7. Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-V: A New Story of Pendulum (Fusion Arc)

Chapter 6 Vampire Duel

The harbor wind carried a chill unlike any sea breeze they had known. Yuni, Reisho, Reira, Katrina, and Sergey stepped off the boat, their eyes drawn to the impossible sight before them—an enormous black castle rising where the mist-covered cliffs had once stood. Its towers pierced the clouds, windows flickering faintly with crimson light.

Katrina tightened her grip on her Duel Disk. "What is that thing?"

Reisho frowned. "That wasn't even there before... what's going on here?"

"Let's check it out," Yuni said, his voice steady but cautious.

They crossed the creaking bridge into the castle grounds. Inside, the air grew damp and heavy, the scent of dust and something faintly metallic clinging to the walls. A sudden flutter of wings made Reira cry out as a swarm of bats scattered overhead.

Reisho immediately pulled her close, whispering, "Easy... I know. It really feels like some kind of monster castle."

As they moved deeper into the grand hall, the others slowed. Katrina's eyes widened—lining both sides of the corridor were dozens of lifeless dolls dressed in Academia uniforms. Their glass eyes seemed to follow the group as they walked.

"There are so many of them..." she muttered, unease curling in her chest.

A voice, smooth and cold, slithered out from the shadows. "So, the Lancers have come at last... the ones who dare oppose Mistress Erebus's will."

They turned sharply. A woman emerged from the far end of the hall—tall, elegant, with porcelain skin and eyes that glowed faintly red. Her gown shimmered like liquid obsidian, and a faint mist trailed her steps.

"A vampire?" Yuni and Katrina gasped together.

The woman smiled, revealing the faint glint of fangs. "I am Vampire Camula, faithful servant to one of the Sinister Four. Mistress Erebus herself entrusted me with guarding this path." Her gaze lingered on Katrina, curiosity flickering across her face. "How intriguing... you reek of twilight blood. You're one of us."

Katrina froze, unease flickering behind her eyes. "One of us? What are you talking about?"

Camula's grin widened, exposing sharper fangs. "Half-blood... your human warmth can't mask the shadow flowing through your veins."

Yuni stepped forward defensively. "Enough of this! What do you want from us?"

Camula produced a small, delicate doll from her cloak—a perfect replica of an Academia student, expression blank. "The rules are simple. We duel. The winner moves forward, and the loser's soul..." She tilted the doll's head gently. "...will be sealed inside this vessel."

Yuni's expression hardened. "A Shadow Game..."

Katrina's gaze darted to the rows of dolls along the walls. "Then those... they're people?"

Camula's eyes gleamed. "Souls of the defeated. Silent now, but still watching."

Reisho clenched his fists. "I don't remember Father mentioning any vampires helping Erebus. That means you're a minion serving one of the Sinister Four, aren't you?"

The vampire gave an elegant bow. "You're perceptive, young one. My master's will flows through me. And now, through your defeat, it shall spread even further."