"It would seem I've made it." a figure said arriving in Cho-Tokyo via train. "Looks like Amir was right, this place does look wonderful. Now...I'll have to make sure to gain Vile Ranma's attention. For that to happen, I need to make a name for myself in one of these Buddyfights." he said stepping out. "Though...I probably should have asked where he wanted me to meet."

So without hesitation, this mysterious man began entering himself into the Shop Preliminares. He soon gained a rep for defeating all his opponents with overwhelming force as he worked his way up.

"Oh...it's over already? Hmm...it seems it's difficult to build a reputation without strong opponents. That's rather disappointing. Hmm...what to do?" he pondered.

While he was pondering, he was being overlooked by Moltar, Noir, and Shanoa.

"'That's him." Noir said. "Guys been racking up wins left and right. Don't think he's lost a match since competing here."

"Hm...do you think he's with Ranma?" Moltar asked.

"I'm thinking not yet." Noir said. "What do you think, Shanoa?"

"This is puzzling. I can't get a good sense of his emotions or his hidden desires." Shanoa said.

"Hm… what to do. We could challenge him, but if he's really that good, we could end up losing our spots in the second round." Noir said.

"It would be best to let the others know about this and do not engage him." Shanoa said.

"Hey, who are we whispering about?" he asked getting into their huddle.

"Aaah!" All three of them shouted.

"How did he...wasn't he just in the ring?" Noir asked.

'What's wrong? Oh...I get it. You all must be nervous. There's no need to have any sort of shakes, I'm not going to bite. Unless I were maybe a lion or wolf, then I probably would bite." he said laughing.

"Who are you?" Shanoa asked calmly.

"Ah yes. Forgive me. I haven't quite introduced myself, have I? I prefer to keep my full name secret so...you can just call me Arthur." he said.

"Okay then Arthur… why's a guy like you entering the Shop Preliminares so late before the deadline?" Noir asked.

"I meant to enter earlier but ended up taking the wrong train." Arthur said.

"Ah, I see. Those subway lines can be confusing, believe me." Noir said. "But these kinds of tournaments always have a fair share of surprising rookies. And judging from your skill, I'd say you're one of them."

"You're too generous. Actually, this is my first time playing the game at all." he said.

"Your first time? You play those kinda moves with those sorta monsters in that world and it's your first time?" Noir said. "Then again, me, Shanoa and Moltar are new at this game too."

"Yeah, but none of us are that good. You must've had one heck of a teacher." Moltar said to Arthur.

"No teacher. I picked up the rules as I went along." Arthur said.

"Pretty impressive." Noir said. "Though I don't suppose you're doing this just to win. You're trying to get someone's attention."

"Why would I try to get someone's attention? Especially since I know no one here." Arthur said.

"Alright, that seems fair to me." Noir said. "Thing is, the three of us are already in the second round. At your pace at this shop, you'd be a rep in no time. How many more wins you need before you get the spot?"

"Just one." Arthur said.

"So you just need one more opponent to battle." Noir said. "It can't be anyone of us. We already represent other shops. You'd have to fight someone we know who..."

"Come now...there's no need to lie. All three of you are fighting here to gain this shop's spot." Arthur said. "Tell you what, how about we make this a tag match? That way at least one of you will get a spot too."

"Sounds good to me. Whaddya say, you two?" Noir asked.

"Yeah...sounds good." Moltar said. "What say you, Shanoa?"

"Very well, come, let us begin." Shanoa said.

"To make this fair, let's choose our partners with a little game of chance." Noir said holding out four coins. "We each flip a coin. Whoever matches heads or tails with someone else gets to be that person's partner."

"Fair enough." Arthur said.

"I can't flip coins, I'm wearing gauntlets." Moltar said. "And my hands are lava."

"Then I'll do the courtesy and flip for you." Arthur said.

The coins were flipped, and…

"Would you look at that...both mine landed on tails." Arthur said.

"That means Moltar's your partner." Noir said. "Shanoa and I both got heads."

"Then let's not waste time." Arthur said as they entered the fighting ring. "Now...I shall start us off! Discarded being, lost against the evils of society! I feel no hate nor love! So I shall guide you! Luminize! Forgotten Band!" Arthur said.

"My turn." Moltar said. "Born in the blazing heat, risen from the ashes of death, my burning veins course with power! Lumenize! Blazing Wydar Sarkal!"

"They come out in the darkest of night and deliver justice wherever the wind blows them. These are the heroes of the Shadows. Lumenize! Noir Vigilante!" Noir said.

"One day man shall look to dawn, without need to fear the darkness. Lumenize! Castlevania!" Shanoa said.

"Let's raise the flag!" All four called.

"Legend World!" Arthur and Moltar said.

"Hero World!" Noir said.

"Dungeon!" Shanoa said.

"Ninth Omni Brave Lord, Mukuro!" Noir said.

"Armored Demon Lord, Cerberus!" Shanoa said.

"Archangel Dragon, Urityss." Arthur said.

"Soaring Flame, Lindwurm!" Moltar said.

"Alright, who gets the first move?" Noir asked.

"I think it's fair we get it. Since my partner would like the experience of us using the same world." Arthur said.

"Your call Moltar. Whaddya think?" Noir asked.

"I'm all for it. Show us what you can do, Arthur." Moltar replied.

"Very well. Draw! Charge and draw! I call Angel Troop, Lyntis to the center. When Lyntis enters the field, I can put the top card of my deck into the gauge. Now, attack...Mr. Noir, if you don't mind that is?" Arthur said.

"I don't mind a bit…!" Noir said bracing as Lyntis hit him.

10-8

"With that, I conclude my turn." Arthur said.

"Alright, here I go! First I'll call Gorgon Three Sisters, Stheno to the right and Glutton Jailer, Glugiu to the left!" Moltar said. "Then, I'll pay 1 gauge to equip Magic Sword, Azoth and put myself in the center! Now, it's a three attack combo on Shanoa!"

"I cast, Divine Protection of Shalsana!" Shanoa called.

10-11

"You're lucky she called that move. As I recall, the first turn players can only attack once." Arthur said. "I'm sure it was a lapse of memory." Arthur said.

"Right. Sorry. I kind of jumped the gun there." Moltar said. "In any case, I end my turn."

"Then it's our go." Noir said. "Draw, Charge and Draw. I'm gonna set the spell Second Dark Hero Hideout. I pay one gauge and life to equip Shadow Requiem. Then I call The Scar to the Left and Judgement, Hollow Strydarm to the right."

8-7

"Now the effects of my Second Darkhero Hideout kick in. Now my Shadow Requiem can't be destroyed or returned to the hand, and it gets a little 2,000 power boost. And since I called Strydarm and Scar, I gain two gauge and life." Noir said.

7-9

"Oh my...how scary. These shadow heroes." Arthur said.

"You ain't seen nothing yet pal. I'm gonna attack Lyntis with Shadow Requiem!" Noir said web slinging to Lyntis and cutting her down. "Scar, Strydarm, let our new fighter have it!"

"I activate it...Advent!" Arthur said as a bright light shined on the center.

"Advent?" Noir asked.

"An ability unique to Legend World...specifically Empyreal Corps monsters and Angel Dragons. In short, by paying the call cost, I can call monsters during my opponent's turn." Arthur said.

"Well I'll be." Noir said.

"Using advent, i pay two gauge and put a card in the soul to buddycall to the center...Archangel Dragon, Urityss!" Arthur said as Urityss entered the field.

10-11

"A buddy with soul guard…. Guess this is an attack wasted." Noir said as Strydam and Scar dropped Urityss's soul before being sent to the drop zone. "The draw back to Darkheroes is, while they're incredibly powerful, they usually get destroyed or return to the hand. Guess my turn is over."

"It was a good try through. Well done." Arthur said.

"Alright Shanoa, you're up." Noir said.

"Right then. I draw! Charge and Draw!" Shanoa said. "I call Demonic Eye General, Rhodes Dylan to the left, Dachs, Colbat to the right, and Iron Golem, Nasir at the center! Now, Colbat, attack!"

10-8

"Next is Nasir." Shanoa said.

8-6

"And finally, Rhodes Dylan." Shanoa said.

"I cast! Scorn of Gremlin!" Moltar said blocking the attack.

"That concludes my turn." Shanoa said.

"I gotta say, you're pretty good." Noir said. "Using that Advent trick to block my attack, it's clear you're a pro in rookie's clothing. But I don't have to worry much about your buddy frying me. His effect only kicks in if I call Final Phase."

"I never planned to beat you with that in the first place." Arthur said. "Draw. Charge and draw! I set a spell. Circle of Reflect! Now the abilities of all Empyreal Corps monsters cannot be nullified. Now, I call Angel Troop, Lykris to the left and Angel Troop Taxe to the right. As a gift from Lykris, I gain a life."

11-12

"Now...I cast! Holy Wish! By paying two life, I can destroy two cards on your field. And I choose your item and your set spell." Arthur said.

"Dangit, if he targets them both, Second Darkhero Hideout can't protect my item." Noir said as both his cards were taken down.

"You no longer have protection. It goes to show...no one is above anyone in this world. Now...for my attack phase." Arthur said.

"Bring it on. I'm not running." Noir said.

"Urytiss, Lykris, Taxe, link attack on the fighter." Arthur said.

9-4

"I will end my turn here." Arthur said. "That is all."

"Right. Draw! Charge and Draw! Now, before I do this, I'd like to say thanks for attacking me." Moltar said. "Because now that I have at least 3 gauge, I can cast this! Decree of Dullahan, which gives all Wydar Sarkal monsters double attack if I've got 6 or less life points." he smiled. "Now...let's rough 'em up! First goes Stheno, and she'll take out Nasir!"

Stheno did so.

"Now Stheno can attack the fighter with Double attack!"

11-9

"Now it's Glugiu's turn!" Moltar said.

9-7

"He's not done yet! Double!"

7-5

"And finally, I'll step in!"

5-4

"And my turn is over." Moltar said.

"Wonderful, Mr. Moltar. I see you are indeed a skilled Buddyfighter." Arthur said applauding.

"Yeah, not bad." Noir said. "But we're gonna make sure we get back in the game. Draw, charge and draw! I cast It's About time I Got Serious, to draw two cards. I also cast Hyper Energy, increasing my gauge by 4. I Buddycall Ninth Omni Brave Lord, Mukuro to the right, and Darkness Fist, Gwen to the left. I also equip, Sneak Judgement."

4-5

"Just so you know, if I've got another Darkhero out, my new item and Gwen can attack you even if you've got your dragon in the center." Noir said. "So we're going to jump right over Urityss and attack you directly!"

"Go right ahead." Arthur smiled.

11-7

"Mukuro, take out Urityss!" Noir said.

"I don't think so. I cast! Cleansing Judgment! For this turn, Empyreal Corps monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects and they gain an extra 5000 defense. Also, damage from card effects cannot be reduced." Arthur said.

"You're not serious…" Noir said as Mukuro was blocked.

"Oh and by the way… you attacked three times, didnt you?" Arthur asked.

"Yeah, why?" Noir asked.

"You said earlier that you had to declare final phase. Well...that's not true. Any move you make before ending your turn is considered your final phase." Arthur said.

"So that means…" Noir said.

"Attack me again. Come on. You seemed so confident earlier, as if you ruled the world." Arthur said.

"Ruled the world?" Noir asked. "I'm no king. And besides, I used up all my attacks."

"Very well. Final Phase." Arthur said.

"Huh?!" Noir asked.

"This is a special impact I can only use following three conditions. I have an Angel Dragon on the field, I have taken damage this turn and it's my opponent's turn." Arthur said.

"Aw, hell…" Noir said.

"Now...be judged for your sins! You are not a ruler of this or any world. Just an ordinary man like me and all else! Pay for your arrogance! Impact! Judgment Holy Rain!" Arthur said as light rained down on Noir.

5-0

Game over, Noir! Winner: Arthur!

"Arthur won! Yeah buddy!" Moltar cheered. "(Now I just have to wait for my turn…)"

"Do not worry, Noir. I'll pick up where you left off. Draw! Charge and Draw!" Shanoa said.

"(Man, I hope this works…)" Moltar thought as he looked at his hand.

"First, I'll cast Dragon Blessing!" Shanoa said. "This card allows me to nullify the Lifelink of all monsters on my field, and send them back to my hand. Next I'll equip Conquering Blade, Dungeon Domination! Now, I'll buddycall Armored Demon Lord, Cerberus and call Thunder Emperor, Zein Blestand!"

4-5

"Now, Cerberus, attack!" Shanoa said.

"Not so fast!" Moltar said. "I cast! Elund's Ring! I nullify the attack and discard a card from my hand! Then I'll draw another card and gain one life!"

6-7

"No matter. I still have other attacks. Zein Blestand, attack!" Shanoa said.

"Heh...I was hoping you'd do that. Cast! Great Spell, Weiterstadt!" Moltar said. "By paying two gauge and two life and only after the first attack...I can force your attack phase to end here!"

7-5

"My apologies, Noir… I did what I could." Shanoa said.

"You did great, Shanoa." Noir said.

"It's been fun, Shan!" Moltar said. "You were a worthy opponent...but game time's over! Attack!" Moltar said as he swung Azoth down.

5-4

"Now I'll have Stheno and Glugiu end it!"

4-2

2-0

Game Over, Shanoa! Winner: Moltar!

"Well...seems we've both move on to the second phase, don't we? Well done, Mr. Moltar." Arthur said.

"Thanks! Er, sorry Noir, Shanoa." Moltar said apologetically. "You guys were awesome!"

"No sweat kid." Noir said. "There's really no hard feelings here, it's only a game. Right Shanoa?"

"Of course. I'm amazed by skilled everyone is." Shanoa said.

"Still...one thing I don't get. When you were looking us over...I was sure you were still in the arena. Meaning...you were listening in on us right?" Noir asked Arthur.

"Heh...You got me." Arthur chuckled. "See...I know you three are allied with a certain group...the Phantom Thieves."

"You're not after them for their crimes, are ya?" Noir asked.

"Please, do I look like a cop. See...thing is...we actually share the same profession." Arthur said.

"So, you make your living hunting for treasure as well?" Shanoa asked.

"More like he's a thief." Moltar said.

"Yes, quite right. See...one of my allies told me they saw the thieves with a curious looking scroll and they told me they were coming here. I joined the competition in order to locate them...and take it." Arthur said.

"WHAT!?" Moltar said. "You mean I was - and I -"

"That's the part of this you're surprised about?" Noir asked. "You know...I tried having Tails look you up during the match but he came up with nothing."

"Yes...you wouldn't be able to find anything on any of my group. See...we're not exactly those who exist within society anymore. More like we're the bits that were cast aside into the abyss." Arthur said.

"Cast aside by society?" Shanoa asked.

"Yes. No family, no home, no origin world...we're simply ordinary people who gathered due to this one common link. The Lost Thieves." he said getting Noir's attention.

"No way...you guys are...the Lost Thieves?!" he said.

"You've heard about them, Noir?" Moltar asked.

"Yeah. Their tale started 30 years ago. They're notorious for catching their targets by surprise, made easy since no record of any of their members exist anymore. Faceless thieves who take whatever they desire with no way to stop them." Noir said. "When we tried to look up Amir…"

"Yes, he's with us as well. He actually told me about all of this. Why shouldn't he? I am the group's leader after all." Arthur said.

"What are you plotting?" Shanoa asked.

"We're in competition with one another right now, hunting after the same treasure...the Youseiken. And well...I don't plan to let it go so easily." Arthur said.

"Say you do find them. What do you plan on using them for?" Noir asked.

"Hmm. That's a good question. We could sell the swords or simply display them. I'll have to discuss with my fellow friends next time we meet." Arthur laughed. "Anyway, I think I've spent enough time here. Hopefully I've gotten his attention. But don't worry, I'm sure we'll meet again." he said vanishing in plain sight.

"I was playing alongside a bad guy!" Moltar said as he slumped. "I'm so ashamed!"

"Calm down, Moltar. It was a random chance. It could've been any of us." Noir said. "But still...If the Youseiken really are as powerful as told, then he and his Lost Thieves can't be the only ones looking for them."

"Which is why we will need to find them as soon as possible for Neu and Sunset." Shanoa said.

"If only Enma's lock can be decoded. At least then we'd know where to start." Noir said.

"Yes, we would need a powerful mage or deity's help if we wish to dispel the seal." Shanoa said.

"Elementa is doing all she can but she's not making much progress. Let's face it, only guy powerful enough to break Enma's seal...is Enma." Moltar said.

"And we got no clue where the guy is." Noir said. "Wait...that Arthur guy...he wanted the scroll...but he had to have known about the seal. Does...does he know another way to break the seal?"

"Possibly, but what can we do?" Moltar asked.

"He just qualified for the tournament's second phase. All we gotta do is for someone in our group to defeat him and get him to spill the beans." Noir said. "And there might be plenty of chances to do that."

"How?" Shanoa said.

"Second rounds gonna be a scheduled free for all for the most number of points. The number of points determines the rank you got. Get a high enough rank, and you're in the finals." Noir said. "So Moltar, there's only one thing you and the others need to do. Don't lose any points and get as many as you can. No pressure."

"Right...no pressure." Moltar said. "No pressure...at all."

"For right now though, I think we need to tell the others about Arthur and the Lost Thieves." Noir said.

"Good idea." Shanoa said.