Welcome to the Rebellion
Chapter Seven: The Archbishop
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"Are you for real?" Skull exclaimed. The Phantom Thieves have gathered near the entrance of the palace. Joker had given them the signal to come over. At Skull's outburst, Panther promptly slapped him in the back of the head.
"Keep your voice down!" Panther hissed. "We are in enemy territory!"
"I'm sorry," Skull apologizes as he rubs the back of his head. "But seriously…our weapons don't work here?"
"So far, our guns don't seem to work," Joker said, holding up his handgun. "It completely slipped my mind. I'm sorry everyone, but it appears that the rules have changed."
"Don't be," Queen said. "If you hadn't gone in, we wouldn't have discovered this setback. If we had just gone forward with the infiltration, we would've been in trouble. So, you couldn't activate your Persona?"
"Not until I beat the Shadow in a duel," Joker affirms. "Any attempt to summon it out becomes futile."
"I can still access mine," Oracle spoke up. "But it's complicated. I can still detect shadows, but I can't summon Necronomicon. It's like I can't use an item in my inventory."
"This just goes to show that the Metaverse changes depending on the dimension," Mona said with a brief frown. "The distortion is based on the Palace ruler and the masses after all. If dueling is everything in the real world, then the same can be said here."
"A perfect reflection of the world of duel monsters," Fox commented sadly. "If I am being honest, I should've expected this."
"On the bright side we have new opponents to duel," Noir said, trying to brighten up the mood. "I'm getting the hang of dueling and I'm eager for fresh opponents besides us."
"You got that right! We can increase our dueling proficiency skills," Oracle said. Already, she was thinking about what this could mean for her.
"I think I speak for everyone when I say that I'd prefer if we do that in the real world," Panther pointed out. "We're in the palace of the most brutal duel school in this dimension. If they play for keeps in the real world, then what does that mean for the Shadows?"
"Noir, I'm going to agree with Panther," Joker said. "From my duel with the Shadow, I can deduce that we'll be facing burn strategies if not beatdown. And if we are going to be playing for keeps here, then there's another complication."
"What would that be, Joker?" Violet asked.
"Our life points," Joker said grimly. At once, everyone focused on him. "In the real world, when you lose your life points in a duel, you lose. That and nothing more. What if in here that when our life points hit zero…"
Joker let that thought trail off, but his friends got the message. When they lose against Academia soldiers, they will get carded without question. But if they are dueling for keeps in the Metaverse, they could die. It was worse than a Persona Break, where their Persona's shatter and leave them vulnerable.
"I'm sorry guys…" Joker began to apologize. Before he could say anything further, Skull held a finger to his face. To his surprise, everyone was glaring at him.
"Dude, we've been over this," Skull chastised. "We knew the risks when we signed up. Have you forgotten the shit we've done back in our dimension? All of the heists we've done and the shitty people we have faced? That was life-threatening! Compared to fighting Academia, those punks have nothing on the Shadows."
"For once I agree with Skull," Panther said, crossing her arms. "Three of us dueled what could be the most powerful duelist in Academia and won. True, we may have gotten lucky, but you taught us to never revel in victory nor be burdened by loss. Only grow."
"Otherwise, we will meet our downfall," Fox finished, gripping the hilt of his katana. "Throughout our exploits, we have brushed death as many times as I can count. So why should we stop now?"
"And did you forget?" Oracle asked, puffing up her cheeks. "I've been kicking butt at Duel Monsters Links before I found out that you can play for real!"
"What they are saying is that we're here for you Joker," Violet said, gently taking his hand. It was a comforting gesture, to say the least. "Have faith in us as we do in you."
Briefly, he could see a different group of people. Instead of the Phantom Thieves standing with him, he saw them. Those smiling faces, like they are about to do something crazy. Then, like a dream, it faded. The sight nearly brought tears to his eyes.
"I know…it's just…" Joker hesitated, trying to control his emotions as the memories flashed. "I don't want to lose any of you guys. Not after that night."
"You're not going to lose us," Queen insisted. "We promise that we will make it out."
"I promise, we're going to get the Professor," Noir said. Her face is hardened in determination. "He's not going to get away with what he's done."
"What kind of Gentleman Thief would you be without us?" Mona asked. "Like it or not, you'll always be stuck with us, Joker. Thick as thieves. Hey, that's ironic considering that we ARE thieves."
At their words, Joker finally recomposed himself. He was no longer the defenseless kid back then. He is now the leader of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
The leader of the revived Rebellion.
"Thanks, guys…I needed that…"
"Good," Queen sighed in relief. "Now that we got you back, let's begin planning out the infiltration route."
"There's one more thing," Joker said, remembering a crucial detail on his first venture into the Palace. "I have a feeling that there's something darker going on here at Ryozanpaku."
"What do you mean?" Skull asked. The leader of the Phantom Thieves gestured for them to follow him. He led them to the bell tower entrance and opened the door. Stepping aside, he gave them a view of the fallen bell. Their attention was locked on the stain coming out of it.
"Is that…blood?" Panther asked, getting a sick feeling.
"You don't think…." Noir asked in horror.
"Only one way to find out," Joker said, walking over to the bell. "Skull, can you help me with this? Queen, are you going to be alright?"
"I-I'll be alright," Queen said, hugging her sides. She was steeling herself even before they came to this abandoned bell tower. The two boys walked to the bell and gripped the sides. At Joker's signal, they began to tilt the bell to its side, grunting with effort. Slowly, the bell began to rise, the darkness inside taking the dim light.
Briefly…could glimpse a hand…
The bell hit the ground again with a resounding clank. Joker and Skull were breathing heavily, sweat perspiring. Behind them, the rest of the Phantom Thieves were staring at the bell in horror. None of them could get what they just saw out of their heads. They resisted the urge to vomit.
"Holy shit!" Skull hissed in disgust. "Was that a…"
"It definitely was," Joker confirmed, his voice a little shaky despite his attempts to keep his composure. He had seen horrific things in previous palaces. Whether it'd be torturing students or viewing humans as walking bank machines. But this?
"What the hell is going on in this school?" Queen asked, her voice trembling in both fear and anger.
"Hopefully, we'll find out," Joker said, turning towards the door. "Let's move out."
The Phantom Thieves silently agreed and moved to get out of the bell tower. Only Violet remained in the room. She never took her eyes off the bell. Joker noticed this and approached her from behind.
"Are you alright?" Joker asked.
"I'm fine," Violet said. "It's just…the last time I saw something like this was when my sister…"
"I know," Joker said in understanding. He gripped her shoulder and led her away from the bell tower. She didn't make a move to stop him.
Pushing their questions regarding what they saw to the side, for now, the Phantom Thieves began exploring the palace. Thanks to Oracle's navigation, they were able to avoid the Shadows. What kind of Phantom Thieves would they be? It also gave them an insight as to the ruler of the palace.
"This guy's really full of himself, isn't he?" Skull grimaces as he looked at a statue depicting Ryōzan Gōdagawa in a triregnum, falda, mantum, and a stole with a kanji symbol at the ends. It stood in an alcove at the end of the hallway they were sneaking around in. Strangely, the statue appeared to be made of ebony stone.
"The kanji means darkness," Queen explains, reading the symbol. "With all of this preaching about making people fall to darkness, it pretty much fits him."
"This is nothing like the church back in Kosei," Fox spat in disgust. "These atrocious paintings would sully the sanctity. Judging by the clothes, the man fancies himself as a pope."
Every hallway they were creeping through is decorated with oil paintings of the Ryozanpaku principal. Some of them depict him shrouded in a halo with people bowing down in worship. A few of them had angels of heaven surrounding him. Some portray him dueling against an enemy, sometimes it would be a different person. It wasn't just on the walls. On the ceiling are more paintings of the principal, but they didn't look at them for long.
"You've seen those clothes before, Fox?" Violet asked, casting him a glance.
"My school did a play, and we had someone act the part of a pope," Fox admits. "The play was about an emperor and his wife."
"I would've loved to see it," Violet said, looking at Ren briefly. He got the message and nodded in understanding. Giving her a silent promise.
"So would I," Panther agreed. "But maybe after this dimensional war is over."
"I would be like a celebratory feast," Noir said eagerly. "Just like when we saved the world."
"And reality after we sprung Joker. Only this time, it will be after saving four dimensions," Mona said with an ear-splitting grin. "Interdimensional thievery…this will be our greatest achievement as Phantom Thieves!"
"Then you're going to love this," Oracle said. "I'm detecting a large concentration of Shadows to our right."
The Thieves traveled in Oracle's direction. As they got closer, she held up a fist, a classic military signal that she saw in a movie once. Joker moved forward, pressing himself against the wall as he did so. Peering from around a corner, he saw two Shadows standing guard at a set of double doors.
"What's the power level, Oracle," Joker whispered over his shoulder.
"They're average, so they shouldn't be a problem for us," Oracle said. "The problem is that behind the room are multiple shadows. Two of them are powerful than the other shadows we passed by."
"Do you think it could be the palace ruler?" Panther whispered.
"I know for a fact that the reaper doesn't appear in palaces," Oracle whispered back.
"Damn," Skull cursed. "We haven't even planned out our heist yet."
"Quiet!" Joker hissed. "Something is happening."
Everyone kept silent as another Shadow was approaching the doors. It was leading what they assumed to be a Ryozanpaku applicant by the hand. The Shadows standing guard noticed their approach and stood up straight.
"This one got a little lost," the Shadow explains, pushing the applicant forward.
"You're just in time," one of the guards said. "His holiness is about to begin his sermon. I don't want to imagine what he would do if this sheep missed it. Unless he's lost interest in our religion?"
"No, I haven't!" The applicant protested rapidly. "I'm sorry I got lost. I won't do it again. I promise!"
"It better not," the guard warned. "You've been granted a kindness. It won't happen again. Understand?"
The applicant nodded fearfully as the guards open the doors. The Shadow ushered the applicant inside. The Phantom Thieves watched the exchange with rapt attention.
"A sermon they say?" Fox asked with curiosity. "That's something that would be worth a look at, wouldn't it?"
"You've been to a sermon before Fox?" Skull asked.
"Once or twice," Fox said. "I used to go there whenever I reach an art block. Prayer worked miracles for me."
"If I had been there, I would've prayed to keep him away from my Featherman figures," Oracle muttered under her breath.
"What's that Oracle?" Fox asked.
"It's nothing Inari!" Oracle snapped. "Anyway, how do you want to do this Joker?"
Their leader thought about their next course of action. They weren't ready to take on the palace ruler just yet. From experience, that's usually when they try to steal the treasure. But the thing about their targets Shadow is that it exposes the true nature of the person. It would give them insight as to what kind of monster the man known as Godagawa is. Though Joker had a distinct feeling it would be the same thing as Academia's forces. Plus, if they had started a duel, they would no doubt attract attention from inside the room.
"For now, let's get a glimpse at Godagawa's Shadow," Joker said with determination. He nodded towards the guards at the door. "But I don't think these guys are going to let us."
"What if we took the second floor?" Violet suggested. "I heard that some cathedrals have a second-floor balcony to let in extra people watch the service."
"That's an idea," Queen said in agreement. "We can get a bird's eye view of Godagawa's sermon and see if we can glean any information."
"And Oracle can keep an eye out for Shadows," Mona said in approval. "That's some good thinking, Violet."
"I just want to do my part," Violet said, a blush appearing beneath her mask.
"So how do we get to this second balcony?" Skull asked.
"Why don't we try those stairs over there?" Violet asked in amusement, pointing to a set of stairs that is right behind them. The Thieves stared blankly at her and the stairs.
"How did we not see that?" Mona sweatdropped.
"But we have a problem," Queen said, gesturing back to the guards. "They will see us."
"Not if we move fast enough," Joker said, giving a Cheshire grin. "Skull, how badly do you want to smash Godagawa's face in?"
"As much as I wanted to do every shitty adult we faced?" Skull said seriously. Joker gestured to a nearby bust of Godagawa and back to the two guards. He made sure to point to the corner on the guard's left. Getting the message, a grinning Skull walks over to the bust and picked it up from its pedestal. With one last glance at the others, he took off down the hall they came from.
"Oracle guides him," Joker ordered. Their navigator nodded and began relaying instructions to Skull. From what they have memorized so far, the layout of the Palace is symmetrical. Skull would have no trouble navigating his way to the other side.
From the Shadow guards left, they heard the sound of something shatter into bits and pieces. Their heads moved so fast that they could've gotten whiplash. If they had eyes behind their masks, they would've widened at the sight of the shattered bust.
"What the?!" The guards moved to inspect the bust. "Who did this?"
"I don't know!" His partner looked down the hall as if expecting to find the perpetrator. "But his holiness is going to be furious when he finds out about this! We'll be lucky if this doesn't interrupt his sermon!"
While the Shadows were panicking at the prospect, several black blurs sped up the stairs. Skull, being a former track and field star, sped back to them as soon as he tossed the bust. It was easy to say that he enjoyed every bit of it down to the shattering.
The Thieves made their way to the second floor. They went through the door and closed it behind them. Sure enough, the second floor is like a balcony overlooking a wide spacious chapel. Fortunately, there were no Shadows on this floor as Oracle made sure of it.
"God, there are so many of them," Panther whispered. Lined up in rows are the applicants for the Ryozanpaku Duel School. They are fidgeting in their seats with nervous expressions. Walking down the aisle is a Shadow, who is scanning the congregation as if one of them would dare to step out of line.
"They have no idea what they are in for," Joker murmured. He and the rest of the Thieves knew that the congregation is nothing more than cognitive copies of the actual person. There was nothing they could do if they wanted to. But they can ensure that the real versions of the people wouldn't suffer for long.
"The silence is stifling," Skull muttered, tugging his ascot. They have to agree with him. It was so silent in this room that you could hear a pin drop.
"Silence can be our friend," Mona hissed. "Especially for our enemy if you don't keep your trap shut!"
"Have you seen that atrocious stained glass at the end?" Fox hissed. He pointed towards the stained glass in question. They grimaced as they recognize Godagawa's face. His body is crucified on a cross. There was even a roman soldier thrusting a spear into him.
"If the church of Kosei ever saw this, they would throw him out for blasphemy," Fox hissed. "He's thinking that he's some kind of savior…"
"Or a messiah," Panther hissed in anger. "This guy has got to be worse than Kamoshida!"
"Guys, calm down…" Noir whispered. "We're going to get caught!"
"But—"
"Quiet down!" The Shadow priest yelled out. The Phantom Thieves nearly flinched as its voice rebounded throughout the room. Luckily, the Shadow didn't seem to think that the sound could've been coming from their position. At that moment, the door at the far end opened up.
"Quiet everyone," Joker whispered as two people came through the door.
"Looks like they are about to begin."
One of the people that came out is a young man with a hardened look, wild spiky purple hair, and steel blue eyes. He wore what Fox calls a cassock, a long garment with button closure and long sleeves. The attire fit his body closely.
Behind him, walking with a sense of arrogance is their target. The elderly man was dressed in the same attire as the statue they had seen. But instead of white, the robes are black. The cross motifs are golden. What cemented his status as a Shadow were the golden eyes. The young man approached the podium and spoke up.
"Presenting his holiness…Archbishop Ryozan Godagawa!"
He stepped to the side. As Godagawa stepped forward, the Shadows and applicants bowed their heads in reverence. The sight made the Thieves' stomach churn at the thought of worshipping someone who encourages his students to be violent. The archbishop cleared his throat before speaking.
"Good morning to you all," Godagawa greeted with what he assumed to be a fatherly look. "Allow me to be the first to welcome you into our holy order. You are here because you are lost in the world of duel monsters. You came because you seek the same thing that my sons have…the true path to dueling."
"All of you have entered this holy sanctuary as lost sheep, but soon you will leave enlightened to the truth," Godagawa said in seriousness. "It is only through the darkness that we duel. There is no room for smiles, fun, or companionship. Only victory matters. You will become like your brothers and learn to seize victory by any means. When you're fully inducted into the order, you shall act as my messengers in the spreading of the gospel. Eternal glory shall be rewarded to those with faith."
"Isao, my son," the archbishop addressed the young man beside him. "Please escort your new brothers to their lodgings. Tomorrow, we begin their initiation into our order."
"Of course, your holiness," Isao said with a reverent bow of his head. He turned to the congregation before them. "Follow me."
"Oh, and Isao," Godagawa's voice stopped him. "Be sure to remember that tomorrow we will be collecting the tithes. Make sure you are not late."
"Of course, your holiness."
With that, Isao began leading the new members of their church through another door. The applicants silently followed him, a few mutterings in either excitement or fear. Godagawa exited through another door. Several minutes later, the chapel is empty, and silence reigned again.
"A holy order my ass," Skull growled. "This whole thing is a freakin cult."
"What tipped you off?" Panther asked sarcastically. "The fact that he keeps them isolated from their parents and never lets them out so he can brainwash them with his twisted point of view? Like every cult does?"
"That would certainly fit them, if not heretics of an actual church," Joker said grimly. "Frankly, I would be shocked if they started calling him father."
"That aside, who was that kid?" Violet asked. "He looked like he is his right-hand man."
"He should be," Joker answered. "That was Isao Kachidoki. He's the ace of the Ryozanpaku School and the exemplar of their beliefs."
Upon feeling his friend looks upon him, he answered, "I did my research."
"With me, I might add," Oracle said smugly. "He was the runner-up in the previous Maiami City Tournament. Like every other student at this school, he beats his opponents up just to prevent them from getting an action card. His opponents are sent to the hospital."
"Why am I not surprised?" Skull scoffed. "So, what now?"
"More importantly his holiness," Joker said with venom. "Mentioned something about tithes. Given how a Ryozanpaku alumni were shaking down an elderly woman, I have a vague idea what that implies."
"Extortion money," Queen gritted her teeth. "He's having his students extort money from this town."
"This could be connected to why the police aren't doing anything about it," Joker said, frowning beneath his mask. When the elderly woman told him about how the police didn't believe her, he had the distinct feeling that there was a deeper meaning to it. Like the police weren't up to the task.
Or taking bribes.
"Hey, it's almost twelve," Violet pointed out. She was looking at her D-Watch. If it didn't tell time, then something must be wrong. "Almost time to open up the café."
"We'll have to continue our infiltration another time," Joker said. "Everyone, time to head back."
"Yeah, I don't know how long I can keep myself together after seeing this shit," Skull muttered as he moved towards the door. Oracle was about to move to follow when her eyes widened behind her goggles.
"Wait! Skull, don't go there!"
"Huh? What are you—" Skull didn't get the chance to finish that sentence as the door swung open. The door knocked Skull in the head, causing him to grip his head in pain and back away.
"Ow! Who the…hell…" Skull's tirade died in his throat before he could even begin? The Phantom Thieves were frozen like a deer in headlight as they saw who barged in.
"Who are you, people?" A Shadow demanded. "You're not applicants, what are you doing here?"
"A Shadow was coming up," Oracle said with a small hiss. "Damn, why did one have to appear now."
"Wait a minute…" the Shadow stared at them as if analyzing them. Then it came to a realization. It pointed a finger at them in accusation. "Your infidels that are trying to steal our money, aren't you?"
"What? No!" Skull yelped. He turned around to find the Thieves giving him an 'are you serious look. "Well, okay, we ARE thieves, but why would we need your stolen—"
"Stolen? You shall fall to darkness for your impudence against his holiness!" The Shadow declares as it plants its staff on the ground. It spasmed until it burst into black ichor. When it reformed, what stood in its place is a green slime with two red orbs and a gaping mouth. In front of it, a dueling blade appeared.
"Great, looks like we're going to have to duel," Skull said, already activating his D-Watch. "So, who wants to take him on?"
"I will."
To the surprise of everyone present, it was Oracle who said that. Their navigator stepped forward and activated her D-Watch. Her gaze is set on the Shadow before them.
"Oracle no!" Queen moved forward but was stopped by Joker.
"Oracle—"
"If you guys are going to tell me to sit this one out, then you can shove it up to your pie hole!" Oracle snapped, which made the Thieves, even Joker, flinch in surprise. "In case you guys forgot, I can't hide in Necronomicon anymore. Even if I could, I can't hide behind you guys forever. Remember that we're in a war in the real world. There will be no respawns or extra hearts if you guys get carded. You're my most important items, especially Joker! I'm not going to stand on the sideline anymore…well, most of the time, but that's not the point! Like it or not, we're fighting together. All for one and one for all!"
The Thieves were stunned by Oracle's declaration. Even the Shadow didn't say anything but wait for her to focus on their duel. It was Joker that broke the silence.
"I was going to say break a leg," Joker said.
"Don't—wait, what?" Oracle was stunned. She looked at Joker with genuine surprise on her face.
"As you said, we're all in this together," Joker said. "You're right, we're all in this together. We've trained, ate, laughed, and even fought Shadows together. I agree that we can't protect you forever. Especially since the rules have changed in this dimensions metaverse."
The leader of the Phantom Thieves, whom she viewed as an elder brother, gave her an encouraging smile.
"So, show us what you got, Oracle!"
"You got it, Joker!" Oracle said. As she turned to face her opponent, the Phantom Thieves questioned their leader's decision.
"Are you for real?"
"You know that she's not as physically fit as the rest of us!"
"What if she loses!"
"Everyone calm down!" Mona cried out. "He's right! Eventually, Oracle is going to have to duel. If not Shadows, how about Academia forces. Or worse…Obelisk Force."
"I would tear them apart if they try to lay a hand on her," Joker said with utmost seriousness. "But we don't know what would happen in this war. As they say, fortune favors the prepared. Besides…"
Joker looked at his D-Watch. He gestured the Thieves to take a look. What they saw made them jump.
LP: 500
"Your life points?" Fox asked. "But you're not dueling right now!"
"No shit, Fox," Skull muttered. "Why the heck are you're life points so low?"
"It must be another rule for this Metaverse," Mona declared. "Our life points are similar to our willpower. If it gets low, then we'll be down for the count. And since our life points are now an important factor here…"
"We could die," Violet finished, looking at Joker in worry. Joker held his head high as he watched Oracle's duel. She agreed with Joker that Oracle will have to fight, but she can't help but be concerned about her friend.
"DUEL!"
Oracle: 4000
Money Protector: 4000
"I shall go first!" the Tithe Protector declared. "First I summon Killer Doll of Malice!"
On the Money Protector's side of the field, a wooden doll appeared. It wore purple suspenders over a tattered white shirt. In its hands, one normal the other clawed, it held an axe. It stared at Oracle with a gaping, exposing with sharp teeth.
KILLER DOLL OF MALICE LV.4 ATK: 1600 DEF: 1700
"Next, I activate the continuous spell, Ectoplasmer!" The Money Protector said, playing the aforementioned card.
"Wait…did he say, Ectoplasmer?" Queen asked.
"He did," Joker confirms, sharing her worry. He should've seen it coming when the Shadow summoned that Killer Doll. It was the oldest combo in the book. Well…one of the oldest to be more accurate.
"I set one card face down and end my turn!" The Shadow concludes. "Ectoplasmer activates. Once per turn, during each player's End Phase: the turn player must Tribute one face-up monster and inflict damage to their opponent equal to half the original ATK of the tributed monster. I tribute Killer Doll of Malice and inflict half of its ATK points to you as damage!"
From out of the mouth of Killer Doll came its soul. It was absorbed into the spell card and shot towards Oracle. Reflexively, she raised her arm to block the attack as her life points took a hit.
Oracle: 4000 – 3200
Oracle bit her lip as she felt the force of the attack. She never participated in combat before, only providing support to her fellow Thieves. Never before had she experience this pain. Is this what the others feel when they were fighting Shadows?
"Oracle, you all, right?" Skull called out.
"I'm fine," Oracle gritted her teeth. She can't falter at the beginning of the duel. Especially not in front of her comrades. "I'm just getting warmed up! My turn! Draw! I summon Super Quantum Ranger Green Layer!"
Appearing in a green whirlwind is a man in a green suit with wizard motifs. It had spiked shoulder pads and gauntlets. Behind his back is a short green cape, which fluttered in the wind. Two horns grew out the side of his helmet.
SUPER QUANTUM RANGER GREEN LAYER LV.4 ATK: 1600 DEF:1400
"Super Quantum Ranger Green Layer's effect! When he is summoned to the field, I can special summon one Super Quantum monster from my hand! And I'm bringing out another Super Quantum Ranger Green Layer!"
Another monster like the one she summoned appears next to his doppelganger.
"Next I build the Overlay both my monsters to build the overlay network!" Oracle thrust out her hand as the golden vortex appeared under the two rangers. Both of them became green light as they dove into the vortex to create a monster.
Oracle's orange-haired flowed wildly as she held out her hand towards the vortex. "Come forth from the skies! Answer the call to save the world! King of the Skies! Descend now! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Super Quantum Mech Beast Aeroboros!
Soaring out is a mechanized winged beast with glowing green wings. It spread its wings and roared at the Money Protector, exposing its teeth.
SUPER QUANTUM MECH BEAST AEROBOROS RNK. 4 ORB: 2 ATK: 2200 DEF: 2400
The Phantom Thieves stared at Oracle's monster in awe.
"An Xyz summon on her first turn?" Skull asked excitedly. "That's totally wicked!"
"But it won't be staying there for long," Noir said sadly. "Remember…that Shadow has Ectoplasmer out. At the end of her turn, she's going to have to sacrifice it to inflict damage."
"Damn I forgot…"
"That Ectoplasmer is an annoying card," Joker said. "But if played right, it can prove to be a double edge sword. Let's hope that Oracle can find a way to turn this around."
"This is the end for you!" Oracle declared. "Battle! Super Quantum Mech Beast Aeroboros! Direct Attack! Vacuum Cannon!"
At its master's command, Aeroboros reared back its head as it sucks in air. When it took in enough air, it fired a stream of air towards the Shadow. The Money Protector cried out in pain as it took damage.
Money Protector: 4000 - 0
The moment the Shadow's life point reached zero, Oracle summoned out her Persona.
"Necronomicon!" Oracle cried out as her Persona appeared in a flash of light. Instead of a humanoid figure, it is a black UFO with intricate green symbols. Perched on top is a black gargoyle. Five blue domes glowed from beneath it as a hatch opened up. What came out is a classic bomb covered in green symbols with the fuse lit. The wick grew smaller as the sparking tip got closer to the bomb. When the wick was burnt out, nothing happened. Frowning, Oracle crept over to it and tapped on it. On the second tap, it blew up, sending her flying back to where she once stood. The same can't be said for the Shadow as it disintegrated.
"Git Gud!" Oracle cried out victoriously. She got up and dust herself off before turning to her fellow thieves. To her satisfaction, they were in open-mouth shock.
"Well…am I good or what?" Oracle asked, giving them a grin.
"I'm glad that you won, but how did you do that?" Panther asked.
"She's right, that attack should've been only worth 2200 points of damage," Queen argued. "That shouldn't have reduced its life points completely to zero!"
"I'm afraid I'll have to agree with them on this one," Joker said. "What did you do?"
"Okay. Okay," Oracle waved her hand in front of herself to placate them. "I'll tell you. Remember how Shadows have a weakness?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, when Joker mentioned that we have to duel against the Shadows to access our Personas, it got me thinking about an event in Duel Monsters Links. In the event, you travel up a gauntlet against waves of enemies. The trick is to have the element that they are weak to make it through. And since I can analyze Shadows…"
"I get it," Mona said in realization. "When you found out that Shadow's weakness to wind, you summoned a monster that corresponded to that element. What a way to finish him off, Oracle."
"But wouldn't it be simpler to attack with two monsters?" Fox asked. "Both of them were wind."
"Oh, shut up Inari!" Oracle yelled. "I'm the one that dueled the Shadow, so I decide how to end it!"
"That aside, it would make dueling in the Metaverse faster," Queen said. "We should have some decks corresponding with each element in our D-Watches."
"But we have to remember to remember that won't be the case in the real world," Joker points out. "We could fall into the habit of thinking we can deal double damage and end up losing our duels."
"You're right, Joker," Queen said. "Let's not rely on the double damage too much."
"Way to kill the mood, Joker," Skull muttered, but he knew that he's right.
"What's going on up there!" Someone called out from the chapel. "Is someone having a duel? Dueling isn't allowed in the chapel!"
"Oh crap!" Skull yelped. That duel must've attracted the attention of Shadows.
"Well, we're about fifteen minutes until the shop needs to open," Joker said quickly. "Let's skedaddle!"
He looked at Mona, who nodded. From his utility belt, he took out a smoke bomb and lit it. The moment the doors burst open Mona dropped it. A cloud of smoke erupted, covering the Phantom Thieves from the Shadows view. Coughing, they wiped their eyes in an attempt to get the smoke out.
By the time it cleared, the Phantom Thieves were long gone.
[~][~]
Another chapter is done.
The Phantom Thieves have gotten a taste of the new rules of the Metaverse and a glimpse at the man known as Ryozan Godagawa. And now, it appears that Futaba has to duel as well. No surprise there considering the world they are in. How will this develop? Wait for the next chapter to find out.
As you probably guess, Duel Monsters Links is a reference to the mobile game Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links. That's why their dimension is named Links. Not after the summoning method. No further spoilers.
On another note, I apologize to anyone of the faith who is reading this. I need to portray Godagawa as he is twisting the way Duel Monsters is played.
Thank you for reading and see you next time.