Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: In a New World Redux

by SakushiRyu

Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V is about to air, and an excited youth can't wait. But when the episode starts, he is suddenly thrown into a Yu-Gi-Oh! series, ARC-V itself! Watch as he makes friends, rivals, and foes in this isekai and discovers his role in a war between dimensions and gods from the past, present, and future! (Rewrite of "Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-V In A New World") (Cover Art made by AiraAura)

20. Seeker of Redemption

Welcome back, everyone! This chapter definitely took longer to finish than usual. I was abroad for almost an entire month and I didn't have my laptop on my person, but now I'm back and ready to continue writing!

Before we go on, a quick thank you to ringtaillemur0 who pointed out a typo I made with Cyclone's effect in the last chapter. The cards Manek targeted with her effect were Aki's Prince and his Dummy, not Cyclone herself and Dummy.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter!

- In response to Findarato's review:

"I definitely agree with what you've written and fear not. Aki will get her chance to shine soon enough!"

- In response to RandomAsianGuest's review:

"What you pointed out is another reason why I thought a Manek vs. Aki match-up would be meaningful, namely the parallel that lies in how their parents treated them. It's pretty much the complete opposite: one wasn't supported by them, while the other was and continues to be to this day.

As for your other point regarding Manek and Vince using all the Summoning Methods... I considered that, since Manek trained with Reiji in the past, it would make sense for the latter's battle style to rub off on him. Thanks to his connection to Reiji, moreover, he would have easy access to any type of card. Vince, on the other hand, comes from a world where knowing how the other methods work is an ordinary matter, he also has a god inside of him who can easily make him the cards he needs to build an Extra Deck. It wouldn't make sense for Vince not to have mastered the other methods in my opinion. But even then, Reiji is still stronger than both of them and the leader of the Lancers, so that kinda balances it out?"

[Using Anime/Manga Effects.]

---

Serena's POV

"Dammit... What am I supposed to think in this situation?"

I muttered in frustration, balling up my fists on my lap as I stared at the screen while I sat on my bed. Honestly, if someone asked me to express myself after hearing Manek's words which Izayoi drew out, I wouldn't know where to start. Why was I even asking myself this question to begin with?

His decision to keep his past to himself and not broaden our relationship was logical. None of us joined the Lancers to acquire friends. A few might think it's a subsequent effect to that, like Yuya and Vince, but not me and apparently Manek. Bringing our personal feelings to the table wasn't required, in fact, one might say it was unprofessional.

Then why? Why did I feel...betrayed? Was it because of the conversation we had back in the Facility? I thought Manek wanted to trust me but turns out he only did what you'd expect someone to do in that set of circumstances. No, not just then. Everything he did or said so far follows that principle. It's like he's been lying to us since the start.

But...watching Manek reveal more about himself and start lashing out like an injured beast got me thinking: instead of betrayed, wasn't I just...saddened by his story? Yes, maybe that would be a more correct way to word my feelings. Because we opened our hearts to one another, I pitied him. I pitied this youth who had a harsh past and was doing his best to survive, to find a purpose in life.

I opened my hands and stared at my palms with a frown. When Vince suggested Daphne and I should be greedier and think more for ourselves...or when Manek said to be myself and do what I think is best for me... was it to avoid becoming someone like that? Someone who wasn't actually living and had no raison d'être?

Truth be told, I don't want to become that. Though I don't want Manek to stay like that, either. I want him to live an ordinary, peaceful life, too. Huh...was this...how Vince and Manek felt when they told me those things?

Following him and Izayoi, today's second Duel belonged to Yuya and Duel Chaser 227. Our comrade tried to talk some sense into the citizens, revealing the losers were sent to the underground garbage disposal facility and were forced to do labor forever, not permitted to return to the surface.

Sigh, how annoying. Out of the Lancers, Gongenzaka, Tsukikage, and Yuu were sent to the underground so far. The problem wasn't what they'll do once they're down there; I had no trouble in imagining the first two defending themselves with their fists if it comes to that, and they could do the same for Yuu. They should be able to avoid working by proving their strength. And they still had their decks, didn't they? More ways to make their lives easier down there.

The problem was that they were locked up underground, and we must rescue them once this is all over, something which won't take a minute to accomplish. We can't waste time playing by the rules of this Dimension. We didn't come here to entertain them! We still had much to do once this will be all over.

Despite hearing the truth, the audience and Melissa saw that as a fitting punishment, much to Yuya's shock. Their reaction was to be expected, honestly, bearing in mind they're a highly competitive society. Yuya was having a hard time digesting this though, and knowing what will happen if he wins made him hesitate, allowing for his opponent to survive his attacks.

In his next turn, Duel Chaser 227 himself shocked us by using Polymerization. There was only one possible explanation for someone from Synchro to possess Fusion: as we theorized, a rat found its way into this Dimension. Moreover, considering where this guy used to work...the Chief of Security was among the top suspects.

Yuya managed to avoid defeat by the skin of his teeth, but he got caught up in the crowd's vicious cheers, and mercilessly defeated his opponent, unlike how he tried to put a smile on everyone's faces in his first turn. He immediately regretted it, though the crowd had the opposite reaction... This wasn't what he wanted to convey at all.

The following Duel featured Sawatari going up against Yugo. Surprisingly, that idiot put up a good fight and nearly defeated Yuya's Synchro counterpart while also pumping up the crowd with his Entertainment theatre, but in the end, Yugo won the fight with a clever combo using his signature dragon and Speedroid cards. Humph, not bad.

That said...in two particular instances, it felt as if I was watching Yugo's Standard alter ego in action. When he grabbed an Action Card and yelled Yuya's catchphrase, I saw the red-and-green-haired youth in his place. I know they shared the same face, but still... How strange.

I frowned as I watched two guards 'escort' Sawatari out of the Duel Palace. To the underground he goes... Gongenzaka and Tsukikage will protect him from any thugs, and he did a satisfactory job at demonstrating his skills as a Lancer. We'll just rescue him together with the others. We must focus on our own Duels for now.

[The second day of the Friendship Cup is off to a great start!] Melissa squealed as her hologram projection twirled in the middle of the Duel Palace. She then spread her arms wide and winked. [Shell we keep the momentum going? The next Duelists to take the stage are these two!]

Two new holograms materialized beside her, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when I saw one of them.

"It's her, huh?" I thought out loud, staring at the brown-haired youth who, not too long ago, went by the name of The Hitwoman, the Professor's personal executioner. I won't lie, a part of me was curious to see how her strength evolved since her last fight against Vince. "Show me what you can do carrying the title of a Lancer, Daphne."

---

Turn 20:

Seeker of Redemption

---

Hashima Daphne's POV

"There she is! Our next female star makes her debut!" Melissa shouted the moment I entered the Duel Palace wearing a white and yellow Riding Duelist attire and riding a matching D-Wheel. I let loose of a small sigh of exasperation; her favoritism towards female participants was way too obvious... "Facing off against her is Ren's friend, the man who bested a Duel Chaser as well: Antinomy!"

"What did you say?" I glanced backwards with widened eyes, staring at the owner of the one-main-wheeled bike that had just left the pits and was slowly catching up to me. He's a friend of the one Vince fought yesterday?

Focusing on the road again, I narrowed my eyes. From his actions and Duel against Vince, it was safe to say Ren wasn't our enemy. Otherwise, he wouldn't have saved Vince when he arrived in this Dimension, nor would've Dueled so amicably. Then what is he and this Antinomy after? Which Dimension are they from? Why are they shrouding themselves in mystery if they're indeed our allies?

At a first glance, he doesn't seem as talkative as Ren. I side-glanced at him once we came to a stop at the starting line. The chances he'll reveal something are extremely slim. Well, not that Ren divulged in anything either, but it's obvious he's more loquacious than this man. Though I won't lie when I say I prefer this type of foe.

Antinomy abruptly met my gaze with a side-glance of his own, but no words were exchanged. We focused back on the road in unison. Those eyes... I could already tell from those sharp eyes I won't be enjoying myself as Vince did against Ren. Win or be crushed; that's the type of fight the audience's about to witness.

"Hooh, I see both Duelists are ready to get things underway!" Melissa was surprised in a good way. "In that case, without further ado, Action Field on! Field Spell, Crossover Acceleration!"

A yellow pulse of light spread across the sky, causing our surroundings to take on a bluish hue and Action Cards to scatter around the arena.

[Duel Mode, on. Auto-pilot, stand-by.] our Duel Disks declared and deployed their energy blades.

"Riding Duel...!" the countdown reached zero, and Melissa announced, "Acceleration!"

"DUEL!" we shouted and drove off at the same time.

Antinomy: LP 4000

VS

Daphne: LP 4000

We were even at the beginning, but Antinomy soon demonstrated the capabilities of his D-Wheel by revving its engine and swiftly taking the lead.

"Like in his battle against the Duel Chaser, Antinomy will go first!" Melissa announced. "It seems he and Ren like to arouse nostalgia. Ren went second here in the Friendship Cup and when he fought the Duel Chaser too!"

Their aim's to avoid showing as few new tricks as possible, keeping their foes in the dark about the extent of their strength. A basic yet efficient strategy. It's one of the first things I was taught at Academia, too. Whoever he and Ren are, they certainly possess good combat experience...

"Or have a remarkable leader issuing them orders." I whispered to myself, scowling at the thought that there might be an enemy even more dangerous than those two out there.

"Boku no turn!" Antinomy proclaimed. "I summon Tech Genus Catapult Dragon!"

A quadrupedal dragon with a catapult-like device fused to the back of its head appeared.

T.G. Catapult Dragon: Earth / Dragon / Effect / ATK: 900 / DEF: 1300 / LV: 2

"I activate Catapult Dragon's effect." Antinomy took hold of another card in his hand. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 3 or lower 'Tech Genus' Tuner Monster from my hand. Come on, Tech Genus Jet Falcon!"

A falcon with a futuristic jet pack strapped to its back flew out of a portal which opened on his dragon's catapult head.

T.G. Jet Falcon: Wind / Winged Beast / Tuner / Effect / ATK: 1400 / DEF: 1200 / LV: 3

A Tuner and a non-Tuner. Naturally, what comes next is... "I tune the Level 3 Jet Falcon with the Level 2 Catapult Dragon!" as the falcon's body morphed into three green rings that surrounded the dragon and turned it into two stars, he chanted. "Limiter Removal, Level Five! Regulator Open! Thruster Warm up, OK! Up Link All Clear! Go! Synchro Summon! Come on! Tech Genus Hyper Librarian!"

A bright beam shot through the rings, from which a young man wearing glasses, white and black robes, and a red cape and holding a futuristic tablet emerged with a chuckle.

T.G. Hyper Librarian: Dark / Spellcaster / Synchro / Effect / ATK: 2400 / DEF: 1800 / LV: 5

I blinked twice. That...was the most bizarre summon chant I've heard so far in my Dueling career. It's like a checklist for a computer program. "There it is, Hyper Librarian!" Melissa shouted, snapping me out of my thoughts. "One of the two Synchro Monsters that defeated the Duel Chaser. Hmm, if I recall correctly, it has an effect that lets Antinomy draw a card if a Synchro Summon is performed..."

The impish tone with which she said that last part...sigh, she's revealing to me his card's effect by playing it off as helping the crowd think back on his Duel prior to the tournament. Well, I definitely won't say no to such information. One must use every chance they get to defeat their enemies.

"The effect of Jet Falcon, which was sent to the Graveyard as Synchro Material, activates." whether Melissa's meddling bothered him or not, Antinomy did a good job at concealing it. "You take 500 damage!"

Hyper Librarian fired five rectangular-shaped data waves from its tablet, each hitting its mark and making my D-Wheel wobble.

Daphne: LP 4000 - 500 = 3500

"Antinomy draws first blood, shaving away 500 of Daphne's Life!" irritation was evident in Melissa's voice, a sentiment shared by yours truly.

"I activate the Continuous Spell TGX300!" his cards have bizarre names, too... "This card's name should make sense to you once you know its effect. All my Monsters gain 300 Attack for each Tech Genus I control. With one, that's a 300-Attack boost."

A blue aura composed of data enveloped his Spellcaster.

(Hyper Librarian: 2400→2700 ATK)

"...Ah, I see." yes, its name really made sense now. It's quite straightforward, actually. "TG stands for Tech Genus, the X is a multiplication sign, and the 300 represents the Attack boost your Monsters receive from that card's effect. Am I right?"

"Yes, you're spot-on." my foe nodded.

"As expected of our female star, she managed to figure it out on her own!" Melissa smiled pridefully.

"I set two cards and end my turn!" Antinomy concluded.

"Watashi no turn!" Hyper Librarian's effect is limited to Synchro Summons, therefore, it's useless against my Fusion-based deck. Though I won't leave it on the field so he'll benefit from his own summons. I must be wary of his set card, too. Considering the current cards in my hands...yes, that strategy will do. "Draw! First I activate the Continuous Spell Card, Spell Absorption!"

"Daphne-chan plays a Continuous Spell of her own." Melissa noted. "That card makes her gain 500 Life whenever an activated Spell Card resolves. Antinomy's Spells and even Action Magics, which are treated as Spells, will help her keep her Life in check!"

"Correct. Now I activate the Spell Card Spiritual Beast Guidance!" a card, which depicted Wen sitting on a root in a pond with her eyes opened as a white aura surrounded her, appeared. She wasn't staring at her reflection, but at the image of Repunwhale swimming aimlessly in the sea instead. "With no cards in my Pendulum Zones, I can pay 1000 Life Points to add two Psychic-Type Pendulum Monsters from my Deck to my hand!"

An identical white aura surrounded me too, causing me to grunt in discomfort.

Daphne: LP 3500 - 1000 = 2500

"Hoh? Pendulum?" Antinomy glanced backwards, curiosity piqued.

"Why are you surprised?" I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "If you are Ren's comrade, you should already know I'm a Lancer. It's only obvious I would have access to this Summoning Method, no?"

My query put a smile on Antinomy's face. "Hmm, I guess." why was he amused? And what type of answer was that? He better not be underestimating me or he's in for a beating.

"I fetch Ritual Beast Tamer Zeframpilica and Spiritual Beast Tamer Pilica. The turn I activate Spiritual Beast Guidance, I can't place cards into my Pendulum Zones." I finally stated. "Since a Spell Card resolved, I gain 500 Life thanks to Spell Absorption's effect."

The said card released a rain of green particles at me.

Daphne: LP 2500 + 500 = 3000

"I summon Ritual Beast Tamer Elder!"

The elderly man with fair skin, a gray beard, and long hair of the same color tied into a ponytail, clad in green and sand-colored robes and wielding a staff and a book materialized on my field.

Ritual Beast Tamer Elder: ATK 200 / DEF 1000 / LV: 2

"Its effect activates upon Normal Summon, enabling me to perform an additional Normal Summon this turn, at pact I summon a Ritual Beast this way," I explained. "Using this effect, I summon Pilica which I just added to my hand!"

A Monster that appeared to be a slightly older and more outgoing version of Zeframpilica, which kept its hair in an intricate braid on the left side of its head and tied its light green jacket around its waist, joined my field.

Spiritual Beast Tamer Pilica: Wind / Psychic / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 1000 / DEF: 1500 / LV: 3 / SC: 5

"I activate the Spell Card Foolish Burial, whose effect enables me to send one Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. It will be Spiritual Beast Cannahawk." I slid the said card into the GY slot. "Spell Absorption's effect activates again!"

Daphne: LP 3000 + 500 = 3500

"Wow!" Melissa exclaimed in English. "Daphne-chan paid 1000 Life Points to activate a powerful Spell Card, but she regained them in a flash thanks to her Continuous Spell! How ingenious!"

"This is only the beginning. Ritual Beasts can Fusion Summon without a 'Fusion' card by banishing the needed materials from my field. I banish Elder and Pilica, and fuse them!" my Monsters turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as I chanted and clasped my hands together. "Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio!"

The large lion with a flaming mane and claws and Lara on its back emerged from the portal with a roar.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio: ATK 2600 / DEF 400 / LV: 6

"Next up is a Fusion Summon!" Melissa shouted over the crowd's cheers. She then brought a hand to her chin, suddenly confused. "Strange... Fusion Summoning is very popular among this year's female stars. Well, not that I'm complaining!"

"Pilica no kōka!" I gestured at my Fusion Monster. "If this card is banished from the field, I can target one 'Ritual Beast' Monster under my control and have it gain 400 Attack and Defense. Of course, I will target Ulti-Apelio for this effect!"

A gentle breeze swept around my target, prompting Apelio to roar as their strength increased.

(Ulti-Apelio: 2600→3000 ATK, 400→800 DEF)

"I also activate the Spell Card Ritual Beast Gathering!" I continued without missing a beat. "By banishing a 'Ritual Beast' card from my Graveyard, I can draw one card for each 'Ritual Beast Ulti-' Monster I control. I banish Cannahawk and draw one! Spell Absorption's effect follows!"

Daphne: LP 3500 + 500 = 4000

"So your Life Points are back to square one." Antinomy summarized, unbothered by this turn of events. "And you control the Monster with the highest Attack on the field."

"Exactly! Battle!" I aimed a finger in his direction. "Ulti-Apelio attacks Hyper Librarian! During its attacks, this Monster becomes unaffected by other cards' effects until the end of the Damage Step!"

"A precaution against my set card. Too bad I wasn't aiming for your Monster to begin with." I frowned at his words. "Torappu hatsudō: Sonic Stun! Your attack is negated!"

A transparent barrier appeared around his Synchro Monster before Ulti-Apelio's flaming claws could reach it.

"Moreover, I can Special Summon one Tech Genus from my hand or Deck." a card ejected from his deck. "Appear, Tech Genus Cyber Magician!"

A male youth wearing futuristic, wizard-like armor and a red cape appeared with a battle cry.

T.G. Cyber Magician: Light / Spellcaster / Tuner / Effect / ATK: 0 / DEF: 0 / LV: 1

"Antinomy took advantage of Daphne-chan's attack to summon a new Tuner!" Melissa exclaimed in disbelief. "Since the number of 'Tech Genus' Monsters also increased, Antinomy's Monsters gain a total of 600 Attack Points via TGX300's effect!"

(Hyper Librarian: 2700→3000 ATK; Cyber Magician: 0→600 ATK)

"He survived without a scratch..." I whispered to myself in annoyance, albeit making sure to keep my poker face on. I predicted a situation like this, but that didn't make it any less annoying. "My turn isn't over yet. In my second Main Phase, I activate Ulti-Apelio's other effect. During either player's turn, I can return this card to the Extra Deck and target a banished Ritual Beast Tamer and Spiritual Beast to Special Summon in Defense Position!"

Following my words, my Fusion Monster left the field in a shower of yellow particles, which took the forms of Pilica and the hawk whose claws and wings were surrounded by electricity.

Spiritual Beast Cannahawk: ATK 1400 / DEF 600 / LV: 4

"Cannahawk no kōka hatsudō." the hawk let loose of a loud screech. "Once per turn, I can banish one 'Ritual Beast' card from my Deck, and on my second Standby Phase after this effect's activation, that card will be added to my hand. I banish Spiritual Beast Salvation."

After doing so, "I set two cards. Turn End." I concluded as we turned a corner. Good, my board is all set for the next two turns. Even those unpredictable Action Cards shouldn't pose any threats—

"Honestly, that was rather lackluster." my thoughts were interrupted by Antinomy's sudden and displeased remark, prompting my eyes to widen in surprise.

"...What?" did I hear that right? I glared at the man driving in front of me. "Explain."

"I intended to." he slowed down his D-Wheel so we'd be side by side and he met my gaze. "I expected this Duel to be challenging from the get-go, considering your background and current position as a Lancer, but you still performed a series of flashy moves to build a strong wall around yourself in favor of cornering me through battle. I'm not criticizing such a battle style per se, instead, I can see now you haven't changed much."

Just a week ago, I was still The Hitwoman, a loyal Duel Soldier of Academia. Then I was betrayed, and I became a Lancer. How was I supposed to adapt to this unpredictable change? You think I can discard my past like nothing and adopt a new Dueling strategy? I'm not as heartless as some might presume from a simple glance.

"You're saying you can predict my moves based on the information you have of my past Duels?"

"Yes." Antinomy's impassive answer made me scowl. "You didn't Contact Fusion into Ulti-Pettlephin, which means one of your set cards must be Ritual Beast Steeds."

My expression didn't change, but I cursed inwardly as he guessed correctly. It seems there was some truth to his words, great... "I've already devised appropriate counterstrategies against your moves. Don't expect this to be a walk in the park." he sped up, taking the lead once more. "Boku no turn! Draw!"

"In that case, show me! Torappu hatsudō: Ritual Beast Steeds!" let's see whether you're all bark and no bite or not! "For every 'Ritual Beast' Monster I control, I destroy one of your Monsters! I control two, therefore, I destroy both of your Monsters!"

Pilica raised its staff and Cannahawk its head where its yellow gem was situated as they glowed with their natural colors, unleashing rays of light which were absorbed by Steeds.

"You left two Ritual Beasts on the field so you could aim for my two Monsters. Going into Ulti-Pettlephin just to Tag Out moments later would've been counterproductive." Antinomy voiced my plan. "By targeting Hyper Librarian and Cyber Magician, I activate my set Quick-Play Spell Card, TGX2-CT!"

A card, which depicted his Cyber Magician but with the armor on its shoulders replaced by some sort of futuristic device that emitted a faint veil of light and enveloped the rest of the male youth's armor, appeared.

"Tech Genus Times 2 - Coating...is what this name stands for, in case you were wondering." did he say 'coating'? Then that means—"This turn, my targets can't be destroyed by battle or my opponent's card effects!"

True to Antinomy's words, the two beams which shot out of my Trap struck his two Monsters but failed to do them any harm.

My scowl deepened at that. "Antinomy successfully dodged Daphne-chan's abrupt strike!" Melissa reported with a concerned tone. "He wasn't lying when he said he expected Steeds...! He already knew of Daphne-chan's strategy before seeing her Duel? That's unfair!"

"Humph, says the one who revealed my card's effect to her..." Antinomy finally showed his exasperation at the reporter's behavior. "Not that it matters. Now then...since you didn't use your other set card in the same chain, it can't be another Steeds. Good, that means I can continue with my turn unhindered."

"You...!" not only did he guess correctly again, but the way he worded that...I could tell he wasn't mocking me—I learned at Academia what real derision looks like too, which didn't prove to be difficult considering all the types of people who were there—but it was annoying nonetheless. "Don't forget about Spell Absorption's effect! I gain 500 Life Points because the effect of the Spell Card you activated resolved."

I was covered in another rain of green particles, but Antinomy proceeded as if nothing had happened.

Daphne: LP 4000 + 500 = 4500

"Thanks to Cyber Magician's effect, if I were to use it as a Synchro Material for the summon of a 'Tech Genus' Monster, I can tune it with other 'Tech Genus' Monsters from my hand," a Synchro Summon like that was possible? "I tune the Level 1 Cyber Magician with the Level 4 Rush Rhino from my hand! Synchro Flight Control! Limiter Removal, Level Five, Booster Injection 120%. Recovery Network Range Updated! All Clear! Go! Synchro Summon! Come on! Tech Genus Power Gladiator!"

To appear next to his Spellcaster with a valiant battle cry was an axe-wielding warrior clad in futuristic armor.

T.G. Power Gladiator: Earth / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / ATK: 2300 → 2900 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 5

"There it is, Power Gladiator! This is the line-up which defeated the Duel Chaser!" the Tops weren't cheering for Antinomy, precisely for the reason Melissa has just mentioned, but the Commons, on the other hand, were going crazy. "This is bad! That Synchro Monster can deal piercing damage!"

"Piercing?" my eyes widened a little in surprise.

"I obviously took into consideration the fact you can only Tag Out into defense mode." my foe pointed out nonchalantly. You don't say...! "Hyper Librarian's effect activates since I Synchro Summoned, allowing me to draw a card. I activate the Spell Card Galaxy Cyclone, targeting your remaining set card to destroy it!"

I gnashed my teeth as a miniature cyclone enveloped the said card, causing it to shatter like glass, but not before revealing its contents to the viewers.

"Ritual Beast Survival. As I expected, a Trap with a defensive effect." Antinomy said. "Spell Absorption's effect activates for the second time."

Daphne: LP 4500 + 500 = 5000

"Let's Battle! Go, Power Gladiator!" Antinomy cried out. "Attack Cannahawk! Machinize Slash!"

Followed by another battle cry, his warrior leaped forward and bisected my hawk with a swift swing of its axe, ensuing an explosion that sent my D-Wheel spinning out of control for a few seconds.

Daphne: LP 5000 - 2300 = 2700

"Daphne-chan took a big hit!" Melissa gasped in horror. "Antinomy was able to completely read her moves and turn the tides in his favor!"

"Hmph, they were never in her favor to begin with." I heard my foe scoff. "Battle! I attack Pilica with Hyper Librarian! Machinize Wisdom!"

His second Synchro Monster fired a new wave of data from its tablet, this time striking my remaining Ritual Beast and causing it to leave the field with a pained cry.

"Pilica was in Defense Position, therefore, I take no battle damage," I explained while sliding her card into my Extra Deck. "Moreover, as a Pendulum Monster, it is added to my Extra Deck in face-up position upon destruction."

"I end my turn." Antinomy stated. "Hashima Daphne, with your current output of strength, you can't possibly hope to surpass me. The moment this Duel's match-up was announced, you lost. Don't misunderstand me, it isn't because you're weak. Your Dueling bests that of many participants of this tournament."

"Then why?" I urged him to continue with a glare.

"It's simply because my strength is on another scale compared to yours." Antinomy declared as a matter of fact, glancing backwards at me with narrowed eyes. "One that you can't catch up to."

OK, that crossed the line. "Do you also know it's a mistake to think highly of yourself? The shock when you realize that having underestimated your opponent cost you the game might be unbearable." I jeered him back for the first time since the Duel started, to which he stayed silent.

Why are people a fan of this holier-than-thou attitude? I will never wrap my head around it. So many of my ex-classmates and even teachers were like that, too. I was forced to endure them rambling on and on, and it was just...ugh! How can someone love the sound of their voice while they fight with their lives at stake? They may think that's how a soldier acts, but it's incomprehensible to me. A battle must not be exhilarating if it causes casualties or leads to a person's ruin.

"Watashi no turn!" if you can predict every strategy I've used before this Duel, I will opt for one that I haven't shown yet. It's that simple. "Draw! I summon Ritual Beast Tamer Zeframpilica!"

A Monster that consisted of a young Pilica and a winged Rampengu appeared.

Ritual Beast Tamer Zeframpilica: Wind / Psychic / Pendulum / Effect / ATK: 1000 / DEF: 1500 / LV: 3 / SC: 1

"Its effect activates upon Normal or Pendulum Summon, enabling me to target a different Ritual Beast in my Graveyard to Special Summon, at pact I destroy it during the End Phase," I explained as we turned a corner. "Return to me, Cannahawk!"

The said hawk emerged from a GY Portal with a beat of its wings, causing sparks to fall off of them.

"Daphne-chan gathers the needed materials for another Contact Fusion without breaking a sweat!" Melissa cheered in tandem with the crowd. "Alright, let the counterattack commence!"

"You heard her." I told my foe, liking the sound of her words. "I activate Cannahawk's effect, banishing Spiritual Beast Pettlephin from my Deck! Now I banish Zeframpilica and Cannahawk, and fuse them!"

My Monsters turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as I chanted and clasped my hands together.

"Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Repunwhale!"

A Monster that consisted of Wen, who had its eyes opened and Pettlephin's scarf wrapped around its neck, and Repunwhale, the killer whale with a tall and triangular dorsal fin, sapphire blue eyes, white tribal tattoos on its body's black parts, and wearing Pettlephin's armor in its Ulti variant this time around, revealed itself.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Repunwhale: Wind / Fish / Fusion / Effect / ATK: 2300 / DEF: 2600 / LV: 6

"A new Fusion Monster?" Antinomy's voice didn't waver, but he narrowed his eyes at me as a sign of discontent.

"There's more." I remarked, somewhat pleased I was able to draw such a reaction. "I banish Spiritual Beast Guidance from my Graveyard to activate its effect. I target the face-up Pilica in my Extra Deck and add it to my hand. Then I activate Ulti-Repunwhale's effect!"

A shoal of fishes made of water materialized around my Fusion Monster.

"I banish the 'Ritual Beast' card, Pilica, from my hand to change the Battle Position of all Monsters you control! Psyche Prison!" the shoal rushed forward, surrounding the opposing Synchro Monsters and forcing them to kneel against their own will. "Moreover, this turn, Ulti-Repunwhale can inflict piercing damage."

"Hoh?" Antinomy inquired.

"Pilica's effect also activates as it was banished from my hand, allowing me to draw two cards. Battle!" I threw an arm forward. "I attack Hyper Librarian with Ulti-Repunwhale! Aqua Retribution!"

The T.G. user revved his engine, seizing an incoming Action Card while turning his D-Wheel sideways to look at me. "Akushon Majikku: Miracle! Hyper Librarian won't be destroyed by this battle, and the damage I will take is halved!"

The Beast unleashed a torrent of water from its mouth, but Hyper Librarian blocked it by summoning a wall of data in front of itself. The Tamer's eyes flashed as it waved its staff, causing the water to part and bounce around the wall, striking my foe in the back. Spell Absorption's effect also came into play seconds later.

Antinomy: LP 4000 - 250 = 3750

Daphne: LP 2700 + 500 = 3200

"Argh! Antinomy's Synchro Monster remains standing thanks to an Action Card!" Melissa voiced my frustration. An Action Field was such a double-edged sword... Why would anyone pick it as their 'greatest weapon'? Pendulum was one thing, but this? Normally, it wouldn't be a big deal because I can collect Action Cards to use myself, but Antinomy hasn't been leaving me any openings to exploit to surpass him since the beginning of the Duel, so it's like they're reserved for him alone at the moment...!

"Now's not the right time to be flustered." Antinomy abruptly scolded me.

"Hmph, worry about yourself first." I retorted back. "I don't need Action Cards to defeat you! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Ritual Beast's Assault! This turn, Ulti-Repunwhale can attack all monsters my opponent controls, once each!"

Spell Absorption's effect activated again, and I was covered in a rain of green particles.

Daphne: LP 3200 + 500 = 3700

"Now I attack Power Gladiator! Aqua Retribution!"

The second torrent of water hit its mark, prompting the other Synchro Monster to leave the field with a pained cry and an explosion, though the one-main-wheeled bike in front of me didn't even wobble from the shock waves.

Antinomy: LP 3750 - 1300 = 2450

"Power Gladiator's effect activates as it was destroyed." Antinomy stated. "I draw a card from my Deck. Also, Hyper Librarian's Attack goes down by 300 since the number of my 'Tech Genus' Monsters decreased."

"Daphne-chan regains the Life Points advantage!" Melissa cheered with the crowd again.

"In my second Main Phase, I activate Ulti-Repunwhale's effect to Tag Out! Return to me, Elder, Pettlephin!" my Fusion Monster left the field in a shower of yellow particles, which took the forms of Elder and the pink dolphin with purple markings painted over its body and wearing silver armor around its fins, tail, and forehead.

Spiritual Beast Pettlephin: ATK 0 / DEF 2000 / LV: 4

"I activate Pettlephin's effect!" the dolphin gained a blue aura at those words. "Once per turn, by banishing a 'Ritual Beast' card from my hand, I can target one card you control and return it to the hand. I banish Ritual Beast Return and target Hyper Librarian!"

Antinomy acquired another card from a floating bubble. "Akushon Majikku: Detour!" he shouted. "Pettlephin's effect is negated and you take 500 damage!"

The dolphin's blue aura turned white and it washed over me as well, causing us to flinch in discomfort. Spell Absorption's effect then made me regain those lost LP.

Daphne: LP 3700 - 500 = 3200 + 500 = 3700

"I banish Elder and Pettlephin, and fuse them!" I continued without missing a beat. "Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!"

The Monster that consisted of a larger version of Cannahawk with Elder on its back emerged from the portal with a screech.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk: ATK 1400 / DEF 1600 / LV: 6

"Ulti-Cannahawk no kōka!" I gestured at the stated Monster. "Once per turn, I can target two of my banished 'Ritual Beast' cards and return them to the Graveyard to add one 'Ritual Beast' card from my Deck to my hand. I target the banished Guidance and Pilica. In addition, I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's other effect to Tag Out for Pilica and Zeframpilica!"

"E-Eeeh!?" Melissa exclaimed in shock, a sentiment shared by the audience, which was the typical reaction whenever I reveal this specific combo to someone for the first time. "If those effects can be used in the same chain and it isn't required for both cards to end up in the Graveyard, Daphne-chan can use this combo as long as she has banished 'Ritual Beast' cards to sacrifice!"

"No, she can't." Antinomy was the one to correct her. "It's true neither of Ulti-Cannahawk's effects are hard once-per-turns, but each 'Ritual Beast' Main Deck Monster has a restriction of only being able to be Special Summoned once-per-turn. Even if she had cards to sacrifice, she wouldn't have Monsters to Tag Out for."

"It's no surprise you know this too, but it's exasperating at this point." I pointed out with a sigh.

"That's your deck's most terrifying combo." I raised an eyebrow at Antinomy's words. Well, can't say he's incorrect. "It's obvious I'd thoroughly study it."

"I'll take that as a compliment." he shrugged, unbothered by the idea. Moving on, my Fusion Monster was replaced by Pilica and its Zefra counterpart. "Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect now resolves, and I add Ritual Beast Willpower to my hand. I banish my new Monsters to perform a third Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin!"

Swimming out of the portal was the Fusion-self of Pettlephin and Wen.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin: ATK 200 / DEF 2800 / LV: 6

"Due to Pilica's effect, Ulti-Pettlephin gains 400 Attack and Defense since it was banished from the field." a gentle breeze swept around my Fusion Monster as its ATK and DEF rose to 600 and 3200 respectively. "I set one card. Turn End!"

"Daphne-chan strengthens her defense in preparation for Antinomy's next turn!" Melissa noted. "She's displaying magnificently how she can switch between offense and defense at will. However, the question is, how will her opponent respond when he already knows what to expect from her!?"

"You're trying to overcome your limits." I blinked twice. His voice...it sounded like he was reminiscing about someone else who did that once too. "But all you did was get closer to the current level of power I'm exhibiting! You are a hundred years too early to be on par with my actual strength, Hashima Daphne! Boku no turn, draw! First things first, I banish Galaxy Cyclone from my Graveyard to activate its effect, enabling me to target Spell Absorption and destroy it!"

I frowned as a miniature cyclone shredded the said card. There goes all my free LP...

"I activate the Spell Card TG1-LVC!" a card, which depicted a light blue background and the green silhouette of Jet Falcon zooming through a dark blue ring that usually appears during a Synchro Summon, was revealed. "Its name stands for Tech Genus 1 - Level Change. As for its effect, by sending a Spell or Trap Card that lists 'Tech Genus' in its text from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one Tech Genus from my Deck. Come on, Screw Serpent!"

A dragon with a serpentine body clad in futuristic armor appeared with a growl.

T.G. Screw Serpent: Water / Sea Serpent / Tuner / Effect / ATK: 1300 / DEF: 500 / LV: 4

"Now I can change its Level to any number from 1 to 4. I choose 1!" Antinomy declared. "Screw Serpent no kōka! If this card is Normal or Special Summoned, I can target one Level 4 or lower non-Screw Serpent 'Tech Genus' Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it by negating its effects. Resurrect, Rush Rhino!"

To appear next was a bipedal rhinoceros covered in futuristic armor.

T.G. Rush Rhino: Earth / Beast / Effect / ATK: 1600 / DEF: 800 / LV: 4

"I tune the Level 1 Screw Serpent with the Level 4 Rush Rhino!" as the sea serpent's body morphed into one green ring that surrounded the rhino and turned it into four stars, he chanted. "Limiter Removal, Level Five. Booster Launch, OK! Inclination, OK! Ground Support! All Clear! Go! Synchro Summon! Come on! Tech Genus Wonder Magician!"

A bright beam shot through the rings, from which a young woman clad in futuristic armor that had four artificial, fairy-like wings sprouting from its back emerged with a wink.

T.G. Wonder Magician: Light / Spellcaster / Synchro / Tuner / Effect / ATK: 1900 / DEF: 0 / LV: 5

"TGX300 increases the Attack of Antinomy's Monsters by a total of 600 points since the number of the Tech Genuses he controls is two." Melissa reminded everyone. She then smirked wide. "But that isn't enough to defeat Daphne-chan's Fusion Monster!"

(Hyper Librarian: 2700→3000 ATK; Wonder Magician: 1900→2500 ATK)

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?" Antinomy told her. "Hyper Librarian's and Wonder Magician's effects activate, and they chain to each other. I'll start with the latter: I target your set card and destroy it!"

He had other ways to remove my backrow, huh? "I agree with you that summoning Ulti-Pettlephin just to Tag Out moments later has no meaning unless I control a card like Soul Absorption or Ritual Beast Willpower." I admitted, closing my eyes in resignation. When I reopened them, however, the man driving in front of me was confused by the sudden spark of determination in them. "But don't assume I myself can't use that mindset to my advantage."

It didn't slip my notice how Antinomy's eyes widened behind his visor. "What?"

"I activate the Trap Card Ritual Beast Steeds and chain Ulti-Pettlephin's effect to it!" his mouth fell open, and I smirked inwardly. He finally fell into my trap! "Ulti-Pettlephin will Tag Out for Zeframpilica and Pettlephin!"

The stated Monsters replaced my Fusion Monster, displaying their 1500 DEF and 2000 DEF respectively.

"Steeds resolves! With two Ritual Beasts on my field, I can destroy both of your Monsters!" I shouted as my Trap absorbed the light emitted from the Tamer's staff and the gem on the Beast's head.

"You tricked me...?" Antinomy was in disbelief.

"The knowledge of my past Duels can help you predict how I will move, but you must also consider the possibility of the opposite being equally true." I pointed out coolly. "In layman's terms, I can foresee how you will move because you know how I will move."

"A-Amazing...!" Melissa, as well as the crowd, were in awe. "Daphne-chan set up a field that lead Antinomy into thinking she hadn't had set Steeds. Searching Willpower, which is now the only remaining card in her hand, and summoning Ulti-Pettlephin were diversions for that end...!? The amount of brainpower I'm seeing is out of this world!"

Wonder Magician flapped its wings, releasing yellow particles that enveloped Steeds and caused it to spark with electricity. It shattered to pieces, but not before firing two beams that struck the opposing Monsters and bathed my foe's side of the field in smoke.

"Did she do it!?" Melissa asked the obvious, and seconds later, the T.G. user shoot out of the smoke—followed by his two Synchro Monsters. I gritted my teeth; all that work and nothing to show for it...! "What!? Why weren't they destroyed!?"

"From my Graveyard, I banished TGDX300, which I sent there as a cost for TG1-LVC, to prevent the destruction of my 'Tech Genus' Monsters," while drawing via Hyper Librarian's effect, Antinomy spoke with the same monotone tone as before. Although, if one were to listen carefully, one would detect a speck of admiration in it now. "If the enemy's weapon is one's weapon, then the opposite must also be true. I haven't forgotten the ironclad rules of battle, and I'm glad I took precautions."

I frowned. I caught him by surprise, but he was still one step ahead of me? A troublesome foe through and through... "Moving on, I activate the Spell Card Synchro Treasure!"

What? A Synchro version of my Fusion Treasure? A card, which depicted a similar scenario to the card I just mentioned, but with divers at the bottom of the sea instead, appeared. They found a chest filled with treasures there, two energy rays shooting out of it and spiraling upwards.

"With two Synchro Monsters on the field, I can draw two cards. Battle!" Antinomy shouted as we turned a corner. "Hyper Librarian attacks Zeframpilica! Machinize Wisdom!"

A new wave of data was fired from Hyper Librarian's tablet, destroying yet another one of my 'Ritual Beast' Monsters.

"Next, Wonder Magician attacks Pettlephin! Machinize Sorcery!"

Following its user's words, Wonder Magician released a lightning bolt from one of its palms, pulverizing my remaining wall-Monster. My frown deepened; back to controlling no cards...

"I set two cards and end my turn." Antinomy concluded. "I truly didn't expect you to resort to such a trick. It definitely feels like I'm Dueling now, instead of watching you dance in the palm of my hand. Your surroundings are urging you to change, and I'm not referring only to your fighting style."

What's he getting at? Noting my confused expression, Antinomy proceeded to elaborate with a tone that I didn't expect him to equip in front of an opponent, one that was soft and instantly made me realize I won't like the direction this conversation was headed to.

"You feel guilt. You want redemption. I believe that's why you joined the Lancers. But do you think that will be enough to make amends for your past actions? Sins can be forgiven, but they can't be forgotten."

His words hit home, and I tightened my grip on the handles to calm down. Redemption for what I've done in my days as a Duel Soldier, huh? If only it were that simple. "That's just half of it." I scoffed, lightly shaking my head. Until now, I wasn't sure how much information he had about me, but for him to think that, I guess he didn't have everything. I'm relieved, because there's no reason for him to know all the essentials.

Sins can't be forgotten... Indeed. And I thought promises can't, either.

FLASHBACK

Three years ago, when I was twelve, I found myself wandering the dark and empty corridors of Academia one night. Although I'm not the type who enjoys taking late strolls, I thought it would be a more efficient way to calm my nerves instead of frowning dumbly at the ceiling in hopes of falling asleep. The fact it was a warm summer night and there was silence in the corridors—unlike during daytime—definitely helped.

I was worried about Mum. The hospital warned me her health has been deteriorating in the past months, and that we should prepare for the worst, yet Mum kept reassuring me all was fine. I understood she didn't want me to fret over her, but how could I not, especially when I was her daughter?

In the end, that stroll didn't do any good. In fact, it threw me into even bigger dismay.

I came to a stop at the entrance of the botanical garden. "Is that...Yuri?" I whispered to myself, not expecting to meet the infamous violet-haired youth here at this hour.

There wasn't a single soul in Academia that didn't know of this self-serving and vicious soldier who can only be kept in check by the Professor. Everyone, even teachers, tried to avoid him as much as possible. Approaching him meant you had a death wish, and he was a lone wolf anyway.

He and I didn't share any classes and I barely caught glimpses of him during break. I saw him Dueling once, which turned out to be...an unpleasant experience, to say the least. Although considering all the rumors I've heard about him, it was to be expected. It was as clear as day why he was feared.

Then why? Why was this so-called monster on his knees, shaking like a leaf, and sobbing?

"Why...do I...have to be strong?" Yuri wheezed out, eyes screwed tightly shut as tears flowed from their corners. He pressed his deck to his forehead, looking to be on the verge of insanity. "Is it...really a blessing...to be strong? Please...help me, Starve Venom...!"

I was at a complete loss. It felt like my brain stopped working, and I earnestly wished for someone to tell me what to make out of this scene. Yuri, one of Academia's strongest soldiers, probably second only to the Professor, was on the ground, crying, talking to his cards like some sort of lunatic, and loathing his own strength.

I placed a hand over my chest, feeling a sudden pang in it as I stared at the violet-haired youth. He looked...so defeated. What...should I do? What could I do? I never expected to see this side of Yuri—nay, I didn't even consider he had one. Was this really the Yuri who was labeled by everyone as a heartless, sadistic monster?

A part of me wished to step out into the moonlight and talk to him, but another part, the rational one that thought I would only make things worse if I were to do so, eventually won the fight raging in my head, and I retreated to my bedroom, deeply perplexed about the rumors circulating the Predator Plants user.

I couldn't sleep at all that night.

A few days later...

[Poor boy...! I can't begin to imagine what he must be experiencing.]

The first person I turned to—and the only person I could turn to—for advice when I finally collected my thoughts was my mother. There was Asuka too, but even if she was my only friend and I deeply trusted her, I didn't want to divulge Yuri's moment of weakness to her. Since we all lived at Academia, it's inevitable those two will cross paths, and knowing Asuka's bleeding heart, she will attempt to help him, which he might take as an insult and fight her. I didn't want her to get hurt because of me.

Mum was bedridden in a hospital ever since I was ten. She and Asuka were practically the same when it comes to their level of kindness, but I didn't have to worry about Mum making a trip to Academia to help Yuri or anything remotely close to that.

[That boy's name is Yuri, right? What you've seen must be the real him he's desperately trying to hide from the world.] the real Yuri, huh? To completely hide the entirety of one's sadness and frustration was admirable, but those tears...was its price really worth it? [And now that you've discovered it...you two are destined to be an item! Aah, to think my dear Daphne would grow up so quickly! I want to know everything about Yuri, spare no details! Do you have a picture to send me? Don't worry, I won't show it to anyone—]

"Mum..." staring at my Duel Disk with half-lidded eyes, I sighed in exasperation, putting an end to her rapid flow of words. How could someone draw that conclusion? Then again, this was Mum we're talking about; she was an incredibly sunny person. If those who always call me a down-to-earth girl were to meet her, they would have a hard time believing she's my mother. Though I never hated that about her, in fact, I was happy to know her morale's the same as it ever was, considering she's been in a hospital for two years now.

[Ah, s-sorry, maybe I got too ahead of myself.] Mum let out a sheepish giggle. [Do you know what to do next, Daphne?]

I looked to the side, at the clear sky outside the one window that was present in my bedroom. "...I still don't know." I admitted begrudgingly.

Mum gave a knowing hum. [But you're interested in him now, yes?]

"Mum." I scolded her for the second time.

[Not like that!] she hastily pointed out. [I meant you want to help him, right?]

I frowned, Yuri's plea echoing in my head. Please...help me, Starve Venom...! "He himself cried for help, however, he has no one to rely on. The Professor is the only person who willingly approached him in all these years, but either Yuri doesn't want to trouble him, or he doesn't fully trust him yet. That's why he turned to his ace Monster, even if it's but a simple, inanimate object."

[He needs someone to rely on, then. Will you be that someone, Daphne?]

"...I don't know." I shook my head, staring at my Duel Disk again. Ugh, how I wish I was next to her, instead of talking to her on the phone like this. Expressing myself was always easier when I was beside her. "I...yes? But can I do it? I'm not like you, Mum. I'm horrible at these sorts of things."

[Don't compare yourself to others, Daphne.] Mum remarked softly. [You aren't an outgoing girl? Where's the problem with that? You became friends with Asuka by being yourself, so what's stopping you from helping Yuri?]

Well, she had a point, but... "It feels wrong." I muttered, balling up my fists on my lap. "For how long has Yuri been suffering like this? To care about him now, only because I coincidentally saw him crying in the botanical garden...!"

[Daphne,] my eyes widened at Mum's serious tone. [In this world, there are people who can easily tell when others are in pain, while others that can't. There are also people who seek others out for comfort, while others that bottle their feelings up. You just now noticed he's in pain? Or, let's say, Yuri decides to finally open up to someone about his feelings?]

She chuckled warmly, a sound that managed to put my mind at ease. [No one should believe that's wrong. We aren't robots. We are sentient beings with free will. It's OK to rely on others, and to be weak.]

I opened my mouth, and closed it right back. Her conviction left me speechless. [Try to become friends with Yuri.] she suggested, followed by another chuckle. [He'll only open up to you if you earn his trust, I'm sure of it!]

"Y...Y-Yes. That's the same conclusion I reached as well." a smile graced my face at last. I did say she's good at these sorts of things, didn't I? "Thank you, Mum."

[Anytime, my dear—] out of the blue, all I could hear from the other end was a series of violent coughing, prompting me to call out to Mum in concern. When she spoke up, her voice lost its liveliness and it was shaking. [I...I'm OK. I-I got a little too excited, haha...]

"Mum!" I yelled, angry that she was joking in this type of situation. I rubbed my temples to calm down and glanced at the clock on the wall above my desk. Sigh, my next class was going to start soon. "Immediately call your doctor if you aren't feeling well, alright?"

[Hm-hmm! Ah, Daphne, before you go!] she quickly said. [Can you promise me something?]

"Of course." I nodded without missing a beat, then remembered this was only a phone call and Mum couldn't see me. We rarely made promises, but when we did, it was always about bringing something to the hospital the next time I go for a visit, whether it be food she liked or flowers to decorate her otherwise plain room. I didn't want to disappoint her, hence why I always stayed true to our promises. "It's almost the end of the month, too. You won't have to wait long for anything."

Academia was, unexpectedly and thankfully, very generous when it comes to supporting the lives of its students' families. If you could keep your grades past a certain threshold, your family would be exempted from paying certain taxes, or Academia would provide you primary needs, or even pay medical expenses for you.

A large number of students, including me, were using this opportunity set by the Professor to help our families from afar. Those with relatives in the nearest hospital, moreover, get the chance to visit them at the end of each month accompanied by a teacher on Academia's personal boat. Mum and I were truly fortunate in these regards.

[No, no, I don't want any food or flowers this time.] I raised an eyebrow in confusion. [I want you to promise me...that you'll always stay true to yourself, Daphne.]

What? "Where did that come from?" I inquired, now surprised.

[Don't sweat the details!] Mum whined childishly, prompting me to chuckle in a low tone.

"Alright, alright." I sighed in defeat and smiled wide. "It's a promise, then."

A promise that not only did I fail to uphold, but forgot over the years. Mum knew that she didn't have much longer to live, that she was going to die a few months later, but she couldn't steel herself for that conversation, so in an act of desperation, she reassured herself that I won't do anything stupid after her death through a promise.

In the end, I wasn't able to notice my own mother's sadness and frustration, and I hoped to help a complete stranger? Yuri from all people? How foolish. I was doomed to fail from the very beginning.

I really wanted to know him. I really wanted to help him. I was genuinely curious about the real Yuri: how was he like? Did he actually enjoy Dueling? Why did he call out to his ace and not the Professor? Could we rely on one another?

I approached him, smiled at him, and even praised him, but nothing seemed to work. As a matter of fact, I felt him ever more distant from me with each attempt. When he was going to card me, I finally realized all I did was for naught.

What did I do wrong? Did I overstep my bounds somewhere along the way? Everything I did seemed logical to me. Maybe the rumor, according to which I was head over heels for him, disgusted him? Sigh, I'm bad with feelings... maybe even Mum was. My father, who abandoned us when I was born, surely was. It seems it's a family thing.

I'm grateful to Mum, who never stopped loving me till the very end. I'm grateful to Yuu, who saved me from Yuri. I'm grateful to Sakushi, who reminded me of the promise I made...and showed me it's possible to help a complete stranger—and even a foe.

Heh, truth be told, I'm a little jealous of that guy. I saw him with my own eyes accomplish what I couldn't, and multiple times at that, too! I failed to help Yuri, but I believe if Sakushi were to give it a try, he will succeed. After all...if he managed to help someone as pathetic as me, anything should be possible for him.

END OF FLASHBACK

I gripped the top card of my deck firmly. "Watashi no turn!"

It's true that I aim for redemption, or else, how will I face Mum again when I join her in the afterlife? I don't want to disappoint Yuu and Sakushi, either. No matter how many measures you take, things never turn out as expected. Reality always exceeds expectations. I learned that the hard way, both through life and Dueling. Still...I made up my mind to persevere while staying true to myself!

"DRAW!" I declared at the top of my lungs with deep fervor. But upon seeing what I got, my eyes widened in disbelief. "This is..."

A year or so ago, an arrogant dunce challenged Yuri to a Duel, determined to prove he was the strongest Duel Soldier at Academia. As one would expect, it ended horribly for him: on top of it being an incredibly one-sided beating, this person lost because of the effect of one of his own cards.

Taking pleasure in his humiliation, Yuri publicly announced that the first person who could use that same card and not suffer the consequences of not meeting its conditions will be given the chance to ask him a question that he will answer truthfully.

The gamble which involved that card was too risky, and Yuri wasn't and isn't to this day a man of his word, so no one bothered trying—except pathetic old me. Yet, for some remarkably strange reason, I never managed to draw that card during a Duel, be it training or an actual Duel against a foe.

One might ask, "why have you kept that card in your deck if your pursuit for Yuri's true self is over?" Honestly...its name, unlike before, had an actual meaning now. It reminded me of Sakushi's words.

You and Serena should be greedier and think more for yourselves!

How ironic... I drew this card now that I attribute it to Sakushi instead of Yuri, and now that I'm being true to myself instead of being The Hitwoman. Fate must either enjoy toying with me or it was patiently waiting for me to finally bet victory on luck.

"During this Standby Phase, Spiritual Beast Salvation, which I banished through Cannahawk's effect, is added to my hand." I took a big inhale, then exhaled. Let's go, Mum, Yuu, and Sakushi! "I activate the Spell Card Fusion Greed!"

A card, which depicted the card of Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast falling into a dark abyss from which three other cards and the silhouette of several demonic hands were flying towards the viewer, appeared.

"As a cost, I must banish one Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck face-down. It will be the Level 6 Ulti-Pettlephin," I explained. "I will now excavate the top three cards of my Deck, and if the total Levels of the excavated Monsters equal Ulti-Pettlephin's, those cards will be shuffled into my Deck and I will draw three cards. If not...I take 4000 damage multiplied by Ulti-Pettlephin's Level."

Antinomy whipped his head around, eyes wide in shock. "4...4-4000 damage...times six?" Melissa, upon successfully processing what I've said, jumped onto her table and screamed together with an equally baffled crowd, "2-24000 DAMAGE!?"

"Why are you leaving it to chance?" the T.G. user almost sounded angry that he couldn't comprehend my decision, something which earned a smirk from yours truly.

"Why are you so flustered? I've already done something unpredictable in this Duel, so does it matter if I do it for a second time?" confident words for someone who doesn't know if she can live up to her words or not. "The first."

The entire Duel Palace fell silent the moment I excavated my first card, anxiously waiting for me to continue. I clicked my tongue when I saw its contents. "It's the Continuous Spell Soul Absorption." a bad start.

"Which means the next two cards must be correct." Antinomy stated the obvious.

"The second." alright, it's a Monster this time. "Level 3, Ritual Beast Tamer Wen."

"It all depends on the last card, folks!" Melissa exclaimed in concern. "Can Daphne-chan get a Level 3 Monster and win this gamble, or will she take 24000 damage and lose to her own card's effect!?"

Only one way to find out. "The third." all I could hear was my own heartbeat as I slowly extracted the final card from my deck and turned it around. Many jumbled thoughts arose in my head at once: was it a mistake to use Fusion Greed? Can I get a Level 3? I run more Level 4 Monsters than Level 3. And if it's a Spell or a Trap? Did I self-destruct? I don't want to lose this way!

Like it happened to the audience seconds ago, my thoughts, too, fell silent when I finally saw what I got. "It's..." my eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "Spiritual Beast Tamer Pilica...Level 3."

Antinomy, surprisingly, smiled. "Congratulations." he praised me.

"She...SHE DID IT!" Melissa announced the result with a leap of happiness, and the crowd erupted into impressed and shocked cheers. "Daphne-chan's life-and-death gamble paid off, enabling her to draw three new cards! No one can argue with me when I say the goddess of victory is on our female star's side!"

"I-I really did it..." I wasn't dissatisfied with this result, don't get me wrong. The reason why I was having a hard time moving on was that I didn't expect to achieve success on my first try, and at such an important and significant moment, too. Fate was really twisted.

I eventually snapped out of my trance, and before I could stop myself, I did something I just realized I haven't done in a long time, namely, laugh merrily. "Is this what gamblers must experience whenever they play?" I asked no one in particular. "Well, it definitely felt nice to win that gamble, but this seriously isn't my cup of tea."

"This result is proof your future hasn't abandoned you yet." Antinomy remarked. He then smirked in a challenging manner. "That said, you were able to replenish your hand, but don't get too ahead of yourself. It won't be a walk in the park to break my field, and you know it!"

"That, I do. However, you implied it yourself: it won't be easy, but it's possible!" I pointed out. When was the last time I got this worked up while Dueling? The Lancers who were watching me, what were they thinking right now? I admit, this wasn't like me at all. Or could this be considered the real me? "I banish Spiritual Beast Guidance from my Graveyard to activate its effect, adding the face-up Zeframpilica in my Extra Deck to my hand, which I then summon!"

The said Monster reappeared on my field with a flap of its glistering wings.

"Its effect activates on Normal Summon. Return to me, Pettlephin!" the pink dolphin swum out of a GY Portal at those words. "I activate its effect! I banish Ritual Beast Willpower from my hand to target Hyper Librarian and return it to your hand!"

Pettlephin released a blue wave of energy from its gem, which washed over the stated Synchro Monster without any trouble this time and caused it to vanish into nothingness.

"Good! That's one down!" Melissa nodded. "And because the number of Tech Genuses Antinomy controls decreased, Wonder Magician's Attack becomes 2200!"

"Correct. Now I banish Zeframpilica and Pettlephin, and fuse them!" my Monsters turned into red and blue energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal as I chanted and clasped my hands together. "Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio!"

The large lion with a flaming mane and claws and Lara on its back emerged from the portal with a roar, displaying its 2600 ATK to us all.

Let's put an end to this! "Battle! I—"

"At the beginning of the Battle Phase, I activate the Continuous Trap Fiendish Chain!" what did you say? "By your expression, I take it you're familiar with this card. I target your Ulti-Apelio, and so long as Fiendish Chain is on the field, its effects are negated and it can't attack or be released!"

"That won't be enough for me to falter!" I shouted defiantly. "In response, I activate Ulti-Apelio's effect to Tag Out! Return to me, Elder, Pilica!"

A series of chains shot out of his Trap, but before they could ensnare my Fusion Monster, it left the field in a shower of yellow particles, which took the forms of Elder and Pilica.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Ritual Beast's Bond!" I slammed the card into my Duel Disk. "By banishing two Ritual Beasts I control, I'm permitted to Special Summon one Ritual Beast from my Extra Deck by ignoring its Summoning conditions!"

My two Monsters were replaced by Ulti-Apelio at those words.

"Daphne-chan re-summons her Fusion Monster and earns an additional attack!" Melissa shouted over the cheering crowd. "And we shouldn't forget about Pilica's effect, which will increase Ulti-Apelio's stats by 400 since it was banished from the field—"

"Naïve! Torappu hatsudō: TG1-AM!" Antinomy interrupted someone once more. A card, which showed a bizarre, futuristic bomb that had a transparent container filled with green rings that usually appear during a Synchro Summon and Level spheres, appeared. "By releasing one 'Tech Genus' Synchro Monster I control, all Monsters on the field are destroyed!"

I scowled. "I can't dodge it..." his Trap's effect will resolve for last, therefore, attempting to Tag Out would be useless since my Monsters will just be destroyed at the end of the chain.

The bomb emerged from his Trap, and Wonder Magician exploded into rings and stars that were sucked into its container. Moments later, the bomb detonated, pulverizing my Beast and its Tamer with a pained roar and cry respectively.

"Antinomy voluntarily sacrificed his last Monster to leave Daphne-chan's field empty!" Melissa gasped out. "Does this mean he intends to settle things in his next turn!?"

"I won't be defeated so easily! I activate the Spell Card Spiritual Beast Salvation!" a card, which showed Wen floating in the air as yellow and purple energy illuminated it from behind, appeared. Its eyes glowed brightly in tandem with its staff's gem, Pettlephin's scarf was wrapped around its right wrist, and two energy wings with intricate, mystical designs sprouted from its back. "I pay half of my Life and shuffle the appropriate materials from my field, Graveyard, Banish Zone, or face-up Extra Deck into my Deck to Contact Fusion Summon a 'Ritual Beast Ulti' Monster from my Extra Deck!"

"What?" Antinomy frowned. "It's even treated as a Special Summon conducted by that Monster's own effect?"

Daphne: LP 3700 / 2 = 1850

"I shuffle Ulti-Apelio from my Graveyard and my banished Elder and Pettlephin into the Deck, and fuse them!" the said Monsters briefly appeared on my field before turning into red, blue, and yellow energy respectively, which then spiraled into a portal. "Tamed beast storing eternal grace. Gain the tamer's wisdom and the beast's power, and become God's divine emissary! Contact Fusion! Appear, my ace! Ritual Beast Ulti-Gaiapelio!"

The towering lion whose body seemed fused with plant life and had two flaming horns and Lara on its back emerged from the portal with a resounding howl, earning loud cheers from the Commons and Tops alike.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Gaiapelio: ATK 3200 / DEF 2100 / LV: 10

"Level 10 and 3200 Attack! Daphne-chan's ace debuts at last!" Melissa smiled wide. "Did Antinomy's strategy backfire on him!?"

You could say that. I glanced at the two cards left in my hand. These are both 'Ritual Beast' cards, meaning Ulti-Gaiapelio can negate the activation of two Spell and Trap Cards and Monster Effects. Counting his next draw, Antinomy will have exactly two cards in his hand, and I can counter them both. He may control TGX300 and Fiendish Chain, but they can't do anything.

"This turn, you're checked. Next turn, it's checkmate." I informed my foe. "Turn End!"

"Notwithstanding the current situation, you managed to call out one of your aces. I wonder...by now, how many times have I greeted perseverance as an old friend?" I blinked twice at Antinomy's suddenly sorrowful words, which didn't match well with his collected tone. What...or who was he referring to? He looked at me with an impressed expression and a smirk, putting an end to my pondering as soon as it started. "You surpassed your limitations, Hashima Daphne. As a reward, I will demonstrate to you my true battle style."

My eyes dilated. "True, you say?" if the strength he displayed so far, which thoroughly backed me into a corner and forced me to devise new counterstrategies and depend on luck, was 'false', just how strong was he in truth?

"Boku no turn!" unfortunately for me, I'm about to find out. "Draw! I activate the Spell Card TG1-LVC!"

"Ulti-Gaiapelio no kōka hatsudō!" I interjected. "During either player's turn, when a Spell or Trap Card, or a Monster Effect, is activated, I can banish one 'Ritual Beast' card from my hand to negate its activation and destroy it! Gaiastrion Roar!"

Lara raised its staff high as its gem and its eyes flashed, causing a holy glow to envelop his Spell. Gaiapelio then roared, and TG1-LVC burst into flames in response.

"I activate the Spell Card TGXD1!" a card, which depicted Hyper Librarian's and Wonder Magician's cards falling into a dark abyss from which two other cards were flying out, appeared. Each card left a glowing trail behind them, and the way they intertwined formed an infinity sign. "Its name stands for Tech Genus Times Draw 1. As for its effect, for each 'Tech Genus' Synchro Monster in my Graveyard, I can draw a card!"

"Ulti-Gaiapelio no kōka!" I stated again. "I banish the remaining 'Ritual Beast' card in my hand to negate the activation of your Spell and destroy it!"

The same scene from moments ago repeated itself.

"Alright!" Melissa exclaimed. "Antinomy has zero cards in his hand, he controls no Monsters, and has no set cards up his sleeve. He can't do anything else this turn, victory is within Daphne-chan's grasp!"

"You're celebrating too early!" Antinomy grinned out of the blue. "From my Graveyard, I banish TGXD1 and activate its effect, drawing a card for each 'Tech Genus' Synchro Monster in my Graveyard, in this case two!"

I gasped. "Its Graveyard effect is the same as its ordinary effect...!?" dammit, he circumvented my counter!

"I summon Screw Serpent!" a new sea serpent appeared on his field with a roar. "Its effect activates on Normal Summon, allowing me to Special Summon Cyber Magician from my Graveyard by negating its effect!"

The said wizard emerged from a GY Portal in Attack Position.

"Next, with the presence of a 'Tech Genus' Monster on my field, I can Special Summon this card from my hand," Antinomy explained. "Come on, Tech Genus Booster Raptor!"

Followed by a screech, a raptor with a futuristic engine and wings attached to its body joined its brethren on his field.

T.G. Booster Raptor: Wind / Dinosaur / Effect / ATK: 400 → 1300 / DEF: 300 / LV: 1

"I tune the Level 4 Screw Serpent with the Level 1 Booster Raptor!" as the sea serpent's body morphed into four green rings that surrounded the raptor and turned it into one star, he chanted. "Synchro Flight Control! Limiter Removal, Level Five! Booster Launch, OK! Universal Network System Online! All Clear! Go! Synchro Summon! Come on! Tech Genus Star Guardian!"

A bright beam shot through the rings, from which a humanoid machine that had a beam saber jutting from its left wrist and a wheeled blade attached to its right arm emerged.

T.G. Star Guardian: Light / Warrior / Synchro / Tuner / Effect / ATK: 100 → 700 / DEF: 2200 / LV: 5

"Two of his Spell Cards were negated, but Antinomy still succeeded to Synchro Summon!" you could say that again, Melissa. She then tilted her to the side, confused. "Also, I can't be the only one who thinks that Monster looks like Antinomy..."

"I wonder why." was all my foe said in return. He must've personally made that card, like the rest of his deck, I'd guess. "Star Guardian's effect activates if it is Synchro Summoned. I can target one Tech Genus in my Graveyard and add it to my hand. It will be Rush Rhino. Now I activate Star Guardian's other effect, which enables me to Special Summon one Tech Genus from my hand during my Main Phase. Come on, Rush Rhino!"

The bipedal rhinoceros returned to his field in Attack Position. To think he will summon the needed materials for a second Synchro so quickly...

"I tune the Level 1 Cyber Magician with the Level 4 Rush Rhino! Synchro Summon! Come on! Tech Genus Hyper Librarian!"

The young man clad in white and black robes also returned to his field with a chuckle.

Antinomy raised his head to analyze the crowd, his expression reverting to its usual impassive one. "To be frank, I pity these people." I raised an eyebrow, which he took as an invitation to explain himself. "Despite the fact the foundation of this Dimension is built on Synchro Summoning, these people are unaware of its immense capabilities."

He focused back on the road. "But that's understandable; no one is born smart." his face cracked into a smirk. "That's why I'll show it to them. And to you Lancers as well. This is what lies far beyond your knowledge!"

He drastically revved his engine, leaving me in the dust. I tried doing the same, but it was of no use; my D-Wheel simply couldn't reach that same level of speed. Though, even if it could, a corner was up ahead, so increasing my speed would've put me in danger.

Antinomy apparently thought the opposite.

"Taking a corner at that speed...does he have a death wish!?" Melissa showed concern for my opponent for the first time in this Duel.

"He will crash!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.

"Somebody stop him!" a second voice shouted.

"Aaagh!" a girl screamed in panic.

"Watch! This is my Clear Mind!" the front of Antinomy's D-Wheel unleashed a magenta shock wave, causing him and his vehicle to take on a hue of the same color. At the same time, he rode up the sides of the arena—and continued to drive there, defying gravity as his body stayed parallel to the ground.

My eyes widened in disbelief. Melissa and the crowd were screaming, not in panic anymore, but in astonishment.

"The Level 5 Star Guardian tunes the Level 5 Hyper Librarian!" that Monster was also a Tuner? The machine's body morphed into five green rings that surrounded its user and Hyper Librarian, turning the latter into particles. The front of his D-Wheel released streams of magenta energy as he chanted. "Limiter Removal, Level Ten! Main Bus Booster Control! All Clear! Infinite power, break free from the yokes of time, and slice through the void of nothingness! Go! Accel Synchro!"

Antinomy passed through the fifth green ring, and by doing so, he disappeared without leaving behind a single trace of his existence.

I've never been this confused in my entire life. "He...vanished...!?" I muttered while turning the corner. Did he run away? No, that wouldn't make any sense. Not after all that boasting and flashy move.

A sudden shock wave hit me from behind, and I grunted as I almost lost control of my D-Wheel. Looking back, I saw Antinomy emerge from a wall of light, which then closed behind him, together with a new Monster, and they zoomed past me.

"Come On! Tech Genus Blade Slasher!"

Flying above its user was a light blue humanoid machine with a black torso and knees and gray armor attached to its shoulders, chest, elbows, waist, thighs, and feet. It had clawed hands, crimson eyes, and wore a gray helmet with black highlights, two curled horns, and a tail-like appendage on its back that reached its waist. Long, squared-off blades hanged off the end of its head-tail and jutted out of its wrists, which it menacingly brandished.

T.G. Blade Slasher: Earth / Warrior / Synchro / Effect / ATK: 3000 / DEF: 2500 / LV: 10

"Wha...What have we just witnessed...?" Melissa wheezed out in shock, a sentiment shared by us all. I'd be glad to know the answer to that myself. "What type of Synchro was that...!?"

"Accel Synchro Summon." Antinomy nonchalantly stated. "It's an even greater Synchro Summon conducted by a Synchro Tuner Monster and a Synchro Monster with the aid of Clear Mind."

Wait. If that's the case, "Yesterday, Crow Hogan performed a Synchro Summon using three Synchro Monsters as material in his Duel against Gongenzaka Noboru." I recalled, my eyes narrowed as I put two and two together. "I take it the reason he didn't—nay, couldn't Accel Synchro is because he wasn't in this Clear Mind state?"

"As sharp as a tack." he praised me. "Yes, that sums it up. Now, I won't get into an explanation of what Clear Mind is or how it can be performed, after all, you've got better things to worry about, don't you agree?"

I glanced at exactly that, aka his Accel Synchro Monster. Counting the boost it gets from his Continuous Spell, it surpasses my ace's ATK by 100. That much damage won't be enough to defeat, a detail that surely didn't slip his mind.

"You summoned it for its effect."

"Yes." Antinomy confirmed my new assumption. "First things first, TGX300 increases Blade Slasher's Attack by 300 because I control one 'Tech Genus' Monster. I also activate Blade Slasher's own effect! Once per turn, by sealing it from attacking you directly this turn, it gains 500 Attack for each Tuner in my Graveyard until the End Phase!"

"500 for each?" my eyes widened in alarm. "You have five Tuners in your Graveyard...!"

"Six, actually." what? How? "I didn't mention this earlier, but Wonder Magician is also a Synchro Tuner Monster."

"That means...a 3000-Attack boost!?" Melissa cried out as a white aura enveloped the humanoid machine.

(Blade Slasher: 3000→3300→6300 ATK)

"Battle!" Antinomy turned his D-Wheel sideways and gestured in my direction. "Do it, Blade Slasher! Attack Ritual Beast Ulti-Gaiapelio! Thrust Blade!"

Blade Slasher leaped forward, raising its right hand to strike. With a wave of her staff, Lara invoked a wave of pristine light from the sky which took the hit instead, but the Accel Synchro Monster effortlessly dispersed it by throwing its right arm to the side. It then thrust its left hand forward, which Gaiapelio intercepted with one of its horns.

Neither Monster yielded for a few seconds, but Blade Slasher, seeing as it wasn't making any progress, suddenly front flipped, swinging down its tail's blade on my Fusion Monster and prompting it to explode with a pained roar and cry.

After putting all that effort into it...I still lost.

I gnashed my teeth when steam was then emitted from my D-Wheel's front, causing it to eventually come to a stop.

Daphne: LP 1850 - 3100 = 0

Winner: Antinomy!

"I-It's over, folks!" Melissa exclaimed over the howling crowd. "To emerge victorious in this fight that involved more brains than brute power is the user of the mysterious Accel Synchro technique, Antinomy! Aaagh, why did another female star have to leave us so early on in the Friendship Cup...!?"

I sighed in dejection while removing my helmet, glaring at the ground. The instant he adopted his true battle style, I was overwhelmed. As much as it pained me to admit it, he was right. My loss was decided when this Duel's match-up was announced.

"I saw your potential." Antinomy's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I silently watched him remove his helmet, but leave his visor on, and walk up to me sporting a wistful smile. "The way you kept persevering, never losing hope...it reminded me a lot of an old friend and our last Riding Duel. Just like him, you fought splendidly, Hashima Daphne."

Ah, so I was right. He was really reminiscing about someone earlier. "Dueling you was an enlightening experience." I showed my gratitude with a straightforward and honest reply. "I will take what you've taught me to heart."

I saw Antinomy blink behind his visor. Then twice more, rapidly. "Oh. Hm...this is bad." he let loose of a long sigh. "I got so used to Ren's attitude whenever he loses to me that such a model student-like answer caught me off guard. I would undeniably like to have you as a student."

I choked on air, feeling my cheeks warm up. This wasn't my first time hearing a senior praise me for being a diligent student, not at all. There were a few teachers that used to commend me each day, like Chronos-sensei and Daitokuji-sensei whose words were also the most memorable ones. Yet, for some reason, hearing it from someone as competent as this man made me feel overly accomplished. To be taken under his wing would be—no, wait, what was I thinking!?

I opened my mouth to retort, but he beat me to it, extending his hand to me. Although I glared at it at first, I ultimately gave in, and accepted his handshake with a huff.

---

Fan-made Cards:

Daphne:

Spiritual Beast Guidance

Normal Spell

If there are no cards in your Pendulum Zones: Pay 1000 LP; add 2 Psychic Pendulum Monsters from your Deck to your hand. You cannot place cards into your Pendulum Zones the turn you activate this card. You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 Psychic Pendulum Monster in your GY or face-up Extra Deck; add it to your hand. You can only use each effect of "Spiritual Beast Guidance" once per turn.

[Trivia: "Using her great spiritual powers, Wen locates the whereabouts of a Spiritual Beast who's freely roaming the world's seas. With their help, Wen will put an end to the war, and avenge Pettlephin..."]

Spiritual Beast Tamer Pilica (Wind/Psychic/Pendulum/Effect/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1500/LV: 3/SC: 7)

Pendulum Effect: You can only Pendulum Summon Psychic monsters. This effect cannot be negated. If you Fusion Summon a "Ritual Beast Ulti-" monster: You can gain LP equal to that monster's Level x 100.

Monster Effect: If this card is banished (from your hand): You can draw 2 cards. You cannot Summon the turn you use this effect, except "Ritual Beast" monsters. You can only use this effect of "Spiritual Beast Tamer Pilica" once per turn. If this card is banished (from the field): You can target 1 "Ritual Beast" monster you control; it gains 400 ATK/DEF. You can only Special Summon "Spiritual Beast Tamer Pilica(s)" once per turn.

Spiritual Beast Salvation

Normal Spell

Pay half your LP; Special Summon, ignoring its Summoning conditions, 1 "Ritual Beast Ulti" monster from your Extra Deck, by shuffling the cards listed on it from your field, GY, Banish Zone, and/or face-up Extra Deck into your Deck. (This is treated as a Special Summon conducted by that monster's own effect.) You can only activate 1 "Spiritual Beast Salvation" per turn.

[Trivia: "In order to defeat the commander of the Arrogant Kaesar's ground troops, Wen unleashes the entirety of her spiritual powers, transcending the boundaries of man and obtaining divine powers correlated to both light and darkness. Spirits praise the birth of a new goddess, and beseech her to punish the unjust!]

Ritual Beast Ulti-Repunwhale (Wind/Fish/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2300/DEF: 2600/LV: 6)

1 "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster + 1 "Spiritual Beast" monster

Must be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by banishing the above cards you control, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. (You do not use "Polymerization".) (Quick Effect): You can return this card you control to the Extra Deck, then target 2 of your banished monsters (1 "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster and 1 "Spiritual Beast" monster); Special Summon them in Defense Position. Once per turn: You can banish 1 "Ritual Beast" card from your hand; change the Battle Position of all monsters your opponent controls, also, if this card attacks a Defense Position monster this turn, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent.

[Trivia: "At first, Wen and Repunwhale only shared common goals. Stop the war, avenge someone. But, with time...they realized they wouldn't mind becoming actual friends, instead of just Beast and Tamer..."]

Fusion Greed

Normal Spell

Banish 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck face-down; excavate the top 3 cards of your Deck, and if the total Levels of the excavated monsters equal the Level of that Fusion Monster, shuffle the excavated cards into your Deck, then draw 3 cards, but if not, you take 4000 damage x the Level of that Fusion Monster, also shuffle the excavated cards into your Deck. You cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck the turn you activate this card, except Fusion Monsters. You can only activate 1 "Fusion Greed" per turn.

Antinomy:

TGX2-CT

Quick-Play Spell

Target up to 2 "T.G." monsters you control; that target(s) cannot be destroyed by battle or your opponent's card effects this turn, also, you can change their ATK and/or DEF to their original values. You can only activate 1 "TGX2-CT" per turn.

TG1-LVC

Normal Spell

Send 1 Spell/Trap that lists "T.G." in its text from your Deck to the GY, and if you do, Special Summon 1 "T.G." monster from your Deck, and if you do that, you can change its Level to any number from 1 to 4. You can only activate 1 "TG1-LVC" per turn.

TGDX300

Continuous Spell

Once per turn: You can target 1 "T.G." Synchro Monster you control; inflict 300 damage to your opponent for each Synchro Material that was used for its summon. If a "T.G." monster(s) you control would be destroyed, you can banish this card you control or from your GY instead. You can only use this effect of "TGDX300" once per turn.

[Trivia: this card's name stands for "Tech Genus Damage Times 300".]

Synchro Treasure

Normal Spell

Draw 1 card for each face-up Synchro Monster on the field.

TG1-AM

Normal Trap

Tribute 1 "T.G." Synchro Monster you control; destroy all monsters on the field. You can only activate 1 "TG1-AM" per turn.

[Trivia: this card's name stands for "Tech Genus 1 - All Monsters".]

TGXD1

Normal Spell

Draw 1 card for each "T.G." Synchro Monster in your GY. You can banish this card from your GY; draw 1 card for each "T.G." Synchro Monster in your GY. You cannot draw cards for the rest of this turn after you draw by this card's effect. You cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck the turn you use this card's effect, except Synchro Monsters.

T.G. Blade Slasher (Earth/Warrior/Synchro/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2500/LV: 10)

1 Tuner Synchro Monster + 1+ non-Tuner Synchro Monsters

Once per turn: You can make this card gain 500 ATK for each Tuner in your GY until the End Phase, but if it does, it cannot attack directly this turn. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can banish 1 "T.G." monster from your GY; banish this face-up card on the field. During the next Standby Phase after this card was banished by this effect: Special Summon it.

---

At last, the Duel that's literally "I outsmarted your outsmarting" for its majority is over!

All jokes aside, I'm very proud of this chapter. A quick thank you to ghost83, who helped me with the opening scene involving Serena, which I think was a must to write since she's right there after Reiji and Vince when it comes to her importance to Manek's character.

Daphne and Antinomy's Duel comes next. Our female star had a hard time since Antinomy was already familiar with her battle style and was thus one step ahead of her for the entire fight. Even after winning Fusion Greed's gamble, she still lost to Antinomy's new variant of T.G. Blade Blaster, aka Blade Slasher.

Since we were following things from Daphne's POV, I decided to reveal a great deal of her backstory right away instead of waiting to get to the Xyz Arc. We learned of the promise she made to her mother, which Vince helped her remember during their Duel, and her "interest" towards Yuri.

Considering her evolution as a person ever since siding with the Lancers, in my opinion, Antinomy's praises were well earned, and she put up a good fight nonetheless. Antinomy, too, did a good job at demonstrating his strength without revealing too much.

As a final note, Antinomy's cards, except Fiendish Chain, use their actual effects for convenience's sake, and will continue doing so unless stated otherwise.

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!

---

Two cards appeared on the screen before turning around, revealing T.G. Blade Slasher and Ritual Beast Ulti-Gaiapelio. They suddenly glowed, and Antinomy and Daphne emerged from them respectively.

"Out of curiosity," Daphne started, eyeing Antinomy with an expression that clearly said 'I don't actually want to know, I was forced to ask', but he knew was just a façade to hide the message 'I'm dying to know'. "If I were to be your student, what would teach me?"

"Engineering and Riding Dueling are my forte, making them my go-to subjects. Ren learned them fairly quickly, so I'm positive you won't have any trouble mastering them, either. We could even try to broaden the horizons of Accel Synchro and Contact Fusion by finding a way to tie them together," Antinomy suggested, prompting Daphne's eyes to widen. The prospect of discovering a new battle style which integrated the T.G. user's Clear Mind into it stirred her soul as a Duelist. "But if you aren't interested, we can stick to normal Dueling. I also make frequent use of Duel Puzzles like these."

He handed her a tablet, which had a Duel Puzzle already displayed on it. The brown-haired youth hummed in a pensive manner, and following a short pause, proceeded to silently solve the puzzle.

"As expected, she didn't need any encouragement to start solving it." Daphne was so engrossed in her activity that she didn't notice Antinomy speaking to the viewers. "The Secrets of the Chapter are about Daphne, but seeing the state she's in now, I'll reveal them myself. The first: SakushiRyu took inspiration from 'Desna's Concept Art #7' when designing Daphne's hair. Desna, The Starstruck Beauty, is a character who appears in the Azure Striker franchise. Then the second: Daphne's seiyuu is Marina Inoue."

"Done." the mentioned youth spoke up, returning the tablet to its owner.

"Hoh? You did it. On your first try, too. Well done." Antinomy praised her and patted her on the head, where it immediately froze.

...Silence. Neither Duelist said a word, instead, they just stared at each other with wide eyes. The one responsible for this awkward outcome was internally scolding himself for not paying more attention to who was in front of him. Because of a certain pair of twins he spent time with in the past, he developed a tendency to praise kids with headpats, and Daphne, who wasn't as young as those twins but was still close, was a kid in his eyes.

"I'm sorr—"

"Hmph!" the Ritual Beast user, red as a tomato, furiously batted away his hand with a death glare and stormed off.

"H-Hashima! Wait!" Antinomy cried out, but he was met with silence. He sighed in exasperation. "Off she goes... I should really start working on that habit of mine..."

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