Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories

by scififan599

10 years ago, 8 children were kidnapped. One of them was Yasutake Narahiko, who today works as Morningstar, a bounty hunter in LINK VRAINS hunting criminals and hackers for companies like SOL Technologies. One day, he fights the Knights of Hanoi and encounters Playmaker, who was involved in the same incident. Follow him as he must decide whether to be Playmaker's ally, or his enemy

61. Chapter 61:Opening Salvo

Responses to Reviews

Thank you to HunterHQ, Shrouded Absol, ZarcEternal, Noobmaster, Jason, GuestKingOfGuest, Anonymous, D3lph0xL0v3r, savagemaster1999, Ethan Kironus, SakushiRyu, Zero Shadow-01, Ambiguous, Gry24, and Guest for reviewing Chapter 60 of Hidden Memories.

HunterHQ: The video link was only between Café Junpei and Café Nagi; Yasutake, Cam, and Sachi could see Yusaku, Takeru, and Kusanagi, and the latter could see the former, but no one else could see anyone.

Guest: That approach wouldn't work either; when Jester erased Hellsworn's account, he also used a program to erase Hellsworn's memory of him and Ouroboros.

Ambiguous: I agree about the Knightmare Extra Link, but given it's a Speed Duel, an Extra Link would be almost impossible to pull of. Not Yuhiro; Yasutake. And Cypher didn't copy Ai's ability; what he did was analyze the program, break it apart, then put it back together with improvements. Internal attributes, like Flame's willpower and Aqua's truth-telling abilities are impossible for him to take apart.

I hope you all enjoy Chapter 61! I know I forgot to put up a new profile last time, but don't worry! I have a new one this time!

---

Chapter 61: Opening Salvo

In a black landscape, Morningstar and Zahhak stand back-to-back. The two walk away from each, Morningstar's eyes closed. His eyes then open and they both spin around, right arms raised. Their fists connect, generating a flash of light. When the light fades, Mirror LINK VRAINS is shown, with the title "Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories" overlaying it.

Yasutake, Sachi, and Masako are shown on one side of a picnic table, across from Yusaku, Takeru, and Aoi. Takeru talks animatedly and Masako laughs heartedly while the others lightly smile. At a nearby table, Cam and Emily are sitting and chatting with a standing Kusanagi, coffee and hotdogs in front of them. Back at the first table, Masako whispers in Sachi's ear while smirking, making the other girl blush as Yasutake and Aoi give her flat glares.

Kengo Dojun is standing in front of a grave that he places flowers on. Emma is off in the distance, holding her own flowers and watching with a frown. Yukaro is shown slumped over a hospital bed, his head in his hands and a wild look in his eyes. Akira is watching a monitor, his hands steepled and concern in his eyes. The monitor shows Go Onizuka strapped to a chair and performing an exercise. Hayami looks over Akira's shoulder nervously while Queen watches smugly in the background.

Takeshi and Katsumi appear standing outside an arcade, talking amicably with each other. Shizuka walks past them, listening to music on her headphones. She briefly stops and turns her head to look at them out of the corner of her eye, then turns and continues walking. At a nearby table, Kenshin, Ryoken, and Spectre are shown drinking coffee. Ryoken then smirks and raises his left hand. He snaps his fingers.

Morningstar and Playmaker appear, back-to-back, with Cyspirit Rapid Revolutionary and Decode Talker appearing behind them. They then spiral downward and are replaced by Cassiel and Soulburner, who have Cyseraph Blazing Uriel and Salamangreat Heatleo behind them. Heatleo fills the screen with orange flames, and when they dissipate, Blue Maiden and Lilith appear, Marincess Marbled Rock and Magical Musket Mastermind Ottokar behind them. They are then replaced by Galahad and Persephone, Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos and Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss behind them.

The screen cuts to the interior of a palace, where Bohman sits cross legged, his eyes closed. His eyes open and glow. Windy is then shown, wearing a cape and eyepatch, riding Stormridership Bahamut Bomber through Mirror LINK VRAINS. Far below him, in a field of flowers, Jin Kusanagi stands with Lightning as the Ignis raises his hand, a legion of Armatos Legio Centurions and Decurions forming behind him, with Armatos Legio Magnus Dux in the center. The screen pans to show Diana and Goldie across from the Light Ignis. The duo sweeps their right arms to the side as VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera appears and roars.

Techbane and Sylphid are shown back-to-back in shadows, their heads lowered. Techbane raises his head to face Merlin, while Sylphid raises hers to face Thaumiel, anger in her expression. Galahad appears riding his D-Board and plays a card. Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos appears behind him. The screen changes to Go Onizuka with Dinowrestler King T Wrextle next to him. Soldier of Chaos's blade then meets King T Wrextle's fist, making sparks fly. Galahad's and Go's faces are shown over the monsters, with Galahad shouting while Go's face remains blank.

Spectre appears and smirks, Sunavalon Dryanome growing behind him and two Sunvine Thrashers on either side. Terminus takes his place, Subterror Behemoth Fiendess and Subterror Behemoth Hydrossuary appearing behind him. The two monsters breathe blue flames and envelop the screen. When the flames dissipate, Revolver appears, Borreload Savage Dragon, Borreload Furious Dragon, and Borreload eXcharge Dragon behind him. The dragons roar and then glow with green, purple, and yellow energy.

A chain whips across the screen, before pulling back and reattaching the scythe top to its handle. Cydevil Prideful Helel swings its scythe down and connects with Cyspirit Savage Shogun's sword. Sparks fly as Morningstar and Zahhak are revealed on their D-Boards, facing each other with Morningstar's face set in a grimace. The screen changes to Cassiel, Cyseraph Guardian Michael with her, facing off against Merlin, who is supported by Witchcrafter Haine and Witchcrafter Golem Aruru.

Lilith and Terminus are then shown, back-to-back, their hands raised. They bring their hands down, and Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar and Subterror Behemoth Fiendess appear and shoot blasts of energy and fire. The blasts impact, but when the smoke fades, Jester is shown unharmed. His mask then breaks, his face splitting into a sadistic grin as his Infinity Transformation takes hold. He raises his own arm as Life Force Trihexa forms behind him and roars.

Morningstar and Zahhak face off against each other in a field of flowers. The former raises his arm as Cyspirits Savage Shogun, Cosmic Crusader, and Martial Mameluke materialize behind him. The three Cyspirits then merge and form Cyspirit Superior Seraphim, who faces off against a massive twelve-winged figure wrapped in shadows.

Yasutake is then shown with Sachi, the two on a hill of grass and the former sleeping with his head in the latter's lap, a pine tree in the background. Sachi looks down on Yasutake's face, a loving smile on her face. Yasutake opens his eyes and both look upwards as the screen jumps to the sky and sun.

---

The time had come. All their work and effort was finally about to pay off. They had finished the modifications to the Tower of Hanoi, and all their preparations had been completed. Now they just had to turn the Tower on, find Lightning and Ouroboros, and defeat them once and for all.

There was just one small complication…

"What are you doing here?" Morningstar growled, his posture radiating hostility. Behind him, Cassiel, Lilith, and Blue Maiden had adopted similar glares. The target of their hatred stood to Revolver's right side and partially behind Terminus.

Rather than be intimidated by their anger, Spectre only smiled in amusement. Despite him being the target of the question, Revolver was the one who answered.

"While we know which of our enemies will be there, we don't know who they will have assisting them. After Terminus and myself, Spectre is the strongest Knight of Hanoi. His skills will be necessary when we attack the Light Ignis."

"That doesn't encourage any of us," Lilith muttered, glaring at the man. She hadn't forgotten what he had done to her during the Tower of Hanoi. Judging by her gaze, neither had Blue Maiden.

"I understand some of you have good reason to be displeased with this arrangement," Terminus said. "But do not forget the most important enemy here; for now, we must set aside past grievances if the Light Ignis and Ouroboros are to be found and eliminated."

"…Alright," Morningstar said softly. "But I'll be keeping an eye out."

"Be careful, Morningstar," Spectre said amusedly. "If you keep your eye out too long, it might get poked."

"Enough," Revolver interrupted. "We don't have time for this." He snapped his fingers and made a portal open. He walked towards it while Spectre and Terminus followed him, along with the trapped Frog and Pigeon. Playmaker and Soulburner stepped in next, followed by Morningstar, Cassiel and Blue Maiden. Persephone and Lilith took up the rear. The ten duelists entered the old LINK VRAINS.

"I forgot to ask," Morningstar said, glancing back at Blue Maiden. "Where's Ghost Girl? Is she not coming with us?"

Blue Maiden shook her head. "She's gone to LINK VRAINS."

"To LINK VRAINS?" Playmaker repeated.

"Just in case. If something happens to LINK VRAINS, she'll deal with it. And she can also talk to my brother."

Cassiel frowned. "That actually reminds me; were you able to ask your brother about Techbane?"

Blue Maiden frowned. "I did. I told him about Ouroboros and that they had hired Techbane. He sent some people to Techbane's hotel room but found he had checked out some time ago. And when he tried contacting him by phone or email, he was redirected."

"Ouroboros is covering their tracks," Revolver said, picking up on their conversation. "It wouldn't surprise me if they had a spy in SOL Technologies to alert them if SOL discovered something."

"That aside, what about the other Knights of Hanoi?" Flame wondered. "There are three more, are there not?"

"There are," Spectre confirmed. "But Baira, Faust, and Genome are staying behind. We'll need backup from the outside."

Backup beyond Cam and Kusanagi, Morningstar thought with a frown. Cam had told him that there would be a period of time when he couldn't support them, but he hadn't explained why. All he said was that someone had asked him for his help.

Revolver stopped in front of the Tower. "We're ready." Everyone except Spectre and Terminus glanced up at the Tower and made sounds of affirmation. Revolver, Playmaker, Morningstar, Blue Maiden, and Lilith formed a circle and raised their hands while Persephone, Cassiel, Soulburner, Terminus, and Spectre stepped back. A red circle appeared beneath them before shrinking into a stylized red pentagram between them.

"Activate scan program!" Revolver declared.

The pentagram lit up and red lightning shot upwards. The lightning traveled up the lopsided Tower, and upon reaching the top, dispersed in a wave across the old LINK VRAINS. The world shook as the Tower righted itself and turned blue. Six expanding rings formed around the Tower as energy traveled up and down. Blue lightning shot off of the top as the rings kept expanding.

"Prepare for impact!" Revolver warned. "Anti-glare protection!" Revolver's visor darkened while a dark blue sphere formed around the other nine humans. "Fire!" The rings contracted into six blue lights on the Tower before a beam of light shot upwards.

As the Tower's scan worked, Revolver opened a window into LINK VRAINS. The ten humans and four Ignis watched as the buildings at Central Station flickered.

Lilith blinked. "What-?"

"What is that?" Cassiel wondered.

The buildings seemed to elongate before splitting in two.

"It's a mirror world," Ai reported. "A duplicate of LINK VRAINS."

"It was entirely hidden by LINK VRAINS' data," Revolver said.

"No wonder we could not find the Light Ignis," Terminus said with a frown.

"It used LINK VRAINS to mask its own world," Spectre said, begrudgingly impressed.

"That's where Lightning is!" Playmaker said.

---

Inside that same mirror world, two individuals stood on a balcony and watched the scan.

"Hey, isn't this…"

"They've discovered the existence of Mirror LINK VRAINS," Lightning confirmed. Windy stood next to him on Echo's shoulder. "A little bit quicker than I expected. Bohman's operation hasn't been completed yet." Perhaps that was his fault; Jormungand had offered upgrades to speed up Bohman's progress but Lightning had refused them. He did not want the Divine Ignis to taint Bohman. Not like that Enforcer had tainted Haru.

"It's fine," Windy said confidently. "Let's strike back without relying on his help." His visible eye narrowed. "I'll get revenge for these scars!"

Standing behind them and leaning against the wall, Zahhak pressed a button on his Duel Disk. "It's time," he said. "They are coming."

---

"Let's begin the party," Revolver said. He, Playmaker, Blue Maiden, Soulburner, Spectre, Terminus, Morningstar, Cassiel, Lilith, and Persephone stood on an island while LINK VRAINS and Mirror LINK VRAINS were spread out before them, separated by a band of visible light. "Let's go to Mirror LINK VRAINS."

Everyone except Revolver, Spectre, and Terminus leapt onto their D-Boards and headed towards the band of light.

"We're going too," Revolver said, turning to the sphere that held Frog and Pigeon.

"Boss, they're leaving us behind!" Pigeon said.

"Revolver! Take us with you!" Frog requested.

"What? Seriously?" Pigeon asked in shock.

"You fool! Our backs are against the wall!"

"You're right," Pigeon admitted, visibly deflating.

"Please, Revolver!" Frog begged.

"Since you can't defend yourselves, it's too dangerous," Revolver warned them.

"You will likely be captured by the Light Ignis," Terminus added. "It will not be merciful."

"We don't care!" Frog countered. "We're journalist outcasts!"

"That's right!" Pigeon agreed. "If we don't get a scoop, we can't pay back our debts!"

"Don't talk about that!"

Revolver closed his eyes and smiled. "Fine. Report our final battle to the world." Terminus frowned but didn't disagree. Spectre took the orb holding the two journalists and then the three Knights of Hanoi entered the band of light, following their seven comrades.

---

The ten duelists rode their D-Boards through the gate, with Playmaker and Morningstar in the lead and the Knights of Hanoi in the rear. They all sped along, though Blue Maiden found herself hit by a burst of turbulence. Her D-Board wobbled, but Playmaker grabbed her arm.

"Blue Maiden!"

The girl's D-Board stabilized and she smiled. "Thank you, Playmaker."

"Be careful," the hacker warned. "If you leave the path and enter the turbulence, who knows where you'll end up."

"This place will probably be like the Tower of Hanoi," Terminus warned them. "If you lose, your consciousness data will be absorbed."

"And unlike before with Galahad, I don't have any ejection programs," Morningstar told them.

"So be careful, everyone," Cassiel urged.

"There's the exit!" Ai announced. Everyone looked ahead to see a door of light.

"Let's go!" Playmaker said.

"This foolish war ends today!" Revolver declared.

"There are many enemies ahead of us!" Morningstar said. "Lightning, Windy, Bohman; Zahhak, Jester, Merlin, Techbane…"

"But we'll find them!" Cypher declared. "We'll find them and defeat them!"

The ten D-Boards exited the gate and finally reached their destination. Everyone gasped at what they saw.

"This is Mirror LINK VRAINS," Playmaker noted. The mirror world looked almost the same as LINK VRAINS itself. The only differences were the red sky and violet lights.

"They're somewhere around here," Ai said.

"I'll let you out here," Spectre said to Frog and Pigeon. "I don't know what'll happen, but you knew the risks. Go wherever you like." He thrust out his hand and sent their sphere away. Said sphere broke apart, restoring them to their original size and making them fall. Fortunately, Pigeon managed to catch Frog and the duo flew away.

"Is LINK VRAINS okay?" Blue Maiden wondered.

Playmaker pressed a button on his Duel Disk. "What's the status of LINK VRAINS?" he asked.

"The whole world is uneasy," Kusanagi told him.

"Uneasy is underselling it," Cam said. While he would be leaving shortly, he could help them for a bit. "All of LINK VRAINS is glitching out. Everyone's panicking and confused, demanding answers from SOL. I imagine Zaizen will be heading into LINK VRAINS itself to assess the situation directly."

"If something happens over there, let us know," Morningstar requested.

"Will do," Cam said.

"Be careful, everyone," Kusanagi urged.

"Invaders detected!"

Everyone looked ahead to see a swarm of red-and-blue suited men floating in front of them.

"We will eliminate you!"

"BitBoot," Cypher said.

"They've showed up," Ai said.

"The AI duelists from before?" Persephone wondered aloud.

"Let's deal with them!" Playmaker said. The ten duelists split off, each taking their own opponent.

"Speed Duel!"

Playmaker: 4000 LP

BitBoot: 4000 LP

"We'll take the first turn!" BitBoot announced. "We Normal Summon D-Scale Saber Sardine!" A blue and gray metal fish appeared.

D-Scale Saber Sardine ATK 600 DEF 300 LVL: 2

"Saber Sardine's effect activates! We pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon a D-Scale Token!" A blue and green orb appeared in Defense Position.

BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP

D-Scale Token ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Appear, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'D-Scale' monsters. We set D-Scale Token and Saber Sardine in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! D-Scale Battle Coela!" A big-jawed maroon and green metal fish appeared at the right Extra Monster Zone.

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←↓

"These guys really play the same strategy every time, don't they?" Ai deadpanned.

"We activate the Equip Spell Card: D-Scale Torpedo and equip it to Battle Coela!" Black cannons attached themselves to the fish's back. "Battle Coela's effect activates! Once per turn, we can move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to!" The mechanical fish moved backwards to BitBoot's right Main Monster Zone.

"I activate my Skill!" Bit declared. "Marker's Portal! As my Life Points are 4000 or lower, I can activate a Link Spell Card from my Deck! Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who blocks our way! The Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell Card formed at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"A Link Spell appeared," Ai reported in a bored voice.

"I see it," Playmaker said.

"If Battle Coela battles your monster while it is linked to Judgment Arrows, its attack points are doubled. And since Judgment Arrows was activated via Marker's Portal, its effects cannot be negated nor can it be destroyed by your card effects. Battle Coela's effect activates! Once per turn, we can move it to a Main Monster Zone a card linked to it points to. We move Battle Coela to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker."

BitBoot gestured to their field. "We activate the effect of D-Scale Torpedo! For each time the equipped Battle Coela moved this turn, you take 800 points of damage!" The cannons fired two missiles that struck Playmaker and made him wince.

Playmaker: 4000→2400 LP

"We Set two cards. We end our turn."

"These guys don't really get much smarter like Bohman does, huh?" Ai commented. "Though they gave Blue Maiden some trouble before, so they might have gotten stronger."

"Whether they are stronger than they were or not, it would not do to be overconfident," Playmaker chided his partner. "My turn! Draw! I summon Widget Kid!" A small boy in a jumpsuit and vest appeared and pointed a toy blaster at BitBoot.

Widget Kid ATK 1500 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Widget Kid's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Cyberse monster from my hand in Defense Position. Come, Stack Reviver!" A white machine with two claw hands and data disks installed in its sides appeared.

Stack Reviver ATK 100 DEF 600 LVL: 2

"As I control a Cyberse monster, I Special Summon Backup Secretary!" A woman in a violet dress and silver armor appeared in Attack Position.

Backup Secretary ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Level 2 or higher Cyberse monsters. I set Stack Reviver and Widget Kid in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the left and top arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Update Jammer!" A blue-haired short man wearing a trench coat, a rebreather, and a metal backpack emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Update Jammer ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↑

"Stack Reviver's effect activates! As it was used to Link Summon, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster that was also used for that Link Summon in Defense Position. Resurrect, Widget Kid!" The boy reappeared.

Widget Kid ATK 1500 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Widget Kid and Link-2 Update Jammer in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the top, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Transcode Talker!" A mechanical warrior in orange armor emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Transcode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓→

"Since Update Jammer was used to Link Summon Transcode Talker, it can attack twice this turn. Transcode Talker's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker. Resurrect, Update Jammer!" The boy in a trench coat reappeared at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Marker.

Update Jammer ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↑

"Transcode Talker's effect! While it is co-linked, itself and monsters it is co-linked with gain 500 attack points and cannot be targeted by your card effects!"

Transcode Talker ATK 2300→2800

Update Jammer ATK 2000→2500

"I Special Summon Link Infra-Flier to Update Jammer's Link Marker!" A blue and gray mechanical kite appeared at Update Jammer's left Link Marker in Defense Position.

Link Infra-Flier ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 2

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Backup Secretary, Link Infra-Flier, and Link-2 Update Jammer in the Link Markers!" Playmaker's monsters entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Firewall Dragon!" A large blue and white mechanical dragon emerged from the portal and roared at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Marker.

Firewall Dragon ATK 2500→3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"Firewall Dragon?" BitBoot gasped.

"Since Update Jammer was used to Link Summon Firewall Dragon, it can attack twice this turn as well!" Playmaker gestured to his field. "Firewall Dragon's effect activates! I can return monsters from the field or Graveyard to the owners' hands, up to the number of monsters co-linked to Firewall Dragon. Firewall Dragon is co-linked to Transcode Talker, so I'll return Battle Coela to your Extra Deck! Emergency Escape!"

"Bye bye!" Ai waved. Firewall Dragon shot blue lightning from the circle embedded in its head.

BitBoot grit their teeth. "Trap activate! D-Scale Judgment!" The card showed Battle Coela over the seabed, three red arrows embedded in the dirt around it. "Until the end of the turn, one 'D-Scale' monster I control loses 600 attack points and is unaffected by your card effects!" Battle Coela glowed. The blue lightning danced over it, but it was unaffected.

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1800→1200

"Drat!" Ai snapped his fingers. Then he perked up. "But that monster is weakened, so we can destroy it even with Judgment Arrows on the field!"

"They wouldn't have used a card like that unless they were certain they could survive the turn," Playmaker postulated. "I Set one card. Battle! Transcode Talker attacks Battle Coela!"

"Judgment Arrows' effect! Battle Coela's attack points are doubled!"

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1200→2400

"Go! Trans Fault!" A rifle popped out of Transcode Talker's arm, which it grabbed with its right hand. The monster aimed the rifle and fired a beam of orange energy that pierced Battle Coela. The mechanical fish exploded and made BitBoot fizzle.

BitBoot: 4000→3600 LP

"Transcode Talker's second attack! Transcode Talker attacks you directly! Trans Fault!" The monster fired another orange beam, this time at BitBoot.

The AI pair smirked and gestured to their field. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: D-Scale Tide!" The card showed a massive tidal wave with Piercing Saury, Saber Sardine, and Plated Albacore swimming in said wave. "When you attack me directly, I can negate that attack!" The beam fizzled out. "Then, I can Special Summon three D-Scale Tokens!" Three more blue and green orbs appeared on BitBoot's field in Defense Position.

D-Scale Token ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1 x 3

"Hey!" Ai complained. "You're ripping off our card! That's the same effect as Spool Code!"

"There are many cards with similar effects," Bit deflected.

"It is not surprising that we would have a card like that," Boot added.

"No! There's a difference between cards with similar effects and blatant rip-offs!"

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "Since Firewall Dragon was also Link Summoned using Update Jammer, it can attack twice per turn as well! Firewall Dragon attacks two D-Scale Tokens! Tempest Attack!" The blue on the dragon's body turned red and its wings changed into eight segments that formed a red energy circle. The dragon fired red energy that tore through two tokens, leaving only one. "I end my turn."

"Our turn! Draw! We summon D-Scale Piercing Saury!" A blue and gray metal fish with a yellow energy blade at its front appeared.

D-Scale Piercing Saury ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"We activate the effect of D-Scale Judgment in our Graveyard! By banishing it, we can add a 'D-Scale' monster from our Graveyard to our hand. We add Saber Sardine to our hand. Piercing Saury's effect activates! By discarding Saber Sardine, we can Special Summon a 'D-Scale' monster from our Graveyard with its attack points halved. Resurrect, Battle Coela!" The larger metal fish reappeared at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1800→900 LINK-2 ←↓

"Appear, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Piercing Saury, D-Scale Token, and Link-2 Battle Coela in the Link Markers!" Their monsters entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. "Appear! Link-4! D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon!" A massive metal shark covered in silver, black, and forest green armor emerged from the portal and roared from Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"Ah! The big fish is here!" Ai said in a panic. Playmaker narrowed his eyes.

"While Fullarmor Megalodon is co-linked, it can attack all monsters you control once each!" BitBoot said. "And while it has an effect that activates when Link Summoned, it requires you to have a card in your hand, and you do not! Battle! Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Transcode Talker! At this point, Judgment Arrows' effect doubles Fullarmor Megalodon's attack points!"

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000→6000

The shark opened its mouth and fired a beam of energy at the armored warrior. Playmaker gestured to his field. "Trap activate! Firewall Shield! When your monster declares an attack, I can halve my Life Points to take no damage!" The laser hit Transcode Talker, making the monster explode, but the smoke parted around Playmaker, not touching him.

Playmaker: 2400→1200 LP

Firewall Dragon ATK 3000→2500

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 6000→3000

"Firewall Shield's effect then lets me add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Rescue Interlacer to my hand."

"Fullarmor Megalodon can still attack your other monster!" BitBoot reminded him. "We attack Firewall Dragon!" The monster shot out another beam of energy. "Judgment Arrows' effect!"

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000→6000

"I activate the effect of Rescue Interlacer in my hand!" Playmaker declared. "If your monster attacks my Attack Position Cyberse monster, I can discard Rescue Interlacer to take no damage!" The beam struck and Firewall Dragon exploded, but Playmaker flew through the smoke unharmed.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 6000→3000

BitBoot grit their teeth. "Crafty human… We end our turn."

"During the End Phase, as Rescue Interlacer was discarded for its effect, I can Special Summon it from my Graveyard!" A red and white mechanical humanoid appeared in Defense Position.

Rescue Interlacer ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"My turn! Draw! I summon Balancer Lord!" A warrior in white armor wielding a sword and shield appeared.

Balancer Lord ATK 1700 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters. I set Balancer Lord and Rescue Interlacer in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Code Talker!" A humanoid warrior in gray armor armed with a massive sword in its right hand emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Code Talker ATK 1300 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Ai, do it!"

"Right!" Ai said. "Our Life Points are above 1000, so Neo Storm Access is impossible! But this isn't! Execute program! Skill Switch!"

BitBoot gasped. "Skill Switch?"

"I change my Skill from Neo Storm Access to a new Skill!" Playmaker declared. A screen popped up and he pressed a tombstone icon. The line on his suit lit up. "I activate my Skill! Phantom Link! By banishing monsters from my Graveyard, I can Link Summon a Link Monster from the Graveyard! I banish Backup Secretary, Widget Kid, and Link-2 Update Jammer to Link Summon!"

The Link portal appeared, only with violet edges and a magic circle in the center. The monsters Playmaker mentioned appeared and turned into whirlwinds that entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. A pillar of violet light shot out of the portal. "Phantom Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Firewall Dragon!" The pillar dissipated, revealing the blue and white mechanical dragon that roared from Code Talker's bottom Link Marker.

Firewall Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"Code Talker's effect! It gains 500 attack points for each monster linked to it!"

Code Talker ATK 1300→1800

"Firewall Dragon's effect activates! I return Fullarmor Megalodon to your Extra Deck! Emergency Escape!" Blue lightning shot out of the dragon's head and struck the metal shark, making it disintegrate. "Battle! Code Talker attacks you directly!"

The warrior leapt into the air and brought his sword down on the combined AI, knocking them off their D-Board.

BitBoot: 3600→1800 LP

"Firewall Dragon attacks you directly! Tempest Attack!" The dragon's body turned red as it released a beam of red energy. The beam overwhelmed BitBoot, who screamed as he disintegrated.

BitBoot: 1800→0 LP

"And don't come back!" Ai shouted. He turned to his partner. "He's going to come back, isn't he?"

"Probably."

"Damn!"

---

"Speed Duel!"

Soulburner: 4000 LP

BitBoot: 4000 LP

"The first turn is ours!" BitBoot declared. "We summon D-Scale Saber Sardine!"

D-Scale Saber Sardine ATK 600 DEF 300 LVL: 2

"Saber Sardine's effect activates! We pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon a D-Scale Token in Defense Position!"

BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP

D-Scale Token ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Appear, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Saber Sardine and D-Scale Token in the Link Markers!" Their monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! D-Scale Battle Coela!" A large maroon and green mechanical fish emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←↓

"We activate the Equip Spell Card: D-Scale Torpedo and equip it to Battle Coela!" Black cannons formed on Battle Coela's back. "Battle Coela's effect activates! Once per turn, we move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to!" Battle Coela moved from the Extra Monster Zone to the right Main Monster Zone.

"I activate my Skill!" Bit declared. "Marker's Portal! Once per Duel, when our Life Points are 4000 or less, we can activate a Link Spell Card from our Deck. Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who blocks our way! The Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" In a flash of light, the Link Spell materialized at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"When a Link Monster linked to Judgment Arrows battles, its attack points are doubled. Battle Coela's effect activates! Once per turn, I can move it to a Main Monster Zone a card linked to it points to. I move Battle Coela to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker. D-Scale Torpedo's effect! Once per turn, you take 800 points of damage for each time Battle Coela moved! It moved twice, so you take 1600 points of damage!" The cannons fired two missiles at Soulburner, who grunted from the impact and explosion.

Soulburner: 4000→2400 LP

Soulburner grit his teeth. "These guys are pulling the same moves they did before."

"An effective combo," Flame praised. "But it does make them predictable."

"Is that so? Then let us see you handle this! Since Soulburner took effect damage, we can Special Summon D-Scale Plated Albacore from our hand in Attack Position!" A blue metal fish with a long and thin body appeared.

D-Scale Plated Albacore ATK 1600 DEF 1300 LVL: 5

"Appear again, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Plated Albacore and Link-2 Battle Coela in the Link Markers!" Their monsters entered the left, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus!" A six-finned metal fish covered in black and red armor emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

Soulburner grit his teeth. "Cassiel and Blue Maiden told us about this monster."

"They did," Flame confirmed. "It cannot be destroyed by card effects, and since Plated Albacore was used to Link Summon it, it cannot be destroyed by battle either."

"The information shared by your fellow humans is correct."

"No matter what you do, Platemail Nacanthus will survive it. We Set one card. We end our turn."

"If Platemail Nacanthus will survive, then we'll just have to take the fight to them directly!" Soulburner said. "My turn! Draw! I summon Salamangreat Spinny!" A black and orange metal armadillo covered in flames appeared.

Salamangreat Spinny ATK 1000 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit that changes the future! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Spinny in the Link Marker!" His monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Salamangreat Balelynx!" An armored cat with its tail on fire emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Balelynx ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"Balelynx's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can add Salamangreat Sanctuary from my Deck to my hand. And since a 'Salamangreat' monster was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Gazelle!" A white-and-black metal gazelle with flames on its back appeared in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Gazelle ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Gazelle's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can send a 'Salamangreat' card from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Salamangreat Wolvie to the Graveyard." Soulburner raised his hand. "Appear again, the circuit that changes the future! The summoning conditions are two Fire Effect Monsters. I set Gazelle and Balelynx in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Sualamangreat Sunlight Wolf!" A green and white mechanical wolf that stood on its hind legs emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone, much of is upper body on fire.

Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Since I performed a Link Summon this turn, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Mole!" An armored mole with flaming front paws appeared at Sunlight Wolf's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position.

Salamangreat Mole ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Sunlight Wolf's effect activates! When a monster is Special Summoned to its Link Marker, I can add a Fire monster from my Graveyard to my hand, but I cannot Normal Summon, Set, or Special Summon any monsters with that monster's name. I add Salamangreat Wolvie to my hand. And then, since Wolvie was added to my hand from the Graveyard, I can add a card in my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Salamangreat Gazelle to my hand."

Soulburner raised his hand again. "For a third time, the circuit that changes the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Fire Effect Monsters. I set Mole and Link-2 Sunlight Wolf in the Link Markers!" Soulburner's monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Salamangreat Heatleo!" A large anthropomorphic lion with wings and covered in orange armor emerged from the portal and roared from the right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Heatleo's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, one card in your Spell & Trap Zone is returned to your Deck! I return Judgment Arrows to your Deck! Resounding Roar!" Heatleo roared and the soundwaves blasted the Link Spell Card off the field.

"Since Judgment Arrows left the field, our monsters that were linked to it would be destroyed."

"But Platemail Nacanthus cannot be destroyed by card effects, so it remains on the field."

"I remember," Soulburner said. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Salamangreat Sanctuary! With this-."

"We think not!" BitBoot interrupted. "Counter Trap activate! D-Scale Trench!" The card showed an ocean trench lined by rocks and plants, with Fullmetal Dunkle swimming through it, flanked by Piercing Sauries and Razor Remoras. "The activation of your Spell or Trap Card is negated and your card is destroyed!" Soulburner gasped as his Field Spell Card disintegrated. "Furthermore, you cannot activate cards with the same name as that card until the 2nd Standby Phase after D-Scale Trench's activation!"

Soulburner grit his teeth. "It looks like they are trying to shut down our Reincarnation Link Summon," Flame said.

"Exactly," Bit confirmed.

"Reincarnation Link Summoning is a powerful weapon," Boot said. "But you cannot perform it without Salamangreat Sanctuary. Without it, your Heatleo is powerless!"

Soulburner smirked. "Are you sure about that? Who said Salamangreat Sanctuary was my only means of Reincarnation Link Summoning?" He took a card from his hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Salamangreat Transcendence! I can use a 'Salamangreat' Link Monster I control to Link Summon a 'Salamangreat' Link Monster with the same name!"

"What?" Bit gasped.

"Reincarnation Link Summoning with a Quick-Play Spell?"

Heatleo burst into flames and entered a magic circle that appeared in the sky. The circle exploded with fire. "Surging flame, awaken Heatleo's true strength with the power of purification! Reincarnation Link Summon! Resurrect, the king of beasts that runs through the fire prairie! Salamangreat Heatleo!" The monster erupted from the circle at the right Extra Monster Zone, fire forming a mane around its neck and its wings similarly alight.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Heatleo's effect activates! Since it was Reincarnation Link Summoned, I can target a monster on the field and a monster in my Graveyard. Until the end of the turn, the attack points of the monster on the field becomes the attack points of the monster in the Graveyard. I target Platemil Nacanthus on your field and Salamangreat Mole in my Graveyard! Flame Possession!" Heatleo let loose a blast of flames that struck the metal fish, making it groan.

D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus ATK 2600→0

"Battle! Heatleo attacks Platemail Nacanthus! Heat Soul!" Heatleo charged forward, its claws catching on fire.

"Since Platemail Nacanthus was Link Summoned using Plated Albacore, it cannot be destroyed by battle!"

"But you will still take damage!"

The claw came down on the monster's head and produced a shockwave. The monster survived, but BitBoot fizzled from the force of the blow.

BitBoot: 4000→1700 LP

"I end my turn. During the End Phase, Platemail Nacanthus's attack points return to normal."

D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus ATK 0→2600

"Our turn! Draw!" BitBoot gestured to their field. "I activate my Skill! Marker's Portal!" Boot declared. "As my Life Points are 4000 or less, I can activate a Link Spell Card from my Deck. Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who blocks our way! The Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell formed at Platemail Nacanthus's bottom Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

Soulburner scowled. "I still say it's cheating that they can do that."

"Cheating or not, it doesn't change the fact that the Link Spell Card is back," Flame pointed out.

"Marker's Portal prevents Judgment Arrows' effects from being negated and also prevents it from being destroyed by your card effects. We summon D-Scale Piercing Saury!"

D-Scale Piercing Saury ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"Appear, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Piercing Saury and Link-3 Platemail Nacanthus in the Link Markers!" Their monsters entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon!" A massive metal shark with silver, black, and green armor emerged from the portal. It roared and its red eyes shone from Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"Blue Maiden warned us about this monster," Flame said.

"Yeah, its effects are annoying," Soulburner said.

"Fullarmor Megalodon's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can look at your hand and send a card to the Graveyard. If that card is a Monster Card, you take damage equal to its Level times 200." Three cards appeared in front of BitBoot. "We send the Level 4 Salamangreat Wolvie to the Graveyard!" Fullarmor Megalodon opened its mouth and fired a beam of green light at Soulburner, who grunted in pain.

Soulburner: 2400→1600 LP

"Battle! Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Heatleo!" The shark's mouth opened again and it fired a beam at Soulburner's Link Monster.

Soulburner smirked. "Flame! It's time!"

"Right! Execute program! Skill Switch!"

"What? Skill Switch?"

"I can change my Skill to another Skill!" Soulburner declared. A screen popped up and he pressed an icon of a lion with a mane of fire. "I activate my Skill! Ascension of Fire! I can perform a Reincarnation Link Summon using a monster I control!" Heatleo exploded with fire that washed across the field and made BitBoot cover their eyes. "Surging flame, awaken Heatleo's true strength with the power of purification! Reincarnation Link Summon! Be reborn, Salamangreat Heatleo!" The flames dissipated, revealing Heatleo with fire around its neck and encasing its wings in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Reincarnation Link Summoning during our turn?"

"He has grown much stronger since our last encounter."

"Heatleo's effect activates! I return a card in your Spell & Trap Zone to your Deck! Resounding Roar!" Heatleo roared, and the soundwaves blasted Judgment Arrows off of BitBoot's field.

"Since Judgment Arrows left the field, monsters linked to it are destroyed."

"But Fullarmor Megalodon cannot be destroyed by card effects, so it remains on the field."

BitBoot pointed to their field. "But this changes nothing! Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Heatleo!" The shark fired a beam of energy at the other Link Monster.

"If my 'Salamangreat' monster would be destroyed, I can banish Balelynx from my Graveyard instead!" A red barrier formed around Heatleo. The laser impacted it, but the barrier held.

"Your monster might survive, but you will take damage!" Soulburner grunted as fragments of the laser hit him.

Soulburner: 1600→900 LP

"We end our turn."

"Then it's time to finish this. My turn! Draw!"

"We activate the effect of D-Scale Trench in our Graveyard!" BitBoot interjected. "By banishing it, one 'D-Scale' monster is unaffected by your card effects for the rest of the turn!" A sheen of silver energy covered Fullarmor Megalodon.

"That means we can't use the Reincarnation Link Summoned Heatleo's effect to reduce Fullarmor Megalodon's attack points," Flame surmised.

"Even so, we've come too far to be denied!" Soulburner declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Fusion of Fire! I Fusion Summon a 'Salamangreat' Fusion Monster using monsters from my hand and either field as material! I fuse Heatleo on my field with Salamangreat Gazelle in my hand!" The white-and-black gazelle reappeared before erupting into blue flames. Heatleo burst into red flames before spiraling into the air, merging with the blue flames. "Appear! The origin of a crazy soul! The magical beast whose flesh gathers the weapons of evil beasts! Fusion Summon! Salamangreat Violet Chimera!" The flames dissipated to reveal a violet lion humanoid monster with six wings on its sides that emitted blue flames. Its left arm ended in a claw while its right ended in a lance. The monster roared from the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Fusion Summon?!"

"Violet Chimera's effect activates! Until the end of the turn, it gains attack points equal to half the combined attack points of Gazelle and Heatleo! Heatleo gains 1900 attack points!"

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800→4700

"4700 attack points?!"

"Fullarmor Megalodon has 3000 attack points!"

"That means-!"

"This is the end!" Soulburner declared. "Battle! Violet Chimera attacks Fullarmor Megalodon! Violet Soul!" The violet lion breathed blue flames that tore a hole through the massive shark. The Link Monster exploded, the shockwave knocking BitBoot off of their D-Board with a scream.

BitBoot: 1700→0 LP

"Fighting these guys is starting to get tedious," Soulburner said.

"Agreed," Flame said. "We should hurry and defeat the rest."

---

Lightning and Jin stood in his palace's throne room and observed the duels through a spherical monitor.

"It seems your upgrades weren't as powerful as you thought they were," Lightning observed, turning to look at Jester, who stood next to him. "They are tearing Bit and Boot apart."

"This speaks more for how strong all of them have become than it does for the quality of our programs," Jester deflected. "Besides, did you expect Bit and Boot to win against any of them?"

"No," Lightning admitted. "But Bohman needs more time; Bit and Boot aren't slowing them down enough."

"Then it's a good thing we decided to send them some help."

---

"Sunvine Thrasher attacks you directly!" A blue humanoid monster brought his curved sword down and knocked BitBoot off their D-Board.

BitBoot: 1300→0 LP

Spectre shook his head in pity. "Does the Light Ignis really expect such weaklings to stop us?" He perked up as he noticed a D-Board speed towards him. "Oh?"

"Target identified. Designation: Spectre of the Knights of Hanoi. Begin elimination."

Spectre narrowed his eyes at the armored man with a visor and brown spiky hair. "You are… Yoroizaka, yes? One of SOL's bounty hunters. Well, it seems we now know why you disappeared. And Persephone told us about what happened to Nebula, so this was expected." He smirked. "It seems now that we've cleared out the AI, Ouroboros is throwing puppets at us. Very well. I hope you won't mind if I cut your strings."

"Speed Duel!" "Speed Duel."

Spectre: 4000 LP

Yoroizaka: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn," Spectre said. "I summon Sunseed Genius Loci." A golden statue holding a brown seed appeared.

Sunseed Genius Loci ATK 0 DEF 600 LVL: 1

"Appear! The future circuit that lights up our path! The summoning condition is one Plant Normal Monster. I set Genius Loci in the Link Marker!" The seed entered the bottom arrow. "Appear! Link-1! Sunavalon Dryas!" A large tree with a face in its trunk and two bulbs hanging from its branches emerged at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Sunavalon Dryas ATK 0 LINK-1 ↓

"I Set one card. I end my turn."

"My turn. Draw" Spectre narrowed his eyes. The opponent in front of him was human at his core, but as he was now, Yoroizaka was nothing but a machine. No drive, no desire, no emotion… at the moment, he was more of an AI than the Ignis were. If Spectre were a different person, he might have felt pity for Yoroizaka.

"I activate the Spell Card: Reinforcement of the Army. This lets me add a Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Gouki Suprex to my hand. I Normal Summon Gouki Suprex." A blue warrior with two claws above his hands appeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates. When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one 'Gouki' monster from my hand. I Special Summon Gouki Riscorpio." A red and black ogre with a scorpion's tail and claws appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Appear, my circuit. The summoning conditions are two 'Gouki' monsters. I set Riscorpio and Suprex in the Link Markers." The monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-2. Gouki Jet Ogre." A blue ogre with a jetpack and saber emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"The effects of Riscorpio and Suprex activate. As they were sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add two new 'Gouki' cards from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match. I Special Summon two 'Gouki' monsters from my Graveyard with different Levels in Defense Position. I Special Summon Riscorpio and Suprex." The red and blue ogres reappeared.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Appear, my circuit. The summoning conditions are three or more 'Gouki' monsters. I set Riscorpio, Suprex, and Link-2 Jet Ogre in the Link Markers." The monsters entered the left, bottom-left, right, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-4. Gouki The Giant Ogre." A large pale-skinned ogre in white and black armor with purple spikes and a cape emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

Spectre frowned. "A Link-4 on his first turn. It seems that along with sealing his emotions, being controlled made him a better duelist."

"As Jet Ogre was sent from the field to the Graveyard, its effect activates. Until the end of the turn, all 'Gouki' monsters I currently control gain 500 attack points."

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000→3500

"The Giant Ogre's effect activates. Once per turn, if its attack points are changed, I can increase its attack points by 1000 until the end of the turn." A massive sword materialized in The Giant ogre's right hand.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3500→4500

Spectre grit his teeth. "You are attempting to end this in a single blow?"

"I Set one card. Battle. The Giant Ogre attacks Sunavalon Dryas." The ogre leapt into the air.

"Sorry, but Sunavalon Dryas cannot be attacked. Your attack becomes a direct attack on me!"

"The result is the same," Yoroizaka said. "You lose."

"I'm afraid to disappoint you, but I have no plans to lose to a puppet. Trap activate! Sunavalon Thorns!" The card showed Sunavalon Dryades, only its roots had popped out of the ground and were covered in thorns. "Since you attacked while I control a 'Sunavalon' monster, 'Sunavalon' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects for the rest of the turn and the battle damage is halved!"

The Giant Ogre brought its sword down on Spectre. The man cried out as his D-Board was sent spinning, a cut having formed on the right side of his body.

Spectre: 4000→1750 LP

Spectre grit his teeth. "Sunavalon Dryas's effect activates! When I take damage, I can Special Summon a 'Sunvine' Link Monster from my Extra Deck to its Link Marker. Come, Sunvine Gardna!" One of the pods hanging from Dryas burst open, revealing a beige and brown humanoid monster with large shields on its hands. Said monster stood at Dryas's Link Marker.

Sunvine Gardna ATK 600 LINK-1 ↓

"Sunavalon Dryas's effect then increases my Life Points by the damage I took." Pink vines wrapped around Spectre and he sighed in contentment as his Life Points were restored.

Spectre: 1750→4000 LP

"Sorry, but I'm prepared for one-turn kills," Spectre said with a smirk. "You'll have to try harder."

"I activate my Skill," Yoroizaka said, his visor glowing. "Gouki Strike. As my 'Gouki' monster attacked, it can attack again."

Spectre frowned. "That Skill isn't the one he used against Persephone; Lightning or Ouroboros must have changed it."

"The Giant Ogre can attack again. The Giant Ogre attacks Sunvine Gardna." The ogre swept his sword to the side and charged the shield-bearing monster.

"Sunvine Gardna's effect activates! When it is attacked, the battle damage is reduced by 800 for each Link Marker a linked 'Sunavalon' monster has. Dryas is Link-1, so the damage is reduced by 800!" The sword cleaved Sunvine Gardna in half, creating a shockwave that knocked Spectre back.

Spectre: 4000→900 LP

"Since Sunvine Gardna was destroyed, the Battle Phase ends."

"I end my turn. During the End Phase, Jet Ogre's and The Giant Ogre's effects end."

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 4500→3000

"My turn! Draw!" Spectre looked at his card and smirked. "I really don't enjoy dueling a puppet, so I think I'll end this duel right now. I summon Sunseed Twin!" Two small monsters – one red, one blue – wrapped in vines appeared.

Sunseed Twin ATK 0 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"Sunseed Twin's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, if I control a 'Sunavalon' monster, I can Special Summon one Plant Normal Monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Sunseed Genius Loci!" The seed held by golden claws reappeared in Attack Position.

Sunseed Genius Loci ATK 0 DEF 600 LVL: 1

"Appear, the future circuit that lights up our path!" The Link portal appeared beneath Sunavalon Dryas. "The summoning conditions are two or more Plant monsters. I set Genius Loci, Twin, and Sunavalon Dryas in the Link Markers!" The first two monsters and one of Dryas's vines entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Sunavalon Dryanome!" The tree grew to a massive size in the Extra Monster Zone, with the face being replaced by a long-haired woman and numerous bulbs emerging on the branches.

Sunavalon Dryanome ATK 0 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"I activate the effect of Sunavalon Thorns in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Plant monster from my Graveyard. Return, Sunseed Genius Loci!" The seed reappeared again in Attack Position.

Sunseed Genius Loci ATK 0 DEF 600 LVL: 1

"Appear again, the future circuit that lights up our path! The summoning condition is one Plant Normal Monster. I set Genius Loci in the Link Marker!" The seed entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Sunvine Thrasher!" A blue warrior carrying a massive sword emerged from the portal at Sunavalon Dryanome's bottom Link Marker.

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Thrasher's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, it gains 800 attack points for each Link Marker of a linked 'Sunavalon' monster. Dryanome is Link-3, so Sunvine Thrasher gains 2400 attack points!"

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 800→3200

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Sunvine Vengeance!" The card showed Inpachi impaled from behind by Sunvine Thrasher's sword. "Sunvine Vengeance equips to Thrasher. And while it is equipped, Thrasher gains 600 attack points and negates the effects of the monsters it battles during damage calculation."

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 3200→3800

"Battle! Sunvine Thrasher attacks The Giant Ogre! And with Sunvine Vengeance equipped, The Giant Ogre's effects are negated, meaning it cannot prevent its destruction by battle!"

"As your monster attacked, I activate the effect of Gouki Octostretch in my hand," Yoroizaka said. "I discard it to halve the battle damage." Sunvine Thrasher's sword crashed into The Giant Ogre's sword before breaking through and striking The Giant Ogre down.

Yoroizaka: 4000→3600 LP

"Sunvine Thrasher's effect activates! When it destroys your monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, that monster is Special Summoned to my 'Sunavalon' monster's Link Marker!" A dark portal appeared on Yoroizaka's field and vines from Dryanome entered the portal. They pulled out The Giant Ogre and placed it at Dryanome's bottom-left Link Marker.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"The Giant Ogre attacks you directly!" The ogre charged with his sword at his side.

"Continuous Trap activate. Call of the Haunted. I target and Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. I Special Summon Gouki Riscorpio." The red and black ogre reappeared.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Then The Giant Ogre attacks Riscorpio!" The ogre's sword cleaved the second ogre in two, making it explode and Yoroizaka fizzle.

Yoroizaka: 3600→2900 LP

"As Riscorpio was sent to the Graveyard, I add a new 'Gouki' card from my Deck to my hand."

"I activate my Skill!" Spectre declared. His Duel Disk lit up with bronze light. "Sunavalon Blaze! I Tribute a monster linked to a 'Sunavalon' monster to increase a Plant monster's attack points by that monster's attack points until the end of the turn! I Tribute The Giant Ogre to increase Dryanome's attack points!" The ogre disintegrated while the woman in the center of the tree burst out of her cavity, her mouth wide open and revealing fangs.

Sunavalon Dryanome ATK 0→3000

"Sunavalon Dryanome attacks you directly!" Vines shot out towards Yoroizaka, who simply gestured to his field.

"By discarding Gouki Octostretch, the battle damage is halved." The vines lashed Yoroizaka, who stumbled but didn't otherwise react.

Yoroizaka: 2900→1400 LP

Spectre smirked. "You use so many ways to slow me down, to avoid defeat. But I'm afraid they're useless against me! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Sunavalon Fertilization!" The card showed the side of a massive tree and roots, with several bags of brown mulch leaning against said tree. "By Tributing a Plant Link Monster, I can Special Summon a monster with the same name to a 'Sunavalon' Link Monster's Link Marker! I Tribute Sunvine Thrasher to summon a second Sunvine Thrasher!" The warrior disintegrated, only to be replaced by an identical warrior at Dryanome's bottom Link Marker.

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Thrasher's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, I can increase its attack points by 800 times the Link Rating of a linked 'Sunavalon' Link Monster. The linked Dryanome is Link-3!"

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 800→3200

"Since this is the Battle Phase, Thrasher can attack! Thrasher attacks you directly!" The warrior hefted his sword and swung, sending a burst of energy at Yoroizaka. The blade knocked the bounty hunter off his D-Board and made him disintegrate.

Yoroizaka: 1400→0 LP

Spectre frowned. "I do hope you get freed when we defeat Lightning. If we do, I'll look you up and duel you again; it's no fun dueling puppets."

---

Revolver watched dispassionately as the BitBoot in front of him disintegrated. "Not even a challenge."

"Master Revolver." The duelist turned to his Duel Disk. "We just got word from Spectre," Faust reported. "He had contact with one of SOL's missing bounty hunters. He was under the same control program as the Nebula girl that Persephone dueled."

Revolver's eyes narrowed. "It seems Ouroboros shared their dirty tricks with the Light Ignis." His eyes narrowed further. "And it looks like that bounty hunter wasn't the only one."

Another D-Board sped up to confront Revolver. This one was ridden by an armored man with a visor and a pink afro.

"Target identified," Kenmochi said, his voice flat. "Identification: Revolver, leader of the Knights of Hanoi. High priority. Begin elimination."

Revolver grit his teeth. "Light Ignis… you'll pay for using humans like this!"

"Speed Duel!" "Speed Duel."

Revolver: 4000 LP

Kenmochi: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Revolver declared. "I summon Metalrokket Dragon!" A blue metal dragon with a missile attached to its head appeared.

Metalrokket Dragon ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Since I control a 'Rokket' monster, I can Special Summon Absorouter Dragon!" A black metal dragon covered in blue lines with six spines for wings appeared in Attack Position.

Absorouter Dragon ATK 1200 DEF 280 LVL: 7

"Appear, the future circuit that lights up my path! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Dragon monster. I set Metalrokket Dragon in the Link Marker!" The dragon entered the left Link Marker. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Striker Dragon!" A blue metal dragon with a gun cylinder for a chest, green holographic wings, and no arms emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Striker Dragon ATK 1000 LINK-1 ←

"Striker Dragon's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I add Boot Sector Launch from my Deck to my hand. Then, I activate Striker Dragon's additional effect! Once per turn, I can destroy one face-up monster I control to add a 'Rokket' monster in my Graveyard to my hand. I destroy Absorouter Dragon to add Metalrokket Dragon to my hand." The black dragon shattered while Revolver took the card. "Then, since Absorouter Dragon was sent to the Graveyard, I can add a 'Rokket' monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Anesthrokket Dragon to my hand. I activate the Field Spell Card: Boot Sector Launch! While this card is on the field, all 'Rokket' monsters I control gain 300 attack and defense points. And once per turn, I can Special Summon up to two different 'Rokket' monsters from my hand in Defense Position. Come, Anesthrokket Dragon and Metalrokket Dragon!" The blue dragon reappeared, accompanied by a metal and green metal dragon with a needle attached to its head.

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK 0→300 DEF 2200→2500 LVL: 1

Metalrokket Dragon ATK 1700→2000 DEF 1400→1700 LVL: 4

"Since a Dark Dragon monster was Special Summoned to my field, I can Special Summon Noctovision Dragon!" A dark green dragon with no arms and holographic wings appeared in Defense Position.

Noctovision Dragon ATK 0 DEF 2800 LVL: 7

"Appear again, the future circuit that lights up my path! The summoning conditions are at least three Effect Monsters. I set Anesthrokket Dragon, Metalrokket Dragon, Noctovision Dragon, and Striker Dragon in the Link Markers!" Revolver's four monsters entered the left, right, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "My new wind that pierces through the closed world! Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Borreload Dragon!" A massive red and silver dragon with a gun cylinder in its chest and green and silver wings emerged from the portal and roared from the right Extra Monster Zone.

Borreload Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"Since Noctovision Dragon was sent to the Graveyard as Link Material, I can draw a card!" Revolver narrowed his eyes at his card. "I Set one card. I end my turn."

"My turn," Kenmochi said tonelessly. "Draw. I summon Gouki Suprex." A blue ogre appeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates. When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a 'Gouki' monster from my hand. I Special Summon Gouki Bearhug." An ogre wearing a bearskin cape appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Bearhug ATK 2400 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"When Gouki Bearhug is Normal Summoned or Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Gouki' card, I can target one of your monsters and halve its attack points."

Revolver smirked. "Nice try, but Borreload Dragon cannot be targeted by monster effects."

"Then Bearhug's effect will not be activated. Appear, my circuit. The summoning conditions are two 'Gouki' monsters. I set Bearhug and Suprex in the Link Markers." The monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-2. Gouki Jet Ogre." A blue ogre with a jetpack and armed with a saber emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"Since Bearhug and Suprex were sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add two new 'Gouki' cards from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-Match and-."

"That won't work," Revolver interrupted. "Continuous Trap activate! Imperial Order! While this card remains on the field, all Spell effects are negated! Gouki Re-Match's effect fails."

"In that case, I activate the effect of Gouki Headbatt in my hand. By discarding Gouki Riscorpio, Headbatt is Special Summoned in Defense Position and Jet Ogre gains 800 attack points." A purple, black, and red ogre, smaller than the previous ones, appeared.

Gouki Headbatt ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Gouki Jet Ogre: 2000→2800

"Appear, my circuit. The summoning conditions are two or more 'Gouki' monsters. I set Headbatt and Link-2 Jet Ogre in the Link Markers." The monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-3. Gouki Thunder Ogre." A pale ogre in red armor with a blue cape and lightning blasters on his wrists emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Thunder Ogre ATK 2200 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"As Headbatt was sent from the field to the Graveyard, I add a new 'Gouki' card from my Deck to my hand. Once per turn, Thunder Ogre allows the turn player to Normal Summon to its Link Marker. I summon a second Gouki Suprex." Another blue ogre appeared at Thunder Ogre's bottom-left Link Marker.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates. I Special Summon Gouki Twistcobra." A green ogre with numerous serpent tails on its body appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Appear again, my circuit. The summoning conditions are two or more 'Gouki' monsters. I set Suprex and Link-3 Thunder Ogre in the Link Markers." The monsters entered the top, bottom, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-4. Gouki The Master Ogre." A large ogre in a red and blue jumpsuit with gold armor and a cape emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone and swung an axe.

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 2800 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘

Revolver narrowed his eyes. "Even without Spell Cards, he managed to bring out a Link-4."

"Twistcobra's effect activates. I Tribute one 'Gouki' monster to increase another 'Gouki' monster's attack points by the Tributed monster's attack points until the end of the turn. I Tribute Twistcobra to increase The Master Ogre's attack points." The green ogre shattered, and the larger ogre glowed.

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 2800→4400

"I activate my Skill. Gouki Burst. Since my 'Gouki' monster's attack points changed, I can increase my monster's attack points by that same amount until the end of the turn."

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 4400→6000

Revolver grit his teeth. "Lightning and Ouroboros must have changed his Skill. How annoying."

"Since Twistcobra was sent from the field to the Graveyard, I add a new 'Gouki' card from my Deck to my hand. I Set one card. Battle. The Master Ogre attacks Borreload Dragon. At this point, I activate the effect of Gouki Iron Claw in my hand. By discarding it, The Master Ogre gains 500 attack points and is unaffected by your card effects until the end of the turn." Revolver glanced at Borreload Dragon but ultimately shook his head.

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 6000→6500

The Master Ogre leapt into the air and brought its axe down, cleaving Borreload Dragon in half. Revolver grunted from the force of the strike.

Revolver: 4000→500 LP

"I end my turn. During the End Phase, The Master Ogre's attack points return to normal."

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 6500→2800

Revolver narrowed his eyes. "This bounty hunter is a stronger duelist under the control program. But…" He smirked. "He isn't smarter. It seems like what this program increases in efficiency, it decreases in long-term planning. My turn! Draw! During my Standby Phase, as I cannot pay 700 Life Points for Imperial Order, it is destroyed! And with Imperial Order gone, Boot Sector Launch's effects can be activated. But before that…"

Revolver swept his right hand to the side as the Data Storm coalesced around him. "Before that, I will make use of my new Skill!"

Watching the duel in his palace, Lightning tilted his head. "Oh? A new Skill?"

"Playmaker upgraded his Skill, and Morningstar gained a new one," Revolver continued as the Data Material grew in density. "I will not fall behind! I activate my Skill! Once per Duel, when my Life Points are 1000 or less, I can add a Cyberse or Dragon Link Monster from the Data Storm to my Extra Deck!"

Lightning blinked. "What? Cyberse or Dragon?!"

Revolver thrust his hand into the Data Storm. His hand glowed green while particles of white light were left in his wake. The Data Material gathered and formed into a card that he grasped.

"Go! Stardust Storm Access!"

Revolver pulled his hand out of the Storm, along with his new card. The Data Material dissipated to normal levels. "It's time this farce ended! I activate the effect of Boot Sector Launch! As you control more monsters than me, I can Special Summon 'Rokket' monsters from my Graveyard up to the difference! I Special Summon Metalrokket Dragon!" The blue metal dragon reappeared in Defense Position.

Metalrokket Dragon ATK 1700→2000 DEF 1400→1700 LVL: 4

"I summon Silverrokket Dragon!" A dragon covered in silver metal with pink holographic wings appeared.

Silverrokket Dragon ATK 1900→2200 DEF 100→400 LVL: 4

"Appear, the future circuit that lights up my path! The summoning conditions are two Dark Dragon monsters. I set Metalrokket Dragon and Silverrokket Dragon in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cartridge Dragon!" A red mechanical dragon with black plating on its upper legs and feet emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone. Its tail was similarly plated and ended in a black trident. It had no arms but had yellow holographic wings and a gun cylinder in its chest. Attached to the top of its head were two black gun barrels.

Cartridge Dragon ATK 1200 LINK-2 ↙↓

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Quick Launch! I Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my Deck, but that monster cannot attack and is destroyed during the End Phase. Come, Magnarokket Dragon!" A blue metal dragon with a laser pointer attached to its head appeared at Cartridge Dragon's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1200→1500 LVL: 4

"Cartridge Dragon's effect activates! Once per turn, I can target a monster and reduce its attack and defense points by 500. I target Magnarokket Dragon. At this point, Magnarokket Dragon's effect activates! As it was targeted by a Link Monster's effect, I can send a monster on the field to the Graveyard. I'll send The Master Ogre to the Graveyard!" Magnarokket Dragon broke apart and its particles entered Cartridge Dragon's chest.

"No, you will not," Kenmochi denied. "Trap activate. Gouki Chain." The card showed The Great Ogre punching a man out, along with several afterimages depicting The Great Ogre in several stages of an attack. "One 'Gouki' Link Monster I control that I target becomes unaffected by your card effects. I target The Master Ogre." Twin blasts of red light shot out of Cartridge Dragon's head and struck The Master Ogre, but it blocked the attacks with its axe. "Furthermore, during the End Phase, you will take damage equal to The Master Ogre's Link Rating times 200."

"Well done," Lightning praised. "The Master Ogre is Link-4, so Revolver will take 800 points of damage during the End Phase. With only 500 Life Points, he'll lose."

"A rather nasty Trap Card," Revolver said. He smirked. "But this duel is already over. Cartridge Dragon's additional effect! When a 'Rokket' monster linked to it is destroyed by a card effect, I can banish a card from my Graveyard to add Dragon Ritual Monster and the Ritual Spell Card Explosive Trigger to my hand!"

"What?" Lightning gasped. "Ritual?"

"I banish Striker Dragon to add Borreload Ravenous Dragon and Explosive Trigger to my hand. And now I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Explosive Trigger!" The card showed an underground hanger, with four dragons inactive in separate holds. In one of those holds, one of the dragons was coming online and spreading dark blue holographic wings. "I Ritual Summon a 'Borrel' Ritual Monster by Tributing monsters from my hand or field whose combined Levels equal or exceed the Ritual Monster's Level. However, if I control a Dark Dragon Link Monster, like Cartridge Dragon, I can also shuffle Dragon monsters in my Graveyard back into my Deck! I shuffle the Level 4 Magnarokket Dragon and the Level 4 Silverrokket Dragon in my Graveyard back into my Deck to perform a Ritual Summon!"

A dark green circle appeared on Revolver's field, along with eight green flames. Magnarokket Dragon and Silverrokket Dragon appeared before disintegrating into green data that entered the circle. A pillar of light shot upwards. "The contract has been made! The heroic dragon whose hunger ravages the world inherits these two souls! Ritual Summon! Take flight! Level 8! Borreload Ravenous Dragon!" A bipedal machine dragon emerged from the portal. This one had red and gray skin with dark blue armor covering its body and green lines spreading over said body. Dark gray spines with blue attachments projected dark blue holographic wings behind it, and the gun cylinder in its chest was black with blue markings. Two dark blue horns curled behind its head alongside two fangs on the sides of its mouth. The armored dragon roared at Cartridge Dragon's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Borreload Ravenous Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Lightning blinked over and over. "Revolver has a Ritual Monster… this may prove troublesome."

"Ravenous Dragon's effect activates! Once per turn, I can target a Dark Link Monster in the Graveyard. My other monsters cannot attack this turn, and until my next Standby Phase, Ravenous Dragon gains attack points equal to that monster's Link Rating times 1000! I target the Link-4 Borreload Dragon!" The Ritual Monster roared and glowed.

Borreload Ravenous Dragon ATK 3000→7000

"Battle! Ravenous Dragon attacks The Master Ogre! Varrel Cannon of Destruction!" The dragon's holographic wings disappeared while the spines straightened out and bent at a 90-degree angle, turning forward and revealing two cannon barrels. A third barrel appeared in Ravenous Dragon's mouth. The cannons fired three beams of dark blue energy, converging on The Master Ogre and making it explode. Kenmochi was knocked off his D-Board and disintegrated.

Kenmochi: 4000→0 LP

Revolver narrowed his eyes. "Lightning, you'll pay for brainwashing these men."

---

"It would seem that even your control program isn't enough against the Knights of Hanoi," Lightning commented.

Jester grunted. "If I had known Revolver would do that, I would have allowed Kenmochi to control the Data Storm. But no matter; Let's see how the Knights of Hanoi fare against an opponent that can think for themselves."

---

"Hydrossuary attacks D-Scale Battle Coela! Terminal Destruction!" The blue and white dragon fired white flames that consumed the metal fish and destroyed it. Those flames continued on to the fish's master.

BitBoot: 2400→0 LP

"It's your fault we lost, Bit!"

"No, it's your fault, Boot!"

Terminus watched dispassionately as the AI duelists disintegrated. "Seriously. These guys get annoying after a while."

"Agreement: They are rather repetitive, aren't they?"

Terminus tensed and spun around. Behind him was a rust red bipedal machine.

The Knight of Hanoi's eyes narrowed. "I know you; HK-71, right?"

"Correction: I am designated HK-72, following my predecessor's deletion at the hands of Cassiel. I have been ordered by my master to eliminate you meatbags with extreme prejudice. I shall start with you, Knight of Hanoi; your Flip Deck has been deemed troublesome."

Terminus couldn't resist a smirk. "Oh? My Deck was noticed by Ouroboros? I suppose I should be flattered. But I have no intention of losing to an AI. I'll show you the strength of a human!"

"Speed Duel!"

Terminus: 4000 LP

HK-72: 4000 LP

"Declaration: The first turn shall be mine! As I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Mechassassin Scout!" A cylindrical monster with bent wings appeared in Attack Position.

Mechassassin 5C-UT ATK 1200 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"As I control a Level 4 or lower 'Mechassassin' monster, I can Special Summon Mechassassin Sniper!" A brown machine wielding a sniper rifle appeared in Attack Position.

Mechassassin 5N-PR ATK DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Statement: I activate the Spell Card: Mechassassin's Assembly. By targeting a 'Mechassassin' monster I control, I can add a 'Mechassassin' monster with an equal or lower Level from my Deck to my hand. I target the Level 5 Sniper to add the Level 4 Mechassassin Hunter to my hand. And now I summon Mechassassin Hunter!" A machine in silver armor armed with a rifle appeared.

Mechassassin HNT-3R ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Appear! The circuit of assassination! The summoning condition is one 'Mechassassin' monster. I set Scout in the Link Marker!" The cylindrical machine entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Mechassassin Spotter!" A brown armored machine with a rifle emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Mechassassin 5P0-T3R ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Appear again, the circuit of assassination! The summoning conditions are two 'Mechassassin' monsters. I set Sniper and Hunter in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Mechassassin Strategist!" A new humanoid machine emerged from the portal at Spotter's Link Marker. This one had green armor styled with yellow lines on its chest, legs, and face, with three red eyes in its head and a beak-shaped mouth.

Mechassassin 5TR-GST ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→

"Declaration: Strategist's effect activates! Once per turn, I pay 800 Life Points to Special Summon a 'Mechassassin' monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker with its effects negated. I Special Summon Mechassassin Scout." The cylindrical machine reappeared at Strategist's left Link Marker in Attack Position.

HK-72: 4000→3200 LP

Mechassassin 5C-UT ATK 1200 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Appear for a third time, the circuit of assassination! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Mechassassin' monsters. I set Scout and Link-2 Strategist in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Mechassassin Commander!" A dark green machine emerged from the portal at Spotter's Link Marker and unholstered a sniper rifle.

Mechassassin C0M-D3R ATK 2400 LINK-3 ←↑→

Terminus's eye narrowed. "It brought out its Link-3. And that means…"

"Declaration: Spotter's effect activates! Once per turn, you take damage equal to half the attack points of a 'Mechassassin' monster at its Link Marker!" Spotter fired several bursts of red energy at Terminus, making him grunt.

Terminus: 4000→2800 LP

"Continuation: Commander's effect activates! When a 'Mechassassin' monster linked to it inflicts effect damage, I gain the same amount of Life Points."

HK-72: 3200→4400 LP

"Declaration: I activate my Skill! Assassin's Snipe!" The AI assassin unslung the rifle from its back and elongated it. "By paying 800 Life Points, you take 300 points of damage for each 'Mechassassin' card in my Graveyard."

HK-72: 4400→3600 LP

"There are five 'Mechassassin' cards. You take 1500 points of damage!" HK fired a powerful shot that struck Terminus in the gut, making him double over.

Terminus: 2800→1300 LP

"I Set one card. I end my turn."

Terminus grimaced as he straightened himself. "Using your Skill on the first turn… this AI isn't playing around. I'll have to end this as quickly as possible. My turn! Draw! I activate the Field Spell Card: The Hidden City! Since this card was activated, I can add a 'Subterror' monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add and then Normal Summon Subterror Guru!" A bipedal winged draconian in robes appeared and swung a broadsword.

Subterror Guru ATK 1600 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Book of Moon! This lets me change one monster on the field to face-down Defense Position."

"Reminder: Link Monsters cannot exist in Defense Position."

"But my monster can. I change Guru to face-down Defense Position." The robed draconian disappeared and was replaced by a Set card. "Since my face-up monster was flipped face-down and I control no face-up monsters, I can Special Summon this monster! Come, Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist!" A pillar of blue fire erupted behind Terminus. The fire dissipated, revealing a large yellow and blue demonic monster in Defense Position.

Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist ATK 3000 DEF 1400 LVL: 11

"Speleogeist's effect activates! Once per turn, I change it to face-down Defense Position!" The demon disappeared and a Set card took its place.

"Analysis: Speleogeist can reduce a monster's attack points to 0 when it is flipped face-up. Counter: Continuous Trap activate! Mechassassin's Reactor!" The card showed a gray elongated building with circular bumps on it placed on a plateau (Author's Note: Think the shield generator from Star Wars Episode V). "While Mechassassin's Reactor is on the field, you cannot target my 'Mechassassin' monsters with card effects. Nor can my 'Mechassassin' monsters be destroyed by your card effects."

Terminus narrowed his eye. "I activate the effect of The Hidden City! Once per turn, I can change a face-down Defense Position 'Subterror' monster to face-up Attack or Defense Position. I change the Set Speleogeist to face-up Attack Position!" The demon reappeared and roared.

Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist ATK 3000 DEF 1400 LVL: 11

"Speleogeist's Flip Effect activates! I target a monster on the field, change it to Attack Position if it is in Defense Position, and change its attack points to 0."

"Reminder: Due to Mechassassin's Reactor's effect, you cannot target my 'Mechassassin' monsters."

Terminus smirked. "Who said I was targeting your monster?"

"Query: What?"

"I target the Set Guru and change it to Attack Position!" The robed draconian reappeared and moaned as its attack points decreased.

Subterror Guru ATK 1600→0 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Guru's Flip Effect activates! I add a 'Subterror' card from my Deck to my hand."

"Statement: Using Speleogeist's effect to trigger your own monster's Flip Effect… unexpected."

Terminus raised his hand. "Appear, our future circuit! The summoning conditions are two Flip monsters. I set Guru and Speleogeist in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Subterror Behemoth Fiendess!" A large purple dragon wearing black armor lined in white and green emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone and roared.

Subterror Behemoth Fiendess ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Behemoth Fiendess's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, it gains attack points equal to the combined Levels of all 'Subterror' monsters used for its Link Summon times 100. Guru was Level 4 while Speleogeist was Level 11. Therefore…"

Subterror Behemoth Fiendess ATK 2000→3500

"Behemoth Fiendess's additional effect activates! Once per turn, I can send a Flip monster from my Deck to the Graveyard to Special Summon a monster from my hand to its Link Marker in face-down Defense Position. I send Subterror Behemoth Umastryx to the Graveyard and Set Subterror Behemoth Stalaktide!" A Set card appeared at Behemoth Fiendess's bottom-left Link Marker. "I Set two cards."

Terminus gestured to his field. "Battle! Behemoth Fiendess attacks Spotter! Final Extinction!" The dragon fired blue flames at the machine. HK-72 gestured to its field in response.

"Declaration: I activate the effect of Mechassassin Strategist in my Graveyard! When my 'Mechassassin' monster would be destroyed by your card, I can banish Strategist instead!" The flames washed over Spotter but the monster itself was unharmed. The flames continued on to HK-72, making it spark and fizzle.

HK-72: 3600→900 LP

Terminus narrowed his eyes. "I end my turn."

"Declaration: My turn! Draw!"

"Trap activate!" Terminus announced. "Damage Diet! For the rest of the turn, all damage I take is halved!"

"Analysis: That card will prevent your defeat at the hands of Spotter and Commander. Clever. But not enough. Spotter's effect activates! By skipping my Battle Phase, I target Commander to inflict damage equal to half its attack points!"

"Due to Damage Diet's effect, the damage is halved!" Terminus reminded his opponent. Spotter fired a burst at the Knight of Hanoi, making him wince.

Terminus: 1300→700 LP

"Continuation: Since Spotter's effect inflicted damage, I can destroy one Spell or Trap Card you control. I destroy your Set card!" Terminus's card shattered. The card's information showed up on a screen above HK's Duel Disk. "Analysis: Subterror Masonry. Prevents the opponent from targeting 'Subterror' monsters with card effects and can change face-up 'Subterror' monsters face-down and vice versa. Conclusion: Eliminating it was the right call.

"Commander's effect activates! As you took damage from my 'Mechassassin' monster linked to it, I gain the same amount of Life Points!"

HK-72: 900→1500 LP

"Commander's additional effect! When your card is destroyed by a 'Mechassassin' monster linked to it, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Mechassassin' monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker and inflict 800 points of damage. Resurrect, Mechassassin Hunter!" The silver-armored machine reappeared at Commander's left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Mechassassin HNT-3R ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 4

Commander aimed its sniper rifle at Terminus and pulled the trigger. The Knight of Hanoi doubled over but grit his teeth.

"Due to Damage Diet's effect, I only take 400 points of damage."

Terminus: 700→300 LP

"Declaration: I activate the effect of Mechassassin's Assembly in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can add a 'Mechassassin' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Mechassassin Sniper to my hand. And since I control a Level 4 or lower 'Mechassassin' monster, I will Special Summon Mechassassin Sniper!" The machine in brown armor reappeared in Attack Position and hefted its sniper rifle.

Mechassassin 5N-PR ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Declaration: Sniper's effect activates! By paying 500 Life Points, I can destroy one of your Set cards. I will destroy your Set monster Behemoth Fiendess points to!" Sniper fired a shot that pierced the Set card, which briefly revealed a dark blue monster covered in dark brown rocks before shattering.

HK-72: 1500→1000 LP

"Analysis: The Set monster Subterror Behemoth Stalaktide can destroy one of my Spell or Trap Cards when it is flipped face-up. Sniper's effect then lets me Set one 'Mechassassin' card from my Deck, but I cannot activate that card for the rest of the turn. I'll Set Mechassassin's Array. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Mechassassin's Replacement!" The card showed two Mechassassin Tokens being shoved out of the way by two Mechassassin Hunters. "By Tributing one 'Mechassassin' monster, I can Special Summon another 'Mechassassin' monster from my Deck with its effects negated. I Tribute Hunter to Special Summon a second Mechassassin Sniper!" The silver machine was replaced by another brown machine in Attack Position at Commander's left Link Marker.

Mechassassin 5N-PR ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 5

Terminus frowned. "Why would it trade monsters? With its effects negated, it can't do anything. And if it was aiming for a Link Summon, Hunter would probably have served just as well. So why exchange it…?" His eye widened. "The most likely option is-!"

"Statement: It seems you have realized the nature of your defeat. I overlay my two Level 5 Mechassassin Snipers!" It's Duel Disk released a bolt of crimson energy that created the Xyz cross. The two androids entered the cross, making it fire beams of light and create a galaxy. "Chant: The hidden blade that stabs in the night. Become the machine of war! Xyz Summon! Come, Rank 5! Mechassassin Poisoner!" A dark brown skeletal machine emerged from the galaxy, its red eyes alight and a blaster pistol and rifle in its hand. Two orange lights circled behind it as it was summoned to Commander's left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Mechassassin P05-N3R ATK 2400 DEF 1600 RNK: 5 OU: 2

Terminus grit his teeth. "Xyz Summoning? It showed no capability for this against Cassiel; it really is evolving."

"Boast: I am a self-evolving AI that learns from the mistakes of my predecessors. Those lessons will now bring your end. Poisoner's effect activates! I detach an Overlay Unit to destroy your monster and inflict damage equal to half its original attack points!" Terminus's eye widened. "Behemoth Fiendess's original attack points were 2000. Half is 1000. Damage Diet halves that to 500. Your Life Points are 300. This is the end, Knight of Hanoi!"

Mechassassin P05-N3R OU: 2→1

Poisoner hefted its rifle and charged a bolt of violet light. Terminus smirked. "Not bad for an AI. But you shouldn't be so arrogant! I activate my Skill! Sublimated Terror! I banish a 'Subterror' monster from my Graveyard to add a 'Subterror' monster with a lower Level from my Deck to my hand. Then, I gain Life Points equal to the banished monster's Level times 100. I banish the Level 11 Speleogeist to add the Level 10 Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo to my hand and regain 1100 Life Points!"

Terminus: 300→1400 LP

Poisoner let loose its bolt, striking Behemoth Fiendess in the chest. The dragon cried out as it exploded. Terminus winced from the shockwave.

Terminus: 1400→900 LP

"Annoyance: Why must you meatbags always ruin my fun? In any event, Mechassassin Poisoner's effect also increases my Life Points by the damage inflicted."

HK-72: 1000→1500 LP

"I end my turn."

Terminus frowned. "I have no cards except my Field Spell Card and a monster I cannot summon in my hand. This draw will decide everything. Even so, I don't see myself losing to a mere AI. My turn! Draw!" He looked at his card and smirked. "By sending The Hidden City Field Spell to the Graveyard, I can activate the Field Spell Card: The Hidden Metropolis! While this card is on my field, my 'Subterror Behemoth' monsters gain 500 attack and defense points. In addition, when it is activated, I can shuffle a 'Subterror' monster in my hand into my Deck, then draw two cards."

Terminus returned Stalagmo to his Deck, then drew. His smirk widened. "I summon Subterror Nemesis Warrior!" A red-haired man in robes and armor wielding a large sword appeared.

Subterror Nemesis Warrior ATK 1800 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn! This lets me Special Summon a monster from the Graveyard. Resurrect, Behemoth Fiendess!" The armored dragon reappeared and roared.

Subterror Behemoth Fiendess ATK 2000→2500 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Appear, our future circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Subterror' monsters. I set Nemesis Warrior and Link-2 Behemoth Fiendess in the Link Markers!" Terminus's monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Subterror Behemoth Guru!" A dark blue dragon with a mane of white hair emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone. Blue and white robes were draped over its body and purple wings spread behind it as it roared.

Subterror Behemoth Guru ATK 2500→3000 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Statement: A Link-3 'Subterror' monster has appeared."

"Behemoth Guru's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned using just one 'Subterror Behemoth' monster, it gains attack points equal to that monster's original attack points! Terror Integration!"

Subterror Behemoth Guru ATK 3000→5000

"Battle! Behemoth Guru attacks Poisoner! Terminal Extinction!" The dragon breathed green flames at the machine as HK-72 gestured to its field.

"Declaration: Continuous Trap activate! Mechassassin's Array! When my 'Mechassassin' monster battles, I pay 500 Life Points to take no damage!" The flames enveloped Poisoner, making it explode, but a barrier of red energy appeared around HK-72.

HK-72: 1500→1000 LP

Terminus smirked. "Prevent the damage or not, this duel is over! Behemoth Guru's effect activates! When it destroys your monster in battle, I send a Flip monster from my Deck to the Graveyard and inflict its attack points as damage! I send Subterror Behemoth Dragossuary to the Graveyard to inflict 2400 points of damage! Flames of the Underworld!"

Behemoth Guru gathered green flames in its maw and then launched them at HK-72, knocking it off its board. Its eyes flickered. "Systems failing, Master…"

HK-72: 1000→0 LP

Terminus watched as HK disappeared. "No doubt we'll be running into that thing again. Just hopefully not today."

---

"Rapid Revolutionary attacks you directly! Final Revolution Shot!" The trench-coat-wearing skeleton brought down its rifle and fired a shot. The shot struck BitBoot and knocked them off their D-Board.

BitBoot: 2200→0 LP

"You can't delete us now!" Bit protested

"We just started getting screen time again!" Boot protested.

"No one wants more time devoted to you!" Cypher countered. The combined AI duelists disintegrated.

"It looks like the others are finishing up their duels," Morningstar noted, looking around them.

"Morningstar!"

The former bounty hunter turned forward at Cypher's warning and gasped. A new D-Board shot towards them and came to a stop a few meters away.

"Target identified. Morningstar: Origin of the Silver Ignis."

Morningstar grit his teeth. This guy had always been stoic, but not like this.

"High priority," Blood Shepherd intoned. "Begin elimination."

---

Playmaker vs. BitBoot

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: BitBoot

BitBoot Normal Summons D-Scale Saber Sardine (600/300/2). He activates Saber Sardine's effect, paying 500 LP (BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP) to Special Summon 1 D-Scale Token (100/100/1) in Defense Position. BitBoot uses D-Scale Token and Saber Sardine to Link Summon D-Scale Battle Coela (1800/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. BitBoot activates the Equip Spell Card D-Scale Torpedo, equipping it to Battle Coela. He activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. He moves Battle Coela to his right Main Monster Zone. As his LP is 4000 or lower, Bit activates his Skill Marker's Portal to activate a Link Spell Card from his Deck, and that Link Spell Card's effects cannot be negated nor can it be destroyed by Playmaker's card effects. BitBoot activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker. If a Link Monster linked to Judgment Arrows battles, its ATK is doubled during damage calculation, and if Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed. BitBoot activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to his Main Monster Zone a card linked to Battle Coela points to. He moves Battle Coela to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker. BitBoot activates the effect of D-Scale Torpedo to inflict 800 damage to Playmaker for every time the equipped Battle Coela moved this turn (Playmaker: 4000→2400 LP). BitBoot Sets 2 cards. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Playmaker

Playmaker draws. He Normal Summons Widget Kid (1500/900/3). As Widget Kid was Normal Summoned, Playmaker can Special Summon 1 Cyberse monster from his hand in Defense Position. He Special Summons Stack Reviver (100/600/2). As he controls a Cyberse monster, Playmaker Special Summons Backup Secretary (1200/800/3) in Attack Position. Playmaker uses Stack Reviver and Widget Kid to Link Summon Update Jammer (2000/2/←↑) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Stack Reviver was used as material for a Link Summon, Playmaker can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster that was also used for that Link Summon in Defense Position. He Special Summons Widget Kid (1500/900/3). Playmaker uses Widget Kid and Link-2 Update Jammer to Link Summon Transcode Talker (2300/3/↑↓→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Update Jammer was used to Link Summon Transcode Talker, it can make 2 attacks during each Battle Phase this turn. Playmaker activates Transcode Talker's effect to Special Summon 1 Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster to its Link Marker. He Special Summons Update Jammer (2000/2/←↑) to Transcode Talker's bottom Link Marker. While Transcode Talker is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it gain 500 ATK and cannot be targeted for effects (Transcode Talker: 2300→2800) (Update Jammer: 2000→2500). Playmaker Special Summons Link Infra-Flier (0/1800/2) to Update Jammer's left Link Marker in Defense Position via its effect. Playmaker uses Backup Secretary, Link Infra-Flier, and Link-2 Update Jammer to Link Summon Firewall Dragon (2500→3000/4/←↑↓→) to Transcode Talker's bottom Link Marker. As Update Jammer was used to Link Summon Firewall Dragon, it can make 2 attacks during each Battle Phase this turn. As it is co-linked, Playmaker activates Firewall Dragon's effect to target monsters on the field or in the GY up to the number of monsters co-linked with it and return them to the hand. Playmaker targets Battle Coela. BitBoot activates his Set Trap Card D-Scale Judgment, which lets him target 1 "D-Scale" monster he controls. That monster loses 600 ATK and is unaffected by Playmaker's card effects until the end of the turn. BitBoot targets Battle Coela. (Battle Coela: 1800→1200). Playmaker Sets 1 card.

Transcode Talker attacks Battle Coela. Judgment Arrows' effect doubles the battling Battle Coela's ATK (Battle Coela: 1200→2400). Battle Coela is destroyed (BitBoot: 4000→3600 LP). Transcode Talker attacks BitBoot directly. As he is being attacked directly, BitBoot activates his Set Quick-Play Spell Card D-Scale Tide, which negates the attack, then lets him Special Summon 3 D-Scale Tokens (100/100/1 each) in Defense Position. Firewall Dragon attacks and destroys D-Scale Token. Firewall Dragon attacks and destroys D-Scale Token. Playmaker ends his turn.

Turn 3: BitBoot

BitBoot draws. He Normal Summons D-Scale Piercing Saury (800/600/3). BitBoot activates the effect of D-Scale Judgment in his GY, banishing it to add 1 "D-Scale" monster from his GY to his hand. He adds D-Scale Saber Sardine to his hand. BitBoot activates Piercing Saury's effect, discarding Saber Sardine to Special Summon 1 "D-Scale" monster from his GY with its ATK halved. He Special Summons Battle Coela (1800→900/2/←↓) to Judmgnet Arrows' top Link Marker. BitBoot uses D-Scale Token, Piercing Saury, and Link-2 Battle Coela to Link Summon D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon (3000/4/←↑↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

The co-linked Fullarmor Megalodon can attack all monsters Playmaker controls once each. Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Transcode Talker (Fullarmor Megalodon: 3000→6000). Playmaker activates his Set Trap Card Firewall Shield, which lets him halve his LP to take no damage from this battle (Playmaker: 2400→1200 LP). Transcode Talker is destroyed (Firewall Dragon: 3000→2500) (Fullarmor Megalodon: 6000→3000). Playmaker can then add 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Rescue Interlacer from his Deck to his hand. Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Firewall Dragon (Fullarmor Megalodon: 3000→6000). As BitBoot's monster attacked an Attack Position Cyberse monster, Playmaker activates the effect of Rescue Interlacer in his hand, discarding it to make the damage he would take 0. Firewall Dragon is destroyed (Fullarmor Megalodon: 6000→3000). BitBoot ends his turn. During the End Phase, Rescue Interlacer is Special Summoned (1000/1200/3) in Defense Position via its effect.

Turn 4: Playmaker

Playmaker draws. He Normal Summons Balancer Lord (1700/1200/4). Playmaker uses Balancer Lord and Rescue Interlacer to Link Summon Code Talker (1300/2/↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Playmaker performs a Skill Switch and activates his Skill, Phantom Link, which lets him banish monsters from his GY to Link Summon a monster from his GY. Playmaker banishes Backup Secretary, Widget Kid, and Link-2 Update Jammer to Phantom Link Summon Firewall Dragon (2500/4/←↑↓→) to Code Talker's bottom Link Marker. As Code Talker points to a monster, it gains 500 ATK (Code Talker: 1300→1800). Playmaker activates the co-linked Firewall Dragon's effect, targeting Fullarmor Megalodon. Fullarmor Megalodon is returned to BitBoot's Extra Deck.

Code Talker attacks BitBoot directly (BitBoot: 3600→1800 LP). Firewall Dragon attacks BitBoot directly: 1800→0 LP). Playmaker wins.

---

Soulburner vs. BitBoot

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: BitBoot

BitBoot Normal Summons D-Scale Saber Sardine (600/300/2). He activates Saber Sardine's effect, paying 500 LP (BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP) to Special Summon 1 D-Scale Token (100/100/1) in Defense Position. BitBoot uses D-Scale Token and Saber Sardine to Link Summon D-Scale Battle Coela (1800/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. BitBoot activates the Equip Spell Card D-Scale Torpedo, equipping it to Battle Coela. BitBoot activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. He moves Battle Coela to his center Main Monster Zone. As his LP is 4000 or lower, Bit activates his Skill Marker's Portal to activate a Link Spell Card from his Deck, and that Link Spell Card's effects cannot be negated nor can it be destroyed by Soulburner's card effects. BitBoot activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker. If a Link Monster linked to Judgment Arrows battles, its ATK is doubled during damage calculation, and if Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed. BitBoot activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to his Main Monster Zone a card linked to Battle Coela points to. He moves Battle Coela to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker. BitBoot activates the effect of D-Scale Torpedo to inflict 800 damage to Soulburner for every time the equipped Battle Coela moved this turn (Soulburner: 4000→2400 LP). As Soulburner took effect damage, BitBoot Special Summons D-Scale Plated Albacore (1600/1300/5) in Attack Position via its effect. BitBoot uses Plated Albacore and Link-2 Battle Coela to Link Summon D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus (2600/3/←↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As Platemail Nacanthus was Link Summoned using Plated Albacore as material, it cannot be destroyed by battle. BitBoot Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Soulburner

Soulburner draws. He Normal Summons Salamangreat Spinny (1000/1500/3). Soulburner uses Spinny to Link Summon Salamangreat Balelynx (500/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Balelynx was Link Summoned, Soulburner adds Salamangreat Sanctuary from his Deck to his hand. As a "Salamangreat" monster was sent to the GY, Soulburner Special Summons Salamangreat Gazelle (1500/1000/3) in Attack Position. As Gazelle was Special Summoned, Soulburner can send 1 "Salamangreat" card from his Deck to the GY. He sends Salamangreat Wolvie to the GY. Soulburner uses Gazelle and Balelynx to Link Summon Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf (1800/2/↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As he Link Summoned this turn, Soulburner Special Summons Salamangreat Mole (0/0/1) to Sunlight Wolf's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position. As a monster was Special Summoned to its Link Marker, Sunlight Wolf lets Soulburner add 1 Fire monster from his GY to his hand, but he cannot Normal Summon, Set, or Special Summon monsters with that monster's name. He adds Salamangreat Wolvie to his hand. As Wolvie was added to Soulburner's hand, he activates its effect, revealing it, then he can add 1 card in his GY to his hand. He adds Salamangreat Gazelle to his hand. Soulburner uses Mole and Link-2 Sunlight Wolf to Link Summon Salamangreat Heatleo (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Heatleo was Link Summoned, Soulburner can target 1 card in BitBoot's Spell & Trap Zone and shuffle it into their Deck. He targets and shuffles Judgment Arrows into BitBoot's Deck. As Judgment Arrows left the field, monsters linked to it would be destroyed, but Platemail Nacanthus cannot be destroyed by card effects. Soulburner activates the Field Spell Card Salamangreat Sanctuary. As Soulburner activated a Spell/Trap Card while he controls a "D-Scale" monster, BitBoot activates his Set Counter Trap Card D-Scale Trench, which negates the activation of Salamangreat Sanctuary and destroys it, also until the 2nd Standby Phase after its activation, Soulburner cannot activate cards with the same original name as Salamangreat Sanctuary. Soulburner activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Salamangreat Transcendence, which lets him Special Summon 1 "Salamangreat" Link Monster from his Extra Deck by using a "Salamangreat" Link Monster he controls as material and treat it as a Link Summon. Soulburner uses Heatleo to Reincarnation Link Summon Heatleo (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Soulburner activates the Reincarnation Link Summoned Heatleo's effect, targeting Mole in his GY and Platemail Nacanthus. Platemail Nacanthus's ATK becomes equal to Mole's ATK until the end of the turn (Platemail Nacanthus: 2600→0).

Heatleo attacks Platemail Nacanthus, but Platemail Nacanthus isn't destroyed due to Plated Albacore's effect (BitBoot: 4000→1700 LP). Soulburner ends his turn, and Heatleo's effect ends (Platemail Nacanthus: 0→2600).

Turn 3: BitBoot

BitBoot draws. As his LP is 4000 or lower, Boot activates his Skill Marker's Portal to activate a Link Spell Card from his Deck, and that Link Spell Card's effects cannot be negated nor can it be destroyed by Soulburner's card effects. BitBoot activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at Platemail Nacanthus's bottom Link Marker. BitBoot Normal Summons D-Scale Piercing Saury (800/600/3). BitBoot uses Piercing Saury and Link-3 Platemail Nacanthus to Link Summon D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon (3000/4/←↑↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As Fullarmor Megalodon was Link Summoned, BitBoot can look at Soulburner's hand, then send 1 card to the GY, and if that card is a Monster Card, Soulburner takes damage equal to that monster's Level x 200. BitBoot sends Level 4 Salamangreat Wolvie to the GY (Soulburner: 2400→1600 LP).

Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Heatleo. Soulburner performs a Skill Switch and activates his Skill Ascension of Fire, which lets him Link Summon a "Salamangreat" Link Monster by using 1 Link Monster he controls with the same name as the material. Soulburner uses Heatleo to Reincarnation Link Summon Heatleo (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Heatleo was Link Summoned, Soulburner can target 1 card in BitBoot's Spell & Trap Zone and shuffle it into the Deck. He shuffles Judgment Arrows into BitBoot's Deck. As Judgment Arrows left the field, its effect destroys all monsters linked to it, but Fullarmor Megalodon cannot be destroyed by card effects. A replay occurs and Fullarmor Megalodon attacks Heatleo. As Soulburner's "Salamangreat" card would be destroyed, he banishes Balelynx from his GY instead (Soulburner: 1600→900 LP). BitBoot ends his turn.

Turn 4: Soulburner

Soulburner draws. BitBoot activates the effect of D-Scale Trench in his GY, banishing it and targeting Fullarmor Megalodon. Until the end of the turn, Fullarmor Megalodon is unaffected by the effects of Soulburner's card effects. Soulburner activates the Spell Card Fusion of Fire, which lets him Fusion Summon 1 "Salamangreat" Fusion Monster from his Extra Deck, using monsters from his hand and/or either field as Fusion Material. He fuses Salamangreat Gazelle in his hand with Heatleo on his field to Fusion Summon Salamangreat Violet Chimera (2800/2000/8) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Violet Chimera was Fusion Summoned, it gains ATK equal to half the combined original ATK of its Fusion Materials until the end of the turn (Violet Chimera: 2800→4700).

Violet Chimera attacks and destroys Fullarmor Megalodon (BitBoot: 1700→0 LP). Soulburner wins.

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Spectre vs. Yoroizaka

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Spectre

Spectre Normal Summons Sunseed Genius Loci (0/600/1). He uses Genius Loci to Link Summon Sunavalon Dryas (0/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Spectre Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Yoroizaka

Yoroizaka draws. He activates the Spell Card Reinforcement of the Army, which lets him add 1 Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Gouki Suprex to his hand. Yoroizaka Normal Summons Gouki Suprex (1800/0/4). As Suprex was Normal Summoned, Yoroizaka can Special Summon 1 "Gouki" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Gouki Riscorpio (2300/0/5) in Attack Position. Yoroizaka uses Riscorpio and Suprex to Link Summon Gouki Jet Ogre (2000/2/←↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Riscorpio and Suprex were sent from the field to the GY, Yoroizaka can add 2 new "Gouki" cards from his Deck to his hand. He adds Gouki Suprex and Gouki Re-Match to his hand. Yoroizaka activates the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match, which lets him Special Summon 2 "Gouki" monsters with different Levels from his GY in Defense Position. He Special Summons Riscorpio (2300/0/5) and Suprex (1800/0/4). Yoroizaka uses Riscorpio, Suprex, and Link-2 Jet Ogre to Link Summon Gouki The Giant Ogre (3000/4/←↙↘→) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Jet Ogre was sent from the field to the GY, all "Gouki" monsters Yoroizaka controls gain 500 ATK until the end of the turn (The Giant Ogre: 3000→3500). As The Giant Ogre's ATK changed, its effect activates, increasing its ATK by 1000 until the end of the turn (The Giant Ogre: 3500→4500). Yoroizaka Sets 1 card.

Sunavalon Dryas cannot be targeted for attacks, but it does not prevent Yoroizaka from attacking directly. The Giant Ogre attacks Spectre directly. As his opponent's monster declared an attack while he controls a "Sunavalon" monster, Spectre activates his Set Trap Card Sunavalon Thorns, which halves the battle damage and prevents his "Sunavalon" monsters from being destroyed by battle or card effects for the rest of the turn (Spectre: 4000→1750 LP). As Spectre took battle damage, Sunavalon Dryas's effect activates, letting Spectre Special Summon 1 "Sunvine" Link Monster from his Extra Deck to his zone his "Sunavalon" Link Monster points to and then gain LP equal to the damage he took. He Special Summons Sunvine Gardna (600/1/↑) to Sunavalon Dryas's Link Marker (Spectre: 1750→4000 LP). As Yoroizaka's "Gouki" monster attacked this turn, he activates his Skill Gouki Strike, which lets that "Gouki" monster attack again this turn. The Giant Ogre attacks Sunvine Gardna. As Sunvine Gardna is being attacked, its effect activates, letting Spectre target a "Sunavalon" Link Monster linked to it and reduce the battle damage by that monster's Link Rating x 800. He targets Sunavalon Dryas. Sunvine Gardna is destroyed (Spectre: 4000→900 LP). As Sunvine Gardna was destroyed by battle, the Battle Phase ends. Yoroizaka ends his turn, and Jet Ogre's and The Giant Ogre's effects end (The Giant Ogre: 4500→3000).

Turn 3: Spectre

Spectre draws. He Normal Summons Sunseed Twin (0/800/2). As Sunseed Twin was Normal Summoned and Spectre controls a "Sunavalon" monster, he can Special Summon 1 Plant Normal Monster from his GY. He Special Summons Sunseed Genius Loci (0/600/1) in Attack Position. Spectre uses Sunseed Genius Loci, Sunseed Twin, and Sunavalon Dryas to Link Summon Sunavalon Dryanome (0/3/↙↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Spectre activates the effect of Sunavalon Thorns in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 Plant monster from his GY. He Special Summons Sunseed Genius Loci (0/600/1). Spectre uses Sunseed Genius Loci to Link Summon Sunvine Thrasher (800/1/↓) to Sunavalon Dryanome's bottom Link Marker. As Sunvine Thrasher was Special Summoned, Spectre can target 1 "Sunavalon" Link Monster linked to it and increase Sunvine Thrasher's ATK by that monster's Link Rating x 800. He targets Sunavalon Dryanome (Sunvine Thrasher: 800→3200). Spectre activates the Equip Spell Card Sunvine Vengeance and equips it to Sunvine Thrasher. Now, Sunvine Thrasher gains 600 ATK and if it battles Yoroizaka's monster, that monster's effects are negated during damage calculation only (Sunvine Thrasher: 3200→3800).

Sunvine Thrasher attacks The Giant Ogre. As Spectre's monster attacked, Yoroizaka activates the effect of Gouki Octostretch in his hand, discarding it to halve the battle damage (Yoroizaka: 4000→3600 LP). As Sunvine Thrasher destroyed a monster by battle and sent it to the GY, Spectre activates its effect to Special Summon The Giant Ogre (3000/4/←↙↘→) to Sunavalon Dryanome's bottom-left Link Marker. The Giant Ogre attacks Yoroizaka directly. Yoroizaka activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Call of the Haunted, which lets him Special Summon 1 monster from his GY in Attack Position. He Special Summons Gouki Riscorpio (2300/0/5). A replay occurs and The Giant Ogre attacks and destroys Riscorpio (Yoroizaka: 3600→2900 LP). As Riscorpio was sent to the GY, Yoroizaka adds Gouki Octostretch from his Deck to his hand. Spectre activates his Skill Sunavalon Blaze. By Tributing one monster linked to a "Sunavalon" monster he controls, one Plant monster he controls gains ATK equal to that monster's ATK until the end of the turn. Spectre Tributes The Giant Ogre and targets Sunavalon Dryanome (Sunavalon Dryanome: 0→3000). Sunavalon Dryanome attacks Yoroizaka directly. Yoroizaka activates the effect of Gouki Octostretch in his hand, discarding it to halve the battle damage (Yoroizaka: 2900→1400 LP). Spectre activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Sunavalon Fertilization, which lets him Tribute 1 Plant Link Monster he controls to Special Summon 1 Plant Link Monster from his Extra Deck with the same original name as that monster to his zone his "Sunavalon" Link Monster points to. He Tributes Sunvine Thrasher to Special Summon a 2nd Sunvine Thrasher (800/1/↓) to Sunavalon Dryanome's bottom Link Marker. As Sunvine Thrasher was Special Summoned, Spectre can target 1 "Sunavalon" Link Monster linked to it and increase Sunvine Thrasher's ATK by that monster's Link Rating x 800. He targets Sunavalon Dryanome (Sunvine Thrasher: 800→3200). Sunvine Thrasher attacks Yoroizaka directly (Yoroizaka: 1400→0 LP). Spectre wins.

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Revolver vs. Kenmochi

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Revolver

Revolver Normal Summons Metalrokket Dragon (1700/1400/4). As Revolver controls a "Rokket" monster, he Special Summons Absorouter Dragon (1200/2800/7) in Attack Position. Revolver uses Metalrokket Dragon to Link Summon Striker Dragon (1000/1/←) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Striker Dragon was Link Summoned, Revolver can add Boot Sector Launch from his Deck to his hand. Revolver activates Striker Dragon's effect, targeting Absorouter Dragon on his field and Metalrokket Dragon in his GY. Absorouter Dragon is destroyed, and Autorokket Dragon is added to Revolver's hand. As Absorouter Dragon was sent to the GY, Revolver can add 1 "Rokket" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Anesthrokket Dragon to his hand. Revolver activates the Field Spell Card Boot Sector Launch, which increases the ATK/DEF of his "Rokket" monsters by 300. He activates Boot Sector Launch's effect to Special Summon up to 2 "Rokket" monsters with different names from his hand in Defense Position. He Special Summons Anesthrokket Dragon (0→300/2200→2500/1) and Metalrokket Dragon (1700→2000/1400→1700/4). As a Dark Dragon monster was Special Summoned to his field, Revolver Special Summons Noctovision Dragon (0/2800/7) in Defense Position. Revolver uses Anesthrokket Dragon, Metalrokket Dragon, Noctovision Dragon, and Striker Dragon to Link Summon Borreload Dragon (3000/4/←↙↘→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Noctovision Dragon was sent to the GY as Link Material, Revolver draws 1 card. Revolver Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Kenmochi

Kenmochi draws. He Normal Summons Gouki Suprex (1800/0/4). As Suprex was Normal Summoned, Kenmochi can Special Summon 1 "Gouki" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Gouki Bearhug (2400/0/6) in Attack Position. Kenmochi uses Bearhug and Suprex to Link Summon Gouki Jet Ogre (2000/2/←↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Bearhug and Suprex were sent from the field to the GY, their effects activate, and Kenmochi adds 2 new "Gouki" cards from his Deck to his hand. He adds Gouki Re-Match and Gouki Suprex to his hand. Kenmochi activates the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match, but Revolver activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Imperial Order, which negates the effects of all face-up Spell Cards on the field. Kenmochi activates the effect of Gouki Headbatt in his hand, discarding Gouki Riscorpio to Special Summon it (800/0/2) in Defense Position and increase Jet Ogre's ATK by 800 (Jet Ogre: 2000→2800). Kenmochi uses Headbatt and Link-2 Jet Ogre to Link Summon Gouki Thunder Ogre (2200/3/↙↑↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Headbatt was sent to the GY, Kenmochi adds Gouki Twistcobra from his Deck to his hand. Kenmochi activates Thunder Ogre's effect to Normal Summon 1 monster to its Link Marker. He Normal Summons Gouki Suprex (1800/0/4). As Suprex was Normal Summoned, Kenmochi can Special Summon Gouki Twistcobra (1600/0/3) in Attack Position. Kenmochi uses Suprex and Link-3 Thunder Ogre to Link Summon Gouki The Master Ogre (2800/4/↙↑↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Kenmochi activates Twistcobra's effect, Tributing itself and targeting The Master Ogre to increase The Master Ogre's ATK by Twistcobra's original ATK until the end of the turn (The Master Ogre: 2800→4400). As his "Gouki" monster's ATK changed, Kenmochi activates his Skill Gouki Burst, which increases his monster's ATK by the same amount until the end of the turn (The Master Ogre: 4400→6000). As Twistcobra was sent to the GY, Kenmochi can add 1 new "Gouki" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Gouki Iron Claw to his hand. Kenmochi Sets 1 card.

The Master Ogre attacks Borreload Dragon. Kenmochi activates the effect of Gouki Iron Claw in his hand, discarding it to increase The Master Ogre's ATK by 500 and make it unaffected by Revolver's card effects until the end of the turn (The Master Ogre: 6000→6500). The attack continues and Borreload Dragon is destroyed (Revolver: 4000→500 LP). Kenmochi ends his turn. During the End Phase, Gouki Burst's, Twistcobra's, and Iron Claw's effects end (The Master Ogre: 6500→2800).

Turn 3: Revolver

Revolver draws. During his Standby Phase, he decides not to pay 700 LP, so Imperial Order is destroyed. As his LP are 1000 or less, he activates his Skill, Stardust Storm Access, which lets him add 1 Cyberse or Dragon Link Monster from the Data Storm to his Extra Deck. He adds Cartridge Dragon to his Extra Deck. As he controls fewer monsters than Kenmochi, Revolver activates the effect of Boot Sector Launch to Special Summon different "Rokket" monsters from his GY in Defense Position up to the difference. He Special Summons Metalrokket Dragon (1700→2000/1400→1700/4). Revolver Normal Summons Silverrokket Dragon (1900→2200/100→400/4). Revolver uses Metalrokket Dragon and Silverrokket Dragon to Link Summon Cartridge Dragon (1200/2/↙↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. Revolver activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Quick Launch, which lets him Special Summon 1 "Rokket" monster from his Deck, but it will be destroyed during the End Phase. He Special Summons Magnarokket Dragon (1800→2100/1200→1500/4) to Cartridge Dragon's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. Revolver activates Cartridge Dragon's effect to target 1 other face-up monster on the field and reduce its ATK/DEF by 500. He targets Magnarokket Dragon. As Magnarokket Dragon was targeted by a Link Monster's effect, its effect activates, destroying itself, then Revolver can send 1 monster on the field to the GY. He attempts to send The Master Ogre to the GY, but Kenmochi activates his Set Trap Card Gouki Chain, targeting The Master Ogre. Until the end of the turn, The Master Ogre is unaffected by Revolver's card effects, and during the End Phase, Revolver will take damage equal to The Master Ogre's Link Rating x 200. As a "Rokket" monster linked to Cartridge Dragon was destroyed by a card effect, its effect activates, letting Revolver banish 1 card from his GY to add 1 Dragon Ritual Monster and/or Explosive Trigger from his Deck to his hand. He banishes Striker Dragon and adds Borreload Ravenous Dragon and Explosive Trigger to his hand. Revolver activates the Ritual Spell Card Explosive Trigger, which lets him Ritual Summon 1 "Borrel" Ritual Monster from his hand by Tributing monsters whose combined Levels equal or exceed the Ritual Monster's. Alternatively, as Revolver controls a Dark Dragon Link Monster, he can use Dragon monsters in his GY as material by shuffling them back into his Deck. Revolver shuffles the Level 4 Magnarokket Dragon and Level 4 Silverrokket Dragon in his GY back into his Deck to Ritual Summon Borreload Ravenous Dragon (3000/2500/8) to Cartridge Dragon's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. Revolver activates Ravenous Dragon's effect to target 1 Dark Link Monster he controls or in his GY and increase Ravenous Dragon's ATK by that monster's Link Rating x 1000 until his next Standby Phase. He targets the Link-4 Borreload Dragon in his GY (Ravenous Dragon: 3000→7000).

Ravenous Dragon attacks and destroys The Master Ogre (Kenmochi: 4000→0 LP). Revolver wins.

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Terminus vs. HK-72

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: HK-72

As it controls no monsters, it Special Summons Mechassassin 5C-UT (1200/0/3) in Attack Position. As it controls a Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster, HK-72 Special Summons Mechassassin 5N-PR (2000/0/5) in Attack Position via its effect. HK-72 activates the Spell Card Mechassassin's Assembly, targeting 5N-PR. HK-72 can now add 1 "Mechassassin" monster with an equal or lower Level from its Deck to its hand. It adds Mechassassin HNT-3R to its hand. HK-72 Normal Summons Mechassassin HNT-3R (1600/0/4). HK-72 uses 5C-UT to Link Summon Mechassassin 5P0-T3R (800/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. HK-72 uses 5N-PR and HNT-3R to Link Summon Mechassassin 5TR-GST (1600/2/←→) to 5P0-T3R's Link Marker. It activates 5TR-GST's effect to pay 800 LP to Special Summon 1 "Mechassassin" monster from the GY to its Link Marker with its effects negated (HK-72: 4000→3200 LP). It Special Summons Mechassassin 5C-UT (1200/0/3) to its left Link Marker in Attack Position. HK-72 uses 5C-UT and Link-2 5TR-GST to Link Summon Mechassassin C0M-D3R (2400/3/←↑→) to 5P0-T3R's Link Marker. HK-72 activates 5P0-T3R's effect, targeting C0M-D3R. Terminus takes damage equal to half of C0M-D3R's original ATK, but HK-72 cannot conduct its Battle Phase this turn (Terminus: 4000→2800 LP). As Terminus took damage from the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster C0M-D3R points to, HK-72 gains LP equal to that damage (HK-72: 3200→4400 LP). HK-72 activates its Skill, Assassin's Snipe, paying 800 LP to inflict 300 damage for each "Mechassassin" card in its GY (HK-72: 4400→3600 LP). There are 5 "Mechassassin" cards in its GY (Terminus: 2800→1300 LP). HK-72 Sets 1 card. It ends its turn.

Turn 2: Terminus

Terminus draws. He activates the Field Spell Card The Hidden City. As The Hidden City was activated, Terminus can add 1 "Subterror" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Subterror Guru to his hand. Terminus Normal Summons Subterror Guru (1600/1800/4). Terminus activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Book of Moon, which lets him change 1 face-up monster on the field to face-down Defense Position. He changes Subterror Guru to Set Defense Position. As a monster was flipped face-down while Terminus controls no face-up monsters, he activates the effect of Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist in his hand, Special Summoning it in Defense Position (3000/1400/11). He activates Speleogeist's effect, changing it to face-down Defense Position. HK-72 activates its Set Continuous Trap Card Mechassassin's Reactor. While Mechassassin's Reactor is on the field, Terminus cannot target HK-72's "Mechassassin" monsters with his card effects, also "Mechassassin" monsters cannot be destroyed by his card effects. Terminus activates the effect of The Hidden City to change the Set Speleogeist to face-up Attack Position (3000/1400/11). As Speleogeist was Flip Summoned, Terminus can target 1 monster on the field, change it to face-up Attack Position if it is in Defense Position, and make its ATK 0. Terminus targets his Set Guru for Speleogeist's effect, changing it to Attack Position (1600→0/1800/4). As Guru was Flip Summoned, Terminus can add 1 "Subterror" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Subterror Masonry to his hand. Terminus uses Guru and Speleogeist to Link Summon Subterror Behemoth Fiendess (2000/2/↙↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Behemoth Fiendess gains ATK equal to the combined original Levels of the "Subterror" monsters used for its Link Summon x 100 (Behemoth Fiendess: 2000→3500). Terminus activates Behemoth Fiendess's effect to send 1 Flip monster from his Deck to the GY, then Special Summon 1 monster from his hand in face-down Defense Position at Behemoth Fiendess's Link Marker. He sends Subterror Behemoth Umastryx to the GY and Sets Subterror Behemoth Stalaktide at Behemoth Fiendess's bottom-left Link Marker. Terminus Sets 2 cards.

Behemoth Fiendess attacks 5P0-T3R. As HK-72's "Mechassassin" monster would be destroyed by Terminus's card, it activates the effect of 5TR-GST in its GY, banishing it instead (HK-72: 3600→900 LP). Terminus ends his turn.

Turn 3: HK-72

HK-72 draws. Terminus activates his Set Trap Card Damage Diet, which halves all damage he takes this turn. HK-72 activates 5P-0-T3R's effect, targeting C0M-D3R. Terminus takes damage equal to half of C0M-D3R's original ATK, then HK-72 can destroy 1 Spell/Trap Card Terminus controls. The damage is halved via Damage Diet's effect (Terminus: 1300→700 LP). HK-72 destroys the Set Subterror Masonry. As Terminus took damage from a "Mechassassin" monster linked to it, C0M-D3R's effect lets HK-72 gain LP equal to that damage (HK-72: 900→1500 LP). As Terminus's card was destroyed by the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster linked to it, C0M-D3R's effect lets HK-72 Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster from its GY to its Link Marker, then inflict 800 damage to Terminus. It Special Summons HNT-3R (1600/0/4) to C0M-D3R's left Link Marker in Attack Position (Terminus: 700→300 LP). HK-72 activates the effect of Mechassassin's Assembly in its GY, banishing it to add 1 "Mechassassin" monster from its GY to its hand. It adds 5N-PR to its hand. As HK-72 controls a Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster, it Special Summons 5N-PR (2000/0/5) in Attack Position. HK-72 activates 5N-PR's effect, paying 500 LP to target and destroy 1 Set card on Terminus's field (HK-72: 1500→1000 LP). It destroys Terminus's Set Stalaktide. HK-72 can then Set 1 "Mechassassin" card from its Deck, but that card cannot be activated this turn. It Sets Mechassassin's Array. HK-72 activates the Spell Card Mechassassin's Replacement, which lets it Tribute 1 "Mechassassin" monster it controls to Special Summon 1 different "Mechassassin" monster from its Deck with its effects negated. It Tributes HNT-3R to Special Summon a 2nd 5N-PR (2000/0/5) to C0M-D3R's left Link Marker in Attack Position. HK-72 overlays its 2 Level 5 5N-PR to Xyz Summon Mechassassin P05-N3R (2400/1600/5) to C0M-D3R's left Link Marker in Attack Position.

HK-72 activates P05-N3R's effect, detaching 1 Overlay Unit (P05-N3R: 2 OU→1 OU) to destroy 1 monster Terminus controls and inflict damage equal to half its original ATK and gain LP equal to that amount. Terminus activates his Skill, Sublimated Terror, which lets him banish 1 "Subterror" monster from his GY, then add 1 "Subterror" monster with a lower Level from his Deck to his hand and gain LP equal to the banished monster's Level x 100. He banishes Level 11 Speleogeist and adds Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo to his hand (Terminus: 300→1400 LP). Behemoth Fiendess is destroyed (Terminus: 1400→900 LP) (HK-72: 1000→1500 LP). HK-72 ends its turn.

Turn 4: Terminus

Terminus draws. By sending The Hidden City to the GY, he activates the Field Spell Card The Hidden Metropolis. While The Hidden Metropolis is on the field, Terminus's "Subterror Behemoth" monsters gain 500 ATK/DEF. As The Hidden Metropolis was activated, Terminus can shuffle 1 "Subterror" monster in his hand into his Deck, then draw 2 cards. He shuffles Stalagmo into his Deck and draws. Terminus Normal Summons Subterror Nemesis Warrior (1800/1200/4). He activates the Spell Card Monster Reborn, which lets him Special Summon 1 monster from the GY. He Special Summons Behemoth Fiendess (2000→2500/2/↙↘). Terminus uses Nemesis Warrior and Link-2 Behemoth Fiendess to Link Summon Subterror Behemoth Guru (2500→3000/3/↙↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Behemoth Guru was Link Summoned using exactly 1 "Subterror Behemoth" monster, it gains ATK equal to that monster's original ATK (Behemoth Guru: 3000→5000).

Behemoth Guru attacks P05-N3R. HK-72 activates its Set Continuous Trap Card Mechassassin's Array. As its "Mechassassin" monster is battling, it can pay 500 LP to take no damage (HK-72: 1500→1000 LP). P05-N3R is destroyed. As Behemoth Guru destroyed HK-72's monster by battle and sent it to the GY, its effect lets Terminus send 1 Flip monster from his Deck to the GY, then inflict damage to HK-72 equal to that monster's ATK. He sends Subterror Behemoth Dragossuary to the GY (HK-72: 1000→0 LP). Terminus wins.

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Bit & Boot:

D-Scale Judgment Normal Trap Card
Target 1 "D-Scale" monster you control; until the end of the turn, that monster loses 600 ATK and is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "D-Scale" monster in your GY to your hand. You cannot activate this effect the turn this card is sent to the GY.

D-Scale Tide Quick-Play Spell Card
When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack: Negate the attack, and if you do, Special Summon up to 3 "D-Scale Tokens" (Cyberse/WATER/Level 1/ ATK 100/DEF 100) in Defense Position, but they cannot be used as material for a Link Summon, except for the Link Summon of a WATER monster.

D-Scale Trench Counter Trap Card
When your opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card while you control a "D-Scale" monster: Negate the activation of that card and destroy it, and if you do, your opponent cannot activate cards, or effects of cards, with the same original name as that card that was destroyed, until the 2nd Standby Phase after this card's activation. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "D-Scale" monster you control; until the end of the turn, that monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects.

Spectre:

Sunavalon Thorns Normal Trap Card
If your opponent's monster declares an attack while you control a "Sunavalon" monster: Halve the battle damage, also "Sunavalon" monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects for the rest of the turn. You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 Plant monster from your GY. You can only use each effect of "Sunavalon Thorns" once per turn.

Sunvine Vengeance Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a Plant Link Monster. The equipped monster gains 600 ATK and if it battles your opponent's monster, negate the opponent's monster's effects during damage calculation only. If the equipped monster would be destroyed, you can send this card to the GY instead.

Sunavalon Fertilization Quick-Play Spell Card
Tribute 1 Plant Link Monster you control; Special Summon 1 Plant Link Monster from your Extra Deck with the same original name as the Tributed monster to your zone your "Sunavalon" Link Monster points to. You can banish this card from your GY and target up to 3 Plant Link Monsters in your GY; return them to the Extra Deck. You can only use 1 effect of "Sunavalon Fertilization" per turn, and only once per turn.

Revolver:

Cartridge Dragon
Attribute: DARK Type: [Dragon/Link/Effect] ATK 1200 LINK-2 ↙↓
2 DARK Dragon monsters
Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can target 1 other face-up monster on the field; it loses 500 ATK/DEF. When your "Rokket" monster this card points to is destroyed by a card effect: You can banish 1 card from your GY; add 1 Dragon Ritual Monster and/or 1 "Explosive Trigger" from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Cartridge Dragon" once per turn.

Borreload Ravenous Dragon
Attribute: DARK Type: [Dragon/Ritual/Effect] ATK 3000 DEF 2500 Level: 8
You can Ritual Summon this card with "Explosive Trigger". This Ritual Summoned card cannot be destroyed by card effects. Once per turn: You can target 1 DARK Link Monster you control or in your GY; this card gains ATK equal to that monster's Link Rating x 1000 until your next Standby Phase, also your other monsters cannot attack. If this card is sent to the GY by your opponent's card: You can Special Summon 1 Dragon Link Monster from your GY.

Explosive Trigger Ritual Spell Card
This card can be used to Ritual Summon any "Borrel" Ritual Monster. You must also Tribute monsters from your hand or field whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster you Ritual Summon. If you control a DARK Dragon Link Monster, you can also use Dragon monster(s) in your GY, by shuffling them into the Deck.

Kenmochi:

Gouki Chain Normal Trap Card
Target 1 "Gouki" Link Monster you control; until the end of the turn, it is unaffected by your opponent's card effects, also during the End Phase, inflict damage to your opponent equal to that monster's Link Rating x 200.

HK-72:

Mechassassin 5TR-GST (Strategist) (name credit to ThePLOThand)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Link/Effect] ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→
2 "Mechassassin" monsters
Once per turn: You can pay 800 LP and target 1 "Mechassassin" monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your zone this card points to with its effects negated. If your "Mechassassin" card would be destroyed by your opponent's card: You can banish this card from your GY instead.

Mechassassin's Reactor Continuous Trap Card
Your opponent cannot target "Mechassassin" monsters you control with their card effects. "Mechassassin" monsters you control cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects.

Mechassassin's Replacement Normal Spell Card
Tribute 1 "Mechassassin" monster you control; Special Summon 1 "Mechassassin" monster with a different name from your Deck with its effects negated. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "Mechassassin" card from your Deck to your hand. You can only use 1 effect of "Mechassassin's Replacement" per turn, and only once per turn.

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Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 62 – The Next Line of Defense. The heroes have entered Mirror LINK VRAINS and came under assault by Lightning's and Ouroboros's defenses. Now, the battle continues, with Morningstar facing off against an old rival and Blue Maiden challenged by an empowered Haru…

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Question of the Chapter

Should cards used in one fanfic appear in the other? Should cards I use in Fifth Circuit appear in Hidden Memories and vice versa? Or should they have different cards entirely?

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Author's Notes

Thank you to SakushiRyu, ThePLOThand, Haoh Ryu Z-ARC, and NewComer1 for helping with the OC cards, Skills, and duels in this chapter.

We've finally reached the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc. Not much to say on the first two duels; I initially wrote them as only lasting two turns each to show much stronger Playmaker and Soulburner have become, but I decided this would be a good opportunity to show off their Skill Switches again. I didn't want those to be one-hit wonders.

More importantly are the Knights of Hanoi's duels. First we have Spectre against a controlled Yoroizaka, where we finally see Spectre's Skill, Sunavalon Blaze, which Tributes a monster to increase a Plant monster's ATK. I thought this was a good Skill for Spectre, as it lets him make use of a taken monster and lets his Sunavalon monsters attack. Second was Revolver vs. a controlled Kenmochi, where I introduced Revolver's new Skill: Stardust Storm Access. I figured that since Playmaker upgraded Storm Access and Bohman will get his own upgrade later, Revolver needed his own upgrade to compete. In his case, Stardust Storm Access still limits him to Link Monsters, but expands it to Cyberse or Dragon monsters. I did consider having him gain Topologic Zeroboros here, but since the main expansion of Stardust Storm Access is it includes Dragons, I decided for him to gain a Dragon monster. And this addition lets me introduce Revolver's Ritual Monster: Borreload Ravenous Dragon, which I first showed in Fifth Circuit, though I added a new effect to it, which I'll be adding to the Fifth Circuit version via retcon. And last was Terminus's duel with HK-72, where he defeated the AI Assassin and demonstrated his new Skill. Unlike Playmaker and Soulburner, the Knights of Hanoi don't get Skill Switch, since the main characters don't trust them with it.

There will be five more duels next chapter, and from there we'll be having more character-focused chapters with a single duel apiece. Hopefully this means those chapters will take less time to write, but as I've now been dragged into the time consuming gacha hell that is Fate/Grand Order, I doubt it. But I do have one more announcement: For a while, I've only had a tentative endpoint in mind, but now I have a concrete one. I am delighted to announce that Hidden Memories will end at Chapter 116, which will also be the end of season 3. We're just over halfway there, folks!

Thank you for reading Chapter 61. The duels here aren't too special compared to some others, but I hope you enjoyed them nonetheless. Please post a review as feedback helps with the upkeep and continual improvement of not just Hidden Memories, but my writing in general.

Mechassassin Strategist: ST-series super tactical droid