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

Chapter 29 Flames of Fourth

Smoke still hung in the air when the last wave of Academia troops fell. The halls of the fortress were littered with duel disks sparking faintly, the result of the combined efforts of the Lancers, Resistance, and the Securities from the Synchro Dimension.

Yuya wiped the sweat from his forehead, breathing heavily. "Looks like that's the last of them..."

Beside him, Ruka nodded, her Duel Disk dimming as her monsters faded. "It's finally over—or so it seems."

But before anyone could rest, the heavy iron doors ahead of them slid open with a hiss. Inside was a single, dimly lit command chamber. At its center stood a tall man, his back straight, his left arm resting on a Shield Duel Disk shaped like a firearm.

He turned slowly, his eyes calm but piercing. "I've been waiting for you."

Johan's eyes widened as recognition struck him. "O'Brien? You're the commander here?"

The man tilted his head slightly, the Duel Disk clicking as its barrel rotated into position. "What if I am? As a soldier, it's my duty to hold the line—to stop anyone from advancing further."

Yuya folded his arms, his tone low. "And here I was wondering when you'd show up... That gun-shaped Duel Disk is definitely yours."

Ruka frowned. "But... he doesn't look like he's being controlled."

Rio clenched her fists, her voice quiet with disbelief. "Which means... he's doing this by his own will."

Johan stepped forward, his expression tightening. "O'Brien, why? You know what Akaba Leo has done. You've seen the destruction Academia has caused."

O'Brien's grip on his Duel Disk tightened slightly. "I know. I'm not blind to what he's done. But I was born a soldier. I was raised to survive, to fight without hesitation. My school in the west taught me that survival is justice—and here, the battlefield follows the same law."

Johan's voice dropped to a whisper, more pain than anger. "I can't believe this... You're wrong, O'Brien. There's no need to inflict pain in the name of utopia. There are other ways to build peace—ways that don't drown in blood."

O'Brien met his gaze firmly. "Very well. Then humor me, Johan. If you win, I'll acknowledge your ideals—and give you a chance to move forward. But if I win..." He raised the barrel of his Duel Disk. "I'm sorry, but you'll be turned into a card."

The tension in the room thickened.

Yusho placed a hand on Yuya's shoulder, then looked at Johan. "If this is your choice... then it's your duel."

Johan nodded. "It's the only way. He's my friend. I'll bring him back to reason."

O'Brien smirked faintly, stepping back and raising his Duel Disk in a ready stance. Johan mirrored him, his eyes burning with quiet resolve.

Both shouted in unison: "Duel!" (Johan:4000)(O'Brian:4000)

O'Brien adjusted his Duel Disk, his movements crisp and precise. "I'll take the first turn."

He drew a card, eyes narrowing with soldier-like focus. "I summon Volcanic Edge!" (ATK:1800/DEF:1200/Level 4)

A molten lizard emerged, its body wrapped in blackened steel and vents glowing with orange magma. Flames licked from its back as it let out a guttural hiss.

O'Brien raised a hand. "I activate Volcanic Edge's effect. Instead of attacking this turn, I can deal you 500 points of damage." He glanced at his opponent. "And since it's the first turn, the Battle Phase is off-limits anyway."