Chapter 963: Chapter 936: Gravekeeper
An ancient palace.
The palace was resplendent and magnificent, every inch of space seemingly gilded with a layer of golden glow. In the center of the hall, under the lofty dome, stood imposing statues, each with a different form, some holding scepters, others with eyes closed in contemplation. The walls and the stout columns were carved with intricate ancient murals and symbols, mysterious writings that were difficult to decipher.
A jet-black jackal sculpture lay quietly in the center of the hall, its eyes seemingly alive, as if they traversed through the void, scrutinizing every soul that approached this forbidden domain.
Yugen strode boldly into the palace, standing in the midst of this forbidden realm.
A moment later, a figure appeared ahead.
"Welcome," the figure spoke, "modern king, Fujiki Yugen."
The figure wore black clothes and a black robe, with a hood concealing most of his face in shadows, making it difficult to discern his appearance.
But as he stepped forward and slowly removed the hood from his head, a shiny, round bald head was revealed, the dark skin appearing like a freshly peeled boiled egg under the dim light.
The man’s face bore conspicuous markings, seemingly tattoos. There were abstract illustrations like murals, along with ancient writings and characters. Though their meanings were unclear, the fierce visage alone suggested the unbearable pain this man must have endured to engrave these tattoos, and the extraordinary resolve required to persist in completing this work of art.
Such distinctive features allowed Yugen to immediately recognize the man.
He was Lixid.
Lixid from the Tomb Guardian race, Malik Ishudal’s most trusted confidant in the world.
Lixid was not originally from the Tomb Guardian race but was adopted and tasked with serving Malik from childhood. He was Malik’s servant and his most important friend.
In his childhood, Malik had to have a full set of tattoos related to the Pharaoh’s memories on his body due to the cruel rules of the Tomb Guardian race. This process involved immense pain, and the hatred in young Malik’s heart gave birth to a dark personality, which was later known as Dark Malik who rampaged with the Winged Divine Dragon during the Duel City at the age of six.
Lixid, in order to share Malik’s pain, voluntarily had the same tattoos etched onto his own body and even his face, saying that although he couldn’t lessen Malik’s pain, he was willing to bear it with him.
This loyalty greatly moved Malik, and with Lixid’s help, he suppressed the six-year-old’s dark personality, which had been suppressed and inactive for many years.
But now, as Lixid appeared before Yugen as a servant of the Tomb Guardian race, his motives were unclear.
"I apologize for the sudden interruption."
Lixid said.
"I represent the Tomb Guardian race, who have guarded the Pharaoh’s secrets through generations of Ancient Egypt. If not necessary, the Tomb Guardian race would never wish to disturb the king’s life."
Yugen replied, "So it seems there’s something that needs attention?"
"Indeed. But I’m just a humble servant, only sent to invite you for a meeting with the Tomb Guardian race’s descendants. They will explain in detail."
In Yugen’s heart, he understood that this referred to Malik and his siblings.
"However, before that, I have another task here. Of course, it’s not mandatory, but..."
Lixid raised the Duel Disc on his hand.
Yugen had already noticed the Duel Disc on his hand, saying, "Is it a duel?"
Lixid nodded.
"Of course, if you’re unwilling, it’s not necessary. But personally, I’ve always hoped for an opportunity to learn from you, so..."
"Sure."
Yugen smiled.
For him, there was obviously no issue.
Moreover, he had previously thought about visiting the Tomb Guardian race when he had the chance, only Malik and his siblings were far away in Egypt, making it inconvenient to travel, so the opportunity never arose.
It’s not just because many of the cards Yugen loves to use — including his Tamashi Lava Demon God — come from Mr. Malik of the Tomb Guardian race, who is, in a way, the founding ancestor of all Underworld people in the modern age.
Also because the Tomb Guardian race holds in their hands a super weapon like "Reversal of the World and the Underworld."
This card once left the legendary "first-turn kill" card deck known as FTK (First Turn Kill) in the history of Yu-Gi-Oh!, a legend that is still fondly remembered by people today.
And who would’ve thought, in later generations, it even spawned a new series of card decks themed around "Reversal of the World and the Underworld." This series of card decks had an excellent synergy with a beautiful, ageless, and powerful entity, jumping onto that person’s express train to become part of the historically famous card deck "Mournful Elegy," commonly referred to as Pearl Tears by card enthusiasts, which today is still recognized as the strongest card deck in Yu-Gi-Oh! history.
So Sister Isis, the owner of the present-Underworld card deck, is quite worth visiting.
"Then let’s start, let’s keep it light."
Yugen activated the Duel Disc.
After all, they were all duelists with dark powers, including the territory they were in, which Yugen recognized as the setting manifested by the Magic Card "Royal Divine Hall" under the influence of dark powers.
It’s just sparring and playing cards, getting hurt would be unwise.
Lixid nodded.
"Duel!" x2
[Yugen, LP4000]
[Lixid, LP4000]
"I will go first, draw a card."
It’s Lixid’s turn.
He drew a card, looked at the few cards in his hand momentarily, and quickly selected two.
"I set two cover cards face down on the field," Lixid announced loudly, "end of turn!"
Only cover cards, no monsters summoned. If an average person faced this formation on the field, they might mumble a bit, feeling strange.
But Yugen was quite okay.
This wasn’t merely because Yugen himself sometimes loved opening this way to exert psychological pressure on the opponent — having only cover cards in the back, with no defense in the front lines, almost seems like a clear invitation to step into a trap.
Moreover, this tactic was originally created by Lixid himself.
Lixid could probably be considered the first to play a "pure trap card deck" in Yu-Gi-Oh! history. His strategy in the anime against Joey was basically "back row five cover, your move," causing Joey to step into numerous traps and deeply feel the harshness of the Duel World.
That’s why the Tomb Guardian race in DM is genuinely bright.
Sunny boy Malik naturally needs no further mention, being the master of the Lava Demon God and the founding ancestor of the Underworld realm. His sister Isis’s present-Underworld is even more heavyweight. As for Lixid, he straightforwardly played an all Red Pit card deck, essentially a Red Pit Pillar Power...
Well, but precisely because he knew the style of Lixid’s card deck, Yugen could confidently choose his current deck to face this opponent.
"Then it’s my turn, draw a card."
Yugen directly revealed the Magic Card in his hand.
"Activate Magic Card ’Cosmic Law.’
The opponent can choose one Trap Card from their hand or deck to set face down in the Magic/Trap zone."
Lixid was stunned.
What?
Without conditions, any Trap from the deck to search... given to me freely?
Could such a good thing exist?
He couldn’t help but reveal a surprised expression.
What is this strategy? Starting with such a generous gift for the opponent?
Especially for Lixid, who plays an all-trap card deck, this opportunity was even more precious.
Could this be the so-called king’s confidence?
But before he had time to search, Yugen continued with a smile.
"Of course, in exchange, if the opponent chooses to set a trap, then I can Special Summon an ’Artificial Human - Telekinesis Intimidator’ directly from the deck."
Lixid: "!!!"
You’re summoning... what on earth?
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