"BEFORE you start reading this amazing piece of a chapter our dear Sakushi Ryu wrote, I would like your attention."

Spotlights suddenly flashed over Spectre, who was standing the dark and talking to... well... the ones reading this, of course.

"I am sure some people, who hate me for some reason in this show, already skipped this message just by reading my name." Spectre said with a smile. "However, that's of little importance to me. What I would like to say is that we finally arrived at this point, people. Revolver-sama and I are going to have quite the amazing Duels, as you're going to read."

"While most of you are very excited for Revolver-sama's Duel, I hope you won't forget to read my Duel as well. After all... heh heh, there'll be something very interesting happening in it indeed. Now, you're free to contin-AH! One more important message: I hope everyone reads the Author's Notes at the end of every chapter!"

"Spectre!" Ryoken's voice shouted from somewhere in the darkness. "What are you doing? I can't see anything in the dark. Would you mind turning the lights on, we have to start the chapter!"

"Hey, wait, isn't that Revolver's voice!?" Ai's voice shouted next, a little fear evident. "What am I doing here!? HELP! SOMEBODY TURN THE LIGHTS BACK ON!"

"Revolver already asked that, Ai." Yusaku said next, much to Ai's relief.

"Without any further ado!" Spectre snapped his fingers with a grin-!

...

...

...

Don't ask me why I did that scene... I don't know the answer to that.

BUT what I do know is that we finally arrived at this chapter! You've been all waiting for it so much, let's start it right away! But before that...

Thanks for all your reviews for the last chapters! Now, let's answer them.

- In response to ZarcEternal's review (Answer brought to you by the one and only Lily!):

Hello there! It's no nice to do one of these replies! Sakushi Ryu-san was so generous to let me do it, and-!

[Aoi in the back whispering]: Remember, don't digress too much.

Y-Yes, of course! You see, Grim and I are special Ignis because we were the first to be born in this story! We created numerous Cyberse monsters before Dr. Kogami locked us up, and those were used during Phase 2 of the Hanoi Project! Which means Kioku meant those Cyberse!

...

So, did I do good!? Man, the anxiety was so heavy I could swear-

[Aoi again]: Um, you're still being filmed...

[Lily looks back at the camera before waving her hand in embarrassment. She says back whispering...]

Cut! Cut it! Cut already!

[Cyndy, who was beside Aoi, faceplams]: I knew we should've told her to wait until we say the filming was done... And why is Sakushi Ryu giving away some foreshadowings by making us talk when he knows the fans are dying to read the new chapters...!?

- In response to D3lph0xL0v3r's review:

[Grim talking]: Of course, human. My body was badly damaged by that little bit-I mean, Agrat. Therefore, I will have to repair my body and I can change my colors in the process.

[Kioku brags in, singing]: He can changes colors, he can become a giant snake, he kills everyone, that's my Ignis for you! Amazing, and surely better than the other Ignis!

[Grim sweatdrops]: Kioku, I have yet to answer this human's question that Sakushi Ryu will indeed use the colors he suggested because he likes them and-

[Ai appears out of nowhere]: NO FAIR! I want some new colors as well! Sakushi Ryu, do something about it this instant or-!

[...The feedback was suddenly cut by "unknown" means...]

- In response to Lindia Fullmoon's review:

[Lily calling Sakushi Ryu on her amazing-super-cute-I-don't-know-why-this-long-name-smart-phone!]: U-Um, where am I exactly at the moment?

[Sakushi Ryu is quick to reply and shouts]: NO SPOILERS!

[Lily nods on the other end and turns towards the camera]: I think my gable just broke... But I hope you heard what he said! Now, excuse me but I have to repair my ear!

(Meanwhile, with the Knights of Hanoi at the beach)

[Ryoken takes off his sunglasses before muttering]: The beach? Really? Sometimes that Sakushi guy has the worst and unoriginal ideas ever.

[Spectre chuckles with his grin]: Don't worry, Revolver-sama. At least today's chapter isn't that bad.

[Spectre's mother tree speaks up from her card]: Don't jinx it, sweetheart. Nobody knows what could happen and what the fans will think of it.

[San Vine Slasher, who was playing volleyball with other monsters used by Hanoi nods at her immediately]: You tell her mum! Take this!

[The ball was thrown into the air by San Vine Gardna and Slasher passes it to the other side of the field, hitting Topologic Bomber Dragon's head and causing the dragon to become angry. The dragon flew into the air and summoned its energy wings.

[Slasher gulps]: O-O-Oi! It was an accident! M-Mum, Spectre-san, HELP!

The "Dark Mummy" monsters let out a groan together with their user, knowing they'll have to treat Slasher's wounds later.

[Kyoko takes out several bandages from her rucksack]: Ryoken, please tell your dragon not to hurt Spectre's Slasher as much as he did last year.

[Too late. Topologic Bomber already used Full Overlap on Slasher...]

To be continued...

- In response to ThePLOThand's review:

[Ryoken gasps as Aso opens the door to his room, seeing hundreds of cards all over the floor and Ryoken having Yugi's decklist opened on the computer screen...]

[Aso blinks before closing back the door]: I guess that's a yes to that question. Let's hope Sakushi Ryu will actually keep it the next time he writes a Duel with Ryoken in it.

- In response to Vrains Fan's review:

[Sakushi Ryu places a hand on his chin]: Hmm, I'm not sure because Shaddolls could stop Special Summons, meaning you won't be able to Special Summon high-Level Subterrors in face-down defense position... But since the only card that seals Special Summons is El Shaddoll Winda, maybe-

[Unknown to him, Agrat was silently walking up to him with her whip in hand...]

[Agrat whispers]: I wonder... how much until you change those ugly thoughts...!

[Siegfried sighs]: Why are we even doing this?

- In response to Tiny Pink Kitten's review:

[Grim comes back, his body still damaged a bit]: This little pain won't stop me, human. Kioku had to suffer so much, this is nothing!

...

And yes, Sakushi Ryu will use the colors suggested by... um... what was that human's name? D3lph0xL0v3r? In any case, it's them.

...

[Grim blushes a little and whispers]: ...Thank you for the quotes...


(Season 2)

Turn 7:

Victim Sanctuary: Become the Star Enveloping Destruction!


LINK VRAINS: On top of a large rooftop...

"Revolver!" Playmaker gasped as the Hanoi leader himself appeared before them.

[What are you doing here!?] Ai exclaimed in confusion and fear. [Are you here for me and Kioku's Ignis!?]

"Don't misunderstand us." Spectre replied with a chuckle.

"You Ignis aren't our prey today." Revolver added, glaring at Siegfried. "But those three remnants of the treacherous Trinitas family!"

"Treacherous, you say!?" Nova shouted back. "We should be saying that! Weren't the Knights of Hanoi supposed to be hunting down the Ignis!? Why are you helping the enemy instead of us!?"

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend, they say." Revolver spat. "Also, as long as I stop your plans from completion, then I'm more than happy and willing to interfere."

"Is that because you still consider my actions ones of betrayal?" Siegfried gritted his teeth. "I knew you were stubborn, but not to this extent, Revolver!"

"Shut up, Kenji Trinitas!" the Hanoi leader bellowed, using Siegfried's real name. "Not just your actions are the ones I consider treacherous, but your whole family's! After all, weren't your very own father and mother the ones to kill Ketsueki Kioku's parents and betray my father!?"

"What!?" Bloody Talker swung his attention from Grim to Revolver. "My... parents were... by them!?"

"Don't you dare look away from what you have to protect, Bloody Talker!" Revolver shouted at him. "Your damn Ignis is your priority!"

The dual-eyed male's eyes shifted back to his Ignis, whose body was badly damaged by the Duel he just had with Agrat. Revolver was right... avenging his dead parents... wasn't his priority at the moment. He has to worry about his partner.

Bloody Talker took Grim's remaining hand into his. "Your Healing Program," he pointed out. "Can you use it?"

Grim slowly nodded, prompting the hacker to nod back.

"Alright." he said. "We... W-We just have to get you to safety. You won't die on me."

Those words sounded more like a statement to calm himself down. While they talked, Revolver had walked towards them and was now standing in front of the two. Grim instinctively moved Bloody Talker closer to his damaged body.

"K-Kio-ku..." he coughed out. "Th-This gu-y is..."

"He knows very well who I am, IGNF1." Revolver cut him off. "He knows Dr. Kogami is my father." he then raised his hand, causing a glowing green card to form between his finger before tossing it at Bloody Talker, who caught it. "That's the program needed to escape from that program. Use it and don't come back to battle, Kioku."

He was about to walk away before Grim stopped him.

"Why... are you... helping me?" he questioned before another cough and a hiss of pain. "I once... tried to kill you..."

"Yes, I remember that very well." Revolver said with a glare. "And believe me, your current state of pain and near death is quite pleasing to me."

"Then why?" Bloody Talker asked instead of Grim. "What's the point in helping us?"

"What your enemy tried to do wasn't to kill the Ignis, but collect their data," Revolver explained. "That means they want to tear IGNF1's algorithm apart to use it for something else. I do not know what this 'something' is, which means I have to keep you away from them."

"That still doesn't make sense." Bloody Talker said. "You could just delete his data..."

"I know, but..." Revolver's eyes narrowed. "You will need that Ignis. You have to become strong because when you'll discover-" he suddenly stopped talking before continuing. "Also, I want a rematch. My victory against you at the Tower of Hanoi... Kuh, that's no true victory. I want to defeat the strongest Ketsueki Kioku you can become."

Bloody Talker was about to retort when Revolver cut him off.

"Stop asking so many questions and leave already." he shouted. "And man up for once. That face you have at the moment isn't one that belongs to somebody I call rival!"

That said, Revolver walked back to Spectre, leaving a perplexed Bloody Talker behind.

He cares... He doesn't want to show it, but he cares about the kids who suffered in the Hanoi Project... he thought with surprise. He decided to think about that later and save Grim for now. He glanced at the green card which glowed just then, and together with Grim, the two vanished from NEW LINK VRAINS.

"How were you able to find an anti-program to ours...!?" Siegfried asked confused.

"You are too slow, Kenji Trinitas." Spectre sighed in exasperation. "The programs your little boss creates are no much to us since we use a similar pattern as well. Oh, and I don't mean Adam, but your other one."

"You know that as well, huh..." Siegfried frowned.

[Siegfried, Nova, shift to Plan B3.] Adam's voice told as they called them. [Agrat isn't capable of fighting with the attack she withstood.]

Agrat, who was crouching on the ground and holding her stomach in pain, nodded. Truth be told, the root that Spectre used to attack her made a big number on her... She gritted her teeth before logging out, leaving Siegfried and Nova behind.

[W-What do we do, Playmaker?] Ai asked his partner.

"Our mission was to help Bloody Talker..." the other pointed out. "Now that he's free, we could go but... Revolver!"

Before Playmaker could do anything, the camouflage dome which surrounded the rooftop shrunk until he was thrown out of it. Now, he isn't able to see or hear what's happening inside of it anymore...

"There's no point standing here and do nothing..." Playmaker grunted. "Maybe Kusanagi-san and I can make a program to bypass this one and watch what's happening inside the dome. Ai, let's log out."

[Roger that!] the Ignis nodded before they logged out as well.

Inside the dome, Revolver and Siegfried just leaped into the air and summoned their D-Boards, flying out of the camouflage dome and into the air. However, that was soon over as another, spherical dome materialized around the two, making them go invisible.

"Even if we have the same goal to destroy the Ignis, it seems we aren't able to stand side by side." Nova grudgingly admitted. "A real shame in my opinion. Our groups together could eliminate all the Ignis no problem."

"However, unlike you, we don't make ourselves slaves of an Ignis." Spectre shot back. "Are you sure you aren't just letting the Ignis, your little boss, control you as they please?"

"How we execute our plans is none of your concern, Hanoi freak." Nova spat.

"Hanoi freak?" Spectre blinked twice before shrugging. "I've been called worse. Try a harder if you want to shake me, Kai Trinitas."

"Don't use my name like you actually know me!" Nova snapped as he summoned his Duel Disk.

"Oh, in that case, let's have a nice Duel and open our hearts to each other." Spectre placed his fist into his other palm with a grin. "Maybe that way, we'll become friends! But look out: my real aim could be to destroy your heart and laugh in glee while I'm doing it, Kai-kun!"

"DUEL!" the two shouted in unison.

Nova: LP 4000

VS

Spectre: LP 4000

(The Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.)

"Allow me to start us off!" Spectre declared as five cards appeared in front of him. He grinned wide at one of them and played it. "I normal summon San Seed Genius Augusti from my hand!"

Appearing beside its user was an ornate-looking statue of a miniature tree, with its branches holding up a brown and spiky seed in the air. Leaves decorated those branches, giving the monster a beautiful design of mixed greenery and gold.

San Seed Genius Augusti: Earth/Plant/Gemini/ATK: 600/DEF: 0/LV: 1

"A Gemini Monster!?" Nova exclaimed incredulously.

"I hope you're going to like the new additions I made to my deck, Kai Trinitas." Spectre replied before extending his arms to the side. "Arawarero, watashitachi no michi o terasu mirai kairo!"

Following those words, a Link Portal opened behind him.

"The summoning condition is one Plant-type Normal Monster!" Spectre stated. "Since Gemini Monsters are treated as Normal Monsters on the field and Graveyard, I set San Seed Genius Augusti in the Link Marker! Link Summon! Appear, Link 1! San Avalon Dryas!"

The Plant turned into a twister of green wind and entered the Bottom Marker. The Link Portal vanished as the ground where it once was cracked open, the giant tree with a face-like shape on it and giant fruits hanging from its branches emerging and keeping the Extra Monster Zone on Spectre's right occupied.

San Avalon Dryas: ATK: 0/Link 1: Bottom

"The turn "San Avalon" Monsters are Link Summoned, they cannot be used as Link Material," Spectre explained. "Moreover, they cannot be targeted for attacks, which means you can only wager direct attacks. However, I believe you knew this much already. I set two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Watashi no turn!" Nova announced. "Draw!"

"Continous Trap activate! San Avalon Force!" Spectre immediately interrupted him. "As long as this card is in play, you cannot target "San Avalon" Link Monsters with card effects! Now you can't attack nor target my Mother tree with card effects."

"I don't need to lay a finger on your tree if I can aim directly at you, Hanoi freak!" Nova remarked. "I activate the effect of Galaxy Braver in my hand, revealing the Level 4 Photon Advancer in my hand to Special Summon Braver, and change its Level to Advancer's, in this case 4!"

In a bright flash, Nova's warrior took the field with a loud battle cry. It was a tall humanoid clad in silver and blue armor, with a single eye glowing on its helmet and holding two broadswords in its hands. The knight brandished them in a menacing manner at Spectre.

Galaxy Braver: Light/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 84

"Then, I normal summon Photon Advancer from my hand!"

Following Nova's words, a humanoid warrior in white and orange armor with a yellow helmet appeared, its arms and legs which were made of light glowing intensively in the dome.

Photon Advancer: ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000/LV: 4

"Two Monsters, but none of them has 2000 or more Attack..." Spectre thought out loud. He snapped his fingers. "I see! You aren't planning on summoning your Ace Monster with them, aren't you, Kai-kun?"

"Shut up!" Nova growled back, angry at him using his real name. "Using my two Level 4 Monsters, I build my Overlay Network!"

Galaxy Braver and Photon Advancer turned into beams of yellow light and entered a galaxy-like portal. Nova chanted at the same time.

"Celestial warrior of the galaxy, descend onto this battlefield! Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Radiant-Light Emperor Galaxion!"

Lunching out of the portal was a humanoid warrior clad in white armor and a blue visor that had four eyes on its sides. The monster had six, golden spikes emerging from its helmet, giving it a similar look to a king's crown, moreover, Galaxion also had two protrusions erupting from its back like wings. The emperor brandished its swords made of pure light at the enemy as it stood in the Extra Monster Zone.

Radiant-Light Emperor Galaxion: Light/Warrior/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2100/RK: 4

"I activate Galaxion's effect!" Nova stated. "By using its two Overlay Units, I can Special Summon this specific Monster from my deck!"

(Radiant-Light Emperor Galaxion: OVU 2→0)

As the emperor bisected the two lights orbiting around its body, a red spear-shaped object appeared beside Nova, who took hold of it before throwing it into the sky where it started rotating faster and faster, sucking in the light around it.

"Here comes the monster more savage than a supernova!" Nova chanted. "The embodiment of light, now descend! Appear now, Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!"

The spear started morphing into a dragon. The beast had skin made of pure light and it had crimson armor across its body. It gave a roar as it ascended on Nova's Middle Monster Zone.

Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon: ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8

"Amazing!" Spectre clapped his hands with a shocked face. "You were able to summon your Ace right from your deck! It seems you're full of surprises."

"You won't be so calm after this! Battle!" Nova pointed forward. "Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon will attack you directly! At the same moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, Photon Trident, targeting my dragon with it. Through its effect, Galaxy-Eyes gains 700 Attack until the End Phase, and if it inflicts battle damage to my opponent, I can target and destroy one Spell or Trap Card on the field!"

"That means you'll get to destroy my San Avalon Force!" Spectre realized.

"That's right! Take this, Photon Stream of Destruction!"

Following Nova's words, Galaxy-Eyes let loose of a bright beam from its mouth, heading straight for the Second-in-Command Hanoi member.

"That was a nice plan... Nah, just kidding." Spectre scoffed calmly. "I activate the Trap Card, San Bloom Shield. When I'm attacked directly, that attack is negated and the Battle Phase ends!"

Out of the blue, flowers started blooming from San Avalon Dryas' branches before falling off and positioning themselves in front of Spectre, shielding him from the bright beam. The beautiful petals were burnt away by the attack's heat, and Nova frowned.

"Tch, you and your little tricks... I set one card face-down and end my turn!"

"Then we're back to me. Watashi no turn, draw!" Spectre announced. "By discarding one card from my hand, I can activate the Continuous Spell Card San Vine Shrine from my hand!"

"Oh no, you don't!" Nova shouted. "I know that card is important to summon back your Plant Normal Monsters from the Graveyard and evolve the "San Avalon" Monsters! I won't let you do that! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Photon Stream of Destruction, which lets me target and banish one card on the field since I control a "Galaxy-Eyes" Monster! I choose your San Vine Shrine!"

"I see. You were aiming to get rid of my San Avalon Force to then use Photon Stream of Destruction to banish my San Avalon Dryas." Spectre realized with a grin. "What an effortless and useless plan. From my Graveyard, I activate the effect of San Avalon Grace!"

"That's the card you just discarded with Shrine..." Nova muttered.

"By banishing this Continuous Spell Card, I negate a card or effect which targets a "San" card I control and destroy it." Spectre stated. "That means Shrine is allowed to stay. Now, I activate its effect, letting me Special Summon San Seed Genius Augusti from my Graveyard! Bloom once again, my plant!"

A GY Portal opened in front of the Spell Card as the said Monster emerged from it.

"Lastly, I normal summon San Vine Cleric from my hand!"

An elderly-looking male monster with elf ears, green-colored skin, a long beard, wearing clothes made of vines, and holding a walking stick his hand appeared with a sigh, standing beside his user.

San Vine Cleric: Earth/Plant/Effect/ATK: 200/DEF: 1400/LV: 3

Spectre then spread his arms wide as a Link Portal opened under his field. "Arawarero, watashitachi no michi o terasu mirai kairo! The summoning conditions are two or more Plant-type Monsters! I set San Seed Genius Augusti, San Vine Cleric and the Link 1 San Avalon Dryas in the Link Markers!"

Genius Augusti and Cleric turned into a twister of dark green winds and one of Dryas' roots entered the portal alongside them.

"Link Summon!" Spectre declared. "Appear, Link 3! San Avalon Dryanome!"

The tree behind the Hanoi member grew, becoming the large tree with and an elf woman emerging from its trunk, with her three crimson eyes opened.

San Avalon Dryanome: ATK: 0/Link 3: Bottom-Left, Bottom, Bottom-Right

"From Link 1 he jumped straight to Link 3?" Nova gritted his teeth.

"I activate the effect of San Vine Cleric which was used as Link Material to summon a "San Avalon" Monster, enabling me to draw cards equal to that Monster's Link Rating," Spectre explained. "Dryanome is Link 3, thus I draw three new cards. Next, I activate the Spell Card San Vine Nativity, whose effect allows me to Special Summon one "San Vine" Link Monster from my Extra Deck to a zone a "San Avalon" Link Monster points to if I control no Monsters in my Main Monster Zones. Come forth, San Vine Slasher!"

One of the fruits attached to Dryanome's branches split into two, letting the tall, slim, blue-skinned warrior clad in green armor and holding a long sword to emerge from it.

San Vine Slasher: ATK: 800/Link 1: Bottom

"Slasher's effect activates!" Spectre stated. "When this card is Special Summoned, I can target one "San Avalon" Link Monster that points to it and Slasher gains 800 Attack for every Link Marker it has. I choose Dryanome!"

The giant tree started shaking, releasing yellow spores which enveloped Slasher, making him gain a fiery aura. The elf warrior brandished his sword at the enemy with a battle cry.

(San Vine Slasher: ATK 800→3200)

"It has more Attack than any of my Monsters...!" Nova gasped. "But even then..."

"Let's Battle!" Spectre shouted. "San Vine Slasher, attack Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!"

"Big mistake! Galaxy-Eyes' effect activates!" Nova cried out. "When this card battles, both Monsters are banished!"

"Damn it, I forgot it had such an effect!" Spectre gasped in shock- before returning to his calm demeanor. "...Is what you'd like me to say, right? Unfortunately for you, I knew that dragon's effect. Due to San Vine Nativity, the Monsters summoned by its effect is unaffected by my opponent's card effects if a Link 3 or higher "San Avalon" Link Monsters is pointing at it. That means the battle continues as it is!"

The LIGHT dragon could do nothing as Slasher zoomed past it, bisecting its body and causing it to explode. The shockwaves reached Nova, sending him stumbling backwards in pain.

Nova: LP 4000 - 200 = 3800

"Slasher's other effect activates!" Spectre stated. "The Monster it destroyed through battle is Special Summoned to my field next to the Link Marker of a "San Avalon" Monster!"

A GY Portal opened in front of Nova, and Dryanome's roots entered it and extracted Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon. It was then deposited under Dryanome's Bottom Marker and its eyes turned to red, now being under Spectre's absolute control.

"Ah, it's nice to borrow my opponent's Monsters." Spectre remarked as Nova gritted his teeth hard. "Now, accept your own Ace Monster's attack! Battle! Galaxy-Eyes, attack Galaxion this instant! As you would say, Photon Stream of Destruction!"

The emperor was fried under the beam's heat unleashed by Galaxy-Eyes, sending Nova skidding backwards by its force.

Nova: LP 3800 - 1000 = 2800

"I set one card face-down and end my turn." Spectre concluded. "During the End Phase of the turn I activated San Vine Nativity, the Monster summoned by its effect is destroyed. Bye-bye, San Vine Slasher."

The said Link Monster gave one last bow to his user and Dryanome before exploding in particles of light.

"Watashi no turn!" Nova declared. "Draw! I activate the Equip Spell Card, Galaxy Zero! Through its effect, I target one "Photon" or "Galaxy" Monster in my Graveyard, and Special Summon it in Attack Position by equipping it with this card and by negating its effects. Revive, Galaxy Braver!"

The warrior with 0 ATK reappeared on the field with a battle cry.

"Then, I activate the Spell Card Destiny Overlay!" Nova went on. "Thanks to its effect, I can target and use Monsters on both players' fields to perform an Xyz Summon! I'm going to take back my Ace, Hanoi freak! I Overlay the Level 8 Galaxy Braver on my field with the Level 8 Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon on your field!"

After the two Monsters entered the Xyz Portal as beams of light, Nova chanted.

"Galaxy shining in the darkness, dwell in the demonic god of revenge and become my very servant! Xyz Summon! Descend, Rank 8! Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon!"

The Xyz Monster similar to Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon, but with more armor and having two wings made of rainbow light, emerged from the portal with a grand roar, standing on the Extra Monster Zone.

Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon: ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/RK: 8

"Now that was a surprise..." Spectre narrowed his eyes. "I didn't think he had such a card ready to be used if his Ace is stolen... not bad indeed, Kai-kun."

"Enough with the 'Kai-kun'! This ends now!" Nova shouted. "Using the "Galaxy-Eyes" Xyz Monster, Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon as an Xyz Material, I perform another Xyz Summon!"

As his newly summoned dragon returned into the Xyz Portal, Nova chanted yet again.

"At the end of the Milky Way's light, a new world opens! Descend, scion of divinity! Armored Xyz Change! Come forth, new incarnation of light! Galaxy-Eyes Full Armor Photon Dragon!"

Emerging from the portal was another dragon similar to Galaxy-Eyes, however, this one had its body covered by pitch-black armor, and its wings were detached from its body. Full Armor Photon Dragon gave a roar as it entered the field on Cipher Dragon's place.

Galaxy-Eyes Full Armor Photon Dragon: Light/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3500/RK: 8

"A new dragon with 4000 Attack!" Spectre chuckled. "My my, quite the show you're giving me, Kai Trinitas. However, I think you intend on ending it with one single attack, aren't you?"

"That's right!" Nova confirmed his words. "Because I can't attack your San Avalon, I'll use Full Armor with its 4000 Attack to finish you in one hit! Battle! Galaxy-Eyes Full Armor Photon Dragon, direct attack! Photon Stream of Destruction!"

The dragon let loose of a massive beam from its mouth, aiming at Spectre. The attack hit, creating an explosion that bathed the entire dome in smoke. As it cleared out, Spectre was still standing with his usual smile, unharmed.

"I'll give an A for effort." he chuckled. "By banishing San Bloom Shield from my Graveyard, I can negate one instance of battle damage and draw one card from my deck. This Duel won't end so easily, Nova."

"In that case, my next move won't make you act so tough anymore! I enter my Main Phase 2 and activate the Equip Spell Card, Full Armored Release/Burst! Thanks to its effect, all "once per turn" effects of the equipped "Full Armor" Monster can be activated twice per turn! I activate Galaxy-Eyes Full Armor Photon Dragon's effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to target and destroy one face-up card my opponent controls! Vanish, San Avalon Force!"

(Galaxy-Eyes Full Armor Photon Dragon: OVU 3→2)

One of the lights orbiting around the Xyz Monster was sucked into its left wing, from which a yellow beam was then fired and destroyed the Continuous Trap Card.

"But that means...!" Spectre's eyes widen in genuine shock.

"I can target your "San Avalon" Monsters with card effects!" Nova finished for him. "I use Full Armor's effect again, detaching another Overlay Unit to destroy San Avalon Dryanome! Sink and burn in Hell; Galaxy Sidewinder!"

(Galaxy-Eyes Full Armor Photon Dragon: OVU 2→1)

Another orbiting light was sucked into the right wing this time, and like before, the Xyz Monster fired a beam from that wing that pierced Dryanome's trunk. The Link Monster gave a scream of pain before she exploded, bathing Spectre's field in flames before vanishing in particles of light.

"Thanks to Full Armored Release/Burst's additional effect, I can draw a card when the equipped Monster destroys a Monster by its effect," Nova explained as he drew. He scoffed at Spectre, who fell silent after his tree's fall. "Figures. You aren't any different from Bloody Talker, who gets angry when any Cyberse or his Ignis are damaged. Your own anger and pride are nothing but mere excuses to hurt others."

Spectre's shoulders started shaking in anger- until he started snickering. Nova watched in confusion and slight fear as Spectre started laughing like a madman.

"Oh, you're quite right!" Spectre finally stopped himself and glared at his opponent, grinning. "I am angry at the moment. Very angry. In fact, I wouldn't mind taking a knife and stabbing you until death! Truth be told, as you mentioned, Bloody Talker and I are alike because we want our love to be answered by the Monsters we use. However, unlike Bloody Talker, I once lived only accepting others' love and I wasn't giving any back. Truly, a one-sided love."

With every word he was saying, Nova was feeling more and more uneasy...

"It was Bloody Talker who opened my eyes to my cruel actions!" Spectre continued. "Yes... that is the reason I am standing here. In order to thank Bloody Talker for what he did to me, I'm going to help escape with his Ignis... His words will never leave my head, no matter how hard I try. Sadness, loneliness, unsatisfied love; all of these emotions create deep hatred. My very own Mother was suffering, because of me! But now, it's different. I took in my Mother's sadness and we cried together. I never overshadowed her since then, making her loneliness perish. Unsatisfied love... we're way past that point. Because she and I worked together more and more, our love isn't one-sided anymore! Allow me to show you, Nova, our new power!"

Spectre gestured to his field.

"Because I control no "San Avalon" Monsters, San Vine Shrine would be destroyed by its own effect. BUT! Since a "San Avalon" Monster left my field because of my opponent, I can activate the Continuous Trap Card, San Flora Samsara! Thanks to this card, all "San" cards I control in my Spell/Trap Zone cannot be destroyed by their own effects or by my opponent! Moreover, when San Flora Samsara is activated, I can Special Summon the destroyed "San Avalon" Monster that triggered this card's activation from my Graveyard by negating its effects! Come back to my side, Dryanome!"

A GY Portal opened on the ground, from which Dryanome, which lost all of its leaves and fruits and had the elf woman inside its trunk seeming dead, emerged with its 0 ATK.

"Damn it, he revived his Link Monster and saved San Vine Shrine...!" Nova growled in annoyance. "I set one card face-down and end my turn..."

"Watashi no turn!" Spectre announced, his excitement fully evident at this point. "Draw! The time has come! By using a Link 3 or higher "San Avalon" Link Monster I control that was Special Summoned from the Graveyard as material, I can Link Summon this Link Monster from my Extra Deck!"

"NANI!?"

Much to Nova's shock, the dead Dryanome's body was surrounded by a green light as a Link Portal materialized underneath it. However, this portal wasn't the usual type of portal, because its square was replaced by brown roots that had mosses and leaves covering them.

Dryanome's roots suddenly shot forward, connecting themselves to the Link Portal. Like magic, the dead tree seemed to come back to life as it gained back its colors and flowers bloomed on its branches.

"Burn my Mother's new and pious form into your eyes!" Spectre exclaimed. "Samsara Link Summon! Appear now, Link Unknown! San Flora Yggdrasil!"

Standing behind Spectre and in the Extra Monster Zone was a tree as large as San Avalon Dryatrentiay, towering over Galaxy-Eyes as well! Its trunk, roots, and branches were colored a dull brown, while water seemed to flow upwards instead of downwards across Yggdrasil's trunk, giving water to every part of the giant tree.

At the tree's base, there were glowing crystals and small puddles of water that glowed with sacred light, reflecting the crystals' beautiful colors, and had lotuses and water lettuces floating on them. Glancing upwards, the tree's branches were covered in green leaves that had a vast number of different flower species decorating them, and under the leaves, purple fruits were hanging down and seemed ready to be eaten.

Finally, emerging from the tree's trunk was the elf woman. This time, her skin was colored more like a human's, her hands united over her chest in a praying manner, and her body was covered in clothes made of vines and leaves. Her long, black hair had flowers in them and her crimson eyes glowed with kindness and love.

San Flora Yggdrasil: Earth/Plant/Link/Effect/ATK: 0/Link: ?

"What... is... that...!?" Nova's eyes were wide as dinner plates under his mask. "Samsara Link... Link Unknown... San Flora instead of San Avalon..."

"This is our power." Spectre replied. "Samsara Link Monsters are a subcategory of Link Monsters, who can be only Link Summoned by using a specific Link Monster with a specific Link Rating that was Special Summoned from a specific location as material. These Monsters have Unknown Link Markers, which are determined by the used Link Monster's Link Rating, and they gain those Link Markers' positions. Dryanome was Link 3, therefore, Yggdrasil gains its 3 Link Markers."

(San Flora Yggdrasil: Link ?→3: Bottom-Left, Bottom, Bottom-Right)

"Be the first to see my deck's new might! I activate Shrine's effect!" Spectre cried out. "Revive again, San Seed Genius Augusti!"

Instead of a GY Portal opening, Yggdrasil started muttering words as she closed her eyes, causing the puddles at the tree's feet to be lifted into the air by an invisible force. The water united to form a wide circle that conjured a portal, from which Augusti emerged and everything returned to normal.

"Now, I normal summon Genius Augusti!" Spectre stated and his Normal Monster became an Effect Monster. "Now that it gained its effect, I activate Genius Augusti's effect! By releasing this Monster, I can Special Summon up to two "San Flora" Link 1 Monsters from my Extra Deck to a zone a "San Flora" Link Monster points to. Give birth to Yggdrasil's proud warriors, my plant!"

The seed burst into particles of light, which surrounded two of Yggdrasil's fruits, making them glow as well. The fruits split open seconds later, letting two new beings take the stage.

"The first! Link 1! San Flora Slasher!"

A Monster which bared a lot of resemblance to San Vine Slasher appeared. He was a tall, slim, humanoid elf with pale skin wearing a black jumpsuit under wooden armor that covered his shoulders, hips, and chest, decorated with green leaves and spikes. Attached to his head was a helmet the same as San Vine Slasher but with a crimson visor. The knight brandished his two swords and stood in front of Yggdrasil as her royal guardian.

San Flora Slasher: Earth/Plant/Link/Effect/ATK: 1000/Link 1: Top

"The second! Link 1! San Flora Healer!"

Another humanoid elf appeared, this one bearing resemblance to San Vine Healer. She had greenish-white skin wearing a long dress made entirely of white rose petals, that was being held together by green vines. Her pink eyes glowed with happiness as she gave a little twirl, letting her short blond hair fly about, being pleased to fight by Yggdrasil's and her user's side.

San Flora Healer: Earth/Plant/Link/Effect/ATK: 800/Link 1: Bottom

"I activate my new Monsters' effect!" Spectre declared. "When Slasher is Special Summoned, I can target one "San Flora" Link Monster that points to it and Slasher gains 800 Attack for every Link Marker it has, moreover, if Slasher was summoned by the effect of a "San Seed" or "San Flora" Monster, it gains an additional 800 Attack boost!"

Yggdrasil's branches started shaking, releasing yellow spores which enveloped Slasher, making it gain a sacred aura.

(San Flora Slasher: ATK 800→4000)

"Next, Healer's effect!" Spectre said. "When Healer is Special Summoned, I can target one "San Flora" Link Monster that points to it and I gain 400 Life Points for every Link Marker it has, moreover, if Healer was summoned by the effect of a "San Seed" or "San Flora" Monster, I gain 400 Life Points as a bonus! Yggdrasil's Grace!"

The young elf started dancing and singing, causing Spectre to be surrounded in a green aura.

Spectre: LP 4000 + 1600 = 5600

"And I'm far from being done!" the Hanoi member grinned wider. "I activate Yggdrasil's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon one "San Flora" Link 1 Monster from my Extra Deck to a zone it points to! Saint Parturition! Appear, the second San Flora Slasher!"

A second warrior appeared on the field, filling Yggdrasil's 3 Link Markers. With his descent, the new Slasher's effect activated as well.

(San Flora Slasher: ATK 800→4000)

"Battle!" Spectre shouted. "Slasher number one, attack his dragon! Yggdrasil's Ire!"

"Not so fast! I activate Full Armored Release/Burst's last effect!" Nova quickly shouted. "By destroying this card, I can save the equipped Monster from destruction! Counterattack, Galaxy-Eyes!"

The first warrior leaped forward and raised his swords, but before he could strike, Galaxy-Eyes unleashed a wave of light from its mouth, causing him to cry out in pain before being destroyed.

"San Flora Yggdrasil's other effect." Spectre chuckled. "When a fellow "San" Monster leaves my field, I can place one Flora Counter on this card. Now, Battle! My second Slasher, go! Attack his dragon!"

This time, Galaxy-Eyes was defeated by the second San Flora Slasher, resulting in a double K.O.

"The effect of Slasher and Yggdrasil activate!" Spectre told. "Yggdrasil gains another Flora Counter, while Slasher allows me to Special Summon the Monster it destroyed by battle to my side of the field! Be reborn, Galaxy-Eyes Full Armor Photon Dragon!"

The defeated dragon reappeared under Yggdrasil's Bottom-Left Marker with its 4000 ATK.

"The finale! Battle!" Spectre shouted. "Attack your own user directly, Galaxy-Eyes!"

"Fat chance! I activate the Trap Card Galaxy Miracle!" Nova abruptly stated. "Through its effect, I reduce one instance of battle damage to 0! Then, I can Special Summon one "Galaxy" Monster from my Graveyard with an original Level! Revive, my Ace: Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!"

A transparent barrier protected Nova from the attack, which vanished and conjured a portal that allowed the original Galaxy-Eyes to return with its 3000.

"It seems you can still put up a fight." Spectre mused. "Very well. I set one card face-down, and activate San Flora Samsara's last effect. Once per turn, I can shuffle up to three "San" Monsters from my Graveyard into my deck and inflict 100 damage to my opponent for each one. I choose to shuffle my two San Flora Slashers and one San Vine Slasher into my Extra Deck to inflict you 300 damage!"

Three of Yggdrasil's roots shot forward after those words, hitting Nova in the chest and causing him to double over by the pain.

Nova: LP 2800 - 300 = 2500

"For every 100 damage inflicted by this effect, I can place 1 Flora Counter on a face-up "San Flora" Monster I control," Spectre explained. "I choose Yggdrasil, of course. I end my turn."

(San Flora Yggdrasil: 5 Flora Counters)

"Those Counters are probably bad news... Watashi no turn!" Nova announced. "Draw! From my hand, I normal summon Galaxy Priest!"

A mechanical humanoid clad in a priest's robes and holding a scepter appeared on the field.

Galaxy Priest: Light/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 1500/DEF: 600/LV: 4

"When this Monster is Normal or Special Summoned, its effect activates!" Nova stated. "I shuffle five "Photon" and/or "Galaxy" cards from my Graveyard into the deck and draw two cards. I return Photon Trident, Photon Advancer, Galaxy Zero, Galaxy Braver, and Galaxy-Eyes Cipher Dragon into my deck and Extra Deck to draw 2 new cards!"

After drawing his new cards, Nova smirked at them.

"Bingo. My counterattack starts here!" he said. "I activate the Spell Card Galaxy Expedition, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a Level 5 or higher "Galaxy" or "Photon" Monster from my deck in Defense Position if I already control one! Come forth, Galaxy Knight!"

In a bright flash, the knight in silver armor and riding a hoverboard appeared next to Galaxy-Eyes.

Galaxy Knight: ATK: 2800/DEF: 2600/LV: 8

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Galaxy Queen's Light!" Nova stated. "Through its effect, I target the Level 8 Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon I control to raise the Levels of all other face-up Monsters I control to 8!"

(Galaxy Priest: Level 4→8)

"Three Level 8 Monsters..." Spectre narrowed his eyes. "Ah, of course. I know what Monster you'll summon next."

Nova ignored his opponent as he moved on. "Using my Level 8 Knight, Priest, and Galaxy-Eyes, I build the Overlay Network!"

His three monsters were sucked into the galaxy-like portal as he chanted.

"Power filling the galaxy, here and now become the striking light, and show yourself!"

A blue sword-shaped object with a red crystal appeared beside Nova. He took hold of it, throwing it into the sky where it started rotating faster and faster, sucking in the light around it.

"Descend, Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon!"

The sword started morphing into a dragon. The beast had skin made of crimson light, and it had dark-blue armor across its body with two wings, each one having a head on it. The dragon roared with its three heads as it ascended on the Extra Monster Zone.

Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon: ATK: 4500/DEF: 3000/RK: 8

"The effect of Neo Galaxy-Eyes activates when it's Xyz Summoned by using Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon as one of its Xyz Materials!" Nova declared. "All other face-up cards currently on the field have their effects negated! Photon Howling!"

The three heads roared again, sending large soundwaves towards Spectre's field.

"I won't allow that." he chuckled. "Counter Trap, open! San Vine Restrain! When my opponent activates a Monster Effect and I control a Plant-type Link Monster, by releasing a Monster I control, that activation is negated! I sacrifice your own dragon for this effect!"

The sound waves were blocked by Full Armor Photon Dragon, leaving Spectre and his other Monsters unharmed.

"How sad." he said. "Betrayed by your own Ace like that... it must be horrible, right? Well, consider that a payback for what you did to Revolver-sama's father and Bloody Talker's parents, Kai-kun. Haha-Hahahahahahaha!"

Nova gritted his teeth at this annoying taunting. "I have no cards in my hand... and the only card I control is Neo Photon Dragon... Even then, I won't give up, Hanoi freak! Battle! Neo Photon Dragon, attack San Flora Healer! Ultimate Photon Stream!"

Spectre tried to stop laughing. "Everything you do is so useless! I activate Yggdrasil's other effect! During either player's turn once, I can release one "San Flora" Monster this card points to and gain 1000 Life Points! Avalon's Benediction! And Yggdrasil's other effect activates as well, letting it gain another Flora Counter!"

Neo Photon Dragon had to stop in its tracks as its target was suddenly enveloped by Yggdrasil's roots until they exploded in green particles, with Healer nowhere to be seen.

Spectre: LP 5600 + 1000 = 6600

(San Flora Yggdrasil: Flora Counters 5→6)

"San Flora Yggdrasil cannot be targeted for attacks, which means you can only wager direct attacks," Spectre explained. "So, what will it be? A direct attack? I wouldn't do that if I were you. Twice per turn, during either player's turn, when I take battle or effect damage, I can Special Summon one "San Flora" Link 1 Monster from my Extra Deck to a zone Yggdrasil points to, and I gain Life Points equal to the damage I took. If you attack, I would only get a free Monster! Or maybe you were going to end your turn? Yes, that would seem a logical move indeed! What will it be, Kai Trinitas!?"

The blond Duelist fell to his knees in defeat, knowing there was nothing he could do to turn the situation into his favor. Spectre's grin widens at that, ready to hit Nova's nerves even more...!

"Today's generation is quite bold and stupid in my opinion." Spectre told. "Ace Monster this, Ace Monster that, Ace Monster here, blah blah blah. Only a handful of people really know the meaning of 'Ace Monster'. The true bond between a person and their chosen Ace... Ah, how sad. What your reason to choose Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon as your Ace? Revolver-sama said... Ah, yes! It was a gift your parents gave you!"

Nova's eyes widen in rage behind his mask at that.

"Yes, yes, I remember now!" Spectre, who saw this but decided to continue, nodded to himself. "Your parents were always away at work during you three's childhoods. They were off to obtain money so all of you could live as a happy family! One magical Christmas, in fact, they gifted you three siblings with Duel Monster cards. The card you got was Galaxy-Eyes!"

"Shut up..." Nova muttered.

"It must have been sad, right?" Spectre asked. "That Christmas was the last you got to spend with your mother and father because they committed suicide! You're cherishing that dragon because of your past, not because you actually love it, unlike I do with my Mother. At this point, just choose a stronger Monster as your Ace, put Galaxy-Eyes out of its misery! Maybe you would've had a chance against me then!"

"Shut up!" Nova yelled as he stood up. "Don't talk about my family so freely, you freaking bastard!"

"Oh my, did I hit a nerve?" Spectre blinked twice. "Whoopsy daisy!"

"SHUT UP ALREADY!" Nova cried out, losing his patience. "Battle! Neo Photon Dragon, direct attack! Ultimate Photon Stream!"

The dragon of light unleashed three streams from each of its mouths, hitting the Hanoi member and sending him flying off his feet and cry out in pain.

Spectre: LP 6600 - 4500 = 2100

"S-So this is the program... which inflicts more pay when dealing damage to the opponent..." Spectre groaned as he stood up, his grin returning. "Truly pitiful. I activate Yggdrasil's effect, Special Summoning San Flora Gardna from my Extra Deck and recover the lost Life Points."

One of the fruits attached to Yggdrasil's branches opened, letting a bulky humanoid being clad in broad armor to enter the field, taking a defensive stance in front of its user and Yggdrasil. Its armor was made out of pure steel with colorful crystal decorating it. Erupting from its helmet were two branches, giving it a similar appearance to demonic horns, and instead of arms, this Monster had two shields with their only mission being to protect others.

San Flora Gardna: Earth/Plant/Link/Effect/ATK: 800/Link 1: Bottom

After its summon, Yggdrasil's roots enveloped Spectre and made him obtain a green aura as his LP was replenished in an instant.

Spectre: LP 2100 + 4500 = 6600

"I activate my new Monster's effect!" Spectre declared as the roots let him free. "When Gardna is summoned by the effect of a "San Seed" or "San Flora" Monster, I can place two Flora Counters on a face-up card I control. I choose my Mother tree."

(San Flora Yggdrasil: Flora Counters 6→7)

"Haha!" Spectre couldn't help but laugh. "You were so easy to anger, Nova. I suggest you start working on your temper, or everybody will start using you like a little puppet! Oh, wait! Your boss already does that."

"...Turn End..." Nova wheezed out, accepting his fate.

"Before that, I'll activate San Flora Samsara's effect." Spectre said. "I shuffle San Flora Healer, San Avalon Dryanome and Dryas into my Extra Deck to inflict 300 damage to you and add three more Counters to my Mother tree!"

Three of Yggdrasil's roots shot forward, hitting Nova in the chest and knocking him against the ground.

Nova: LP 2500 - 300 = 2200

(San Flora Yggdrasil: Flora Counters 7→10)

"Watashi no turn!" Spectre declared. "Draw! I activate Yggdrasil's effect, releasing Gardna to gain 1000 Life Points and make it gain another Counter since a "San" Monster left the field! Avalon's Benediction!"

The giant tree's roots enveloped Gardna, making it vanish in a dust of green light.

Spectre: LP 6600 + 1000 = 7600

(San Flora Yggdrasil: Flora Counters 10→11)

"Man, this Duel suddenly became boring..." Spectre sighed with a shake of his head. "I'm doing all the good action over here... Maybe my new cards are a little OP...? Nah, that can't be it. Playmaker, Bloody Talker, and even Revolver-sama have pretty OP cards and combos! It's not like I become a god or something now that my deck is strong. Well, enough monologuing! Time to ends this. I activate San Flora Yggdrasil's final effect! By removing all Flora Counters from this card, for each one, my opponent takes 200 damage! The turn I activate this effect, I cannot enter my Battle Phase or deal further damage to my opponent, not that it matters. Perish, Nova! Nature's Absolute Force!"

The crystals, water, fruits, and flowers that made up Yggdrasil's body started glowing different colors before releasing strange orbs. These orbs were then absorbed into the elf woman's body, who gave a loud shout before letting loose of a massive stream of energy from her hands, washing over Nova and sending him flying out of the camouflage dome, breaking it apart.

Nova: LP 2200 - 2200 = 0

Winner: Spectre!

The moment his Life Points hit zero, Nova vanished, most likely being forcefully logged out by his superiors.

"This is our new power..." Spectre told himself, looking at Yggdrasil slowly disappearing since the Duel ended. The elf woman gave her user a warm smile before fully vanishing.

"Indeed it is..." the faint voice of Yggdrasil whispered.


Over to Revolver and Siegfried...

"Another camouflage dome, huh?" Revolver remarked as the said object materialized around him and Siegfried, making it so nobody could see their incoming Speed Duel. "Hmph, I admit I don't want others to barge in on us as well so I good job, I guess."

"This will be our first Duel since the death of your father." Siegfried pointed out. "I wouldn't want anybody ruining it for me. This is an important Duel, after all."

"SPEED DUEL!" the two shouted in unison, not bothered to continue talking. Their cards will do the talking instead!

Siegfried: LP 4000

VS

Revolver: LP 4000

(The Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.)

"I'll be taking the first turn if you don't mind!" Siegfried shouted. "From my hand, I activate the effect of Lightning, Dragon Ruler of Drafts in my hand! By discarding it and the Dragon-type Monster, Mythic Fire Dragon, I can Special Summon the mighty beast of storms from my deck! Appear!"

The dragon whose body was made of raging winds fell down from the sky and entered the camouflage dome, flying beside its user and growling at their foe.

Lightning, Dragon Ruler of Drafts: Wind/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 500/DEF: 1800/LV: 3

Tempest, Dragon Ruler of Storms: ATK: 2400/DEF: 2200/LV: 7

"Due to Lightning's effect, Tempest cannot attack this turn." Siegfried added. "I set one card from my hand face-down and end my turn now!"

"Watashi no turn!" Revolver said on cue. "Draw! First, I normal summon Gateway Dragon from my hand!"

A dragon with a long serpentine body clad in sand-brown scales, that had three clawed hands, appeared beside its user with a roar, holding the golden portal in one of its hands.

Gateway Dragon: Dark/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1400/LV: 4

"I activate Gateway's effect!" Revolver stated. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Dragon-type Monster from my hand. Appear, Trigger Wurm!"

The dragon that seemed a cross between a worm and a gun's trigger, covered in red-brown armor and orange spikes, emerged from Gateway's portal.

Trigger Wurm: ATK: 600/DEF: 600/LV: 2

"Next, by discarding the Level 5 Background Dragon from my hand, I Special Summon Defra Dragoon!"

Following the Hanoi leader's words, a mechanical dragon with dark blue and red armor that had two wings with membranes made of holograms materialized beside Trigger Wurm, filling his Main Monster Zones.

Defra Dragoon: Dark/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 600/LV: 3

"Defra Dragoon can be Special Summoned from my hand if I discard another Monster from my hand to the Graveyard," Revolver explained. He then raised his hand into the air as it glowed brightly. "Arawarero, waga michi o terasu mirai kairo!"

A Link Portal opened above him.

"Arrowheads confirmed!" he shouted. "The summoning conditions are two Level 4 or lower Dragon-type Monsters, except Tokens! I set Defra Dragoon and Gateway Dragon in the Link Markers!"

His two dragons morphed into two twisters of blue and brown winds as they entered the portal. "Link Summon! Appear, Twin Triangle Dragon!"

The bipedal dragon, covered in brown scales, having yellow accents over its body and two triangle-shaped objects attached to its arms, leaped out the portal and landed on Revolver's Extra Monster Zone.

Twin Triangle Dragon: ATK: 1200/Link 2: Bottom, Right

"That dragon?" Siegfried muttered. "If I remember well, he just sent a Level 5 dragon to his Graveyard with Defra Dragoon's effect..."

"I activate Twin Triangle's effect!" Revolver stated. "By paying 500 Life Points, I Special Summon the Level 5 Background Dragon from my Graveyard next to Twin Triangle's Bottom Marker by negating its effects!"

Revolver: LP 4000 - 500 = 3500

As Siegfried suspected, a GY Portal materialized as the said dragon emerged from it with a roar and its 1600 ATK.

"A Link 4 Monster is on its way." Siegfried realized.

"That's right!" Revolver confirmed his opponent's words. "Appear again! Waga michi o terasu mirai kairo!"

The second Link Portal opened above him.

"Arrowheads confirmed!" he shouted. "The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters! I set Background Dragon, Trigger Wurm, and the Link 2 Twin Triangle Dragon in the Link Markers!"

His three dragons morphed into four twisters of wind and entered the portal. "Circuit Combine! Link Summon! Appear, Link 4! Topologic Bomber Dragon!"

The infamous Cyberse Link Monster emerged from the portal, its green eyes and highlights glowing brightly and staring down at the enemy. Topologic Bomber Dragon roared as it entered the battlefield on the Extra Monster Zone, unleashing furious winds all around the dome.

Topologic Bomber Dragon: ATK: 3000/Link 4: Top, Bottom-Left, Bottom, Bottom-Right

"I activate the effect of Trigger Wurm in my Graveyard." Revolver didn't slow down. "When this card is used as Link Material for the summon of a Link Monster, I can Special Summon Trigger Wurm to a zone Topologic points to. Revive, in the Bottom Marker!"

The worm/trigger hybrid dragon reappeared on the said zone.

"At this moment, the effect of Topologic Bomber Dragon activates!" Revolver said as he clenched his fists. "When another Monster is Special Summoned to a zone a Link Monster points to, all Monsters in the Main Monster Zones are destroyed! Full Overlap!"

Electricity crackled around Topologic Bomber's body as its energy wings activated. The dragon roared as the electricity around its body shot forward, striking Trigger Wurm and Tempest, causing each to explode in particles of light.

"When Trigger Wurm is destroyed by a Link Monster's effect and sent to the Graveyard, I can draw one card." Revolver told as he drew. He then smirked at his opponent. "It seems this Duel won't last so long, unless you decide to fight me seriously, Kenji!"

"I always Duel seriously, Ryoken!" Siegfried answered back. "When a Dragon-type Monster I control leaves the field by a card effect, I can activate the effect of Mythic Fire Dragon in my Graveyard, which lets me Special Summon it, at pact it's banished the next time I send it to the Graveyard!"

Fire surrounded a spot beside Siegfried, from which a small serpentine dragon emerged. Its body was made entirely of fire, except its eyes that glowed with an intimidating yellow.

Mythic Fire Dragon: Fire/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 200/LV: 1

"Kuh, I forgot about that annoying dragon..." Revolver grudgingly admitted. "But even then, that won't stop my assault! I set one card face-down and Battle! Topologic Bomber, attack Mythic Fire Dragon! Ultimate Malicious Code!"

"That won't happen! I activate the Trap Card, Dragoprotection!" Siegfried exclaimed. "By banishing the Dragon-type Tempest from my Graveyard, I negate this attack!"

The Cyberse Link Monster fired a crimson beam from its mouth, that suddenly vanished as the Trap Card glowed.

"Then, the effect of Tempest activates!" Siegfried added. "When it's banished, I can add one Wind Dragon from my deck to my hand, and I choose Debris Dragon!"

Debris Dragon? I never heard of it before... Must be a new addition he made to his deck. Revolver thought before talking. "I end my turn!"

"Boku no turn!" Siegfried shouted. "Draw! From my hand, I normal summon Debris Dragon!"

A dragon with white scales that wore green armor here and there, had orange crystals inside of its chest and shoulders and had a trident-shaped head, appeared with a roar, leaving a small trail of stardust behind it. Revolver admitted it was a rather beautiful effect...

Debris Dragon: Wind/Dragon/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000/LV: 4

"A Tuner, huh? I see." Revolver scoffed. "You plan on Synchro Summoning Red Daemon's Dragon Scarlight and use its effect, destroying my Topologic and inflicting me 500 damage. Since my remaining Life Points would be 3000, with a direct attack, it's over for me."

"But that won't work, right?" Siegfried finished for his opponent. "I know that much, Ryoken. I activate Debris Dragon's effect! When it's Normal Summoned, I can target one Monster with 500 or less Attack in my Graveyard and Special Summon, at pact its effects are negated. Come back, Lightning, Dragon Ruler of Drafts!"

A GY Portal opened beside the white dragon as the said dragon emerged from it with its 500 ATK. However, it was summoned in front of Topologic Bomber's Top Marker!

"At this moment, Topologic Bomber's effect activates!" Revolver grinned. "Vanish before me, Kenji! Full Overlap!"

"No, that won't happen!" the other replied. "By banishing Dragoprotection from my Graveyard, I activate its second effect, negating the destruction of all my dragons!"

Transparent barriers formed around each dragon, protecting them from the Cyberse Link Monster's wrath.

"Ryoken, you might not believe me, but I still remember all that time we spent together when we were young." Siegfried said. "You told me the reason why you use dragons... and I remember my very core being silenced by your words' passion, even if you were much younger than me."

Revolver said nothing as he thought about that time...


FLASHBACK: 10 years ago - At Kogami residence

The 8-year-old Ryoken was currently playing with the 18-years-old Kenji at Duel Monsters. The older male was tall and had fair skin, blond hair, and beautiful jade-colored eyes.

"Battle!" Ryoken smirked. "Varrelload Dragon, direct attack!"

Kenji sweatdropped as his LP hit 0, meaning he lost. The 6-year-old Kai was sitting beside his older brother and wrote down another '1' under Ryoken's name on the paper. He was pretty short for his age and had fair skin, short brown hair with random blond strands and the same jade eyes as his older brother.

"Ryoken won seven times, while Kenji-oniisan only once!" an 8-year-old girl, who was taller than Kai but shorter than Kenji, giggled. She also had fair skin, long black hair with pink strands, and the same jade eyes as the other two. She was Kai's and Kenji's sister, Ruka.

Kenji blushed a little, annoyed that he couldn't win against a much younger person. He let out a sigh to calm his nerves.

"Well, Ryoken is my mentor after all." he tried to ease his situation.

"You just aren't good..." Kai said, prompting him to scratch his cheek with his forefinger in embarrassment and chuckle. "Also, Ryoken uses dragons. You don't."

"Dragons are strong and cool." Ryoken confirmed his statement. "Aso-niisan told me that in a lot of cultures and myths, dragons are symbols of power and strength!"

His light-blue eyes darted to the side and saw the vast Stardust Road outside the window.

"Together with my dragons..." he smiled. "I'll make father proud of me..."

Kenji noted sadness in the young boy's eyes, and he knew why. Just like his father, the Trinitas siblings' parents were always out of the house at work. Kenji himself was sad about it, but because Kai and Ruka won't have the attention they need from mother and father. Ryoken was trying to make his father happy by becoming strong...

The teen looked at Varrelload Dragon on his opponent's side of the field and got an idea...

FLASHBACK END


"The reason why I decided to use dragons as well, was to get the attention of my parents," Siegfried explained. "If I get strong, they'll surely listen to my questions and watch over Kai and Ruka more... That didn't happen, however, because they died, but I'm still here. Together with my dragons, I'm going to create the world Kai and Ruka need!"

Revolver didn't retort to his old friend's determination and ideals.

"Dragons gave you power, and Stardust Road gave you hope." Siegfried said. "Ryoken, I'll show it to you... the avatar of those feelings!"

"Avatar? What do you mean?" Revolver's eyebrows furrowed.

"I want to show you, Revolver, that I regret leaving you alone in the past! The Level 4 Debris Dragon tunes the Level 3 Lightning and the Level 1 Mythic Fire Dragon!"

A green beam erupted from behind Siegfried after those words, and his three monsters started disintegrating into pieces of data, which formed three rings and positioned themselves in front of each other. They merged together before exploding into particles of data that took the form of eight miniature rings.

"Clustering wishes!" Siegfried chanted. "Become a new shining star! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!"

A bright beam shot past the eight rings, our of which a new monster flew out. It was an adult version of Debris Dragon, covered in even more beautiful white scales that seemed to give a glow of their own, and the crystals in its body were blue. As the dragon flew beside Siegfried, it left a trail of stardust behind it- like Stardust Road! The dragon gave a loud roar as it entered the fray!

Stardust Dragon: Wind/Dragon/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 8

Revolver could feel several emotions swirl in his heart, unsure of what to feel: beauty by this new dragon, shock of it being Stardust Road's avatar itself, or actual fear to face the symbol of his hope...!

"Stardust...Dragon... you say?" he managed to sputter. "Stardust Road... is my enemy...!?"

That's when the Hanoi leader saw where the dragon was summoned: in front of Topologic's Top Marker!

"H-Hahahaha! You idiot!" Revolver exclaimed. "Topologic's effect isn't a once-per-turn effect! When another Monster is Special Summoned to a zone a Link Monster points to, all Monsters in the Main Monster Zones are destroyed by Topologic's effect! Full Overlap!"

"Not so fast!" Siegfried shouted. "Stardust Dragon's effect activates! During either player's turn, when a card or effect is activated that would destroy cards on the field, I can release Stardust to negate and destroy that card! Victim Sanctuary!"

"N-NANI!?"

Topologic Bomber activated its energy wings, reading its next electric discharge. However, Stardust Dragon flew forward and grabbed the other dragon in its grip, enveloping it with its wings. Topologic Bomber tried to set itself free but all in vain as they started to disintegrate into stardust until both perished.

"Topologic was...!" Revolver gritted his teeth. "You little...! Are you trying to humiliate me by using that dragon!?"

"Don't get me wrong, Ryoken!" Siegfried replied. "This Stardust Dragon will be the card to shatter the misunderstandings between us!"

"You always have something to say back, don't you!?" Revolver growled.

"That's just how I am. I set one card face-down and end my turn!" Siegfried concluded. "Also, during the End Phase of a turn in which I activated Stardust Dragon's effect, and it wasn't negated, I can call back my dragon!"

Emerging from a GY Portal was the said dragon with its 2500 ATK.

Tch, that's annoying... Revolver thought. Majority of my strongest Monsters, and Mirror Force, have destructive effects, which means Stardust Dragon can easily counter them. In this situation, I have to use...

"Watashi no turn! Draw!" Revolver shouted. His eyes widen a little at the card: Cyberse Redemption. The card he got from Kioku. "Destiny is telling me to win. First, I'll set one card face-down!"

After setting Cyberse Redemption, the Hanoi leader continued with his turn. "I activate the effect of Background Dragon in my Graveyard! If this Monster is in my Graveyard while I control no Monsters, I can Special Summon itself and one Level 4 or lower Dragon Monster from my hand! Come forth, Background Dragon and Hibernation Dragon!"

To appear were two dragons, the first being the bulky dragon covered in orange armor and having long brown claws, and the second being the bizarre-looking mechanical dragon with blue-colored energy wings.

Background Dragon: ATK: 1600/DEF: 1800/LV: 5

Hibernation Dragon: ATK: 600/DEF: 1500/LV: 3

"However, when Background which was Special Summoned by its effect leaves the field, it's banished." Revolver said. "Hibernation Dragon's effect activates upon Normal or Special Summon, letting me return a Level 4 or lower Dragon Monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Gateway Dragon to my hand, which I'll now summon!"

The dragon holding a golden portal reappeared on the field, filling its user's Main Monster Zone for the second time.

"Three Monsters..." Siegfried narrowed his eyes. "A Link Summon."

"Got it in one!" Revolver confirmed. "Arawarero, waga michi o terasu mirai kairo!"

Following his words, a Link Portal opened above him.

"Arrowheads confirmed!" he shouted. "The summoning conditions are one or more Level 5 or higher Dark Dragon Monsters! I set Background, Hibernation, and Gateway Dragon in the Link Markers!"

His three dragons morphed into three twisters of wind and entered the portal. "Link Summon! Appear, Link 3! Slug Varrel Dragon!"

Emerging from the portal was a similar dragon to Varrelload Dragon, but this one had less armor over its body, leaving its hands, lower chest, neck, and legs bare, thus revealing its grey scales. The armor over its body was crimson red with some black highlights, and blue energy wings glowed behind the dragon as it roared and entered the field in the Extra Monster Zone.

Slug Varrel Dragon: Dark/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 2300/Link 3: Left, Top, Right

"A Link 3 "Varrel" Monster you say?" Siegfried muttered in surprise. "You never had such a Link Monster before..."

"Like you, I keep my deck updated. Battle!" Revolver declared. "Slug Varrel Dragon, attack Stardust Dragon now!"

"You're attacking even if your Monster has less Attack!?" Siegfried exclaimed. "That means-!"

"My dragon has an effect? Bingo!" the Hanoi leader smirked. "I take no battle damage involving this Link Monster, and it cannot be destroyed by battle during my turn!"

True to his words, the two dragons clashed but none of them was defeated.

"Now that the battle ended, I can activate Slug Varrel Dragon's other effect!" Revolver told. "When this Link Summoned card attacks an opponent's Monster, at the end of the damage step, one Slug Counter is placed on that Monster!"

A red dot appeared on Stardust Dragon's chest seconds later.

(Stardust Dragon: Slug Counters 0→1)

Revolver threw his hand to the side as the card he Set on his first turn flipped up.

"I activate the Trap Card, Rate-Up Surmount Force! This card can be only activated when my opponent controls a Monster with equal or more Attack than a Link Monster I control. By sending that Link Monster from my field to the Graveyard, I Link Summon a Link Monster from my Extra Deck with the same Attribute, Type, and one Link higher than it!"

"Rate-Up!?" Siegfried's eyes widen behind his mask. "Bloody Talker wasn't the only one able to do that!?"

"Appear once again! Waga michi o terasu mirai kairo!" Revolver announced as the Link portal re-opened. "Using the Link 3 Slug Varrel Dragon, I re-set the Link Markers!"

The dragon gave a loud roar before entering the portal, causing its markers to glow red. "Circuit Re-Combine! Link Summon! My wind that pierces through the closed world! Come forth, Varrelload Dragon!"

The bipedal dragon covered in red and black armor, a gun's chamber instead of a torso, green highlights all over its body and wings, emerged from the portal with a roar that was answered by Stardust Dragon.

Varrelload Dragon: ATK: 3000/Link 4: Left, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right, and Right

"Since Slug Varrel Dragon left the field, I can activate its final effect!" Revolver stated. "All Monsters my opponent controls with Slug Counters have their Attack and Defense lowered to 0!"

"What!?" Siegfried gritted his teeth.

The ghostly image of Slug Varrel Dragon appeared on the field, opening its mouth wide as a cannon emerged from it. The dragon fired a bullet of energy at Stardust, causing it to cry out in pain as its power vanished.

(Stardust Dragon: ATK 2500→0/DEF 2000→0)

"Battle!" Revolver shouted. "Get a load of this, Kenji! Varrelload, attack that dragon! Varrel Cannon of Lightning!"

The mechanical dragon unleashed its own trigger from the cannon inside its mouth, hitting Stardust Dragon in the chest. That caused the dragon to explode, with Siegfried barely hanging on his D-Board.

Siegfried: LP 4000 - 3000 = 1000

"I activate... the effect of Mythic Wind Dragon in my hand!" Siegfried breathed out. "When I take battle damage involving a Dragon, for every 600 points of damage I took, I can draw a card by discarding Mythic Wind Dragon. Since I took 3000 damage, I draw five new cards!"

Mythic Wind Dragon: Wind/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1000/LV: 7

Revolver cursed his luck at that. From all cards, his opponent had to obtain such an advantage... "I end my turn!"

"Boku no turn!" Siegfried announced. "Draw! I activate the effect of Reactan, Dragon Ruler of Pebbles in my hand, discarding it and Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls to Special Summon Redox, Dragon Ruler of Boulders from my deck, at pact it can't attack this turn. Come forth, the mighty beast of boulders!"

The bulky dragon covered in wood and stone appeared with a grand roar.

Reactan, Dragon Ruler of Pebbles: Earth/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1200/LV: 4

Redox, Dragon Ruler of Boulders: ATK: 1500/DEF: 3000/LV: 7

"Now, I activate the effect of Tidal in my Graveyard!" Siegfried stated. "By banishing two Water and/or Dragon Monsters from my hand or Graveyard, I can Special Summon my mighty beast from the hand or Graveyard. The ones I banish are Dragon-types Mythic Wind Dragon and Reactan from the Graveyard. Revive, Tidal!"

A GY Portal opened before Siegfried as the dragon with a body made of ice and water emerged from it with a roar, narrowing its slits at the sight of Revolver and Varrelload Dragon.

Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls: ATK: 2600/DEF: 2000/LV: 7

"Arawarero! Sukui o tsunagaru sākitto!"

(Translation: Appear! The Circuit that connects salvation!)

Following Siegfried's words, a Link Portal appeared.

"Arrowheads confirmed!" he shouted. "The summoning conditions are two Level 7 Dragon Monsters. I set Tidal and Redox in the Link Markers!"

Said dragons turned into blue and brown twisters of wind and entered the portal. "Link Summon! Behold, Catastrophe, Dragon Ruler of Cataclysm!"

The dragon with a body made of lava, rocks, and water, and having two wings made of winds, emerged from the portal with a roar, flying on the Extra Monster Zone.

Catastrophe, Dragon Ruler of Cataclysm: ATK: 2400/Link 2: Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right

"Your Ace Monster." Revolver pointed out with a solemn face. "Now that we both have our Aces on the field, the true fight starts!"

"I agree." Siegfried smirked. "Here I come, Kogami Ryoken! Catastrophe, monsutā kōka hatsudō! As long as this card is in my Extra Monster Zone, all costs to activate other "Dragon Ruler" Monsters' effects are reduced by one, which means I have to banish only one Monster to revive my dragons and I don't have to discard other Monsters to use their additional effects in my hand!"

He gestured to his field. "Therefore, I activate Redox's effect, banishing Debris Dragon from my Graveyard to Special Summon it from the Graveyard!"

The said dragon reappeared on the field with its 3000 DEF.

"Then, I activate the Spell Card Dragon's Mirror," Siegfried explained. "Using its effect, I banish my Redox on my field and Tidal and Lightning in my Graveyard and perform a Fusion Summon!"

A giant mirror with a dragon-like design materialized on his field, in which the reflections of his three dragons could be seen. Moments later, the three Monsters turned into a whirlpool of particles and Siegfried chanted.

"Mighty beasts, the time has come to merge your three heads, and become a new being! Fusion Summon! Behold, the Level 9, Trishula, the Ice Prison Dragon!"

A beam erupted from the mirror, and a new dragon took the stage. The scales that covered this dragon were blue, under white armor that had some glowing crystals inside of it, and the dragon's wings were made out of ice. Trishula roared with its three heads as it was summoned to Catastrophe's Bottom-Left Marker.

Trishula, the Ice Prison Dragon: Water/Dragon/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2700/DEF: 2000/LV: 9

"I activate the effects of Redox and Tidal that were banished!" Siegfried shouted. "I can add one Earth Dragon and one Water Dragon respectively from my deck to my hand. I choose Mythic Tree Dragon and Mythic Water Dragon! Next, I activate Trishula, the Ice Prison Dragon's effect! When it's Special Summoned using only Dragons as materials, I can banish one card from my deck, the top card of my opponent's deck, and one card from their Extra Deck as well!"

Revolver gritted his teeth. He can banish any Monster from Extra Deck that I could use to turn this around. he thought.

"I banish Blaster, Dragon Ruler of Infernos from my deck, the top card of your deck, and Topologic Gumblar Dragon from your Extra Deck!" Siegfried declared, confusing Revolver.

Gumblar? Why would he choose that card and not something like Varrelsword Dragon? the Hanoi leader glanced at his set card. Does he think... my face-down is Cyberse Redemption?

"I activate Blaster's effect." Siegfried stated. "I add Flamvell Dragoon from my deck to my hand! Then, I activate my face-down card, Dragofury by targeting Trishula with it! This Continuous Trap Card is equipped to the targeted "Dragon Ruler" Monster or Level 7 or higher Dragon-type Monster, and my opponent takes 100 damage times its Level! Since Trishula is Level 9, you take 900 damage, Ryoken!"

A blue beam erupted from the Trap and hit Revolver in the chest, making him grunt as the spot glitched in pain.

Revolver: LP 3500 - 900 = 2600

"Moreover, due to Dragofury's additional effect, the equipped dragon gains 300 Attack for every banished card I have during my turn only!" Siegfried added as Trishula roared.

(Trishula, the Ice Prison Dragon: ATK 2700→5700)

"I see..." Revolver whispered. "Since Dragofury's effect to deal damage wasn't optional, my Life Points were forced to decrease to 2600. If he attacks Varrelload now, I would take 2700 damage and my Life Points would drop to 0, meaning I can activate Cyberse Redemption..."

He let out a sly smirk. "You were thinking that far ahead... it seems you're much stronger than I expected, Kenji."

"I strive to improve every day and moment." Siegfried replied with his own smirk. "Battle! Trishula, the Ice Prison Dragon, attacks Varrelload Dragon!"

"When an opponent's Monster attacks and my Life Points would be reduced to 0 by that attack, I can send one Cyberse Monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard to activate the Trap Card Cyberse Redemption!" Revolver exclaimed. "Due to its effect, the attacking Monster's Attack is reduced by that Cyberse Monster's Attack! I send Topologic Amygdala Dragon to the Graveyard so Trishula's Attack drops by 2500!"

(Trishula, the Ice Prison Dragon: ATK 5700→3200)

If Topologic Gumblar Dragon would've been in his Extra Deck, Revolver could've sent it to the GY and lower Trishula's ATK by 3000, lowering it to 2700, which is lower than Varrelload Dragon's 3000 ATK. However, since Siegfried banished Gumblar he wasn't able to do that...

In fact, Trishula let loose of water streams from its three mouth, washing over Varrelload and causing it to explode, with Revolver being blown back a bit.

Revolver: LP 2600 - 200 = 2400

"By banishing Rate-Up Surmount Force from my Graveyard, I activate its effect!" Revolver abruptly stated. "When the Link Monster Special Summoned by its effect is destroyed by battle, I can end the current Battle Phase!"

"You were able to survive..." Siegfried remarked. "I end my turn now! With it, the effect of Dragofury ends and Trishula's Attack returns to normal."

(Trishula, the Ice Prison Dragon: ATK 3200→200)

"Watashi no turn!" Revolver shouted as he took hold of his new card. Since he had no other cards in his hand nor field, everything was depending on this next draw. It doesn't matter if my opponent uses a Monster which is Stardust Road's avatar. That ocean isn't just a mere ocean to me. It's the road that gives me hope, and the thing that tied me and my father together when we were too separated from each other to notice.

"For my father's sake... with Stardust Road's hope... I DRAW!" Revolver cried out. He looked at his new card and nodded. "I'm still in this. I activate the Spell Card Treasure Cards of Reversal, whose effect allows me to draw a card for every face-up card my opponent controls! You have three such cards, therefore I draw three!"

"A lucky draw. If it wasn't for that, you would only have one card in your hand." Siegfried commented. "However, even luck can be one's power."

"Couldn't have said it better! From my hand, I activate the Spell Card Resurrection of the Dead to revive my Varrelload Dragon from the Graveyard!"

Following Revolver's words, his Ace emerged from a GY Portal.

"At this moment, I activate my Skill!" Siegfried announced as the silver highlights on his suit started glowing. "Summon Selection! When my opponent Special Summons a Monster from their hand, Graveyard, or Banish Zone that has 3000 or more Attack, that Monster is released and my opponent Special Summons a Monster from my own Graveyard instead!"

"Your Skill wasn't Dragon's Brutality!?" Revolver's eyes widen as Varrelload Dragon burst into particles of light. "But the only Monster in your Graveyard is... What are you scheming, Kenji?"

"I don't care about winning this Duel. I never did from the start," Siegfried explained. "What I want to accomplish is peace between the two of us. Not as Siegfried and Revolver, but as Kenji Trinitas and Kogami Ryoken!"

"Are you still talking about that?" Revolver asked with an exasperated expression. "I thought I made myself clear; I don't care about your excuses!"

"Now we're Dueling, and you have no choice but to listen to me!" Siegfried said. "Ten years ago, the Hanoi Project was finally over and your father was infected by SOL's computer virus. Me and my family, especially my parents, tried their best to cheer you up. I did it because you were my friend, but my parents because of their self-penitence... they helped Dr. Kogami during the Project after all."

"And two years later, your mother and father committed suicide." Revolver continued for him. "The cause was unknown, but you three siblings and I knew why they did that... Guilt for helping my father in the Hanoi Project."

"That's right." Siegfried confirmed with a saddened face. "And then, one year later, you asked me to join the Knights of Hanoi, a group you and your father, who broke free from his coma thanks to you and your Knights' help, were forming. I declined your invite, saying I didn't want to involve my remaining family in shady business... but you never let me finish."

"What was there to finish?" Revolver growled. "That you're going to join an Ignis years later instead of me, your best friend!? Was that it!?"

"No, you're wrong!" Siegfried retorted. "I also meant to say your plan was too thoughtless! Instead of attacking the Ignis, which didn't view humans as the enemy, you attacked them and started everything!"

"What the Hell was I supposed to do!?" Revolver snapped. "Wait for the Ignis to attack first!?"

"Make some real contact with them, befriend them, or make it clear that humans don't want war!" Siegfried pointed out. "Don't you think that would've been a much more calm and rational approach!?"

"HA! Like that would've changed something!" Revolver snorted. "Take IGNF1 for example. I admit what my father was doing to Kioku was wrong, but he was needed to complete the Hanoi Project! He couldn't hand him over to IGNF1, and my father made this clear. It was that creepy-crawly Ignis that attacked us first!"

"But your answer was force as well!" Siegfried told. "Force only produces more force! You should've let IGNF1 take Kioku with him so there wouldn't be any problems!"

"Enough!" Revolver bellowed. "I don't want to have this type of conversation with someone who lets an Ignis use them as a puppet!"

"We are nobody's puppets." Siegfried stated. "We, together with Adam, aim to make this world better! We want to make an Eden out of it, and we shouldn't be fighting against each other, Ryoken! That's why I used the Skill, Summon Selection! You have no choice but to summon the only Monster in my Graveyard, Stardust Dragon, which is the symbol of my friendship with you!"

"Friendship?" Revolver raised an eyebrow.

"Be it win or lose, after this Duel, you'll take that card away with you." Siegfried said. "I don't care if you throw it away or keep it afterwards, that's your business. But what I want is for you to understand that I, Kenji Trinitas, view you like my old friend! Stardust Dragon is the proof of that."

What? Revolver thought, surprised by his words. Siegfried seems hell-bent on being friends with Rev- no, Ryoken, the person behind Revolver's mask. But what good will that do to him? Wouldn't his little boss snap at him for giving Revolver such a good card and by telling him all this?

That further shows how Siegfried was serious about this whole "we're still friends" matter. How should Revolver answer to this? After all, he is still mad at Siegfried and his brother and sister for turning their backs on him when he needed it the most, but seeing how much he was trying to reach out for him, Revolver couldn't help but think twice about his decision...

"...That's Kogami Ryoken's problem." he finally answered. "Currently, I'm Revolver, leader of the Knights of Hanoi! After this Duel, I will take Stardust Dragon and... rethink my opinion on you, Kenji Trinitas."

The grey-haired Duelist let out a sly smile. "I can't believe it took me seven to get through you. And I thought people like Playmaker or Bloody Talker were stubborn."

"Calm down, it's not like we're best friends forever or something." Revolver said. "I have yet to decide whether or not to forgive you and your family's actions. However, I'll admit you were able to wave me a little. Now, let's continue this Duel! Due to your Skill, I Special Summon Stardust Dragon from your Graveyard to my field!"

In a bright explosion of stardust, the dragon with the same name appeared with a roar and its 2500 ATK, flying in the Left-Most Monster Zone of Revolver's field.

"Next, I equip my new dragon with Sword of Toxic Solitude!" Revolver shouted as an eerie-looking sword materialized in Stardust's hand. "This Equip Spell can be equipped to the only Monster I control, and if it battles an opponent's Monster, its original Attack and Defense are doubled during the damage calculation only!"

"Doubled!?" Siegfried gasped.

"I set one card face-down and Battle!" Revolver declared, thinking of a good attack name for his dragon. "Stardust Dragon, attack Trishula! Roar and cut him to pieces, Shooting Blade Slash - Toxic Sonic!"

"..." was all Siegfried said.

"Hey! That attack name was good, taking into consideration it's attacking with Sword of Toxic Solitude!" Revolver snapped at the other's silence.

(Stardust Dragon: ATK 2500→5000/DEF 2000→4000)

Stardust Dragon flew onward and swung its blade to the side, bisecting Trishula and prompting it to explode, with the smoke quickly heading towards Siegfried.

"I activate Flamvell Dragoon's effect in my hand!" he shouted as a transparent barrier protected him from the smoke. "By discarding this card and returning the banished Mythic Fire Dragon, that has 200 Defense, to my Graveyard, I negate one instance of battle or effect damage!"

(Stardust Dragon: ATK 5000→2500/DEF 4000→2000)

"I end my turn!" Revolver concluded.

"Boku no turn!" Siegfried declared. "Draw! I normal summon Mythic Tree Dragon from my hand, and now that I control an Earth Monster, I can Special Summon Mythic Water Dragon from my hand to keep it company!"

Appearing beside the masked Duelist were two dragons, both of which had serpentine-like bodies. One had a body made of wood and rocks, while the other of pure water. They roared in unison at the enemy.

Mythic Tree Dragon: Earth/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 1400/LV: 4

Mythic Water Dragon: Water/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000/LV: 8

"Damn it..." Revolver cursed upon seeing those two dragons. With them, the next Monster Siegfried most likely will summon is one that can turn this situation in his favor!

"I activate Tree Dragon's effect, targeting the Water Dragon Monster, Mythic Water Dragon with it!" Siegfried stated. "Tree Dragon's Level becomes equal to the target's own Level!"

(Mythic Tree Dragon: Level 4→8)

"Now, I Overlay my two Level 8 dragons!" Siegfried said as his two dragons entered an Xyz Portal that opened on his field. "Brandish your sword filled with light and hope to strike down all evil! Mighty knight, descend! Xyz Summon! Behold, Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand!"

Leaping out of the portal was a tall knight clad in shimmering gold armor that had a white cape attached to its shoulders. He gave a loud battle cry as it entered the field under Catastrophe's Bottom-Left Marker.

Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand: Light/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1800/RK: 8

"So you still have that card... Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand..." Revolver mused. "Your first Ace Monster before switching to a pure Dragon deck."

"Keeping some things from the past with you always comes in handy." Siegfried told. "Just like Felgrand! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I activate his effect! During either player's turn once, I can target one face-up Monster on the field and negate its effect, along with making it become unaffected by all other card effects for the rest of this turn! I choose your Stardust Dragon! Sacred Sword's Brilliance!"

(Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand: OVU 2→1)

A light orbiting around the knight was cut into pieces by his sword, and he pointed it at Stardust Dragon. Moments later, a yellow beam was fired from it and hit the dragon in the chest, causing its eyes to lose their glow and drop the eerie sword.

"That means Sword of Toxic Solitude's effect won't double Stardust's stats since it's unaffected by other card effects...!" Revolver gritted his teeth.

"Lastly, I activate an Equip Spell of my own, Dragon Shield to be exact! I equip to Catastrophe!" Siegfried stated as his Ace was covered in bulky armor. "The equipped Dragon cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and neither player takes battle damage involving it. Now, I set one card face-down and Battle! Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand, attack Stardust Dragon! Divine Balmung!"

"I activate Cyberse Redemption's other effect!" Revolver quickly stated. "If a Monster I control would be destroyed by my opponent, I can banish this card and Topologic Bomber Dragon from my Graveyard instead!"

The knight leaped forward and swung its sword at Stardust Dragon, causing it to roar in pain but wasn't defeated.

Revolver: LP 2400 - 300 = 2100

"For it not to be your own Monster, you sure use it like one." Siegfried chuckled. "I end my turn!"

"Watashi no turn!" Revolver shouted. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Link Recovery, whose effect allows me to Special Summon one Link Monster from my Graveyard! Come back to my side, Topologic Amygdala Dragon!"

A GY Portal opened on his Middle Monster Zone, from which the bipedal dragon with a slim body that looked like it was made of dark-red 3-strand braids, two large gull airplane-wings attached to its back, three rocket exhausts attached to each of its legs, a chest with the form of a Seifert surface and a sphere of light in its center, its head covered by neon green glowing rectangular eyes, emerged with a roar.

Topologic Amygdala Dragon: ATK: 2500/Link 3: Bottom, Right, Top

"Because I control another Monster, Sword of Toxic Solitude is destroyed," Revolver explained as the Equip Spell burst into particles. "Then, Link Recovery's effect continues! If the number of Monsters my opponent controls are less than the Link Rating of the Monster summoned by its effect, my opponent draws equal to that difference."

"I have two Monsters on board, while Amygdala is Link 3." Siegfried pointed out. "The difference is one, so I draw one card."

"I activate my set card, the Quick-Play Spell Card Dragon's Cry!" Revolver stated. "Through its effect, I can Special Summon one Dragon from my deck whose Level is equal to the number of Monsters I control! With two, I can Special Summon the Level 2 Sniffing Dragon from my deck in defense mode!"

The Hanoi leader's dragons roared in unison, conjuring a portal beside Amygdala's Right Marker, from which the bipedal dragon with red and vanilla scales and wearing some armor pieces emerged.

Sniffing Dragon: ATK: 800/DEF: 400/LV: 2

"Sniffing Dragon's effect activates upon summon!" Revolver declared. "I add another Sniffing Dragon from my deck to my hand! And at this moment, the effect of Topologic Amygdala Dagon activates since a Monster was summoned to a zone it points to! All cards from both player's Graveyards! Do it, Dreams Corrosion!"

The wings on Topologic Amygdala opened into two as a dark mist was left out.

"I won't allow that!" Siegfried suddenly interrupted. "I activate Felgrand's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I target your Amygdala Dragon and negate its effects, along with making it become unaffected by other card effects for the rest of this turn! Sacred Sword's Brilliance!"

After slashing the last light orbiting around his body, the Divine Dragon Knight's sword gained a sacred glow as he used it to fan the dark mist away, and then fire a beam at Topologic Amygdala Dragon which caused the dragon to lose the glow in its eyes.

(Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand: OVU 1→0)

"Since Amygdala's effects are negating, you won't be able to use its effects to raise its Attack and surpass Felgrand's." Siegfried smirked. "Also, attacking Catastrophe would be useless since I won't take damage and it won't be destroyed by battle thanks to Dragon Shield! You should've used Link Recovery to revive Varrelload Dragon instead of Amygdala!"

"No." Revolver calmly replied. "This route was the right one to take in order to achieve victory! Arawarero, waga michi o terasu mirai kairo!"

A Link Portal appeared in front of Revolver.

"The summoning condition is one Dragon Monster!" he stated. "I set Sniffing Dragon in the Link Marker! Link Summon! Appear, Square Shield Dragon!"

The bipedal dragon with red scales wearing medieval-like armor and holding an oversized square-shaped shield emerged from the portal with a roar and stood on the Extra Monster Zone.

Square Shield Dragon: ATK: 100/Link 1: Bottom

"That dragon?" Siegfried asked confused- before he gasped in shock. "No way! Your plan was-!"

"Exactly! Square Shield Dragon, monsutā kōka hatsudō!" Revolver shouted. "When it's Special Summoned, I can place one Shield Counter on this card!"

(Square Shield Dragon: Shield Counter 0→1)

"This Duel ends here, Kenji! Battle!" Revolver declared. "Stardust Dragon, attack Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand! However, your Monster has more Attack than mine, so Stardust would be destroyed!"

True to his words, Stardust Dragon flew forward but Felgrand kicked the dragon back to where it came from with graceful maneuvers, and he raised his sword, ready to slay the beautiful dragon-!

"At this moment, I activate Square Shield's other effect!" Revolver interrupted the battle. "By removing one Shield Counter from this dragon, I negate the destruction of a Dragon I control, and if I do, that Dragon gains 600 Attack until the End Phase!"

Square Shield Dragon's eyes flashed yellow before it threw its shield towards Stardust Dragon, which managed to catch and shield itself from Felgrand's sword in the neck of time. Revolver's avatar glitched as he took some damage.

Revolver: LP 2100 - 300 = 1800

(Square Shield Dragon: Shield Counter 0→1; Stardust Dragon: ATK 2500→3100)

"I activate Square Shield Dragon's last effect!" Revolver declared. "By sealing this Monster from attacking this turn, another Dragon I control can attack an opponent's Monster again this turn! Battle! Stardust, attack Felgrand!"

"Trap Card, open!" Siegfried shouted. "Dragosouls! When a Monster I control is attacked, I can banish up to two Dragons from my Graveyard and have it gain 800 Attack for each one!"

"Not on my watch! I activate Slug Varrel Dragon's effect in my Graveyard!" Revolver said. "When a Trap Card is activated during my Battle Phase, I can banish this card to negate that Trap's activation!"

"Huh, so this is it for me..." Siegfried mused as he lowered his Duel Disk in defeat.

"Strike him down, Stardust!" the Hanoi leader cried out. "SHOOTING SONIC!"

The beautiful dragon threw the shield and unleashed a bright beam from its mouth, which washed over the Divine Dragon Knight and caused him to cry out in pain before exploding, the shockwaves sending Siegfried flying back.

Siegfried: LP 1000 - 300 = 700

"My knight was...!" Siegfried muttered.

"At this moment, I activate Dragon's Cry's other effect in my Graveyard!" Revolver stated. "When a Level 5 or higher Dragon I control destroys an opponent's Monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, by banishing this card and two Dragons from my Graveyard, my opponent takes damage equal to half the destroyed Monster's Attack!"

If Revolver would've summoned Varrelload with Link Recovery and then Square Shield, I would've negated Square Shield's effect. Then, Revolver would've used Varrelload to steal away Felgrand or destroy it and make me take 200 battle damage. After that, defeating my Catastrophe equipped with Dragon Shield would've been impossible. Siegfried thought with a wide smile. That's why he went for Amygdala, to deceive me... Ryoken, you've grown so much as a person and Duelist... I gratefully accept this loss!

"Take 1400 damage, Kenji Trinitas! I win!"

Following Revolver's words, the ghostly image of Divine Dragon Knight Felgrand washed over Siegfried, knocking off his D-Board and his body glitched in pain.

Siegfried: LP 700 - 1400 = 0

Winner: Revolver!

The moment his Life Points hit zero, Siegfried vanished together with the camouflage dome, most likely being logged out. The remaining cards on the field dissolved into thin air and Stardust Dragon's card materialized in Revolver's hand.

"It was also thanks to this card that I won." he remarked. "Stardust Dragon... Stardust Road is now fighting as a dragon by my side. I wonder... what would father say...?"

[Revolver-sama?]

Spectre's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "I'm listening."

[I finished my Duel on this end.] Spectre told. [If I was able to contact you, that means you did as well, yes?]

"Of course." Revolver nodded as he added the card to his Extra Deck. "We're returning to our H.Q. and we'll talk there."

[As you wish.]

That said, both Hanoi members vanished in particles of data, both of them victorious...!


I hope this chapter answered all the fans' excitement to see Stardust Dragon in action, and he even got to be used by Revolver himself! Moreover, Spectre had his moment as well, performing the very first Samsara Link Summon, a new idea that crossed my mind to expand Link Monsters' possibilities!

Before you tell me Spectre's new "San Flora" Monsters are OP (like he mentioned) let me explain why they aren't.

1) San Floras aren't "San Avalon" Monsters, which means the majority of the cards Spectre already has would be useless if he doesn't control a San Avalon. That's why I had to make San Flora Samsara a thing.

2) San Seed Genius Augusti is a Gemini Monster. Until you manage to get out a San Flora and Normal Summon it to gain its Effects, you would be waaayyyyy died by then.

3) To summon San Floras you would need Yggdrasil, the main "San Flora" boss monster. If you don't have her, everything that Spectre did against Nova would be impossible.

Siegfried and Nova both lost but they worked hard to do what they could! Nova was even taunted by Spectre in his Duel, and who knows what effect will this have on him...!?

In this chapter, I didn't make Revolver perform a Synchro Summon because I want to keep that as a surprise for when he'll battle Windy with his new look! Moreover, he didn't use his Skill as well because his LP never reached 1000 or below! (Also because I had no ideas for a new "Topologic" Monster but those are details for another day!)

And now, let's talk about canon!

As I expected, Earth lost. It was inevitable, if not Go's character wouldn't have had a sense. I actually thought Go might use Synchros, and it seems I was right.

What SOL did to poor Earth was horrible, even Spectre shed a tear... I think every incident kid as an 'invisible' link with their Ignis, and as Earth died, Spectre felt this link (which even he didn't know existed) shatter as Crystal Heart did. And that scene was really sad as well...

I saw the next episodes' summaries and we'll get Ghost Girl vs Blood Sheperd people! THAT'S WHAT I CALL A DUEL! Can't wait to see it! Also, I'm thinking: could Ema and Kengo be siblings, or is the title referring to Aoi and Akira!?

What do you guys think?

With that said, I'll see you all next time! Don't forget to review!


Fan-made Cards/Skills:

Spectre:

San Seed Genius Augusti (Earth/Plant/Gemini/ATK: 600/DEF: 0/LV: 1)

This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the GY. While this card is a Normal Monster on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it become an Effect Monster with this effect.

[You can Tribute this card: Special Summon up to 2 "San Flora" Link 1 monsters from your Extra Deck to a zone a "San Flora" Link Monster points to. You can only use this effect of "San Seed Genius Augusti" once per turn.]

San Bloom Shield

Normal Trap

When you're attacked directly, negate that attack and end the Battle Phase. If this card is in your GY and you would take one instance of battle or effect damage, you can banish this card to negate it and draw 1 card. You can only use this effect of "San Bloom Shield" once per turn.

San Avalon Grace

Continuous Spell

If you control no "San Avalon" monsters, destroy this card. There can only be 1 "San Avalon Grace" on the field. Your opponent cannot target or destroy other "San" cards, or face-down cards, in your Spell/Trap Zone. You can banish this card from your GY to negate a card or effect which targets a "San" card you control and destroy it.

San Vine Cleric (Earth/Plant/Effect/ATK: 200/DEF: 1400/LV: 3)

When this card is used as Link Material to summon a "San Avalon" monster, draw cards equal to that monster's Link Rating, OR, return cards from your Banish Zone to the GY equal to that monster's Link Rating.

San Vine Nativity

Normal Spell

Activate if you control no monsters in your Main Monster Zones: Special Summon 1 "San Vine" Link Monster from your Extra Deck to a zone a "San Avalon" Link Monster points to. This turn, only it can attack and it's unaffected by your opponent's card effects if a Link 3 or higher "San Avalon" Link Monster is pointing at it. During the End Phase, destroy the monster summoned by this card. You can only activate one "San Vine Nativity" per turn.

San Flora Samsara

Continuous Trap

Activate when a "San Avalon" monster leaves your field by your opponent: Special Summon that monster from your GY by negating its effects. All "San" cards you control in your Spell/Trap Zone cannot be destroyed by their own effects or by your opponent. Once per turn, you can shuffle up to 3 "San" monsters in your GY into your deck and inflict 100 damage to your opponent for each one, and if you do, place 1 Flora Counter on a face-up "San Flora" monster you control for every 100 damage dealt. There can only be 1 "San Flora Samsara" on the field.

San Flora Yggdrasil (Earth/Plant/Link/Effect/ATK: 0/Link: ?)

You can only Link Summon this card (from your Extra Deck) by using a Link 3 or higher "San Avalon" Link Monster you control that was Special Summoned from the GY as material. This card gains the material's Link Arrows.

Cannot be targeted for attacks, but does not prevent your opponent from attacking you directly. Once per turn, you can Special Summon 1 "San Flora" Link 1 monster from your Extra Deck to a zone this card points to. Once per turn (Quick Effect): Tribute 1 "San Flora" monster this card points to and gain 1000 LP. When another "San" monster leaves your field, place 1 Flora Counter on this card. By removing all Flora Counters from this card, for each one, your opponent takes 200 damage. The turn you activate this effect, you cannot enter your Battle Phase or deal further damage to your opponent. If this card was Link Summoned, it gains this effect.

[Up to twice per turn, if you take battle or effect damage: You can Special Summon 1 "San Flora" Link 1 monster from your Extra Deck to your zone this card points to, and if you do, gain LP equal to the damage you took.]

San Flora Slasher (Earth/Plant/Link/Effect/ATK: 1000/Link 1: Top)

1 "San Seed" monster OR San Vine Slasher

If no "San Flora" Link Monster points to this card, destroy this card. If this card is Special Summoned: Target 1 "San Flora" Link Monster that points to this card; this card gains ATK equal to that monster's Link Rating x 800, + an additional 800 if it was summoned by the effect of a "San Seed" or "San Flora" monster. At the start of the Damage Step, when this card battles an opponent's monster: You can activate this effect; if that opponent's monster is destroyed by this battle and sent to the GY, Special Summon that opponent's monster to your field.

San Flora Healer (Earth/Plant/Link/Effect/ATK: 800/Link 1: Bottom)

1 "San Seed" monster OR San Vine Healer

If no "San Flora" Link Monster points to this card, destroy this card. If this card is Special Summoned: Target 1 "San Flora" Link Monster that points to this card; gain LP equal to that monster's Link Rating x 400, + an additional 400 if it was summoned by the effect of a "San Seed" or "San Flora" monster. When your opponent activates a card or effect that targets a "San Flora" monster(s) you control (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY and pay 1000 LP, and if you do, negate the activation.

San Vine Restrain

Counter Trap

When your opponent activates a Monster Effect and you control a Plant Link Monster: Tribute 1 monster you control, and if you do, negate that effect's activation. You can only activate 1 "San Vine Restrain" per turn.

San Flora Gardna (Earth/Plant/Link/Effect/ATK: 800/Link 1: Bottom)

1 "San Seed" monster OR San Vine Gardna

If no "San Flora" Link Monster points to this card, destroy this card. If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "San Seed" or "San Flora" monster: Place 2 Flora Counters on a face-up card you control. When an opponent's monster declares an attack that targets this card: You can target 1 "San Flora" Link Monster that points to it; reduce any battle damage you would take from that battle by that monster's Link Rating x 800. If this card is destroyed by battle: You can end the Battle Phase and inflict 600 damage to your opponent.

Nova:

Full Armored Release/Burst

Equip Spell

Equip only to a "Full Armor" monster: All its effects that state "once per turn" become "twice per turn", and if a monster is destroyed by its effect, you can draw 1 card. If the equipped monster would be destroyed, you can destroy this card instead.

Siegfried:

Summon Selection

Skill

Activate when your opponent Special Summons a monster from their hand, GY, or Banish Zone that has 3000 or more ATK: That monster is Tributed and your opponent Special Summons a monster from your GY instead.

Mythic Fire Dragon (Fire/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 200/LV: 1)

When a Dragon monster you control leaves the field by a card effect, you can: Special Summon this card from your GY, but banish it the next time it's sent to the GY. You can only Special Summon 1 "Mythic Fire Dragon" per turn this way.

Dragoprotection

Normal Trap

Banish 1 Dragon monster from your GY to negate an opponent's monster's attack. If a Dragon monster(s) you control would be destroyed: Banish this card from your GY instead.

Mythic Wind Dragon (Wind/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1000/LV: 7)

When you take battle damage involving a Dragon monster, discard this card from your hand: For every 600 damage, draw 1 card from your deck. You can only use this effect of "Mythic Wind Dragon" once per turn.

Dragofury

Continuous Trap

Target 1 "Dragon Ruler" monster or 1 Level 7 or higher Dragon monster you control: Equip this card to it, and if you do, inflict 100 damage to your opponent X its Level. During your turn only, the equipped monster gains 300 ATK for every banished card you have. There can only be 1 "Dragofury" on the field.

Dragosouls

Normal Trap

When a monster you control is attacked, you can banish up to 2 Dragon monsters from your GY: The attacked monster gains 800 ATK for each until the End Phase.

Revolver:

Slug Varrel Dragon (Dark/Dragon/Effect/ATK: 2300/Link 3: Left, Top, Right)

1+ Level 5 or higher DARK Dragon monsters

You take no battle damage involving this card and it cannot be destroyed by battle during your turn. At the end of the Damage Step, if this Link Summoned card attacked a monster: You can place 1 Slug Counter on that monster (max. 1). When this card leaves the field, activate this effect: All monsters your opponent controls with Slug Counters have their ATK and DEF lowered to 0. When a Trap Card is activated during your Battle Phase and this card is in your GY: Banish it to negate that Trap's activation. You must have another "Varrel" monster on your field or GY to activate and resolve this effect.

[Trivia: this card is based on the "slug barrel", a barrel for a shotgun that is designed primarily to fire slugs.]

Rate-Up Surmount Force

Normal Trap

Activate only when your opponent controls a monster with equal or more ATK than a Link Monster you control: Target that Link Monster you control; Send it to the GY, and if you do, Special Summon from your Extra Deck, ignoring its summoning conditions, 1 Link Monster with the same Attribute and Type as the Monster sent to the GY but 1 Link higher. (This Special Summon is treated as a Link Summon.) You can only activate one "Rate-Up Surmount Force" per turn. If the monster summoned by this effect is destroyed by battle, you can banish this card from your GY: End the current Battle Phase.

Dragon's Cry

Quick-Play Spell

Special Summon 1 Dragon monster from your deck whose Level is equal to the number of monsters you control. When a Level 5 or higher Dragon monster you control destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the GY: Banish this card and 2 Dragon monsters from your GY; Inflict half of the destroyed monster's ATK as damage to your opponent. You can only use each effect of "Dragon's Cry" once per turn.