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

Chapter 15 Dolls and Ninjas

The Different Dimension Ship hovered silently above Heartland's scarred skyline, its gleaming hull reflecting the fading orange of sunset. Beneath it, the new Lancers' base pulsed with quiet energy—scouts returning, engineers repairing D-Wheels, and duelists cleaning their decks after the first victory against Academia.

Yuya stood on the observation deck, arms folded, gazing at the shimmering barrier that cloaked the ship. "Even though we've secured our first win," he said, his voice low but steady, "we can't lower our guard. Academia's not the type to stay down after one loss. They'll come back—harder."

Beside him, Yuni adjusted her duel disk, the soft hum of its core breaking the silence. "I agree. And it's not just Academia we have to worry about..." She tapped the pocket where her deck rested. "Whoever stole the Number Cards is still out there—watching us. We still don't know what they want."

The siblings exchanged a look—half determination, half unspoken dread. Every Number Spirit so far had tested not only their strength but also their hearts. And somewhere beyond the clouds, more awaited.

Far away, on the outskirts of the ruined district once called Central Heartland, a faint distortion rippled through space. From the swirling darkness stepped Number 96, his eyes gleaming like twin amethysts, a grin carving across his face.

"Heh... so the Lancers think they've gained hope?" His voice slithered like oil across glass. "Let them celebrate. Because hope is exactly what I'll devour next."

He raised one clawed hand, and black energy spiraled from his fingertips, warping the air itself. The ruins bent, twisted—and in an instant, a vast gothic mansion stood where rubble had been. Stained-glass windows gleamed crimson; iron gates locked into place with a hollow clang.

"Now," he whispered, stepping onto the balcony as purple lightning cracked behind him, "it's time to gather the others... the Numbers who still remember their true purpose."
He stretched his arms outward; shadowy silhouettes flickered in the storm—phantoms of sealed Number Spirits, drawn by his call.

"If the Sakaki brats dare enter my realm," Number 96 hissed, his grin widening, "their souls will feed the darkness once more."

Thunder rolled through Heartland.

The ruins of Heartland shimmered under a low and uneasy dusk, when Yuya and the others halted before an enormous mansion that had never existed there before. The air itself seemed to hold its breath around the structure, whispering of danger and memory alike.

Yuni stepped forward cautiously, her hand brushing against the cracked iron gate as she frowned and asked, "Brother, is this supposed to be here?"

Yuya's expression hardened while he scanned the silent windows glimmering faintly red, replying after a pause, "I don't know. I thought all the buildings were destroyed by Academia."

Katrina pressed a palm against the gate and closed her eyes for a moment, feeling something cold travel through her veins as she murmured, "Yeah... and I can feel something suspicious inside the mansion as well."

Determined but uneasy, the four Sakaki Siblings exchanged glances that carried both courage and tension, before stepping through the half-open doors that groaned like they hadn't moved in years.

Inside, the scent of dust and perfume blended into something unnatural, and the narrow hallway was filled with old dresses displayed on cracked mannequins whose eyes gleamed faintly under the dim chandelier.

Vivian hesitated at the threshold, taking a deep breath that trembled slightly as she muttered, "Okay, if this is some kind of spooky house then tell me."