'The Millennium Ring was with Irena… did that mean she was its host?'

That thought barely flashed through Miles' mind before he dismissed it.

From what Kaima had said, Irena had only brought the Millennium Ring back a few days ago. That meant she hadn't had it before then.

Considering that and Irena's current condition, she seemed more like a victim than a host.

However, there was still something Miles didn't understand. If Irena had seen the Millennium Ring, why didn't she say anything about it?

It looked so similar to the Millennium Puzzle.

Even Kaima noticed the resemblance at a glance. Irena, who'd spent plenty of time with Aisha lately, should have mentioned it.

"Kaima-senpai, the Millennium Ring is that ornament you saw, right? Do you know where Irena put it?"

Kaima furrowed her brow, replying seriously, "That's what puzzled me too. The night she brought back that golden accessory, I asked her about it the next day—but she acted like she had amnesia. She couldn't remember anything about it, not even bringing it home."

"Her memories were altered," Miles guessed.

Considering the Millennium Ring could remotely snap a Dark Duelist's neck, altering or erasing memories wasn't far-fetched.

Now that they'd lost the only clue again, and Irena remained unconscious with her Spirit Eyes dimmed, Miles and Aisha were out of options.

"Damn it!"

Anger.

For the first time since arriving in this world, Miles felt genuine rage.

They were being toyed with by an Item—More infuriating than when the Paradox Brothers tricked him in the maze since they knew the Millennium Ring was nearby, yet couldn't find a shred of proof, and every time they were close, it slipped away.

And now, someone dear to Aisha had been hurt because of it.

Miles knew anger wouldn't help him Duel.

But seeing Irena's unconscious, pained expression and Aisha's worried face… even someone as composed as Miles couldn't remain calm.

"Millennium Ring! I'll make you pay! No matter what!"

"Yosh, yosh. Good boy, Miles, calm down."

Sensing his boiling rage, the usually silent Dark Aisha reached up on tiptoes and gently patted his head.

"It's normal to get angry when this happens. But if you let your emotions control you and lose your ability to think, you're just playing into its hands."

"Aisha?"

It was the longest speech he'd ever heard from Dark Aisha.

"You're... comforting me?"

"Yes," she admitted bluntly. "If even you lose your composure, who will help the other me? Be her pillar. She trusts you more than anyone."

Feeling her small, earnest touch, Miles hadn't expected to be comforted by Dark Aisha.

"I can help Aisha... and this is how I can help her now."

His anger faded under Dark Aisha's touch, replaced by deep thought.

…How could he break through this dead-end?

"If there's one thing only I can do... then this is it. Aisha!"

"Yes, Mr. Miles?"

"There's one last way left… a method to reconnect the broken trail. Will you try it?"

"Of course, I will! If it helps Irena-senpai, I'll do anything."

"Then we'll use the old method. Give Irena the Millennium Puzzle."

"Ah!" Aisha's ahoge twitched. "So that really is our only option left."

This Soul Exchange would be nothing like when Miles entered Irene's body during the Shadow Game, since back then, he only had to Duel on Irene's behalf.

Now, binding his soul to Irena's unconscious body... no one could predict what would happen.

"No matter what comes of it, this is all I can think of. I have to ask again… Aisha, are you willing?"

"I am!"

Her voice was unwavering.

It wasn't just about repaying Irena's kindness; More than that...

"I trust you, Mr. Miles. More than anyone. If it's you, I know you'll bring her back."

Aisha gently placed the Millennium Puzzle on Irena's chest.

"Aisha Carlos, what are you doing?"

Kaima naturally questioned her bizarre actions.

"Kaima-senpai, this is the only way I have to help Irena right now. Trust me, and wait. Just like I trust him."

Aisha felt the soul-link between her and Miles break.

That meant he had successfully entered Irena's body.

"Please, Mr. Miles. You have to succeed."

Just as Miles expected, entering Irena's body didn't grant him control immediately like it had with Irene.

Instead, his soul appeared in a boundless, spotless white space.

Nothing existed in this pure realm—except Irena herself, standing there, blinking her wide blue eyes in disbelief.

"Who... are you?"

It was the first time he had faced a host like this.

With both Aisha and Irene, one soul stayed in the Soul Room while the other moved into the body.

But Irena's state was different.

Her body was in a coma with no known cause, while her own soul couldn't control it—So when Miles connected with her, their souls met in the same space.

"You're asking who I am? That's a long story. Let me explain it slowly~"

...

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