As Ryoga's trap card activated, a streak of lightning crash through Ren and his surroundings. The impact rattled the battlefield, stirring up a cloud of dust that surrounded them, hiding the outcome from curious onlookers. The crowd held their breath, their hearts pounding, eagerly anticipating the unfolding events.
But as the dust settled, revealing fragments of what had happened, the final result remained a mystery, keeping everyone in suspense.
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as they squinted their eyes. Their eyes fixated on the figure at the center of the storm. Ren stood tall, his body slightly shaken but his iron will unbroken. His eyes glinted with unwavering resolve, a fiery hope that defied the odds.
Ren: 1 LP
Yuma's heart swelled with a mix of relief and awe. "Ren... you're still standing!"
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ren's lips, and he spoke with conviction. "Not yet, Kamishiro. I can't be beaten yet... Not until you believe in your sister!"
Confusion flashed across Ryoga's face, momentarily overshadowing his arrogance. "What are you talking about? You should be done for!"
Ren's eyes gleamed with mischief. "You see, Kamishiro, my spell card 'Final Gambit' has one more effect, one that I've been saving for a moment just like this. It allows me to negate any damage I receive for one time only. And that moment... is now!"
A flow of energy enveloped Ren, pulsating with an otherworldly power. The crowd gasped, Ren's gamble, his unyielding spirit, had defied the odds once more.
"Why... Why do you care so much?" Ryoga's voice quivered with a mix of confusion and frustration as he stared at Ren, unable to comprehend the depths of his opponent's concerns.
Ren's breath came in ragged gasps as he silently muttered, "Why, huh..." His eyes glazed over, transporting him to a distant memory of three children playing together in a sunlit field. A boy with dark purple hair, a girl with dark blue hair, and a boy with brown hair, their laughter echoing in the wind as they chased each other, carefree and full of joy. The flashback was brief but powerful, bringing a warm look to Ren's face as he relished in the nostalgia of the past.
Returning to the present, Ren locked eyes with Ryoga and asked him, "What do you think your sister wants, Kamishiro? Does she truly desire a life devoid of any connections, any bonds? Does she want to face the challenges of this world alone?"
Ryoga's leer wavered, torn between his overprotective instincts and the realization that he couldn't be by his sister's side at all times. He clenched his fists, his voice strained with uncertainty. "She... She doesn't need anyone. I'll always be there for her."
A knowing smile graced Ren's lips as he replied, "But you're not immortal, Kamishiro. None of us are. There will come a time when you won't be able to protect her anymore, when you're old and weak. Do you want your little sister to face that loneliness, to die alone?"
Ryoga faltered, his stubborn resolve shaken. He struggled to find an answer, torn between his desire to shelter his sister and the inevitability of the passage of time. The weight of Ren's words began to settle on his heart.
Ren continued, his voice gentle but firm. "You don't have to trust me, Kamishiro. But you can trust your friends, your sister's friends. As long as your sister is happy, surrounded by willingly made connections, that's all that matters. We'll be there for her when you can't."
Yuma, Kotori, and Tetsuo stepped forward, ready to lend their support. Their unwavering belief in the power of friendship was a testament to their own experiences.
Ryoga wavered for a moment, his anger and protectiveness at war with the genuine concern in Ren's eyes. Finally, he shouted, his voice laced with irritation, "Shut up, Ren! It's my turn!"
As the duel resumed, Ryoga's mind was filled with Ren's words, his own doubts mingling with the memories of his sister's smiles and the friendships she had formed. The battle prolonged, but a seed of doubt had been planted in Ryoga's heart, one that would slowly grow, challenging the walls he had built around himself.
And as Ren faced the force of Ryoga's next move, his commitment remained unshakable. He would fight with everything he had to prove the power of friendship and the strength it could bring to Rio's life. For he knew, deep down, that sometimes, the bonds we form are what truly make us invincible.
Ryoga's hand trembled with anticipation as he drew his next card, his eyes fixated on the newly acquired treasure. With a serious expression etched on his face, he declared, "Draw!" The card slipped effortlessly into his waiting hand, and without a moment's hesitation, he revealed it to his opponent.
"I activate the Equip Spell Card Sharkify!" Ryoga's voice rang out with determination. He swiftly played the card, its power surging through the holographic battlefield. As the card's effect took hold, a surge of energy engulfed his Black Ray Lancer, augmenting its strength. Its attack points soared from 3100 to an impressive 3400, now surpassing Ren's Dinosauria Tyrannosaurus Rex, which stood at 3300.
Black Ray Lancer: 3100 - 3400
With a fierceful look, Ryoga shouted, "Battle!" The intensity in his voice matched the fierce fire in his eyes. He commanded his empowered Black Ray Lancer to charge forward, locked onto Ren's Dinosauria Tyrannosaurus Rex as its target.
But Ren was not one to back down easily. With a smirk, he swiftly countered, "I activate my Trap Card, Forced Adaptation!" A wave of energy pulsed through the holographic field, affecting all of Ryoga's monsters. "When your monster attacks, I can activate Forced Adaptation. It reduces the attack points of each of your monsters in attack position by 800 for every monster you control!"
Ryoga's heart sank momentarily as the force of Ren's trap threatened to diminish his advantage. His eyes narrowed with confidence as he declared, "I activate my Trap Card, Sea King's Verdict! It negates your trap card and destroys it!"
A surge of oceanic power emanated from Ryoga's card, washing over the battlefield. The waters twisted and crashes through Ren's trap card, effectively negating it. Ryoga's monsters were now free from the reduction in attack points, their full strength restored.
Ren's grin faltered, replaced by a look of surprise. He "didn't expect" Ryoga to have such a counter prepared. Ryoga's victory has been secured.
Black Ray Lancer lunged forward, its razor-sharp lance piercing through the massive form of Dinosauria Tyrannosaurus Rex. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the virtual arena, causing the ground to tremble beneath their feet.
Ren's eyes widened in disbelief as he felt the force of the attack reverberate through his entire being. The life points displayed on his Duel Disk rapidly dwindled, dropping from 1 to 0 in an instant. The defeat was swift and decisive.
Ren: 1 - 0 LP
A/N: Hol'up before you go out and remove this fic from your reading list, just know that there's an explanation behind this outcome! (refer to the chapter title)
"Gah!" Ren gasped. Dinosauria Tyrannosaurus Rex shattered, dissolving into fragments of light, signifying its defeat. A huge hologram board appeared, showing Ryoga's portrait with the text "WIN" below, indicating Ryoga's win on the duel.
As the holographic arena dissolved, both duelists returned to reality, their hearts still racing with the thrill of the intense battle. Yuma and his friends as well as Rio ran towards them, removing their D-Gazers as they check up on their friends.
Rio reached Ren first, concern etched on her face. "Hitori, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry. She took a step closer, her eyes searching his for any signs of distress.
Ren mustered a defeated smile, his eyes meeting Rio's. "I'm fine, Kamishiro-san. Just a tough loss." he replied, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm sorry I couldn't convince your brother."
Rio's expression softened as she placed a hand on Ren's shoulder. "No no, it's not your fault, Hitori." she reassured him gently. "Ryoga has always been stubborn, but you fought with all your heart. That's what matters to me."
Just then, Yuma approached them, a sincere smile on his face. "Hey, Ren! You did great in your duel against Shark!" he exclaimed, patting Ren on the back. "You gave it everything you had, and that's what counts!"
Suddenly, Ryoga approached them, causing Ren to become flustered, his presence casting a heavy air of tension over them. "K-Kamishiro, I- uhh... you see..." Ren stumbled over his words, unsure of how to convince Ryoga, especially after being defeated by him.
Ryoga fixed his gaze on Ren, his eyes piercing through him. The silence stretched between them, the awkwardness hanging in the air. After what seemed like an eternity, Ryoga let out a sigh, his features relaxing but still firm and serious.
"Good duel. You fought well." Ryoga said, a genuine respect evident in his voice. "We both pushed ourselves to our limits, and that's what makes this game so incredible." Ryoga reached out his hand towards Ren, awaiting for a handshake.
Everyone stared at Ryoga, momentarily stunned by the unexpected display of sportsmanship. Slowly, Ren reached out and grasped Ryoga's hand, the tension between them dissipating.
"Yeah... You're right," Ren replied, a faint grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "I may have lost this round, but I'll come back stronger."
Ryoga nodded, a smile of his own slightly forming. "I look forward to it." And with another sigh, he added. "Alright." he finally said, his tone cautious yet laced with a touch of acceptance. "I'll give you a chance. But remember, if anything happens to Rio..."
Ren nodded understandingly, gratitude filling his voice. "I completely understand, Kamishiro. I would never do anything to harm her. I'm just here to help, that's a promise!"
Ryoga's stern expression softened. "Ryoga. Call me Ryoga, make sure to keep that promise, Ren." he said, his voice carrying a hint of camaraderie. He turned and walked away towards his motorcycle, leaving everyone else in shock.
Tetsuo, breaking the silence, stepped forward with a respectful smirk on his face. "Ren, I must say, it's quite impressive that you've gained Shark's respect in your first meeting. He doesn't hold many people in high regard so quickly."
Ren's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he nodded. "Thank you, Tetsuo. I appreciate your kind words. I didn't expect things to turn out this way, but I'm glad that Ryoga is willing to give me a chance."
Yuma, always the curious one, chimed in. "Hey, Shark rarely warms up to people that fast. What do you think made him change his mind about you so quickly, Ren?"
Ren glanced at Ryoga's retreating figure, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm not sure either..."
As the conversation continued, Rio asked Ren, her eyes filled with concern. "Should I walk you home, Hitori? It's the least I can do after everything that's happened."
Ren chuckled softly. "No need to worry, Kamishiro-san. I'm fine. In fact, I think you should use this opportunity to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your brother. It seems like he could use it."
Rio's expression softened, and a warm smile adorned her face. "Thank you, Hitori. I'll take your advice. I hope everything works out between you and Ryoga."
With a final nod, Rio left the group of friends and made her way towards her brother, hopping onto the motorcycle behind him. The engine roared to life as they rode away, leaving Yuma and his friends standing there, their hearts filled with anticipation and hope.
As the motorcycle disappeared into the distance, Yuma turned to his friends, a determined glint in his eyes. "Alright, guys. We've got our own battles to face. Let's train harder than ever and support Ren in whatever way we can. Together, we can protect everything we hold dear."
Everyone shouted "Yeah!" in agreement as they raised their fist towards the sky, their spirits ignited by Yuma's words. They knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to face any challenge that came their way. They set off, walking to go home. They had a friendly banter along the way, but Yuma still has something on his mind.
"By the way Ren, I noticed that you still have 1 trap card you didn't use when Shark attacked, what's up with that?"
"Oh that, it's this." Ren showed the card from his deck container.
Yuma couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as Ren revealed the trap card from his deck container. It was called "Magic Regeneration," and its effect piqued his interest. "When an opponent declares an attack, you gain 1000 Life Points for each Spellcaster-Type monster sent to the Graveyard this turn." Yuma read aloud, his eyes widening with curiosity.
Tetsuo, who had been walking beside Yuma, chimed in, "Hey, Ren, do you have any Spellcaster monsters in your deck? I only saw you use Dinosaur monsters during your duel with Shark."
Ren's eyes darted away, and he whistled nonchalantly, as if avoiding the question. Kotori, who was walking a few steps behind them, muttered loudly, "Don't tell me..."
Ren's face flushed with embarrassment, and he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, you see... It's been ages since I last checked my cards. I don't really know if they synergize with one another."
Yuma facepalmed, unable to contain his disbelief. "Ren, how can you not know what's in your own deck? That's like dueling with one hand tied behind your back!"
Tetsuo shook his head. "Ren, you've gotta take better care of your deck. It's important to know your cards inside out if you want to become a better duelist!"
Ren hung his head, clearly regretting his negligence. "You guys are right. I'll make sure to spend some time studying my deck and improving my understanding of the cards. I want to be better at dueling so I could keep my promise with Ryoga!"
Yuma softened his tone. "Don't worry, Ren. We'll help you. We'll go through your cards together and figure out the best way to use them in your duels."
Ren looked up, a small smile forming on his lips. "Thanks, Yuma. I appreciate that."
Tetsuo glanced at Ren, trying to change the subject. "By the way, Ren, there's something I've been meaning to ask you. Do you... have feelings for Kamishiro-san?"
Ren's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly shook his head. "No, no! It's not like that at all. I can't stand fights between family, and I sympathize with Kamishiro-san and her brother. I have a younger sister myself, so I understand the importance of supporting each other."
Tetsuo smirked playfully. "Hmm, I see. Well, from what I've seen, Kamishiro-san seems to be quite fond of you. I've never seen her care that much for anyone aside her brother."
Ren blushed slightly, his denial wavering for a moment. "That's... probably just because we're friends. We've known each other for a short time, but we already support each other. It's nothing more than that."
Tetsuo chuckled, deciding to drop the subject for now. "Alright, if you say so. But let me warn you, Ren. I'm now declaring you as my rival, not just in dueling but also for Kamishiro-san's heart. You better be ready to face me both on and off the duel field!"
Ren laughed, brushing off Tetsuo's declaration. "Oh please, Tetsuo. You don't need to mind me. Kamishiro-san and I are just friends, and that's enough for me. But if you want to challenge me to a duel, then bring it on!"
As the group walked towards their respective homes, Yuma smiled at Ren. "I'm glad we had this talk, Ren. Remember, we're here to support you, both as friends and as fellow duelists. Let's all meet up at school tomorrow and practice together!"
The others nodded in agreement, bidding their farewells as they went their separate ways.
Uncrossing his legs, Ren moved his hand across the board with a swift motion and declared, "Queen to h8."
The chess piece gracefully glided across the checkered battlefield, landing at its final destination in the corner of the board. Ren's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as he cornered his opponent's queen and king, leaving the opponent no choice but to sacrifice their strongest piece to protect the King.
Opposite him, the girl wearing a plain white dress leaned back in her chair, a mix of awe and admiration evident in her green eyes. Her glossy dark green hair cascaded down her shoulders, contrasting beautifully with her fair complexion. A subtle smirk tugged at the corners of her lips, revealing a hint of her reserved nature. Nevertheless, her eyes betrayed the irritation she felt for the game unfolding before her.
"Hoh... Well played." she praised, her voice a silky melody that filled the room. There was a tinge of saltiness in her tone with a hint of competitiveness. Her eyes never left the board, her gaze fixed on the impending defeat of her regal pieces. She puts her hand on her King, her bracelet sparkling from the reflected light of the room. The lady then placed her King, awaiting Ren for his next move.
Ren smirked, leaning back in his chair with a self-satisfied air. "Oh, you're just realizing my genius? Don't worry, I have a waitlist for admirers. I'll make sure to squeeze you in somewhere." he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ren's words hit their mark, and a visible vein throbbed on the girl's temple. Her irritation was evident, and it's clear that the lass is doing her best to hold it in. With a sharp glimmer in her green eyes, she met Ren's smug expression. "O-Ohh... Well, aren't you just overflowing with modesty." the girl retorted, her smile strained.
"I must admit, I'm truly honored to be squeezed into your illustrious waitlist of admirers. Perhaps I should prepare an acceptance speech for such a prestigious position." Her voice dripped with playful sarcasm, mirroring Ren's earlier tone.
Ren chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the girl's sarcasm. "Oh please do so," he replied, his voice dripping with mock enthusiasm. "I can already imagine the grandeur of your acceptance speech. Oh, and while you're at it, why don't you show them your flower-like elegance, oh-lit-tle-la-dy?"
As Ren's words hung in the air, the girl's composure shattered like fragile glass. With an infuriated growl, she could no longer contain her anger. Her hands trembled as she snatched a handful of darts from the nearby table. Without a moment's hesitation, she hurled them in Ren's direction, her aim fueled by anger.
As she suspected, Ren merely laughed as he effortlessly evaded the projectiles, like dancing to an invisible rhythm. His body moved with fluidity and precision, a testament to his quick reflexes. Dart after dart sailed past him, missing their intended target by a wide margin. "Hahaha! Oh, young lady... thine femininity is truly a magnificent sight to see!" Ren chuckled sarcastically.
The girl's anger mounted with each missed throw, her face reddening with anger. But despite her rage, Ren's laughter echoed through the room, adding fuel to the fire. It was as if he found amusement in her futile attempts to strike him.
Finally, the girl couldn't take it anymore. Her voice rose to a shout, filled with a potent mix of anger and exasperation. "Grrr... stay still you idiot!" she yelled, clearly irritated.
As the girl's barrage of darts came to an end, a moment of silence settled between them. Ren's laughter subsided. "Impressive," he said, his voice still filled with sarcasm. "At this rate, you can definetely be hailed as a true princess."
"We don't mind our beloved Hero and the young lady having a friendly sibling banter, but please keep the mess to a minimum." As the tension lingered in the air, a gentle voice broke through the silence. A long gray-haired lady with piercing blue eyes. She wore an elegant white dress that flowed gracefully around her.
The woman's sudden appearance surprised both Ren and the mad dart-thrower. They turned their attention to her, momentarily forgetting their confrontation. Ren's mischievous smile remained, and the girl's anger melted away, going back to her calm demeanor.
Ren looked at the woman as he recognized her. "Oh, heya Serenith." he greeted her warmly, his voice filled with affection. "What brings you here?"
Serenith's blue eyes sparkled as she returned his greeting with an elegant bow. "Beloved Hero, I have a report to make. The workshop is running smoothly, and the girls have been doing an exceptional job overseeing its operations."
Ren's face softened, captivated by her words. The workshop held immense importance for his grand plans, and the assurance that everything was going smoothly eased his mind.
"That's absolutely fantastic, Serenith." Ren replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "I couldn't have hoped for a more incredible team to manage the workshop. Their dedication and skills are truly praiseworthy."
Serenith nodded, a gentle smile gracing her lips, trying her best to hide the ecstasy that is ready to burst from Ren's praises. "Indeed, Beloved Hero," she said. "Each of the girls are fulfilling their role with utmost diligence and care. The workshop has become a beacon of productivity and creativity, thanks to their efforts."
Suddenly, a woman's voice cut through the air, interrupting the moment. The voice belonged to another gray-haired lady wearing a black dress who wrapped her arms around Ren from behind. Her red eyes glowing with mischief. "On the other hand, the young lady's lessons are not going so well." the woman exclaimed, her tone dripping with amusement. She glanced playfully at the young lass across from Ren, clearly mocking her.
"Seraphina..." The dark green-haired lady muttered, annoyed by the presence of another woman. One whom she founds the existence the most annoying of them all.
With a smug smile, Seraphina added, "As you can see, the young lady's still too far from being a refined woman." She emphasized as she squeezes her bountiful bossom against Ren's head. She gives the lady across Ren a look as if saying "You can't do this huh..." causing the lass to break her serene expression once again.
"Grr... I bet you feel so happy to have that cow throw herself at you, am I rigghhttt?" The lady gives Ren a death stare, as she grips her armchair so hard it's about to crack.
Ren couldn't help but sigh once more. "If I recall correctly, you've only started studying the ways of a refined lady a few days ago right?"
The lady's expression turned into confusion with the sudden change of subject. "Y-Yeah... What about it?"
"Don't rush yourself. Take everything on your own pace, if you start to rush things in an attempt to accomplish something, it will only overwhelm you as the baggage sends you back where you came from." Ren gave her a reassuring smile, as the lass regains her composure and even her will to learn.
With a gentle voice she replied, "Thanks, I'll do my best so I could stand beside you...
...Onii-chan!" The little sis makes a very cute smile that warmed Ren's heart. The gray-haired twins gave a heartwarming smile as well, seeing the siblings' bond strengthen in front of their eyes.
"Leave her training to us, soon she'll be able to handle herself without relying too much to you." Seraphina reassured the worried brother as she starts caressing his chest.
"Hey, just because I'm in a good mood doesn't mean you can do whatever you want! Get your filthy hands off of him!" The little sister shouted at the seductive beauty.
Seraphina chuckled softly, her fingers lingering on Ren's chest before she withdrew her hand. She glanced over at the young lady with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Oh, young lady, always the feisty one, aren't you?" she said, her voice filled with amusement. "If you wanted your beloved brother to notice you, then being passive all the time is no good you know~"
The little sis's cheeks flushed with anger, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She hated how Seraphina always seemed to have the upper hand, effortlessly getting under her skin. But she refused to let it show.
"I know I could count on all of you. Thanks, you gals look beautiful today as well." Ren gave the twins a genuine smile, and in one simple gesture of thanks and compliments, the maidens' hearts was overflowing with joy.
The twins' eyes danced with joy, reflecting the warmth radiating from Ren's words. If they had a tail, it would surely be wagging like an ecstatic puppy's.
"Yeah, the girls are doing their best for my and my little sister's sake. The least I can do is offer them my thanks and motivate them with their looks." Ren, thought in his mind. As the boss, he must always keep the morale up for his people.
"Oh, my Beloved Hero..." Serenith exclaimed, her voice brimming with happiness. "Your praises bring me the utmost joy, like a thousand stars shining brightly in the night sky."
"Psst... I'll leave my room open for tonight, I'll see you there~" Seraphina whispered in Ren's ear, loud enough to be heard by the little sister as she winked and leaves the room with her twin.
Back with the two siblings who are left alone, Ren's imouto doesn't seem to give him a break "You better not be planni-"
"I won't." With Ren's brief reply, his little sis makes a sigh of relief as the serious atmosphere from before is back.
As the two siblings refilled their tea, they settled back into their seats, the chessboard once again became the focal point of their attention. Ren, with a composed expression, moved his piece calmly, taking his sister's Queen using his own. The little sister studied the board, contemplating her next move, before turning her attention to Ren.
"So, how was your day?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.
Ren leaned back in his chair, an unfazed smile spreading across his face. "It wasn't a decisive victory of some sort, but still a victory nonetheless." he replied, his voice brimming with satisfaction.
His sister raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his positive tone. "Oh? What happened?"
Ren's eyes gleamed with excitement as he recounted his day's events. "I found him... I found Nash. Although he now goes by the name Ryoga Kamishiro." he revealed, his voice tinged with triumph. "Without even spending a tiny bit of my energy and resources, I encountered him. It's as if fate has smiled upon me once again."
His sister's neutral expression shifted slightly, her curiosity piqued. She listened attentively as Ren detailed how he had met Nash while planning her moves on the chessboard.
Suddenly, one of the cards in Ren's deck suddenly emitted a soft glow. Ren instinctively reached for his belt, where he kept his deck, and as he did, a woman dressed in a resplendent gown materialized before him.
The woman's ethereal presence filled the room, her aura radiating a sense of power and mystique. She looked at Ren with adoration in her eyes, a smile gracing her celestial features. "My Beloved Hero, you have found him." she said in a voice that carried both warmth and reverence. "In your pursuit to intertwine fate, I shall pave the way."
Ren's sister watched the scene unfold with a mix of astonishment and annoyance. Her eyes darted between Ren and the woman, her frustration evident in her voice. "Can't you goddesses leave us alone even for a moment?" she blurted out, her voice laced with annoyance.
The Goddess of Fate Celestria turned her attention toward Ren's sister, her voice filled with understanding. "I know you tire of our constant involvement, but you must understand, dear one." she spoke gently, her voice resonating with wisdom. "Our Beloved Hero's path is intertwined with the threads of fate, and I am but a guide to ensure his journey unfolds as it should."
Ren's sister crossed her arms, her anger simmering beneath her words. "Well, maybe it's time for him to forge his own path without your interference. He doesn't need you constantly watching over him."
"Haha... Is that your way of saying not to interfere with our lone time?" Ren teased, causing his sister to blush.
As Ren's sister vented her frustration, another card shimmered it's light beside Celestria, coalescing into the form of another goddess. It was the Goddess of Destiny, Zephymia, her presence radiating confidence. Unlike her sister Celes, Zephy is more straightforward. She surveyed the scene with a keen gaze before addressing Ren's sister in a straightforward manner.
"I understand your concerns, young lady." Zephymia stated firmly, her voice carrying an air of authority. "But you must realize that both Celes and I have been diligently watching over Ren's surroundings, guiding him toward his most fortunate outcome. Our purpose is to ensure that his path aligns with the destiny he is meant to fulfill."
Ren's sister furrowed her brows, skepticism tugging at her thoughts. "And what good does it do?" she questioned, her voice filled with doubt. "Even with all your guidance, he still faces inconveniences that interrupts his plans. It seems like even you two have your limits."
Celestria interjected, her gentle voice filled with sadness. "You speak the truth, dear one. In this modern age, the power we once possessed during the Age of the Gods has significantly diminished. Our influence is limited, and we can no longer intervene much as we once did."
Zephymia nodded in agreement. "She's right. You think it was easy for us to give Ren a chance at meeting Nash? We have been walking a tightrope, manipulating subtle threads of fate to guide him toward the path of his highest potential. But even with our efforts, he must face his own challenges and make his own choices."
Ren broke the tense atmosphere by clapping his hands together, capturing the attention of the three ladies. A warm smile played on his lips as he addressed the two divine beings. "Anyway, I want to express my deepest gratitude to both of you. Your guidance and sacrifices have paved the way for me to come this far. Without your help, meeting Nash would've been much more difficult that I could've wanted. Thank you."
Zephymia nodded, her eyes shining with pride. "You have grown immensely, Ren. We are honored to have played a part in your journey. But remember, it is your own strength and courage that have brought you here. We may have set the stage, but it is you who must take center stage and face the challenges that lie ahead."
Ren's sister, who had been observing the interaction between Ren and the celestial beings with keen interest, contemplated her next move in their ongoing chess match. As Ren expressed his gratitude, she carefully picked up her King, ready to place it somewhere away from Ren's Rook.
Ren, carried on his narration, "Nash isn't the only person I found today. In fact, before I even met him, I encountered his sister first, Marin."
Ren's sister's hand froze mid-air, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. She quickly regained her composure, her fingers resuming their movement on the chessboard, but her eyes held a glimmer of pain. "O-Oh... that is certainly good news..." she stuttered, her voice betraying a hint of uneasiness. She made her move on the chessboard, her mind racing with this revelation.
Ren noticed the flicker of surprise on his sister's face, but he chose not to delve deeper into her reaction. For now, he decided to focus on sharing his own experiences with Marin.
"Yeah, she now goes by the name Rio though." Ren resumed, moving his Rook to a new position on the chessboard. "I found Marin all alone on a swing in the park. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, so I approached her and struck up a conversation. She didn't recognize me nor remembered me, but I managed to convince her to open up about her problems."
Ren's sister listened intently, her eyes fixed on the chessboard but her mind clearly preoccupied. "Did she remember anything eventually? About who you are, or how you two were connected?" she asked.
Ren shook his head gently. "No, she didn't remember me or anything about her past. It seems like my theory is partially correct. I don't know the details, but she mentioned having a fight with her brother. I tried to persuade her to talk to him about it, to mend their relationship. But it's not easy, you know. They have their own complexities."
As Ren made his move on the chessboard, Celestria spoke softly, "My Beloved Hero, you must remember that everything happens for a reason. Nash being a sweet brother to Marin doesn't necessarily mean they won't have conflicts. Humans are doom to their fate of fighting and experiencing disagreements. It is through these that they embody both order and chaos."
Ren's sister looked up from the chessboard, her eyes meeting Celestria's. "But sometimes those fights can tear relationships apart." she said, her tone serious.
Zephymia chimed in. "That's right, conflicts can strain relationships, but they can also be an opportunity for growth and understanding. It is important for Marin and Nash to communicate and resolve their differences. Ren, perhaps you can be a bridge between them, guiding them towards reconciliation."
Ren's sister nodded, her expression softening. She made her move on the chessboard, contemplating the advice the celestial beings had given. She realized that sometimes it takes an outside perspective, like Ren's, to help mend broken bonds.
Ren continued sharing his experiences of his first day in school. "And then, after I befriended Marin, something incredible happened." he exclaimed. "Even after everything that has happened, she still has this intense fear of cats! I guess it's just ingrained on her soul or something, though I tried to help her overcome it."
The little sister broke her gaze at the board and looked at Ren, eager to hear the details. "We were sitting on the swing at the park when this adorable little kitten came up to us." Ren added. "Marin froze in fear, unable to move, so I gently approached the kitten and started playing with it. I assured Marin that it was harmless and even let her touch it."
Ren's eyes sparkled as he recalled the scene. "At first, she was trembling, but little by little, her fear subsided. It was amazing to see her smile and try to touch the cat. Unfortunately, before she could even touch it, Nash, arrived."
Ren paused for a moment, his expression turning slightly somber. "Nash misunderstood the situation, thinking I'm taking advantage of his sister's vulnerability at the time. He was furious and challenged me to a duel. The outcome of the duel was satisfactory though."
Celestria, her calm and reserved demeanor intact, glanced at Ren with a curious yet compassionate expression. "Ren, how can you say the outcome was satisfactory if you lost the duel?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern. At that time, both Celes and Zephy are watching Ren's duel unfold while turning their ethereal selves invisible.
Ren's sister, taken aback by this revelation, turned to him with widened eyes. "You lost? But... How could that happen?" she questioned, disbelief coloring her voice.
Ren gave her sister a reassuring look. A mischievous smile played on his lips as he looked into her eyes. "My defeat was merely a calculated cost, dear sister." he explained, his voice steady and confident. "The moment our duel began, it is already my victory."
Zephymia couldn't contain her curiosity any longer. She stepped forward, her tone assertive. "What do you mean, Ren? Stop keeping us in suspense. Tell us what exactly were your plans in that duel."
Ren took a moment to compose himself, relishing in the anticipation building among his companions. His eyes twinkled with excitement. "Very well." he began, his voice filled with intrigue. "You see, Ryoga, being an overprotective brother may have misunderstood my intentions, but I saw an opportunity within his fury."
His words hung in the air, drawing everyone closer, their attention fully captured by his story. Ren continued, his voice lowering slightly, drawing them in like a skilled narrator. "I allowed Ryoga to channel his rage and aggression into our duel. He attacked with all his might, his emotions clouding his judgment."
A subtle smirk crept across Ren's face, "And while he unleashed his fury, I remained relaxed. I focused on studying his moves, his weaknesses, and his patterns. With every strike he made, I learned more about his style, his flaws."
Ren's sister leaned in, her eyes wide with realization. "So, you were using the duel as a way to analyze him? To gather information?"
"Exactly." Ren affirmed, nodding. "While it may have seemed like a defeat on the surface, I was actually manipulating the situation to my advantage. I allowed Ryoga to exhaust himself, his anger blinding him to make several mistakes."
Ren's mind wandered back to his duel with Ryoga earlier that day. As he shared the details of the intense battle with the girls, the memories came flooding back.
"I summoned Dinosauria Utahraptor." Ren began, a hint of excitement lacing his words. "It wasn't really a pivotal piece in the duel, but it's enough to annoy Ryoga for a bit."
A/N: I'mma make it clear now. In this dimension, the only way you can special summon a monster is either through card effects, tribute summoning or XYZ Summoning. Fusion, Synchro, and Pendulum does not exist on this dimension, well that was until Ren arrived, making him the only person on this dimension to be capable of multiple methods of summoning.
Ren's sister's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you used a Pendulum Monster in your battle? But I thought you're still hiding your trump cards..." she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Ren couldn't help but smirk at her reaction. "No I didn't, sis." he said, reaching for his main deck and his side deck container. He carefully pulled out two cards and showed them to his sister. "Behold, Dinosauria Utahraptor."
His sister examined the cards, her eyes flickering between the two nearly identical monsters. "Two Utahraptors? You only have 1 copy of it, and it's a Pendulum Monster. I'm also sure I've never seen anyone with a card like yours before." she remarked, a mixture of confusion and awe on her face.
Zephymia, who had been listening attentively, chuckled with amusement. "Ah, I see your brother hadn't told you yet." she said playfully. "You see, this is one of the workshop's ingenious products." She pointed on the Effect Monster card.
Ren's smile widened, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Indeed, While the time has not yet come, I'll be using copies of my Pendulum Monsters which are all Effect Monsters, made by the workshop. However, this is but a mere small side-project compared to the workshop's true goal." he declared confidently.
Ren continued his narrative. "Anyways..." he said, turning to face his sister. "After destroying Ryoga's XYZ Monster, and using Dangerous Draw, I set down Primordial Hibernate to prevent him from attacking the next turn instead of Jurassic Mirror Force."
"I was also baffled by that decision, what was on your mind when you did that, my Beloved Hero?" Celes chimed in, wondering her Hero's thoughts at that time.
"She's right, you could've destroyed that Nash in the next turn if you successfully activated your Jurassic Mirror Force." Zephy put her thoughts in the matter.
Jurassic Mirror Force, it's a trap card that destroys all the cards on the opponent's field when their monster declares an attack much like it's original version. However, unlike the original, this could only activate when a "Dinosauria" Monster is targeted, also, you can special summon a "Dinosauria" Monster from your graveyard when you successfully activated this card.
"You see, I believe that victory is not merely about defeating your opponent. It's about teaching them a lesson, making them realize their mistakes, and growing from those experiences. Ending the duel prematurely would deny Ryoga the chance to learn and improve." Ren said, causing the others to slowly see what was Ren's true goal on this duel.
Zephymia nodded, understanding the depth of Ren's strategy. "So, you intentionally held back, allowing Nash to witness his own miscalculations and giving him the opportunity to rectify them." she concluded.
Ren's expression turned serious for a moment as he contemplated his next words. "Indeed, Zephymia." he said, his voice laced with concern. "Ryoga's anger has clouded his judgment, and he's unable to see his own blunders. It's a weakness that he should realize, even if it's not during this duel. Even more, one of the things that Nash hates the most is winning through sheer luck instead of skill."
Ren's carefree demeanor returned as he shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh well, better late than never." he said, taking a sip of his tea. "In the end, it's all about growth and self-improvement, isn't it?"
Ren carried on his narrative. "During that time, Ryoga made a crucial mistake. He attacked my Utahraptor with his Aero Shark, despite the fact that his monster only had a slight advantage of 100 attack points. And me having a trap card ready for his attack." Ren analyzed. "His unstable emotions and aggressive tendencies pushed him to take unnecessary risks. If I hadn't held back, it could have led to his defeat."
Ren leaned back, crossing his arms. "Attacking the opponent's monster just to deal a mere 100 damage, especially when it carries the risk of being countered by a trap card, is never worth it." he remarked, his tone firm. "Ryoga's impulsive actions stemmed from his anger, blinding him to the potential consequences."
Taking a deep breath, Ren continued his story. "When I had the opportunity to XYZ Summon using Jurassic Taboo, I deliberately chose Dinosauria Ankylostego instead of Number 61: Volcasaurus. You see, if I had summoned Volcasaurus, I could have activated its monster effect, destroying Ryoga's Aero Shark and dealing damage to Ryoga equal to Aero Shark's total attack points."
A/N: This version of No. 61 is different from the canon anime/tcg. This can now attack directly during the turn you activate it's effect as long as you use another XYZ Material. This card's stats are now lowered into 2300/800.
Ren resumed his explanation. "By dealing damage equal to 1900 points, I would have left Ryoga defenseless and without a single monster to protect him. And then, by launching a direct attack, I would have inflicted a further 2300 damage, reducing Ryoga's life points from 4100 to 0 in one turn."
A hushed silence fell over the room as Ren's words sank in. They all understood the gravity of his strategy and the brilliance behind it. It is shown once again that if he wanted to, he could've easily beaten Ryoga.
Ren recounted the final moments of their duel. "In the last turn of our duel, I made a choice that altered the course of the duel. When Ryoga unleashed his Black Ray Lancer, I activated my trap card, Forced Adaptation. We watched as the attack points of his monsters decreased by 800 for each of his monsters he control."
Ren's voice remained amused as he continued. "However, just as a comeback seemed to be within my grasp, Ryoga's trap card, Sea King's Verdict, activated. It negated my Forced Adaptation, leaving me vulnerable to his Black Ray Lancer's attack. My life points depleted rapidly, and my defeat became imminent."
Contrary to how normal people expected Ren to react, he is still wearing his usual smile. "If I wanted to, I could easily steal Ryoga's predicted win. I possessed another trap card, one that could have turned the tide of the duel in my favor. Jurassic Mirror Force."
Everyone recognized the significance of Ren's revelation. If he had wanted, he could've activated Jurassic Mirror Force and Ryoga's monsters would have been destroyed, and Ren would have a clear path to victory in the following turn.
It just shows that it wasn't just pure luck that led Ryoga to his win, but a strategic plot of Ren to give Ryoga the W despite having multiple opportunities to beat him.
Zephymia however, got a realization after hearing all of this. "Oh, so that makes sense why you lied to Yuma and his friends at that time."
"What do you mean, Dear Sister?" Celestria asked, unaware of what her sister said.
"Yeah, when I didn't activated Jurassic Mirror Force, I predicted that Yuma, with his curious nature would've asked me why I didn't use my other trap card. That's why I prepared to show him Magic Regeneration, satiating his curiosity." Ren explained.
Celestria, ever the understanding presence, nodded thoughtfully. "So, in the end, you managed to outwit not only Ryoga, but Yuma and his friends?"
Ren's smile grew wider, his confidence shining through. "Indeed. By the time Ryoga realized his mistakes, it was too late. In the end, I emerged victorious, even if it meant accepting a temporary defeat."
"How could you be so sure? What if he just ignored you after the duel?" His sister asked, with a hint of skepticism.
"We already made up, it seems like my voice and Kamishiro-san's will managed to reach him. All's well that ends well." Ren shrugged.
Zephymia's eyes sparked with a mixture of admiration and amusement. "As expected of our chosen Hero. Always thinking several steps ahead."
Ren's sister listened intently to Ren's explanation, her expression still that of curiosity. She crossed her arms, her eyes fixed on him. "Ok, so why not defeat Ryoga in the first place? Surely, that would have had a stronger impact on him, making him realize the consequences of his unstable emotions."
Ren's grin grew wider as he heard his sister's words. "You have a point." he admitted. "Directly defeating Ryoga would have made a stronger impression. However, not everything goes according to plan, and it's important to have contingencies in place. That's what plan B is for."
"So, you planned to beat Ryoga from the start, but circumstances forced you to switch to plan B? What happened?" Zephymia asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.
Ren nodded. "That's correct." he confirmed. "First, Yuma and his friends unexpectedly arrived in the middle of my duel with Ryoga. With them present, I had to adhere to the image I portrayed earlier, claiming that I'm not good at dueling. It wouldn't have made sense for me to suddenly overpower Ryoga in their eyes."
Curiosity glimmered in the girls' eyes. "That is indeed troublesome, but is that the only reason that prevented you from executing plan A?" Celestria inquired.
Ren's hand swiftly moved towards his side, gripping the dart that his sister threw at him earlier. In one swift motion, he flung it towards the dart board, hitting the bullseye with pinpoint accuracy. The dart had pierced the picture of a boy with bulbous spiked hair with an orange color.
The girls were confused, not recognizing the image. "Who?" the sister questioned, her voice filled with uncertainty. "What does that boy have to do with all of this?"
Ren's expression turned serious as he retrieved the dart, his gaze now fixed on the dartboard. "There's an impostor among us." he explained cryptically. "Someone who is pretending to be harmless and infiltrated our group. I can't afford to reveal my true strategy to this enemy. By letting myself be defeated by Ryoga, I maintain an advantage, ensuring that my cards remain hidden."
The sister covers her mouth in mischief. "Pretending to be harmless huh, reminds me of someone." she said, firing at her brother.
"Exactly, there is only one who holds the title of "The Eminence in the Shadow", and that is no other than me!" Ren exclaimed, making an anime pose as he deepened his voice.
Imouto-san sighed as her brother embraces his own childishness.
"Anyways, while we don't know what that boy is planning on doing, we should investigate on when and where he will strike." Celestria speaks in a concerned tone.
"That's what I intend to find out." Ren declared. "For now, we must remain vigilant and observe our surroundings closely. By playing the long game and revealing only what is necessary, we can ensure our victory against our enemies."
Zephymia nodded. "I trust your judgment, Ren." she said. "Let's stay one step ahead of our enemies and protect those we care about."
Celestria stepped forward, her ethereal form radiating warmth and compassion. She embraced Ren, seeking his affection and offering her support. "Fear not, my Beloved Hero. I am here to aid you in your endeavors. Together, we shall shape the threads of destiny and bring about a brighter future."
The two goddesses exchanged one last glance before they began to fade, returning to their respective cards. As they vanished, Celestria's voice echoed gently in Ren's mind, imbued with hope. "Remember, Ren, the bonds you forge and the love you share will guide you toward a future where light triumphs over darkness."
Ren collected the cards and carefully placed them back in his deck. As he continues to spend time with his sibling.
Ren's sister sighed, her frustration tempered by the love she held for her brother. "Can we finally spend our lone time together by ourselves? I'm getting stressed out from these Goddesses who keep interfering with us..." she pouted.
"Jeez, whatever shall I do with you." Ren approached his sister, giving her headpats as the young lady couldn't help but purr at his brother's shower of affection.
They continued their game of chess with a standing of 5-2, Ren getting the lead. They spent a few more hours bonding and chatting with each other before cleaning up and going to their respective rooms.
"I hate your 'I know everything' attitude." he spat, his voice dripping with resentment. "You think you have all the answers, don't you?" Ryoga's words from earlier rung inside of Ren's mind, he was currently lying down his bed, looking back at all the events that transpired today.
"Oh, Nash... I DO know everything..." Ren muttered under his breath.
*BEEP* *BEEP*
Suddenly, Ren received a call. It was from an unknown number. Ren cautiously answered it. "Hello? Who is this?"
"Hey, Ren. Are you going to pick Rio up tomorrow?" Ryoga's voice echoed through the phone. The words hung in the air, leaving Ren momentarily speechless. He struggled to process the sudden turn of events. He hadn't anticipated any further communication with Ryoga anytime soon after their duel.
"Hello, someone there?" Ryoga's voice sounded confused, snapping Ren out of his trance. Ren mustered all his composure and managed to respond, although his voice still carried the shock he genuinely felt.
"Come again...?"
Word Count: 8405 (Excluding A/Ns)
A/N: And with that, Chapter 3 is done! Bro this was deadass longer than the previous one ️ ️. This was a tough week that I wasn't even sure if I could release this chapter today. Anyways, I'll be giving a brief explanation on all the inconsistencies that you've seen on this chapter relating to the original anime. First of all, Ren arrived at this dimension around episode 10 or so of the first season of Zexal. Scorch and Chills vs Yuma and Ryoga never happened, instead Ren just happens to walk by Scorch and Chills and dueled them. Ofc Ren won as it was a one-sided beatdown. Ren is now holding the ff. Number Cards: No. 61 Volcasaurus and No. 19 Freezadon.
Ok most important of all, the next chapter is more of a slice of life as it will also serve as a prelude to the upcoming Barian Invasion Arc. To those waiting for Ren to go all out, I have good news, you'll be able to see that soon. What chapter? Around 5 or 6. Anyways that's all, ya Local Neet out.
