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I imagine most people have encountered a certain type of game:

The narrative background appears grand and magnificent, but upon closer inspection, it's merely a series of large and small events forcing the protagonist to advance without any choices.

The game content and gameplay seem diverse, but it's just the same old tropes repackaged.

They often lack innovation, suffer from a strong sense of déjà vu, and their repetitive content and familiar progression are like canned goods churned out on a factory assembly line.

And now, Yu Ming felt like he was playing a canned Isekai RPG based on Yu-Gi-Oh!

No, rather, he was currently playing a game, after all, it even had a name:

Dimensional Duel: Crimson Undying Legend

See, it even had a series title, and the subtitle was perfectly clear.

"Ugh."

Yu Ming couldn't help but sigh after his gaze moved away from the System-named [Life Script].

Of course, he wasn't really trying to criticize anything.

Canned games could be very enjoyable. Regardless of their replay value, if they offered immediate enjoyment and could be played through immersively once, then they were undoubtedly good games.

But unfortunately, the 'game' he was currently playing wasn't high quality; in fact, it was filled with various anti-human design flaws from the very beginning.

"The bald man in the opening tutorial spoke in riddles instead of plain language."

"No preparation time given, led straight to the 'main city' without any choices along the way."

"No free exploration segments; upon reaching the main city, there wasn't even a sightseeing period before the next event was directly triggered."

And then…

"The main city is now also blown up."

Yu Ming couldn't help but look to his left. Through the floor-to-ceiling window, a ruined cityscape met his eyes.

Collapsed houses, damaged factories, scorched trees, and gardens reduced to ash.

After a sudden rampage, the entire New Domino City had simply become a functional… ruin.

Honestly, he hadn't even had a good look at this city, which was similar to Domino City.

"But it doesn't matter. So-called crises and events are standard guiding methods."

"And the greater the impact, the more critical the situation, the more satisfying it will be to resolve… tsk."

Honestly, Yu Ming really wanted to use that excuse to convince himself.

But the moment those words left his mouth, he himself almost couldn't keep it together.

After all, the current situation was truly hard to describe…

"Mr. Yu Ming, this way to the conference room."

When he came to, he was already standing before a massive metal door.

Under the cold artificial light, the KC Logo, symbolizing Kaiba Corporation, appeared simple and stark. Standing beneath that logo was a red-haired woman.

A cheerful smile bloomed on the face Yu Ming was familiar with, her small fangs seemingly bringing a touch of brightness to the ruined city in the background.

"The Duelists are almost all here."

"Mm, thank you for leading the way."

"Oh, no need to thank me, it's my pleasure."

The woman smiled and waved her hand.

"Anyway, someone like me doesn't have much combat power, unlike you Duelists who are so skilled in battle. I can only do these trivial things."

Although her words clearly revealed regret, the woman was evidently used to it.

Finally, Yu Ming saw a hint of earnestness on her face, carrying a certain hope.

"Mr. Duelist, everything is in your hands."

"…Mm."

Watching the anticipation in her red eyes, Yu Ming's mouth couldn't help but twitch.

This was why he felt it was hard to describe.

Let alone meeting that expectation, even now, he felt no sense of reality.

Perhaps it was because dueling was just too hard to take seriously, or perhaps because… things were progressing too quickly?

"Mr. Duelist?"

When he snapped back to attention, he met the woman's somewhat worried gaze.

"Are you alright?"

Clearly, she was being kind.

But unfortunately, Yu Ming wasn't used to accepting such things.

"Ahem, don't worry about it."

He coughed lightly, then subtly took a step back.

"I'm just a bit tired."

"Didn't you rest well?"

"It's fine…"

Yu Ming slightly raised his voice, effectively ending the conversation.

"In any case, this is far enough. Thank you for leading the way."

"Now, I have other work to attend to, so I'll be leaving."

"Alright, goodbye, tour guide."

Once the woman's figure disappeared around the corner, Yu Ming finally couldn't help but sigh.

Thinking about it, the current situation was indeed quite absurd.

Just an hour ago, someone had looked down on him, and now, suddenly, people were treating him with utmost respect, even looking at him with anticipation and reverence.

And now, he was even invited to some kind of combat meeting.

What could he say? Did he somehow skip ahead without realizing it?

This really is skipping through life.

Unable to stop himself from smiling, Yu Ming began operating the wrist device on his arm.

After he entered a string of passwords, the camera above the large door began to scan.

Identity authentication: Duelist Yu Ming.

Accompanied by a mechanical voice, the large door slowly opened.

Welcome to the combat meeting.

Immediately, a different scene came into view.

There was no cramped or enclosed feeling from steel and metal; the white walls brought a sense of openness.

A massive crystal chandelier hung high from the ceiling, illuminating the round table directly below—and, of course, the Duelists gathered around it.

But…

"Ugh."

When Yu Ming finally brought them into his line of sight, his eye twitched involuntarily.

There was a fisherman, shirtless and disregarding his image, holding a metal harpoon; there was a robot, dressed like a commander and holding a rapier.

There was a demon in ragged clothes, hunched over like a small old man; there was a mech that almost touched the ceiling, looking like a mini Gundam.

Crimson ogres, humanoid tengu, small penguins.

Zombies, skeletons.

And even, when Yu Ming glanced at a corner near the edge, he saw a nine-tailed fox curled up on a chair—hey, this one isn't even in humanoid form!

"Human, you seem to be thinking something very rude."

Just as Yu Ming couldn't help but want to complain, the voice, as cold as winter snow, echoed in his ears, blocking everything.

So, do all you yokai have mind-reading abilities?

Meeting the nine-tailed fox's sleepy yet sharp gaze, Yu Ming simply smiled.

"Hello."

"Hmph."

It didn't greet him directly, but merely lay back down, its nine fluffy tails swaying as they wrapped around its body, forming a large furry ball.

Finally, Yu Ming shifted his gaze to the one who, at least, could hold a conversation.

Keith Howard…

Who would have thought? In this place, this person, who was a walking American stereotype in his character design, was actually the most normal one.

He sat there, his two legs propped directly on the round table meant for the meeting.

"Yo, kid, how's life been?"

"We just met over an hour ago, didn't we?"

"It doesn't matter. Time means nothing to us, you know."

This statement seemed fine in this world of the dead, but coming from Keith's mouth…

"Are you being stubborn?"

"Tsk, you little brat…"

"Alright, enough of that. Where should I sit now?"

"As for you…"

But at that moment, Keith suddenly fell silent.

He couldn't help but glance around, noticing that his fellow Duelists were all, consciously or unconsciously, looking his way.

"Ah, you little brat, you're really cunning."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I don't care if you do or not."

Rolling his eyes, Keith simply stretched and then waved a dismissive hand, as if shooing away an annoying fly.

"Sit wherever you want, don't bother me with this."

"But how do I know which seats are empty…"

"You don't have to worry about that."

Just then, that distinctive childish voice sounded from the other side.

Noah Kaiba walked over with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Until now, this table has never been full, nor are there any assigned seats. Just sit wherever you like."

Although he said that, was it really true?

Yu Ming silently glanced at the 'structure' of the round table, revealing an awkward yet polite smile.

I don't believe a word you're saying.