In a large manor in Domino City, a boy is dueling against a former pro duelist, and the boy is winning. "Summoned Skull, attack directly with Magical Lightning," he ordered. His monster sent a blast of electricity at his opponent, reducing his life points to 0. "Well played master Michael," the man said. "Indeed, well done son," a voice called out. The boy turned to face the one who had spoken and saw a man and woman standing there. "Thank you, father," the boy said. "How many turns did it take for you to win this time?" the woman asked. "1 mother," Michael responded.
"I'm so proud of you Michael. I think he's ready John," his mother said. "I believe you're right Laura," his father said. "Ready for what?" Michael asked. "To be accept your birthright and our ancestral cards," John answered. "Are you sure father?" Michael asked. "Indeed. The time has come for the final phase of your training to begin," his dad said. "If you believe I am ready father, I shall do as you say," Michael responded. "Follow us Michael," Laura said as she and her husband turned and lead their son to another area of the manor. "So where are we going?" Michael asked. "To where we keep the deck that been passed down through our family for generations," John answered.
They descended a long flight of stairs until they reached the bottom and were met with a large stone door. Michael's father pushed the door open, revealing a large room lit by candles. "Why are the cards kept down here?" Michael asked. "To keep them safe from those who would wish to steal them," his father said as they all walked to a pedestal in the center of the room. His wife pulled out a key hanging from a chain around her neck and inserted in a slot in the pedestal before turning it, causing a panel in the top to open and a box to rise out of it. Michael's father then pulled out a key and unlocked the box before pulling out the deck inside and handing it to his son.
"This is your birthright son," he said. Michael looked at the cards he had just been handed. "So this is the family deck?" he asked. "Indeed," a voice called out. Michael looked around for the source of the voice but didn't see anyone at first. "Who said that?" he asked. "I'm glad to see you do possess the gift," John said. "What gift?" Michael asked. "The ability to see duel spirits," a voice behind Michael said. Michael turned around and fell over in surprise. Standing before him was a demonic looking swordsman with a purple cape. Michael noted that the being was slightly transparent, as though it were just a spirit, but he also noted he looked somewhat familiar.
"Zure, please refrain from scaring my son," John said. "Apologies master Johnathan," Zure said as he bowed his head. "Wait, Zure as in Zure, Knight of Dark World?" Michael asked, remembering seeing that card in the deck his father gave him. "Indeed. Now that you possess the deck, all the spirits of Dark World are your loyal servants," Zure confirmed. "Wait, all of them?" Michael asked as he got to his feet. Two more spirits appeared, one a large, muscular monster that looked like it could stop a bus, and the other a short fiend wielding a staff. "I am Ceruli, Guru of Dark World," the shorter monster said. "I'm Renge, Gatekeeper of Dark World," the large monster introduced.
"So wait, how come I can see you?" Michael asked. "Because like your parents, you were born with a connection to the world of duel spirits," Ceruli explained. "And soon it will be time for you to fulfill your destiny," Zure said. "What do you mean 'fulfill my destiny'?" Michael asked, confused about the situation. "All in due time my son, but for now you must master this deck. Your fate, and the fate of many others depends upon you," John answered. "Okay father. I'll master this deck, and fulfill my destiny," Michael responded. "I know you will," his father said. "John, shouldn't we give him the other cards as well?" Laura asked. "What other cards?" Michael asked. "3 cards that hold an immense power. However, I'm afraid you are not ready for those cards yet my son," his father answered. "I understand father," Michael responded. "Then let the training begin," Zure said.