Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V: The Fifth Factor

by dvdryms

A young duelist with a troubled past arrives at Maiami city in order to participate in the Maiami Championship, but soon finds himself embroiled in incidents exceeding his wildest imaginations. With the prospect of an all-out war between dimensions, will he prove himself to be a dependable ally in the coming conflict...or a harbinger of disaster? (Cover art by JaneValentine007)

21. Chapter 21

Greetings, community! Due to how hectic things have been with my new job and all, I was unable to keep up with my one chapter per week release schedule. I'll try to keep the updates coming as fast as possible, but you should expect them at one and a half week or two weeks from now on if things keep going the way they did for the past days. In any case, without further ado, please enjoy.

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Chapter 21 – Incarnations of Chaos and Order

"What kind of mess did you manage to get yourself into this time, Tachibana Yukio…?"

The silver-haired youth sighed upon taking in the sight of the entire City having turned into a warzone from the Duel Lane he was currently driving on. As far as his eyes could see, members of the Obelisk Force were engaging Security units in an attempt to move closer to vital positions like the Hall of Dominion and Security Headquarters. Fires had started on many areas and explosions could be heard occurring all around the City due to the various clashes between the Obelisk Force's Antique Gear Hounds and Security's Goyo and Jutte Monsters.

"They sure are doing a fine job at wrecking this City." A lopsided smile appeared on Yukio's face. "Then again, I'm certain me and Yuya are responsible for most of the damages due to our Duel. Man, I'd really hate to see that repair bill… In any case, where did Yuya run off to? And, more importantly, where should I head to?"

Yukio had exited the Duel Palace a little later than Yuya since the staff had attempted to restrain him, resulting in him losing sight of Yuya's D-Wheel. What was worse was that he had no clue as to where he should head next. Since Yuzu should be relatively safe in the underground recycling facility, it was imperative to find Serena and keep her safe from both the Obelisk Force and Security. However, blindingly diving in the midst of this chaotic battlefield without any sense of direction was both dangerous and time-consuming. Still, standing here and watching the battle unfold wouldn't accomplish anything at all.

"Should I head to the Hall of Dominion?" Yukio wondered upon seeing the smoke rising from the entrance of the building. "Nah, I'm sure Akaba Reiji can handle things there no problem. A Duelist of his caliber won't lose to these small fries. As expected, I should try to locate Serena. But how am I supposed to do that? I really could use some sort of sign right about now…"

No sooner had Yukio said that than a flare was launched from a certain area of the slums, briefly illuminating the night sky with its brilliance.

"…Well, what do you know?" Yukio seemed amazed. "Good things can actually happen to you if you wish hard enough for them. It's safe to assume that Serena is over there. However, since practically everyone in the City could see that, some unwanted company is going to be heading there for sure as well. I have to hurry!"

However, just as he was about to set off, Yukio noticed a large group of Academia soldiers heading towards that area as well. Although several Security members showed up to block their path, it was evident they would quickly be overwhelmed by the Obelisk Force's superior numbers.

"Tch, this doesn't look good." Yukio clicked his tongue. "I should probably take these clowns down first. If they join together with the rest of their comrades who are also converging on Serena's location right now, it's going to be somewhat difficult to deal with all of them together."

Upon saying so, Yukio revved up his D-Wheel and dashed towards the Obelisk Force's location with all the speed his bike could muster. Fortunately, the isolated Security and Obelisk Force members he came across were too busy beating each other senseless to take much notice of him, which suited him just fine. There was no time to get sidetracked.

"Alright, it should be right around…here!"

Yukio turned into an alleyway, finding himself in the midst of—a large, vacant area. Much to his astonishment, there was a distinct lack of human presence instead of the dozen or so Obelisk Force members he expected to encounter.

"What the Hell?" Yukio scratched his head in confusion. "There's no way I've missed them. Even if they defeated Security in five seconds or something, I should have come across them while driving here. This doesn't make any sense."

At that moment, some familiar objects caught Yukio's eye. Taking a look around, he noticed several cards scattered on the road, so he dismounted from his D-Wheel and examined them. Unfortunately, this complicated things even further for him.

"Alright, some of them are Security, which is to be expected if they were defeated by Academia." Yukio then narrowed his eyes. "But why are there cards containing members of the Obelisk Force here as well? And judging from their number, these should be the ones I saw heading towards the signal flare's location. Did someone else take both them and Security out at the same time?"

As absurd as it sounded, this was the only plausible explanation. If it wasn't for the fact that he was currently underground and that his Duel Disk no longer had that function, Yukio would have thought this was Kurosaki's handiwork. But this…he couldn't make heads or tails of this.

Suddenly, Yukio flinched as he felt a chill go down his spine. Springing up like a coil, he quickly turned his head around, scanning the surroundings for anything abnormal. However, apart from the eerie silence which enveloped this area, making the sounds of the battle around him seem distant, Yukio couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. Still…

I'm sure I wasn't mistaken. I definetly sensed killing intent for a moment there. It's like I'm being stalked by some sort of wild beast…

It was a situation he had found himself into many times during his Duels in the illegal tournaments he used to participate. The organizers would throw a large number of competitors into various environments and have them engage in Survival Duels, with the last man standing being declared the victor. Since ambushes and traps were the norm there, Yukio had sharpened his senses almost to the point of precognition in order to be able to anticipate his opponents' moves. As such, Yukio was almost certain that someone was here, with that someone also being responsible for all these people sealed away most likely.

"Of course, if he's determined to play hide-and-seek, it's going to be hard to flush him out…" Yukio muttered as his eyes darted around the dilapidated houses, struggling to capture any traces of movement, before he shouted. "I know you're there! Show yourself, coward!"

No response. Well, Yukio didn't expect one in the first place. Someone who was planning an ambush wouldn't be stupid enough to announce his presence with just a little bit of provocation. However, he was certain he saw traces of a human figure moving swiftly from shadow to shadow. Unfortunately, it was too fast for him to discern anything about it.

"Alright, if that's how it's going to be…"

Yukio turned around and started walking away with slow steps, having seemingly lost interest. Just as he was about to take his tenth step, a human figure emerged from the shadows and abruptly lunged at him, aiming for his back. However, Yukio swiftly turned on his heels, having anticipated an attack on his blind spot, and clashed his Duel Disk's blade against the assailant's own energy blade, sending him skidding backwards with a push.

"I showed an opening and you immediately went for it." Yukio smirked. "How predictable. Now, let's get a better look at your face."

In one of the street lamps' dim light, Yukio was able to clearly see the figure of the young man before him. He was tall and muscular with a lean, well-built frame. His long hair was reddish brown and sported two bangs almost reaching his abdomen, while the color of his irises was a light shade of green. His outfit consisted only of ragged trousers, a necklace with three green fangs and two red orbs, two wristbands and black shoulder pauldrons on the left side of his body, while an Academia Duel Disk was strapped on his left arm. The man had a feral expression on his face as he growled at Yukio.

"Who are you?" Yukio asked him. "Judging from your Duel Disk, you're an Academia member, correct?"

"And what if I'm?" The youth said as he stared at Yukio with obvious hostility, looking ready to pounce on him at any moment. "Also, I don't have a name to give to prey. I'm just a Battle Beast for you!"

"Battle…Beast?" Yukio frowned. "That sounds like a mouthful. How about I just call you BB instead?"

"You bastard…" Battle Beast had a dangerous expression on his face. "Are you trying to make fun of me!?"

"Perish the thought, BB." Yukio grinned, but then his expression turned serious. "More importantly, however, are you responsible for turning these people into cards? If so, why would you target your own comrades?"

"Comrades?" Battle Beast let out a feral smile. "Ridiculous. If they are Duelists, they're my enemy without exception! I'll mercilessly crush anyone who crosses my path! And right now, that's you!"

"Is that so?" Yukio's expression hardened as he activated his Duel Disk. "I'm a bit pressed for time here, but letting a loose cannon like you run around freely is definetly going to cause a lot of trouble for everyone down the line. That's why—I'm taking you down right now! Action Field, on!"

[Field Spell, Cross Over, activated.]

Following the mechanical voice's announcement, a number of glowing platforms appeared around the two youths.

"Bring it on!" Battle Beast activated his own Duel Disk as he bared his teeth at Yukio. "I'll turn you into a card like the rest of these worthless bugs!"

[Duel!]

Both Duelists shouted together as Action Cards spread across the field.

Yukio – LP: 4000

Battle Beast – LP: 4000

"I'll take the first turn!" Yukio announced. "Using the Scale 1 White Wing Magician and the Scale 5 Gunslinger Magician, I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

Following Yukio's words, two columns of light appeared on his sides as his Monsters rose to their top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 4! Guided by destiny's hand, cross the walls of space and time and manifest a new possibility! Pendulum Summon! Appear, Trickster Magician (ATK: 1000/DEF: 1900/LV: 4/SC: 6) in defense mode and Destiny Magician (ATK: 1800/DEF: 500/LV: 4/SC: 1)!"

Yukio's two magicians appeared on the field after emerging as beams of energy from the Pendulum portal.

"I end my turn with this." Yukio stated. "Now, let's see what you're made of, BB-san."

"Stop calling me that!" Battle Beast howled. "My turn! Draw! I activate the Field Spell Dungeon of the Gladial Beasts – Colosseum!"

Following Battle Beast's words, a large colosseum made entirely out of solid rock with glowing energy lines running through it materialized around the two Duelists, leaving them standing in the middle of this imposing arena.

"Then, I summon Gladial Beast Dicaerii (Earth/Beast/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200/LV: 4)!"

A minotaur-like Monster dressed like a gladiator with spiked bracers on its arms appeared on Battle Beast's field.

"Gladial Beasts, huh…?" Yukio muttered. "I suppose facing such Monsters is fitting when I'm inside a colosseum."

"I equip Dicaerii with the Equip Spell Card Armament of the Gladial Beasts – Manica!" Battle Beast declared as armor enveloped Dicaerii's right hand from top to bottom. "Battle! Gladial Beast Dicaerii, attack Destiny Magician!"

"You're attacking Destiny Magician even though your Monster's attack is lower?" Yukio narrowed his eyes. "I don't know what you're planning, but I won't just sit back and let you go through with it! I activate Trickster Magician's effect, which allows me to switch the battle position of a Monster on the field once during either player's turn! I switch Dicaerii to defense position! Deceitful Illusion!"

Trickster Magician spun its baton, with a merry-go round appearing around Dicaerii and forcing it to kneel down with a dazed expression on its face.

"Damn you…" Battle Beast had an irritated expression on his face. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! I summon Iris Magician (ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000/LV: 4/SC: 8)."

The magician clad in crimson armor and holding a dual-colored saber appeared on Yukio's field next to his other two Monsters.

"I activate the Equip Spell Accursed Wand and equip it to Iris Magician, increasing its attack by 800 (Iris Magician ATK: 1500→2300)." Yukio stated. "Then, I activate Trickster Magician's effect once more to switch Dicaerii to attack position. Deceitful Illusion!"

With another spin of its baton, Trickster Magician forced Dicaerii to change battle positions once more.

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Destiny Magician, attack Gladial Beast Dicaerii! At this moment, I activate Gunslinger Magician's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, when a Pendulum Monster I control battles an opponent's Monster, that Monster loses 600 attack! Grim Bullet!"

Two black-colored energy bullets were shot from Gunslinger Magician's guns, striking Battle Beast's Monster squarely in the chest.

(Dicaerii ATK: 1600→1000)

"The attack continues now." Yukio stated. "Destroy that Gladial Beast, Destiny Magician! Destiny Rend!"

"Too bad!" Battle Beast shouted. "Due to the equipped Manica's effect, Dicaerii cannot be destroyed by battle!"

True enough, Dicaerii used its armored hand to stop Destiny Magician's scissor blades from shredding its body.

"However, you'll still receive the damage!" Yukio pointed out.

Battle Beast – LP: 4000→3200

"Here comes the second attack!" Yukio declared. "Go, Iris Magician! Accursed Blast!"

Iris Magician launched a purple sphere of energy from its wand, enveloping Dicaerii with it, but failing to destroy it once more. The ensuing shockwave sent Battle Beast skidding backwards.

Battle Beast – LP: 3200→1900

"You've gone and done it now, you pest…" Battle Beast had an irritated look, but then grinned. "However, that attack has benefited me as well! Dicaerii's effect activates! During the Battle Phase's end, if this card battled during it, I can shuffle it back to my Deck and Special Summon another "Gladial Beast" from my Deck! Come to me, Gladial Beast Alexander (Light/Beast/Effect/ATK: 2400/DEF: 600/LV: 6)!"

Dicaerii disappeared from Battle Beast's field and was replaced by an armored, bipedal lion with two large shield-shaped wings extending from its shoulders.

"You Special Summoned it directly from the Deck?" Yukio seemed surprised. "Gladial Beasts have the power to exchange places with their comrades through battle?"

"That's right." Battle Beast let out a savage grin. "However, I'm not finished yet! Since the equipped Monster returned to the Deck, Manica's effect in my Graveyard activates, allowing me to return it to my hand! Furthermore, since a Monster was Special Summoned from the Deck, Colosseum's effect activates, allowing me to place a Counter on it (Colosseum Counter: 0→1)! And for each Counter on it, all "Gladial Beast" Monsters gain 100 attack and defense (Alexander ATK: 2400→2500, DEF: 600→700)!"

"That could be troublesome…" Yukio frowned. "The more Gladial Beasts he Special Summons from his Deck, the more powerful they will become due to Colosseum's effect… In that case, I activate Accursed Wand's effect, banishing both it and Iris Magician in order to draw two cards. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Battle Beast announced. "Draw! Now, for this point on, the real deal begins! I activate the Spell Card Resting Gladial Beast, which allows me to shuffle two "Gladial Beast" cards from my hand back to my Deck in order to draw two cards! Next, I activate one of my face-downs, the Trap Card Gladial Beast of Troy, enabling me to Special Summon a "Gladial Beast" Monster from my hand to your side of the field and draw one card in exchange! Come, Gladial Beast Lanista (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/ATK: 1800→1900/DEF: 1200→1300/LV: 4)!"

A Monster resembling an anthropomorphic bird clad in green armor and holding a crimson lance appeared on Yukio's field.

"You gave me control of your Monster?" Yukio narrowed his eyes. "It seems like you're planning something…"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Gladial Taming!" Battle Beast declared. "Through its effect, I regain control of Lanista! Return to me, my Monster!"

"So that's what it was." Yukio said as Lanista flew back to Battle Beast's field. "That was a devious trick you pulled there, BB-san."

"I told you to quit it with that, you small fry!" Battle Beast roared. "I'll definetly relish turning you into a card! I summon Gladial Beast Hoplomus (Earth/Rock/Effect/ATK: 700→800/DEF: 2100→2200/LV: 4)!"

A Monster resembling an armored rhinoceros surrounded by a large number of shields appeared on Battle Beast's field.

"Battle!" Battle Beast exclaimed. "Gladial Beast Alexander, attack Trickster Magician!"

"I activate Trickster Magician's effect!" Yukio stated. "I'll change your Alexander to defense position!"

"I won't let you!" Battle Beast shouted. "I activate my Counter Trap, Gladial Beast Chariot! Thorough its effect, I can negate the activation of a Monster's effect and destroy it if I control a face-up "Gladial Beast" Monster! As such, your magician is destroyed!"

A chariot suddenly appeared from one of the colosseum's gates, running over Trickster Magician and destroying it.

"Since Trickster Magician was destroyed, I change the target of Alexander's attack to Destiny Magician!" Battle Beast grinned in a savage manner. "Beat that Monster of his to a pulp, Alexander!"

Alexander charged at Destiny Magician, breaking its blades with its bare hands before sending it crashing at the stands with a mighty throw.

Yukio – LP: 4000→3300

"Now it's Lanista's turn!" Battle Beast stated. "Attack him directly!"

"I activate my Trap Card, Draining Shield!" Yukio said as a semi-transparent barrier appeared around him, blocking Lanista's blow. "Through its effect, your Monster's attack is negated and I gain Life Points equal to its attack!"

Yukio – LP: 3300→5200

"You little…" Battle Beast scowled. "Gladial Beast Hoplomus, attack him directly as well!"

Hoplomus charged at Yukio and sent him crashing on the arena's walls, knocking the wind out of him due to the force of the blow.

Yukio – LP: 5200→4400

As he gazed around, Battle Beast noticed a card on top of one of the glowing platforms. Upon grabbing it with a few quick jumps to satisfy his curiosity, a pleased expression appeared on his face once he read its effects.

"I activate the Action Spell Wonder Chance!" Battle Beast grinned. "Due to its effect, I'll have Lanista attack you once more!"

"Kuh, so he's figured out Action Cards already!?"

Seeing that Lanista was preparing to attack him, Yukio also started jumping from platform to platform. However, just as he spotted an Action Card, Battle Beast suddenly appeared before Yukio with a feral expression on his face, throwing a roundhouse kick at him. Although he barely managed to dodge the blow, Yukio lost his balance as a result and fell to a platform below him. Fortunately, an Action Card was also placed there, so he swiftly grabbed just as Lanista approached him.

"I activate the Action Spell Damage Banish!" Yukio quickly said. "The battle damage is reduced to 0!"

"So you escaped again, huh…?" Battle Beast growled. "However, with the Battle Phase's end, the effects of my Gladial Beasts activate, returning them to the Deck and allowing me to Special Summon new Monsters in their place! Come, Gladial Beasts Laquer (Fire/Beast-Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 400/LV: 4), Secutor (Wind/Reptile/Effect/ATK: 400/DEF: 300/LV: 4) in defense mode and Spartacus (Earth/Dinosaur/Effect/ATK: 2200/DEF: 500/LV: 5)!"

Three anthropomorphic beasts, one resembling an armored tiger surrounded by a ring of fire, another resembling an armored lizard with two cannons on its back and the last resembling an armored dinosaur holding a large halberd appeared on Battle Beast's field once his other Monsters disappeared.

"Since they were Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladial Beast" Monster, Laquer and Spartacus's own effects activate!" BB declared. "Laquer's attack increases by 300 (Laquer ATK: 1800→2100) and I can add a "Gladial Beast" Equip Spell Card from my Deck to my hand due to Spartacus's effect! I choose Armament of the Gladial Beasts – Aegis Shield! And of course, due to Colosseum's effect, three more counters are added to it (Colosseum Counters: 1→4), increasing my Monsters' attack and defense even further!"

The energy lines throughout the colosseum lit up, transferring power to Battle Beast's Monsters.

(Laquer ATK: 2100→2500, DEF: 400→800, Secutor ATK: 400→800, DEF: 300→700, Spartacus ATK: 2200→2600, DEF: 1600→2000)

"Great…" Yukio groaned. "Just as I feared, they've become even stronger."

"I equip Aegis Shield to Secutor." Battle Beast said as a round, ornate shield attached itself to his Monster's left hand. "Finally, I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! With my already set Pendulum Scale, I will Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Destiny Magician in attack mode and Trickster Magician in defense mode. And from my hand, come, Summoner Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400/LV: 4/SC: 7)!"

Yukio's previously destroyed Monsters returned to the field, accompanied by Summoner Magician.

"Summoner Magician's effect activates, allowing me to add a Ritual Spell Card or a Ritual Monster from my Deck to my hand." Yukio stated. "I choose Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon! Then, I activate the Ritual Spell Card Karma Manifestation, offering Destiny Magician and Destiny Magician as tributes in order to Ritual Summon!"

The altar surrounded by three dragon statues appeared on Yukio's field, with his two Monsters being absorbed by the right-most statue. As a towering pillar of azure flame erupted from the altar, Yukio chanted.

"Ruthless dragon which dwells within the threads of destiny! With the ancient ritual, be revived in this battlefield and eliminate all those who defy you! Ritual Summon! Appear now, Level 8! Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon (ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000/LV: 8)!"

Yukio's ace Monster appeared on the field after letting out a resounding howl that echoed throughout the arena.

"Ritual Monster…" Battle Beast tensed up at the sight of the dragon while growling softly. "You are the user of multiple summon methods we were told to watch out for…"

"Hoh, it seems my reputation precedes me." Yukio let out a self-satisfied smile. "In that case, allow me to show you why Academia's concern is justified! Due to Destiny Magician's effect, I get to draw one card from my Deck! Then, I activate Chaos Karma's effect! Once per turn, I can destroy one Level 5 or higher Monster and inflict damage to you equal to its attack or defense! I choose to destroy your Spartacus! Go, Chaos Karma! Atropos Slash!"

"It's useless!" Battle Beast snarled. "Due to Aegis Shield's effect, only Secutor can be targeted for attacks or card effects as long as this card is equipped to it! And since it's a Level 4 Monster, your dragon's effect doesn't apply here!"

"Then, I activate Trickster Magician's effect to switch Secutor to attack mode!" Yukio declared as Trickster Magician spun its baton, forcing Secutor to change battle positions. "Now, let's settle this, BB! Battle! Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon, attack Gladial Beast Secutor! Samsara Breath!"

"I won't be defeated by just that much!" Battle Beast howled. "I activate Aegis Shield's effect! By destroying this card, I can prevent Secutor's destruction, halve the battle damage and end the Battle Phase afterwards!"

Chaos Karma's azure flames struck Secutor's shield, but failed to penetrate it. However, some stray embers struck Battle Beast's body, causing him to hiss in pain.

Battle Beast – LP: 1900→900

"With the Battle Phase's end, Secutor's effect also activates!" Battle Beast gleefully said. "But first, I activate the Continuous Trap Gladial Beast Apotheosis! Furthermore, since Secutor was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladial Beast", I can Special Summon two "Gladial Beast" Monsters from my Deck when Secutor's own effects activates! Come, Gladial Beasts Augustol (Dark/Winged Beast/Effect/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1000/LV: 8) and Bestrouli (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/ATK: 1500/DEF: 800/LV: 4)!"

Two anthropomorphic beasts resembling birds, one clad in purple armor and holding a long sword and the other clad in green armor with cannons attached on its arms, appeared on Battel Beast's field, replacing Secutor.

"Since two more Monsters were Special Summoned from the Deck, Colosseum gains two more Counters (Colosseum Counters: 4→6)!" Battle Beast declared. "As such, my Gladial Beasts will become even more powerful (Augustol ATK: 2600→3200, DEF: 1000→1600, Bestrouli ATK: 1500→2100, DEF: 800→1400, Laquer ATK: 2500→2700, DEF: 800→1000, Spartacus ATK: 2600→2800, DEF: 2000→2200)! Furthermore, the effect of Gladial Beast Apotheosis activates, allowing me to gain 300 Life Points each time a "Gladial Beast" is Special Summoned from my Deck! Since two "Gladial Beasts" were summoned just now, I gain 600 Life Points!"

Battle Beast – LP: 900→1500

"This is bad…" Yukio muttered while his brow was furrowed. "The combo centered on his Gladial Beasts' ability to be Special Summoned directly from the Deck is growing even more potent with each passing turn."

"Finally, Bestrouli's effect activates!" Battle Beast shouted. "When this card is summoned by the effect of a "Gladial Beast", I can destroy one Spell or Trap Card on the field! I choose to destroy the White Wing Magician on your Pendulum Scale!"

"Oh no, you're not!" Yukio exclaimed as he quickly snatched an Action Card from a nearby platform. "I activate the Action Spell Illusion Fog! Through its effect, cards on my field cannot be destroyed by card effects for this turn!"

The twisters that were launched from Bestrouli's cannons were blocked by a thick mist that enveloped Yukio's field, preventing them from reaching their target. The Battle Beast was visibly annoyed by this as he let out a low growl of frustration.

"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Yukio said. "Now, let's what you have in store next, BB."

"You just don't learn, do you?" Battle Beast growled. "If you enjoy courting death so much, I'll grant you an experience you'll never forget by tearing you to pieces! My turn! Draw! I summon Gladial Beast Samnite (Earth/Beast/Effect/ATK: 1600→2200/DEF: 1200→1800/LV: 4)!"

A Monster resembling a humanoid sabretooth tiger clad in armor with a large shield and sword on his arms appeared next to Battle Beast's other Gladial Beasts.

"That's quite the lineup you've got there." Yukio remarked. "Gathering a full field of Monsters without Pendulum Summon is quite the feat."

"If you enjoyed this, I guarantee you'll love the next part." Battle Beast grinned savagely. "Using Gladial Beasts Samnite and Spartacus as materials, I will perform a Contact Fusion by returning them to my Deck!"

As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Battle Beast chanted.

"Rebellious warrior rising up against the unjust rule! Merge with the souls of gladiators and engrave a new legend on the annals of history! Fusion Summon! Come, Level 7! Gladial Beast Geordias (Dark/Dinosaur/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2600→3200/DEF: 1500→2100/LV: 7)!"

A humanoid dinosaur clad in ornate black and gold armor, which was holding a large battle-axe, appeared on Battle Beast's field.

"So it has appeared at last." Yukio's expression turned serious. "The Academia-style Contact Fusion. But to think that it works by returning Monsters back to the Deck as well… Is this a characteristic shared by all Contact Fusion users or is this something unique to the Gladial Beast archetype due to their effect?"

"You don't have the leisure to be distracted right now!" Battle Beast roared. "After all, there's more from where that came from! I will perform another Contact Fusion by using Gladial Beasts Laquer, Bestrouli and Augustol as materials!"

As his three Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Battle Beast chanted.

"Roaming spirits of ancient gladiators! Gather under the name of the emperor and offer your power! Fusion Summon! Come, Level 8! Gladial Beast Andabatae (Dark/Beast-Warrior/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 1000→1600/DEF: 2800→3400/LV: 8)!"

A Monster resembling a humanoid green hadrosaurid clad in blue armor with wing-like protrusions extending from its back, which held a small shield and a curved sword, appeared on Battle Beast's field.

"I activate Andabatae's effect!" Battle Beast declared. "When this card is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Gladial Beast" Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck by ignoring its summoning conditions! Come, Gladial Beast Nerokius (Dark/Winged Beast/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2800→3400/DEF: 1900→2500/LV: 8)!"

A muscular humanoid bat clad in armor with six wings extending from its back appeared on Battle Beast's field.

"Three Fusion Monsters in one turn…" Yukio looked uncomfortable. "This might be somewhat problematic to deal with…"

"Now, it's time for your execution!" Battle Beast exclaimed. "Battle! Go, Gladial Beast Nerokius! Destroy Trickster Magician! And when Nerokius attacks, you can't activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step, meaning your little performer is finished! Lethal Shout!"

Nerokius unleashed a powerful soundwave from its mouth, destroying Trickster Magician and sending Yukio skidding backwards.

"Due to Andabatae's effect, Nerokius is shuffled back to the Extra Deck once it battles!" Battle Beast announced. "However, in exchange, its original attack is added to Andabatae's attack (Andabatae ATK: 1600→4400)! Furthermore, due to Apotheosis's effect, I can also gain Life Points the first time a "Gladial Beast" Fusion Monster returns to the Extra Deck!"

Battle Beast – LP: 1500→1800

"Next, Gladial Beast Geordias, destroy Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon!" Battle Beast declared. "Geo Breaker Slash!"

Geordias swung its massive battle-axe, splitting Chaos Karma in half and destroying it.

Yukio – LP: 5200→4800

"Since Chaos Karma was destroyed, I add Karma Manifestation from my Deck to my hand." Yukio stated.

"It's too early to relax!" Battle Beast grinned maliciously. "When Geordias destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, my opponent receives damage equal to that Monster's defense! Take 2000 points of damage!"

Following Battle Beast's words, Geordias grinded its axe on the ground, pelting Yukio with several large rock fragments.

Yukio – LP: 4800→2800

"This is the end!" Battle Beast roared. "Go, Gladial Beast Andabatae! Attack him directly! Cursed Gladius!"

"I activate my Trap Card Defense Draw!" Yukio exclaimed. "Due to its effect, all battle damage is reduced to 0 and I get to draw one card from my Deck!"

"You stubborn bastard…" Battle Beast growled. "In that case, since the Battle Phase ended, Andabatae and Geordias's effects activate, allowing me to return them to the Extra Deck and Special Summon two "Gladial Beasts" for each returned Monster from my Deck for a grand total of four Monsters! Come two copies of Gladial Beast Laquer, Gladial Beast Augustol and Gladial Beast Bestrouli!"

Andabatae and Geordias disappeared from Battle Beast's field and were replaced by four new Gladial Beasts.

"The effects of Colosseum and Apotheosis now activate once more!" Battle Beast declared. "Since four Monsters were summoned from my Deck, Colosseum gains four more Counters (Colosseum Counters: 6→10), which means my Gladial Beasts will become even more powerful (Laquer x 2 ATK: 1800→2800, DEF: 400→1400, Augustol ATK: 2600→3600, DEF: 1000→2000, Bestrouli ATK: 1500→2500, DEF: 800→1800)! And due to Apotheosis's effect, I gain 300 Life Points for each "Gladial Beast" that was summoned from my Deck for a grand total of 1200 Life Points!"

Battle Beast – LP: 1800→3000

"Furthermore, the effects of my two copies of Laquer and Bestrouli activate as well since they were Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladial Beast" Monster!" Battle Beast let out a toothy smile. "My two Laquer copies gain 300 additional attack (Laquer ATK: 2800→3100) and I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card on the field due to Bestrouli's effect! I choose your White Wing Magician once more!"

The twisters that erupted from Bestrouli's gauntlets blew away White Wing Magician, leaving the right Pendulum Scale empty.

"I end my turn with this." Battle Beast spread his arms wide. "What do you think of my impregnable defenses!? No matter what you try, you'll never be able to get past the wall of my invincible Gladial Beasts, which will only grow stronger with each passing turn as my Life Points also increase! If you understand the futility of continuing this Duel, hurry up and surrender! And I will finish you off quickly and painlessly in exchange!"

"Thanks, but no thanks." Yukio scoffed at Battle Beast's words. "There's no way I'll surrender to a terrified child who's trying to cover up his weakness by acting all high and mighty while cowering behind his defenses."

"What…did you say?"

"You're not fooling me." Yukio continued. "Your attacks are certainly ferocious like a wild beast's, but each time I was on the offensive, you were always fidgeting and looked scared. I've seen such behavior on Duelists who were forced to participate in the Underground Duel Circuit against their will. I can tell you aren't cut out to be a warrior, BB. As such, it's you who should stop this Duel."

"…What do you know…?" Battle Beast said with a low voice at first, but then shouted. "Aren't you the one who's actually frightened here!? You talk pretty big, but that doesn't change the fact you're at an obvious disadvantage! Against me, who was groomed to become the perfect Duelist, your defeat is a foregone conclusion!"

"Dear me, what a stubborn child…" Yukio sighed. "In that case, let's see which one of us can back up his claims, yes? My turn! Draw! I set the Scale 2 Dimension Magician on my empty Pendulum Scale!"

Dimension Magician rose to the top of the right column of light following Yukio's words.

"I activate Dimension Magician's Pendulum Effect." Yukio announced. "Once per turn, I can add a "Magician" Pendulum Monster, whose Level is between my Pendulum Scale, from my banish zone to my hand. I choose Iris Magician. Now, with my current Scale, I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 3 and 4! Pendulum Summon! Come, Iris Magician! And from my Extra Deck, revive, Destiny Magician, Summoner Magician, Trickster Magician and White Wing Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400/LV: 4/SC: 1)!"

Yukio's five Monsters appeared on the field after emerging as beams of energy from the Pendulum portal, generating an explosion of colors around the arena.

"Due to Summoner Magician's effect, I add Disaster Karma Ritual Dragon from my Deck to my hand." Yukio stated. "Then, I activate Karma Manifestation once more, offering Trickster Magician, Destiny Magician and Summoner Magician to Ritual Summon!"

The altar appeared once more on the field, with the designated tributes being absorbed by the left-most statue. As a pillar of dark blue flame erupted from the altar, Yukio chanted.

"Malevolent dragon that is the harbinger of calamity! Heed my prayer with this ritual and emerge from the chaos of indeterminacy to annihilate all that stands in your path! Ritual Summon! Descend now, Level 10! Disaster Karma Ritual Dragon (ATK: 3300/DEF: 2600/LV: 10)!"

The evolved form of Chaos Karma appeared on the field, letting out a resonant howl.

"I activate Disaster Karma's effect to destroy all Level 5 or higher Monsters on the field and inflict 400 points of damage for each destroyed Monster to its controller!" Yukio declared. "Creation Purge!"

Disaster Karma took off and unleashed a barrage of energy bolts from the gems embedded on its armor, destroying a large part of the colosseum along with Augustol, which was vaporized by one of Disaster Karma's bolts.

Battle Beast – LP: 3000→2600

"And we're just getting started here." Yukio smirked. "I tune my Level 4 Iris Magician with my Level 4 White Wing Magician, which will be banished since it was Pendulum Summoned!"

As Iris Magician turned into four stars and White Wing Magician turned into four rings surrounding them, Yukio chanted.

"Gathering winds will now turn into a furious squall ravaging everything in its path! Become the personification of the storm itself! Synchro Summon! Emerge now, Level 8! The warrior wreathed in raging gusts, Tempestuous Gale Paladin (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2800/LV: 8/SC: 2)!"

The paladin clad in white and green armor, which was surrounded by raging gusts and held two large war fans, appeared on Yukio's field.

"Tempestuous Gale Paladin's effect activates!" Yukio shouted. "Since this card was summoned successfully, I can return all your Monsters or all your Spells and Traps back to the hand and deal 400 points of damage for each returned card to you!"

"Such an annoying effect…" Battle Beast bared his teeth. "However, due to Gladial Beast Apotheosis's effect, all "Gladial Beast" Monsters I control are unaffected by Monster effects!"

"In that case, I'll return all your Spell and Trap Cards back to your hand!" Yukio said. "Do it, my Paladin! Auster Tempest!"

Tempestuous Gale Paladin swung its war fans, unleashing a powerful gust of wind that blew away the colosseum surrounding the two Duelists along with Battle Beast's Trap Card. Although he attempted to hold his ground, Battle Beast was flung backwards due to the wind, smashing on the wall of a ruined house.

Battle Beast – LP: 2600→1800

"Since your colosseum is gone, your Monsters' attack and defense return back to normal (Laquer x 2 ATK: 3100→2100, DEF: 1400→400, Bestrouli ATK: 2500→1500, DEF: 1800→800)." Yukio pointed out. "Now, battle! Disaster Karma Ritual Dragon, destroy the first Laquer! Kalasutra Immolation!"

Disaster Karma unleashed a torrent of dark blue flames from its maw, incinerating Laquer with ease.

Battle Beast – LP: 1800→600

"And with this, it's the end!" Yukio shouted. "Go, Tempestuous Gale Paladin! Destroy the second Laquer! Heavenly Storm!"

Yukio's Monster swung its war fans once more, generating a powerful squall that headed straight for Laquer. Upon seeing that, Battle Beast started jumping from platform to platform, eventually coming across an Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Miracle!" Battle Beast exclaimed with a hint of fear in his voice. "Due to its effect, Laquer isn't destroyed and battle damage is halved!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Laquer, shielding it from Tempestuous Gale Paladin's raging winds, although some of them struck Battle Beast's body.

Battle Beast – LP: 600→150

"Not bad." Yukio praised his opponent. "If nothing else, your instinct to survive at least is quite strong. However, as I said before, your mentality is unsuited for a battlefield, BB."

"Shut up!" Battle Beast snarled. "Enough with your mind games! I'm definetly going to tear you apart and silence you, you bastard! With the Battle Phase's end, Laquer's effect activates, allowing me to shuffle it back to the Deck and Special Summon Gladial Beast Darius (Earth/Beast-Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1700/DEF: 300/LV: 4)!"

Following Battle Beast's words, Laquer disappeared and was replaced by an anthropomorphic horse clad in red armor.

"Darius's effect activates!" Battle Beast declared. "If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gladial Beast" Monster, I can Special Summon a "Gladial Beast" Monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated! Return to the field, Gladial Beast Augustol!"

After Darius struck its hooves on the ground, a crack appeared, out of which emerged Augustol.

"If this Monster is back, that means Andabatae is coming next turn…" Yukio murmured. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" BB announced. "Draw! I activate a second copy of Resting Gladial Beast to shuffle two "Gladial Beast" cards from my hand to the Deck and draw three cards! Then, I will perform a Contact Fusion once more, returning Augustol, Laquer and Bestrouli back to my Deck to summon Gladial Beast Andabatae!"

Battle Beast's three Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, transforming into Andabatae.

"Since it was Special Summoned, Andabatae's effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a "Gladial Beast" Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck!" Battle Beast shouted. "Come, Gladial Beast Gyzarus (Dark/Winged Beast/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500/LV: 6)!"

An anthropomorphic bird clad in thick green armor appeared on Battle Beast's field, letting out a loud screech.

"The effect of Gyzarus activates!" Battle Beast stated. "When this card is Special Summoned, I can target up to two cards on the field and destroy them! I choose to destroy the two cards on your Pendulum Zones!"

"In that case, I'll take them down on my own!" Yukio said. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Emergency Oscillation! Due to its effect, I will destroy both cards in my Pendulum Zones to draw two cards!"

"I activate the Equip Spell Armament of the Gladial Beasts – Crocea Mors, equipping it to Andabatae in order to increase its attack by 300 (Andabatae ATK: 1000→1300), make it unaffected by my opponent's card effects and negate all effect damage as long as this card is equipped to Andabatae!" Battle Beast said. "Next, I activate the Spell Card Gladial Beast Mad Rush, which increases the attack of all "Gladial Beast" Monsters I control by 1000 until the End Phase (Andabatae ATK: 1300→2300, Gyzarus ATK: 2400→3400)! Furthermore, the effects of your Monsters cannot be activated during the Battle Phase! Now, battle! Gladial Beast Gyzarus, destroy Tempestuous Gale Paladin! Ruthless Bolt!"

A barrage of energy bolts was unleashed from Gyzarus's wings, destroying Tempestuous Gale Paladin.

Yukio – LP: 2800→2400

"Since Gyzarus battled, it returns back to the Extra Deck due to Andabatae's effect." Battle Beast smirked as Gyzarus disappeared. "However, due to its second effect, Andabatae's attack increases by an amount equal to Gyzarus's attack (Andabatae ATK: 2300→4700)! Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Gladial Beast's Inner Strength, increasing Andabatae's attack by an additional 500 points due to its effect (Andabatae ATK: 4700→5200)! Go, Andabatae! Destroy Disaster Karma Ritual Dragon! Cursed Gladius!"

As Andabatae charged towards Disaster Karma, Battle Beast also started jumping from platform to platform, eventually coming across an Action Card.

"This will be the final nail in your coffin!" Battle Beast roared. "I activate the Action Spell Assault, increasing Andabatae's attack by 600 during damage calculation (Andabatae ATK: 5200→5800)! You are finished with this, you bastard!"

"Like Hell I'm finished!" Yukio started running towards Disaster Karma. "Partner, give me a boost!"

Yukio jumped on Disaster Karma's open palm, with the dragon proceeding to launch him upwards towards one of the highest platforms. Although Battle Beast swiftly appeared in front of him in an attempt to kick him off the sky, Yukio activated the Duel Anchor on his Duel Disk, attaching the line to a nearby building in order to change his direction, causing Battle Beast to miss his mark. Swinging across the air, Yukio landed on another platform and grabbed an Action Card placed there.

"I activate the Action Spell Flight!" Yukio exclaimed. "Through its effect, Disaster Karma's attack increases by 600 (Disaster Karma ATK: 3300→3900)!"

Following Yukio's words, Disaster Karma unleashed a wave of dark blue flames from its maw, which were however swept away by Andabatae's blade. Immediately afterwards, Andabatae bisected Disaster Karma with its sword, destroying it.

Yukio – LP: 2400→500

"Due to the effect of your Mad Rush, I can't activate Disaster Karma's effect." Yukio said. "However, I can still return Karma Manifestation back to my hand."

"You're truly stubborn, you damn monkey." Battle Beast gritted his teeth. "I end my turn, with the effects of Assault, Inner Strength and Mad Dash expiring (Andabatae ATK: 5800→3700). You may have earned a small reprieve, but I'll end your miserable existence on my next turn!"

"Sorry, but that won't be happening." Yukio said with a serious expression. "My friends are in need of assistance right now, so I can't waste any more time with you, BB. As such, I'll finish you off quickly! My turn! Draw! First, I activate the Spell Card Pot of Greed, drawing two cards from my Deck! Then, using the Scale 4 Life Magician and the Scale 5 Nobledragon Magician, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

Yukio's two magicians rose to the top of the columns of light that appeared next to his sides.

"Fool." Battle Beast mocked Yukio. "What meaning is there to set such Pendulum Scales when you can't summon anything through them?"

"Don't be so hasty." Yukio smiled. "I'm just getting started here. I activate the Spell Card Equivalent Exchange, discarding Karma Manifestation in order to add Overscale Pendulum to my hand. Then, I activate Overscale Pendulum. Through its effect, I can Pendulum Summon one Monster from my hand or Extra Deck regardless of its Level if I have two cards in my Pendulum Zones. Return back to me, Destiny Magician!"

The magician clad in blue armor and holding two scissor-shaped blades appeared once more on Yukio's field.

"Next, I summon Synchronic Magician (ATK: 300/DEF: 100/LV: 1/SC: 3) from my hand."

Synchronic Magician appeared next to Destiny Magician.

"Since it was summoned successfully, Synchronic Magician's effect activates, allowing me to send one Monster from my Deck to my Graveyard in order to increase its Level by an amount equal to the sent Monster's Level." Yukio stated. "I choose to discard the Level 2 Initiate Magician (Synchronic Magician LV: 1→3), adding Violet Poison Magician from my Deck to my hand due to its effect. Then, I tune the Level 4 Destiny Magician with the now Level 3 Synchronic Magician!"

As Destiny Magician turned into four stars and Synchronic Magician turned into three rings surrounding them, Yukio chanted.

"Dragon with the dichromatic eyes! Take the strength of the meteor within your body and smash through our opponents! Synchro Summon! Be born, Level 7! The dragon which personifies the raging inferno, Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7)!"

The dragon clad in crimson armor with four flame-shaped protrusions extending from its back appeared on Yukio's field.

"An attack of 2500?" Battle Beast snorted. "Don't make me laugh! Do you think such a puny Monster can pose a challenge to Andabatae!?"

"Due to Nobledragon Magician's Pendulum Effect, Synchronic Magician will be sent to the Extra Deck instead of the Graveyard." Yukio continued speaking without paying any heed to Battle Beast's words. "Then, Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon's effect activates! When this card is summoned successfully, I can Special Summon a Monster from my Pendulum Zone! Come, Nobledragon Magician (ATK: 700/DEF: 1400/LV: 3/SC: 5)!"

The child-like magician dressed in ornate white robes and holding a pure white staff jumped through the ring of fire that appeared in front of it and landed on the field.

"With this, the conditions have been met! I tune the Level 7 Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon with the Level 3 Nobledragon Magician!" As Meteorburst Dragon turned into seven stars and Nobledragon Magician turned into three rings surrounding them, Yukio chanted. "Dragon with the dual-colored eyes! Eradicate the souls of the gods with your accursed blaze and mark the approaching end times! Synchro Summon! Emerge, Level 10! The furious dragon hosting the sinful flames of Hell, Odd-Eyes Muspelheim Dragon (Fire/Dragon/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 3300/DEF: 2400/LV: 10)!"

A dragon whose body was colored black like basalt with several veins made of liquid fire running through it appeared on Yukio's field. Apart from its dichromatic eyes, another eye-catching feature was the four horn-like protrusions extending from its back and the raging blaze contained in the crystal orb on its chest.

"Another Synchro Monster…?" Battle Beast looked somewhat fearful. "However, even that evolved form is still no match for my Andabatae!"

"Don't be so sure." Yukio grinned. "Odd-Eyes Muspelheim Dragon's effect activates! When this card is summoned successfully, all cards in both players' Pendulum Zones are destroyed! Soul-Devouring Flame!"

Tongues of flames emerged from the dragon's horn-like protrusions, destroying the Monster on Yukio's Pendulum Zones, whose remains were then absorbed into Muspelheim Dragon.

"Next, my dragon's attack increases by an amount equal to the sum of the destroyed Monsters' Scales multiplied by 100!" Yukio announced. "Since the combined Scales of my Monsters was nine, my Monster's attack increases by 900 (Muspelheim Dragon ATK: 3300→4200)!"

"An attack of 4200!?" Battle Beast cried out. "It surpassed Andabatae's attack!?"

"Now, the finale!" Yukio exclaimed. "Odd-Eyes Muspelheim Dragon, destroy Gladial Beast Andabatae! Laevateinn Holocaust!"

Following Yukio's command, Odd-Eyes Muspelheim Dragon unleashed a wave of crimson flames from its maw, piercing through Andabatae with them and causing a giant explosion that destroyed the Monster and sent Battle Beast flying.

Battle Beast – LP: 150→0

Yukio: WIN

"I suppose it's over with this." Yukio deactivated his Duel Disk and cautiously approached the fallen Duelist. "It seems this match has ended with my victory, BB. As I said, there was no way I would lose to someone who acts like a feral beast on the outside, yet is terrified of his opponent on the inside."

Yukio approached Battle Beast and slowly extended his hand towards him. In response, Battle Beast flinched and scurried backwards, hiding his face with his hands and shaking like a leaf.

"You…" Yukio withdrew his hand with a sad expression on his face upon seeing Battle Beast's state. "Truly, you are like a frightened child. What on Earth happened to you to make you act like this…?"

"—He was supposed to become the perfect Duelist, yet he's nothing more than a sniveling coward who lashes out at friend and foe alike while trying to protect his miserable life. Truly pathetic, wouldn't you agree?"

Yukio sharply turned on his heels, coming face-to-face with a muscular young man with long, spiky blond hair and green eyes. The newcomer was dressed in a white sleeveless military outfit similar to the Obelisk Force's and had an Academia Duel Disk strapped on his left hand. Upon seeing him, Battle Beast started trembling even more.

"Sanders has really lost his edge…" Savaris shook his head in exasperation. "First it was Yuri, and now we have this failure that's turned into a double-edged sword. If you had destroyed that Lancer at least, your actions might have been excused. But carding so many of our men without showing any significant results on top of it shows that you still lack discipline. And I cannot condone this utter lack of control you exhibited. Chaotic individuals like you are merely a nuisance for Academia."

Battle Beast began whimpering while slowly crawling backwards.

"Although I'm tempted to just card you and be done with it, you are Sanders' responsibility." Savaris began pressing some buttons on his Duel Disk. "As such, I'll have the old man deal with you. Consider it punishment for both you and him."

Before Yukio could do anything, Battle Beast's Duel Disk stared blinking, eventually letting out a glow that enveloped his body and transported him away. However, Yukio didn't miss the expression of utter fear on his face seconds before he disappeared. Furious, he turned to glare at Savaris, who was gazing at him with an amused look.

"What is going to happen to him?" Yukio asked. "No, to begin with, what the Hell did you bastards do to this poor guy that filled him with so much fear towards Dueling?"

"Showing concern for your enemies, Tachibana Yukio?" Savaris laughed. "That's not behavior befitting of the infamous Wicked Dragon that mercilessly defeated so many of our soldiers, is it?"

"You know of me?"

"But of course." Savaris responded to Yukio's question. "How could I not, when our resident psychopath, our resident lazybones and our illustrious leader have all taken an interest in you? You must have been born under one hell of an unlucky star to have attracted so much negative attention… But where are my manners? I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Savaris Maven, one of Academia's elites and the leader of the Juvenile Corps. It's only going to be for a short while, but it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"If you're an Academia elite, does that mean you're one of the leaders of this invasion then?" Yukio smirked. "If so, then it must be my lucky day."

"You took the words right out of my mouth." Savaris grinned. "Just as I was getting sick and tired of dealing with these worthless Security officers, I noticed your little skirmish with the Battle Beast. I was hoping to meet and Duel the fabled Duel King of this dimension first, but you were definitely second on my list. Now, show me a Duel that will satisfy me to the extreme, Tachibana Yukio!"

"You're on!" Yukio exclaimed as he activated his Duel Disk. "By taking you down, we'll be one step closer towards stopping the senseless violence you're spreading! Action Field, on!"

[Field Spell, Cross Over, activated.]

"Senseless violence?" Savaris cocked his head to the side, a confused expression on his face. "Are you perhaps misunderstanding something? Everything we do is for the purpose of restoring order across the four dimensions. No sacrifice is too small for that noble goal. As such, I'll have you become a foundation for that ideal as well!"

[Duel!]

Both Duelists shouted as Action Cards spread across the field.

Yukio – LP: 4000

Savaris – LP: 4000

"The first move belongs to me." Savaris announced. "My turn! I Set a Monster in face-down defense position. Then, I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"For such a boisterous guy, you sure started off with a cautious play…" Yukio murmured. "My turn! Draw! Using the Scale 2 Despair Magician and the Scale 9 Hope Magician, I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared next to Yukio, with his two magicians rising to their top.

"So this is the infamous Pendulum Summon?" Savaris smirked. "That's interesting. However, you have to try a bit harder than that! I activate my Trap Card, Facing the Shadows! Due to its effect, I can send one "Shaddoll" card from my Deck to the Graveyard in order to switch any number of face-down defense position "Shaddoll" Monsters I control to face-up defense position! I send Shaddoll Dragon to my Graveyard in order to Flip Summon Shaddoll Falcon (Dark/Spellcaster/Flip/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 600/DEF: 1400/LV: 2)!"

The face-down Monster flipped to face-up defense position, revealing the figure of a mechanical bird bound by violet energy strings like a puppet.

"Since it was sent to the Graveyard due to a card effect, Shaddoll Dragon's effect activates, allowing me to destroy one Spell or Trap Card on your field." Savaris announced. "I choose to destroy your Hope Magician! Then, since it was flipped face-up, Shaddoll Falcon's effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon Shaddoll Dragon (Dark/Spellcaster/Flip/Effect/ATK: 1900/DEF: 0/LV: 4) in face-down defense position from my Graveyard!"

Several strings extended from Shaddoll Falcon's body, digging into the ground and bringing back a Monster in face-down defense position once they returned back up.

"You destroyed my Pendulum card and Special Summoned a Monster during my turn…" Yukio narrowed his eyes. "Your attitude aside, your skills appear to be the real deal. I guess the title of elite isn't just for show."

"Why thank you." Savaris made a small bow. "However, I'll be very disappointed if you are discouraged by just this much."

"Hell no." Yukio snorted. "I was just impressed by your Shaddoll Monsters' effect. But if you think that's enough to stop my Pendulum Summon, you're sorely mistaken. I place the Scale 8 Union Magician in my now empty Pendulum Scale!"

Union Magician rose to the top of the right column of light following Yukio's words.

"With my current Pendulum Scale, I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 3 through 7! Guided by destiny's hand, cross the walls of space and time and manifest a new possibility! Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Hope Magician (ATK: 1200/DEF: 1600/LV: 3/SC: 9)! And from my hand, come, Swordmaster Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1300/LV: 4/SC: 2)!"

Two magicians, one dressed in pure white robes with gold highlights and another clad in armor and holding a broadsword covered in runes, appeared on Yukio's field.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell El Shaddoll Fusion!" Savaris abruptly stated. "Due to its effect, I can Fusion Summon one "Shaddoll" Monster from my Extra Deck by using Monsters on my hand or field as materials! I choose to fuse the Shaddoll Dragon and Shaddoll Falcon on the field!"

As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Savaris chanted.

"Twisted threads of corruption, place the endless darkness under your absolute control and give birth to a new race! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 5! El Shaddoll Midrash (Dark/Spellcaster/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2200/DEF: 800/LV: 5)!"

A spellcaster riding on top of a mechanical dragon bound by several strings appeared on Savaris's field.

"Now you've summoned a Fusion Monster on my turn?" Yukio smirked. "Those Shaddoll Monsters of yours appear to be full of tricks."

"And you've merely scratched the tip of the iceberg." Savaris let out a sly smile. "For now, however, you have to deal with Midrash's effect, which prevents both of us from Special Summoning Monsters more than once per turn. And since you've already Pendulum Summoned once, you cannot Special Summon anything else."

"That sounds troublesome—is what I would say if I didn't already have what I need to deal with your Midrash on my field!" Yukio exclaimed. "Battle! Swordmaster Magician, attack El Shaddoll Midrash! At this moment, I activate Swordmaster Magician's effect, sending Hope Magician to the Graveyard to add its attack to Swordmaster Magician's! Animus Consumption!"

Hope Magician turned into a stream of energy and was absorbed by Swordmaster Magician's blade, which was enveloped by a white aura afterwards.

(Swordmaster Magician ATK: 1600→2800)

"Since Hope Magician left the field, I can draw one card from my Deck." Yukio stated. "Now, destroy his Monster, Swordmaster Magician! Soulshatter Blade!"

Swordmaster Magician unleashed a powerful slash that bisected Midrash, destroying it with ease.

Savaris – LP: 4000→3400

"Midrash's effect activates." Savaris said. "When this card is destroyed, I can target one "Shaddoll" Spell or Trap Card in my Graveyard and add it to my hand. I choose El Shaddoll Fusion."

"With the Battle Phase's end, Swordmaster Magician's attack returns to normal (Swordmaster Magician ATK: 2800→1600)." Yukio stated. "Next, I summon Supply Magician (ATK: 0/DEF: 1600/LV: 4/SC: 5)."

Supply Magician appeared on the field next to Swordmaster Magician.

"I Overlay my Level 4 Swordmaster Magician and Supply Magician!" As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy and were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yukio chanted. "Magician given form by the origin of the universe! Demonstrate your dominion over space-time and reign supreme over this world! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Startime Magician (ATK: 2400/DEF: 1200/R: 4/OU: 2)!"

The magician which combined traits from Yuya's Stargazer and Timegazer Magician appeared on the field.

"This is time it's an Xyz Summon?" Savaris rubbed his chin. "Well, I admit I'm curious to see if you can use Xyz Monsters better than the members of the Resistance. Although my first impression of them was not the best, the ones who survived the initial wave turned into quite the ferocious fighters. Nothing brings out one's hidden potential better than a little adversity, wouldn't you agree?"

"What you warmongers did to the Xyz Dimension can hardly be considered 'a little adversity'." Yukio glowered at Savaris. "Due to Supply Magician's effect, I can draw one card from my Deck. Then, I activate Startime Magician's effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to add Synchronic Magician from my Deck to my hand. Finally, I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Savaris announced. "Draw! Now, prepare to bear witness to Academia's true power, Tachibana Yukio! I activate the Spell Card Shaddoll Fusion, which allows me to Fusion Summon a "Shaddoll" Monster from my Extra Deck by offering Monsters from my hand or field as materials! However, if my opponent controls Monsters that were Special Summoned from the Extra Deck—I can use Monsters in my Deck as Fusion Materials!"

"What!?" Yukio cried out in shock. "You're using Monsters directly from your Deck!? What sort of Fusion is that!?"

"What are you getting so surprised for?" Savaris wondered. "It's natural for us denizens of the Fusion Dimension to have taken Fusion Summoning beyond its limits. After all, if we want to restore order to the world, we need as much power as possible. In any case, I send Shaddoll Beast (Dark/Spellcaster/Flip/Effect/ATK: 2200/DEF: 1700/LV: 5) and Electromagnetic Turtle (Light/Machine/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 1800/LV: 4) from my Deck to the Graveyard in order to Fusion Summon!"

As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Savaris chanted.

"Twisted threads of corruption, imprison the sacred light within the eternal shadow and give birth to the sinister puppeteer manipulating the fallen beings! Fusion Summon! Come to me, Level 8! El Shaddoll Nephilim (Light/Fairy/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2500/LV: 8)!"

A robotic being with a sacred appearance and countless strings extending from its back appeared on Savaris's field.

"Since Shaddoll Beast was sent to the Graveyard through a card effect, I can draw one card from my Deck." Savaris stated. "Next, due to Nephilim's effect, I can send one "Shaddoll" card from my Deck to the Graveyard since this card was Special Summoned. I choose Shaddoll Hedgehog (Dark/Spellcaster/Flip/Effect/ATK: 800/DEF: 200/LV: 3) and activate its effect, adding Shaddoll Lizard from my Deck to my hand, which I will summon (Dark/Spellcaster/Flip/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1000/LV: 4)!"

A mechanical lizard bound by several strings appeared on Savaris's field.

"I activate the Equip Spell Card Nephe Shaddoll Fusion, equipping it to Shaddoll Lizard and declaring a Fire attribute." Savaris declared. "As such, Shaddoll Lizard is treated as a Fire-attribute Monster. Then, I activate Nephe Shaddoll Fusion's second effect to perform a Fusion Summon with Shaddoll Lizard and a second copy of Shaddoll Falcon in my hand!"

As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Savaris chanted.

"Twisted threads of corruption, place the raging flames under your absolute control and give birth to a new race! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 7! El Shaddoll Egrysta (Fire/Rock/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2450/DEF: 1950/LV: 7)!"

Another mechanical Monster clad in red armor with a large number of crimson threads extending from its back appeared on Savaris's field. Several snake-like creatures also extended from its head, further twisting its appearance.

"Since it was sent to the Graveyard by a card effect, Shaddoll Falcon's effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon it in face-down defense position." Savaris stated as a face-down Monster appeared on the field. "Battle! El Shaddoll Nephilim, attack Startime Magician! Tempest Thread!"

As Nephilim's threads approached Startime Magician, Yukio jumped to a nearby platform, grabbing an Action Card from it.

"I activate the Action Spell Tenacity!" Yukio shouted. "Due to its effect, Startime Magician cannot be destroyed by battle this turn!"

"Useless!" Savaris exclaimed. "When El Shaddoll Nephilim battles an opponent's Special Summoned Monster, it can destroy it immediately before damage calculation! Unholy Deliverance!"

Nephilim's threads darkened following Savaris's words, piercing through Startime Magician and destroying it.

"Now, El Shaddoll Egrysta, attack Tachibana Yukio directly!" Savaris pointed at Yukio. "Antiluminescent Inferno!"

"I activate my Trap Card, Magician's Gateway!" Yukio stated. "Thanks to its effect, your attack is negated and I can Special Summon a Spellcaster-type Monster with attack lower than the attacking Monster's! Come, Wraith Magician (ATK: 1700/DEF: 2100/LV: 5/SC: 2)!"

The semi-transparent magician clad in a ragged white cloak and holding a scythe-shaped staff appeared on Yukio's field.

"Hahahaha!" Savaris let out a boisterous laugh. "Yes, that's the way! Even though I destroyed all your Monsters, you still avoided taking damage! I wasn't mistaken about you after all! You're truly a great source of entertainment for me! I place one card face-down and end my turn! Now, let's make this Duel even more exhilarating, Tachibana Yukio!"

"Great, I'm stuck fighting a battle maniac here while my friends could be in mortal danger right now…" Yukio sighed. "I really hate my luck at times… In any case, it's my turn! Draw! Using my already Set Pendulum Scale, I will Pendulum Summon! Appear, Dharma-Eye Magician (ATK: 2000/DEF: 2500/LV: 7/SC: 2) and Dragonpit Magician (ATK: 900/DEF: 2700/LV: 7/SC: 8)!"

The two magicians appeared on the field after emerging as beams of energy from the Pendulum portal.

"Two Level 7 Monsters…" Savaris narrowed his eyes. "It seems you're going for another Xyz Summon. However, I'm afraid I cannot allow that! El Shaddoll Egrysta's effect activates! When my opponent Special Summons Monsters while I have a "Shaddoll" card in my hand, I can send one "Shaddol" card from my hand to the Graveyard to negate that summon and destroy these Monsters! I choose to discard El Shaddoll Fusion! Paradox Unborn!"

The threads on Egrysta's back shot forward, destroying Yukio's two Monsters.

"Tch, to think it would have such an effect…" Yukio clicked his tongue. "It appears this archetype's Fusion Monsters are mostly focused on dealing with Special Summoned Monsters. For a Duelist like me who relies heavily on them, this could be problematic. However, I won't be deterred by that much! I summon Synchronic Magician!"

Synchronic Magician appeared on Yukio's field next to Wraith Magician.

"I activate Synchronic Magician's effect, sending Null Magician from my Deck to the Graveyard to increase its Level by 1 (Synchronic Magician LV: 1→2)." Yukio announced. "Then, I tune the Level 5 Wraith Magician with the now Level 2 Synchronic Magician!"

As Wraith Magician turned into five stars and Synchronic Magician turned into two rings surrounding them, Yukio chanted.

"Pure white dragon with unblemished wings! Descend upon the battlefield with the speed of light and slash apart every enemy in your path! Synchro Summon! Appear now, Level 7! Clearwing Fast Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 4)!"

The dragon covered in white armor with transparent wings appeared on Yukio's field.

"I activate Clearwing's effect!" Yukio declared. "Once per turn, I can target one Special Summoned Monster, reduce its attack to 0 and negate its effects until the End Phase! I select El Shaddoll Nephilim! Vanishing Mirror!"

"I won't let you do that!" Savaris exclaimed. "I activate the Continuous Trap, Shaddoll Corruption Thread! As for its effect, it allows me to negate the activation of a Special Summoned Monster's effect once per turn as long as I control a "Shaddoll" Monster until the End Phase! Therefore, Clearwing's effect is negated!"

Following Savaris's words, several threads covered in darkness extended from his Trap and bound Clearwing, causing its armor to lose its luster as darkness creeped into it.

"So you even had a counter ready for that, huh…?" Yukio muttered, but then grinned. "However, with this, you've exhausted all means to defend yourself against what's coming next! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Reincarnation Force!"

"Hoh?" Savaris raised his eyebrow. "You even know how to perform a Rank-Up? Color me impressed. As I thought, you're truly amusing!"

"Let's see if you'll still be laughing after this!" Yukio exclaimed. "Due to Reincarnation Force's effect, I can banish one Xyz Monster from my Graveyard or Extra Deck which was destroyed by battle or card effect and Xyz Monster which is one Rank higher than it by using this card as an Xyz Material! I banish Startime Magician and use Reincarnation Force as material to reconstruct the Overlay Network!"

As Reincarnation Force transformed into a ghostly copy of Startime Magician and was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal after turning into a stream of energy, Yukio chanted.

"Unfathomable master of the forbidden arts! Unleash the secrets of the gospel of genesis and attain the immeasurable power of the universe's roots! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Descend now, Rank 5! Reality Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2900/DEF: 1900/R: 5/OU: 1)!"

A new magician dressed in iridescent robes, which was holding a lavishly decorated grimoire on its left hand and a tall, ornate staff with six gems surrounding it appeared on Yukio's field.

"Battle!" Yukio shouted. "Clearwing Fast Dragon, attack El Shaddoll Egrysta! Terminal Velocity Edge!"

"I activate the effect of Electromagnetic Turtle in my Graveyard!" Savaris declared. "By banishing this card, I can end the Battle Phase!"

Following Savaris's words, an electromagnetic barrier appeared around his field, preventing Clearwing from reaching his Monsters.

"That was a bit unexpected." Yukio admitted. "However, I'm not done just yet! I activate Reality Magician's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can destroy a number of cards on your field equal to the number of either the "Magician" Pendulum Monsters in my Monster Zone or the "Magician" Monsters on my Pendulum Zone! I choose the second option to destroy your two Fusion Monsters! Reality Collapse!"

The six gems orbiting Reality Magician's staff shone brightly and unleashed two beams of light, eradicating Egrysta and Nephilim.

"How splendid!" Savaris had an exhilarated expression on his face. "Even though I thought I had sealed you completely, you still managed to destroy my Monsters! However, since Egrysta and Nephilim were destroyed, their effects activate, allowing me to return Shaddoll Fusion and Nephe Shaddoll Fusion from my Graveyard to my hand!"

"Damn, is the ability to recover "Shaddoll" Spell and Trap Cards shared by all "Shaddoll" Fusion Monsters?" Yukio cursed. "That means you can constantly reuse Fusion Spells each time I destroy a "Shaddoll" Fusion Monster."

"That's correct." Savaris said upon hearing Yukio's words. "Your tactics are good, but they cannot possibly match my flawlessly-executed strategy. Being able to adapt on the fly in all kinds of situations is all well and good, but well-planned moves are necessary to grasp victory. Without order, everything falls apart in a short amount of time."

"For someone who seems so obsessed with order, you're not doing a very good job at enforcing it." Yukio pointed out. "Because of Academia's actions, the four dimensions are in a state of chaos right now. Where's your order in this case?"

"That's merely a transitionary period until we attain the ideal world the Professor seeks." Savaris responded. "It's true that chaos is prevalent right now, but we shall soon bring an end to all conflicts forever once our grand plan starts. And through our pacification methods, order shall finally be established across the dimensions."

"Pacification?" Yukio was visibly disgusted. "You dare call the destruction of the Xyz Dimension and your invasion of the Synchro Dimension pacification? If this is supposed to be Academia's method of bringing order to the worlds, I will have none of it! You're just selfishly imposing your twisted ideals on the rest of us, but enough is enough! I will definitely win this Duel and bring an end to your nonsense! I end my turn!"

"It seems you understand nothing." Savaris had a severe look on his face. "But I suppose that's too much to ask from someone who hasn't seen the same Hell as we have. Then, if you're saying you'll reject my ideals through this Duel, I will also use all of my strength to crush that rebellious spirit of yours that induces chaos! My turn! Draw! I flip Shaddoll Falcon to attack mode in order to activate its effect and Special Summon Shaddoll Beast from my Graveyard in face-down defense position!"

Upon switching to attack position, Shaddoll Falcon extended its threads once more into the ground, bringing back another face-down defense position Monster.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Twisted Shaddoll Fusion!" Savaris declared. "Due to its effect, I discard one card from my hand in order to perform a Fusion Summon by using a "Shaddoll" Monster on my side of the field and a Special Summoned Monster on your side of the field! I choose to use your Clearwing Fast Dragon along with my Shaddoll Beast to Fusion Summon!"

"What!?" Yukio was astonished. "You're using my Monster to Fusion Summon!?"

As Clearwing Fast Dragon and Shaddoll Beast swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Savaris chanted.

"Twisted threads of corruption, place the restless winds under your absolute control and give birth to a new race! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 6! El Shaddoll Wendigo (Wind/Psychic/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 200/DEF: 2800/LV: 6)!"

A spellcaster accompanied by a whale-like robotic creature bound by several threads appeared on Savaris's field.

"Since Shaddoll Beast was sent to the Graveyard, I get to draw one card from my Deck once more." Savaris let out a sly smile. "Now, since I'm sure you're quite tired of seeing Fusion Monsters all the time, how about we mix things up a bit, Tachibana Yukio? I tune the Level 6 El Shaddoll Wendigo with the Level 2 Tuner Monster Shaddoll Falcon!"

As Wendigo turned into six stars and Shaddoll Falcon turned into two rings surrounding them, Savaris chanted.

"Progenitor of the ancient evils, be revived now through the twisted threads of corruption and cleanse the impurities of this world with your scorching flames! Synchro Summon! Emerge now, Level 8! El Shaddoll Tathamet (Dark/Dragon/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2600/LV: 8)!"

A mechanical Monster with an oversized torso resembling a head, two dragon heads protruding from its shoulders, a long tail in the place of legs and several threads binding its body appeared on Savaris's field.

"Synchro Summon…?" Yukio seemed astonished. "I thought all of you Fusion Dimension elite Duelists used Fusion exclusively and looked down on other summoning methods."

"That's true for some of us and a large majority of Academia's students." Savaris admitted. "But I'm not that foolish. There's considerable strength to be found in other summoning methods apart from Fusion. Of course, I don't intend to fall so low as to use Xyz Summon, but all other methods are fair game. But enough small talk. It's time for you to experience what true strength looks like, Tachibana Yukio! Since it was Synchro Summoned successfully, Tathamet's effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a "Shaddoll" Fusion Monster from my Graveyard! Revive, El Shaddoll Nephilim!"

The giant mouth on Tathamet's torso opened wide, with Nephilim emerging out of it.

"Just great…" Yukio groaned. "That thing is back again."

"Battle!" Savaris exclaimed. "El Shaddoll Tathamet, attack Reality Magician! At this moment, Tathamet's effect activates! When it battles a Special Summoned Monster, that Monster's attack is halved until the End Phase (Reality Magician ATK: 2900→1450)! Do it, Tathamet! Extermination Storm!"

A torrent of violet flames erupted from Tathamet's two dragon heads, vaporizing Reality Magician.

Yukio – LP: 4000→2450

"Since it was destroyed, Reality Magician's effect activates!" Yukio stated. "Thanks to it, I can Special Summon one "Magician" Pendulum Monster from my Deck, Extra Deck or Pendulum Zone!"

"That won't be happening, you fool!" Savaris sneered. "Have you forgotten about Shaddoll Corruption Thread's effect!? Once per turn, I can negate the activation of a Special Summoned Monster's effect if I control a "Shaddoll" Monster! As such, your Monster's effect is negated! And since you're now wide open, it's time to end this! Go, El Shaddoll Nephilim! Attack Tachibana Yukio directly! Tempest Thread!"

"No, it's not over yet!" Yukio declared. "I banish Null Magician from my Graveyard to reduce all damage from this battle to 0!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Yukio following his words, shielding him from Nephilim's threads.

"You truly are the embodiment of tenacity, aren't you?" Savaris grinned. "Well, that suits me just fine, since that means I can enjoy myself even more here. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once more! Revive from the Extra Deck, Clearwing Fast Dragon and Wraith Magician!"

Yukio's previously destroyed Monsters appeared on the field after emerging from the Pendulum portal as beams of energy.

"Hoh, so Pendulum Monsters can be summoned again and again as long as the Pendulum Scales are intact?" Savaris whistled. "I've heard about it before, but it's a whole different thing seeing it with your own eyes. You Lancers sure possess one overpowered skill, don't you? It's almost like a cheat."

"I don't want to hear that from a guy who used my own Monster to Fusion Summon." Yukio retorted with a deadpan expression. "In any case, since it was Pendulum Summoned successfully, Wraith Magician's effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Pendulum Monster from my Graveyard or banish zone with its effects negated. Return to me, Synchronic Magician!"

Synchronic Magician appeared on the field once more.

"I activate Clearwing Fast Dragon's effect, targeting your Tathamet with it!" Yukio declared. "Vanishing Mirror!"

"Due to Shaddoll Corruption Thread, Clearwing's effect is negated." Savaris said as several dark threads bound Clearwing. "But that's all part of your plan, isn't it?"

"You catch on quickly." Yukio smirked. "I tune the Level 7 Clearwing Fast Dragon with the Level 1 Synchronic Magician!"

As Clearwing turned into seven stars while Synchronic Magician turned into a single ring surrounding them, Yukio chanted.

"Luminous dragon with brilliant wings that carry the unbreakable bonds! Soar through the skies of freedom faster than light itself! Synchro Summon! Arise now, Level 8! Shinewing Rapid Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 2)!"

The dragon with softly glowing wings and a mechanized white body with several blades extending from it appeared on Yukio's field.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Big Comeback!" Yukio stated. "Due to its effect, I can target one "Magician" Pendulum Monster in my Extra Deck and Special Summon it with its effects negated! I choose to revive Synchronic Magician once more! Then, I tune the Level 5 Wraith Magician with the Level 1 Synchronic Magician!"

As Wraith Magician turned into five stars and Synchronic Magician turned into a single ring surrounding them, Yukio chanted once more.

"Spellcaster that embodies speed! Dash forward on the endless road! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Drive Magician (ATK: 2400/DEF: 2000/LV: 6)!"

The spellcaster clad in red and black armor with a wheel around its torso, which was holding a staff with several exhaust ports on it, appeared on Yukio's field.

"Two Synchro Summons in one turn, huh?" Savaris seemed amused. "Even so, can you beat these powerful El Shaddoll Monsters, which are the bane of Special Summoned Monsters?"

"There wouldn't be much meaning in summoning these Monsters if I couldn't do it." Yukio pointed out. "I activate Shinewing Rapid Dragon's effect to equip Tathamet to it and increase its attack by an amount equal to Tathamet's! Connect Seizure!"

Several energy lines shot out of Shinewing's wings, binding Tathamet and drawing it towards the dragon's core, which absorbed Tathamet.

(Shinewing Rapid Dragon ATK: 3000→6000)

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Shinewing Rapid Dragon, attack El Shaddoll Nephilim! Shining Edge of Convergence!"

"El Shaddoll Nephilim's effect activates!" Savaris shouted as Shinewing approached Nephilim. "When this card battles with an opponent's Special Summoned Monster, that Monster is destroyed before damage calculation! Unholy Deliverance!"

As Nephilim's darkened threads headed towards Shinewing, Yukio smirked.

"I activate Shinewing's other effect!" Yukio announced. "By sending the equipped Monster to the Graveyard, I can prevent Shinewing's destruction (Shinewing Rapid Dragon ATK: 6000→3000)! As such, the battle resumes normally! Take down his Nephilim, Shinewing!"

The threads that were aiming for Shinewing were blasted away as the dragon charged through them while being surrounded by a flaming aura of light, piercing through Nephilim and destroying it.

Savaris – LP: 3400→3200

"Since both Nephilim and Tathamet were sent to their Graveyard, their effects activate." Savaris said. "With Nephilim's effect, I return Shaddoll Fusion to my hand, and with Tathamet's effect, I return Shaddoll Dragon from my Graveyard to my hand."

"Now, it's Drive Magician's turn!" Yukio pointed at his opponent. "Attack Savaris directly! Mach Assault!"

Drive Magician swung its staff at Savaris and struck him on his chest, sending him skidding backwards.

Savaris – LP: 3200→800

"I end my turn with this."

"Then, it's my turn!" Savaris announced. "Draw! Man, am I glad I came to this dimension! You are definitely a worthy opponent to use my full strength against! I activate the Continuous Trap, Shaddoll Roots! When this card is activated, it can be Special Summoned as a Monster to my field (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 1450/DEF: 1950/LV: 9)!"

A core-like object surrounded by several dragon-shaped roots appeared on Savaris's field.

"Due to its effect, Shaddoll Roots can substitute any Fusion Material that lists an attribute for the summoning of a "Shaddoll" Fusion Monster." Savaris stated. "Next, I activate Shaddoll Fusion, fusing Shaddoll Roots and Shaddoll Hound (Dark/Spellcaster/Flip/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 900/LV: 4) in my Deck to bring out a new Fusion Monster!"

As Shaddoll Roots and Shaddoll Hound swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Savaris chanted.

"Twisted threads of corruption, place the indomitable earth under your absolute control and give birth to a new race! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 10! El Shaddoll Shekhinaga (Earth/Machine/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2600/DEF: 3000/LV: 10)!"

A mechanical Monster that resembled a fusion between Nephilim and a throne-like construct which was bound by several threads appeared on Savaris's field.

"Since Shaddoll Roots was sent to the Graveyard due to a card effect, its own effect activates, enabling me to return a "Shaddoll" Spell or Trap Card from my Graveyard back to my hand." Savaris said. "I choose Shaddoll Fusion. Then, I summon Shaddoll Dragon."

The mechanical dragon bound by several strings appeared on Savaris's field.

"Next, I activate Nephe Shaddoll Fusion once more, equipping it to Shaddoll Dragon and treating it as a Water-attribute Monster." Savaris declared. "Now, I fuse Shaddoll Dragon and Shaddoll Beast in my hand through Nephe Shaddoll Fusion's effect!"

As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Savaris chanted once more.

"Twisted threads of corruption, place the elusive water under your absolute control and give birth to a new race! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 9! El Shaddoll Anomalilith (Water/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2000/LV: 9)!"

A female mechanical Monster with a long, serpentine tail, wings made of ice and several threads extending from its body appeared on Savaris's field.

"Since they were sent to the Graveyard, Shaddoll Beast and Shaddoll Dragon's effects activate, allowing me to draw a card and destroy one Spell or Trap Card on the field respectively!" Savaris stated. "I will destroy Despair Magician in your Pendulum Zone!"

"Shinewing Rapid Dragon's effect activates!" Yukio said. "When an opponent's Monster activates its effect, I can negate that effect and equip that Monster to Shinewing! I will negate Shaddoll Dragon's effect! Connect Seizure!"

"In that case, I activate Shekhinaga's effect!" Savaris shouted. "If I have a "Shaddoll" card in my hand, I can discard it to negate the activation of a Special Summoned Monster's effect and destroy it! I discard Shaddoll Fusion to destroy your Shinewing Rapid Dragon! Void Decree!"

A black hole opened in the middle of the field, consuming Shinewing Rapid Dragon. Immediately afterwards, several threads extended from a portal in the ground, shredding Despair Magician to pieces.

"And now that all the irritations have been removed, it's time for battle!" Savaris exclaimed. "Go, El Shaddoll Shekihinaga! Destroy Drive Magician! Crumbling Shell!"

Shekhinaga extended its hand forward, causing several large pieces of earth to float towards the sky. Then, with a small gesture, it set them on a collision course with Drive Magician. Upon seeing that, Yukio jumped to a nearby platform and snatched an Action Card from it.

"I activate the Action Spell Encore!" Yukio said. "Due to its effect, I will copy the effect of Tenacity in my Graveyard, making Drive Magician unable to be destroyed by battle this turn!"

Following Yukio's words, Drive Magician started evading the incoming rocks with nimble moves, smashing those it couldn't avoid with its staff. However, some fragments struck Yukio, who winced due to the pain.

Yukio – LP: 2450→2250

"Aren't you the lucky one, Tachibana Yukio?" Savaris smirked. "In that case, let me try my luck as well! El Shaddoll Anomalilith, attack Drive Magician! Naga's Fury!"

While his Monster was getting ready to attack, Savaris started jumping from platform to platform, eventually chancing upon an Action Card.

"It looks like I'm also quite fortunate." Savaris laughed. "I activate the Action Spell High Dive, increasing Anomalilith's attack by 1000 until the End Phase (Anomalilith ATK: 2700→3700)! Go, Anomalilith!"

Following Savaris's words, Anomalilith unleashed a powerful water blast in the shape of a sea serpent that almost swept both Drive Magician and Yukio away.

Yukio – LP: 2250→950

"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Savaris said. "At this moment, Anomalilith's attack also returns to normal (Anomalilith ATK: 3700→2700). It seems like this Duel is almost over. As expected, even someone as skilled as you couldn't stand up to my Shaddoll Monsters. Just like they are manipulated by the threads of darkness, so have you been dancing at the palm of my hand throughout this Duel in a similar manner. And with your downfall, Academia will be one step closer towards the noble goal of restoring order in the four dimensions and ushering in a new golden age of peace and prosperity."

"Order? Peace?" Yukio snorted. "No, what you seek is absolute control over everything. You people merely wish to manipulate the four dimensions in a manner similar to how your Monsters are bound and controlled by their threads. However, I'm not about to stand by idly and let that twisted vision of yours come to fruition. I'm definitely going to defeat you and put an end to this madness, Savaris! My turn! Draw!"

Upon seeing his drawn card, Yukio smiled. If things went well, he could end Savaris with his next combo.

"I place the Scale 4 Metronome Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1400/DEF: 500/LV: 4/SC: 4) on my empty Pendulum Scale!"

Yukio said as a magician dressed in brown robes and holding a staff shaped like a metronome's needle rose to the top of the left column of light.

"I activate Metronome Magician's Pendulum Effect!" Yukio announced. "Once per turn, I can target a card on my Pendulum Zone and increase or reduce its Scale by 1! I target Union Magician and choose to increase its Scale (Union Magician SC: 8→9)! With my current Pendulum Scale, I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 5 through 8! Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Clearwing Fast Dragon and Shinewing Rapid Dragon!"

Yukio's two dragons return to the field after emerging as beams of energy from the Pendulum portal.

"I activate Clearwing's effect, targeting Shekhinaga with it!" Yukio said. "Vanishing Mirror!"

"I activate Shaddoll Corruption Thread's effect!" Savaris said as several dark threads surrounded Clearwing. "Your dragon's effect is negated!"

"In that case, I activate Shinewing's effect, equipping Anomalilith to it!" Yukio declared. "Connect Seizure!"

Several energy lines bound Anomalilith and drew it towards Shinewing, where Anomalilith was absorbed by its core.

(Shinewing Rapid Dragon ATK: 3000→5700)

"It's time to settle this match, Savaris!" Yukio exclaimed. "Battle! Shinewing Rapid Dragon, attack his Shekhinaga! Shining Edge of Convergence!"

"I activate my Trap Card, Unrelenting Shaddoll Malevolence!" Savaris abruptly shouted. "When this card is activated, al Special Summoned Monsters my opponent controls at the moment of its activation cannot declare an attack! Furthermore, if any of those Monsters are still on the field during the End Phase, my opponent will receive half their combined attack as damage! As such, like I said before, you're finished, Tachibana Yukio! It was fun while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end!"

"And like I said before, the final victor will be me!" Yukio announced with a resolute expression. "I activate Shinewing's effect! Once per turn, I can banish up to two Pendulum Monsters from my hand, Extra Deck or Graveyard and target up to two Monsters on my side of the field! Then, I can increase or reduce the targeted Monsters' Levels by an amount equal to the banished Monsters' Levels! I will banish Wraith Magician to reduce Clearwing's Level by 5 (Clearwing LV: 7→2) and Swordmaster Magician to reduce Drive Magician's Level by 4 (Drive Magician LV: 6→2)!"

"You reduced your Monsters' Levels?" Savaris seemed confused. "What meaning is there to such a move? It doesn't change the fact that your Monsters still can't declare an attack!"

"That may be so, but if I didn't reduce their Levels, I wouldn't be able to do this!" Yukio grinned. "I tune the now Level 2 Clearwing Fast Dragon and Drive Magician with the Level 8 Shinewing Rapid Dragon!"

"That can't be!" Savaris cried out in shock. "A Synchro Summon during the Battle Phase!? Is that also among your dragon's effects, Tachibana Yukio!?"

As Shinewing turned into eight massive rings that enveloped the sky and Clearwing and Drive Magician turned into two beams of energy that shot upwards through the rings, Yukio chanted.

"Unwavering faith will call forth a miraculous evolution! Emerge in all your glory and become the radiant star of hope shining brilliantly in the sky! Accel Synchro! Descend now, Level 12! The Supreme King Savior Dragon – Starlight Wing Radiant Dragon (ATK: 3800/DEF: 3600/LV: 12/SC: 1)!"

With an explosion of light that lightened up the City's sky, Starlight Wing Radiant Dragon appeared. After circling the City once, the dragon clad in pristine white armor with eight energy feathers extending from its back came to a stop above Yukio.

"A Level 12 Synchro Monster…?" Savaris was astonished, but then laughed. "How much more do you intend to make me enjoy this!? It's been ages since I've felt such exhilaration! In any case, since Anomalilith was sent to the Graveyard, I can return Shaddoll Fusion to my hand! Then, I activate the final effect of Shaddoll Corruption Thread, sending it to the Graveyard in order to double Shekhinaga's attack until the End Phase (Shekhinaga ATK: 2600→5200)!"

"I activate Starlight Wing's effect!" Yukio announced. "Once during either player's turn, I can negate the effects of my opponent's Monsters, make their attack 0 and add the lost attack to my Monster until the End Phase! Starlight Veil!"

"It's no use!" Savaris exclaimed. "I activate Shekhinaga's effect! By discarding Shaddoll Fusion, I can negate your Monster's effect and destroy it! Void Decree!"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but Starlight Wing's effect is superior!" Yukio declared. "While it's face-up on the field, my dragon can negate the activation of an effect that would affect it for a number of times equal to the number of non-Tuner Monster used for its Synchro Summon! As such, Shekhinaga's effect is negated and Starlight Wing's effect continues!"

A massive wave of light erupted from Starlight Wing's body, enveloping Shekhinaga completely.

(Shekhinaga ATK: 5200→0, Starlight Wing ATK: 3800→9000)

"Now, the finale!" Yukio exclaimed. "Starlight Wing Radiant Dragon, destroy El Shaddoll Shekhinaga! Radiant Genesis Outcry!"

A powerful wave of pure white energy erupted from Starlight Wing's maw, vaporizing Shekhinaga and enveloping Savaris, who was blasted backwards while laughing boisterously.

Savaris – LP: 800→0

Yukio: WIN

"Simply…magnificent…" Savaris said with a wide smile as the Action Field surrounding the two Duelists disappeared. "Your strength is the real deal, Tachibana Yukio. Truly, you might be almost as strong as Kaiser. However, don't relax just yet. You and I will definetly fight again, so you had best prepare yourself until that time comes!"

And with that, Savaris was enveloped by the blue light of teleportation and disappeared.

"If you want a rematch, get in line." Yukio said, and then surveyed his surroundings. "If all the earlier explosions weren't enough of an indication, Starlight Wing's fireworks display has probably broadcasted my location to everyone in the City. And since I've already wasted enough time as it is, I'd better get out of here fast."

As he mounted his D-Wheel, Yukio felt a chill go down his spine suddenly.

"What…is this horrible premonition I'm feeling?" Yukio grasped his chest. "Did something happen to the others? In any case, I have to hurry to their side!"

And with that, Yukio turned his D-Wheel on and dashed into the wrecked streets of the City, hoping the worst hadn't come to pass.

---

Card Corner

Odd-Eyes Muspelheim Dragon

ATK: 3300, DEF: 2400, LV: 10

Fire/Dragon/Synchro/Effect

1 Pendulum Tuner Monster + 1 Dragon-type Synchro Monster

Monster Effect: When this card is summoned successfully, destroy all Pendulum cards on both players' Pendulum Zones, and then increase this card's ATK by the total sum of the destroyed cards' Scale x 100 until the End Phase. During your Battle Phase, you can have this card attack each Monster your opponent controls once each, but no other Monster you control can attack. If this card is destroyed as a result of battle, inflict double the amount of damage you took from that battle to your opponent.

Reality Magician

ATK: 2900, DEF: 1900, R: 5

Dark/Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect

3 Level 5 "Magician" Monsters

Monster Effect: While this face-up card on the field has Xyz Materials, "Magician" monsters on the field and in your Pendulum Zones cannot be destroyed by card effects. Once per turn, you can detach an Xyz Material from this card; destroy cards in your opponent's field equal to the number of other "Magician" Pendulum Monsters on your Monster Zone or Pendulum Zone. If this card is destroyed, you can special summon a "Magician" Pendulum Monster from your Deck, Extra Deck or Pendulum Zone.

El Shaddoll Tathamet

ATK: 3000, DEF: 2600, LV: 8

Dark/Dragon/Synchro/Effect

1 Dark-attribute Tuner Monster + 1 or more "Shaddoll" non-Tuner Monsters

Monster Effect: When this card is Synchro Summoned successfully, you can Special Summon one "Shaddoll" Fusion Monster from your Graveyard. If this card battles an opponent's Special Summoned Monster, you can halve that Monster's attack until the End Phase. If this card is sent to the Graveyard, you can add one "Shaddoll" Monster from your Graveyard to your hand.

Metronome Magician

ATK: 1400, DEF: 500, LV: 4, SC: 4

Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, target one card in your Pendulum Zones; increase or reduce its Scale by 1. Those effects last only for as long as this card remains on your Pendulum Zone.

Monster Effect: Increase this card's ATK by 100 for every Monster that's Pendulum Summoned on either player's field. If this card is destroyed, gain Life Points equal to the difference between its original and current ATK.

Armament of the Gladial Beasts – Aegis Shield

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card only to a "Gladial Beast" Monster. Your opponent can only target that Monster for attacks or for card effects. If the equipped Monster would be destroyed as a result of battle, you can destroy this card to prevent its destruction, halve the battle damage and end the Battle Phase. If this card is in your Graveyard, you can return one "Gladial Beast" from your field back to your Deck; return this card back to your hand.

Illusion Fog

Action Spell

Cards on your field cannot be destroyed by card effects for this turn.

Armament of the Gladial Beasts – Crocea Mors

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card only to a "Gladial Beast" Fusion Monster. The equipped Monster's ATK increases by 300, it becomes unaffected by your opponent's card effects and all effect damage is negated as long as the equipped Monster remains face-up on the field. If the equipped Monster returns to the Extra Deck through its own effect, you can return this card from your Graveyard back to your hand.

Gladial Beast Mad Rush

Normal Spell Card

Increase the attack of all "Gladial Beast" Monsters you control by 1000 until the End Phase. Also, during this turn's Battle Phase, your opponent's Monster Effects cannot be activated.

Rank-Up-Magic Reincarnation Force

Quick-Play Spell Card

During either player's turn, you can target one Xyz Monster face-up in your Extra Deck or Graveyard that had been destroyed by battle or card effect; banish it, then special summon one Xyz Monster one Rank higher than the target with the same type and attribute and attach this card as Xyz Material to it (this special summon is treated as an Xyz Summon).

Twisted Shaddoll Fusion

Normal Spell Card

Discard one card from your hand, and then target one "Shaddoll" Monster on your field and a Special Summoned Monster on your opponent's side of the field; perform a Fusion Summon to summon a "Shaddoll" Fusion Monster using these two Monsters only.

Big Comeback

Normal Spell Card

Target one "Magician" Pendulum Monster face-up in your Extra Deck; Special Summon it to your field with its effects negated.

Gladial Beast Apotheosis

Continuous Trap Card

Each time a "Gladial Beast" Monster is Special Summoned from your Deck, gain 300 Life Points. You can also activate this effect the first time a "Gladial Beast" Fusion Monster returns to your Extra Deck. As long as this card remains face-up on the field, "Gladial Beasts" you control are unaffected by your opponent's Monster Effects.

Shaddoll Corruption Thread

Continuous Trap Card

Once during either player's turn, if you control a "Shaddoll" Monster, you can negate the effect of an opponent's Special Summoned Monster until the End Phase. During either player's turn, you can destroy this card and target one "Shaddoll" Monster you control; double its ATK until the End Phase.

Unrelenting Shaddoll Malevolence

Normal Trap Card

All Special Summoned Monsters on your opponent's field at the time of this card's activation cannot declare an attack on this turn's Battle Phase. During the End Phase, if any of the affected Monsters are still on your opponent's field, inflict half their combined attack as damage to your opponent.

And that was Chapter 21. I really hope it was worth the wait. Here, Yukio faced against the Battle Beast and another new character, Savaris. As for why I included the Battle Beast in the Synchro Dimension arc, it was mainly because Yukio will probably not join the others when they confront the Battle Beast during the Fusion Dimension arc, since I have something else in mind for him. Regarding Savaris, I gave him a "Shaddoll" Deck since I felt the puppet-like Monsters were fitting for someone who wishes to exert control over everything under the guise of restoring order. Expect him to show up again down the line to cause more trouble for the heroes. Finally, an upgraded form of Meteorburst Dragon, Odd-Eyes Muspelheim Dragon, showed up here as well. I didn't intend to make evolved forms for the other Odd-Eyes variants apart from Absolute Dragon, but I changed my mind. Vortex Dragon will also have an upgraded form, but not Gravity Dragon since that's too much of a hassle. Of course, I might change my mind again for Gravity Dragon so who knows.

The next chapter will probably conclude Academia's invasion. Hopefully, you won't have to wait too long for it.

That's all for now. As always, please read, review, favorite and follow.

See you all next time!