Chapter Nine: The Infernal Strings of Fate
(Hanoi)
"It looks like SOL is finally starting fall apart under its own weight, Master Revolver." Spectre said matter-of-factly as he stood by Revolver re-watching Seraph's duel with Colt "If they can't even trust each other then there is no way for them to stop us in our mission."
"Indeed." Revolver concurred, crossing his arms and staring intently at the screen "But the question remains of just who this Seraph character truly is and the one who sent for him in the first place. What information do you have on him at the moment?"
"Unfortunately, I couldn't gather much information on him. Much like Playmaker all of his records have been deleted from the second he outs of the system. However, from what data I got my hands on I was able to deduct that he is the same age as Mammon and Playmaker and is also a student at Den Academy." Spectre reported.
Revolver then clutched his right arm tightly as images of the two people Spectre mentioned infiltrated his mind "What of his contractor?" He asked quickly to try and dispel those thoughts.
Spectre's lips quirked up into a smirk "Now that's where it gets interesting. Given the program Seraph used on Blue Angel and his ability to manipulate the network at will, the contractor's a high ranking official at SOL. But the most interesting part about that is how said contractor is referred to. He's referred to as the Master of the Hellish Yard."
"Master of the Hellish Yard?" Revolver muttered, processing the information when something struck him causing him to mimic Spectre's smirk "Spectre, make sure that everything is ready for Project Another and call Mammon here, I have something to discuss with him."
"As you wish, Master Revolver." Spectre said with a bow before dissolving into cerulean pixels, leaving Revolver by himself.
'The Master of the Hellish Yard and his guardian angel, Seraph. I can't let them interfere with Father's plan. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure we will be the victors in this battle!' Revolver declared mentally awaiting Sateriasis arrival.
(Next Day)
Aoi was quite confused as to what she was doing here. No, scratch that. She was very confused. To be honest, he kinda lost her train of thought when she walked past the room to begin with.
Maybe it was the scene of a lone blue haired standing the music suite holding a snow white violin that had intricate purple and black carvings on either end. Or maybe it was the soft voice coming out of said boy that entranced her.
Either way, right now she was standing in the doorway, just within ear shot of the song. "There was an angel who lost both her wings, for a black vow she made she had given her everything. Even the past that she had loved with all her heart, she had taken into her hands and torn it all apart."
The lyrics tugged at Aoi's heartstrings, it also didn't help that the teen's general bearing and tone made it seem like he was putting everything into this performance. 'It's a shame no else can hear it.' Aoi thought solemnly.
"Knowing that there's no way for me to go back, I've relinquished the bonds that connected me to my past. All I regret is having regretted at all, let me drown in your presence as I take the final fall. Even if exiled from heaven's door, she will stay fateful to the vow that she once swore, till the sins will regain the purity they once had before!" The music reached a crescendo at the end and then gently faded over time until the only thing that could be heard was the teen's meek breathing.
"That was beautiful…" The words slipped out of Aoi's mouth before she could even think, she quickly gasped and covered her mouth as the teen turned around, his dull grey eyes locking with her own.
"Ah, hello there." Came the soft reply alongside a half smile before he turned his attention back to the violin that lay at his side "I'm guessing you heard me. I'm Haizaki Shirogane, pleasure to make your acquaintance." Haizaki was wearing the usual school uniform with the major difference being that in place of the tie was his blue scarf draped over his shoulders much like his Vrains avatar. Over the top of said scarf was what appeared to be a small silver vial.
"Aoi Zaizen, are you new here? I don't think I've seen you around before." Aoi said causing Haizaki to smirk in reply.
"Yeah, I transferred here about a week or so ago." He said before he took on a more somber look and tone "To be honest, I'm surprised you noticed me at first glance. Very few people would even take a cursory glance in my direction. I'm what you call a phantom."
"I see." Aoi muttered, even though she'd just met him Haizaki seemed to be a lot like Sateriasis to her. But instead of that intense dark aura that clung like glue to the long haired male, Haizaki had very little aura if any at all yet from what she could gather it seemed as if he was use to people ignoring his being which Aoi couldn't help but sympathise with him about.
"I hope you don't mind." Haizaki said out of the blue, his eyes once more drifting to the violin "But I'm not quite finished with my practice."
"Oh…Okay. I understand." Aoi replied already starting to leave the room until Haizaki spontaneously called out to her.
"Wait. Do you want to listen?" His voice replicating his usual suave calming tone.
Aoi seemed conflicted for the moment, looking out of the doorway before switching her to Haizaki who had turned his back at this point "Yeah, I think I will, Shirogane." She said, not noticing the now predatory glint in the teen's soulless eyes.
(Later)(SOL Technologies)
"Unbelievable…" Zitor groaned pinching the bridge of his nose and taking a deep breath as Kitamura who looked as if he was about to shit himself cowered in terror of punishment the head of development could bestow upon him.
"I-I c-can explain!" Kitamura yelled then yelped when he was met with Zitor's soul piercing stare.
"Spill it then." Zitor commanded in his most authoritative voice which he usually only used when talking with the higher ups.
Kitamura grimaced "It was Hanoi…" He squeaked out, twiddling his thumbs, desperately trying to avoid any eye contact "More specifically it was two of them… I can't hardly even believe it myself! All my hard work! My promotion!"
It was then that Zitor's eerie laugh penetrated the air, the grin he flashed showing just how amused with the situation he really was. "You sycophantic people make me laugh. All talk and no bite, a dog that's forsaken its fangs. Do you know why you even still have a job here?" He said raising an eyebrow at Kitamura, who looked like he might melt under the pressure "It's because you're a useless scoundrel who's easy to manipulate."
Before Kitamura could even open his mouth to retaliate, Zitor continued his tirade "An entire army of 100% Ai duelists, totalling in the hundreds, wiped out by two people. If I were you I'd be very worried about your job security and your future." His look then turned deadly and his eyes were narrowed "Get out of my sight."
"No! Wait please!" Kitamura yelped with his voice almost at a quiver "I'll do anything!"
Behind the hand covering his mouth, Zitor's grin stretched into one of pure malicious intent.
(Den City plaza)
"Hey, Sat. Have you see this?" Allen said pulling up a string of comments on the Link VRAINS discussion board flacking Kitamura for his spectacular failure. Turns out that fulfilling your own ego about how great you were first, wasn't exactly the greatest move to preserve your legacy when the inevitable failure was just around the corner.
"It serves him right. If I was in charge his head would've been mounted on a pike." Sateriasis concurred, taking a sip from his drink. Both of them were currently sat at the tables set up outside Café Nagi, Allen had been busy most of the time stuffing his face whilst Sateriasis sat there mulling over what Revolver had told him the day prior. "But I can assume your dad has already put him through hell and back?"
It was phrased more as a rhetorical question but that didn't stop Allen from inflating his own self pride "Yeah! I doubt that he'll even be alive after that meeting!"
Sateriasis sighed as he bit down on the straw lodged in his mouth 'Honestly, I was hoping he would stay on longer. We could use someone so incompetent that even basic management skills are badly lacking making attacks easier. But, alas, it was not to be.'
"I wouldn't be surprised if Dad did take over the post." Allen said, half prideful but the way his eyes flickered suggested to Sateriasis that something wasn't sitting right with his counterpart "He's always been a hard-line perfectionist, I doubt that he'll allow this to be swept under the rug. I've also heard him complain about 'undesirables' in the security department. This seems like his moment."
Once more there was a flash of Allen's eyes and the slight tightening of his hand around his drink didn't go unnoticed 'He must still be angry at Allen for that whole thing with Colt.' Sateriasis look another look at the now sullen Allen and swiftly decided to change the subject "What do you think of what happened in VRAINS yesterday?"
Allen's eyes lit up and he appeared to have forgotten his own troubles for the moment "Of course I did. It's a bit hard when the highest ranked charisma duelist is kidnapped and held hostage in front of everyone. And by some enigma of the system no less!"
"I wonder if his cards are valuable." Sateriasis said idly, his mind already off in his own avaricious desires.
"Jesus Christ, you're petty." Allen whined, kicking Sateriasis under the table to snap him out of his reverie. However, all that earned him was a swift accurate strike to the groin area as the attacker had a glare so intense that it could burn holes through his head.
"I highly suggest you don't do that again. We don't want a repeat of the previous incident." Sateriasis' disdain was evident and Allen started to subconsciously rub his black eye. "Anyway, that Seraph seems like quite the interesting case. I can at least commend him on using Blue Angel as a target though." There was a somewhat predatory gleam in the purple haired teen's eyes.
"Honestly, I don't get why you hate her so much."
Sateriasis began to reply but was cut-off by the sound of his phone, at the sight of the caller ID he immediately left the chair and walked off into the distance leaving Allen in the dust fuming "Oi! You can't just quit on me like that!" Then he too ran off in pursuit.
Meanwhile, having sat silently in the background observing the conversation, Yusaku and Shoichi started to converse themselves. "So that's him. Sateriasis Marlon, son of the man who hid the truth of the lost incident and prevented justice from being served." It took all of Shoichi's willpower not to cause a big scene, instead resorting to pounding the inside of the van every now and then.
"His friend mentioned about his father working at SOL…" Yusaku said as Ai jumped in to finish for him 'And he does look oddly familiar… Got it! He's son of that Lucifinia creep!'
Yusaku and Shoichi only looked at each other in a kind of telepathic conversation as they stared off into the distance where Sateriasis and Allen had started off.
(Later)(Hanoi)
"Well done, Baira." Faust said as Baira teleported in "Now SOL Technologies will remain quiet for a while." This was in reference to the two of them destroying the 100% Ai army that Kitamura had created, leading to his lambasting online due the fact he'd ran his mouth about how they would crush the Knights.
However, Baira didn't look too happy "Are you fine with this? If Dr Kogami's plan is implemented, it'll be the biggest cyber-crime in history. That means Revolver, as leader of the Knights of Hanoi will commit a historic crime. Sateriasis will have assisted in it too. You're fine with that?" She seemed particularly impassioned at the end.
When Faust didn't respond, Baira continued on "Because you think of Revolver as a younger brother and you know how Sateriasis feels about the two of us, remember the state he was in. As the mastermind behind the Anothers, I'd be lying as I didn't feel guilt. But the guilt shackled upon both of them will be one hundred times greater!"
Faust finally responded "To stop Dr Kogami's plan before it is implemented, we must defeat Playmaker, acquire the Ignis and find the cyberse world first. That's why we need Anothers as a way to capture Playmaker. Don't blame yourself too much."
"Okay. Thank you, Faust." Baira gained a slightly happier expression.
"If Playmaker is searching for the removal program, he may eventually come for you."
"That'll be convenient. I'll finish him there. I will acquire the Ignis!"
Elsewhere in another section of the base, Revolver and Mammon were conversing as well with Spectre observing silently in the background. The leader standing slightly in front of the hunter who hung back.
"There is someone who I would like you to gather info on." At this Mammon's ears perked up although he could probably guess who it was going to be.
"Very well, who is it?" Mammon asked with a knowing look, simply waiting for the conformation.
Revolver smirked at the hunter's attitude "The individual know as Seraph. He and his contractor are all but guaranteed to interfere with our plans, he needs to be neutralised before he makes his next move."
Mammon bowed "Certainly. I'll have him dealt with." He then walked off dissolving into cerulean pixels with each step.
Once Mammon had left, Spectre stepped forward "Master Revolver." He began "I see that you made no mention of the data we already had on Seraph to Mammon, especially the data about his contractor. Why is that?"
"Some things are best left unsaid, Spectre. I'll leave it to him to find out."
(Link VRAINS)
"Haizaki." The same voice that gave him his purpose filled Seraph's ears, making him smirk. Currently the green haired male was standing by himself in one of the dark alleyways inhabiting the outskirts of the server "Hanoi are making their move, they've already begun Project Another and now the lieutenants are making themselves known. I have half a mind to crush them myself but I can't leave my post just yet. In the meantime, you have my authority to take any methods necessary to eliminate them."
"Yes, Sir." Seraph replied dutifully as he fiddle with his mask.
'Good but let me make this clear. You are not to fail me again. Understand?' It was the creeping sense of ire in his contractor's voice that made Seraph's grin go crooked, he couldn't help but take pleasure in the annoyance and misfortunes in others, even if this was his contractor.
"Absolutely, you needn't have any concern." The connection was shut off shortly afterwards leaving Seraph by himself, he then leaned on the nearby wall deep in thought 'Hanoi, huh?' He then broke into a near maniacal laugh 'It'll take a thousand of those pathetic souls to even scratch me and another thousand to even lick the boots that will crush them!' His hand began to glow yellow and with a swift flick he had vanished from the scene.
Meanwhile in another area of VRAINS, there was an infestation of lower ranked knights, they were swarming over a group of individuals. Throwing cards at them to prevent their escape and laughing manically at their targets' misfortunes.
Observing them from a rooftop, were Revolver who stood closer to the edge and Mammon who was slightly behind him. "Over a thousand people have joined the Knights of Hanoi, but they're mostly hoodlums."
"I'm not sure what you expect." Mammon answered, despite the fact it was Revolver's soliloquy "There will always be people out there, who are simply life's rebels. Only joining groups like this for the sake of being against the system or for their own self gain. It's disgusting to see." Mammon didn't quite grasp the irony of his last statement.
Then, there was the sound of more footsteps. Ones belonging to Faust and Baira "They tarnish the Knights of Hanoi reputation." Faust said as Revolver walked towards them, Mammon stayed in the background "Now is the time to fulfil Dr Kogami's wishes."
"Our mission is to kill the Ignis." Baira said.
"Dr Genome is making his move." Faust started.
"We've given him the data gale." Baira finished for him.
"Very well." Revolver replied
The time passed on and the attacks became more and more random "Hack worm attacks you directly!" Somehow even the weakest monster in Hanoi's arsenal was running absolutely rampant, turning anyone and everyone in Anothers.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for, Playmaker had arrived to the uproar of nearly everyone watching. For the three knights and Mammon on the rooftop however, it was an open and shut case. "That isn't Playmaker." Mammon stated "I can't tell who exactly it is but that is really shoddy code."
The imposter didn't do themselves any favours with how they spoke "You're parasites infecting Link VRAINS! Any one of you can challenge me! Bring it on!"
But to the regular Knights, they couldn't tell the difference "You fool!" One in a green mask taunted "We got you to show up!" Another in a purple mask declared as the two of them swept in a pincer movement.
"You puny files!" The imposter yelled, dodging the first lunge and then a card that would've prevented him from logging out. That didn't stop the Knights as they made a second attempted to prevent him from logging out, but all that resulted in was hitting the other Knight as the imposter jumped out of the way. The fight ensued and it resulted in one Knight getting stuck in a tree and angrily declaring "I'll beat you in a duel next time we meet!"
Leading the imposter to reply "You're garbage that isn't worth duelling! Just be happy that I fought you!"
"You're Playmaker?" The voice of Dr Genome came out of seemingly nowhere.
"You showed up, Dr Genome!"
"I think it's time we left." Revolver said, directing the command at everyone. Leading the all of them bar Mammon to vanish from the scene.
This happened just as Dr Genome began a speech "Do you know what 'Genome' means? 'Genome' is a combination of 'gene' and 'Chromosome'. It's all the genetic information in DNA. When I researched it, I found that the arrangement of DNA and programs are similar."
"What are you trying to say?"
"I remember seeing your program, Go Onizuka!"
For a moment the imposter's face contorted but he then started to laugh "Since I got you to show up, I don't need this disguise anymore!" The program dissolved in golden pixels revealing that the imposter was indeed Go.
"So you've decided to join us and hunt Playmaker."
"I came here for Makoto." Go stated matter-of-factly.
"Oh. That guy." Dr Genome sounded disappointed "You came here for revenge?"
"Not only that. I know Playmaker's identity." That statement seemed to shock everyone watching from Den city, including Yusaku who was watching.
'W-What! First it's that Lucifinia creep, now it's Go! How is this even possible?' Ai was startled beyond belief.
"Why should I believe you?" Dr Genome sounded unimpressed.
"That's up to you. But let me declare this! Let's duel for Playmaker's identity and the Another virus removal program!"
But just as they were about to begin a voice penetrated the air "Halt!" Almost simultaneous with the command, the environment around them shifted, with the buildings moving and blocking off their paths nearly causing them to crash before the datastorm had created a path just about bringing them out of harm's way.
"What! Who the hell did that!?" Go yelled, behind him Dr Genome was just as perplexed as to how that happened.
"That would be me." At this time Seraph made himself know to the three onlookers, his hand glowing a deep purple colour. Slowly he began to walk to the edge of the building he was on. The faces pulled by the other three and everyone watching in the plaza only seemed to solidify the enigmatic nature of Seraph. He was casually meandering towards them on the air.
'W-What! That's got to be impossible! No one can do that without a D-board!' Mammon's jaw had pretty much hit the floor whilst Seraph wandered ever closer before stopping right in the centre of the datastorm's track.
"How dare you interfere in our duel?! Get out of here now!" Go shouted once the initial shock of Seraph's entrance had subsided now he was filled with ire.
Seraph merely looked down his nose at the charisma duelist "Last time I checked, I had the power to manipulate this system to my will. I highly suggest you lower your head before you say something you may regret, Go Onizuka. However…" He then turned his attention to the other participants with a malicious crooked grin "Hanoi! You are my main target!"
That statement caught everyone completely off guard. The other day, the same person had kidnapped VRAINS' biggest idol, now he was playing the part of an anti-hero by declaring his position against Hanoi. Even Yusaku was struggling to piece two and two together.
The green haired male surveyed the landscape, his eyes then fell upon the frame of Mammon and he began to saunter over almost lethargically "Heh. So, it is me versus you then. How interesting…" Seraph said, getting right up in the hunter's face.
"If you think your little stunts and tricks will cause me to lose my cool then you've got anything coming." Mammon proclaimed defiantly, his look shifting from one of surprise to one of steely determination.
"I don't need to think if I already know. Man proposes, God disposes." Seraph replied cryptically as he retreated back to a position further on the rooftop "Now, let's make this a little more interesting." His hand began to glow a bright blazing orange colour and cracks began to form all around the nearby area, out of them flames began to erupt surrounding all of the duelists there. The outburst continued until it encapsulated the area in a dome shape, severing the data storm's connection which would've had potentially fatal consequences to the duelists on the D-boards if it weren't for the face that they were now independently flying in said dome. "This is a special circuit that was gifted to me by my contractor. Once ensnared in it, the only way to way out is if the holder is defeated in a duel. Until then every piece of data, every string of code, including your own personal code is under my control."
Go and Dr Genome both gulped audibly whilst Mammon tried his best to conceal his surprise under a mask of amusement "Is that so? Then, I'll just have to finish you off quickly then!"
In response Seraph laughed coldly, he then turned to Go and Dr Genome "You two are free to continue with your little spat if you want. Just don't disturb the adults here, you got that?" He sneered with a shit eating grin the size of the galaxy plastered on his face.
"Why you! You have no right to interfere! This is our battle!" Go snarled, wishing that he could just deck the little shit right here and now while Dr Genome stayed silent, holding his chin deep in thought 'He has a program like the data gale as well? Ryoken was correct, he is too dangerous to leave unattended.'
Almost as soon as the words left Go's mouth, Seraph clenched his outstretched glowing hand. The effect was felt instantly as Go felt a sudden blast of pain surge through him causing him to fall on his knees, clutching his sides. "There's only one person in existence that can talk to me like that. I warned you to lower your head but it seems to have been lost in translation. Don't test me." Seraph retorted, the glow evaporating from his hand returning Go to normal as he faced Mammon again "Now, shall we begin?" He drawled as if nothing happened.
"So we shall." Mammon concurred, completely unfazed by Seraph's little show of strength.
"Duel!" Both of them declared simultaneously.
(SOL Technologies)
"Playing on repeat, how our gazes meet, in this world that we can call our own. All though you pretend that you don't know the end I can sense your yearning towards me." The singing voice belonged to a solitary figure watching the ensuing chaos enfold on the screen in his office. Within the hand under his chin, the black King Chess piece hung loosely between two fingers. "This is a chain and there's no escape holding your life in all of its shape, if you fight, the sound of the time, will echo throughout my crime!"
A smirk graced the man's features as he twirled the chess piece 'Haizaki Shirogane, SOL's guardian angel against Mammon, Hanoi's corrupted hunter. How interesting...'
Mammon's LP: 4000 Seraph's LP: 4000 Cards x4
Turn 1
"I'll take the first move." Seraph declared matter-of-factly "If one wishes to win they must make use of every advantage given to them. I activate the Continuous Spell Ascendant Art – Cendrillon!" Cendrillon's art showed Divine Ascendant Kuro and Kra flanking the towering form of Shi who controlled a Knight Chess piece in one hand and a Rook in the other. "Now, once per turn I can add one level 4 or lower Divine Ascendant from my deck to my hand however the downside is I will have to send the top three cards of my deck to the graveyard at the end of my turn. The card I select is Divine Ascendant Kra which I now summon to the field!"
The bony orange angel emerged onto the field flexing its wings, its eyes glowing blue locking firmly on Mammon's person.
Divine Ascendant Kra, Level 4, Fairy, LIGHT, Effect (1600/500)
"Kra's effect activates. Once per turn when this card is normal or special summoned, I can add one Ascendant Art Spell or Trap card to my hand." Seraph scrolled through his choices for what seemed like an eternity before finally settling on one. An act that seemed to be deliberately provocative.
"I set two cards face down and my turn." Seraph finished, the two card materializing face down on the field and the top three cards of his deck vanishing. "I look forward to seeing what you can do."
Seraph's cards x3
Turn 2
'He's set up pretty much the same as he did against Colt, one of his face downs is likely Cantarella as he seems awfully fond of it. However, that other face down will be troublesome.' Mammon thought, surveying the field before he began his turn "Draw."
"To start, I summon Paladin of Corruption!" As a show of strength the tainted knight stuck its sword in the ground with all of its might.
Paladin of Corruption Level 4, Fiend, DARK, Effect (1600/1200)
"When I control a Corruption monster on my field that has less than 2000 attack points I can summon Corruption Gear to the field!" The rusted cog looked to be leaking some kind of fluid as it clattered onto the field, taking a position beside Paladin.
Corruption Gear Level 2, Fiend, DARK (0/1000)
"Next I activate the Continuous Spell Corruption Transcendence!" Mammon's new spell depicted a scene of Corruption Dragon being engulfed in a beam of light whilst other monsters watched on. "While this card is face up on my field, my monsters can't be targeted or affected by any of my opponent's card effects." Mammon proclaimed with a triumphant grin on his face.
However, Seraph was right there to shatter any pretence of an advantage "My, my. You've done some research on my style I see. But for you to think that I duel the same way every time would be foolish of you to assume. I'm so much more than just a trickster." Even the way Seraph spoke, purposefully sounding pleasant yet lacing his words with a scathing undertone was unnaturally grating to anyone who had the displeasure of being nearby.
Mammon quickly pushed aside those thoughts and continued with his turn "Transcendence's downside is that each one of my standby phases I have to pay 500 life points to keep this card on the field. Now I activate Paladin of Corruption's effect! By sending one card from my hand to the graveyard I can deal you damage equivalent to half of my monster's attack points. That means 800 points." Paladin tore the sword from the ground and charged at Seraph who made no effort to get out of the way, the strike sending the guardian angel skidding back to the edge of the roof top.
Seraph's LP: 4000 – 3200
"Pathetic." Seraph said clutching at his chest "You're going to have to try harder than that if you even wish to lick my boots. I activate my Continuous Trap Ascendant Art – Divination!" Divination's art showed Shi towering over a graveyard of monsters, some of which were decrepit and abandoned, while others appeared to be on fire with strings coming out of them. In Shi's hand was the Black King chess piece. "The effect of this card is as follows. Every time I receive damage through battle or a card effect I can summon one Divine Ascendant from my deck, hand or graveyard that has fewer attack points than the damage I sustained."
In SOL, Seraph's contractor was looking rather pleased with himself 'And so it begins.' He thought before activation his communicator "Haizaki, ignite his will. Make him throw away his façade and show the blazing desire he holds within him."
In responded to the message Seraph smirked "You don't have to tell me twice." He muttered to hide the conversation from his opponent "I now play Divination's effect. I summon Divine Ascendant Midas from my deck!"
Seraph's new monster was a much like the others, with the exception that it was golden and had a black centre unlike the others' blue one.
Divine Ascendant Midas, Level 2, Fairy, Effect, LIGHT (600/1000)
"Midas' effect now activates. When this card is special summoned during my opponent's turn, I get to draw a card from my deck." Seraph declared as he added to his hand.
'So that's his plan. If I damage him he can build up his field and summon his Link monster. However, if I do nothing and just sit back, he'll be the one to start the attack. In Layman's terms I can't win by defending I have to attack.' Mammon thought as he dissected the situation.
"Appear before me! The corrupted circuit that destroys all!" The Link gate appeared on the ground in front of Mammon as Paladin and Gear transformed into erratic blast of dark energy "The summoning conditions are two level 4 or lower effect monsters! Circuit combine! Ascend from the netherworld, Corruption Necromancer!" The robed figured emerged from the shadows of the Link gate, chanting something under its breath all the while.
Corruption Necromancer, Link 2, Fiend, Effect, DARK (1000) Lin Markers: Top, Bottom
"Necromancer's effect!" Mammon declared with a relentless fever "By paying 500 life points I can summon one Corruption monster from my graveyard but it can't attack this turn. I summon Corruption Gear back to the field."
Mammon's LP: 4000 – 3500
"Appear for the second time! My circuit!" The Link gate reappeared between Necromancer and Gear "The summoning conditions are two or more Corruption monsters with less than 2000 attack points! I set Corruption Gear and Necromancer in the Link markers! Circuit combine! Link 3, Corruption Grimdead!"
Corruption Grimdead, Link 3, Fiend, Effect, DARK (2000) Link Markers: Middle Left, Bottom Left, Top Left
"Well, that's a surprise." Seraph drawled, removing his mask and throwing it to the ground "I expected that you'd summon your ace monster to get this over with quickly but you go and disappoint me by summoning that putrid thing."
"I don't do anything I don't plan for." Mammon replied trying his best to hide any irritation from getting through. 'If I attack Kra now I'll deal the damage but he can just replenish the loss right away alongside summoning another monster on his turn. It's better if I attack his other monster to stall for time.'
Seraph simply stayed silent, simply smirking with a mischievous glint in his eyes all the while, almost as if he knew something was going to happen.
"Battle! Grimdead attacks Divine Ascendant Midas! Reaping Knell!" There was a ghostly chime as Grimdead vanished from the field, letting an uncanny silence settle over the area for a few moments until the Link monster reappeared in a flash, tearing Midas in half from behind. "I set one card facedown and end my turn."
Mammon's cards x2
"Midas' second effect." Seraph responded calmly, the blast from his angel's destruction not having any effect on his position "At the end of a turn when Midas is destroyed by battle and sent to the graveyard, I can summon a monster from my hand or deck that is one level lower than his. I summon Divine Ascendant Monous!"
The new angel materialised in Midas' place, the main colour of the skeleton was deep crimson colour which contrasted greatly with the glowing white eyes and core that it had.
Divine Ascendant Monous, Level 1, Fairy, Effect, LIGHT (0/0)
'Damnit!' Mammon thought in frustration, his anger evident on his face which only made Seraph look even more amused than usual.
"I think you've figured out by now how trapped you truly are. Had you attacked Kra you would've allowed me to activate Divination's effect due to the damage I would've received. However, by attacking Midas you thought you could skirt round that effect…" Mocked Seraph callously in much the same vein as he had done with Colt during their duel "Honestly, I expected more out of a supposedly fearless bounty hunter who up until recently had a 100% success rate."
Mammon was about to retort as anger was already starting to consume him but Seraph interject before he could even open his mouth "But I guess that after all is said and done. Just like so many others I've met, you're nothing more than a tortured soul."
The rage Mammon felt only grew with every utterance and syllable that passed Seraph's lips "What the hell would you know!"
In reply Seraph simply clicked his tongue "Because I was one too. However, I was salvaged from my futility by a man who still guides me to this day. Since then I've made it my purpose to save those poor souls, just like a seraph who embraces everything with his wings."
The blue haired hunter simply shut his eyes tightly keeping his face as the picture of serenity but the clenched fists were evidence of his ire "Y'know, I hate people assuming thing about me or my choices. Do I deny that I'm a broken person? No. But I refuse to fall victim to any petty tricks!" He declared thrusting his fist outwards and opening his eyes which showed the usual feral nature that they held in Vrains.
His opposite number simply let out an amused laugh "Then show me, Mammon. Show me your true desire! Show me the commitment born from casting your life away!"
Turn 3
"My turn, I draw!" Upon seeing the new card, Seraph's amused smirk turned into a full blown crooked grin "I summon Divine Ascendant Ciel to the field!" Ciel flexed its massive wings as it descended onto the field.
Divine Ascendant Ciel, Level 4, Fairy, LIGHT, Effect (1800/900)
"Descend now! The holy circuit of angles!" The link gate appeared in the sky above Seraph as his angels transformed into streaks of light "The summoning conditions are two plus Divine Ascendant effect monsters! I set Divine Ascendant Kra, Ciel and Monous in the link markers! Circuit combine! Divine Ascendant Shi!"
Shi completely dwarfed every other monster on the field with his sheer size. Even managing to affect the other ongoing duel with just a singular beat of its colossal wings. "Wh-What is that thing?!" Go stuttered having caught a fleeting glimpse of the angel.
Divine Ascendant Shi, Link 3, Fairy, LIGHT, Effect (2600) Link Markers: Top, Bottom and Bottom Left
"Shi's effect. By banishing one Divine Ascendant from my graveyard I can summon an Ascendant token to a linked zone, then Shi gains 500 attack points. I banish Ciel from my graveyard." The token that materialized was a smaller version of Shi although its wings were folded in.
Shi's ATK: 2600 – 3100
"Next I activate the equip spell Ascendant Art – Hellfire and equip it to Shi!" The card showed Shi absorbing the energy from a monster that was engulfed in flames and had its face broken in half, in the background a singed string could be seen. "Hellfire's effect is as follows. The equipped monster can no longer declare a direct attack but they gain 300 attack points for each Divine Ascendant I control." Shi took on a more hellish appearance as his strength increased.
Shi's ATK: 3100 – 3400
"Battle! Shi attacks Grimdead! Supreme Will!" Shi vanished almost instantaneously vanished from Seraph's field but then it soon reappeared above the two duelists. Its wings were soon charged with energy which was then loosed at Mammon's link monster.
Mammon acted immediately "I activate the trap Corruption Entrenchment!" The art on this card showed an old weary looking fortification being guarded to the last man by numerous Corruption monsters while Corruption Dragon led the charge against the enemy "By discarding one Corruption monster from my hand that has less attack points than the defending monster, I can have Grimdead gain attack points equivalent to the discarded monster's attack. I send Corruption Ritual Imp to the graveyard!"
Grimdead's ATK: 2000 – 3000
CRI had just enough time to latch onto Grimdead before Shi's attack landed and disintegrated the two monsters as Mammon shielded himself from the blast.
Mammon's LP: 3500 – 3100
"When I control no Corruption monsters on my field Transcendence is destroyed." Mammon grunted as the card disintegrated into pixels.
Seraph looked ecstatic if one looked closely they could even see a fire burning behind his eyes "That's it! That's the thing that makes you who you are!" He threw his head back and let out a bellowing laugh.
"What?" Mammon was too confused by his opponent's actions to even form a proper reply.
"Why do we continue on? When all of our hope is gone? Charge into the rain of fire, just let go of all our desires? It's all because of our own burning will as humans!" Seraph replied franticly, his body trembling with excitement "As a seraph it is my purpose to guide the lost souls, to stop their tears. However, those who seek to be something they are not test my patience. Those who relinquish their will are trash who gave up being human."
Recovering from his momentary confusion, Mammon quickly let an amused smirk grace his features "That's some philosophy you got there. In layman's terms your will as a human is ascendant upon all else. I wonder how you managed to pick that up." His voice matching the previous mocking tone of Seraph's.
"Patience is a virtue." Seraph said condescendingly with a scowl etched on his face "It's all thanks to my saviour. He dragged me out of the abyss, he told me that so long as we have our own will we are in ascendance even above the angels. Man proposes, God disposes. Only through offering all that you are can you even sniff your goal. Failure is a sin I can't abide." He finished, purposefully dragging out the last statement.
Before Mammon could even process what was said, Seraph powered on relentlessly "That's enough talk! I use my second main phase to activate the spell card Ascendant Art – Burning Decree!" His new spell once more showed Shi in his position of absolute authority "This card's effect is as follows. This card can only be activated if I control a Divine Ascendant Link monster, until the end of my next turn, Shi now gains attack points equal to the total amount of Link Markers currently on the field x200 that is an increase of 600." The fire around Shi intensified further causing the fallen angel to look even more demonical.
Shi's ATK: 3400 – 4000
"I set one card face down and end my turn. With that any monsters on my field that didn't declare an attack this turn are destroyed." As Seraph's turn ended, Shi turned and with the flick of his wrist obliterated the token, leaving him as the only monster on the field.
Shi's ATK: 4000 - 3500
Seraph's cards x2
In SOL technologies, the hellish master couldn't help but smirk at the sight, the chess piece still firmly in his grasp 'Oh what tangled webs we weave when we practice to deceive. Haizaki, you excel yourself. Truly, I was right to pick you above all those worthless wretches who call themselves human.' The master then activated the link again "You know where to go from here." All that was received over the communication line was the sound of an eerily calm laugh causing the smirk to widen into a full blow grin.
Elsewhere, the mood at the Hanoi base was much different. "Any progress on breaking through that circuit yet?" Revolver asked, a frown on his face as he watched both Mammon and Dr Genome's duels.
"Not as of yet, Master Revolver." Spectre replied dutifully "This program is unlike anything else in the network world. However…" The pause caused Revolver's eyes to flicker to his right hand man "The general makeup would appear be to be remarkably similar to our own data gale and if you would allow me I could isolate a weakness, possibly compromising the whole structure."
After a brief period of contemplation, Revolver relented "Very well, Spectre." With that his assistant disintegrated, leaving him the solitary figure.
"With the doors of heaven and hell barred, there is no other but the guard. The Master of the Hellish Yard." At least that's what he originally thought until Dr Kogami appeared out of the blue.
"The hellish master is one who stands at the crossroads, allowing even the vilest of villains to pass so long as they pay him." Revolver said, clutching at his right arm as the frown grew deeper.
"If we were judged by our very sins alone, then why would the world have wound up as it is? It doesn't matter to him if it seemed there was no pardon on earth for his sins, he believes that since he has authority who are the gods to judge?" Kogami then sent a penetrating look down to his son, his fists fluctuating between being clenched with anger and hanging freely "Ryoken, we can't allow that man to wrong anymore people than he has already."
Revolver simply remained silent, insistent on keeping his attention to the two ongoing duels.
Turn 4
'His spell and trap zone is full now. But that doesn't mean I'm out of the woods. Two of those cards are face down and he still has two cards in his hand, judging from his normal playstyle, those cards will likely also contain effects to prevent me from dealing any significant damage.' Mammon thought as he carefully analysed the field in front of him, the towering presence of Shi seemed to even set him on edge, not helping was the uneasiness of Seraph's disposition.
"I draw. I activate Cesspool of Corruption, which at the cost of sending the last remaining card from my hand to the graveyard allows me to add two Corruption monsters from my deck to my hand." The two cards Mammon selected replaced the discarded card in his hand.
"Next I summon Corruption Marionpet!" The demented puppet came onto the field with a ghastly giggle. The stings holding the puppet in place were close to being severed with only one actually remaining semi taut.
Corruption Marionpet, Level 2, Fiend, Effect, DARK (0/0)
"Marionpet's effect! During the turn that it is summoned, I can select one Corruption monster in my graveyard and summon it to the field, provided I render the monster's effect and attack points, null and void." The puppet cackled as a pair of strings dipped into the vortex behind Mammon. "I revive my Paladin of Corruption!" Paladin of Corruption was pulled out attached to the same half worn strings as Marionpet.
"I now activate the effect of Corruption Entrenchment from the graveyard! By banishing this card I can add one 'Corruption' spell or trap card to my hand from my deck or graveyard." Mammon carefully scrolled through his options, the wrong choice could spell the end of this duel.
"Finally, I summon Corruption Trojan to the field." The repugnant worm slimed its way next to Marionpet.
Corruption Trojan, Level 3, DARK, Fiend, Effect (0/1000)
"No matter what you do, it's completely worthless." Seraph interject, his tone as cold as could be and his expression one of utter disdain and contempt "Shi is ascendant above any pitiful monster that you could possibly summon. And that's the least of your worries." In flash the guardian angel's expression contorted as one of his face downs flipped up "I activate the Continuous Trap Ascendant Art – Divine Mandate!" The image on Mandate showed Shi standing beside a shadowy monster of a similar stature that had glowing white eyes. In both hands was the white King chess piece. "This card can only be activated if the only monster I control is a Divine Ascendant Link monster. Now all monsters on the field must attack Shi or face being destroyed at the end turn."
'That's why he destroyed that token, by having it he was able to strengthen his attack on me but by letting it be destroyed it allowed him to active that trap and consolidate his hold on the field.' Mammon shut his eyes and placed his trembling clenched fist over the right one.
"Has it finally sunk in? How utterly meaningless this whole spat is?" Seraph's tone was mocking but if one listened closely there was the faintest hint of disappointment beneath all the snark.
However, the sound of supressed laughter from Mammon shattered that pretence quickly. The hunter had a malicious grin on his face and could no longer hold back, releasing it all in one burst "If you think that's going to make me lose hope then you're dead wrong! I don't give a shit what you think of the situation, I've been in far worse, being forced to sacrifice my own body to survive. All the scars that cover me are etched into my psyche, I will never allow myself to fail without giving everything."
Seraph's face lit up in pure ecstasy at Mammon's tirade "So then! Let's ignite our wills! Give it all you've got and don't back down in the slightest!"
"With pleasure!" Mammon declared fervently "I activate Trojan's effect! By paying 500 life points, I can summon one Trojan token to my side of the field!" The smaller worm freed itself from its slime ridden prison and joined the fray.
Mammon's LP: 3100 – 2600
"Now, appear before me! The corrupted circuit that destroys all! The summoning conditions are at least two Corruption monsters! I set Corruption Trojan, the Trojan token and Marionpet in the link markers! Circuit combine! Descend the embodiment of my soul! Essence of Greed - Corruption Dragon!" There was a deafening screech as Corruption Dragon flexed its wings causing a huge gust of wind to consume the two duelists. Once it had cleared both Shi and Corruption Dragon were staring each other down with a look of burning hatred, the aura around both monsters turning toxic.
"Corruption Dragon gains attack points equal to the levels of the monster in its Link markers x200. The only monster currently is Paladin of Corruption but that is still 800 extra points."
Corruption Dragon's ATK: 2400 – 3200
"To finish, I equip Corruption Dragon with the spell Corruption Tainted Entrails!" This card showed Corruption Dragon crushing one opposing monster beneath its claws while it was in the process of setting the army in front of it alight "At the cost of paying 500 life points for each of my standby phases I can prevent the destruction of my monster in battle once per turn."
"Ah, it would seem you've figured out a loophole." Seraph huffed in annoyance closing his left eye while narrowing his right one.
"The issue with relying on tricks, is that once the audience gets wise to their machinations, they lose their effectiveness." Mammon replied looking awfully pleased with himself "If you wish to know, I assumed that since you were relying on that monster alone you had a card that would go along with that strategy. In addition, your Hellfire equip spell prevents him from attacking directly meaning that the only way you could damage me would be through either forcing me to summon a monster or me doing it of my own accord. But by doing so I risk my monster's destruction so when I activated Entrenchment's effect I choose a card that would negate that risk."
"Tch. Well done." Seraph stated dully, the previous fire he held disappearing into the wind, his eyes dulling back down to their usual nature "But that means nothing in the long run, you still have to attack Shi no matter what."
"Then let there be war. Battle! Corruption Dragon attack Shi! Judgement of Corruption!" The black bolts fired by Corruption Dragon were easily repulsed by the massive angel and started to bombard Mammon's creature "Entrails' effect! My dragon's destruction is prevented." The dragon vanished from the field as the bolts blasted the area around the hunter.
Mammon's LP: 2600 – 2300
"Don't think you're out of the woods just yet!" Seraph declared, a sense of ire creeping into his voice "I activate the effect of Divine Ascendant Plutarch from my hand." The ghostly image of a violet angel superimposed itself on the field "By sending this card from my hand to the graveyard any damage dealt this turn is doubled!" The ghastly spirt then lunged at Mammon as a purple aura surrounded the blue haired hunter.
Mammon's LP: 2300 – 2000
"I end my turn, with that Paladin is destroyed via Hellfire's effect and your Divine Mandate is now null and void." Mammon said, now somewhat comfortable about his situation even as his monster's strength decreased
Corruption Dragon's ATK: 3200 – 2400
Shi's ATK: 3500 – 2900
Mammon's cards x0
In Hanoi, Dr Kogami watched on deep in thought 'Dantous, I can see why you talked so highly of him.'
Turn 5
"I draw." Seraph said settling into a kind of uneasy monotone "I activate Shi's effect and banish Plutarch from my graveyard to summon the token." The miniature Shi materialised right next to his larger counterpart
Shi's ATK: 2900 - 3700
"Next, I activate the effect of Cendrillon. I summon Divine Ascendant Rota to the field!" The bony green angel settled in place next to the token, its appearance increasing the power of Shi once more.
Divine Ascendant Rota, Level 4, Fairy, LIGHT, Effect (1200/500)
Shi's ATK: 3700 – 4600
The guardian angel made no attempt at snide mind games this time round and instead launched head first into his battle phase "Battle! Shi attacks Corruption Dragon! Judgement ray!"
As Shi vanished into the ether Seraph spoke up "Let me enlighten you for a second, Shi has 4600 attack points and yours only holds a pathetic 2400. If you do the maths that means 2200 points of damage and I'm sure you're perfectly aware that you have 2000 life points." Just as Shi reappeared above the field Seraph's face contorted "In layman's terms that's game over!"
"Ha." Was all that was initially heard from Mammon's side as Shi's attack grew ever closer until he spoke with a condescending tone that mimicked Seraph's own perfectly "How sure of that are you?" And with that Seraph grunted and staggered backwards "I activate the second effect of Entrails. By sending this card to the graveyard and paying half of my life points not only is Corruption Dragon safe from destruction but I take no damage from your attack!"
Corruption Dragon vanished from the field once more leaving the powerful blast to cleave into Mammon. The intensity of the blast caused a deep gash in his body that showed the red data beneath alongside the smoke that billowed out.
Mammon's LP: 2000 – 1000
"Tch. Persistent bastard. I end my turn here." Seraph grumbled getting increasingly pissed at his lack of success. To compound the issue he couldn't attack again without suffering damage so his booster monsters had vanished dropping Shi's attack.
Shi's ATK: 4600 – 2900
Seraph's cards x2
The smug look that Mammon gave him as he ended his turn was all it took to set him off, the orange glow returned to his hand and in a fit of rage he crushed his fist hard. In an instant Mammon felt his entire body ignite in blistering pain. Pain intense enough to knock him off stable footing and to the ground. "You insolent maggot, you don't even deserve the mercy of a seraph. I'll crush you to the ground!" He tightened his fist so hard it could have drawn blood if he went just that little bit further.
Despite the pure agony that coursed through him Mammon replied albeit it struggling all the while to form a coherent sentence "S-so this is who you truly are then? T-the holy guardian angel is in fact a tainted devil?" Taken aback by the retort Seraph's grip loosened, quelling the pain immensely and allowing Mammon to return to level ground. "Someone close to me once said to me that demons don't cry, they became demons because they couldn't cry anymore, and when their tears finally run dry there is nothing left of them but a demon or a monster."
By the time Seraph had picked himself up from his daze, the orange glow had all but disintegrated from his hand "Shut up! You know nothing!"
But just as he went to activate the program again the hellish master's voice returned to the scene "Oh Haizaki, don't get caught up in his little mind games. Surely a person like you is more than capable of beating this wretch. Think of it just like a chess game." At that Seraph had an epiphany of sorts and his previous irate expression had returned to his usual amused look "The King has only one move left meanwhile you control a bishop and a rook in prime position."
Seraph merely laughed in reply "The bird of Hermes is my name eating my wings to make me tame."
Turn 6
Just as Mammon's turn began, Spectre rematerialised back into the base "Master Revolver, I've made a breakthrough in the barrier's coding. I must say, whoever made the program must have been pushed for time as once you kick the door in and the whole structure is compromised."
"Well done, Spectre." Revolver commended with Spectre returning to his side. However, there was a sense of unease that floated around his body. For all its complexity had it really fallen that easily? To him it just didn't seem right. Nevertheless he swiftly shook those thoughts from his head.
It also appeared that Playmaker had a similar breakthrough as he was now an arbiter on Dr Genome and Go's duel. Intentionally riling Go up to try and provoke a turnaround in the match.
"My turn, I draw!" Mammon proclaimed fervently and when he saw the drawn card he couldn't help but laugh loudly "I activate the effect of Tainted Entrails from the graveyard! By banishing this card paying 500 life points I can summon one Corruption monster from my graveyard that has 500 or fewer attack points but its effect will be negated! I summon Paladin of Corruption back to the field." For the third time this duel, Paladin descended upon the field, the presence of the other monster rejuvenating the beleaguered Corruption Dragon.
Corruption Dragon's ATK: 2400 – 3200
Mammon's LP: 1000 – 500
"That's still not enough." Seraph stated simply "Even if you somehow surpass Shi I have a multitude of ways to continue but you only have one. Face it, you'll never bet me on your own accord. Man proposes, God disposes!"
"Is that so?" With that Seraph's face fell and Mammon smirked maliciously "I activate the Spell Card Corruption Storm Blast!" The scene shown was similar to Mammon's Corruption Twin Twister but this time it depicted a far more thunderous storm that swept up everything in its path "By halving my life points once more I can destroy every spell and trap card that you control!"
"W-what?!" Seraph stuttered a sentiment shared by his contractor, both of them watching in disbelief as every one of the cards were shattered right before their eyes.
Mammon's LP: 500 – 250
Shi then turned to face the dejected form of Seraph who then spoke meekly "When Ascendant Art – Hellfire is destroyed by an opponent's card effect, I take damage equal to the original attack points of the equipped monster." With what almost seemed like pity, Shi reluctantly struck his master, blowing him back to the edge of the building.
Seraph's LP: 3200 – 600
"Battle!" Mammon exclaimed just as Seraph returned to stable ground "Corruption Dragon destroy Divine Ascendant Shi! Akutoku no Jajjimento!"
As the energy bolts zigzagged their way towards Shi Seraph dropped all pretence and yelled at the top of his lungs "No one is ever going to defeat me unless I say so! I've yet to offer all that I can! I activate the effect of Divine Ascendant Tetrameter!" An icy blue angel with a deep crimson core and spikes materialised between the blast and Shi "When a face up Divine Ascendant monster I control is under attack I can have us both take the same amount of damage!" The blast hit into Tetrameter allowing the angel to absorb most of the energy. It then exploded shortly afterwards sending both duelists flying and kicking up a massive dust cloud.
Mammon's LP: 250 – 0
Seraph's LP: 600 – 0
Draw!
As the cloud settled it revealed the sheer extent of the devastation of their duel, the area surrounding the two of them had been wiped from the network entirely while the building they had stood on was now split in two. On one side, Seraph was barely able to stand, in his right hand he clutched his mask tightly, the left hand was grasped tightly were his heart was and he had a scowl etched onto his face. His avatar also looked a lot worse for wear, his scarf had been torn in multiple places and now resembled the real life version while other parts had become torn, exposing his bare body beneath.
Meanwhile, Mammon had been left lying on the ground. He too had come out much worse for wear. There were numerous deep gashes which didn't seem to be healing themselves and when he attempted to get back up, his body couldn't handle the strain and he fell back down to earth unceremoniously.
Out of them the first to speak was Seraph "D-Don't t-think for a second you will ever beat me. I will s-see hell only when I want t-to." The grip of the hand over his heart tensed even further as his face contorted in pain. He fumbled to place the mask back over his face.
"Hmph. I guess we agree on something." Mammon replied having now given up hope of getting up.
Then with an annoyed huffed and a flick of his wrist Seraph had vanished from the scene.
For a moment everything was peaceful allowing Mammon to look up at the digital sky, grinning all the while. He smirked as he heard the sound of footsteps near him. "You did well, Sateriasis." The voice of Revolver widened the grin even further.
"I wouldn't necessarily call this a success." Mammon said with a self-deprecating tone, gesturing to the cuts on his body.
Revolver merely laughed at the hunter's antics, a slight smile forming on his lips. "Don't worry about it. We got valuable information out of this duel. You can rest easy now." Both of the knights then vanished from the scene
Elsewhere, Dr Genome and Go's duel had come to an end. It had been a slugfest, the upper hand constantly changing with every single turn. But in the end Go came out on top, sending Dr Genome careening to the earth, skidding back and having his D-board stick into the ground.
After soaking up the adoration and his success, Go travelled down to face the defeated Knight. Digging through his pockets for the removal program "I'm taking the virus removal program, as promised."
"Good guy to heel, heel to good guy." Dr Genome scoffed, talking about the fiasco Go had put on during the duel "You call that evolving?"
"I make the evolution process entertaining." Go replied "That's why I'm the world's number one entertainer - Go Onizuka!"
Dr Genome laughed "You'll regret defeating me." He then disintegrated into black particles, leaving the spot his body was bare.
"Playmaker." Go said to the hacker"You said you came here to laugh at me. But that was a lie to motivate me. Am I wrong?"
"Who knows?" Playmaker said with casual indifference.
"I will defeat you someday!" Go declared "But the Knights of Hanoi are destroying Link VRAINS. I'll crush them first! Feel free to join me."
"Right."
"What about you, Blue Angel?" The female idol appeared, stone faced. Staring at them for a while before turning away and vanishing.
(SOL Technologies)
Sitting behind his desk, the hellish master sat drumming his fingers against the desk, a smirk planted firmly on his lips 'Haizaki may have failed with objective one but that is meaningless in the long run.' He then brought up information form an unknown location hidden deep within the network 'Objective two was the one I really wanted. I've got you now.'
"The Knights of Hanoi." The master drawled calmly.
A/N: Sorry that took so long to get out but I recently started my A-Levels and my workload just left no real time for me to write this. Anyway, please tell me what you thought of this chapter.
QOTC: Who do you think Seraph's contractor is? (To be honest if you read closely it's not very hard. I won't be annoyed if you post it in the review to be honest)
Anyway, see ya next time!