The clock struck midnight as Andrew sat cross-legged on his bed, gently tracing his finger over the Dark Magician card.
"You came through for me again. Both of you did." He glanced at Dark Magician Girl's card, a soft smile on his face. "That duel against Max… I couldn't have pulled it off without you two. As always, you were awesome."
He carefully shuffled the Magian cards back into their deck box, his gaze drifting to a second box sitting nearby—well-worn from years of use.
"You guys to my first deck. You were amazing in your own right."
Then he reached for the third deck black and red sleeves with the word "HERO" emblazoned on top.
"And you guys… my Elemental Heroes. It's been a while. One of my all-time favorite archetypes. When I'm not using my Magians, you're my go-to team."
He checked the clock on the wall. 12:00 AM exactly.
A yawn escaped him. "Huh. Midnight already. Guess it's time to crash."
As Andrew lay back and closed his eyes, a soft glow began to emanate from the deck beside him specifically, the Magian Deck.
The glow intensified, and a faint hum filled the room. Dark Magician's scepter pulsed with arcane energy. From within the deck, a deep voice echoed barely more than a whisper.
"This boy… could he be the one?"
There was something fragile in Dark Magician's voice hope threaded with doubt.
"We have no other choice. If he cannot turn the tide… if he cannot stop that man from shattering the dimensions…"
A pause hung in the air.
"Then our world ends."
Awakening in a New World
Andrew stirred as sunlight poured across his face.
"Ugh… why is it so bright already?"
He sat up only to pause as he noticed something around his neck.
"…Wait. What's this thing?"
Hanging from his neck was a golden puzzle similar to the Millennium Puzzle, attached to a black choker. On his right arm, he noticed a Duel Disk—sleek, with glowing purple and crimson accents.
"Okay… where am I?"
Two of his cards glowed in his nearby deck box
Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl before their spirits manifested before him, faintly translucent.
Dark Magician nodded. "We can explain. You're familiar with the Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V anime, correct?"
Andrew rubbed his eyes. "Sorta? That's the one with the different dimensions and… crazy fusions and invasions, right?"
Dark Magician Girl's usual energy was subdued. "Correct. And the way things are heading… the future doesn't look good. Academia's gonna win at this rate. So… we brought you here. To help change that."
Andrew blinked. "Save… an entire world?"
He looked down at his hands, then back at the two spirits who'd always been with him. The weight of it settled over him—not just a duel, not just helping friends, but the fate of dimensions hanging in the balance.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"You think I can help change the fate of this world? Well… I'm in. I'll help however I can."
He glanced at the Hero deck still tucked into his bag. "But… what about my Heroes? My second deck?"
Dark Magician spoke calmly. "Your Hero cards will reach you when the time is right. But for now… you'll be working with us your Magians."
Andrew grinned. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I know I can count on you two to help me win."
He looked down at the golden puzzle around his neck. "So… I'm guessing this thing is just for show, right? No ancient Pharaoh spirit trapped inside?"
Dark Magician Girl giggled. "Nope! Just fashion flair. But hey, you do look the part."
She produced a mirror. Andrew blinked at his reflection.
"Whoa…"
His hair now resembled Yugi Muto's, except it was black with a single yellow streak. Around his neck, the choker held the glowing puzzle. He wore black chain cuffs on both wrists, and his outfit had a bold, duelist edge.
"Not gonna lie… I look good. No I look awesome."
He stood confidently, a strange wind picking up around him despite no breeze in the room.
"Alright, new world let's see what you've got."
Into Maiami City
Andrew walked through the streets of Maiami City, his eyes scanning everything around him. Buildings that he'd only seen animated now stood solid and real. People brushed past him actual people, not drawings. The weight of the Duel Disk on his arm felt heavier than it should.
Okay, focus. Figure out where I am in the timeline. When exactly did I arrive? Before the invasion? During? How much time do I have?
But underneath that focus, anxiety gnawed at him. What if I mess this up? What if knowing the story isn't enough? What if I can't actually help?
"It's weird being here, you know?" he said quietly. "One moment I'm asleep in bed
Dark Magician Girl's voice chimed beside him, her spirit form shimmering into view with a giggle. "And now you're here~ Heehee!"
Her lightness helped ease some of the tension in his chest. At least he wasn't alone in this.
Then he heard it—a distant explosion, the telltale crackle of Solid Vision energy.
Andrew's head snapped toward the sound. "Whoa, looks like a duel!"
His legs carried him forward before he'd made a conscious decision. Curiosity pulled him toward the commotion just another duelist drawn to the spectacle of an Action Duel.
But as he got closer, weaving through the gathering crowd, he saw the bridge. Two duelists faced off—one with distinctive tomato-red hair, the other in a white uniform trimmed with gold.
That's Yuya. And Sylvio.
Then movement caught his eye. Up on the clock tower beside the bridge
Four figures. Tied with rope. A girl with pink hair and three younger kids. Their faces
Andrew's chest tightened. Those expressions. The fear in their eyes. They weren't just watching. They were hostages.
His hand went to his deck before the thought even finished forming.
No. Not happening.
The card was in his hand. He didn't remember drawing it—his body had already decided. He slammed it onto his Duel Disk as he broke into a sprint.
"Big Shield Gardna!"
The massive warrior materialized in a burst of light, its enormous shield gleaming. Andrew didn't slow down. He used the warrior's solid form as a stepping stone, running up the shield's surface and launching himself toward the tower's ledge with every ounce of parkour skill he had.
His hands caught the stone edge. He pulled himself up, muscles burning, and vaulted over onto the platform where the hostages were bound.
Yuzu whirled around, paper fan raised defensively. "Who are you? If you're one of Sylvio's
"Relax, I'm not with that pompous guy up there." Andrew gestured toward Sylvio on the bridge, already moving toward the hostages. "Just couldn't stand watching him hold people hostage for a card game."
Yuzu studied him warily but lowered her fan slightly. "…Okay. I'll trust you—for now."
Andrew was already kneeling beside the four of them—Yuzu, and three younger kids who looked terrified. His hands went to the first knot, but they were shaking.
Man, why are my hands so shaky?
He took a deep breath and forced them steady before the hostages could notice.
"Sorry I haven't introduced myself yet." His fingers worked at the rope, and he met their eyes briefly—trying to project calm he didn't quite feel. "My name's Andrew Muto. Please let me help you get out of here."
The tension in their shoulders eased slightly. Yuzu watched him for a moment, then nodded.
"I'm gonna trust you for now. Thanks for helping us."
The first rope came loose. Then the second. Andrew's hands found their rhythm—pull, twist, release.
"Alright, Big Shield Gardna—thank you for your service."
He stood and held up a glowing card, his voice ringing out clearly.
"I'll tribute you to summon the magician whose eyes shine with the knowledge of magic—Dark Magician Girl!"
DMG appeared in a flourish of light and sparkles, twirling her wand with a bright smile.
"Dark Magician Girl, use your magic to create a safe path down for everyone!"
She waved her wand gracefully, and a shimmering bridge of magical energy formed from the tower to the ground below—solid, stable, glowing with gentle pink light.
Andrew gestured to Yuzu and the others. "Go—quickly!"
As they hurried across the magical bridge to safety, Andrew cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted up toward the main bridge.
"Hey! Tomato-Head!"
Yuya's face turned nearly as red as his hair. "T-Tomato-Head?! My name is Yuya!" He looked around frantically. "Wait—where did everyone go?!"
Sylvio sputtered furiously. "Who the hell are you?!"
Andrew called back with a confident grin. "The hostages are safe now, so you don't need to worry anymore, Yuya. Go ahead—show this guy what real dueling looks like!"
Yuya's embarrassment faded as relief washed over his face. "They're safe…" He turned back to Sylvio, his goggles catching the light. Determination replaced his worry. "Alright! Now I can duel with everything I've got!"
DMG floated beside Andrew, taking his hand gently and guiding him down from the tower with her magic.
"Thanks for the ride," Andrew said softly.
She smiled warmly before fading into sparkles. Andrew's Duel Disk powered down and entered standby mode.
After the Duel
Yuya rushed over the moment his duel ended, relief and gratitude clear on his face as he checked on his friends.
"I'm so glad you're all okay…"
Then he turned to Andrew and extended his hand.
"I'm Yuya Sakaki. Thanks for helping my friends. What's your name?"
Andrew shook his hand firmly. "Name's Andrew… Andrew Muto. Pleasure to meet you."
Muto… I hope I'm worthy of carrying that name someday.
"I just happened to be passing by when I saw what was going on. I couldn't stand by and do nothing."
He glanced up at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, painting everything in warm orange light.
"Well, I should probably go find a place to stay for the night…"
As he turned to leave, Yuya called out: "Wait!"
Andrew paused and looked back.
Yuya smiled warmly. "How about you stay at my place tonight? It's the least I can do. I'm sure my mom won't mind."
Andrew blinked in surprise, then returned the smile. "Alright. Thanks—I appreciate it."
Sakaki Residence - Evening
After Yuya explained everything to his mother, she agreed to let Andrew stay the night without hesitation.
Now, in the guest bedroom, Andrew sat on the edge of the bed and exhaled deeply.
"What a day…"
Dark Magician Girl appeared, floating cross-legged in midair with a gentle smile. "Well, at least you have a place to stay for now."
Dark Magician materialized shortly after, his presence calm and dignified. "Well done, Andrew. You handled the situation perfectly."
Andrew grinned. "Thanks. Time to get some rest. Tomorrow, they're taking me to enroll at You Show Duel School."
Kuriboh materialized with a soft chirp, floating down to nestle against Andrew's shoulder.
"Hey, little guy," Andrew said, gently petting the small creature. "You've been quiet today."
Kuriboh chirped contentedly, and Andrew felt warmth spread through his chest. These weren't just cards. They were his companions. His partners.
As he lay back on the bed, the three spirits remained visible for a moment longer.
"Get some rest," Dark Magician said. "Tomorrow begins your true journey here."
"We'll be with you every step," Dark Magician Girl added softly.
Andrew closed his eyes, feeling their presence even as they faded from view. For the first time since arriving in this strange new world, he felt truly at peace.
LDS Headquarters
Elsewhere, within the sleek towers of LDS, Reiji Akaba stood before a wall of monitors displaying footage of Andrew's intervention at the bridge.
He watched the recording again. The unusual Duel Disk. The golden puzzle. The way the boy moved—confident, instinctive, protective.
"Hm… Someone new has arrived."
His eyes narrowed thoughtfully behind his glasses.
"We shall see whether he proves to be a friend… or a threat."