Inside the great hall of the Royal Palace, a bright yellow carpet woven with gold stretched from the entrance to the throne. Candlelight danced in the wall niches, making everyone's shadows lengthen and shrink.
Shadi instinctively tightened his grip on the Millennium Key. Cold sweat slid down his temples as he silently counted himself lucky.
Thankfully, the vessel had a kind heart, and the Dark Magician had shown mercy. Only then had he managed to escape by the narrowest of margins.
He paused before answering, "Although I nearly didn't make it back, I confirmed a few things. It was a worthwhile trip."
Tetsuhiro sat on the throne, lightly tapping its armrest. He nodded in understanding, then looked up at Shadi, his voice carrying through the silent hall. "Now that all seven sacred artifacts are gathered, I intend to begin the King's Trial immediately."
"The time isn't right! Your Majesty, you must not rush!" Shadi hurried a step forward and bowed. "The Pharaoh has yet to gain the recognition of the Three God Cards. To do so, he must perform a Magic Ritual."
"So it's just a duel. Got it. Everything gets solved by playing cards." Tetsuhiro nodded and turned toward the two men standing on his right. "Kaiba, Pegasus, start organizing a dueling tournament once you return. You still have a score to settle, anyway."
Kaiba raised his chin and turned to challenge Pegasus, fire practically spilling from his eyes. "Just what I wanted. Do you dare?"
Pegasus touched his Millennium Eye and gave his distinctive laugh. "Oh ho ho~ Kaiba-boy, you can't beat me."
Tetsuhiro raised a hand to interrupt them. "Yugi, I know you have plenty of questions. Find Shadi after you leave and let him explain."
"I'm tired. That will be all." Tetsuhiro waved a hand, bringing