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

Chapter 25 Soul-Binding Gate

The moonlight spread gently across the courtyard, painting the Obelisk Female Dorm in silver. White marble pillars stood motionless like sentinels, and the faint rustle of leaves whispered through the still night. The campus that once echoed with laughter had fallen into uneasy silence.

Wilson exhaled slowly, fatigue tightening his voice. "We searched everywhere," he said, scanning each darkened window for movement. "And yet we still haven't found where Sherry is." His boots clicked against the stone, echoing through the quiet path.

Rua frowned, frustration sharpening his tone. "Are you sure she wasn't carded?" he asked, his hands balling into fists. "From what I've seen, Academia will card anyone who blocks their path." The thought made him shiver despite his attempt at bravado.

Wilson shook his head firmly, conviction glinting behind his tired eyes. "No. My instincts tell me she's alive. Sherry's too strong to vanish like that." His voice carried determination that pushed against the oppressive calm.

Risu approached the entrance carefully, her long coat brushing her legs as she moved. "So this is the female dorm," she murmured, studying the crest above the doorway. Her gaze shifted toward her teammates, four men hovering awkwardly behind her. "However, it might be inappropriate for us to enter." Her tone balanced discipline with embarrassment.

Before anyone could reply, the door creaked open with a heavy groan. A crisp female voice sliced through the still air. "Too bad, but you won't go any further."

The light from the hallway spilled outward, revealing a familiar silhouette. Golden hair shimmered under the lamp glow, and her Duel Disk gleamed like a blade resting against her arm.

Wilson froze for an instant before stepping forward. "Sherry! You're okay!" Relief cracked through his voice as hope briefly returned to his face.

Sherry's eyes met his without warmth. "I'm on Academia's side now," she declared coldly. "I won't let you interfere with the Arc Area Project."

Her words landed like a thunderclap. Rua's expression twisted in disbelief. "What? You always swore you'd get revenge on Academia for your parents!" His voice trembled between anger and heartbreak.

Jack's stern voice followed, heavy with disapproval. "Think carefully, Sherry. Would your parents approve of this?" His glare burned with both fury and pity.

"This has nothing to do with you," she replied, tone sharp enough to cut through the tension.

Wilson drew a deep breath and pulled a single card from his pocket. The card's edge caught the light, shimmering as it spun through the air before landing in her gloved hand.

Sherry blinked, her stoic mask faltering. "This is... Why do you have it?"

"Mizoguchi gave it to me," Wilson said softly. "He wanted you to have it. Isn't that your father's memento?" His sincerity lingered in every syllable.

Sherry's eyes lowered toward the card. The hallway light reflected in her pupils, showing hesitation for the first time. "That's right," she whispered. "Everything began with this card. My peaceful life ended that day. Since then, I've lived only for revenge. But when that purpose disappeared... I had nothing left."

"Sherry..." Kiryu muttered quietly, sympathy softening his usual hardened tone.

Sherry straightened slowly, her expression regaining its edge. "After I lost everything, Akaba Leo gave me hope again."