Yu-GI-OH! Arc-V: Another Hero

by Harvoc Phantom

Hiraki and Serena are childhood friends and have deflected from Academia after learning its true goals. However, Hiraki has presumably been taken away by them after losing a duel. To save him, the Lancers have to make their way to the Fusion Dimension but this will be no easy task due to the Unifiers of Chaos standing in their way, pursuing the 2 remaining Dimensional girls.

46. Chapter 46

Chapter 45
The Diety Awakens

Ace ran as fast as he could through the corridors of Academia. He was still reluctant to leave Daisuke to his own devices, but he had to hurry and go back to the Professor's throne. He took a shortcut, one that guaranteed him arriving sooner rather than later. However, what he saw ahead was not in his plans at all.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?!" He shouted the first thing he could think of."Yusho-sensei?!"

"Ace!?" Yusho turned around to look at his former student."You're okay!"

"You too...Wait, Edo?!" Ace rushed over to his adoptive brother."Are you alright?!"

"We're fine..." Edo grumbled, struggling to even stand.

Ace stood up, sparing a glance to the other fallen figure."You're...Kaito? What the hell happened here?!"

"Long time no see, Ace..." Sora chuckled. He was sitting against a wall, wounded."But right now we're in a pretty bad spot."

"Sora?" He frowned, somewhat relieved he hadn't killed him back then. He looked ahead, to the source of malice he was feeling in the air."That's...!"

"Ace?" Yuri gave him an amused smile."I thought you were long gone by now. So, what do you want? Here to help me finish the trash? Or wait, I know. You've been purified, haven't you? So most likely you're here to stop me? Don't make me laugh!" A dark aura erupted from his very being.

"It's too late..." Yusho lowered his gaze."I couldn't stop him from becoming one with Yugo...At this rate, he'll get to Yuya as well!"

"Become one with Yugo?" Ace frowned. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a faint image of Yugo standing next to Yuri, his eyes glowing."So it's true. Damn, if Evan finds out about this, he'll lose it. But before he does, I'll be the one to finish you off, Yuri. For the longest time I've wanted to face you and this is my perfect excuse. I hope you're ready."

"Ace-kun, don't!" Yusho stood in his way."It's too dangerous! Yuri has powered up even more now that he's become one with Yugo!"

"Listen to him...Ace!" Edo clenched his fists on the ground."It's best if you just go and try to get to the Professor! Even we couldn't beat him!"

Kaito grimaced, not really liking the idea of feeling concern for one of the Unifiers of Chaos. But at this point, he was moved past feeling hatred.

"Sorry, but I'm going to do it." Ace shrugged them off."Yusho-sensei. Please understand that I have to do this. I've done horrible things to everyone. More so to the people in Heartland." He cast a side glance at Kaito."Right now, I want to make amends for the things I did. I know this won't even make up a fraction of what I did, but it's a start. I'll stop Yuri and protect your son, and Hiraki."

"Ace..." Yusho placed a supporting hand on his shoulder."Alright. I'll be cheering for you. I know you've become a splendid duelist. When I first took you in our school, I knew there was a strong sense of justice in you. I know you have what it takes to see your justice through. But please...be careful. I don't want another one of my students to be carded by him."

"So that means Asuka was..." He clicked his tongue."Don't worry. I'll be fine." He moved past his teacher and stood in front of Yuri."Let's put an end to this, you creep."

"So mean." Yuri nonchalantly replied."I'll enjoy tearing you apart!"

"Duel!"

Ace vs. Yuri LP: 4000 each

"Why don't you go first? I just finished dueling, so I'm a bit tired." Yuri offered.

"If you insist! My turn! I activate the Spell Card, Hero Cargo! I can get two monsters in my hand and placed them in my Spells and Trap Card Zone! Next, I'm allowed to draw 2 cards from my Deck. Next up, I summon Vision HERO Gravito!"

Vision HERO Gravito Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 500, DEF: 2000

"I activate Gravito's Special Effect! I can tribute him in order to Special Summon 2 "Vision HERO" monsters in my Spells and Trap Zones! Arise, Vision HERO Vyon and Vision HERO Minimum Ray!"

Vision HERO Vyon Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1200

Vision HERO Minimum Ray Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1200, DEF: 700

"I activate Vyon's effect! I send a monster from my Deck to my graveyard! I then set a card and end my turn!"

Ace hand: 2

Yuri shook his head."Not a bad start, honestly. But mine will be better. My turn! I draw! I'll be using a Spell of my own. I activate the Spell Card, Predator's Trade! I can Special Summon a "Predaplant" monster from my Deck by sending a card from my Deck to the graveyard! I Special Summon Predaplant Flytrap!"

Predaplant Flytrap Level 2 Dark, Plant, ATK: 400, DEF: 800

"I activate Flytrap's effect! I can target a monster on your field and place a Predator Counter on it. A monster with a Predator Counter who is Level 2 or higher becomes a Level 2! I target Vyon!"

Vision HERO Vyon Level 1

"Now, I activate Predaplant Heliamphorhynchus' effect from my hand! When you control a monster with a "Predaplant Counter" I can Special Summon it on my field!

Predaplant Heliamphorhynchus Level 8, Dark, Plant, ATK: 1200, DEF: 2400

"He summonsed it in ATK mode?" Sora muttered, biting his lower lip."I don't like this..."

"Most likely, Yuri wants that monster to be destroyed to trigger an effect." Kaito analyzed from the sidelines.

Edo rolled over to get a better view."I hope Ace doesn't fall for it..."

"Now, I think it's time for me to get going with my attack! Battle~ I attack Vyon with Flytrap! And thanks to Flytrap's effect, when it battles a monster with equal or lower level, I can destroy your monster!"

"Not so fast, Yuri! I activate my Trap Card, Bombardment Raid! I can activate this card when one of my monsters is about to be destroyed! I negate the destruction, plus I can switch the monster who is attacking! Let's see that fancy new monster of yours do its trick!"

Heliamphorhynchus launched itself at Vyon and torn it to pieces with its jaws,

Ace covered himself from the explosion.

Ace LP: 3800

"Tch! He must have figured out what I had planned. But still, you're one monster down already. Shame."

"I think I should tell that to you, assface! Because a monster that was forced to battle with my Trap Card, is destroyed at the end of the battle and you take half of its ATKs as damage!"

Yuri flinched as lightning covered his body.

Yuri LP: 3400

"I see. So you were planning on dealing me damage, regardless whether I destroyed your monster or not. Not bad. I set two cards and end my turn!"

Yuri hand: 2

"My turn! I draw! Don't worry, Yuri! I'll make sure you remember this duel for the rest of your sick life! I activate my Spell Card, Angel's Charity! I draw 3 cards from my Deck and discard 2 from my hand! I activate the effect of Vision HERO Producer from my graveyard! I banish it, in order to Special Summon another monster from my graveyard! Arise, Vision HERO Witch Raider!"

Vision HERO Witch Raider Level 8, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 2700, DEF: 1900

"At this moment, I activate my Trap Card, Predaplanning! I can send a "Predaplant" monster from my Deck to my graveyard! Then, I can give all monsters on the fid a "Predator Counter"! Furthermore, any monster that's Level 2 or higher, becomes level 1"

"So what does that change?" Ace scowled."Witch Rider's effect act-"

"I'm not done yet, Ace. I have another surprise for you! The Trap Card, Predator Fusion! I can Fusion Summon using "Predaplant" monsters on my field or hand! I fuse Flytrap and Mosquito Blade!"

Two monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Yuri began chanting."Beautiful flowers of malice! With the allure of an innocent plant and the hunger of a predator! Fusion Summon! Show yourself, Level 8! Predaplant Crapula Maxima!"

A large pot-bellied sack of a plant with petals around its enormous circle for a head appeared on the field. It opened its mouth, revealing razor-sharp teeth.

Predaplant Crapula Maxima Level 8, Dark, Plant, Fusion, ATK: 2600, DEF: 2000

"Thanks to the effect of Predaplanning in my graveyard, when I Fusion Summon a monster, I can banish it and destroy a card on your field! I'll destroy that witch of yours! Furthermore, Crapula Maxima's effect activates! When it's Fusion Summon, I can deal you half of its ATKs as damage!"

The plant opened its jaw, firing a fireball that engulfed Ace as he howled in pain.

Ace LP: 2500

Ace fell to his knees, smoke covering his body.

Yuri examined his fingers, hands, and body ecstatically."I can't believe I've grown this strong. And only with one of them. I can't wait to see what happens when I get all of them!"

"Ace!" Edo cried out to his friend.

"Shut up..., onion head looking ass!" Yuri glanced at Ace, who was getting back on his feet."I didn't see my LP hitting zero. The duel is still on."

"I'd be disappointed if it was over." Yuri said with a wink before he scowls."Also, that comment was completely uncalled for."

"Oh, I hurt your feelings? Well, too bad. I still have 3 cards in my hand. From the Graveyard, I activate the effect of Vision HERO Poisoner! When I take damage via effect or battle, I can get this card from the Graveyard and place it on my Spell and Trap Zones! When it's treated as a Continuous Spell or Trap, I can tribute a monster on my field and Special Summon it! I tribute Minimum Ray!"

Vision HERO Poisoner Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 900, DEF: 700

"When Poisoner is Special Summoned from the Spell and Trap Zone, I can target a monster you control and reduce its stats to half! I chose Crapula Maxima!"

Predaplant Crapula Maxima ATK: 1300, DEF: 1000

"Battle! Go, Witch Raider! Attack Crapula Maxima!" The witch took aim with her gun and fired at the gigantic plant, burning it down.

Yuri LP: 2000

"And to top it all, Poisoner attacks Flytrap!" Poisoner used its arm-gun to fired at the small trap, exploding it to pieces.

Yuri LP: 1500

"How's that for an attack? Asshole." Ace spat at the floor."I set a card and end my turn!"

Ace hand: 2

"Very nice, Ace!" Yuri laughed aloud."You are proving to be a challenge, after all! As expected of a former Unifier of Chaos. You were the second strongest, weren't you? But you don't have that fierce power like before. It's a shame you never managed to surpass Yuke, unlike me."

"You've surpassed Yuke...?" Yusho looked taken back.

"Is that really such a surprise? Of course, I did. After I've suffered that humiliating defeat against him, I knew I had to get more power. I couldn't keep living in the Unifiers of Chaos's shadow forever. I bid my time, naturally. The Lancers took them down for me and all I had to do was watch and wait. Even the mighty Yuke fell to two of my doppelgangers. I became one with Yugo to achieve even greater power than they did. Right now, I'm even stronger than anything you've faced up until now."

"Maybe you are." Ace snorted."But no way in hell I'm handing you this Duel!"

"We'll see. There's nothing you or these nobodies can do to stop me now. My turn! I draw! From the graveyard, I activate the effect of Predaplant Cordyceps from my graveyard! I can banish it, and Special Summon 2 Level 4 or lower "Predaplant" monsters from my graveyard! Appear, Flytrap and Predaplant Chlamydosundew!"

Predaplant Flytrap Level 2, Dark, Plant, ATK: 400, DEF:800

Predaplant Chlamaydosundew Level 2, Dark, Plant, ATK: 600, DEF: 200

"It's coming..." Kaito muttered under his breath.

"His dragon..." Sora trembled in fear.

"I activate Chlamydosundew's effect! I can perform a Fusion Summon using cards on my field or hand! I use Flytrap and Chlamydosundew!"

Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Yuri began to chant.

The energy emanating was overwhelming. Something inside of Ace told him to run and escape. But he couldn't. Instead, he gave a sardonic smirk."I've been waiting a long time to see it, Yuri!" His eyes began glowing red momentarily.

"Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 8! Starving Venom Fusion Dragon!"

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon Level 8, Dark, Dragon, Fusion, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2000

Yuri began laughing historically, holding his head."Man! I'm having such a great time! In fact, I just remembered something. Ace, would you listen to my request?"

"What is it?" Ace gulped down.

Yuri glared at him maniacally."Don't die now~! Starving Venom Fusion Dragon activates its effect! It gains the combined ATK of all Special Summoned monster on your field!"

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon ATK: 2800+900+2700=6400

"Battle! I attack with Starving Venom Fusion Dragon! Obliterate Witch Rider!" Starving Venom hit Witch Raider with its tail, creating a huge explosion.

"I activate my Continous Trap Card! Hero Shield! Once per turn, battle damage is reduced to half!"

Ace braised himself for the incoming blast, knocking him off his feet and sending him crashing against the floor.

Ace LP: 650

"Mmm. Maybe I should have attacked your useless Poisoner." Yuri shrugged."Oh well. It would have left a terrible taste in my mouth defeating you like that."

"Yeah...I expected that from you..." Ace stood up once again. He removed his torn blazer, only leaving him in a white dressing shirt."You're going to regret giving me a chance to make a comeback. At this moment, the second effect of Hero Shield activates! When I take battle damage, I can Special Summon a "HERO" monster from my Deck! Appear, Vision HERO Increase!"

Vision HERO Increase Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 900, DEF: 1100

"Ah, so you can still stand after that?" Yuri licked his lips."I admit you are strong. Perhaps the strongest person I've faced, excluding the Professor. You, Yugo, and Yuke have all given me runs for my money. It's truly fascinating. I set a card and end my turn."

Yuri hand: 2

"I'll show you a real show, asshole! My turn! I draw! Starving Venom is going down! I activate the Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse Poisoner with Increase!" Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Ace began to chant.

"Visionary from the land of all knowledge! Guide us to the path of truth and bestow the power of justice to the righteous beings! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 8! Vision HERO Adoration!"

Vision HERO Adoration Level 8, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2100

"Alright!" Edo grinned, feeling confident after seeing Adoration appear.

"That's his ace monster..." Yusho could never forget it. The boy had used that card countless times back when he was his student.

"So you brought him out? That's good." Yuri clapped."Starving Venom is in need of a new chewing toy after all.

Ace chuckled, shaking his head. He glanced at the cards in his hand and frown.'From my hand, I summon Vision HERO Multiply Guy!"

Vision HERO Multiply Guy Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 800, DEF: 700

"Adoration's effect activates! I can target I monster on my field and then one on your field, so then your monster loses ATKs equal to the monster I've targeted!"

Adoration rose its hands and sent a black collar of energy at Starving Venom, connecting around its neck

Starving Venom Fusion Dragon ATK: 2000

"Bat-"

"Wair, Ace! Don't!" Sora screamed, stopping him just in time."If you destroy Starving Venom right now, Yuri will not lose the duel. And he'll activate one of its terrifying effects. It will destroy all your Special Summoned monsters and deal you damage equal to their combined ATK!"

"No way!" Ace gasped, slowly staring at Yuri who held a sinister smile on his face."Shit. I really have no choice then, do I?" Ace looked up to Adoration, both of them locking eyes with each other."You've been with me for so long. Through all the hardships and always pulled me through. Can I count on you for this one?" Adoration nodded, as if he had understood the words of his master."I set a card and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw! I see you've run out of ideas to survive. But don't worry." Yuri held a particular card in his hands."Before I finish you, I'll show you my Trump Card! Hahahaha! I'll show you my new power! With this! The Spell Card, Ultra Pol-"

"Not so fast, Yuri! I activate my Trap Card, A Hero's Sacrifice!" Adoration began shining brightly, an intense aura surrounding him."I can target a "HERO" monster on my field and...destroy it, dealing both players damage equal to the monster's ATKs!"

"What?!" Yuri gasped, taking a few steps back."I-it can't be!"

"Ace!" Sora grimaced, remembering when he himself pulled the same move against him in the Synchro Dimension."You're really that desperate to resort to that?"

"He's going to try and draw..." Kaito squinted his eyes, avoiding looking at the intense light.

"Ace!" Both Yusho and Edo cried out to no avail.

"I've figured out a way to finally put an end to this duel." Ace grinned condescendingly."Your dragon is incredibly strong. Stronger than I've ever thought. Even I couldn't do anything to stop you. So this is my last chance. In order to take you down and stop you!"

"No! Please, don't do it!" Yuri was now pleading."I don't want to lose! Not again! I don't want to go back to being weak!"

"It's too late for regrets." Ace looked at him solemnly."Do it, Adoration! Final Struggle!" Adoration gave a final nod to Ace before extending his arms. From its core, an explosion went off that obliterated his body and was now heading for both duelist."Feel the pain everyone you've carded felt, Yuri!"

"Noooooooooooooo!" Yuri fell on his knees. He started whimpering loudly for a few seconds before he stopped."Just kidding."

"Huh?"

"You really bought into my act? How pathetic!" Yuri laughed, standing up like nothing happened."You and Asuka are so damn naive. She believed every word I told her too and looked how she turned up!"

"Big words, but you're still finished!" Ace braised himself for the explosion.

"Oh, but I am not. From my hand, I activate the effect of Predaplant Superfly! I can Special Summon it on the field when I'm targeted for effect damage!"

A flying green plant with wings appeared on the field, sporting two red eyes and a yellow beak.

Predaplant Superfly Level 3, Dark, Plant, ATK: 0, DEF: 0

"Furthermore, I can negate the damage inflicted on me, and return it to you double!" The fly began flapping its wings, creating a potent gust of wind that sent the explosion now at full force at Ace.

"You're shitting me!" Ace screamed.

"Ace!" Yusho rushed over but a hand pushed him back. Edo caught him before he could fall on the floor before he collapsed back on the ground.

"Stay back! All of you!" Ace glanced at the explosion coming. His expression was blank. He could only wait.

---

Hiraki rushed inside the Professor's room, panting and holding his head in pain. He looked forward, noticing Reiji, Reira and Yuya. The former two looked like they just had finished dueling, while Yuya was tied up on a pillar.

"What the fuck happened here?" He wondered aloud."Reira, Reiji! What the hell is going on?"

"Hiraki..." Reira muttered under his breath. Just then, the ground opened up from behind Hiraki, shooting two beams of energy that wrapped themselves around his arms and legs, causing him to fall on his back."What the hell is this?!"

"Hirak!" Reiji was about to rush over to him when a huge explosion went off. The wall was completely destroyed, and from the smoke Ace appeared flying in the air and Yusho was sent skidding on the ground.

Ace LP: 0

Winner: Yuri!

A tentacle came from the smoke, rapidly wrapping itself around his neck.

"Ace!" Hiraki tried moving, but his restraints prevented him from doing so.

"Well, well. What do we have here?" Yuri chuckled, Starving Venom close behind him."It seems I found my missing pieces."

"Yuri!" Hiraki gasped.

"Ah, Hiraki." Yuri grimaced in disgust."Or should I say Yuke?"

"Wait, you knew?!"

"Not entirely. I found out recently and you don't know how much my anger was boiling within me." Yuri fixed his gaze on Ace, who was being choked by Starving Venom."I suppose I'll take my anger and frustration on him."

"F-f-fuck...you...!" Ace cried in pain as the tentacle tightened around his neck.

"Yuri, stop it!" Yusho hollered at the purple-hair boy."Leave him alone!"

"Oh? And why would I do that?" Yuri hummed to himself."Well, if you let me get those two, I might let him live."

"Not a chance!" Yusho denied his request fiercely."I will not let you lay a hand on my son, or my nephew! I'll fight you, Yuri! And I'll show you that duels are meant to be for fun, not for conquest!"

"Son? Nephew?" Yuri looked at Yuya then at Hiraki. A mischievous smile graced his lips as he thought of an idea."Very well. I suppose I can play with you and break their spirits slowly."

Starving Venom disappeared, letting Ace fall harshly on the floor. The boy barely had any energy to move, only his head."Yusho...sensei..."

"It's okay, Ace. I'll take it from here." Yusho reassured him, smiling at his son's lookalike. Just then someone rushed over to the group, panting heavily."You...! Evan-kun!"

"Evan!" Hiraki cried out, relieved to see his friend.

Ace glanced up, a tired smile on his face."About time you made it here."

"Guys..." Evan wheezed for air, holding his chest."I-"

A loud crash echoed through the room. Where the Professor once sat, a giant figure landed from the ceiling, a smile on its face.

"What the hell is that?" Yuri cocked a brow, baffled at what he was seeing.

"You're telling me he's not on your side?" Hiraki chuckled dryly, gulping down the lump in his throat.

'I feel an incredible presence coming from him." Yuke told him in his mind."Also,...something very familiar..."

"My apologies for interrupting your meeting." The man said in a haughty tone."I came looking for a perfect challenge. I followed the trail of the strongest aura in this area. Ah, allow me to introduce myself with this." The figure manifested three cards in his hand. There, Irina, Lumi and Daisuke appeared on the cards.

"Wait, they're carded?!" Ace gasped."But that can't be! I-"

"Great..." Evan lowered his gaze, a defeated expression on his face."Looks like I really don't have any more hope."

"That still doesn't explain what you are." Reiji scowled, making sure Reira was close behind him.

"My name is CHAOS. I am the god of chaos." CHAOS chuckled, shaking his head."Of course, it's not my real name, but it's something that you humans seemed to be quite acquainted with. In other words, I am your supreme ruler. I am what some of you in this room have worked so hard for."

"You're telling me..." Ace trying sitting up, only to fall back."You're...telling me...we created you...?"

The blonde man guffawed, his wings expanding."Goodness, no. You merely helped my resurrection be at hand. Succumb the world to chaos. That is what Seiko had told all of you before? That is true, I am the harbinger of chaos. And Seiko is my host. She's inside of me."

"What?!" Hiraki breathed, not fully understanding what he was saying..

"Don't fuck with me!" Ace grumbled, sitting up with all his might. He was helped by Reira to not fall back to the ground."You really...just what the hell are you?!"

"Allow me to explain, since I'm in a good mood. You see, I used to roam around the world before humans ever learned how to walk. Alongside my fellow gods, we've helped humanity evolve, for them to entertain us. Of course, humanity needed obstacles to overcome. That's where I come in. My purpose is to cause calamity and destruction wherever I go. But humans were cunning. They evolved so much that they eventually fought back against the gods. Ridiculous, isn't it?"

CHAOS glanced around the room, a smile on his face."Unfortunately, they had powerful cards. Cards that sealed us, gods, away and locked them in their realm. As for me, I was imprisoned in a ring. My power was, at least. I was sealed inside of an urn, forever to be trapped in my binds. However, before I was sealed, I made sure to leave a message. A way for whoever wanted a new world to release me. A set of steps were necessary. Guess who was the one who found that."

Yuri narrowed his eyes, recalling a memory."So, that's what she was talking about." He noticed everyone was now staring at him, so he elaborated."Before the war started, I asked Seiko about her plans. I knew from the start that she was planning something different from the Professor. She told me she was following a guide to change the world as we know it. One she said she found on her mother's notes."

"Seiko's mother...was the one who found the ritual of chaos?" Reiji put two and two together."It makes sense. But where did she get it from?"

"That I don't know." Yuri shrugged."She said it was never specified. What do you think, God?"

"You would be correct. Also, very observant of you to notice that I also have Seiko's memories. The reason for why she never learned where he mother got it from, is quite simple. However, I'll leave that up to you to find out."

"What does that mean?" Hiraki muttered to the people inside him, not receiving a response.

"As I was saying, Seiko was rather bored with this dull world. She was an extravagant girl with high standards. She wanted the best of the best and to be the best of the best, in her own words. But she grew bored of the mundane. When she learned her mother felt the same way before, she decided to continue on her footsteps. When she first put the ring on, she felt the power...of chaos. My power. Immediately, she wanted to spread that through the whole world. But for that, she needed a few things to do."

"Is that where we come in...?" Evan timidly asked.

"Correct. You see, the power in the ring was nowhere near my full power. To get my full power back, chaos energy would need to be harvested. Chaos energy that only certain individuals could produce. 10 people were needed to unite the world with chaos. Said people each held special traits." He held out his palms as he began counting.

Tariko had the trait of abandonment. He was often ignored by his peers and friends when he was younger. His parents left him with his uncle and aunt after they disowned him since he didn't turn out the way they wanted.

Tatsuyo had the trait of longing. Being poor and the son of a humble family left the young boy wanting for greater things. He wanted to take back the world the Tops had taken away from the Commons for the longest time.

Speaking of Tops, allow me to address Junpei, who had the trait of greed. He was a lonely child and had no friends in his life. That led him to believe that he only ever needed himself and no one else. He tried filling the hole in his heart with materialistic things but he could never be truly happy.

Tokomaru had the trait of inferiority. He felt he was inferior to his dear friend, Jack Atlas. Since Jack was the one who became the King, Tokomaru was forced to live under his shadow, not having a choice but to be content with being his mechanic.

Moving on, we have Naho, who had the trait of selflessness. She always dreamed of becoming a princess since she was young. She wanted to help everyone she could and make sure no one ever had to be alone. She wanted for humanity to prosper, even if it meant her own misery as a price.

Now, we have Makoto, the one who had the trait of delusion. Since he was a young boy, he was rejected by his peers. Ever since then, he adopted a different personality, one that hid his weaker self. He lives in his own world of him being someone important, but deep down he knows he's worthless.

Ah, now we're going to my favorites. First, we have Wendy. The poor girl was from another dimension and was forced to move to this one, in order to Academia to take down the enemy who was destroying their dimension. She had the trait of emptiness. She wanted to feel something more than endless emptiness. That's why she gave up herself to Academia. To feel like she could have changed something in their lives and her own.

Chaos glanced at Evan."Then there's you. You have the trait of regret. Your whole life has been filled with misfortune and sadness. From you abandoning your friend to carding your own mother figure and failing to save Yugo."

"What?" Evan then remembered what he meant. He glanced at Yuri, who simply grin maliciously."No...you can't..."

"I became one with Yugo." Yuri explained."He's inside of me now."

Evan felt on one knee, clutching his chest."I've failed...No...I can still save Rin..."

"Ace." Chaos shifted his gaze over to the boy on the floor."You had the trait of hate. Ever since your master died, you've hated the world for what it did to him. You tried to hard to change your reality, but in the end, your hate was not strong enough."

"Lastly, Kyle. He had the trait of envy. He was envious of both his brother and Hiraki. His brother was the strongest duelist in their dimension, the leader of the Militia and was successful. Hiraki was the one who had the heart of Serena, the girl he loved but knew could never have."

"Kyle...he felt like that...?" Hiraki bit his lower lip."I see. So that;'s what Yuke meant when he said he wasn't part of chaos. He wasn't under your influence!"

"Indeed." CHAOS nodded."He was never part of my plans. However, his help was much appreciated. Thanks to him, the plan went smoothly. This might sound strange to you, but Seiko was counting on your imminent defeats."

The former members of chaos perked up at that, glancing at each other."We were meant to lose?"

"That's right. Once you've harnessed enough chaos energy, you would have been taken out to return that energy to its origin. Of course, the Lancers and other parties did that for us, so it was easier than anticipated. If you must know, Seiko was going to hunt you all down when you were deemed useless."

"That's horrible..." Yuya found himself muttering.

"So they were manipulated from the very beginning..." Yusho gritted his teeth, frustrated that he couldn't do anything for his former students.

"So now, naturally, I have come to do what I was intended to do. I will spread chaos through all the dimensions, and fill this world with utter destruction." CHAOS spread his arms in a welcoming matter."It's the only fitting punishment for humanity for keeping me sealed away all these years! I'll start with the challenge I so much desired. You, the one on the floor. Hiraki Sotari. Seiko remembered you were long dead, but it turns out you were Yuke after all. Very interesting. You will be my oppone- Oh? What's this?"

Evan was standing protectively in front of Hiraki, his Duel Disk activated."Sorry. But I don't take kindly in my friends being used. I'm not letting you touch a hair on his head."

"Evan, don't!" Hiraki tried to break free but couldn't."You can't take him on!"

"I'll help-" Yusho was interrupted by a wall of darkness preventing him from going his way.

"Sorry, old man, but you are dueling me." Yuri side glanced at CHAOS."I hope you don't mind?"

"Not at all." CHAOS shrugged, an amused smile on his face."Whatever your business is, I don't care the slightest. After all, you can help to create the strongest duelist by absorbing them two."

"Wait, so you know about-"

"Zarc." CHAOS finished for him."Indeed. After all, I was the one who influenced him so much."

"What?" Reiji's scowl deepened."So you were the one who made him do the things he did?"

"Well, I wouldn't say I forced him or anything." CHAOS shook his head."I'd say I merely pushed him over the edge to do what his heart desired. Never mind that though, back to the matter at hand. So, Evan, you wish to stop me?"

"I will. I don't have much time left and I have to save Rin." Evan was breathing heavily, feeling the effect of the bacteria once more."If I can at least do that...!"

Hiraki's eyes began glowing intensely. Kumai provided him with more power, as requested, allowing him to break free of his binds easily. The glow began to dim down, allowing his pupils to be seen.

"There's no way in hell I'll let you do this alone. You've said it yourself, we don't know what the Professor is doing with the girls right now. We have to go and save them before it's too late!"

"Very well." CHAOS laughed at his words."I welcome the challenge. You can come at me with everything you've got."

"Yusho-sensei, we leave Yuri up to you!" Evan called out to his teacher."Try to reason with him, please!"

The entertainment duelist nodded, a smile gracing his features."You got it."

"Duel!"

Everyone shouted simultaneously

Yuri vs. Yusho LP: 4000 each

CHAOS vs. Evan and Hiraki LP: 4000 each

"I'll start! I, with the Scale 9 Spectral Deva - Demolishioner and the Scale 2 Spectral Deva - Graceful Sister, set the Pendulum Scale!" Two pillars of light appeared behind Hiraki as two monsters went up in the air."Now I can Special Summon monsters from Level 3 to 8 simultaneously! Pendulum Summon! Appear, Spectral Deva Lancelot!"

A man clad in blue armor, holding a spear in his hand appeared on the field.

Spectral Deva - Lancelot Level 7, Light, Warrior, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1200

"Lancelot's effect activates! I can Special Summon "Spectral Deva - Royal" from my Deck! Appear!"

Spectral Deva - Royal Level 4, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1300, DEF: 2000

"Now, I activate Royal's effect! I can discard a card from my hand, in order to Special Summon "Spectral Deva - Commodus" from my Deck!"

A new knight clad in emerald armor appeared.

Spectral Deva - Commodus Level 6, Light, Warrior, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1000

"Now, when I control all three of these knights on the field, Commodu's Special Ability can be activated! I can draw 3 cards from my Deck! Furthermore, I activate Demolishioner's Pendulum Effect! When I draw a card from my Deck by other means other than drawing it at the beginning of my turn, I can increase the ATKs of all monsters on my field by 300 times the amount of cards I drew!"

Spectral Deva - Lancelot ATK: 2200+900=3100

Spectral Deva - Royal ATK: 1300+900=3200

Spectral Deva - Commodus ATK: 2000+900=2900

"I set a card face-down! I end my turn!" Hiraki concluded.

Hiraki hand: 3

"Not bad." CHAOS mused to himself."He set up a decent field and still has draw power left to go."

"Let's keep this up, Evan!" Hiraki offered him a smile."Now, it's your turn!"

"Right." Evan nodded, doing his best to hide the pain he was in."My turn! I draw! I..." Evan's vision was blurry. He could barely make up what the cards in his hand were saying."I summon Misfortune Magnet in ATK mode!"

A magnet with two eyes and metallic arms appeared on the field.

Misfortune Magnet Level 2, Dark, Machine, ATK: 200, DEF: 500

"I...I activate its..." Evan took a step forward, nearly losing his footing. His fall was stopped by Hiraki, who had grabbed his arm.

"Hey, man, are you alright?" Hiraki asked in concern. His heart skipped a beat when he noticed half of Evan's face."W-w-what?! What happened to you?!"

"Hold on!" Ace's eyes widened in realization."You...You dueled Lumi, right? Don't tell me you came in contact...with that monster of his? Toxzon?!"

"Toxzon?" Hiraki repeated, helping the grey-eyed boy up.

Evan chuckled, coughing up blood."Yeah...some bacteria and some acid..." Evan removed his wrapped jacket from his arm, showcasing the horrible scar he had."Don't you worry about me. Until I save Rin, I won't drop dead! At this moment, I activate Misfortune Magnet's effect! When there is another monster on the field, I can Special Summon two more copies of itself! Appear!"

Misfortune Magnet Level 2, Dark, Machine, ATK: 200, DEF: 500 (x3)

"Furthermore, I activate the Spell Card Polymerization! I fuse my three copies of Misfortune Magnet!" The magnets entered a multicolored vortex as he began to chant.

"From the abyss, where the souls who were misfortune to fall reside! Let yourself be graceful by the light of the new tomorrow! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 8! Misfortune Magatsu Kyukana!"

Misfortune Magatsu Kyukana Level 8, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2200

"He brought out his ace monster already...?" Hiraki muttered to himself."He must want to finish this off as soon as possible."

"Then, I'll use the same card you gave us! I activate the Spell Card, Chaotic Fusio-"

"Ah, I was wondering if you would use it." CHAOS narrowed his eyes."At this moment, I activate the Quick Play Spell from my hand, Chaos Borderland! I can activate this card when I control no cards on my field, but the effect of a "Chaos" card is activated. I can remove all cards in your Deck and Extra Deck with similar names and add them to my own."

"What the?" Evan gasped, watching as even Maiden of Luck was taken away from his Extra Deck.

"Furthermore, I can Special Summon as many "Chaos Seeker" token as possible. Depending on the number of cards added to my Deck, of course. Since I just took two of them, I'll Special SUmmon 2."

Two black balls of energy began taking form, forming two deformed beings with red eyes.

Chaos Seeker Token Level 3, Dark, Fiend, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1000 (x2)

Evan clicked his tongue in annoyance."Well, that's a shame. I'll have to save it for another turn. I set a card and end my turn!"

Evan hand: 2

"Then I believe it's my turn. I draw." A card suddenly appeared in his hand."When my opponent controls at least 2 monsters on their field, I can Special Summon Chaos Seeker Ashura from my hand."

A monster clad in red crystals appeared on the field, wielding a sword.

Chaos Seeker Ashura Level 5, Dark, Fiend, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2100

"Now, allow me to use this tokens for something useful. Thanks to you, Evan, I am able to destroy your friend's field. It's quite a pity. I wanted a duel with him alone, but I suppose it can't be helped. I activate Ashura's effect. I can tribute any number of monsters on my field in order to increase its strength by 500 per each!"

"What?!" Hiraki tensed up at that.

The tokens disappeared, leaving behind black particles that Ashura began absorbing.

Chaos Seeker Ashura ATK: 2500+500+500=3500

"Furthermore, I activate an effect from my hand, Chaos Seeker Silver Tooth!"

A metallic shark appeared on the field, attaching itself on Ashura's back.

"I can equip this card ao another "Chaos Seeker" monster on my field. Now, I believe preparations are done. Battle. I attack Lancelot and Commodus."

"What?! He's taking twice?!" Hiraki was baffled at the discovery.

"Ashura can attack up to the number of monsters he's absorbed. Since he absorbed two of my tokens, he will attack twice." Ashura drew his demonic sword and dashed over to the knights, cutting them with ease upon impact.

Hiraki LP: 3000

"Should I mention that a monster equipped with Chaos Seeker Silver Tooth can attack an extra time when that monster has destroyed a monster on the field. Evan, prepare to suffer."

"I don't think so, CHAOS! I activate the Trap Card, Hero Shield! For the rest of my turn, a "HERO" monster I control cannot be destroyed by battle!"

"But you will still take the damage!" CHAOS reminded as he watched him in glee while he was crying in pain after the attack of Ashura had graced him.

Evan LP: 3300

"Now, I activate the Continous Spell Card, Offering of the Gods. I can draw cards up to the number of times I've attacked in a turn. I'll draw 3 cards from my Deck and set 2. Turn end"

CHAOS hand: 3

"He's replenished his hand like nothing after destroying the majority of my monsters and dealing us a great deal of damage." Evan narrowed his eyes, chuckling."This will be either impossible or way too hard."

"But there's two of us against me!" Hiraki protested, his confidence not wavering."Don't throw the towel just yet, Evan. I'm sure there's a way to win and we'll find it. My turn! I draw! I activate Graceful Sister's Pendulum Effect! I can return another Pendulum Scale back to my Deck and draw and extra card! Next, I activate the Spell Card, Call of the Deva! I can Special Summon a "Spectral Deva" monster from my Deck! Appear, Spectral Deva - Serene!"

Spectral Deva - Serene Level 6, Light, Fairy, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1700

"I activate Graceful Sister's second Pendulum Effect! When I summon a "Fairy" monster on the field, all monsters on my field become that type!"

Spectral Deva - Royal Fairy

"Finally, Serene's own effect activates! When there is another Fairy-type monster on the field, I can Contact Fusion using monsters on my field as material!"

Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as he began to chant."With the delicacy of a mermaid and the steadfast attitude of a knight, I call forth one of the guardians! Contact Fusion Summon! Come, Level 7! Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha!"

Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha Level 7, Light, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2700, DEF: 2000

"He brought out one of the vices." Evan allowed himself a smirk, momentarily wincing after the pain in his body began to intensify.

"Marvelous." CHAOS chuckled in amusement."But, I'm afraid I have to interrupt you, boy. It's about time I began preparing. Preparing for the Recession."

Recession? They all wondered at his words. CHAOS simply pointed at his set card, revealing it."I activate the Continous Trap Card, Door of Heaven." CHAOS rose its hand in the air."It's time I've properly reclaimed what's mine." Out of nowhere, a total of 8 orbs of light came from the ground and were absorbed by CHAOS.

"What was tha-" Ace stopped, feeling something out of him abandoning him. He glanced up to see a red orb come out of his head and leaving over to CHAOS."Don't tell me that's-"

"Everyone's chaos power." Hiraki surmised, narrowing his gaze."So that means all that chaos power in them has returned to chaos. Including their CHAOS monsters."

"Indeed. And with that, I plan to start preparations. With Door of Heaven activated, I can Special Summon a monster from my Extra Deck ignoring its summoning conditions. Appear, Chaos Seeker Ragnarock Phase 1!"

A big purple egg appeared on the field, almost the same size as CHAOS.

Chaos Seeker Ragnarock Phase 1 Level 12, Dark, Dragon, Fusion, ATK: ?, DEF: ?

"Unknown ATKs?" Hiraki observed his Duel Disk."Still, it must have a devastating effect. We should be careful about that. I activate the Spell Card, Bottom Sales! I can increase the ATKs of one of my opponent's monsters by 1000! I target Ashura!"

Chaos Seeker Ashura ATK: 4500

"Why did you increase my monster's ATKs?" CHAOS cocked his head."Perhaps you are losing your head this early?"

"Not quite, because Vice Alpha can increase its ATKs by half of the amount your monster gained!"

Spectrum Deva - Vice Alpha ATK: 2700 + 500 = 3200

"Still, your monster is far too inferior to my Ashura." CHAOS taunted him.

"Yeah, maybe right now. But I have something up my sleeve. More precisely, I have it in my field! I activate my Trap Card, Destiny Hollow! I can target a monster on your field, furthermore, if that monster has higher or lower ATKs that originally I can set those back to normal!"

Chaos Seeker Ashura ATK: 2500

"Now, I can attack your monster and beat it! Battle! Go, Vice Alpha!" The monster prepared its lion-shaped shield and tackled Ashura, only for him to be protected by the shark on its back."What?!"

"Thanks to Silver Tooth, any monster equipped to it is safe from destruction once. Furthermore, battle damage is reduced to zero. However, Silver Tooth is banished at the end of the battle."

"Shit. I was so close to damaging him!" Hiraki spat at the ground, frustrated."I end my turn."

Hiraki hand: 3

"Don't worry, Hiraki." Evan glared at CHAOS."I'll take it from here. My turn! I draw! Hiraki, I'll need you to cover me while I prepare my combo for next turn. If we succeed in doing so, I'll finish this duel in one big swoop."

"Got it." Hiraki nodded in understanding.

"I activate the Spell Card, Enchanted Wang! I can equip this card to a Fusion Monster on my field! Furthermore, I activate another Spell Card, Dice of the Hundred Souls! I can throw a dice in the air, and depending on the number it lands on, I can draw cards from my Deck!"

"Alright!"

All players watched intently as the dice began rolling around.

"With Evan's luck, he'll get a 6, meaning he'll have the hand advantage and he can prepare his combo faster."

CHAOS merely chuckled, choosing to stay silent as he observed the beacons of hope in front of him. These two boys certainly were entertaining.

The dice came to a halt. The number it read was...

---

A little suspense to hype up the next chapter. With Hiraki and Evan fighting CHAOS, the god of Chaos, the final battle for the survival of mankind, and the dimensions begins. Can they defeat CHAOS in type and stop the Professor, or will they be too late? Stay tuned!"