is Chris, Michael and Thomas's elder brother. He didn't duel often, but he helped design many of our cards."

Astral hovered nearby, his tone thoughtful. "To think the Arclights have also returned... and this is what Dr. Arclight looks like when he wasn't Tron."

Rumi blinked. "Tron? What do you mean by that?"

Yuni sighed. "That's another story to tell later."

Byron smiled kindly. "You three must be Sakaki Yusho's children from the Standard Dimension, correct? It's an honor to finally meet you."

Yuya reached out and shook his hand. "The honor's ours."

Chris stepped forward, folding his arms. "I heard everything from my brothers. To have defeated Kaito, Thomas, and Shark—that's no small feat. It's good to have someone that strong fighting alongside us."

Yuni gave a modest shrug. "Thanks, I guess."

Soon, everyone settled around a square earthen hearth built into the center of the lodge. The air inside was warm and filled with the murmur of reunited friends. Allen and Sayaka took charge of introductions, naming the newer members while the others found places on the mats.

Sayaka and Ruri carried trays of food from the kitchen area, offering bowls and tea to the weary Resistance fighters. The scent of warm stew and baked bread filled the hall, a reminder that—at least for tonight—they were safe.

Allen leaned against the wooden railing, watching the others work. "Hey, Sayaka, Ruri! You're not on duty tonight, so don't push yourselves!"

Ruri shook her head, setting another tray down on the table. "It's fine, Allen. At least let me make up for the times I was gone."