DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! It is a property of Konami. This story is a work of fiction. Any relations to persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental.
ERROR. CANNOT ESTABLISH CONNECTION.
VERIFYING CAUSE…
CAUSE IDENTIFIED.
SYNC WITH USER HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED.
ATTEMPTING RE-SYNC…
I found Judai outside the school, wearing the dopiest-looking smile I saw in a very long while. It made my shoulders sag in relief.
"You're in a good mood," I noted as I approached. Judai looked up, his eyes their normal brown luster. Not gold and blue as they were when I saw him last.
Somehow, Judai's smile grew bigger. "You are not gonna believe this."
He told me about his experience only moments ago, of how Yugi Muto, the King of Games himself, showed up and briefly sent Judai back in time to duel his younger self. Were this anyone else and our time at school normal, I would have laughed and called them crazy. Instead, I felt immensely jealous.
I mean, seriously. Yugi. Muto. Need I say more?!
"You're one lucky guy," I chuckled. I sat down next to him. "What was it like, staring down an Egyptian God Card?"
"Oh, it was the scariest and most awesome thing I've ever seen!" Judai exclaimed. "You should have seen it, man! It was like this big, had two mouths, and totally wiped me out! I even asked Yubel for help, and I still got the crap kicked out of me!" He sighed and plopped onto his back, sprawling himself out across the lawn. "What I wouldn't give for a rematch…"
Suddenly, Judai fell quiet. "Judai?" I asked worriedly. I grew more concerned when I saw a familiar grin starting to form across his face. "Judai, what are you thinking? And for the love of god, please tell me it's not likely to get us into trouble."
"You don't suppose I could ask Mr. Muto to do that again, do you?" Oh, God, he really was trying to get us killed. "C'mon, thiiink about iiit! You and me versus Mr. Muto and Seto Kaiba!"
For some reason, a cold shudder crawled down my back. The thought of facing Kaiba filled me with dread. It was an unpleasant experience. "No. No way. Don't even think about it."
"But—!"
"Absolutely not. As cool as it might be to duel the King of Games himself, I draw the line at dueling his rival, no matter how awesome that might sound." Judai stared at me. "What?"
"Wow. For once, there's a duel even you wouldn't agree to. Are you sure you're alright, man?"
*THWACK!*
"Ow!"
"Dumbass," I growled in embarrassment, adjusting the brim of my hat.
Don't misunderstand; the chance to duel Seto Kaiba to me is the same as winning the lottery. Dueling him would've been a dream come true. Yet, for some reason, the idea fills me with trepidation and dread.
Hmph. You dare challenge me? Then by all means, show me what you've got. You'll make a great warm-up match.
The image forming in my head, of Kaiba staring me down with a vicious smile and his signature Blue-Eyes White Dragon staring down at me, created a horrid chill down my spine.
"…hey," Judai said suddenly, bringing me out of my thoughts. "What are your plans for graduation?"
I blinked. "What do you mean?"
"I'm thinking of traveling the world," he told me with a smile. "I wanna show Yubel lots of great stuff, see all kinds of places. I'm thinkin' of going to Venice, first. I hear the spaghetti there is to freaking die for." Judai turned to me, his smile growing. "And, well… I was kind of hoping you might come with me?"
"…really?" I couldn't help but ask. "No offense, but why me? Wouldn't going to a romantic place like that be more your and Asuka's scene?"
"Romantic?" Judai blinked in confusion. It took me half a second to remember this was Judai we were talking about and sighed in exasperation. Even when he matured, he still can't recognize a woman's feelings. "Anyway, why wouldn't I ask you to go with me? You've been helping me out since day one, especially during that whole dimension fiasco." Judai chuckled awkwardly and looked away in embarrassment. "That really sucked."
"I wouldn't say it was all bad," I told him. "You were rockin' the bad boy look. Except for the black armor and stuff. You were, uh…"
"Oh, shut up. As if you could pull it off, either! And wearing that kinda sucked, to be honest. Seriously, it chaffed in places I didn't know I had." Judai shook his head. "My point is… Look, I like Sho and all, but he's like my second favorite best friend. You're my top favorite." His smile turned wistful. "Even when I wasn't myself, when we were dueling… I was having fun. Like I was myself, not the Supreme King. Plus, you were the only guy willing to try and knock some sense into me."
"You didn't make it easy, that's for damn sure." What went unsaid was how thrilling the duel was. The tension, the jubilation… Shit, maybe the others are right. Maybe I am a dueling maniac. "It was fun, though. Stakes aside."
"Right?!" Judai laughed. "That's why I want you to come with me. C'mon, think about it! Please?! Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease."
Really, Judai? You're really going for the puppy-dog look?
"…you already know my answer, so please stop."
He looked as if Christmas just came early and leaped to his feet. "SWEET! This is going to be fun!" He looked down and beamed at me. For a moment, I felt as though I traveled back in time to the day we first met. "Hehehe~ Man, I can't wait! You and me, man. We're going all the to the top. We'll be the Kings of Games, just watch!"
"Kings of Games, huh?" I smiled back as I stood up. "I actually like the sound of that… Ah, what the hell. Let's do this, partner."
Judai and I grinned, fistbumping for good measure. Something was waiting for us across the horizon in our future. What, I had no idea. But I was looking forward to finding out.
"Oh, yeah, before I forget…" Judai suddenly dug through his deck holster. "C'mon, where is it, where is it… Aha, here it is!" He took a card out and held it out to me. I took it and flipped it over. To my surprise, it was a copy of Elemental HERO Neos. "A thank-you gift for helping me out."
"…thank you, Judai," I said sincerely. I knew how much these cards meant to him, having heard the story of their creation.
…strange. What's this awkward feeling I'm getting? I feel like…I'm forgetting something. Something important. But what?
I hope it's not a bad omen…
…RE-SYNC COMPLETE.
ESTABLISHING CONNECTION TO USER.
Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS
TAG FORCE: LINK EVOLUTION — prologue —
It happened so quickly, I barely had any time to react. Mine and Tenjo's dragon responded to my non-verbal command and countered the oncoming attack, a stray blast of dark green energy, with a violent burst of dark red flame. The attacks collided, fighting for dominance. Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon's attack won and consumed the flames, but in doing so, created an explosion that violently tore apart the buildings directly in front of it, kicking up huge chunks of falling debris.
Ghost Girl and I had no choice but to disengage from our duel and leap out of the way, jumping onto the nearby rooftops to avoid the falling debris. The data stream rippled with each chunk falling into it. Strangely, the stream did not reform.
"What the hell was that?" I heard Ghost Girl demand angrily.
A shrill, metallic roar echoed through the air. Through the rising smoke, I saw the silhouette of a draconic monster with glowing green eyes.
"What in the world…?"
Unpleasant memories of the Batarian invasion echoed in the back of my mind. The virtual landscape, the recreation of a city, was being torn apart. Buildings were toppled, collapsed and broken on the streets. People running for cover and safety. Fire and smoke encroaching everywhere. A monster standing in the center of this madness. For a brief moment, I saw someone riding the monster.
Strangely, I sensed no feelings from the monster. No aggression, no violent impulses. There was no will from it whatsoever. Its "voice" was silent as the grave. It was as if…as if it was not even alive.
How was that possible?
"Of all the rotten luck," Ghost Girl swore. "The Knights of Hanoi really do have the worst timing."
I turned toward her. "The Knights of Hanoi?" I remembered that name from Lonely Brave's lectures. "The cyberterrorists?"
"That's them," she confirmed grimly. "But why are they here?"
"Cracking Dragon!" the unknown duelist atop the metallic dragon ordered. The dragon opened its maw, once again unleashing a devastating attack upon the city below.
Their attack was not random. It was targeted. He was aiming at something, but what?
I recalled something else from Lonely Brave's lectures, of how the Knights of Hanoi were opposed by a duelist and defeated by them with every appearance.
"Could it be Playmaker?" I suggested.
Ghost Girl frowned. Before she could answer, Cracking Dragon unleashed another attack. At the duelist's command, it suddenly began to move as if in pursuit.
My legs moved before my brain could think. I heard Ghost Girl's confused cries behind me as I leaped down to the broken remains of the data stream, cruising through on my D-Board. Standing by while someone wrecked a city, virtual or no, was not doable for me. A sane person might run away and fear for their life. I had no idea what could happen to me if I got hit by Cracking Dragon's attacks, but at the moment, I could not care. I was never one to sit still while trouble brewed, less so if someone was in danger.
I knew nothing about Playmaker beyond hearsay. I knew nothing about his character or dueling style. None of that mattered, save that he was being attacked.
I reached Cracking Dragon in record time. True to my suspicions, I found the metal beast glowering at a duelist riding atop his D-Board. For a brief moment, nostalgia hits me. This was not a situation I've been in before, nor was this a repeated meeting. By all rights, this was my first meeting with Playmaker.
So, why do I feel like…
No, I can think about that later! For now—!
"Elemental HERO Neos!"
The silver-clad hero leaped out of my Duel Disk, data and solid mass constructing his form just as he struck Cracking Dragon in the face. The blow struck true, creating a small shockwave with enough force to send Cracking Dragon crashing down into a building. The duelist fell off his dragon's head, but quickly reoriented himself and landed atop a D-Board.
"Who are you?!" The Knight of Hanoi was dressed in white robes, his face hidden beneath a silver mask with a single optic and geometric green lines spread across its surface.
I grinned cheekily and waved as I shot past him, quickly catching up to Playmaker. His avatar was that of a young adult in a green-and-black bodysuit, his hair a mishmash of colors like someone else I knew. What struck me were his eyes. Green and brimming with steely determination.
"You're…Red Hat," Playmaker greeted me slowly.
I tipped my hat. "Nice to meet you. Mind If I join in?"
The Knight of Hanoi quickly caught up to us, and he wasn't alone. Striding by was another white-clad duelist, their form distinctly female given their lithe form and heart-shaped face. "The Dark Horse of LINK VRAINS?" Ugh, seriously! Is everyone going to call me that?! "To think he'd interfere as well…"
"It doesn't matter," her comrade scoffed. "We'll deal with him the same as the interloper!" She nodded and raised her Duel Disk.
"Man, what did you do to piss these guys off?" I asked Playmaker as I readied by Duel Disk. "What deck do you use, by the way?"
Playmaker studied me for a moment. "…Cyberse."
I blinked. "You too?" That got a surprised look from him. I loaded my Processlayer deck into the Duel Disk and enacted the program, showing my deck as proof. "That makes things slightly easier, then. Any experience with Tag Duels?"
"None, I'm afraid."
"Then I hope you're a fast learner, because I don't think these guys are very patient!"
Playmaker nodded. The program connected. Then, as one—
"SPEED DUEL!"
RED HAT & PLAYMAKER [LP 4000]
VS
KNIGHTS OF HANOI [LP 4000]
"The first turn is ours," the male Knight of Hanoi declared. "When I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Evil Cell of the Inverz (LV1/ATK0/DEF0)."
I frowned as a tiny metal bug appeared on the field, radiating malice. It felt hungry and malevolent.
"Next, I summon Scout of the Inverz (LV1/ATK200/DEF0)."
Another metal monster, this one with bug-like wings and goggles, appeared on the field.
"I activate the Magic Card Gate of the Inverz Invasion. In addition to adding one "Inverz" Monster from my deck to my hand, I can perform an additional Normal Summon."
"If I remember right, the Inverz archetype's monsters can't be used as Synchro material and can be tributed for other Inverz monsters," I thought aloud. "In that case…"
"I tribute Evil Cell of the Inverz and summon Inverz Madith (LV5/ATK2200/DEF0)."
As if shedding its skin, Evil Cell's back split open, cracking apart as a monster born of dark light emerged from the wound. Once manifested in full, Evil Cell's body crumbled into dust and the monster spread its arms out, revealing sharp pincers, whishing tail, and a body made of metal. Cold red eyes glared at me.
"Inverz Madith's effect," the female Knight of Hanoi continued. "When successfully Tribute Summoned, we pay 1000 Life Points and Special Summon one Inverz monster in our Graveyard. Return, Evil Cell!" The metal bug returned, rising out of the dark portal with a growl.
KNIGHTS OF HANOI LP 4000→3000
The male Knight of Hanoi raised his hand high into the air. "Appear, circuit of the future!" he shouted, beckoning the circuit to emerge. "The summoning condition is two Verz monsters! I set Evil Cell and Scout of the Inverz into the Link Markers!" The two monsters jumped into the circuit, integrating with it and summoning the monster from the depths of the network.
An unpleasant feeling washed over me as something gouged its way to the surface, seemingly growing out of the circuit and embedding itself into our virtual surroundings like a parasite. Pulsating gray growths formed the visage of a snarling mask with horns, a toothy smile barely hidden beneath the growths.
"Link Summon! Link 2, Inverz Origin (ATK2000/LINK-2)!"
I grimaced. "Something about that thing gives me the creeps…"
"It's also problematic," Playmaker informed me. "So long as it points to a monster, Inverz Origin can't be destroyed by battle or card effect, nor can we target it with effects."
"As expected, you're well-informed," the male Knight of Hanoi grunted. "But it won't save you, Playmaker. I activate the Equip Magic Mist Body and attach it to Inverz Origin." Suddenly, half of the parasite's body turned into cloudy white vapor. "While equipped with Mist Body, Inverz Origin cannot be destroyed by battle. I end my turn here."
Playmaker and I shared a look. I conceded and gave the floor to him. He nodded in appreciation. "My turn, Draw! When I control no Monsters on my field, I can Special Summon Linkslayer (LV5/ATK2000/DEF600)!"
A gold-armored warrior wearing a lion-themed helmet appeared beside Playmaker, brandishing twin glowing blue blades sprouting from his bracers.
Reading the card, I couldn't help but blink in surprise and smile. If our Monster Types were the same, this would make our playstyle easier.
"Next, I Special Summon Backup Secretary (LV3/ATK1200/DEF800)!"
A woman appeared beside Linkslayer, garbed in slightly futuristic clothes akin to what an actual secretary would wear and a holographic blue cape with a visor, holding what looked to be a digital clipboard.
"Once per turn, Backup Secretary can be summoned from the hand when I control a Cyberse Monster," Playmaker explained. "I summon Cyberse Wizard (LV4/ATK1800/DEF800) in Defense Position!"
For a moment, I feel a strange sense of nostalgia as a white-robed monster wielding a scepter emerged before Playmaker. Its image overlayed with another magic-wielding monster, this one clad in dark purple robes and a blue staff.
"Cyberse Wizard's effect is useless so long as Inverz Origin is in play," Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "In that case… I will set one card face-down. Now! Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!" At my partner's call, a ringed circle with eight cursors manifested further down the datastream. "I set Linkslayer, Backup Secretary, and Cyberse Wizard into the Link Markers!"
Rather than simply summon his monster while riding through the datastream, Playmaker went and dived inside the circuit after his monsters integrated themselves with it. A few moments later, however, he re-emerged with his Link Monster in tow; a humanoid metallic being wearing a bomber's vest lined with explosives, one hand holding the detonator and the other holding a stick.
"Link 3! Detonate Deleter (ATK2100/LINK-3)!"
The male Knight of Hanoi scoffed. "What good can that monster possible do?"
"A Link Monster's true power shines when connected with others," Playmaker replied. "Allow me to demonstrate. I summon Link Infra-Flier (LV2/ATK0/DEF1800)!"
A glider zoomed past Playmaker and flew around Detonate Deleter, hovering almost.
"Link Infra-Flier can be Special Summoned in the Main Monster Zone a Link Monster points to with its Link Arrow. I activate Detonate Deleter's effect! Once per turn, I tribute one monster next to its Link Arrow and destroy a Monster you control! I tribute Link Ifra-Flier and destroy Inverz Madith!"
"What?!" The Knights of Hanoi watched as the glider all but dive-bombed Inverz Madith. It exploded on contact, kicking up some of the datastream and creating a splash in the process. When the smoke cleared, neither monster was anywhere to be seen. "Tch!"
"Battle," Playmaker declared. "Detonate Deleter, destroy Inverz Origin!"
The male Knight of Hanoi laughed. "Did you forget already? Even if it doesn't point to a monster anymore, Mist Body will—"
"Detonate Deleter's effect," my partner interrupted. "Once per turn, if it battles a Link Monster whose Link Rating is lower than 3, that monster is destroyed at the start of the Damage Step!" The Knight of Hanoi paled as Detonate Deleter pulled out several sticks from its vest, all of which began beeping with red lights at the tip. Almost casually, it threw the sticks at the demonic growth.
Seconds later, a massive explosion consumed the monster, destroying it completely and utterly.
"I end my turn," Playmaker said.
I whistled in appreciation. "Not bad," I praised sincerely. "Although I think your pal might've gone a little overboard."
The female Knight of Hanoi glared at her comrade. "Why didn't you use Origin's effect?!" she hissed at him. "We could have summoned another monster and regained our defenses!"
"I thought Mist Body would've—"
"Arrogant fool!" She dismissed him and accelerated. "I will take the turn! I activate my Skill: Double Draw! As its name implies, I draw two cards at the start instead of one. As there are no Magic or Trap Cards, I can Special Summon Scout of the Inverz (LV1/ATK200/DEF0) from the Graveyard."
A tiny metallic bug with blue goggles jumped out of the dark portal opening by the Knight of Hanoi.
"Next, I summon Inverz All-Purpose Form (LV2/ATK1000/DEF0)."
The next monster to appear could be best described as a cocoon, the outer shell little more than metal plates pieced together haphazardly. Vaguely, I saw a slithering silvery shape inside the cocoon.
"I activate the Magic Card Double Summon. With this, I may execute another Normal or Tribute Summon." The female Knight of Hanoi smirked. "Just so you're aware, All-Purpose Form's effect makes it so it counts as two Tributes." Playmaker's eyes widened in alarm, suddenly recognizing the danger. I felt the surge of power flow through the air as the monsters broke down into fragments of pixels and data, the cocoon exploding into the stuff. "I release Inverz All-Purpose Form and Scout of the Inverz to Advance Summon Inverz Glez (LV10/ATK3200/DEF0)!"
The fragments and pixels reformed into a new shape. A towering apex of metal and muscle, floating above the Knights of Hanoi like an angry god. Four arms of dark steel and gold spikes, giant insectoid wings spreading out from its back, and blazing red eyes glaring down at us full of wrathful anger.
I swallowed a lump of saliva. "This…doesn't look good, does it?"
"Trap, Activate!" Playmaker shouted urgently. "Pitfall destroys exactly one monster on your field that was Normal or Flip Summoned and has more than 1000 ATK!"
The female Knight of Hanoi was surprised at first. "So, Revolver-sama is not the only one who uses cards from the game's inception…" She recovered quickly and smirked. "Unfortunately, that will not happen. I activate the Quick-Play Magic Pandemic Conversion of the Invasion. During this turn, all Inverz Monsters on my field are unaffected by Magic and Trap Cards."
My partner swore. "Tch! This is bad!"
"I take it that monster has to go as soon as possible?" I asked worriedly.
"You're about to find out."
The female Knight of Hanoi raised a hand threateningly. "Inverz Glez's effect. Once per turn, I offer half my Life Points and destroy all other cards on the field." My eyes widened in surprise, now realizing why Playmaker wanted to get rid of that monster quickly. "Parasitical Devastation!"
KNIGHTS OF HANOI LP 3000→1500
Inverz Glez chittered with a high-pitched growl, energy gathering into its fists and raising them up high before slamming them into the datastream below. The force of his attack created a small-scale tidal wave that consumed Detonate Deleter and Playmaker's face-down, dragging them into the network depths in the process.
"I set two cards face-down." The female Knight of Hanoi's smirk turned vicious. "Battle. Inverz Glez, attack Playmaker and Red Hat directly!"
Oh, this was gonna hurt, wasn't it?
As if reading my thoughts, the overgrown metal bug chittered with glee and swung its fist in a wind-up arc, tearing through several buildings and sending the debris our way. Playmaker and I hastily avoided the flying chunks, swerving and dashing around to avoid being crushed. We didn't escape unscathed, however; one chunk nearly wiped us out and almost sent me flying off my D-Board.
RED HAT & PLAYMAKER LP 4000→800
"I end my turn," she said smugly.
I huffed in annoyance, wiping some bits of debris off my coat. "I'm all for playing rough in a duel, but this is a tad over the top, don't you think?" I called out. The white-clad cyberterrorists waved off my words with sneering dismissal. I clicked my tongue. "My Turn, draw! I activate the effect of Processlayer Subtra (LV4/ATK1000/DEF1000) from my hand: I target one face-up monster on the field, then Special Summon Subtra to my field and lower the target monster's ATK by 1000 (Inverz Glez ATK3200→2200)!"
The moment my monster ally appeared, formed from blue polygons and pixels, it swung its blade at Inverz Glez. The blow struck true, and while it didn't destroy Glez, it did leave a scarring cut on its arms.
"When summoned this way, Processlayer Subtra cannot attack the turn it's summoned," I explained while adjusting the brim of my hat. "Also, for the rest of the turn, I can only summon Cyberse Monsters from the Extra Deck."
"Cyberse?!" Two sets of eyes stared at me in shock. The Knights of Hanoi had gaping mouths like they were fish. "You use Cyberse as well?!"
"My partners," I told them simply. "Not that it's any of your business. And for the record…" I glared them down. "If you want to destroy my cards that badly, you'll have to pry them from my cold dead hands. I summon Processlayer Nabla (LV4/ATK1000/DEF1500)."
A dark gray-and-gold metal warrior appeared beside Subtra, giving me and Playmaker a curt nod of respect.
"I now tune my Level 4 Processlayer Subtra with Processlayer Nabla!"
A green orb appeared in front of me with a gold triangle at the top. Subtra leaped into the air while Nabla lost its form, becoming four rings that Subtra passed through, becoming translucent and revealing four shining lights within.
"Let's rev it up! The flames of logic! Envelop all of creation and reform it into the chaotic inferno! Synchro Summon!"
The lights and rings exploded into a pillar of power. Emerging from it was a red-and-white being wreathed in fire, tattered cloak flapping wildly behind it and wielding a flaming flamberge sword in hand.
"Level 8! Pyrocesslayer Magma (LV8/ATK2500/DEF0)!"
Playmaker looked at my monster approvingly. "Impressive."
"I aim to please," I smiled.
The male Knight of Hanoi winced at the sight of the monster. "I heard Red Hat used the older forms of summoning, but to think he'd summon a Cyberse Synchro Monster of all things…! We can't allow him to roam freely!" he shouted to his comrade, who nodded seriously in agreement.
"I activate the Trap Card Means of Invasion," the female Knight of Hanoi called out. "I send an Inverz Monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, then raise one Inverz Monster on my field's ATK by 800 until the End Phase (Inverz Glez ATK2200→3000)!"
"I'm not done yet! I activate Processlayer Addion's effect from my hand! I target one face-up monster on the field, then Special Summon Addion and raise the target monster's ATK by 1000! I raise Magma's ATK (Pyrocesslayer Magma ATK2500→3500) and summon Processlayer Addion in Defense Position!"
My companion appeared on the field, kneeling with their sword held in front of them defensively. Surrounding them was a green barrier.
"Like Subtra, Addion's effect prevents them from attacking the turn they're summoned like this, and I can only summon Cyberse Monsters from the Extra Deck. To cap off my preparations, I attach the Equip Magic Processlayer Divider Nayuta to Pyrocesslayer Magma!"
Magma raised his free hand, creating a weapon of flame that turned into a solid silver blade with a red handle and silver edge.
"Divider Nayuta only equips to Cyberse Monsters," I explained. "And with that out of the way…!"
With Divider Nayuta's effect, taking down Inverz Glez would be cakewalk. I understood how powerful its effect was, but also how much of a double-edged sword it could be, especially now. As it stood, there was a 500 ATK difference between Magma and Glez. Divider Nayuta's effect would raise that difference by a thousand, exactly how much Life Points our opponents had. I had to admit, I didn't expect to come up with a winning strategy this—
"I activate the Trap Card Invasion Wave!"
—early…
I sighed. "Spoke too soon…"
"I return a Advanced Summoned monster to my hand, then destroy 1 card on your field!" the female Knight of Hanoi said and pointed a finger at Pyrocesslayer Magma. "I choose Inverz Glez and Pyrocesslayer Magma!"
Inverz Glez raised its hands together, creating a sphere of energy that rapidly grew in size until it unleashed it at full power, aiming it at Magma, who in turn moved to slash it down with Divider Nayuta and its own sword. The attacks collided and clashed. An explosion consumed both monsters. When the smoke faded, neither was to be seen.
I clicked my tongue in disappointment. I should have figured they wouldn't make this so easy. "When Processlayer Divider Nayuta is sent to the Graveyard from the Spell & Trap Zone, I add a Processlayer card in my Graveyard other than Divider Nayuta to my hand. Since Pyrocesslayer Magma was destroyed by card effect, I also add a Processlayer Magic or Trap Card from the deck to my hand. I set two cards face-down and end my turn."
I looked at Playmaker apologetically. "Sorry, man…"
Surprisingly, he didn't seem to upset by their unexpected turnaround. "It's fine," he assured me. "We managed to at least force them to get rid of Inverz Glez."
"Don't get cocky," the male Knight of Hanoi shouted at him. "We'll finish the both of you off, here and now! My Turn! I activate the Skill: Double Draw!"
The same Skill again. Did all Knights of Hanoi use it, or was it just the grunts?
"Since there are no Traps or Spells on our field, I can Special Summon Scout of the Inverz from the Graveyard." At the Knight of Hanoi's order, the metal "baby-bug" crawled out of a dark portal dredged up from the depths of the network.
I adjusted the brim of my hat and called out my counter move. "I activate the Continuous Trap Processlayer Induction! While this card is on the field, all Cyberse Monsters on our field gains an extra 500 ATK (Processlayer Addion 1000→1500)."
The male Knight of Hanoi scoffed dismissively. "That won't save you. I now tribute Scout of the Inverz and summon Inverz Moth (LV6/ATK2400/DEF0)."
A metal-clad green monster appeared where Scout of the Inverz stood, menacing yellow eyes glaring at me and Playmaker with its wings wrapped around its body like a shroud.
"When Inverz Moth is Tribute Summoned using another Inverz Monster, I can activate it's effect. In exchange for 1000 Life Points, I send two cards you control back to your hand. I'll pick Processlayer Induction and Processlayer Addion!"
KNIGHTS OF HANOI 1500→500
Inverz Moth spread its wings and flapped them, sending glittering purple dust our way. I acted quickly. "I activate Induction's second effect! If I control a Processlayer Monster, I can send Induction to the Graveyard and destroy a card on your field!"
"I don't think so! I activate the Quick-Play Magic Parasitic Contagion of the Invasion!"
I cursed in annoyance as the dust encroached my monster and card, dissolving both until there was nothing left. Before the opponent could continue, I activated my second face-down. "I activate the Trap Card Cyberse Download and Special Summon a Cyberse Monster from my hand. Return in Defense Position, Processlayer Nabla!"
"Tch!" The male Knight of Hanoi gritted his teeth at the reappearance of my black-armored friend, but continued on. "Battle! Inverz Moth, destroy Processlayer Nabla!"
With a warbled metal screech, Inverz Moth was upon my monster and brought its leg down via ax kick, destroying it despite Nabla's best attempts to defend itself.
"I end my turn," the male Knight of Hanoi declared.
I looked at Playmaker. "I hope you have a plan in mind, because I really don't like the idea of losing to these guys."
"Then I suggest you start praying."
"I don't pray. I make it happen," I replied. Given all the godly entities I've dealt with over the years, could you blame me for not wanting to engage in worship or prayer?
I thought I saw approval and respect appear on Playmaker's face before he sped up his D-Board. "My turn, draw! I summon Draconet (LV3/ATK1400/DEF1200)."
A translucent dragon-like creature appeared next to Playmaker, marked in blue grid-like markings. It was rather adorable in my opinion, especially when it waved at me.
"When Draconet is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower Normal Monster from my hand or deck in Defense Position. I summon Bitron (LV2/ATK200/DEF2000)."
Appearing beside Draconet was a white drone with an emotive set of blue eyes and a ring floating under its body, no doubt keeping it suspended in the air.
"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!" Playmaker called upon the circuit. "I set Bitron into the Link Marker! Circuit Combine!" With a cheer, Bitron dived eagerly into the circuit and lit up the bottom centermost cursor. "Link Summon! Appear, Link 1! Link Spider (ATK1000/LINK-1)!"
Emerging from the circuit and leaping onto the field was a mechanical spider with a jet black metal casing for an exoskeleton and bumpers for legs, its back lined with circuitry and optics for eyes.
"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! I set Draconet into the Link Marker! Circuit Combine! Link Summon! Appear, Link 1! Talkback Lancer (ATK1200/LINK-1)!"
Another monster emerged from the circuit after Draconet integrated with it. It had a grid-marked holographic body with armor on top, a mix of green, blue, and gold with glowing orange eyes and wielding an emerald-colored spear.
"Appear once more, the circuit that leads to the future!" Playmaker summoned the circuit once more. I immediately a presence emanating from within. This was no ordinary monster. "The summoning condition is two Effect Monsters. I set Link Spider and Talkback Lancer into the Link Markers! Circuit Combine!" The two monsters jumped into the circuit, integrating and merging. The top and bottom center cursors lit up like beacons, beckoning the monster within the network. "Appear, Link Summon!"
Appear it did. Like Talkback Lancer, it had a holographic grid-like body as it leaped out of the circuit, though grayish-blue armor began to materialize and form across its body. It reached its arm out, creating a gray sword with a glowing translucent blade in its hand. Yellow eyes glared at the Knights of Hanoi.
"Link 2! Code Talker (ATK1300/LINK-2)!"
The female Knight of Hanoi looked unimpressed. "All that work to summon a weakling?"
"I'm not done just yet," Playmaker promised with a glare. "Code Talker can't be destroyed by battle or by my opponent's card effects while pointing to a monster with its Link Arrow. Furthermore, when it points to a monster, it gains an additional 500 ATK. Code Talker's Link Arrow points to Inverz Moth. Power Integration (Code Talker ATK1300→1700)!" A faint blue aura formed around Code Talker, his sword growing a tad bigger in response. "Furthermore, I activate Cyberse Download from the Graveyard!"
"What?!"
I snickered at their surprised expressions and explained in lieu of Playmaker. "Cyberse Download has an additional effect. Outside the turn it was sent to the Graveyard, we can banish it and target a Cyberse Link Monster on the field, then Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse Monster in our Graveyard to a Main Monster Zone the Link Monster points to."
"That monster's effects are sealed and its ATK and DEF are reduced to zero," Playmaker continued. "I banish Cyberse Download and summon Processlayer Nabla!" My partner returned for the umpteenth time, noticeably happier to be standing beside a fellow Cyberse Monster if the way he and Code Talker shared a meaningful look toward each other was any indication. "Code Talker's ATK increases once more. Power Integration (Code Talker ATK1700→2300)!"
The male Knight of Hanoi remained confident, though no less wary. "Even if you've raised that weakling's ATK, Inverz Moth is still stronger!" he pointed out.
"Are you sure about that?" My partner's response caught them off guard. "One last time. Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!"
"You're Link Summoning again?!"
"The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Effect Monster. I set Processlayer Nabla into the Link Marker!" Nabla exchanged fist bumps with Code Talker before taking its leave, integrating with the circuit. "Appear, Link Summon! Link 1! Passcode Talker (ATK800/LINK-1)!"
The new Talker monster stood proudly beside its counterpart, clad in white-and-gold armor with glowing yellow eyes. In each hand were a pair of daggers with translucent blades, much like Code Talker's own sword.
"Passcode Talker's effect," Playmaker began, his eyes growing intense. A grin made its way to my face when I recognized the look. His face was one of victory. "Any monster Passcode Talker's Link Marker points to gains 500 ATK." The Knights of Hanoi's faces paled as they realized what was about to happen while a resonance occurred between the two monsters, Code Talker's sword growing an extra meter or so and the edges taking on a yellow tint. "Power Coupling (Code Talker ATK2300→2800)!"
"Game, set, and match!" I cackled. "Partner, if you'd be so kind?"
"Battle," Playmaker growled out. "Code Talker! Destroy Inverz Moth! Code End! !" With a roar, Code Talker lunged and went for a straightforward stab. Inverz Moth attempted to protect itself with its wings, but the effort was ultimately futile as the blade cut through the wings and pierced through its chest. It shattered into gold fragments and created a shockwave that struck the Knights of Hanoi.
KNIGHTS OF HANOI LP500→100
"Th-this is bad!" the female Knight of Hanoi stammered and turned to her male counterpart. "Do something!"
"I-I can't!" he cried in despair. "I've got nothing!"
"Passcode Talker!" Playmaker pointed a finger at the Knights of Hanoi, eyes ablaze. His monster understood the order and brandished its weapons with zealous glee. "Attack the Knights of Hanoi directly! Passcode Break! !"
"W-wait, stop!"
Passcode Talker did not listen. Energy gathered in its blades as it leaped into the air and swung, sending arcs of light down upon them. Our opponents could do nothing as Passcode Talker finished the duel in grand fashion, the arcs exploding and sending them flying off their D-Boards and onto the nearby rooftop.
KNIGHTS OF HANOI LP 100→0
RED HAT AND PLAYMAKER—WIN!
The field disappeared immediately as our Duel Disks registered the conclusion. We swerved around and jumped off the data stream, landing on the rooftop and looking at the defeated forms of the Knights of Hanoi. One was unconscious whereas the other was barely hanging on, groaning and trying to force herself back on her feet.
"This…" she rasped out. "This wasn't…what we were told…!" She looked up at me and scowled. "Why did you, of all people…have to interfere…?! Why do you have Cyberse?!"
"It was a gift from a friend," I replied, seeing no reason to lie. "Why are you so gung-ho about destroying Cyberse cards anyway? Like, seriously, what did these cards ever do to you?"
Playmaker stepped into view from behind me. "It isn't the cards themselves that offend them," he explained while looking down at the defeated cyberterrorists coldly. For a moment, I was reminded of Tenjo during the Dimensional War. "It's the data that makes up the cards. All Cyberse cards are made from Cybese data material. The Knights of Hanoi exist to destroy Cyberse and everything related to them." He narrowed his eyes and spoke, his tone turning cold and harsh. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Now, answer my question. Who is the leader of the Knights of Hanoi?"
"Screw…you…"
"…very well, then." Playmaker raised his Duel Disk. It was then I noticed the yellow and purple eye that encompassed the black LED sphere in the center of the Duel Disk. "Ai!"
"DOWN THE HATCH!" a synthetic voice bellowed with a laugh. I stumbled back in shock as something dredged itself out of Playmaker's Duel Disk; a black body with purple symmetrical designs, a yellow-and-purple eyeball, and a gaping mouth with circuit lines inside. The Knight of Hanoi tried to defend herself, but her efforts proved futile as the thing fell upon her and swallowed her whole.
"Holy shit," I started as the being retreated into Playmaker's Duel Disk. I wondered whether he would do the same to the male opponent, but he instead chose to restrain them with a cable of some kind. "What the heck was that?"
"How rude!" the same synthetic voice from before erupted from Playmaker's Duel Disk. The eyeball reappeared and glared at me as if offended. "You just now noticed me?!"
"Ah. Sorry. I wasn't expecting to see an eyeball."
"Eyeball?! I'll have you know that I'm—"
"Quiet," Playmaker snapped, subduing the talking eyeball. He then turned his attention me and started scrutinizing. His eyes searched me for something. What, I didn't know. "…you said you got your cards from a friend."
"I did."
"…were they a victim of the Lost Incident?"
I frowned. "The what now?"
Playmaker stared at me a moment longer, totally stone-faced, before he closed his eyes and sighed. His expression grew a tad softer as he turned around and began walking away. "You should lay low for a while," he advised me. "The Knights of Hanoi don't take too kindly to people who meddle in their affairs."
Before I could stop him, he logged off. His avatar broke down into blue pixels and bits, disappearing from the network entirely. I stared at the spot where he stood before sighing, shaking my head, and adjusting my cap. "What is it with people and the need to be mysterious?" I muttered to myself.
Yusaku Fujiki exited the Log-In Chamber, greeted by the smiling, if worried face of Shouichi Kusanagi.
"You alright there, Yusaku?" the hacker asked in concern. "That looked pretty rough."
"I'm fine," Yusaku assured him. His latest duel with the Knights of Hanoi was hardly the worst he's faced, though teaming up with an unexpected ally proved immensely helpful. "I'm more concerned about Red Hat."
At first, Yusaku believed Red Hat to be like him; a survivor of the Lost Incident, if only well-adjusted and having recovered from the horrors of those hellish days. As the duel went on, Yusaku realized that was not the case. Red Hat was not like him, though he could not deny the so-called "Dark Horse" was skilled. That he understood his deck well spoke volumes. It similarly did not escape his notice how his own monsters seemed to resonate with him.
He was curious as to who gifted Red Hat those Cyberse cards, but for now, he had other concerns. Regardless of how he came into possession of those cards, Red Hat was a target. Between his ownership of Cyberse cards and meeting the Knights of Hanoi, the organization would no doubt go after him.
Kusanagi shared in Yusaku's concerns. "It was surprising to see someone other than you use Cyberse. I've heard a lot of chatter about him on the forums. I don't think we have anything to worry about, but I do see where you're coming from."
"If you're that worried, why not team up with him?" Ai suggested, surprising the two. "He seemed pretty okay, and his monsters really seemed to like him."
"We can't involve anyone in our affairs," Yusaku argued. "He's in enough danger as it is."
The Knights of Hanoi were ruthless, as their attacks on cyber domains could attest. They did not care who entered their crosshairs so long as they were able to destroy Cyberse. Who was to say they would not ignore the "honored rules" of dueling and just go for the direct route? Yusaku prepared for such an event, but others might not.
"Yusaku…" Kusanagi said softly, understanding where his young charge was coming from. "I know you're against this, but think about it. We've been coasting along fine by ourselves, but some day, that might change. The two of us—"
"Hey!"
"—three of us," he corrected himself, glancing at the smug A.I. "The three of us might not be enough. One day, we will need allies. People willing to stand beside us."
Yusaku saw where Kusanagi was coming from. From a logical standpoint, it made sense. Their crusade might become more than that, but Yusaku did not want to involve innocent people in something that had nothing to do with them. He wanted them to have ordinary, normal lives.
"…I'll consider it," he said, not properly giving his friend an answer.
Kusanagi nodded. "That's all I can ask for."
As the two discussed their next move, Ai thought about their encounter with the illustrious Red Hat.
That guy… He didn't feel like a normal person, Ai thought. It's one thing for monsters to like you, but for the network itself to have that reaction… I wonder, is he like us?
It was not just Yusaku, Kusanagi, and Ai thinking about this most recent development. Another group watched a recording of Red Hat's latest duel with great interest.
"It truly is amazing… I've never seen such a perfect specimen. To master not only so many different archetypes, but to adapt so seamlessly and utilize the older summoning styles…"
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Genome. This man is a potential threat to us."
"Where could he have gotten those Cyberse cards? Is he one of them?"
"No. The data we've gathered thus far indicates he has no connection to the Hanoi Project. Still, it is possible he is acquainted with one of the survivors."
"…I will go."
"Revolver?"
In the dark shadows of the server domain, dark yellow eyes stared at the grinning visage of Red Hat. "I will determine for myself if this man is our enemy."
TO BE CONTINUED IN:
SILVER BULLET
Card List (In order of appearance)
Infestation Gate (Gate of the Inverz Invasion) / Spell / Normal / Add 1 "Inverz" Monster from your deck to your hand. During the turn you activate this effect, you can Normal Summon 1 "Inverz" Monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. You can only activate one "Infestation Gate" per turn.
Cyberse Download / Trap / Normal / Cyberse Download / Trap / Normal / Special Summon 1 Cyberse monster from your hand. During your turn, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: You can banish this card to target 1 Cyberse Link Monster you control; Special Summon in defense position 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse Monster from your GY to a zone that monster points to with its effects negated and its ATK and DEF changed to 0.
Passcode Talker / LIGHT / Link: Up / Cyberse / Link / Effect / ATK 800 / Link - 1 / 1 Level 4 or lower Effect Monster
Cannot be targeted for attacks while linked to a "Code Talker" monster. Monsters this card points to gain 500 ATK.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
As usual, this story is kicking my ass and making it difficult. It probably doesn't help that my interest in the Yu-Gi-Oh! fandom has waned for a while. Which, of course, means the reboot of Fate/VRAINS will be delayed. Ugh.
Also not helping matters is mother nature, once again, screwing with my body. After I just got done being sick. It's really annoying.
At any rate, we are now at two chapters remaining. The next chapter will feature the last duel of the story, with the last chapter being an epilogue that sets up the "routes" that will become their own stories. On that note, when this story is finished, I will be focusing on some of my Spacebattles exclusive fanfics. Truthfully, I've been debating on whether to bring them over here on Fanfiction dot net. Maybe in the near future.
…maaaaaan, my fanfic story count is gonna go up if I do.
As usual, special thanks go to Donjusticia for creating the outline for this duel.