Hello, everyone! Here is the next chapter for the story.
Before I go any further, I want to say again that if you have not read the story "Stardust Accelerator: Digital Warrior," I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do so. This story is connected to the events of that one, like a sequel is connected to the first of its series.
Now, I need to state a few things. We'll do this by numbers, for ease of reading.
1: I have seen the comments about the 'issues' I stated last chapter. It seems that a lot of you (or at least some) are upset by the fact I am choosing to use Japanese names and terms instead of the English ones. This is an issue I've dealt with before, and I am going to offer the same compromise now as I did then.
Here's my offer: At the start of each chapter (beginning with this one), I will give a list of Japanese and English name translations for characters, but ONLY for those characters who have different names. Here's the listing for this chapter, as an example:
Divine = Sayer
Seria doesn't count for this list, because she is a character exclusively made for the Yugioh! World Championship game, and has no other names to her... name.
This is how I will present the names. Again, I will only be listing names of characters that have different names in the Japanese and English series. Please let me know what you think of this compromise. Any of you who still don't want to read the story are welcome to leave.
2: This coming chapter has a Duel in it, but I know from experience that I am not the best writer of Duels. I sometimes mess combos up, misinterpret effects, state incorrect Life Point totals, describe the images of cards in the wrong way, and so on. I would greatly appreciate any corrections that you can offer for my mistakes. I do want to make these Duels entertaining for you to read, and your help can make that possible.
I also try to show the statistics of each player as each action is made. Each Monster also gets their stats marked, and any changes are also stated. I do this in order to keep the reader (and myself) in the know as to what is currently happening. However, this close analysis of every move takes a lot of time to write correctly, and may be disorienting to the eyes if you read it too fast. Please keep this in mind in future chapters with Duels.
3: Concerning one Guest reader's questions about his change in hair style, Epsilon's original hair was a similar mixture of colors, just a different style. However, the change does connect to the pod itself, but I didn't think of a reason when I made my initial plan. Therefore, the reason I am giving now for the color change is because of the pod's helmet. A possible side effect of the technology, I suppose.
OK, that's all the big things. Let's just place the DISCLAIMER: The author does not own the Yugioh TCG, the 'Android Netrunner' Living Card Game, the Yugioh 5D's anime, or the 'Reverse of Arcadia' video game. The author claims ownership of their Original Characters, including those from 'Stardust Accelerator: Digital Warrior', as well as any future custom elements introduced into the story.
Onward to the Chapter!
[EPSILON POV]
As soon as I shout, "DUEL!" to begin the match, my metallic eye shows me some information.
[DUEL BEGINS] [ROUND 1] [EPSILON: 4000 LP/COMPUTER: 4000 LP]
[TURN 1: COMPUTER] [CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon and Computer): 5]
"My turn," the computer announces in a droning voice as its five indented slots glow with a white light. "I draw." My metal eye shows the words, [CARDS IN HAND (Computer): 6] as the computer's leftmost slot glows brighter than the others.
The computer pauses for a moment before it states, "I Normal Summon Warrior Lady of the Wastelands."
The center slot on the computer's frame turns dark as a Monster Card Zone on the mannequin's Duel Disk activates. I catch a brief glimpse of a card image being displayed there, but my attention quickly turns to the Duel Field in front of the mannequin as a tough-looking lady executes a combat roll onto the field. My eye also displays new statistics for the computer: [CARDS IN HAND (Computer): 5].
This lady quickly stands up from her roll and draws a sword from some sheath on her back that I can't see. The sword has a blue handle which her hands mostly cover up. The lady herself wears a tattered brown cloak over a blue-green top, blue-green boots that reach her knees, and a very short blue-green skirt. Her left arm is bandaged up to the hand, and a light brown plate of armor covers her left shoulder.
Two belts crisscross over her waist, one of which carries a sheathed dagger. Her cloak is clipped to her neck and covers her right shoulder. A brown hat with a wide brim rests squarely on her head, with a small white wing placed on the front. The woman stares me down with green eyes and a determined expression as she holds her sword with both hands.
I stare back at her until my eye displays information about this Monster in a new tab: (EARTH, Warrior, 1100 ATK/1200 DEF, LVL 4). So, this is the lady's statistics as a Duel Monsters card. But, the way she is represented in Solid Vision projection makes me feel like she's really in the Arena with me.
"I Set one card in my back row," the computer then announces, and my eye's display changes accordingly: [CARDS IN HAND (Computer): 4]. An enlarged image of a Duel Monsters card back appears as the computer says, "My turn is finished."
"It's my turn," I then say. "I'll draw my card!" I do so as the displays in my eye show more information: [TURN 2: EPSILON] [CARDS IN HAND: 6]. I look over my hand of cards. Monsters, Spells, and Traps look back at me, each one with their own imagery and effects. But, what do I use first?
My eye's display suddenly flashes a red-colored statement: [PRIMARY GOAL: Reduce your opponent's Life Points to 0 before your Life Points are reduced to 0].
Ah, that makes sense. Since I'm Dueling against this computer, it's my opponent. So, anything that says 'your opponent' on my cards refers to whoever I'm Dueling. It sounds so simple now that I remember it that I can't believe I had ever forgotten it. Now, how do I use the cards in my hand to achieve that goal? All of these cards state 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru' in their text, which matches what Divine had said about that Spell being important.
Actually, some of the cards in my hand need the 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru' to even be activated. That cuts down my capable options, since I don't have an 'Iron Core' in my hand right now. However, I do notice one Monster in my hand that could help with that. As I take a look at its stats, the display in my eye lights up with how this Monster can be played. I see a diagram of this card in the different positions it can be put on the field.
I follow the display's instructions and place the card face-up on a Monster slot as I say, "I Normal Summon Koa'ki Meiru Boulder!"
My eye flashes the words [CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon): 5], but I keep my eye on the field as my Monster appears in Solid Vision. Its body is made up of brown rock, while a pair of stubby legs and thick arms give it a humanoid appearance. A glowing yellow spot is on all four limbs, and the symbol I saw on the 'Iron Core' card glows golden-yellow on its forehead.
Its eyes are red with white pupils, the pupils very bright and alive. Its large mouth reveals an orange-yellow interior as it turns to me and grunts with the sound of falling rocks. My metal eye shows its stats: (EARTH, Rock, 1200 ATK/1000 DEF, LVL 4). I nod back to it as I remember what comes next in the turn order.
"Battle," I call out as I point to the computer's field. "Koa'ki Meiru Boulder attacks Warrior Lady of the Wastelands!" My Monster charges towards the lady after I tell it to. The lady swings her sword in a downward arc to try and cut Boulder in half, but the sword just clangs off its stone body with no apparent damage.
The Lady's eyes show shock as Boulder's left hand curls into a fist and slams into her stomach. She cries out as her weapons disintegrate into golden pixels with her body and clothes. Boulder turns and runs back to my field as my display gives new information: (Computer: 4000-3900 LP).
"When Warrior Lady of the Wastelands is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates," the computer announces as the Deck holster on the mannequin's Disk glows yellow. "I can now Special Summon one EARTH Attribute, Warrior-Type Monster with 1500 or less Attack Points from my Deck in Attack Mode." I keep my focus on the mannequin's Deck, and the glow stops after a moment.
The computer then announces its decision: "I Special Summon Exiled Force from my Deck." This Monster turns out to be five male soldiers wearing a mixed collection of helmets, body armor, belts, vests, shorts, kilts, swords, spears, and shields. Each soldier wears very different clothing, but they all look at me with very smug smiles. Their stats pop up a second later: (EARTH, Warrior, 1000 ATK/DEF, LVL 4).
I stand tall against this group of soldiers. They're just Solid Vision, right? The computer is controlling them, not me. I don't need to worry about any actual harm from them. That makes the soldier's leering expressions a bit easier to ignore. I look over my hand and quickly plan out the rest of my move.
"I Set two cards in my back row," I announce as I carry out that action. "My turn's finished." The words (CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon: 3) appear, but I keep my focus on the computer.
"It's my turn," the computer instantly announces. "I draw."
[ROUND 2] [Epsilon: 4000 LP/Computer: 3900 LP]
[TURN 3: Computer] [CARDS IN HAND: 5]
The computer almost instantly announces after it draws, "I Normal Summon Warrior Dai Grepher." The mannequin's Disk goes through the procedure as when the computer last Normal Summoned for this new Monster [CARDS IN HAND (Computer): 4].
This Monster is a tall, very muscular man wearing a sleeveless black vest, black pants, black boots, and a black belt with a golden four-pointed star on the front. He wields a shimmering blue greatsword with both hands. The handle of this sword a mix of gold and red with green jewels. His black hair doesn't cover the leather covering around his ears, but his hardened face and golden eyes are fully revealed.
He looks at me with what my mind interprets as an indifferent gesture. He stands slightly taller than me as he holds his sword straight up in front of his left shoulder. It's almost like he's in a defensive stance. However, his Duel Monsters stats tell me he won't be that way for long (EARTH, Warrior, 1700 ATK/1600 DEF, LVL 4).
"Battle," the computer announces as I brace myself for an attack. "Warrior Dai Grepher attacks Koa'ki Meiru Boulder." The warrior races towards Boulder and swings at the smaller animated rock. I want to look away, but something forces me to watch Boulder be sliced in half and shatter into pixels. A sudden push of air makes me step back as my eye's display calculates the damage (Epsilon: 4000-3500 LP).
I step back forward as I state, "Koa'ki Meiru Boulder's effect activates when it's destroyed by battle! I can now take either a Level 4 or lower "Koa'ki Meiru" Monster, or one "Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru" Spell, from my Deck into my hand. I'll take the Spell, and my Deck gets shuffled afterwards." At my word, my Disk ejects the card I want from my Deck, and I add it to my hand (CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon): 4). The Disk shuffles my Deck automatically.
I don't have any time to look over the Spell itself before the computer announces, "Exiled Force attacks the opponent directly." I feel my gut turn cold with fear with how a direct attack against me is going to feel. The soldiers all charge at me with raised weapons and wild expressions. The cold fear turns to freezing dread as I sense they really mean to harm me, Solid Vision or not.
Then, I remember I actually have something to stop this. I press a button on my Disk as I shout out, "I activate the Continuous Trap Core Reinforcement! This Special Summons Koa'ki Meiru Boulder from my Graveyard in Attack Mode!"
The Trap rises on my field and glows with a white light. The card's picture shows an 'Iron Core' having extra layers of metal plates being added to it via several wires and orange power couplings. The structure on the card emerges from the picture as the Core shines an orange-yellow color. Koa'ki Meiru Boulder appears from that light, between me and the Exiled Forces about to attack me (ATK: 1200).
The computer quickly announces, "I choose to stop Exiled Force's attack through a replay effect." The band of warriors stop short as they see Boulder, their faces surprised at its revival. They race back to their original position as I try to remember what a 'replay event' is. Luckily, my eye's display quickly brings up information regarding this tactic.
[A Replay Event, AKA Makimidoshi, occurs during an attack in the Battle Phase when one of the following states occurs:
1-The number of Monsters on your opponent's field changes
2-A Monster is no longer able to attack, OR
3-An attacking Monster gains the ability to attack your opponent directly through a card effect.
Once a Replay Event occurs, the player currently taking their turn must choose one of the following reactions:
1-Choose an attack target again (This can include the original attack target). This will not activate any card effects that respond to an attack declaration
2-Choose to make a Direct Attack with that Monster (if possible), OR
3-Cancel the current attack altogether.
If a Monster's attack is cancelled by a Replay Event, that Monster cannot attack for the rest of that turn's Battle Phase.]
Wow. That's a very detailed set of information. It takes me a few seconds to see all this flash by my eye, and I still feel like I'll make a mistake with this tactic at some point. Regardless, at least I see how the computer managed to cancel its attack against my stronger Monster.
"During Main Phase 2," the computer then announces, "I activate Exiled Force's effect. By Tributing it, I can destroy one target Monster on the field. I Tribute Exiled Force to destroy Koa'ki Meiru Boulder."
The soldiers all throw their weapons at Boulder, who can only block some of them with its arms. Then Boulder gets piled on by the soldiers, and they all vanish into gold pixels. Core Reinforcement destroys itself a second later, since the Monster that it Summoned was destroyed. My field is now clean of Monsters, and I can't activate Boulder's ability again since it was destroyed by a cared effect.
My eye pops in another notification: ['Core Reinforcement's' damage dealing effect does not occur at this time, since the Monster Summoned by it was not destroyed during the End Phase]. That's something nice to see, but it doesn't really help my current lack of field presence.
The computer continues its turn with the words, "I equip Warrior Dai Grepher with the Equip Spell Mist Body. This Spell prevents the equipped Monster from being destroyed by Battle." (CARDS IN HAND (Computer): 3)
"No, you won't!" I shout back as I activate the other card I have Set facedown. "I activate the Counter Trap, Iron Core Luster! I reveal one 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru' in my hand to negate your Spell's activation, and destroy it!" The card's picture shows the 'Iron Core' as it blows its outer shell apart. I reveal the 'Iron Core' in my hand to my opponent, and a similar beam of light flies from the Trap card and shatters the Equip Spell apart.
The computer takes a second to analyze the field before it says, "I end my turn."
"My move!" I draw my new card, and realize it can give me some new options. I use it instantly.
[TURN 4: Epsilon] [CARDS IN HAND: 5]
"I activate the Spell Core Compression! I reveal one 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru' in my hand, and discard one 'Koa'ki Meiru' Monster, to draw two cards from my Deck!" I go through the necessary requirements, and reap the reward of my labor. The Spell shows the 'Iron Core' drawing, or releasing, an energy that makes it glow a dark red.
The Monster I discard is named 'Koa'ki Meiru Wall'. I had planned to Summon it if I had no other options, but the chance of drawing more cards seems more useful. The new Monster in my hand proves to be even better than the Wall (CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon): 5).
"I now Normal Summon Koa'ki Meiru Bergzak!" This Monster is a muscular male warrior like the computer's Warrior Dai Grepher. However, Bergzak wears black armor, white shoulder pads, and large black gauntlets with aquamarine knuckle plates. A small cape extends back from his waist, and his skin is a very dark purple.
His face is covered by a black-and-white mask, save for a pair of bright red eyes. The 'Iron Core' symbol glows a darker red on the left side of his chest. He wields a giant red sword with segmented handles in each hand. He doesn't have any trouble lifting them (EARTH, Warrior, 2000 ATK/200 DEF, LVL 4) (CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon): 4).
"Battle!" I call out as I feel the chance to get some payback for the computer's attack against me. "Koa'ki Meiru Bergzak attacks Warrior Dai Grepher!"
My warrior yells out some kind of battle cry as he charges my opponent's warrior. Bergzak swings with one of his blades, and Grepher blocks it with his own sword, which causes a loud clang of metal. Bergzak then swings his second sword in an upward arc that cuts into Grepher's body and makes Grepher howl in pain. He shatters into pixels before any blood spills, though (Computer: 3900-3600 LP).
"Bergzak's effect activates," I announce as I see the Battle Damage dealt. "Since he destroyed one of your Monsters by battle, he can instantly declare a second attack! Go, attack the computer directly!"
Bergzak's body glows red as he lifts both his swords up for a second attack. He charges to the mannequin and slashes one sword, and then the other, through its body. The Solid Vision doesn't deal any actual damage, but the angle I see the attack from has me briefly think Bergzak sliced the mannequin in half (Computer: 3600-1600 LP).
"Trap Card, Activate," the computer announces just as the Battle Damage is dealt. "Damage Condenser. Since I just took Battle Damage, I discard one card in order to Special Summon one Monster from my Deck, in Attack Position, with an Attack Point value equal to or less than the last single instance of Battle Damage I just took."
The computer's Trap shows a giant generator that has electricity sparking inside giant lightbulbs, and around itself. The generator rumbles to life as the computer pays the card's cost. Then, the mannequin's Deck glows white as the system selects a card to bring out onto the field. Since the computer just took 2000 points of Battle Damage, it's probably got a lot of options to choose from (CARDS IN HAND (Computer): 2).
The computer states what Monster it brings out as that Monster appears in a flash of lightning: "I Special Summon Mystic Swordsman LV4 from my Deck." This Monster is another male warrior, but the fact I recognize 'LV' as an acronym for 'Level' worries me about this Monster's capabilities.
This warrior wears white and purple armor over his body, careful not to let any skin besides its clean face be exposed. The design of the gauntlets on his arms is very intricate, jewels inlaid into the metal to give them extra shine. The white hood on his head ends in a sharp point, and the white cape tied to his neck flows back with a regal air. Gold fabric is sown onto the edges of his hood, cape, and robe, which only add to his regal appearance
His hair is tied back into a long ponytail, and the black pupils in his eyes look small compared to his bright clothing. He spins two blue swords, smaller than Bergzak's but glowing with their own light, in his hands as he notices his opposition (EARTH, Warrior, 1900 ATK/1600 DEF, LVL 4).
'Wow,' I think as Damage Condenser vanishes from the field. 'All the computer's Monsters look powerful in their own right. How can Solid Vision technology create such intricate holograms?'
Wait, that's not the big issue right now. I need to finish my turn. Why did I let myself get distracted like that?! I shake my head as I look over what's left in my hand. There isn't much else I can do right now. Besides, I have the field advantage right now. I should be fine.
"I go to my End Phase. Bergzak's second ability activates." At that moment, Bergzak doubles over as the 'Iron Core' emblem on its chest starts to burn his body away. I choose to explain the effect out loud, even though the computer most likely knows what's about to happen. Mostly, it's to remind myself that this effect is there.
"During my End Phase, Bergzak will be destroyed unless I do one of two things. I can discard an 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru', or reveal one Warrior-Type Monster in my hand. I choose to discard an 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru'." I show the mentioned card to the computer, and drop it into my Disk's Graveyard slot. Bergzak's body returns to a stable state, and it stands upright again (CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon): 3).
"Since this occurs during your End Phase," the computer states. "Your turn is officially finished. My turn begins. I draw."
[ROUND 3] [Epsilon: 3500 LP/Computer: 1600 LP]
[TURN 5: Computer] [CARDS IN HAND: 3]
"I activate the Equip Spell Black Pendant, and equip it to Mystic Swordsman LV4," the computer announces right after it draws. "This increases my Monster's ATK by 500 points. In addition, when this Spell is sent from the field to the Graveyard, you take 500 points of damage." (CARDS IN HAND (Computer): 2).
The Spell shows a necklace with dark-pink beads strung along either side of a golden amulet with a dark-purple center. Black lines dance within the purple, as if something's moving inside the amulet itself. The Mystic Swordsman places a hand to his neck as the same amulet appears on him. His body glows purple for a second as the Spell kicks in (ATK (Mystic Swordsman LV4): 1900-2400).
"Battle," the computer states as I brace myself for an attack. "Mystic Swordsman LV4 attacks Koa'ki Meiru Bergzak." The Swordsman dashes forward as the Pendant gives him extra speed, dodging Bergzak's frenzied swings with ease. When he gets up close, he darts to one side and spins by Bergzak's body. His swords cut through Bergzak's body as he spins, ending in a graceful flourish as Bergzak shatters into pixels. I step back to avoid said pixels, even though they're just holograms (Epsilon: 3500-3100 LP).
'Gah! Why didn't I properly prepare for that, like I did with the other Equip Spell? Now, I've lost my field advantage! Divine won't like this…'
I look to the observation window, desperate to see Divine's confidence in me despite what just happened. I shudder as I see him look back at me. But, he's still smiling, like when we first talked.
'He's happy. That's… good. That's very good! He still trusts me! He still thinks I'm a Psychic Duelist! I can still show him my skill!'
I smile as I hear the computer declares its turn is over. However, my eye's display pops up with something that makes me turn away from Divine's gaze.
[NOTIFICATION: Opponent did not activate the End Phase-specific ability of 'Mystic Swordsman LV4', despite completing its requirements this turn. This ability Special Summons 'Mystic Swordsman LV6' from the hand or Deck, by sending 'Mystic Swordsman LV4' to the Graveyard.
POSSIBLE REASON: The opponent does not have 'Mystic Swordsman LV6' in their Deck.]
Why is this notification important? Is the program in my metal eye, or whatever's in there, trying to analyze the current situation to my advantage? Actually, why am I even focusing on this, it's my turn!
As I reach to draw my card, my eye's display brings up a brief notification: [The special ability of 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru' can be activated during the Draw Phase of your turn, instead of conducting your usual draw].
I choose to ignore it, and draw a card instead. I want to see what else my Deck can do, instead of rely on cards I've already seen.
[TURN 6: Epsilon] [CARDS IN HAND: 4]
'Holy…! This card is just what I need! I guess Divine had this kind of situation in mind when he made this Deck. Why did I ever doubt him?'
I feel tension rise in my chest, which I dispel with a deep breath. Then, I take action. I have a plan to win, and I will see it through.
"I activate the Spell Urgent Synthesis! This lets me shuffle one 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru' from my Graveyard back into my Deck. Then, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Koa'ki Meiru Monster from my hand or Graveyard. I Special Summon Bergzak from the Graveyard!" (CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon): 3).
My Spell shows the Monster 'Koa'ki Meiru Powerhand' having its core replaced with a glowing green stone. Rings of black energy fly around its body as this replacement occurs. Those same rings fly over one Monster Card Zone on my Duel field as Bergzak appears back on the field. The rings dissipate when Bergzak draws his swords, ready for another battle (ATK: 2000). I also take the 'Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru' in my Graveyard and place in on top of my Deck. The Duel Disk shuffles the Deck automatically.
"Now," I continue as I take another card from my hand. "I activate the special ability of Koa'ki Meiru Rooklord from my hand. Even though it is a Level 8 Monster, I can Advance Summon it by Releasing one 'Koa'ki Meiru' Monster. I Release Bergzak to Advance Summon Rooklord! Show yourself!" (CARDS IN HAND (Epsilon): 2).
Bergzak's body turns completely white, and then grows into a much larger form. When the light fades, a giant warrior stands in his place. Actually, it looks more like a machine, since it has large white epaulets over its shoulders, and a body made of blue and black metal pieces. Its face is covered by a metal helmet, and it has giant cannons for hands. The 'Iron Core' emblem appears on its body ten times; four on each epaulet, and once on each hand-cannon.
As I look at this warrior, who towers over me in size, a sense of power makes my muscles twitch. This Monster, this colossal creature, is currently under my control. I can command it to attack, and inflict great damage to my opponent's Monsters. Rooklord seems to echo my thoughts when it raises its hand-cannons up to level with the mannequin (EARTH, Warrior, 2800 ATK/2200 DEF, LVL 8).
"Since Rooklord was Normal Summoned," I explain as I look over its card again. "Its second effect kicks in. I can now banish one 'Koa'ki Meiru' card from my Graveyard to destroy up to two cards on your field! I banish 'Koa'ki Meiru Boulder' from my Graveyard to destroy your Mystic Swordsman LV4, and your Black Pendant!"
A silhouette of Boulder appears beside Rooklord as I take the card out of my Graveyard, and place it inside a pocket on my robe. Rooklord's cannons drain the silhouette into themselves, and then glow a fiery orange. Mystic Swordsman crosses its swords in front of its face to protect itself. Rooklord quickly fires one ball of yellow lightning from each cannon. One ball flies towards the Monster, the other to the Spell in the computer's backrow.
The swordsman doesn't last a second after the first impact, and the Black Pendant card shatters from the second impact. Before I can take my next action, a small black mist flies from the broken Spell and wraps around my neck. I feel my neck grow slightly cold for just a second, but I'm otherwise fine (Epsilon: 3100-2600 LP).
"Battle," I shout as my desire to win this Duel grows stronger. "Koa'ki Meiru Rooklord attacks you directly! This is the end!"
Rooklord's cannons glow with more energy, and all ten 'Iron Core' emblems on its body shine with orange-yellow light. The warrior then transfers all this energy into its right cannon, which now looks like it's about to explode from the glowing power inside it. The mannequin doesn't move as Rooklord aims this overcharged cannon at it, and then fires a giant ball of lightning.
I cover my ears as a loud explosion rocks the room. At least, it feels to me like the ground shakes a bit from the explosion's force. The mannequin falls over, the Disk on its arm still attached and undamaged. A few bolts of lightning strike the padded walls as the residual energy spreads to other conductible areas, but I see no other damage as my eye display provides me with one last notification.
(Computer: 1600 LP-0 LP) [DUEL ENDS] [VICTOR: Epsilon]
It takes me a moment to realize that I've officially won the Duel. My first concern is for the mannequin, since that last attack knocked it to the floor. I know that the attack was dealt in Solid Vision, but my Psychic Dueling abilities might have kicked in by accident. Rooklord fades away as the Solid Vision deactivates, and I automatically step over to the mannequin to make sure it's alright.
My body stops after one step. My vision goes black for a second, just long enough for me to notice the change. I take a step back to my position on the Duel Field as my concern fades away. This was an opponent, a computer opponent, nothing more. Why did I think otherwise?
I cycle air in and out of my lungs to calm the sense of power still in my body. Commanding an explosive attack like that is certainly something Divine will want to see. He should know about these emotions, no matter how insignificant they may be. My brain reminds my body that I got emotionally wound up in the Duel, just like Seria had said could happen.
My body's response is to make my arms suddenly ache. My hands feel heavy, so I lower them to my sides. I glance to the observation room, but no one's there anymore. Did Divine, Seria, and the others leave before my Duel ended? Did they even see that I won?!
No, no, stay in control. Don't let your emotions run wild. Seria said the Movement helps Psychic Duelists control their feelings, and I need to stay in control if I am to be a good Duelist. I breathe in through my nose, and out through my mouth, as the seconds tick by in my head.
Twenty ticks pass by before the Arena door opens up for someone. It's Seria, and only her, that steps inside.
"Nicely done, Epsilon!" I smile back at Seria's comment, glad to have pleased someone. Seria continues with the message, "Divine said he'll come meet you at a later point today. He has some other matters to take care of, first."
"Are you sure he's fine with what he saw?" I can't stop my words from being laced with concern about my actions in the Duel. She blinks once, and then pats me on the shoulder with a sympathetic look in her eyes.
"You did fine," she says. "I'm amazed you remember as much as you do about Duel Monsters, considering Divine placed you into a Duel so quickly. But, again, you can speak with him about that later. For now, I'll show you to your quarters."
"Quarters? You mean, a room?"
"Of course!" Seria raises an eyebrow at me as she turns towards the Area's doors. "The Arcadia Movement provides all the comforts we need. Come on, I'll show you where you'll be staying." I follow behind Seria as we leave the Arena, curious about how my 'quarters' are going to look.
My 'quarters' turn out to be a single-person room at the back end of a hallway on the same floor as the room I woke up in. There's a bed with a green pillow and sheets, a large ceiling light, and a small closet with a few hangars and a spare robe inside. The walls here are a strange blend of gray and white, very plain. Actually, the entire room is quite plain. There's enough space for me to place the Duel Disk Divine gave me, and the spare robe looks the exact same as the one I have on.
"Just so you know," Seria explains as we step inside, "most of the Movement's members share rooms with other members of similar rank. So, newcomers like you would share a room with people still in basic training."
"Then, why is no one else in this room?" The question sounds obvious, but I know there has to be some reason.
"Well," Seria admits with an apologizing look, "Sorry to be blunt, but your appearance is… unusual. Even for the Movement. Your metal eye would certainly make people here freak out. You're the first Psychic Duelist who's suffered so much physical damage that it had to be replaced with machinery." She looks at my metal eye as she then says, "I'm really surprised that your eye actually works as well as it does."
"It doesn't feel strange at all," I comment as I very briefly rub my hand along the metal around the mentioned eye. "I see just fine with it, so there's no problem. It even helps me in Duels by giving the statistics of Monsters, the turn order, Life Points, and things like that."
"It can do that?!" I flinch as Seria almost shouts this out. "Divine will certainly want to know about this!"
"If it's an issue," I quickly suggest, "then I'm sure it can be fixed—"
"No, it's not a problem at all!" Seria quickly says as she waves her hands in front of her. "It's actually more like a blessing, having constant analysis for a Duel without the need for helmets or visors. I'll certainly mention this to Divine, now; I'm not sure he knew your eye could do that."
I yield to Seria's words. I do trust Divine, and he wants to help me. Why wouldn't I want him to know about this? For that matter, I do want an explanation from him about how I got this eye to begin with.
"Speaking of Divine, he asked that you stay in your quarters until he arrives," Seria says as I look around one additional time to see if there's anything important I missed. "He won't keep you waiting for too long. You can look through your Deck, take a nap, whatever you want. Just don't leave here before he arrives."
"Fine with me," I say as I sit down on the bed and feel the springs bounce back against my weight. "I've got nowhere else to go, right?"
"Yes, yes," Seria says dismissively. "Now, I have my own matters to attend to, so I'll just leave you alone. Remember, don't leave this room before Divine arrives!"
"I got it, I got it," I say with a roll of my eyes. I don't know why Seria's being so forceful on this issue. I'm not questioning it, it's just a thought. Speaking of Seria, she leaves after my comment, and the doors close shut behind her.
I'm alone with my thoughts, Deck, and Duel Disk. Actually, only my current thoughts are really 'mine', since Divine gave me my current Deck and Disk. I know I used them in a Duel just now, but the Deck still feels new to me. I don't know the full capability of this Deck, and my gut instinct says that I'll perform my best in a Duel if I know everything that my Deck can do.
I don't feel like resting, so I choose to look over my Deck after I take it out of the Disk. I scan over the cards, but I don't have the incentive to develop strategies with them right now. I do want to use this Deck to the best of its ability, but… I just don't feel like doing it. Maybe I'm actually tired out from the Duel? It felt like I did a lot in that match, but I don't think I'm tired enough to actually take a nap.
My eyelids close shut for a second after I think about a nap. It takes me some effort to get them open again. Maybe I am tired from the Duel, after all. Did that computer in the pod say anything about how tired I would be when I woke up? Does Divine think I'll be resting when he comes in here?
Nervousness makes me breathe a bit faster. I feel worry about how Divine expects me to be after my Duel. If he could just be here now, then I wouldn't need to worry about this. But, he's the leader of this entire Movement; he's probably got a lot of problems each day to deal with. I shouldn't be trying to make myself more important than I really am, right?
Wait, why am I even asking myself these questions? I feel safe in the Movement, safe with Divine. I should really just accept what I'm told here, since I have no other options to turn to. Seria said the Movement has all the comforts I need, and I think it's high time I start to use them!
Satisfied with my self-reflection, I detach my Disk from my arm, take off my footwear, and slide onto the bed. I don't bother to get under the sheets, since the room's temperature is warm enough already. I rest my head on top of the pillow and allow my eyes to close on their own. Actually, my metal eye just switches off, since I don't seem to have an eyelid there to close.
I feel my body become heavier as I sink into the bed a little. It's kind of odd, but not discomforting. I don't think the bed's going to swallow me, at any rate. How would that be comfortable? I crack a smile at my joke, and then focus on actually resting.
After what feels like a few minutes of rest, my ears pick up the room's door opening automatically. It's probably Divine. I shouldn't be asleep when he's here. I need to get up, need to ask my questions!
A hand rests on my forehead before I can open my eyes. It releases a pulse into my brain.
My thoughts melt away.
Alright, that's all for now!
Again, I'd like you to keep the things I stated in this chapter in mind for the future. I do want to make this story entertaining for you all.
As usual, any reviews, comments, and constructive criticism are appreciated.
Draconos is taking off!