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

by dvdryms

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

85. Towards Our Dreams

Greetings, everyone! Dvdryms here with Chapter 85! Now, in response to your questions.

—To Jason: It's only one more chapter after this.

—To Eclipse Serpent: The Sacred Beasts, Wicked Gods and Planet Series Monsters were all sealed away to prevent further use. As for what the fourth D stands in D/D/D/D, my headcanon was that it stood for Destruction (Different Dimension Destruction Demon), but your idea is pretty good too.

—To EXECZ: Yep, Revolt Calibur is based on Kamen Rider Calibur from Kamen Rider Saber.

—To YGO Fan: Openings, eh? That's a tough one. I'd go with Excite (Kamen Rider Ex-Aid) for the first arc, Raise Your Flag (Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans) for the second, Horizon (Fate/Stay Night UBW) for the third, Brave Your Truth (Chrome Shelled Regios) for the fourth, and Girigiri (World Trigger) for the fifth arc.

—To Guest (1): Thanks for pointing out my mistake.

—To Guest (2): I always pictured all dragons as males, so Clear Wing is male as well here. Though I wish I had made it female, since Yugo's reaction would have definitely been amusing.

—To Guest (3): Yukio's name did come from Yukio Okumura (Blue Exorcist), but the surname Tachibana came from Sakuya Tachibana (Kamen Rider Blade).

And now, on with the story!

---

Chapter 85 – Towards Our Dreams

"Won't be long now, huh…?"

Yukio murmured as he stared at his Deck, having finished the final adjustments to it a couple of minutes ago. Although he had taken Yuya's playstyle so far into account and had made the appropriate changes, he was certain that his friend still had one or two surprises left in store that he hadn't accounted for. After all, he was the same.

"I've done the best I could." Yukio said. "All that's left is to do my best and enjoy myself no matter what the result is. Heh, I guess Yuya has rubbed off on me."

A knock on the door broke his train of thought. The door opened, with Nakajima stepping inside.

"It's time, Yukio-sama. Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be." Yukio said with a resolute expression. "Let's get this show on the road."

"In that case, please go straight down this hallway and make a right turn at the first crossroads to arrive at the gate." Nakajima said. "You'll know when your cue is. Good luck out there."

"Thanks, Nakajima-san."

Once Nakajima was gone, Yukio followed his instructions, arriving in front of a massive gate. At that moment, Nico's voice resounded across the stadium.

[This is it, everyone! The moment you've all been waiting for has arrived! After a series of passionate Duels, we have finally reached the final round of the Maiami Championship!]

Cue resounding cheers from the audience that shook the stadium.

[It has certainly been a long day, filled with excitement and joy!] Melissa continued. [But since night has fallen, are you perhaps feeling tired, everyone!?]

A resounding [No!] was the audience's response, prompting Melissa to smile.

[I thought so. In that case, it's time for the long-awaited climax! The Duel that will settle once and for all who the best Duelist is!]

[But first, let's introduce the two warriors who will wage the battle for the crown…though I'm sure there isn't a soul in all the four dimensions who doesn't know about them by now.] Nico said with a playful smile. [First, entering from the east gate! He was once a notorious Duelist known as the Wicked Dragon of the Underworld, a youth whose name was a symbol of fear throughout the world of Underground Duels. However! All that is a thing of a past, for he has grown to become one of the world's saviors and a leading figure among the Lancers! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you…Tachibana Yukio!]

The gate on one side of the stadium opened, with Yukio stepping into the field. Once he did, the cheers of the crowd became even louder, prompting the silver-haired youth to grin as he made a small bow.

"Sheesh, I never imagined there would come a time where people would cheer for me instead of jeer at me. I just can't get used to it…"

[And here comes his opponent from the west gate!] Melissa exclaimed. [The young Duelist who was lauded as the successor of Sakaki Yusho, only to end up surpassing his father and becoming the true embodiment of Entertainment Dueling! Not to mention, he was also one of the leading figures in the fight against Zarc! Ladies and gentlemen, here comes the originator of Pendulum…Sakaki Yuya!]

As the gate on the other side of the stadium opened, with Yuya stepping into the field as well and waving at everyone, the crowd went wild.

"Those troublemakers have come a long way, haven't they?" Duel Chaser 227 remarked with a grin while watching the event alongside his fellow officers. "I'm curious what sort of battle they'll show us."

"Look!" A child from Heartland said in an excited tone as he watched from his house. "The guys who fought in that large battle royal a while back are Dueling against each other now!"

"Told you it was going to be them in the finals!" The younger brother said with a smug expression on his face. "Isn't this exciting, mom?"

"Yes, so we'd better not miss a second of this." The mother said as she sat next to her children. "Are you coming, honey?"

"You bet." The father said. "Once I've finished setting up the record function, that is. I've got a feeling we'll want to watch this over and over again in the future."

"Hey, guard!" Savaris shouted while slamming the bars of his cell. "Turn that thing off already! I'm sick and tired of seeing that silver-haired bastard's face all the time!"

"…You can say that again…" Gerard, who was on the cell next to Savaris's, grumbled. "I can't get…a proper sleep here…"

"Sorry, fellows, but you don't get to decide the program." The guard smirked as he turned up the volume. "Consider this part of your punishment."

"We're rotting in here and we have to see those posers having the time of their lives?" Yusuke murmured inside his own cell while banging his head on the wall. "Someone, just kill me now…"

Meanwhile, Yuya and Yukio had arrived at the middle of the arena, staring at each other with wide smiles on their faces.

"It took some time, but we're finally here, at the final round." Yuya said. "Back then, I never imagined the tournament would be interrupted by an invasion from another dimension of all things."

"Yes, that was a surreal experience." Yukio nodded. "Still, I couldn't be happier that the final match is between the two of us. So far, it's been one win, one loss for each of us, so this is the definitive tiebreaker."

"One win?" Yuya raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure I can accept that. I mean, didn't you practically let me win back in the Friendship Cup? Not to mention, we both weren't exactly in our right mind back then."

"That doesn't matter." Yukio said. "A loss is a loss regardless of circumstances. That's why we'll settle the score once and for all today."

"Alright then." Yuya said. "Since we probably won't experience a stage like this ever again, let's do our best to fulfil the promise Zarc and Ray had made to each other as well."

"An exciting match that will move the hearts of the audience, eh?" Yukio grinned. "I'm all for it. Let's give them a show they won't forget."

[Looks like both Duelists are ready and eager to battle!] Nico exclaimed. [As such, it's time to create the battlefield! Action Field, Entertainment Colosseum, deploy!]

The Real Solid Vision generator beneath the arena initialized, transforming the stadium into a field resembling the interior of a massive circus, with a star-shaped pattern engraved on its dome-shaped ceiling.

"Oh?" Reiji raised an eyebrow. "I don't think I've seen this Action Field before."

"You like it? It's a new one I programmed a couple of months ago based on Athletic Circus."

The one who had spoken was Yusho, having entered the VIP room from a side entrance.

"Sakaki-sensei?" Reiji said. "I thought you said you'd remain on the control room for the duration of the tournament in order to ensure that the Real Solid Vison system is performing within expectations."

"That I did, but since everything seems to be working well, I thought I'd watch my son's final match in person." Yusho said. "I hope I'm not imposing or anything."

"Hardly." Reiji gestured at a chair next to him. "Take a seat. The match is just about to begin."

"Looks like the field favors you, Yuya." Yukio remarked after looking around for a bit. "You look right in your element in here. But don't think that'll give you a decisive advantage."

"Wouldn't even dream it." Yuya grinned. "Now then, let's do this, Yukio! Duelists locked in battle!"

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

"They storm through this field!"

[Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of Dueling!]

The crowd chanted together as one, with Melissa and Nico following suit.

[Action—!]

[Duel!]

Yuya and Yukio shouted together as the Action Cards scattered across the field.

Yuya – LP: 4000

Yukio – LP: 4000

"Yuya…" Yuzu clasped her hands together. "Good luck!"

"Give it everything you've got, Yukio." Serena said with a fierce expression on her face. "Anything less is not permitted."

"The opening act belongs to me!" Yuya exclaimed. "It's my turn! Using the Scale 1 Stargazer Magician (ATK: 1200/DEF: 2400/LV: 5/SC: 1) and the Scale 8 Timegazer Magician (ATK: 1200/DEF: 600/LV: 3/SC: 8), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

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

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 7." Yuya declared. "Sway, Pendulum of my soul! Draw an arc of light across the ether! Pendulum Summon! Come, my Monsters! Entermate Odd-Eyes Tiger (ATK: 1700/DEF: 800/LV: 4/SC: 2), Entermate Draco Remora (ATK: 1700/DEF: 1000/LV: 4/SC: 5) and Revenue Magician (ATK: 800/DEF: 1150/LV: 4/SC: 4)!"

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

"Revenue Magician's effect activates." Yuya continued. "When this card is Pendulum Summoned from my hand, I can draw cards from my Deck equal to the number of Pendulum Monsters on my field, and then I can destroy this card. Since I have three Monsters, I will draw three cards."

After Yuya drew his cards, Revenue Magician turned into a stream of particles and vanished.

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card Odd-Eyes Advent, offering Odd-Eyes Tiger as tribute to Ritual Summon!"

The altar with two torches which let out a red and blue flame respectively appeared on Yuya's field, with Odd-Eyes Tiger being absorbed by it. As a vortex of crimson and blue flames erupted from the altar, Yuya chanted.

"Show yourself, peerless dragon knight with the dichromatic eyes! Ritual Summon! Descend now, Level 4! Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon (ATK: 1900/DEF: 1200/LV: 4/SC: 5)!"

The knight clad in red and green armor that held a blade in its right hand, which rode on a small dragon resembling Odd-Eyes Dragon, appeared on Yuya's field.

"Ritual Summon, eh?" Yukio smirked. "I see you're still putting those lessons of ours to good use."

"Maybe a bit too good for your tastes." Yuya let out a playful smile. "Now, Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon's effect activates. If this card was Ritual Summoned by using a Pendulum Summoned Monster, I can Special Summon a Level 7 or lower "Odd-Eyes" Monster from my Deck and increase its attack by an amount equal to the sum of my Pendulum Cards' Scale Value multiplied by 100. Come forth, wondrous dragon with beautiful dichromatic eyes, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 4)!"

Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon slashed the air with its blade, opening a rift out of which Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon emerged on Yuya's field. Then, wisps of energy drifted out of Yuya's Pendulum cards and enveloped Odd-Eyes.

(Odd-Eyes ATK: 2500→3400)

"But that's not all." Yuya said. "Thanks to Draco Remora's effect, all Dragon-type Monsters on my field gain 500 attack and cannot be destroyed by card effects (Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK: 3400→3900, Draco Remora ATK: 1900→2400, Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon ATK: 1900→2400). I end our opening act with that."

"Not bad." Yoko commented. "Yuya set up a strong formation from his opening turn. Looks like he's being completely serious from the get-go."

"As well as he should." Otoha said. "If he shows even the slightest opening, Yukio will pulverize him without mercy!"

"My dear, please don't use words like pulverize so nonchalantly…" Hayato muttered.

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Pendulum Call, whose effect allows me to discard a card in order to add two "Magician" Pendulum Monsters from my Deck to my hand. I choose Domination Magician and Supremacy Magician. Then, using the Scale 0 Domination Magician (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2200/LV: 7/SC: 0) and the Scale 10 Supremacy Magician (ATK: 2200/DEF: 2500/LV: 7/SC: 10), I Set the Pendulum Scale!"

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

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 1 through 9." Yukio declared. "Guided by destiny's hand, cross the walls of space and time and manifest a new possibility! Pendulum Summon! Appear now, my Monsters! Swordmaster Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1300/LV: 4/SC: 2), Nobledragon Magician (ATK: 700/DEF: 1400/LV: 3/SC: 5), Destiny Magician (ATK: 1800/DEF: 500/LV: 4/SC: 1) and Threshold Magician (ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000/LV: 4/SC: 6)!"

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

"Domination Magician's Pendulum Effect activates, allowing me to draw a card from my Deck for every Monster that was Pendulum Summoned, in this case four." Yukio continued. "Then, Threshold Magician's effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a Pendulum Monster from my Deck with a lower Level than that of a Pendulum Monster on my field. I will Special Summon the Level 3 Hope Magician (ATK: 1200/DEF: 1600/LV: 3/SC: 9)!"

A portal appeared next to Threshold Magician, with Hope Magician emerging from it.

"Here we go." Yukio grinned. "I tune the Level 4 Swordmaster Magician with the Level 3 Nobledragon Magician!"

As Swordmaster Magician turned into four stars and Nobledragon Magician turned into three rings surrounding them, Yukio chanted.

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

Clearwing appeared on Yukio's field, the brilliance of its body illuminating the area.

"Through its effect, Nobledragon Magician is sent to the Graveyard." Yukio said. "Next, I activate the Ritual Spell Card Karma Manifestation, offering Destiny Magician, Hope Magician and Threshold Magician as tributes to Ritual Summon!"

The altar surrounded by three dragon statues appeared on Yukio's field, with his three Monsters turning into particles that were absorbed by the leftmost statue. As a pillar of dark blue flames erupted from the altar, Yukio chanted for the second time in a row.

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

The pillar of dark blue flames burst apart as the dragon with silver wings clad in dark blue armor with crimson gems embedded on it emerged from it, letting out a resonant howl.

"Ah, Yukio went straight to the evolved form of his ace!" Futoshi exclaimed. "I'm getting some serious shivers here~!"

"Since Destiny Magician was used as tribute for a Ritual Summon, I can draw a card from my Deck." Yukio stated. "Moreover, since Hope Magician left the field, I can draw another card. Then, I activate Clearwing's effect, which allows me to reduce a Monster's attack to 0 and negate its effects until the End Phase. I choose Draco Remora. Vanishing Mirror!"

A stream of light erupted from Clearwing's wings, enveloping Draco Remora.

(Draco Remora ATK: 2400→0, Pendulum Dragon ATK: 3900→3400, Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon ATK: 2400→1900)

"Moving on, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Pendulum Armor." Yukio said. "Through its effect, I can banish a Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck or Graveyard in order to prevent a Monster on my field from being destroyed by battle or card effects for this turn. I will banish Nobledragon Magician from my Graveyard to shield Clearwing. Next, I activate Disaster Karma's effect, which allows me to destroy all Level 5 or higher Monsters on the field and deal 400 points of damage to their controllers! Creation Purge!"

Several crimson energy bolts erupted from the gems on Disaster Karma's armor, striking Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and destroying it, with Yuya being sent skidding backwards due to the ensuing shockwave.

Yuya – LP: 4000→3600

[Tachibana Yukio draws first blood!] Nico exclaimed. [Will he be able to keep that momentum up and deal massive damage to Sakaki Yuya!?]

"Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon's effect activates." Yuya declared. "Once per Duel, if an "Odd-Eyes" Monster on my field is destroyed, I can Special Summon an "Odd-Eyes" Monster from my Deck with a Level equal to or lower than the destroyed Monster's Level. Come forth, Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 2700/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 8)!"

A rift in space appeared above Yuya, with Arc Pendulum Dragon emerging from it.

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed as he jumped on Disaster Karma's back. "Clearwing Fast Dragon, attack Draco Remora! Terminal Velocity Edge!"

"Arc Pendulum Dragon!"

As Clearwing prepared to attack, Yuya called to his dragon and jumped on its back, taking off in search of Action Cards. Disaster Karma also took off at Yukio's command, chasing after the duo. As his dragon jumped from elevated platform to platform, Yuya spotted an Action Card on a trampoline in the distance.

"I won't let you!"

Having also spotted the Action Card, Yukio maneuvered Disaster Karma to block Yuya's path. However, Yuya merely smirked as he jumped off Arc Pendulum Dragon's back and landed on Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon, who was following behind them. Yukio wasn't fast enough to stop them, with Yuya claiming the Action Card just as Clearwing was about to strike Draco Remora.

"I activate the Action Spell Damage Banish!" Yuya stated. "Through it, the battle damage is reduced to 0!"

Following Yuya's words, Clearwing tore through Draco Remora's body, destroying it.

"That was close…" Tatsuya let out a relieved sigh. "If he hadn't grabbed that Action Card, big bro Yuya would have received quite a lot of damage."

"I'm not done yet." Yukio said. "Go, Disaster Karma! Destroy Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon! Kalasutra Immolation!"

"I activate the effect of Entermate Odd-Eyes Dissolver (ATK: 2000/DEF: 2600/LV: 8/SC: 4) in my hand!" Yuya shouted. "Through it, I can prevent my Monster's destruction, reduce all damage to 0, negate your Monster's effects and Special Summon this card! Come, Odd-Eyes Dissolver!"

A portal appeared above Yuya, with Odd-Eyes Dissolver emerging from it and landing on his field.

"Looks like that's it for now." Yukio remarked. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"As expected of my darling!" Mieru, who was watching the Duel alongside a group of LDS students, commented. "He was able to endure Yukio's assault with minimal damage to himself!"

"It's my turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! First, I activate Odd-Eyes Dissolver's effect, using it and Stargazer Magician in my Pendulum Zone as materials to Fusion Summon!"

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

"Dichromatic eyes that illuminate the dark night! Carve a new path through the endless space and descend! Fusion Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Eminence Paladin (Dark/Spellcaster/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 8)!"

A Monster clad in violet armor reminiscent of a magician's robe and holding two oversized chakrams in its hands appeared on Yuya's field.

"Eminence Paladin's effect activates." Yuya declared. "When this card is Fusion Summoned, I can negate the effects of all face-up cards on my opponent's field and prevent the activation of any effects in response to their destruction until the End Phase. Then, I can add one of its Fusion Materials from my Extra Deck or Graveyard to my hand. I choose to add Stargazer Magician to my hand and place it in my Pendulum Zone once again."

The right column of light appeared once again on Yuya's field, with Stargazer Magician rising to the top. At the same time, Eminence Magician pointed its chakrams at Yukio's field, unleashing several energy chains from them that bound Yuya's face-up cards.

"Next, I will Pendulum Summon once again!" Yuya continued. "Revive from the Extra Deck, Draco Remora and Revenue Magician in defense mode!"

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

"Revenue Magician's effect allows me to draw a card from my Deck since it was Pendulum Summoned alongside other Monsters from my Extra Deck, while Draco Remora's effect increases my Monsters' attack (Arc Pendulum Dragon ATK: 2700→3200, Draco Remora ATK: 1700→2200, Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon ATK: 1900→2400)." Yuya stated. "Now, let's battle! Eminence Paladin, attack Disaster Karma!"

"Eh?" Ayu was surprised. "Big bro Yuya is attacking even though his Monster's attack is lower?"

"It'll be alright." Tatsuya said. "Big bro Yuya knows what he's doing."

"Eminence Paladin's effect activates!" Yuya exclaimed. "Once during either player's turn, when it battles an opponent's Monster, I can destroy that Monster before damage calculation and add half that Monster's attack to my Monster's attack! Take down Disaster Karma, Eminence Paladin!"

Eminence Paladin's chakrams were surrounded by arcane energy as he threw them at Disaster Karma. Yukio was forced to jump off his dragon's back as the chakrams tore through its body, destroying it and sending Yukio tumbling down.

(Eminence Paladin ATK: 2500→4150)

"Since Disaster Karma was destroyed, Karma Manifestation's effect in my Graveyard activates, allowing me to add it to my hand." Yukio said.

"Next is Arc Pendulum Dragon!" Yuya shouted. "Destroy Clearwing Fast Dragon! Spiral Arc Burst!"

Arc Pendulum Dragon opened its maw wide, unleashing a spiral energy blast that pierced through Clearwing's torso, destroying it and sending Yukio flying off the platform he was standing, with the silver-haired Duelist grabbing a nearby trapeze and sailing across the air, landing on a slide and sliding down to another platform.

Yukio – LP: 4000→3300

"Finally, Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon will attack you directly, Yukio!"

"Not so fast!" Yukio said. "I activate the Trap Card Pendulum Reborn, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a Pendulum Monster from my Graveyard or Extra Deck! Revive, Clearwing!"

A portal appeared above Yukio, with Clearwing emerging from it and landing in front of him.

"Ah, you spoiled my second act's climax." Yuya pouted, but then smiled. "Oh well, what to do. I end my turn with that."

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! Using my Pendulum Scale, I will Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Hope Magician, Swordmaster Magician! And from my hand, come, Replication Magician (ATK: 100/DEF: 100/LV: 1/SC: 3) and Sovereign Magician (ATK: 2400/DEF: 1800/LV: 7/SC: 7)!"

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

"Domination Magician's Pendulum Effect activates, allowing me to draw four cards from my Deck." Yukio stated. "Next, I activate Replication Magician's effect, making its Level equal to that of Sovereign Magician. Then, I Overlay the now Level 7 Replication Magician with Sovereign Magician!"

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

"Dragon born from pitch-black darkness and obscured by the stars' radiance! Become the avatar of wrath and let your furious cry resonate across the cosmos! Xyz Summon! Appear now, Rank 7! Dark Anthelion Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/R: 7/OU: 2)!"

Dark Anthelion materialized on Yuya's field amidst raging purple flames, letting out a resonant howl.

"I activate the effect of Cross Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 850/LV: 2) in my hand, sending it to the Graveyard in order to target two Spellcaster-type Monsters on my field and make their Levels equal to the sum of their Levels." Yukio continued. "I chose the Level 4 Swordmaster Magician and the Level 3 Hope Magician, making their Levels 7. Then, I Overlay my two Level 7 Monsters!"

As his two Monsters turned into energy and were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yukio chanted for the second time in a row.

"Dragon with the dichromatic eyes! Unleash the relentless blizzard and entomb our enemies within an eternal prison of ice! Xyz Summon! Arise now, Rank 7! The frigid dragon which heralds the endless winter's arrival, Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon (ATK: 2800/DEF: 2500/R: 7/OU: 2)!"

The dragon with dual-colored eyes clad in armor made of ice with four crystals protruding from its back appeared on Yukio's field.

"I'm far from finished." Yukio grinned. "I summon the Tuner Monster Union Magician (ATK: 200/DEF: 300/LV: 1/SC: 8)!"

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

"I tune the Level 7 Clearwing Fast Dragon with the Level 1 Union Magician!" As Clearwing turned into seven stars and Union Magician turned into a single ring surrounding them, Yukio chanted for the third time in a row. "Shining dragon with brilliant wings that carry the unbreakable bonds! Soar through the skies of freedom faster than light itself! Synchro Summon! Arise now, Level 8! Shinewing Rapid Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 2)!"

The evolved form of Clearwing materialized on Yukio's field, circling the arena once before coming to hover next to him.

"That guy is as excessive as always." Hokuto remarked with a wide grin. "I can't believe he brought out three Extra Deck Monsters in one go."

"I activate Shinewing Rapid Dragon's effect." Yukio declared. "Through it, I—"

"I won't let you!" Yuya cut off Yukio's words. "I activate Eminence Paladin's effect! During either player's turn, I can banish this card to prevent my Monsters from being targeted by card effects and me from receiving damage from battles involving them for the rest of this turn!"

"That means I can't use Dark Anthelion or Shinewing's effects…" Yukio grimaced. "Well played, Yuya. But I'll at least clear your field a bit! Battle! Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon, destroy Draco Remora!"

A wave of ice erupted from Absolute Dragon's maw, freezing Draco Remora's body. Immediately afterwards, the Monster's body broke into pieces that scattered in the air.

"With Draco Remora's destruction, your Monsters' attack goes down (Arc Pendulum Dragon ATK: 3200→2700, Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon ATK: 2400→1900)." Yukio remarked. "Next, Dark Anthelion and Shinewing will destroy Arc Pendulum Dragon and Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon! Do it, my Monsters!"

Yukio's two dragons opened their maws wide, unleashing waves of energy that vaporized Yuya's Monsters with ease.

"That's all for now." Yukio said. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Yuya did well in holding on." Yaiba remarked. "Wonder how he plans to counterattack though. Yukio's Monsters aren't easy prey."

"No way he hasn't already come up with a strategy." Masumi commented. "Both of them are too skilled to be caught off-guard by their opponent's tactics."

"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! That was a flashy performance, Yukio, but it's time for the spotlight to return to me. I activate the Spell Card Pendulum Buster. Through its effect, I can destroy a Pendulum Monster on my field in order to destroy all Pendulum cards in my opponent's Pendulum Zones and draw a card for each destroyed card. I will destroy Revenue Magician to destroy Domination and Supremacy Magician!"

Following Yuya's words, Revenue Magician turned into a sphere of energy that spilt into two and struck Yukio's Pendulum cards, destroying them.

"Now then, time for yet another wondrous Pendulum Summon!" Yuya declared. "Revive from the Extra Deck, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Arc Pendulum Dragon, Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon, Draco Remora and Revenue Magician!"

A massive wave of energy erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Yuya's five Monsters upon landing on his field.

[Oh, it's a full-field Pendulum Summon!] Melissa exclaimed. [It seems Yuya's getting ready to go all-out once again!]

"Revenue Magician's effect allows me to draw a card from my Deck." Yuya continued. "In addition, Draco Remora's effect increases my Monsters' attack (Odd-Eyes ATK: 2500→3000, Arc Pendulum Dragon ATK: 2700→3200, Draco Remora ATK: 1700→2200, Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon ATK: 1900→2400)."

"I activate Dark Anthelion's effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to halve Arc Pendulum Dragon's attack, add half of its attack to Dark Anthelion and increase my Life Points by an equal amount." Yukio declared. "Do it, Dark Anthelion! Absorb Eclipse!"

The mechanical parts of Dark Anthelion's wings opened up, releasing tendrils of darkness that bound Arc Pendulum Dragon, with a violet aura enveloping Dark Anthelion and Yukio.

(Arc Pendulum Dragon ATK: 3200→1600, Dark Anthelion ATK: 3000→4600)

Yukio – LP: 3300→4900

"I thought you'd do that at this time." Yuya smirked. "But you were a bit too hasty. Now then, let's welcome a new member on our troupe. I Overlay the Level 4 Revenue Magician, Draco Remora and Knight of Odd-Eyes Dragon!"

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

"Unwavering heart that stands proud amidst the ruins! Transform that sublime life into an arrow that will cross through eternity itself! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Liberation Paladin (Dark/Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/R: 4/OU: 3)!"

A Monster clad in black and violet armor reminiscent of a magician's robes, which held an ornate bow as tall as it was, appeared on Yuya's field.

"But wait, there's more!" Yuya said. "The Monster in my hand can be Advance Summoned by releasing a Level 5 or higher Monster, in this case Arc Pendulum Dragon. Advance upon the path gazed by these dichromatic eyes and awaken a new power! Come forth, Level 8! Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8)!"

The evolved version of Odd-Eyes Dragon appeared on Yuya's field, spreading its wings wide.

"Yuya's built another powerful formation faster than I could prepare a quick meal." Michio grinned. "Isn't it amazing, Teppei-kun?"

"They're both pretty good." Teppei remarked with a grimace. "Damn, when did the gap grow so wide…?"

"Don't be like that, Teppei-kun." Michio patted his comrade's shoulder. "We can also still grow stronger as well."

"Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon's effect activates." Yuya declared. "When it's Advanced Summoned, I can destroy an opponent's Monster and deal damage to them equal to its attack. I can't destroy Dark Anthelion since it's used its effect, so I'll destroy Shinewing Rapid Dragon!"

"Shinewing's effect activates!" Yukio stated. "When an opponent's Monster activates its effect, I can—"

"Liberation Paladin's effect activates!" Yuya cut off Yukio. "Once during either player's turn, when an opponent's Monster activates its effect, I can detach any number of Overlay Units I wish from this card to negate that effect and increase Liberation Paladin's attack by an amount equal to the half the targeted Monster's attack multiplied by the number of detached Overlay Units. I detach Draco Remora and Revenue Magician, meaning my Monster will gain 3000 attack. Furthermore, Advance Dragon's effect resumes! Compulsion Force!"

Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon spread its wings, with a rain of energy pouring out of them and enveloping Shinewing's body, destroying it. At the same time, Yukio was also pelted by several energy bolts, letting out a grunt of pain as he was forced on his knees.

Yukio – LP: 4900→1900

(Liberation Paladin ATK: 2500→5500)

"Thanks to Liberation Paladin's effect, any detached Pendulum Monsters are placed face-up in my Extra Deck." Yuya stated. "Now, let's battle! Liberation Paladin, take down Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon! Ultima Break Shot!"

[This is!] Nico shouted. [If this attack goes through, Tachibana Yukio is finished!]

"Too bad it won't!" Yukio exclaimed. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Adapt Force! Through its effect, I can target an Xyz Monster I control and special summon an Xyz Monster one Rank higher than it from my Extra Deck during my opponent's turn! I will use Odd-Eyes Absolute Dragon to reconstruct the Overlay Network!"

As Absolute Dragon turned into energy and was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yukio chanted.

"Dragon with the dual-colored eyes! Embody the frigid breath of the Underworld and usher in a world of endless stillness! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Arise now, Rank 8! The merciless dragon which feasts on the fallen spirts, Odd-Eyes Niflhel Dragon (ATK: 3200/DEF: 2600/R: 8/OU: 3)!"

The dragon covered from head to toe in icy armor and sprouting six wings made of crystalized ice from its back appeared on Yukio's field.

"I activate Nifhel Dragon's effect!" Yukio continued. "During either player's turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit to prevent all Monsters you control from declaring an attack or changing their battle positions, along with negating the effects of all your face-up cards until the End Phase! Niflheim Storm!"

Following Yukio's command, the dragon opened its six wings wide and unleashed a powerful blizzard that enveloped Yuya's Monsters and froze them solid.

"Since Hope Magician was the detached material, I will draw a card from my Deck." Yukio said. "Do you have anything else for me, Yuya?"

"Seeing as my Monsters have turned into popsicles, I can't do anything else at this point." Yuya shrugged. "I place a card face-down and end my turn, with your Dark Anthelion's attack returning to normal."

"So close!" Shuzo snapped his fingers with a small smile. "But this wouldn't be a Duel worthy of the final round if it ended so quickly, right, Yuya, Yukio?"

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! Since you took away my Pendulum Scale, I'll do the same to you, Yuya. But first, I activate the Spell Card Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the effect of Demise Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 4/SC: 6) in my hand. If my opponent has cards in their Pendulum Zone, I can destroy them, Special Summon this card and make its attack equal to the sum of the attack of the destroyed Pendulum Monsters. Yuya, I will destroy your Stargazer and Timegazer Magician to Special Summon Demise Magician!"

Following Yukio's words, two bolts of lightning descended from the sky, striking Yuya's Pendulum cards and destroying them. Immediately afterwards, a large portal appeared in front of Yukio, with a Monster clad in a dark blue and black robe that held a trident-shaped wand emerging from it.

(Demise Magician ATK: 0→2400)

"Demise Magician has one more effect." Yukio continued. "By destroying it, I can Special Summon a Pendulum Monster from my Deck with a lower attack than it. I will Special Summon Dharma-Eye Magician (ATK: 2000/DEF: 2500/LV: 7/SC: 2)!"

As Demise Magician turned into a stream of particles that scattered, a rift in space appeared next to Yukio, with Dharma-Eye Magician emerging from it.

"Next, I will detach Dark Anthelion's last Overlay Unit to activate its effect once again." Yukio stated. "This time, I will target your Liberation Paladin. Absorb Eclipse!"

Several dark tendrils shot out of Dark Anthelion's wings, binding the ice block Liberation Paladin was trapped in.

(Liberation Paladin ATK: 5500→2750, Dark Anthelion ATK: 3000→5750)

Yukio – LP: 1900→4650

"Looks like things are getting intense once again." Sora said while munching a candy bar in one of the VIP rooms. "Don't you think so, Gon-chan?"

"Without a doubt." Gongenzaka said. "However, I, the man Gongenzaka, am not worried. Yuya won't fall that easily."

"Well, if you're so sure about it, then why don't we—"

"For the last time, we're not placing bets on our friends' Duel, Sawatari!" Gongenzaka shouted in an indignant tone. "It's an insult to the concept of Dueling!"

"Come on, don't be such a stiff, big guy. We're just having a bit of fun." Sawatari said before turning to Sora. "What about you, little guy?"

"I'm not interested unless it involves sweets."

"Then I bet you five candy bars that Yukio will win." Sawatari grinned. "How's that?"

"Make it ten." Sora said with a glint in his eyes. "Of course, I'm betting on Yuya."

"Deal."

Sawatari said as he shook Sora's hand with a wide grin.

"Seriously, you people…" Gongenzaka sighed, and then raised an eyebrow upon seeing Sawatari fiddling with his Duel Disk. "Now what are you doing?"

"Seeing if anyone else is interested." Sawatari said. "If I play my cards right, I could make a fortune tonight, fufufu…"

"Moving on, I summon the Tuner Monster Synchronic Magician (ATK: 300/DEF: 100/LV: 1/SC: 3)!"

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

"I tune the Level 7 Dharma-Eye Magician with the Level 1 Synchronic Magician!" As Dharma-Eye Magician turned into seven stars and Synchronic Magician turned into a single ring surrounding them, Yukio chanted. "Gathering winds will now turn into a furious squall that will ravage everything in its path! Become the personification of the storm itself! Synchro Summon! Emerge now, Level 8! The warrior wreathed in raging gusts, Tempestuous Gale Paladin (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2800/LV: 8/SC: 2)!"

The Monster surrounded by gusts of winds and clad in ornate white and green armor, which held two oversized war fans, appeared on Yukio's field.

"You should be familiar with this fellow's effect, right, Yuya?" Yukio let out a sly smirk. "When Tempestuous Gale Paladin is summoned successfully, I can return all cards from either your Monster Zone or Spell/Trap Zone back to your hand and deal 400 points of damage to you for every returned card. Of course, I will blow away your Monsters! Do it, Tempestuous Gale Paladin! Auster Tempest!"

Yukio's Monster swung its war fans, creating a powerful gust of wind that sent all of Yuya's Monsters flying and him tumbling backwards right into an oversized bouncy ball.

Yuya – LP: 3600→2400

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Dark Anthelion Dragon attacks you directly, Yuya! Dawn of the Dark!"

"I activate the Trap Card Entermate Daring Escape!" Yuya declared. "Through its effect, I can banish an "Entermate" Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck, in this case Odd-Eyes Tiger, in order to reduce all damage I receive to 0 for the rest of this turn!"

A multi-colored barrier appeared around Yuya following his words, blocking Dark Anthelion's energy blast.

"Nice save." Yukio praised his opponent. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn, with Dark Anthelion's attack returning to normal (Dark Anthelion ATK: 5750→3000)."

"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Joyous Scale, whose effect allows me to place two "Entermate" Pendulum Monsters from my Deck to my Pendulum Zones if I have no cards on my field. Using the Scale 1 Entermate Odd-Eyes Priest (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 1800/LV: 6/SC: 1) and the Scale 10 Entermate Arc Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 500/LV: 1/SC: 10), I rebuild the Pendulum Scale!"

The two columns of light appeared once again on Yuya's field, with a robotic Monster clad in a priest's robe and a Monster clad in gold and white robes with two energy blades in a V-shape protruding from its back rising to their top.

"With my current Scale, I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 9." Yuya declared. "Pendulum Summon! Join us on the stage once again, Arc Pendulum Dragon, Draco Remora and Revenue Magician! And also, come forth from my hand, Entermate Odd-Eyes Synchron (ATK: 200/DEF: 600/LV: 2/SC: 6)!"

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

"Revenue Magician's effect allows me to draw a card from my Deck, while Draco Remora's effect increases my Monsters' attack (Arc Pendulum Dragon ATK: 2700→3200, Draco Remora ATK: 1700→2200)." Yuya continued. "Next, I summon Entermate Clear Wing Wizard (ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1/SC: 8)!"

Clear Wing Wizard appeared on Yuya's field next to his other Monsters.

"I activate Clear Wing Wizard's effect to have Arc Pendulum's name be treated as Clear Wing Synchro Dragon for this turn." Yuya grinned. "Then, I tune the Level 7 Arc Pendulum treated as Clear Wing with the Level 1 Clear Wing Wizard!"

As Arc Pendulum turned into seven stars and Clear Wing Wizard turned into a single ring surrounding them, Yuya chanted.

"Dragon with dual-colored eyes! Gain the shining wings of light and soar to the summit of supremacy! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! The shining dragon with piercing eyes, Supreme King White Dragon – Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon (ATK: 3000→3500/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 10)!"

The dragon resembling a mix between Clear Wing and Odd-Eyes appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a sonorous howl.

"Oh, it's Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon again!" Yugo cheered. "The proof of my burning bond with Yuya! Man, I can't help but feel excited whenever it shows up!"

"I activate Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon's effect." Yuya declared. "Through it, I—"

"I detach Odd-Eyes Nifhel Dragon's second Overlay Unit to activate its effect!" Yukio exclaimed. "Through it, I can negate the effects of all face-up cards on your field, and your Monsters cannot declare an attack on this turn or change their battle positions! Niflheim Storm!"

A massive snowstorm erupted on Yuya's field, encasing all face-up cards on his field in blocks of ice.

"Now your Monsters are unable to do anything." Yukio said with an intense expression on his face. "But you've already accounted for that, haven't you?"

"You know it." Yuya smirked. "Watch and be amazed as I surpass my limits once again! I tune the Level 8 Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon with the Level 2 Odd-Eyes Synchron!"

"Eh!?" Rin had a shocked expression on her face. "That Monster can evolve even further!?"

As Wing Dragon turned into eight stars and Odd-Eyes Synchron turned into two rings surrounding them, Yuya chanted for the second time in a row.

"Dragon with the dual-colored eyes! Ignite the flames of passion, wreathe yourself in the divine wings and break through the limits of the high heavens! Synchro Summon! Descend now, Level 10! Glorious dragon that awakens the trailblazer, Supreme King Ardor Dragon – Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon (Wind/Dragon/Synchro/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3000/LV: 10/SC: 10)!"

A dragon with dual-colored eyes and a prism-like body, which had two pairs of crystal-shaped wings enveloped by blue flames protruding from its back and five booster-shaped protrusions attached to its lower body, materialized on Yuya's field, letting out a resounding roar.

"I thought that something like that might come out, but I'm still impressed…" Yukio muttered with a lopsided smile. "I can tell this Monster is bad news…"

"When Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon is summoned successfully, I can target a card on my field that has its effects negated and restore them." Yuya stated. "I choose Entermate Arc Magician in my Pendulum Zone. Then, I activate Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon's second effect. Once per turn, I can destroy all Monsters on my opponent's field, with them being unable to activate cards and effects in response to this effect. Empyrean Judgement!"

Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon howled as it spread its wings wide, unleashing a powerful firestorm that vaporized Yukio's Monsters, leaving his field bare.

"Thanks to its effect, Empyrean Dragon gains 500 attack for every destroyed card (Empyrean Dragon ATK: 3500→5000)." Yuya continued. "Furthermore, Entermate Arc Magician's Pendulum Effect activates. Once during either player's turn, when a Pendulum Monster on my field destroys an opponent's Monster through battle or effect, I can draw a card from my Deck and gain 500 Life Points."

Following his words, Yuya was surrounded by a golden aura.

Yuya – LP: 2400→2900

"Since you destroyed Odd-Eyes Niflhel Dragon, its effect activates." Yukio said. "Through it, I can Special Summon a Dragon-type Monster with the same or lower Level or Rank than it from my Deck, Graveyard or Extra Deck. Revive, Shinewing Rapid Dragon in defense mode!"

A rift in space appeared above Yukio, with Shinewing emerging on his field.

"In that case, I activate the Spell Card Revise Pendulum, whose effect allows me to Pendulum Summon a Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck with a Level that's between my current Pendulum Scale." Yuya said. "Revive, Arc Pendulum Dragon!"

A beam of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the form of Arc Pendulum Dragon upon landing on Yuya's field.

"I release Arc Pendulum Dragon to Advance Summon!" Yuya declared. "Return to my side once more, Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon materialized on Yuya's field next to his other Monsters.

"You remember my dragon's effect, right?" Yuya grinned. "Through it, I will destroy Shinewing once again and inflict damage to you equal to its attack!"

"However, Shinewing's effect is superior!" Yukio stated. "Through it, I can negate your Monster's effect and equip it to Shinewing!"

"That won't work!" Yuya exclaimed. "Through Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon's effect, all Monsters on my field are unaffected by my opponent's Monster effects! Therefore, Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon's effect resumes! Compulsion Force!"

Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon spread its wings once again, with a rain of energy pouring out of them.

"I won't allow the same trick to work twice!" Yukio declared. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card Supreme King's Armor! Through its effect, Shinewing cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects as long as this card is equipped to it!"

Several armor pieces with green energy lines running through them materialized around Shinewing and attached themselves to its body, generating a barrier that shielded it from the incoming energy rain.

"Slippery as always, eh?" Yuya chuckled. "I end my turn with that."

"There are truly neck-and-neck." Jack remarked while observing the two Duelists. "Each time one of them seems to have the advantage, the other pushes ahead and turns things around. The one who'll be able to keep that momentum until the end will be the victor."

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Amazing Pendulum, whose effect allows me to add two Pendulum Monsters from my Extra Deck to my hand if I have no cards in my Pendulum Zone. I choose Domination Magician and Supremacy Magician, which I will use to rebuild my Pendulum Scale!"

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

"Now I can once again simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 1 through 9." Yukio declared. "Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Clearwing Fast Dragon, Tempestuous Gale Paladin, Dark Anthelion Dragon and Destiny Magician!"

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

"Domination Magician's effect activates, allowing me to draw four cards from my Deck." Yukio continued. "Then, I activate Shinewing's effect, banishing the Level 4 Threshold Magician and the Level 7 Dharma-Eye Magician from my Extra Deck to reduce Clearwing and Tempestuous Gale Paladin's Levels by an amount equal to those Monsters' Levels (Clearwing LV: 7→3, Tempestuous Gale Paladin LV: 8→1). Then, I tune the now Level 3 Clearwing Fast Dragon and Level 1 Tempestuous Gale Paladin with the Level 8 Shinewing Rapid Dragon!"

As Shinewing turned into eight massive rings that covered the sky, while Clearwing and Tempestuous Gale Paladin turned into two beams that shot upwards through said rings, Yukio chanted once more.

"Unwavering faith will call forth a miraculous evolution! Emerge in all your glory and become the radiant star of hope shining brilliantly in the sky! Accel Synchro Summon! Descend now, Level 12! The Supreme King Savior Dragon – Starlight Wing Radiant Dragon (ATK: 3800/DEF: 3600/LV: 12/SC: 1)!"

An explosion of light enveloped the arena, out of which emerged a large dragon covered in pristine white armor with eight energy wings extending from its back.

"There it is!" Crow cheered. "One of Yukio's mightiest Monsters, Starlight Wing! Yuya is in serious trouble now!"

"I'm not finished just yet, Yuya." Yukio smirked. "I summon Supply Magician (ATK: 0/DEF: 1600/LV: 4/SC: 5)!"

Supply Magician appeared on Yuya's field next to Destiny Magician.

"I activate the Spell Card Alchemic Fusion, using its effect to fuse Destiny Magician and Supply Magician!" As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Yukio chanted once again. "Spellcaster that traverses the threads of fate! Arcane supporter! become one now to call forth the ravenous dragon with fangs dripping with venom! Fusion Summon! Appear now, Level 7! Starve Venemy Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 1)!"

Starve Venemy Dragon materialized on Yukio's field, letting out a piercing howl.

"Starve Venemy as well?" Ryo remarked. "These are powerful Monsters, but their effects are useless with Empyrean Dragon out. That means Yukio's goal is probably…"

"Since Supply Magician was used as material for a summon, I can draw a card from my Deck." Yukio stated. "Moreover, Alchemic Fusion's effect increases my Fusion Monster's attack by an amount equal to the combined Level sum of the Monsters used for its Fusion Summon multiplied by 100 (Starve Venemy ATK: 2500→3300). Now, let's battle! Starlight Wing Radiant Dragon, attack Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon!"

"You're attacking even though your Monster's attack is lower!?" Yuya cried out, but then narrowed his eyes. "I see, it's Supremacy Magician's Pendulum Effect!"

"Got it in one." Yukio let out a sly smirk. "Thanks to Supremacy Magician's Pendulum Effect, once during either player's turn, when a Pendulum Monster battles, I can double that Monster's attack. In exchange, my opponent receives no damage from battles involving that Monster. I choose to double Starlight Wing's attack (Starlight Wing ATK: 3800→7600)!"

"An attack of 7600!" Tokumatsu exclaimed. "It has surpassed Empyrean Dragon's attack! Not bad, youngster!"

"That's far from enough!" Yuya shouted. "Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon's effect activates! Once during either player's turn, when it battles a Monster with a higher attack than it, I can add that Monster's attack to it until the End Phase (Empyrean Dragon ATK: 5000→12600)! Too bad, but it's your Monster that's going down, Yukio!"

"As if!" Yukio's smirk became wider. "Since these fused versions are partly based off Yugo's Monsters, I figured there might be an attack-increasing effect like that! That's why I was prepared! If the Monster summoned through Alchemic Fusion's effect used materials that had the same Level, it gains an additional effect! When a Monster on my field attacks an opponent's Monster, I can double my Monster's attack before damage calculation! In exchange, my Fusion Monster cannot declare an attack! Of course, I will double Starlight Wing's attack once again (Starlight Wing ATK: 7600→15200)! Do it, my Monster! Radiant Genesis Outcry!"

Starlight Wing opened its maw wide, unleashing a massive white-colored energy blast that enveloped Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon, vaporizing it in seconds and sending Yuya skidding backwards.

"Empyrean Dragon's effect activates!" Yuya said. "When this card is destroyed, the Battle Phase ends and I can draw a card from my Deck! In addition, Monsters on my field cannot be targeted by card effects until the End Phase!"

"That dragon was troublesome until the end." Yukio grimaced. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

[The situation has changed once more, with Yukio having an overwhelming advantage!] Melissa exclaimed. [However, I'm sure Yuya isn't out of the game just yet!]

"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! First, I release Draco Remora and Revenue Magician to Advance Summon Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes appeared once again on Yuya's field, letting out a majestic roar.

"Next, I will Pendulum Summon once again!" Yuya continued. "Revive from the Extra Deck, Arc Pendulum Dragon, Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon! And from my hand, come, Entermate Starve Venom Ringmaster (ATK: 1000/DEF: 2600/LV: 7/SC: 2)!"

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

"Synchro didn't quite work out, so you're going with Fusion now, eh?" Yukio said. "However, I'm not so nice as to let you go through with it. I activate Starlight Wing Radiant Dragon's effect! Once during either player's turn, I can make the attack of my opponent's Monsters 0, negate their effects and have this card gain attack equal to the attack sum lost by my opponent's monsters until the End Phase! Starlight Veil!"

A massive wave of light was generated from Starlight's wings, enveloping Yuya's Monsters.

(Odd-Eyes ATK: 2500→0, Arc Pendulum ATK: 2700→0, Wing Dragon ATK: 3000→0, Advance Dragon ATK: 3000→0, Starve Venom Ringmaster ATK: 1000→0, Starlight Wing ATK: 3800→16000)

"So, you used Starlight Wing's effect." Yuya remarked with an even expression, but then let out a small smile. "Too bad it won't help you much. I activate Entermate Arc Magician's Pendulum Effect. Once per turn, I can shuffle a Pendulum Monster in my other Pendulum Zone back to my Deck, and then I can place another Pendulum Monster from my Deck in that empty zone and make its Scale Value equal to the shuffled Monster's original Scale Value if I wish. I will shuffle the Scale 1 Odd-Eyes Priest back to my Deck and place Entermate Trump Witch in my Pendulum Zone (ATK: 100/DEF: 100/LV: 1/SC: 4→1)!"

Odd-Eyes Priest vanished from Yuya's Pendulum Zone, with Trump Witch taking its place.

"I activate Trump Witch's Pendulum Effect, which allows me to perform a Fusion Summon by using Monsters from my field as materials." Yuya stated. "I will fuse Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Starve Venom Ringmaster!"

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

"Dragon with the dual-colored eyes! Become one with the poisonous entertainer and transform into the power that leads to supremacy! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 10! The shining dragon with sympathetic eyes, Supreme King Violet Dragon – Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon (ATK: 3300/DEF: 2500/LV: 10/SC: 1)!"

The Monster resembling a fusion between Starve Venom and Odd-Eyes appeared on Yuya's field.

"It's Venom Dragon now, hm?" Yuri commented. "Impressive as it is, this isn't the end, right, Yuya?"

"Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's effect activates." Yuya continued. "Through it, I—"

"Not so fast!" Yukio shouted. "I activate the Trap Card Accelerated Evolution! Through its effect, I can target a Monster on my field that has a 'once per turn' effect and allow it to use it during my opponent's turn if there's an applicable target for it! I choose to use Starve Venemy's effect on Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon, meaning your dragon's effects are negated, my Monster gains its effects until the End Phase, its attack goes down by 500 and you receive 500 points of damage! Gluttony Spore!"

Several spores shot out of Starve Venemy's claws, embedding themselves in Venom Dragon's body. Immediately afterwards, two vines sprouted out of it, one connecting to Starve Venemy's body and the other striking Yuya, who winced.

(Venom Dragon ATK: 3300→2800)

Yuya – LP: 2900→2400

"That was a surprising move, but it won't deter me." Yuya let out a wide smile. "Feast yourself on yet another evolution of my Odd-Eyes! I activate the Spell Card Odd-Eyes Fusion, using its effect to fuse Venom Dragon and Arc Pendulum Dragon on my field!"

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

"Shining dragon with sympathetic eyes! Become one with the miraculous dragon drawing arcs of light across the sky and let your heart be imbued with nature's wonders! Fusion Summon! Be born, Level 12! Prideful dragon that safeguards the balance, Supreme King Virtuous Dragon – Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon (Dark/Dragon/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 4500/DEF: 3300/LV: 12/SC: 0)!"

A dragon resembling Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon, only with a deep green and copper-colored body, which had three sets of wings with flower-like feathers protruding from its back, appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a resonant howl.

"Venom Dragon has evolved as well…" Asuka remarked with an astonished expression. "Seriously, you can never stop being amazed when these guys are involved."

"I activate Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon's effect." Yuya stated. "Once per turn, I can double its attack for every Monster on my opponent's field until the End Phase. You have three Monsters, which means my dragon's attack is doubled three times, Yukio (Verdant Dragon ATK: 4500→9000→18000→36000)."

"An attack of 36000!?" Koyo let out an amazed cry. "Oi, oi, isn't that a bit too much!?

"My dragon's effects don't end here, Yukio." Yuya continued. "I activate Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon's second effect, which allows me to target a Monster on your field, reduce its attack to 0, negate its effects and have my Monster gain its original effects until the End Phase. I choose to target your Starve Venemy, Yukio! Divergent Exchange!"

Several vines with stingers on their end erupted from Verdant Dragon's body, impaling Starve Venemy's body in various places before retracting themselves.

(Starve Venemy ATK: 3300→0)

"Time to have a taste of your own medicine." Yuya said. "I activate the effect Verdant Dragon gained from Starve Venemy to target Dark Anthelion with it, reducing its attack by 500, dealing 500 damage to you and negating its effects!"

Dark Anthelion's body was pierced by several vines, with a couple of them going through its body and striking Yukio, who let out a grunt of pain.

Yukio – LP: 4650→4150

"Battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon, destroy Starlight Wing Radiant Dragon! Ultimate Blooming Spiral Drive!"

"I activate the Trap Card Defense Draw!" Yukio shouted as a torrent of violet-colored energy erupted from Verdant Dragon's maw. "Through its effect, the battle damage is reduced to 0 and I can draw a card from my Deck!"

Following Yukio's words, Starlight Wing was consumed by the storm of energy, its body disintegrating in a matter of seconds.

"Through Arc Magician's Pendulum Effect, I gain 500 Life Points and draw a card from my Deck."

Yuya said as a golden aura enveloped him.

Yuya – LP: 2400→2900

"In addition, Verdant Dragon's effect activates." Yuya continued. "When it destroys a Monster by battle, I can destroy all other Monsters on my opponent's field and deal 800 points of damage to them for every destroyed Monster. In exchange, the Battle Phase ends. Do it, Odd-Eye Verdant Dragon! Vicious Conviction!"

Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon slammed its claws on the ground, opening fissures out of which numerous vines erupted and impaled Yukio's Monsters, destroying them. Several vines also struck Yukio, sending him skidding backwards as he let out a cry of pain and fell to his knees.

Yukio – LP: 4150→2550

"That's enough for now." Yuya said. "I end my turn, with my Monsters' attack returning to normal (Verdant Dragon ATK: 36000→4500, Advance Dragon 0→3000, Wing Dragon ATK: 0→3000)."

"Damn, that's quite the ferocious beast you've got there, Yuya." Yukio remarked as he stood up, dusting himself. "But that's only going getting me more fired up! It's my turn! Draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Shinewing Rapid Dragon, Starve Venemy Dragon, Supply Magician! And from my hand, come, Overclock Magician (ATK: 2000/DEF: 1900/LV: 6/SC: 2) and Wraith Magician (ATK: 1700/DEF: 2100/LV: 5/SC: 2)!"

An oversized wave of light surged out of the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yukio's field.

"Domination Magician's Pendulum Effect activates, allowing me to draw five cards." Yukio stated. "Then, I activate Shinewing's effect, targeting Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon in order to equip it to my dragon."

"That was the wrong move." Yuya smirked. "Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon's effect activates! Through it, when a card effect targets a card on my field, I can negate that effect and destroy that card! Overgrowth Reprisal!"

The gems on Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon's body shone as several spores shot out of it, embedding themselves into Shinewing's body. Immediately afterwards, several vines erupted out of it, constricting the dragon's body and destroying it.

"Arc Magician's Pendulum Effect activates." Yuya stated. "Through it, I gain 500 Life Points and I can draw a card from my Deck."

Yuya – LP: 2900→3400

"Of course it wouldn't be that simple." Yukio sighed. "Next plan it is then. I will send Starve Venemy Dragon and Supply Magician to the Graveyard in order to perform a Contact Fusion!"

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

"Ravenous dragon with fangs dripping with venom! Arcane master with dichromatic eyes! Now become one, and sow terror in the hearts of those foolish enough to challenge you with your deadly poison! Contact Fusion! Appear now, Level 10! Dreadful Toxin Dragon (ATK: 3200/DEF: 2800/LV: 10/SC: 1)!"

The evolved form of Starve Venemy appeared on Yukio's field, letting out a piercing howl.

"Supply Magician's effect activates, allowing me to draw a card from my Deck." Yukio continued. "Next, I will send Dreadful Toxin Dragon to the Graveyard alongside Overclock Magician and Wraith Magician in order to perform a Triple Contact Fusion!"

As his three Monsters started swirling inside a multi-colored vortex, Yukio chanted once again.

"Terrifying dragon with the poisonous body! Arcane master that surpasses the limits! Spellcaster that traverses the boundary! Now become one, and awaken the deadly scourge slumbering in the world's roots! Triple Contact Fusion! Appear now, Level 12! The Supreme King Desecration Dragon – Lethal Pestilence Dragon (ATK: 3900/DEF: 3300/LV: 12/SC: 1)!"

The final form of Starve Venemy emerged on Yukio's field, releasing a powerful shockwave that almost sent Yuya flying backwards.

"The Monster that defeated me." Ryo smirked. "Sakaki Yuya is in trouble now."

"Lethal Pestilence Dragon's effect activates." Yukio announced. "When this card is summoned, all Spell and Trap Cards on my opponent's field are destroyed! Demise Hurricane!"

Yukio's Monster extended its wings, generating a foul tempest that blew away Yuya's two Pendulum cards and his face-down card.

"Time for the main event." Yukio smiled. "I activate Lethal Pestilence Dragon's effect. Once per turn, I can place a Pestilence Counter on Monsters of my choosing on the field. A Monster with Pestilence Counters on it has its effects negated, its attack and defense are reduced to 0, it cannot attack and its controller has to send a card from their Deck to the Graveyard whenever they're destroyed. I will place a Pestilence Counter on all your Monsters, Yuya! Asphodel Plague!"

Lethal Pestilence Dragon howled as several spores were launched from the orbs throughout his body and embedded themselves in the bodies of Yuya's Monsters. Immediately afterwards, the Monsters started slowly rotting as their bodies turned into a sickly green color.

(Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon ATK: 4500→0, Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon ATK: 3000→0, Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon ATK: 3000→0)

"That effect didn't target, so Verdant Dragon couldn't counter it." Midori remarked. "Well played. Now Yuya is set to receive massive damage."

"I'm not finished yet." Yukio declared. "I activate the Ritual Spell Card Replicant Ritual. Through its effect, if I have a Ritual Monster in my hand, I can banish its corresponding Ritual Spell Card from my Deck in order to Ritual Summon this card by banishing Pendulum Monsters from my hand and Extra Deck whose Levels are equal to that Monster's Level. I will banish Revival Zero from my Deck alongside Ascension Magician in my hand and Synchronic Magician and Union Magician in my Extra Deck to Ritual Summon!"

A large magic circle with four green and four red crystals hovering around it appeared on Yukio's field, with his three Monsters turning into streams of particles that were absorbed by it. As a massive pillar of energy erupted from it, Yukio chanted for the third time in a row.

"Valiant warrior residing in the edges of space and time! Answer the call of the ritual and manifest in this battlefield to bring swift justice to the wicked! Ritual Summon! Descend now, Level 10! The overseer which supervises all of creation, Eternity Zero, the Paladin Overlord (ATK: 3500/DEF: 1500/LV: 10/SC: 1)!"

The warrior clad in radiant blue armor and holding a sword-staff in its right hand appeared on Yukio's field next to Lethal Pestilence Dragon.

"A powerful Ritual Monster as well?" Amon said as he fixed his glasses. "Does he intend to settle things this turn?"

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Lethal Pestilence Dragon, destroy Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon! Pestilence Maximum Ravager!"

As Lethal Pestilence Dragon opened its maw wide, Yuya started running, jumping on top of a large bouncy ball and propelling himself up, grabbing a trapeze and swinging across the air as he searched for an Action Card. However, just as he thought he spotted one, Eternity Zero threw its weapon, severing the trapeze's cords and sending Yuya plummeting into the safety net below. Having missing his chance, Yuya was unable to prevent the attack from going through, with Verdant Dragon being obliterated by Lethal Pestilence Dragon's breath attack.

"I activate the effect of Entermate Barrier Balloon Tapir in my hand!" Yuya shouted as he got up, jumping out of the net. "Through its effect, the battle damage is reduced to 0! In addition, when Verdant Dragon is destroyed, its effect activates, allowing me to draw cards from my Deck until I have six!"

"Lethal Pestilence Dragon's effect activates as well at this time!" Yukio said. "Since a Monster with a Pestilence Counter was destroyed, you receive 500 points of damage and have to send a card from the top of your Deck to the Graveyard!"

Several drops of acid suddenly fell on Yuya, causing him to hiss in pain and stumbled, barely avoiding to fall down as he kept running.

Yuya – LP: 3400→2900

"Next, Eternity Zero will destroy Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon!" Yukio declared as he started running. "Eternal Saber!"

Eternity Zero's sword-staff was enveloped by a storm of energy that solidified into the form of a giant blade as it leapt forward, aiming for Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon. At the same time, Yukio jumped on Lethal Pestilence Dragon's back, which took off in pursuit of Yuya.

"As if I'd let myself get caught that easily!"

Yuya shouted thus as he activated his roller blades, dashing right inside an oversized cannon. Immediately afterwards, an explosion was heard as Yuya shot off the cannon, flying over Yukio and his dragon and landing on a circular platform, grabbing the Action Card placed there.

"Jackpot!" Yuya grinned. "I activate the Action Spell Solid Stronghold, whose effect switches all attack position Monsters on my field to defense position and increases their defense by 1000!"

Following Yuya's words, Eternity Zero's energy blade pierced through Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon's body and destroyed it, with several melted pieces of its body flying into Yuya, causing him to grimace.

Yuya – LP: 2900→2400

"Let's see if fortune will smile on me as well!" Yukio remarked as Lethal Pestilence Dragon flew close to an oversized pole, with Yukio snatching an Action Card embedded in its side. "Not bad. I activate the Action Spell Wonder Chance to allow Eternity Zero to attack once again! Take down Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon, my Monster! Eternal Saber!"

The previous scene was repeated once again as Eternity Zero's blade bifurcated Advance Dragon's body, with the shockwave sending Yuya skidding backwards.

Yuya – LP: 2400→1900

[With a vicious attack, Tachibana Yukio wiped out Sakaki Yuya's formation and reduced his Life Points by a significant amount!]

"I place two card face-down and end my turn." Yukio said. "What else have you got for me, Entertainment Duelist?"

"Oh, trust me, the fun is far from over." Yuya said with a smile. "My turn! Draw! Using the Scale 3 Destruction Magician (ATK: 2500/DEF: 500/LV: 7/SC: 3) and the Scale 8 Creation Magician (ATK: 500/DEF: 1500/LV: 4/SC: 8), I Set the Pendulum Scale once again!"

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

"Before I Pendulum Summon, I will activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Smile Preservation." Yuya said. "Through its effect, I can prevent Monsters on my field from being affected by my opponent's card effects for this turn if I have Smile World in my Graveyard."

"I see." Yukio said as several smiling faces appeared on Yuya's field. "Measures against Lethal Pestilence Dragon's effect, eh? I guess one of the cards sent to the Graveyard through Lethal Pestilence Dragon's effect was Smile World, no?"

"Got it in one." Yuya smiled. "Now then, it's time for this turn's main act. Using my current Pendulum Scale, I will Pendulum Summon! Come forth, Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon, Revenue Magician and Entermate Draco Remora! In addition, since I have Odd-Eyes in my Extra Deck, I can also Pendulum Summon this Monster by ignoring my Pendulum Scale through an Overscale Pendulum! Let those dual-colored eyes house the ephemeral eternity within them and transform unwavering faith into sublime strength! Come forth now, the resolute dragon heralding the arrival of a new era, Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 0)!"

As the Pendulum behind Yuya started swinging with greater force, four beams of light erupted from the enlarged Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Monsters upon landing on Yuya's field.

"Revenue Magician's effect activates, allowing me to draw a card from my Deck." Yuya continued. "Next, I Overlay the Level 4 Draco Remora and Revenue Magician!"

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

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

Odd-Eyes Extremis Dragon appeared on Yuya's field next to his other Monsters.

"An Xyz Monster with Destruction and Creation Magician in the Pendulum Zone…" Ruri murmured. "It's obvious what Monster is coming next."

"I activate Destruction and Creation Magician's Pendulum Effect, which allow me to give Extremis Dragon a Level equal to its Rank and make that Level equal to Arc Pendulum Dragon's Level of 7." Yuya announced. "Then, I Overlay the Level 7 Extremis Dragon and Arc Pendulum Dragon!"

As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuya chanted for the third time in a row.

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

The Monster resembling a mix between Odd-Eyes and Dark Rebellion appeared on Yuya's field.

"Way to go, Yuya!" Allen cheered. "Keep that momentum going!"

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Dualism Force, whose effect allows me to target a Pendulum Xyz Monster on my field and Special Summon a Pendulum Xyz Monster that's one Rank higher than it from my Extra Deck by using the targeted Monster as Xyz Material." Yuya said. "I will used Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon to reconstruct the Overlay Network!"

As Rebellion Dragon turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yuya chanted for the fourth time in a row.

"Dragon with the dual-colored eyes! May your black heart of wrath be consecrated by the sacred light and be reborn into that of a hero's! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear now, Rank 8! Divine dragon bringing salvation to all, Supreme King Serenity Dragon – Odd-Eyes Absolution Dragon (ATK: 4000/DEF: 2000/R: 8/SC: 10/OU: 3)!"

The Monster resembling Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, only clad in gold armor with turquoise energy lines running through it, which had eight wings that resembled a cross between dragon and angel ones protruding from its back, appeared on Yuya's field.

"This time, it's Absolution Dragon." Yuto commented. "Looks like it's Yukio's turn to be pressured. That Monster's effect is quite formidable."

"Dualism Force's second effect activates." Yuya continued. "If I used an "Odd-Eyes" Xyz Monster as material for its effect, I can destroy a card on my opponent's field and increase the summoned Monster's attack by an amount equal to that Monster's Level or Rank multiplied by 100. I will destroy Eternity Zero!"

A bolt of lightning descended from the sky, striking Eternity Zero and vaporizing it. At the same time, Absolution Dragon was surrounded by a crimson aura.

(Absolution Dragon ATK: 4000→5000)

"Oh, this isn't good." Byron remarked. "Eternity Zero was the only Monster able to withstand Absolution Dragon's effect. If it goes through, Yukio's field will be left bare."

"I detach an Overlay Unit from Absolution Dragon to activate its effect." Yuya declared. "Thanks to it, I can return all cards on my opponent's field back to their Deck and have this card gain 500 attack for each returned card, while I gain 500 Life Points for every returned card. Do it, Absolution Dragon! Rapture Howling!"

Following Yuya's words, Absolution Dragon let out a sonorous roar as it spread its eight wings, releasing a golden aura that enveloped both players' fields. Immediately afterwards, Yukio's Monster, his two Pendulum cards and his two face-down cards turned into particles of light and vanished, while the aura surrounding Absolution Dragon was strengthened.

(Absolution Dragon ATK: 5000→7500)

Yuya – LP: 1900→4400

"Battle!" Yuya roared. "Odd-Eyes Absolution Dragon, attack Yukio directly and end this! Burst Shine of Deliverance – Advent Force!"

"I activate the effect of Life Magician (ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 3/SC: 4) in my hand!" Yukio exclaimed as Absolution Dragon's breath attack headed towards him. "Through it, I can Special Summon it to reduce the damage to 0 and gain Life Points equal to the amount of damage I would have received! Come, Life Magician in defense mode!"

Life Magician materialized on Yukio's field, forming a barrier that stopped Absolution Dragon's attack. Immediately afterwards, the barrier shattered, turning into a rain of particles that enveloped Yukio.

Yukio – LP: 2550→10050

[He withstood it!] Nico exclaimed as the crowd cheered. [Tachibana Yukio successfully defends himself against yet another game-ending attack and recovers a huge amount of Life Points! What a battle! Neither Duelist is willing to budge an inch despite the other throwing everything they've got at them! I truly cannot tell who the final victor will be here!]

"Nice one, Yukio." Yuya praised his opponent. "I can't do much else apart from this. Transient-Eyes, destroy Life Magician! Phantasmagoria Flame of Transcendence!"

A multi-colored stream of flames erupted from Transient-Eyes' maw, vaporizing Life Magician.

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn." Yuya said.

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Exceed Force, whose effect—"

"I activate Transient-Eyes' effect!" Yuya cut off Yukio. "Through it, your Spell Card's effects are negated and it's destroyed!"

"In that case, I'll use the Scale 1 Odd-Eyes Persona Dragon (ATK: 1200/DEF: 2400/LV: 5/SC: 1) and the Scale 8 Odd-Eyes Mirage Dragon (ATK: 1200/DEF: 600/LV: 3/SC: 8) to rebuild the Pendulum Scale!"

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

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card Pendulum Toll!" Yuya declared. "Through its effect, you cannot Pendulum Summon more Monsters than the Pendulum Monsters I control!"

"Too bad that two Monsters is all I need." Yukio smirked. "With my current Scale, I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 2 through 7. Pendulum Summon! Revive from the Extra Deck, Dark Anthelion Dragon and Demise Magician!"

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

"Next, I summon Link Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 0/LV: 4)!"

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

"I Overlay the Level 4 Link Magician and Demise Magician!" As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yukio chanted. "Magician given form by the origin of the universe! Demonstrate your dominion over space-time and reign supreme over this world! Xyz Summon! Appear now, Rank 4! Startime Magician (ATK: 2400/DEF: 1200/R: 4/OU: 2)!"

Startime Magician appeared on Yukio's field next to Dark Anthelion.

"I activate Startime Magician's effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to add a Dark Spellcaster-type Pendulum Monster from my Deck, Graveyard or Extra Deck to my hand." Yukio continued. "I will add Overclock Magician from my Graveyard to my hand. Then, I activate the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Dimension Force, using Dark Anthelion to reconstruct the Overlay Network through its effect!"

As Dark Anthelion turned into a stream of energy that was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Yukio chanted for the second time in a row.

"Blazing dragon locked deep within the sun's embrace! The time has come to pierce the veil of light and unleash the relentless tides of everlasting darkness upon our foes! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Descend now, Rank 8! Darkbright Sunspot Dragon (ATK: 3400/DEF: 2600/R: 8/SC: 11/OU: 1)!"

The evolved form of Dark Anthelion appeared on Yukio's field, letting out a furious howl. At the same time, Yuya activated his rollerblades, heading towards a spiral close to him.

"Two Xyz Monsters…" Kaito muttered. "That means Yukio's strongest Xyz Monster is coming next. Fitting considering Yuya's field."

"I activate Darkbright Sunspot Dragon's effect by detaching its Overlay Unit." Yukio stated. "Through it, I can—"

"I won't let you!" Yuya shouted as he dashed up a nearby spiral, grabbing the Action Card at its top. "I activate the Action Spell Malfunction! Through its effect, your dragon's effects are negated!"

"You should have saved that effect for later." Yukio said. "Time for one of my trump cards to take the stage. I Overlay the Rank 8 Darkbright Sunspot Dragon with the Rank 4 Startime Magician!"

As his two Monsters turned into streams of energy and were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, out of which a massive torrent of black flames erupted, Yukio chanted.

"Dreaded dragon of calamity that rests within the darkest reaches of the universe! Become the vanguard of Armageddon and exterminate everything before you with the pitch-black flames of catastrophe! Add-up Xyz Ascension! Be born now, Rank 12! The Supreme King Destruction Dragon – Void Prominence Dragon (ATK: 3800/DEF: 3200/R: 12/SC: 12/OU: 2)!"

The final form of Dark Anthelion emerged on Yukio's field, letting out a piercing roar as the black flames surrounding it scattered.

"I activate Void Prominence Dragon's effect." Yukio said. "Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit from it and reduce the attack of my opponent's Monsters by an amount equal to their Level or Rank multiplied by 400 and prevent them from activating their effects until the End Phase. Do it, Void Prominence! Annihilation Flare!"

The flaming feathers extending from Void Prominence Dragon's back shot forward in the shape of whips, embedding themselves into Yuya's two Monsters and enveloping their bodies in black flames.

(Absolution Dragon ATK: 7500→4300, Transient-Eyes ATK: 3000→0)

"At this moment, Void Prominence Dragon's second effect activates." Yukio continued. "When a Monster's attack is reduced to 0 through its effect, that Monster is destroyed, its controller receives 500 points of damage and I gain 500 Life Points for each destroyed Monster! Twilight Dynamo!"

Black lightning erupted from the feathers embedded in Transient-Eyes' body, vaporizing it in an instant. At the same time, Yuya was also struck by a bolt of lightning that forced him to his knees while Yukio was surrounded by a black aura.

Yuya – LP: 4400→3900

Yukio – LP: 10050→10550

"That was a good move, but Void Prominence's attack is still lower than Absolution Dragon's." Shun remarked. "Does he intend to bridge the gap with Action Cards? No, that card from before is probably…"

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Void Prominence Dragon, attack Odd-Eyes Absolution Dragon! At this moment, I activate the effect of Overclock Magician in my hand! By sending it to the Graveyard, I can increase my Monster's attack by 2000 until the End Phase (Void Prominence Dragon ATK: 3800→5800)! Go, Void Prominence Dragon! Coronal Mass Ejection!"

The binder-shaped cannons on the dragon's back swung forward ninety degrees following Yukio's command. As the feather-shaped flames' output intensified, a massive wave of pitch-black flames erupted from the two cannons, incinerating Absolution Dragon with and sending Yuya flying backwards and crashing into a trampoline.

Yuya – LP: 3900→2400

"I activate Absolution Dragon's effect." Yuya said as he stood up while grimacing. "Through it, I can return both cards in my Pendulum Zones back to the hand and place Absolution Dragon in my Pendulum Zone."

The two Pendulum cards on Yuya's field vanished, with Absolution Dragon rising to the top of the left pillar of light.

"Furthermore, since I control no Pendulum Monsters, Pendulum Toll is destroyed, with both of us drawing a card from our Decks through its effect." Yuya continued.

"That will do for now." Yukio said. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn, with Void Prominence Dragon's attack returning to normal (Void Prominence Dragon ATK: 5800→3800)."

"My turn!" Yuya announced. "Draw! First, I will banish Pendulum Toll to place Arc Pendulum Dragon from my Graveyard face-up in my Extra Deck. Then, I place the Scale 3 Destruction Magician on my Pendulum Zone once again!"

The left column of light appeared once again on Yuya's field, with Destruction Magician rising to its top.

"Now I can simultaneously summon Monsters with Levels 4 through 9." Yuya declared. "Pendulum Summon! Return to my side once again, Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon, Odd-Eyes Arc Pendulum Dragon and Transient-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

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

"I activate Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon's effect, targeting Void Prominence Dragon in order to destroy it and gain its attack!" Yuya stated. "Theoretic Mirror!"

"That won't work!" Yukio exclaimed. "I activate Void Prominence Dragon's effect! Since it's about to be affected by a card effect, I can detach an Overlay Unit from it in order to negate that effect, destroy that card and attach it as an Overlay Unit to my dragon! Void Hijack!"

Void Prominence Dragon howled as several flaming chains erupted from its feathers, binding Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon and turning it into an Overlay Unit that started orbiting Void Prominence.

"You made me use my dragon's effect." Yukio remarked. "That means the real deal is coming now, right?"

"You got it." Yuya smirked. "First, I will activate Destruction Magician's effect to give your dragon a Level equal to its Rank. Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Odd-Eyes Ritual Gate! Through its effect, I can Special Summon Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon from my Extra Deck and a Ritual Monster from either player's Graveyard with their effects negated. I will Special Summon Disaster Karma from your Graveyard, Yukio!"

Two beams of energy erupted from the ground, solidifying into the forms of Odd-Eyes and Disaster Karma upon landing on Yuya's field.

"Through the effect of Odd-Eyes Ritual Gate, I will Ritual Summon a Ritual Monster from my Deck using only the Monsters summoned through its effect as tributes and equip Ritual Gate to it as an Equip Card!"

As Odd-Eyes and Disaster Kama turned into particles that were absorbed by the ring that had appeared above them, with a pillar of azure flames erupting from it, Yuya chanted.

"Dragon with dual-colored eyes! Take the power of fate's ruler within your body and embody supremacy itself! Ritual Summon! Appear, Level 10! The shining dragon with overpowering eyes, Supreme King Cerulean Dragon – Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon (ATK: 3300/DEF: 2600/LV: 10/SC: 12)!"

The imposing winged dragon with dual-colored eyes clad in deep blue armor with shades of silver throughout it, which had several red and green gems embedded throughout its armor, appeared on Yuya's field.

"I activate Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon's effect." Yuya continued. "Once per turn, I can send all Level 5 or higher Monsters on my opponent's field to the Graveyard, and then I can choose whether to reduce their Life Points or increase my Life Points by an amount equal to half the sent Monsters' attack. I choose the first option and banish Pendulum Buster from my Graveyard to activate its effect, which allows me to double the amount of damage a Pendulum Monster deals to you. That means you'll have your Life Points reduced by an amount equal to your dragon's attack, Yukio. Do it, Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon! Unbound Inferno!"

Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon opened its wings wide as its entire body was surrounded by azure flames. It then took off and charged forward, piercing through Void Prominence Dragon's body and destroying it. The force of the explosion sent Yukio flying backwards and off the platform he was standing. Deploying his Duel Anchor, Yukio used it as a grappling hook to sail across the air and land on a bouncy ball, grabbing an Action Card placed there.

Yukio – LP: 10550→6750

"That must have hurt." Edo said with a grimace. "Ironic how Yukio was pushed to a corner through the Monster born from his and Yuya's bonds. Let's hope for his sake that he has some countermeasures ready."

"Battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon, attack Yukio directly!"

"I activate the Action Spell Evasion!" Yukio shouted. "Through its effect, your Monster's attack is negated!"

"Transient-Eyes' effect activates!" Yuya said. "Your Acton Spell's effect is negated! Extinguish Gaze!"

Two beams of light erupted from the dragon's eyes, destroying Yukio's Action Card.

"In that case, I activate the Trap Card Draining Shield!" Yukio said. "Through its effect, your Monster's attack is negated and I gain Life Points equal to its attack!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Yukio, with Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon's breath slamming on it and dispersing harmlessly. Immediately afterwards, the shield shattered into a rain of particles that enveloped Yukio.

Yukio – LP: 6750→10050

"Not bad, but let's see you evade this!" Yuya said as he jumped on Transient-Eyes' back. "Go, Transient-Eyes! Attack Yukio directly! Phantasmagoria Flame of Transcendence!"

A multi-colored flame erupted from Transient-Eyes' maw, enveloping Yukio and causing him to let out a cry of pain as he fell to his knees.

Yukio – LP: 10050→7050

"Time for the final attack." Yuya declared as Transient-Eyes flew close to the dome, with Yuya grabbing an Action Card placed there. "Arc Pendulum Dragon attacks you directly, Yukio! I also activate the Action Spell High Dive, which increases my Monster's attack by 1000 until the End Phase (Arc Pendulum Dragon ATK: 2700→3700)! Do it, Arc Pendulum! Spiral Arc Burst!"

As Arc Pendulum Dragon prepared to attack, Yukio ran towards a nearby slide, sliding down to its bottom and grabbing the Action Card placed at the end. However, a troubled expression appeared on his face.

"I can't use this now…"

Following his mutter, Yukio was struck by Arc Pendulum Dragon's breath attack, which sent him flying backwards as he let out a grunt of pain.

Yukio – LP: 7050→3350

"That's all for this act." Yuya made a small bow. "I end my turn, with Arc Pendulum Dragon's attack returning to normal (Arc Pendulum Dragon ATK: 3700→2700)."

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! First, I activate the Action Spell I got before, Copy Action. Through its effect, I will copy the effects of Malfunction in your Graveyard to negate Transient-Eyes' effect. Then, I activate the Spell Card Gap Draw, whose effect allows me to draw cards from my Deck equal to the number of Monsters on my opponent's field, in this case three, since I control no Monsters. I'll also banish Link Magician alongside Starve Venemy Dragon and Dreadful Toxin Dragon from my Graveyard to draw two more cards."

Upon checking his drawn cards, Yukio let out a small smile.

"This is a good haul. Let's put it to good use then. First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Destiny Magician! And from my hand, come, Summoner Magician (ATK: 1600/DEF: 1200/LV: 4/SC: 7) and the eerie dragon with beautiful dichromatic eyes, Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon (ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 7/SC: 4)!"

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

"Since Summoner Magician was Pendulum Summoned successfully, I can add a Ritual Monster or a Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand." Yukio continued. "I choose Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon. Then, I activate the Ritual Spell Card Karma Manifestation, offering Summoner Magician and Destiny Magician as tributes to Ritual Summon!"

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

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

Yukio's ace Monster emerged from the pillar of flames, letting out a resounding howl.

"Since it was used for as tribute for a Ritual Summon, Destiny Magician's effect lets me draw a card from my Deck." Yukio said. "Then, I will send Phantom Dragon to my Graveyard in order to bring out its evolved form!"

As Phantom Dragon sank into a portal surrounded by several specters, Yukio chanted once again.

"Undead dragon with dichromatic eyes that resides in the Netherworld! Accept this offering and revive the restless soul that yearns for ruin! Ascend now, Level 8! Odd-Eyes Phantasma Dragon (ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 8/SC: 0)!"

The evolved form of Odd-Eyes Phantom Dragon emerged from the portal, flying around the arena once before coming to hover above Yukio.

"I'm not done yet." Yukio grinned. "I activate the Spell Card Scale Bargain, whose effect allows me to exchange the cards in our Pendulum Zones if both players have the same amount of cards in them. However, their Pendulum effects of the exchanged cards are negated."

Following Yukio's words, Odd-Eyes Mirage Dragon and Odd-Eyes Persona Dragon flew off and entered Yuya's pillars of light, while Destruction Magician and Absolution Dragon took their place in Yukio's pillars of light.

"You exchanged our Pendulum cards?" Yuya frowned, but then his eyes opened wide. "Don't tell me…!"

"Preparations are complete." Yukio remarked. "The Monster I hold in my hand can only be Special Summoned by banishing Odd-Eyes Phantasma Dragon along with two cards from my Pendulum Zone whose total Scale sum is 12 or more. I will banish Destruction Magician, Absolution Dragon and Odd-Eyes Phantasma Dragon in order to Special Summon my Monster's final form!"

As the three Monsters were absorbed by the Pendulum portal, which was enlarged, Yukio chanted for the third time in a row.

"Unyielding dragon with the dichromatic eyes! Ascend in triumph from the Netherworld and cleanse all impurities before you with your piercing gaze! Pendulum Summon! Descend now, Level 12! The Supreme King Eternal Dragon – Odd-Eyes Revenant Dragon (ATK: 3600/DEF: 3000/LV: 12/SC: 0)!"

The dragon clad in pure white, thick armor with black lines running through it and gems that were colored red and green attached to its body, which had four wings emitting multi-colored particles of light protruding from its back and three tails extending from its back, appeared on Yukio's field.

"Odd-Eyes Revenant Dragon." Yuya narrowed his eyes. "I knew this was coming out."

"I activate Chaos Karma's effect, which allows me to destroy a Level 5 or higher Monster on my opponent's field and inflict half its attack or defense to them as damage." Yukio said. "I will destroy Transient-Eyes! Do it, Chaos Karma! Atropos Slash!"

Chaos Karma's claws were elongated as it swung them forward, shredding Transient-Eyes and striking Yuya, who sent skidding backwards.

Yuya – LP: 2400→900

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed. "Odd-Eyes Revenant Dragon, attack Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon! At this moment, Odd-Eyes Revenant Dragon's effect activates! Once during either player's turn, when this card battles an opponent's Monster, I can send that Monster to the Graveyard before damage calculation and inflict 500 points of damage to my opponent! Purification Force!"

Revenant Dragon's eyes lit up as waves of light erupted from the gems embedded in its armor, enveloping Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon and causing it to disappear from Yuya's field.

Yuya – LP: 900→400

"With Revenant Dragon's effect, Yuya cannot use Karma Dragon's effect that activates upon its destruction." Gloria remarked. "He's thought of everything."

"Finally, Chaos Karma will destroy Arc Pendulum Dragon!" Yukio declared. "Samsara Breath!"

A wave of flames erupted from Chaos Karma's maw, incinerating Arc Pendulum Dragon and causing Yuya to wince from the stray embers that struck him.

Yuya – LP: 400→300

"I end my turn with that." Yukio said. "Now, how will you respond, Yuya? Don't tell me you're done entertaining us?"

"Not by a long shot." Yuya said with a smile. "In fact, the climax starts from here! My turn! Draw!"

Upon checking out his drawn card, Yuya's smile became wider.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Yuya spread his arms wide. "As you can see, apart from my two Pendulum cards, my field is empty and I'm facing two powerful Monsters! Pendulum Summon is an option, but that would be dull and predictable! Instead, let's go all out by pushing the boundaries of Dueling even further beyond!"

"Push…the boundaries of Dueling?" Dennis wondered. "I don't know what Yuya's planning, but he's got me all excited here!"

"Me too!" Grace remarked with a big grin. "Give us a good show as usual, Yuya!"

"I activate the effect of Transcendental Bond Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1500/LV: 7) in my hand, which allows me to bring out a very special Monster from my Deck by banishing Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon along with a Level/Rank 7 or higher Dragon-type Fusion, Xyz, Synchro and Ritual Monster face-up from my field, Extra Deck and/or Graveyard alongside this card." Yuya said. "I will banish Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Odd-Eyes Karma Dragon and Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon from my Graveyard alongside Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon and Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon from my Extra Deck to perform an Integration Summon!"

"What did he say!?" Shuzo cried out in shock. "Integration Summon!?"

A magician clad in in robes with red, violet, black and white hues appeared on Yuya's field, opening a massive rift in space above him, with his five Monsters emerging from it at the same time as Transcendental Bond Magician vanished. As the other four turned into streams of energy that were absorbed into Odd-Eyes, Yuya chanted.

"Dragon with the dual-colored eyes! Let that piercing gaze be imbued with the cross of genesis and give birth to the sublime power that embodies the foundations of the cosmos! Integration Summon! Soar through eternity, Level 12! The almighty dragon of creation, God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Light/Dragon/Integration/Effect/ATK: 4000/DEF: 3500/LV: 12/SC: 0)!"

A massive dragon with a shining blue body that had several white energy lines running through it, which had streams of gold energy coming out of its eyes and six protrusions with gems on them and energy feathers growing from them protruding from its back, appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a sonorous howl as the crowd went wild.

"Beautiful…" Reira commented with an amazed voice. "That dragon is so majestic…"

[W-W-What's this!?] Nico exclaimed. [Integration Summon!? Sakaki Yuya has shocked everyone by displaying the same ability that was once exclusive to Zarc! Can this new Monster turn the tables on this Duel and give Sakaki Yuya the win!?]

"I guess we'll find out soon enough." Yuya said as he jumped on his dragon's back. "Now, let's battle! God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Odd-Eyes Revenant Dragon! God-Eyes Breath!"

"I activate the Counter Trap Card Attack Nullification!" Yukio exclaimed. "Through its effect, your Monster's attack is negated and the Battle Phase ends!"

"I'm afraid that's not good enough!" Yuya smirked. "God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect activates! When this card's attack is negated, I can end my opponent's next turn and skip to the Battle Phase of my next turn! God-Eyes Creation!"

"Skip the turn…straight into the Battle Phase!?" Tatsuya exclaimed. "What sort of crazy effect is that!?"

"The battle restarts!" Yuya shouted. "Go, God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Take down Odd-Eyes Revenant Dragon! God-Eyes Breath!"

"However, Odd-Eyes Revenant Dragon's effect—"

"—is of no use here!" Yuya cut off Yukio's words. "God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon cannot be affected by the effects of non-Integration Monsters! As such, Revenant Dragon's effect won't apply! In addition, Monsters destroyed by God-Eyes through battle cannot return to the field through any means!"

Following Yuya's words, a massive wave of energy erupted from God-Eyes' maw, striking Revenant Dragon and vaporizing it, with Yukio being blown backwards.

Yukio – LP: 3350→2950

"Furthermore, when God-Eyes destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, its effect activates!" Yuya continued. "Through it, I can destroy all other Monsters on my opponent's field and deal damage to them equal to the difference between their attack and this card's attack! As such, Chaos Karma will be destroyed! God-Eyes Decree!"

God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's eyes shone, with energy beams shooting out of them and piercing through Chaos Karma's body, destroying it and causing Yukio to let out a cry of pain due to the ensuing shockwave.

Yukio – LP: 2950→1750

"I place a card face-down and end my turn." Yuya said. "Now, how will you oppose my Monster, Yukio?"

"My turn." Yukio announced. "Draw."

After checking his drawn card, Yukio started laughing.

"Huh?" Yuya raised an eyebrow. "Why are you laughing? Did you get a good card?"

"You could say that, but that's not the main reason." Yukio said with a grin. "No, I'm just enjoying myself so much that I couldn't help but laugh. Hey, Yuya, Dueling is really amazing, isn't it?"

"Yes, it truly is!" Yuya matched Yukio's grin with one of his own. "The joy you feel when you and your opponent go against each other with everything you've got is incomparable. That's why I will make sure to spread the wonders of Dueling as wide as I can until the day I see. To make everyone understand how Entertainment Dueling can connect our souls like an arc of light."

"That dream of yours is still going strong." Yukio remarked. "Truth be told, when I first heard it…I was a little jealous of you deep down even though I dismissed you."

"Jealous?" Yuya wondered. "Why?"

"Having a dream…was a foreign concept to me." Yukio said with a bitter smile. "Dueling was just a means to an end back then, nothing more. A grim necessity to protect what was important to me. There was no time for dreams. That's why I was jealous of you who was truly passionate about something and was chasing after it with all you had. But it's different now."

Yukio looked at his Deck with a fond expression on his face before turning to Yuya.

"Because of Dueling, I was able to meet all of you." Yukio said. "I was able to grasp a future I didn't even know was possible. Also…I found my own path, what I truly want to do."

Yukio was silent for a few seconds before speaking with a wide smile plastered on his face.

"I…will become a teacher! Just like Kouji-sensei did for me, I will teach Dueling to others so that they can leap towards their dreams and grasp the future they wish for! That is my dream!"

"Yukio…" Otoha said with tears in her eyes. "Finally…finally, you can express your heart's desire."

"Looks like our son has grown up." Hayato remarked with a smile. "Sheesh, you really can't stop youth."

"That's the spirit, Yukio!" Yuya smiled. "However, we're still in the middle of a Duel! Come at me with all you've got!"

"That's the plan." Yukio responded with a sly smirk. "And what better way to oppose an Integration Monster than with another Integration Monster?"

"Another…Integration Monster?" Yuya's eyes opened wide. "It can't be!"

"Here's my first lesson to you, Yuya!" Yukio said. "Always expect the unexpected! I activate the effect of Apex Dimensional Architect Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 1900/DEF: 2600/LV: 7) in my hand! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Monster from my Deck by banishing a Level/Rank 8 or higher Dragon-type Pendulum, Fusion, Xyz, Synchro and Ritual Monster face-up from my field, Extra Deck and/or Graveyard! I will banish Disaster Karma and Odd-Eyes Revenant Dragon from my Graveyard along with Void Prominence, Starlight Wing and Lethal Pestilence from my Extra Deck to perform an Integration Summon!"

A magician clad in pure white robes and holding a staff with the symbol of infinity on its tip, which had a prominent scar on the right side of its face, appeared on Yukio's field. Swinging its staff, it opened a large fissure on Yukio's field, with his five Monsters coming out of it and heading towards a massive circular gate-like structure that appeared above the arena. As the Monsters were absorbed by the gate, Yukio chanted.

"The ceaseless waves of time shall now give birth to the peerless arbitrator! You who is crowned with the name of God, descend now and become the incarnation of the future! Integration Summon! Emerge from the end realm, Level 12! The immortal warden of time, Genesis Omega Dragon (Dark/Dragon/Integration/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 12/SC: 12)!

The gate opened into a kaleidoscope-like space, out of which a massive white-colored dragon with a serpentine body covered in black markings, which had two claws that discharged azure flames hovering next to its arms and eight horn-like protrusions growing from its head, emerged from. Immediately afterwards, the gate closed, with the dragon curling around it as two chains bound its arms on it before moving to surround the gate.

[Now Yukio has performed an Integration Summon as well!] Melissa exclaimed. [Geez, what's with the Duelists of this generation!? However, I cannot help but admit that my soul is aflame at the thought of two never-seen before Monsters clashing!]

"Way to go, Yukio!" Daisuke cheered. "I knew you wouldn't fall behind here! Go forward and crush Sakaki Yuya!"

"That guy…" Hiyama grinned. "He never fails to amaze!"

"What did you expect?" Akihiro said with a smile. "It's Yukio after all."

"Two Integration Monsters…" Oboro had an ecstatic expression on his face. "I've never felt so glad to be alive until now!"

"So, that was your final measure, eh, Tachibana Yukio?" Reiji remarked as he straightened his glasses. "Shame I wasn't able to push you enough to force you to rely on it. Tech department, I hope you're analyzing these cards. As a Duelist and their rival, I can't afford to fall behind here."

"Let's do this." Yukio declared. "I activate Genesis Omega Dragon's effect. Once per turn, I increase this card's attack by an amount equal to the highest attack value a Monster on either field had during the previous turns until the End Phase. I will raise my dragon's attack by an amount equal to the attack Verdant Dragon had after using its effect! Chronal Fortification!"

Genesis Omega Dragon's eyes shone as images of Monsters that had been summoned during the previous turns started appearing and disappearing at random. After a few seconds, the image of Verdant Dragon stopped in front of the dragon and was absorbed by it.

(Genesis Omega Dragon ATK: 0→36000)

"Alright!" Serena cheered. "Now it has surpassed God-Eyes! Go, Yukio!"

"Battle!" Yukio exclaimed as he jumped on his dragon's head. "Genesis Omega Dragon, attack God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Chrono Paradox!"

"God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect activates!" Yuya declared. "Once during either player's turn, when it battles a Monster with higher attack, I can target that Monster and increase God-Eyes' attack by an amount equal to that Monster's attack until the End Phase!"

"Ah, its attack will become higher again!" Nene cried out. "Big bro Yukio is in trouble!"

"Genesis Omega Dragon's effect activates!" Yukio shouted. "When it's targeted for an attack or by a card effect, I can place a Pendulum Monster from my hand, Deck or Extra Deck in my Pendulum Zone to negate that attack or effect and move to the End Phase of that turn! I will place Black Fang Magician (ATK: 1700/DEF: 800/LV: 4/SC: 8) in my Pendulum Zone to negate your God-Eyes' effect and end this turn! Time Extermination!"

Genesis Omega Dragon unleashed an energy wave that seemed to briefly put the area in stasis. Immediately afterwards, the left column of light appeared on Yukio's field, with Black Fang Magician rising to its top.

"With my turn's end, Genesis Omega Dragon's attack returns to normal (Genesis Omega Dragon ATK: 36000→0)." Yukio said.

"Then, it's my turn!" Yuya said. "Draw!"

"At this moment, Genesis Omega Dragon's effect activates." Yukio stated. "At the beginning of each player's Standby Phase, it gains 1000 attack (Genesis Omega Dragon ATK: 0→1000)."

"That means Genesis Omega Dragon will just keep getting stronger the more it remains on the field." Ayu remarked. "This isn't good for big bro Yuya."

"It'll be alright!" Futoshi said. "I'm sure big bro Yuya's dragon will give him some amazing shivers~!"

"Let's battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Genesis Omega Dragon! God-Eyes Breath!"

"Genesis Omega Dragon's effect activates!" Yukio shouted. "Since it's targeted for an attack, I'll place Mischief Magician (ATK: 2700/DEF: 2000/LV: 8/SC: 1) from my Deck to my Pendulum Zone to negate your attack and end your turn! Time Extermination!"

Genesis Omega Dragon howled as an energy pulse erupted from its body, forcing God-Eyes back. At the same time, the right column of light appeared on Yukio's field, with Mischief Magician rising to its top.

"Have you forgotten about God-Eyes' effect, Yukio?" Yuya said. "When its attack is negated, I can end my opponent's next turn and skip to the Battle Phase of my next turn! God-Eyes Creation!"

"A perfect counter." Yusho remarked. "Genesis Omega Dragon's abilities are formidable, but they don't seem to be a good match against God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's abilities."

"That's right." Reiji commented while straightening his glasses. "Not to mention, with his Pendulum Scales being full, Yukio cannot use Genesis Omega Dragon's effect."

"The battle restarts!" Yuya declared. "Take down Genesis Omega Dragon, God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

"Since your Monster is declaring an attack, Mischief Magician's Pendulum Effect activates, allowing me to place a Trap Card from my Deck to my field and activate it if the conditions are met!" Yukio said. "Moreover, Genesis Omega Dragon's effect activates! Once during either player's turn, I can banish all cards from my Pendulum Zone to prevent all Monsters on my field from being destroyed by battle or card effects and halve all damage I receive from battles involving them until the End Phase! Chrono Stasis!"

Genesis Omega Dragon's body glowed as both cards on Yukio's Pendulum Zones vanished, with a massive semi-transparent barrier appearing on Yukio's field.

"Moreover, I activate the Trap Card I just set, Dimension Wall!" Yukio continued. "Through its effect, all battle damage I receive from this battle will be inflicted on you instead, Yuya!"

"This is bad!" Gongenzaka exclaimed. "Even if the damage is halved, it's still 1500! Yuya's Life Points will hit 0!"

"I won't allow that!" Yuya said. "God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect activates! Once during either player's turn, when the effect of a Spell or Trap Card is activated, I can send a card in my Spell/Trap Zone to the Graveyard to negate that effect and destroy that card! I will destroy my face-down card to negate your card's effect! God-Eyes Gaze!"

Two energy waves erupted from the dragon's eyes, vaporizing Yukio's Trap Card.

"The battle continues!" Yuya said. "Go, God-Eyes!"

God-Eyes howled as it opened its maw wide, unleashing a powerful energy wave that struck the barrier surrounding Yukio's field. Although it was unable to penetrate it, the shockwave almost sent Yukio flying off Genesis Omega Dragon's head.

Yukio – LP: 1750→250

"I place a card face-down and end my turn." Yuya said.

[They're neck-and-neck!] Melissa exclaimed. [With their Life Points being nearly equal and their strongest trump cards still on their field, it's anyone's guess how this Duel will conclude!]

"It's my turn!" Yukio announced. "Draw! At this moment, Genesis Omega Dragon's effect activates, increasing its attack by 1000 (Genesis Omega Dragon ATK: 1000→2000). Then, I place the Scale 8 Iris Magician (ATK: 1500/DEF: 1000/LV: 4/SC: 8) in my Pendulum Zone!"

The left column of light appeared once again on Yukio's field, with his Monster rising to its top.

"I activate Genesis Omega Dragon's effect." Yukio continued. "Once per turn, I can destroy Monsters on my opponent's field equal to the number of Pendulum cards in my Pendulum Zones. Since I have one card, I will destroy your God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Yuya!"

"Genesis Omega Dragon is an Integration Monster, so its effects can destroy a fellow Integration Monster." Serena let out a triumphant smile. "Nicely done, Yukio!"

"Go, Genesis Omega Dragon!" Yukio declared. "Death Pendulum!"

One of the claws hovering next to Genesis Omega Dragon shot forward following Yukio's words, piercing through God-Eyes' chest and destroying it, with Yuya jumping off the dragon's back just before it was destroyed.

"God-Eyes' final effect activates!" Yuya exclaimed. "When it's destroyed, I can destroy all cards on my opponent's field and Special Summon a "Pendulum Dragon" Monster from my Extra Deck, Graveyard or banish zone with its attack doubled. Revive, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

A massive energy storm erupted following God-Eyes' destruction, enveloping Genesis Omega Dragon and vaporizing it, leaving only the crumbling gate behind. At the same time, a rift in space appeared above Yuya, with Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon emerging from it.

(Odd-Eyes ATK: 2500→5000)

"Genesis Omega Dragon also has a similar effect." Yukio said. "When it's destroyed, I can Special Summon a Level 8 or lower Dragon-type Monster from my Extra Deck, Graveyard or banish zone, increase its attack by an amount equal to Genesis Omega Dragon's attack on the field and make it unable to be destroyed by card effects. Revive, Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon!"

The crumbling gate slowly opened, with Chaos Karma emerging from it. After that, the gate collapsed completely.

(Chaos Karma ATK: 2800→4800)

"Both Integration Monsters were destroyed, leaving only their aces behind." Yoko said with a grin. "Looks like they intend to settle it with their favorite cards."

"That's how real men fight!" Shuzo exclaimed. "Go, Yuya, Yukio! Burn with all the hot-blooded vigor of youth!"

"I activate Chaos Karma's effect!" Yukio shouted. "I will destroy Odd-Eyes and deal damage to you equal to half its attack! Atropos Slash!"

"Sorry, but it won't work!" Yuya said. "I activate the Trap Card Prank Mallet! Through its effect, Chaos Karma's effects are negated until the end of this turn!"

An oversized mallet appeared above Chaos Karma, bonking it on its head and stopping the activation of its effect, with the dragon letting out an annoyed growl.

"Chaos Karma's attack is lower and I don't have time to look for Action Cards." Yukio remarked. "I end my turn."

"This is it." Yusho said. "The final confrontation. Whoever comes on top will undoubtedly be the victor of this Duel."

"I agree." Reiji said. "With the situation being as is, whoever seizes the most advantageous Action Card will most likely come on top."

"It's my turn!" Yuya announced as he jumped on Odd-Eyes' back. "Draw! Now, what say you we make this extremely flashy, Yukio?"

"You read my mind." Yukio grinned as he jumped on Chaos Karma's back. "Bring it on, Yuya!"

"Then, let's do this!" Yuya exclaimed. "Go, Odd-Eyes!"

"Charge, Chaos Karma!"

Both dragons took off, flying around the arena and shooting breath attacks at each other that collided in a marvelous spectacle that had the audience captivated. Just as the dragons came for another pass at one another, Yukio and Yuya both noticed Action Cards below them.

[Go!]

Both Yuya and Yukio jumped off their dragons' back at the same time, with Yuya landing on top of a giant seesaw and sliding down its length with the aid of his rollerblades. Shooting off it, he bounced off several bouncy balls before going through a large flaming ring and grabbing the Action Card placed in the middle. Yukio, on the other hand, fell through an oversized running wheel, barely missing its edges, and landed on a trampoline, bouncing off it and landing on an oversized diabolo. With swift movements, he grabbed the Action Card from the axle and jumped once again, landing on Chaos Karma's back. Yuya, in the meantime, had also jumped on Odd-Eyes' back once again.

[Would you look at that!?] Nico spoke in an excited manner. [What grace and agility! This is the true essence of Action Duel, the ability to navigate your environment without fear or hesitation to seize the advantage! But what will the result of this scramble be!?]

"Battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon! I also activate the Action Spell Ultima Blade, whose effect increases my Monster's attack by 1500 (Odd-Eyes ATK: 5000→6500)!"

"Looks like I had the better catch, Yuya!" Yukio grinned as their Monsters' attack clashed. "I activate the Action Spell Bi-Attack! Through its effect, Chaos Karma's attack is doubled (Chaos Karma ATK: 4800→9600)!"

"Chaos Karma's attack surpassed Odd-Eyes'!" Mamoru shouted. "It's big bro Yukio's victory!"

"Don't celebrate just yet, Yukio!" Yuya shouted. "Since the attack of a Monster on my opponent's field increased, I can activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Endless Smiles from my hand! Through its effect, I can banish Smile World from my Graveyard to raise the attack of a Monster on my field by an equal amount! I choose Odd-Eyes of course (Odd-Eyes ATK: 6500→11300)!"

"Its attack surpassed Chaos Karma's!?" Yukio cried out in shock. "You had such a card in reserve!?"

"Since Odd-Eyes is battling a Level 5 or higher Monster, the damage will be doubled!" Yuya continued. "Reaction Force!"

The energy spiral that had erupted from Odd-Eyes' mouth intensified, pushing back Chaos Karma's attack and dispersing it as it headed towards it.

"Nice one, Entertainment Duelist."

Yukio let out a small smile as he closed his eyes.

"However, it's not over yet!" Yukio said as he opened his eyes with a determined expression. "I activate the effect of the Trap Card Atropos Rewind in my Graveyard by banishing it!"

"What!?" Yuya cried out. "A Trap at this timing!?"

"Thanks to Atropos Rewind's effect, I can increase the attack of a "Ritual Dragon" Monster on my field that's battling an opponent's Monster with a higher attack than it by an amount equal to the difference between that Monster's attack and my Monster's attack plus 800 for every Ritual Monster on my field (Chaos Karma ATK: 9600→12100)!"

"This is…!"

"Now, the finale!" Yukio declared. "Go, Chaos Karma Ritual Dragon! Destroy Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Samsara Breath!"

Chaos Karma swung its claws, scattering Odd-Eyes' energy blast. Immediately afterwards, it opened its maw wide, unleashing a massive stream of azure flames that enveloped Odd-Eyes and destroyed it, with Yuya being sent flying backwards while smiling.

Yuya – LP: 300→0

Yukio: WIN

[I-It's settled!] Nico screamed as the crowd went wild, cheering and shouting with all their might. [It's the end! After a climatic Duel with several twists and turns, the winner, and also our champion is…Tachibana Yukio!]

[Amazing is too small a word to describe what we experienced today!] Melissa exclaimed as the Action Field vanished. [As a matter of fact, no words are enough to describe this feeling! What we've witnessed today is a Duel that will without a doubt go down in history!]

"You got me good." Yuya said with a grin as Yukio approached him and helped him stand. "When did you place that card in your Graveyard?"

"It was the card I sent to the Graveyard with Pendulum Call's effect." Yukio said. "I thought about setting it and using it with Disaster Karma, but I figured you'd be warier of it that way. That's why I took a bit of gamble, betting on the fact that it'd come down to a showdown of our ace Monsters. As an entertainer, that's definitely a situation you'd be wishing for."

"Looks like I'm no match for you just yet." Yuya chuckled as he looked around at the audience. "Still, I'm completely satisfied and thoroughly entertained, and the same goes for everyone watching us from what I can see."

"Mission accomplished then."

"Yeah…but I'm still going to win next time."

Yuya smiled as he extended his fist, with Yukio smirking as he bumped it with his.

"What a surprise. I also have no intention of losing next time."

"Hey, Yukio!"

Before he had a chance to respond, Yukio found himself hoisted onto the shoulders of four very familiar youths.

"Daisuke! Hiyama! Oboro! Akihiro!" Yukio was astonished upon taking a good look at their faces. "You guys were here as well!?"

"You bet your ass we were!" Hiyama grinned. "We wouldn't miss our friend's crowning moment for the world!"

"Nice job out there, Yukio!" Daisuke gave him a thumbs-up. "You really went above and beyond!"

"You guys…" Yukio let out a small smile, but then frowned. "Now that I think about it, how the hell did you get in here from the audience stands?"

"We have our ways." Oboro smirked. "Don't sweat the small stuff."

"That's right." Akihiro said. "Just enjoy the moment."

Carried by his four friends and accompanied by Yuya, Yukio was brought to an elevated platform that had risen from beneath the stadium, with Reiji standing on it alongside Reira. At the same, several smaller platforms rose from the ground, with the members of the Lancers standing on them. After his four friends put Yukio down, he turned to Reiji.

"Congratulations, Tachibana Yukio." Reiji said with a small smile as he presented the trophy to him. "You've more than earned this. I'm expecting great things from you in the future as well."

"I'll do my best not to disappoint then."

Yukio received the trophy from Reiji with a large grin on his face, lifting it up. The cheers intensified even further, with the crowd chanting Yukio's name and applauding as hard as they could. They also directed the same amount of enthusiasm towards the other Lancers, who were waving and bowing to the audience. Seeing everyone's smiles and overjoyed expressions, Yukio felt a warm feeling running throughout his body.

"Are you watching, Zarc, Ray? Everyone is smiling from the bottom of their hearts, and we're going to keep it that way. We'll carry on your will from now and into the future."

Yukio swore thus. That day would go on to become an indelible memory for everyone that had the privilege of witnessing these extraordinary Duels…

---

Fifteen years later…

"…sei! Tachibana-sensei! Wake up already!"

"Ughhh… Five more minutes…"

"Please don't go back to sleep! Don't you have an event to be present for!?"

Yukio's eyes shot open as he stood up abruptly.

"Damn, that's right!" Yukio said as he turned to his colleague, a middle-age man with short light brown hair and a beard. "Thanks, Aoki-sensei. The others would kill me if I missed this because I overslept."

"No problem." Aoki said. "I do hope you've finished grading the students' assignments though? And looked over the schedule for next week's tag matches?"

"Done and done." Yukio said while pointing at his computer. "Now, if you excuse me, I really must be off."

"Of course." Aoki said. "One last thing though. Were you dreaming about something good? Because you had a rather goofy grin on your face there."

"I was just reliving one of my most exciting matches." Yukio smiled. "See you on Monday, Aoki-sensei!"

After saying so, Yukio took off, exiting LDS's main building and entered one of the automated cabs parked outside. After about thirty minutes, he arrived at You Show Duel School.

"No matter how many times I see it, I can't help but feel awed." Yukio remarked as he gazed at You Show's building, which didn't resemble its old shape in any way or form. "To think there would come a day where it would look like a proper school instead of a haphazard construction ready to collapse on itself…"

"Hey, that's rude…though true."

Turning around, Yukio saw a familiar woman clad in a business suit with long pink hair.

"Hey, if it isn't my dear sister-in-law!" Yukio said as he and Yuzu briefly embraced each other. "How's everything going?"

"Ugh, being headmistress is really stressful as usual." Yuzu grimaced while rubbing her temples. "Still, I probably shouldn't complain that much. Dad, Asuka-san, Edo-san and Tokumatsu-san have it way harder considering they have to supervise all You Show branches in the Pendulum, Fusion, Xyz and Synchro Dimensions respectively. Not to mention father-in-law, who has to deal with reports from all of them."

"Yeah, I wouldn't want to be in Yusho-san's place." Yukio said. "Being a teacher is stressful enough."

"Speaking of which, you should have stayed in You Show permanently." Yuzu said. "Why did you join those uppity LDS guys?"

"I told you before, I want to gather experience from various Dueling schools." Yukio said. "That's why my contract with LDS is for three years only. After that, I'll probably move to another school again."

Before he could say anything else, Yukio felt a pair of hands covering his eyes.

"Guess who~?"

"Hmmm…is it my beautiful and amazing wife that I've really, really missed?"

"Correct~." Serena said, kissing him. "Sorry I was away for so long, but that exposé I've been writing on that corrupt NGO took a lot of in-depth investigation."

"As expected of my sister, the super journalist." Yuzu said with a proud smile. "Want to exchange jobs? Because I'm really getting sick and tired of being cooped up in an office all day long."

"Sorry, but I don't think I could quite measure up to your managing skills, my dear sister." Serena said. "The right person for the right job as they would say."

"Oh, I see everyone is already here!"

The one who said that was Gongenzaka, who was dressed in an outfit similar to his father's.

"Hey, long time no see, big guy!" Yukio greeted him with a smile as both men shook hands. "I thought you wouldn't make it."

"So did I at first." Gongenzaka said. "However, Ankokuji stepped up and offer to take care of today's curriculum in my stead. That's why I'm here."

"Ankokuji Gen, eh?" Yuzu remarked. "I've seen a lot of strange things, but I never expected that ill-mannered punk to swallow his pride and apologize for everything he had done. Or that he would beg to rejoin the Gongenzaka Dojo."

"This just goes to show that people can change given the right incentive." Gongenzaka remarked. "For Ankokuji, it was his defeat at my hands and Yuya winning over his friends with his Entertainment Duel. As head of the Gongenzaka Dojo, I'm grateful for his aid do far. But enough about that. Will anyone else join us today?"

"I think that the four of us being together is a small miracle in itself considering how busy we all are." Yukio said as the four of them started walking. "Yuto, Shun, Allen and Kaito are busy preparing for this year's Xyz Dimension Pro League, and Yuri is doing the same for the Fusion Dimension's Pro League alongside Ryo and Sho. Yugo should also be getting ready for the Riding Duel World Cup. I'm sure Japan's Riding Duel King is eager to usurp Jack Atlas's position as World Riding Duel King this time."

"Ruri is working overtime in Heartland Central Hospital today since one of her co-worker doctors called in sick." Yuzu said. "Rin also couldn't be here because the orphanage she's running is going on a field trip. Dennis is occupied with running You Show's branch in New York and Sora is helping at the Fusion Dimension's You Show branch, the former Academia, as an assistant instructor. Sayaka, Grace and Gloria should also be giving lectures in the Xyz Dimension's You Show branch."

"Crow and his pals are busy as well." Serena said. "Crime rates may have gone down in Neo Domino, but that doesn't mean members of Security can afford to let their guards down. That's doubly true for Shinji, the director of Security."

"As for the Akaba siblings, Reira is still studying psychology abroad and Reiji spends most of his time in the labs or in board meetings these days." Yukio said. "What about Futoshi, Ayu, Tatsuya, Mamoru and Nene though? I figured they'd be here."

"They're studying abroad in You Show's London branch through an exchange program." Yuzu said. "So it's just us."

"In that case, we should make haste." Gongenzaka urged everyone. "Yuya will chew us out like crazy if we missed his big exhibition match with Sawatari."

"Right you are."

About half an hour later, the group arrived at the Maiami Stadium and were ushered in one of the VIP booths by the staff. Shortly afterwards, the emblematic voice of Nico Smiley echoed throughout the bustling stadium.

[Good evening, everyone, and welcome to our annual commemoration match before the start of the Pendulum Dimension Pro League matches.] Nico announced. [Today, we are privileged to have two very special Duelists facing off against each other. The first contestant is someone who has been making waves in the Pro world and the Entertainment Duel circuit for quite some time. Everyone, please welcome Sawatari Shingo!"

Several spotlights shone in the east corner on the field as a cloud of smoke erupted, with Sawatari emerging out of it and waving at everyone as the crowd cheered.

"I hear Sawatari has been honing himself by participating in tournaments worldwide." Gongenzaka remarked. "I'm certain his skills have grown."

"True, but his opponent is no slouch either." Yuzu smirked.

[Our second contestant doesn't need much in terms of introduction!] Nico continued. [Ladies and gentlemen, it's the world's greatest Entertainment Duelist, Sakaki Yuya!]

A resounding roar echoed across the stadium as everyone turned their sights to the sky. Flying above the stadium was Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, streams of multi-colored flames shooting out of its mouth. After flying once around the stadium, illuminating it with its flames, a figure clad in an outfit similar to Yusho's jumped off the dragon's back, landing on the stadium amidst deafening cheers.

"Sheesh, your husband loves making an entrance as always, Yuzu." Serena remarked while smiling. "But that's what makes Yuya who he is."

"That's true."

Upon observing the audience's reactions, Yukio noticed that everyone was overjoyed and enthusiastic, big smiles etched on their faces. Their joy was palpable to anyone watching. Seeing that, Yukio couldn't help but smile as well.

"Our dreams still continue. And they will keep moving forward into the future."

Yuya opened his arms wide as he addressed the audience with his trademark smile.

"Alright, everyone! The fun has just begun!"

---

Card Corner

Eminence Paladin

ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, LV: 8

Dark/Spellcaster/Fusion/Effect

2 Level 5 or higher Spellcaster-type Monsters

Monster Effect: When this card is Fusion Summoned successfully, negate the effects of all face-up cards on your opponent's field and prevent the activation of any effects in response to their destruction until the End Phase. Then, add one of its Fusion Materials from your Extra Deck or Graveyard to your hand. If this card was Fusion Summoned by using a "Magician" Pendulum Monster as material, it gains this effect; once during either player's turn, when it battles an opponent's Monster, destroy that Monster before damage calculation and add half that Monster's ATK to this card's ATK. During either player's turn, you can banish this card; for the rest of that turn, your Monsters cannot be targeted by card effects and you receive no damage from battles involving them.

Cross Magician

ATK: 100, DEF: 850, LV: 2

Dark/Spellcaster/Effect

Monster Effect: You can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard to target two Spellcaster-type Monsters on your field; make their Level equal to the sum of their Levels.

Liberation Paladin

ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, R: 4

Dark/Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect

3 Level 4 Monsters

Monster Effect: If this card was Xyz Summoned by using at least one "Magician" Pendulum Monster as material, it gains this effect; once during either player's turn, when an opponent's Monster activates its effect, you can detach any number of Xyz Materials you wish from this card to negate that effect and increase this card's ATK by an amount equal to the half the targeted Monster's ATK multiplied by the number of detached Materials. Pendulum Monsters that are used as this card's Xyz Materials are placed face-up in the Extra Deck when detached. If this card is destroyed, deal damage to your opponent equal to half the difference between its original and current ATK.

Demise Magician

ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 4, SC: 6

Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: You can banish a Pendulum Monster on your field; Special Summon this card and make its ATK equal to double that Monster's ATK. This card cannot declare an attack on the turn you activated this effect.

Monster Effect: If your opponent has cards in their Pendulum Zone, you can destroy them to Special Summon this card and make its ATK equal to the sum of the ATK of the destroyed Pendulum Monsters. Once per turn, you can destroy this card; Special Summon a Pendulum Monster with lower ATK than it from your Deck.

Entermate Arc Magician

ATK: 100, DEF: 500, LV: 1, SC: 10

Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once during either player's turn, when a Pendulum Monster on your field destroys an opponent's Monster through battle or effect, draw a card from your Deck and gain 500 Life Points. Once per turn, you can shuffle a Pendulum Monster in your other Pendulum Zone back to your Deck; place another Pendulum Monster from your Deck in that empty zone, and then you can make its Scale Value equal to the shuffled Monster's original Scale Value.

Monster Effect: This card's ATK is equal to the sum of the ATK of all other Pendulum Monsters on your field.

Odd-Eyes Empyrean Dragon

ATK: 3500, DEF: 3000, LV: 10, SC: 10

Wind/Dragon/Synchro/Pendulum/Effect

1 Pendulum Tuner Monster + "Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon"

Pendulum Effect: Once during either player's turn, when an opponent's Monster activates its effect, you can negate that effect and destroy that Monster. Then, increase the ATK of a Monster on your field by an amount equal to the destroyed Monster's ATK.

Monster Effect: When this card is summoned successfully, you can target a card on your field that has its effects negated and restore them. Monsters on your field are unaffected by your opponent's Monster effects. Once per turn, you can destroy all Monsters on your opponent's field and increase this card's ATK by 500 for every destroyed Monster. Cards and effects cannot be activated in response to this effect. Once during either player's turn, when this card battles a Monster with a higher ATK than it, add that Monster's ATK to it until the End Phase. If this card is destroyed, the Battle Phase ends, you can draw a card from my Deck and Monsters on your field cannot be targeted by card effects until the End Phase. Then, you can place this card in your Pendulum Zone.

Odd-Eyes Verdant Dragon

ATK: 4500, DEF: 3300, LV: 12, SC: 0

Dark/Dragon/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect

"Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon" + 1 Level 7 or higher DARK Pendulum Monster

Pendulum Effect: All damage you receive is halved. During either player's turn, you can destroy this card; reduce all instances of damage you receive to 0 until the end of that turn.

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can double this card's ATK for every Monster on your opponent's field until the End Phase. Once per turn, you can target a Monster on your opponent's field; reduce its ATK to 0, negate its effects and have this card gain its original effects until the End Phase. Once during either player's turn, when a card on your field is targeted by a card effect, you can negate that effect and destroy that card. When this card destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, you can destroy all other Monsters on your opponent's field and deal 800 points of damage to them for every destroyed Monster, and then end the Battle Phase. If this card is destroyed, you can draw cards from your Deck until you have six, and then you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Transcendental Bond Magician

ATK: 2500, DEF: 1500, LV: 7

Dark/Spellcaster/Effect

Monster Effect: If you control no Monsters, you can banish this card from your hand alongside a Level/Rank 7 or higher Dragon-type Fusion, Xyz, Synchro and Ritual Monster face-up from your field, Extra Deck and/or Graveyard; Special Summon a "God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" from your hand or Deck.

God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon

ATK: 4000, DEF: 3500, LV: 12, SC: 0

Light/Dragon/Integration/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can target a Pendulum Monster on the field and activate one of these effects.

-That Monster can make a second attack on this turn's Battle Phase.

-All damage your opponent receives from battles involving that Monster is doubled for this turn.

Monster Effect: (This card is also always treated as a Pendulum, Ritual, Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Monster, and has a Rank equal to its Level). This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by the effect of "Transcendental Bond Magician". This card cannot leave the field through the effects of Spell/Trap Cards and is unaffected by the effects of non-Integration Monsters. Monsters destroyed by this card though battle cannot return to the field for the rest of this Duel. If this card's attack is negated, you can end your opponent's next turn and skip to the Battle Phase of your next turn. When this card destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, destroy all other Monsters on their field and deal damage to them equal to the difference between those Monsters' ATK and this card's ATK. Once during either player's turn, when this card battles a Monster with higher ATK, you can target that Monster; increase this card's attack by an amount equal to that Monster's ATK until the End Phase. Once during either player's turn, when the effect of a Spell/Trap Card is activated, you can send a card in your Spell/Trap Zone to the Graveyard; negate that effect and destroy that card. If this card is destroyed, destroy all cards on your opponent's field and Special Summon a "Pendulum Dragon" Monster from your Extra Deck, Graveyard or banish zone with its ATK doubled.

Apex Dimensional Architect Magician

ATK: 1900, DEF: 2600, LV: 7

Dark/Spellcaster/Effect

Monster Effect: If you have no Monsters on your field, you can banish this card from your hand alongside a Level/Rank 8 or higher Dragon-type Pendulum, Fusion, Xyz, Synchro and Ritual Monster face-up from your field, Extra Deck and/or Graveyard; Special Summon a "Genesis Omega Dragon" from your hand or Deck.

Genesis Omega Dragon

ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 12, SC: 12

Dark/Dragon/Integration/Effect

Pendulum Effect: As long as this card remains in your Pendulum Zone, you can Pendulum Summon twice per turn.

Monster Effect: (This card is also always treated as a Pendulum, Ritual, Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Monster, and has a Rank equal to its Level). This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by the effect of "Apex Dimensional Architect Magician". This card cannot leave the field through the effects of Spell/Trap Cards and is unaffected by the effects of non-Integration Monsters. During each player's Standby Phase, increase this card's ATK by 1000. Once per turn, you can destroy Monsters on your opponent's field equal to the number of Pendulum cards in your Pendulum Zones. When this card is targeted for an attack or by a card effect, you can place a Pendulum Monster from your hand, Deck or Extra Deck in your Pendulum Zone to negate that attack or effect and move to the End Phase of that turn. Once per turn, you increase this card's ATK by an amount equal to the highest ATK value a Monster on either field had during the previous turns until the End Phase. Once during either player's turn, you can banish all cards from your Pendulum Zone; Monsters on your field cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects and all damage you receive from battles involving them is halved for this turn. If this card destroyed, you can Special Summon a Level 8 or lower Dragon-type Monster from your Extra Deck, Graveyard or banish zone, increase its ATK by an amount equal to this card's attack on the field and make it unable to be destroyed by card effects.

Pendulum Armor

Quick-Play Spell Card

Banish a Pendulum Monster from your Extra Deck or Graveyard, and then target a Monster on your field; that Monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects for the rest of this turn.

Pendulum Buster

Normal Spell Card

Activate this effect by destroying a Pendulum Monster on your field. Destroy all Pendulum cards in your opponent's Pendulum Zones and draw a card from your Deck for each destroyed card. When a Pendulum Monster on your field is about to inflict damage to your opponent, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; double that damage.

Alchemic Fusion

Normal Spell Card

Fusion Summon a Fusion Monster by using Monsters on your field as materials, and then increase its ATK by an amount equal to the combined Level of the Fusion Materials x 100. If you used Monsters with the same Level as materials, the summoned Monster gains the following effect; when another Monster on your field attacks an opponent's Monster, you can double that Monster's attack before damage calculation. The summoned Fusion Monster cannot declare an attack on the turn you used this effect.

Replicant Ritual

Ritual Spell Card

If you have a Ritual Monster in your hand, you can banish its corresponding Ritual Spell Card from my Deck; Ritual Summon that Ritual Monster by banishing Pendulum Monsters from your hand and/or Extra Deck whose Levels are equal to that Monster's Level.

Smile Preservation

Quick-Play Spell Card

If "Smile World" is in your Graveyard, Monsters on your field cannot be affected by your opponent's card effects for the rest of this turn.

Solid Stronghold

Action Spell

Switch all Monsters on your field in defense position and increase their DEF by 1000.

Rank-Up-Magic Dualism Force

Normal Spell Card

Target a Pendulum Xyz Monster on your field; Special Summon a Pendulum Xyz Monster from your Extra Deck that's one Rank higher than it by using it as Xyz Material (this Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon). If you used an "Odd-Eyes" Monster as material, you can destroy a Monster on your opponent's field and increase the summoned Monster's ATK by an amount equal to the destroyed Monster's Level/Rank x 100.

Scale Bargain

Normal Spell Card

If both you and your opponent have the same number of cards in your Pendulum Zones, place your Pendulum Monsters in your opponent's Pendulum Zones and their Pendulum Monsters in your Zones. The exchanged Pendulum Monsters' Pendulum Effects are negated.

Ultima Blade

Action Spell

Increase the ATK of a Monster on your field by 1500.

Endless Smiles

Quick-Play Spell Card

If a Monster's ATK on your opponent's field increased while "Smile World" is in your Graveyard, you can banish it to target a Monster on your field; increase its ATK by an amount equal to the amount of ATK that opponent's Monster gained.

Accelerated Evolution

Normal Trap Card

During your opponent's turn, you can target a Monster on your field that has a 'once per turn' effect; activate that effect if there's an applicable target for it.

Pendulum Toll

Continuous Trap Card

Your opponent can only Pendulum Summon a number of Monsters equal to or lower than the number of Pendulum Monsters you control. If you control no Pendulum Monsters, this card is destroyed and both you and your opponent draw a card from your Decks. You can banish this card from your Graveyard; target a Pendulum Monster in your Graveyard and place it face-up in your Extra Deck.

That concludes Chapter 85 and the final round of the Maiami Championship which had Yukio and Yuya facing off against each other. I have to admit that this chapter was extremely difficult to write, so I'm just glad it's over. Really, it seemed to be fighting me the whole time for some reason. Maybe it's just general exhaustion.

Anyway, for those of you that wished/predicted Yukio's victory, rejoice, for my desired conclusion was in line with your wishes/predictions. The end result came about partly because of favoritism and partly because I felt Yukio deserved the win after expressing his newfound dream. Speaking of that, when I first came up with Yukio, I hadn't figured out what his end goal would be, but once I entered the final arc, him being a teacher seemed the logical conclusion.

In addition, Genesis Omega Dragon finally made his appearance here as Yukio's ultimate trump card, facing off against God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, a modified version of manga Yuya's God-Eyes Phantom Dragon. It did take its sweet time to show itself, but hey, better late than never.

With this, the story is almost complete. The next chapter is somewhat of an extra one, featuring a couple of Duels I didn't have the chance to include before.

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

See you all next time!