A back-to-back update, Redux's on a roll! I was looking forward to writing this chapter, hence why I skipped Overdrive. On top of that, I would like to end the Standard arc before the story's next birthday, or at least reach its second to last chapter, so expect another update for this bad boy!

I could've finished this chapter a bit sooner, but as you can see, that didn't happen. This is so far the story's second-longest chapter, moreover, I didn't have much time on my hands to write due to work... But don't worry. Once you see what happens, I'm sure all of you will be excited!

Thanks to ZarcEternal and Zeromk7 who reviewed the last chapter!

[Using Anime/Manga Effects.]

"They found us already...!?"

I gritted my teeth in frustration as six Obelisk Force Duelists surrounded me and Yuzu, trapping us in a circle. We parted ways with the others...an hour ago? That should be enough to reach the Ancient ruins Area undetected, so no worries there.

Them finding us so soon wasn't even the problem; that's simply annoying. The problem lies in their numbers: I have no trouble believing Yuzu and I can defeat three of these copy-and-paste guys, but six of them...will be tricky.

"Wasn't there a rule that says if they look exactly the same, they're weak?" Adaro asked out of the blue. Um...yes and no?

"That...isn't always the case." Ereshkigal replied in my stead.

"In order for Serena to learn what happened in the Xyz Dimension, she has to meet Kurosaki." Yuzu readied her Duel Disk and we assumed a back-to-back stance. "We have to keep these guys away from her!"

Yeah! "We have no choice but to fight." I raised my own Duel Disk. Our opponents weren't disheartened at all by our defiant actions, and revealed their own Duel Disks with malicious grins—

"That's enough!" but a sudden shout interrupted us. Seconds later, a youth jumped down from atop a building, joining us on the ground behind an Obelisk Force member. Without a doubt, he was from Academia, evident from his uniform and shield-shaped Duel Disk.

Before I could question how a jump from such a height didn't break any parts of his body, he straightened out and we saw his face, prompting us to gasp.

"Yuya!?" Yuzu exclaimed in shock. Eh? Um, not really...

"U-Uh, Master? This guy's...bad news." the panic coming from Adaro, as well as a couple of my other Monsters, made my stomach drop. This was the first time they- except for Nekomata- reacted in such a way.

"So this is the monster the impulsive girl mentioned." Demiurge noted, his voice uncharacteristically low and serious. I also felt that bizarre sentiment of familiarity rising in my chest...but it was different this time around: there was curiosity next to it. Demiurge...was interested in him, which honestly didn't surprise me right now. "This is Yuri."

Turn 11:

Calamity's Song

"What are you saying?" Yuri said in exasperation to my friend's words. "I'm not that guy."

Yuzu blinked in surprise, and upon looking closer, she realized her error. "If he's from Academia..." she whispered to me. "Is he the Pawn of Fusion Yuto spoke of?"

"You mean Yugo?" I shook my head. "He's innocent. Yuya's theory was correct; that was a misunderstanding." I raised my voice so the newcomer could hear me. "The one who captured Ruri was you...right, Yuri?"

Yuzu's eyes widened at the revelation. The Obelisk Force Duelists exchanged uneasy glances, finding it hard to believe I knew his name. They probably figured out who I am by now...better yet, who I'm not.

"Heeh, you know me?" Yuri's face split into a wide smile. "Now that I think about it...a rumor said the traitor who defeated The Hitwoman had heterochromia. I see it was true."

Sigh, this again. "You have the right person, but I'm not a Defector." I raised a hand in my defense. "I heard of you from Serena."

"From Serena? Is that so?" Yuri placed a hand to his chin, amused by the situation. "Does that mean you know her whereabouts?"

Yuzu cursed in a low tone, while I gulped nervously. "This one has keen eyes! He saw right through your trick!" Seth voiced our thoughts, but he did a double-take. "Sorry, that isn't something to be excited about."

"...Took you long enough to realize..." Howard sighed in exasperation.

If Yuri knew the one behind me wasn't Yuzu, that means he has a different objective from the copy-and-paste guys: his target's Yuzu, not (only?) Serena. This took a sudden turn for the worse.

"Let's not waste each other's time, shall we? You three over there!" Yuri suddenly pointed at three of his comrades, who flinched in response. Wow, not for nothing Serena called him a monster: for them to be so wary of him, he must have left an impression back at Academia... "Get lost. Go find our primary objective or the Xyz Remnants hiding in this city."

"U-Understood!" with a nod, the addressed lot immediately ran off.

Why would he cut their numbers? "He's helping us?" Willauk inquired in confusion.

"Of course not." Demiurge scoffed. "He's that confident in his strength."

"You other three!" Yuri went on, completely unperturbed by my and Yuzu's confused faces or his comrades' own opinions. "Entertain the Defector while I play with Yuzu." what did you say!?

"B-But, Yuri-sama...!" a courageous soldier spoke up. "He's the guy who defeated The Hi-Hitwoman! If we Duel him—"

"You'll lose? Of course I know. Do you think I'm stupid?" Yuri glared at him, causing him to violently shake his head. Yuya's alter ego grinned in a pleased manner. "If you get in my way any further, you'll end up like these two."

He raised two cards before throwing them to the ground in front of me and Yuzu, and the two of us gasped when we saw the horrified expressions of Halil and Olga depicted on them, their hands raised in a pathetic attempt to avoid being carded.

"Those are...!" Yuzu fell to her knees and cradled the cards in her hands. "They were sealed into cards...!? How horrible...!"

"Oh, do you know them?" Yuri's mocking tone betrayed his apologetic words. "Sorry, they were interfering with my work. You can have them back."

This bastard...how dare he grin and talk like that after what he's done? At least Serena, Barrett, and The Hitwoman are warriors who fight with solemnity. Carding people while laughing and then acting all high and mighty...seriously pisses me off! But Yuri has the strength to back up his attitude, and that's a problem. He was able to intimidate some of my Monsters by simply standing before me, for the gods' sake! Maybe I should've expected that from Yuya's evil counterpart?

In any case, I won't let that dishearten me. Not when I have the Mythorrors and Demiurge by my side. Not when I have a duty to fulfill!

"Things won't go your way!" I shouted defiantly as I planted a foot forward.

The violet-haired youth merely raised an eyebrow and leaned forward with his body—before crossing the distance between us with a single spring, his face now an inch away from mine. His pupils were slitted like a serpent's, and he stared into my eyes with an unreadable expression.

"Wait for your turn, please." he said in a cold tone, causing me to gasp and take a step back. He then kicked me in the side after spinning around to gain momentum, and because we're on ice, not only did I fall but I was sent sliding, putting a lengthy distance between us.

Yuzu jumped to her feet. "Vince!" she cried out in concern.

"You could've just pushed me...!" I hissed in a low tone while clutching my side. He's both fast and physically strong, too. No wonder he wasn't hurt by that landing earlier. I shouted so my friend could hear me. "Look out, Yuzu! This guy's no pushover!"

"Thank you for the kind praise!" Yuri giggled innocently, earning an angry glare from Yuzu.

"He wants to capture the girl first, then enjoy his time hunting you. He only needs these fools to keep you occupied, not to actually defeat you." Camazotz sounded fairly impressed. "Yuri, was it? He's a vicious predator alright."

Takes one to know one... I rolled my eyes while standing up with a groan. The Obelisk Force trio was now standing between me and the other two youths, prompting me to scowl. "I have no choice but to defeat these guys first, huh? Then let's do this!"

In response to my words, we all activated our Duel Disks and shouted, "DUEL!"

Obelisk Force Red: LP 4000

Obelisk Force Yellow: LP 4000

Obelisk Force Green: LP 4000

VS

Vince: LP 4000

"I'll begin!" the red-jeweled Obelisk Force member exclaimed. Fine by me; that means I can already draw and attack when my turn comes! "I summon Ancient Gear Hunting Hound!"

Wait, Ancient Gear!? If they're dressed the same, that should mean they all use the same deck—so Academia common lot use Ancient Gears!? Actually, if you consider Academia a reference to Duel Academia from GX, then seeing this deck shouldn't be a big surprise...

Huh, now I'm inclined to ask if Crowler's a teacher at their school...however, that would fuel their belief I'm from there as well, so I mustn't. Also, Crowler was his dub name! What was his original name again...? Agh, don't distract yourself, me!

A rusted, mechanical hound appeared on the field with a robotic growl.

Ancient Gear Hunting Hound: Earth / Machine / Effect / ATK: 1000 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 3

"I set a card and end my turn." Red concluded.

"Boku no turn!" I can't activate Spell and Trap Cards when an Ancient Gear attacks, so I should dispose of them before they become troublesome. "Draw! I, using the Scale 1 Mythorror Gnostic Howard and the Scale 10 Mythorror Gnostic Sidonia, set the Pendulum Scales!"

I placed the cards on the ends of my energy blade, causing the word [PENDULUM] to flash between them and two pillars of blue light to appear on my left and right. The first pillar contained the young man with pale skin, neon green eyes, and messy, dark moss green hair that reached his waist, possessing four, green-scaled tentacles protruding from his back, each with a large, black claw-like object on its tip, and wearing rimless, circular spectacles and a black hooded robe decorated with blue trims.

Mythorror Gnostic Howard: ATK 0 / DEF 0 / LV: 7 / SC: 1

The second pillar had a young woman in it, who had tan skin, orange eyes, shoulder-length brown hair, and flames enveloping her right hand, wearing a sleeveless, form-fitting, black jumpsuit that left the majority of her chest exposed and a black witch hat, both of which were decorated with red trims.

Mythorror Gnostic Sidonia: ATK 0 / DEF 0 / LV: 1 / SC: 10

"I can now simultaneously Summon Monsters from Levels 2 to 9! Battalion of mythical creatures and gods! With our souls on the line, our power becomes the hammer which crushes despair! Pendulum Summon! Descend, my comrades!"

A portal opened between the two pillars, and two beams shot out of it before landing on the field.

"The howls which mark doomsday, Mythorror Orthrus!"

The twin-headed wolf with black fur, gold appendages structured to resemble bones adorning his back and necks, and scarlet eyes was revealed, growling at the opposing hound.

Mythorror Orthrus: ATK 1800 / DEF 1500 / LV: 4 / SC: 3

"Nightmare-invoking presence, Mythorror Nattmara!"

The skinny young woman with pale skin, piercing yellow eyes, long and spiky black hair tied into a low ponytail with bangs falling over her forehead and cheeks, black claw-like nails, canine ears, furry legs which ended in paws, a long tail, and wearing a dark brown gymsuit with black fur around her waist and armholes was revealed next.

Mythorror Nattmara: ATK 1700 / DEF 400 / LV: 4 / SC: 6

"So this is the Summoning Method we were warned of." Green noted while scrutinizing my field. "To think Standard got their hands on it before us...not to mention by a lowly Defector...!"

"You have no reason to repeat a rant I already heard before." I deadpanned and continued so he won't get the chance to talk back. "Battle! Nattmara, attack Hunting Hound!"

"What a half-hearted attack. You think it will work!?" Red mocked with a grin. Uh, I believe it will, actually. "I activate my set card!"

"Sorry, not sorry." I mocked back with a grin of my own, confusing him. "During Nattmara's attack, she gains 400 Attack and my opponent can't activate cards or effects until the end of the damage calculation. Mara Cutter!"

(Nattmara: 1700→2100 ATK)

"What!?" Red gasped as he could do nothing but watch my huntress decapitate his hound, causing it to explode and send him skidding backwards.

Obelisk Force Red: LP 4000 - 1100 = 2900

(Nattmara: 2100→1700 ATK)

"Woah, your nails can cut iron!?" I inquired when she returned to my side.

"Depends on its quality." Nattmara admitted while blowing her nails to clean them. An Ancient Gear's made of old metal, as its name suggests, making it easy prey for her... Cool!

"Oi, what are you doing!?" Green shouted at his ally, ignoring me talking to my own Monster. "This guy's no joke! If you can activate a card or effect, do it as soon as possible!"

"How should I know he had an effect like that!?" Red shouted back. "The same thing would've happened to you, so shut up!"

"A fall out among themselves?" Balor sighed in disappointment. "How pathetic."

Yeah, it seems their camaraderie wasn't so tough...or maybe they're too agitated because they're Dueling me. Not that I'm complaining. "Battle!" I declared again. "Orthrus, attack the big-mouthed one directly!"

Orthrus slashed Green across the chest using his claws, making him tumble backwards.

"Why you...!" he hissed in a low tone.

Obelisk Force Green: LP 4000 - 1800 = 2200

"Oh my, I didn't take you for somebody who'd attack a defenseless worm." Demiurge was genuinely shocked.

"They did the same thing to the Xyz Dimension; they deserve it. Also, don't call people worms." I scolded the god in a low tone, though I'm sure he won't stop doing that. I raised my voice, "I set one card and pass!"

"I'll go next!" Yellow took a step forward. "Draw! I summon my own Ancient Gear Hunting Hound!"

A new hound appeared on the field. "I activate its effect! Because you control a Monster, Hunting Hound can inflict you 600 damage! Hound Flame!"

Obeying its user's command, the mechanical Monster opened its mouth, revealing a small cannon which spewed out a wave of flames at me, melting the ice it touched and causing me to gasp in pain when it touched my body.

Vince: LP 4000 - 600 = 3400

"I activate the Spell Card Polymerization from my hand!" Yellow stated. "The ones I fuse are the Hunting Hound on my field and two more from my hand!"

His Monsters briefly appeared on the field before turning into red, yellow, and blue energy, which then spiraled into a portal as he chanted and clasped his hands together.

"Mechanical hounds who carry on the ancient spirits, flock together and become one with new power! Fusion Summon! Appear now, Level 7! Triple Ancient Gear Hunting Hound!"

Jumped out of the portal was a three-headed Hunting Hound, which prompted Orthrus to tilt his heads to the side, probably confused by its similarity to his brother Cerberus.

Triple Ancient Gear Hunting Hound: ATK 1800 / DEF 1000 / LV: 7

"Oi, stop! Stop, I say!" Yellow sweatdropped when I suddenly waved my free hand around. "Did I hear that right? Ancient spirits? Is that true!?"

"E-Eh?" the soldier took a step back, confused both by my question and sudden zest. I mean, if those Machines really house ancient spirits, would that really make them machines? Would they be able to feel emotions, act out of their own free will, and interact with me or my Mythorrors!? That would also explain their functioning despite their old workings! "How should I know!? That's the chant our sensei taught us, so go ask him that weird question!"

"Tch, you don't know..." I frowned before addressing my Monsters. "What do you guys say?"

"I can indeed feel a presence coming from those scraps." Demiurge indulged me. What a pleasant surprise!

"Faint, but it is there." Nattmara shrugged, and Orthrus barked in agreement. "Not worth hunting."

"The Hell's wrong with him?" Red asked nervously.

"I don't know, and I don't want to know." both Red and Green nodded to Yellow's words. C'mon, I simply wanted to expand my knowledge... "Moving on, I equip Triple Hunting Hound with the Equip Spell Ancient Gear Blaster!"

A large, rusted cannon attached to an orange visor through a cable appeared on his hound's back, the visor attaching itself to its head.

"Thanks to it, my Monster gains 1000 Attack, prevents you from activating Monster Effects until the end of the damage calculation in case it attacks, and allows it to inflict piercing damage," Yellow explained. He then grinned. "And due to its own effect, Triple Hunting Hound can make up to three attacks on Monsters during the Battle Phase!"

If it attacks, I won't be able to activate anything! "Since I control a Mythorror, I can activate the Trap Card The Pearly Gates to Heaven!" I hastily declared. "This turn, you can't target my Mythorrors for attacks!"

Yellow gritted his teeth in frustration. "You're delaying the inevitable. I set a card and end my turn."

"Ore no turn!" Green drew his card. "Time to make you pay for before. I summon Ancient Gear Hunting Hound as well!"

You three actually use the same deck. I thought as a new hound revealed itself.

"I activate its effect! Hound Flame!" following Green's words, his hound unleashed a jet of flames at me.

Vince: LP 3400 - 600 = 2800

"And effect damage really is Academia's by-the-books strategy." I muttered as the pain slowly faded away.

"I activate Polymerization!" Green went on. "I fuse the Hunting Hound on my field and one from my hand!"

His Monsters briefly appeared on the field before turning into red and blue energy, which then spiraled into a portal as he chanted and clasped his hands together.

"Mechanical hounds who carry on the ancient spirits, flock together and become one with new power! Fusion Summon! Appear now, Level 5! Double Ancient Gear Hunting Hound!"

This time around, a two-headed Hunting Hound jumped out of the portal. Orthrus was utterly confused to see a mechanical version of himself.

Double Ancient Gear Hunting Hound: ATK 1400 / DEF 1000 / LV: 5

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Cursed Ancient Gear." a card, which depicted two Hunting Hounds crawling out of the ground with glowing eyes and an eerie aura surrounding them, appeared. "Through its effect, I place one Gear Counter on both of your Monsters!"

A rusty cogwheel surrounded by the same, eerie aura appeared above my Monsters.

"Battle!" Green pointed forward. "Double Hunting Hound attacks Mythorror Nattmara! At this moment, its effect activates, destroying a battling Monster with a Gear Counter at the start of the Damage Step!"

My huntress gritted her teeth. "What!?" I gasped.

The cogwheel above Nattmara vanished and reappeared on a cogwheel protruding from Double Hunting Hound's back. The two connected and the cursed cog was flung forward, piercing through Nattmara and causing her to explode in a shower of particles.

"Dammit...here comes the next attack." I reminded my remaining Monster, who nodded.

"I set a card and end my turn." but much to our surprise, it didn't come.

"Heh? Triple Hunting Hound can make multiple attacks, but Double can't?" I inquired while pointing at the said machines. "...That doesn't make sense."

"Would you stop questioning our cards!?" Red admonished me before drawing. "Ore no turn! I activate the Spell Card Ancient Gear Double Imitation, whose effect enables me to Special Summon to my field up to two 'Ancient Gear' Monsters from any Graveyard I wish. I target one Hunting Hound in each of my allies' Graveyards!"

A GY Portal opened in front of Yellow and Green, from which their Hounds emerged and lined up on Red's field.

"I see, that's the reason why they use the same servants." Supay spoke up for the first time today. "They can draw benefit from effects like those."

"Double Imitation negates the Summoned Monsters' effects," Red explained. "Now I activate the Spell Card Fusion Deployment. By revealing Triple Hunting Hound in my Extra Deck, I can Special Summon a new Hunting Hound from my Deck since its name is specifically listed on the revealed card as a Fusion Material!"

A third hound appeared. "Then I activate its effect! Hound Flame!" are these guys trying to turn me into roasted meat!?

Vince: LP 2800 - 600 = 2200

"This is becoming quite repetitive." Adaro said through a yawn.

"Time-consuming, too." Reynardine sounded concerned. "At this rate, we won't be able to assist Lady Yuzu."

Yeah, you could say that again...and these guys are here exactly for that, which means they won't stop anytime soon.

"I activate Hunting Hound's other effect, fusing it with the other two Hounds I control!" as they spiraled into a Fusion Portal, Red chanted and clasped his hands together. "Mechanical hounds who carry on the ancient spirits, flock together and become one with new power! Fusion Summon! Appear now, Level 7! Triple Ancient Gear Hunting Hound!"

A new three-headed Hunting Hound joined the battlefield.

"Battle!" Red threw an arm forward. "Triple Hunting Hound attacks Mythorror Orthrus!"

Green's lips formed a smirk. "Once again, Double Hunting Hound's effect activates!"

True enough, Orthrus met the same fate as Nattmara, although this time, the cog bounced off of Triple Hunting Hound's back.

"With this, I end my turn!" Red shouted.

"Then it's back to me! Draw!" I announced. "For starters, I activate the Spell Card Anansi's Triumph!"

A card, which depicted a dark-skinned young man with eight gray eyes- two human ones and six slitted ones on his forehead- and eight spider legs extending from his back, wearing tribal clothing and sporting a satisfied grin as he climbed out of a hole with an unconscious leopard on his shoulder, appeared.

"Since I control no Monsters, I can draw a card for each Special Summoned Monster you control. You control three such Monsters, so I draw three new cards!" after seeing their contents, I nodded to myself. Time to end this! "I summon Mythorror Nokk!"

The humanoid Monster covered from head to toe in wet green and brown seaweed with a tiny, light blue glow radiating from where his eyes should be appeared.

Mythorror Nokk: Tuner / ATK 1500 / DEF 0 / LV: 4 / SC: 2

"Let's make this quick." I nodded to Nokk's words.

"Yeah! When Nokk is Normal Summoned successfully, I can use his effect to add a different Mythorror from my Deck to my hand. I choose God Yamatochi! Next, using my set Pendulum Scales, I Pendulum Summon! Be reborn, Nattmara, Orthrus! And from my hand, Yamatochi, Snow!"

A portal opened between the two pillars, and four beams shot out of it before landing on the field.

Yamatochi was the tall fair-skinned man with a toned body clad in a black and dark red Nanban dou gusoku that left his chest and upper arms bare, long and thick black hair that faded into blue tips and reached his shoulders, a dragon mask over his face, seven tentacles on his upper back which ended in miniature dragon heads, eight tails thrashing from his lower back, and holding an obsidian sword.

Mythorror God Yamatochi: ATK 2800 / DEF 2000 / LV: 7 / SC: 4

Snow, the beautiful woman with inhumanly pale skin, blue lips, gray eyes, black hair cascading over her back, and wearing a white kimono, hid her smirk behind a sleeve.

Mythorror Snow: ATK 400 / DEF 1800 / LV: 4 / SC: 8

"He controls...five Monsters." Yellow gulped as he stared at my lineup.

"This is only the beginning." I allowed myself to gloat a little. "I tune the Level 4 Nattmara with the Level 4 Nokk!"

As Nokk's body morphed into four green rings that surrounded Nattmara and turned her into four stars, I chanted.

"My patient hunter lurking in the darkness! Feast on those who defy me, and gather their heads as trophies! Synchro Summon! Fly down, Level 8! Mythorror God Camazotz!"

A bright beam shot through the rings, from which the anthropomorphic bat god emerged with a loud screech.

Mythorror God Camazotz: ATK 2800 / DEF 2100 / LV: 8

"The Defector is capable of Synchro Summoning!?" Green's jaw dropped in surprise. He then gritted his teeth. "But, once per turn, if a Monster is Normal or Special Summoned to my opponent's field, Double Hunting Hound's effect activates! One Gear Counter is placed on that Monster!"

"So it can distribute Counters as well..." I frowned as a cursed cog appeared above my Synchro Monster. "Not that it matters if I destroy your hound first! I overlay the Level 4 Snow and Orthrus!"

My Monsters turned into purple beams and entered a swirling galaxy, from which a pillar of light shot out.

"Avatar of windstorms, cross the vast desert dyed in red, and claim the throne of Egypt! Xyz Summon! Descend to us, Rank 4! Mythorror God Seth!"

The anthropomorphic jackal god leaped out of the portal, spinning his golden staff that seemed a cross between a was-sceptre and an axe from one hand to the other.

Mythorror God Seth: ATK 2400 / DEF 1000 / RK: 4

"E-Even Xyz!?" Red cried out in shock.

"It's too early to be surprised." I told them. "Since I Special Summoned a god to my field while controlling Camazotz, I can activate his effect to draw a card. Then I activate Howard's Pendulum Effect, targeting Seth for it! Howard is Special Summoned to my field and Seth gains 500 Attack for this turn!"

The sorcerer joined my other followers on the ground and Seth's ATK rose to 2900.

"Now I overlay the Level 7 Yamatochi and Howard!" after conjuring a new swirling galaxy and pillar of light, I chanted. "Staunch guard dog of the Underworld, under my lead, let none escape the clutches of death! Xyz Summon! Howl, Rank 7! Mythorror Gnostic Kerberos!"

A magic circle suddenly appeared at the tip of the pillar, and black stars lit up one by one on it, followed by a black line which connected them all, revealing the Cerberus constellation. Seconds later, a three-headed, black-furred hound with sharp fangs, a single orange eye for each of his heads, obsidian claws, and red circuits running along his body emerged from the circle. Around each of his necks, a spiky collar of gold could be found, and attached to it were floating, golden chains with flaming tips.

Mythorror Gnostic Kerberos: Dark / Fiend / Xyz / Effect / ATK: 2900 / DEF: 2500 / RK: 7

"By using an Overlay Unit, I activate Kerberos's effect!" his left head devoured one of the lights orbiting his body. "All Monsters my opponent controls are destroyed, then they take 400 damage for each destroyed card! Lay waste to them: Infernal Penalty!"

Red gestured at his set card. "Torappu hatsudō: Ancient Gear Sheen!" a card, which depicted an Ancient Gear Soldier with a polished body, appeared. "This turn, my Triple Hunting Hound can't be destroyed by battle or card effects, and I can also switch it to Defense Position!"

"I also activate Ancient Gear Sheen, doing the same!" Yellow shouted right after him.

"The same goes for me!" Green played his own Ancient Gear Sheen.

"Seriously!?" I groaned as all of their Monsters survived. "Ugh, in that case, I activate Sidonia's Pendulum Effect! Since I control a Mythorror, she is Special Summoned to my field and I gain 500 Life Points!"

The witch joined us on the ground with a giggle. She then waved her flaming hand, causing a warm aura to envelop me for some seconds.

Vince: LP 2200 + 500 = 2700

"Now I activate her Monster Effect, fusing her with Camazotz!" they nodded to my order before turning into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as I chanted and clasped my hands together. "Witch of the infernal flames! Hunter lurking in the darkness! Let your desires awaken the canine deity of heavenly fire! Fusion Summon! Level 6! Mythorror God Xolotl!"

The canine-headed god who wielded two broadswords of stone with flames and lightning bolts carved on them landed on my field.

Mythorror God Xolotl: ATK 2200 / DEF 1300 / LV: 6

"Here to answer your summon, my master!" he howled.

"From this Pendulum came Synchro, Xyz, and Fusion..." Yellow said in astonishment. "Who the Hell is this Defector?"

"Heh heh, you're in tip-top shape today." I rubbed my nose with a proud grin at Demiurge's rare praise. "You're using our cards brilliantly. Now, eliminate one of these fools!"

I nodded and pointed forward. "Battle! Kerberos, attack Yellow's imitation of yourself! Due to Seth's effect, all my Mythorrors can inflict piercing damage! Infernal Ululate!"

Kerberos's three heads howled in unison, unleashing several sound waves at our foes.

"Kneel before our might!" Seth shouted excitedly and waved his weapon in the air, causing a tide of sand to fuse with the guard dog's attack.

"I activate Ancient Gear Armored Hound's effect from my hand!" Red abruptly declared. "By discarding this card, any battle damage a player would take this turn is halved!"

A transparent shield materialized in front of Yellow, blocking the attack. Some gusts of sand slipped past the shield though, striking Yellow and making him grunt in pain.

Obelisk Force Yellow: LP 4000 - 950 = 3050

"Dammit, I can't defeat even one of them now." I cursed under my breath. There are no Action Cards in sight, either... There's no choice; I'll have to end them in my next turn. "Battle! Xolotl, attack Red's hound! Seth, on the other hand, attack Yellow's hound!"

"Very well!" Seth shouted, while Xolotl just nodded. They unleashed a whirlwind of sand and fire/electricity from their weapons respectively, striking the shields which appeared to protect our opponents.

Obelisk Force Red: LP 2900 - 600 = 2300

Obelisk Force Yellow: LP 3050 - 950 = 2100

"Now they almost have the same amount of Life." Succubus commented. "That's still something."

"Right. Before I end my turn, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Deal with the Baron, sending Nattmara from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard to gain Life Points equal to her Level times 200. Since she's a Level 4 Monster, I gain 800 Life!"

The Spell released a shower of purple particles that surrounded me for a couple of seconds.

Vince: LP 2700 + 800 = 3500

"With my turn now over, Seth's Attack returns to normal." I reminded my opponents.

"Ore no turn! Draw!" seeing his new card, Yellow clicked his tongue. Alright, a bad draw! That said, I should use Seth's effect right away, or else I won't be able to when he attacks because of Ancient Gear Blaster.

...On second thought, I shouldn't. I pondered while moving my hand away from Seth's card. What if his comrades draw their own Blaster? I would only put myself at a disadvantage.

"An interesting choice." Demiurge mused, having caught onto my plan. "Let's see how things will play out then."

"I switch my Triple Hunting Hound to attack mode and use it to attack Seth and Xolotl!" Yellow finally declared. "Due to its and Blaster's effects, you can't activate Spell and Trap Cards and Monster Effects!"

Two of his hound's heads howled, each unleashing a sound wave at my gods and successfully destroying them, with the shock waves sending me skidding backwards.

Vince: LP 3500 - 400 - 600 = 2500

"Since we're past the damage calculation, I can activate the destroyed Xolotl's effect." I stated once I straightened out. "I return Sidonia from my Extra Deck to my hand."

"With that, I end my turn!"

"Ore no turn! Draw!" unlike Yellow, Green's face lit up when he saw his new card, but he didn't play it. "I switch my Double Hunting Hound to attack mode and use it to attack Kerberos!"

"Attacking even though it's weaker!?" Willauk didn't expect that.

"Sokkō mahō hatsudō: Battle Fusion!" Green exclaimed. "Double Hunting Hound gains Attack equal to your Monster's Attack until the end of the Damage Step!"

My eyes widened. "Crap!" since his effect would resolve for first, even if I use Kerberos's other effect to raise his ATK, he can't win!

(Double Hunting Hound: 1400→4300 ATK)

His hound ran across the field and slashed Kerberos's central head using its steel claws, prompting it to whine before leaving the field in a shower of particles.

Vince: LP 2500 - 1400 = 1100

(Double Hunting Hound: 4300→1400 ATK)

"Your field is now bare!" Green laughed in glee. "I set a card and end my turn! Finish him!"

"Gladly!" Red shouted on cue with a grin. "Ore no turn! Draw! I equip my Triple Hunting Hound with my own Ancient Gear Blaster!"

A Blaster appeared on his own hound's back, increasing its ATK to 2800.

"Now I switch it to attack mode and attack you directly!" Red chuckled madly. "We did it! We defeated the Defector who bested the notorious Hitwoman—"

"I activate the effect of The Pearly Gates to Heaven in my Graveyard!" I interrupted his moment. "If I'm being attacked directly and this card is in my Graveyard, I can banish it to end the Battle Phase and inflict 600 damage to my opponent!"

The giant double door of stone with angelic figures carved on it appeared in front of me, intercepting Triple Hunting Hound's approach. The door suddenly glowed, releasing a lightning bolt at my opponents and damaging them all because of the Battle Royal rules.

Obelisk Force Red: LP 2300 - 600 = 1700

Obelisk Force Yellow: LP 2100 - 600 = 1500

Obelisk Force Green: LP 2200 - 600 = 1600

"Your Monster's effect only prevents me from activating Spell and Trap Cards, but not effects," I explained to my shocked foes. I smirked before adding, "You got too ahead of yourself."

"Slippery little... I set a card and end my turn!" unsurprisingly, Red was now annoyed. "However, our advantage doesn't change."

"You control no cards, while my friends each control a 2800-Attack Monster and I have Double Hunting Hound out." Green went on for him. "Not to mention, we have more Life Points than you."

"Uh-huh." was all I replied to their words. What am I supposed to say to a villain's typical gloating-before-loss speech? With that out of the way, I guess we can move on. "Boku no turn! Draw!"

A roar suddenly resounded from the distance, both ravenous and dragon-like. Don't tell me! I looked behind the Obelisk Force trio, but as I feared, Yuzu and Yuri were gone. I got so engrossed in the Duel that I didn't notice them moving away...!

"Yuri-sama probably summoned his dragon." Yellow thought out loud, somewhat tense by simply imagining that.

"But if that's the case, that girl is done for." Green snorted, making me clench my fists. As if Yuzu would lose so easily! "Standard trash is no match for Academia. Those eight from before are a prime example of this fact."

"Eight from before?" my eyebrows furrowed. "Are you...talking about the Youth team!?"

"Yes." Yellow was the one to reply. He then waved his free hand. "Man, that lot was as boring as the Xyz Dimension during our first attack. Weak and inexperienced; extremely easy to seal into cards."

"The entire Youth team...was defeated!?" my eyes widened in shock. No way...so easily and so quickly!? These bastards can't be that overpowered! Yuu and the other seven Duelists were from the Youth class, for crying out loud!

"We left mid-Duel. You'll have to find that out yourself." Red shrugged his shoulders with a grin, taking pleasure in my expression. "Then again, how are you going to when you're on the verge of defeat?"

"You just...walked off!?" I couldn't believe what I was asking. A second roar echoed from the distance, which did a horrible job of calming my nerves. Lindworm even responded to it with a roar of his own, as if challenging it to a fight.

"Why are you surprised?" Yellow was grinning now too. "Why stay there if we aren't having fun?"

"Fun!?" I cried out in disgust. Starting an invasion, disrupting peace, carding people—how could you call that fun!?

"How disgraceful." Succubus spat, sharing my sentiment.

"Quite so." Reynardine added with a growl.

"Boy, calm down." seeing my reaction to our opponents' words, Demiurge addressed me. "I take it you know how stupid it is to let anger cloud your judgment." of course I know! But how do you expect me to stay calm in a situation like this!?

"By the way, Defector," Green spoke up. "I noticed you like questioning our cards, but what's the deal with yours? They have the word 'horror' in their name, but I'm not feeling scared one bit."

Gods, have you never heard of the saying 'don't judge a book by its cover'!? "Hmm, now that you mention it..." Red placed a hand to his chin in thought. "You're right. Honestly, they look pretty pathetic—"

CRACK!

There was a flash of lightning right above me, followed by a thunderclap so deafening that it shook all nearby buildings and the very ground we stood on, causing some minor cracks to appear here and there. The Obelisk Force member was instantly silenced...more accurately, everything went silent. My opponents, their dogs, my own Monsters, Demiurge, the wind itself—everything around us.

Either the thunderclap did that...or the murderous look I shot at the speaker. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words that left my mouth didn't sound like my own. The voice was mine, that's for sure, but they were filled with such pent-up hostility even I didn't know I harbored.

"Just now...what did you say?" I was too calm. Way too calm for someone with that expression and voice. If I had to describe it...it was the calm before the storm. I wasn't even shouting, but because of the silence that had formed, my words echoed in our ears.

He said...pathetic, right?

Who was?

He himself? That would certainly be the case. After all, "If you're talking about my cards, you won't be leaving this place alive." I threatened him before I could even stop myself.

Yellow's mouth trembled, but no sound came out of it. He eventually shook his head, once, and slowly, to answer my query.

"The atmosphere..." Green gulped nervously. "Changed."

"Our Monsters..." Red stared in shock at their dogs, which were quivering in fear. "Are afraid?"

"First," they all snapped to attention as I continued speaking. "You drag innocent children into war. Academia has a noble objective? Make all the Dimensions one? Answer me this: has Leo ever asked what the Fusion Dimension really wants? Has he ever told them the truth about his 'utopia'? He didn't. He just forced his ideals onto your Dimension and started this big mess."

I took a step forward, to which they took one back. "Have the people of Xyz Dimension ever asked for a better world? They didn't. They were happy. But you attacked them and made their lives a living Hell. You were going to do the same to this Dimension, but there are people like me here who're ready to stop you."

It...felt great. I didn't expect it to feel so great. Releasing all this pent-up hostility felt rejuvenating.

"Then," my voice grew louder. "You insult and torment the innocent, treating war like a game. Do you think this is a joke? Have you got no honor? Can you even call yourselves humans by acting like sadistic monsters? You're just bullies hunting those weaker than you."

My stare turned into a glare, and I started shouting. "Lastly, you dare speak ill of my children!?" they all took another step back. "I may not know you three. You may be lambs led astray by Leo like Serena. BUT! No longer will I stay silent when we're mistreated! I swear on my life that you'll pay for what you've said, no matter who you are, innocent or guilty, human or god!"

If my Mythorrors chose to become Duel Monsters, that means there's something they want to experience, something they want to change. I won't let them suffer again; they suffered enough in their past lives. It's time for the underdogs to strike back! It's time for those wronged by the world to break free from the yokes of fate!

"Since my opponent is the only one to control Monsters, I can Special Summon Mythorror Huldra from my hand!"

The beautiful, young woman with pale skin, light blue eyes, short blonde hair, and wearing a white Victorian dress with a matching light blue shawl and bonnet and having a cow tail peeking out under her skirt appeared.

Mythorror Huldra: ATK 1400 / DEF 1600 / LV: 4 / SC: 9

However, her expression, which was usually impassive or occasionally graced by a smile, was twisted into a scowl. Several of my other Monsters were angry as well.

That's right...this anger wasn't only mine. It was our anger. They want to release their pent-up frustration and hostility just as much as I.

"By releasing a 'Mythorror' Pendulum Monster I control, I can Special Summon this card from my hand." Huldra clasped her hands as she vanished in particles. "Appear, Mythorror Reynardine!"

The anthropomorphic fox with yellow-green eyes, wearing a white shirt with a small collar under a black waistcoat, a burgundy coat over those, black moleskin trousers, and black leather boots with spat covering joined me next.

Mythorror Reynardine: ATK 2200 / DEF 500 / LV: 7 / SC: 2

"Because I released a Monster whose Scale was 8 or higher, I can then destroy two Spell or Trap Cards on the field!" I pointed forward. "Destroy their Ancient Gear Blasters!"

"Yes, my lord!" Reynardine summoned his brown walking stick with a purple orb on its tip and struck the ground with it, conjuring a GY Portal above each Blaster. The portals fell down, swallowing them before vanishing.

"With those gone, your Monsters' Attack Points return to normal." I reminded my opponents. "I summon Sidonia!"

The Gnostic witch reappeared on my field, grinning madly at my passionate display of emotions.

"I activate her Monster Effect, fusing her with Reynardine!" I began a new chant and clasped my hands together. "Witch of the infernal flames! Faerie with a noble heart! Let your desires awaken the apex predator armed with jet-black wings! Fusion Summon! Fly down, Level 8! Mythorror Gnostic Valravn!"

A purple beam shot out of the portal, racing into the sky where it formed a circle. Purple stars lit up one by one on it, followed by a purple line which connected them all, revealing the Corvus constellation. Two black-feathered wings emerged from the circle's underside at first, after which came their owner's main body.

Valravn was a tall and slender humanoid Monster clad in dark gray armor with a raven-themed helmet, clawed gauntlets, and ornaments shaped like a wolf's head on both of his shoulders. The armor on his chest was designed to resemble bones, and you could see several pulsing hearts glowing through the metal there. The lower part of his body wasn't covered in armor, instead, he had the legs and feet of a black-furred wolf, as well as a tail.

He fell out of the magic circle, doing a flip to land on his feet. His crimson eyes lit up once he stood up, and he let loose of a resounding scream which sounded like a mix between a raven's cry and a wolf's howl.

Mythorror Gnostic Valravn: Dark / Fiend / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2800 / DEF: 1700 / LV: 8

The Obelisk Force Duelists covered their ears from the scream, while their Monsters took some steps back in fear. Valravn, the 'Gnostic' servant Demiurge lent me this morning in preparation for the Battle Royal; the perfect Monster to help me overcome this situation.

"Yes...yes, yes, yesyesyesyes! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I blinked in confusion when a booming laugh suddenly echoed in my mind. I've never felt Demiurge be so proud and cheerful before...it was actually concerning. "Now you're speaking my language! Go, my vessel! Kill them all—"

"Um...I only want to give them a good beating..." I'm sure I sweatdropped as I spoke up in a low tone. "Killing them would be a hassle at the moment."

I indeed threatened one of them with death, yes, and I really had no objection to killing someone who insults my dear comrades or the innocent- as inhuman as that sounds- it simply wasn't an option right now. Not when Reiji's watching us, or when we don't have time to dispose of dead bodies. Death is also a privilege: scarring your opponent mentally is much more effective in my opinion.

Demiurge sighed, now back to his usual mood. "Luckily, my expectations were low to begin with." oi!

"D-Don't get cocky, damn Defector!" Green shouted in defiance. "I activate the Trap Card Ancient Gear Acid Reactor and equip it to my Double Hunting Hound!"

A large, rusted reactor with some sort of chemical liquid boiling in it and several cogs attached to it appeared on his hound's back.

"Acid Reactor enables me to activate the equipped Monster's effect thrice per turn instead of only once, at the cost of turning all of its effects into mandatory ones," he explained, making me blink in surprise. From once-per-turn to thrice-per-turn!? "Daburu Baito Haundo Doggu no kōka hatsudō! One Gear Counter is placed on the Monster you've Special Summoned!"

A cursed cog appeared above my Fusion Monster, prompting Red to chuckle confidently.

"Too bad, damn Defector!" he mocked me. "If you attack now, your only Monster will be destroyed!"

"Yes...too bad for you, uncultured morons!" I corrected him as my face split into a wide smile, prompting them to gasp in confusion. "Let the final act commence! Battle! Valravn, attack Double Hunting Hound!"

"Y-You're attacking!?" Yellow exclaimed. "Have you lost it!?"

I scoffed. C'mon, do you honestly think I don't know what I'm doing? "You wish. At this moment, Double Hunting Hound's now mandatory effect activates, destroying the battling Valravn who has a Gear Counter!"

As if obeying my command against its own will, a cog shot out of the reactor and struck the one above my winged knight, ensuing a massive explosion that engulfed him.

"This mistake will cost you your remaining Life!" Green proclaimed. "Acid Reactor's other effect activates! Once per turn, if the equipped Monster destroys an opponent's Monster with its effect, you take damage equal to the destroyed Monster's original Attack! Now, vanish!"

The flames were about to reach me next, but I calmly raised a hand and clicked my fingers, turning the flames into a harmless shower of particles.

"Th-The Hell!?" Yellow stuttered.

"I activated Deal with the Baron's effect from my Graveyard," I explained to them. "By banishing it, I can avoid taking one instance of effect damage. Your last attempt to defeat me...was clumsy. I see I managed to install fear into your hearts. Good."

I raised my free hand. "The concept of the valravn differs from tale to tale. The one you see is a half-wolf and half-raven knight. And on that note, did you know ravens are associated with death in myths? Heh, not for nothing the valravn is infamous for eating dead bodies and the hearts of kings, as well as drinking the blood of children, to become what it is."

That didn't reassure my foes at all, prompting me to chuckle. "A valravn is born from death and spreads death. And unfortunately for you—" my smile morphed into a grin. "That applies in Duel Monsters as well. Valravn's effect activates! As he left the field by a card effect except as a material, one Fear Counter is placed on a face-up Monster my opponent controls. Two can play this game of Counters."

A purple mist enveloped the two-headed hound, causing it to lower its heads in discomfort.

"Thanks to that, Valravn is Special Summoned from the Graveyard! Be reborn, you who are one with death!"

Following my words, the magic circle with the Corvus constellation on it reappeared on my field, from which the said Monster flew out.

"Since he was Special Summoned, Double Hunting Hound puts a Gear Counter on Valravn." I pointed out. "Battle! Valravn, who can attack again as it was re-summoned, goes for the first Triple Hunting Hound! But Double Hunting Hound's effect activates, destroying him!"

My winged knight left the field in an explosion once more.

"At this instant, Valravn's effect activates!" I pointed at Yellow's dog, which got enveloped by the purple mist. "I place a Fear Counter on the attacked Monster and revive him!"

He returned to the land of the living through a new magic circle. "But Double Hunting Hound puts a Gear Counter on him. Heh, you haven't forgotten, right? Valravn's also half-wolf. How does it feel to be an apex predator's prey? Frightened enough to stop treating this like a game? Or to stop fighting altogether? Please, do enlighten me."

But none of them did. They merely stared at me, trembling like leaves in the wind.

For a monster to defend itself, it had to act like a monster. How disgustingly ironic. I genuinely didn't want to resort to this, but what else was I supposed to do if peace talk won't work? Let their actions go unpunished? Let them run free until somebody else teaches them a lesson?

They messed with the wrong person, and now they'll pay for it. They'll call me a monster too, like they do with Yuri, but I honestly don't care. Why should I? People love to label everything, anyway. That's how discrimination is born to begin with.

Each Mythorror is unique. There are those who're driven by narcissism and cruelty, while others are in search of empathy, a master to follow, or a wish to fulfill. But one, single feature will always tie them together: the opinions of others.

They're labeled monsters just because they're different.

You naturally avoid that which is different from you or your standards. Deep down, unconsciously, you do. That's why you try protecting yourself by repelling difference; you shun those with unusual thoughts; you mistreat the weak; you rebel against the strong.

We're so pathetic...all of us are.

I blinked twice. Ah...what was I thinking? When did I start thinking like this?

What really changed me since coming to this isekai were the Mythorrors. They taught me many things, made me experience many things, and molded me into a new person. Heh...I would love to call ourselves a family...I would really love that. They became that important to me.

That's why...I'll protect them! "Battle! Valravn, attack the other Triple Hunting Hound and head to the afterworld for the third time!"

The same scenario from before repeated itself.

"Sadly for you, Double's effect was used thrice this turn, meaning it won't activate now." I could feel my heart rate rise as we reached the climax. "Allow me to tell you more about Valravn. In his presence, all Monsters that have a Fear Counter have their original Attack and Defense halved!"

The Obelisk Force Duelists gasped in shock as their dogs fell to the ground, powerless due to their fear towards my winged knight.

(Double Hunting Hound: 1400→700 ATK, 1000→500 DEF; Triple Hunting Hound x2: 1800→900 ATK, 1000→500 DEF)

"Lastly—he can attack all opposing Monsters that have a Fear Counter, once each!" the trio shrieked at that. "Battle! Put an end to this, Valravn! Defeat them all: Horrific Scream!"

Valravn resembled a large, black shadow with glowing eyes under the night sky as he flew across the field while screaming, shredding the opposing Monsters into pieces, and setting off a chain of explosions. The shock waves knocked their users to the ground. Seconds later, their Duel Disks' screens emitted a strong flash, enveloping their bodies in light and causing them to vanish.

Obelisk Force Red: LP 1700 - 1900 = 0

Obelisk Force Yellow: LP 1500 - 1900 = 0

Obelisk Force Green: LP 1600 - 2100 = 0

Winner: Vince!

"Well done. You defeated them on your own." Demiurge said, but he did a double-take. "If you don't count the fact you're using some of my cards, that is. Not even Academia can stop us now."

"I had no idea you could be such a badass, boss!" Willauk commented with a hearty laugh, followed by a string of agreements from the others. I wasn't surprised they enjoyed that, after all, I fought like one of them. Like a Mythorror.

I slowly looked at my hands and saw that they were lightly shaking. Come to think of it...why was I excited during the final moments of the Duel? My opponent's horrified faces or shrieks brought me no pleasure. Hunting them wasn't what made my heart race.

But if it wasn't that...what then?

Hiiragi Yuzu's POV

(...Before the Duel started...)

He giggled innocently, acting like he hadn't kicked Vince in the side, like he hadn't turned people into cards. On top of that, he's the one who captured Kurosaki's sister!? I glared daggers at Yuya's lookalike, angered by his lack of seriousness and for what he's done.

"Why do this?" I demanded, prompting his eyes to widen. I lowered my eyes to look at the horrified expressions of Halil and Olga depicted on the cards I was holding, which made me raise my voice even more. "Why do any of this!?"

"If you keep on bugging me about it," I raised my eyes as Yuri spoke, and I gasped upon noticing his murderous gaze. It felt like I was staring back at a predator, ready to pounce on its prey, aka me. I was instantly silenced, my anger replaced by fear. "I'll turn you into a card, too."

I instinctively took a step back, trying to distance myself from the youth. Although could you call someone with that expression and actions anything but a psychopath? Now it made sense why his own comrades fear him.

"But I won't." Yuri abruptly declared as he dropped his murderous gaze, which felt like removing a heavy weight from my chest. "If I were to do that, I'd get scolded by the Professor."

"The Professor...!?" right, Serena and Vince mentioned this person as well. He's the absolute ruler of Academia, the one responsible for this entire mess.

Yuri chuckled. "Yep." he placed a hand to his chin, scrutinizing me in an amused manner. The Hell's he looking at me like that for? He raised that hand in defense when he realized the annoyed stare I was making. "Ah, sorry. I couldn't help but think how you look just like Ruri and Rin."

"Ruri...and Rin!?" my eyes widened at those names. I knew Ruri, but who was Rin? He said we resemble each other a lot...my lookalike from Synchro! He captured her as well!? "Why did you kidnap them!?"

"Why? Because it was the Professor's orders." that pretty much confirmed he captured this Rin person, too. "Right now, I'm only acting on the Professor's orders. I must bring you to him."

"Me? Why?" would someone finally explain that to me!? Why are we so important to this Professor!?

"I don't know. I only follow." no way...! A part of me wanted to believe he was joking. Kidnapping and carding people simply because you were ordered to, without knowing the details...how could someone be so blindly loyal!?

While I was deep in my thoughts, Yuri came closer and offered me one of his hands to take.

"Anyways, come; the Professor is waiting." there it was again! That murderous gaze, that malicious grin of his!

I slapped his hand away, and with a series of graceful maneuvers, I distanced myself from him. No way I'm standing next to a person with that face. Not to mention, I would never fulfill such a stupid request!

"Heeh, pretty good~!" Yuri giggled while mockingly waving his slapped hand. "You're just like Ruri and Rin. Then how about this? We'll Duel, and if I win, you'll do exactly as I say. Sounds good?"

"I...!" I quickly side-glanced at my friend who was fighting three of our foes at once. No way I'm leaving him behind, especially when he's fighting to help me. And we must keep these guys away from Serena so she can learn the truth! "I accept!"

I activated my Duel Disk, prompting Yuri to do the same. "But if I win, you'll have to leave our Dimension!"

"Is that so?" the violet-haired youth purred. "You're certainly braver than Ruri and Rin, indulging me without a fuss. I like it."

"DUEL!" we shouted in unison.

Yuri: LP 4000

VS

Yuzu: LP 4000

"I'll start us off!" Yuri declared. "Boku no turn! I activate the Continuous Spell Card, Rapid Seed Cannon Fire! I must send a Level 4 or lower 'Predator Plants' Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard to activate it, and when I do, you take 300 damage!"

My eyes widened. Effect damage right off the bat!? his card unleashed a barrage of seeds. I gasped and took a couple of steps back as I was struck all over my body.

Yuzu: LP 4000 - 300 = 3700

"You took damage, but because you control no Monsters, the remaining part of Rapid Seed Cannon Fire's effect is useless." wait, then why did you...? Ah, of course! He wanted to send a specific Monster to the GY as quickly as possible! "Now I activate a favorite Spell Card of mine, namely Polymerization! I fuse Predator Plants Moray Nepenthes and Fly Hell from my hand!"

His Monsters briefly appeared on the field before turning into red and blue energy, which then spiraled into a portal as he chanted and clasped his hands together with a wide grin.

"Two beautiful flowers with an insect-alluring fragrance! Now become one, and from the hell beneath your petals, give birth to a new terror! Fusion Summon! Appear, chimeric hunter born from soil. Level 7! Predator Plants Chimerafflesia!"

Bursting out of the frozen ground was a huge plant- the Rafflesia, as its very name stated- whose stems ended with fanged mouths. Similarly, the center of its flower that acted as its head was filled with sharp teeth, ready to devour everything unfortunate enough to fall into it.

Predator Plants Chimerafflesia: Dark / Plant / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2500 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 7

Even his Monsters are nightmare fuel... I shivered at the sight of his ugly servant.

"I set a card and that's it for me." Yuri concluded with a short giggle. "Show me what you're made of, Yuzu. Are you stronger than Ruri and Rin, or weaker? I can't wait to find out."

"Then prepare yourself for a beating." my threat only served to further amuse him, prompting me to scowl. Weirdo... "Atashi no turn! Draw!"

I couldn't help but smile confidently upon seeing my new card, which confused my opponent. Vince loves to cover all the bases; we realized a long time ago he hates to enter the battlefield without a plan. Such a distinguishing feature comes in handy for a moment like this: the thought of using his Pendulum Cards didn't even cross my mind.

I lost mine to Dennis when he won our Duel, and they would've been great leverage against the invaders. Luckily for me, after we separated from the others, Vince offered me his two Pendulum Cards, saying I could put them to good use. True enough, his deck was already full of those types of cards, and they didn't even support it, making them pointless for him.

But for me, it's a completely different story. And with the other Pendulum Card already in my hand, I'm all set to swing into action!

"I, using the Scale 3 White Butterfly and the Scale 8 Black Moon, set the Pendulum Scales!"

I placed the cards on the ends of my energy blade, causing the word [PENDULUM] to flash between them and two pillars of blue light to appear on my left and right. The first pillar contained the statue of a white butterfly, while the second the statue of a black crescent moon, both staying true to their namesakes.

Pendulumstatue White Butterfly: Light / Rock / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 1000 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 10 / SC: 3

Pendulumstatue Black Moon: Dark / Rock / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 800 / DEF: 800 / LV: 5 / SC: 8

"I can now simultaneously Summon Monsters from Levels 4 to 7! Pendulum Summon! Now, you're on!"

A portal opened between the two pillars, and three beams shot out of it before landing on the field.

"The first to take the stage is Canto the Melodious Diva!"

The female youth with lavender skin, jade eyes, long purple hair that reached its chest and was tied into two long strands with green music note hair clips, a green fairy wing extending from the right side of its back, and wearing a dark green halter dress decorated with purple music notes and high-heels revealed itself.

Canto the Melodious Diva: ATK 1400 / DEF 400 / LV: 4

"Next, Elegy the Melodious Diva!"

A young woman with pale green skin, a darker shade of green hair, a lavender fairy wing extending from the left side of its back, and wearing a purple dress was revealed next.

Elegy the Melodious Diva: Light / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 2000 / DEF: 1200 / LV: 5

"And lastly, Jean-Marie the Melodious Maestra!"

A woman with baby blue skin, orange eyes, long and curly dark blue hair with an orange music note hair clip keeping her bangs swept over her face's right side was revealed for last. It had cyan fairy wings with golden trims extending from its back and wore a high-collared, dark blue ball gown decorated with fluorescent blue music notes and orange kitten heels. The Maestra laughed as a transparent violin and bow formed in its hands, which it played for a few seconds.

Jean-Marie the Melodious Maestra: Light / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 2000 / DEF: 2300 / LV: 7

"Hoh? This is Standard's fabled Pendulum Summon..." Yuri noted, his smirk back on his face. "I won't lie, it piqued my interest. I'm glad you're the first opponent I'll face who uses this new Summoning Method."

"You won't be glad anymore when you lose." I gestured at the youngest of my Monsters. "Because it was Special Summoned, I can activate Canto's effect to draw one card for each different 'Melodious' Monster I control. With three such Monsters, I can draw three new cards!"

After doing so, "Due to Elegy's effect, since it was Special Summoned, so long as it's on my field, all Fairy-Type Monsters I control gain 300 Attack! Black Moon's Pendulum Effect also increases the Attack of all Light Attribute Monsters I control by 300!"

Closing its eyes, Elegy started singing, while Black Moon began glowing, enveloping my girls with a holy radiance.

(Canto: 1400→2000 ATK; Elegy: 2000→2600 ATK; Jean-Marie: 2000→2600 ATK)

"You refilled your hand and raised your Monsters' Attack...not bad." Yuri giggled. "Now you can defeat my dear friend."

"Exactly! Battle!" I aimed my finger at his plant. "Jean-Marie attacks Predator Plants Chimerafflesia!"

"Or can you!?" Yuri abruptly cried out in a mocking manner. "Kimerafureshia no kōka hatsudō! When an attack is declared involving it and your Monster, until the end of this turn, your Monster loses 1000 Attack, and if it does, my dear friend gains 1000 Attack!

I gasped. "What!?" the plant's main mouth released a surprisingly good-smelling pink steam, which robbed my Maestra of its strength upon inhaling it.

(Jean-Marie: 2600→1600 ATK; Chimerafflesia: 2500→3500 ATK)

"Haha, you've only made things worse!" Yuri laughed. "Now you'll lose your Monster and a good chunk of your Life Points!"

"Don't be so sure about that!" he blinked twice. I didn't enter my Battle Phase without a plan. "I activate Canto's other effect, targeting Jean-Marie for it!"

Canto exploded in yellow particles, which then enveloped the Maestra. "By releasing Canto, the targeted 'Melodious' Monster gains Attack equal to half the Attack Canto had on the field until the End Phase!"

(Jean-Marie: 1600→2600 ATK)

"Hmm, interesting, but still not enough." Yuri pointed out as he regained his composure.

Although, he'll lose it again after hearing this, "Once per turn, if my 'Melodious' Monster battles your Monster, Jean-Marie can lower your Monster's Attack by 1000 during damage calculation only! Once again, I have exactly enough power to defeat your plant!"

"Then I'll activate this before it's too late: Fusion Preeminence!" a card, which depicted Sanwitch and Sangan hugging comically in fear as Rose Spectre of Dunn surrounded by an ominous aura towered over them in a dark forest, appeared. "I equip it to Chimerafflesia."

His plant gained the same aura. "Thanks to its effect, if the equipped Monster battles yours, before damage calculation, I can negate your Monster's effects until the end of the Damage Step!"

"You—" I gaped at the revelation of his counter to my counter to his counter. He expected all of this to happen!? Kuh, not that it matters, since I still have one counter up my sleeve! "I target the battling Jean-Marie and activate the Quick-Play Spell Regieoper!"

A card, which depicted Schuberta the Melodious Maestra striking an elegant pose as a large sound wave and colorful music notes flowed from behind her towards the viewer, appeared.

"Through its effect, the targeted Jean-Marie can't be destroyed by this battle!"

"But you still take the damage~."

A barrier made of colorful music notes materialized in front of my Maestra, protecting her from the vicious stem-mouths of Yuri's plant, but the contact between them unleashed a shock wave that sent me skidding backwards.

Yuzu: LP 3700 - 900 = 2800

"What a pitiful attack that was." Yuri raised his hands in a mocking gesture. "All you accomplished was lowering your own Life Points."

"...At the cost of completely lowering yours to 0." I stated following a short pause, causing his eyes to widen in shock. "Regieoper's effect continues! After damage calculation, I'm allowed to Fusion Summon a 'Melodious' Fusion Monster, using Monsters I control and the targeted Jean-Marie!"

"What did you say?" Yuri gasped.

"Not so smug now, eh?" I mocked him back. As Elegy and Jean-Marie turned into red and blue energy that spiraled into a portal, I chanted and raised my hands into the air. "Peaceful requiem! Resounding compassion! With guidance of the baton, gather your power!"

I placed my hands together and brought them down. "Fusion Summon! Come to the stage and sing the song of victory! Bloom Diva the Melodious Choir!"

A large flower bud emerged from the portal and bloomed upon touching the ground, revealing the short woman hiding in its inside. It smiled and sang a short tune, ready to fight by my side.

Bloom Diva the Melodious Choir: Light / Fairy / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 1000→1300 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 6

"A Fusion Summon during the Battle Phase? Heeh, not bad~!" he's happy again!? "The dwarf actually proved to be a good teacher, huh? If I don't forget, I'll thank him the next time we meet."

"Dwarf? Teacher...?" who's he talking about now? He said that after I Fusion Summoned...he's from Academia...a short teacher of mine...could it be—"Sora? Shiunin Sora!? Do you know him!? Is he here, too!?"

"Hmm, I don't have any reasons to tell you." he tapped his chin with a finger, to which I grit my teeth in frustration. He then raised that same finger, struck by a genius idea. "OK, since I'm in a good mood, how about this? If you win, I'll also answer your questions."

His attitude is seriously starting to get to my nerves. "Make sure to remember that." he nodded twice like a little child, a big smile on his face. "Battle! I attack Chimerafflesia with Bloom Diva!"

"Its effect activates again." Yuri reminded me. "Hunter's Fragrance!"

(Bloom Diva: 1300→300 ATK; Chimerafflesia: 3500→4500 ATK)

His plant's stem-mouths flung forward, opened to catch their new prey. "Burūmu Dīva no kōka!" I quickly declared as Bloom Diva opened its mouth and released an echoing sound wave, throwing the stems back. "If this card battles an opponent's Special Summoned Monster, it can't be destroyed by this battle, moreover, your Monster is destroyed and you take battle damage instead of me!"

"Me?" Yuri blinked twice.

"That's right! And because you raised your Monster's Attack so high while lowering mine, this one hit will defeat you!" I exclaimed and threw a fist forward. "Go! Reflect Shout!"

The sound wave suddenly doubled, completely enveloping Chimerafflesia and causing it to explode. Yuri side rolled to avoid getting hit by the flames, although a few sparks still landed on him and caused him to frown in discomfort.

Yuri: LP 4000 - 2100 = 1900

He...survived!? "Ruri and Rin almost OTKed me as well," seeing my shocked stare, he explained himself. He brought his thumb and forefinger close to each other. "Like you, they were thiiis close to dropping my Life to 0. But sadly...I'm always two steps ahead of you fools. Fusion Preeminence halves any battle damage I would take involving the equipped Monster, hence why I'm still in the game."

"Dammit...! I set two cards and end my turn." I concluded with a frown. As much as I hate to admit it, this weirdo has the strength to support his attitude. I wanted to end this as quickly as possible, but it seems that won't be the case... Vince, hang in there; we'll make it through this, I'm sure of it! "Bloom Diva's Attack also returns to normal."

(Bloom Diva: 300→1300 ATK)

"Boku no turn!" Yuri grinned. "Allow me to repay in kind for the damage you've dealt. Draw! During my Standby Phase, I banish Predator Plants Cordyceps from my Graveyard and activate its effect, targeting Moray Nepenthes and Fly Hell in my Graveyard to Special Summon them!"

That's the card he ditched with Rapid Seed Cannon Fire! I realized as two new plants emerged from a GY Portal that opened on his field. So this is what he was aiming for...!

"Chimerafflesia's effect also activates during this Standby Phase, letting me add the 'Fusion' Spell Card, Germination Fusion from my Deck to my hand." two GY effects back to back!? In addition to that, he added a 'Fusion' card to his hand and revived two Monsters...! "Why the nervous face? Don't worry, Yuzu. We have all the time in the world to play; I'm in no hurry to Fusion Summon. I activate the Spell Card Predator Gluttony."

A card, which depicted a dinosaur-shaped plant devouring various Insect-Type Monsters, appeared.

"I excavate the top five cards of my Deck, then send all excavated 'Predator Plants' Monsters to the Graveyard and shuffle the rest into my Deck. For each card that's sent to the Graveyard this way, I can draw."

As he turned over the top five cards of his deck, I cursed internally as three of them were revealed to be Predator Plants.

"I discard the excavated Predator Plants, return the rest into my Deck, and draw three cards." after doing so, "Now I activate the Spell Card Germination Fusion!"

A card, which depicted a similar scenario to Polymerization but showed Moray Nepenthes and Fly Hell instead of the orange fiend and dragon glowing with dark red and light blue energy respectively and spiraling into a Fusion Portal, appeared.

"I target two Level 4 or lower Predator Plants in my grave and Special Summon them in defense mode!" Yuri's grin widened as a GY Portal materialized under his Spell. "Bloom from the underworld, Spino Dionaea, Sundew Kingii!"

A new pair of carnivorous plants emerged from the portal, one of which was the dinosaur that appeared on Predator Gluttony's picture.

Predator Plants Spino Dionaea: Dark / Plant / Effect / ATK: 1800 / DEF: 0 / LV: 4

Predator Plants Sundew Kingii: Dark / Plant / Effect / ATK: 600 / DEF: 200 / LV: 2

"If Spino Dionaea is Normal or Special Summoned, I can activate its effect, targeting one face-up Monster you control to place a Predator Counter on it," Yuri explained as a plant-like head attached itself to Bloom Diva by biting onto its flower stand. "The Level of a Monster with a Predator Counter becomes 1."

(Bloom Diva: Level 6→1)

"You didn't Fusion Summon?" my eyebrows furrowed. Why does it have 'Fusion' in its name if it doesn't let you Fusion? It wasn't an anti-Fusion card, either...

"You're so eager to see me Fusion Summon again...allow me to oblige!" Yuri gestured at his lizard-shaped plant. "Sandeu Kinjī no kōka hatsudō! Only once during a turn, during my Main Phase, I can Fusion Summon a Dark-Attribute Fusion Monster, using this card and Monsters from my hand, field—or Monsters with a Predator Counter you control!"

"Using my Monsters!?" my eyes shot open in shock. What a dangerous effect to run into...! I ground my teeth and pointed at one of my set cards. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell De-Fusion! By targeting Bloom Diva, I return it to the Extra Deck and Special Summon from my Graveyard the Fusion Materials used for its Summon!"

"Heeh, you dodged that~?" Yuri giggled as Bloom Diva left the field in a shower of particles, which formed a GY Portal and allowed its materials to return to my field in defense mode. "Plan B it is, then. Sundew Kingii's effect resolves, and I fuse it with Moray Nepenthes!"

His predators turned into red and blue energy, which then spiraled into a portal as he chanted and clasped his hands together with a wide grin.

"Two beautiful flowers with an insect-alluring fragrance! Now become one, and from the hell beneath your petals, give birth to a new terror! Fusion Summon! Hunt your prey from the skies. Level 5! Predator Plants Amphitopsis!"

Flying out of the portal was a serpent-shaped plant with two petals extending from its back that acted as its wings, though they didn't make the Monster any less grisly as they were withered and had some holes on them. It had a beak-like snout with two fangs jutting out of its lower lip, a spiked tail, and a mane of elongated leaves. Its crimson eyes zeroed in on me menacingly once it landed on its user's field.

Predator Plants Amphitopsis: Dark / Plant / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 1000 / DEF: 1200 / LV: 5

"I target your Jean-Marie and activate Fly Hell's effect, placing a Predator Counter on it." Yuri declared as the plant-like head attached itself to Jean-Marie's arm this time. "Now that you control a Monster with a Predator Counter, I can activate Amphitopsis's effect!"

The said plant's eyes started glowing like red traffic lights in the dark. "By banishing itself and Moray Nepenthes from my Graveyard, I can perform another Fusion Summon!"

As the said Monsters merged inside a Fusion Portal, he skipped his usual chant and simply clasped his hands together.

"Fusion Summon! Appear, dragon which leaves ruin on its path. Level 8! Predator Plants Dragostapelia!"

A dragon-shaped plant with a centipede-like lower body and flower bulbs on the tip of its thorny wings emerged from the portal with a ravenous growl.

Predator Plants Dragostapelia: Dark / Plant / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2700 / DEF: 1900 / LV: 8

"Next, because you control a Monster with a Predator Counter, I can Special Summon this card from my hand." Yuri revealed the card and slammed it on his energy blade. "Bloom, Predator Plants Heliamphorhynchus!"

How many times did he have to repeat those names to say them so fluently? I couldn't help but wonder as a new dinosaur-shaped plant appeared on his field with a screech. Some of his cards' names...were mouthfuls, to say the least. That should require training...

Predator Plants Heliamphorhynchus: Dark / Plant / Effect / ATK: 1200 / DEF: 2400 / LV: 8

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card, Double Cyclone!" Yuri declared, which snapped me out of my thoughts. "At the cost of destroying a Spell or Trap Card I control, I can do the same to one of yours, Yuzu!"

"Then I chain it to your card's activation! Trap Card, Melodious Barriera activated!" I shielded my face with my arms as a miniature cyclone enveloped his Continuous Spell and my Trap. "I target Jean-Marie and make it so it can't be destroyed by battle this turn! As an added bonus, since my target was a 'Melodious' Monster, I can return a 'Melodious' Monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I choose Canto!"

Yuri giggled impassively as our cards were destroyed. "Battle protection, eh? Too bad your fairies won't stay around for the Battle Phase. I activate the destroyed Rapid Seed Cannon Fire's effect! For each Predator Plants I control, a card you have on your field goes boom!"

"So this was your true aim...!" I narrowed my eyes, not losing my composure. "However, thanks to Elegy, all Special Summoned 'Melodious' Monsters I control can't be destroyed by card effects!"

"Really now? Interesting." Yuri didn't lose his cool either. "Now, using the effect I gained from Germination Fusion and by using Dark-Attribute Monsters from my hand or field as materials- in this case Fly Hell, Spino Dionaea, and Heliamphorhynchus- I perform a Fusion Summon!"

"What!? Three consecutive Fusion Summons!?" well, on second thought, he's from the Fusion Dimension. This should be child's play for him.

"Fusion Summon!" once again, Yuri skipped formalities and introduced me to his new plant. "Descend, predator which carries the name of a god. Level 9! Predator Plants Triphyovertum!"

A plant that looked to be an evolution of his previously Summoned dragon, but had three heads instead of one, a centaur-like lower body, and bloomed flower bulbs on the tip of its wings landed on his field and let loose of a resounding roar with all its heads.

Predator Plants Triphyovertum: Dark / Plant / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 3000 / DEF: 3000 / LV: 9

"Due to its effect, Triphyovertum gains the original Attack of all Monsters on the field with a Predator Counter," following Yuri's words, his second dragon gained a dense green and purple aura. "There's one such Monster on the field, namely your Jean-Marie. Vertumnus Abundance!"

(Triphyovertum: 3000→5000 ATK)

"5000 Attack...!" not good. But at least I revived my girls in defense mode, expecting him to easily surpass their ATK and Jean-Marie's effect.

"You know, I'm feeling quite lucky today... I hope you don't mind if I put it to test~." Yuri grinned wide and dashed off, although his dragons stayed behind to keep tabs on me.

Where's he...? Wait! "An Action Card!?" Sora must have informed them about our specialty when he returned to Academia! I can't just stand here and do nothing! But...the direction he ran off was the opposite of where Vince's Dueling. If I were to follow him, it will be harder to find my friend after this is over...

Someone suddenly grabbed my left wrist and tugged me forward, snapping me out of my thoughts with a gasp. Who...? my eyes widened in confusion when I saw who was doing it: Elegy.

Monsters may gain a sense of self during Action Duels, but that still doesn't enable them to take independent actions. If you wish for your Monster to take you into its arms, you would have to give the order, or at least make it as obvious as possible. They can display emotions and make sounds, even defend themselves during battle, but something like pulling their user to their opponent was unheard of.

It...made me a little uncomfortable, to be honest. Knowing that Duel Monsters weren't simply cards, but actual living beings with souls... Manek-san and Vince wouldn't lie about that, especially not when it's obvious they're telling the truth. Those two can interact with Monsters, so for them it's something amazing, but for a person who can't, it's...strange.

Will my Melodiouses act independently now because I know the truth? That sounded like a plausible explanation for Elegy's current behavior.

"Wait!" I shouted at...it? Come to think of it, I should use 'he' and 'she' pronouns when possible, to avoid sounding rude to the cards we use. "Vince is in the other—"

Dragostapelia's opened maw closing in on us filled my vision when I turned my head to look in Vince's direction, causing me to become pale. It's...it's way too close! It will eat us!

The sound of violin strings being hit echoed around us, followed by a sound wave that washed over Dragostapelia and threw it to the side with a pained yelp. It fell to the ground, causing it to shake and almost make me lose my footing. Jean-Marie flew into my vision and fired another sound wave, but it had no effect apparently as she was forced to jump back to avoid Triphyovertum's claws.

I spun my head back around, still shaken by what I've seen. That was something straight out of a horror movie... I'll probably have trouble falling asleep for a few days.

Elegy eventually released me, and we came to a stop. I placed my hands on my knees and took deep breaths to calm down, while Elegy vacantly stared at my opponent, which was inappropriate considering what just happened. Since she levitates, she wasn't out of breath, either. I guess I need Manek-san and Vince's ability to see their actual expressions and quirks.

Yuri giggled out of the blue as our Monsters reunited with us. "See? A small encouragement was enough to make you tag along." he ordered his ugly plants to attack us like that? Is he out of his damn mind!?

...Actually, that's a confirmation, not a question.

Yuri glanced down to my right side. "Hm? Weird...just now, it..." the last part turned into a whisper, so I couldn't hear what he said. But as I followed his gaze, my eyes widened a little in surprise.

It was my bracelet.

Why was he looking at it? More importantly...what did it do? Did it glow...? I didn't notice any light coming from it, which would be easy to do since we're in the dark. But it surely did something to surprise Yuri, and that's my only valid guess.

"Whatever." Yuri resumed speaking, putting an end to my pondering. He raised a card, and I gritted my teeth as I saw it was an Action Card. "I was proven right; today's my lucky day. I activate the Action Magic Ice Surge!"

A card, which depicted a comically drawn surge of icicle shards, appeared.

"Through its effect, all Monsters I control gain 500 Attack, and until the end of this turn, Triphyovertum's attacks inflict piercing damage!"

Seriously!? I thought in exasperation and started running away from him.

(Dragostapelia: 2700→3200 ATK; Triphyovertum: 5000→5500 ATK)

Yuri aimed a finger in my direction. "Battle! Triphyovertum, attack Elegy the Melodious Diva!"

While each crimson orb on the said dragon's body lit up, I picked up an Action Card from the ground. "Akushon Majikku: Evasion! Your attack is negated!"

A green and purple beam was fired from the three heads, but Elegy dodged them by gracefully leaping into the air.

"You survived." Yuri didn't sound surprised at all, almost as if he expected it to happen. "Battle! Dragostapelia, attack Elegy!"

"I activate Jean-Marie's effect!" I abruptly stated. "Her effect lowers your Monster's Attack by 1000, and on top of that, makes it so Elegy can't be destroyed by this battle!"

"Dragostapelia won't allow it." I gasped at his words. "With it on my field, the activated effects of your Monsters that have Predator Counters are negated!"

"What!?" using its tail as a weapon, his other dragon whipped Elegy and caused her to explode into particles with a pained scream, which made my stomach turn. I couldn't help but feel sorry for my poor Monster, and at the same time, disgusted by my...by our opponent's brutality.

"I set a card and end my turn." Yuri sneered. "I wonder how you'll escape from this pickle, Yuzu. Sorry if I repeat myself, but...are you stronger than Ruri and Rin, or weaker? I can't wait to find out~."

...

Honestly...

Invading other Dimensions, disrupting peace, sealing people into cards, treating war like a game, ruining innocent lives, ignoring the weight of your actions...yes.

Yes, there's no doubt about it: I'm fed up with this crap.

"Atashi no turn." I shot the violet-haired youth the scariest glare I could muster. "Draw!"

"That look...yes, it's that look!" he exclaimed in a rush of excitement, his fingers twitching impatiently. "What a coincidence, Ruri and Rin sported that same look in our Duels! You hate me, right? You'll make me pay for hunting you, right? That's what they said respectively. What about you, Yuz—"

"Using my set Pendulum Scales, I Pendulum Summon!" I cut his creepy rambling off. "Return to me, Canto! And then appear, Soprano the Melodious Songstress!"

A portal opened between the two pillars, and two beams shot out of it before landing on the field, revealing Canto and my blindfolded singer.

Soprano the Melodious Songstress: Light / Fairy / Effect / ATK: 1400→1700 / DEF: 1400 / LV: 4

"I activate Canto's effect, drawing three cards since she was Special Summoned and I control three different Melodiouses!" after doing so, "Sopurano no kōka hatsudō! Using her and Jean-Marie, I perform a Fusion Summon!"

As they turned into red and blue energy that spiraled into a portal, I chanted and raised my hands into the air.

"Angel's song! Resounding compassion! With guidance of the baton, gather your power!" I placed my hands together and brought them down. "Fusion Summon! Time for your encore! Bloom Diva the Melodious Choir!"

The short Melodious fairy reappeared on my field, proudly displaying her powered-up 1300 ATK with a resolute expression on her delicate face.

"The only Monster on the field that had a Predator Counter is now gone, meaning Triphyovertum's Attack returns to normal!" the stated dragon's ATK fell to 3500. "Next, I—"

"At this moment, the Fusion Summoned Triphyovertum's other effect activates." this time, Yuri calmly interrupted me. "When my opponent Special Summons a Monster from their Extra Deck, I can negate that Summon and destroy that Monster! Crop Failure!"

"No way!" I could do nothing but watch as a large flower with fanged petals erupted from the ground and swallowed my Fusion Monster in one go, putting an end to her existence.

"Fufu...hahahahahaha!" Yuri's chuckling turned into laughter as the flower withered away. He then wiped off some tears that formed at the corner of his eyes. "You look so pathetic, Yuzu. You genuinely believed you could bring about a big reversal, but you failed miserably."

"...Yet."

Yuri raised an eyebrow when he heard me whispering. "Hm? What was that?"

"I'm not done yet!" I repeated myself vehemently. If he thinks this was enough to stop me, he's greatly mistaken! "I activate the Spell Card Polymerization, fusing Canto on my field and Sonata the Melodious Diva from my hand!"

As my Monsters turned into red and blue energy that spiraled into a portal, I chanted and raised my hands into the air once more.

"Gentle tempo! Flowing melody! With guidance of the baton, gather your power!" I placed my hands together and brought them down. "Fusion Summon! Now come here to the stage! Schuberta the Melodious Maestra!"

The young woman with flaming orange hair, wearing a mask and an elegant dress, and holding a weapon that seemed a cross between a baton and a rapier emerged from the portal with a battle cry.

Schuberta the Melodious Maestra: ATK 2400→2700 / DEF 2000 / LV: 6

"Another Fusion Summon?" Yuri raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

"Shūberuto no kōka hatsudō!" I gestured towards the night sky. "Once per turn, she can banish all the cards that were used for a Fusion Summon in either player's Graveyard and then gain 200 Attack for each card banished by this effect for the rest of this turn!"

"I see." Yuri placed a hand to his chin. "If you banish the cards I used for Triphyovertum, which were four, she would gain 800 Attack and surpass my Monsters' Attack. But sadly, I can't allow that."

He moved that same arm to the side, "Dragostapelia's other effect! Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can target one face-up Monster you control and place a Predator Counter on it. My target is, obviously, Schuberta!"

I gasped as a plant-like head attached itself to my Maestra's dress. "Thanks to Dragostapelia's effect, the activated effects of your Monsters that have Predator Counters are negated." Yuri reminded me. "Triphyovertum also gains her original Attack. So, now are you done?"

(Triphyovertum: 3500→5900 ATK)

"If it had an effect like that...why didn't you use it earlier?" I inquired in confusion, though I already had a presumption. "You could've negated Canto's effect!"

"And? Why should've I done it?" as I expected, he's not Dueling seriously. In his eyes, I'm nothing more than a weak little girl, his prey to ridicule. I detest this kind of cockiness. "I want to see how far you can go, hence why I let you draw a few cards. I want to have fun, Yuzu. There's no fun if I can't let you retaliate."

"Why you...!" I gritted my teeth and slammed a card into my Duel Disk. "That attitude just cost you the game! From my hand, I activate the Spell Card Melodious Vocal Harmony!"

A card, which depicted Serenade the Melodious Diva and Bloom Diva singing back to back with their eyes closed and hands put against her chest and put together in a praying manner respectively while colorful music notes and petals swirled around them, appeared.

"I target one Melodious that I control and that's in my Graveyard! I target Schuberta and Bloom Diva!" I stated and threw my hand forward. "By paying half of my Life Points, the Monster I targeted in my Graveyard is Special Summoned to my field!"

Yuzu: LP 2800→1400

"Return to me, Bloom Diva!" the said singer emerged from a GY Portal. "Then, the Monster I targeted on my field is equipped to the revived one!"

Schuberta brought her weapon in front of her face as a holy glow surrounded her body. She then exploded into colorful music notes and petals that swirled around her comrade.

"Since Schuberta became an Equip Card, she isn't treated as a Monster anymore!" Yuri's eyes dilated a little. "Therefore, Vertumnus Abundance ends and your plant's Attack returns to 3500! Battle! I attack Triphyovertum with Bloom Diva!"

While the Melodious fairy extended her arms to the side and took a big inhale, the crimson orbs on the dragon's body lit up.

"Burūmu Dīva no kōka!" our Monsters unleashed their respective attacks, clashing in the middle of the battlefield and making sparks, music notes, and petals fly as neither of them yielded. "If she battles an opponent's Special Summoned Monster, she can't be destroyed by this battle, moreover, your Monster is destroyed and you take battle damage instead of me!"

"Torappu hatsudō: Predator Planning!" Yuri abruptly declared, now sporting his murderous gaze and malicious grin. "By sending Predator Plants Drosophyllum Hydra from my Deck to the grave, I place one Predator Counter on each face-up Monster you control!"

A new plant-like head attached itself to Bloom Diva by biting onto its flower stand.

"Vertumnus Abundance raises Triphyovertum's Attack!" the said dragon's ATK rose to 4500. "And Dragostapelia negates your fairy's effect! Too bad, so sad! It's over, Yu—"

"For you it is."

Yuri's mouth comically hung open as his brain processed what I said. The corners of his lips eventually lowered, signaling he wasn't smiling anymore.

"Eh?"

"Melodious Vocal Harmony's additional effect!" I shouted as Bloom Diva's attack began overwhelming her foe's. "As long as she's equipped with Schuberta, Bloom Diva can't be destroyed by card effects and her effects can't be negated!"

"What?" Yuri took a step forward in shock. He gritted his teeth upon realizing the attack will soon land. "From my Graveyard, I activate Predator Plants Sharkonipollis's effect! Since your Monster has a Predator Counter, I banish this card to negate the damage I would take from its attack!"

Reflect Shout finally hit its mark and his dragon left the field with an earthshaking explosion.

That card...was the third one he sent to the grave with Predator Gluttony. I narrowed my eyes before pointing forward. "Bloom Diva can attack Monsters twice during each Battle Phase if she's equipped with Schuberta! Go, my Monster! Attack Dragostapelia!"

"A second attack!?" Yuri's widened in dread. So you finally realized, eh? "Your true aim was Melodious Vocal Harmony!? Then Schuberta was simply a decoy! I can't believe it...! I...I am going to...!"

Yes! You're going to—"Survive." I gasped when he smirked again. "From my Graveyard, I activate Drosophyllum Hydra's effect. By banishing Spino Dionaea from my Graveyard, I halve this instance of battle damage!"

His remaining Fusion Monster exploded by coming into contact with Reflect Shout, but Yuri was completely unfazed by the damage.

Yuri: LP 1900 - 950 = 950

"Since the damage was halved, I can return a banished Dark-Attribute Monster to my grave," Yuri explained. "I choose Cordyceps."

"I...I was so close...dammit!" I hissed in a low tone. This guy's as stubborn as he is annoying!

"Heh heh, why the long face? Don't tell me you really thought I'd lose?" Yuri waved his hands. "Forgive me, Yuzu! I thought we were just acting! After all, a fool like you can only dream of defeating me, hahahahahaha!"

I clenched my fists in irritation. "It's my turn next." he continued with a calm tone. "Please, allow me to end this Duel in your stead. However, as you can guess, it will end in your defeat~."

I scowled. "I set a card and end my turn...!"

"Boku no turn!" Yuri announced. "Draw! During the Standby Phase, I banish Cordyceps from my Graveyard and activate its effect!"

A GY Portal materialized before him, from which Fly Hell and Sundew Kingii emerged.

My Monster has a Predator Counter and he revived Sundew Kingii... "Due to Melodious Vocal Harmony's last effect, Bloom Diva can't be used as a material." I informed my opponent, knowing what he was aiming for.

"How convenient for you. Not that it matters." Yuri scoffed, much to my surprise. "These dear friends are all I need to Summon my ace."

My heart skipped a beat. "Ace...!?" it totally slipped my mind. Yuya's ace is a Pendulum Dragon, while Yuto's was an Xyz Dragon...more than probably, this guy has his own dragon named after his signature Summoning Method!

"I activate Sundew Kingii's effect to perform a you-know-what." his predators turned into red and blue energy, which then spiraled into a portal as he chanted and clasped his hands together with a wide grin. "Two beautiful flowers with an insect-alluring fragrance! Now become one, and from the hell beneath your petals, give birth to a new terror! Fusion Summon! Appear, poisonous dragon with hungry fangs. Level 8! Starve Venom Fusion Dragon!"

As I anticipated, his 'Fusion' Dragon emerged from the portal. It was an incredibly tall and slim dragon with dark yellowish-green scales and violet armor, decorated with red and yellow orbs all over its body. Its long tail ended with a crooked claw, strange appendages equipped with long fangs jutted out of its shoulders and thighs, and two horns sprouted from its head. With a roar, the dragon took a battle stance before its user and narrowed its eerie green eyes at me.

Starve Venom Fusion Dragon: Dark / Dragon / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2800 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 8

"This is...his ace..." I gulped nervously, suddenly finding it hard to breathe. Its gaze...was the same as Yuri's murderous gaze. What a fitting Monster for a monster. Bloom Diva seemed to agree with my thoughts; she took a defensive stance before me, ready to protect me, and her expression turned grave.

"Normally, I don't Summon him." Yuri admitted. Oh...that dragon's a male, huh. "But I want to thank you, Yuzu, for entertaining me this well. Consider it a present from yours truly."

"Then I'd like to decline it." I deadpanned.

"Sorry, but it's too late for that." Yuri chuckled. "I activate Starve Venom's and Predator Planning's effects. If I Fusion Summon a Dark-Attribute Monster, I can banish Planning from my Graveyard to target and destroy one card on the field. Of course, I target that Equip Card of yours."

I gritted my teeth as Schuberta's card materialized on my field before shattering into particles. The music notes and petals swirling around my Fusion Monster also vanished.

"Starve Venom's effect now resolves. The turn he's Fusion Summoned using only Monsters on the field as materials, he gains the Attack of all Special Summoned Monsters you currently control until the End Phase!"

Following Yuri's words, a violet aura enveloped Bloom Diva and the appendages on his shoulders and thighs split open. Those things were mouths, I realized in shock and disgust, watching saliva drip down from them. The aura of my diva was then sucked into those mouths, and the dragon roared as his strength increased.

(Starve Venom: 2800→4100 ATK)

B-But, no matter how much Attack it has, with Reflect Shout—"I activate Starve Venom's other effect!" Yuri went on. "Once per turn, I can target one Level 5 or higher Monster you control, and until the End Phase, its effects are negated and Starve Venom gains them!"

I gasped. "What!?" Bloom Diva groaned as she gained a violet aura again.

"Battle!" Yuri grinned like a Cheshire cat. "Starve Venom Fusion Dragon, attack Bloom Diva the Melodious Choir! Venom Conduit of Starvation!"

"Torappu hatsudō: Boo-Boo Game!" I declared hastily. "The battle damage I would take is canceled!"

"But you still lose your Monster!"

Crimson electricity flew out of Starve Venom's additional mouths and caught my singer, tying her to place. Seconds later, orbs formed in the network of electricity, which then fired a series of green beams that struck Bloom Diva and caused her to explode. I didn't take any damage, but the shock waves were so strong that I flew off my feet and slid away on the cold ice with a surprised cry, exactly like I did when Dueling Halil.

At some point, I came to a stop inside of a canyon of ice, where I decided to hide and collect my thoughts.

He...He's strong. I let out a shaky exhale, in an attempt to calm my nerves. The strongest opponent I've ever faced...

As I learned from Yuto's and Kurosaki's retellings, the Duelists of Academia are nothing to laugh at. Today, I found that out for myself. One wrong step, and it's game over. On top of that, my foe was always two steps ahead of me... Yuri must be an elite or something of the sorts, which would explain why his own comrades fear him...that, and his attitude.

I skimmed through my options: no cards in my hand, no GY effects at my disposal, and the only cards on my field being my set Pendulum Scales. Only a miracle could save me now...but if I run away and put more distance between us, the Duel would automatically end in a No Result. Or should I risk it and continue the Duel?

I...can't abandon Vince. But Yuri recognized me, despite wearing Serena's clothes. Maybe we should've changed our hairstyles as well...too late for that now. Back to my previous point, if Yuri knows me, more than probably he's here to capture me, too. If I lose and I'm taken prisoner, things would only get worse.

What if...I stall? I can still use Action Cards after all. I could use those and fake fear as a cover for not staying in one place while I return to Vince. This way, Vince could join my Duel if we reunite and if he finished his own Duel, and Yuri will be no match for our teamwork.

I'll kill two birds with one stone: find my friend and defeat our foe. Maybe I'll even draw the cards to win this fight on my own along the way. OK, this plan will do. Now I just have to remember which way Vince was...

"You're amazing!" I heard an irritating voice, coming from somewhere above me. "The fact you've managed to survive for this long is truly amazing! You have my praises. But how about putting an end to our little game?"

Yuri's voice got closer and closer, and now I was sure he standing right above me. "You always lost at hide and seek when you were a kid, right? Or maybe your memory's just bad. After all, trying to hide while your Pendulum Scales are still set..."

I cursed internally when I understood what he meant. My Pendulum Scales gave away my position... I thought and glanced at the said cards on my Duel Disk. Just my luck...!

"Come out. And come with me back to the Professor." with a growl, his dragon struck the ice above my head, causing a chunk of it to break off and land next to me. When I looked up, our eyes met yet again.

"Found you~." he chuckled, now sporting his murderous look.

I narrowed my eyes. Let's do this! but as I got ready to do as planned, a familiar pink light was emitted from my bracelet. "Again...!?" I gasped in shock, a sentiment shared by my opponent.

"What's—" before he could finish his inquiry, the pink light enveloped his and Starve Venom's bodies and made them vanish from existence. With them gone, the bracelet stopped working its magic.

"It shined..." I mumbled as the Duel ended with no winner and I was left alone. Don't tell me...Yuya will appear next!?

VROOM!

Yugo's POV

What drew the Commons together was their hate aimed at the Tops. Rin and I were no different. We all hated those disgusting rich pigs who would rather let a Common child die before their own eyes instead of lending them a hand.

Then I met Manek, and my mind was thrown into disarray.

When he revealed he's a famous actor of this Dimension, I couldn't help but scowl internally. He's one of those people, I thought automatically, but...I was proven wrong. Manek's nothing like the rich filth I've grown accustomed to.

He was kind and good to talk to. He helped me instead of flaunting his money in my face, or something stupid like that. That's why I let him hop onto my bike and I continued talking with him. I...was confused. Intrigued, even.

I regret nothing because then I had the chance to see him Duel.

The Tops have access to all the strong cards thanks to their money, and they treat them with little to no care. They only Duel to win and make more money, not to have fun or help others. Manek was the complete opposite: his love for Duel Monsters was genuine, even for the cards of others.

The last nail in the coffin were his words to Yuu. A Top would never say that. They would be the first ones to scam in an attempt to save themselves, with no honor whatsoever. To think a rich kid with a good heart existed...man, I'm delighted to have met Manek!

I can't wait to tell Rin all about him once I rescue her.

"Hm? The Hell's that?" I asked no one when I noticed a pink light shining in the distance for some seconds, interrupting my internal glee. Could it be Yuzu or Vince?

With that thought in mind, I sped up and got there in no time, rocketing over an icy canyon as I glanced left and right in search of the aforementioned Duelists. Oh, someone's right under me—WAIT!

"Rin!?" I exclaimed in disbelief before landing on the ground. No way...what's she doing here? Did she get away? She managed to escape on her own!? "No, wait." her hair and eyes...I almost fell for the same trick twice. "You're Yuzu, right?"

The pink-haired youth gasped, confirming my words. "Manek asked me to help you. I mean you no harm." I removed my visor and ran up to her. "He also—"

Her hands flew to the sides of my head, pinning me to place. Rin used to do the same thing once, so it didn't surprise me at all. "Yuya!?" I heard that name before...ah! The same guy Manek mistook me for and who shares my face! Yuzu blinked twice in confusion. "No... Are you...Yugo?"

"The one and only." I nodded, prompting her hands to release me.

"That means...you know Rin, yes?"

My head tilted to the side. I didn't expect that question... "I do. Why? Actually, how do you even know of her?" wait, this isn't the right time to get sidetracked! "Sorry Yuzu, but that will have to wait! As I was saying, Manek also asked me to find a person called Vince."

"Vince...!" hearing that name made her expression turn to one of concern. She took hold of my wrist in a hurried manner. Dammit, the guy's in danger, isn't he? "He should be—"

The bracelet she was wearing around her right wrist began glowing, much to our surprise.

"It's shining again!?" Yuzu shouted, and the pink light surrounded us and my D-Wheel.

"What's happening!?" this...this sensation was familiar. I always get it...when Clear Wing's about to warp me off somewhere!

The light completely covered us, and everything went white.

Fan-made Cards:

Action Cards:

Ice Surge

Action Spell

Target 1 monster you control; all monsters you control gain 500 ATK, and until the end of this turn, if that target attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing damage to your opponent.

Obelisk Force:

Ancient Gear Blaster

Equip Spell

The equipped monster gains 1000 ATK, and if it attacks, your opponent cannot activate any Monster Effects until the end of the damage calculation. If the equipped monster attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing damage to your opponent.

Cursed Ancient Gear

Normal Spell

Place up to 2 Gear Counters on face-up monsters your opponent controls.

Ancient Gear Sheen

Normal Trap

Target 1 "Ancient Gear" monster on the field; it cannot be destroyed this turn, also, you can switch its Battle Position. You can only activate 1 "Ancient Gear Sheen" per turn.

Ancient Gear Armored Hound (Earth/Machine/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 1900/LV: 3)

If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step. This card's name is treated as "Ancient Gear Hunting Hound" while on the field. During damage calculation, if an "Ancient Gear" monster is attacked (Quick Effect): You can discard this card; this turn, any battle damage a player would take is halved.

Ancient Gear Acid Reactor

Normal Trap

Target 1 monster on the field whose original name is "Double Ancient Gear Hunting Hound"; equip this card to it. Its "once per turn" effect becomes "thrice per turn", also, its effects lose "You can" and become mandatory. Once per turn, if the equipped monster destroys an opponent's monster with its effect: You can inflict damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK. You can only control 1 "Ancient Gear Acid Reactor".

Vince:

Anansi's Triumph

Normal Spell

If you control no monsters: Draw 1 card for each Special Summoned monster your opponent controls. You cannot Summon monsters during the turn you activate this effect, except "Mythorror" monsters. You can only activate 1 "Anansi's Triumph" per turn.

[Trivia: this card's a reference to Anansi, an Akan folktale character.]

Mythorror Gnostic Kerberos (Dark/Fiend/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 2900/DEF: 2500/RK: 7)

2+ Level 7 "Mythorror G" monsters

This card is also treated as an EARTH monster while on the field. You can only control 1 "Mythorror Gnostic Kerberos". Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 material from this card; apply 1 of these effects.

- Destroy as many monsters OR Spells/Traps your opponent controls as possible, and if you do, your opponent takes 400 damage x the number of destroyed cards. (This effect can only be applied during your turn.)

- Until the End Phase, your opponent cannot Special Summon monsters from the GYs.

- Banish 1 other "Mythorror" monster from your field or GY, and if you do, this card gains ATK equal to that monster's ATK until the End Phase.

Mythorror Gnostic Valravn (Dark/Fiend/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1700/LV: 8)

1 Level 5 or higher DARK Fiend monster + 1 "Mythorror G" monster

This card is also treated as a WIND monster while on the field. Can attack all monsters your opponent controls with a Fear Counter on them, once each. While you control this card, monsters with a Fear Counter have their original ATK/DEF halved. If this card would leave the field by a card effect, except as material: Send it to the GY, then, regardless, you can place 1 Fear Counter on a face-up monster your opponent controls, and if you do, Special Summon this card (from the GY).

[Trivia: this card's a reference to the valravn, a supernatural monster in Danish folklore, and the Corvus constellation. Concept credit goes to Nova Kaiser Joe.]

Yuzu:

Pendulumstatue Black Moon (Dark/Rock/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 800/DEF: 800/LV: 5/SC: 8)

Pendulum Effect: All LIGHT monsters you control gain 300 ATK.

Monster Effect: If this card is Pendulum Summoned from the Extra Deck: You can add 1 "Pendulumstatue" monster from your Deck to your hand.

Jean-Marie the Melodious Maestra (Light/Fairy/Effect/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2300/LV: 7)

Once per turn, during damage calculation, if a "Melodious" monster you control battles an opponent's monster: You can make that opponent's monster lose or gain 1000 ATK, during damage calculation only, also, your monster cannot be destroyed by that battle.

[Trivia: Jean-Marie Leclair was a French Baroque violinist and composer, considered to have founded the French violin school.]

Regieoper

Quick-Play Spell

During the Battle Phase: Target 1 battling "Melodious" monster you control; it cannot be destroyed by that battle. After damage calculation, if it battled, Fusion Summon 1 "Melodious" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters you control as Fusion Materials, including that target, also, you can treat it as a "Melodious Songstress" monster. You can only activate 1 "Regieoper" per turn.

[Trivia: Regieoper is a form of Regietheater specific to opera, where the stage director assumes a central role in determining the concept of an opera, often exchanging the established traditions related to that opera for an approach that may or may not adhere to the composer's or librettist's original intention.]

Melodious Vocal Harmony

Normal Spell

Target 2 "Melodious" monsters, 1 you control and 1 in your GY; pay half your LP, and if you do, Special Summon the second target from your GY, and if you do that, equip the first target to it. The Summoned monster cannot be used as material. While a monster is equipped to the Summoned monster by this effect, it can attack monsters twice during each Battle Phase, its effects cannot be negated, and it cannot be destroyed by card effects. You can only activate 1 "Melodious Vocal Harmony" per turn.

[Trivia: Vocal harmony is a style of vocal music in which a consonant note or notes are simultaneously sung as a main melody in a predominantly homophonic texture.]

Yuri:

Fusion Preeminence

Normal Trap

Target 1 Fusion Monster you control; equip this card to it. Any battle damage you would take involving it is halved. Before damage calculation, if it battles an opponent's monster: You can negate that monster's effects until the end of the Damage Step. You can only use this effect of "Fusion Preeminence" once per turn.

Germination Fusion

Normal Spell

Target 2 Level 4 or lower "Predator Plants" monsters in your GY; Special Summon them in Defense Position, and if you do, you gain this effect until the end of this turn.

- You can Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using DARK monsters from your hand or field as Fusion Material.

You can only activate 1 "Germination Fusion" per turn.

Predator Gluttony

Normal Spell

Excavate the top 5 cards of your Deck, and if you do, send all excavated "Predator Plants" monsters to the GY, also shuffle the rest into your Deck, and if you sent a card(s) to the GY this way, draw cards equal to that amount. You can only activate 1 "Predator Gluttony" per turn.

Predator Plants Amphitopsis (Dark/Plant/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1200/LV: 5)

1 DARK monster + 1 Plant monster

If your opponent controls a monster with a Predator Counter: You can target up to 2 other DARK monsters in your GY or that you control; Fusion Summon 1 DARK Dragon or DARK Plant Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, banishing this card and that target(s) as Fusion Materials, and if you do, it gains this effect.

- Once per turn, if your opponent takes damage: You can draw 1 card. You can only use this effect gained from "Predator Plants Amphitopsis" once per turn.

You can only use this effect of "Predator Plants Amphitopsis" once per turn.

[Trivia: this card is based on the Amphiptere and the Catopsis berteroniana.]

Predator Plants Drosophyllum Hydra (Dark/Plant/Effect/ATK: 800/DEF: 2300/LV: 5)

Once per turn: You can banish 1 "Predator Plants" monster from your GY, then target 1 monster on the field; it loses 500 ATK. If you would take battle damage while this card is in the GY: You banish 1 other "Predaplant" monster from your GY; halve that battle damage you would take, and if you do, return 1 of your banished DARK monsters to the GY. You can only use this effect of "Predator Plants Drosophyllum Hydra" once per turn.

[Trivia: I altered this card's second effect to keep it more contained. Yuri will use this version of Hydra for the rest of the story.]

Predator Plants Sharkonipollis (Dark/Plant/Effect/ATK: 800/DEF: 500/LV: 2)

When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can target 1 "Predator Plants" monster in your GY, except "Predator Plants Sharkonipollis"; add it to your hand. If you would take damage from the attack of an opponent's monster: You can banish this card from your GY; halve the battle damage you would take, or negate it if that monster has a Predator Counter on it. You can only use each effect of "Predator Plants Sharkonipollis" once per turn.

[Trivia: this card is based on a shark and the Saxonipollis saxonicus.]

While writing this, I came to the realization time makes no sense during the Battle Royal. Do you have any idea how tiring it would be to Duel for the entire night? I had no choice but to follow the anime's timestream though, so that's that.

Similarly to the story's previous version, the Obelisk Force finds Vince and Yuzu and are about to Duel when Yuri arrives, mixing things up. Vince defeats the Obelisk Force, but this time around, we have his first "rage" moment and learn why he loves his Mythorrors so much.

To clarify, whenever I write "Vince's Mythorrors", I'm referring to the ones that are with him since the beginning and he saw Visions of, thus excluding "Demiurge's Mythorrors". And as a quick note, Vince snapped because he reached his limit. If you insult his Monsters, you'll get a good beating, but if you make him reach his limit, he won't hesitate to kill. That's the type of monster Vince's becoming. He won't turn crazy, but many things happened to him since coming to ARC-V, which are gradually changing him, as he himself noted. And I know Eternal insulted his Monsters once, but the circumstances were different at that time, hence why he didn't hurt them or anything.

For my old readers, as you can, Spectrum didn't appear and took over the Duel. I'm not sure if I said this already, but I'm planning to make things different involving Spectrum. I haven't removed him from the story, of course not; he'll just appear later on.

Then we move to the chapter's second part, namely Yuzu vs. Yuri. I really hated how this was handled in the anime, building Yuri up while hurting Yuzu's characters by making her run off like a little...ahem. Isn't this better? Yuzu stands up for herself, and Yuri still shows off his strength.

You could argue Yuzu's a little OOC, but I don't think that's the case. She was still afraid of Yuri, but she didn't leave her friend behind and accepted his challenge. Not to mention, she came close to defeating him, multiple times even! The Pendulum Cards she got from Vince helped her out, and you shouldn't forget they were still on her person when she left Standard with Yugo...

She gets angry as well, which should make sense given the circumstances and her opinion on Academia's and Yuri's actions. And speaking of the devil, Yuri uses Chimerafflesia's actual effect (and will continue doing so) since it's WAY better than its manga version, and the majority of his cards use their OCG names. I prefer "Starve" over "Starving" and "Predator Plants" over "Predaplant", not to mention it's easier to think of names for his Spells and Traps this way.

The Yugo segment at the end came out of nowhere, I admit. I should've added those thoughts to the last chapter...but I forgot, hence why they're here. I honestly don't know if white is the right color for the last sentence...the bracelet's glow is pink, but the person disappears in white particles, so I just went with that.

Reviews really make my day and it's a great way to communicate with you readers, and maybe find out errors I can avoid making. Please review, and with that said, here's the chapter's last scene!

Four cards appeared on the screen before turning around, revealing Starve Venom Fusion Dragon encircled by Ancient Gear Hunting Hound, Double Ancient Gear Hunting Hound, and Triple Ancient Gear Hunting Hound. They suddenly glowed, and Yuri and three Obelisk Force Duelists emerged from them respectively.

"Yuri-sama!" the soldiers hastily shouted in unison. "How may we be of service!?"

The addressed youth tilted his head to the side. "Hm? Who were you again...?" he punched his own palm when realization struck him. "Oh, the lot I left behind with Vince-san! Eeeh~, you're still here? Let's get to work, then. You."

He pointed at Red. "Bring me food and something to drink." with a military salute, Red ran off somewhere, prompting Yuri to continue. "You, become my chair."

Yellow made the same type of salute and got on all fours, allowing Yuri to sit on his back. He then placed a leg over the other before pointing at the remaining soldier. "You, massage my shoulders."

Green did as he was ordered after making the same as his comrades. Red returned with a bowl of chips and a glass of orange juice, to which Yuri chuckled.

"You three can be useful at something, huh?" the Obelisk Force didn't react to Yuri's mockery. He blinked twice when he looked at the viewers. "Hm? You're still here?" he sighed. "Fine, fine, you win. Here's the Secret of the Chapter you've been patiently waiting for: it may not come as a surprise considering my deck, but I have a green thumb. I have my own garden in Academia, gifted to me by the Professor."

He waved a hand towards the viewers with an annoyed expression. "Shoo, shoo! Off you go. Can't you see I'm busy relaxing? See you all in the next chapter, I guess."

The screen faded into black, followed by the words [To Be Continued...].