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.

37. Chapter 37: Damnation

Response to Reviews

Thank you to HunterHQ, Yuman28, Noobmaster, E.T. 2000, Anonymous, ZeroMK7, Guest, Donjusticia, Pancakes, and Princess Lucy for reviewing Chapter 36 of Obscured Truth.

Hello, everyone! We're finally in the home stretch of Season 1! Only one duel left, and then we'll be moving to Season 2! That said, it will be split into two parts because there's a lot of content to cover. I hope you all understand.

Anyway, let's answer some reviews:

HunterHQ: You'll just have to read on to figure out what Azrael and Wraith's plans are for the Hanoi. As for Azrael's Duel Disk and duel board, you'll get a description of them in Season 2. That, I can confirm.

Yuman28: Welcome back. I hope you're feeling safe and healthy wherever you are. I wouldn't say that Raguel has mastered Link Trigger yet, although he does have a better control of it than in earlier chapters. Also, there are some things to keep in mind regarding Watchman. He told Raguel that he lost a good portion of his power a while back, which is why he could only bring out the Cubic Beasts and Kings, as well as one Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lord during his duel against Revolver. Watchman is more of a visionary than a realist, seeing the long-term threats that will come after the Tower. That is why he tried to recruit Dr. Kogami, as well as end things peacefully with the Hanoi. Plus, I'm required to keep Revolver alive until his final match with Playmaker. Instead of seeing Stregone as a bad duelist, you should see him as someone who has a chance to improve their dueling skills. Trust me when I say this: Stregone will duel again, and will have new cards with him as well. I apologize for using too many dub lines in Chapter 36. I grew up watching the English dub of Yu-Gi-Oh, and I felt that putting in the dub lines would bring in dub viewers as well. I'll put in more lines from the sub for future chapters to come (is there any specific parts you want to see sub lines for? Please let me know in a PM). Lastly, I don't have a favorite right now, but that could change in the future.

Noobmaster: Herald couldn't comment on Topologic Gumblar Dragon because he didn't see Revolver summoning it. Apparently, he and Raguel went into the Data Storm to reach the portal while Playmaker and Revolver concluded their duel.

E.T. 2000: Glad you enjoyed the duel. As I stated previously, Yusaku, Aoi, Rachel, and Emon Uchida had to work to figure out Yuhiro's identity as Raguel. Quinton Monell (also known as Stregone) will explain how he figured it out after the Tower of Hanoi arc. It's actually been a while since I made mistakes, but don't worry. I'll make sure this, and the next chapter are fully checked before uploading.

Anonymous: While Stregone knew Yuhiro's identity, he doesn't know the identities of the other children. Lastly, I'll confirm this once and for all: The Hanoi are in no way responsible for the deaths of Yuhiro's parents and Miyu's parents.

ZeroMK7: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Also glad you're looking forward to the duel to come.

Guest: Watchman does have a lot of things to explain. And if I recall, Frog and Pigeon only recorded Playmaker's duels, not Raguel's or anyone else's.

Donjusticia: Oh, god. The Granny Bike and the E.T. reference it brought from Carnival Phantasm. I cannot help but laugh. Fortunately for Herald (and unfortunately for Raguel), he'll have more video game references. Glad you're looking forward to the final duel of Season 1.

Pancakes: Expect Herald to make more video game references in the future.

Princess Lucy: Darth Vader.

With reviews out of the way, it's time for the two-part finale of Season 1. Enjoy!

Chapter 37: Damnation

At the bottom of the data storm in LINK VRAINS...

Azrael made it to the bottom of the data storm and jumped off his duel board, landing on the ground with one knee before getting back up on both feet. In front of him was a large, black titanium scale door. Which would lead him to the location he had to go.

"The Hanoi should have destroyed this entrance when they had the chance..." he muttered, before sliding back and quickly unsheathing and re-sheathing his katana, causing a black and blue distortion ripple to appear before a series of slashes in different directions cut the door down.

"Had Playmaker or Raguel known about this, they could have taken the Tower of Hanoi down from the Hanoi's very own headquarters." Wraith pointed out, as Azrael walked past the destroyed entrance.

"True, but it gives us the opportunity to take what he need." Azrael replied, as he continued walking. Suddenly, the security cameras all pointed to him with infrared lasers. They then started firing, causing Azrael to teleport straight forward before going upwards and slicing one of the cameras off. He then immediately wall-jumped to the next security camera and sliced it before teleporting to the next one and slashing it as well. After destroying the last of the security cameras, he quickly re-sheathed and unsheathed his katana, releasing a black and blue distortion ripple at the alarm on the ceiling before destroying it in a series of slashes.

"If that's all the Hanoi can do after losing so many of its members, I'm sorely disappointed." Azrael then turned the corner and ran up a series of stairs, proceeding to destroy every security camera along the way.

Elsewhere, in Infearno's private server...

Raguel continued to head towards Dis, City of the Burning Abyss, which was the only place that remained intact in this server. Exactly why would Infearno base his private server off of Hell? Was it to torment him? Or was it something else?

"There it is!" Herald said, pointing his right hand at the city. "We're almost there!" He turned to Raguel. "It's like we're storming the castle to defeat the evil king and save the captive princess."

"Is that really necessary to point out right now, Herald?" Raguel asked him, as Roxy laughed at Herald's comment. "What game did you show Herald to make him say this, Roxy?"

"Super Mario Bros." Roxy answered, still laughing at Herald's comment.

"The only difference is that we're about to enter a burning city with demons, whereas Bowser's Castle usually has Dry Bones and other enemy elements." Herald pointed out. But before he could say more, Raguel landed his duel board on the ground. "Okay. Looks like we're literally near the entrance."

Raguel said nothing as he approached the entrance to Dis, which could only be approached by crossing a bridge over a fiery lake. After he walked across the bridge, he recognized the gatekeeper as Graff, one of the Malebranche.

"To think Infearno would assign you of all the Malebranche as my greeter." Raguel said, remembering his first encounter with the demon.

"Believe me when I say I drew the shortest straw." Graff replied, obviously not happy with the position he was given.

"Take me to Infearno. I intend to settle things with him." Raguel ordered the demon.

"There's no need to order me. I've already been ordered to escort you to him." Graff then turned his head to the skeleton manning the gate. "Open the gates!" Soon, the gates began shifting, opening up and revealing a path for the two of them. Graff then went ahead, beckoning for Raguel to follow. "The quicker you follow me, the better."

Raguel didn't need to reply, as he walked a safe pace away from the demon in case he had any plans up his sleeve. As he followed Graff, he couldn't help but look around him. This city really has seen better days, he thought, as he saw the damaged architecture and the dead bodies. Lots of dead bodies.

Eventually, Graff took Raguel to the entrance of a massive building, which had Lucifer's statue at the top. The building was similar to the Taj Mahal, but instead of ivory-white marble, the building was covered entirely in ruined, black wooden marble. Infearno must be in here, Raguel deduced, as Graff opened the entrance and beckoned him to follow.

"No greater grief than to remember days of joy, when misery is at hand. That kens thy learn'd instructor."

Raguel recognized Infearno's voice, which boomed in the interior of the building. But where was he?

"Yet so eager if thou art bent to know the primal root from whence our love gat being, I will do as one, who weeps and tells his tale," the voice of Infearno continued. "For our delight we read of Lancelot, How him love thrall'd. Alone we were, and no suspicion of us. Oft-times by that reading, our eyes were drawn together, and the hue fled from our alter'd cheek. But at one point alone we fell."

"Is your master close by?" Raguel demanded from Graff.

"He is." Graff answered back. "We're almost there."

"When of that smile we read, the wished smile so rapturously kiss'd," the voice of Infearno continued booming throughout the building, "by one so deep in love, then he, who ne'er from me shall separate, at once my lips all trembling kiss'd. The book and writer both were love's purveyors. In its leaves that day, we read no more."

Graff then opened another door at the end of the hall before beckoning Raguel to follow him for a final time. Upon entering the room, he looked around and saw that the room was very large. Although the room was dark, it was lit with a few lights on the sides. And at the center of the large hall was a casket containing a woman, with Infearno looking down at it, a book in his hand. The woman in the tomb had golden blond hair with dark eyes, although they were closed. She also wore a white dress as well. A white veil covered her head as she rested.

"Farewell, my Beatrice." Infearno stroked her face gently with his fingers before closing his book, causing the top of the casket to close before sealing itself and disappearing in a flash of white particles. He then turned to Raguel and Graff, who have arrived. "So you have arrived, Raguel. Well done making it here. As for you Graff, your job is complete for now." He then raised his right hand, causing the demon to turn into energy and return into his Duel Disk.

"Confessing your sins before our final duel?" Raguel asked, an eyebrow raised. "Because you have a lot to repent for."

Infearno turned to him. "To answer your question, Raguel, no. I was saying goodbye to my wife Beatrice by reading Divine Comedy to her. We both believed that literature can guide the human mind to creating a better world for humanity, and we fell in love because of that ideal."

Raguel crossed his arms. "If this is where you tell me your backstory, then forget it. Because the longer we sit around and talk, the less time we'll have to settle things once and for all."

"Then I'll cut to the chase." Infearno simply replied. "After the Lost Incident, SOL Technologies issued bounties on everyone that was involved. With Dr. Kogami having been imprisoned by SOL Technologies due to this, we were forced to hide to avoid the same fate. For months, I fled, always staying one step ahead. Eventually, over the years, I stopped moving. I settled down, started a business, and fell in love with the woman who would become my wife."

He looked at the ground and scowled. "However, I ultimately learned that the past always catches up to you. Especially when one night, a sadistic human breaks into your home and destroys everything you cherished. Only I found I survived, while my Beatrice... died in my arms."

Infearno then looked up and covered his scar with his left hand before continuing. "I took Beatrice's body to this mausoleum, where I heard rumors about an occult being stationed there. The ritual went awry, and this..." He showed Raguel the large burnt scar covering the entire left side of his head and barely creeping over his face. "...is the result."

"Serves you right for trying to bring back the dead." Herald said, causing Infearno to glare at him.

"Your story is not going to make me sympathize with you at all. For three reasons." Raguel stated. "One: I heard this crap from Dancho and Lord Kazuma before. Just because they lost things didn't mean they had the right to inflict their pain and sadness on other people. The only difference between the two was that while their goals were aligned, Lord Kazuma was a nutjob. Two: A public figure like yourself became a Knight of Hanoi. To tell you the truth, a part of me idolized you, and how you wanted to create a better world for humanity. Seeing that someone like you became a Knight of Hanoi has made me lose faith in you. Three: You threatened Miyu's life, which is something I can never forgive."

"How exactly did a public figure like you become a Knight of Hanoi?" Herald inquired. "Was it because you wanted revenge for your wife?"

"No, but it's a bonus for me personally." Infearno answered, narrowing his eyes. "After the ritual went awry, demonic spirits went into my body and tried to possess me. However, Dr. Kogami saved my life using data material from the network. I was able to regain control, and command the demons who attempted to take my body from me. Out of gratitude, I helped him and his son Revolver ever since."

"You mean Ryoken..." Raguel responded, getting Infearno's attention. "I know his real name, and we all saw Dr. Kogami speaking with him in the network."

"True, but was would be the right term here." Infearno corrected him, frowning. "For Dr. Kogami shortly died during the conclusion of Revolver and Playmaker's Speed Duel."

Raguel gasped in surprise. So Dr. Kogami... was really dead? Never to be seen again?

"Damn!" Roxy commented over the earpiece. "If there was more time, we could have tracked him down!"

"As I said earlier, we suffered loss too." Infearno mentioned. "But now is no time to mourn. Now is no time at all."

Raguel narrowed his eyes. He understood the meaning behind Infearno's words. In war, both sides always suffered losses. For the Hanoi, Dr. Kogami died, and Revolver and Infearno were the only two remaining members left because every other member had their data absorbed by the Tower.

As for Raguel, he and Playmaker were the only two people left in stopping the Hanoi's plan. If they failed, the network would be destroyed, and countless lives would be endangered.

More specifically, if he failed, then Miyu would lose her life forever.

"So, looks like you're finally ready to get down to business then." Raguel said, raising his left arm in front of him. "While Playmaker duels Revolver, I'll defeat you here and now!"

Infearno grinned as he too raised his left arm in front of him. "I expect nothing less from you, Raguel. So don't hold back."

"Duel!" Raguel and Infearno shouted.

Raguel: 4000 LP

Infearno: 4000 LP

"I will go first." Infearno said, looking at his cards. "First, I activate the Field Spell card, Dis, City of the Burning Abyss." Soon, hellish walls began to surround the two duelists, forming into a circle and enclosing them in. "Now all 'Burning Abyss' monsters I control cannot be destroyed by their own card effects, nor can they be targeted by other card effects! Next, I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Field Barrier!" A small, green dome then surrounded Dis, City of the Burning Abyss. "While Field Barrier is in play, Field Spell cards cannot be destroyed, and neither of us can activate a new Field Spell card."

Herald narrowed his eyes. "He's definitely been learning from past duels," he commented. Raguel nodded in agreement. He knew what Infearno was doing; Stregone managed to destroy Dis, City of the Burning Abyss when he dueled Infearno, and Raguel did the same in their previous Master Duel. The fact that it kept Raguel from activating a new Field Spell card was an added bonus.

"I activate the Spell card, Pre-Preparation of Rites!" Infearno continued. "Not only does this card let me add a Ritual Spell card from my deck to my hand, I can also add a Ritual monster from my deck or Graveyard to my hand whose name is listed on that Ritual Spell!" Two cards popped out of Infearno's deck, which he added to his hand.

"I'll then activate the Ritual Spell card, Good and Evil in the Burning Abyss! This card lets me tribute monsters from my hand or field whose combined levels equal or exceed that of the stated Ritual monster, and then summon it from my hand. I tribute the Level 3 Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss and the Level 3 Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss from my hand."

A dark red magic circle with six flames appeared on his field, along with Graff and Scarm. Both demonic creatures disintegrated into light and entered the center of the circle, which emitted a pillar of dark red light.

"The contract's been made!" Infearno chanted, his Duel Disk's screen and black sections glowing dark red. "Demonic leader residing in the eighth circle of Hell! Accept these two sacrifices and serve your master! Ritual Summon! Rise, Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss!" A red-skinned demon in blue armor soon emerged from the portal and onto Infearno's field. It wielded two swords, one blue and one red, and also had a tail resembling a dragon's head.

Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2700 DEF: 2000 LV: 6

"Graff's effect! Since it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my deck with a different name. Come, Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A muscular demon resembling a bull with grey blue skin and broken blue horns snorted upon being summoned to Infearno's field.

Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 3

"Appear! The circuit of blood and death!" A Link portal appeared in the sky above him. "The summoning conditions are one Fiend monster. I'll set Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss into the Link Markers!" Cir went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Charon, Ferryman of the Burning Abyss!" A skeleton wearing a long red cloak over his body and riding on top of a long boat appeared on Infearno's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Charon, Ferryman of the Burning Abyss ATK: 0 LINK-1 ⬇️

"The effects of Charon and Cir both activate!" Infearno added. "First, when Charon is Link Summoned, I can Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Graveyard to a Main Monster Zone he points to. Return, Graff!" A draconic fiend with wings and claws emerged from a fiery portal and onto Infearno's field. Upon seeing Raguel, it licked its lips, eager to sink its teeth into him.

Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 3

"Second, when Cir is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Graveyard! Emerge, Scarm!" A demon with very long fingernails and wings reappeared on Infearno's field. He had pieces of metallic armor on his knees and wrists, long white hair, and half of a white faceguard with horns pointing downward covering his eyes.

Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 800 DEF: 2000 LV: 3

"Appear, for a second time! The circuit of blood and death!" A second Link Portal appeared in the sky above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Burning Abyss' monsters. I'll set Charon, Ferryman of the Burning Abyss, which is a Link 1 monster, Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss, and Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss into the Link Markers!" Charon went into the top arrowhead, Graff went into the bottom-left arrowhead, and Scarm went into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Take up your sword from Hell, fallen knight, and resume your crusade against my enemies! Link 3! Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss!" A tall, winged humanoid demon with two ridged horns and purple glowing eyes appeared on Infearno's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. His entire body was covered with dark grey, metallic armor. He also had two large wings circling his shoulders. In his right hand was an enormous sword consisting of four distinct blades with thorn-like serrations, as well as a hollow center that glowed purple. Purple lightning danced around the blade as Cavaliere Angelo swung it, ready for battle.

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️↘️

"When Cavaliere Angelo is Link Summoned using a 'Burning Abyss' Link monster as Link Material, I can add one 'Burning Abyss' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Infearno's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Infearno concluded. "At this point, Scarm's effect activates. Since it was sent to the Graveyard this turn, I get to add a Level 3 Dark Fiend monster from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of his deck, which he added to his hand. "Now come at me, Raguel! Let's see if you have the strength to back up your words!"

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, drawing the top card of his deck. When he looked at the card he drew, his eyes widened in surprise. No way, he thought. When did Herald make this card? Another thought came to his mind. Weren't there usually two cards that were needed to do this kind of summoning? If Herald had the time to make these type of cards for his deck, then all Raguel had to do was draw and use it.

"I activate the Spell card, Cyreath Treasure! By discarding a 'Cyreath' monster from my hand, I get to draw two cards from my deck." He took a card and sent it to his graveyard before drawing two cards from his deck.

"Yes!" Herald cheered, as he looked at the cards Raguel drew. "You drew the other secret weapons."

"Secret weapons?" Raguel repeated. "When did you-?"

"Let's just say I had some inspiration from a certain somebody." Herald replied. "Now would be a good time to use them, wouldn't you agree?"

Raguel nodded. "Of course." He took two cards in his hand and said, "I'll now use the Scale 1 Cyreath Sigma and the Scale 8 Cyreath Endymion to set the Pendulum Scale!" Soon, two pillars of light appeared on both sides of Raguel's field.

In the pillar on his right was a small, red and white-chromed robot with orange lines. It had orange eyes and a small mouth on its face, along with a ribbon on top of its head. It carried two small swords in its left and right hands.

In the pillar on his left was a man wearing bright-white and purple robes all over his body. The man had brown hair and a beard on his face. In his right hand, he carried a long scepter with a purple orb at the top.

Cyreath Sigma Scale: 1

Cyreath Endymion Scale: 8

"Cyberse Pendulum cards..." Infearno muttered, caught off guard with Raguel just did. "How did you-?"

"Even if I told you, someone like you would never understand." Raguel replied, before going back to the duel. "I activate the effect of Cyreath Wandering Soul from my Graveyard. By banishing it, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath Wanderer' token to my field." A small ball of mist in the form of a ghost appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Wanderer Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared in the sky above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I'll set the Cyreath Wanderer token into the Link Markers!" The Wanderer token went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning it red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Ceryneian Hind!" A female deer with light-brown skin appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Unlike other deer though, she had male-like antlers made of gold and hooves made of bronze. She also had a dappled hide as well.

Cyreath Ceryneian Hind ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ↙️

Infearno didn't react to Raguel's new Link monster as Raguel continued speaking. "When Ceryneian Hind is Link Summoned, I can draw one card from my deck." He drew the top card of his deck. "Also, the effect of Endymion activates. Each time I Link Summon a 'Cyreath' Link Monster, I can place one Moon counter on this card." A white orb went into Endymion's scepter.

Cyreath Endymion MC: 0 + 1 = 1

This is it. Everything that Raguel needed was in his hand. This is for you, Stregone, he thought.

"Swing, Pendulum of the Gods, and show me the path to victory!" Raguel chanted. "With the set Pendulum Scale, I can Special Summon monsters between Levels 2 and 7 at the same time! Emerge, Cyreath Barbarian, Cyreath Miner, and Cyreath Lava Hound!" Within moments, a portal opened between the two pillars, where three lights emerged. The lights hit the field and then dissipated, revealing three monsters.

The first monster was a man with spiked cuffs, close-cropped blond hair and mustache.

The second monster was a small, male individual wearing mining gear and carrying mining equipment.

The third monster was an overweight, volcanic creature with small wings.

Cyreath Barbarian ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

Cyreath Miner ATK: 0 DEF: 2000 LV: 3

Cyreath Lava Hound ATK: 2200 DEF: 1700 LV: 6

"Yes!" Herald cheered. "Our first Pendulum Summon. I bet you weren't expecting us to Pendulum Summon, were you Infearno?" Infearno could do nothing but grit his teeth at this development.

"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel declared, as a second Link Portal appeared above him in the sky. "The summoning conditions are exactly three 'Cyreath' monsters! I'll set Cyreath Ceryneian Hind, which is a Link 1 monster, Cyreath Barbarian, and Cyreath Lava Hound into the Link Markers!" Ceryneian Hind went into the bottom-left arrowhead, Barbarian went into the bottom arrowhead, and Lava Hound went into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! From the depths of Tartarus, emerge, and claim the souls of those who oppose you! Link 3! Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld!" A grotesque, demonic large man wearing a blazing helm on his head and cloth around his waist, with chains wrapped around his body and spikes on his back, emerged from the Link Portal and appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He carried two clawed chain blades, with each blade emitting a purple glow.

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 3000 LINK-3 ↙️⬇️↘️

"The effects of Endymion, Barbarian and Lava Hound activate! First, since I Link Summoned a 'Cyreath' monster once again, Endymion gains another Moon counter." A second white orb went into Endymion's scepter.

Cyreath Endymion MC: 1 + 1 =2

"Second, since Barbarian was used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster gains 500 attack points!"

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500

"Third, since Lava Hound left the field, I can Special Summon two 'Cyreath Lava Pup' tokens to my field!" Immediately, two smaller pups resembling Lava Hound emerged into existence on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Lava Pup Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 3

Cyreath Lava Pup Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 3

"Appear, for a third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A third Link Portal appeared in the sky above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one monster. I'll set one of the two Cyreath Lava Pup tokens into the Link Markers!" One of the two Lava Pup tokens went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning it red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Skull Wing!" A small skull with wings flew in to Raguel's field in the middle Main Monster Zone, which Hades was pointing to.

Cyreath Skull Wing ATK: 300 LINK-1 ↙️

"Endymion's effect!"

Cyreath Endymion MC: 2 + 1 = 3

"Appear, for a fourth and final time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A fourth Link Portal appeared in the sky above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters with different names! I'll set Cyreath Skull Wing, which is a Link 1 monster, Cyreath Miner, and the second Cyreath Lava Pup token into the Link Markers!" Skull Wing went into the left arrowhead, Miner went into the top arrowhead, and the second Lava Pup token went into the bottom arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Go wild and smash everything in your way! Link 3! Cyreath Erymanthian Boar!" A bulky, massively built suidae with short and relatively thin legs jumped onto Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Hades was pointing to, resulting in the both of them being co-linked with one another. It had brown fur with light green elements all over its body, along with a mane of dark fur. It also had four tusks at the front of its head. While the two biggest ones were long and curved inward, the two small ones were hooked slightly forward.

Cyreath Erymanthian Boar ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ⬅️⬆️⬇️

"The effects of Endymion, Skull Wing, Miner, and Erymanthian Boar activate!" Raguel continued. "First, just like before, Endymion gets a Moon counter because I Link Summoned a 'Cyreath' monster."

Cyreath Endymion MC: 3 + 1 = 4

"Second, since Skull Wing was used to Link Summon, you take 300 points of damage!" A silhouette of Skull Wing appeared and went through Infearno, making him shudder as his life points dropped.

Infearno: 4000 – 300 = 3700 LP

"Third, since Miner was used to Link Summon, I can add any card from my Graveyard to my hand." Raguel added, as he took a card from his Graveyard and added it to his hand.

"Lastly, there's Erymanthian Boar's effect. While its co-linked, both it and the monsters it's co-linked with gain 500 attack points. They also can't be targeted by card effects either!" Erymanthian Boar snorted as it and Hades powered up.

Cyreath Erymanthian Boar ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 3500 + 500 = 4000

Infearno narrowed his eyes. Thanks to Raguel's new Pendulum monsters, he was able to bring out two strong Link 3 monsters at once. And due to Erymanthian Boar's effect, he couldn't target it nor Hades with Malacoda's effect. Furthermore, if Raguel attacked with both monsters, he could risk losing over half of his life points in a single turn. However, he had a card that will most certainly help him this duel.

"Battle!" Raguel declared. "Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld attacks Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss! Soul Materialization!" Raising his clawed chain blades in the air, Hades summoned several souls out of them. At his command, the souls flew towards Cavaliere Angelo as Hades charged at him.

"You think I'm letting you get the lead this early in the duel?!" Infearno said, surprising Raguel. "I activate the Trap card, Tactics of the Burning Abyss!" The card showed Lucifer appearing before Dante and offering him many different things if he renounced his quest, which were shown in three circles. The first circle showed kingship, the second circle showed riches, and the third circle showed Dante having a new life on Earth with Beatrice. "When this card is activated while I control a 'Burning Abyss' monster, I'm allowed to activate one of three effects. I choose effect one, which lets me send one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my deck to my Graveyard to have a 'Burning Abyss' monster on my field gain its attack points until the End Phase." A card popped out of Infearno's deck, which he took and sent to his Graveyard. "As Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss was sent from my deck to my Graveyard, Cavaliere Angelo now gain its 1500 attack points until the End Phase."

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2500 + 1500 = 4000

"The effects of Cagna and Cavaliere Angelo both activate. Since Cagna was sent to the Graveyard, I can send one 'Burning Abyss' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my Graveyard!" A card popped out of Infearno's deck, which he took and sent to his Graveyard. "Also, while Cavaliere Angelo is pointing to a 'Burning Abyss' monster, he cannot be destroyed by battle! Batwing Shield!" Cavaliere Angelo swung one of the wings on his shoulders in front of him, making a large shield as Hades attacked using his clawed chain blades, causing a clash to occur.

"I activate Endymion's effect!" Raguel said. "If a face-up 'Cyreath' card I control would leave the field, I can remove one Moon counter instead." A white orb came out of Endymion's scepter and went into his hand, which he fired at Hades, surrounding him in a white aura and preventing him from being destroyed during the clash. Instead, he retreated to Raguel's field.

Cyreath Endymion MC: 4 – 1 = 3

"The battle still continues. Cyreath Erymanthian Boar attacks Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss!" Erymanthian Boar charged forward and pointed its tusks at Malacoda, stabbing them into Malacoda's body and causing the demon to turn into particles.

Infearno: 3700 – 400 = 3300 LP

"I activate Malacoda's effect!" Infearno said. "When it's sent to the Graveyard, I can target one card on your field and send it to your Graveyard. I target your Cyreath Sigma!" An apparition of Malacoda appeared on Infearno's field before charging at Sigma.

"Then it's a good thing Endymion's effect can be used more than once per turn!" Raguel responded. "I remove another Moon counter from Endymion to prevent Sigma from leaving the field." A second white orb was removed from Endymion's scepter before he fired a blast of energy at the apparition of Malacoda, destroying it for good.

Cyreath Endymion MC: 3 – 1 = 2

It's as though Stregone's presence is with Raguel, Infearno thought, getting slightly annoyed. How interesting.

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Raguel concluded. "Which means Tactics of the Burning Abyss's effect ends, and Cavaliere Angelo's attack points revert back to normal."

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss ATK: 4000 – 1500 = 2500

As Cavaliere Angelo's strength returned to normal, Raguel realized that something was amiss. "Tactics of the Burning Abyss hasn't left Infearno's field," he muttered.

"I forgot to mention the other effect of Tactics of the Burning Abyss." Infearno told him, getting his attention. "Instead of it going to the Graveyard, I can Set it face-down on my field after activating one of the three effects."

"What?!" Raguel exclaimed, surprised by what he just heard. "Such a card like yours exists?"

"Okay, that's just cheating." Herald commented. "When a Spell or Trap card is activated, it goes to the Graveyard afterwards."

"If you're surprised by something like this, then you'll tremble at the full power of my deck." Infearno declared, placing a hand on the top card of his deck. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Trap card, Tactics of the Burning Abyss! Just like before, I can choose one of three effects. This time, I choose effect three, which lets me Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Graveyard. Come forth, Cir!" At his command, Cir reappeared on his field in the Main Monster Zone Cavaliere Angelo was pointing to.

Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 3

"I summon Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A demonic centaur with wings also appeared on Infearno's field.

Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1400 DEF: 0 LV: 3

"Appear, the network of suffering!" Infearno declared, as his hand glowed red and a galaxy portal appeared in the sky above the duelists. "Materials confirmed! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 monsters! I overlay the Level 3 Calcab and Cir!" Both demons turned into streams of purple and blue energy before entering the portal, where a pillar of light soon erupted from its center.

"Xyz Summon! Begin your adventure through the depth of Hell! Rank 3! Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss!" A man with long, dark blue hair in a ponytail was summoned to the Main Monster Zone Cavaliere Angelo was pointing to on Infearno's field. He wore red clothing, a laurel on his head, and a small bag on both sides of his body. On the right side of his body was a small, sheathed sword.

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 DEF: 2500 RNK: 3 OU: 2

"I activate Dante's effect! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can choose a number from one to three, and send that many cards from the top of my deck to the Graveyard. And by doing this, Dante gains 500 attack points for each card sent from the top of my deck to the Graveyard until the End Phase! I'll send three cards so that Dante gains 1500 attack points!" Infearno sent the top three cards of his deck to his Graveyard, while one of the lights behind Dante went into his fist, boosting his power temporarily.

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss OU: 2 – 1 = 1

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 + 1500 = 2500

"The effects of Draghig and Calcab activate. As Draghig was sent to the Graveyard, I can choose one 'Burning Abyss' card in my deck and place it on top of my deck." After contemplating for a few moments, he chose a card and placed it on top of his deck. "Calcab's effect! Since it was sent to the Graveyard, I can target one Set Spell or Trap card you control and return it to your hand! I choose the left one!" A blast of light erupted from Infearno's Graveyard and hit Raguel's face-down card, returning it to his hand.

"Damn it," he muttered. Infearno had to pick Cyreath Providence for Calcab's effect. Now he couldn't surprise him with a Link Summon.

"Well, you still got the other card available." Herald said, trying to look on the positive side of things. "It should get us out of a jam if needed."

"I activate the Spell card, Card of Sanctity." Infearno said. "Now each of us gets to draw until we have six cards in our hands." He drew six cards from his deck, while Raguel drew four cards from his deck.

Infearno grinned after looking at his cards. Perfect, he thought. "I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Rise of the Burning Abyss! While this card is on my field, all 'Burning Abyss' monsters I control gain 500 attack points." Dante and Cavaliere Angelo were soon surrounded by fiery energy.

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

"Battle!" Infearno declared. "Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss attacks Cyreath Erymanthian Boar! Voltic Execution!" Cavaliere Angelo charged forward and swung the enormous sword in his hand at Erymanthian Boar, who responded by pushing it back using its tusks. "Since Cavaliere Angelo is pointing to a 'Burning Abyss' monster, he cannot be destroyed by battle!"

"I activate Endymion's effect." Raguel said. "By removing one Moon counter-!"

"I activate the Counter Trap card, Demonic Roar from my hand!" Infearno suddenly responded, much to Raguel's surprise.

"What? That's illegal!" Raguel stated the obvious.

"On that, we agree." Infearno replied. "But there's an exception for this card." Soon, a silhouette of a card appeared on his field, which showed Cerberus roaring at Dante and Virgil to try and scare them off from continuing their journey. "You see, if I control a 'Burning Abyss' monster, I'm allowed to activate this card from my hand. In addition, when you activate a Spell or Trap card, I can pay 700 life points to negate the activation of that card until it leaves the field." He smirked as his life points dropped.

Infearno: 3300 – 700 = 2600 LP

"Not good. Not good." Herald commented, as a demonic head emerged from the card and roared at Endymion, greying him out in the process.

"Kill that wretched boar, Cavaliere Angelo." Infearno ordered, as Cavaliere Angelo broke through its guard and sliced Erymanthian Boar in two, destroying it completely in the process. "Because Cavaliere Angelo destroyed a monster in battle and sent it to the Graveyard, you take 500 points of damage for each 'Burning Abyss' monster he points to. As he's pointing to one 'Burning Abyss' monster at the moment, you take 500 points of damage. Voltic Bolt!" Cavaliere Angelo thrusted his left arm out in front of him, causing electric bolts of energy to be fired towards Raguel, electrocuting him in the process.

Raguel: 4000 – 500 = 3500 LP

"With Erymanthian Boar having left the field, Hades' attack points return to 3500, and can now be targeted by card effects." Raguel said.

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 4000 – 500 = 3500

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Infearno concluded. "At this point, Dante's effect ends, which means his attack points revert to normal."

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 3000 – 1500 = 1500

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

"Trap card, activate!" Infearno interrupted. "Tri-and-Guess! Just like last time, I can declare either Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz Monster card types, and the player with more monsters of that card type in their Extra Deck gains 3000 life points!"

"You have got to be kidding me..." Yuhiro complained, having already faced this card one other time before.

"I declare Fusion Type." Infearno declared. He looked through his Extra Deck. "I have one Fusion monster in my Extra Deck, Raguel. How many do you have?"

"None." Raguel bitterly answered, knowing obviously what would happen.

"Which means I gain 3000 life points!" Infearno laughed as the card bathed him in a glorious, yellow light.

Infearno: 2600 + 3000 = 5600 LP

"Now he's got a massive lead in terms of life points." Herald commented.

"We'll bring them down, Herald." Raguel promised, gritting his teeth. What Infearno doesn't know is that he's gave me another good hand of cards to use, he thought. "I activate the Spell card, Link Reborn from my hand, which lets me Special Summon one Link Monster from my Graveyard! However, it can't attack for the rest of this turn! Come back to me, Erymanthian Boar!" Erymanthian Boar reappeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Hades was pointing to, resulting in the both of them being co-linked with one another.

Cyreath Erymanthian Boar ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ⬅️⬆️⬇️

"Continuous-Trap, activate!" Infearno said, his face set to a grimace. "Eternal Damnation in the Burning Abyss!" The card showed Dante about to confront Lucifer in a final battle in Lake Cocytus, souls flying around them. "When you Special Summon a monster from the Extra Deck, I can negate that monster's effects until the end of your turn. It also can't attack for that turn as well."

"What?!" Raguel exclaimed in shock, as the ground started shaking. "What's going on?"

"I told you to not hold anything back, Raguel. For like it or not, I won't be either!" Infearno reminded him, as he formed an X across his chest, dark energy swirling around his body. "I welcome you to the Ninth Circle of Hell, Raguel. It's here where I'll bury you!" He then released the energy all around him, causing Raguel and Herald to shield their eyes.

When they opened them, the two of them realized they were in a frozen, dark landscape. Behind Infearno was a giant statue of Lucifer. The two duelists were standing on a reversed pentacle.

"Didn't see that coming." Raguel muttered to himself. Any Link monster he summoned from his Extra Deck from now on couldn't use their effects until the end of the turn. But that didn't mean he was done yet. "Regardless, I can still use Erymanthian Boar's effect!" Erymanthian Boar snorted for a second time, powering itself and Hades up.

Cyreath Erymanthian Boar ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 3500 + 500 = 4000

"With the set Pendulum Scale, I can Special Summon monsters between Levels 2 and 7 at the same time! Emerge, Cyreath Nymph, Cyreath Barbarian, and Cyreath Cackling Juggler!" Within moments, a portal opened between the two pillars, where three lights emerged. The lights hit the field and then dissipated, revealing three monsters.

The first monster was a blue-skinned, four winged creature with two stubby legs and a small beak, as well as a spiked tail.

The second monster was Cyreath Barbarian, who reappeared on Raguel's field.

The third monster was a small skeleton with small bombs in its knapsack.

Cyreath Nymph ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500 LV: 4

Cyreath Barbarian ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

Cyreath Cackling Juggler: ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

"If Nymph is Normal or Special Summoned while I control a 'Cyreath' Link Monster," Raguel explained, "I can destroy one Spell or Trap card on your field. And I choose Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss!" Nymph flapped its wings and created a windstorm that headed right for Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss, but...

"I activate the second effect of Eternal Damnation in the Burning Abyss!" Infearno interrupted. "Once per turn, if it would be destroyed by a card effect while I control a 'Burning Abyss' monster, I can destroy one other card I control instead. And I choose Field Barrier!" The winds then shifted course as they headed towards Field Barrier, destroying it instead.

"Well, at least we destroyed Field Barrier." Herald said, trying to look on the bright side of things.

"But we didn't eliminate the problem at hand." Raguel replied, gritting his teeth. Infearno had been saving Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss for this particular duel. Which meant that any Link monsters Raguel Link Summoned would lose their abilities for the rest of the turn.

But that didn't mean he couldn't deal damage. And he planned on dealing a lot of it this turn.

"I activate Cackling Juggler's effect. When it's summoned, I can place one 'Bomb' counter on this card for each 'Cyreath' monster I control."

"Since we have five 'Cyreath' monsters on our field, that means Cackling Juggler gains five 'Bomb' counters." Herald said, as the skeleton became antsy. This was because it was juggling six bombs at once. "I can't wait for what happens next."

Cyreath Cackling Juggler BC: 0 + 5 = 5

"I activate Cackling Juggler's other effect." Raguel added. "By removing all 'Bomb' counters from this card, you take 300 points of damage for each one removed. Bomb Derby!" Cackling Juggler threw all six bombs at once, pushing Infearno back a step for each bomb thrown.

Infearno: 5600 – (300 X 5) = 4100 LP

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link portal appeared in the sky above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I'll set Cyreath Nymph, Cyreath Barbarian, and Cyreath Cackling Juggler into the Link Markers!" Nymph went into the bottom arrowhead, Barbarian went into the top-left, and Cackling Juggler went into the top-right arrowhead, resulting in all three arrowheads turning red.

"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 Main Monster Zone Hades pointed to on Raguel's field, resulting in both of them being co-linked. 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 ↖️⬇️↗️

"Barbarian's effect! Since it was used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster gains 500 attack points!" Hercules roared as he powered up.

Cyreath Hercules ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

"That won't matter." Infearno countered. "For Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss not only negates your monster's effects for the rest of the turn, but also prevents your monster from attacking as well." As if to prove Infearno's point, ice emerged from the ground and encased themselves around Hercules' entire body, temporarily sealing him for the turn.

"What will matter is this." Raguel replied. "I activate Sigma's effect. Once per turn, if there's a 'Cyreath' monster in my other Pendulum Zone, I can target one 'Cyreath' Link monster on my field, and any battle damage inflicted by that monster is doubled! I target Hades!"

Infearno grit his teeth. Since Hades was the only monster that wasn't currently affected by Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss, that meant he could attack and deal double battle damage.

"Battle! Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld attacks Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss! Soul Materialization!" For a second time, Hades raised his clawed chain blades in the air, summoning several souls out of them. At his command, the souls flew towards Dante as Hades charged at him.

"Trap card, activate!" Infearno said. "Tactics of the Burning Abyss! Like last time, I can choose one of three effects to activate before Setting it face-down on my field. I choose effect one, which lets me send one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my deck to my Graveyard to have a 'Burning Abyss' monster on my field gain its attack points until the End Phase." A card popped out of Infearno's deck, which he took and sent to his Graveyard. "As Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss is sent to the Graveyard, Dante gains its 1700 attack points until the End Phase."

Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1500 + 1700 = 3200

"The effect of Barbar now activates. Since it was sent to my Graveyard, I can banish up to three 'Burning Abyss' cards from my Graveyard to inflict 300 points of damage for each one banished by this effect. I banish Graff, Calcab, and Draghig to inflict 900 points of damage to you!" Three fireballs appeared out of Infearno's Graveyard and orbited around his hand, which he fired at Raguel. As a result, Raguel was knocked back several feet by the combined impact.

Raguel: 3500 – 900 = 2600 LP

"You'll still lose your monster and life points!" Raguel pointed out, as Hades slashed Dante, turning him into particles. Infearno scowled in anger upon seeing Dante's destruction.

Infearno: 4100 – (300 X 2) = 3500 LP

"Dante's effect." Infearno said, still angry with what Raguel had done. "Since he was sent to the Graveyard, I can target a 'Burning' Abyss card in my Graveyard except him and add it to my hand. It's a good thing I know which card I'll add to my hand with this effect!" A card appeared out of Infearno's Graveyard, which he took and added to his hand.

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Raguel concluded. "At this point, the effect of Eternal Damnation in the Burning Abyss ends, which means I can now activate the effect of Hercules. Monsters this card points to lose 500 attack points! Nemean Roar!" Hercules broke out of the ice and let out a massive roar, which hit Hades and Cavaliere Angelo.

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 4000 – 500 = 3500

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss ATK: 3000 – 500 = 2500

I just need to survive a little longer, Raguel thought, and I'll be able to end Infearno once and for all on my next turn.

"My turn! I draw!" Infearno said, drawing the top card of his deck. "I'm impressed, Raguel. You were able to bring out three Link 3 monsters to your field so far, as well as solidify your backrow with face-down cards. It seems you really want to win this duel."

"Obviously." Raguel responded, a furious expression on his face. "There's no way I'm letting you endanger innocent lives. I'm going to ensure you never hurt anyone again."

"Then let me ask you this: What costs will you pay to pursue your goal?"

Raguel's eyes widened. He remembered when Demeter asked him about taking the steps necessary for Miyu's sake. But regarding costs? No one had ever asked him about that before, which is why he couldn't provide an answer.

"Raguel is referred to as the archangel of justice, fairness, harmony, vengeance, and redemption." Infearno explained. "He's also responsible for delivering heinous judgement upon all that overstep their boundaries. No wonder you named yourself after him. However..." He put a hand on his chin. "If you're willing to do whatever it takes to fulfil your goal, does that honestly make you any better than the enemies you're fighting? Furthermore, can it potentially obscure your vision of the bigger picture?"

For a second time, Raguel couldn't respond. All his actions up until now were focused on protecting the people he cared about. In addition, when he learned about the Cyberse World and how he was a part of the bigger picture, he added protecting the Cyberse World on the list. Hearing this information from Infearno caused a seed of doubt to be planted in his mind. Were his actions making him any better than his enemies? And were they obscuring his vision of what he wanted to achieve in mind?

"Unable to provide an answer, I see. In that case, allow me to explain." Infearno smirked. "The main thing we have in common is creating a better world. What differs between us, however, are the methods used to achieve that goal."

"No kidding." Raguel replied. "You're willing to eliminate those who oppose you without a second thought. In addition, you also use second-handed tactics to assist the Hanoi."

"True, but my actions are still honorable." Infearno pointed out, causing Raguel to widen his eyes in shock. "They were just... altered in a way, to the point I was enlightened in the process."

"Enlightened? Enlightened?!" Raguel repeated, now infuriated with Infearno's casual comment. "The hell is that supposed to mean?!"

"It means that the tragedy I experienced helped me see the bigger picture." Infearno calmly answered. "While I'm still focused on making the impossible possible, I'll do whatever it takes to ensure humanity's survival. Even if it means sacrificing a portion of it to save the rest."

He sighed. "Then there's you, Raguel. Even after everything you've been through, you still keep fighting. Which raises this question."

"And what question would that be?"

"Why should humans continue moving forward after going through so much pain?" Infearno told him. "By defeating you physically and mentally in this duel, I'll be able to obtain the answer to that question ever since Beatrice died!"

Raguel gritted his teeth. This man in front of him had no respect whatsoever for life, whether for humans or for the Ignis. How could the world allow a monster like Infearno to live?

"Yuhiro!" Roxy said, snapping Raguel out of his thoughts. "You need to continue the duel. The Tower of Hanoi is getting closer to completion as we speak."

"R-Right." Raguel whispered back. He couldn't afford thinking what Infearno just said. So instead, he turned to him. "I don't care about your bullshit theory, Infearno. What I do care about is ending this duel. So make your move."

"Of course." Infearno complied. "I activate the Trap card, Tactics of the-!"

"Not so fast, Infearno!" Raguel interrupted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Cyreath Dispel! Since I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can target one Spell or Trap card on your field and destroy it! I choose your face-down card, Tactics of the Burning Abyss!" Infearno frowned in annoyance as Cyreath Dispel fired a purple blast at the face-down card, revealing itself as Tactics of the Burning Abyss before destroying it for good.

"Smart move, Raguel." Herald commented. "Although each of Infearno's cards are a threat in their own way, destroying Tactics of the Burning Abyss will set him back for sure."

"Is that so, Ignis?" Infearno asked, making Herald gasp. "Allow me to prove you wrong! I activate the second effect of Dis, City of the Burning Abyss. Once, if I control a 'Burning Abyss' monster while this card is on the field, I'm allowed to add up to two 'Burning Abyss' cards with different names from my deck to my hand!" Two cards popped out of his deck, which he added to his hand. "From there, I summon Cir to my field." Cir snorted as he reappeared on Infearno's field.

Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1600 DEF: 1200 LV: 3

Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1600 + 500 = 2100

"I'll now activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Apocrypha of the Burning Abyss. When it's activated, I'm allowed to Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my deck. Rise, Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A winged demon with no arms and long white hair soon appeared on his field.

Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 DEF: 1900 LV: 3

Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 + 500 = 1500

"In addition, I activate the Equip Spell card, D.D.R – Different Dimension Reincarnation as well." Infearno added. "By discarding one card from my hand, I can target one of my banished monsters and Special Summon it to my field in attack position before equipping it with this card. Return, Graff!" At Infearno's command, Graff reappeared on Infearno's field.

Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 3

Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1000 + 500 = 1500

"Great to be back." Graff said, looking around the duel field. "Hey, Farfa. The boss brought out Cavaliere Angelo. He never does that."

"Well considering the situation at hand, it does make sense." Farfa deduced. Cavaliere Angelo turned his head and glared at the two demons, shutting them up.

"Raguel, I don't like this." Herald said.

"Mean neither." Raguel agreed, knowing what's about to happen next.

"Witness as I bring out the monster who defeated your precious father figure!" Infearno declared. He thrusted out his right hand towards the sky. "Appear, the circuit of blood and death!" A Link Portal appeared in the sky above him. "The summoning conditions are one or more 'Burning Abyss' monsters. I'll set Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss, Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss, and Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss into the Link Markers!" Cir went into the top-left arrowhead, Farfa went into the top arrowhead, and Graff went into the top-right arrowhead.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Emerge from hell and tear my enemy into pieces! Link 3! Cerberus, Hound of the Burning Abyss!" A massive, three-headed demonic hound ran through the Link portal and onto Infearno's field in the Main Monster Zone Cavaliere Angelo was pointing to, resulting in the both of them being co-linked with one another. Upon seeing Raguel, all three heads roared at him.

Cerberus, Hound of the Burning Abyss ATK: 3000 LINK-3 ↖️⬆️↗️

Cerberus, Hound of the Burning Abyss ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500

Raguel's eyes narrowed in fury upon looking at Cerberus. "You'll pay for what you did to Stregone!"

"Stregone?" one of the heads said. "That was the sorcerer, right?"

"Correct," another of the heads confirmed. "It seems like this little boy in front of us cares for the sorcerer."

"Acting so high and mighty, mutt?" Raguel taunted Cerberus. "I'll make sure to send you to the same low place I sent your demon buddies."

"You think a foul scented creature can defeat us?!" Cerberus demanded. "I'll have you know we am among the strongest in Hell. The lower demons may be weak, but WE will feast on your flesh, and GNAW on your bones!"

"And you will get your chance, Cerberus." Infearno assured him, calming the three-headed creature down. "But for now, the effects of Farfa, Graff, and Cir activate from the Graveyard. First, when Farfa is sent to the Graveyard, I can target one monster you control and banish it until the End Phase!"

"Oh no." Raguel said. Although Hades and Erymanthian Boar were safe from Farfa's effect, that meant...

"I target Hercules!" Infearno decided, as he fired a hellish blast of energy from his hand at Hercules, causing him to temporarily vanish from the field. "And with him gone, Hades and Cavaliere Angelo regain 500 attack points!"

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 3500 + 500 = 4000

"Next, the effect of Graff activates. Since it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my deck with a different name. Emerge, Alich!" A demon with long wings, a white visor covering his eyes, and shoulder-length white hair flew onto Infearno's field. A piece of demonic breastplate armor with teeth and eyes covered his upper chest. Chains were wrapped around his forearms, and pieces of white fur were on his shoulders and legs.

Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1200 DEF: 0 LV: 3

Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1200 + 500 = 1700

"Cir's effect activates as well! When he's sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Graveyard! Come back, Barbar!" A horned, bearded old man reappeared on Infearno's field, wielding a spiked ball on a chain.

Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1700 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1700 + 500 = 2200

"I activate Cerberus' effect." Infearno continued. "When it's Link Summoned, it gains effects equal to the number of 'Burning Abyss' monsters used as Link Material. Since three 'Burning Abyss' monsters were used, Cerberus gains all of its effects!" As if to emphasize his point, Cerberus' heads were surrounded with different elements. The head on the far left was surrounded with a fiery aura, the head in the middle was surrounded with an icy aura, and the head on the far right was surrounded with a thundery aura.

"Fear my flames!" Cerberus' fiery head said.

"Your flesh will freeze!" Cerberus' icy head said.

"Feel my thunder!" Cerberus' thundery head said.

Raguel narrowed his eyes. Cerberus has all of its effects, he thought, which means I can't activate Spell or Trap cards when it attacks. Great. This meant he'd lose one of his monsters this turn.

"Battle!" Infearno declared, thrusting out his right hand. "Cerberus, Hound of the Burning Abyss attacks Cyreath Erymanthian Boar. And when it attacks, you can't activate Spell or Trap cards. Triple Finish!" Fire, Ice, and Thunder energies began to form in each of Cerberus' heads before they fired them all at once at Erymanthian Boar. There were differences between the three, though. Cerberus' fiery head fired several fireballs from its mouth, its icy head fired a vortex of icy energy from its mouth, and its thundery head fired a beam of electricity from its mouth. Erymanthian Boar screeched as it turned into particles by the combined attack. Raguel braced himself as his life points dropped.

Raguel: 2600 – 500 = 2100 LP

"Since Erymanthian Boar left the field for a second time, that means Hades loses the attack boost that was given." Raguel reminded Infearno, as Hades' strength went down.

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 4000 – 500 = 3500

"While your monster's suffer, my monster prospers." Infearno replied. "I activate the second of Cerberus' effects. When it destroys a monster by battle, it gains 500 attack points." Cerberus roared as its strength increased.

Cerberus, Hound of the Burning Abyss ATK: 3500 + 500 = 4000

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn, which means Hercules returns to your field. Only he's back at original strength." As Infearno said this, Hercules reappeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Hercules ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ↖️⬇️↗️

"Hercules' effect! Monsters he points to lose 500 attack points!" Raguel reminded Infearno, as Hercules roared for a second time, which hit Hades and Cavaliere Angelo.

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 3500 – 500 = 3000

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss ATK: 3000 – 500 = 2500

"That's nothing but a minor setback, Raguel." Infearno smirked at his opponent. "One that I'll overcome very soon."

"We'll see about that!" Raguel responded. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. Damn it, he thought. If I had Cyreath Destruction, I could wipe out all his Spell and Trap cards at once, as well as draw extra cards. Looks like this will have to do for now. "I summon Cyreath Shade from my hand." A grey-armored warrior from head to toe jumped onto Raguel's field, wisps of smoke emitting from his armor in the process. His helmet looked like that of an eerie ghost.

Cyreath Shade ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

"When Cyreath Shade is Normal Summoned, I can target one face-up Spell or Trap card you control and Set it. You're not allowed to activate it in response until the End Phase. I target Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss!" Infearno's eyes widened in surprise as Shade pointed his finger at Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss, causing the wisps of smoke to obscure Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss completely. As a result, the surrounding area vanished, returning both duelists to the private server.

"Since Shade Sets cards instead of destroying them, it means you can't redirect it to one of your other cards." Herald said. "Or to put it simply, it's dealt with."

"But only for now." Infearno reminded the two of them.

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

"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 roared as he emerged from the Link Portal to the Main Monster Zone Hades was pointing to, resulting in the both of them being co-linked with one another. 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 ⬅️⬆️⬇️➡️

"Since Hercules left the field, both Hades and Cavaliere Angelo regain 500 attack points."

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss 2500 + 500 = 3000

"In addition, when Turboblaze Dragon is Link Summoned," Raguel added, "I can negate the effects of all monsters you control. Heat Veil!"

"Take this!" Turboblaze Dragon roared, as his jet-like engine began to charge up before he unleashed waves of volcanic energy at Cavaliere Angelo, Cerberus, Alich, and Barbar, covering them all in scorch marks.

"And since Cerberus' effects are negated, that means it loses its attack boost." Herald added, as Cerberus roared in pain.

Cerberus, Hound of the Burning Abyss ATK: 4000 – 500 = 3500

Damn that dragon, Infearno thought, narrowing his eyes. He had once been defeated by that dragon before, but he got revenge last time by destroying it with Phlegyas. That dragon will fall again.

"This duel ends now!" Raguel declared. "Battle! Turboblaze Dragon attacks Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss! Desolation Flare!"

"Farewell, wretched demons of Hell!" Turboblaze Dragon said, as the jet engine-like tail glowed with power before he flew up into the air and charged up an orb of orange fire.

"Trap card, activate!" Infearno interrupted. "Tactics of the Burning Abyss!"

"You have another copy of that card?!" Raguel exclaimed, shocked at what he saw. "When did you get that-?" It dawned to him. That was the card Infearno added with Dis, City of the Burning Abyss' effect!

"Like before, I can activate one of three effects before Setting it back to my field." Infearno explained. "I choose effect one, which lets me send one 'Burning Abyss' monster from my deck to my Graveyard to have a 'Burning Abyss' monster on my field gain its attack points until the End Phase." A card popped out of Infearno's deck, which he took and sent to his Graveyard. "As Bishop of the Burning Abyss was sent to the Graveyard, Alich gains its 600 attack points until the End Phase."

Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK: 1700 + 600 = 2300

"The effect of Bishop activates. As it was sent to the Graveyard, 'Burning Abyss' monsters on my field cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects until the End Phase."

"That means we can't use Turboblaze's other effect!" Herald realized.

Raguel grit his teeth. "But we can still deal some battle damage," he pointed out, as Turboblaze Dragon fired the orb of orange fire at Alich. Just moments before it could reach the demon, a demonic seal appeared in front of him, preventing Alich from being destroyed. However, the attack still caused Infearno to wince as his life points dropped.

Infearno: 3500 – 700 = 2800 LP

"The battle still continues. Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld attacks Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss! Soul Materialization!" Raising his clawed chain blades in the air, Hades summoned several souls out of them. At his command, the souls flew towards Barbar before Hades leapt forward and attempted to slash the demon using his clawed chain blades. However, a demonic seal emerged in front of Barbar, causing Hades to strike it instead of the demon. Regardless, the attack caused an explosion that pushed Infearno back.

Infearno: 2800 – 1300 = 1500 LP

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Raguel concluded, taking the last card in his hand and Setting it face-down on his field. "At this point, Shade's effect ends, and you're now free to use your card."

"In all honesty, I didn't expect Infearno to acquire another Tactics of the Burning Abyss." Herald admitted.

"We did cripple his field though." Raguel replied, looking at the bright side of things. And with three face-down cards, he was ready for anything Infearno would throw at him.

But even with his field crippled, Infearno smirked at Raguel and Herald. "Now I see why you're so persistent. No matter what cards I use to end our duel, you endure and find ways to bounce back. That, combined with your spirit, makes you a unique duelist."

"Is that what you think? Then that makes two of us." Raguel glared at Infearno. "I'll wipe that smug smirk off your face once I defeat you!"

"Defeat me?" Infearno repeated. "That's a bold declaration you made, Raguel. Especially when the weight of so many lives are at stake. But answer me this: What happens when you lose?"

You lose...

Raguel's eyes widened. The white room. The VR headset...

You lose...

He then started hyperventilating. The electric shocks. So many of them...

You lose...

Bile began to rise from his stomach to his throat. So much that Raguel had to cover his mouth with his right hand before falling to the ground on one knee.

"Raguel, what's wrong?" Herald asked, a look of huge concern on his face.

"This is not good at all." Roxy muttered, gritting her teeth as she witnessed what happened on the screen in Café Matsuo's backroom. "Don't let him get to you now, Yuhiro. Please."

"I know what it's like to lose." Infearno cruelly continued. "To feel so desperately that you're right, yet to fail, nonetheless. It's frightening. Turns the legs into jelly. I ask you, to what end? Dread it. Run from it. Destiny arrives all the same. And now, it's here. Or should I say, I am."

Raguel then vomited out all the bile in his mouth, the trauma from the Lost Incident having overtook his mind.

"Feeling ill?" Infearno's words acquire Raguel's attention. "Judging by the expression on your face, you just vomited, as though you recalled a certain trauma. Even if you defeat me, you'll never be truly free from the Lost Incident, nor completely achieve your goal of saving others. Not only will your trauma alter your goal, it will also change you whether you like it or not."

Raguel was still in a state of shock as he slowly got up. No. Infearno was telling nothing more than lies just to throw him off his game. But at the same time, was he... right?

"Don't believe me? Then I'll show you the world I ended up in." Infearno put a hand on the top card of his deck. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Pot of Avarice. This card lets me target five monsters in my Graveyard, shuffle them into my deck, and then draw two cards. I target Bishop of the Burning Abyss, Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss, Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss, Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss, and Tour Guide of the Underworld." Five cards came out of his Graveyard, which he took and shuffled into his deck before drawing two cards. He looked at them briefly before continuing.

"I send Dis, City of the Burning Abyss to my Graveyard so I can activate the Field Spell card, Desecrated Land of the Burning Abyss!" The card showed a destroyed metropolitan area, filled with the ruins of buildings and streets. Dead bodies of both human and demon with blades in them covered the area as the members of the Malebranche flew over the city, having clearly won the war. Sitting on the throne at the background was Lucifer, carrying a large sword that had Dante's head on it. Beside him was Beatrice, who became his bride.

The next thing Raguel knew, an illusionary fire emitting heat spread out around Infearno, causing a bright light to radiate outwards. As a result, Raguel and Herald had to shield their eyes. Once the light died down, the duel field transformed to look like the one shown on Desecrated Land of the Burning Abyss.

"This is my ultimate Field Spell card, Raguel." Infearno told him. "And when it is activated, I gain 500 life points for each 'Burning Abyss' monster on my field. Since I control four 'Burning Abyss' monsters, I gain 2000 life points!"

"He's gaining back his life points again!" Herald panicked, as Infearno was surrounded with a fiery aura, increasing his life points.

Infearno: 1500 + (500 X 4) = 3500 LP

"From there, I activate my Trap card, Tactics of the Burning Abyss. Just like before, I can activate one of three effects before Setting this card back face-down. This time, I choose effect two, which lets me add one 'Burning Abyss' card from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of his deck, which he added to his hand. "In addition, I activate my Continuous-Trap card, Eternal Damnation of the Burning Abyss!" Soon, the reversed pentacle from before reengraved itself onto the duel field before dark energy swirled around Infearno's body, which he unleashed all around him. As a result, the giant statue of Lucifer reappeared, and the air became chilly. "As I said earlier, when you Special Summon a monster from the Extra Deck, I can negate that monster's effects until the end of your turn. It also can't attack for that turn as well."

Raguel growled. Just great. His Link monsters couldn't activate their effects now, and any Link monsters summoned on his turn couldn't attack as well.

"I summon Warlock of the Burning Abyss from my hand." Infearno said, as a tall and thin, grey-skinned demon with blood-stained robes appeared on his field. In his right hand, he carried a scepter with a skull on it.

Warlock of the Burning Abyss ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 3

Warlock of the Burning Abyss ATK: 500 + 500 = 1000

"When Warlock is Normal or Special Summoned, I can target one monster on your Extra Monster Zone and move it to an unoccupied Main Monster Zone on your field."

"Why would you-?" Herald began, but then realized something. "Oh no. No, no, no. You can't be planning that!"

"Herald? What exactly are you talking about?" Raguel asked, now worried.

"Why tell you when I can show you." Infearno said, getting his attention. "I target Hades and move him to your middle Main Monster Zone." Warlock's scepter glowed as he fired a magical blast at Hades, which teleported him from the Extra Monster Zone to the middle Main Monster Zone on Raguel's field. "Witness the true power of my deck, Raguel! Appear, the circuit of blood and death!" A Link Portal appeared in the sky above Infearno. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Burning Abyss' monsters. I'll set Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss, Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss, and Warlock of the Burning Abyss into the Link Markers!" Alich went into the bottom-left arrowhead, Barbar went into the bottom arrowhead, and Warlock went into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Normally, a player is only allowed to use one of the Extra Monster Zones. But when the Extra Monster Zones are co-linked, a monster can be Special Summoned to the other Extra Monster Zone!"

"What?!" Raguel exclaimed out of shock. This was not good at all. And it was very likely Playmaker would face a similar situation to his.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! O Guardian of Hell, grant me the power to punish my enemies, and burn them all to the ground! Link 3! Phlegyas, Guardian of the Burning Abyss!" A demonic giant standing eight feet in height emerged from the Link Portal to the left Extra Monster Zone, resulting in him and Cerberus being co-linked with one another. He had massive feet with small spikes on his thighs, along with muscular arms. Over his magma-hardened body were more spikes, along with cracks around his head that were glowing. On top of his head was a large crown, and at the sides were two curved horns. Phlegyas' eyes glowed bright orange as he roared at Raguel.

Phlegyas, Guardian of the Burning Abyss ATK: 3000 LINK-3 ↙️⬇️↘️

Phlegyas, Guardian of the Burning Abyss ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500

"Impossible," Raguel whispered, as he stared at Infearno's field in shock.

"Behold, Raguel! Extra Link!" Infearno declared, as all three of his Link monsters roared. The shockwaves caused Raguel to brace himself. "Phlegyas' effect! When he's Link Summoned, I can destroy cards you control equal to the number of 'Burning Abyss' monsters I used as Link Material! Since I used three 'Burning Abyss' monsters, I can destroy three cards. Therefore, I'll destroy your Turboblaze Dragon, Hades, and the face-down card on your left! Hellish Firaga!"

"Quick-Play Spell, activate!" Raguel interrupted. "Cyreath Salvation! If a 'Cyreath' monster I control would be destroyed by a card effect, it's not destroyed!"

"Hades may be safe, but your other two cards aren't." Infearno reminded him, as Phlegyas fired three fireballs from his hands at Turboblaze Dragon, Hades, and Raguel's face-down card. However, a barrier formed around Hades at the last second, protecting him while Turboblaze Dragon and the face-down card got incinerated. "When we had our first Master Duel, I held back out of arrogance that I beat you physically and mentally. This time, I won't make that mistake again!"

He thrusted out his right hand. "Battle! Phlegyas, Guardian of the Burning Abyss attacks Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld. Hellfire of Rage!" Phlegyas' hands glowed as he raised them high in the air, causing the ground underneath Hades to heat up. The next thing Hades knew, he was engulfed by the inferno, but ironically didn't scream as he exploded into particles. Raguel winced as his life points dropped.

Raguel: 2100 – 500 = 1600 LP

"The next attack! Cerberus, Hound of the Burning Abyss attacks you directly! Triple Finish!" Fire, Ice, and Thunder energies began to form in each of Cerberus' heads, but...

"I activate the effect of Cyreath Apparition from my Graveyard!" Raguel interrupted. "By banishing this card and one 'Cyreath' Link monster, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath Apparition' token to my field, which gains attack and defense points equal to the banished 'Cyreath' Link monster's attack points. I banish Hades and this card!" A dark orb of light appeared on Raguel's field, before taking the form of Hades.

Cyreath Apparition Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Cyreath Apparition Token ATK: 0 + 3000 = 3000 DEF: 0 + 3000 = 3000

"Then I'll attack your little token instead." Infearno decided, as Cerberus fired a combined blast of fire, ice, and thunder at the Apparition token, turning it into particles. Although Raguel was still standing, he was pushed back by the explosion of the blast.

Raguel: 1600 – 500 = 1100 LP

"You want to die by the sword? Then I'll give you that honor! Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss attacks you directly! Voltic Execution!" Cavaliere Angelo roared as charged forward and prepared to swing the enormous sword in his hand at Raguel.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Cyreath Providence!" Raguel said, panting. "When this card is activated, immediately after this effect resolves, I can Link Summon one 'Cyreath' Link Monster by shuffling 'Cyreath' monsters from my Graveyard to my deck and/or Extra Deck!" He pointed to the sky. "Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel's head. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I'll shuffle Cyreath Barbarian and Cyreath Miner along with Cyreath Ceryneian Hind, which is a Link 1 monster, into my deck and Extra Deck to set them into the Link Markers!" The first blast of energy went out of Raguel's Graveyard and into the top arrowhead. Then two more blasts of energy went out of Raguel's Graveyard and went into the bottom-left and bottom-right arrowheads respectively.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Rise and protect the innocent from evil! Link 3! Cyreath Nemean Lion!" A white lion with a black mane emerged from the Link Portal and roared as it went onto the Main Monster Zone Cavaliere Angelo pointed to on Raguel's field, resulting in the both of them being co-linked with one another. On the lion's face was a red and gold mask, with purple spiked fins on either side. The lion also wore red and golden armor on its back, underbelly, shoulders, and legs.

Cyreath Nemean Lion ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️↘️

"The effects of Barbarian and Miner activate. First, since Barbarian was used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster gains 500 attack points!" Nemean Lion roared as its strength increased.

Cyreath Nemean Lion ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

"Second, since Miner was used to Link Summon, I can add any card from my Graveyard to my hand." Raguel added, as a card popped out of his Graveyard, which he took and added to his hand.

"With Nemean Lion protecting us, we'll escape from the jaws of defeat!" Herald declared.

"Go, Giga Impact!" Raguel said, as Nemean Lion charged forward at Cavaliere Angelo, causing him to swing one of the wings on his shoulders in front of him, making a large shield in the process. As a result, a clash occurred, where Nemean Lion tried to push Cavaliere Angelo back.

"You forget that Cavaliere Angelo can't be destroyed in battle while he's pointing to a 'Burning Abyss' monster." Infearno reminded them, as Cavaliere Angelo broke the struggle and slashed Nemean Lion using his enormous sword, causing a large explosion that made Raguel and Herald shield their eyes. "I activate Desecrated Land of the Burning Abyss' other effect!"

"Other effect?" Raguel and Herald repeated. This wasn't good.

"Once, when a 'Burning Abyss' monster I control destroys a monster and sends it to the Graveyard," Infearno explained, "I can inflict 1000 points of damage to you!" Raguel gasped upon hearing that. "This is the beginning of the end for you, Raguel!"

Within moments, the blades around the area came out of the bodies before rising high into the air, all of them pointing at Raguel. After Infearno made a hand gesture towards Raguel, the blades flew like arrows towards him.

"Hold on, Raguel!" Herald said, creating a shield to try and repel the blades. Raguel pulled out his sword and tried to knock the blades to the side and give Herald breathing room, but the more they repelled together, the more blades that kept appearing. Eventually, the blades overwhelmed Herald, breaking his barrier before impaling Raguel, causing him to take a few steps back in shock as he coughed up blood.

Raguel: 1100 – 1000 = 100 LP

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Infearno concluded, as Raguel fell to his knees, still in shock. "You have my respect, Raguel. When Revolver and I are done, a good portion of humanity will still be alive." He frowned as he looked at Raguel, knowing what will likely happen. "I hope they remember you."

Raguel's vision started to become blurry. "D-Damn it," he muttered, looking at his blood-stained hand. "This duel's taking a bigger toll than I expected, but..."

He thought suddenly of Miyu, of the girl in the coma at the hospital. He promised he wouldn't give up on her.

"I promised I wouldn't give up on Miyu..." he continued, trying to stand up. Unfortunately, his injuries had the last laugh, as they forced Raguel to fall on his knees before falling forward on his chest. And that was all Raguel felt as his eyes closed, and he fell into unconsciousness.

"Raguel, hang on!" Herald said in panic, as he created barriers made of data material around the injuries. "I'll tend to your wounds."

"YUHIRO, NO!" Roxy cried out, tears falling from her face as she stood up in shock at what she saw on the screen.

Meanwhile, at the Den City Hospital...

A long, red-haired girl the same age as Raguel was sleeping in a hospital bed, clearly in a coma. The girl suddenly narrowed her eyes and gasped before tossing and turning on her bed, as if she were in a nightmare.

"Yuhiro..." she muttered, worry evident in her voice. But that was the only thing she could say before she relaxed and fell back into a deep sleep the coma gave her.

Card Gallery

Cyreath Sigma (LV: 4/Cyberse/Pendulum/Fire/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000/Scale: 1)

Pendulum Effect: Once per turn: You can target 1 'Cyreath' Link Monster you control; this turn, if it attacks a monster your opponent controls, any battle damage inflicted is doubled.

Effect: If this card is used as Link Material for the Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' Link Monster, the Link Summoned monster gains the following effect:

This card gains 500 ATK for each 'Cyreath' monster on your field.

Cyreath Endymion (LV: 8/Cyberse/Pendulum/Dark/ATK: 2800/DEF: 1700/Scale: 8)

Pendulum Effect: Each time you Link Summon a 'Cyreath' Link Monster, place 1 'Moon' counter on this card. If a face-up 'Cyreath' card you control would leave the field, you can remove 1 'Moon' counter from this card instead.

Effect: Once per turn, when you activate a 'Cyreath' Spell or Trap card: You can place 1 'Moon' counter on this card. If your opponent activates a card effect while you control a 'Cyreath' Link Monster, 'Turboblaze Dragon', or 'Progleo': You can remove 1 'Moon' counter from this card; negate the activation, and if you do, send it to the GY.

Bishop of the Burning Abyss (LV: 3/Fiend/Dark/ATK: 700/DEF: 700)

Effect: You can only use 1 of the following effects of 'Bishop of the Burning Abyss' per turn, and only once that turn:

If you control a 'Burning Abyss' monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand.

If this card is sent to the GY: 'Burning Abyss' monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects until the End Phase.

Warlock of the Burning Abyss (LV: 3/Fiend/Dark/ATK: 500/DEF: 500)

Effect: When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls that is in the Extra Monster Zone; move that monster to an unoccupied Main Monster zone on your opponents field. A 'Burning Abyss' Link Monster that uses this card as Link Material is unaffected by your opponent's card effects.

Desecrated Land of the Burning Abyss (Field Spell card)

Effect: When this card is activated: Gain 500 LP for each 'Burning Abyss' monster on your field. 'Burning Abyss' monsters you control cannot be destroyed by their own card effects, nor can they be targeted by card effects. Once, if a 'Burning Abyss' monster you control destroys a monster by battle: Inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.

Tactics of the Burning Abyss (Normal Trap card)

Effect: Activate 1 of these effects, also, after that, Set this card face-down instead of sending it to the GY:

Send 1 'Burning Abyss' monster from your deck to your GY, then target one 'Burning Abyss' monster on your field; that monster gains ATK equal to the ATK of the monster sent to the GY.

Add 1 'Burning Abyss' card from your deck to your hand.

Special Summon 1 'Burning Abyss' monster from your GY.

Eternal Damnation in the Burning Abyss (Continuous-Trap card)

Effect: While this card is face-up on your field, when your opponent Special Summons a monster from the Extra Deck, its effects are negated until the end of the turn; also, it cannot attack until the End Phase.

Demonic Roar (Counter Trap card)

Effect: If your opponent activates a Spell or Trap card: You can pay 700 life points; negate the activation until that card leaves the field. If you control a 'Burning Abyss' monster, you can activate this card from your hand.

Cyreath Ceryneian Hind (LR: 1/Cyberse/Earth/ATK: 1000/↙️)

Effect: 1 'Cyreath' monster. When this card is Link Summoned: You can draw 1 card from your deck. Once per turn, if this card is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can banish 1 'Cyreath' monster from your GY; Special Summon this card to your field.

Cavaliere Angelo of the Burning Abyss (LR: 3/Fiend/Dark/ATK: 2500/↙️⬆️↘️)

Effect: When this card is Link Summoned using a 'Burning Abyss' Link Monster as Link Material: You can add 1 'Burning Abyss' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your hand. If this card destroys a monster by battle and sent it to the GY: You can inflict 500 damage to your opponent for each 'Burning Abyss' monster this card points to. While this card is pointing to a 'Burning Abyss' monster, it cannot be destroyed by battle.

QOTC

Now that you've read about Infearno's backstory, how do you view him as a character? Do you see him as a tragic antagonist, or something else?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 38: Salvation. With some unexpected help, Raguel continues his battle against Infearno, who unleashed the full power of his deck against him. As both duelists continue to use strategy after strategy to defeat the other, the Tower of Hanoi reaches closer to completion. In order for Raguel to defeat Infearno once and for all, he'll have to embrace his identity and put everything on the line...

Author's Notes

Alright. This took a while to write. That said, I hope everyone had a nice start to the new year. But enough talk. Let's recap what happened, shall we?

The first part of the chapter is mainly dialogue. From Azrael and Wraith conducting their plan, to Raguel learning about Infearno's backstory (even though he really didn't want to), lots of information was discussed. Some of you were curious about the name of Infearno's wife, and the answer is: Beatrice. Yes, it's Beatrice, folks. Not a Japanese name. Were any of you surprised that the answer was right under your noses?

As for Infearno's backstory, it goes like this: After the Lost Incident, SOL Technologies issued bounties on everyone that was involved. With Dr. Kogami having been imprisoned by SOL Technologies due to this, everyone involved had to flee into hiding. Eventually, Infearno stopped moving. He settled down, started a business, and fell in love with Beatrice. Unfortunately, you can never truly run from your past, as one night, a sadistic human broke into Infearno's home and attempted to kill him. Only he survived, while Beatrice... didn't. In an attempt to bring her back, Infearno turned to the occult, but that had... disastrous results. However, Dr. Kogami saved Infearno's life by using data material to help him regain control of his body, as well as make the demons bow down to his will. As a result, Infearno became a Knight of Hanoi out of gratitude for what Dr. Kogami did. There will be one more detail that will be included for Infearno's backstory. All I'll say is that it's a flashback, but I won't tell you what it is. You'll have to read the next chapter to find out.

Then there's the duel. We got to see Raguel and Infearno use move after move to try and one up the other, with both of them using Link 3 monsters. I also had Infearno perform an Extra Link as well. I know what you're thinking: Infearno's already powerful; he doesn't need an Extra Link. But I wanted Raguel to really face a challenge, especially now that Infearno's holding nothing back. Don't worry, Infearno will bring out other summoning methods as well.

Lastly, there's the ending scene. Just to clear things up, Miyu hasn't broke out of her coma. Let's just say... her Link Sense is acting up. What do you think that means?

Thank you to everyone for reading Chapter 37 of Obscured Truth. There will be an Arc-V announcement after the last chapter of Season 1, so stay tuned. As always, please let me know your thoughts about the chapters below in your reviews. Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, as your tips and advice helps make the story better. In addition, don't forget to favorite and follow the story. That way, you will get a notification once the next chapter is released.

Next time, it's Season Finale time, so stay tuned!