As dawn tiptoed through Heartland City, painting the world in soft hues of lavender and gold, Ren slumbered in a cocoon of tranquility. His dreams danced with fantastical memories of yesterday's date. A calm smile graced his lips as he embraced the blissful abyss of sleep.

But the tranquil symphony of his dreams shattered like fragile glass as Ren's phone pierced the serenity with a shrill melody. The discordant notes of reality echoed through the room, rousing him from his blissful respite.

*Ambatucall... . OOAAUUGHHHH! AUUGHHH!* *Unbelivable noises*

With a groan, Ren shifted in his bed, burying his face deeper into the pillow, hoping to find solace in the remnants of sleep. But the persistent melody of the ringtone continued to slice through the silence, chipping away at his patience.

"Who the hell is calling me so early in the morning?" Ren muttered irritably, his voice muffled by the pillow. Reluctantly, he reached out and fumbled for his phone on the nightstand, squinting at the bright screen. His bleary eyes widened as he saw the countless missed calls from his best friend Ryoga.

"Got a bad feeling about this..." Ren muttered, his mind still heavy with sleep. Before he could fully process the situation, his phone buzzed with another call from Ryoga. Startled, Ren hastily swiped his finger across the screen, accepting the call.

"Ryoga, what's got you calling me so early?" Ren's voice crackled with drowsiness, his words slurred.

He barely managed to finish his sentence before Ryoga's voice flooded through the speaker, laden with urgency. "You finally picked up!... Ren, have you seen Rio?"

Ren blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "I literally just woke up, Ryoga. What's going on? Why are you looking for Rio?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and Ren could hear Ryoga take a deep breath before responding. "She's missing, Ren. I arrived last night, and she's not in the house. She wasn't answering my calls either, I called everyone to see if they've seen her, but they all said they didn't."

A jolt of worry shot through Ren's groggy mind, dispelling the remnants of sleep like a splash of cold water. Rio, his beloved and a source of light in his life, had vanished without a trace. Suddenly, the morning seemed colder, the world outside his window dimmer.

Ren's voice trembled with concern as he replied, "Missing? But... how? I literally drove her back to your house!"

Ryoga's voice wavered with frustration and desperation as he responded, "I don't know, Ren. I don't understand it either. I arrived at our house by midnight and I was surprised to not see her there. I even waited up for her, thinking she might have gone out for a late-night stroll. But she never returned."

"We need to find her, Ryoga. Let's meet up at school and discuss the whole thing with the others."

Ryoga's voice cracked, betraying his own fear. "Please, Ren. Hurry."

Without a moment's hesitation, Ren threw off the covers and sprang into action, he immediately took a shower, washing away the last vestiges of drowsiness. The world had shifted on its axis, and in that moment, the only thing that mattered was finding the missing Rio and unraveling the mystery that had befallen them.

Ren hurriedly dashed down the stairs, his little sister, standing at the bottom, wide-eyed and surprised by his sudden urgency.

"Hey, what's the hurry?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprised.

Ren's breath came in short bursts as he tried to catch his composure. "Rio is missing," he replied. "Ryoga called and said that she wasn't home, she's not answering any of our calls either. I'm planning on meeting up with Ryoga and the others to discuss our plan."

The little sister's eyes widened, mirroring the worry etched on her face. She knew the gravity of the situation immediately. "So the Barians have finally made their move..." she said, her voice filled with concern. "Given Marin's past, it's possible that they're up to something big. We need to act fast and find her."

Without wasting another moment, the little sister rushed to the kitchen, where Serenith and Seraphina were setting the breakfast table. Her voice shook with urgency as she called out to them, "Code red, everyone! Marin is missing!"

Serenith's eyes widened, her hands momentarily freezing in place. "So it has finally started..." she muttered under her breath, her gaze meeting Ren's as understanding passed between them.

Seraphina looked up from the plates she was carrying and locked eyes with Ren. Her expression shifted from surprise, back to calmness. "Let's go to the workshop," she said firmly. "The girls have made some stuff that could help you with this."

The workshop, hidden away in the depths of their house's basement, was a place where the goddesses worked on their projects and conducted experiments. It held the answers to many mysteries, and Ren knew that if there was any hope of finding Rio, only the workshop could give them such a high chance.

As the group descended into the depths of the basement, they could hear faint humming and the sound of machinery in the distance. The workshop was a vast space, filled with workbenches, computers, and various contraptions scattered throughout. Seraphina led the way, her steps quick as she navigated the maze of equipment, her eyes scanning the room for the dark blue-haired girl with an obsession for anything that's new.

And there she was, engrossed in her research, jumping from hologram to hologram with a focused intensity. Her hologram wings shimmered, their colors shifting and blending as she moved. She wore a sleek plugsuit, accentuating her connection to technology and her affinity for its mysteries.

Serenith, her voice calm and stoic as ever, approached the Goddess of Technology Beatrix, her voice steady and commanding. "Beatrix, we need you to show Ren 'that'." she said, her gaze fixed on the cube-like object Beatrix was researching on.

Beatrix's attention was instantly diverted, and she turned towards the group with a curious smile. "Hm? What's the hurry?" Her tone was brash and cheery, a stark contrast to Serenith's calmness. "Something bad going down?"

Seraphina nodded, her expression grave. "Yeah, something happened to our heroine. We believe she's in danger, and we need your help to find her."

Understanding dawned on Beatrix's face as she realized the gravity of the situation. She carefully placed the cube she had been holding back on the workbench, her movements swift and precise. "Aye! Let's get to it then. We've got no time to waste." She gestured for the others to gather around.

Ren's hand reached out to take the cube from Beatrix, his curiosity piqued. "What's this?" he asked, his gaze fixed on the intricate design etched on its surface.

Beatrix's smug smile widened as she leaned in closer, her tone was mischievous. "That, my dear Hero, is the Zarc Cube. It's a powerful item I made that will aid you in your future duels."

Ren's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? How does it work?"

Before Beatrix could reply, Ren's little sister tapped her foot impatiently. "We don't have time for a history lesson, Beatrix. Just tell us what it does!"

Beatrix sighed in defeat, her smugness fading slightly. "Alright, alright, calm down, your highness!" she said, addressing the young girl. "The Zarc Cube has the ability to project a Sphere Field. This field cuts off any power or form of communication that the Barians possess, that is as long as their power is not on par with that of the Barian Emperors."

Ren's eyes widened with realization. He turned to Beatrix, an amused grin forming on his face. "Hoh... You got me with the 'severing their connection' part, I could definitely see this being more useful in the future."

Beatrix nodded, her confidence returning. "Aye! But do know that the cube's potency is only enough to limit a possessed's abilities and they cannot be removed from their host completely, after all, that would beat the purpose of gathering information regarding the Barians. Also, if given enough time, I could even modify this prototype to seal the powers of the Barian Emperors themselves. But I highly doubt that the Zarc Cube is our priority at the moment."

Ren smirked knowingly. "Precisely, Beatrix. We are more focused on something much larger. But with this Zarc Cube, our chances of winning have only become higher."

Beatrix reached into a drawer from a nearby desk and pulled out an item that resembled a D-Gazer. "Here you go, Yuusha-sama." she said, handing it to Ren. "This is a Barian Detector of sorts. It can detect and reveal the auras of anything Barian-related, whether it's a person or an object. Keep it with you, and it will give you an advantage in identifying friend from foe."

Ren took the Barian Detector, examining it with curiosity. "This will be invaluable, Beatrix. Thanks."

"Oh right, I almost forgot!" Beatrix exclaimed, her eyes widening with realization. She swiftly reached into another drawer and retrieved a small device that resembled an insect. Its delicate form gleamed in the soft light of the room.

Serenith arched an eyebrow in curiosity. "And what is this, Beatrix?" she inquired, her voice that of intrigue.

Beatrix's eyes flickered with a mix of excitement and caution. She carefully handed the bug-like device to Ren. "This, my dear companions, is what I call the "Numeron Bug"." she explained, her voice filled with anticipation. "After analyzing Yuma's companion, Astral using my advanced Holo-Analyzer, I discovered that in order for our 'True Goal' to be accomplished, we need to extract the power hidden within him. According to my analysis, the power hidden beneath Astral is still dormant, and he needs to trigger something intense in order to awaken it."

Ren's brows knitted together, his mind racing to comprehend the significance of what Beatrix was revealing. He studied the intricate details of the device in his hand, its design crafted with meticulous precision. "So, the Numeron Bug here... it's meant to help us awaken that hidden power within Astral?"

"Nay!" Beatrix shook her head. "The Numeron Bug has only been specifically engineered to extract a bit of Astral's power discreetly without anyone noticing, not even Astral himself." she explained, her voice coated with upbeat. "But like I said, what we need is the power laying dormant inside Astral. And I'm expecting YOU to do something to awaken that said power." Beatrix said as she pointed at her Hero.

Serenith observed the device with a contemplative gaze, her analytical mind processing the information shared. "A calculated approach," she noted, her tone measured. "It seems that extracting Astral's hidden power is crucial to the realization of our objective. With this device, we have an opportunity to not only complete our goal but also assist Astral and Yuma in unlocking their full potential."

"So, uhh, do I just throw it at Astral or...?" Ren asked, his brows furrowed in confusion. He looked at Beatrix, seeking clarification on how to proceed.

Beatrix, who had a cheerful and somewhat bratty demeanor, rolled her eyes at Ren's question. "Seriously, you're such a newbie sometimes it's actually kinda cute..." she remarked, sighing dramatically. "No, you don't throw it at Astral like some kind of clumsy oaf. You just need to let the bug go when you're in close proximity to him. The bug is already programmed to fly towards Astral and secretly extract his power. It just needs to be ready for it."

Ren nodded, his expression shifting from confusion to understanding. "Got it." he replied, appreciating Beatrix's straightforward explanation. He reached out and gave Beatrix a playful headpat as a sign of gratitude.

Beatrix's face flushed slightly at the unexpected gesture, and she quickly regained her composure. Attempting to show off her allure, she leaned closer to Ren, her voice taking on a softer tone. "You know, Yuusha-sama, unlocking Astral's hidden power might not be the only exciting thing we could do together~" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Before Ren could respond, a voice interrupted the moment. "Hey! What do you think you're saying to my brother!?" Ren's protective sister stepped forward, her eyes flashing with annoyance. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Beatrix, who had unwittingly triggered her ire.

Beatrix, taken aback by the little sister's sudden outburst, quickly gathered herself, a flicker of irritation crossing her features. She straightened her posture and turned her attention towards Ren's sister, matching her glare with an icy stare of her own.

"Excuse me, but I believe I was having a private conversation with my Hero." Beatrix retorted, her voice dripping with disdain. "You shouldn't be so quick to monopolize him all for yourself! Perhaps he's tired of your overbearing presence and longs for someone more... mature." Beatrix then straightened her back and pushed her chest forward, emphasizing her fair bosom which was outlined by her plugsuit. Beatrix's breasts are more in the small department, but hers are definitely bigger than the one Ren's sister has.

As the tension between the two escalated, Ren could feel a headache forming. He stepped forward, raising a hand in an attempt to diffuse the situation. "Alright, that's enough, both of you. We're here to work together, remember?"

The imouto bristled at the insult, her insecurities fueling her spite. "You think you can just prove that you're mature by the size of these frickin' tits!?" She then swiftly grabbed and hardly squeezed Beatrix's breasts.

"KYAAAAAAHHH! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" Beatrix let out an embarrassed scream. In retribution, Beatrix squeezed the sister's cheeks (I meant the ones on her face ? ゚モᄌ).

Before the situation escalated further, Seraphina, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. With a weary expression, she delivered a swift but gentle hand chop to the head of both Beatrix and Ren's sister, silencing their bickering.

"That's quite enough." Seraphina said, her voice exasperated. "We're facing a much bigger challenge than petty arguments. We need to focus on saving Marin and dealing with the Barians."

Ren sighed in relief, grateful for Seraphina's intervention. He glanced between Beatrix and his sister, hoping that they would heed Seraphina's words and put their differences aside.

Beatrix and Ren's sister exchanged glances, their stubborn expressions still remaining. They both averted their gazes with a "Hmph!" ending the childish argument.

Ren smiled gratefully at Seraphina, appreciating her ability to diffuse the tension and bring everyone back on track.

Ren took a step toward the door leading to the workshop's exit, ready to embark on his mission to save Marin and confront the Barians. He turned back to face the others, his eyes determined.

"If that's all, then It's time for me to go." Ren declared, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Can't have the princess waiting for me after all." He added with a smirk.

His sister nodded solemnly. "We're leaving this to you, Ren." she said, her voice tinged with worry. "Please bring Marin back safely."

Beatrix, still holding onto a hint of resentment, softened her gaze as she looked at Ren. "You better make sure nothing happens to our heroine okay?" she warned, her voice laced with concern. "We'll be waiting for your return."

Ren nodded in acknowledgment, understanding the weight of their expectations. "I know, I know. She holds an important role to our success after all." he assured them.

With the Zarc Cube in his possession and the Barian Detector as well as the Numeron Bug in Ren's hands, he sets off, ready to confront the looming threat of the Barians and bring back his beloved.

Ren revved the engine of his sleek black motorcycle, the wind whistling through his hair as he zoomed through the empty streets towards Heartland Academy. It was a weekend, and the campus was unusually quiet, save for a few students who belonged to various clubs.

As he pulled up in the school's front, he noticed Ryoga standing near the entrance. Ren parked his motorcycle and quickly approached his best friend, concern etched across his face. Without wasting a moment, Ren blurted out his question.

"Ryoga, where are Yuma and the others? I've been trying to reach them, but they're not answering my calls. Have you had any luck?"

Ryoga's expression mirrored Ren's worry, his brows furrowed as he shook his head. "No, Ren, I haven't been able to reach them either. I'm starting to think something's not right."

Ren's fists clenched in anger at this information "Is Vector using Rio's kidnapping as an opportunity to pick on us, one by one?" Ren thought in his mind as he gritted his teeth, his mind racing with the possibilities. If Rio was in danger, he knew they had to act swiftly.

"We can't waste any more time," Ren declared. "We need to find Rio quickly. If the Barians have anything to do with this, we can't let them do anything to her. I'll search the eastern part of Heartland City, including the school. Ryoga, you should search the western part. We'll cover more ground that way."

Ryoga nodded in agreement, his eyes burning with the same resolve. "You're right, Ren. We need to stay one step ahead of these sons of bitches and find Rio before they do anything to her. Let's split up and meet back here as soon as we have any leads."

Ren's gaze hardened as he gripped Ryoga's shoulder, their shared determination fueling their bond. "We won't fail, Ryoga. Rio is counting on us. Let's go."

With that, the two friends parted ways, each heading in opposite directions through the vast Heartland City. As Ren walked towards his designated search area, his mind focused on the task at hand.

Ren would search every corner of the school, leaving no stone unturned, he'll never stop until he finds Rio and ensure her safe return. Vector may have thought he had the upper hand, but Ren will make sure to give him a counterattack that he'll never forget.

Ren starts walking through the countless hallways and rooms of their enormous school, his steps firm and his eyes fixed on every corner. With a sense of urgency, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the Barian Detector, a device he obtained to aid him in his search for Rio.

Gently attaching the Barian Detector to his eye, Ren activated the device. A soft hum emanated from it, and a small holographic screen materialized in front of him, displaying various readings and indicators. Ren's heart pounded in his chest as he whispered to himself, "Let's try out this bad boy."

The Barian Detector immediately sprang to life. It scanned the surroundings, analyzing the energies in the area. Ren's eyes widened as he observed the holographic display, which showed a map of the school with multiple blinking icons indicating the presence of individuals with a Barian aura.

Ren zoomed in on the live footage of the possessed students, his gaze fixated on the holographic projection. As he scanned the faces, one particular individual caught his attention. It was a person he saw almost every day, someone he had interacted with on multiple occasions..

Ren's eyes narrowed as he studied the person's behavior. To the naked eye, he seemed perfectly normal, blending in effortlessly with the crowd. But the Barian Detector didn't lie; it revealed the hidden aura surrounding him, a telltale sign of possession.

A wave of understanding surged through Ren. He knew that person was somehow connected to Rio's kidnapping, and this discovery only fueled his desire for answers. Confronting him might provide valuable information about Rio's whereabouts, but Ren's curiosity was piqued by another possessed individual who didn't have any connection to him or any of his friends.

His instincts told him that this mysterious figure held crucial clues and might be linked to a larger conspiracy. Ren made a decision, fueled by his hunger for the truth. "I'll keep an eye on that guy, but for now, I need to investigate this other person." he whispered to himself.

With a swipe of his hand, Ren shifted the holographic display, zooming in on the possessed individual who had intrigued him. The student was wearing a third-year's uniform and a green beret. He's also holding a sketchbook with a pencil tucked in his ear. The Barian aura surrounding him flickered, indicating at an evil power lying dormant within.

Ren's curiosity increased his willingness to know more about this student. He had to find out who this person was and what role they played in Rio's abduction. He adjusted the settings on the Barian Detector to see the student's profile, his name is Chitaro Ariga, the president of the Comic Book Appreciation Club.

With another tweak of his Barian Detector, he used its feature to track the movements of the student. The holographic map on the device adjusted accordingly, highlighting the path taken by the possessed individual. Ren slipped the detector into his pocket and began tailing the person discreetly, keeping a safe distance to avoid raising suspicion.

Ren followed the student through the school corridors, The hallway echoed with Chitaro's footsteps as he moved with purpose, under the dark influence of a Barian. His eyes gleamed with evil, seeking out his target, Ryoga Kamishiro, to claim his Numbers and give it to his controller. Unbeknownst to Chitaro, Ren had been patiently waiting, hidden in the shadows, prepared to intervene.

As Chitaro turned a corner, his gaze fixated on the path ahead, a sudden flicker of movement caught his attention. He halted abruptly, his senses on high alert. Something was off. Before he could react, Ren threw the Zarc Cube, spinning and twirling until it landed directly in front of Chitaro. With a burst of energy, the object released a complex holographic field that enveloped the area, visible only to Chitaro and Ren.

The surroundings morphed into a dark, twisted realm—a distorted reflection of the real world. Phantasmal Beasts roamed and stalked, casting eerie silhouettes against the walls. Chitaro's confusion grew, his mind struggling to comprehend the sudden change. It was then that Ren stepped forward, stepping out from the shadows with a self-assured smirk.

"Well, well, well..." Ren's voice rang out, echoing with amusement and superiority. "I came here expecting to see that gray-colored bastard, and what do we have here?" His gaze locked onto Chitaro, his eyes burning with malice. "Just a pathetic little bug."

Chitaro's eyes narrowed, anger boiling beneath the surface of his controlled demeanor. "Who are you?" he spat, his voice filled with venom.

"I am a spider who spins the yarn of Vestiges," Ren replied, his voice dripping with a cryptic undertone. "Welcome to this wonderful killing chamber."

Chitaro's brow furrowed in confusion. He couldn't make sense of Ren's words. Was this guy crazy? What did he want? Chitaro decided to confront him directly, hoping to unravel the mystery behind his intentions.

"What do you want?" Chitaro demanded. "Why bring me here?"

Ren's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully, before responding with a veiled message.

"I seek the one who is trapped, the damsel in distress." Ren replied, his voice enigmatic. "But I sense you hold the key to her location."

Chitaro's eyes narrowed in suspicion. How did this stranger know about Rio? More importantly, how did he gain access to a device like that? Still, he refused to give Ren any satisfaction, "W-Why should I even tell you?"

Ren chuckled darkly and revealed two cards from his hand. They were Number Cards, No. 61 Volcasaurus, and No. 19 Freezadon. Chitaro's eyes widened in shock.

"You want it?" Ren taunted, dropping the Number Cards onto the floor in front of him. Chitaro's instincts screamed at him to reach out and claim them, but the moment he lunged at the cards, Ren swiftly stepped forward and kicked him in the chest, knocking him down.

Ren's laughter echoed through the air, a sinister melody of mockery. He pointed a finger at Chitaro, his eyes glowing with sadistic delight. "Such a pitiful sight, befitting a filthy Mongrel like you." he sneered. " Your desperation to serve your masters only shows how little your value is."

Chitaro's emotions swelled within him, a seething fury that threatened to consume his composure. Ren's mocking laughter grated on his nerves, fueling his impulse to put this arrogant boy in his place.

"If you want it, then you'll have to take it." Ren challenged, his smirk growing wider as he readied his duel disk and D-Gazer. The twisted realm around them seemed to pulse with energy, as if the very fabric of reality was preparing for their clash.

Chitaro clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white with the force of his grip. He refused to let Ren's taunts and insults break his controlled mind.

With a defiant glare, Chitaro activated his own duel disk and wore his D-Gazer. He would show Ren the true power of Barians and send the Number Cards to his masters.

Ryoga revved his motorcycle engine, the roar of its power matching the fury burning within him. He navigated the western streets of Heartland City, the wind whipping against his face as he searched for any clue that would lead him to his beloved sister, Rio. Worry fueled his every move, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of her.

"Those Barians will pay for this," Ryoga muttered through his gritted teeth, his voice laced with resentment. "They thought they could take my sister and get away with it. But I won't rest until I bring her back safely and get back at 'em."

As he zoomed through the city, a wooden barricade was suddenly thrown in front of the road, forcing Ryoga to halt abruptly. His gaze focused ahead, as he saw a man in his 30s, his eyes widening as recognition dawned upon him. It was the same thug who had confronted him just last night, wearing that evil grin that annoyed Ryoga.

The thug stepped forward, blocking Ryoga's path, his eyes full of malice. "Wow, look who decided to show their face today." he sneered sarcastically. "Apologies for getting in your way last night. As a token of remorse, I've taken your dear sister somewhere nice."

Ryoga's heart pounded in his chest, his knuckles turning white as he tightened his grip on the motorcycle handles. Anguish and rage intertwined within him, propelling him to confront the thug. "Where the hell is my sister, you bastard!?" he demanded, his voice trembling with rage.

The thug let out a cruel laugh, relishing in Ryoga's sorrow. "Ah, if you really want to know, you'll have to prove yourself first." he taunted. "Beat me in a duel, and maybe, just maybe, I'll tell you where your sister is. But I doubt you're up for the challenge."

Ryoga's eyes narrowed, flames of rage flickering in their depths. He was reminded by Ren's words that he had to keep his emotions in check, to focus on the task at hand. Swallowing his anger, he forced a clenched smile. "Fine with me." he replied, his voice dripping with resolve. "I accept your challenge. Prepare to face the consequences of crossing me."

With a swift motion, Ryoga dismounted his motorcycle, his eyes never leaving the thug's sinister grin. As he reached for his Duel Disk, the anticipation of the battle ahead fueled his every move. He was ready to face any obstacle, to duel with all his might, for the sake of his sister, Rio.

Chitaro gasped for breath, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared in horror at his opponent, Ren. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he assessed the dire situation he found himself in. With only 800 Life Points remaining and no monsters to shield him from a direct hit, the odds seemed stacked against him.

Ren looked down at Chitaro with a cold, disdainful gaze, as if regarding him as nothing more than a speck of dirt. His full health of 4000 Life Points seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, casting a shadow over Chitaro's hopes of victory.

Ren: 4000 LP

Chitaro: 800 LP

On Ren's field stood two formidable creatures, each one emanating an aura of power that sent shivers down Chitaro's spine. The first was the fearsome giant dinosaur, Dinosauria Giganotosaurus, its massive frame and razor-sharp teeth promising destruction with every step it took. Its presence alone seemed to overshadow Chitaro's feeble defenses.

Dinosauria Giganotosaurus 3200/3000

Level: 10

And beside the towering Giganotosaurus, the Dragon of XYZ Dimension manifested in the form of the Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon, a creature of darkness and vengeance. Its sinister appearance and the crackling energy surrounding it hinted at devastating abilities waiting to be unleashed.

Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon 4900/2000

Rank: 4

Overlay Units: 0

Disappointment washed over at Ren's face as he prepared to unleash the final blow right at his first turn. "Pathetic," he spat, his voice contemptful. "I can't believe you genuinely thought you stood a chance against me, Mongrel. Your own incompetence would only serve as your and your masters' downfall."

Ren's eyes gleamed with triumph as he raised his hand, ready to unleash his mighty Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon and deliver the final blow. The awaiting victory coursed through his veins, fueling his confidence. However, before he could unleash the devastating attack, Chitaro's voice sliced through the tension-filled air, causing him to falter.

"Wait!" There was a seething anger in Chitaro's eyes, but it quickly transformed into a malicious grin, leaving Ren intrigued and curious by what Chitaro had to say.

Surprised by the sudden interruption, Ren hesitated and lowered his hand, his gaze narrowing suspiciously. "What is it? Trying to prolong the inevitable? It won't change the outcome."

An evil smile tugged at the corners of Chitaro's lips, blending with his gasps for breath. "Hehehehe..." he rasped, his voice pinched with twisted satisfaction. "You wouldn't want to defeat me just yet, would you? Not if you still want to see your beloved Kamishiro Rio."

Ren's eyes flashed with concern. He clenched his fists, his voice resolute. "Alright, I'll let you cook. Elaborate."

Chitaro's twisted smile widened as he took a moment to catch his breath, relishing the anticipation. He straightened himself, his eyes fixed on Ren, and began to explain, his voice imbued with malicious satisfaction.

"You see, Hitorigoto, your precious Kamishiro Rio has become a crucial pawn in the Barians' grand scheme." Chitaro began. "I've trapped her within the depths of my Comic Book World, a place where her life is hanging by a thread. If you dare to defeat me here and now, what do you think will happen? Just so you know, the consequences will be dire. In other words, you have no choice but to deliberately lose this battle. If you don't, then Kamishiro's life will be extinguished within the confines of my Comic Book World. Her existence will be erased, and you will never see her again!"

Ren looked down, his bangs concealing his expression as Chitaro's words reverberated in the air. The field fell into an eerie silence, broken only by Chitaro's taunting laughter. The corners of Chitaro's mouth curled up into a mocking smile as he asked, "Ready to give up? I told you already that the Hero always wins in the story!"

But contrary to Chitaro's expectations, a chilling chuckle escaped Ren's lips, gradually transforming into a full-blown mocking laughter as he points at Chitaro while having a psychotic fit of laughter, as if he's looking at the biggest dumbass he ever met. The sound echoed throughout the area, sending shivers down Chitaro's spine. His confident facade faltered for a moment, taken aback by Ren's unexpected reaction.

"Out of your mind already, Hitorigoto?" Chitaro sneered, trying to regain his composure. "Do you feel despair? Does the fact that the tables have turned too much for you to handle?"

Ren's laughter subsided, his eyes gleaming with triumph. A wicked grin played on his lips as he locked eyes with Chitaro. "Fuhahahaha!, Mongrel..." Ren said in a tone dripping with sarcasm, "Would you be so kind as to check if you really have access to your precious Comic Book World?"

Chitaro's expression shifted from confusion to suspicion. He furrowed his brow, momentarily doubting Ren's words. However, unwilling to show any signs of weakness, Chitaro extended his hand towards his sketchbook.

"Huh..." Chitaro muttered in confusion as he looked at Ren. His eyes widened as he realized that he couldn't access his Comic Book World. Panic began to bubble within him, but he quickly composed himself, not wanting to give Ren the satisfaction of seeing his distress.

Chitaro's gaze shot back up, his voice laced with anger as he shouted at Ren, "What did you do!? How did you manage to block my access!?" His mind raced, desperately trying to understand what had transpired. Ren's confidence only fueled his will to find a way to regain control.

Ren chuckled smugly, relishing in Chitaro's frustration. "Allow me to enlighten you. The Zarc Cube, which projects the entire field we're in, has been specially modified to cut off any power or connection to the Barian World, effectively freeing Rio from imprisonment within your Comic Book World." he replied, his voice dripping with self-assurance.

Chitaro's knees buckled beneath him, and he fell to the ground, his eyes wide with disbelief. "N-No way..." he muttered, his voice barely audible. The weight of Ren's words pressed heavily upon him, shattering his hopes and confidence in an instant.

Ren watched with an indifferent gaze, his attention seemingly diverted to the state of his fingernails. The corners of his mouth curled into a smug smirk, relishing in the despair he had provoked in his opponent. It was as if he derived pleasure from seeing the possessed opponent reduced to such a state.

With an air of superiority, Ren spoke, his voice dripping with condescension. "You know, Mongrel, I must admit you did manage to entertain me, even if it was just the slightest bit. For that, you should be grateful. As a token of my appreciation, I shall grant you the honor of being defeated by one of my Dragons."

Chitaro's head hung low, his shoulders slumping as a blend of irritation and helplessness coursed through his veins. His head snapped up, a defiant glint in his eyes. "No... You're mistaken! The hero is always the one who triumphs, not the villain. It's the way the stories go, the way it's always been!"

Ren sighed, his disappointment apparent. "You truly are lost in your delusions. Allow me to shatter them once and for all. You see, I do agree that the hero always triumphs because of the villain's. And that is precisely what's happening right now."

Chitaro's brows furrowed, confusion mingling with his denial. "What are you talking about!? I'm the hero, and you're the villain! Stop twisting the facts, you monster!"

Ren pinched the bridge of his nose in disdain, already fed up with Chitaro's delusion. "Whatever, I've seen enough of your pitiful miserable being. Surely there must be limits to which one may sink." And with a cold, unwavering voice, Ren declared, "Dark Rebellion XYZ Dragon, get this piece of trash out of my sight."

As if understanding Ren's command, the Dragon of Vengeance sprang into action. Its mighty wings unfurled, glowing with dark energy. With a loud roar, the dragon rushed towards Chitaro, its fangs gleaming with a malevolent aura.

Chitaro's eyes widened in horror as he realized the imminent danger. He instinctively raised his arms to defend himself, but it was futile. The dragon's fang struck him with brutal force, launching him across the field. Chitaro's body collided with the wall of the Zarc Cube's hologram field, causing a cascade of electricity to surge through him. Electric currents danced across his body as his Life Points plummeted from 800 to 0.

Chitaro: 800 - 0 LP

Ren observed the scene with satisfaction and indifference. The possessed Chitaro had fallen, defeated by his own delusions. The surroundings fell silent, save for the crackling energy dissipating into the air. Ren's eyes glinted with a smug look as he regarded the possessed student.

The possessed Chitaro muttered incoherently, his voice strained and anguished. "I... I have to warn them. This guy... he's too... too powerful..!" the Spectre hissed, its voice wavering between Chitaro's and its own ethereal tone. It claws at Chitaro's essence as it tears itself free from the confines of the young student's body.

Ren's smirk widened, his gaze fixated on the struggling Barian Spectre. With a swift motion, he stretched out his hand, palm glowing with a vibrant greenish energy. He closed his fist as the spectral force binding Chitaro's body grew stronger, preventing the spectre's escape.

"To think that you're already planning on leaving when I'm still not done with you... Your insolence knows no bounds Mongrel!" Ren declared, his voice carrying an undeniable authority. The green energy intensified around his hand, forming an invisible grip around the Barian Spectre. It writhed in agony, its attempts to break free becoming more frantic. The struggle between Ren's power and the escaping phantom filled the area with an otherworldly tension.

With a final surge of power, Ren exerted an extremely tiny bit of his power, drawing the Barian Spectre back into Chitaro's body. The possessed student convulsed as the spectre merged once again with Chitaro's being, returning to its possessed state. The crackling energy dissipated, as a Barian Symbol appears in Chitaro's forehead, signifying the success of the possession.

Chitaro's or rather, the Spectre's eyes fluttered open, and he groggily muttered, "What the..." His voice sounded the same from earlier, carrying a peculiar resonance that was unfamiliar to him. He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of his surroundings. As he lifted his hands to rub his temples, he noticed something was off. His hands looked the same, as its host.

Confusion painted the possessed Chitaro's face as he struggled to comprehend how he had ended up back inside the body of its previous host. The Barian Spectre, now inhabiting Chitaro's body, surveyed the area, taking in the unfamiliar setting. The realization hit him, and he spoke in Chitaro's voice, tinged with a hint of disbelief, "How did I get back here? What the hell happe-!"

Before the possessed Chitaro could say anything further, Ren rushed towards him with lightning speed, and in one swift motion, he grabbed the spectre-possessed Chitaro by the neck, his grip firm and unyielding. As Ren's fingers tightened around Chitaro's throat, a menacing glare emanated from his eyes, piercing through the spectre's very essence.

Ren's gaze was filled with such rage that seemed to burn with righteous anger. His eyes, usually a deep shade of crimson, now burned with an otherworldly glow, amplifying their already chilling effect. They seemed to emanate an icy aura, freezing the air around them and sending shivers down the spines of all who beheld them. It was as if the fires of hell had been trapped within Ren's irises, casting an unsettling scarlet hue upon his surroundings.

Chitaro, trapped within Ren's unyielding grasp, trembled with fear that consumed his entire being. The spectre, once brimming with malevolence and arrogance, now quivered like a cornered prey before its predator. His eyes widened, and his lips shaking in a feeble attempt to form words that could not escape the tightening grip around his throat.

With every passing moment, the magnitude of Ren's presence grew, suffocating Chitaro in an overpowering atmosphere of dread. His heart raced in his chest, each beat a distressed plea for release from the powerful grip that threatened to crush his whole being. The weight of his actions, the consequences of his malevolent pursuits, bore down upon him with unbearable force.

"I'm done playing games, spectre. Talk, and I might give you a swift and painless death." With his voice infused with chilling potency, Ren spoke directly to the spectre, each word punctuated with hatred.

The possessed Chitaro's eyes widened in terror, and he nodded repeatedly while shaking uncontrollably. The fear coursing through his veins was so strong that he couldn't contain himself, resulting in an unfortunate accident. A stain spread across his pants, marking the depths of his dread.

Ren's chilling gaze didn't waver as he observed the spectacle before him. Disgust etched across his face, he sneered, "Ugh, that's just disgusting."

Ren swiftly turned around, tossing the trembling spectre aside with a forceful shove. Chitaro crashed onto the cold ground, gasping for air, his eyes darting around in sheer panic.

Ren towered over Chitaro, his eyes narrowing into icy slits as he glared down at the trembling specter. "Who ordered you to kidnap Rio?" Ren demanded, his voice full of authority and resentment.

Chitaro stammered, his voice barely a whisper, "I-It was Girag, a Barian! He made me do it, I swear!"

Ren moved on to his other question, "What the hell is Vector planning? I don't think everything that happened today and last night was just a mere coincidence. It must be carefully planned, no?"

"V-V-Vector? W-Who is that? Some kind of son of a bank president?" The spectre asked in confusion.

Ren's glare increased in magnitude, his patience wearing thin. "Should I just let your soul burn for eternity?"

Chitaro shook his head frantically, his eyes darting around in genuine fear. " Woah woah woah, wait! I don't know! I swear, I don't know anything about this Vector guy! Please, I beg you, spare me!"

Ren's glare disappeared, replaced with seriousness, his mind trying to piece together the fragmented information. He stepped back slightly but still towering over him.

Chitaro, realizing that his life hung by a thread, desperately scrambled to find a way to get in Ren's good graces. His voice quivered as he spoke, trying to convince Ren of his usefulness. "Wait! Wait! I might not know about Vector, but I... I know someone else. Some people that are brainwashed by the Barians!"

Chitaro's words hung in the air, his anguish apparent as he pleaded for Ren's attention. But before he could further elaborate, Ren's smirk widened, revealing a glint of delight in his eyes.

"Mamoru Jinguji, as well as the entire student council, am I right?" Ren's voice dripped with a smug certainty, his words slicing through Chitaro's faltering attempts.

The realization hit Chitaro like a punch to the gut, and he stammered, "H-How did you kn—"

His words were abruptly cut off as Ren made a swiping gesture with his hand which was glowing with an eerie greenish energy. In an instant, Chitaro felt a jolt of searing pain shoot through his body, and his vision blurred. The spectre possessing him began to disperse, breaking apart into particles that scattered in the air.

Ren stood tall, his red eyes shimmering with an eerie intensity as Chitaro crumpled to the ground, unconscious but free from the Barian's control. The field was silent, save for Ren's calm voice that occupied the space.

"I suspected it all along," Ren spoke in a low, steady tone. "The strange occurrences, the unexplained behavior of the student council—it all pointed to one thing: the influence of the Barians."

As Ren continued to speak, his gaze focused on the distant horizon, his mind piecing together the puzzle. "It began with the tickets they gave us to the theme park," he explained, his voice carrying a tinge of suspicion. "Their actions and demeanor were peculiar, their facial expressions were stiff, and the tone of their voice was changing constantly. It's as if they were being possessed by something. It's possible that the spectres are still adapting to their newly found hosts. In fact, I'm surprised that Rio didn't notice any of this."

As Ren continued to unravel the mystery, his muttering grew louder, punctuating the stillness of the field. "There's no way Souhachi planned these things alone... How did I know? Because that big oaf lacks foresight..." he muttered, a wry smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Planning things this far in advance, orchestrating this intricate scheme—it's beyond his capabilities alone. Souha- No, Girag must have enlisted the help of Vector, that cunning bastard."

Ren's voice carried amusement. "Your genius is undeniable, and your mind is surely a labyrinth of strategy. Too bad though, 'cause when you try to relish the sweet taste of your so-called victory, I'll just come at you and drag you down to hell." His words hung in the air, thick with confidence and a touch of arrogance.

"I could already see through your schemes, unraveling the layers of deception with ease. But, whatever," he shrugged dismissively. "Your plans may be elaborate, your moves calculated to the last detail, but I'm not one to be easily ensnared by your cunning tricks. I'll adapt and overcome whatever you throw at me. I won't let anything stand in my way, for victory is the only thing awaiting me." He took a step forward, his presence exuding a fierce aura.

"You think you can outwit me, outmaneuver me? Think again," Ren declared, his voice growing stronger with each word. "I've faced countless challenges before, conquered insurmountable odds, and emerged victorious every time. This is just another obstacle in my path, and I'll embrace it with open arms."

Ren's gaze shifted from the unconscious Chitaro to the Zarc Cube, his eyes filled with satisfaction as his business here was done. He knew that the danger was far from over. Ren approached and grabbed the Cube tightly in his hand, he muttered to himself, "But for now... I'll just go check on Ryoga. If my predictions are correct, he must be dueling some of Vector's minions right now."

A surge of greenish energy enveloped Ren, causing his body to blur and fade from view. The air crackled with the raw power emanating from Ren's body as he teleported away, leaving behind the eerie stillness of the dueling arena. As the green energy dissipated, the holographic field that had emanated from the Zarc Cube vanished, revealing the familiar look of the school hallway in its usual tranquil state, unaware of the battles being fought in the shadows. The echoes of Ren's fighting spirit lingered in the air, a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who dared to challenge fate itself.

Word Count: 7609 (Excluding A/Ns)

And with that, we're pretty much nearing this Arc's end, just two more chapters remaining. Don't worry though, it's just the end of the Barian Invasion Arc, not the end of the whole story.

Anyways, HOLY SHIT just got 1k views in the first month of my fic, thank you all so much! ? ゚メヨ? I always appreciate your support, and I hope that you guys would keep supporting me in the future!

And because of this, my ever so gigantic ego has grown even bigger, Hooray!11!1!1!111! If you have the time, you can follow me on twitter (I share unfunny and lewd shit): /Neet_Alter

Anyways, that's pretty much about it, Ya Local Neet Out.