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

by dvdryms

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

36. Chapter 36

Greetings, community, and a delayed Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2018 brings you all whatever you wish for! I apologize for the delayed release, but health problems and issues with my job prevented from releasing this chapter sooner. Also, this release also marks the one year anniversary of this story (talk about timing). Once again, I'd like to thank everyone for their support and hope that you will continue to do so in the future. I also hope there won't be any other delays like this, but life is always unpredictable so I can't say anything for sure. Now, in response to your reviews;

—To Guest: I said that Yukio wouldn't obtain Overscale Pendulum most likely, but I never said anything about Yuya. And it's true that my version of Phantasma Dragon is a bit weakened, but it's not an Overscale and it does have an additional effect compared to the manga one, so it kind of balances things out I think.

—To Azure Warrior: I'll think about using your suggestion.

—To Dark Lord: I've already come up with most of the OC cards I want to use, but you're free to send your suggestions, and if I believe I can use some of them, I will.

And now, without further ado, on with the story!

---

Chapter 36 – Towards a Tomorrow Filled with Smiles

"Hey, what's taking you so long!? By my calculations, that soup should have been ready in twenty-nine minutes, fifty-eight seconds! Yet we're approaching the thirty-one minute mark! How much longer is everyone going to wait!?"

Mamoru complained loudly as he gazed at his pocket watch, much to the confusion of two boys staring at him. Amon, who was busy treating a refugee's injures, let out a wry smile due to his subordinate's obsessive personality and impatience. At that moment, Grace and Gloria entered the room, which housed a large number of civilians, carrying a large pot.

"Thank you for waiting." Grace said with a wide smile. "Lunch is ready, so everyone can dig in."

"…Why am I doing such a thing?" Gloria complained while muttering. "A proud soldier of Academia reduced to a mere waitress…?"

"Ara, but isn't Entertainment supposed to bring smiles to other people?" Grace said with a cheerful attitude. "What we're doing right now is aimed to please everyone, so consider this training."

"That's right. Take a page out of your Grace's book and stop being such a grouch, Gloria. And that goes for you too, sister."

Koyo said while handing blankets to the assembled civilians, earning him a hard smack from Midori.

"Less talking, more working. We haven't got all day here, so let's get to it, people. There's plenty of work to be done yet."

[Yes!]

The assembled former Academia soldiers and elites replied as one as they resumed tending to the civilians. Upon seeing that scene from an adjacent room, Allen shook his head.

"Even though they were our enemies not long ago, that Academia bunch is now handing over food and medical supplies. They even said they would help with rebuilding ruined homes, and that Edo guy said they would take care of Shun in their headquarters. Honestly, my mind can't keep up with all these developments…"

"Well, it was something that happened just two days ago." Sayaka said from the side. "I guess that's to be expected."

Following the young girl's words, Allen, Sayaka, Kaito, Byron, Yukio, Gongenzaka and Sawatari all thought back to the events of three days ago, when they finally managed to put an end to Operation Ragnarok and save Heartland from utter annihilation. After that fierce battle had concluded, Edo had addressed the assembled Academia troops.

"First of all, I want to thank everyone for their valiant efforts today in preventing what would have been a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions, as well as take a moment to honor our fallen comrades, who were carded in their fight against the Obelisk Force."

After a minute of silence, Edo had spoken again.

"With the battle for our survival concluded, the time has come for everyone to make the choice they didn't have the chance to back then. You've all seen the true face of Academia now and how far the Professor is willing to go in order to achieve his goals. As such, you have to decide now; will you still follow Academia after witnessing all that, or will you stand with us against the Professor as we right the wrongs we have committed?"

"As for me, I'm done with Academia." Amon had said as he ripped the decorative patterns from his shoulders. "It is only prudent never to place complete confidence in that by which we have even once been deceived. With his treasonous actions against us and the utter disregard for the lives of his subordinates, the Professor has shown that he's no longer worthy of my loyalty. Therefore, I stand with Edo."

"After witnessing the wonders of Entertainment Duels, I cannot really go back to our previous ruthless style." Grace had said. "That's why both my sister and I are cutting ties with Academia as well."

"Oi, Grace!" Gloria had shouted. "Don't go deciding things about me as well without my permission!"

"Oh, but weren't you fascinated by Yuya's Duel as well, Gloria?" Grace had countered with a sly smile. "There's no need to hide your true feelings at this point."

"Well…that's…"

"I'm also of the same opinion." Koyo had said, sparing Gloria from having to answer. "No matter how grand the Professor's goal is, it doesn't justify sacrificing all of us and a large number of non-combatants merely to eliminate a handful of enemies. Don't you think so, sister?"

"Indeed." Midori had agreed with her brother's words. "Such acts make him no better than the idiots who ruled the various small countries during the age of strife in our homeland, people who would treat everything and everyone as disposable in order to amass more influence and power. I have no desire to follow yet another tyrant in the making."

"Well…while I have the utmost respect for the Professor…trying to kill everyone is a bit too much as expected." Mamoru had said with a bit of hesitation. "Therefore…I also refuse to follow Academia any longer…"

Following the declarations from the Academia elites, the students had begun looking at each other with eyes filled with uncertainty. Then, as if obeying some unspoken signal, they had unclasped their Duel Disks one after another and let them fall on the ground.

"So that is your answer." Edo had seemed pleased. "In that case, we're all in agreement. From this point on, this Xyz Dimension Expeditionary Force denounces the Professor and is no longer affiliated with Academia. We shall use all our resources and manpower in order to aid the citizens of Heartland whom we wrongfully oppressed and restore this ruined metropolis to its former splendor. Are you with me, everyone!?"

[Yes, Commander Edo!]

Everyone had enthusiastically responded thus, bringing that issue to an end.

"I never expected to see the day when Academia's soldiers would turn their back to their leader and dedicate themselves to help us out instead." Allen said. "But are you guys sure we can trust them? What if they're actually faking their change of heart and are planning to stab us in the back?"

"I'm not sure about the students, but I can tell Edo's change of heart is genuine." Kaito said. "And if it's him, I'm certain he can keep his subordinates in line."

"Even so, it won't be so easy for everyone to forgive what Academia has done even if they genuinely changed their ways." Byron pointed out. "The scars engraved on our people's hearts are quite deep, and I'm sure they won't be able to let go of their grudges towards the Academia members just like that. There might be more conflict down the line if we don't see to that eventually."

"Reconciliation might be difficult, but they all have to learn to let go of our hatred." Kaito said. "If we seek to exact retribution from Academia, this will only form a never-ending cycle of hatred and anguish that will utterly destroy what's left of our homeland for sure. That's the conclusion we must avoid by all means. All of us…need to find the courage to forgive those who have wronged us if we truly wish to have peace once again."

There were a few moments of silence until Yukio broke it.

"Who are you and what have you done with Tenjo Kaito?" Yukio said with a grin. "All jokes aside, I'm glad to see that you've truly taken a step forward, Kaito. I'm sure it wasn't easy after all that you've lost over the course of this war."

"Nothing of worth is ever easy to attain." Kaito remarked. "If I allowed myself to drown in revenge, that would have been simple…but it would have also cost me everything I had left. Dueling against and next to all of you helped me realize that fact, so allow me to express my gratitude."

"As for me, I assure you I will do everything in my power to make sure that the inevitable disagreements won't escalate into conflicts." Edo said as he entered the room. "It's the least I can do after all the damage we've already caused here."

"That's all well and good, but has anyone else noticed the distinct lack of Yuya here or is it just me?" Sawatari suddenly said. "We were supposed to discuss our next move, yet he's nowhere to be found again. Hell, I've barely caught a glimpse of him over the past three days. What on Earth has he been doing all this time?"

"Perhaps he's shaken after witnessing how far the Talons and their leader, Amnael, were willing to go in order to fulfil the Professor's goal." Gongenzaka suggested. "Seeing their horrifically scarred faces and bodies as a result of overusing these cursed cards…it was an unpleasant experience that even I, the man Gongenzaka, found hard to stomach."

"At least both the Three Phantasms and the Planet Series have now been sealed away." Yukio remarked after recalling how Amon had placed them in a sturdy box with several electronic locks coded to the DNA of the Lancers, the leaders of the Resistance and Academia's staff officers. There were also talks about entrusting the box to the Resistance so they could stash it in a place where it would never see the light of day again. "Hopefully, the security measures will ensure that no-one can touch those things again. In any case, we need Yuya to be present as well before we can plan what to do next now that Heartland is free. Therefore, I suggest we split up, search for him and bring him back here."

Everyone nodded in agreement and stepped outside, heading into different directions in order to look for the red-haired youth. Moving through the dilapidated streets and building of the once proud metropolis, Yukio asked several people he encountered for information about Yuya, but no-one had seen him or heard anything about him. If it wasn't for the fact that several of his comrades had briefly seen Yuya wandering around the wrecked city, Yukio would have been seriously worried about his friend.

As Yukio passed by several people while running, he noticed expressions of fear directed at him, and more specifically his Duel Disk. In some cases, he noted that several residents of Heartland were glaring at passing Academia students with undisguised hatred, seemingly muttering insults and curses in a barely audible manner.

It's just as Byron-san feared. Yukio thought. There's a lot of lingering resentment and ill will left inside the residents of Heartland, along with copious amounts of fear. If we let things be, another confrontation might be inevitable. But first things first; I need to find Yuya. Now, if I wanted peace and quiet in order to gather my thoughts, where would I go among the places I'm familiar with in Heartland?

After thinking about it for a few seconds, Yukio snapped his fingers in realization.

"Of course… The Duel Lodge. With everyone having moved to the new shelters Academia and the Resistance have created, the place must be practically empty now. Plus, it's isolated enough that no-one would pass by there unless they had a valid reason to do so. Anyway, it seems like my best bet now."

Yukio started running once again towards the direction of the Duel Lodge. Upon arriving at the patch of destroyed land where he had confronted Kaiser Ryo, Yukio briefly stopped as he was assaulted by the memories of that day, and more importantly his failure to protect Serena, but shook his head and moved on. This was no time to drown in regrets.

Upon arriving at the steps leading to the Duel Lodge, Yukio found Yuya sitting the bottom of the stairs, looking at the sky with a pensive expression on his face. He didn't seem disheartened or depressed, so that was a relief for Yukio. Cheering up people was not one of his strong suits usually. After sending a signal to Gongenzaka and Sawatari through his Duel Disk to notify them of his location, Yukio called out to Yuya.

"Yo, Yuya. What are you doing in this place all on your own?"

Yuya was a bit startled by the sudden greeting, but quickly composed himself once he realized that Yukio was the one who had addressed him.

"…Yukio? Were you looking for me?"

"Damn straight." Yukio replied as he took a seat next to Yuya. "We were supposed to have a meeting in order to decide what to do from now on today, but you were nowhere to be found as usual. These past three days, all you've been doing is wandering around Heartland, with everyone barely seeing your face. And to top it all off, that Grace girl has been pestering me and the others all the time about your whereabouts, saying she wants you to teach her more about entertainment. Do you know how irksome dealing with that overenthusiastic girl is?"

"Heh, sorry that you were subjected to that." Yuya chuckled. "But I can't help but be glad that she and her sister seem to have embraced the philosophy of Entertainment Duels wholeheartedly."

"I wonder if you would say the same if Yuzu was here instead of me." Yukio let out a sly smile. "She would have probably had a very…extreme reaction to Grace's newfound interest in you."

"Yuzu? What does she have to do with this?"

Yuya tilted his head to the side with a wondering expression on his face, causing Yukio to let out a deep sigh in exasperation.

"…Really, how clueless can you get…? Well, it's none of my business, so I'll refrain from saying anything more. Back to the matter at hand, mind telling me why you've been wandering around all this time? Does it have something to do with our recent battle against the Talons?"

"…It's related to that." Yuya said after a few seconds of silence. "It's just…I've come to a realization during my battle with Amnael, the Talons' leader, and needed some time until it sunk in completely. That's why I've been in a sort of daze for these past days. If I've worried you and everyone else, I apologize. But now, I no longer have any hesitation within me about what I wish to do in regards to this war and beyond it."

"While I'm glad that you had such an important epiphany, a little more context would be welcome here." Yukio said. "You know, for those us who aren't inside your head twenty-four/seven like Yuto. And speaking of Yuto, how is he? I'm surprised he hasn't come out to greet me."

"Yuto is still exhausted from the effort it took to manifest himself from within me during his Duel against the Talon, so he's resting in the recesses of my soul for now." Yuya responded. "And in regards to what I've come to realize, I should probably start by admitting how naïve I was so far. Even though you warned me once that my ideals would crumble in the face of reality…I didn't really take your advice to heart. Somewhere within me, I kept on believing that I could solve everything by relying on my father's philosophy. My success in the Synchro Dimension only served to reinforce that belief. But when I came face-to-face with Amnael, a man who experienced despair and loss to a profound degree, I truly realized the limits of what I could accomplish. Truth be told, I came really close to losing the Duel because my spirit was almost broken."

"Seeing as you are still here, and with a resolute expression on your face to boot, I assume that didn't happen." Yukio reasoned. "Were you able to find an answer that you can live with?"

"That's right." Yuya nodded. "I know that it's impossible for me to save everyone and bring peace to the world on my own. It's too big a task for one person alone, and the enemy we're facing, namely the darkness and malice of the world, is too powerful. But that doesn't mean I'll give up fighting. With my Entertainment Duel, I'll save as many people as I can. And hopefully, my actions will serve as an example to others, with them spreading the ideal of Entertainment Duels across the world until we can build a true utopia through understanding each other."

Yukio regarded Yuya with a curious look for a few seconds, but eventually smiled.

"Look who's learned to speak a bit more eloquently. It appears you have grown quite a bit over the course of this war. You certainly are no longer the untested youth that could only spout big words, but didn't have the strength to back them up. Plus, you have a much more realistic view of the world now, something which isn't easy to achieve. You should be proud of yourself."

"Thanks, although I'm a bit exasperated with myself for taking so long to realize this…" Yuya rubbed his neck with an embarrassed expression, but his expression became serious once again shortly afterwards. "Since we're on this subject, I want to ask you something, Yukio. Much like the Academia members we fought, you also saw the ugly face of the world during your time in the Underground Duel Circuit and experienced much pain and suffering. So I can't help but wonder…did you ever hate the world as much as they did and desired to destroy it? It might sound a bit insensitive, but if that's the case, I want to understand what drives people to such extreme ways of thinking."

"Did I ever hate the world, huh…?" Yukio turned his gaze to the sky. "Honestly, I can't say I ever did. It's true that my circumstances were less than pleasant compared to the average person, but I've seen too much good around me to think that everything in the world is rotten like the Talons claimed. I received a lot of love and affection from the people I grew up with, and found unexpectedly loyal friends during the time I spent in the youth correction facilities, along with meeting the rest of you guys. But most important of all…"

Yukio turned to Yuya once again and flicked him in the forehead with a wide grin on his face, causing the red-haired youth to let out a small cry of surprise.

"As long as there are idiots like you around, I will still have faith in this world and its capability to change itself for the better."

"I'm not sure I like how you worded this, but I'll take it as a compliment…" Yuya mumbled. "From what you said, I can only guess that the Academia agents experienced only suffering that vastly outnumbered the positive experiences in their life, causing them to turn bitter and vindictive towards the world."

"I understand where these guys are coming from, but I still think their method of fixing things is pretty stupid." Yukio said. "Destroying the current world is the easy solution, and one that is also flawed to boot. No matter what world these deluded idiots are trying to build, it will be plagued by the same mistakes and shortcomings of the current one if the individual's way of thinking doesn't change. And unfortunately, that's not something that happens overnight. However, that Academia bunch, after having experienced so much despair and pain, has been blinded by the Professor's proclamations that he can build a better world through this war, clinging onto that unrealistic ideal. We need to give them a wake-up call sooner rather than later."

"I agree." Yuya nodded strongly. "If they don't see the error of their ways like Edo and his men have, the atrocities they commit will keep piling up to the point where there will be no redemption for them. Even worse, there may be more victims from fanatics like the Talons, people willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their cause. No matter what, we must put an end to this war as quickly as possible."

"Before that, however, we need to deal with the looming crisis before us. Preferably before it goes past the point of no return."

These words were said by Gongenzaka, who emerged from the forest surrounding the Duel Lodge with Sawatari by his side.

"A crisis…you say?" Yuya narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean, Gongenzaka?"

"Exactly what the big guy said." Sawatari interjected. "You might not have noticed it, but tensions between the civilians of Heartland and the defected Academia students are escalating. Just now, Gongenzaka and I witnessed a pair of refugees ganging up on an Academia student. Fortunately, Edo and Kaito, who were with us, broke up the fight and stayed behind to ensure that no further incidents will occur. But next time, we might not be so lucky. And if a fight like that goes out of control, we may have a full-blown conflict in our hands."

Yukio's expression hardened as he recalled the blatant hostility the refugees had shown towards the defectors while he searched for Yuya. While this subject had been brought up before, he didn't think the citizens would release their pent-up frustrations so soon after the crisis was resolved.

"Animosity between the two groups was to be expected, but I don't think anyone believed things would turn sour so fast." Gongenzaka continued, his words almost mirroring Yukio's thoughts. "With the situation being like that, we Lancers cannot in good conscience march to the Fusion Dimension and leave everyone here to their own devices. They're more likely to finish what Academia started rather than focus their efforts on rebuilding."

"Not to mention that there's an issue just as serious as the worsening relations between the two groups." Yukio spoke next. "From what I've observed, the citizens of Heartland have grown to greatly fear Duels and Duelists if the terrified looks some of them gave me are any indication. Of course, that's perfectly reasonable if we consider what they went through during the invasion. However, with the Academia bunch being all Duelists, reconciliation will be even more difficult."

"This isn't good." Yuya said with a grave expression. "Although the city was spared from total annihilation, Heartland's soul still hasn't been saved. And if that's the case…then our battle here isn't over yet. Having everyone smile together from the bottom of their hearts is our current goal. And I know just the way to do that."

Yuya suddenly stood up, startling the other three youths, and beckoned at them to follow him.

"Come with me, guys. I need to speak to both Edo and Kaito immediately."

"It seems like you've come up with something." Yukio smirked. "Mind sharing it with us as well?"

"Come now, Yukio." Yuya let out a wide smile. "At times like this, there's really only one thing you can do if you want to reach out to everyone…"

---

A couple of hours later…

"Does anyone know why we were brought out here all of a sudden…?"

"Commander Edo said it was important, but he didn't give us any specifics…"

"What the Hell are these…invaders doing here? Byron-san and Kaito didn't say anything about this…"

"Yeah, how much longer must we tolerate their presence here? It's good that they seem to have repented, but I don't want to do anything with them anymore…"

"Not to mention I can't stand seeing them parade around town with their Duel Disks in full display. Must we be reminded of that nightmare all the time…?"

Such whispers could be heard from the residents of Heartland and the Academia troops, who had gathered around Heartland Tower at the behest of the most influential figures among them for reasons unknown to them. As expected, most of the citizens were glaring at the Academia students with undisguised hostility and fear, with the recipients of these gazes looking uncomfortable and uncertain on how to react.

"The situation is quite tense to say the least…" Edo murmured as he observed the proceedings from further back. "I really hope Yuya's plan to reconcile the warring sides will prove effective."

"I believe in him and his friends." Byron said from the side. "After everything they've done for us, I don't think there's anything that can stop them. If it's them, I'm sure they will be able to erase the lingering hatred and terror within the hearts of the citizens, truly putting this war to an end."

At that moment, Yuya, Yukio, Sawatari and Gongenzaka emerged from within Heartland Tower and faced each other in a cross formation, much to the surprise of everyone's present. While most of the people present had at least heard of the youths who had played a vital part in saving the city, none of them had any inkling of what they were trying to accomplish.

"Greetings to all former Academia members, Resistance fighters and residents of Heartland present here!" Yuya opened his arms wide with a smile on his face as he addressed the crowd. "I trust all of you are doing well on this fine day. My name is Sakaki Yuya, and my friends here are Tachibana Yukio, Sawatari Shingo and Gongenzaka Noboru. I speak for all of us when I say it's a pleasure to meet all of you. Now then, onto the main reason why we're here. Not too long ago, a fierce battle was waged on this place to decide the fate of Heartland. Thanks to everyone's efforts, we were able to prevent the city's destruction and save the lives of everyone here. In order to celebrate this joyous event and honor the sacrifice of all those who fell here, my comrades and I will currently conduct an Entertainment Action Duel for everyone's amusement. We hope you can set aside everything that's troubling you, relax and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Without further ado, let us begin! Action Field, on!"

[Field Spell, Cross Over, activated.]

Following the announcement from the four youths' Duel Disks, several glowing platforms appeared around the area.

"Since it's such an important occasion, why don't we do 'that'?" Sawatari suggested. "Since many of them haven't seen an Action Duel up close, we should do this properly."

"That's a good idea, Sawatari." Yuya said. "Then, let me go first. Duelists locked in battle!"

"Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters!"

Sawatari continued with Gongenzaka delivering the next line.

"They storm through this field!"

"Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of Dueling!"

Yukio said next, with Yuya speaking again after him.

"Action—!"

[Duel!]

All four Duelists shouted together as the Action Cards spread across the field.

Yuya – LP: 4000

Yukio – LP: 4000

Sawatari – LP: 4000

Gongenzaka – LP: 4000

"Oh, the fellows from back then are dueling again!" One of the kids in the audience, whom Yuya, Gongenzaka and Sawatari had encountered before, commented in an enthusiastic manner. "It's so exciting! I can't wait to see what they'll show us this time!"

"Mm!" His younger brother nodded. "I'm also looking forward to this! What about you, Mom?"

"That's…"

The children's mother had a troubled look on her face and looked hesitant. At that moment, a man next to them, their father, spoke with an outraged expression.

"Don't show abominable things like Duels to the children! How many times to I have to tell you!? Now, come along. You shouldn't get involved with those people."

"No! I want to watch this!"

"So do I! These guys' Duel is very enjoyable! It's nothing like those mean people's Duel!"

The father attempted to drag his children away despite their protests, but was stopped by Kaito.

"You are… What are you doing, Tenjo Kaito?"

"I'm saying this to you, but the rest of you had better listen as well." Kaito addressed the assembled Heartland civilians, who also seemed ready to leave. "These four people down there, more than any of us, are the saviors of Heartland. If they hadn't arrived here and aided us, nothing would have started and we would still be under Academia's heel. That's why you should watch their Duel closely. If there's anyone who can restore the spirit of Heartland and let us experience the joys of Dueling once more, it's these fellows who have achieved what we thought was impossible. I won't let anyone leave until you receive the message they wish to convey to us through this Duel."

The man seemed torn, but Kaito's words and the expression on his children's faces apparently had an effect on him as he wordlessly turned around and focused on the unfolding Duel. One by one, the rest of the citizens also followed his example and turned their sights to the four youths, prompting Kaito to let out a relieved sigh.

"I've done all I can. The rest is up to you, Yuya, Yukio, Sawatari and Gongenzaka."

"Now then, in this grand Entertainment spectacle, it's only fitting that I, the master performer Sawatari Shingo-sama, make the first move in order to set up our stage!" Sawatari announced with a wide grin on his face. "My turn! I activate the Field Spell Card Abyss Stage – Royal Theatre!"

Following Sawatari's words, a massive and luxurious theatre surrounded by several statues of his Abyss Actor Monsters appeared behind him, causing several children in the audience to let out boisterous exclamations.

"Due to the effect of Royal Theatre, I can add an "Abyss Actor" Monster from my Deck to my hand when this card is activated." Sawatari stated. "I choose Big Star. Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card Abyss Actor's Triumphant Entry. Now then, it's time to call our first actor on this magnificent stage I've set up. I summon Abyss Actor – Vagabond Knight (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1800/DEF: 900/LV: 4/SC: 4)!"

A Monster clad in a worn-out costume reminiscent of a medieval knight's armor, which held a lance and a shield with the Abyss Actors' emblem engraved on it, appeared on Sawatari's field.

"Since Vagabond Knight was summoned successfully, its effect activates, allowing me to place an "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from my Deck to my Extra Deck face-up. I choose Abyss Actor – Majestic Prince. Moreover, Triumphant Entry's effect also activates. Thanks to it, whenever an "Abyss Actor" Monster is summoned, it gains attack equal to its Level multiplied by 100. Furthermore, I gain Life Points equal to the attack it gained, an effect which I can use once per turn. Since Vagabond Knight is Level 4, it gains 400 attack (Vagabond Knight ATK: 1800→2200) and I gain 400 Life Points."

Sawatari – LP: 4000→4400

"I place a card face-down and end my turn, along with our first act." Sawatari turned to Gongenzaka. "Now, it's your time to shine, big guy. Better make it exciting for the audience watching us."

"I don't know about exciting, but I, the man Gongenzaka, will fight to the fullest as always." Gongenzaka declared. "I'm not allowed to do anything less with opponents such as you standing before me. My turn! Draw! Using the Scale 2 Superheavy Samurai General Cobal-T (Earth/Machine/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1200/DEF: 2500/LV: 7/SC: 2) and the Scale 8 Superheavy Samurai General Ichi-5 (Earth/Machine/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 300/LV: 1/SC: 8), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared next to Gongenzaka, with two mechanical armored warriors clad in light blue and maroon armor respectively rising to their top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 3 through 7." Gongenzaka continued. "Pendulum Summon! Come to my side, Superheavy Samurai Big Wara-G (ATK: 800/DEF: 1800/LV: 5), Superheavy Samurai Kara-D (Earth/Machine/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1400/LV: 4) and Superheavy Samurai Soul Kaga-M (Earth/Machine/Effect/ATK: 400/DEF: 1700/LV: 6) in defense mode!"

Three beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Big Wara-G, a towering Monster clad in thick gray armor and a floating mirror with a mechanical frame sporting several horn-shaped protrusions with flames flicking at their tips.

"Oh, he summoned multiple Monsters in one go with that strange summoning method." One of the citizens commented. "Now there's something you don't see every day."

"And I'm far from finished." Gongenzaka announced. "I tune the Level 5 Big Wara-G with the Level 4 Kara-D!"

As Big Wara-G turned into five stars and Kara-D turned into four stars surrounding them, Gongenzaka chanted.

"Unyielding as the mountain ranges! The soul that resides in the great rock, become the towering fortress now! Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 9! Superheavy Demon Beast Kyuu-B (ATK: 1900/DEF: 2500/LV: 9) in defense mode!"

Kyuu-B appeared on Gongenzaka's field, swinging its polearm-shaped weapon and creating a miniature fire tornado with it.

"At this moment, Ichi-5's Pendulum Effect activates." Gongenzaka stated. "When a "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster is Special Summoned, I can increase that Monster's defense by 1000 (Kyuu-B DEF: 2500→3500). In addition, Kaga-M's effect also activates. Since a "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster was Special Summoned to my field, I can banish this card to Special Summon a random "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck by ignoring its summoning conditions. Now, let's see what fate has in store for us!"

Drawing a random card from his Extra Deck, Gongenzaka looked at it briefly before setting it on his Duel Disk.

"The chosen Monster is Superheavy Samurai Emperor Sutok-U (Earth/Machine/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 600/DEF: 3200/LV: 8)." Gongenzaka said. "Appear, Emperor Sutok-U in defense mode!"

A mechanical Monster resembling an anthropomorphic bird with an elongated nose and an ornate crown on its head, which held a golden shakujo in its right hand, appeared on Gongenzaka's field while sitting cross-legged on the ground.

"He Synchro Summoned twice in a single turn, huh?" Byron commented. "It looks like he intends to go all out from the start like he declared."

"Ichi-5's Pendulum Effect activates once more, increasing Sutok-U's defense by 1000 (Sutok-U DEF: 3200→4200)." Gongenzaka stated. "Now, it's time for battle! Superheavy Demon Beast Kyuu-B, attack Vagabond Knight! And thanks to its effect, Kyuu-B can attack while being in defense mode and use its defense for damage calculation!"

"Seriously!?" One of the children in the audience shouted. "That's so cool!"

"Go, Kyuu-B!" Gongenzaka exclaimed. "Kurikara Blast!"

A large sphere of flame was shot from Kyuu-B's weapon, heading straight for Sawatari's Monster.

"Unfortunately, it's way too early for my knight to take a bow and leave the stage." Sawatari said with a sly smile on his face. "You must follow the programme after all. I activate Royal Theatre's effect! Once per turn, if an "Abyss Actor" Monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect, it's not destroyed and any battle damage is reduced to 0!"

Following Sawatari's words, several velvet curtains appeared around his Monster, shielding it from Kyuu-B's blast.

"Not bad, but my Battle Phase is not over yet." Gongenzaka pointed out. "I activate Cobal-T's Pendulum Effect! Thanks to it, once per turn, when a "Superheavy Samurai" Monster declared an attack, I can have it attack once again on this turn's Battle Phase! Attack Vagabond Knight once again, Kyuu-B! Kurikara Blast!"

"I won't make it that easy for you, big guy!" Sawatari shouted as he grabbed one of the ropes extending from the ceiling of the stage and used it to sail across the air, grabbing an Action Card in the process. "I activate the Action Spell Evasion! Thanks to its effect, your Monster's attack is negated!"

"An Action Card?" One of the members of the Resistance watching wondered. "What on Earth is that?"

"Oh, I've heard about it." An Academia student started explaining. "Supposedly, when an Action Duel begins, these cards are scattered across the field, with the Duelists being able to acquire them and use them to defend themselves or further their strategy. I think it's a popular method of Dueling back in Standard."

"I see… Certainly, this makes a Duel all the more interesting and thrilling…"

Watching this small exchange from the side, Edo was pleased to see two members from the formerly opposing sides of Academia and Heartland finally interacting without any hint of malice, suspicion or ill will for the first time since the battle three days ago. It seemed the Duel between the four youths was already starting to show some results.

"Keep it, you guys…" Edo muttered. "We're all counting on you…"

"You may have escaped from me twice so far, but there won't be a third time!" Gongenzaka exclaimed. "Superheavy Samurai Emperor Sutok-U, attack Vagabond Knight! And much like Kyuu-B, Sutok-U can also attack while being in defense mode, while also preventing you from activating cards or effects while doing so! Go, Sutok-U! Resentment Scripture!"

Sutok-U raised its shakujo high, summoning a torrent of blood-soaked pages that enveloped Vagabond Knight and destroyed it, with the ensuing shockwave sending Sawatari skidding backwards.

Sawatari – LP: 4400→2400

"Since an "Abyss Actor" Monster I control was destroyed, Royal Theatre's effect activates." Sawatari stated as one of the spotlights near the stage lit up. "Thanks to it, I can add an Applause Counter to my card (Applause Counter: 0→1). As for their function…well, you and everyone watching us will have to be patient until the answers are revealed to you. I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

"That sounds ominous, but it matters little to me either way." Gongenzaka said. "My Steadfast Dueling and I can face whatever you throw at us head on. I end my turn with this."

"Then, it's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw!"

Upon checking his hand, Yukio grimaced a bit.

"It looks like I'll be the one to play the villain's role here with this hand… Well, no matter. I'm used to negative comments after all. First, I summon Violet Poison Magician (ATK: 1200/DEF: 2100/LV: 4/SC: 1)!"

Violet Poison Magician appeared on Yukio's field while swinging its whip-shaped staff.

"Next, I activate the Ritual Spell Card Arrival from the Different Dimension, releasing Violet Poison Magician in order to Ritual Summon!" As Violet Poison Magician turned into particles of light and was absorbed by the futuristic altar that appeared on the field, Yukio chanted. "Ritual Summon! Appear now, Level 4! The eternal seeker of knowledge, Dowsing Magician (ATK: 1900/DEF: 1500/LV: 4/SC: 5)!"

The magician dressed in light blue robes and holding an oversized dowsing rod appeared on Yukio's field.

"Ritual Summon?" An Academia student wondered. "I've never heard of this summoning method before. Man, every single one of these guys is full of surprises…"

"Since Dowsing Magician was summoned successfully, its effect activates, allowing me to add a Level 4 or lower "Magician" Pendulum Monster from my Deck, Graveyard or banish zone to my hand." Yukio stated. "I choose to add Dimension Magician from my Deck to my hand. Then, I use the Scale 2 Dimension Magician and the Scale 5 Chimeric Magician to Set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared on Yukio's sides, with his two Monsters rising to their top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 3 and 4! Guided by destiny's hand, cross the walls of space and time and manifest a new possibility! Pendulum Summon! Revive from my Extra Deck, Violet Poison Magician! And from my hand, come, Double Magician (ATK: 1000/DEF: 1200/LV: 3/SC: 8)!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yukio's field.

"I activate Chimeric Magician's Pendulum Effect." Yukio declared. "Once per turn, I can perform a Fusion Summon by using Monsters from my side of the field or hand. However, the selected Monsters are banished. And since Double Magician can be treated as two Monsters for the Special Summon of any Monster as long as it's face up on the field, I'll perform a Fusion Summon by using it alone as material!"

As Double Magician split into two copies, which then swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yukio chanted.

"Magician housing two minds in a single body! Become one now to call forth a new power! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 7! Fortune Magician (ATK: 2200/DEF: 1600/LV: 7)!"

The appearance of Fortune Magician on the field prompted several audience members to scream in terror, while others kneeled on the spot while clutching their heads. Meanwhile, other civilians were riled up by the sight of the Fusion Monster and started shouting.

"Oi, that's one of those detestable Fusion Monsters there!"

"Why is one of Heartland's saviors using this devilish summoning method!? Don't tell me…he's also an enemy!?"

"No! I don't want to be turned into a card! Someone stop him!"

Before the situation could devolve into full-blown panic that might lead into a stampede, Yukio raised his voice so that he could be heard above the clamor.

"All of you, shut the Hell up! I understand your reaction is perfectly reasonable after everything you went through, but that doesn't mean I'll allow you to insult my trusted comrade. Furthermore, it's time for you to let go of your prejudice against Fusion Monsters and Fusion Summoning. Just because your enemies used it as a weapon against you, that doesn't mean Fusion Summoning is inherently evil or an instrument of destruction."

"That's right." Yuya chimed in from the side. "It's the intent of the users that can transform Duel Monsters into a weapon for war or a means to communicate with others and entertain them. Therefore, I would like for our esteemed audience to briefly set aside their prejudice and keep watching this Duel. We'll definitely make sure to show you that Fusion Summoning and its users are no longer something to be feared."

Expressions of hesitation could be seen in practically every citizen's face following Yuya's declaration. However, upon glancing at the members of the Resistance, who were observing the Duel without the slightest hint of fear, the citizens relaxed a bit due to that reassuring sight and slowly turned their focus back to the Duel.

"Now then, where was I?" Yukio wondered. "Ah, yes. Next, I activate Dimension Magician's Pendulum Effect, which allows me to add a Pendulum Monster whose Level is between my current Pendulum Scales from my banish zone to my hand. I choose Double Magician. Then, I activate the Spell Card Fusion, fusing Violet Poison Magician on my field and Double Magician in my hand!"

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

"Arcane master of poisons! Magician housing two minds in a single body! Become one now to call forth the ravenous dragon with fangs dripping with venom! Fusion Summon! Appear now, Level 7! Starve Venemy Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 1)!"

Starve Venemy appeared on Yukio's field, letting out a sonorous roar. Although several members of the audience reflexively flinched at the sight of the dragon, no-one said anything this time, much to Yukio's satisfaction.

"Due to its effect, Kyuu-B gains 900 defense for every Special Summoned Monster on my opponent's field." Gongenzaka said. "Since there are two such Monsters, its defense increases by 1800 (Kyuu-B DEF: 3500→5300)."

"Unfortunately, that's not going to help you much." Yukio grinned. "I activate Starve Venemy's effect! Once per turn, I can target a Monster my opponent controls, negate its effects, have this card gain those effects reduce that Monster's attack by 500 and inflict 500 points of damage to you! Gluttony Spore!"

Starve Venemy shot several spores from its claws, which were embedded into Kyuu-B's armor. Immediately afterwards, two vines grew out of Kyuu-B, with one of them connecting to Starve Venemy and the other striking Gongenzaka, causing him to wince.

(Kyuu-B ATK: 1900→1400, DEF: 5300→3500)

Gongenzaka – LP: 4000→3500

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Fortune Magician, attack Superheavy Demon Beast Kyuu-B! And at this moment, I activate Fortune Magician's effect! During the Battle Phase, I can roll a die, and if the result is an even number, my Monster's attack will be doubled for this battle only! If not, my Monster's attack will be halved! Fortune Roll!"

The die at the tip of Fortune Magician's staff shot forward and rolled at the ground a few times before stopping at six.

"Alright!" Yukio cheered. "With this, Fortune Magician's attack is doubled (Fortune Magician ATK: 2200→4400)! Do it, Fortune Magician! Power Dice!"

Fortune Magician's die shot forward once more, piercing through Kyuu-B and destroying it. Spotting an Action Card above him, Yukio gestured at Starve Venemy, which extended a vine to create a makeshift path for Yukio to run onto and grab the Action Card.

"It looks like luck is truly favoring me today." Yukio smirked as he jumped back to the ground. "I activate the Action Spell Gravity Break. Through its effect, I can target a Monster on the field and halve its defense until the End Phase. I choose your Sutok-U, Gongenzaka (Sutok-U DEF: 4200→2100). Now, it's your turn, Starve Venemy! Destroy Superheavy Samurai Emperor Sutok-U! Savage Predation!"

Several thorny vines erupted from Starve Venemy's body and struck Sutok-U, destroying it.

"Now you are wide open, Gongenzaka." Yukio declared. "Go, Dowsing Magician! Attack Gongenzaka directly! Seeker Strike!"

"I won't allow that!" Gongenzaka shouted. "When I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can send Superheavy Samurai Soul Divine Armor (Earth/Machine/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 1200/LV: 3) from my hand to the Graveyard to reduce the damage to 0 and prevent myself from receiving any damage until the start of my turn!"

A golden barrier appeared before Gongenzaka following his words, blocking Dowsing Magician's strike.

"As expected from our defense specialist, you were able to both negate the damage and prevent any of us from inflicting any further damage to you until your turn comes again." Yukio praised his friend. "Seeing as I cannot do anything else for now, I'll end my turn."

"Oh, it's finally Yuya's turn!" Grace spoke with an excited expression on her face. "I can't wait to see what he'll show us this time!"

"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! First up, let's prepare the stage on which my Monsters will deliver the most thrilling performance. Using the Scale 1 Stargazer Magician and the Scale 8 Timegazer Magician, I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared next to Yuya's sides, with his two Monsters rising to their top as a massive Pendulum appeared behind them.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 7! Swing, Pendulum of my Soul! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Appear, my Monsters! Entermate Fire Mufflio (Fire/Beast/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 800/DEF: 800/LV: 3/SC: 5), Entermate Odd-Eyes Fusionist (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200/LV: 4/SC: 7) and the dragon with beautiful, dichromatic eyes, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 4)!"

Three beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Fire Mufflio and a small, demon-like creature with dichromatic eyes upon landing on the field.

"Now, it's time for battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Yukio's Fortune Magician! Spiral Strike Burst!"

A crimson-colored wave of energy erupted from Odd-Eyes' maw, striking Fortune Magician, which struggled to defend itself with its staff.

"I hope you haven't forgotten about Odd-Eyes' effect, Yukio." Yuya said with a smirk. "When it battles a Level 5 or higher Monster, the battle damage is doubled! Reaction Force!"

Odd-Eyes' energy blast increased in intensity following Yuya's words, vaporizing Dowsing Magician and sending Yukio skidding backwards due to the aftershocks.

Yukio – LP: 4000→3400

"At this moment, I activate Fire Mufflio's effect!" Yuya declared. "When a Pendulum Monster I control destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, I can increase that Monster's attack by 200 and have it attack once again! I choose to increase Odd-Eyes' attack of course (Odd-Eyes ATK: 2500→2700)! Go, Odd-Eyes! Destroy Starve Venemy Dragon! And like before, the battle damage will be doubled! Spiral Strike Burst!"

Odd-Eyes unleashed yet another blast from its maw, which pierced through Starve Venemy's body and destroyed it, sending Yukio flying backwards.

Yukio – LP: 3400→3000

"And I'm far from finished." Yuya stated. "I activate Entermate Odd-Eyes Fusionist's effect. Once during either player's turn, I can perform a Fusion Summon by using this card and Monsters from my field as materials. And due to its effect, Odd-Eyes Fusionist can be treated as a "Pendulum Dragon" Monster for the Fusion Summon of a Fusion Monster which lists "Pendulum Dragon" as one of its Fusion Materials! I will fuse Fire Mufflio and Odd-Eyes Fusionist!"

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

"Prideful king of beasts dancing amidst the raging inferno! Become one with the mysterious dragon and give birth to a new power! Fusion Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Ferocious dragon with luminous feral eyes, Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000/LV: 8)!"

Beast-Eyes appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a furious howl in the process.

"He performed a Fusion Summon during the Battle Phase and without the use of a Fusion card…" An Academia student commented with a surprised expression on his face. "No wonder the elites of Academia had so much trouble with these fellows. All the Lancers appear to be first-rate Duelists."

"I could destroy Dowsing Magician, but where's the fun in attacking the same opponent all the time in a Battle Royal?" Yuya said. "Let's see what you've got as well, Sawatari! Go, Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Attack Sawatari directly! Hell Dive Burst!"

"Trying to take out the most dangerous opponent when he's virtually undefended, huh?" Sawatari smirked. "I applaud your way of thinking, but you're too naïve, my rival! I activate my Trap Card, Abyss Actor's Emergency Call-Off! Through its effect, I can negate an opponent Monster's direct attack and place an "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from my Deck to my Extra Deck! I choose Abyss Actor – Mad Conductor!"

"Not bad, but you're not safe just yet!" Yuya shouted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Entermate Last Waltz! Through its effect, I can banish an "Entermate" Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck in order to allow a Pendulum Monster on my field that has already declared an attack to attack once again during the Battle Phase! I choose Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and have it attack you directly!"

"Kuh, so you had such an ace up your sleeve, huh?" Sawatari grimaced, but then spotted an Action Card in one of the platforms above him and quickly seized it after jumping from platform to platform. "That's a good one. I activate the Action Spell Big Escape to end the Battle Phase!"

"I won't let you!" Yuya exclaimed. "I activate Stargazer Magician's Pendulum Effect! When a Pendulum Monster I control battles and a Spell Card is activated, I can negate its activation and reset it on the field! Horoscope Divination!"

Several stars were launched out of Stargazer Magician's shield-staff, forcing Big Escape into the face-down position upon making contact with it.

"In that case, I banish Emergency Call-Off from my Graveyard and Wild Hope from my hand in order to activate my Trap's second effect!" Sawatari declared. "Thanks to it, the battle damage is reduced to 0!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Sawatari, shielding him from Beast-Eyes' blast.

"It looks like you managed to stay in the game as expected." Yuya praised Sawatari. "It would be a shame if you dropped out so soon, especially now that the fun is just getting started. I end my turn, with Odd-Eyes' attack returning to normal since Fire Mufflio's effect has ended (Odd-Eyes ATK: 2700→2500)."

"That was certainly intense. I thought that Yuya kid had him at first, but Sawatari managed to escape from this pinch."

"It sure was a breathtaking exchange of offense and defense. With these four Duelists' level of skill, it's hard to predict who'll win."

"I agree. And I have a feeling they were just getting warmed up in the previous turn. Things should really heat up from this point on."

Edo and Kaito watched the hushed discussions between the audience members with satisfied smiles on their faces. It seemed that Heartland's citizens were slowly starting to become invested in the Duel. In addition, some of them were actually discussing amicably with the Academia students about the unfolding Duel. Perhaps Yuya's idea might end up working in the end.

"At long last, the spotlight is on me once again." Sawatari grinned. "Therefore, it's time to go all out from this point on and show everyone just who the true master Entertainer here is. My turn! Draw! Using the Scale 1 Abyss Actor – Technician (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 400/DEF: 500/LV: 2/SC: 1) and the Scale 8 Abyss Actor – Stage Manager (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2600/DEF: 1100/LV: 7/SC: 8), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared next to Sawatari, with a small demonic Monster holding a screwdriver and a demonic Monster clad in expensive clothes, which had strings attached to its fingers, rising to their top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 7! Pendulum Summon! Join us in the stage, Abyss Actor – Big Star (ATK: 2500/DEF: 1800/LV: 7/SC: 3)! And from my Extra Deck, revive, Abyss Actor – Majestic Prince (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2400/DEF: 2500/LV: 7/SC: 6), Abyss Actor – Mad Conductor (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 300/DEF: 700/LV: 2/SC: 4) and Abyss Actor – Vagabond Knight!"

Four beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Big Star, a Monster clad in a royal outfit with a crimson cape and holding a rapier, a small, demonic Monster dressed like a maestro with a sinister-looking baton in its right hand and Vagabond Knight.

"Due to the effect of my Continuous Spell Card, Abyss Actor's Triumphant Entry, my Monsters' attack increase by an amount equal to their Level multiplied by 100 (Big Star ATK: 2500→3200, Majestic Prince ATK: 2400→3100, Mad Conductor ATK: 500→700, Vagabond Knight ATK: 1800→2200) and I will gain Life Points equal to the highest amount of attack gained, in this case 700."

Following Sawatari's words, several fireworks were shot to the sky, with the sparks falling from them enveloping Sawatari's body.

Sawatari – LP: 2400→3100

"But wait, there's more!" Sawatari pointed at Stage Manager in his Pendulum Zone. "Thanks to Stage Manager's Pendulum Effect, all Pendulum Summoned "Abyss Actor" Monster on my field gain 500 attack (Big Star ATK: 3200→3700, Majestic Prince ATK: 3100→3600, Mad Conductor ATK: 700→1200, Vagabond Knight ATK: 2200→2700). In addition, Vagabond Knight's effect activates once more since it was summoned successfully, allowing me to place Abyss Actor – Aspiring Hero from my Deck to my Extra Deck face-up. Next, I activate Big Star's effect to add the Spell Card Abyss Script – Rise of the Demon King from my Deck to my hand and activate it! Thanks to its effect, I can destroy a number of cards equal to the number of "Abyss Actor" Monsters I control, in this case four! I think I'll get rid of your two Pendulum cards and your Beast-Eyes, Yuya! And I'll also destroy your Dowsing Magician, Tachibana! Take this!"

Four dark twisters emerged from Sawatari's Spell Card, striking the aforementioned cards and destroying them just as Yuya and Yukio both rushed forward, with each of them grabbing an Action Card.

"Now that your card's effect is over, I activate the Action Spell Temporal Reset." Yuya announced. "Thanks to its effect, I can target a Monster that left the field this turn and summon it once again on my side of the field in the same position as it was. The one I will bring back is Beast-Eyes!"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Yukio shouted. "I activate the Action Spell Seize Action! Thanks to its effect, I can negate the activation of an opponent's Action Card and activate its effect myself if it's possible! As such, I'll use Temporal Reset's effect to bring back Dowsing Magician!"

Following Yukio's words, Dowsing Magician appeared once again on the field from a clock-shaped portal.

"Since both of you are so energetic, I believe it's time for me to up the pressure a bit." Sawatari let out a sly smile. "Bear witness to my evolved strength! I tune the Level 4 Vagabond Knight with the Level 2 Mad Conductor!"

As Vagabond Knight turned into four stars and Mad Conductor turned into two rings surrounding them, Sawatari chanted.

"Unseen force egging on the mischievous performers! Let your resonant voice echo across this stage! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Abyss Actor – Boisterous Prompter (Dark/Fiend/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1200/LV: 6)!"

A Monster clad in an elegant suit and holding a microphone, which had a collar with several small speakers attached to its neck, appeared on Sawatari's field.

"Due to Triumphant Entry's effect, Boisterous Prompter's attack increases as well (Boisterous Prompter ATK: 2500→3100)." Sawatari let out a big grin. "What do you think of this, everyone? My strength has certainly increased compared to the past me, right?"

"Indeed it has." Yuya admitted. "Not only were you able to summon several powerful Pendulum Monsters, you have also mastered Synchro Summoning from the looks of it. It appears your skill has increased quite over the course of this war."

"That's only to be expected from the great Neo New Sawatari Shingo-sama." Sawatari puffed his chest out, proud as a peacock. "No, that name is no longer enough to describe my greatness. From now on, you shall address me as—Sawatari Shingo Deus, the god of Dueling!"

Cue stunned silence as everyone struggled to process Sawatari's grandiose announcement.

"…Is that going to be a thing from now on?" Yukio turned to Yuya and Gongenzaka as he wondered so. "Whenever his skill increases, he's going to give himself a new outrageous title just to bug the Hell out of us? If so, I think I preferred him when he was useless baggage."

"Ah, just let me have my fun for a bit, Tachibana." Sawatari said with a grin. "Seriously, you're a bit too uptight at times… In any case, it's time for battle! Big Star, attack Yuya's Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! And at this moment, I activate Boisterous Prompter's effect! Once per turn, when an "Abyss Actor" Monster I control declares an attack, I can increase that Monster's attack by an amount equal to the number of "Abyss Actor" Monsters in my Extra Deck multiplied by 300 until the battle's end! Since there are three such Monsters, Big Star gains 900 attack (Big Star ATK: 3700→4600)! Do it, Big Star!"

Big Star jumped high up in the sky and aimed a kick at Odd-Eyes. In response, Yuya swiftly climbed on his dragon's back and urged it forward, evading Big Star's first attack. As Big Star followed up with an energy-coated punch, Yuya spotted an Action Card nearby and grabbed it.

"I activate the Action Spell Card Miracle!" Yuya shouted. "Thanks to its effect, Odd-Eyes isn't destroyed by battle and the battle damage is halved!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Odd-Eyes, shielding it from Big Star's attack. However, the ensuing shockwave sent Yuya flying backwards.

Yuya – LP: 4000→2950

"With the battle's end, Big Star's attack returns to normal (Big Star ATK: 4600→3700)." Sawatari stated. "I'll praise you for surviving this round, but miracles only happen once. Let's see your dragon escape from this! Go, Majestic Prince! Destroy Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Royal Starlight Flash!"

Majestic Prince's rapier was enveloped by light as the Monster surged forward, piercing through Odd-Eyes' chest and destroying it.

Yuya – LP: 2950→1850

"While I could try to finish you off right now, there wouldn't be much entertainment in it, right, Yuya?" Sawatari said. "So instead, I'll take care of the last remaining Monster on the field. It looks like your magician will be exiting the stage for good after all, Tachibana. Go, Boisterous Prompter! Destroy Dowsing Magician! Vociferous Revision!"

Powerful soundwaves erupted from Boisterous Prompter's collar, heading for Dowsing Magician. In response, Yukio gestured at his Monster, which threw its wand upwards and knocked an Action Card from a platform way up down to the ground, allowing Yukio to easily grab it.

"I activate the Action Spell Attack Lull!" Yukio shouted. "Through its effect, I can halve an attacking Monster's attack during damage calculation!"

"I won't allow that!" Sawatari exclaimed. "I activate Boisterous Prompter's second effect! Once during either player's turn, I can negate the activation of an effect that would target an "Abyss Actor" Monster I control! Therefore, your Action Spell's effect is negated and my attack resumes!"

Following Sawatari's words, Dowsing Magician was enveloped by the soundwaves and was subsequently obliterated, with Yukio being sent flying backwards.

Yukio – LP: 3000→1800

"Not a bad result for my second act." Sawatari said. "I end my turn."

"My turn!" Gongenzaka announced. "Draw! I activate Sutok-U's effect in my Graveyard, banishing it and Kyuu-B from my Graveyard in order to draw five cards from my Deck. Then, I will use my already set Pendulum Scale to Pendulum Summon once again! Come, Superheavy Samurai Nana-7 (Earth/Machine/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 2700/LV: 7)!"

A mechanical Monster clad in thick gray armor with seven arms extending from its torso appeared on Gongenzaka's field.

"Then I Normal Summon Superheavy Samurai Tsuzu-3 (Earth/Machine/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 300/DEF: 300/LV: 1) and tune it with Nana-7!" As Nana-7 turned into seven stars and Tsuzu-3 turned into a single ring surrounding them Gongenzaka chanted. "Veteran which tempers blades with a loud iron hammer! Appear on the battlefield in a conflagration! Synchro Summon! Take to the field, Level 8! Superheavy Samurai Katakana-G (Earth/Machine/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 2400/LV: 8) in defense mode!"

A mechanical Monster clad in blue armor and holding a large hammer appeared on Gongenzaka's field, sitting cross-legged.

"Due to Ichi-5's Pendulum Effect, Katakana-G's defense increases by 1000 (Katakana-G DEF: 2400→3400)." Gongenzaka stated. "And when Katakana-G is Special Summoned, its effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon as many "Superheavy Samurai" Monsters as possible from my hand to the field. Come to my side, Superheavy Samurai Rokka-9 (ATK: 600/DEF: 2500/LV: 6), Superheavy Samurai Horaga-E (ATK: 300/DEF: 600/LV: 2), Superheavy Samurai Nissho-K (ATK: 400/DEF: 600/LV: 2) and Superheavy Samurai Big Ben-K (ATK: 1000/DEF: 3500/LV: 8)!"

Katakana-G struck its hammer on the ground, creating a fissure out of which the four Superheavy Samurai Monsters emerged on the field.

"I tune the Level 8 Big Ben-K with the Level 2 Horaga-E!" As Big Ben-K turned into eight stars and Horaga-E turned into two rings surrounding them, Gongenzaka chanted once again. "Raging deity, in unison with the roar of a thousand blades, come forth in a spiraling sandstorm! Synchro Summon! Now come before us, Level 10! Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susano-O (ATK: 2400/DEF: 3800/LV: 10) in defense mode!"

Susano-O appeared on Gongenzaka's field next to Katakana-G, sitting cross-legged as well.

"Ichi-5's Pendulum Effect activates once again, increasing Susano-O's defense by 1000 (Susano-O DEF: 3800→4800)." Gongenzaka said. "Next, I tune the Level 6 Rokka-9 with the Level 2 Nissho-K!"

As Rokka-9 turned into six stars and Nissho-K turned into two rings surrounding them, Gongenzaka chanted for the third time.

"Illustrious monk which has obtained enlightenment! Bring forth salvation to the bloodthirsty souls of the fallen and guide them to nirvana! Synchro Summon! Descend now, Level 8! Superheavy Samurai Monk Renny-O (Earth/Machine/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 3000/LV: 8) in defense mode!"

A mechanical Monster clad in viridian armor with eight concentric golden rings floating behind it, which held a golden spear with an oversized tip in its right hand and a lotus flower in its left hand, appeared on Gongenzaka's field.

"Three Synchro Summons in a single turn?" Yukio narrowed his eyes at the sight of Gongenzaka's Monsters. "It looks like you're also getting serious here…"

"Renny-O's defense also increases by 1000 due to Ichi-5's Pendulum Effect (Renny-O DEF: 3000→4000). Then, I activate Katakana-G's effect, which allows me to destroy a face-down Spell or Trap card once per turn. I will use that effect to destroy Sawatari's face-down Big Escape." Gongenzaka declared as a wave of energy was generated from Katakana-G's hammer, destroying Sawatari's face-down Action Card. "And thanks to Susano-O's effect, I will set the destroyed Big Escape on my field face-down. Now, let's battle! Superheavy Samurai Monk Renny-O, attack Yuya directly! And like all my Monsters, Renny-O can attack while being in defense mode! Vajra Cruel Thrust!"

Renny-O pointed its staff at Yuya, generating a spear-shaped lightning bolt from its tip that headed straight for the red-haired Duelist. In response, Yuya activated his rollerblades and dashed forward, grabbing a nearby Action Card in the process.

"I activate the Action Spell Narrow Escape!" Yuya shouted. "Through its effect, an instance of damage is reduced to 0!"

The lighting blast barely missed Yuya as it soared in the sky, creating an explosion of light that illuminated the entire area much to everyone's amazement.

"That was a splendid escape, Yuya." Gongenzaka praised his friend. "Just for that, I won't direct any more attacks towards you. As such, Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susano-O will attack Abyss Actor – Boisterous Prompter! Kusanagi Sword Slash!"

"I activate Royal Theatre's effect!" Sawatari exclaimed. "Through it, Boisterous Prompter's destruction is negated and the damage is reduced to 0!"

"However, since you've just used its effect, you cannot shield your Monster for a second time." Gongenzaka pointed out. "And thanks to Cobal-T's Pendulum Effect, Susano-O can execute a second attack on this turn's Battle Phase! Go, Susano-O! Destroy Boisterous Prompter for good this time! Kusanagi Sword Slash!"

Susano-O swung its naginata once again, generating an energy wave that bisected Sawatari's Monster and destroyed it, with Sawatari being sent skidding backwards due to the ensuing shockwave.

Sawatari – LP: 3100→1400

"Since my Monster was destroyed, Royal Theatre's effect activates." Sawatari stated. "Thanks to it, I can add an Applause Counter to this card (Applause Counter: 1→2). Fufu, your defeat approaches even closer with every counter that is added to my card."

"That won't be an issue if you are defeated before your card can activate its effect." Gongenzaka said. "I end my turn with this."

"My turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Gap Draw. Since I control no Monsters, I can draw cards equal to the number of Monsters my opponent controls. Since both Gongenzaka and Sawatari control a grand total of five Monsters, I can draw five cards from my Deck. Then, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Dowsing Magician, Double Magician and Violet Poison Magician! And from my hand, come, Supply Magician (ATK: 0/DEF: 1600/LV: 4/SC: 5) and Summoner Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200/LV: 4/SC: 7)!"

Five beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on the field.

"Oh, a full-field Pendulum Summon?" Amon commented. "As always, he's putting on a good show, that Tachibana Yukio."

"Due to the effects of Dowsing Magician and Summoner Magician, I will add Destiny Magician and Karma Manifestation from my Deck to my hand respectively." Yukio stated. "Then, I activate the Ritual Spell Card Karma Manifestation, offering Dowsing Magician and Summoner Magician as tributes in order to Ritual Summon!"

The altar surrounded by three dragon statues appeared on Yukio's field following his words, with his two Monsters turning into particles and being absorbed by the rightmost statue. As a towering pillar of azure flames erupted from the altar, Yukio chanted.

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

The blue-armored dragon with silver wings emerged from within the conflagration, letting out a resonant howl.

"Next, I activate Chimeric Magician's Pendulum Effect, using it to fuse Supply and Double Magician!" As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yukio chanted. "Magician housing two minds inside a single body! Arcane Supporter! Swirl into a vortex of the moon's gravity and awaken a new power! Fusion Summon! Appear now, Level 9! The warrior blessed by the moon's radiance, Lunar Glow Paladin (ATK: 3200/DEF: 2000/LV: 9/SC: 10)!"

Lunar Glow Paladin appeared on Yukio's field, with the sun's rays reflecting off its scythe and giving off a sacred impression.

"How beautiful…"

Several members of the audience were letting out amazed murmurs at the sight of Yukio's Fusion Monster, a far cry from their earlier reaction at the appearance of Fortune Magician.

"Due to Supply Magician's effect, I can draw a card from my Deck since it was used as material for a Special Summon." Yukio stated. "Moving on, I summon Synchronic Magician (ATK: 300/DEF: 100/LV: 1/SC: 3)!"

Synchronic Magician appeared on Yukio's field next to his other Monsters.

"Since it was summoned successfully, Synchronic Magician's effect activates, allowing me to send a "Magician" Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard in order to increase this card's Level by an amount equal to the discarded Monster's Level." Yukio said. "I choose the Level 2 Initiate Magician (Synchronic Magician LV: 1→3). And since Initiate Magician was sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates, allowing me to add a "Magician" Pendulum Monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose Lost Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1500/DEF: 0/LV: 4/SC: 3). Then, I tune the Level 4 Violet Poison Magician with the now Level 3 Synchronic Magician!"

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

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

Clearwing appeared on Yukio's field, making a few circles above the area before coming to hover next to Yukio's other Monsters.

"I activate Dimension Magician's Pendulum Effect to add Supply Magician from my banish zone to my hand." Yukio declared. "Next, I activate Lunar Glow Paladin's effect to switch Gongenzaka's Katakana-G to attack position. Phase Shift!"

"It's no use!" Gongenzaka exclaimed. "Due to Superheavy Samurai Monk Renny-O's effect, all "Superheavy Samurai" Monsters I control cannot be targeted or destroyed by my opponent's card effects! And since it was Synchro Summoned by using Nissho-K as material, Renny-O cannot be destroyed by battle as well!"

"In that case, I activate Chaos Karma's effect to destroy Sawatari's Big Star." Yukio stated. "Atropos Slash!"

"As I'm sure you remember, Royal Theatre's effect prevents the destruction of my "Abyss Actor" Monsters once per turn." Sawatari reminded Yukio. "However, I'm certain your intent is to wear down my defenses, right?"

"That's right." Yukio confirmed it. "And with that out of the way, it's time for battle! Lunar Glow Paladin, attack Gongenzaka's Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susano-O! I also activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Pendulum Support, sending Starve Venemy from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard in order to add its attack to Lunar Glow's own attack until the End Phase (Lunar Glow Paladin ATK: 3200→5700)!"

"At this moment, I activate Majestic Prince's effect!" Sawatari interjected. "Once during the opponent's Battle Phase, when an opponent's Monster declares an attack, I can make its attack equal to that of the opponent's Monster and also add the difference between its original attack and current attack to an "Abyss Actor" Monster's attack on my field until the End Phase! Splendor of Majesty!"

"I activate Clearwing Fast Dragon's effect!" Yukio exclaimed. "Once during either player's turn, I can negate the effect of an opponent's Special Summoned Monster and reduce its attack to 0 until the End Phase! I choose your Majestic Prince, Sawatari! Vanishing Mirror!"

A wave of light was generated from Clearwing's wings, enveloping Majestic Prince's body and forcing the Monster on its knees.

(Majestic Prince ATK: 3600→0)

"Now then, my attack resumes." Yukio said. "And when Lunar Glow Paladin attacks a defense position Monster, it inflicts piercing damage! Do it, my Paladin! Crescent Moon Slash!"

Lunar Glow Paladin swung its scythe, bisecting Susano-O and destroying it, causing Gongenzaka to wince due to the intense shockwave that assaulted his body.

Gongenzaka – LP: 3500→2600

"Moving on, Clearwing Fast Dragon will attack Sawatari's Majestic Prince!" Yukio pointed at the Monster. "Terminal Velocity Edge!"

"Oya, it seems like I'm in a big pinch. However, a true entertainer can escape from any sort of bind!" Sawatari exclaimed thus as Big Star and Majestic Prince launched him towards a platform high above the ground, where he grabbed an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Damage Banish! Thanks to it, the damage from your attack is reduced to 0!"

Following Sawatari's words, Clearwing was surrounded by raging wings as it surged forward, piercing through Majestic Prince's body and destroying it. However, a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around Sawatari's body shielded him from the shockwave.

"With Majestic Prince's destruction, I can add an Applause Counter to my Field Spell Card through its effect (Applause Counter: 2→3)." Sawatari said.

"For the final performance of this act, why don't we mix things up a bit?" Yukio smirked. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Stairway to Ascension! Through its effect, I will place Supply Magician and Destiny Magician from my hand to my Extra Deck in order to allow Chaos Karma to attack you directly, Gongenzaka! However, the damage from this battle will be halved! Go, Chaos Karma! Samsara Breath!"

A stream of azure flames erupted from Chaos Karma's maw, enveloping Gongenzaka's body and sending him skidding backwards.

Gongenzaka – LP: 2600→1200

"I place one card face-down and end my turn, with Lunar Glow Paladin's attack returning to normal (Lunar Glow Paladin ATK: 5700→3200)." Yukio said. "In addition, due to Gap Draw's effect, I have to send all cards in my hand to the Graveyard. Since I only have Lost Magician in my hand, I will send it to the Graveyard and then activate its effect, allowing me to add one random Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand since this card was sent to the Graveyard."

Yukio drew a card from his Graveyard slot and briefly looked at it before adding it to his hand.

"The card that was chosen is Karma Manifestation." Yukio said. "Now, it's your move, Yuya. Show us what you've got in store for everybody next."

"It will be my pleasure!" Yuya said with a wide grin on his face. "My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card Space-Time Revision. Through its effect, if Stargazer and Timegazer Magician are in my hand, on my field or in my Extra Deck, I can send them to the Graveyard in order to draw six cards from my Deck. Then, I use the Scale 3 Destruction Magician and the Scale 8 Creation Magician to reset the Pendulum Scale!"

The two columns of light appeared once again on Yuya's field, with his two Monsters rising to their top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 4 through 7! Swing once again, Pendulum of my Soul! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Appear, my Monsters! Revive from the Extra Deck, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! And from my hand, come, Entermate Helpprincess (Dark/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1200/LV: 4) and Entermate Star Juggler (Wind/Warrior/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1400/LV: 4)!"

Three beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Odd-Eyes, Helpprincess and a Monster balancing on a ball while juggling several spheres with stars engraved on them.

"I activate Star Juggler's effect, which allows me to target one Monster on the field and make the Levels of all Monsters my opponent controls equal to that Monster's Level until the End Phase." Yuya announced. "I choose Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, making the Levels of all Monsters you three control 7. Moreover, the affected Monsters cannot activate their effects for this turn. Next, I Overlay the Level 4 Star Juggler and Helpprincess!"

As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy and were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuya chanted.

"Dragon with the dichromatic eyes! Erase everything before you with the relentless flames of chaos and tear the proud apart with your fearsome claws! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Odd-Eyes Extremis Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/R: 4/OU: 2)!"

Odd-Eyes Extremis Dragon appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a loud howl.

"Oh, an Xyz Monster has finally appeared!" A member of the Resistance commented in an enthusiastic manner. "It looks like things will get even more exciting from now on!"

"I activate Destruction Magician's Pendulum Effect, giving Odd-Eyes Extremis Dragon a Level equal to Rank, in this case 4." Yuya stated. "In addition, I activate Creation Magician's Pendulum Effect to make Extremis Dragon's Level equal to Odd-Eyes' Level (Extremis Dragon LV: 4→7). And now, I Overlay my two Level 7 Monsters!"

As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy and were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuya chanted once more.

"Dragon with the dual-colored eyes! Unleash the black scale of wrath and eradicating all opposing enemies! Xyz Summon! Come, Rank 7! Dragon with eyes of rage, Supreme King Black Dragon – Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/R: 7/SC: 4/OU: 2)!"

The black-armored dragon with oddly-shaped wings and dichromatic eyes appeared from within a storm of purple lightning, letting out a resonant howl.

"This is…an Xyz Summon by using an Xyz Monster as material?" A civilian commented with wide eyes at the sight of the dragon. "Moreover, it's also a Pendulum Monster? I've never heard of anything like this in all the years I've been living in Heartland…"

"Yes, it's quite an unexpected and magnificent sight." An Academia student nodded in agreement. "This Duel is so filled with surprising twists and turns that my heart won't stop beating in excitement and anticipation of what will come next."

"I think I understand how you feel." The civilian responded. "I never thought the day would come where I would feel such elation when watching a Duel."

"At this moment, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon's effect activates!" Yuya declared. "When this card is Xyz Summoned by using an Xyz Monster that was treated as a Level 7 Monster as material, I can destroy all Level 7 or lower Monsters you control and inflict damage to you equal to their attack! Overlord Howling!"

"So that's why you made all our Monsters Level 7 earlier, huh?" Gongenzaka said. "However, it's useless, Yuya! Thanks to Renny-O's effect, all "Superheavy Samurai" Monsters I control cannot be destroyed by card effects!"

"As for me, I will activate Royal Theatre's effect to shield Big Star from your dragon's effect." Sawatari grinned. "Therefore, I'm also safe."

"And I activate the Trap Card Refraction Mirror." Yukio declared. "Thanks to its effect, when Monsters on my field are about to be destroyed by a card effect, I can negate their destruction. As such, I'm afraid your dragon's effect cannot damage me either."

"As expected from the three of you, you managed to splendidly evade Rebellion Dragon's destruction effect." Yuya praised his opponents with a wide smile on his face. "However, that was just the opening act. The real deal starts from now on! I activate the Spell Card Connected Hope and target Rebellion Dragon for its effect! Thanks to it, my dragon can attack all Monsters you control once each! Furthermore, each time it destroys a Monster, it gains 400 attack until the End Phase! Now, battle! Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, destroy Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon! Imperial Wrath Revolt – Strike Disobey!"

Rebellion Dragon's wings opened up, unleashing tendrils of lightning as the dragon took off to the sky, with the sunlight reflecting off the wings and creating an aurora that had the audience gaping at the sight. Immediately afterwards, Rebellion Dragon dove towards Chaos Karma, impaling it with its tusks and destroying it, causing Yukio to wince in pain from the shockwave.

Yukio – LP: 1800→1600

(Rebellion Dragon ATK: 3000→3400)

"Next, Rebellion Dragon will destroy Gongenzaka's Katakana-G!"

The previous scene was repeated once more as Rebellion Dragon's tusks tore through Katakana-G's armor and destroyed it.

(Rebellion Dragon ATK: 3400→3800)

"Now, destroy Yukio's Lunar Glow Paladin!"

Rebellion Dragon swung its tail at Lunar Glow Paladin, sending the Monster crashing at the base of Heartland Tower as it turned into particles and disappeared.

Yukio – LP: 1600→1000

(Rebellion Dragon ATK: 3800→4200)

"This will finish you off, Yukio!" Yuya exclaimed. "It's time for you to exit the stage! Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, destroy Clearwing Fast Dragon! Imperial Wrath Revolt – Strike Disobey!"

"I don't think so!" Yukio shouted as Rebellion Dragon struck Clearwing with its claws. "I banish Refraction Mirror from my Graveyard to activate its second effect! Thanks to its effect, whenever I'm about to receive battle damage, I can reduce it to 0 and gain Life Points equal to half the amount of damage I would have taken, along with drawing one card from my Deck!"

A transparent mirror appeared in front of Yukio, absorbing the bolts of lightning discharged from Rebellion Dragon's wings. It then turned into particles of light that enveloped Yukio's body.

Yukio – LP: 1000→1850

(Rebellion Dragon ATK: 4200→4600)

"Not bad, Yukio." Yuya smirked. "Since Rebellion Dragon cannot attack directly due to Connected Hope's effect, you're safe for this turn. However, the same doesn't apply to you, Sawatari. Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, destroy Sawatari's Big Star! Thunder of Revolution – Lightning Strike!"

A multi-colored wave of energy erupted from Rebellion Dragon's maw, destroying Big Star and sending Sawatari flying backwards.

Sawatari – LP: 1400→500

(Rebellion Dragon ATK: 4600→5000)

"With Big Star's destruction, Royal Theatre gains yet another Applause Counter (Applause Counter: 3→4)." Sawatari said. "And that means we're one step closer to the grand finale."

"Unfortunately, Gongenzaka's Renny-O cannot be destroyed by battle." Yuya said. "As such, I will end my second act and my turn by placing a card face-down, with Rebellion Dragon's attack returning to normal (Rebellion Dragon ATK: 5000→3000)."

"Fufu, watching Yuya duel is very thrilling as always~." Grace commented with a flushed expression on her face. "I just can't get enough of his Entertainment~."

"Grace, you're drooling." Gloria pointed out with a deadpan expression. "I understand that you're very excited right now, but compose yourself. You're going to make a fool out of both of us if you do something idiotic here."

"I understand, sister." Grace waved her hand in a dismissive manner. "I'll restrain myself…for now."

"It looks like it's my turn once again." Sawatari stated. "And with Yuya hogging the spotlight during the previous turn, I'll have to make my own act even flashier if I want to capture everyone's attention. So first, let's welcome our key actors back to the stage with yet another wondrous Pendulum Summon! Revive, Big Star and Majestic Prince!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Sawatari's previously destroyed Monsters upon landing on the field.

"Due to the effect of Triumphant Entry and Stage Manager, my Monsters' attack will increase once again (Big Star ATK: 2500→3700, Majestic Prince ATK: 2400→3600)." Sawatari said. "And since I successfully Pendulum Summoned "Abyss Actor" Monsters, I can activate the Pendulum Effect of Technician, which allows me to Special Summon an "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck whose Level is lower than that of the summoned Monster with the lowest Level and treat it as having being Pendulum Summoned. Join us on the stage, Abyss Actor – Aspiring Hero (ATK: 200/DEF: 300/LV: 1/SC: 5)!"

Aspiring Hero appeared next to Sawatari's other two Monsters after emerging from the Pendulum portal.

"Aspiring Hero's attack also increases due to the effect of my cards (Aspiring Hero ATK: 200→800)." Sawatari then smirked. "Next, I activate Big Star's effect to add Abyss Script – Opening Ceremony to my hand and activate it gaining 500 Life Points for every "Abyss Actor" Monster on my field."

Sawatari – LP: 500→2000

"Now then, let's introduce the protagonist of this third act. I tune the Level 7 Majestic Prince with the Level 1 Aspiring Hero!" As Majestic Prince turned into seven stars and Aspiring Hero turned into a single ring surrounding them, Sawatari chanted. "Ingenious artist spinning sagas of glory and downfall! Appear now on this stage and enchant the masses with your thrilling tales! Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Abyss Actor – Legendary Playwright (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2300/LV: 8)!"

The Monster dressed in refined, medievalesque clothes, which wore a jester-like mask with the Abyss Actors' symbol on it and held a black tome with a quill on it in its left hand, appeared on Sawatari's field.

"So this is Sawatari's new ace Monster that took down the Talon he faced, huh?" Gongenzaka remarked. "It certainly appears worthy of that title."

"Due to Triumphant Entry's effect, Legendary Playwright's attack increases as well (Legendary Playwright ATK: 3000→3800)." Sawatari declared. "Moreover, I choose to increase my Life Points by an amount equal to the attack my Monster gained."

Sawatari – LP: 2000→2800

"Moving on, I activate Legendary Playwright's effect to copy Big Star's effect, using it to add the Spell Card Abyss Script – Heavenly Evil Spirit to my hand and activate it." Sawatari declared. "To complete my preparations, I will activate the Equip Spell Card Abyss Costume – Knight's Lance, equipping it to Legendary Playwright."

A wicked-looking lance appeared on the field following Sawatari's words and attached itself to Legendary Playwright's right hand.

"Now, it's time for some well-deserved payback, Yuya!" Sawatari exclaimed. "Battle! Big Star, attack Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon! And due to the effect of Heavenly Evil Script, your Monster's attack becomes equal to its defense (Rebellion Dragon ATK: 3000→2500)! Take down that fiendish dragon, Big Star!"

Big Star threw a roundhouse kick at Rebellion Dragon's torso, piercing through it and destroying the dragon, with Yuya being blown backwards from the shockwave.

Yuya – LP: 1850→650

"I activate my Trap Card, Odd-Eyes Legacy!" Yuya announced as he stood up. "Through its effect, when an "Odd-Eyes" Monster is destroyed, I can Special Summon a different "Odd-Eyes" Monster from my Graveyard or face-up from my Extra Deck! In addition, that Monster cannot be destroyed by battle and I receive no damage from battles involving it! However, during my next Standby Phase, that Monster will be sent to the Graveyard! Revive, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

A portal appeared on the ground, with Odd-Eyes emerging out of it and landing next to Yuya.

"As expected of the man I've recognized as my rival, you've managed to bring back your ace Monster and prevent me from attacking you any further for this turn." Sawatari turned his sights on Gongenzaka. "That means you're the unlucky one, big guy. Go, Legendary Playwright! Attack Gongenzaka's Superheavy Samurai Monk Renny-O!"

"You're attacking even though your Monster's attack is lower than Renny-O's defense?" Gongenzaka narrowed his eyes at Sawatari. "Then, you're counting on an Action Card to overcome this difference in strength?"

"That's right!" As Legendary Playwright prepared to charge, Sawatari spotted an Action Card embedded on the ground near him and swiftly grabbed it, letting out a sly smile upon seeing what it was. "Let's see you handle this, Gongenzaka. I activate the Action Spell Bi-Attack, which will double my Monster's attack until the Battle Phase's end (Legendary Playwright ATK: 3800→7600)! And even though your Monster cannot be destroyed by battle, due to the effect of the equipped Knight's Lance, Legendary Playwright can inflict piercing damage when attacking a defense position Monster! This is the end for you!"

"No, not yet!" Gongenzaka howled. "If you intend to rely on Action Cards in order to take me down, then allow me to do the same in order to foil your plans! I activate the Action Spell that I took from you earlier, Big Escape! Thanks to its effect, the Battle Phase ends! Furthermore, since this card was set on my field due to Susano-O's effect, it will be banished!"

"Shoot, I forgot you had that as well." Sawatari snapped his fingers with an irritated expression on his face, but then smiled. "I guess it serves me right for not paying enough attention. However, that's not a mistake I'll make twice. Now then, with the Battle Phase's end, my Monster's attack returns to normal (Legendary Playwright ATK: 7600→3800). I end my turn with this."

"My turn!" Gongenzaka announced. "Draw! I summon the Tuner Monster Superheavy Samurai Soul Eternal (Earth/Machine/Tuner/Effect/ATK: 200/DEF: 100/LV: 2)!"

A mechanical Monster clad in pristine white armor reminiscent of a samurai, which had a black cape extending from its back and held a war fan in its left hand, appeared on Gongenzaka's field.

"Due to Eternal's effect, I can perform a Synchro Summon by using Monsters on my field to bring back a "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster in my Graveyard whose Level is equal to the combined Levels of my Monsters." Gongenzaka declared. "Resurrect from the realm of the dead, incarnation of my unyielding soul! Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susano-O in defense mode!"

After Renny-O turned into eight stars and Eternal turned into two rings surrounding them, they transformed into a beam of energy that pierced the ground, with Susano-O emerging from the hole.

"Thanks to Ichi-5's Pendulum Effect, Susano-O gains 1000 defense (Susano-O DEF: 3800→4800)." Gongenzaka stated. "And due to Eternal's effect, Susano-O also gains the effects that one of the non-Tuner Monsters used for its Synchro Summon had on the field, in this case Renny-O."

"That move…" Yukio narrowed his eyes at the revived Susano-O. "It's the same as Crow's Phantom Synchro. Were you inspired by his unique play and sought to emulate it?"

"That's correct." Gongenzaka confirmed Yukio's hypothesis. "Since I'm incapable of reviving my destroyed Monsters through the use of Spell or Trap Cards under normal circumstances, such a method was quite appealing to me, hence why I applied it to my Deck. As to whether, its power is equal to that of the original, I'll have you be the judge of that, Yukio! Battle! Superheavy Samurai Warlord Susano-O, attack Yukio directly! Kusanagi Sword Slash!"

"Since I'm about to receive damage, I activate the effect of Life Magician in my hand!" Yukio exclaimed. "Through it, the damage is reduced to 0, I can Special Summon this card and gain Life Points equal to the damage I would have taken! Come, Life Magician (ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 3/SC: 4)!"

Life Magician appeared on Yukio's field, generating a barrier that absorbed Susano-O's attack. Immediately afterwards, the barrier turned into a radiance that enveloped Yukio's body.

Yukio – LP: 1850→6650

"Not bad, but my assault is far from finished." Gongenzaka smirked. "Superheavy Samurai Monk Renny-O, whose effects Susano-O copied, can once during either player's turn equip a "Superheavy Samurai Soul" Monster to itself. In exchange, that Monster is banished during the End Phase. I will use that effect to equip Superheavy Samurai Soul Iwatooshi to Susano-O, whose effect allows it to inflict piercing damage when battling a defense position Monster. And due to Cobal-T's Pendulum Effect, Susano-O can attack once again on this turn's Battle Phase. Go, Susano-O! Destroy Life Magician! Kusanagi Sword Slash!"

Susano-O generated a powerful wave of energy from its naginata, destroying Yukio's Monster and sending him flying backwards due to the shockwave.

Yukio – LP: 6650→1850

"I end my turn, with the equipped Iwatooshi being banished." Gongenzaka said. "Well, what are your opinions, Yukio? Is my Phantom Synchro comparable to Crow's?"

"Indeed, it's definitely as strong as Crow's, or maybe even stronger." Yukio freely admitted. "However, in the end, it was incapable of bringing me down. Now, it's my turn! Draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive, Destiny Magician, Supply Magician, Dowsing Magician, Summoner Magician and Gunslinger Magician (ATK: 1800/DEF: 600/LV: 4/SC: 5)!"

Five beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Yukio's Monsters upon landing on the field.

"When it's Pendulum Summoned successfully, Gunslinger Magician can inflict 400 points of damage to my opponent." Yukio smirked. "And since all of you are my opponents, you'll receive 400 points of damage! Arcane Bullet!"

Gunslinger Magician shot a rapid hail of bullets from its gun, striking Yuya, Gongenzaka and Sawatari with them, which caused them to let out grunts of pain.

Yuya – LP: 650→250

Sawatari – LP: 2800→2400

Gongenzaka – LP: 1200→800

"Moreover, Summoner Magician's effect also activates, allowing me to add Disaster Karma Ritual Dragon to my hand." Yukio continued. "Next, I activate the Spell Card Karma Manifestation, offering Supply Magician, Destiny Magician and Summoner Magician as tributes in order to Ritual Summon!"

The dragon altar surrounded by three dragon statues appeared once more on Yukio's field, with his three Monsters being absorbed by the leftmost statue. As a towering pillar of dark blue flames erupted from the altar, Yukio chanted.

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

The dragon clad in dark blue armor with crimson gems embedded on it and grey, mechanical wings extending from its back appeared on Yukio's field, letting out a piercing roar.

"Due to the effects of Supply Magician and Destiny Magician, I can draw two cards from my Deck." Yukio let out a sly smile upon seeing his drawn cards. "That was a good draw. Next, I activate Disaster Karma's effect, which allows me to destroy all Level 5 or higher Monsters on the field and inflict 400 points of damage to their controller! Although Gongenzaka and Yuya's Monsters are safe, you have to choose which Monster you wish to shield through Royal Theatre's effect, Sawatari."

"Kuh…" Sawatari grimaced. "In that case, I'll protect my Legendary Playwright from your dragon."

"Do it, Disaster Karma!" Yukio exclaimed. "Creation Purge!"

Several bolts of energy were generated from the gems embedded on the dragon's armor and spread all over the area. Although Odd-Eyes, Susano-O and Playwright were able to repel the bolts, Big Star was vaporized by one of the blasts, causing Sawatari to let out a grunt of pain.

Sawatari – LP: 2400→2000

"With the destruction of Big Star, I can add one more Applause Counter to my Field Spell (Applause Counter: 4→5)." Sawatari said with a wide grin. "Fufu, your actions are only serving to further prepare things for my splendid finale, Tachibana."

"Really? Well, shall we see whether you can survive long enough to deliver that finale of yours?" Yukio declared. "I activate the Equip Spell Card Supreme King Covenant, equipping it to Disaster Karma. Through its effect, I can equip two Pendulum Monsters on my field to Disaster Karma and add the sum of their attack to my dragon's own attack. Of course, I choose to equip Gunslinger Magician and Dowsing Magician to Disaster Karma (Disaster Karma ATK: 3300→7000). Now, battle! Disaster Karma Ritual Dragon, destroy Abyss Actor – Legendary Playwright! Kalasutra Immolation!"

Disaster Karma rose up in the sky, unleashing a torrent of dark blue flames from its maw towards Sawatari's Monster. In response, Sawatari rolled to the side and grabbed an Action Card embedded on the ground.

"I activate the Action Spell Miracle!" Sawatari shouted. "Through its effect, Playwright isn't destroyed and the damage is halved!"

Following Sawatari's words, a barrier appeared around Playwright, shielding it from the raging flames. However, several waves of flames went past the barrier and struck Sawatari, causing him to stumble.

Sawatari – LP: 2000→400

"As relentless as always, huh, Tachibana?" Sawatari grinned. "Seriously, I can never relax for even a second when you're my opponent."

"You've also become pretty resilient, Sawatari." Yukio replied while grinning as well. "But let's see if you'll be able to keep going like that until the end. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"These guys are amazing… There's a constant exchange of offense and defense taking place, but none of them is budging even an inch."

"And just when you think one of them is defeated, they either pull off an unexpected move or grab an Action Card in the nick of time to save themselves… My heart feels like it's going to burst out of my chest due to all this anxiety and excitement."

"I know, right? Even though Duels are supposed to be something terrifying…I cannot tear my eyes away from this sight."

"My soul…it feels like it's been set on fire through these youngsters' passionate Duel. Even though a winner must be decided, I kind of wish this could go on forever."

"Go, Onii-chans! Show us even more cool stuff!"

"Yeah! This is so much fun to watch! Keep at it!"

Such words could be heard coming from former Academia members, civilians and Resistance fighters alike. All members of the audience had been completely enthralled by the spectacle before their eyes, openly expressing their joy and encouraging the four Duelists to try their best with enthusiastic shouts. Needless to say, this was exactly the result Edo, Kaito, Byron and the other high ranking members of Academia and the Resistance were hoping for. Thanks to the Entertainment Duel presented by the four members of the Lancers, the passion for Duels had reawakened within the scarred hearts of Heartland's residents. Moreover, the grand spectacle had actually succeeded in bringing together the two formerly warring factions as they both cheered as one for the Duelists currently trying their best.

"It looks like our audience is getting even more heated up by the second." Yuya commented with a wide smile on his face. "In that case, it's time for the climax of our show! My turn! Draw! First, due to the effect of Odd-Eyes Legacy, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon will be sent to the Graveyard. Then, I activate the Spell Card Treasure Cards from the Heavens, which allows all players to draw cards until they have six in their hands. And now, since all of you have seen fit to exhibit your full power, I'll also follow suit by showing you my evolved power. Since Odd-Eyes is in my Graveyard, I can Pendulum Summon its evolved form from my hand by ignoring my current Pendulum Scale!"

"Hoh, a Pendulum Summon regardless of the Pendulum Scale, you say?" Koyo whistled. "That Yuya, he sure loves pulling out these astonishing tricks out of nowhere."

"Swing, Pendulum of my Soul!" Yuya exclaimed as the giant Pendulum behind him started swinging faster and faster, escaping the confines of the columns of light and drawing arcs on the sky as the Pendulum portal was enlarged. "More vividly, more fiercely, transcend the limits and engrave an arc of light across the sky connecting to the future! Overscale Pendulum!"

As a beam of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, Yuya chanted.

"Let those dual-colored eyes house the ephemeral eternity within them and transform unwavering faith into sublime strength! Come forth now, Level 8! The resolute dragon heralding the arrival of a new era, Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 0)!"

The dragon with mismatched eyes that constantly changed color, gold and white armor attached to its body and wing s of light extending from its back appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a resonant roar.

"So this is the evolution you attained after overcoming our most recent trial…" Yukio muttered while gazing at the new dragon. "Well, if this is going to be the climax, it's quite fitting since all our ace Monsters are currently out. But it's not going to be so easy to take me down with just that, Yuya."

"Indeed." Gongenzaka cut in from the side. "I, the man Gongenzaka, shall not fall as long as the impenetrable fortress that is Susano-O is on the field. So come at me with your full strength, Yuya!"

"If anyone is going to draw the curtain on this grand show, that's going to be me, Sawatari Shingo Deus!" Sawatari made an exaggerated gesture with his hands as he declared so. "My pride as an entertainer won't allow me to do anything less than that! Therefore, I will overcome both you and your new Monster, Yuya!"

"It looks like all of you are ready for this." Yuya smirked. "In that case, here I come! First, let's bring forth one more performer on this stage. I activate the Spell Card Revise Pendulum. Through its effect, if I performed a Pendulum Summon on this turn, I can Pendulum Summon one Monster from my Extra Deck whose Level is between my current Pendulum Scale. Revive, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon!"

A single beam of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the form of Rebellion Dragon upon landing on the field.

"Now then, let's liven up this battlefield even further by transforming it into a world of smiles!" Yuya exclaimed. "And the card which will accomplish that marvelous feat is none other than the Spell Card Smile World!"

Following Yuya's announcement, several smiley faces appeared all over the area, causing the spectators to let out exclamations of wonder at the dazzling sight.

"Due to Smile World's effect all Monsters on the field gain 100 attack for every Monster on the field." Yuya stated. "Since there are five Monsters, all our Monsters gain 500 attack (Transient-Eyes ATK: 3000→3500, Rebellion Dragon ATK: 3000→3500, Disaster Karma ATK: 7000→7500, Legendary Playwright ATK: 3800→4300, Susano-O ATK: 2400→2900). Next, I activate the Spell Card Overflowing Smiles. Through its effect, if Smile World was activated this turn, I can target one Monster on my field and increase its attack by 300 for every Monster on the field affected by Smile World's effect. I choose Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Transient-Eyes ATK: 3500→5000). Next, I banish Beast-Eyes Pendulum Dragon from my Graveyard to activate Transient-Eyes' effect, allowing me to halve the attack of all Monsters you control until the End Phase! Recollection Force!"

The spirit of Beast-Eyes appeared on Yuya's field and was absorbed by Transient-Eyes. Immediately afterwards, the dragon's wings emitted an aurora that enveloped Yukio, Sawatari and Gongenzaka's Monsters.

(Susano-O ATK: 2900→1450, Legendary Playwright ATK: 4300→2150, Disaster Karma ATK: 7500→3750)

"Now, let's battle!" Yuya declared. "Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, destroy Disaster Karma Ritual Dragon! And due to the effect of Overflowing Smiles, whenever Transient-Eyes destroys an opponent's Monster, it also inflicts damage to my opponent equal to half its original attack! Phantasmagoria Flame of Transcendence!"

"I won't let it end so easily!" Yukio shouted as a multi-colored stream of flames approached his dragon. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card Supreme King's Armor, equipping it to Disaster Karma! Thanks to its effect, my Monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects!"

"However, you'll still take the damage!" Yuya pointed out.

Following Yuya's words, several armor pieces attached themselves to Disaster Karma's body, shielding it from the conflagration. However, Yukio's body was struck by several waves of fire that bounced off his dragon's armor, letting out a hiss of pain.

Yukio – LP: 1850→600

"Next, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, attack Sawatari's Legendary Playwright!" Yuya pointed at Sawatari's Monster. "At this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Illusion Turn! Through its effect, I can negate a Monster's attack during the Battle Phase, and in exchange, the controller of that Monster can choose to inflict damage equal to half that Monster's attack to the opponent! I will negate Rebellion Dragon's attack, and inflict damage to all of you equal to half its attack!"

"I was waiting for this!" Sawatari exclaimed. "It's time for an explosive finale only I, the unmatched Sawatari Shingo Deus, can offer! When I'm about to receive damage while Royal Theatre is on the field with five or more Applause Counters on it, I can negate that damage, send this card to the Graveyard and inflict 2000 points of damage to my opponent, in this case all of you!"

"In that case, Transient-Eyes' second effect activates!" Yuya shouted. "Once during either player's turn, when a Spell or Trap Card is activated, I can negate its activation and destroy it! Extinguish Gaze!"

"It's useless!" Sawatari declared. "The activation of Royal Theatre's effect cannot be negated by other effects! As such, it's time for all of you to bow out of the stage!"

An uncountable number of fireworks erupted from all around the theatre following Sawatari's words, making a wide arc into the sky before heading towards the three Duelists. However—

"I activate the effect Susano-O inherited from Renny-O in order to equip Superheavy Samurai Soul Heavenly Shield (Earth/Machine/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 1500/LV: 4) from my Deck to it!" Gongenzaka exclaimed. "Thanks to its effect, I can negate one instance of damage once per turn!"

"I send Null Magician from my hand to the Graveyard in order to activate its effect!" Yukio shouted. "Through it, one instance of damage is reduced to 0!"

"And I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Scale Guard!" Yuya announced. "By destroying all cards in my Pendulum Zones, I can also reduce one instance of damage to 0!"

Following everyone's declarations, a large, semi-circular barrier enveloped the area, bouncing the fireworks towards the sky, where they made contact with the brightly shining smiley face floating in the air due to Smile World's effect. The result was an explosion of colors that illuminated the entirety of the ruined city, creating a beautiful spectacle that left everyone gaping.

"Ahahahaha!" Sawatari let out a boisterous laugh. "As expected of my trustworthy comrades and rivals, you managed to perfectly counter the effect of my card and spoil my big finale! I am a bit annoyed right now, but I'm mostly impressed! Well done!"

"To think you had such a thing in reserve, you're really sly, Sawatari." Yuya grinned. "But I believe I speak for all of us when I say that this battle is far from finished. The fun has just begun!"

"That's right." Gongenzaka said with a smile. "As long as each of us has a single Life Point left, we're still in the game. And I assume that none of you feels like giving up yet, right?"

"I'm far from satisfied here, so there's no way I'm giving up so soon." Yukio smirked. "Show me more of your strength, everyone!"

"I can't bear watching any more…" One of the Resistance members muttered before deploying his Duel Disk. "I'm joining this Duel as well! There's no way I can sit in the sidelines anymore when such a passionate Duel is taking place in front of my eyes!"

"Me too!" An Academia student shouted. "A Duel this exciting is something everyone must experience by themselves!"

"That's right!"

"Yes, I'm going to take part as well!"

"I'm not missing this chance for the world!"

Shouts of agreement could be heard from all members of the audience who had Duel Disks as they activated them and rushed to participate in the Duel between the four youths much to their bewilderment.

"Oh my, this certainly has exceeded my expectations." Byron remarked upon seeing the various Duels starting all over the area. "To think that everyone's souls would get fired up to the point where they would want to participate as well, that is truly surprising."

"Well, it's not like I don't understand their feelings." Kaito smirked. "Truth be told, I also want to head down there and have some fun."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Koyo said with a big grin on his face. "Opportunities like this don't come around very often. We should take advantage of this now that we can."

"Indeed, cutting loose and having fun at times is important for group morale." Amon commented as he straightened his glasses. "I agree with Koyo that we should capitalize on this opportunity."

"Furthermore, it's a good way to foster closer relations with Heartland's citizens." Midori added. "Wasn't that the whole point of this Entertainment Duel in the first place?"

"Fufu, getting to practice my Entertainment Duel alongside Yuya sounds like a marvelous idea." Grace giggled. "Let's hurry up and join in the fun as well, Gloria!"

"With such a feast prepared before me, there's no way I can say no." Gloria let out a savage grin. "I'll enjoy myself to the fullest by going wild here!"

"…Good grief, you're all throwing various excuses around, but every single one of you is just itching for a good fight." Edo sighed, and then smiled. "However, I'm also the same as you in the end. My soul as a Duelist is on fire right now. So what do you say? Shall we quench that flame by participating in this grand festival as well?"

[Yes!]

All members present replied as one as they hurried to join in the huge Battle Royal that was taking place all around Heartland Tower.

"Ah, geez, we have to share our stage with everyone now?" Sawatari complained. "Couldn't they at least wait until we settled things between us before they went wild? That's just plain rude!"

"I understand your frustrations, but it cannot be helped." Gongenzaka said. "In the end, what matters the most is that our primary goal of bringing together the former enemies and getting everyone to enjoy Dueling once again was accomplished."

"That's right." Yuya said with a smile, before turning to Yukio, who was watching the proceedings with an absentminded expression. "Yukio? What's wrong?"

"Nothing much." Yukio said. "It's just…I always thought in a corner of my mind that Entertainment Duels were a waste of time and energy, that they couldn't accomplish anything significant in the end. But seeing everyone enjoying themselves while smiling from the bottom of their hearts because of our Duel…it's not such a bad feeling. Quite the contrary I'd say."

Yukio admitted so with a small smile on his face, causing Yuya to grin as he patted his back.

"That's the spirit. We'll make an Entertainment Duelist out of you yet. For the time being though, I think we should also enjoy ourselves a bit here. Who knows whether we'll have a chance like this again in the near future?"

Since they would soon head off to the Fusion Dimension in order to end this war, the other three Lancers had to admit that Yuya made a valid point. So, after nodding at each other with wide smiles on their faces, the four of them proceeded to also join the massive Battle Royal that was taking place all around them.

That day, for the first time since the invasion of Heartland, the sound of laughter accompanied the Duels taking place underneath the bright blue sky…

---

The next day…

"So this is the machine you used to transport the people sealed into cards to Academia, huh…?"

Inside Academia's mobile command base, Yukio muttered so as he gazed at the large teleporter before his eyes.

"That's right." Edo confirmed it. "If you use this, you should definetly arrive at the Fusion Dimension with no problems."

"Beyond this, my family and Ruri are waiting…" Kaito murmured before turning to Edo. "Are you certain that there is a way to reverse the process and release all the people sealed into cards like you mentioned before, Edo?"

"The Professor's words regarding that subject were pretty vague, but if there's a solution to be found, Academia is the only place you can look for it." Edo said. "As for Kurosaki Shun, rest assured that he will receive the best care possible here. We will look after him until he wakes up. Please trust me on that."

"Thanks, Edo." Yuya said. "I'll leave it to you. As for the other matter I asked you about…has there been any progress? Did you find any leads?"

"A girl named Hiiragi Yuzu, huh?" Amon rubbed his chin. "I asked my subordinates to look around Heartland, but there's been no sign of her yet. I don't want to discourage you, but if she's not here, there's a high possibility she ended up in the Fusion Dimension."

"Then that's all the more reason why we should hurry up and get there." Yuya spoke with a resolute expression. "I won't let Yuzu fall into Academia's clutches. And we will definetly rescue all the other girls that were captured by the Professor as well."

"There's no doubt in my mind that you will succeed." Edo smiled, but then his expression became downcast. "However, I must apologize to you, Yuya. There's a possibility that I accidentally sent your father, Sakaki Yusho, to another dimension…or worse. To think that I would treat the man who taught me the true wonders of Dueling in such a manner is…"

"My dad is definetly alive." Yuya interrupted Edo with a smile. "I'll see him again soon. At least that's what I believe."

"Yuya…" Edo smiled. "I see. Well then, I'll leave the rest to you. And you, Grace, Gloria, make sure to behave when you're with these guys. I trust that you will guide them to Academia like I asked you, so don't cause any trouble for them and do your best to keep them safe."

"Don't worry, Commander Edo." Grace said as she got close to Yuya with a wide grin and a slight blush on her face. "I won't let Yuya out of my sight~."

"Ahaha, thank you for your consideration, Grace…"

"Geez, Grace…"

Yuya rubbed his neck in an uncomfortable manner and Gloria face-palmed at Grace's attitude, while all the other people present smirked at the sight.

"Man, I really wish I could go with you, but it can't be helped since we lost the rock-paper-scissors game." Koyo said. "When things settle down a bit, we'll follow right behind you."

"I've entrusted my feelings to you, so don't let me down, Yuya." Allen said with a toothy grin as pointed at the rollerblades he had given him before. "Make sure to give that damned Professor a few good hits from me as well."

"You can leave that to me." Yukio said with a grin. "I've got a lot of pent-up frustrations I want to take out on that slime after all."

Meanwhile, Sayaka was talking to Kaito in the side, suddenly offering him a card.

"This is…?"

"Little Fairy, one of my most cherished cards." Sayaka said. "It holds important memories of me and Ruri, so I want you to take it with you. That way, I can also fight next to you in some small manner."

"I understand." Kaito accepted the card with a smile. "I'll use this card to save Ruri. Thank you, Sayaka."

"Now, it's time for departure, everyone." Midori said while pressing several buttons on the control panel. "Please step inside the teleporter."

Yuya, Yukio, Gongenzaka, Sawatari, Kaito, Grace and Gloria all nodded as they stepped inside the device, which let out a low hum as it slowly powered up.

"At last, we're heading towards the enemy's stronghold." Gongenzaka commented. "The time has come to bring the fight to Academia."

"With my superior Dueling skills, I'll sweep aside anyone in our way." Sawatari said with a confident smirk. "Academia will rue the day they crossed Sawatari Shingo Deus-sama!"

"Wait for me, Ruri, everyone…" Kaito muttered. "I'll definitely save you from Academia's clutches…"

"Isn't this exciting, Gloria?" Grace asked her sister. "We're actually invading Academia, a fortress which is considered nigh-impenetrable. Fufu, my blood feels like it's boiling in anticipation."

"It's certainly a situation I could not imagine happening a few days ago…" Gloria said with a sigh, but then let out a feral smile. "But I suppose we just have to make the best out of it by going on a rampage."

"I wonder if we'll be able to get some information regarding 'it' out of the Professor…"

Yukio muttered so, still troubled over the mysterious darkness that had attempted to possess him and Yuya on several occasions. While it hadn't made an appearance during their time in the Xyz Dimension, that was no reason to be any less vigilant. For all they knew, it might be biding its time, seeking to strike at a moment of great emotional instability or vulnerability. That's why it was imperative for them to interrogate the Professor and force some answers out of him, since he seemed to have some knowledge on the matter.

"We will get to the bottom of this, but our mission is more important right now." Yuya said in a hushed tone to Yukio before turning to the rest. "Let's go, everyone! It's about time we brought this meaningless war to an end!"

[Right!]

Following everyone's shout, the transporter activated, turning the youths into particles of light that promptly disappeared…

---

Meanwhile, in You Show's Fusion Dimension Branch…

"With this, preparations are complete, Principal. We're ready to depart for Academia whenever you're ready."

Inside a spacious area resembling the interior of a church, Asuka made her report to Yusho, with Yugo and Yuzu by her side and the students of You Show around them. Yusho nodded at Asuka's words with a grave expression on his face. While he knew it was necessary to confront Leo and put an end to his crusade of world domination, it still pained him that he had to involve his students in this fight.

"At last, I can rescue Rin with my own hands." Yugo said while hitting his fists together with a wide smile on his face. "And if I can punch the living daylights out of that grinning bastard in the process, that's even better!"

"But how are we going to get there?" Yuzu asked. "Academia is situated on an island, correct? And the craft we used before to move through the town's canals can't handle such a long trip from what you've told me. In that case, how are we supposed to reach Academia?"

"There is a cruise liner usually reserved for wealthy individuals that regularly makes trips to the chain of islands surrounding this port town, with Academia being included among them." Asuka explained. "It wasn't simple, but we were able to acquire tickets that will allow us to board the ship. And when it approaches Academia, we'll use its lifeboats to reach the island and begin our invasion. Before that, however, I have to express my disagreement once more about you taking part in this operation, Principal. Your injuries haven't healed completely yet, so fighting in your condition is reckless."

"We've been over this already, Asuka." Yusho said. "Either all of us are going there or none of us. Besides, I'm the only one among us who can speak to Akaba Leo and persuade him to stop this war."

"Unfortunately, that won't be happening. The only place you traitors will be heading to is the deepest circle of Hell."

Everyone turned their gazes towards the entrance at the sound of that voice, where a single man clad in black clothes and wearing an obsidian mask was standing. The intimidating aura he exuded was enough to make most of the people present sweat bullets.

"That's…Nightshroud…" A student spoke with a trembling voice. "Why is he here…?"

"Who the Hell is that guy?" Yugo asked. "I don't suppose he's one of ours?"

"That would be nice, but I don't think that's the case." Yuzu said. "He must be from Academia. So they managed to track us down in the end. What should we do, Asuka-san?"

Yuzu turned to Asuka, but received no response as the older girl's gaze was fixated on the newcomer, an expression of shock on her face.

"Brother…"

"Brother…you say?" Yuzu wondered as her eyes opened wide. "Asuka-san, you two…are siblings?"

"Ara, while I'd love to witness a touching reunion scene between brother and sister, we have a job to do here." Dennis, who appeared behind Nightshroud, said so as he turned his gaze to Yusho. "It's been a long time, Sensei. I never thought I'd encounter you again following the invasion of Heartland. Fate sure works in mysterious ways at times. But this is a good opportunity to show you just how much I've grown and prove that I've surpassed you."

"Dennis…" Yusho muttered. "So it's true that you're an agent of Academia."

"Unfortunately, this isn't the time and place for a teacher-student showdown either, Dennis." Nightshroud interjected. "Like you said, the mission comes first. Hiiragi Yuzu, I will have you come with us. And as for the rest of you…"

Following a snap of his fingers, a large number of Academia students poured in from the entrance, surrounding the members of You Show Duel School.

"The time has come to pass judgement on you." Nightshroud said with an ominous tone. "Repent for your sin of betraying Academia—with your lives, that is."

---

Card Corner

Abyss Actor – Vagabond Knight

ATK: 1800, DEF: 900, LV: 4, SC: 4

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, when an "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster is placed in your Extra Deck, you can draw one card from your Deck.

Monster Effect: When this card is summoned successfully, you can place an "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from your Deck to your Extra Deck face-up.

Superheavy Samurai General Cobal-T

ATK: 1200, DEF: 2500, LV: 7, SC: 2

Earth/Machine/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once during your Battle Phase, if a "Superheavy Samurai" Monster you control declared an attack, you can have attack once again on this turn's Battle Phase.

Monster Effect: This card can attack while being in defense position. If it does, use its DEF for damage calculation. When a "Superheavy Samurai" Monster you control is destroyed while this card is face-up on the field, you can add a Level 4 or lower "Superheavy Samurai" Monster from your Deck to your hand.

Superheavy Samurai General Ichi-5

ATK: 100, DEF: 300, LV: 1, SC: 8

Earth/Machine/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Each time a "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster is Special Summoned to your field, increase its DEF by 1000. You must have a "Superheavy Samurai" Monster in your other Pendulum Zone to apply this effect.

Monster Effect: This card cannot be destroyed by battle. Once per turn, when your opponent targets another "Superheavy Samurai" Monster you control for an attack, you can switch the target of that attack to this card.

Superheavy Samurai Kara-D

ATK: 1000, DEF: 1400, LV: 4

Earth/Machine/Tuner/Effect

Monster Effect: If you perform a Synchro Summon using this card, the other Monster must be a "Superheavy Samurai" Monster you control.

Superheavy Samurai Soul Kaga-M

ATK: 400, DEF: 1700, LV: 6

Earth/Machine/Effect

Monster Effect: If you successfully Synchro Summoned a "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster on this turn, you can banish this card from your field to Special Summon a random "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck by ignoring its summoning conditions.

Superheavy Samurai Emperor Sutok-U

ATK: 600, DEF: 3200, LV: 8

Earth/Machine/Synchro/Effect

1 "Superheavy Samurai" Tuner Monster + 1 or more non-Tuner "Superheavy Samurai" Monsters

Monster Effect: This card can attack while being in defense position. If it does, use its DEF for damage calculation. When this card declares an attack, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the damage step. If this card is in your Graveyard, you can banish it along with another "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster in your Graveyard to draw five cards from your Deck.

Superheavy Samurai Soul Cloth Divine Armor

ATK: 0, DEF: 1200, LV: 3

Earth/Machine/Effect

Monster Effect: If you're about to receive a direct attack, you can send this card to the Graveyard to reduce the damage from that attack to 0 and prevent your opponent from inflicting any damage to you until the start of your turn.

Entermate Odd-Eyes Fusionist

ATK: 1600, DEF: 1200, LV: 4, SC: 7

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, when a Fusion Monster is Fusion Summoned successfully, you can Special Summon one of its Fusion Materials from your Graveyard or face-up from your Extra Deck.

Monster Effect: Once during either player's turn, you can perform a Fusion Summon by using this card and Monsters from your field as materials. If you do, this card can be treated as a "Pendulum Dragon" Monster for the Fusion Summon of a Fusion Monster which lists "Pendulum Dragon" as one of its Fusion Materials.

Abyss Actor – Technician

ATK: 400, DEF: 500, LV: 2, SC: 1

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if you Pendulum Summoned "Abyss Actor" Monsters successfully, you can target an "Abyss Actor" Monster in your Extra Deck whose Level is lower than that of the Monster you Pendulum Summoned, with the lowest Level; Special Summon it and treat it as having been Pendulum Summoned.

Monster Effect: If this card is summoned successfully, you can target a Spell Card in your Graveyard which lists "Abyss Actor" in its description; add it to your hand.

Abyss Actor – Stage Manager

ATK: 2600, DEF: 1100, LV: 7, SC: 8

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Every Pendulum Summoned "Abyss Actor" Monster on your field gains 500 ATK as long as this card remains on your Pendulum Zone.

Monster Effect: Once per turn, when an "Abyss Actor" Monster you control battles an opponent's Monster, you can send an "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from your Extra Deck to the Graveyard; add half that Monster's ATK to your battling "Abyss Actor" Monster.

Abyss Actor – Majestic Prince

ATK: 2400, DEF: 2500, LV: 7, SC: 6

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, when your opponent's Monster declares an attack, you can place an "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from your Deck to your Extra Deck face-up and negate that attack. You can destroy this card in your Pendulum Zone to target an "Abyss Actor" Monster in your Graveyard; add it to your hand.

Monster Effect: Once during the opponent's Battle Phase, when an opponent's Monster declares an attack, you can make this card's ATK equal to that of the opponent's Monster, and you can also add the difference between its original ATK and current ATK to another "Abyss Actor" Monster's ATK on the field until the End Phase.

Abyss Actor – Mad Conductor

ATK: 300, DEF: 700, LV: 2, SC: 4

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Tuner/Effect

Pendulum Effect: If an "Abyss Actor" Monster on your field is destroyed, you can Special Summon this card from your Pendulum Zone.

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can reduce the ATK of an "Abyss Actor" Monster you control to 0 and add the amount of ATK it lost to another "Abyss Actor" Monster you control. These changes last until the End Phase.

Abyss Actor – Boisterous Prompter

ATK: 2500, DEF: 1200, LV: 6

Dark/Fiend/Synchro/Effect

1 "Abyss Actor" Tuner Monster + 1 or more non-Tuner Monsters

Monster Effect: Once during either player's turn, you can negate the activation of an effect that would target an "Abyss Actor" Monster you control. Once per turn, when an "Abyss Actor" Monster you control declares an attack, you can increase that Monster's attack by an amount equal to the number of "Abyss Actor" Monsters in your Extra Deck x 300 until the end of the damage step.

Superheavy Samurai Nana-7

ATK: 100, DEF: 2700, LV: 7

Earth/Machine/Effect

Monster Effect: This card can attack while being in defense position. If it does, use its DEF for damage calculation. If this card attacks a defense position Monster, inflict piercing damage to your opponent.

Superheavy Samurai Monk Renny-O

ATK: 0, DEF: 3000, LV: 8

Earth/Machine/Synchro/Effect

1 "Superheavy Samurai" Tuner Monster + 1 or more non-Tuner "Superheavy Samurai" Monsters

Monster Effect: This card can attack while being in defense position. If it does, use its DEF for damage calculation. As long as this card remains face-up on the field, "Superheavy Samurai" Monsters you control cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects. Once during either player's turn, you can equip a "Superheavy Samurai Soul" Monster from your Deck to this card. That Monster is banished during the End Phase.

Lost Magician

ATK: 1500, DEF: 0, LV: 4, SC: 3

Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: You can destroy this card in your Pendulum Zone; send one Spell Card from your opponent's Deck to their Graveyard.

Monster Effect: If this card is sent to the Graveyard, you can add one random Spell Card from your Graveyard to your hand.

Entermate Star Juggler

ATK: 1000, DEF: 1400, LV: 4

Wind/Warrior/Effect

Monster Effect: Target one Monster on the field and make the Levels of all Monsters your opponent controls equal to that Monster's Level until the End Phase. The affected Monsters cannot activate their effects for this turn.

Superheavy Samurai Soul Eternal

ATK: 200, DEF: 100, LV: 2

Earth/Machine/Tuner/Effect

Monster Effect: You can only use this card and other Monsters on your field to Special Summon a "Superheavy Samurai" Synchro Monster from your Graveyard whose Level is equal to the combined Level of these Monsters (this Special Summon is treated as a Synchro Summon). The summoned Monster gains all the effects one of the non-Tuner Monsters had while on the field. You cannot Special Summon other Monsters for the rest of this turn.

Superheavy Samurai Soul Heavenly Shield

ATK: 0, DEF: 1500, LV: 4

Earth/Machine/Effect

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can either target 1 "Superheavy Samurai" monster you control and equip this card to that target or unequip this card and Special Summon it in face-up Attack Position. During either player's turn, while this card is equipped to a Monster you control, you can activate one of these effects and only once during that turn;

· If the equipped Monster would be destroyed by battle, it's not destroyed.

· You can reduce one instance of damage to 0.

Abyss Stage – Royal Theatre

Field Spell Card

When this card is activated, you can add an "Abyss Actor" Monster from your Deck to your hand. Once during either player's turn, if an "Abyss Actor" Monster you control would be destroyed either by battle or card effect, you can negate its destruction and reduce the battle damage to 0. Every time an "Abyss Actor" Monster you control is destroyed, you can place an Applause Counter on this card. If you're about to receive damage from a card effect or from battle while this card has five or more Applause Counters, you can send it to the Graveyard to negate that effect or reduce that damage to 0, and then inflict 2000 points of damage to your opponent. This effect cannot be negated or activated on the turn you added your fifth counter, and you also receive no further damage for this turn.

Abyss Actor's Triumphant Entry

Continuous Spell Card

Every time an "Abyss Actor" Monster is summoned, increase its ATK by an amount equal to its Level x 100. You can also gain Life Points equal to the ATK gained by one of these Monsters once per turn.

Gravity Break

Action Spell

Target one Monster on the field; halve its DEF until the End Phase.

Entermate Last Waltz

Quick-Play Spell Card

Banish an "Entermate" Pendulum Monster from your Extra Deck and target a face-up Pendulum Monster you control that has already declared an attack; the targeted Monster can attack once more on this turn's Battle Phase.

Temporal Reset

Action Spell

Target one Monster you controlled that left the field on this turn; Special Summon it in the same battle position it was as when it left the field.

Seize Action

Action Spell

When your opponent activates an Action Card, negate its activation and apply its effects for yourself if possible.

Attack Lull

Action Spell

Target an attacking Monster and halve its ATK during damage calculation only.

Narrow Escape

Action Spell

Reduce an instance of damage to 0.

Stairway to Ascension

Quick-Play Spell Card

Place two Pendulum Monsters from your hand to your Extra Deck and target a Monster on your field; that Monster can attack your opponent directly this turn, but all damage from that battle is halved. You cannot Pendulum Summon the Monsters you placed on your Extra Deck on the turn you activated this card.

Space-Time Revision

Normal Spell Card

If "Stargazer Magician" and "Timegazer Magician" are in your hand, on your field or in your Extra Deck, you can send them to the Graveyard in order to draw six cards from your Deck.

Connected Hope

Normal Spell Card

Target a Pendulum Monster you control; on this turn's Battle Phase, it can attack all Monsters your opponent controls, but cannot attack your opponent directly. Each time it destroys an opponent's Monster, increase its ATK by 400 until the End Phase. Other Monsters you control cannot attack.

Abyss Costume – Knight's Lance

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card only to an "Abyss Actor" Monster. If the equipped Monster attacks an opponent's defense position Monster, inflict piercing damage to your opponent.

Revise Pendulum

Normal Spell Card

If you Pendulum Summoned during this turn, you can select a Monster in your Extra Deck whose Level is between your Pendulum Scales and Pendulum Summon it.

Overflowing Smiles

Normal Spell Card

If you activated "Smile World" on this turn, you can target one Monster on the field; increase its ATK by 300 for every Monster on the field that was affected by Smile World's effect until the End Phase. Whenever the affected Monster destroys an opponent's Monster during this turn, inflict damage to your opponent equal to half that Monster's ATK.

Illusion Turn

Quick-Play Spell Card

During your Battle Phase, you can negate a Monster's attack, and then the controller of that Monster can inflict damage equal to half that Monster's ATK to the opponent.

Scale Guard

Quick-Play Spell Card

When you're about to receive damage, you can destroy all cards in your Pendulum Zones (min. 1) to reduce that damage to 0.

Abyss Actor's Emergency Call-Off

Normal Trap Card

When your opponent's Monster attacks you directly, you can negate that attack and place an "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from your Deck to your Extra Deck face-up. If this card is in your Graveyard while you're about to take damage, you can banish it along with an "Abyss Actor" Monster in your hand to reduce that damage to 0.

Refraction Mirror

Normal Trap Card

If Monsters on your side of the field would be destroyed by a card effect, you can negate their destruction. If you receive battle damage while this card is in your Graveyard, you can banish it to reduce the damage to 0 and gain Life Points equal to the half the amount of damage you would have taken, and then you can draw a card from your Deck.

Odd-Eyes Legacy

Normal Trap Card

When an "Odd-Eyes" Monster on your field is destroyed, you can Special Summon a different "Odd-Eyes" Monster from your Graveyard or face-up from your Extra Deck. The summoned Monster cannot be destroyed by battle and you receive no damage from battles involving it. During your next Standby Phase, send it to the Graveyard.

And that concludes Chapter 36, along with the Xyz Dimension arc. Here, the heroes addressed a major problem the series didn't touch upon, mainly the distrust Heartland's citizens felt towards the former Academia soldiers. Considering the fact that these people were responsible for turning Heartland into a wasteland and sealing numerous people into cards, I think it would only be natural that there would be some resentment from Heartland's side. As such, the four members of the Lancers conducted an Entertainment Duel in order to help bridge the gap between the two sides and allow the citizens of Heartland to rediscover their passion for Dueling. Since the purpose was to help the two sides come together, I didn't think that it was important for it to have a victor, hence the interruption at the end (although it's also true that I couldn't decide who I wanted to win). Regarding the Duel itself, I added an additional effect to Gongenzaka's Katakana-G, so I hope everyone isn't confused by it.

That's all for now. The Fusion Dimension Arc will officially begin with the next chapter. Until then, please read, review, favorite and follow.

See you all next time!