Chapter 45: The Horrid Truth
By dusk fall, everyone had made their way to Leo Corp, tired but seeking answers. At the entrance, they found Gong, the two ninjas who helped him, and to their surprise Sylvio.
"Gong, you're-"
Yuya couldn't finish his sentence, as he was brought into a crushing hug by Gong.
"Yuya, you're alright!"
"uugh, good to see you too, Gong. Who're your friends?"
"I am Moon Shadow, and this is my brother Sun Shadow. We were hired by Declan to infiltrate the Battle Royale and interfere in case Duel Academy attacked."
Sun Shadow hung his head in shame.
"We saved as many as we could, but I'm afraid many fell to Duel Academy's forces."
"Oh Blah Blah Blah, who cares? You're all forgetting who the real hero is: Me!"
Everyone looked at Sylvio in exasperation.
"What are you even doing here? Yuya kicked you out of the tournament in round 2."
"True, but Declan Akaba clearly saw my potential in the invasion and offered me a second chance."
"More like he begged and plead with him until Declan gave in."
Sylvio fell to the floor at Julia's remark, but quickly regained composure.
"Yes, well, regardless my new and improved deck proved to be more than a match for those pathetic Duel Academy soldiers, and that more than qualifies me for a position in The Lancers."
"The Lancers?"
Annoyed, Julia whacked Sylvio with her Duel Disk, yanking Sora off his feet in the process.
"You idiot! They're not supposed to know about that yet."
Before the conversation could continue farther, the doors opened, allowing them to enter where Claude was waiting for them.
"Greetings. The President has been expecting you. Please follow me."
The group of nine followed him to Declan's office, where he was sitting at his desk hand clasped in thought.
"Welcome, champions of Standard. Please sit, we have much to discuss."
Uncertain, everyone took a seat as Declan typed in a few commands into his computer, bringing up the Duel Academy symbol.
"As you may have gathered, This tournament was no mere friendly competition. You see, three years ago I went searching for my missing father, founder of Leo Corp Leo Akaba. My search, although I didn't know it at the time lead me to another dimension. While my time there was brief, the things I learned were of the upmost importance."
The hologram changed to a view of the four dimensions.
"Our world is only one of four universes, or Dimensions. The Fusion Dimension, The Synchro Dimension, The Xyz Dimension, and ours, The Standard Dimension. My father has set up base in The Fusion Dimension in Duel Academy, a school that trains duel soldiers for war. For reasons unknown, they have decided to conduct a campaign of conquest in order to unite all four worlds into one supreme world under Leo's command. And it pains me to say that they have already conquered the Xyz Dimension: Shay's homeland."
Everyone who didn't already know this gasped and looked in Shay in shock, who only hung his head in sorrow.
"Its true. They came out of nowhere, and carded us as a form of twisted hunting game. We fought back, but every day we lose more and more. I came here in the hope that by capturing his son Leo would be forced to back off."
"But instead I offered him my help. In exchange for joining the Arc League Championship, I would gather a force of Duelists to take the fight to Duel Academy and free his home world. And that force is you: The Lancers."
"Lancers?"
"Yes, Zuzu, and it won't just be you. Leo Duel School will train future students to defend their dimension from all threats, not just Duel Academy."
Everyone could only stare in shock, trying to comprehend this well of information as Declan stood up.
"I understand this is a lot to take in, but we don't have very much time. We need to make the next move before Duel Academy does, or else they'll be back for more. Now, my fellow duelists, will you join me?"
"No."
Everyone turned to Yuya, who's face was uncharacteristically serious. Zuzu became worried.
"Yuya, what are you talking about?"
"You lied to us, put us in harm's way, and now you just expect us to become Duel Soldiers? You're no better than your father!"
"Leo wants to conquer. I merely want to protect."
"By doing exactly what's he's doing, dragging innocent people into a war they're unprepared for. Dueling isn't meant for war, dueling's meant to bring people together and spread joy."
"That won't matter when we're all carded, Yuya! We need to take the initiative before we miss our chance."
"I won't! I refuse to go against the dueling I was raised to believe in."
Realizing words weren't going to get through to him, Declan brought out his Duel Disk.
"Fine, if my word's won't convince you, perhaps my cards will. If you win, you're free to go. But if I win, you listen to reason."
Realizing there wasn't any other way, Yuya raised his own.
"You're on."