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)

71. Final Verdict

Greetings, community, and a delayed Happy New Year to all of you! I apologize for the long delay in the release of this chapter, but I was unlucky enough to get sick twice in a row during the holidays, and it took quite some time until I made a full recovery and got back in the mood to write. Hopefully, I'll be able to get things back on track.

We've also reached an important milestone a few days back as the story reached its third year. I don't know if I should congratulate myself for sticking with it for so long, or kick myself for procrastinating and not being further ahead from the point I am now. Eh, I suppose I can do both. In any case, thank you all so much for your continued support as we hopefully conclude this story at some point in 2020. Now, in response to your questions.

—To EXECZ: Thanks for pointing out my mistakes.

—To 00raiserXL: The OC Monsters' names are inspired from various pieces of media like books, anime, manga, games and others.

—To Guest: Thanks for pointing out my mistake.

—To Guest 1.0: The Zarc Duel will probably be one chapter, unless it turns out to be too big, in which case I'll split it into two chapters which will be uploaded together.

And now, on with the story!

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Chapter 71 – Final Verdict

"This place is…You Show Duel School…?"

These were Yuzu's first words after she and Yuya exited the portal and found themselves in familiar grounds. A few steps away from them, Shuzo, Ayu, Futoshi and Tatsuya could be seen standing there. Upon taking note of them, Shuzo's face lit up.

"Ohhh, Yuya, Yuzu! You're both alright! I'm so glad to see you! Come here, you rascals!"

Shuzo rushed forward with outstretched arms, only to smash face-first into a transparent barrier and crumble on the ground with his fingers twitching.

"That's why they say look before you leap…" Tatsuya shook his head and turned to the two Duelists. "We're definitely glad to see you, but if you're here…who's your opponent going to be?"

"Don't tell me…it's one of us!?" Futoshi cried out. "No, I don't want this! The thought alone gives me the shivers!"

"There's no way it's us." Ayu reasoned. "None of us is strong enough."

"But if we are at You Show, then our opponent could be…" Yuya's expression hardened. "Don't tell me…"

[I can sense your thoughts, but I assure you that your opponent isn't the one you're thinking of.] Zarc's voice suddenly echoed. [Though perhaps you may very well wish it was once you meet my final champion. Come forth!]

A swirling portal of darkness opened a few steps away from Yuya and Yuzu, with a familiar grey-haired bespectacled youth emerging from it.

"Nii-sama…?" Reira's eyes opened wide. "It can't be…"

"That's…Akaba Reiji!?" Shuzo shouted. "Why did it have to be him of all people…? No, don't lose heart here, Yuya, Yuzu! Use your burning passion and hot-blooded youth to get through this!"

[He's an energetic one, isn't he?] Zarc chuckled. [In any case, I'm sure you understand why I chose him as your final opponent, right? The son of the man who started this nightmare will be the one to crush the last chance you have of ending it. Quite poetic, don't you think? And even if he fails, it won't matter much since I'll have the satisfaction of crushing you with my own hands. It's a win-win scenario for me.]

"Then we'll just have to make sure this becomes a lose-lose scenario for you, Zarc." Yuya declared. "We'll defeat Reiji, and then we'll stop you for sure."

[Brave words, but can you actually do it I wonder?] Zarc said. [Despite receiving strength from me when facing him, you were still unable to defeat Akaba Reiji. Don't lie to yourself, Yuya. You couldn't even visualize winning against him whenever you thought of challenging Reiji once again. If a Duelist can't do at least this much, then they've already lost the Duel before it even starts.]

"I…"

"Yuya isn't alone this time." Yuzu spoke from the side. "I'm with him, which makes his strength two hundred percent greater!"

[Two hundred percent of nothing is still nothing.] Zarc spoke with a mocking tone. [Now, let the final challenge begin!]

Reiji activated his Duel Disk, glaring at his two opponents.

"No choice then!" Yuya said as he also activated his Duel Disk. "Let's go, Yuzu!"

"Yes!"

[Duel!]

All three Duelists shouted together as one.

Yuya – LP: 4000

Yuzu – LP: 4000

Reiji – LP: 8000

"You've fought against Reiji before, haven't you, Yukio?" Yuto asked. "What do you think about their chances?"

"Hard to say." Yukio rubbed his chin. "Reiji never showed his full strength against me and there's no telling what sort of new cards Zarc might have given him. Plus, the fact that he has 8000 Life Points gives him far more leeway to use his Contracts' effects, which all require him to pay Life Points. I can only say it will be an uphill battle for Yuya and Yuzu for certain."

"It's my turn." Reiji announced. "Using the Scale 1 D/D Ark (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 2000/LV: 4/SC: 1) and the Scale 8 D/D Evil (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 0/LV: 4/SC: 8), I Set the Pendulum Scale."

Two columns of light appeared next to Reiji, with a Monster resembling an oddly-shaped ship and a Monster resembling a malformed demon rising to their top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 7." Reiji declared. "O grand power that shakes my very soul! Arise within me and give birth to a new light that rends the darkness! Pendulum Summon! Come before me, my Monsters! D/D Baphomet (ATK: 1400/DEF: 1800/LV: 4) and D/D Bloody Mary (Dark/Fiend/Effect/ATK: 500/DEF: 1700/LV: 5)!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of D/D Baphomet and an ornate mirror with a female demonic creature emerging from it.

"I activate Baphomet's effect in order to make Bloody Mary's Level 8 until the End Phase." Reiji continued. "Then, I activate Bloody Mary's effect. Once per turn, I can target a "D/D" Monster on my field and make its Level equal to Bloody Mary's Level. I choose Baphomet, making its Level 8. Now, I will use my two Level 8 Monsters to construct the Overlay Network!"

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

"When two suns rise, the horizon of a new world shall open up! Xyz Summon! Appear and come forth, Rank 8! D/D/D Twin Dawn King Kali Yuga (Dark/Fiend/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3000/R: 8/OU: 2)!"

A Monster clad in sinister-looking armor and sitting on an ornate throne with intricate carvings on it appeared on Reiji's field.

"Kali Yuga…" A cramped smile appeared on Yuya's face. "So you're opening up with the Monster that defeated me last time, huh? Are you trying to tell me something here, Reiji?"

"Only that resistance is futile since this match will end the same way as our last one." Reiji remarked while straightening his glasses. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! I—"

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card Contract of Demon Binding, targeting Kali Yuga for its effect." Reiji cut off Yuya. "Through its effect, neither player can Special Summon Monsters from their Extra Deck with attack lower than Kali Yuga's. Moreover, you cannot target Kali Yuga with card effects as long as my Contract is equipped to it."

"That was a nasty move as expected from our ruthless leader." Yukio let out a cramped smile. "The Duel hasn't even started yet and he's already limiting their moves."

"Even so, I won't be discouraged by that much alone." Yuya declared. "Using the Scale 1 Entermate Gumgumouton (ATK: 900/DEF: 2400/LV: 5/SC: 1) and the Scale 8 Entermate Skullcrobat Joker (ATK: 1800/DEF: 900/LV: 4/SC: 8), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

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

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 7 as well!" Yuya stated. "Swing, Pendulum of my Soul! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Appear now, Entermate Sleight Hand Magician (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7) and the wondrous dragon with dichromatic eyes, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 4)!"

Two beams of light erupted from Yuya's Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Sleight Hand Magician and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

"Alright, it's Odd-Eyes!" Futoshi cheered while shaking his body. "Go, Yuya-oniichan! Give him an extra serving of the shivers!"

"How feeble." Reiji sneered. "I activate D/D Evil's Pendulum Effect. Once per turn, when my opponent Pendulum Summons Monsters, I can target one of these Monsters in order to prevent it from attacking and negate its effects for this turn. I choose Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, meaning your ace Monster is useless for this turn."

"Not bad, but I'm not done yet." Yuya continued. "I activate Sleight Hand Magician's effect, discarding a card from my hand in order to destroy a face-up card on the field. I choose to destroy Contract of Demon Binding."

Following Yuya's words, Sleight Hand Magician raised its staff and unleashed a bolt of arcane energy that destroyed Reiji's card.

"I place a card face-down and end my turn." Yuya said. "Sorry I couldn't do more, Yuzu. The rest is up to you."

"You unsealed the Extra Deck, and that's plenty for now." Yuzu gave Yuya a thumbs-up. "Now then, the stage is mine! My turn! Draw! Since I control no Monsters while my opponent does, I can Special Summon Solo the Melodious Diva (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1000/LV: 4)!"

Solo appeared on Yuzu's field from within a shower of petals.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card 2nd Movement Duet, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a "Melodious" Monster from my Deck with one Level higher or lower than that of a "Melodious" Monster on my field. I choose to Special Summon the Level 3 Ode the Melodious Diva (ATK: 1000/DEF: 1100/LV: 3)!"

Ode appeared on Yuzu's field next to Solo.

"And now, time for the final member of our cast will make its appearance." Yuzu announced. "Come, Rondo the Melodious Songstress (ATK: 700/DEF: 1800/LV: 4)!"

Rondo appeared on Yuzu's field next to her other two Monsters.

"I activate the Spell Card Harmonic Fusion, using its effect to fuse my three "Melodious" Monsters!" As her three Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuzu chanted. "Noble resonance! Composer of epic tales! Vivacious melody! With the guidance of the baton, gather your power! Fusion Summon! Now, come to the stage, Level 8! The song of wonder, Bloom Muse the Melodious Floral Goddess (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2100/LV: 8)!"

The female Monster with long, blond hair clad in a white and black bodysuit, which had a pink cape with a leaf design and musical notes inscribed on it extending from its shoulders, was surrounded by nine glowing orbs and held a baton-shaped branch in its right arm, appeared on Yuzu's field.

"Harmonic Fusion's effect activates, increasing my Monster's attack by 200 for every Monster used to Fusion Summon it." Yuzu announced. "Since I used three Fusion Materials, my Monster gains 600 attack (Bloom Muse ATK: 3000→3600). In addition, Rondo's effect allows me to draw a card from my Deck for every Fusion Material, in this case three. And since it was summoned successfully, Bloom Muse's effect activates, allowing me to destroy all Monsters on my opponent's side of the field!"

"Ohhh, good going, Yuzu!" Shuzo shouted. "Burn him to cinders with your fighting spirit!"

"That much won't be enough to stop me." Reiji stated. "Due to the effect of Contract of Demon Binding, the Monster that was targeted by its effect cannot be destroyed until my next Standby Phase."

"In that case, let's battle!" Yuzu exclaimed. "Bloom Muse, attack Kali Yuga! At this moment, Bloom Muse's effect activates, increasing its attack by 200 for every "Melodious" Monster in my Graveyard when it battles a Special Summoned Monster (Bloom Muse ATK: 3600→4200)! Go, Bloom Muse! Tifaret Symphony!"

The nine orbs surrounding Bloom Muse unleashed a barrage of blasts that struck Kali Yuga, generating a shockwave that caused Reiji to flinch.

Reiji – LP: 8000→7300

With the battle's end, Bloom Muse's attack returns to normal (Bloom Muse ATK: 4200→3600)." Yuzu said. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"At this moment, I detach an Overlay Unit to activate Kali Yuga's effect!" Reiji declared. "All Spell and Trap Cards on the field are destroyed!"

"Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Pendulum Moratorium!" Yuya exclaimed. "Through its effect, cards on my Pendulum Zones cannot be destroyed!"

Following Yuya's words, Kali Yuga swung its hand, generating a wave of wind that destroyed Yuzu's face-down cards and Reiji's own Pendulum Monsters.

"I will detach the second Overlay Unit from Kali Yuga to activate its second effect." Reiji stated. "All Spell and Trap Cards that were destroyed on my side of the field return to the same position they were in when they were destroyed."

Kali Yuga raised its arms high, causing D/D Ark and D/D Evil to appear once again on his field.

"Interesting." Yuri remarked. "With this, the two of them are once again at a disadvantage, and that's before Akaba Reiji's turn even began properly. What a scary man. No wonder the Professor was so wary of him."

"My turn." Reiji announced. "Draw. During my Standby Phase, the effect of Contract of Demon Binding activates. Since its effect was used to protect Kali Yuga from destruction, I will receive 1000 points of damage every time that effect was used for a total of 2000 points of damage."

Several chains suddenly erupted from the ground and enveloped Reiji's body, discharging copious amounts of electricity that caused him to wince.

Reiji – LP: 7300→5300

"Since I received 1000 or more effect damage this turn, I can activate the Spell Card Dual Distribution." Reiji continued. "Through its effect, all players will draw cards until they have five cards in their hands. Next, I activate D/D Bloody Mary's effect in my Graveyard. When I receive effect damage, I can banish this card from my Graveyard in order to gain Life Points equal to half the amount of damage I received and Special Summon a Demon Mirror Token with attack equal to the amount of Life Points I recovered. Appear, Demon Mirror Token (Dark/Fiend/ATK: 0→1000/DEF: 0/LV: 6)."

A demonic creature coming out of a sinister-looking mirror appeared on Reiji's field. At the same time, a purplish aura surrounded his body.

Reiji – LP: 5300→6300

"My aggressive takeover of your Life Points begins here." Reiji declared. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card Contract with the Hellgate, using its effect to add D/D Orthros to my hand. Then, I will Pendulum Summon once again. Come to my side, D/D Orthros (ATK: 600/DEF: 1800/LV: 4/SC: 3), D/D Lamia (ATK: 100/DEF: 1900/LV: 1) and D/D Vice Typhon (ATK: 2300/DEF: 2800/LV: 7)!"

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

"I tune the Level 6 Demon Mirror Token with the Level 4 Orthros!" As Demon Mirror Token turned into six stars and Orthros turned into four rings surrounding them, Reiji chanted. "O peerless king of kings, exercise your divine right and let your undying radiance illuminate the coming era! Synchro Summon! Arise, Level 10! D/D/D Splendor King Ozymandias (Light/Fiend/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 3200/DEF: 2500/LV: 10)!"

A demonic Monster clad in dark blue and gold armor wearing a sun disk-shaped crown, which held an elongated crook and an ornate flail emitting a soft glow, appeared on Reiji's field.

"Next, I tune the Level 7 Vice Typhon with the Level 1 Lamia!" As Vice Typhon turned into seven stars and Lamia turned into a single ring surrounding them, Reiji chanted for the second time. "Advance upon the endless battlefields with the force of a thousand men and seize eternal glory! Synchro Summon! Dash forward, Level 8! D/D/D Warrior King Achilles (Dark/Fiend/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1700/LV: 8)!"

A Monster clad in silver armor somewhat reminiscent of a Greek hoplite's one, which held a long spear on its right hand and an ornate shield on its left, appeared on Reiji's field.

"I'm not finished yet." Reiji stated. "I activate Vice Typhon's effect in my Graveyard, banishing it along with Baphomet and Lamia in order to Fusion Summon!"

As his three Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Reiji chanted for the third time.

"Be enveloped in the dragon's shadow, o ruthless king, and blot out even the sun itself! Fusion Summon! Descend now, Level 10! D/D/D Usurper King Vortigern (Dark/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 2200/LV: 10)!"

A towering demonic Monster clad in pitch-black armor with a dragon motif surrounded by miasma, which held a serrated blade in its right hand that was letting out a crimson glow, appeared on Reiji's field next to his other three Monsters.

"T-Three high-Level Monsters in one turn…?" Futoshi was trembling. "I'm getting shivers all over the place, and not the good kind!"

"Kuh, to be expected from Reiji." Shuzo said through gritted teeth. "However, Yuya and Yuzu won't lose! Use your hot-blooded youth to get through this pinch, you two!"

"I activate Warrior King Achilles's effect." Reiji announced as Achilles brandished its spear. "Once per turn, I can target a Monster my opponent controls and negate its effects until the End Phase. In exchange, Achiiles cannot attack. I choose Bloom Muse. Next, I activate Splendor King Ozymandias's effect. Once per turn, I can destroy my opponent's Monster with the lowest attack and draw a card from my Deck. In exchange, Ozymandias cannot directly attack the player whose Monster was destroyed for this turn. I choose to destroy Sleight Hand Magician."

Following Reiji's words, Ozymandias swung its flail, striking Sleight Hand Magician and destroying it.

"Battle!" Reiji exclaimed. "Kali Yuga will attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Twin Break Shot!"

"I activate Entermate Gumgumouton's Pendulum Effect!" Yuya declared. "Odd-Eyes's destruction is negated!"

Two bolts of lightning erupted from Kali Yuga's hand, striking Odd-Eyes, but failing to destroy it. However, a few stray bolts struck Yuya, causing him to wince.

Yuya – LP: 4000→3000

"I expected as much." Reiji remarked. "Next up is Usurper King Vortigern's turn! Take down Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Absolute Downfall Interlude!"

Vortigern's blade was surrounded by a torrent of energy as it charged forward, decapitating Odd-Eyes with a swift slash and sending Yuya skidding backwards due to the ensuing shockwave.

"Vortigern's effect activates." Reiji stated. "Once per turn, when this card destroys a Monster by battle, I can reduce the damage my opponent receives from that battle to 0 and equip the destroyed Monster, in this case your Odd-Eyes, to Vortigern. Thanks to its effect, Vortigern gains 1000 attack (Vortigern ATK: 3500→4500), and can target an opponent's Monster for a second attack. Therefore, Vortigern will destroy Bloom Muse! Absolute Downfall Interlude!"

Vortigern thrust its blade forward, unleashing a ghostly projection of Odd-Eyes that struck Bloom Muse and destroyed it, with Yuzu letting out a cry of pain due to being struck by the ensuing shockwave.

Yuzu – LP: 4000→3100

"And thus the first one falls." Reiji declared. "Go, Splendor King Ozymandias! Attack Hiiragi Yuzu directly! Mesektet Luster!"

"I activate the effect of Dolce the Melodious Diva (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 300/DEF: 1000/LV: 2) from my hand!" Yuzu exclaimed. "By discarding this card, I can reduce all damage I receive from direct attacks to 0 for this turn!"

Following Yuzu's words, a flower-shaped barrier appeared before her, shielding her from Ozymandias's energy blast, which dispersed harmlessly upon striking the shield.

"I will praise you for surviving this turn." Reiji said. "However, don't forget that our Duel has only just begun. I end my turn."

"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! I activate the effect of Entermate Carnival Conductor (Light/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1/SC: 2) in my hand, destroying Skullcrobat Joker in order to place it in my Pendulum Zone!"

Skullcrobat Joker disappeared from the column of light on Yuya's left, with a Monster clad in a colorful suit and holding an oversized baton rising to its top in its place.

"Due to Carnival Conductor's Pendulum Effect, when it's placed on the Pendulum Zone by destroying an "Entermate" Monster, I can add its Scale Value to Carnival Conductor's Scale Value (Carnival Conductor SC: 2→10)." Yuya continued. "As such, I can now simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 9. Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Entermate Skullcrobat Joker in defense mode! And from my hand, appear, Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 2700/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 8) and Entermate Smile Sorcerer (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 8/SC: 1)!"

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

"Smile Sorcerer's effect activates, allowing me to add the Spell Card Smile World from my Deck to my hand." Yuya said. "Then, I will activate it. And as I'm sure you remember, its effect increases the attack of all Monsters on the field by 100 for each Monster currently on the field until the End Phase. With seven Monsters on the field, all our Monsters will gain 700 attack."

Following Yuya's words, numerous smiling faces emerged from the Spell Card and enveloped all Monsters on the field, causing wide smiles to appear on their faces.

(Kali Yuga ATK: 3500→4200, Ozymandias ATK: 3200→3900, Vortigern ATK: 4500→5200, Achilles ATK: 2800→3500, Arc Pendulum Dragon ATK: 2700→3400, Smile Sorcerer ATK: 2500→3200, Skullcrobat Joker ATK: 1800→2500)

"Next, I will release Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon in order to Advance Summon this Monster through its effect." Yuya declared. "Advance upon the path gazed by those dichromatic eyes and awaken a new power! Come forth, Level 8! Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8)!"

The winged dragon clad in crimson armor with elongated horns protruding from its head appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a piercing howl.

"Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon's effect activates." Yuya stated. "When this card is Advance Summoned successfully, I can destroy a Monster my opponent controls and inflict damage to them equal to its original attack. I will destroy Usurper King Vortigern!"

"Vortigern's effect activates." Reiji said. "If it would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can destroy the Monster equipped to it instead, in this case your Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. Was this your best shot?"

"Not by a long shot." Yuya grinned. "Our current act is only now entering its climax. Using the Level 8 Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon and Entermate Smile Sorcerer, I will construct the Overlay Network!"

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

"Untamable wild soul! Reside within the eye of the dragon and rampage to your heart's content! Xyz Summon! Come forth, Rank 8! Proud dragon dancing wildly on the bountiful prairies, Savage-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Earth/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 2500/R: 8/SC: 10/OU: 2)!"

A Monster with dual-colored eyes resembling Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, only with dark brown-colored armor enveloping its body, copious amounts of fur extending from the sides of its head, several claw-like protrusions extending from its back and long claws extending from its hands appeared on Yuya's field.

"I activate Savage-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect." Yuya stated. "By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can destroy all Monsters on my opponent's field with attack equal to or higher than this Monster's attack. Do it, Savage-Eyes!"

"Useless." Reiji let out a sly smirk. "Splendor King Ozymandias's effect activates. "D/D" Monsters on my field cannot be removed from the field by card effects that don't designate a target. As such, your dragon's effect is useless here."

"Then, let's battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Savage-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Usurper King Vortigern! At this moment, Savage-Eyes' effect activates, increasing its attack by an amount equal to the different numbers between my Pendulum Scales multiplied by 200 until the battle's end! In exchange, the damage from this battle will be halved! There are eight different numbers between my Pendulum Scales, meaning my Monster gains 1600 attack (Savage-Eyes ATK: 3500→5100)! Do it, Savage-Eyes! Wild Paradoxa Slasher!"

"Warrior King Achilles's effect activates!" Reiji declared. "Once per turn, when a "D/D" Monster on my side of the field is targeted for an attack, I can switch the attack target to Achilles! Furthermore, Achilles cannot be destroyed by battle! Do it, my Monster! Command Call!"

Achilles raised its spear high following Reiji's words, causing Savage-Eyes to abruptly change its course and aim its claws at Achilles. However, they merely bounced off its armor harmlessly, although the ensuing shockwave did cause Reiji to wince.

Reiji – LP: 6300→5500

"Savage-Eyes' final effect activates." Yuya stated. "When it battles a Monster, that Monster is banished after damage calculation. As such, your Warrior King will exit the stage now, Reiji!"

Savage-Eyes opened its maw wide, unleashing a stream of grey flames that enveloped Achilles, causing it to disappear.

"One out of four isn't that good, but it's better than nothing." Yuya remarked. "I place a card face-down and end my turn, with our Monsters' attack returning to normal."

"It's my turn!" Yuzu announced. "Using the Scale 1 Fantasia the Melodious Diva (ATK: 1600/DEF: 2700/LV: 6/SC: 1) and the Scale 8 Unisono the Melodious Diva (ATK: 1000/DEF: 800/LV: 2/SC: 8), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

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

"I activate the Spell Card Melodious Encore, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a "Melodious" Monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated." Yuzu stated. "Revive, Bloom Muse!"

A portal appeared above Yuzu, with Bloom Muse emerging from it and landing on her field.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Pentagram Draw, whose effect lets me draw two cards from my Deck since I control a "Melodious" Monster." Yuzu continued. "Then, I summon Soprano the Melodious Songstress (ATK: 1400/DEF: 1400/LV: 4)!"

Soprano appeared on Yuzu's field next to Bloom Muse.

"I activate Unisono's Pendulum Effect, which allows me to perform a Fusion Summon by using "Melodious" Monsters from my hand or field." Yuzu declared. "I will fuse Bloom Muse and Soprano on my field!"

As her two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuzu chanted.

"Divine melody! Angel's song! With the guidance of the baton, assemble your power! Fusion Summon! Make your entrance now, Level 8! Meisterin Boieldieu the Melodious Maestra (ATK: 2800/DEF: 2100/LV: 8)!"

The female Monster clad in a lilac dress and wearing an opera mask, which held two dagger-shaped batons, appeared on Yuzu's field.

"Meisterin Boieldieu's effect activates." Yuzu announced. "When this card is Fusion Summoned successfully, I take control of the opponent's Monster with the highest attack, but with its effects negated. I'll take your Usurper King Vortigern, Akaba Reiji. Hypnotic Voice!"

Meisterin Boieldieu began singing a low tune, causing Vortigern's eyes to lose focus and its body to start wobbling as it rose up and started floating, eventually landing on Yuzu's field.

"I'm not done yet." Yuzu said. "Since I Fusion Summoned a "Melodious" Monster, I can activate Fantasia's Pendulum Effect, banishing Bloom Muse, Soprano and Rondo from my Graveyard in order to Fusion Summon once again!"

As her three Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuzu chanted for the second time.

"Divine melody! Angel's song! Vivacious melody! With the guidance of the baton, assemble your power! Fusion Summon! Now dominate the stage, Level 9! Meisterin Rossini the Melodious Maestra (ATK: 3300/DEF: 2500/LV: 9)!"

The female Monster clad in a russet-colored dress with six butterfly wings extending from its back, which held a small rapier in its right hand, appeared on Yuzu's field.

"Rondo's effect activates, allowing me to draw three cards from my Deck." Yuzu stated. "Next, I activate Meisterin Rossini's effect. Once per turn, I can Special Summon a "Melodious" Monster from my Graveyard and add half of its attack to that of all other "Melodious" Monsters on my field until the End Phase. I choose to bring back the 1600 attack Solo in defense mode!"

Meisterin Rossini proceeded to strike the ground with its rapier, opening a fissure out of which Solo emerged. Immediately afterwards, a golden glow enveloped all Monsters standing next to it.

(Meisterin Rossini ATK: 3300→4100, Meisterin Boieldieu ATK: 2800→3600)

"Battle!" Yuzu exclaimed. "Meisterin Rossini, destroy Twin Dawn King Kali Yuga! Staccato Thrust!"

Meisterin Rossini brandished its rapier and struck Kali Yuga's chest, piercing through it and destroying the Monster, with Reiji being sent skidding backwards due to the shockwave.

"Warrior King Achilles's effect activates." Reiji stated. "If this card has left my field, the first instance of damage I would receive during my opponent's turn is reduced to 0."

"Not bad, but the Battle Phase isn't over yet." Yuzu reminded Reiji. "Meisterin Boieldieu, destroy Splendor King Ozymandias! Prodigy Strike!"

Yuzu's Monster stabbed Ozymandias in numerous places, causing Reiji's Monster to explode into a shower of particles as he grimaced.

Reiji – LP: 5500→5100

"Splendor King Ozymandias's effect activates." Reiji declared. "When this card is destroyed, I can Special Summon a "D/D/D" Monster from my Graveyard. Revive, Kali Yuga!"

A rift in space appeared behind Reiji, with Kali Yuga emerging from it and landing on his field.

"In that case, I'll have your kings take each other out!" Yuzu shouted. "Go, Usurper King Vortigern! Destroy Kali Yuga once again! Absolute Downfall Interlude!"

"Counterattack, Kali Yuga!" Reiji exclaimed. "Twin Break Shot!"

Vortigern charged forward as Kali Yuga launched two blots of black lightning from its hands. The ensuing clash resulted in a massive explosion that consumed both Monsters.

"Nicely done, Yuzu-oneechan!" Ayu cheered. "You managed to clear Akaba Reiji's field completely!"

"That's my daughter, my pride and joy!" Shuzo also cheered with tears running from his eyes while making some sort of strange victory dance. "A chip off the old block, that's what she is! Keep burning, Yuzu!"

"Keep it down a bit, dad!" Yuzu complained. "You're embarrassing me! In any case, I place two cards face-down and end my turn, with my Monsters' attack returning to normal since Rossini's effect ends now."

"My turn!" Reiji announced. "Draw! Due to the effect of Contract with the Hellgate, I will take 1000 points of damage during my Standby Phase."

Reiji grimaced as a crimson aura surrounded his body.

Reiji – LP: 5100→4100

"I activate the effect of Contract with the Hellgate, adding D/D Umbra (Dark/Fiend/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 550/LV: 2) from my Deck to my hand." Reiji continued. "Then, I will discard it in order to activate its effect, which allows me to add a "D/D/D" Ritual Monster and a Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I choose to add D/D/D Earthbound Demon King Nobunaga and D/D/D Ritual from my Deck to my hand."

"A Ritual Monster?" Yukio wondered. "Reiji has learned how to use Ritual as well? Well, no way he would be content with what he has already mastered I suppose…"

"Now then, it's time to introduce our new lineup in charge of this hostile takeover." Reiji declared. "I activate the Spell Card Executive Assembly. Through its effect, if a Fusion, Synchro and Xyz "D/D/D" Monster left my field during my opponent's turn, I can pay 2000 Life Points to Special Summon a particular trio of Monsters from my Extra Deck by ignoring their summoning conditions. Come forth, D/D/D Flame High King Executive Temujin (Fire/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2400/LV: 8), D/D/D Gust High King Executive Alexander (Wind/Fiend/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 10) and D/D/D Wave High King Executive Caesar (Water/Fiend/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1800/R: 6)!"

A large rift appeared behind Reiji, with the evolved forms of his three kings emerging from it and landing on his field. At the same time, a bolt of lightning struck him, causing him to grunt in pain.

Reiji – LP: 4100→2100

"Those are…the Monsters that Akaba Reiji used to corner Zarc!" Tatsuya exclaimed. "He brought them out with a single card this time. This could be very bad…"

"Executive Alexander's effect activates, doubling its attack since I control two other "D/D/D" Monsters on my field (Executive Alexander ATK: 3000→6000)." Reiji stated. "Next, I activate the Ritual Spell Card D/D/D Ritual, whose effect allows me to Ritual Summon a "D/D/D" Ritual Monster by offering the appropriate tributes. However, when I control at least two "D/D/D" Monsters, I can Ritual Summon without offering any tributes."

A large magic circle appeared above Reiji following his words, with several flames igniting around it. As a large dimensional gate appeared in its middle, Reiji chanted.

"Restless souls wandering between the alternate plans! Gather here and now, and give form to the demonic king of unification slumbering beneath the earth! Ritual Summon! Appear now, Level 10! D/D/D Earthbound Demon King Nobunaga (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2600/LV: 10)!"

The imposing Monster giving off a sinister aura that was clad in russet-colored mechanical armor reminiscent of a samurai and held an oversized katana appeared on Reiji's field.

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card Malevolent Pendulum Invocation, whose effect allows me to banish all "D/D" cards in my Pendulum Zones and send all "D/D" Pendulum Monsters from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard in order to place two "D/D" cards from my Deck to my Pendulum Zones." Reiji said. "I choose to reset the Pendulum Scale with the Scale 4 D/D/D Death Great King Hell Armageddon and the Scale 10 D/D Magical Savant Boyle (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2100/LV: 6/SC: 10)!"

The Monsters occupying Reiji's Pendulum Zones were destroyed, with Hell Armageddon and a mechanical Monster resembling an ornate mechanical siphon with several tubes protruding from its body taking their place.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 5 through 9." Reiji declared. "Pendulum Summon! Come forth, D/D/D Eulogy King Vice Requiem (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 2000/LV: 8/SC: 4)!"

A Monster whose body was comprised of an oversized crystal with purple and gold armor that had sharp protrusions extending from it attached to its body materialized on Reiji's field after emerging from the Pendulum portal as a beam of energy.

"Magical Savant's Boyle's Pendulum Effect activates." Reiji announced. "When I Pendulum Summon "D/D" Monsters successfully, I can increase my Life Points by 500 for every "D/D" Monster on the field. Since I have five such Monsters, I will gain 2500 Life Points."

A gold aura enveloped Reiji following his words, causing Yuya and Yuzu to shield their eyes due to the harsh radiance.

Reiji – LP: 2100→4600

"Not only did he easily summon five powerful Monsters, he even restored his Life Points." Serena spoke with a grim expression. "Damn Akaba Reiji, were you really holding back all this time?"

"I'm not finished yet." Reiji spoke with an ominous tone. "I activate the effect of D/D Dread Slime (Dark/Fiend/Effect/ATK: 400/DEF: 400/LV: 2) in my hand, sending both it and Vice Requiem from my field to the Graveyard in order to Fusion Summon!"

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

"Arcane swirl that takes in all forms! Engulf the demonic king of the end and let the brilliance of the sun envelop this desolate world! Fusion Summon! Be born, Level 10! D/D/D Sunblessed King Karna (ATK: 4000/DEF: 1000/LV: 10)!"

The Monster clad in gold armor and wreathed in scorching flames, which held an ornate spear crackling with energy, descended from the sky and landed on Reiji's field.

"Dread Slime's effect activates." Reiji stated. "When I successfully perform a Fusion Summon though its effect, I can draw a card from my Deck for every "D/D/D" Monster on my field apart from the Monster summoned through its effect. As such, I will draw four cards. Moving on, since Vice Requiem was used as material for its Fusion Summon, Karna gains an additional effect. Through it, I will shuffle Contract with the Hellgate back to my Deck in order to destroy a card on my opponent's field and gain 1000 Life Points. I choose to destroy Meisterin Rossini."

A bolt of black lightning erupted from Karna's spear, striking Meisterin Rossini and destroying it. At the same time, Reiji was enveloped by a purple-colored aura.

Reiji – LP: 4600→5600

"To complete my preparations, I will use Hell Armageddon's effect to increase Executive Alexander's attack by 800 (Executive Alexander ATK: 6000→6800) until the End Phase and Executive Temujin's effect to negate the effects of your Pendulum cards until my next Standby Phase."

Reiji said as Temujin swung its blades, releasing rings of fire that bound Yuya and Yuzu's Pendulum Cards except Carnival Conductor.

"Unfortunately, if Carnival Conductor was placed on the Pendulum Zone by destroying an "Entermate" Monster, it cannot be targeted by my opponent's card effects until my next Standby Phase." Yuya smirked. "Too bad."

"No matter." Reiji said. "Now, let's battle! Executive Alexander, destroy Savage-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Sakaki Yuya along with it! The End of Storm!"

"I activate Carnival Conductor's Pendulum Effect!" Yuya exclaimed. "Once while this card is on the field, when a Monster I control is destroyed by battle, the battle damage is halved and I receive no further damage for this turn! In exchange, my Pendulum Monster is sent to the Graveyard!"

Executive Alexander dashed forward, its blade enveloped by raging winds, and bifurcated Savage-Eyes with a swift slash. The ensuing shockwave sent Yuya tumbling backwards, with the young Duelist letting a pained groan when he finally came to a stop.

Yuya – LP: 3000→1350

"I see you survived this, but let's see if your friend will be just as slippery." Reiji remarked. "Go, Sunblessed King Karna! Destroy Meisterin Boieldieu! Brahmastra Kundala!"

"I activate the Trap Card Seven-Layered Petal Shield!" Yuzu shouted. "Through its effect, my Fusion Monster cannot be destroyed by battle and all battle damage for battles involving it will be halved!"

Following Yuzu's words, Karna's spear was enveloped in flames as it swung the weapon, unleashing an oversized flaming projectile. However, a large petal-shaped shield appeared before Boieldieu, shielding it from the fiery blast. However, several tongues of flame slipped past it, striking Yuzu and causing her to cry out in pain.

Yuzu – LP: 3100→2500

"How annoying." Reiji scowled. "In that case, Earthbound Demon King Nobunaga will also attack Meisterin Boieldieu! Gravity Cut!"

Nobunaga slashed at Meisterin Boieldieu with its blade, but once again failed to inflict any damage due to the shield protecting her. However, the ensuing shockwave caused Yuzu to wince.

Yuzu – LP: 2500→2400

"Next is Executive Temujin!" Reiji stated. "Destroy Skullcrobat Joker! The End of Inferno!"

Temujin's blades were surrounded by raging flames as it rushed forward, slicing Skullcrobat Joker into numerous pieces that caught on fire and turned into cinders.

"At this moment, Earthbound Demon King Nobunaga's effect activates!" Reiji declared. "When another "D/D" Monster destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, I can inflict 600 points of damage to them! Take this!"

A dozen arquebuses appeared around Nobunaga, unleashing a barrage of shots that struck Yuya and caused him to fall to his knees while gasping in pain.

Yuya – LP: 1350→750

"Finally, Executive Caesar will destroy Solo!" Reiji pointed at Yuzu's other Monster. "The End of Maelstrom!"

Caesar smashed its blade on the ground, generating a large tidal wave that enveloped Solo and swept it away.

"And of course, Nobunaga's effect activates once again." Reiji said. "You'll also receive 600 points of damage, Hiiragi Yuzu!"

Yuzu was also bombarded by several shots following Reiji's words, letting out a cry of pain.

Yuzu – LP: 2400→1800

"You bastard!" Shuzo shouted while banging the force field with his fists. "How dare you make Yuzu suffer like that! Let me in there! I'll show just how hot-blooded I can become!"

"I'm…alright." Yuzu wheezed out while struggling to remain upright. "I haven't lost yet. At the Battle Phase's end, my Trap Card's effect destroys Boieldieu. In exchange, I can draw one card from my Deck for each of its materials, in this case three."

"I hope you pathetic worms have come to understand the difference in power and ability between us with this." Reiji addressed his opponents with a cruel tone. "If so, stop wasting everyone's time and surrender already. I place two cards face-down and end my turn, with Executive Alexander's attack returning to normal (Executive Alexander ATK: 6800→6000)."

"Sorry, but you should know very well that we never surrender, Reiji." Yuya declared. "Isn't that the whole reason why you brought all of us together in the first place? I'll remind you just how stubborn we Lancers can be during this turn! My turn! Draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive for the Extra Deck, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon! And from my hand, come, the resolute dragon heralding the arrival of the new era, Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 0)!"

Three beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Yuya's dragons, which immediately began howling.

"Ohhhh, it's three Odd-Eyes in one go!" Futoshi cheered. "Amazing, Yuya-oniichan! This sight gives the shivers~!"

"Battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Executive Alexander! At this moment, Transient-Eyes' effect activates! I can banish up to five Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Pendulum Monsters from my Graveyard or face-up from my Extra Deck, and then, the attack of all face-up Monsters my opponent controls is halved a number of times equal to the number of banished Monsters until the End Phase! I will banish Smile Sorcerer and Savage-Eyes from my Graveyard to halve your Monsters' attack twice, Reiji! Recollection Force!"

A bright aurora appeared on the sky, with the spirits of Smile Sorcerer and Savage-Eyes descending from it and appearing next to Transient-Eyes. Then, they both transformed into a wave of energy that enveloped Reiji's Monsters.

(Executive Alexander ATK: 6000→3000→1500, Executive Caesar ATK: 2800→1400→700, Executive Temujin ATK: 2800→1400→700, Sunblessed King Karna ATK: 4000→2000→1000, Earthbound Demon King Nobunaga ATK: 3000→1500→750)

"Go, Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!" Yuya shouted. "Take down Executive Alexander! Phantasmagoria Flame of Transcendence!"

A multi-colored stream of flames erupted from Transient-Eyes' mouth, enveloping Executive Alexander and vaporizing it, with Reiji wincing due to the flames surrounding him.

Reiji – LP: 5600→4100

"Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon, you're up next!" Yuya stated. "Destroy Earthbound Demon King Nobunaga! Spiral Arc Burst!"

A grey and blue-colored spiral wave of energy erupted from Arc Pendulum Dragon's maw, striking Nobunaga and destroying it as Reiji was sent skidding backwards from the force of the ensuing shockwave.

Reiji – LP: 4100→2150

"I activate Nobunaga's effect, which allows me to Special Summon a "D/D" Monster from my Deck with its effect negated." Reiji said. "Come, D/D Agni (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1900/LV: 4/SC: 5) in defense mode!"

A portal appeared on Reiji's field, with D/D Agni emerging from it.

"Let's settle this, Reiji!" Yuya declared. "Go, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Destroy Executive Temujin! And through Odd-Eyes' effect, any damage you take will be doubled! Spiral Strike Burst!"

"I activate the Trap Card Rapid Revenue!" Reiji shouted. "Through its effect, I can target a "D/D" Monster on the field whose attack is different that its normal value and return it to that value! Of course, I choose Executive Temujin!"

"That won't happen!" Yuya said. "Transient-Eyes' effect activates! Once during either player's turn, I can negate the activation of an opponent's Spell and Trap Card and destroy it! Extinguish Gaze!"

Two beams of light erupted from the dragon's eyes, destroying Reiji's Trap Card. Immediately afterwards, Odd-Eyes' attack enveloped Executive Temujin, destroying it.

"I activate Rapid Revenue's effect in my Graveyard!" Reiji abruptly stated. "When I'm about to take battle damage from a battle involving a "D/D/D" Monster, I can banish it in order to reduce that damage to 0 and gain Life Points equal to half the damage I would have received! In exchange, my opponent draws two cards from their Deck!"

Reiji was enveloped by a golden barrier that shielded him from the shockwave caused by Temujin's destruction.

Reiji – LP: 2150→3850

"Tch, that irritating guy restored his Life Points again." Yugo grimaced. "At least Yuya managed to damage his formation somewhat. That's a big plus."

"Yet it seems like Yuya is hesitating about something." Rin pointed out. "He's checking his cards quite a bit there."

True enough, Yuya was surveying his cards with an intense expression on his face, feeling conflicted about what kind of strategy he should follow. While one of his cards could allow him to prepare countermeasures for Reiji's inevitable counterattack next turn, he risked lowering his defenses and potentially leaving himself open. However…

No, it cannot keep going like this. Yuya thought. It's like Zarc said. I cannot visualize victory, so I'm only reacting to Reiji's moves, and so is Yuzu. If we want to win, I have to take the initiative here!

"I activate the Spell Card Surprise Pendulum Chest." Yuya said. "Through its effect, if I control two or more Pendulum Monsters, I can destroy the one with the highest attack. Then, I can banish cards from my Deck equal to the number of other Pendulum Monsters on my field and add them to my hand during my next Standby Phase. I will destroy Transient-Eyes to banish two cards from my Deck. Then, I place a card face-down and end my turn, with Transient-Eyes' effect ending."

"It's my turn!" Yuzu announced. "Draw! During my Standby Phase, Meisterin Boieldieu's effect in my Graveyard activates. By banishing it, I can Special Summon a number of "Melodious" Monsters from my Deck equal to the number of Monsters my opponent controls. However, their Level must be lower than the opponent's Monster with the highest Level on their field, in this case your Level 10 Karna. Come, Prodigy Mozart the Melodious Maestra (ATK: 2600/DEF: 2000/LV: 8), Opera the Melodious Diva (ATK: 2300/DEF: 1000/LV: 4) and Beat the Melodious Diva (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 900/DEF: 1700/LV: 4)!"

A large portal appeared on Yuzu's field, with Prodigy Mozart, Opera and a female Monster clad in a maroon dress and holding a drum emerging from it amidst a shower of petals.

"I activate Prodigy Mozart's effect, which allows me to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Melodious" Monster from my hand once per turn." Yuzu stated. "Come, Canon the Melodious Diva (ATK: 1400/DEF: 2000/LV: 4)!"

Prodigy Mozart swung its baton, opening a portal out of which Canon emerged and landed on Yuzu's field.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Pendulum Melody, whose effect allows me to return two "Melodious" Pendulum Monsters from my Pendulum Zone back to the hand in order to add a Spell Card whose description includes the word "Melodious" from my Deck to my hand." Yuzu continued. "I choose to add the Spell Card Fairy Chord from my Deck to my hand. Then, using Fantasia and Unisono, I will rebuild my Pendulum Scale!"

The two columns of light appeared once again on Yuzu's sides, with her two Monsters rising to their top.

"I activate Unisono's Pendulum Effect in order to fuse the four Monsters on my field!" As her four Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuzu chanted. "The flutter of angel wings! Supreme prodigy! Timeless artist! Passionate rhythm! With the guidance of the baton, gather your power! Fusion Summon! Grace the stage with your majesty, Level 10! Bloom Dryad the Melodious Floral Spirit (ATK: 3400/DEF: 2100/LV: 10)!"

The female Monster with elfish features clad in a formal dress made out of glowing gold leaves, which had oversized leaf-shaped wings growing from its back, appeared on Yuzu's field.

"Beat's effect activates since it was used as a Fusion Material, allowing me to Special Summon it on my field." Yuzu stated as Beat emerged from a portal and landed on Yuzu's field. "Next, I activate Fantasia's Pendulum Effect, banishing Prodigy Mozart, Opera, Canon and Solo from my Graveyard in order to Fusion Summon once again!"

As her four Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuzu chanted for the second time.

"The flutter of angel wings! Supreme prodigy! Timeless artist! Noble resonance! With the guidance of the baton, gather your power! Fusion Summon! Now, come to the stage, Level 7! Bloom Prima the Melodious Floral Saint (ATK: 1900/DEF: 2000/LV: 7)!"

The fairy-like female Monster clad in a flower-motif dress with two large white flowers protruding from its shoulders appeared on Yuzu's field.

"Due to its effect, Bloom Prima gains 300 attack for every Fusion Material (Bloom Prima ATK: 1900→3100)." Yuzu said. "But I'm not done just yet. I activate the Spell Card Fairy Chord, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a number of Level 4 or lower "Melodious" Monsters from my Deck with their effects negated equal to or lower than the number of "Melodious" Fusion Monsters I control. Appear, Serenade the Melodious Diva (ATK: 400/DEF: 1900/LV: 4) and Tamtam the Melodious Diva (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 2000/LV: 4)!"

Two portals opened on Yuzu's field, with Serenade and a child-like Monster holding a mallet with a gong floating next to it emerging from them.

"Let's make some more noise here!" Yuzu declared. "I Overlay my three Level 4 Monsters!"

As her three "Melodious" Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuzu chanted for the third time in a row.

"Hot-blooded melody of combat! Light up the flame of valor in the hearts of men and resound forevermore! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Meisterin Hathor the Melodious Heavenly Voice (ATK: 2800/DEF: 2500/R: 4/OU: 3)!"

The Monster clad in a regal reddish brown dress with notes engraved on it, which had a pair of large, blue-colored wings extending from its back, a crown resembling a disk with two horns extending from it placed on its head and held a sistrum in its hands, appeared on Yuzu's field.

"Meisterin Hathor's effect activates since it was Xyz Summoned successfully, allowing me to destroy a card on the field." Yuzu stated. "I choose to destroy Sunblessed King Karna!"

A beam of light erupted from Meisterin Hathor's crown, striking Karna and vaporizing it.

"Moving on, I activate Bloom Dryad's effect, increasing the attack of "Melodious" Monsters I control by 600 for every "Melodious" Monster on the field, meaning my Monsters gain 1800 attack (Bloom Dryad ATK: 3400→5200, Bloom Prima ATK: 3100→4900, Meisterin Hathor ATK: 2800→4600)." Yuzu said. "Now, let's battle! Bloom Dryad, destroy Executive Caesar! Tranquility Phoneme!"

Bloom Dryad flapped its wings, generating golden sound waves that struck Caesar and destroyed it, with Reiji being sent skidding backwards due to the force of the strike.

Reiji – LP: 3850→1450

"Next, Meisterin Hathor will destroy D/D Agni!" Yuzu exclaimed. "Furious Elegy!"

Meisterin Hathor shook its sistrum, generating sound waves that enveloped D/D Agni and caused cracks to appear all over its body, destroying it.

"Let's settle this, Reiji!" Yuzu declared. "Bloom Prima will attack you directly! Verdant Phoneme!"

"I activate the Trap Card Era of Zero!" Reiji abruptly declared. "When I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can reduce the attack of all Monsters my opponent controls to 0 until the Battle Phase's end and draw a card for every affected Monster, in this case three!"

"Kuh, he managed to escape at the last minute again." Yuya grimaced. "If I hadn't sacrificed Transient-Eyes, I could have stopped that Trap."

"Don't beat yourself up over this." Reiji said. "Even if you had done so, I would have still stopped Hiiragi Yuzu's attacks. Everything you do is within my calculations after all."

"We'll see how long you'll be able to talk big like that." Yuzu said. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Reiji announced. "Draw! Now then, it's about time you paid for your continued defiance against the rulers of all dimensions. First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Appear, D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok (ATK: 2200/DEF: 3000/LV: 8/SC: 5)!"

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

"Magical Savant Boyle's effect activates." Reiji continued. "Thanks to it, I will gain 500 Life Points."

Reiji was enveloped by a radiant aura following his words.

Reiji – LP: 1450→1950

"The time for judgment has come." Reiji declared. "When I Pendulum Summon a "D/D/D" Monster while the combined value of my Pendulum Scales exceeds 12, I can Special Summon this Monster from my hand by destroying all other Monsters on my field!"

As the Pendulum portal behind Reiji was enlarged, moving outside of the confines between the two columns of light, he chanted.

"The quaking soul will now exceed the boundaries of reason! Seize the absolute power of the origin lying beyond light and darkness, and reign supreme upon this world! Transcendent Pendulum Summon! Come forth, Level 12! The aloof and proud king gazing at the world from outside the boundaries of creation, D/D/D/D Legend Origin Valiant God-King Gilgamesh (ATK: 4000/DEF: 3500/LV: 12/SC: 0)!"

A spatial distortion suddenly appeared above Reiji, with the humanoid Monster clad entirely in shining gold armor with a crown-shaped helmet covering its head, which had two blades attached to its back and ornate gold chains wrapped around its arms and legs, emerging from it and illuminating the entire area.

"It's here." Yukio remarked with a grave expression. "Reiji's ultimate trump card, Valiant God-King Gilgamesh. Damn, even from here, I'm getting chills just by watching that Monster…"

"I activate Gilgamesh's effect!" Reiji exclaimed. "Once per turn, if there is a Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz and Pendulum Monster in my Graveyard, I can shuffle them back to the Deck in order to banish all cards from my opponent's field, hand and Graveyard, along with banishing five random cards from their Extra Deck!"

"Eh!?" Yuzu cried out in shock. "It has such a powerful effect!?"

A golden portal appeared in front of Gilgamesh following Yuzu's words, with an oddly shaped blade that had a cylindrical body emerging from it. Gilgamesh grabbed it and raised it high, generating a storm of energy that enveloped the entire field as it hovered upwards while the cylindrical part spun.

"I speak of genesis!" Reiji chanted as the storm intensified. "The elements amalgamate, coalesce, and bring forth the stars that weave all of creation! It's time for judgment! Take this! The peerless Sword of Rupture, Enuma Elish!"

Three massive spatial distortions appeared above Gilgamesh, with the Monster directing downwards as it pointed its blade at the opposing field. Immediately afterwards, a raging wave of destruction erupted from it and consumed everything on Yuya and Yuzu's field, leaving it bare once it subsided.

"It can't be…" Ayu spoke with a trembling voice. "He cleared their fields with a single move. Now Yuya-oniichan and Yuzu-oneechan are completely open to an attack!"

"Hang in there, Yuya, Yuzu!" Shuzo shouted. "You can do it!"

"The only thing they can do is gracefully accept their demise." Reiji stated. "I think I'll start with you, Sakaki Yuya. Battle! Valiant God-King Gilgamesh, attack him directly and extinguish his Life Points! Gate of Babylon!"

"Sorry, but it seems you made the wrong choice!" Yuya spoke with a wide smile. "Feast your eyes upon this!"

Yuya snapped his fingers. Immediately afterwards, a face-down card appeared on his field out of thin air.

"That's…a Spell or Trap Card?" Tatsuya wondered. "How's this possible?"

"Oh my, what's this?" Yuya spoke with an astonished expression. "Despite seemingly having an empty field due to Gilgamesh's ruthless attack, there's still a card left. Now, let's take a peek and see if this unexpected present will help us escape this bind. Ready? One, two, three, go!"

Yuya's Trap Card opened, revealing its contents for all to see.

"Jackpot!" Yuya cheered. "It's the Continuous Trap Card Entermate Pinch Helper! Through its effect, when I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can negate that attack and Special Summon an "Entermate" Monster from my Deck with 800 or less attack! Come, Entermate Whim Witch (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 800/DEF: 800/LV: 3/SC: 4) in defense mode!"

A child-like humanoid cat Monster holding a small staff appeared on Yuya's field just as Gilgamesh's numerous weapon projectiles slammed all around Yuya.

"How is that possible?" Reiji frowned. "Gilgamesh should have cleared your field completely."

"That's thanks to the effect of Carnival Conductor." Yuya smirked. "When this card leaves the field, I can place a Spell or Trap Card from my Graveyard or banish zone to my field during the turn it left the field. Furthermore, since the set card was activated this turn, I can Special Summon an "Entermate" Monster from my Deck with attack lower than that of the Monster with the lowest attack on the field. Come, Entermate Cheermole (ATK: 600/DEF: 1000/LV: 2/SC: 5) in defense mode!"

A portal appeared on Yuya's field, with Cheermole emerging from it.

"Well played, but your tricks can't save you forever." Reiji said. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! During my Standby Phase, the effect of Surprise Pendulum Chest activates, allowing me to add the cards banished through its effect to my hand. Then, I activate the Spell Card Harmonic Oscillation, whose effect allows me to perform a Pendulum Summon by using my opponent's Scale. In exchange, I can only summon Pendulum Summon Monsters from the Extra Deck. Now, let's Pendulum Summon once again! Return to my side, Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

A beam of light erupted from Reiji's Pendulum portal, solidifying into the form of Transient-Eyes upon landing on Yuya's field.

"An interesting tactic to be sure, but a futile one." Reiji remarked. "I activate Valiant God-King Gilgamesh's effect! By banishing the Pendulum Monster D/D Orthros from my Graveyard, I will negate your dragon's effects and prevent it from declaring an attack for this turn, and the same will happen to your two "Entermate" Monsters as well! Chains of Heaven!"

Several gold chains erupted from the ground following Reiji's words, binding Transient-Eyes, Cheermole and Whim Witch.

"Then, let's try this instead!" Yuya said. "I will destroy Entermate Whim Witch to activate the Spell Card Entermate Scale Climax. Through its effect, I can target an "Entermate" Pendulum Monster on my field while my opponent selects a Pendulum Monster on their field. If the Scale Value of my Monster exceeds the opponent's Monster, both Monsters return back to their owner's Deck and my opponent receives damage equal to his Monster's attack on the field."

"Since Gilgamesh has a Scale of 0, I will be forced to take 4000 points of damage, huh?" Reiji smirked. "Quite clever of you to set this up, but I'm afraid it's once again useless. I activate the Trap Card D/D Territory! Through its effect, I can target a "D/D" Monster I control and prevent it from leaving my field for this turn! Of course, I will target Gilgamesh for this effect!"

"Damn, make this a bit easier, won't you?" Yuya complained. "I activate the Spell Card Entermate Farewell Gift, whose effect allows me to deal you 200 points of damage for every "Entermate" Monster that left my field this turn. Moreover, since I failed to deal battle damage to you, I will also draw two cards from my Deck. Since two "Entermate" Monsters left my field, receive 400 points of damage!"

Several sparks were launched out of Yuya's Spell Card, striking Reiji and causing him to wince.

Reiji – LP: 1950→1550

"I place a card face-down and end my turn." Yuya said. "I'll pass the baton to my partner now."

"It's my turn!" Yuzu announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Crescendo Rising, whose effect allows me to send three "Melodious" Monsters from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard in order to draw five cards from my Deck. In exchange, I cannot Special Summon anything from my Extra Deck for this turn. Then, I activate the Ritual Spell Card Heavenly Voice Ritual, shuffling the Bloom Diva and Meisterin Verdi I just sent to the Graveyard back to the Extra Deck in order to Ritual Summon!"

An ornate altar surrounded by a large pipe organ appeared on Yuzu's field, with her two Monsters turning into particles and being absorbed by the pipe organ, which started playing a beautiful tune. As a towering pillar of light erupted from the altar, Yuzu chanted.

"Exalted diva of the heavens! May your song of healing echo across the world and signal the coming of a new utopia! Ritual Summon! Now, come to the stage, Level 10! The divine songstress, Meisterin Gabriel the Melodious Heavenly Voice (ATK: 3200/DEF: 2300/LV: 10)!"

The female Monster clad in a gold and white dress with glowing musical notes engraved on it, which had six golden wings protruding from its back and held an ornate crimson horn in its right hand, appeared on Yuzu's field.

"Meisterin Gabriel's effect activates." Yuzu declared. "When this card is Ritual Summoned successfully, I can negate the effects of all face-up Monsters my opponent controls, meaning Gilgamesh's effects are negated. Then, I will Special Summon Sonata the Melodious Diva (ATK: 1200/DEF: 600/LV: 3) through its effect in defense mode!"

Sonata appeared on Yuzu's field next to Meisterin Gabriel.

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card Fortissimo, whose effect allows me to increase the attack of a "Melodious" Monster on my field by 600 until my next Standby Phase." Yuzu continued. "I will target Meisterin Gabriel for that effect (Meisterin Gabriel ATK: 3200→3800). Now, let's battle! Meisterin Gabriel, attack Valiant God-King Gilgamesh! At this moment, Meisterin Gabriel's effect activates, increasing its attack by an amount equal to half the attack of all Special Summoned "Melodious" Monsters on my field (Meisterin Gabriel ATK: 3800→4400)! Do it, my Monster! Horn of Jericho!"

Meisterin Gabriel blew its horn, generating a beautiful, clear sound that echoed across the area. Immediately afterwards, cracks appeared throughout Gilgamesh's body, with its body eventually exploding and raising a cloud of dust that covered Reiji's field.

Reiji – LP: 1550→1150

"She did it!" Ayu cheered. "She actually took down Akaba Reiji's ace Monster! You're amazing, Yuzu-oneechan!"

"That scary Monster is actually gone!" Futoshi was jumping up down. "I'm so happy I can't stop shivering!"

"Uhoooo!" Shuzo shouted. "That's the way, Yuzu! Keep going like that and take him down!"

An eerie laugh suddenly echoed across the field, causing everyone to pause. As the smoke cleared, it was revealed that Reiji was the one laughing for some reason.

"What is it?" Yuya asked. "What's so funny, Reiji?"

"No, forgive me." Reiji said as he straightened his glasses. "It's just hilarious to see everyone getting their hopes up when you've only lowered your prospects of victory to zero. Feast your eyes upon the demonic god dwelling in the void between dimensions!"

A beam of light erupted from Reiji's field, causing the ground beneath everyone's feet to shake and the sky to darken.

"What's this!?" Tatsuya cried out. "What's going on!?"

"Valiant God-King Gilgamesh's effect activates!" Reiji declared. "When this card leaves the field, I can Special Summon a "D/D/D" Monster from my hand, Deck, Graveyard or Extra Deck by ignoring its summoning conditions! Come forth, Level 10! Go-D/D/D Divine Zero King – Zero God Reiji (Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 10/SC: 0)!"

A large, circular gateway appeared on the sky once the pillar of light vanished, with its segments slowly opening. Once they were fully open, a white-colored demonic Monster with faint dark markings on its body, a helmet resembling Reiji's hairstyle and a red muffler reminiscent of Reiji's emerged from it and landed on Reiji's field. At the same time, a dark aura enveloped Reiji's body.

"Zero God…Reiji?" Yugo raised an eyebrow. "Wow, and here I thought no-one else but Zarc would be so self-centered as to name a Monster after themselves."

"That's obviously a card created from Zarc's power, you nimrod." Yuri said while shaking his head. "Your senses must be as dull as your brain if you can't feel its power even from here."

"Names aside, what matters most here is its power." Yukio remarked before Yugo had a chance to speak. "Yuya and Yuzu are in for a tough challenge if it has the same dreadful effects as all the other Zarc-created Monsters."

"That Monster…it's giving off a really nasty and terrifying feeling." Yuzu spoke with a low voice. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Then it's also time for me to end you as well." Reiji declared. "My turn! Draw!"

Following Reiji's words, the pressure emitted from Zero God Reiji doubled, causing Yuya to flinch. He wasn't sure why, but he had a really bad feeling and a premonition of death. As such…

"I activate the Trap Card Pendulum Sanctuary!" Yuya abruptly stated. "Through its effect, I can place up to five Pendulum Monsters from my Graveyard and banish zone to my Extra Deck in order to reduce all damage I receive this turn to 0! In exchange, those Monsters can't be Pendulum Summoned!"

"That…was the correct move." Reiji remarked. "Because of it, you get to live for another turn. Now then, allow me to demonstrate the full extent of the new power granted to me. But first, I will Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, D/D/D Oblivion King Abyss Ragnarok! And from my hand, come, D/D/D Rebel King Leonidas (ATK: 2600/DEF: 1200/LV: 7/SC: 3) and D/D Proud Chevalier (ATK: 2000/DEF: 700/LV: 5/SC: 6)!"

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

"Boyle's Pendulum Effect activates once again." Reiji said. "Since I have four "D/D" Monsters, I gain 2000 Life Points."

A golden aura enveloped Reiji following his words.

Reiji – LP: 1150→3150

"Now, I activate Zero God Reiji's effect." Reiji stated. "By releasing all three of my Monsters, I can prevent my opponent from activating card effects in their Monster, Spell and Trap Zones, along with effects from their hand and Graveyard. Furthermore, Zero God Reiji can attack my opponent directly. Now then, let's battle! Zero God Reiji, attack Hiiragi Yuzu directly!"

"What?" Yuzu wondered. "You're attacking even though your Monster's attack is 0? What's the meaning of this?"

"There's zero reason for concern." Reiji smirked. "When Zero God Reiji attacks directly, its attack becomes equal to my opponent's Life Points until the end of my turn (Zero God Reiji ATK: 0→1800)! Finish her off, Zero God Reiji! God Force – Eternal Epilogue Rest!"

"I activate the effect of Beat the Melodious Diva in my banish zone!" Yuzu exclaimed. "When I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon it from my Graveyard or banish zone and force my opponent's Monster to attack it! Revive, Beat in defense mode!"

A portal appeared on Yuzu's field, with Beat emerging from it and receiving Zero God Reiji's fist head-on, resulting in its destruction. At the same time, Yuzu grimaced as a crimson aura appeared around her.

Yuzu – LP: 1800→1300

"How needlessly obstinate…" Reiji sighed. "Struggle as much as you wish, but your prospects of victory will never rise above zero. I place two cards face-down and end my turn, with Zero God Reiji's attack returning to normal (Zero God Reiji ATK: 1800→0)."

"That was really close…" Tatsuya let out a relieved sigh, but the frowned. "Still, that Monster's effect is terrifying. As long as it can tribute three Monsters, it can almost completely lock the opponent down and deliver a guaranteed one-turn kill. Also, who knows what other nasty effects it might have in store?"

"However, it's Yuya-oniichan's turn now." Ayu said. "I'm sure he's going to come up with something, right?"

"Of course he will!" Shuzo shouted. "After all, he's the ace of You Show Duel School! Such an obstacle will not be able to stop him! Go, go, Yuya!"

"Looks like dad has absolute faith in you." Yuzu smiled. "What do you think, Yuya? Can you respond to it?"

"If the audience demands for it, then how can I not deliver?" Yuya said while making a small bow. "Let's do this! My turn! Draw!"

As he drew his card, Yuya's Pendulum shone briefly. Much to his surprise, the obscure figure of a dragon appeared before him, let out a resonant howl before vanishing. Upon checking his drawn card, Yuya smiled as he spoke.

"Looks like the tables are turning yet again. First, I activate the Spell Card Entermate Grand Debut. Through its effect, if I have no cards in my Pendulum Zones while my opponent does, I can add two "Entermate" Pendulum Monsters from my Deck to my hand whose Scale Value is equal to the Scale Value of my opponent's Pendulum Monsters. I choose the Scale 4 Entermate Kaleido Scorpion (Light/Insect/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 2300/LV: 6/SC: 4) and the Scale 10 Entermate Ignition Eagle (Dark/Winged Beast/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000/LV: 5/SC: 10), and I will use them to rebuild my Pendulum Scale!"

The two columns of light appeared once again on Yuya's field, with a colorful scorpion that had shields instead of claws and an eagle with two cannons extending from its shoulders and boosters extending from its back rising to their top.

"Now then, I will show you my trump card, Reiji." Yuya declared. "The Monster in my hand can be Special Summoned by sending my Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon from the field to the Graveyard and returning two cards from my Pendulum Zone, whose total Scale Value sum is 12 or more, back to my Deck. I will shuffle Kaleido Scorpion and Ignition Eagle back to my Deck in order to bring out the final evolution of Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

As his three Monsters turned into orbs of light, which were absorbed by the enlarged Pendulum portal, Yuya chanted.

"O will of the Supreme King dwelling within me! Become one with the ephemeral dragon of dichromatic eyes to blaze an everlasting trail of light across the vast skies! Come to me, Level 12! The Supreme King Legend Dragon – Nexus-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Dark/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3000/LV: 12/SC: 12)!"

A massive wave of light erupted from the portal, solidifying into the form of an imposing dragon with glowing eyes clad in dark blue armor with star-like patterns on it, which had three horns and two mandibles extending from its head, four oversized wings somewhat reminiscent of Zarc's extending from its back and a massive ring with five large gems embedded on it hovering behind it.

"So this is the evolved form of your Pendulum Dragon, huh?" Reiji remarked. "Impressive as it looks, I'm certain it's no match for my Zero God Reiji."

"Let's test that theory, shall we?" Yuya smirked. "Battle! Nexus-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Zero God Reiji! Quintessence Spiral Breath!"

"Zero God Reiji's effect activates!" Reiji exclaimed. "When it battles an opponent's Monster, that Monster's attack is reduced to 0 during that battle! Also, Zero God Reiji cannot be destroyed by battle and all damage I receive from battles involving it is reduced to 0! Moreover, I activate the Continuous Trap Card Contract with the Valkyrie, whose effect increases my Monster's attack by 1000 during my turn alone (Zero God Reiji ATK: 0→1000)! Counterattack, Zero God Reiji! God Force – Eternal Epilogue Rest!"

"I activate Nexus-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect!" Yuya bellowed. "Once per turn, when it would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can send a Pendulum Monster from my hand, field Extra Deck or Pendulum Zone to the Graveyard in order to negate its destruction, reduce any damage from that battle to 0, and then destroy the card that would have destroyed it! I will send Whim Witch from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard in order to destroy Zero God Reiji! Archetype Force!"

Nexus-Eyes' body shone as it unleashed a barrage of energy blasts from the ring on its back, striking Zero God Reiji and destroying it.

"Alright!" Futoshi cheered. "That nasty Monster is gone! Good job, Yuya-oniichan! You really gave him the shivers~!"

"Not yet!" Reiji shouted. "I will send Contract with the Valkyrie to the Graveyard in order to activate the Continuous Trap Card Paradigm Dominion! Through its effect, I can Special Summon a "D/D/D" Monster that was destroyed during the Battle Phase, equip this card to it and end the Battle Phase! Revive, Zero God Reiji!"

A large rift in space appeared behind Reiji, with Zero God Reiji emerging from it and landing on Reiji's field once again.

"Looks like we celebrated a bit too soon…" Ayu said with a crestfallen expression. "Why couldn't that thing just stay down…?"

"I can't do anything else for now…" Yuya muttered. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Yuzu announced. "Draw! I summon Aria the Melodious Diva (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200/LV: 4)!"

Aria appeared on Yuzu's field amidst a shower of petals.

"I activate the Trap Card Tempo Shift, shuffling Aria back to my Deck in order to Special Summon this Monster." Yuzu continued. "Appear, Mordent the Melodious Diva (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 500/DEF: 1300/LV: 3)!"

A female Monster clad in a vermillion dress with a flower motif, which held an ornate flute in its hands, appeared on Yuzu's field.

"Mordent's effect activates." Yuzu stated. "When this card is summoned successfully, I can add a "Fusion" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I choose Magnum Opus Fusion and activate it. Through its effects, I can pay half my Life Points and send all Monsters on my field to the Graveyard in order to Fusion Summon a "Melodious" Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck by banishing "Melodious" Monsters from my hand, Deck, Extra Deck or Graveyard, or by shuffling "Melodious" Monsters from my banish zone or Graveyard back to the Deck. I will shuffle Bloom Muse, Meisterin Rossini and Meisterin Verdi from my banish zone back to the Extra Deck in order to Fusion Summon!"

As her three Monsters emerged from a portal that appeared on Yuzu's field and began swirling inside a multi-colored vortex, Yuzu chanted.

"As three passionate voices join together, the slumbering melody of the Earth will echo throughout the far reaches of creation! Gather your supreme talent under the guidance of the baton and give birth to a new life! Fusion Summon! Manifest now, Level 12! The song of genesis, Bloom Gaia the Melodious Floral Progenitor (Light/Fairy/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3800/LV: 12)!"

A towering female Monster with flowing silver hair and elfish features clad in a regal dress made out of viridian and crimson flowers with gold ends, which had several tree branches growing from its back and had a massive white broadsword with several musical notes engraved on it floating next to it, appeared on Yuzu's field. At the same time, Yuzu winced as a crimson aura enveloped her.

Yuzu – LP: 1300→650

"Bloom Gaia…" Rin muttered. "So that's Yuzu's final trump card. It looks pretty powerful, that's for sure."

"But is it strong enough?" Serena wondered. "I fear that someone like Reiji might be prepared for something like that."

"Battle!" Yuzu exclaimed. "Bloom Gaia, attack Zero God Reiji! At this moment, Bloom Gaia's effect activates! When it battles an opponent's Monster, it gains attack equal to the combined Levels of all "Melodious" Monsters on my field multiplied by 400 until the End Phase (Bloom Gaia ATK: 4000→8600)! Furthermore, Bloom Gaia is unaffected by my opponent's card effects, so it's no use trying to pull any tricks here! Go, Bloom Gaia! Transcendent Nature Symphony!"

"Naïve, Hiiragi Yuzu." Reiji straightened his glasses as he spoke. "Such half-hearted measures aren't enough to prevail against me. The effect of the equipped Paradigm Dominion activates! Thanks to it, I receive no damage from battles involving the equipped Monster! Furthermore, thanks to its own effect, Zero God Reiji cannot be destroyed by battle!"

Following Reiji's words, the broadsword floating next to Bloom Gaia shot forward while being surrounded by a storm of petals and musical notes, but was blocked by a semi-transparent barrier that prevented it from reaching Zero God Reiji.

"You may have avoided my attack, but I won't let you escape this turn unscathed." Yuzu declared. "I activate Bloom Gaia's second effect! During my Main Phase 2, if I failed to inflict battle damage to my opponent, I can select a "Melodious" Monster on my field and reduce my opponent's Life Points by an amount equal to half its attack! I choose Bloom Gaia, which means your Life Points will be reduced by 2000!"

Bloom Gaia raised its arms high, causing a storm of crimson petals to envelop Reiji and open several cuts throughout his body as he grimaced.

Reiji – LP: 3150→1150

"Furthermore, Bloom Gaia's effect allows me to destroy a card on your field as well." Yuzu stated. "I choose—"

"I should inform you that both Paradigm Dominion and the equipped Monster cannot be destroyed by card effects." Reiji cut off Yuzu. "It's useless trying to strip my Monster of its protection."

"In that case, I'll destroy Magical Savant Boyle." Yuzu said as the tree branches extending from Bloom Gaia's back shot forward, destroying Boyle. "With this, your Pendulum Scale is broken."

"Not bad." Yuto commented. "With this, Reiji won't be able to Pendulum Summon, meaning he won't be able to use Zero God Reiji's effect to its full potential. He also won't be able to restore his Life Points anymore."

"Of course, if Reiji draws a Pendulum Monster with a high enough Scale Value, that won't matter much." Yuri commented. "And as long as he can use Zero God Reiji's effect to attack directly by releasing a single Monster, they're still in pretty big trouble."

"I end my turn with this, with Bloom Gaia's attack returning to normal (Bloom Gaia ATK: 8600→4000)." Yuzu said. "Oh, you should also know that as long as Bloom Gaia is on my field, you can only target it for attacks. So even if you use Zero God Reiji's effect, you'll only slam on a 4000 attack wall."

"Awesome!" Ayu cheered. "Yuzu-oneechan has really thought of everything! With this, as long as her next turn comes, they can beat Akaba Reiji no problem!"

"My turn!" Reiji announced. "Draw! I activate the effect of D/D Siren (Dark/Fiend/Effect/ATK: 300/DEF: 750/LV: 2) in my hand, sending it to the Graveyard in order to target a "D/D" Monster I control and draw one card from my Deck for every four Levels it has. I choose Zero God Reiji, meaning I can draw two cards."

Reiji checked his drawn cards with an impassive expression at first, but then a small smirk appeared on his face.

"It appears the goddess of victory is truly favoring me today." Reiji said. "How unfortunate for you. First, I use the Scale 12 D/D/D/D Super-Dimensional Sovereign Emperor Zero Paradox (ATK: 3000/DEF: 3000/LV: 12/SC: 12) to rebuild my Pendulum Scale!"

A column of light appeared on Reiji's left side, with Zero Paradox rising to its top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 5 through 11." Reiji declared. "Revive from the Extra Deck, Abyss Ragnarok, Rebel King Leonidas and Proud Chevalier in defense mode!"

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

"Oh no." Tatsuya's expression fell. "Reiji has three Monsters again, which means…"

"I will release Proud Chevalier and Rebel King Leonidas in order to activate two of Zero God Reiji's effects." Reiji continued. "Through them, neither of you can activate card effects from the Monster Zone, the Spell/Trap Zone, the hand and the Graveyard for this turn."

"However, Zero God Reiji's attack is still 0 and it cannot use its effect against Bloom Gaia." Yuzu pointed out. "We're still safe from your Monster."

"You seem to have zero understanding of your situation." Reiji remarked. "Allow me to remedy that. I activate the Equip Spell Card Supreme Daemon's Crown, equipping it to Zero God Reiji. Through its effect, I can banish a "D/D/D" Monster from my Pendulum Zone, Extra Deck and Graveyard in order to add those Monsters' attacks to the equipped Monster's attack. I will banish the 3000 attack Hell Armageddon from my Pendulum Zone, the 4000 attack Gilgamesh from my Extra Deck and the 4000 attack Karna from my Graveyard (Zero God Reiji ATK: 0→11000)."

"An attack of 11000!?" Shuzo cried out in shock. "That's way higher than Bloom Gaia's attack and Yuzu's Life Points!"

"Since you've went and painted a target on yourself, I'll finish you off first, Hiiragi Yuzu!" Reiji exclaimed. "Battle! Zero God Reiji, destroy Bloom Gaia! God Force – Eternal Epilogue Rest!"

Zero God Reiji's fist was surrounded by a storm of energy as it charged forward, piercing through Bloom Gaia's torso and destroying it, with the ensuing explosion engulfing the screaming Yuzu as she was blown backwards.

Yuzu – LP: 650→0

"Yuzu!" Yuya shouted as he ran to her side and cradled her fallen form. "Are you alright!? Speak to me, please!"

"Unghhh…" Yuzu groaned as she opened her eyes. "Yuya…I'm sorry… I couldn't do more…"

"You did plenty already." Yuya smiled. "Now rest, and leave the rest to me. I'll definitely win this."

"Don't make promises you can't keep." Reiji said. "I end my turn with this."

"Then, here goes!" Yuya shouted. "My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card Scale Gamble, whose effect allows me to target a Pendulum Monster on my field and draw a card from my Deck for every three Scales it has. I will target the Scale 12 Nexus-Eyes Pendulum Dragon in order to draw four cards from my Deck. However, during the End Phase, I will receive 400 points of damage for every card I drew."

"The die is cast." Yukio commented. "Yuya has to defeat Reiji in this turn, or else he will lose the Duel due to his own card's effect. I really hope he drew some good cards there."

"He seems a bit confused there." Yuri pointed out at Yuya's perplexed expression. "Don't tell me he actually stumbled at the finish line? It would be truly pathetic if he goes out like this."

True enough, Yuya was perplexed, but not for the reason Yuri thought. The existence of a card that he certainly didn't recall being in his Deck before was the issue troubling him. While he had an instinctive knowledge of the cards he gained as a result of temporarily fusing with Zarc, this one wasn't among them.

"Still, I have a feeling this will work." Yuya stated with conviction before turning to Reiji. "Let's go, Reiji! This is the last act of this Duel! First, let's set up the stage! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Smile Universe!"

Following Yuya's words, a large number of smiling faces flowed out of his Spell Card, transforming the field into a space filled with smiling planets, stars and galaxies.

"This is…" Reiji looked around in confusion. "What's the meaning of this?"

"Smile Universe's effect activates." Yuya announced. "I can Special Summon as many Pendulum Monsters as possible from my Extra Deck, but they are treated as Normal Monsters, their effects are negated and neither player can attack or summon other Monsters during the turn this effect was activated. Moreover, my opponent gains Life Points equal to the attack of the summoned Monsters. Return to my side, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon, Savage-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Entermate Smile Sorcerer!"

Four smiling shooting stars suddenly crashed on Yuya's field, solidifying into the forms of the aforementioned Monsters.

"What's Yuya-oniichan thinking!?" Futoshi cried out. "He's summoned a bunch of Monsters he can't use, and he's also raising Akaba Reiji's Life Points! I'm getting the shivers from the lack of sense here!"

"Those Monsters are the ones placed in the Extra Deck through Pendulum Sanctuary's effect, eh?" Reiji remarked. "In any case, I'll gratefully accept your gift of Life Points."

"Ah, but you should beware of gifts, for they might contain some nasty surprises." Yuya smirked. "Since my opponent is about to gain Life Points while I control an "Entermate" Monster, I can activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Entermate Crash! Thanks to its effect, instead of gaining Life Points, you'll receive damage equal to the amount of Life Points you would have gained and lose!"

"I'm afraid that's not good enough, Yuya!" Reiji said. "Paradigm Dominion's effect also allows me to negate one instance of effect damage once during either player's turn! Your efforts bore zero result in the end!"

"Don't be so hasty." Yuya smiled. "The climax begins here! I activate Nexus-Eyes' effect! Once per turn, I can increase this card's attack by an amount equal to the attack of all Monsters Special Summoned from the hand and/or Extra Deck on the field apart from itself until the End Phase! Nexus Grasp!"

Nexus-Eyes spread out its wings as streams of energy were released from the bodies of Yuya's Monsters and Abyss Ragnarok, enveloping its body in a raging aura.

(Nexus-Eyes ATK: 3500→16900)

"An attack of 16900!? Way to go, Yuya!" Shuzo cheered, but then frowned. "But wait, Smile Universe's effect prevents him from battling…so isn't it actually useless!?"

"Thank you very much for the valid question." Yuya said. "It's true that I cannot battle, but that doesn't mean that my hands are completely tied. Now then, time for our final card! Since both me and my opponent control Pendulum Monsters, I can activate the Trap Card Pendulum Showdown from my hand. For its first effect, both me and my opponent have to pick a Pendulum Monster on our fields. I choose Nexus-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. What about you, Reiji?"

"You have to ask?" Reiji scoffed at Yuya's words. "Of course, I choose Zero God Reiji."

"Then, Pendulum Showdown's effect will now apply." Yuya announced. "Through it, we compare the attacks of our Monsters, and the controller of the Monster with the lowest attack receives damage equal to the difference between our Monsters' attacks and cannot Pendulum Summon during their next turn. My dear audience, could you tell us which Monster is the one with the lowest attack?"

[Zero God Reiji!]

Ayu, Tatsuya and Futoshi spoke with one voice, prompting Yuya to smile.

"Correct!" Yuya exclaimed. "Therefore, Reiji will now receive how much damage?"

[6400 points of damage!]

The trio answered together as one once more. Yuya's grin became wider as he turned to Reiji.

"You heard them. And since your Life Points are 1150, this is the end for real this time, Reiji!"

A storm of energy surged out of Yuya's Trap Card, enveloping Nexus-Eyes. The dragon opened its mouth wide and discharged a massive blast that enveloped Reiji and sent him flying backwards.

Reiji – LP: 1150→0

Yuya: WIN

"Yuya, Yuzu!" Shuzo rushed forward the moment the barrier disappeared, trapping the two Duelists in a bear hug. "Oh, how I've missed you two, especially Yuzu! I'm so glad you're alright!"

"Quit choking us already!"

Yuzu struck Shuzo with her paper fan, causing him to crumble on the ground with an idiotic smile on his face while murmuring 'that's my girl'. Ayu, Tatsuya and Futoshi let out a collective sigh at their principal's usual antics before turning to the two youths.

"That was an amazing fight, Yuya-oniichan, Yuzu-oneechan!" Futoshi said. "I couldn't stop shivering from start to finish! You sure showed Akaba Reiji who's boss!"

"That's right." Ayu nodded. "Both of you were great. I was scared for a moment there, but there was no need in the end."

"Still, the hard part begins now." Tatsuya spoke with a solemn expression. "With Akaba Reiji defeated, the only one left is—"

[Well done on overcoming the final challenge.] Right on cue, Zarc's voice echoed across the four dimensions. [To be expected from the Duelists I chose to challenge me I suppose. Of course, all that means is that I will have the pleasure of extinguishing your final hope with my own hands. Come to me, and I shall thoroughly teach you the full extent of your powerlessness.]

"Confident as always. He may have turned himself into a Monster, but his arrogance is befitting of a human. How ironic."

Reiji commented so as he approached the You Show members, his usual atmosphere having returned.

"Welcome back to our side, Reiji." Yuya said. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Apart from a splitting headache, nothing much as far as my health is concerned." Reiji responded. "Psychologically, I'm ashamed of myself for falling under that creature's control and jeopardizing the safety of the world."

"It couldn't be helped." Yuzu said. "I mean, none of the others were able to resist Zarc's influence. His power is also—"

"I'm aware of all that." Reiji cut off Yuzu. "But logic and emotion are two separate things. More importantly, Zarc has thrown down the gauntlet at us. As such, we should respond in kind to his challenge and show him humanity's strength. Let's go, you two."

"You're coming as well, Reiji?" Yuya asked. "I doubt Zarc will let you Duel him as well."

"Even so, I shall join you." Reiji responded. "I'm the one who started us on this path, so I have a responsibility to see this battle through to the end no matter the outcome."

"I see." Yuya said and turned to the other members of You Show. "Principal, Ayu, Futoshi, Tatsuya, we're off. Don't worry, I swear that we'll put an end to this nightmare and come back safely."

"We know you'll do." Ayu smiled. "Be careful out there. We'll be waiting for the good news."

"Yuya, never your burning spirit waver in this battle." Shuzo advised the youth. "Believe in yourself, in your comrades and in your Deck, and you'll certainly triumph."

Yuya gave a thumbs-up to everyone as he, Yuzu and Reiji crossed the portal. After a few seconds of disorientation, they found themselves back into the suspended rock platform that was acting as the waiting area. Upon taking notice of Reiji, Reira ran to his side, with the older Akaba letting out a faint smile as he patted his head.

"I might have been under Zarc's control, but I was still conscious enough to witness your valiant efforts." Reiji said. "You fought very well, Reira. Once again, I'm proud of you and your growth."

"Thank you, Nii-sama." Reira said with a small smile. "I'm glad you're back with us."

At that moment, the suspended platform began moving towards Academia, causing tense expressions to appear on everyone's face.

"Seems like we're heading right into the den of the dragon." Yukio said with a lopsided smile. "Let's hope we get to play the part of the hero instead of the part of the countless warriors slain before the hero arrives to kill the monster…"

"One way or another, this is the final battle." Yuya said. "Let's settle this once and for all, and save everyone."

Everyone nodded in affirmation as their crude means of transportation continued to steadily approach Academia.

---

Card Corner

D/D Bloody Mary

ATK: 500, DEF: 1700, LV: 5

Dark/Fiend/Effect

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can target another "D/D" Monster you control; make that Monster's Level equal to this card's Level. During a turn you received effect damage, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; gain Life Points equal to half the amount of that damage and Special Summon a Demon Mirror Token (Dark/Fiend/ATK: ?/DEF: 0/LV: 6) with ATK equal to the amount of Life Points you recovered.

D/D/D Splendor King Ozymandias

ATK: 3200, DEF: 2500, LV: 10

Light/Fiend/Synchro/Effect

1 "D/D" Tuner Monster + 1 or more non-Tuner Monsters

Monster Effect: As long as this card remains face-up on the field, "D/D" Monsters on your field cannot be removed from the field by card effects that don't designate a target. Once per turn, you can destroy your opponent's Monster with the lowest ATK and draw a card from your Deck. This card cannot directly attack the player whose Monster was destroyed by this effect for that turn. When this card is destroyed, you can Special Summon a "D/D/D" Monster from your Graveyard.

D/D/D Warrior King Achilles

ATK: 2800, DEF: 1700, LV: 8

Dark/Fiend/Synchro/Effect

1 Tuner Monster + 1 or more non-Tuner Monsters

Monster Effect: This card cannot be destroyed by battle. Once per turn, you can target a Monster your opponent controls; negate its effects until the End Phase. This card cannot attack on the turn you activated this effect. Once per turn, when a "D/D" Monster on your side of the field is targeted for an attack, you can switch the attack target to this attack position card. If this card left your field during your opponent's turn, the first instance of damage you would receive is reduced to 0. This effect lasts until the start of your next turn.

D/D/D Usurper King Vortigern

ATK: 3500, DEF: 2200, LV: 10

Dark/Fiend/Fusion/Effect

3 "D/D" Monsters

Monster Effect: Once per turn, when this card destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, you can reduce the damage your opponent receives from that battle to 0, equip the destroyed Monster to this card and increase its ATK by 1000. If you successfully used this effect, this card can target an opponent's Monster and declare a second attack during this turn' Battle Phase. If this card would be destroyed, you can destroy the equipped Monster instead.

Dolce the Melodious Diva

ATK: 300, DEF: 1000, LV: 2

Light/Fairy/Effect

Monster Effect: If your opponent attacks you directly, you can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard; reduce all damage you receive from direct attacks to 0 for the rest of this turn.

Entermate Carnival Conductor

ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 1, SC: 2

Light/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: You can place this card in your Pendulum Zone by destroying a Pendulum Monster already occupying that zone. If you destroyed an "Entermate" Pendulum Monster to activate this effect, you can add its Scale Value to this card's Scale Value and prevent this card from being targeted by your opponent's card effects until your next Standby Phase. Once while this card is in your Pendulum Zone when a Monster you control is destroyed by battle, you can activate this effect; halve the damage from that battle, reduce any further damage you receive this turn to 0, and if the destroyed Monster was a Pendulum Monster, send it to the Graveyard.

Monster Effect: During either player's turn, if this card leaves the field (whether it's on the Monster Zone or Pendulum Zone), you can activate this effect; place a Spell or Trap Card from your Graveyard or banish zone to your field during this turn (this is a Quick Effect). If the set card is activated this turn, you can Special Summon an "Entermate" Monster from my Deck with ATK lower than that of the Monster with the lowest ATK on the field.

Savage-Eyes Pendulum Dragon

ATK: 3500, DEF: 2500, R: 8, SC: 10

Earth/Dragon/Xyz/Effect

2 Level 8 Monsters, including at least one "Odd-Eyes" Monster

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can destroy a card in your other Pendulum Zone; increase the ATK of a Monster on your field by an amount equal to the destroyed Monster's Scale Value x 500.

Monster Effect: If you can Pendulum Summon Level 8, you can Pendulum Summon this face-up card from your Extra Deck. Once per turn, you can detach an Overlay Unit from this card; destroy all Monsters your opponent controls with ATK higher than this card's ATK, but skip your Battle phase. Once per turn, when this card battles an opponent's Monster, increase its ATK by an amount equal to the different numbers between your Pendulum Scales x 200 until the battle's end, but halve the damage from that battle, and then banish that Monster after damage calculation. If this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

D/D Umbra

ATK: 0, DEF: 550, LV: 2

Dark/Fiend/Effect

Monster Effect: You can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard; add a "D/D/D" Ritual Monster and a Ritual Spell Card from your Deck to your hand.

D/D Magical Savant Boyle

ATK: 1000, DEF: 2100, LV: 6, SC: 10

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: If you do not have a "D/D" Monster in your other Pendulum Zone, negate this card's Pendulum Effect. Each time you successfully Pendulum Summon a "D/D" Monster, gain 500 Life Points for every "D/D" Monster on the field.

Monster Effect: When this card is Pendulum Summoned, you can target a "Contract" Spell or Trap Card you control; as long as it remains face-up on the field, any effect damage it would deal you increases your Life Points instead.

D/D Dread Slime

ATK: 400, DEF: 400, LV: 2

Dark/Fiend/Effect

Monster Effect: You can Fusion Summon a "D/D/D" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck by sending this card from your hand and "D/D" Monsters from your field to the Graveyard as materials. When you successfully perform a Fusion Summon though this card's effect, draw a card from your Deck for every "D/D/D" Monster on your field apart from the Monster summoned through its effect.

Beat the Melodious Diva

ATK: 900, DEF: 1700, LV: 4

Light/Fairy/Effect

Monster Effect: If this card is used as a Fusion Material for the Fusion Summon of a "Melodious" Monster, you can Special Summon it form your Graveyard. When you're about to receive a direct attack, you can pay 500 Life Points; Special Summon this card from your Graveyard or banish zone and force your opponent's Monster to attack it. You can only use the above effects once per Duel.

Go-D/D/D Divine Zero King – Zero God Reiji

ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 10, SC: 0

Dark/Fiend/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: The first time you would take effect damage each turn, you do not. Each turn, one Level 5 or higher "D/D" monster you Normal Summon can be Summoned without Tributing. You can only use each Pendulum Effect of "Go-D/D/D Divine Zero King – Zero God Reiji" once per turn.

Monster Effect: This card is always treated as a "D/D/D" Monster. This card cannot be destroyed by battle. When this card battles an opponent's Monster, you can make that Monster's ATK 0. If this card attacks your opponent directly, you can make its ATK equal to your opponent's Life Points until the end of this turn. You can Tribute one other monster; apply one of these effects until the end of this turn.

-This card can attack directly.

-Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in their Monster, Spell and Trap Zones.

-Your opponent cannot activate card effects from their hand or Graveyard.

Nexus-Eyes Pendulum Dragon

ATK: 3500, DEF: 3000, LV: 12, SC: 12

Dark/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can destroy one card in your other Pendulum Zone; add one Pendulum Monster from your Deck, Graveyard, banish zone or face-up in your Extra Deck to your hand.

Monster Effect: This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card must be Special Summoned first by sending one "Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" on the field to the Graveyard and returning two cards from your Pendulum Zone, whose total Scale Value sum is 12 or more, back to your Deck. Once during either player's turn, you can increase this card's ATK by an amount equal to the attack of all Monsters Special Summoned from the hand and/or Extra Deck on the field apart from itself until the End Phase, but only it can declare an attack during this turn's Battle Phase. Your opponent's effects that prevent destruction by battle aren't applied as long as this card remains on the field. Once during either player's turn, if this card would be destroyed by battle or card effect, you can send one Pendulum Monster from your hand, field, Extra Deck or Pendulum Zone to the Graveyard; negate its destruction, reduce any damage from that battle to 0, and then destroy the card that would have destroyed it. If this card is destroyed, you can add two Pendulum Monsters from your Deck to your hand, and then you can place this card in your Pendulum Zone.

Mordent the Melodious Diva

ATK: 500, DEF: 1300, LV: 3

Light/Fairy/Effect

Monster Effect: When this card is summoned successfully, you can add a "Fusion" Spell Card from your Deck to your hand. If your "Melodious" Fusion Monster's Fusion Summon is negated, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; Special Summon that Monster's Fusion Materials from the Graveyard.

Bloom Gaia the Melodious Floral Progenitor

ATK: 4000, DEF: 3800, LV: 12

Light/Fairy/Fusion/Effect

3 Level 8 or higher "Melodious" Fusion Monsters

Monster Effect: This card is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. Your opponent can only target this card for attacks during the Battle Phase. When this card battles an opponent's Monster, it gains ATK equal to the combined Level of all "Melodious" Monsters on the field x 400 until the End Phase. During your Main Phase 2, if you failed to inflict battle damage to your opponent, you can target a "Melodious" Monster on your field; reduce your opponent's Life Points by an amount equal to its original ATK, and then destroy a card on their field.

D/D Siren

ATK: 300, DEF: 750, LV: 2

Dark/Fiend/Effect

Monster Effect: You can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard and target a "D/D" Monster you control; draw a card from your Deck for every four Levels it has.

Dual Distribution

Normal Spell Card

If you received 1000 or more points of effect damage, both you and your opponent can draw cards from your Deck until you have five in your hand.

Executive Assembly

Normal Spell Card

If "D/D/D" Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Monsters left your field during your opponent's turn, you can pay 2000 Life Points; Special Summon a "D/D/D Flame High King Executive Temujin", a "D/D/D Gust High King Executive Alexander" and a "D/D/D Wave High King Executive Caesar" from your Extra Deck by ignoring their summoning conditions.

Malevolent Pendulum Invocation

Normal Spell Card

Banish all "D/D" Monsters in your Pendulum Zones and send all "D/D" Pendulum Monsters from your Extra Deck to the Graveyard; place two "D/D" Pendulum Monsters from your Deck to your Pendulum Zones.

Surprise Pendulum Chest

Normal Spell Card

Activate this card if you control two or more Pendulum Monsters; destroy the one with the highest ATK, and then banish cards from your Deck equal to the number of other Pendulum Monsters on your field. During your next Standby Phase, add the banished cards to your hand.

Pendulum Melody

Normal Spell Card

Return two "Melodious" Pendulum Monsters from your Pendulum Zones back to your hand; add a Spell Card whose description includes the word "Melodious" from your Deck to your hand.

Fairy Chord

Normal Spell Card

Special Summon a number of Level 4 or lower "Melodious" Monsters from your Deck with their effects negated equal to or lower than the number of "Melodious" Fusion Monsters you control.

Entermate Scale Climax

Normal Spell Card

Destroy an "Entermate" Monster on your field to activate this card. Target an "Entermate" Pendulum Monster on your field and a Pendulum Monster on your opponent's field. If your Monster's Scale Value exceeds the Scale Value of your opponent's Monster, shuffle both Monsters back to the Deck and deal damage to your opponent equal to their Monster's ATK on the field. Otherwise, destroy your Monster and take damage equal to double its ATK.

Crescendo Rising

Normal Spell Card

Send three "Melodious" Monsters from your Extra Deck to the Graveyard; draw five cards from your Deck. You cannot Special Summon Monsters from your Extra Deck for the rest of this turn.

Entermate Grand Debut

Normal Spell Card

If you have no cards in your Pendulum Zones while your opponent does, add two "Entermate" Pendulum Monsters from your Deck to your hand whose Scale Value is equal to the Scale Value of your opponent's Pendulum Monsters.

Magnum Opus Fusion

Normal Spell Card

Pay half your Life Points and send all Monsters on your field to the Graveyard; Fusion Summon a "Melodious" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck by banishing "Melodious" Monsters from your hand, Deck, Extra Deck and/or Graveyard, or by shuffling "Melodious" Monsters from your banish zone and/or Graveyard back to the Deck. You cannot summon other Monsters after you activate this card.

Supreme Daemon's Crown

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card to a "D/D/D" Monster you control. Banish a "D/D/D" Monster from your Pendulum Zone, face-up from your Extra Deck and your Graveyard and add their ATK to the equipped Monster's ATK. When the equipped Monster attacks an opponent's defense position Monster, inflict piercing damage to them. If the equipped Monster or this card is destroyed, take damage equal to the amount of ATK the equipped Monster gained through this card's effect.

Scale Gamble

Normal Spell Card

Target a Pendulum Monster on your field; draw a card from your Deck for every three Scales it has. During your End Phase, take 400 points of damage for every card you drew.

Entermate Crash

Quick-Play Spell Card

When your opponent would gain Life Points through a card effect while you control an "Entermate" Monster, you can activate this effect; your opponent receives damage equal to the amount of Life Points they would have gained instead.

Contract of Demon Binding

Continuous Trap Card

Target a "D/D/D" Monster you control and equip this card to it. Your opponent cannot Special Summon Monsters with ATK lower than this card's ATK from their Extra Deck and the equipped Monster cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects. If this card is destroyed, the Monster that was targeted for its effect cannot be destroyed until your next Standby Phase. If you used that effect, take 1000 points of damage every time your Monster's destruction was prevented during your next Standby Phase. Once per turn during your Standby Phase, take 1000 points of damage.

Rapid Revenue

Normal Trap Card

Target a "D/D" Monster on the field whose ATK is different that its normal value; return it to its normal value. When you're about to take battle damage from a battle involving a "D/D/D" Monster, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; reduce that damage to 0 and gain Life Points equal to half the amount of damage you would have received, while your opponent draws two cards from their Deck.

D/D Territory

Normal Trap Card

Target a "D/D" Monster on your field; prevent it from leaving the field through any means for the rest of this turn.

Pendulum Sanctuary

Normal Trap Card

Place up to five Pendulum Monsters from your Graveyard and banish zone to your Extra Deck; reduce all damage you receive this turn to 0. Those Monsters can't be Pendulum Summoned while in the Extra Deck.

Paradigm Dominion

Continuous Trap Card

Send a "Contract" Spell or Trap Card from your field to the Graveyard; Special Summon a "D/D/D" Monster that was destroyed during the Battle Phase, equip this card to it and end the Battle Phase. This card cannot be destroyed by card effects while it's equipped to a Monster, and the equipped Monster also cannot be destroyed by card effects. You receive no damage from battles involving the equipped Monster, and once during either player's turn, you can reduce an instance of effect damage to 0. Other Monsters on your field cannot attack.

Pendulum Showdown

Normal Trap Card

If both you and your opponent control Pendulum Monsters, you can activate this card from your hand. Both you and your opponent select a Pendulum Monster on your field and the controller of the Monster with the lowest ATK receives damage equal to the difference between the selected Monsters' ATK and cannot Pendulum Summon during their next turn.

And that concludes Chapter 71. Here, like some of you have guessed, Yuya and Yuzu had to confront Reiji. Although Yuzu was defeated, Yuya succeeded in defeating Reiji with the final form of Odd-Eyes, Nexus-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. Regarding the Duel itself, I made a small change to D/D Evil's Pendulum Effect. As for Zero God Reiji, its effects are mostly a mix of its TCG and manga effects.

The next chapter will be the final Duel against Zarc and the conclusion of this arc. Whether it will be a single chapter or split into two will depend on its size like I said above.

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

See you all next time! And once again, happy 2020!