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

Chapter 50 Victory is near

"Since the Tyler Sisters and even Commander-in-Chief Edo were defeated, it can't be helped." Noro declared, crossing his arms with misplaced confidence. "In that case, I, Noro Mamoru, will personally step in and exterminate the Lancers according to the Professor's orders!"

The air thickened. Yuya, Yuni, and Reisho stood side by side, their gazes sharp and unwavering. Noro puffed out his chest, mistaking their silence for fear.

"Prepare yourselves, Sakaki Yuya, Sakaki Yuni, Akaba Reisho!" he shouted, pointing dramatically. "When I command the entire army to attack you simultaneously, you'll be instantly crushed!"

From the sidelines, Gloria sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This blockhead doesn't even know how to Duel."

Grace chuckled. "You can't attack simultaneously, you know."

"Don't be a fool!" Noro barked back, cheeks reddening. "I didn't mean literally! I meant they'll attack enthusiastically! Go, Academia's army!"

The soldiers behind him cheered in confusion, half of them unsure if it was truly an order.

Yuni frowned, scanning the mass of Duel Disks activating around them. "Even though we can beat them, we're still outnumbered..."

Yuya's expression hardened, but his tone remained calm. "What are we going to do now?" he asked, glancing toward his sister.

Before either could act, a single voice cut through the noise.

"Enough." Edo stepped forward, his boots echoing against the cracked asphalt. His once-pristine cloak—the mark of Academia's Commander-in-Chief—hung torn and dust-streaked from his shoulders. Yet his eyes gleamed with newfound resolve.

"Ever since my Duel against Yuni," Edo said, his tone steady and clear, "I finally understand. Their father was right all along."

"Edo..." Yuni whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Yuya smiled, pride flickering in his eyes.

Edo turned slightly toward them and nodded. "As Sakaki Yusho said—Dueling is supposed to bring smiles to everyone. It's not a tool for fighting. You've all seen it yourselves—you must have felt it."

Grace tilted her head, smiling faintly. "Well, he's right."

Noro's face contorted in rage. "W-What is this stupidity?!"

"Open your eyes, Noro!" Edo's voice rose, ringing with conviction. "We brought fear to the people of the Xyz Dimension—people who once lived in peace. We stole their smiles. That was our mistake!"

Noro's Duel Disk trembled in his grasp. "You... Even though you're the Commander-in-Chief, you're condemning the Arc Area Project?! You're betraying the Professor!"

"I know." Edo's reply came without hesitation. He gripped the edge of his cloak, the same one gifted by Akaba Leo—a symbol of absolute authority within Academia. Slowly, he tore it from his shoulders and let it fall to the ground. The fabric fluttered once before settling in the dirt.

"Even so," Edo continued, eyes fierce, "I will walk the path I believe is right. For that..."

He stood tall beneath the ruined skyline. "I will gladly bear the name of a traitor."

The silence that followed was heavy. Gloria's eyes widened, disbelief softening into reluctant respect. "The cloak he got from the Professor was proof that he was the main Commander-in-Chief..."

Grace's lips curved upward. "He's seriously betraying Academia? That's actually pretty cool."

Gloria spun toward her sister. "What did you just say?! You're going to leave us and side with the Lancers?!"