Chapter 186: Link Death Head (47)
The group first escorted the two elders home, then, led by Keipei, returned once more to Kaiba Land.
Although Kaiba was currently trapped inside the Duel Monsters Game Equipment at the KaibaCorp Headquarters Building, it was obvious they couldn't just walk into a trap there. After all, the place had completely fallen under the control of The Big Five. If they went there, Keipei might be captured before they could even rescue Kaiba.
According to what Keipei knew, the equipment used to enter the Duel Monsters game wasn't only located at the KaibaCorp Headquarters Building. In the un-opened Planning Hall at Kaiba Land, there were also a few Test Machines that had been used during Game Development.
By the time Hayato and the others arrived at Kaiba Land for the second time, it was already getting late, and most of the visitors had dispersed. This was unusual, as Kaiba Land typically stayed open until 8 PM, but it was only 6 PM now.
"KaibaCorp is my brother's dream. He wanted to build Kaiba Land all over the world to bring joy to Kids. But The Big Five, who have been with KaibaCorp since it was an Arms Company, think Kaiba Land doesn't bring in any profit," Keipei explained, his eyes dimming slightly. "They probably shut down Kaiba Land the moment they took control of KaibaCorp."
"Grandma used to say, 'He who steals from others loses his own treasure'," Hayato said, pointing a hand towards the setting sun dipping below the horizon. "Taking other people's things without permission is not a good habit."
Considering the need for concealment, only Keipei, Yugi, Joey Wheeler, Hayato, and Tristan came along this time. Téa and Rebecca stayed behind at the Kame Game Shop to keep Professor Hopkins and Grandpa Solomon company.
Now that The Big Five were in charge of KaibaCorp, the Staff who were originally loyal to Kaiba had either been placed under house arrest and control or were fired. There was a massive change in personnel; even traitors like Saruwatari were welcomed back. The original Staff of Kaiba Land were nowhere to be seen, replaced only by security guards dressed in black.
Because Kaiba had entrusted the important Kaiba Land to Keipei for Daily Life management, Keipei was quite familiar with it. He easily led the group in, sneaking in without alerting the patrolling security guards.
Arriving at the Planning Hall, which was sealed off with caution tape and had a "No Entry" sign, Keipei took out a key and opened it, saying somewhat lightly, "Those guys from The Big Five are quite meticulous in their work. This rebellion has probably been planned for a long time. My Employee Card has likely been revoked by them, but luckily, this place uses a Physical Lock."
Pushing open the Planning Hall door and turning on the lighting Power Source, Hayato and the others immediately saw several large Game Pods placed in the center of the Hall. There were a total of five Game Pods, four of which had their translucent lids open, ready for use. However, what surprised Keipei was that the fifth Game Pod was already in operation?
"That doesn't make sense. I don't remember this one being developed yet?" Keipei ran over to the fifth Game Pod, bewildered, to check. But because the lid was made of translucent frosted glass, he could only see that the person inside had blonde hair; he couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman.
After adjusting something on the Control Panel, Keipei frowned. "No good, this person is also trapped inside the game, just like my brother. They're probably one of The Big Five's previous test subjects."
"Those damn Big Five, hurting innocent people too," Joey Wheeler said through gritted teeth, looking at Keipei. "This thing, you just need to sit inside, right?"
"Wait a moment." Keipei skillfully operated several pieces of equipment, his Fingers tapping nimbly on the keyboard. After some tinkering, the indicator lights on the remaining four Game Pods lit up, showing they were in operation. Next to the armrest inside the Game Pod, a Card slot popped out. Looking at its size, it seemed just right for inserting a Deck.
"After putting your Deck inside, you can use your Duel Monsters in the game. The maximum number of Cards is 40, so it's best to adjust it," Keipei walked over, his expression complicated. "The Game Pod The Big Five prepared for my brother had a virus built-in. It didn't import my brother's Deck data at all. If only I had checked it again back then."
"Don't blame yourself too much, Keipei," Yugi comforted him, only to awkwardly realize that Keipei was actually a little taller than him. "It's all The Big Five's fault, it has nothing to do with you."
Meanwhile, Hayato placed his Deck, which he had finished adjusting, into one of the pods and looked at Keipei. "The most important thing right now is to rescue Kaiba. By the way, these ones shouldn't have that virus, right?"
"Oh, it's quite comfortable lying in here," Joey Wheeler, already impatient, had sat inside, feeling the comfort from behind him. "If this game is released later, it probably won't be cheap, right? I should make the most of this chance to experience it."
Honda glanced at the number of Game Pods. "Huh? It seems there are only four usable ones here? But there are five of us?"
"I'm going to save my brother!" Keipei said, leaving no room for argument. He also pulled out a Deck from his person. "I brought my brother's Deck out. My brother has always protected me; this time, it's my turn to save him."
Yugi nodded. "That's very brave, Keipei. In that case, let me, Hayato, Keipei, and Joey Wheeler go together."
"Oh, you guys go ahead, I'll protect you here!" Tristan puffed out his chest confidently. "Yours Truly is Tristan Hiroshi, the Domino High School Fighting King!"
"That name's too long, Tristan," Joey Wheeler Ranted, putting his Deck in place. "We'll leave guarding the place to you."
Yugi, Hayato, and Keipei also entered the Game Pods one by one.
"Alright, it's starting. Countdown, three." Tristan stood by the Control Panel and pressed the switch according to the sequence Keipei had given him.
The translucent lids gradually closed, and the Card slots where the Decks were placed were also retracted. The Game Pods began reading the Card data.
"Two,"
"Everyone, please come back safely."
Looking at the fully closed pods, Tristan offered his blessing.
"Just watch, Yours Truly is really strong!" Joey Wheeler replied with a laugh.
Yugi: "Okay, it's a promise."
Keipei: "Nii-chan..."
"In this kind of Situation, this Line is the most fitting after all," Hayato closed his Eyes.
"One, starting game entry!"
"Link Death Head!"
The dazzling seven-colored Light was clearly visible even with his Eyes closed. A sense of weightlessness came over his Body, and Hayato felt himself constantly falling downwards.
Duel Monsters World, here we come!
(End of Chapter)