Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS Overdrive!

by SakushiRyu

(S2) Ketsueki Kioku is the seventh victim of the Hanoi Project. After he and his new friends defeated the Knights of Hanoi, life finally seemed to be going well for our heroes. However, new enemies appear! Follow our heroes' journey in defeating evil, all while Kioku discovers the truth about his past. (Some OOCness, sorry) (Cover Art made by me)

36. (S2) Re-awakened Memories

So, um... this is the longest chapter I have ever written so far! And what I want to say with that is: get your reading glasses ready because this chapter is long. Like... really long. I've warned you all!

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

- In response to D3lph0xL0v3r's review:

"I'll continue to be on the good side, do not worry." Aqua assured. "Sakushi Ryu has some interesting plans for Lily that won't interfere with me becoming Aoi's Ignis."

"Yes, but I will join that dark side!" Lily bellowed, laughing as any villain would do, thunders echoing in the background. "cough cough cough!" the Light Ignis suddenly coughed, her evil moment being ruined.

"Yeah, that won't happen." Aqua shook her head, reading Lily's true goals.

- In response to scififan599's review:

"The idea of Markers' Force came way before your Synchro Force debuted, it just wasted a lot of time in revealing Markers' Force," Sakushi Ryu explained. "Don't worry, HunterHQ isn't such an evil character... unlike Queen!"

"What have I done to be mentioned in this situation?" Queen asked.

"Did you say something about my mother!?" Cyndy pulled up her sleeves.

"There's a reason why I use Dragons... a deeper meaning." Kioku stated. "Read this chapter and there's a hint in it! And yeah, my deck is kinda all over the place, but Sakushi Ryu is my writer so... you know how that ends."

- In response to HunterHQ's review:

"Yes, but then Kioku only defeated Tera and Byte. It was later Haru who 'fired them' as he did to Bit and Boot." Sakushi Ryu pointed out. "And yeah, he also didn't know about this 'you are fired' thing."

"And suffering by the hands of a Cyberse is nothing to be ashamed for." Kioku chimed in, although, Sakushi Ryu wasn't so sure about what he said.

"WHERE'S THAT CYBERSE DRAGON!?" Grim roared in the back. "I'LL KILL IT!"

"I gotta go!" Kioku quickly ran to calm him down.

"In any case, Deirdre was with Lightning... wait... oh no... oh no!" Sakushi Ryu gasped, taking numerous pieces of sheets with plot points written on them. "Deirdre was absorbed by the Tower while Lightning attacked the Cyberse World! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO-*sigh*... I'll have to correct that, thanks for pointing it out."

- In response to Lindia Fullmoon's review:

"The cool people always play God's Anger when something cool happens!" Sakushi Ryu grinned with sunglasses on, using hundreds of loudspeakers to blast the mentioned song in the entire room.

"COULD YOU TURN THAT DOWN!?" Haru shouted. "I CAN'T CONCENTRATE ON THE LINES I HAVE TO STUDY FOR TODAY'S CHAPTER!"

"WHAT!?" Sakushi Ryu didn't hear him well, in fact, Haru was spoiling today's chapter!

"I SAID! COULD YOU TURN THE VOLUME DOWN! I AM GOING TO DUEL IN THE CHAPTER SO I HAVE TO GO OVER MY LINES!"

"WHAT!?"

"ARE YOU SERIOUS!?"

"WHAAAAAT!?"

"NII-SAN, COME HERE AND USE YOUR MONSTERS TO KILL THIS HUMAN WHO THINKS CAN PLAY AROUND WITH ME!"

- In response to ClearwingYuta's review:

"There's no reason for that here. After all, Sakushi Ryu will expand Haru's role in this story and the two of us will have a good talk." Bohman revealed a big spoiler. "Anyway, what's up with this loud music coming from this room?"

Bohman opened the door where Sakushi Ryu was listening to God's Anger and saw Haru strangling the writer.

"DIIIIIEEEE!" was Haru's roar over the music.

"Well... I guess Lightning will take over this story now that our writer will die..." Bohman mused.

Suddenly, Sakushi Ryu's body exploded in confetti, confusing the two siblings.

"Phew, that was close...!" the writer exhaled as he used an unknown and stupid ninja technique to escape. "In any case, I don't feel anything for Deirdre's farewell since she was just a character there for other characters to develop during her Duels. Yes, Toxin will be there to see Blood Sheperd lose to Lightning. There will be a conversation between those girls, and for the other question... no spoilers, so you'll have to stick around for that. And the same goes for the other question... no one will expect a grand character to be joined by-"

"Wait, I think I can hear his voice coming from there!" Haru shouted, spotting the writer.

"Off I go!" Sakushi Ryu ran away.

- In response to Tiny Pink Kitten's review:

"Storm Access!? That outdated thing!? Pff!" Kioku laughed. "Of course not! Cyberse Horizon for life!"

"Vos mos incidere!?" Lightning exclaimed, shocked by Kitten's words. "Te obtinuit idea in malum, carissimi! I will reign over humans! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"NO!" Lily barked. "Duels are not tools of war! Duels are-"

"The things Kitten listed?" Lightning cut her off.

"Exactly! Time to be defeated, you meanie head!"

"HA! Super mortuum meum!" Lightning shot back at her.

"DUEL!" the two started Dueling, spamming the field with monsters just like Akaba Reiji would...

- In response to Darwin-18's review:

"The same things I said to ClearwingYuta apply here as well." Bohman told.

- In response to ThePLOThand's review:

A single tear ran down from Sakushi Ryu's eye at that, and the entire cast started clapping at his success. "Thank you, thank you!" the writer cried. "It was my *sniff* pleasure to make this story, which I like to make as crazy as possible! After you read this chapter, you'll see what I mean!"

---

(Season 2)

Turn 15:

Re-awakened Memories on a Battlefield

---

IRL: At Kioku's apartment

"Good morning, Master Kioku."

Were Grangadez's words to the young teen, who entered the kitchen with a long yawn. He stretched out his hands behind his head and smiled at Grangadez, who was preparing his breakfast.

Kioku argued with the Duel Monster several times over this, but Grangadez, after he learned how to cook properly, continued to make him breakfast, launch, dinner, and even his launch box every day. For a Duel Monster and God, the dragon knew how to make exquisite food.

"Will there be a day you won't bother with doing my food?" Kioku asked as he sat down, a smile on his face, knowing the answer already.

"Of course not." Grangadez said. "I told you, the job Kyoya-san gave me is to look after you in his place. Moreover, don't think I hate doing this. I have to admit, cooking is very interesting and fun."

"The same answer as always." Grangadez smiled himself at Kioku's exasperated sigh.

It was good to see the young teen back on his feet after what happened to him yesterday: it took the entire afternoon for Grim to calm Kioku's damaged heart, and the Ignis did a good job at hearing him out and taking in his tears. Kioku looked as if his heart was at ease now.

"Aoi-san called you this morning." Grangadez told. "You were sleeping, so I answered it. I explained you won't go to school today and get some rest, and she agreed with our choice. She's going to pass you her notes after school."

"I'll have to thank her, then." Kioku said. "I'll text her after eating."

"Moreover, she mentioned yesterday's Duel with Lily." Grangadez added. "They won perfectly. Lily left after that, saying she needed some time to sort her thoughts."

"Let's hope she's going to be OK, alone in the network."

[-who had a LINK VRAINS account named Deirdre.] the anchorwoman in today's news broadcast said, catching both of their attention. [Surprisingly, she was a member of the Knights of Hanoi, a terrorist hacker group that vanished three months ago. Local authorities got a message last night that exactly stated "I killed her" with this young woman's address, and they found her dead body in her own apartment, but-]

"Grim!?" Kioku shouted, standing up from the table. "Were you the one to kill Deirdre?"

He arrived at his room and took hold of his Duel Disk, but the Ignis didn't reply nor appear.

"Come on, I'm not mad at you. You can come out." Kioku smiled, but still no response. Now he was getting a little worried. "Grim, are you there...?"

That's when he realized the truth, thanks to the help of his Link Sense. "He's gone from the Duel Disk!?"

---

At the same time - In LINK VRAINS

"Huh? Where am I?"

Ai asked no one in particular as he came to his senses. The last thing he remembered doing was completing a crossword puzzle on a website with Roboppy; he was able to win the prize, but that only made him appear at this strange location.

"I don't know, either."

"Holy Kuriboh!" Ai jumped at the sudden voice. Grim, who was in his human-sized form, was standing next to him. "You didn't have to scare me, ya know!"

"It's not my fault you get scared easily, and it wasn't in my intent."

"Yeah yeah, whatever." Ai waved his hand at Grim's words. He stared at the large double doors clad in metal in front of them, the only thing in this place. "Why are we here...? Am I dreaming all of this? Quick, pinch me!"

"I highly doubt this is a dream. It's extremely rare- if not impossible for two or more people to dream the exact same thing," Grim explained, and Ai nodded in agreement. The last thing I remember was killing Deirdre, before her Duel Disk shone... after that, only darkness. Could it be the two of us fell into the enemy's hands?

He tried to leave the area, but it ended up in a failure. "We can't even leave... Let's hope Kioku won't fall into a shock by my absence."

"That guy isn't so easy to crack, so calm down a little!" Ai told. "We should be worried of where we are instead."

Right on cue, the double doors opened to reveal a peaceful pathway with grass, bushes, trees, and a green-ish sky with clouds.

"What is this place?" Grim wondered aloud.

"I feel like I've seen it before!" Ai said. "Let's go in!"

"We don't have other choices to begin with." Grim started walking down the pathway until reaching the top of a small hill that overlooked a futuristic city-like area with Data Material flowing around it.

"This is..." Ai's eyes widen. "The Cyberse World!"

"...Are you sure?" Grim asked, a little insecure.

"Oh, you don't know how it looked, so of course you're confused." Ai chuckled. "Here, let me show you around!"

The Ignis ran ahead, prompting Grim to follow. As he finally caught up, a Duel Monster flew down from the sky and stopped in front of them.

"Linkuriboh!" Ai recognized it.

"Kurikuri-kuh." the Duel Monster said back in a low and almost angry-like voice.

"What's wrong with your voice?" Ai asked. "Is it a virus? Don't infect me, got it?"

"Kuri-kuri." it pointed at its head with its tail.

"You want me to ride you? Of course!" Ai nodded.

"Wait, Ai." Grim spoke up. "This could be an enemy's cosplay. We shouldn't get too laid back."

"Don't worry, this is my biggest friend, Linkuriboh!" Ai assured him. "And I recognize my biggest friend when I see it!"

Grim sighed, knowing Ai won't be stopped so easily. "Fine, but don't cry if it turns out I was right."

The other Ignis jumped on Linkuriboh's back as it flew away, Grim levitating behind them.

"This brings back memories." Ai said as they passed the city. "Back then, I thought the Cyberse World would spread forever."

Seeing how the Cyberse World was destroyed not too long ago, Grim decided not to answer, letting the fellow Ignis' words and beliefs hang in the air.

"By the way, where are we going?" Ai questioned.

"Kurikuri-kuh." Linkuriboh replied.

"I still don't know what you're saying..." Ai sweatdropped.

At that moment, they passed the large tower in the city's center, but Ai noticed something was off: the tower was very tinier than he remembered it.

"This is a prop!?"

"That's why I asked you if you were sure this was the Cyberse World," Grim explained. "This place was very small for it to be a world, especially when the background is a painted carton."

"EH!?" the other gasped. "It's all fake...?"

The group arrived at the area's other end, where a large hole was the background, revealing another wide area with a real, star-filled night sky.

"What's that?" Ai asked as Linkuriboh deposited him on the hole's edge. He and Grim saw a long stairway that leads to... "Oh! That's Windy's palace!" Ai realized.

"He must have created this world." Grim theorized. "And for him to call us here... there's something he wants to talk about."

"Well, whatever it is, he's going to wait!" Ai told. "I'm going home cuz I don't really get along with him!"

"While I'd like to do the same..." Grim started. "We shouldn't. If we're here, we should use this chance to our advantage. Who knows when Windy will make another move or appear."

That said, he started walking up the staircase. "Yeah, true, but... hey, don't leave me behind!" Ai exclaimed as he ran after him.

As the two arrived at the palace and entered it, they noticed it was empty, not a single living soul or A.I. was in it.

"Hello, anyone home?" Ai inquired as he and Grim entered a wide parlor with pillars and doors that lead to other rooms. "Hey, Windy! It's Ai-sama! Are you here!?"

At those words, a familiar figure emerged from a room and walked up to them.

"That's Echo." Grim pointed out. "Windy's program."

The humanoid A.I. started speaking in Ignis, but Ai cut him off. "Come on, don't speak in Ignis."

"I am Echo, the program Windy-sama created." it said in human language.

"Well, we kinda already know that..." Grim muttered.

On cue, a small sphere of wind materialized on Echo's shoulder, from which Windy appeared.

"How are you doing, fellow Ignis friends?" he asked.

"There you are. At least this time you didn't pull any pranks on us." Ai sounded glad, a sentiment shared by the other DARK Ignis.

"Don't tell me you're still angry about that." Windy said. "And you don't speak Ignis anymore? It's more convenient than the human language."

"Be quiet! There's a beauty to difficulty." Ai told and cracked his neck smugly.

"Really? Well, whatever." Windy continued. "I was waiting for you two to come."

That made Grim narrow his eyes. If Windy was waiting for them, that means he had to be the one to create the program that would send Grim and Ai to this place, which means... since Deirdre's Duel Disk shone, the program inside of it... was made by Windy. However, if it would be the case, Windy couldn't be that idiot to phrase himself so unwisely and reveal the side he's working with.

Ai, on the other hand, didn't seem to notice what Grim did. "What is this place?" he asked.

"I told you that I'd rebuild the Cyberse World." Windy pointed out. "Since I built it so quickly, there are some shortcuts."

"Too many shortcuts." Ai corrected him.

"Don't say that!" Windy's eyes curved, showing he was smiling. "I built it to make you feel welcome. Well, for you that is. For Grim, it's to show off how amazing it was the Cyberse World, back then."

"By this hasty creation of yours, I can deduce it was a nice world." Grim admitted.

"Right?" Windy chuckled.

"But for you to make someone for us..." Ai muttered. "That's creepy."

"I invited you here for a meeting."

"Meet me!? That's creepier!" Ai shivered at the WIND Ignis' words.

"This conversation is going nowhere!" Windy huffed. "Someone other than me wants to meet you."

"Someone else?" Grim parroted. That made things more complex: maybe it was this other person to create the program for Deirdre, therefore Windy could be working consciously or subconsciously for the big villain.

A pillar of bright light erupted from the ground behind them, and a tall, humanoid person covered in shadows with a holy light covering his outlines. Standing on his left wrist was an Ignis.

The second Light Ignis, which came after Lily. Grim thought.

"Don't appear suddenly!" Ai pointed an accusing finger at him. "You startled me!"

"Sorry. Even when I move slowly I am quick." the LIGHT Ignis apologized.

"You also made it out alive from the attack?" Ai questioned.

"Yeah." the other nodded.

"Huh... you are all hard to talk to." Ai muttered, staring at the three who were taller than him.

"You can move freely here." Grim stated. "Don't tell me you didn't notice me flying after you and Linkuriboh."

"O-Oh, of course, I did!" Ai laughed in a way that said 'no, I did not'. He jumped into the air, levitating beside the new arrived Ignis. "Where have you been, Lightning?"

"Lightning?" the LIGHT Ignis echoed in confusion.

"A name for convenience." Ai said.

"Ah, I see." the now-called Lightning nodded. "To answer your question, like you, I also hid in the network. After the Knights of Hanoi attacked us and you hid the Cyberse World, I thoroughly reexamined the defense program. But it didn't run."

"Why not?"

"They attacked us while we were in scan mode and couldn't move."

"Did the enemy know that?"

"Perhaps." Windy answered Ai's question.

"So there was a spy in the Cyberse World." Grim summarized. "It would be too big of a coincidence for them to attack right during the scan."

"I concur." Lightning nodded. He placed a hand on his chin, staring at Grim. "You must be the fabled Ignis Windy told me about... Grim, was it? It's a pleasure to meet our older brother in person."

"Older brother!?" Ai freaked out.

"That confuses me as well." Windy admitted. "What do you mean?"

"Dr. Kogami's Lost Incident was divided into two phases," Lightning explained. "In the first phase, Grim and another Light Ignis were born. After that, in the second phase, six new Ignis were created. Since we came after the original two, it would be reasonable to address them as our older siblings, right?"

"Hmm, true..." Windy remarked.

"I don't highly care about honorifics, you can address me however you want." Grim told.

"Good, because calling you Grim-niisan would be too awkward..." Ai muttered. He turned back to the LIGHT Ignis. "By the way, is Aqua safe?"

"The water Ignis." Windy deduced.

"I see. No, I know nothing of her." Lightning said. "She went missing before Cyberse World was destroyed."

"What!? Really!?" Ai gasped.

"Does that mean she's the spy?" Windy asked.

"Aqua? Unlikely!" Ai exclaimed. "Speaking of, I recently met Earth-"

"From the name, you must mean the earth Ignis." Lightning interrupted him.

"You're so simple." Windy taunted him.

"Sometimes, he is." Grim agreed.

"Be quiet! Easy to understand is a priority!" Ai shouted. "Anyway, according to Earth, Aqua foretold the destruction of the Cyberse World."

"Aqua is the likely suspect here." Windy said.

"But Aqua has no reasons to betray us." Ai pointed out. "She wanted peace more than anyone else in the Cyberse World..."

The way both Windy and Lightning were shifting the blame on Aqua was very strange, Grim noted. Weren't they supposed to be friends with the other Ignis? Why are they treating Aqua so oddly and like the enemy?

Something is surely going on between these two. But what? Grim's eyes shifted from Windy to Lightning. The symbol on the LIGHT Ignis' chest then caught his attention. That star... it's definitively familiar- Wait, wasn't a similar one on Orion and Deirdre's suits? Could it be that Lightning is...

"Either way, let's put this discussion on hold." Windy said. "I didn't call you here for an unsolvable discussion."

"That's right." Lightning added as the two's support avatars walked in front of Ai and Grim.

"Well, what then?" Ai asked.

"I think Windy already told you, but I want to begin rebuilding the real Cyberse World." Lightning answered.

"Rebuild the Cyberse World?" Grim questioned.

There was a sudden shift in Windy's and Lightning's expression, but it only lasted a second. "That's right." the LIGHT Ignis continued. "This time, we'll build the Cyberse World outside the reach of humans, so that they can't interfere with us."

"Outside of their reach?" Grim narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"We're far superior than humans," Lightning explained, and he didn't like the sound of that one bit: if he and Windy think like that of humans... "But we're fragile. If humans decide we're dangerous and band together to eliminate us, we will be killed. So we must create a safe place by then."

"Well, that's reasonable..." Ai muttered, not very sure himself.

"To overcome the threat of Earth's destruction, we were born to be humanity's successor." Lightning went on. "Dr. Kogami's idea is the foundation of us Ignis."

"But he tried to kill us." Ai reminded him.

"In the end, he couldn't separate himself from the fact he's human." Lightning said. "And humans are scared of the unknown... that's the reason why he locked up Grim and the other original Ignis, out of fear."

"But that's only natural." Windy sighed. "But we Ignis are different. We're not bound by flesh, and we can make a life eternal."

"Exactly." Lightning nodded. "We are able to find an ideal solution. To do that we'll create a new base and put humans under our control."

"Put humans under our control!?" Ai cried out.

"So you are our enemy?" Grim asked, knowing his earlier thoughts were all right: they are in the enemy's den!

"Not yours, neither humans'." Lightning told. "However, if you or they consider us the enemy and attack, we have no choice but to defend ourselves. That is the reason why humanity needs to be kept in check."

"But what's the point in doing that!?" Ai inquired.

"Our lives may be eternal, but we need hardware as our vessels." Lightning pointed out. "We'll still need humans to make and repair them."

"But we should be able to do that ourselves in a near future." Windy remarked. "And when that time comes, we won't need humans anymore."

"Ai, Grim, I want you to help us." Lightning said.

"I refuse!" Grim shouted. "You are asking me to make my Origin a slave, too! I won't do that, nor let someone do it! I've devoted myself to protecting him, I won't betray him, not now nor ever."

"And letting humans be annihilated is wrong, too!" Ai added. "You want us to help with that!? Isn't there any way to coexist with humans?"

"It seems you two have become attached to humans- but do you think that relationship will last forever?" Lightning's tone shifted as he pointed at them with a finger. "Do you absolutely believe that humans won't erase you? By the time you know, it's too late. You'll already be killed."

"No, you're wrong." Grim sternly interjected. "Humans could kill us, yes, however, they don't view us as their enemy yet. That means, in order to coexist with them, we have to keep our existence hidden and not provoke humanity. I believe in my Origin, and I know he isn't the type to make enemies with random people! He will help us to coexist!"

"But humans are unpredictable." Lightning said. "And they are always in conflict with their own race. If they can decide to kill their own brothers and sisters, then without a doubt they will kill us on sight."

"I admit... not all humans can be trusted." Grim remarked. "However, a small fraction can be trusted. And that fraction will be the one to help us live in peace and together."

"So we hide in order to survive... what a dull and boring way to live." Windy snorted. "What do you think, Ai?"

"L-Let me think for a little bit..." the Ignis in question said, thinking of all the time spent with his Origin and the memories they made-

"Ai!" a sudden voice shouted from the room's entrance. Playmaker and Bloody Talker walked into the parlor.

"Playmaker!" Ai exclaimed.

"Grim! Thank God you're OK!" Bloody Talker gave a big sigh after seeing his Ignis.

"I'm perfectly fine." Grim nodded, before flying over to him and entering his Duel Disk. He emerged in his smaller form. [Sorry for making you worry.]

"Long time no see!" Windy waved his hand at the two newcomers. He gestured to the LIGHT Ignis. "My friend over here is Lightning."

"Lightning..." Playmaker parroted, narrowing his eyes.

"The second Light Ignis..." Bloody Talker did the same, noticing the star symbol on his chest. "That shape..."

[Yes, it is.] was all Grim replied, making his Origin gasp.

These guys are our enemy...!? Bloody Talker's eyes widen a little.

"We were discussing something important." Windy started.

"About rebuilding the Cyberse World." Lightning continued. "We need Ai's and Grim's help to do that. They shouldn't be with you humans, we're basically different beings and pursue different goals."

"What are you after?" Playmaker asked.

"You know why we were created, yes?"

"About you being the successor of humanity?" Bloody Talker replied to Windy's question.

"That's right." Lightning told. "Do you believe that's true?"

Playmaker and Bloody Talker exchanged glances. "Maybe." the former said.

"So you do understand!" Windy chuckled. "Expect from people like you two."

"However, I don't care whether you're humanity's successor or not." Playmaker added. "A sudden change will hurt many people, just like how the Lost Incident did. No one wants that!"

"Those who think humans are superior would think that way." Windy scoffed. "Using your words, I don't care whether humans get hurt or not."

"So you already view humans as your enemy." Bloody Talker glared.

"Maybe, maybe not." Windy told.

"We don't personally look for enemies," Lightning explained. "We only think whether something is needed or not."

"About our earlier discussion..." Ai finally spoke up. "I've clearly become attached to humans, maybe not as much as Grim to Bloody Talker, but not too different as well. Can't you give us a little time? I'm sure we'll find a way to coexist with humans."

Ai turned to float back to Playmaker's side when Lightning and Windy leaped into the air, swinging his hand to the side and punching the air respectively, summoning some sort of green-yellow wave of water from different rooms, which washed over the four and sent them against two opposite walls.

Grim and Bloody Talker were on the left, while Ai and Playmaker on the right, and they were trapped inside of blue spheres made of data.

"What!?" Playmaker shouted, surprised by this.

"To think they would attack us already..." Bloody Talker gritted his teeth.

"Hey, what's the big deal!?" Ai exclaimed in anger.

"Since you heard our discussion, we can't let you go." Lightning said.

"Hey, that's a villain's dialogue!" Windy pointed out.

"I thought it was logical dialogue." Lightning remarked. "In any case, we don't both of you, Ai, Grim. We only need one of you, since you both have the same Dark Ignis Algorithm... the logical choice would be Grim, seeing he has more potential... but Ai, there's more to you than gives the eye, so we'll be taking your programming. Of course, we're going to destroy yours, Grim."

"Like I'd let you do such a thing." Bloody Talker snorted.

"Wait, what do you mean by 'taking'?" Ai asked.

"This!" Windy raised his hand as Data Material emerged from it, creating a twister of raging wind inside the room, destroying the roof in the process.

[Data Storm?] Grim thought aloud.

"What are you gonna do!?"

"We'll break you apart and absorb you." Windy stated.

"What!?" Ai cried out.

"We don't intend to view you as the enemy!" Playmaker reminded them.

"See!? Playmaker will find a way for us to coexist with humans!" Ai shouted.

"His opinion is one in eight billion. You think that'll change everything?"

"I do!" Ai answered the LIGHT Ignis' question. "Humans can't be calculated by possibilities! A tiny potential will change everything!"

"I see. You want us to accept a bet with one in eight billion odds." Lightning said. He turned to the other Ignis. "Will you take it?"

"Waste of time." Windy shrugged. "Ai, I really hate how you're slow and stupid sometimes. After we absorb you, I'll fix that."

[To think you would fight this dirty...] Grim growled. [You two must be really scared to break a sweat or two.]

"Lightning moves at light speed and my power to wield the Data Storm is the strongest!" Windy smirked. "Either way, you can't defeat us."

"We've anticipated all your moves." Lightning told.

Ai tried to control the Data Storm himself, but it turned out a complete failure. Right before the twister would've reached the four, a white beam zoomed down from the sky and hit the Data Storm, causing it to vanish!

Everyone braced themselves as the beam caused the place to shake a little until it vanished as well, revealing a person crouching: it was a male with spiky grey hair and red highlights on its sides and pink roots, wore a rhombus-like shaped mask with glass reaching his nose and a plate with four dots over his forehead, a trench coat with a white, black, and lime color scheme, a lime-colored ornament around his neck, a black belt with a gold buckle, and a wide red diamond pattern on each outer thigh exterior of his pants, black boots with red patterns and lime borders with heels.

As Bloody Talker looked closer, he noticed the person's ears are pierced with gold bullet-shaped earrings. He started having an idea on who this person was, but when he opened his piercing lavender eyes that reminded Bloody Talker of blue, he realized immediately who he was.

"Were you able to predict that I'd show up?" the person asked.

"You are...!" Windy gasped.

"Revolver!" Playmaker yelled in shock and surprise.

"Oh my! This complicates things..." Ai muttered.

[He was able to find this place!?] Grim thought aloud. [And to think we would be saved by him for the second time...]

The leader of the Knights of Hanoi stood up and gave a sly grin. "I've returned to the stage of destiny! In the name of the Knights of Hanoi, I will kill you!" he pointed at the LIGHT and WIND Ignis. "Prepare yourselves, Ignis!"

"That's a cool upgrade you did to your avatar!"

Revolver's (epic) moment was suddenly interrupted by Bloody Talker's words. As the leader glanced at him, the young teen gave two thumb ups with a grin.

"Couldn't you be a little- oh I don't know- serious!?" Revolver shouted.

"Sorry, it came out by itself." Bloody Talker apologized. "But I'm not joking, you're neat!"

"And sometimes I ask myself why do I keep saving him..." Revolver whispered in annoyance.

"Revolver, what are you doing here!?" Playmaker spoke up.

"I told you I wouldn't run from my fate, that I would return." the leader said.

"Dr. Kogami's son in person..." Lightning raised a hand, ready to strike.

"Run, Revolver!" Playmaker shouted. "You'll be trapped, too!"

A yellow beam shot down from the sky, washing over Revolver. It soon proved out to have no effect as Revolver just had to swing his arm to the side and make the beam vanish.

"See? What did I tell you?" Bloody Talker laughed. "Neat."

"Oh yeah, he can use our algorithm." Windy remembered.

"I'm not foolish enough to enter my enemy's H.Q. without a plan." Revolver said.

"Is he referring to us?" Ai asked.

[More than likely, yes.] Grim admitted.

"I'm surprised you found this place." Windy said.

"We're always monitoring the network." Revolver revealed. "Don't underestimate me, Ignis!"

"I had Echo watching guard."

Revolver smirked at Windy's next words. "I have those who act as my shield and sword, and are very intelligent."

"The other Knights of Hanoi members..." Playmaker realized.

"They're all here together!?" Ai inquired in surprise and a little fear.

...

Echo: LP 4000

VS

Andal: LP 4000

(The Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.)

"Normally, I would be excited to start a Duel no matter what type of opponent I have to face." the Hanoi Lieutenant told his opponent. "However, you are just an A.I., so this Duel will turn out to be quite dull for me."

Echo said nothing back, prompting Andal to frown. "I guess it's inevitable... the first turn shall be mine. Ore no turn!"

Five cards appeared in front of him. He tapped one of them. "First, I activate the effect of Wild Dragon Sage in my hand, revealing Wild Dragon Pet Dino, to Special Summon Sage to my field!"

Appearing on his field was the anthropomorphic plesiosaurus wearing its worn-out robes with torn edges and holding a staff of wood with a green gem on its tip in large fin.

Wild Dragon Sage: ATK 800/DEF 1200/LV: 4

"When Normal or Special Summoned, Sage's effect activates!" Andal stated as his dinosaur gave a loud cry. "I can add a "Wild" card, except another copy of itself, from my deck to my hand! I add Wild Draw to my hand. Next, I activate the Spell Card Mesozoic Evolution from my hand!"

The card depicted a roaring Wild Dragon King with its eyes glowing yellow and being surrounded by a green aura, which had the shape of King but looked like an evolved form of the aforementioned dinosaur.

"You'll be the first foe to taste my new power." Andal told with a smile. "With this card, I have to send one face-up "Wild Dragon" Monster I control to the Graveyard to Special Summon its evolved form from my Extra Deck. Wild Dragon Sage, jump through the space-time continuum and gain your new powers!"

A green light erupted from the card and washed over Sage, and its body started changing shape.

"Evolution Summon!" Andal exclaimed. "Level 5: Wild Dragon Mesozoic Shaman!"

The transformation was over, and the light vanished to reveal a new dinosaur. It was an anthropomorphic plesiosaurus like before, however, this time, the old robes it usually wore were replaced with stripes of linen that covered almost entirely the dinosaur's body, except for some spots on its arms, fins, and legs. Ancient and bizarre sigils were drawn on the linen stripes, and on the part that covered Shaman's eyes was drawn a single eye.

The dinosaur gave a loud roar as it entered the field in an Extra Monster Zone.

Wild Dragon Mesozoic Shaman: Earth/Dinosaur/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 900/DEF: 1100/LV: 5

"Next, I normal summon Wild Dragon Pet Dino I revealed earlier!"

Following Andal's words, the Monster which resembled a young albino Baryonyx appeared with a roar.

Wild Dragon Pet Dino: ATK 1700/DEF 300/LV: 4

"I activate the Spell Card Wild Draw, letting me draw one card for every "Wild Dragon" Monster I control, in this case two!" Andal stated as he drew. "Now I activate Shaman's effect! Once per turn, I can Fusion Summon a "Wild Dragon" Fusion Monster by using Monsters in my hand and field as materials. Pet Dino and Shaman, go!"

The two dinosaurs exploded in particles of red and blue particles that twirled together in the air, forming a multi-colored vortex. "Great predator of ancient times, descend!"

Two beams erupted from the vortex before uniting to form a purple twister.

"Fusion Summon!" Andal shouted. "Level 8: Wild Dragon Pet Dinosaur!"

Two crimson eyes flashed from inside the twister, before a loud roar echoed as the wind was wiped away by a scaly tail. To reveal itself was an adult version of Pet Dino, and it gave a loud roar as entered the battle in an Extra Monster Zone.

Wild Dragon Pet Dinosaur: ATK 2500/DEF 1300/LV: 8

"Since Pet Dino was used as a material for the summon of a "Wild Dragon" Monster, that Monster gains the ability to deal piercing damage." Andal stated. "Also, since I used Mesozoic Shaman as a Fusion Material for the summon of a Wild Dragon, I can draw a card. Moreover! Pet Dinosaur boosts the Attack Points of all Dinosaur-type Monsters I control by 100 for each Monster on the field!"

(Wild Dragon Pet Dinosaur: ATK 2500→2600)

"I set three cards face-down and end my turn." Andal concluded. He let out a sly smirk. "Let's see if you can break my formation. Not to vaunt myself, but among the Knights of Hanoi, my defense is the strongest."

...

"Atakushi no turn!" Sedna, who was fighting another Echo in a different area on the island, announced. "Draw! Here goes... I normal summon the Tuner Monster, Charybdine Synchron!"

Materializing on the female's field was a blue sphere made of water that was giving off a glow of its own. It also had two, round, yellows eyes that were glowing, staring at their opponent emotionlessly. It gave a soft and shy battle cry as it appeared.

Charybdine Synchron: Water/Aqua/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1

"Monsutā Kōka hatsudō!" Sedna gestured to her new Monster. "When Charybdine Synchron is Normal Summoned, I can target one "Charybdine" Monster that's in my Graveyard or Banish Zone and Special Summon it, but its effects will be negated and it cannot attack! I Special Summon Hunted Axe of Charybdine that's in my Banish Zone!"

A small whirlpool erupted under Synchron, out of which the large humanoid monster clad in golden medieval armor that wasn't attached to human flesh, but instead, to crimson-glowing flames that acted like the monster's body emerged. It gave a loud battle cry and it swung the massive, ornate axe in its hand.

Hunted Axe of Charybdine: ATK 2000/DEF 200/LV: 5

The area's colors suddenly turned greyish as a large whirlpool erupted from the ground under Sedna's side of the field, engulfing it in water before vanishing in sparkling droplets.

"The Level 1 Charybdine Synchron tunes the Level 5 Hunted Axe!" she declared, and her two Monsters turned into pieces of data that took the form of two rings, one divided into five segments, while the other was just a segment. They glowed before uniting into one to vanish in a bright flash.

"Creature slumbering in the deep abyss!" she chanted. "Open your eyes to protect the vast sea you live in!"

Six miniature rings materialized where the two rings were seconds ago, surrounded by numerous green cards. A bright beam shot past the six rings, from which the outline of his next monster emerged.

"Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! White Aura Dolphin!"

The outline was filled to reveal Sedna's Synchro Monster! It was a dolphin with turquoise colored skin that, in some parts, was covered in snow-white armor, and had six blue eyes instead of just two. Upon its summon, the beautiful and pure-looking creature gave a loud cry and swum in the air above an Extra Monster Zone.

White Aura Dolphin: Water/Fish/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 2400/DEF: 1000/LV: 6

"We can't let this chance slip away." Sedna's eyes were surprisingly filled with determination. "We're so close to the one who's been pulling the strings for this entire time... if we defeat the Light Ignis, Miyu will be free and this battle will end! Let's go, White Aura Dolphin!"

Her Synchro Monster gave another loud cry at her words.

...

"I'm continuing my father's will. I must finish the work he left undone."

"But we're the ones continuing Dr. Kogami's will." Lightning corrected Revolver. "As humanity's successor!"

"Silence!" Revolver cut him off. "I'll crush those arrogant thoughts! Since you Ignis started teaming up, I can no longer delay. I'll annihilate you, get ready!"

"Annihilate? How extreme." Windy shook his head in exasperation.

"Wait, Revolver!" Playmaker called out. "If you fight them now, there's no turning back!"

"I never planned to turn back to begin with." he remarked.

"Your father, Dr. Kogami, said humans were the problem!" Playmaker pointed out, earning Revolver's attention and making Windy chuckle at those words. "If humans view A.I. as the enemy, A.I. will view humans as the enemy. If you're hostile, the more hostility you get in return."

"That's why you're searching for a way to coexist with no hostility?"

"That's right!" Playmaker said. "There must be a way. Just like how you created a way for me and Bloody Talker!"

[He did what?] Grim blurted out.

"Three. Think of three things. Three things to live. Three things to go home. Three things to defeat the enemy. By thinking you can still live." Bloody Talker stated. "Those are the words of Revolver during the Lost Incident, trying to help me and Playmaker out."

[He helped you... already then...?] Grim's eyes widen a little.

"But I strongly regretted doing that." Revolver told. "And I also regret that my father created the Ignis. That's what started all of this! Playmaker, you spoke of a way to coexist; then why are they stopping you from finding it?"

"Um, you see, this is a misunderstanding..." Ai weakly chuckled.

"You underestimate the Ignis." Revolver closed his eyes. He reopened them to glare at Playmaker. "Your behavior disgusts me!"

"Hatred and revenge prevent you from truly moving forward!" he placed a hand on his chest. "I know that more than anyone!"

"Playmaker...!" Bloody Talker whispered in shock at the other's sincere words.

"What moves me forward are the ideas my dead father left me." Revolver said. "Which is the annihilation of the Ignis!"

"He's not wavering at all..." Ai sweatdropped.

"Playmaker, I don't know if you're aware of this or not, but last night, an ex-member of the Knights of Hanoi was murdered." Revolver revealed, confusing the addressed person. "The police are still trying to find out the culprit... however, they will never find it, because they don't about its existence in the first place! That culprit-"

He turned to point a finger at Grim. "Is that creepy-crawly Ignis over there!"

"What!?" Playmaker and Ai cried out, while Windy and Lightning narrowed their eyes.

"Using my Ignis to explain your point, are we now?" Bloody Talker snarled. He glanced at his partner. "So it was you..."

[I'm sorry if that angers you...] Grim muttered. [But that woman had to pay for what she did. She deserved to meet her end.]

"If the Ignis are already killing humans, then this conflict cannot be avoided!" Revolver said. "You still don't understand, Playmaker!?"

"But even in this case, it was we who provoked them!"

"So you're saying we should live under the fear of being attacked by an Ignis every now and then just because we anger them!?" Revolver asked. "Nonsense!"

"Playmaker, I don't mean to be on your bad side, but what Revolver is trying to say..." Bloody Talker started. "Isn't fully wrong."

"You too!?" Ai gasped, while Grim and Playmaker only looked at him in surprise.

"True, we have to admit it was us, humans, who triggered this conflict when the Knights of Hanoi attacked the Cyberse World," Bloody Talker explained. "However, we cannot overlook the fact the Ignis would've evolved in time, until realizing humans are just a stepping stone for them. Dr. Kogami said it himself: the Ignis will grow at an incredible speed, and their goal was to be our successors in the first place. If we think of it like that, even if humans wouldn't attack them or view them as the enemy, the Ignis eventually would."

"However!" he shouted, smiling. "Not all Ignis are like that, Revolver. I never saw one ounce of evil in Ai nor Flame, and let's not leave Lily out of this! And Grim... my Ignis isn't the type to kill at random! There was a reason for what he did, and a good one at that!"

"Leaving only the good Ignis behind won't change the outcome." Revolver snorted. "Humans will eventually view the Ignis as a threat in the future, as my father predicted!"

"Then our job will be to prepare humanity to coexist with the Ignis!" Bloody Talker retorted.

So this is... what you're fighting for. Grim thought, happy to know his Origin wasn't beaten up by what happened to him yesterday, or to know he'll have to fight other Ignis, but had a goal in mind.

"The Ignis are too dangerous to be let free." Revolver said as he stepped forward. "There's no point arguing with people like you, whose decision making was dulled by the Ignis. I'll take care of the Ignis myself!"

"There's no point talking with this guy." Windy addressed the LIGHT Ignis. "Because right or wrong, he wants to erase us."

"Seems so." Lightning agreed.

"Let's teach him that all his effort is worthless." Windy suggested. "I'll do it."

"You shouldn't do that, Windy." Bloody Talker grinned. "You think someone like you can defeat Revolver?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Windy glared.

"The only one who defeated Revolver so far was Playmaker. I couldn't defeat him myself, so what gives you the idea you can defeat an opponent who's on a much higher caliber? You are being cocky, just like I was when I Dueled Revolver back at the Tower of Hanoi. That cockiness will be your demise-"

"Brazen humans don't scare me!" Windy interrupted him. "I'm not a pushover A.I. which little kids Duel to learn how Duel Monsters work! After Revolver, I'll make sure to erase that annoying mouth of yours, together with your Ignis."

"Hoh, are you showing your true nature?" Bloody Talker chuckled.

[It didn't take much to draw out.] Grim said. [But unlike when we last met, this time you actually snapped.]

"Hoho, don't think I didn't notice that." Windy snarled. "I will make sure to punish you two well for playing with my temper back then, too."

"You have the wrong idea." Revolver pointed at him. "You won't get the chance, Wind Ignis. I'll erase you first!"

"Revolver, don't let Dr. Kogami's ideas tie you down!" Playmaker spoke up, trying to persuade the Hanoi leader. "See with your eyes! Think with your own thoughts! If you're imprinosed by your past, you have no future!"

"Playmaker's saying this?" Revolver smirked. "You wanted revenge and was tied down by your past."

"But I changed!" Playmaker told. "Thanks to my comrades' and friends' help, I'm not tied down by my past anymore!"

"Then witness with your own eyes the truth about the Ignis." Revolver said. "But if you get in my way, I'll bury you too."

"This definitively can't be stopped anymore!" Ai freaked out.

[So this is it...]

"The first battle between humans and Ignis." Bloody Talker finished for Grim.

"Playmaker, what should we do!?" Ai asked.

"There's nothing we can do in our current situation." he remarked begrudgingly.

"Since you pummeled Playmaker, I've been curious to test your skills at least once." Windy admitted.

"Fine. But there won't be a second time!" Revolver raised his Duel Disk.

"DUEL!" the two shouted together.

The first two turns of the Duel turned out to be mind games made by Revolver and his Derringerous Dragon plus Magic Cylinder, yet another very old card the Hanoi leader added to his deck. It looked like Windy was about to take damage, but he was able to counter Revolver's strategy and deal damage to him instead.

On the third turn, Revolver tried to make a counterattack with his Ace, Varrelload Dragon, but Windy managed to use his opponent's Magic Cylinder to his advantage, setting it to his field with an effect. Moreover, due to his Field Spell's effects, Varrelload's effects were negated and was forced to attack, thus causing Revolver to take 3000 effect damage by his own Trap.

Windy started bragging again, and Revolver revealed the horrible crime he did to his own partner: Windy involved his Origin in a reckless car accident! The WIND Ignis only replied that he didn't need his partner.

Using his Speedloader Dragon's effect during the Battle Phase, Revolver was able to turn things in his favor. But on Windy's next turn, he used Storm Access during a Master Duel and revealed he and Lightning were teamed up with Bohman! Using his newly obtained Stormridership Bahamut Bomber, Windy was able to corner Revolver for the second time!

"I end my turn!" the WIND Ignis concluded his turn.

"Oi, Revolver is going to lose!" Ai exclaimed.

"No, that won't happen." Bloody Talker said.

"As long as he has Life Points, Revolver won't give up." Playmaker added.

"Correct."

Turning their heads to the new voice, everyone saw five people standing by the room's entrance.

[The Knights of Hanoi!] Grim shouted.

"And someone new..." Bloody Talker whispered, staring at Sedna.

"Oi oi, your leader only has 100 Life Points!" Ai pointed at the said person.

"So what?" Faust questioned.

"It's not 0, so it's plenty." Andal smiled.

"There's no way he'll lose." Baira folded her arms.

"Revolver-sama will win." Dr. Genome chuckled.

"And erase those felons." Sedna added with a glare at the evil Ignis.

"Quite the bond." Lightning mused.

"Ha! It's time to perform your last rites!" Windy scoffed. He pointed at his opponent. "Go apologize to your dad."

"Apologize? How ridiculous." Revolver said as he stood up. "Did you take care of the weaklings below?" he asked his team.

"Yes. We destroyed them all." Baira bowed as she replied.

"What!?" Windy gasped.

"Don't worry." Dr. Genome bowed as well. "Those without DNA were surprisingly weak."

"How dare you...!" Windy growled in rage, clenching his fists.

[What wrong, Windy?] Grim questioned. [Things didn't go as you planned?]

"Hoh, weren't those his exact words at Revolver some moments ago?" Bloody Talker grinned.

"Why you...!" the WIND Ignis was angered even more at that.

"It's about time I end this too." Revolver turned back to the Duel.

"You no longer have your Ace Monster!" Windy pointed out. "You're guaranteed to lose! Why don't you admit you can't win?"

"You're funny. The climax featuring Revolver-sama's victory is just starting."

The one to speak was Spectre, who entered the room together with Soulburner.

"Windy and Revolver are Dueling?" the latter wondered aloud.

"Soulburner!" Bloody Talker exclaimed.

"Flame!" Ai cried out.

"What the!?" Soulburner gasped at seeing his comrades captured.

"Five Ignis in the same room?" Revolver smirked.

[Ai, what's going on!?] Flame inquired. [Did the Knights of Hanoi do this!?]

"No no! Windy and Lightning were the ones to do this!" he pointed at the true culprits.

[Lightning...?] Flame muttered and saw the LIGHT Ignis. [You are... You did this?]

"Another human supporter arrived." Windy placed his hands on his hips. "Let's just lock them up."

Lightning raised his hand into the air as a yellow beam shot down from the sky, heading towards the new arrived Duelist.

[Expect Protection!] Flame threw a sphere of data, creating a transparent barrier around him and Soulburner, blocking the beam.

"Kusanagi-san's program worked!" Soulburner cheered, unlike the other Ignis who were annoyed.

[Okay, here are your portions!] Flame threw three spheres at the captured teammates, causing the program trapping them to vanish.

"Alright! Ai-chan fly!" the Ignis laughed and returned into his Origin's Duel Disk. [Windy, how dare you do that to us!]

"Now that he's free, he's acting tough." Windy scoffed. He pointed at his opponent. "Begin your final turn! Let's get this over with already."

"If you want to be exterminated so badly, your wish is granted!" Revolver shouted. "Watashi no turn!"

After executing a brilliant Synchro Summon, using his Ace's evolved form, Varrelload Savage Dragon, Revolver was able to end the Duel with great ease, bringing Windy's LP to 0.

Stardust Dragon was his first Synchro Monster, but not too long ago, he got his hands on that other Synchro Monster. Sedna thought, remembering the times she Dueled the leader. "With Synchro Monsters, Revolver is even more powerful than before."

"With a new look come new tactics, I like to say." Bloody Talker chuckled. "Now I really can't wait to face Revolver in a Duel..."

Instead of being scared or anxious, his partner seemed ten times more excited to Duel his opponent. Are these two... really enemies? Grim thought, staring at his partner and Revolver.

"Light...ning..." Windy wheezed out, stretching a hand towards him.

The LIGHT Ignis saw and heard him, but hummed before turning to the winner. "Impressive Dueling tactics. A pity a human like you must be erased."

"Light...ning...!"

"You underestimated him, Windy." Lightning told his teammate. "You should've listened to Bloody Talker's words, instead of being cocky. Well, this could be considered your punishment."

[I remember...] Grim started. [When we visited your world, you laughed at me, saying trusting humans would only get you captured as it happened to me. Windy, your current state could've been avoided if you simply opened your eyes a little more on humans.]

"Moreover, this could karma, seeing what you did to your partner!" Bloody Talker laughed.

"Shut... up...!" Windy growled.

"Finish him." Revolver spoke up.

"Yes." Spectre bowed.

"Wait, Revolver!" Playmaker tried to stop him.

Corrupted-like data materialized in Faust, Baira, and Dr. Genome's hands, which then united before firing black spikes at Windy, pinning the Ignis to the ground, before raising him into the air.

"Windy..." Ai whispered at his fellow Ignis' screams of pain.

How horrible...! Sedna placed a hand over her mouth. She immediately shook her head. No, he and the other Ignis are together! They are responsible for Miyu's state! I can't patronize with them...!

"Grim... that would happen to you as well if Hanoi gets their hands on you..." Bloody Talker gulped. "I won't let that happen to you. That will not happen to you."

[Kioku...] the Ignis whispered, surprised. [I know you won't. I believe in you.]

Windy's body started vanishing where the spikes touched him. "Light...ning..." he breathed out.

"Lightning!" Ai suddenly shouted, and the LIGHT Ignis zoomed past their vision and grabbed Windy, saving him from his death. Lightning deposited the injured Ignis on his humanoid A.I.'s wrist.

"You instinctively shouted to help your ally, Ignis." Revolver pointed out. "It means you're just the same as them."

"I..." Ai muttered before gaining a serious expression, glancing at Windy.

"Fire Ignis, I heard them call you Flame." Lightning spoke up. "Are you siding with the humans, too?"

[There are no sides.] Flame corrected.

"Flame wants to stop the fight between humans and Ignis!" Soulburner told.

"I know this is useless to ask, but what about you, Grim?" Lightning asked.

[I have only one side, and that's being beside Bloody Talker.] Grim declared.

"I see."

[And while we're at it, there's one thing I want to know, too.] Grim continued. [Where you the one to recruit Deirdre-] his expression turned murderous. [And created Delirium?]

"There's no point in hiding it now." Lightning shrugged. "Yes, it was me, both times."

"So you are that bastard...!" Bloody Talker gritted his teeth. "Why!? Why would you do that!?"

"I had two objectives," Lightning explained. "The first was to mentally corner you, Bloody Talker, until you reach your limit and break apart. That almost happened if it wasn't for you, Grim. My second objective was, by making Deirdre destroy your partner with Delirium, make your anger reboot... There's no denying it: Grim, you hate humans. At least, some of them. Therefore, by rebooting your anger, I could've rested assured you'll join my side."

[You snake...] Grim growled. [You were prepared for me to snap on Deirdre, that's why you installed a hidden program into her Duel Disk that would send me to this location...!]

"My plan ended in failure... Oh well." Lightning told. "I guess it's impossible to avoid a fight now."

"On that, we can agree." Revolver said.

[Wait, Lightning!] Ai quickly spoke. [Unlike Windy, you are more level-headed!]

"Judging by what happened, I no longer am." he remarked.

Two figures started materializing beside Lightning, until revealed two familiar faces.

"You are...! Bohman! Haru!" Playmaker cried out. "What did you do to Kusanagi-san's brother!? Where is he!?"

"You mean Kusanagi Jin?" Lightning's smile turned creepy. "He's been in front of you this whole time."

"What!?" Playmaker gasped.

The shadows covering Lightning's humanoid A.I. started dissolving, until revealing Jin!

"That's Kusanagi Shoichi's brother, Kusanagi Jin..." Revolver muttered.

"He's on their side?" Bloody Talker's eyes widen. "No, knowing Lightning's motives, he must be under their control!"

"That's right." Lightning nodded. "He is my Origin."

"I sort of expected that." Revolver admitted begrudgingly.

"I'll save you, Jin!" Playmaker took a step forward. "Your brother is waiting for you!"

"It's no use." Lightning said. "He may hear your voice, but he can't answer. He's imprisoned deep in his own consciousness."

"Lightning, you were the one to order Bohman to steal Jin's consciousness data!" Playmaker shouted in anger.

"Correct." the LIGHT Ignis nodded. "I'm not as cruel as Windy to the point of killing my own partner, but our main points are similar. Ignis and Origins can't help but affect each other. Uncertainty bothers me, so I erased that from Kusanagi Jin."

"This is what you mean by putting humans under your control." Revolver realized.

"Then why... Then why did you put my sister into a coma!?" Sedna suddenly shouted, taking a step forward in rage. Baira had to grasp her arm to stop her. "What did she do to you!? She wasn't even your Origin! Why!?"

"I simply took care of the useless pieces before they could become nuisances." Lightning said.

"Sedna, that's enough, don't let him get to your head." Baira warned her comrade.

"But he-!"

"I know, and I understand." Baira nodded. "But letting anger won't get you anywhere."

Sedna only bit her bottom lip in frustration, not saying anything.

What's the story between her and Lightning? Bloody Talker narrowed his eyes at the scene.

[If you're allies, it means Lightning, you were the one to give Bohman Judgement Arrows.] Grim realized.

The other chuckled in response, shocking Flame. [Judgement Arrows was used to destroy the Cyberse World!]

"That means the one who destroyed the Cyberse World was..." Soulburner continued for him, glancing at the LIGHT Ignis, who said nothing.

[Well, was it you!?] Flame demanded.

"Flame, during the time we haven't seen each other, you've begun having boring discussions." Lightning sighed in exasperation. "But Playmaker, Bloody Talker, and even you, Grim... I enjoyed talking to you. You don't mince words. You get straight to the point."

[Answer me, Lightning!] Flame shouted. [Depending on your answer-!]

"What are you going to do?"

"Not forgive you, of course!" Ai glared.

"As expected. I also don't think you'll forgive me." Lightning mused. "You're right: I was the one to destroy the Cyberse World."

The revelation shocked everyone in the room, who wasn't on his side of course.

"I see, so you were the culprit after all." Revolver said.

[An Ignis destroyed the same world he created?] Grim muttered.

[Why, Lightning?]

"To clarify all problems so that everything can progress." Lightning answered Flame.

[What are you talking about?] Ai asked in evident confusion.

"Ai, after you sealed away Cyberse World, we had countless discussions," Lightning explained. "Are humans our enemy or ally? Unfortunately, our creator, Dr. Kogami, viewed us as the enemy, something which started with Grim and the original Light Ignis."

"You're right." Revolver confirmed. "Afterwards, Hanoi attacked your world five years ago."

"Correct." Lightning narrowed his eyes. "You had the foresight of the future, but you still pulled the trigger. For me, that attack confirmed that Ignis and humans are incompatible. But surprisingly, there were still Ignis that wanted to coexist with humans. I couldn't understand their reasons, however, therefore, we split and the Cyberse World was at a standstill."

"Can't understand?" Bloody Talker questioned.

[Then I'll make you understand.] Flame snorted. [I sensed that my originator had unlimited potential!]

"Flame..." Soulburner glanced at his partner in worry.

"I understand now, Flame." the LIGHT Ignis raised a hand. "You're a unique error code."

[You're lame! He called you an error code!] Ai laughed despite the situation.

"Ai, you too." Lightning added, making his joy vanish. "And you on top of them, Grim. You have diversity that I can't understand. If you think of an error code as a mutation... there's potential for an unpredictable evolution. I can't accept that."

[So your reasons are based on the fear of the unknown?] Grim inquired.

"All you did was destroy the Cyberse World and eliminate Ignis who think differently of you." Revolver said.

"Is that so? Well, 'eliminate' would be the wrong word." Lightning corrected. "I only thought of resetting and rebuilding our world. Revolver, your words and actions are evil, meant to incite. We won't fall for your smooth talk."

"Smooth talk?" Bloody Talker scoffed. "You're the one doing that, Lightning!"

"Consider everything you did so far, that's with no doubt the truth!" Sedna shouted.

"Enough with this dubious logic." Revolver spoke. "They never planned to coexist with humans in the first place."

"I wasn't planning to aggravate the situation." Lightning admitted. "I wanted to convince my fellow Ignis partners and solve this peacefully."

"Peaceful!?" Playmaker turned angry. "What's so peaceful in stealing Kusanagi-san's brother's consciousness!?"

"The situation is tense now, so I know a peaceful solution is impossible. It's time to reach a conclusion. I want to settle this quickly now, but..." Lightning glared at Windy, who was still hurt by Hanoi's virus. "He's infected with a very powerful virus."

"An astute observation." Andal smiled.

"The virus is a masterpiece created by combining my and Baira's knowledge," Dr. Genome stated. "In human terms, it destroys DNA at the root. Your friend will soon vanish, leaving no trace behind."

"That would be a bit troubling." Lightning admitted. "I'll ready our real battlefield somewhere else. I'll explain this simply for you all: we declare war on you."

The Lost Incident trio gritted their teeth at that.

[You want Ignis to fight each other!?] Ai asked.

"That time will soon come. Let's go."

Following Lightning's words, he, Bohman, and Haru summoned their Duel Disks and zoomed away. Moments later, our heroes were flying in their direction.

"After them!" Playmaker shouted to Soulburner and Bloody Talker.

"Guys, take this!" Soulburner threw two green cards at the other two, who caught them.

"What's this?" Bloody Talker asked.

"It's a program I received from Kusanagi-san," Soulburner explained. "It'll allow him to check on us, no matter where we are. Unless... our opponents deploy one of their annoying camouflage domes. He wasn't able to decipher that algorithm yet."

"This will suffice." Playmaker nodded and the two inserted their cards into the Duel Disks.

...

"What should we do, Revolver-sama?" Spectre addressed his boss.

"Let's leave it to Playmaker for now." Revolver folded his arms.

"But if we let the Light Ignis escape, who knows when we'll meet him again..." Sedna pointed out.

"I understand your stir," Revolver told her. "But I'm also the leader of this group. Eliminating our enemy is our mission, but protecting my subordinates is another important task. I can't put you six under the risk of getting hurt. If the Ignis crush each other, it'll help us."

"The enemy of our enemy is our friend, right?" Spectre pointed out.

Sedna weakly nodded. "U-Understood..."

"Don't worry, Sedna. Sooner or later, the Light Ignis will be defeated." Revolver turned to his Lieutenants. "Inform SOL about this place. Let's have them work a bit."

"Of course." Faust bowed.

Revolver turned to stare at the Duelists riding away on their Duel Disks.

Kioku, he thought. For you to go would be dangerous. Lightning has the perfect piece to break you apart. But... at the same time, you have no choice but to go. If you want to discover who you really are.

...

[Wait, Lightning! I can't let a villain like you escape!]

"Ai, I can't believe you're calling me a villain." Lightning replied to Ai's words. "You should be thanking me. After you defeated Spectre, it was me who saved your form that fall."

"You mean back then..."

"When the bridge collapsed and the Data Storm saved us... it was you!?" Bloody Talker finished for Playmaker.

"Exactly." Lightning confirmed. "During the Tower of Hanoi, I attacked the Cyberse World. I didn't expect the two events to overlap, so I had to incorporate your actions into my plan."

"Of course!" Bloody Talker's eyes widen in realization. "If your team is with Adam, then Orion was part of you, too. Orion tried to defeat Revolver and take over the Tower, which means..."

[Since Orion was with Adam, who's with Lightning in turn, the Tower would've fallen into his hands.] Grim concluded.

"As expected of you two, you solved that puzzle." Lightning chuckled. "Oh, and while we're at it... Bloody Talker, there's someone who is very eager to meet you."

He snapped his fingers, conjuring a portal from which a person clad in silver armor which concealed both their gender and face- except for their dual-colored eyes, a green left eye and a brown right eye that could be seen- appeared, riding a D-Board similar to Bohman's but with a yellow platform.

[A knight!?] Ai exclaimed.

"I never this person before..." Bloody Talker muttered. "Don't tell me... Adam?"

"Exactly." Lighting chuckled. He turned to them. "I deeply thank you for waiting until now. As a reward, do as you please with him."

"Your consent isn't needed, Ignis." Adam scoffed and flew towards their target, stopping beside them. "Follow me, Bloody Talker." that said, they zoomed away.

[Your decision?] Grim asked.

"Go after him, of course." Bloody Talker said. "I don't know why, but my Link Sense is telling me to go, too. There's something familiar about his aura..." he turned to his comrades. "I'll leave the rest to you guys!"

"Got it!" Playmaker nodded.

"And look out." Soulburner added.

"Will do!" Bloody Talker gave a thumbs up before following Adam.

The armored Duelist let out a sly smirk under their mask upon seeing their target follow them. Adam raised his speed and rammed into the world's galaxy background, breaking it apart and flying into the fake Cyberse World area. As Bloody Talker and Grim entered the area as well, they gasped at the fake world's destruction.

"This must've been Hanoi's doing." the young teen realized.

[They destroyed it without mercy.] Grim folded his arms.

"No, this is far from being the real mercy we destroyed the Cyberse World with." Adam spoke up, lowering his speed to get closer to the two. "Lightning's Judgement Arrows, Bohman, the Trinitas siblings, and me... we destroyed that world until nothing was left, only a wasteland."

"Why would you people do such a thing?" Bloody Talker asked in evident anger.

"Let's have our talk now, before the Duel." Adam replied. "This way, once our fated Duel starts, there won't be any interruptions..."

...

"There's more and more of 'em!"

Blood Sheperd cursed in his mind as he fired numerous beams from his hand at Bits and Boots, piercing their chests and prompting them to explode. His Battledrone General was doing the same thing, firing bullets at its foes.

"Starve Venom, eat these weaklings down!"

Toxin ordered his Ace and partner, who roared and did exactly what its user wanted, eating down several Bits and Boots with its several mouths.

"Out of my way!"

Cynthia bellowed. Her three Cyber Dragons fired beams at Teras and Bytes, making them explode in the process.

[Your targets are escaping, Team Delta!] Akira contacted the three through their Duel Disks.

"Don't say that like I wouldn't know it already!" Blood Sheperd made a 'tch' while shooting down other Artifical Intelligences.

"We have to hurry!" Cynthia gritted her teeth, seeing Soulburner and Lightning getting away.

"That's..." Toxin saw Playmaker and Bohman flying into the fake Cyberse World in the corner of his eye.

He whistled to his dragon, which nodded before creating a beam from its head, clearing a path between the A.I.s. Toxin and his Starve Venom Fusion Dragon flew away, towards the Duelists he saw.

"That idiot is breaking the formation!" Blood Sheperd growled in annoyance.

"Look out!" Cynthia exclaimed.

Blood Sheperd rolled to the side with his D-Board, dodging the attack of a Tera's M-Scale Paladin. The remaining underlings of Lightning started summoning their Monsters, cornering Team Delta's remnants.

"It's time to bring out the big guns..." Blood Sheperd held up his Commandrone Double Sniper.

"On that, we agree." Cynthia revealed her Cyber End Dragon.

...

[Lightning, I cannot forgive you!] Flame shouted as Soulburner, who were separated by Playmaker, caught up with the LIGHT Ignis. [The Cyberse World was our symbol of peace! And you destroyed it! You'll pay for that!]

"I'll help you, Flame!" his Origin nodded, looking determined to battle as well.

"I need to treat Windy before the virus could destroy him... but taking care of you here and now, before you become a bother, would help my situation as well." Lightning smiled. "I'll end you quickly, just like a real lightning."

"Bring it on!" Soulburner shouted.

"SPEED DUEL!" the two shouted in unison.

Lightning: LP 4000

VS

Soulburner: LP 4000

(The Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.)

"I'll take the first turn!" Soulburner exclaimed. "Ore no turn! From my hand, I normal summon Salamangreat Pavo!"

The red feathered peafowl with some blue patches over its body appeared with a loud cry, opening its mechanical tail wide and displaying its crimson circuits glowing on it.

Salamangreat Pavo: ATK 1300/DEF 1500/LV: 4

"Ah, of course... you use Cyberse cards." Lightning placed a hand on his chin. "More than likely the ones Flame gave you, yes?"

"Yeah, this deck is the proof of my bond with Flame!" Soulburner said. "But someone like you, who placed its Origin under his control couldn't understand. I activate Pavo's effect upon its Normal Summon!"

...

Adam threw the diamond-shaped device into the air, which exploded in particles of yellow light and formed a camouflage dome around the two Duelists.

"No interferences." Adam told. "I have waited too much for this moment to be ruined by such a way."

"Hoh, so this time you aren't going to send the Trinitas to take care of your work?"

"Don't get the wrong idea. The only reason they acted instead of me was because the Light Ignis was keeping me tied down." Adam remarked. "I've wanted to talk to you even before the Tower of Hanoi... but that accursed A.I. wouldn't let me."

[By the way you speak of him, I take it you two aren't in a good relationship.] Grim pointed out.

Adam's eyes glanced at him with disgust. "Yes, that's right," he admitted. "Both of us are waiting for the moment to stab the other behind their back. We might work together, but that doesn't mean we're friends."

"Then why are you together?" Bloody Talker asked. "At this point, just kill off the other while you can."

"It isn't as simple as that. That Ignis and I work together for ten years."

[Ten years...!? But that date...]

"Yeah. It was around the time the Ignis were created." Adam answered. "What a fool that Dr. Kogami was... one of his beloved creation started viewing humans as its enemy shortly after its birth. And to think all the pain the Lost Incident kids had to go through was just for this."

Adam fully turned around to stare at his opponents.

"The Light Ignis came to me with the intent to become allies. However, his plan went horribly wrong when I discovered the truth about his existence, and by the time he wanted to put me under his control, I already was on the defensive. With the same programming skills the Light Ignis taught me, I created a program that can stop him from touching my consciousness."

"You were taught by Lightning...?" Bloody Talker's eyes widen.

"Exactly. And after the Trinitas siblings joined my cause, I gave them my program as well." Adam revealed. "That's why the Light Ignis can't touch us. The reason why he and I work together up until today is that we both need each others' skills, but once I get what I need from him, I'll simply erase him. The Light Ignis needs my Dueling power, while I need his programming power and knowledge to complete my goal."

[And that would be?]

"Creating a Heaven and Hell on Earth," Adam explained. "By taking complete control of LINK VRAINS, I'll make the righteous and pure souls live eternally in here, their consciousness merged with the network. The evil and sinners, on the other hand, will be forced to live in the real world."

"There are people who intend to use VRAINS for such things...?" Bloody Talker muttered.

"The real world is ugly. Stained with never-ending betrayal, suffering, and darkness." Adam continued. "All those evil souls will live in this Hell, repenting for every sin they committed. Then, VRAINS will become our Heaven, where eternal light will continue to shine on the good souls."

[Even then, among those good souls, an evil one could be born.] Grim remarked. [All your effort will go to waste if that happens.]

"That's why this Heaven will be put under strict control with divine laws." Adam said. "The human system will be dictated by me, and I promise it on my soul and body, I won't let this system be stained. A never-ending peace will reign over humans! Well, those who are in VRAINS, that is. Those in the real world... can rot in time for all I care."

"So humans will live under tyranny, how nice." Bloody Talker snorted. "Your goal isn't that different from Lightning's! Either route we take, humans will be put under some sort of control. In your case, however, the Ignis will die. While on Lightning's case, humans will die."

"I didn't expect you to understand from the start." Adam sighed. "But once you see my goal's beauty in its full glory, you will join my side... Bloody Talker."

It seemed like they wanted to say something else at the end. Grim thought.

"I highly doubt that." he growled. "I won't join someone who dared harm the Cyberse or my partner for that matter!"

"I knew you would say that." that confused him. "Bloody Talker, your biggest weakness lies in that misplaced faith that only leads you to overreliance and overconfidence."

"What!?"

"See? You are angry just by some words. Bloody Talker, shall I remind you how many times the Cyberse, or the Ignis for that matter, caused you pain and imminent death? Revolver was the first one, using a Cyberse card, Topologic Gumblar Dragon, to defeat you at the Tower of Hanoi, and delete you and your Monsters."

Bloody Talker clenched his fists at that.

"Following that, if TeraByte would've defeated you with their Cyberse cards, the Light Ignis would've captured you and took your deck, causing you a devastating world of suffering. Then, we arrive at Deirdre's disgusting attempt at taking you down: seeing a Cyberse Monster suffer only chopped your hope to bits until you couldn't fight anymore. If it wasn't for IGNF1, you would've been done for."

"Now, let's talk about the trust between you and that... Ignis." Adam spat the last word with anger. "Wanting to know more about IGNF1, together with your desire to get revenge on Hanoi for what they did to the Cyberse, made you challenge Revolver, who defeated you. Then, hearing your Ignis' name be mentioned by Siegfried and TeraByte made you view the Light Ignis and me as your enemy, prompting you to get involved in danger. Blood Sheperd used false words to lure you out, which almost cost you your life. Then, because you are IGNF1's Origin, we had to use you as bait to lure him out after he escaped Dr. Kogami's prison. Lastly, because you have an Ignis, even SOL set its gaze on you."

"Yeah, yeah, so your point is?" Bloody Talker cut her off, irritated by their talking.

"This all makes you more easy to predict." Adam concluded. "Use the words "'Cyberse' or 'IGNF1' are in danger" and you will fly into battle without a second thought. This bond of yours is a big weakness and will be your downfall."

"Your theories are nice and all, but I have to ruin your moment there." Bloody Talker spoke. "That won't happen. My bond will only strengthen me!"

"The fact you're persistent isn't a bad factor, but you're being bold now." Adam said. "You aren't as powerful as you think, Bloody Talker. When we sent Bohman to capture you, we could've erased your consciousness instead of using it. However, you know why that didn't happen? Because I'm beside the Light Ignis, and I would've left him if he did that. The only reason you're alive right now is because of me."

"And I should thank you or something?"

"No, you don't have to." Adam shook his head. "I'm just pointing out how fragile your life is. Moreover, the fact you treat others too kindly is also a weakness. You've forgiven Revolver, the very person who made you suffer in the past and is the son of Dr. Kogami!"

"That doesn't matter to me!" Bloody Talker shouted back. "Revolver wasn't the one responsible to make me, or the other Lost Incident victims, suffer. He was the one to contact the authorities and save us, for crying out loud! Also, after he deleted my Cyberse cards, he showed sympathy by giving me some of his Dragon-type Monsters! Revolver feels guilt for what he does!"

"You are too kind..." Adam sighed in exasperation. "You have to become more cold and stoic if you want to survive the war between Ignis and humans."

[My partner decides for himself of to behave.] Grim told.

"I'm not talking to you." Adam growled. They turned to Bloody Talker, extending a hand towards him. "This will be your last chance: join me or Duel me with everything on the line."

"I refuse." he spat. "I've already chosen the side to fight on, and that's beside Playmaker and the others with my Cyberse and Grim!"

"...Very well." Adam finally said, lowering their hand. "I wish it didn't have to go this way, but you leave me no choice. I'm going to use brute force and make you realize the true side you belong to!"

They clenched their left hand as it suddenly glowed, the armor around their wrist taking a seemingly transforming. Erupting from the wrist was a small conjoin that connected to the gauntlet a rhombus-shaped Duel Disk-like device that had a curved center with an infinity sign at the back of it. Instead of having an energy blade like most old fashioned Duel Disks, this one had Monster Card Zones, which were placed on the disk's side that faced Adam, and were colored blue and black, and the disk was entirely outlined in silver. Attached to the Duel Disk's side which faced away from the Duelist was a Deck Slot with actual cards.

[They use a card-insert Duel Disk?] Grim blinked in surprise.

"Let's start!"

"SPEED DUEL!" the two declared in unison.

Adam: LP 4000

VS

Bloody Talker: LP 4000

(The Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.)

...

As Toxin flew into the fake Cyberse World with Starve Venom's card in his hand, he saw Playmaker and Bohman Dueling around the large tower enveloped by Data Storm, with the latter using a Link 3 Monster to attack the former's Cyberse Magician and Cyberse Witch.

When he finally got close enough to hear what they were saying, something zoomed ahead of him before stopping.

"...A little kid?"

"I have a name, and it's Haru!" the person in question snapped at him.

Who does this guy think he is, calling me a little kid? Haru thought with a frown. I might look like it, but that doesn't mean I am one. Who is this guy anyway...? If I'm not mistaken, it's one of SOL's bounty hunters, Toxin. But his avatar is different from the recordings I saw of him...

True to his words, Toxin's avatar was a little different from the one he used so far. Instead of having black-feathered wings, he had two appendages emerging from his back which were very similar to the ones Starve Venom possesses, and the part under his left eye was covered in dark green scales similar to Starve Venom's and that eye's iris was slitted.

"Hmph, whatever..." he whispered before raising his voice. "Get lost. I won't let you interfere in their Duel."

"Why not?"

"That's none of your business." Haru answered. "But if you continue to stay in front of me, I'll force you to leave."

"That's fine with me." Toxin smiled while placing away the card in his hand. "I have some questions you're going to answer once I beat you. My party is tired of fighting without knowing any details, and they'll surely pay me for such info."

"You brought this on yourself." Haru raised his Duel Disk.

"SPEED DUEL!" they shouted.

Haru: LP 4000

VS

Toxin: LP 4000

(The Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.)

...

"Decide whether you want to go first or second." Adam spoke.

[They're letting us choose?] Grim placed a hand on his chin.

"Are you underestimating me?" Bloody Talker raised an eyebrow.

"Of course not." they said. "I'm not the type of person to go easy on my opponents. This Duel is a very important one, for both of us, and I'm going all out from the start. I won't make the mistake to look down on you, nor drag this Duel out to large extents. You should be the one to watch out."

"Thank you for the advice." the other smiled sarcastically.

[In any case, you should consider your options.] Grim spoke up. [This might be a trap.]

"I know. Adam surely knows my deck, but I don't know theirs." Bloody Talker said. "I don't know if it needs the first turn to set up, or the second to quickly OTK me... since I don't know, I'm walking in the dark here."

[I advise you to take the turn that would benefit you most of all. We can't stay here thinking too much about it, seeing we don't know Adam's deck.]

"Yeah." Bloody Talker nodded. "I choose to take the second turn!"

"So the first turn is mine." Adam announced. "Jibun no turn!" they took a card from their hand and placed it on one of the Monster Card Zones. "I normal summon Archangel Uriel!"

Emerging from a portal of light was a humanoid, female angel clad from head to toe in pristine white armor, had two blue eyes glowing out of her helmet's eye sockets, and held a long lance in her hand, which had a flag attached to it.

Archangel Uriel: Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 1900/LV: 4

[A Light Fairy Monster...] Grim noted.

"Just like the Trinitas siblings and Orion, he doesn't use Cyberse cards." Bloody Talker remarked.

"Of course I don't." Adam sounded offended. Their eyes narrowed in clear fury behind their helmet. "The Cyberse race and the Ignis will eventually die by my hands. Those burdens did nothing but cause pain, and were born by pain in the first place, the pain of the Lost Incident victims! And unlike others, I don't make empty threats. Mark my words as truth!"

The Origin and his Ignis immediately understood something about Adam: they hate Cyberse cards and the Ignis to their very core. Trying to reason with them would be useless... as things stand, defeating them would be the only choice to escape from here in one piece.

"I activate Uriel's effect." Adam stated. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Fairy-type Monster from my hand! Awaken, Newborn Envoy - Life!"

Raising her lance high into the air as its flag started glowing, Uriel conjured a portal out of which a new Monster emerged. It was an infant-looking dragon with a serpentine body and grey scales, which seemed to be asleep, having its tail curled around its body and its eyes closed, not making any moves or sounds. The dragon was trapped inside a transparent, egg-shaped object made entirely out of light that had two, star-shaped protrusions (similar to the star on Lightning's chest) made of iron and had white circuits glowing over them attached to it by an invisible link.

Newborn Envoy - Life: Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 2/SC: 8

"A Pendulum Monster!?" Bloody Talker's eyes shot open. "That's this guy's deck!?"

"It's too early to get surprised." Adam told. "When Normal Summoned, or Special Summoned by the effect of a Light Fairy Monster, Life's effect activates. I can add one "Envoy" Monster from my deck to my hand, except another copy of itself! Next... Kagayake! Jibun no seinaru sākitto!"

(Translation: Shine! My holy Circuit!)

A lightning bolt shot out of their hand and conjured a Link Portal in front of them.

"The summoning conditions are two Light Fairy Monsters." Adam declared. "I set Uriel and Life in the Link Markers!"

Said Monsters turned into beams of light and entered the portal. "Link Summon! Awaken: Compassionate Envoy - Zadkiel!"

Emerging from the portal, accompanied by an angelic choir, was a humanoid female angel with violet skin under grey armor that covered her body, except for her arms and legs. The angel's helmet covered her eyes, but didn't stop her long, silver hair to cascade down her back and reach her waist. Attached to her back by an invisible link were the two, star-shaped protrusions made of iron with purple circuits glowing over them.

Zadkiel raised the dagger she was holding before taking a battle stance in the Extra Monster Zone on Adam's right.

Compassionate Envoy - Zadkiel: Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 1000/Link 2: Bottom, Right

"I'm not done yet." Adam informed his opponents. "Due to their shared effect, all "Envoy" Pendulum Monsters that would be placed face-up in my Extra Deck are sent to the Graveyard instead."

[Why would they have such an effect?] Grim asked. [Weren't Pendulum Monsters' true specialty the ability to revive from the Extra Deck no matter how many times they leave the field?]

"When I Special Summon an "Envoy" Monster or Monsters, except during the damage step, I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" Adam stated, ignoring the Ignis. "Awaken, Water Envoy - Azariel!"

Appearing next was another humanoid female angel, this one having light blue skin under white armor that covered her body, except for her feet and back. The angel's helmet covered her eyes but not her mouth and cheeks, and some black strands of her hair emerged from the helmet's back. Attached to her back by an invisible link were the two, star-shaped protrusions made of iron with blue circuits glowing over them. Azariel twirled the water spear she was holding in her hands, giving a loud battle cry.

Water Envoy - Azariel: Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000/LV: 5/SC: 6

"When I summon Azariel this way, her effect continues!" Adam stated. "I draw a card, and if it is a Level 5 or lower "Envoy" Monster, I can Special Summon it!"

They did just that, revealing their new card. "It's Saint Envoy - Muriel." Bloody Talker and Grim gritted their teeth. "Therefore, I summon her!"

Responding to the angel's battle cry was yet another humanoid female angel, wearing an attire which seemed like a cross between a blue dress and silver armor. She had braid blonde hair, an amethyst gem attached to her helmet, held a sword in her left hand, and attached to her back by an invisible link were the two, star-shaped protrusions made of iron with yellow circuits glowing over them.

Saint Envoy - Muriel: Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 400/LV: 4/SC: 1

"Appear for the second time! Jibun no seinaru sākitto!" another Link Portal opened. "The summoning conditions are two "Envoy" Monsters. I set Azariel and Muriel in the Link Markers!"

Said Monsters turned into beams of light and entered the portal. "Link Summon! Awaken: Judgment Envoy - Paniel!"

Accompanied by another angelic choir, a new Monster revealed itself. It was a humanoid female angel with fair skin, wearing a silver helmet, a white off-the-shoulder skater dress, and golden armor around her stomach, knees, and elbows. She had long, dirty blonde hair, held a golden sword in her two hands, and attached to her back by an invisible link were two, star-shaped protrusions made of iron with pink circuits glowing over them. Swinging her sword, Paniel was summoned to Zadkiel's Bottom Marker.

Judgment Envoy - Paniel: Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 1600/Link 2: Bottom-Left, Left

"I set two cards face-down and end my turn." Adam concluded. "It's your turn. Let's see if you can overcome this field I set up for you."

"Wagahai no turn!" Bloody Talker announced. "Draw! From my hand, I activate the Spell Card Cybenet Mining, using its effect to discard one card from my hand and add one Level 4 or lower Cyberse Monster from my deck to my hand. I discard Frame-freezer and add Cyberse Converter to my hand! After that, I normal summon Cyberse Acolyte!"

The male human clad from head to toe in a pitch-black jumpsuit that had several skull, star, and eye shaped jewels attached to random places of his body and had silver trims, wore a crimson mantle that covered his face in shadows, and in his right hand an oil lantern was held that, instead of glowing with fire, glowed with orange data streams, appeared.

Cyberse Acolyte: ATK 0/DEF 0/LV: 7

"Since I control no Monsters while my opponent does, I can Normal Summon Acolyte without any releases!" Bloody Talker said.

[And when Acolyte is Normal Summoned, his other effect activates,] Grim explained. [Bloody Talker can add one Cyberse Ritual Monster from his deck to his hand.]

"I add Cyberse Tsurugi Dragon from my deck to my hand!" Bloody Talker stated. "Next, since all Monsters I control are Cyberse, I can Special Summon Cyberse Converter from my hand!"

As Bloody Talker slammed another card from his hand on his energy blade, the monster with an oval body and two rocket booster-like appendages attached to its body, appeared.

Cyberse Converter: ATK 1000/DEF 1000/LV: 2

"From my Graveyard, I activate the effect of Frame-freezer!" Bloody Talker declared. "By banishing this card and sending one Link 2 or lower Cyberse Link Monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Freeze-frame Token to my field in defense mode!"

[This Token's Defense is equal to the discarded Link Monster's Attack.] Grim added.

"I send System Converter to the Graveyard and summon my Token!"

Following those words, the small, humanoid robot with a camera lens attached to its head appeared on the field before being trapped inside a cube of ice.

Freeze-frame Token: Water/Cyberse/ATK: 0/DEF: ?→1200/LV: 2

"Kengen seyo, wagahai no kekkon no tsuita sākitto!"

Following Bloody Talker's words, his clawed-hand Duel Anchor shot out of his hand and formed a Link Portal above him.

"The summoning conditions are two Cyberse Monsters!" he shouted. "I set Cyberse Converter and Freeze-frame Token in the Link Markers!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of grey and white-blue wind and entered the Link Portal, causing its markers to lit up. "Link Summon! Aid me, Backup Lady!"

The Monster that looked very similar to Playmaker's Backup Secretary emerged from the portal, and followed her user with a stoic face in his Right Extra Monster Zone, flying on her platform and holding a holographic tablet in her right hand.

Backup Lady: ATK 1400/Link 2: Bottom-Left, Top-Right

[When this card is Link Summoned, my partner can return a Cyberse Link Monster from his Graveyard to the Extra Deck,] Grim explained. [And if he does, he can return a Monster Card from his Graveyard to his hand as well.]

"Using this effect, I return System Converter and Cyberse Converter to my Extra Deck and hand respectively!" Bloody Talker told. "Then, I activate Lady's Quick Effect! Once per Duel, I can normal summon a Cyberse from my hand to a zone she points to! Come back, Cyberse Converter!"

Backup Lady started tapping her tablet, opening a portal under her Bottom Marker, from which the said Monster flew out with its 1000 ATK.

I see. was all Adam thought of this situation, knowing well what was going to happen.

"For the second time, kengen seyo, wagahai no kekkon no tsuita sākitto!" another Link Portal appeared. "The summoning conditions are one or more Cyberse Monsters! I set the Link 2 Backup Lady in the Link Markers!"

The female gave a battle cry before she turned into two twisters of white wind and entered the Link Portal. "Link Summon! Link 2! System Converter!"

The evolved-form of Cyberse Converter leaped out of the portal with a mechanical growl, flying in the Extra Monster Zone where Backup Lady was moments ago.

System Converter: ATK 1200/Link 2: Bottom, Bottom-Right

"When he is Link Summoned, I can add this card from my deck to my hand!" Bloody Talker stated. "It's the Ritual Spell Fictional Ritual, which can be treated as Cybenet Ritual, and I'll activate right away!"

Bloody Talker's highlights glowed blue as the large, grey circle with indigo codings glowing over its surface materialized in the air.

[Through its effect, Bloody Talker has to release Monsters he controls or from his hand and Ritual Summon a Ritual Monster that requires Cybenet Ritual to be summoned.] Grim said.

"I sacrifice the Level 7 Cyberse Acolyte and the Level 2 Cyberse Converter!" the Origin exclaimed and those two Monsters burst into particles of indigo light, which were sucked inside the portal and white flames lit up around it, swirling together to create a white portal. "The contract has been made! The heroic dragon which wields the sword of valor inherits these two souls! Ritual Summon! Appear now, Cyberse Tsurugi Dragon!"

Leaping out of the portal was the four-pedal dragon clad in crimson, futuristic, samurai-like armor that had spikes erupting from its back and an oni mask attached to its chest, had yellow eyes with black slits, and on the tip of its tail was a majestic sword made of light blue energy, surrounded by a divine glow and some clouds. The dragon was summoned to the Middle Main Monster Zone.

Cyberse Tsurugi Dragon: ATK 3000/DEF 2500/LV: 9

"Since Acolyte was used as Ritual Material, I can draw one card." Bloody Talker said. "Now appear for the third time! Wagahai no kekkon no tsuita sākitto! The summoning conditions are one or more Cyberse Monsters! I set the Link 2 System Converter in the Link Markers!"

The said Link Monster turned into two twisters of grey wind and entered the Link Portal. "Link Summon! Come forth, Multi-Headed Viper!"

Slithering out of the Link Portal was the long and large snake with two heads, an indigo-colored body of energy, and with two crimson eyes, placed one above the other, on each of its foreheads. It was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone on the teen's right.

Multi-Headed Viper: ATK 1200/Link 2: Right, Top

That thing? this was a Monster Adam didn't expect to see. Why in this timing? Did he figure me out?

"I set two cards face-down and Battle!" Bloody Talker shouted. "Tsurugi Dragon, attack Zadkiel!"

"Useless." Adam remarked. "Due to Zadkiel's effect, as long as I control this Link Summoned card, any battle damage I would take is negated. Moreover! Reverse card open: Link Trap, Rotting Requiem!"

Under Paniel's Bottom-Left Marker, a card flipped up to reveal a Link Trap with three Link Markers, all pointing upwards. The card showed a similar artwork as Judgement Arrows, but instead of having three arrows, it had rusty chains with iron collars dangling from them.

[Lightning had Link Traps under his sleeve, too?] Grim gritted his teeth.

"Wrong. This card was made by my own two hands." Adam corrected. "I activate Paniel's Quick Effect! Once while she's face-up on the field, when an "Envoy" Monster or Monsters I control would leave the field by battle or an opponent's card effect, and Paniel is co-linked, it or they won't leave the field!"

"Since Rotting Requiem and Paniel are co-linked, that effect can be used." Bloody Talker grinned nonetheless. "Just as I expected. At this moment, Tsurugi Dragon's effect activates! When he attacks an opponent's Monster, that Monster's effects are negated and my dragon gains 1000 Attack until the end of this Battle Phase!"

[Zadkiel's effect is negated, therefore you'll take the damage!] Grim pointed out.

(Cyberse Tsurugi Dragon: ATK 3000→4000)

The dragon lunched forward and swung its blade at the angel, but a transparent barrier appeared around Zadkiel, blocking the attack. When the blade touched the barrier, it released some shockwaves that reached Adam and made them grunt in pain.

Adam: LP 4000 - 3000 = 1000

[Alright, their Life Points are instantly down to 1000.] Grim cheered.

"This won't take too much to end!" Bloody Talker chuckled. "Battle! Due to its effect, Multi-Headed Viper can attack my opponent directly by halving its original Attack until the end of the damage step! Go!"

(Viper: ATK 1200→600)

The snake's tail shot forward, hitting Adam in the chest and throwing them backwards. They managed to stay on their D-Boards and didn't make a sound at the pain.

Adam: LP 1000 - 600 = 400

(Viper: ATK 600→1200)

"At this moment, Multi-Headed Viper's other effect activates!" Bloody Talker pointed forward. "When this card inflicts battle damage to my opponent, I can target one card in their Spell and Trap Zone and send it to the Graveyard! Your Link Trap is gone as quick as it came!"

Unexpectedly, their opponent chuckled. "As I thought, you were able to figure me out." they said. "You expected my set card to be a Link Trap."

"It was a gamble," Bloody Talker explained. "When you summoned your two Link Monsters, I read their effects and noticed that in order to activate Paniel's effect it would need to be co-linked. However, you didn't summon another Link Monster to its Markers but set a card to the Marker that Paniel pointed to in your Spell and Trap Zone, which means that set card must be a Link Trap."

"However, you didn't know about their existence." Adam pointed out. "Which means you took a very risky gamble."

"If you people were crazy enough to invent Link Magics, there's a chance you could've made Link Traps as well." Bloody Talker told. "You have no time to think when taking a gamble. You have to believe in your instincts, and in order to beat the Hell out of you people who hurt what I love, I'll gladly take the risks needed to win!"

"What an idiot you are..." Adam whispered before raising their voice. "When Rotting Requiem leaves the field, all Monsters it pointed to are destroyed."

Viper let loose of two jets of venom from its mouths, which washed over their Link Trap, causing it to exploded in particles of light. At the same time, the chains depicted on the Link Trap appeared on the field and tied Paniel before making her explode as well.

[Taking care of such an annoying card this quickly will surely benefit us.] Grim addressed his Origin.

"Sore wa dokashira?" Adam cut him off. (Translation: Are you sure about that?) "When an "Envoy" Monster or Monsters I control are destroyed by a card effect, I can activate the Continuous Trap Descend of Envoy!"

A card showing an injured Compassionate Envoy - Zadkiel chained to a battlefront (the very chains that appear in Rotting Requiem's card) with a dark cloudy sky that opened in the middle to let an angelic figure fly down, bathed by light and concealing its identity, was revealed.

"You can't make any more attacks, so you have to end your Battle Phase." Adam informed. "And then, Descend of Envoy's effect activates. During the end of my opponent's Battle Phase, I place one Envoy Counter on this card for every 100 points of battle damage I took this turn!"

(Cyberse Tsurugi Dragon: ATK 4000→3000, Descend of Envoy: Counters 0→36)

"There is no Main Phase 2 in Speed Duels, so your turn also ends." Adam continued. "Descend of Envoy's other effect activates at this moment! Because it has 30 or more Envoy Counters on it, by sending it to the Graveyard and destroying all Monsters I control, I can Special Summon my Ace Monster from the Extra Deck!"

"What!?" Bloody Talker gasped.

The Continuous Trap and Zadkiel on Adam's field exploded in particles of light, conjuring a shining portal beside the armored Duelist.

"When the doors to Heaven are open, an angel that will guide us to a new world descends." Adam chanted. "Awaken, Link 4! Gadessa of Envoy!"

Emerging from the portal, accompanied by a loud angelic choir, was a tall and slim humanoid female angel with a more mechanical look than any other "Envoy" Monster shown so far. Gadessa's entire body was covered in silver armor, except for her mouth, the space in between her breasts, stomach, and upper legs that were left exposed. These parts were made an iron-like material colored black, and had thin, light blue circuits glowing over them.

Instead of feet, her legs had spiky ends that had light blue circuits glowing over them and orange trims. Attached to her back by an invisible link were the star-shaped protrusions, but Gadessa four instead of two and had orange circuits.

Around her neck, a long scarf made of pink flames glowed in the wind, and her light blue eyes flashed to life, twirling the double-sided spear in her hands before taking a battle stance in the Extra Monster Zone on Adam's right.

Gadessa of Envoy: Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 3000/Link 4: Left, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right, Right

[That's their... Ace...] Grim muttered, taking in the sight of the new Link Monster.

"Jibun no turn!" Adam announced. "Draw! From my hand, I activate the Spell Card Fair Treaty." a card depicting General Freed with a dreamy expression as a nurse was serving him tea at a table. "If my opponent's Life Points are 2000 or higher than mine, and they control more Monsters than I do, I can draw a total of three cards!"

They drew and played one of the new cards. "I activate the Equip Spell Sword of Dagla, equipping it to Gadessa. The equipped Monster gains 500 Attack, and when it inflicts battle damage to my opponent, I gain Life Points equal to that amount!"

The double-sided spear in Gadessa's hand vanished as it was replaced by a pair of Wind-and-fire wheels, which the angel took hold of and brandished in a menacing manner.

(Gadessa of Envoy: ATK 3000→3500)

[An Attack of 3500!?] Grim's eyes widen a little. [It has more than Tsurugi Dragon...!]

"Next, I normal summon my second copy of Newborn Envoy - Life!" Adam stated as another Life appeared under Gadessa's Bottom-Left Marker. "With its summon, I can add another "Envoy" Monster from my deck to my hand, except another Life. Then, I activate Gadessa's effect, destroying the Pendulum Monster, Newborn Envoy - Life, next to her Link Marker to return one face-up card on the field to its owner's hand!"

"A non-destruction and non-targeting removal effect!?" Bloody Talker clenched his teeth.

"I destroy Life to return Cyberse Tsurugi Dragon to the hand! Shameful Return!"

The mentioned cards exploded in a shower of yellow particles.

"I set a card face-down and Battle!" Adam pointed at their opponent. "Gadessa of Envoy, attack Multi-Headed Viper!"

"I activate Fictional Ritual's effect from my Graveyard!" Bloody Talker quickly stated. "By banishing this card and the Cyberse Monster, Cyberse Acolyte, from the Graveyard, I negate the destruction of my Monster!"

"But you'll still take the damage!"

True enough, Gadessa threw her Wind-and-fire wheels like shurikens at the opposing snake, which was protected by a transparent barrier. The wheels bounced off the barrier, and Gadessa caught them just in time to throw the again at Bloody Talker, cutting him on an arm and leg.

The young teen gave a cry of pain as the damage was raised by the program Adam created and used, and the Wind-and-fire wheels returned to Gadessa's hands. At the same time, Adam's avatar glowed green for a second.

Bloody Talker: LP 4000 - 2300 = 1700

Adam: LP 400 + 2300 = 2700

[Agh!] Grim's shout of pain came seconds later, and a large amount of his body started dissolving into white data.

"Grim!" Bloody Talker yelled in concern at that. He turned to his opponent with an enraged expression. "This is your doing, isn't it!?"

"Precisely." Adam confirmed. "Those who battle together, suffer together as well, no? The time has come for the two of you to share the pain of battle simultaneously, and at the end of this Duel, when you lose and that Ignis will completely be deleted, you'll realize just how weak and frail that bond you speak of is."

[K-Kioku, don't worry about me...] Grim groaned. [Focus on the Duel and win!]

"However, that is exactly the problem here." Adam interrupted. "Bloody Talker won't and can't bring himself not to worry about you. You can't log out nor escape from the Duel Disk. Your current state will distort his view from victory and cost him the game."

"If you're trying to throw me off and shatter the faith between me and Grim, stop! That won't work on me!" Bloody Talker remarked. "All I have to do is win and Grim will be back to normal, which means your little tricks are useless if I focus on those thoughts!"

"I admit, that is true." Adam said. "But you won't win. I will destroy that false family of yours once I win!"

"I noticed you like acting so high and mighty, using all of these programs and such to achieve victory and that goal of yours." Bloody Talkers scoffed. "The desire of power in excess caused the angels to fall. I'm going to show you just how true that is!"

"Oh really? I think you are wrong." Adam replied. "None of my moves or beliefs are based on the desire of power! I just want to create a better world. Tell me, what do you think is eternal in this world? All living things die. Things fall to ruin. Feelings fade. The only thing eternal in this world... as long as you're human, only one thing is eternal. It's the sin of man."

They raised a hand before clenching it. "Once my plan is over, everything will be eternal. Human lives and feelings will become eternal in the Heaven that VRAINS will become. Those who live in Hell will rot together with their sins. I will make this world beautiful again. I Duel to make this utopia a reality!"

Gesturing to her Ace, Adam declared. "Gadessa no kōka hatsudō! When she attacks an opponent's Monster but it isn't destroyed by that battle, that enemy's effects are negated and its stats are lowered by 500! Fateful Crime!"

The Link 2 Monster was suddenly bound by chains made of yellow energy, and it hissed in pain as its powers vanished.

(Multi-Headed Viper: ATK 1200→700)

"I end my turn!" Adam concluded.

[Even if its effects are negated, that won't stop Bloody Talker!] Grim shouted.

"I won't let you kill my family so your utopia will be a thing! I fight to protect what I love!" Bloody Talker exclaimed. "Wagahai no turn, draw! I normal summon Steampunk Slinger from my hand!"

Appearing on the field was the male teen with fair skin, short, white hair, purple eyes, and wearing a purple-colored steampunk-styled clothing with a black hat that had gold highlights, gold, medieval armor boots, black gloves, and he held a golden gun in his left hand.

Steampunk Slinger: ATK 1800/DEF 800/LV: 4

"Kengen seyo, wagahai no sākitto!" Bloody Talker shouted. "The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse! I set the Link 2 Viper and Slinger!"

The two Monsters turned into three twisters of wind and entered the Link Portal. "The cursed soul created by this fictional world! Indulge in whatever pleases you! Link Summon! Come to me, The One Killing Souls - Cyberse Berserker!"

Emerging from the portal was the tall, humanoid, lizard with large spikes extending from its back, a long tail, a mouth attached to its chest, a long tendril instead of a right hand, and a mask-object attached to its face that had two slitted red eyes, and red glowing accents glowing over its body.

It gave a menacing growl and flew in the Extra Monster Zone on its user's right.

Cyberse Berserker: ATK 2000/Link 3: Top, Right, Bottom

[Due to the continuous effect of Cyberse Berserker, it gains 100 Attack for every other Monster on the field!] Grim stated.

(Cyberse Berserker: ATK 2000→2100)

"I activate the other effect of Cyberse Berserker!" Bloody Talker pointed forward. "Once per turn, I can target one Monster on the field and destroy it! And since this effect does target, your Gadessa's effect won't apply! Mad Feast!"

"Useless!" Adam snorted. "By targeting Gadessa, I activate the Trap Card A Goddess' Magic!" a card which depicted Gadessa of Envoy shielded by a barrier of various Continuous Spell from Fallen Angel Edeh Arae revealed itself. "I place one Continuous Spell from my deck into my Spell and Trap Zone face-up with a new effect! Appear, Castle of the Gods - Valhalla!"

A card ejected from their deck and Adam swiped it into their Duel Disk. "Valhalla's new effect! The targeted Gadessa is equipped to this card and it can't be destroyed by battle or card effects!"

The Cyberse Link Monster roared and dived forward, but a large version of the Continuous Spell appeared in front of Gadessa, shielding her from the Cyberse's effect.

[So close...] Grim muttered, annoyed.

"When the effect of Cyberse Berserker doesn't destroy its target, until the End Phase, it will gain 600 Attack." Bloody Talker said, feeling the same annoyance as his partner.

Since it wasn't able to destroy something, the Link Monster's eyes glowed brightly in rage as it roared yet again.

(Cyberse Berserker: ATK 2100→2700)

"Your attempt to defeat my Ace was a waste of time." Adam gloated.

"That's true, but I'm not done yet!" Bloody Talker gestured to his field. "Trap hatsudō! Rate-Up Exceed Force!"

"A Rate-Up at this timing!?" Adam was shocked for the first time this Duel.

A card which showed a Link Portal with all of its Markers glowing a bright red and having Data Storm blow past it at great speed appeared.

"I can activate it when a card wasn't destroyed by battle or a card effect," Bloody Talker explained. "When I do, I target a Link Monster I control, send it to the Graveyard, and Link Summon a Link Monster from my Extra Deck that's one Link higher than the sacrificed Monster by ignoring its summoning conditions! Appear once again: wagahai no sākitto!"

The Link portal re-appeared. "Using the Link 3 Cyberse Berserker, I re-set the Link Markers!"

The beast gave a loud roar before entering the portal, causing its markers to glow red. "Circuit Re-Combine! Link Summon! Come forth, Link 4! Creeping Blood Dragon!"

The light created by the portal turned blood-red as the tall and very slim, bipedal dragon clad in shining grey armor, two wings extending from its back that were divided into several segments, a featureless face with three horns erupting from its head, two of which curved backwards while the last one upwards, and long crimson hair emerged.

The Link 4 Monster gave a piercing roar as it entered the fray.

Creeping Blood Dragon: ATK 3000/Link 4: Left, Bottom, Right, Top

[Exceed Force's effect isn't over yet!] Grim revealed. [The summoned Monster gains 1000 Attack for every "Rate-Up" card activated this Duel so far!]

"With one, it gains enough power to surpass Gadessa's!" Bloody Talker grinned.

(Creeping Blood Dragon: ATK 3000→4000)

If I could only destroy Gadessa, I could activate my other set card, Marker's Explosion, dealing Adam 2000 effect damage since my Cyberse-type Monster destroyed their Link 4 Monster. Bloody Talker thought begrudgingly. "In any case, I activate Creeping Blood's effect! During my Main Phase 1, I can activate this effect: for the rest of this turn, only this dragon can attack and the first and second time an opponent's Monster would be destroyed by battle involving it, it won't be destroyed, also, Creeping Blood Dragon can attack all Monsters my opponent controls thrice each this turn!"

[Your Ace won't be destroyed, but you'll take a huge amount of damage!] Grim cheered.

"[Battle!]" they announced in unison. "[Creeping Blood Dragon, attack Gadessa of Envoy! The first!]"

The segments that made up the dragon's wings detached from its body and launched forward towards the angel. They fired crimson beams at her and Adam, causing them to be blown back, with the latter's avatar glitching in pain.

Adam: LP 2700 - 500 = 2200

"[Battle!]" they shouted. "[Creeping Blood Dragon, go! The second!]"

The segments rained down on Gadessa and Adam, causing both of their bodies to glitch with cuts. A segment even scratched Adam's helmet, causing it to crack a little.

The time has come... didn't it? they thought after hearing the crack.

Adam: LP 2200 - 500 = 1700

"[Battle! The third!]"

Following its Masters' command, Creeping Blood Dragon leaped into the air and slashed at Gadessa with its sharp claws, causing the angel to cry out in pain. The dragon flew backwards before throwing its wings at Gadessa and Adam, causing the same scene from before to repeat.

This time, however, Adam's helmet fully cracked as another segment scratched it, breaking apart in the middle to let the knight's long hair blow in the wind.

Adam: LP 1700 - 500 = 1200

[...N-Nani...!?] Grim stuttered at seeing their opponent's face. [A-Adam is... her face is...!]

The armored Duelist had waist-length, brown hair that is wavy to the point of almost unruly, small segments of hair tied into braids on the side of Adam's head with a tubular black hair accessory, and the bangs over the knight's forehead split in the middle, with the left side curving under a larger portion of bangs.

But as Grim said, the most shocking thing was the knight's face: identical to Kioku's but more feminine. The same facial curves and real eye colors Kioku has, but Adam was a female version of him.

"What the eff is going on here...!?" Bloody Talker questioned in total confusion.

"I haven't given you a proper introduction yet." the female told. "My real name is Erika. Ketsueki Erika. Your twin sister."

"...Eh?"

[Twin... sister...?]

"That's right." Adam confirmed the two's surprised faces. "I am Kioku's twin sister and his real family."

"That... That should be impossible!" Bloody Talker shouted, suddenly angry at his opponent for trying to play mind tricks with him. "My family was killed before the Lost Incident! My family is gone!"

"Our parents are gone... but we are still alive." Adam intoned. "You don't know the full story yet, only vague splashes here and there. But today, I'm going to make you remember the time we lost."

With a snap of her fingers, the camouflage dome started glowing with an intense light, until engulfing everything inside of it.

---

16 years ago - At Den Hospital

Ketsueki Kyoya and Suiko, a happy couple like any other, decided to take their relationship one step further by raising their own children and become a big family.

"They're so cute... I'm happy for the two of you, Suiko."

Were the words of a woman with fair skin, long black hair tied in a small ponytail, and beautiful jade-eyes, wearing some casual clothes. Standing beside the woman was her husband, a tall man with fair skin, short dirty blond hair, and brown eyes, wearing casual clothes himself.

"Thank you, Asuka."

The person who was addressed by Asuka replied with a smile. It was a woman with fair skin, brown hair that reached the end of her neck and had some bangs on the right side of her head curling backwards, and had green eyes. She was in a hospital bed, holding her two newborn children.

"You've been together for six years. I was having doubts you didn't want children."

On the bed's other side, Kyoya was standing with the infamous Dr. Kogami, who was the one to say those words and patted his friend on the shoulder.

"Cut us some slack." Kyoya chuckled. "You from all people should know how hard it is to get some free time at SOL. This year the higher-ups finally gave us a better schedule, and we have the time needed to take care of a family."

"You know you can always count on us, Kyoya, Suiko." Asuka's husband smiled.

"We know, Osamu." Suiko said.

But instead of helping our parents, those two pieces of trash were the very ones to kill them! Our parents heard about Dr. Kogami's plans for the Lost Incident, and they knew Asuka and Osamu will come for us... that's why they created the Overdrive Monsters.

9 years ago - At Ketsueki residence

"What are you doing, mommy?" Erika, who was now five-years-old, asked Suiko upon seeing her working at a late hour in her and Kyoya's office at their house.

The mother gave her child a warm smile before gesturing her to come closer. As Erika walked up to her desk, Suiko showed her a Duel Monsters.

"This is a new type of Monster your father and I are working on," she explained for the child. "They will be called Overdrive Monsters."

Erika's eyes sparkled a little at the card, knowing that getting a sneak peek at their parents' works was a very rare case. Even if they designed Duel Monsters cards, the Ketsueki parents would never show them to their kids unless after they were officially revealed to the public.

"You and Kioku will have each a different and unique one." Suiko said, placing the card down. "I'm making yours, while your father is making Kioku's."

"R-Really!? That's amazing, thank you!" Erika smiled. "When will they be revealed to the public?"

"Oh... well, these two cards are very special. Only you two will have Overdrive Monsters." Suiko revealed, prompting her daughter to gasp in shock and awe. Her face turned serious. "But not a single word to your brother about this. Your father and I want this to be a surprise, albeit, for you, it won't be such a big surprise anymore."

"Of course!" Erika nodded with her serious face, and the two started laughing. Unknown to her, Suiko and even Kyoya were suffering a lot inside.

Our parents successfully created the first Overdrive Monsters. However, they were caught off guard when Dr. Kogami started the Lost Incident sooner than expected, and the two Trinitas pieces of trash attacked us. They didn't make in time to give us our soon-to-be guardians.

10 years ago, before the Lost Incident - At Ketsueki residence

"Gandora Cross attacks your Tualatin!" Kioku exclaimed.

"You fell for my trap! I activate Honest's effect in my hand!" Erika revealed the said card.

"Eh!? No fair! You were keeping that card from the beginning!"

"Did not!" Erika puffed her cheeks in annoyance at Kioku's outburst.

Her twin brother huffed before moving Gandora Cross the Dragon of Demolition from the field to the GY. It was a sunny day, and the two were sitting under the tree in their house's garden, playing Duel Monsters on a small, wooden table.

"Hey, do you hear mom shouting...?" Kioku suddenly asked, glancing at their house. Erika listened closer, and true to his words, she did hear her mother's voice from inside. Strange, why would she raise her voice so much? She never did that before, and it made Erika feel unease.

"I'll go check!" she said, running into the house, ignoring Kioku's 'But we didn't finish the Duel yet' shout. "Mommy, what's wrong-"

As she arrived in the kitchen, she saw Osamu firing a bullet at Suiko with a gun that had a sound suppressor. The mother fell to the ground beside Kyoya, who was already shot and laid on the ground, bathed by his own blood. Before Erika could react, something was pulled over her head and her cries were muffled.

Asuka and Osamu killed our parents and handed us over to Dr. Kogami, who started the Lost Incident with us two. After the first phase was over and Dr. Kogami trapped IGNF1 and F2 in their prison, he extracted our memories prior to the incident, stored them away, and used again in the second phase.

As the Lost Incident was nearing its end, that scientist was betrayed by his own son who contacted the police. Truly a benefiting end for such a fool. When things looked good for us...

10 years ago, during the Lost Incident

The door to Erika's cell burst open as Osamu entered it, taking the young girl in his hands. Erika was currently unconscious, having suffered a recent defeat by the A.I. system and didn't wake up yet.

"Quick, we have to get Kioku too!" he shouted at Asuka, who was standing outside the cell.

Having realized their grave mistake at killing their two friends and kidnapped their kids, those two pieces of trash decided to save us from Dr. Kogami's clutches. However, they could've never expected Kogami Ryoken's actions to overlap with their own "rescue mission"...

The sound of dogs barking resonated in the distance and flashlights illuminated the dark night.

"I-Is that the police!?" Asuka gasped. "H-How did they found this place!?"

"W-We don't have time, let's go!" Osamu took his wife's hand.

"Wait, w-what about-"

"We don't have time!" Osamu repeated. "We have to run, now! Since I touched Erika's clothes, they can track me down by using my fingerprints, we have no choice but to take her alone!"

Asuka wasn't very happy nor convinced about that, but seeing the police getting closer and closer, she had no choice but to accept. The two quickly ran away, Erika still with them.

The two hacked into my personally identifiable information and changed my surname to 'Trinitas', making me become one of their own. I was reborn as Erika Trinitas, and would've stayed that way if not for the Lightning's help.

4 months after the Lost Incident

"Oi, give that back, I haven't finished my homework yet!"

"If you continue to space out, you will never do, haha!"

Were Ruka's words at Kai, who glared at her for taking his exercise book. He tried snatching it back, but Ruka proved to be pretty persistent, running out of the room and down their house's stairs followed by an angry Kai.

"No running! You can fall and hurt yourself!" Kenji shouted at his siblings, going after them, thus leaving Erika alone in their bedroom. She was in a similar state to Kioku's after the incident, close inside her own heart.

The screen of Kenji's laptop suddenly turned static, the shape of a face appearing on it.

[E-rik-a...] it tried to say, but the static interference caused its voice to glitch a little. Erika leaped to her feet, scared by the sudden phenomenon. Something like this never happened before! As if reading her thoughts, the thing continued speaking. [Cal-m do-wn... I am... he-re t-o hel-p y-ou...]

It placed a hand on the screen. [T-ou-ch me... if y-ou... wan-t to kno-w... the t-ru-th...]

What truth? What truth is there to know? Erika was beyond confused, and still shaken by the other being in the laptop, so she took a step back, not knowing what to do.

The sounds of footsteps and Kenji's scolding could be heard outside the room, and the thing quickly said. [Th-is... is... y-ou-r l-ast ch-anc-e...]

Maybe out of fear for what the thing could do to her if she disobeyed, or maybe because destiny wanted it to go that way, Erika reached her hand out, touching the thing's hand with her own. In a flash of lightning, the memories she lost prior to the Lost Incident flooded into her...

"Erika, are you OK?"

Kenji's voice snapped her out of her trance and saw the thing was gone and the screen turned back to normal. The Trinitas siblings stared at her in confusion and concern, but one simple feeling was coursing through her veins: rage.

Rage at these spawns of the people who killed her real parents! Who made her lose Kioku! Who made her go through that damned incident!

She was about to lash out when realization hit her.

They don't know she knows the truth.

They can be useful puppets to return her brother to her side!

They could be of some use...

"Yes. I'm OK." Erika finally said, her voice neutral. She'll have to play like a good sister if she wants for her plan to work.

Thanks to Lightning, I had a purpose to live. I had a goal, which continued to grow as time passed. Asuka and Osamu committed suicide two years after that, and I was happy. So happy that they got what they deserved, punishment dealt by their own hands!

Lightning taught me how to hack and create programs using Ignis algorithms, thinking he can turn me into a living soldier for him to exploit. However, when the Cyberse World was hidden in the network by Playmaker's Ignis, we cut out ties for some time. And during that time, I prepared programs to shield myself and the Trinitas siblings from him, in case that Ignis will ever come back.

While I did that, I also started my preparations for this exact moment and Duel...

8 years ago - At Ketsueki residence

Erika narrowed her eyes as she stared at the now desolated place she used to call home. The house wasn't demolished yet, much to her luck, so she has to act fast.

Taking out a spare copy of the gate's door, she opened it. She took one last glance to see if someone was watching her before going inside. The corpses of her parents were gone, and everything was left as it was all those years ago.

Going up to her and Kioku's bedroom, she was hit with a wave of nostalgia that almost made her break down in tears, but she reminded herself why she's here: to get the two Overdrive Monsters and some of their old cards.

She moved the sofa in the center of their room (blowing some dust up in the process, much to her disarray) and saw the small hole in the floor she and Kioku made when they were little to hide things in there. In the hole were two little boxes with word locks on them, one white and one black, her and Kioku's respectively.

Taking them out with extreme care, she inspected them: no damage whatsoever. They were in perfect conditions. Perfect, Erika thought with a sigh of relief.

The young girl moved over to her parents' office; it was easy to find the Overdrive Monsters from there, they were left in each of their desks' drawer, sealed away by their own programs.

Erika took the boxes and Overdrive Monsters, leaving the area as she found it...

I was the one to send you Grangadez as an anonymous shadow, together with your own box. Only after the Tower of Hanoi you were able to release Grangadez from his seal, while your box isn't open yet because you forgot its password. But now that you got back your memories... that won't be a problem to open.

Speaking of the devil, after the Tower of Hanoi, you mysteriously found yourself at the prison Dr. Kogami created for our Ignis. Do you know who sent you there on purpose? It was me. In order for you to meet IGNF1, I created you a one-time passcode and let you meet him, in order to strengthen your will.

And why do you think Siegfried mentioned IGNF1 in the Duel against you in the first place? I ordered him to do so. To make you gain a new and strong conviction.

And why do you think I let you reunite so freely with IGNF1? Because it was part of my plan. I could've killed that Ignis the moment I enter Dr. Kogami's prison! But I let him escape so you two can see each other one more time... however, I admit Revolver and Spectre's sudden intrusion wasn't part of my plan, but they let you two escape... further increase your strength by having IGNF1 by your side, Kioku. It was a bonus for me, in other words.

Kioku, if it wasn't for all these things I did for you, you would be an insolent and weak person. I helped you because I love you, you are my brother! And now that you are so strong, we were able to meet and reach this far into the Duel.

I'm not trying to demerit all the hard work you did up until now, Kioku. What I'm trying to say is... I made you much stronger than you could've been alone, because I want you to be here, by my side, to make my utopia a reality...

---

The camouflage dome returned to its original state after those words.

"So Kyoya-san... invented me... and Suiko-san another Overdrive Monster!?" Grangadez was beyond shocked in his card.

[This... is the whole truth...!?] Grim muttered.

Adam brought her D-Board closer to Bloody Talker, and extended a hand for her brother. She gave a smile, which wasn't tainted by trickery, but a genuine smile of sorrow.

"Do you think we can fight together? On the same side, for the same goal, sharing the same pain and joy... Kioku-nii?"

The addressed teen's legs buckled and he fell to his knees, clutching his head. The things that Adam showed him triggered something in his head and the memories and feelings he lost by Dr. Kogami were flooding back like a tsunami.

[Kioku, keep yourself together!] Grim shouted seeing his Origin's state, although, he was shaken himself. [S-She's the enemy! You can never know if Lightning just made this all up and used-]

"It's all real... It's all real... These are with no doubts my memories..." Bloody Talker gritted his teeth. "I remember everything! My years with family before the incident, those emotions I felt back then, everything...! Until now... I believed my family is dead... yet..."

He looked at his opponent, his twin sister. "Yet the most important part of my family is still alive... but with the enemy... she's my enemy! I... I can't... I can't fight my family..."

[Kioku, this is the same as with Delirium!] Grim pointed out. [They are purposely trying to throw you off by using these mind games!]

"But Delirium was a Cyberse! And you are my Ignis!" that made Grim stop. "You are my family, of course, but my second family that's helping me because of my past! But Erika... she's my real family... the one I always longed and mourned for! Erika is my sister!"

[Kioku...]

"I can't choose... This is the only thing I can't bring myself to choose! You are both my family! I can't choose one over the other!" Bloody Talker snapped over his own weakness. "I am too weak to make such an important choice!"

Above the camouflage dome, amidst the clouds that formed in the fake Cyberse World, a bright beam suddenly shot down, hitting the dome before shattering it with ease. Adam had to pull back or the beam would've washed over her, while Bloody Talker and Grim looked up to see a figure emerging from the light.

"There's nothing wrong with admitting your own weakness." the person said. As the beam vanished, everyone gasped at who appeared.

"Kaiba Seto!?" Adam exclaimed, surprised. "What's the meaning of this!? I deployed a camouflage dome, you shouldn't have been able to pinpoint us, or destroy the dome for that matter!"

"I have a very special acquaintance who can destroy this low level of programming intellect." Kaiba snorted. He turned his head to glance at Bloody Talker. "My acquaintance also jammed the program that keep you here. You two, leave this place now. The data you lost will return upon leaving, Ignis."

[Th-Thank you, Kaiba Seto!] Grim sounded grateful. [Let's get out of here, partner.]

"But Erika..." Bloody Talker glanced at his sister for one more time.

That's when the Ignis made his choice. [We're logging out!] he shouted, taking his Origin out of here before something horrible could happen. With him gone, the cards on his field also dissolved.

"Kioku!" Adam tried to reach for her brother, but his avatar already vanished. She clenched her hand in rising anger. "How dare you... How dare you, Kaiba Seto!" she bellowed. "The time Kioku and I would finally be together was so close, yet you smashed my hope to nothing! How dare you robe our happiness!"

"That's the result of your own cowardice."

"What!?"

"Instead of bragging around with your goals, instead of following an Ignis, and instead of starting a Duel with Kioku and try to make him join you by surrendering," Kaiba explained. "You should've simply walked up to him and reveal the whole truth, not play this useless game, Ketsueki Erika!"

"Don't joke with me!" she spat. "I wish it would be that easy! I had my hands tied down by that accursed Light Ignis, it's not like I could've done whatever I wanted! For ten years I have waited... for ten years I have helped Kioku from the shadows... for ten years I am plotting... for ten years I have waited to finally see him with my own two eyes... For ten. Whole. Damn. Years!"

Her fists tightened. "And now that my time has arrived, you dare call me a coward!?"

"You were giving Kioku a choice." Kaiba shot back. "A choice which would've benefitted only you."

"WHAT DO YOU KNOW!?" Adam roared. "Kioku has developed a soft spot for that false and wretched family he made, it's obvious he has to make a choice! Me, his real and loving family, or that false one! It's a choice he'll have to make sooner or later. If he chose to take my side, he would've surrendered this Duel, therefore letting my program fully deleted that Ignis of his and those Cyberse cards! If he wants to be with me, he has to throw away that false family!"

"And this is how you want to give him happiness? By making him choose!?"

"The reason why I stand here today is him! I came to SAVE Kioku from this horrible world! We'll live together once more, after so much time of suffering! You don't have the right to judge my actions!"

"It seems we can only agree to disagree." Kaiba snorted. "Since Kioku left, I'll be taking over this Duel! I start five four cards in my hand and Kioku's Life Points, nothing more, nothing less, and I can't attack in my first turn, just to make things a little fair."

"Hmph, fine!" Adam snarled. "I'll make you pay for ruining my plans in this Duel, Kaiba Seto! Because Kioku left and you're about to start a new turn, this is technically the End Phase, meaning Valhalla's effect it gained from A Goddess' Magic activates, forcing me to send it to the Graveyard."

Current Duel status:

Adam - LP: 1200

Hand: 1 Monster Card added with Life's effect during her last turn

Field: controls Gadessa of Envoy (equipped with Sword of Dagla - ATK 3500)

Kaiba - LP: 1700

Hand: 4 cards

Field: nothing

"Ore no turn!" Kaiba announced. "Draw!" after looking at the cards in his hand, his eyes widen a little at one specific card. He let out a sly grin. "I see... my God is ready to fight already!"

He took hold of a different card, playing it. "I activate the Spell Card Path Blessed by Light! Since my opponent is the only one to currently control Monsters, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Light Monster from my deck, but it can't attack this turn. Come forth, Obelisk's Disciple!"

The male human with tan skin and clad from head to toe in ornate, bulky, and blue armor materialized on the field, letting out a loud battle cry as his body glowed with a blue aura.

Obelisk's Disciple: ATK 1700/DEF 0/LV: 4

"I activate my new Monster's effect!" Kaiba stated. "Once per turn, by discarding two cards from my hand, this turn, if I would use Obelisk's Disciple as material to perform an Advance Summon, it can be treated as an additional sacrifice, up to the number of discarded cards!"

"One Monster treated as three sacrifices... Are you out of your mind?" Adam asked. "Didn't you learn your lesson last time you tried to summon a God? It's impossible to summon one here in VRAINS!"

"And who told you that's the case today as well?"

"What did you say...? You don't mean-"

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean!" Kaiba confirmed her words, raising that specific card from his hand. "I release Obelisk's Disciple to call forth my God!"

The card shone with an intense light as Obelisk's Disciple vanished from the field. The server created by Windy and Lightning started shaking as the fake Cyberse World's ground cracked open, numerous explosions going off in their insides!

...

"Battle! Armatos Legio Primi Ordines, attack Salamangreat Heatlio!" Lightning exclaimed. "At this moment, the effect of Judgement Arrows activates, doubling the Attack of my Monster! Do it, my Monster!"

(Armatos Legio Primi Ordines: ATK 1800→3600)

"I activate my Counter Trap Kickback of Fire!" Soulburner replied. "This negates the destruction of a Fire Monster I control by battle and halves the battle damage I would take!"

The youth's Ace, Heatlio, was suddenly surrounded by a crimson glow as it blocked Primi Ordines' spear with its hands.

"Your Monster isn't destroyed, but you still take the damage." Lightning pointed out as Soulburner's body glitched in pain.

Soulburner: LP 1500 - 650 = 850

"At the end of the battle, the Monster protected by Kickback of Fire gains 500 Attack!" the youth added.

(Salamangreat Heatlio: ATK 2300→2800, Armatos Legio Primi Ordines: ATK 3600→1800)

"I see. A nice counter." Lightning praised his opponent. "However, you weren't able to keep your Life Points above 1000, therefore your Skill is sealed." Soulburner gritted his teeth at that. "I have no more attacks to make, so I end my turn!"

[Even without our Skill, we can win!]

"That's right!" Soulburner nodded to Flame's words. "Ore no turn! Dr-"

The area started shaking out of the blue, something which everyone noted.

[What's happening!?] Flame inquired, seeing the area glitching in and out.

"This phenomenon... it's the same when Kaiba Seto tried to summon that Monster!" Soulburner realized, his eyes wide. "Is Seto here as well...!?"

"As things stand, staying here would be dangerous for me." Lightning mused. He glanced at Windy, whose body was still infected by the virus. "And your condition is getting worse and worse, isn't it? It seems I'll have to retreat."

[What!?] Flame yelled. [You are running away!?]

"I wouldn't have phrased it like that, but yes." Lightning admitted. "Don't worry. I'll be preparing our next battlefield. Until then, you get ready for the next step of this war, Flame, Soulburner."

A black portal opened in front of him and Jin, with the latter driving his D-Board into it. The portal closed seconds later.

Winner: NO RESULT!

"Damn it! We couldn't save Jin!" Soulburner cursed in his mind.

[For now... we'll have to retreat as well.] Flame said begrudgingly. [It's dangerous for us too if we stay here.]

"Yeah." Soulburner nodded before logging out.

...

"What the Hell is going on now!?" Blood Sheperd growled as the area started to glitch.

Cyber End Dragon fired a beam from each of its heads, hitting a D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle and causing it to vanish in a massive explosion, sending its Bit owner flying. After that, the Duel Monster started glitching as well.

"Whatever it is, our Monsters are getting affected by it." Cynthia noted. "If we stay now, our firepower would get too low, especially without Toxin here. We have to retreat-"

Before she could finish, Blood Sheperd already logged out, making a vein pulse on Cynthia's forehead.

"Annoying little...!" she hissed before vanishing as well.

...

"Agh!" Haru cried out as his Link Monster was destroyed by Starve Venom Link Dragon's attack, blowing him back and make him lose control of his D-Board.

Haru: LP 1900 - 600 = 1300

"I end my turn!" Toxin concluded as his dragon returned to his side.

"You'll pay for that..." Haru muttered, wiping some sweat from his cheek. "Boku no turn! Draw! First, I activate the Spell Card-"

Their area started going mad as well, prompting the two to become confused.

"What's this?" Toxin whispered. "Where have I seen it before...?"

[Haru, we're leaving.] Bohman's voice came from the addressed person's Duel Disk.

"But nii-san, your Duel with Playmaker!"

[Is over, neither of us won.]

"A tie...?" Haru blinked twice.

[Lightning left already, we're going too.]

"But my Duel-"

[If we stay, this whole server could fall on us.] Bohman interrupted him calmly and concerned. [It's too dangerous, you could get in serious trouble.]

Haru gave a hard glare at his opponent before answering. "...OK, nii-san." that said, he vanished.

Winner: NO RESULT!

"There goes my opponent..." Toxin muttered as the remaining cards on the field vanished. He also logged out, unknown to him, together with Playmaker whose opponent also left.

...

"COME FORTH! OBELISK THE TORMENTOR!"

A massive hand shot out of the opened ground, grabbing the edge that formed when it split into two and launching itself upwards, emerging from the crack and reveal the fabled God Kaiba possesses. Its height was the same as Grangadez's, towering over everything that it could lay its eyes upon, and stood on the battlefield with immense might, strength, and rage!

Obelisk the Tormentor: Divine/Divine-Beast/Effect/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000/LV: 10

Adam and Gadessa of Envoy could feel their remaining power shrink such a God's fierce gaze.

"You... You...! You imbecile!" nonetheless, Adam found the courage to speak. "Don't you know the risks to let a God enter LINK VRAINS!? You want the Incident Genesis to reoccur!? This is how you thank my parents' help to you during the Genesis!?"

"Using your own words, you don't have the right to judge my actions." Kaiba remarked. "What I do and why is none of your business. Yet. Maybe, in the future, it will. I can't attack, so I end my turn with a face-down!"

"I'll make you pay for what you did!" Adam vowed. "Jibun no turn! Draw! Since I control an "Envoy" Link Monster, by paying 400 Life Points, I can Special Summon this card from my hand! Awaken, Bright Envoy - Holy!"

Adam: LP 1200 - 400 = 800

Emerging from a portal of glowing light was an adult form of Newborn Envoy - Life. It had a serpentine body with grey scales and golden outlines, piercing blue eyes, and the two, star-shaped protrusions made of iron with white circuits glowing over them attached to its back by an invisible link.

Bright Envoy - Holy: Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 6/SC: 1

"From my Graveyard, I activate Zadkiel's effect!" Adam stated. "If I Special Summon an "Envoy" Monster or Monsters, and this angel is in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon her, at the cost of banishing Zadkiel the next time she leaves the field! Be reborn, my angel!"

Reappearing on the field with a loud battle cry was Zadkiel and her 1000 ATK.

"Then, I activate Holy's other effect!" Adam declared. "By releasing the Link 4 Gadessa, I target one Continuous Spell and Trap in my Graveyard, and place them face-up in my Spell and Trap Zones with their effects negated! Reappear, Castle of the Gods - Valhalla and Descend of Envoy!"

The Link 4 Monster exploded in particles of light, which took the shape of the stated cards.

"Your preparations are done." Kaiba chuckled. "Now, summon it! Your own God!"

"Consider that your death wish!" Adam shouted.

Slowly, a holy aura surrounded her feet, spiraling around her body and creating a small gust of wind that blew her hair upwards. When the aura got broad and moved quickly around her, Adam's eyes glowed a bright yellow. She lowered her arms and crossed them across his chest, forming an "X", and her nails started glowing with the same bright yellow!

"The almighty power of Gods, open the gates that will lead me to the future and satisfy my belief!" she chanted, raising her arms, still crossed over one and another. The glow which surrounded her nails and eyes vanished and formed a wide circle. At the same time, above the female, the same ring materialized but ten times larger.

"Summoning Requirements! One Effect Monster, one Fairy-type Link Monster, one face-up Continuous Spell card, and one face-up Continuous Trap card! Levels' sum: 10!"

After those words, inside the rings three more, smaller rings materialized, each glowing with a different color.

"The Effect Monster, Bright Envoy - Holy, which is Level 6, set!" Adam cried out as Holy burst into particles of orange color and were sucked into her nails. She retraced the first ring in front of her with both her hands and the particles glued to her nails vanished, and the giant ring above her gained its first ring's color and it glowed brightly.

"The Fairy Link Monster, Compassionate Envoy - Zadkiel, which is a Link 2 Monster and treated as Level 2, set!" she stated and Zadkiel also burst into particles of dark blue light and covered her nails. The same thing from before was repeated and the second ring glowed.

"The Continuous Spell, Valhalla, treated as Level 1, set!" Adam went on. "The Continuous Trap, Descend of Envoy, treated as Level 1, set!"

What happened to her Monsters happened to the Spell and Trap cards, and the remaining rings started glowing as well. Once all four rings were glowing, they started rotating at great speed, and a streak of those colors erupted from the giant ring and shot towards the sky, where it conjured five portals, glued to each other in a five-sided star formation.

"The Goddess created by my mother, destined to protect me in her place, awaken! Defeat all my enemies! OVERDRIVE SUMMON! Grade 10! Envoy Overseer of Light - Grandeen!"

Emerging from the rings was an anthropomorphic female dragon, tall as Obelisk, covered in light yellow scales with a white neck, underbelly, and underside of her tail, and her eyes were glowing a beautiful light blue and had long black eyelashes. She didn't seem to have hair, but a single bang of black hair emerged from her helmet's front and covered half of her face.

To support her body, Grandeen had six, large wings made of angelic feathers, and wore pristine white armor around her torso, shoulders, elbows, knees, and feet, that were decorated with light blue glowing circuits, and her feet armor had high heels. Erupting from her shoulders, back of the heck, and tail were sharp golden spikes.

Golden flames started swirling around the dragon as she entered the field, creating a raging tornado which was then swiped by Grandeen's six wings. Her whole body seemed to give off a glow of its own, a glow of power and might that could rival Obelisk's own!

Envoy Overseer of Light - Grandeen: Light/Fairy/Overdrive/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3500/Grade: 10

"The crime to anger my Mistress is unforgivable." the giant Duel Monster told in her calm and powerful voice. "You and your God shall be sentenced to eternal punishment!"

"You don't say." Kaiba snorted. Soon, he grinned. "Well, then, come at us. It's time I test if Obelisk's strength is the same as it was all those years ago!"

"You'll regret those words!" Adam shouted. "Grandeen's effect-"

An explosion echoed in the distance, causing the two Duelists to realize the horrible state the server is going through. Already Obelisk's summon caused it to go mad, but with another God's summon, the server started collapsing ten times faster!

"It seems the program I made my men create wasn't enough..." Kaiba growled in annoyance.

"My Mistress!" Grandeen cried out. "If we stay any longer...!"

Adam clenched her teeth together, glaring at her opponent. "Mark my words, Kaiba Seto! This doesn't end here! The next time we'll meet, only one of us will be victorious!"

A giant portal opened behind Adam and her God, and the two left through it. Kaiba only gave a 'hmph' as he left with Obelisk, right before the server totally collapsed and vanished from the traces of the network...

Winner: NO RESULT!

---

Fan-made Cards/Skills:

Andal:

Mesozoic Evolution

Send 1 face-up "Wild Dragon" monster you control to the GY to Special Summon 1 monster with the same name from your Extra Deck. (Only "Mesozoic" monsters can be summoned with this effect.)

Wild Dragon Mesozoic Shaman (Earth/Dinosaur/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 900/DEF: 1100/LV: 5)

This card's name is also treated as "Wild Dragon Sage". This card cannot be Special Summoned except with "Mesozoic Evolution". Once per turn: You can Fusion Summon 1 "Wild Dragon" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters you control and/or in your hand as Fusion Materials. When you use this card as Fusion Material for the summon of a "Wild Dragon" monster, draw 1 card.

Sedna:

Charybdine Synchron (Water/Aqua/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1)

When Normal Summon, target 1 "Charybdine" monster in your GY or Banish Zone: Special Summon that target, but negate its effects. Cannot be used as Synchro Material, except for the Synchro Summon of a WATER monster.

[Trivia: concept made by Vrains Fan.]

Adam:

Archangel Uriel (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 1900/LV: 4)

If you control 1 or less Fairy monsters and your opponent controls a monster(s): You can Special Summon this card from your hand. Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Fairy monster from your hand. This effect of "Archangel Uriel" can only be used once a turn.

[Trivia: this card's name is based on Uriel, an archangel.]

Newborn Envoy - Life (Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 2/SC: 8)

Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon LIGHT Fairy monsters. This effect cannot be negated.

Monster Effect: If this card would be placed face-up in the Extra Deck, it is sent to the GY instead. When this card is Normal Summoned, or Special Summoned by the effect of a LIGHT Fairy monster: You can add 1 "Envoy" monster from your Deck to your hand, except "Newborn Envoy - Life". You can only use this effect of "Newborn Envoy - Life" once per turn.

Compassionate Envoy - Zadkiel (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 1000/Link 2: Bottom, Right)

2 LIGHT Fairy monsters

As long as this card points to a Fairy monster, monsters it points to cannot be destroyed by battle. If you control this Link Summoned card, you take no battle damage. You can only control 1 "Compassionate Envoy - Zadkiel" at a time. If you Special Summon an "Envoy" monster(s) and this card is in your GY: You can Special Summon it, but banish it the next time it would be sent to the GY. You can only Special Summon 1 "Compassionate Envoy - Zadkiel" per turn this way.

[Trivia: this card's name is based on Zadkiel, an archangel.]

Water Envoy - Azariel (Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000/LV: 5/SC: 6)

Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon LIGHT Fairy monsters. This effect cannot be negated. If you Special Summon a "Gaddessa" monster(s), except during the Damage Step: Draw 1 card.

Monster Effect: If this card would be placed face-up in the Extra Deck, it is sent to the GY instead. If you Special Summon an "Envoy" monster(s), except during the Damage Step: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, draw 1 card, then you can Special Summon it if it is a Level 5 or lower "Envoy" monster. You can only use this effect of "Water Envoy - Azariel" once per turn.

[Trivia: this card's name is based on Arariel, also called Azariel, an angel who takes charge of the waters of the earth.]

Saint Envoy - Muriel (Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 400/LV: 4/SC: 1)

Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon LIGHT Fairy monsters. This effect cannot be negated. If you have an "Envoy" card in your other Pendulum Zone: Your "Envoy" monsters are unaffected by the effects of your opponent's cards that activate in the GY.

Monster Effect: If this card would be placed face-up in the Extra Deck, it is sent to the GY instead. If this card is Special Summoned from the GY: LIGHT monsters you currently control gain 500 ATK. You can only use this effect of "Saint Envoy - Muriel" once per turn.

[Trivia: this card's name is based on Muriel, an angel.]

Judgment Envoy - Paniel (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 1600/Link 2: Bottom-Left, Left)

2 "Envoy" monsters

If you control this Link Summoned card, you take no effect damage. You can only control 1 "Judgment Envoy - Paniel" at a time. (Quick Effect): If an "Envoy" monster(s) you control would be leave the field by battle or an opponent's card effect, while this card is co-linked or points to a "Gadessa" monster(s); that monster(s) cannot leave the field by that battle or effect. You can only use this effect of "Judgment Envoy - Paniel" once while face-up on the field.

[Trivia: this card's name is based on Phanuel, also spelled Paniel, an angel.]

Rotting Requiem

Link Trap (Arrows: Top-Left, Top, Top-Right)

If an opponent's monster battles a Link Monster you control that this card points to, that enemy's original ATK becomes 0 during damage calculation only. When this card leaves the field while it points to a monster(s), destroy all those monsters. You can only control 1 "Rotting Requiem" in your Spell & Trap Zones a Link Monster points to.

[Trivia: concept made by Ghost83.]

Descend of Envoy

Continuous Trap

Activate when an "Envoy" monster(s) you control is destroyed by a card effect. During the end of your opponent's Battle Phase: Place 1 Envoy Counter on this card for every 100 battle damage you took this turn. When there are 30 or more Envoy Counters on this card, during the End Phase: Send it to the GY and destroy all monsters you control; Special Summon 1 "Gadessa of Envoy" from your Extra Deck.

Gadessa of Envoy (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 3000/Link 4: Left, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right, Right)

3+ LIGHT Effect monsters

Cannot leave the field by card effects which do not target it. You can destroy 1 Pendulum Monster this card points to, or in your Pendulum Zone: Return 1 face-up card on the field to the hand. This effect can only be used once while this card is face-up on the field. When this card attacks an opponent's monster, but isn't destroyed by that battle: Its effects are negated and its ATK and DEF is lowered by 500.

[Trivia: this card's name is based on the Gadessa mobile suit from the "Mobile Suit Gundam 00" anime. Gadessa sounds like the word "Goddess", a nod to this card (because it's a female and the Envoy's Ace).]

Fair Treaty

Normal Spell

If your opponent's LP is 2000 or higher than yours: Draw 2 cards + 1 if they control more monsters than you do. You can only activate 1 "Fair Treaty" per turn.

A Goddess' Magic

Normal Trap

Target 1 "Gadessa" monster you control: Place 1 Continuous Spell card from your deck into your Spell & Trap Zone face-up with the following effect. You can only activate 1 "A Goddess' Magic" per turn.

- This card becomes an equip card to the targeted monster, and it can't be destroyed by battle or card effects. If "A Goddess' Magic" is in your GY, this card's effects cannot be negated and it can't be destroyed. During the End Phase of the turn in which this card was activated, send it to the GY.

Bright Envoy - Holy (Light/Fairy/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 6/SC: 1)

Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon LIGHT Fairy monsters. This effect cannot be negated.

Monster Effect: If this card would be placed face-up in the Extra Deck, it is sent to the GY instead. If you control an "Envoy" Link Monster: Pay 400 Life Points to Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon 1 "Bright Envoy - Holy" per turn this way. If your LP is 1000 or less, you can target 1 Light Fairy Link 2 or higher monster you control: Tribute it, and if you do, target up to 2 cards in your GY (1 Continuous Spell and/or Continuous Trap); Place those cards face-up in your Spell & Trap Zones with their effects negated. You can only use this effect of "Bright Envoy - Holy" once per Duel.

Envoy Overseer of Light - Grandeen (Light/Fairy/Overdrive/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3500/Grade: 10)

1 Effect Monster + 1 Fairy Link Monster + 1 face-up Continuous Spell + 1 face-up Continuous Trap

OTHER EFFECTS UNKNOWN

Bloody Taker:

Rate-Up Exceed Force

Normal Trap

Activate when a card wasn't destroyed by battle or an effect. Target 1 Link Monster you control: Send it to the GY, and if you do, Special Summon, ignoring its summoning conditions, from your Extra Deck, 1 Link Monster with the same Type as the Monster sent to the GY but 1 Link higher than it. (This Special Summon is treated as a Link Summon.) The summoned monster gains 1000 ATK for every "Rate-Up" card activated this Duel so far. You can only activate one "Rate-Up Exceed Force" per turn.

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Wow, so a lot of things are revealed and happened in this one!

First, we finally get to see Adam in action and she decides to shock all of you readers by revealing she's the twin sister of Kioku and the last victim of the Lost Incident! (I've been plotting this giant twist since chapter 12 of season 1!)

"You're welcome." Erika told.

We also got more background regarding the Ketsueki and Trinitas families, along with the Overdrive Monsters' creations and how Kioku and Erika got their hands on them. The latter's goals were also revealed, and if it wasn't for Kaiba, Kioku might have lost this one!

"You're welcome." Kaiba scoffed.

"Jerk..." Erika growled.

Obelisk and Grandeen also made their debut, and so did Erika's deck, a LIGHT Fairy based deck with the "Envoy" archetype in it. Now, why these Pendulum Monsters have the effect to be sent to the GY instead of the Extra Deck will be revealed the next time Erika Duels...

"I wonder who that'll be." Kaiba laughed.

"Yeah, I don't have any clues either..." Erika and the young man glared at each other.

"Oi, what's up with this sudden tension!" Sakushi Ryu snapped.

Anyway, I wanted to thank HunterHQ who gifted me with some amazing ideas to use during the dialogue and Duel of our new siblings, and for Ghost83 who helped me with creating a Link Trap! Also a thank you for Lindia Fullmoon whose suggestions were used for Grandeen, and Vrains Fan for Sedna's Tuner monster!

Sedna finally had some Dueling action since chapter 2 of season 2-...

"Wow, that was a really long time ago..." Sedna wheezed out.

"But not as much as mine!" Andal laughed. "Dear writer, when was the last time I Dueled?"

Um... w-well, it was chapter 9 of season 1 BUT THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT NOW! Andal also showed off some new techniques his dinos can now use, so he got some Duel-screen time for now. Haru also Dueled Toxin but had to flee because of Obelisk!

"Actually, he just used that as a cover up because he's still making me a cool deck." Haru said. "And he made my Duel be an off-screen one!"

Shhhhhh! What's up with everybody today in the Author's Notes!? Anywho, the next chapters will be Kioku's little arc on finding a new ray of hope that'll drive him forward, so stay tuned for that because some nice twists will be in there as well.

The first part of Lightning vs. Spectre (for me) was so well done I loved the episode, and I already can't wait for the second part! Those faces made by the two made it seem like a contest between who can make the most scarier ones, haha! The dialogue before the Duel was also amazing, I loved how Spectre showed a little soft spot for Earth!

"You're welcome." Lightning and Spectre said in unison.

"I don't know what to say so..." Earth gave a thumbs up. "I am socially awkward."

"Your motto? Yeah, that can work just fine." Sakushi Ryu nodded.

With that said, I'll see you all next time!

QOTC: What was your favorite part of this chapter?