An Existence Beyond This Realm

[Yuna's POV]

Guess who's back in the hospital again? Of course, it's yours truly. With the first case of vomiting blood and the second time for almost drowning to death, I'm racking up quite a record.

Thankfully, my injuries were not as severe this time, and I just needed to rest. Fighting against Umbra and Lumis and then rescuing Mokuba, today has been very hectic, and it has taken a lot of toll on my stamina.

*Knock knock*

With the sound of knocking, the door to my room opened. Unsurprisingly, the two Kaiba brothers arrived. Eagerly, Mokuba ran to the side of my bed and smiled with sweetness.

"Big Sister!" He said with a cheery tone, and I felt my heart melt.

Patting his head, I glanced at Kaiba, who was snorting in discontent. When he noticed my stare, he sighed and reached into his coat. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed three locator cards.

"Why...." I muttered in confusion when I realised that these locator cards weren't mine.

"Two of those were from the Rare Hunters we dealt with, and the last one was from the fool in the shipyard who thinks he can stand a chance against me."

"Then..." I held out two of the locator cards: "It's... yours..."

Since it was a tag-team duel, Kaiba and I should each receive a locator card, respectively. But Kaiba was also the one who defeated the Rare Hunter blocking the path, and by following the rules, I must give it back to him. I held back a sigh, and if I requested an early discharge, I think I could get two more locator cards in time.

However, to my surprise, Kaiba refused to take the cards: "I already have more than enough, so it's useless in my hand."

"But..." I frowned and took back one of the cards: "Yours."

Through Kaiba's words, I still felt reluctant and could only take one through the justification that I take both locator cards from the tag-team duel.

"It will only gather dust with me." Kaiba said in a slightly louder voice: "Don't think you can avoid the qualifiers; we will duel, and I will defeat you."

With his relentless coaxing, I had no choice but to agree and placed the three locator cards on the bedside table. Then I watched Kaiba approaching the desk and placing my duel disk and deck.

"With the Deck Protection System I've implemented inside the duel disk, your cards were left unharmed, and the damage to your duel disk was repaired."

My eyes widened in shock. I had completely forgotten about my deck! I hurriedly grabbed the stack of cards and frantically flipped through all of them. When I was sure that not even a drop of water had stained my prized possessions, I let out the breath I was holding.

When I dived into the waters, I never had the time to store my deck in my system. So, the fear of knowing they may be destroyed overwhelmed me. Before I realised, tears of relief trickled down my face.

In the world of Yugioh, a duel monster card was more than just a card. Instead of a piece of printed cardboard, they were a tool to channel spirits to fight for you, so carelessly destroying them, especially the powerful ones that actually have spirits residing in them, was unforgivable.

This was particularly crucial for me as my sentiment towards Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand can't be described between a duelist and their card. It was a dragon that decided to choose me as its master and the one that was keeping my soul alive.

Wiping my tears, I gazed at Kaiba gratefully: "Thank.... you.. so much..."

Hearing my heartfelt gratitude, Kaiba's body stiffened. Regaining his composure, he scoffed and avoided my gaze: "It was nothing."

'What a massive Tsundere,' I thought with a smile.

  Finishing his objective, Kaiba moved to the door: "Mokuba, let's go." He said and left.

Waving goodbye to Mokuba, I was once again left alone in the hospital room. Reaching into my jacket hanging by the side, I grabbed the rest of my locator cards. Remembering the instructions, I stacked all six of the locator cards together.

Immediately, the LED light on the corner of the card came to life, and a map began to form. It wasn't long before the device had finished, and I instantly recognised the location.

Domino City Airport, that's where I must go.

However, I set the Locator Cards down. Can I even win?

Kaiba, Yugi and Marik each possess an Egyptian God, but I don't even have a card to fight against it. Starving Venom Fusion Dragon, maybe? But I needed Quick Attack, or its ability to gain attacks on the turn it was summoned would be useless. As I was lost in despair, a blue virtual screen appeared in the corner of my vision.

[Task #6]

[Make it to the final of the Battle City! Locator Card: 6/6]

[Reward: 1000 x duelists defeated]

[Status: Complete!]

Oh yeah, I still have this Task...

As I was going to click away, another panel overlapped the first, and I was surprised.

[Congrats, you have discovered a hidden bonus!]

[Defeat Rare Hunters: 2/1]

[Reward: 2500 credits]

To think there were hidden bonuses. Using my hands, I dragged these notifications to the corner and expanded the main menu:

[Name: Yuna Sano]

[Title: King of Games/Duel King]

[Credits: 12100]

[Task]

[Inventory]

[Shop]

With so many credits, my pupils sparkled, and I instinctively pressed the Shop Button. An array of cards appeared before my eyes. I scrolled through the cards haphazardly, buying the useful ones; however, none could help me defeat a god.

Just wondering, if I search for the name of a God, it won't appear, right?

My body stiffened with anticipation as I nervously typed the name of the Egyptian Gods. To my absolute disbelief, as I pressed the search button, instantly, the list of cards was shortened to three different cards. 

What the hell, it's really here.

I tapped on Slifer the Sky Dragon, and I felt my heart pounding with adrenaline. However, as if there was a bucket of cold water poured on top of my head, my mood was dampened.

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

A bright red text manifested before me in an intimidating manner. Swiping the notice aside, I grumbled with annoyance. Fine, Slifer, The Sky Dragon may not be available, so how about Obelisk the Tormentor?

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

Don't worry, who wants Obelisk anyway? Everyone knows the strongest Egyptian God was none other than The Winged Dragon of Ra!

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

Ahem....

Looks like the Egyptian Gods were out of the window. Wait, that must mean that it already existed in this world, right? So, how about a God that no one possesses? 

Ke Ke Ke

Fine, then let's try the Egyptian Gods' counterparts, the Wicked Gods!!

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

That's alright, that's alright if you can't pick the exact replica and its counterpart. How about a knock-off that's just as powerful? That's right, I'm talking about the Sacred Beasts!

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

[Locked, Card Unavailable]

N.... Norse Gods?

[Stop Trying]

Alright... 

Dejected, I sank into my pillows. What am I expecting? Of course, it's not as simple as that! What am I going to do now?

As I covered my head and let out a heavy sigh, I noticed something between the gap of my fingers. Sitting up, I gazed at a card that appeared out of nowhere. I was sure that I'd tried the entire list, so why was this card here?

Out of curiosity, I tapped the card and was brought into its details. However, it was a decision that I soon came to regret. Immediately, a black corrosive gunk began to spread on the corner of the screen, and the System started to glitch, creating a horrible grating noise.

Unintelligible words filled the screen as the substance began to spread on all parts of the system, destroying it.

[ERROR]

[ERROR]

[Presence of !@#($!Y&(*)! detected]

[Removing all essence of !@#($!Y&(*)!]

[Restarting System]

[Restarting Progress: 10%]

[Restarting Progress: 46%]

[Restarting Progress: 76%]

[Restarting Cancelled, Action Override by Overseer]

An array of rectangular blue panels appeared one by one, so much so that it flooded my vision. Hundreds of questions filled my head, and the questions were increasing by the second, but none of them were answered. 

Yet, there's one thing I'm sure of. I have encountered something I should never have accessed...

The substance has now covered the entire screen, but only the bright green button lay untouched, enticing me to interact with it.

[Purchase Card?]

[Cost: ????????]

I froze at the cost: "Why is it just question marks... Shouldn't it be a number?"

However, I had no time to think as the liquid left the screen and was actually dripping onto my body. Wincing in pain at the acidic sensation of my skin, I frantically wiped the residue away.

"So I really have no choice, huh...." I muttered: "Fine, if you want me to press it so badly, I will! Buy!!"

I shouted and pressed against the button with all my might. Instantly, the rectangular screen transformed into a black hole, and I was sucked in...

Dragged into an unknown place, my back hit the floor. Opening my eyes, I found myself in complete darkness. 

*Huff*

Suddenly, a heavy breathing sound echoed behind me, and I shivered. Anxiously, I turned around and was faced to face with a massive eye. My entire body froze in fear as the golden pupil blinked.

It was a monster covered in shadows, except for its eyes; I couldn't discern any other features. The monster's head moved, and I followed along with my gaze.

'What is a human doing in my domain?' A deep, chilling voice growled curiously.

Before I could react, the monster reached out with its claws. I felt a sharp pain when its nails dug into my flesh, and I was lifted into the air.

'Don't make me repeat myself human. What is a mortal doing here?' The monster snapped.

Terrified, I bit my lips. Knowing that the longer I hesitate, the thinner the beast's patience grew, and sooner or later, I will be killed.

"Don't.... know..." 

'I see...' The creature muttered in contemplation: 'Then begone...'

Instantly, the monster dropped me back to the ground. It opened its jaw, and I witnessed an intense light glowing from its throat.

'Ah.... I'm going to die....' I thought, and the monster fired a blinding beam in my direction. However, before the attack reached, a figure blocked the laser with its wings.

*BOOOOOOM*

I covered my ears as the resounding explosion struck against the figure's flesh. Quivering, I glimpsed above me and gazed at Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand. The dragon nudged its head against my face, and I smiled with relief that I was able to survive.

Unfurling its wings, we glared at the giant monster that tried to kill me. Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand roared, and its radiating scales blew the darkness away.

'It's you....' The monster mumbled in surprise: 'What are you doing in my domain?'

However, before it could receive an answer, a second dragon darted through the darkness, spewing purple flames from its mouth.

'Annoying...' The monster mumbled and swatted the attacker like a fly.

The dragon was knocked to the ground and crashed beside us. Shaking its head, the monster hissed, and I ran towards the dragon with concern: "Starving Venom Fusion Dragon..... Are you hurt?"

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon shook its head and slapped its tail against the ground, eager to keep fighting.

'Why are you protecting this human?' The monster asked.

Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand and Starving Venom Fusion Dragon roared simultaneously, arguing with the enormous being.

'Interesting... Then show me how deep your resolve is.'

With a speed unbefitting its size, the monster swung its arms. Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand carried me into the air, and the area where we were previously standing was utterly destroyed.

Riding on Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand's back, I watched as Starving Venom Fusion Dragon engaged in a fierce battle, darting around the monster's massive frame and attacking through the gaps of its dense scales.

"Aim for its eyes," I whispered, and Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand grunted in confirmation.

Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand dived towards the creature's face while Starving Venom Fusion Dragon tried to gain its attention. Noticing us in the corner of its vision, the monster ignored Starving Venom Fusion Dragon entirely and snapped at us with its jaw.

Twisting its body in midair, Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand narrowly dodged through the space between the beast's teeth. 

"Now Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand!" I shouted.

Divine Dragon Lord Felgrand howled and swung its claws, leaving a trail of blood spraying out of the monster's eye. We heard a thunderous screech, and the creature howled in agony.

"Quick, it's weakened; let's finish this in one move!"

Together, the two dragons gathered in the centre. They puffed up their chest, gathering all the energy into their mouth. In unison, my dragons unleashed their breath.

*BOOOOOM*

The entire space rumbled as one side where our opponent stood was littered with explosions. Our visions were blocked by smoke, and I couldn't spot the monster's figure.

Suddenly, a rageful roar burst my eardrums: 'Congratulations, now you have my full attention!'

It was like a switch had been turned on, and simultaneously, the dragons were smashed into the ground, their back being pressed by an invisible force. I was thrown into the air and landed a few meters away from them.

Gritting my teeth, I glared at our opponent. Its injuries that we have dealt with earlier have been completely healed; not even a single scar remains. What's worse, the pressure I was feeling earlier intensified, and I found myself having trouble breathing.

Peering into my face, it snarled: 'I don't understand how you made these two obey you, but it doesn't matter, now die...'

The monster raised its arms, and I closed my eyes out of fear. However, the pain of getting my bones crushed never arrived, and I hesitantly opened my eyes. Just a few inches away from my face was its sharp claws.

*Sniff Sniff*

The monster sniffed with its nostril and bared its fangs: 'Why do you have her scent?'

'What is your name, human...' It asked.

"Y.... Yuna..." I murmured, trying my best not to anger the already pissed-off dragon.

'Yuna....' The creature hummed: 'So it's you... You're the one she's was talking about...'

Confused, I couldn't understand a single word as the monster chuckled to itself: 'You must have come to seek my power, correct? No... Rather, she dragged you into this!'

Recalling one of the messages from the system was having the control overridden. I subconsciously nodded.

The monster laughed: 'How fun... So you wanted to defeat my children?'

Simply referring to the Egyptian Gods as their children made my jaw drop. Just who the hell am I speaking to!!

'Very well, I will give it to you... Use it well, and be sure not to waste it.' It said: 'After all, I will only give you one opportunity.'

At the tip of its finger was a small orb. It gently guided the orb, and I felt the essence being absorbed by my body. I felt a comfortable feeling, and I hurriedly checked my physique to ensure nothing had changed. The creature then glanced at the two dragon spirits and released their constraints. Instantly, they sprang to their feet and rushed to my side.

'Hmph... A tenacious bunch.' The monster remarked.

"Who.... are you..." I asked when I noticed the atmosphere had become calmer.

The monster didn't respond and smiled, revealing rows of sharp teeth: "You will find out when you wake up. Don't disappoint me, I will be watching you.'

With a loud popping sound, I found myself back in the hospital room. I blinked in disbelief as everything that happened felt like a dream. Suddenly, I felt something in my hand. Opening my palm was a single card.

"What is this...."

I muttered in shock. What was this doing here? Reading the card's text, I couldn't believe my eyes at its absurdity: "Was this really the monster I was battling against?"

Rubbing my fingers along its surface, my system activated out of nowhere. This time, the corrosive substance has disappeared, returning to its original visuals.

[Warning: Card ???????? Should be used only once. Exceeding the usage limit is not advised.]

Recalling that thing's warning, I sighed and stored the card away. Just what in the hell did I get myself into? 

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