Donkeyboy100 is here with Chapter 6 of the story! I'm on a roll to get these chapters out quickly. I hope to get as many as possible before I return to school. So, without further ado, please enjoy!
Den City, in the evening…
"Hurry, you guys!"
"We're running as fast as I can, Ena! You're just a bit faster than the rest of us!"
Ena and the others were running through the streets of Den City, trying to get back to Kolter's apartment. After Yuji rushed into LINK VRAINS to help Playmaker, everyone else decided to head back to Kolter's place, as they felt they could be more helpful there.
"Not being in shape isn't an excuse to be slow!" Ena said, looking behind her at her friends. "Yuji and Yuskau needs us, so-!"
CRASH!
"Eh!?" Skye said as she and the others strumbled to a halt at sight in front of them. While looking back at everyone else, Ena crashed into a young girl, knocking them to the ground.
"Ow," Ena said, sitting up. She looked at the girl, quickly stood up and reached out her hand. "Sorry about that. I should have been looking. You aren't hurt, right?"
The young girl shook her head and took Ena's hand. "No, I'm good." The girl had blonde hair tied back into a French braid and pear-grey eyes. She wore a white shirt, pants with purple and red outlines, and white shoes. She also wears a necklace with a gem and a feather on it. "What about you?"
"Oh, I'm fine," Ena said as she pulled her up. "Sorry, but we're in a hurry. Come on, you guys!" She let go of the girl's hand and resumed running, with Skye and the others chasing after her.
The girl looked after them, then back at the ground. Her eyes widened. "Wait, you dropped-!" But they were already out of earshot.
In LINK VRAINS…
"That was rather clever of you." Said a woman wearing a small dark grey mantle over a blue, white, and black one-piece outfit that ends in short shorts and short sleeves. Dark grey gloves extended down her arms, with straps around her wrist and a pink back. She also had boots, stockings, and a dark grey pack. "Creating a drone to spy on Playmaker's duel."
The two were standing in a secluded area of LINK VRAINS's central city, having gotten away from the crowd.
"The Hanoi and SOL Technologies aren't the only ones who can see everything, so I figured what's the harm in us watching," Replied a man dressed in a black coat, blue shirt, black pants and boots, and purple and green hat. He wore a red and blue mask with pink eyes in the center, and his right arm was prosthetic with a gun barrel just above the wrist. He looked back at his screen. "I get why Playmaker stepped in, but something in my gut is telling me that Storm Rider's sudden appearance is more interesting. Or rather, what's about to happen."
The woman frowned. "I know what you mean. Something about him… he's very dangerous, without question." The two watched as the masked man's drone broadcasted footage of Storm Rider facing Umbra.
Elsewhere, in LINK VRAINS…
Playmaker narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "Storm Rider, why are you doing this?"
Storm Rider turned to him. "Isn't it obvious? You just had an intense duel and haven't recovered from it yet. I knew right then that I had to come and help you." He turned back to Umbra. "Not only that, but he used an innocent person who's also my friend against their will. And for that, he needs to pay."
Umbra scowled at him. "Fine. I'd figure we would face each other. I just thought it would be later down the road."
"You sure you got this, Storm Rider?" Playmaker asked. Storm Rider's response was to smirk at him.
"You're acting like this is my first time dueling. You just log out and rest up for now."
Playmaker nodded. He and Storm Rider clearly understood each other. "Right. I'll check on Brave Battler. You deal with this scum."
Soon after, Playmaker logged out.
"Before we begin, answer me this," Storm Rider said. "Who are you?"
"No problem. The name's Umbra," he answered. "Looks like the false god has arrived to clean up the mess."
Storm Rider blinked. "What do you mean by false god?
Umbra shrugged his shoulders. "No point in keeping it a secret anymore. My group, known as the Syndicate, is responsible for giving Roget the power and resources needed to take over LINK VRAINS."
Storm Rider's eyes widened. "What!? You guys were the ones behind Roget's sick and twisted plan!? So am I right to assume that's your true ambition?"
"Yes and no," Umbra replied.
Umbra narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider and smirked. "Shall we begin?" he asked him, who nodded.
"Haha. That's the answer I expected. Do try to entertain me before you lose."
"Are you certain you can win, Yuji?" Ena asked Storm Rider over his earpiece. "We don't know what kind of Deck this guy uses."
That was true; not knowing an opponent's Deck can be troubling. Storm Rider remembered his duel with Desperado and recalled having a difficult time.
"I have to, for Shima's sake," he responded. "It doesn't matter how powerful Umbra is; I will not lose!" He narrowed his at Umbra as he activated his Duel Disk.
"Let's Duel!" Storm Rider and Umbra shouted.
Storm Rider: 4000 LP
Umbra: 4000 LP
"I'll take the first turn," Storm Rider said, taking a card from his hand. "I summon Cycode Lancer!"
The monster that appeared was a grey robotic warrior. It wore a white chest piece and white leg guards. Its arms were mechanical and grey, as well as its lance and shield.
Cycode Lancer ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"Cycode Lancer's effect! So long as it's in face-up Attack Position, all "Cycode" monsters I control gain 300 attack points! Digital Charge!"
Lancer glowed white as its attack points increased.
Cycode Lancer ATK 1800→2100
"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Blast!" The card showed Cycode Buster holding its rifle and firing a shot, making another monster explode. "With this card, I negate the effects of one "Cycode" monster I control until the End Phase and inflict damage to you equal to half that monster's attack points!"
A blast of white energy hit Umbra, making him wince.
Cycode Lancer ATK 2100→1800
Umbra: 4000→3100 LP
"I place one card face-down," Storm Rider said. "I end my turn. And since it is the End Phase, the effect of Cycode Blast wears off, and Lancer's attack points increase again."
Cycode Lancer ATK 1800→2100
"My turn!" Umbra announced. "I draw! Your opening play was solid, but now it's time for me to take the lead in this Duel. To start, I summon Brron, Mad King of Dark World!"
A grey-skinned fiend-like humanoid appeared. It had a skull-like face with sharp teeth and snaky tendrils on its scalp in place of hair. Its arms were pinned to its sides by chains.
Brron, Mad King of Dark World ATK 1800 DEF 400 LVL: 4
Storm Rider raised an eyebrow. A Dark World Deck? Storm Rider didn't know about that type of Deck, but he had to keep his guard up lest he wanted to lose the duel."
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Burden of the Mighty! With this, your monsters lose attack points equal to their Levels times 100!"
Storm Rider gasped as Lancer groaned.
Cycode Lancer ATK 2100→1700
"Battle!" Umbra exclaimed. "Brron attacks Cycode Lancer! Lunatic Lunge!"
The Mad King cackled and rushed at Lancer and slashed it with its claw.
Storm Rider: 4000→3900 LP
"Brron's effect activates!" Umbra continued. "When it inflicts damage, I get to discard one card from my hand." He sent the card to his Graveyard, then said, "Since Beiige, Vanguard Dark World was sent to the Graveyard through a card effect, I can Special Summon it to my field in Attack Position!"
A blue fiend wearing white bone armor and carrying a spear appeared on Umbra's field.
Beiige, Vanguard of Dark World ATK 1600 DEF 1300 LVL: 4
"I'll have Beiige attack you directly!" The armored fiend charged at Storm Rider, who gestured to his field.
"I activate the Trap Card: Cycode Half-Guard!" he declared. "By discarding Cycode Kid, all battle damage I take is halved!"
Binge's spear struck Storm Rider and made him wince.
Storm Rider: 3900→3100 LP
"And since the Battle Phase ended, Half-Guard's additional effect activates!" Storm Rider stated. "I draw one card for each of your monsters that battled this turn. Two of your monsters battled, so I get to draw two cards!"
Storm Rider drew as Umbra said, "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."
"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider drew his card, narrowed his eyes, then chose another card. "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→300 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 Shieldmaiden to my hand." He did so, then said, "I summon Cycode Sorceress!"
A mechanical female humanoid in a black dress carrying a metal staff appeared on Storm Rider's field.
Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400→1000 DEF 400 LVL: 4
"Sorceress's effect activates! When she is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Return to me, Cycode Kid!"
A small robotic boy in a t-shirt and cap appeared on Storm Rider's field next to Sorceress.
Cycode Kid ATK 300→200 DEF 200 LVL: 1
"Appear, my circuit!" Storm Rider's hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Swordsman in the Link Arrow!"
Cycode Swordsman became a whirlwind of energy and entered the right arrow, turning it red.
"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-1! Cycode Apprentice!"
A young mage in digital orange and gray hooded magician robes, wielding a small wand lit in flames, emerged from the portal, summoned to Extra Monster Zone.
Cycode Apprentice ATK 1000 LINK-1 →
"Apprentice's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I draw a card!" Storm Rider drew, then said, "When there is a Cyberse Link Monster on the field, I can Special Summon this monster. Come, Cycode Prisoner!"
A digital alien in a blue prisoner's uniform appeared in Defense Position.
Cycode Prisoner ATK 1600→1100 DEF 2100 LVL: 5
"Now, I'll build my circuit again!"
The Link Portal appeared again above Storm Rider.
"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Apprentice and Kid in the Link Arrows!"
His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the bottom-left and right arrows, turning them red.
"I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Administrator!"
A large blue mechanical humanoid emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone Apprentice had vacated.
Cycode Administrator ATK 1200 LINK-2 →↙
"Cycode Administrator's effect! All "Cycode" Link Monsters I control gain 800 attack points!"
Cycode Administrator ATK 1200→2000
"Furthermore, Kid's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When it is used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, one face-up card on the field is destroyed! I'll destroy Burden of the Mighty!"
Umbra winced as his Continuous Spell was destroyed.
Cycode Prisoner ATK 1100→1600 DEF 2100 LVL: 5
"Appear again, my circuit!"
For a third time, the Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.
"The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters, except Tokens. I set Cycode Sorceress and Prisoner in the Link Arrows!"
His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the left and right arrows, turning them red.
"I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Binal Sorceress!"
A white robotic-like humanoid monster with silver coating and feet appeared, summoned to Cycode Administrator's bottom-left Link Arrow.
Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 1600→2400 LINK-2 ←→
"Prisoner's effect activates! As I used it to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can add one "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand." Storm Rider took a card from his Deck. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cycode Multiplier and equip it to Cycode Binal Sorceress!" His Equip Spell showed a green data stream with an unknown Link Monster splitting into two above it. Binal Sorceress glowed green when the card was equipped. "Cycode Multiplier allows Binal Sorceress to make two attacks on monsters my opponent controls!" Umbra's eyes widened. "Battle! Binal Sorceress, attack Beiige, Vanguard of Dark World!"
"I activate my Trap Card!" Umbra declared, gesturing to his field. "Damage Diet! All damage I take this turn is halved!"
Binal Sorceress lobbed a ball of energy at Beiige, destroying it and making Umbra wince.
Umbra: 3100→2700 LP
"Here comes the second attack. Go, Binal Sorceress! Attack Brron, Mad King of Dark World!"
Binal Sorceress lobbed another ball of energy at Brron, destroying it and making Umbra wince in pain.
Umbra: 2700→2400 LP
"Finally, Cycode Administrator attacks you directly!"
Cycode Administrator lobbed a blue orb of energy at Umbra, pushing him back.
Umbra: 2400→1400 LP
"With that, I end my turn with this," Storm Rider concluded.
Umbra narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "Not bad," he commented. "Not only did you destroy both my monsters, you even took the lead in Life Points. Impressive."
"I've been doing this for a long time," Storm Rider told him. "The stakes might be higher this time, but you're another opponent to defeat."
"I wonder about that," Umbra said, confusing Storm Rider. "My turn! I draw!" Looking at his cards, Umbra played one of them. "First, I activate the Spell Card: Contingency Fee! Through its effect, you must draw until you have six cards in your hand! In return, I gain 1000 Life Points for each card drawn!"
Storm Rider gritted his teeth as he drew three more cards, and a blue aura surrounded Umbra.
Umbra: 1400→4400 LP
"At this moment, I activate the Trap Card: Talisman of Reversal!" Umbra continued. "Since you drew cards outside your Draw Phase, I draw cards equal to the number you have in your hand!"
"What?" Storm Rider gasped as Umbra drew six new cards.
"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Card Destruction! We now must discard our hands and draw cards equal to the amount we discarded!"
Both duelists discarded their hands and drew new ones.
"That's not good," Storm Rider muttered. "If he had monsters in his hand..."
"Three of the cards I had were some of my loyal servants," Umbra stated, "Now let me introduce you to some of them! I discarded Broww, Huntsman of Dark World, whose effect lets me draw a card when discarded. Next, I activate the effect of the Kahkki, Guerilla of Dark World! If it is discarded to the Graveyard, I can target and destroy one monster on the field! Say goodbye to your Cycode Administrator!"
Storm Rider's eyes narrowed as his monster disintegrated.
"Since Cycode Administrator left the field," Storm Rider said. "Binal Sorceress loses 800 attack points."
Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 2400→1600
"Finally, since a card effect discarded Sillva, Warlord of Dark World, I can Special Summon it! Return, Sillva, in Attack Position!"
A large black and silver humanoid monster appeared on Umbra's field with black wings and a dagger.
Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 2300 DEF 1400 LVL: 5
"Furthermore, I summon Zure, Knight of Dark World!"
A demonic-looking knight donned in armor with a blue fur cape appeared, brandishing its sword.
Zure, Knight of Dark World ATK 1800 DEF 1500 LVL: 4
"I activate the Field Spell Card: The Gates of Dark World! This card increases the attack and defense points of all Fiend monsters by 300!"
Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 2300→2600 DEF 1400→1700
Zure, Knight of Dark World ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1500→1800
"Battle!" Umbra shouted! "Zure attacks Cycode Binal Sorceress!"
Zure roared as he charged across the field and slashed Binal Sorceress in half, causing it to explode and Storm Rider to wince.
Storm Rider: 3100→2600 LP
"Next, Sillva attacks you directly!"
"I activate the effect of the Cycode Shieldmaiden in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider declared. A spectral monster appeared on his field. It was a female in mechanical armor carrying a large circular shield with a spear attached to the back. A helmet covered her head. "By banishing this card from my Graveyard, all your monsters lose attack points equal to Shieldmaiden's attack points until the End Phase! Which means all your monsters lose 1800 attack points!"
Umbra's eyes widened as the shield in Shieldmaiden's hand glowed, and all his monsters became weaker.
Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 2600→800
Zure, Knight of Dark World ATK 2100→300
Umbra narrowed his eyes. "Even if my monsters are weaker, you'll still take damage!"
Sillva's blades finally hit Storm Rider, making him cry out in pain.
Storm Rider: 2600→1800 LP
"That's enough fun for now," Umbra remarked. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. And because of that, your Shieldmaiden's effect ends, and both my monsters' attack points return to normal."
Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 800→2600
Zure, Knight of Dark World ATK 300→2100
"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reincarnation! By discarding a card from my hand, I can add a monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Cycode Swordsman, which I'll summon through its effect!"
Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3
"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add Cycode Masterframe from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider continued. "Appear, my circuit!" Storm Rider's hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Swordsman in the Link Arrow!"
Recon 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 ↙
"Next, I summon Cycode Masterframe!"
A hacker-like human with dark brown hair, a dark orange hoodie outfit and a pair of dark orange goggles that glow with white circuit lining across the lenses. He wore a heavy right gauntlet glove and hover boots.
Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4
"When this card is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one "Cycode" monster from my hand. Come on out, Cycode Strider!"
A medium-sized robot with semi-bulky armor wielding a futuristic rifle appeared on Storm Rider's field.
Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
"Strider's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When Special Summoned, I get to check the top card of my Deck, and if it's a monster, I get to summon it. So let's see if luck is on my side. I draw!"
He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile.
"I drew Cycode Recon, which means I can summon it!"
A human-sized robot wielding a marksman rifle in light military gear appeared.
Cycode Recon ATK 1200 DEF 1000 LVL: 3
"When Recon's summoned, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand." A card slid out from his Deck, which he then added to his hand. "I'll create my circuit once again! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Cycode Masterframe, Recon, and Kuriboh in the Link Arrows!"
His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.
"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Talker!"
A monster that resembled Decode Talker, with the difference that its armor was green and white and he wielded an energy-bladed katana, appeared as he emerged from the portal into the Right Extra Monster Zone.
Cycode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
"Since I used Recon as Link Material for the summoning of a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can add a "Cycode" Spell or Trap Card to my hand." He took a card from his Deck and placed it in his hand. "Next, Cycode Talker's effect activates! When it's successfully Link Summoned, I can summon a Cycode Token next to its Link!"
A tiny creature resembling a computer arrow appeared next to Cycode Talker's bottom-left Link Arrow.
Cycode Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1
"Cycode Talker's second effect activates! All your monsters lose 500 attack points for every monster it points to! It points to two monsters, so your monsters lose 1000 attack points! Go, Power Degradation!"
Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 2600→1600
Zure, Knight of Dark World ATK 2100→1100
"I activate the effect of Cycode Apprentice in my Graveyard! Since I summoned a Link-3 "Cycode" Link Monster, I can Special Summon it!"
The hooded mage reappeared next to Strider.
Cycode Apprentice ATK 1000 LINK-1 →
"Appear, my circuit!" Storm Rider's hand glowed as the Link Portal appeared for the third time. "The summoning conditions are two or more "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Strider, Apprentice and my Cycode Token in the Link Arrows!"
His monsters entered the left, right, and bottom-right arrows.
"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Deleter!"
A purple and silver humanoid monster with a bulky body wearing a blue vest wielding digital-like batons emerged from the portal, summoned to Cycode Talker's bottom-left Link Arrow.
Cycode Deleter ATK 2100 LINK-3 ←↘→
"Since Apprentice left the field the same turn it was summoned by its effect, it's banished," Storm Rider said. "And because Cycode Talker points to one less monster, your monsters regain 500 attack points."
Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 1600→2100
Zure, Knight of Dark World ATK 1100→1600
"I activate the effect of the Cycode Multiplier in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider continued. "By banishing a "Cycode" monster, I can equip it to a "Cycode" monster I control. I banish Cycode Lancer and equip Multiplier to Deleter." He narrowed his eyes. "The monster equipped with Multiplier can make two attacks against your monsters during each Battle Phase. Moving on, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters! By discarding one card from my hand, I can target up to two Spell and Trap Cards on the field and destroy them. I target and destroy both your face-down cards!"
As Storm Rider discarded a card from his hand, two twisters emerged from Twin Twisters, destroying both of Umbra's face-down cards.
"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cycode Datasword and equip it to Cycode Talker!"
Cycode Talker's katana began glowing as it changed shape. It remained curved but became slightly longer and more jagged on the sides. Blue data streams were embedded in the blade's center, one near the tip and the other near the hilt. Said hilt also became longer and changed color to gold and silver with a black tassel at the end.
"While Datasword is equipped to a monster, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and when it attacks a Special Summoned monster, it gains attack points equal to its Level times 200!" Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Talker attacks Sillva, Warlord of Dark World!"
The armored warrior roared as it swung the sword.
"At this point, Cycode Datasword's effect increases Cycode Talker's attack points by 200 multiplied by Sillva's Level. Your monster is Level 5, so Talker gains 1000 attack points!"
Cycode Talker ATK 2300→3300
"Go, Cycode Catastrophe!"
Cycode Talker unsheathed its katana and charged at Sillva, slashing it with its sword, destroying it and causing Umbra to wince.
Umbra: 4400→3200 LP
Cycode Talker ATK 3700→2300
"Next, Cycode Deleter attacks Zure, Knight of Dark World!"
Cycode Deleter drew two of its batons.
"Cycode Deleter's effect activates! When this card battles a monster that is not a Link-3 or higher Link Monster, I can banish it and then this card can attack again!"
"What?" Umbra said, surprised.
Cycode Deleter threw its batons at Zure, disintegrating on impact.
"And when this effect successfully resolves, Cycode Deleter gets to attack for a second time," Storm Rider pointed out. "Cycode Deleter attacks you directly!"
Cycode Deleter pulled out a knife slashing Umbra in the chest, causing him to fall to one knee.
Umbra: 3200→1100 LP
"I activate the effect of a monster in my hand!" Umbra exclaimed as a dark aura surrounded him.
Storm Rider gasped. "What's happening?"
"After taking battle damage, I can Special Summon this monster! Come forth, Tragoedia!"
Erupting from Umbra's aura, a monster appeared with a bellowing roar in Defense Position. It was a demonic creature with pitch-black skin, a muscular torso, spikes protruding from its back, and a lower body with six spider-like legs.
Tragoedia ATK ? DEF ? LVL: 10
"Unknown attack points…?" Storm Rider mumbled. "I don't like this one bit…
Umbra held up his hand. "Tragoedia gains 600 attack and defense points for each card in my hand while on the field. I have two, meaning its gains 1200 attack and defense points."
Tragoedia ATK ?→1200 DEF ?→1200
"You may have saved yourself, but your monster's a different story," Storm Rider stated. "Cycode Deleter attacks Tragoedia!"
The previous scene was repeated as Deleter drew its knife and slashed Tragoedia, destroying it in an explosion.
"I place a card face-down and end my turn," Storm Rider concluded.
"My turn!" Umbra announced. "I draw! I activate the effect of The Gates of Dark World to banish Broww from my Graveyard and send one card from my hand to the Graveyard to draw one card from my Deck. And since the card I discarded was Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World, its effect activates, allowing me to destroy a card you control. I think I'll get rid of your Cycode Deleter. Take this!"
A torrent of dark flames erupted from the ground beneath Deleter, consuming the monster within the conflagration.
"Then, I activate the Spell Card: Dark World Market!" The card showed a black humanoid dragon monster with several cards floating in front of it. "This card allows me to draw one card and reveal it. If the card is not a "Dark World" monster, I must discard it and my entire hand. But if it is a "Dark World" monster, I draw two more cards, discard one, and treat it as having been discarded by my opponent's card effect! I draw!"
Umbra drew his card, looked at it and smirked. "The card I drew is Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World! That means I draw two more cards!" He drew, then continued. "I now send Lucent to the Graveyard and treat it as having been discarded by your card effect."
Umbra discarded Lucent as his smirk grew. "Since Lucent was discarded to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it! Return to me, Lucent, in Attack Position!"
A humanoid pink and purple fiend monster appeared and roared.
Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World ATK 2400→2700 DEF 0→300 LVL: 6
"There is more to Lucent's effect!" Umbra said. "Since an opponent's card effect discarded it, I can also Special Summon a Fiend monster from my Deck to either side of the field!"
"What?" Storm Rider said, his eyes widening in surprise. "Either side?"
"That's right," Umbra confirmed. "And I'm Special Summoning Ceruli, Guru of Dark World to your field in Attack Position!"
A short little fiend carrying a staff appeared on Storm Rider's field.
Ceruli, Guru of Dark World ATK 100→400 DEF 300→600 LVL: 1
"Ceruli's effect activates!" Umbra declared. "If it is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Dark World" card, then the opponent must discard one card!"
"But since it is on my field," Storm Rider said, realizing Umbra's plan. "That means you must discard a card."
"Exactly. I discard this card!" He sent a card to the Graveyard. "And now that card's effects activate! Since I discarded Goldd, Wu-Lord of Dark World, I can Special Summon it!"
A demonic monster clad in gold-colored armor and holding a massive axe appeared on Umbra's field.
Goldd, Wu-Lord of Dark World ATK 2300→2600 DEF 1500→1800 LVL: 5
"There's more to Goldd's effect! Since an opponent's card effect discarded it, I can target two cards on the field and destroy them. I destroy Cycode Datasword and your face-down!"
Gold swung its axe, sending a wave of energy at Storm Rider's cards, destroying them.
"I activate the Spell Card: Tribute to the Doomed! By discarding Cards of Compensation from my hand, I can destroy one monster on the field. I choose to destroy your Cycode Talker!"
Following Umbra's words, a scary-looking mummy appeared. It then stretched out its arms, shooting strands of linen around Cycode Talker before dragging it down a portal.
"Card of Compensation's effect activates! I get to draw two cards as I sent it from my hand to the Graveyard." Umbra drew his cards, then said, "Battle! Goldd attacks Ceruli!"
"I activate the effect of the Cycode Half-Guard in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider declared. "By banishing it and discarding the Cycode Assailant in my hand, all battle damage I take this turn is halved!"
"But you will still take damage!" Umbra reminded him.
Goldd charged forward and slashed Ceruli in half with its axe, destroying it in a massive explosion.
Storm Rider cried out as the backlash hit him, but he stood his ground. Just barely.
Storm Rider: 1800→700 LP
"As I expected," Umbra said, looking back at Storm Rider again. "But it doesn't matter if you can halve the damage. This next attack will end this." He gestured to his field again. "Lucent! Attack Storm Rider directly! Dark Luminary!"
A dark aura formed around Lucent's claws as he charged at Storm Rider.
"I activate the effect of the Cycode Battler in my hand!" Storm Rider declared, surprising Umbra. "If you attack me directly, I can Special Summon this card in Attack Position!"
A muscular robot in boxer's clothes, with red boxing gloves, blue shorts, a white tank top, and red headgear, appeared on Storm Rider's field.
Cycode Battler ATK 1500 DEF 700 LVL: 4
Umbra grit his teeth. "Very well then. Lucent, attack Cycode Battler!"
Lucent's claws pierced through Battler's body, destroying it and causing Storm Rider to wince due to the ensuing shockwave.
Storm Rider: 700→100 LP
"When Battler is destroyed by battle, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I return Cycode Swordsman to my hand. Also, at the end of the Battle Phase, Half-Guard's effect lets me draw two cards since two of your monsters battled." He drew and smiled at his cards. "Looks like you won't be defeating me this turn, Umbra."
"Guess not," he replied. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."
"My turn! I draw! Since I control no monsters," Storm Rider said. "I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman from my hand!"
The man with two swords reappeared.
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 continued as a card slid out from his Deck, which he then showed to his opponent. "I Special Summon Cycode Serpent!"
A white 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. "I summon Cycode Engineer!"
A monster in workman's clothing and a hardhat carrying a power drill in one hand and a calculator in the other appeared in Attack Position.
Cycode Engineer ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 3
"I'll now create my circuit!"
The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider once again.
"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters, including one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Swordsman, Serpent and Engineer in the Link Arrows!"
Storm Rider's monsters became whirlwinds of energy as they entered the left, bottom, and right arrows.
"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Gaia Charger!"
A new monster charged out of the Link portal. It resembles Gaia the Fierce Knight, but his body is merged with the horse. His design is like Gaia with blue armor but dark brown colors with digital energy light brown lancers as if it were his hands. The horse has the same color design but with robotic, digital wings as he was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.
Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→
"Engineer's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When it is used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can destroy one set card in your Spell & Trap Zone!" Storm Rider pointed at one of Umbra's face-down cards. "I'll destroy the card on the right!"
A ghost of Cycode Engineer appeared and drilled the card, destroying it.
"Next, Gaia Charger's effect activates! When it's successfully Link Summoned, all your monsters lose half their attack points. Go, Jamming Javelin!"
Gaia Charger aimed its spear at Lucent and Goldd as it released a wave of electricity at the two fiends, draining their power.
Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World ATK 2700→1350
Goldd, Wu-Lord of Dark World ATK 2600→1300
"Battle! Gaia Charger attacks Goldd, Wu-Lord of Dark World! Linkage Spiral!"
"I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Shade!" Umbra declared. In exchange for halving my Life Points, I take no battle damage this turn!"
The attack continued and destroyed Goldd, but Umbra didn't feel the force of the attack.
Umbra: 1100→550 LP
"Haha," Umbra laughed. "With this Trap Card, you can't defeat me this turn!"
"Even so, Gaia's effect lets it attack twice! Attack Lucent! Linkage Spiral!"
Gaia charged again toward Lucent, piercing it with its lance, and destroying it.
"It looks like I can't do anything else for this turn…." Storm Rider begrudgingly admitted. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."
"My turn!" Umbra announced. "I draw! I'll admit I underestimated you a bit at first. However, you're a skilled opponent, so I'll pull out all stops to eradicate your miserable existence. I activate the Spell Card: The Beginning Of The End! Pretty symbolic for the outcome of this duel, isn't it, Storm Rider? I can only use this card if I have at least seven Dark monsters in my Graveyard, and by banishing five of them, I get to draw three cards! I banish Brron, Zure, Beiige, Ceruli, and Kahkki to draw three cards!"
Umbra placed his hand on his Deck. "This draw will determine the outcome of this duel!" he declared. "Here I go!" He drew his cards, looked at them and smiled.
"I summon Renge, Gatekeeper of Dark World!"
A giant fiend with silver armor over its skeletal-like body with a blue jewel on its chest appeared.
Renge, Gatekeeper of Dark World ATK 100→400 DEF 2100→2400 LVL: 4
"I'm not finished. I activate the effect of the Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World in my Graveyard! By returning a "Dark World" monster I control to my hand, I can Special Summon Grapha from the Graveyard! I return Renge and Special Summon Grapha in Attack Position!"
A massive black, pink, and silver dragon appeared and roared.
Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World ATK 2700→3000 DEF 1800→2100 LVL: 8
"Battle! Grapha, attack Cycode Gaia Charger! Aeshma Breath!"
Grapha breathed red fire and blasted Gaia Charger.
Storm Rider remained calm as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Cyberse Impact!" The card showed Code Talker in the background with its limbs outstretched with a massive arrow piercing its chest. A purple portal was in the foreground, with Lady Debug's card sticking out. "This reduces the battle damage to 0!"
The blast struck Gaia Charger, destroying it in an explosion, but Storm Rider weathered it unharmed.
"The secondary effect of Cyberse Impact now activates," Storm Rider continued. "Your monster can now make a second attack."
Umbra frowned in confusion. Storm Rider was wide open for a direct attack with no monsters on his field. What was he planning? Well, there was only one way to find out. "Grapha attacks you directly! Aeshma Breath!"
The dragon breathed and blasted red fire from its maw at Storm Rider, but he was ready.
"I activate the effect of Cycode Defender in my hand!" he declared. "Since you attacked me directly, I can Special Summon Defender and make it the target of your attack."
A digital warrior wearing a black and gray armor suit with pink circuit lines with armor with two large shields appeared in Defense Position.
Cycode Defender ATK 0 DEF 1500 LVL: 4
"Not only that but Defender also can't be destroyed in battle once per turn!"
The red energy beam struck Defender's shields, but they held firm.
"At the Battle phase's end, Cyberse Impact's additional effect activates!" Storm Rider said. "I can add a Cyberse monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Cycode Sorceress to my hand."
"Impressive," Umbra said. "I'll have to wait until my next turn to defeat you. I activate the Spell Card: Allure of Darkness! It lets me draw two cards, but then I must banish a Dark monster or send my entire hand to the Graveyard." Umbra drew. His eyes widened on seeing his cards, but then he smirked. Perfect. "I banish Renge, Gatekeeper of Dark World. Finally, I'll place three cards face-down and end my turn."
"That's assuming you'll have another turn." Storm Rider retorted. "I intend to finish this on my turn."
"Hoh, now that's interesting," Umbra said. "Even though your field is empty and you're down to only 100 Life Points left, you claim that you still have a way to overcome my formation and come out victorious? Then, hit me with our best shot, Storm Rider. And find out for yourself why underestimating us is a bad idea."
"You'll soon regret those words," Storm Rider said. "Allow me to demonstrate the indomitable will and unyielding resolve of the Top 10 through the conclusion of this duel! My turn! I draw!"
Storm Rider let out a faint smile as he checked his drawn card.
That's a good card. But I need one more card to complete my strategy and take this fellow down. And I have just the way to get it.
"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Fearful Earthbound!" Umbra abruptly declared as a row of sharp teeth appeared beneath Storm Rider's feet. "While this card is face-up on the field, you take 500 points of damage each time you declare an attack. And to ensure that happens, I activate the Trap Card: Dark Tournament! This card forces all monsters to be in Attack Position and also declare an attack! In addition, when a monster battles, it cannot be destroyed by battle. With this, your fate is sealed!"
"The cards in my hand would have to disagree," Storm Rider said with a grin. "I summon Cycode Sorceress!"
Sorceress reappeared on Storm Rider's field next to Defender.
Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4
"Sorceress's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Cycode Strider!"
Strider reappeared on Storm Rider's field next to Sorceress.
Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
"And since I Special Summoned Strider, I get to check the top card of my Deck to see if it's a monster. I draw!"
He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile. "I drew Cycode Nova, which means I can summon it!"
A small robotic dragon with metallic armor with silver wings appeared.
Cycode Nova ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3
"I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Core!" The card showed a metal core, with two smaller cores on either side – one red and one blue – being worked on by several robots. "I Special Summon a "Cycode" monster with a Level from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated. Return, Cycode Assailant!"
The metal skeletal robot with six arms appeared next to Nova in Attack Position.
Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4
Storm Rider raised his hand. "Appear! The ultimate circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Cycode Defender, Sorceress, Strider and Assailant 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. 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 ←↑↓→
Umbra starred at Storm Rider's Link Monster in awe. "Ah. So the dragon of the god arrives on the scene," he muttered.
"Since the monster Special Summoned by Cycode Core was used as Link Material, I get to draw a card."
Storm Rider drew his card, looked at it and smirked.
"I activate the effect of Cycode Engineer in my Graveyard!" he continued. "By banishing it, I can Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated. Return, Masterframe!"
The hacker-like human reappeared.
Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cynet Crosswipe! I Tribute a Cyberse monster to target and destroy one card on the field!" Umbra's eyes widened. "I Tribute Masterframe to destroy Fearful Earthbound!"
The Continuous Trap Card vanished while Masterframe disintegrated.
"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! I Tribute Cycode Nova to take control of Grapha. Go, Cryptic Corruption!"
Following Storm Rider's words, Nova disintegrated into energy and traveled to the electronic circuits on Cyber Tech's wings, which lit up with swirling blue energy. The orbs released tendrils of said energy, which fired at Grapha, 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's eyes glowed blue while the same colored aura formed around its body, increasing its strength.
Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→5500
"This is for Shima," Storm Rider said. But he said it so low that Umbra didn't hear him. "Battle! Cyber Tech Link Dragon, attack Umbra directly! Digitized Burst Stream!"
Cyber Tech flew above the two duelists and roared. All circuits on Cyber Tech's body lit as dark blue energy traveled across its skin. The energy gathered in its mouth before firing it at Umbra.
"This ends here, Umbra!" Storm Rider shouted.
Umbra smirked. "You're right, Storm Rider," he said. "But it won't end the way you think." As Storm Rider's eyes widened, Umbra gestured to his field. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Contagion of Madness! Since you declared a direct attack, you take damage equal to half of Cyber Tech Link Dragon's attack points while I take damage from its attack!"
Storm Rider gasped. "What?"
"Cyber Tech's attack points are 5500! Half of that is 2250!"
The energy stream struck Umbra, making him cry out in pain. At the same time, a blast of energy struck Storm Rider, pushing him back. The two duelists fell to their knees as the cards faded away.
Storm Rider: 100→0 LP
Umbra: 550→0 LP
"You ended the duel in a tie?" Storm Rider asked, now wanting to know what Umbra's plans were. "So what now? Do we duel again?"
Umbra thought about it and shook his head. "No. That won't accomplish anything." He pulled a green digital card from his pocket and threw it at Storm Rider, who caught it. "Give Brave Battler this. After his loss, he was put into a comatose state. There's no benefit to him staying like that."
He smirked. "Till we meet again, Storm Rider." After saying that, he disappeared.
"Wait! Come back here!"
"Looks like you let your prey get again."
Storm Rider turned around and saw two familiar individuals. "The Shepherd and Ghost Gal?" he questioned. "What are you two doing here?"
"What does it look like?" Shepherd rhetorically asked. "We heard Playmaker was back in LINK VRAINS and wanted to see it with our own two eyes."
"We noticed he covered for you and Sanctum by dueling the Brave Battler in your place," Ghost Gal added. "But what took the cake is when you challenged that "Umbra" character. A shame your victory was robbed."
"Don't remind me," Storm Rider said with a frown. "Do you guys believe that he and Desperado are connected?"
"It's a possibility," Shepherd answered. "But it isn't a problem that Ghost Gal and I can figure out."
"Wait a minute. Are you saying you'll help me and the Top 10?"
"Of course," Ghost Gal confirmed. "Normally, I'd have you pay us, but I'll let it slide this time."
"Thanks," Storm Rider said, smiling. "Let me know when you guys find something."
"Will do." Shepherd and Ghost Gal replied as they and Storm Rider logged out.
At Den City Hospital…
Darkness. For a long time, that was all he knew. The darkness never faded, no matter how hard he tried to escape it or how loud he screamed.
Until-
"Ugh."
"Shima! Shima!"
The boy slowly blinked his eyes, clearing the fog away. Wha… What was going on? Where was he?
"Shima, can you hear me?"
The boy turned his eyes to look at the woman leaning over. The woman with the tear-stained face. He recognized her. He knew her. She was…
"Mom…?" Naoki Shima whispered.
The woman gasped as her lips split into a smile. "Thank God," she whispered. "Thank God. My baby boy is saved. My boy came back."
C-Came back? What… did that mean?
What had he been doing? He then remembered… a duel. A duel he'd lost. And after that… nothing.
What had happened to him?
Out in the hallway, Yusaku and Kolter shared a smile.
"Well, that's done," Kolter said. The two turned and started walking down the hallway. "Shima, a.k.a., the Brave Battler's safe."
"Yes. That must mean Storm Rider won his duel," Kolter said in relief.
"So, does that mean you'll lend them a hand?"
Playmaker nodded. "I still have to repay Umbra for what he did."
Kolter nodded in agreement. What Umbra had done to Shima had been just plain wrong. He needed to be taken down.
"We'll find them," Kolter assured him. "And then we'll blow them away."
Yusaku nodded at his friend. "I know, Kolter. But…"
Kolter blinked at the frown on Yusaku's face. "What is it?"
"…Nothing," he said, shaking his head. "Nothing important."
Kolter frowned himself. "You know you can tell me anything, buddy."
"I know I can. It's not a secret, I promise. I just… need some time to get my thoughts in order."
"…Alright." Kolter shrugged. "Just know I'm always available to talk."
Yusaku smiled at him. "I know, Kolter. I know."
Back in Den City, at Kolter's apartment…
Yuji walked out of the sealed room, breathing hard and limping.
"Easy," Ena said as she put a hand on his shoulder.
"Man… I'm glad Shima's okay, but this means we'll have to worry about Umbra some more, doesn't it?" Skye asked.
Yuji narrowed his eyes. "You better believe it," he said. "He's also the one who brainwashed Shima."
"He was?" Lily said in surprise.
"Yeah," the teenager nodded. "As you guys already saw, Ghost Gal and The Shepherd offered to provide us with their assistance. With the two of them and the Knights of Hanoi aiding, we'll find Umbra and the others in no time."
"That's good to hear," Ena said as she helped Yuji sit in a chair.
She narrowed her eyes at Yuji. "You take it easy and rest for now. We'll review the footage on Umbra tomorrow."
"What about you guys?" Yuji asked.
"We're going to visit Shima. Hopefully, he should be back to normal," Ena said, looking hopeful as she and the other four teens left the apartment.
I hope you're right, Ena. We need some hope, Yuji thought before going to sleep.
At the Syndicate Stronghold...
Ladon looked disappointed and concerned as he and Natura watched the recording of Umbra's duel against Storm Rider, which ended in a draw. Unfortunately, Umbra gave Storm Rider the program needed to wake the Brave Battler. In terms of why Umbra did it, Ladon guessed that it was a part of his honor and integrity. Still, it was only a matter of time until Storm Rider and the rest of the Top 10 started tracking them down.
"This is most disappointing," Ladon commented as he swiped the monitor from him. "While our security is strong, it's only a matter of time until we have to deal with the Top 10. Not to mention Playmaker as well."
"Yes, Ladon." Natura agreed. "But Playmaker isn't what worries me the most. It's the Knights of Hanoi."
"Oh? You mean those guys?" Ladon turned to Natura.
"The Hanoi got involved in stopping Roget from taking over LINK VRAINS, not to mention that Varis has included Ritual and Pendulum Summoning in his arsenal after incorporating Synchro, Xyz, and Fusion Summoning months prior. It's just that I may be fearful that we may have a bigger problem on our hands." Natura then pressed a button on her Duel Disk, which caused pictures of the Knights of Hanoi to pop up on the monitors.
"Says the girl who likes to stay positive." Ladon scoffed back, which made Natura glare at the former. "Still, I hear your concern on this matter. I'd also like to take action, but we must be tactical about this."
"I know. But don't pretend you're not worried about Queen Priscilla either." Natura said to him. "As she is the leader of the Syndicate, she will be the one to shoulder the blame. Not to mention what else would happen to her if they discovered her secret."
"The only option I can think of is to eliminate the Knights of Hanoi first to ensure they can't assist the Top 10. And the first step is defeating Varis." Ladon stated. "Desperado succeeded in luring the Top 10 and having Astro and Glaica defeat Charmcaster and Chevalier. Umbra has been the only successful person in causing Playmaker to come out and being a challenge for Storm Rider."
"And yet I got more duel data," a familiar voice commented as Ladon and Natura turned to see Umbra approach them. "While I have my honor, the other reason I gave the program to cure the Brave Battler was that there was no further use for him."
"That's fair, but you didn't have to do that." Ladon pointed out.
"Still, it was my choice in the end." Umbra then turned back to Ladon and Natura. "But moving that aside, why didn't the both of you report the progress on your task to Her Holiness?"
"Because we got back five minutes ago," Natura answered. "We just wanted to see what was going on, that's all."
"Is that so?" Umbra stated. "Well, you should tell her about the factory then."
"In a bit. We'd like your opinion on the Knights of Hanoi and whether you think they'd be potential trouble for us." Ladon requested. "Natura believes that-."
"The Knights of Hanoi will certainly be trouble for us." Umbra provided his opinion before Ladon could finish his sentence. "You should inform Her Holiness about your concerns, for she will provide you with her opinion on the matter."
"That seems fair. It's never a problem to take precautions after all." Natura decided before she headed out of the room. Ladon followed her, knowing that the sooner Queen Priscilla knew what was going on, the sooner they'd receive instructions on what to do next.
Umbra then looked at the monitors in front of him. "Storm Rider, you and the Top 10 have been a challenge. Still, know that your time is running out, and once it does, you'll lose everything."
Elsewhere, at Kolter's apartment, during the night...
"YOU LOSE! YOU LOSE! YOU LOSE!"
Yuji screamed as darkness overcame him. It was at that moment he woke up. Oh man, he thought. It was just a bad dream. Immediately, a sense of dread began to creep up his spine and to his brain. The last time he had a dream like that was when he and Ena watched a horror movie marathon, making him believe something bad would happen the next day.
The next thing he knew, he heard a sound. When he put on his slippers and went down the hall to the living area, he saw Ena enter the apartment. He hid behind the wall so she wouldn't see him. He took a peak and saw Ena lying on the couch. He checked the time on his watch and saw it was past midnight. Guess she and the others stayed past visiting hours, he thought. Yuji wanted to go over there and tell Ena about his dream, but he didn't know if he should.
No, he thought. Even though I had a nightmare about us losing this new foe known as the Syndicate, it didn't mean the next day would end up being bad. I always faced what was in front of me, and I survived. And I'm as sure as heck that I'll continue fighting. Until the day I can see smiles on everyone's faces in LINK VRAINS. Deciding ultimately that it would be best to leave Ena alone, he went back upstairs to bed, ready to face what tomorrow had to offer.
OC Card Memo:
Yusaku Fujiki/Playmaker:
Cycode Recon
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1200 DEF 1000 Level: 3
If your opponent controls a monster and you don't, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Cycode" monster from your Deck to your hand. If this card is used as Link Material for a "Cycode" Link Monster, you can add 1 "Cycode" Spell or Trap Card from your Deck to your hand.
Cycode Engineer
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1600 DEF 400 level: 3
If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "Cycode" Link Monster: You can target 1 Set card in your opponent's Spell & Trap Zone; destroy it. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Cycode" monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your field in Defense Position with its effects negated.
Cycode Lancer
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1800 DEF 0 Level: 4
So long as this card is in Attack Position: All "Cycode" monsters gain 300 ATK. Once per turn: You can discard 1 "Cycode" monster; during this turn's Battle Phase, if this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent.
Cycode Shieldmaiden
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1800 DEF 2000 Level: 7
When an opponent's monster declares a direct attack: You can banish this card (from your GY); lower the ATK of all monsters your opponent controls by this card's ATK until the End Phase. You can only activate this effect of "Cycode Shieldmaiden" once per turn.
Cycode Apprentice- LINK-1, ATK: 1000, ATT: FIRE, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrow: Right
Effect: 1 "Cycode" monster
When this card is Link Summoned: Draw 1 card. When this card battles a Special Summoned monster, double this card's original ATK. If this card is destroyed: You can add 1 "Cycode monster" from your Deck or GY to your hand. If you Link Summoned a LINK-3 "Cycode" monster while this card is in your GY, you can Special Summon it but banish it when it leaves the field. You can only use each effect of "Cycode Necromancer" once per turn.
Cycode Administrator- LINK-2, ATK: 1200, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Right, Bottom-Left
Effect: 2 "Cycode" monsters
All "Cycode" Link Monsters you control gain 800 ATK and they cannot be targeted by card effects. You can only control 1 "Cycode Administrator".
Cycode Binal Sorceress- LINK-2, ATK: 1600, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Left, Right
Effect: 2 Cyberse monsters, except Tokens
This card gains these effects on the number of monsters co-linked to this card.
*1+ When a monster co-linked to this card attacks an opponent's monsters: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to half of the ATK of your attacking monster.
*2+ Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can target up to 2 face-up monsters your opponent controls; halve their ATK and their effects are negated until the End Phase.
Cycode Talker- Link-3, ATK: 2300, ATT: WIND, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Top, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right
Effect: Effect: 2+ Effect Monsters
If this card is Link Summoned: Special Summon 1 ''Cycode Token'' (Cyberse, WIND, Level 2, 0 ATK, 0 DEF). Monsters your opponent controls lose 500 ATK and DEF for each monster this card points to. If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle, Tribute 1 monster you control, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to this card's ATK. You can only use each effect of ''Cycode Talker'' once per turn.
Cycode Blast Normal Spell Card
During your Main Phase 1: Target 1 "Cycode" monster you control; negate the targeted monster's effects until the End Phase and inflict damage to your opponent equal to half the targeted monster's original ATK. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase the turn you activate this card.
Cycode Core Normal Spell Card
Target 1 "Cycode" monster with a Level in your GY; Special Summon it in Defense Position, but its effects are negated. If the Special Summoned monster is sent to the GY as Link Material: Draw 1 card. During your End Phase: You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 "Cycode" Link Monster from your GY. You can only use each "Cycode Core" effect once per turn.
Cycode Multiplier Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a "Cycode" monster. That monster can make two attacks against your opponent's monsters during the Battle Phase. Once per Duel, if this card is in your GY, you can activate the above effect by banishing 1 "Cycode" monster in your GY.
Cyberse Impact Normal Trap Card
When your opponent's monster attacks a Cyberse monster: Reduce the damage from that battle to 0; if you do, your opponent's monster can attack again in a row. At the end of the Battle Phase: You can add 1 Cyberse monster from your GY to your hand.
Umbra:
Dark World Market Normal Spell Card
Draw 1 card and reveal it. If the card is a "Dark World" monster: draw 2 additional cards, discard 1 card, and treat it as having been discarded by an opponent's card effect. If the card is not a "Dark World" monster: discard your entire hand.
QOTC:
Did you guys expect the duel to end in a draw or Storm Rider's loss?
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Advent of New Beginnings. Chapter 7: A Helping Hand. Yuji and Ena meet with several Top 10 members to discuss their plan for dealing with the syndicate. However, out of nowhere, they receive a message from an unknown figure from LINK VRAINS saying they want to team up. Thinking it might be a trap, they log in to see what it is. Can Yuji and his friend this mysterious individual, or will they be deceived?