Response to Reviews
Thank you to Guest, Guest, Kingdom Hearts Guy, HunterHQ, Anonymous, Unnamed, Noobmaster, Unknown, Guest, TheBlazingButterfly777, KingOtakuOverYou, Guest, Cosmic Cat, Big Duels, Naruto1999, Ambiguous, Jumpei Senpai, T.V. 2000, Edgar, and Pancakes for reviewing Chapter 82 of Obscured Truth.
Hey, everyone! I hope you all had a great Halloween, and are safe and sound wherever you are in the world. I must say, I'm pleased you all enjoyed the chapter, especially with everything that happened in it. As such, I encourage you to keep reading as we get into the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc. For you won't be disappointed.
But enough talk. Let's get to answering some reviews:
Guest: To be honest, I wasn't being specific in who you wanted as a duel mentor. I just wanted your personal opinions, that's all.
Guest: Of course Lightning's selfish, as his actions jump started the Ignis War, and mostly other events in the anime. To put it simply, he's a bitch.
Kingdom Hearts Guy: Raguel used the Evil Eye deck as inspiration for new 'Cyreath' cards. You'll see some examples moving forward.
HunterHQ: Yes, the fact that Aoi read Roxy's cards helped her in the duel. Thanks to Lightning, Windy was scrambled, thus leading him to switch Arashi and Takeda up. And Arashi's quest in avenging Takeda is partially selfish, for he also wants revenge on Windy at the same time. Yup, Siebold from Pokemon X and Y served as inspiration for Bishop, that I will confirm. SOL Technologies partnered with Balius after Zero got kicked out. There will only be one chapter for the liberation of Central Japan. In all honesty regarding Gil, a part of him is afraid that if he makes up with his dad, he'll end up getting betrayed again. Although he originally planned on murdering his father, he decided that sparing his life and making him suffer is a far better punishment. To put it simply, Gil's going to need lots of help if he's to move on from what happened and forgive his father. Emphasis on if he wants to forgive his father. Leshawna is the therapist, Aithne works at a bar, Eloise is a DJ, and Brea is at school. As for your last question, Slipstream hasn't visited Leshawna yet for therapy.
Anonymous: No, only Yuhiro will be involved in rescuing Brion, as evident in the chapter preview. Hahaha, a good comparison between Raguel and Gil. SOL Technologies didn't delete old LINK VRAINS because there was a chance that something can be salvaged in the area. If Yuhiro had Yukage's memory program, then there's a chance he can get Brion's deleted memories back for him. Yuhiro and Yukage got their pendants from Myojin when they were kids. Simple as that.
Unnamed: How exactly does Gil's words remind you of Zahhak? The both of them are totally different individuals. You'll see what Coral Triangle, Wonder Heart, and Great Bubble Reef are like later down the road. It's too early for the time being. Well, Coral Anemone and Marbled Rock were both angry with Emma for her ridiculous ideas, so they pummelled her as a result. Yuhiro will tell Roxy about Gil later on. Just not right now. The Flying Dutchman is from Pirates of the Caribbean, not SpongeBob. Actually, I forgot that there was also one in SpongeBob until now. Well, Roxy just wanted to help Aoi fly, that's all. Considering how Aoi once had wings as Blue Angel, Roxy correctly guessed that she brought back the wings for some reason.
Noobmaster: When Greg raided the place Athaliah was in, all the people held captive were rescued. Gil's dad sold Gil out of both greed and desperation given his job was on the edge. You need Ignis data to give Cyberse creatures sentience, so Yuhiro found some leftover data from when Herald contributed some of it back in Chapter 64 to find out who put Takeda in the hospital, and used it to do so. The people Playmaker and Soulburner encountered weren't duel monsters in Herald's nightmare. They were actual individuals. As for your final question, I can't answer it because that falls into spoiler territory.
Unknown: Uh, that's going to be a Hell No on your comment regarding interspecies relationships. That will not happen whatsoever. SOL Technologies has actually salvaged a lot of stuff following the Turf War. You'll see what Herald's contingency is later on in the story, and whether it will truly be enough to prevent the disastrous nightmare he had.
Guest: None of the Marincess monsters will go drinking with Emma.
TheBlazingButterfly777: First off, glad you liked the Dr. Strange reference. Second, as per anime logic, I must have Ai become the bad guy in Season 3. Though Ai won't be the only bad guy in Season 3, as there will obviously be a lot more others to keep an eye out for.
KingOtakuOverYou: Yeah, I get what you mean there. The duel was something I planned for a long while now, and it gave me practice for writing future Marincess duels later on. And no, Infearno won't use World Gears because his deck isn't capable of using it in the first place.
Guest: Nah, Aoi doesn't have her energy whip anymore. And I don't see Aoi being the bad cop. That would belong to Raguel, especially with him no longer being himself.
Cosmic Cat: Well, I do my best in all honesty. The whole point of the previous chapter was to prepare Blue Maiden for the battles to come, and sometimes, it takes the help of friends to do so. Oh, and call Slipstream that name one more time, and I will delete your reviews. This is your final warning. I'm glad you liked the Raguel vs Gil duel, as it was one of my best ones yet. Plus, Raguel needed to lose another duel, don't you agree? And I do my best in terms of originality, so cut me some slack already.
Big Duels: Of course. The Marincess monsters were angry with Emma for her suggestions. And Haru's a lot stronger than he was in the anime, so he'll obviously give Blue Maiden a challenge. Yuhiro's not going to tell the others about Judgment Arrows, and you make a great point here in how the user uses the card. Definitely similar to Arc-V, where the Resistance hates Fusion Summoning, but it isn't bad. Rather, it's the person that uses it. Why would Herald say five? As for the dream, just pay attention moving forward, and you'll be surprised by what's to come.
Naruto1999: Well, whether Yuhiro does end up using Judgment Arrows or not will be determined as the story progresses. You never know if and when he'll use it. And no, Ace will not be resurrected. He's dead. Sorry, I did not understand your last question. Please clarify what you mean, as the way you said it was slightly confusing.
Ambiguous: Yeah, the delay is due to Raguel helping Greg rescue Brion and the slaves. No, Percival didn't know the truth about Demeter, and Demeter already knew the identities of the Knights of Hanoi. Yet she didn't do anything because of her selfish need for self-preservation. And why would Azrael lend a helping hand to destroy Chainslaver and Sharpshot? Not bad ideas for future interactions with the Marincess monsters.
Jumpei Senpai: Of course the situation is very bad for the Hanoi. In all honesty, they're being pressured by the Ignis, along with Azrael, and now Raguel's someone they have to worry about too. There won't be any new recruits for the Knights of Hanoi moving forward, as they're enough as it is.
T.V. 2000: Yuhiro was indeed inspired by Ace's deck to create new cards. Yes, you have suggested names for potential Link Spells, so I'll give you credit should I end up using those names. As for after Season 2... well, I encourage you to keep on reading.
Edgar: I'm just gonna combine your two reviews into one so I can answer them. There will be no civil war scenario in this story between the good guys. I guess you can say that selfishness is used to protect someone else's happiness, and I can come up with a great example if interested.
Pancakes: I'm sorry to say this, but your sketch just... sucked, and it was a bit offensive. For Miyu's feelings on Yuhiro, refer to Chapter 43, and Roxy's Reports 22. And I swear, call Slipstream that name one more time, and I will delete your reviews from here on out. This is your final warning.
With all reviews having been answered, it's time for the chapter to begin. I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 83: Levelling The Playing Field
In a desolate landscape under a bloody sky, two pendants, one white-ruby and one white-sapphire, fall to the ground before transforming into Excalibur and Muramasa. Their owners, Raguel and Azrael, grab their swords before charging at one another, the blade lock resulting in a flash of light flooding the screen. When the light fades, LINK VRAINS is shown before being replaced my Mirror LINK VRAINS. The Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS logo then appears, with the words "OBSCURED TRUTH" to ominously appear underneath it in rainbow colours. Two symbols also appear underneath those words, with the first one consisting of a dark-orange demonic crest that had lion fangs on the sides, as well as Excalibur slashing it down the middle. The other symbol consisted of a dark-blue demonic crest that had two mirage blades making an X, as well as Muramasa slashing it down the middle.
Yuhiro, Yusaku, Takeru, and Arashi are sitting around a table at Café Nagi, looking at duel footage as they discuss strategies they can use to counter their enemies. At a nearby table, Roxy, Kusanagi, and Greg are chatting, a hamburger in Roxy's hand, and a hotdog in Kusanagi's hand. Rachel is shown nearby playing with Rasterliger, Salamangreat Balelynx, and Linkuriboh, until the four of them turn their heads to see Herald, Ai, and Flame chatting on the best type of entertainment in the world. All four of them go towards the three chatting Ignis and scare them with a large shout. This causes Yuhiro, Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi, Roxy, Kusanagi, and Greg to laugh at the three Ignis, who are still flustered by the prank.
Kengo Dojun looks down at the hospital bed his mother is on, gritting his teeth before making a fist with his right hand. At another hospital room, Yuhiro, Roxy, and Aoi are shown, where they look down on Miyu resting on her hospital bed. Yuhiro puts his hands on the sides of his head, a panicked and stressed look on his face as Roxy and Aoi try to calm him down, his anxiety settling in. Red, glowing cracks start to spread over his body before dimming on and off. Behind him, shadows form, one of which consists of a girl in her pre-teens wearing a white and blue Greek-styled dress, along with sandals twirling around, her shoulder-length blond hair flowing down behind her. The girl's eyes glow red as she raises her right arm in front of her and places her left hand on her chest, as if she were singing. After she disappears, a black-armored knight that had a spiked plume on his helmet, along with dark-steel plates on his arms appears in her place. Strapped to his sides were a pair of jagged, chained blades, each one having a demonic red-orange glyph pattern on them. Attached to his back was a long sword with a massive blade, as well as a set of arms that had large hands, each one having three claws. The multicolored shapes resembling eyes glowed as the knight pulls out all three blades and slashes the screen completely.
Raguel and Playmaker appear, riding parallel to one another on their duel boards, with Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode and Firewall Dragon following after them. Next is Soulburner and Slipstream, with Salamangreat Heatleo and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon following after the second duo. Last but not least, Blue Maiden and Numera appear, with Marincess Marbled Rock and Geomathmech Final Sigma following after the third duo.
At SOL Technologies, Akira, Hayami, Queen, and Pawn are looking at a monitor that showed Go Onizuka in the training dome, having won a duel against a virtual Playmaker. While the first two individuals frowned with concern, the second two had satisfied smiles on their faces.
In a dark abandoned room, Yukage narrows his eyes as looks at a happy memory of him and Yuhiro playing together as children by using the memory scanner. Blue, glowing cracks start to appear on his right hand, causing Yukage to take deep breaths to calm himself down. After looking at his pendant for a few moments, Yukage puts on his duel disk before he and Wraith raise their right hands to the sky and log into the network. Haru is then shown training under Azrael's tutelage in a room of a palace, having faced off against multiple upgraded Bitboots with Hydradrive Nagini, Scyllonic Hydradrive Kragun, and Medusoid Hydradrive Gorgun behind him. Nearby, Azrael and Wraith watch the match, wanting to see how much stronger Haru has become.
The screen then shifts to another room of the palace, where Bohman is sitting cross-legged, his eyes closed as he begins to meditate. His eyes open before they glow a rainbow color, the glow also spreading to his chest as the room briefly lights up before dimming down. But in the shadows, Malf's eyes glow red as he proceeds to lick his mouth, hunger on his mind.
Silhouettes of Yua Kogami and Katsuya pop up before they morph into their VRAINS personas Demeter and Percival, where the screen goes back to one room of the palace. Windy, who is wearing a cape and eyepatch, commands Stormridership Bahamut Bomber to attack Demeter, who responds by having Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty intercept the attack. In another room, Jin Kusanagi stands with Lightning as the latter snaps his fingers, causing a small squad of Armatos Legio Decurions and Centurions to appear behind him. Armatos Legio Magnus Dux, along with Tribunus Laticlavius and Legatus Legionis also appeared behind Lightning. Percival growls as Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon rises from behind him, and two copies of Phantom Knights' Spear appear in his hands.
A silhouette of Ace is shown above Uchida Industries, his right hand outstretched over the company. Drachen faces off against a squad of Bitboots with Red-Eyes Black Dragon behind him, hellbent on getting it back from Ace. The screen then flips over to show Electrolyzer trying to escape his restraints using PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta, with Jericho ominously laughing in the background.
Smoke appears in various areas of the central station in LINK VRAINS, which has been attacked by multiple Bitboots. Phoenix and Gil stand back to back, with Nephthys, the Scared Flame and Abyss Actor – Evil Heel beside the duelists as they confront one Bitboot each. SengokuQueen and Ghost Girl do the same, with Secret Six Samurai – Rihan and Altergeist Memorygant beside the duelists as they too confront one Bitboot each. Stregone is shown arriving to assist both groups, Quintet Magician and Enlightenment Paladin behind him. Nearby, Rosetta confronts Ace, Black Rose Moonlight Dragon rising from behind her before roaring at Ace, who has Dystopia the Despondent rise behind him in response.
Watching these events using the Spatial Cube is Watchman, who is in his server. A disappointed look appears on his face before he pulls out a total of six Black Keys, three in each of his hands. Watchman's eyes glow with a purple color before three copies of Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord appear behind him, which proceed to fuse into Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord as the screen is covered with purple cubes.
Raguel and Azrael are then shown facing off against one another in a matrix-like battlefield. Turboblaze Dragon, along with Cyreaths Blazing Orthros, Aetos Dios, and Lernaean Hydra, appear behind Raguel before combining to form a tall, white-colored bipedal dragon with red irises and black pupils, as well as a long and slender neck. He had a long, voluminous wispy mane streaming out from the upper side of his snout and outwards from his head, with the two protrusions on his head having merged to form into a long, bright and blazing one. His four arms were slender and arm-like with a wing-like appearance and four fingers on his glowing, fiery claws. On his head was a golden piece of armor, with fiery-golden armor pieces on his feathered chest and body. Each of his feet had large grey claws, three at the front and one positioned at the back to resemble high heels. The jet-like engine tail's bands expanded outwards, with the feathers in it spiking upwards before a massive blast of fire erupts from it.
Teravolt Dragon, along with Cychaics Pluto, God of the Underworld, Jupiter, God of the Storm, and Neptune, God of the Sea, appear behind Azrael before combining to form a tall, purple-colored bipedal dragon with blue sclera and white pupils, as well as a small horn-like protrusion on the tip of his snout. His head sported a thundercloud-like crest tipped with yellow coloration, along with pieces of golden armor as well. At the base of his neck, his shoulders, knees, and wings was a black, stud-like feature resembling that of armor, with spikes appearing on the shoulders. His large wings consisted of a fanned shape that expanded outwards to show three spikes tipped with electricity. Strapped to his back was a halo with three spikes on it. Attached to his arms were baseball-mitt-like formations, with three-clawed hands on the undersides that glowed with electricity. His three-clawed feet also glowed with electricity as well. His tail now consisted of two electric generators with a spike at the end, which hummed before releasing electricity from it.
In a garden of Asagao flowers, Miyu sees Yuhiro on one knee, having grabbed the hilt of Excalibur to try and stand up on his feet, the sword having been planted on the ground. She run over and helps Yuhiro stand up on his feet, the both of them having grateful smiles on their faces. The both of them look upwards as the screen jumps to the bright sky and the glowing sun.
In the morning, at Café Nagi...
Yusaku was sitting at one of the chairs, thinking over recent events. From Revolver wanting to form an alliance with him and the others, to Gil appearing and brutally defeating Raguel in a duel just to make him an example, to Go's appearance and the duel with him afterwards, and the recent attacks, it was a lot to process. A part of Yusaku was also troubled, as following his duel with Go and Malf's appearance, he noticed that something wasn't right with Yuhiro. Aside from the red cracks that appeared on his face recently, it appeared that Yuhiro was angry with Yusaku for playing reckless moves that nearly cost him both the duel and Ai. Yusaku made a mental note to chat with Yuhiro on that topic to make sure that the latter's concerns and thoughts on that topic were addressed.
"Hey. What are you thinking about, Yusaku?" Kusanagi asked, having poured two cups of coffee as he exited Café Nagi and headed to the table where Yusaku was.
"Just thinking about recent events, Kusanagi." Yusaku replied, as Kusanagi sat down on the other chair at the table Yusaku was at. He received one of the cups of coffee from Kusanagi before taking a sip from it. For some reason, Ai wanted to stay at Yusaku's place. When Yusaku asked, Ai told him that he wanted to double check things and ensure they were ready for the battle against Lightning and Azrael. "The good news is that the Tower of Hanoi is finally complete, and ready to be launched once we meet with Revolver."
"We also get to prepare for the battle too. I mean, you got to duel Arashi last night, so you could say it was some practice for the coming battles, don't you agree?" Kusanagi stated, with Yusaku nodding in agreement. "That aside, can you tell me what happened after your duel against Arashi? I know you were tired last night, so I didn't bother asking the question until now."
"Gil wanted to meet with us, and had some data on Azrael, along with Lightning's algorithm." Yusaku told Kusanagi, which caused the latter to narrow his eyes before frowning. He then proceeded to tell Kusanagi about what Gil said to the group regarding the data on Azrael, as well as his beliefs on them. How Gil's been doubtful of Yuhiro and the others ever since the attacks in the network and in the real world. It got to the point where Gil challenged Yuhiro to a duel, saying that he'll hand the data and Lightning's algorithm over should the latter win. Unfortunately, Gil won the duel thanks to Revenge Attack, which led to Raguel being shaken by what happened. But despite this, Gil surprisingly handed over the data and Lightning's algorithm, saying that he doesn't regret his actions. However, before the group left, he challenged them to continue in trying to change his beliefs, and even said that he'll lend a hand from afar.
Kusanagi, after hearing this story, whistled. "Wow. That is one Hell of a story. For Gil to actually defeat Raguel like that in the end, even if the duel being very close too. Do you think Gil may actually have a chance to defeat Lightning?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. But Lightning was able to defeat Blood Shepherd, a pro bounty hunter." Playmaker pointed out.
"And Gil isn't a normal kid, nor is he a normal human, just like Rachel." Kusanagi countered, before something popped up in his mind. "But moving that aside, you and I need to talk about something. It's about Lightning and the coming war."
"What do you mean?" Yusaku raised an eyebrow.
"Well, you and I both know that Lightning has Jin captive. It's most likely that Lightning will use Jin to force me to work with him." Kusanagi said. "If that time comes, then you need to defeat me, no questions asked."
"Kusanagi..." Yusaku muttered. "Are you sure this is what you want?"
"When you compare stopping Lightning and Azrael from winning to not wanting to duel me, which one do you think takes more priority?" Kusanagi grimly frowned. "Look, I don't like it just as much as you do. But we need to prepare for a situation such as this should it happen. Do you agree?"
"I get that, but..." Yusaku thought this over. He didn't expect Kusanagi to suggest a solution where he had to duel his friend just to prevent Lightning and Azrael from winning in the end. Such a suggestion caught him off guard, and... slightly broke him a bit from the inside. Before meeting Yuhiro and Roxy, as well as everyone else for that matter, Kusanagi was Yusaku's one true friend. Someone he can trust to the core. And after meeting everyone else, the last thing Yusaku wanted was to duel one of his friends who was brainwashed by the enemy.
"Come on, Yusaku. Do you agree with what I'm saying?"
Yusaku nodded. "Alright. I agree. What should I do to prepare should it happen?"
Kusanagi went over to Café Nagi before opening up a cupboard inside, where he grabbed a deck of cards. He then went back to where Yusaku was and handed him his deck. "This is the deck I use when I tried to get answers from the Lost Incident years back. You should look into how it works so that if Lightning and Azrael force me to duel you, you'll be able to win."
"..." Yusaku then looked at the deck while Kusanagi went back to Café Nagi and got it ready so he can serve customers their food. Thanks to Revolver wanting everyone to meet him in the afternoon, he still had some time to make some money before the coming battle.
"Morning, guys," a voice said, as Yusaku and Kusanagi turned to see Takeru walk over to them.
"Hey, morning, Takeru." Kusanagi said back.
"Where's Ai?" Flame inquired.
"He's back at my place. He wanted to double check things and make sure we're ready for the battle ahead." Yusaku explained.
"Yeah, I get that." Takeru sat down on one of the chairs at the table where Yusaku and Kusanagi were at. "You looking through your deck to figure out some surprise strategies to use, Yusaku?"
"Yusaku's looking through my deck, actually." Kusanagi clarified. "You remember how I told you that I wasn't the best duelist around, and how I got my butt kicked by the Hanoi most of the time?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, while this deck actually helped me defeat some Hanoi grunts, I couldn't get any info from them because they were forcibly logged out every single time." Kusanagi scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "And in all honesty, I spent more time investigating than dueling, so you could say that my dueling skills got rusty over time."
"May I see your deck, Kusanagi?" Flame requested, with Kusanagi nodding in confirmation. Yusaku handed Kusanagi's deck to Flame, who looked through it. "This is actually a really good deck, Kusanagi. If you fine tuned your dueling skills more, you'd be a strong duelist."
"Thanks for the compliment, Flame. Then again, if I went to duel, no one would be able to keep an eye on you guys and ensure you were safe with my awesome hacking skills." Kusanagi pointed out, causing the others to laugh as well.
But unbeknownst to Yusaku, Kusanagi and Takeru, a hooded Yukage and Wraith were nearby, having overheard their entire conversation. Should Lightning do anything to Yusaku or any of the others, he'll get a nasty surprise, especially with how Wraith wiretapped Ai and overheard Yusaku's conversation with Ryoken.
As such, Yukage then walked away from the main area, having successfully obtained information from the conversation between Yusaku, Kusanagi and Takeru. It also gave Yukage an intriguing idea in how he can bring Yuhiro and the others to despair. Why do it directly when you can force someone's allies to do it to them instead under threat of killing their loved ones? It was a simple, yet effective strategy if one played it correctly.
Meanwhile, at Café Matsuo...
"Alright. Chocolate chip pancakes on the house!" Roxy said, having put two pancakes on each of the four plates before handing them over to Yuhiro and Arashi. She then grabbed the third one and gave it over to Rasterliger, who proceeded to eat them. As for the last one, Roxy grabbed her plate before walking over to the table where Yuhiro and Arashi were at and sitting down on one of the chairs.
"This is a surprise. It's been like, how long since you made these pancakes?" Yuhiro asked, having quickly begun to eat them.
"Who cares? These are freakin' delicious!" Herald commented, having also begun to take a few bites out of them. In all honesty, the Ignis didn't need to eat to function, but it never hurt to try to eat food. After all, when would Herald get any more chances to eat food, especially with the coming war?
"Glad you guys like them." Roxy replied, as she cut up a piece of one of the pancakes before eating one of them.
"Thank you for making these, Roxy." Arashi stated. "A nice way to get some energy prior to the coming battle."
"Hey, no problem, Arashi. It was my intention to get everyone fueled up for what comes next, after all."
The one Ignis, animal, and three humans ate silently for the next minute or so, before the silence was broken by a notification that popped up on Yuhiro's duel disk.
"Perfect. The next batch of cards has been made! And about time too!" Herald cheered, a screen popping up on Yuhiro's duel disk as he proceeded to look through them all.
"When did you have the time to make new cards?" Yuhiro asked curiously.
"Last night, I wanted to ensure that our chances of winning went up, so I made a new batch of cards to do so." Herald explained.
"Let me see, let me see!" Roxy said, having gotten up from her seat to look at the screen, much to the shock of Herald, Arashi, and Yuhiro. She raised an eyebrow upon looking at one of the cards. "Hey, those aren't bad at all. They're really good, in fact."
"Thank you very much, Roxy." Herald responded, having given a small bow in the process.
Unbeknownst to everyone else, Yuhiro was smirking as he paid attention. He actually made some cards for his deck too last night after going through Ace's data on his duel disk. The 'Evil Eye' deck certainly was inspiring in the creation of some of the new cards Yuhiro made. Yuhiro also used an anti-Ignis program from one of the numerous things the Hanoi had to lock the folder so that no one but him can access the new cards. The best part was that Yuhiro had discreetly sent those cards to his deck, and they were already printed for use as well. To put it simply, Yuhiro never wanted to be weak again after what happened, and if it meant walking on the line between light and darkness, then so be it.
"So what do you think, Yuhiro?"
Yuhiro snapped out of his thoughts upon hearing Herald's question.
"Sorry. I zoned out for a minute." Yuhiro sheepishly apologized, before he went over to the screen and looked over the new cards Herald made. "Yup. They're going to work out just fine. I'm assuming you gave some of these cards sentience?"
"Bingo!"
"Hey Herald, can I talk to you alone for a minute?" Arashi suddenly asked, which caused everyone to turn to him.
"Yeah, sure." Herald replied, having seen the look of concern on Arashi's face.
"Come on, Yuhiro. I need to talk with you alone about something too." Roxy stated, having gestured to him to follow her downstairs. Seeing that something was up, Yuhiro stood up and grabbed his plate and utensils before following Roxy downstairs. Rasterliger also followed after the duo, curious on what they would talk about.
"Alright, Arashi. It's just you and me here. What's going on?"
Arashi thought over things for a few seconds before looking up at Herald. "Can I ask you something? In your opinion, do you think it's possible for an Ignis to be completely fixed after getting infected by a virus?"
Herald pondered this over for a few seconds. "Back at the fake server, Windy was infected by the Hanoi when they used a piece of Malf against him. Even if Lightning and Wraith removed it out of Windy in time, the damage would have been irreversible. However, Wraith is known as the Ignis of Space, thus allowing him to manipulate the space in and out of things. He can also use space to teleport across great lengths."
"If Wraith is capable of such things, then why didn't he remove all of Malf's traces from Windy?"
"Who knows?" Herald shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe Lightning told Wraith to back off, and made Windy keep those injuries as scars to remind him of what happens should he fail again. But to answer your question, Arashi, the Ignis are more than just programs. We're living beings too."
"But you are the Ignis of Time, Herald." Arashi pointed out with a sigh. "Look, here it is. I'm struggling with something, and I was hoping you could help me out on it." He then whispered his request into Herald's ear, causing him to widen his eyes for a moment or two before narrowing them.
"Are you sure this is what you want, Arashi?" Herald cautiously questioned, wanting to make sure that Arashi's decision was final.
"Yeah, I am. If it means helping me finally get peace and move on, then I'm willing to do so." Arashi replied.
"Alright. I'll help you out." Herald decided. "But for now, why don't you turn the Nintendo Switch on? I need to defeat Arceus, and this morning may be my only chance to do so!"
"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. I'll do it." Arashi assured Herald, having picked up Yuhiro's duel disk as he brought it over to the living room before turning the Nintendo Switch on.
Elsewhere, at Café Matsuo...
"What?!" Yuhiro exclaimed, shocked at what he just heard from Roxy.
"You heard me. It's likely that Lightning and Azrael will use Miyu to force me to work with them." Roxy repeated. "That's why I need you to defeat me in a duel should such a situation come up."
Yuhiro sighed to himself. While he had a feeling that Lightning and Azrael would use Miyu as a hostage to coerce Roxy into working with them, the possibility still caught him off guard. Azrael had his honor, but Lightning... that was a completely different story. Compared to the two, Lightning was definitely the one who would rely on using hostages to force people into a difficult situation. Whether to willingly cooperate too save one person or kill that loved one along with the enemy to save countless others, it was exactly like the trolley situation. "Roxy, I can't fight you. You're my mom. I can't fight you. It's wrong, and if I did that, I'd be like Kratos from God of War. Or worse, like the Fate/Grand Order version of Kiritsugu Emiya. "
Roxy sadly chuckled back. "You do know that Kratos committed patricide, while the Fate/Grand Order version of Kiritsugu Emiya just massacred a ton of people in the name of world peace, right?"
"I know the differences, Roxy. It's just..." Yuhiro wiped the tears that formed in his eyes. "I don't like it at all. I hate it."
"I hear you, Yuhiro. I feel exactly what you're feeling." Roxy said, not bothered by the change in tone of Yuhiro's voice. "Still, I can't ignore Miyu. She's my niece after all. That's why we need to prepare for such a situation. You know the ins and outs of my deck and how they work. That's why I want you to be the one to defeat me should Lightning and Azrael force me to work with them."
Yuhiro thought this over. In all the time he knew Roxy, he was aware of how stubborn and logical she can be at times. Yuhiro hated to admit it, but Roxy was right. "Fine. I'll do it. And regarding Miyu, there's something I need to tell you."
Roxy sadly smiled. "You don't need to tell me, Yuhiro. I already know."
"Wait, what?"
"I know you've been in love with Miyu for quite a while now." Roxy said.
"Is this you joking by any chance?" Yuhiro carefully asked.
"No, of course not." Roxy responded. "When we were at the Den City hospital, I saw you spending time with Miyu, and I can tell that you had the happiest time being with her. It was during that time when I realized that you were genuinely in love with her, and vice versa. Let me tell you something, Yuhiro. The bond you two have is precious. Promise me that you will never, ever give it up, alright?"
Yuhiro nodded. "I promise."
"Good." Roxy stood up from her chair. "Let's go back inside. I bet Arashi and Herald are done their discussion."
Yuhiro nodded back before following Roxy upstairs into the living room, where the duo saw Herald playing Pokemon: Legends Arceus, with Arashi cheering him on.
"Come on, come on!" Herald said, his game character dodging blasts of energy from Arceus himself before proceeding to throw multiple balms at him.
"Atta boy, Herald. Kick God's ass!" Yuhiro cheered.
"Almost there..." Herald's game character then threw more balms at Arceus, stunning him and allowing Herald to throw a Poke Ball at him. This led to a battle between Herald's Samurott and Arceus, where Herald used a combination of Agile Style and Strong Style moves to stun Arceus. As a result, Herald's game character was able to throw more balms at the stunned Arceus. Everyone gasped upon seeing Arceus not only teleport, but also unleash several shockwaves that caught Herald off guard.
Thinking quickly, Herald had his game character roll to the right side before throwing some balms at Arceus, causing him to unleash several beam attacks that sprouted from his head. After having his game character roll to the left side, Herald then had him throw some more balms at Arceus. Within seconds, Arceus was stunned, and it gave Herald enough time for his game character to finish the boss by throwing a few more balms.
"YES! YES! YES! I beat Pokemon: Legends Arceus!" Herald raised his arms high in the air in triumph, happy to beat the game.
"Nice job, Herald. You beat the game at long last." Yuhiro congratulated Herald.
"Of course I did. I'm so happy!" Herald replied. The moment, however, was interrupted when Yuhiro's phone rang.
"Excuse me." Yuhiro went over to the kitchen before he pulled his phone out of his pocket and answered it. "Hello?"
"Morning, Yuhiro." Yusaku said on the other end. "Are you done with your part for the Tower of Hanoi?"
"Almost." Yuhiro confirmed. "Can you and the others call us in a few minutes? There's some stuff I need to share with you. It's about the data on Ace's duel disk."
There was silence on the other end before Yusaku responded. "Alright. I need to help Kusanagi with something anyway. See you in a few minutes." Yusaku then hung up afterwards.
"Oh, yeah. We need to get that done. Good thing there isn't much to do on it, don't you agree?" Roxy said, as Yuhiro walked over to where she and the others were.
"But we need to put in Lightning's algorithm so we can track him down, remember?" Yuhiro reminded Roxy, which caused the latter to roll her eyes.
"Yes, I remember, Yuhiro." Roxy confirmed, she and Yuhiro now going downstairs to the backroom. After Herald saved the game before turning it off, Arashi picked up Yuhiro's duel disk before following the others to the backroom. "It still surprises me that Gil of all people managed to acquire Lightning's algorithm. It angers me even more that he wanted to brutally destroy you in a duel before giving it to you guys."
"And the info on Azrael." Arashi piped in.
"Yeah, yeah. That too." Roxy snapped back, the three humans and one Ignis entering the backroom. Rasterliger soon followed after them before sitting down beside Yuhiro, who proceeded to sit down on one of the seats. "Anyhow, let's get working, shall we?" She, Arashi, and Yuhiro then proceeded to type on the digital keyboard, having resumed their work on helping rebuild the Tower of Hanoi.
While it took them a bit longer because they had to put in Lightning's algorithm, in the end, they were able to get it done. As if on cue, a screen popped up on the monitors that showed a phone. When Roxy pressed the Green button, the screen then opened up to a window that showed Yusaku, Takeru, and Kusanagi.
"Hey, good timing. We just finished our part." Yuhiro reported.
"Glad to hear, Yuhiro." Kusanagi replied. "Say, Roxy told me that you went through Ace's data last night. Did you find anything?"
"I wonder what Ace could have on his duel disk." Takeru wondered. "Black Market stuff, his deck..."
"You are in for a surprise, Takeru." Yuhiro told him. He then proceeded to tell the others what he found on Ace's duel disk last night. First, Yuhiro informed everyone the truth about the trafficking operations in Central Japan, and how they were originally a volunteer-only workforce set up by Derek and Isabelle Miyahara that focused on goodwill. And when they tried to stop the operations, Balius killed the couple. Everyone else was shocked upon learning that SOL Technologies was one of Balius' clients, and to back this information up, Yuhiro showed everyone the evidence of SOL Technologies making deals with clients from the Black Market. This included receipts of purchases and shipments of Black Market material to different clients.
Yuhiro then told everyone about the numerous bank accounts he found, which contained more than enough to pay for hospital care and assist with the reparation efforts. While the others agreed with the idea in using the money to do both of those things, there was still the concern on what to use the rest on after it was done, if any amount of money was left over. Roxy put an end to that discussion fast, saying that such a decision can be made after the Ignis war.
From there, Yuhiro revealed that on Ace's duel disk contained information on the Hanoi themselves. Specifically, names, locations of the safehouses, and footage of their meetings. Like before, everyone was surprised, and unsure of what to do with it. On one hand, they could pass this information onto the authorities. However, if the group did this now, it would sever the alliance with the Hanoi completely, and such a thing was not wise due to the common enemies in Lightning and Azrael. So for the time being, everyone agreed to keep the info on the Hanoi to themselves. Who knows? Maybe they can use it to keep the Hanoi in check should they plan on betraying them at such a crucial time as this.
In Yuhiro's mind, he didn't bother telling the group about the programs the Hanoi had. He simply moved them all to his duel disk, for they can prove to be useful later on. Especially with the fact that the unknown proved to be a deadly advantage if played correctly.
While Yuhiro told everyone about the programs Athaliah had used for her experiments, he didn't tell them about the programs Ace and Speckles had on hand. Nor did he tell them about the locations of the data material caches. That was something Yuhiro wanted to personally investigate himself.
As for the fact that Ace had Judgment Arrows on hand, Yuhiro also kept that to himself. For again, the unknown was a great ally to use should you play it correctly.
"Well, I'll be damned. I can't believe Ace had data about the Hanoi on his duel disk." Kusanagi commented. "Though I wonder how he got it in the first place."
"Maybe Azrael had a hand in doing so. Although I doubt he's the guy who would give it to his lackeys." Takeru said.
"Perhaps we'll find out once we confront Lightning and Azrael, wherever they are in the network." Yusaku hypothesized.
"I'm surprised that SOL Technologies and the Black Market have truly been in cahoots with one another from the very beginning." Ai stated. "Not just that, but with Balius' tyrannical rule as well."
"It's certainly disturbing. I do wonder how Electrolyzer will take the news. If we ever see him again, that is." Flame added.
"True. With Brion locked up by SOL Technologies, he may not learn the horrific truth." Herald replied. Yuhiro also made sure that everyone was reminded of and kept in the loop regarding Brion, for he tried to leak the secret partnership between SOL Technologies and the Black Market to the world... only for him to pay a terrible price at the end.
"But moving that aside, we should inform Revolver that everything's ready for the Tower of Hanoi to be launched, right guys?" Kusanagi correctly inquired. Once everyone nodded in agreement, Kusanagi typed on the digital keyboard back at Café Nagi for a few seconds. Soon, other windows popped up. He also made sure that the video portion of the call for Café Nagi was turned off, with Roxy doing the same for Café Matsuo. This way, they can protect their identities. Specifically, Yusaku and Takeru's identities as Playmaker and Soulburner, for the duo hadn't told anyone else the truth about who they were in the network yet.
"This is Raguel." Yuhiro said. "Slipstream and I have finished our piece. Sorry it took so long. We acquired Lightning's algorithm, and put it in upon completion."
"How were you able to get Lightning's algorithm?" Revolver curiously questioned.
"An ally on our end obtained the algorithm from a Bitboot he dueled a few days ago. He gave it to us after we explained the situation to him." Arashi answered. He didn't mention the fact that Gil brutally destroyed Yuhiro in a duel beforehand for two reasons. One, it was neither important nor relevant. Two, it would raise more questions.
"Soulburner and I have also finished our piece." Yusaku reported.
"Same for me." Emma added, her feed showing audio only, just like the others.
"I too have finished my part." Watchman confirmed, his feed also showing audio only.
"That's all parts of the program, then." Revolver summed up. "We'll be able to reprogram the Tower of Hanoi now."
"So is that it? Do we head for Lightning and Azrael after finding out their location?" Aoi asked.
"Yes, but like I said, it'll be in the afternoon." Revolver confirmed.
"But we can't afford to waste time! The sooner we go, the less time Lightning and Azrael have to prepare for us!" Takeru argued.
"The Knights of Hanoi have some research to look into, and that will take a bit of time." Revolver explained.
"I too need to look into something as well." Watchman said. "Revolver's suggestion is a logical one."
"Logical? How is waiting around logical?" Takeru asked. "If we wait around-."
"Enough. A few hours will not delay any of us. Plus, it allows some final training before the coming war." Flame countered, before Takeru can say anything else.
"It's a good idea. We can practice on our end, and you guys can get your work done." Herald agreed with Flame's point.
"And do some r and r with some soap operas." Ai commented as well.
"Then it's settled. I'll meet you all in LINK VRAINS this afternoon." Revolver decided. After everyone gave their affirmatives, he hung up.
"We're going to do some final training on our end as well." Emma reported. "See you guys soon." She then hung up as well.
"Watchman, what exactly do you need to look into? Is it something related to Project: VIII?" Yuhiro inquired.
"Maybe. I can't say until I'm absolutely certain. I will see you this afternoon." Watchman replied, before he hung up. After making sure that no one else is on the call, Roxy and Kusanagi pressed the video buttons on their respective ends, allowing the camera to show themselves and the others.
"Sorry about that. I just wanted to finish this war sooner than later." Takeru apologized.
"There's nothing to be sorry for, Takeru. I don't want anyone else to suffer, not after what happened to Go." Yusaku assured Takeru. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to get some final training in."
"Awesome!" Arashi said. "I always wanted to duel you, Takeru. For I lost against Yuhiro and drew against Yusaku. I wonder whether I'll be able to defeat you for a change."
"We'll only find out when we duel, Arashi." Takeru pointed out.
"Well, at least we have something to do aside from getting some final sales in." Roxy sheepishly commented.
"I guess so, huh?" Kusanagi agreed, the both of them having sweat-dropped in the process.
Before Yuhiro can say anything, his phone began to ring. "Excuse me." He walked out of the backroom before answering it. "Hello?"
"Yuhiro, it's Greg. Would you be able to help me with something?" Greg asked.
"Greg, I'm sorry. I don't have-."
"One of Balius' agents has arrived in Central Japan, and he's meeting up with Chainslaver and Sharpshot to acquire a shipment of slaves, Brion among them." Greg interrupted, causing Yuhiro to gasp.
"What?"
"Can you help me stop the transaction? Please? If we can stop this, I can put an end to Balius' rule for good." Greg said. "I don't want anyone else to suffer due to Balius and SOL Technologies, and I'm sure you don't want that too."
Yuhiro furiously narrowed his eyes. "You have my word. I'll help you. Just corner them, and I'll deal with the rest." He hung up, the furious expression still on his face. Within seconds, Excalibur formed in Yuhiro's hands, much to his surprise as the blade glowed yellow. Yuhiro then walked back into the backroom, the others surprised upon seeing the furious expression on his face as he went over to the workshop.
"Yuhiro? What's going on? And who spoke to you on the phone?" Roxy inquired, as Yuhiro returned back to the backroom, a spare duel disk in his hands. While it resembled the one he always used, this one had an black outline and a red blade. He quickly connected a wire to the monitor before connecting it to the other end of the spare duel disk, and within several seconds, data was put inside.
"That was Greg. He wants my help in stopping a slave trade between Balius' agent and Chainslaver and Sharpshot." Yuhiro quickly explained, before he pulled his deck out of his current duel disk and put it in the spare one.
"Chainslaver? Isn't that the guy you apprehended for Monty a long time ago?"
"Yes, but he's resurfaced." Yuhiro turned to face everyone else. "And I'm going to help Greg put a stop to all of this."
"You don't know how long that will take." Yusaku pointed out. "It may delay our attack on Lightning."
"There's bigger fish to fry, man. We can deal with it later." Kusanagi agreed.
"Yeah, man. Maybe you can tell Greg that-." Arashi began speaking.
"No! I'm tired of being powerless! If I don't act now, more people suffer!" Yuhiro harshly replied. "And I refuse to allow such a thing to happen again!" He quickly ran to the closed off space, before looking at Excalibur, his eyes having turned red, as if he were in a trance. Yuhiro didn't know what it was, but it was like the sword was responding to his emotions. "Seal Thirteen, release!" Within seconds, a transient corridor appeared that swallowed up Yuhiro, who didn't show any fear in response.
"Yuhiro, wait!" Roxy cried out, having opened the door to the closed-off space. She gasped upon realizing that he was no longer there. "Impossible..." Roxy then ran back to the backroom, the shocked expression still on her face.
"What happened, Roxy?" Kusanagi asked.
"Yuhiro somehow logged into the network whole."
"What?!" everyone else exclaimed.
"That's impossible! No one can do that!" Ai commented.
"Maybe it has something to do with Excalibur..." Herald hypothesized.
"There's no time to be debating. We need to find Yuhiro fast!" Arashi stated the obvious, the others agreeing as they got to work. The good news was that they had time in settling this debacle. Once they located Yuhiro in the network, they can calm him down and help him think logically about the situation.
"That's an old duel disk Yuhiro's using. It should be very easy for us to track him down." Roxy assured both herself and everyone else present. Wherever you are, Yuhiro, I will find you, Roxy swore in her mind. She wouldn't lose her son. Not now. Not ever.
In LINK VRAINS, in an area of the network...
Raguel logged into a desolate area of the network, having looked around the surroundings. The area resembled that of old LINK VRAINS, as evident with the ruined buildings and sandy terrain, but it also had other things as well. This included
Suddenly, the duel disk he wore beeped, causing Raguel to press a button on it. He narrowed his eyes upon hearing a familiar voice.
"What are you doing, Yuhiro?" Roxy asked out of concern on the comms.
"I'm sorry. I have to do this." Raguel replied. "I'm tired of being powerless."
"No, you can't. We still have to deal with Lightning and Azrael." Kusanagi pointed out on the comms.
"You and Greg might fall into a trap if you don't think this through carefully." Yusaku warned Raguel on the comms.
"We can talk this over and figure something out." Takeru suggested through the comms.
"Please come home, Yuhiro! This isn't you!" Herald pleaded through the comms.
"Yeah, don't go running away from us!" Ai added through the comms.
"I am with Herald and Ai. Don't do something you'll regret." Flame cautioned Raguel through the comms.
"I'm sorry, everyone. It's something I have to do alone." Yuhiro lamentably replied, before he closed communications off with a sigh. He then pressed a few buttons on his spare duel disk, and within seconds, a voice popped up on the other end.
"Hello?"
"It's Raguel, Greg." Raguel told him. "Are you close to the location where Electrolyzer and the slaves are?"
"We are." Greg confirmed.
"I'll be on standby in case things get hairy." Raguel suggested. "And don't worry. I know how to get to the rendezvous point fast, and you'll know once I'm there."
"Alright." Greg then hung up on the other end.
After that was done, Raguel pressed a button on his spare duel disk, causing a screen to pop up. Greg gave Raguel the feed to what was going on so that should something happen, Raguel can come and assist. Then again, Raguel had an intriguing plan in mind. One that will not only put the enemy down for good, but also get some answers as well.
Meanwhile, in an area of the real world...
A man wearing a dark hoodie and black jeans waited at an area that was close to the border camp, where he looked at the watch on his left hand. It should only be a minute or two for the client to come in with Amadeus, as per the deal between SOL Technologies and Balius. In exchange for releasing Amadeus from captivity, Balius sent a small platoon of soldiers to Den City to keep the peace during turbulent times. This was due to the chaos that resulted after the attacks in the network and in the real world. The deal between SOL Technologies and Balius had existed for years, where the latter sent Dascium and other materials to the former, and vice versa. However, little did SOL Technologies know, Balius got Gardai, the Delta Branch's leader, to work for him. If it weren't for the Turf War, then Balius could have eventually seized full control of the network upon eliminating crucial targets. Then again, identifying and eliminating crucial targets took time to determine, and there were so many of them to dispose of.
To make things worse, ever since Uchida Industries fell, Balius lost a big customer for the Dascium metal. On the plus side, the company who acquired the Dascium served the Knights of Hanoi, and Balius would have been impacted more had the Hanoi's plan with their Tower succeeded.
Balius made sure that there were several troops stationed at this particular border camp, especially with an important transaction such as this happening right now. Should the deal be finalized, then both SOL Technologies and Balius wins. The former gets security to mitigate things on their end, and the latter gets one of his chief advisors back.
As if on cue, a large-rounded man with orange combed-back hair, light skin, and a white tuxedo walked alongside several troops as they escorted Amadeus to the area near the border camp the hooded man was at.
"You must be Katsu Myoga, aka Chainslaver," the hooded man said, having walked over to where Katsu was before shaking his hand.
"I am indeed." Katsu confirmed. "As per Balius' wishes, here is Amadeus. I trust you have the paperwork in order to complete the transaction?"
"Of course." The hooded man then pulled out a few pieces of paper from his pocket before doublechecking them. "Turbulent times, don't you agree?"
"I guess so." Katsu replied. "Um, sorry to hear about Gardai's death?"
"Balius executed Gardai for his failure to protect Delta," the hooded man explained. After making sure that all the papers were accurate, he got ready to hand them over to Katsu...
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Suddenly, the group heard bullets being shot in the air, as several of their security fell like flies.
"Did you alert the authorities to us?!" Katsu demanded.
"No, of course not. Balius would have my head if I did such a thing."
"I hate to interrupt things, but we need to get going now." Amadeus urged the others, causing the group to start heading over to the area that marked the border from Den City to Central Japan.
"Open fire!" Greg shouted, as one of the FBI officers fired a rocket launcher at one of the vehicles, which caused it to flip over in the process. He turned to one of the other FBI officers. "Close in on the group. We can't afford any of them to get into Central Japan's borders!"
"Yes, sir!" the officer complied, having led a small group of officers with him to carry out the order.
Greg rolled to the side before firing several rounds of bullets from his gun at a nearby troop, knocking them down in the process. He then fired more bullets at coming troops, knocking both of them down as well.
Several of the FBI officers threw grenades at the troops stationed near the border camp, causing explosions that not only knocked out the troops stationed there, but also a few of the getaway vehicles as well.
Final Sigma then appeared and brought its flaming sword down on several of the cars, causing the troops to jump out of them before trying to run away as an explosion occurred. Unfortunately for those troops, they ended up getting pierced by bullets, which led to each of them falling to the ground.
"Alright!" Rachel cheered, who was obviously with Final Sigma, causing Greg to wipe his forehead out of relief. Originally, Greg didn't want to bring her with him for the siege, as there was a risk that she could get hurt. However, after making some excellent points, one of which being that she had a giant robot at her beck and call, Greg relented. Plus, Rachel knew how to take care of herself.
Seeing the fleeing Katsu with Amadeus and the hooded man, Greg motioned his hand forward, causing multiple FBI officers to close in and try to block their escape. He and the FBI officers shot at the troops escorting Amadeus, Katsu, and the hooded man, with Final Sigma also pointing its sword before firing a burst of fire from it. As a result, the area that Katsu and the others were heading to was scorched, causing a wall of fire that blocked their only means of escape.
A frantic Katsu then rolled over to the side before proceeding to slam into one of the officers with his shoulder, grabbing his gun before proceeding to shoot him several times. He ran away from Amadeus and the hooded man, who had no choice but to raise their arms in surrender as the FBI officers closed in. Seconds later, the remaining troops that were stationed at the border did the same, seeing that there was no point in fighting.
"We got Amadeus, sir," one of the officers reported to Greg, as he walked up to where the others were. "One member of the group, Katsu Myoga, has escaped, and is heading over to the border."
"Send in a group to pursue him." Greg replied, the officer nodding back in response as he motioned a group of officers to begin the pursuit. He then walked over to where Amadeus and the hooded man were.
"How did you find us?" the hooded man spat at Greg.
"I'm not obligated to answer you." Greg told the hooded man, before turning to Amadeus. "What I want to know is how a scumbag like you was able to walk free in the first place."
"I refuse to talk." Amadeus said in defiance to Greg.
"Maybe you'll talk when I have this to tell you." Greg crossed his arms. "Last I checked, you have a bounty on your name, and Athaliah had one as well. So if you don't want what happened to her to happen to you later on by someone worse, you better answer all my questions."
"D-D-Did you kill her?"
Greg shook his head back, which made Amadeus sigh out of relief. The FBI wouldn't be one to kill criminals that had bounties on their heads. Amadeus quickly got up before punching one of the officers hard enough to grab the gun in his holster and hold said officer hostage by pointing the gun at him.
"Don't move! Don't fire!" Amadeus demanded, having pressed the gun barrel to the officer's head. "Otherwise, he gets it! I'll shoot his brains out! I-!"
WHOOSH!
The next thing everyone knew, chains emerged out of nowhere that yanked Amadeus to the ground before restraining him there. He tried to reach for the gun, but it was all for naught.
"Aw Hell no. Not this again..." Greg muttered.
"Trying to hold a hostage, governor? Not the best idea," a familiar voice commented, as its owner, Gil, walked over to where the others were.
"How did you get here? And why are you even here in the first place?!" Greg demanded. "If you plan on killing him-."
"Relax, I'm not going to kill him. He still needs to answer to several people for his crimes." Gil assured Greg. "As for how I got here, I took a taxi."
That response made Greg and Rachel raise an eyebrow out of pure confusion. Gil took a taxi to the border of all places? Really? It could have been anything else, but a taxi? That was just odd.
Greg snapped out of his thoughts as an officer ran to where he was. "We lost sight of Katsu, sir."
"Keep searching. If he makes it back to Central Japan, then we'll lose the element of surprise." Greg replied, causing the officer to nod back in understanding before joining his comrades.
"You don't need to worry about Chainslaver. I'll take care of that." Raguel told Greg over the comms.
"Was that Yuhiro?" Rachel asked curiously.
"Yeah. I asked for his help." Greg responded. How though, I'm not sure of, he thought in his head. He then turned to Gil. "If you're up to any funny business-."
"I'm not up to anything funny. Besides..." Gil narrowed his eyes. "I have my own reasons for being here."
In another area near the border, Katsu kept running and evading the officers on his trail. If he could make it to the border, then the officers won't be able to pursue him any longer. But just when Katsu was a few steps away from the border, a blue sphere surrounded him as he screamed, having realized that he was being logged into the network by force.
In LINK VRAINS...
Chainslaver unceremoniously rolled onto the ground as he was logged into the network by force. He was confused on how he got here in the first place. Did someone manage to lock onto Chainslaver's account in order to do so? No. He couldn't think of that right now. Chainslaver had to somehow log out and resume running to the border. This way, he'd-.
WHOOSH!
Soon, three chained daggers resembling that of a duel anchor lashed out at Chainslaver out of nowhere, causing him to roll to his left side. Those daggers. They belong to Speckles, Chainslaver recognized in his mind, as he got up and started running. Was he hired to kill me or something?
Suddenly, the three chained daggers resembling that of a duel anchor were lashed out again at Chainslaver. Only this time, they wrapped themselves around his right arm before stabbing into his skin, catching him off guard as he screamed in pain.
"Looks like this thing works after all," a voice commented, as Chainslaver saw Raguel walked towards him.
"Raguel?" Chainslaver said, having recognized the individual. "How did you get your hands on that duel anchor? Did Speckles-?"
"Nah, he's dead. Apparently, I can thank Ace for having this program in his duel disk amongst others." Raguel responded, a smirk appearing on his face.
"So you were the one who killed Ace then?"
Raguel shook his head. "Nope. Ace committed suicide. I just stole his duel disk before he did so."
Chainslaver narrowed his eyes. In his mind, he heard that voice before. But where? Where did he hear that voice? Wait a minute! "I've seen you before. Y-Y-You're Agent?!"
"Now that's correct." Raguel replied, much to Chainslaver's surprise. "As for the duel anchor Speckles once had, not only are you locked in a duel against me, I'm in the process of hacking and retrieving all of your personal information."
"..!" Chainslaver grit his teeth in fury... and satisfaction. "I've been waiting to get revenge on the one who humiliated me all those years ago. Thanks to you, Monty imprisoned me for many years. After he died, however, I was able to escape and stay several steps ahead of the authorities. I even got to work under Ace as a result, just as I originally wanted. But thanks to you and your little friends, my work's been massively reduced."
"I couldn't care less about what happened to you. All I care about is getting whatever you have on hand, one way or another." Raguel snarked back, having activated his duel disk. "Let's get this farce over with. I have something else to take care of, and the sooner you're disposed of, the better."
"Very well." Chainslaver stated, having also activated his duel disk. "Just know that I won't be the one who loses this time around!"
"Let's duel!" Raguel and Chainslaver shouted together.
Raguel: 4000 LP
Chainslaver: 4000 LP
"I'm going first, and once this duel ends, I will get my rightful revenge on you for humiliating me all those years ago!" Chainslaver said. "My turn! I activate the Spell card, Graceful Charity. This card lets me draw three cards from the top of my deck in exchange for discarding two cards from my hand." After Chainslaver took two cards from his hand and sent them to his Graveyard, he drew the top three cards of his deck. "I summon Iron Chain Repairman from my hand to my field." A fat, pink-skinned man wearing green overalls appeared on Chainslaver's field in attack position. He wore a red cap on his head, along with orange safety goggles over his eyes. In his right hand, he carried a massive hammer.
Iron Chain Repairman ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 4
"Next, I activate Repairman's effect. Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Iron Chain' monster from my Graveyard back to my field. However, Iron Chain Repairman cannot attack the turn he uses this effect. Resurrect, Iron Chain Snake." A long chain that was in the form of a snake slithered onto Chainslaver's field.
Iron Chain Snake ATK: 800 DEF: 1200 LV: 3
"Appear, the circuit of chains!" Chainslaver declared, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two Earth monsters. I set Iron Chain Repairman and Iron Chain Snake into the Link Markers!" Repairman went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while Snake went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning both of them red.
"Link Summon! Come on out! Link 2! Iron Chain Warden!" A fat, dark-skinned man whose attire consisted of a police officer's uniform appeared on Chainslaver's field. On his face was a black beard with sharp whiskers on the sides, as well as a bushy mustache. Strapped to his left arm was a disk that lashed out a massive chain whip.
Iron Chain Warden ATK: 1800 LINK-2 ↙️↘️
"When Warden is Link Summoned, I can Special Summon one 'Iron Chain' monster from my Graveyard to a Main Monster Zone he points to in defense position. Return to my field, Repairman!" Chainslaver continued, as Repairman reappeared on his field in defense position.
Iron Chain Repairman ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 4
"I also activate Warden's second effect. Once per turn, I can Set one 'Chain' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my field." A card popped out of Chainslaver's deck, which he took and Set to his field. "Also, since I control an 'Iron Chain' monster, I can Special Summon Iron Chain Lizard from my hand to my field." Chainslaver continued, as a mechanical lizard whose body composed of chains appeared on his field.
Iron Chain Lizard ATK: 200 DEF: 1000 LV: 2
As of now, Chainslaver drew new cards, Link Summoned a Link 2 monster, brought back one of his monsters to his field, and Set a card to his field from his deck, Raguel summed up in his mind. The last time he dueled Chainslaver was months prior, where the latter was all talk and no action. This time, it seemed that Chainslaver finally grew a pair, and had chosen to take this duel seriously.
"I tune the Level 2 Iron Chain Lizard with the Level 4 Iron Chain Repairman!" Chainslaver declared, as a bolt of grey lightning struck him before the world greyed out and his two monsters turned into particles. Two rings, one grey and one brown, appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "4 + 2" in front of them. The screen changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.
"Draconic beast of chains, awaken and deliver my wrath onto my enemies!" Chainslaver chanted. "Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Iron Chain Dragon!" A large, blue dragon with chains all over its body appeared on Chainslaver's field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Warden pointed to. Although it had no legs or arms, it had a large wingspan, as well as a long tail.
Iron Chain Dragon ATK: 2500 DEF: 1300 LV: 6
"I'm sure you know what Iron Chain Dragon's effect is, right?" Chainslaver asked.
"If memory serves, Iron Chain Dragon gains 200 attack points for every 'Iron Chain' monster in your Graveyard." Raguel recalled correctly.
"That's correct!" Chainslaver confirmed. "As there's two at the moment, that means Iron Chain Dragon gains 400 attack points." Iron Chain Dragon roared as it powered up.
Iron Chain Dragon ATK: 2500 + (200 X 2) = 2900
"In addition, when Lizard is used to Synchro Summon, I can draw the top card of my deck." Chainslaver proceeded to drew the top card of his deck.
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Chainslaver concluded. "Now then, Raguel. Begin your turn so I can start tearing you to pieces."
"The duel's only getting started, Chainslaver. Prepare yourself!" Raguel warned Chainslaver. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Glorious Cyreaths!" The card showed Cyreath Odysseus breaking from underneath the ground as he struggled to get up, the Cyreath Emblem shining above him. "If I control no monsters in my Main Monster Zones, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster from my hand, deck, or Graveyard and draw the top card of my deck. I Special Summon Cyreath Doppelganger from my deck, and draw!" A card popped out of Raguel's deck, which he took and played to his field. Soon, a pale, shadowy man materialized itself on Raguel's field.
Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4
Seconds later, Raguel drew the top card of his deck.
"In addition, I activate the Field Spell card, Cyreath Mount Olympus. While this card is on my field, all 'Cyreath' monsters on my field gain 500 attack and defense points. What's more, they're unaffected by your monster effects."
Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 + 500 = 1000 DEF: 500 + 500 = 1000
"From there, by sending a 'Cyreath' Link monster from my Extra Deck to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Cyreath Teferi from my hand to my field." Raguel continued. "I send Cyreath Erymanthian Boar from my Extra Deck to my Graveyard." Soon, an elderly man wearing a long-sleeved, hoodless cassock appeared on Raguel's field. He had white, spiky hair, along with two glowing horns on the sides of his head that curved upwards. He also had horn-like appendages attached to his back that curved upwards, which emitted wings of energy tendrils.
Cyreath Teferi ATK: 3000 DEF: 1500 LV: 8 Scale: 1
Cyreath Teferi ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500 DEF: 1500 + 500 = 2000
"Prepare for the end, human!" Teferi decreed.
"When Teferi is Special Summoned by his own effect, the effects of all cards on your field are negated until the end of this turn!" Raguel added, a grin evident on his face. "Oh, and in case you were thinking of activating your face-down cards, know that you can't activate cards or effects in response to his activation if I sent a Link-3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster to the Graveyard by his effect."
"What?!" Chainslaver exclaimed, having been caught off guard by what he just heard. He then snapped out of his shock. "Do note that Warden is unaffected by card effects while he's pointing to a monster."
"That's fine, but your other cards are a different story. Go, Unholy Desecration!" Energy was blasted out of Teferi's wings, which drained the energy of all of Chainslaver's cards on his field, much to his disdain.
"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Cyreath Teferi and Doppelganger into the Link Markers!" Teferi went into the bottom arrowhead, while Doppelganger went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning both of them red.
"Link Summon! Emerge! Link 2! Cyreath Laelaps!" A white-colored dog with orange spots throughout his body appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.
Cyreath Laelaps ATK: 1000 LINK-2 ⬇️↘️
Cyreath Laelaps ATK: 1000 + 500 = 1500
"I also activate Teferi's second effect. When he's used as material for the Ritual, Link, Fusion, or Synchro Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, or detached as Xyz Material by the effect of a 'Cyreath' Xyz monster I can shuffle one 'Cyreath' Link monster back to my Extra Deck to Special Summon him from my Extra Deck or Graveyard to my field. I shuffle Erymanthian Boar, and Special Summon Teferi from my Graveyard to my field!" Raguel decided, as he took a card from his Graveyard and shuffled it into his Extra Deck. Soon after, Teferi reappeared on Raguel's field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Laelaps pointed to.
Cyreath Teferi ATK: 3000 DEF: 1500 LV: 8 Scale: 1
Cyreath Teferi ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500 DEF: 1500 + 500 = 2000
In Raguel's mind, he didn't want to take any risks by building up a ton of power into one monster, only for all of it to go to waste upon being negated. "I summon Cyreath Barbarian from my hand to my field." A man with spiked cuffs, close-cropped blond hair and a mustache appeared on Raguel's field.
Cyreath Barbarian ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LV: 4
Cyreath Barbarian ATK: 1500 + 500 = 2000 DEF: 1000 + 500 = 1500
"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel's head. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 2 Cyreath Laelaps, and Barbarian into the Link Markers!" Laelaps went into the left and bottom arrowheads, while Barbarian went into the right arrowhead.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Odysseus!" A man wearing dark-purple armor all over his body appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Silver armaments were attached his upper chest, which spread to each of his shoulders. There were also pieces of silver armaments also attached to his thighs, as well as on his forearms. He also wore a helmet that was coated in silver, which had dark-blue eyes on it. A black cape was attached to his shoulders, which flowed for a few seconds before dropping down.
Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ⬅️⬇️➡️
Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000
"There will be no mercy for someone like you! I won't stop until you're brought down for good!" Odysseus declared, hellbent on fulfilling his vow.
"Your duel monsters talk? Impossible!" Chainslaver denied. "Duel monsters are nothing more than programs and tools. They don't have a voice. It must be a glitch or defect in the system, yes, that must be it!"
"Well, things change. You just have to accept it. But moving that, aside, the effects of Barbarian and Laelaps activate." Raguel began speaking. "First, when Barbarian is used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster gains 500 attack points." Odysseus was surrounded in a red aura that increased his strength.
Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500
"Second, when Laelaps is used to Link Summon a 'Cyreath' Link Monster, all monsters you control lose 1000 attack points until the End Phase!" A silhouette of Laelaps appeared as it howled, which headed towards Warden and Iron Chain Dragon. But whereas Warden was unaffected, Iron Chain Dragon groaned in pain as its strength was depleted.
Iron Chain Dragon ATK: 2900 – 1000 = 1900
"Battle!" Raguel declared. "Cyreath Odysseus attacks Iron Chain Warden! At this point, Odysseus' effect activates! When he battles a Special Summoned monster, his original attack points are doubled until the end of the damage step. Aegis Enhancement!" Odysseus let out a roar as his strength was doubled.
Cyreath Odysseus ATK: (2500 X 2) + (500 X 2) = 6000
"Brutal Beatdown!" Odysseus sped forward towards Warden, hellbent on pulverizing the latter.
"This duel ain't over by a long shot, Raguel, especially with what I've got on hand!" Chainslaver pointed out. "I activate the effect of Stegocyber in my Graveyard. By paying 1000 life points, I can not only Special Summon this card from my Graveyard to my field, any battle damage I take from that battle is reduced to zero. In exchange, it's banished once it leaves the field." A red aura surrounded Chainslaver, which made him grit his teeth as he lost life points. Seconds later, a mechanical stegosaurus appeared on Chainslaver's field in defense position.
Chainslaver: 4000 – 1000 = 3000 LP
Stegocyber ATK: 1200 DEF: 2400 LV: 6
"You're still losing your monster, Chainslaver." Raguel reminded Chainslaver, as Odysseus brutally destroyed Warden before turning him into particles.
Cyreath Odysseus ATK: (6000 / 2) + 500 = 3500
"That may be true, but when Warden leaves the field by battle or card effect, I can Set one 'Chain' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my field." Chainslaver informed Raguel, as a card popped out of his deck, which he took and Set to his field.
"Regardless, the battle still continues! Cyreath Teferi attacks Iron Chain Dragon! Unholy Reckoning!" Raguel replied, as Teferi threw a curved blade of energy that formed in his hands at Iron Chain Dragon, which caused a massive explosion that pushed Chainslaver back, his life points dropping once again in the process.
Chainslaver: 3000 – 1600 = 1400 LP
"I activate Mount Olympus' effect. Once, I can target one 'Cyreath' Link monster on my field, and gain life points equal to its Link rating times 500. I target Odysseus, which is a Link 3 monster. That means I gain 1500 life points!" Raguel said, as a golden glow surrounded him, which increased his life points.
Raguel: 4000 + (500 X 3) = 5500 LP
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn, which means Teferi's effect ends." Raguel narrowed his eyes. "You may be going all out this time around, but you're still the same fat douchebag from all those years ago."
"Is that what you think? Nah, nah. I've grown stronger since we've last dueled, Raguel. Far stronger." Chainslaver emphasized with a grin on his face. "Ace gave me some new cards to try out. Ones that will make you scream in pain. Don't believe me? Allow me to show you what I mean. My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck before looking up the cards on Raguel's field. This made Chainslaver frown after reading the effects of each of Raguel's cards. After thinking about it for a few moments, he smirked before gesturing to his field, having known what to do. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Burning Chain!" The card showed fiery chains wrapping around a duelist, much to Warden's pleasure. "This card lets me banish a card on your field up to the number of monsters you control, as well as inflict 500 points of damage to you equal to the number of monsters you control times 500. The best part is that you can't activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation if you control a Special Summoned monster."
"Tch." Raguel grit his teeth. That did not sound good at all.
"I understand Odysseus' effects, and how they work in tandem with Olympus. As such, it's only fair to get rid of troublesome cards, don't you agree?" Chainslaver pointed to the face-down card on Raguel's right. "I banish the face-down card on your right, along with Olympus, and because you control two monsters, you take 1000 points of damage." A fiery chain erupted out of Burning Chain, which wrapped itself around Olympus and Raguel's face-down card before turning it into particles. Within seconds, Raguel winced as his life points slightly dropped.
Raguel: 5500 – (500 X 2) = 4500 LP
Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 3500 – 500 = 3000
Cyreath Teferi ATK: 3500 – 500 = 3000
Great. I needed Primordial Aura to protect my monsters further, as well as keep me from losing life points, Raguel cursed in his mind. He luckily had his other face-down card available should Chainslaver pull off a strategy that would lead to him taking the lead in this duel. "When Olympus leaves the field, I can target one 'Cyreath' Link monster I control, and shuffle 'Cyreath' cards from my Graveyard and/or banished zone into my deck and/or Extra Deck. Then, for every card shuffled by this effect, I can draw the top card of my deck. I target Odysseus, who is a Link 3 monster. That means I can shuffle three cards. As such, I shuffle Glorious Cyreaths, Barbarian, and Laelaps into my deck and Extra Deck, and draw!" After Raguel took the three declared cards and shuffled them into his deck and Extra Deck, he drew the top three cards of his deck.
"You may have gotten some new cards, but they won't help you." Chainslaver replied. "Not when I got this! Since we both have a monster on our fields, I can Special Summon Iron Chain Reinforcer from my hand to my field in defense position." A humanoid wearing plated armor appeared on Chainslaver's field in defense position. He had chains surrounding his shoulder pads, along with a mask resembling that of a chain with red eyes. In his hands, he carried a chain that had a kunai on it.
Iron Chain Reinforcer ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000 LV: 4
"When Reinforcer is Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon one 'Iron Chain' monster from my Graveyard. Return to me once again, Repairman!" Chainslaver announced, as Repairman reappeared on his field.
Iron Chain Repairman ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 4
"Next, I activate Repairman's effect. Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Iron Chain' monster from my Graveyard back to my field. However, Iron Chain Repairman cannot attack the turn he uses this effect. Resurrect once again, Iron Chain Snake." At Chainslaver's command, Snake reappeared on his field.
Iron Chain Snake ATK: 800 DEF: 1200 LV: 3
"Appear, the circuit of chains!" A Link Portal appeared above Chainslaver. "The summoning conditions are two or more monsters with different names. I set Iron Chain Repairman, Snake, Reinforcer, and Stegocyber into the Link Markers!" Repairman went into the top arrowhead, Snake went into the bottom-left arrowhead, Reinforcer went into the bottom arrowhead, and Stegocyber went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning all four of them red in the process.
"Accursed dragon shackled to the ground's depths! Break free, and unleash your wrath on my enemies!" Chainslaver chanted. "Link Summon! Come forth! Link 4! Saryuja Skull Dread!" A massive, bipedal dragon with bone armor and chains attached all over its body appeared on Chainslaver's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Spikes were evident on its hands, along with pieces of them on its long neck. On top of its head was a green gem, and two horns that curved to the back. It also had two large wings as well, each of which had a curved spike tip at the sides.
Saryuja Skull Dread ATK: 2800 LINK-4 ↙️⬆️⬇️↘️
"When Saryuja Skull Dread is Link Summoned-."
"Sorry, but your monster isn't sticking around." Raguel interrupted, having looked up Saryuja Skull Dread's effects. "Trap card, activate! Cyreath Eradication! When you activate a card effect or summon a monster, I can negate the effect or summon and send it to your Graveyard. The best part is that you can't activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation! So say goodbye to Saryuja Skull Dread!" A blade of energy headed towards Saryuja Skull Dread, which turned it into particles.
"Clever little..." Chainslaver muttered, before a smirk appeared on his face. "Then it's a good thing I still have a few tricks up my sleeve to use! I activate the Spell card, Pot of Avarice. This card lets me target five monsters in my Graveyard and shuffle them into my deck before drawing two cards from the top of my deck. I shuffle Saryuja Skull Dread, Iron Chain Dragon, Warden, Lizard, and Reinforcer into my deck and Extra Deck, and draw!" He took the five declared monsters before shuffling them into his deck and Extra Deck. After doing so, Chainslaver drew the top two cards of his deck.
"From my hand, I activate the Spell card, Recovery Chain!" The card showed Snake being used as a rope, with Repairman using it to climb out of a hole. "This card lets me Special Summon 'Iron Chain' monsters from my Graveyard to my field up to the number of monsters you control. As you control two monsters, I can Special Summon up to two 'Iron Chain' monsters from my Graveyard. Return, Repairman and Snake!" At Chainslaver's command, Repairman and Snake reappeared on his field at the same time.
Iron Chain Repairman ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 4
Iron Chain Snake ATK: 800 DEF: 1200 LV: 3
He could have shuffled Snake instead with Pot of Avarice, and then used Recovery Chain's effect to bring back Lizard along with Repairman to Synchro Summon Iron Chain Dragon once again, Raguel thought in his mind, having narrowed his eyes. It's likely he doesn't need it for the time being, and is instead focusing on Link Summoning.
"I summon Iron Chain Connector from my hand to my field." Chainslaver added, as a small, bipedal creature whose body was made up of chains in the form of a coupling link appeared on Chainslaver's field. It had two hooks resembling that of fingers on its hands.
Iron Chain Connector ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 2
"When Connector is Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon one 'Iron Chain Chute' token to my field." Soon, a small, bipedal creature whose chain-like body resembled that of a hook appeared on Chainslaver's field in defense position.
Iron Chain Chute ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1
"Appear, once again! The circuit of chains!" Chainslaver said, as a second Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more monsters with different names. I set Iron Chain Repairman, Snake, Connector, and the Chute token into the Link Markers!" Repairman went into the top arrowhead, Snake went into the bottom-left arrowhead, Imp went into the bottom arrowhead, and the Chute went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning all four of them red in the process.
"Link Summon! Emerge once again! Link 4! Saryuja Skull Dread!" Saryuja Skull Dread reappeared on Chainslaver's field once again in the right Extra Monster Zone.
Saryuja Skull Dread ATK: 2800 LINK-4 ↙️⬆️⬇️↘️
"Damn. He managed to bring out his monster after I stopped him from doing so the first time..." Raguel muttered. Despite having sent Saryuja Skull Dread the first time around, Chainslaver was able to bring it right back to his field once again.
"Saryuja Skull Dread gains effects equal to the number of monsters used for its Link Summon." Chainslaver began speaking. "First, when two or more monsters are used for Saryuja's Link Summon, all monsters it points to gain 300 attack and defense points. Second, when three or more monsters are used for Saryuja's Link Summon, I'm allowed to Special Summon one monster from my hand once per turn. Third, when four monster are used for Saryuja's Link Summon, I can draw the top four cards of my deck before placing three of the cards in my hand at the bottom of my deck in any order." He drew the top four cards of his deck before taking three of them and placing each one at the bottom of his deck.
"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Siphon Chain!" Chainslaver said, having gestured to his field. The card showed a prisoner being drained of his strength due to the glowing chains that restrained him. "This card lets me halve the attack points of one monster you control and negate its effects, as well as increase my monster's attack points by the lost amount until the end of my next turn."
"What?!" Raguel exclaimed.
"I choose Odysseus on your field, and Saryuja Skull Dread on my field!" Glowing chains erupted out of Siphon Chain, which pierced Odysseus before draining him of half his strength. The same glowing chains then temporarily wrapped themselves around Saryuja Skull Dread's arms, which made it roar as its strength increased.
Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 3000 / 2 = 1500
Saryuja Skull Dread ATK: 2800 + 1500 = 4300
"Battle!" Chainslaver declared, having thrusted out his right hand. "Saryuja Skull Dread attacks Cyreath Odysseus! Shackling Rampage!" Saryuja Skull Dread charged forward before smashing Odysseus with its arms, which caused a massive explosion that pushed Raguel back as his life points decreased.
Raguel: 4500 – 2800 = 1700 LP
"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Chainslaver triumphantly smirked. "This is but a portion of the new strength I've gained since our last encounter. On my next turn, it's lights out for you! Well, considering that it will be lights out for you, it's only fair that I share some information with you."
"Information?" Raguel repeated.
"You know how several people were captured to act as Ace's labour force?" Chainslaver grinned. "Well, I'll have you know that several of the slaves were children."
"WHAT?!" Raguel exclaimed out of pure shock and horror.
"Ace wasn't particularly selective on which people we can capture for the slave force, so he gave Sharpshot and I permission to... nudge people into joining, whether it's by force or by their own choice. Then again, he did tell us to stay away from babies. Makes sense, there, as they can't do anything when they're so young." Chainslaver said back.
"Are you not aware that child labour is wrong?!" Raguel demanded, still shocked and horrified that Chainslaver would allow such a thing. "They're kids, you son of a bitch."
"If it's any consolation, Sharpshot and I were giving those kids a cruel wakeup call to reality." Chainslaver replied. "With where those kids and the other slaves are going, they'll be molded to the point where the only way to live is by survival of the fittest. Thus leading them to commit all kinds of atrocities just to live another day. Or die trying, anyway."
Raguel grit his teeth in pure anger upon hearing that response. How dare Chainslaver treat human life like it was a thing to be manipulated through numerous means!
"You just don't see the bigger picture, do ya? Let's say you stop this slave operation, and waltz out of the rubble with the remaining slaves, be it man, woman, or child. Nothing changes." Chainslaver raised his arms high into the air. "There's other child labour and slave operations out there in this world that will continue running, even if this one shuts down. You can't save everyone, Raguel. It's the reality of this world!"
Suddenly, Raguel's deck was shaking along with him, as if it was responding to his anger. "You'll regret what you've done, this I swear. Oh, and did you know that there's a particular duel monster who loves children, to the point where she'll die to ensure that all children are saved? It seems that she wants to tear you apart, and I'll gladly give her that request. As for your comment on it being lights out for me on your next turn, allow me to prove you wrong! My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Cyreath Treasure. By discarding a 'Cyreath' monster from my hand to my Graveyard, I can draw the top two cards of my deck. I send Cyreath Archer from my hand to my Graveyard." After Raguel took a card from his hand and sent it to his Graveyard, he drew the top two cards of his deck.
"I activate the effect of Doppelganger in my Graveyard. By banishing a 'Cyreath' monster from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it right back to my field in attack position. I banish Archer from my Graveyard!" At Raguel's command, Doppelganger reappeared on his field.
Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4
Raguel looked at the cards in his hand before grinning. Yes, this would certainly work, and if he played everything right, he'll win this turn. Considering his deck's fury with what Chainslaver just announced, there was one monster that wanted to beat him for letting children suffer. "I activate the Spell card, Godly Grandeur. By returning one 'Cyreath' Link monster in my Graveyard back to my Extra Deck, I can draw the top card of my deck and reveal it to you before activating one of three effects. I return Odysseus to my Extra Deck, and draw!" Raguel then drew the top card of his deck before looking at it briefly. "The card I drew is the Trap card, Alpha Mode Activate! Not only can I activate this card from my hand, you can't activate cards or effects in response to that card!"
"Why, you..." Chainslaver muttered. Judging from what he just heard, Alpha Mode Activate must be one of Raguel's strongest cards in his deck. But whatever Raguel would use next, Chainslaver was prepared for it.
"I summon Cyreath Miner from my hand to my field." Raguel said, as a small, male individual wearing mining gear and carrying mining equipment appeared on Raguel's field in the remaining Main Monster Zone Nemo pointed to.
Cyreath Miner ATK: 0 DEF: 2000 LV: 3
"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set Cyreath Miner into the Link Markers!" Miner went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning it red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Ceryneian Hind!" A female deer with light-brown skin appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Unlike other deer though, she had male-like antlers made of gold and hooves made of bronze. She also had a dappled hide as well.
Cyreath Ceryneian Hind ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ↙️
"The effects of Ceryneian Hind and Miner both activate. First, when Ceryneian Hind is Link Summoned, I can draw the top card of my deck." Raguel began explaining, as he drew the top card of his deck. "Second, when Miner is used as Link Material for the Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' Link monster, I can add any card from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Eradication from my Graveyard to my hand." Another card popped out of Raguel's Graveyard, which he took and added to his hand.
"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 1 Cyreath Ceryneian Hind, Doppelganger, and Teferi into the Link Markers!" Ceryneian Hind went into the top arrowhead, Doppelganger went into the bottom arrowhead, and Teferi went into the right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Atalanta!" A sharp-eyed huntress who wore beautiful verdant green clothing and had emerald eyes appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. She had long and unkempt hair, which was green at the front and different blond styles at the back. In her left hand, she carried a jet-black bow.
Cyreath Atalanta ATK: 2400 LINK-3 ⬆️⬇️➡️
"You! How dare you let those children suffer! I'll end you myself!" Atalanta swore, venom evident in her tone.
"Allow me to give you a little power-up for you to do so in a few moments, Atalanta." Raguel said, with Atalanta grinning back in response. "The effects of Atalanta and Teferi both activate. First, when Atalanta is Link Summoned, I can target one Spell or Trap card on your field and destroy it. Say goodbye to the face-down card on your left!" A shining arrow then materialized in Atalanta's right hand, which she took and pulled back with her bow, aiming it at the face-down card on Chainslaver's left, turning it into particles.
"Second, when Teferi is used as material for the Ritual, Link, Fusion, or Synchro Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, or detached as Xyz Material by the effect of a 'Cyreath' Xyz monster, I can return one 'Cyreath' Link monster back to my Extra Deck to Special Summon him from my Extra Deck or Graveyard to my field. I shuffle Ceryneian Hind, and Special Summon Teferi from my Graveyard to my field!" Within moments, Teferi reappeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Atalanta pointed to.
Cyreath Teferi ATK: 3000 DEF: 1500 LV: 8 Scale: 1
"From my hand, I activate the Trap card, Alpha Mode Activate. By tributing one 'Cyreath' Link monster, I can Special Summon one "/Alpha Mode" Link monster whose name includes the tributed monster's name from my Extra Deck! I tribute Atalanta!" Raguel decided, as a massive portal that had the symbols of Olympus on it appeared above him before Atalanta jumped into it, causing it to glow a bright light.
"Huntress pushed to her breaking point! Don the belt of the Calydonian Boar, and avenge the fallen children! Alpha Mode Summon! Link 3! Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode!" A sharp-eyed huntress who wore beautiful black and white clothing with dark-blue outlines and had yellow eyes appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. She had long and unkempt hair, which was light pink at the front and white at the back. She also wore a set of black, animal like armor on her legs, chest, and arms, each having pink cracks on them. Strapped to her right arm was the head of the Calydonian Boar, which had yellow eyes and two curved tusks on it, blood dripping from its mouth.
Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode ATK: 2900 LINK-3 ⬆️⬇️➡️
"Heh, heh, heh. Now you're finished..." Atalanta/Alpha Mode muttered, having gritted her teeth at Chainslaver.
"When Atalanta/Alpha Mode is Special Summoned using 'Alpha Mode 'Activate', you take 500 points of damage for every card on your field!" Raguel said. "And you can't activate cards or effects in response to her activation as well!"
"What?!" Chainslaver exclaimed.
"You have a face-down card and Saryuja Skull Dread, which you means you take 1000 points of damage! Tauropolos Catastrophe!" A jet-black bow made of pure energy appeared in Atalanta/Alpha Mode's hand before she fired a single arrow to the sky, which caused a storm of dark arrows to fall down from the sky, several of them hitting Chainslaver as his life points dropped.
Chainslaver: 1400 – (500 X 4) = 400 LP
"Last but not least, I activate the Spell card, Cyreath Empowerment." Raguel added. "By tributing a 'Cyreath' monster on my field, I can double the attack and defense points of one other 'Cyreath' monster on my field until the End Phase. I tribute Teferi and double Atalanta/Alpha Mode's attack points!" Teferi turned into particles that went into Atalanta/Alpha Mode, who grinned as her strength increased.
Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode ATK: 2900 X 2 = 5800
"It's time for this duel to come to an end! Battle!" Raguel thrusted out his right hand. "Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode attacks Saryuja Skull Dread! And not only can Atalanta/Alpha Mode attack all monsters you control once each, she also inflicts double battle damage as well!"
"Why, you-!" Chainslaver gritted his teeth, before he gestured to his face-down card. "I activate the Trap card, Nutrient Z! Since I'm about to take 2000 or more points of damage, I gain 4000 life points first!" Within seconds, a purple aura surrounded Chainslaver's body.
Chainslaver: 400 + 4000 = 4400 LP
"You're still not only losing your monster, but also taking massive damage as well." Raguel pointed out. "Tauropolos Skia Thermokrasia!" Atalanta/Alpha Mode charged forward towards Saryuja Skull Dread, dark energy surrounding her before she jumped high into the air, where she proceeded to land on the ground by piercing through Saryuja Skull Dread's chest. Within seconds, a massive explosion occurred that sent Chainslaver flying off the ground, where his life points dropped upon landing on his back.
Chainslaver: 4400 – (1500 X 2) = 1400 LP
"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn, which means Empowerment's effect ends, and Atalanta/Alpha Mode's attack points return to where they were originally at." As if on cue, a red aura surrounded Atalanta/Alpha Mode, which reverted her strength back to her original amount.
Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode ATK: 5800 / 2 = 2900
"My turn! I draw!" Chainslaver said, having gotten back up on his feet. "Heh. You almost got me there, Raguel, but I still have a secret weapon up my sleeve. One I intend on using to end you once and for all! I activate the effect of Burning Chain in my Graveyard. By banishing this card from my Graveyard, I can banish a card on your field to your Graveyard and inflict 500 points of damage!" He thought it over for a few moments before deciding. "I choose to banish the face-down card on your right."
"Crap..." Raguel muttered, as blazing chains appeared before wrapping themselves around the face-down card on his right, turning it into particles. Seconds later, he winced as his life points dropped once again.
Raguel: 1700 – 500 = 1200 LP
"Judging by your facial expression, it seems I made the right choice. But moving forward, I activate the effect of Recovery Chain in my Graveyard. By banishing this card from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Iron Chain' monster in my Graveyard. Return to me, Snake!" At Chainslaver's command, Snake reappeared on his field.
Iron Chain Snake ATK: 800 DEF: 1200 LV: 3
"I summon a second copy of Iron Chain Snake from my hand to my field." Chainslaver said, as a second copy of Snake appeared on his field.
Iron Chain Snake ATK: 800 DEF: 1200 LV: 3
"I now activate the Spell card, Aurora Draw. As I have no cards in my hand, I can draw the top two cards of my deck." Chainslaver drew the top two cards of his deck.
"I overlay my two Level 3 Iron Chain Snakes!" Chainslaver declared, as he raised his duel disk and shot out a bolt of dark-blue energy out of it, which formed the Xyz Cross. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Both copies of Snake turned into grey streams of energy before entering the portal, where a pillar of light soon erupted from its center.
"Mechanical weapon of war, fly down and pinpoint my enemy's weaknesses so I can achieve victory! Xyz Summon! Fly down! Rank 3! Mechquipped Angineer!" A blue and white colored mechanical machine resembling that of an angel, only with no hands, appeared on Chainslaver's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. It had a total of four wings, two on the sides of its head, and two attached to the sides of the boosters on its body. Its engines were attached to the bottom, each having two blades at the top and bottom of them.
Mechquipped Angineer ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000 RNK: 3 OU: 2
"From there, I activate the Spell card, Rank-Up Magic Barian's Force!" Chainslaver announced. "This card lets me target one Xyz monster I control and Special Summon one Chaos Xyz monster that's one Rank higher than the targeted monster by using it as Xyz Material. I overlay Mechquipped Angineer into the Overlay Network! Go, Chaos Xyz Evolution!" Mechquipped Angineer turned into a gold and black stream of energy that went into a galaxy portal that appeared above Rosetta. Upon doing so, the portal exploded into energy.
"Mechanical weapon of war, immerse yourself with the power of chaos, and destroy everything in sight! Xyz Summon! Arise, Rank 4! Chaos Xyz Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral!" A dark-purple mechanical machine with golden trims over its body and two golden horns on its heads appeared on Chainslaver's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Beneath each of its wings, there was a booster and a machine gun attached to it. The center of its body glowed with red energy. Three red diamond shaped crystals then appeared in front of Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral, representing its Overlay Units.
CXyz Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral ATK: 2600 DEF: 1600 RNK: 4 COU: 3
Chainslaver screamed in pain as a blue fleur-de-lis emblem with a cross section enclosing a red diamond at the center appeared on his forehead. He was then surrounded in a glowing red aura before screaming in pain even further.
"I don't know how you got your hands on one of the Deadly Seven, but those monsters can't be controlled, especially by someone as vile as you." Raguel commented, only for Chainslaver to laugh back in response.
"You don't have to worry about me, Raguel. As long as I give it enemies to destroy, I'll be just fine." Chainslaver responded. "Regarding how I got this monster, Gardai offered it to Ace as a symbol of his allegiance to him, where he passed it on to me. But moving on from that, I activate the effect of Siphon Chain from my Graveyard. By banishing it from my Graveyard, one monster you control loses attack points equal to the attack points of one monster I control until the End Phase. This means Atalanta/Alpha Mode loses 2600 attack points!" Atalanta/Alpha Mode screamed as her strength was almost fully depleted.
Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode ATK: 2900 – 2600 = 300
"Battle!" Chainslaver thrusted out his right hand. "Chaos Xyz Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral attacks Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode! Doom's Air Raid!" Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral proceeded to fire an energy beam, which headed straight towards Atalanta/Alpha Mode!
"Not so fast! Trap card, activate! Link Showdown!" Raguel interrupted. "When a Link monster I control battles a monster with higher attack points, it gains attack points equal to its Link rating times 500. As Atalanta/Alpha Mode is a Link 3 monster, that means she gains 1500 attack points!" Atalanta/Alpha Mode let out a roar as her strength increased.
Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode ATK: 300 + (500 X 3) = 1800
"You're still losing your monster and taking damage, Raguel." Chainslaver countered, as the energy beam hit Atalanta/Alpha Mode, which caused her to scream before a massive explosion occurred. As a result, Raguel was sent flying off the ground, his life points having decreased by the time he landed on his back.
Raguel: 1200 – 800 = 400 LP
"But wait, there's still more! For when Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral inflicts battle damage, I can detach all of its Chaos Overlay Units, and inflict 500 points of damage for each-."
"I don't think so! I activate the effect of Cyreath Eunomia from my hand." Raguel interjected a second time. "By sending this card from my hand to my Graveyard, I can negate the activation of a card effect." A woman with silver hair, carrying a silver sword and a small court scale, briefly appeared on Raguel's field. The woman wore a black and white dress, with a diamond choker. Eunomia threw the silver sword at Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral, negating its effects.
"Son of a…" Chainslaver muttered. "I Set one card face-down and end my turn. You may have escaped the jaws of defeat, but on my next turn, it's lights out for you!"
"You're wrong, Chainslaver. You won't get another turn, as this duel will be over soon! My turn! I draw!" Raguel replied, having drawn the top card of his deck. Now we're talking, he thought in his mind. "I summon Cyreath Pandora from my hand to my field." A girl in her pre-teens with red eyes and shoulder-length blond hair appeared on Raguel's field. She wore a white and blue Greek-styled dress, as well as sandals on her feet.
Cyreath Pandora ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500 LV: 4 Scale: 0
"Someone's going to die soon, and that someone will be you!" Pandora gleefully said.
"When Pandora is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add one 'Cyreath' monster and one 'Cyreath' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my hand." Raguel continued, as two cards popped out of his deck, which he took and added to his hand. "I activate the Ritual Spell card, Cyreath Calamity!" The card showed Teferi raising his arms high into the air, which caused a pitch-black hole to open from underneath the ground, with Pandora standing beside him as she watched with glee. Opposing the duo were Hercules/Alpha Mode, Medusa, Circe, Caster & Pollux, Achilles and Atalanta. "This card lets me tribute 'Cyreath' monsters on my field or in my hand whose total levels equal or exceed the Level of the 'Cyreath' Ritual monster I'm summoning from my hand. I'm also allowed to banish 'Cyreath' monsters from my Graveyard as well for the Ritual Summon!"
"That's impossible!" Chainslaver exclaimed, having tensed up after hearing this.
"I tribute Pandora on my field, and banish Doppelganger in my Graveyard!" Within seconds, a black hole with eight purple flames appeared on Raguel's field, along with Pandora and Doppelganger. Both monsters then disintegrated into light and entered into the center of the black hole, which unleashed a burst of purple light.
"Human scorned by the rest of mankind! Break free from your shackles, and punish humanity for its transgressions! Keep avenging until retribution has been fully unleashed!" Raguel chanted, as the orange lines on his white tunics glowed red. "Ritual Summon! Come before us, Level 8! Cyreath Alastor!" A black-armored knight with multicolored shapes resembling eyes, a spiked plume on his helmet, and with dark-steel plates on his arms appeared on Raguel's field. Strapped to his sides were a pair of jagged, chained blades, each one having a demonic red-orange glyph pattern on them. Attached to his back was a long sword with a massive blade, as well as a set of arms that had large hands, each one having three claws.
Cyreath Alastor ATK: 0 DEF: 3000 LV: 8 Scale: 9
"The cleansing... will begin... with your sacrifice!" Alastor screamed, hellbent on unleashing his wrath on the person before him.
"The effects of Calamity, Alastor, and Pandora activate in sequence." Raguel began explaining. "First, when Calamity is used to Ritual Summon Alastor, your life points are halved!"
"WHAT?!" Chainslaver exclaimed, as a black hole appeared above him before lightning fired out of it, which caused him to wince as his life points were halved.
Chainslaver: 1400 / 2 = 700 LP
"Second, when Alastor is Ritual Summoned, I can banish one monster from each of our Graveyards and/or our Extra Decks, and he gains attack points equal to the combined attack points of the monsters banished by this effect. The best part is that you can't activate cards or effects in response to his activation!" Raguel looked at Chainslaver's Graveyard and Extra Deck for a few seconds before making his decision. "I banish Saryuja Skull Dread from your Graveyard, and Atalanta/Alpha Mode from my Graveyard. That means Alastor gains a total of 5700 attack points! Verg Avesta!" Alastor let out an animalistic scream as his strength increased.
Cyreath Alastor ATK: 0 + 5700 = 5700
"Third, when Pandora is used for a summoning method, I can activate one of five effects depending on the summoning method I used her for." Raguel added. "Since Pandora was used for the Ritual Summon of a 'Cyreath' Ritual monster, all battle damage my 'Cyreath' monsters inflict is doubled."
"Are you kidding me?!" Chainslaver exclaimed, panic starting to set in.
"You see? That's the face I want to see before I finish you for good!" Raguel told Chainslaver. "Battle! Cyreath Alastor attacks Chaos Xyz Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral!" Alastor prepared to charge forward at Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral.
"No! I won't be defeated by the likes of you!" Chainslaver gestured to his face-down card. "Counter-Trap card, activate! Negate Attack! When this card is activated-!"
"Sorry, but that won't be happening! I activate Alastor's second effect!" Raguel replied. "When you activate a card effect, I can not only negate it, but also activate an additional effect depending on the type of card negated. And like before, you can't activate cards or effects in response to his activation."
"Additional effect?" Chainslaver repeated out of confusion.
"You heard me. Abnormal Pressure!" Negate Attack turned into particles, which went into Alastor as he screamed further. "As a Trap card's effect was negated, Alastor is unaffected by the effects of your cards for the rest of this turn."
"Spare me. Please spare me..." Chainslaver pleaded, pure terror evident on his face.
"Go, Alastor! End this duel with Unrelenting Fury!" Raguel shouted, as Alastor charged forward towards Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral. He slashed it horizontally with the jagged, chained blades in his hands before the set of arms with large hands on his back grabbed the large sword attached to him. Alastor then brought the large sword down onto Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral, which caused a massive explosion that sent Chainslaver flying as his life points dropped to zero by the time he landed on his back.
Chainslaver: 700 – (3100 X 2) = 0
Raguel then walked towards the fallen Chainslaver, with Pandora, Atalanta/Alpha Mode, Alastor, and Teferi appearing by his side.
"Gaah. No more. No more." Chainslaver panicked, the terror still evident on his face. Atalanta/Alpha Mode walked over to Chainslaver before putting him in a headlock.
"Shall I kill him, Raguel?" Atalanta/Alpha Mode asked, eagerly wanting him to give the signal to do so.
Raguel thought it over for a few seconds before making his decision. "Not yet. For several reasons, of course. First, I need answers from Chainslaver. Second, there's still people that want him to answer for his crimes."
"But he tortured children! He traumatized them!" Atalanta/Alpha Mode reminded Raguel.
"I'm aware of that, but until I get answers, you're not allowed to do so!" Raguel replied, in a tone that forced Atalanta/Alpha mode to back down. He then turned to Chainslaver before grabbing his lapels. "Where's the location of the slaves?"
"I'm not talking." Chainslaver defiantly talked back, causing Raguel to let go of him.
"Okay, but you forced this on yourself." Raguel then gestured to Pandora. "Do it."
"With pleasure." Pandora said, before accursed fire formed around her finger. She then fired it at Chainslaver, who screamed in pain.
"All I want is answers from you. Then again, I already have the data on your duel disk. But I prefer a verbal answer." Raguel crossed his arms. "So I'll ask again: Where's the location of the slaves?"
"Fine! I'll tell you! Just make it stop!" Chainslaver complied, which caused the accursed fire to dissipate around him. "They're being shipped to Central Japan by network. As for their bodies, they're also being sent to the same place."
"What?" Raguel grit his teeth, while Atalanta/Alpha Mode snarled in anger.
"See? He needs to die!" Atalanta/Alpha Mode reiterated.
"And I told you that there's people who need him to answer for his crimes. Besides, Chainslaver hurt a friend of mine, and it's best that she gets closure from what happened all those years ago." Raguel told Atalanta/Alpha Mode, before turning to a scared Chainslaver. "But until that time comes, your consciousness data is mine."
"It's too late, Raguel. You won't be able to save them in time!" Chainslaver boasted, only for him to gasp as he saw his body being turned into particles. Within seconds, his body turned into a blue sphere, which floated over to Raguel's palm as he looked at it. A trophy representing his victory.
Raguel then walked away from the others before pressing a button on his spare duel disk. "Greg, I got Chainslaver's data and the location of the slaves. Sending it to you now." He pressed a few buttons on his duel disk, and after a few moments, a notification popped up, indicating that it was sent.
"My God..." Greg muttered through the comms. "This guy..."
"Yeah. Chainslaver's the debt collector whose actions led to Numera losing her parents and being subjected during Project: Apotheosis..." Raguel quietly confirmed. "Were you able to get Chainslaver in the real world?"
"Yeah, we were. Though he's unconscious at the moment."
"My apologies. During the duel, the last attack on my end hit him a bit harder than I expected it to. He should wake up within a few hours." Raguel frowned. He fully intended to release Chainslaver's consciousness data after the debacle with the slaves was finished. "I'll meet you at the coordinates at the airship."
"Very well. Numera and Gil will be assisting us as well." Greg told Raguel.
"Understood. See you then." Raguel then hung up from his end.
"You know, if you used us a long time ago, you could have crushed anyone who stood in your way, right?" Pandora pointed out. "To put it simply, you didn't have to listen to anyone's rants."
"I know, but they were necessary." Raguel said, having crossed his arms while pondering this information over.
"Not just that, but you could have tipped the scales in your favor." Pandora continued, having made a fist with her right hand. "Punish those who rightfully deserve it, and set an example to anyone-."
"Are you deaf, or just stupid?" Raguel furiously inquired, having turned to Pandora. "When did I give you the right... to continue reminding me of this information? I am already aware of what you speak, and should you try to get into my head, you'll end up regretting it. Do I make myself clear?!"
Pandora quickly fell onto one knee upon seeing Raguel's fury. The others did the same, not wanting to feel the brunt of Raguel's wrath. "M-My apologies, Raguel. I just wanted to-."
"No excuses. I know now what must be done. Continue to conceal your presence from the others. I've already created other monsters just like you and the others. Once the time's right, I'll call upon your aid."
"Yes!" Pandora, Alastor, Teferi, and Atalanta/Alpha Mode complied, before they turned into particles that went into Raguel's spare duel disk.
Suddenly, Excalibur then appeared in Raguel's hands, as if it were responding to his emotions. Raguel's eyes then turned red, hellbent on getting to that airship. "Seal Thirteen, release!" Within seconds, a transient corridor appeared that swallowed up Raguel, who didn't show any fear in response.
In another area of LINK VRAINS...
Raguel rode his duel board towards the large battleship resembling that of a flying pirate ship, which was being escorted by numerous small helicopters outfitted with weaponry. It seemed that Ace had another bigger one built in case of emergency, which he handed over to Chainslaver and Sharpshot for the transportation of the slaves. He originally planned to use Turboblaze Dragon to fly over there, but that would attract too much attention. Besides, by using a duel board, Raguel can maneuver it quickly to avoid any attacks if needed.
Raguel also planned on going onto the actual ship, but after doing a quick scan of it, found that he can't actually log onto it. So this approach was better in the end, for he can dismantle the ship's defenses, free the slaves, and defeat Sharpshot, and ultimately put an end to this operation for good.
Nearby Raguel were several FBI copters and Numera and Final Sigma, the group flying a short distance behind him. The goal was simple: Raguel would distract the weapons on the ship long enough for the FBI to begin their assault. As for Gil, he was simply waiting for the 'signal' to make his appearance.
In addition, thanks to the data Chainslaver had on hand, the group was able to pinpoint just where the slaves were being transported in the real world. This led them to realize that even if they brought down the airship, they'd only rescue the minds of the slaves, not them entirely. As such, Greg sent an elite task force to the location, intent on surprising the remnants of Chainslaver and Sharpshot's forces in the real world.
"I'll get their attention. Once I do, launch the attack." Raguel whispered to Greg over the comms. Summoning Excalibur in his hands, Raguel slashed it forward, releasing a small beam of light that hit the ship. It wasn't strong enough to bring it down, but just strong enough to get the ship's attention.
This worked successfully, as the guns on the ships quickly turned to Raguel before trying to fire at him. In response, Raguel managed to evade the blasts before slashing some of the turrets with Excalibur. This caused a brief delay before the turrets resumed fire.
"Now!"
At Raguel's command, the FBI copters fired several bullets at the small helicopters near the airship, who responded by engaging them in combat. Final Sigma proceeded to slice right through one of the small helicopters, which caused a small explosion as the FBI's forces gave chase to the airship.
Raguel then jumped onto the deck of the ship, where some of the troops attempted to open fire on him. He quickly zoomed right towards one of the troops before stabbing him, where he then flung the body to another of the troops, causing both of them to fall off the airship. Raguel evaded another troop's blaster fire before slicing him clean with Excalibur, some of the blood hitting Raguel's face...
...And he smiled in response.
WHOOSH!
Chains appeared before they wrapped themselves around several of the other troops, with Gil jumping off of one of the FBI copters before landing on the deck as he had the chains throw them off the ship.
"You almost got overwhelmed there, Raguel." Gil said. "Good thing I was there to-." But before Gil could continue speaking, he saw Raguel brutally massacre the next few troops that got in his way using Excalibur, bits of their blood landing on his face as he smiled in victory. What the Hell did I see just now, he thought in his head, concern evident on his face. Did he just see Raguel slash through those troops like they were nothing, with no ethical care whatsoever? As well as the fact that it looked like Raguel was enjoying the attack? Gil made a mental note to observe this further, to see whether his concerns were truly valid.
FBI officers then landed on the ship's deck as they took out the remaining troops already stationed there. As for Raguel, he went down the stairs, which led him to confront more troops that were already there. Raguel proceeded to slash through each and every single one of them as he moved forward, pieces of their blood touching his face. He quickly wiped it off his face before continuing to go downstairs to the fourth floor, which was the lowest floor on the ship. He eventually found a massive room, where residing where in it were men, women, and children shackled in chains.
"My God..." Raguel muttered, having entered the massive room as he looked around the area. Soon after, Greg and several FBI officers ran downstairs to the area Raguel was in, the individuals also filled with horror upon doing so.
"Get these people freed now!" Greg shouted at the FBI officers, who immediately proceeded to do so. Raguel also went over and cut off the chains shackling several groups of people to free them using Excalibur. As Raguel walked through the room, he ended up seeing a familiar individual.
"Electrolyzer?" Raguel quietly asked, which got Electrolyzer's attention.
"Raguel? Is that you?" Electrolyzer asked back, as Raguel used Excalibur to free him from the chains. This allowed Electrolyzer to stand up on his feet, where he turned to see Greg. "I'm so thankful you're here."
"So am I." Greg responded, having shook Electrolyzer's hand. But before anyone can speak further, troops immediately arrived in the large area everyone else was in, which caused the slaves to scream as the troops gunned down some of the FBI officers. Sharpshot also walked in behind them.
"Lay down your arms, rebel scum!" one of the troops demanded, having taken a child as a hostage, while another two troops took a man and a woman hostage too. "Or else we'll put bullets in their heads!"
"Well, well, well. I see you've arrived, Raguel. And you brought your little posse with you too, thinking you can save these useless slaves." Sharpshot commented with a grin. "Then again, you can't save everyone. So I'll give you two choices. You can either-."
WHAM!
Before the troops or Sharpshot can react, Abyss King grabbed two of the troops' heads and smashed them together, the surprise allowing him to quickly throw the third troop over the side with such force that he was knocked unconscious, the chaos freeing the captive slaves in the process. As for Sharpshot, he quickly backflipped out of the way before firing at Abyss King, which did nothing.
"How dare you toy with the lives of those people, Delta Scum!" Gil snarled in disgust, having entered into the room.
Within seconds, a firefight occurred, where the FBI officers confronted Sharpshot's troops in battle. Abyss King also flew through the air as it battled against some of Sharpshot's troops. Raguel immediately had the slaves gather to where he was, where he eventually summoned Avalon to protect them from the crossfire. As for Electrolyzer, he quickly donned on all the PSY-Framegears on his body before joining the fight and knocking down several of Sharpshot's troops.
"We need to go now!" Raguel shouted at Greg, Electrolyzer, and Gil. Upon hearing his words, Electrolyzer fired a blast of energy from PSY-Framegear Alpha at the ground, which caused a blast of smoke to appear as he, Greg, Gil, and Raguel went upstairs with the slaves.
"Sir, we seized the bodies of the slaves in the real world," an officer reported to Greg over the comms.
"Excellent job. Protect the bodies, and initiate the massive log-out sequence in the network. We'll bring this airship down." Greg replied, the officer on the other end signing out in compliance. Unfortunately, the group heard gunfire as Sharpshot charged after them before throwing down several of the slaves in front of them. Before anyone can react, Sharpshot jumped into the air and landed in front of the group.
"Die, you wretches!" Sharpshot screamed, having quickly loaded his gun before firing several types of bullets at the group, hellbent on killing them. While Raguel used Avalon to protect the others, Greg and the other FBI officers fired at Sharpshot, who rolled out of the way before more troops appeared and tried to fire at the group. Upon scanning the bullets using PSY-Framegear Alpha and realizing where they were heading, Electrolyzer quickly knocked out the troops before taking each of the following bullets one by one. He stumbled in slight pain, but was able to get himself back together. "Shit..."
"That was..." Greg muttered.
"Duel bullets." Raguel recognized. He then put two and two together, having realized that Sharpshot's intent was to distract the group long enough for him to lock the people capable of dueling in the network. This way, his troops can corner and restrain the slaves, as well as reclaim control of the airship.
"Go. Get this airship grounded asap." Electrolyzer instructed Raguel and the others, which caused them to head upstairs to the top floor of the airship.
"Intuitive, aren't you, your highness?" Sharpshot sarcastically observed, before he grit his teeth. "Your interference's gonna cost you, as my troops will deal with your friends while I tear you apart!"
"You think your troops are gonna stop Raguel and the others? You're seriously wrong on that." Electrolyzer told Sharpshot, having activated his duel disk. Due to the chains made of data material, he couldn't duel before, nor use his PSY-Framegear monsters to help the slaves. But now that Electrolyzer was freed, he can duel again. "It will take far more than your cowardly tactics for you and your troops to win."
"Then this duel will determine who's right in the end!" Sharpshot fiercely replied, having activated his duel disk as well.
"It's time to duel!" Electrolyzer and Sharpshot said at the same time.
Electrolyzer: 4000 LP
Sharpshot: 4000 LP
"I'm going first. My turn." Electrolyzer said, as he looked at his hand before he rolled his eyes in annoyance. This... wasn't the best hand he had. Then again, Electrolyzer learned that he had to roll with the punches at times. "I Set three cards face-down and end my turn."
Sharpshot grinned. "That's it? Is that all you did this turn, your highness? Pathetic. Allow me to show you how it's done. My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I summon Magical Musketeer Starfire from my hand." A woman wearing a black top with a long black and blue skirt appeared on Sharpshot's field, who carried a derringer pistol in her right hand.
Magical Musketeer Starfire ATK: 1300 DEF: 1700 LV: 4
"It's time to shoot a bullseye through my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above Sharpshot. "The summoning conditions are one Level 8 or lower 'Magical Musket' monster. I Set Magical Musketeer Starfire into the Link Markers!" Caspar went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.
"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Magical Musketeer Max!" A man wearing black leather clothes and a hat appeared on Sharpshot's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He wore a red cape, along with a black waist cape. Max also carried a machine gun as well.
Magical Musketeer Max ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬇️
"I activate Max's effect!" Sharpshot continued. "When he's Link Summoned, I can-."
"Not so fast! I activate the effect of PSY-Framegear Gamma from my hand." Electrolyzer interrupted. "When you activate a monster effect while I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card and one copy of 'PSY-Frame Driver' from my hand, deck, or Graveyard. Now, come! PSY-Framegear Gamma and PSY-Frame Driver from my deck!" Two monsters then immediately appeared on Electrolyzer's field.
The first monster was a mechanical mask with sharp protrusions on its sides, along with a layered belt extending out of it.
The second was a male, humanoid monster wearing a black and white suit that had electricity emitting from his wrists and head.
PSY-Framegear Gamma ATK: 1000 DEF: 0 LV: 2
PSY-Frame Driver ATK: 2500 DEF: 0 LV: 6
"Gamma's second effect also negates your monster's effect and destroys it!" Gamma then charged head on at Max, turning it into particles.
"Sneaky little..." Sharpshot muttered. "I activate the Spell card, Monster Reborn. This card lets me target a monster in either of our Graveyards, and Special Summon it to my field. I target Starfire in my Graveyard, and Special Summon it to my field!" At Sharpshot's command, Starfire reappeared on his field in defense position.
Magical Musketeer Starfire ATK: 1300 DEF: 1700 LV: 4
"I activate the Trap card, Magical Musket – Desperado from my hand." Sharpshot grinned upon seeing the surprise evident on Electrolyzer's face. "I'm allowed to activate 'Magical Musket' Spell and Trap cards from my hand while I control a 'Magical Musket' monster. But moving from that, as I control a 'Magical Musket' monster, I can target and destroy one face-up card on your field. I target and destroy Driver!"
"You won't do that! Because I activate the Trap card, Synchro Transmission." Electrolyzer responded. "This card lets me perform a Synchro Summon using monsters I control."
"What?" Sharpshot gasped in response.
"I tune the Level 1 PSY-Framegear Gamma with the Level 7 PSY-Frame Driver!" A bolt of green lightning struck Electrolyzer, as the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were colored green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "1 + 7" in front of them. The screen then changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.
"The electric warrior shall unleash the full might of his armor, and strike down all who dare seize power over others!" Electrolyzer chanted. "Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! PSY-Framelord Omega!" A male, humanoid monster similar to that of Zeta appeared on Electrolyzer's field in the Main Monster Zone Lambda was pointing to. While Omega wore similar armor parts Zeta wore, he also wore a pair of metallic gloves on his hands, which were attached to a tall, golden mechanical monster with a mask on it. In addition, he was riding on Epsilon while gripping on Gamma like a handlebar, turning them into a vehicle similar to that of a scooter.
PSY-Framelord Omega ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200 LV: 8
"And as Driver is no longer on my field, Desperado's effect resolves without doing anything." Electrolyzer grinned, which caused Sharpshot to grit his teeth back in response as Desperado resolved without doing anything.
"You may have dodged that, but let's see how you react to this." Sharpshot said. "I activate Starfire's effect. Once per turn, when a Spell or Trap card is activated in her column, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Magical Musket' monster from my deck to my field in defense position." A card popped out of Sharpshot's deck. "Come to me, Magical Musketeer Caspar!" A young blond man wearing red and black clothing, along with pieces of armor on his chest and legs appeared on Sharpshot's field in defense position. He also wore a long dark-red cape, and carried a futuristic gun in his left hand.
Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK: 1200 DEF: 2000 LV: 3
"With that, I end my turn." Sharpshot narrowed his eyes behind his sunglasses. "Alright, your highness. Let's see what you can do in response to this."
"Be careful what you wish for." Electrolyzer warned Sharpshot. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Emergency Transport. This card lets me Special Summon one Level 3 or lower monster from my hand or deck to my field. However, it's destroyed at the end of my turn."
"Is that so? Well, go ahead and summon your puny monster. It won't help you." Sharpshot confidently responded.
Electrolyzer ignored Sharpshot as he took a card from his deck. "I Special Summon PSY-Framegear Alpha from my deck to my field." A silver and black exoskeleton with arms that had a helmet with green eyes, as well as spikes on the sides, arms, and knuckles appeared on Electrolyzer's field. Its chest portion was connected to the harness through wires, with a reactor core in the middle. At the back was a series of multi-layered belts, which was shaped like a spine.
PSY-Framegear Alpha ATK: 500 DEF: 0 LV: 1
"I tune the Level 1 PSY-Framegear Alpha with the Level 8 PSY-Framelord Omega!" Electrolyzer declared, as a bolt of green lightning struck him before the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were colored green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Nine blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "1 + 8" in front of them. The screen then changed to "9" as light surged through the rings.
"Let the future descend, and with it, psychic power beyond all imagination!" Electrolyzer chanted. "Synchro Summon! Arise, Level 9! Hyper Psychic Blaster!" A humanoid giant wearing white armor appeared on Electrolyzer's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. In his hands, he wielded dual-wielding back and white futuristic guns.
Hyper Psychic Blaster ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 LV: 9
"I activate the effect of Synchro Transmission from my Graveyard. By banishing this card from my Graveyard, I can not only target a Synchro monster in my Graveyard and shuffle it into my Extra Deck, I can also draw the top card of my deck as well. I target PSY-Framelord Omega." A card popped out of Electrolyzer's Graveyard, which he took and shuffled into his Extra Deck. He then drew the top card of his deck afterwards.
"I also activate the Trap card, Battle Teleportation." Electrolyzer continued. "When I control one Psychic type monster on my field, I can have it attack you directly, but you get to take control of it at the end of the Battle Phase."
"Why, you-!" Sharpshot began speaking, having narrowed his eyes in anger.
"The end of this duel is near!" Electrolyzer responded. "Battle! Hyper Psychic Blaster attacks you directly!" The guns in Hyper Psychic Blaster's hands began charging up energy.
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Magical Musket – Cross Domination from my hand!" Sharpshot interrupted. "Since I control a 'Magical Musket' monster, I can target one face-up monster on your field and not only negate its effects, but also decrease its attack and defense points to zero until the end of the turn!" Two shots erupted from Cross Domination and pierced Hyper Psychic Blaster's skin, making him whimper in pain.
Hyper Psychic Blaster ATK: 3000 – 3000 = 0 DEF: 2500 – 2500 = 0
"With that, your attack is blocked, and I get a strong monster at the end of your Battle Phase! I look forward to using it against you!" Sharpshot smirked, ready to finish Electrolyzer with his own monster.
"Sorry, but you won't get the chance to do so, especially when I have this!" Electrolyzer countered back. "Trap card, activate! Assault Mode Activate! When this card is activated, I can tribute a Synchro Monster I control to Special Summon an '/Assault Mode' monster whose name includes the tributed monster's name from my deck in attack position!"
"Assault Mode? What the Hell is that?!" Sharpshot questioned panickily.
"Wait, and you'll see in a few seconds. I tribute Hyper Psychic Blaster!" A futuristic, black and white portal appeared above the sky. Hyper Psychic Blaster then turned into a stream of white energy and went into it, causing the portal to overflow with energy.
"Go, wielder of futuristic energy!" Electrolyzer chanted. "Unleash your full power, and expunge the servants of evil now and forever! I Special Summon Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode from my hand to my field!" A humanoid giant wearing black and white armor with golden lines on it appeared on Electrolyzer's field. On the armor's top collar were numerous golden orbs that had light-blue outlines surrounding each one. Attached to his back were a pair of futuristic wings with light-blue outlines that emitted electrical energy, along with a large circle connecting them.
Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode ATK: 3500 DEF: 2900 LV: 11
"Let's resume things, shall we? The battle still continues!" Electrolyzer thrusted out his right hand. "Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode attacks Magical Musketeer Caspar! Voltic Buster Cannon!" The guns in Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode's hands charged with wild energy before he fired them at Caspar.
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Magical Musket – Steady Hands from my hand." Sharpshot interrupted. "This card lets me target one 'Magical Musket' monster on my field and double its original attack and defense points until the end of this turn. In exchange, it can't attack directly. I target Caspar!" Caspar cackled as a red aura surrounded him, which increased his strength.
Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK: 1200 X 2 = 2400 DEF: 2000 X 2 = 4000
"And as my monster's defense points are higher than your monster's attack points, you take damage equal to the difference." Caspar pushed back the electrical energy that headed towards him, which caused an explosion that made Electrolyzer wince as his life points slightly dropped.
Electrolyzer: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP
"Now end your turn so I can finish you, your highness!" Sharpshot ordered, only for Electrolyzer to laugh. "What's so funny?"
"If you were truly an expert marksman as you claim, you would have taken this into account before you activated your card." Electrolyzer replied. "At the end of the damage step, when Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode battles your monster, you take damage equal to its defense points, and I gain life points equal to its attack points!"
"WHAT?! THIS CAN'T BE!" Sharpshot exclaimed.
"If more people looked up the effects of cards before responding to them, they would be able to plan their moves more carefully." Electrolyzer commented with disappointment. "But moving that aside, as Caspar's defense points are 4000, you take 4000 points of damage, while I gain Caspar's 2400 attack points as life points. To put it simply, you're done."
"No! This can't be!" Sharpshot exclaimed.
"Finish this duel, Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode! Ray Durance!" Light-blue energy surrounded Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode's wings before he fired it straight at Sharpshot, who screamed as he was sent flying off the ground, his life points having fallen to zero by the time his back hit the ground. As for Electrolyzer, he was surrounded in a light-blue aura that increased his life points.
Electrolyzer: 3500 + 2400 = 5900 LP
Sharpshot: 4000 – 4000 = 0
Electrolyzer then walked towards the fallen Sharpshot before kicking away the latter's gun.
"Damn you..." Sharpshot muttered. "Then again, you won't be able to stop this airship in time."
"Then we'll get answers from you in a bit, won't we?" Electrolyzer said back, before he grabbed the back of the wounded Sharpshot's collar before dragging him along, intent on reuniting with the others. Sharpshot tried to resist, but Electrolyzer gave him a small zap that weakened the former in response.
Elsewhere on the airship...
Raguel and the others ran to the top deck of the airship, where several of Sharpshot's troops greeted them.
"Hands in the air, you rebel scum!" one of the troops demanded. However, Final Sigma appeared out of nowhere before swatting the troops off the airship, much to their surprise as they were logged out of the network.
"All the copters have finally been dealt with." Numera said, having wiped her forehead with her right forearm. "And there were a lot of them."
"Sir, the log-out sequence is ready to be activated," an officer told Greg over the comms.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Activate it already!" Greg ordered back, the officer hanging up in compliance to get the order done. Soon, gasps came from the enslaved men, women, and children as they felt their bodies beginning to turn into particles.
"Do not worry, everyone. You're only being logged out of the network." Raguel assured them, which caused looks of relief to appear on the men, women, and children as each one was logged out of the network.
"Alright. Let's land this airship." Greg stated, as Numera jumped onto the deck of the airship, where Final Sigma proceeded to turn into particles that went into her duel disk. Now that the slaves were successfully logged out, the remaining individuals can focus on grounding this airship for good.
The group then entered into the pilot's section of the airship, where the pilots immediately stood up and pulled their guns out in response. However, Raguel quickly knocked one of the pilots out using the butt end of Excalibur before disarming the other one, who immediately surrendered.
"Land this airship right now!" Raguel demanded to the remaining pilot, who sat back down before typing in the codes to do so.
"I can't," the pilot replied.
"You can't land it?!" Greg demanded.
"No. The codes I put in don't work anymore," the pilot replied, before typing in a few more codes to try and do so. "They all don't work."
"Then maybe we should interrogate this guy until he gives us the real codes." Gil suggested, as Abyss King quickly appeared behind the pilot and gave him a crushing bear hug.
"No! We shouldn't kill him, as he may be pivotal in landing this airship." Greg told Gil.
"Then maybe Sharpshot here will have the answers," a voice suggested, as Raguel, Greg, Numera, and Gil, along with the restrained pilot went outside the pilot's section of the airship and back to the main deck, where they saw Electrolyzer drag a slightly unconscious Sharpshot to them. Electrolyzer then tossed Sharpshot to the ground, where he woke up.
"Gah! What's-?" Sharpshot began speaking, before he saw Raguel walk up to him.
"Tell us the codes to land this airship." Raguel requested.
Sharpshot, in response, laughed. "Me? Tell you? After what you guys did, my answer's gonna be a Hell No!"
WHAM!
Raguel then punched Sharpshot with such force that he was sent sliding down the deck, before the former ran to where the latter was and punched him again. "Tell me what the codes are right now, Sharpshot!"
"No." Sharpshot defiantly answered back, before Raguel punched him several times once more, much to the horror of everyone present. Everyone also gasped upon seeing Raguel grabbed Sharpshot's leg and slam him to the ground several times with such force that blood came out of his mouth. Even Gil gasped upon seeing the brutal interaction between Raguel and Sharpshot in front of him. While Gil wasn't worried about things, he was concerned about what was going on front of him. For if this kept up, if Raguel actually took Gil's advice to heart, then Gil may have unintentionally helped contribute towards the creation of a monster.
"Stop right now, Raguel!" Electrolyzer shouted, having ran over to where Raguel was before grabbing his arm.
"He's not gonna talk, so I'll beat the answers out of him!" Raguel shot back, before attempting to try and punch Sharpshot again. However, Greg ran over to where Raguel was and grabbed his arm.
"Beating Sharpshot up will not get us the answers we need. All it'll do is turn us into a worse version of ourselves." Greg pointed out firmly to Raguel. "There's always a choice in situations like this, Raguel, and I know you have the power to do the right thing. Don't let your actions destroy my views on you after the time we've known each other."
"Besides, it's never too late to do what's right." Electrolyzer gently added as well, which made Raguel think for a few moments. Suddenly, words then popped into his mind.
"I can, however, say this: You have two paths. You can be the destroyer of this world, or you could be its savior. That's up to you."
Having heard the wisdom from Roxy's words, Raguel let Sharpshot go and took a step back, much to everyone else's relief.
"Raguel!" Numera cried out of concern, having ran over to where Raguel was before hugging him from behind. Raguel, in response, gently ruffled her hair back.
"Ha. I'm still not gonna give you the real codes." Sharpshot mocked at the group, only for everyone to nearly lost their balance upon realizing that the airship was... turning itself around? "What the Hell?"
"This was not my doing." Greg commented, before turning to Raguel. "Was it yours by any chance? Are your allies-?"
"No, it wasn't. At least to my knowledge, anyway." Raguel responded, with the airship landing on the ground after turning itself around, much to Sharpshot's disappointment.
After the airship landed and everyone got off of it, the FBI officers proceeded to arrest each of the troops that were stationed on the airship. Greg himself dragged a shackled Sharpshot to a pair of FBI officers that took the latter away after obtaining the data on his duel disk.
"I got the data from Sharpshot, and looked it over along with the data Chainslaver had." Greg said, having approached Raguel, Electrolyzer, Numera, and Gil. "Apparently, Gardai was Balius' agent from the very beginning, his task being to gain a foothold in the Black Market and help Balius seize SOL Technologies for himself."
"So SOL Technologies' corruption doesn't seem to stop, huh?" Electrolyzer said as he crossed his arms, disappointment evident in his tone.
"Not everyone at SOL Technologies is corrupt, Electrolyzer. You should know that." Raguel reminded Electrolyzer.
"And prior to that, the previous Overseer was SOL Technologies' agent, the company intent on controlling it from the very start." Greg revealed. "At least until the Turf War, where thanks to Ace, SOL Technologies lost a valuable partner, and Balius lost any chances he had of controlling the company."
Raguel gritted his teeth. So all this time, the work I've done on the Black Market went towards SOL Technologies in the end, he realized in his mind. Still, like he said to Electrolyzer, there were good people in SOL Technologies.
"This madness has to stop. What Balius has done must end." Electrolyzer commented, before turning to Greg. "Will you help me free Central Japan from Balius' rule?"
"You don't need to ask me, for I'm already in the process of making plans for such an endeavor." Greg assured Electrolyzer.
"Count me in too." Numera said as well. "A giant robot will certainly be helpful, don't you agree? And besides, victims of Project: Apotheosis should stick together right?"
"You can count me in as well." Gil added. "For like I said earlier, I have my own reasons to help."
"And what reasons would that be?" Raguel inquired.
"Well, let's just say it's personal." Gil replied, having turned to face him.
Flashback: Several hours earlier, at Delta Branch...
"After our duel, I went to the devastated Delta branch to see if I can salvage anything from there. Whether it was weapons, programs, or something else, I hoped to find at least something to acquire. I mean, one man's trash is another man's treasure, right? Anyhow, after some searching, I found something that caught me off guard. Something I didn't expect to find at all."
Gil had Abyss King lift the wreckage around the area, hoping to find at least something useful he can use or sell. Thanks to Bit and Boot, he got lucky in salvaging useful stuff from the Black Market following the Turf War. And thanks to SOL Technologies sealing the Black Market away from the network, Gil was able to explore the area at his leisure. Well, aside from dealing with a few patrol groups from SOL Technologies, anyway.
He walked towards an abandoned building, where he proceeded to enter inside. As Gil walked in the area, it was evident that nothing in there can be salvaged, as shown by the damaged pieces of technology. Earlier, Bit and Boot showed him what they found, which was a series of weapons and other pieces of warfare. In response, Gil had the two destroy them upon realizing that one of the pieces of warfare was a tracking grenade, as he wanted to keep his tracks covered than risk someone ruining his operations for good.
Gil walked out of the building before continuing to walk in the area, pieces of wreckage obviously there due to the Turf War. Thanks to Ace, Gil's business was affected, and it could have been salvaged more had Raguel and the others arrived to help earlier during the attacks in the network and in the real world. But according to their words, no one can control what was going on, nor can anyone predict what will happen next. The past can't be changed, but the future can be affected by your actions.
"Hey, boss? You got a minute?" Bit asked, as he and Boot ran over to where Gil was.
"What is it?" Gil said, having turned to see Bit and Boot.
"We found something, but it's... unusual." Boot explained, he and Bit having gestured for Gil to enter into the area they were looking at.
"Alright. I'll look into it. Continue the search, and bring back anything you find." Gil replied, with Bit and Boot nodding in compliance before going over to another area to resume their search. He walked over to the area that Bit and Boot were talking about, which consisted of a rundown shop that once sold weapons. Gil narrowed his eyes as he walked inside the shop. It was the same shop his adopted mother ran before she undertook the last mission that claimed her life. Since then, the place has been rundown, no one bothering to start it up again after the final bargain sale that was put up.
He turned his head over to the nearby gun table upon noticing something glowing, which caused him to walk towards it. After inspecting the table, Gil shook it for a few seconds, which caused a key to fall out of it. Curious, he picked up the key before putting it in the lock, where it opened up to show a small, round device with a button on it. When Gil pressed the button, the device came to life before showing a digital version of someone that he recognized.
The device showed a digital version of a woman who had short, light-blue hair that covered her forehead. Her attire consisted of a trench coat with a black shirt and jeans.
"If you're listening to this, it means you found my final communication device Gil," the woman began speaking. "It also means that I'm most likely dead. As such, I made this recording should that happen to me."
"Mom..." Gil muttered, his mouth having slightly opened in surprise. He originally wanted to know what happened to her after hearing the news of her death, but ended up putting that aside to focus on himself.
The woman sighed. "Here's the thing I didn't tell you, Gil. I was an old client of your dad, the previous Abysstainer. He asked me to keep an eye on you should something happen to him. But moving that aside, there's something you should know, and it's about my last assignment. You see, I noticed that something was fishy lately, especially with how Delta was getting tons of shipments containing Dascium. I thought we were getting clients at faster rates than usual, but I found some disturbing things after my investigation. Apparently, Gardai is Balius' agent in the Black Market, and has sent that material to Delta so the former can use it in taking over the Black Market as a favor to the latter. Not just that, but Balius was the one who provided Athaliah with test subjects during Project: Apotheosis."
Gil gasped before gritting his teeth in anger. He did expect to hear that Balius was helping Athaliah by supplying her with test subjects for Project: Apotheosis, nor did he expect to learn about Gardai being Balius' double agent in the Black Market. What caught Gil off guard was the fact that his own dad asked his adopted mother to look after him as well.
"After I complete this assignment, I intend to assassinate Gardai and take over Delta," the woman continued. "I know you'll want to help me, but this is something I don't think you should do. Not because you're not capable or anything, for I have trained you to hone your unique abilities, and you've made me proud overtime. It's because I don't want you to revisit your trauma after all those years. Therefore, I ask that you use this information to take down Balius and Gardai should something happen to me. Farewell, my son." The recording then ended seconds later.
Gil bowed his head and processed what he learned in his head. So Balius was the one who was responsible for ruining his life, even if it was indirectly. And judging from what happened to his adopted mom, it was most likely that Balius told Gardai to kill her, lest she spilled the truth to the world. As for Gil's dad, even though what he did to Gil was inexcusable, he was a victim of the entire mess Balius orchestrated in his favor. Did Gil regret what he did to his dad in response? He obviously didn't, for he got revenge. However, a part of Gil was upset that his dad got thrown into this mess. Furious, even. If it weren't for Balius, then Gil's dad would have continued to be normal and loving, just like before.
He took the device and put it in his pocket before leaving the abandoned shop, having turned to look at it one last time before officially walking away from it. In Gil's mind, he swore to get revenge on Balius for ruining his life. It turned out that his quest for revenge wasn't over yet, and it won't officially be over until Balius is eliminated.
Flashback End: Present day...
"That's the reason why I'm joining in on the sting operation to stop Balius." Gil finished.
"You can come with us, Gil, but should you be up to any funny business-." Greg began speaking, which got Gil's attention.
"You sound like you're worried about me." Gil interrupted.
"That's because I am worried about you, and the choices you'll make." Greg emphasized back. "No one's above the law, and I mean no one."
"You need to let go of what happened. Otherwise, it'll kill you from the inside out." Numera sadly warned Gil as well.
Gil frowned back at both Greg and Numera. "I know you guys care for my wellbeing, but I can tell you're both being selfish the way you're going at it, okay?! I'm not a good guy like the rest of you. I'm an anti-hero, and you'd be wise to remember such-!"
"Enough, all of you!" Electrolyzer shouted at Greg, Numera, and Gil, having successfully ended the debacle. "We can't be fighting against one another, especially not at a time like this!"
Raguel frowned at the petty conversation in front of them. It was clearly a waste of time not just from his perspective, but from everyone else's perspectives as well.
"Electrolyzer's right. We can't be arguing amongst each other. Not when we have a critical mission to complete." Greg commented, the others nodding in agreement as well. He then turned to Raguel. "Are you coming with us? We could use someone like you to help defeat Balius."
"Sorry Greg, but I can't." Raguel declined. "I'm heading out soon with Playmaker and the others, along with the Hanoi to stop Lightning."
"You formed an alliance with the Hanoi?" Greg questioned curiously, surprised that Raguel said such a thing. As for Gil, he was also surprised upon hearing this information because he didn't expect the Hanoi to actually reach out and form an alliance with Raguel and the others. Maybe it showed that people can change after all.
Raguel then pressed a few buttons on his spare duel disk. "Here's some more evidence to help in dealing with Balius and how SOL Technologies and the Black Market are involved. Sorry I can't help more than I already have." He offered a hand to Greg, who shook it.
"It's fine. Do what you need to do." Greg replied. "You did the right thing back there. Don't compromise your integrity, and always keep your heart open to other people's suffering. It'll help you in the long run, okay?"
Raguel nodded back before beginning to walk away from the others. However, he stopped walking after a minute passed. "Can I ask you something, Electrolyzer?"
"Oh?" Electrolyzer turned to Raguel. "What is it?"
"Do you think selflessness exists in a world of selfishness?" Raguel asked, having turned to face Electrolyzer behind him.
Electrolyzer thought over that question. Despite what happened to him during Project: Apotheosis, he still retained his humanity thanks to the teachings of his parents about how honor is important no matter what. In addition, the time Electrolyzer spent with his family also helped him keep his faith in the goodness that humanity had. As such, there was only one answer. "Yeah, Raguel. I believe that selflessness exists in this world. It's something I can't give up, or else I'll end up like the masses. Why do you ask?"
"Because I need a reason to hope." Raguel answered back, which surprised Electrolyzer as the former pressed a few buttons on his spare duel disk, causing a sphere of data to appear in his hand before handing it to the latter. "Oh, and you need to see this."
Electrolyzer looked at the data on the sphere, and gasped in shock upon reading through it. "No. It can't be." It seemed that Athaliah was right about his family the entire time. Well, partially anyway.
"What can't be, Electrolyzer?" Greg asked, having walked over to where he was so he can look at the data. "My God..."
"I have to go now. Good luck, guys." Raguel told the others, as he raised Excalibur in front of him. "Seal Thirteen, release!" He honestly didn't know how the Hell he could do that, but it didn't matter for the time being. Within seconds, a transient corridor appeared that swallowed up Raguel, who didn't show any fear in response.
Gil narrowed his eyes with concern as he saw Raguel leave the network through such an unorthodox method. While he showed no fear on the outside, a part of him was afraid upon seeing how Raguel ruthlessly pummeled Sharpshot, as well as how he sliced down those troops with glee. In fact, a part of Gil was actually regretting the fact that he egged Raguel on during their duel, where his good-intended advice had done more harm than good for once. All in all, this made Gil uneasy, especially with how much worse things can get for everyone should Raguel continue down such a path.
Elsewhere, in another area of the network...
A transient corridor appeared out of nowhere, which spat Raguel out as he unceremoniously rolled onto the ground. He looked around the area, resembling that of an abandoned underground mine, which had several crystals that glowed purple jutting out of the ground. Raguel grinned as he walked into the entrance of the underground mine, having found one of the locations where the data material caches were. According to the data found on Ace's duel disk, Ace had the slaves mine data material to use for numerous things, such as weapons and gadgets. While Raguel obviously knew what the weapons and gadgets were used for, as evident by the attacks in the network and in the real world, he didn't know about what role the structures had.
But that didn't matter as Raguel entered the lift before it took him down to the lower depths of the network. Upon exiting it, Raguel recognized the area similar to that of the sewer he went into months prior. As he ran down the area, he was delighted that there was no one else in this mine. Thus saving Raguel time of mowing down any troops that were in his way.
After walking down the stairs, Raguel eventually found what looked like a ginormous rock that was bigger than any rock he had ever seen in his life, and it glowed purple. Now Raguel had enough data material to utilize the data clone effectively. But then an idea crossed his mind: What if Raguel wielded the data material as a weapon along with Excalibur? Not by firing energy from his fingertips, as that was overused, but by enhancing his strength further and allowing him to form weapons out of pure data material.
As such, Raguel punched the rock numerous times with his fists, hellbent on acquiring the data material inside. After numerous attempts, he managed to break through a piece of the rock, which allowed him to reach inside to acquire the data material. However, when Raguel tried to touch the data material, it gave him a small shock, which forced him to pull his arm back. Without hesitation, he plunged his right arm into the data material, which made him scream as he did so. Red, glowing cracks appeared on Raguel's as he reached deeper into the rock, numerous words from the people he knew popping into his mind.
"You must embrace all your emotions. Your anger. Your frustration. Your sadness. Your self-hatred. And then release them! Only then will you be able to beat those who refuse to be changed!"
"If you were more like me, then you could have protected your friends, your family, and the girl you love above all else! You had the strength within you, yet you refused to use it!"
"Foolishness, Yuhiro. Foolishness. Might controls everything. And without strength, you cannot protect anything. Let alone yourself."
"Raguel is referred to as the archangel of justice, fairness, harmony, vengeance, and redemption. He's also responsible for delivering heinous judgement upon all that overstep their boundaries. No wonder you named yourself after him. However, if you're willing to do whatever it takes to fulfil your goal, does that honestly make you any better than the enemies you're fighting? Furthermore, can it potentially obscure your vision of the bigger picture?"
"The actions and mistakes I've made up to now have led me to become the person I am. I need to be like this if I'm to win. I can't be weak again. Otherwise, I'd fail everyone."
With a loud shout, Raguel pulled back his right arm and the data material with it, which formed into electrical fire that appeared on his body as he took several steps back before falling onto one knee. After breathing in and out several times, Raguel got himself together before standing up back on his feet, a triumphant grin on his face. With the data material in his possession, Raguel was more powerful than ever before. And thanks to the reality checks his friends and enemies gave him... well, he was more prepared than ever to put an end to this foolish war, as well as destroy Lightning, Azrael, Wraith, and Bohman for starting it in the first place.
Raguel then pressed a few buttons on his spare duel disk, which released a blue sphere that went upward. He didn't need Chainslaver's consciousness data anymore, as the FBI arrested him. Nor did Raguel need the information from Chainslaver's duel disk, for he already passed that on to Greg and the others. "Seal Thirteen, Release!" A transient corridor appeared that swallowed up Raguel and logged him out, who showed impatience and satisfaction because he not only completed his mission, but also wanted to end this war forever. To put it simply, the endgame was coming, and Raguel intended for him and his allies to survive.
Meanwhile, in the real world, on Ryoken's yacht...
"Well, that was an intriguing side task." Eizaburo commented, having stretched his fingers after typing on the digital keyboard.
"Remind me again why we had to do this, Emon?" Aso asked Emon.
"Because I wanted to right a wrong I unknowingly contributed to." Emon replied. While the Hanoi were conducting research on simulations regarding the Ignis, Youta came across a transmission that talked about numerous things. Ryoken originally intended to put it to the side, but Emon asked Youta to put it up on the holographic information display after hearing the words 'Dascium', 'Slaves', 'Central Japan', and 'Balius'.
This led the Hanoi to look into what was going on in the Black Market following the Turf War, where they learned about the slave operation that started up in Central Japan, much to their horror. Ryoken then had everyone look into where the captured slaves were being sent, as well as the travel method used to do so. Eventually, they found the airship, and were able to force it to land after a while due to the numerous layers of coding embedded in it. While the Hanoi were working, they were surprised in seeing Raguel lead a small FBI squad in seizing the airship, and even more surprised that Playmaker and the others weren't with him.
Regardless, the Hanoi was eventually able to break through the layers of coding and put in a new code that would force the airship to both turn around and dock so that it wouldn't reach Central Japan. At least not in the area of the network the airship was headed to, anyway.
"I appreciate this, Ryoken. I really do. Had I known this information, I would have never agreed to the deal I signed for the partnership with Central Japan years ago." Emon sighed, as Ryoken put a hand on his shoulder.
"You were a different person back then, Emon. There was no way you could have known." Ryoken pointed out.
"Pardon me for interrupting, Master Ryoken, but why did you have us help Raguel and the FBI out in rescuing the slaves and Brion?" Youta asked Ryoken on behalf of the other Hanoi members present. While the Hanoi obviously understood Emon's reason for stopping the airship, they wanted to know Ryoken's reason for doing so.
"I just wanted to clean up the mess left behind. That is all." Ryoken simply responded. However, in the minds of the Knights of Hanoi, they knew better. Over time, they noticed Ryoken changing for the better. He went from someone who didn't care about the people who were hurt to someone who cherished human life, thus making him not only better than Dr. Kogami, but a stronger and better leader as well. "Let's resume running those simulations on Lightning, shall we?"
The other Hanoi nodded back in response as they picked up on their previous task. For if they get the information they believe was in the simulations, then the scales will certainly be tipped in their favor.
Meanwhile, at Café Matsuo...
A transient corridor appeared out of nowhere, which spat Yuhiro out as he unceremoniously rolled onto the ground. He slowly got up on his feet, having let out a small cry of pain that was running through his body. Yuhiro then used his strength to enter inside Café Matsuo, only for him to let out another small cry of pain as he fell down on one knee.
"Yuhiro!" Roxy cried out, having heard his voice as she ran out of Café Matsuo and to where he was. "What happened? Are the slaves-?"
"Yeah. Brion and the slaves have been freed. Chainslaver and Sharpshot have been arrested as well." Yuhiro weakly confirmed, as Roxy helped him stand up on his feet before removing the spare duel disk from his left wrist.
"Don't ever do that again, Yuhiro." Roxy firmly said. "It just ain't right for you to run off like that, okay?" She then helped Yuhiro walk towards the backroom, where they saw Herald and Arashi do some work. "I got him, guys."
"Thank goodness you're okay." Herald cried out of relief, happy that Yuhiro was safe and sound.
"Yuhiro, we've been trying to track you down for a while, man." Kusanagi stated on the screen. "You disappeared the moment you went to log into the network."
"That's not natural at all! Humans can't log themselves whole into the network!" Ai added.
"But Watchman's in the network by destroying his body, Ai." Yusaku reminded Ai.
"Oh. That makes sense..."
"Just what happened, Yuhiro?" Arashi asked Yuhiro.
"I'm not sure, but..." Yuhiro summoned Excalibur. "I think there's more to Excalibur than meets the eye." His body then tensed up, which caused Yuhiro to wince in slight pain.
"Yuhiro, you should get rest. We're going up against Lightning and Azrael later on, and I think it'll help you out after the mission you just undertook." Takeru suggested firmly.
"Takeru's right. While I'm not sure how you were able to stay under our radar, or the details on rescuing the slaves, I believe that some rest will help you clear your head." Flame agreed.
"I'm sorry for what happened guys. I really am." Yuhiro apologized, before he winced in pain as he slowly got up from his chair. "I just need some space to think."
"Not alone, you're not." Herald decided. "I'm going with you, and to check and see if you've sustained any injuries you're not aware of."
Yuhiro thought it over for a few seconds before nodding back in understanding. He picked up his real duel disk and strapped it on his left arm before slowly walking out of the back room, intent on going on a walk to clear his head.
"I don't like this at all, guys." Arashi grimly commented.
"No one does, Arashi." Yusaku added in agreement, the others grimly nodding as well, everyone afraid for Yuhiro's wellbeing.
After Yuhiro exited Café Matsuo, he stretched for a few seconds before walking away from the building.
"Thank you for letting me go with you, Yuhiro." Herald stated. "I'm aware that you don't-."
"Actually, it's a good idea you go with me." Yuhiro interjected. "After what happened when I found out the truth about myself, and how I reacted to it, I'm not as foolish as to run away again."
"I'm glad you understand, Yuhiro. I really do. For we need to be sound in mind, body, and spirit if we're to defeat Lightning and Azrael, don't you agree?"
"Mind, body, and spirit." Yuhiro repeated quietly. If Yuhiro was being honest, his mind, body, and spirit were not aligned lately. It was unbalanced, just as what Azrael had correctly guessed, and it was only becoming more unbalanced as a result of what happened. "Look, I'm sorry for what I did, Herald. I really am. Know that my intentions for stopping the slaves from being shipped to Central Japan were nothing more than good and pure."
"Intent does not matter... only consequences." Herald firmly warned Yuhiro.
"I hear you, and I have a feeling it's gonna bite me in the ass later on." Yuhiro sadly admitted, partly ashamed with running off like that and dealing with the rescue mission alone. Well, aside from Greg, Rachel, and Gil, anyway. Then again, what could he do? Say no in the mission to free the slaves and Brion? "But moving that aside, there's something I need to tell you, Herald."
"Oh? What is it?" Herald asked back.
"There have not been many in my life I would call friend... you are among them." Yuhiro sadly smiled. "Thank you for putting up with me."
Herald sadly smiled back. "It's no problem, buddy. I'm with you till the end of the line, okay? Moving that aside, where are we going?"
"To the cemetery." Yuhiro answered. "I need to think and get my head on straight. You can also see my dead parents as well, if you want."
"Well, considering how I'm in your duel disk, I don't have much of a choice, do I?" Herald replied, before the air turned silent, no one else speaking for the time being.
Meanwhile, in LINK VRAINS...
SHINK!
Azrael stabbed the final troop from Alpha in front of him before pulling out a bomb with an encrypted timer on it, which he proceeded to activate. He then unsheathed the Muramasa sliced the air in two, which created a portal large enough to travel through. Azrael entered the portal, where he arrived to the entrance of the Alpha Branch, having exited it in the process. Several seconds later, the bomb blew up and destroyed what remained of Alpha behind its borders.
"And with that, the Alpha branch is destroyed." Azrael summed up, having sheathed the Muramasa in the process.
"I'm honestly surprised that Lightning allowed you to get this clean-up done, especially with how our enemies will find us real soon." Wraith admitted.
"He was fine with the idea because it involved humans getting killed." Azrael replied. "Also, I did promise to destroy Alpha for Ace's treacherous actions, and it's only fair I follow up on my promises."
"Makes sense there."
Azrael then started to walk away from the desolated Alpha, having succeeded in destroying the branch for good. "Were you able to send those false videos to SOL Technologies and Balius by any chance?"
"Done and done." Wraith turned to Azrael. "Though I wonder why you wanted me to do so."
"SOL Technologies needs to be punished more for its crimes, especially after the attacks in the real world and in the network." Azrael said. "Balius also needs to be punished for his role in all of this. You could say I'm ensuring that they suffer the consequences for their actions for the rest of their days."
"That makes sense there. But I wonder if you have any concerns of the innocent and uninvolved people thrown into that mess." Wraith wondered.
Azrael frowned as he thought this over. It was an unfortunate reality, as people were always caught in the crossfire when things happen. And while Azrael had no personal grudges towards those who were uninvolved, he accepted that reality a long time ago, and was content with it. "Like I said before, Wraith. I don't have any concerns about the innocent people involved, nor do I regret my actions. As long as I can achieve eternity in the end, then I'll do what I must."
"Good. Just making sure." Something then crossed Wraith's mind. "I acquired some information thanks to the tracker I put in Ai."
"Oh? Do tell." Azrael was now intrigued by what Wraith found.
"Apparently, Raguel and the others obtained a virus bomb to shut down the Bitboots from Gil." Wraith began speaking. "And prior to that, Gil defeated Raguel in a duel in a brutal fashion."
Azrael stopped walking. "What?"
"You heard me. Gil brutally defeated Raguel in a duel just to toughen him up. At least that's what I heard, anyway. I assume you're putting Gil on your hitlist?"
"It isn't worth going after Gil, as he's neither a member of the Hanoi nor a Lost Incident victim." Azrael decided, having relaxed as he made his decision. While Azrael wanted to go after Gil for hurting Raguel, he was grateful that Gil helped his brother become stronger. If Raguel accepted the truth about today's reality as well, then it'll be even better.
"Hmm. That's interesting. Though you still need to see this."
A screen then popped up on Azrael's duel disk, which Azrael looked at as footage began to play. From the footage, he learned that something was amiss with Raguel after returning to the network. As if on cue, Raguel's pendant began to glow, causing Azrael to take it out of his pocket before looking at it. "So it seems that just like me, you acquired the power to log into the network whole, little hybrid brother..."
Azrael sliced the air in two using the Muramasa, which created a portal to travel through as thoughts began to enter his mind. The way things were going, Raguel was getting stronger and more aware of the truth about todays reality. A plan began to form in Azrael's mind as he and Wraith quickly went into the portal. If things kept going the way they were, then Azrael would have a perfect contingency in place should he fall in battle.
One where only he would win in the end, and no one else.
Elsewhere, in a different area of the network...
"Well, that was interesting and informative, but not as good as when compared to the carnage I saw before. But again, at least it was interesting and informative." Jericho commented, before he turned to the skull on the table beside him. "Don't you agree? Oh, right. You can't talk. Well, you once did, but now you're dead, with your skull in front of me being my souvenir of course."
After Jericho interrogated the Lost Incident scientist and got his answers, he proceeded to free the scientist... by ending his miserable existence. From there, Jericho carved the skin off of the deceased Lost Incident scientist's face, which was how he got the skull he had now. After that was done, Jericho returned to his laboratory upstairs, where his monitors picked something up. According to the footage, the Hanoi formed an alliance with Raguel and the others. Watchman was also there as well, which didn't surprise Jericho, as he would obviously want to help in ending the war for good.
Jericho also saw the group go into the old LINK VRAINS, where he heard them discuss using the Tower of Hanoi as a scanner to find out where Lightning was in the network. Thanks to the Tower of Hanoi, a rift between the network and the dark side of the network was opened up. Urizen originally planned to send someone to investigate the planet Earth, but Jericho went in at the last second, having been unable to contain his curiosity upon learning this information. From there, he immediately proceeded to build his laboratory somewhere in the network, which couldn't be found by anyone. Whether that be man, Ignis, AI, or anything else.
And with the group using the Tower of Hanoi to find Lightning's location, Jericho saw the opportunity he was looking for. One where he can acquire all eight Ignis in one fellow swoop should everything fall into place. In addition, he was given permission by Shalem to perform the approved experiment as well. For if Jericho succeeded, not only will he get the eight Ignis and more findings, but also acquire two powerful slaves for Urizen to use. To put it simply, the ISOs will achieve a great victory overall should everything go to plan.
As if on cue, there was a beep on one of the monitors that flashed several times before Jericho pressed a button to turn it off. He got up from his seat and headed over to one of the nearby tables, where on it contained a glass container holding a black, shadowy substance with red outlines at the ends. In a sense, it looked like a jellyfish on land.
"The Cursed Boundary Layer..." Jericho muttered, having recognized the object on the table. It was one of the ISO's main weapons used during the conquests of different worlds. When one of them went to a different world, they would begin gathering materials to create it amongst other things while laying low and gathering intel. Once it was done, they would proceed to unleash the Cursed Boundary Layer onto that world by latching itself onto a person to act as a carrier. But it couldn't be just any random person. It had to be someone who was going through intense sorrow or pain, and was filled with negative emotions. Upon infection, the Cursed Boundary Layer would proceed to lay waste to the general area by draining the life force of anyone in the area present. Not just that, but it would provide the carrier with so much energy that eventually, they'll break down and become a rancorous version of themselves as a result of the overflowing negative emotions occurring in their mind. Eventually, the person would release that energy, which in turn would give the ISO the signal for them to launch the invasion of the world they were currently in. It was an effective and efficient strategy, where the species can damage itself so much they wouldn't be able to stop the invasion fleet from taking over their world.
The best part was that when an ISO activated the Cursed Boundary Layer themselves, anyone trapped in it wouldn't be able to escape until the battle has been finished. So if the Cursed Boundary Layer was activated in the network, then no one could leave until the duel was done, whether the people there were innocent bystanders or duelists themselves. It was similar to that of a duel anchor, the only difference being that a specific portion of the network was locked down until the duel was done. In fact, if Jericho made adjustments to the Cursed Boundary Layer, he could lock down all of LINK VRAINS and prevent anyone from logging out while it siphoned the energy of the people there.
But there was no point in inconveniencing others for the time being. So Jericho grabbed the idle Cursed Boundary Layer and put it in his duel disk, ready for it to be used when the time came. He also grabbed a few programs and gadgets he can use for his mission, along with a series of small purple orbs that pulsated with energy into his duel disk. These orbs were called snares, or complex programs that can be used to distract someone long enough for an ISO to complete their work. It can also help mask the ISO's presence so that no one can see them, unless one were to disable all of the snares to do so.
Together with the masking program Jericho already had, he would be able to complete his mission, especially the fact that no one can see him doing so, and he can see them. Plus, Jericho had his Cyberse deck with him, which was very strong to the point that powerful opponents such as Raguel, Playmaker, and Revolver would have a very hard time to keep up with.
A grin appeared on Jericho's face as he made a right fist with his right hand. "Like I said before. Once the Ignis war is over, I will be the ultimate victor, and no one will stop what comes next!" He then teleported out of his laboratory and to the old LINK VRAINS after activating his masking program, hellbent on completing his mission.
Green, wispy pieces of data are shown floating through the network as a bright light briefly covers the screen, multiple cards popping up one by one.
Yusaku is first shown walking to school before he morphs into his VRAINS Persona Playmaker. Takeru is also shown doing the same thing before he morphs into his VRAINS Persona Soulburner. Last but not least, Yuhiro and Arashi are shown doing the same thing before they morph into the VRAINS Personas Raguel and Slipstream. Ai, Flame, Aqua, and Herald pop up on the screen one by one afterwards.
A split screen then pops up, showing Aoi walking down the street on one side, while Emma scratches the back of her head on the other side, as if she were stressed out. The both of them then morph into their VRAINS Personas Blue Maiden and Ghost Girl. A second split screen pops up afterwards, showing Rachel on her tablet on one side, while Gekiryushi practices her swordsmanship on the other side with concentration. The both of them then morph into their VRAINS Personas Numera and SengokuQueen.
Soon after, a third split screen appears, showing a skinny Go Onizuka clutching his head in pain with his left hand, while Kengo Dojun puts a hand on his chin, as if thinking something over. The screen then cracks, showing a virtual network where Go closes his eyes and spreads out his hands with a smile, while Blood Shepherd aims his right hand at the screen. A fourth split screen appears, showing Akairo completing some schoolwork, while Brion is in his apartment, looking at a picture in his locket with narrowed eyes, which showed his family. The screen then cracks, showing Drachen with Red-Eyes Black Dragon Sword in his hand, while Electrolyzer has PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta attached to his body.
The main tower LINK VRAINS is shown before the screen cracks in two, which reveals the main tower in Mirror LINK VRAINS. Lightning's faction is shown in the light, but then the screen is enveloped in darkness before depicting Azrael flaring out the Muramasa with Malf and Wraith on his sides.
Revolver, Specter, and Infearno are then shown on the screen, with Revolver on the left, Infearno in the center, and Specter on the right.
The screen changes to show multiple people at Green Park. First is Kusanagi and Roxy beside one another, with Akira speaking to Emma and Gekiryushi nearby. Next is Arashi crossing his arms, with Takeru is looking out at another area while Yusaku simply looks ahead of him, Aoi sitting down on the stairs nearby. Yuhiro is seen looking ahead of him with a stressed expression on his face, a silhouette of Miyu trying to comfort him. Rachel runs up to where Yuhiro is before standing next to him, with Naoki trying to wave his hand to the humans nearby. Herald is shown with Ai, Flame, and Aqua nearby the humans. Last but not least, Ryoken, Youta, and Emon are shown conversing in another area of Green Park.
The screen then shows a grey landscape, where duel monsters appear in pairs. First is Firewall Dragon and Firewall eXceed Dragon, second is Salamangreat Heatleo and Violet Chimera, third is Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode and Turboblaze Dragon, fourth is Clear Wing Synchro Dragon and Hi-Speedroid Kitedrake, and fifth is Borreload Savage Dragon and Borreload Dragon before all of them disappear one by one. Last but not least, a network background appears, with a strand of rainbow data flowing around it before Raguel, Playmaker, Soulburner, and Slipstream appear, along with Ai, Flame, and Herald. All four humans draw a card from the top of their decks before a bright light covers the screen.
Card Gallery
Raguel:
Cyreath Pandora (LV: 4/Pendulum/Cyberse/Tuner/Dark/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500/Scale: 0)
Pendulum Effect: While this card is in your Pendulum Zone, your opponent must pay 600 LP to activate cards or effects. If your opponent controls a Link, Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz monster (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon this card from your Pendulum Zone to your field, and if you do, you can look at your opponent's Extra Deck and banish 1 monster from it to their banished zone. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Pandora' once per turn.
Effect: Once per turn, when this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 'Cyreath' monster and 1 'Cyreath' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your hand. If this card is used for the following summoning methods of a 'Cyreath' monster, you can activate 1 of the following effects (you can only use each effect for each summoning method once per turn):
Link: Special Summon this card from your Extra Deck to your field in a Main Monster Zone a 'Cyreath' Link monster points to.
Ritual: This turn, any battle damage your 'Cyreath' monsters inflict is doubled.
Fusion: Target 1 monster in either player's GY; activate that monster's effect as though it were your own.
Synchro: This turn, if a monster your opponent controls leaves the field: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to its ATK.
Xyz: This turn, all monsters your opponent controls have their ATK reduced to 0.
Cyreath Teferi (LV: 8/Pendulum/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 3000/DEF: 1500/Scale: 1)
Pendulum Effect: When your opponent negates the activation of a 'Cyreath' card or effect (Quick Effect): You can inflict 600 damage to your opponent, and if you do, shuffle 1 card on your opponent's field into their deck. You can only use this effect of 'Cyreath Teferi' once per turn.
Effect: You can send 1 'Cyreath' Link monster from your Extra Deck to your GY; Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, negate the effects of all cards your opponent controls until the End Phase. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation if you sent a Link-3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster to your GY with this effect. If this card is used as material for the Link, Ritual, Fusion, or Synchro Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, or detached as Xyz Material for the effect of a 'Cyreath' Xyz monster: You can shuffle 1 'Cyreath' Link monster into your Extra Deck; Special Summon this card from your Extra Deck or GY to your field. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Teferi' once per turn.
Cyreath Alastor (LV: 8/Pendulum/Cyberse/Ritual/Dark/ATK: 0/DEF: 3000/Scale: 9)
Pendulum Effect: If a 'Cyreath' monster you control battles, for that battle, it cannot be destroyed, and you take no damage. At the end of the damage step: All monsters your opponent currently controls lose ATK equal to the battling 'Cyreath' monsters ATK until the end of this turn.
Effect: You can Ritual Summon this card using a 'Cyreath' Ritual Spell card. When this card is Ritual Summoned: You can banish 1 monster from each player's Extra Deck and/or GY, and if you do, you can have this card gain ATK equal to the combined ATK of the monsters banished by this effect. When your opponent activates a card effect (Quick Effect): You can negate the activation, and if you do, apply 1 of the following effects depending on the type of card negated by this effect:
Monster: Take control of that monster, and if you do, treat it as a 'Cyreath' monster.
Spell: Gain LP equal to the ATK of 1 monster your opponent controls or is in their GY.
Trap: Until the End Phase, this card is unaffected by your opponent's card effects.
If this card leaves the field by battle or your opponent's card effect: You can place this card in your Pendulum zone. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of each of this card's effects. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Alastor' once per turn.
Glorious Cyreaths (Normal Spell card)
Effect: If you control no monsters in your Main Monster Zones: You can Special Summon 1 'Cyreath' monster from your hand, deck, or GY, then draw the top card of your deck. You can only activate 1 'Glorious Cyreaths' per turn.
Cyreath Calamity (Ritual Spell card)
Effect: This card can be used to Ritual Summon any 'Cyreath' Ritual monster. You must also tribute 'Cyreath' monsters from your field or hand whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster you Ritual Summon. You can also use 'Cyreath' monsters in your GY by banishing them. If this card is used to Ritual Summon 'Cyreath Alastor': Halve your opponent's LP. You can only activate 1 'Cyreath Calamity' per turn.
Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode (LR: 3/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 2900/⬆️⬇️➡️)
Effect: Must be Special Summoned with 'Alpha Mode Activate', and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. If this card is Special Summoned using 'Alpha Mode/Activate': You can inflict damage equal to the number of cards your opponent controls times 500. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation. This card can attack all monsters your opponent controls once each, also, any battle damage this card inflicts is doubled.
Chainslaver:
Iron Chain Lizard (LV: 2/Machine/Earth/Tuner/ATK: 200/DEF: 1000)
Effect: If you control an 'Iron Chain' monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand to your field. If this card is used as material for the Synchro Summon of a Synchro monster, you can draw 1 card from the top of your deck. You can only use each effect of 'Iron Chain Lizard' once per turn.
Iron Chain Reinforcer (LV: 4/Machine/Earth/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000/LV: 4)
Effect: If both players have a monster on their fields: You can Special Summon this card from your hand to your field. When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 'Iron Chain' monster from your GY to your field. If a 'Chain' Spell or Trap card's effect would be negated, you can send this card from your field to your GY instead. You can only use each effect of 'Iron Chain Reinforcer' once per turn.
Iron Chain Connector (LV: 2/Machine/Earth/ATK: 0/DEF: 0)
Effect: When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 'Iron Chain Chute' token to your field (LV: 1/Machine/Earth/ATK: 0/DEF: 0). If an 'Iron Chain' monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect, you can send this card from your field to your GY instead. You can only use each effect of 'Iron Chain Connector' once per turn.
Recovery Chain (Normal Spell card)
Effect: When this card is activated: You can Special Summon 'Iron Chain' monsters from your GY up to the number of monsters your opponent controls. If this card is in your GY, except the turn it was sent there: You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 'Iron Chain' monster from your GY. You can only activate 1 'Recovery Chain' per turn.
Burning Chain (Quick-Play Spell card)
Effect: When this card is activated: You can banish cards your opponent controls up to the number of monsters on their field, and if you do, inflict 500 damage for each card banished by this effect. If this card is in your GY, except the turn it was sent there: You can banish this card from your GY; banish a card on your opponent's field, and if you do, inflict 500 damage. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation if they control a Special Summoned monster. You can only activate 1 'Burning Chain' per turn.
Siphon Chain (Quick-Play Spell card)
Effect: When this card is activated: Halve the ATK of 1 monster your opponent controls, and if you do, negate its effects, and if you do that, add that monster's lost ATK to the ATK of 1 monster you control until the end of your next turn. If this card is in your GY, except the turn it was sent there: You can banish this card from your GY; 1 monster your opponent controls loses ATK equal to the ATK of 1 monster you control until the End Phase. You can only activate 1 'Siphon Chain' per turn.
Iron Chain Warden (LR: 2/Warrior/Earth/ATK: 1800/↙️↘️)
Effect: 2 'Iron Chain' monsters. When this card is Link Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 'Iron Chain' monster from your GY to a Main Monster Zone this card points to in defense position. Once per turn: You can Set one 'Chain' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your field. While this card points to a monster, it's unaffected by your opponent's card effects. If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can Set 1 'Chain' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your field.
QOTC
What are you looking forward to seeing in the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc? Note that you should expect the unexpected, as not everything always happens as you expect it will. So I encourage you to guess and come up with your own theories and hypotheses.
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 84: Into the Battle. The moment of truth has finally arrived. With no more delays, Playmaker, Raguel, Revolver, and all their allies finally uncover Lightning's whereabouts as they charge in to end this war once and for all. Upon entering Lightning's battlefield, he and Azrael begin to launch a full scale assault in retaliation as the heroes are faced with their biggest challenge yet...
Chapter 85: Bonds Beyond Time. The heroes continue to break through Lightning's defenses one by one, with Lightning and Azrael continuing to learn about the heroes' strategies and how their decks work. As the battle in the sky continues, Haru challenges Blue Maiden to a duel with a full resolve of his brotherhood with Bohman, with Blue Maiden prepared to match his with her own...
Author's Notes
And with that, the final chapter before the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc is done! It was a long one too, especially with what happened here. I think a recap is needed for this chapter, don't you think:
First up is the anime scene between Yusaku and Kusanagi, where they make preparations for the scenario should Lightning use Jin as a hostage to force Kusanagi into action. While this scene obviously occurs in the anime, I felt it important to include because it sets things up for their coming duel in the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc. As such, I had Kusanagi give Yusaku his deck so the latter can study it and prepare for when that occurs. In addition, I had Yusaku update Kusanagi on recent events as well so he's in the loop. Simple as that.
Next is the scenes at Café Matsuo, and I'll split it into two parts. First being the conversation between Herald and Arashi. Like I said before, Arashi's struggling with what to do regarding Windy, and so he gets Herald's input on him by asking some questions. He then asks Herald for his assistance in something, and while I won't tell you what it is, I'm sure you can figure it out based on their conversation, don't you agree?
For the second conversation, it's between Yuhiro and Roxy, which is similar to the conversation between Yusaku and Kusanagi. Here, the two of them talk about making a contingency in plan should Lightning or Azrael hold Miyu hostage and force Roxy to work with them. And like Yusaku, Yuhiro doesn't want to hurt Roxy, especially with how she's been a major part of his life. But in the end, he ends up conceding to the possibility that the scenario may happen, and so agrees to take Roxy down should it occur.
After those conversations, Yuhiro, Roxy, and Arashi input Lightning's algorithm into the Tower of Hanoi so it will be able to pinpoint his location in the network upon activating scan mode. Yuhiro also tells the others about his findings from Ace's data, though he obviously leaves out a few things. First is the programs and tools Ace and Speckles had on hand because Yuhiro obviously wants to use them for himself. Second is the fact that Ace had Judgment Arrows in his deck, with Yuhiro's intent being to use the card for itself. If Yuhiro told everyone this information and suggested that they use it against Lightning, everyone else would obviously tell him not to do so. As such, I had Yuhiro keep the card on hand should he need it. Third is the location of the data material caches because Yuhiro wants to investigate and use the data material for his own purposes.
Once Yuhiro and the others report their progress on the Tower of Hanoi to Revolver, they make plans to practice for the coming battle, only for Greg to call Yuhiro and ask for his help in rescuing the slaves and Brion. Upon learning this information, Yuhiro ends up going alone to help Greg by somehow logging into the network whole with Excalibur. Yup, you heard me. Yuhiro managed to somehow log into the network whole with Excalibur, much to everyone's shock and surprise. How did Yuhiro exactly get this ability, may you ask? Well, let's just say Excalibur responded to his emotions, which helped him unlock a new ability. Do note that Yuhiro obviously hasn't mastered it yet, for he needs to practice using it. And when everyone tries to convince Yuhiro to come back, he ends up cutting communications with them, and lies in wait for the perfect opportunity to help Greg if needed. Now Yuhiro does use an old duel disk, which is similar to the current one he has. Why? Because he wanted to do this mission alone with no help. Plus, Yuhiro's tired of being powerless, so he takes initiative for once and decides to save people without wasting any time lingering around.
While Raguel lies behind the scenes to strike, Greg and the others launch an attack in the real world at the place where Chainslaver meets with Balius' agent in completing the transaction. Chainslaver's' name in the real world is Katsu Myoga, and his appearance is just like the one he has in the network. Simple as that. Oh, and per the agreement between Balius and SOL Technologies back in Chapter 79, Amadeus is being sent back to Central Japan, having obtained his freedom. However, that's short lived by the time Greg and the FBI succeed in capturing Amadeus and stopping the transaction from taking place. And just before Amadeus tries to escape, Gil comes in and deescalates the hostage situation down with the Chains of Tragedy. A pretty strong weapon, don't you agree?
However, Chainslaver attempts to escape, only for him to be forcefully logged into the network by Raguel, who uses the duel anchor Speckles had against him. This leads to a duel between the two, where Chainslaver's shown to have grown stronger since his previous bout with Raguel all those years ago. For instance, he now has Saryuja Skull Dread, a Link 4 monster, along with his own Iron Chain Link 2 monster in Iron Chain Warden. He also had a Chaos Xyz monster of his own in the form of Mechquipped Djinn Angeneral, and Chainslaver got it from Ace, who got it from Gardai as tribute to Alpha as a symbol of his allegiance to him. As for Raguel, he used new cards too in the form of a new Spell card and monsters, but I'll get to that later.
During the duel, Chainslaver reveals some disturbing information, which is that some of the people in the slave force were children along with men and women. Yes, you heard me. Ace incorporated child labour in the slave force, though he told Sharpshot and Chainslaver to stay away from babies. It just goes to show how twisted of a person Ace is, even after he died back in Chapter 77, and how his actions had hurt other people's lives even in death. Chainslaver even tells Raguel that, even if he were to stop the slave operation Ace set up, there were still others around the world that would replace it.
In response, Raguel uses Alpha Mode Activate to evolve Cyreath Atalanta into Cyreath Atalanta/Alpha Mode, which is the second Alpha Mode monster Raguel has so far. Why did Raguel use Atalanta? It's because she loves children, to the point where she'll die to ensure they're safe and have a better future. So when Raguel hears about how children were being treated as slaves, he basically allows Atalanta to finish him off. However, Chainslaver brings out his Chaos Xyz monster to destroy Atalanta/Alpha mode, even though Raguel survived the turn. From there, Raguel brings out two more new Pendulum monsters after Teferi in the forms of Cyreath Pandora and Alastor, the latter being a Ritual Pendulum monster. For Pandora, her appearance is based off of Child from Young Justice: Phantoms, only she dons on the clothing that Pandora wore in God of War 3. As for Alastor, his appearance is a combination of the Armor of Perseus from God of War and Necrozma from Pokemon Sun and Moon. Pandora and Alastor are the two Cyreath monsters that appeared in Raguel's nightmare back in Chapter 68, and officially make their appearances in this chapter. Thanks to them, Raguel is able to defeat Chainslaver once again, and takes his consciousness data after retrieving the data on his duel disk. In terms of Pandora and Alastor, they are two of the members of the unholy trinity Yuhiro made following his nightmare in Chapter 68, and they're both Pendulum monsters. Aside from the giant monster, any other monster cards Raguel made will be Pendulum monsters. You could say this is just the beginning of the new and unholy cards Raguel made for his deck, as well as him becoming more and more ruthless in the process.
After finding where the slaves are located at, Raguel learns that Chainslaver was the debt collector who set into motion the events that would change Rachel's life forever, and passes this on to Greg. Following this, Raguel meets up with the FBI, where they, along with Numera and Gil, chase after the airship in the network that holds the captured slaves. I'm guessing you're confused here, so allow me to explain: Before his death, Ace came up with an idea on how to successfully transport the slaves from one place to another. He suggested forcefully logging the slaves into the network while another affiliated party transported their bodies to a location in the real world. This way, if one was to successfully free the slaves, someone had to do it both in the network and in the real world. For if you did it in the network, the enemy still had the bodies of the slaves on hand to use for their own. And if you freed the slaves in the real world, the enemy can still conduct their slave operations in the real world. That meant Raguel and the others had to free them in both the real world and in the network for the rescue to be successful.
During the rescue, Raguel and the others end up finding and freeing the slaves on the airship, Electrolyzer among them. Some of you might be wondering why he didn't use the PSY-Frame monsters to free himself. It's because he was shackled in chains of data material that prevented him from doing so. Following a scuffle between Raguel and the others against Sharpshot and his forces, Sharpshot pursues them before firing a series of bullets that included duel bullets to try and lock his enemies in the network. This leads to Electrolyzer taking the duel bullets, thus resulting in the duel between him and Sharpshot. Now back when Season 2 began, I did promise that another Assault mode monster would appear, and Electrolyzer used Hyper Psychic Blaster/Assault Mode to defeat Sharpshot and win the duel. The funny thing is that even though Electrolyzer lost some life points, he managed to get them back and finish Sharpshot off that same turn.
Following the duel, Raguel and the others go to the pilot's section of the airship to try and stop it from flying any further. After interrogating the pilots, Electrolyzer shows up with a wounded Sharpshot, which leads to Raguel interrogating Sharpshot ruthlessly to try and get some answers. This interrogation, along with how Raguel butchered the Black Market troops, is what gets Gil concerned about Raguel turning for the worse, especially how his advice impacted the latter back at their duel. It's even after the fact that Electrolyzer and Greg were able to gently convince Raguel to stop what he's doing, which gets through to him.
Suddenly, the ship not only turns around, but lands on the ground a few seconds later, much to everyone's surprise. But moving past that, after Sharpshot and his troops are arrested and the slaves are officially freed, some information is revealed. The main of which being that Gardai was Balius' double agent inside the Black Market, with the former's goal being to gain the trust of the previous Overseer, who was SOL Technologies' agent to control the Black Market as well. And after Gardai got the previous Overseer's trust, he'd ensure that Balius got control of the Black Market and SOL Technologies. Simple as that.
Here, Electrolyzer says that Balius needs to be stopped for good, with Greg agreeing to help put an end to this madness. Numera also pitches in to help, with Gil doing the same as well for a personal reason. Gil's decided to help because hours earlier, he rummaged through Delta to see if he can find anything to salvage. Here, Bit and Boot direct Gil over to an old area upon discovering something suspicious, which causes Gil to go to the shop he lived at when he lived with the woman from Delta. At the shop, Gil finds a recording, with the woman from Delta revealing that his dad asked her to keep an eye on him should something occur. The woman also reveals what's going on regarding Gardai and Balius, and her plan to report the plan to the world after assassinating the former. Unfortunately, Gardai was forced to kill the woman, lest his alliance with Balius is revealed to the world.
What Gil realized from this recording was that Balius was ultimately the one who ruined his life, even if it was through several other people. While he doesn't regret punishing his dad, Gil is angry with how his dad was a victim in this entire mess. For if it weren't for Balius, then Gil would have had a loving and healthy relationship with his dad. To put it simply, Gil wants revenge on Balius for truly ruining the former's life. Do you think there's any chance of Gil reconciling with his dad in light of this revelation? Let me know what you think.
Before Raguel leaves, he hands Electrolyzer the information regarding his parents and their role in Balius' slave operations to him, which shocks the prince upon reading it. Once that's done, Raguel heads over to one of the mines the data material cache's at, and through sheer force of will and pure rage, he was able to acquire the data material. With it, Raguel can now use the data clone program to his liking. In terms of what Raguel will use the data material for in the end, I can't tell you. Though I do encourage appropriate theories.
Back in the real world, it's revealed that the Hanoi were the ones who forced the ship to both turn around and land, making them the ones who helped Raguel and the others. After learning the truth about where the Dascium came from and how it was obtained, Emon's response to this led the Hanoi to stop the ship from going to Central Japan. While Ryoken's reasons for doing this were to clean up a mess that was left behind, the other Hanoi know that deep down, Ryoken cared for human life, and didn't want that life to be tarnished. You could say that he's changing for the better.
After Yuhiro returns to the real world, he briefly explains what happened before going for a walk to clear his head, with Herald accompanying him. This scene will be continued in the next Roxy's Reports, so go over there once it's released.
Meanwhile in the network, Azrael is shown destroying the remnants of Alpha Branch, as per his promise he made to himself after learning of Ace's betrayal. Here, Azrael had Wraith send false videos to both SOL Technologies and Balius, as they were aware of Raguel's plan to go free the slaves thanks to Wraith putting the tracker in Ai. Wraith also tells Azrael that Raguel and the others have a virus bomb to eliminate the Bitboots, the both of them deciding not to tell Lightning about it. Azrael also learns that Gil brutally defeated Raguel in a duel, and while he wants to go hurt Gil for hurting his little hybrid brother, he sees no point in doing so due to the events at hand. Plus, Gil's going to Central Japan with the others to stop Balius, so there's no point in doing so. Before Azrael leaves, he learns that Raguel now has the ability to log into the network whole. For those of you who are wondering, I'll just confirm it now: Azrael also has the ability to log into the network whole, and has been doing it for a long time now.
Last but not least is the scene involving Jericho, where it's revealed that he killed the Lost Incident scientist after getting his answers. He goes over and grabs several things needed for his experiment, as well as something called a Cursed Boundary Layer. Think of the Cursed Boundary Layer as a more powerful version of the Barian's Sphere Cube from Yu-Gi-Oh Zexal for those of you who are confused. Basically, the Cursed Boundary Layer is a weapon the ISOs use for conquering planets, with the goal being for a species to damage itself to the point where they can't defend themselves against the invasion fleet. The ISOs have used this strategy to conquer worlds in Urizen's name that are in the network. Now I'm going to address a worry some of you may have: Jericho isn't going to help out Lightning or the good guys at all, nor is he forming an alliance with either side. For his experiment to work, Jericho needs to go to Mirror LINK VRAINS, and has the equipment needed so he can not only pull it off, but ensure that it's done discreetly as well. But what is this experiment, you ask? You'll find out later on in Season 2. So be at ease, my friends. If anything, Jericho's just going to watch the duels one by one and gather information before launching his experiment.
Okay, I've summarized a lot of stuff and may have overwhelmed you guys, so I'll stop the recap here. I want to thank you all for reading Chapter 83 of Obscured Truth. As always, please let me know your thoughts about the chapters below in your reviews. Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, as your tips and advice helps make the story better. In addition, don't forget to favorite and follow the story. That way, you will get a notification once the next chapter is released.
What did you enjoy the most about this chapter? The duels? The emergence of two of the unholy trinity Raguel created back in Chapter 68? The attack on the airship? Or was it something else?
That's all for now, folks. Before I go, I just want to update you on what will come next. As I stated above, I will do the next chapter for Roxy's Reports first, which will be the last one before the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc officially kicks off. It also gives me breathing room for me to plan out ten duels, five being in Chapter 84, and five in Chapter 85. Don't worry, as nine out of the ten are easy duels, while the last one is a far better and updated version of the Blue Maiden vs Haru duel. Because let's be honest, the way they showed that duel in the anime was pure crap, don't you agree? And thanks to Haru becoming stronger as a duelist in the duels he had in Obscured Truth, he's certainly going to give Blue Maiden one hell of a fight once Chapter 85 rolls around. But moving that aside, I will see you guys next time, for the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc officially starts next chapter! I hope you guys look forward to what comes next, for it's gonna be epic!
