The Link Dimension, a hidden world that hadn't been involved in the wars that had started because of Leo Akaba. Duels in this dimension were a bit more unique than the rest. First were the two exclusive zones on the dueling field called Link Monster Zones. Link Monsters were the Dimension's exclusive Extra Deck Summon. A different type of monster without DEF, Level or Rank, Links were blue bordered with a hexagonal pattern. Why there was another blue card when Rituals already existed in other dimensions don't ask. Link Monsters possess a different type of power indicator, known as a Link Rating, determined by the number of Link Arrows on the border of the artwork. These arrows point towards other zones, and when a monster is in a zone that an Arrow points to, that monster will be 'Linked' to the Link Monster.
As for the Link Monster Zones, those are placed in between the two duelists' fields. At the start of the duel, neither Zones belonged to either player until the first player Link Summons a Link Monster and claims that zone as his/hers. The other five Monster Zones, referred to as Main Monster Zones, cannot have Link Monsters in them when Link Summoned. Link Monsters can only be placed in a Main Monster Zone if Special Summoned by other means. However, a player can possess more than one Link Monster even if they already have one in their Link Monster Zone. If they wish to summon an additional Link Monster, they must summon it to one other their Main Monster Zones that the already existing Link Monster points to.
What makes dueling in the Link Dimension so unique was that they do not occur in the real world. Developed by the company of SOL Technologies is an online, virtual reality world known as LINK VRAINS, short for Virtual Reality Artificial Intelligence Network System. Within the realm of LINK VRAINS, people dueled in a new, advanced manner compared to the other dimensions. Here, duelists could duel using digital cards created from the Cloud Function from SOL Technologies card database, although it was still possible to use the traditional version that used the physical cards, known as 'Card-Insert Duel Disks', which are rare. But the true strength of LINK VRAINS were the unique duels that could only be done there; Speed Duels.
Speed Duels are a simpler, smaller scale version of the regular duels, known as Master Duels. Here, the duelist starts with only four cards in their hand at the beginning of the duel, there are only three Main Monster and Spell/Trap Zones, and Speed Duels lack an additional Main Phase. In addition, each duelist possesses a unique ability known as a Skill. Skills can provide a duelist with a different effect, such as additional draws, Life Point boosts, manipulating ATK or DEF, etc. But each duelist may only use their Skill once during the duel. Once a last art until the resurgence of the Data Storms within LINK VRAINS, Speed Duels have experienced a surge in popularity as duelists ride the winds atop their D-Boards.
And entering all this can be done by saying one phrase….
Into the VRAINS!
…
It was a sunny day in Den City, and the students of Den Academy were preparing for an upcoming dance. Many students had left early to prepare for the event, while a few had volunteered to set up decorations in the school's gymnasium. There were tables around the ends of the gym, covered up with blue table clothes with a hexagonal pattern. There were banners for the celebration of the event, each one placed perfectly straight. Well, except for one.
"Could be a little more to the left." Said a male student. He had tan skin and short blonde hair was swept to the right, and his royal blue eyes sparkled with humor.
Furthermore, he wore a slate-colored jacket with light blue trim over a white dress shirt with a blue tie and a pair of black pants and black and white shoes. "You sure you don't need any help?
The person to whom he was speaking, shook his head in the negative. "It's okay Kenji. I can handle it." The person's dark blue eyes complimented his dual colored electric blue and cyan hair. His attire was simple, consisting of a blue jacket with blue steel trim over a white shirt with a red tie and a pair of black pants and white shoes with a stripe of blue running across the front. "I just have to lean back a bit." He muttered as he moved to his right, the end of a banner in his hand.
"Well be careful Yuji, everyone in the school's heard about your tendency to collapse from exhaustion every once in a while." Kenji advised.
"It's a big talking point really. Whenever someone asks for help, you say yes. You never say no, it's like you can't say no to someone who needs assistance. Then, when you've done too much help, you faint and fall on your face."
Yuji rolled his eyes in response. It wasn't exactly false, though, his friends had said he was like a martyr without a cause, so he helped whenever he got the opportunity. It was an admirable quality, but when pushed too far, he would collapse. Ignoring the other boy's words, he carefully tied the banner to one of the hooks on the gym walls and climbed down on the ladder. Taking a few steps back, he saw that the banner, which had 'Den Academy Fall Formal 20XX' written in blue steel letters, positioned perfectly.
"See what I tell you." He told Kenji, who was about to answer when Yuta saw someone standing over by the bleachers. "Hey Ena" He yelled while waving over to her.
Ena has light gray eyes and blonde short-length hair, with a blue clip on the left of her front bangs. Her hair also features two lighter blonde Her attire consisted of a light blue and white shirt, a blue skirt over shorts held in place by a purple belt wrapped around her waist. Going to the middle of her lower legs were green-yellow socks, with purple boots covering her feet. Around the circumference of her right wrist was a silver bracelet, with a blue gem placed in a droplet shape. She waved back as her friend approached.
"What took you so long? I didn't think you would let me do all the work, knowing you enjoy these types of things. " Yuji said as Ena pulled out a tablet from the blue bag next to her. "Did you come to help out or-"
Actually," Ena said in a low voice, cutting off Yuta to do so. "I came here to show you something."
She pressed a few apps on her tablet and the screen displayed a banner of duelists dueling each other in LINK VRAINS.
"That's the article promoting the Charisma Duelist All-Out Challenge Match that's happening later today." He stated. "Whichever 5 duelists have the most points at the end of the tournament become the next 5 Charisma Duelists of LINK VRAINS making them the Top 10, right?"
"Correct." Ena responded to his statement. "I assume you're both a fan of Charisma Duelists and LINK VRAINS." She added to the conversation.
"Why yes I am." Kenji told Ena. "My name is Kenji Roshan, I'm a member of Den Academy's school's Duel Club."
"Nice to meet you, my name is Ena and you already know Yuji." said Ena as she held her hand out towards Kenji, unaware of the frightened look on the girl's face. "It's an honor to finally see you face to face. Hey, are you a duelist just like Yuji?"
"Yes, Yuji and I are both duelists, we've been dueling ever since we were kids." Ena replied. "Hey, I have an idea, maybe the two of you should have a duel in LINK VRAINS tomorrow and-"
"DON'T MESS AROUND!" Kenji shouted suddenly, startling the two, especially Ena. "LINK VRAINS is for the champs, the best of the best. It's like a sacred temple, you don't defile it! But the duel's not a bad idea, I can teach you guys some sweet moves and combos that'll amaze you. " Shima offered, while Yuji let out a sigh.
"You're not that good a duelist are you?" He asked.
"I can tell that by the facts that, first, you are wearing one of the most recent models of Duel Disks, which means you aren't as concerned about the cards that the duelist had used for years before LINK VRAINS."
"Second, the fact that you have never been LINK VRAINS hints at a lack of confidence."
"Third, and this have been just my feelings, but you didn't pick up the fact that we've learned and been dueling at a young age, and you offered us some pointers thinking that you're better than we are. What kind of duelist does that anyway?"
"Kenji stood slack with his jaw dropped, absolutely stunned by Yuji's on the nail evaluation. "Yeah, he's also smart and excellent at reading situations." Ena said, awkwardly rubbing the back of her head.
"That being said I can say a few more things about you." Yuji added.
"First, the fact that you have a recent model duel disk means that you are very up to date on the world around you."
"Second of all, your eyes perk up with excitement at the mention of duels and duelists, which shows that you really love the game."
"Third and finally, though you did judge my rather limited abilities, you were being nice by offering to strengthen our dueling skills, which shows you're kind and caring."
"So overall, while you might not be good as a duelist, you are a decent person. Yuji added, though of course Kenji was upset to see any positives.
"Wha-wha, how dare you say that!?" He questioned, eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets. "Seriously you just had a full on discussion about me just because I offered you tips on dueling.
"Well in the past, Yuji was really shy and would often hide behind me or our parents when someone approached, and when they spoke to him, he'd whisper his response and stutter. I'd helped her try to be more social, getting her to start talking to people more and only made little progress, but it wasn't until he discovered the legendary duelist known as Playmaker and his confidence grew and his dream is to duel Playmaker.
"I'm gonna head over to the clubroom and see if I left my bag there." Kenji said, really an excuse to leave. "Who goes around telling people why they're a bad duelist?" He muttered somewhat irritated.
"Well that went well." Ena said sarcastically. Yuji denied it. "I don't think so."
"Yeah, because you told him your assumption of him not being a good duelist straight to his face. Scratch that, you basically told him he's horrible at it." The blonde head girl said with an angered look in her eyes. "I know you admire Playmaker, but you don't have to act like him, by always giving three reasons for everything."
"First, it's not a guess it's a prediction based on data from the real world. Second, besides our friendship, I must ask why you keep trying to help me improve on my interactions with people. And third this conversation is over, Yuji said as he walked towards the exit.
"Come on Yuji, even if Playmaker acted like the cold lone-wolf type that doesn't mean you should be too." Ena stated.
"Your right, I guess I took it a little too far, and I'm sorry." Yuji nodded his head towards Ena in apology.
"That's ok. So now since school's over, you think we should go home and prepare for you know what?" Ena asked.
"You just read my mind." Yuji replied as he and Ena left the school and towards their apartment complex where they both live to prepare for some mysterious event.
…
Meanwhile, on the top floor of SOL Technologies was a familiar figure staring at the window looking down at Den City as a beep was emitting from his intercom which made him press a button.
"Mr. Roget, I'm sad to say that we'd failed to capture Yuya Sakaki and Declan Akaba, thanks to his team of Lancers.
The other person, Roget, clenched his fist and snarled. "Lancers…. What else do you have to share with me?"
"Not much, except that even after the cards you gave us, I was still defeated by Yuya Sakaki, thanks to his new Link Monster." He replied.
Roget thought about this for a moment. However, this happened, Roget already saw this before when Yuya dueled Shinji and Jack and brought out two new Synchro Monsters. "Well then the solution is obvious. There's a tournament happening in LINK VRAINS later today, when it starts I want you to attack all the participants, don't hold anything back. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Mr. Roget." said the lackey.
Within SOL Technology, all employees were working on the big tournament that's happening.
A man sitting at a desk some distance from the screen frowned to himself. He had blue and teal hair, pink eyes, and wore a blue three-piece-suit over a white shirt and black tie.
He heard the door behind him open and someone walked into the room. Glancing over his shoulder, he narrowed his eyes at the young man who walked up to stand behind him before he returned his view to the screen.
''Hayami, everything set?'' Akira asks her who stirs up nervously but responds determinedly. ''Yes CEO Zaizen!''
Akira smiles nodding as he announces. ''Then let's start.''
Hayami nods starting the launch of the tournament.
…
"Alright Ena, I'm all set to log in, how bout you?" Yuji asked through his disk. She had followed Yuta to their apartment building, and they went straight to their rooms and sat into chairs that were used by gamers. "I'm ready and all set to go." She replied.
They both raised their arms that had their duel disks as they shouted. Into the VRAINS!"
The words 'Into the VRAINS' appeared on the side of the device, and Yuta was enveloped within a sphere of light.
Inside the sphere, Yuta became surrounded by a series of charts, data, and other computer stuff. His body glowed and faded away to reveal a new outfit. He now wore a blue and green bodysuit with yellow trim, a gun metal gray belt wrapped around his waist. His once downward hair now swept upward and had purple highlights. His eyes remained the same.
Ena's Vrains Avatar keeps her body stature the same but changed her hair color to a two-toned silver, and her eyes grey to purple. She was wearing streamlined mechanical armor with several gems that have colors corresponding to its colored wings that house wind turbines resting against her back. She also gained a pair of light gauntlets, the right of which housed her duel disk.
Everything is festive in the virtual world of Link VRAINS as many duelists, young and old, inexperienced and pros arrive to join in on this massive tournament that SOL Technology has declared a few weeks ago.
A massive holograph of the Akira Zaizen appeared over LINK VRAINS as he announces to all those online. ''Welcome all duelists to the first-ever LINK VRAINS' Master Tournament!''
Everyone looks up excited about this big tournament.
''It has been a long 6 months since certain events happening to Link VRAINS but to celebrate its recovering, growth and union to all duelists, including the hero of Link VRAINS; this tournament happened.'' Akira explains himself for this big celebration as he adds. ''All duelists with a Link Vrains account are allowed to compete in this tournament, and at the end of the tournament's conclusion the 5 duelists with that duelist will take their spot in the tournament.''
Akira then forms a small smirk, showing screenshots of the top five best duelists currently: The Gore, Soulburner, Storm Rider, Sanctum, and Blue Angel.
''There are four different sectors within LINK VRAINS, North, South, East, and West!'' Akira informed the audience of the four different regions. "You're also awarded medal points depending on the difference between you and your opponent's rank. If you defeat a duelist with a lower rank than you, you get one point, defeat a duelist mid-rank two points, and defeat a duelist one with a higher rank than you get three points. But, if you're feeling confident enough you can risk all medal points you've collected during the tournament, as well as any you've already obtained before the formation of this tournament, but if you do and lose, you're automatically eliminated!"
"Whoa, that's intense!" said one of the registered duelists.
Frog and Pigeon watch this as the small green avatar smirks declaring proudly. ''Alright! This is our chance for a big scoop!''
''You're right about that. After Playmaker left two new duelists by the names of Storm Rider and Sanctum, and they've taken LINK VRAINS to a whole new level.
Frog knew this, but this wasn't going to beat him as he states. ''And I'm glad they did! We better hurry, so we can become bigger legends than we already her!''
''And our bonus too!'' Frog nods shouting excitedly. ''Exactly!''
The two laugh as they would get that remarkable scoop for sure.
Blue Angel spots them and sweat drops how those two try too hard for their own good. Though she is happy everything is in peace and everyone enjoyed Link VRAINS more thanks to her brother's ideas and improvements.
''Your brother sure loves his new position.'' A voice declares surprising the Charisma Duelist. She turns to see Gore appearing behind her riding on his D-Board.
''George!'' Blue Angel expresses with a smile. Gore's face turns red as his fingers nears his mouth, indicating her to be quiet. "Shhh, don't be so loud, I don't want anyone to learn my true name." Gore replied.
Aw, come on girl, you need to lighten up a little more." A familiar voice said, revealing it to be Soulburner.
"Soulburner!" Blue Angel expressed him with a smile as well. "I'm so glad you've become a Top Charisma Duelist."
"Me too! I wasn't going to at first, but Mimi thought I should, and you know how hard it is to argue with her." Soulburner said, laughing.
"Well the only thing that matters now is that you're here." Gore said.
"Also, you didn't happen to see Storm Rider or Sanctum while riding here, did you?" Blue Angel asked.
"Sorry, but no. I hope they get here soon, it's better if we're all together to watch these strong duelists in action." Gore said.
"You can say that again." Soulburner added.
"Look, My brother's about to start the tournament." Blue Angel told them.
"Everyone, sorry to keep you waiting, but the LINK VRAINS Master's Tournament starts now!" Akira declared as the registered duelists entered and rode though LINK VRAINS looking for opponents.
"You'll think we'll be able to find 5 new, strong duelists to help protect LINK VRAINS from any future threat, CEO Zaizen?" Hayami asked
"I hope so because we need to be prepared for anything that comes our way, no matter tough and dangerous it might be. We need the best duelists LINK VRAINS has to offer.
Meanwhile…
"You sure we're not lost, Storm Rider?" Sanctum asked.
"Of course not, we're almost at the other three's location. Once there, we'll team up and defend our titles from anyone who tries to take it." Storm Rider replied.
"Only if you can get past me!" A man with a black, orange robe with a green faceplate mask appeared in front of them.
"Who are you?" Storm Rider asked.
"I'm a member of the Arbiters, but you'll learn more about that later, meanwhile you and I are going to duel!" He demanded.
"Yeah, right, and what makes you think I'm going to stop and duel you?" Storm Rider asked.
The arbiter chuckled. "Let me show you." He pulled up a holographic screen where other Arbiter members were heading towards the tournament.
"No!" Storm Rider shouted. "He's going to ambush the duelists and disrupt the tournament! Guess I have no choice but to duel him."
"Don't worry Storm Rider, I'll go ahead and warn the others. You just focus on defeating him." said Sanctum.
"Thanks Sanctum, good luck!" He said Sanctum rode straight past them and headed straight towards the tournament.
"So, are you ready to lose?" asked the Arbiter.
"Don't you mean, aren't you ready to lose?" Storm Rider retorted.
A breeze blew past the two, and a large purple and blue wind came up behind them, the Data Wind was surging through LINK VRAINS. Leaping into it, their D-Boards raced towards their owners and caught them. Smiling smugly, the enemy slammed his into Rider's, almost throwing him off his board. Despite the attempts, Rider stood firmly on his D-Board and rocketed past his foe. Standing below and on virtual buildings, many people within LINK VRAINS who had avoided the Knight's assault watched on as the two began their match.
Looking back, Sanctum watched, hoping that Rider would pull through. "Please." She thought, "Do your best, Yuji."
"Speed Duel!"
Rider LP: 4000 VS Arbiter LP: 4000
The duelist shouted as they drew their opening hands, four digital cards appeared in front of the Knight while Rider took the top four cards off his deck.
"Since I'm ahead I'll take the first turn. "If I control no monsters, and you do, I can Special Summon Cytech Recon from my hand!" A human sized robot wielding a marksman rifle wearing light military gear.
Cytech Recon LVL 3 ATK: 1200 DEF: 1000
The Arbiter member was in shock after seeing the monster. "It can't be, is that a "Cyberse" Monster?" he asked.
"After getting a feel for Link Vrains and learning of a type of monster that could be found in Vrains known as the Cyberse, I began dabbling into creating his own Cyberse." Almost all attempts failed due to it summoning to the field or Vrains didn't generate the card for a monster." He said.
"But on my 437th attempt he succeeded in creating a Cyberse card that he tweaked and changed to create the "Cytech" Archetype. Hopefully, one day I can create more Cyberse cards, so I bring them back to the people.
"Well enjoy it while it lasts because once I'm through with you, I'll eliminate the Cyberse once and for all!" Arbiter stated.
"You say that now, but I'll show you my deck's true strength." Rider said, holding his arm out towards his monster. "When Recon's summoned, I can add 1 Cytech card from my deck to my hand." A card slid out from his deck, which he then showed to his opponent. "I add the Field Spell, Cytech Ethernet, and then activate it!"
The card appeared next to Rider, depicting thousands of hexagons connected with lines forming a globe. "Thanks to its effect, I can summon another "Cytech" monster along with my Normal Summon. So come out Cytech Assassin and Cytech Knight!" Appearing next to Rider was a one-eyed tall slim black metal skeletal robot with six arms each holding a red blade energy dagger and a cybernetic knight coated in light blue.
Cytech Assassin LVL 4 ATK: 1500 DEF: 1400
Cytech Knight LVL 4 ATK: 1800 DEF: 0
"So is that all your Deck can do, summon multiple monsters?" The opponent questioned sarcastically. "If that's all you can do, this duel will be easier than I thought."
"Don't count on it." Said Rider as he took the last card from his hand. "I activate the spell Cytech Credit" He said as the card depicted different "Cytech" monsters swimming in a pool of coin.
"This lets me draw a card for every "Cytech" Monster on my field! Since I control three, I get to draw three!" He said as he drew.
Dashing forward, Rider held his hand out and declared, "Appear, the circuit that transcends evolution!"
A bolt of electricity fired from his palm and created a strange portal, one that resembled the Link Arrows around the artwork of Link Monsters. Without fear or hesitation, Rider smashed his D-Board through the portal, his monsters riding alongside him. Turning back around, he now stood in a realm of multiple hues of red circuitry patterns, with the portal staying the same.
"Arrowheads confirmed!" Rider shouted, now floating within the realm of the portal. "The summoning conditions are at least two Effect Monsters. I set Cytech Recon, Assassin, and Knight in the Link Arrows!" All three of Rider's monsters leapt towards the frames of the portal and became arrows of red light that entered the arrows and lit them up. The ones that were Assassin and Knight entered the ones on the top left and right respectively, while the one that was Recon entered the one in the bottom.
"Circuit Combine!" Yelled Rider as a wave of energy discharged from the portal. "Ruler of those who dwell within the digital realm, manifest from your slumber and declare your power over this reign! Link Summon! Appear, Link 3! Cytech Fortress Golem!"
Once Rider flew out of the portal, followed suit by a massive, muscled humanoid figure. He wore a massive black-gray plate of armor with blue designs that resembled data streams. He also had a cannon for an arm.
Cytech Fortress Golem-Link 3, DARK, Cyberse/Link/Effect, Link Markers: Top-Left, Top-Right, Bottom. 2300 ATK.
The opponent gritted his teeth. "His first turn, and he's already summoned a Link Monster with. What other powers does he possess?"
Rider took the two cards from his hand and placed them in his Spell and Trap Zones. "And finally, I place two cards face down and end my turn. Now, face me!"
The Arbiter smirked. "If you wish. He said as the line on his outfit began to glow. The Arbiter placed his hand on the digital slot of the wrist let that was his duel disk and declared, "Skill, Double Draw, activate! During my Draw Phase, I draw two cards instead of one." Two cards popped out of the slot, which he removed from their position. Disappearing from his fingers, two more cards appeared in front of him.
"A Skill already!" Rider spoke stunned, "And it's a rare one. There must be something more that he's trying to do."
"I activate the Continuous Spell Network Crash!" Green said as the card appeared in front of him. "While there are two or more Machine-Type monsters in play, I negate the effects of all Cyberse monsters on the field. Next I activate Dual Summon, allowing myself two Normal Summons or Sets." Smirking, Green gestured towards two of the cards in front of him. "Come, Hack Worm! And also Jack Wyvern!"
Two monsters materialized next to the Arbiter. One was a black mechanical worm with glowing green lines running along the sides. The other was a similar looking monster, but with large spikes for wings and six small legs clustered on its underside.
Hack Worm ATK 400 DEF 0 LVL: 1
Jack Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4
The Network Crash card suddenly released a pulse of energy that was aimed right at Golem. Once it made contact, Golem became surrounded by a dome of blinding light, so bright Rider had to cover his eyes. The light began to fade shortly after, revealing to Rider's shock that his monster in black chains wrapped around its arms and torso. The lines that ran across the monster's suit and disappeared, further supporting how it was weakening struggled in vain, the chain's hold over him too strong. A nearby indicator showed his ATK fall to 1300.
"Did I mention that for every Machine type monster I control, all Cyberse monsters on the field lose 500 ATK!" Said the Arbiter with a superior tone.
Cytech Fortress Golem: 2300→1300
"You see, you're no match for us!" Green added. "Me and my allies have trained to fight against Cyberse Decks a long time ago, and so long as they exist a duelist like you can't overcome us!"
Rider grimaced. "If he had only summoned one of those monsters at his center, the Main Monster Zone," he thought. "Golem has an effect of gaining 400 ATK every time a monster's summoned next to it, as well as making one monster my opponent controls lose 800 ATK." This certainly was proving to be a challenge.
Meanwhile, Sanctum was getting closer to where Blue Angel, Gore, and Soulburner were witnessing the duel.
"Hey, everyone!" She yelled out which caused them to turn around.
"Sanctum, you made it, but where's Storm Rider, isn't he supposed to be here too?" Blue Angel asked.
"He was, but we were stopped by a guy who says he's a member of some group called the Arbiters, but he stayed to duel him." She explained.
"So let's go back and help him!" Gore stated.
"We can't! There are other Arbiter members heading towards the tournament!"
"What!?" Soulburner said, shocked. "We have to get there before they do and stop them!"
"Right, let's go!" Sanctum declared as the four of them got on their D-Boards and headed towards the tournament as fast they could.
"Next I activate Spell Foolish Burial, and send Cracking Dragon from my Deck to my Graveyard!" Green declared before gesturing to Jack Wyvern. "Jack Wyvern's effect! I banish it and Hack Worm on my field to Special Summon a Dark Attributed monster from my Graveyard! Appear Cracking Dragon!"
The two monsters began to glitch and pixelate in and out of existence before disappearing completely. Taking their place was the same, massive dragon that had been destroying Link VRAINS earlier. Opening its mouth the dragon released a high-pitched roar before rushing forward, almost knocking Rider off his board, and rammed into a nearby building, turning it into nothing but data. An indicator revealed a powerful 3000 ATK.
"However, now that there is only one Machine-Type monster on the field, the effects of Network Crash weaken. Your monster regains 500 ATK and its effects are no longer negated." The Arbiter member said as the chains around Golem disappeared, freeing the warrior from his shackles.
Cytech Fortress Golem: ATK 1300→1800
"Though even this won't save you! Battle!" He declared, "Cracking Dragon attacks Evolink Tyrannus! Traffic Blast!"
The mechanical dragon opened its mouth, and a massive inferno of blue flames aimed right at Rider's monster. The burst hit dead on and Tyrannus howled in pain. Though he was behind the monster, Rider could feel the heat of the fire, a burning pain beginning to envelop him.
Struggling through the immense pressure, he declared "Counter Trap! Cytech Camouflage! By targeting Golem, this card prevents it from being targeted for attacks or yours card effects until the end of this turn!" Regaining some strength, Golem rolled out of the blast as Rider rode along another path in the data storm. Cracking Dragon and the opponent looked around for any signs of Rider and his monster, but they found nothing.
He snarled in anger. "I place one card face-down and end my turn." As soon as the card materialized in front of him, both Rider and his monster suddenly reappeared in front of them, Golem looking completely fine.
"My turn!" "I draw!' Rider wasted no time and played a card. "I summon Cytech Supporter!" A single-eyed human sized robot carrying a scopeless heavy blaster rifle.
"Cracking Dragon's effect now activates," Green said. When you Normal Summon or Special Summon a monster, its attack points decrease by its Level times 200. And you take that amount as damage! Plus Network Crash reduces your Monster's points by an additional 500! Go, Crack Fall!" Cracking Dragon sent out a blast of wind that made Rider wince as his tokens glowed red, and he glowed yellow.
Cytech Supporter ATK 1700→400
Rider: 4000→3200 LP
"Well, since I summoned Supporter next to Golem's Link, not only does he gain 400 ATK, but your Dragon loses 800 ATK."
"What!?" said Green.
Golem clapped his hands together which sent a huge shockwave towards Cracking Dragon, lowering its ATK and increasing its own.
Cytech Fortress Golem (ATK: 1800→2200)
Cracking Dragon (ATK: 3000→2200)
"And I'm not done yet, thanks to Supporter's effect I can target one "Cytech" monster on my field or in my graveyard and one "Cytech" monster on my field gains half its ATK. I select Cytech Knight and give half its 1800 ATK to Golem!" Rider said as Supporter glowed and shot an energy beam from its gun at Golem, boosting its strength.
Cytech Fortress Golem (ATK: 2200→3100)
"Golem attack Cracking Dragon with Cyber Knuckle!" Fortress Golem's fist glowed purple as it charged towards the mechanical dragon.
"Nice try, but I activate the Trap Mirror Force, which destroys all your monsters in Attack Position!" The opponent declared as his face-down flipped up, creating a mirror-like barrier before Golem.
"You think that will destroy my Monsters?" Rider smirked, as a light blue barrier surrounded both his monsters. "Thanks to Cytech Ethernet's effect my "Cytech" monsters can't be destroyed by card effects. Now Golem, continue on with your attack!" Rider declared as his Golem slammed his fist into the dragon destroying it.
GA: 4000→3100 LP
"Since you no longer control a Machine monster, my Cyberse monsters regain 500 ATK!"
Cytech Fortress Golem (ATK: 3100→3600)
Cytech Supporter (ATK: 400→900)
Now Supporter attacks you directly with Bio Beam!" Supporter raised his gun towards the opponent and blasted a blue energy at him, making him wince in pain.
GA: 3100→2200 LP
"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Rider said. "And since we've reached the End Phase both Golem's and Supporter's effects wear off and their ATK returns to normal!"
Cytech Fortress Golem (ATK: 3600-2300)
Cytech Fortress Golem (ATK: 900→1700)
"I'll give you one last chance, surrender now and stop attacking these innocent duelists immediately!"
"Never!", Green retorted. "I've failed one mission before, and I don't intend to fail another!"
"Mission?", Rider wondered. "What's he talking about?"
Meanwhile, in another zone, Sanctum and the other three Charisma Duelists were finishing taking care of the last group of Arbiters.
"My turn! Draw!" He looked at his card and smiled. "I activate my Spell Card of Demise!" With this, I get to draw 5 cards, but in 5 turns I lose my entire hand." I drew my cards and was satisfied at what I got. "But of course we can all agree that this duel will be over by then."
"We'll see about that." Rider retorted.
The tournament was taking place and duelists were having the time of their lives. "RRAAAAWW!" Suddenly, everyone heard a huge loud sound, and the spectators looked around, trying to see where the roaring was coming from.
Just then, sudden blasts of energy then appeared and attacked the innocent duelists, later revealed to be the Arbiters and their raid of Cracking Dragons and other DARK Machine Monsters.
"Hayami, what's going on?" Zaizen asked.
"I don't know Mr. Zaizen, suddenly an unknown group of people appeared and disrupted the tournament." She replied.
"Get the Sol Tech Security Force quickly out there, and have them rid of these intruders!" Zaizen demanded.
"No need brother, me and my friends have got this taken care of." Said a familiar voice which then caused Zaizen to turn around and look at the screen revealing it to be his sister Skye.
"Alright Skye, I'll leave it up to you and the others, but if things get too reckless, I'll have backup ready on standby." Zaizen said.
"Thanks, but I doubt we need it." Skye replied as she gave him a wink.
Back to Storm Rider's and Green's Duel
"My turn, I draw! "I activate the Spell Burial From a Different Dimension to return Hack Worm and Jack Wyvern back to my graveyard. Following that up, I activate Junk Dealer, this lets me refurbish any 2 of my monsters with half their original Attack Points! So welcome back my Hack Worm and my Jack Wyvern!"
Two portals appeared from the ground, and emerged out of them were Hack Worm and Jack Wyvern.3
Hack Worm ATK: 400–200
Jack Wyvern ATK: 1800–900
Moving on, I activate the Equip Spell Card Living Fossil, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a Monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated and its attack reduced by 1000. Resurrect, Cracking Dragon!"
A wide crack appeared on the ground following Green's words, out of which emerged Cracking Dragon.
(Cracking Dragon ATK: 3000→2000)
"I activate the Equip Spell: Link Unit!' Green said. "And equipping it to Jack Wyvern. Now, it's treated as two materials for a Link Summon!"
"With Jack Wyvern, Cracking Dragon, Hack Worm on his field…" Rider muttered. "This isn't good.
"It's time, Rider! You've had a good run, but this is the end! Appear! The future circuit!" This time, he sent the bolt of lightning into the sky that created the Link portal.
"Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are three Machine-Type monsters! I set Cracking Dragon, Hack Worm, and Jack Wyvern treated as two in the Link Arrows!" His monster entered the arrows, with Jack Wyvern splitting in half. His monsters made the top, bottom, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows light up.
"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Neo Cracking Dragon!"
The monster he summoned was twice as large as Cracking Dragon. Like Cracking Dragon, it was mostly black and made of metal, but it had twelve wings attached to green orbs circling it, three mechanical heads, and its tail split in half at the back. When it appeared, it roared, creating a great blast of wind
Neo Cracking Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘
"Neo Cracking Dragon?" Rider repeated, narrowing his eyes as he fought the wind. "What kind of monster is this?"
Green chuckled at Rider. "This monster was made for us Arbiters. Be lucky you're the first we use it on! Neo Cracking Dragon's monster effect! If I have Cracking Dragon in my Graveyard, and I control no monsters that are linked to Neo Cracking Dragon, it gains 1500 attack points!"
"What?" Neo Cracking Dragon glowed red as its attack points increased.
Neo Cracking Dragon ATK 3000→4500
"It's time to end this duel," Green said. "Neo Cracking Dragon's second effect! Once per turn, until the end of the turn, all Monsters you control lose attack points equal to their Level/Rank/Link Ratings times 300."
"What?" Rider said, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Fortress Golem is Link-3, and Supporter is Level 4," Green said. "Meaning they lose 900 and 600 attack points respectively. Not only that, but you take the same amount of damage! Ultimate Crack Fall!" Neo Cracking Dragon let loose a massive green wind that made Rider yell with pain as his monsters glowed red, and he glowed yellow.
Cytech Fortress Golem ATK 2300→1400
Cytech Supporter ATK 1700→500
Rider: 3200→1100 LP
"Trap activate!" Rider declared. "Cyberse Beacon! Since I took damage, I can add one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cytech Copycat from my Deck to my hand!"
"This is the end!" Green said. "Battle! Neo Cracking Dragon, attack Cytech Supporter! And in case you're thinking of using your other face-down, you should know that you cannot activate any Spell or Trap Cards when Neo Cracking Dragon attacks." Neo Cracking Dragon gathered green light into its three mouths, but Rider prepared for this.
"I may not be able to use Spell or Trap Cards, but I can use monsters! I activate the effect of Cytech Copycat in my hand! By revealing this card, I can have it take on the effect of a "Cytech Spell or Trap in my graveyard and I choose Cytech Camouflage" A white cybernetic humanoid figure appeared from the card and transformed into the Trap.
"Now since Copycat has gained the effects of Camouflage, by banishing him from my hand I can use Camo's graveyard effect and pay half my life points to not only protect Supporter from being destroyed, but also shield me from damage!" He declared as Rider glowed yellow which afterwards he and Supporter turned invisible and evaded the attack.
Rider: 1100→550 LP
"It makes no difference," Green told him. "Neo Cracking Dragon can attack all your monsters once each! You will still lose! Go, Neo Cracking Dragon, attack Cytech Fortress Golem! Triple Traffic Blast!" The three mouths fired three streams of green energy that merged into one stream that pointed towards Golem.
"I don't think so!" Rider shouted over the wind from the attack. "Since I controlled a Link Monster when Copycat used Camo's graveyard effect, all my "Cytech" monsters gain protection!" He yelled as the attack went through both Golem and Rider leaving them both unharmed.
"Impressive," Green said. "I suppose I'll have to wait till my next turn to defeat you." He swiped another card from his hand. "I set one card from my Deck, and end my turn. At this point, Neo Cracking Dragon's effect ends and the attack points of your Monsters return to normal."
Cytech Fortress Golem ATK 1400→2300
Cytech Supporter ATK 500→1700
Green looked back at Rider. "You must realize by now it's pointless to resist. Neo Cracking Dragon was made to counter anything you try to do."
Anything? Rider wondered. He opened the info he had on Neo Cracking Dragon. As he read the card's description, his eyes widened in shock.
"I see," he said. "Neo Cracking Dragon cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and my monsters can only select it as an attack target."
"And none of your monsters can increase their attack enough to reach Neo Cracking Dragon's attack points," Green said. "Face it you can't win, so go ahead and draw your last pathetic card, so I can end this duel!" Green said all confident, while a sweat mark formed on Rider's face.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" One of the Arbiter members screamed as their life points reduced to zero and was forcefully logged out.
"Looks like that's the last of em", said Sanctum.
"Thank God, that was getting exhausting." Soulburner added.
"How's Storm Rider's duel going?" Blue Angel asked.
"Let me check", Sanctum said as she pulled up a screen which showcased Rider's duel against the Arbiter member and hooked it up to the monitors, so everyone can see
"Is that Storm Rider?" One duelist asked.
"Yeah it is, and it looks like he's dueling one of those Arbiter guys." Another duelist replied.
"Well knowing Storm Rider, this duel will be a breeze for him." Another duelist added.
"That may be true, but it looks like he's having a rough time going against that opponent, especially with that monster." Gore stated.
"Neo Cracking Dragon?" Blue Angel said as she looked at the monster. "Wasn't Cracking Dragon used by the Knights of Hanoi?"
"Yes they were, but this one looks like an upgraded version of it. How can that be?" Soulburner asked and replied wondering about the reason behind it as well.
Well, whatever the reason looks like he's done his homework on Storm Rider," Sanctum said. "Question is can he defeat that monster?"
"We'll just have to watch and see". Blue Angel responded.
"Yes we will!" The MC announcer declared. "Will Storm Ride be able to pull through and win this duel to save and protect LINK VRAINS? Let's find out."
"It comes down to this, I have to make this turn count, no matter what", Rider said, determined to win this duel. "My turn! Draw!" He shouted as he drew the top card of his Deck, the lines on his outfit glowing. Turning over the card he smiled greatly at what it was. "Yes, this'll do!"
"I'll activate the Cytech Code Change!" Rider declared as the card materialized and showed an image of two different Cytech Monsters trading places. "By tributing a "Cytech'' Monster on my field, I get to summon a different one from my deck! So, goodbye Golem, hello Strider!" He explained as Golem burst into particles replacing it with a medium-sized robot with semi-bulky armor wielding a futuristic rifle.
"And when Strider's special summoned, I get to check the top card of my deck, and if it's a monster I get to summon it. So let's see if luck is on my side. I draw!" He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile.
"I drew the Monster Cytech Soul, which means I can summon it!" He declared as a small drone built around a mechanical ring appeared onto Rider's field.
"It's time to make your debut." Rider thought
"Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cytech' effect monsters! I set Cytech Strider, Soul, and Supporter in the Link Arrows!" His monsters entered the Top, Bottom-left, Bottom-right Link Markers, turning them red.
"Circuit Combine! The new wind that flows throughout this world, give strength to the mighty creature that connects the past and future! Link Summon! Appear, Link 3! Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"
Rider summoned a winged dragon Monster with rough brilliant blue scales, ridges along its back, and a tail tipped with an arrow-shaped spike. On each limb was a set of four dark blue claws that curled up against the palms of the dragon. On the dragon's head were two large horns that faced forward, with a smaller horn placed on the back of his head. Placed on the 'elbow' of the wings were three small spikes that resembled claws. Throughout its body and wings were silver electronic circuit-like markings. It also has the same dark blue eyes as its master.
Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↙↓↘
"What?" the Arbiter member said in surprise." A dragon? Your Cyberse Deck's ace monster is a dragon?"
"Shocking right? And with this monster, my victory is assured." Rider answered.
Green growled. "You may have surprised me with that monster, but I'm afraid summoning it will be your end! It doesn't have enough attack points to either destroy my monster! Looks like this duel is as good as mine!' Green declared.
"I don't need to destroy your monster," Rider said before gesturing to his field. "I activate Cytech Soul's effect from my graveyard! By banishing it, I can summon a "Cytech" monster from my graveyard by negating its effects! Return Cytech Fortress Golem!" Fortress Golem reappeared at Cyber Tech Link Dragon's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.
"I now activate Cyber Tech's effect! Once per turn, I can Tribute a monster it points to and then target one special summoned monster on your field that's in Attack Position and until the end of this turn, I can place that monster in a zone it points to and take control of it, and it gains ATK equal to that monster!"
"WHAT!?" Said Green in shock after hearing the effect.
"I Tribute Fortress Golem to take control of your Neo Cracking Dragon. Go, Cryptic Corruption!" Fortress Golem disintegrated into energy and traveled to the electronic circuits on Cyber Tech's wings, which lit up with swirling blue energy. The orbs released tendrils of said energy, which ensnared Neo Cracking Dragon and transferred it to Rider's field, while at the same time Cyber Tech glowed blue.
Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK (2500→5500)
"Since I don't have a Cracking Dragon in my graveyard, Cyber Tech doesn't gain the additional 1500 ATK, but that doesn't matter because this duel is over! Cyber Tech attacks you directly, with Cybernetic Tempest Storm!"
On command, Rider's dragon flew up above the enemy's monster and roared directly at it. All the circuits on Cyber Tech's body lit as dark blue energy traveled across its skin. The energy then gathered in its mouth, which it released in a massive burst towards the Arbiter member.
"Your right, this duel is over, but for you, that is!" Green retorted. "I activate Magic Cylinder, which'll negate your Dragon's attack and deal you damage equal to its ATK! It's the end for you Storm Rider!"
"Don't think so!" Rider said with a smirk on his face. "I activate the Counter Trap Card Arrow Break! Since you activated a Trap Card while I control a Link Monster, that Trap Card's activation is negated, and it is destroyed!" Green gasped as Magic Cylinder disintegrated.
"Continue your attack, Cyber Tech!" The energy blast then struck the Arbiter member, and hurled him from his D-Board, screaming on his way down.
Green: 2200→0 LP
"And we have a winner!" The MC announced excitedly. "The winner of this duel is Storm Rider!"
The people who were watching applauded and cheered for Storm Rider.
Storm Rider flew down to check his opponent's landing. He was unconscious, but still alive, of course.
"That must have been a hard landing," he told the Arbiter member. "But a deal's a deal, tell me who you are and who you work for, and what's this "mission" that you mentioned in our duel earlier.
Before he said anything, a dark portal opened up and swallowed him up in an instance.
"No!" Rider shouted in anger.
"Storm Rider!" Said Sanctum as she and the others appeared behind them.
"Sanctum, everyone, did you stop those invaders in time?"
"Yes we did, but did you get any info regarding the Arbiters or what their goal is?" Sanctum asked.
"Sorry, I didn't. But I have a feeling we'll see them again and the next time will be more difficult, and when the time comes, we better be prepared." Rider stated.
Sorry, this took so long to write than the other chapters, but it's the first time I've written a duel using my own OC creations, and I didn't really have it planned out. I hope that in future chapters it'll get easier. I'll try to promise to update the fifth chapter quickly, since I already have it played out. Once after that until my last day of my college semester I'll continue posting. That way It'll give me new ideas for chapters as well for duels and characters.
Also, comment and review and follow and favorite. I'm open to criticism if it helps better the story.