Hi everyone! So far, I've been following the original anime sequence for the story, only skipping the first two episodes. However, as I was rewatching Episode 9 of Season 1, which delves into Chumley's family, I wanted to ask for your input. Should I dedicate a chapter to it, or would you prefer I skip it? If I decide to skip it, I'll still mention what happened, but it will be more of an afterthought, like 'a few days ago, this happened.' Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts!
The moon cast a pale glow over Duel Academy, and a cold breeze swept through the island. Alexis Rhodes stood quietly at the edge of an abandoned building deep within the forest, clutching a single rose. She placed it delicately on the ground before whispering, "Rest in peace, brother, wherever you are." A mix of sorrow and determination flashed in her eyes before she turned and left, her steps barely audible against the overgrown path.
Meanwhile, at the Slifer dorm, the atmosphere was anything but somber. Syrus Truesdale was enthusiastically recounting a scary story, his small hands gesturing wildly.
"Underneath the full moon, I see a path to a cavern that seems abandoned," Syrus began, his voice low and ominous. "At the back of the cavern, there's a mysterious lake. Naturally, I go to look, and just at the right angle of light, I see it: a rare and powerful card. But when I reach for it, an arm shoots out, grabs me, and begins to pull me into the lake. Help me! Not the water! Anything but the water!"
Jaden Yuki chuckled. "Water's not so scary. Still, good story. Mid-level scares for a mid-level card." He held up the card he'd drawn, a Level 1 Marshmacaron.
"Well, then," Jaden said with a grin, "this one's more of a memory than a story. When I was a little kid, I used to hear voices late at night. I'd think it was a dream, but they sounded real. I'd go check, but every time I did, there was nothing there—except my cards. And lately... I've started hearing them again."
Suddenly, a shadowy figure loomed over the group. "May I join in on the fun?"
"AHHH!" The three boys jumped as Professor Banner chuckled at their startled faces.
Banner drew a Level 12 monster card and began his tale. "There was once a dorm at the edge of the forest, a place no one talks about. It was shut down after students began disappearing. Some say it was due to Shadow Games played with mystical items."
Jaden's eyes lit up. "Millennium Items, right? I've heard of those! But they're just legends."
"Perhaps," Banner said cryptically, "but such tales have origins. Now, off to bed, boys. Tomorrow's another big day."
Banner's story sparked curiosity in Jaden, and his decision was clear: he'd explore the abandoned dorm.
The following night, Jaden, Syrus, and Chumley snuck out under the cover of darkness. Unbeknownst to them, Ace Romanov stood by his dorm window, watching their clumsy attempt at stealth. He frowned, muttering, "Idiots. What are they up to at this ungodly hour?"
Chengying, his ace monster, materialized briefly. Its deep voice resonated in Ace's mind. "Something dark stirs in the direction they're headed. Be cautious."
Ace clenched his jaw. "Why do I always have to clean up after people?" He donned his elegant duel disk, the device folding seamlessly into a watch. Then, after a moment's hesitation, he followed.
Elsewhere on the island, Dr. Crowler met with a mysterious figure clad in black. The man exuded menace, his presence like a shadow-given form.
"So," Crowler began nervously, "you're the one they call the Shadow Duelist?"
The man's voice was a guttural growl. "They call me many things. What matters is that my duels leave… an impression."
Crowler smirked. "Good. I have a task for you. There's a boy—Jaden Yuki. Frighten him so thoroughly that he leaves this academy and never comes back."
The Shadow Duelist chuckled darkly. "Consider it done."