Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-Vrains: The Circuit Of Smiles

by donkeyboy100

A year after the Dimensional War and the revival of Zarc, and everything in Paradise City had seemed to die down. Until one day a mysterious group called the Arbiters came and invaded the Pendulum Dimension to capture Declan Akaba and Yuya Sakaki. It's now up to Yuya and his friends to travel to this unknown dimension in search for the answers to their questions.

11. Getting Schooled

LINK VRAINS: Unknown location…

A lone figure stood in a dark room. This person was a young tan-skinned man in a white and green trench coat along with a black belt and gold buckle, a lime-colored ornament around his neck, and black boots with red patterns and lime borders with heels. He had red and gray hair covered by a white mask with a visor and gold-bullet-shaped earrings. He also had a black-colored Duel Disk with red accents on his right wrist.

Another person logged into the room. He was a fair-skinned man with grey hair and blue eyes. He wore a white suit with grey outlines with a black stripe and white shoes.

The new man bowed to the other. "Master Varis, we detected massive summoning energy that recently happened in LINK VRAINS known as Pendulum. But I'm pretty certain that you're already aware of that, right?"

Now identified as Varis, the man replied, "Why yes, Specter, I have." The man, Varis, replied. "Were you and the others able to detect and locate the user of this new and unknown summoning method?"

"While we weren't able to deduce his real-life identity, we did manage to find out his username, which is Ringmaster," Specter said. "Do you think he might be a possible threat that we may have to face?"

"Maybe, maybe not," Varis said. "There's a chance we'll likely have to engage him eventually. But until that day comes, let's gather data on any and every duel that he's in, and once we've collected enough, that's when we move."

"Understood, sir. I'll notify the others immediately." Specter said as he logged out.

After Specter left, Varis looked back at the screen, showcasing Ringmaster's win in LINK VRAINS. "Whoever you are, Ringmaster, I must say that out of all the people I've encountered or discovered, you're the most interesting."

In LINK VRAINS…

Yuya, a.k.a. Ringmaster, who recently won his duel against Seraph, looked at him lying on the ground after being sent flying from Cylancer's attack before he got back up.

"This doesn't make any sense." I've carried out my duties given to be my God himself and stayed true to my morals." Seraph said with a confused look. "So how did I lose to someone who believes you can have fun anytime you want?"

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes towards Seraph. "While I respect you for sticking with ideals throughout our duel, I sadly have to admit that it was also the cause of your downfall." He stated. "Dueling is indeed supposed to be serious or, but you also have to remember to enjoy it as well. Because you focused on being more serious, it caused you to become overconfident in your abilities and led you to believe that you were going to win."

Seraph became angry after hearing Ringmaster's words. "You're wrong! I refuse to accept that you're right and everything I know is a lie!" He yelled before realizing his body started to vanish. "You may have won today, but mark my words, Ringmaster, that the next time we meet, I'll not only defeat you but prove to you that my faith is right while yours is wrong!"

"And I look forward to it." Ringmaster replied as Seraph's body finally vanished away, indicating that he's logged out after losing.

"Wow! That guy's such a drama queen."

Ringmaster turned around and saw the voice belong to his friend Zuzu a.k.a. Maestra.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" He asked.

"After I saw you win, I had Kolter teleport me here so that we wouldn't struggle to find each other like before," Maestra answered. "I'm guessing you also had him implement that Spotlight in your duel?"

"You have to admit it was the best way to showcase Pendulum Summoning." Ringmaster replied.

"It was, but aren't you worried about people hunting you down and figuring out your identity, especially the enemy."

"To be honest, Yuto did inform me of that, but Yuri pointed out that the enemy already knows that we're here and is waiting for the right moment to attack since they prefer not to cause a big scene."

"That makes sense, but I feel that things are about to get very stressful."

"Whatever it is, we can handle it." Ringmaster said before his Duel Disk went off.

"Look's like you earned the credits you've won from your duel," Maestra noted.

VC: 12,500-54,000

"54,000! That's more than enough to earn you a spot."

"Even still, I did promise you to give you some credits after you gave me some, so here are 15,000 credits as repayment."

Ringmaster pushed a button on his disk, which immediately transferred 15,000 credits to Maestra.

VC: 54,000-39,000

VC: 22,000-37,000

"Now, the both of us stand a chance at earning a spot in the finals," Maestra stated.

"True that," Ringmaster added.

Suddenly, an explosion of fireworks went off in the sky, catching the two duelist's attention.

"What's going on?" They both said.

A giant screen appeared, revealing an image of the MC. "It's all over! After Seraph's elimination, there are now seven duelists remaining, which means they're not only the winners of this tournament but also the seven lucky participants who will join LINK VRAINS's current Top 3 who will now become the Top 10!" He announced.

A flash of light appeared in front of Ringmaster and Maestra before dying down and revealing a portal.

"A portal?" Maestra wondered.

"Guessing it leads us to the location of where the finalists are supposed to be." Ringmaster said. "Let's go!"

"Right behind you."

They both ran and entered the portal as they traveled throughout the network. After the long travel, Ringmaster and Maestra exited out from the doorway and landed on a cloud with a massive building. The portal led both of them to a particular private server that was the central hub of the Link VRAINS network. SOL Technologies created this server for the tournament to house the ten strongest Duelists in the Link VRAINS. It was called the Charisma Castle or CC0001 for the server's hostname.

It was a giant castle. Not only that, but it was clear white and made up of diamonds. Some diamonds even floated in midair as each of them flickered in multiple colors, such as red, blue, green, orange, purple, and so many more. Surrounding the castle was a tall fort that protected it, and there was no gate door to allow anyone to enter. It was the most beautiful sight to see, especially during the night. The castle was built on a secluded island in a far part of LINK VRAINS that only certain people could access due to security.

"Wow! This place looks outstanding," Maestra awed.

"I agree with you there." Ringmaster said as they both entered the castle.

Inside the entrance chamber, a long red carpet rolled down onto the floor leading up to the stairs, separated into two fork ways to make it more welcoming. There were also two hallways, one on each side, and some doors.

"This place is just more beautiful than I thought! More so on the inside!" Maestra said, amazed.

"It sure is!" said a voice.

She got spooked by the voice when a different avatar user revealed it. This user was a female. She looked sixteen years old, at least in her age group. She had silver and purple eyes. Her outfit consisted of a streamlined mechanical armor with several gems corresponding to its colored wings that house wind turbines resting against her back. She also had a pair of light gauntlets, the right of which housed her Duel Disk.

"Um, hello," Maestra greeted nervously. "Our…names are…."

"Maestra and Ringmaster, right?" She asked.

"Um, yes! That's correct, um," She replied.

"Hey, don't be nervous. You're a Charisma Duelist now!" The mysterious avatar beamed. "The name's Sanctum…well, that is my username, of course."

Maestra giggled. "Well, nice to meet you, Sanctum. I'm guessing you're one of the seven finalists?"

"Yep." Sanctum remarked. "Both me and my friend here."

"Friend?" Ringmaster asked.

"She means me." A voice said.

The voice belonged to a male user who also looked like he was sixteen years old. He wore a blue and green bodysuit with yellow trim, a gray metal belt wrapped around his waist. He had spiky cyan hair with purple highlights, contrasting with white bangs that fell to the right side of his face.

BA-BUMP

Ringmaster gasped and stumbled a bit as a wave of pressure washed over him.

"Are you okay?" Maestra asked.

"I felt a little dizzy, but I'm feeling fine now."

The male user walked up to the pair as he introduced himself. "Hello, and congratulations, my name is Storm Rider."

"Nice to meet you, Storm Rider." Maestra greeted him. "As you heard by now from your friend, we're Maestra and Ringmaster."

"Out of curiosity, where are the other three at?" Ringmaster asked.

"They're all in the dining hall." Sanctum replied. "Me and Storm and Rider thought it'd be nice to greet everyone, so that's why we're here, and they aren't, but now that you two are here, let's head on down there!"

While on the way to the dining hall, they gave Ringmaster and Maestra a short tour of the castle, showing them at least the most important rooms and places in the castle. They confronted a tall door, but the door opened by itself, allowing them in.

"Here is the dining hall," Sanctum exclaimed.

When they went inside, Ringmaster noticed a long table with many dishes on it. They looked so good and smell so good, making her think they're natural foods, but not quite sure if they were.

"Oh! By the way!" Sanctum remembered. "These dishes happened to be real. So, you can eat here anytime and as much as you want."

"Really?!" Maestra gasped. "But, how is that possible? I thought foods couldn't materialize in LINK VRAINS."

"You're kidding, right?" They heard a voice just down the table. They saw the source of the voice in one of the chairs. He was a tall young man, who looked around late-teens to twenty., who was in silver armor that covered him from neck to foot. His face was tan, with long curly blonde hair that fell past his shoulders, and he had a dark green cape embroidered with gold on the edges.

"The foods are real as ones in real life. A special compliment from SOL Tech themselves! Well, well, well, Sanctum and Storm Rider, looks like you've found the final two finalists?" The man remarked.

"Nice to meet you. My name's Maestra."

"And my name's Ringmaster."

"Nice to meet the both of you, and welcome to the Charisma Castle!" The man stated. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Cavalier!"

"Over to the other side is another finalist, Roselyn!" He introduced them to a girl who was sitting on the other side of the table from him.

She had long light pink hair and wore a white minidress with purple outlines, and the right and left arms had long baggy sleeves with purple ruffles at the ends. The dress trailed at the back into two tails down to her ankles. She also wears white stockings and heels, and a necklace with a red rose charm hanging from it.

The lady shifted her eyes at both the newcomers as she waved hello to them.

"Nice to meet you.".

"You too, but where's the other finalist?" Maestra asked.

"Yeah, there's supposed to be seven of us, but I count six," Ringmaster added.

"That's because I'm already here." A voice said, causing everyone to look around and see where it came.

A young female appeared wearing a magenta coat. She wore long purple boots with black straps around them. She also carried a brown satchel around her waist and had long silver hair in a low ponytail, light purple and pinkish eyes, and purple lipstick.

"Always have to be a showoff, huh, Charmcaster," Cavalier remarked.

Black Rose laughed at Cavalier's comment, which annoyed Charmcaster.

"Say that again, and the next time you log into LINK VRAINS, you'll be a frog instead of a knight." She stated.

"Instead of threatening me, how about you duel me instead?" Cavalier offered.

"Relax, you two. This is no time to fight," said a male voice.

"Well, since all of you are now, let's begin the meeting." A voice said as everyone turned in the direction of the voice, and a man appeared with blue and teal hair, pink eyes, and a blue three-piece suit over a white shirt and black tie.

"It's Akira Zaizen! The CEO of SOL Technologies!" Sanctum stated.

"What are you doing here?" Storm Rider wondered.

'"You see, to explain briefly, the reason I decided to make the tournament's grand prize of having the seven duelists join the Top 3 to become the new Top 10 is that it's for your needs."

"Our needs? In other words, SOL Tech needs our help?" Sanctum asked.

"That's correct," Akira replied as, just then, a giant holographic screen appeared behind him as he stood on the side next to it. "As you all know, last week, the Master's Tournament got canceled due to an unknown group known as the "Arbiters" invading, as well attacking the people of LINK VRAINS. Even ones who aren't duelists."

"And for that, when you chose to re-host the tournament, your superiors decided to change the prize of granting the winners the chance of becoming Charisma Duelists so that you can assemble all of us." Storm Rider added.

"In other words, you want us to work together? What's next? Should our team be called "The Avengers" or "Justice League"?" Cavalier said sarcastically

"This isn't a joke, Cavalier!" Roselyn scolded. "This is a serious matter!"

"Indeed it is…." Everyone went silent when suddenly, a giant holographic cheese piece appeared.

"Ah, King, you've just arrived at a perfectly appropriate time, sir!" Akira greeted as he bowed down.

"The King…" Charmcaster whispered under her mouth.

"Who's that?" Ringmaster asked.

"I was thinking the same thing," Maestra said.

"That giant chess piece is a higher-up at SOL Tech, who's known as the King." Storm Rider answered.

"I want to say congratulations to all of you on your victories and am glad that you are here…." He spoke in a stern elderly male voice. "Just as Akira said to you all, we assembled you all to join together to fight the very threats that danger Link VRAINS and possibly the real world."

"If I may speak, sir," Charmcaster spoke up. "What's the purpose of this collaboration?"

"Akira," King stated.

"Yes, sir," he responded. "As I was saying and to answer your question, Charmcaster, you all are now the public faces of LINK VRAINS. Many people in and out of Link VRAINS will look up to you. By forming the Top 10, it would help boost morale for other VRAINS users, duelists, and non-duelists alike, and pose a powerful threat to the Arbiters, telling them to beware of your combined strength."

"I see." She responded as she nodded.

"Speaking of Top 10, what are our ranks?" Cavalier asked. "Knowing my skills, I'm pretty sure I made it to the Top 5."

"Cavalier, this is your real ranking," Akira said as he pulled up a screen of the duelists ranking.

One: Blue Maiden: 50,000

Two: Soulburner: 48,000

Three: Gore: 45,000

Four: Storm Rider: 40,000

Five: Ringmaster: 39,000

Six: Maestra: 37,000

Seven: Sanctum: 36,000

Eight: Cavalier: 33,000

Nine: Roselyn: 31,500

Ten: Charmcaster:30,000

"What!?" Cavalier gasped in shock. I'm in the bottom three!"

"Why are you complaining? At least you aren't in tenth place." Charmcaster pointed out.

"I'm fine with the ranking I have." Roselyn said." I recently joined LINK VRAINS, so I knew if I end up a finalist, my ranking would've been under Top 5."

"Same here." Ringmaster remarked. "When Maestra and I joined, we didn't know what spot we'd get if we made it to the end."

"So it's a surprise to us that we're shocked by the places we got," Maestra said.

"While I enjoy you guys getting along with one another, I'd like to continue with our discussion," Akira stated.

The three bowed in apology as Akira continued talking.

"Now, as I was saying, SOL Technologies and I would appreciate it if we could use your skills and abilities to help deal and get rid of this new threat."

"Exactly," King added. If any of you encounter one of these intruders, arrest them and bring them to us. If any of you do, you shall receive any reward of your choice."

King logged out quickly.

"So, what do you say?" Akira asked everyone.

Everyone was silent for a few seconds before Cavalier got up from his chair. "While it is a great offer, I have to decline."

"What? But why?" Akira questioned.

"Because my goal of this tournament was to be a part of the newly formed Top 10, which I have achieved," Cavalier replied. "Also, I prefer to do things on my own."

"I understand," Akira said.

Cavalier then left the table and logged out.

"Does anyone else have anything to say?"

"I do," Charmcaster said as she got up from her seat. "I must sadly say that I also have to decline. While I do agree that what's currently happening is a threat, and I'm happy to arrest and bring in anyone related to this "Arbiters" group, like Cavalier, I mostly work alone."

After explaining her reasoning, Charmcaster left the table and logged out as well.

"I supposed you guys have no interest in joining either?"

"I'm more than happy to join!" Ringmaster replied.

"Me too!" Maestra added.

"You can count the two of us in as well," Sanctum said, while Storm Rider nodded in response.

"That's great to hear," Akira said. "What do you say, Roselyn?"

Roselyn remained silent at the question before giving her answer back. "I was wondering if I could think it over for a while and come back to you when I've finally decided."

"I understand. Like you've mentioned before, you're new to LINK VRAINS, and it'd be wrong to spring this entire thing on you." Akira said. "Take all the time you need, and once you're ready, you can give me a call."

"Thanks." Roselyn said as she quickly logged out, leaving only Ringmaster, Maestra, Storm Rider, and Soulburner.

"I can't believe it! Not only have we become a part of the Top 10, but we're also going to be part of a team!" Sanctum exclaimed

"This day just keeps getting more exciting and interesting." Storm Rider said.

"Now remember that even though this will be dangerous as fellow Charisma Duelists, you have to fight and protect LINK VRAINS!" Akira said determinedly. "I wish you all the best of luck."

Akira then quickly logged out.

"We should go home too, Sanctum." Storm Rider suggested.

"That's probably a good idea." She said, "Since we now have this enormous responsibility, it's better if we prepare and make cautions.

"Right!" Storm Rider responded as he and Sanctum both logged out.

"Well, if everyone else is logging out, guess we should too." Ringmaster said.

"Not only that, but I feel that Kolter's wondering where we are, and it's best not to let him keep worrying," Maestra said

Ringmaster nodded as he and Maestra both logged out as well.

Elsewhere, in Kolter's food truck…

Yuya and Zuzu opened their eyes and noticed they were back inside the sealed room in Café Nom. They both leaned against the wall, realizing their duels had taken a toll on their bodies.

They walked out of the room and saw Kolter at the computers. "Hey, Kolter!" They both shouted.

"Yuya! Zuzu! You guy's our alright!" He said as he got up from his chair.

"Of course we are," Zuzu said. "We're tougher than you think."

"Before I forget Kolter, I just want to say thanks for..."

"That move you pulled off was remarkable, Yuya!" Kolter exclaimed. "At first, when you asked me to create a spotlight, I was a bit confused. But when you showcased that new summoning technique known as Pendulum, I'm not lying when I say that I fell to the ground, but in a good way."

"Well, I'm glad that I was able to blow your mind, and thank you again for providing the spotlight."

"So how, where, and when did you learn how to Pendulum Summon?" Kolter asked.

"It happened during an exhibition match against a man named a Pro Duelist named a Sledgehammer," Yuya explained. "I was on the ropes and thought there was nothing I could do to win. It was at that moment when I remembered the advice my dad used to give me, and thanks to it, the ability to Pendulum Summon just suddenly appeared as some sort of miracle."

"That's so bizarre," Kolter said. "So he experienced Storm Access without the need of a Data Storm?"

"Not only that, but ever since then, everyone back home now has the ability to Pendulum Summon," Zuzu added.

"Really? But how come they haven't mass-produced and released it everywhere else?" Kolter wondered.

Yuya and Zuzu were hesitant to answer before finally responding. "That's because the corporation that created Pendulum Cards doesn't have access to many locations and places close. to them." Yuya replied.

"That makes sense. You guys did say you came a long way from here." Kolter said. "Maybe one day, people in Den City will have access to Pendulum Cards."

"I'm pretty sure it will," Yuya said.

"So, Kolter, are you curious to see how we did?" Zuzu asked.

"No need. SOL Technologies already announced the tournament's winners after you guys ported away." Kolter replied. "By the way, where did you guys go anyway? I wasn't able to track you."

"Right after I won my duel against Seraph and the MC announced that the tournament had ended, a portal opened up, leading us to this secret place known as Charisma Castle," Yuya answered.

"It's a special location in LINK VRAINS that only the Top 10 have access to," Zuzu added.

"Sounds fantastic," Kolter said. "Anything else?"

"Actually, yes," Yuya replied. "We found out the real reason that the tournament's grand prize of the seven finalists becoming a part of the new Top 10 is because SOL Technologies needed our abilities to deal with the unknown threat that disrupted the last tournament."

"Two of the seven finalists known as Cavalier rejected the offer, stating they prefer to work alone. Another one named Black Rose wanted to decide whether to join or not. And Yuya and I, along with two duelists by the names of Storm Rider and Sanctum, chose to join and help defeat the dangerous group known as the "Arbiters." Zuzu said.

"Storm Rider and Sanctum. It looks like Yuji and Ena made their dreams come true after all." Kolter thought to himself." It seems like they need all the help, they can get.

"Well, the important thing is that we discover whoever the leader of this group is and take him down," Yuya said. "With him out of the way, those guys will be powerless."

"You think you found him or her, Kolter?" Zuzu asked.

"With my skills, it shouldn't be a problem," Kolter responded.

"Speaking of problems, Kolter, I was hoping if you can do Zuzu and me a favor?" Yuya asked.

"Anything Yuya. Just name it."

"Seeing as how everyone in LINK VRAINS witnessed Pendulum Summoning for the first time, it's highly likely that they're going to hunt down Ringmaster's real-life identity to gain the ability to Pendulum Summon as well," Yuya said. "I think if Zuzu and I can hide from everyone who's searching for Ringmaster and Maestra, it'll decrease our chances of getting caught."

"What did you have in mind?" Kolter asked

"I was thinking me and Zuzu could attend Den City High School as transfer students," Yuya answered. "All you have to do is create some records that show that we were born and raised in a city that's close to Den City, as well as some other background info that can help make it more believable."

"That sounds very specific, Yuya," Zuzu said. "You think it's a good idea, Kolter?"

"While I do admit it is a bit risky, considering the fact you may get caught, or they find out that your background records aren't real. But to be honest, I can't think of anything better, so I say let's do it!" Kolter replied.

"Thanks, Kolter! I appreciate it." Yuya said.

"Your welcome, Yuya," Kolter said. "If I get started now, I can have them done by Monday morning."

"That sounds great!" Yuya exclaimed. "Zuzu and I will head off to bed so that you can have some peace to finish. Come on, Zuzu!"

"Right behind you, Yuya," Zuzu stated.

They exited the van and entered the apartment to get ready for bed.

"Hey Yuya, can I ask you something?" Zuzu asked.

"Sure, Zuzu. "What's up?" Yuya answered.

"What gave you the idea to have us enrolled in Den City High to keep our identities secret from the public?"

"Well, to be honest, it's because I want to see Storm Rider again."

"Storm Rider? Do you mean the guy we met along with the other finalists? What's so important about him that makes you want to see him so bad?"

"Remember when you ask me if I was ok because I looked and felt a bit dizzy?"

"Yeah."

"I felt that way because when I first met him, I felt a presence swept coursing throughout my body similar to whenever I was around Yuto, Yugo, and Yuri/

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"That's right! I believe Storm Rider is the Link Counterpart of Zarc."

"WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!?" Zuzu yelled in shock, causing Yuya to covers his ears.

"You know you didn't have to react so loudly," Yuya said.

"Why wouldn't I react big to something like that?" Zuzu rhetorically asked. "How's that even possible? I thought after the dimensions split for the second time, Riley sealed Zarc's soul within herself and ended up being purified by you."

"What you're saying is true, but if I had to guess, a shred of Zarc tried to escape so that he can have his revenge again for the second time. Knowing your original counterpart Ray, she wouldn't allow that to happen and had a piece of herself stop Zarc and possibly, their combined powers created not only this dimension but counterparts as well." Yuya explained.

"That does sound like a possibility. Do you think Storm Rider experienced the same thing when he met you?"

"I don't think so. He seemed fine to me when we first met. Probably because this dimension is new."

"I just can't believe that there's another piece of Zarc," Zuzu said before a bulb went off in her head. "Wait a minute, does that mean Sanctum is the Link Counterpart of Ray?"

"Now that you mention, it is highly likely, given the fact that when we met, they seemed close to each other like you and me," Yuya said. "But let's continue this in the morning since it's getting late."

"Alright. Goodnight Yuya, see you in the morning." Zuzu said.

"Goodnight to you too, Zuzu."

Both of them went to their rooms to get ready for bed.

In Yuya's room…

"Do you believe Storm Rider is Zarc's Link Counterpart?" A voice said, causing Yuya to wake up and turn around and sees Yuto next to him.

"I'm certain, Yuto," Yuya said. "Did you and the others feel the same pressure I felt when we first met him?"

"Not really," Yuto replied. "Probably because the three of us are in your body, we can't feel any force that's not as strong."

"I think it's interesting that we've discovered another counterpart." Another voice, revealing it to be Yuri's.

"What's so interesting about it?" A third voice said, revealing it to be Yugo's.

"Because it adds more excitement to our adventure since we already have to deal with joining a new team, dealing with an unknown group who kidnapped the Professor," Yuri replied.

"Only you would find joy and amusement during a serious matter, Yuri," Yuto said.

"Oh, please. You don't think Yuya wasn't excited to find out about another piece of Zarc?" Yuri asked.

"You're wrong, Yuri!" Yugo exclaimed.

"Yugo, he's somewhat right," Yuya said, shocking both Yugo and Yuto. "While I'm a bit afraid it's a bit risky taking this action. It's also exciting at the same time. Plus, I can try to start a friendship with him instead of being seen as an enemy."

"Knowing you, Yuya, you always try to find the good in everyone. And I must say, it's one of the things that makes me respect you." Yuto said.

"Me too," Yugo said.

"Me three," Yuri said.

"Thank you, guys. Well, I better get some sleep since we have a big day ahead of us on Monday. Goodnight." Yuya said to his counterparts.

"Goodnight, Yuya." His three counterparts said to him as they disappeared, and he went to sleep.

In Zuzu's room…

"Are you sure meeting these two, you and Yuya happen to believe Zarc and Ray's reincarnations is a good idea?" A voice said, causing Zuzu to turn around and see that it was Celina's.

"While I do admit it's a bit risky and things don't turn out well the way we want it to, but knowing Yuya, he'll find a way to make it work and make sure nothing bad happens," Zuzu replied.

"But still, what if this "Storm Rider" has a tainted part of Zarc hidden deep inside him and if he encounters Yuya who's fused with his other three counterparts, and he goes on a rampage?" Celina asked.

"That's just a risk we'll have to take," Zuzu replied.

"I have faith in Yuya and Zuzu." A voice said, revealing it to be Lulu's. "They both proved they can purify the hearts of any and everyone around them, and if the moment comes where Zarc takes control of Storm Rider, Zuzu and Yuya will be there to stop him."

"But Lulu-"

"But nothing, Celina!" A third voice shouted, revealing it to be Rin's, who had a stern look on her face. "We've faced tough situations before, could Celina, and we'd always been able to get past them, so you need to have a bit more faith in Zuzu. Just like you did in her duel earlier today."

"I guess you're right," Celina admitted. "Sorry for getting on your case, Zuzu."

"It's alright, Celina. I know you're just looking out for Yuya and me." Zuzu said. "Anyway, thanks for the pep talk and advice, you guys, but I better get some sleep if I want to prepare for my first day of school on Monday. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Zuzu." Her three counterparts said to her as they disappeared, and Zuzu went to sleep.

Two days later…

It was about 6:30 AM, and Kolter had already gotten up to make breakfast for Yuya and Zuzu and help them prepare for their first day at Den City High School.

Knock Knock Knock

"Rise and shine, Yuya. Time to get ready." Kolter said as he went over towards Zuzu's door and proceeded to knock on it. "You too, Zuzu."

The two teens exited their room; they all dressed in their new school uniforms and had happy looks on their faces.

"Good morning, Kolter," The two teens said as they entered the kitchen table and made their breakfasts.

"Morning, you two," Kolter said, typing on his laptop with a cup of coffee and a piece of toast next to him. Yuya sat down at the table with a bowl of cereal and a glass of milk, while Zuzu had an orange juice and oatmeal cup.

"What are you working on, Kolter?" Yuya asked.

"Just checking to see if Den City High accepted the applications I created for you two or not," Kolter replied.

"I'm pretty sure they've been," Yuya said. "After you showed them to us last night, if I were members of the school board, I would be convinced after seeing it."

"Me too," Zuzu added. "Moreover, we would like to thank you, Kolter, for lending us these uniforms. "Who do they belong to anyway?"

"You know my two employees? Occasionally, they'll stay over if it's late at night, and they're working a project for a class, and they'll keep an extra set of clothes to change into." Kolter answered.

"Well, I'm glad you had them; otherwise, it'd be weird if we showed up in the clothes we came here with," Yuya said.

"Yeah, it would be," Zuzu added.

Beep Beep…

"Looks like I got an email from the school admissions boards," Kolter said as he opened the email up. "Guess you were right Yuya, they did accept both of your submissions, meaning you guys are now officially students of Den City High school, and right before school starts, I must say."

"We better pack up our bags and head out, or else we'll be late," Yuya suggested.

"Knowing you, Yuya, you still might end up being late," Zuzu said, causing to turn red from embarrassment.

"Just because I was late for school back home doesn't mean I'll be late this time."

"I hope not. See you tonight, Kolter."

"I'll be leaving after you guys since my employees set a trip for my brother and me for an entire week, so you'll have the place to yourselves," Kolter explained.

"Oh, man. We're going to miss you." Zuzu said. "But it was nice of your employees to go out of their way to do this for you."

"I agree," Yuya added. "I hope the two of you have a great time and reconnect with one another."

"Thanks. I'll miss you guys as well, but I trust you two will take care of things until I get back."

"You can count on us, Kolter," Yuya said.

"Yuya's right. We promise we won't let you down." Zuzu added.

"That's what I like to hear," Kolter said. "Well, you guys better get a move on, or else you'll be late for your first class.

Both Yuya and Zuzu looked at the clock to check the time and noticed that Kolter was right.

"He's right. "We better hurry and head out the door, Yuya!" Zuzu stated as he ran out the door.

"Right behind you!" Yuya shouted as he quickly finished his cereal and followed Zuzu out the door.

"Bye, Kolter! See you next week and have a good trip!" The pair shouted as they waved back at Kolter.

"Wait, hold on a minute, guys!" Kolter shouted at the pair, causing them to stop. "I almost forgot that I made these for you." Kolter pressed a button on his laptop, which caused the middle section of the kitchen counter to split open and a tray to pop up. On it was two different Duel Disks. One was red with an elongated hexagonal shape, a gray-and-yellow wristband, and a white attachment on one end. The other was pink with an elongated hexagonal shape but with a gray-and-purple wristband and a blue attachment.

"You made us new Duel Disks?" Yuya asked.

"What brought this on?" Zuzu added.

"Giving the fact that people are already of what your avatars look like, they also know the Duel Disks as well," Kolter said. "So if someone spotted you guys wearing the same Duel Disk you used in LINK VRAINS, that'll lead them to assume that the two of you are Ringmaster and Maestra."

"So to prevent that from happening, you made us two new Duel Disks?" Zuzu stated.

"Correct. By using the blueprints of SolTech's newest model, I was able to create two of them based on the Duel Disks I created for you before." Kolter confirmed as he picked up the disks from the tray and handed them to the two teens.

"I have to say, Kolter. Anytime when I think you couldn't amaze us even than before, you always prove me wrong." Yuya said.

"And once again, I appreciate it," Kolter said. "Now, if we're all done here, you guys need to get to school, and I need to start packing for my trip."

"Right!" The pair said as they left the apartment, and Kolter left to go pack.

On the way to Den City High School…

"According to this map of Den City Kolter installed onto our new Duel Disks, we should be at Den City in less than five minutes," Yuya said

"That's great to hear," Zuzu excitedly said. "Also, there's something I want to talk to you about now that we're alone."

"What is it, Zuzu?" Yuya asked.

"Well, if you recall, once we arrived at the school, we'll also be meeting our said Link Counterparts in the real world for the very first time," Zuzu answered. "Are you feeling a bit scared or nervous?"

"To be honest with you, both yes and no," Yuya answered. "The thought of it possibly ending up being both weird and awkward is what makes me worry, but I can't let that get the best of me, or else we'll never forge a friendship with them. What about you?"

"I feel the same way as you do," Zuzu replied. "At first, I was a bit nervous and afraid that things might end up like they did last year when you turned into Zarc and went on a rampage."

"Zuzu…"

"By after talking to my counterparts last night, they've convinced that we've been through and overcome tough obstacles and before, and they believe that we can do it again if the situation presents itself," Zuzu said.

"I also talked with my counterparts last night as well," Yuya mentioned. "Even though I was fine going through with my decision, they still wanted to make sure I proceed with caution and prepare for anything to happen."

"We're both lucky we have them to talk to when needed," Zuzu mentioned.

"You said it. Without our allies, they're always nearby whenever we want to have a word." Yuya added.

"Mm-mmm" Zuzu nodded in response before seeing what was in front of them. "Looks like we're here.

Yuya took notice of what she said and saw that they weren't far from the high school. "Well, that was fast." He said. Now let's experience what could maybe be one of our toughest challenges yet and meet our counterparts."

"Right!" Zuzu said, determined.

A few minutes later…

Yuki and Ena sat down in their seats for their Calculus class, preparing themselves for when class is about to start. After what had happened to them a few days ago, they still did their best to not think about it or affect them too much, even though they can hear their classmates talking about their avatars, Storm Rider and Sanctum.

"Looks like we're even more popular than before, ever since we both became finalists at the end of the tournament and are now a part of the new Top 10 in LINK VRAINS," Yuji stated.

"Not only that but we were also allowed to work for SOL Technologies to take down the Arbiters," Ena added.

"And as a plus, we get to work with the very guy who uses the special summoning method known as Pendulum," Yuji added.

"You're obsessed by this newcomer in LINK VRAINS could pull an astonishing technique like that, aren't you?" Ena asked.

"Why, of course, I am, wouldn't you b-" Yuji stop talking after noticing that his teacher walked in.

"Good morning, class." All the students narrowed towards the teacher, Miss Martin, who was speaking. "Before" we begin, I'd like to make an announcement. Two new students are joining us today, and both of them are transfers from Kyoto."

This news got everyone's attention, especially Yuji's and Ena's the most. "Two new students?"

The teacher turned to the door. "You may come in now." The first one was a girl wearing the Den City High school uniform with blue eyes and dark pink hair, which she wears tied up in pigtails, clipped down by blue, spherical hair clips.

"My name is Zuzu Boyle." She said, bowing slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you all, and I hope we'll get along with each other very well." She gave a small smile to everyone across the room.

Yuji soon heard a sound across the classroom. Except for himself, all the guys in the classroom stared at Zuzu with wide eyes and open mouths. Some of them even got out of their seats.

"You have got to be kidding me." Yuji thought to himself as he put a hand on his face and sighed. These idiots are aware that she's younger than them, right." He wondered. "Why are they staring at her?" Yuji asked Ena, turning to her.

"Probably because she's pretty," Ena answered him. "You don't think she is?"

"It's not that I don't think she is. It's just that she kind of looks a bit like you," Yuji replied as he turned back to Zuzu.

"Now that you mention it, Yuji, you're kind of right," Ena said. "If you just change her hair from pink to blonde, add a braid to it and give her a pair of glasses, then she could be my twin.

"Thank you, Miss Martin," the teacher said. "And now, please give your attention to our other student joining us today." The teacher motioned for the younger of the two students to step forward.

The second was a boy with dual-colored red and green hair of average length and crimson eyes. He was also dressed in the school uniform and had a pair of goggles on his head. Finally, around his neck was a crystal-like pendant.

"My name is Yuya Sakaki! I hope we can be good friends!" Yuya greeted as cheerfully and friendly as he always did. He wouldn't want to make a wrong impression on his first day, so he must pull out his best smile. His smile was so sincere and bright, like a little boy, that some students laughed or giggled.

"He is like a kid. So cute."

"He's totes adorbs. It makes me want to hug him."

"Look like you got a twin as well." Ena pointed out.

"Do you think these two are the ones Kolter said told us about a few days ago who look exactly like us," Yuji asked?

"I guess so," Enai added. "But for now, let's not bring it up or mention it if we ever interact with them."

"Noted," Yuji said.

"Thank you for the introductions." The teacher said. "Miss Boyle, why don't you two sit in the second row next to Mrs. Yamashiro? As for you, Mr. Sakaki, why don't you take a seat next to Mr. Sugimuto?"

"Ok." The two teens said as they thanked the teacher and then walked over to their respective seats. Zuzu walked over to the desk next to Ena's, while Yuya walked over to one near Yuji's.

"Hello," Zuzu and Yuya said, giving a small smile to Ena. "As you heard from us earlier, we're Zuzu Boyle and Yuya Sakaki. I assume that the two of you are Yamashiro and Sugimuto?"

"Correct," Yuji answered with a smile. "But those are just our surnames. Our real names are Yuji and Ena. It's a pleasure to meet you two and you in our class."

"Welcome to Den Academy." "If there's anything you need help with, schoolwork or personal, don't be afraid to ask us," Ena said to the two of them with a smile as well.

"Thanks, we appreciate it," Zuzu said.

"We do. And it's also nice to meet you too as well." Yuya added.

The four then focus on the teacher and the lesson, ready to get through with the day.

Den City High Cafeteria…

It was finally lunchtime, and one person was happy that it was. Yuya. He already had breakfast this morning, but that didn't stop him from being complete. Zuzu tried her best to ignore the stares she got from every student she passed by. Why did Yuya have to get a giant plate of food instead of a regular size like everyone else? It's not like she wasn't used to him doing this, but she hoped that he would eventually grow out of it.

"Yuya! Zuzu! Come sit with us," A voice yelled out.

Both Yuya and Zuzu stopped after hearing someone call their names. They looked from the floor to the path in front of him. Speak of the devil. The person who called them was none other than Ena, sitting at a table with Yuji and a few other students. They were happy to see Yuya. The two teens felt warm and accept Ena's invitation to sit at their table.

"Hey, Ena! Thanks for inviting us to sit down." Zuzu said as she greeted Ena.

"No prob. It would be rude to let new students sit alone by themselves. Right, Yuji?" She asked.

"Right," Yuji replied. "I remember when it first arrived, it was just Ena and me. But luckily for us, the members of the Den City High School Duel Club were more than welcome enough to allow us to not only sit with them but join their club as well?"

"Duel Club?" Both and Yuya asked, wondering what it was

"What!? The two of you don't know what Duel Club is?" A chubby boy with small eyes, a largemouth, and green hair said with shock.

"You have to remember Shima that they're new here, so of course they wouldn't know about Duel Club." A boy with glasses and black hair sweeping to the right, sitting next to Shima.

Turning to both Yuya and Zuzu, he asked, "I'm sorry about that. Allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Hosoda, a third-year and the Club President. And the boy sitting next to me is Shima Naoki."

"I'm Tanaka, a third-year, also." A short boy with red hair pulled into a ponytail said.

"I'm Sato, a second-year." A boy who was even fatter than Naoki with slicked teal black hair and with spectacles said.

"I'm Suzuki, a second-year, too." A tall boy with brown hair in a bowl cut said.

"And you two already know Yuji and Me. And we're second year's as well." Ena pointed out with a smile.

"It's okay. But thank you, and nice to meet all of you." Zuzu said.

"But seriously, I am a bit curious as to what Duel Club is," Yuya added.

"It's an extracurricular group where we discuss tactics and strategies," Shima explained. "If you're interested in becoming a better duelist, we can help you expand your skills.

"We always need new members," the president added.

"That sounds incredible!" Yuya exclaimed. "Where did I sign up?"

"Hold on, Yuya, don't you want to think about it for a minute first?" Zuzu asked.

"What's to think about, Zuzu," He asked. "Back at home, we worked hard every day to strengthen our skills as duelists, and I don't plan on stopping now."

"As I should know by now, whenever you put your mind to something Yuya, there's nothing I can do to make you change it," Zuzu said. Count me in to join Duel Club as well."

"Alright, we got two new members," Hosoda said. "At the end of the day, head down to the second floor, and you two should see a sign of where the club room is."

"Thanks for the heads up," Zuzu said.

"Can't wait to experience it," Yuya said.

At Den City High School, 2nd Floor...

Yuya and Zuzu walked down the hallways that would lead to the Duel Club, full of excitement for what awaits them when they arrive.

"Hey Yuya, since this club focuses on dueling, what are we going to do about our decks?" Zuzu asked. "If we used the same decks we used in LINK VRAINS, they're sure to pinpoint that we're Ringmaster and Maestra."

"Way ahead of you, Yuya said. After lunch, I quickly switch my deck from my LINK VRAINS one to Yuto's Phantom Knights."

"What made you choose Yuto's deck?" Zuzu wondered.

"Seeing on how he was the first one of my counterparts I fused with, and I used his cards and deck in the past, it was a no-brainer," he answered. "You should do the same thing with your deck."

'Good idea. Since you chose Yuto, I'll switch my deck to Ruri's to match with the Xyz theme," Zuzu stated.

"It's Shima! Naoki Shima! We just spoke the other day!"

"Yuya! Zuzu!"

A new voice managed to interrupt Yuya and Zuzu's conversation. They looked around the corner to see Shima standing to the president of the Duel Club as he called out their names.

"Judging by the door the two of you are standing near, I can assume that this room holds the Duel Club.

"Stop acting dumb!" Shima said to Yuya. "You guys knew this room was the Duel Club before you saw us!"

"Don't be so rude to them, Shima." A voice said, revealing it to be Ena's walking around the corner with the Yuji as they approached the group. Turning to Yuya and Zuzu, Yuji asked, "Is he bothering you?"

"No. But thank you," Yuya said.

"Anyway, this way, please," the President said, gesturing them to go inside the classroom. As Yuya and Zuzu walked into the room with Shima, Ena, and Yuji, they quickly recognized all of the members they previously met earlier in the cafeteria, except for one who was a girl with a light brown bob-cut and yellow eyes.

"Who's that Hosoda?" Zuzu asked.

"That's Skye Zaizen, a third-year," Hosoda answered.

"Zaizen? You mean she's related to the Ceo of SOL Technologies?" Yuya asked.

"Bingo," Hosoda stated. Hey, Skye, we have two new members we'd like for you to meet.

Skye got up from her chair and walked over towards Hosoda, Yuya, and Zuzu.

"Nice to meet you two," she said. "As you heard from our president, my name's Skye.

"Nice to meet you too," Zuzu greeted. My name's Zuzu, and this is my friend Yuya.

"Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you and be a brand new member of Duel Club as well," he said.

"Well, I can promise you, it'll be a great experience," Skye said as she sat back down in her seat.

"Now then, before we begin, I must say that we try to encourage new members to talk about themselves a bit. Would you care to tell us more about yourself?" Hosoda said.

"Of course," Both Yuya and Zuzu said.

"My name is Yuya Sakaki," he stated. "I'm 15 years old, I like to make people smile through dueling, and my favorite food is pancake sandwiches. Your turn, Zuzu."

"My name is Zuzu Boyle," she stated. "I'm also 15 years old, I like musical theater, and my favorite food is sushi. Is there anything else you'd like to know about the two of us?"

"No, you're good. Thanks for sharing you two," Hosoda said.

After introducing themselves, Yuya and Zuzu interacted with the other members to get to know them.

"Would you like to see the new Duel Disk?" Sato asked Yuya and Zuzu. "It's SolTech's latest model.

"That's okay," Yuya said. "Zuzu and I already have one."

"He's right. Check it out," Zuzu said as she and Yuya showcased their Duel Disks to Sato and the others.

"WHAT?" Shima said, getting into both Yuya and Zuzu's faces. "How did the two acquire the new model when you just move here? Don't tell me you had Zaizen's big brother at SOL Technologies gave you them.

Skye then glared at Shima after hearing his comment, who panicked and whistled to the right.

"So, how did you get the brand new model so fast?" Suzuki asked.

On cue, Yuya replied, "We have a family friend who's good friends with the CEO, Akira Zaizen that lives down here who specializes in technology, and he was able to pull some strings and hook us up with two custom made SolTech Duel Disks."

"Lucky you," Sato said

"So, very lucky," Suzuki added.

"If we're all done greeting and meeting one another, then let's start the meeting," Hosoda said. Everyone sat at the desks, with Yuya and Zuzu sitting in the corner, near Yuji and Ena.

"Let's brush up on the rules regarding Speed Duels," Hosoda said. He pressed a button towards the projector, which showed a Duel Monsters board. "The main difference between Master and Speed Duels is that there are only three Main Monsters Zones and four Spell & Trap Zones. Yuya and Zuzu, could you please tell me the other differences?"

Yuya and Zuzu looked at each other with sweat dripping down their face. "Um, sorry, Mr. President, but we know nothing about Speed Duels," Yuya said.

"We just recently learned the rules of Master Duels a few days ago, but as Yuya said, nothing about Speed Duel," Zuzu added.

"That's okay. You two are new here, so I shouldn't give you the benefit of the doubt," Hosoda said. How about you, Yuji and Ena? Can one of you tell me the other differences between Master Duels and Speed Duels?

"That's correct!" Hosoda said, slightly shocked. "You seem to know a great deal about this kind of stuff. Would you consider going into LINK VRAINS?"

"Not right now," Yuji said, slightly lying. "Ena and I wish to know what we want to do for the future before considering going into LINK VRAINS."

"Fair answer, Sugimuto," Hosoda replied. "After all, schoolwork can sometimes get in the way of things you want to do. Now let's move on to the next topic of discussion.

After going through a review of Speed Duels, Hosoda said, "Now then, since the purpose of Duel Club is to improve our skills, I think it is essential to have a practical demonstration."

"A duel?" Naoki said, panicking. "In LINK VRAINS?"

"Are you okay, Shima?" Yuji asked him, with concern in his voice. "You look a tad pale."

Shima gritted his teeth, then said, "I-I just think that LINK VRAINS is a sacred place. Us dueling there would be rude to the Charisma Duelists. Besides, the new evil group known as the Arbiters has been showing up more from time to time. What happens if they show up?"

"Then we'll rely on the Top 10 to save and protect us," Skye said calmly. "What exactly are you thinking of, President?"

"I was thinking of a duel," Hosoda said. "Since they spoke up first, how about Shima and Yuya be the ones who duel?"

Yuya shrugged. "Fine with me. I've never been to LINK VRAINS before, but it sounds interesting." Kolter had installed a particular function in his and Zuzu's Duel Disks that would let him keep their appearance in LINK VRAINS if they wanted. They certainly wouldn't want to give away their identities as and Ringmaster and Maestra that easily.

"I don't mean a duel in LINK VRAINS," Hosoda said, confusing Skye and Yuya. "Shima is right. With the Arbiter's sudden appearance, LINK VRAINS is not entirely safe." He then walked out of the room with everyone else following behind him, with Yuya and Zuzu were confused about what's happening right now.

After walking for a bit, the entire Duel Club made their way outside the school towards the courtyard facing the building. "This is where the two of you will be doing!" Hosoda stated.

"I didn't know you guys had a soccer field," Yuya commented as he looked around. Then he felt stupid for saying that. His school back in the Standard Dimension also had a soccer field as well. He hadn't seen many having any interest in sports; he assumed this one was a standard field, with white lines and big nets at either end of the field and bleachers wrapped around the other two sides.

He and Shima stood pretty close to the bleachers. The field was huge, and they didn't need much room. Only enough to move around. Ena, Skye, Hosoda, Sato, Suzuki, and Tanaka were sitting down near the middle of the bleachers, about equal distance between Shima and Yuya. Zuzu sat in the back row, far enough away from the others that they wouldn't hear her if she talked in a low voice. Skye sat in the front row, along with Yuju and Ena.

"Are you sure about this, Sakaki?" Shima asked him. "Don't get too upset after I beat you."

"Funny," he said to Shima. "I was about to say the same thing to you."

"Remember, this is a Master Duel, not a Speed Duel," Hosoda said. "Are you two ready?"

"I'm ready, President," Naoki said.

"Me too." Yuya also said, ready to go.

The words appear in the screens of both duel disks, and a light purple outline of a dueling field appears before both of them. Yuya and Shima swiped their hands, and five cards materialized in front of them.

"Let's go! Master Duel!" They both shouted, and a large screen displaying their names with their Life points appeared above them.

Seeing what was in his hand, Yuya smiled. "What do you know? Two copies of The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace, The Phantom Knights' Twin Medals, Mystical Space Typhoon, and The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves. This hand is almost identical to the one I had when I first dueled Lulu. Granted, a parasite was controlling her at the time." He thought.

"You should have me to thank for that," A voice said, being Yuto's as he was standing right next to Yuya. "I rearranged your deck so that when you draw your starting, you will have some cards that'll help you create and start a combo which will end up giving you an advantage."

Yuya then turned to Yuto. "While I normally would be against you doing that, I have no idea what Deck this guy uses nor what his dueling abilities are, so granting me a head start helps."

"You okay, Sakaki?" Shima shouted towards Yuya. It caused Yuya to turn to him. "Were you talking to someone just now?"

"No. I wasn't. You were probably just hearing things." Yuya said.

"Okay then. Just checking," Shima said, turning his focus back to the duel. Note to self: Keep an eye on Sakaki, Shima thought.

"I place three cards face-down and my turn."

Shima was surprised at the move Yuya just made and then started laughing. "I guess you didn't get any monsters, did you?" He said. While Hosoda and others assumed that Shimi was right, Zuzu, along with Skye, Yuji, and Ena, knew precisely what Yuya was doing.

"My turn!" Shima said. "Draw!" Drawing, he looked at his card, then placed it on his Duel Disk. "I'll start things off with the Spell Card: Heaven's Lost Property! So we both draw three cards, then discard 2." White feathers rained from the sky, landing on both students' Duel Disks.

"Fine by me. More cards mean more options for me!" Yuya responded as he and Shima drew three cards from their decks and revealed the two cards they chose to discard. "I'll discard Mystical Space Typhoon and The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves."

"So you had a monster in your hand all along, and you chose not to summon it?" Shima wondered.

"I have my reasons for doing so," Yuya replied.

"Whatever," Shima said. "I discard two copies of Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest."

"Why would he send two high-level monsters to the grave?" Yuya wondered.

"Next, I summon out Scrap Kong!"

A mechanical gorilla with a barrel for a stomach appeared.

Scrap Kong ATK 2000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Scrap Kong's effect activates! When Kong is Normal Summoned, it's automatically destroyed!" The gorilla exploded and briefly left a trail of smoke.

"Why would you summon a monster whose effect just destroys itself immediately when summoned?" Yuya asked.

"Because whenever a Beast-Type monster I control is destroyed by battle or an effect, I'm allowed to pay 1000 Life Points to activate Green Baboon's effect from either my hand or graveyard and Special Summon it!" Shima exclaimed as a red aura surrounded him drained him of his Life Points

Shima: 4000→3000 LP

A portal opened up from the ground, and appearing out from it was a green-skinned baboon. Its face was covered in a long black mane, while it wore a leather jerkin and wielded a wooden club.

Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"I can say that I didn't see that coming," Yuya said.

"And it doesn't stop there. I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon! This spell lets me perform a second Normal Summon this turn. I summon out another Scrap Kong!

Another copy of Scrap Kong appeared next to Green Baboon.

Scrap Kong ATK 2000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And just like before, its effect destroys itself!" Shima stated as Scrap Kong exploded.

"I pay 1000 more Life Points to activate my second Green Baboon's effect from the grave, and Special Summon it!"

Shima: 3000→2000 LP

Suddenly another copy of Green Baboon appeared next to the first one.

Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"Two Level 7 monsters with 2600 ATK each," Yuya muttered. "Looks like this duel is going to be tougher than I thought."

"Battle! Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest, attacks you directly, Shima declared.

Green Baboon stomped towards Yuya and raised its club.

"I activate my two copies of the Trap Card: The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace!" Yuya exclaimed. "Through their effect, I can target a Monster you control, have it lose 600 attack points until the End Phase, Special Summon these two cards as Level 2 Monsters in Attack Position and prevent all "Phantom Knights" cards I control from being destroyed for the rest of this turn!"

Following Yuya's words, two armored figures lacking a lower body and surrounded by blue flames appeared on his field, launching their gauntlets at Green Baboon and forcing it backward.

The Phantom Knights of Lost Vambrace ATK 600 DEF 0 LVL: 2 x 2

Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest ATK 2600→1400

"You may have reduced my monster's points, but they're still high enough to do some damage," Shima said as Green Baboon continued charging forward, swing its club at Lost Vambrace, causing Yuya to skid backward.

Yuya: 4000→3200 LP

"Since I took Battle Damage! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: The Phantom Knights' Twin Medals to Xyz Summon using both of my Lost Vambrace!"

"What? You're Xyz Summoning during my turn?" Shima said in shock

"I overlay both my Level 2 Lost Vambraces! Yuya yelled as the two monsters became streams of purple light which traveled into a black and yellow portal that appeared before him. The portal exploded with energy as he chanted.

"Presenting a warrior who's bad to the bone, I Xyz Summon! The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin!"

Appearing in the Extra Monster Zone was a warrior wearing a helmet with a skull motif, which held a black spear with several skulls attached to it and a shield with the image of a skull on it in its right and left hands, respectively, appeared on Yuya's field.

The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin ATK: 1600 DEF: 0 RNK: 2 OU: 2

"So you're Xyz user, huh?" Shima said. "Impressive, but not impressive enough since my Baboon has more attack points than your Cursed Javelin."

"I beg to differ," Yuya rebutted. "I activate Cursed Javelin's effect! Once during either player's turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit from it and target one Monster my opponent controls! Then, that Monster's attack is reduced to 0, and its effects are negated until the End Phase! I target your Green Baboom! Spear of Silence!"

The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin: 2 OU→1 OU

A black bolt of lightning erupted from the tip of Cursed Javelin, striking Green Baboon and forcing it on its knees.

Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest ATK 2600→0

"Looks like there's no point in continuing attacking, but that doesn't mean I'm done with my turn!" Shima declared as his hand glowed blue, and he gestured it upwards. "Appear! My circuit!" The Link portal materialized above him, making most of the audience gasp.

"Is that what I think it is?" Yuya asked.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Level 5 or higher Beast-Type monsters. I set the two Level 7 Green Baboons in the Link Arrows!" Both his monsters became streams of green energy as they entered the bottom-left and right arrow. " Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-2! Metal Baboon, Stalwart of the Forest!"

Appearing in Shima's Extra Monster Zone was a large, bulky baboon with a body that is primarily black, purple, and various shades of grey. It has a silver mane with green highlights that resembles various blades pointing in all directions. Its upper body is highly muscular, with blades sprouting sidewards from its shoulders. From its knuckles, a series of blades that extended downwards and had red eyes, a small, flat, and circular snout, as well as a mouth full of jagged teeth.

Metal Baboon, Stalwart of the Forest ATK 2600 LINK-2 ↙↘

"So, how do you like this?" Shima said, smirking. "This is one of my Link monsters!"

"Fascinating," Yuya said. "Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve.

"I set one card face-down and end turn." He smirked at Yuya. "So, how was that, Sakaki? Bet you think I'm an incredible duelist, huh?"

"Indeed I do, but I'm good as well," Yuya replied. And I think it's time for me to show you how good. My turn! I draw!" Yuya said, drawing the top card of his deck. First, I summon The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak from my hand!" An eerie-blue ghost wearing a dark-purple cloak joined Percival's field. On top of the cloak was a red cloth with drapes on either side. Behind the ghost was a metal, curved bar with four large nails and six small purple flames. While it didn't look like Ancient Cloak had hands, it was evident that the ghost was carrying two small scepters.

The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak ATK: 800 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

I activate Ancient Cloak's effect." Yuya continued. "By switching this card to defense position, I can increase the attack and defense of a Dark-attribute Monster on the field by 800 until the end of my turn. I choose Cursed Javelin as the target for this effect.

A purple aura suddenly then formed around Cursed Javelin, causing it to glow as it raised its spear in response.

Cursed Javelin ATK 1600→2400

"You may have boosted your monster's strength, but my Metal Baboon's still stronger," Shima pointed out.

"Not for long because I'll use Cursed Javelin's effect once again to reduce your monster's ATK to zero!" Yuya declared.

"Eh?" Shima blinked as Cursed Javelin released another bolt of black lightning from the tip of its spear, striking Metal Baboon and forcing it on its knees.

Metal Baboon, Stalwart of the Forest ATK 2600→0

"Battle! Go! Cursed Javelin, attack Metal Baboon, Stalwart of the Forest!" Yuya declared as Cursed Javelin jumped into the air and slashed Metal Baboon with its spear, destroying it and causing an explosion that covered Shima's field.

"Looks like Yuya won," Skye said.

"I'm not surprised," Yuji added.

"Poor Shima," Zuzu said.

"There's always next time," Ena said.

"Now, hold on a minute, don't go deciding things until after the smoke has cleared," Hosoda stated.

"I have to say, Shima, you did better than I thought you would, but I'm afraid to say this duel is over," Yuya said. "Better luck next time."

"Celebrating so soon? Because this duel isn't done."

"Much to Yuya's and everybody else's, shock, Shima was still standing.

Shima: 2000→3600 LP

"How did you survive?" Yuya asked.

"Before your attack connected, I activated my Trap Card: Nutrient Z. When I'm about to take 2000 or more points of battle damage, this card gives me 4000 life points before damage calculation, meaning my Life Points increased to 6000, giving me enough to survive your attack."

"Once again, Shima, You've surprised me with your moves," Yuya said.

"Not only that, but by destroying a Beast-Type monster in battle, you set off two of my monster's effects," Shima said with a triumphant voice, "Paying off 1000 points gave me to right to play my Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest! And then, by removing both copies of Scrap Kong from my graveyard, I can summon my Yellow Baboon, Archer of the Forest, from my hand!"

Shima: 3600→2600 LP

Two portals opened up from the ground, and appearing out front them was Green Baboon and a massive yellow armored baboon sporting a long and messy black mane, wearing a rock and clay armor similar, and wielded a giant bow and a quiver of arrows.

Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

Yellow Baboon, Archer of the Forest ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"So now there are two baboons I have to deal with," Yuya thought to himself. "I set three cards face-down and end my turn. Now since my turn's over, Ancient Cloak's effect wears off, meaning Cursed Javelin's attack returns to 1600!"

Cursed Javelin ATK 2400→1600

"That's not the only thing that happens during the End Phase," Shima added. "During the turn where Metal Baboon was destroyed, its effect from my graveyard activates, letting me summon a Level 5 or higher Beast-Type monster. Resurrect, Green Baboon!"

"Appearing between the two baboons on his field was another copy of Green Baboon.

Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"Make that three," Yuya muttered.

"Yes!" Naoki said. "I will win this duel this turn! My turn! Draw!" He looked at his cards, smirked, then said, "First, I activate Metal Baboon's second effect from my graveyard to banish it to add one Level 5 or higher Beast-Type monster from my deck to my hand, in this case, Red Baboon, Sage of the Forest!"

'Looks like Shima has something planned up his sleeve," Zuzu stated.

"Let's just see if Yuya can handle it," Yuji added.

"Next, I'll create my circuit once again! Shima stated as his hand glowed blue, and he held it upwards as a Link portal materialized above him.

"Another Link Summon?" Yuya asked.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Level 5 or higher Beast-Type monsters. I set both my Level 7 Green Baboons in the Link Arrows!" Both his monsters turned into green energy and entered the bottom-left and right arrows. "Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-2! Metal Baboon, Stalwart of the Forest!"

Appearing in Shima's Extra Monster Zone once again was another copy of his ace Link Monster.

Metal Baboon, Stalwart of the Forest ATK 2600 LINK-2 ↙↘

"I now activate the Spell Card: World Legacy Succession! This card Special Summons a monster from my Graveyard to my Link Monster's Link Marker. Resurrect, Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest!" The green monkey reappeared again at Metal Baboon's bottom-left Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"Since I Special Summoned a Level 7 Beast-Type monster from my grave, I can pay 1000 Life Points to activate Red Baboon's effect from my hand, and Special Summon it!"

Shima: 2600→1600 LP

A portal appeared next to Yellow Baboon, and emerging out from it was a red simian-like creature wearing a brown silk robe, holding a long wooden staff in its hand.

Red Baboon, Sage of the Forest ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"Talk about being a monkey's uncle!" Ena commented on the four powerful Beasts on Shima's field. "This whole Duel is turning into a zoo!"

"Yeah, and it's getting wilder by the minute. If I can't tame these wild animals soon, I'm going to wind up being their next meal!" Yuya thought to himself.

"Lastly, I'll activate the Spell Card: Beast Bounty!" The card showed many different Beast-Type monsters jumping around and showering themselves with a bunch of gold coins and jewels. "For every Beast-Type monster I control, I get to draw one card. Since I control four Beast monsters, I get to draw four cards!"

"And Shima gets new cards! Is this the start of his comeback?" Skye wondered.

"Time for a change in scenery," Shima said. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Gaia Power!" Suddenly the soccer field changed as many trees instantly sprang up around them, leaving them in a clearing with an immense tree in the center. All four baboons seemed happier as they glowed with an emerald power.

"As long as this card remains face-up on the field, all Earth-Attribute monsters gain 500 ATK but lose 400 DEF." Shima pointed out.

Green Baboon ATK 2600→3100 DEF 1800→1400

Yellow Baboon ATK 2600→3100 DEF 1800→1400

Red Baboon ATK 2600→3100 DEF 1800→1400

Metal Baboon ATK 2600→3100

"But why stop there when I can boost my monster's ATK even more," Shima stated. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Solidarity! So long as I have one original Type of monster in my Graveyard, all my monsters with the same Type gain 800 attack points. The only monsters in my Graveyard are Beast monsters, so all my Beast monsters, like my baboons, gain 800 attack points!"

Green Baboon ATK 3100→3900

Yellow Baboon ATK 3100→3900

Red Baboon ATK 3100→3900

Metal Baboon ATK 3100→3900

"Looks like Shima is getting serious," Zuzu said.

"Battle!" he declared. "Green Baboon attacks Cursed Javelin!"

Yuya pressed a button before he held out his hand, "Not so fast! I activate the Trap Card: Phantom Knights' Wing! With this card, one face-up monster on my field gains 500 ATK, and it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects one time this turn!" Before Green Baboon's club struck the Phantom Knight, Cursed Javelin's shield glowed as the warrior withstood the attack but causing Yuya to skid backward.

The Phantom Knights of Cursed Javelin ATK 1600→2100

Yuya: 3200→900 LP

"One more attack like that, and Yuya's finished," Ena stated.

"I can't believe that Shima's about to win," Skye added.

Both Zuzu and Yuji sat there in silence.

"Your monster may have survived, but that doesn't make you safe!" Shima stated I attack Cursed Javelin with Yellow Baboon!" The large baboon pulled back its bowstring and let loose. The arrow pierced Splendid Rose, destroying it and enveloping Yuya's field in a cloud of dust.

"Yuya!" Zuzu shouted.

"Looks like I win! Guess now everyone will see that my skills as a duelist are top-notch.

"Celebrating so soon? But the fun is just getting started."

"Much to Shima's annoyance, and Zuzu's relief, Yuya was still standing.

Shima's eyes widened in shock, "I don't understand. That attack hit you dead on. This duel should be done!" He exclaimed as murmurs of surprise rippled through the audience.

Yuya stood there, breathing heavily after the devastating attack, "Talk about activating a Spell in the nick of time," he muttered, glancing at the one remaining card on the field, "Thank you, Emergency Provisions...,"

Yuya: 900→1900→100 LP

Hosoda chuckled and nodded in approval from his place in the stands. "He had used the effect of Emergency Provisions to gain 1000 more Life Points at the cost of his other face-down card, saving him just barely."

"I can't believe you survived my attack again," Shima grumbled. "But lucky for me, I still have two more attacks left. Red Baboon attacks your Ancient Cloak!" The red baboon aimed its staff at the Phantom Knight as it began to glow and released a beam of red energy at Cloak, destroying it.

"Now Yuya has no more monsters on his field to protect himself," Ena pointed out.

"I don't know how he's going to get out of this," Skye added.

"Knowing Yuya, I bet he has something planned," Zuzu stated.

"Time for me to win and end this duel!" Shima declared. "Battle! Metal Baboon, attack Yuya directly! Triple Iron Claw!" Metall Baboon sharpened its claws as it ran towards Yuya, ready to strike.

However, unfazed, Yuya only held up his hand and pointed forward at Shima, "I activate the Spell Card: Phantom Knights Shadow Veil from my Graveyard!"

Hosoda and the other Duel Club members except Yuji and Zuzu looked shocked while Sato yelled, "From the Graveyard?!" Suzuki also shouted, "A Spell Card?!"

Shima was just as shocked as his friends, "You're going to activate a Spell Card from your Graveyard?! How?!"

A card materialized in front of Yuya as he revealed it to Shima, "When an opponent's Monster attacks me directly while this card is in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it as a Normal Monster in defense position! In exchange, it will be banished if it leaves the field! Revive once more, Shadow Veil!"

The armored knight surrounded by blue flames and mounting a horse appeared once again on Yuya's field.

The tactic earned an irritated look from Shima. "So that's the card you sacrificed to use Emergency Provisions effect, huh?" Shima commented, "Then I'll just have to blast it away! Metak Baboon, continue your assault on Yuya's Shadow Veil!"

Metal Baboon continued his attack, piercing its claws through the Shadow Veil, bursting it into particles. However, Yuya didn't seem concerned.

"I'll end it here with two face-downs," Shima said. "Go ahead. Make your move. Seeing how it'll be your final one."

"My turn! Draw!" Yuya shouted.

As he checked his drawn card, he let out a faint smile.

"It looks like I got a really good card," Yuya said to himself.

"And with everything set up the way it is, I can easily see victory in your sights," Yuya's Xyz Counterpart Yuto said as he stood right next to him and smiled.

"I activate the Spell Card: Phantom Knights Treasure!" The card depicted an image of a half-buried treasure chest near a gravestone. "With this card's effect, by discarding a "Phantom Knights" monster from my hand, I'm allowed to draw two cards."

"Draw new cards...?" Shima muttered in concern before he blinked in confusion, a sentiment shared by the crowd. "But you have no cards in your hand!"

"I don't?" Yuya blinked as well and looked at his empty hand. He then chuckled and raised his hand. "That's true! But thanks to Treasure's additional effect, since my hand is empty, I can banish as many "Phantom Knight" Spells/Traps from my Graveyard to draw an equal number of cards."

"What? No way!" Shima shouted in shock.

A good entertainer always keeps a trick up their sleeve!" Yuya stated. "I banish both copies of Lost Vambrace, Twin Medals, and Wings to draw four cards!" Yuya smirked on seeing his new cards. He then grabs another card in his hand. ''Next, I set a card face-down and activate it. Go, The Phantom Knights of Shade Brigandine!''

Appearing through the trap card was a suit of metal bulky chest armor with blue eyes with blue flames shooting out from the holes.

The Phantom Knights of Shade Brigandine ATK 0 DEF 300 LVL: 4

"You can't activate a Trap Card the same turn it's been set," Shima stated.

"Actually, with this card, I can," Yuya corrected him. ''While I control no Traps in my Graveyard, I can activate it in this same turn, and Special Summon it as an Effect Monster.''

"So that's why you used Treasure's effect to banish your Spells and Traps," Shima said. "Very nice effect. But it still doesn't hold a candle to my monsters."

"We'll see about that," Yuya said. "I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reincarnation! By discarding Booby Trap E from my hand to the graveyard, I'm allowed to bring back The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves I discarded earlier through Heaven's Lost Property from my graveyard to my hand! Now I summon it to the field!"

An armored knight with blue flames surrounding his face, arms, and hips, armed with two curved blades, appeared next to Shade Brigandine.

The Phantom Knights of Stained Greaves ATK 1200 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"You managed to bring out two monsters, but unfortunately for you, they don't share the same level, meaning you can't Xyz Summon," Shima pointed out.

'Which is why I'm activating the Spell Card: Resonance Device! Since Stained Greaves shares both the same Type and Attribute as Shade Brigandine, its Level becomes 4!"

Stained Greaves LVL: 3→4

"Now Yuya has two Level 4 monsters, Yuji said.

"And I have a pretty good feeling of what's about to come next," Zuzu added.

Both Shade Brigandine and Stained Greaves turned into streams of purple energy and traveled upwards before going down into a spiral portal that appeared on the ground. The portal exploded with energy as Yuya and Yuto chanted.

"Cloaked in shadows and relentless in its objective, I call upon the most dangerous of dragons! I Xyz Summon! Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

A black and purple dragon appeared on the field with long blades on his arms, slightly above his hands. It had large wings and a sharp spike on his chin.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 RNK: 4

"Dark Rebellion … Xyz Dragon?" Suzuki 1 asked, in fear of that monster.

"Is this Yuya's ace monster?" Sato 2 asked.

"His skills as a duelist are more amazing than I thought," Hosoda said.

BA-BUMP

Yuji wobbled as he felt immense pressure on his body.

"Are you okay, Yuji?" Ena asked.

"I'm fine. Just felt a little dizzy for a bit," Yuji answered.

Yuya looked at Shima, who was clapping his hands, "I'll admit I was surprised to find out that you're an Xyz user. But are you planning on battling my Beasts with that monster? Dark Rebellion only has 2500 ATK while all of mine have 3900 ATK each!"

"Xyz Monster's true power is to use their souls, their Overlay Units," Yuya explained as he held out his hand, "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's effect activates!" One of the overlay units disappeared as he continued, "Twice per turn, by using an overlay unit, it can lower the ATK of one Level 5 or higher monster my opponent controls by half and Dark Rebellion's ATK increase by that same amount until the end of the turn!

"Sorry to disappoint you, but thanks to Metal Baboon's effect, you can't neither target nor destroy the monsters next to its Link Arrows with your effects," Shima pointed out. "So my Green and Yellow Baboon are safe from your Dark Rebellion."

"But unfortunately for you, your Red Baboon isn't next to Metal Baboon's Link Arrows, meaning I can still target it! Go, Dark Rebellion! Treason Discharge!

Dark Rebellion charged up purple electricity and unleashed it towards Red Baboon.

"No, you won't! I play the Trap Breakthrough Skill!'' Shima called out as his face-down card revealed itself. "For the rest of this turn, Dark Rbellion's effect is negated!" He explained his Trap's effect as Zeroboros was covered in a white aura, causing it to lose the energy it had charged up.

"Haha, did you think I'd fall for that! I saw right through your move!" Shima called out with a smirk while Yuya narrowed his eyes."Now on my next turn, I'll win!"

"Hate to break it to you, but there'll be no next turn," Yuya stated.

"What do you mean? You can no longer use your monster's effect to increase its attack points. So what else could you possibly do?" Shima asked.

"This!" Yuya declared. "I activate the effect of The Phantom Knights of Ancient Cloak from my Graveyard to banish it and allowing me to add one "The Phantom Knights" card from my deck to my hand. And the card I choose is the Spell Card: The Phantom Knight Rank-Up-Magic Launch, which I'll now activate!"

"Rank-Up-Magic?" Shima and several people from the bleachers wondered after never hearing about a card like that before.

Using this card and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon as materials, I can Xyz Summon a Monster that is one Rank higher than it! Using Dark Rebellion, I reconstruct the Overlay Network!"

As Dark Rebellion and Phantom Knights Launch turned into streams of energy and absorbed into the galaxy-like portal, both Yuya and Yuto chanted once again.

"Dragon from the bleak, black pit! Fierce, fearless, ferocious fighter! Rise and master the skies! Go, Rank-Up Xyz Evolution! Arise, Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon!"

In front of Yuya was a black dragon, its form radically similar to that of Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon. Golden armor adorned its body and its wings far larger, with stained-glass light flowing in between the segments of its wings.

Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 RNK: 5

Ena's eyes widened. "Another Xyz Dragon?!" she exclaimed in shock. She did not expect to see such a powerful-looking beast to appear before her. As it stood beside Yuya, she could feel a great melancholy radiating from it.

BA-BUMP

Yuji gasped and stiffened as the pressure on his body doubled.

"You sure you're alright, Yuji? You're starting to sweat a bit." Ena said.

"I can assure you that I'm fine," Yuji replied.

"I activate Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon's effect!" Yuya shouted. "Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit from it to reduce a Level 5 or higher Monster's attack to 0 and add the same amount to Dark Requiem's attack until the End Phase! My target is Red Baboon, Sage of the Forest! Do it, Dark Requiem! Requiem Retribution!"

Tendrils of darkness erupted from the orbs placed on Dark Requiem's wings, binding Red Baboon.

Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon: 3 OU→2 OU

Red Baboon ATK 3900→0

Dark Requiem ATK 3000→6900

"6-6900 attack points?" Shima said, even more surprised. "I can take over 6000 damage from that!"

"Battle!" Yuya and Yuto exclaimed together. "Dark Requiem Xyz Dragon, attack and destroy Metal Baboon, Stalwart of the Forest! Dark Destruction!"

As Dark Requiem rose to the sky and prepared to charge at Metal Baboon.

"Not so fast! I play my Trap Card: Trap Hole of Spikes!" Shima announced as he revealed his face-down card. "When a monster you control that was summoned this turn declares an attack, this card not only destroys it but deals you damage equal to half of its original ATK. Meaning you lose, and I win!"

"Afraid not! I detach another one of my dragon's Overlay Units to activate its second effect!" Yuya declared. "Since a card or effect was activated that would destroy a card on the field, I can Special Summon an Xyz Monster from my Graveyard and negate that effect! Revive, Dark Rebellion!"

Following Yuya's words, Dark Rebellion returned to the field, with Dystopiaguy's wind tunnel shutting down.

"You managed to negate my effect and summon your dragon once again!?" Shima said in shock.

"Now continuing from where I left off, Dark Requiem attacks your Metal Baboon! Dark Destruction!'

In a breathtaking display, the majestic black dragon soared into the sky once again, as its wings filled with images reminiscent of stained glass windows, diving back down to the ground and charging at Shima's monster at top speed as it pierced through its torso, destroying it and sending Shima flying off his feet as he let out a cry of pain as he hit the ground and the rest of Life Points hit 0.

Shima: 1600→0 LP

The students watching the duel stare in shock as Yuya's duel disk deactivated and his monsters, along with the duel field, fade away into code. Yuya walks across the field to where Shima was still on the ground and extends his hand. "That was a good duel."

Shima scoffs but takes his hand anyway and hoists himself up. "Yeah, it was. Maybe you're not so bad after all." Some of the students start clapping for the two duelists, and Zuzu walks up to Yukuro with Yuji and Ena walking up behind her.

"That was a great duel Yuya!" Hosoda says as soon as they reach him. "I had no idea that a new student such as yourself would possess incredible dueling skills."

Skye then walks up to the group. "I'm assuming that we're going to see a lot more of you, huh?"

"You bet," Yuya responded. "That was one of the best duels I've had ever since I arrived.

"And it was very entertaining to watch," Zuzu added. "So believe me when I say that Yuya and I will become permanent members of the Den City Duel Club."

Yuji and Ena came up from behind Yuya and gave him a pat on the back and a hand on his shoulder, respectively. "Well, what do you know? You're pretty good after all." Yuji says with a snarky tone.

"Congrats on winning the duel." Ena days in his laidback tone. Yuya chuckles in response after hearing their comments. "Thanks, you two."

Hosoda claps his hands to get everyone's attention, which works, and the group turns to look at him. "OK, so the next time we meet will be tomorrow, at the same time in the club room. Bring your duel disk because we're going into Link VRAINS. Is that understood?"

Everyone responds, "Yes." to his question, except Shima, shocked by his announcement.

"What? But what about the Arbiters?" Shima asked.

"I know it's risky, Shima, but just like the Top 10, we can't be afraid to lend a hand in the face of danger," Hosoda said. "If we wish to become Charisma Duelists one day, then the best way of achieving that dream is by overcoming our fears by facing them head-on.

Shima's expression on his face changed from worried to motivated after hearing Hosoda's speech. "You're right, Mr. President. I can't let my fears get in my way of becoming one of LINK VRAINS's future Charisma Duelists, and the best way to do that is by entering LINK VRAINS as soon as possible.

"That' the spirit, Shima!" Hosoda smiles and starts to walk away. "Alright. Goodbye everyone, see you all tomorrow!" Everyone waves back, and they all start walking to their separate ways back home.

After saying goodbye to everybody, Yuya and Zuzu walked back home together before being stopped by Yuji and Ena.

"Hey, Yuji and Ena. Can we help you with something?" Yuya asked.

"We have a favor we want to ask you," Ena replied.

"A favor?" Zuzu wondered.

"We were wondering if you two could come by our place tomorrow after school if you aren't busy," Yuji said.

Yuya and Zuzu were confused about why they asked them to their place but decided to ignore the fact and accept their invitation.

"Sure. We'll be there," Yuya said.

"See you too again tomorrow at school and after," Zuzu added.

"Goodbye. Have a good night, you two," Ena said.

"See you tomorrow," Yuji added.

"Why do you think they invited us to their place?" Zuzu asked.

"Twi reasons. One they figured out we're Ringmaster and Maestra, or two, they realize we have the same face as each other." Yuya replied.

"So, what do we do now?" Zuzu questioned.

"All we can do now is hope that either one of those guesses isn't true," Yuya said as he and Zuzu continued their walk home.

And that's it for Chapter 11. I hope you guys enjoy it. As you know, the cards in bold are OC. Shoutout to Sakushiryu for the help with the dialogue for Phantom Knights Treasure. Dvdryms for the design. And Haoh Ryu Z-arc for Metal Baboon's design. Always like, favorite, follow, and review, and don't be afraid to send a PM.

Preview: Yuya vs. Specter