Season 0: Theme Keycard #1 C7: Gambler vs. Planner (1)

In the most luxurious hotel in Domino City, at the very top where a million-dollar penthouse sprawled, Maximillion Pegasus sipped his wine, leg kicking back and forth.

He was an accomplished man…

A man who might as well have been a God, given all the wealth and resources at his fingertips.

He had no worries about food, no lack of drinks, nor housing, plus an endless stream of entertainment in his life, and yet, therein lay the problem. Excess was as much a thief of joy as comparison, for wat excitement hadn't he experienced?

What games hadn't he participated in or hosted?

What luxury hadn't he tasted, drunk, or touched? Pegasus was so bored, no word on this Earth would properly capture the depth of his listlessness.

With Yugi-boy nearing retirement, and his head-strong business partner still obsessed with claiming the title 'King of Games' from the Pharaoh's Spirit, life's going to get unbearably dull sooner rather than later. “Mr. Pegasus?“

"Hm?" The trillionaire hummed dismissively, flicking through the news lazily.

"Would you care for a glass of our most exquisite wine?" Deep in thought, he didn't even catch the question as he watched the replay of yet another victory under the King's belt.

Humming again, he clicked on another video recently uploaded on Replay Arena—a public website launched by KaibaCorp.

It's a Duel featuring the latest wielder of the new Archetype, the Gladiator Beasts, and an Insect user. "Musashi-boy lost?“

While Pegasus did adore every card ever manufactured, even he must acknowledge the fact some Archetypes were just objectively better than the rest. The Gladiator Beasts were one such Archetype.

With their Contact Fusion and incredibly disruptive Boss monsters, they're nearly unstoppable at this stage of Duel Monsters.

Meanwhile, the Insects, due to their unsavory appearance, had been left to gather dust, receiving only a rare few new Supports in recent years… He hadn't thought it possible for an Insect user to snatch victory from the jaws of the Warrior-Beasts. “Lenix Owens?“

The Duel had taken place just a day ago, right outside his hotel as well.

Though intrigued by the Duel’s twists and turns; the way both duelists constantly went back and forth, Pegasus had not paid much attention at first, for while the Gladiator Beasts were nearly invincible, the keyword's 'nearly.'

Their loss was unexpected but not entirely beyond belief.

His interest reignited when he checked the boy's Duel Records. "73 Duels without a single loss?“ Pegasus had never even seen his ace—Mimicking Man-Eater Bug—before.

Sure, the thought of approving or even creating new monsters for the Insect archetype had crossed the trillionaire's mind plenty of times, but this card had neither been approved nor could he remember ever designing it.

He couldn't find a manufacturing date, either.

For all intents and purposes, this was a custom card inserted into KaibaCorp's database.

Such an act could only be accomplished by an insider… Or through magical means. The boy was orphaned at a young age, with no special background, so Pegasus instantly ruled out the first possibility, leaving only the second.

"How amusing.“

He smiled, the empty socket that once housed his Millennium Eye itching with excitement.

There were plenty of duelists who could interact with Duel Spirits, and many more who could harness Duel Energy for minor, harmless supernatural feats, but to obtain cards that were never invented... Only a select few had managed to do so thus far.

"This is gonna be fun." Pegasus mused, then clicked his fingers to get the attention of the hotel staff and demanded, "Get me my phone. I need to make a call…”

A third Battle City might just be what he needed to entertain himself and for the boy to prove his worth as a Duelist.

But where was the fun in simply copying Kaiba-boy's rules?

Pegasus mused, swirling the ruby liquid in his glass as he gazed out over the sprawling cityscape.

“A few tweaks are in order.” He chuckled to himself, already envisioning his version of the Tournament and all the wonderful Duels to be had. The thought alone already sent an excited rush through his veins.

Grinning from ear to ear, Pegasus set his glass aside and reached for the phone.

For most, organizing a Tournament on such short notice would be a logistical nightmare, but for him?

It was merely a matter of want. “Mayor Daichi?”

With the sly charm of a veteran car salesman desperately attempting to pass off a sputtering old jalopy to an unsuspecting young buyer, he brought the phone closer, words sliding off his tongue like oil out of a grimy engine.

"This is Maximillion Pegasus. I need a favor."

— «SK(GX)» —

Groaning on his new bed, Lenix buried his face under the pillow, desperate to muffle the incessant knocking and fall back asleep. "Come back later!"

“Mr. Owens? We're from KaibaCorp. We wish to discuss with you an important matter. Please, open the door.“

The mention of KaibaCorp snapped his eyes open, surprise momentarily cutting through the annoyance he felt.

How silly he had been to expect a day off after defeating a 'Boss.'

Even sillier to hope for an uneventful day in Domino City, of all places.

"What do you want?" He asked, unwilling to open the door without further information. While he had crossed paths with Jonouchi and Yugi's grandfather on numerous ocassions, Lenix would've remembered it, had he crossed paths with Kaiba.

Ruling out the usual possibilities, his mind finally zeroed in on two likely reasons for the unexpected visit: His ongoing win-streak and unique ace monster—the 'Kuribo' to his Decks—Mimicking Man-Eater Bug.

“We’d like to extend an offer to you from Mr. Pegasus. Maximillion Pegasus,” The man outside announced, as if there were any other notable Pegasus loitering around town besides the red-obssessed Creator of Duel Monsters. “The details, I'm afraid, are only for your ears.“

“…” It wasn't like Lenix had forgotten the mayhem Pegasus caused last time he pulled some shit like this, but this was Maximillion Pegasus—eccentric trillionaire and certified Mystic with a literal vault of ancient, forbidden knowledge to share.

It might be worth the troubles to hear what he had to say.

Eyes welded to the ceiling, Lenix reluctantly rolled off his warm and cozy bed, gliding to the door to peer through the peephole.

The uninvited guests were six men in black suits, the tallest of which was carrying an unassuming black briefcase. None appeared to have cultivated Duel Energy, and he couldn't sense any emanating from the briefcase either, but just to scoot on the safer side, Lenix still reminded Mimic to prepare, and prepare it and Grasschopper did, flashing its claws eagerly. “Mr. Owens?“

"Gimme a sec." Lenix unlatched the lock and stepped out, closing the door behind him while sizing up the group.

“This must be discussed in a private setting. Is your room unavailable?“

“It's a bit messy.“ No one wanted their living space scrutinized by strangers, after all. "I'm sure you can have that arranged?“

“Mr. Pegasus is currently waiting in his suite at the Elysium Enclave. He assures me there’s no pressure whatsoever, but he'd be delighted if you could make it.”

The messenger, a young man in a crisp, impeccably tailored suit, dipped his head respectfully, holding himself with a practiced stillness that unsettled even Lenix.

“Lead the way.”

The Elysium Enclave wasn't just a hotel; it was an experience.

In the fifty years of its operation, the establishment had already exuded an aura of luxury that older venues struggled to replicate. A standard room started at $3,000, or 30,000 Duel Points, per night.

The presidential suite, which Lenix suspected was Pegasus's choice of residence, cost $5,000, and that's not mentioning the "resort fees," the restocking of the personalized minibar with rare vintage wines, nor the 24-hour personal butler service. Within its all, clients weren't just clients, but kings, queens and–in some cases–Gods, provided they had the money to pay for the services.

Trailing behind the messenger through the Enclave's polished marble hallways, past fountains and arranged floral displays, Lenix couldn't imagine ever indulging in such extravagance. The sheer excess and grand atmosphere made him slightly uncomfortable, in fact. It felt a lot like walking into a funeral wearing nothing but his boxers.

For Pegasus and his cartoonishly vast fortune, however, this level of luxury likely seemed commonplace.

Lenix would not be too surprised to find Pegasus casually burning hundred-dollar bills in the suite's fireplace, just for the amusement of watching watermarks most people needed to break their back earning turn to ash. “Mr. Pegasus? I brought Owens.“

“Come on in.“

Pegasus's accommodations were just as Lenix had expected.

From the ceiling above, the walls around and the ground below—everything was draped in a garish wine-red color that felt… Overwhelming.

Then again, it's not like he had a leg to stand on, at least not when it came to judging the trillionaire's choice of decor, not while his favs were two of the most ostentatious monsters ever created: Nephthys and Ra. “Lenix-boy—”

"Yeah, no." He had barely stepped into the room when a silky voice greeted him, accompanied by the sight of the trillionaire lounging in a loose bathrobe. “Get back to me when you're decent.“

“If I get dressed, will you hear me out?”

“Yes. And maybe stop attaching '-boy' after my name. It sounds weird.”

It just didn't have the catchiness of 'Yugi-boy' or 'Kaiba-boy,' probably because Japanese names were naturally suited to having suffixes added, unlike his.

"Very well. Please wait outside." They had barely stepped out of the room when Pegasus called them back in.

"… How the Hell did you get dressed so quickly?"

"Everyone's entitled to their secrets," The trillionaire replied, the barest hint of amusement in his eyes. “Even you, I'd bet. Funny how no matter where I looked, I still couldn't find the manufacturing date or code for a Mimicking Man-Eater Bug, wouldn't you agree?"

"So, this is what it's about?"

"Partly," Pegasus admitted, "But it's also about the upcoming Battle City tournament I'm organizing. You and a few other Duelists will be the guests of honor."

"Why me?"

"As you're already aware, given your connection with Yugi-boy's grandfather and best friend," Pegasus replied. Lenix was certain the name-dropping was intended to unsettle him, but he had anticipated it. With Pegasus's resources, Lenix would have been disappointed if the trillionaire couldn't find out that much.

"Yugi-boy is retiring. Most of the older generation who attended Duelist Kingdom are—"

"And you're bored."

"You know me too well. While many young talents have risen to the occasion, things have been a bit too quiet recently. It is the end of an era...”

“What does this have to do with me, exactly?”

Pegasus opened his mouth to respond but paused as a maid entered, carrying a tray with two glasses. “Black coffee with a spoon of condensed milk, your favorite, correct?”

Snorting, Lenix took a casual sip, savoring the bitterness that flooded his palate instantly.

“How is it?”

“Terrible. It's that coffee you grab at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday when you're out with friends, fully aware you'll be exhausted come morning, but you're having too much fun to care.”

“That was oddly specific.”

“Yes, yes it was.”

Shielding the coffee from the apologetic maid, Lenix smiled. “Wait, I didn’t say I hated it.”

“But—”

“The taste has nostalgic value for me. Nicely done, miss.”

He winked at the girl, causing delicate redness to spread on her freckled cheeks as she slipped behind.

"Enjoying yourself, Lenix? Do you mind if I call you Lenix?"

"As long as you don't add '-boy' to it, I guess." Lenix replied.

"Excellent! Lenix, after reviewing your matches, I have decided to offer you my sponsorship. I can boost your popularity and propel you onto the world stage, but there's one condition."

"A top 10 finish in Battle City?" Lenix guessed, taking another sip of his coffee.

"Precisely. Top 10 will secure my support. However," The man leaned closer, a glint in his eye, "An undefeated championship will earn you a bonus prize."

“Which is?"

"Beyond the substantial prize money, the fame, and a long-term employment contract with minimal responsibilities… A custom-made card. Designed to your specifications. Naturally, as a game developer, I cannot allow anything game-breaking, but trust me, you'll be thrilled with this new ace up your sleeve."

Despite the adrenaline surging through him, Lenix's expression remained carefully neutral. The offer was enticing. Too enticing, in fact. “What's the catch?"

"No catch," The man assured him smoothly. "I simply recognize your potential and wish to nurture it."

"And this job you mentioned?"

"As you might have heard, KaibaCorp has established Duel Academies worldwide, the nearest of which is just 30 miles off the coast of Domino City. I'd like to offer you a position at that school as a teaching assistant, provided you actually land in the top 10, of course.“

Blinking owlishly, Lenix couldn't help but ask, "You're aware I'm underage?"

It only came to light when he tried to buy a pack, only to be denied because of his age. "I'm also orphaned and have no degree. Won't the students and their families throw a fit at this arrangememt?"

"I think there's been a misunderstanding," Pegasus replied.

"While Duel Monsters is incredibly popular, our Academies aren't officially recognized as schools yet; they operate more like trade schools or local gyms. Our trainers just have to pass our exams, although exceptions can still be made for the exceptional, and once you make it into the top ten, you will become a world-renowned Duelist."

"And it'll be like inviting a famous boxer or MMA fighter to teach..."

"Some will still complain, but I'm sure you can handle a few kids?"

"Depends on who the kid is, I guess." Lenix mused. “When is the Tournament?“

“I take it you're on board.“

“Hell, why not.“

Not only was this his ticket to Duel Academy, he'd get paid to teach about a children's card game he was passionate about, plus the mere possibility of getting his own, custom card was too tempting to ignore.

“Wonderful! Johnson, the contract?“

Upon hearing his name, the bodyguard stepped forward and opened the briefcase, revealing two stacks of legal documents that must have been hundreds of pages thick.

"You sign here," Pegasus said enthusiastically, pointing to a spot. But Lenix wasn't foolish enough to sign any legally-binding documents without havinf thoroughly read them, nor was he naive enough to trust a clearly shady trillionaire.

So, he began reading.

Even after the Sun dipped below the horizon, he was still engrossed in the papers, meanwhile Pegasus had retreated to one of the three 20-square-meter bedrooms in the penthouse.

No one rushed him, likely under instructions from Pegasus himself.

The staff even provided him with a generous spread of snacks and, most importantly, plenty of caffeine—enough to turn a five-year-old into a hyperactive whirlwind that would have most parents in tears. "Jesus..."

Lenix murmured as he sifted through the documents.

Most of them were confidentiality clauses about the experiments and... Odd (Magical) occurrences, along with a fifty-page contract detailing his role in the upcoming Battle City.

The rules were straightforward: Battle City would be an international Tournament open to any Duelist in Domino City at the time.

Any Duel taking place over the month-long event would be directly uploaded to KaibaCorp's database for their Virtual Intelligence system. Each win would yield a point, while a loss would subtract one. The 50 Duelists with the highest scores would then face off in the Semi-Finals and Finals.

The twist? Designated 'Chosen Duelists' would be required to participate in at least three Duels per day, with each victory against them earning the challenger five points per Duel.

It was a vicious rule that would have Duelists everywhere hounding Chosen, among which was Lenix himself.

"Has anyone ever told your boss he's fucking evil?"

"Many have. But it doesn't really matter what they think, does it?"

"I suppose not," Lenix chuckled, signing his name in the blank spot before pressing his thumbprint in red just below it. "Allow me to scan that. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Owens."

"Well, it's mostly beneficial for me, so I should be the one thanking you," Glancing at the blueberry-dipped sky twinkling with stars above, he stood to stretch and looked toward the door. "It's late. I should head out."

"Mr. Pegasus has asked us to accommodate you for the night. There's two spare bedrooms, but if you would prefer, we can have another room arranged."

"Nah, I think I'll pass. I have someplace else to be." Lenix answered, thoughts already on Grandpa Mutou's store. After calling Jonouchi yesterday, the blonde had asked to meet there. He did not mind.

This was a matter best discussed in person anyway.

"By the way, can you ask Pegasus about the recent disappearances?"

“Disappearances?“

“Someone's been targeting Duelists in Domino City. I thought he ought to know, since he's planning to host a Tournament and all. Ciao.“

"Wait! Allow me to give you a ride..."

With Pegasus' ever helpful staff, Lenix reached his destination in just fifteen minutes.

As he approached the store, he could hear Jonouchi’s muffled voice inside, followed by Grandpa Mutou's loud exclamation. "She’s WHAT?!" Pressing his ear to the door, Lenix listened as Jonouchi laughed awkwardly. "You heard right, Mai's pregnant."

"You sly dog! I didn't think you had it in you!"

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?!" Jonouchi retorted, sounding equal part amused, proud and indignant.

'Oh, shit.' Lenix had always prided himself on being unflappable from a young age. News that would send others into a frenzy felt to him like casual conversations about the weather. But this... This was unexpected, and not in a good way.

Was he really willing to thrust a man who's about to become a father into the proverbial jaws of the beast?

Could he live with himself knowing that Jonouchi's child might have to grow up without a father?

With Mai Valentine's personality, she would undoubtedly seek revenge for her husband, placing both herself and her unborn child at risk as well. 'Oh, fuck…' Lenix cursed against, involuntarily rocking his forehead against the wall and alerting the two in the store.

"Who's there? Show yourself!"

Letting out a weary sigh, he quickly plastered a smile on his face and stepped inside. "Wassup!"

"Lenix!"

"Congrats on your kid. Do you know if it's a boy or a girl yet?"

"No idea,"

Jonouchi answered, grinning as he did so while sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "The doctor offered to tell us, but we want to keep it a surprise, ya know?"

The gesture caused the words that had bubbled up in the back of his throat dissipate like smoke as he joined them behind the counter, cursing for the third that minute. 'Fuck…'

“Better hope they take after their mom.“

Laughingly, Lenix patted the man's shoulder, who took it with a smile as pure, unadulterated joy spread across his features.

The evening was filled with laughter and joy until Jonouchi suddenly remembered the purpose of their gathering. "So, you wanted to talk to me 'bout sum?"

"Yeah..." Lenix replied, an awkward smile playing on his lips as his mind raced for an excuse. Any would do at this point. It's not like Jonouchi was particularly known for his smart. "I met Maximillion Pegasus."

"... What's that wackjob up to now?"

"Not much, apparently. But he's decided to hold a second Battle City tournament in a month's time. I've been invited as one of the Chosen Duelists. We'll have to endure a bit more harship, but the rewards are really worth it."

Reason?

Because the contract stipulated only a Chosen who won the Championship without a single loss would be entitled to their own custom card. The rest would receive only the monetary reward and a few rare cards at best. "Are you going to join?"

For a moment, excitement flashed across the former delinquent's face, but then it faded. "Nah... My wife's pregnant, and we've got enough savings to last us for years. I think I'll sit the next few Tournaments out, but who knows? Once my kid's a bit older, I might rejoin the scene."

As much as Lenix despised Jonouchi's heavily luck-reliant playstyle—and his questionable decision to include Insect Queen in his Deck—it was always a sad ordeal to see a Duelist retire, even if said retirement was only temporary by his own words. “Huh… It really is the end of an era.“

A familiar melancholy settled over Lenix, the kind that usually accompanied the final page of a cherished book, the last episode of a beloved series or the demise of a fan-favorite character.

Truth was, Lenix simply couldn't envision Yugi, Jonouchi, or Mai outside of their identities as Duelists, even though a part of him understood their departure's necessary for both the game's evolution and the characters' growth.

While their influence inspired countless Duelists, it also disheartened many more, causing the game to stagnate.

To the rest of the community, the main cast were like insurmountable peaks that'd always cast a shadow too large to get out of.

The only person who really ever stood a chance was Judai, and he hardly counted, given his identity.

"Tsk... I was looking forward to dueling one of you."

"You still can. We may have retired from professional dueling, but it's not like they've confiscated our Decks and Duel Disks."

"Yeah... But a friendly match doesn't have the intensity… Do you think Yugi would give it his all if I lied and told him I'm actually possessed by an ancient evil hell-bent on destroying the world for no particular reason?"

Lenix figured he'd probably lose, but he knew he'd never improve if he kept avoiding stronger opponents.

Besides, the Duel Energy and XP gained from facing a Duelist as powerful as Yugi Mutou—even in a loss—would make it all worthwhile.

Amused by the joke, Jonouchi raised his Duel Disk. "Want to get some practice in? I don't mean to brag, but I'm quite the skilled Duelist."

Rolling his eyes at the guy who had crammed Insect Queen, Jinzo, Red-Eyes, and Thousand Dragon all into the same Deck and was relying solely on the 'Heart of the Cards' to avoid dead-drawing a bunch of unsummonable monsters on the first turn, Lenix got to his feet.

"Could be good practice, if nothing else."

“… Somehow I get the feeling you don't take me seriously.“

"I'm more scared of Yugi and your wife, to be honest."

It was a shame the Harpy Ladies were so undervalued, but that's just how the Dueling community was in this world—if you weren't the Champion, the runner-up, or the third best Duelist, you were essentially nothing. And Yugi, Kaiba, and Jonouchi had already claimed those top three spots.

"Eh?! But I've beaten Mai plenty of times!"

"Yeah... She's just unlucky, that's all."

"Luck's important for a Duelist too."

"Maybe."

Jonouchi wasn't entirely wrong. No matter how optimized a Deck was, there was always the risk of a dead draw.

Luck played as crucial a role as consistency and reliability—the latter concepts Jonouchi sadly wouldn't know the meaning even if they hit him over the head with a baseball bat. "I just think it's a bit lazy to leave everything to 'the Heart of the Cards,' that's all. Gramps, can we duel outside?"

"Of course not. It's good to see the new generations so spirited.“

"Thanks."

With Grandpa Mutou's permission, the two moved to opposite corners outside the store and raised their Duel Disks.

Their gazes locked as their Duel Energy—unseen; odorless yet ever present—began to clash violently.

Mirroring this, their Duel Spirits roared to the heavens, even as they continued to size each other up silently.

“Coin toss or high roll?“

“No need.“ Jonouchi smirked confidently. “You may go first.“

“Heh… It's your funeral."

"I'll make you eat those words, kid!"

"You're welcome to try!“

Then, as if prompted by the sound of a starting gun, both Duelists shouted in unison, their Duel Disks snapping into place with satisfying clicks.

“"Duel!"”

Lenix Owens: 4000 LP

Jonouchi Katsuya: 4000 LP