Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth

by DivadX

Yuhiro Furutani, one of 8 children kidnapped 10 years ago by an unknown group, now works as Raguel, an agent in LINK VRAINS' Black Market. One day, he fights the Knights of Hanoi and encounters Playmaker, who becomes his newest assignment. Follow Yuhiro as he now must decide who he wants to become: as both a duelist and as an individual.

23. Chapter 23: A Damaged Rose

Response to Reviews

Thank you to HunterHQ, Guest, Portal, Noobmaster, E.T. 2000, ZeroMK7, Electriuser, Decode Talker, and Goomy for reviewing Chapter 22 of Obscured Truth.

Hi, everyone! Once again, I want to thank everyone for their positive and informative reviews. I also am happy to hear that everyone enjoyed Rosetta's debut duel in the previous chapter.

With nothing much else to say, I guess it's time to answer some reviews!

HunterHQ: Although World Gears of Theurological Demiurgy is the main power source of the Cyberse World, there are other power sources to keep it running (if I recall, there was one pillar for each attribute). I do hope you enjoy Rosetta's second duel, and as for the fates of Reidrith and Jeanne Azaria, you'll simply have to read on and find out for yourself.

Guest: In my opinion, they both failed in using Cyberse cards. But that doesn't mean there's room for improvement. And yes, Revolver sure is a hypocrite. After all, he did say that he's countering poison with poison.

Portal: I'm glad you liked the debut duel. I sure do hope you enjoy Rosetta's second duel.

Noobmaster: The reason why Rosetta hates Cyberse will be revealed, only it will be piece by piece. And yeah, it's a bit similar to when Akiza first hated the Signer Dragon marks.

E.T. 2000: Yes. The previous chapter was meant to introduce Rosetta and her deck, but this chapter will have her duel seriously from the start. And yes, there will be original Cyberse archetypes other than Cyreath. I have planned for two more to appear in Season 2. So stay tuned.

ZeroMK7: It's something like that, but like any duelist, she'll upgrade her deck as the story goes on.

Electriuser: I haven't decided if Playmaker and Raguel will be dueling in Season 2. I know for a fact they aren't dueling in Season 1 because they agreed to work together in exchange for Raguel ceasing his assignment for Ai. I can also see that you're confused regarding Raguel's rival, so allow me to clarify: Infearno is Raguel's main rival for Season 1, just like Revolver was for Playmaker. But when Season 2 came around, Playmaker's main rival ended up becoming Bohman. So therefore, the main rival for Raguel in Season 2 will change to someone else. And don't worry, the rivals always receive power-ups.

Decode Talker: I'm happy to see that you like this story.

Goomy: Glad you liked the chapter.

It's now time to begin the chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 23: A Damaged Rose

In the Hanoi Stronghold...

"Playmaker just logged into LINK VRAINS, Master Revolver." Specter stated, looking at the monitor as it showed a notification.

"So he has." Revolver replied, putting a hand on his chin. "How interesting indeed."

"Will you go after him, sir?"

"As much as I want to, no Specter." Revolver answered, turning to face Specter. "We're already short staffed as it is."

"I do see your point." Specter agreed. "After all, Infearno is overseeing the construction of the Tower, and you already sent Lord Kazuma on that scouting mission, correct?" Revolver nodded.

"Then may I offer an alternative suggestion?" Revolver and Specter turned behind them, only to see Ace materialize into the Hanoi Stronghold.

"What do you have in mind?" Revolver asked, narrowing his eyes at him. Although he was willing to work with him, there was still a dangerous air around him. He therefore made a note to do some research on Ace once he had some time to himself.

"Playmaker doesn't know we're working together." Ace pointed out. "And Rosetta is still on her mission to collect the two Cyberse cards. I'll distract him, while she completes the assignment to the letter."

Revolver thought about what Ace said. As much as he wanted to confront and duel Playmaker himself, he had to admit. Ace made a good argument, and he did prove how strong he was during his duel against Specter. Also, the fact that Playmaker and Raguel didn't know about their alliance meant they could use this to their advantage.

Besides, in the event Ace decided to betray the Hanoi, Revolver could use the duel to identify the weaknesses in his deck and crush him.

"Very well." Revolver finally decided. "I'll let you go confront Playmaker."

"I'm glad you're on board with the idea." And Ace materialized out of the Hanoi Stronghold.

"Master Revolver, are you sure about this?" Specter asked, turning to face him.

"There are three reasons why I decided to go along with Ace's suggestion." Revolver said. "One: As a duelist, he has not only an exceptional deck, but unique dueling skills as well. I want to see how he does against Playmaker, and vice versa. Two: Where Playmaker goes, Raguel will follow. It's basically like moths to a flame. Once they're both in the network, we'll home in on them and capture their Ignis's. Three: I thought about what you said to me at the casino, Specter. And you're right. While he may appear to honour our agreement, he's practically a loose cannon. Which is why we must tread carefully around him."

"I see." Specter realized. "If this works, we might be able to kill three birds with one stone."

"Precisely." Revolver affirmed. "And worse case scenario, I get to learn more of Playmaker's strategies." He then made a fist with his right hand. "So that the next time we duel, it will be his last."

In LINK VRAINS...

"I just patched the coordinates to your Duel Disk, Yusaku." Kusanagi said, as Playmaker emerged from a portal and landed on his duel board, which he used to ride the data stream.

"Perfect." Playmaker replied, looking at them. "If we hurry, we'll be able to catch up with Raguel."

"Yeah!" Ai agreed, emerging from Playmaker's Duel Disk. "Because whoever Raguel and Herald are up against, they might be having some trouble."

"But I'm afraid you won't have the time to do that, my friend."

Playmaker looked behind upon hearing the voice, only to see Ace zoom right past him on his duel board. Ace then swerved his duel board so he could face Playmaker and ride backwards at the same time.

"Whoever you are, get out of the way!" Playmaker demanded. "I don't have time to deal with you."

"Then you'll have to make time." Ace firmly stated. "My name is Ace, and I've been sent to dispose of you."

"Dispose of me?" Playmaker repeated. "And who exactly sent you to do that?"

"Playmaker?"

Playmaker looked up and saw Numera on her duel board, who was listening in on their conversation.

"What are you doing here?"

"You're here too, Numera?" Playmaker asked.

"Hey!" Ai said, pointing at Numera. "It's that Cyberse user from before! You have a lot of explaining to do, like how you know about the Ignis. And how you got those Cyberse cards!"

"What's this?" Ace interrupted, paying attention to what Ai said. "The little girl has Cyberse cards too?" His smile then turned into a smirk. "Excellent! The Hanoi will be happy to hear this."

"You work for the Hanoi?" Playmaker demanded, turning back to Ace. "Why would you work for them? Are you not aware of who and what they are?"

"I'm already aware of them, thank you very much." Ace replied. "If you want answers, then you'll have to beat me in a duel."

Playmaker gritted his teeth. He didn't want to duel this guy right now. But after learning that he was with the Hanoi, he could have information. Information that he might spill if he loses. "Can you get me as much data as you can on this guy, Kusanagi?" he asked over the com.

"Don't worry. I'm on it." Kusanagi answered, as he typed furiously in Café Nagi. "You'll have all his info within a few minutes."

"Alright." Playmaker then looked up at Ace and narrowed his eyes. "I'll have you know: Dueling you just became imperative. As once I beat you, you're going to tell me what exactly the Hanoi's endgame is!"

"You better watch out, because Playmaker's kicking your ass!" Ai taunted.

"We shall see, my little friend." Ace responded. "We shall see."

"Speed Duel!" Playmaker and Ace shouted at the same time.

Playmaker: 4000 LP

Ace: 4000 LP

"I'll make the first move." Ace said, looking at his hand. "I activate the Field Spell card, Evil Eye Domain – Pareidolia! Upon activation, this card lets me add one 'Evil Eye' monster from my deck to my hand!" A card popped out of Ace's deck, letting him add Medusa, Watcher of the Evil Eye to his hand.

"I summon Catopleas, Familiar of the Evil Eye from my hand!" A buffalo with grey and purple skin wearing cyan armor appeared on Ace's field. On its forehead was a red eyeball.

Catopleas, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 600 DEF: 1900 LV: 3

"Next, I activate the effect of Basilius, Familiar of the Evil Eye! As I control an 'Evil Eye' monster, I'm allowed to Special Summon this card from my hand to my field!" A blue and black serpent with a big red eye on its head also appeared on Ace's field and hissed at Playmaker.

Basilius, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 400 DEF: 2000 LV: 3

"Basilius's effect!" Ace continued. "Once per turn, I'm allowed to send an 'Evil Eye' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my Graveyard. I think I'll send Evil Eye Reemergence to my Graveyard." A second card popped out of Ace's deck, which he sent to the Graveyard.

"Appear! The circuit of the all-consuming Evil Eye!" A Link Portal soon appeared ahead of him. "The summoning conditions are exactly two 'Evil Eye' monsters! I'll set Catopleas, Familiar of the Evil Eye, and Basilius, Familiar of the Evil Eye into the Link Markers!" Catopleas went into the bottom arrowhead, while Basilius went into the right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye!" A velociraptor with a slender neck and dark-purple skin appeared on Ace's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. All over the velociraptor's body were little eyeballs. Quarrion raised its head and screeched at Playmaker.

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 2100 LINK-2 ➡️⬇️

"Quarrion's effect activates!" Ace added. "When it's Link Summoned, I can add an 'Evil Eye' card from my deck to my hand!" Using Quarrion's effect, Ace added Evil Eye of Selene from his deck to his hand.

"I activate the Equip Spell card, Evil Eye of Selene, and equip it onto Quarrion." A red and silver mechanical device appeared and attached itself on Quarrion's left eye. "I'll just let the both of you know that as long as Quarrion is equipped with Evil Eye of Selene, it can no longer be destroyed by battle or card effects. Nor can you target it with your card effects!"

"So the only way to destroy that creepy, crawly thing is through battle?!" Ai exclaimed.

"I'm afraid so, Ai." Playmaker confirmed, narrowing his eyes.

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Ace concluded. "Let's see what the legendary Playmaker can do!"

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker said, drawing the top card of his deck.

"Did we get something good?" Ai asked, trying to look at Playmaker's hand.

"By sending a Level 2 or lower monster from my hand to the Graveyard," Playmaker explained, "I'm allowed to Special Summon Bitrooper from my hand! Come on out, Bitrooper!" As Playmaker discarded a card, a white and yellow armored mechanical warrior appeared on Playmaker's field in attack position.

Bitrooper ATK: 1500 DEF: 2000 LV: 4

"Next, I summon ROM Cloudia from my hand!" A ram with black fur and pink horns also appeared on Playmaker's field.

ROM Cloudia ATK: 1800 DEF: 0 LV: 4

"As it was Normal Summoned," Playmaker continued, "I can add one Cyberse monster from my Graveyard to my hand." After taking the only card from his Graveyard, he said, "Latency's effect activates! Since it was added from my Graveyard to my hand, I can Special Summon it to my field!" An armored machine woman in a pink dress holding an hourglass joined its Cyberse comrades on Playmaker's field.

Latency ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"And now I shall create my ultimate circuit!" A Link Portal appeared ahead of Playmaker. "The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters! I'll set Bitrooper, Latency, and ROM Cloudia into the Link Markers!" Bitrooper went into the top arrowhead, Latency went into the bottom arrowhead, and ROM Cloudia went into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Encode Talker!" A warrior in bright blue and gold armor was summoned to Playmaker's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. In his right hand, he carried a shield.

Encode Talker ATK: 2300 LINK-3 ⬆️⬇️↘️

"Since the Special Summoned Latency was used as to Link Summon, I get to draw one card!" Playmaker drew, then said, "If I control a Cyberse monster, I can Special Summon Backup Secretary from my hand!" A woman with white clothes and a purple cape was summoned to the Main Monster Zone Encode Talker was pointing to.

Backup Secretary ATK: 1200 DEF: 800 LVL: 3

"I Set two cards face-down." Playmaker then thrusted out his right hand. "Battle! Backup Secretary attacks Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye!" Backup Secretary charged forward at Quarrion.

"I activate the effect of Encode Talker!" Playmaker said. "When a monster it points to battles a monster you control with higher attack points, my monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and I take no battle damage!" Backup Secretary punched Quarrion, who responded by swiping her with its tail. "Then, either Encode Talker or a monster it points to gains attack points equal to your monster's attack points until the End Phase. I therefore increase Encode Talker's attack points!" A bright blue aura surrounded Encode Talker as he powered up.

Encode Talker ATK: 2300 + 2100 = 4400

"Interesting." Ace muttered. "Your weaker monster attacked first on purpose to increase the attack points of your stronger monster." He may think he's got the advantage, he thought, but little does he know he's walking into a trap.

"The battle still continues!" Playmaker said. "Encode Talker attacks Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye! Final Encode!"

"Even though your monster can't be destroyed by battle, you're still taking battle damage!" Ai added, causing Playmaker to roll his eyes.

Encode Talker charged at Quarrion, a sword emerging from his shield. He then proceeded to slash Quarrion, creating a massive cloud of smoke.

Ace: 4000 – 2300 = 1700 LP

"Do you really think it would be that easy?" Ace asked, emerging from the smoke alongside with Quarrion. "I activate the second effect of Evil Eye Domain – Pareidolia! Once per turn, during damage calculation, if an 'Evil Eye' monster I control is attacked while Evil Eye of Selene is in my Spell & Trap card zone, any battle damage I take from that battle is also inflicted to you!"

"So we're getting blasted with damage too?" Ai said, widening his eyes in surprise. Playmaker gritted his teeth. He didn't expect this either.

"That's correct!" Ace confirmed, as Evil Eye Domain – Pareidolia appeared and fired a blast of energy at Playmaker, causing him to temporarily stagger before regaining his balance.

Playmaker: 4000 – 2300 = 1700 LP

"Furthermore," Ace continued, "I activate my Skill, Life Rejuvenation! When I've taken at least 1500 or more points of damage, I can pay 500 additional life points to gain life points equal to the number of monsters on the field times 500!" For a brief moment, Ace clutched his heart and kneeled on his duel board, as though he were in pain.

Ace: 1700 – 500 = 1200 LP

Then a dark purple aura surrounded him, causing him to stand up.

Ace: 1200 + (500 X 3) = 2700 LP

"Oh come on!" Ai groaned. "Now he's in the lead!"

"Evil Eye of Selene's effect activates!" Ace said. "Whenever the equipped monster activates its effect, or I activate the effect of another 'Evil Eye' Spell or Trap card, it gains 500 attack points and I lose 500 life points." As Quarrion powered up, Ace clutched his heart as though he were in pain. But what was disturbing was that he enjoyed it.

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 2100 + 500 = 2600

Ace: 2700 – 500 = 2200 LP

"Okay, that's not good for us." Ai said. "But at least we found a weakness, right?"

"His strategy must revolve around Evil Eye of Selene, Ai." Playmaker observed. "Every time the equipped monster activates its effect, or the effect of an 'Evil Eye' Spell or Trap card is activated, it increases the equipped monsters attack points at the cost of the owner's life points."

"So, in other words, if we play our cards just right, we can win!"

Ignoring Ai, Playmaker stated, "I end my turn. And since my turn is over, Encode Talker's attack points go back to normal."

Encode Talker ATK: 4400 – 2100 = 2300

Numera, who was watching the duel, narrowed her eyes in worry. "You're watching this too, right Greg?"

"I am, honey." Greg confirmed over the com. "Although I am curious as to why Playmaker showed up."

"You and me both." Numera replied. "It's almost as if..." It then dawned on her. If Playmaker was in LINK VRAINS, then it meant that Raguel was in trouble. And he didn't inform her at all! "Greg, I gotta go!" She then sped up on her duel board to get away from the duel between Ace and Playmaker

"And where do you think you're going, little girl?" Ace asked, turning around and firing a blast of energy from his finger at the air in front of Numera, preventing her from moving forward.

"What did you do?" Numera demanded, as she circled back to where Ace and Playmaker were.

"Leave her out of this!" Playmaker interjected. "You're facing me, remember?!"

"The Hanoi requires Cyberse cards for their newest project." Ace explained. "I can't let that opportunity get away. So I therefore used an anchor program to prevent you from leaving for now."

Numera gritted her teeth upon hearing that. "Greg, can you decipher this guy's anchor program and release me from it?" she asked over the com.

"I'll try." Greg responded, typing on his laptop. "Just stay safe in the meanwhile."

"Yeah, yeah. I know." Numera then slowed her duel board down so she could watch the duel at a safe distance. Raguel, she thought, once I get out of this situation, I'm not letting you hear the end of it!

Meanwhile, in another area of LINK VRAINS...

"Duel me?" Rosetta repeated. "You know who I am, correct?" She pointed her scythe at the unconscious Reidrith and Jeanne Azaria. "And even if you did, why would you risk your life for these two worthless duelists?"

"It's because taking their cards like that was just wrong!" Raguel answered, still pointing his sword at her. "What you did, it's like you killed a part of them!"

"I honestly don't care." Rosetta coldly rebutted. "They're meaningless compared to my goal."

"Your goal?" Raguel repeated, raising an eyebrow. What goal did Rosetta have? And how were Cyberse cards thrown into the mix?

"Their lives were judged the moment they started using Cyberse cards." Rosetta stated, now pointing her scythe at Raguel. "You're Raguel, correct? The rumored Cyberse user on the black market?" She smirked behind her mask. "I'm willing to bet the Cyberse cards I've obtained in a duel if you do the same with yours. Winner takes all."

Raguel gritted his teeth. He had hoped to reason with her, and the last thing he wanted was a duel. But if a duel was the only way to get them back...

"Fine." Raguel said, putting his sword away on his back and activating his Duel Disk. "I accept your challenge! But before we begin, I'd like to know who I'm dueling."

"You can call me Rosetta." Rosetta replied, turning her scythe back into the converting frame and putting it away before activating her Duel Disk. "And I'll have you know that any hopes you had of winning will be scattered to the wind!"

"Duel!" Rosetta and Raguel said at the same time.

Rosetta: 4000 LP

Raguel: 4000 LP

"I'll go first!" Raguel said, looking at his hand. "I summon Cyreath Valkyrie from my hand!" A female warrior with dark red hair, dressed in a long leather loincloth with matching leather brassiere and knee-high boots, appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Valkyrie ATK: 1600 DEF: 1300 LVL: 4

"Appear! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster! I'll set Cyreath Valkyrie into the Link Marker!" Valkyrie went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Come on out! Link 1! Cyreath Scorpius!" A huge scorpion, with large pincers and a long tail, joined Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyreath Scorpius ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬇️

"Scorpius' effect!" Raguel continued. "Once per turn, if I control no monsters in the Main Monster Zone, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Cyreath' monster from my Graveyard to a zone this card points to. Return, Cyreath Valkyrie!"

Scorpius lowered its tail into a portal, with Valkyrie grabbing onto it before jumping out of the portal and back onto the field.

Cyreath Valkyrie ATK: 1600 DEF: 1300 LVL: 4

"And since I control a 'Cyreath' monster," Raguel added, "I can Special Summon Cyreath Doppelganger from my hand!" A pale, shadowy man materialized itself on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4

"I activate the Spell card, Elixir of the Gods! By tributing a 'Cyreath' monster I control, I get to draw two cards! However, I can't attack the turn I use this effect. But since I can't attack anyway, it's not a huge loss. I tribute Valkyrie!" Valkyrie turned into yellow particles as Raguel drew the top two cards of his deck.

"Good call, Raguel." Herald said, emerging from Raguel's Duel Disk. "You took advantage of the fact that you can't attack on your first turn to get two more cards from your deck."

"I did it because I got a bad feeling about this duel, Herald." Raguel responded. "Which means we'll need all the help we can get." He then gestured to his field. "Appear, for the second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters! I'll set Cyreath Scorpius, which is a Link 1 monster, and Cyreath Doppelganger into the Link Markers!" Doppelganger went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while Scorpius went into the bottom-left arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Machai!" A warrior with two torsos back to back with each other and covered in coal black skin was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone. It had two legs, six arms, and two heads.

Cyreath Machai ATK: 1600 LINK-2 ↙️↘️

"I activate the second effect of Doppelganger from my Graveyard!" Raguel said. "Once per duel, by banishing one 'Cyreath' monster from my Graveyard, I get to Special Summon this card to my field in attack position. I banish Valkyrie to activate its effect and summon it back!" Doppelganger, for a second time, materialized itself onto Raguel's field.

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4

"Appear, for the third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters! I'll set Cyreath Machai, which is a Link 2 monster, and Cyreath Doppelganger into the Link Markers!" Doppelganger went into the bottom arrowhead, while Machai split into two and entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrowheads.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! The strongest warrior chosen by the gods leads the charge to victory! Link 3! Cyreath Hercules!" A tall, muscular warrior wearing a brown tunic around his waist emerged from the portal and landed on the right Extra Monster Zone on Raguel's field. He wore shoulder guards resembling lion paws and a helmet resembling a lion's head with a plume forming a mane. He also carried a massive gauntlet with a lion face on each arm.

Cyreath Hercules ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ↖️⬇️↗️

"Machai's effect!" Raguel added. "Since Hercules used it as a Link Material, it cannot be destroyed by battle!" He then took two cards from his hand and Set them in his Spell & Trap card zone. "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn. You're up."

"My turn! I draw!" Rosetta declared, drawing the top card of her deck. "I summon Twilight Rose Knight from my hand!" A female knight with short blue hair and yellow eyes, a long white cape, and wearing dark, rosy armor on the upper portion of her body appeared on Rosetta's field. On her head was a large, dark rosy tiara. In her left hand, she carried a sword.

Twilight Rose Knight ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

"Twilight Rose Knight's effect! When she's Normal Summoned, I get to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Plant monster from my hand! Come, Lord Poison!" A fiendish, muddy creature with spikes all over its body, as well as claws, floated onto Rosetta's field.

Lord Poison ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

"I now tune the Level 3 Twilight Rose Knight with the Level 4 Lord Poison!" Rosetta declared, as a bolt of green lightning struck her. Soon, the world greyed out, and her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one black and one brown, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "3 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"The cold flame engulfs the entire world!" Rosetta chanted. "Pitch-black flower, bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! Black Rose Dragon!" A massive, black-skinned dragon, whose entire body was covered in roses, spread out her wings and let out a shriveling roar as she was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone on Rosetta's field. She had a long, slender neck that was covered in roses at the back, and three mandibles that were made of roses on her head. She also had clawed draconic feet. In addition, the dragon had a long, thorned tail, along with thinner thorned tails. Black Rose Dragon's orange eyes glowed as she glared at Raguel.

Black Rose Dragon ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800 LV: 7

"That must be her ace monster!" Raguel realized.

"I activate Black Rose Dragon's effect!" Rosetta said. "When she's Synchro Summoned, every card on your field is destroyed! Go, Black Rose Gale!" Black Rose Dragon let out a roar as she flapped her wings in front of her, unleashing a tornado at Hercules and Raguel's two face-down cards. However...

"I don't think so!" Raguel said. "Quick-Play Spell, activate! Cyreath Salvation! If a 'Cyreath' monster I control would be destroyed by a card effect, it's not destroyed!" A barrier formed around Hercules, protecting him as Black Rose Dragon and all of Raguel's other cards were immediately destroyed.

"That was a close one." Herald said, wiping the sweat off his forehead using his right arm. "If this 'Rosetta' plans to summon a monster to two of the Main Monster Zones Hercules points to, we'll have the advantage."

"And her ace monster destroyed itself too." Raguel added. "We can still win this duel."

"Really? You two have hope?" Rosetta asked, chuckling behind the mask. "I told you before that I would scatter any hopes you had of winning, and I'll do so right now!" She then activated a card in her Spell & Trap card zone. "I activate the Spell card, Monster Reborn! This card lets me Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard. Return, Black Rose Dragon!" On Rosetta's command, Black Rose Dragon reappeared on her field and roared at Raguel.

Black Rose Dragon ATK: 2400 DEF: 1800 LV: 7

"I activate the Equip Spell card, Thorn of Malice, and equip it onto Black Rose Dragon!" The thorned tails that Black Rose Dragon had suddenly became sharper, and glowed with a purple aura. "This card increases the attack points of either Black Rose Dragon or a Plant monster by 600." Black Rose Dragon roared as she powered up.

Black Rose Dragon ATK: 2400 + 600 = 3000

"And now that dragon's more powerful than Hercules!" Herald realized. Raguel gritted his teeth. If Cyreath Rebound was still on his field, he could negate the upcoming attack and inflict damage right back at her. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be the case this time.

"Battle!" Rosetta declared, pointing at Hercules. "Black Rose Dragon attacks Cyreath Hercules! Black Rose Flare!" Black Rose Dragon gathered energy inside her maw before firing it at Hercules, pushing him back and injuring the warrior. Surprisingly, though, he was still on the field, even though Raguel's life points dropped.

Raguel: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP

"Any monster that battles with the equipped monster can't be destroyed by battle." Rosetta explained before Raguel could ask. "But in exchange, the attacked monster loses 600 attack and defense points after damage calculation."

"Oh no!" Raguel said, shocked at the second effect of Thorn of Malice.

"Go, Hate Rose Whip!" The thinner thorned tails that Black Rose Dragon had suddenly launched themselves towards Hercules and stabbed him in different parts of his body, causing excruciating pain.

Cyreath Hercules ATK: 2500 – 600 = 1900

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Rosetta concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel declared, drawing the top card of his deck. "I summon Cyreath Barbarian from my hand." A man with spiked cuffs, close-cropped blond hair and mustache joined the field.

Cyreath Barbarian ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LVL: 4

"Appear! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared in the sky above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more effect monsters! I'll set Cyreath Hercules, which is a Link 3 monster, and Cyreath Barbarian into the Link Markers!" Barbarian went into the top arrowhead, while Hercules split into three tornadoes of energy that went into the left, right, and bottom arrowheads.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! The Embodiment of Truth is given to mankind! Link 4! Turboblaze Dragon!" A white-color bipedal dragon with blue irises and black pupils, as well as a long and slender neck emerged from the Link Portal to the right Extra Monster Zone as he roared upon appearing on Raguel's field. He had a long, voluminous wispy mane streaming out from the upper side of his snout and outwards from his head, with two protrusions resembling ears on the top of the mane. His arms were slender and arm-like with a wing-like appearance and four fingers on his claws. He had a feathered chest, with long feather-like protrusions jutting out of his thighs. On his feet were large grey claws, three at the front and one positioned at the back to resemble high heels. He also had a jet engine-like tail, with two large bands similar to the front and ribbon like extensions.

Turboblaze Dragon ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ⬆️⬇️⬅️➡️

"I activate Turboblaze Dragon's first effect!" Raguel continued. "When it's Link Summoned, the effects of all monsters you control are negated! Heat Veil!" The jet engine-like tail that Turboblaze had soon began to charge up.

"Feel the fury of my flames!" Turboblaze shouted before unleashing waves of volcanic energy at Black Rose, covering her in scorch marks.

"My Black Rose Dragon!" Rosetta exclaimed in anger upon seeing her monster being wounded.

"I activate Barbarian's effect from my Graveyard." Raguel said, ignoring Rosetta. "Since it was used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster that used this card as a Link Material gains 500 attack points!"

Turboblaze Dragon ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500

"Battle! Turboblaze Dragon attacks Black Rose Dragon! Desolation Flare!" The jet engine-like tail glowed orange with power as Turboblaze flew up into the air and charged up an orb of orange fire. After gathering enough energy, Turboblaze fired it at Black Rose, but...

"Continuous-Trap, activate! Safe Zone!" Rosetta interjected. "I target one monster on my field, and as long as this card remains, the targeted monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, nor can it be targeted by card effects. I target Black Rose Dragon!" A blue veil surrounded Black Rose Dragon, protecting her from the orb of orange fire.

"But you still take battle damage." Raguel reminded Rosetta, as bits of ember bounced off the blue veil and hit her, causing her to lose life points.

Rosetta: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP

"If it weren't for that Trap card, we would have been close to wrapping up this duel." Herald said, crossing his arms. "She must really not want that dragon to be destroyed."

"Yeah." Raguel agreed with Herald. "But regardless, we can't drop our guard." He then took the remaining two cards in his hand and Set them face-down in his Spell & Trap card zone. "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." He then turned to Rosetta as he asked, "Why are you doing this? The Charisma Duelists you defeated didn't deserve to be hurt, yet you went after them all because they had their Cyberse cards. Do you have something against them?"

"I'm doing this because Cyberse cards are responsible for my pain!" Rosetta furiously answered. "They appeared during a time when my family was going through a great loss." She tried to recompose herself, but found that she couldn't. "But instead of helping each other get through it, one by one, they were forced to move on and leave me. All because their jobs, in someway, had something to do with Cyberse cards. And by the time the person I needed the most left me, I realized the harsh truth. In times of pain, people only care about themselves. That's why I'll destroy every Cyberse card in existence. To show them the pain I suffered for tearing my family apart from the inside out!"

"You know what I hear?" Raguel said, getting her attention. "I hear a sad person who's willing to hurt others just to try and feel better. Tell me: Is what I said true?" Rosetta was slightly taken aback by Raguel's question.

"What are you talking about? I'm doing this for revenge."

"And do you honestly believe that?" Raguel stated, causing her eyes to widen behind the mask. However, Rosetta shook her head, trying to clear her doubts.

"I don't know why you're doing this," Rosetta said, "but your mind games won't work on me. My turn! I draw!" She drew the top card of her deck. "I activate the Spell card, Pot of Greed! This card lets me draw two cards from my deck." She proceeded to draw the top two cards of her deck. "Next, I activate my Field Spell card, Black Garden!" Soon, the entire duel field was engulfed in thorns and roses. A statue of a faun soon emerged from the ground to the center of the duel field. "Now if either of us Normal or Special Summons a monster, except by Black Garden's effect, its attack points are halved, and a Rose token is Special Summoned to the controller's opponent's side of the field in attack position."

"Well, that's not good." Herald commented. "If we summon anymore monsters, they'll be half as strong as they once were."

"And she'll get a Rose token." Raguel added. But he knew that the reverse was true for her. If she summoned anymore monsters, their strength will be halved, and Raguel will get a Rose token, which he can then use for Link Summoning. She must be preparing something big regarding Black Garden, Raguel theorized. And in the meanwhile, she'll take any chance to weaken my strategies.

"I now activate my Trap card, Blooming of the Darkest Rose!" Rosetta said. "This card Special Summons Rose tokens to both our fields in defense position equal to the number of Field Spell cards in the Field Zone and in the Graveyards. As Black Garden is in my Field Zone, each of us gets one Rose token!" A massive rose with a thorned stem and two thin branches containing leaves appeared on both duelists' fields in defense position.

Rose Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 2

Rose Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 2

"Black Garden's effect! As a monster was Special Summoned to each of our fields, both their attack points are halved, and we each get an additional Rose token." Thorns erupted from the ground and wrapped themselves around the Rose tokens on the field.

Rose Token ATK: 800 / 2 = 400

Rose Token ATK: 800 / 2 = 400

Soon after, a second Rose token appeared on both duelists fields. Only this time, they were in attack position.

Rose Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 2

Rose Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 2

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Frozen Rose! I can send one monster from my field to the Graveyard, and depending on the monster sent, I can activate one of two effects at the End Phase. I'll send the Rose token that's in attack position to my Graveyard!" At her command, one of the Rose tokens exploded into yellow particles.

"Battle!" Rosetta declared. "Black Rose Dragon attacks one of your Rose tokens!" As Black Rose Dragon gathered energy inside her maw, she quickly added, "I activate Thorn of Malice's additional effect. If the equipped monster battles a defense position monster, you take piercing battle damage!"

"That's not good!" Raguel said.

"It definitely isn't." Rosetta agreed with him. "Black Rose Flare!" Black Rose Dragon fired a beam of energy at the Rose token, intent on making it suffer. However...

"I activate the Trap card, Cyreath Endurance!" Raguel interjected. The card showed Cyreath Grand Warden protecting Cyreath Pixie, Rippler, and Crafter from Tyrant Dragon's attack by using his scepter to form a barrier around them. "By banishing a 'Cyreath' Link Monster from my Graveyard, any battle damage I would have taken is reduced by 500 times its Link Rating. I banish Cyreath Machai from my Graveyard, and reduce battle damage by 1000!" A translucent barrier appeared around the Rose token, briefly pushing back against the beam of energy. Unfortunately, smaller beams of energy bounced off the barrier and hit Raguel in different parts of his body, causing tears in his clothing. As a result, he had to stagger back.

Raguel: 3500 – (2200 – 1000) = 2300 LP

"Are you okay, Raguel?" Herald asked, concerned for his friend.

"Yeah. I'm fine, Herald." Raguel replied.

"Your Rose token cannot be destroyed by battle when battling a monster that's equipped with Thorn of Malice." Rosetta reminded the two of them. "However, after damage calculation, it immediately loses 600 attack and defense points! Hate Rose Whip!" Soon, the thinner thorned tails launched themselves towards the Rose token and stabbed it in different places, causing excruciating pain.

Rose Token ATK: 400 – 600 = 0 DEF: 800 – 600 = 200

"I end my turn here." Rosetta concluded. "And that means Frozen Rose's effect activates. Because I sent a Plant monster from my field to the Graveyard, I get to draw two cards before discarding one from my hand." She then drew two cards from her deck, looked them over, and sent one of them to the Graveyard.

"You know, Herald." Raguel said. "I think I figured something out."

"You did?" Herald asked. "If it's a way to get through this duel, I'm all ears."

"No." Raguel answered. "It's something else. In that last attack, I sensed something."

"Oh? What exactly did you sense?"

"Although there was pain and anger in that attack, there was something else too." Raguel narrowed his eyes. The Lost Incident may have traumatized him, but he had people in his life who were there for him. Which made him a survivor. And now it's my turn to be there for Rosetta, Raguel thought. I'll win this duel to not only stop her, but to help her as well.

Elsewhere, at Playmaker's duel...

"My turn! I draw!" Ace said, drawing the top card of his deck. "I summon Medusa, Watcher of the Evil Eye!" A purple-haired girl wearing black and green clothing appeared on Ace's field. Her left eye was red, while her right eye was milky-pearl.

Medusa, Watcher of the Evil Eye ATK: 1400 DEF: 1600 LV: 4

"Medusa's effect! When it's Normal Summoned, I get to add an 'Evil Eye' card from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Basilius, Familiar of the Evil Eye to my hand." A card briefly came out of the Graveyard before being added to Ace's hand. "Basilius's effect! As I control an 'Evil Eye' monster, I'm allowed to Special Summon this card from my hand to my field!" The blue and black serpent with a big red eye on its head from before reappeared on Ace's field.

Basilius, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 400 DEF: 2000 LV: 3

"I use Basilius's second effect!" Ace added. "Once per turn, I'm allowed to send an 'Evil Eye' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my Graveyard. This time, I'll send Evil Eye of Gorgoneio to my Graveyard." A card popped out of Ace's deck, which he immediately sent to his Graveyard.

"Next, I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Evil Eye Repose! By banishing an 'Evil Eye' card from my Graveyard, I get to draw one card. I'll therefore banish Catopleas, Familiar of the Evil Eye." He then drew the top card of his deck, and after looking at it, he smirked.

"Evil Eye of Selene's effect! Since the equipped monster, in this case, Quarrion, activated its effect, it gains 500 attack points and I lose 500 life points." Quarrion began to power up, but...

"I activate my Trap card, Cyberse Shatter!" Playmaker said. "When a card or effect is activated that would change the attack points of exactly one monster on your field while I control a Cyberse monster on my field, I can negate the activation and draw one card."

"Counter-Trap, activate!" Ace said in retaliation. "Evil Eye Retribution! If you activate a Spell or Trap card while I control an 'Evil Eye' monster, I can negate the activation and then destroy it. However, if 'Evil Eye of Selene' is in my Spell & Trap card zone, this card's activation and effect cannot be negated!"

"What?"

"Say goodbye to your Trap card." Evil Eye Retribution fired a blast of energy at Cyberse Shatter, destroying it. Ace then turned to Quarrion. "And since I activated another 'Evil Eye' Spell or Trap card, Evil Eye of Selene will give Quarrion more power!" As Quarrion powered up for real, Ace clutched his heart for a second time.

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 2600 + 500 + 500 = 3600

Ace: 2200 – 500 - 500 = 1200 LP

Just like that, he countered Playmaker's attempt to stop him, Numera thought, as she saw how Ace responded to Cyberse Shatter. She narrowed her eyes at the duel. If Playmaker's going to defeat this guy, he'll have to do a bit better than that. "Any luck on that anchor program yet?"

"Not yet, honey." Greg answered through the com. "Although I am making progress."

"Well, thanks anyway." Numera sighed. This was going to take a while.

"Appear, the circuit of the all-consuming Evil Eye!" Ace declared, as a Link Portal soon appeared ahead of Ace. "The summoning conditions are two monsters, one of which must be an 'Evil Eye' monster! I'll set Medusa, Watcher of the Evil Eye, and Basilius, Familiar of the Evil Eye into the Link Markers!" Medusa went into the top arrowhead, while Basilius went into the bottom arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Gorgon, Empress of the Evil Eyed!" A white-haired woman wearing a black and purple dress covered by white and red armor emerged from the Link Portal and landed on Ace's field in the Main Monster Zone Quarrion was pointing to. Covering her left eye was a white mechanical device with a red lens.

Gorgon, Empress of the Evil Eyed ATK: 1900 LINK-2 ⬆️⬇️

"Gorgon gains 100 additional attack points for each 'Evil Eye' card in my Graveyard with a different name." Ace explained. "Since there's five 'Evil Eye' cards with different names, she gains 500 attack points." A red aura enveloped Gorgon as she powered up.

Gorgon, Empress of the Evil Eyed ATK: 1900 + 500 = 2400

"I activate Quarrion's effect! Once per turn, I can target one monster you control and one 'Evil Eye' monster in my Graveyard. By doing so, your monster loses attack points equal to the 'Evil Eye' monsters attack points in my Graveyard." Playmaker widened his eyes in surprise.

"Your monster can do that?" Ai said, who was clearly surprised just like Playmaker.

"Indeed it can." Ace answered. He then pointed at Encode Talker. "I target your Encode Talker on the field and my Medusa, Watcher of the Evil Eye in my Graveyard. Which means it loses 1400 attack points!" Quarrion fired a toxic burst of energy from its mouth at Encode Talker, poisoning him and draining his strength.

Encode Talker ATK: 2300 – 1400 = 900

"Evil Eye of Selene's effect!" Quarrion roared as it powered up, while Ace clutched his heart a third time while laughing in pain.

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 3600 + 500 = 4100

Ace: 1200 – 500 = 700 LP

"I Set one card face-down." Ace said. "Battle! Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye attacks Encode Talker!" Quarrion charged forward at Encode Talker, intent on finishing off its prey.

"Uh, Playmaker? We're gonna lose!" Ai panicked.

"We won't, Ai." Playmaker assured Ai. "I activate the Trap card, Half or Nothing! When this card is activated, you get to choose one of two effects. You either end the Battle Phase immediately, or the attack points of all monsters you control become halved until the end of your Battle Phase."

"And since this Trap card doesn't specifically target your monster," Ai added, "that means we can get around your Evil Eye of Selene, bub!"

"Tch." Ace said, gritting his teeth. "I didn't expect you to play that card." He then smirked. "But it won't stop me from attacking. I'll choose the second effect, which cuts the attack points of my monsters in half for the duration of this Battle Phase." Half or Nothing then glowed an eerie color, halting Quarrion in its tracks and halving both it and Gorgon's attack points.

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 4100 / 2 = 2050

Gorgon, Empress of the Evil Eyed ATK: 2400 / 2 = 1200

"The battle still resumes. Quarrion, resume your attack on Encode Talker!" Quarrion, shaking off what just happened to it, leapt onto Encode Talker and bit his neck, destroying the warrior and turning him into yellow particles.

Playmaker: 1700 – 1150 = 550 LP

"Evil Eye Repose's second effect now activates!" Ace continued. "Once per turn, after damage calculation, if an 'Evil Eye' monster equipped with Evil Eye of Selene attacked a monster on your field, I can banish it!" Evil Eye Repose glowed purple, causing Playmaker's Duel Disk to glow as well.

"Our Encode Talker is gone!" Ai lamented, as Playmaker checked his Graveyard. Sure enough, Encode Talker was no longer there.

"And just before I end my turn, the effect of Evil Eye of Selene activates once more!" Ace reminded Playmaker and Ai. "You know what that means." For a fourth time, Quarrion powered up, and Ace clutched his heart in pain.

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 2050 + 500 = 2550

Ace: 700 – 500 = 200 LP

"My turn is over now. Which means both Quarrion and Gorgon's attack points return to normal."

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 2550 X 2 = 5100

Gorgon, Empress of the Evil Eyed ATK: 1200 X 2 = 2400

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker said, drawing the top card of his deck.

"Continuous-Trap card, activate!" Ace unexpectedly said. "Cycle of the Evil Eye!" The card showed Serziel, Watcher of the Evil Eye torturing Medusa, Watcher of the Evil Eye before healing her again and repeating the cycle. "By tributing an 'Evil Eye' monster equipped with Evil Eye of Selene, we both gain 1000 life points. I therefore destroy Quarrion."

"Huh?" Ai said, raising an eyebrow as Quarrion and Evil Eye of Selene exploded into yellow particles. "Why would you do that?"

"It's because he doesn't want us to use our Skill." Playmaker answered, as his and Ace's life points went up.

Ace: 200 + 1000 = 1200 LP

Playmaker: 550 + 1000 = 1550 LP

"Precisely!" Ace confirmed. "Your main ace in the hole is Storm Access. Which is why I can't let you activate it." Suddenly, Ace remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot! At the end of your turn, if I control an 'Evil Eye' monster, you take 300 points of damage. But at any point during either player's turn, if I no longer control an 'Evil Eye' monster, I must destroy this card."

"Then it's a good thing I have a way to counter your move." Playmaker responded. "I activate the Spell card, Cache Upload!" The card showed a hacker trying to create Decode Talker as a real card in the real world. "This card lets me target one Link Monster you control, and then draw cards equal to its Link Rating. I target your Gorgon!" Cache Upload released a green scanning wave, which scanned Gorgon from top to bottom.

"Since Gorgon, Empress of the Evil Eyed is a Link 2 monster, I get to draw two cards from my deck." Playmaker then drew two cards from his deck.

"I summon Debris Sweeper from my hand." A small, brown mine with a cybernetic pink eye and two wired claws appeared on Playmaker's field.

Debris Sweeper ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LVL: 1

"I shall now create my ultimate circuit!" A Link Portal soon appeared ahead of Playmaker. "The summoning conditions are two monsters! I'll set Debris Sweeper and Backup Secretary into the Link Markers!" Debris Sweeper went into the bottom arrowhead, while Backup Secretary went into the top arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Security Dragon!" A small white and red mechanical dragon appeared in the right Extra Monster Zone on Playmaker's field.

Security Dragon ATK: 1100 LINK-2 ⬆️⬇️

"I activate Debris Sweeper's effect!" Playmaker continued. "When it's used to Link Summon, I can destroy one card on the field and inflict 500 points of damage! I destroy Gorgon, Empress of the Evil Eyed!" A silhouette of the small brown mine from earlier appeared and blasted an optic blast at Gorgon, turning her into yellow particles. Ace's shoulder fizzled as a result.

Ace: 1200 – 500 = 700

"And since you don't have an 'Evil Eye' monster on your field," Ai added, "your Cycle of the Evil Eye goes bye-bye!" Cycle of the Evil Eye also turned into yellow particles as well.

"I also activate Link Supply from my hand!" Playmaker said. "Since I control a Link Monster, I can add a monster from my Graveyard to my hand. Return, Backup Secretary!" A card then popped out of Playmaker's Graveyard, which he added right back to his hand.

"I Set one card face-down." Playmaker thrusted out his right hand. "Battle! Security Dragon attacks you directly! End this duel!" Security Dragon charged forward at Ace on Playmaker's command.

"And the victory goes to us!" Ai cheered.

"I don't think so, my little friend." Ace responded, as he pulled a card out from his sleeve and put it in his hand. "I summon Popobawa, Familiar of the Evil Eye from my hand!" Soon, a human-sized grey-skinned bat immediately appeared on Ace's field. The creature had a large wingspan, huge ears, and sharp fangs. On its forehead was a large, red eye.

Popobawa, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 0 DEF: 600 LV: 2

"Wait. How did you summon that monster?" Ai demanded. "You didn't have that monster in your hand in the first place!"

"Popobawa can be Special Summoned when my opponent attacks me directly." Ace explained. "And if it's Special Summoned by its own effect, I can negate the attack and end the Battle Phase!" Popobawa's eye glowed red before unleashing a screech at Security Dragon, causing it to retreat back to Playmaker's field.

"If Ace didn't have that monster in his hand, yet was still able to summon it..." Ai theorized before coming to a conclusion. "It means he cheated!" He pointed his finger at Ace. "You're a big cheating cheater with no morals at all!"

"Oh calm down." Ace replied, shaking his head. "I'll do anything to win, even if it means cheating."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. Just like Ai, he did not like what Ace did. But all Playmaker had to do was survive one more turn, and the duel would be his.

"I end my turn." Playmaker concluded.

Elsewhere, at Raguel and Rosetta's duel...

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, drawing the top card of his deck.

"I'm assuming you have a plan for whatever it is you have in mind?" Herald asked, turning to face Raguel. "Because I want to let you know that although I support your plan, I just don't want it to lead to our own demise."

"I appreciate the support, Herald." Raguel replied. "And yes, I do have a plan. But first, I need to see what I'm dealing with." I have to get rid of both Rose Tokens, he thought, as he went back to the duel. "Appear! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal soon appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two monsters. I'll set the two Rose tokens on my field into the Link Markers!" Both Rose tokens turned into tornadoes of energy and went into the top and left arrowheads, turning them red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Serene Butler!" An elegant, lanky man with pointed white hair and a long mustache to match exited the Link Portal and was summoned to the Main Monster Zone Turboblaze was pointing at, resulting in both monsters being co-linked. He wore a black suit adorned by golden clasps and a golden brooch affixed to the chest area of the suit. He also wore white gloves, pointed shoes, and a monocle on his left eye.

Cyreath Serene Butler ATK: 1900 LINK-2 ⬅️⬆️

"Once again, Black Garden's effect activates!" Rosetta said. "Since a monster was Normal or Special Summoned to your field, except by Black Garden's effect, its attack points are halved, and a Rose token is Special Summoned to the controller's opponent's side of the field." Thorns erupted from the ground and wrapped themselves around Serene Butler, restraining his movement.

Cyreath Serene Butler ATK: 1900 / 2 = 950

Immediately after, another Rose token sprouted onto Rosetta's field.

Rose Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 2

"It's time to battle!" Raguel declared. "Turboblaze Dragon, attack the Rose token! Desolation Flare!" The jet engine-like tail glowed orange with power as Turboblaze flew up into the air and charged up an orb of orange fire. After gathering enough energy, Turboblaze fired it at the Rose Token, but...

"I activate the effect of Rose Gardna from my Graveyard!" A silhouette of Rose Gardna appeared on Rosetta's field. The monster was a female, red-armored knight. In each of her hands was a long shield in the shape of a rose. "By banishing this card, all battle damage I take is halved." The female, red armored knight jumped in front of the Rose token, trying to defend it and herself against Turboblaze's attack. Sadly, the Rose token met its demise and wilted away in the heat.

Rosetta: 3500 – (2200 / 2) = 2400 LP

"Turboblaze's additional effect!" Raguel added. "When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you take damage equal to the destroyed monsters attack points!"

"What?" Rosetta said, before wisps of ember bounced off of the silhouette of Rose Gardna's shields and landed on her left arm, causing her to pat it several times to let it out. The next thing she knew, a wisp of ember landed on her mask, resulting in her shrieking as she threw it on the ground in terror.

Rosetta: 2400 – 800 = 1600 LP

"Cyreath Serene Butler attacks you directly!" Raguel declared, as Serene Butler, although restrained, grabbed a coin from his pocket and threw it at Rosetta, making her stumble back a few steps and causing her hood to fall back.

Rosetta: 1600 – 950 = 650 LP

When Rosetta looked up at Raguel and Herald, the two of them widened their eyes in shock. Behind the mask was a teenage girl, who was likely the same age as Raguel. On her face was a black and red reverse-teardrop shaped marking under each eye.

"You! How dare you do that!" Rosetta said, glaring at them with her grey eyes. If looks could kill, Raguel and Herald would already be dead.

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Raguel concluded. So that's what she looks like behind the mask, he thought, as he looked at Rosetta. If anything, she could be my age. "I'm sorry for what you went through. But what you're doing isn't helping you. Instead, it's only prolonging your pain."

"And how do you know of the pain I went through?!" Rosetta demanded. "You. Know. Nothing!"

"Maybe," Raguel admitted, "but I do know what it's like to be stuck in it." Rosetta's eyes widened in surprise.

"When you previously attacked with your Black Rose Dragon, other than pain and anger, you want to know what I sensed? I'll tell you: It's the need to belong. You want to feel accepted, but because of what you went through, you're willing to inflict pain on anybody and everybody to try and not feel it again."

"Shut up!" Rosetta snapped. "Just shut up!" She put her hands on her ears to try and block the sound.

"I lost something a long time ago," Raguel continued, ignoring her protests, "and I thought the pain that came after would haunt me forever. But because I let people into my life, I learned to trust them, and in turn, they helped me deal with the pain that's still there today."

"Raguel..." Herald muttered, amazed at what he was saying.

"STOP TALKING!" Rosetta said, anger clearly evident on her face. "I won't let you play mind games with me!"

"Mind games?" Raguel repeated. "I'm not playing mind games with you. I'm trying to help you."

"And why would you help someone that's broken and irreparable?"

"It's because it's not too late for you to heal!" Raguel answered. "The people in my life were there in my life when I was lost in pain. Now, it's time for me to be there for someone who needs help!"

"You're wrong." Rosetta whispered, looking to the ground. "It's too late for me to heal." She then looked up at Raguel. "Resume the duel! My turn! I draw!" She drew the top card of her deck and looked at it, along with the other card in her hand. "I activate the Equip Spell card, United We Stand, and equip it onto Black Rose Dragon! For every monster on my field, the equipped monster gains 800 attack and defense points! Which means Black Rose Dragon gains 1600 attack and defense points!" Black Rose was surrounded briefly by a blue aura as she powered up.

Black Rose Dragon ATK: 3000 + (800 X 2) = 4600

"For trying to play mind games with me, I'll end you here and now! Battle! Black Rose Dragon attacks Cyreath Serene Butler! Black Rose Flare!"

As Black Rose gathered energy inside her maw, Raguel said, "I activate Serene Butler's effect! Once per turn, if you declare an attack with a monster you control, I can flip a coin, and if I call it right, your monster's attack points are halved until the End Phase!" Serene Butler soon grabbed a coin from his pocket and flipped it. "I'll call Tails!" The coin flipped into the air and landed on tails. "Since it landed on Tails, your Black Rose Dragon's attack points are halved until the End Phase!" Serene Butler flicked the coin at Black Rose, hitting her in the eye and temporarily stunning her.

Black Rose Dragon ATK: 4600 / 2 = 2300

"But you're still taking battle damage!" Rosetta reminded him, as Black Rose fired a beam of energy at Serene Butler, which he barely survived. Although Raguel used his arms to shield himself from the attack, he was blasted back and landed on the ground.

Raguel: 2300 – 1350 = 950 LP

"Thorn of Malice's effect! Although the monster that battled with Black Rose Dragon can't be destroyed by battle, it still loses 600 attack and defense points! Hate Rose Whip!" The thinner thorned tails that Black Rose Dragon had suddenly launched themselves towards Serene Butler, stabbing him in different parts of the body and making him suffer.

Cyreath Serene Butler ATK: 950 – 600 = 350

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Rosetta concluded. "Which means Black Rose Dragon's attack points revert back to normal."

Black Rose Dragon ATK: 2300 X 2 = 4600

At Ace and Playmaker's duel...

"My turn!" Ace declared, drawing the top card of his deck. His Duel Disk suddenly started quietly beeping. It was an alert that Ace installed in his Duel Disk whenever one of his assistants was in serious trouble. Seeing that it was glowing red, he recognized it. It appears Rosetta is in trouble, he thought. Which meant he had to wrap up this duel, even though he wanted to continue it.

"It's time to end this Playmaker. I activate the Spell card, Evil Eye Awakening! This card lets me Special Summon one 'Evil Eye' monster from my hand or Graveyard, but if Evil Eye of Selene is in my Spell & Trap card zone, I get to Special Summon an 'Evil Eye' monster from my deck instead. Come to me, Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye!" The velociraptor from earlier reappeared on Ace's field, in the Main Monster Zone.

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye ATK: 2100 LINK-2 ➡️⬇️

"Appear! The circuit of the all-consuming Evil Eye!" A Link Portal appeared above Ace. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Evil Eye' monsters. I'll set Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye, which is a Link 2 monster, and Popobawa, Familiar of the Evil Eye into the Link Markers!" Quarrion split into two tornadoes of energy that went into the bottom-left and bottom-right arrowheads, while Popobawa went into the top arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! With the power the Evil Eye has given you, unleash your hatred and destruction onto this world in a gleeful manner! Link 3! Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed!" A red-and-gray armored man with large wings emerged from the portal and onto the right Extra Monster Zone on Ace's field. Giant yellow eyes opened at his knees, right arm, left shoulder, and chest. A red lens covered his right eye as well.

Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed ATK: 2600 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️↘️

Now for the tip of the iceberg, Ace thought, as a copy of Evil Eye of Gorgoneio slipped from his sleeve and went into his right hand. "I activate the Equip Spell card, Evil Eye of Gorgoneio, and equip it onto Zerrziel." A red lens coated in silver appeared, which Zerrziel grabbed and put on his left eye.

"Hey! That card wasn't in your hand before!" Ai accused Ace. "You clearly cheated again!"

"Evil Eye of Gorgoneio's name becomes Evil Eye of Selene while its in the Spell & Trap card zone." Ace continued, ignoring Ai. "Also, while my life points are lower than yours, the equipped monster gains attack points equal to the difference. Therefore, since the difference between our life points is 850, Zerrziel gains 850 attack points!" A purple aura surrounded Zerrziel as he powered up.

Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed ATK: 2600 + 850 = 3450

"Zerrziel's second effect! Once per turn, when he's equipped with Evil Eye of Selene, I can target one card you control and destroy it. I choose your Security Dragon!" Zerrziel fired an optic blast from both red lens at Security Dragon, destroying it.

"Our Security Dragon!" Ai panicked. "We're doomed!"

"Battle!" Ace declared. "Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed attacks you directly Playmaker! Disdainful Vision!" The giant, yellow eyes on Zerrziel glowed as he charged energy at the center. He then fired a beam of energy from the eye at the center of his body, which headed straight for Playmaker!

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Spool Code!" Playmaker suddenly said. "When this card is activated while I have three or more Cyberse monsters in my Graveyard, not only can I negate your attack, I can Special Summon up to three Spool tokens in defense position to my field!"

"We're saved!" Ai cheered, as a translucent barrier appeared and protected Playmaker and Ai from Zerrziel's attack.

Then three blue and white disks with an orange light on them all appeared at once in defense position on Playmaker's field.

Spool Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Spool Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Spool Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"I end my turn." Ace concluded. "Know this, Playmaker: You're no match for Zerrziel!"

That was too close, Numera thought, who witnessed what happened. Had it not been for Spool Code, Playmaker would have been toast.

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker declared, drawing the top card of his deck. "First, I will create my ultimate circuit!" A Link Portal soon appeared ahead of Playmaker. "The summoning conditions are one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I'll set one of my Spool tokens into the Link Markers!" One of the Spool tokens went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Link Disciple!" A red and black machine appeared in the right Extra Monster Zone on Playmaker's field.

Link Disciple ATK: 500 LINK-1 ⬇️

"I activate the effect of Link Supply from my Graveyard! Since I Link Summoned a monster this turn, I can banish this card from my Graveyard and draw one card from my deck!" Playmaker proceeded to draw the top card of his deck.

"Backup Secretary's effect! Since I control a Cyberse monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" For a second time, Backup Secretary appeared on Playmaker's field.

Backup Secretary ATK: 1200 DEF: 800 LVL: 3

"And now I shall create my ultimate and final circuit!" Playmaker declared, as a second Link Portal appeared ahead of him. "The summoning conditions are two or more effect monsters! I'll set Link Disciple, which is a Link 1 monster, Backup Secretary, and the remaining two Spool tokens into the Link Markers!" The remaining two Spool tokens went into the left and right arrowheads, while Link Disciple and Backup Secretary went into the top and bottom arrowheads.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Firewall Dragon!" A massive blue and white dragon with circles all over its body appeared on the field, summoned to the Main Monster Zone Zerrziel was pointing to.

Firewall Dragon ATK: 2500 LINK-4 ⬅️⬆️⬇️➡️

"A Link 4 monster..." Numera muttered, seeing Firewall Dragon on Playmaker's field.

"An impressive monster, Playmaker." Ace commented. "But like I said before: You're no match for Zerrziel!"

"Then let's put those words to the test, shall we?" Playmaker responded. "I first activate Firewall Dragon's effect! Once, while it's on the field, I can return monsters on the field or Graveyard back to their owner's hands up to the number of monsters co-linked to this card. Since Firewall Dragon is co-linked with one monster, I'll return Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed back to your hand! Emergency Escape!" Ace could do nothing but widen his eyes in shock as Firewall Dragon fired electricity from its head at Zerrziel, electrocuting him into particles and returning him back to the Extra Deck.

"And since Link Monsters don't go to the hand, they go right back to your Extra Deck instead!" Ai added.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Cosmic Cyclone." Playmaker continued. "By paying 1000 life points, I can target one Spell or Trap card on the field and banish it. I target and banish Evil Eye Domain – Pareidolia!" As Playmaker's life points dropped, a cyclone burst out of Cosmic Cyclone and shredded Evil Eye Domain – Pareidolia into particles.

Playmaker: 1550 – 1000 = 550 LP

"Battle!" Playmaker pointed his right index finger at Ace. "Firewall Dragon attacks you directly, Ace! Tempest Terahertz!" Firewall Dragon's wings transformed into eight pieces that formed rings of energy around it. The dragon then gathered energy in its mouth before firing it at Ace, causing him to turn into particles.

Ace: 700 – 2500 = 0

"Wahoo!" Ai cheered. "We beat him so hard that he literally logged out!"

Numera then got a notification on her Duel Disk, indicating that the anchor program was gone. "Greg, the anchor program's gone."

"I'm aware, Rachel." Greg commented. "Although I wasn't able to decipher its code before it happened."

"Don't worry about it." Numera replied. "We'll be more prepared next time." She then sped her duel board so she could ride parallel with Playmaker.

"Nice job, Playmaker. At least that cheater is-."

"Did you really believe you would get rid of me oh so easily?" Ace said out of nowhere, as a swarm of cards appeared and formed into a shape, By the time they were finished, they disappeared, revealing Ace on his duel board. In his left hand, he carried a blue sphere.

"What?" Ai, Playmaker and Numera said at the same time, clearly surprised at what they were seeing.

"I'll have you know that what you dueled was merely a data clone." Ace told them. "Although expensive on the black market, they are quite useful in studying your dueling skills. And you could say that I succeeded." He then tapped the top of the sphere, causing it to vanish. "Now if you excuse me, I have another matter to take care of. Like those Cyberse cards for instance." And Ace went so fast on his duel board that it look liked he vanished.

"Just great!" Ai complained. "He got away!"

"He's probably still in the network." Playmaker surmised. He turned to Numera and said, "I'll investigate this area. You investigate the area up ahead."

"All right fine. But on one condition." Numera responded. "Whoever finds him first has to alert the other. Understand?"

Playmaker nodded. "All right." He then turned to the right, while Numera continued going forward. "Kusanagi, you there?"

"Yeah." Kusanagi answered. "Loud and clear. I'm guessing you need the fastest route to Raguel from where you are?"

"That would be helpful, actually."

"Right. Hold on." Kusanagi pulled up a map of LINK VRAINS on the monitor. "Okay. Keep going forward, buddy."

As Playmaker followed Kusanagi's instructions, he thought, Hang on, Raguel. I'm almost there. Just give me a little more time.

Elsewhere, at Raguel and Rosetta's duel...

Raguel slowly stood up, grunting as he did so.

"You're still up, after that attack?" Rosetta said. "I'm impressed. But regardless, you should know by now that I can't be healed. All I know is pain and anger, and I'll use that as tools for my revenge against the Cyberse!"

"I refuse to believe that!" Raguel retorted. "Not when I can show you another path. A better one. And I'll prove it! My turn! I draw!" Raguel drew the top card of his deck and looked at it. "It's time to battle! Turboblaze Dragon attacks one of your Rose tokens!" The jet engine-like tail glowed orange with power as Turboblaze flew up into the air and charged up an orb of orange fire.

"I activate my Trap card, Wall of Thorns!" Rosetta said. "Since a Plant monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can destroy all attack position monsters you control!" Thorns erupted from the card and lashed out at Turboblaze and Serene Butler. However...

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Forbidden Lance!" Raguel said in response, surprising Rosetta. "I target one monster on my field, and until the End Phase, it loses 800 attack points. In exchange, it becomes unaffected by card effects. I target Turboblaze Dragon!" Forbidden Lance glowed, causing Turboblaze to lose some strength. However, unlike Serene Butler, who was pierced with thorns and destroyed, Turboblaze was protected.

Turboblaze Dragon ATK: 3000 – 800 = 2200

"Desolation Flare!" After gathering enough energy, Turboblaze fired it at the Rose token, hitting it upon impact and causing it to burn away. Rosetta could do nothing but shield herself as her remaining life points went down to zero.

Rosetta: 650 – 1400 = 0

Weakened by the entire duel, Rosetta ended up falling onto her knees. "What am I feeling?" she muttered, tears coming out of her eyes as Raguel's words continued to play in her head like a tape recording. "Regret? Sadness? All of the above?" She then looked at Raguel and pleaded, "Help me."

"Rosetta..." Raguel muttered.

"Rosetta is not your concern." Ace said, as he jumped down from his duel board and landed behind Rosetta before standing up.

"Who the hell are you?" Raguel demanded.

"I think you've caused enough damage for one day, Raguel. Rosetta's coming home with me." Ace told him, walking to Rosetta and placing a hand on her shoulder, getting her attention. "It's okay. You tried. Next time, you'll do better."

"You still didn't answer my question." Raguel said, as Rosetta slowly got up.

"My name is Ace." Ace introduced himself. "And while I can't stay for long, know that I look forward to our official meeting."

As he and Rosetta turned around and started logging out, Raguel said, "Come back here!" Unfortunately, by the time he reached them, they already logged out completely.

"Raguel." Playmaker said, jumping from his duel board and landing beside him before standing up. "What happened?"

"I defeated the one who got the Cyberse cards." Raguel stated, turning to face Playmaker. "Unfortunately, before I could get them, a guy ended up appearing out of nowhere and logged out with her."

"Did the guy that appeared have short, slicked green hair by any chance?" Ai asked.

"Yes." Herald confirmed. "He just logged out along with a woman named Rosetta."

"Then we just missed him." Playmaker said, making a fist.

"Playmaker, what do you mean by 'missed him'?" Raguel asked.

"That duelist who just logged out was the one I dueled earlier." Playmaker answered. "He said his name was Ace, and that he was working for the Hanoi."

Raguel's eyes widened. "Are you sure?" Playmaker nodded. "Had I known, I would have used my Data Anchor to stop him from leaving."

"Even if you did, he probably would have had a countermeasure prepared." Playmaker told him. But before he could continue, Numera appeared on her duel board and jumped off of it, landing near them.

"There you guys are!" Numera said, walking to where they were. "I thought I told you to contact me if you found that cheater." She then turned to Raguel. "And you! You were supposed to contact me if you found the one who stole the Cyberse cards."

"Sorry, Numera." Raguel apologized. "I wanted to settle the matter peacefully before I contacted you. Unfortunately, one thing led to another, and well, the thief escaped."

Numera put her arms on the back of her head. "Well. This just made getting those Cyberse cards much harder then. I sure hope you understand that, Raguel."

"Raguel," Playmaker said, getting his attention, "we'll talk more about this situation in the real world." He then logged out.

"Right back at you, Playmaker." Raguel replied, before logging out as well, much to Numera's shock.

"Hey!" Numera cried out. "We're not done talking here, Raguel. I still haven't let you hear the end of messing up the task Watchman gave us."

"You do know that shouting's a sign of not just aggression, but of being upset too, right honey?" Greg asked over the com.

"I'm aware." Numera replied, turning to Reidrith and Jeanne Azaria, who were both still unconscious. "Well, we might as well log these two out."

At Café Matsuo's backroom...

An exhausted Yuhiro stepped out of the closed-off space, clearly tired from today's events. He was so tired that he was forced to lean on the wall for support using his shoulder. Roxy, upon hearing the 'thud' sound, ran over to where Yuhiro was and stopped him from falling over.

"Easy there." Roxy said. "You've been through a lot today." The two of them then went over to the chairs, where Yuhiro sat in his, while Roxy sat in hers.

"Yeah. You could say that." Yuhiro agreed with her.

"Say, where's Herald? I got something to ask him." After Yuhiro took off his Duel Disk and handed it to Roxy, which Herald emerged out of, she shouted at him, "FIRST YOU GO UPGRADING MY TECH WITHOUT MY PERMISSION, AND THEN YOU MUTE ME?!"

"GAAAH!" Herald said, shaking as he retreated back into the Duel Disk. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to make it better for you."

"I'll deal with you later." Roxy replied, before turning to Yuhiro and handing his Duel Disk back to him. "Yuhiro. I saw everything on the monitor. How are you feeling?"

"Overwhelmed." Yuhiro answered. "And not sure what to do to be honest."

"Then tell me what happened."

Yuhiro then told Roxy about Rosetta, the person who managed to defeat both Reidrith and Jeanne Azaria and acquire their Cyberse cards. He also told her about his duel against Rosetta, how during the duel, he managed to see a broken person behind the mask of a ruthless duelist who claimed that all she knew was pain and anger. But before he could try and help her, a person named Ace appeared out of nowhere and helped her escape with the Cyberse cards.

"Wow," was all Roxy said, as she processed the information. "That's a lot to take in."

"Yeah." Yuhiro turned around on his chair and placed his Duel Disk on the table where the digital keyboard was. "If I had just known that Ace was with the Hanoi, I could have stopped him from leaving."

Roxy moved her chair and placed a hand on Yuhiro's shoulder, getting his attention. "No one can know everything, pal. That's the truth. We may have lost the battle today, but we haven't lost the war yet. We'll get those Cyberse cards back."

Yuhiro smiled. "Once again, your pep talks do the trick Roxy."

"You could say I'm good at giving them out." Roxy replied, a smile on her face. "Besides, it wasn't a total loss for us. After all, you got a small victory for yourself out of today."

When Yuhiro raised an eyebrow at her comment, Roxy rolled her eyes and put her hands on the back of her head. "Are you a doofus? You were willing to help someone who's your age, is a female, and has suffered. That indicates you have a big heart."

Yuhiro widened his eyes in surprise. "Wait, what? Roxy, I was doing it so she could surrender the Cyberse cards!"

Roxy, in response, gave Yuhiro a noogie. "Don't try to lie to me, buster. You know clearly well that I'm practically a lie detector."

"She's right, Yuhiro." Herald added, emerging a bit from Yuhiro's Duel Disk. "You can't lie to her."

Yuhiro turned and scowled at Herald, scaring him before turning back at Roxy. "Okay, fine. You win. I wanted to help her, which means I have a big heart. You happy?"

Roxy smirked as she crossed her arms. "Totally." Her face then turned serious again. "What do you think we'll do about all this? Rosetta? This 'Ace' person working with the Hanoi? And with the Hanoi itself?"

Yuhiro turned to the monitor as Ace's words replayed in his head. And while I can't stay for long, know that I look forward to our official meeting. Then he thought of Infearno's words. You may have been victorious today Raguel, but as long as you continue to get involved with the Hanoi, I can promise you that our battle is far from over! This I swear!

He narrowed his eyes. "We get the Cyberse cards back, help Rosetta with whatever she's going through, and defeat the Hanoi. This I promise!"

Card Gallery

Rose Gardna (LV: 4/Plant/Earth/ATK: 1500/DEF: 1500)

Effect: If you would take battle damage: You can banish this card from your GY; all battle damage you would have taken during that battle is halved.

Popobawa, Familiar of the Evil Eye (LV: 2/Fiend/Dark/ATK: 0/DEF: 600)

Effect: When your opponent attacks you directly with a monster they control: You can Special Summon this card from your hand; negate the attack, then end the Battle Phase. You can only use this effect of 'Popobawa, Familiar of the Evil Eye' once per Duel.

Cache Upload (Normal Spell card)

Effect: Target 1 Link Monster your opponent controls; draw cards equal to its Link Rating. You can only activate 1 'Cache Upload' per turn.

Cycle of the Evil Eye (Continuous-Trap Card)

Effect: When this card is activated: You can tribute 1 'Evil Eye' monster you control that is equipped with 'Evil Eye of Selene', and if you do, both players gain 1000 LP. During your opponent's End Phase, if you control an 'Evil Eye' monster: You can inflict 300 damage to your opponent. When you control no monsters: Destroy this card.

Cyreath Endurance (Normal Trap card)

Effect: When a monster you control is targeted for an attack: You can banish 1 'Cyreath' Link monster from your GY; and if you do, battle damage you would have taken this turn is reduced by 500 x its Link Rating.

Quarrion, Familiar of the Evil Eye (LR: 2/Fiend/Dark/ATK: 2100/➡️⬇️)

Effect: 2 'Evil Eye' monsters. When this card is Link Summoned: You can add 1 'Evil Eye' card from your deck to your hand. Once per turn: You can target one monster your opponent controls and one 'Evil Eye' monster in your GY; your opponent's monster loses ATK equal to your monsters ATK.

QOTC

How do you think Ace and Rosetta will impact the story in general?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 24: Doubt. Since her duel against Raguel, Rosetta has been having doubts on her actions, and whether or not she can truly find peace for herself. Meanwhile, Gekiryushi, who's been recovering since her duel against Dancho, is summoned by Kitamura at SOL Technologies, who somehow found the Hanoi Stronghold in LINK VRAINS...

Author's Notes

Whew, what a chapter!

The two main things that happened in this chapter were the duels between Playmaker and Ace, and Raguel and Rosetta. I really hoped you enjoyed both duels, as not only were they hard to write, I had to triple-check them several times to ensure that I was doing it correctly (after all, it's good to check for mistakes). I'll recap each duel separately so you can understand why I wrote down what I did.

The first duel, Playmaker vs. Ace, was tricky because I wanted to prove to each and every one of you that I can write a Cyberse duel efficiently. In the duel, I had originally planned for Playmaker to obtain a Cyberse card from the Data Storm using his Skill, but ultimately decided against it. Why? To demonstrate how Playmaker can adapt with what he has instead of relying on miracles, compared to Ace, who relies on cheating to win.

The second duel, Raguel vs. Rosetta, was a bit easier. For those of you who were confused as to the purpose of Rosetta's deck, it uses a Lockdown strategy with burn and battle damage elements. In the future, she'll evolve her deck as the story goes on, which will show her growth as a duelist.

During that duel, Rosetta shares a piece of her backstory, which is this: Her family suffered a great loss at the same time Cyberse cards came out, and instead of helping each other get through it, one by one, they were forced to move on. All because their jobs, in someway, had something to do with Cyberse cards. This led her to realize that people will only look out for themselves, which motivates her to destroy every Cyberse card in existence for tearing her family apart, no matter who got hurt.

Keep in mind this is only a piece of her backstory, not all of it. The rest will be revealed later on during the arc.

By the time the duel ends, Ace arrives to rescue Rosetta, with them getting away moments before Playmaker and Numera could arrive. Both Playmaker and Raguel agree to talk about the situation in the real world before logging out, leaving Numera to log out Reidrith and Jeanne Azaria (yes. Both of them are alive).

Thank you very much for your patience, as well as for reading Chapter 23 of Obscured Truth. As always, let me know what you thought about this chapter in your reviews below. In addition, constructive criticism is always welcome, as it helps make the story even better. If you know of anyone who would be interested in reading the story, don't hesitate in showing them.

Before I go, I want to let you in on what's next. Since writing this chapter took a bit longer than expected due to work, I'll do the next Profile Update on Revolver and Faust, which I intend to release this week. After that, it will be Chapter 24, which will take less time, so don't worry!

I hope you're all safe out there, and I will see you next time!