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

Chapter 17 Diamonds and Shogi

After taking a short rest inside the Duel Lodge, Yuya and the others resumed their march toward the second base, their boots echoing across the empty Heartland streets. The air shimmered faintly as the morning sun hit the cracked glass towers that lined the ruined avenue. Suddenly, the ground ahead started to glow, a wave of light running through the pavement like a heartbeat.

Without warning, dozens of sharp diamond spikes erupted upward, scattering across the street in radiant walls that blocked every possible route forward. Yuya threw up his hand to shield his eyes from the glare. "What is going on here?" he asked, his voice carrying a mix of confusion and tension that spread through the group.

A deep, crystalline voice answered from within the shining barrier. "If you wish to pass through my domain, you must first defeat me in a Duel." The diamonds pulsed as if alive, then began to merge together, forming a humanoid figure. His entire body was made of transparent facets, each one reflecting the sunlight into blinding colors that danced across the ruins.

When the figure finished materializing, Mark stepped forward with his duel disk ready, but his eyes narrowed as he spoke. "Who are you supposed to be?" The diamond man's chest glowed faintly, revealing a shimmering symbol shaped like the number fifty-two. "I am Diamond King," he declared, his voice echoing like a bell struck on crystal. "To cross this road, you must first overcome me."

Yuya blinked in disbelief as he caught sight of two glowing cards in the spirit's hands. The energy surrounding them was unmistakable—twisting, heavy, and ancient. "Those are Number Cards," Yuya said, tightening his fist. "You're a Number Spirit, aren't you?"

Diamond King gave a slow, deliberate nod, the light refracting through his body like a living prism. "Correct. I am one of the fragments of Heartland's forgotten power, and my duty is to test the worth of those who tread this path." His tone turned sharp, almost mocking. "Now show me—can you endure the brilliance of my diamonds, or will you be shattered by their light?"

"I'll duel you," Mark said firmly, stepping ahead of the group. His calm confidence surprised even Yuni. "Mark, are you sure about this?" she asked, glancing at the diamond walls surrounding them. He nodded, eyes focused on his opponent. "I'm sure. If this spirit is blocking the way, then I'll be the one to break through."

He slid his Duel Disk onto his arm, and the system whirred to life with a flash of blue. "Field Magic—Crossover, activate!" Mark shouted. Instantly, the world around them twisted. The cracked streets and damaged towers dissolved into floating diamond platforms suspended in midair, each one shimmering under an endless white sky.

Johan groaned as he looked around at the new battlefield, his hand shading his eyes from the glare. "Why does everything in this world have to be so complicated?" he muttered under his breath. Lisa crossed her arms, watching as diamond dust sparkled in the air. "Because, Johan, if it were simple, it wouldn't be Heartland," she said quietly. "And I think there's a reason we were meant to find him."

Mark and Diamond King faced each other from opposite ends of the radiant platform, energy crackling between them as the duel field stabilized. They raised their voices together, their declarations overlapping in perfect harmony. "Duel!" (Mark:4000)(Diamond King:4000)

"I'll take the first turn!" Diamond King declared, his voice echoing sharply through the crystal air. "I activate Field Magic—Diamond Cavern!"

The ground trembled as massive walls of diamond erupted from beneath their feet, enclosing the arena in a shining dome of refracted light. The reflections danced across every surface until it felt as if the world itself had turned to glass.

Yuni shielded her eyes. "What is this place?"

Yuya glanced around, seeing his own reflection a thousand times over. "Everything is made of diamond... even the air feels heavy."