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

Chapter 31 A Duel Within

"The situation is dire, thus sooner than expected. I will begin the process to unite the world into one," Akaba Leo declared, his calm voice echoing through the trembling chamber. Around him, the ARC-V reactor began to awaken—glowing conduits flickered like veins of crimson lightning, and three massive energy tubes rose from the platform behind him, releasing trails of vapor that shimmered like blood mist.

The ground quaked underfoot as the humming deepened. Within the tubes, faint silhouettes stirred, and a pulse of dark light spread through the room.

Katrina gasped, her eyes widening. "Those guys..." Her words were barely a whisper, but the dread in her tone pierced through the static-filled air.

Leo's hand rested on the control terminal, his expression unreadable. "The life energy cards that the Academia soldiers have been collecting are now being rapidly infused into ARC-V," he explained, eyes fixed on the rising power gauge. "Once it reaches the necessary amount, ARC-V will begin its quickening—releasing enough energy to subsume all four dimensions."

Reiji's gaze hardened. "So you've already begun the process." His tone was calm, but his fists clenched at his sides. "You're forcing the convergence before the world is ready."

Leo turned slightly, not acknowledging the accusation. "These three," he said, gesturing toward the glowing capsules, "will be the ones assisting in the unification of the four dimensions. They have the strength to combat the devil ZARC himself."

At those words, the Lancers exchanged grim looks. They didn't need an introduction—their eyes told the story Leo didn't know.

Inside the glass, Erebus, Chronos, and Mira-Vahl stood in silent stasis. Even dormant, their presence was suffocating—each radiating a distinct aura of malice and purpose. The dark strategist whose duels reduced entire districts to ash. The time-bound schemer who warped fate itself. The mirror empress whose illusions turned armies against themselves. Together, they were as dangerous as Supreme King Zarc—and perhaps even less predictable.

Reisho slammed a fist against the console, his voice breaking through the electric hum. "Are you kidding me?! It's because of these three that every dimension's been thrown into chaos! You think they're the ones who'll save the world?! Quit screwing around, Father!"

Sparks crackled from the nearby conduits. Erebus' shadow flickered within the tube, his eyes briefly opening—empty, glowing. A faint smile curved across Mira-Vahl's lips as though she had heard Reisho's defiance. Chronos remained still, but the rhythmic pulse of his containment field slowed to a heartbeat's pace, matching the trembling floor.

Leo didn't flinch. "The process cannot be stopped," he said, his voice carrying both fatigue and faith. "If their existence brings balance, then they are not destroyers—they are our only hope."

The Lancers stood silent. The room vibrated with the hum of gathering energy, and behind the glass, the three shadows waited—watching, even without moving.

Yuya stepped forward, the air trembling around him as the reactor's crimson glow intensified. "It's no use talking to someone who's already blind to what's happening," he said, his voice sharp with conviction. "If you can't see what this project is doing, then I'll stop you myself!"