As Astral struggled to get up, his body fading away, he looked to see Dark Mist approach him, discarding Yuma, who was of no further use to him.

"I told you I was unstoppable." Dark Mist commented arrogantly.

"This cannot be... This cannot be the end, after I came so far..." Astral stated in reply.

"The end?" Dark Mist then asked, before he smirked and said. "This is just the beginning."

Confused, Astral asked. "What do you mean...?"

"while I have what I want." Dark Mist began to say, referring to Astral's Numbers and his key, which he picked up and absorbed into his very being. "There is so much more I desire. And you're going to help me gain it!"

Dark Mist didn't give Astral a second to respond as his right arm shot forward and plunged into Astral's chest, making him scream out.

"Can you feel it Astral?" Dark Mist asked. "My power is coursing through you!"

"I... I won't let you control me...!" Astral managed to say, only for Dark Mist to chuckle.

"How naive you can be. I wouldn't be able to give you my gift of darkness without the help of Yuma and your mistrust towards him." Dark Mist replied, forcing more of his power into the darkness in Astral's heart.

Astral's eyes widened upon hearing that, remembering how Yuma placed his trust in a Barian over him and kept it a secret.

"This is all Yuma's doing. He cannot be trusted." Dark Mist told Astral, who could feel he was losing himself to the darkness once again.

"Embrace the darkness and together we can destroy Barian World and everything that stands in our way!" Dark Mist shouted, making Astral cry out as his body then changed.

The markings on his body turned dark.

His body was circled in an aura full of evil and most of his skin was now black, showing that the old Astral was gone.

Meanwhile, Yuma let out a small groan as he came too.

With Dark Mist's power no longer attached to him, he could see clearly and think for himself once more.

However, as Yuma arose, he was shocked to see Astral's new form.

"Astral?" Yuma asked in concern, getting the attention of 96 and Astral.

"Hello Yuma." Astral replied in a surprisingly dark tone.

"Astral, what has happened to you?" Yuma had to ask, only instead of a reply, Astral flew over to Yuma, picked him up by his shirt and gazed wickedly into Yuma's panic filled eyes.

"Astral, what's going on? What has Dark Mist done to you?" Yuma managed to say, which made Astral smirk darkly.

"He has given me more power than I can possibly imagine!" Astral announced wickedly, before he stated. "And it's all thanks to you."

Hearing that, Yuma asked in a confused tone. "Me?"

Dark Mist smirked and then replied, walking up to the struggling boy. "It was thanks to your lies and deception that allowed me to fill Astral's heart with my power. While Astral tried to resist, the darkness within his heart allowed my power to consume him!"

Confused, Yuma asked. "What are you talking about?"

"Vector told me everything. How you were foolish enough to place your faith in a Barian. How you kept secrets from Astral and how you drove Astral into the welcoming embrace of darkness."

Hearing that left Yuma in shock.

"Vector told you that stuff?" He asked, making Dark Mist nod.

"So I thank you again Yuma." Dark Mist replied, before he exclaimed. "Now say goodbye!"

However, a bright light suddenly engulfed Astral, causing him to drop Yuma.

"What's happening?" Dark Mist questioned in demand as he shielded his eyes from the light with his right arm, along with Astral.

But while the light was blinding Dark Mist and Astral, it showed Yuma he had a chance to save Astral as Number 39 materialized in his right hand.

"What's happening is I've got a chance to save Astral, and I'm not backing down!" Yuma stated.

"Please, you're in no position to challenge either of us." Dark Mist commented as the light died down. "You don't have Astral. You don't have the Numbers. You have nothing."

Yuma smirked.

"Not all the Numbers." Yuma stated, displaying he was holding Utopia, shocking Dark Mist.

"I'm not sure how you got that Number, but don't get to attached to it because Astral's gonna take it from you." Dark Mist stated.

However, Yuma was filled with determination to save Astral and replied. "We'll just see about that. Get ready Astral 'cause I'm feeling the flow!"

With that, Yuma readied his equipment and called out. "Duel Disc, go! Duel Gazer, let's roll."

While Yuma's Duel Disc and Duel Gazers were activated, a black version of Astral's Duel Disc appeared on his arm, in which the pair called out. "Let's Duel!"

Starting Scores:

Corrupt Astral: 4000
Yuma: 4000

"I'll make the first move." Astral said, before he called out, drawing the sixth Card from his Deck. "I draw!"

"I Summon Gagaga Magician!" (1500/1000) Astral announced as the masked magician appeared before his Summoner.

"And next I activate Gagagamirror. Now you're in for double the trouble, because all Gagaga Monsters I Summon are counted as two Monsters when I xyz Summon!" Astral explained the Effect of his Spell Card, causing a mirrored version of Gagaga Magician to appear beside the original.

"And lastly, I activate Gagaga Magician's special ability! Once per turn I can change his Level to a Level I desire. So I change Level 4 Gagaga Magician to Level 7."

"This cannot be good." Yuma said nervously.

"You've got that right because With this one Monster I build the Overlay network and Xyz Summon Number 6: Chronomaly Atlandis!" (2600/3000)

It was then Gagaga Magician and the mirrored copy were engulfed in lights of dark purple energy.

The pair shot off into the air, twisting around each other, as a portal opened up in front of Astral, before both lights then shot into the portal, creating a massive explosion of energy as the ancient goliath appeared on the Field, towering behind Astral.

"Now feel what the power of true darkness can do Yuma! I activate Atlandis' special ability! By using one Overlay unit, you lose half your Life Points! Orichalcum Gate!" Astral exclaimed, in which Atlandis then absorbed the single Overlay unit that was floating around it into its chest, before the ancient goliath slammed its massive fist into Yuma, causing him to cry out in pain as he was thrown back from the sheer force and power of Atlandis' ability.

But being Yuma, his combination of determination and stubbornness made him rise to his feet as he prepared to make his move.

Current Scores:

Astral: 4000

Yuma: 2000

Starting off at a major disadvantage, Yuma placed his faith in his Deck as he drew and then made his comeback.

"Since I have no Monsters, that allows me to Summon this, come on out toy Knight!" (200/1200) Yuma called out, placing the aforementioned Monster Card on his Duel Disc.

"Next, I Summon Ganbara Knight!" (0/1800) Yuma announced as his second knight Monster appeared, making Astral ask. "Let me guess, now you're going to Summon Utopia?"

"Guess again." Yuma replied, confusing Astral, until Yuma then exclaimed. "With these two Monsters I build the Overlay network. I Xyz Summon Heroic Champion – Excablibur!" (2000/2000)

Both Toy Knight and Ganbara Knight were then engulfed in a bright yellow light, just like Gagaga Magician.

And just like Gagaga Magician, the pair shot off into the air, twisting around each other, as a portal opened up in front of Yuma, before both lights then shot into the portal, creating a massive explosion of energy as the Monster, which once belonged to Nistro, appeared on the Field.

"Now that I have Excablibur on the Field, it's time to take Number 6 down!" Yuma stated, which only made Astral chuckle.

"And how do you think you can do that?" He asked.

"By activating Excablibur's special ability!" Yuma replied, before he explained. "By using both Overlay units, Excablibur's Attack is doubled until my next turn!" (2000 → 4000)

With Excablibur now powered up, Yuma called out in a strong tone. "Heroic Champion – Excablibur, Attack Atlandis!"

As the Heroic Champion withdrew his blade and charged forward, preparing to strike Number 6 down, Astral laughed. "Did you forget that only another Number can Destroy a Number?" He asked.

"I did." Yuma replied, before he suddenly called out, displaying a Quick-Play Spell Card. "That's why I activate Flash Effect!"

"Now Atlandis gains 800 Attack Points but it loses all its special abilities." Yuma explained, before saying. "So you can kiss your Number bye bye."

While Atlandis' Attack rose to 3400, Atlandis was then struck by Excablibur's blade, causing it to fall apart as it exploded and was Destroyed, dealing Astral 600 Points of Damage.

"How's that?" Yuma asked, only for Astral to smirk at him, making Yuma then demand. "What's so funny?"

"What's funny is you actually think you can win this Duel." Astral replied. "While you did Destroy my Number, I still have many more tricks up my sleeve."

"Yeah? Well so do I." Yuma snapped back, before calling out. "Like this, I play Reservation Reward!"

"Now if I show you a Spell Card in my hand, I can place it on the Field." Yuma explained, showing Astral the Quick-Play Spell, Stop Hammer, which only made Astral state. "Whatever you're up to it won't work."

"We'll just see won't we?" Yuma asked, placing another Card face-down, ending his turn.

Current Scores:

Astral: 3400

Yuma: 2000

"I Summon Gogogo Ghost!" (1900/0) Astral called out, before announcing. "But don't think he's coming alone, because I now Summon Doggy Diver (1000/1000) and Kagetokage!" (1100/1500) "And now to call another Number to the Field!" Astral announced.

"I Overlay my three Level 4 Monsters. With these three Monsters I build the Overlay Network and Xyz Summon Number 16: Shock Master!" (2300/1600) Astral exclaimed manically as all three Monsters were all engulfed in lights of dark purple energy, the darkness shot off into the air, twisting around one another, as another portal opened up, before the forms of dark energy then shot into the portal, creating a massive explosion of energy as Number 16 appeared before its Summoner.

"Not you again!" Yuma called out in a panic filled tone.

"I now activate Shock Master's special ability! One per turn I can negate the Effect of any Card type of my choice. And I choose to negate your Monster Effects!" Astral announced, in which Shock Master fired a large spike through Excalibur's chest, causing Yuma's Monster to lower its arms and droop down as its power decreased. (4000 → 2000) "Shock Master, Destroy Excalibur!" Astral commanded, watching in amusement as Number 16 slammed into Excalibur, Destroying it, as well as knocking Yuma to the ground.

"Do you care to give up now or continue to suffer?" Astral asked in a dark tone, watching as Yuma struggled to get up.

"I won't give up. Not unit I save you!" Yuma stated as he rose to his feet.

"Suit yourself Yuma." Astral replied, placing a Card face-down. "I end my turn."

Current Scores:

Astral: 3400

Yuma: 1700

"I activate Xyz Reborn!" Yuma called out, revealing his Trap Card, as he then told Astral how it worked. "With this I can bring back one Xyz Monster from my Graveyard, so return Excalibur!"

The bleak void that was the Graveyard then opened up before Yuma, in which Excalibur then leapt out, standing proudly before Yuma.

"What's ore, Xyz Reborn now becomes Excalibur's Overlay unit." Yuma added.

However, Astral pointed out. "You might've gotten back your Monster but he's useless! Shock Master's ability is still active, which means you can't use any special abilities."

"I know." Yuma replied, before calling out. "That's why I play Xyz Treasure! Now I get to draw one Card for Every Xyz Monster on the Field, and I count two."

"Draw all you like, nothing can stop me." Astral stated arrogantly.

"We'll see about that!" Yuma said back, before drawing the top two Cards from his Deck, which made him smile and think. 'Perfect.'

"I activate Xyz Shift!" Yuma called out as he activated his Spell Card and then said. "Now by sending Excalibur back to the Graveyard, I can Summon any Xyz Monster, so long as its Rank is the same as Excalibur's."

"And I know just the Monster." Yuma said, watching as Excalibur was consumed by light and faded, making room for his signature Monster. "I Summon Utopia!"

"And now that Utopia's here, it's time for me to win this Duel!" Yuma stated.

"I Equip Utopia with Magnum Shield. Now his Attack Points get boosted by his by his Defense Points!" (2500 → 4500)

"Not good but not good enough." Astral said, before stating. "You'll need more than that to defeat me and my power."

"Utopia, Attack Shock Master!" Yuma commanded, in which Utopia with drew his blades and leapt into the air.

"But now I'm going to put a stop to that Attack." Yuma then said, making Astral reply cruelly. "And how are you going to do that? Shock Master's Effect applies to all your Monsters."
"Who said I'd use a Monster to stop Utopia's Attack?" Yuma asked back as a sly smile appeared on his face.

"I activate Stop Hammer! Now by lowering Utopia's Attack by 500, I can stop him." Yuma announced, in which a giant hammer that had 'STOP' printed on it slammed into Utopia, preventing him from striking Number 16 and reducing his Attack by 500 Points. (4500 → 4000)

"And now Reservation Reward kicks in, meaning Utopia can Attack again, only this time his Attack is doubled!" Yuma explained as Utopia's Attack rose drastically. (4000 → 8000)

"Go, Utopia and Attack Shock Master with Rising Sun Slash!" Yuma exclaimed in all his might, watching as Utopia obeyed slicing right through Number 16 and causing Astral's side of the Field to erupt in a massive explosion due to Utopia's power.

"I did it." Yuma said, before it sunk in and he cheered. "I beat Astral!"

However, his victory was cut short as he heard dark laughter emitting from the explosion.

And after the dust from the blast faded, Astral was still standing, still filled with darkness, while his Life Points had decreased to 550.

"But how?" Yuma asked, making Astral smirk and then reply. "It's simple, I activated my face-down: Reverse Glasses just as Shock Master was Attacked. And with my Trap, it halved the Attack of both our Monsters and reduced the Damage I took."

Yuma groaned in frustration, but knew he had to keep a level head, in which he Set a face-down to protect Utopia and then ended his turn, in which Utopia's Attack dropped back to 4000.

Current Scores:

Astral: 550

Yuma: 1700

"My move Yuma." Astral said, drawing the top Card from his Deck, before he smirked.

"I must confess you did far better than I expected, but the result is how I knew it would turn out." Astral said.

"What do you mean by that?" Yuma questioned.

"I'll show you." Astral replied, before he called out. "I activate Monster Reborn to bring back Gagaga Magician!"

With the magic of Monster Reborn, the Graveyard opened up once more and Gagaga Magician reappeared before Astral.

"Next, I use the power of my Gagagamirror again to create another Gagaga Magician." Astral said as another mirrored version of Gagaga Magician appeared beside the original.

"And now I change Gagaga Magician to a Level 7 Monster." Astral then told Yuma, watching as the Stars on Gagaga Magician's belt increased from 4 to 7.

"And now, with my Gagaga magicians, I build the Overlay Network to Number 11: Big Eye!" (2600/2000)

Gagaga Magician and the mirrored copy were engulfed in lights of dark purple energy that shot off into the air, twisting around each other, as a portal opened up in front of Astral, before both lights then shot into the portal, creating a massive explosion of energy as Number 17 appeared on the Field, glaring down at Yuma.

"You know what happens now, right?" Astral asked, before saying. "By using one Overlay unit, Big Eye can take control of your Monster!"

"Temptation Glance!" Astral called out, watching as Big Eye's Overlay unit was absorbed into its eye, allowing it to glow and consume Utopia, pulling him over to Astral's side of the Field.

"A fitting end, don't you think so?" Astral asked, before he commanded. "Utopia, Attack Yuma directly!"
Unable to disobey, Utopia brought out his right blade and slashed down, striking Yuma down too, as he was inflicted with 4000 Points of Damage, wiping him out and the chance to save Astral from Dark Mist and his evil.

Ending Scores:

Astral: 550

Yuma: 0