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.

47. One More Challenge

Greetings, everyone! Donkeyboy100 here with Chapter 47. Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter. Hope you guys are excited to see what the big surprise is. Without further delay, enjoy the chapter!

The next morning, at Kolter's apartment...

"Yuji! Come on, wake up! It's breakfast time!"

The cyan-haired youth let out a muffled groan following the knock on the door and the voice calling out for him. After some twisting and turning, Yuji eventually rose while grumbling. Upon feeling a small weight next to him, he pulled the blankets to reveal a grey-furred dog with yellow eyes snuggling up next to him.

"Geez, you again, Orion?" Yuji smiled as he rubbed the dog's belly, eliciting a pleased bark from it. "Even though we haven't interacted as much, I still can't understand why you're so attached to me, little buddy. But I'm glad you're owner asked us to look after you while she's out of town."

After a few seconds of petting the dog, Yuji exited his room and walked down the hall as he headed to the dining room, where Kolter and Jin were busy setting up the table.

"Good morning, guys." Yuji greeted the two. "I can smell something even more delicious than usual. It looks like you two have outdone yourselves again."

"Just as you evolve your skills as a duelist, I've also got to polish my skills at cooking, no?" Kolter smiled. "Also, where are the others at? Their food will get cold."

"Yuya and Zuzu up all night, so they might take some time," Yuji said. "As for the other, now that she's probably smelled the food, she'll be here in three…two…one…."

True to Yuji's predictions, a blondish blur dashed out from the hall and sat on the seat across from her faster than the eye could see, two forks in her hand and a small amount of drool running down her mouth.

"And zero," Yuji said while smirking. "Glad you could join us, Ena."

"You know I never miss a fine breakfast, especially when Kolter makes it," Ena said with a grin. "I can't think of a better way to start the day unless a good duel is involved."

"Well, I can't disagree with that."

"Good morning, everyone…." Yuya greeted everyone as he and Zuzu entered the dining room while stifling a yawn and sat next to their counterparts. "For the record, I hate tests. I spent almost all day yesterday cramming and my head feels like it's going to explode…."

"I know what you mean. You'd think saving LINK VRAINS and Den City from destruction would give us a pass or something," Zuzu remarked as she started eating. "The education system of this dimension is even more merciless than ours back home."

"I'm still surprised Zaizen allowed those two reporters to release the footage of you and Playmaker's duel against Zarc to the public," Ena said. "Aren't you guys afraid that will make the media and paparazzi more determined to figure out your identities?"

"We already got that covered," Zuzu assured her. "We had Kolter triple our security to ensure our identities remain secret. As well as our comrades."

"And believe it or not, it was his idea," Yuya added. "We were initially hesitant at the idea, but Declan believed that the people of Den City have a right to know. Plus, it'd be worse if we revealed our real-life identities.

"Well, I, for one, am glad that our greatest concern, for now, is studying and showing up for formal events," Yuji said as he sprinkled ketchup all over his eggs, causing everyone to edge away from him. "Trust me when I say I won't miss the Arbiters or Roget, especially the near loss of losing my consciousness data."

"You have a point there." Yuya agreed. "I can't believe it's only been a week since that battle. It feels like years have passed."

Both Zuzu and Ena nodded at Yuya's words. While Ena and Yuji had their own homes, they stayed with Yuya and Zuzu at Kolter's place to recuperate since their fight with Roget concluded. As for the rest of the Lancers, they stayed at a hotel to be near Yuya and Zuzu and to keep an eye on LINK VRAINS. Sadly during their bout with Zarc, several Arbiters and AI duelists assaulted LINK VRAINS and attacked a couple of its residents. Kolter opened the television, tuning in to a news channel.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Claire Ai, coming to you live from the Den City Central Plaza." A female reporter could be heard announcing. "The reconstruction of LINK VRAINS has been progressing at a steady pace thanks to the combined efforts of its residents, the government, support from SOL Technologies and of course, the assistance of the Knights of Hanoi and our new heroes, the Lancers. Thanks to the enthusiasm of everyone involved in the project, it is estimated that it will take only a couple of weeks at most until LINK VRAINS is fully restored to its former glory and splendor."

"Thank you very much, Claire." Another female reporter was heard speaking next. "Morning, everyone. Melissa here, and I believe I speak for everyone when I say that I look forward to the day when the residents of Den City can walk the streets of LINK VRAINS, free from the scars of the Arbiters who nearly destroyed us all. Now, onto our next topic, namely Den City's new policy regarding—"

"Sounds like Akira, Varis and Declan and the others have their hands," Yuji commented with a smile. "I thought there might be trouble or conflict when decreed that when people heard the Knights of Hanoi were participating in the reconstruction efforts, but it seems they've got everything under control."

"It's to be expected." Ena chimed in from the side. "The Knights of Hanoi did almost destroy LINK VRAINS last time, after all. I don't think anyone is willing to cause trouble for the sake of a cyberterrorist group. However, the Knights of Hanoi are genuinely remorseful and wish to make amends any way they can."

"Unless we're talking about most of the Arbiters who used to be former members of the annoy," Yuji said with a frown. "They've been imprisoned, awaiting trial and sentencing after their psychological evaluations are complete, right?"

"Yes." Ena nodded. "And judging from how they acted, members like Zekt, Nyx, Drakon, Glacia and Astro probably won't see the light of day again. From what I hear, they didn't even bother evaluating Roget since he caused this whole mess and threw them in the deepest cell they could find. As for Mordred and Archangel, previously known as Chevalier, who used to be famously-known duelists, will probably have to do some community service or something. They weren't as deranged as the others after all."

"All in all, things are finally starting to return to normal." Ena continued.

"You said it, pal," Kolter said with a smile. "However, the four of you better hurry up, or you'll be late for school at this rate."

"Man, he's right!"

Yuya shouted as he started wolfing down his breakfast, with Zuzu, Yuji and Ena following suit. After clearing their plates, they grabbed their bags and turned to the other two occupants.

"We're off, Kolter, Jina! See you later!"

After saying so, the four youths rushed outside as fast as they could. While running, Yuya turned to Yukio and spoke.

"Come to think of it, why aren't we using Kolter's van? We'd be at school in no time if we did."

"We can't," Yuji responded. "Kolter sent it for repairs and won't be ready until later today. As such, run until your legs give out! I don't want to get scolded again for tardiness!"

"That's your fault for not waking up when you were supposed to!"

While the four youths continued conversing, the outline of Den City High School could be seen in the distance. With one last burst of speed, the four youths succeeded in entering the courtyard a couple of minutes before classes were scheduled to start.

"Safe…" Yuji said while wheezing. "Now, we just need to get to class and—"

"Oh, if it isn't Twins 1 & 2. Why are the four of you in such a rush?"

Turning to the left, the quarter saw Shima standing there alongside Hosoda and the other members of the Duel Club. At that moment, Yuji also noticed that many students were leisurely sitting outside, chatting with their friends or dueling in several spots around the courtyard.

"What's going on?" Yuya wondered. "Shouldn't everyone be in class?"

"Didn't you see the message the school sent?" Hosoda said. "Classes would start later today because the faculty has some emergency meeting."

Yuya checked his Duel Disk, noting that the school had sent him a message, but he had somehow failed to notice it. He rubbed his neck while smiling awkwardly.

"Oh, that's right. I guess I missed it somehow…."

"For your information, I tried to tell you last night, but you were so focused on studying, you must have blocked me out. But I'll chew you out later for that." Zuzu said as he looked around. "For now, how about we move to the side?"

Following her words, Yuya and the others move to the side as the Duel Club followed them.

"I'm surprised to see this many people dueling so early," Ena stated. "Wonder why?"

"Simple. They're practicing to become members of SOL Technologies' new security team," Hosoda said with a proud expression.

"New security team?" Yuya repeated.

"You didn't hear?" Shima said. "If I recall, Skye's older brother Akira, also the CEO of SOL Technologies, made a quick announcement on the matter last night. I think he mentioned he got the idea from the leader of the Lancers."

"You mean Zero?" Yuji asked.

"Correct. Taking Zero's advice, he decided to expand his old security team, being LINK VRAINS' Top 10 by having anyone who's a duelist either challenging one of their AI duelists or a member of the Top 10."

"Interesting," Zuzu said. "So if they win against the AI or one of the Top 10, they're accepted?"

"You're about half-right," Hosoda said. "If they can manage to impress the heads of the security team by holding their own, they're accepted.

"And let me tell you when I say, I'll become one of its members!" Shima said with a proud expression. "I'll become a heroic act that inspires others while acting as a pillar of stability."

"That's…actually kind of well-thought-out," Yuji said with a raised eyebrow. "You're full of surprises sometimes, Shima."

"Well, truth be told, it's all second-handed," Shima said with a grin. "I was online last night searching for things that sound meaningful and motivational. Doesn't make my words any less true, though."

"Indeed." Ena nodded as they passed by a couple of students who were dueling. Yuya noticed the columns of light representing the presence of a Pendulum Scale on both players' fields. Following his line of sight, Yuya chuckled as he spoke.

"I still find it hard to believe that Zero gave SOL Technologies needed to create Pendulum Cards and released it to the public after creating a bunch of them."

"It was quite the big surprise," Zuzu remarked. "Just like when Ringmaster first debuted Pendulum Cards. I'm sure the duels in LINK VRAINS will get heated up once everyone has mastered Pendulum. We have three more dimensions to take into account now, which means new ranks and new tournaments have to be organized."

"First, they must install a new and improved version of the Real Solid Vision System," Yuji said as he pointed at the Duel Monsters holograms, which lacked any mass. "Hasn't there been any progress on that? I heard Zero and a man named Leo Akaba has been helping the scientists out. You guys are friends with Skye. Has she mentioned the progress regarding the matter?"

"Not that much, I'm afraid," Hosoda responded. "We barely see her these days since she decided to lend a hand to her brother to help make it and spend time with him. Last I heard, she said they were close to a solution, but their 'pretty close' can still be several weeks to even months away."

Before anyone could say anything, the bell suddenly rang.

"Well, there's the bell/ Let's get to class. We have a test to ace…or barely pass in some people's cases."

"Hey, why are you looking at me like that?"

Yuya's indignant response prompted the other eight youths to chuckle as they entered the school building.

Meanwhile, at SOL Technologies…

Akira arrived at his office, went to his desk, and sat down. He waved his hand, causing a holographic screen to appear containing images of the Solid Vision System. He found it unusual that Zero and Leo would give them the technology needed to create Pendulum cards and a new Real Solid Vision System. While he was grateful for it, he believed he didn't deserve the right to these new assets since they solely belonged to the Lancers. The good thing about it was that SOL Technologies received many positive comments regarding the use of Pendulum Cards and people awaiting the installation of the Solid Vision System.

"Mr. Zaizen," Hayami said, opening the door and entering Akira's office with a smile on her face. "Good news. I just received news from Leo Akba that the RSVS is almost completed and will be ready to use for tomorrow's surprise."

"That's good to hear, Hayami," Akira replied. "Out of curiosity, how are the preparations for the surprise later today?"

"They're nearly finished, sir."

"Perfect.," Akira said. "Hopefully, this will help everyone relax and ease their worries."

"Me too. Anything else needed before I leave, Mr. Zaizen," Hayami asked.

"Two things. One: I would like for you to swap out my Deck for a new one. I already sent a message to you regarding which one. As for the second, I want you to deliver this message to this person."

Hayami's tablet beeped as she received the message from Zaizen and checked it. Her eyes widened at the sendee's name. "Are you sure? You think he'll even respond or want to participate?"

"Maybe he will, maybe he won't," Zaizen said. "The result will be the same regardless of his decision."

"Well, for me, I hope he says yes. Goodbye, Mr. Zaizen."

Following her words, Hayamai walked out of Akira's office, leaving him alone.

I hope this plan ends up working out, Akira thought. Cause if this doesn't, I don't know what will.

Elsewhere, at Den Academy...

Yuya and Zuzu walked down Den High's main venue, the school day over at last.

"Guys, wait up!" Yuji called out to the duo, running up to them alongside Ena. "You're all headed to Café Nom, right?"

"Of course we are," Yuya answered. "Why? Do you have plans or something?"

"No, no. Just wanted to confirm." Yuji sheepishly scratched the back of his head. "Yuhiro. There's a favor I wanted to-."

"Yuya! Zuzu! Yuya and Zuzu!"

The quartet turned to see Shimi walk out from behind a tree. "I know you've been keeping secrets from me," he said smugly. "Big ones, to be exact. The two of you and I need to have a little chat. Privately, of course."

Ena looked worried while Yuji raised an eyebrow. He knew that Shima did not know that Yuya and Zuzu were Ringmaster and Maestra. Besides, his LINK VRAINS avatar, The Brave Battler, got his butt kicked by Ghost Gal for claiming to be Playmaker's sidekick. He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.

"Yeah. I doubt you know anything about Yuya and Zuzu, Shina." Yuji told him, angering Shima.

"For the last time, it's Shima! Naoki Shima! Why can't you get my name right?" Naoki complained.

Yuya remained calm as he and Zuzu looked each other in the eye, hoping Shima didn't know their LINK VRAINS personas. "Sorry, but we're in the middle of something, Shima."

Naoki regained his composure upon hearing someone call him by his name correctly for once. "Huh? That's too bad. Because I think you want to have to say. After all, I'm not playing around, and you shouldn't make me annoyed."

"Hey, man. It's cool." Ena told Yuya and Zuzu, who glanced back at her. "We can catch up later."

"Sorry, Ena, but I'm afraid it's not cool," Zuzu stated. "Please dazzle us, Shima. Let us know the big secret you know about the two of us keeping."

"Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you." Shima said with a mischievous grin. "You're guys' secret is that you work at a food truck."

The quartet's eyes widened after hearing Shima's response before responding. "You got us," Yuya said. "How did you find it?"

"It wasn't that hard to figure out," Shima replied. "You see, I noticed on certain days Yuya and Zuzu sprint out right after 8th period, which made me think, "why are they leaving in such a hurry?" That made me believe you guys were going somewhere or doing something."

"And if I had to guess, one day, you secretly followed Yuya and me to the plaza and saw us working, is that right?" Zuzu said.

"Right on the nose!" Shima confirmed.

"Well, what can I say, Shima? You got us," Yuya said. "I assume you want something in return for keeping your mouth shut."

"You're correct. I'm a big fan of hot dogs. So anytime I'm in the mood for one, you guys have to give me as much as I want. Free of charge. Do we got a deal?"

"We sure do!" Yuya answered as he shook Shima's glad.

"Pleasure doing business with you. I'll be by later tonight for my free dinner. See you then.

Shima walked away from the quartet, leaving them alone.

"Chances of Shima knowing you two are Ringmaster and Maestra? Zero." Ena said, amused with the recent conversation.

"That's true. Because the while this may come off a bit harsh, he's not the brightest tool in the shed." Yuya agreed, smiling as well. He then turned to Yuji. "Say, Yuji. What was the favor you wanted to ask me?"

"Oh, that. Ena and I were wondering if we could have a practice duel with the two of you." Yuji answered.

"A practice duel?" Zuzu repeated. "But why? The two of you are extraordinary duelists."

"While that's true, we feel that we could've done better in the fight against Roget," Ena pointed out. "I lost against my opponent, and Yuji's anger over losing me caused him to turn into a demon."

"We just want to hone our skills as duelists, so when something like that happens again, we'll be ready," Yuji added. "And the best way to do that is by training with strong opponents, such as you two, for example."

"Thanks, guy. We'd be happy to train with you," Yuya said. "Since you guys are planning on becoming stronger, why not try out for SOL Technologies' new security team? You'd guys be perfect for it."

"You know what? That's not a bad idea," Ena said. "Not only will we be doing a noble cause by protecting LINK VRAINS and inspiring others, but we can also challenge ourselves to become better duelists. What do you think, Yuji?"

"What do I think? I think I'm on board with this idea," Yuji replied. "Soon after you guys and your friends, after checking LINK VRAINS, we'll apply to be members of the security team."

"That's the spirit!" Yuya cheered. "We wish you guys good luc—!"

Yuya's words were cut off as his Duel Disk suddenly went off.

"Huh?" He muttered as he took it out from his pocket and noticed an alert at the top of the screen. "An important announcement?" He then clicked the notification, causing a video to pop up. It showed an area in LINK VRAINS, and at the center of the area was Akira Zaizen.

"Folks, the Ceo of SOL Technologies, Mr. Akira Zaizen, has appeared!" the MC announced over the broadcast. "It appears he has a message for everyone!"

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Akira said. "Following recent events, I can tell that everyone has been feeling down as we try to get back to normal. So to cheer you up, I logged into the network and planned on issuing a public duel challenge to an individual of my choosing. And the individual I challenge is... Ringmaster!

"He's challenged Ringmaster to a duel!" the MC said. "Will he accept, or will he chicken out? Only time will tell!"

"Why is Zaizen challenging you to a duel?" Zuzu asked.

"I don't know," Yuya replied.

"Maybe he's trying to lift everyone's spirit's up?" Ena suggested

"That could be it," Yuji said. "But are you going to accept his challenge, Yuya?"

"Of course I am. And I'll give you three reasons why," Yuya replied. "One: I never turned down a duel. Two: I owe it to the people of Den City. Three: I can't pass up the opportunity of putting on an amazing show that'll bring smiles to everyone's faces."

"Can't argue that logic," Zuzu said. "In that case, you better hurry and log in or everyone will think you flaked out."

"I wouldn't want that," Yuya agreed as he rubbed his head. "We should find someplace for me to log in without any viewers. And I know just the perfect spot."

A few minutes later…

"It was smart of Yuya to choose the school's roof to make sure no one can see you," Ena said.

"Thanks," Yuya replied. "And I appreciate the two of you keeping an eye out just in case anyone happens to come up here."

"Don't sweat it," Yuji said. "You'd do the same thing for us."

"You ready, Yuya?"

"I'm all set," Yuya replied as he took out his Duel Disk, placed it on his wrist, and said, "Link into the Vrains!"

In LINK VRAINS…

Ringmaster emerged from a portal and landed on a nearby rooftop.

"Hello, LINK VRAINS!" Ringmaster shouted. "A little birdie told me that the CEO of SOL Technologies challenged me to a duel. Well, here I am to say that I accept your challenge, Zaizen!" He leaped down from the building and landed on one knee before standing up and facing Akira.

"HE ACCEPTED!" the MC roared. "Ringmaster accepted his challenge!"

"I hope you're ready, Ringmaster," Zaizen said as he activated his Duel Disk. "Because I'll be disappointed if you hold back on me."

"Same here," Ringmaster responded, also doing the same.

"Before we begin. Let's set the stage first. "Action Field On! Activating Field Spell: Showtime Street!"

Ringmaster heard gasps from the audience as the ground beneath him and Zaizen lit up. He looked around as he found himself in the middle of a street with numerous buildings covered in lights with numerous billboards. Hoops, stars, squares, and other shapes flew through the air.

"This is... my dad's favorite field..." Ringmaster noted.

"Your friend Zero informed me that someone you look up to loved dueling on this field since it helped them go all out and put on an amazing performance for the audience," Zaizen said. "Not only that, but I included the Lancers' set of Master Rules for this duel so you can use the full extent of your Deck. Show it to me, Ringmaster! A true Action Duel!"

"Fine! I'll show you a true Action Duel! If you don't mind, will you do the chant with me?"

"With pleasure!" Zaizen said. "duelists locked in battle!"

"Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters!"

Ringmaster delivered the next line, with Zaizen continuing.

"They storm through this field!"

"Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of Dueling!"

"Action—!"

"Duel!" Both Ringmaster and Zaizen shouted together as the Action Cards spread across the field.

Ringmaster: 4000 LP

Akira Zaizen: 4000 LP

"Since I issued the challenge, you get to make the first move," Zaizen said.

"Thanks. But I insist you go first," Ringmaster offered. "I want to see what you're made of."

"Very well then. But I hope you don't end up regretting your decision. My turn!" Akira declared. Looking at his hand, he selected one of his cards. "I activate the Spell Card: Terraforming. This lets me add a Field Spell Card from my Deck to my hand."

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes. "A Field Spell…" he muttered.

He took a card from his Deck, then played it. "I activate the Field Spell Card: The Hidden City! When this card is activated, I can add one "Subterror" monster from my Deck to my hand."

While Akira was doing that, Ringmaster whispered to Zuzu and the others through his Duel Disk. "Hey, guys, have you heard of this "Subterror" archetype?"

"Sorry, Yuya. We haven't," Zuzu said, her voice grave. "You should be careful and pay close attention."

After adding his card, Akira said, "I Set one monster. And now, I'll activate The Hidden City's effect! Once per turn, I can change one face-down "Subterror" monster to face-up Attack or Defense Position. I Flip Summon Subterror Guru in Defense Position!"

A blue-skinned dwarf creature with purple wings carrying a large sword appeared on Zaizen's field.

Subterror Guru ATK 1600 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Subterror Guru's Flip Effect activates!" Zaizen declared. "When this card is flipped face-up, I can add one "Subterror" card from my Deck to my hand. I add Subterror Cave Clash. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

At Den City High School…

"A Flip Deck?" Yuji mused.

"I just looked it up. That's how the Subterror Deck works," Ena said. "And it's a very powerful one."

"You think we should let Yuya know?" Zuzu asked.

"We could," Yuji answered. "But you heard Yuya. He said he wants to see how strong of a duelist Zaizen is."

"Yuji's right," Ena agreed. "If we try to help by offering strategies to counter Zaizen's Deck, it would give him an unfair advantage.

"I suppose that's true," Zuzu said. "Let's hope this Zaizen's Deck isn't too much for Yuya to handle."

In LINK VRAINS…

Ringmaster placed his hand on his Deck. "My turn! I draw!" Ringmaster looked at his cards, then said, "I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Call! Through its effect, I can discard one card to add two "Magician" Pendulum Monsters from my Deck to my hand. I select Dharma-Eye Magician and Wisdom-Eye Magician. And since the card I discarded was Initiate Magician, its effect activates, letting me add another "Magician" Pendulum Monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose Sacredragon Magician. Then, I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 2 Dharma-Eye Magician and Scale 5 Wisdom-Eye Magician. I'm taking control of this duel starting now!"

Soon, two pillars of light appeared on both sides of Ringmaster's field. In the pillar of light on his right was a man in black and green robes carrying a giant prayer wheel as a weapon, while in the pillar of light on his left was a man in blue-black robes carrying a flail with a prayer wheel attached.

Dharma-Eye Magician Scale: 2

Wisdom-Eye Magician Scale: 5

"I activate Wisdom-Eye Magician's Pendulum Effect!" Ringmaster continued. "Since I have a "Magician" in my other Pendulum Zone, I can destroy Wisdom-Eye, and place a different "Magician" Pendulum Monster from my Deck in its Pendulum Zone!"

He added a card from his Deck to his hand as Wisdom-Eye disintegrated and then placed the card in his Pendulum Zone. "I place the Scale 8 Dragonpit Magician in my Pendulum Zone!"

A man in blue robes carrying an ornate staff appeared in the pillar of light Wisdom-Eye had previously vacated.

Dragonpit Magician Scale: 8

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

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

"Showcase your sorcery, Sacredragon Magician!"

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

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

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

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

"I activate my face-down!" Zaizen declared, surprising Ringmaster and their watchers. "The Continuous Trap Card: Subterror Masonry!" The card showed multiple Subterror Fiendesses and Gurus standing in front of a large marble hall. "While Subterror Masonry is on the field, you cannot target my "Subterror" monsters with card effects."

Ringmaster frowned. Sacredragon's effect lets it destroy a card on the field when it's Pendulum Summoned from the hand, he thought. Zaizen must've watched through the footage of my duel against Archangel, saw me make that play, and prepared a counter for it. Clever. But that won't stop me.

"Battle!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "Sacredragon Magician, attack Subterror Guru!"

Zaizen only narrowed his eyes and gestured to his field. "I activate Subterror Guru's effect! Once per turn, I can change it and one face-up monster to face-down Defense Position. And if I control another 'Subterror' card, I can activate this effect during your turn!" Ringmaster's eyes widened as he looked at Masonry. "I change Guru and Sacredragon Magician to face-down Defense Position!"

Ringmaster grit his teeth as Guru and Sacredragon became Set cards.

"The Battle Phase is not over! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon attacks the Set Subterror Guru! Spiral Flame Strike"

"Pointless," Zaizen said, surprising Ringmaster. "I activate the effect of The Hidden City! Once per turn, when your monster declares an attack, I can change a face-down Defense Position "Subterror" monster I control to face-up Attack or Defense Position and negate your attack."

"What?" Ringmaster said, surprised at that effect.

"I Flip Summon Subterror Guru to face-up Attack Position!"

The demon with a sword reappeared.

Subterror Guru ATK 1600 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Guru's Flip Effect! When this card is flipped face-up, I can add one "Subterror" card from my Deck to my hand. I add Behemoth Umastryx from my Deck to my hand."

"My turn isn't over yet!" Ringmaster ran and jumped off the ledge he was standing on and landed on Odd-Eyes' back. "Yahoo!" Ringmaster cheered as his monster gave him a boost to a nearby building before landing on the roof, where he somersaulted and picked up another Action Card.

"Yes! I activate Action Spell Card: Wonder Chance! This lets one of my monsters make another attack!" Zaizen's eyes widened. "Odd-Eyes gains a second attack. Battle! Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon attacks Subterror Guru!"

"Not a bad play. But do you think that little card will change anything?" Zaizen asked Ringmaster, surprising him. "I activate the Trap Card: Subterror Final Battle!"

"A Trap Card?" Ringmaster said, surprised.

"Final Battle's effect lets me choose one of four effects!" Zaizen explained. "And I think I'll choose the third effect. Now, until the end of the turn, the attack and defense points of one 'Subterror' monster I control becomes equal to its combined original attack and defense points until the end of the turn!"

"What?" Ringmaster said.

Zaizen gestured to Guru. "Speleogeist's attack and defense points now become equal to its combined attack and defense points! Or 3400!"

Subterror Guru ATK 1600→3400 DEF 1800→3400

"The best part of this is that instead of being sent to the Graveyard, Final Battle Sets itself on my field," Zaizen said, annoying Lilith. "Counterattack, Guru!"

Guru swung his sword and deflected Odd-Eyes' blast right back at it.

"I won't let you destroy Odd-Eyes!" Ringmaster shouted as he grabbed an Action Card from a nearby wall. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Miracle! Thanks to its effect, Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon isn't destroyed, and all battle damage is halved!"

The flames failed to destroy Odd-Eyes due to a semi-transparent barrier around it. Several torrents of the flames, though, struck Ringmaster, making him grunt in pain.

Ringmaster: 4000→3550 LP

"And Zaizen has dealt the first blow!" the MC announced.

Ringmaster narrowed his eyes. "I must admit, Zaizen, I didn't see that coming. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Since it is the End Phase, Final Battle's effect comes to an end," Zaizen said.

Subterror Guru ATK 3400→1600 DEF 3400→1800

"Impressive," Yuji said. "Zaizen not only managed to block all of Yuya's attacks, but he even inflicted damage."

"The "Subterror" Deck, if played right, has a very formidable defense," Ena agreed. Her eyes narrowed. "But I get the feeling it has an even stronger offense."

"My turn! I draw!" Zaizen declared. "I activate Subterror Masonry's effect! Once per turn, I can change a face-up "Subterror" monster to face-down Defense Position. I reset Guru!"

The blue fiend disappeared, and a Set card took its place.

"And since a monster was flipped face-down while I control no other face-up monsters, I can Special Summon this card from my hand in face-up Defense Position. Come, Subterror Behemoth Umastryx!"

His face-down card flipped face-up and glowed. To Ringmaster's surprise, the ground started shaking. "What's happening?" he asked.

Cracks appeared in the ground as a blue light emerged. Suddenly, a massive body emerged from beneath the ground. Ringmaster quickly moved to avoid the falling rubble, but Zaizen didn't move. Ringmaster looked at what emerged from the ground and gasped.

It was a giant four-legged reptilian monster with black skin and blue lines all over its body. For a nose, it had a drill. It was one of the largest monsters he had ever seen.

Subterror Behemoth Umastryx ATK 2000 DEF 2700 LVL: 7

"What is that thing?" Ringmaster said, looking at the monster in shock.

Zaizen smirked at everyone's reactions. "Because Umastryx was flipped face-up, its effect now activates!" he declared, surprising Ringmaster. "Now, I can target and banish one of your monsters!"

"What?" Ringmaster said, his eyes widening in horror.

"I choose to banish Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Umastryx plunged its nose towards Odd-Eyes.

"This isn't good…."

Ringmaster muttered as he started jumping from building to building and running on top of one of the rooftops, heading towards one of the billboards, grabbing an Action Card from off it.

"Excellent." Ringmaster remarked with a satisfied smile. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Vision Barrier! Thanks to its effect, my monsters cannot be targeted by card effects for this turn."

"So close!" The MC announced. "If the effect had gone through, Zaizen could have settled this duel in one turn!"

"Not bad," Zaizen said, smiling to himself. "Of course, it won't change the outcome." He gestured to the large reptile on his field. "I activate Umastryx's effect! Once per turn, I can change Umastryx to face-down Defense Position!"

"What?" Ringmaster said in surprise as the massive monster disappeared and the face-down card reappeared on Zaizen's field. "Why would you do that?"

"So I can do this," Zaizen said, selecting a card from his hand. "Because a monster I control was flipped face-down and I control no face-up monsters, I can Special Summon this monster in face-up Defense Position. Emerge, Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo!"

Ringmaster braced himself as the ground shook. Behind Zaizen, the ground broke apart. Ringmaster stared with wide eyes as a massive giant made of stone emerged and roared in Defense Position.

Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo ATK 2800 DEF 2100 LVL: 10

"I activate Stalagmo's effect! I change it to face-down Defense Position!" The rock monster disappeared as a Set card joined the two previous ones. "Then, I summon Subterror Nemesis Archer."

A blonde woman in white carrying a massive bow and a quiver of arrows on the back of her hips appeared.

Subterror Nemesis Archer ATK 1600 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"He summoned three monsters in one turn," Ringmaster noted. "That was an impressive play, Zaizen. But you'll need to do better than that."

"Then allow me to do so," Zaizen replied. "I activate The Hidden City's effect! Once per turn, I can change a Set "Subterror" monster to face-up Attack or Defense Position. I Flip Summon Stalagmo!"

One of the Set cards disappeared as the rock giant reappeared.

Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo ATK 2800 DEF 2100 LVL: 10

"Stalagmo's Flip Effect! When it is Flip Summoned, I can discard one "Subterror" monster to draw two cards. I discard Subterror Nemesis Warrior." Zaizen discarded said card, drew and smirked. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Subterror Cave Clash! With this card, all "Subterror" monsters I control gain 500 attack and defense points for each Set monster on the field. As there are two Set monsters, Archer, Umastryx and Stalagmo gain 1000 attack and defense points!"

Subterror Nemesis Archer ATK 1600→2600 DEF 1400→2400

Subterror Behemoth Umastryx ATK 2000→3000 DEF 2700→3700

Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo ATK 2800→3800 DEF 2100→3100

"This is bad," Yuji said, narrowing his eyes at the tablet on which he and the others were viewing the duel. "If he attacks with all three monsters, Yuya will lose."

"Battle!" Zaizen declared. "Umastryx, attack Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Magma Terror!"

Ringmaster started running while looking for Action Cards but wasn't fast enough as the large dragon gathered green light in its mouth that pierced through Odd-Eyes, destroying the dragon and sending Ringmaster skidding backwards due to the ensuing shockwave.

Ringmaster: 3550→3050 LP

"Next, Nemesis Archer attacks the Set Sacredragon Magician! Terminal Break!"

Nemesis Archer nocked an arrow and fired it at Sacredragon. Ringmaster expected to see his card shatter, but to his surprise, when the arrow hit, the card warped and disappeared.

"What?" he said, blinking. "What happened?"

Zaizen smirked. "When Nemesis Archer attacks an opponent's face-down monster," he explained. "If I control another "Subterror" monster, I can shuffle that monster back into your Deck." Ringmaster's eyes widened. "But because there's now one less Set monster on the field, Cave Clash decreases my monsters' attack and defense points by 500!"

Subterror Nemesis Archer ATK 2600→2100 DEF 2400→1900

Subterror Behemoth Umastryx ATK 3000→2500 DEF 3700→3200

Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo ATK 3800→3300 DEF 3100→2600

"This is the end!" he declared. "Stalagmo, attack him directly!"

Upon seeing that Stalagmo was about to attack him, Ringmaster sped forward with his rollerblades and climbed the side of a building, grabbing an Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Damage Banish! All battle damage is reduced to 0!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Ringmaster, intercepting Stalagmo's attack.

"So, you barely escaped, huh…?" Zaizen said with a blank expression. "Good. It would be such a shame if this duel ended quickly. I end my turn with this."

Zuzu narrowed her eyes at the tablet screen. "This isn't good, guys."

"No, it isn't," Ena agreed. "Yuya's losing. Additionally, Zaizen's moves have made it difficult for him to inflict any damage."

"Relax, guys," Yuji said. "This is Yuya we're talking about. There's no way he'll lose his cool just because he lost a few Life Points."

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

At the duel…

"My turn! I draw!" Ringmaster looked at the card he drew and smiled. "I activate the Spell Card Foresight Draw. Through its effect, I will send all cards in my hand to the Graveyard first. Then, I will guess what type is the top card of my Deck. If I'm right, I can draw five cards from my Deck; otherwise, I will have to send the five top cards of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I guess that my top card is a Trap Card. Now, draw!"

Ringmaster checked his top card and revealed it with a smirk on his face.

"It looks like I was correct, so I draw five cards. And with the Pendulum Scale already set, I Pendulum Summon!"

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

"Wield your wizardry, Stargazer Magician!"

"And making a comeback from my Extra Deck are Sacredragon Magician!"

"And Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes, Sacredragon Magician, and a man in white and blue robes carrying a staff with a circle around the middle all appeared on Ringmaster's field.

Stargazer Magician ATK 1200 DEF 2400 LVL: 5 PS: 1

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

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

"I activate Dragonpit Magician's Pendulum Effect! By discarding a Pendulum Monster from my hand, I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card on the field!" Ringmaster declared. "I choose to discard Nobledragon Magician to destroy The Hidden City!"

Dragonpit Magician's staff generated a beam of energy, destroying Zaizen's Field Spell.

Yuji smiled. "Nice. He got rid of Zaizen's Field Spell," he noted.

"Following that up, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Pendulum Dimension! If I Fusion, Synchro or Xyz Summon a monster using a Pendulum Monster as material, I get to activate one of three effects."

"Three effects," Zaizen muttered. "That doesn't sound good."

"Next, I activate Nobledragon's effect from my Graveyard!" Ringmaster continued. "By reducing Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's Level by 3, I get to Special Summon it!"

A blue aura surrounded Odd-Eyes as a small child wearing a white robe and holding a white staff with its tip shaped like a magnet appeared.

Nobledragon Magician ATK 700 DEF 1400 LVL: 3 PS: 5

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon LVL: 7→4

"I now tune the Level 3 Nobledragon Magician with the now Level 4 Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Ringmaster as the world greyed out, and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one red and one orange, appeared before turning blue and merging. Blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "3 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"Dragon with the dichromatic eyes! Take the strength of the meteor within your body and smash through our opponents! I Synchro Summon! Be born, Level 7! The dragon who personifies the raging inferno, Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon!"

A dragon with dichromatic eyes and four flame-shaped protrusions extending from its back clad in crimson armor appeared on the field, letting out a thunderous roar.

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

"Another Odd-Eyes Monster?" The MC remarked as he saw Ringmaster's new monster. "And it's the Synchro variant this time!"

"I now activate the effect of Stargazer Magician! Once per turn, when a Pendulum Monster leaves the field, I can Special Summon it! With Stargazer's effect, I summon Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon from the Extra Deck!"

Following Ringmaster's words, Odd-Eyes reappeared on his field next to Stargazer.

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

"Then, Pendulum Dimension's effect activates! Since I summoned a Synchro Monster, I can activate Pendulum Dimension's second effect, letting me add Polymerization from my Deck to my hand."

"Polymerization?" Zaizen repeated. You plan on Fusion Summoning next, aren't you?"

"Correct," Ringmaster answered. "I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization to fuse Stargazer Magician and Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon!"

Odd-Eyes and Stargazer broke apart into red and blue particles, respectively. Said particles swirled together into a vortex before spiraling upwards as streams of energy. The streams converged, creating a whirlwind of purple energy as Ringmaster chanted.

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

A dragon with a metal eyepatch on its right eye, which had a large, golden, circle-shaped ornament on its back, appeared on Ringmaster's field, howling loudly.

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

"Amazing!" Ena said, her eyes wide with surprise. "Yuya managed to Fusion and Synchro summon in a single turn!"

"Well, what'd you expect?" Yuji rhetorically asked. "It's Yuya."

"I activate Subterror Masonry's effect!" Zaizen declared. "Once per turn, I can change a Set "Subterror" monster to face-up Defense Position. I Flip Summon Guru!"

The robed blue fiend with a sword reappeared.

Subterror Guru ATK 1600 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Guru's Flip Effect activates! I add Subterror Fiendess to my hand. But since there are no more Set monsters, Archer, Umastryx and Stalagmo lose their power boost."

Subterror Nemesis Archer ATK 2100→1600 DEF 1900→1400

Subterror Behemoth Umastryx ATK 2500→2000 DEF 3200→2700

Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo ATK 3300→2800 DEF 2600→2100

"I could activate Pendulum Dimension's first effect since I used a Pendulum Monster to summon Rune-Eyes, but I think I won't. Battle!" Ringmaster declared. "Meteorburst Dragon attacks Subterror Guru! Meteor Crash!"

Meteorburst Dragon unleashed a sphere of fire from its maw, generating a large explosion that vaporized Guru.

"Next, Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon attacks Subterror Nemesis Archer! And since I used a Level 5 or higher monster to Fusion Summon Rune-Eyes, it can attack three times! Go, Spiral Sky Shot!"

The dragon's large ring became locked in three orbs of light, creating a triangle of electrostatic energy. The dragon fired a beam of blue energy at Archer, destroying it and sending Zaizen skidding backwards.

Zaizen: 4000→2600 LP

"Nemesis Archer's effect activates!" Terminus declared. "When it is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a "Subterror" monster from my Deck in face-up or face-down Defense Position. I Special Summon Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist in face-down Defense Position!"

However, his Duel Disk popped up with an error message, prompting him to look at it in confusion.

"Eh? What's going on? Why isn't Archer's effect activating?"

"That's because of Odd-Eyes Meteorburst Dragon's effect." Ringmaster explained. "As long as this card is face-up on the field, you can't activate monster effects during the Battle Phase! And since it's a passive effect, Borrload cant put a stop to it!"

"That can't be!" Zaizen cried out in shock.

"Don't forget that Rune-Eyes has two attacks left. Rune-Eyes attacks Umastryx!"

"Not so fast!" Zaizen exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Subterror Final Battle! With this card, I can activate one of four effects. I choose to activate its third effect and make Umastryx's attack and defense points equal to its combined attack and defense points until the end of the turn."

"I wouldn't be so sure. At this moment, I activate the Counter Trap Card: Anti-Magic Spear Gae Dearg, from my hand!" Ringmaster abruptly stated. "I can activate this card from my hand if I control a Spellcaster-Type monster! As for its effect, it allows me to negate the activation of a Spell or Trap Card you control and destroy it! As such, Final Battle is destroyed!"

A crimson spear suddenly appeared on the field, piercing through Zaizen's Trap and destroying it.

"Without your Trap, my monster overpowers yours! Go, Double Spiral Sky Shot!"

The previous scene was repeated once again, with Rune-Eyes destroying Umastryx.

Zaizen: 2600→1600 LP

"Lastly, Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon attacks Subterror Behemoth Stalagmo! Triple Spiral Sky Shot!"

An energy blast much larger than the previous two erupted from Rune-Eyes' ring at Stalagmo, destroying it and sending Zaizen tumbling backwards due to the shockwave.

Zaizen: 1600→1400 LP

"Now, the finale!" Ringmaster pointed at Zaizen. "Sacredragon Magician, attack Zaizen directly! Archmage Blast!"

Said monster launched a magical blue blast towards Zaizen.

"I won't give up so easily!" Zaizen yelled as he jumped to a nearby lampost and grabbed an Action Card from it. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Big Escape! Thanks to its effect, the Battle Phase ends!"

"Oh, you used an Action Card to escape?" Ringmaster seemed surprised. "That was quite unexpected. In that case, I place three cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Zaizen looked at his card and smirked. "First, I summon Subterror Fiendess!"

A blue-skinned, purple-haired monster in white armor appeared on his field.

Subterror Fiendess ATK 800→1300 DEF 500→1000 LVL: 1

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Bubble Burst, destroying Cave Clash to draw two more cards. Then, I activate Fiendess's effect! Once per turn, I can change one monster I control to face-down Defense Position, then Special Summon a "Subterror" monster from my hand or Graveyard in face-up or face-down Defense Position. I change Fiendess itself to face-down Defense Position and Special Summon Umastryx from my Graveyard in face-down Defense Position!"

Fiendess disappeared and was replaced by a Set card as another Set card appeared next to it.

"And because another monster was Set on my field, I can Special Summon this monster. Emerge, Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist!"

Amassive pillar of fire appeared on Zaizen's field. And from that pillar, another giant monster appeared. This one was demonic in appearance and blue and yellow. It roared, breaking the windows of several nearby buildings.

Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist ATK 3000 DEF 1400 LVL: 11

Ringmaster braced himself against the wind. "These monsters of his are insane!" he commentated

"I activate Speleogeist's effect!" Zaizen declared. "Once per turn, I can change it to face-down Defense Position!" Like Fiendess before it, Speleogeist disintegrated and a Set card appeared. Zaizen smirked as he continued speaking. "I now activate the Spell Card: Book of Taiyou! With this, I can flip one face-down monster to face-up Attack Position!" Ringmaster grit his teeth as Zaizen pointed to one of his Set cards. "I Flip Summon Speleogeist!"

The blue and yellow demon reappeared, this time in Attack Position.

Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist ATK 3000 DEF 1400 LVL: 11

"Speleogeist's Flip Effect!" Zaizen declared. "Since it was flipped face-up, I can target one monster on the field. That monster's attack points become 0, and if it is in Defense Position, it is changed to Attack Position." Ringmaster gasped. "Your Rune-Eyes is already in Attack Position, but it can still lose its attack points! Go, Speleogeist! Terrifying Drain!"

Speleogeist shot blue flames at the Fusion Monster, who cried out in pain as its attack points decreased.

Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon ATK 3000→0

"Rune-Eyes!" Ringmaster shouted, distraught at seeing one of his best monsters drained like this.

"I'm not done! I activate Subterror Masonry's effect and change Umastryx to face-up Attack Position!"

The massive lizard from before reappeared and roared in Attack Position.

Subterror Behemoth Umastryx ATK 2000 DEF 2700 LVL: 7

"Umastryx's Flip Effect!" Zaizen declared. "When this card is flipped face-up, I can banish one monster you control. I will banish Meteorburst Dragon!"

Umastryx struck the Odd-Eyes Synchro Monster with its drill nose, causing it to disappear.

"I have one more effect to activate," Zaizen revealed. "Because a "Subterror Behemoth" monster was flipped face-up, I can Special Summon this monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Subterror Nemesis Warrior!"

A red-haired young man carrying a large sword appeared on Zaizen's field.

Subterror Nemesis Warrior ATK 1800 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Harpie's Feather Duster! It destroys all your Spell and Trap Cards!"

Following Zaizen's words, a massive wing appeared, creating a gust of wind as it headed straight towards Ringmaster's field, destroying his face-down cards and Pendulum Scale.

"No… My Pendulum Scale," Ringmaster muttered.

"Battle!" Zaizen said. "Speleogeist, attack Rune-Eyes Pendulum Dragon! Terror Domination!"

Speleogeist gathered blue flames in its hands which it lobbed at Rune-Eyes.

"It won't be so easy!" Ringmaster jumped high up into the air and activated his rollerblades, dashing forward and grabbing an Action Card embedded on the wall of a building. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Balloon Carnival! All battle damage I take this turn is halved!"

"But your monster will still be destroyed." Zaizen pointed out.

Upon being struck by Speleogeist's blue flames, Rune-Eyes was obliterated in a large explosion, sending Ringmaster tumbling to the ground.

Ringmaster: 3050→1550 LP

"Not good!" Ringmaster grimaced as he started running for an Action Card. However, just as he spotted one, Speleogeist suddenly appeared before him, blocking his path, allowing Zaizen to grab the Action Card instead.

"Sorry, but you already had your chance," Zaizen said with a sly smile as he waved the Action Card in front of Ringmaster in a playful manner. "I'm afraid giving you a second one is out of the question. I activate the Action Spell Card: Zero Penalty! Through its effect, I'll make Sacredragon Magician's attack points 0!"

Sacredragon Magician ATK 2400→0

"Umastryx, attack Sacedragon Magician!"

Umastryx charged Sacredragon Magician, its drill nose rotating at high speeds, striking it in its chest, destroying it. Ringmaster winced from the damage of the attack.

Ringmaster: 1550→550 LP

"Even with Balloon Carnival's effect in play, you don't have enough Life Points to survive this next attack," Zaizen stated. "Nemesis Warrior attacks you directly!"

"I won't let you!" Ringmaster yelled as he grabbed an Action Card from a nearby lampost. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Evasion! Thanks to it, your attack is negated!"

Nemesis Warrior swung its sword at Ringmaster but missed.

"Yuya, are you okay?" Zuzu asked over the com.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Ringmaster said. "Don't worry. This is nothing but a minor setback."

"I place three cards face-down and end my turn," Zaizen concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "I set the Scale 1 Performapal Monkeyboard in the Pendulum Scale!"

A suited monkey with piano keys in its mouth appeared in a blue pillar.

Performapal Monkeyboard Scale: 1

"I activate Monkeyboard's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, I can add a Level 4 or lower "Performapal" monster from my Deck to my hand." Ringmaster took the card from his Deck and then played it. "With the Scale 8 Performapal Gentrude, I complete the Pendulum Scale!"

A devilish young man with unique short light purple hair and skin appeared in the second pillar. He had demonic green eyes with red, slitted pupils. He wore a black suit with orange bits across the outfit, a white bowtie shirt, and white gloves with tiny armor forehands. He wore a black top hat with a blue strap and red and blue roses with tiny wings. In one hand, he carried a red book with a strange language and a bright star on the front and back of the book while holding a microphone. He also had a pair of demonic wings and a tail.

Performapal Gentrude Scale: 8

"With this, I can simultaneously summon Levels 2 to 7 monsters!" A giant version of Ringmaster's pendant appeared and swung like a pendulum between the pillars. "Swing far, Pendulum! Carve the arc of victory! My monsters are ready to swing into action!"

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

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

"Drop on in, Performapal Drop Gallop!"

"And earn your stripes, Performapal Salutiger!"

Appearing on Ringmaster's field were Odd-Eyes, a pink bipedal horse carrying candy in its arms and a monster resembling a humanoid tiger clad in a performer's outfit.

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

Performapal Drop Gallop ATK 800 DEF 1200 LVL: 5

Performapal Salutiger ATK 1700 DEF 500 LVL: 4

"Looks like Ringmaster's starting to get serious!" the MC stated.

"Drop Gallop's effect activates! Since Drop Gallop was Pendulum Summoned, I can draw cards equal to the amount of "Performapal" monsters that were Pendulum Summoned, in this case, two!" Ringmaster drew then said, "But I don't plan on stopping there! I now entertain my circuit!"

Ringmaster's hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared above his head.

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

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

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

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

The cybernetic dragonic humanoid warrior with red and beige plate armor and a helmet in the shape of Odd-Eyes's head, lined with golden data streams, wielding a Pendulum-like lance, emerged from the Link Portal and was summoned to the Left Extra Monster Zone.

Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Whoa!" the MC said. "Ringmaster has summoned his ace Link Monster!"

"Odd-Eyes Cylancer's effect activates! If it's Link Summoned by using a Pendulum Monster as material, I can select one face-up card on your field, like your Subterror Masonry, and negate its effects! Go Cryptic Cancellation!"

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

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

The hole in Kaleidoscorp's tail glowed and fired a light beam, hitting Speleogeist and Umastryx.

"Since you have monsters on your field that were Special Summoned, one monster on my field can now attack each of them once," Ringmaster explained. "I select Dark Anthelion Dragon!" Ringmaster said, turning to Dark Anthelion, touching its hand, causing him to glow yellow.

Meanwhile, at SOL Technologies…

Skye and Hayami were viewing from Zaizen's office computer.

"Things aren't looking good for Akira," Hayami said. "If Ringmaster attacks any of his monsters and uses Cylancer's effect to boost its attack points, he wins."

"That's true," Skye agreed. "But remember, this is my brother you're talking about and if I know him, he's sure to have something up his sleeve."

At the duel…

"Battle! Cylancer attacks Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist!"

The armored warrior leaped into the air.

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

"That isn't happening," Zaizen said, surprising Ringmaster. "I activate the Trap Card: Panic Wave! By destroying a card on my field, I can negate the effects of all Continuous Spells, Continuous Traps and Effect Monsters until the end of the turn. I destroy the Set Subterror Fiendess!"

The Set Fiendess disintegrated as Panic Wave glowed white before releasing a blast of energy across the field, striking all cards and causing them to grey out.

"This is bad!" Yuji stated. "With Cylancer's effect negated, it can't boost its attack points."

"And it's too late for Ringmaster to call off the attack, meaning if it connects, he'll lose," Ena noted.

"Sorry? But I don't plan on losing this duel!" Ringmaster shouted as he started running. Jumping from one platform to another, before grabbing onto a nearby ring pole and swung himself over to an Action Card hanging on the floating triangle pole, which he then grabbed.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Star Boost! This card increases Cylancer's attack points by 100 times the total Level and Ranks of all monsters on your field!"

"For every Level?" Hayami inquired. "How much is that?"

"Let's see…Speleogeist is a Level 11, so that's 1100 and Umastyx is Level 7, so that's 700," Skye calculated. "Add all those up, and you get…." She finishes counting, and the result makes her gasp with astonishment. "That's 1800!"

"EH?!" Hayami shrieked in fright. "No way!"

Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 2300→4100

"Go, Spiral Cybernetic Lance!"

The warrior held his lance as blue energy in the form of data wrapped around it. He then pointed his weapon towards Speleogesit and released a stream of energy at it, destroying it.

"I activate the Continous Trap Card: Life Force!" Zaizen declared. "By paying 400 Life Points, I can reduce the damage I would take to 0."

A red aura surrounded Zaizen as his Life Points decreased.

Zaizen: 1400→1000 LP

"Not bad, but I'm not done," Ringmaster said. "Star Boost also allows Cylancer to attack all monsters you control."

"What?" Zaizen gasped.

"Go, Spiral Cybernetic Lance!"

Cylinder charged forward and pierced Nemesis Warrior and Umastryx in their chests, destroying them.

"I pay 400 Life Points to activate Life Force's effect twice!"

A red aura surrounded Zaizen as his Life Points decreased again.

Zaizen: 1000→200 LP

"I set one card face-down and end my turn," Ringmaster concluded. "And because it is the End Phase, the effect of Panic Wave and Star Boost ends."

Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 4100→2300

"Amazing!" the MC commented over the roar of the crowd. "Such a back and forth of blows! Just when it looks like Ringmaster has won, Zaizen pulls through by the skin of his teeth! Neither duelist is backing down, and each is giving everything they've got!"

"My turn!" Zaizen announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Subterror Cave Drawings." The card showed a cave wall with drawings in the shape of Behemoth Fiendess and Nemesis Warrior. "This card requires that I discard a "Subterror" monster, and depending on that monster's Level, I draw a number of cards. I discard the Level 9 Subterror Behemoth Voltellruic to draw three cards!"

Zaizen drew and smirked. "Next, I activate the Trap Card: Back to the Front! This Special Summons a monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Speleogeist!"

The blue-and-yellow fiend reappeared and roared at Ringmaster.

Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist ATK 3000 DEF 1400 LVL: 11

"Then, I activate Speleogeist's effect! Once per turn, I can change it to face-down Defense Position!"

The fiend disappeared as a face-down card appeared.

"And because a monster I control was flipped face-down and I control no face-up monsters, I can Special Summon this monster from my hand. Come, Subterror Behemoth Ultramafus!"

Ringmaster looked down as the ground started to shake again. The ground cracked as lava erupted from the streets. "What the heck!?" he said as he swerved to avoid the fire. "What's happening?"

Ringmaster didn't respond as he stared at the monster that emerged from the ground. It had four legs and a very long neck. It seemed to be made of rock and lava. It roared as it finally took its place on Zaizen's field.

Subterror Behemoth Ultramafus ATK 3000 DEF 1800 LVL: 12

"I'm afraid to say that your end begins now, Ringmaster!" Zaizen declared."I activate Subterror Masonry's effect! Once per turn, I can change a Set "Subterror" monster to face-up Attack or Defense Position. I change the Set Speleogeist to face-up Attack Position!"

The blue and yellow demon reappeared, this time in Attack Position.

Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist ATK 3000 DEF 1400 LVL: 11

"Speleogeist's Flip Effect! When it is Flip Summoned, I can make the attack points of one monster on the field 0, and if it is in Defense Position, it changes to Attack Position." Zaizen smirked. "Cylancer may not be in Defense Position, but I can still target it. Terrifying Drain!"

Speleogeist breathed blue flames at the Odd-Eyes Link Monster.

"Nice try, but our star performer won't be upstaged so easily!" Ringmaster declared, activating his rollerblades, climbing to the top of a nearby building and grabbing an Action Card from off the roof. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Invisibility! For the rest of this turn, Odd-Eyes Cylancer cannot be targeted by your card effects and is unaffected by other card effects!"

Cylancer became transparent as the blue flames went through it.

"Nice move. But I can make an even better one," Zaizen said, causing Ringmaster to raise an eyebrow. "Appear, my future circuit!"

Zaizen's hand glowed blue as the Link portal appeared high above them.

"Look out, everyone! Zaizen's Link Summoning!" the MC shouted, stating the obvious.

"Link Arrows authorized!" Zaizen chanted. "The summoning conditions are two Flip monsters! I set Subterror Behemoth Ultramafus and Subterror Behemoth Speleogeist in the Link Arrows!"

His two monsters became streams of yellow and blue wind as they entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows, turning red. The portal glowed with energy as Zaien continued his chant.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Subterror Behemoth Fiendess!"

The monster that appeared was just as large as the last two. It was a large purple dragon with black and pink wings. It wore armor on its chest and waist similar to Subterror Fiendess's, and a long mane of purple hair fell down its neck. It roared as it was summoned to the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Subterror Behemoth Fiendess ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

Ringmaster braced himself as Behemoth Fiendess's roar released powerful blasts of wind. Everyone looked at the Link Monster in shock while Ringmaster glared at it.

"So this is his Link Monster," he muttered to himself.

Zaizen gestured to his monster. "Behemoth Fiendess's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, it gains attack points equal to the combined Levels of the "Subterror" monsters I used times 100!"

Ringmaster's eyes widened. Speleogeist had been Level 11 while Ultramafus had been Level 12. That meant Behemoth Fiendess gained 2300 attack points.

Behemoth Fiendess roared again as its attack points increased.

Subterror Behemoth Fiendess ATK 2000→4300

"I'm ending this now," Terminus told Galahad. "Battle! Behemoth Fiendess, attack Curse Gaia! Final Extinction!" Behemoth Fiendess charged its attack, then released blue fire at Curse Gaia.

Ringmaster noticed an Action Card at the edge of one of the billboards and grabbed it. However, before he could activate it—

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Action Crush!" Zaizen declared while standing on top of a building across from Ringmaster. "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."

"Ringmaster's completely sealed now!" the MC commented. "With Action Cards being unavailable to him, there's no way he can survive this turn."

"Since Cylancer has 0 attack points, Ringmaster will lose if this hits!" Yuji noted, gritting his teeth.

"Yuya…" Zuzu muttered, frowning with concern.

"If you thought locking me out of Action Cards would hinder me, I'm afraid you're mistaken. We Dueltainers always have a trick or two up our sleeves to escape from binds like this. When I'm about to receive battle damage, I can send Performapal Inflater Tapir from my hand to the Graveyard to reduce that damage to 0!"

Following Ringmaster's words, an elephant-shaped balloon appeared in front of him and received Fiendess's attack, bursting into pieces.

"Looks like I managed to live for another turn, Zaizen."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Zaizen suddenly jumped down to a nearby ledge and grabbed an Action Card from it, grinning upon seeing what it was. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Wonder Chance! Due to its effect, one monster on my field can attack once more! I select Behemoth and have it attack you directly! Go, Behemoth Fiendess! Final Extinction!"

The dragon breathed blue fire at Ringmaster, enveloping it in flames before it exploded, covering the field in smoke.

"Did that do it!? Did that attack finish off Ringmaster?" the MC wondered aloud.

When the smoke cleared, Ringmaster was shown to be still standing.

Ringmaster: 550→120 LP

"What just happened?" Zaizen looked perplexed. "Why aren't your Life Points 0?" He then took notice of the Trap Card Ringmaster played. "Reduction Barrier!?"

"That's right," Ringmaster grinned. "When you attacked with Fiendess, I activated it. And reduced the damage by ten percent, meaning instead of taking 4300 points of damage, I only took 430."

"So you survived that," he muttered. "As expected, you would have something up your sleeve. In that case, I need to have as large a lead as possible to win. I activate the Spell Card: Magical Neutralizing Force! With this, all face-up Spell and Trap Cards you control are destroyed!"

"What?" Ringmaster gasped.

"Since Pendulum Cards are treated as Spell Cards while in the Pendulum Zone, they're affected by Neutralizing Force," Zaizen stated as a giant tornado appeared on the field and vaporized both Monkeyboard and Gentrude from the pillars of light.

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions! For every Spell or Trap Card I choose to send to the Graveyard, I gain 1000 Life Points. I send Subterror Masonry and Life Force to the Graveyard to gain 2000 Life Points!"

Following his words, Zaizen was surrounded by a green aura.

Zaizen: 200→2200 LP

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

"This isn't looking good!" the MC said. "Ringmaster has no cards on his field or his hand! The difference between his and Zaizen's Life Points is over 2000! Not to mention that Zaizen's Link Monster has 4300 attack points and he has a face-down card!"

"He's right, Ringmaster," Zaizen said. "To be honest, I thought you would've already won the duel by now, given your skills. But it's plain to see that my skills surpass yours. Maybe you aren't the strong duelist I thought you were."

"You're wrong! There's no way Ringmaster would lose to you!"

Everyone turned their sights in the direction of that familiar voice and was surprised by who they saw. Standing on top of one of the buildings was Maestra with Storm Rider and Sanctum standing beside her.

"Maestra? What are you doing here?" Ringmaster asked.

"What does it look like?" she rhetorically asked. "I'm here to cheer you on!"

"Same reason why we're here," Sanctum added.

"C'mon, Ringmaster. You're really going to let some snobby CEO beat you down like this?" Storm Rider asked. "If you lose here, you'll bring shame to the entire Top 10. You don't what that do you?"

"Of course not," Ringmaster replied as he narrowed his eyes at Zaizen. They're right. I can't afford to lose here. But I have to admit, Zaizen is an amazing duelist. Archangel, Gore, The Shepherd, Soulburner; none of them could push me like Zaizen has. The only people who've been able to push me this far are Declan, Varis and even Playmaker. But… He narrowed his eyes with determination. I will emerge victorious in the end!

He placed his hand on his Deck. "My turn! I draw!" He looked at his card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Performapal Present!" The card showed Performapal Hip Hippo, Kuribohble and Smile Sorcerer running from a colorful store, carrying large colorful boxes that contained items for their next show. "This card lets me banish up to two "Performapal" monsters from my Graveyard with different names and draw the same number of cards. Furthermore, since I had no cards in my hand when I activated this card, I can draw an extra card. I banish Performapal Inflater Tapir and Drop Gallop and draw three cards!"

Ringmaster drew his card and grinned as his eyes narrowed. Perfect. With these cards, he could win.

"I'll show you the conclusion of this Duel, Zaizen!" Ringmaster declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn! This card lets me Special Summon one monster from either of our Graveyards. I Special Summon Odd-Eyes Cylancer from my Graveyard!"

A portal appeared on Ringmaster's field, with Cylancer emerging from it.

Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Next, I set the Scale 1 Glitch Magician in my Pendulum Zone!"

A young male magician with short spiky silver hair with red highlights and dressed in a dark blue, hooded magician robe holding a small staff with a white crystal on the top with its body appeared in a blue pillar.

Glitch Magician Scale: 1

"Why'd you do that? You can't Pendulum Summon with just one," Zaizen pointed out.

"I did it to use Glitch Magician's Pendulum Effect," Ringmaster answered. "By returning a face-up Pendulum Monster, like my Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon from my Extra Deck to my hand, I can summon Glitch Magician from the Pendulum Zone!"

Glitch Magician vanished from the pillar of light and reappeared on Ringmaster's field.

Glitch Magician ATK 1600 DEF 1600 LVL: 4 PS: 8.

"That trick isn't enough to overcome Behemoth Fiendess! Your Cylancer and Magician cannot defeat Playmaker!"

"It won't need to!" Ringmaster stated. "Here and now, Cylancer and Glitch Magician aren't the monsters that will help me win this duel!" He raised his right hand as it glowed with blue light. ''Appear, the circuit that creates smiles!''

A burst of electricity taking the shape of smiles flies up to the sky, and they swirl together, becoming a Link Portal.

'Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect monsters! I set Odd-Eyes Cylancer and Glitch Magician in the Link Arrows!''

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy, with Cylancer splitting into three as they entered the left, right, bottom-left, and top-right arrows, turning them red.

"Warrior with wondrous and beautiful dichromatic eyes. Arm yourself with the dragon's pride, and silence the battle cries of our foes! Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear, Link-4! Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer!"

A cybernetic humanoid warrior with fair skin, a purple left eye and a yellow right eye, the latter having its pupil slit, thus giving it a dragonic appearance and short, spiky crimson hair. He wore a black jumpsuit with glowing light blue highlights under armor that had a similar design to Decode Talker but featured purple crystalline spikes on his shoulders, elbows, and knees and was colored red with golden accents. It also had a crimson orb inlaid in its left forearm, a green orb in its right thigh, and a helmet with large horns reminiscent of Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon's emerging from its sides. He wielded a crystalline lance in each of its hands, one light blue and one red, both with a pendulum of the opposite color hanging from its handle, summoned to the Left Extra Monster Zone.

Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 2800 LINK-4 ←↙↗→

"S-Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer?" Zaizen said, his eyes wide with surprise at such a monster.

Ringmaster gestured to his monster. "Since I used a "Performapal", "Odd-Eyes", or "Magician" Link Monster as material to summon Supreme King Cylancer, I can target cards on your field equal to its Link Rating and negate their effects. I select Subterror Behemoth Fiendess! Go, Cryptic Overwrite!"

Cylancer clangs its lances together, causing the pendulums attached to their handles to wave and glow, releasing a wave of static energy at the Subterror Link Monster, greying it out.

Subterror Behemoth Fiendess ATK 4300→2000

"And I don't plan on stopping there," Ringmaster said. "I set the Scale 4 Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon in my Pendulum Zone!"

Following his words, Odd-Eyes appeared inside one of the pillars of light.

Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon Scale: 4

"Lastly, I activate the Spell Card: Gap Power! Until the end of the Battle Phase, one monster I control gains attack points equal to half the difference between our Life Points. The difference between our Life Points is 2080! I add half of that to Supreme King Odd-Eye Cylancer''s attack points!"

Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 2800→3840

Ringmaster gestured to his field. "Battle! Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer, attack Firewall Dragon!"

Cylancer leaped up high into the air.

"Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer's additional effect activates! When it attacks a monster, I can target a Pendulum Card it points to and have it gain attack points equal to half of the targeted card's attack points."

"What?" Zaizen gasped again. "But you don't control any Pendulum Monsters!"

"You need to get your ears checked; otherwise, you would've known I said Pendulum Card and not Pendulum Monster," Ringmaster corrected him, causing Zaizen's eyes to widen as he saw Cylancer pointing to Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon.

"Since Cylancer's bottom-left Link Arrow points to Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon, it gains 1250 attack points!"

The crimson and green glow from the orbs on the warrior's body began to spread to the entirety of its lances.

Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 3840→5090

"Not bad. You fought well, but in the end, I was one step ahead of you, Ringmaster," Zaizen said. "I activate my last face-down, the Trap Card: Subterror Revolution!" The card showed Subterror Fiendess hovering over a pit of Subterror Behemoth monsters, with her right hand raised as they all roared. "If I control a "Subterror" monster in the Extra Monster Zone, this card lets me return one card you control to the Deck! I return Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer to your Extra Deck!"

"Not so fast!" Ringmaster shouted as he activated his rollerblades and climbed up a nearby building, grabbing an Action Card from the billboard on top of it. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Trap Eraser! This negates the activation of your Trap Card and shuffles it back into your Deck!"

"What?" Zaizen watched as his Trap Card disintegrated.

"Continue, Supreme King Cylancer!"

As Odd-Eyes prepared to attack, Zaizen gestured at Behemoth Fiendess, bringing him to the top of a skyscraper, where an Action Card was located. Ringmaster wasted no time activating his rollerblades, using a nearby ramp as a makeshift path to sail through the air and land at the top of a bus, where he grabbed the Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Overpass!" Zaizen declared. "Through its effect, the attack points of our monsters are switched!"

Subterror Behemoth Fiendess ATK 2000→5090

Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 5090→2000

"Now Zaizen's Link Monster is stronger than Ringmaster's Link Monster!" the MC shouted. "Has Ringmaster's counterattack failed!?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Ringmaster exclaimed. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Miracle Fire, whose effect allows me to copy Overpass's effect! In other words, our monsters' attack points are switched back to normal!"

Subterror Behemoth Fiendess ATK 5090→2000

Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer ATK 2000→5090

"This is the finale!" Ringmaster declared. "Go, Supreme King Odd-Eyes Cylancer! Cybernetic Oscillation!"

Both of Cylancer's lances glowed as he spun them in his hands before leaping forward, bringing them down in unison towards Firewall Dragon, piercing right through its body, destroying it in a massive explosion. Zaizen was sent flying backwards, a small, satisfied smile on his face.

Zaizen: 2200→0 LP

"It's…it's settled!" the MC yelled enthusiastically. "After numerous twists and turns, the first Action Duel since the Arbiter's and Zarc's defeat has concluded with Ringmaster's victory! What a spectacle! Everyone watching from their homes, please give these two duelists a warm round of applause!"

"Nice job out there, Mr. Dueltainer." Storm Rider said as he and the others ran towards Ringmaster. "I have to be honest. There were times I thought you were going to lose. But always, you managed to pull through."

"Thanks, Storm Rider." Ringmaster smirked. "There were times I also thought I was going to lose…."

"You've done well, Ringmaster." Ena praised. "Words alone cannot describe how happy we are."

"Congratulations, Ringmaster," Maestra said with a radiant smile. "That was a great Duel. I believed that you could defeat Zaizen."

"Erm, well… Yeah, thanks, Maestra…."

A faint blush appeared on Yuya's face as he turned away from Maestra. Ringmaster walked over to the downed Zaizen and offered him a hand. The teal-haired man grabbed it as Ringmaster helped him stand up.

"That was a fine Duel, one of the best I've had so far," Zaizen said as he shook Yukio's hand. "As you requested, I fought while holding nothing back. What about you?"

"Well…I gave it almost everything I got." Ringmaster admitted with a sheepish expression. "Like, seventy-five percent of it."

"Fair enough," Zaizen said. Therefore, I suppose there shouldn't be any problem with going ahead with my announcement."

"Announcement?" Ringmaster raised an eyebrow. "What announcement?"

"You'll see," Zaizen said as he turned to one of the camera crews approaching him. "Ladies and gentlemen of LINK VRAINS and Den City, I hope our Duel sufficiently entertained you. But apart from offering you entertainment, this match was also conducted as a means to test whether our installment to the Real Solid Vision system was successful or not. You will have a chance to interview our scientists for additional details, but from experience, I can tell you that it was a success. As such, once the authorities grant permission, the various schools and institutions across the globe will be able to conduct Action Duel training again without any restriction in a few days at the latest."

"That sounds amazing!" Storm Rider cheered upon hearing that announcement. "I can't wait to experience an Action Duel!"

"While this may be a new and sudden change, I believe it will make dueling better and fun for everyone," Zaizen said. "To celebrate that, as well as the fruits of everyone's labor to make Action Duels available to us, the Masters' Tournament that happened a few months ago will continue, albeit slightly different."

"Eh?" Ringmaster was surprised upon hearing that. "The Master's Tournament will continue?"

"Instead of multiple participants, our recent new allies, the Lancers and our own Top 10 will participate in this Dueling festival." Zarc continued. "I believe they are the most qualified to give everyone spectacular Duels that will keep them on the edge of their seat and fuel everyone's passion for Dueling."

After saying so, Zaizen turned away from the camera and back to Ringmaster, who was looking at him with an expectant look as he spoke.

"Seriously, Zaizen? The Lancers and Top 10 are going against one another?" Ringmaster asked. "Does Zero know about this?"

"Of course I do. It was my idea, after all."

Ringmaster turned and saw Zero and the Lancers alongside Blue Maiden, Soulburner, Gore Roselyn, Charmcaster and surprisingly, Chevalier.

"Mordred?" Maestra said. "I thought you were doing community service to compensate for working with the Arbiters.

"This is my community service. And I no longer go by Mordred. I'm Chevalier again," he said.

"He's right," Charmcaster stated. "Your comrade Darius decided not to participate, and Zaizen asked Chevalier if he would like to take his place instead."

"And as expected, he said yes," Roselyn added.

"I thought a tournament would be the best to calm everyone who still may be a little shook up after recent events," Zero said.

"And I'm glad you did," Gore said. "I look forward to facing any of you in a match, especially you, Ringmaster. I intend to have that rematch against you."

"Get in line, Gore," Soulburner said with a fierce expression. "There's only one person fit to have a rematch against Ringmaster, and that's me! I will defeat both of you and be the winner!"

"Hoh, how interesting." Gore's smirk became wider. "The more participants in a race, the more exciting it will be. I'll accept your challenge any time, Soulburner."

"Looks like those two are fired up," Blue Maiden commented with a smile. "Plus, there's a big prize for the winner of this tournament."

"Big prize?" Ringmaster repeated. "What is it?"

"You'll soon find out," Zaizen said. Now, I would ask for the chosen participants to board these hovercrafts and the rest of the Lancers to vacate the stadium."

Everyone did as instructed. Once the chosen duelists were on board, the hovercrafts took off and formed a circle around a section of LINK VRAINS, with each hovercraft equidistant from one another. At the same time, several Real Solid Vision projectors emerged from the ground and the sides of buildings.

"First up, let's prepare the battle stage our participants will compete in," Zaizen said. "Action Field On! Quartet of Quandry, activate!"

The Real Solid Vision devices initialized following Zaizen's words, transforming a section of the city into four distinct areas of volcanic, freezing, forest-like and ravaged conditions.

"The field has been divided into four different battle areas." Zaizen started explaining. "However, to expedite matters, only one section of the city has been altered instead of its entirety. The match-ups are also entirely to the duelists' discretion. Their Duel Disks have been updated with software that tracks the approximate location of every other duelist participating in the battle."

"Avoiding duelists until you come across your preferred match-up is a valid strategy, as is forging forward and fighting whoever you encounter in front of you." Zero continued. "Once two duelists are close to one another, their Duel Disks will automatically initiate a Duel that cannot be interrupted by another contestant."

"The victor will have their Duel Disk locked and unable to participate in another match until the round is cleared," Zaizen said. "Of course, this holds for all rounds."

"And what about Speed Duels, you ask?" Zero said. "If you're a fan of them like me, you won't be disappointed. Should one of the participants come across a duelist who can Speed Duel or prefers Speed Duels over Master Duels, they must engage in a Speed Duel with them unless both participants agree not to. Moreover, two duelists can engage in a Speed Duel if both agree. The D-Boards required for the match will be instantly transported to the participants."

"That's everything the contestants and the audience need to know," Zaizen said. "As such, it's time to start the festival! duelists locked in battle!"

"Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters!"

"They storm through this field!"

"Behold!" The audience all chanted together. "This is the newest and greatest evolution of Dueling! Action—!"

"Duel!"

The sixteen duelists shouted together as they started running while the Action Cards scattered across the field.

And that concludes Chapter 47 and reveals the big surprise I mentioned in the last chapter. I got the idea from dvdryms fanfic, The Fifth Factor, so shoutout to him. I decided to do a special exhibition match before the announcement since I figured it would excite the crowd. This Duel was rather tricky to write, so I hope it came out alright. The next chapter will be the start of the tournament and as for the Match-Ups, let me know in the reviews if you want me to list them in an updated version of this chapter or keep them a surprise. As for the big prize at the end, I'll keep that secret for now. But do let me know in the reviews what you think it is

Well, that's all for now. I hope everyone is doing alright with the ongoing pandemic, and, as always, please read, review, favorite and follow.

See you all next time!

OC Card Memo:

Subterror Cave Drawings Normal Spell Card

Send 1 "Subterror" monster from your hand to the GY, then apply 1 of the following effects depending on the Level of the sent monster:

-1-4: Draw 1 card.

-5-8: Draw 2 cards.

-9-12: Draw 3 cards.

You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Subterror" monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your field in face-down Defense Position. The monster Special Summoned by this effect cannot be flipped face-up the turn it is Special Summoned. You can only activate 1 effect of "Subterror Cave Drawings" per turn and only once per turn.

Subterror Masonry Continuous Trap Card

Your opponent cannot target "Subterror" monsters you control with card effects. You can activate each of the following effects of "Subterror Masonry" once per turn:

-You can target 1 face-down "Subterror" monster you control; change it to face-up Attack or Defense Position.

-You can target 1 face-up "Subterror" monster you control; change it to face-down Defense Position.

Subterror Revolution Normal Trap Card

If you control a "Subterror" monster in the Extra Monster Zone: Target 1 card your opponent controls; return that card to your opponent's Deck. Also, for the rest of the turn, your opponent cannot activate or Summon cards with the same original name as that card. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Subterror" monster you control; until the end of the turn, that monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. Also, you take no battle damage from battles involving your face-down monsters. You can only use each effect of "Subterror Revolution" once per turn.

Vision Barrier

Action Card

Card effects for this turn cannot target monsters on your field.

Performapal Present

Normal Spell Card

Target up to 2 "Performapal" monsters in your GY with different names; banish them, and if you do, draw cards from your Deck equal to the number of monsters banished +1 additional card if both monsters were Pendulum Monsters. Draw one additional card if you had no cards in your hand when you activated this card. You can only activate 1 "Performapal Present" per turn.

Anti-Magic Spear Gae Dearg

Counter Trap Card

If your opponent activates a Spell or a Trap Card, you can negate its activation and destroy it. This card can be activated from your hand if you control a Spellcaster-type Monster. When an opponent's monster activates its effect, you can banish this card from your Graveyard to negate that effect's activation.