In the days following Varion's defeat, Duel Academy returned to a tense calm. Word of the crimson duel spread quickly, and students now gave Kaito a wide berth. Some admired him; others feared him.
Zane summoned Kaito to the Obelisk Blue training hall. There, with Bastion, Alexis, and Jaden waiting, Zane proposed something unexpected—a joint training alliance.
"We need to be ready for whatever comes next," Zane said, arms crossed. "If more vessels of the Crimson Tyrant appear, we won't stand a chance on our own."
Kaito nodded. "I agree. The Monarch chose me—but this fight isn't mine alone."
The group began training together daily. Bastion helped with strategic preparation, Alexis refined combo tactics, Jaden sharpened instincts through nonstop practice duels, and Zane acted as a relentless mentor.
But the bonds weren't forged just in battle. One evening, as they rested by the beach, Alexis sat beside Kaito.
"You've changed," she said quietly. "When we first met, you were distant. Cold. Now... you're leading us."
Kaito looked out over the waves. "I didn't ask for this power. But maybe... I was given it to protect the people I never could before."
Alexis smiled. "Just don't forget to let us protect you, too."
The peace didn't last.
During a practical exam duel in the main arena, a Slifer Red student collapsed mid-duel. A black mark burned across his Duel Disk—a symbol nearly identical to the Crimson Tyrant's crest.
Dr. Crowler halted the exam, but it was too late. The corrupted student stood, eyes glowing, and shouted, "Tyrant will rise! Blood for power!"
Security subdued him, but it sent shockwaves through the academy.
Later that night, Chancellor Sheppard called an emergency meeting. "There are more vessels," he said grimly. "And they're awakening faster than we can track."
Bastion stepped forward. "Then we need to find the next one—before the Tyrant does."
Kaito began receiving visions through his Azure Monarch card—flashes of crimson lightning, a crumbling tower, and a girl's voice crying out.
Following the vision's clues, he and Jaden traveled deep into the jungle on the island's far side. There, they discovered an ancient dueling arena built in the shadow of a ruined temple.
A girl stood at its center—duel disk glowing blood red.
"You're too late," she said, voice hollow. "The Tyrant has chosen me."
Her name was Reina, a top student from Ra Yellow once thought lost in an accident months prior. Now, she was a vessel.
She challenged Kaito to a duel.
Reina: 4000 LPKaito: 4000 LP
She summoned a fiendish monster—Crimson Valkyria, whose effect drained 500 Life Points from both players each turn.
Kaito countered with The White Stone of Ancients, quickly bringing out Blue-Eyes Spirit Dragon to block her traps.
Reina screamed, her voice a blend of her own and something darker. "You can't stop the Tyrant!"
Kaito closed his eyes, focusing on his bond with the Azure Monarch.
"I summon Azure Monarch, Dragon of the Ancients!"
The battle raged with both dragons clashing above the arena.
Kaito set his final card. "I activate Monarch's Renewal! It purifies your soul by destroying both dragons—and sealing the Tyrant's influence for now!"
The sky flashed, and both dragons vanished in a blinding light.
Reina collapsed, breathing heavily. Her Duel Disk sparked, then went dark.
Jaden rushed to her side. "She's okay… the Tyrant's grip is gone."
Kaito looked up at the ruined tower behind her.
"Two vessels down," he whispered. "How many more are waiting?"