Chapter 175: The Strongest Duelist

From the announcement to over a month later, Tenjo Hikari successfully extracted the cards of Orange Crystal and Gem Knight King from the fragments, and also managed to awaken numerous Spirits.

Some of them wished to return to their original world, while others chose to remain in the Great Universe Workshop, becoming "natives" who assist Wan Rong.

The Great Universe Workshop was enormous, and due to the Philosopher's Stone, Tenjo Hikari could even carve out a dedicated region. These Spirits, not "Warriors," feared the outside world and, due to their own mutations, dared not return to their clans—staying in the workshop was fine; even working as laborers was acceptable.

Regrettably, Xiao Liu, who suffered the most severe injuries and had been infected for over half a year, had still not recovered by yesterday and remained unconscious, causing Bai Jing great concern.

Now, Tenjo Hikari and the others boarded a plane bound for the designated Great Dimension Development Island of Kaiba Corporation.

The Duel Academy's contestants were Judai, Wan Wan Zhangmu, and Tenjo Hikari. Chui Xue had also been eligible, but Kaiba Corporation informed him he could not bring a camera, as the S-Dimension permitted only live broadcasts, not filming—let alone allowing contestants to move freely. Finding it boring, he decided to pass the opportunity to Asuka—Asuka proved herself worthy, defeating San Ze in a Duel at the Academy to earn this chance.

Judai, meanwhile, had long stopped competing with classmates and won the championship of Tongye City.

Thus, the Academy sent four participants to this event. Though the principal had done nothing, he had already profited immensely. Already, due to the prior Kaiba Exchange, many youths had wanted to enroll in Duel Academy; now, its popularity had surged even further.

Of course, there was still some inflation here.

If Judai and the others had competed on their own, Tenjo Hikari was certain only Judai would have made it to this event. But before the competition began, Tenjo Hikari had instructed Wan Wan Zhangmu to use his "privilege" to clarify the upcoming schedule from within Kaiba Corporation, then held detailed discussions with San Ze and Wan Wan Zhangmu to maximize their advantage and ensure as many friends as possible could join.

In the end, however, San Ze—crucial for logistics—unfortunately lost to Tian Shang Yuan Asuka. It was truly a pity.

As for Serena—she was too young and, regrettably, ineligible.

But there was nothing to be done.

After all, the number of participants was limited, and the world's population was vast. Once the scope was set, rules had to be followed.

Tenjo Hikari glanced left and right.

He did not see the figure of Wu Teng Youxi among the passengers. On the other side, two girls stared at him curiously—one on his left, one on his right.

Tenjo Hikari's eyebrow twitched.

The Taylor sisters—indeed, they had joined this Dimensional Tournament.

It was only natural.

As elites of the Fusion Army, they were not only students but also twin sisters exceptionally skilled in Tag Duels. Whether as pioneers to scout the S-Dimension or to showcase the Fusion Army's strength through this Duel, it made perfect sense.

Four others remain…

Tenjo Hikari muttered under his breath.

That meant two Tag Duelists and two Solo Duelists.

After disembarking, Tenjo Hikari and the others were guided by Kaiba Corporation staff to the waiting room, where they met the other four. Tenjo Hikari took one look and recognized almost no one—except one man who grinned broadly and greeted them, his personality strikingly similar to Judai's. Tenjo Hikari recognized him—Wow, isn't this John Anderson?

The famous "Family Hero" from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, user of the Gem-Knight series, the final "second male lead," and Judai's last and most reliable partner.

"Hey there~" John actively greeted Tenjo Hikari and the others, then introduced himself.

He was a student from the Arctic Branch of Duel Academy, from Northern Europe.

This guy was no ordinary person.

Not only could he wield the "only one in the world" Gem-Knight cards, but his storyline in the original work was extraordinary—he was forcibly possessed by Yu Beier, who seized control of his body.

Why did Yu Beier possess him?

Hard to say.

But regardless, John was a person with a personality similar to Judai's, yet far warmer and less cold-hearted inside—he quickly bonded with Judai, and soon they began addressing each other by first names, then began discussing how this Duel might unfold.

Tenjo Hikari carefully observed the other contestants, scanning up, down, left, and right, but found no one who appeared to be disguised. He had thought that if John was here, perhaps "Jim" or "O'Brien" from the original might appear too—but they didn't.

After a while, the group in the waiting room heard murmurs. Judai, who had been chatting with John, suddenly fell silent and instinctively turned toward the source. Two figures approached slowly—one tall, one short.

One was Kaiba Ryo's younger brother, Kaiba Kaiba Muma (Note 1); the other was a young man with a slender, muscular build and a warm smile on his face…

His heterochromatic hair, unusual hairstyle, and wild attire unmistakably proclaimed his identity!

The legendary Duelist—not only the "Duel King," but also the strongest 【Player】 in the World of the Game King: Wu Teng Youxi!

Swish—

Not only Judai, but even the Taylor sisters couldn't help standing up upon seeing him.

"Y…Yugi-sensei!" Judai cried out excitedly.

Wu Teng Youxi heard Judai's voice, turned, saw him, and smiled even wider. Under the gaze of many, the spirit of Winged Kuriboh flew out from Judai's deck, waving its tiny claws and chirping "Kurikuri!" as if greeting Wu Teng Youxi.

"Ah, it's you," Wu Teng Youxi noticed Winged Kuriboh and smiled. "It seems you've treated it well… I was right not to doubt it."

After speaking, he glanced around the room. When he saw Tenjo Hikari, he paused slightly, as if noticing something, then gave a light chuckle and nodded to everyone. "Gentlemen, we'll meet again later. I have matters to discuss with Kaiba Muma. I hope everyone enjoys this journey to the S-Dimension."

Then Kaiba Kaiba Muma also nodded slightly to the group, offering encouragement, and they departed together.

"Wow…" Judai was still savoring Wu Teng Youxi's words.

His first Spirit, the key card that helped him defeat Professor Kuronos—Winged Kuriboh—had been given to him by Wu Teng Youxi. He had always regarded it as a partner. Now, receiving Wu Teng Youxi's recognition again, he felt slightly dizzy.

After this small incident, the others were even more stunned. Wan Wan Zhangmu nearly toppled off his chair in shock, then slowly regained his composure: "Judai… you know Yugi-sensei?"

"How could I have dreamed this?"

"Wake up, Lightning, you weren't dreaming," Tenjo Hikari patted his head. "Look how calm Tian Shang Yuan Asuka is… Tian Shang Yuan?"

Tian Shang Yuan Asuka's mind was spinning, her eyes swirling.

Tenjo Hikari had underestimated just how revered Wu Teng Youxi, the original Game King, was among Duelists.

Though he himself felt excitement upon seeing Wu Teng Youxi, he certainly wouldn't react like this…

But Ye La, surprisingly, was shaken—when that human had looked at her, she felt as if her soul had been pierced through. Was this real? How could a mortal exert such overwhelming pressure?

She quickly warned Tenjo Hikari to be cautious of Wu Teng Youxi. Tenjo Hikari couldn't help laughing.

Don't I understand better than you just how valuable Wu Teng Youxi is in this world?

After this small incident, Kaiba Corporation sent personnel to conduct final physical tests. Soon, they would pass through the Dimension Gate and head directly to their destination—the S-Dimension!

That's right—no "intermediate zone." Directly to the S-Dimension!

Second, today's bonus update—please vote for monthly tickets~

And regarding Note 1: about Kaiba's younger brother, Kaiba Muma (Kui Ping)—as I read previous chapter comments, many friends felt "Kaiba Muma" was an inaccurate translation and that "Kui Ping" should be used. But in the version I read, he was always called "Kaiba Muma," so naturally, I'm more accustomed to calling him "Kaiba Muma," just as I prefer "Dark Magician" over "Black Magician," and "Yu Beier" over "Yuber." I think translation preferences are personal—as long as everyone knows who it is and there's no confusion. For consistency, I won't change his name here (I can't edit earlier text, so this stands—thank you for your suggestions).

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(End of Chapter)