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.

12. An Infected Performance

Last time in Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-VRAINS The Circuit Of Smiles, Yuya and Zuzu successfully won their duels and ended becoming a part of the new Top 10. The seven duelists were then transported to a secluded island in LINK VRAINS that held a building known as Charisma Castle them and meeting the other finalists, including their counterparts, they soon found out that SOL Technologies wanted to use their skills and abilities to defend LINK VRAINS from the new threat the disrupted the previous tournament. While some refused to work together, Yuya and Zuzu, Storm Rider, and Sanctum decide to join forces and work together to protect LINK VRAINS.

After informing Kolter about what went down after the tournament, Yuya proposed the idea of having him and Zuzu attend Den City High School as transfer students to not only keep their identities safe but also to be close to their counterparts as well. After being accepted as transfer students, Yuya and Zuzu finally met their counterparts Yuji and Ena and joined the Duel Club. Yuya made a name for himself by showcasing his incredible dueling skills Xyz Summoning Dark Rebellion and ranking it up to Dark Requiem to beat Shima. After the duel, their counterparts suddenly approached them and were invited to meet them at the central plaza after school, causing them to wonder what it could be.

At Kolter's apartment…

Yuya and Zuzu were currently eating dinner while also discussing their interaction with their counterparts earlier.

"I'm still not sure if we should go, Yuya," Zuzu said.

"I understand you're worried, Zuzu, but we have to focus on the positive and not the negative. At least that's what my dad would say," Yuya said.

"You sure like to take your dad's advice and use it to your advantage, huh?" Zuzu asked.

"If it weren't for his advice, I wouldn't be the person and duelist that I am today," Yuya replied.

"I guess your right," Zuzu admitted. "Just please promise me that nothing bad's going to happen tomorrow when we meet with Yuji and Ena."

"I can assure you, Zuzu, everything's going to be fine," Yuya promised.

"Ok. I believe you. It looks like I can relax a bit more." Zuzu said with relief.

"That's what I like to hear!" Yuya exclaimed. "Now, how bout we finish dinner so we can start dessert?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," Zuzu responded.

After finishing their dinner and eating dessert, the two teens cleaned their dishes and washed up as they went straight to bed to get ready for school tomorrow.

At Den Academy...

Yuya and Zuzu were walking down the halls as they headed to their first class of the day. Even though they should focus on school, all they could think about was meeting with their counterparts. As they reached the classroom door, a voice yelled out from behind them.

"Yuya! Zuzu! It's Shima!"

"Oh hey, Shima. What's up?" Yuya asked.

"Just want to remind you guys we have Duel Club today. And the best part is that we get to go into LINK VRAINS. Isn't that great?"

"Oh, sorry to ruin your good mood Shima, but Yuya and I won't be able to attend Duel Club today," Zuzu mentioned.

"What? Are you serious?" Shima asked with an upset tone. "First Yuji and Ena, then Skye, and now you two? Doesn't anyone take Duel Club seriously?"

"I'm pretty sure they do, Shima, but you have to remember that people live outside Duel Club," Yuya stated.

"I guess you're right," Shima admitted. "You two better be at the next meeting."

"We promise we will," Zuzu said.

"Now, if you don't mind, we have to get to class, or else we'll be late," Yuya pointed out.

"Oh shoot! That's right!" Shima exclaimed as he rushed to class. "If I'm late again, my mind will take away my Deck!

"You know, in some weird way, he reminds me of Sylvio," Zuzu stated.

"You're right," Yuya added.

After their interaction with Shima, the two continued walking and finally made it to the Home Economics classroom as they sat down in their chairs, ready to learn.

"Good morning, class!" the teacher said. "Today, you'll have a chance to practice in partners for your assignment. A home cooking project." Yuya and Zuzu had experience cooking and food and working with a partner, especially during the Dimensional War with his Lancer teammates.

"Alright, everybody, time for you to pick apart-"

"Hold on!" A voice yelled, catching the teacher's attention.

The teacher and the entire classroom turned around to see Yuji's voice, panting while Ena stood beside him with an annoyed face.

"Might you explain why you are late, Mr. Sugimuto and Mrs. Yamashiro?" The teacher asked.

I can answer that," Ena said. "After we headed out, Yuji's stopped by at his favorite donut shop since they were having a sale on their donuts for half off even though he'd already had breakfast."

"Then this one guy got mad because I took the last jelly donut, and we ended up dueling for it," Yuji added.

"Even though he won, the guy ended up getting even more furious than before and stole all of Yuji's donuts."

"Angry as I was, I chased him for about three blocks before finally getting my donuts back, which I ended eating."

"And that's why we're late."

"Well, while that story was both complex and interesting, that's still no excuse for being late, the teacher stated. "You both shall make up your tardiness during lunch, understand?"

"Yes, ma'am," The two teens replied.

"Alright. With that, settle, take your seats, and we'll begin our lesson."

Yuji and Ena went to look for a place to sit before stumbling two empty chairs at a table where they noticed Yuya and Zuzu as they then sat down right next to them.

"Didn't expect you two to be here," Yuji said.

"I agree," Zuzu added.

"We can say the same thing about you two," Yuya mentioned.

"Hope you guys know a thing or two about cooking," Ena stated.

"Well, how bout we team up for the assignment and show you our skills?" Zuzu suggested.

"Ok. It's a deal," Yuji said.

With the rest of the students, the four of them headed over to the kitchen with the recipe for buttermilk biscuits in their hands. After putting on their aprons and starting the oven, Zuzu and Ena went to get the measuring cup, tray, and tinfoil while Yuya and Yuji got the ingredients.

"By the way, Yuya, Yuji, and I were wondering where'd and you learn to duel after witnessing your match against Shima the other?" Ena asked as she and Zuzu started to fill the measuring cup and spoons with the correct amount needed to cook the biscuits.

"I learned from both my mom and dad," Yuya answered. "Before I was born, my mom used to be in a duel gang until she met my dad and was amazed by his dueling skills."

"You could say that he stole her heart," Zuzu added.

"No kidding," Ena said.

"After that, she gave up her old life and ended up marrying my father and had me."

"And when you were old enough, they decided to teach you how to duel, right?" Yuji asked.

"Correct," Yuya responded.

"So if you learned dueling from them, does that mean you also learned how to Xyz Summon from them as well?" Ena asked.

"I learned Xyz Summoning as well how to Rank-Up from a guy named Yuto," Yuya replied.

"Fun fact about him, he was a student of Yuya's father," Zuzu pointed out.

"A pro duelist, father, and teacher. Talk about a triple threat," Yuji said.

"After meeting him through my father, Yuto was more than happy to teach me how to Xyz Summon, and as proof of our friendship, he entrusted me with his Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon."

"Sounds to me he was a great friend," Ena stated.

"More than friends. He and Yuya were like brothers," Zuzu mentioned.

"So you guys were close?" Yuji asked.

"We were inseparable," Yuya answered. "But enough about me, how did you and Yuji meet?"

"Guess it's storytime," Ena said with a smile. "I remember it like it was yesterday."

Flashback: 10 years ago, in Den City...

Yuji, who was six years old at the time, was yawning loudly, earning him a smack from his father, who was currently conversing with his old friends, the owners of Yamashiro's Flower Shop, that he was standing in front of right now. He went back to playing his game, bored by the adult talking while being ignored. Seeing his son's rudeness, he snatched his son's game, forbidding him to play until they get back home. Frustrated, the young blue-haired boy kicked his father's foot and went inside the flower shop.

He looked inside the shop with an indifferent face. There's nothing fun in here, only flower, flower, and flowers all over his sight. Concluding that the shop is boring too, he decided to take a stroll around the area while opening his iPad. However, he didn't notice a vase of daisy flowers near the door and bumped to it. In an attempt to prevent the vase from falling, his feet slipped, causing a domino effect to the other flower vases as he failed to catch the vase and instead of crashing place as he fell.

Yuji coughed from the dust and froze when he saw the condition of the shop that became a complete mess. "Oh, I'll be in so much trouble if dad finds out what I did."

CRASH

Yuji turned beside him and saw a girl with short blonde hair looking at the shop in horror. From her eyes, he could tell that she was close to tears. She then turned to him and saw red.

"What have you done to our flowers?!" She asked angrily.

"My bad. I didn't do it on purpose…." Yuji said casually, giving him the impression he didn't care at all.

"Don't "My bad" me! What you did is unspeakable! The flowers…! This…! It's all...!" Yuji seemed to saw steam coming out from the girl's head.

"Geez… It's just a flower. What's even so special about it? You can always replace them. I'll make sure my Dad will pay you all back."

The girl's figure was frozen. The sudden silence of the girl was so eerie that he shuddered. When the girl unleashed electricity around her, he didn't need to ask what she would do. Not wasting any time, he got up and made his escape with the girl following him in tow. In the living room, an older couple were about to discuss their next family meeting when a loud crash interrupted them, and the double doors were slammed open, a small streak of silver passing through it, little feet pounding on the carpeted floor.

"You jerk! Come back here, you insufferable heartless jerk!" The couple could distinctly hear their friends' daughter, Ena's voice hollering in the background, fast feet stomping quickly to where they were. Yuji's father stood up and quickly caught the other boy by the arm, immediately halting the child's steps.

"Woah there," He held his son's arms securely with his own, who was trying to squirm out of the gentle but firm grip. "What have you done this time, Yuji?"

"You're too slow, stupid flower girl!" Yuji called back, yelping as his father smartly rapped him on top of the head.

"I see… At first, I thought it was only me being paranoid lately, but it WAS you the one who caused that loud sound." The silver head said reprovingly to his son. The blue-haired boy sulked, feeling disgruntled at the fact that he was caught so quickly. And there was nothing Yuji could do but wait as his pursuer burst into view, sweating and slightly breathless from chasing him all around the shop. Yukiya's father couldn't help but quirk an amused eyebrow at the couple's bedraggled little girl.

"Why are you running away from Ena?" The girl's mother cocked her head sideways at the young boy. "Did you do something wrong?"

Yuji looked down, unable to meet the adult's curious stare. "U-Um… I…"

"What happened, Ena?" She asked her daughter.

"Well, this boy," Ena approached and pulled on Yuji's ear in emphasis, ignoring the sudden yell of pain, "Destroying all the flowers in our shop and the shop is a mess!"

"It was an accident!" Yuji shot back, wincing at the pressure his ear was getting. "And it's your fault for putting a vase in that spot!"

A vein popped in Ena's forehead. "Flowers have lives too! Just because they cannot speak doesn't mean they are not alive! No matter how small it is, you have to appreciate life!" She wrestled Yuji from his father's grip, pinching and pulling at the boy's cheeks. "Take back what you said before, you stupid! Idiot! Jerk!"

"Make me!" Yuji retorted. He and Ena glared at each other, imaginary sparks igniting between them as they stubbornly tried to make the other back down. Their parents, completely amused now, tried to break them up, unable to stop laughing at the duo as he promised he would take the responsibility.

Flashback End: Present Day…

"You're so horrible, Yuji. Flowers are living beings too." Yuzu said with an angry look on her face.

"Hey! That was long ago! I'm not like that anymore!" Yuji told her.

Ena cleared her throat, trying to stay on the topic as they continued to cook. "Anyway, while we both made a bad impression, we eventually got along well."

"Ena's family has not only a flower shop but also a café," Yuji mentioned. "I started helping her there two years ago."

After their first meeting, Yuji and Ena often got into childish arguments. Still, they became closer to one another after she forced him to take responsibility for cleaning up his mess and teaching him about the consequences of his actions. Before he knew it, he developed a strong liking for her in a way he couldn't describe.

Flashback: Three years ago, at Cafe Yamashiro...

As Ena wound her way among the tables, a breeze rippled through her hair. She wore plain yellow waitress-style kimono that read Café Yamashiro while carrying three plates in both her left and right brought the plates to four men wearing polo shirts; the one closest to her caught her eye and smiled. Though he tried to act as though he was just a friendly guy, she knew he watched her as she walked away. When he tried to reach her, Yuji abruptly put his orders onto their desk and glared at the men that enough to make him changed his mind.

Catching the attention of other guests and seeing this, Ena quickly rushed to the blue-haired boy to calm him down.

"Yuji, please don't do something rash here, especially to our guests!" Ena whispered while apologizing on Yuji's behalf to the men.

"You know very well what he intended to do, right? I've just prevented him from doing something to you." Yuji defended himself.

"I appreciate that, but please don't do it like that, okay?" Ena pleaded.

"…Fine."

"Now, don't give me that kind of face. You won't be able to get a girlfriend if you keep behaving like that." Ena said as she placed her finger on Yuji's forehead, causing him to pout.

"Some girls like bad boys," He replied.

"Whatever."

The two of them went straight back to work. After retrieving a pitcher of sweet tea, she refilled their glasses before returning to the waitress station. She stole a glance at the view. It was late June, the temperature hovering just around the perfect, and blue skies stretched to the district.

"This is a perfect day for working," Ena said.

Café Yamashiro was a café owned by Ena's family located in the 15th District of Den City, where it was one of the strategic districts for business. The café is right beside her family's flower shop, where the guests usually would buy flowers before or after they eat at the café. Since today was the 10th Anniversary of their café, the Yamashiro family held a flower sale and provided special menus for customers. The guests came, and in no time, the place was already crowded with guests, especially Ena's so-called fans from the neighborhood. Knowing that it would be a very busy day, Ena had asked Yuji to help her, and of course, she had promised to pay him.

She started another pot of sweet team, wiping down the station. A moment later, she felt someone tap her on her shoulder. She turned to see a waitress working with her with a pile of dirty plates on her two hands.

"Ena, can you take another table? I'm full right now."

Ena scanned her tables, running the rhythm in her head.

"Sure." She nodded.

The waitress walked down the stairs to the kitchen. From nearby tables, Ena could hear snippets of conversations and gossips. At the table in the corner, she saw two people closed their menus. Ena hustled over and to take their order but didn't linger at the table trying to make small talk. She knew that their attempt to make small talk was to gain her attention so they could hang out with her later on. Ena managed to reject this politely.

She refilled the customer's drinks as she headed to the kitchen. Shiragami, one of the cooks, winked at her as he always did. He's a son of her father's friend who developed a crush on her at first sight when they met a few months ago. He had asked her many times, but like she told everyone, she said no. Knowing that he would try again today and hoped her instincts were wrong.

"I don't think it's going to slow down today, being the day of this place's 10th Anniversary," Shiragami commented. He was blond and slim, perhaps two years older than her. "Every time we think we're getting caught up, we get slammed again."

"It's a beautiful day."

"But why are people here? On a day like today, they should be at the beach or out fishing. Which is what I'll be doing when I finish up here."

"That sounds like a good idea."

"Do you want to join me? Together?" He offered, as she had expected that her instincts were right.

"Thank you, no. I already have plans with my friends after this." Ena declined softly.

"Just canceled it for today," he persisted. "It's better than you have free time for yourself rather than with them all the time."

"Being with my friends is the most relaxing and enjoyable time that I have…along with the person that I like…." The last part was said in a whisper, but Shiragami could hear it as Ena handed him her ticket, and Shiragami pinned it up on the wheel and then located her orders. She carried the order back to her section and dropped it off at a table.

"Why don't you just kick him out?" Yuji asked as he watched Shiragami.

"I can't do that. My father is friends with his father." Ena sighed tiredly.

"By the way, what are you going to do after this?" Yuji asked, looking down at her.

"I'm thinking of just going home and relaxing," Ena replied. "What about you?"

"I heard that the card shop over on 3rd street has some new packs. I was planning on heading down there myself, but if you'd like, you're more than welcome to join me.

"I have been meaning on adding some new cards to my Deck, hoping to expand my skills and create new strategies," Ena stated. "So I'd be happy to join you."

"Great! Then it's a date," Yuji said.

"So don't be late, Ena added with a serene smile.

"Aww. That's such a cute story," Zuzu commented.

"I agree. Your guy's friendship is something you see in a movie," Yuya added.

"That's nice of you to say," Ena said. "Even though we hated each other in the beginning, we have grown to respect one another as friends and individuals."

"We sure have," Yuji added. "Now, I hate to break the touching moment, but if we're done reminiscing, we better get back to the assignment, or else the teacher will be on us."

"Right!" The others replied as they returned to preparing the biscuits.

Several minutes later...

After finishing their assignment and presenting to the class, the four teens ending up getting a good grade before being dismissed by their teacher as they headed to their other classes. After their fourth-period class, the bell rang for lunch as Yuya and Zuzu exited class before their counterparts suddenly caught up.

"Hey Yuji and Ena, aren't you guys supposed to be in detention to make up for being late?" Zuzu asked.

"Sadly yes," Ena replied. But we wanted to remind you guys to meet with us at the central plaza after school."

"Thanks for the reminder, but to be honest, it's been on our mind ever since yesterday evening," Yuya noted.

"Well, great then. See you guys there," Yuji said.

"You too," Zuzu replied before her phone began to ring.

"Who's calling you?" Yuya asked

She checked her phone to see who it was and became happy at the result. "It's Kolter. And it looks like he and his brother's plane just left, and they'll arrive at the hotel later tonight."

"That's great to hear," Yuya said. "After all, he and his brother deserve some quality together since they're both busy with work."

"You said it, Yuya. Now, how about we head on over to the cafeteria. I heard it's Pizza Day." Zuzu mentioned.

"Seriously? Then what are we doing standing here? Let's go!" Yuya declared as he grabbed Zuzu's arm and ran straight to the cafeteria.

LINK VRAINS: Unknown Location….

Varis was currently searching the network to find any trace of Ringmaster but sadly couldn't find anything. He even tried tracing Maestra but couldn't find her as well. Even having no luck, he had very mixed emotions.

He was annoyed because he was very good at covering his tracks to keep him from being caught.

He was happy because he could tell that he would be a very tough opponent and wanted to duel him.

Varis never felt like this before. When he first created the Knights of Hanoi and became their leader, he knew the job would come with great responsibility and power. As his father always told him, "If you can't control it, you'll automatically lose before the game even starts."

Appearing from behind Varis was his subordinate Specter "Master Varis! I come bearing news!"

"What is it, Specter?" He asked.

"I believed I've come up with a plan to find Ringmaster and his associate Maestra."

"I see," Varis simply said. "What exactly would that plan be?"

"Instead of trying to track him, we should have him come to us instead," Specter said. "If you recall, when the Earth Ignis was interested in meeting Playmaker, instead of trying to track him down through the network, he simply just invited him by using the LINK VRAINS's messageboards."

"So you're saying we simply ask Ringmaster to meet with us in LINK Vrains privately." He asked. "He wouldn't be that stupid to accept our invitation, but I assume there's more to your plan."

"Correct. Baira and others learned that SOL Technology's true purpose in rehosting the previously canceled tournament was to have more people on their side to handle the new threat that attacked a while ago," Specter informed him. "While a few of them denied the offer, Ringmaster and Maestra, along with two others who go by the name Storm Rider and Sanctum, accepted. I suggest we challenge Ringmaster to a duel by pretending to be a member of the Arbiters to see whether he proposes as a threat or not."

"Interesting. Wanting to stop the people invading LINK VRAINS and hurting innocent people, there's no way he would refuse," Varis stated. "I'm impressed, Specter, and since you came up with the idea, you'll be the one to duel Ringmaster and collect data on him."

"Thank you for assigning me with this special task Master Varis," Specter said as he bowed. "I promise you that I'll give it my all."

"That won't be necessary," Varis said, confusing Specter. "You'll be using one of the old Hanou Decks instead of your own since I want you to treat this duel as it were a simple test than a serious one."

"I understand, Master Varis," Specter said. "I'll upload the message at once."

"Very well then. You're free to go."

"Yes, sir," Specter said as he logged out of the room, leaving Varis alone.

"I hope you can handle Specter Ringmaster?" Varis sneered. "Because if you can, then you'll be able to provide me with a challenge."

A few hours later...

Yuya and Zuzu sighed as they listened to the teacher's lesson, which was about using the different aspects of Word to write essays, resumes, and reports. Boring. Instead of paying attention to the teacher, they both immediately got out their tablets and logged onto their LINK VRAINS accounts to see if SolTech had sent them anything new about the Arbiters.

"Let's see," Yuya whispered. No. No. And definitely no, he thought, as he swiped his finger across the screen, seeing no new notifications. "You got anything?"

"Same as you. Nothing," Zuzu replied. "But I do see a lot of positive comments about you or, should I say, your avatar Ringmaster on the LINK VRAINS messageboards."

"Really? What do they say?" Yuya asked.

"Mostly about your duel against Seraph being the best thing they've seen in LINK VRAINS ever since the debut of Playmaker," She answered.

"Playmaker?" Yuya wondered. "Who's that?"

"Hold on a sec," Zuzu said as she looked up info on the mysterious duelist. "Says here that he was a big hero in LINK VRAINS who saved everyone from an evil group called the Knights of Hanoi who hunted him down since he possessed special cards known as "Cyberse."

"That's the same type as my Odd-Eyes Cylancer," Yuya mentioned. "Anything else about him?"

"Nothing much except that he disappeared from LINK VRAINS about six months ago and hasn't been seen since."

"Wonder what could have happened to make him leave?" Yuya questioned before receiving a notification from SOL Technologies.

"I got a message from SolTech."

"Did they gather new info regarding the Arbiters?" Zuzu asked.

"Kind of," Yuya answered. "Says here that they noticed a post on the messageboards not long ago about an Arbiter member challenging me, a.k.a. Ringmaster, to a duel."

"Why would they challenge you to a duel through the messageboards?" Zuzu wondered.

"I don't know. But something tells me that this could be a trap," Yuya replied.

"So maybe it'd be best for you not to go," Zuzu suggested.

"I have to show up because If I don't, then they might start attacking LINK VRAINS, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself for being the cause of that."

"Well, if you're going, then I'm going to," Zuzu stated.

"Sorry, Zuzu, but it's only me they want, plus I need you to stay behind and keep an eye on me so if something bad happens."

"Very well. But we should do this after we meet with Yuji and Ena," Zuzu pointed out.

"Agreed," Yuya said. "I'll reply and let them know that I accept their challenge.

"Just promise me that you'll be careful."

"Don't worry. I will."

30 minutes later...

"Now remember everyone, projects are to be finished and turned on Friday!" The teacher announced before she left the classroom.

Yuya and Zuzu gathered their things and stood up from their seats. "I hope my duel tonight won't be so serious that it prevents us from doing the project," Yuya mentioned.

"It's strange to hear you talk about wanting to do your schoolwork," Zuzu said.

"Yuya! Zuzu!"

Yuya and Zuzu raised their eyebrows as they turned around and saw Skye Zaizen.

"Are you guys heading to Duel Club?" Skye asked.

"Afraid not," Zuzu replied.

"Zuzu and I already made plans the other day after our first duel club meeting," Yuya added. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I already informed the President I wasn't going to attend, so I wanted to inform you guys to do the same," She answered.

"Thanks for the heads up. We'll stop by there to let Hosoda know we'll be unable to attend," Zuzu said.

"See you at the next meeting," Yuya added as he and Zuzu left with Skye doing the same.

On the way to Den Academy…

Once Yuya and Zuzu informed President Hosoda that they'd be unable to attend today's Duel Club meeting, they left Den City High and headed straight to the central plaza.

"I want your opinion on something. Do you still believe nothing bad's going to happen once we arrive to meet with Yuji and Ena, or did you just say that to keep me from worrying?" Zuzu asked Yuya as he moved his eye to face him.

"To be honest, the second one," Yuya replied. "Sorry for not being upfront with you in the beginning, but knowing how much you care about me and my safety, I just wanted to keep you calm and not overthink things ."

"Of course, I care about you and your safety," Zuzu laughed, much to the boy's confusion. "You are my friend. We've known each other since we were kids and have been through thick and thin together. Even though I'm a little upset for not telling me the truth, I appreciate that you took my feelings into account."

Before Yuya could say anything else, his phone suddenly went off as he pulled it out and noticed he got a text. "Yuji just texted me and said that he and Ena have already arrived at the plaza and are waiting for us."

"Guess we better hurry and not keep them waiting any longer," Zuzu suggested.

"On it," Yuya responds as he texts Yuji back to let them know that he and Zuzu are on their way.

A few minutes later, at Den City's Central Plaza...

After five minutes of walking, Yuya and Zuzu finally arrived at the central plaza, and they awaited their meeting with their Link Counterparts.

"Well, we made it. Now it's time for us to start searching," Zuzu said."

"There's no need, Zuzu," Yuji said, as he then pointed out in front and saw Yuji and Ena waiting, standing next to Kolter's truck.

"Why is Kolter's van here? I thought he closed down the cafe for the week before he left?" Zuzu asked.

"That's what I thought too," Yuya added as he and Zuzu walked over to meet their counterparts.

"Yuji! Ena!" The two teens shouted, catching the other two's attention.

"Hey, you guys!" Ena exclaimed as she saw them.

"I'm glad you two could make it," Yuji added.

"Well, we did promise you guys we come, and we never break our promises," Yuya stated.

"If you guys don't mind me asking, why exactly did you invite us to meet you here?" Zuzu asked.

"Guess we should explain that," Ena said. "First, did you guys happened to meet a man named Cal Kolter and helped him during the lunch rush?"

"Yes to both, Yuya said. "How do you guys know Kolter?"

"We're employees of his," Yuji replied. "Shortly after you guys left, we arrived at the plaza to start our shift, and he told us about how two people who were new to Den City were nice enough to take the time out of their day to help him out and were amazed by your cooking skills."

"Oh yeah. Kolter did mention to us that he had two employees who went to high school," Zuzu recalled. "Hard to believe that it was you two."

"Right back at you," Ena said.

"So when we first met you two on your first day, we had a slight feeling you were people he was talking about, and that's when we decided to ask you,' Yuji stated.

"Is that also why you asked us if our cooking skills were as good as Kolter said they were?" Yuya asked.

"Correct," Ena answered.

"I hope we didn't make you guys think we were going to confront or accuse you," Yuji mentioned.

"Don't worry about it. That never even crossed our minds," Zuzu said.

"As for Kolter's truck, he asked us to run his business while he's gone, but we don't think we can handle it by ourselves," Ena mentioned.

"So all you needed was our help?" Yuya asked. "You guys could've just asked."

"We know, but we'd promise Kolter we take care of everything until he gets back," Yuji responded.

"Please don't say anything to him," Ena added.

"We can assure you that we won't, Zuzu replied, causing Ena to smile.

"Great! Now, how about we open up and start to fill some stomachs?"

"Right!" The others shouted as they then entered the truck and set up everything before finally opening up.

Meanwhile, deep in LINK VRAINS...

Varis was standing in a dark room, looking at two monitors in front of him. On the left monitor was a video of Maestra's duel against Zekt, a former bounty hunter. Back then, he would've love to have Zekt on his side when leading the Hanoi but ended up getting caught before contacting him as well as focusing his attention on Playmaker.

On the right monitor was the recording of Ringmasters's duel against Seraph. After watching that particular duel, Varis replayed it a few more times to understand how Ringmaster dueled and how he'd obtain the power of Pendulum Summoning. As a result, he found one other thing interesting about him: his ideals. After summoning out his Brave-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, he and Seraph got into an argument about their beliefs regarding dueling. Seraph believes they should be serious, while Ringmaster believes they should be fun. Even though he used to believe duels were always supposed to be taken seriously after his interactions with Playmaker, Soulburner, and Blue Maiden, he's learned that there are times you should duel for fun.

"Master Varis." He turned around and saw Specter materialize behind him. "I've come to inform you that Ringmaster has responded to our invitation and accepted our challenge."

"Perfect," Varis said, gesturing to the right monitor. "After looking through recordings of Ringmaster's latest duel over and over, I've discovered something about him that I've never seen in other duelists."

"And what would that be?" Specter asked.

"His beliefs," Varis replied.

"His beliefs?" Specter wondered.

"In his match against Seraph, he claimed that all dueling's about having fun and entertaining everyone while making smile at the same time."

"Interesting." Specter pondered.

"And even though Seraph tried his hardest to convince Ringmaster that his views on duels being fun were ridiculous while, he refused to accept and listen to Seraph's words and ended up winning the duel," Varis added, "That made me start to believe that he may not be a threat after all."

"So, does that mean you no longer want me to duel him?" Seraph asked

"The opposite," Varis answered. "We've already sent out the invite, and he's already accepted, so it's too late to back out now. While gathering data on his dueling skills, I also want you to try to do the same thing Seraph did and ridicule his beliefs and ideals."

"Understood," Specter said, giving a slight bow as he logged out.

Varis then turned back to the two monitors in front of him. He thought it would be wise to watch any duelists who work with or challenge the Arbiters. After all, the information they provide us gives us more of an advantage over them!

Back at Den City, A few hours later...

Yuya, Zuzu, Yuji, and Ena were lying on the floor of Kolter's truck in exhaustion after dealing with the biggest lunch/dinner rush they've ever experienced.

"Never again," Zuzu said.

"You said it," Yuya added.

"I didn't realize they were going to be so many duels televised in LINK VRAINS today," Ena mentioned.

"I blame Cavalier and Charmcaster," Yuji stated. "Ever since they became a part of the new Top 10, they've frequently been accepting challenge matches from everyone, and it's become a big thing."

"But thank god, they decided to take a break to rest for the next few days, which hopefully will reduce the number of customers," Yuya pointed out.

"I hope your right," Zuzu added. "But how about we close for the night because I can't take or make one more order."

"I'm on it, Ena said as she got up to flip the sign from open to close.

After the four teens got the strength to stand up again, they immediately cleaned up and prepared everything for tomorrow before exiting the truck.

"It may have been a rough day, but at least we made a profit," Yuji noted.

"Hope it doesn't become so serious that Kolter decides to take another vacation," Yuya added, causing the others to laugh.

"Guess we better head home before it gets dark out," Ena pointed out as she and Yuji reentered the truck. "See you guys tomorrow."

"You two as well," Zuzu as the four departed and waved bye to each other as they headed home.

"That wasn't so bad. I can't believe I was worried for nothing," Zuzu mentioned.

"I told you everything would be okay," Yuya stated. "Now that w got that out of the way, what do you say we get down to business dealing with the person who sent me that challenge."

"I say let's go!" Zuzu exclaimed.

At Kolter's apartment…

Yuya and Zuzu were currently in Kolter's room, setting everything up to send Yuya to LINK VRAINS to meet and duel the mysterious person who challenged him.

"Everything powered on and ready?" Yuya asked.

"Yes," Zuzu replied. "I also installed an emergency logout program into your Duel Disk, so if this does end up being a trap, you'll be able to log out with ease instantly."

"Perfect!" Yuya exclaimed. "Anything else I need to know before I go in?"

"Two more things," Zuzu said. "One, I also installed a live feed so, I'll be able to monitor you to make sure you're safe and to send the recorded footage to SolTech And two, I know you promised me earlier, but please assure me that you'll be careful and come back safely."

"Don't worry, Zuzu. Like I said before, I will."

"Glad to hear. If you're ready, you can enter the backroom," Zuzu informed him.

Yuya grabbed his Duel Disk and attached it to his left arm. He then entered the closed-off space and quickly closed it, as he then grabbed his Deck from his belt buckle and placed it into his Duel Disk, and said, "It's time to link into the VRAINS!"

In LINK VRAINS...

The blue sphere appeared around him as Yuya's appearance changed to that of Ringmaster. He emerged from a portal into LINK VRAINS, landing on a rooftop. He looked around for anyone suspicious.

"Alright, Arbiter," Ringmaster said. "I'm here. Just as you wanted."

No response.

"You're just gonna ignore me?" Ringmaster threw his arms up in the air as he signed. "Look. If you're worried about me bringing backup, it's just me and no one else. You feel like coming out now?"

A portal suddenly opened in the sky. An Arbiter member shot out from it and landed in front of Ringmaster.

"So you finally showed up, huh?" Ringmaster asked.

"Wow! I didn't expect you to be so impatient," The Arbiter said. "You come here, making demands, and you think I'll accept them? It turns out you do need disciplining!"

"You're on to talk!" Ringmaster rebutted. "Attacking innocent people and disrupting tournaments. At least when I'm invited for something, I make sure that I'm on time!"

"Still," The Arbiter said, turning away from Ringmaster, "I did make a challenge, and you've accepted it. So the question is, are you ready?" He asked, this time with his head turned towards him.

"If you want a Duel, you've got one," Ringmaster said.

"Excellent. But before we begin, why don't I show you my true self?" The Arbiter said as he laughed, and his avatar peeled away, revealing a man with gray hair and light blue eyes that wore a white suit and white shoes. "I used this Arbiter disguise to lure you out! My name is Specter! And let's just say after witnessing your duel against Seraph, I've become a fan of yours."

Ringmaster raised an eyebrow. "Specter? A fan of mine? What could this guy want with me?" Before he could react, a giant cage appeared, closing off a portion of the city as well as surrounding them.

"What is this?" Ringmaster wondered.

"This program is designed to keep people from logging out and logging in," Specter answered.

"So, In other words, it was like Aster's Duel Chain, only this time he really can't escape even with Kolter's program.

"If you wish to be free of this cage, then you must defeat me," Specter informed him. "But I assure you that I'll prove to be quite the challenge."

"Challenge or not, I still plan on beating you!" Ringmaster declared as he raised his Dusk Disk.

"I'm looking forward to it." Spectre bowed a little before raising his Duel Disk.

"Duel!" They both shouted

Specter: 4000 LP

Ringmaster: 4000 LP

"The first turn's mine!" Specter declared. "I activate the effect of Steelswarm Infector in my hand! By discarding it along with Steelswarm Scout from my Deck to the Graveyard, I'm allowed to add one Level 5 or higher "Steelswarm" monster to my hand. I add Steelswarm Moth from my Deck to my hand.

He did so, then said, "Next, I summon Steelswarm Sting from my hand!"

A black hornet with small yellow wings and arms and legs also materialized onto Specter's field.

Steelswarm Sting ATK: 1850 DEF: 0 LVL: 4

"With that, I end my turn."

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes as he thought to himself. "That's it? Just a monster and no set cards? Something must be up, and I plan to find out what it is. My turn! Draw!"

Ringmaster looked at his card, then added it to his hand and chose a different one. "First, I'm summoning out Performapal Silver Claw!"

A silver wolf with a polka-dotted bowtie with chains hanging off its neck and sharp, silver claws appeared onto Ringmaster's field.

Performapal Silver Claw ATK 1800 DEF 700 LVL: 4 PS: 5

Ringmaster then showed another monster in his hand, "And since I successfully summoned a "Performapal" monster, I can Special Summon Performapal Helpprincess from my hand!"

A purple-haired, pig-tailed princess wearing a royal outfit appeared next to Silver Claw. She had a pink telephone in her right hand, while in the other, she carried a wand with a white glove attached to the end of it.

Performapal Helpprincess ATK 1200 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

Specter watched what happened with interest in his eyes, "My my. You've already summoned two monsters without Pendulum Summoning."

"If you like that, then you're going to hate what's coming next," Ringmaster stated as he pointed at his monsters, "Battle! Performapal Silver Claw attack Steelswarm Sting!" Silver Claw ran straight towards the black wasp as Ringmaster continued, "When Silver Claw attacks, its effect activates! Giving all my "Performapal" monsters 300 ATK until the end of the Battle Phase."

Silver Claw ATK 1800→2100

Helpprincess ATK 1200→1500

The wolf's claw slashed right through the Steelswarm, destroying it as Specter winced in pain.

Specter: 4000→3750 LP

"Now I attack you directly with Helpprincess!"

Helpprincess raised her wand as she slammed Specter hard, causing him to fall to the ground.

Specter: 3750→2250 LP

"Since the Battle Phase is now over, Silver Claw's effect ends as well."

Silver Claw ATK 2100→1800

Helpprincess ATK 1500→1200

Ringmaster grabbed a card and placed it in his duel disk, "I set a card and end my turn."

Specter scowled as he got back up. "As I figured, your Deck can be quite troublesome if used correctly," He stated. "No matter. I'll just overwhelm you with power! My turn! Draw!" He looked at his card, then gestured to the field. "At the start of my Main Phase 1, I can activate the effect of the Steelswarm Scout in my Graveyard! As I control no Spell or Trap Cards, I can Special Summon this monster in Attack Position!"

A little monster with goggles and a helmet appeared, alone on Specter's field.

Steelswarm Scout ATK 200 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"As a consequence of this, I cannot Special Summon this turn," Specter said. "But that doesn't matter because I'm tributing Scout to bring out Steelswarm Moth!"

Scout was replaced by a large black and green monster with moth-like wings and a long tail.

Steelswarm Moth ATK 2400 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"Since Moth was Tribute Summoned using a "Steelswarm" monster, I can pay 1000 Life Points to target two cards you control and return them to your hand." He pointed to both of Ringmaster's monsters. "I target both your Performapal Silver Claw and Helpprincess!" He winced from the electric shock as Ringmaster took the two cards back.

Knights of Hanoi: 2250→1250 LP

Battle!" Specter declared. "Moth, attack Ringmaster directly!" Moth charged at Ringmaster.

"I activate my Trap Card: Draining Shield!" Ringmaster abruptly stated. "This card not only negates your attack, but it also increases my Life Points by Moth's attack points!"

"No, it won't!' Specter stated. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Infestation Pandemic, which has all "lswarm" monsters I control from being affected by your Spells and Traps. Meaning you can't negate my Moth's attack."

"What?" Ringmaster yelled in shock as he got hit by Moth and grunted in pain.

Ringmaster: 4000→1600 LP

"And because of that direct attack, I get to activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Sebek's Blessing!"

Rising from the ground, a large green crocodile appeared wearing a holy white robe and carrying a golden staff with a red jewel.

"With this Spell, I gain Life Points equal to the amount you just lost!"

Sebek struck the ground with his staff, creating a wave of water that washed over Specter, revitalizing some of his Life Points.

Specter: 1250→3650 LP

"Great. It looks like all my work was for nothing," Ringmaster muttered.

"I set one card and end my turn."

"My turn! Draw!" Ringmaster looked at his card and smiled. "You may have rid my field of monsters and depleted more than half of my Life Points, but I'm afraid to say that I'll be ending this duel!"

"Is that so? Well, let's see if you can back that claim, up" Specter said.

"I'd be more than happy too," Ringmaster replied. "I activate the Spell Card: Performapal Cast Change! By shuffling "Performapal" monsters in my hand back into my Deck, I can draw the same amount plus 1! I shuffle back both Perfomapal Silver and Helpprincess that you returned to my hand to draw three cards!"

Shuffling the two cards into the Deck, Ringmaster reverently closed his eyes, silently praying, before drawing three new cards. Opening his eyes, he smiled after seeing the cards he had drawn.

It looks like luck is on my side once again. Ringmaster thought to himself. "I summon out Performapal Skullcrobat Joker!"

Twirling onto Yuya's field, a masked blonde-haired court jester wearing a purple-and-black harlequin and a skull-like patchwork top hat on top of his head bowed before him and Specter.

Performapal Skullcrobat Joker ATK 1800 DEF 700 LVL: 4 PS: 8

''Skullcrobat Joker's effect lets me add 1 "Performapal," "Magician," or "Odd-Eyes" Pendulum monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Performapal Guitartle to my hand!" He then showed the card he added.

"A Pendulum Monster? That could only mean one thing," Specter muttered to himself.

Ringmaster then took two cards from his hand as he held them up. "With Scale 2 Performapal Gongato and Scale 6 Performapal Guitartle, I set the Pendulum Scale! I'm taking control of this duel starting now!"

As Ringmaster set the two cards down, two pillars of light emerged on his side. In the left pillar was a fat cat with a gong for a belly rose into the air in a blue column, joined by a turtle with a guitar for a body in the right. The numbers "2" and "6" appeared beneath Gongat and Guitartle respectfully once they stopped.

Performapal Gongato Scale 2

Performapal Guitartle Scale 6

"Performapal Guitartle's Pendulum effect activates!" Ringmaster declared, pointing at his monster. "If I activated a "Performapal" card in my other Pendulum Zone, I can draw one card!"

Ringmaster drew his card before examining his field once again.

"Now, I can summon monsters between Level 2 through 5 all at the same time." Ringmaster declared. "Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the Arc of Victory!" The giant crystal pendulum swings back and forth behind Gongato and Guitartle. "My monsters are ready to swing into action!"

A portal appears above Ringmaster, and two monsters emerge from it.

"Unite and fight, Performapal Odd-Eyes Fusionist!"

"Reveal the truth, Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit!"

Appearing on Skullcrobat Joker's left and right side were two new Performapals. One was a small, demon-like creature with dichromatic eyes, and the other was a small white rabbit wearing a suit, holding a carrot with a mirror around its face.

Performapal Odd-Eyes Fusionist ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4 PS: 7

Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit ATK 1200 DEF 1200 LVL: 4 PS: 5

"So this is what it feels like to see a Pendulum Summon up close?" Specter pondered. "This summoning technique could be even better than Link Summoning."

"I now activate Odd-Eyes Fusionist's effect!" Ringmaster continued. "He lets me perform a Fusion Summon by using this card and monsters on my field as material. I fuse Performapal Skullcrobat Joker and Odd-Eyes Fusionist!"

Fusionist and Skullcrobat Joker broke apart, burst into purple particles, and swirled into a vortex before spiraling upwards as streams of energy. The streams converged, creating a whirlwind of purple energy.

"Demon with the Dichromatic Eyes! Colorful trickster of acrobatics! Become one and bring the dragonic beast that slashes through all! I Fusion Summon! Come forth, Performapal Odd-Eyes Metal Claw!"

A monster similar to Silver Claw but a lot larger and standing on two feet appeared. The wolf/dragon hybrid had armor that looked exactly like Odd-Eyes with red scales and white horns. The armor also had a blue orb in the middle. The monster had one red and one green eye along with razor-sharp claws. The dragon roared and stood proudly next to Yuya.

Performapal Odd-Eyes Metal Claw ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Back at the apartment, Zuzu had a shocked look on her face after seeing Yuya's new monster. "No way! He has a Fusion Monster that isn't a dragon?!" Zuzu shouted.

Elsewhere…

Deep within LINK VRAINS, a series of voices echoed through a seemingly empty room with a viewing screen in the dead center of it.

"I've detected a high-level amount of Fusion energy along with Pendulum energy."

"Looks like Ringmaster's starting to get serious."

"Hope Specter can handle it."

A series of voices echoed as Dr. Genome, Faust, and Baira materialized in the room as they narrowed their eyes towards the screen.

"I still can't believe that a random duelist just suddenly appeared out of nowhere and introduced a new summoning method," Baira said.

"We may or may not have a new enemy along with the Arbiters," Faust stated with interest. "In the end, this duel will reveal the answer."

"Not only that, but we'll also have collected large amounts of valuable data as well." Dr, Genome said with a chuckle as he held his chin.

"To protect LINK VRAINS, we have to take every advantage we can get to assure that," Baira affirmed.

"Having an advantage against someone doesn't always assure you victory." The three of them turned in the direction of the voice as Varis walked into the room.

"Master Varis. Good to see the both of you." Faust bowed, as well as the other Knights of Hanoi, before turning to Varis. "We currently detected high energy levels of both Fusion and Pendulum from Specter's duel."

"I'm well aware of that," Varis informed them. "What's the status of the duel so far?"

"Specter currently has the lead, but I'm afraid that's about to change," Baira said.

"It better not," Dr. Genome stated with his hand still on his chin. "I want this duel to last long so there'll be a bunch of data."

"Remember Doctor, all that matters we collect data on Ringmaster's skills and abilities, as well as his Pendulum Summoning," Faust informed him.

"Faust is right, but knowing Specter, I'm sure that he'll drag this duel out long enough to make Ringmaster show his true strength," Varis pointed out. "Let's continue watching and see."

"Yes, Master!" The three shouted as they and Varis turned their eyes back to the screen.

Back at Ringmaster's duel...

"Nice monster, Ringmaster! But those two monsters aren't strong enough to finish me off!" Specter told the boy, who responded with a smirk.

"For now, but not for long! Battle! Odd-Eyes Metal Claw, attack Steelswarm Moth!" Ringmaster commanded as his monster charged towards the insect-like creature.

When Metal Claw declares an attack, his effect activates! Granting all monsters on my field 300 ATK!" Ringmaster explained as the blue orb on its armor glowed brightly.

Performapal Odd-Eyes Metal Claw ATK 3000→3300

Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit ATK 1200→1500

"Go, Metal Claw! Spiral Strike Slash!" Ringmaster shouted as his monster's claws were enveloped in a bright red color before slicing through the Steelswarm, causing a minor shockwave that made Specter flinch.

Specter: 3650→2750 LP

"I'll now activate Mirrorabbit's effect to give up his attack to allow Metal Claw to attack again!"

"What?" Specter gasped.

In the apartment, Zuzu narrowed her eyes at the screen. "If Metal Claw's next attack succeeds, Yuya will win," she muttered.

"This will be the end of you! Metal Claw, attack Specter directly!"

After hearing his master's command, Metal charged towards Specter.

"And just like Metal Claw's effect repeats itself, giving my monsters 300 extra ATK!"

Performapal Odd-Eyes Metal Claw ATK 3300→3600

Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit ATK 1500→1800

Specter smirked as he then gestured his hand towards his face-down. "I activate the Trap Card: Pinpoint Guard! Since you declared an attack, I'm allowed to Special Summon one Level 4 or lower monster from my grave in Defense Position and prevent it from being destroyed for the rest of the turn. I bring back Steelswarm Scout!"

A portal appeared on Specter's field, and emerging from it was the little Steelswarm, surrounded by a blue aura, protecting it from harm.

Steelswarm Scout ATK 200 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Ringmaster grit his teeth. "Very well then. At the Battle Phase's end, Metal Claw's effect ends, returning the attack of my "Performapal" monsters to normal."

Performapal Odd-Eyes Metal Claw ATK 3600→3000

Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit ATK 1800→1200

"I set two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Specter said, drawing the top card of his Deck and looking at it. "I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook Inside the Pot, which allows the both of us to draw three cards!" Specter and Ringmaster both drew their cards and added them to their hands.

Specter looked at his current cards and grabbed one of them. "Now, I sacrifice Scout to Tribute Summon Steelswarm Mantis!" Scout disappeared and was replaced by a large insect-like Monster that looked like a giant black mantis with a long tail.

Steelswarm Mantis ATK 2200 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Eww..." Ringmaster said in disgust.

"Next, since I summoned Mantis by sacrificing another "Steelswarm" monster, "I can pay 1000 Life Points to Special Summon another "Steelswarm" from my Graveyard. So I'll summon back the monster you recently destroyed. Return, Steelswarm Moth."

The large black and green monster with moth-like wings and a long tail reappeared alongside Mantis as Specter winced from the electrical shock.

Specter: 2750→1750 LP

Steelswarm Moth ATK 2400 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Solidarity! Since I have only Fiend monsters in my Graveyard, all of my Fiend monsters on the field gain 800 attack points!"

Steelswarm Mantis ATK 2200→3000

Steelswarm Moth ATK 2400→3200

"Now that my monsters are stronger than yours, it's time to get rid of them!" Specter shouted. "Battle! I attack your Mirrorabbit with Steelswarm Moth!"

After receiving its command, Moth screeched very loudly as it charged towards the rabbit-like Performapal.

"You think I'll let that happen!?" Ringmaster shouted, gesturing to his face-down card. "I activate my Trap Card: Baton of the Hero!"

"What?" Specter said, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Thanks to Baton of the Hero's effect, I decide your attack targets," Ringmaster said, smirking. "And I think you know which monster I'm going to have you attack."

Ringmaster's trap flashed, making Steelswarm Moth switch its target from Mirrorrabbit to Metal Claw, destroying it in the process.

Ringmaster: 1600→1400 LP

Specter sneered. "Your turn, Mantis! Attack Miracle Mirrorabbit!"

Both of Manti's antennas charged as they shot lightning bolts at the Performapal.

Ringmaster gritted his teeth a little before retaliating, "I activate the Trap Card: Performance Pirouette! This card allows me to switch a "Performapal" monster's battle position. I switch Miracle Mirrorabbit into Defense Position!"

Mirrorabbit instantly switched from an offensive position to a defensive stance as he held his carrot before being blasted by Mantis's attack.

"You survive yet again," Specter noted. "While impressive, it won't last long. I place two cards face-down and end my turn. If this is the best you have to offer me, then I have no problem finishing you off next turn."

"I can't let that happen," Yuya thought to himself.

"And we're not going to let him!" A voice said, revealing it to be Yuto's who was standing alongside Yugo and Yuri.

"Yuto, Yugo, Yuri?" Yuya muttered.

"Remember, you have all of our powers, so don't be afraid to use them," Yuto said.

"Yuto's right." Yugo agreed. "In both your last duels, you used both Fusion and Xyz, so you might as well use Synchro.

"The point is that you have to show this guy as well as those Arbiter airheads what you're made of," Yuri told him.

Yuya looked at Yuto in surprise, knowing this was true. Yuya responds with a smile. "Thanks, you guys. I needed that. Now let's give Specter the duel of his life!"

"Yeah, that's the spirit!" His three counterparts cheered. Yuya then returned to the real world.

"My turn! Draw!" Ringmaster looked at his card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Cards of Adversity! When you control a Special Summoned monster, and I don't control any, I can draw two cards!" He looked at the cards he drew and smiled.

Ringmaster then looked at his hand with a small smile, "It's finally time. Time to show everyone what I'm made of."

Ringmaster grabbed a card in his hand, "First, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Double Cyclone! I destroy one of my Spell or Trap Cards to destroy one of yours!"

"Sorry to burst your bubble, Ringmaster, but last I check, you have no Spells or Traps." Specter pointed out.

"Think again. Pendulum Cards are treated as Spells when in the Pendulum Zone." He informed him.

"What?" Specter gasped.

"I destroy Performapal Guitartle to destroy your Solidarity!"

Specter braced himself as both the cards shattered.

"With Solidarity gone, your monster's attack points return to normal."

Steelswarm Mantis ATK 3000→2200

Steelswarm Moth ATK 3200→2400

"Next, by discarding Initiate Magician from my hand, I'm allowed to activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Call! This card permits me to add two "Magician" Pendulum Monsters from my Deck to my hand. I add Xiansheng Magician and Harmonizing Magician!" He stated as he showed the cards he just added.

"Next, I activate Initiate Magician's effect, letting me add another "Magician" monster to my hand because I sent it to the Graveyard. I add Precision Magician to my hand!"

A spectral image of a small child dressed as a mage holding a miniature wand and book appeared in front of Ringmaster as it flew into his Deck, causing a card to slide out.

"Lastly, I'll reset my Pendulum with Scale 8 Xiansheng Magician!" In the opposing Pendulum Zone was a woman dressed in white and light red robes wielding a bow and arrow.

Xiansheng Magician Scale 8

"I'm assuming you're about to Pendulum Summon?" Specter asked.

"Correct," Ringmaster answered. "Now that I have everything I need, I'll use the Pendulum Scale to summon monsters with levels 3 through 7 all the same time. Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the Arc of Victory! My monsters are ready to swing into action!"

A portal appeared above Ringmaster as three beams of light emerged from it.

"Work your magic, Precision Magician!"

"Get kickin, Performapal Secondonkey!"

"Bring and create peace, Harmonizing Magician!"

Emerging from the portal was a small brown donkey with a red and orange bow tie and a blue saddle with a yellow star, accompanied by a young blue-haired male magician dressed in a dark robe with a collar around the neck carrying a wooden staff and a little child dressed in white robes and holding an oddly-shaped wand.

Precision Magician ATK 1500 DEF 1800 LVL: 4 PS: 6

Performapal Secondonkey ATK 1000 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

Harmonizing Magician ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4 PS: 8

"Harmonizing Magician..." Zuzu looked at the monster through the monitor as it smiled cheerfully. "Tuning Magician evolved into a Pendulum Monster. Yuya is continuing to become stronger and more spectacular. Continuing to amaze me with his Dueltaining."

Ringmaster held out his hand. "Precision Magician's effect activates! When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a "Magician" Pendulum Monster from my Deck to my hand, but since it was Pendulum Summoned, I can add two for the price of one.

"Seriously?" Specter said.

"I add Fruit Magician and Null Magician to my hand!" Ringmaster stated as two cards popped out of his Duel Disk before adding them to his hand.

"Now for our second act! Secondonkey's effect activates! Since it was Special Summoned, I can send one "Performapal" monster from my Deck to my Graveyard, but since there are two cards in my Pendulum Zones, I can add it to my hand instead. I add Performapal Card Canard!"

"He's preparing for something. I know it." Specter thought to himself.

"And for the grand finale, Harmonizing Magician!" The little magician smiled and cheered as she waved her wand around. "Since she was Pendulum Summoned from the hand, I can Special Summon a Magician Pendulum monster from my Deck in Defence Position, with its effects negated, and the condition that it is banished when it leaves the field! Join us on stage! Dragonpulse Magician!"

Next to Harmonizing Magician was a young magician, wearing a white cape similar to Yuya's jacket. In his hand, he carried a long double-sided bow-like sword, and his long braided ponytail whipped around as he slashed the air with his weapon.

Dragonpulse Magician ATK 1800 DEF 900 LVL: 4 PS: 1

"Next, since I have a "Performapal" on my field monster, I can Special Summon Card Canard from my hand!"

Flapping a set of six card wings, a yellow bird wearing a pair of glasses and a top hat appeared alongside Secondonkey.

Performapal Card Canard ATK 800 DEF 1600 LVL: 4 PS: 3

"Now it's time for me to entertain my circuit!" Ringmaster declared, pointing upwards as his hand glowed blue as the Link portal appeared above him.

"So he's going to Link Summon this time?" Specter said.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions require two "Performapal" monsters. I'm setting Secondonkey and Card Canard in the Link Arrows!" Both his monsters became streams of energy as they entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Making its grand debut is the showstopping Link 2 Performapal Linkipede!"

Ringmaster's new Link Monster was a large-sized purple polka-dotted centipede with a blue bowtie and a white top hat.

Performapal Linkipede ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"He did it! I knew he could!" Zuzu cheered.

"So Specter, how do you like my new Link Monster?" Ringmaster smirked.

"Very impressive, I must admit," Specter replied. "I wasn't aware that you other Link Monsters besides Cylancer.

"Well, better believe it!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "But I never would have Linkipede it wasn't thanks to Kolter."

Flashback: Four days ago...

"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.

"Before you guys leave, there's one thing I do need from the both of you," Kolter stated.

"What do you need from us?" Yuya asked.

"I need your Deck," Kolter replied.

"Our Decks? Why?" Zuzu asked.

"I notice that in both your duels, you guys used Fusion Monsters, but Yuya did the unexpected and summoned a Link Monster," Kolter answered her. "So that gave me the idea to create more Link Monsters for you two to use in LINK VRAINS based on your Deck's archetype.

"You can do that?" Yuya asked.

"Sure can. " Kolter replied.

"Thanks Kolter," Zuzu said. "With access to Link Monsters, we'll become even stronger than before.

"Sounds like to me Zuzu's on board. How about you, Yuya?"

"If Zuzu's in, then I'm in as well," Yuya replied as he and Zuzu took out their Decks and handed them to Kolter.

"I can probably create the cards while making your transfer papers at the same time," Kolter noted.

"That's great. The sooner, the better," Yuya said.

"We can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us, Kolter. We both appreciate it." Zuzu said as she and Yuya left the van and headed inside the apartment.

Flashback End: Present Day...

"This one's for you, Kolter," Ringmaster said as he returned to the duel. "Since Linkipede was successfully Link Summoned, its ability lets me choose a "Performapal" in my Deck and add it to my Extra Deck," Ringmaster explained as a card slips out of his Deck. "I select Performapal Odd-Eyes Scribe!" He places the card in the Extra Deck.

"Something tells you aren't done with your move," Specter stated.

"You're right! Because now I tune Harmonizing Magician with Dragonpulse Magician!" Ringmaster shouted as he pointed to the sky. Both his monsters dematerialized into data that flowed into multiple rings. The number 4 appeared on both digital platforms and then combined into 8.

"Fusion...then Link...now Synchro...!" Specter uttered in amazement.

"Hero's blade that sets forth unyielding light! Here and now, along with a flash, awaken! I Synchro Summon! Welcome to the battlefield, Enlightenment Paladin!"

Emerging onto the field was a man with red eyes and brown hair and wore white, black, and gold armor. Two white and red capes extended from his shoulders and waist, and two curved blades rested in his hands. A white mask covered his mouth and nose, and atop his hair, he wore a black, white, and gold hat.

Enlightenment Paladin ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Enlightenment Paladin..." Specter muttered as he stared at the Synchro Monster.

"Awesome, Yuya!" Zuzu cheered.

"Enlightenment Paladin's effect activates!" Ringmaster said. "When it is Synchro Summoned using a "Magician" monster as material, I can add a Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand!" The Synchro attached its blades as they gave off a golden glow.

"I add Cards of Adversity back to my hand!" He declared, taking the spell from his Graveyard and placing it into his hand before grabbing another card.

"When I have a "Performapal" monster on my field, I can Special Summon Fruit Magician from my hand!" Yuya summoned a female magician with long platinum blonde hair and white skin while wearing an eclectic mix of strawberry red and blueberry blue clothing with hints of lavender.

Fruit Magician ATK 1800 DEF 2000 LVL: 7 PS: 6

"When Fruit Magician is Special Summoned by this effect, I can draw one card." He explained as he drew his card.

"But I don't plan on stopping there! I activate Xiangsheng Magician's Pendulum Effect! I'm taking aim and my game to the next level!"

Xiansheng Magician fired its arrow in between the space of the two magicians, covering them both in a red and purple colored light. "Now Fruit Magician's Level becomes the same as Precision Magician!"

Fruit Magician LVL: 7→4

Specter narrowed his eyes at them, "Two Level 4 monsters...Don't tell me…."

Ringmaster smiled and pointed at his monsters, "I now overlay my Level 4 Dragonpulse Magician and Fruit Magician!" ''With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!''

Ringmaster waved his arms before a spark of blue electricity shot out of his duel disk and into the air. The spark exploded and turned into a blue X in the sky. The two magicians turned into blue particles that flew into the X, causing it to glow vibrantly.

"Looks like I was right," Specter shouted.

The blue X shot beams of light from each of its four corners, causing a blue cybernetic overlay network to appear. The particles of the two monsters inside the overlay network merged, causing a monster to manifest.

"Magician that oversees the hours of the stars! Descend and guide me down the path to a new future! I Xyz Summon! Come forth, Rank 4! Timestar Magician!"

Emerging out of the Overlay Network was a new magician that looks like the combined form of Stargazer Magician and Timegazer Magician. He had long brown hair, wore a long blue and white conical hat with a blue metal brim at the front, and had a long white and blue cape hanging from his back. He held a long golden gear-like blade, and in his right hand, he had a long dark staff with an ornate blade at the top and a large clear transparent wheel with gold trim attached to the center.

Timestar Magician ATK 2400 DEF 1200 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"That Monster looks like Yuya's Magicians," Zuzu noted the resemblance between Timestar with Yuya's Stargazer and Timegazer.

Watching from deep within the network, Varis and the Knights narrowed their eyes at Ringmaster's monsters.

Dr. Genome narrowed his eyes a little, "So he can even use Synchro and Xyz Monsters…."

Faust was almost at a loss for words, "T-That guy is something else…."

Baira was shocked, "Amazing...Three different Summoning methods at once…."

Varis agreed, "He did Link, Synchro, and Xyz Summoning...all in one turn."

"Back at Ringmaster's duel…

Specter was still standing in awe after witnessing Ringmaster's last few moves, "Amazing! Just amazing! Not only are you capable of Pendulum, Link, and Fusion Summoning, but Synchro and Xyz too. You were holding back in your duels." He then looked at Ringmaster curiously, "But for what reason could you possibly have to hold back in a duel?" He narrowed his eyes seriously, "It might be your kindness as you might be reluctant to defeat your opponent, but that's naive thinking."

Yuya just looked at the ground, "Well...part of that is the reason. But also, I do it for the fun of the duel."

Specter raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "For fun?"

Yuya then closed his eyes with a smile on his face, "Maybe it is naive for me to think that way, but it is who I am. Sure, I want to get stronger, but I mostly want to duel for its fun and make people happy while dueling it."

After hearing Ringmaster's response, Specter smiled and held his hand out towards him. "If that's the case, then show me your style of dueling to see if you can beat me or not."

"Fine then!" Ringmaster exclaimed as he pointed at his monsters, "Battle! I attack Steelswarm Mantis with Timestar Magician! Dimension Distortion!"

Timestar pointed its staff toward Mantis; a magic circle appeared on the tip of it and unleashed a blue blast at the Steelwarm, destroying it.

Specter: 1750→1350 LP

"Next, Enlightenment Paladin will attack Steelswarm Moth! Ascension Blade Slash!"

The swordsman combined the handles of its two blades, creating one double-edged weapon. He flew towards Moth while spinning his weapon for slashing the insectoid down the middle, causing it to roar in pain. The creature burst into particles, causing a huge explosion that sent Specter skidding backwards.

Specter: 1350→1150 LP

"At this moment, Enlightenment Paladin's effect activates!" Yuya declared. "Since it destroyed an opponent's Monster, I can inflict damage to you equal to that Monster's attack! Take this! Enlightened Spirit!"

Enlightenment Paladin crossed its swords before it, unleashing a wave of energy towards Specter.

"I activate the Trap Card: Life Regeneration!" Specter exclaimed as he revealed his face-down. "When an effect that would deal me effect damage is activated, I gain Life Points equal to that damage instead!"

"What?" Ringmaster gasped

Before Enlightenment Paladin's energy wave struck, a golden barrier formed around Specter's field. Once the blast had made contact, its color turned into pink sparkles that rained down on Specter.

Specter: 1150→3550 LP

Ringmaster gritted her teeth upon seeing this before he changed his expression into a natural one. "My turn isn't over yet! Linkipede, attack Specter directly!"

After attaining its command, Linkipede lunged its body at Specter as it slammed him with its tail.

Specter: 3550→2350 LP

Zuzu looked excited after seeing Yuya's last attack, "Alright! Yuya got rid of all of Specter's monsters!"

Ringmaster then pointed at Timestar Magician. I activate Timestar Magician's monster effect. Using an Overlay Unit, I can add one DARK Spellcaster-type monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Life Magician to my hand." Yuya added another magician to his hand by using Timestar's effect.

Timestar Magician: 2 OU→1 OU

"I end my turn with that."

Specter grits his teeth. "You are strong. Far stronger than I anticipated. But I have a job to do. I will defeat you and complete my mission! My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, which lets me draw until I have five cards in my hand. But during my fifth Standby Phase after activating this card, I must send my entire hand to the Graveyard."

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes. "What an annoying card."

Specter drew four cards, looked at them, then took one. "I activate the Trap Card Infestation Ripples! By paying 500 Life Points, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Steelswarm" monster from my Graveyard! Return, Steelswarm Infector!"

A hideous, round-shaped monster composed of pulsing brown flesh appeared on Specter's field as he received a slight electrical shock.

Specter: 2350→1850 LP

Steelswarm Infector ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Now, I tribute Infector to Tribute Summon Steelswarm Girastag!"

Infector disappeared, and a giant black and orange monster with a cannon for an arm and one at the end of its tail took its place.

Steelswarm Girastag ATK 2600 DEF 0 LVL: 7

"That's a Level 7 monster!" Ringmaster stated. "You need two tributes to Tribute Summon that monster!"

"That's not the case for Girastag!" Specter replied. "Girastag can be Tribute Summoned by tributing one "Steelswarm" monster. And since I used Infector to Tribute Summon Girastag, its effect activates, letting me banish up to three "Steelswarm" monsters from my grave and treat them as tributes to summon a Level or higher "Steelswarm" monster!"

"What?!" Ringmaster gasped in shock.

"You heard me," Specter said. "Using Infector's effect, I banish both Steelswarm Sting and Scout to summon out Steelswarm Longhorn!"

Appearing alongside Girastag was a massive black and grey humanoid beetle monster with large wings.

Steelswarm Longhorn ATK 3000 DEF 0 LVL: 9

"3000 attack points just like that," Ringmaster muttered.

"And now it's Girastag's turn!" Specter proclaimed. "If Girastag is Tribute Summoned using a "Steelswarm" monster, I can target one card you control, send it to the Graveyard, and gain 1000 Life Points. Say goodbye to your Enlightenment Paladin!"

Paladin disintegrated as Ringmaster scowled.

Specter: 1850→2850 LP

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Premature Burial! With this card, by paying 800 LP, I can Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position and equip this card to it! Return, Steelswarm Moth!"

After receiving another electrical shock, Moth appeared back next to Specter's field.

Specter: 2850→2050 LP

Steelswarm Moth ATK 2400 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"But I'm not done yet! I activate Longhorn's effect! Because Longhorn was Tribute Summoned, once per turn by paying 1000 Life Points, I can target and destroy one monster on the field," Specter explained with an evil grin. "And I choose to your Timestar Magician!"

Longhorn bellowed as black sparks of electricity coursed around its antenna before being blasted across the field and crashing into the Xyz Monster, destroying it while Specter received another electrical shock.

Specter: 2050→1050 LP

"Now that your irksome cards are gone, it's time to get rid of you!" Specter shouted. "Girastag, attack Performapal Linkipede and end this duel!" Girastag charged the blaster in its right hand and fired at Linkipede, destroying it and enveloping Ringmaster's field in a cloud of smoke.

Back at Kolter's apartment...

"No! Yuya!" Zuzu shouted.

Deep within LINK VRAINS…

"Looks like Specter won," Faust said.

"It's a shame that Ringmaster lost. I was hoping to get more data on him," Dr. Genome added.

"Guess he isn't, is as strong as we thought he was, huh, Master Varis," Baira stated as she turned to Varis who eyes were stilled glue to the screen.

Back at Ringmaster's duel...

as Specter watched with joy in his eyes to see Ringmaster's field still covered in smoke. "I must admit, I'm sorry it had to end like this. But like I said before, I was given a task and made it my sworn duty to complete it. Maybe one day we can duel again, and things may turn out differently."

"Or maybe we can continue this duel?" A voice said, catching Specter's attention.

"What?" Specter said before the cloud of smoke died down, revealing Ringmaster to be still standing

"Impossible! How did you survive my attack?" Specter asked.

"I activated the effect of Life Magician in my hand," Ringmaster informed him. "Whenever I take damage, I can Special Summon this card and reduce that damage to 0. Come, Life Magician in defense mode!"

A child-like magician dressed in white robes and holding a staff with a large cross on its tip appeared on the field.

Life Magician ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 3 PS: 4

"That was the card you added to your hand through Timestar's effect," Specter remembered. "Well, play, Ringmaster."

"Furthermore, thanks to Life Magician's effect, my Life Points increase by the same amount of damage I would have taken," Ringmaster stated. As such, I gain a total of 1400 Life Points. Savior Radiance!"

Life Magician's staff shined a brilliant light that enveloped Ringmaster's body, giving him a sacred appearance for a moment.

Ringmaster: 1400→2800 LP

"To think that you would recover your Life Points by using a card effect," Specter muttered. "In any case, Steelswarm Moh will attack your Life Magician! "

Moth charged towards Life Magician and easily slashed it to pieces with its large claws.

"Now, Steelswarm Longhorn will attack you directly and end this duel!"

Longhorn bellowed as it rushed across the field before throwing one of its pincers towards Ringmaster.

Ringmaster gritted his teeth and gestured to his field. "I activate Gongato's Pendulum Effect!" he declared. "Once per turn, if I control no monsters, I can reduce the damage from an attack to 0!" Gongato hit its chest with its mallets, creating soundwaves that tore through Longhorn's attack.

"You got lucky once again, but I know that luck doesn't last forever," Specter said, taking a card from his hand. " I set two cards face-down and end my turn."

Ringmaster placed his fingers on his Deck, "My turn, draw!" He held a card up in his hand, "I'll activate the Spell Card: Cards of Adversity once again to draw two cards since you control a Special Summoned monster while I control none!" He drew his cards before looking at them and smiled.

Ringmaster grabbed a card in his hand, "Next, I summon Performapal Trampolynx!"

A red-striped purple cat whose upper body was a literal trampoline while wearing a top hat appeared.

Ringmaster then pointed upwards, "I activate Trampolynx's effect! When this feline takes to the field, I'm allowed to return one card on my field to my hand. And the card I choose to return is Performapal Gongato!" Gongato left the field as Ringmaster added it back to his hand as a result.

"Wait. But Gongato was part of the Pendulum," Faust pointed out.

"So what happens now?" Dr. Genome and Baira both wondered while Varis remained silent and continued watching the duel.

"Now, because Gongato left, I get to replace him with another monster of my choosing." Ringmaster said with a smile before grabbing a card from his hand. "And I choose the Scale 3 Xiangke Magician, which I'll now use to rest the Pendulum Scale. I'm taking control of this duel starting now!"

Rising in the opposing pillar of light was a magician draped in white and blue, wielding a double-bladed sword with a shield connecting the two blades.

Xiangke Magician Scale 3

"I can now summon monsters between Levels 4 and 7 at the same time!" He declared. "Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the Arc of Victory! My monsters are ready to swing into action!"

A portal opened between the two pillars, and coming out of it were two streaks of light.

"Balance things out, Performapal Tightrope Walker!"

"And turn up the heat, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Emerging from the light was a monster holding a balance pole in its hand while walking on top of a thin wire alongside a dragon with dichromatic eyes.

Performapal Tightrope Walker ATK 1500 DEF 900 LVL: 4

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7 PS: 4

"So he finally brought his ace," Specter muttered.

"I activate Tightrope Walker's effect." Ringmaster stated as Tightrope Walker through its balance rod high up into their before being caught by Odd-Eyes mouth. Once then, both Walker and Trampolynx hopped on each side of the balance rod. "Once per turn, I can select two "Performapal" monsters on the field and make the Level of one of them equal to the other's Level. I choose to give my Trampolynx Tightrope Walker's Level of 4!"

Performapal Trampolynx LVL: 2→4

"He once again has two monsters of the same Level," Specter noticed. "He's planning to Xyz Summon."

"With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Ringmaster declared.

The digital blue cross with four red dots in its corners came down again and dissolved the two Performapals into green and orange particles. The particles flowed into two of the red dots, making a red circle appear beneath the cross. The ends of the cross fired blue beams into the sky, converging on a point and creating a galaxy that exploded with energy.

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

Yuya/Yuto's dragon emerges from the sphere with a roar, its two Overlay Units orbiting around it.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"Next, I activate Xiangke Magician's Pendulum Effect!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "Once per turn, I can choose an Xyz monster on my field and give it a Level equal to its Rank!

Specter's eyes widened after hearing Ringmaster. "Say what?!"

"You heard me. Go, Xiangke Magician! Level Evolution!"

Xiangke Magician held out his weapon and enchanted a magical decagram star which unleashes three pulses of light that combine and infuse Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon as it gains a Level.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon RNK: 4→LVL: 4

The turn has stunned not only Specter but the Knights too.

"Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon is now a level 4?" The Knights gasped.

"He gave an Xyz monster a level?" Varis inquired.

"The stage is almost set," Ringmaster said as he pressed on with his next move. "I activate Xiangsheng Magician's Pendulum Effect! By targeting Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon, I bestow the selected monster with a level equal to that of another monster!"

The xiangsheng sorcerer fires a magical arrow down to impact the space between Odd-Eyes Pendulum and Dark Rebellion.

"I give Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon's level the same as Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's level 7!" The arrow created a big cosmic explosion that effectively changed Dark Rebeliion's Level.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon LVL: 4→7

"Two Level 7 monsters?" Varis breathed. The way Ringmaster gave Dark Rebellion a Level and changing it to the same as Odd-Eyes Pendulum's tells him something is coming. Something big and something powerful.

"I Overlay the Level 7 Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to build the Overlay Network!" Ringmaster declared.

The digital blue cross with four red dots in its corners appeared for the third time and dissolved the two dragons into purple particles. The particles flowed into two of the red dots, making a red circle appear beneath the cross. The ends of the cross fired blue beams into the sky, converging on a point and creating a galaxy that exploded with energy.

"Dragon with blazing, raging eyes! Come and conquer all that stands against you! I Xyz Summon! Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon!"

The dragon that emerged from the depths of the galaxy portal is the most astonishing thing that Specter, the Knights, and Varis have ever seen. They were astounded to see that Ringmaster has hybridized Odd-Eyes and Dark Rebellion. The dragon is big with everything that characterizes Dark Rebellion and Odd-Eyes Pendulum: the red and green heterochromia eyes, the purple scales, the red glowing lines, and the long purple tail. The difference is that the backbone wings are bulky, shaped like a ball with plates covering the front and back, followed by two larger wing plates.

Specter has no words to describe what a mighty dragon that Ringmaster has brought out. "A Pendulum-Xyz monster," he uttered. "But that's not possible." He couldn't believe his eyes.

"Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon…" Zuzu muttered. "Specter's in serious trouble now."

"At this moment, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon's effect activates!" Ringmaster declared. "When this card is Xyz Summoned by using an Xyz Monster that was treated as a Level 7 Monster as material, I can destroy all Level 7 or lower Monsters you control and inflict damage equal to the sum of their ATK! Overlord Howling!"

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon let out a resounding howl as three black lightning bolts descended from the sky, destroying both Moth and Girastag before heading straight for Specter.

"If you think that's enough to take me down, think again!" Specter shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Dodge Roll! One instance of damage becomes 0!" A barrier formed around Specter, shielding him from Rebellion Dragon's effect.

"A pity," Specter said. "But you failed to defeat me. And on my next turn, I'll win."

"Are you sure about that?"

Specter's eyes widened as Ringmaster gestured to his field. "By using an Overlay Unit, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon can attack as many times equal to the number of monsters it destroyed this turn!"

"You destroyed two of my monsters, so that means your dragon can attack twice," Specter noted. "But both our monsters have the same ATK, so they'll both be destroyed."

"Not until I equip Rebellion Dragon with the Equip Spell Card: United We Stand!" A fiery aura surrounded Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon as Ringmaster continued, "Now Rebellion Dragon gains 800 attack and defense points for every monster I control."

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3000→3800 DEF 2500→3300 RNKL: 7

"Now his dragon's attack points are higher than Longhorn's," Specter stated.

"Battle! Go, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, attack Steelswarm Longhorn! Sweeping Static Strike!" The dragon roared as its mechanized wings shot out six blades of purple electrical energy. The dragon's two fangs glowed bright purple as the dragon flew close to the ground. As the dragon flew, the glowing fangs ripped through the ground creating a trail of destruction before piercing through the Steelswarm Longhorn cried out as it exploded, as did Specter when he was thrown back from the force of Rebellion Dragon's attack.

Specter: 1000→250 LP

"Go, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon! Attack once more!" Ringmaster commanded as his dragon flew upwards. The dragon's purple blades protruding from its wings glowed even brighter, causing gigantic purple wings to form on the dragon. "Go, Sweeping Static Strike!"

As the black dragon's eyes glowed, the dragon roared as it charged powerful electricity in its mouth. The dragon fired a gigantic purple blast of electric energy at Specter.

"I activate the Trap Card: Defense Draw!" Specter declared as he activated his face-down. "Not only does this card saves me from losing, but it also lets me draw a card as well."

A transparent barrier formed around Specter, shielding him from Rebellion Dragon's blast before drawing a card.

"Guess I have no choice but to end my turn," Ringmaster said.

"My turn! Draw!" Specter looked at his card and smiled. First, I set a card face-down and activate the Spell Card: Altar of Restoration! By banishing the top two cards of my Deck, I'm allowed to add any card I want from my grave back to my hand. The card I choose to return is Card of Demise!"

After banishing the top two cards of his Deck, the Spell emerged from his Graveyard as he added it to his hand.

"I'll activate Card of Demise so that I can draw five new cards! Next, since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Steelswarm Cell!"

A black beetle appeared with a symbol on its back.

Steelswarm Cell ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"At this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Inferno Reckless Summon. When a monster with 1500 or less attack is Special Summoned to my field, I can Special Summon all monsters with the same name from my hand, Deck or Graveyard!"

Two more copies of Cell appeared on the field.

Steelswarm Cell ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

And now I'll bring out a monster who can only be Tribute Summoned by Tributing three "Steelswarm" monsters. I Tribute my three Steelswarm Cells to Tribute Summon Steelswarm Hercules!"

A massive black and golden monster appeared as all three copies of Cell disappeared. It reminded Ringmaster of a beetle.

Steelswarm Hercules ATK 3200 DEF 0 LVL: 10

"A Level 10 monster!" Zuzu shouted. "Yuya may be in trouble now!"

"Before I attack, let's even things up," Specter said. "I activate the card I set earlier. The Equip Spell Card: Cursed Bill! I equip this card to your Rebellion Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon gained a purple aura as Ringmaster glared at Specter.

"What have you done to my monster? Explain yourself!" Ringmaster exclaimed.

"You'll see soon," Specter sneered. He then gestured to Hercules. "Steelswarm Hercules's monster effect! Once per turn, I can pay half my Life Points to destroy all other cards on the field!" Ringmaster's and Zuzu's eyes widened on hearing that.

"Go, Hercules! Destroy everything!" Hercules let loose a sonic wave that made every card on the field – Cursed Bill, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, United We Stand, Xiangke Magician, and Xiansheng Magician – disintegrated. Specter winced somewhat as his Life Points were halved, but he maintained his sneer of disdain.

Specter: 250→125 LP

"Now it's time for payback," Specter said. "When the monster equipped with Cursed Bill is destroyed, and Cursed Bill is sent to the Graveyard, that monster's controller takes damage equal to that monster's original defense points!"

"What?" Ringmaster said, his eyes widening again.

"Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon had 2500 defense points," Specter reminded him. "So you take 2500 points of damage!" Cursed Bill reappeared and blasted Ringmaster with dark energy, making him yell with pain as he fell to his knees.

Ringmaster: 2800→300 LP

"Now Yuya has no cards on his field to protect himself with," Zuzu commented. She wanted to log into LINK VRAINS to help Yuya, but because of that cage, she couldn't. All she can do now is hope that Yuya has some plan.

"Because you destroyed Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, I can now use its effect to place it into the Pendulum Zone!"

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon reappeared and rose into the left Pendulum Scale.

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon Scale 4

"Even if you brought back your monster, it still can't protect you," Specter pointed out. "Battle! Steelswarm Hercules, attack Ringmaster directly and end this duel!"

Steelswarm Hercules gathered dark energy in its hands and fired it at Ringmaster. Before it hit-.

"You think I'll let you do that!? I activate the effect of the Null Magician in my hand!" Ringmaster declared. "By banishing this card, I can reduce one instance of damage to 0!"

"What?" Specter said, surprised as a hazy barrier appeared around Ringmaster, protecting him from Hercules's attack.

"It looks like you won't be defeating me this turn," Ringmaster said.

"This isn't over!" Specter growled. "I equip Hercules with the Equip Spell Card: Power Converter!"

A big machine appeared and was equipped onto the Steelswarm's back.

"I set one card and trigger Power Converter's ability!" Specter shouted. "By sending it to the Graveyard, all of Hercules's attack points are added to my Life Points."

Specter: 125→3125 LP

Steelswarm Hercules ATK 3000→0

"Now it's going to be more of a challenge to beat him," Ringmaster muttered.

"I end my turn, meaning Hercules attack points return to normal," Specter said.

Steelswarm Hercules ATK 0→3000

"Now, hurry up and draw your next card. I would rather finish this match sooner rather than later."

"Hoh, you seem to think you've already won here," Ringmaster commented. "Aren't you being a bit premature? The duel isn't over yet."

"I beg to differ," Specter answered back. "Your Life Points are at 300, and your field is wide open, while I have the 3000 ATK Steelswarm Hercules on my field. It's obvious that you are at an overwhelming disadvantage."

"You know what you are, Specter? Naive"

"I am…naïve, you say?" Specter frowned. "How so?"

"A duel isn't finished until the other player's Life Points drop to zero," Ringmaster stated. "Advantage's can be easily overturned with a single draw. Specter, your approach to Dueling is way too straightforward and inflexible. In a Duel, just like in life, you have to be able to adapt to any unexpected circumstances if you wish to survive and triumph."

"Foolishness." Specter scoffed at Ringmaster's words. "Without a well-thought-out strategy, you cannot possibly attain victory in a Duel."

"That's why I'm calling you naïve and inflexible." Ringmaster declared. "I'll be sure to show you the errors in your way of thinking through this duel!"

"Those are some pretty big words from someone who only has a single card in his hand," Specter said. "However, I respect your will to keep on fighting despite the impossible odds stacked up against you. If you believe my way of dueling to be mistaken, then, by all means, prove your point by defeating me…if you can, that is."

"I'll accept this challenge!" Ringmaster grinned. "My turn! Draw!" He drew, looked at his card, and widened his eyes in surprise.

"I activate the Trap Card: Intrigue Shield! "When this card is activated, it becomes an Equip Card to one of my monsters. The equipped monster cannot be destroyed in battle once per turn, and I don't take any battle damage when the equipped monster battles."

A gold and black shield appeared in Hercules's hand.

Specter smirked at Ringmaster. "With this Trap Card, you can't destroy Hercules or damage me. Meaning you can't win."

"This situation looks bad," Zuzu commented. "Can Yuya still manage to pull out a victory?"

I activate the Spell Card: Dual-Colored Eyes! I can send one Pendulum Monster from my hand to the Extra Deck to draw two cards!" Ringmaster declared.

"Are you for real?" Specter spoke with a mocking tone. "You're so desperate that you're willing to rely on sheer luck of all things to get out of this bind? That's pathetic."

"I wouldn't say so," Ringmaster said with a smile. "After all, that's one of the many factors that make duels so exhilarating. Plus—you should know that those who are strong enough determine their luck, Specter! Let's do this!"

Ringmaster took Performapal Gongato from his hand and placed it in his Extra Deck. "Draw!" After drawing and looking at his new cards, he smiled.

"Here we go! "I activate Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon's Pendulum Effect!" Ringmaster said, "As it is the only monster in my Pendulum Zone, I can place a Pendulum Monster from my Deck into the Pendulum Zone. I select the Scale 2 Timebreaker Magician!"

In the opposite Pendulum Zone, a brunette boy with green eyes appeared wearing a dark brown robe lined with gold and wielded a two-handed sword with a long handle.

Timebreaker Magician Scale 2

'Even if you rebuilt your Pendulum Scale, it was all for nothing if you can only summon Level 3 monsters," Specter pointed out.

"Which is why I'm using Timbreaker Magician's Pendulum Effect," Ringmaster replied. "When this card is placed in the Pendulum Zone, I can target a card in my Pendulum Zone and double its Pendulum Scale until the end of this turn! And the one I'm choosing in Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon!

"What?" Specter said, surprised.

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon (PS: 4→8)

"Now I can summon as many monsters between Level 3 and 7 as I like all at the same time," Ringmaster stated. "Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the Arc of Victory! My monsters are ready to swing into action!

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal.

"Return to the stage, Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit!"

"And stamp to it, Performapal Stamp Turtle!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Mirrorrabbit and an elderly turtle holding a stamp.

Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit ATK 1200 DEF 1200 LVL: 4 PS: 5

Performapal Stamp Turtle ATK 100 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Next, I'll activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn to bring back Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon from my Graveyard!"

The dragon in dichromatic eyes reappeared on Ringmaster's field in Attack Position.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Neither of those monsters is strong enough to destroy my monster," Specter objected. "Or… are you going to do what I think you're going to do?"

"You think right!" Ringmaster exclaimed as he raised his hand as it glowed with blue light. "Appear, the entertainment circuit that connects to the future!" A bolt of blue lightning shot out of his hand and hit the sky, creating the Link portal.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters! I set Performapal Miracle Mirrorrabbit, Stamp Turtle, and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon in the Link Arrows!" Yuya's monsters turned into whirlwinds of energy and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. A pulse of energy erupted from the circuit.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Odd-Eyes Cylancer!"

The monster that emerged from the portal was a cybernetic dragonic humanoid warrior who wore a red and beige plate armor lined with blue over his chest, upper legs, and upper arms. He wore a helmet that looked and shaped like Odd-Eyes's head, lined with golden data streams. The warrior wielded a great lance in the form of a pendulum in his right hand as he stood in the Extra Monster Zone.

Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"So you finally brought out your ace Link Monster?" Specter said

"You bet. And this monster is going to be the one beat you!" Ringmaster stated. "Odd-Eyes Cylancer's effect activates! If it's Link Summoned by using a Pendulum Monster as material, I can select one face-up card on your field, like your Intrigue Shield, and negate its effects! Go Cryptic Cancellation!"

Cylancer pointed its lance towards the Trap and then released a stream of blue energy. The energy struck the Trap as its colors turned gray, symbolizing that it lost its effects.

"Since Intrigue Shield lost its effect, you can now destroy my Hercules through battle," Specter noted.

"Not only that, but you'll also take damage," Ringmaster added. "Battle! Odd-Eyes Cylancer, attack Steelswarm Hercules!" The warrior leaped into the air.

"Odd-Eyes Cylancer's additional effect activates! When it attacks a monster, I can shuffle a Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck back into my Deck. Then, until my next Standby Phase, Cylancer gains attack points equal to that monster's attack points! I return Odd-Eyes to my Deck!"

The pendulum-shaped weapon glowed blue, while at the same time, the warrior's body was surrounded by an aura of the same color.

Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 2300→4800

"Time to end this!" Yuya exclaimed. "Go, Odd-Eyes Cylancer! Spiral Cybernetic Lance!" The warrior held his lance as blue energy in the form of data wrapped around it. He then pointed his weapon towards Hercules and released a stream of energy that struck it, with Specter's monster struggling to hold back the attack.

"Even if you destroy Hercules, I'll still have enough Life Points to survive!" Specter stated.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Huh?" Specter said, confused at Ringmaster's words.

"I activate the effect of Odd-Eyes Scribe in my Extra Deck!" Ringmaster continued. "When an "Odd-Eyes" Monster battles, I can banish this card to double the damage from that battle!"

"WHAT!?" Specter shouted in shock.

The gems on Cylancer's body shone as the blue torrent of energy doubled in size and power, obliterating Steelswarm Hercules, striking Specter head-on, and send him tumbling backwards.

Specter: 3125→0 LP

"Yes! Yuya won!" Zuzu shouted in excitement

The cage surrounding them disappeared, and as Specter struggled to get up, Ringmaster approached him.

"Well, well, well," Specter said while struggling to get up. "I guess he was right. Your strength is growing with each duel."

"Who is this person you're talking about?"

"Rest assured, boy," Specter said, "you'll meet him soon," Specter said as he formed an energy sphere in his hand and released it, striking Ringmaster. He would have fallen off the rooftop had he not grabbed the ledge at the last second.

"We will meet again," Specter said, facing him one last time before turning around and logging out.

"Wait! Come back here!" But by the time Ringmaster climbed back up to the rooftop, Specter had already logged out.

Oh well. At least I won the duel.

Ringmaster's Duel Disk immediately started ringing before noticing it was Zuzu. "Hey, Zuzu, what's up?"

"Just checking to see if you're ok after that blast," Zuzu answered.

"I'm fine, but Specter got away," He replied. I was hoping to get more information out of him.

"Well, the important thing is that you won and are safe," Zuzu pointed out. "Now, how about you log out so we can have dinner?"

"Sure thing, Zuzu," He said, ending the call and logging out of LINK VRAINS.

Deep within LINK VRAINS...

Specter materialized in the dark, still struggling to move.

"Let your guard down?" Specter turned to see his Faust along with the other Knights.

"It's not like you. Or were you shaken by Ringmaster's amazing skills?" Dr. Genome asked.

Specter's expression then became angry. "For your information, it doesn't matter that I lost because Master Varis said that I didn't need to win anyway."

Sure make excuses. That doesn't make up for the fact that you still lost," Baira said as she and other Knights laughed.

"That's enough." A voice shouted from behind them, revealing it to be Varis's

All the knights bowed in response after seeing their leader. "Forgive me, Master Varis, but I lost my duel to Ringmaster."

"But you managed to avoid capture. That's good."

"Whenever I thought I had him, he always found a way to bounce back," Specter added. It was bad enough back then to deal with a duelist like Playmaker. With someone like Ringmaster against, it might be even harder.

Varis didn't respond for a while, then said, "Thank you, Specter. Please, leave me." Specter bowed and dematerialized, as did the other Knights.

Once he was alone, he pulled up a monitor showcasing Specter's duel against Ringmaster. "After witnessing your match, Ringmaster, I must say that you're now number one on my prime target's list."

And we're done with Chapter 12. Like always, cards in bold are OC. Shoutout to SakushiRyu for designs for Infector, dvdryms for the use of his OC's, and DivadX for helping me with the title. Also, I will answer any questions or theories you guys have regarding the story at the end of each chapter. Panda39, you asked how Yuya and Zuzu will explain to the Lancers about their counterparts. They'll mention it once they arrive in the Link Dimension, but Declan had already assumed they could exist, and for Ghost Gal, she and Shepherd will appear in the next two chapters, but that's all I'm going to say. Sonic45, yes, their counterparts, Varis, Gore, Soulburner, and Blue Maiden, saw their duels in the tournament. Yuya and Zuzu will meet Gore, Soulburner, and Blue Maiden. In The next chapter, Yuya will duel Gore in a Speed Entertainment Duel, and I have a surprise planned for it. Unikitty, they'll eventually explain to Kolter the truth probably before or a bit after the Lancers' arrival. Pika2 The Lancers Duel Disks will transform to match Yuya and Zuzu's Duel Disks in LINK VRAINS when they log into LINK VRAINS. As always, favorite, follow, and review.

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