Roxy's Reports 17: Revolver (Updated) and Specter
At Café Matsuo, in the backroom, during the events of Chapter 39...
"This is Herald, the White Ignis..." Herald said, talking to himself. Right now, he was looking at the computer screen in Café Matsuo's backroom. While Yuhiro was manning the front taking customer's orders, he was in the back documenting the upcoming profiles. "Today, I'll be talking about two Hanoi members that have been a real pain during the Tower of Hanoi crisis. And who better to talk about them with than our guests, Yusaku Fujiki and Shoichi Kusanagi?" Soon, a screen appeared, showing said humans. "Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to talk to me."
"If I can be honest, we weren't that busy." Kusanagi admitted. "While Yusaku was busy manning the front at Café Nagi, I was at the hospital visiting-."
"YOU STARTED WITHOUT ME?!" the voice of Roxy shouted, getting everyone's attention. Sure enough, there was Roxy at the entrance to the backroom, her arms crossed and her face having a furious expression on it. She then walked over to where Herald was and sat down on her seat. "When this is over, you are so dead, mister." Herald paled upon hearing that.
"Oh, hey Roxy." Kusanagi said, trying to break the mood. "I heard Miyu woke up recently." Roxy, upon hearing this, turned to Kusanagi.
"She has," Roxy confirmed. "The past few days have been nothing but happiness for all of us. While she has to regain her ability to walk, the doctors said she'll be able to leave the hospital in three months."
"That's good to hear." Kusanagi commented, a smile on his face.
"What about Jin?" Herald asked. "How's he doing now that the Hanoi are done for?"
Kusanagi put his arms behind his head. "When I went to tell Jin the good news, he was able to recognize me for the first time in a while." He smiled as he recalled the memory. "In addition, when Jin looked at me, I noticed a life in his eyes that hadn't been relit in so many years."
"Where's Furutani?" Yusaku asked. "Is he unable to join us for this meeting?"
"He's manning the front of Café Matsuo." Roxy answered. "So it's just going to be the four of us."
"In that case, let's get started." Herald stated. "If you don't mind, I want to make a profile for Specter, as well as update Revolver's profile because you recently dueled both duelists, correct?"
Yusaku nodded. The duels against both Specter and Revolver were some of the hardest duels he went through. Specter's defensive strategy aside, if it weren't for the azure-overcoated man interfering, Playmaker would have lost. Regardless of that fact, Akira would have sacrificed
himself to ensure Playmaker's victory, so no matter what would have happened, he would have died one way or the other. And Revolver managed to overcome both Watchman and Go Onizuka, as well as show off some new tricks.
"Yes," he confirmed. "I did duel against both Specter and Revolver. As we haven't talked about Specter, it would be a good idea to start with him."
"Very well, then." Roxy said, opening up a blank document. "Let's start with the basics. While we may know Specter in LINK VRAINS, does anyone know his real-life ID?" Everyone shook their heads. "Another unknown. I hate it when we don't know things." She typed this info down into the template. "What about aliases? Any ideas?"
"He's Revolver's second in command. Also, during our duel Ai called Specter a tree-hugger." Yusaku recalled.
"Makes sense, considering the deck he uses." Herald agreed, a hand on his chin.
"There's something else." Yusaku interjected. "During my duel against Specter, he claimed to be one of the children of the Lost Incident." Roxy and Herald's eyes widened in shock upon hearing that comment.
"What?" Roxy said first. "He's one of the children from the Lost Incident?!"
"He practically confirmed it during his duel against Yusaku." Kusanagi explained. "After the Lost Incident, Specter returned to the orphanage he was kidnapped from. The creepy thing is that he returned to that same place, hoping to experience it all over again."
"And that's where Revolver found him." Yusaku finished, as Roxy typed this information into Specter's profile. Or more specifically, in the LINK VRAINS history section.
"So counting Specter, we know five out of the eight children who partook in the Lost Incident." Roxy stated. "I wonder if we'll meet them one day."
"Maybe. Maybe not." Herald said. "But the future sure is unpredictable." He made a fist in the palm of his hand. "But back to Specter. Fujiki, do you recall what deck Specter uses?"
"He uses a 'Sunavalon'/'Sunvine' deck." Yusaku recalled, a hand on his chin. "A deck that focuses on Link Summoning Plant Link Monsters with damage reduction effects. If pulled off successfully, Specter can Special Summon a range of 'Sunvine' Link Monsters with various abilities. He can also return them back to his Extra Deck to use again if needed. But there is a flaw to his deck."
"And that is?" Roxy asked.
"If you destroy all of Specter's 'Sunavalon' monsters, all of his other cards go with it." Yusaku answered, as Roxy typed all this information down. Soon, Herald's eyes lit up in realization.
"It's like those Tower Defense games, right?" Herald said, causing everyone to raise an eyebrow. "Let's say you're Specter, Fujiki. Your goal as a duelist is to protect the giant tree from the invaders your opponent unleashes. And in the process, you summon troops to protect it." Kusanagi's eyes then widened upon understanding what Herald was talking about.
"I get what you mean, Herald!" Kusanagi said, having been the first one to understand one of Herald's video game analogies.
"I'm glad you do." Herald replied, happy that someone was able to understood him.
"If I may continue." Yusaku calmly said, wanting to continue the previous discussion. "Specter has two ace monsters up his sleeve. The first being the Link 3 Sunavalon Dryanome. While it has no attack points, it can convert damage into life points thrice per turn, as well as Special Summon one 'Sunvine' Link Monster from the Extra Deck. In addition, if a monster Dryanome is pointing to is targeted for an attack, Specter can negate it by moving it to an unoccupied Main Monster Zone Dryanome is pointing to."
"So all that Specter needs to do is move his monster's around to avoid damage?" Roxy asked, as she typed the information down. "How annoying."
"At the climax of your duel, Specter had a different tree on his field." Herald remembered. "Was that Specter's boss monster?"
"To an extent, yes." Yusaku answered. "Specter's strongest monster is the Link 4 Sunavalon Dryatrentiay. In exchange for protection, she gains new offensive abilities. By tributing a Plant Link Monster, Specter can target Spells and Trap cards the opponent controls up to that monster's Link Rating and destroy them. However, monsters in the Main Monster Zones can't attack the turn he uses that effect."
"A bit restrictive, if you ask me." Herald commented, as Roxy typed this new information down.
"Nonetheless, Yusaku's persistence forced Specter to bring out his strongest monster." Kusanagi pointed out. "I mean, you should have seen Specter once Yusaku successfully mowed down his forest." Yusaku couldn't help but slightly smirk upon remembering Ai's comments on Specter losing his entire field. "Something on your mind?"
"Nothing." Yusaku answered. He then returned to the subject. "Unfortunately, I don't know Specter's Skill in a Speed Duel, as he's only done Master Duels so far." The room was then filled with Herald's laughter. "What's so funny?"
"I was just picturing Specter's skill letting him summon a flying tree to his field." Herald explained, until the information registered in his mind, which made him cease his laughter. "And... if that were the case, it would question everything that Physics has taught us until now." This caused everyone to adopt blank expressions for several moments as they pictured a flying tree.
"Okay, then." Roxy said, the first one to snap back into reality as she typed the information down. "So if you were to give Specter a grade, Fujiki, from D to SSS, what would you give him?"
Yusaku thought about for a moment, then said, "I'd give him an A- for Apocalyptic-. He may have only dueled two times, but his deck is far different from any Hanoi member, being that it focuses on slowly accumulating resources rather than a typical frontal assault. His history from the Lost Incident, combined with all the misdeeds he done while working with the Hanoi, make him dangerous. Specter's therefore someone we should prepare to duel against."
"Which is why we're making this profile." Roxy stated the obvious, as she put down Specter's Duel Grade. "Ta-Da! What do you guys think?" This was what Specter's profile looked like once it was completed:
Name: Unknown (I honestly hate it when we don't know things)
VRAINS ID: Specter (the only name we know of regarding this individual right now. But don't let him fool you).
Other aliases: Revolver's second in command, Tree-Hugger (Ai came up with that one).
Gender: Male
Age: 16 (our best guess at the moment)
Residence: Unknown (likely to be with the other Hanoi at this point)
Job: Hanoi's second in command (and he's proven to be as strong as the other Hanoi members, so don't let him fool you).
Deck: Sunavalon/Sunvine (a troublesome, yet interesting deck. Focuses on Plant Link Monsters with defensive effects, mainly in the form of damage reduction. After doing so, Specter can quickly bring out a range of 'Sunvine' Link Monsters from his Extra Deck to deal with the situation at hand. Specter can also return Link Monsters to the Extra Deck to reuse them later and so he won't run out of targets to Special Summon. However, the main weakness of this deck is that it requires at least one 'Sunavalon' monster. Without it, the rest of his forest will crumble. Did you know that his deck kinda reminds me of Tower Defense games? How interesting is that!).
Ace Monster(s): Sunavalon Dryanome (a Link 3 monster that is Specter's ace monster. While it has no attack points, it can convert damage into life points thrice per turn, as well as Special Summon one 'Sunvine' Link Monster from the Extra Deck. With her arrows all pointing down, it gives Specter flexibility. In addition, if a monster Dryanome is pointing to is targeted for an attack, Specter can negate it by moving it to an unoccupied Main Monster Zone Dryanome is pointing to), Sunavalon Dryatrentiay (a Link 4 monster that is Specter's boss monster. In exchange for protection, it gains offensive, yet restrictive abilities. By tributing a Plant Link Monster, Specter can target Spells and Trap cards the opponent controls up to that monster's Link Rating and destroy them. However, monsters in the Main Monster Zones can't attack the turn he uses that effect).
Skill: Unknown (he's only participated in two Master Duels that we know of. If his Skill involves summoning a tree that flies, then it questions everything that Physics has taught us until now).
LINK VRAINS History: He was recruited to the Hanoi at a young age and the one who infected Aoi with a virus. The one who also defeated her in the most despicable way as well, but thankfully, he was stopped by Playmaker.
Unlike the other children, he actually enjoyed his torment in the Lost Incident because people paid attention to him for the first time. Looking at his perspective, it's understandable to an extent, but like the other Hanoi inexcusable. The world can be a cruel and unfair place to most people, but to others, they may use those experiences to keep going.
Duel Grade: A- (Apocalyptic with a -) (Specter may have only dueled two times, but his deck is far different from any Hanoi member, being that it focuses on slowly accumulating resources rather than a typical frontal assault. His history from the Lost Incident, combined with all the misdeeds he done while working with the Hanoi, make him dangerous. Specter's therefore someone we should prepare to duel against at all times).
Notes: Specter's Sunavalon deck focuses on Plant Link Monsters with defensive effects, mainly in the form of damage reduction. After doing so, Specter can quickly bring out a range of 'Sunvine' Link Monsters from his Extra Deck to deal with the situation at hand. Specter can also return Link Monsters to the Extra Deck to reuse them later and so he won't run out of targets to Special Summon. However, the main weakness of this deck is that it requires at least one 'Sunavalon' monster. Without it, the rest of his forest will crumble.
Just like Lord Kazuma, he plays dirty to win, and to think the Hanoi call themselves of honour….. If it wasn't for the azure-overcoated man, they would have won, though Akira and Numera were going to sacrifice themselves so it was unavoidable.
Satisfied with the newly created profile, Roxy closed it before opening up Revolver's profile, which obviously needed an update. "Last but not least, is Revolver."
"And based on what Yuhiro told me, you guys managed to figure out his real-life identity." Herald stated.
"In the real world, Revolver's real-life identity is Ryoken Kogami." Kusanagi began, immediately getting on topic. "And get this: He was the one who blew the whistle to the authorities about the Lost Incident."
"What?!" Roxy and Herald exclaimed at the same time, causing both Yusaku and Kusanagi to cover their ears in surprise.
"Is everything okay back there?" the voice of Yuhiro asked at the front of Café Matsuo.
"Yeah, everything's fine." Roxy answered, as she got up and closed the door to the backroom. Can't believe I forgot to close the door, she thought, as she went back to her seat and sat down. "Details, details, details! Just what happened between you and Revolver?"
"After we found Revolver's house," Yusaku began to explain, "we found him mourning by his father's side. Once he introduced himself, he began to explain the events that led to the development of the Lost Incident, as well as how the idea of the Ignis came to be. He even explained what happened to the Cyberse after the Lost Incident."
"Oh. Well, that's simple." Herald said. "After the Lost Incident, we made our very own world."
"Way to state what was already known, captain obvious." Roxy replied, whacking Herald's head with her finger.
"Come on!" Herald said. "I was only pointing something out!" He turned to Yusaku and Kusanagi. "Was there anything else he mentioned?"
"Well, after the backstory, Revolver basically recapped how he formed the Knights of Hanoi and raided the Cyberse World." Kusanagi finished. He turned to Yusaku. "It's ironic, isn't it? How someone you viewed as your greatest enemy ended up saving both you, Jin, Yuhiro, and Miyu from the Lost Incident?" Yusaku didn't comment back, as he didn't know what to say. "Well, we might as well recap Revolver then, if that makes you better."
"So based on our previous discussion," Roxy said, as she typed down everything that was just discussed, "Revolver still has his Dark Dragon deck. He focuses on crippling his opponent's field through explosions, and they reload right after. Very few weaknesses since Borreload Dragon's effect can't be responded to. His deck also has a variety of Dark dragon monsters to aid him in Link Summoning, and they share a network theme too."
"I know that Revolver's improved his strategy, but is there anything specific we should know about?" Herald asked.
"Revolver has two more ace monsters up his sleeve, which are both Link 4 monsters." Yusaku answered. "First, there's the Link 4 monster, Borrelsword Dragon." Everyone frowned as they recalled how Revolver mercilessly used Borrelsword Dragon to finish Go Onizuka off in a duel. "For a Link 4 monster with slightly more demanding requirements, it has strong abilities to back it up in exchange. Not only can it not be destroyed by battle, but it can change a monster's battle position during either player's turn, allowing Revolver to attack twice with Borrelsword Dragon for the turn. What's more, after it makes its first attack, it gains attack points equal to half of the battling monster's, as well as cut the battling monster's attack points in half. You could say this monster is one of Borreload Dragon's brother in-arms."
"Who knew dragons could have siblings?" Herald pondered, as Roxy typed this information down. "Anything else?"
"In our Speed Duel, Revolver obtained another Link 4 monster from the Data Storm: Topologic Gumblar Dragon." Yusaku replied, causing Herald's eyes to widen in shock.
"He has a third 'Topologic' monster?" Herald exclaimed in shock. "If Revolver keeps up obtaining more 'Topologic' monsters, it won't be a good sign for us Ignis, that's for sure. He'll basically become the lead Apex Predator who sic's them on us innocent Ignis." He gulped on that.
"Now, now, Herald. You're safe in the Duel Disk, and the scary 'Topologic' monster isn't going to get you." Roxy teased him, causing Herald to blush in embarrassment.
"Is that seriously necessary right now?"
"All I'm saying is that the new monster may not be as powerful as it is." Roxy suggested.
"Actually, you're wrong on that." Yusaku said, getting her attention.
"What do you mean?"
"Topologic Gumblar Dragon has three abilities. One: It can make both players discard cards from their hand. Two: It can protect other Dragon monsters from destruction by card effects. Three: If it's co-linked and your opponent has no cards, you take 3000 points of damage." Yusaku explained, causing Roxy's eyes to widen in shock.
"Okay, I believe you, Herald," she told him, as she scrambled to type the information down in the Ace monster's section.
"Glad to see you do." Herald replied. "I'm guessing that Revolver was able to obtain Storm Access thanks to his father?"
"In a way, yeah." Kusanagi replied. "I mean, Dr. Kogami was an important ally to the Knights of Hanoi." Roxy proceeded to type this info down.
"Hey, can I ask you something, Fujiki?" Herald said, getting Yusaku and Kusanagi's attention. "Do you think Ai lying is justified?"
Yusaku thought about it for a minute, then said, "I can't blame him necessary for lying to me all this time about not being able to recall his memories. In a way, I understand why he did it. At the same time though, I wish he were honest with us. If he were, maybe..."
"Maybe what?" Roxy inquired.
"Maybe... I'm not sure." Yusaku finished, unable to fully finish his answer.
"Yusaku's not the best with sharing his emotions." Kusanagi explained. "It's something he's slowly learning. With due time, he may be able to express himself fully." He patted Yusaku on the back and chuckled.
"With what's happened, I guess the old phrase 'Time heals all wounds' applies here." Roxy agreed, seeing Kusanagi's point. "Anyways, what do you think Revolver's Duel Grade should be?"
"SS," Yusaku immediately said. "Revolver's deck has evolved since his last appearance. His willingness to do whatever it takes combined with his dueling skills have enabled him to defeat both Watchman and Go Onizuka mercilessly before our final duels. In addition, he was able to form an Extra Link using five Link 4 monsters."
"Okay, that's not good at all." Herald commented. "I believe that we should continue training and upgrading our decks if the Hanoi do show up again. With Infearno also being able to perform an Extra Link, only with three Link 3 monsters, it's better safe than sorry."
"Duly noted." Kusanagi stated, as Roxy typed this information down.
"You know, I just realized something." Roxy put a hand to her chin. "If Revolver defeated Watchman, and you defeated him in your Master Duel Fujiki, does that make you stronger than Watchman?"
Yusaku shrugged his shoulders. "The only way your question will be answered is if I dueled against him. If it weren't for Percival, I probably would have been able to duel him."
"Anything can happen, Fujiki." Herald reminded him, as Roxy typed some information down. "Just remember that."
"Okay, everyone! This is Revolver's newest profile!" Roxy announced, sharing it with Yusaku and Kusanagi, which looked like this:
Name: Ryoken Kogami (at last, we finally figure out Revolver's real-life ID!)
VRAINS ID: Revolver
Other aliases: Hanoi's Head Honcho (after what he demonstrated personally, he definitely deserves it).
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Residence: Unknown (likely to be with the other Hanoi at this point)
Job: Leader of the Knights of Hanoi, Hacker, Cyberse Killer, Cyberse Terrorist (after he lost against Playmaker, he vowed they'd meet again. In other words, he's not gonna stop anytime soon...)
Deck: Borrel/Rokket/Topologic (with a splash of Dark Dragon monsters)
Ace Monster(s): Topologic Bomber Dragon (a 3000 attack point Link 4 Cyberse Monster that he obtained from the Data Storm. And of all monsters, a 'Topologic' monster. Except by the Ignis, they can't be tamed, yet Revolver can control it due to his father's data material control program. Also, the ability to destroy all monsters in the Main Monster Zones and inflict effect damage during battle makes it deadly), Borreload Dragon (a 3000 attack point Link 4 Dragon monster Revolver used during his Master Duel against Yusaku. Not only can it not be targeted by monster effects, it can decrease any monsters attack and defense points by 500, which can't be responded to. It can even steal an opponent's monster for its master), Borrelsword Dragon (another 3000 Link 4 Dragon monster Revolver unleashed against Watchman, Go, and Playmaker during their duels. While its requirements are slightly more demanding, it has strong effects to back it up. First, it can't be destroyed by battle. Second, during either player's turn, it can change a monster's battle position and attack twice, which can't be responded to. In addition, after it makes its first attack, it gains attack points equal to half of the battling monster's, as well as cut the battling monster's attack points in half. You could say this monster is one of Borreload Dragon's brother in-arms), Topologic Gumblar Dragon (another Link 4 Cyberse monster that he obtained from the Data Storm. Its effects to make players discard their cards, protect other monsters from destruction by card effects, and inflict 3000 points of damage makes it ridiculously powerful. If Revolver keeps up obtaining more 'Topologic' monsters, it won't be a good sign for us Ignis, that's for sure. Gulp).
Skill: Storm Access (When his life points are 1000 or less, he can obtain a Cyberse Link Monster from a nearby data storm. The stronger and more violent the storm, the stronger the monster. You could say Revolver takes the term big risks equals big rewards to the next level.)
Revolver acquired Storm Access thanks to Dr. Kogami, who also gave him the ability to manipulate Data Material. As a result, it's merely a cheap imitation, with no chance of evolving (I wonder what the Wind Ignis would think of this).
LINK VRAINS' History: According to Yusaku, Revolver was 8 years old during the time of the Lost Incident. Unable to bear the screams he heard from the children day by day, he reported the Incident to the authorities, but not before he gave Yuhiro and Yusaku the 3 things ideology. Ironic that the one who saved the children turned into one of their biggest enemies. Fate sure has a funny way of doing things. Had he been brought up in a better family, he could have turned into a strong ally. (His actions got his father arrested and infected with a virus, not sure to say if he's happy of him getting justice this way).
He attacked Cyberse World 5 years ago, and would have succeeded had it not been for Ai disconnecting the world from the net and Watchman's warning. Until the Hanoi is dealt with, it's best that it remains hidden (stay safe, my friends). During Revolver and Playmaker's second Speed Duel, we learned that Ai had been lying about having lost his memories (can you honestly blame the poor guy after running for five years?). The fact of AI lying worries him which can be understandable if you see it from his perspective.
He believes that the digital world is fiction, and that real life is what matters. On some extent, he's right, but he doesn't have the right to decide that for others.
However, he does have some honor, as he kept his end of the bargain upon losing against Playmaker (but as I said, he will return).
Based on what Fujiki said, Revolver won't hesitate in erasing his comrades for failure or betrayal considering what happened to Baira and Dancho (Faust probably got erased for failure as well). He'll even erase anyone to stay quiet and under the radar. How the hell did he amass an army and an effective team of lieutenants? He surely doesn't have the charisma to do so.
Duel Grade: SS (Sick Skills) (Revolver's deck has evolved since his last appearance. His willingness to do whatever it takes combined with his dueling skills have enabled him to defeat both Watchman and Go Onizuka mercilessly before dueling against Playmaker. In addition, just like Infearno, Revolver was able to form an Extra Link, only with five Link 4 Monsters! Once he returns, he'll definitely have become stronger in order to defeat Yusaku. We must do the same if we're to survive for the future).
Notes: Revolver's Rokket deck focuses on literally punching a hole in the enemy's defenses through explosions, and they reload right after. Very few weaknesses since Borreload Dragon's effect can't be responded to. His deck also has a variety of Dark dragon monsters to aid him in Link Summoning, and they share a network theme too.
Based on Playmaker's Speed Duel against Revolver, he uses his Dark dragon monsters instead of his Rokkets likely because their effects aren't as effective (according to Yusaku, Revolver mentioned that a Master Duel lets both players unleash their full power.)
It turns out the reason he was able to wield 'Topologic' monsters so efficiently was because of Dr. Kogami's data material control program, combined with the personality of a ruthless apex-predator. After his father sacrificed himself, Revolver was able to obtain Topologic Gumblar Dragon (is he amassing an army of them at this point?) and use it to end the duel in a draw. Even after everything he's done, he still has honor, and the ironic thing is that Dr. Kogami truly cares for his own son.
Apparently, Revolver defeated Watchman as well, which is someone Raguel couldn't defeat. However, Playmaker defeated Revolver, so does that make him stronger than Watchman? Only a duel will determine that answer. Also, Watchman has a lot of explaining to do about keeping Dr. Kogami a secret.
Revolver prefers Master Duels to Speed Duels because it lets him use Link Monsters to the fullest, which is true to an extent.
"Gotta say, you did a great job." Kusanagi commented, as Roxy closed the profile.
"It's honestly no big deal." Roxy sheepishly replied. "I mean, it's good to have a record of how to beat your enemies, right?" Before she could continue, Kusanagi's watch beeped.
"Sorry," Kusanagi said. "I just remembered that I'm going to visit Jin now. Which means Yusaku will be manning the front of Café Nagi!"
"Congratulations on getting the job, Fujiki." Herald said.
"I need something to do after everything that's happened." Yusaku pointed out. After saying goodbye one more time, the screen showing Yusaku and Kusanagi disappeared.
"Man, to think our enemies are getting stronger." Roxy said, her arms on the back of her head. "You think you can make some cards for Yuhiro?"
"Hey! I'm not a battery, you know!" Herald stated. "Remember: There are certain restrictions I have to follow!"
"Hardy har har." Roxy replied, patting Herald's head. "I'm gonna see how Yuhiro's doing at the front. See if he needs any help. In the meanwhile, you're in charge of software surveillance."
"Ugh. Fine." Herald conceded, as Roxy got up and walked out of the backroom. He then turned back to the screen, a frown on his face. Based on today's profiles, our enemies are getting crafty, he thought. If we're to protect the people we care about, we'll also have to get stronger to. The question was: Where could Herald start?
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Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS Obscured Truth: Roxy's Reports 18: Rosetta (Updated) and Ace (Updated)
Author's Notes
Hi, everyone! I hope you enjoyed the updated profiles for Revolver and Specter. After Chapter 40 will be the updated profiles for Rosetta and Ace. Stay tuned!