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

Chapter 28 Defying Fate

The marble steps of the Great Library loomed before them, its towering spires shrouded in the golden glow of the setting sun. Wind rustled through the ancient banners that hung from the upper balconies, the scent of old pages and dust mixing with the crisp air. Yugo, Crow, Sawatari, Ruka, and Michael made their way through the heavy doors, their footsteps echoing across the grand hall's polished floor.

Rows of floating bookshelves drifted like ghosts around the vast room, illuminated by blue firelight from enchanted lanterns. Near the far corner stood two familiar figures—Yuni and Sona, their eyes lighting up when they heard their names.

"Yuni! Sona!" Yugo called, waving as they approached.

The two turned, smiles breaking across their faces. "You made it!" Yuni exclaimed, running forward. "We were starting to think you got caught up somewhere."

Crow chuckled, relief softening his voice. "Took a few detours, but we're here now." He looked around the endless library, his grin fading slightly. "This place gives me the creeps, though."

Before anyone could respond, a calm voice drifted from behind the central table. "So," the man said, his tone smooth and chilling, "it seems we have more company."

The group turned sharply. A tall figure in a white suit stood under the light of a suspended chandelier. His eyes glimmered like glass marbles, unreadable yet sharp.

Crow narrowed his eyes. "And who the hell is this guy?"

Yuni's expression tightened, her hand clenching against her duel disk. "He's Saio Takuma," she said quietly, each word heavy. "And he just defeated Edo... turned him into a card."

"What?" The word tore through the group like lightning.

Yugo's eyes widened with fury. "You mean he—Edo's gone?!"

Sawatari's shock erupted into rage as he stepped forward, pointing furiously at the man. "How dare you!" he shouted, his duel disk flaring to life with sparks of golden energy. "You think you can just turn people into cards and walk away?"

Saio didn't even flinch. His gaze slid past Sawatari, cold and dismissive, until it landed on Ruka, who stood frozen at the back of the group. A faint smile curved his lips.

"How about you?" he asked softly, his voice almost kind yet dripping with malice. "You have an interesting aura. Would you like to duel me, little one?"

Ruka's breath caught in her throat. She took a step back, her fingers trembling against her duel disk. "M-me?" she stammered, eyes darting to Crow and Yugo for support.

Crow immediately stepped in front of her, wings of his coat spreading like a shield. "Back off," he snapped. "You want a duel, you take me instead."

Saio chuckled quietly, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement. "How noble," he said. "But fate doesn't ask for volunteers."

The room grew colder as the faint sound of cards shuffling echoed through the silent library, and the air itself began to shimmer like a premonition.

The silence in the Great Library grew heavy, broken only by the faint flicker of blue fire from the floating lanterns. The floor beneath them shimmered with ancient runes as tension crackled through the air. Saio Takuma stood perfectly still, his white coat gleaming under the shifting light, while Ruka tried to steady her shaking hands.