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

Chapter 20 Dark Arena

After parting ways with Yuni's team—who had taken Frost into custody—Yuto's group moved cautiously through the fog-shrouded district. The steel buildings loomed like silent giants, their windows shattered and rusted by time.

"This place sure is a little spooky..." Rio murmured, glancing at the flickering lights above the cracked pavement.

Shark folded his arms, his gaze steady. "I agree," he said, his voice echoing faintly in the emptiness. "But whoever's hiding inside this warehouse is standing between us and Akaba Leo. We can't back down now."

They reached the heavy metal doors and pushed them open. The air inside was thick with dust and the smell of burnt oil. Shafts of weak light cut through the darkness, revealing rows of broken containers and half-collapsed machinery.

A slow, deliberate set of footsteps echoed from deeper within. A tall man emerged, cloaked in a tattered black cape and wide-brimmed hat. His presence radiated coldness, his eyes hidden beneath a silver mask.

"Welcome... Lancers," he greeted, his tone low and hollow.

"Who are you?" Yuto demanded, stepping forward.

The stranger lifted his chin, the glint of his mask catching the dim light. "My name is Titan," he said. "A Shadow Duelist."

"Shadow Duelist..." Thomas muttered, unease tightening his voice.

Titan's smile was barely visible beneath the mask. "Yes. I command the Shadow Games. You've entered my domain, and now you are bound by its rules. Those who break the oath of battle will suffer eternal punishment."

A low rumble filled the room as black mist spilled from the floor. Twisted creatures began forming around them—figures of smoke and bone. They crawled toward the walls, sealing off every exit.

"The door!" Rio cried as the metal gateway behind them dissolved into darkness.

"What are those things?!" Chris shouted, drawing back as the shadow beasts hissed and circled.

Titan extended a hand, his Duel Disk activating with a metallic snap. "If you wish to escape this Shadow Realm, you must face me. Win—and the path will open. Lose—and your souls will remain here forever."

"Stay here forever? Quit joking!" Shark growled, stepping forward.

Titan's eyes gleamed behind the mask. "So... who among you dares?"

Yuto clenched his fists and took a step ahead of the others. "I'll duel you," he said, his tone unwavering. "I'll defeat you and free everyone from this place!"

He activated his Duel Disk in one swift motion. The holographic grid of Action Field – Crossover rose around them, casting the warehouse in waves of crimson and indigo light.

Both Duelists faced each other, their disks humming with power. "Duel!" (Titan:4000)(Yuto:4000)

Titan raised his Duel Disk, his voice cutting through the echoing dark. "I'll take the first turn," he declared, drawing with a sharp flick. "I Summon Demon Picador!" (ATK:1600/DEF:1200/Level 4)

A dark knight with jagged horns emerged from the shadows, its armor burning faintly crimson. The creature let out a guttural growl, dragging its massive spear across the floor and sparking against the metal.

"I set one card face-down," Titan continued, sliding a card into his Duel Disk. A glowing red sigil flared behind him as the card materialized on the field. "And with that, I end my turn."