Yu-Gi-Oh Academy
Chapter 21
Scavenger Hunt! Sinister Forces Make Their Move!
Part One of Two

It was probably one of the rare moments Miss Summer had to appreciate. The multiple clicking noise of fingers quickly was the only sound that was heard apart from the occasional student's sighs. Yet, the Ra Yellow teacher could feel that her precious students were eager for the day to end. Today was the Scavenger Hunt, an event that Summer and the other teachers planned just for everyone in preparation for the Quasar Cup and a nice beginning for the Winter Break. Summer ran her fingers through her hair as she looked at the time herself. Minutes passed by so very slowly as Summer looked towards Danielle's group at their studies. Even the teacher could feel goosebumps from the lilac-haired leader as she definitely had that kind of presence. Doubt started to settle in Summer's mind, hoping that tomorrow's event was going to be enough to get the students motivated for the Quasar Cup. "All right everyone, power down your monitors. I've got something to tell everyone." Summer grabbed everyone's attention as all the monitors went down. All eyes were on her as she smiled, closing her eyes. "I would like to thank everyone, first off, for being my students. It's been a great honor teaching everyone what I could, and it brings my heart more joy when I've seen how much everyone's grown. So much so that there's not much I can teach. That's why I wanted to host the Scavenger Hunt today." She thanked her students as several students thanked her for being a good teacher. She picked up her Duel Disk as the Speakers in the room blared on to hear Isaac speaking.

"Attention all students of Central Academy, attention. For those participating in the Scavenger Hunt hosted by Miss Summer, it will begin once the bells sound. Normal Scavenger Hunts have you running around a certain area finding trinkets and items to bring back for points, however, we're a Duel Monsters Academy and we've arranged things to be a bit more different. Your Duel Disks are linked to the event itself as several powerful Duelists are spread around the entire island at certain landmarks. It could be one of the many dorms, it could be the battle site, who knows? The goal is to get to each of these landmarks and earn yourself one of several marks for your team. Yes, I said teams, this is a team effort as the clubs you've bonded with through the first half of the school year will be your assigned team as practice for the Quasar Cup. As for that event as well, this counts as extra points to start off with a bang. Now, these marks are not certain. You could duel the challenger in one area, and then find that another area has the same mark. This is where it gets interesting. If you duel another Duelist however, that has a mark your team is missing, you can duel them for that mark itself. Do you all split up as a team and find as many marks as you can, or stay together for a sure-fire victory? A list of the landmarks will be sent to all the D-Gazers participating in today's duel. Everyone, I wish you luck." Isaac finished the explaination as the next thing coming out of the loudspeakers was the bells. Students jumped up at the sound as they were already racing out the door with their Duel Disks out. Summer didn't have much time either as she had to hurry to her spot in the Scavenger Hunt.

Danielle and her group rose up almost in unison as Nick's visor was glowing with different windows. A smile slowly came upon his face as he told Danielle what he was seeing. "My visor is hooked into the Dueling Mainframe. I can see where all the duels take place, but to avoid suspicion, I can only see the strongest cards. With this, I can direct everybody to where all these little marks are. Speaking of, what'll be our teams?" Nick asked their pretty leader.
"Simple, my friend. I only need one team. Heather, I will need your assistance for the duel I want to fight. As for everyone else, you may go your seperate ways, but Lily, I want you to accompany Rika as a safe precaution in case that Mikee tries something again. As for you two, go after the other marks." Danielle told her group as Rika seemed a little disappointed. "Understood." Lily acknowledged as everyone else nodded and begun to seperate.

From the bottom of the classroom watched Mikee as he kept an eye on the blue-haired girl. He wanted to just duel her, but now with Lily keeping an eye on her, that was going to be a little trouble. "Mikee, I know you want to duel Danielle's group, but you can't worry about that now. They're probably going after other Duelists." Neo warned him. He took a moment before agreeing as their D-Gazers received an update. The list wasn't as long as people liked, but it was do-able. The lists involved included places such as the Stadium, the beaches along the Obelisk Blue dorm, the Ra Yellow dorms, near the Volcano, the old Dueling site, and even in Isaac's office. "Well, I could try to go for the stadium if you guys want to check the other dueling spots." Luna asked.
"That's fine, we can do that. I can start with the Ra Yellow Dorms. I think I know who's going to be over there. How about you, Mikee?" Neo asked, arming his Duel Disk for the duels ahead.
"I'll find whoever's at the volcano then. I need a good walk." Mikee answered as he noticed Neo's glare. "AND, I'll avoid Danielle at all costs. You don't need to worry about that, Neo."
"You'd better, if we lose all our marks out of nowhere, I know who it might be." Neo told them as Luna snickered a bit. The group laughed it off a bit as they gave each other high-fives and seperated, on their way to get the points.

"So, did you get into the Duelist Mainframe yet? We've got to check and see if our little program will work." The small group of Slifer Reds were discussing rather quietly as a tall male with his own thick visor was quickly moving his hands around at an almost inhuman speed. "Yes, the bug has successfully entered the field. With it, we'll finally be able to introduce our own Dueling style. Doing this might have alerted the ones watching the Network, but it won't be a problem. What about our team seperations?" The visor male asked Marth in the center. He adjusted his cap as an evil grin came across his face. "Easy. You're coming with me to fight Danielle. I know where she's heading first. The rest of you, feel free to do whatever you want. Once the Dueling Mainframe goes down, you're free to use the new style we've got from North. If there's anyone you particually disliked, or wanted out of your way, go ahead and duel the hell out of them. Just cause utter chaos. We're here to spread our message that we mean business." Marth commanded his small group. The others laughed at the thought as everyone agreed. They would finally get their chance to show off their true power.

Meanwhile, Nick's visor was beginning to blink quickly as the messages popped up for only him to understand. This was where his usual confidence began to waver as he looked more concerned than anything else. On his visor, it stated that someone installed a dueling program into the Dueling Mainframe. When his visor tried to look more into it, it started to bug out slightly. "Tch, someone's interferring with us. I better tell Danielle to keep a lookout." Nick said to himself as he pressed a picture of Danielle's face on his visor's screens. "What is it, Nick?" She immediately asked.
"We have some bugs crawling about, they've put an odd program in the Dueling Mainframe, just be on the lookout for people going after you. I'll tell the others to watch their backs." Nick told his friend.
"Very well, if you can, get rid of the problem. We don't need anything else interrupting us during this." Danielle ordered and hung up as Nick let out a sigh. It did start to boggle his mind a bit that someone is currently trying to change something in the Academy now. If you put a bug in the mainframe like the one he saw, you could shut off Duel Disks, turn off eyes like his, or worse, adjust the win/loss ratios. Even though she's strong, I think whoever it is will go after her. Better get over there and play the hero. He thought to himself as more screens popped up. "Game on, bug."

"So, you've arrived here, Neo." Summer asked as she was sitting on a sturdy wooden bench. She sat among an empty dueling field as the Obelisk Blue walked up to approach her. He seemed pretty confident at his duel ahead as he asked, "Miss Summer, are you one of the Mark Holders?" Summer nodded as she stood up, dusting off her white skirt. Her old fashioned Duel Disk activated as Neo activated his. "Yes, though I haven't seen other Duelists come by here yet. You're the first who decided to come by the dorms." Summer told the Obelisk Blue, sounding a bit disappointed at the statement. A breeze blew right on by as she did in fact look right at Neo with a determined look on her face. "Well then, Neo of Team Quasar if I recall, you must beat me in order to earn my mark. Are you ready?" She asked the confident leader.
"Of course I'm ready, and I don't intend on losing either." Neo told the pretty teacher.
"I admire your determination, but you're going to need more than that to defeat me." Summer told the leader, another breeze blowing though as it seemed to be carried with anticipation. He knew for sure that Summer was not going to hold back. "Duel!" Both duelists declared as they drew their starting hands.

Duel between Neo and Summer will now begin. Each duelist begins with 8000 LP. Neo will begin first.

"I'll start things off with a face-down." Neo declared as he ended his turn. His eyes were set on Summer. Miss Summer's Deck is the Wind-Ups, as they can change and alter their levels for classic XYZ Summons. If I can draw the cards I need, and set up my field before she can set hers up, I'm good to go for winning this. The Obelisk Blue confidently thought as Summer had a smile on her face. "I'll start things off with this then. Draw!" The Ra Yellow Teacher drew her card and selected one of her cards quickly. "If I don't control a monster, I can Special Summon this; Speedroid Terrortop!" She called forth a set of mechanical wheels onto the field as they were glowing brightly. This seemed to throw off Neo as she still let off a smile. Speedroid Terrortop is a Level 3 WIND Machine monster with 1200 ATK and 600 DEF. "When my Terrortop is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a Speedroid monster from my Deck to my hand."
"I didn't know you played Speedroids, Miss Summer." Neo asked as she selected a card from her Deck. She paused for a moment before revealing what it was; A Speedroid Taketomborg. "I don't. But I prefer these two cards as they can help me pull off tricks with my Wind-Ups. Such as this. If I control a WIND monster, I can Special Summon Taketomborg!" Summer called another machine to the field as it seemed to be smaller than its top friend. Speedroid Taketomborg is a Level 3 WIND Machine with 600 ATK and 1200 DEF. She raised her hand high in the air as both cards began to glow brightly. "With my Level 3 Terrortop and Level 3 Taketomborg, I create the Overlay Network!" She called out as both monsters transformed into energy and flew into a portal. As soon as the portal exploded with its energy, a red-caped warrior flew out of the light, landing in front of Summer. "XYZ Summon! M-X-Saber Invoker!" Summer called forth as the warrior yelled out triumphly. M-X-Saber Invoker is a Rank 3 EARTH Warrior XYZ monster with 1600 ATK and 500 DEF. Neo seemed to be the one blown away by the card she summoned as it didn't stop there. One of the materials detatched from the caped warrior and entered its sword as Invoker struck the ground with the glowing blade. "I activate Invoker's effect! I detatch a material from this card and proceed to Special Summon 1 Level 4 EARTH Warrior or Beast-Warrior from my Deck in Defense Position. Its only drawback is that it's destroyed during the End Phase, but my monster isn't staying long. I Special Summon Wind-Up Soldier onto the field!" She called forth her green Level 4 Soldier as it jumped from the cracked ground in a defensive position. Wind-Up Soldier: EARTH Warrior, Level 4, 1200 DEF. Neo could now see why the Speedroid cards were added to Summer's Deck as she didn't slow down either. "Next, I activate Wind-Up Factory! You'll get to see what it dows as I activate Wind-Up Soldier's effect! Until the end of my turn, Soldier's Level goes up by one, and its Attack is increased by 400!" Summer continued as the yellow key behind Soldier started winding up. Its eyes shone brightly as it seemed to increase in size. Wind-Up Soldier: Level 5, 2200 ATK. The Spell Card behind the Soldier activated in response as Summer's Deck was shuffling around. "Now with Wind-Up Factory, once per turn, if an effect of a Wind-Up monster is activated, I can add a Level 4 or Lower Wind-Up monster from my Deck to my hand. The card I add is Wind-Up Shark! My little fish won't stay in my hand for long as I Normal Summon my next card: Wind-Up Rabbit!" Summer called forth a third monster as this was the time Neo realized she didn't even use her Normal Summon yet. The familiar red rabbit bounced onto the field, ready for action. Wind-Up Rabbit: Level 3 EARTH Beast-Warrior, 1400 ATK, 600 DEF. A blue circle appeared next to Soldier as the Wind-Up Shark she added to her hand recently appeared next to the glowing Soldier. Wind-Up Shark: Level 4 WATER Fish. 1500/1300. "Thanks to Shark's effect, when I Normal or Special Summon a monster, I can bring it out. And I can raise or lower its Level once per turn! I raise Wind-Up Shark's level by one!" Summer declared as the key behind Wind-Up Shark started to turn, the blue fish growing in size as well. Both monsters became energy and flew into another XYZ portal. "Using both my Level 5 Wind-Up Soldier and my Level 5 Wind-Up Shark, I create the Overlay Network! XYZ Summon!" She called out as another explosion of light occured. This time, a bright white sword came into the battlefield, wielded by a slightly visible spirit. "Artifact Durendal!" Artifact Durendal is a Rank 5 LIGHT Fairy XYZ monster with 2400 ATK and 2100 DEF.

Neo braced himself as all her monsters lined up for the attack. "I attack your face-down with M-X-Saber Invoker!" Summer declared as her Warrior held his sword up high and rushed at Neo's face-down creature. It flipped up to be a bright grey insect as the Warrior cut through it with ease. "You just took down my XX-Saber Emmersblade! When it's destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower X-Saber monster from my Deck! So come on out, another Emmersblade!" Neo summoned another Insect X-Saber as it remained on guard. XX-Saber Emmersblade: Level 3 EARTH Insect. 1300/800. She still had the smile on her face as her Wind-Up Rabbit leapt into the air and dove straight at his remaining defense, piercing through as its effect activated once more. This time, dark shadows appeared where the insect was destroyed. A human-like creature rose up from the shadows, wielding a scythe and had a red cloak behind him as well, its face hidden from the shroud. "I Special Summon XX-Saber Darksoul from my Deck. Let's see you get through him." Neo asked the Ra Yellow Teacher. XX-Saber Darksoul: Level 3 EARTH Beast. 100/100.Her Artifact Durendal was more than happy to strike as it flew straight forward, piercing through Neo's creature with ease as his field was wide open. She beckoned her hand to the large sword as one of the swirling materials entered its blade. "It's at this moment I activate one of Artifact Durendal's effects! Once per turn, by detatching a material from this card, both of us shuffle our hands into our Decks and draw the same number of cards." She told Neo as the sword pointed straight up into the cloudy sky above. It fired out two rays of light to both of their hands as the cards were shuffled back into the Deck. Summer drew three cards while Neo drew four. "I end my turn at this. Now, it's your move, my student." She told the Obelisk Blue, who seemed to be having fun with the duel.
"Interesting, Miss Summer. I didn't expect you to use Speedroids in your Deck of Wind-Ups. They're more used for quick Synchro Summons." Neo told the young teacher.
"Well, I followed your advice you gave to your peers. After all, your club focuses on using new cards with older archtypes, right? I just decided to try it out myself. That's why I'm glad to be the one dueling you, Neo." Summer answered.
"I'm glad to be fighting a strong opponent who's not holding back. Which means I won't either! At the End Phase, I activate Darksoul's effect! When he's destroyed, during that End Phase, I can add a single 'X-Saber' monster from my Deck to my hand. With the new hand you gave me, I add X-Saber Pashuul." Neo explained as a dark hand appeared out of Neo's Duel Disk and handed him the card he declared. It was then he drew his card and began his counter attack.

-

Luna made it to the Dueling Stadium with some other Duelists as they were heading for the same mark. She still seemed to be a bit depressed about the events going on as Luna rubbed her shoulder. Her eyes glanced over to her Deck in her Duel Disk as she still unsure. Sure, the support she got from Neo and Mikee, and especially from Sadet, but it wasn't easy to recover from Danielle completely shutting her down. Now, with her returning to Magicians, the thought of her coming after the Slifer started to scare her. Geez...what am I thinking? I have to be more confident in myself. I just need to find where that mark is, or who's giving it out. Oh! Luna thought to herself as she saw Cryo in the battlefield. The Obelisk Blue was dueling Sparr as the match already ended. On Cryo's duel disk, a mark glowed on his Duel Disk. "Got one of the marks, seems to be the blue one with Sparr." Cryo spoke through his D-Gazer as he saw Luna staring right at him. She walked up to approach him as Sparr was rebooting himself, getting ready for the next duel. "Oh, you're here. I expected someone else from your Team Quasar to be here." Cryo asked the duelist. She scoffed, guessing that he was waiting for Mikee. She flicked her hair to the side looked to the Dueling Robot. "Yeah, I'm here, so what?" Luna said with a sassy tone, looking back to the Obelisk Blue duelist. Cryo didn't give another word as he was starting to leave when Luna activated her Duel Disk. As she did, the Dueling Robot stood back up, ready to fight its next opponent. The cool-headed Obelisk Blue stood near the doorway, leaning against it as he was becoming rather curious in the Slifer's duel. "DUELIST CONFIRMED: LUNA OF SLIFER RED CLASS. ARE YOU READY TO DUEL?" Spar asked in its usual robotic tone. The ebony-haired Slifer Red nodded as she stood against the robot. "Yes, Sparr! I'm ready to take your mark! I accept your duel!" She declared. Sparr beeped a couple of times in response as it loaded its own Duel Disk.

Duel between Luna and Sparr will now begin. Each Duelist begins with 8000 LP. Luna will begin first.

"I'll start off this duel with summoning this! Magician's Rod!" Luna declared as she summoned forth a dark blue staff. It seemed to be by itself, but with the light in the room, it reflected a cloaked magician holding it forward to the Dueling Robot. Magician's Rod: Level 3 DARK Spellcaster. 1600/100. "When my monster is Normal Summoned, I can add a Spell or Trap card from my Deck that lists 'Dark Magician' in its text! With this, I add Dark Magical Circle!" She pulled the card from her Deck. The one who seemed to be surprised at this was Cryo as he figured she would be using her Fairies. "Spellcasters...So, she fixed up the Deck Danielle pretty much shattered." The Obelisk Blue said to himself as he kept watching.
"I activate Dark Magical Circle; See when this card is activated, I can look at the top three cards of my Deck, then if there's a Dark Magician or a Spell/Trap card that lists 'Dark Magician' in its text, I can reveal and then add to my hand." Luna explained to the Dueling Robot as a magical circle appeared all around the field. Three cards appeared in front of the Slifer as she selected one of them. It was revealed to be a Trap, Eternal Soul. She set down two cards and then ended her turn. Sparr stood there with several beeps going off at once before declaring, "MY TURN. COMMENCE. DRAW. NORMAL SUMMON BATTLIN' BOXER GLASSJAW." As it finished speaking, a big and burly green boxer rose up from the ground, ready to fight as it slammed its two gloved fists together. Battlin' Boxer Glassjaw: Level 4 FIRE Warrior. 2000/0.
"BATTLE PHASE. GLASSJAW ATTACKS MAGICIAN'S ROD!" Sparr declared as its monster started to throw rapid-fire punches.
"Not before I activate my Trap, Eternal Soul! I activate one of its effects, adding a 'Dark Magic Attack' from my Deck to my hand." Luna activated her Trap which transformed into a stone tablet on the field. It glowed brightly and gave Luna the card she received from its effect.
"ONCE MORE. GLASSJAW ATTACKS MAGICIAN'S ROD." The Dueling Robot ordered as Glassjaw rushed forward, breaking the rod in half with one of its mighty punches, dealing damage to Luna. Luna: 7600 LP. "SET TWO CARDS. END TURN." Sparr finished his turn as Luna drew her card.

-

The walk to the volcano was a perfect walk that Mikee needed. Sure, he saw a bunch of other Duelists along the way, but none of them had the marks they needed. He didn't hear anything about Danielle's group coming up the same path either, which was both a relief and a letdown for the Ra Yellow. He wanted to get his revenge at her group for what they did to Tigara, but he promised Neo he'd keep his cool. The edge of the volcano was in sight as he did see a teacher up there in his familiar red coat and hat. He had his back turned, looking towards the center of the hill as the Ra Yellow raced up to his teacher. "Byron, so it's you." Mikee said outloud, getting the Slifer Red Teacher's attention.
"And it's you who's among the first to actually come here. I figure it'd be a good spot for the Duelists to come all the way here, but heck, you're the first here." Byron admitted with a laugh.
"Why come all the way up here anyway? Wouldn't it be easier to duel at the base of the volcano?" Mikee suggested as he climbed up to be on even ground, seeing the cooled inside of the volcano. Thanks to technology, the volcano was no longer active or even had lava, but it was made out to be a dueling field with charred rocks everywhere. Byron looked over the area as he let out a sigh, his hands in his pockets. "This place means a lot to me. You know, I was inspired by the stories about this Academy too, the heroics of Jaden Yuki. This spot was one of the older duels he had against a Red-Eyes duelist. When I attended, this was my favorite place to be." Byron started to explain as Mikee could feel it too.
"But Jaden was a Fusion Duelist who loved using the E-Heroes, and you use Scraps." Mikee pointed out.
"Did you forget the reason why I use Scraps? They remind me of my students who begin from the bottom and rise to the top. Anyway, I'm getting side-tracked." Byron shook his head as he jumped down to the charred battlefield. Mikee followed suit as both of them stared each other down. "I'm sure you're here for my mark. Well, you've got to beat me to do that." Byron told Mikee.
"Which won't be too hard. We both use Synchro archtypes, and I'm determined to win. I've got to help my friends out with the Quasar Cup, so I be going all out from the start!" Mikee declared as his Duel Disk activated.
"Heh, wouldn't have it any other way, kiddo. I won't be holding any punches either." Byron accepted the challenge as his Duel Disk activated as well.

The Duel between Byron and Mikee will now begin. Each Duelist will begin with 8000 LP. Mikee will start the duel.

Mikee looked at the hand he was given as the Ra Yellow set a monster and a face-down card on the field. He was always told to play a little defensively, but this was against Byron himself. From all the duels against Scraps, things would definitely sky-rocket out of control if he didn't play either carefully or fast enough to knock him out. The Slifer Red teacher drew his card, noticing the tension in his student as he threw down a Spell card: Terraforming. "You're playing a little bit on the defensive side early. I usually just see you shooting off plays and throwing up Synchro monsters like nobody's business." Byron asked as he took Scrap Factory from his Deck.
"I'm just going to play a little defensively, knowing how your monsters work, I have to be cautious." Mikee told his teacher. The Scrap Factory appeared behind Byron as the entire factory was built around the volcano itself. A pool of lava opened up behind the Scrap user as Byron summoned out his Scrap Goblin. "If you're going all out, then I will too! I Special Summon Scrap Orthros! As you know, if I control a Scrap monster, it can be Special Summoned, but at a cost." He stated as Orthros roared into the air. Scrap Goblin was destroyed, but the gears around them started to turn. A giant claw lowered into the volcano and brought back up Scrap Golem onto the field. Both monsters stood at 2500 ATK and 1900 ATK each. "Let's see what you've got then. Scrap Orthros!" Byron commanded as his beast to strike at a new monster of Mikee's, but it was destroyed immediately. Scrap Golem followed up the attack with its own, dropping the Ra Yellow's Life Points to 5500 LP. "I'll see what you've got! Now hit me with everything you've got!"
"Very well! I draw!" Mikee drew his card as he felt his pulse racing. This was going to be a duel he wasn't going to forget. "I activate Foolish Burial, and I send Dandylion to the Graveyard. And you know what happens when that goes to the Graveyard!" Mikee explained as two Level 1 Fluff Tokens appeared on the field. "Next, I discard Rush Warrior to Special Summon Quickdraw Synchron, and Normal Summon Synchron Explorer right after that!" Mikee called both monsters to his field as one of the Fluff Tokens, Synchron Explorer, and Quickdraw Synchron rose in the air. "I tune Level 5 Quickdraw Synchron with Level 2 Synchron Explorer and a Level 1 Fluff Token! Golden warrior with razor-sharp claws, forge a path for your comrades and emerge victorious! Synchro Summon!" Mikee called forth a bright yellow warrior who appeared on the edge of the volcano, baring sharp blades on his knuckles. Road Warrior is a Level 8 LIGHT Warrior Synchro with 3000 ATK and 1500 DEF. Bryon looked impressed at his student as the Rush Warrior he discarded earlier rose up as an apparition behind the Ra Yellow duelist. "In the Graveyard, I actiavte my discarded Rush Warrior's effect! By banishing him from the Graveyard, I can return a Synchron monster to my hand, and there, I return Synchron Explorer! Now, Road Warrior's effect, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower Warrior or Machine type monster from my Deck to the field! With that, I call forth, Jet Synchron!" Mikee called another one of his Synchron machines as both the new machine and the Fluff Token. "Come forth, a machine to help forge the path to the future! Synchro Summon! The Synchro Tuner, Formula Synchron!" Mikee called forth his dependable Synchro Tuner to the field. Both its effect and Jet Synchrorn's activated at once as Mikee drew his card and added Junk Synchron to his hand. "Now! Road Warrior, attack Scrap Golem!" Mikee commanded as his golden Warrior extended out its claws and rushed in, slashing through the creature. Byron: 7500 LP.

-
"It's time for my counter attack! I'll show you just how strong I've become! Draw!" Neo declared as he drew his card. "I activate the Spell card, Fire Formation - Tenki! When this card is activated, I can add a Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior type monster from my Deck to my hand. With this, I add XX-Saber Boggart Knight!" Neo explained as his Spell rose from the ground, giving him the card he chose. The Obelisk Blue duelist summoned the called swordsman to the field. It stood there with a commanding presence as Neo's Fire Formation spell gave it more power. XX-Saber Boggart Knight: Level 4 EARTH Beast-Warrior. 1900/1000. 2000 ATK with Fire Formation - Tenki. Summer expected a second summon to come out due to Boggart's effect, but the next move surprised the teacher as Neo activated a Spell in his hand. "I activate the Spell, Saber Slash! This card allows me to destroy a number of face-up cards on the field equal to the number of face-up Attack position 'X-Sabers' I control!" Neo explained as his Boggart Knight's sword started to shine brightly. The warrior drew it and swung directly in front of it, targeting Summer's own M-X-Saber Invoker.
"I don't think so, because I activate my Durendal's second effect! By detatching the last material from this monster, I can change an activated monster's effect or the effect of a Normal Spell or Trap, and the effect targets a Spell/Trap card I control!" Summer explained as the last material fired at the energy slash. It directed the blast away from her monster and into her Wind-Up Factory. "Fine, then Boggart Knight, attack M-X-Saber Invoker!" Neo commanded as his monster cut the original target cleanly, destroying it and causing a bit of damage to Summer. Summer: 7600 LP. The leader of Team Quasar set a card and ended his turn.

"Not bad my pupil. Though I'm surprised you didn't use your monster's effect to call a friend and perform a Synchro Summon." Summer asked as she drew her card.
"I got other plans than just that. I know who and what I'm dealing with, so I'm taking my precautions." Neo told Summer as she lowered her hand to the ground, looking right at her Durendal. "I can see why the others in your team look to you as their leader. You keep on your feet through this duel. Allow me to push you to your limits. I use Durendal as an XYZ material." She commanded as her material-less monster lowered into a portal as another pillar of light shot out. "XYZ Change! Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger!" She called forth a bright and multi-colored dragon that had an equally colored knight on top. Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger: Rank 7 WIND XYZ Dragon. 2600/2100. "I can XYZ Summon Gaia Dragon as long as it's a monster with a Rank 5 or 6, like my Durendal. Next to it, I summon Wind-Up Soldier and activate its effect." She called forth a second Wind-Up Soldier as it wound up to raise its ATK and Level. Wind-Up Soldier: Level 5 EARTH Warrior. 2200/1200. All three of her monsters loomed over Neo's only monster as he was prepared. "Wind-Up Soldier, take the first attack! Get Boggart Knight out of here!" She commanded as her warrior rushed forward.
"This is where things will get serious! I activate Gottoms' Emergency Call!" Neo activated the face-down he set earlier as a huge knight behind the duelist lowered a giant sword to the field. His previously destroyed Emmersblade and Darksoul appeared next to Boggart Knight in Defense Mode. "If there's a face-up X-Saber on my field, I can Special Summon two X-Sabers from my Graveyard to the field!" He confidently told the teacher as Soldier's attack didn't stop, the green toy destroying the knight and inflicting minor damage. Neo: 7800 LP.
"Next, Gaia Dragon will attack Darksoul!" She commanded her XYZ monster as lightning struck the warrior's lance. "And allow me to mention this: As long as my monster has an XYZ material attached, his attacks inflict Piercing damage!" She brought up as the lightning bolt struck through Darksoul and hit Neo as he took more damage. Neo: 5300 LP. Her Wind-Up Rabbit rushed forward and struck at Neo's Emmersblade, destroying the insect knight, but Neo used its effect to bring out a second Boggart Knight. Summer couldn't do anything else as she ended her turn, the Darksoul she destroyed added another card to Neo's hand. He revealed it to be XX-Saber Faultroll as she knew he was going to make his move now.

"My turn! Draw!" Neo drew his card as his eyes were surprised at what the card was. "Let's start things off with One-For-One! By discarding a Monster card, I can Special Summon a Level 1 monster from my Deck or hand to the field! I discard XX-Saber Faultroll to Special Summon my XX-Saber Ragigura!" Neo called forth a small lizard knight with two small swords. XX-Saber Ragigura: Level 1 EARTH Beast-Warrior. 200/1000. 300 ATK due to Fire Formation - Tenki. Summer was almost thrown off at the move until his Ragigura jumped back and onto Neo's Duel Disk as he held it up. "See, when Ragigura is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add an X-Saber from my Graveyard to my hand. And let's add that Faultroll I discarded with One For One." He brought back his discarded card. I see, so he didn't pay One for One's cost by getting back his monster. Smart. Definitely what I expect to see when dueling Obelisk Blues. Summer thought as Neo Normal Summoned X-Saber Pashuul, another small knight with a large sword. X-Saber Pashuul: Level 2 EARTH Warrior Tuner. 100/0. "And now since I control more than two X-Sabers on my field, I can Special Summon Faultroll!" Neo called forth the commanding knight onto the field as it lofted around a large two-handed blade. XX-Saber Faultroll: Level 6 EARTH Warrior. 2400/1800. Summer saw that he had a Tuner on the field, which meant he was finally going to Synchro Summon this turn. Pashuul and Boggart Knight both leapt into the air as he held his hand forward. "I tune Level 2 Pashuul with Level 4 Boggart Knight! Synchro Summon! XX-Saber Hyunlei!" Neo called forth one of his signature Warriors as the pretty female knight appeared on the field in Defense Mode. "When Hyunlei is Synchro Summoned, I can destroy up to three Spells or Traps on the field! Say good-bye to your face-down!" Neo explained as Hyunlei destroyed what was a Fiendish Chain.
"Next, I activate Faultroll's effect! Once per turn, he can call back one of his X-Saber pals in the Graveyard to the field! Come back to us, Pashuul!" The called knight came forth in a veil of bright light as this time, Neo was performing another Synchro Summon, this one Summer didn't see coming. She quickly activated her Wind-Up Rabbit's effect and banished her Wind-Up Soldier from the field in case whatever came out turned out to be bad. Neo's eyes seemed to glow as Pashuul and Hyunlei both rose up in the air. "I tune my Level 2 Pashuul with my Level 6 Hyunlei! Unyielding resolve! Become an unstoppable force and take flight! Synchro Summon!" Neo chanted as a giant pillar of light shot out of the Summon. A brilliant roar was heard as a dragon came out of the light, covered in crystals as it lowered itself to the field. "Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon!" Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon: Level 8 WIND Dragon Synchro. 3000/2500.

Summer was awestruck at the new dragon Neo called forth as it must have been one of the new cards as she didn't expect it. He pointed directly at Wind-Up Rabbit as his attacks began. "XX-Saber Faultroll, attack Wind-Up Rabbit!" The Obelisk Blue commanded as his large warrior cleaved the rabbit in two, dealing damage to Summer once again. His Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon followed up with its own attack as the shining dragon flew into the sky after Gaia Dragon and pierced right through, clearing Summer's field of monsters if it weren't for her Rabbit's effect. Summer: 6200 LP The Obelisk Blue ended his turn as the mighty dragon rested back down, ready for the next monster.

-

"All right then Spar! My move! Draw!" Luna called out as she drew her card. Her eyes looked in surprise as she set her drawn card and then activated a card in her hand. "I activate Dark Magic Veil!" Luna activated her Spell as a magical circle appeared before the Slifer Red. "By paying 1000 Life Points, I can Special Summon a DARK Spellcaster from my hand or Graveyard!" Luna explained as her Life Points were reduced to call forth the Magician's Rod that was previously destroyed. Luna: 6600 LP.
"Next, I play Illusion Magic! I tribute a Spellcaster on my field, which is my Magician's Rod, and I can add up to two copies of Dark Magician from my Deck or Grave to my hand!" Luna explained as her Magician's Rod spun around a bit and disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Once it cleared, two cards flew to the pretty Slifer's hand as she played another Dark Magic Veil. Paying 1000 LP, Luna summoned one of the Dark Magicians she added onto the field. Luna: 5600 LP. Dark Magician: Level 7 DARK Spellcaster. 2500/2100. This surprised Cryo as her summon definitely confirmed that she was playing her Spellcasters again. He had to stay and watch to find out if she improved her skill as the Slifer Red beckoned to her stone tablet, still unaware of the Obelisk Blue's presence. "Now, my Eternal Soul activates! I can Special Summon the second Dark Magician from my hand onto the field!" She called forth a second Dark Magician as both of them glared at Spar's monster. The dueling robot had no comments as it simply waited for her to finish her move. The magicial circle surrounding the field started to glow at the presence of both Magicians as she pointed directly at Glassjaw. "This is where my Dark Magicial Cirlce comes into effect! When 'Dark Magician' is Normal or Special Summoned to the field, I can banish one card my opponent controls! I banish your Glassjaw!" She directed the effect as another circle appeared around the fighter. It vanished out of thin air as Luna activated another Spell. "Now, let's clear the field with Dark Magic Attack, the Spell I added with Eternal Soul earlier! This, as long as I have a Dark Magician on the field, can destroy all Spells and Traps you control!" She explained as both her spellcasters pointed their staves at Spar's two face-downs. A spell fired from both of them immediately destroyed the Traps as the dueling robot still had no reaction.

Luna's Dark Magicians now transformed into energy as they lowered down to a portal as the Slifer was performing an XYZ Summon. "With both my Level 7 Dark Magicians, I create the Overlay Network! XYZ Summon!" Luna called forth another Magician, as this one looked sharper than the Dark Magicians before it as it had a glowing staff. "Ebon Illusion Magician!" Ebon Illusion Magician: Rank 7 DARK Spellcaster XYZ Summon. 2500/2100. Her magician spun around his mighty staff as one of its units focused into the jewel on the magic rod. "I detatch a material from Ebon Illusion Magician to activate his effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Normal Spellcaster-type monster from my hand or Deck, and who better than the third Dark Magician!" Luna called forth a third copy of the Dark Magician. Both Magicians stood side-by-side as they both pointed their magical staves at the dueling robot and fired simutaniously, dealing a ton of damage to Spar. Spar: 8000 - 2500 - 2500 = 3000 LP. She ended her turn there as Spar stood there for a few moments before starting its turn.

"TURN START. SUMMON BATTLIN' BOXER HEADGEARED." Spar declared loudly as he summoned another new Warrior, but as it was beginning to activate its effect, Luna's Eternal Soul Trap activated on its Summon. "Not so fast, Eternal Soul can activate at this point, where I can summon the Dark Magician I sent earlier! And you know what activates whenever a Dark Magician is Special Summoned to my field!" She reminded the robot as her Dark Magic Circle started to activate, getting ready to banish the last line of defense Spar had. "EFFECT ACTIVATE. SENDING BATTLIN' BOXER VEIL TO GRAVEYARD. ACTIVATE SPELL, THE WARRIOR RETURNING ALIVE. ADDING BATTLIN' BOXER VEIL TO HAND. END TURN." Spar performed its move. Its field was wide open for Luna as she started off her attack immediately.

"Dark Magician, attack directly!" She commanded as she chained her Eternal Soul to summon the third Dark Magician. The magic attack struck Spar, but the damage didn't last long as a shield appeared to block the damage. "TAKEN BATTLE DAMAGE, ACTIVATE BATTLIN' BOXER VEIL'S EFFECT. SPECIAL SUMMON TO THE FIELD IN DEFENSE POSITION." Spar declared as her Ebon Illusion Magician knocked it out immediately and Dark Magician knocked Spar's Life Points down to 500. She didn't end her turn there as she summoned another Magician's Rod. "With this Magician's Rod, I will add Dark Magic Expanded to my hand. And next, I overlay my two Level 7 Dark Magicians! XYZ Summon!" Luna brought forth a new magician cloaked in black and white appeared in Attack position. "Ebon High Magician!" Ebon High Magician is a Rank 7 DARK Spellcaster with 2300 ATK and 2800 DEF. Luna ended her turn there, knowing that this next turn would decide the rest of the duel.

"DRAW. SUMMON BATTLIN' BOXER SWITCHITTER. ACTIVATE EFFECT. SPECIAL SUMMON BATTLIN' BOXER VEIL FROM GRAVEYARD. PERFORMING XYZ SUMMON WITH BATTLIN' BOXER SWITCHITTER AND BATTLIN' BOXER VEIL. XYZ SUMMON BATTLIN' BOXER LEAD YOKE!" Spar declared its move as its signature monster appeared on the field. Luna expected the robot to battle against her Magician's Rod, but the robot performed a new trick. "ACTIVATE EQUIP SPELL, MAGNUM SHIELD. EQUIP TO LEAD YOKE." Spar declared as a giant golden shield equipped to Lead Yoke. "EFFECT: INCREASE ATK POINTS EQUAL TO ORIGINAL DEF. BATTLE PHASE. LEAD YOKE ATTACKS EBON ILLUSION MAGICIAN." Battlin' Boxer Lead Yoke: 4200 ATK. Lead Yoke reared up the shielded arm and bashed against Luna's monster, destroying it and dealing significant damage. Luna: 3900 LP. Spar ended its turn as it was time for Luna to end the duel herself.

"Before you end, I activate Eternal Soul once more to summon Dark Magician from the Graveyard, activating Dark Magic Circle!" Luna declared as her Spell banished Lead Yoke and his equiped shield. She drew her card as a pulse raced through her body. It was the new card Neo gave her, the card that would probably be the key to defeating Danielle. "I'll finish this! I activate the Eye of Timaeus!" Luna activated her new card as she held her hands out to the sides, her Dark Magician on the field rising up into the air. "Illusive Magician of timeless legends and Valiant Dragon of Ancient Times...Make history upon this day as this spell unlocks your true potential!" Luna chanted as she rose both her arms into the air, then clasped them in front of herself, declaring, "Fusion Summon!" The Dark Magician vanished into a portal as what came out was a turquoise blue dragon with the Dark Magician riding on top. Amulet Dragon is a Level 8 DARK Dragon Fusion with 2900 ATK and 2500 DEF. Cryo seemed to be the most surprised as spell runes started to appear all around the dragon's scales. "I activate Amulet Dragon's effect! When he's Special Summoned, I can target all Spell cards in our Graveyards and banish them! This gives Amulet Dragon 100 ATK for each card banished this way!" Luna declared as both their cards boosted Amulet Dragon to 3900 ATK. Spar had no reaction or anything to say as Amulet Dragon let loose a giant blast, destroying what was left of Spar's Life Points.

Spar: 0 LP
Luna: 3900 LP.
Luna is the victor.

"Not bad, kiddo. You see, you're definitely a strong person. But do you think you're still ready for the Quasar Cup?" Byron asked as he drew his card.
"I'm more than ready, sir! I'm not going to lose this time like I did before! There's far too much at stake for me to lose this time!" Mikee told him boldly as the Ra Yellow felt his pulse race again. "Then show me how strong you've become! I tribute Scrap Orthros to Summon Scrap Golem! With Golem's effect, I bring back the monster I just tributed! I tune Level 5 Scrap Golem with Level 4 Scrap Orthros! Built with the scraps of your fallen comrades, rear your two heads and dominate the battlefield! Synchro Summon!" Byron called forth as a brilliant light appeared behind him and above the factory. A mighty twin-headed dragon flew high above the field, roaring down at Mikee. Scrap Twin Dragon: Level 9 EARTH Synchro Dragon. 3000/2200. Raised to 3200/2400. Byron's ace monster stood in front of Mikee as his two monsters stared up at the gigantic dragon.

"It's time I end this! Scrap Twin Dragon activates its effect! By destroying a card on my field, I can select two cards on the field and return them back to the hand! Say good-bye to both your Synchro monsters!" Byron ordered as his Dragon started to absorb the entire Scrap Factory around them.

"I'm not letting you take my monsters!" Mikee bravely declared as he lifted his hand into the air. Scrap Twin Dragon fired its two blasts, but Road Warrior and Formula Synchron both flew into the air as the Ra Yellow Duelist closed his eyes. You won't stop at just Tigara, you'll hurt Neo, you'll hurt anyone stronger than you! I won't let you have your way! He remembered the words he shouted at Danielle during their first duel as his fist tightly clenched. "CLEAR MIND! I tune Level 8 Synchro Monster, Road Warrior with Level 2 Synchro Tuner, Formula Synchron!" Mikee declared as his Tuner transformed into tuning rings. His monsters vanished into thin air as Byron had a big grin on his face. This was what he wanted to see. "With every ounce of strength I have, I will protect all that I care about! Manifest into my soul! ACCEL SYNCHRO!" Mikee yelled as a brilliant pillar of light erupted forth. A huge monster shot into the sky with glittering white wings as the new Synchro monster descended down. It was not a dragon, but a Warrior armored with Stardust Dragon. "Be born, Stardust Warrior!" Stardust Warrior is a Level 10 WIND Warrior Synchro monster with 3000 ATK and 2500 DEF. The monster let off a mighty roar, equaling that of the dragon it faced, both Duelists staring each other down. This was certainly going to be a duel.