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

Chapter 21 Ghost Knight and the Sparrow

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains of Yuya's house, warming the wooden floors and scattering golden dust in the air. Katrina stretched with a sigh of relief. "Oh god... I really missed a nice bed ever since that crazy stuff," she groaned, melting into the mattress like she never wanted to move again.

Yuni giggled while tying her hair. "I know what you mean. But we're not here for a long stay—we still have to get back to the Xyz Dimension." Yuya smiled, setting down plates on the table. "Yeah, you're right. Let's eat first, then we'll pick Yuzu up at You Show Duel School."

After lunch, they headed down the lively street toward the school. The city buzzed with the rhythm of duels and laughter.

Katrina suddenly froze mid-step, her expression darkening. "What's wrong?" Cologne asked, glancing over.

Katrina's eyes sharpened. "Someone just touched my butt."

Before anyone could react, she spun around and delivered a roundhouse kick at the empty air, startling everyone nearby.

"Sister Katrina, what are you doing!?" Vivian gasped.

Katrina frowned, lowering her leg. "I swear I felt someone grab me..."

Cologne blinked. "But I didn't see anyone."

Katrina's brow furrowed. "So all that was just my imagination?"

But then Hana flinched, her hand shooting back behind her. "No... it wasn't. I felt it too. Someone's there."

A strange, almost playful laugh echoed around them—low and silky, reverberating through the air like a whisper you shouldn't hear. Astral's voice rang out sharply, "Yuni, behind you!"

Yuni turned swiftly, catching a hand mid-air. The invisible form solidified beneath his grip—a tall man in crimson armor with black velvet trim, his mask shaped like a smirk. The air around him smelled faintly of roses and smoke.

"There you are, you pervert," Yuni snapped.

The man chuckled, his voice rich and smooth, dripping with mock civility. "Pervert? That's such a harsh word for someone merely appreciating beauty. Can you blame me, when surrounded by such divine forms?"

He raised one gloved hand and theatrically bowed. The gesture was elegant yet dripping with insolence. "A true knight never hides his identity from those he desires. I am Lust, embodiment of temptation... and one of the Seven Sins."

The group tensed. "The Seven Sins!?" Hana exclaimed.

Yuni's eyes narrowed. "So you're connected to Wrath... Why attack us?"

Lust smiled faintly, his lips curling with predatory grace. "Oh, Wrath? My dear, she's so brutish. Smashing things, shouting all day—it's exhausting. I prefer a more... intimate touch. As for attacking you, well..." He dragged a finger through the air as if tracing their outlines. "Black Mist-sama has given us an order: destroy you. But personally? I'd rather possess you."

Astral scowled. "That cursed spirit again..."

Yuya stepped forward, his eyes hardening. "As long as I'm here, you're not laying a hand on my sisters."

Lust's smile deepened into a wicked grin. "Oh? Sakaki Yuya, the famous knight of smiles. How noble. How... deliciously naïve." He leaned closer, eyes glinting like crimson glass. "Let's see if your bravery can resist temptation."

Reisho interjected, spotting a nearby arena with open holographic platforms. "Yuya, not here—there's a dueling arena ahead!"

Yuya nodded firmly. "Right." They moved quickly, the crowd parting as tension rippled through the air. The arena lights flared to life, and the two duelists stepped into position—one embodying resolve, the other sinful allure.