Seto Kaiba's eyes flickered open, revealing the deep penetrating shade of blue that seemed to harbor untold depths of determination and intellect. As he slowly sat up in bed, his gaze immediately fixated on his surroundings, trying to glean every detail from the sleek, metallic room that enveloped him. The room seemed both futuristic and ancient, a juxtaposition of technology and antiquity that left him feeling disoriented. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and symbols, reminiscent of the hieroglyphics he had encountered during his journeys through the Millennium Puzzle. They seemed to whisper secrets of forgotten times, inviting him to decipher their enigmatic messages. The golden light that bathed the room gave it an otherworldly glow, softening the metallic edges and infusing the space with a sense of ethereal tranquility. Kaiba's sharp mind was immediately drawn to the interplay between the modern and the ancient, as if the room itself were a manifestation of the two worlds he had straddled in his recent adventures. His gaze lingered on the majestic mural that adorned one of the walls, depicting figures of pharaohs and gods entwined in an eternal dance of power and destiny. The artistry was remarkable, each stroke of the painter's brush telling a tale of bygone eras, a testament to the enduring mysteries of history.
As he examined every inch of the room, Kaiba's mind raced, trying to piece together where he was and how he had arrived in this enigmatic place. Memories of the Quantum Cube and his pursuit of the Millennium Puzzle resurfaced, mingling with a sense of disconnection from the passage of time.
Seto Kaiba was a striking figure, exuding an aura of confident authority. Tall and lean, standing at 1.86 meters, he possessed a commanding presence that demanded attention. His brown hair, impeccably groomed, framed his chiseled face with a few rebellious strands falling over his forehead, adding an air of casual elegance to his otherwise composed demeanor. His dark blue eyes were sharp and penetrating, mirroring the intensity of his unyielding will. They seemed to hold a deep reservoir of knowledge, hinting at the vast intellect that lay behind them. Whenever he focused his gaze on a goal, his eyes became like twin beacons of determination, driving him forward with unwavering resolve. Dressed in his signature KaibaCorp-designed coat, its long, white sleeveless form accentuated his slim build with broad shoulders, projecting an air of regal authority. The raised studded collar added a touch of defiance, a symbolic shield against any attempts to undermine his resolve. His outfit bore the hallmarks of efficiency and practicality, reflecting a man who prioritized purpose over extravagance. The extra belts strapped around his upper arms and shins added a subtle touch of militaristic aesthetic, underscoring his readiness for any challenge that might come his way.
Every aspect of Kaiba's appearance, from his well-tailored clothes to his meticulously styled hair, exuded an air of control and precision. His poise and reserved demeanor were further enhanced by his ever-present Duel Disk on his left arm, a reminder of his commitment to excellence in the world of dueling.
A woman entered the room, a captivating presence surrounded her. Her pale skin had a subtle glow, and her long hair flowed down in shades of white and baby blue, like a gentle breeze brushing against her back. Her bright blue eyes held an air of mystery and wisdom, drawing anyone who dared meet her gaze into their depths. They sparkled with an allure that was hard to resist, like stars twinkling in a vast night sky. She wore a cream-colored sleeveless dress that draped elegantly around her figure, with a matching veil cascading from her shoulders. The veil spread out gracefully, adding a touch of regality to her appearance. Gold bracelets adorned her wrists, and anklets clinked with each step she took. An Eye of Wdjat brooch gleamed on her veil, emanating an aura of power and protection.
Her movements were graceful and poised, as if she was dancing to an unseen melody. Seto Kaiba, a man of logic and ambition, found himself strangely drawn to her presence, as if there was more to her than met the eye.
"You're awake," she said.
"So it would seem. Shall I start with the obvious question: where am I?" Kaiba said.
"You're in the infirmary."
"I was able to figure that much on my own. This doesn't look like any KaibaCorp infirmary I know of. Where am I?"
"You're in a city, far from your home, a city called Heliopolis. We found you about six months ago in the wreckage of some strange pod."
"Six months?" Kaiba said.
"That's correct. We have many questions to ask you, if you don't mind. First off, what is your name?"
"Perhaps you should give me yours first."
"Very well. My name is Kisara Shiroryuu. I'm a servant for Lord Ankhsivus."
"I'm Seto Kaiba."
"You're not from this dimension, are you?" Kisara said.
"I have no idea what dimension I'm even in. Who is Ankhsivus?"
"Lord Ankhsivus is the leader of the Akhmetra. Our people were banished to this dimension three thousand years ago by a dark and wicked sorcerer."
"Sounds rough."
"I should report to Lord Ankhsivus that you're awake. He'll be eager to speak with you himself. He believes that you may be the key to escape this dimensional prison."
Kisara gracefully turned to leave the room, her veil gently swaying with her movements. As she took each step, her presence seemed to linger, leaving an indelible mark in Kaiba's mind. Kaiba's dark blue eyes followed her, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty in his gaze. He was trying to come to grips with the realization that he had been unconscious for six months. A flood of questions and thoughts swirled in his mind, and yet he found himself momentarily captivated by the enigmatic woman who had entered his life.
The room felt somehow emptier after she departed, as if her presence had filled it with an ethereal energy that now dissipated. Kaiba's stiffness from his extended slumber seemed even more apparent as he shifted in the bed, the reality of his situation settling in. He glanced at the doors she had walked through, now closed again, hiding the world beyond from his view. It was a reminder of the time he had lost, the events that had transpired while he remained unconscious. As the minutes passed, the weight of his absence from the world began to press on him, and a sense of urgency to catch up with what had happened while he slept took hold. The metallic and Ancient Egyptian elements of the room seemed to mock him, reminding him that time had moved forward even as he remained trapped in a slumber.
With a determined expression, Kaiba reached for the Duel Disk on his left arm, the sleek dark blue body of the device contrasting against the light blue accents. This was not an ordinary Duel Disk; it was a cutting-edge model designed by KaibaCorp that used advanced neural-link technology to create Solid Vision holograms from the user's memories. Intrigued by the possibility of using this advanced technology to reach out to his brother, Mokuba, Kaiba activated the Duel Disk. His fingers deftly manipulated the holographic controls as he attempted to establish a connection through the neural link. His mind focused on memories of Mokuba, hoping that the neural link would bridge the gap between them. The holographic interface flickered to life, displaying an array of data screens and intricate circuitry. Kaiba's eyes, a deep shade of blue like the midnight sky, scanned the information with precision and intensity. He was driven by a mixture of hope and determination, eager to connect with his brother once again. However, despite his expertise and the cutting-edge technology at his disposal, the connection failed to establish. The holographic projections wavered, and the screens displayed an error message. Kaiba's jaw tightened in frustration, but he quickly composed himself, not one to easily succumb to setbacks. He tried again, focusing even harder on his memories of Mokuba, attempting to will the connection into existence. But the holographic screens remained stubbornly blank, refusing to form the link he so desperately sought.
With a heavy sigh, Kaiba withdrew his hand from the Duel Disk. He knew that the neural link technology was groundbreaking and had its limits. Perhaps it was not designed to reach across such vast distances, or maybe Mokuba's location was still unknown to him.
Slowly, Seto Kaiba's dark blue eyes blinked open, his consciousness gradually returning from the depths of sleep. As he tried to move, he felt an overwhelming heaviness in his body, and his limbs seemed unresponsive. With a determined effort, he pushed himself up into a sitting position, his back propped against the headboard of the bed. For a moment, he sat there, disoriented and groggy, trying to piece together his surroundings. The room appeared unfamiliar, a mix of metallic surfaces and Ancient Egyptian design elements that left him momentarily bewildered. Sensing a wave of dizziness, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, attempting to stand on shaky ground. His legs felt weak, like empty vessels struggling to support his weight. Kaiba braced himself against the edge of a nearby counter, desperate to maintain his balance. His breathing was labored as he took small, cautious steps across the room. Each movement felt like a test of endurance, as if his body had forgotten how to perform the most basic tasks. The room seemed to tilt and spin around him, but he pressed on, his determination overriding the disorientation. With each step, he tried to regain control over his limbs, willing them to cooperate. It felt as though he was learning to walk anew, his muscles protesting every movement. The effort required to remain upright was immense, and he found himself leaning heavily on the counter, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
Kaiba's attempt to stand on his own proved futile, and he stumbled, nearly falling to the floor once more. But before his descent could be complete, the room's entrance opened, and there she was—Kisara. Kisara's eyes widened with concern as she witnessed Seto Kaiba struggle to maintain his balance. With a graceful urgency, she rushed to his side, her white dress flowing like a gentle cascade as she reached out to support him.
"Easy there," Kisara's voice carried a comforting tone, her bright blue eyes filled with concern. "You shouldn't push yourself too hard."
Still, Kaiba was adamant. He refused to be confined to the bed, yearning to escape the confines of this room that held the secrets of his prolonged slumber. He wanted answers, and Kisara seemed to sense the determination behind his struggle.
"I need to leave this room," he insisted, his voice strained yet unwavering. "I must find out what's going on."
Kisara nodded, her soft hand holding onto his, providing a steadying force. Together, they resumed their journey toward the door, Kaiba's legs feeling like hollow pillars beneath him. As they moved, the room seemed to blur around Kaiba. His mind was consumed with questions, with uncertainty about his missing six months. He couldn't piece together the fragments, and the emptiness he felt in his legs mirrored the hollow void in his memory. The door opened with a soft hiss, revealing a fleeting glimpse of the outside world. The sight both confused and emboldened him—images of a life he hadn't lived, a world that had moved on without him. But Kisara's presence anchored him, pulling him back to the present. Her touch was a comforting tether, connecting him to a reality beyond the enigmatic room.
"I'll go with you," she offered, her voice gentle and reassuring.
As Kaiba and Kisara stepped out of the room, they found themselves in a corridor with a wall of transparent glass, affording them a breathtaking view of the outside world. And what a sight it was! The city of Heliopolis unfolded before them, a wondrous tapestry of futurism seamlessly intertwined with the echoes of an ancient past. In the city's design, the majestic structures and imposing pillars took on a distinct blue hue, reminiscent of the heavens above. The buildings stood tall and proud, bearing intricate carvings and symbols that harkened back to an era long gone. It was as if the entire city were a living monument, a vibrant fusion of past and future coexisting harmoniously. The architecture evoked images of an Ancient Thebes infused with a captivating technological prowess. The streets below were bustling with activity, adorned with holographic signs and lights that danced and glimmered like stars in the night sky. Vehicles glided effortlessly through the air, their sleek designs reminiscent of the phoenix, soaring elegantly amidst the clouds.
As Kaiba's gaze swept over the landscape, he noticed the people of Heliopolis going about their daily lives. Some were engaged in conversations with the help of communication devices that projected images and sounds. Others held intricately designed Duel Disks, engaging in duels right there on the city's thoroughfares, just as intense as any tournament battle. The hum of the city was a symphony of progress, a testament to the vibrant life that thrived within its boundaries. Heliopolis was a city of ambition, embodying the dreams of its inhabitants, each step forward a testament to their relentless pursuit of a better world.
Kaiba marveled at this futuristic Ancient Thebes, this nexus of history and innovation. The glass wall separated him from the outside world, yet it also allowed him to peer into the heart of the city, to witness its pulsating rhythm, to be both an observer and a participant in this grand spectacle. For a moment, he forgot about the missing six months, the confusion and the lingering doubts. Instead, he allowed himself to be captivated by the city's allure, the embodiment of progress and wonder. The contrasting shades of blue from the ancient-inspired pillars to the vibrant hues of the technological advancements converged, painting a vivid and ever-changing portrait of a city that felt like a living, breathing entity.
Kaiba turned to Kisara, their eyes meeting, and he couldn't help but notice the way her eyes mirrored the brilliance of the city they beheld.
"Welcome to Heliopolis," said Kisara.