Author's Note: Hello readers! I have presented another Yu-Gi-Oh! story for you all! Unlike the other two, this is the sequel to Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL! I'm still planning to do the other stories so I hoped you enjoy this one, too!

*I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL show! I own the OC characters and cards!

This is without the last scene where Yuma and his gang went off to fight against the raging Chaos.

Chapter 1: A New Battle Begins...

It was 8 o'clock in the morning yet this boy continues to sleep as he snores away in his dreams. He's living in the attic surrounded by ancient artifacts and antiques, sleeping on his hammock.

The boy looked around 15 years old and has tan skin. He also has red eyes and black and red spiked hair that points out and upward. He wears a peculiar pendant that shaped like a key with golden curves and a ring on top around his neck.

Soon, the boy fell off his hammock and slam onto the floor, causing him to wake due to the pain.

"Ouch… I really need a better bed."

The boy complaints while still being sluggish. However, looking at the clock, his eyes widen in shock which abruptly knocks out his sleepish state.

"Oh, crap! I'm late! If I don't make it in time, I'm really in a deep bind!"

The boy hastily putting on his school uniform and gathers up his cards before climbing down a rope from the attic into his bedroom.

He rushes down the stairs where he throws out a complaint to the woman he familiar with. The woman has magenta hair tied in a ponytail and is working on a few flat screen monitors due to her job.

"Big Sis Akari! Why didn't you call me?! I wouldn't be late for school if you wake me earlier!"

(Akari) "I'm busy with the latest news so don't complain, Yuma! You are already in your 3rd year yet still need someone to wake you up. When will you ever grow up?"

(Yuma) "Shut up! Anyway, I'm heading out!"

"Wait, Yuma. You need to eat your breakfast first."

These two siblings bicker each other as usual when a kind-looking elder woman came into the room, holding rice balls in her hand.

(Yuma) "Grandma! Morning! Sorry, I don't have time for breakfast so-"

(Haru) "You can't leave with eating first. Breakfast is the greatest energy source there is. Here are some Duel meals to take. Cough! Cough!"

(Yuma) "Oi, Grandma?!"

Yuma becomes worried when he saw his grandmother, Haru Tsukumo, having her coughing fits. Akari also worries about her well-being. It has been happening a lot recently which it is a sign of her age acting up.

(Yuma) "Take it easy, Grandma! You are not getting any younger so sit down to rest."

[Idiot. It is very rude to tell her that. Yuma is insensitive.]

[Idiot. Idiot.]

[Yuma is an idiot.]

(Yuma) "I'm not, Obomi! And stop copying your mom, Oboichi! Oboni!"

Yuma yells back in annoyance towards the robots who are accompanying Yuma's grandmother. The first is a big rounded robot with a ribbon on one side of its green protrusions, Obomi. The two smaller robots were her children, Oboichi and Oboni.

They were Obots, robots designed to detect and collect trash around Heartland. Obomi was special as she gained sentient and stayed with the Tsukumo's as part of their family.

Yuma takes the rice balls while thanking his grandmother as he dashes out from his house and rushes through the neighborhood.

Heartland City is a futuristic city which the defining characteristic of almost every building being brightly colored. In the center of Heartland City is Heartland, which is surrounded by a wall and contains Heartland Tower, a huge tower with a giant heart on the top that symbolizes the city's name.

Yuma was running across the streets while eating rice balls. He jumps over obstacles to prevent his speed declining.

(Yuma) "Oh, crap! Oh, crap! I'm so going to be late!"

"Hey, Yuma!"

(Yuma) "Huh? Oh, Tetsuo!"

Yuma greeted his best friend as Tetsuo Takeda leaps in front of him on his skateboard. His big stature is greatly different from Yuma and wears his student uniform as well with his belly sticking out.

(Tetsuo) "I'm going to take the lead! Ready for our daily match!"

(Yuma) "You're on! I'm gonna bring it to 'em!" (Kattobingu!)

Yuma accepts the challenge, throws a rice ball into his mouth, and runs in front. Tetsuo speeds up his pace as they begin their usual race to the school entrance in the peaceful city of Heartland.

Two years ago, Heartland City was exploited as a battlefield in the Interdimensional War between two high-energy dimensional worlds, the Astral World and the Barian World. The reason was for survival as they aim to eliminate the other using the Numeron Code, a powerful card which created all of reality.

Yuma Tsukumo is the most important participant in the war as he managed to bring an end to the conflict. Thanks to his efforts, the world was safe from harm as Yuma returns to his peaceful life.

After a while, they finally spot the gate as they dash in great speed. Yuma made it first as he slides across the school grounds and raises his fist up high in triumph.

(Yuma) "YES! I MADE IT!"

(Tetsuo) "Damn! I lost today, but next time will be mine!"

(Yuma) "I bet not! I'm ready to take you on anytime!"

"Oh no, you don't! You two are late for your classes!"

Yuma and Tetsuo freak out as they turn their heads towards the person calling them. It was Takashi Todoroki, the class chairman and a friend of theirs.

Takashi has blue hair which is now extended to shoulder length over black hair in a bowl-cut style, and his school uniform is the same as them with the band of the Student Council President on his arm.

(Yuma) "C-Class Rep! Good morning to you…"

(Takashi) "It's Student Council Chairman now! Two of you are penalized for being late! You two will be cleaning the bathrooms for one week!"

(Tetsuo) "Come on, man! Can't you let this slide for once?"

(Takashi) "I'm afraid not! School rules come first above friendship! After Rio-san graduated, she appointed me to discipline the troublemakers in this academy. To summarize, You two won't be left off so easily!"

(Yuma) "No way!"

Yuma gives out his distress as he slumps to the ground on his knees along with Tetsuo. The boy who previously saved the world is now stuck in cleaning duty.

Yuma, Tetsuo, and Takashi went to their class and sat on their desks as the teacher begins the lesson. After a while, the student's break came in and Yuma sits on his desk in depression.

(Yuma) "Man, this sucks… Can't believe Class Rep make me do cleaning duty just cause I'm a little late.."

"It can't help. You know how much Class Rep puts his effort on this. Plus you brought this yourself."

(Yuma) "I know that, Kotori! But still-!"

(Kotori) "No buts. You still acting like a kid."

Yuma was rebuked by his childhood friend, Kotori Mizuki, who's sitting next to him. She has green hair which extended to her waist and big, orange eyes. She also wears a school girl outfit with a blue collar and skirt.

"Kotori, you shouldn't bully poor Yuma nya~ "

(Kotori) "Ah, Cat-chan."

(Tetsuo) "I agree with Yuma. Class Rep, you gotta lighten up the punishment."

(Takashi) "No chance. If you keep complaining, I have to add another week to your."

(Yuma) "Oh, Tetsuo. And Class Rep as well."

Yuma and Kotori, who's slightly annoyed at the person's comment, greeted their other friend who appear near their desk, Cathy Katherine.

She has two pieces of her gray hair held up by clips which give her the appearance of having cat ears. She has large and expressive green eyes which appear to have no eyebrows and wears a pair of large, square-framed glasses over them. She also wears the same outfit as Kotori.

Due to her bizarre obsession with cats and dress similar like one, sometimes exhibits cat-like behavior, most of her friends call her Cat-chan. Tetsuo and Takashi join the circle too.

(Tetsuo) "Looks like most of the Numbers Club members are here."

(Yuma) "Ara? I don't see Tokunosuke around."

(Takashi) "If you talking about him, he slips away when I found him trading fake cards with other students."

(Kotori) "It seems he's still up to his naughty tricks again…"

(Tokunosuke) "Are you talking about me ~ura?"

"""Tokunosuke(-kun)!"""

The gang was surprised by his sudden appearance as Tokunosuke Omoteura sneak up behind them. He is a short troublemaker with a mischievous smile and wears a pair of large, circle-framed glasses.

(Takashi) "There you are! You are in violation of selling fake cards to students!"

(Tokunosuke) "Don't be such a buzzkill ~ura! We're all friends here! Can't you let this one slide ~ura? Maybe with this rare card?"

(Takashi) "Not a chance!"

(Yuma) "There they go again… Tokunosuke tries to bribe his way out."

(Tetsuo) "If it were that easy, we wouldn't have suffered so much."

Yuma and Tetsuo make wry smiles towards the usual argument between those two. The girls did the same as well.

Despite that, they have formed a strong bond since the Interdimensional War. So Tokunosuke and Takashi's friendship won't easily break from this argument.

After that, they begin making their everyday discussion among other topics like what happening at home, looking for duels, getting rare cards. Etc. It was mostly ordinary stuff they usually talk about.

However, one topic seems to have an effect on Yuma.

(Yuma) "Which school I'm going to?"

(Tetsuo) "Yeah, the teacher tells us to fill a form about our choices for which school after we graduate from Heartland Academy. Didn't you hear what he said earlier?"

(Yuma) "Uh… Y-Yeah! Of course, I've remembered!"

(Kotori) "Liar. You were sleeping during the lesson."

(Yuma) "Gah!"

(Takashi) "As I thought."

(Tetsuo) "Typical."

(Tokunosuke) "Some things never change ~ura."

(Yuma) "Shut up!"

Yuma's face blushes in embarrassment as his friends begin to laugh a little.

(Tetsuo) "Anyway, since we are in our last year here, I'm wondering what everyone's plans for this. Yuma, do you have an outline of your career?"

(Yuma) "Of course I do! Becoming a Pro Duelist! I'm going to win all of the tournaments and make myself a World Duel Champion!"

(Kotori) "Sounds like an obvious choice coming from you."

(Cathy) "Well, I'm rooting for you all the way ~nya!"

(Tetsuo) "Hold on! If you want to get the world title, you have to beat all of the Pro Duelists coming at you, including me!"

(Yuma) "Heh! You're on!"

(Takashi) "Guys, focus on the topic! In order to become Pro Duelist, you need to pass the curriculums to be in the Pro League. To summarize, think of which schools you want to go."

(Yuma) "Uh, right… Which school has better chances of me becoming Pro?"

Takashi lets out a tiresome sigh since he expects Yuma's question before going over the list.

(Takashi) "Well, Heartland Academy has several connections to Heartland High School, so after you graduate from here you can go to the high school section which is also located on the campus. It has some courses of becoming a Pro Duelist. However, the best choices for you is going to the Heartland Duel Schools."

(Yuma) "Duel Schools?"

(Takashi) "Yes, those schools provide Dueling education to the young duelists as their purpose is to train them to Pro level, so they can ideally enter the Pro League. There are three known branches to study from: the Clover Branch, the Spade Branch, and also the Diamond Branch. You can choose which branch that interest you, however, choose wisely. They have a fierce rivalry going on for a long time so entering one of these branches, the other two will become your rivals as well."

(Yuma) "Heh… Sounds neat. But what about the requirements to enter?"

(Takashi) "You wouldn't need to worry about that. All you need to do is to sign in and they will accept your application."

(Yuma) "Really?! That easily?!"

(Takashi) "Yes, and it will be easier for Yuma-kun since you are the winner of the World Duel Carnival. To summarize, the schools will likely accept you into their branches."

(Yuma) "Wow! It's settled! I'm definitely going to that school to become Pro Duelist!"

(Kotori) "Bet you are really relieved to hear that, Yuma. After all your grades aren't looking good so that's why you ask about the requirements."

(Yuma) "W-Wrong! I wasn't thinking about that!"

Yuma looks away as he hastily answers to Kotori's tease comment. The gang laughs a little toward that obvious reaction of his as Yuma tries to change the subject.

(Yuma) "By the way, what school that you guys choose to go?"

(Tetsuo) "Of course I'm planning to enter the Duel School! I want to become a Pro Duelist too!"

(Tokunosuke) "Same thing for me ~ura!"

(Cathy) "Meow too! I'm following where Yuma-kun goes!"

(Kotori) "Umm… Ano…"

The gang was full of enthusiasm when they clearly state their choices. Kotori was a bit nervous about something, however, her turn to speak was overrun by Takashi.

(Takashi) "I'm entering the Duel School as well! And my choice is to go the Clover Branch!"

(Yuma) "Eh? Class Rep, you already choose your branch?"

(Takashi) "Yeah! The Clover Branch is known for gathering the smartest and tactical duelists. They study and conduct several strategies from many famous duelists so they can develop countermeasures against them. To summarize, this is perfect for someone like me!"

(Tokunosuke) "Then let's go enter together! It will be more fun for everyone ~ura!"

(Tetsuo) "No. I'll go to a different branch."

(Yuma) "Eh? Tetsuo?!"

The gang was surprised about Tetsuo's decision as they start bombarding him with questions.

(Kotori) "Tetsuo-kun! Why don't you want to join the Clover Branch?"

(Tetsuo) "It's simple. I don't want to be in the same branch as Yuma."

(Yuma) "Me?!"

(Tokunosuke) "What's with that ~ura! Are you saying you don't to be friends anymore?!"

(Tetsuo) "That's not what I'm saying! I like hanging with Yuma and you guys! No doubt that we have fun if all of us stayed in the same branch."

(Takashi) "Tetsuo-kun…"

(Tetsuo) "However, Yuma and I are rivals with the same goal! If both of us enter the same school, I feel I won't be able to improve myself there!"

(Yuma) "Tetsuo, you…"

(Tetsuo) "Yuma! You have become stronger than me ever since you met Astral, but I'm still your rival! Let's fight in the Pro League!"

(Yuma) "Yeah! Let's bring it to 'em all the way!"

Yuma and Tetsuo fist-bumped as they made clear of their goals. Kotori warmly smiles at her two oldest friends bonding over their love of dueling.

(Kotori) "Honestly, boys are so dumb sometimes."

(Cathy) "True ~nya. However, you might be left behind since you aren't a duelist like the rest of us here."

(Kotori) "What do you mean that!"

(Cathy) "It's true. After all, you are no good at dueling so I'll spend my time with Yuma by myself at the Duel School ~nya!"

(Kotori) "Why you devious feline…"

(Yuma) "Oh right. You are an amateur at dueling, Kotori so not all of us can go. It's too bad."

(Kotori) "Well, I have you know that I actually-"

"Yo, Yuma! Are you gettin' fired up for another duel?"

(Yuma) "Alito!"

Kotori pouted her lips in annoyance of being interrupted once more as Alito joins up with them. He is a former enemy of Yuma as part of the Barian, an energy being from the Barian World. After the war, he became human thanks to the Numeron Code and they are now friends and rivals. Same thing to the other Barian Emperors.

He is a young, dark-skinned teenager with green eyes and three different-styled gold rings on his right hand. His tentacle-like hair is brown, shorter and his bangs cover his right eye. He's wearing the same uniform as them.

Seeing him here reminded Yuma about something as he tells Alito about their conversation earlier.

(Alito) "Thinking about what school you're going, huh? And you choose to go the Duel School?"

(Yuma) "That's right! By the way, I'm curious what's the Barian Emperors are doing now. Care to explain?"

(Alito) "Girag, Mizael, Durbe, Merag, and Nasch have entered the schools you guys talked about. All of them are in the Diamond Branch. I'm planning to join them after graduating too."

(Yuma) "Really? Shark and his sis enter the Duel School?"

(Takashi) "But I thought his chances of becoming a Pro Duelist were low after that National Duel Circuit incident…"

(Alito) "I don't know much what happened on Nasch's current past. I heard that the school accepted his application without any problem since his dueling skills are good."

(Yuma) "That's awesome! I can't wait to duel him in the Pro League!"

(Alito) "Don't forget that I'm competing! I'm gettin' fired up just thinking about it! Rawr!"

(Yuma) "Me too! Rawr!"

Both hot-blooded duelists let out their war cries as their friends are distributed by this. Kotori lets out another tiresome sigh at their excitement when Tetsuo suddenly interjects.

(Tetsuo) "Wait, Alito! Are you saying that Rio-san is in the Duel School right now?!"

(Alito) "Y-You mean Merag? Yeah, she's is in the Diamond Branch along with the other Emperors. Didn't I already said that?"

(Tetsuo) "Oooohhhh! I decided! I will enter the Diamond Branch! Wait for me, Rio-san!"

(Tokunosuke) "What happens to his early determination ~ura?"

(Takashi) "To summarize, whenever Rio-san is involved, he becomes too passionate."

Their friends sweat on their brows in exasperation over the lovesick Tetsuo. Yuma looks at his friends that are making a racket as he stares in the open while muttering.

(Yuma) "My future…"

Far from the uproar, one student saw on his desk and turns his head in irritation as he saw the cause of the noises.

He has dark skin and short, white spiky hair with a scorn of annoyance on his face. He's wearing the same uniform as them while also part of their class.

"What's with that group? They're so noisy."

The male student lost interest and turns away as break time ended.

After school has ended, Yuma and Kotori are walking home together in their usual route as they discuss today's event.

(Yuma) "Man, I'm beat! I've gone all out during my last stunt."

(Kotori) "You've been doing these things too much already. Still have the same reckless streak as ever."

(Yuma) "Heh, that's just me! And everyone else is doing alright with their lives. Even the Barian Emperors have already get used to this life."

(Kotori) "I know, right? They used to be our enemies, but now they are friends. It seems like everything happened to us two years wasn't real."

(Yuma) "Yeah… It was really crazy back then…"

Yuma stops his tracks and look into the sunset on the horizon. Kotori looks at him curiously as he speaks up.

(Yuma) "Everyday was fun yet peaceful with everyone. We duel with all of our hearts and laugh together as friends. I actually wished that it stays like this forever. But… I knew things won't last long."

(Kotori) "Yuma…"

(Yuma) "Those guys have already planned out their future yet here I am, doing the same routine with no clear goal. Eventually, we will go our separate ways just like the time... with Astral."

Yuma speaks in self-ridicule before become silent while watching the waves on the bridge. Kotori knew that Yuma is still lamented about his departure with Astral after the war.

Astral is a being and envoy from the Astral World who seek out the Numeron Code to destroy the Barian World. He partnered up with Yuma and journeyed together to gather up the Numbers, special cards that contained great power while being parts of Astral's memories. They played an important part of the Interdimensional War as they contained the location of the Numeron Code.

Together with Yuma, they became great friends and has made Astral changed his purpose. Eventually Astral went back to the Astral World after obtaining the Numeron Code and uses its power to merge the two worlds while reviving all of their fallen comrades and made the Seven Barian Emperors reborn as humans.

That event left a bittersweet memory to Yuma and he often thinks about him as Kotori looks at him sadly.

(Yuma) "I wonder what's Astral doing back at his world…"

(Kotori) "Yuma, get a hold of yourself."

(Yuma) "Kotori?"

Yuma was startled a little by her tone as Kotori tries to cheer him up.

(Kotori) "You can't start bumming out now. If Astral see you slouching, he's going to be disappointed."

(Yuma) "..."

(Kotori) "Didn't you already say it? Becoming the best Pro Duelist out of anyone. You properly wanted to be like Gauche who inspires hope to the children, am right?"

(Yuma) "So you noticed that…"

(Kotori) "Of course! I've known you longer than everyone else about your dream. That's why just go for it. You can't make promises with that half-hearted attitude."

(Yuma) "...Heh, you're right! I can't let Astral see me like this! I just gonna bring it to 'em like always!"

(Kotori) "That's right! And also… I won't ever... leave your side,"

(Yuma) "Eh? What do you say?"

Yuma didn't catch that last part whispering as Kotori lower her voice due to her embarrassment before raising her voice.

(Kotori) "Yuma!"

(Yuma) "Y-Yeah! What's with you all of the sudden?!"

(Kotori) "Actually, I've been pra-"

*brinng,brinng,brinng*

(Yuma) "Oh, that must be from Sis. Hang on for sec."

Kotori becomes dumbfounded when she was about to confess what's on her mind only to be interrupted again. Yuma didn't notice her displeasure as he takes the call.

(Akari) "Yuma! Where are you right now?"

(Yuma) "I'm already out from school! No need to shout at my ear."

(Akari) "I need you to pick up some groceries on the way! You know Grandma can't go due to her condition."

(Yuma) "Eh, me?! What about Obomi?"

(Akari) "She left to see Orbital with the kids an hour ago. There won't be dinner if you don't comply."

(Yuma) "Okay, I'll do it! Sheesh!"

(Akari) "Good, I'll send the list to your Duel Disk. Just be quick about it!"

(Yuma) "Geez, that sister of mine… She always gives me a headache. Sorry, Kotori! I better do an errand now or she will kill me. What's was that you're saying earlier?"

(Kotori) "I-It's nothing… I understand. See you later, Yuma."

(Yuma) "Alright, see ya!"

Yuma heads off in a hurry in order to do the groceries while Kotori sighs in exasperation.

(Kotori) "What rotten timing… Oh well, at least he's back to his upbeat self. I'll tell him next time."

Kotori feels that's enough for today as she heads back to her house.

After finishing up his task, Yuma went back to his house and have a normal family dinner with his sister and grandmother along with Obomi and her children who came back in time.

Now he's in his room, picking up his cards on the floor as he working on his deck before going to bed.

(Yuma) "I think that will do for now. Man, Tetsuo and Alito have gotten stronger today. These two must be really training their butts off for their dreams."

Yuma remembered earlier about his recent duels during school break. Those three have been dueling each other almost every day by now. Although he managed to win in the end, Yuma was struggling against those two who practice their dueling skills so they can keep up with Yuma.

Yuma climbs up to the attic and lay down on his hammock as he looks at the picture of his parents, Kazuma and Mirai Tsukumo. Both of them kept exploring the world so they aren't home most of the time. Despite that, Yuma and Akari still love their parents as they knew them very well how they act.

As he thought about his father, Yuma held up the Emperor Key that was given by Kazuma while also serve as a connection to Astral. He remembered the first encounter with him and they initially have a rocky start.

However, over time, they become very close to each other as they overcome numerous trials of gathering the Numbers. When they parted to their ways, Yuma was saddened about this but he toughens up knowing they will meet again.

(Yuma) Kotori's right. I can't keep moping like this forever. I gotta show Astral that I've become a strong duelist when we meet. I gotta bring it to 'em for tomorrow and after!

Immersed in his thoughts, with eyes closed, Yuma soon fell asleep.

The first things that Yuma saw were numerous crystals floating in the air and tall structures that were colored light blue with shades of purple and dark blue. He was shocked as he recognizes the place.

(Yuma) Isn't this… The Astral World?! Why am I here?!

This is the dimension where Astral is born. It is an energy world where its original purpose is to "Rank-Up" towards a higher plane of existence. To further its desire, it has cast away the power of Chaos and set on destroying the Barian World which was filled with that same power.

Thanks to the efforts of Yuma, they changed their purpose and Astral merged his world together with the Barian World, ending the war.

However, what before his eyes are destroyed buildings and cracks on the ground. Fire blazing all over the surface as smoke keep puffing and many residents were screaming in terror.

(Yuma) What in the world happened here? Could it be the Barians are attacking again?!

Just then, Yuma heard a loud explosion coming from the large tower that is the central structure of this world. It is the Astral Tower where Yuma have fought Eliphas, who governs the entire realm, to decide the fate of the Astral World.

(Yuma) What's going on over there? Could Astral be dueling something that causes this destruction?! I better check it out!

Yuma rushes to the tower to confirm Astral's safety. He enters the city where he has encounter the screaming crowd and they pass through him without looking in his direction. It could be that Yuma is in his dream is why they didn't notice his presence.

Noticing the panicked expressions on them, Yuma grew more worry inside as he running up staircases o the damaged tower. He finally reaches the top when-

"Aaaahhh!"

(Yuma) Astral!

-someone slamming into the throne before falling down to the ground. Yuma widens his eyes in shock as he easily recognized Astral, his old partner, in his injured state.

His transparent, thin blue body has many scratches all over and his blue hair that curls up in a Mohawk was now disarranged. Astral's heterochromic eyes are narrowed as he endures the pain from his wounds.

(Astral) "Hah…Hah… Hah…"

(Yuma) Astral! What's happening in the Astral World?!

"My, my. Is this the power of the strongest duelist of the Astral World? Can't say that I'm a bit disappointed."

Yuma turns to the mocking voice that person is making and saw the figure is covered in the shadows. He couldn't tell the actual look but knew from the voice that he is a male and doesn't look like a citizen of this world or a Barian.

(Astral) "What… What are you!? What's your purpose here and how could you possess this much power?!"

"Still have enough strength to talk back? Well, I'm in a good mood so I have time to answer your two questions. The first answer is all thanks to this little card."

The shadow person waves the card in his hand as Astral sense something and his face turns into an incredulous expression.

(Astral) "Impossible! This sensation is-!"

"And as for the second question… It is simple. I've come for the Numeron Code. You know where it is, don't you?"

(Yuma) This guy wants the Numeron Code?!

(Astral) "Even so, I refuse to tell that to someone dangerous like you!"

"Knew you would've said that. Well, I have other ways to get the information of its location… by breaking you into pieces!"

Hearing his intentions, Yuma widen his eyes in shock as the individual held the card up high.

"Come forth, the strongest Xyz monster! Ultra Xyz!"

The card glows ominously as three streams of light shot up to the sky and entangled in an orbit. As the three lights rotating faster, they are generating a heavy storm as Yuma held his ground.

(Yuma) What… What is happening now?!

(Astral) "This… This voice-!"

Astral is shocked to hear that voice as he turns to Yuma's direction and saw his figure here. Yuma noticed that Astral recognized his presence as he calls out to him.

(Yuma) Astral! I'm coming to help you, buddy! Hang on!

(Astral) "Don't move!"

Yuma stood in surprise when Astral stopped him as the latter look at the perpetrator. The person himself didn't notice their exchange as he was concentrating on summoning his strongest monster.

Seeing this chance, Astral held his chest and generating light into his palms as he yells out to Yuma.

(Astral) "Yuma, I'm entrusting our hope to you-!"

(Yuma) Astral!?

Astral threw the light sphere towards the surprised Yuma as it crashes into his crest.

However, that blast knocked Yuma's feet off the ground and his entire being was swept by the torrent winds into the sky as the boy scream in fear.

(Yuma) Aaaahhh! What the heck is this?! I don't understand what's going on anymore!

Yuma struggling against the winds as he saw the increasing orbiting lights created the biggest explosion he ever saw. The incoming shockwave has pushed away the storm as Yuma starting to skydive into the ground.

(Yuma) What- What is that huge monster!?

What Yuma saw during his fall is a dragon. A colossal dragon shrouded in darkness near the wrecked tower as it gives out a loud roar.

(Yuma) A, ASTRAAALLLL!

The dragon swings its claws towards the tower and the entire structure crumbles upon impact. Yuma screamed in horror at the fate of his best friend as his vision was covered in darkness.

(Yuma) "...!"

Yuma woke to a start, having fallen out of his hammock again.

The sky outside was still dark, so it looked like dawn had not come yet. Yuma was skeptical that he begins to doubt whether it is real or not.

(Yuma) "Is that really a dream…? Could it be that Astral is in trouble or something?"

Suddenly, the pendant around his neck starts to glow. Yuma was surprised to see this as it hadn't done that since Astral have left.

The key fired a beam of light and went into Yuma's Extra Deck case. It is glowing in a similar matter with the key as Yuma timidly walks towards it.

He opens the case and pulls out the card with his trembling hand as he couldn't believe what he saw.

It is his first Numbers card as well his ace monster of both him and Astral. The one always gives him the courage to face any kind of challenge no matter how difficult it is.

(Yuma) "Numbers 39… The King of Wishes, Hope…"

Yuma mutters the name abstantly, not knowing that this will be a sign of his new incoming battle...