Yugen smiled and waved in greeting, but Kirk Dixon only darkened his expression and turned away in silence. It seemed the loss had left a mark. In any case, Yugen felt the trip was worthwhile just for the meal, since he was mostly here to watch and eat.
"One week ago, Industrial Illusions was hacked," Yako Tenma began. "An unknown intruder broke through our firewall and stole a large number of Cards along with research data."
Mokuba Kaiba frowned. "You were hacked?"
"Yes. There are not many in the world capable of that level of skill." Yako Tenma lifted a glass of red wine and took a small sip. "When we analyzed the methods used, we noticed certain technical signatures that felt familiar."
"Oh? And who would that be?"
"Kaiba Corporation."
"That is impossible," Mokuba Kaiba replied immediately. "We have never, and would never, have reason to attack Industrial Illusions."
Yet even as he said it, he remembered there had once been conflict between them. "I thought the same, which is why today was only to confirm. Now I know it was not Kaiba Corporation. If any offense was caused, Foundation is willing to compensate."
"So that is why you infiltrated the Link System? Because it connects to our Duel mainframe, and you hoped to obtain our data?"
Mokuba Kaiba considered this. "We have not suffered real losses. But you suspect the hacker is connected to us?"
"I am aware that Kaiba Corporation has also faced hacking issues recently," Yako Tenma said. "There are only a handful of entities capable of breaching both our systems."
"You have a suspect?" Mokuba Kaiba asked.
"Saying suspect person may not be accurate," Yako Tenma replied quietly. "It may not even be human."
Mokuba Kaiba stiffened. "What do you mean?"
"Kaiba Corporation once led the world in artificial intelligence research. Your team was considered closest to creating digital life."
"You mean AI?" Mokuba Kaiba shook his head. "Impossible. My brother and I ordered all digital life research shut down after that incident. What we still develop are only Duel AI programs."
Yugen could guess the incident referred to the Noah affair years ago. True digital life had existed, but after it went out of control and tried to seize physical bodies, the project was terminated. The current AI systems only simulated a Duelist's tactics and personality without possessing independent thought.
"The only digital life in the world died many years ago," Mokuba Kaiba said firmly. "Nothing like that exists now."
"That may not be certain." Yako Tenma leaned back with his fingers interlaced. "I am only offering a direction for investigation. Whether you believe it and how you proceed is up to you."
Mokuba Kaiba fell silent, brows tightly drawn. About a minute of silence followed as everyone continued eating, and Yako Tenma took another sip of wine.
He wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Once again, I regret that Seto Kaiba could not attend. Since that event, we have not had the chance to meet. I have long wished to apologize in person, whether on behalf of the company or as a Duelist."
Mokuba Kaiba said nothing.
"I believe I understand his thinking," Yako Tenma continued softly. "He thinks the one who defeated him was the Dark God, not me. Without the Dark God now, I am no longer a worthy opponent. Is that correct?"
Mokuba Kaiba smiled. "Those are your words, not mine."
But he did not deny it. In truth, many felt the same way. After the Dark God was destroyed following Yugi Muto's victory and said to have been eliminated by Maximillion Pegasus, what remained of Yako Tenma seemed only a former vessel of that power.
"As a Duelist, I cannot help but feel some regret," Yako Tenma said with a faint smile. Then he opened his eyes and turned his gaze to Yugen, who had been focused on his meal.
"You are Yugen Fujiki from Duel Academy, correct?"
Yugen looked up, surprised at the shift in attention.
"First, thank you for guiding my Card Professors today. I have always told them there is always someone stronger, but experience teaches better than words."
"It was nothing," Yugen replied casually.
"Dixon gave you a unique evaluation, so I looked into you. I learned you were the one who defeated the rogue AI at KaibaLand. No wonder Seto Kaiba has taken notice."
Yugen rested his chin on his hand. He could smell cards in the air.
"If you would allow me, I have a request."
A servant stepped forward and placed a Duel Disk loaded with a Deck into Yako Tenma's hand.
"Would you be willing to Duel with me?"
As expected.
When he heard that Yako Tenma wanted to see him, Yugen had already guessed there would be cards involved. He was only a nameless freshman at Duel Academy, and even if he had some fame on campus, he should not have been important enough to catch the eye of someone at Yako Tenma's level. If the man wanted to meet him, the most direct reasons were either that he had beaten one of their Card Professors badly during the day, or that people were spreading rumors about him after he had taken down the AI that once controlled Blue-Eyes White Dragon, calling him "the man noticed by Seto Kaiba."
No matter which reason it was, there was only one possible purpose. A game of cards.
To be honest, Yugen had already expected this before coming, so he was mentally prepared for a Duel. According to the Duel Academy Draw course, dueling strong Duelists helped one grow, and facing greater pressure refined a Duelist's strength. Of course, he had also considered that he would not play for nothing.
While Yugen was still thinking, Mokuba Kaiba spoke first. "That is not impossible, but if it is only a Duel, would that not be a little dull?"
Yako Tenma replied calmly, "What do you have in mind?"
"I remember that at last year's Industrial Illusions tournament, one of the gifts was a replica of Mr. Maximillion Pegasus's 'Thousand-Eyes Restrict' from Duelist Kingdom, right? If I am not mistaken, there should still be some left."
Yugen raised an eyebrow.
Before he could even speak, Mokuba Kaiba had already said what he was thinking. That was real understanding.
"I see." Yako Tenma smiled. "There are two replicas left. If you are interested, you may take one."
Mokuba Kaiba smiled as well and exchanged a glance with Yugen. "Well? Want to give it a try?"
To be honest, he also wanted to watch Yugen duel again. There was something special about the way he played.
"Then I will gladly accept." Yugen stood up with a smile. "Please give me your guidance, Mr. Maximillion Pegasus."
Both sides rose and, led by Yako, left the restaurant for the Duel arena.
"Duel!" x2
Yugen, LP 4000 Yako, LP 4000
"I will go first. Draw."
Yako placed a monster card. "Set in Defense Position, Summon 'Boss Turtle'."
Boss Turtle, DEF 1200
"When Boss Turtle is Summoned, I can Special Summon any number of 'Boss Turtle' from my hand." (ANIME EFFECT)
He revealed two more cards. "Special Summon two more 'Boss Turtle'!"
Boss Turtle, DEF 1200 x2
"Next, I activate the Continuous Spell 'Card of the Underworld.' While this card is on the field, if I Tribute two or more monsters for a high level Summon, I draw two cards." (ANIME EFFECT)
A card image appeared in his Back Row. "I set one card and end my turn."
"My Turn! Draw."
Yugen drew.
Even if Yako Tenma had once been controlled by the Dark God, he should still count as a Legendary Duelist. Legends had different levels, and in theory he should be stronger than someone like Rex Raptor or the Meikyu Brothers.
So this time, Yugen used his updated main build.
"I Normal Summon 'Nephthys the Preserver'."
A gift from Shin Doma and the Three Swords through Shell, the silver haired girl in golden armor appeared, her red cloak blazing like fire.
Nephthys the Preserver, ATK 1400
"Preserver's effect. I Destroy one card from my hand, then Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Nephthys' monster from my hand except 'Nephthys the Preserver'." (ANIME EFFECT)
She swung her greatsword, flames sweeping away a card in his hand.
"Special Summon 'Nephthys Disciple'!"