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.

67. Chapter 67: Truth and Consequences

Response to Reviews

Thank you to Donkeyboy100, KingOtakuOverYou, HunterHQ, Unnamed, Garfield, Unknown, Guest, Noobmaster, Anonymous, ZeroMK7, Decode Talker, Magic Dragon, Guest, Naruto1999, Pancakes, Guest, Abysstainer, Ambiguous, Cosmic Cat, Pikachu99, E.T. 2000, Cyber Warrior, Guest, Fusion, Guest, Malcom, Akechi, Blue Eyes, Jumpei sempai, Lord Mammon, and Guest for reviewing Chapter 66 of Obscured Truth.

Hi, everyone! As always, I hope you're doing well wherever you are in the world. I have to say, from your reviews, you've definitely enjoyed this chapter, which means I did something right, that's for sure. Folks, we are at an eventful chapter for Season 2. A chapter that will begin setting up a series of events where information will be revealed, awesome moments will occur, and surprises will be found.

But before we get to it, it's time to answer some reviews:

Donkeyboy100: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. All the best in your story!

KingOtakuOverYou: Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Yes, there's a reason why I didn't kill Dancho, as there's still things I need to explore with his character. That doesn't mean he won't be affected by what Malf did. Rather, the experience will traumatize Dancho later on in the story. I get what you're saying in how Malf is Azrael's Bohman, but that's not the case, as Malf won't be absorbing any Ignis in his body. While Lord Kazuma is angry with what Azrael did, he knows when to rein it in for the Hanoi's sake. The duel between Lord Kazuma and Azrael will certainly occur, and it may happen sooner than you think. Don't worry; I'll make sure Lord Kazuma uses his full power for that duel. Like I said before: I will be cutting that list down as the story progresses. I beg your pardon for my lack of clarity. I like when people provide me constructive criticism, as it helps my writing. In other words, I appreciate it when people are one hundred percent honest with me in providing feedback. However, what I don't appreciate is being lambasted for my writing, as I'm trying to write a story that is different and original from the other VRAINS Fanfics (trust me, I've already been through that a long time ago, and have learned my lesson). Nevertheless, I appreciate your review, and I hope you enjoy the story as it progresses down the road.

HunterHQ: There's obviously employees from Uchida Industries who quit out of fear for their own lives. Yup, Malf using Dancho's beloved monster is similar to that of Paradox and the Malefic monsters. Perhaps there will be an interaction between Malf, Haru, and Bohman later on in the story; I haven't decided on that yet. Malf didn't copy himself; he split himself apart, and each time he does that, he loses some strength until all the copies come back together again. No, he can't control those he defeated. That's already been done in another fanfic. Yup, the Hanoi will make their protection program following the events they've been through. I'll see whether Yusaku will have a different Skill following Season 3, and Blue Maiden and Soulburner will keep their Skills.

Unnamed: Whether Azrael will get the Link Trap or not will be decided down the road. Tigress will have more of a role in the story other than just being Arashi's love interest. The Hanoi were obviously aware that Speckles would die, which is why Infearno made his duel against Speckles a PK duel. This way, they can look at his avatar and try to find traces of Malf in it, which they successfully did. Yes, Azrael died twice already, and he fears going through it again.

Garfield: I never left.

Unknown: The board forced Emon out upon realizing that their Tower was used by the Hanoi, and had it not been for Mikuru, SOL Technologies would have seized Uchida Industries. Yeah, Speckles was an asshole that I always planned on killing off. While Azrael wants to surpass Raguel, there's also someone else he wants to surpass. Good ideas for Revolver's Pendulum monsters.

Guest: Of course Yukage has weaknesses, insecurities, and limits. There's no way I'm making a perfect character that has no weaknesses. That's unrealistic.

Noobmaster: For the final time, no humans and duel monsters will fuse with one another. Emon found Saburo by using his avatar to track him down. That, and Azrael put Saburo's body in a location for them to find him, as Saburo's use would have eventually run out, so it's better to get rid of someone who has no use than keep them for a longer period of time. Exactorokket Dragon was based off of bullets that can change direction in midair. All in all, I'm glad you liked the chapter.

Anonymous: I originally planned for Revolver to use Fire Prison, but I ultimately decided against it, as I wanted Revolver to start using his 'Rokket' monsters in Speed Duels. If Ace asked Azrael if he can use the Hanoi's identities, Azrael would practically punish him for such an idea.

ZeroMK7: Malf was inspired by Majin Buu from Dragon Ball Z, and True Assassin, or Hassan of the Cursed Arm, from Fate Stay Night: Heaven's Feel. I can't wait to show Revolver's new Skill as well later on in the story. My goodness, allow me to clarify what I mean: Azrael died twice already, and the fact he failed to prevent it from happening, along with the trauma from his past, has practically scarred him to the point where he doesn't want it to happen again. In other words, he's scared of what happens after death. Do not say that Azrael is weak again, as if he wanted, he could have wiped everyone out with his dueling.

Decode Talker: It was more of a victory for both Azrael and Wraith, as they managed to injure one of the Hanoi. Glad you liked Azrael's reasons on why he wants power, as it differentiates him from the people who seek power greedily.

Magic Dragon: Exactly. Thanks for backing me up. Azrael is no coward, and if he wanted, he would have wiped everyone out.

Guest: Yes. Revolver will use Pendulum monsters, but not until much later in the story.

Naruto1999: The beginning was certainly comedic, as I wanted to put Ai in a sticky situation. Obviously the clashes between characters are more than just duels. They're on the physical and mental levels as well. Malf absorbed Dancho because he needed his wisdom to balance out his feral instincts.

Pancakes: I obviously didn't like your last joke, and as for your skit, it would have been funny had you not made Lord Kazuma show Dancho disturbing footage. Please don't do that again.

Guest: If you have an actual account, then post reviews on that account, and if needed, you can add on to it. Just make sure that you're the same person in those reviews.

Abysstainer: Well, this is Obscured Truth, not the original Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. So expect some changes for this story.

Ambiguous: Following the Tower of Hanoi, the board forced Emon Uchida out of his own company, and had it not been for Mikuru, SOL Technologies would have obtained it. To ensure that 'Emon Uchida' was running the company again, Ace, under this disguise, kicked the board out of their job positions. Yes, there are employees who know Emon is Infearno but still work for him regardless. While some employees are not aware of what's going on, there's others who are aware of what's happening.

Cosmic Cat: Glad you liked the chapter.

Pikachu99: Happy you enjoyed the chapter. Will there be a rematch between SengokuQueen and Dancho? You'll have to read on and find out. No, Rachel won't be entering Mirror LINK VRAINS.

E.T. 2000: Glad you liked the chapter, as well as the fact Speckles is dead (good riddance to him). Dancho is suffering under what Malf did, and doctors are trying to save him. But will he die or not? You'll just have to read on to find out. Strange. I thought I rectified that error. I'll look into it when I have the time. It wasn't explained how Revolver got Topologic Zeroboros, so I addressed it in that chapter, as well as the fact that he won't be able to use Storm Access anymore thanks to Malf. I'm not taking your opinion personally. You stated an answer to the question, and I appreciate you offering your thoughts. As for your question, perhaps I'll make it a QOTC later on in the story.

Cyber Warrior: Happy you enjoyed the chapter.

Guest: I will say this for the final time: Stregone will obviously return. If you keep putting up these words in your reviews, I will delete it. This is your only warning.

Fusion: I'm not going to answer your questions, as I honestly don't have an answer for them for the time being.

Guest: You'll find out what happens to Dancho as the story progresses.

Malcom: Youta obviously went to school, and even if he did, he'd do it online.

Akechi: Yup. Speckles no longer presented a threat, so Azrael had Malf kill him. Honestly, of the two irredeemable villains, Malf is more irredeemable than Ace, especially how he hunted and feasted on his opponents before putting them in the hospital. The reason why I put Speckles in the story was to show someone who couldn't be redeemed. Someone who was so bad and horrific that the only way the world could be safe was to end his life. And by Azrael ending Speckles' life (thanks to Malf), he did what the justice system could not: Create a better world. As for Speckles' role, it was just a minor one, that's all.

Blue Eyes: It's called trying something new, and whether you like it or not is your opinion.

Jumpei Sempai: Whether Dancho dies or not will be revealed later on in the story.

Lord Mammon: We all have lives, so there's no need to apologize. Recall that Malf has the ability to eat people's hearts to get stronger, and the fact he was able to pull off his Skill successfully makes him a very serious threat, especially how he put Dancho in critical condition. Speckles' crimes aren't comical. They're serious in the real world. As for him as a character, my only intention was for him to be used as a tool before dying. With Malf having killed him under Azrael's orders, it shows that the justice system doesn't have the guts to deal with criminals beyond redemption, and in Azrael's mind, the world would be a better place if people like Speckles was dead. There are three reasons why I did the Revolver vs Malf duel. One: I had to explain how Revolver not only got Topologic Zeroboros, but how he also lost both his avatar and Storm Access (he didn't use Storm Access again. Not on screen, anyway). Two: Malf was sent to eliminate Revolver, and for that to happen, he had to absorb one of the Hanoi. Three: Their duel was bound to happen at some point, and by ending it in a draw, it doesn't disgrace Revolver and Malf, as I didn't want either character to have another loss under their belts. And rest assured, Revolver will have a new Skill, which will be revealed in Season 2, so stay tuned for that.

Guest: Only enough to know what's going on. I already have a deck planned for the male OC of the Arc V story, but thanks for the suggestion. In terms of the 'berserk button' thing, that's already planned out.

With all reviews answered, it's time for an eventful chapter to begin. ENJOY!

Chapter 67: Truth and Consequences

The sky appears, full of clouds. Playmaker races through the clouds on his duel board, followed by Raguel, Soulburner, and Slipstream. Two swords then slice the clouds completely to reveal NEW LINK VRAINS. One of the swords, the Muramasa, crosses downwards to the left. Crossing downwards to the right was a typical western sword, with a golden rain-guard and a blue grip. The sword also had symbols inscribed on the blade as well. The two swords made a shining X, causing the Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS! logo to appear, and underneath it, the words "OBSCURED TRUTH" ominously appear.

Yuhiro and Yusaku are walking down the street to school. Naoki runs past them, a large smile on his face. Aoi walks past them on the other side, smiling lightly and blushing at Yusaku. Then Takeru walks up behind them and wraps one arm around Yusaku. He then wraps the other arm around Yuhiro, surprising him for a few moments before being pulled to the side by Rachel, who's clearly happy to see him. Yuhiro smiles back at her.

Tsubaki and Hideki are shown boarding an airplane as they head to their destination. After sitting down next to each other in their respective seats, Tsubaki looks out in the window, which shows a reflection of Rosetta, while Hideki picks up the airplane guide and reads it. In the sky above them is Ace, a malicious sneer on his face.

Go Onizuka is shown wearing a hoodie as he leaves the waterfront for the last time. Outside of his home, he encounters Kenmochi and Yoroizaka, who are waiting for him. Smirking, the three of them raise their left arms into the air and enter NEW LINK VRAINS, with Go in his new avatar riding beside his new allies. Stregone crosses his arms as he looks down at them, a look of shock and disappointment on his face.

Kusanagi is then shown with Roxy at a nearby picnic table, both enjoying food and laughter while talking about technology. Flame and Ai are shown arguing in Café Nagi, while Herald ends up getting annoyed with their bickering. As a result, he snaps his fingers, causing Progleo to jump onto the desk and startle Ai and Flame.

At SOL Technologies, Akira Zaizen and Hayami are shown in Queen's office, with Queen handing them a signed order regarding Playmaker and Raguel. A look of hesitation appears on Akira's face, but he hides it just in time.

Azrael and Wraith are then shown with Ace and Athaliah standing behind them, shrouded in shadow along with their ace monsters Zerrziel, Ruler of the Evil Eyed and El Shaddoll Construct. Standing behind Azrael and Wraith though, is a black, bipedal dragon with red sclera, white irises, and black pupils obscured in shadow. The dragon roars before disappearing with Zerrziel and El Shaddoll Construct. Jumping above Azrael and Wraith is Malf, sporting a demonic expression on his face. He then extends his right arm forward towards the screen, darkening it completely.

When the screen becomes clear, Playmaker and Raguel are shown riding their duel boards next to each other, with Cyberse Witch and Cyberse Magician in front of Playmaker, and Cyreath Hercules and Cyreath Medusa in front of Raguel. The two are chased by Blood Shepherd, who directs two copies of Battledrone Sergeant to fire at them. Although the two of them are hit by the explosions the missiles caused, they escape unharmed. Suddenly, Drachen orders Red-Eyes Black Dragon to fire at them. In response, Playmaker and Raguel are shown swerving left and right to avoid the consecutive fire blasts. Joining the young man in the hunt is Electrolyzer, who orders PSY-Framelord Omega to attack Playmaker, but Raguel turns his duel board around and activates a card, causing Hercules to glow a bright light before transforming into Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode. His eyes glowing red, Hercules/Alpha Mode charged forward with his axe sword and clashed with PSY-Framelord Omega.

The screen then shifts to slipstream watching the duel between Playmaker and an obscured Bohman, while Raguel duels Electrolyzer. Noticing Haru, who's also watching the duel between Playmaker and an obscured Bohman, Slipstream takes a card and summons Clear Wing Synchro Dragon, who roars at the boy. Haru, in response, takes a card and summons Hydradrive Nagini, who hissed at Clear Wing in the process.

Blue Girl and Rosetta are shown in NEW LINK VRAINS at a picnic table, laughing and enjoying each other's company. The two of them then turn their heads towards the duels going on in the sky, a look of concern on each of their faces.

Watchman's group is then shown, with Percival standing slightly apart from them as he makes a fist with his left hand. Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty and Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon appear before a massive, red-skinned demonic looking monster with golden elements, several eyeballs embedded on its body and four tentacles with bladed claws rises from behind them.

The Knights of Hanoi are shown summoning their monsters. Motor Worm Spread Queen, Helixx Necro Darwin, and Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps first appear before fading into the background. Next is Dark Magician, Berserker of the Tenyi, and Lucifer, Condemner of the Burning Abyss, with Sunavalon Dryanome behind them. Borreload Savage Dragon then rises from behind the four monsters and roars loudly.

Akira is shown at Green Park with Emma, Gekiryushi, and Aoi, giving them details on finding the Ignis. Emma proceeds to make a flirtatious gesture at Akira, making Gekiryushi facepalm and comment on how flirting can be useful at a time like this. The two women then begin to argue, with Akira and Aoi trying to break up the argument.

Yuhiro and Progleo are shown with Miyu at the Den City Hospital, trying to help her walk. Miyu, who's using the parallel bars, ends up slipping, only for Yuhiro to immediately catch her from behind and help her stand up. Roxy then runs out of nowhere and starts pummeling Yuhiro, causing Miyu to almost fall backwards again to their shock. Catching her this time though is Medusa, who appears behind her and smiles, much to everyone's relief. Miyu smiles back, grateful for Medusa's help. The screen then flips around before showing Yuhiro on his knees, clasping an unconscious Miyu's hand in sadness and rage.

Cyreaths Hercules/Alpha Mode, Medusa, Hades, Poseidon and Zeus are then shown in the air, with Turboblaze Dragon racing past them. The five of them prepare to attack alongside Turboblaze Dragon, who unleashes his Desolation Flare attack as well.

Raguel and Herald are then shown on top of a tower, facing off against Azrael and Wraith in a duel. Behind Raguel and Herald is Turboblaze Dragon, while behind Azrael and Wraith is the black, bipedal dragon from earlier in the opening. Both dragons roar at each other. Raguel reeves up his sword, while Azrael unsheathes his katana before the two of them and their dragons charge at each other.

Yuhiro, Roxy, Miyu, Kusanagi, Takeru, and Yusaku are all shown sitting outdoors at a picnic table near the Den City Hospital, all of them eating hot dogs, and Takeru, Kusanagi, and Roxy are laughing. Three duel disks are shown on the table, with Flame lecturing Ai while Herald plays a game on Yuhiro's tablet.

Yuhiro, Roxy, and Miyu are sitting down on a bench outside the Den City Hospital, with Medusa standing nearby them and Progleo on Roxy's lap. Miyu proceeds to rest her head on Yuhiro's shoulder, causing him to blush as she smiles. Yuhiro smiles back at her, while Roxy and Medusa both smile at them, happy they're able to find happiness with each other. The scene then switches to NEW LINK VRAINS, with Raguel, Playmaker, and Soulburner standing on a building and looking out into the radiant sky.

At Café Matsuo, in the morning...

"Huh?" Yuhiro raised an eyebrow as he entered the kitchen area, where he found Arashi eating a bagel of cream cheese at the table. And in the living room was Herald playing Pokémon Legends: Arceus on the Nintendo Switch. Since Roxy banned Herald from using the Internet for the time being, that meant he couldn't play Fate/Grand Order, which he practically missed. But upon finding out about Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Herald pleaded to Roxy until the latter agreed to get it for him. Since then, he got hooked on the open atmosphere of the game. In his words, it was 'The Legend of Zelda meets Pokémon'. As long as Herald didn't develop any crushes on the video game characters there (he already developed a crush on Atalanta, along with a few other female Greek Servants from Fate/Grand Order. Herald said he'd only fall for the Greek Servants that were cute), then things would be okay. "You've seen Roxy, Arashi?"

Arashi, in response, shook his head. "She had to open up early, dude. Apparently, it's one of those days where people are in a rush and have to get to work early."

"I see." Yuhiro said. But before he could say more...

"Oi! Yuhiro! Arashi! Get your asses down here! I need your help here!" Roxy shouted from downstairs.

"Coming!" Yuhiro and Arashi complied at the same time, immediately running downstairs and grabbing aprons as they headed to the counter.

"Make sure the steward bot is operating at its required levels." Roxy told Arashi, who immediately headed to the back to inspect it. She then turned to Yuhiro. "As for you, get some more coffee cups from upstairs. Something tells me there will be a lot of customers."

"Right!" Yuhiro ran upstairs to get a box of coffee cups, while Roxy took the orders of people that lined up for their meals. After a few minutes of ensuring the steward bot was at optimal levels, Arashi emerged from the back and helped serve meals to the people who already ordered. Once Yuhiro returned with an entire box of coffee cups (Roxy insisted, as they needed to be prepared for anything and everything), he too helped bring meals to tables where customers were at. While it took an hour, the trio was able to eventually get through the morning rush, especially with the large number of customers that showed up.

"Does this ever happen at Café Matsuo?" Arashi asked, wiping sweat off his forehead using his right forearm.

"Yes, but I didn't expect there to be this many customers today. Maybe it's about the hybrid work schedule thing being spread to other companies and places." Roxy figured out. Since SOL Technologies made the announcement that it was implementing a hybrid work schedule, other companies were following suit, now seeing that it was safe for workers to come to the workplace. To ensure this, the police and FBI increased security for those companies by sending officers. This way, people coming in to work will feel safer, especially regarding the casualties the Turf War caused in the real world. "Regardless, the morning rush is done, so we can take it easy and have the-."

"Excuse me?"

Roxy jumped out of surprise upon seeing Yukage, who wore a black hood at the counter.

"You scared me, sir!" Roxy exclaimed, the young man not bothering to respond. Looking at him, she deduced that he was in his teens, a year or two older than Yuhiro at best. Roxy then turned to Arashi and Yuhiro before saying, "You two can get some rest. I'll take care of this customer here."

"Sweet! A morning break is something I need!" Arashi said, going upstairs. As for Yuhiro, he narrowed his eyes briefly upon looking at the young man. Why did he look familiar?

As if on cue, a noise was made at the back. "I'll go to the back and check things out. The steward bot may be overwhelmed with work," Yuhiro stated, Roxy shrugging her shoulders in response.

"Suit yourself." Roxy replied, before turning back to Yukage. "Anyhow, what can I get you sir?"

After looking up at the menu options, Yukage answered, "I'll have the scrambled egg beef sandwich, please."

"You got it, sir! Coming right up!" Roxy said, as Yukage paid for his meal before she headed over to the back and gave the receipt to Yuhiro, who headed over to the cooking station to begin prepping the meal, as the steward bot needed a rest after several consecutive days of work. While Yukage sat down at one of the nearby tables, Roxy headed back to the counter. "So what brings you here this fine morning?"

"I have to get something done, and needed to get an early meal. Besides.." Yukage looked around Café Matsuo. "I always wanted to go to this place, given the reviews here."

"Café Matsuo has some favorable reviews, that's for sure." Roxy sheepishly agreed.

"Is this a family business?"

"Yup! It's been owned by the Matsuo family for generations!" Roxy confirmed with a confident grin. "Why do you ask?"

"Just out of curiosity, that's all," was all Yukage answered with.

"Hey, Roxy. Meal's ready to be served." Yuhiro stated, heading out from the back and exiting Café Matsuo before giving Yukage his meal. Why is this guy familiar, he wondered, as he went back inside.

"Are the both of you familiar with this world and how things work?" Yukage inquired, as he looked at the sandwich in front of him, which caught both Roxy and Yuhiro off guard.

"That's a deep question, buddy. Considering how everyone's responses are different, it's a diverse one too." Roxy said, as she narrowed her eyes. "Where are you going with this?"

"You are aware of how hamburgers are made, right?"

Roxy smirked. "Well, duh. Cows, through an industrial process, are used to make them. They get slaughtered and disassembled into little parts as it goes down the disassembly line. After the automated meat recovery systems get every scrap of meat off its bones, the giant grinder is then used to turn them into the hamburgers we are today."

"At what cost, though?"

That question made Roxy and Yuhiro gasp.

"In this world, when something's done, there's always a cost to pay for it." Yukage began, as he took a bite out of his sandwich before looking at it once again. "You say the cow gets slaughtered, right? In the process of making a burger, a cow's life is snuffed out. And before all of that, a forest has to be cleared to build a farm for the cow to live in until they die. The farmer, who raised the cow in that farm, will feel a stab of grief upon realizing that all their efforts to raise and love that cow were wasted. All for what? Just so the meal can end up on someone else's dinner plate? Just so someone can buy and eat it without working blood and sweat to earn it, like the farmer who got paid to raise livestock? The same farmer who loved raising animals and caring for them like they're his own children?"

Yuhiro narrowed his eyes. While hearing this pained him, it was unfortunately the way things were in this world. If something has to happen, then something else must occur before that action is made. "What exactly are you trying to say here?"

"Simple." Yukage turned to look at Yuhiro. "Nothing new can be created without the old being destroyed. There's always a price to pay, a bill that comes due. Want to know the sad reality from this story?" He stood up, his gaze still turned to Yuhiro. "No matter the scenario or setting, no matter who or what is involved, it happens all the time. It's just how the world is, as not everyone and everything is equal in this world, yet some have their fates decided by others superior to them. That is what the cycle of life is all about." With the sandwich still in his hand, he then left Café Matsuo, having successfully made his point across.

"That is one creepy guy." Roxy commented.

"He sort of looks familiar, though. Like I've seen him before." Yuhiro said, his arms crossed.

Roxy, upon hearing this, turned to Yuhiro. "What do you mean by that?"

"Not sure. I just have this feeling, that's all." Yuhiro answered, as he went back upstairs, where he found Herald cheering loudly in the living room.

"YES! I DEFEATED AVALUGG!" Herald cheered at the top of his lungs. "Man, that guy was a pain in the ass."

"Dude, Avalugg was enormous. Someone you can easily hit with those balms. I can't believe you had difficulty against him." Arashi commented with a grin.

"Well, when ice blasts that come from above and underneath you put you on the move, your attitude changes really quick from confidence to 'Oh no! I'm about to be pummelled by ice!'" Herald retorted.

"Well, at least you had the proper Pokémon for that battle, Herald." Yuhiro pointed out, as he went over and sat down at the empty couch.

"Indeed I did, Yuhiro!" Herald agreed with a confident grin. "Infernape was the true MVP for the battle!" When Herald first started up Pokémon Legends: Arceus, he had some difficulty in choosing between Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott, but in the end, he chose Oshawott for three reasons. One: After doing some research, Herald found that Oshawott had balanced typing and stats, and would maintain that balance over its evolutions. Two: Herald, upon looking at Oshawott, immediately saw that it was just as cute as Progleo. He also liked how the adorable bipedal sea-otter creature eventually evolved into a hybrid between an otter and a pinniped that had blades on its forelimbs. Three: Herald didn't want to get picked on for choosing a starter Pokémon that became a meme online, much to Arashi and Roxy's amusement. When Yuhiro looked it up, he laughed loudly upon seeing the 'Stoner Typhlosion' meme online, and knew that Herald would certainly get embarrassed, that's for sure.

The good news was that Herald was able to get all three Sinnoh starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which were Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. After progressing through the game, he eventually got all three, and put both Turtwig and Chimchar on his team immediately. Overall, Herald had been having a blast with the game, and according to him, it was just as enjoyable as Fate/Grand Order.

"Perhaps you can make some cards for Yuhiro's deck based off of the Pokémonfrom Greek mythology, Herald." Arashi suggested cheekily, which actually made Herald ponder his chin on the idea.

"You know, Arashi. That's not a bad-."

"NO! NO! NO!" Roxy immediately denied, as she went upstairs towards the living room. "There's no way I'll let you make any sentient Pokémon, Herald, even if it's for Yuhiro's deck. You already gave sentience to multiple Greek servants from Fate/Grand Order for Yuhiro's deck, and the last thing I need right now is to have Pokémonliving under this roof!"

"Come on, Roxy. Let me make just one. Please?" Herald pleaded, with Roxy narrowing her eyes at him, having not budged by his question. "Aw man." He slumped over, conceding to Roxy's statement as she headed over to the kitchen to grab a snack for herself, especially with the early morning rush that happened.

"She unfortunately has a point, Herald. Besides, there's already one pet in this household, and I don't think we need another one." Yuhiro pointed out.

"I know, but..." Herald sighed out of defeat. He really wanted to make one for Yuhiro's deck, even if it was only one.

"Say, Yuhiro. Are we going to tell Yusaku and Takeru about the information Gil gave us?" Arashi asked, which got Yuhiro's attention.

"Yes. The sooner we inform them of what we know, the better." Yuhiro confirmed. But before he could say more, all three humans in the living room heard a beep from Yuhiro's duel disk.

"Huh. Seems I got a message." Herald said, displaying it so he can read them in front of him. Upon reading it thoroughly, his eyes widened. "No way..."

"What's up, Herald?" Arashi asked, he, Yuhiro, and Roxy now going over to see what Herald was looking at.

"It's from Ai, and he's said he found a message from the Earth Ignis on a forum board!" Herald answered out of shock, much to the surprise of the others. "We need to meet up with the others right now!"

Five minutes later...

"It's just as you and Ai said, Herald. The Earth Ignis's message is right on this forum board." Yuhiro commented.

He, Roxy, and Arashi were sitting in the backroom of Café Matsuo, looking at the forum post Kusanagi sent them. And lo and behold, the post contained a message from the Earth Ignis himself.

"Let me get this straight. The Earth Ignis says he wants to meet Playmaker on a message forum?" Roxy questioned, with Kusanagi nodding in confirmation from the video feed.

"It's so fake that I can't believe Ai fell for it." Kusanagi replied. "When something is too good to be true, you run the other way, am I not correct?"

"I know it could be a trap, Kusanagi, but it's our only lead. We can't just ignore it." Yusaku countered, with Kusanagi frowning in response.

"While that is true, it's just as Kusanagi said. We have to be cautious here, remember guys? Or do you not recall what Blood Shepherd nearly did to Takeru?" Arashi reminded everyone present.

"Yeah, but it wasn't for you Arashi, I'd be in hot water right now." Takeru stated, before turning to Flame. "Flame, what are your thoughts on this?"

"I'll be honest when I say it's unorthodox for something like this to happen. And like Arashi said, it's good to be cautious when finding things like this." Flame commented.

"Because let's be honest here. Would an Ignis that's been in hiding suddenly come out on a message board for everyone to see?" Kusanagi added.

"Well, the Earth Ignis is a unique fella." Ai said, gathering his thoughts.

"Ai's right." Herald piped in. "The Earth Ignis isn't one to be sneaky. He's someone who gets straight to the point and asks for something. If you think about it, it's so unorthodox that many people would think of it as a hoax these days."

"And he wants to meet Playmaker? Why?" Yuhiro wondered.

"Perhaps it's because Playmaker is someone he can trust due to the fact that he took down the Hanoi." Flame theorized.

"I concur on that theory, Flame." Herald agreed. "Still, we have to be on guard, as the Earth Ignis may be on edge due to the two attacks on the Cyberse World."

"Just like Windy was when we met up with him in Windyland." Yuhiro recalled, which got a few chuckles from the others present, especially at the 'Windyland' part.

"But moving all of that aside, while the Earth Ignis is straight to the point, he isn't the best at communicating, given the fact that he's socially awkward." Ai stated, before something popped in his mind. "Maybe he knows something about Bohman, and wants to so desperately tell Playmaker that he'll send a message through the fastest channel possible."

"Which in this case, would be a message forum." Takeru finished. "As Flame and Herald said, it's certainly an unorthodox way to communicate with someone, that's for sure."

"Can you write him back for us?" Yusaku asked Ai.

"No problem!" Ai answered with confidence. All the humans and Ignis present watched as Ai posted a new comment on the message forum. "All done! Now this may look like a garbled mess, but run it through an Ignis algorithm and you can read it like an actual message. Basically, I'm asking the Earth Ignis where he's hiding."

"Nice. Real nice." Roxy flatly commented, still surprised that an Ignis would post a message on a message forum.

"Alright, let's see if we get a nibble." Kusanagi said, as all the humans and Ignis present at the meeting stared at the screen. A few moments later, a reply came in.

"There!" Ai narrowed his eyes as he read it over.

"What does it say?" Kusanagi asked.

"He sent us a bunch of numbers.." Ai began.

"Which look like coordinates in LINK VRAINS." Flame finished.

"Hey! I was getting to that conclusion!" Ai complained, annoyed with Flame finishing his analysis.

"So that's where the Earth Ignis wants us to go." Yusaku inferred.

"Or whoever sent this wants us to go because we don't know if this message is real." Yuhiro pointed out.

"Um, guys?" Everyone turned to Arashi, who spoke up. "You can use the code I gave you a while back to run the message over and see if it's actually legit."

"That's actually not a bad idea, Arashi." Roxy replied, the others nodding in agreement. She and Kusanagi immediately used Arashi's code to look over the message, and within moments, the whole message was highlighted green.

"While this is good news, Arashi, we have to keep in mind that Blood Shepherd knows how to decode an Ignis Algorithm. So it can still be a trap, guys." Kusanagi informed the others present.

"Even if it's a risk, we need info," Yusaku said. "We don't have any other leads to retrieve Jin's consciousness data."

Kusanagi frowned. "Yusaku..."

"I'll go in. But I may require-."

Suddenly, a screen popped up on the monitors, which showed a familiar figure.

"Watchman!" Yuhiro said out of surprise, Roxy, Kusanagi and Yusaku also having been caught off guard by seeing Watchman on the monitors.

"That's the guy you told us about, right Yuhiro?" Arashi whispered to him, who nodded in confirmation.

"Greetings to you all," was all Watchman stated, panting between breaths as an explosion occurred in the background. From what the others were seeing, he was chased by lots of Bitboots.

"He finally shows his face after all this time!" Ai exclaimed.

"Are you the scientist who wants to make amends for the Lost Incident?" Takeru questioned, as he narrowed his eyes.

"Yes, that's right, Soulburner. Or would you prefer for me to address you as Takeru Homura?" Watchman countered, before ordering Buster Gundil the Cubic Behemoth to fire a blast of energy at several D-Scale Full Metal Dunkles. Even though Takeru was aware that Watchman knew his real-life identity, it still spooked him out a bit. "Ah, Fire Ignis. It's been quite a while since we last saw each other."

"It has indeed, Watchman." Flame agreed. "I go by Flame now. The F for Ferocious, the L for-."

"That's not important right now." Takeru interrupted.

"And you must be Arashi Hada, or Slipstream in LINK VRAINS. I'm glad to see you're doing well." Watchman stated, now turning to look back at the screen in front of him.

"Uh, nice to meet you as well..." Arashi hesitantly replied, not knowing what to say to someone that he thought was an actual god.

"Quick question: What the hell is happening on your end?!" Roxy inquired.

"I found something in my investigation, and it seems there were enemies I wasn't aware of." Watchman quickly explained. "That being said, I was hoping to acquire Soulburner and Slipstream's assistance, as well as talk to them of course."

"And why should we help you out?" Takeru questioned, having crossed his arms. "We don't know where your allegiance truly lies in this overall conflict."

"I'll explain what I can if you lend me a hand, and hand over what I found to you all as well." Watchman responded, as he typed a series of code into his duel disk. "Now come quickly. I can't-!"

The screen then fizzled moments later, before it was replaced with a series of coordinates.

"Seems Watchman is in trouble. Whatever he found out may be worth lending him a hand." Herald commented.

"Yes, but I'm with Takeru on this one. We don't know where exactly Watchman lies in this conflict, other than the fact he seeks to make amends for his mistakes." Flame pointed out.

"True, but if we can acquire what Watchman has from his findings, it will be worth helping him out." Yuhiro retorted.

"I know, Yuhiro, but even after learning about him prior to today, I just... don't trust him." Takeru admitted.

"If I recall, Takeru, actions speak louder with words, and my actions have certainly proved my worth as a team member." Arashi told him. "Still, I understand your concern. Considering everything that's going on, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious." The other humans and Ignis nodded in agreement at his statement.

"I'll go with Fujiki to meet the Earth Ignis, while you and Arashi go help Watchman out, as well as obtain anything he found from his investigation." Yuhiro said.

"And if something comes up, Kusanagi and I will help you two out." Roxy assured Takeru.

"Thanks, Roxy. I really appreciate it." Takeru replied, as Kusanagi transferred the code on the screen to his duel disk.

"In that case, I'll meet you in the network, Furutani." Yusaku stated, as the screen showing him, Kusanagi, and Takeru then disappeared.

"Okay, the code is now in my duel disk." Arashi said, typing on the digital keyboard as it transferred over to his duel disk, which glowed a bright green upon completion. "Alright, Yuhiro. I'll see you in a bit." He then ran upstairs to the living room, intent on finding a comfy place so he can log into the network as fast as possible.

With the plan having been made, Yuhiro picked up his duel disk and strapped it on his left arm before turning to Roxy. "Alright, Roxy. I'm going to log into-."

BZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Both Roxy and Yuhiro gasped as they saw the monitor went static, shocked at what happened.

"What the Hell?!" Roxy exclaimed. "It shouldn't be-."

Soon, the static then showed a familiar figure. One that Yuhiro encountered before.

The same one who not only wounded Rachel and Akira during the Tower of Hanoi events, but also put Miyu in the hospital.

In other words, the figure who had been giving great turmoil to Yuhiro recently, more than the Hanoi did to him themselves.

"Greetings, Yuhiro." Azrael said. "My name is Azrael, and I'm the one who put your little girlfriend in the hospital."

"AAAAAAHHHH! The villain shows himself in a horror-bending way! HE KNOWS YOUR IDENTITY TOO, YUHIRO!" Herald panicked. As for Yuhiro, his eyes were widened at what he just heard. Not only did Azrael, the azure assailant himself, confess to putting Miyu in the hospital, he also knew his real-life identity as well. But who told him? How did he figure it out?

"For a long time, I've been watching you grow and get stronger as you went through numerous situations." Azrael continued. "Now that I've seen your potential, it's time for us to duel, and to motivate you into accepting, I have the cure needed to save her. The one you call Miyu Sugisaki. If you defeat me, I will give you the cure. Simple as that. Meet me at the coordinates I'm providing you right now in LINK VRAINS, and only bring your Ignis with you." Soon, a series of coordinates appeared on Yuhiro's duel disk, as if on cue with what Azrael just said. "If you refuse, I will destroy the cure, as well as any remaining chances to save her. Oh, and to ensure you're up to no funny business, I have a little gift for you."

The whole power in Café Matsuo then went out for a whole ten seconds before turning back on. Once that happened, the monitors were filled with a dark-blue demonic crest that had two mirage blades making an X, as well as a katana slashing it down the middle before little pieces of static came out of it. As if on cue, little pieces of static also came out of Yuhiro's duel disk and phone, along with Roxy's phone before dissipating. While the devices were still working, the communication bars were shut down for the time being.

"SHIT, SHIT, FUCKIN SHIT!" Roxy cursed, surveying the damage. "Whatever this Azrael guy did, it's fried the system! Even if I begin making maintenance repairs, it'll take a while to complete, and until then, I won't be able to keep an eye on you or contact the others in assisting you with-!"

"If he wants me there in person, then I'll be there." Yuhiro interrupted, a determined look on his face. "We know the identity of the one who put Miyu in the hospital at last, and now..."

"We have this chance to get her back." Roxy finished, a determined look now on her face as she turned to Yuhiro. "Kick this guy's ass, get Miyu back, and make him regret ever attacking us!"

"Don't worry, Roxy. I will get Miyu back, no matter what it takes." Yuhiro assured her, before heading over to the closed-off space. After closing the door, he put his deck into his duel disk. "Deck set! Into the VRAINS!"

In LINK VRAINS...

Raguel landed on his duel board and immediately began speeding towards the location where the coordinates were at. "At least this azure asshole sent me an easy location to head to," he commented. Sure enough, it was easy to get to the location, which was a large tower resembling that of a three-dimensional diamond. At the top of it was a large, circular platform.

In other words, the largest tower in all of LINK VRAINS itself.

"He certainly is indeed." Herald agreed. "To think that this bozo was the one who's working with Bohman and Haru, as well as the one who freed Ace and Athaliah."

"Not only will we get Miyu back, we'll be getting lots of answers from Azrael as well once I defeat him." Raguel added, the determined expression having been infused with anger. I will get you back, Miyu, and I will not fail you this time, he angrily thought in the back of his mind.

"I know you're angry, Raguel, but you have to remember-."

WHOOOOOOSH!

"What the Hell?" Raguel said, now trying to maintain control of his duel board. Soon, a large, transparent dome surrounded the area he was in, along with black tornadoes that emerged from the domes holes before connecting to the ground and generating high-speed winds. "The Data Gale? I thought it was destroyed a long time ago!"

"Seems Azrael must have somehow acquired it for his own uses. One of which being to prevent intruders from interfering in the coming duel." Herald deduced, with Raguel nodding out of agreement. Suddenly, raindrops began falling down, the whole area now having been turned into a rainy battlefield, thunder cracking in the clouds.

"Damn it! I don't think I can maintain my balance anymore!" Raguel exclaimed through gritted teeth. As if on cue, he fell off his duel board, having begun hurling towards the ground, only for Turboblaze Dragon to speed out of nowhere and stop him from falling. "Oh thank you so much, Turboblaze! Thank you so freakin' much!"

"No problem." Turboblaze Dragon replied, looking upwards to the top of the tower. "I'll try to take you as high as I can."

"Just be careful, okay?" Herald said, as Turboblaze Dragon flew upwards to the top. While it took a minute or two (it was a very tall tower), he eventually reached a safe section of the tower for Raguel to jump off of, which he did.

"Once again, thank you Turboblaze." Raguel stated, the dragon snorting before turning into particles, which went into his duel disk. He then turned his head to the stairs, knowing where they go. "Seems there's only one way to go but up."

"Yup..." Herald turned to Raguel, who started heading up the stairs. "You ready for this?"

"I have to be. There's too much at stake here." Raguel answered. Had it not been for the storm the data gale was producing, he could have sped over to the top, and considering its current intensity, it was unlikely for Turboblaze Dragon to fly him all the way to the top. But for Turboblaze Dragon to at least bring him to a section of the tower for Raguel to jump onto... he'd take that over climbing the tower to the top.

After climbing a total of two flights of stairs, Raguel eventually made it to the top, the rain falling down from the storm cloud in the dome hovering above the tower. There, he found Azrael looking out into the stormy sky, the sheathed Muramasa planted to the ground.

"You showed up." Azrael said, turning to face Raguel, who stepped onto the circular platform.

"You sure know how to throw a party. Big storm in the dome and no witnesses. The perfect setting for a showdown." Raguel told him, looking around the area.

"My sincerest apology, Raguel. I was so eager to see you that I didn't want anyone to interrupt our meeting." Azrael apologized.

Raguel scoffed. "Whatever. What I need to know is this." He pulled out his double-barrelled gun and pointed it to Azrael. "Do you have the cure for her?"

"Oh that? It's right here." Azrael pressed two buttons on his duel disk before a translucent, light-purple sphere floated above his right palm. "Honestly, I thought you'd be in a better mood in seeing your client. The one who was willing to pay you lots of money to get Ai."

"You were the client Monty was talking about?" Raguel questioned out of surprise.

"That's right." Azrael confirmed. "Since you failed to bring me Ai, I had to kill him for his failure. Or more importantly, I used his body as a vessel so Malf could be born. In other words, his death was on you the moment you abandoned your mission and left the Black Market. What's more, because of your failure, I allied with someone who's more specialized in hunting the Ignis."

"Tch." Raguel slightly grit his teeth. While he knew that Malf killed him, he wasn't aware of the fact that Monty was used for Malf to be born. I knew you were dead, Monty, but I didn't expect for you to die like that, he thought in his mind, guilt evident in his facial expression.

"And if you're wondering what to say next, you could thank me for killing a loose end." Azrael continued speaking. "Besides, Monty was someone with connections. Someone who could have been trouble down the road, and if that happened, the Black Market would have been breathing down your necks sooner than you expected."

"So you killed him to save our backs? That's generous for a guy who puts a girl in a hospital and has his AI attack innocent people!" Raguel commented.

"That guy was scum, and he wasn't the only one I had killed." Azrael clarified, narrowing his eyes behind his mask. "While Monty had honor, there were others who didn't. So to fan the flames and reduce your enemies, I killed criminals from numerous branches before pinning them against one another."

"Which led to the Turf War happening in the first place!" Herald realized.

"How could you start a war and not think of the consequences?!" Raguel demanded. "People in the network and in the real world died, Azrael. DIED!"

"So what? They're not my problem." Azrael callously replied, before looking out into the stormy sky. "Think of it like an omelette. You can't make one without breaking a few eggs, and the Turf War was the overall result. One that I was proud of amongst other things."

Raguel gasped. This person in front of him had no regard for human life. Someone who didn't care if a person died or not.

The next thing Raguel knew, Azrael unsheathed the Muramasa and charged at him, which nearly caught him off guard had Herald not put up a shield at the last minute. In response, Raguel immediately pulled out his reeved sword and clashed it with Azrael's Muramasa.

"So you're going with a sword fight, is that it?" Raguel questioned, the answer obviously in front of him. "Fine. Let's play." Azrael attempted to slash him again, only for Raguel to block it just in time. He then slid back from Raguel and quickly unsheathed and sheathed the Muramasa numerous times.

"Raguel, look out!" Herald told him, as he put up numerous shields to block the coming slashes that suddenly appeared in front of them. While it gave Raguel the opportunity to roll away, each of the slashes cut through Herald's shields. "This doesn't make sense. My shields should be unbreakable!"

"My sword is not like other weapons made by man." Azrael warned the duo, before summoning a pair of blue-mirage blades, which headed straight towards them. While Raguel was able to block one of them, the other nicked him in the shoulder.

"Damn.." Raguel held his shoulder as Azrael charged forward a second time. While Raguel was pushed back, he was at least able to block the strike from Azrael's Muramasa with his sword. "Considering how you're responsible for the war, I'm assuming you're also responsible for breaking Ace and Athaliah out of the prison transport?"

"Along with kidnapping Speckles, that's right." Azrael confirmed.

"But why? They can't be trusted."

"If you think I don't have contingencies in place, you're sorely mistaken. I know exactly what I'm doing with my little pawns." Azrael said, breaking the clash and slashing Raguel numerous times, the impact of them having been mitigated by shields Herald put up at the last minute. Taking the opportunity, Raguel reeved up his sword and charged forward, attempting to strike Azrael, who obviously blocked it. Azrael, in response, attempted to strike back, only for Raguel to block it before being pushed back. Numerous blue-mirage blades appeared on Azrael's sides before launching them at Raguel, who was able to roll away from them rather than try to block the attack.

"I'm guessing it wouldn't be a good idea to summon our duel monster spirits to aid us, right Herald?" Raguel figured out.

"In this storm, I highly think that isn't a good idea." Herald agreed, as Raguel pulled out his double-barreled revolver, an idea forming in his mind. He then fired several bullets out of it, causing Azrael to slice each bullet apart. Seizing the opportunity, Raguel sped forward and attempted to strike Azrael once again, who parried his sword strike. However, on the last attack, Raguel spun around and hit Azrael with his elbow before going in with another attack, which Azrael blocked once again.

"Hmm... Resourceful...Taught... and not half-bad..." Azrael commented, their swords locked against one another in combat. "Still..." He broke the blade lock and sent Raguel flying back with a sword strike, who managed to regain his footing just in time, only for Azrael to charge straight forward at him, and he would have succeeded in wounding Raguel had Herald not put up at the last minute. "Your technique lacks something."

"Lacks something? What do you mean by that?" Raguel demanded, before reeving up his sword to full power. Azrael slid back from Raguel and quickly unsheathed and sheathed the Muramasa numerous times, releasing black and blue distortion ripples that tried to envelop him. Luckily, he managed to roll out of the way in time and avoid them. Raguel immediately tried to strike Azrael with his sword as he quickly stood up on his feet, only for Azrael to slide back and avoid it. He responded by trying to slash Raguel twice with the Muramasa, and while Raguel barely dodged the first one, he was forced to the block the second one, and was only able to do so with the enhancement Herald gave his sword at the last second. Both Raguel and Azrael ended up in another blade lock as a result of the previous parries between one another.

"Now I see. You deny your weapon its purpose."

BA-BUMP!

Raguel gasped, his attention having been wavered at that comment. Seizing the opportunity, Azrael broke the blade lock, hit Raguel in the face with his elbow, and slashed him twice with such speed that he was sent flying back before he fell on one knee.

"It yearns to bathe in the blood of your enemies." Azrael stated, spinning the Muramasa in his right hand before looking at it. "But you hold it back."

"No.." Raguel said, as he stood up on his feet and pointed his sword at Azrael. "Just as I am a warrior of justice, my sword is the tool required to bring it to my enemies."

Azrael, upon hearing this, laughed. "Really? You consider yourself a warrior of justice? After all the actions you've committed? Just... wow!" He sheathed the Muramasa before activating his duel disk, surprising Raguel. "At the rate we're going, I'll easily crush you with my abilities as a swordsman, so we'll settle things in an area we're both good at."

"A duel." Raguel easily figured out, also activating his duel disk.

"That's right." Azrael confirmed. "Defeat me, and I'll give you the cure needed to save your little girlfriend. But if I win..."

"It's likely you'll want me as your prize, so just say it already." Herald assumed.

"As tempting as it is for me to snag you as my prize, it's not what I'm here for, Ignis." Azrael told Herald, which surprised him. "The thing I want upon my victory will be clear when this duel is over."

Raguel narrowed his eyes. While he didn't know what Azrael wanted from their duel, he did know that it was anything but good. Still, this was his chance. His one chance to get the cure needed to save Miyu. "Very well. I accept."

"Excellent." Azrael grinned. "Now then, Raguel. Show me your motivation."

"Duel!" Raguel and Azrael shouted in unison.

Raguel: 4000 LP

Azrael: 4000 LP

"I'm taking the first move, you blue bastard." Raguel immediately stated. "My turn! I Special Summon Cyreath Damselfly from my hand!" A large, black-skinned creature that had dots all over its body appeared on Raguel's field. It had a total of four wings, along with a long tail that had a spike at the end of it. Attached to its body was armored plating that had a lightning bolt, on it.

Cyreath Damselfly ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"I can Special Summon this card from my hand to my field if I have no monsters in my Main Monster Zones." Raguel explained, before gesturing upwards. "Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set Cyreath Damselfly into the Link Markers!" Damselfly went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

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

Cyreath Scorpius ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬇️

"Since Damselfly was used to Link Summon, I can add one 'Cyreath' monster from my deck to my hand. I add Cyreath Endymion from my deck to my hand." Raguel continued, as a card popped out of his deck, which he took and added to his hand. "Scorpius' effect! Once per turn, when I control no monsters in the Main Monster Zones, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Cyreath' monster from my Graveyard to a zone this card points to. Return, Damselfly!" At Raguel's command, Damselfly reappeared on his field, only in the Main Monster Zone Scorpius pointed to.

Cyreath Damselfly ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"I also activate the Spell card, Elixir of the Gods. By tributing one 'Cyreath' monster on my field, I can draw two cards. However, I can't attack the turn I activate this effect. For this effect, I tribute Scorpius!" After Scorpius turned into particles, Raguel drew the top two cards of his deck.

"Excellent job, Raguel! As we can't attack during the first turn, we don't have to pay any price for using Elixir of the Gods!" Herald praised Raguel before turning to him. "You ready, Raguel?"

"Hell yeah!" Raguel confirmed. "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

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

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

The second monster was an illusion of a man that had mist all over his body.

Cyreath Barbarian ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

Cyreath Wandering Soul ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel declared, as a second Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Damselfly and Wandering Soul into the Link Markers!" Damselfly went into the top arrowhead, while Wandering Soul went into the bottom arrowhead, both of them turning red in the process.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Jason!" A handsome blond-haired man with emerald colored eyes leapt onto Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He had pieces of golden armor attached to his arms, shoulders, and upper body, as well as on his shins. Strapped around his waist was a medium-sized green waist cape, with a golden belt as well.

Cyreath Jason ATK: 1500 LINK-2 ⬆️⬇️

"When Jason is Link Summoned, I'm allowed to activate the Field Spell card, Cyreath Argo straight from my deck!" Raguel added, taking a card from his deck. "I now activate the Field Spell card, Cyreath Argo! While this card is on the field, all 'Cyreath' monsters on my field gain 300 attack and defense points, and they can't be destroyed by your card effects as well." Jason and Barbarian were both surrounded in a yellow aura as their strength increased.

Cyreath Jason ATK: 1500 + 300 = 1800

Cyreath Barbarian ATK: 1500 + 300 = 1800 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

So he found a way to protect his cards from destruction by my card effects, Azrael thought in his mind. If he thinks that will help him, he's got another thing coming.

"Endymion's Pendulum effect now activates. Each time I Link Summon a 'Cyreath' Link monster, I can place one 'Moon' counter on this card." Raguel informed Azrael, as a white orb went into Endymion's scepter.

Cyreath Endymion MC: 0 + 1 = 1

"Jason's second effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster from my Graveyard to a Main Monster Zone he points to in exchange for negating its effects. Return, Damselfly!" At Raguel's command, Damselfly once again reappeared on his field in defense position, only in the Main Monster Zone Jason pointed to.

Cyreath Damselfly ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Cyreath Damselfly ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 0 + 300 = 300

After pressing a button on his duel disk and looking at his Extra Deck, Raguel grinned. "Glad the new cards are ready, Herald."

"Of course they're ready, Raguel. They will certainly help in the battles to come." Herald agreed.

"Appear, for a third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a third Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 2 Cyreath Jason and Barbarian into the Link Markers!" Jason went into the top and bottom-left arrowheads, while Barbarian went into the bottom-right arrowhead, all three of them turning red in the process.

"Link Summon! Emerge! Link 3! Cyreath Circe!" A young woman with long pink hair, blue and green eyes, and fair skin appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. She had pointed ears, along with a golden tiara, a light tunic with a short skirt, and gladiator sandals. She also had a pair of falcon wings attached to her back. In Circe's hands was a staff that had a sun disk at the top, as well as a total of seven spikes.

Cyreath Circe ATK: 2400 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️↘️

Cyreath Circe ATK: 2400 + 300 = 2700

"Just leave this to me, Raguel! I'll bring the slaughter for this battle!" Circe stated with a smile.

"She's so cute and feisty..." Herald muttered, while Raguel rolled his eyes. Even though he wanted Herald to make more sentient Cyberse creatures following the Turf War, there was only so much he and Roxy would allow him to do. Then again, it was for a good cause this time around, for they needed as many allies as possible.

Be careful what you wish for, Raguel thought in his mind, before redirecting his attention to the duel. "Barbarian and Endymion's effects activate in sequence. First, since Barbarian was used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster gains 500 attack points." Circe was surrounded in a yellow aura that powered her up.

Cyreath Circe ATK: 2700 + 500 = 3200

"Second, as I Link Summoned a 'Cyreath' Link monster once again, Endymion gains another Moon counter." A second white orb orbited around Endymion's scepter.

Cyreath Endymion MC: 1 + 1 = 2

"I activate the effect of Wandering Soul from my Graveyard. By banishing it from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath Wanderer' token to my field." Raguel continued, as a small ball of mist in the form of a ghost appeared on his field in defense position.

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

Cyreath Wanderer Token ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 0 + 300 = 300

"Appear, for a fourth time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A fourth Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Cyreath Damselfly and the Wanderer token into the Link Markers!" Damselfly went into the right arrowhead, while the Wanderer token went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while the Wanderer token went into the right arrowhead, both arrowheads turning red in the process.

"Link Summon! Rise! Link 2! Cyreath Euryale!" A young woman with mid-length light-purple hair tied in two straight pigtails, as well as light-purple eyes, appeared on Raguel's field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Circe pointed to. She wore a short, white dress with a flowery design in the upper chest area, along with jewelry resembling vines around her arms. On the top of her head was a black headband decorated with flowers.

Cyreath Euryale ATK: 1400 LINK-2 ➡️↘️

Cyreath Euryale ATK: 1400 + 300 = 1700

"And just like before, Endymion's Pendulum effect gives him another Moon counter." Raguel reminded Azrael, as another white orb orbited around his scepter.

Cyreath Endymion MC: 2 + 1 = 3

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Raguel smirked. Circe's effect lets me choose the targets of battle or card effects once per turn, during either player's turn, he thought in his mind. If that blue bastard gets past that, Endymion's Pendulum effect lets me remove one Moon counter should a 'Cyreath' monster leave the field, and it can be used more than once per turn. Euryale's effect also lets me shuffle one card she points to and one card on his field once per turn. Last but not least, Cyreath Salvation not only protects my monster from destruction by a card effect, it also lets me Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster from my hand, deck, or Graveyard if it's destroyed. All in all, I'll be fine with whatever this guy throws at me.

Azrael looked at Sigma and Endymion. "Those Pendulum cards. They're the same ones you used against Infearno, am I correct?"

"What?" Raguel gasped, having been caught off guard. While Azrael did say that he had been watching him grow and get stronger, he still had to know. "How the Hell do you know that?"

"Because I watched your duel against Infearno in the comfort of the Hanoi's stronghold. Not just your duel, but Playmaker's duel against Revolver." Azrael calmly responded.

"And I'm guessing that's how you got the Data Gale and Another Virus, didn't you?" Herald figured out.

Azrael smirked. "Yes. I stole the Data Gale and the Another Virus from the Hanoi while you and Playmaker distracted the remaining Hanoi members. Even though I wasn't able to destroy the Tower of Hanoi, I was still able to derail them. After all, it served the Hanoi right for their crimes."

So this guy basically has all of the Hanoi's secrets. That must be how he knows my real-life identity, Raguel thought in his mind. His eyes then widened upon putting two and two together. "Herald..."

"Raguel? What's wrong?" Herald turned to him out of concern.

"Azrael doesn't just know my real-life identity..." Raguel began speaking, where it hit Herald upon putting two and two together as well.

"You're intuitive, Raguel. I praise you for your ability to pay attention to detail." Azrael commented. "To confirm your fears, yes. I know the real-life identities of every single child involved in the Lost Incident, and I can go after any of them in the real world if I wanted. I did it with Miyu, so what's stopping me from doing the same to the others?"

Raguel grit his teeth. How dare for Azrael to basically threaten to harm his allies in the real world! "I won't let that happen, you blue bastard," he snarled. "Make your move."

"Of course. My turn! I draw!" Azrael said, as he drew the top card of his deck. "I use the Scale 1 Cychaic Romulus and the Scale 8 Cychaic Remus to set the Pendulum Scale."

"This guy also has Pendulum cards?!" Herald exclaimed out of shock, while Raguel gasped, having been caught off guard by what he just heard. Soon, two pillars of light appeared on Azrael's field. In the pillar on the right was a bronze-skinned man with red eyes. He wore black roman armor covering his chest and back, with four black and bronze circles at the straps. He also wore black forearm guards on each of his arms. In addition, he wore sandals on his feet.

In the pillar on the left was a man with long, dark hair that went down to his neck and spread out to the sides of his head. Unlike Romulus, this man wore a blue, Roman tunic with a red sash around the waist. On each of his arms was a gold and red armlet.

Cychaic Romulus Scale: 1

Cychaic Remus Scale: 8

"Romulus's effect. Once per turn, if Remus is in my other Pendulum zone, I can add one 'Cychaic' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my hand. In addition, I activate the effect of Remus. Once per turn, if 'Cychaic Romulus' is in my other Pendulum Zone, I can add one 'Cychaic' monster from my deck to my hand. I add Cychaic Pantheon and Cychaic Genius Loci from my deck to my hand!" Two cards popped out of Azrael's deck, which he took and added to his hand. "I Special Summon Cychaic Genius Loci from my hand to my field." A small stone pillar with a bowl on it appeared on Azrael's field. Wrapped around the pillar was a snake.

Cychaic Genius Loci ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1

"I can Special Summon this card from my hand if I control no 'Cychaic' monsters." Azrael explained. "I activate the effect of Cychaic Catoblepas from my hand. By returning a 'Cychaic' monster on my field back to my hand, I can Special Summon it to my field. With Catoblepas' effect, I return Genius Loci back to my hand." After Genius Loci turned into particles, a grey-skinned buffalo with a long stocky body and short but thickset legs appeared on Azrael's field. The horns on the sides of its head curved close together, as if it was forming a shield before curving upwards. It wore silver armor all over its body, as well as a silver helmet protecting its face.

Cychaic Catoblepas ATK: 900 DEF: 1800 LV: 3

"Swing, Pendulum of Dominance, and open the gates of absolute power! With the set Pendulum Scale, I can Special Summon monsters between Levels 2 and 7 at the same time! Be born, Cychaic Crocodile, Cychaic Genius Loci, and Cychaic Monoceros!" 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 dark-green skinned crocodile with yellow eyes.

The second monster was Genius Loci.

The third monster was a four-legged creature with gray fur and pieces of orange armor on its long neck. Jutting out of the armor was a total of five blades on each of its sides that covered its back. It had two fangs, along with a single horn that jutted out from the top of its head.

Cychaic Crocodile ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 3

Cychaic Genius Loci ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1

Cychaic Monoceros ATK: 1000 DEF: 1800 LV: 4

"He's already set for a Link 4 monster!" Herald warned Raguel, the latter having narrowed his eyes.

"It'll be okay, Herald. The setup on my field will make sure that I survive no matter what." Raguel assured him.

"I see you have spirit in the face of danger, Raguel. Let's put it to the test, shall we?" Azrael said. "Crocodile's effect. Once per turn, when it's Normal or Special Summoned, I can add one 'Cychaic' card from my deck to my hand. I add Cychaic Record from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Azrael's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"Appear, the circuit of absolute power!" A Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cychaic' monsters. I set Catoblepas and Crocodile into the Link Markers!" Catoblepas went into the top arrowhead, while Crocodile went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning both of them red in the process.

"Link Summon! Come forth! Link 2! Cychaic Caligula!" A dark-skinned man wearing golden armor on his upper body and thighs, along with raven-coloured hair appeared on Azrael's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Golden collar-like jewelry was attached to his thighs and feet, as well as a tiny piece of it on his sandals. Golden chains were attached to the center of his armor, which contained a single, shining green jewel. Attached to his shoulders was a dark-red tattered cape that had tears all over it. He also had two golden earrings on each side of his ears as well. Caligula's eyes glowed red as he roared at Raguel.

Cychaic Caligula ATK: 2000 LINK-2 ↙️⬆️

"Caligula? He's the third emperor of the Ancient Roman Empire and uncle of Nero. And as per Fate/Grand Order, he's a two star Servant of the Berserker class." Herald recalled.

"So just like how the Cyreath deck centers around Greek mythology, Azrael's deck must center around Roman mythology, or something close to it." Raguel deduced, with Herald nodding in agreement.

"I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Cychaic Pantheon." Azrael continued, ignoring the commentary. The card showed a building that had a portico with three rows of Corinthian columns, which consisted of eight in the front and two rows of four at the sides, a triangular pediment topping all of them. A massive domed rotunda was behind the entrance, along with a rectangular area that connected the two sides. Several people were prostrated in front of a godly statue, with Caligula making an address during the ceremony. "Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can destroy a card on my field to move a monster you control to a Main Monster Zone a 'Cychaic' Link monster I control points to."

"What?" Raguel replied out of surprise.

"Let's see how you're prepared for this. I destroy Genius Loci on my field and move Circe to the Main Monster Zone Caligula is pointing to." After Genius Loci turned into particles, Circe was suddenly teleported to the Main Monster Zone Caligula pointed to, which resulted in the both of them being co-linked. "Genius Loci's effect. When it's destroyed by a card effect, I can target one monster your control and negate its effects until the end of this turn. I target-."

"I activate Circe's effect!" Raguel interrupted. "Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can choose the target of your card effect or your monster's attack when it battles. Therefore, I choose for you to negate Euryale's effects until the End Phase." Circe's staff glowed as a silhouette of Genius Loci blasted a pillar of beam at Circe, who apologetically redirected the blast to Euryale, draining her of her effects in the process.

Azrael narrowed his eyes. I see. So his monster lets him redirect the effects or attacks of my monsters once per turn, and it can occur during either of our turns. I'll just have to put the pressure on him and see how he reacts, he thought in his mind. "I activate Caligula's effect. Once per turn, by destroying a monster he points to, I can not only increase his attack points by the destroyed monster's original attack points, but also decrease a monster you control that he points to by the same amount until the end of my turn."

"WHAT?!" Raguel and Herald exclaimed out of shock at the same time.

"I destroy Monoceros, and increase Caligula's attack points by 1000, while Circe loses 1000 attack points. Imperial Roar!" Azrael stated, as Caligula grabbed Monoceros by the throat before turning it into particles with his strength. Unable to contain the power within him, he unleashed a roar that hit Circe, which decreased her strength while his strength increased.

Cychaic Caligula ATK: 2000 + 1000 = 3000

Cyreath Circe ATK: 3200 – 1000 = 2200

"The effects of Monoceros and Pantheon activate. First, as Monoceros was destroyed by a card effect, I can destroy a card you control. What's more, you can't activate cards or effects in response to this cards activation. Say goodbye to Cyreath Argo." A silhouette of Monoceros charged forward and destroyed Argo, turning it into particles. As a result, Circe and Euryale's strength decreased.

Cyreath Circe ATK: 2200 – 300 = 1900

Cyreath Euryale ATK: 1700 – 300 = 1400

Just great, Raguel thought in his mind. Without Argo, my monsters can now be destroyed by his card effects.

"Second, as a card was destroyed by a card effect, except Pantheon, I can place one 'Mirage Sword' counter on it." Azrael added, as a blue-mirage blade orbited around Pantheon.

Cychaic Pantheon MSC: 0 + 1 = 1

"Battle! Cychaic Caligula attacks Cyreath Circe. Flucticulous Diana!" Caligula braced himself as he charged up energy.

"I activate Endymion's effect!" Raguel interjected. "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 Circe, surrounding her in a white aura as Caligula let out a loud roar that released a shockwave towards Circe. While she survived, Raguel was pushed back a few feet from the attack.

Raguel: 4000 - 1100 = 2900 LP

Cyreath Endymion MC: 3 – 1 = 2

"How's that, Azrael? You can't attack anymore, so you might as well just end your turn." To Raguel's surprise, Azrael smirked.

"Haven't you've been listening to what I said earlier? I watched all your duels, and I know what Endymion's effects are. That's why I summoned Caligula. For while he points to a monster you control, he can attack all monsters you control once each." Azrael simply explained. "The battle continues. Cychaic Caligula attacks Cyreath Euryale! Flucticulous Diana!" Caligula braced himself for a second time as he charged up energy.

"I activate Endymion's effect once again." Raguel stated. "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 Euryale, surrounding her in a white aura as Caligula let out a loud roar that released a shockwave towards Euryale. While she survived, Raguel was pushed back a few feet from the attack.

Raguel: 2900 – 1600 = 1500 LP

Cyreath Endymion MC: 2 – 1 = 1

"Delaying the inevitable? Makes sense, considering how broken you are. I Set one card face-down and end my turn, which means Caligula's effect ends." Azrael concluded in boredom, as auras surrounded Caligula and Circe, the former decreasing his strength while the latter increased her strength. In addition, Euryale regained her effects.

Cychaic Caligula ATK: 3000 – 1000 = 2000

Cyreath Circe ATK: 1900 + 1000 = 2900

"Broken? What do you mean that?" Raguel questioned.

"Yeah. Raguel isn't broken. He's got spirit. One that pushes him to keep going no matter what." Herald added in full support.

"Yes. His spirit has helped him get through impossible odds." Azrael agreed. "But it's broken. Tainted by the fact that Raguel relies on others for his strength."

"That isn't true! I fight with my friends and allies, not rely on them!" Raguel countered.

"Is that so? Then ask yourself this: If your willpower to fight comes from your friends and allies, then where's your own strength?"

Raguel opened his mouth, attempting to come up with an answer. But for some reason, he couldn't. He fought for the sake of others. So they can be happy. If that was the case...

"Perhaps showing me your motivation will help you find that answer. That is, if you have any." Azrael hypothesized.

"You want to see motivation? I'll gladly show it to you! My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, drawing the top card of his deck. This should work, he thought in his mind.

"I hope you got something in mind, Raguel. Because this guy's unorthodox strategy will overwhelm us if we're not careful." Herald warned him.

"Unorthodox?" Raguel repeated, thinking over what just happened. Azrael's deck was almost like Muziano's, where it focused on destroying cards. The only difference was this: While Muziano focused on rampant destruction like a rabid dog, Azrael focused on timely destruction that would benefit him only. "I guess it makes sense there. Still, it's something that won't stop me."

"That's the spirit, Raguel!" Herald praised him.

Euryale's effect can only be used once per turn, and I can only use it on one of the five cards Azrael has, Raguel thought in his mind. While I don't know what Cychaic Record does, I do know the effects of Pantheon, Caligula, Romulus, and Remus. Until I know what Record does, it'd be a good idea to get rid of one of his Pendulum cards, for Azrael can add cards from his deck to his hand if both of them are in the Pendulum zones. "I activate Circe's effect. Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath Piglet' token to a Main Monster Zone a 'Cyreath' Link monster points to. As such, I Special Summon a 'Cyreath Piglet' token to the Main Monster Zone Euryale points to." Soon, a pig with wings appeared in the Main Monster Zone Euryale pointed to.

Cyreath Piglet ATK: 1200 DEF: 1200 LV: 4

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

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Plutus!" A six-armed fiend with dark-grey skin appeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Euryale pointed to, resulting in both monsters being co-linked with one another. His face resembled that of a grey demon with no teeth, replaced by patches of skin that connected the top and bottom portions of the mouth together. He wore golden armor pieces on his head, shoulders, and the lower section of his arms. He also had a blue tarp wrapped around his waist as well. In Plutus's right hand was a spear-like cleaver.

Cyreath Plutus ATK: 1200 LINK-1 ⬅️

"The effects of Plutus, Endymion, and Circe activate in sequence. First, when Plutus is Link Summoned, I can target one Link monster he points to and place 'Greed' counters on him." Raguel began explaining. "Plutus is pointing to Euryale at the moment, which is a Link 2 monster. That means Plutus gains two 'Greed' counters." Two golden orbs appeared in the top set of Plutus's hands.

Cyreath Plutus GC: 0 + 2 = 2

"Second, like before, Endymion gains a Moon counter because I Link summoned a 'Cyreath' Link monster." As if on cue, a white orb orbited around Endymion's scepter.

Cyreath Endymion MC: 1 + 1 = 2

"Third, once per turn, during either player's turn, when a 'Cyreath Piglet' token is used to Link Summon, I can send one card you control to your Graveyard." Raguel added, much to Azrael's surprise. "Bet you weren't expecting that, were you? Say goodbye to Romulus!" A silhouette of a Piglet token charged forward at Romulus, the both of them turning into particles in the process. "And with that, you can no longer Pendulum Summon, nor add cards to your hand with Romulus and Remus's effects."

"I see. So you used a card that removed mine non-destructively." Azrael said, boredom evident in his voice. The only difference was that there was a small piece of curiosity in it.

"Obviously, as all your cards activate when they're destroyed by card effects." Raguel told him. "Moving that aside, I activate Plutus's effect. I can remove 'Greed' counters from him to draw cards equal to the number of 'Greed' Counters removed. I remove two 'Greed' Counters to draw two cards." The golden orbs disappeared as Raguel drew two cards.

Cyreath Plutus GC: 2 -2 = 0

"Awesome! With two new cards, we have two more options!" Herald cheered.

"I also activate Euryale's effect!" Raguel continued. "Once per turn, I can target one monster she points to and-."

"Pointless. Counter-Trap, activate! Cychaic Record!" Azrael calmly interjected, as he gestured to his face-down card. The card showed a massive stone tablet that had a dark-blue demonic crest that had two mirage blades making an X, as well as a katana slashing it down the middle. Below it was a series of lines that began transforming into letters, much to the horror of a roman citizen that was secured in a pillory. "When you activate a card effect, I can not only negate that effect, but also destroy it as well!"

"In that case, I activate Endymion's effect to-!"

"You can't activate any cards or effects in response to both of Record's effects!" Azrael rebutted boldly, as a massive stone tablet appeared before firing a blast of dark-blue energy at Euryale, who screamed before she turned into particles. "In addition, as a card was destroyed by a card effect, I can place a second 'Mirage Sword' counter on Pantheon." A second blue-mirage blade orbited around Pantheon.

Cychaic Pantheon MSC: 1 + 1 = 2

Azrael crossed his arms out of boredom. "I also activate Record's second effect from my Graveyard. As I control a 'Cychaic' Link monster the turn it was activated, I can destroy one 'Cychaic' card on my field and one card on your field. And like before, you can't activate any cards or effects in response to both of Record's effects. I destroy Pantheon on my field, and Endymion on your field." Within a moment or two, the massive stone tablet reappeared before firing a blast of dark-blue energy at Pantheon and Endymion, turning both of them into particles as Raguel gasped out of horror. "Pantheon's effect! Since was destroyed by a card effect while it had a 'Mirage Sword' counter, I can destroy cards on your field up to the number of 'Mirage Sword' counters it had when it left the field. To put it simply, I can destroy two cards on your field. I destroy Sigma and Circe!" Two blue-mirage blades appeared beside Azrael, one on each side, before heading straight towards Sigma and Circe!

"Then it's a good thing I have this! Quick-Play Spell card, activate! Cyreath Salvation!" Raguel stated. "If a 'Cyreath' monster I control would be destroyed by battle or card effect, it is not destroyed. That means Circe is safe." As if on cue, a veil surrounded Circe.

"But Sigma is not." Azrael reminded Raguel, as the blue-mirage blade hit Sigma, who screamed as she turned into particles, much to Raguel's horror. The other one simply turned into particles upon hitting the veil. "Where is your motivation, Raguel? I find it lacking, especially how I destroyed the two cards that represented Numera and Stregone, your precious allies."

"Lacking, you say?! Allow me to hit you with it full force!" Raguel exclaimed through gritted teeth.

"Calm down, Raguel. Don't let him get to you!" Herald told him firmly, which snapped him out of it.

"I know. It's just..." Raguel sighed.

"It will be okay. Just keep your head in the game, okay?" Herald gently suggested, as Raguel nodded in confirmation.

Azrael narrowed his eyes as he observed the conversation between Raguel and Herald. I know you have Link Trigger, Raguel. Just like I do, he thought in his mind. But unlike me, where I have control over it, you can't even control your own powers without others helping you out. Just shows how weak you are, as you don't have your own strength, especially with your pitiful morals. This duel will give you the hardest reality check you've ever received, that I can guarantee.

"I activate the effect of Cyreath Doppelganger from my hand." Raguel continued. "Since I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand." A pale, shadowy man materialized itself on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4

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

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Skull Wing!" A small skull with wings appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyreath Skull Wing ATK: 300 LINK-1 ↙️

"I activate Doppelganger's second effect from my Graveyard." Raguel said. "By banishing a 'Cyreath' monster in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon this card back to my field in attack position. I banish Barbarian and Special Summon Doppelganger back to my field!" At Raguel's command, Doppelganger reappeared on his field.

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters, including a 'Cyreath' Link monster! I set Cyreath Doppelganger, the Link 1 Plutus, and the Link 1 Skull Wing into the Link Markers!" Doppelganger went into the top arrowhead, Plutus went into the bottom arrowhead, and Skull Wing went into the bottom-right arrowhead, all three of them turning red in the process.

"Bewitch those that dare gaze upon you!" Raguel chanted. "Link Summon! Emerge! Link 3! Cyreath Medusa!" A woman with very long, light-purple hair appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. She wore a short, black dress with violet lines that covered her waist. She also had black sleeves with four violet chokers across her arms, along with high-stockings and boots. Her eyes were covered by a violet eye cover, with two silver straps on it. In her left and right hand, she carried a long chain with a dagger at the end of it.

Cyreath Medusa ATK: 2300 LINK-3 ⬆️⬇️↘️

"I appreciate you summoning me in this duel, Raguel. That man needs to pay for what he did to Miyu." Medusa snarled.

"You'll get your chance, don't worry." Raguel assured her. "Skull Wing's effect! When it's used to Link Summon, you take 300 points of damage!" A silhouette of Skull Wing appeared and went through Azrael, who didn't react at all as his life points dropped.

Azrael: 4000 - 300 = 3700 LP

"Battle! Cyreath Circe attacks Cychaic Caligula! Metabole Piglet Charge!" Using her staff, Circe summoned a swarm of pigs, which charged forward and trampled over Caligula as she charged energy into her staff. Upon doing so, she fired a blast of energy from it, which hit Caligula before causing a massive explosion that engulfed the entire duel field.

"Yes! His Link monster is gone, and with no other cards to worry about, we can deal even-!" Herald began speaking, only for the smoke to clear, which showed a bird that had silver pieces of armor on its head and wings on Azrael's field. Beside it was Caligula, who was on Azrael's field, only in the Main Monster Zone. What's more, Remus was no longer on Azrael's field. "WHAT?!"

Cychaic Caladrius ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 2

Cychaic Caligula ATK: 2000 LINK-2 ↙️⬆️

"How the Hell did you survive?!" Raguel demanded.

"I activated the effect of Cychaic Caladrius from my hand." Azrael began explaining calmly. "When a 'Cychaic' monster I control is destroyed by battle and I would take damage, I can destroy one 'Cychaic' card on my field to not only Special Summon this card and the destroyed 'Cychaic' monster back to my field, but also reduce the battle damage to zero. As such, I destroyed Remus with Caladrius' effect."

"That's fine with me. I'll just attack your bird with Medusa and-!"

"Caladrius' effect also ends the Battle Phase." Azrael added, much to Raguel's irritation. "In addition, since Caligula was destroyed by battle or card effect, I can target one card you control and negate its effects until the end of your next turn."

"In that case, I activate Circe's effect." Raguel suddenly said. "Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can choose the target of your card effect or your monster's attack when it battles. Therefore, I choose for you to negate Circe's effects until the end of my next turn." Circe's staff glowed as she got Caligula's attention, who roared at her in response. As a result, she greyed out, her effects leaving her in the process. Medusa smiled gratefully at Circe, glad for her help.

"Hmph..." Azrael frowned at that act of defiance. "Honestly, Raguel. So far, you haven't impressed me. Keep trying to show me your motivation."

Since Caladrius' effect was activated from his hand and not on his field, I couldn't use Medusa's effect to negate and destroy it, Raguel cursed in his mind. While I need to use her effect to negate one of Azrael's cards, I have to do it at the right time so it will hinder him more rather than benefit him. As such, there was only one thing for him to do. "I Set two cards face-down and end my turn."

"What I've saw just now has shown me one thing. You're spineless, Raguel. Unable to act without the aid of others." Azrael emotionlessly stated.

"Excuse me?! You're calling me spineless?!" Raguel exclaimed out of pure fury.

"Pardon me for the wrong word. I didn't mean spineless. I meant weak-minded." Azrael clarified. "While your strength does come from how you fight alongside others, without someone to help you stay on your designated path, you end up losing the ability to maintain control over yourself. You need to be reminded on why you fight, and reassured that what you're fighting for is good." He pondered over something for a moment before an idea popped in his mind. "Allow me to give you an example. Why did you stop the Tower of Hanoi?"

"It's obvious. The Hanoi were threatening to make human civilization collapse by destroying the network and harm innocent lives!" Raguel immediately answered.

"So you did it to save others. Fine. An acceptable answer." Azrael allowed. "But let me ask you this: How did the people you saved from the Tower of Hanoi react after it shut down? Oh, I know. SOL Technologies created a bounty hunter task force to capture the Ignis as a 'thank you' for saving them, and they put Akira Zaizen, your ally, as their leader. Even though Akira is one of your allies, there's a chance he'll be forced to reveal your identify to SOL Technologies just so he can save himself or protect Aoi Zaizen."

"Akira isn't someone who would betray others!" Yuhiro denied. "Everything he did was for the good of others. He risked his career to-."

"Save little. Aoi. Zaizen." Azrael finished mockingly with a smirk. "He was brave to do it, but he paid a really bad price to do it. I mean, Akira and Numera were used by the Hanoi as hostages to try and get you and Playmaker to lose the will to fight. If it weren't for me, you would have surrendered to save your allies."

"But your actions hurt Numera and Akira!" Herald pointed out. "The both of them have been injured thanks to-."

"Save your boring rebuttals, Ignis. This doesn't concern you. This is between Raguel and myself." Azrael coldly dismissed Herald's remarks. "My point is this: Hasn't Akira Zaizen been deadweight and spineless? He has all this power as security chief, yet he hasn't done any good with it, and will never use it in the future."

Yuhiro opened his mouth to try and speak. To defend Akira's actions. But all that came to mind was that time in SOL Technologies' mother computer, where Akira promised to bring the incident to light. But did he?

No.

That was the truth.

He didn't.

Instead, he continued to help SOL Technologies' higher ups by being put in charge of the bounty hunter task force.

"I'll let you ponder over what I said as I continue the duel. My turn! I draw!" Azrael drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Cychaic Tribute!" The card showed people putting down gifts of food and water at the feet of an abnormally fat man who had black eyes and grey skin that sat on a big floating throne. He had a black spiked crown on the top of his head, and a red cloth wrapped around his body and shoulder. In his right hand, he carried a long black sword. Beside him was a four-legged creature that had orange skin, along with uneven black stripes and white areas on its chest, neck, belly and inside of its legs. "When this card is activated, I can destroy one 'Cychaic' monster on my field to draw two cards. I destroy Caladrius." After Caladrius turned into particles, Azrael drew the top two cards of his deck. "Caladrius' effect now activates! As it was destroyed by a card effect, I can send one 'Cychaic' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my Graveyard to activate that card's effect."

"What?" Raguel gasped.

"Hey, that's overpowered for a Level 2 monster!" Herald protested.

"I send the Spell card Cychaic Reinforcementsfrom my deck to my Graveyard and activate it." Azrael announced, as he took a card from his deck and sent it to his Graveyard. "If I control a 'Cychaic' monster, I can Special Summon two 'Cychaic' monsters with different names from my deck. However, I can't Special Summon any monsters from my deck for the rest of this turn, except 'Cychaic' monsters." Two cards popped out of his deck, which he took and added to his hand. "Be born, Cychaic Strix and Cychaic Wolf." Soon, two monsters appeared on his field in face-up defense position.

The first monster was a large owl with torn, brown skin all over its body. It had sharp claws and beak, along with sharp feathers.

The second monster was a large, four-legged creature with black fur all over its body. It had a long bushy tail with a black tip.

Cychaic Strix ATK: 1200 DEF: 1200 LV: 4

Cychaic Wolf ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500 LV: 4

"Two Level 4 monsters..." Raguel muttered, as he looked at Azrael's field.

"Don't tell me this guy is going to Xyz Summon already!" Herald panicked.

Azrael, upon hearing this, laughed. "You're right. I could Xyz Summon and make you grovel at my feet. However, you're not worthy of seeing it. Instead, I'll do this." He gestured upwards. "Appear, the circuit of absolute power." A Link Portal appeared above Azrael. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cychaic' monsters. I set the Link 2 Cychaic Caligula, and Cychaic Wolf into the Link Markers!" Caligula went into the top and bottom-left arrowheads, while Wolf went into the bottom arrowhead, turning all three of them red in the process.

"Wielder of the holy lance! Conquer your enemies and revel in your growing power!" Azrael chanted. "Link Summon! Come forth! Link 3! Cychaic Lucius Longinus!" A large, muscular man wearing silver armor with gold trim appeared on Azrael's field in the Main Monster Zone Medusa pointed to, resulting in the both of them being co-linked with one another. His helm bore wings and a crimson plume, which was attached to the back. He had short hair, along with a long, braided tail trailing down the back. In his right hand, he carried a red lance, while he carried a massive shield in his left arm.

Cychaic Lucius Longinus ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️⬇️

"Wolf's effect! As it was used to Link Summon a 'Cychaic' Link monster, I can destroy one card on your field. I destroy Medusa!" A silhouette of Wolf charged forward at Medusa, intent on destroying her.

"I activate the effect of Cyreath Guardian from my hand." Raguel interjected. "By sending this card from my hand to the Graveyard, not only can I prevent my monster from being destroyed by battle or card effects this turn, any battle damage I take is halved as well." A giant, vertically-wide octagonal shield composed of solid onyx that had the face of Zeus appeared in front of Medusa, which protected her from Wolf's attack.

As Azrael looked at the cards in his hand, he frowned upon looking at one of them. I never thought I would draw this card. The card that used Judgment Arrows as a base for it to be created. More specifically, the card that destroyed the Cyberse World, he admitted in his mind. Then again, I chose this path, and I must see it through to the end! "Prepare yourself, Raguel! For I now activate the Link Spell, Cychaic Blades!"

"LINK SPELL?!" Raguel and Herald exclaimed at the same time, as a silhouette of a card appeared, which showed a similar network to that of Judgment Arrows, but there were a total of three blue-mirage swords instead of arrows, and it shined dark-blue instead of yellow. Cychaic Blades immediately appeared in the Spell & Trap card zone Lucius Longinus's Link Marker pointed to and glowed.

Cychaic Blades ⬅️⬆️➡️

"That's it! What you just did is proof that you're allied with Bohman and Haru, as well as the one who used Judgment Arrows to destroy the Cyberse World!" Herald immediately stated.

"Oh. What do you mean by that?" Azrael raised an eyebrow, now genuinely curious as to what Raguel and Herald will say next.

"Judgment Arrows was the weapon used to destroy the Cyberse World." Raguel explained, which surprised Azrael. "To put it simply, this Ignis hunter you're allied with is responsible for such a horrific act."

"Interesting. And where did you exactly get this information?"

"A valuable witness. That's all I'll tell you."

Azrael thought this information over before speaking. "Impressive, Raguel. I didn't expect you to have this information on hand. Still, you'll need more than knowledge if you want to defeat me in battle." I wasn't aware you were responsible for all of this, Light Ignis, he thought in the back of his mind. While the goal justifies the means, you'll still be answering to me really soon.

"Now that all of this was cleared up, we still need to get rid of that Link Spell, Raguel." Herald immediately told Raguel.

"I know." Raguel agreed. He didn't know what Cychaic Blades' effects were, so it was better to get rid of it as soon as possible. Luckily, he had the tool needed for the job. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Cyreath Dispel. This card lets me target one Spell or Trap card on your field and destroy it! I target Cychaic Blades!" A purple blast headed towards Cychaic Blades... only for it to do nothing. "WHAT THE HELL?!"

"That card should have been destroyed!" Herald objected.

"While I control a 'Cychaic' Link monster, Cychaic Blades is unaffected by your card effects." Azrael calmly explained. "What worked on Judgment Arrows and Punishment Arrows will not work on Cychaic Blades."

"Just great." Raguel grit his teeth. A Link Spell that was unaffected by card effects was something he didn't expect at all.

"Battle!" Azrael thrusted out his right hand towards Raguel's field. "Cychaic Lucius Longinus attacks Cyreath Circe! At this point, Cychaic Blades' effect activates! When a 'Cychaic' monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck battles, you can't activate cards or effects until the end of the damage step."

Raguel gasped upon hearing this. That wasn't good at all, as he couldn't activate any cards until after the battle. Especially his face-down card Cyreath Rebound, which he obviously needed at the moment. Wait. There was one thing he can do to survive. "Guardian's effect prevents my 'Cyreath' monsters from being destroyed by battle or card effects, and any battle damage I take is halved," he reminded Azrael.

"That matters little to me." Azrael said. "Holy Punishment!" Lucius Longinus charged forward and attempted to slash Circe with his lance, only for her to block it using her scepter. Raguel, on the other hand, winced as his life points dropped.

Raguel: 1500 – (200 / 2) = 1400 LP

"Lucius Longinus's second effect. Once per turn, when he inflicts battle damage and he points to a monster on your field, you take-."

"Fat chance! I activate Medusa's effect!" Raguel interjected. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, when you activate a card effect, I can negate the effect and-."

"Pathetic. I activate Lucius Longinus's effect." Azrael calmly countered once again. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, when you activate a card effect, I can destroy one 'Cychaic' card in my hand or on my field to negate the effect."

"...!" Raguel gasped out of pure surprise.

"I destroy Strix on my field." Azrael said, as the remaining card in his hand turned into particles, which went into Lucius Longinus's lance before making it shine. Lucius Longinus immediately slashed Medusa with his lance before she could take her violet eye cover off, making her scream in the process. "And with Medusa's effects negated, Lucius Longinus's effect can resume. Once per turn, when he inflicts battle damage and he points to a monster on your field, you take damage equal to half of that monster's original attack points. As Medusa's original attack points are 2300, that means you take 1150 points of damage." Lucius Longinus slashed his lance in front of him, which released a wave of energy that hit Raguel and forced him to take several steps back before he fell on one knee.

Raguel: 1400 – (2300 / 2) = 250 LP

"Strix's effect also activates. As it was destroyed by a card effect, I can send one monster you control to your Graveyard."

"AAAAHHHH! There goes one of our monsters!" Herald screeched.

"I send Circe to your Graveyard." Azrael decided, as a silhouette of Strix then appeared before charging straight towards Circe, which turned her into particles. "I Set one card face-down and end my turn." He crossed his arms in disappointment as he looked at Raguel. "Just look at yourself, Raguel. Kneeling before me, your strength having been depleted. Serves someone like you right, especially how you refuse to face the truth. About yourself and about everything."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Raguel inquired, now trying to stand up on his feet, only for him to struggle a bit.

"You have the data on Project: VIII, right?" Upon hearing that question, Raguel gasped.

"How do you know that?"

"Yeah. Have you been snooping on us in the real world or something?" Herald added.

"No. I only observed you in the network, Raguel." Azrael assured Raguel and Herald. "As for your other question, I know you have the data because I sent you to get it."

Raguel laughed after hearing Azrael's answer. "Okay. I know you're Monty's client, but there's no way you told him to give that assignment to me."

"I didn't. I gave Ghost Girl the job in exchange for money. Or to put it in terms you'll understand, I was her client a while back."

"Wait, wait, wait. You're Ghost Girl's client?!" Herald exclaimed out of confusion and shock, while Raguel gasped. Ghost Girl did mention a client, but he never knew that Azrael was her client the whole time.

"And if you're wondering whether Ghost Girl knew the truth, no, she does not. I made sure that she would never find out the truth." Azrael smirked. "I must say, I have to thank you and Ghost Girl, as well as SengokuQueen for distracting Gamma long enough for me to sic Malf on the previous Overseer. In other words, you played a role in the events leading up to the Turf War!"

Raguel's eyes widened. At the time, he knew that the previous Overseer was murdered, and assumed that Ace did it. But he didn't expect to hear that Malf was the one who murdered the previous Overseer. If Raguel knew that would happen...

"You're thinking that if you knew what would happen, you would have tried to protect the Overseer, right?" Azrael correctly guessed. "You can't address every situation that happens, whether you know about it or not. There's only so much a human being can do in a situation."

"I know that!" Raguel stated.

"Do you? Do you really know that?" Azrael questioned in a tone that took Raguel aback. "Moving that aside, I'm disappointed in you, Raguel. You have the answers in front of you this whole time. The secrets to your past, yet you refused to look into it. Why is that? Is it because of the fear of the unknown? A lack of courage?"

"I..." Raguel gathered his thoughts before speaking. "I wanted to look into it when everyone was together. I wanted everyone to know the truth at the-."

"A pitiful answer. One that comes from a coward." Azrael admonished Raguel, which stunned him.

"Raguel, you aren't a coward." Herald immediately tried to assure him. "Only cowards hide instead of fighting. Regarding the Project: VIII data, there's so much going on that we didn't-."

"He's right." Raguel realized, surprising Herald as he made a fist with his right hand. "In those three months, I had so much time to look into the data. The data that Greg gave me. The data that I obtained from Gamma a while back."

"Raguel..."

"I'm a coward for not looking into it." Raguel grit his teeth, anger registered on his face. "A freakin' coward."

"So you're beginning to see the truth. Good." Azrael told him, which got his attention. "This will be your last chance to show me your motivation, Raguel. Do try to impress me."

"If you want to see my motivation, then I'll show you firsthand! My turn! I draw!" Raguel furiously said, drawing the top card of his deck. He had two cards in his hand, and one card face-down on his field. Cychaic Blades' effect activates when a Special Summoned 'Cychaic' monster from the Extra Deck that it points to battles, preventing me from activating cards or effects until the end of the damage step, he thought. What's more, while he controls a 'Cychaic' Link monster, it's unaffected by my card effects. In addition, Lucius Longinus's effect lets Azrael destroy a 'Cychaic' monster in his hand or field to negate a card effect. Therefore, the only option is to defeat him head on this turn. "I summon Cyreath Cercopes from my hand." A small, dwarf-like creature with fur over its belly, sharp claws and toes, and a long horn on its head appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Cercopes ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 2

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more effect monsters. I set the Link 3 Cyreath Medusa and Cercopes into the Link Markers!" Medusa went into the top, bottom, and left arrowheads, while Cercopes went into the right arrowhead.

"The Embodiment of Truth is given to mankind!" Raguel chanted. "Link Summon! Appear! 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 appeared on Raguel's field in the left Extra Monster Zone. 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 ⬅️⬆️⬇️➡️

This is it. This is the monster I wanted Raguel to summon, Azrael thought with a grin. At last, it's time for our dragons to reunite and battle after all these years.

Upon looking at Azrael, Turboblaze Dragon growled. "Raguel, we need to finish him off now."

"I'll make sure that happens, Turboblaze." Raguel assured him, aware of what Turboblaze Dragon was feeling right now. "The effects of Turboblaze Dragon and Cercopes now activate. First, when Turboblaze Dragon is Link Summoned, I can-."

"Not so fast! I activate Lucius Longinus's effect!" Azrael interrupted. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can-."

"Do nothing! For when Cercopes is used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster is unaffected by your card effects until the end of your next turn. In addition, it can attack a second time during each Battle Phase as well!" Raguel countered, which made Azrael gasp as Turboblaze Dragon roared, invigorated with pure strength. "With that out of the way, Turboblaze Dragon negates the effects of all monsters you control upon being Link Summoned! Heat Veil!" Turboblaze Dragon's jet engine-like tail began to charge up before he unleashed waves of volcanic energy at Lucius Longinus, covering him in scorch marks in the process.

"Battle! Turboblaze Dragon attacks Cychaic Lucius Longinus!" Turboblaze Dragon's jet engine-like tail glowed with power before he flew up into the air and charged up an orb of orange fire.

"I activate the Trap card, Cychaic Stratagem." Azrael stated, as he gestured to his face-down card. The card showed Leonidas and several roman soldiers around a table that had a map on it, Caligula going over a battle strategy with them. "This turn, the first time a 'Cychaic' monster I control would leave the field by battle or card effect, I can negate it. In addition, I can activate one of three effects. I choose effect one, which lets me Special Summon one 'Cychaic' monster from my deck or Graveyard. Be born from my deck, Cychaic Cinnamon Bird." A large bird with brownish-orange skin appeared on Azrael's field in face-up defense position. The bird had a large beak, and a long tail that had orange spices at its tips.

Cychaic Cinnamon Bird ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

"You're still taking battle damage, Azrael." Raguel reminded him. "Desolation Flare!" After gathering enough energy, Turboblaze Dragon launched the orb of fire at Lucius Longinus, who held on using his shield. Azrael didn't react as his life points dropped.

Azrael: 3700 – 500 = 3200 LP

"The battle still continues. Turboblaze Dragon attacks Cychaic Lucius Longinus! And this time, destroy him for good! Desolation Flare!" Turboblaze Dragon's jet engine-like tail glowed with power as he charged up a second orb of orange fire, which he launched at Lucius Longinus. While Lucius Longinus tried to hold on using his shield a second time, he was unfortunately enveloped by the ball of fire upon impact, which caused an explosion that made Azrael wince in the process.

Azrael: 3200 – 500 = 2700 LP

"Turboblaze Dragon's effect now activates. When he destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, you take damage equal to the destroyed monster's attack points." Turboblaze Dragon fired a beam of fire at Azrael, the attack pushing him back by several feet as his life points dropped.

Azrael: 2700 – 2500 = 200 LP

"Damn it! We were so close!" Herald snapped, annoyed that Azrael was able to hold on for another turn.

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Raguel concluded bitterly. Cyreath Rebound will not only negate the attack of his monster, it will also inflict damage to him equal to half of that monster's attack. And just in case, I have Cyreath Imprisonment, which will prevent his monster from attacking, he thought in his mind. In other words, I'll be set to survive this turn.

Elsewhere, in another area of the network...

Watchman, Soulburner, and Slipstream panted as they eliminated the last of the Bitboots. After Soulburner and Slipstream reached the coordinates were at, they were immediately attacked by Bitboots, just as Watchman predicted would happen. While it took a while, the trio was able to eliminate them all in the end.

"I can't believe you called us here to the Cyberse World, Watchman. Or at least what remains of it..." Soulburner lamentedly commented. Upon arrival, Soulburner was shocked at the area he was looking at. Rust-red clouds in the sky, a massive hole in a barren wasteland, and craters dotting the entire landscape made the Cyberse World grey and lifeless. When Flame saw the desolated Cyberse World, he sadly sighed, having been reminded of what happened.

Slipstream, who was also looking down at the area, whistled. "I've seen desolate landscapes in movies, but this takes the cake."

"I appreciate your assistance in helping me escape with my findings." Watchman said, getting their attention. "As promised, I'll show you what I've found." Pressing a few buttons on his duel disk, numerous fragmented bits and bytes of a program appeared.

"Hang on a minute!" Flame stated, looking closely at the bits and bytes. "That's an Ignis Algorithm!"

"An Ignis Algorithm?" Soulburner and Slipstream repeated out of surprise.

"Yes, of the Light Ignis." Flame confirmed.

"Just as I suspected..." Watchman muttered.

"But why would those Bitboots be guarding this algorithm?" Slipstream questioned.

"If I could guess, it's likely our enemy has kidnapped the Light Ignis somewhere, and had their forces guard this algorithm to ensure that no one can use it in rescuing him. At least until we showed up." Watchman hypothesized, pondering this over. "Oh, and that reminds me. I have a gift for you, Soulburner." He raised a hand in front of Soulburner, which caused pieces of data to surround him before being imbued in his avatar.

"What the heck did you do to me?" Soulburner demanded, afraid that something bad will happen to him.

"I infused your avatar with a non-traceable encryption code. It should keep your tracks clear in the network. I will also deal with the possibility that Blood Shepherd may know your identity in the real world." Watchman explained.

"You better get it dealt with as soon as possible, Watchman. The last thing I need is to be attacked in the real world." Soulburner seriously responded back. "Besides, why are you helping us? We don't know what your endgame is."

Watchman turned his head to look out at the desolated Cyberse World. Because I wish to atone for my sins, as horrendous as they are." He then turned his head to look back at Soulburner. "If you want to know what my endgame is, Soulburner, it's to help build a new world. One where coexistence between the Cyberse and mankind is possible and prosperous for both sides."

"It is a nice dream to fight for..." Flame commented, agreeing with what Watchman was saying.

"I beg your pardon for my rudeness, but we could have used your help earlier, as lots of stuff occurred on our end. Some of which included the Turf War, SOL Technologies' bounty hunters, Bohman and Haru, and the azure assailant and his AI pet Malf." Slipstream told Watchman.

"Yes. I know. But considering what's happened on my end, I was otherwise occupied." Watchman responded. "That being said, you should take the Light Ignis's algorithm and see if you can make a tracker for it. I'll find my allies and-."

BA-BUMP!

Watchman grit his teeth as he fell on one knee, having put his right hand on the right side of his head, as if having been suddenly overcome with a sharp pain.

"Hey, what's going on?" Slipstream asked, as he and Soulburner went over to Watchman out of concern.

Watchman slowly stood up on his feet with Soulburner and Slipstream's help, and once that was done, he immediately pressed some buttons on his duel disk, where numerous pieces of data appeared before them. Putting them together, a series of coordinates were formed before a picture appeared, which showed a data gale.

"Hey, wait a minute. Isn't that a Data Gale?" Soulburner inquired, having been caught off guard by what he saw.

"By the looks of things, yes." Flame answered.

"But the Data Gales in the network vanished following the Another incident." Slipstream pointed out. "So why would the Hanoi-."

"That Data Gale does not belong to the Hanoi." Watchman interrupted, now pressing some more buttons on his duel disk. A series of white-colored and fragmented bits and bytes of a program appeared, which Watchman applied to the picture. After a few moments passed, it glowed green, much to his horror. "Raguel and Herald are in trouble."

"WHAT?!" Soulburner and Slipstream exclaimed at the same time. As if on cue, Watchman sent them the coordinates to where the Data Gale was located at.

"We must make haste. Follow me!" Watchman told Soulburner and Slipstream, as all three of them summoned their respective duel boards and jumped on them. The trio then began heading over towards the general network, intent on rescuing Raguel and Herald from whatever situation they were in.

Meanwhile, at Raguel and Azrael's duel...

Azrael narrowed his eyes. "Finally, you've shown me some motivation. But... it lacks something."

"Lacks something?" Raguel repeated. "What do you mean by that? I reduced your life points to 200, thus bringing you to the brink of defeat."

"Yes, you certainly have. But only because you let your emotions run rampant." Azrael pointed out. "Without your allies to help assure you that you're on the right path, you're nothing more than a broken creature, traumatized by the past. One that's been blinded by their foolish morals."

"Raguel may have been impacted by the past, but he hasn't let it break his spirit. That's what makes him different from you!" Herald countered.

"You're wrong, Ignis. He and I are similar in how our spirits haven't been broken. The only difference, however, is why we fight, and his morals have completely blinded him to the reality of this world!" Azrael angrily retorted. "Raguel, you say you're a warrior of justice. Someone who saves lives. Fights for the sake of other people."

"So what if I am? It's better to fight for other people. To know that you're doing something good in this world!" Raguel retorted.

"Really? Even if it means using that excuse to justify your actions?" Azrael shot back. "I heard time and time again on how you did things for Miyu Sugisaki's sake. That moral, up until now, has spared you the burden of the actions you've committed. Absolved you of any guilt you felt in doing them. In other words, you used Miyu Sugisaki's name to justify all your actions, haven't you? Just so you can see her smile and be happy, am I not correct?"

Raguel's eyes widened out of pure shock and horror. He never thought of it like that until now. Everything he did was for Miyu's sake. If it meant seeing Miyu happy and safe, he'd do whatever it took to ensure it would happen.

"Yes. There it is." Azrael scoffed. "That reaction when you've realized the truth. How can you call yourself a warrior of justice if you did things in someone's name? What you've done has split your spirit to the bone. Tainted your own name beyond redemption. Your values on justice and companionship mean nothing in this world, and your insistence in carrying these shackles has made you unbalanced! Broken! Unable to act! Unable to find a real reason to fight!"

"I..." Raguel couldn't speak, as at that moment, he felt something break inside of him. How could he respond to that? He... couldn't.

"I had hoped you'd see the reality of this world, Raguel." Azrael sighed. "But alas. You're no warrior. You're just a blinded child."

Raguel began shaking. What Azrael did just now... made him feel pure fear. He couldn't speak, and even if he did, he lost the courage to do so. Was his values on justice and companionship a sham this whole time? Were they truly shackles, as Azrael called them?

"Still, I commend you for actually damaging me, and for that, I will defeat you with my most treasured duel monster." Azrael said. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Cychaic Reborn, which lets me target one 'Cychaic' monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it to my field. Be reborn, Lucius Longinus!" At Azrael's command, Lucius Longinus reappeared on his field, only in the Main Monster Zone.

Cychaic Lucius Longinus ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️⬇️

"Appear, the circuit of absolute power!" A Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more effect monsters. I set Cychaic Cinnamon Bird and the Link 3 Lucius Longinus into the Link Markers!" Cinnamon Bird went into the top-left arrowhead, while Lucius Longinus went into the top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrowheads, all four of them turning red.

"The Embodiment of Ideals is given to mankind!" Azrael chanted. "Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Teravolt Dragon!" A black, bipedal dragon with red sclera, white irises, and black pupils, as well as a small horn-like protrusion on the tip of his snout appeared on Azrael's field in the left Extra Monster Zone. His head sported a thundercloud-like crest tipped with light-blue coloration, which went backwards. At the base of his neck, his shoulders, knees, and wings was a black, stud-like feature, which resembled armor padding. His wings consisted of a fanned, shape that had a spike on each of the top edges. Attached to Teravolt Dragon's arms were baseball-mitt-like formations, with three-clawed hands on the undersides. On his feet were three claws, along with a small spike at the back. He also had an electric generator-like tail, which had a black inner portion and bands on the tip of the outside portion.

Teravolt Dragon ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ↙️↖️↗️↘️

Upon seeing Teravolt Dragon, Turboblaze Dragon roared at him, who obviously roared back.

"Teravolt Dragon? Is that you?" Turboblaze Dragon inquired out of disbelief.

"Of course it's me, Turboblaze Dragon. You of all people should recognize me." Teravolt Dragon shot back.

"That's impossible. Teravolt Dragon belongs to the Black Ignis!" Herald said. "How do you of all people have him?"

"Oh, the answer's obvious, Ignis. I killed the eighth Lost Incident child in cold blood, along with the Black Ignis of course." Azrael responded casually, as if it were no big deal.

"You what?!" Herald gasped, while Raguel's mouth dropped. "Teravolt Dragon, you were supposed to protect the Black Ignis and the eighth Lost Incident child! Why didn't you fulfil your responsibility?"

"I only side with those that have true potential, like Azrael here." Teravolt Dragon told Herald. "The other child was weak, so I allowed Azrael to kill the eighth Lost Incident child and the Black Ignis."

"That doesn't matter. What matters now is the conclusion of this duel." Azrael interjected, ending the conversation. "The effects of Teravolt Dragon and Cinnamon Bird now activate. First, when Teravolt Dragon is Link Summoned, the effects of all Spell and Trap cards are negated."

"WHAT?!" Raguel gasped out of pure horror, while Herald's eyes widened out of pure surprise.

"You heard me. Electric Veil!" Teravolt Dragon's electric generator-like tail began to charge up before unleashed waves of electrical energy at Raguel's facedown cards, short-circuiting them in the process. "Second, as Cinnamon Bird was used to Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster gains 1000 attack points!" Teravolt Dragon roared as his strength increased.

Teravolt Dragon ATK: 3000 + 1000 = 4000

"It's time to end this duel. Battle!" Azrael declared. "Teravolt Dragon attacks Turboblaze Dragon! Devastation Bolt!" Teravolt Dragon surrounded himself in blue electricity that formed a sphere before charging straight towards Turboblaze Dragon, who fired a beam of fire to try and stop him. It was all for naught, as Teravolt Dragon slammed Turboblaze Dragon with the energy surrounding him, which caused a massive explosion that pushed Raguel back, and he would have fallen off the ground had he not slammed his sword down to the ground at the last minute.

Raguel: 250 – 1000 = 0

Pulling his sword off the ground, Raguel charged forward at Azrael, hoping to slash him with it. Azrael responded by blocking the sword strike with the Muramasa, causing Raguel to try and attack him with his sword again. In response, Azrael dodged the strike and hit Raguel with the butt of the Muramasa, which pushed him back several feet. After Herald enhanced the power of his double-barreled revolver, Raguel fired several bullets at Azrael, only for the latter to spin the Muramasa in front of him and spin them around before they fell to the ground. From there, Azrael slashed upwards, causing the bullets to head towards Raguel, and it would have hit him had Herald not created a shield at the last minute to repel them.

"Why do you refuse to gain power?" Azrael inquired. "The power of Myojin Furutani?"

"Myojin?" Raguel repeated, a tinge of curiosity in his tone. For all Raguel knew, he didn't have any siblings growing up, so the fact there was another Furutani out there made him curious. But this was not the time for him to be asking for details. "I don't know what you're talking about, and I couldn't care less right now." He and Azrael charged at each other, their swords locking against one another in combat. Azrael, however, broke the lock by slicing upward, causing Raguel to lose his grip on his sword...

...And before Raguel could react, Azrael stabbed him in the chest with the Muramasa, right when Raguel's sword landed on the ground.

"RAGUEL!" Herald shrieked in horror, having seen that Azrael stabbed right through his barrier. Drops of blood began falling out of Raguel's chest, some of it having fallen from Raguel's lips.

"Foolishness, Yuhiro. Foolishness..." Azrael reprimanded Raguel, as he stabbed deeper in his stomach. "Might controls everything. And without strength, you cannot protect anything. Let alone yourself." Pulling the Muramasa out of Raguel's chest, Azrael grabbed the pendant wrapped around Raguel's neck before he fell to the ground. Looking at it triumphantly, he grinned before walking over to where Raguel's sword was and picking it up.

Raguel attempted to stand up on his feet, but Azrael immediately stabbed him with the reeved up sword and prevented him from doing so. He then cut it up into pieces, leaving the blade part pierced in Raguel's chest as blood flowed out of it.

"As for that weapon of yours, it's a sham. Something that isn't worthy of you." Azrael commented, disappointment obviously evident in his voice.

"Do you finally have it, my lord?" Malf asked, as Azrael turned to look at him, who had just emerged from a portal.

"Yes. Now the seals Myojin put in place will be broken." Azrael answered, now walking away from Raguel's body, as Malf eyed it.

"Get back here right now! I won't let you actions go unpunished!" Herald cried out. Soon, a burst of energy blasted out of Raguel, causing the pierced blade to shoot out of his stomach before he got up. He then charged at Azrael, hoping to punch him, or at least hurt him in some way. Unfortunately, Azrael easily dodged Raguel's punch before punching him in the gut and grabbing him by the lapels with his right hand.

"You fight like a naïve child, Yuhiro!" Azrael scolded Raguel out of pure disappointment and disgust. "As if you'll win because you want to so badly? You cannot defeat me with raw emotion alone!" Numerous blue mirage blades appeared on Azrael's left and right sides as he pushed Raguel back, each blade launching itself to pierce and prevent him from moving any further.

"My lord, we should leave." Malf stated, getting Azrael's attention. "You have all that you need. There's no point lingering around any longer, as Raguel's allies are coming to assist him."

"Very well. Let's meet up with the others." Azrael and Malf then headed over to the portal, which closed behind them after they entered inside it.

The Data Gale then dissipated, which gave Soulburner, Slipstream, and Watchman a clear view of the tower.

"There he is!" Slipstream said, the three of them heading over to the top of the tower before jumping off their respective duel boards and landing on it. Heading over to Raguel, they all gasped upon looking at him.

"My God.." was all Watchman could say.

"I'm logging Raguel out. Meet us in the real world ASAP!" Herald immediately stated, with Soulburner and Slipstream nodding as he made Raguel log out of the network.

"I'll look into this right away. Go assist your friend." Watchman instructed Soulburner and Slipstream before jumping on his duel board and speeding away from them.

With time of the essence, Soulburner and Slipstream immediately logged out of the network, intent on rendezvousing with the others.

At Café Matsuo, in the backroom...

Yuhiro slowly walked out of the closed space, the bloody wounds evident all over his body.

"Yuhiro, you're back!" Roxy said, noticing him exit the closed space. "Thank God you're- Oh my God, Yuhiro!" She immediately caught him from falling and helped him walk out of the backroom. "Oh no. No, no, no, no, NO!"

"Azrael did this to Yuhiro." Herald immediately told her.

"Roxy, Yuhiro's been injured!" Arashi stated, immediately running downstairs to the backroom. "We need to-."

But before anyone could say anything else, Yuhiro vomited blood.

A light shines and the letters spelling out VRAINS light up the screen before a network is formed and several cards are drawn in towards a pillar of light. Playmaker, Raguel, and Soulburner are shown with their respective Ignis and stats, along with real-life forms that across the backgrounds that match their Ignis' colors. The screen then shows each of them being shocked while wearing VR sets as kids, along with Arashi.

The screen gets swallowed with darkness at It reveals a young Yukage huddled up and crying, his shadow shrinking behind him before taking the form of Wraith and comforting him. Yukage looks up with a menacing and soul piercing glare before the darkness consumes him and he's replaced with an older version of himself. Azrael and Wraith are then shown in NEW LINK VRAINS, as they look out into the digital sky. The scene then shifts to Bohman standing tall above NEW LINK VRAINS and holding the earth in his hands with Haru by his side. Malf grins in the shadows behind them, his red eyes shining bright in the process.

A drop of light falls down, and as it explodes, it reveals Playmaker, Raguel, and Soulburner, standing on buildings watching over the network, along with Slipstream as well. Blood Shepherd is shown commanding a trio of Battledrone Sergeants before the screen shifts to Drachen, who is shown commanding Red-Eyes Black Dragon. The screen then shifts a third time to Electrolyzer, where above him was PSY-Frame Driver, with PSY-Framegears Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, and Zeta. The screen then shows Go Onizuka, Kenmochi, and Yoroizaka with Dinowrestler King T Wrextle, Gouki the Blade Ogre, and Gouki the Solid Ogre behind them ready for battle.

Blue Girl, Ghost Girl, Numera and SengokuQueen are then featured together riding their duel boards across the night sky with shooting stars flying across them. Trickstar Holly Angel was with Blue Girl, while Numera was with Geomathmech Final Sigma. Ghost Girl was with Altergeist Dragvirion, while SengokuQueen was with Secret Six Samurai – Rihan.

The screen then changes to Raguel, Playmaker, and Soulburner riding on their duel boards with Cyreath Medusa and Cyreath Hercules/Alpha Mode, Cyberse Magician, Cyberse Witch, and Salamangreat Heatleo behind them. Following the trio is Slipstream and Clear Wing Synchro Dragon. The four of them join together with a fist bump and smile in the real world as the wind blows, with Kusanagi, Roxy, and Greg watching them from Kusanagi's truck. Rachel then runs toward the quartet, and more specifically, Yuhiro, a look of joy clearly on her face. Unbeknownst to everyone, they're watched from the shadows by a hooded Yukage, who glares at them, biding his time.

Card Gallery

Raguel:

Cyreath Damselfly (LV: 1/Cyberse/Wind/ATK: 0/DEF: 0)

Effect: If you control no monsters in the Main Monster Zones, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is used for the Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' Link Monster: You can add 1 'Cyreath' monster from your deck to your hand. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Damselfly' once per turn.

Cyreath Cercopes (LV: 2/Cyberse/Earth/ATK: 500/DEF: 500)

Effect: If this card is used as Link Material for a Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster is unaffected by your opponents card effects for the rest of the turn; also it gains this effect:

This monster can attack twice during each Battle Phase.

You can only use this effect of 'Cyreath Cercopes' once per turn.

Cyreath Euryale (LR: 2/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 1400/️↘️)

Effect: 2 'Cyreath' monsters. Once per turn: You can target 1 'Cyreath' monster this card points to and one card your opponent controls; shuffle both of them into their respective owners decks.

Cyreath Circe (LR: 3/Cyberse/Light/ATK: 2400/↙️⬆️↘️)

Effect: 2 or more 'Cyreath' monsters. During either player's turn: You can choose the targets for your opponents attacks or card effects. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon one 'Cyreath Piglet' token to a Main Monster Zone a 'Cyreath' Link Monster points to (LV: 4/Cyberse/Earth/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1200). If a 'Cyreath Piglet' token is used to Link Summon: You can send 1 card your opponent controls to their GY. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Circe' once per turn.

Azrael:

Cychaic Caladrius (LV: 2/Cyberse/Light/ATK: 500/DEF: 500)

Effect: When a 'Cychaic' monster you control is destroyed by battle: You can destroy 1 'Cychaic' card you control; Special Summon this card from your hand and the destroyed monster from your GY to your field, and if you do, you can reduce battle damage to 0, also, end the Battle Phase. If this card is destroyed by a card effect: You can send 1 'Cychaic' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your GY; apply that cards effect. You can only use each effect of 'Cychaic Caladrius' once per turn.

Cychaic Strix (LV: 4/Cyberse/Wind/ATK: 1200/DEF: 1200)

Effect: Once per turn: You can destroy 1 card on your field, and if you do, you can look at your opponents hand; destroy 1 card from it. If this card is destroyed by a card effect: You can send 1 card your opponent controls to their GY. You can only use each effect of 'Cychaic Strix' once per turn.

Cychaic Cinnamon Bird (LV: 3/Cyberse/Fire/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1000)

Effect: If this card is used as Link Material for a Link Summon, the Link Summoned monster gains 1000 ATK. If this card is destroyed by a card effect: You can target 1 'Cychaic' Link Monster on your field; gain LP equal to its Link Rating X 500. You can only use each effect of 'Cychaic Cinnamon Bird' once per turn.

Cychaic Tribute (Normal Spell card)

Effect: You can destroy 1 'Cychaic' monster on your field; draw 2 cards. You can only activate 1 'Cychaic Tribute' per turn.

Cychaic Pantheon (Continuous-Spell card)

Effect: Once per turn, during either player's turn (Quick Effect): You can destroy 1 card on your field; move 1 monster your opponent controls to a Main Monster Zone a 'Cychaic' Link Monster points to. Each time a card you control is destroyed by a card effect, except by 'Cychaic Pantheon', place 1 'Mirage Sword' counter on this card. If this card is destroyed by a card effect: You can destroy cards your opponent controls for each 'Mirage Sword' counter this card had when it left the field. You can only use this effect of 'Cychaic Pantheon' once per turn.

Cychaic Blades (Link Spell card/️️️)

Effect: When a 'Cychaic' monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the damage step. While you control a 'Cychaic' Link Monster, this card is unaffected by your opponents card effects. If this card leaves the field: You can destroy all cards this card points to.

Cychaic Stratagem (Normal Trap card)

Effect: When this card is activated: Apply this effect until the End Phase; the first time a 'Cychaic' monster you control would leave by battle or card effect, negate it. Then, activate 1 of the following effects:

Special Summon 1 'Cychaic' monster from your deck or GY.

Destroy 1 'Cychaic' card you control, and if you do, destroy 1 card your opponent controls.

This turn, the effects of 'Cychaic' cards you control cannot be negated.

You can only activate 1 'Cychaic Stratagem' per turn.

Cychaic Record (Counter Trap card)

Effect: When your opponent activates a card effect: You can negate the effect, and if you do, destroy it. Then, if you control a 'Cychaic' Link monster the turn this card was activated: You can destroy 1 'Cychaic' card on your field and 1 card on your opponents field. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to both of this cards effects. You can only activate 1 'Cychaic Record' per turn.

Cychaic Caligula (LR: 2/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 2000/↙️⬆️)

Effect: 2 'Cychaic' monsters. While this card points to a monster on your opponent's field, it can attack all monsters your opponent controls once each. Once per turn: You can destroy 1 'Cychaic' monster this card points to; until the End Phase, this card gains ATK equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK, also, reduce the ATK of 1 monster this card points to by the same amount. If this card is destroyed by a card effect: You can target 1 card your opponent controls; negate its effects until the end of your next turn. You can only use this effect of 'Cychaic Caligula' once per turn.

Cychaic Lucius Longinus (LR: 3/Cyberse/Earth/ATK: 2500/↙️⬆️⬇️)

Effect: 2 or more 'Cychaic' monsters. Once per turn, when this card inflicts battle damage and points to a monster on your opponents field: You can inflict damage to your opponent equal to half the original ATK of that monster. Once per turn, during either player's turn, when your opponent activates a card effect (Quick Effect): You can destroy 1 'Cychaic' card in your hand or field; negate the effect. If this card is destroyed by battle or card effect: You can Set 1 'Cychaic' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your field. You can only use each effect of 'Cychaic Lucius Longinus' once per turn.

Teravolt Dragon (LR: 4/Cyberse/Light/ATK: 3000/↙️↖️↗️↘️)

Effect: 2 or more effect monsters. When this card is Link Summoned: Negate the effects of all Spell and Trap cards your opponent controls. Once per turn, during either player's turn, when a monster effect is activated that targets a card you control: You can discard 1 card; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it. When this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the GY: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; that monster cannot attack, also, its effects are negated until the end of your opponent's next turn.

QOTC

Let's be honest for a moment. Who here enjoyed seeing Yuhiro get that very needed reality check? How do you think it will affect him moving forward?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 68: The Imprisoning Truth. Recovering from the aftermath of his duel with Azrael, Yuhiro tries as hard as he can to move forward. However, the physical and mental scars, along his values being shattered by Azrael, have prevented him from doing so. Giving into temptation and seeing no other way forward, Yuhiro breaks his promise to Roxy as he dives into the Project: VIII information himself, where he learns something major that further unsettles him...

Author's Notes

Alright, the eventful chapter is finished! I'm so happy with how it turned out, and I hope all of you enjoyed it as well. Before I get to the recap, I want to explain two reasons why releasing this chapter took so long. One: I had to double check the content and ensure that everything I wanted on this chapter was there. Two: I had to go to surgery for my left shoulder, as it got dislocated. The good news is that the surgery was a success, my left shoulder is repaired, and I'm on the road to recovery. Hooray! But putting that aside, let's get to the recap, shall we?

First up is the real-world scenes, starting with Yukage visiting Café Matsuo. Why, you ask? Simple. He was hungry, and needed to order a meal, especially with the events to come. That being said, Yukage interacts with Roxy and Yuhiro by providing some interesting philosophical stuff in how the world works. Not only does he point out that someone must suffer in order for someone else to prosper, he does it in such a way that it impacts Yuhiro and Roxy.

While I won't recap the scene regarding the discussion on Earth, I will say this: In the anime, I was disappointed that Takeru and Flame weren't involved in the discussion. After all, it would have been interesting for Flame to provide his thoughts on Earth, that's for sure. It is during this discussion where Watchman interrupts it by requesting Takeru and Arashi's help, as he's found something important, but is escaping from lots of Bitboots. As Takeru and Arashi go to help out Watchman, Yuhiro goes to help Yusaku in meeting up with Earth. But just before Yuhiro's about to log in, Azrael sends him a message, saying that he has the cure for Miyu in his hands, and will only give it to Yuhiro if he beats him in a duel. Now I know what some of you may be thinking: Wouldn't Yusaku, Takeru, and Arashi get wind of this and change priorities? To address this concern, I had Azrael plant a program in Yuhiro and Roxy's systems that practically cut off communication between them and their allies. While the systems will be repaired, it'll take quite a bit for them to be fully functional.

Now onto the duel between Raguel and Azrael. Well, two duels to be exact. First is the sword duel between both of them, as thanks to Herald, Raguel was able to stay on guard against Azrael's attacks. However, Azrael's sword, the Muramasa, was easily able to cut them down. Recall that Raguel was trained to use a sword for his jobs, so he knows how to use it. But despite his training and flexibility in using other weapons, Azrael was able to both defeat and injure him in combat. It shows how strong of a swordsman Azrael is, as he's trained MUCH LONGER in using the Muramasa than Raguel in using a sword from the Black Market.

As for the second duel, that's basically the showdown between Raguel and Azrael as duelists. Here, I wanted both of them to try and outsmart one another, as after all, neither of them are pushovers. What's ironic here is that Raguel played a card that protected him from Azrael's cards, which was Cyreath Argo. Sadly, it wasn't enough, as Azrael easily got rid of it. And while Raguel was able to reduce Azrael to 200 life points thanks to Turboblaze Dragon, Azrael responded by bringing out Teravolt Dragon. That's right. Teravolt Dragon has finally appeared, folks. Let me know what you thought of his first appearance in a duel, and rest assured, he will appear more in the future.

During the duel, Azrael practically broke Raguel apart in making him question himself, as well as rebuking him for relying on others. My goal for this duel was to have Azrael break Raguel physically, mentally, and emotionally. After all, he needed this reality check, don't you all agree? Azrael even said that Raguel's values were nothing more than shackles. Things that meant nothing in this world. And when Azrael reprimanded Raguel for doing things in Miyu's name, especially considering how he calls himself a warrior of justice, it hit him. Hard. Now I know some of you said you wanted Raguel to find another reason to fight other than for Miyu's sake, and while he found other reasons to fight (finding out who was responsible for the Cyberse World's destruction, stopping Bohman and Haru, protecting the Ignis, etc.), he still needs to find his own reason on why he wishes to fight. It's something that will certainly happen, as after all, what's character development for? That being said, I hope this is the first step in Raguel's character being developed further as the story progresses.

Following the duel, Azrael practically injures Raguel as punishment for failing to live up to his expectations. Before Watchman, Soulburner, and Slipstream can arrive at the tower, Azrael and Malf escape through the use of a portal. And upon returning to the real world, Roxy goes to help Yuhiro walk out of the closed space in the backroom, only for him to vomit blood afterwards. Quite a way to end a chapter, don't you think?

So with all the events recapped, I want to thank you all for reading Chapter 67 of Obscured Truth. 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.

Now before I go folks, I have to point out a few things. First, because of my surgery, I have to begin the recovery process in ensuring that my left shoulder works again one hundred percent, so expect a small delay. Second, Chapter 68 will have no duels. Rather, it will only be a dialogue-based chapter, so even if there's a delay, I still have everything planned out. If all goes well, expect Chapter 68 to be released in the beginning of May.

What did you enjoy the most from this chapter? The duel between Raguel and Azrael? Teravolt Dragon's debut? Raguel getting his much needed reality check? Or was it something else?

That's all for now, folks. See you next time!