The Dark Magician, in this world, can be called a mythical rare card, somewhat comparable to the fame of the "Three Egyptian God" cards.
After all, this is the ace card of the first Duel King, Muto Yugi!
Because of this significance, even though the Dark Magician cannot be called "the rarest card," it is far less rare than the Dark Magician Girl, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and the recently discovered "Crystal Beast" cards. However, the card's value is no less than those top-tier rare cards.
Of course, more importantly, because the Duel King Muto Yugi has turned to card design, the remaining Dark Magicians have become collector's items in various senses, making the Dark Magicians in circulation among duelists the rarest cards.
Even if you want to copy them, there's nowhere to do so.
That is to say...
"This is a real card!" Tierra said in amazement upon hearing Tenjo Hikari's explanation. "But why does the card image look different from the promotional posters we saw before?"
"Although it's the same Dark Magician, some are the [Legendary Magician], while others are just ordinary Dark Magician." Tenjo Hikari flipped through the cards, muttering, "This Alternate Dark Magician, who knows through what channel they acquired it, but wanting to create an Artificial Spirit from it means that at least in the beginning, this card had no spirit, merely a very rare card."
Tenjo Hikari remembered that in the early days of "Yu Gi Oh," Muto Yugi once dueled against a Magician "Pandora" who owned a Dark Magician.
The Dark Magician in his hand could even react from time to time, but now this card in hand seems to be completely devoid of a "soul."
Dr. Union was grabbed by two robots. Tenjo Hikari hesitated for a moment, approached, and greeted the A-Assault Core, wanting to ask them what they planned to do.
"Headquarters has been contacted."
The Assault Core first responded to Tenjo Hikari's words, then began a supplementary explanation.
First of all, as a "reward" for all the torture endured, they cannot let these humans go, and they must interrogate these humans to find out which dimension the other Union Machine's residents were taken to.
Beyond this, as their savior, if Tenjo Hikari wants to take them away, they can reluctantly accept it, since it's a benefactor's request.
"No, there's no need. I'm indifferent as usual. But please check if there are any brainwashed unfortunates, don't just lump everyone together."
"Understood."
Tenjo Hikari also considered the handling method.
Firstly, releasing them back is definitely not an option. They would either become "burdens" for Akaba Leo to support, or they wouldn't be released.
After all, if these people come back to life, they'll be accomplices again unless they can be directly sent to prison.
However, human interaction with Otherworlds has been so brief that even though Kaiba Company has designed many "special laws," they're basically all related to duelists.
Kaiba Seto has always been this way, not interested in other things. In his eyes, if you don't have a deck, you might not even be considered a "resident."
After all, this is the person who made the decision that "people without 40 cards in their deck must leave Domino City."
In other words, the current general human consensus and the "rules" for interacting with the Otherworld are actually the unwritten rules accumulated over years.
Either they've learned from the disadvantages of interacting with Spirits, or they've set these unwritten rules due to the insane actions by some humans. For instance, researching Spirits is indeed something not allowed in these unwritten rules, but exactly what penalty it deserves is indefinite.
Now, the best choice for Tenjo Hikari is to have the local Spirits "control" them. Whether it's locking them in a freezing chamber or directly in a Spirit prison, they should be handled according to the legal codes of the local Spirit World. That way, even if questioned, Kaiba Seto and Kaiba Company would likely respond, "Since they lost to Spirits in a duel, they should bear the consequences themselves."
Then, during this process, collaborate with Manjome to prepare for future events, as Manjome already has such inclinations, and studying these matters is within his target range.
Tenjo Hikari asked the Assault Core to handle the nearby computers. As a Machine-Type Spirit, it could easily search the data in an unprotected network.
Unfortunately, Tenjo Hikari didn't have Cyberse-Type cards; otherwise, he could certainly obtain more meaningful information.
Tenjo Hikari had the Assault Core delete all video recordings, especially erasing the evidence of the Super Polymerization of the three... no, two Phantasms. Under normal circumstances, Tenjo Hikari might not care about erasing traces, but he didn't want others to see signs of the Super Polymerization activation.
Then he searched to see if there was any information on other dimensional research institutes in this lab.
Regrettably, until the end, Tenjo Hikari did not find information on other dimensional research institutes, indicating that each lab was not connected, possibly for confidentiality purposes.
How cautious that bald head is.
Tenjo Hikari frowned.
"Master," while Tenjo Hikari pondered where else he could procure something, the Assault Core rolled back to him, "Headquarters has issued new instructions."
"What's up?"
"Regardless of whether your friend wins, you and he will be our Union Machine's best allies."
Tenjo Hikari nodded.
"Besides—please open your Alchemy Book."
Upon hearing the Assault Core's words, Tenjo Hikari was at first surprised, then took out the carefully kept Emerald Book, opened it, and flipped through the pages: "I didn't expect you to have heard of this book too?"
"The legendary Alchemy Book of the Era-Defining Alchemist." The Assault Core emitted a beeping sound. "It's said that as long as a contract is signed, messages can be left in the book, allowing communication across dimensions."
Tenjo Hikari nodded.
He had heard from the Golden-Eyes Idol that even in his own dimension, Eldlich the Golden Lord, Eldlich the Golden Lord could hear Daitokuji's voice because Daitokuji could use this book to communicate directly with anyone he contracted.
At the beginning, it was upon hearing Daitokuji seeking assistance that Eldlich the Golden Lord sent the Golden Captain to the Human World.
However, since each dimensional coordinate was tagged with "research topics" by Daitokuji, Tenjo Hikari never found a contact until now.
Now.
Tenjo Hikari drew a rune in the air. A green alchemy rune floated out, the Assault Core lowered its head, transmitting signals on the symbol, and a majestic voice resonated from within: "Thank you for rescuing our residents."
An image appeared on the book.
It was...
A-to-Z-Dragon Buster Cannon!
On its image was a strange three-dimensional pattern, which was evidently the coordinate of this dimension.
Wow.
Upon seeing the image, Tenjo Hikari marveled.
Literally, it was the complete combined Monster of all Union Machines from A to Z. Indeed, the strongest Spirit in this dimension is it!
This is quite a powerful Monster Card, a powerhouse possessing "Three-color Barrier"—it has the tremendous ability to discard 1 Hand Card as COST to negate and destroy any activated Monster Effect, Spell, or Trap Card!
Unfortunately, in terms of Spirit Power, it was suppressed by Phantasms. Otherwise, with ATK equivalent to that of the Lord of Striking Thunder, it should be able to rescue residents by itself.
"Human Warrior." Its voice came from within the pattern. "For all future matters related to this faction, you may freely connect with us. We shall assist, our tracks and firepower engaged with them, unceasingly!"
So, it seems that Teacher Daitokuji's connections and agreements with other Spirit Worlds were formed through this method?
He smiled.
The first one!
"Thank you, A-to-Z-Dragon Buster Cannon!"
He closed the book, ready to head back to find Manjome to see how things were on his end when Tierra's voice suddenly rang out again.
"No hurry, dismantle their Dimension Gate; they're all materials!"
"Oh, that's right!"
When plucking wool, do it thoroughly!