"The other side seems to have already cut off this pathway from their end."
In the laboratory of KaibaCorp's Space Research Department, the lab director explained the situation to Kira.
"I'm afraid that person called Faker had already prepared a contingency plan before coming here. If anything went wrong, the people on the other side were to shut down the system immediately, preventing anyone from our side from crossing over.
"But the good news is that thanks to our research into the pathway, we've basically pinpointed the coordinates of the dimension on the other side. Now we just need to conduct a few more tests and perhaps make more precise calibrations."
As the director spoke, he seemed to notice that the King was somewhat distracted and could not help asking, "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing. I just thought there seemed to be fewer people here."
Kira looked around the laboratory, which seemed a little too empty.
"What? The flu? A mass sick leave?"
The director looked rather surprised.
Then he shook his head. "No. Everyone in our lab showed up today. No one took sick leave."
This time, it was Kira's turn to be surprised.
"No one took sick leave?"
He looked at several seats that were clearly empty, seeming unable to understand.
"So you're saying this department only ever had this many people?"
"That's right." The director nodded.
Kira frowned, scanned the room, and asked, "Then where's Daniel?"
"Who?" The director seemed baffled.
"The blond guy with glasses who used to sit by the window. The one who was always livening things up," Kira said.
The director smiled. "I never knew the Duel King was so fond of jokes. If you want a serious answer, there has never been anyone here named Daniel."
Kira walked over to the empty