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.

46. Closure

Greetings, everyone! Donkeyboy100 here with Chapter 46. This chapter will conclude the Duel between Yuya and Zarc and showcase the duel between Zuzu and Leo. Without further delay, enjoy the chapter!

In LINK VRAINS…

"Maestra? What are you doing?" Leo asked in disbelief at the girl who used to be his daughter.

"I'm stopping you, Leo. I won't let you erase both Ringmaster and Storm Rider. I believe the both of them will be free from Zarc's control." Maestra replied calmly, still raising her Duel Disk.

"No! Zarc is dangerous! He doesn't have the right to live after everything he has done! He must be destroyed before he dooms all of us!" Leo insisted, narrowing his eyes hatefully at Ringmaster's unconscious form being protected by his comrades.

"Doesn't have the right to live?" Maestra's eyes turned cold at his father's words. "You are the last person who has the right to say that, Leo. You're as guilty as Zarc was…or maybe even more…" She informed him.

"What are you talking about?"

"While many have forgiven you, there are some who've been traumatized and had their lives ruined all for your selfish ambition," Maestra stated with a tinge of anger in her face and voice.

"Selfish? No, You're wrong. You all people should I did it for my daughter Ray. I did it all for her sake! So that she can have the future and that she and I can be together again as a family…." Leo reasoned, taking a step towards his former daughter, to which Maestra responded by taking a step back.

Zero heard Leo's last words and felt a stinging pain in his chest. "So he still doesn't think of mother and me as his family?" He wondered sadly.

"You need to let go, Leo. Ray is nothing but a person of the past. Her life had ended years ago, and she has accepted that. She'd never wish to be reborn, especially at the cost of many lives."

"While that may be true, we still can't risk the opportunity of letting Zarc be free. I'm offering you a choice; let me do what needs to be done and ensure this world and the other dimensions are safe. I assure you it's what's best for everyone involved in this. At this point, I'm the only one who's capable of stopping Zarc."

"What's best for everyone, you say?" Maestra said as she glared at Leo. "You have some nerve saying that after all the lives you've ruined in the process of your psychotic plan. You started a war that only served to fuel Zarc's power. Because of you, Zarc gained a solid foothold to facilitate his revival. Like I said before, everything Ray sacrificed to protect, you trampled underneath your foot for the sake of your selfish wish."

"Speak to me of selfishness only when you have a person you treasure more than anything in this vast universe," Leo responded with a forlorn expression. "You will find that no sacrifice is too big or too small to make to reclaim them when they are lost. Ray is everything to me, so I will do whatever it takes if it means bringing her back."

"How hypocritical of you…." Maesta sighed. "I do have someone I care about a lot in my life. My friend, Ringmaster! And not just me, but everyone in this world has a person they would sacrifice everything for. However, when the entire world's future is at stake, you need to have the courage to put the needs of the many above your own. Leo, you couldn't do that, making you unqualified to fight for this world's sake. That's why I'll stop you before you make another mistake that dooms us all."

"Very well then," Leo said. "While it's regrettable that I must waste my time with you, I won't allow you or anyone else to interfere any further than this. I'll stop Zarc with my own hands and save the universe from any more destruction. But first, let's prepare the field."

Upon saying so, Leo activated his Duel Disk and pressed a button. Immediately afterward, an energy pulse was discharged throughout the area that caused Maestra to feel all tingly but didn't seem to have any other effect beyond that.

"What was that?" Maestra wondered. "What did you do?"

"I merely saturated the area with unstable energy waves," Leo explained. "While this measure won't affect monsters formed from Real Solid Vision, it will disrupt and prevent the formation of an Action Field. While it's a crude measure, it will serve my purposes well. I won't allow the unpredictable probabilities generated from the presence of an Action Field to disrupt the outcome of this last time. Now then, let's begin!"

"Duel!"

Maestra: 4000 LP

Leo: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Leo announced. "Using the Scale 1 Spirit Reactor and the Scale 4 Spirit Dynamo, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared on Leo's sides, with a mechanical monster resembling a light bulb and a mechanical monster resembling an elaborate coil with electricity.

Spirit Reactor Scale: 1

Spirit Dynamo Scale: 4

"I activate Spirit Dynamo's Pendulum Effect!" Leo continued. "If there is a "Spirit" monster in my other Pendulum Zone, I can destroy this card and place a "Spirit" Pendulum Monster from my Deck to the zone it was. However, that monster cannot use its Pendulum Effects for this turn. I choose to place the Scale 4 Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Innovator!"

Spirit Dynamo was destroyed, with a monster consisting of a Pendulum-shaped bottom half and a glowing humanoid-shaped upper half with several mechanical arms protruding from its back, taking its place.

Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Innovator Scale: 4

"Due to the second effect of Spirit Dynamo, its Pendulum Scale of 4 is added to the Scale of the Pendulum card placed in the Pendulum Zone it occupied," Leo stated.

Pendulum Innovator SC: 4→8

"Now, with my current Pendulum Scale, I can simultaneously summon monsters with Levels 2 through 7! Spirits of the heavens and earth! Cleanse my hands of filthy sins and become the cornerstone of the world! I Pendulum Summon! Appear now, my monster! Spirit Crystal – Aether Core!"

A single beam of light erupted from the portal, solidifying into the form of a small, spherical machine with a glowing gold core and four smaller cores attached to its body.

Spirit Crystal – Aether Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2 PS: 6

"Another "Core" monster…." Zero muttered. "What sort of effect will it have?"

"Aether Core's effect activates!" Leo declared. "When this card is Pendulum Summoned from my hand, I can release it to declare one of your Phases and force you to skip it during your next turn. I choose to have you skip the Battle Phase. Finally, I place one card face-down and end my turn."

He summoned no other monsters beyond Aether Core, which matters little since I cannot battle. Maestra thought. His main attack will come during my next turn. I can only prepare as much as I can to counter it now.

"My turn! I draw!" Maestra looked at his card, then said, "First, I'll activate the Spell Card: 1st Movement Solo! Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Melodious" monster from my hand. Take the stage, Baila the Melodious Diva!"

A young female with red hair, wearing a purple dress, white angel wings on its back, red high heels, and a necklace.

Baila the Melodious Diva ATK 1700 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"Since Baila was Special Summoned, I get to add a "Melodious" card from my Deck to my hand," She took a card from her Deck, then played it. "I summon Opera the Melodious Diva!"

A small fairy-like monster clad in a dress with wings extending from its back appeared on Maestra's field.

Opera the Melodious Diva ATK 2300 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

"In that case, I will exhibit my full power from this point on." Leo declared with an ominous tone. "No matter what, I am not allowed to lose here. I will prevail for everyone and the world's sake."

"You sure talk big, but I hope you haven't forgotten that you've lost to us Lancers once before." Maestra pointed out.

"Perhaps, but you should also remember that it took three of you with Zarc's aid to succeed in defeating me," Leo stated. "As such, I would advise you not to be so optimistic, or you are in for a rude awakening. Now, it's my turn! I draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Aether Core! And from my hand, Spirit Crystal – Salamander Core and Spirit Crystal – Gnome Core!"

Three beams of light erupted from the portal, solidifying into the forms of Aether Core, a small, spherical machine with a glowing red core and four smaller cores and a monster resembling Salamander Core, only with brown-colored cores attached to it.

Spirit Crystal – Aether Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2 PS: 6

Spirit Crystal – Salamander Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2 PS: 3

Spirit Crystal – Gnome Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4 PS: 1

"At this moment, Pendulum Innovator's Pendulum Effect activates!" Leo declared. "Since a "Spirit Crystal" monster was Pendulum Summoned from my Extra Deck, I can banish it to Special Summon a "Spirit" Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck that lists the banished monster as a Fusion Material, with it being treated as a Fusion Summon. I will banish Aether Core to Special Summon this card! Come forth, Spirit Tech Force – Aether Hierarch!

A monster with a mechanical body, a glowing angel figure protruding from its top, and eight blade-shaped energy constructs hovering behind it appeared on Leo's field.

Spirit Tech Force – Aether Hierarch ATK 2500 DEF 2300 LVL: 8 PS: 1

"I'll demonstrate how futile it is to try and oppose the winning formula I've constructed as I slowly drive you into a corner," Leo smirked. "You will learn that everything you do is within my calculations. Aether Hierarch's effect activates! When this card is Fusion Summoned successfully, I can declare one of my opponent's Phases, and as long as this card remains on the field, they are forced to skip it. I declare your Main Phase 1, rendering you unable to conduct it."

"If Maestra's Main Phase is sealed, her options will be limited quite a bit," Benmaru noted.

"Not bad, Professor…." Candyman muttered.

"I'm far from finished here." Leo continued. "First, I activate Gnome Core's effect. Since it was Pendulum Summoned from my hand, I can target a monster on your field and halve its attack points while you receive 500 points of damage. I choose to target your Opera the Melodious Diva!"

Opera the Melodious Diva ATK 2300→1150

Many stone bullets erupted from Gnome Core's main core, striking both Opera and Maestra, who winced from the pain.

Maestra: 4000→3500 LP

"Due to Gnome Core's effect, I can also increase the attack points of a monster on my field by 1000," Leo stated. "I choose Aether Hierarch, of course."

Aether Hierarch ATK 2500→3500

"Next, I activate Salamander Core's effect. Through it, I can target a monster on the field, destroy it and inflict 800 points of damage to its controller. I choose to destroy Baila the Melodious Diva!"

Following Leo's words, a torrent of flames erupted from Salamander Core's main core, incinerating Baila and causing Maestra to let out a cry of pain as the flames engulfed her.

Maestra: 3500→2700 LP

"Now, let's battle!" Leo exclaimed. "Aether Hierarch, attack Opera the Melodious Diva!"

"I activate the Counter Trap Card: Negate Attack!" Maestra exclaimed. "This card not only negates your monster's attack but also ends the Battle Phase."

A barrier appeared in front of Opera and protected her from Aether Hierarch's attack.

"Tch.." Leo grit his teeth. "In that case, I end my turn. At this moment, Aether Hierarch's effect activates. If "Spirit" monsters on my field activated their effects during this turn, I can release those monsters to draw one card from my Deck for each. I will release Salamander Core and Gnome Core to draw two cards from my Deck."

"It's my turn!" Maestra announced. "I draw!"

"At this moment, the effect of Aether Hierarch is applied." Leo abruptly stated. "You're forced to skip your Main Phase and go straight to the Battle Phase."

"I know that…." Maestra grumbled. "Since I cannot battle with the 1150 Opera, I'll skip to my Main Phase 2. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Photon Lead! I can now Special Summon a Level 4 or lower LIGHT monster from my hand in Attack Position. I Special Summon Rondo the Melodious Songstress!"

A female monster clad in a vermillion dress reminiscent of a flower with a single wing extending from its back appeared on Maestra's field.

Rondo the Melodious Songstress ATK 700 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Since Rondo was Special Summoned, its effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Melodious" monster from my Deck. Come to the stage, Soprano the Melodious Songstress!"

A redheaded green-skinned woman in a blue, orange and white dress appeared.

Soprano the Melodious Songstress ATK 1400 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Oh!" Masquerade said, his eyes widening. "I see what Maestra's doing."

"I activate Soprano's effect! I can perform a Fusion Summon when she's on the field!"

Leo narrowed his eyes. "Fusion…"

"I fuse Opera, Rondo, and Soprano!" The monsters broke apart into particles that swirled into a vortex before spiraling up as twisters that merged to form a violet tornado as Maestra chanted.

"Supreme prodigy! Blooming talent! Sacred melody! With the guidance of the baton, gather your power! Fusion Summon! Now, come to the stage! The song of wonder, Bloom Muse the Melodious Choir!"

A female monster with long blonde hair, clad in a white and black bodysuit, had a pink cape with a leaf design and musical notes inscribed on it extending from its shoulders. It was surrounded by nine glowing orbs and held a baton-shaped branch in its right arm as it appeared on Maestra's field.

Bloom Muse the Melodious Choir ATK 3000 DEF 2100 LVL: 8

"Since Rondo was used as material for a Fusion Summon, I can draw cards from my Deck equal to the number of other Fusion Materials used for that Fusion Summon, in this case, two." Maestra explained as she drew. "And now, Bloom Muse's effect activates! When this card is Fusion Summoned, I can destroy all Monsters my opponent controls! Roses Hurricane!"

"Not so fast, Maestra," Leo smirked. "Didn't I warn you that I won't allow anything to stop me from finishing off Zarc? I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Summon Breakdown Purge!" The card showed the deity from Solemn Judgement using his powers to banish Black Skull Dragon, Mist Wurm and Sword Breaker to another world."Through its effect, if you summoned a Fusion, Synchro or Xyz Monster, that monster's summoning is negated and destroyed! In addition, you cannot summon monsters of the same summoning type as long as this card remains face-up on the field!"

A lightning bolt erupted from Leo's card following his words, destroying Maestra's Monster.

"You've got to be kidding me…." Maestra muttered. "To think that he had a counter ready for that as well… I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Material Recycle!" The card showed VWXYZ-Dragon Catapult Cannon, Dragon Master Knight, and UFOroid Fighter glowing as spectral forms of their materials appeared behind them. "Thanks to its effect, if a card effect destroyed a Fusion Monster, I can Special Summon the monsters used to summon it from my Graveyard or Banished Zone by negating their effects. Return to the stage, Opera, Rondo and Soprano!"

Following Maestra's words, three beams of light shot out from the ground with Opera, Rondo and Soprano emerging from them in Defense Position.

Opera the Melodious Diva ATK 2300 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

Rondo the Melodious Songstress ATK 700 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

Soprano the Melodious Songstress ATK 1400 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Then, I get to draw one card for each monster, in this case, three. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Maestra's sure having trouble dealing with your father, Zero," Abyssio noted.

"That may be so, but I believe Maestra will find a way to pull through," Zero replied.

"Let's hope you're right. Because if not, then we'll have to worry about not only Zarc but Leo as well," Talon added.

"If that's the extent of your strength and resolve, then you're incapable of helping Ringmaster and Storm Rider, as well as protecting Zarc or saving this world," Leo stated as he clenched his fist. "As I thought, the one who should carry that burden is me, who persisted down this road no matter the cost. But first, I will remove the irritant that is you from my sight. It's my turn! I draw! First, I will use my Pendulum Scale to Pendulum Summon again! Revive from the Extra Deck, Salamander Core and Gnome Core!"

Two beams of light erupted from the portal, solidifying into the forms of Salamander and Gnome.

Spirit Crystal – Salamander Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2 PS: 3

Spirit Crystal – Gnome Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4 PS: 1

"At this moment, Pendulum Innovator's Pendulum Effect activates," Leo announced. "However, I'm permitted only to use this effect on one monster per turn. I will return Salamander Core to my hand and banish Gnome Core through Pendulum Innovator's effect to Special Summon this card! Appear, Spirit Tech Force – Gnome Sovereign!"

A monster with a mechanical body with a golem made out of stone protruding from its top and several boulders hovering behind it appeared on Leo's field.

Spirit Tech Force – Gnome Sovereign ATK 2800 DEF 2200 LVL: 8 PS: 9

"I activate Gnome Sovereign's effect!" Leo continued. "Once per turn, I can target a "Spirit Tech Force" monster on my field, destroy all monsters my opponent controls that have lower attack points than it and inflict 300 points of damage to you for every destroyed monster. I select Aether Hierarch, and since the three monsters you control have lower attack points than it, I can destroy them all and inflict 900 points of damage to you!"

Suddenly, three rock spires erupted from the ground, piercing through Maestra's monsters and destroying them. Then, the spires bent and aimed straight at Maestra, striking her body and sending her tumbling backwards as she let out an agonized grunt.

Maestra: 2700→1800 LP

"I'm sorry. You forced me to do this. But this is the end!" Leo declared. "Aether Hierarch, attack Maestra directly and finish this!"

"I don't think so!" Maestra exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Draining Shield! Through its effect, the attack is negated, and I gain Life Points equal to your monster's attack points!"

Following Maestra's words, a floating shield appeared before her, blocking Aether Hierarch's blast. Immediately afterward, the blast scattered into numerous particles enveloping Maestra's body.

Maestra: 1800→5300 LP

"Futile resistance…" Leo growled. "Then, Gnome Sovereign will attack you directly!"

Maestra was bombarded by a hail of medium-sized boulders launched from Gnome Sovereign. However, she stood her ground while gritting her teeth, ignoring the numerous stabs of pain throughout her body.

Maestra: 5300→2500 LP

"It looks like you managed to survive again," Leo remarked. "Like Ray, your determination is strong. Since "Spirit" monsters on my field battled, I can activate the Spell Card: Spirit Core Refinement." The card showed Salamander Core and Sylphid Core being repaired by Kozaky and Magical Scientist. "Through its effect, I can banish a "Spirit Crystal" monster from my hand, in this case, Salamander Core, to add a number of "Spirit Crystal" monsters from my Deck to my hand equal to the number of "Spirit" monsters on my field. Since I control two such monsters, I'll add Sylphid Core and Chaos Core from my Deck to my hand. With that, I end my turn."

"Great, you added more of these nuisances to your hand…." Maestra grimaced. "Guess I'll have to deal with more of their annoying effects."

"I warned you about dueling me, but sadly, you failed to listen. If you believe that justice and righteousness are on your side, show me the strength you draw from your resolve through your Duel!" Leo declared. "And when I crush that strength with my own, perhaps you'll acknowledge how unprepared you were despite your big words."

"In that case, here I come, Leo Akaba!" Maestra exclaimed. "My turn! I draw! Since Aether Hierarch is still on your field, I'll skip straight to my Main Phase 2. Since you control monsters and I don't, I can Special Summon Solo the Melodious Songstress from my hand!"

A woman with pink skin, a red dress, and a yellow crown-like object on her head appeared.

Solo the Melodious Songstress ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Next," Maestra continued. "Since I control a "Melodious" monster, I can Special Summon Canon the Melodious Diva from my hand!"

A blue-skinned woman with blue hair and a purple, wearing a blue and black dress, appeared next to Solo.

Canon the Melodious Diva ATK 1400 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"Finally, I summon Pastorale the Melodious Songstress!"

A girl with mint-green skin, wearing a knee-length white gown with sheer sleeves. Golden tattoos of musical notes trailed down her right arm while dark green hair was piled high on her head in a bun, held in place by two needles.

Pastorale the Melodious Songstress ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"Pastorale's effect activates! When she is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Melodious" monster from my hand. Come, Come, Serenade the Melodious Diva!" A pink-skinned girl with pink hair wearing a yellow, red, and orange dress appeared in Attack Position.

Serenade the Melodious Diva ATK 400 DEF 1900 LVL: 4

"Serenade's effect activates! During the turn she is Special Summoned, I can Normal Summon a "Melodious" monster. But before that, I tune Level 3 Pastorale the Melodious Songstress to Level 4 Serenade the Melodious Diva!" Yuzu declared.

"What?!" Leo, Zero, and everyone else gasped.

A bolt of green lightning struck the ground, disintegrating Maestra's two monsters. They reformed into two rings made of three and four concentric circles. The rings merged and then turned into seven blue rings in a tower. A screen saying "3 + 4" appeared, then changed to "7". A surge of light went through the rings.

"Insightful Master, through the dark silence, find the hidden music and compose a masterpiece with the strength of your baton! I Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 7!, Beethovina the Melodious Maestra!"

Appearing in a burst of light, Maestra's new monster flew beside her on a pair of fairy wings rimmed with translucent piano keys. Her long, snow-white hair was tied up, a few curly strands on the sides bouncing down against her shoulders. She wore a large ball-gown dress, hers being white and green. The musical fairy wielded a baton like a magic wand in her hand.

Beethovina the Melodious Maestra ATK 2800 DEF 2200 LVL: 7

"Maestra learned Synchro Summoning?!" Abyssio said, his eyes reminiscent of a fish's. "When?! And how?!"

"She probably learned it from Rin," Blackbird answered.

"Since Beethovina was Synchro Summoned, her effect activates, allowing me to add a "Melodious" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Opera the Melodious Diva, which I'll summon thanks to Serenade's effect!"

Following her words, Opera reappeared between Beethovina and Canon.

Opera the Melodious Diva ATK 2300 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"There are three Level 4 Monsters on her field," Varis remarked. "It's obvious what she's about to do next."

Maestra gestured to her field. "I overlay the Level 4 Opera, Canon and Solo!"

Maestra raised her Duel Disk and shot a bolt of pink energy that created the Xyz cross. "With these three monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Her monsters disintegrated into data and entered the red bolts. The ends of the cross fired multiple beams that created a galaxy, which exploded with energy.

"Hot-blooded melody of combat! Light up the flame of courage in the hearts of men and resound forever! I Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 4! Hathor the Melodious Goddess!"

A beautiful female monster clad in a regal reddish-brown dress with notes engraved on it, which had a pair of large, blue-colored wings extending from its back, a crown resembling a disk with two horns extending from it placed on its head and held a sistrum in its hands, appeared on Maestra's field.

Hathor the Melodious Goddess ATK 2800 DEF 2500 RNK: 4 OU: 3

"I activate Hathor's effect!" Maesta declared. "When this card is Xyz Summoned successfully, I can destroy a card on the field. I choose to destroy Aether Hierarch!"

"Afraid not," Leo sneered. "Have you forgotten about Spirit Reactor's Pendulum Effect? As long as there is an Earth, Water, Fire or Wind-attribute monster on the field, the first time each monster on my field would be destroyed by battle or card effects, it's not destroyed. Therefore, your Hathor's effect won't apply!"

"I remember that effect very well, which was why I intended to make you use it here." Maestra let out a sly smile. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Melodious Crescendo and equip it to Beethoviana, increasing its attack points by 500!"

Beethoviana the Melodious Maestra ATK 2800→3300

"Then, I activate the Spell Card: Heightened Fighting Spirit." The card showed Freed the Brave Wanderer and a group of soldiers fighting against Exiled Force, Nomadic Force and Missing Force. "Through its effect, if I skipped the Battle Phase of my turn, I can repeat it. In exchange, once the Battle Phase ends, my turn ends as well automatically."

"What?" Leo frowned. "This tactic diverged from my expectations…."

"Now, let's battle!" Maestra exclaimed. "Hathor the Melodious Goddess, attack Aether Hierarch!"

"Have you lost it?" Mordred asked. "My monster's attack points are far higher. Unless you…!"

"I detach an Overlay Unit from Meisterin Hathor to activate its effect!" Maestra exclaimed. "Once during either player's turn, when it battles a monster with more attack points than it, I can shuffle that monster back to my opponent's Deck and inflict damage to them equal to half the attack it had on the field! In exchange, you take no further damage this turn! Divine Resonance!"

Hathor brandished its sistrum as its expression became feral and shook it, generating a clear sound that echoed across the arena and caused Aether Hierarch to turn into a wave of energy that enveloped Leo,

Hathor the Melodious Goddess OU: 3→2

Leo: 4000→2250 LP

"Next, Beethoviana will attack Gnome Sovereign!"

Beethoviana swung its baton, generating a shockwave that struck Sovereign, destroying it.

"The effect of Melodious Crescendo activates! When the equipped monster destroys your monster in battle, I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card you control!" Leo's eyes widened. "I destroy your set card!"

Beethoviana let out a wave of energy, shattering Leo's set card.

"Why'd she do that?" Abyssio wondered. "If she'd destroyed Summon Breakdown Purge, she could Fusion Summon again."

"She probably did it because she figured Leo might have a card or an effect to protect it from being destroyed," Playmaker answered. "Let's hope she made the right choice."

"Even though I can't inflict any more damage to you, at least I got rid of that annoying Aether Hierarch," Maestra noted. "I end my turn with that."

"My turn!" Leo announced. "I draw! You may have managed to break through Aether Hierarch, but I don't think that's enough to prevent your defeat at my hands. Now then, let's move to the next phase. First, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Come from my hand, Spirit Crystal – Sylphid Core and Spirit Crystal – Chaos Core!"

Two beams of light erupted from the portal, solidifying into the forms of two mechanical monsters. One with green-colored cores and the other with black-colored cores.

Spirit Crystal – Sylphid Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2 PS: 6

Spirit Crystal – Chaos Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 3 PS: 8

"I activate Sylphid Core's effect!" Leo declared. "Since it was Pendulum Summoned from my hand in Attack Position, I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card on your field and inflict 800 points of damage. I will destroy your face-down card!"

A gust of raging winds erupted from Sylphid Core's central core, destroying Maestra's face-down and sending him skidding backwards.

Maestra: 2500→1700 LP

"I activate the effect of Spirit Attractor Field in my Graveyard," Leo stated as the card appeared on the field and showed Spirit Tech Force - Pendulum Governer inheriting the power of Salamander and Sylphid Core. "By banishing it, I can target up to two "Spirit Crystal" monsters on my field, banish them and Special Summon "Spirit Tech Force" Fusion Monsters from my Extra Deck that lists them as Fusion Materials. I will banish Sylphid and Chaos Core to Special Summon these two monsters. Appear, Spirit Tech Force – Sylphid Monarch and Spirit Tech Force – Chaos Tyrant!"

Two oddly-shaped mechanical monsters, one with a fairy made out of winds and the other with a demon made of black energy protruding from their tops, appeared on Leo's field.

Spirit Tech Force – Sylphid Monarch ATK 2600 DEF 1900 LVL: 8 PS: 2

Spirit Tech Force – Chaos Tyrant ATK 3000 DEF 2000 LVL: 8 PS: 9

"Due to Sylphid Monarch's effect, the effects of all face-up cards you control are negated for this turn since it was summoned successfully," Maestra's eyes widened as her cards greyed out. "Then, I activate Chaos Tyrant's effect. Once per turn, my opponent must choose to send monsters from their field to the Graveyard equal to the number of "Spirit Tech Force" monsters I control. However, if those monsters' attack is lower than my Monsters' attack, you will receive 500 points of damage for every sent monster. Now then, what's your choice?"

"As if you don't know already." Maestra grimaced. "I choose to send Hathor and Beethoviana to my Graveyard."

"Perfect," Leo smirked. "Since both monsters' attack points are lower than Chaos Tyrant's, you take 1000 points of damage!"

Several bolts of violet-colored energy were shot out of Chaos Tyrant's body, striking Maestra as she screamed out in pain.

Maestra: 1700→700 LP

"Battle! Chaos Tyrant, attack Maestra directly!"

"I don't think so!" Maestra shouted. "I banish Heightened Fighting Spirit from my Graveyard to activate its effect! Since I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Pendulum Monster from my Graveyard or Extra Deck with its effects negated! Revive, Canon the Melodious Diva!"

A portal appeared on Maestra's field, with Canon emerging from it. Immediately afterward, it received Sylphid Monarch's attack before being destroyed.

"Finally, Sylphid Monarch will attack you directly!" Leo declared. "This is the end, Maestra!"

"I activate the effect of Dolce the Melodious Diva from my hand!" Maestra exclaimed. "By discarding this card, I can reduce all damage I receive from direct attacks to 0 for this turn!"

A flower-shaped barrier appeared before Maestra, shielding her from Sylphid Monarch's tornado streams, which dispersed harmlessly upon striking the shield.

"I will praise you for surviving this turn," Leo said. "However, don't think you're out of the woods yet. I end my turn with a face-down."

"It's my turn!" Maestra announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw, whose effect—"

"Sylphid Monarch's effect activates!" Leo interrupted Maestra's words. "Once during either player's turn, when an opponent activates a Spell or Trap Card while I control another "Spirit Tech Force" monster, I can halve their Life Points! Take this!"

Maestra was suddenly struck by several bolts of lighting, falling to her knees as she barely stifled a scream of agony.

Maestra: 700→350 LP

"What an annoying effect…." Maestra muttered as she stood up. "In any case, Foresight Draw's effect continues. If I correctly guess the type of the top card of my Deck, I can draw cards until I have five in my hand. I declare Spell Card!"

Maestra drew the top card of her Deck with a swift motion and presented it to Leo while smirking.

"My guess was correct, meaning I can draw five cards from my Deck. Next, I summon Cantata the Melodious Diva!"

A girl with mint-colored skin wearing a peach-colored dress appeared.

Cantata the Melodious Diva ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Cantata's effect activates! When she is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Melodious' monster from my Deck in Attack Position. Come, Dirge the Melodious Songstress!"

A fairy-like monster appeared, wearing a black dress and a thick black veil over her face with black wings shaped like organ pipes and bagpipe tubes.

Dirge the Melodious Songstress ATK 800 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"As I control a "Melodious" monster, I can Special Summon Sonata the Melodious Diva!"

A yellow-skinned woman with green hair wearing a light blue dress appeared in Attack Position.

Sonata the Melodious Diva ATK 1200 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Then, I activate Dirge the Melodious Songstress's effect! By discarding a card from my hand, I can Special Summon a "Melodious" monster from my Graveyard! Return to the field, Soprano the Melodious Songstress!"

Spreading her arms and wings, Dirge let out a sustained mournful note, summoning a black graveyard portal through which Soprano rose.

Soprano the Melodious Songstress ATK 1400 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I place a card face-down and activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Double Cyclone! I can destroy one of my Spell or Trap cards in exchange for destroying one of yours! In this case, I'll destroy my set card to destroy Summon Breakdown Purge!"

Two cyclones emerged from the card, one yellow and one red. The red cyclone destroyed Maestra's set card, while the yellow cyclone destroyed the Continuous Trap Card.

Leo growled as Maestra continued. "And since my destroyed card was Dummy Marker and a card effect destroyed it, I can draw one card, plus an additional one since a Spell destroyed it," Varis drew, then said, "I activate Soprano's effect, fusing it with Sonata, Orchestra and Dirge!"

The monsters broke apart into particles that swirled into a vortex before spiraling up as twisters that merged to form a violet tornado as Maestra chanted.

"Now listen as these four harmonize and fuse into one, as their powers merge and transform into something even more melodic! Behold, the showstopping songstress whose voice will blow you away! I Fusion Summon! Bloom Prima the Melodious Choir!"

A pale blue-haired girl in a yellow dress with two flowers on her shoulders emerged from the tornado in Attack Position.

Bloom Prima the Melodious Choir ATK 1900 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"When Bloom Prima is Fusion Summoned," Maestra continued, "she gains 300 attack points for each of its Fusion Materials. I fused four monsters, so she gains 1200 attack points!"

Bloom Prima the Melodious Choir ATK 1900→3100

"And since Cantata was used to Fusion Summon a "Melodious" monster, I draw two cards!"

Leo smirked. "Not bad. Not bad. A Fusion Summon and new cards. As expected, you're not making this easy."

"It's about to get harder! I activate the Equip Spell Card: Sword of Dagla, equipping it to Bloom Prima," Maestra said as two D-shaped blades emerged from her Spell Card, with Bloom Prima grabbing them. "Due to its effect, Bloom Prima's attack points increase by 500!"

Bloom Prima the Melodious Choir ATK 3100→3600

"Now, let's battle!" Maestra exclaimed. "Bloom Prima, attack Spirit Tech Force – Sylphid Monarch! And thanks to the effect of the equipped Sword of Dagla, whenever the equipped monster inflicts damage to my opponent, I gain an equal amount of Life Points! Go, Bloom Prima! Verdant Phoneme!"

Two powerful soundwaves were generated from Bloom Prima's flowers, vaporizing Sylphid Monarch and sending Leo skidding backwards. At the same time, Maestra was enveloped by a golden aura.

Leo: 2250→1450 LP

Maestra: 350→1150 LP

"Thanks to its effect, Bloom Prima can attack twice per Battle Phase," Maestra stated. "Attack Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn next, Bloom Prima! Verdant Phoneme!"

The previous scene was repeated as Bloom Prima's soundwaves obliterated High Laundsalyyn and sent Mordred tumbling backwards while a golden aura enveloped Maestra.

Leo: 1450→850 LP

Maestra: 1150→1750 LP

"I place four cards face-down and end my turn," Maestra concluded. "How was that, o wise scientist? Was that also within your infallible calculations?"

"You may have defied my expectations somewhat, but it'll take a lot more effort if you truly wish to stop me here." Leo declared. "For the sake of my wish, I cannot afford to lose here! My turn! I draw! Using my Pendulum Scale, I will Pendulum Summon once again! Come forth, Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Governor and Spirit Crystal – Undine Core!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Pendulum portal, solidifying into the forms of Leo's Monsters upon landing on the field.

Two beams of light erupted from the portal, solidifying into the forms of an oddly-shaped mechanical Monster which had a glowing humanoid figure protruding from its top and wings of light extending from its back, and a small, spherical machine with a glowing blue core and four smaller cores attached to it.

Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Governer ATK 2800 DEF 0 LVL: 7 PS: 4

Spirit Crystal – Undine Core ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2 PS: 1

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Dress!" Maestra declared. "Until the end of the turn, one monster on the field loses 600 attack points, but it cannot be targeted or destroyed by other card effects. I target Bloom Prima!"

Bloom Prima the Melodious Choir ATK 3600→3000

Leo narrowed his eyes. "Smart play. You avoided Undine's effect, which would allow me to banish a monster you control."

"You're not defeating me that easily."

"We'll see about that. I activate the Spell Card: Spirit Foundry," Leo counted as the card showed Aether Core and Chaos Core evolving into Aether Hierarch and Chaos Tyrant. "Through its effect, I can banish a "Spirit Crystal" Pendulum Monster from my Extra Deck to Special Summon a "Spirit Tech Force" Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, which lists the banished monster as one of its materials. I will banish Undine Core to Special Summon this monster! Appear, Spirit Tech Force – Undine Magister!"

An oddly-shaped mechanical monster with a humanoid figure made out of water protruding from its top and misty vapor surrounding it appeared on Leo's field.

Spirit Tech Force – Undine Magister ATK 2900 DEF 2100 LVL: 8 PS: 1

"I activate Undine Magister's effect!" Leo declared. "Through it, you must select a monster in your Graveyard or banish zone and Special Summon it in Attack Position with its attack and defense points at 0, and its effects negated as well. Now, what is your choice?"

"Another nasty effect…." Maestra frowned. "I choose to Special Summon Bloom Muse the Melodious Choir."

A portal appeared above Maestra, with Bloom Muse emerging from it and landing on his field.

Bloom Muse the Melodious Choir ATK 3000→0 DEF 2100→0 LVL: 8

"Next, I activate the Continuous Trap Card Spirit Collider Phase!" Leo declared as the card showed Pendulum Governer generating electricity. "I can only activate this card during the Main Phase of my turn. As for its effect, when a "Spirit Tech Force" monster on my field battles, I can increase its attack by an amount equal to the attack sum of all other "Spirit Tech Force" monsters on my field until the Battle Phase's end. Now, let's settle this! Battle! Pendulum Governor, attack Bloom Muse the Melodious Choir! And at this moment, my Trap's effect activates, boosting my monster's attack points!"

Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Governer ATK 2800→5700

"I activate the Trap Card: Rallentando!" Maestra exclaimed. "By Tributing a 'Melodious' monster, all battle damage I take for the rest of the turn is reduced by that monster's original attack points. I Tribute Bloom Muse and reduce the battle damage by her 3000 attack points!"

Following Maestra's words, Bloom Muse disintegrated.

"In that case, Pendulum Governor attacks Boom Prima!"

The blast of golden energy struck Bloom Prima and destroyed her.

"Then, Undine Magister will attack you directly!" Leo shouted. "And thanks to Spirit Collider Phase's effect, its attack points are also boosted!"

Spirit Tech Force – Undine Magister ATK 2900→5700

"Even with the effect of Rallentando in play, Maestra doesn't have enough Life Points to survive this attack," Varis noted.

Following his words, Maestra was engulfed by Magister's blast. However, when the smoke cleared, her Life Points hadn't decreased.

"What just happened?" Leo looked perplexed. "Why aren't your Life Points 0?"

"That's because I activated my face-down card, Defense Draw." Maestra explained. "Thanks to it, the battle damage was reduced to 0, and I get to draw one card."

"Why didn't I see that coming?" Leo remarked. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Nature Recharge!" The card showed a figure similar to Leo in a lab analyzing data on the four sources of nature. "Its effect allows me to target a "Spirit" monster that declared an attack this turn and have it attack once again! I'll have Pendulum Governor attack you directly!"

Maestra grit her teeth and gestured to her field. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Celestial Transformation and use its effect to Special Summon a Fairy monster from my hand or Graveyard by halving its attack points. Descend to the stage, Aria the Melodious Diva!"

A pink-skinned woman with purple hair, a red-brown and orange outfit, and an orange harp attached to her back. She had several musical notes all over her body.

Aria the Melodious Diva ATK 1600→800 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"How annoyingly persistent…." Leo grumbled. "Then, Pendulum Governor will destroy Aria!"

Aria was suddenly bombarded by several energy blasts and was completely obliterated.

"With the Battle Phase's end, my monsters' attack points return to normal," Leo said.

Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Governer ATK 5700→2800

Spirit Tech Force – Undine Magister ATK 5700→2900

"I end my turn with a face-down."

"My turn! I draw!" Maestra looked at her drawn card and smiled. "I activate the Spell Card: Final Offguard! As my Life Points are lower than yours and you're the only one with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can draw two cards."

Maestra drew and smiled at her cards. Yes! "I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Melodic Ritual, whose effect lets me tribute "Melodious" monsters in my hand or on my field, or return "Melodious" Monsters from my Graveyard back to the Deck to Ritual Summon. I shuffle Dolce, Dirge and Soprano from my Graveyard to Ritual Summon!"

An ornate altar surrounded by a large pipe organ appeared on Maestra's field, with the spectral forms of Dolce, Dirge and Soprano s turned into particles and absorbed by the pipe organ, which started playing a beautiful tune. As a towering pillar of light erupted from the altar, Maestra chanted.

"Exalted diva of the heavens! May your healing song echo across the world and signal the coming of a new utopia! I Ritual Summon! Now, come to the stage, Level 10! The divine songstress, Gabriela the Melodious Maestra!"

An alluring female monster clad in a gold and white dress with glowing musical notes engraved on it, had six golden wings protruding from its back and held an ornate crimson horn in its right hand, appeared on Maestra's field.

Gabriela the Melodious Maestra ATK 3200 DEF 2300 LVL: 10

"Gabriela's effect activates!" Maestra declared. "When this card is Ritual Summoned successfully, I can negate the effects of all face-up cards my opponent controls until the end of the turn! In addition, I activate Meisterin Gabriela's second effect, which allows me to Special Summon "Melodious" monsters from my Graveyard equal to the number of Special Summoned Monsters my opponent controls! However, the summoned Monsters cannot attack, their effects are negated, and they must return to my Deck during the End Phase! I choose to bring back Opera and Baila the Melodious Diva! Refrain Rewind!"

Two magic circles appeared on Gabriela's outstretched wings, which emerged Opera and Baila.

Opera the Melodious Diva ATK 2300 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

Baila the Melodious Diva ATK 1700 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"Now, it's time for the climax of this performance!" Maestra exclaimed. "Battle! Gabriela, attack Undine Magister! And at this moment, Gabriela's final effect activates! When this card battles an opponent's monster, its attack points increase equal to half the combined attack of all "Melodious" Special Summoned monsters on my side of the field! Since Aria, Baila and Opera were all Special Summoned, half of their attack points get added to Gabriela's attack points!"

Gabriela the Melodious Maestra ATK 3200→5200

"Leo Akaba's Life Points are 850!" Blackbird exclaimed. "If this effect goes through, it's Maestra's win!"

"I won't be defeated!" Leo shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Spirit Sealing Formation!" The card showed a male figure similar to Leo in a lab harvesting energy into a test tube. "Through its effect, if I have two "Spirit" monsters in my Pendulum Zone and at least one "Spirit" Monster in my Monster Zone, I can reduce all damage I receive to 0 for this turn!"

Gabriela raised its horn and unleashed a blast of clear soundwaves, easily vaporizing Undine Magister.

"With the Battle Phase over, Gabriela's attack points return to normal."

Gabriela the Melodious Maestra ATK 5200→3200

"With that, I end my turn. As it's the End Phase, Gabriela's effect ends, meaning Opera and Baila return to my Deck."

Following Maestra's words, Opera and Baila burst into particles.

"My turn!" Leo announced. "I draw! I admit that you've put on quite the fight, Maestra. I never expected to be pressured to such an extent despite all the measures I had taken and the tactics formulated. However, it all ends here. I refuse to let you get in my way any further."

"I don't care what you will allow or not." Maestra dismissively waved her hand. "To begin with, this battle is pointless. We both want the same thing, so we should be working together instead of fighting against each other."

"This is a task I trust no one but myself to see through," Leo stated. "I will destroy Zarc and save this world from his destruction!"

"And what about Ringmaster and Storm Rider, you selfish man!?" Maestra suddenly bellowed, startling Leo. "Don't you understand there are people who will be devastated once they find out they're gone!? You just never learn, do you!? How many innocent lives will you let become sacrifices before you realize that hurting people instead of helping them!?"

"Silence!" Leo spat out, clearly distraught. "I will not stand here and be lectured by you! You understand nothing! I activate the Spell Card: Spirit Tech Fusion!" The card showed Spirit Tech Force - Pendulum Governor being forcefully merged with a copy of itself, merging in a Fusion portal and a silhouette of Master Spirit Tech Force- Pendulum Ruler above the portal.

"By banishing Pendulum Governor from my Graveyard and Undine Core from my Extra Deck, I can perform a Fusion Summon! And thanks to its effect, this card's activation cannot be negated!"

As his two Monsters swirled inside a multi-colored vortex, Leo chanted.

"Mechanical soldiers in which spirits dwell! Obtain a new power and return as an invincible army! I Fusion Summon! Assemble, Level 12! Master Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Ruler!"

An advanced version of Pendulum Governor appeared on Leo's field, its body letting out a faint glow.

Master Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Ruler ATK 3500 DEF 3000 LVL: 12 PS: 1

"That monster has come…." Zero muttered. "So this is the last wall for Maestra to overcome."

"Battle!" Leo exclaimed. "Pendulum Ruler, destroy Gabriela! Wavering Reign Pulse!"

An energy blast erupted from Pendulum Ruler, vaporizing Gabriela and causing Maestra to wince due to the ensuing shockwave.

Maestra: 1750→1450 LP

"Since a "Spirit Tech Force" monster on my field successfully declared an attack, I can destroy Spirit Collider Phase to activate its final effect!" Leo continued. "Through it, I can increase my Monster's attack by 500 for every banished "Spirit" monster and have it declare a second attack! Since there are seven banished Monsters, my monster gains 3500 attack points!"

Master Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Ruler ATK 3500→7000

"Go, Pendulum Ruler! Attack Maestra directly and end this duel!"

Pendulum Ruler unleashed a beam of golden energy that struck Maestra, causing an explosion. For a few heartbeats, the Lancers, Varis and Playmaker watched in bated silence until the smoke cleared and revealed Maestra to be unharmed.

"What?" Leo gasped. "How did you survive?"

"By banishing Rallentando and Rondo from my Graveyard," Maestra explained. "I reduced the battle damage to 0."

Leo gritted his teeth. "I end my turn with that," he said. "At this moment, Spirit Tech Fusion's final effect activates. If the monster summoned by its effect inflicted damage to my opponent, I can inflict 1000 points of damage to them. Take this!"

A lightning bolt descended from the sky, striking Maestraand forcing her to her knees.

Maestra: 1450→450 LP

"This is the end, for real this time," Leo said. "You should have realized by now that any further resistance is futile. With your field clear and Pendulum Ruler on the field, you have no way of turning this situation around. Just accept your defeat and stand aside."

'Can I even win...I have already used up all my best monsters...I don't have any other cards that can match that Pendulum Ruler. Is winning even possible?' Maestra looked at the ground as tears began to appear in her eyes. As a single tear dropped to the ground, her bracelet began glowing dimly, which turned into a bright light that consumed her.

Elsewhere, unknown location…

Zuzu opened her eyes and saw that she was in a white void. She looked behind her and saw a yellow spirit of an older teen girl.

"Ray? Is that you?" Zuzu asked.

"Yes, Zuzu, it's me," Ray confirmed. "I want to start by saying that I'm so proud of you and your girls and what you have become. To be honest. I never expected this to happen after Zarc was defeated, and I'm sorry my father can't let go of the past."

"It's not your fault your father's like this," Zuzu said. "But regardless, it seems wrong of me to challenge him. Yuya and Yuji will be gone forever if I don't find a way to turn things around and win on my next turn."

Well lucky for you, that's why I brought you here. You can stop my father and free Yuya and Yuji with my power. So please...don't give up and don't stop fighting. You must save not only this world and everyone in it but Zarc too. Good luck."

Following her words, Ray vanished before a pink aura flowed from her into Zuzu. Before she could say anything, everything went blank…

Back in LINK VRAINS…

Maestra looked up with clear eyes at her opponent while her Deck, graveyard, and Extra Deck glowed pink. She couldn't remember exactly what had just happened, but her confidence was now greater than ever.

"Not giving up yet? It will be your demise!" Leo sneered, but Maestra just smirked.

At that time, a bright light was emitting from Maestra's bracelet, with the same radiance coming from her Extra Deck. She was surprised to see that the source of it was a card she had never seen or had before.

"Could this be…?" Maestra muttered as a smile appeared on her face. "I see. Thank you, Ray. Hopefully, this will help me knock some sense into Leo…."

Still looking determined, Maestra started her turn, "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Reversal! Since I have no other cards on the field or in my hand, I can draw a card for each card on my opponent's field. In this case, three!"

Upon drawing her cards, Maestra let out a small smile. Alright, I got all I need. Time to give this a shot!

Maestra showed two cards in her hand, "I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 2 Minuet the Melodious Diva and Scale 9 Contralto the Melodious Songstress!"

Soon, two pillars of light appeared on both sides of Maestra's field. In the pillar of light on her right was a yellow-haired, orange female monster wearing a green empire dress with a black choker on her neck.

The pillar of light on the left contained a green-haired, yellow female monster wearing a red beret and an orange shirt dress around her waist. She was wearing white gloves and white dancing high heels on her feet. She also had butterfly wings on her back that were purple and yellow.

Minuet the Melodious Diva Scale: 2

Contralto the Melodious Songstress Scale: 9

"With this, I can summon monsters between Levels 3 and 8 at the same time! Swing Pendulum of Harmony! Draw an arc of beauty and peace across the heavens! I Pendulum Summon! Prodigy whose lovely melody echoes across the heavens! Come forth! Mozarta Amore the Melodious Maestra!"

Within moments, a portal opened between the two pillars, where a single light emerged. The lights hit the field and then dissipated, revealing an evolved form of Mozarta the Melodious Maestra as her hair is long and tied in twintails, her dress has become even lovelier with more golden trimmed and puffy lace, and her butterfly wings have grown and become more like fairy wings with each side having an orb in each wing: left is red and right is green. Her baton now gains a glowing flower-like crystal tip.

Mozarta Amore the Melodious Maestra ATK 2600 DEF 2000 LVL: 8 PS: 4

Maestra closed her eyes. "So to surpass myself, I'll summon a monster given to me by someone I'm closest to. The symbol of ultimate bonds." She opened her eyes and gestured to her field."This monster can only be Special Summoned by banishing a Pendulum Monster, a Fusion Monster, a Synchro Monster, and an Xyz Monster from my field and Graveyard!"

Leo's and everyone's eyes widened with surprise.

"I banish Mozarta Amore the Melodious Maestra, Bloom Muse the Melodious Choir, Beethoviana the Melodious Maestra, and Hathor the Melodious Goddess!" Maestra continued. Her monsters became pillars of orange, purple, green, and yellow energy. Leo watched as a magic circle appeared on Maestra's field, encompassing all four columns.

"Pure energy which nurtures our world! Blessed by the gods with the strength to punish injustice, overlay our wishes! Exceeding the four Natural Energy factors, the supreme angel who protects our future! Integration Summon! Be born, Level 12! Nature Queen Z-ERO!"

A female humanoid monster, as large as Z-ARC, with a body made of light blue energy covered in dark blue, pink and dark green armor with golden highlights, twelve white-feathered wings sprouting from its back, a halo above its head shaped like a spiked crown, a crescent-shaped ornament glowing with golden energy behind it, and legs that ended in pointy tips instead of feet, floating on violent winds. It had a featureless face, except for two solid yellow eyes.

Nature Queen Z-ERO ATK 4000 DEF 4000 LVL: 12 PS: 1

"What on Earth is that…?" Leo wondered with evident astonishment. "And why do I sense Ray's spirit emanating from this monster?"

"Simple. Ray's the one who gifted me this monster, and I will not let her help go to waste! Let's go, Lulu, Rin, Celina!"

Following her words, Zuzu's counterparts appeared beside, ready to take down Leo.

"Nature Queen Z-ERO's effect activates!" Maestra continued. "It shuffles all monsters in our Graveyards and Banished Zones back into our Decks and gains 100 attack points for each returned card!"

"What!?" Leo gasped. "However, it's pointless. As long as Pendulum Ruler is on the field, Monsters with an equal or lower Level than it have their effects negated and cannot declare an attack."

"Haven't you noticed, Leo!?" Maesta smiled. "Nature Queen Z-ERO is also an Xyz Monster, meaning it also has a Rank, so it's unaffected by Pendulum Ruler! Do it, Z-ERO! Nature Repulsion!"

A golden shockwave spread outwards from the monster, hitting both Maestra and Leo's Duel Disks, causing all the monsters to emerge out of them in card form before returning to the Deck.

"Twenty-one cards were shuffles, so Queen Z-ERO gains 2100 attack points."

Nature Queen Z-ERO ATK 4000→6100

"Impossible…" Leo muttered in shock. "With this, my Monster is…"

"Now, the finale!" Maestra exclaimed. "Battle! Nature Queen Z-ERO, attack Master Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Ruler! Natural Life Spark!"

Z-ERO's eyes and ornament on its back glow with golden energy, and it releases a burst of the same energy from the crown on its head at Pendulum Ruler, enveloping and destroying it with the ensuing explosion sending Leo flying backwards and crashing to the ground.

Leo: 850→0 LP

"With this, everything's settled," Maestra said as he approached Leo, standing up slowly. "Now, as promised, you won't destroy Ringmaster. Leave him be, so he can free Storm Rider and save Zarc."

"No, I won't…." Leo muttered. "I can't allow Zarc to regain his strength … I must end this. If I don't, then this whole world will be gone…."

"You're still spouting that nonsense…?" Zero sighed. "No matter how much you desperately wish for it, there are some things you can't control or fix. That's an undeniable truth, father. So as you promised, keep your hands off Ringmaster and standby. Otherwise, you'll only be causing more trouble."

"You're wrong!" Leo protested. "I—"

"Please, stop this already, Father."

"That voice…" Leo stared at Maestra with wide eyes as he muttered with a trembling voice. "It can't be… Is that you…Ray…?"

"Ray,…you say?"

Playmaker was surprised by this. But as he looked closer, he could see the ghostly image of a young woman superimposed over Maestra's. She looked just like Maestra, only older, with long maroon and dark red hair in a twin-tail style and violet eyes.

"I know that you mean well deep down," Ray said. "But please, don't add any more sins to the ones you're already shouldering. It will be excruciating and cost you, but you must let me go and Zarc, Father. Ultimately, it's what's right. I believe Yuya will purify Zarc, so give him the chance to enact it. We can trust him."

Leo was silent for a few seconds but then stood up and narrowed his eyes at Zero. "As promised, I will not touch or do anything to Ringmaster. If all of you believe he can stop Zarc, I should also."

"Thank you, father," Zero said. "I know this is hard for you, but I promise you that Ringmaster will succeed in putting an end to Zarc's wrath.

"Let's hope you're right," Maestra said as she narrowed her eyes at her unconscious friend. Please, Yuya. Defeat Zarc, save Storm Rider and come back to us in one piece.

Meanwhile, in an unknown location…

"Start your turn already! Since it will be your last. Try putting on a more flashy show. If you do, your dueltaining won't be so boring," Zarc said in a mocking tone as he looked at Yuya, who currently had nothing on his field.

Yuya got a hold of himself, focusing on the Duel again. "As you wish then! My turn! I draw! "I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 1 Performapal Monkeyboard and Scale 8 Performapal Card Gardna! I'm taking control of this duel starting now!"

The word " Pendulum " appeared on it upon placing his cards on his Duel Disk, the word "Pendulum" appeared on it, while two columns of light appeared on the field, and a large Pendulum also appeared between them. One of them contained a monkey with piano keys for teeth wearing a blue suit and a top hat while riding a unicycle, and the other was a card with arms and legs with a happy face on it. It also had a star on the "forehead" of the card design.

Performapal Monkeyboard Scale: 1

Performapal Card Gardna Scale: 8

"Now I can summon monsters with Levels 2 and 7 at the same time!" Yuya then pointed at Monkeyboard, "But first, I activate Monkeyboard's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, I add a Level 4 or below "Performapal" monster from my Deck to my hand! I add Performapal Clear Wing Wizard!" Yuya revealed the card he added to his hand momentarily.

"Now it's time for the main event!" Yuya announced as he pointed upwards. "Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the arc of victory! My monster's ready to swing into action!"

A portal opened and shot out a beam of light.

"Hunt down your prey, Performapal Starving Venom Ringmaster!"

A pale-skinned monster dressed in a green and violet ringmaster's uniform and holding a whip resembling a carnivorous plant in its right hand appeared on Yuya's field.

Performapal Starving Venom Ringmaster ATK 1000 DEF 2600 LVL: 7 PS: 2

"However, I'm far from finished yet. Starving Venom Ringmaster's effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a "Performapal" monster from my Extra Deck or Graveyard!" Yuya declared. "Return, Bot-Eyes Lizard in Defense Position!"

The purple-skinned lizard reappeared next to Ringmaster.

Performapal Bot-Eyes Lizard ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Bot Eyes Lizard's effect activates! Since he was summoned, I can declare the name of an "Odd-Eyes" monster and treat him as that monster! I declare Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Like before, Bot-Eyes's form changed to that of Yuya's ace monster.

"Then, I activate my Ringmaster's second effect!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "During my Main Phase, I can use this card and other appropriate cards as materials for a Fusion Summon! I will fuse Starving Venom Ringmaster and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Ringmaster's monsters broke apart into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Two colored tornados shot upward before merging into a violet twister.

"Now the power of Pendulum combines with the forces of Fusion to create a brand new dragon! I Fusion Summon! Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon!"

The monster resembling a fusion between Odd-Eyes and Starving Venom materialized on Yuya's field, letting out a resonant roar.

Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon ATK 3300 DEF 2500 LVL: 10 PS: 1

"This time, it's Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon, eh?" Zarc grimaced. "I didn't expect such a formidable opponent to appear so soon…."

"Starve Venom Ringmaster's effect activates, allowing me to banish it to draw a card from my Deck since it was used as Fusion Material." Yuya continued. "Next, Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's effect activates, allowing it to gain attack equal to the combined attack of all Monsters my opponent controls until the End Phase!"

Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon ATK 3300→10750

"It now has over 10000 attack points!?" Yugo shouted. "This is incredible! All Yuya has to do is attack once and he wins!"

"While that may be true, it seems to me that Zarc doesn't seem fazed by Yuya's new monster," Yuri pointed out.

Taking note of Yuri's words, Yuya narrowed his eyes toward Zarc. He's right, Yuya thought. If I had to guess, Zarc is betting on that face-down card to shield himself from damage, but let's see if there's anything else I'm missing. He proceeded to look up Zarc's monsters' effects. I see. You're sneaky, Zarc, but not that sneaky.

Yuya dashed towards a mound of debris and activated his rollerblades, using them to reach the top and grabbing the Action Card from off there. "All right! I activate the Action Card: Sky Meteor! With this, I can banish a monster on the field with 2500 or more attack points! I choose Dinoster."

Following his words, a huge meter came in from the sky, which struck Dinoster, causing it to screech in pain before exploding into purple sparkles!

"Hmm. I see you looked up Dinosterr's effects," Zarc noted.

Yuya smirked. "That's right," he confirmed. "As long as Dinoster's on the field, "Dracoslayer" monsters can't be destroyed by battle or card effects. You were planning on using that and your face-down to survive this turn."

"Yeah," Zarc confirmed. "But just because you managed to figure out my strategy doesn't mean you'll win."

"We'll see about that," Yuya retorted. "Battle! Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon, attack Ignister Noble, the Erupting Dracoslayer!"

"It won't be that easy!" Zarc shouted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Command Silencer!"

A totem pole about ten feet tall with speakers inside appeared. The speakers went off and created an ear-splitting sound that made Yuya hold his ears.

"What's that card do, bust eardrums?" Yuji looked on at the field, immune to the sound.

"It negates Venom Dragon's attack, and I get to draw one card," Zarc explained as he drew his card. "Which means I get another turn and another chance at attaining victory."

"We'll see," Yuya remarked. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's effect ends now, reducing its attack points to normal."

Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon ATK 10750→3300

"It's my turn!" Zarc declared. I draw! I activate Ignister Noble's effect to destroy Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon!"

"Sorry, I won't let you do that. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Chalice!" Yuya interjected as he gestured to his face-down card. "I can target one face-up monster on the field and increase its attack points by 400 until the end of this turn. In exchange, until the End Phase, its effects are negated. I target Ignister Noble!"

Noble became surrounded by a white veil for a few moments, increasing his strength before changing color to red and draining his effects.

Ignister Noble, the Burning Dracoslayer ATK 2650→3050

"In that case, I'll try a different strategy," Zarc stated as he grabbed an Action Card from a nearby platform. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Encore! Through its effect, I will activate the effects of Single Destruction to destroy Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon!"

Following Zarc's words, a bolt of lightning emerged from the Spell and struck Venom Dragon, destroying it.

"At this moment, Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's effect activates!" Yuya declared. "Since it was destroyed, I can place it in my Pendulum Zone and Special Summon Performapal Monkeyboard from my other Pendulum Zone in Defense Position!"

Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon rose to the top of the column of light that appeared on Yuya's right side, while Monkeyboard emerged from the left column of light and landed on Yuya's field.

Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon Scale: 1

Performapal Monkeyboard ATK 1700 DEF 2400 LVL: 6 PS: 1

"Battle! Ignister Noble, attack Performapal Monkeyboard!"

Noble aimed its cannon and released multiple energy bullets at Monkeyboard, destroying it.

"Next, Master Chevalier attacks you directly!"

"Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon's Pendulum Effect activates!" Yuya exclaimed. "The first time I would take battle damage every turn, I do not!"

Following Yuya's words, Chevalier charged forward, smashing into a viridian barrier that materialized in front of Yuya and blocked its attack.

Zarc gritted his teeth as he jumped onto a nearby platform and grabbed an Action Card. "I activate Action Spell Card: Wonder Chance! It lets one of my monsters make another attack!" Yuya's eyes widened. "Master Chevalier gains a second attack. Battle! Ignister Noble attacks you directly!"

"I activate my Trap Card! Performapal Signal!" Yuya declared. "I draw a card, and if it's a monster, I send it to the Graveyard to negate your attack!" He drew, then showed it to Zarc. "I drew Performapal Uni! That means your attack is negated!"

A train signal appeared before Yuya, withstanding Chevalier's attack and protecting him.

"Slippery little minx, aren't you?" Zarc muttered. "Fine, you get a reprieve. I place a card face-down and end my turn, which means the effects of Forbidden Chalice end."

Ignister Noble, the Burning Dracoslayer ATK 3050→2650

"It's my turn!" Yuya announced. "I draw! First, I will Pendulum Summon once again. Revive from the Extra Deck, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

A beam of light erupted from the portal, solidifying into the form of Odd-Eyes upon landing on Yuya's field.

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

"Then, I summon the Tuner Monster, Performapal Clear Wing Wizard!"

A magician dressed in pale robes and holding a small staff with a white crystal on its tip, which had two transparent wings protruding from its back, appeared on the field.

Performapal Clear Wing Wizard ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 PS: 8

"I activate Clear Wing Wizard's effect!" Yuya declared. "Once per turn, I can target a monster on the field and change its name into a monster name of my choice until the End Phase. I will target Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and change its name to Clear Wing Synchro Dragon!"

"Clear Wing…" Yugo repeated, but then his eyes opened wide. "Don't tell me…!"

"I tune the Level 7 Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon treated as Clear Wing Synchro Dragon with the Level 1 Clear Wing Wizard!"

As a bolt of green lighting struck Ringmaster, the world greyed out, and Odd-Eyes and Clear Wing Wizard disappeared into data particles. Two rings, one red and one white, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "1 + 7" in front of them. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Dragon with dual-colored eyes! Gain the shining wings of light and soar to the summit of supremacy! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! The shining dragon with piercing eyes, Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon

The dragon with dichromatic eyes clad in white armor reminiscent of Clear Wing's, which had two wings protruding from its back and several mirrors attached to its body, appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a thunderous roar.

Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8 PS: 10

"I activate Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon's effect!" Yuya continued. "Once per turn, I can target a monster my opponent controls, destroy as many monsters my opponent controls as possible and increase this card's attack points by an amount equal to the targeted monster's attack points until the End Phase. I will target Ignister Noble! Do it, Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon! Theoretic Mirror!"

Following Yuya's words, waves of light erupted from the mirrors attached to Wing Dragon's body and struck Zarc's monsters, destroying them.

Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon ATK: 3000→5650

"Let's battle! Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon, attack Zarc directly! Spiral Tempest Break!"

"I beg to differ! I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Shade!" A transparent barrier surrounded Zarc. Inside the barrier, a lightning bolt formed, hitting the shielding walls and ricocheting off each one.

"Through the effect of Mirror Shade, I pay half of my Life Points," Zarc stated as the lightning bounced off the top of the barrier and landed on him, temporarily striking him down.

Zarc: 1500→750 LP

As the Trap faded, Zarc's body wriggled on the ground slightly. Using his last bit of strength, he managed to pick himself up and rest on his knees for a while. From there, he elaborated further.

"By doing so, Mirror Shade thus prevents me from taking any damage during this turn as a result of battles!"

Yuya frowned. "I place a card face-down and end my turn, meaning Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon's attack points returning to normal."

Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon ATK: 5650→3000

"My turn!" Zarc announced. "I draw! I set a card and activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, which lets me draw four cards through its effect since my hand is empty. Next, I summon Ace Buster, the Dracoslayer!"

A heavy armored dragonic knight wielding a massive horn hammer appeared on Zarc's field.

Ace Buster, the Dracoslayer ATK 1550 DEF 1650 LVL: 4

"I activate Ace Buster's effect! Once per turn, I can target one card on the field and destroy it, but Ace Buster cannot attack this turn!" Yuya gasped. "I destroy Odd-Eyes Venom Dragon in your Pendulum Zone!"

Ace Buster swung its ax as a stream of flames shot out from it, destroying Venom Dragon.

"And since I control a "Draco" monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand." Zarc continued. "Appear, Amorphage Fiend, the Dracoverlord!"

An armored knight humanoid resembling a demonic-like dragon with a black cape, wielding a dragon-shaped ax, materialized on Zarc's field.

Amorphage Fiend, the Dracoverlord ATK 1850 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon!" Zarc said. "This card allows me to perform a second Normal Summon this turn. I Tribute Amorphage Fiend and Ace Buster to summon Master Grand, the Glorious Dracoslayer!"

The dragonic humanoids disintegrated, and a monster resembling a dragonic warrior in silver-golden armor with twin holy swords and a small shield on each forearm appeared on Zarc's field.

Master Grand, the Glorious Dracoslayer ATK 2550 DEF 2550 LVL: 7

Zarc gestured to its field. "I activate Master Grand's effect! Once per turn, I can declare either Monster, Spell, or Trap Cards. And until the end of the turn, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects of the declared type."

"Oh, that's not good," Yuya muttered.

"I declare Spell Cards!" Zarc said. "Which means you can't activate Action Cards this turn. Next, I activate the card I set earlier. The Continuous Spell Card: Solidarity! So long as I have one original Type of monster in my Graveyard, all my monsters with the same Type gain 800 attack points. The only monsters in my Graveyard are Dragon monsters, so all my Dragon monsters, like Master Grand, gain 800 attack points!"

Master Grand, the Glorious ATK 2550→3350

"Battle!" Zarc declared. "Master Grand, attack Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon!"

Master Grand raised its sword and charged toward Odd-Eyes Wing Dragon, piercing its chest and destroying it, with the ensuing explosion sending Yuya crashing into the wall of a nearby ruin.

Yuya: 500→150

Zarc smirked. "And thanks to Master Grand's effect, it can attack twice during the Battle Phase! Master Grand attacks you directly!"

Master Grand's sword glowed as it released a wave of golden energy at Yuya, who calmly gestured to his field.

"I activate the effect of Performapal Uni in my Graveyard!" Yuya 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 Yuya from being hit by the Master Grand's attack.

"Well, I expected that much. I end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Yuya declared. I activate the Spell Card: Shuffle Reborn! When there are no monsters on my field, Shuffle Reborn allows me to Special Summon one monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated!" he explained. "Return, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

The ground opens a portal, and Dark Rebellion emerges back to the field in Attack Position.

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 RNK: 4

"And the effect of Shuffle Reborn lets me return Performapal Card Gardna from my field back to my Deck, and I can draw one card!"

Card Gardna vanished into particles as Yuya shuffled the card back into his Deck, allowing him to draw again.

Yuya smiled as he saw the card he drew, then said, "Next, I activate the Trap Card: Pendulum Reborn! This card lets me Special Summon 1 Pendulum Monster from my Graveyard or Extra Deck! Return to me, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Following his words, Yuya's dragon appeared on his field, with the dragon roaring its displeasure at Zarc.

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

"A Rank 4 Xyz Monster and a Level 7 Dragon…" Yuto murmured before smirking. "Looks like it's 'that' Monster's turn next."

"I activate the Spell Card Phantom Knights Possession!" Yuya continued. "Granting Dark Rebellion a Level equal to Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's Level of 7!"

Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon RNK: 7→LVL: 7

"Then, I overlay the Level 7 Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon with the now Level 7 Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon!"

Ringmaster brought his hands together in front of him as his Duel Disk glowed. He then swung his arm back, releasing a bolt of purple lightning. The bolt created a giant blue "X" with four red dots on the corners.

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

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon and Thunderbolt Dragon broke apart and entered the dots. The ends of the cross lit up and fired beams, creating a miniature galaxy. The galaxy exploded with energy as a new monster formed within.

"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. Upon appearing on the field, it let loose a mighty roar and a massive wind.

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 RNK: 7 PS: 4 OU: 2

Yuya gestured towards his monster. "At this moment, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon's effect activates! When this card is Xyz Summoned by using an Xyz Monster treated as a Level 7 Monster as material, I can destroy all Level 7 or lower monsters you control and inflict damage to you equal to their attack points! Overlord Howling!"

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon let out a resounding howl as three black lightning bolts descended from the sky.

"Not if I can do something about it!" Zarc exclaimed as he jumped from a nearby platform onto a building, hopping off it and landing on a cable, sliding down on it and grabbing the Action Card placed on the edge of another building he landed. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Mirror Barrier, using its effect to prevent the destruction of Master Grand!"

A semi-transparent shield appeared around Master Grand, shielding it from Rebellion Dragon's lightning bolts.

"No matter! I have other tricks up my sleeve! I activate the Spell Card: Magical Sky Mirror, whose effect allows me to target 1 Spell Card in your Graveyard that was activated during the previous turn, and I use it. I select Emergency Recharge, whose effect lets me draw since my hand is empty. Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystical Space Typhoon and use it to destroy Solidarity's!"

Zarc frowned as his card shattered, causing his monster to lose its attack boost.

Master Grand, the Glorious ATK 3350→2550

"Then, I activate the Spell Card: Gap Power! When your Life Points are higher than mine, I can increase the attack points of one of my monsters by half of that difference until the end of the Battle Phase. The difference is 600, and half of that is 300! I increase Rebellion Dragon's attack points!"

The dragon roared as it glowed.

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3000→3300

"Now, battle! Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon, attack Master Grand, the Glorious Dracoslayer! Sweeping Static Strike!"

Zarc gritted his teeth as he jumped from building to building, grabbing an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Restore! Its effect allows me to target one monster on the field whose attack is different from its original value and return it to that value! My target is, of course, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3300→3000

"Even so, its attack is still greater than Master Grand's!" Yuya pointed out.

"Is that what you think?" Zarc signaled Master Grand, who conjured a gust of wind that sent an Action Card towards Zarc's hand. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Charge Recklessly! When my monster battles, it gains 600 attack points during damage calculation!"

Master Grand, the Glorious ATK 2550→3150

"I don't think so!" Yuya yelled as he began jumping between buildings, eventually chancing upon an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Attack Force! Since Odd-Eyes is battling a monster with higher attack points, it gains 600 attack points during damage calculation!"

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3000→3600

"Perfect!" Yugo cheered. "Now Yuya's monster is stronger than Zarc's!"

Rebellion Dragon roared as its mechanized wings shot out six blades of purple electrical energy. The dragon's two fangs glowed bright purple as the dragon flew close to the ground. As the dragon flew, the glowing fangs ripped through the ground creating a trail of destruction before piercing through Master Grand. Zarc cried out in pain as he was thrown back from the force of Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon's attack.

Zarc: 750→300 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn, with my monsters' attack points returning to normal."

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon ATK 3600→3000

"My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, which lets me draw until I have five cards in my hand. But I must send my entire hand to the Graveyard during my fifth Standby Phase after activating this card."

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

Zarc drew five cards, looked at them, then took one. "I summon Des Hunter, the Dracofiend!"

A heavy armored dragonic knight wielding a massive horn hammer appeared on Zarc's field.

Des Hunter, the Dracofiend ATK 1650 DEF 1550 LVL: 4

"I activate Des Hunter's effect! During my Main Phase, if it's the only monster I control, I get to banish a card on the field!" Yuya's eyes widened. "I banish Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon!"

"Nice try, but I won't let you get rid of my monster so easily!" Yuya declared, grabbing an Action Card from nearby. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Invisibility! For this turn, Rebellion Dragon cannot be targeted by your card effects and is unaffected by other card effects!"

"Change of plans then," Zarc said. "Since I control a "Draco" monster, I can Special Summon Amorphage Fiend from my Graveyard."

Following Zarc's words, Amorphage Fiend reappeared on Zarc's field next to Des Hunter.

Amorphage Fiend, the Dracoverlord ATK 1850 DEF 0 LVL: 4

Yuji's frown deepened. "Two Level 4s? Is he planning on Xyz Summoning again?" His eyes widened in realization. "Wait. Is Zarc going to-!"

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Dracoverlord Binding!" Zarc declared.

"What?!" Yugo gasped.

"Ritual Summon?!" Yuto exclaimed.

"He can do Ritual Summoning too?" Yuri and Yuya asked.

"This card lets me Tribute monsters that I either control or are in my hand whose combined Levels equal or exceed that of the "Dracoverlord" Ritual Monster I'm Ritual Summoning," Zarc continued. The card showed Vector King, the Dracoverlord manifesting a dark circle with swirls of darkness above him, taking the form of a black demonic dragon. "I Tribute Amorphage Fiend and Des Hunter!"

The light faded as a purple magic circle appeared in the center of Zarc's field. Around the circle, eight purple flames sprung up. Zarc's two monsters disintegrated into purple light, pouring into the circle's center.

"Corrupted dragon construct!" Zarc chanted. "Consume the wicked overlord of doom and be reborn as an unstoppable blight upon this world! Ritual Summon! Appear, Level 8! Amorphactor Agonist, the Unspeakable Dracoverlord!"

Amorphactor Agonist, the Unspeakable Dracoverlord ATK 2900 DEF 2550 LVL: 8

A centaur-like dragon version of Lector King, the Dracoverlord with its top body still humanoid but its bottom being dragon-like with a tail, wings and feet claws appeared as it let out a huge roar.

"You have my gratitude, Yuya," Zarc said. "Thanks to you, I managed to acquire the power of Ritual Summon again, furthering my evolution. I think I will destroy you with this monster to repay you."

"That's an unwanted favor," Yuya responded.

"We'll see. I activate the Spell Card: Back-Up Rider! Until the end of the turn, one face-up monster gains 1500 attack points!"

"What?!" Yuya gasped as the demonic dragon roared as it glowed with power.

Amorphactor Agonist, the Unspeakable Dracoverlord ATK 2900→4400

"Now then, let's battle! Amorphactor Agonist, destroy Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon! Mad Infestation!"

While the dragon powered up its attack, Yuya jumped on Odd-Eyes, which began flying around the area in search of an Action Card. As things stood now, this was the only way to settle things in this turn.

"Yosh! There's one!"

Yuya noticed an Action Card placed at the edge of one of the inverted buildings and grabbed it. However, before he could activate it—

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Action Crush!" Zarc declared while standing on top of a platform. "Through its effect, all Action Cards in your hand are destroyed, and each time you add an Action Card to your hand for the remainder of this turn, it will also be destroyed. In other words, you can no longer use Action Cards for this turn."

"Yuya's completely sealed now," Yuri commented. "With Action Cards being unavailable to him, there's no way he can survive Zarc's upcoming attack."

"Tch." Yuya clicked his tongue. "In that case, I'll go with plan B then. I activate the Trap Card: Trap Reborn!" he declared. "By paying half my Life Points, I can target a Normal Trap Card in your Graveyards, banish it and apply its effects to this card!"

Yuya winced as his Life Points decreased.

Yuya: 150→75 LP

"I choose to banish Impenetrable Attack from your Graveyard and use its second effect to prevent all battle damage this turn!"

Agonist roared and released a torrent of purple flames at Yuya's Xyz Monster, destroying it, but Yuya managed to escape the flames.

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

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

Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon Scale: 4

"Keep struggling all you want. It'll just let you down in the end," Zarc said. "I end my turn with a face-down. Also, since I used Amorphage Fiend to Ritual Summon, as long as Agonist is on the field, you can only Special Summon one monster from your Extra Deck per turn."

"What did you say?!" Yuya said, shocked at what he had just heard, his eyes widening. Luckily, he snapped out of it just in time to get her bearings.

"In that case, I know which monster to bring out. Then, it's my turn!" Yuya announced. "I—"

"At this moment, Amorphactor Agonist's effect activates!" Zarc interrupted Yuya. "If this card was Ritual Summoned successfully, my opponent skips their Draw Phase. But you can bypass this effect by discarding your entire hand. So what will it be?"

"I choose to send my entire hand to the Graveyard," Yuya answered as he discarded the only card in his hand. "Now, continuing from where I left off, I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw! Through its effect, I'm forced to guess whether the top card of my Deck is a Monster, Spell or Trap Card. If I guess correctly, I get to draw five cards from my Deck. If I'm wrong, I have to send five cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I declare that my top card is a Monster Card. Now, let's see if I was correct!"

Yuya drew his top card and checked it, showing it to Zarc while smirking.

"It looks like my guess was correct, meaning I get to draw five cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the effect of Performapal Browser Hippo from my hand! When it's added to my hand through an effect, I can Special Summon it!"

A digital cybernetic version of Hip Hippo appeared on Yuya's field in Attack Position.

Performapal Browser Hippo ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Next, I summon Performapal Skullcrobat Joker!"

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

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

''Skullcrobat Joker's effect lets me add a "Performapal," "Magician," or "Odd-Eyes" Pendulum Monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Performapal Odd-Eyes Bonding Trapeze to my hand!"

Joker reached into his hat and pulled out a card before tossing it to Yuya.

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

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

Performapal Helpprincess ATK 1200 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"When I have a "Performapal" monster on my field, I can Special Summon Fruit Magician from my hand!"

A female magician with long platinum blonde hair and white skin wearing an eclectic mix of strawberry red and blueberry blue clothing with hints of lavender appeared next to Helpprincess.

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

"When Fruit Magician is Special Summoned by her effect, I can draw one card," Yuya continued. "Moving on, I activate the effect of Performapal Odd-Eyes Bonding Trapeze in my hand! If a "Performapal", "Odd-Eyes", or "Magician" monster I control would be used as material for the Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, or Link Summon Summon of a monster, I can also use this card from my hand as material as well!"

Everyone else gasped as a monster that resembled a young Performage Trapeze Magician but with a white outfit with a yellow star design, green puffy wrist bands, a choker and a red crimson cape. He wielded a dual-colored staff that resembles an orb to that of Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon as it appeared on Yuya's field as a Link Portal appeared above him.

Yuya then turned his head towards Yuji. ''Yuji, I'm borrowing that strength you gave me for this duel!''

Yuji blinks a bit, taken back but then nods. Yuya then gestures towards the sky. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Helpprincess, Skullcrobat Joker, Fruit Magician and Bonding Trapeze in the Link Arrows!"

Yuya's monsters became whirlwinds of energy as they entered the left, top, bottom, and right arrows, turning them red.

"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. Three small spikes that resembled claws were placed on the "elbow" of the wings. The dragon's red eyes glowed as it released a powerful roar from the Extra Monster Zone.

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

''Not bad. As long as Agonis is on the field, the effects of all Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Monsters are negated. But that doesn't apply to Link Monsters. However, even that monster can't beat Amorphactor Agaonist!'' Zarc stated.

''Are you sure about that?'' Yuya asked, causing Zarc to raise an eyebrow.

"I 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!?" Zarc said in shock upon 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, lit up with swirling blue energy. The orbs released tendrils of said energy, which fired at Amorphactor Agonist, snaring it up before being transferred to Yuya'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→5400

"Battle!" Yuya exclaimed. "Cyber Tech Link Dragon, attack Zarc 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 gathered in its mouth, released in a massive burst towards Zarc, creating a massive cloud of smoke.

"Yes!" Yugo cheered. "With that, Yuya should have inflicted over 500 points of damage and won!"

Yuya waited, then gasped. The smoke cleared, revealing an unhurt Zarc.

"Eh?" Yuto said, surprised. "What gives? Why didn't Zarc take damage?"

"Simple. I activated the Trap Card: Hallowed Life Barrier when your friend attacked," Zarc explained. "By discarding a card from my hand, It reduced all the battle damage I took to 0."

Yuya frowned. "You're lucky, Zarc. Putting that aside, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystik Wok! By Tributing a monster I control, I gain Life Points equal to its attack or defense points." He gestured to a certain monster. "I Tribute your Amorphactor Agonist to gain Life Points equal to its 2900 attack points!"

Agonist disintegrated as Yuya glowed yellow.

Yuya: 75→2975 LP

"The difference in their Life Points is over 2600 now," Yuji muttered, smiling as he watched the duel.

"With Agonist no longer on the field, Cyber Tech's attack points return to normal."

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 5400→2500

Yuya took the second to last card in his hand. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Zarc drew his card and played it. "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: Pot of Avarice! This card lets me shuffle five monsters in my Graveyard back into the Deck and draw two cards. I target Ace Buster, Luster Knight, Master Knight, Lector King, and Amorphage Fiend in my Graveyard and shuffle them back into my Deck." Zarc took the cards from the Graveyard, then drew. Zarc smiled as he glanced at one of the two cards. Perfect! I've drawn the perfect monster to end this duel and you!"

"And what monster is that?" Yuya asked.

"You'll see," Zarc replied, then said, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Burial from a Different Dimension! This card lets me return up to three banished monsters to the Graveyard. I return Dinoster Great to my Graveyard." Zarc then took the second to last card in his hand and raised the card high. "This monster cannot be Normal Summoned or Set and can only be Special Summoned by banishing a Ritual, Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Monster from my field and Graveyard!"

Yuya's eyes widened as Yuto, Yugo, and Yuto gasped. "Did he just say-?"

"Did he just say what I think he did?" Yuji whispered.

Four pillars of light with different colors materialized around Zarc's field, as did a white magic circle encompassing them all.

"Worshiping the Four Dracos, the true ruler who wields the light and dark shall come forth!" Zarc chanted, his arms spread. "Come to me and become my servant! Together, we will create the perfect duel! Come forth, Ultima Prime, the Divine Dracoruler!"

Light erupted from the circle and made everyone close their eyes. A rumbling noise and great gusts of winds broke out, and when the light dimmed enough, they opened their eyes and gasped in shock.

The monster that had emerged was a divine dragon humanoid, coated in a unique golden-black armor with a slightly torn cape with black color ends resembling flames. A helmet mask covered its face with two colored horns: White on the left and black on the right. It had six dragon wings, the left golden feather wings and the right black demonic wings. In its left hand, it wielded a holy shield with a black lining with a dragon-like rune orb glowing; in its right, it wielded a demonic, golden lining blade, emitting black-like flames across the blade.

Ultima Prime, the Divine Dracoruler ATK 3500 DEF 3500 LVL: 12

"U-Ultima Prime?" Yuya said.

"A Level 12 with 3500 attack points?" Yugo said in surprise.

Yuji stared at the monster and then clutched his chest. This monster… radiated power in a way that he hadn't felt before.

"Ultima Prime's effect activates!" Zarc declared. "When it is Special Summoned, all other cards on the field are destroyed, and you cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect!" Yuya gasped.

"What?!" Yuya's counterparts shouted, their eyes wide.

"Go, Divine Judgement!"

Ultima raised its shield forward, releasing a wave of energy throughout the field, destroying Yuya's set card, Rebellion Dragon and Cyber Tech Link Dragon.

Zarc laughed. "This is the end for you, Yuya!" he shouted. "Join your and your friends in oblivion! Ultima Prima attacks you directly! Ultima Devastation!"

Prima raised and swung its blade, unleashing a torrent of black and white outline flames, straight towards Yuya.

"Not so fast!" Yuya bellowed. "I activate the effect of Performapal Guardian Troll from my hand! By sending this card to the Graveyard, I can reduce the battle damage I take from this attack to 0!"

Earlier in the attack, Yuya explained how he sent the monster card to the Graveyard.

Following Yuya's words, a colorful stone statue depicting a troll sitting on a pedestal temporarily appeared on the field. It had a guarded stance as it absorbed the flames before disappearing.

Yuya's counterparts sighed in relief after hearing how Yuya saved himself. Zarc clicked his tongue in irritation, "You aren't making this easy." He then smirked, "In that case, I'll do this!" Zarc jumped on one of Ultima Prime's wings, propelling him to the top of a ruined building. There, he swiftly grabbed an Action Card. "Perfect! I activate the Action Spell Card: Wonder Chance to allow Ultima Prime to attack again!"

Kuh! This isn't good!

Upon seeing that Ultima Prima was charging its attack, Yuya dashed forward with all the speed he could muster to find an Action Card.

"You think I'll let you escape so easily!?" Zarc yelled. "Cut him off, my monster!"

Ultima Prime raised its shield as several lightning bolts shot from the sky. In response, Yuya activated his rollerblades, dodging the bolts one by one.

"Come on, where is it!?" Yuya growled as his eyes darted around until he finally spotted an Action Card embedded in several floating debris. Speeding up, Yuya jumped and snatched the Action Card, letting out a relieved sigh. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Evasion! Your attack is negated!"

"I don't think so!" Zarc shouted as he used Prime's wings once again to boost himself to reach the top of another building and grab an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: No Action! Your Action Card's effects are negated, meaning Ultima Prime's attack resumes!"

Yuya frowned as his card shattered.

"Hmph. Too bad. I have the advantage in Action Cards." Zarc said with a grin.

Despite his situation, when he saw Zarc's grin, Yuya chuckled, which confused the former.

"What's so funny?" Zarc questioned.

"Because you finally smiled." Yuya pointed out, causing Zarc to stiffen. "Ever since we arrived here and started dueling, your face didn't show any slightest bit of smile. But now, you just did. That means you're starting to enjoy this duel."

Zarc opened his mouth to retort but found his words stuck in his throat. He couldn't understand. Why couldn't he say it? He wasn't having fun or anything. His fragments' dueling wasn't pulling him. He was glad this Duel would be over soon, with him as the victor.

"But then why can't I refute his words?" Zarc placed a hand on his chest. "Why my heart won't stop pounding? Why do I feel so warm?"

Zarc bit his lip to erase these fluttering feelings that were starting to overwhelm him. No. He mustn't let this continue. Those feelings would only make him weak. He can never win with those weak feelings. The masses' will would shackle him if he regained those feelings again. He must throw it away completely. "Enough with your nonsense! I'm finishing you now! Go, Ultima Prime! Ultima Devastation!"

As Yuya began running, Ultima swung its sword for a second time, creating a massive wave of white and black flames at Yuya, who could only stare in shock at the oncoming force. It hit the young male, creating a powerful explosion and a cloud of smoke.

"Yuya!" Yuto, Yugo, Yuri and Yuji all shouted in shock.

Zarc sighed. "This duel is finally over. As I said, you could not change our destinies."

"Are you sure about that?"

Zarc opened his eyes and gasped as the smoke cleared. The battered-up but still defiant form of Yuya was still standing defiantly.

"W-What did you do!?" Zarc shouted, spit spraying from his mouth. "How are you still alive!?"

"With this." A Spell Card appeared on Yuya's field. The card showed a blue gem with a lighter blue cross on it. "Before the damage went through, I found and activated the Action Spell Card: Sacred Gem!" Yuya revealed. "It increased my Life Points by 600!"

Yuya: 2975→3575→75 LP

Zarc growled and clenched his fist. "So, you want to prolong your suffering? I'll indulge you then! I activate the Equip Spell Card: Power Converter and equip it to Ultima Prime!"

A bronze and silver piece of mechanical armor appeared and was equipped onto Prime's back.

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

Zarc: 300→3800 LP

Ultima Prime, the Divine Dracoslayer ATK 3500→0

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

"I end my turn, meaning Ultima's attack points return to normal."

Ultima Prime, the Divine Dracoslayer ATK 0→3500

"Why?" Zarc demanded. "Why won't you just give up already?! You're pissing me off! Your Life Points are 75, and you have no cards on the field or in your hand. Why can't you see how hopeless your situation is!? Why are you trying so hard to protect those humans?! They are not worth protecting! Why won't you understand that!"

Yuya's lips curved into a genuine smile.

"Because I love making everyone smile," Yuya answered as Zarc's gaze hardened at him, expecting there was something more to it.

"Perhaps my main reason for fighting so hard has nothing to do with the world's fate or what is right or wrong. It's just for something so simple. Seeing people, especially people I love smiling, something as simple as that, even with sadness and pain, I can't help but be happy." Since he was little, his father has taught Yuya how important a smile is. He duels with that teaching deep in his mind since his father taught him, but gradually that teaching has nothing to do with it. He duels to make people happy not because he believes in that teaching but because he loves making them happy. Seeing them happy makes him happy as well.

"That's why I can't let you destroy the world and steal those smiles from them. Zarc, this feeling I have is also yours. Back then, you were very kind. You loved making everyone happy with your Dueling. But you gradually lost sight of your Dueling because you try to bear the burden piled on your back by yourself." Yuya was positive that had Zarc didn't keep his problems to himself, he wouldn't have forgotten the Dueling, he believed from the bottom of his heart. He would have returned to his true Dueling and made them smile without hurting his opponent as he always believed.

"Shut up! You're wrong! That's not it! Get out of my sight! Why do you always have to throw me off balance!" Zarc retorted, convincing himself he felt nothing from Yuya's words.

"I'm sorry, Zarc. No matter how hard you say you don't care about smiling, I still want to make you smile like everyone else." Yuya only looked at his opponent as he raised a hand. "One," he declared. "This will be the last turn of this duel. Two: I will overcome the hurdles in front of me and seize victory with my own hands. Three: I will bring Yuji back to his friends and family and help you move forward!" He placed his hand on his Duel Disk. "My turn! I draw!"

Upon checking out his drawn card, Yuya's smile became wider.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Yuya spread his arms wide. "As you can see, apart from my two Pendulum cards, my field is empty, and I'm facing a powerful monster! So to overcome this hurdle, it's only fair if I go all out by pushing the boundaries of Dueling even further beyond!"

"Push…the boundaries of Dueling?" Yuri wondered. "I don't know what Yuya's planning, but it's getting me excited!"

"Me too!" Yugo remarked with a big grin. "Give us a good show, as usual, Yuya!"

"I activate the effect of Divinity Sorcerer (Dark/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 1500/LV: 7) in my hand, which allows me to bring out a very special monster from my Deck by banishing Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon along with Dragon-type Fusion, Xyz, Synchro and Link Monster face-up from my field, Extra Deck and/or Graveyard alongside this card," Yuya said. "I will banish Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon and Cyber Tech Link Dragon from my Graveyard alongside Starving Venom Fusion from my Extra Deck to perform an Integration Summon!"

"What did you say!?" Zarc cried out in shock. "An Integration Summon!? From you filthy mortals!?"

"Our desires…" Yuri said.

"Our feelings…" Yugo continued.

"Our conviction…" Yuto spoke next.

"Our strength…" Yuji said.

"Everything will become one!" Yuya declared as he clasped his hands together. "Behold, Zarc! This is the true Integration Summon!"

A tall man with pale skin covered in glowing golden tattoos, slitted, yellow eyes, and short, silver hair. He wore a yellow robe over silver armor covering his torso, waist, and legs, while his feet were encased in light blue orbs that granted him the ability to fly. He also wore gauntlets decorated with red and green gems and wielded a staff made of golden energy, appeared on Yuya's field, opening a massive rift in space above him, with his five monsters emerging from it at the same time as Divinity Sorcerer vanished. As the other four turned into energy streams that entered Odd-Eyes, Yuya chanted.

"Divinity Sorcerer who governs the energy flowing in our world! With your holy power, overlay our wishes! Surpassing the Five Heavenly Dragons, the ultimate dragon who leads us to a new future! Integration Summon! Soar through eternity, Level 12! The almighty dragon of creation, Divinity-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

A massive dragon with Clear Wing's body structure, crimson scales and violet skin decorated with red and green gems like Odd-Eyes, and crystals attached to its waist like Clear Wing. A blade was attached to the end of its tail like Starving Venom, and it had similar wings to Dark Rebellion while they're closed, but once they open, they gain energy blades like Cyber Tech. It appeared on Yuya's field, letting out a sonorous howl.

"Divinity-Eyes…Pendulum Dragon?" Zarc's face contorted with hatred. "You dare to try and surpass me!? However, know this! Even if you summon an Integration Monster, it's meaningless if it can't deplete all my Life Points!"

"Then, I will prove once and for all that your lonesome strength is no match for our combined one," Yuya said. "Let's go, everyone!"

"Divinity-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect activates!" Yuji continued. "When it is Special Summoned, all other cards on the field are shuffled back into the Deck! Divine Translocation!"

Divinity-Eyes gave a shrieking cry, creating a powerful shockwave. Zarc braced himself as his set card and Ultima Prime disintegrated.

"Then, Divinity-Eyes gains one Integration Counter for every card shuffled!" Yuto spoke next.

Divinity-Eyes Pendulum Dragon: 0 IC→2 IC

"Let's settle this!" Yugo exclaimed. "Battle! Divinity-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, attack Zarc directly!"

"I won't let you!"

Zarc shouted as he jumped from platform to platform, heading towards a floating piece of debris where an Action Card was placed, grabbing it immediately.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Victim Sanctuary! Through its effect, I can reduce the battle damage to 0 and destroy one of my opponent's monsters! I choose to destroy Divinity-Eyes!"

"Ever the overconfident simpleton." Yuri grinned. "God-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's effect activates! Once during either player's turn, when the effect of a Spell or Trap Card is activated, it can remove one counter to negate the activation of that effect and destroy that card! Reaction Subjugation!"

Divinity-Eyes' eyes flash with purple energy, causing Zarc's Spell to burst into particles that surround the other card, causing it to gray out and break apart like glass.

Divinity-Eyes Pendulum Dragon: 2 IC→1 IC

Two energy waves erupted from the dragon's eyes, vaporizing Yukio's Trap Card.

"N-No way...!" Zarc's eyes widened in horror.

"The battle continues!" Yuya said. "Go, Divinity-Eyes! Supreme Spiral Burst"

Divinity-Eyes' gems glow with golden energy, releasing a spiraling burst of the same energy from its wings and mouth at Zarc, sending him flying backwards.

"You know, Zarc… I've seen this world and its people from as many angles as possible. And I can say with confidence that they are beautiful."

Zarc's eyes widened as the memory came into his mind. He was training with Ray as usual. They took a brief rest together with their Monsters. It was nighttime. They were at a field in a forest at the outskirt of the city. While resting, Ray suddenly pulled him to show him something. What he saw amazed him. They looked so beautiful with the light from the city and the full moon and starry stars. Their Monsters, who were watching as well, were equally astonished. There was a family walking past on the street below them. A happy family on their way to the city with their Monsters, looking forward to having a fun Duel with them.

"That scenery… Seeing it together…with Ray…and my dragons… But…when did that happen? Why can't I…remember it…? It's strange. Even though that memory was so important to me."

Zarc: 3800→0 LP

"Zarc!" Yuya shouted. He started running across the field to reach his origin.

Yuya's counterparts were freed from the pillars as they rushed over to him and Zarc, lying on his back as his body began to crumble away.

"You alright?" Yuya asked.

"I'll live," Zarc answered. "So this is defeat, huh…?" Zarc remarked. "Such a bittersweet feeling… It pains the heart indescribably…yet there's also a sense of satisfaction mixed in it… How odd…"

"That was what you had forgotten, Zarc," Yuya said. "The frustration and simultaneous satisfaction from a loss after giving it your all. You were so afraid of defeat that you became obsessed with victory. Because of that, you lost sight of who you were and turned into a monster."

"That's right…." Zarc said as he narrowed his eyes at his Pendulum fragment. "You were right about me, Yuya. I was weak…and foolish. I thought…that I would have no worth if I didn't keep winning…if my fans didn't adore me… That's why I gave in to their desires…and shared in their darkness… It was easier to blame everything on humanity's faults…than try and change myself…grow past the weak me… But a part of me…always knew I was mistaken…and sought defeat at your hands.

"Zarc, there's no need for you to shoulder everything alone again. You are not alone. You don't have to force yourself again. You can go back to the Dueling you love from the bottom of your heart and fulfill your wish."

"My wish…?" Zarc wondered. His wish. Becoming the Supreme King that will make everyone happy? Reaching the top of Dueling World? No, it was something else. His foremost wish was… He couldn't remember…all he knew of his wish was that wish cannot be fulfilled alone. It's a wish that he shared with someone. The one he loved.

"Just like you, I want to make the spectators, the monsters, and opponents smile with my Dueling. But above all, there is one person whom I want to make smile the most…." Yuya shared his feeling with his original self. Wanting to save his friends, protecting his friends and family, and saving the world with his Entertainment, Dueling those reasons kept him going all these times. But his main reason for fighting and keeping going was for the sake of a single person...

Yuzu.

He wanted to save her. He always wanted to protect her from anything that would harm or make her sad. He loved her smile the most. He wanted to make her happy and show more of her bright smile, which has soothed him countless times.

"The person I want to make happy, and the person you're thinking right now, the both of them are just like us… Remember, Zarc…"

"The person…I want to make happy is…." Zarc stood up and turned his back on his Standard fragment, looking at his back nervously, wondering if his words and their duel had reached the older Duelist.

"Ray…" Zarc said. "She's been there by my side since we met, and how did I repay her? By giving in to everyone's selfish desires and only caring for myself. He turned and looked at Yuya, Yuji, Yuto, Yugo and Yuri, who had all approached their progenitor. "That's why…you all have to be better than me. The world…doesn't need another misguided destroyer…."

"Oi, why are you looking at me especially!?" Yugo complained upon noticing Zarc's glance. "Want me to kick your butt!?"

"No reason…" Zarc said. "Yugo, you are very passionate, reckless and hot-headed…but your heart is usually in the right place. Listen to it, and you'll be just fine…."

Zarc then turned to Yuri.

"Out of all my alter egos…you were the one who synchronized the most with me… You tried to drown your loneliness with power…just like I did long ago… However…you don't need that anymore, do you? After all, you've found people…willing to accept you now. If you open your heart to them…and anyone else willing to be close to you…you can attain the companionship you wish for…."

"I suppose there are worse fates out there than having to fraternize with many imbeciles," Yuri said with a smirk.

"You might want to do something about your manners too…." Zarc remarked before turning to Yuto. "You are kind and considerate, Yuto…but you tend to bottle up your more negative feelings until they explode… Sometimes, it's just better to share your frustrations and troubles with those who care about you…instead of playing the hero by shouldering everything on your own until you crumble under that weight…."

"I'll…try to take that advice to heart."

"See that you do…." Zarc then gazed at Yuji. "You…were an unexpected blind spot…but I'm glad you were there… You're a strong human, but you've been fighting so far only as a means to become one of the best duelists in this dimension… Tell me…do you perhaps have a dream bigger than that…?"

"I'm not that sure about that," Yuji said. "If anything, I would like the chance to duel against Playmaker. Having that dream become a reality would be the best thing ever."

"That's enough…for now." Zarc nodded as he turned to Yuya. "You said before that you want to change this world through your ideals. That you wish to end the strife by bringing smiles to everyone. However…the true battleground, the Duel waged in the hearts of humans between good and evil, is eternal, and the price for losing that battle is heavy indeed. I lost to the weakness of my own heart and became a monster that almost destroyed the world. You…do you truly have the resolve to participate in this endless struggle without losing your spirit as I did? Can you continue fighting without breaking until the end of your life?"

"…I know how difficult this fight will be, and it's probably one I won't be able to conclude in my lifetime," Yuya said. "However…it's the only fight truly worth fighting. I won't lose to the darkness in my heart, and I won't lose to the darkness in others' hearts. I will show them a better way and impart my will to them. Then, one day, I'm sure we'll all be able to smile together from the bottom of our hearts."

"Good answer." Zarc smiled. "If it's you…no, if it's all of you…then you might be able to grasp the future I once sought for."

At that moment, Zarc's deterioration worsened, alarming everyone.

"I'm at my limit…." Zarc muttered. "Soon, I will have to leave this world behind. My only regret…is that I cannot do more to atone for all the damage I've caused and all the lives I've taken… But at least…I'm content that the world is in good hands."

Yuya and his counterparts were engulfed in light. Their bodies began to disappear slowly.

Back in LINK VRAINS…

Yuya struggled awake. Dull pain roared through him. His limbs felt heavy. A blurred image of four or five people came into vague focus. He remembered now. He remembered where he was. He still could barely see, his vision fading in and out from the pain throughout his body and head. Yuya blinked a few times, trying to get his vision to return.

"Every…one…" Ringmaster uttered quietly. He coughed once.

"Ringmaster! You're awake! He's awake!" Zuzu was so thrilled that she pulled her friend into her arms, hugging him tightly.

"M-Maestra…my body…hurts…." Ringmaster weakly told his overly happy friend, his hand pounding on Maestra's shoulder, but she didn't even feel anything since he was so weak.

"Give him some space, Maestra!" Candyman pulled Maestra, separating her from their weak friend. And then, in no time, the rest gathered around Yuya, glad their friend had returned.

"Ringmaster, you big dummy! You worried us to death!" Candyman lightly punched Ringmaster's body, to which Ringmaster responded with a weak fond laugh.

"I, the man, Benmaru, am so relieved that you came back! Ringmaster!" Gongenzaka was bawling and about to hug his best friend like he always does, but two elbows on his stomach effectively stopped him from crushing his best friend.

"Slow down there, big guy. If you hug him now, Ringmaster will fall into oblivion again." Abyssio told the Steadfast Duelist playfully.

"That's right, Ben-Ben. Not to mention you may break his bones with your crushing hug." Masquerade added with amusement.

"I won't!" Benmary pouted but refrained himself anyway. He can always hug his best friend at any time.

"That's very reckless of you. But looks like you did it." Zero told Ringmaster

"Thanks," he said. "But where's Storm Rider? I don't see him."

"Try turning around. Maybe that will help."

Ringmaster turned his gaze to the direction of the voice and saw Storm Rider, with Sanctum standing beside him.

"Sanctum! Storm Rider!" You're okay!" Maestra cheered as she ran toward her friends.

"It's all thanks to you and Ringmaster," Maestra said. "Not only did you defeat Roget and free me and the others, but you also protect this world from his wrath."

"Hey, we couldn't have done it without you guys," Ringmaster said as he held out his hand.

"Right back at you," Storm Rider said as he held out his hand, shaking Ringmaster's as they smiled.

"Excuse me?" Varis said. "While I hate to break this pleasant atmosphere up, we should get back to business. We should make sure everyone's consciousness data that's been taken has been freed and make sure no harm has been done to LINK VRAINS and its residents."

"Varis is right," Playmaker agreed. "Ensuring no casualties have occurred during our battle with Roget is important."

"Well said, Playmaker. Now then, is everyone ready?

"Ready as we'll ever be," Ringmaster said as he and his comrades summoned their D-Boards and headed out.

And with that, Chapter 46 and part two of Yuya vs. Zarc concludes as well as Maestra's duel against Leo. Shoutout to DragonKnight15 for the Draco cards, SakushiRyu for the Integration Monsters and Divinity Sorcerer, and Dvdryms for letting me use his OC Spirit cards. The next chapter will contain a big surprise, but I won't tell you what it is. Well, that's all for now. As always, please read, review, favorite and follow. Don't be afraid to ask me a question or send a PM.

See you all next time!

OC Card Memo:

Sacred Gem Action Spell Card

You gain 600 Life Points.

Spirit Crystal – Undine Core

ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 2, SC: 1

Water/Machine/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can target a Pendulum Monster in your Extra Deck; return it to your hand.

Monster Effect: Once per turn, during your Main Phase, if this card was Pendulum Summoned in attack position from the hand this turn, you can target a monster on the field; banish it and draw one card from your Deck. If this card is Pendulum Summoned from the Extra Deck, you can return it to the hand.

Spirit Crystal – Gnome Core

ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 4, SC: 1

Earth/Machine/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can target a Pendulum Monster in your Graveyard; add it to your hand.

Monster Effect: Once per turn, during your Main Phase, if this card was Pendulum Summoned in attack position from the hand this turn, you can target a monster on the field; halve its ATK and inflict 500 points of damage to your opponent, and then you can increase the ATK of a Monster on your field by 1000. If this card is Pendulum Summoned from the Extra Deck, you can return it to the hand.

Spirit Dynamo

ATK: 100, DEF: 400, LV: 2, SC: 4

Light/Machine/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: If there is a "Spirit" Monster in your other Pendulum Zone, you can destroy this card, place a "Spirit" Pendulum Monster from your Deck to the zone it was and increase its Pendulum Scale by an amount equal to this card's Pendulum Scale. That Monster cannot use its Pendulum Effects on the turn placed on the Pendulum Zone.

Monster Effect: You can tribute this Monster; target a "Spirit" Monster on your field and increase its ATK by 1000 until the End Phase.

Spirit Tech Force – Pendulum Innovator

ATK: 1900, DEF: 2000, LV: 6, SC: 4

Light/Machine/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: If a "Spirit Crystal" Monster was Pendulum Summoned from your Extra Deck, you can banish it to Special Summon a "Spirit Tech Force" Fusion Monster that lists that Monster as one of its Fusion Materials from your Extra Deck (this Special Summon is treated as a Fusion Summon). You can use this effect only once and at one Monster per turn.

Monster Effect: Each time a "Spirit Tech Force" Monster is Fusion Summoned, draw cards from your Deck equal to the number of Fusion Materials used to Fusion Summon it.

Spirit Crystal – Aether Core

ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 2, SC: 6

Light/Machine/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, you can target a Pendulum Monster in your banish zone; add it to your hand.

Monster Effect: Once per turn, during your Main Phase, if this card was Pendulum Summoned in attack position from the hand this turn, you can release it; declare a Phase, and your opponent must skip it during their next turn.

Spirit Tech Force – Aether Hierarch

ATK: 2500, DEF: 2300, LV: 8, SC: 1

Light/Machine/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect

"Spirit Crystal – Aether Core" + 1 "Spirit" Monster

Pendulum Effect: Once during your opponent's Battle Phase, if your opponent's monster declares an attack on a "Spirit" Monster you control, you can negate that attack.

Monster Effect: When this card is Fusion Summoned successfully, you can declare one of your opponent's Phases; as long as this card remains on the field, they must skip it. If "Spirit" Monsters on your field activated their effects during your turn, you can release those Monsters at your End Phase; draw one card from your Deck for each. If this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Spirit Tech Force – Gnome Sovereign

ATK: 2800, DEF: 2200, LV: 8, SC: 9

Earth/Machine/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect

"Spirit Crystal – Gnome Core" + 1 "Spirit" Monster

Pendulum Effect: Defense position "Spirit" Monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle.

Monster Effect: If "Spirit" Monsters you control attack a defense position that your opponent controls, inflict piercing damage to them. Once per turn, you can target a "Spirit Tech Force" Monster on your field; destroy all Monsters your opponent controls that have lower ATK than it and inflict 300 points of damage to them for every destroyed Monster. If this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Spirit Crystal – Chaos Core

ATK: 0, DEF: 0, LV: 3, SC: 8

Dark/Machine/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Effect: Once a Pendulum Monster on your opponent's field is destroyed, you can banish it once per turn.

Monster Effect: Once per turn, during your Main Phase, if this card was Pendulum Summoned in attack position from the hand this turn, you can activate this effect; send all face-up Pendulum Monsters in your opponent's Extra Deck to the Graveyard and inflict 500 points of damage to them.

Spirit Tech Force – Sylphid Monarch

ATK: 2600, DEF: 1900, LV: 8, SC: 2

Wind/Machine/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect

"Spirit Crystal – Sylphid Core" + 1 "Spirit" Monster

Pendulum Effect: Once during either player's turn, if a "Spirit" Monster you control is targeted by an opponent's Spell or Trap Card, you can change the target to another Monster on the field.

Monster Effect: If this card is Fusion Summoned successfully, negate the effects of all face-up cards your opponent controls until the end of your turn. Once during either player's turn, when your opponent activates a Spell or Trap Card while you control another "Spirit Tech Force" Monster, halve your opponent's Life Points. If this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Spirit Tech Force – Chaos Tyrant

ATK: 3000, DEF: 2000, LV: 8, SC: 9

Dark/Machine/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect

"Spirit Crystal – Chaos Core" + 1 "Spirit" Monster

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, when your opponent receives damage from the effect of a "Spirit" card, you can double that damage.

Monster Effect: This card cannot be destroyed by card effects. Once per turn, you can have your opponent send a number of Monsters of their choice from their field to the Graveyard equal to the number of "Spirit Tech Force" Monsters you control. If those Monsters' ATK is lower than your Monsters' ATK, your opponent receives 1000 points of damage for every sent Monster. If this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Spirit Tech Force – Undine Magister

ATK: 2900, DEF: 2100, LV: 8, SC: 1

Water/Machine/Fusion/Pendulum/Effect

"Spirit Crystal – Undine Core" + 1 "Spirit" Monster

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if a "Spirit" Monster you control inflicts battle damage to your opponent, gain Life Points equal to the amount of damage inflicted.

Monster Effect: "Spirit" Monsters that are banished return to your hand instead. Once per turn, you can have your opponent select a Monster in their Graveyard or banish zone; Special Summon that Monster on their field in attack position with its ATK and DEF at 0, and its effects negated. You take no further damage on the turn this card leaves the field. If this card is destroyed, you can place it in your Pendulum Zone.

Spirit Core Refinement

Normal Spell Card

Activate this card only if "Spirit" Monsters on your field battled. Banish a "Spirit Crystal" Monster from your hand, and then add a number of "Spirit Crystal" Monsters from your Deck to your hand equal to the number of "Spirit" Monsters you control. Those Monsters cannot be summoned on the turn you added them to your hand.

Spirit Tech Fusion

Normal Spell Card

Fusion Summon a "Spirit Tech Force" Monster by banishing Fusion Materials from your hand, field, Extra Deck or Graveyard. The activation of this card cannot be negated, and you cannot summon any other Monsters on the turn you activated this card. If the Fusion Monster summoned through this card's effect inflicted damage to your opponent, inflict 1000 damage to your opponent at your End Phase.

Spirit Foundry

Normal Spell Card

Banish a "Spirit Crystal" Pendulum Monster from your Extra Deck; Special Summon a "Spirit Tech Force" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck which lists the banished Monster as one of its materials (this Special Summon is treated as a Fusion Summon).

Nature Recharge

Quick-Play Spell Card

Target a "Spirit" Monster on your field that declared an attack; it can attack once again on this turn's Battle Phase.

Summon Breakdown Purge

Continuous Trap Card

If your opponent summons a Fusion, Synchro or Xyz Monster, negate that Monster's summon and destroy it. As long as this card remains face-up on the field, your opponent cannot summon any Monsters with the same summoning type as the destroyed Monster.

Spirit Attractor Field

Normal Trap Card

Activate this card if you received damage from a battle involving a "Spirit" Monster you control. For the duration of this turn, you cannot receive any more damage and cards on your field cannot be destroyed. You can banish this card from your Graveyard; target up to two "Spirit Crystal" Monsters on your field, banish them and Special Summon an equal number of "Spirit Tech Force" Fusion Monsters from your Extra Deck that lists them as Fusion Materials.

Spirit Collider Phase

Continuous Trap Card

Activate this card only during the Main Phase of your turn. When a "Spirit Tech Force" Monster on your field battles, increase its ATK by an amount equal to the sum of all other "Spirit Tech Force" Monsters on your field until the Battle Phase's end. If a "Spirit Tech Force" Monster on your field successfully declares an attack, you can destroy this card; increase that Monster's ATK by 500 for every banished "Spirit" Monster and have it attack again.

Contralto the Melodious Songstress

(LV: 3, LIGHT, Fairy, ATK: 1200, DEF: 1000, PS: 9)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if you Pendulum Summon 2 or more "Melodious" monsters simultaneously, you can Special Summon 1 Level 6 or lower "Melodious" monster from your Graveyard.

Monster Effect: If this card is Special Summoned: You can draw 1 card. If this card is sent to the Graveyard: Gain 800 LP. You can only use each Monster Effect of "Contralto the Melodious Songstress" once per turn.

Minuet the Melodious Diva

(LV: 5, LIGHT, Fairy, ATK: 2100, DEF: 800, PS: 2)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; it loses 300 ATK for each "Melodious" monster you control until the End Phase.

Monster Effect: Once per turn: You can inflict 200 damage to your opponent for each "Melodious" monster you control. If you would take damage: You can send this card from your hand to the Graveyard; the damage you take is halved.

Mozarta Amore the Melodious Maestra- Level 8, ATK: 2600, DEF: 2000, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Fairy/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Scale: 4/4

Pendulum Effect: You can declare a Pendulum Scale from 1 to 9; this turn, this card becomes that Pendulum Scale. During your End Phase: You can destroy this card, and if you do, add 1 "Melodious" monster with 2000 or less ATK from your Deck to your hand. You can only use each effect of "Mozarta Amore the Melodious Maestra" once per turn.

Effect: During your Main Phase (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon 1 LIGHT Fairy monster from your hand but it cannot attack this turn. If this card battles an opponent's monster, inflict 800 damage for each LIGHT Fairy monster you control. If this card is destroyed or leaves the field by a card effect: You can Special Summon 1 "Melodious Maestra" from your Deck or GY. You can only use each effect of "Mozarta Amore the Melodious Maestra" once per turn.

Blessed Queen Z-ERO (Divine/Fairy/Fusion/Synchro/Xyz/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000/LV: 12/Scale: 1)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn: You can target 1 Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, or Pendulum Monster your opponent controls; negate its effects. Also, this turn, it cannot attack.

(This card is always treated as a Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz Monster, and a Rank 12 monster.)

Must be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by banishing 1 face-up Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Pendulum Monster from your field, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. If this card is Special Summoned: You can shuffle as many cards from the GYs and Banish Zones into the Deck as possible, and if you do, this card gains 100 ATK for each. While there are no cards in a Banish Zone or GY, this card cannot be destroyed. Also, it is unaffected by card effects that would make it leave the field. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can negate the effects of all Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Pendulum Monsters your opponent controls, and if you do, this card can attack all those monsters during each Battle Phase this turn once each.

Amorphage Fiend, the Dracoverlord- Level 4, ATK: 1850, DEF: 0, ATT: EARTH, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: If you control a "Draco" monster, you can Special Summon this card from your hand or GY, but you cannot summon other monsters from your Extra Deck, except DARK monsters. If this card is used as material for the Ritual of a "Dracoverlord" Ritual: It gains the following effect while on the field.

Your opponent can only Special Summon from their Extra Deck once per turn.

You can only use each effect of "Amorphage Fiend, the Dracoverlord" once per turn.

Ace Buster, the Dracoslayer- Level 4, ATK: 1550, DEF: 1650, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: During your Main Phase: Target 1 face-up card your opponent controls and if you do, destroy it, but this card cannot attack this turn. You can only activate this effect of "Ace Buster, the Dracoslayer" once per turn. If your "Dracoslayer" monster attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent.

Des Hunter, the Dracofiend- Level 4, ATK: 1650, DEF: 1550, ATT: DARK, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: During your opponent's Main Phase, if this is the only monster you control (Quick Effect): Target 1 face-up card your opponent controls and if you do, banish it. You can only use this effect of "Des Hunter, the Dracofiend" once per turn. If your "Dracoverlord" monster destroys a monster by battle, inflict 600 damage to your opponent.

Master Grand, the Glorious Dracoslayer- Level 7, ATK: 2550, DEF: 2550, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: You can Tribute Summon this card by Tributing 1 "Dracoslayer" or "Dracoverlord" monster. If this card is Tribute Summoned: You can activate this effect; for the rest of this turn, your opponent cannot activate cards. Also, cards your opponent controls cannot activate their effects. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation. This card can attack twice if you control only "Draco" monsters. If this card in its owner's control is destroyed by an opponent's card (by battle or card effect): You can add 1 "Master Peace, the True Dracoslayer" from your Deck and then Special Summon 1 "Dracoslayer" or "Dracoverlord" monster from your Deck. You can only use each effect of "Master Grand, the Glorious Dracoslayer" once per turn.

Amorphactor Agonist, the Unspeakable Dracoverlord- Level 8, ATK: 2550, DEF: 2900, ATT: EARTH, Type: Dragon/Ritual/Effect

Effect: You can Ritual Summon this card with "Dracoverlord Binding". If this card is Ritual Summoned: Your opponent skips their next Draw Phase unless your opponent discards all cards in their hand. Negate the effects of face-up Fusion, Synchro and Xyz Monsters while on the field. If this card is destroyed and sent to the GY: You can add 1 "Draco" card from your Deck to your hand, except "Amorphactor Agonist, the Unspeakable Dracoverlord".

Ultima Prime, the Divine Dracoruler- Level 12, ATK: 3500, DEF: 3500, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: (This card is always treated as a "Dracoslayer" or "Dracoverlord" card.)

Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned (from your hand) by banishing 1 Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz "Draco" monsters from anywhere on the field or GY and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. This card's Special Summon cannot be negated. While face-up on the field, this card is also a DARK-Attribute. When this card is Special Summoned: Return all other cards on the field to their owner's hand. If a card or effect is activated, that would destroy a card(s) on the field (Quick Effect): Negate its activation and if you do, banish it. When an opponent's card destroys this card: Special Summon up to 4 banished "Draco" monsters with different names (up to 1 Fusion, Synchro, Xyz and Ritual). You can only use each effect of "Ultima Prime, the Divine Dracoruler" once per turn.

Dracoverlord Binding- Type: Ritual Spell Card

Effect: This card can be used to Ritual Summon any "Dracoverlord" Ritual Monster from your hand or GY. You must also Tribute monsters from your hand or field and/or banish Dragon monsters from your GY, whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster you Ritual Summon. You can banish this card from your Graveyard, banish monsters from your Graveyard whose total Levels equal exactly 4 or 8, and Special Summon 1 "Dracoverlord" of that exact Level from your hand after that. (This Special Summon is treated as a Ritual Summon.)

Performapal Guardian Troll

(LV: 6, Rock, EARTH, ATK: 1000, DEF: 2400, PS: 6)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn, if an Attack Position monster you control is targeted for an attack: You can target it; change it to Defense Position, and if you do, it cannot be destroyed by that battle.

Monster Effect: During damage calculation, in either player's turn: You can discard this card; you take no Battle Damage from that battle. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can switch this card's ATK and DEF. Other "Performapal", "Magician", or "Odd-Eyes" monsters you control cannot be targeted for attacks.

Divinity-Eyes Pendulum Dragon (Divine/Dragon/Fusion/Synchro/Xyz/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 4000/DEF: 4000/Link 5: Left, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right, Right, Top/Scale: 12)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn: You can target 1 Dragon monster that is banished or in your GY; Special Summon it.

(This card is always treated as a Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Link Monster, and a Level/Rank 1 monster.)

Must be Special Summoned with "Divinity Sorcerer" and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. If this card is Special Summoned: shuffle as many other cards on the field back into the respective owners' Decks. Then place one Integration Counter on this card for each returned card. This card cannot attack directly the turn you activate this effect. All monsters you control are unaffected by the effects of your opponent's monsters. Once per turn, when your opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card or effect (Quick Effect): You can send 1 Spell from your hand or that you control to the GY; negate the activation.

Divinity Sorcerer (Light/Spellcaster/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2400/LV: 7)

If a card(s) on your field leaves due to an opponent's card (either battle or effect): You can Special Summon this card. If Summoned this way: You can Special Summon 1 monster from your hand, Deck, GY, or Banished Zone in Defense Position. You can Tribute this card; banish 1 "Starving Venom Fusion Dragon", 1 "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon", 1 "Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon", 1 "Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon", and 1 "Cyber Tech Link Dragon" from your Deck, Extra Deck, field, and/or GY, and if you do, Special Summon 1 "Divinity-Eyes Pendulum Dragon" from your Extra Deck. You can activate this effect from your hand if you have no cards on your field.