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.

22. Pendulum Vs Link

Last time in Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-Vrains The Circuit of Smiles, Ringmaster had a rematch against Archangel, a.k.a. Seraph, after he'd trapped Maestra and everyone else in a cage that will cause them to be deleted if Ringmaster loses. Still, if he wins, he'll get the Arbiter's leader location.

Meanwhile, Kolter and Jin tried breaking through the cage's security and were close to breaking out and sadly failed, thinking there was no way they could save them until a mysterious individual offered assistance to help free everyone.

After bringing out his ace, a Negative Level Synchro Monster called The Grand Darklord. Ringmaster was backed into a corner with no monsters or set cards on his field and no cards in his hand. He was about to give until he recalled a memory of his father explaining why he never gives up during a duel even when things seem bleak, or people insult him because of his dueling methods.

Regaining his confidence back, Ringmaster managed to pull out a miracle and make a comeback by drawing a new monster known as Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to defeat Archangel and win the duel. Angered by the fact he lost again, Archangel decided to take matters into his own hands and tried to forcibly delete everyone until Kolter and Jin successfully logged everyone out.

Returning safely back to Kolter's apartment, Yuya and Zuzu rejoiced after seeing one another before being stunned by seeing a familiar face. What happens next? Find out now!

In Den City, at Kolter's apartment….

"I can't believe it. Is it really you, Declan?" Yuya asked.

"The one and only," Declan answered.

"But how? Where? When did you arrive?" Zuzu asked.

"I'll get to answering that question in a minute, but for now, are the two of you alright?"

"We're fine," Yuya answered. "But we are a bit exhausted."

"I would assume so. Given the two of you had some difficult duels."

"Wait a minute. You saw our duels?" Zuzu questioned.

"Yes," Declan replied. "Responding to your first question Zuzu, the Lancers and I arrived a few days ago but didn't decide to look for you until we got settled in first, and once I managed to get a hold of some of the Link Dimension's technology, I was able to locate you two when you're in LINK VRAINS."

"So when you said that you had a hand in helping us escape, it was you who provided the program to Kolter and his brother when they'd failed to free us," Yuya deduced.

"Correct."

'But how did you know where to find us?" Zuzu asked.

"I had Moon Shadow search through the city looking for you, and once he did, he'd follow you to see where you guys stayed and informed me of the location," Declan answered. "After seeing the attack on LINK VRAINS and seeing you two get trapped, I immediately started to work on the program to free you guys, and I'm happy to say that it worked."

"Well, we can't thank you enough, Declan," Yuya said.

"Me too, but I'm a little worried that Kolter might now suspect that we haven't told him the truth about us," Zuzu said.

"Oh yeah. I didn't think about that."

"If it will help ease the two of you, while I didn't inform Kolter of my identity, I did inform him that I know of you two and that I'm an ally and not an enemy," Declan stated. "So if he does get suspicious and starts to ask questions, feel free to tell him the truth and if he doesn't believe me, then bring him to this location."

Both Yuya and Zuzu's Duel Disks started beeping as they received a notification listed with an address.

"Hey, I know this address. It's the same place where Zuzu first arrived," Yuya said.

"The warehouse district," Zuzu added. "So that's where you and everyone else is?"

"Indeed. Meet us there tomorrow, and if you're worried about being followed, Moon Shadow will be behind you to keep you safe."

"Thanks, Declan. We appreciate it," Yuya said with a smile.

"Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow," Zuzu said with a smile as well.

"And I'm sure they'll be happy as well," Declan said. "See you both tomorrow."

Declan logged off, causing the screen to turn black.

"Looks like everyone's finally here," Zuzu noted.

"Meaning the more help we have to look for Leo," Yuya stated.

"Knock knock!"

Suddenly, Yuya and Zuzu's attention shifted towards the door before opening and saw it was Kolter and Jin.

"Kolter! Jin!" Both exclaimed with joy as they hugged the two brothers.

"I'm glad to see the two of you are safe," Kolter said.

"We were really worried about you," Jin added.

"Well, worry no longer," Yuya said.

"You can see that were perfectly fine and in good shape," Zuzu added.

"And we have you to thank. Even when your program didn't work at first, you never gave up and eventually did manage to free us, and we're grateful for it!"

"Well, that's what I want to talk to the two of you about," Kolter said.

"You see after our escape program failed, we didn't try again to rescue you guys until the mysterious figure who claims to know you two as well as your avatars Ringmaster and Maestra sent us a program that'd help break through the cage's security," Jin added.

"He also stated that he's an ally of you two and says that we'll meet each other soon, and I can judge whether if he's good or not," Kolter mentioned. "So, do you two know this guy and is he also telling the truth about wanting to help?"

Yuya and Zuzu both looked at each other nervously before turning back to the two brothers.

"What the man told you is true," Zuzu answered. "His name is Declan Akaba, and he's the leader of an elite group of duelists known as the Lancers."

"Lancers? What are you guys talking about?" Jin asked.

"Guess it's finally time to tell you guys the whole story," Yuya said.

A while later...

After a long and difficult conversation, both Kolter and Jin were of what they had just heard from Yuya and Zuzu.

''So wait-wait, hold on a second,'' Kolter utters out, gazing at Yuya and Zuzu. ''So you guys and your friends come from a universe which is four separate dimensions?''

''And these four dimensions are based on different summoning methods, sort of. One based on Fusion, one based on Synchro, one based on Xyz, and the last known as the Pendulum Dimension," Jin added.

"Not only that but all these dimensions were known as the Orginal Dimension where this guy Leo Akaba who's the father of this Declan guy you mentioned, was a resident who's also the creator of making the Duel Monsters real, destroyed the world because of some duelist named Zarc who is or was you Yuya was wrongly influenced by the people's negative responses of wanting more violent duels fused himself with the four dragons that you possess before being stopped by a girl named Ray who's not only Zuzu but was also the daughter of Leo used four special cards based on mother nature to beat Zarc, causing the Orginal Dimension to split into four," Kolter stated.

"Which then led to Zarc and Ray being split into four separate individuals," Jin continued. Them being you two and Yuto, Lulu, Yugo, Rin, Yuri, and Celina."

"But Leo Akaba wanted the four dimensions to be one again and started this thing called the Arc Area Project where he hunted people from other dimensions and turned them into cards to fuel a machine that will forcibly combine the four dimensions," Kolter added.

"That's when Declan created the Lancers to stop it from happening, and during the process of all it, that's where the two of learned about your true origins, and instead of stopping, you had to stop Zarc since Yuya ended up becoming him," Jin stated.

"And with all the Lancers might, you couldn't stop Zarc until a girl named Riley let Ray's soul use her body so she can duel and use the four cards she used to beat Zarc before beating him again, which lead to dimensions being split once again, only this time you guys inhibit the souls of your other counterparts," Kolter concluded.

Yuya responded with a nervous chuckle. ''Basically.''

Kolter scratched his head, really not expecting this.

''I'm lost.'' Jin expresses, causing Kolter to smile with a small sweat drop, a kind of relief he is lost.

"But how does that explain that how Den City, or as you guys refer it as "The Link Dimension" was created?" Jin asked.

"Our guess is when Zarc was defeated the second time, and the dimensions were about to split, a small part of Zarc tried to escape, and Ray noticed it and stopped just in the nick of time, which ended giving birth to the Link Dimension since it doesn't have Pendulum Monsters meaning that Zarc couldn't use it to his advantage," Zuzu answered.

"We know this is a lot to take in, and if you guys have a hard time believing us, we understand," Yuya noted.

Kolter and Jin were quiet for a few seconds before finally responding.

"Don't worry, you two, we believe you," Kolter said.

"You do?" Yuya and Zuzu both said, shocked.

"Yes," Jin replied. "Given the fact on what's going on right now with the Arbiters and everything else Kolter and I have been through, it's not surprising how crazy your story sounds.

"Plus, it explains how you have Pendulum Cards, and we don't," Kolter added.

"What a relief," Zuzu said.

"It sure is. I was expecting you guys to be mad or get freaked out," Yuya admitted.

"But there are two people that might will. Yuji and Ena."

After hearing Kolter's words, Yuya and Zuzu's faces turn from relieved to worried.

"You guys mentioned you guys are fragments of Zarc and Ray, and seeing on Yuji and Ena have the same face as you two, meaning if you tell, you can expect a big reaction from them," Jin stated.

"Maybe. But both still think that it's just a coincidence that we look so similar," Yuya pointed out.

"And even if they noticed something suspicious, they aren't the two to keep it hidden from us," Zuzu said.

"You're right about that, but all I'm saying is that the two of you better hope that they don't get the idea to confront on the matter," Kolter stated. "Also, you know where this Declan dude is so I can thank him for his help?"

"We're supposed to meet him at the warehouse district with the rest of our allies, but he said to make sure that we're alone," Zuzu replied.

"Also, a guy named Moon Shadow, who's also a comrade and an actual ninja, will be following us to make sure of that," Yuya added.

"That's ok. I can still keep tabs of you guys through my GPS tracker and make sure no one from inside the network can get to you," Kolter mentioned.

"That sounds great!" Yuya exclaimed.

"Not only, but Yuji and Ena also work with us tomorrow, so it'll take the edge off you guys from worrying about them," Jin added.

"Perfect! Now we're safe sound from the Arbiters as well as our counterparts," Zuzu said. "You two are the best!"

"Thanks, Zuzu," Kolter said. "Now how about you two rest up while Jin and I cook you up some dinner? You had a rough day after all."

"Sure thing," The two teens replied as they headed to their rooms for some R&R while Kolter and Jin went to the kitchen to start cooking.

At Café Yamashiro's backroom...

Even though they escaped from being permanently deleted, Yuji and Ena's bodies were not only aching from their duels against Nyx and Drakon but also that electrical shock they received when the cage prevented them from logging out.

"Glad to see we're still in one piece," Ena noted.

"Yeah. I'm lucky to even be in one piece after the day we just had," Yuji said as he and Ena entered the living room and sat down on the couch. "Also, I think I figured out who Ringmaster is."

"Really? Who?" Ena asked.

"Yuya Sakaki from our school," Yuji answered.

"Are you serious? What makes you think he's Ringmaster?"

"Simple. As you've witnessed before, I experience a weird feeling whenever I'm around one of those dragons. Being Starving Venom and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon."

"Like when Yuya summoned Dark Rebellion, and you clutched your chest after it appeared."

"Not only that, but right at the end of the duel, I regained consciousness for about a second and saw a new dragon, meaning there's some connection I have with them."

"Wait a second. If Yuya's Ringmaster, doesn't that mean Zuzu's Maestra?" Ena asked.

"It's highly likely," Yuji answered. "Yuya and Zuzu are around each other all the same, just like Ringmaster and Maestra are always are."

"So what do we now? Do we finally confront them on the matter?"

"No. I already have a plan to get the answers that I need."

"Well, knowing you, it's probably going to be devious and sneaky," Ena stated.

"Indeed," Yuji replied. "Now, how about we rest up for a bit, then order some take-out?"

"Sounds good to me."

Yuji and Ena proceeded to head upstairs to their bedrooms to get some sleep.

The next morning...

Yuya and Zuzu both woke up as they exited their rooms.

"Good morning, Yuya," Zuzu said.

"Good morning to you too, Zuzu," Yuya replied.

Suddenly, the two of them smelt something good. Really good. Both immediately followed the smell towards the kitchen, only to see none other than Kolter and Jin cooking breakfast.

"Oh! Good morning Yuya and Zuzu," Kolter said, turning around and waving to the two teens.

"You want some eggs? Bacon? Toast?" Jin asked.

"You guys cooked all of this?" Zuzu asked, shocked at what she was seeing.

"I mean, it's a smorgasbord!" Yuya exclaimed. Usually, Kolter and Jin would make something plain and simple like pancakes or a bowl of cereal. But Yuya wasn't going to complain, especially when there's a big meal in front of him.

After Yuya and Zuzu sat down with the two brothers at the kitchen table, they immediately began eating the newly cooked meal faster than Kolter and Jin.

"Guess someone was hungry," Kolter said, chuckling upon seeing the two teens cutting their bacon in two and putting it in their mouth.

"You guys made our morning!" Zuzu stated.

"She's right. This stuff is freakin delicious!" Yuya added.

After a few moments of eating, Jin turned to Yuya and Zuzu and said, "I'm sorry you guys got trapped and ended up in very exhausting duels."

Yuya and Zuzu stopped eating upon hearing this before turning towards Jin and Kolter.

"Don't worry about it," Zuzu said with a smile. "By the time we figured out that the shortcut was a trap, it was too late to do anything."

"Not only that, but we managed to stop the Arbiters assault on LINK VRAINS and save many people from getting hurt," Yuya added. "Plus, after my duel against Archangel, I won the location of where their leader is."

"You DID!" Kolter said, startling everyone. "Why didn't you mention that last night?"

"Well, I was so exhausted from my duel, it probably slipped my mind," Yuya replied.

"Plus Kolter, we were planning on informing Declan about it first before analyzing it to make sure it isn't a trap or fake," Zuzu added.

"Guess that makes sense," Kolter said. "Sorry for getting all worked up."

"It's fine, Kolter," Yuya said.

"How about this? Why don't you have Kolter make a copy of the program, so that way it'll not only be faster to crack but also just in case something happens to the original?" Jin suggested.

"That's a great idea, Jin!" Zuzu exclaimed. "Kolter can work on it while we're at school and notify us if there are any leads."

"I think this fine breakfast they made not only brought our spirits up but our minds as well!" Yuya stated. Anyway, why don't we help you guys clean up the dishes before we head off to school?"

Kolter and Jin nodded in agreement as they, along with Yuya and Zuzu, proceeded to clean the dishes before heading back to their rooms to get dressed as it was now almost time to go to school.

Before the two teens left the apartment, they handed Kolter the program to look at and copy as he then said, "I'll inform you guys If I find anything, and if not, stop by back here and retrieve the program to show to your friends once you return."

"Will do, Kolter!" Yuya replied, giving him a fist bump before he and Zuzu walked out the door and started walking towards Den City High School.

At Den Academy…

As Yuya and Zuzu walked to Den City High, Yuya yawned, causing him to move a hand to the front of his mouth to cover it.

"You're still tired, even after getting plenty of sleep last night?" Zuzu asked.

"My duel with Archangel drained a lot more energy out of me than I'd expected," Yuya answered.

"Archangel? You mostly kept referring to him as Seraph."

"That's true, but even after defeating, I failed to bring him back to his senses, so until I do, he'll be referred to now as his new name."

"Did he even mention why he changed sides?"

"During the duel, he said it's because of his loss to me in the Masters' Tournament," Yuya answered. "While it was important for us to win so we can join the Top 10 to gather more allies to help us search for Declan's father. I did kind of feel bad about destroying his dream of becoming a Celebrity Duelist."

"You're not wrong," Zuzu agreed. "I mean, throughout your entire duel in the tournament, he kept saying that your ideals and morals are ridiculous while his reasons for dueling are superior."

"But during our recent duel, his ideals changed," Yuya pointed out. "Now, instead of justice, all Archangel duels, for now, is revenge against me. Whoever this person is that clouded Seraph's mind, Yuya thought, must be good at persuasion. If I were more impulsive, I'd probably get more info on who it is.

His thoughts, however, were interrupted when someone bumped into him, causing him to fall to the ground.

"Oi!" Yuya shouted.

"Are you oaky, Yuya?" Zuzu asked.

"I'm fine," he replied. "Sorry I bumped into you – Yuji?" Yuya stopped speaking when he noticed Yuji looking at him and Zuzu, with Ena standing right next to him.

"Hey, you guys! How have you been?" Ena asked.

"We're great!" Zuzu responded. "Sorry, Yuya wasn't looking where he was going, Yuji."

"It's alright. It could've happened to anyone," Yuji said as he held his hand out to Yuya. "You alright, Yuya?"

"Other than being a little sore, I'm alright," Yuya said, accepting it and standing up. He soon started to walk to Den City High, with Zuzu and Ena following them.

"Do you mind if I ask you a question?" Yuji asked, catching both Yuya and Zuzu's attention.

"Sure. I guess," Yuya replied.

"Do you mind if I take a look at your Deck?" Yuji asked.

He might be on to me, Yuya thought. Have to play it cool.

"Don't you think that's a bit too personal to ask someone, Yuji?" Ena asked.

"I have to agree with Ena. A person's Deck is their own business," Zuzu added.

"It's okay, Zuzu. I don't mind," Yuya said as he took out his Deck. "Here you go, Yuji.

Yuji grabbed the Deck from Yuya and proceeded to skim through it, seeing the "Phantom Knight" Monsters as well as their Spell and Trap Cards before handing it back to Yuya.

"Thanks for letting me check it out," Yuji said.

"No problem. Now, can I ask you a question?" Yuya asked.

"Sure thing. What do you have in mind?" Yuji replied, narrowing his eyes at Yuya.

"Why did you want to see my Deck?"

"In your duel against Shima, I saw that your Deck specialized in Xyz Monsters, and I was thinking of adding some to mine, so I thought to check yours out to see."

"Well, if you like, I can give you a few tips and pointers on the basics of Xyz Summoning and Monsters," Yuya stated.

"That'd be great!" How does after school sound?" Yuji asked. "Ena and have an hour free before we go to work."

"Sorry, but Zuzu and I have plans after school. How about during lunch period in the Duel Club room?" Yuya suggested.

"Sounds good to me."

Suddenly, Yuji's watch beeped several times. When he looked at it, he realized that he and Ena would be late for their Introduction to Design class.

"Sorry guys, but we gotta run!" Yuji said to Yuya and Zuzu as he and Ena ran off, with the latter responding with a wave.

"Guess we better hurry up, or we'll be late as well," Yuya suggested as he continued walking before being stopped by Zuzu.

"What are you thinking?!" Zuzu asked with an angry look on her face. "It's obvious that he suspects something of you, probably that you're Ringmaster. So why are you did agree to meet with him during lunch?"

"I did it because I have a plan," Yuya answered. "Right after 1st period, you'll contact Kolter and have him connect your Duel Disk to the school's security cameras, so when Yuji and I are in the Duel Club room and do start to ask me any interrogating questions, that's when you'll call me "regarding" an emergency, allowing me to leave the room and prevent him from finding out."

"I don't know what surprises me. The fact that your plan sounds genius or the fact that you came up with it all on your own."

"I thought the same thing," Yuya said with a smile. "But seriously, let's hurry up, or we'll be late."

"Fine. Also, was Dark Rebellion even if your Deck?" Zuzu asked.

"Nope. I had a feeling something like this may happen, so I took it out. It's hidden in my sock," Yuya answered.

"Once again, I'm surprised," Zuzu said as she and Yuya continued their walk to school.

A few hours later...

Yuji sighed as he sat in his fourth-period class and listened to the teacher's lesson, which was about using the different aspects of PowerPoint to make a poster. Boring. Instead of paying attention to the teacher, Yuji immediately got out his tablet and started looking at recordings of all of Ringmaster's duels. His duel against Seraph, Gore, The Shepherd, and Archangel. In each one of those duels, he summoned a dragon with a specific summoning method in their name. Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, and Starving Venom Fusion Dragon.

"I assume you're looking up, Ringmaster, or should I say, Yuya," Ena said, causing Yuji to turn to her.

"You're correct," Yuji replied.

"So the reason you took Yuya's Deck was to see if you would react if you saw his Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon?"

"It was, but sadly it wasn't in his Deck, but I'd figured he took it out to lower my suspicions."

"I get why you're doing this, but what if in the end, you learn Yuya isn't Ringmaster after all?" Ena asked.

"I know he is, and to make sure that I'm right, I'd already composed a perfect plan last night."

"May I ask what the plan is?"

"You can, but I'm not going to tell you because I know you'll try to stop me.

"That's fair," Ena admitted. "Just please promise that this plan of yours doesn't take things too far as well as ruining your friendship with Yuya."

At Den City High School, in the afternoon...

"Ah, peace," Yuya muttered as he and Zuzu walked down the hallway.

"Lucky for us, the teacher finished the Functions lesson early, which allowed the students time to get started on the homework for the week," Zuzu noted.

"But for us, instead of focusing on homework, we're focusing on keeping our identities secret," Yuya said. "Were you able to contact Kolter and notify him about our plan?"

"I did, and he was able to connect my Duel Disk to the school's security cameras and installed an audio system to it so I can also hear what the two of you are talking about," Zuzu answered.

"Great! I'll head off to the Duel Club room, and you hide somewhere where they aren't too many people."

"Got it!"

Yuya and Zuzu went their separate ways to pull off their part of the plan.

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

Yuya made it to the 2nd floor and entered the Duel Club room as he awaited Yuji to arrive.

"You made it to the Duel Club room?" Zuzu asked through Yuya's Duel Disk.

"Yes," Yuya replied. "Did you make sure that nobody was following me?"

"I did, and there was nobody behind you," Zuzu replied.

"Great to hear. If you don't mind me saying, where are you hiding?" Yuya asked.

"I'm in the girl's bathroom on the 4th floor," Zuzu said. "Barely anyone uses it during break period, so it's the perfect hiding spot."

"Perfect! Now, all we have to do is wait for Yuji to arrive.

15 minutes later…

Even after the class bell rang and everyone left their classes and headed either straight to the cafeteria or outside to do some homework, Yuji still hadn't arrived.

"Still no sight of Yuji, Zuzu?" Yuya asked.

"Nope," Zuzu replied. "I checked all the security cameras on the inside as well as the outside, but no Yuji."

"You think he just vanished out of thin air?"

"Unlikely. Maybe he got caught in something somewhere, and that's why we can't see him."

"Well, I'm going to try and find him."

Before Yuya left the room, his Duel Disk started to glow brightly.

"Zuzu, what's going on? Do you have something to do with this?" Yuya asked.

"No," Zuzu answered. "It looks like someone hacked your Duel Disk and is forcing you into LINK VRAINS, and whoever it is, they're preventing me from stopping it as well as finding out who they are.

"Guess, I'll find out once I'm in," Yuya said as he was then encased a blue sphere of light.

In LINK VRAINS…

Yuya, now Ringmaster, emerged from the portal and landed on a rooftop. Looking around, he saw he had landed on the rooftop of Celebrity Castle, the house of LINK VRAINS' Top 10.

"Celebrity Castle?" Ringmaster muttered.

"Yuya! Are you okay?" Zuzu asked through his Duel Disk.

"I'm fine," he replied. "I landed on the rooftop of Celebrity Castle."

"Celebrity Castle? That sure brings back some memories."

"Tell me about it," Ringmaster said. "The last time we were here, you ended up getting trapped by Ghost Gal and The Shepherd, and after I beat him, we were interrogated by everyone on our reason for being here."

"Luckily, we gained their trust, and they now see us as allies," Zuzu noted. "So, is there anyone else there besides you?"

"Not to my knowledge, no," Ringmaster replied. "Let me check to see if there's anyone inside."

Suddenly, another portal appeared in the sky above Ringmaster, catching his attention. Storm Rider fell out of the portal and landed some distance away from him as he shot out a red cord shoot out from his Duel Disk as it then wrapped around Ringmaster's wrist. The two regarded each other silently.

"What's this?" Ringmaster asked.

"This is a Data Anchor," Storm Rider told him. "It prevents both of us from logging out until we have a duel."

"So now Yuya's unable to escape?" Zuzu said. Be careful, Yuya, she thought. And don't get cocky. This will not be easy.

Ringmaster stared at the cord, then lifted his gaze to Storm Rider.

"This Data Anchor," he asked. "Is there a time limit?"

Storm Rider raised an eyebrow. That wasn't what he expected Playmaker's first statement to be. He had expected wide-eyed shock or at least an "Oh man!" Most of his targets had that reaction when he tagged them with the Anchor.

"Technically, yes," he eventually answered. "24 hours. Though I suspect you don't wish to remain in LINK VRAINS that long." Ringmaster scowled. Dang. If it was just one or two hours, he could have evaded Storm Rider. But now… now he had no choice.

"Why are you doing this, Storm Rider?"

"Because it's time for us to duel," Yuya Sakaki!"

Both Ringmaster's and Zuzu's eyes widened after hearing the nine words Storm Rider just said.

"Guess he knows your identity after all," A voice said, revealing it to be Yuri's.

"Now's not the time, Yuri," Yuya said.

"Hate to agree with him, Yuya, but now is the time," Another voice said, revealing to be Yugo's.

"Don't just go right away and blame Yuya. He couldn't help that Storm Rider was there during all of our duels," A third voice pointed out, being Yuto's.

"Thanks, Yuto. At least someone is on my side," Yuya said.

"Of course, we're on our side. We're just saying that you could've been a bit more careful," Yuri noted.

"And that'd coming from Yuri," Yugo stated.

"Look, can we discuss this later and let Yuya get back to the current situation?" Yuya suggested.

"Fine," Yuri and Yugo agreed as they, along with Yuto, disappeared back into Yuya's subconscious.

"Hello? Anyone there?" Storm Rider asked, seeing Ringmaster staring off into space.

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "Look, I think there's been some sort of misunderstanding. I don't know who Yuya Sakaki is, but I can assure you that I'm not him."

"Nice try, but there are three reasons why how I know who you are." Storm Rider lifted up one finger. "One: your duel with Shima. You started with novice moves, but then your skills turned professional, suggesting you were concealing your true skills to appear average." He held up another finger. "Two: you used a monster that lists both a summoning method as well as dragon in its name in your duel with Shima. While that can be seen as a coincidence, you have shown to own monsters that are dragon-type and also include a summoning method in their name." He raised a third finger. "Three: you're also aware of my identity. Only someone who has met me in real life would be able to do that, and since I spend all my time either with my friend or at school, it seems most likely you are also a student at Den City High School." Strom Rider concluded. "All these put together suggest that your real name, Ringmaster, is Yuya Sakaki. So why don't you stop hiding in your web of lies and just come clean?"

"I told you before already, I'm not who you think or say I am!" Ringmaster exclaimed.

"Fine then. If you don't tell the truth, then I guess I'll have to get it out of you through force!" Storm Rider declared as he then raised his Duel Disk above his head. A bright light shone from it, so bright that it blinded Ringmaster and even Zuzu as they covered their eyes.

When Ringmaster opened his eyes, they widened in shock. A transparent dome now surrounded them.

"This is a Camouflage Dome," Storm Rider explained. "It's connected to the same program in my Data Anchor that prevents us from logging out. In addition, neither of us can leave this area, and it hides our presence from the rest of LINK VRAINS."

A method to capture prey who try to run even after being tagged by the Data Anchor and ensure privacy for the duel, Ringmaster thought. He must've prepared this just in the case Arbiters attacked again. Hate to admit it, but I'm impressed.

"I've witnessed enough of your duels to know how dangerous your Skill is," Storm Rider said. "We will have a Master Duel, and when I win, you'll give me three things." Storm Rider raised his fingers again. One: your true identity. Two: the connection I have with your dragons. Three: where you come from and why you're here."

Ringmaster widened his eyes after hearing Storm Rider's demands. "And what happens if I decide not to meet those demands?"

"Doesn't matter if you don't because if you lose, my Data Anchor will instantly hack your account and allow me to see who you are," Storm Rider explained. "So, are you ready, Ringmaster?"

Ringmaster frowned in response. He'd only seen one of Storm Rider's duels – the one with the Arbiter member – but Storm Rider had seen several of his. The advantage was obviously in Storm Riser's favor, but that had never stopped him before. "Alright, Storm Rider. You got yourself a deal.

"Perfect."

Back in the girl's bathroom, Zuzu frowned. Whatever this Camouflage Dome was, she could still see them. She suspected Ena lent a hand in all of this and could probably see them as well. Yuya, she thought. Win this.

On the rooftop of Den City High School, Ena was viewing everything on her tablet as Yuji was next to her but encased in a blue sphere of light. I hope you know what you're doing, Yuji, she thought.

Storm Rider and Ringmaster faced off, each activating their Duel Disks.

"Duel!" they shouted.

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Ringmaster: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Storm Rider said, taking a card from his hand. "I summon Cycode Masterframe!"

A hacker-like human with dark brown hair, wearing a dark orange hoodie outfit and a pair of dark orange goggles that glow with white circuit lining across the lenses. He wears a heavy right gauntlet glove and hover boots.

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

When this card is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my hand. Come on out, Cycode Recon!"

Appearing next to Masterframe was the human-sized robot wielding a marksman rifle wearing light military gear.

Cycode Recon ATK 1200 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"When Recon's summoned, I can add 1 "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand." A card slid out from his Deck, which he then showed to his opponent. "I add the Field Spell Card: Cycode Zone, and then activate it to add Cycode Knight. Now I'll create the ultimate circuit!"

Storm Rider raised his hand as it glowed blue and shot out a lightning bolt, creating a Link Portal.

"Now, by using the second effect of Cycode Zone, if I use a Cyberse monster on my field to Link Summon, I can treat one "Cycode" monster in my hand, like my Cycode Knight, as Link Material."

"What?" Ringmaster gasped as a cybernetic knight in blue and white armor appeared on his field.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse Effect Monsters. I set Cycode Recon, Masterframe, and Knight in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-3! Cycode Fortress Golem!"

The massive, muscled humanoid figure appeared from the portal and landed in the Left Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Fortress Golemn ATK 2200 LINK-3

"Since I used Recon as Link Material for the summoning of a "Cycode" Link Monster, I'm allowed to add a "Cycode" Spell or Trap to my hand. I choose the Spell Card: Cycode Emblem."

A card ejected from his Deck as he grabbed it and placed it in his hand. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

After that, Storm Rider hit a button on the underside of his Duel Disk. Ena looked at her tablet screen as a progress bar popped up. She raised an eyebrow. A precaution in case he lost? Well, it would make for an interesting conversation when he got back.

"My turn! I draw!" Ringmaster drew, looked at his card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Magic!" The card depicted Dragonpulse and Dragonpit Magician honing their magic skills while a giant pendulum swung between them. "I check the top five cards of my Deck, and if there is a "Magician" Pendulum Monster among them, I can add it to my hand!" Ringmaster checked the top five cards of his Deck and revealed one of them, "I add Harmonizing Magician to my hand!"

Ringmaster then proceeded to take two other cards from his hand. "I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 3 Performapal Seal Eel and Scale 8 Xiangsheng Magician. I'm taking control of this duel starting now!"

Two pillars of light appeared on both sides of Ringmaster's field. The left pillar held Xiansheng Magician, while the right pillar held a monster that resembled both a seal and an eel wearing a top hat and had its lower half inside a noisemaker.

Performapal Seal Eel Scale: 3

Xiansheng Magician Scale: 8

"Now I can summon monsters with Levels 4 through 7 at the same time!" Ringmaster declared as he pointed upwards. "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 two lights appeared. The lights hit the field and then dissipated, revealing two monsters.

"Bring and create peace, Harmonizing Magician!"

"Reveal the truth, Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit!"

Appearing on Ringmaster's field was Harmonizing Magician and Miracle Mirrorabbit.

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

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

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

A magician with spiky, fiery red hair and hazel eyes, wearing a brown coat, black arm guards and wielded a short wooden staff in his right hand.

Power Magician ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 3 PS: 2

"And I'm far from finished," Ringmaster stated. I activate Xiangsheng Magician's Pendulum Effect! I'm taking aim and my game to the next level!"

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

Power Magician LVL: 3→4

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

"I tune the Level 4 Harmonizing Magician with the Level 4 Power Magician!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Ringmaster as the world greyed out, and his two monsters disintegrated into particles. Two rings, one cyan white and one white, appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "4 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

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

A man with red eyes and brown hair appeared on Ringmaster's field in the Right Extra Monster Zone. He wore white, black, and golden armor on his robes. Two white and red capes extended from his shoulders and waist, and two curved blades rested in each of his hands. A white mask covered his mouth and nose, and atop his hair, he wore a black, white, and gold hat.

Enlightenment Paladin ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LV: 8

"Since Power Magician left the field, it's now banished," Ringmaster informed Storm Rider. "Regardless, I activate Enlightenment Paladin's first effect. When he's Synchro Summoned using a "Magician" Pendulum Monster as material, I can add a Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand. Being the only Spell Card in my Graveyard, I choose Pendulum Magic!"

A card popped out of his Graveyard, which he took and added to his hand.

"It's time to battle! Enlightenment Paladin attacks your Fortress Golem! Chronos Configuration!"

Enlightenment Paladin charged forward, intent on destroying the Link Monster.

Ringmaster then pointed at his Synchro Monster, "Since Power Magician was used as Synchro Material, Enlightenment Paladin gains 1000 ATK during the Battle Pha-"

"Not so fast!" Storm Rider interrupted. "I activate the Trap Card: Cyberse Shatter. When I control a Cyberse monster and a card or effect that changes the attack of exactly one monster is activated, I can negate the activation and draw one card."

"...!" Ringmaster was silent with shock as Cyberse Shatter fired a wave of energy at Enlightenment Paladin, negating the effect of Power Magician from activating as Storm Rider drew a card from his Deck.

"I saw you use this same strategy against The Gore." Storm Rider informed him. "So knowing you want to beat me as quickly as possible, I'd figured you pull that same move again, which is why I already had a counter planned for it."

"I see," Ringmaster muttered as he pointed at his Synchro Monster again. "Even if you negated Power Magician's effect from activating, my monster's still stronger than yours! Continue your attack, Enlightenment Paladin!"

The swordsman combined the handles of its two blades, creating one double-edged weapon. He flew towards Fortress Golem while spinning his weapon for slashing the Cyberse monster down the middle, destroying it and making Storm Rider wince.

Storm Rider: 4000→3700 LP

"At this moment, Enlightenment Paladin's effect activates!" Ringmaster continued. "Since it destroyed an opponent's monster in battle, I can inflict damage to you equal to that monster's attack! Take this! Enlightened Spirit!"

Enlightenment Paladin crossed its swords before it, unleashing a wave of energy towards Storm Rider, but he wasn't worried.

"I activate the Counter Trap Card: Link Restart!" Storm Rider declared. This card negates an effect that would inflict damage, so your Enlightenment Paladin's effect is canceled out!"

The blast hit a barrier and rebounded.

"Then, Link Restart lets me Special Summon a Link Monster from the Graveyard. Resurrect, Fortress Golem!"

His Link Monster reappeared from a portal to the Main Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Cycode Fortress Golem ATK 2200 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"So you also had a plan ready just in case I dealt you effect damage?" Ringmaster asked.

"As I said, I've watched all your duels, so I decided to make a counter for every one of your moves," Storm Rider replied.

"Well, that won't stop me! "I'll now activate Mirrorabbit's effect!" Miracle Mirrorabbit hopped in front of Enlightenment Paladin as he stretched out its mirror, showing its reflection. By giving up Mirrorabbit's attack for the turn, Enlightenment Paladin is allowed to attack again!"

In the bathroom, Zuzu narrowed her eyes at the screen. "Now Yuya gets a second chance of taking the lead in this duel," she muttered.

"Go, Enlightenment Paladin! Chronos Configuration!"

Enlightenment Paladin charged towards Fortress Golem again, intent on destroying him for a second time.

"During the Battle Phase, Power Magician's effect kicks in, increasing Enlightenment Paladin's ATK by 1000!"

Enlightenment Paladin ATK 2500→3500

"I activate the effect of Cycode Mirage from my hand!" Storm Rider abruptly stated. "When an attack is declared involving a ''Cycode'' monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand, as well as preventing my monster from being destroyed and reduce the battle damage I take to 0.''

A barrier appeared around Fortress Golem as Enlightenment Paladin's blades struck it, forcing him to retreat to Ringmaster's side of the field while at the same time a white digitized-like ghostly being resembling a mirage with blue lining resembling circuits.

Cycode Mirage ATK 0 DEF 1200 LVL: 1

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

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his new card, then added it to his hand and chose a different card. "I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Emblem! By sending a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can then Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Deck in Attack Position, so long as it has the same Level as the sent monster. I send the Level 4 Cycode Archer to the Graveyard to Special Summon Cycode Strider!"

The medium-sized robot with semi-bulky armor wielding a futuristic rifle appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And when Strider's Special Summoned, its effect activates! I now get to check the top card of my Deck, and if it's a Monster, I get to summon it. So let's see if luck is on my side. I draw!"

He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile.

"I drew the monster Cycode Assassin, which means I can summon it!"

Cycode Assassin ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I'll create my circuit once again!" The Link Portal appeared above him. "Link Arrows Authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Cycode Mirage, Assassin, and Strider in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Talker!"

The monster that resembles Decode Talker, with the difference that its armor was green and white as he wields an energy-bladed katana as he emerges into the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Cycode Talker's effect activates! When he's Link Summoned, I can summon a Cycode Token next to his Link!"

A tiny creature resembling a computer arrow appeared next to Cycode Talker's bottom-left Link Arrow.

Cycode Token: ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL 1

"Cycode Talker's effect activates! For each monster it points to, all your monsters lose 500 attack points!

"What?" Ringmaster yelled."But from that position-!"

"Since Cycode points to my Fortress Golem and Cycode Token, your monsters lose 1000 attack points. Go, Power Degradation!"

Enlightenment Paladin ATK 2500→1500

Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit ATK 1200→200

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Code Matrix!" Storm Rider declared as the card showed the image of two unknown Cyberse Link Monsters gaining energy by absorbing the digital area around them. "During my Battle Phase only, all my Cyberse Link Monsters gain 1000 attack points."

"Storm Rider then gestured towards Cycode Talker. "Battle! Cycode Talker attacks Enlightenment Paladin! Cycode Catastrophe!"

Cycode Talker unsheathed its katana and charged at the Synchro Monster.

"At this point, Matrix's effect activates, increasing the ATK of all my Cyberse Link Monsters by 1000!"

Cycode Talker ATK 2300→3300

Cycode Fortress Golem ATK 2200→3200

"During the Battle Phase, Power Magician's effect kicks in, increasing Enlightenment Paladin's ATK by 1000!" Ringmaster exclaimed as Enlightenment Paladin glowed.

Enlightenment Paladin ATK 1500→2500

"It's still not enough to survive Cycode Talker's attack!" Storm Rider stated as Cycode Slasher slashed its sword through Enlightenment Paladin, destroying it and causing Ringmaster to wince in pain.

Ringmaster: 4000→3200 LP

"Since Cycode Talker destroyed your monster in battle, its third effect lets me Tribute a monster next to its Link to deal you damage equal to Cycode's attack points."

"What?" Ringmaster gasped.

"I Tribute my Cycode Token to deal you all of Cycode Talker's 3300 attack points as damage!" Storm Rider exclaimed as his Cycode Token disintegrated as its remains flowed into Talker's katana as it glowed blue and released a blast of energy directly at Ringmaster.

"I activate the Trap Card: Deflect Draw!" It showed an image of several Harpie Lady's using their wings to blow away Hintoma fireballs. Not only does it reduce the damage to 0, but I can also draw a card as well."

A barrier formed Ringmaster, shielding him from the blast as he drew a card in the process.

"Also, since Cycode Talker points to one less monster, my Mirrorabbit gains 500 attack points," Ringmaster pointed out.

Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit ATK 200→700

"Next, Fortress Golem attacks Miracle Mirrorabbit! Cyber Knuckle!"

Fortress Golem's fist glowed purple as it hurled at the Performapal.

"I activate the Trap Card: Guardraw! Thanks to it, Mirrorabbit goes into Defense Position, and I get to draw a card.

Mirrorabbit instantly switched from an offensive position to a defensive stance as he held his carrot before being crushed by Golem's attack while Ringmaster drew another card.

"Since we've reached the end of the Battle Phase, Code Matrix's effect wears off," Storm Rider stated.

Cycode Talker ATK 3300→2300

Cycode Fortress Golem ATK 3200→2200

"With that, I end my turn."

"That was some amazing moves you pulled off Storm Rider! But now it's my turn to show you my strength! I draw!" Ringmaster smiled as he drew. "Alright! For my next act, I'll be making both of your monsters disappear!"

"You're saying you'll break through my monsters?" Storm Rider asked.

"That's right! First, I place one card face-down. And with the Pendulum Scale already set, I Pendulum Summon!"

Two beams of light emerged from the portal, solidifying into the forms of monsters.

"Work your magic, Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer!"

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

Appearing on Ringmaster's field was his ace monster and a magician that wore a red and blue-green outfit and had purple hair. He was also carrying an amulet that had a pendulum inside of it in his right hand.

Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer ATK 1500 DEF 800 LVL: 4 PS: 2

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

BA-BUMP.

Storm Rider gritted his teeth and clutched his chest. Just like he said earlier, the connections he has with these dragons lead him to believe that Yuya is Ringmaster, and by the end of this duel, he'll see if he's right or not.

"Due to Cycode Talker's effect, both your monsters lose 500 attack points," he reminded Ringmaster.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK 2500→2000

Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer ATK 1500→1000

Ringmaster noticed Storm RIder's discomfort and frowned. "I know summoning my dragon was risky, but sometimes you have to take risks to win," he muttered as he gestured to his field.

"Pendulum Sorcerer's effect activates! When this card is Special Summoned, I can destroy up to two cards on my field to add the same number of "Performapal" monsters from my Deck to my hand! I destroy my set card and Seal Eel to add two "Performapal" monsters from my Deck to my hand!"

Both his set card and Seal Eel dispersed while two cards popped out of his Duel Disk.

"So that's what he was after..." Storm Rider realized.

"Since the set card I destroyed was Dummy Maker, I get to draw a card," Ringmaster continued as his eyes widened after seeing the drawn card. "Let's go! I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization to fuse Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Both Odd-Eyes and Pendulum Sorcerer shattered into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex before shooting upwards as tornados. The two tornados merged into a single violet twister.

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

In the Left Extra Monster Zone, a dragon appeared 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

"You may have brought out a stronger monster, but thanks to Talker's effect, it'll lose 500 attack points!" Storm Rider stated.

"Sorry, but during the turn, I Fusion Summoned Rune-Eyes, it's unaffected by your card effects," Ringmaster explained.

"What?"

"Not only that, but the number of times Rune-Eyes can attack my opponent's monsters changes based on the Level of the Spellcaster I used to summon it!" Ringmaster explained

Battle! Rune Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Cycode Talker and Cycode Fortress Golem! Double 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 two beams of blue energy, destroying both monsters. The force of the attacks sent Storm Rider skidding backwards.

Storm Rider: 3700→2200 LP

"I end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his card. "I place one card face-down, and then I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge to draw four cards since my hand is empty."

Storm Rider drew his cards and smiled. "I summon Cycode Sorceress!"

A mechanical female humanoid in a black dress carrying a metal staff appeared on Storm Rider's field.

"Sorceress's effect activates! When she is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Return to me, Cycode Strider!"

Strider reappeared on Storm Rider's field next to Sorceress.

Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And since I Special Summoned Strider, I get to check the top card of Deck to see if it's a monster. I draw!"

He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile.

"I drew the monster Cycode Rescue Unit, which means I can summon it!"

Four human-sized robots with light military gear with red crosses on their chests appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Rescue Unit ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Rescue Unit's effect activates! "When it's Normal or Special Summoned, I'm allowed to add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I choose Cycode Recon. "Now, I'll build my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Cycode Sorceress and Rescue Unit in the Link Arrows!"

Both his monsters became whirlwinds of energy before entering the left and bottom arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Magician!"

In the Right Extra Monster Zone, a light blue, long-haired female, wearing a long, digital-like cloak with a witch's hat and wielding an energy rod, appeared.

Cycode Magician ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"When Cycode Magician is successfully Link Summoned, I get to return a "Cycode" card from my Graveyard to my hand," Storm Rider continued. "I'll return Assassin, but he won't be staying there for long because I use the effect of Cycode Zone to use him as Link Material from my hand along with Strider on my field!"

The portal appeared above Storm Rider again as Assassin appeared on his field before it, along with Strider, became whirlwinds of energy before entering the top and bottom-right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Leo!"

A large, white fur-like digital lion with a blue circuit pattern lining across its body with blue fangs and claws appeared next to Cycode Magician's bottom arrow.

Cycode Leo ATK 2100 LINK-2 ↑↓

"He summoned two Link Monsters in one turn just like before," Ringmaster muttered.

"Battle!" Storm Rider declared. "Cycode Magician, attack Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Cycode Magician flew up and aimed its rod at Rune-Eyes

"At this moment, Matrix's effect activates, increasing the ATK of all my Cyberse Link Monsters by 1000!"

Cycode Magician ATK 2000→3000

Cycode Leo ATK 2100→3100

"Not only that, but because Cycode Magician is next to Leo's Link, she gains 1000 more ATK, but since the two of them are co-linked, they both gain 1000 ATK!"

"What?!"

Cycode Magician ATK 3000→4000

Cycode Leo ATK 3100→4100

"Go! Digital Deletion!"

Cycode Magician's rod glowed blue as it released a wave of energy at Rune-Eyes, destroying it and sending Ringmaster skidding backwards.

Ringmaster: 3200→2200 LP

"Next, Cycode Leo attacks you directly!"

Leo growled as it let out blue energy blast from its mouth at Ringmaster.

"YUYA!" Zuzu yelled.

Ringmaster smirked as he took a card from his hand, "I activate Performapal Inflater Tapir's effect from my hand! By sending this card to the Graveyard, I can reduce the battle damage I would take from this battle to 0!"

A monster resembling a balloon elephant wearing a top hat appeared before him and sucked up the damage from the explosion.

"Even though I took out your monsters and dealt damage to you, you still managed to find a way to adapt to the situation. I have to admit that's impressive!" Storm Rider praised.

"Well, just like you, I also had to learn to adapt and counter my opponent's moves to win duels..." Ringmaster replied as he thought of the times he's had to duel for the fates of countless others along with his own.

"Yuya, are you ok?" Yugo asked as he appeared next to Yuya.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Yuya reassured his counterpart.

"I know what you are thinking about. I know you see the same thing inside this boy as well." Yuto said as he also appeared.

"But the difference is that you only dueled like him when you had to while it seems like he has been dueling to survive for so long, he can't duel any other way," Yuri said as he appeared with the other counterparts.

"That's right...that's why I'll show him that I don't mean no harm but hope that we can bond with one another through this duel!" Yuya said with a determined smile.

"Who are you talking to?" Storm RIder asked as he overheard Ringmaster talking about something.

"Uh, it's nothing..." Ringmaster nervously laughed before regaining his composure. "Anyway, it's still your turn.

"Right. I place one card face-down and end my turn. Just to let you know, I've decided not to hold back anymore and go all out for the rest of this duel."

"Heh...so you were holding out against me, huh? Either way, I'm still going to win this!" Ringmaster said as he closed his eyes before opening them. "Time to swing into action!"

"That's what I like to hear!" Storm Rider exclaimed

Both Zuzu and Ena looked at their tablets. "Looks like they're about to go all out," they thought.

My turn! I draw!" Ringmaster smiled as he drew. "I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Magic once again to check the top five cards of my Deck for a "Magician" Pendulum Monster."

Ringmaster checked the top five cards before picking a card.

"I select Treasurer Magician and use him to reset the Pendulum Scale!"

Treasurer Magician appeared and rose in the opposing pillar of light.

Treasurer Magician Scale: 0

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

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

"Get going, Performapal U Go Golem!"

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

The lights dispersed as Odd-Eyes roared from the Left Extra Monster Zone along with a stone golem-like being that had its arms positioned into a "U", it was wearing a stone top hat, and it had a fiendish face on the front of it.

Performapal U Go Golem ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 4 PS: 1

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

I activate Treasurer Magician's Pendulum Effect! 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 U Go Golem glowed as Ringmaster drew two cards from his Deck as he then gestured towards U Go Golem. "I activate Performapal' U Go Golem's effect! During the turn, I Pendulum Summon this card, I can Fusion Summon using both this card and monsters on my field!"

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "Another Fusion Summon...!"

The two monsters shattered into red and green particles that swirled into a vortex before shooting upwards as tornados. The two tornados merged into a single violet twister.

"Behold as two monsters trigger in each other their most destructive traits, and then become one! I give to you, Performapal Gatlinghoul!"

A green-skinned fiend in a suit with yellow eyes, a top hat appeared, and a large Gatling gun appeared on Ringmaster's field in the Left Extra Monster Zone.

Performapal Gatlinghoul ATK 2900 DEF 900 LVL: 8

"Let's go! Performapal Gatlinghoul's effect activates! When this card is Fusion Summoned, it inflicts damage to my opponent equal to the number of cards currently on the field times 200! There are eight cards on the field! Therefore, you take 1600 damage!" Ringmaster exclaimed as his monster fired multiple bullets directly at Storm Rider.

"I activate the Trap Card: Cynet Sorcery!" Storm Rider abruptly stated as the card showed Cyberse Witch and Wicckid reading multiple Spellbooks. "Since I control a Cyberse monster, I can send a Spell Card from my Deck to the Graveyard to activate its effect. I send the Spell Card: Effect Cowl to the Graveyard to use its effect to prevent me from taking effect damage since I control a Cyberse monster."

A barrier formed around Storm Rider, shielding him from Gatlinghoul's bullets.

"Since he did that, I can't use Gatlinghoul's other effect to destroy his monster," Ringmaster noted. "But that won't stop me. By discarding Performapal Block Spider from my hand to the Graveyard, I can negate Cycode Leo's effects!"

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

Battle! Gatlinghoul, attack Cycode Leo!"

Gatlinghoul fired a blast of energy bullets at the Cyberse monster, destroying it and making Storm Rider wince.

Storm Rider: 2200→1400 LP

"I set two cards and end my turn," Ringmaster concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his card, then chose a different one. "I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two more cards. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Link Back! This card moves Cycode Magician from the Extra Monster Zone to the Main Monster Zone at its Link Arrow."

Cycode Magician moved to Storm Rider's rightmost Main Monster Zone.

"Then, I send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to Cycode Magician's Link Arrows." Storm Rider narrowed his eyes on seeing one of the two cards he was discarding but said nothing.

Then, Storm Rider played another card from his hand. "I activate the Spell Card: Passcode Rewrite!" The card depicted an image of a Cycode Token dashing through the digital world. "This card automatically Special Summons two Cycode Tokens to my field in Defense Position!"

Cycode Token: ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL 1 x 2

"Come forth now, my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider once again.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters, including one "Cycode" monster. I set both Cycode Tokens along with the Cycode Engineer, who'll be used as Link Material thanks to Cycode Zone's effect in the Link Arrows!"

A monster in workman's clothes and a hardhat carrying a power drill in one hand and a calculator in the other appeared next to the two Tokens. They became whirlwinds of energy as they entered the left, bottom, and right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Gaia Charger!"

A new monster charged out of the Link portal. It resembled Gaia the Fierce Knight and Gaia Saber the Lightning Shadow, but his body is merged with the horse. His design is like Gaia with blue armor but dark brown colors with digital energy light brown lancers as if it were his hands. The horse has the same color design but with robotic, digital wings as he was summoned next to Cycode Magician's Left Link Arrow.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Engineer's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When it is used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can destroy one set card in your Spell & Trap Zone!" Storm Rider pointed at one of Ringmaster's face-down cards. "I'll destroy the card on the right!"

A ghost of Engineer appeared as he charged towards the face-down with his drill ready.

"I'll chain the Quick-Play Spell Card: Pendulum Reclamation to Engineer's effect!" Ringmaster declared as the card showed Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer holding a figurine of Timegazer Magician out to Goblin of Greed. "This card lets me target a Pendulum Monster in my Extra Deck and gain Life Points equal to half its attack points, and if I do, I can draw a card. And if that card is a Monster Card, I can Special Summon it. However, the turn I activate Pendulum Reclamation, I cannot Pendulum Summon!"

"So he plans on increasing his Life Points in hopes of surviving this turn?" Storm Rider said.

"I target the Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon in my Extra Deck with 2500 attack points!"

Ringmaster: 2200→3450 LP

"And now I draw!" Ringmaster drew and looked at his card and smiled. "I drew the Monster Card Performapal Secondonkey, which means I can summon it!"

A small brown donkey with a red and orange bow tie and a blue saddle with a yellow star appeared on Ringmaster's field in Defense Position.

Performapal Secondonkey ATK 1000 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"Since Secondonkey was Special Summoned, I can send one "Performapal" monster from my Deck to my Graveyard, but since there are two cards in my Pendulum Zones, I can add it to my hand instead. I add Performapal Silver Claw!"

"You may have escaped Engineer's effect, but you won't escape Gaia," Storm Rider stated. "When Gaia Charger is successfully Link Summoned, all you monsters lose half their attack points. Go, Jamming Javelin!"

Gaia Charger aimed its spear at both Secondonkey and Gatlinghoul as it released a wave of electricity at the two Performapals, draining their power.

Performapal Secondonkey ATK 1000→500

Performapal Gatlinghoul ATK 2900→1450

"Next, by Tributing a monster next to Gaia's Link, like my Cycode Magician, it gains half the Tributed monster's attack points until the end of the turn."

Magician disintegrated as Gaia's body glowed gold.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2900→3600

"Battle! Gaia Charger attacks your Gatlinghoul, and thanks to Matrix's effect, he gains an additional 1000 attack points!" Storm Rider exclaimed.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 3600→4600

"Not only that, but Gaia's effect allows him to attack this turn as well as deal piercing damage."

"What?" Ringmaster gasped.

Zuzu looked at her tablet with a worried look. "If this attack connects, Yuya will lose," she noted.

"Not so fast!" Ringmaster said, interrupting the attack. "I activate my Trap Card: Half or Nothing! When this card is activated, you get to choose one of two effects. You either end the Battle Phase immediately or the attack points of all monsters you control become halved until the end of your Battle Phase."

Storm Rider was silent for a moment as if contemplating the available choices. Finally, it said, "I'll choose the second effect, which cuts the attack points of my monsters in half for the duration of this Battle Phase."

Half or Nothing then glowed an eerie color, halting Gaia Charger's attack and halving its attack points.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 4600→2300

"Resume your attack, Gaia Charger! Linkage Spiral!"

Gaia Charger charged Gatlinghoul. Its lance struck the fiendish Performapal, destroying it and making Ringmaster wince.

Ringmaster: 3450→2600 LP

"Thanks to his effect, Gaia Charger attacks Secondonkey! Go, Linkage Spiral!" Storm Rider commanded as Gaia charged again towards Secondonkey, piercing it with its lance, destroying it and making Ringmaster wince for a second time.

Ringmaster: 2600→2300 LP

"Man...even though I managed to bring out Gaia Charger and used his effect to weaken his monster, he still managed to survive and even gain more life points..." Storm Rider thought with a slightly nervous expression. He seriously didn't expect Ringmaster to be giving him this much trouble.

"That move was awesome, Storm Rider! If I didn't use my face-downs, I would've been a goner!" Ringmaster laughed.

"...You're enjoying this duel?"

"Of course I am! I've never dueled someone with moves so unexpected! This duel is has been a blast so far!"

"Hmm...I set one card and end my turn, meaning Gaia Charger's attack points return to normal," Storm Rider concluded.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2300→2600

"Let go! My turn! I draw!" Ringmaster shouted as he drew. He looked at his card for a moment before looking to his side where his Fusion Counterpart appeared.

"You need some help?" Yuri asked.

"Yuri?" he said before nodding. "Yeah."

"Then, by all means, Starving Venom is always hungry for battle," Yuri smirked.

"Thanks," Yuya said to his Fusion counterpart before turning to his opponent. "Get ready, Storm Rider. Because you haven't seen anything yet!"

"So he's finally getting serious..." Storm Rider uttered.

"With my Pendulum Scale already set, I Pendulum Summon!"

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

"Return to the stage, Performapal U Go Golem!"

"And scratch your way to victory, Performapal Silver Claw!"

The lights dispersed as U Go Golem appeared in the unoccupied Extra Monster Zone and Silver Claw appeared in the Main Monster Zone below it.

Performapal U Go Golem ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 4 PS: 1

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

"Treasurer Magician's Pendulum Effect activates, letting me draw two cards," Ringmaster said as he drew. "Next, I activate Performapal U Go Golem's effect to perform a Fusion Summon! I fuse Golem with Silver Claw!"

"Another Fusion...!" Storm Rider said.

The two Performapals shattered into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex before shooting upwards as tornados. The two tornados merged into a single violet twister.

"Watch as these two monsters will merge and create the most diabolical botanical ever seen! I Fusion Summon! The vicious, voracious, and venomous Starving Venom Fusion Dragon!"

The dragon that emerged from the portal had a green body covered in purple armor with numerous red and yellow orbs across its body. It had green eyes and a set of yellow horns curved downwards on the sides of its head. The dragon roared as it appeared on Ringmaster's field into the Right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

Storm Rider gasped and clutched his chest. It didn't hurt as much as before, but it made him clench his teeth. He turned to look at the new dragon. "Now it's Starving Venom."

"Time for Starving Venom to sick its fangs on its prey," Yuri said with a satisfied smile.

"Starve Venom Fusion Dragon's effect activates! When this card is Fusion Summoned using monsters on the field as Fusion Materials, this card gains ATK equal to the combined ATK of all Special Summoned monsters on your field!" Ringmaster exclaimed.

"In that case, I'll activate the Trap Card: Breakthrough Skill!" Storm Rider declared. "This card lets me target a face-up effect monster you control and negate its effects until the end of the turn. I target Starving Venom Fusion Dragon!"

Breakthrough Skill then glowed and greyed out Starving Venom in the process, much to Ringmaster's dismay.

"In that case, Starving Venom attacks Gaia Charger! Venom Conduit!"

The mouths attached to Starving Venom's back opened to release crimson electricity, tying Cycode Gaia Charger and not letting him escape. Moments later, a green beam erupted from the orbs generated by the electricity, hitting Gaia and causing him to explode and making Storm Rider skid backwards a bit.

Storm Rider: 1400→1200 LP

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn." Ringmaster concluded. "Which means Starving Venom gains its effects back."

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at Ringmaster. "If I didn't have Breakthrough Skill, then I would've been a goner just like you last turn."

"I have to say Storm Rider, you're a powerful duelist," Ringmaster said. "Even though I haven't seen you duel much, I can tell you're good. Especially when you're going all out."

"Thank you. My pride as a duelist not only makes me stronger but also motivates me not to lose. That's why I'll win this duel! My turn..." Storm Rider said with a determined look in his eyes. "I draw!"

"This guy is intense..." Yugo commented.

"Did it take you this long to realize that, Slowgo?" Yuri said with a grin.

"I'm Yugo! Not Slowgo! After all this time, you still can't get my name right!" Yugo angrily shouted.

"Since you control a monster and I don't, I'm allowed to Special Summon Cycode Reconfrom my hand!"

The human-sized robot holding a rifle reappeared.

Cycode Recon ATK 1200 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"And thanks to his effect, I can add the Spell Card: Cycode Credit from my Deck to my hand. Next, I activate Cycode Soul's effect from my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can summon a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard by negating its effects. Return, Cycode Masterframe!"

The hacker-like human reappeared onto Storm Rider's field next to Recon.

"Since I control a "Cycode" monster, I can summon Cycode Brawler from my hand by halving its ATK!"

A large bulky blue robot with giant gauntlet fists appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Brawler ATK 28001400 DEF 20001000 LVL: 7

"Lastly, I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Credit!" The card depicted different "Cycode" monsters swimming in a pool of coin. "It lets me draw a card for every "Cycode" monster on my field! Since I control three, I get to draw three!"

Storm Rider drew his cards and smiled. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Unit and equip it to Cycode Masterframe! Now, if Masterframe is used to Link Summon, it counts as two materials!"

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes. "So he's summoning a Link-4," he muttered.

"Time for me to create the ultimate circuit!" Storm Rider declared as the Link Portal appeared above him. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters, including one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Brawler, Recon, and Masterframe, who's treated as two materials in the Link Arrows!"

With Masterframe splitting in half, his monsters entered the top, left, right, and bottom arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! The new wind that flows throughout this world gives the mighty creature that connects the past and future! Appear, Link-4! Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

The dragon that emerged from the portal had a blue body, white and yellow lining, and silver claws. It also had a spiral-like tail and jet-like, energy wings with white and blue-lining eyes like a circuit board. Two large horns on its head faced forward, with a smaller horn placed on the back of his head. Placed on the "elbow" of the wings were three small spikes that resembled claws. The dragon's red eyes glowed as it released a powerful roar from the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

Ringmaster stared at Cyber Tech in awe. He could feel his heartbeat quickening. This dragon… was dangerous. His instincts were at war with themselves. One side told him to get as far away from Cyber Tech as possible. The other was telling him to keep that dragon as close as he could.

Storm Rider then gestured to his monster. "Cyber Tech's effect activates! If it is Link Summoned using a Link Monster as material, the effects of all your monsters are negated! Go! Software Nullification!"

The horns on Cyber Tech's body lit up and began releasing pulses of blue energy at Starving Venom, making it lose its color.

"I activate Cycode Knight's effect from my Graveyard!" Storm Rider continued. "By banishing it and shuffling Cycode Recon, Sorceress, Brawler, Assassin, and Masterframe back into my Deck, I get to draw two cards."

"He refilled his hand and got his monsters back at the same time," Ringmaster muttered.

I activate the Spell Card: One-Time Passcode! This card lets me Special Summon a Security Token in Defense Position!"

A small black and gray machine with a single blue orb in its center appeared, summoned to Cyber Tech's bottom Link Arrow.

Security Token ATK 2000 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"I now activate Cyber Tech's effect! Once per turn, I can Tribute a monster it points to and then targets one Special summoned monster on your field that's in Attack Position, and until the end of this turn, I can place that monster in a zone it points to and take control of it!"

"WHAT!?" Ringmaster said in shock after hearing the effect.

"I Tribute my Security Token to take control of Starving Venom Fusion Dragon. Go, Cryptic Corruption!"

Security Token disintegrated into energy and traveled to the electronic circuits on Cyber Tech's wings, which lit up with swirling blue energy. The orbs released tendrils of said energy, which fired at Starving Venom, snaring it up as it was then transferred to Storm Rider's field.

"Thanks to Cyber Tech's other effect, it gains attack points equal to the monster I just took control of. Go, Processor Boost!"

Cyber Tech's eyes glowed blue while the same colored aura formed around its body, increasing its strength.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→5300

"That's not good!" Yugo gulped.

"Battle!" Storm Rider declared. "Cyber Tech Link Dragon attacks you directly! Digitized Burst Stream!"

On command, Cyber Tech flew high up into the sky. All the circuits on Cyber Tech's body lit as dark blue energy traveled across its skin. The energy then gathered in its mouth, released in a massive burst towards Ringmaster, who gestured to his field.

"Thanks to Code Matrix's effect, Cyber Tech gains 1000 attack points!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 5300→6300

"It will never be that easy, Storm Rider!" Ringmaster declared. "I activate the Trap Card: Performapal Signal!"

A train signal in the shape of a bowtie appeared on the field, causing Seraph to gasp in surprise.

"This card allows me to draw one card, and if the card is a monster, I can send it to the Graveyard to negate your attack!"

Ringmaster drew and smiled in relief. "The card I drew is Performapal Uni!" Showing it to Seraph, he then discarded it. "I send it to the Graveyard to negate Cyber Tech's attack!"

The train signal flashed red, and a barrier appeared around Ringmaster, blocking Cyber Tech's attack.

"Then I'll have Starving Venom attack you instead. Venom Conduit!"

The dragon roared as the mouths on its back generated a network of red lines and white spheres behind it. Electricity sparked across the monster as a massive ball of energy gathered in the center before releasing it directly at Ringmaster.

"I activate my Trap Card: Half Performance!" Ringmaster declared. "Thanks to it, it cuts the damage I take from your attack in half."

The massive ball of energy connected with Ringmaster's body, causing him to fall to the ground.

Ringmaster: 2300→900 LP

Ringmaster slowly got back to his feet before he held out his hand. "Not only that, but Half Performance also has a second effect, which lets me Special Summon a "Performapal" monster from my Deck with ATK equal or less than the damage I just took. 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

"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. I select your Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

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

"By banishing Cynet Sorcery from my Graveyard, I can send the Spell Card: Cycode Deletion from my Deck to Graveyard to activate its effect!" Storm Rider said as the card showed Cycode Supporter glowing with blue light from the inside. "This card targets one monster on both players' fields and sends them to the Graveyard!"

Ringmaster widened his eyes as Changeraffe, and Starving Venom both glowed with light and then vanished.

"He rid both of your monsters at the same time," Yuri noted.

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Cycode Archer in the Graveyard!" he declared. "By banishing it, one "Cycode" or "Cyber Tech" monster I control can make a second attack during the Battle Phase! I target Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

"If this hits, you'll lose Yuya!" Yuto said.

"Go, Cyber Tech! Attack Ringmaster directly!"

A replay occurred of Cyber Tech's last attack as it blasted Ringmaster again.

"I activate the effect of the Null Magician in my hand!" Ringmaster declared. "By banishing this card, I can reduce one instance of damage to 0!"

"What?" Storm Rider said, surprised as a hazy barrier appeared around Ringmaster, protecting him from Cyber Tech's attack.

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

"Guess not. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Card of Adversity to draw to cards since you control a Special Summoned monster while my field is empty," He drew then said, "I activate the Spell Card: Magical Pendulum Box! It lets me draw two cards, and if those cards are Pendulum Monsters, they are added to my hand. If not, then they are sent to the Graveyard."

Ringmaster drew again and smiled. "I drew Performapal Drummerilla and Performage Coin Dragon. Both are Pendulum Monsters, so both are added to my hand. Next, since the Pendulum Scale is already set, I Pendulum Summon!"

Two beams of lights shot out of the portal, solidifying into the forms of monsters.

"Go bananas, Performapal Drummerilla!"

"Ka-ching and do your thing, Performapal Coin Dragon!"

Appearing on Ringmaster's field was Drummerilla and a small yellow dragon with a coin in the center of its head.

Performapal Drummerilla ATK 1600 DEF 900 LVL: 5 PS: 2

Performapal Coin Dragon ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 7 PS: 5

"Treasurer Magician's Pendulum Effect activates, letting me draw two cards," Ringmaster said as he drew. "Plus, thanks to Coin Dragon's effect, all my Dragon monsters gain 500 attack points!"

Coin Dragon's coin glowed as it fueled itself with power.

Performapal Coin Dragon ATK 1700→2200

"Next, I summon the Tuner monster, Performapal Odd-Eyes Synchron!"

A small machine-like being with a top hat with short feet and white swirl-sleeved arms with dichromatic eyes.

Performapal Odd-Eyes Synchron ATK 200 DEF 600 LVL: 2 PS: 6

"I tune Level 2 Performapal Odd-Eyes Synchron with the Level 5 Performapal Drummerilla !"

A bolt of green lightning struck Ringmaster as the world greyed out, and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one silver and one orange appeared before turning blue and merging. Blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "2 + 5" in front of them. The screen changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"Beat your wings to whip up a whirlwind of destruction! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! Clear Wing Synchro Dragon!"

A large white dragon with blue gems on its head, chest, and forearms, green gems on its lower body, and green wings shaped like crystals emerged from the light and roared from the Left Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK 2500→3000 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Battle! Clear Wing Synchro Dragon attacks Cyber Tech Link Dragon!" The dragon rose high into the sky before roaring and diving. "Spinstorm Sky Strike!"

Green winds whipped around Clear Wing as it divebombed towards the Link Monster.

"I activate the Trap Card: Impenetrable Attack!" Storm Rider declared. "During the Battle Phase, I can either choose to negate all battle damage or prevent a monster's destruction by battle. I choose to prevent my Cyber Tech's destruction!"

Clear Wing's attack hit a barrier that appeared in front of Cyber Tech, protecting it as Storm Rider winced in pain.

Storm Rider: 1200→700 LP

"I'll move to my Main Phase 2 and activate the Spell Card: Magical Thunder!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "I send Card of Compensation to the Graveyard to destroy your Code Matrix!"

The spell glowed as it shot out a lightning bolt and destroyed the Continuous Spell.

"Since I sent Card of Compensation to the Graveyard, I get to draw two cards," Ringmaster continued. "Finally, I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider drew, then took another card from his hand and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Card of Variation! This card lets me draw two cards, but I must send one card from my hand to the Graveyard at the end of my turn. Otherwise, I take 3000 points of damage."

He drew his cards and smiled. "By discarding my Card of Compensation to the Graveyard, I can activate the Spell Card: Cynet Mining to add a Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cycode Swordsurge!"

A card ejected from his Deck as he grabbed it and placed it in his hand.

"Thanks to Compensation's effect, I draw two more cards. Next, I summon Cycode Swordsurge!"

A light blue armored humanoid with white lining across its body wore an energy-like trench coat that's part of his outfit. It wielded a strange bladeless sword that activates, igniting an energy blade almost like water as Storm Rider summoned it next to Cyber Tech's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Swordsurge ATK 1800 DEF 1100 LVL: 4

"Swordsurge's effect activates! Storm Rider continued. "When it's summoned, for every "Cycode" monster I control, I negate the effects of one of your face-up monsters. I choose to negate your Coin Dragon's effect!"

Swordsurge raised its sword before bringing it down as it unleashed a blue energy wave at Coin Dragon, causing it to lose its golden glow.

Performapal Coin Dragon ATK 2200→1700

Clear Wing Synchro Dragon ATK 3000→2500

"Next, by Tributing Swordsugre, I can activate Cyber Tech's effect to take control of Clear Wing Synchro Dragon! Go, Cryptic Corruption!"

"That move won't work this time!" Ringmaster abruptly stated. "At this moment, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon's effect activates! Since a Level 5 or higher monster was targeted for a monster's effect, the activation of that effect is negated, and that monster is destroyed. Then, Clear Wing gains ATK equal to the destroyed monster's ATK!"

"What?!" Storm Rider shouted in shock.

"Go, Reverse Revenge!"

Clear Wing's wings lit up and blasted a green energy beam at Cyber Tech.

"I activate the Counter Trap Card: Recode Counter!" Storm Rider declared as the card showed Cycode Gaia Charger bracing multiple energy beams and becoming unaffected. "Since you activated a monster effect while you control a "Cycode" or "Cyber-Eyes" monster, all cards I control are unaffected by your monster effects until the end of my next turn."

Cyber Tech became transparent as the waves of green light passed through it.

"Because Clear Wing's effect failed, Cyber Tech's effect continues, taking control of your dragon!"

Cyber Tech's wings lit up as the orbs on its body released tendrils that ensnared Clear Wing, transferring it to Storm Rider's side of the field.

"And just in case you've forgotten, Cyber Tech gains attack points equal to the monster I just took control of. Go, Processor Boost!"

Cyber Tech's eyes glowed blue again as a same-colored aura formed around its body.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→5000

"Battle! Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, attack Performapal Coin Dragon!" Storm Rider commanded.

Clear Wing gathered green energy in its mouth and blasted the small dragon, destroying it and sending Ringmaster skidding backwards.

Ringmaster: 900→100 LP

"Now you have nothing on your field! This is the end! Battle! Cyber Tech Link Dragon, attack Ringmaster directly! Digitized Burst Stream!"

On command, Cyber Tech flew high. All the circuits on its body lit as dark blue energy traveled across its skin. The energy then gathered in its mouth, released in a massive burst towards Ringmaster, striking him end on and enveloping his field in a cloud of smoke.

"Yuya!" Zuzu shouted.

"Looks like I won, Ringmaster," Storm Rider said. "As promised, you'll provide the answers to my questions. So—

"Hey now! What makes you think this duel is over?"

Much to Storm Rider's shock, the smoke cleared immediately afterward, revealing the still intact form of Ringmaster.

Ringmaster: 600 LP

"You…survived my attack?" Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at Ringmaster. "How?"

"Just before your attack connected, I activated both my set cards. The Trap Card: Reduction Barrier and the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions," Ringmaster explained. "Thanks to Reduction Barrier, I reduced the damage I took from Cyber Tech's attack by 10%, meaning instead of 5000 points of damage, I took 500. And thanks to Emergency Provisions, I sent it to the Graveyard to gain 1000 Life Points, giving me enough to survive your attack."

"I set two cards and end my turn," Storm Rider said. "As it's the End Phase, I'll discard Cynet Regression from my hand to avoid taking 3000 points of damage from Card of Variation."

"My turn! I draw!" Ringmaster looked at his card and smiled. I activate the Spell Card: Monster Recovery! This card shuffles all the cards on my field and in my hand back into my Deck to let me draw five new cards!"

Following Ringmaster's words, all his cards were shuffled back into his Deck as he then proceeded to draw his five cards. ''DRAW!''

Ringmaster, eyeing the cards he drew, smiled after seeing them. ''Next, by discarding Draw Muscle from my hand to the Graveyard to add two "Magician" Pendulum Monsters from my Deck to my hand. I choose and set the Pendulum with Scale 1 Stargazer Magician and Scale 8 Timegazer Magician!"

He places both Pendulums on his Pendulum Scales as rainbow words materialize on his Duel Disk, spelling out P-E-N-D-U-L-U-M.

Two pillars of light appeared as Stargazer and Timegazer Magician emerged within them.

Stargazer Magician Scale: 1

Timegazer Magician Scale: 8

''I can now summon monsters with Levels 2 through 7 simultaneously,'' Ringmaster continued. "Now, with my Pendulum Scale already, I can Pendulum Summon!"

"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 two lights appeared. The lights hit the field and then dissipated, revealing two monsters.

"Work your magic, Dragoncaller Magician!"

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

Odd-Eyes reappeared in the Left Extra Monster Zone along with a male magician who wore a darkish blue, red sleeved and legs wrapped scaled-like magician robes monster with brown-like bones attached around his outfit with dark brown armor bits too. His face is covered in red scaled-like robes except for his mouth, and his right green eye on the other side is covered by his wide and sharp dragon-like magician's hat with a red, dragon-like eye gem on it. He wields a brown, wrapped bandage staff with a dragon-like figure on the top.

Dragoncaller Magician ATK 2400 DEF 1000 LVL: 7 PS: 2

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

"I now activate Dragoncaller Magician's effect to change it from a Spellcaster to a Dragon!"

"I don't know what you're planning, but I'll use your Clear Wing Synchro Dragon's effect to negate it!" Storm Rider declared. "Go, Reverse Revenge!"

Clear Wing's wings shined brightly at Dragoncaller Magician

Ringmaster still had a look of determination on his face as he took a card from his hand and held it out, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Effect Shut! It negates the activation of my Clear Wing Synchro Dragon's effect and destroys it!"

The light beams vanished before they could reach Dragoncaller as electricity generated all around Clear Wing.

Storm retaliated by throwing out his arm, "I activate the Trap Card: Link Offering! The card showed Honeybot laying down on an altar while Detonate Deleter stood above it, with a knife in its raised hands. "By Tributing a Level 8 or lower monster, I can increase a Link Monster I control attack points by that monster's ATK until the end of the turn. I Tribute Clear Wing and grant its attack points to Cyber Tech!"

Clear Wing disintegrated as Neo Nova glowed.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 5000→7500

"Since Clear Wing is no longer on your field, your dragon loses 2500 ATK," Ringmaster pointed out.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 7500→5000

"Not only that, but Dragoncalller's effect continues!"

Following Ringmaster's words, the sorcerer swirled his staff as dragon-shaped lightning formed and crashed down on him, transforming him into a Dragon-Type.

"Why would he change his monster's Type?" Storm Rider wondered.

"Yuto!" Yuya turned to the spirit of his Xyz counterpart.

"I understand! Let's go, Yuya!" Yuto encouragingly shouted.

"He may not look it, but inside is the unbridled power of a dragon's wrath!" Ringmaster stated. "I Overlay the Level 7 Dragoncaller Magician and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon to build the Overlay Network!"

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

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

The dragon that emerged from the depths of the galaxy portal had red and green heterochromia eyes, purple scales, red glowing lines, and a long purple tail. Its backbone wings are bulky, shaped like a ball covering the front and back, followed by two larger wing plates.

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 RNK: 7 PS: 4

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

''Battle! Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, attack Cyber Tech Link Dragon!'' Ringmaster commanded as his dragon roared, flying at the Link dragon.

''Cyber Tech has more attack points than Rebellion Dragon!" Storm Rider pointed out. "Are you planning on self-destructing?''

''Not quite. Since I use Dragoncaller Magician's as material for a Fusion, Synchro or Xyz Summon, it doubles Rebbelion Dragon's ATK when it battles a Dragon monster!''

The spirit of Dragoncaller in its dragon form surrounded Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, shooting its ATK to 6000.

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3000→6000

''Go, Sweeping Static Strike!''

Rebellion Dragon's mechanized wings shot out six blades of purple electrical energy. The dragon's two fangs glowed bright purple as the dragon flew close to the ground. As the dragon flew, the glowing fangs ripped through the ground creating a trail of destruction before piercing through Cyber Tech Link Dragon, causing it to cry out in pain as it exploded and shrouded Storm Rider's field in a cloud of smoke.

"Sorry, it had to end like this Storm Rider, but the duel's over, and I won," Ringmaster said as he was about to log out.

"I'm not done just yet!"

Ringmaster's eyes widened hearing those words. As the smoke dissipated, he saw Storm Rider still standing with his Life Points untouched.

"What?" Ringmaster said in surprise. How do you still have Life Points?"

Storm Rider smirked as he narrowed his eyes at Ringmaster. "Link Offering has one more effect," he explained. "The turn it is activated, all battle damage is reduced by the Level of the Tributed monster times 200. Lancer was Level 7, so the damage was reduced by 1400, to 0."

"Just our luck..." Yuri sighed.

"Have you finally decided that you can't defeat me?" Storm Rider asked.

"...HAHAHAHAHA!" Ringmaster suddenly burst into laughter.

"What's so funny?"

"This duel is so much fun!" Ringmaster replied. "I can't help it! You keep challenging me, and you keep pushing me more and more further!"

"I see. Guess I should return the favor then," Storm Rider said. "I activate the Trap Card: "Necro Link!" The card showed Decode Talker's hand emerging from a buried grave. "Since a Link Monster left my field, I can target that Link Monster and Special Summon it to my field, specifically the Extra Monster Zone!"

Ringmaster widened his eyes as Cyber Tech reappeared on the field and roared. Ringmaster looked and saw that it did indeed resurrect in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"The monster Special Summoned by its effect also gains 1500 attack points!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→4000

"Well, too bad for you, it won't stay out very long because I activate the Quick Play Spell Card: Spiral Flame Strike!" Ringmaster declared. "While I control an Odd-Eyes monster, one card on your field is destroyed!

"Sorry, but Necro Link also prevents the summoned monster from being targeted or destroyed by card effects for the rest of this turn," Storm Rider stated.

"Fine. I'll destroy Cycode Zone instead!"

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon let out a powerful blast of purple energy at the Field Spell, destroying it.

"There's one more thing about Necro Link you should know. If Cyber Tech Link Dragon leaves the field, we both take damage equal to its original attack points."

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes. My Life Points are 50, and Storm Rider's are 700. That means if I don't want to lose, I'll have to destroy Cyber Tech in one battle and wipe out all of his Life Points at the same time. Well, I was planning to do that anyway.

"I end my turn."

"Your dueling skills are quite admirable, but I'm going to finish this duel! My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider shouted with a determined tone as he drew. "I activate the Spell Card: Aurora Draw. Since I have no other cards in my hand, I can draw two cards. Next, "I activate the Spell Card: Spell Rewind!" The card showed a blank green card falling into a vortex. "By banishing one Normal Spell Card from my Graveyard, I can add a different Normal Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand. I banish Aurora Draw and add Pot of Greed to my hand, which I'll now activate to draw two more cards!"

Storm Rider drew his two new cards and smiled. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Armaments!" The card showed Borreload Dragon with silver armor covering its upper body. "I equip this to my Link Monster!" The dark blue armor on Cyber Tech's body turned silver and made it roar. "Now, Cyber Tech gains 500 attack points for each Link Monster in my Graveyard, and if it attacks your Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage!"

"What?!" Ringmaster gasped

"There are five Link Monsters in my Graveyard, so Viral Dawn gains 2500 attack points!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 4000→6500

"Battle!" Storm Rider declared. "Cyber Tech attacks Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon!"

The dragon roared and started to gather blue energy in its maw.

"During the Battle Phase, Dragoncaller Magician's effect kicks in, doubling Rebellion Dragon's ATK!" Ringmaster exclaimed as Rebellion glowed.

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3000→6000

"It's still not enough to survive Cyber Tech's attack! Go, Digitized Burst Stream!"

The dragon released a beam of blue energy that tore through Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon and struck Ringmaster, making him grunt in pain.

Ringmaster: 600→100 LP

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at Ringmaster. "I now activate the effect of Parallel Port Armor in the Graveyard! By banishing itself, Cycode Magician, and Leo from my Graveyard, one of my Link Monsters can attack again!" "End this, Cyberse Witch!"

"Since you lost two Link Monsters in your Graveyard, Cyber Tech loses 1000 attack points," Ringmaster pointed out.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 6500→5500

That doesn't matter! Let's end this, Cyber Tech! DIGITIZED BURST STREAM!" Storm Rider shouted as the dragon shot forward a powerful blast of blue energy directly at Ringmaster.

"No way!" Yugo shouted.

"We can't lose like this!" Yuri angrily said.

"Yuya!" Yuto yelled in concern.

"Storm Rider...I...haven't lost just yet!" Ringmaster st

"What?!"

"I activate the effect of Performapal Uni in my Graveyard!" Ringmaster declared. "By banishing it along with Inflater Tapir in my Graveyard, I can reduce the damage from this attack to 0!"

The spirits of the two Performapals appeared shielding Ringmaster from being hit by the Cyber Tech's attack.

"I can see you have a strong connection to your Deck. You truly are a worthy opponent, Ringmaster." Storm Rider acknowledged.

"Storm Rider..." Ringmaster uttered in a surprised tone.

"But I'm still going to win this duel! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Burial From a Different Dimension! It lets me target return up to three banished monsters to the Graveyard. I return Cycode Magician and Leo, and with them back in the Graveyard, Cyber Tech gains 1000 attack points!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 5500→6500

"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Storm Rider concluded.

Ringmaster looked at his Deck as sweat dropped from his face.

"Yuya, this is no time to be getting nervous," Yuri told the Pendulum counterpart.

"Yeah! We've gotten this far!" Yugo added.

"We believe in you, Yuya," Yuto said with a confident tone.

"...That's right...I'm not alone...as long as I have the power of the bonds between my friends, hope isn't lost yet! My turn..."

Yuya closed his eyes and grasped the top card of his deck. He then opened his eyes with a determined expression as his blue pendulum pendant began to shine.

"...I DRAW!"

Ringmaster swung his arm out as he drew, creating an arc of light with his arm motion. The card faintly glowed red as he looked at it and smiled. "This is it! I'm going to win this duel!"

"If you believe so, then show me how!" Storm Rider exclaimed.

Holding it towards the sky, the card Yuya had drawn began to emit a bright light, the Pendulum on his neck swinging faster and faster. "When Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon is face-up in my Extra Deck or my Graveyard, and there is a card in both of my Pendulum Zones, I can Pendulum Summon this monster regardless of their value!"

What!?" Storm Rider 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 and grew brighter and brighter. Until…

In Den City…

AWWW!"

The connection on both Zuzu's and Ena's tablets suddenly cut off!

At the duel...

"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.

"So this is the evolution you attained after overcoming your most recent trial…." Storm Rider muttered while gazing at the new dragon. "Well, if this is going to be the climax, it's quite fitting since both our ace monsters are currently out. But it's not going to be so easy to take me down, Ringmaster."

"It looks like all of you are ready for this," Ringmaster smirked. "Battle! Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

"I don't know what you're planning, but I'm not about to let you make your move so easily," Storm Rider stated. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Unyielding Spirits!" Morningstar declared. The picture showed Five God Dragon and Dragon Master Knight clashing against one another. "When our monsters battle, Unyielding Spirits changes their attack points to their original attack points!" His eyes narrowed. "And then their attack points are switched! In other words, I won!"

"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 the Spell Card, destroying it.

"Tch." Storm Rider clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Even so, your monster's still weaker than mine, meaning I still 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 Performapal Changeraffe, Performapal Odd-Eyes Synchron, Performapal Drummerilla, Performapal Coin Dragon, Performapal Pendulum Sorcerer, Performapal Miracle Mirrorabbit, Performapal Seal Eel, Performapal Silver Claw, Performapal U Go Golem, Harmonizing Magician, and Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon descending from it and appearing next to Arc-Eyes.

"Aren't those all your destroyed monsters?" Storm Rider asked.

"They are!" Ringmaster said as he spread his arms wide with a smile on his face. "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 Ringmaster's words, all eleven 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→14000

"Over 10000 attack points!?"

"It's time for the climax!" Ringmaster shouted as he jumped on top of his dragon's back. "Arc-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Cyber Tech Link Dragon! Flaming Spiral Arc!"

Arc-Eyes began to gather a multi-colored stream of energy that resembled a rainbow into its mouth.

"Strike back, Cyber Tech!" Storm Rider shouted. "Digitized Burst Stream!" Cyber Tech gathered blue energy in its mouth, which it launched simultaneously as Arc-Eyes. The blue and rainbow energy clashed in the middle of the field. The shockwaves from the combined energy started to ripple outward, causing a huge vibration similar to an earthquake.

Slowly, the rainbow-colored energy from Arc-Eyes started to overpower Cyber Tech's attack.

"Guess this is the finale, Storm Rider!" Ringmaster shouted.

Storm Rider smirked. "You're right, Ringmaster," he said. "But it won't end the way you think." As Ringmaster's eyes widened in confusion, Storm Rider gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Necro Link in the Graveyard! Since the monster Special Summoned by its effect is attacked, I can banish Necro Link! And then we both take the damage from this battle!"

"What!?" Ringmaster said, his eyes wide. He watched as the blue and white energy exploded outwards. He shouted in pain as he and Storm Rider were both sent flying as they screamed in pain from the attack.

Storm Rider: 700→0 LP

Ringmaster: 100→0 LP

Ringmaster winced as he pushed himself upward. This was the second duel of his that ended in a draw. He walked over to Storm Rider as the transparent dome around them started to disintegrate. He checked his Duel Disk and saw the Data Anchor was no longer keeping him from logging out.

Storm Rider was just standing up when Ringmaster reached him. Storm Rider sighed as Ringmaster approached him. "I didn't intend our duel to end that way," he said. "But I suppose this is better than losing."

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes. "So what now? Do we duel again?"

Storm Rider thought about it and shook his head. "No. That won't accomplish anything." He then pushed a button on his Duel Disk, causing the Data Anchor to deactivate. "As per our agreement, since I didn't win, you're free to go."

Ringmaster stared at his Duel Disk before looking back at Storm Rider. "Before I go, I think I should tell you the truth."

"But why? I didn't win, so there's no need.

"I know, but I feel like there's no need to keep anything hidden anymore. First things first, I am Yuya Sakaki, just as you are Yuji Sugimoto."

Storm Rider's eyes widened in shock. "You knew who I was?"

"I did," Ringmaster replied. "But for now, let me provide the answers to all of your questions.

A few minutes later…

"So where you come from, your universe is split into four dimensions based on a different summoning method that used to be one?" Storm Rider asked.

"Yes," Ringmaster answered. The reason behind its separation was that a duelist named Zarc became corrupted on being the most powerful being in the world and started destroying everything."

"And the reason behind the connections with our dragons was because there was a duelist who was once us as a single being wielded the four dragons you possessed to stop him, which he succeeded before years later, you had to repeat said action and to prevent this Zarc guy from ever reviving again, the old spirit locked Zarc's soul away which somehow caused the birth of what you name: The Link Dimension," Storm Rider finished.

"I know its a lot to take in, and I completely understand if you find it difficult to believe me, so-"

"I believe you," Storm Rider interrupted.

"You do," Ringmaster said, shocked.

"I do. Plus, I also want to help you on your quest to find your friend's father and bring him back home."

After hearing Storm Rider's words, Ringmaster smiled. "Thank you, Storm Rider. It feels good not keeping this thing hidden anymore."

"I bet," Storm Rider said, turning away again. "Goodbye, Yuya Sakaki."

"Bye by-." Ringmaster logged out before he could finish his message. Storm Rider logged out soon after.

In Duel Club room...

Yuya stumbled upon leaving LINK VRAINS as Zuzu caught him.

"Easy, Yuya," she said softly. "That duel was intense. Way more so than any of your previous duels."

"Tell me about it," Yuya muttered. "I'm exhausted. I imagine Yuji feels the same."

Zuzu frowned at Yuya. "How do you feel about that? About him knowing who you are?"

"He won't expose me," Yuya said confidently. "I exaggerated about my origins as Zarc, saying that my past self was the one who defeated him."

"So you're taking credit for what Ray did?" Zuzu asked, annoyed.

"I'm sorry. But it was the only thing I could think at the time," Yuya replied.

"I can let that slide. By the way, your last move canceled our connection. What exactly did you do?"

Before Yuya could answer, the bell rang, indicating lunch was over.

"Guess we'll have to continue this later tonight after we meet up with the rest of the Lancers," Yuya said.

"Guess so," Zuzu agreed.

A few hours later, at Den City's Warehouse District…

After finishing their last class of the day, Yuya and Zuzu immediately took off as they headed to the warehouse district and were standing in front of the one that held the base of the Lancers.

"We're here," Yuya said.

"Guess this it," Zuzu added. "You ready?"

"I've been ready ever since we found out they've arrived," Yuya answered as he and Zuzu entered inside.

And that's Chapter 22. Bold cards are OCs. Credit to DragonKnight15 for Cycode Support. As some of you guys heavily requested, I've finally done the duel between Ringmaster and Storm Rider. I chose to end it in a draw because I saw no reason for either Yuya or Yuji to win, so I hope you guys are okay with that. 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.

P.S. Duel for next chapter: Lancer Member vs Chevalier. Guess which one.

OC Card Memo:

Cycode Mirage- Level 1, ATK: 0, DEF: 1200, ATK: LIGHT: Type: Cyberse/Effect

Effect: When an attack is declared involving a ''Cycode'' monster you control; Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, your battling monster cannot be destroyed and you take no damage from that battle only. Your opponent cannot target other monsters you control for an attack or card effects, except for this card. You can only control 1 ''Cycode Mirage''.

Cycode Brawler

Attribute: Dark Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 2800 DEF 2000 Level: 7

You can Normal Summon this card without tributing, but its original ATK/DEF become halved. Once per turn: You can make this card lose 500 ATK, then target 1 other "Cycode" monster you control; this turn, the targeted monster cannot be destroyed by battle.

Cycode Masterframe- Level 4, ATK: 1600, DEF: 400, ATT: EARTH, Type: Cyberse/Effect

Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from your hand. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can Tribute this face-up monster you control, then target 1 Cyberse monster(s) that was summoned from the Extra Deck: It is unaffected by your opponent's card effects until the End Phase of the next turn. You can only use each effect of ''Cycode Masterframe'' once per turn.

Cycode Swordsurge- Level 4, ATK: 1800, DEF: 1100, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Effect

Effect: When this card or a ''Cycode'' monster is summoned: Target 1 monster your opponent controls; Negate its effects and it cannot attack until the end of the next turn. You can banish this card from your GY; target 1 Link Monster you control; it gains ATK equal to this card's ATK. You can only use each effect of ''Cycode Swordsurge'' once per turn.

Cycode Engineer

Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1600 DEF 400 level: 3

If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "Cycode" Link Monster: You can target 1 Set card in your opponent's Spell & Trap Zone; destroy it. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Cycode" monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your field in Defense Position with its effects negated.

Cycode Archer

Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1500 DEF 0 Level: 4

Once per turn: You can target 1 "Cycode" monster you control; change that monster's Level to between 1 and 6 until the end of the turn. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Cycode" monster you control (Quick Effect); it can make a second attack during each Battle Phase this turn. You can only activate this effect of "Cycode Archer" once per turn.

Cycode Sorceress

Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1400 DEF 400 Level: 4

When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from your GY in Attack Position. Once per turn: You can declare a Level from 1 to 6; this card becomes that Level until the End Phase. You can only control 1 "Cycode Sorceress".

Cycode Magician- Link-2, ATK: 2000, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Leftt, Bottom

Effect: 2 Cyberse monsters

When this card is Link Summoned: Add 1 ''Cycode'' card from your GY to your hand. If a Cyberse monster is Special Summoned to a zone this card points to; target 1 card on the field and if you do; banish it. If a ''Cycode'' Link Monster is destroyed by battle or card effect; Special Summon this card from your GY, but banish it when it leaves the field. You can only use each effect of ''Cycode Magician'' once per turn.

Cycode Leo- Link-2, ATK: 2100, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Top, Bottom-Right

Effect: 2 Cyberse monsters, including a ''Cycode'' monster.

When this card or a Cyberse Link Monster battles an opponent's monster: That monster you control gains 1000 ATK. If a ''Cycode'' Link Monster is destroyed by battle or card effect; Special Summon this card from your GY, but banish it when it leaves the field. You can only use each effect of ''Cycode Leo'' once per turn.

Cycode Gaia Charger- Link-3, ATK: 2600, ATT: EARTH, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Bottom-Left, Bottom, Right

Effect: 2+ Cyberse monsters, including a "Cycode" Monster

If this card is Link Summoned: Halve the ATK of all monsters your opponent currently controls. If your opponent summons a monster; halved its ATK and it cannot activate its effect until the End Phase. This card can attack twice and if this card attacks a Defense Position Monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent. You can only use each effect of ''Cycode Gaia Charger'' once per turn.

Power Magician

(LV: 3, Spellcaster, DARK, Tuner, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1000, PS: 2)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if you Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz Summon a monster: You can inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.

Monster Effect: If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower "Magician" monster face-up in your Extra Deck or Graveyard; Special Summon it in Defense Position but it has its effects negated. If this card is used as Material for a Synchro, Fusion, Xyz Monster or used as a Tribute for a Ritual Monster: That monster gains 1000 ATK during each Battle Phase only.

Null Magician (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 800/DEF: 300/LV: 1)

Monster Effect: You can banish this card from your hand or graveyard; reduce an instance of damage to 0.

Pendulum Magic (Spell Card): Excavate the top 5 cards of your Deck; Add 1 excavated "Magician" Pendulum Monster to your hand, also shuffle the rest back into your Deck.

Cycode Deletion Normal Spell Card

Target 1 face-up Cyberse monster you control and 1 face-up monster your opponent controls: send both cards to the GY. If 1 of the sent cards was a "Cycode" monster; draw 1 card. You can banish this card from your GY: Target 1 "Cycode" Link Monster on your field; this turn, all battle damage that monster inflicts is doubled.

Code Matrix- Type: Continuous Spell Card

Effect: During the Battle Phase only while you control a Cyberse Link Monster(s): Monsters you control gains 1000 ATK. If a ''Cycode'' Link Monster you control would be destroyed by battle or card effect: banish this card from your GY instead. You can only use the effects of ''Code Matrix'' once per turn.

Passcode Rewrite- Normal Spell Card

Effect: Special Summon 2 ''Cycode Token'' (Cyberse, WIND, Level 2, 0 ATK, 0 DEF) You can only activate 1 ''Passcode Rewrite'' per turn

Spell Rewind Normal Spell Card

Banish 1 Normal Spell Card from your GY; add 1 Normal Spell Card from your GY to your hand. You can only activate "Spell Rewind" once per turn.

Link Armaments Equip Spell Card

Equip only to a Link Monster. The equipped monster cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects and gains 500 ATK for each Link Monster in your GY. If the equipped monster attacks your opponent's Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage.

Unyielding Spirits Quick-Play Spell Card

When your monster battles your opponent's monster: change the ATK of both monsters to their original ATK, then switch the ATK of the battling monsters until the end of the Damage Step. You can only activate 1 "Unyielding Spirits" per turn.

Recode Counter- Type: Counter Trap Card

Effect: If your opponent activates a monster effect while you control a "Cycode" or "Cyber-Eyes" monster(s); cards you currently control become unaffected by your opponent's monster effects until the End of your next turn. You can only activate 1 "Recode Counter" once per turn.

Deflect Draw (Trap Card): Activate only if you would take effect damage during your opponent's turn; reduce the damage to 0, then draw a card.

Link Offering Normal Trap Card

Tribute 1 Level 8 or lower monster you control and target 1 Link Monster you control; the targeted monster gains ATK equal to the Tributed monster's ATK until the end of the turn. The turn you activate this effect, all battle damage is reduced by 200 x the Tributed monster's Level. You can only activate "Link Offering" once per turn.

Necro Link Normal Trap Card

If a Link Monster leaves your field: Target that Link Monster in your GY; Special Summon it to an unoccupied Extra Monster Zone and increase its ATK by 1500. The Special Summoned monster cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects the turn it is Summoned. If the Special Summoned monster leaves the field, both players take damage equal to its original ATK. If the Special Summoned monster is targeted for an attack: you can banish this card from your GY; any battle damage inflicted to you by this battle is also inflicted to your opponent. You can only activate each effect of "Necro Link" once per turn.

Cynet Sorcery Normal Trap Card

Send 1 Spell Card from your Deck to the GY and apply its effects. You can banish this card from your GY, then send one Spell from your Deck to the GY and apply its effects. You can only activate each effect of "Cynet Sorcery" per turn, and only once per turn.