Find the Source / One's Own Path ...

You Zhi confirmed the situation of the Meklord Astro Dragon through the cheat, immediately recalled the Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder, and instead summoned the Demon Lizard Yihao and the Silent Magician.

Almost the instant he switched spirits, a six-colored beam of light shot into the sky, passing over the spot where Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder had originally been standing.

"If you can't hit, then having high attack power is meaningless. Use 'Battle Tornado'!"

Chapter 234 Grasping the Source

The long-time partners, with their perfect understanding, once again unleashed a combination attack, far more powerful than before.

Driven by its Psychic, the Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao spun rapidly, creating a fierce whirlwind, skillfully dodging the Flash Cannon attack from the Meklord Astro Dragon, tearing through the armor from the side and penetrating straight in!

The Meklord Astro Dragon trembled violently, flailing wildly on the ground. Its massive steel body easily shattered the skyscrapers it touched, but it couldn't stop the drill that had entered its body.

"What's the point of having such high attack power if your defense is zero? Plus, you're so big, you're basically a sitting duck."

Others might be intimidated by the terrifying attack power, but with his battlefield experience in the Duel Terminal World, You Zhi knew exactly how to deal with this type of Pokémon.

The Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao rampaged through the body of the Meklord Astro Dragon, wreaking havoc and frequently creating large holes, accompanied by gushing parts and bursting energy.

After writhing wildly for a while, the Meklord Astro Dragon finally exhausted its life force and collapsed to the ground like the Third Prince of the Dragon after his tendons were pulled out, motionless, releasing a large amount of spiritual energy particles.

The Giant Divergent Lizard Yihao and the Silent Magician leveled up easily.

Without their leader, the remaining Meklord Army were no threat, especially against Shooting Star Dragon's special move "Stardust Mirage," which eliminated them at a visible speed, and with precise elimination without harming their teammates.

Before long, the enemy had been completely annihilated.

However, listening to the growing sobs around him, Yusei Fudo couldn't feel happy at all; all he could see was self-reproach on his face.

"If I were stronger... if my plan were more comprehensive..."

"That's no use. Preventing thieves can only prevent them from doing so for a while. Long-term precautions will inevitably have loopholes. At that time, these people who are being protected will complain that you are too strict, think that the enemy is not so terrible, and demand their freedom."

You Zhi poured cold water on him.

Yusei Fudo paused for a moment, then hesitated, "This kind of thing..."

"It will definitely happen! Even if you have Clear Mind, you can't prevent it, because it's a judgment made by each person based on their own interests, regardless of positive or negative emotions."

Lorelei once vowed to exterminate humanity, said it with absolute certainty.

"So, is my approach destined to fail?" Yusei, somewhat bewildered.

"Whether we would have failed before is unknown, but now that the enemy knows how to use tactics, using the old methods is outdated and inefficient. A slight mishap could lead to total defeat."

You Zhi had previously disagreed with the idea of relying on the spread of the Clear Mind approach, feeling it was too passive and only addressed the symptoms, not the root cause. However, at that time, he lacked prestige, so there was no point in opposing it. Besides, people only think about change when they are beaten.

"So what should we do?"

Yusei was extremely distressed, yet a glimmer of hope appeared on his face.

"It's very simple. To solve a problem, you should start from the root. As you said, the reason the world has become the way it is is because negative human emotions have caused the Perpetual Motion Machine to operate in the wrong direction."

"That's right, the root cause is human negative emotions! That's why I want to spread the cultivation method of Clear Mind. Once negative emotions are gone, everything can return to normal!"

Yusei's tone was quite excited.

"What are you talking about? The source is obviously the Perpetual Motion Machine!" You Zhi said irritably. "Destroying the Perpetual Motion Machine will stop the generation of negative energy, and humanity will no longer need to cultivate the Clear Mind."

"This..."

Yusei Fudo paused for a moment, then realized that he had long been accustomed to the existence of the Perpetual Motion Machine, including the humans of this world, who had enjoyed the benefits of endless energy since birth.

For them, the Perpetual Motion Machine as natural as the sun, moon, and stars, so no one ever thought about destroying it. Just as normal people wouldn't think about destroying the sun or the moon, they only thought about restoring everything to its former state.

"Without the Perpetual Motion Machine providing energy, how will people live in the future?"

Yusei, whose thoughts had been shaken, appeared somewhat dazed.

"Just live life as it comes. Our world doesn't have such convenient black technology as the Perpetual Motion Machine, but humanity is still thriving," You Zhi said, somewhat speechlessly. "Besides, humanity is on the verge of extinction right now. We can't even get through this current Kanto, so why are we thinking about the future?"

"... You're right. Only after solving the problem of survival can one be qualified to think about how to live."

Yusei Fudo was not a weak-willed person. After calming down and regaining his rational thinking, he said, "The energy pipeline of the Perpetual Motion Machine connects the entire world. If it is destroyed, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"Then instead of destroying it, we should force it to stop working. In fact, since the Perpetual Motion Machine is so dangerous, we should act sooner rather than later. Otherwise, who knows what accidents might happen along the way? If it has a self-destructive Explosion, even if all of humanity has mastered the Clear Mind, it won't be of any use," You Zhi said.

"Indeed, we can't afford to gamble anymore; we can't afford to lose."

Yusei Fudo glanced at his hands, then slapped his face hard, trying to cheer himself up.

He rode the Shooting Star Dragon, flew into the air, and used a megaphone to call out and organize people to carry out rescue work.

The survivors of this world had long been accustomed to grief, and now that they had a leader, they instinctively obeyed commands and acted accordingly—those who were too immersed in their emotions to extricate themselves would not have survived until now.

After half a day, Yusei Fudo led the survivors to the backup shelter. Then, he summoned all the administrators that night, announced his next action plan, and forcefully persuaded everyone.

The following day, Yusei Fudo, known for his decisive and Yusei Fudo, packed his bags and decided to set off with You Zhi and Lorelei.

"Perpetual Motion Machine exist all over the world, but the central system is located in Neo Domino City. To stop all Perpetual Motion Machine, you can only go to Neo Domino City."

You Zhi said, "Although I was the one who brought this up, don't you really need to think about it more? Such an important decision, shouldn't you consult with others more?"

He could sense that many survivors were casting resentful glances at him, clearly believing that he had misled their wise leader.

Although You Zhi saved many people yesterday, without Yusei Fudo's protection, many would surely die if they encountered another enemy attack.

Their resentment stemmed from both their anxieties about the future and their sadness at being abandoned, but to suggest they would abandon everything to join them lacked any real understanding.

"Time is precious. Continuing to think will only lead to regret. Rather than regretting not doing it in the first place, it's better to do it and then regret it later."

This was not Yusei Fudo's idea, but his own, just as he had resolutely made up his mind to transform himself into Yusei Fudo.

Just as the three were about to set off, a tall, thin, blue-haired youth who looked like a tech geek suddenly pushed Duel Runner and followed them, saying nervously, "Chief Yusei, please let me come along too. I promise I won't hold everyone back."

"May I have your name?"

"Antinomy."

(Host: Happy New Year everyone!)

Chapter 235 My Own Path

"The Amazoness Princess first Mud Shot, then used Bone Rush."

After You Zhi issued the order, the Amazoness Princess first waved her hand, summoning a pool of mud that hit the Machina Soldier in front of her, slowing its movement speed. Then she immediately launched a charge, wielding her short spear and attacking wildly, using her elemental advantage to destroy it.

At that moment, the Machina Defender beside her fired a series of grenades. The Amazoness Princess hurriedly did a backflip to dodge, but she couldn't completely avoid them and was hit by one of the grenades. With a "boom," her petite figure was engulfed by the flames from the explosion. Two more grenades followed and hit her, producing even more intense flames.

You Zhi wasn't worried. The damage a Pokémon deals is determined by its attack power and skills. The attack method is just a form of expression. If the attack power is 0, even if you fire a nuclear bomb, you won't be able to cause any damage.

Therefore, despite the ferocity and impressive force of the grenade explosion, it is essentially just a normal attack with a power of a little over a thousand.

Sure enough, the Amazoness Princess burst out of the flames the next moment, with only a few scorch marks on her body. She closed in on the Machina Defender and unleashed a series of Fighting-type skills, blasting him to pieces.

Suddenly, a Sniper Bullet shot through the air, but its target was not the Amazoness Princess, but You Zhi. Clearly, the enemy also understood the principle of capturing the leader to capture the enemy.

Unfortunately, they chose the wrong target.

You Zhi swiftly caught the Sniper Bullet with his backhand, then flicked it with his finger like a coin, sending it flying back the way it came, blasting the Machina Sniper hundreds of meters away with a "bang."

Upon witnessing this scene, the Amazoness Princess curled her lip, her excitement from just defeating her enemy vanishing instantly. She reminded herself that the road to victory was still long, and she needed to be patient, develop her strength discreetly, and avoid recklessness.

The others each dealt with a group of mecha spirits, with Yusei Fudo facing the strongest enemy, which he requested himself.

As Shooting Star Dragon used its Outrage, its entire body enveloped in Dragon-type energy, and it tore apart the Machina Fortress with ferocious force, this encounter during its journey came to an end.

"Still unable to evolve?"

Looking at the battered and bruised Shooting Star Dragon, Yusei sighed in disappointment.

As if sensing its master's feelings, the Shooting Star Dragon also showed a hint of guilt and sadly lowered its head.

Lost in his emotions, Yusei didn't notice this and casually put Shooting Star Dragon back into his Pokémon Card.

Lorelei couldn't stand it anymore and said, "If you keep having this kind of mentality, you'll never get Shooting Star Dragon to evolve."

Yusei paused for a moment, then asked, "What's the reason?"

Antinomy, who had an almost inconspicuous presence, perked up his ears.

Lorelei patiently explained, "At lower star levels, it's fine. As long as you level up, the potential within the Pokémon will naturally be stimulated, leading to evolution and growth. Once you reach the level of Shooting Star Dragon, you can't rely solely on the Pokémon itself to achieve further transformation. The trainer's will is also very important. You must convey your will to the Pokémon. Only when you are of one mind can you break through the limits."

Yusei frowned and said, "I want to become stronger, and I also hope that the Pokémon can become stronger. Isn't that also a kind of will?"

"Because becoming stronger isn't your deepest, most pressing need."

You Zhi walked over. He didn't agree with Lorelei's explanation, but he also thought it was the right path, just not to his liking. "If your idea is to become the strongest in the world, then becoming stronger is indeed in line with your heart's will. But that's not actually the case, is it? You only had the idea of becoming stronger because you saw many people die in the attack of the Meklord Army that day. You have no interest in becoming the strongest in the world."

Yusei pondered for a moment, "So, the will deep down in my heart is to protect everyone?"

"That's a question you'll have to ask yourself; no one else can answer it. But based on my experience, since you still have doubts, it's most likely not this," You Zhi said.

"Pokémon are not tools, but companions to their trainers. Only companions will grow alongside you," Lorelei paused, then said earnestly, "Pokémon can sense their trainer's feelings. If you treat a Pokémon as a tool, it loses its potential for evolution."

You Zhi said, "Actually, I'm also very curious about something. Why are you so fixated on Shooting Star Dragon? As a 10-star spirit, its potential for advancement is very limited. In comparison, that 5-star Junk Warrior has more potential for evolution."

According to his assessment of the cheat system, the Junk Warrior possesses Ferocious Rank talent on par with the Shooting Star Dragon, and theoretically, with a little training, it could obtain an even stronger evolved form.

Yusei hesitated for a moment, then sighed, looked up at the sky, and said, "Now that things have come to this, there's no need to continue hiding my identity. I am not truly Yusei Fudo..."

According to him, he was originally a scientist who, after discovering the truth behind the world's anomalies, devoted himself to finding a way to save it.

While researching history, he discovered that a HERO named "Yusei Fudo" had once saved Neo Domino City. No matter what difficulties he faced, he never gave up, always brought hope to people, and possessed the power to guide people's hearts.

He realized that Yusei Fudo's power to guide people's hearts was the key to correcting the Perpetual Motion Machine, so he modified his own body, not only making his body exactly the same, but also replicating Yusei Fudo's personality and thought patterns, and successfully recreated the cultivation method of the Clear Mind.

"According to historical records, Yusei Fudo's strongest ace Pokémon is Cosmic Blazar Dragon, which can only be obtained by performing two breakthroughs after Synchro Evolution. But I've always been one step short, only reaching Accel Synchro, and I can't seem to take that next step... I guess it's because I'm not the real Yusei Fudo."

The nameless scientist looked at the Shooting Star Dragon's Pokémon Card with a dejected expression.

"That's not true at all!" Antinomy shouted excitedly. "The reason we follow you is not because you Yusei Fudo, nor because you are such a powerful spirit, but because you give us hope."

"Perhaps, but even this glimmer of hope actually originates from Yusei Fudo. I am just an ordinary person, unable to invent the Clear Mind. A fake is ultimately just a fake; the act of imitation alone has exhausted all my energy."

"But... but..."

Antinomy wanted to persuade the other party, but couldn't think of suitable words.

"So, what's it like to copy someone else's personality?"

You Zhi suddenly asked an unrelated question.

"It's roughly like a method actor, completely immersing themselves in the role, thinking from the character's perspective. The memories are still the same, only the way of thinking changes. I can't say that I am Yusei Fudo, but if Yusei Fudo had the same memories as me, he would make the same decisions."

Yusei Fudo thought for a moment and then added, "Some people get caught up in who they really are when they're out of character, but I don't care about that. After all, there's nothing worth mentioning about my past."

"Amazing!" You Zhi gave a thumbs up, praising sincerely, "You think you're just an ordinary person, but I can guarantee that an ordinary person would never give up their own self to save the world. They don't have the technology or the awareness."

Lorelei also said, "I have never seen the real Yusei Fudo, but I believe that you, with such noble sentiments, are no less than Yusei Fudo and deserve the name of HERO."

The nameless scientist smiled wryly and said, "You two are exaggerating. My current achievements are entirely due to imitating Yusei Fudo."

You Zhi said, "Maybe the reason you're hesitant to take that final step is because you've been imitating others. What works for others might not work for you. How about trying a path that no one else has taken? There shouldn't be a rule that only Yusei Fudo can save the world, right?"

"Since we've already given up on spreading the Clear Mind's plan, there's no point in continuing to imitate Yusei Fudo. Why not summon the courage to sacrifice yourself to save the world and forge your own path?"

"Didn't you say it yourself? It's better to do it and then regret it than to regret not doing it in the first place."

Antinomy nodded excitedly. "That's right, that's exactly it, that's the hope we see in you!"

The nameless scientist trembled, staring blankly at his hands, and murmured, "This is my own path...?"

Chapter 236 The Metamorphosis of Scrap

After talking with everyone and revealing his biggest secret, "Yusei Fudo" became much more cheerful. He no longer had the heavy expression of someone who felt he had to bear the fate of the whole world, nor was he obsessed with evolving into Shooting Star Dragon. Instead, he was willing to spend his energy raising Pokémon like the Junk Warrior.

The four continued their journey toward Domino City, but the closer they got, the more enemies they encountered, and the more diverse the enemies became. In addition to the previously seen Meklord Army and Machina Series, there were also Genex, R-Genex, Vylon Series enemies.

They will attack without hesitation when they see You Zhi and his group.

"Something must have happened to the central system of the Perpetual Motion Machine. Previously, as long as it entered the state of 'Clear Mind,' the Meklord Army would stop attacking."

Yusei Fudo looked worried, but at the same time, he was glad he had decided to change his plans.

If he continues to stay in the shelter, regarding the promotion of the Clear Mind as the only way to save humanity, and then faces a merciless attack from the enemy just as he is about to succeed, that will be true despair.

Now there's at least hope of stopping the enemy; we can only pray that everyone in the shelter can hold out longer and avoid encountering them.

Antinomy said, "But it's not entirely useless. Judging from the frequency of previous battles, as long as we enter the state of 'Clear Mind,' the enemy cannot determine our whereabouts and can only rely on a carpet search. Conversely, the enemy can lock onto our location and directly send a large force to besiege us."

Lorelei said, "From being untargetable to being unable to pinpoint its location, the effect of 'Clear Mind' has undoubtedly weakened."