Yu-Gi-Oh Vrains: Advent of New Beginnings

by donkeyboy100

Sequel to Circuit of Smiles. Months have passed since Yuji, Ena, along with their counterparts, Yuya and Zuzu put a stop to Roget's plans and saved LINK VRAINS. However, a new mysterious group has come along that plans to eliminate LINK VRAINS Top 10 to take control of SOL Technologies. Can Storm Rider and his friends stop this new enemy without the aid of their counterparts?

3. Dueling Showdown

Greetings, everyone! A bonus chapter. So, without further ado, let's dive on in!

In LINK VRAINS…

Storm Rider was not happy with the situation he was in. Just moments after he defeated his opponent, a male cowboy outlaw came out of nowhere and roped him into a duel! One that he didn't have time for at the moment.

The scars on his body started to vanish as the male cowboy, or Desperado as he called himself, spoke. "The bullets I hit you with prevent you from logging out." He said with a devilish smirk. "Win, and I'll hand you the cure to wake everyone up. However, once I defeat you, I think I'll hunt down your little friend, Sanctum!"

"Sorry, partner, but that's not going to happen!" Storm Rider bravely said, glaring at Desperado. "You must have hired Phantom, am I right?"

"That is correct," Desperado confirmed, momentarily closing his eyes before reopening them. "However, I knew he would fail in the end. But no matter, I'd prefer you being crushed by my hands!"

I can't lose to him. Otherwise, he'll go after Sanctum and the others, Storm Rider thought. Meaning he only had one option. He had to defeat the man standing in front of him.

Storm Rider put his hand on his earpiece and spoke to Kolter. "Kolter, I need you to contact Sanctum and ensure she regroups with the others first."

"Sure thing, Yuji," Kolter replied. Based on his tone, Kolter could tell he was pissed. "I can see you're dealing with something you don't want Sanctum to get involved in."

"You're right, I don't," Storm Rider affirmed. "And this duel isn't my fault. It's an Out-of-the-Frying-Pan-and-Into-the-Fire sort of situation."

"Just survive so that you can learn more about this mysterious individual," Kolter said.

Storm Rider, sighing, activated his Duel Disk. He was having a great day before all this happened. "Alright, Desperado. If you insist on challenging me, then I'll accept your challenge! But be warned: I won't be holding back!"

"I expect nothing less from the top duelist of LINK VRAINS!" Desperado snarled back.

"Duel!"

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Desperado: 4000 LP

"I shall go first!" Desperado immediately declared. "I summon Magical Musketeer Starfire!"

A woman wearing a black top with long blue and white skirts appeared, carrying a Derringer pistol in her right hand.

Magical Musketeer Starfire ATK 1300 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

Magical Musketeer? Storm Rider thought, narrowing his eyes. "I'm not familiar with that archetype, Kolter," he whispered. "Are you?"

"No, but I can look it up," Kolter said. He did so, then said, "Uh oh. This is going to be bad."

"Thank you for that assessment."

"Next, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Magical Musket – Fiendish Deal!" Desperado declared, said card appearing on his field. "So long as this card is face-up, card effects can't destroy "Magical Musket" monsters I control."

"That's a Trap Card," Storm Rider interjected. "How did you activate it from your hand?"

Desperado smiled. "Starfire's effect lets me activate "Magical Musket" Spell and Trap Cards from my hand during either of our turns."

Great, Storm Rider thought.

"And that's not her only effect," Desperado continued. "If I activate a Spell or Trap Card in Starfire's column, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Magical Musket" monster from my Deck in Defense Position. Come to me, Magical Musketeer Caspar!"

A young blonde man in red and black with a blue hand carrying a futuristic gun appeared alongside Starfire.

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"Two monsters, but neither has many attack points," Storm Rider mused. "Is he…?"

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Magical Musket Showdown!" The card showed a Wild West town at sundown, with Caspar and a demonic-like creature facing off on either end of the town. "When Magical Musket Showdown is activated, I can add a "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel to my hand. Next, I'll activate Magical Musket Showdown's additional effect! Once per turn, I can Normal Summon a "Magical Musket" monster from my hand during the Main Phase. I Tribute Starfire to Tribute Summon Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel!"

The woman disappeared, and a fiend wearing a black trench coat with bright red wings on his back appeared on Desperado's field. In each of his blue hands, he carried a large bronze gun.

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Zakiel can be Tribute Summoned if I Tribute a "Magical Musket" monster."

"Level 8 and 2500 attack points," Storm Rider muttered. "This must be his ace monster."

"I end my turn," Desperado concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his hand and frowned. Desperado has no face-down cards, but he was certain that didn't matter. Desperado had said Starfire let him activate "Magical Musket" Spell and Trap Cards from his hand during either of their turns. He imagined Caspar and Zakiel had similar effects. Still, that would only slow him down.

"Since you control monsters and I don't, I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman from my hand!"

A man in cybernetic blue armor carrying futuristic swords appeared.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I add Cycode Wanderer to my hand." He did so, then said, "I summon Cycode Dancer!"

A robotic female in a pink leotard with pink dancing shoed appeared and did a pirouette.

Cycode Dancer ATK 1000 DEF 200 LVL: 2

"Since Dancer was Normal Summoned while I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower "Cycode" monster from my hand or Deck." A card popped out of his Deck, which he took and placed on his Duel Disk. "I summon Cycode Coder!"

An alien in a lab coat appeared on its field. It carried a laptop under one arm and had small pieces of armor on its shoulders and lower legs.

Cycode Coder ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Coder's effect continues!" Storm Rider continued. "When this monster is Summoned, I can add one "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand, but then I must send a card from my hand, Deck, or field to the Graveyard."

Storm Rider took two cards from his Deck. He added one to his hand and sent the other to the Graveyard.

"Now, I'll create my circuit!"

Storm Rider raised his hand as it glowed blue and shot a lightning bolt, creating a Link Portal.

"Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Coder in the Link Arrow!"

His monsters became a whirlwind of energy and entered the bottom-left arrow, turning red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Come forth! Link-1! Cycode Architect!"

A man in a digital light brown-gray robed outfit, wielding a staff and book, appeared, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Architect ATK 700 LINK-1 ↙

"I activate Cycode Architect's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my hand. I Special Summon Cycode Wanderer!"

A black-skinned alien that wore a tattered brown cloak appeared.

Cycode Wanderer ATK 1900 DEF 200 LVL: 5

"When Cycode Wanderer is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Cycode" card, it can lower the attack points of one of my opponent's monsters by 800! I lower Zakiel's attack points! Digital Drain!"

Desperado gritted his teeth as Zakiel's attack points dropped.

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500→1700

Storm Rider raised his hand. "Appear again, my circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above him.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse Effect Monsters. I set Cycode Swordsman, Dancer, and Architect in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the top, left, and right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-3! Cycode Fortress Golem!"

A massive, muscled humanoid figure appeared from out of the portal. It wore a massive black-gray armor plate with blue designs resembling data streams. It also had a cannon for an arm as it landed in the Left Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Fortress Golem ATK 2200 LINK-3 ←↑→

"Because I used Dancer to Link Summon Fortress Golem, my monster gains 600 attack points!"

Cycode Fortress Golem ATK 2200→2800

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your Fiendish Deal!"

Desperado smirked as his card shattered.

"Oh, you shouldn't have done that," he said. "If Fiendish Deal is sent to the Graveyard by my opponent's card effect, I can add one "Magical Musket" card from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand." He took a card from his Deck, smirked, and said, "I add Magical Musket – Last Stand to my hand."

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. That card must be powerful for him to add to his hand.

"I activate the Spell Card: Stop Defense! It changes Caspar to Attack Position!

Battle! Cycode Wanderer, attack Caspar! Digital Desperado!"

Wanderer pulled out a pistol and fired at Caspar as Desperado smirked again.

"Bad idea," he said in a devilish voice. "Caspar lets me activate "Magical Musket" Spell and Trap Cards from my hand during either of our turns. I activate the Quick-Play Spell: Magical Musket – Cross-Domination! Until the end of this turn, one monster on the field has its effects negated, and its attack and defense points become 0! I target your Wanderer!"

Cycode Wanderer ATK 1900→0 DEF 200→0

"And of course, since I activated Cross-Domination in Caspar's column, I can add one "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand. I add Magical Musket – Steady Hands!" He smiled at Storm Rider. "Your Wanderer's attack now continues!"

The bullet from Wanderer's gun blazed towards Caspar, but before it hit…

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell: Cycode Sacrifice!" Storm Rider declared as the card showed a dark circle which Cycode Assailant fell into. " "By Tributing as many "Cycode" monsters, I can draw an equal number of cards! I Tribute Wanderer to draw one card!"

Desperado smirked as Wanderer disappeared. "Clever avoiding the damage. But don't think I'll let you get a new card." He tapped another card in his hand. "From my hand, I activate the Counter Trap Magical Musket – Last Stand! If you activate a Spell or Trap Card while I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can negate the activation of that card and destroy it!"

Cyscode Sacrifice shattered on Storm Rider's field, but Wanderer was a cost, so it was already gone.

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. Because of Desperado's Counter Trap, he had only two cards left. But he still had moves to make.

"Battle! Cycode Fortress Golem, attack Magical Musket – Caspar!"

Fortress Golem charged Caspar, but Desperado was prepared for this, too.

"From my hand, I activate the Quick-Play Spell: Magical Musket – Steady Hands!" he declared. "This card makes one "Magical Musket" monster's attack and defense points double its original attack and defense points until the end of the turn! I target Caspar with its effect!"

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200→2400 DEF 2000→4000

"That isn't enough to stop Fortress Golem's attack!" Storm Rider pointed out. "Continue your attack, Fortress Golem! Cyber Knuckle!"

Fortress Golem smashed Caspar with its fist, causing an explosion that made Desperado wince.

Desperado: 4000→3600 LP

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Storm Rider said, which made Desperado's smile grow broader.

"And with it, my Zakiel's effect activates!" he declared. "During your End Phase, I can draw cards equal to the number of "Magical Musket" Spell and Trap Cards I activated this turn. Since I activated Cross-Domination, Last Stand, and Steady Hands, I can draw three cards!"

As he drew, Storm Rider narrowed his eyes again. I only dealt him a little damage this turn, and he replenished his hand. Evil or not, his skills are professional.

"My turn! I draw!" Desperado drew, looked at his card, and smirked. "I summon Magical Musketeer Wild!"

His new monster was a large tattooed man with bandoliers of bullets across his chest and multiple weapons attached to his arms and shoulders.

Magical Musketeer Wild ATK 1700 DEF 900 LVL: 4

"I don't know," Kolter said in Storm Rider's earpiece. "You think he has enough firepower?" Storm Rider scoffed.

"Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can activate this card!" Desperado declared. "The Trap Card Magical Musket – Desperado! This card lets me target and destroy one face-up card on the field!" Storm Rider's eyes widened. There was only one face-up card that would be worth destroying.

"Say goodbye, Fortress Golem!" Desperado said as Wild lifted its arms and fired a barrage of gunfire at Fortress Golem, destroying it in an explosion. Storm Rider winced. "And now Wild's effect activates! Since I activated a Spell or Trap Card in Wild's column, I can target three "Magical Musket" cards in my Graveyard and shuffle them into my Deck." He took Cross-Domination, Last Stand, and Steady Hands from his Graveyard and placed them back into his Deck. "Then, I draw one card!"

He drew, smirked again, and said, "I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn! This card lets me Special Summon one monster from either of our Graveyards. I Special Summon Magical Musketeer Caspar from my Graveyard in Attack Position!"

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"Next, from my hand, I activate the Trap Card Magical Musket – Dancing Needle! Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can target up to three cards in the Graveyards and banish them!"

"Graveyards?" Storm Rider repeated, his eyes widening. "Meaning-."

"That's right," Desperado said. "I can banish cards from your Graveyard." He opened an interface to see the cards in Storm Rider's Graveyard and smirked. "I've studied you for quite some time, and I know that many of your cards have effects that activate in the Graveyard. You also have cards that Special Summon monsters from the Graveyard. I target and banish Cycode Swordsman, Cycode Fortress Golem, and Cycode Wanderer from your Graveyard!"

Storm Rider grit his teeth. If he had retrieved Swordsman, he could use its effect to add another "Cycode" monster, and if he had shuffled Wanderer back into his Deck, he could Special Summon a "Cycodet" Link Monster from his Graveyard. By banishing them, Desperado was reducing his options. He sure was clever.

"And now, Caspar's effect activates!" Desperado continued. "Since I activated a Spell or Trap Card in Caspar's column, I can add one "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand." He took a card and showed it to his opponent. "Recognize it, Storm Rider?"

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. Magical Musket – Last Stand. He added it to his hand to keep him from using his face-down cards against him.

"Battle!" Desperado declared. "Zakiel, attack Storm Rider directly!"

Zakiel lifted both of its guns and began charging them, but Storm Rider gestured to one of his face-down cards before they fired.

"I activate my Trap Card!" Storm Rider declared. "Cycode Battle Barrier!" The card showed a duelist with a bubble surrounding them and Cycode Fortress Golem preparing to fire at whoever struck the bubble. "Cycode Battle Barrier reduces the damage from this battle to 0 and ends the Battle Phase!"

Desperado smirked. "That's not going to happen, you fool! I activate the Counter Trap Magical Musket – Last Stand from my hand! Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can negate your card and destroy it!" Cycode Battle Barrier shattered from Last Stand's effect. "Continue your attack, Zakiel! Seventh Bullet!"

Zakiel's guns stopped charging as they released a massive red blast at Storm Rider. Storm Rider held both arms before him as he weathered the attack.

Storm Rider: 4000→2300 LP

"Your turn, Wild!" Desperado continued. "Attack Storm Rider directly with Sixth Bullet!"

Wild lifted its arms and unloaded its weapons at Storm Rider. Storm Rider braced himself against the attack, eventually falling to his knees.

Storm Rider: 2300→600 LP

"Yuji!" Kolter shouted.

Desperado smirked at Storm Rider. "I must admit I'm a little disappointed, Storm Rider. I thought you'd put up a much better fight than this." He sighed. "Oh well. Perhaps your defeat won't be as exciting as I had hoped." He gestured to Caspar. "Go, Caspar! Attack Storm Rider directly and end this! Second Bullet!"

Caspar lifted his gun and fired a bullet at Storm Rider, creating a cloud of smoke.

"Looks like I win," Desperado said. However, as the smoke cleared, Storm Rider was still standing, with a Trap Card on his field.

"What happened?" Desperado asked in shock. "What is that Trap Card?"

"It's called Iron Resolve," Storm Rider answered. "I take no damage by paying half my Life Points, and the Battle Phase ends."

Storm Rider: 600→300 LP

Desperado smirked and laughed. "You know what? I'm not surprised. You're famous for pulling off counters like that," he said. "I end my turn. But don't think for a second you'll get another turn after this, Storm Rider. So you better make it count." He smirked as he looked at the single card in his hand. It was another copy of Magical Musket – Steady Hands. With this card, he could make any of his monster's attack and defense double their original attack and defense points. And because he had Caspar, he could add another "Magical Musket" card from his Deck to his hand once he used it. He had this in the bag.

"This duel's looking pretty one-sided, Yuji," Kolter commented. "It reminds me of when Playmaker dueled Blue Angel."

"Except my opponent won't end up as a hostage of the Knights of Hanoi," Storm Rider said. "But you're right. The situation is similar. And just like Playmaker did, I'll overcome this." He placed his hand on his Deck. "My turn! I draw!" He looked at his card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Linkage Release!" The card showed a Link portal breaking in half. "This card targets one of my banished Link Monsters and shuffles it into the Extra Deck. Then, I draw cards equal to the monster's Link Rating. I shuffle the banished Fortress Golem into my Extra Deck and draw three cards!"

He drew, then said, "Linkage Release has one more effect. During the End Phase, I take damage equal to Fortress Golem's attack points."

Desperado widened his eyes. That means if he doesn't win this turn, he'll take 2200 points of damage. He smirked. He's either confident he can win or taking a lousy bet.

As Storm Rider looked at his new cards, he smiled. "I activate the Spell Card: Cyberse Call!" The card showed a man in a green coat with blue shoulder pads holding a shining wand above his head. "This card adds one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cycode Kid to my hand, then I Normal Summon Kid!"

A small robotic boy in a t-shirt and cap appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Kid ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"I now create my circuit!"

Storm Rider raised his hand as it glowed blue and shot a lightning bolt, creating a Link Portal.

"Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster! I set Cycode Kid in the Link Arrow!"

Kid entered the bottom-left arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cycode Kuriboh!"

A small light blue monster with antenna-like winged heads with white lining emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone and started cooing.

Cycode Kuriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

"Because I used Kid to Link Summon Cycode Kuriboh, I can target and destroy one face-up card on your field!" Storm Rider told Desperado, making him grit his teeth. "I destroy Magical Musketeer Caspar!"

His monster shattered, confusing Desperado. "Why Caspar?" he wondered. "Zakiel and Wild both have more attack points." Then he gasped in realization.

Caspar can add a new "Magical Musket" card to my hand, but Zakiel's effect won't activate until the End Phase. He's limiting my options. Our playstyles aren't different from each other, Storm Rider.

"I activate the effect of the Cycode Updater in my hand!" Storm Rider continued. I can Special Summon this card to a "Cycode" Link Monster's Link Arrow!"

A humanoid alien-like creature with streams of digital energy coursing through its back-like jetpack with sharp claws with the same energy current appeared at Cycode Kuriboh's bottom-left Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Cycode Updater ATK 1900 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"If Updater is Special Summoned through its effect, I can Special Summon a Level 6 or below "Cycode" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon Cycode Acrobat!"

A female-like android in a light blue leotard, leg warmers, and arm sleeves with a silver hoop in its right hand appeared next to Updater in Attack Position.

Cycode Acrobat ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"Acrobat's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by a "Cycode" card's effect, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand." A card slid out from his Deck, which he then showed to his opponent. "I Special Summon Cycode Serpent!"

A robotic snake appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Serpent ATK 400 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I can Special Summon Serpent if it is added to my hand outside my Draw Phase," Storm Rider explained. "Now, I'll create the ultimate circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Cycode Serpent, Updater, Acrobat and Kuriboh in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the top-left, top, bottom, and top-right arrows.

"The new wind that flows throughout this world gives the mighty creature that connects the past and future! I Link Summon! Appear, Link-4! Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

The dragon that emerged from the portal had a blue body, white and yellow lining, and silver claws with red orbs on its limbs. It also had a spiral-like tail and jet-like energy wings with white and blue-lining eyes like a circuit board. Two large horns on its head faced forward, with a smaller one on the back of its head. Three small spikes that resembled claws were placed on the "elbow" of the wings. The dragon's red eyes glowed as it released a powerful roar.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"Cyber Tech's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "When it is Link Summoned using a Link Monster as material, the effects of all your monsters are negated, and you cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect. Go! Software Nullification!"

The red orbs on Cyber Tech's body lit up and released pulses of red energy, making Wild and Zakiel slump over and groan.

"I activate the Spell Card: One-Time Passcode! This card lets me Special Summon a Security Token in Defense Position!"

A small black and gray machine with a single blue orb in its center appeared, summoned to Cyber Tech's bottom Link Arrow.

Security Token ATK 2000 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"Lastly, I activate Cyber Tech's effect!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Once per turn, I can Tribute a monster it points to and then targets one Special summoned monster on your field that's in Attack Position, and until the end of this turn, I can place that monster in a zone it points to and take control of it!"

"WHAT!?" Desperado said in shock.

"I Tribute my Security Token to take control of Zakiel. Go, Cryptic Corruption!"

Following Storm Rider's words, Security Token disintegrated into energy and traveled to the electronic circuits on Cyber Tech's wings, lit up with swirling blue energy. The orbs released tendrils of said energy, which fired at Zakiel, snaring it up and placing it underneath Cyber Tech's bottom Link Arrow.

"Then, Cyber Tech Link Dragon gains attack points equal to the monster I just took control of."

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→4200

"Battle! Cyber Tech, attack Magical Musketeer Wild! Digitized Burst Stream!"

Cyber Tech flew high up into the sky on command and roared. All the circuits on Cyber Tech's body lit as dark blue energy traveled across its skin. The energy gathered in its mouth and released in a massive burst towards Wild, destroying it in an explosion and sending Desperado skidding backwards.

Desperado: 3600→1100

"It's over, Desperado! I activate the effect of Parallel Port Armor in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider declared. "By banishing itself, Cycode Kuriboh, and Cycode Architect from my Graveyard, one of my Link Monsters can attack again!"

"What!? It can attack again!?" Desperado gasped. "You sent that card to the Graveyard through Coder's effect, didn't you?"

"I sure did. Go, Cyber Tech!" Storm Rider cried out. "Digitized Burst Stream!"

A replay occurred of Cyber Tech's last attack as it blasted Desperado, sending him flying from off the ground.

Desperado: 1100→0

As Desperado struggled to get up, Storm Rider approached him.

"I'm impressed, Storm Rider," Desperado said while struggling to get up. "I had you backed into a corner, and you managed to turn things around."

"The cure. Now!" Storm Rider demanded.

"I am a man of my word," Desperado said, expressing resignation on his face. After pressing a few buttons on his Duel Disk, a glowing green card materialized from it, which he grabbed and threw to Storm Rider, who caught it.

"Thanks, I guess," Storm said. "Now, answer me this. Who do you work for, and why do they want to eliminate the Top 10?"

"That's for me to know and for you to find out," Desperado replied.

"Is that so? Guess I'll have to force the answer out of you!"

Soon, Storm Rider charged forward and attempted to grab Desperado, but he dodged to the side and punched him in the gut at the last second.

"Rest assured, boy," Desperado said, "you'll meet them soon."

Desperado pressed his fist further into Storm Rider's gut and released energy from it, pushing him back. He would have fallen off the rooftop had he not grabbed the ledge at the last second.

"We will meet again. And when we do, I promise not to hold back."

"Hold on. You were holding back?" Storm Rider questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"You got that right," Desperado said, facing Storm Rider one last time before turning around and logging out.

"Get back here!" But by the time Storm Rider climbed back up to the rooftop, Desperado had already logged out.

Oh well. At least he had the cure.

Storm Rider immediately called Sanctum after getting his bearings. "Sanctum, I have the cure. Sending copies of it to you and the others."

"Splendid!" Sanctum said through Storm Rider's earpiece. "I received your message from Kolter a while ago. I always knew you would pull through. I'm currently at Central Station handling some of Phantom's lackeys and could use a hand.

"Sure thing, Sanctum. I'm on my way," he said, jumping off the building onto his D-Board before flying off.

Meanwhile, in another area of LINK VRAINS…

"Get out of my way, small fry! I attack directly with Invoked Mechaba!"

A young female with pink eyes, purple eyes and light silver hair in a low ponytail wearing a magenta coat, long purple boots with black straps around them, carrying a brown pouch around her waist, shouted thus as her monster surged forward, sending several men.

"Bad people like you should disappear. Get them, Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion!"

With a disinterested expression, a young tan-skinned man with curly blonde hair in silver armor covered him from neck to foot and a dark green cape embroidered with gold on the edges motioned at his monster to attack the duelists facing them, sending them splashing into the canal.

"Seriously, they just won't quit." The young man complained as the young woman approached him. "I know, Chevalier. This was what, the fifth group that attacked us? I lost count after a while due to these dull, repetitive duels. As expected, if the opponent isn't at Storm Rider's level, it's not even worth my time."

"Tell me about it, Charmcaster…." Chevalier said. "But we do have to keep focus. We swore to assist SOL Technologies that we would protect LINK VRAINS no matter the threat."

"Took the words right out of my mouth."

"In addition, from what we've gathered, Storm Rider successfully managed to obtain the cure needed to wake everyone up," Chevalier said with a smile. "If we defeat the rest of these goons and regroup with everyone, we're sure to have the people of LINK VRAINS awake and healthy."

"—A bold declaration if I've ever heard one. Is it safe to assume that we're also considered goons?"

All traces of silliness and cheer disappeared as Chevalier flinched at the familiar voice addressing them. Turning around, he saw Glacia and Astro appear from a side street as if having emerged from the shadows surrounding it.

"Glacia and Astro…" Chevalier narrowed her eyes at the sight of the duo. "The two washed-up bounty hunters that Roget hired. I assume working for the enemy…."

"Not exactly," Astro said as he and Glacia stopped a few meters away from Chevalier and Charmcaster. "We're working with them. Since you're working with Charmcaster, I can only assume that the rumors regarding you are true. You did rejoin the Top 10. I always considered you a wild beast. Thought you were smart enough not to turn against your morals. I guess I was mistaken."

"Spare us the lecture, doom and gloom." Charmcaster snorted in derision. "Compared to your vague plot for power, bringing smiles to everyone through dueling is much more important."

"What my comrade said," Chevalier said while scowling. "Sorry, but I don't have any loyalty to spare for cold-hearted lowlifes like you. The two of you will pay in spades for what you did."

"Oh my. Such big words," Glacia said. "But I don't expect the two of you to understand that. Although we're in a hurry right now, seeing easy prey like you running amok is something we cannot tolerate. Therefore, we shall begin cleaning the house by disposing of you two."

"You will not find us easy prey, you monsters." Charmcaster declared as she activated her Duel Disk, with Chevalier following suit. "Taking you down here will be a big step towards ending whatever your intentions are."

"Plus, I always wanted a crack at the two of you." Chevalier glowered at Astro and Glacia. "Someone like you who only views dueling as a tool for war has no business being in LINK VRAINS. So if it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you'll get!"

"It appears both of you are determined to do this," Astro said as he activated his Duel Disk, with Glacia following suit. "Very well then, we'll face the two of you. Since you two are used to acting as a tag team, how about we make this a Tag Duel? We'll share fields, Graveyards and Life Points. Is that acceptable?"

"Hoh?" Charmcaster raised an eyebrow. "That's quite generous of you, offering to let us fight under such conditions. Are you not confident in your skills?"

"Of course we are," Glacia stated. "After all, it's a given no matter how much you two struggle, you'll never be able to defeat us. That truth will not change even if the whole world turns upside down."

"Arrogant pests…" Chevalier growled. "In that case, we'll take the both of you down a peg or two by defeating you!"

"Then, let's begin," Astro said. "We shall invite you to the depths of the abyss and pass down the final judgment upon you!"

"Duel!" they shouted.

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 4000 LP

Glacia & Astro: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Charmcaster declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Terraforming! This card adds a Field Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add the Field Spell Card: Magical Meltdown to my hand, which I'll activate!"

Following her words, a crimson magic circle with flames around its edges appeared beneath the four Duelists' legs, encircling them within bounds.

"A Field Spell?" Astro wondered, seeing the magic circle.

"Since Magical Meltdown was activated, I can add Aleister the Invoker to my hand. Furthermore, so long as Magical Meltdown is on the field, the activation of my cards and effects that would perform a Fusion Summon cannot be negated, nor can you activate cards or effects when I Fusion Summon."

Which means we can't stop her from Fusion Summoning, Glacia thought.

"I summon Aleister the Invoker!"

A young man in white-and-gold robes holding a book and staff appeared.

Aleister the Invoker ATK 1000 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Aleister's effect activates! I add Invocation from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Spell Card: Invocation! I fuse monsters in my hand to Fusion Summon, but if I am summoning an "Invoked" Fusion Monster, I can also banish monsters from my field and any player's Graveyard. I banish Aleister from my field and fuse it with Armageddon Knight in my hand!"

A silhouette of an armored warrior wielding a sword appeared next to Aleister before turning into blue particles, while Aleister turned into red particles, with both swirling into a vortex afterward. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"Bringer of madness, become one with the paladin of the apocalypse and unleash a new power! I Fusion Summon! Appear, beast of chained madness! Invoked Caliga!"

A pink-skinned fiend in tattered robes emerged from the vortex in Defense Position.

Invoked Caliga ATK 1000 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

Glacia frowned as she looked up Caliga's effects. "Astro," she said. "That monster limits each player to activating one monster effect each turn and attacking with only one monster during the Battle Phase." Astro frowned as well at that information.

"I activate the effect of Invocation in my Graveyard!" Charmcaster continued. "By shuffling it into my Deck, I can add the banished Aleister the Invoker to my hand. I place three cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Astro declared. "I draw!" He looked at his cards, then at the field and nodded. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Tachyon Zone!" The card showed a black-purple-red colored swirling galaxy and yellow stars with Parsec the Interstellar Dragon, Schwarzschild Limit Dragon, Radius the Half-Moon Dragon, Heliosphere Dragon, Nebula Dragon, Galactic Spiral Dragon and Starliege Seyfert floating through this galaxy. "When this card is activated, I can add a "Tachyon" monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Tachyon Draco to my hand, which I'll summon!"

A black dragon with six holographic wings colored purple and red appeared.

Tachyon Draco ATK 1400 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Tachyon Gift!" The card showed the energy form of Number 46: Dragluon and Number 97. Draglubion merging to show the space-like silhouette of Galaxy-Eyes Solarflare Dragon behind them. "Since I control a "Tachyon" monster, its effect allows me to draw two cards by discarding one Light or Dark Dragon monster. I discard Tachyon Dragon and draw!"

After doing so, Astro stared at one of the cards he drew and smiled. "Since I control a "Tachyon" monster, I can Special Summon a second Tachyon Draco from my hand!"

Another monster appeared in Attack Position.

Tachyon Draco ATK 1400 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

Charmcaster frowned. That wasn't an activated effect, so it didn't count toward Caliga's effect.

"There are two Level 4 monsters on the field…." Chevalier narrowed his eyes. "Of course, what follows next is…."

"That's right!" Astro exclaimed. "With my two Level 4 Tachyon Dracos, I build the Overlay Network!"

A bolt of crimson energy burst out of his Duel Disk and traveled upwards. It struck the sky and exploded into a ring of purple energy, changing the environment to a midnight sky. Streams of blue data traveled downward. A purple "X" with four red points appeared beneath his two monsters, who broke into blue data and entered two of the dots. The corners of the "X" fired beams upwards, creating a shining galaxy.

"Galatic dragon from the stars!" Astro chanted as his Duel Disk glowed. "Don your golden armor with a flourish of cosmic power! I Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Galaxy Electron Dragon!"

A golden dragon wearing black and purple armor all over its body roared as it appeared in Attack Position, with two lights circling behind it.

Galaxy Electron Dragon ATK 1600 DEF 2000 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"I activate Galaxy Electron Dragon's effect!" Astro declared. By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can Special Summon one Dragon monster from my Graveyard! Return to my side, Tachyon Dragon!"

Charmcaster smirked. "So you want to use your monster's effect? Well, that won't be happening! I activate the Counter Trap-!"

"You can't," Astro interjected. "While Tachyon Zone is on the field, you cannot activate cards or effects when our Xyz Monsters activate their effects."

"What?!" Charmcaster gasped. She couldn't activate cards or effects!?

The orb of light entered Electron Dragon's head gem, creating a galaxy-like portal. A dragon with glowing red skin covered in dark purple and black armor from that galaxy emerged in Attack Position as it roared.

Galaxy Electron Dragon OU: 2→1

Tachyon Dragon ATK 2000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Xyz Unit!" Astro said. "By equipping this card to Electron Dragon, it increases its attack points by 200 multiplied by its Rank! Since Galaxy Dragon is Rank 4, it gains 800 attack points!"

Galaxy Electron Dragon ATK 1600→2400

"From there, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters. By discarding a card from my hand, I can target up to two Spell and Trap Cards on the field and destroy them. I target and destroy Magical Meltdown and your face-down card on the left!"

As Astro discarded a card from his hand, two twisters emerged from Twin Twisters, which destroyed the designated cards, much to Charmcaster's dismay.

Glacia glanced at the destroyed card. Divine Wrath can negate one monster effect. Charmcaster had intended to activate when Astro used Electron Dragon's effect. If not for Astro's Field Spell, he would lose his dragon.

"Since I discarded Cards of Compensation through Twin Twister's effect, I get to draw two cards," Astro stated. "Battle! Tachyon Dragon attacks Invoked Caliga!"

The glowing red dragon roared before firing a beam of purple energy from its maw at Caliga, destroying it.

"Next, Galaxy Electron Dragon attacks you directly!"

The gems on Electron Dragon's body began to glow, gathering energy until it fired a powerful blue blast at Charmcaster.

"I activate my Trap Card!" Charmcaster declared, gesturing to her field. "Damage Diet! All damage I take this turn is halved!"

The energy beam hit the ground in front of Charmcaster and pushed her back with a grunt.

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 4000→2800

"I place one card face-down and end my turn with this," Astro said. "Now, let's see how strong your skills as a duelist are, Chevalier."

"My turn!" Chevalier announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Sacred Sword of the Seven Stars. Its effect lets me draw two cards by banishing one Level 7 monster from my hand. I banish Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight. Then, since you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight!"

A blue-armored knight riding a yellow dragon appeared on Chevalier's field in Attack Position.

Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"I summon Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight!"

A knight in blue and green armor riding a purple horse appeared on his field.

Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"I can Normal Summon Charging Gaia without Tributing in exchange for making its attack points 1900."

Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300→1900

Chevalier held another card and showed it. "And since I control a Light Attribute monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Appear, Chaos Apprentice Knight!"

A young, small knight with blue armor wielding a small sword and shield appeared on the field in Attack Position.

Chaos Apprentice Knight ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Astro's eyes widened. "That's-."

"A Tuner monster," Glacia said, narrowing her eyes.

Chevalier smiled. "Level 1 Chaos Apprentice Knight tunes Level 7 Charging Gaia!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Chevalier and disintegrated his two monsters. They reformed into two green rings that merged before turning into a tower of six rungs. Light surged through the rings as a screen appeared. The screen said "1 + 7" and changed to "8".

"When the light of the heavens reaches the chaos, a new door opens on the path of victory! I Synchro Summon! Appear! Black Luster Soldier - Heavenly Soldier!"

A tall, white armored male soldier appeared on the field with a shield and sword in hand. The armor had red outlines, while the helmet covered most of the head except for the face and a yellow ponytail sticking out from the back.

Black Luster Soldier - Heavenly Soldier ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"A Black Luster Soldier Synchro Monster!?" Charmcaster said, her eyes wide. "I've never even seen one before! Amazing!"

"Chaos Apprentice Knight's effect activates!" Chevalier announced. "When this card is sent to the Graveyard as Synchro Monster, I add a Level 8 Light or Dark monster or a "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster to my hand." He took a card from his Deck and placed it in his hand. "Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: The A. Forces! While this card is on the field, my Warrior monsters gain 200 attack points for each Warrior or Spellcaster monster I control. Both my monsters are Warriors, so they each gain 400 attack points!"

Black Luster Soldier - Heavenly Soldier 3000→3400

Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300→2700

Chevalier gestured to his field. "Battle! Heavenly Soldier, attack Tachyon Dragon!"

Heavenly unsheathed his sword before charging forward and jumping straight towards Tachyon Dragon with his sword out.

"It won't be that easy!" Astro shouted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Command Silencer!"

A totem pole about ten feet tall with speakers inside appeared. The speakers went off and created an ear-splitting sound that made Chevalier and Charmcaster hold their ears.

"What's that card do, bust eardrums?" Charmcaster said.

"It negates your teammates' attack, and I get to draw one card," Astro explained as he drew his card.

Chevalier grunted a little before he replied, "You may have dodged that attack, but Heavenly Soldier can attack twice each Battle Phase! Heavenly Soldier, attack Tachyon Dragon once more!"

Heavenly lunged with his sword and cut through Tachyon Dragon, destroying it as the ensuing shockwave pushed Astro back.

Astro and Glacia: 4000→2600 LP

"Moving on, Lord Gaia attacks Electron Dragon!"

The knight on a dragon swooped down, its lance aimed straight for Electron. Its lance struck the dragon in the chest, destroying it and making Astro wince in pain.

Astro and Glacia: 2600→2300 LP

"Electron Dragon's effect activates!" Astro exclaimed. "When it's destroyed, I get to Special Galaxy Stealth Dragon from my Extra Deck and attach the destroyed Electron Dragon to it as an Overlay Unit!"

A rift in space appeared above Astro, with his Electron and a tall dark-purple dragon with glowing pink wings and red jewels rimming around its body, with golden horns and claws emerging from it. Immediately afterward, Electron Drago transformed into an Overlay Unit that started orbiting Stealth Dragon.

Galaxy Stealth Dragon OU: 0→1 ATK 2000 DEF 1600 RNK: 4

"You managed to survive my OTK combo," Chevalier remarked with a smirk. "As expected from a professional bounty hunter. And while I'm anxious to deliver punishment to the two of you for your crimes as a noble knight, I will settle with placing a card face-down and ending my turn for now."

Astro smirked. "You did a good job setting up a strong field, but you won't be able to stop what comes next."

"That's right," Glacia agreed. "My turn! I draw!" Glacia looked at her cards.

"Glacia," Astro said, making the girl look back. "Go all out."

Glacia smiled. "Oh, I plan to." Looking forward again, Glacia said, "I summon Blizzard Thunderbird!"

A female humanoid, covered in dark blue armor with angular yellow wings, appeared in Attack Position.

Blizzard Thunderbird ATK 1600 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Since I control a Water monster, I can Special Summon Blizzard Hummingbird from my hand!"

A blue crystal-like monster resembling a hummingbird with a sharp crystal peak appeared in Attack Position.

Blizzard Hummingbird ATK 1000 DEF 1100 LVL: 4

"I overlay my Level 4 Blizzard Thunderbird and Blizzard Hummingbird!"

A bolt of blue energy shot out of Glacia's Duel Disk, creating the Xyz cross behind her.

"With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"

Her monsters disintegrated into data and entered the red dots. The ends of the cross-fired beams created a galaxy of energy.

"Piercing the hearts of countless warriors with ice, the beast of rebellion that flies in the sky descends onto this battlefield! I Xyz Summon! Now please appear! Rank 4! Ice Warrior Zeroth!"

A masculine knight wearing light-blue, icy armor appeared in Attack Position. Its shoulder pads had ice spikes on them, and he had a visor covering his eyes. In his hands, he carried a lance made of ice. Two blue lights circled it.

Ice Warrior Zeroth ATK 2000 DEF 2000 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"I activate Zeoth's effect!" Glacia shouted. "I can detach an Overlay Unit to excavate cards from either of your Decks until I get a monster. Once I do, the excavated cards are shuffled back into the Deck. I choose to excavate cards from Chevalier's Deck!"

One of the orbs circling Winged Zeruera lit up as she launched an icicle spear at Chevalier's Deck.

"Fine then. Draw!" Chevalier looked at her card. "I drew The Warrior Returning Alive, so I draw again!" He drew and frowned on seeing his card. "I drew Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight! That means The Warrior Returning Alive and Lord Gaia are returned to the bottom of my Deck!"

"Excellent. Now the second part of Zerorth's effect activates! I can either increase its attack points equal to half of Arisen Gaia's or reduce one of your monster's attack points by the same amount. I choose to increase Zeroth's attack points!"

Ice Warrior Zeroth ATK 2000→3150

"I activate the Spell Card: Xyz Energy!" Glacia declared. "By detaching an Overlay Unit from an Xyz Monster I control, I can target and destroy one face-up monster you control!" Chevalier's eyes widened. "I detach one Overlay Unit from Warrior Zeroth to destroy your Heavenly Soldier!"

A lightning bolt came down from the sky, shattering Heavenly Soldier. One of the blue lights orbiting Zeroth disappeared.

Ice Warrior Zeroth OU: 2→1

"With one less Warrior monster on my field, Lord Gaia loses 200 attack points," Chevalier pointed out.

Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2700→2500

"And at this moment, I activate Heavenly Soldier's effect!" Chevalier continued. "When it's destroyed, I can add a "Black Luster Soldier" monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose Black Luster Soldier - Sacred Soldier!"

"That meaningless move hardly matters!" Glacia exclaimed. "Battle! Zeroth attacks Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight!"

Zeroth aimed and threw its lace at Lord Gaia, piercing its chest and destroying it in an explosion, making Chevalier wince.

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 2800→2150

"Lastly, Galaxy Stealth Dragon attacks you directly!"

"Not so fast!" Chevalier abruptly stated. "I activate the Trap Card: Counter Gate! It negates your direct attack! Afterward, Counter Gate lets me draw a card; if that card is a monster, I can summon it!"

Astro blinked and smirked. "Well, isn't that a gamble? You only have a one-in-three chance to draw a monster, and even if you do, what makes you think its Level won't be too high?"

"Only one way to find out!" Chevalier said with a daring grin. "Draw!" He took the card, looked at it, and then his grin widened. "Yes! Come, Gaia the Magical Knight!"

A blue-skinned man on a red horse materialized, his cape violet and red and his lances gilded with gold.

Gaia the Magical Knight ATK 2300→2500 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

Glacia gritted her teeth. "I set two cards face-down and my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Charmcaster declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Final Offguard! As my Life Points are lower than yours and you're the only one with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can draw two cards."

Charmcaster drew and smiled at her cards. "I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed! Through its effect, I draw two more cards. Next, I activate the Trap Card: Reckless Greed! I can draw two cards by skipping my next two Draw Phases!" She drew again. "I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial and use it to send Gigantes from my Deck to the Graveyard. Following that, I summon Aleister the Invoker!"

Aleister the Invoker ATK 1000 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

The man in gold and white robes reappeared.

"With a Spellcaster on our field, The A. Forces increase Aleister and Gaia's attack points."

Aleister the Invoker ATK 1000→1400

Gaia the Magical Knight ATK 2500→2700

"Aleister's effect activates! I add Invocation from my Deck to my hand. And now, by banishing the Light Attribute Black Luster Soldier - Heavenly Soldier from our Graveyard, I can Special Summon Diana the Light Spirit from my hand!"

A pale-skinned woman with long blonde hair wearing a white dress appeared in Attack Position.

Diana the Light Spirit ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

Charmcaster smirked. "Alright. I think it's time I tried something different. Appear, the fused circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above Charmcaster. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two monsters with different Types and Attributes. I set Aleister and Diana in the Link Arrows!"

The two monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Aleister the Invoker of Madness!"

A human man in white robes with a red left hand, red horns, and red wings emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Aleister the Invoker of Madness ATK 1800→2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Huh?" Glacia narrowed her eyes. "So Aleister's a Link monster too?"

"I activate the Spell Card: Invocation!" Charmcaster declared. "I fuse monsters in my hand, or if I would Fusion Summon an "Invoked" Fusion Monster, I can banish monsters from my field or either player's Graveyard. I banish Aleister and the Light Attribute Charging Gaia from our Graveyard!"

Aleister and Galloping Gaia before disintegrating into particles that swirled into a vortex afterward. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"Bringer of madness! Become one with the machine of light and unleash a new power! Fusion Summon! Appear, machine lord of light! Invoked Mechaba!"

A mechanical charioteer with the front half of a beast emerged from the vortex at the Invoker of Madness's bottom-right Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Invoked Mechaba ATK 2500 DEF 2100 LVL: 9

"Invoker of Madness's effect activates! When a monster is Fusion Summoned, I can discard a card to add Invocation or The Book of the Law from my Deck to my hand. I'll discard Spirit of Flames to add Invocation to my hand."

Charmcaster's sneer widened. "After the SOL Grand Prix, I decided to improve my Deck. And now you'll witness my evolution! I activate the Spell Card: Invocation! The Invoker of Madness's name becomes Aleister the Invoker while on the field, so I'll banish Invoker of Madness from my field, the Fire Attribute Spirit of Flames and the Earth Attribute Gigantes!"

Invoker of Madness, along with silhouettes of a giant made of flames and a red orc wielding a tree trunk, appeared before breaking into different-colored particles that swirled into a violet tornado.

"Uplifted bringer of madness! The personification of fire! Creature of the land! Unite your powers into a new creation! I Fusion Summon! Come forth! The child of heroes and heaven! Invoked Perseid!"

The monster that emerged from the purple twister had a humanoid upper body but a serpent's lower body. Its body was made of black rock, with veins of fire all over the body. Spikes of rock grew at its shoulders and elbows, its hands ended in a black lance lined with fire, and a black shield emblazoned with the head of Medusa. Its head was human, but in place of hair, it had an aura of red fire, and its eyes were bloodred. The monster opened its mouth and roared a challenge from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Invoked Perseid ATK 2900 DEF 2100 LVL: 8

Gaia the Magical Knight ATK 2700→2500

Chevalier narrowed his eyes. This is a new one. And if Charmcaster summoned it, it means it's strong enough to win us this duel.

Charmcaster smirked. "Thanks to its effect, Invoked Perseid can make up to three attacks on my opponent's monsters during the Battle Phase. And when it attacks a Special Summoned monster, that monster's effects are negated, and its attack points are halved during the Damage Step!" Glacia and Astro's eyes widened. "Battle! Invoked Perseid attacks Ice Warrior Zeroth!"

The rock monster's shield and lance lit up with red light. "Due to Perseid's effect, Zeroth's effects are negated, and its attack points are halved!"

Perseid held its shield out, and Glacia's Xyz Monster groaned as it glowed red and turned to stone.

Ice Warrior Zeroth ATK 3150→1000

"I activate my Trap Card!" Glacia declared. "Draining Shield! "Perseid's attack is negated, and I gain Life Points equal to its attack points!"

Perseid's lancer struck a barrier, canceling it out as Glacia smiled beatifically.

Astro and Glacia: 2300→5200 LP

Ice Warrior Zeroth ATK 1000→3150

"You may have stopped the first attack but won't stop the second! Perseid attacks Zeroth!"

The shield glowed with red light, and the corresponding Xyz Monster roared in pain as it turned to stone.

Ice Warrior Zeroth ATK 3150→1000

The lance shot a beam of fire that shattered the frozen creature and pushed Glacia back.

Astro and Glacia: 5200→3300 LP

"The third attack! Perseid attacks the Galaxy Electron Dragon!"

Galaxy Electron Dragon ATK 2000→1000

A third stream of fire tore through the third petrified dragon and hit Glacia, making her cry as she was knocked back.

Astro and Glacia: 3300→1400 LP

Charmcaster sneered in victory. "And now you're defenseless! Mechaba, attack Glacia directly!"

The charioteer charged at Glacia, who took a card from her hand.

"Not happening! I activate the effect of Guard Duck in my hand!" Glacia declared. "When I'm about to receive battle damage, I can negate the damage and Special Summon this card to my field!"

A duck wearing elegant white, blue lining body armor appeared in Defense Position and deflected Mechaba's attack.

Guard Duck ATK 0 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"And if you plan on attacking with Magical Knight, don't bother," Glacia said. "Thanks to Guard Duck's second effect, it can't be destroyed in battle once per turn."

Charmcaster glared at Glacia before gritting his teeth. "I place a card face-down. Then, I activate the effect of Invocation in my Graveyard! I add the banished Aleister the Invoker to my hand by shuffling it into my Deck. I end my turn."

"It's my turn," Astro announced. "I draw. Since you decided to go all out, let me respond similarly. Since my opponent controls a face-up monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck and I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Tachyon Twin Wyvern from my hand!"

A raptor with red and black skin glowing with energy appeared in a bright flash, covered by armor and had two purple wings attached to its back.

Tachyon Twin Wyvern ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"I activate Twin Wyvern's effect!" Astro continued. "By discarding a card from my hand, I can Special Summon a "Tachyon" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon Tachyon Chargon!"

A monster with a dragonic body colored purple-red with a trimmed lining appeared.

Tachyon Chargon ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And since I control a "Tachyon" monster, I can Special Summon Tachyon Vanisher from my hand!"

A humanoid with glowing red skin appeared in Attack Position. It wore purple and black armor over its legs, chest, upper arms, and head and carried a sniper rifle.

Tachyon Vanisher ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Vanisher's effect activates! I can add a "Tachyon" monster from my Deck to my hand when it is Special Summoned. I add Tachyon Jumper. Appear, the circuit of time and space!" The Link Portal appeared above him. "Link Arrows authorized. The summoning conditions are two or more Dragon Effect monsters, including a "Tachyon" monster. I set Tachyon Twin Wyvern, Chargon, and Vanisher in the Link Arrows."

His monsters turned into whirlwinds of dark red energy and entered the left, bottom, and top arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Galaxy-Eyes Neutrinos!"

A dragon with a black body with golden lining, red wings, three long tail ends with sharp tips and lacks any, and a gem on its chest emerged from the portal. It roared from the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Galaxy-Eyes Neutrinos ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↑↓

"A Link-3 Monster?" Charmcaster gasped. "And 2500 attack points?"

Chevalier gritted his teeth. "I have a feeling things are going to get tougher."

"A Link 3 Dragon," Glacia muttered. This would be interesting to watch.

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket and target Neutrinos! I now draw cards equal to its Link Rating and then send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard. I draw three cards and send three to the Graveyard."

Astro drew, then sent Tachyon Caesar, Overlay Regen, and Xyz Reflect to the Graveyard.

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Tachyon Buster and equip it to Neutrinos!" Neutrinos became equipped with red armored, black energy spatial buster cannons. "While Buster is equipped, Neutrinos can attack all your monsters. And since it's a Link Monster, its attack points increase by 1000!"

Galaxy-Eyes Neutrinos ATK 2500→3500

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Tachyon Storm!" Astro declared as the card showed Tachyon Dragon, Tachyon Twin Raptor, Tachyon Chargon and Galaxy-Eyes Neutrinos unleashing energy blasts at a group of unknown enemies. "As I control a "Tachyon" monster, and that monster happens to be Link Monster, I can destroy up to three cards on your field."

Charmcaster's eyes widened. "What?"

"I destroy Invoked Mechaba, Invoked Perseid and Gaia the Magical Knight!"

A huge gust of wind emerged from the Spell and obliterated Charmcaster and Chevalier's monsters.

"Now, let's battle!" Astro exclaimed. "Galaxy-Eyes Neutrinos, attack Charmcaster directly!"

Neutrinos roared as it unleashed a massive beam of energy from its cannons at Charmcaster.

"Not so fast!" Charmcaster exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Ground Capture! When you declare an attack, I can halve any battle damage from that attack!"

Soon, a giant stone hand erupted from the ground, temporarily stopping Galaxy-Eyes Neutrinos's attack. Unfortunately, it hit Charmcaster, pushing her back.

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 2150→400

"And since I took 1000 or more damage from that battle, I get to draw one card from my Deck."

"A nice defense indeed." Astro praised his opponent. "I end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Chevalier announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Adversity! Since you control a Special Summoned monster while I control no monsters, I can draw two cards."

Chevalier let out a confident smirk upon drawing his cards.

"The two of you managed to push Charmcaster. So I think it's time for me to go all out! I activate the Spell Card: Trade-In! By discarding a Level 8 monster, I can draw two cards. I will send Black Luster Soldier – Sacred Soldier to the Graveyard. And since you control more monsters than I do, I can Normal Summon Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight!"

A blue-armored knight carrying blue lances and riding a purple horse appeared.

Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity!" Chevalier continued. "Now I draw three cards, then discard two." He drew, then said, "Since I discarded Cards of Compensation, I get to draw two cards. Next, I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Super Soldier Ritual! This card allows me to Ritual Summon any "Black Luster Soldier" Ritual Monster by Tributing monsters from my hand or field whose total Levels equal exactly 8! I Tribute the Level 7 Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight and the Level 1 Super Soldier Soul in my hand!"

A green magic circle formed on Chevalier's field alongside a wicked suit of armor. Eight green flames formed around the circle, and the two monsters disintegrated. Their data particles entered the circle, which emitted a pillar of light.

"The contract has been made!" Chevalier chanted. "The knight who commands light and darkness inherits these two souls. I Ritual Summon! Rise, Level 8! Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier!"

The pillar was cut apart by a jagged blade. Said sword was wielded by a man in red armor gilded with gold, holding a diamond-shaped shield in his left hand. The knight roared in Attack Position.

Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier ATK 3000→3200 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Synchro Summoning, and now Ritual Summoning," Astro mused. "You are full of surprises, Chevalier."

"Don't think for a second that I'm done!" Chevalier announced. "I activate the effect of Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight! Since this card was Tributed, I can Special Summon a "Black Luster Soldier" monster from my hand or Graveyard! The monster I choose is my previously discarded Black Luster Soldier – Sacred Soldier!"

A soldier clad in white and gold armor similar to Super Soldier's materialized on Chevalier's field. With another Warrior monster, both Chevalier's monsters' strength increased.

Black Luster Soldier – Sacred Soldier ATK 3000→3400 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier ATK 3200→3400 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Sacred Soldier's effect activates!" Chevalier declared. "When this card is Special Summoned, I can target one of my banished Light or Dark monsters and one card you control! The first target returns to the Graveyard while the other is banished!" He pointed at Astro. "I choose to return my Swift Gaia to my Graveyard and banish your Galaxy-Eyes Neutrinos!"

Sacred Soldier swung his sword, unleashing a stream of energy that engulfed Neutrinos, making it disappear.

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial! I will send Lightray Grepher from my Deck to the Graveyard through its effect. And since I now have an equal number of Light and Dark monsters in my Graveyard, I will banish all Light Monsters to Special Summon this card from my hand. Appear, Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Evening Twilight!"

Another warrior clad in white and golden-black armor appeared on Chevalier's field.

Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Evening Twilight ATK 3000→3600 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Black Luster Soldier – Sacred Soldier ATK 3400→3600

Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier ATK 3400→3600

"Battle!" Chevalier called. "Sacred Soldier, attack Guard Duck!"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but Guard Duck can't be destroyed once per turn!" Glacia told him.

Sacred Soldier's sword struck Guard Duck, but the monster withstood the attack.

"But it won't survive the next! Sacred Soldier attacks Guard Duck!"

Sacred Soldier flew into the air before descending towards Guard Duck and slashing it with his sword, destroying it in an explosion.

"Finally, Super Soldier attacks you directly! Superior Chaos Blade!"

Super Soldier charged at Astro, but he was prepared for such an attempt.

"I activate the effect of Tachyon Jumper in my hand!" he said, surprising Chevalier and Charmcaster. "If you attack me directly, I can Special Summon this card and end the Battle Phase!"

The cloud of smoke cleared, revealing a purple-skinned man wearing black spandex pants and shiny gold epaulets. He wore a red cape and a helmet covering his head and neck. The man pushed both arms before him, blocking Super Soldier's attack.

Tachyon Jumper ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"You are more resilient than a cockroach," Chevalier grumbled. "No matter, you won't be able to escape your punishment much longer. I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, which lets me draw four cards since my hand is empty! Then, I set a card and activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions! For every Spell or Trap Card I send to the Graveyard, I gain 1000 Life Points. I send The A. Forces and my face-down to the Graveyard to gain 2000 Life Points!"

Following her words, Chevalier and Charmcaster were surrounded by a green aura.

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 400→2400 LP

Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Evening Twilight ATK 3600→3000

Black Luster Soldier – Sacred Soldier ATK 3600→3000

Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier ATK 3600→3000

"And since I sent Dummy Marker to the Graveyard through the effect of a Spell, I can draw two cards," Chevalier drew, then he said, "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"I'm impressed, you two. You managed to clear our field of monsters and restore your Life Points." Glacia smirked. "I guess this means I have to go all out on you, and it's been a while since I did that. My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Cup of Ace. It lets me flip a coin, and depending on the result, one of us draws two cards." A coin appeared above Glacia's head, which she grasped and flipped. When the coin landed in her hand, she said, "It landed on heads, so I get to draw two cards."

She drew her cards and played one of them. "Moving on, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Swamp Mirrorer! This card lets me declare one monster type and attribute, and by doing so, I can Special Summon this card as a Normal monster with that same Type and Attribute. I declare the Water Attribute and the Winged-Beast Type!"

A swamp-like creature with rocks all over its body appeared on Glacia's field in Defense Position.

Swamp Mirrorer ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the Spell Card Blizzard Vision and target my Swamp Mirrorer! I Special Summon this card as a Normal Monster with the same Type, Attribute, and Level as the targeted monster!"

Her Blizzard Vision took on the shape of a second Swamp Mirrorer.

Blizzard Vision ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I place a face-down card and overlay my Level 4 Swamp Mirrorer and Blizzard Vision!" Glacia declared as she raised her Duel Disk and shot a bolt of dark blue energy. That bolt created the Xyz cross. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"

Her monsters disintegrated into data and entered the red bolts. The ends fired beams and created a galaxy, which exploded with energy.

"Creature of the frozen air! Emerge from your cold slumber and punish those who oppose you!" Glacia chanted. "I Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Ragna Phoenix!"

A phoenix that emitted icy blue flames appeared in Attack Position. Two blue lights circled it.

Ragna Phoenix ATK 2400 DEF 2000 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"I activate the Trap Card: Dimension Slice!" Glacia continued. "Since I Special Summoned a monster, this Trap Card lets me banish a card on your field."

"What!?" Chevalier gasped.

"I choose to banish your Super Solider."

A portal to a different dimension opened up underneath the Black Luster Soldier Ritual Monster as it was swallowed into oblivion.

Glacia gestured toward her monster. "I activate Ragna Phoenix's effect!" she shouted. "By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can target a monster you control and halve its attack points! I target your Sacred Soldier! Freeze Drain!"

Phoenix sent a blast of cold wind at Sacred Solider, encasing its entire body in ice.

Black Luster Soldier – Sacred Soldier ATK 3000→1500

"I activate the Spell Card: Xyz Treasure Ticket!" Glacia continued. "This card lets me draw cards equal to the Rank of a Rank 4 or lower Xyz Monster I control. Ragna Phoenix is Rank 4, so I can draw four cards!"

She drew, then said, "I activate the Spell Card Blizzard Jet! It increases the attack of a Water Winged Beast-type monster on my field by 1500 until my End Phase!"

Ragna Phoenix was encased in ice as its attack points increased.

Ragna Phoenix ATK 2400→3900

"Battle!" Glacia declared. "Ragna Phoenix, attack Sacred! Frozen Flame Breath!"

Phoenix screeched as it blasted a wave of blue flames at Sacred Soldier.

"We're not going down without a fight!" Chevalier exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Guts Guard! This lets me change the attack target to another monster I control and prevent it from being destroyed by battle!"

Envoy of the Twilight immediately moved in front of Sacred Soldier and put out its shield, which the flames impacted, causing an explosion. However, excess energy from the explosion blew back over Chevalier and Charmcaster.

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 2400→1500 LP

"How was that, Glacia? Have you revised your opinion even further now that we robbed you of victory?"

"Don't be so hasty," Glacia said. "I activate the Spell Card: Beckon to the Dark!"

"No! Not that card!" Charmcaster exclaimed, her eyes having widened out of shock.

"Oh? So you know what this card does? Good. But just in case your partner doesn't, I can send one monster you control to your Graveyard when this card is activated! I send Envoy of the Twilight!"

A giant red hand went straight toward the white and gold warrior, which crushed him before he turned into particles.

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Gold Sarcophagus." On activation, a large golden box appeared behind Glacia. "Through its effect, I get to take any card in my Deck and banish it face-up. Then, during our second Standby Phase, I add the banished card to my hand."

The designated card appeared above the coffin as the lid began to open, and tendrils of light then began to reach out and place the card inside.

"With that, I end my turn, meaning Ragna Phoenix's attack points return to normal."

Ragna Phoenix ATK 3900→2400

"If you don't fight back, this duel will be all for nothing!" Glacia replied with a devilish grin.

Charmcaster narrowed her eyes at Glacia. "Just because you have the advantage right now doesn't mean you'll win! My turn! Because of Reckless Greed's effect, I can't draw. However, I activate the Spell Card: Offerings to a Higher Power!" The card showed a group of subjects offering farm animals to several soldiers who had come to collect tribute from them. "I can draw two cards by sending one monster on my field to my Graveyard. I send Sacred Soldier from my field to my Graveyard and draw!"

After Sacred Soldier turned into particles, Charmcaster drew and looked at her cards.

"Next up, I summon Aleister the Invoker!"

The man in gold and white robes reappeared.

Aleister the Invoker ATK 1000 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"That combo again…." Astro muttered. "This is starting to get repetitive…."

"As long as it's effective, who cares if it's repetitive?" Charmcaster smirked. "Aleister's effect activates! I add Invocation from my Deck to my hand, which I'll activate! Through its effect, I banish Aleister the Invoker from my field and Invoked Caliga from my Graveyard to Fusion Summon!"

A silhouette of Caliga appeared on Charmcaster's field. Aleister the Invoker turned into red particles, while Caliga turned into blue particles, with both swirling into a vortex afterward. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"Invoker of Madness! Embrace the power of divinity and unleash a world that'll destroy the weak once and for all!" Charmcaster chanted, clasping her hands in front of her. "I Fusion Summon! Arise, the perfect world we seek! Invoked Elysium!"

A massive monster resembling a massive bowl of water cut in half appeared on the field. It had a white and black wall at the top and a blue orb at the center. White spikes ringed the top of the wall as well.

Invoked Elysium ATK 3200 DEF 4000 LVL: 10

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Ready Fusion! By paying 1000 Life Points, I can Special Summon one Level 6 or lower Fusion monster from my Extra Deck! However, it can't attack, and it's destroyed during the End Phase. I Special Summon Invoked Cocytus from my Extra Deck!"

A giant blue dragon made of ice emerged from the portal and roared in Attack Position.

Invoked Cocytus ATK 1800 DEF 2900 LVL: 6

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 1500→500 LP

Charmcaster cackled. "It's time to finish the two of you and claim our victory! I activate Elysium's effect! Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can target one "Invoked" monster on my field or in my Graveyard and banish it. By doing so, I can banish every monster you control with the same attribute!" Glacia's eyes widened. "I banish the Water Cocytus from my field to banish all Water monsters you control! Elemental Elimination!"

The spikes on Elysium's walls lit up and fired lasers at Ragna Phoenix, causing it to scream as it turned into particles, leaving Glacia and Astro's field bare.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Aurora Draw. Since I have no other cards in my hand, I get to draw two cards," Charmcaster drew her cards, looked at them and smiled. "I activate the Spell Card: Shield Crush, which allows me to destroy a monster in Defense Position! I choose Tachyon Jumper!"

A green lightning bolt crashed into Jumper, obliterating it from the field.

"This is it! Battle! Elysium attacks you directly! End of Eden!"

A beam of blue energy shot out of Elysium's core, which headed straight for Glacia!

"I won't allow that!" Astro yelled. "From my Graveyard, I activate the Spell Card: Rescuer From the Grave!"

Following his words, a barrier formed around Glacia, repelling the energy beams.

"Where did that card come from!?" Chevalier asked. "And how did you activate it from the Graveyard!?"

"That's how the card works; when it's in the Graveyard, and I have five other cards to remove, Rescuer from the Grave ends the current Battle Phase!"

"I bet it was the card he discarded through Twin Wyvern's effect earlier," Charmcaster deduced.

"Plus, he could only activate it once," Chevalier added. "So, he saved it when the finishing blow was about to be dealt."

"In that case, I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Astro announced. "I draw! Heh, you truly are as formidable as I heard you were. However, I absolutely won't lose to you here! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, whose effect allows me to draw cards until I have five in my hand. However, during my fifth Standby Phase, I must send all cards in my hand to the Graveyard. Next, I Special Summon Tachyon Thrasher!"

A black and red armored warrior with glowing purple arms wielding a sword appeared in Attack Position.

Tachyon Thrasher ATK 2100 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I can Special Summon Tachyon Thrasher when I control no monsters," Astro continued. "Next, I summon Tachyon Crusher!"

A large humanoid wearing red and black armor wielding a double-sided purple club appeared.

Tachyon Crusher ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I activate Tachyon Crusher's effect!" Astro declared. "When Normal Summoned, I can swap its attack and defense points to have its Level become 8 until my next Standby Phase."

Tachyon Crusher ATK 2000→0 DEF 0→2000 LVL: 4→8

"And since I control another "Tachyon" monster, Thrasher's Level becomes 8."

Tachyon Thrasher LVL: 4→8

"Then, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Orichalcum Chain!" Astro exclaimed. "If this card is face-up on my field when I perform an Xyz Summon, I can use one less Xyz Material."

"Say what?" Charmcaster and Chevalier said, surprised.

"But, Orichalcum Chain has risks as well," Astro explained. "When it is destroyed, an Xyz Monster summoned by this effect will have its control switch to my opponent!"

That's a very big risk to take for the sake of Xyz Summoning, Chevalier thought, narrowing his eyes. Did he play it because he had no choice, or did he play it because he wanted us to destroy it?

"The time is here! I overlay my Level 8 Tachyon Thrasher and Tachyon Crusher!"

Astro placed his hands in front of him as his Duel Disk glowed. A bolt of crimson energy broke out of his Duel Disk and traveled into the air behind him. The bolt created a massive portal behind him – a blue X with four red dots at the sides.

"With these three monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"

The two monsters broke apart into blue particles and entered the red dots on the side and top, making them glow and causing a red circle around the portal. The four points of the X lit up and fired lasers, creating a swirling galaxy in front of Astro. The galaxy exploded with energy as he chanted.

"Galaxy lost through time, reawaken and reshape time and space with your roar! Manifest and create the voidless path of absolute victory! I Xyz Summon! Now manifest, Rank 8! Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon!"

A black dragon emerged from the galaxy with a body that almost looked mechanical. It had a violet-purple armor-scaled body with four red-bladed wings that released electricity across each one, making them glow, and yellow eyes with black pupils resembling a universe. Its tail was a sharp red blade resembling a hook, sharp-bladed shield-like hands, and pointy feet with four sharp claws coated in purple energy. The dragon roared in Attack Position as two lights orbited it.

Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 RNK: 8 OU: 2

Charmcaster blinked. "V-Void Tachyon Dragon?" Her eyes narrowed. "This must be the ace of his Deck."

"I activate Void Tachyon Dragon's effect! I can detach an Overlay Unit to banish one monster you control and summon a Galaxy Tachyon Dragon Token whose attack and defense points become equal to the banished monster's attack or defense points, whichever is higher."

"What?" Charmcaster gasped again as one of the lights struck Void Tachyon Dragon's chest, which erupted with a blue glow.

Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon OU: 2→1

"I choose Elysium. Go, Tachyon Illusion!"

"I won't allow it!" Charmcaster shouted. "I activate Elysium's effect to banish Mechaba from my Graveyard to banish your Tachyon Dragon from the field!"

Astro laughed. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Chalice! I can target one face-up monster on the field and increase its attack points by 400 until the end of this turn. In exchange, until the End Phase, its effects are negated. I target Elysium!"

Charmcaster's monster was surrounded by a white veil for a few moments, increasing her strength before changing color to red and draining her effects.

Invoked Elysium ATK 3200→3600

Tachyon Dragon's wings emitted a red-black spiral energy wave that ensnared Elysium. The Fusion Monster burst into particles as a particle-like illusion of Void Tachyon Dragon appeared on Astro's field.

Galaxy Tachyon Dragon Token ATK ?→3600 LVL: 8

"Well, before you do anything, I activate the Trap Card: Threatening Roar!" Charmcaster declared. "You now can't attack this turn!"

Astro growled, then smirked. "It looks like you escaped from the jaws of defeat this time. But merely surviving is not enough. Bring out everything you've got and show me the true you if you wish to have a chance of victory. I place one card face-down and end my turn. Now, tell me. How do you plan to defeat my monsters when yours are useless against them?"

"Then it's about time the two of you pay for your sins and give the punishment you rightly deserve!" Chevalier yelled. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Burial from a Different Dimension! This card lets me return up to three banished monsters to the Graveyard. I return our banished Invoked Elysium, Heavenly Soldier and Super Soldier."

Astro and Glacia narrowed their eyes, wary of what Chevalier was planning.

"Then I activate the Spell Card: Junk Dealer!" Chevalier continued,

"Junk Dealer!" Astro shouted, shocked. "That card is old but powerful."

"Using this card's effect, I can Special Summon two Machine or Warrior-Type monsters from my Graveyard by halving their attack points and negating their effects. Return to me, Black Luster Super Soldier and Heavenly Soldier!"

The two warriors in armor from before reappeared on Chevalier's field in a flash of light.

Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier ATK 3000→1500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Black Luster Soldier – Heavenly Soldier ATK 3000→1500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Sorry, but you can't destroy either of our monsters with your pathetic weak ones," Glacia stated.

"Indeed, but my strategy is far from over." Chevalier let out a sly smile. "The time has come to bring out another one of my ace monsters! I overlay my three Black Luster Soldiers! Using these monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"

A bolt of dark green energy shot out of his Duel Disk. The bolt created a massive blue "X" with four red dots at the corners. The three monsters disintegrated into data particles and entered two dots, lighting them up. The ends of the "X" fired light beams, creating a galaxy. The galaxy exploded with power as Chevalier chanted.

"Three souls bearing the power of chaos will open the path towards a new dawn!" Ashley chanted. "Appear before us, the warrior who has conquered the summit between light and darkness! Xyz Summon! Be born, Rank 8! Black Luster Soldier – Ultimate Soldier!"

A warrior clad in black and gold sold-steel armor holding a massive blade appeared on Chevalier's field in Attack Position.

Black Luster Soldier – Ultimate Soldier ATK 4000 DEF 3000 RNK: 8 OU: 3

"He Xyz Summoned?" Astro said in surprise. He gritted his teeth. "This guy's getting power-ups like a shonen protagonist!"

Charmcaster stared at the warrior and smiled. "Go get them, Chevalier!"

Chevalier looked at the back of his monster before refocusing on his opponents. "This duel ends now!" he declared.

Astro gritted his teeth. "That Xyz Monster might be a surprise, but it's weaker than our monsters! How do you expect to win with that?"

"Like this!" Chevalier responded as he gestured to his field. "By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can special summon one "Black Luster Soldier" monster from my hand, Deck or Graveyard by ignoring its summoning conditions. Come from my Deck, Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning!"

A green-skinned warrior in blue and gold armor appeared and roared a challenge. It carried a curved blade in its right hand and a small shield in its left. It swung its sword as it took its place in Attack Position.

Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"…Envoy of the Beginning?" Glacia said, awe evident in her voice. "I never thought we would face such a legendary monster."

Chevalier gestured to his monster. "I activate Envoy of the Beginning's effect!" he continued. "Once per turn, I can banish a monster on the field! I'll banish your Void Tachyon Token! Slash of Destruction!"

Envoy of the Beginning slashed at the ground, creating a fissure of energy that struck the token, causing it to disappear from the field.

"Furthermore, I activate the Spell Card: Chaos Soldier Resupply!" The card showed Black Luster Soldier in an ancient temple discovering Super Soldier Soul atop a podium. "If I control two or more "Black Luster Soldier" monsters with different names, I get to draw three cards from my Deck!"

Chevalier, eyeing the cards he drew, smiled after seeing them. "Battle! Ultimate Soldier, attack Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon! And at this moment, I also activate the effect of Envoy of Chaos, sending it to the Graveyard to increase Ultimate Soldier's attack points by 1500!"

Black Luster Soldier – Ultimate Soldier ATK 4000→5500

"Do it, Ultimate Soldier! Ultimate Chaos Blade!"

''I don't think so! I activate the Trap Card: Half Shield!" Astro declared. ''This card will halve the battle damage I take from your monster's attack!''

A shield with a glass and metal side appeared in front of Tachyon Dragon. Ultimate Soldier swung its sword forward, unleashing a massive stream of energy that hit the shield and went through it, but with force weakened. Astro ignored the pain he felt when the attack hit.

Astro and Glacia: 1400→150 LP

Chevalier gritted his teeth. "So close, and yet so far." Chevalier looked at his hand, then played a card. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Sebek's Blessing!"

Rising from the ground, a large green crocodile appeared wearing a holy white robe and carrying a golden staff with a red jewel.

"With this card, we gain Life Points equal to the amount you lost!"

Sebek struck the ground with his staff, creating a wave of water that washed over Chevalier and Charmcaster, revitalizing some of their Life Points.

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 500→1750 LP

"Since Envoy of the Beginning activated its first effect, it cannot attack this turn. I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Chevalier concluded. "And since my turn's over, Ultimate Soldier's attack points return to normal."

Black Luster Soldier – Ultimate Soldier ATK 5500→4000

Charmcaster smiled. "It looks like the Duel is just about settled with this. Serves you two right for looking down on us. The final victor will be us, Charmcaster and Chevalier."

The current situation is indeed favorable for us. Chevalier thought. My Ultimate Soldier prevents him from attacking any other "Black Luster Soldier" or "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster and is unaffected by card effects so long as I control another "Black Luster Soldier" or "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster. And with one of my face-down cards being Mirror Force, Glacia shouldn't be able to mount a proper offensive during her turn, allowing Charmcaster to finish them off when her turn comes. And yet…why do I feel so uneasy…?

"…Hehe."

Chevalier and Charmcaster blinked as Astro and Glacia started laughing hysterically.

"Amazing!" Glacia said exuberantly. "Multiple summoning methods, countering our moves, and then inflicting massive damage… You two are even more fun than I thought you would be!"

"Indeed," Astro agreed with a smirk. "I can't even tell if we'll win now. We haven't had opponents as strong as you since Sanctum and Storm Rider."

"But while we lost to them, we won't lose to you two!" Glacia's smirk widened. "My turn! I draw! First, Gold Sarcophagus brings the card I banished back to my hand."

Following her words, the golden box reappeared and released the card inside. After retrieving her banished card, Glacia smirked.

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: D.D.R - Different Dimension Reincarnation! By discarding one card from my hand, I can target and Special Summon one of my banished monsters. However, the equipped monster is destroyed if this card leaves my field. Return to the field, Ragna Phoenix!"

At Glacia's command, Ragna Phoenix reappeared on her field.

Ragna Phoenix ATK 2400 DEF 2000 RNK: 4

Glacia took the last card in her hand and smiled. Time for Charmcaster and Chevalier to experience the true power of despair. And this card will open the path to it.

"I activate the Spell Card: Rank-Up-Magic Barian Force!"

"A Rank-Up-Magic card?" Charmcaster and Chevalier said, surprised.

"This card lets me target one Xyz Monster I control and Special Summon one Chaos Xyz Monster that's one Rank higher than the targeted monster by using it as Xyz Material. I use Ragna Phoenix to rebuild Overlay Network!"

Glacia's Duel Disk released a bolt of crimson energy that burst, changing the environment to a midnight sky with streams of red data in the air. A large black cross with four red dots at its corners materialized beneath the field. Phoenix broke apart into red data and entered the top dot, making a red and black circle appear around the portal. The points of the cross fired beams of red energy into the air, creating a swirling galaxy that exploded with energy.

"Go, Chaos Xyz Evolution! Be born from the coldest depths of my heart! CXyz Glacial Phoenix Sylphreeze!"

On Glacia's field appeared a female, armored humanoid phoenix whose wings emitted icy blue flames. Her shoulder and knee pads had light-blue gems that glowed. Covering her mouth was a small mask. Attached to her wrists were blades made of pure ice, and strapped to her back were two swords made of pure ice. A red diamond-shaped crystal appeared before Sylphreeze, representing its Overlay Units.

CXyz Glacial Phoenix Sylphreeze ATK 2700 DEF 2500 RNK: 5 COU: 1

At that moment, a blue fleur-de-lis emblem with a cross-section enclosing a red diamond at the center appeared on Glacia's forehead. A glowing red aura then surrounded her.

"Alright, Charmcaster and Chevalier," Glacia thundered. "Now that the instrument of your destruction is here, do you have ANY LAST WORDS BEFORE WE DESTROY YOU!"

"Yes, I do," Chevalier answered. "It will take a lot more to defeat us! "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Call of the Haunted!" he declared. "It lets me Special Summon a monster from our Graveyard in Attack Position. Resurrect, Invoked Elysium!"

Invoked Elysium ATK 3200 DEF 4000 LVL: 10

"I activate Elysium's effect!" Charmcaster shouted. "Due to its effect, Elysium's attribute is also treated as Dark, Fire, Water, Earth and Wind! I activate Elysium's effect to banish itself and Glacial Phoenix Sylphreeze from the field!"

"I'm afraid that won't work!" Glacia exclaimed as she gestured to her field. "Sylphreeze's effect activates! When a monster's effect is activated, I can detach a Chaos Overlay Unit to negate it, and if that monster is on the field, its attack and defense points become 0!"

"What?!" Charmcaster and Chevalier gasped.

"You heard me. Go, Chaos Freeze!"

Syplhreeze unsheathed and started spinning her swords in a rapid windmill fashion, creating a snowstorm of red-colored winds which enveloped Elysium. The effect on Elysium was immediate as its walls began crumbling down, the land on the islands began dying, and its waters became poisoned.

Invoked Elysium ATK 3200→0 DEF 4000→0

CXyz Glacial Phoenix Sylphreeze COU: 1→0

"You two were far more interesting than we anticipated," Glacia said.

"But in the end, you just weren't enough," Astro said sadly.

"CXyz Glacial Phoenix Sylphreeze attacks Invoked Elysium! "

"You won't win this duel!" Chevalier declared. "I activate my face-down card!"

So he said, but nothing happened. "What?" Chevalier said, surprised. "Why isn't it activating?"

Glacia smirked in derision. "Since Sylphreeze was summoned through the effect of a Rank-Up-Magic card," she explained, "you cannot activate cards or effects when it attacks!" Chevalier and Charmcaster gasped. "Too bad! You lose! CHAOS GLACIER SLASH!"

Sylphreeze brought her swords down and struck Elysium in its core, destroying it in an explosion and sending a massive shockwave across the field. Charmcaster and Chevalier braced themselves and-

BOOM

-screamed as they were sent flying by the force of the attack.

Charmcaster & Chevalier: 1750→0 LP

"Charmcaster!"

"Chevalier!"

Glacia and Astro blinked as two new people came into view. Two young men. One was a fair-skinned young man with orange eyes, straight yellow hair that fell to his chin, a bang in the shape of wings on each side, and a halo glowing over his head. For his attire, he wore a white outfit that's a cross between a pope and a military outfit, which has a brown lining and cuffs, a high-collared white shirt under that, and white shoes with brown soles. The other was a tan-skinned man with a built and bulky body, crimson eyes, and long and unkempt greenish-brown hair. He wore an unbuttoned, dark blue jacket, leaving his muscular torso bare, a pair of dark blue ragged trousers, brown shoes, a crimson piece of cloth wrapped around his waist, and black gloves. His face and chest were decorated with black tribal tattoos, further emphasizing his barbarian appearance.

"Brawler? Seraph?" Charmcaster gasped, looking up at him. "Sorry; you'll have to clean up my mess."

"Your mess?" Brawler repeated. He looked up and gasped again. "Chevalier!"

"What happened, Chevalier?" Seraph asked his comrade. "Who did this?"

"T-They did…"

Brawler and Seraph stiffened as they looked over. "What?"

"What's this? New prey?" Glacia asked, prompting the new arrivals to look up at her and Astro.

OC Card Memo:

Storm Rider:

Cycode Coder

Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 0 DEF 0 Level: 1

If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Cycode" card from your Deck to your hand, then send 1 card from your hand, field or Deck to the GY. If your opponent activates a card effect that targets a "Cycode" monster you control: You can send this card from your hand or field to the GY; negate that card's effect and destroy it. You can only activate 1 effect of "Cycode" Coder per turn, and only once per turn.

Cycode Dancer

Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1000 DEF 200 Level: 2

When this card is Normal Summoned and you control a "Cycode" monster, except "Cycode Dancer": You can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower "Cycode" monster from your hand or Deck in Attack Position with its effects negated. If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "Cycode" monster: That monster gains 600 ATK.

Cycode Wanderer

Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1900 DEF 200 LVL: 5

If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Cycode" card: One monster your opponent controls loses 800 ATK. You can shuffle this card in your GY back into your Deck; Special Summon 1 "Cycode" Link Monster from your GY, but it cannot attack this turn. You can only activate 1 effect of "Cycode Wanderer" per turn, and only once that turn.

Cycode Fortress Golem- Link-3, ATK: 2200, ATT: Dark, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Left, Top, Right

Effect: Effect: 2+ Effect Monsters, including a "Cycode" monster

Each time a monster is Summoned to a zone, this card points to You can make this card gain 400 ATK; if you do, target one monster your opponent controls, it loses 800 ATK. Your opponent can only target this monster for attacks and effects.

Cyberse Call Normal Spell Card (Credit to Scififan599)

Add 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from your Deck to your hand. You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 Cyberse monster from your GY. You can only use each effect of "Cyberse Call" once per turn.

Linkage Release Normal Spell Card (Credit to Scififan599)

Target 1 of your banished Link Monsters; shuffle that monster into your Extra Deck, then draw cards equal to that monster's Link Rating, and if you do, you take damage equal to that monster's ATK during the End Phase. You can only use 1 "Linkage Release" per turn.

Cycode Sacrifice Quick-Play Spell Card

Tribute 1 or more "Cycode" monsters you control; draw 1 card for each Tributed monster. You can only use 1 "Cycode Sacrifice" per turn.

Cycode Battle Barrier Normal Trap Card

If your opponent's monster attacks while you have a "Cycode" monster on your field or in your GY: You take no damage from that battle, then end the Battle Phase. If this card is in your GY when your opponent's monster attacks, and you have a "Cycode" monster on your field or in your GY: You can banish this card; you take no damage from that battle, then end the Battle Phase, and if you control no monsters, draw cards equal to the number of monsters your opponent controls. You can only activate 1 effect of "Cycode Battle Barrier" per turn, and only once that turn.

Desperado:

Magical Musket Showdown Field Spell Card (Credit to Scififan599)

When this card is activated: You can add 1 "Magical Musket" card from your Deck to your hand. During your Main Phase, you can Normal Summon 1 "Magical Musket" monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (You can only gain this effect once per turn.)

Astro:

Tachyon Chargon- Level 4, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1000, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: Once per turn: You can make this card's ATK become double its original ATK and its Level becomes 8, until your next Standby Phase. This card cannot attack the turn you activate this effect. An Xyz Monster that was Summoned using this card on the field as material gains this effect.

● All "face-up" Tachyon monsters gain 1000 ATK.

Tachyon Vanisher- Level 4, ATK: 2000, DEF: 0, ATT: DARK, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) while you control a "Tachyon" monster or a LIGHT or DARK Dragon monster. Cannot attack the turn it is Special Summoned. You can only Special Summon "Photon Vanisher(s)" once per turn. If this card is Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Tachyon" monster from your Deck to your hand. An Xyz Monster that was Summoned using this card on the field as material gains this effect.

● Banish any monster your opponent controls.

Tachyon Dragon- Level 4, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1200, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: This card cannot attack directly, and can only attack if you control a Dragon monster. If this card battles a non-Dragon monster, this card gains 1000 ATK during the Damage Step only, also that monster has its effects negated during this Battle Phase. You can only control 1 "Tachyon Dragon".

Tachyon Draco- Level 4, ATK: 1400, DEF: 1200, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: If you control a "Tachyon" monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). Once per turn (Quick Effect): Increase the Levels of all "Tachyon" monsters you control by 4 until the end of this turn. You can only control 1 "Tachyon Draco".

Tachyon Twin Wyvern- Level 4, ATK: 1600, DEF: 800, ATT: DARK, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: If your opponent controls a face-up monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can discard 1 card; Special Summon 1 "Tachyon" monster from your hand, Deck or GY in Defense Position, also you cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except "Tachyon" monsters. You can only use each effect of "Tachyon Twin Wyvern" once per turn.

Tachyon Crusher- Level 4, ATK: 0, DEF: 2000, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Effect

Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned, you can swap card's original ATK and DEF until your next Standby Phase. If you do, this card's Level becomes 8.

Galaxy Electron Dragon- Rank 4, ATK: 1600, DEF: 2000, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Xyz/Effect

Effect: 2 Level 4 Dragon Monsters

Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; Special Summon 1 Dragon monster from your GY. Other "Galaxy" monsters cannot be destroyed by battle and your opponent cannot target this card for an attack. If this card leaves the field: You can Special Summon 1 "Galaxy Stealth Dragon" from your Extra Deck and place this card as that monster's Xyz Material. (This Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon) The Special Summoned monster cannot be destroyed the turn it is summoned by this effect.

Tachyon Thrasher

ATK: 2100, DEF: 0, LVL: 4

Light/Dragon/Effect

Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) while you control no monsters. While you control another "Tachyon" monster, this card's Level becomes 8.

Tachyon Gift- Type: Normal Spell Card

Effect: Discard 1 "Tachyon" monster OR if you control a face-up "Tachyon" monster to send 1 LIGHT or DARK Dragon monster from your hand: Draw 2 cards. You cannot summon other monsters from your Extra Deck this turn, except "Galaxy" or "Tachyon" monsters. You can only activate 1 "Tachyon Gift" once per turn.

Tachyon Storm- Type: Quick-Play Spell Card

Effect: Target up to three cards your opponent contriks: Return the targeted cards to your opponent's hand but if you control a "Tachyon" Xyz or Link Monster; destroy those targeted cards instead. You can only activate 1 "Tachyon Storm" once per turn.

Tachyon Buster- Type: Equip Spell Card

Effect: Equip only to a "Tachyon" monster. It gains 1000 ATK. If the equipped monster is Xyz or Link Monster: It can attack all monsters your opponent controls. If the equipped monster would be destroyed; destroy this card instead. You can control 1 "Tachyon Buster".

Tachyon Zone- Type: Field Spell Card

Effect: When this card is activated: Add 1 "Tachyon card from your Deck to your hand, except "Tachyon Zone". Once per turn: If you control no monsters; Special Summon either 1 "Tachyon" monster or 1 LIGHT or DARK Dragon monster in your hand. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the effect activations of your Xyz or Link Monsters. If this card is destroyed: Destroy all Special Summoned monsters your opponent controls. You can only activate this effect of "Tachyon Zone" once per turn.

Charmcaster:

Invoked Perseid (Credit to Scififan599)

Attribute: FIRE Type: [/Fusion/Effect] ATK 2900 DEF 2100 Level: 8

"Aleister the Invoker" + 1 EARTH monster + 1 FIRE monster

Cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects. While face-up on the field, this card is also EARTH-Attribute. Can make up to 3 attacks on your opponent's monsters during each Battle Phase. If this card attacks your opponent's Special Summoned monster: You can negate that monster's effects and halve its ATK during the Damage Step only.

Offerings to a Higher Power (Normal Spell Card) (Credit to Divadx)

Effect: Tribute 1 monster you control; draw 2 cards from the top of your deck. You can only activate 1 'Offerings to a Higher Power' per turn

Chevalier:

Chaos Apprentice Knight

(LV: 1, Warrior, DARK, Tuner, ATK: 0, DEF: 0)

Monster Effect: If you control a LIGHT monster, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is sent to the Graveyard as Synchro Material: You can add 1 Level 8 LIGHT or DARK monster OR 1 "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster from your Deck to your hand.

Black Luster Soldier - Heavenly Soldier

(LV: 8, Warrior, LIGHT, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2500)

(1 DARK Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner LIGHT monsters)

Monster Effect: Cannot be destroyed by card effects. While face-up on the field or in the Graveyard, this card is also DARK-Attribute. This card can attack twice during each Battle Phase. If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing damage to your opponent. If this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard: You can add 1 "Black Lustrt Soldier" monster from your Deck to your hand.

Back Luster Soldier – Ultimate Soldier

ATK: 4000, DEF: 3000, R: 8

Light/Warrior/Xyz/Effect

3 Level 8 "Black Luster Soldier" Monsters

Monster Effect: This card is also treated as having a Dark attribute. Your opponent cannot target other "Black Luster Soldier" or "Gaia the Fierce Knight" Monsters you control for an attack. As long as one of the above Monsters is face-up on the field, this card cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn, you can detach one Xyz Material from this card; Special Summon one "Black Luster" Monster from your hand, Deck or Graveyard by ignoring its summoning conditions. If this card has no Xyz Materials, it cannot declare an attack.

Chaos Soldier Resupply

Normal Spell Card

If you control two or more "Black Luster Soldier" Monsters, draw three cards.

Glacia:

Guard Duck- Level 4, ATK: 0, DEF: 2000, ATT: WATER, Type: Winged Beast/Effect

Effect: During the damage calculation, when you would take battle damage (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, you take no damage. Once per turn: This monster cannot be destroyed by battle.

Blizzard Hummingbird- Level 4, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1100, ATT: WATER, Type: Winged Beast/Effect

Effect: If you control a Winged Beast WATER monster; Special Summon this card from your hand.

Ice Warrior Zeroth- Rank 4, ATK: 2000, DEF: 2000, ATT: WATER, Type: Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect

2 Level 4 WATER monsters

Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; excavate cards from your opponent's Deck until a monster is excavated, then activate 1 of the following effects, also send all excavated cards to the bottom of the Deck.

● This card gains ATK equal to the ATK of the excavated monster until the end of the turn.

● Target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; decrease it's ATK by the excavated monster's ATK.

Ragna Phoenix- Rank 4, ATK: 2400, DEF: 2000, ATT: WATER, Type: Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect

2 Level 4 Winged Beast monsters

If this card is Xyz Summoned using only WATER Winged Beast monsters as materials: You can target 1 Spell/Trap Card your opponent control; banished it. Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; negate that monster's effect(s), and if you do, it's ATK is halved until the end of the turn, then if that monster started this Duel in the Extra Deck, inflict 1000 damage to your opponent.

CXyz Glacial Phoenix Sylphreeze- Rank 5, ATK: 2700, DEF: 2400, ATT: WATER, Type: Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect

3 Level 5 WATER Winged Beast-Type monsters

If this card is Xyz Summoned by Rank-Up-Magic card a, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects during the Battle Phase. If this card has a WATER Winged-Beast XYZ Monster as an Xyz Material, it gains this effect.

● During either player's turn, when your opponent activates a Monster Card effect: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; Negate the effect, then, if the negated card is face-up on the field, its ATK and DEF become 0. When this monster is destroyed (by battle or by card effect) while it has a Xyz Material: You can Special Summon "Ice Beast Zerofyne" and attach this card to the target as an Xyz Material.