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.

21. Arbiter Assault Part 3

Last time in Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-Vrains The Circuit of Smiles, Gore dueled against an opponent named Asura, who he then learned was the opponent he faced in a tournament to reclaim his title, formerly known as Brawler. The latter has hated Gore ever since he lost and couldn't win the prize money to pay for his fiance's surgery. It was a tough duel for Gore, but he managed to win with the help of Gouki Beatdown Ogre and continued to look for Ringmaster and Maestra along with Storm Rider and Sanctum.

Meanwhile, Maestra ran into Zekt and commenced to duel each other. Maestra gained the advantage and had Zekt on the ropes until he surprised her by playing a Fusion Spell Card, making her wonder where he got it from. In the end way, Maestra pulled off a victory by summoning her brand new Link Monster, Beethoven the Melodious Composer, as she and her comrades continued their search for Ringmaster.

Will our heroes find Ringmaster, and will he win his Duel just like others did? Find out now!

Ringmaster lay unconscious in a sea of darkness as purple orbs rose from the ground and surrounded him. Images appeared in them as three young males appeared and viewed them.

"What are these things?" Yugo asked.

"If I had to guess, they look like Yuya's memories," Yuto answered. "The one I'm looking at is his Duel against Aster Phoenix in the Xyz Dimension. What does your show?"

"My shows Yuya's duel against Jack Atlas during the finals of the Friendship Cup," Yugo replied. "What about you, Yuri?"

"Well, speaking of Mr. Atlas, my memory depicts Yuya teaming up with him to take down Sanders and Battle Beast or BB for short," Yuri stated.

The three counterparts started to walk among the other orbs, looking at the pictures they showed. And they then realized something.

"Hmm. Clever." A sliver of respect found its way into Yuri's voice. "It seems that Yuya's subconsciously resisting this program, preventing anyone from seeing his true identity in real life."

It was true; most of the orbs showed scenes from LINK VRAINS, either from Yuya's duels or interactions. A few showed Yuya as a small child interacting with other children. But none of them showed his current real-life self.

"While it's to reminiscence and revisit old memories, I suggest we wake Yuya up so we can look for Zuzu and the others," Yuto suggested.

"Sounds good to me," Yugo said. "Let's get on with waking him up.

Yuto, Yugo, and Yuri walked over to Yuya's body as they kneeled.

"Yuya! Wake up! Wake up! Yuya! Stand up!"

"Ugh." Yuya groaned as he opened his eyes. Then he blinked and sat up, looking around.

"Yuto? Yugo? Yuri? Where are we?" Yuya asked.

"In case you had hit your head, it seems that you're still inside the Arbiters' trap," Yuri answered.

Yuya's eyes widened. "Right. The gate." He grits his teeth. "Zuzu and The Gore are also trapped inside here. We have to find them quick!"

"I agree with you, Yuya," Yugo said. "But where do we start to look?."

Yuto nodded in response. "Yugo's right. Any idea how we-?"

RUMBLE

The four counterparts gasped as their surroundings changed. Instead of a purple landscape, They all now stood in a sinister-looking pitch-black temple surrounded by pillars with statues of various monsters, situated in an ash-covered wasteland with several fossilized trees in it. When it affects the field, it also transforms the sky, coloring it purple.

"Come on up, Ringmaster."

Yuya turned around to see who the voice belonged to. "Who are you?"

"My name is Archangel, and I'll be the one to defeat you and bring you back to my master," Archangel replied.

"Speaking of which, who is this master of yours?" Ringmaster asked.

"Defeat me, and maybe I'll reward you with this."

Materializing out of thin air in Archangel's hand was a glowing green card.

"What's that?"

"This is the key you need to help you track down the location of my master," Archangel answered. "As I said, defeat me and it's all yours."

"Fine then. You got yourself a due-"

"Ringmaster!"

Ringmaster was cut off as he turned around to see Maestra along with Gore, Storm Rider, and Sanctum.

"Maestra! Everyone!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "You're all okay!"

"For now they are," Archangel said as he snapped his fingers, causing massive vines covered in thorns to emerge from the ground, trapping and imprisoning Maestra along with everyone else in a cone of vines.

"The heck?" Gore said, reaching out for the vines.

"I wouldn't do that," Archangel said. "This cage contains a strong computer virus," the old man said. "If you touch it, you'll be deleted forever."

"Keep my friends out of this, Archangel!" Ringmaster said to him upon seeing his friends trapped.

"I only did this to prevent them from escaping and alerting anyone," Archangel replied. "After all, I want an audience for this Duel. Besides, you want to save them, don't you?" He snapped his fingers, causing the cage to start shrinking, much to the dismay of everyone else.

"Ringmaster, you have to fight!" Maestra told him. "We can't do anything while we're in these cages, but you can stop him. I know you can!"

"Maestra's right, Ringmaster." Sanctum added. "We both trust you to defeat this psychopath."

Seeing that there was no other option, Ringmaster nodded his head. "All right." He turned back to Archangel. "If you want a duel so badly, you got one!"

"I'm glad to see you've decided to accept my challenge," Archangel stated, activating his Duel Disk. "But before we begin, there's something I would like you to know."

Ringmaster raised an eyebrow as he also activated his Duel Disk. "And what would that be?"

"You believe that this is the first time we met, but I can assure you it's not," Archangel said, confusing everyone as he lifted his mask and revealed his face, shocking everyone.

"No way. It can't be," Ringmaster said. "Seraph?"

"The one and only, he replied. "But I prefer to be called Archangel now."

"But why? Why are you working with the Arbiter? You're a future Celebrity Duelist!"

"Former future Celebrity Duelist," Archangel corrected him. "Ever since I lost to you, you were the new duelist everyone cared about instead of me, and all I thought about was having my revenge against you, and thankfully, someone gave me the chance to do so, and I'll make that dream becomes a reality!"

"But-"

"But nothing! Are we going to duel or not!?"

Ringmaster sighed before narrowing his eyes at Archangel. "Fine. I'll use this Duel to help bring you back to your senses!"

"You can try." Archangel taunted back.

"Duel!" Ringmaster and Archangel said at the same time.

Archangel: 4000 LP

Ringmaster: 4000 LP

Meanwhile, at the cage...

Storm Rider was secretly contacting Kolter. "Kolter, can you see if you and Jin can try and disable the cage?"

"We can try. But the coding on it is very complicated that it's going to take us some time," Kolter replied.

"Well, seeing on how this duel is going to go, I say you guys have enough time," Storm Rider said. "Good luck."

At the Duel…

"I'll take the first turn!" Archangel declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Banishment of the Darklords. This card lets me add a different "Darklord" card from my Deck to my hand." A card popped out of his Duel Disk. "I add Darklord Asmodeus to my hand. Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen! If I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a Fairy monster from my hand. I Special Summon Darklord Asmodeus!"

A thin, pale-skinned figure in dark blue armor with purple wings appeared, summoned in Attack Position.

Darklord Asmodeus ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"I set three cards and end my turn," Archangel smirked. "So, do you want me to go easy on you, Ringmaster? Because this will hurt a lot otherwise."

Ringmaster scowled as he placed his hand on his Deck. "My turn! I draw!" Ringmaster looked at his card before narrowing his eyes at Archangel's field.

Darklords, he thought. They must be the Dark Counterpart to his Archlords. Not knowing what abilities they possess means I'll have to go all out to win.

"I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 2 Performapal Camelump and Scale 8 Odd-Eyes Magician. I'm taking control of this Duel starting now!"

In the first Pendulum Zone was a yellow camel wearing a bowtie, a tall bowler hat, and had stars painted on its cheeks, and in the second was a magician that had heterochromatic eyes wearing a red hat, had brown hair, dressed in red with black boots and belt, had a green cape and also wielded a staff that was shaped like a spear.

Performapal Camelump: 2

Odd-Eyes Magician Scale: 8

"I can now summon monsters between Levels 3 and 7 all at the same time. Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the arc of victory! My monsters are ready to swing into action!"

A portal opened up between the scales as two lights appeared and slammed onto his field.

"Showcase your sorcery, Sacredragon Magician!"

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

Appearing on Ringmaster's field was a male magician with long greenish-yellow hair and was wearing a white robe with different shades of blue, white gloves, and a purple and white hat that was almost similar to a priest's clothing; it also wielded a long staff in his left hand and his ace monster.

Sacredragon Magician ATK 2400 DEF 1500 LVL: 7 PS: 8

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

BA-BUMP

Storm Rider gritted his teeth and clutched his chest. It was just like before. When he'd seen Yuya summon Dark Rebellion in his Duel against Shima and when Ringmaster had summoned Starving Venom against The Shepherd. What was it with these dragons? This feeling of familiarity despite his certainty that he had never seen the monsters before?

Sanctum noticed Yuji's discomfort and frowned, but she was the only one.

"You okay?" She asked.

"I'm fine," Storm Rider replied. "Just experiencing the same feeling when I saw Dark Rebellion and Starving Venom."

"What is it with you and these dragons?"

Before Storm Rider could answer, he noticed his Deck glowing as he opened it up and noticed it was emanating from Cyber Tech Link Dragon.

"Cyber Tech…"

"Could it be glowing because Ringmaster summoned Odd-Eyes?" Sanctum asked.

"It could be," Storm Rider replied as he put the card back and returned his focus to the Duel.

Ringmaster pointed at Sacredragon, "I activate Sacredragon Magician's effect! When this card is Pendulum Summoned from my hand, I can destroy a card on the field! I destroy your Darklord Asmodeus!"

Sacredragon Magician charged up magic and then launched a blue stream of energy towards Asmodeus, destroying him.

Archangel growled, then laughed, to Ringmaster's surprise. "I figured you would destroy Asmodeus, but I thought it would take a bit more. Asmodeus's effect activates! When it is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one Asmo Token and one Deus Token to my field!"

Two smaller versions of Asmodeus appeared, one being blue-skinned and the other red-skinned, in Defense Position.

Asmo Token ATK 1800 DEF 1300 LVL: 5

Deus Token ATK 1200 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

Archangel laughed again. "You'll have to try harder than that to win."

Is that so?" Ringmaster muttered before gesturing to his field. "Battle! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack his Asmo Token! Spiral Flame Strike!"

Odd-Eyes charged towards the Asmo Token and blasted it with red fire.

"At this moment, I activate Performapal Camelump's Pendulum Effect! By targeting Odd-Eyes that's attacking, it lowers Asmo's DEF by 800 and lets Odd-Eyes deal piercing battle damage!"

Camelump, from the Pendulum Zone, produced a bubble from its mouth that flew towards and splashed onto the Asmo Token, making Archangel shield himself from the splash as it weakened his monster's defense.

Asmo Token DEF 1300→500

"And thanks to Odd-Eyes's effect whenever he battles a monster that's Level 5 or higher, you take double the battle damage," Ringmaster added.

"That means if Odd-Eyes's attack connects, Archangel will receive 4000 points of damage," Storm Rider noted.

"Making it enough to win Ringmaster the duel!" Maestra finished.

The blast got closer to the Token, but Archangel only laughed.

"You'll have to try harder!" he declared. "I activate the Trap Card: Darklord Rebellion! I can destroy one card on the field by sending a "Darklord" monster to the Graveyard from my hand or field! I discard Darklord Superbia to destroy Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

An energy beam fired at Odd-Eyes, but Ringmaster wasn't concerned.

"I activate Odd-Eyes Magician's Pendulum Effect!" Ringmaster declared. "I target a "Performapal," "Odd-Eyes," or "Magician" Pendulum Monster I control, and it can't be destroyed by battle or effects this turn! I select Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes Magician nodded with a smile before pointing his staff at Odd-Eyes, creating a clear barrier around it.

Archangel gritted his teeth. "How irritating."

"The attack continues!" Ringmaster reminded his opponent. "Odd-Eyes, destroy his Asmo Token!"

Odd-Eyes once again blasted a stream of red fire at the Token.

"Hold on there," Archangel shouted as he activated his second face-down card, "I activate the Trap Card: Nutrient Z! Since I'm about to take at least 2000 points of damage, I gain 4000 life points before your attack hits!"

A purple aura surrounded Archangel's body…

Archangel: 4000→8000 LP

...Then, the blast pierced through Asmo's body, making Archangel fall to his knees, mostly out of relief.

Archangel: 8000→4000 LP

"Even though he took damage, he made it look like that he didn't take any at all," Gore noted.

"Next, I activate my final face-down. The Trap Card: Shock Draw!" Archangel declared. "It lets me draw a card for every 1000 points of damage I took this turn. Since I took 4000 points of damage, I get to draw four cards."

Archangel proceeded to draw four cards thanks to Shock Draw, refilling his hand.

"The Battle Phase is not over! Sacredragon Magician attacks your Deus Token!"

Said monster launched a magical blue blast towards the Deus Token, but the Token stopped the attack to Ringmaster's surprise.

Archangel laughed at Ringmaster's expression. "Sorry, but Deus Token cannot be destroyed by battle! You'll have to try harder than that!"

"So not only did Archangel save himself from losing, but he also left himself with a monster to use on his next turn," Sanctum noted.

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes. "I set two cards and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Archangel announced as he drew his card and looked at it before showing it to Hunter. "I activate the effect of Darklord Ixchel in my hand! By discarding it and a "Darklord" card, I can draw two cards!"

He sent said cards to the Graveyard, then drew and smirked on seeing what he drew.

"Lucky me. I Tribute Deus Token to Tribute Summon Darklord Desire!"

A red-winged figure in black and gold armor with large claws on its arms took Deus Token's place on the field.

Darklord Desire ATK 3000 DEF 2800 LVL: 10

"A Level 10 monster with only one Tribute?" Ringmaster asked, surprised.

"Darklord Desire's effect lets me Tribute Summon it by Tributing one Fairy monster," Hellsworn explained before gesturing to said monster. "Desire's additional effect! Once per turn, I can reduce its attack points by 1000 to send one of your monsters to the Graveyard!"

Ringmaster gasped as Desire's attack points decreased as Odd-Eyes shattered.

Darklord Desire ATK 3000→2000

"Instead of going to my Graveyard, Odd-Eyes is sent to Extra Deck," Ringmaster stated as he placed Odd-Eyes into his Extra Deck.

"That doesn't matter to me. I now activate the Spell Card: Darklord Contact!" Archangel continued. "This lets me Special Summon a "Darklord" monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Darklord Superbia!"

A circular black machine with claws and brown wings appeared on Hellsworn's field.

Darklord Superbia ATK 2900 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

That's the card he discarded via Darklord Rebellion's effect, Ringmaster thought. As he continued his thought, Archangel gestured to his field. "Superbia's monster effect!" he declared. "When it is Special Summoned from the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Fairy monster from my Graveyard! Return, Darklord Ixchel!"

A purple-haired woman with four wings appeared in Attack Position.

Darklord Ixchel ATK 2500 DEF 2900 LVL: 10

"Three high Level monsters in the same turn," Storm Rider muttered. Still, Ringmaster had the advantage; since Superbia was in Defense Position, it couldn't attack. And Desire's attack points were lower than Odd-Eyes and Sacredragon. That meant only Ixchel could attack.

"If you think you're safe, you aren't," Archangel said, drawing Ringmaster's and everyone else's attention. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Spell Shattering Arrow! This card destroys all face-up Spell Cards on your field and deals 500 damage for each one!"

Two bright red arrows shot from the spell card and pierced through Performapal Camelump and Odd-Eyes Magician, shattering them into pixels all over Ringmaster as he winced in pain.

Ringmaster: 4000→3000 LP

Suddenly the cage's thorns started to grow.

"Hey, what's going on?" Gore wondered.

"Oops. Did I forget to mention that each time Ringmaster loses Life Points, the thorns inside the cage will grow and grow until the four of you have no room left where you can't escape its reach?" Archangel rhetorically asked.

"Seriously?" Maestra said.

"That's cheating!" Storm Rider and Sanctum shouted.

"This is low, even for you Seraph," Ringmaster said.

"Since you destroyed my Pendulum Cards, I'm allowed to activate the Continuous Trap Card: Extra Buck!" Ringmaster declared. "Each time a card is added to my Extra Deck, this card gains one Spell Counter. Since both my Performapal Camelump and Odd-Eyes Magician are Pendulum Monsters, they get sent to Extra Deck, meaning Extra Buck gains two counters."

Extra Buck: 0 SC→2 SC

"Not bad, but I'm not done. I activate Ixchel's effect! By paying 1000 Life Points, I can activate the effect of a "Darklord" Spell or Trap Card in my Graveyard. I pay 1000 Life Points to activate the effect of Darklord Rebellion!"

Ringmaster gasped. "Activating the effect of a card in your Graveyard?"

"By sending Darklord Superbia to the Graveyard, I can destroy Sacredragon Magician!"

Superbia disintegrated, as did Sacredragon.

Archangel: 4000→3000 LP

"Since Sacredragon's a Pendulum Monster, it goes to my Extra Deck, meaning my trap gains another Spell Counter," Ringmaster pointed out.

Extra Buck: 2 SC→3 SC

"Since I activated Darklord Rebellion with Ixchel's effect, it is shuffled back into my Deck," Archangel continued. "Battle! Ixchel, attack Ringmaster directly!"

Ixchel laughed as she charged towards Ringmaster.

"Not so fast! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card Hippo Carnival!" Ringmaster's face-down card flipped face-up and glowed. "It allows me to Special Summon 3 Hippo Tokens to my field, and I'll summon all of them in Defense Position!"

Three new hippos - one blue, one yellow, and one orange - joined Hip Hippo on the field, each wearing dresses similar to those worn by Las Vegas Showgirls. Even more bizarrely, they started dancing.

Hippo Token: ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL 1 x 3

"So you increased your defenses, huh?" Archangel said. "Fine then. Ixchel attacks one of your Hippo Tokens!"

Ixchel laughed as she punched the orange Hippo Token in the face, destroying it.

"I'll now have Desire attack another one of your Hippo Tokens!"

The Darklord, with large claws, charged at the blue Hippo Token, slashing it in half, destroying it.

"With that, I end my turn."

''My turn! I draw!'' Ringmaster declares, drawing his card as he then gestured to his field. ''I use Extra Buck's effect, sending it to the Graveyard with its 3 Spell Counters to draw two cards!''

His trap vanishes as he draws two extra cards, smiling after seeing them. "I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Call! By discarding Performapal Teeter Totter Hopper from my hand, I can add 2 "Magician" Pendulum Monsters with different names from my Deck to my hand. I add Scale 0 Treasurer Magician and Scale 8 Timegazer Magician and used them to set the Pendulum Scale!"

He placed them in his Pendulum Zone as the two pillars of light appeared.

In the first pillar, there was a spiky, black-haired magician with blue eyes wearing horn-rimmed glasses. He was wearing a brown coat with a black suit underneath, a dark red tie, and a white-collar around the neck area. He had a book with magical writing on its pages in his right hand and a symbol on the cover.

In the second pillar was a magician with brown hair and dark robes. There were gold-like elements on each of his upper arms, with chrome plating on the lower section of his arms. On his right arm was a disk that fired out a gold, clock-like blade. Timegazer also wore a black magician's cap with a gold-like element on it, as well as metallic plating on his left leg.

Treasurer Magician Scale: 0

Timegazer Magician Scale: 8

"I can summon monsters from Levels 1 to 7 at the same time," Ringmaster exclaimed. Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the arc of victory! My monsters are ready to swing into action!"

A portal opened between the two pillars, out of which three lights appeared. The lights hit the field and then dissipated, revealing two monsters.

"Raise the stakes, Performapal Trump Sorceress!"

"Turn up the heat once again, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Appearing on Ringmaster's field was a female monster clad in a witch's outfit, which held a staff with a large pentagram at its tip and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon.

Performapal Trump Sorceress ATK 100 DEF 2300 LVL: 6 PS: 1

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

Gore watched with wonder in his eyes, "Pendulum Summon...I don't know much about it, but it is a wonder to witness it."

Ringmaster smirked as he held out his hand, "Well, if you're that amazed by it, Gore, here's something else to be amazed by! I activate Treasurer Magician's Pendulum Effect!" Treasurer opened his book as he was flipping through the pages. "Since I successfully Pendulum Summoned, if I have another "Magician" in my Pendulum Zone, I can draw cards equal to the number of monsters I Pendulum Summoned!"

Two monsters were Pendulum Summoned as Odd-Eyes, and Trump Sorceress glowed temporarily as Ringmaster drew three cards from his Deck. He then turned to Trump Sorceress.

"Then, I activate Trump Sorceress's effect to perform a Fusion Summon using Monsters from my hand or field apart from itself without the use of a Fusion Spell Card! The ones I will fuse are Trump Sorceress and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex formed by Trump Sorceress, Ringmaster chanted.

"This is it! With the earth-shattering power of this monster, victory's in my sights! I Fusion Summon! Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

A dragon that looked a little similar to Odd-Eyes, with some key differences. It had a small, golden ring around its head and jaw while having a large one on its back. His right eye had an eyepatch with a rune on it, and his neck also had some yellow armor around it.

Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

Archangel gritted his teeth after seeing the Fusion Monster. "Not that monster again."

"Guess it seems you remember this monster gave you a hard time in our previous duel, and it'll do the same in this one!" Ringmaster declared. "Since I performed a Fusion Summon successfully through its effect, Trump Sorceress's effect allows me to draw one card from my Deck. Now, it's time for battle! Since the Level 6 Trump Sorceress was used to summon Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, it can attack up to three of your monsters! Go, attack Darklord Desire with Spiral Sky Shot!"

The dragon's large ring became locked in three orbs of light, creating a triangle of electrostatic energy. The dragon then fired a beam of blue energy at Desire, but Archangel only laughed.

"Too bad!" he declared. "I activate the effect of Darklord Apocalypse in my Graveyard!" Ringmaster gasped as the card showed itself. It showed a multi-winged pale being with a sword releasing dark energy in every direction. "By banishing it, my "Darklord" monster isn't destroyed by battle, and since Ixchel is Level 8 or higher, I can add a "Darklord" monster from my Deck to my hand."

Ringmaster grit his teeth. "You may save your Darklord Desire from being destroyed, but you will still take damage!"

Archangel winced from the blowback of Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's attack.

Archangel: 3000→2000 LP

Archangel chuckled. "I may have taken damage, but that's the only damage I'll take this turn. Because after this battle, Darklord Apocalypse ends the Battle Phase!" Ringmaster growled in response. "And now I'll add a new "Darklord" monster to my hand. I think I'll add Darklord Nasten to my hand."

"Even though he failed to destroy his monsters, Ringmaster managed to deal some damage," Sanctum noted.

"Not only that, but he also managed to take the lead," Maestra added.

"He may have the advantage now, but that doesn't mean that it can all change soon," Storm Rider pointed out.

"I have to agree with Storm Rider," Gore said. "Even if you or your opponent has the lead, it can be taken from you or them on the very next turn. "We'll just have to see if Ringmaster can maintain it."

"I set three cards face-down and end my turn," Ringmaster concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" Archangel declared as he drew. "I activate Darklord Desire's effect to lower its attack points by 1000 to send your Rune-Eyes to the Graveyard!"

"I activate the effect of Performapal Block Spider in my hand!" Ringmaster declared, interrupting Archangel. "By sending this card to the Graveyard, I can negate your Darklord Desire's effects!"

A spectral form of Block Spider appeared as it let out a stream of webs at Desire, tying it up as a grey aura surrounded it.

"He used his monster's effect before Archangel could use Desire's effect to send his monster to the Graveyard," Maestra noted.

"Since I sent a "Performapal" to my Graveyard, I can activate Teeter Totter Hopper's effect from my Graveyard to Special Summon itself."

Appearing next to the blue Hippo Token was a circus-themed grasshopper in Defense Position.

"Clever," Archangel praised. "But don't think you're safe. I send Darklord Valkyria and Darklord Marie to the Graveyard to Special Summon Darklord Nasten with its effect from my hand!"

A humanoid lion with bull horns and white wings appeared in Attack Position.

Darklord Nasten ATK 2600 DEF 2600 LVL: 7

"Since I sent Valkyria to the Graveyard by the effect of a "Darklord" card, her effect activates, Special Summoning herself."

A woman dressed in a Norse Valkyrian outfit consists of a top and long skirt but darker with golden lining. She wears a Valkyrian helmet but more demonic along with demonic wings. She also wears a spear as her weapon of the same colors with a red glowing tip.

Darklord Valkyria ATK 1800 DEF 1050 LVL: 4

"Also, her effect boosts her ATK by 300," Archangel added.

Darklord Valkyria ATK 1800→2100

"Not only that, but I can also banish one Spell or Trap from your field. I choose your Treasurer Magician!"

Valkyria flapped her wings, causing a dark gust wind to form, flying straight towards Treasurer Magician.

"Not so fast! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Pendulum Impenetrable!" Ringmaster declared.

The gust of winds was deflected by an invisible force field that made a loud clinging sound.

"This card makes you unable to target any of my cards in the Pendulum Zone with card effects and negates anything that targets a card in my Pendulum Zone!" Ringmaster stated. "You're not going to get rid of my Pendulum Scale that easily!"

"You're just delaying your defeat," Archangel rebutted. "I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, which lets me draw four cards since my hand is empty. "Next, I activate two Continuous Spell Cards: Solidarity and Burden of the Mighty! Solidarity increases the ATK of all my monsters by 800, and Burden of the Mighty lowers your monsters' attack points by 100 for each of their levels!"

Darklord Desire ATK 2000→2800

Darklord Valkyria ATK 2100→2900

Darklord Ixchel ATK 2500→3300

Darklord Nasten ATK 2600→3400

Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK 3000→2200

Performapal Teeter Totter Hopper ATK 100→0

"Next, I discard Card of Compensation to activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters to destroy your two other set cards."

Following Archangel's words, two strong winds started to form before turning into tornadoes. They then swept up Ringmaster's two face-down cards revealing Wall of Disruption and Command Performance, destroying them.

"Card of Compensation's effect lets me draw two cards since I sent it to my Graveyard," Archangel continued. "Battle! Darklord Valkyria attacks your Hippo Token!"

Valkyria aimed its scepter at the Hippon Token, blasting it with a stream of red energy, destroying it.

"Next, Nasten attacks Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Dark energy wreathed around Nasten's fist before he slammed it down, destroying the Odd-Eyes Fusion Monster in the process. Debris kicked up, some of its jagged shards digging into Ringmaster's body and causing him to wince in pain.

Ringmaster: 3000→1800 LP

"Darklord Ixchel now attacks your Teeter Totter Hopper!"

"During the turn, I summon Tetter Totter Hopper is summoned through its effect, it can't be destroyed in battle once per turn!" Ringmaster explained as a barrier that protected his monster from Ixchel's attack.

"But that effect won't work again! Darklord Desire attacks Teeter Totter Hopper!"

Darklord Desire charged towards the Performapal before slicing it in half, destroying it.

"Now Ringmaster's field is empty," Gore noted.

"That may be true, but at least he still has his Pendulum Scale," Maestra pointed out.

"Right. So Ringmaster can still Pendulum Summon on his next turn and turn things around," Sanctum added.

"But with only one card in his hand, and only allowed to have monster from the Extra Deck at a time, it's going to take a miracle to make that happen," Storm Rider said.

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Archangel concluded. "Looks like to me that this Duel is going a lot different than our previous one. If things continue like this, I'll end the winner, and you and your friends will be the losers."

"That's not going to happen!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "I promised to win this Duel to not only save my friends but also to bring you back to the right path as well. My turn! I draw!"

"You sure you can make Archangel realize the error of his ways?" Yuto asked.

"I mean, come on, Yuya, he looks pretty serious about taking you down," Yugo added.

"You may have swayed the hearts of the people of Duel Academy, but I'm afraid to say that this guy's impossible," Yuri said.

"You guys may think it's impossible, but I say it isn't," Yuya rebutted. I'm going to do whatever it takes to return Seraph the way he was."

"Very well then. We wish you luck," Yuto said as he, Yugo, and Yuri disappeared into Yuya's mind as he then returned to the Duel.

"First, I activate the Spell Card: Magical Sky Mirror! Thanks to this card, I can target a Spell Card in your Graveyard activated during the previous turn, and I use it. I select Twin Twisters and use its effect to discard my Card of Compensation to destroy your Solidarity and Burden of the Mighty!"

Following Ringmaster's words, two strong winds started to form before turning into tornadoes. They then swept up both Continuous Spells, destroying them.

"Since Solidarity's no longer on my field, all my monsters lose 800 attack points," Archangel pointed out.

Darklord Desire ATK 2800→2000

Darklord Valkyria ATK 2900→2100

Darklord Ixchel ATK 3300→2500

Darklord Nasten ATK 3400→2600

"Thanks to Card of Compensation's effect, I get to draw two cards," Ringmaster continued. "Then, with my Pendulum Scale already set, I Pendulum Summon!"

A portal opened up between the pillars as three lights shot out from them.

"Work your wizardry, Wickedragon Magician!"

"Get kickin, Performapal Secondonkey!"

"And drop on in, Performapal Drop Gallop!"

Appearing on Ringmaster's field was Secondonkey, Drop Gallop, and a female magician with long purple hair appeared on the field while wearing a dark dress, a purple wizard hat with horns, and was carrying a gray-colored staff that was shaped like a bow.

Wickedragon Magician ATK 2400 DEF 1500 LVL: 7 PS: 8

Performapal Secondonkey ATK 1000 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

Performapal Drop Gallop ATK 800 DEF 1200 LVL: 5

"Treasurer Magician's Pendulum Effect and Drop Gallop's effects activate, letting me draw a total of six cards," Ringmaster said as he drew a new hand. "Next, both Wickedragon Magician Secondonkey's effects let me add a card from my Deck to my hand. I add Card Canard through Secondonkeys effect, and as for Wickedragon Magician, well, I'll keep that secret for now."

"What card could he have added to his hand?" Archangel wondered.

"Since I control a "Performapal" monster, I can use its effect to Special Summon it!" Ringmaster continued.

Card Canard appeared on Ringmaster's field between Secondonkey and Drop Gallop.

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

"Now it's time for me to entertain my circuit!"

Ringmaster pointed upwards as his hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared above him.

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

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions require two "Performapal" monsters. I'm setting Secondonkey and Drop Gallop 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! Link-2! Performapal Linkipede!"

The large-sized purple polka-dotted centipede with a blue bowtie and a white top hat.

Performapal Linkipede ATK 2000 LINK-2

"Another Link Monster?" Archangel gasped.

"I wasn't aware that Ringmaster had another Link Monster besides Cylance," Gore noted.

"Me neither," Sanctum added.

"Did you know Maestra?" Storm Rider asked.

"You could say that," she answered.

Back in Den City…

"Looks like Yuya's using the monster I made for him," Kolter said.

"Seems your skills in card development are improving," Jin said.

"Let's hope it helps him win."

"I know it will, big bro."

Back in the Sphere…

"Since Linkipede was successfully Link Summoned, its effect 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!"

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

"You're right. Because I'm activating the Ritual Spell Card: Magician's Ritual!" The card depicted Stargazer and Timegazer Magician standing inside an ancient temple in front of an altar.

Archangel's eyes widened in shock from hearing what Ringmaster played. Everyone else was shocked as well.

"What!?" Ringmaster can Ritual Summon as well?" Gore said, shocked.

"With this card, I can Ritual Summon any "Magician" Ritual Monster from my hand, Deck or Graveyard. And guess what…." Ringmaster pointed at Archangel, "If my opponent controls a Special Summoned monster on his field, I can also send Pendulum Monsters from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard as well for the requirements."

An ancient shrine with green energy lines around the main body of the rock formation appeared behind Ringmaster as he took a card out from his Extra Deck.

"I Tribute Wickedragon Magician on my field as well as send Sacredragon Magician from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard to Ritual Summon!"

Sacredragon Magician appeared in a transparent form next to Wickedragon Magician. Both monsters transformed into white flames that surrounded the shrine before a pillar of light shined over the entire structure.

"Magical messenger of the heavens, guardian of ancient traditions! Guide a path to shine the light and darkness! I Ritual Summon! Appear, Cleric Magician!"

From the pillar of light, a male muscular magician appeared on Ringmaster's field. He was wearing a sky blue robe with white stripes on the edges, black boots, and had a white hood draped over his head. He was also holding a silver cane with a blue orb on end with his left hand.

Cleric Magician ATK 2600 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

Storm Rider looked at Ringmaster with an expression of both shock and awe on his face, "A-Amazing…." Ringmaster is proving to be more and more impressive every Duel. First, he witnessed his Pendulum Summon. Then, over time he witnessed him Fusion, Synchro, and Link Summoning. He sees a Ritual Summon from Ringmaster, which anyone rarely sees, but it is a sight to behold.

In Den City...

"I didn't know Yuya could Ritual Summon," Jin said.

"Me neither," Kolter added. "He never ceases to amaze me.

Back inside the Sphere...

Gore looked amazed by this, "A Ritual Monster!"

Sanctmwas surprised and in awe, "Not only that, it's a very cool magician!"

"Got that right," Maestra nodded in agreement as she smiled at the sight but was also curious as to what this monster could do in response to Archangel's.

"Wickedragon Magician's effect activates!" Ringmaster declared. "If this card was Tributed while face-up, I can negate one of your monster's effects. I select Darklord Valkyria!"

A spectral image of Wickedragon appeared as it aimed its staff at Valkyria, blasting it with purple energy as it greyed out.

Darklord Valkyria ATK 2100→1800

"Next, I summon Replication Magician!"

A figure resembling a human-shaped slime holding a staff with a mirror on its tip appeared on Ringmaster's field.

Replication Magician ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1 PS: 3

"Next, I activate Replication Magician's effect. When summoned successfully, I can select one Pendulum Monster on my field and have this card's name, Type, Attribute, and Level becomes the same as that monster's. The one I choose is—Performapal Card Canard!"

Replication Magician's body began expanding and changing its shape, eventually assuming the form of Performapal Card Canard, albeit with a darker shade.

Replication Magician LVL: 1→4

Archangel 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 Replication Magician and Performapal Card Canard!"

"Looks like I was right," Archangel said.

Ringmaster swung his Duel Disk around and sent a bolt of blue lightning to the sky behind him. It struck, creating the Xyz cross.

''With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!''

Replication Magician and Performapal Card Canard broke apart and entered the dots. The ends of the cross lit up and fired beams, creating a miniature galaxy. The galaxy exploded with energy as a new monster formed within.

"Souls of Great Performers who cross path! With the spotlight shining upon you, swing everyone into action and bring entertainment to the show! I Xyz Summon! Rank 4! The radiant acrobat, Performapal Spotlight Acrobat!"

A fair-skinned young woman with mismatched eyes, purple and orange, short white hair, rabbit ears, nose, and whiskers. She wore a white and black pouf dress, white/pink and black/gold ribbon bows attached to it here and there, dark pink stockings, and black dance shoes. Lastly, she held a golden trapeze in her hands.

Performapal Spotlight Acrobat ATK 2600 DEF 1600 RNK: 4 OU: 2

Archangel narrowed his eyes a little, "So he can even use Xyz Monsters…."

Gore was almost at a loss for words, "R-Ringmaster is something else…."

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

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

"Spotlight Acrobat's effect activates!" Ringmaster continued. "When it's successfully Xyz Summoned, I can place on Tricky Counter on all of your monsters!"

Darklord Valkyria: 0 TC→1 TC

Darklord Desire: 0 TC→1 TC

Darklord Ixchel: 0 TC→1 TC

Darklord Nasten: 0 TC→1 TC

"Next, I equip Linkipede with the Equip Spell Card: United We Stand! This card increases Linkipede's attack points by 800 for every monster I control, in this case, three!"

A fiery aura surrounded Performapal Linkipede, increasing its strength.

Performapal Linkipede ATK 1200→3600

"Well, before you attack, I'll activate the Trap Card: Gift of the Mystical Elf!" Archangel declared. "It awards me with 300 Life Points for every monster on the field, in this case, seven. Meaning, I gain 2100 Life Points."

Archangel's monsters before infusing with him with their energy, causing his body to glow.

Archangel: 25004600 LP

"Battle!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "Performapal Linkipede attacks Darklord Valkyria!"

After attaining its command, Linkipede lunged its body at Valkyria as it slammed her with its tail, destroying her and making Archangel skid backwards.

Archangel: 4600→2800 LP

"Next, Cleric Magician attacks Darklord Desire! Beyond Guidance!"

Cleric Magician pointed his cane and launched a large beam of light towards Desire, destroying it and making Archangel wince.

Archangel: 2800→2200 LP

"Since I used Sacredragon Magician to Ritual Summon Cleric Magician, it grants him the ability to attack again whenever it destroys your monster in battle," Ringmaster pointed out.

"What?" Archangel gasped.

"Go, Cleric Magician! Attack Darklord Ixchel with Beyond Guidance!"

Cleric Magician aimed its cane again, firing a large beam at Ixchel, destroying her and making Archangel wince again.

Archangel: 2200→2100 LP

"Ringmaster managed to get rid of three of Archangel's monsters," Gore noted.

"But he still has Nasten left," Storm Rider pointed out.

"He's right," Sanctum agreed. "Both Cleric Magician and Darklord have 2600 ATK."

"Meaning if Ringmaster decides to attack, they'll destroy each other," Maestra finished. "But something tells me that he has a plan."

"I activate Spotlight Acrobat's effect!" Ringmaster declared. "Since it hasn't declared an attack, by using one Overlay Unit, I can take control of a monster on your field that has a Tricky Counter until the end of the turn and have it attack instead of Acrobat!"

Archangel widened his eyes as Acrobat lashed her golden trapeze at Nasten, wrapping it tightly before moving it over to Ringmaster's side of the field.

Performapal Spotlight Acrobat: 2 OU→1 OU

"Darklord Nasten now attacks you directly!"

Dark energy wreathed around Nasten's fist before charging forward, but Archangel didn't seem worried.

"I activate my Trap Card: Ground Capture!" Archangel declared. "Since your monster declared an attack, the battle damage is halved!"

Soon, a giant stone hand erupted from the ground and temporarily stopped Darklord Nasten's attack. Unfortunately, it broke through and slammed Archangel with its, causing him to flinch from the attack.

Archangel: 2100→800 LP

"Then, since I took 1000 or more points of damage from your attack, I can draw a card!"

"You may have survived, but you won't be so lucky next turn," Ringmaster stated. "I activate Performapal Linkipede's effect! By destroying a card on my field, I can add a Pendulum Monster that's face-up in my Extra Deck to my hand. I destroy Darklord Nasten to retrieve Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Nasten burst into particles as Ringmaster took Odd-Eyes from his Extra Deck and placed it into his hand.

"I now end my turn with two face-downs!"

"My turn! I draw!" Archangel drew his card, "Since I sent Darklord Marie to my Graveyard through Valkyria's effect, her effect activates, increasing my Life Points by 200!"

A blue aura surrounded Archangel, restoring his Life Points by a slight amount.

Archangel: 800→1000 LP

"Next, I set a card face-down and 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."

"Now I activate the Spell Card: Tribute Burial," Archangel continued. "This card allows me to summon a monster that requires two sacrifices by removing one monster in your graveyard and removing one in mine."

"What?" Ringmaster gasped.

He pointed at Ringmaster, "So first, I'll remove Performapal Teeter Totter Hopper from your Graveyard…." Teeter Totter Hopper came out of Ringmaster's Graveyard, and he placed it in one of his pockets, "And I'll remove Darklord Valkyria from my Graveyard." Valkyria came out of Archangel's Graveyard, and he placed it in one of his pockets.

Archangel then grabbed one of the cards in his hand, "With Tribute Burial's effect, I summon Darklord Morningstar!"

A pillar of light appeared on Archangel's field before fading as a figure with eight thin wings emerged from the pillar. The monster's skin and hair were chalk-white, it wore pure black armor with red gems in the gauntlets and belt, and it carried a long blue sword.

Darklord Morningstar ATK 3000 DEF 3000 LVL: 11

Everybody stared in awe at the monster. It seemed to stare down at everyone, arrogance and disdain marking its features.

It's beautiful, Ringmaster thought.

"Morningstar's effect activates!" Archangel declared, bringing Ringmaster out of his trance. "When it is Tribute Summoned, I can Special Summon "Darklord" monster from my hand and Deck, up to the number of Effect Monsters you control. You control two, so I Special Summon Darklord Zerato, Darklord Nergal, and Darklord Tezcatlipoca from my Deck!" Three new monsters – A massive, red-clad dark lord with demonic-looking red wings and a curved, serrated saber, a zombified angel with black wings wearing black armor, and a black-armored monster with black wings wearing a feather headdress – appeared, all in Attack Position.

Darklord Zerato ATK 2800 DEF 2300 LVL: 8

Darklord Nergal ATK 2700 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Darklord Tezcatlipoca ATK 2800 DEF 2100 LVL: 9

"I activate Morningstar's additional effect!" Archangel continued. "Once per turn, I can send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to the number of "Darklord" monsters I control and gain 500 Life Points for each "Darklord' card sent there. Since I control three, I send the top three cards of my Deck to the Graveyard!"

Archangel took the top cards off his Deck, then showed them to Hunter.

"I send Darklord Edeh Arae, Darklord Amdusc, and The Sanctified Darklord to the Graveyard. All are "Darklord" cards, so I gain 1500 Life Points!"

Archangel: 1000→2500 LP

"I activate Tezcatlipoca's effect! I pay 1000 Life Points to activate the effect of a "Darklord" Spell or Trap Card in the Graveyard and then shuffle that card into my Deck. I activate the effect of Darklord Contact, which lets me Special Summon a "Darklord" monster from the Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect once more, Superbia!"

The black machine with claws and wings appeared again.

Archangel: 2500→1500 LP

Darklord Superbia ATK 2900 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"Superbia's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned from the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Fairy monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Darklord Asmodeus!"

The thin, pale-skinned figure in dark blue armor with purple wings reappeared in Attack Position.

Darklord Asmodeus ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Five monsters at once…." Ringmaster muttered, scowling.

"Battle!" Archangel declared. "Nergal, attack Performapal Spotlight Acrobat!"

Nergal blasted said monster with dark energy, destroying it and making Ringmaster wince.

Ringmaster: 1800→1700 LP

"Since you lost a monster, your Performapal Linkipede loses 800 attack points," Archangel pointed out.

Performapal Linkipede ATK 3600→2800

"Next, Tezcatlipoca attacks Cleric Magician!"

Tezcatlipoca formed a dark sphere of energy in its hands before hurling it at Cleric Magician, destroying it and making Ringmaster wince again.

Ringmaster: 1700→1500 LP

"Because another monster left your field, Linkipede loses 800 more attack points."

Performapal Linkipede ATK 2800→2000

"Well, since you destroyed my monster, I'm allowed to activate the Trap Card: Performapal Revival!" Ringmaster stated. "I can now summon a "Performapal" monster from either hand or Graveyard. I'm choosing to revive my Performapal Secondonkey that's in my Graveyard!"

Following Ringmaster's words, Secondonkey reappeared on the field next to Performapal Linkipede's bottom-left arrow in Defense Position.

Performapal Secondonkey ATK 1000 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"Secondonkey's effect lets me add Performapal Kaleidoscorp to my hand and since I have another monster on my field, Linkipede gains 800 attack points!"

Performapal Linkipede ATK 2000→2800

"Then I'll just make it lose those attack points again," Archangel stated. "Darklord Zerato attacks Performapal Secondonkey!"

In a single move, Zerato struck the donkey performer down with its sword, destroying it.

"Finally, Morningstar attacks Performapal Linkipede! Fallen Grace!"

Morningstar lifted its sword and gathered dark energy into it, but Ringmaster reacted before it was released.

"I activate the Trap Card: Half Unbreak!" Ringmaster declared, surprising Archangel. "Not only does it protect Performapal Linkipede from being destroyed in battle, but the battle damage from attacks involving it is halved!"

A bubble surrounded Performapal Linkipede, who cried out in pain but remained on the field. Ringmaster, in turn, winced from the attack.

Ringmaster: 1500→1000 LP

The thorns within the cage started to grow even more.

"Man, these thorns are getting closer and closer to us," Gore said.

"Just relax, Gore," Maestra told him. "As long as we believe in Ringmaster, there's hope for us.

"Hey, Kolter, how's it going with you and Jin cracking this cage?" Storm Rider asked.

"We're almost close to breaking through," Kolter replied.

"Just a few more inputs, and we'll have you guys free in no time," Jin added.

"I hope you're right," Sanctum said.

Archangel somehow managed to look both impressed and disappointed at the same time. "Not bad on surviving my endless attacks. And here I thought I could end this Duel now. Ah well, I'll defeat you next turn."

"Well, see about that," Ringmaster rebutted.

"Yes, we will. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Darklord's Charity!" The card depicted Darklord Marie gifting a duelist two extra cards. "By banishing a Level 7 or higher "Darklord" monster, like my Superbia, I get to draw two cards. Next, I equip Darklord Morningstar with the Equip Spell Card: Power Converter!"

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

"I set three cards and trigger Power Converter's effect!" Archangel shouted. "By sending it to the Graveyard, all of Morningstar's attack points are added to my Life Points."

Archangel: 1500→4500 LP

Darklord Morningstar ATK 3000→0

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

"I end my turn, meaning Morningstar's attack points return to normal," Archangel said.

Darklord Morningstar ATK 0→3000

"So, what are you going to do, Ringmaster? I have four very powerful monsters, two of which have 3000 attack points. And in case you're getting any ideas, you should know that you can't target Morningstar with card effects while I control another "Darklord" monster."

"Just because you tighten up your defenses doesn't mean it's impenetrable," Ringmaster stated. "My turn! I draw!"

"You know what you have to do, right?" Yuto asked.

"Of course, it's the best and only option I have," Yuya replied.

"Then let's quit chatting and get to work," Yugo stated.

"I agree with the monkey here," Yuri said, angering Yugo.

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Safe Zone!" Archangel interjected. "I target one monster on my field, and as long as this card remains, the targeted monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, nor can it be targeted by card effects. I target Darklord Morningstar!"

A blue veil surrounded Darklord Morningstar.

"That won't stop me! Since my Pendulum Scale is already set, I can Pendulum Summon!" Ringmaster declared as two beams of light emerged from the portal above.

"Sting your way to victory, Performapal Kaliedoscorp!"

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

The beams of light disperse, solidifying into the forms of Kaleidoscorp and Odd-Eyes.

Performapal Kaleidoscorp ATK 100 DEF 2300 LVL: 6 PS: 4

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

"Treasurer Magician's Pendulum Effect activates, letting me draw two cards," Ringmaster said as he drew. "Next, I'll entertain my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Ringmaster's head.

"The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Performapal Linkipede and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy, with Linkipede splitting into two as they entered the top, bottom-left and bottom-right Link Arrows.

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

The cybernetic dragonic humanoid warrior with red and beige plate armor and a helmet in the shape of Odd-Eyes's head, lined with golden data streams, wielding a pendulum-like lance in emerged from the Link Portal and landed in the Right 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 Safe Zone, 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 Safe Zone lost its effects, you can now destroy my Morningstar," Archangel noted.

"Not only that, but it's time for me to release some razzle-dazzle. Go, Kaleidoscorp! Kaleidolight!"

The hole in Kaleidoscorp's tail glowed and fired a light beam, hitting Zerato, Tezcatlipoca, and Asmodeus.

"No. Not this again."

"That's right, Seraph. By targeting my Cylancer, I can grant him the ability to attack all your Special Summoned monsters this turn in addition to his normal attack," Ringmaster explained as all three Darklords each fired a beam of light at Odd-Eyes Cylancer, causing him to split into three. One red, one blue, and one yellow.

"Battle! My three extra Cylancers, attack Darklords Tezcatlipoca, Zerato, and Asmodeus!"

The three warriors 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

"Not so fast! I'll activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet!" Archangel declared. "This card halves all damage that I take this turn!"

"Damage is still damage either way!" Ringmaster stated. "Go, Spiral Cybernetic Lance!"

The red, blue, and yellow Cylancers pointed their lances at the three Darklords before releasing a stream of blue energy that pierced their bodies, destroying them.

Archangel: 4500→1600 LP

"Thanks to Asmodeu's effect, I get to summon an Asmo and Deus Token to my field," Archangel pointed out as two Tokens started to form.

"No, you won't!" Ringmaster rebutted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Effect Shut, which will put a stop to Asmodeus's effect, meaning you get no tokens!"

"Darn you," Archangel muttered.

"Time to put an end to this. Odd-Eyes Cylancer attacks your Darklord Morningstar!" Ringmaster declared.

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

"Are you sure about that?"

"Huh?"

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

"WHAT!?"

The gems on Cylancer's body shone as it released a blue torrent of energy that was doubled in size and power towards Darklord Morningstar.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions!" Archangel abruptly stated. "I send Vahalla to the Graveyard to gain 1000 Life Points.

The Continuous Spell disintegrated as Archangel gained Life Points while at the same time, Morningstar was destroyed, causing an explosion that made him skid backwards from the damage.

Archangel: 1600→2600→800 LP

"Guess I have no choice but to end my turn with two face-downs," Ringmaster said as two set cards appeared on his field.

Archangel narrowed his eyes at Ringmaster. "So, Ringmaster, have you had any fun during this duel?"

Ringmaster looked back at Archangel with an annoyed look. "I would be if this were just a regular duel between two duelists, and you didn't trap my friends as well as endangering the lives of everyone in LINK VRAINS."

"So you're admitting that you can't have fun while dueling?"

"No. I'm saying that if the circumstances are different from what they are now, I'd be enjoying our Duel more than I am now. I mean, one loss, and you decided to give up being a Celebrity Duelist to become a bounty hunter. Isn't that going against your morals?"

"You'll never understand my reason for doing so. My turn! I draw!" Archangel looked at his card and smiled. "First, Darklord Marie's effect activates from my Graveyard and increases my Life Points by 200!"

Archangel: 800→1000 LP

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Card of Reversal! Since I have no other cards on the field or in my hand, I can draw a card for each card you own on the field, Ringmaster! That's six!"

Archangel then drew out his six-card hand and smiled.

"I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reincarnation!" Archangel continued. "By discarding Allure of Darkness from my hand to the Graveyard, I can add Darklord Morningstar back to my hand. Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Celestial Transformation, which lets me Special Summon Morningstar from my hand by halving its attack points. Come forth!"

Emerging from a coat of glass was Darklord Morningstar.

Darklord Morningstar ATK 3000→1500 DEF 3000 LVL: 11

"But your monster is still weaker than mine, Cylancer, regardless of Celestial Transformation," Ringmaster pointed out.

"That won't mean a thing once I activate the effect of Dark Tuner Fallen Angel from my hand to reduce Morninstar's Level to 1 to Special Summon her from my hand!"

Next to Morningstar appeared a female angel-like monster whose body was seemed to be made of black energy, wearing white robes with golden trims. A black sphere of negative energy replaced its waist, from which two black-feathered wings emerged.

Dark Tuner Fallen Angel ATK 500 DEF 500 LVL: 12

Darklord Morningstar LVL: 11→1

"Dark Tuner?" Ringmaster wondered.

"I've never seen or heard of that monster before. Have you guys?" Gore asked.

"Nope," Maestra replied.

"Me neither," Sanctum added.

"Well, even if none of us have heard of it before, something tells me that Archangel is planning it on using it for something big," Storm Rider noted.

"Next, Fallen Angel increases my Life Points by 100 for every Level it lost."

Fallen Angel flew upward as it sprinkled golden particles over Archangel, increasing his Life Points.

Archangel: 1000→2000 LP

"You might have increased your Life Points, but if you're planning on Synchro Summoning, good luck. Your angel's Level is much too high to summon anything worth fighting." Ringmaster pointed out.

"You're right, but I'm aiming to perform a different kind of Synchro Summon," Archangel said, his body gaining a malicious dark aura.

"A different kind?" Ringmaster questioned.

"See for yourself. Level 12 Fallen Angel dark tunes Level 1 Darklord Morningstar!"

Fallen Angel transformed into twelve stars that entered Darklord Morningstar's body, causing him to scream in before being destroyed as eleven black stars emerged from it and converged into a massive pillar of dark energy that shot into the ground.

"What have you done!?" shouted Ringmaster.

Archangel raised his arms to the sky as he chanted.

"Ruler of the Fallen, become the minister of the dark heavens and authorized your reign and spread your dark holy power to all! I Dark Synchro! Show yourself! Level -11! Descend with your fallen grandness! The Grand Darklord!

Emerging from the dark pillar was a monster that carried Morningstar's appearance but wore a dark holy minister's outfit but black, combined with his original outfit. It was silver but overall purple, with his midriff still exposed. He wielded a dark and demonic staff with wings on the tip and a red gem between them, glowing ominously. He had five demonic angel wings on each side as he wore a priest minister crown but demonic over his head with a red gem in its center as he was summoned to the Left Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

The Grand Darklord ATK 3500 DEF 3500 LVL: -11

"No way… A… Level -11 Synchro Monster?" Ringmaster said.

"Not Synchro, Dark Synchro," Archangel corrected him.

"Dark…Synchro?" Gore seemed shocked. "A negative Level Monster? What the heck is up with that!? There exists such a Synchro!?"

"It seems so," Storm Rider said.

"But it just seems so unlikely," Sanctum noted.

"You know anything about this, Rin?" Zuzu asked her Synchro Counterpart

"Yes," Rin repeated. "It's just an urban myth, but, allegedly, Dark Synchro Summoning was used by a cult that had origins in the ancient Incan lore over five thousand years ago."

Yuya, who was having the same conversation with his counterparts, asked Yugo the same question.

"According to the tales, a group of evil spirits bound to the earth would choose certain people and bring them back to life," Yugo explained. "They would fight against another group of people chosen by some kind of giant dragon god and its servants for the fate of the world."

"That's fine and all, but what does that have to do with Dark Synchro Summoning?" Yuto asked.

"I was getting to that Celina," an angry Rin said, not happy with being interrupted. "The story says that the ones chosen by the evil spirits wielded a perverted form of Synchro Summoning, in which you subtracted the Level of a special type of Tuner from that of the non-Tuners…."

"And that's what a Dark Synchro Summon is." Yugo finished, the others not sure what to believe.

"I see," Both Yuya and Zuzu said as they returned their focus to the Duel.

"You'll never stand a chance against the might of the Dark Synchro monsters. And you're about to see their power firsthand!" Archangel declared Since I used Darklord Morningstar to Dark Synchro Summon The Grand Darklord, it creates an energy wave so powerful that every card on your field loses its effects! Go, Absolute Judgement!"

The Grand Darklord raises his staff and releases pulses of dark energy towards Ringmaster's field.

"Because Odd-Eyes Cylancer lost its effects, its ATK returns to 2300," Ringmaster stated.

Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 4800→2300

"Battle! The Grand Darklord attacks Odd-Eyes Cylancer! Grand Darkness!

The Grand Darklord raised his staff and pointed it at Cylancer, firing a dark sphere at it.

"I activate my Trap Card: Half Performance!" Ringmaster responded as the card depicted Performapal Sleight Hand Magician using Performapal Sword Fish to cut Performapal Hip Hippo in half. "Thanks to it, it cuts the damage I take from your attack in half."

The dark sphere made contact that engulfed Odd-Eyes Cylancer, destroying it and making an explosion that caused Ringmaster to fall backwards.

Ringmaster: 1000→400 LP

The thorns inside the thorns grew closer to the four duelists, causing them to worry.

"That's the same Trap Card you used to help survive in our last duel and provided you the extra turn to defeat me," Archangel noted.

"That's right," Ringmaster said as he slowly got back to his feet.

"You may have survived, but I have to admit I'm glad you did because since you took damage, Grand Darklord's second effect increases my Life Points equal to that damage."

A bright purple aura formed around Archangel's body.

Archangel: 2000→2600 LP

"And you also remember that thanks to Half Performance's second effect, I can Special Summon a "Performapal" monster from my Deck with ATK equal or less than the damage I just took."

Ringmaster took a card from his Deck before showing it to Archangel.

"Just like in our last duel, I choose and summon Performapal Changeraffe!"

A bright yellow giraffe with a flowing braid of red hair and chain surrounding its long neck and body materialized onto Ringmaster's field.

Performapal Changeraffe ATK 100 DEF 500 LVL: 1 PS: 5

"You're not the only one who can summon monsters," Archangel stated. "Since Grand Darklord destroyed a monster in battle and sent it to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a "Darklord" monster from either my hand, Deck, or Graveyard be negating its effects. I choose to bring back my Darklord Morningstar from my Graveyard!"

A pillar of light appeared, and emerging out from it was Darklord Morningstar.

Darklord Morningstar ATK 3000 DEF 3000 LVL: 11

"You can copy my moves, but you can't copy this. I activate Changeraffe's effect!" Ringmaster declared. "When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, I can target one monster you control and prevent it from attacking and using its effects. While I could prevent your Morningstar from attacking this turn, the best choice is to lock up your Grand Darklord!"

A flurry of chains sprung from the Performapal's body as they headed straight towards Grand Darklord.

"Sorry. But since I control another "Darklord" monster on my field, Grand Darklord is unaffected by all your card effects."

"Say what!?"

The Grand Darklord raises his free hand as it glows dark, which causes Changeraffe's chains to break apart.

"Not only that, but Grand Darklord as the effect to attack all your monsters," Archangel continued. "Go, Grand Darkness!"

The Grand Darklord raised its staff again before firing a dark sphere at the Performapals, destroying them.

"Since Changeraffe and Kaleidoscorp are both Pendulum Monsters, they go the Extra Deck instead of the Graveyard, meaning you won't be able to summon more Darklords," Ringmaster pointed out.

Suddenly, Maestra gasped as she and everyone else started to flicker. "What's this?"

Ringmaster glanced over at Zaizen and gasped. "It's Kolter," he whispered.

"Well done for Kolter, huh, Storm Rider?" Sanctum whispered to him, happy at this development.

"Indeed," he replied. Once we're free, Ringmaster can duel without issues and win!

Unfortunately, there was a problem. Lightning sparked across the cage, electrocuting everyone as their bodies solidified before passing out.

"What happened?" Ringmaster asked.

"That system was designed by the most brilliant minds of the Arbiters," Archangel answered. "It is impossible to destroy, and if you tried logging out from it through a program, you get punished by an electrical that's strong enough to make you pass out!"

In Den City…

"No!" Kolter shouted.

"I really thought we'd freed them," Jin said.

"I'd improved the program right after Yusaku's Duel against Specter, hoping one day it might come in use later, like today.

"So, what are we going to do?"

"To be honest, Jin, I don't know."

"Well, maybe I have a solution."

Kolter and Jin looked around the truck to see where the voice was coming from.

"Who's there? Show yourself!" Kolter demanded.

A video screen popped up on one of Kolter's monitors showing a silhouette.

"Who are you?" Kolter asked.

"While who I am is important, what's more, important is helping out Ringmaster and Maestra, or should I say Yuya and Zuzu?"

Jin and Kolter's faces became shocked after hearing the mysterious man's words.

"How do you know who they are?

"You could say that I know them very well, but let's get back on rescuing them," the man said. "I've sent you a program that can help you break through the cage's security to help you get past their firewall, which will let everyone log out."

"And why should we believe you?" Kolter asked.

"I know that what's currently going on at the moment may make it hard for the two of you to believe if I'm an ally or not, but I assure you that I'm am, and I just want to help," the man answered. "Hopefully, we'll meet each other soon, and you can judge me for yourself.

The man then logged off, leaving Kolter and Jin by themselves.

"So, should we trust him or not?" Jin asked.

"Normally, I'd say no, but what choice do we have?" Kolter replied as he then opened up the program the man sent him. "Let's hope that this program works out."

Back at the Duel…

"Guys! Are you okay? Please answer me!"

"It's no use. They're knockout cold, so they can't hear you," Archangel said. "But I must say that they're complete fools thinking they can easily escape my trap. They really are dumb duelists!"

"…Shut up…" Ringmaster whispered, his body shaking, but Archangel didn't hear him.

"Perhaps that's why did it," Archangel mused as he laughed. "To give a small sense of hope to a weakling like who thinks dueling is all about having fu-."

"SHUT UP!"

Archangel stopped talking and stared at Ringmaster in shock. The dueltainer was shaking from head to toe, his rage rising higher by the minute.

"How dare you…." Ringmaster said. "My friends tried to escape so I could not only duel at my full strength but to help protect and save the people of LINK VRAINS from you guys. I'll pay them back for their support by defeating you!"

"We'll see about that," Archangel said. "Battle! Darklord Morningstar attacks you directly! Fallen Grace!"

Morningstar's sword glowed light blue and released the energy it built up as it swung its sword at Ringmaster, encasing his field in a cloud of smoke.

"It's over, Ringmaster. I've won, and you lost," Archangel said as he began to turn around and walk away.

"Are you sure about that?"'

After hearing a voice coming through the smoke and dust, Archangel stopped walking and turned around. Once the smoke cleared, he was shocked to see that Ringmaster was still standing with 100 Life Points left.

Ringmaster: 400→100 LP

"H-How? How did you survive!?" Archangel demanded. He then took notice of the trap card Ringmaster played. "Reduction Barrier!?"

"That's right!" Ringmaster grinned. "When you declared your attack with Darklord Morning, I activated it. And reduced the damage by ten percent, meaning instead of taking 3000 points of damage, I only took 300."

"Archangel tsked in frustration. "Even so, since you took damage, Grand Darklord's effect increases my Life Points by the same amount!"

Archangel: 2600→2900 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Archangel concluded.

"My turn! I dra-"

"Hold on! Before you draw, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Reign of the Darklords!" Archangel declared as the card showed Darklord Morningstar sitting on a throne with Darklord Ixchel, Nasten, and Tezcatlipoca bowed to him. "Thanks, it to its effect, all your monsters will be forced into Attack Position and have to battle my monsters. But if any of your monsters don't declare an attack, then Reign's effect will destroy them, and you'll take damage equal to their attack points!"

"What!?" Ringmaster gasped.

Do you understand your powerlessness now? You may have done your best, but I'm afraid this is your limit. No matter how much you persist, your lofty ideals cannot overcome me, just like how you cannot overcome the monsters standing before you. If you've realized the futility of your efforts, I suggest you face reality, surrender and spare yourself from the pain that will surely follow your defeat."

Ringmaster had a dispirited expression on his face as he stared at the ground. He currently had no cards in his hand, and even with his Pendulum Scale, he could only summon one monster due to the Master Rules and the ones in his Deck and Extra Deck don't have enough attack points to take out Morningstar or The Grand Darklord. He also couldn't use Treasurer's effect to draw extra cards since Grand Darklord negated its effects. Even if he could summon something, he'd be forced to attack one of Archangel's monsters, and if he doesn't, not only will his monster be destroyed by Reign of the Darklord's effect, he'll receive damage equal to his monster's points. He was now at the end of his rope, having used and lost most of his strongest Monsters during the previous turns in his attempts to turn this Duel around. Worst of all, he had been unable to get through to Seraph or, in this case, Archangel and break through the walls he had erected around his scarred heart with his Dueltaining, reinforcing the former future Celebrity Duelist's view that his beliefs were mere lip service. In short, he had been defeated in every way that mattered, and now Heartland would pay the price for his failure.

"I'm sorry, everyone…." Ringmaster apologized to the four youths behind him that were currently unconscious. "I can't do it… I can't stop him…and I can't save LINK VRAINS… I can't even make him smile… I've failed…."

To be honest, though, what did he expect? Hadn't Archangel told him before that his ideals were ridiculous? He had let his achievements in the past delude him into thinking that he could save anyone and anything with ease. However, just as Archangel said, his Dueltaining couldn't reach everywhere and stop horrors like the one he experienced. It was truly hopeless.

"Yuya…"

Although Yuya's Counterparts wanted to comfort and encourage him, they knew that nothing they said would get through to him right now. Unless Yuya himself found the resolve to stand up and fight somehow, there was nothing they could do for him.

"It seems you've realized that there's no way out of this, so make this easier for you and surrender." Archangel urged Ringmaster. "Your meaningless fight has finally come to an end."

With a hollow expression on his face, Ringmaster slowly lifted his arm and moved it towards his Duel Disk with the intent of surrendering. However, at that moment, he caught sight of his Pendulum pendant slowly swinging back and forth across his chest. All of a sudden, while that rhythmic motion entranced him, a certain memory from his childhood came unbidden to his mind.

Flashback: Ten years ago...

When his father had first started Dueltaining, it would eventually make him a worldwide celebrity. However, he was ridiculed by other Duelists and the media for being an oddball using an incomprehensible and nonsensical style. Despite that, he still dueled in his manner, paying no heed to the negative and mocking comments thrown at him.

"Why do you keep fighting like this, dad?" Yuya had one day asked his father after hearing several derisive comments about him for some of his classmates. "Don't you know that everyone is making fun of you? I don't understand."

"I do this because I'm convinced what I do is the proper way Duels should be," Yusho replied with a confident smile. "Even if everyone makes fun of me, I intend to keep fighting like this until I get my message across that bringing smiles through Duels should be the aim of every Duelist. That is my dream."

"But what if you can't do it?" Yuya had insisted. "What if you fail? Doesn't that scare you?"

"Honestly, it does sometimes." Yusho had admitted. "But you can't let the fear of failure stop you from doing what you believe is right. Furthermore, even if I cannot reach my goal, it will be enough to inspire at least one person to pick up my dream and continue in my stead. That way, even if I don't see it with my own eyes, I will rest assured knowing that someday, someone will make the dream I had come true."

The gallant figure of his father, holding steadfast to his beliefs and continuing to fight even when the whole world seemed to be against him, had been engraved into Yuya's heart ever since that moment, even though it became a distant memory. Remembering that half-forgotten image sent a jolt through Yuya's body as he grasped the swinging Pendulum with his hand, letting out a faint smile.

Flashback End: Present Day

"That's right…." Ringmaster muttered. "That's how it should be. You didn't give up even though things were so bleak back then, dad. In that case…I am not allowed to give up here either!"

Forcing his body to stand upright, Ringmaster glared at Amnael with a fierce expression on his face, surprising him.

"What's the meaning of this?" Archangel narrowed his eyes at Ringmaster. "Even though you were on the verge of giving up just a few seconds ago, those eyes of yours are brimming with resolve right now. Even though your shallow ideals and insufficient power cannot hope to stand up against me, will you continue to struggle in an unsightly manner?"

"Sorry, but no matter how hard I try, I'm just really bad at giving up." Ringmaster let out a crooked smile. "I still believe…that my dream is not mistaken. Indeed, I cannot change the world on my own. That's a fact I've become painfully aware of. My ideal of bringing smiles through Duels might not be able to bring eternal peace or stop tragedies. However, I will still strive to save and inspire as many people as possible with my limited strength while also passing on my ideals. And those who will inherit my dream shall carry it on to the future and spread it even further until we finally arrive at the true utopia. But first, I will save your soul that is blackened by sadness and hatred, Archangel."

"Save…my soul?" Archangel let out a mocking laugh. "Ringmaster, you may have learned to speak a bit more fluently, but that doesn't change the current situation one bit. You are still at a disadvantage here and lack the means to overcome my two Darklords. Unless you can find a way to escape from this predicament, you have no business talking about saving anyone."

"That's true, but a Duelist can alter his fate with a single draw." Ringmaster declared. "That's why I'll also bet everything on this last destiny draw to decide this match! Now, as I was trying to say before you interrupted me, I draw!"

As Ringmaster placed his hand on his Deck, a bright light was emitted from both his Pendulum pendant and the top card of his Deck, momentarily blinding him. At that moment, Ringmaster caught a glimpse of a dragon's silhouette, howling loudly at him. Upon drawing his card, Yuya stared at it with wide eyes.

Could this be…the new possibility of Pendulum? Ringmaster wondered. Whatever the case, this is a welcome gift that I will make sure not to squander.

"Archangel. You said before that my Pendulum Summon was a sin. Well, now's the time to show you it isn't. The time has come for Pendulum Summoning to move to the next stage," Ringmaster announced. "When Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon is in my Extra Deck or my Graveyard, I can Pendulum Summon this monster from my hand as long as I have two cards in my Pendulum Zones by ignoring the Pendulum Scales!"

"What!?" Archangel cried out in shock. "A Pendulum Summon regardless of the current Scale, you say!?"

"Swing, far Pendulum!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "More vividly, more fiercely, transcend the limits and engrave the arc of victory to the future! Overscale Pendulum Summon!"

Following Ringmaster's words, the massive Pendulum hovering behind him started swinging with greater force, escaping the confines of the pillars of light and drawing arcs across the sky as the Pendulum portal enlarged.

Awaken! Dragon that transcends between time and space! Let your wonderful, dual-colored eyes create possibilities! Come forth! Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

The glow dispersed from the draconic shape, revealing a large monster. Resembling Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, this new beast had the same vibrant red scales, smaller golden ones that glittered in between. Irises glowing in all colors of the visible spectrum, the dragon's eyes shifted like a kaleidoscope. Instead of the chunks of armor that its pre-evolved form had, Arc-Eyes instead had two glorious wings of light extending from its back, which he flapped a single time before roaring loudly and majestically.

BA-BUMP

Unbeknownst to the two Duelists from inside the cage Storm Rider somehow managed to regain consciousness for a bit as he caught a glimpse of the dragon.

"Another...Dragon...?" he said before passing back out.

"Arc-Eyes…Pendulum Dragon…" Archangel muttered. "Even if you managed to evolve your ace monster, it's still isn't strong enough to damage me, only being able to crash into my Morningstar. The situation hasn't changed one bit for you."

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again!" Ringmaster stated. "It's not over until my Life Points hit zero! Battle! Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack The Grand Darklod!"

"I don't know what you're planning, but I'm not about to let you make your move so easily," Amnael stated. "By sending Dark Honest from my hand to the Graveyard, I can reduce your dragon's attack points to 0!"

The corrupted version of Honest suddenly appeared on the field before diving straight at Arc-Eyes.

"I won't allow that!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "I activate Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect, which allows me to negate the effect or activation of an opponent's Spell, Trap or Monster Card during either player's turn and destroy it. Extinguish Gaze!"

Waves of light were generated from the dragon's eyes, striking Dark Honest and causing the angel to vanish from the field.

"Tch." Archangel clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Even so, your monster's still weaker than my Grand Darklord, meaning I win!"

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Yuya smirked. "The time has come for the climax of our show! I activate Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's second effect! Collection Force!"

Suddenly, a bright aurora appeared in the sky, with the spirits of Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Performapal Changeraffe, Performapal Card Bird, Performapal Camelump, Performapal Kaleidoscorp, Performapal Trump Sorceress, Wickedragon Magician, and Odd-Eyes Magician descending from it and appearing next to Arc-Eyes.

"What is this?" Archangel seemed astonished. "Those monsters…aren't they the ones I destroyed during my previous turns?"

"Oh my, what a surprise!" Ringmaster spread his arms wide with a smile on his face. "Even though they were supposed to have permanently retired, the stars of our previous acts have made one final appearance to aid us in delivering the most spectacular finish!"

"What are you talking about?" Archangel spoke with evident agitation. "How can mere phantoms of fallen monsters possibly destroy my Grand Darklord?"

"Allow me to explain," Ringmaster said. "Due to its effect, when Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon declares an attack, for every Pendulum Monster that's face-up in my Extra Deck from my Extra Deck, it gains 1000 attack points for each monster! Do it, my monsters!"

Following Rinmaster's words, all nine spirits turned into glowing orbs of energy, each with a different color, before entering, causing a rainbow-like aura to glow around its body as its power rose.

Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK 3000→12000

"12000!?" Archangel said, his eyes wide with shock. "How… where did I go wrong!?"

"You don't understand the power that lies in unity." Ringmaster declared with a resolute tone. "Even though my monsters were unable to destroy yours, their valiant sacrifice wasn't meaningless. Instead, they became the foundation that supported me, allowing me to arrive at this future. Overwhelming power that enforces one's will isn't everything, Seraph. In creating a better world, it's imperative to understand others and forge deep connections with them. And to accomplish that, we need to be able to laugh from the bottom of our hearts along with them first. That is what the true purpose of Dueling is, the power to link one's heart and soul with another and allow them to convey their thoughts to them. It's alright if every person in the world can't comprehend and accept this right now, but I'm sure this ideal will spread throughout the world by those who will inherit my dream and change it for the better."

Ringmaster jumped off of Arc-Eyes as he gestured towards his monster. "Now then, it's time for the finale! Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, destroy The Grand Darklord! Flaming Spiral Arc!"

A multi-colored stream of flames erupted from Arc-Eyes' maw, piercing through Grand Darklord's body, destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave sending Archangel flying backwards as well as dispelling the clouds and causing rays of sunshine to break through them, illuminating the ruined temple.

Archangel: 2900→0 LP

Ringmaster, meanwhile, approached the fallen Archangel with a disgusted look on his face as he bent down and reached inside one of the holsters on his belt and grabbed the glowing green card and inserted it into his Duel Disk.

Archangel couldn't help but laugh. "I can't believe I lost to you again. But… I was wrong. Your heart is cruel." As he struggled to stand up, he smirked at Ringmaster. "You claimed on trying to save me throughout this entire Duel, but you decided to abandon that goal so you could beat me. A rather wicked act, wouldn't you say?"

"That was nothing compared to what you've done," Ringmaster said with a glare of hatred. "You don't even care what happened to them, do you?"

"You're right. I don't. And I especially don't care what happens to you.

"Huh?"

Archangel snapped his fingers as a giant monstrous version of Darklord Morningstar appeared behind him. "If I can't defeat you in a duel, I'll defeat you by force!"

The giant Morningstar raised its sword before bringing it down towards Ringmaster and his friends as he stood there frozen.

"There's nothing I can do to escape this," He muttered.

"But I can!"

Ringmaster gasped as his body started to flicker as and his friends were forcibly logged out in the nick of time.

"What!? They escaped!? How!?" Archangel shouted as a portal appeared behind, turning into data before being absorbed.

Back in Den City, at Kolter's apartment…

Yuya opened his eyes as he noticed he was back inside the sealed room in Kolter's apartment. He then noticed Zuzu on the other side, leaning against the wall.

"Zuzu? Zuzu, wake up!" Yuya said as he shook her body, causing her to wake up.

"Yuya… Is that you? Where are we?" Zuzu asked.

"We're back home," he replied. "I guess Kolter managed to find a way to log us out.

"Is that so? Guess we'll have to thank him once we see him."

"You should also thank me as well since I provided the program to help free you guys."

Yuya and Zuzu turned around and were surprised to see the source of the voice on one of the monitors.

"It can't be," Zuzu said. "Is it really you?"

"Declan?" Yuya asked.

And that's Chapter 20. Bold cards are OCs. Credit to SakushiRyu and DragonKnight15 for creating Darklord Support and with Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. Originally going to do Decipher Paladin, but decided to do this, since Seraph now Archangel, thought Yuya's Pendulum Summon was a sin. Also, to all you guys who have requested it, the next chapter will commence a duel between Yuya and Yuji, a.k.a Ringmaster vs. Storm Rider. You guys have wanted it, and you'll be glad to know that I've finally decided to do it. As always, follow, favorite, review, and don't be afraid to send me a PM. See you guys next week, and let me know in the reviews what you think about the outcome of the Duel.

OC Card Memo:

Dark Tuner - Fallen Angel

(Dark/Fairy/Dark Tuner/Effect/ATK: 500/DEF: 500/LV: 12)

You can target 1 DARK Fairy monster you control; reduce its Level to 1, and if you do, Special Summon this card from your hand, then gain 100 LP for every Level that target lost this way. You can only Special Summon 1 "Dark Tuner - Fallen Angel" per turn this way.

Darklord Valkyria

Level: 4 ATK 1800 / DEF 1050

DARK Fairy / Effect

Effect:

If this card is Special Summoned: You can target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; banish it, and if you do, this card gains 300 ATK. You can only each of these effects of "Darklord Valkyria" once per turn.

If a card(s) is shuffled from the GY into the Deck: You can Special Summon this card from your hand.

If this card is sent to the GY by a "Darklord" card effect, you can Special Summon this card.

The Grand Darklord (Dark/Fairy/Dark Synchro/Effect/ATK: 3500/DEF: 3500/LV: -11)

1 DARK Fairy monster - "Dark Tuner - Fallen Angel"

If this card is Synchro Summon using "Darklord Morningstar" as material: Negate the effects of all face-up cards your opponent currently controls. Each time your opponent takes battle damage, you gain that much LP. When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle: You can Special Summon 1 "Darklord" monster from your hand, Deck or GY. While you control another "Darklord" monster, this card is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. If this card would be destroyed by battle, you can Tribute one other Fairy monster you control instead.

Darklord's Charity Quick-Play Spell Card

You can banish 1 Level 7 or higher DARK monster you control: Draw two cards. You can only activate 1 "Darklord's Charity" per turn.

Darklord Apocalypse Normal Trap Card

If a "Darklord" monster you control is targeted for an attack: That monster you control cannot be destroyed by that battle, then end the Battle Phase, also if that monster is Level 8 or higher, add 1 "Darklord" monster from your Deck to your hand. Once per Duel, you can activate the above effect by banishing this card from your GY.

Reign of the Darklords Continuous Trap Card

If you control a "Darklord" monster all monsters, your opponent controls are switched into Attack Position. (Flip Effects can't be activated.) Monsters your opponent controls must declare an attack, if able. At the end of your opponent's turn, destroy all monsters that didn't declare an attack and deal them damage equal to their ATK. If you do not control a "Darklord" monster, destroy this card.

Performapal Block Spider

ATK: 0, DEF: 1100, LV: 2

Dark/Insect/Effect

Monster Effect: You can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard to target a monster on your opponent's field; negate its effects until the End Phase.

Performapal Odd-Eyes Scribe

ATK: 1400, DEF: 950, LV: 3, SC: 7

Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: If you have no cards in your hand and an "Entermate" Monster in your other Pendulum Zone, you can destroy this card; draw cards from your Deck equal to the sum of different numbers between your two Pendulum cards' Scales.

Monster Effect: When an "Odd-Eyes" Monster inflicts damage to your opponent, you can banish this card from your field or Extra Deck; double that damage.

Performapal Trump Sorceress

ATK: 100, DEF: 2300, LV: 6, SC: 1

Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can target a Fusion Monster on the field, return it to the Extra Deck, and Special Summon its Fusion Materials from your Graveyard or Extra Deck. The summoned monster gains ATK equal to half that Fusion Monster's original attack.

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can perform a Fusion Summon by using Monsters from your hand and/or field without using a "Fusion" card. If you successfully performed a Fusion Summon, draw one card from your Deck through this card's effect.

Replication Magician

ATK: 100, DEF: 100, LV: 1, SC: 3

Dark/Spellcaster/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can send 1 Pendulum Monster from your Deck to the Graveyard, then select 1 Pendulum Monster on your side of the field; until the End Phase, its name, type, attribute, and level become the same as the sent monster's.

Monster Effect: If this card is summoned successfully, you can select one other Pendulum Monster on your side of the field; this card's name, level, type and attribute become the same as that monster's.

Odd-Eyes Magician

(LV: 6, Spellcaster, DARK, ATK: 2300, DEF: 1500, PS: 8)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can target 1 "Performapal," "Magician, one" or "Odd-Eyes" Pendulum Monster you control; until the end of this turn, that monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects and cannot be destroyed by battle. Once per turn, you can target 1 "Magician" or "Odd-Eyes" monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon it.

Monster Effect: All Pendulum Monsters you control gain 500 ATK. Once per turn, if you activate a card effect from your Pendulum Zone: You can draw one card.

Sacredragon Magician

(LV: 8, LIGHT, Spellcaster, ATK: 2400, DEF: 3000, PS: 7)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if you control a "Magician" monster in your other Pendulum Zone: You can add 1 Ritual Magic from your Deck to your hand.

Monster Effect: If this card is Pendulum Summoned from your hand: You can target one card on the field; destroy that target. If this card is used for the Ritual Summon of a Dragon-type Ritual Monster, that Ritual Monster gains this effect:

• If this card destroys a monster by battle, it can attack once again in a row.

Wickedragon Magician

(LV: 6, DARK, Spellcaster, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2100, PS: 1)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if you control a "Magician" monster in your other Pendulum Zone: You can add 1 Level 5 or lower monster from your Graveyard to your hand.

Monster Effect: If this card is Special Summoned: You can add 1 Ritual Monster from your Deck to your hand. If this face-up card is Tributed while it's on the field: You can target one face-up monster on the field; that monster has its effects negated until the End Phase.

Treasurer Magician

(LV: 7, Spellcaster, DARK, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1700, PS: 0)

Pendulum Effect: If you do not have a "Magician" card in your other Pendulum Zone, this card's Pendulum Scale becomes five, and it cannot activate its other effects. (This effect cannot be negated.) Each time you successfully Pendulum Summon a monster(s), draw one card for each monster you Summoned. (Quick Effect): You can destroy this card and a "Magician" card in your other Pendulum Zone; for the rest of the turn, Pendulum Monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. Also, you take no damage from battles involving them.

Monster Effect: If this card is Pendulum Summoned, you can draw two cards and discard one card.

Cleric Magician

(LV: 7, Spellcaster, LIGHT, Ritual, ATK: 2600, DEF: 2600)

Monster Effect: Unaffected by the effects of monsters with an equal or lower Level/Rank than this card. Your opponent's card effects cannot target Spell/Trap Cards you control. Once per turn, if this card destroys a monster by battle: You can target 1 Spell Card in your Graveyard; add it to your hand.

Performapal Spotlight Acrobat

Attribute: Light

Rank: 4

Warrior/Xyz/Effect

ATK/ 2600

DEF/ 1600

Monster Effect:

2 Level 4 monsters with different Types and Attributes

If this card is Xyz Summoned, you can place a Tricky Counter on each monster your opponent controls. You can only use this effect of "Performapal Spotlight Acrobat" once per turn. Your opponent cannot activate the effects of monsters with a Tricky Counter on it. Once per turn, during your Battle Phase: If this card hasn't declared an attack, you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card to gain control of a monster your opponent controls with a Tricky Counter on it until the end of the Battle Phase, but this card cannot declare an attack the turn you activate this effect.

Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon

ATK: 3000, DEF: 2500, LV: 8, SC: 0

Dark/Dragon/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: If your other Pendulum Zone is empty, you can place a Pendulum Monster from your Deck or face-up from your Extra Deck into it. If a Pendulum Monster you control battles an opponent's monster with higher ATK: You can make that battle damage 0, also your opponent takes any battle damage you would have taken instead. You can only use each Pendulum Effect of "Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" per turn.

Monster Effect: If you have an "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" face-up in your Extra Deck or your Graveyard while having two cards in your Pendulum Scale, you can Pendulum Summon this card from your hand while ignoring your current Pendulum Scale. Unaffected by monster effects. Can attack all monsters your opponent controls, once each. If this card battles a Level 5 or higher monster your opponent controls, after damage calculation: You can inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK of 1 Pendulum Monster face-up in your Extra Deck. Once during either player's turn, negate the activation of an opponent's Spell/Trap Card or Monster Effect and destroy it. You can make this card gain 1000 ATK for each face-up Pendulum Monster/Card on the field and face-up in your Extra Deck, during damage calculation only. You can only use each effect of "Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" once per turn. If this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Magician's Ritual (Ritual Spell Card) - This card can be used to Ritual Summon any "Magician" Ritual Monster from your hand, Deck, or Graveyard. You must also Tribute monsters from your hand and/or field whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster you Ritual Summon. If your opponent controls a Special Summoned monster: You can also send Pendulum Monsters from your Extra Deck to the Graveyard.

Half Performance (Trap Card) - Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack. Halve any battle damage you would take from that attack. Then, you can Special Summon 1 "Performapal" monster from your Deck whose ATK is equal to or less than the damage you just took.