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?

9. United Front

Greetings, everyone! I'm back with Chapter 9. The Top 10 fighting against the Syndicate Soldiers. Now without further ado, enjoy Chapter 9.

In LINK VRAINS…

"Crush them, Splendid Rose! Don't leave a single one of them standing!"

Roselyn shouted as her monster, a blonde man wearing a two-tone green tunic with plant whips on either side of him, lashed his whip, sending three Syndicate soldiers flying in the process. Satisfied with her handiwork, Roselyn abruptly turned to her left, where two more Syndicate soldiers had approached a bit too close for comfort while she was fighting their comrades. However, before she had the chance to react in any manner or before they could subdue her—

"Don't you dare touch Roselyn! I activate Gouki Cage Match! Your movements are now sealed!"

Suddenly, a large steel cage trapped the charging Syndicate soldiers within its confines, preventing them from moving forward. Immediately afterward, Roselyn's Splendid Rose lashed its rose whip and sent them flying along with the cage.

"Thanks for the assist, Gore!" Roselyn gave the tall, muscular tan-skinned man a thumbs-up while letting out a grin.

"Any time." Gore gave the girl a thumbs-up. "Also, I heard we have a new ally named Esper. Is that right?"

"It is," Roselyn confirmed as she wiped her forehead. "Phew, I let my guard down for a second, and it almost cost me dearly. As expected, I have to stay vigilant or else I'll become another one of the Syndicate's victims."

"That's why having comrades you can entrust your back to is a must here," Gore said with a small smile, but then his expression fell. "Speaking of comrades, where are Blue Maiden and Soulburner? Weren't they with you?"

"They were. But they were some defenseless duelists in nearby areas. I offered to stay behind and handle these guys while they go help out. But it looks like I was in over my head."

"Perhaps. But you have to remember you took in the concern of the duelists who can't handle their own against these soldiers. So the decision you made was a smart one."

Roselyn let out a small smile. "Thanks, Gore. I appreciate it." She then turned her focus to the defeated soldiers. "If we don't take care of the rest of the Syndicate soldiers here, they will most certainly overpower us and dominate LINK VRAINS, making the situation even more difficult for us. That's why we also must do our best here to protect everyone and ensure they'll have a home to return to."

"You…have certainly become stronger, Roselyn." Gore let out a small smile. "That's right. Protecting LINK VRAINS will only happen through everyone's combined efforts, including our own. Gosh, with all these Syndicate soldiers, my intention to protect LINK VRAINS is getting stronger by the minute!"

"Lead the way, Gore. I'll make sure to support you from the rear."

And with that, the two youths charged forward, prepared to face more soldiers…

Meanwhile, in another area of LINK VRAINS…

"Go, Marbled Rock! Direct attack with Marincess Submerge!"

A woman with spiky blue hair wearing a red armored dress with fins on the sides and coral on her forehead and shoulders. She raised her hands and formed a sphere of water. She then brought them down and fired a torrent of water at a Syndicate soldier, sending him flying as he disintegrated.

"And with that, we're finished here," Blue Maiden remarked as her monster disappeared and she deactivated her Duel Disk. "Man… That's the tenth soldier I defeated. But it will all be worth it once this is all over."

"Sorry. But it'll be over when the Syndicate says so!"

An unknown voice got Blue Maiden's attention. She turned her gaze toward its direction, noticing another soldier appear before her.

"I'm your next opponent, Blue Maiden!" The soldier declared.

"Great, another nuisance…." Blue Maiden groaned before activating her Duel Disk. "In that case, come and get some! I'll send you flying in an instant, just like your comrades!"

"Such big words," the soldier said as he activated his Duel Disk. "Don't end up crying for mercy when you lose!"

"Let's duel!" Both duelists shouted.

Blue Maiden: 4000 LP

Syndicate Soldier: 4000 LP

"I shall make the first move," the Soldier said. "I summon Magnet Warrior Sigma Plus!"

An orange robot holding a spear and a shield appeared on the soldier's field.

Magnet Warrior Sigma Plus ATK 1800 DEF 1500 LVL: 4

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn." the Soldier concluded. "With this, the first phase of my plan is over. Now, feel free to struggle as much as you wish, Blue Maiden. With my perfect strategy, I'll steadily drive you into a corner before finishing you off."

"Aren't you the confident one?" Blue Maiden scoffed at her opponent's words. "In that case, I'm going all out from the start! My turn! I draw! I summon Marincess Blue Tang!"

A woman with long blue hair tied into a ponytail appeared, wearing a black vest over a blue dress.

Marincess Blue Tang ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Blue Tang's effect activates! When she is Normal or Special Summoned, I can send a "Marincess" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Marincess Sea Horse to the Graveyard." Blue Maiden raised her hand. "Shine, the circuit of friendship and bonds! Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower "Marincess" monster. I set Blue Tang in the Link Arrow!"

The woman entered the bottom arrow.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Marincess Blue Slug!"

A short blue-haired girl in a blue dress and tights emerged from the portal into the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Blue Slug ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓

"Since Blue Tang was sent to the Graveyard to Link Summon a Water monster, I can excavate the top three cards of my Deck and add a "Marincess" card among them to my hand, then shuffle the rest into my Deck."

Blue Maiden pulled out three cards: Marincess Sea Turtle, Marincess Decision, and Marincess Splash. She added Sea Turtle to her hand and returned the other two to her Deck.

"When Link Summoned, I can activate Blue Slug's effect!" Blue Maiden stated. "I target one "Marincess" Monster in my Graveyard and add it to my hand. I choose Sea Horse. I Special Summon Marincess Sea Horse!"

A blonde girl in a dress, pink and golden dress appeared at Blue Slug's Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Sea Horse can Special Summoned to a "Marincess" monster's Link Arrow. Shine again, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two Water monsters. I set Sea Horse and Blue Slug in the Link Arrows!"

Blue Maiden's monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Marincess Coral Anemone!"

An orange-haired woman in a yellow, pink, and orange dress shaped like a jellyfish appeared in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Coral Anemone ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"I activate Coral Anemone's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Water monster to Coral Anemone's Link Arrow. Resurrect, Blue Slug!"

The short blue-haired girl reappeared at Coral Anemone's bottom Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Marincess Blue Slug ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓

"Two Link Monsters in one go…." the soldier muttered. "I think I know what's coming next."

"For a third time, shine! The circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two or more Water monsters. I set Blue Slug and Link-2 Coral Anemone in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Marincess Marbled Rock!"

A woman with spiky blue hair wearing a red dress with fins and coral on her head and shoulders emerged from the portal at the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↓→

"A Link-3 monster on the first turn," The soldier muttered in surprise. "So this is your Marincess Deck I heard so much about?"

"This is the Deck that symbolizes the bond between a close friend and me," Blue Maiden said. "Since Coral Anemone was sent to the Graveyard, I can add a "Marincess" card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Marincess Blue Tang to my hand. Next, I activate Marbled Rock's effect! Once per turn, I can add a "Marincess" card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll return Coral Anemone to my Extra Deck! Next, I activate the Spell Card: Marincess Stream Flux!" The card depicted an image of Blue Slug and Coral Anemone releasing torrents of water at Armored Kappa. "By targeting a "Marincess" Link Monster, in this case, Marbled Rock, you take 200 damage for each Link Arrow it has!"

Two streams of water erupted from the card, washing over the soldier and pushing him back.

Syndicate Soldier: 4000→3400 LP

"I activate the effect of Marincess Sea Star in my hand! I can discard it to have one "Marincess" monster I control gain 800 attack points. I increase Marbled Rock's attack points!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500→3300

Blue Maiden gestured to her field. "Battle! Marbled Rock attacks Sigma Plus! Marincess Submerge!"

Watery energy surrounded the fans in Marbled Rock's hands before she threw them at Sigmus Plus. It struck the robot and caused an explosion, making the soldier grunt in pain.

Syndicate Soldier: 3400→1900 LP

"That was a nice attack, but you're too naïve!" The soldier shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Magnet Attraction!" The card showed Magnet Crocodile Zeta releasing a shrieking shout from its fangs, calling out Magnet Ape Epsilon to assist it. "Due to its effect, when a "Magnet" monster is destroyed as a result of battle, and I receive damage, I can Special Summon two Level 4 "Magnet" monsters from my Deck! Come, Magnet Warrior Omega Minus in Attack Position and Magnet Warrior Sigma Minus in Defense Position!"

Two new monsters appeared on the soldier's field, a blue-colored robot holding a shield and a short sword and a green-colored robot holding a club in its right hand.

Magnet Warrior Omega Minus ATK 1900 DEF 800 LVL: 4

Magnet Warrior Sigma Minus ATK 1500 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"And I also activate my other Trap Card! Last Magnet!" The soldier declared as a huge round magnet dropped from the sky and landed hard on Marbled Rock's shoulders, the monster kneeling due to the weight.

"This card activates whenever one of my monsters is destroyed," the soldier explained, "Next, it equips to the monster that destroyed mine and then it lowers that monster's attack points by 800!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 3300→2500

"Tch." Blue Maiden clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Marbled Rock cannot destroy any of these monsters with its current attack points… I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" The soldier announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Re-Magnet!" The card Kozaky and Magical Scientist reconstructing a broken Delta the Magnet Warrior in a laboratory. "This card enables me to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Magnet" monster from my Graveyard! In exchange, that monster cannot attack in this turn's Battle Phase! Revive, Magnet Warrior Sigma Plus!"

Sigma Plus appeared once more next to the other two Magnet Warriors.

Magnet Warrior Sigma Plus ATK 1800 DEF 1500 LVL: 4

"Since I control both a Plus and a Minus monster, the conditions have been met," the soldier smirked. "I send Magnet Warriors Sigma Plus and Sigma Minus to my Graveyard to Special Summon Conduction Warrior Linear Magnum Plus Minus!"

A large yellow and crimson robot with two large cannons on its back appeared in Attack Position.

Conduction Warrior Linear Magnum Plus Minus ATK 2700 DEF 1300 LVL: 7

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, letting draw four cards since my hand is now empty. Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Rainbow Veil and equip it to Linear Magnum!" The soldier exclaimed as the large robot was now shrouded in a rainbow-colored aura. Battle! Linear Magnum, attack her Marbled Rock! At this moment, I activate my monster's effect! When Linear Magnum attacks, I can select one face-up "Plus" or "Minus" monster and add half of its attack points to Linear Magnum's attack points until the End Phase! I add Magnet Warrior Omega Minus' attack points to Linear Magnum's!"

Conduction Warrior Linear Magnum Plus Minus ATK 2700→3650

"Go, Linear Magnum! Giga Railgun!"

Blue Maiden's eyes narrowed as she gestured to her field. "Marbled Rock's effect activates! When your monster declares an attack, I can discard a "Marincess" monster to prevent my "Marincess" monster's destruction and reduce the damage to 0!"

"That's not going to happen!" The soldier stated. "Thanks to Rainbow Veil's effect, whenever the equipped monster attacks a monster, that monster's effects are negated!" Blue Maiden's eyes widened. "Go, Linear Magnum! Giga Railgun!"

Two enormous energy blasts were discharged from Linear Magnum's cannons and vaporized Marbled Rock, sending Blue Maiden skidding backward.

Blue Maiden: 4000→2950 LP

"Not bad. But luckily, I was prepared for that." Blue Maiden said. "I activate the Trap Card: Cyberse Beacon! Since I took battle damage this turn, I can add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Marincess Dolp Tail to my hand."

"It's too bad you won't get a chance to use it!" The soldier shouted. "After all, this is the end! Magnet Warrior Omega Minus, attack Blue Maiden directly! At this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Rush Recklessly, which increases Omega Minus's attack points by 700 until the end of the turn!"

Magnet Warrior Omega Minus ATK 1900→2600

"Looks like you're about to be one step closer to defeat!"

"I don't think so!" Blue Maiden declared. "I activate Marincess Sea Turtle's effect from my hand! If you attack me directly, I can Special Summon this monster and redirect your attack to it!"

A cute little girl with teal green shoulder-length hair and eyes appeared in Defense Position. She had a small turtle shell back and shield with a blue-yellow trimmed design with green crystals. She also wore a ribbon headband with a small turtle shell attached.

Marincess Sea Turtle ATK 100 DEF 1900 LVL: 2

The soldier narrowed her eyes. "In that case, Omega Minus, attack Marincess Sea Turtle!"

The monster swung its sword at Sea Turtle, but the monster stood its ground.

"And when Sea Turtle Special Summoned by its effect, it cannot be destroyed by battle twice per turn," Blue Maiden revealed.

"Humph, not bad, I suppose." The soldier grudgingly praised Blue Maiden. "However, in the end, this duel will be mine. I place one card face-down and end my turn. At this moment, my monsters' attack points return to normal."

Conduction Warrior Linear Magnum Plus Minus ATK 3650→2700

Magnet Warrior Omega Minus ATK 2600→1900

"My turn!" Blue Maiden announced. "I draw! I summon Marincess Blue Tang!"

The girl with long blue hair in a blue vest reappeared.

Marincess Blue Tang ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Blue Tang's effect activates! Since she was summoned, I can send Marincess Pascalus from my Deck to the Graveyard." Blue Maiden raised her hand. "Shine, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower "Marincess" monster. I set Blue Tang in the Link Arrow!"

The woman entered the bottom arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Marincess Sea Angel!"

A girl in a white dress with long white hair emerged from the portal in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000 LINK-1 ←

"I activate the Trap Card: Cynet Regression!" Blue Maiden declared. "As I Special Summoned a Link Monster, one card on the field is destroyed!"

"Eh?" The soldier said, panicking slightly.

"I destroy Rainbow Veil!" The soldier blinked as the Equip Spell on his field disintegrated.

"Why destroy Rainbow Veil? You could've destroyed Conduction Warrior along with it."

"I have my reasons," Blue Maiden explained. "Cynet Regression's effect then lets me draw a card. Then, Sea Angel's effect activates! When it's Link Summoned, I can add a "Marincess" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. The card I add is Marincess Ritual!"

"What!?" The soldier said, his eyes wide. "Ritual!?"

"That's right," Blue Maiden confirmed. "But first, since I used Blue Tang to Link Summon, I can excavate the top three cards of my Deck, add a "Marincess" card among those cards and shuffle the rest back to my Deck.'' She pulled out her top three cards and eyed them before picking one and returning the rest. "Next, I Special Summon Marincess Dolp Tail from my hand!"

A beautiful young teenage girl with lovely white, blue highlight hair and light blue eyes wearing a dolphin-themed blue-white royal-designed dress. She had a dolphin tail and hat and wore a choker neck with the Marincess symbol attached to it as she appeared in Attack Position.

Marincess Dolp Tail ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Dolp Tail can be Special Summoned to my field since I control a "Marincess" Link Monster," Blue Maiden explained. "And when it's summoned successfully through this effect, I can Special Summon a "Marincess" monster from my Graveyard. Return, Blue Tang!"

Blue Tang appeared for the third time.

Marincess Blue Tang ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Level Mirroring! It lets me change the Level of a monster I control to the Level of a monster you control!"

"A monster I control?" The soldier blinked.

"I change Dolp Tail's Level to Omega Minus's!"

Marincess Dolp Tail LVL: 3→4

The soldier's eyes widened. "Two Level 4s…."

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Marincess Ritual!" Blue Maiden declared. The card showed a large underwater ceremonial platform within Battle Ocean palace and multiple ritual staffs in a connecting shape that releases digital water energy that connects each staff to form the shape of a heart. "With this card, I Tribute monsters from my hand and field whose total Levels equal or exceed that of the "Marincess" Ritual Monster in my hand!"

A ceremonial platform appeared on Blue Maiden's field. Blue Tang and Dolp Tail appeared on one end of the stage. The two monsters burst into blue particles and entered a magical circle engraved on the platform. The circle lit up and created a pillar of blue light.

"The contract has been made!" Blue Maiden chanted. "Star of the Ocean! Reshape the mystery of the sea with the souls of the pure maidens, and let your angelic wings brighten the oceans! I Ritual Summon! Appear, Level 8! Marincess Mariana Angel!"

The pillar dissipated, revealing the monster within. It was a young woman in a long, elegant blue and green dress coated with rainbow scales. She had light blue curly with a small tiara on her head. She had angel wings made of water, a light blue-green staff with a spiral-like tip, and a glowing heart-shaped orb on the tip. The Marincess symbol appeared on her chest, glowing as she took her place in Attack Position.

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 8

"…A Ritual Monster?" The soldier said, gaping in surprise. "I haven't seen one of those in a while…." He then snapped himself out of his daze. "That's an impressive surprise, but it's pointless! Your monster only has 2600 attack points while my Linear Magnum has 2700!"

"Are you sure about that?" Blue Maiden asked him, making him hesitate. She gestured to her field. "Battle! Mariana Angel attacks Conduction Warrior Linear Magnum Plus Minus! At this moment, Mariana Angel's additional effect! When she attacks your monster, equal to the total Link Rating of all "Marincess" monsters I control until the end of the Damage Step. Since I control the Link-1 Marincess Sea Angel, Mariana Angel gains 600 attack points! Grand Ocean!"

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 2600→3200

"Go, Marincess Star Magic!"

"I don't think so! I activate the Trap Card: Alchemy Cycle!" The soldier exclaimed. "Through its effect, the attack points of all my monsters are reduced to 0!"

Conduction Warrior Linear Magnum Plus Minus ATK 2700→0

Magnet Warrior Omega Minus ATK 1900→0

"Why would you do that?" Blue Maiden asked. "You'll lose once my attack connects!"

I beg to differ. I activate the Trap Card: Impenetrable Attack! This card allows me to activate one of two effects during the Battle Phase. I can prevent one monster from being destroyed by battle or card effects during this Battle Phase, or I can take no battle damage during the Battle Phase." He smirked at Blue Maiden. "I choose to take no battle damage!"

Mariana Angel twirled her staff as swirls of water formed around her and her staff, going upward till it formed a sphere of water. The sphere glows blue and green like the ocean before Mariana Angel throws it toward Linear Magnum. The sphere of water exploded, destroying Linear Magnum.

"Alchemy Cycle's second effect activates!" The soldier stated. "Each time a monster that had its attack points reduced by Cycle is destroyed, I get to draw a card."

"You might get a new card, but I can still destroy your monster. Marincess Sea Angel now attacks Omega Minus!"

The little girl laughed before blasting small bubbles at the robotic warrior, destroying it as the soldier drew a card after.

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Blue Maiden concluded.

"In that case, it's my turn! I draw!" The soldier announced. "I activate the Spell Card: Roll of Fate! This card lets me roll a six-sided die before drawing cards equal to the result. But in exchange, I must send cards from the top of my Deck to my Graveyard! Go, Dice Roll!"

A giant dice appeared in front of the Syndicate soldier, which he grabbed before throwing it into the air. The dice landed on the ground before rolling, landing on a five.

"Yes! Looks like Lady Luck is on my side today! As I rolled a five, I now draw five cards!"

After the soldier drew five cards, he sent five cards to his Graveyard.

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Magnetic Field!"

A large blue circle appeared underneath the soldier and Blue Maiden, along with four large green magnets at the corners.

"Next," the soldier said, taking another card from his hand, "I summon Beta the Electromagnet Warrior!"

A small, crimson robot with magnets on its arms and head appeared on the soldier's field in Attack Position.

Beta the Electromagnet Warrior ATK 1500 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Beta's effect now activates!" The soldier declared. "When this card is Summoned, I can add 1 Level 4 or lower "Magnet Warrior" monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Alpha the Electromagnetic Warrior from my Deck to my hand. "Next, since I control a Level 4 or lower Rock-type Monster, I can activate Magnet Field's effect to Special Summon a "Magnet Warrior" monster from my Graveyard. Revive, Magnet Warrior Omega Minus!"

Omega Minus appeared on the field next to Beta.

Magnet Warrior Omega Minus ATK 1900 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Finally, I activate the Spell Card: Overcharge!" The soldier smirked. The card showed Magnet Saucer, Magnet Jammer and Magnet Mannequin surrounded by strong vibrations, giving themselves more power. "This card can only be activated when I control two or more "Magnet" monsters. As for its effect, it allows me to increase their attack points by an amount equal to their original attack points!"

Blue Maiden gritted her teeth. Such an effect…! "I activate Mariana Angel's effect! During either player's turn, I can banish a "Marincess" card from my hand or Graveyard to negate the effects of a face-up card on your field. I banish Marincess Dolp Tail to negate Overcharge!"

"That's pointless!" The soldier abruptly exclaimed. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Effect Shut! It negates the activation of Mariana Angel's effect and destroys it!"

Blue Maiden gasped as her Ritual Monster was suddenly trapped inside a steel cage and vanished into a bright light. Suddenly green electricity started emitting from Beta and Omega's bodies, increasing their strength.

Beta the Electromagnet Warrior ATK 1500→3000

Magnet Warrior Omega Minus ATK 1900→3800

"Marincess Mariana Angel's additional effect activates!" Blue Maiden gestured to her field. "When it is sent to the Graveyard by your card, I can Special Summon a "Marincess" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Marbled Rock!"

The spiky-haired woman in a red dress reappeared in Attack Position.

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↓→

"In that case, battle!" The soldier declared. "Beta, attack Marincess Sea Angel!"

"My monster isn't going down that easily!" Blue Maiden exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Marincess Tidal Dance!" The card showed Marincess Coral Anemone and Blue Slug performing an underwater dance as swirls of energy wrapped around them. "When you declare an attack while I control a "Marincess" Link Monster, all monsters you control in Attack Position are destroyed!"

Following Blue Maiden's words, a large stream of water erupted from the Trap Card at the two Magnet Warriors.

"My monsters aren't going anywhere!" The soldier stated. "By discarding a card, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Card Guard!''

A large guard-like shield appeared in front of Beta and Omega Minus.

''Until the End Phase, my monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects!'' The soldier explained as the shields blocked the stream of water. ''Furthermore, since the card I discarded was Cards of Compensation, its effect lets me draw two cards. Now, Beta's attack continues!''

"I activate the Trap Card: Defense Draw!" Blue Maiden declared. "This card negates all battle damage from an attack and allows me to draw a card!"

Beta created a sphere of lightning between its hands and threw it at Sea Angel, destroying it in a spectacular explosion. At the same time, a hazy sphere appeared around Blue Maiden, shielding her from the damage as she drew a card.

"You may have defended against my first attack, but you won't be able to stop the second one!" The soldier yelled. "Go, Omega Minus! Attack Marincess Marbled Rock!"

The purple Magnet Warrior charged at the Marincess Link Monster and sliced it in half with its sword, destroying it and pushing Blue Maiden back.

Blue Maiden: 2950→1850 LP

"I end my turn with this, with my monsters' attack points returning to normal," the soldier stated.

Beta the Electromagnet Warrior ATK 3000→1500

Magnet Warrior Omega Minus ATK 3800→1900

"Furthermore, my monsters switch to Defense Position due to Overcharge's second effect."

"My turn!" Blue Maiden announced. "I draw!"

"Before you do anything else, I activate Beta the Electromagnet Warrior's effect!" The soldier suddenly said. "By Tributing this card, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Magnet Warrior" Monster from my Deck! Come, Gamma the Electromagnet Warrior in Defense Position!"

A small robot with a thick torso and a magnet collar around its neck appeared.

Gamma the Electromagnet Warrior ATK 800 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"Because Gamma was Special Summon, I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Magnet Warrior" monster from my hand." He took another card from his hand. "I summon Alpha the Electromagnet Warrior!"

A grey robot holding a staff with screws in its right hand and a small shield on its left, which had several magnets attached to its body, appeared in Defense Position.

Alpha the Electromagnet Warrior ATK 1700 DEF 1100 LVL: 3

"I activate Alpha the Electromagnet Warrior's effect!" The soldier continued. "When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add 1 Level 8 "Magna Warrior" monster from my Deck to my hand! I add Berkserkion the Electromagna Warrior to my hand!"

"If you're done, I'd like to begin my turn now." Blue Maiden said. "I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed!" Blue Maiden drew her two cards. Perfect. "Next, I summon Marincess Ocella!"

A young maiden with an orange-white swirl, ponytail, long hair with orange eyes. She wore a blue-colored royal-like shoulderless dress with orange-white-black trimmed lining colors.

Marincess Ocella ATK 1500 DEF 1100 LVL: 4

"Ocella's effect activates!" Blue Maiden continued. "When it is Normal Summon, I can Special Summon a "Marincess" monster from my hand or Graveyard and then I can increase or decrease that monster's Level. I Special Summon Marincess Sea Horse and increase her Level by 1!"

The blonde girl reappeared, with her Level changed.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3→4

"Two Level 4s," The soldier muttered. "Don't tell me she's planning to Xyz Summon…." "If she does, that won't be enough to beat me! I activate the effects of Alpha and Gamma, Tributing them to Special Summon Alpha the Magnet Warrior and Delta the Magnet Warrior from my Deck in Defense Position!"

Two new monsters appeared on the Syndicate soldier's field. The first was gray, covered in magnets, and carried a sword and shield. The second one was blue and made of blocks connected by wires, with magnets attached to its hands, feet, and head.

Alpha the Magnet Warrior ATK 1400 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

Delta the Magnet Warrior ATK 1600 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Due to Magnet Warrior Delta's effect, I can send one Level 4 or lower "Magnet Warrior" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard when this card is summoned!" The soldier stated. "I choose to send Beta the Magnet Warrior to the Graveyard!"

"The monsters you summoned are nothing compared to the next monster I'm about to call out!" Blue Maiden declared. "Level 4 Marincess Ocella tunes Level 4 Marincess Sea Horse!"

A bolt of green lightning struck the field, turning the two monsters into particles of data that reformed into two rings, one orange and the other yellow, each made of four concentric circles. The rings turned blue and merged, then formed eight blue rings in a tower. A "4 + 4" screen appeared before changing to "8." Light surged through the rings as Blue Maiden chanted.

"The predator for the beautiful seas! Use your sharpness to tear through against the enemies who endanger the deep blue! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! Marincess Beauty Shark!"

The monster that emerged from the light was a beautiful white-black striped long, spiky hair woman with black eyes. She wore a blue-black and white lining and a trimmed shark-themed royal-like dress. She had a shark's fin tail and a sharp-ended crown-like fin head over her head with the Marincess symbol attached to the center of the crown. She had sharp black fingernails and fin-bladed wristbands.

Marincess Beauty Shark ATK 2900 DEF 2100 LVL: 8

"First Ritual, now Synchro," The soldier said, gritting his teeth.

Blue Maiden gestured to her field. "Since Beauty Shark was successfully Synchro Summoned, you can't activate cards or effects this turn!"

"What?"

"Not only that, but for each "Marincess" card on my field and in my Graveyard, Beauty Shark gains 100 attack points. There are thirteen "Marincess" cards, so she gains 1300 attack points!"

Marincess Beauty Shark ATK 2900→4200

Blue Maiden pointed to the field. "Battle! Beauty Shark attacks Magnet Warrior Omega Minus! Marincess Sharp Slash!"

Beauty Shark swam towards Omega Minus, slashing through its chest with her sharp fingernails, destroying it.

"And don't think you're safe just yet!" Blue Maiden smirked. "Beauty Shark's additional effect activates! When it destroys a monster in battle, you take 200 points of damage for every card in my hand. I have two, so you take 400 points of damage! Marincess Bite!"

Beauty Shark formed an orb of water in her hand and held it forward as she fired miniature water sharks at the soldier, causing him to wince in pain.

Syndicate Soldier: 1900→1500 LP

"Beauty Shark has one final effect!" Blue Maiden shouted. "If it destroys a monster as a result of battle, it can attack once more on this turn's Battle Phase!"

"What!?" The soldier cried out in shock. "That monster also has an effect that enables it to attack multiple times!?"

"Do it, Beauty Shark!" Blue Maiden pointed at one of the soldier's monsters. "Attack Alpha the Magnet Warrior! Marincess Sharp Slash!"

The previous scene was repeated, with Beauty Shark thrusting its nails through Alpha's body and destroying it.

"Also, you'll receive 400 points of damage once more!" Blue Maiden reminded her opponent. "Marincess Bite!"

The Syndicate soldier was pushed back again due to the miniature water sharks.

Syndicate Soldier: 1500→1100 LP

"So close, and yet so far." Blue Maiden grimaced. "But that's alright. I'll get another chance soon. I place a card face-down and activate the Spell Card: Aurora Draw, which lets me draw two cards since my hand is empty. With that, I end my turn."

"My turn!" The soldier announced. "I draw! That was a nice attack, Blue Maiden. However, allow me to return the words you said to me during my previous turn. You'll regret not finishing me off just now. It's time to move this duel to its final phase, with the result being your defeat! I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial! This card sends a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Gamma the Magnet Warrior to my Graveyard. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Offerings to a Higher Power! I can draw two cards by sending one monster on my field to my Graveyard. I send Delta from my field to my Graveyard and draw!"

After Delta turned into particles, the Syndicate soldier drew and looked at his cards.

"You sent your only monster to the Graveyard?" Blue Maiden seemed surprised. "What are you plotting…?"

"Why don't I show you?" The soldier said. "When Delta leaves my field, I can banish three Level 4 or "Magnet Warrior" Monsters from my Graveyard to Special Summon a very special monster from my hand or Deck!"

"What?" Blue Maiden said, her eyes widening in realization.

"I banish Alpha the Magnet Warrior, Beta the Magnet Warrior, and Gamma the Magnet Warrior from my Graveyard!" The soldier shouted. His monsters reappeared on his field as he said this. "And summon Valkyrion the Magna Warrior!"

His three monsters broke apart and then started to combine. When they were done, they formed a monster with Gamma's wings, Alpha's body, and Beta's parts connecting them. It had a yellow head and a large sword.

Valkyrion the Magna Warrior ATK 3500 DEF 3850 LVL: 8

"3500 attack points…." Blue Maiden muttered. "Is that supposed to be your trump card? If so, it doesn't look that intimidating compared to my Marincess Beauty Shark."

"True, but I'm far from finished here!" The soldier exclaimed. "I banish Electromagnet Warriors Alpha, Beta and Gamma from my Graveyard next to Special Summon Berserkion the Electromagna Warrior from my hand!"

The three monsters reappeared on the field and broke into pieces. After doing so, they then started to combine into one. When they were done, a massive monster made from the parts of all three Electromagnet Warriors carrying a large sword appeared on the soldier's field in Attack Position next to Valkyrion.

Berserkion the Electromagna Warrior ATK 3000 DEF 2800 LVL: 8

"Valkyrion and Berserion…" Blue Maiden murmured. "Both monsters appear to be combinations of their respective Magnet and Electromagnet Warriors. So he sent them all to the Graveyard through their effects. It was all in preparation for this. But their attack points are still lower than Beauty Shark's attack points. Unless…"

"I activate Magnet Berserion's effect!" The soldier declared. "Once per turn, I can banish a Level 4 or lower "Magnet Warrior" Monster from my Graveyard to destroy one card on my opponent's field! I choose to banish Magnet Warrior Delta to destroy Beauty Shark! Electromagnetic Pulse!"

A wave of lightning erupted from the tip of Berserion's blade, enveloping Beauty Shark and creating a massive explosion.

"Hmm," The soldier said. "Looks like victory is soon to be mine."

"Are you sure about that?"

The soldier gasped as the smoke dissipated. Beauty Shark was still on Blue Maiden's field.

"…You used one of the cards in your hand, didn't you?" The soldier asked her.

"Of course." Blue Maiden confirmed, revealing the card she discarded. It showed a young girl with swirly blue pigtail hair and eyes, wearing a royal-like two-piece dress with boots and gloves with a gold hairpin with the Marincess crest. "I activated the effect of the Marincess Blue Sponge in my hand. I can discard this card to prevent all "Marincess" monsters from being destroyed this turn. Also, any damage I take from battles involving them is halved." She smirked again. "And with another "Marincess" card in my Graveyard, Beauty Shark gains an additional 100 attack points."

Marincess Beauty Shark ATK 4200→4300

"Too bad. You failed to win this turn."

"Or so you think. In response to your earlier question, this is my trump card!" The soldier grinned. "I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization and fuse Berserkion and Valkyrion!"

His monsters broke apart into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Two whirlwinds of energy shot upwards from the vortex before merging into a violet tornado.

"Dauntless warriors that hold the conjoined spirits of the magnet race! Join together now and call forth the indestructible war machine created by the fruits of human wisdom! I Fusion Summon! Come forth! Imperion Magnum, the Superconductive Battlebot!"

A large, robotic warrior with four legs holding a sword in its right hand, which resembled a merge between Valkyrion and Berserion, appeared in Attack Position.

Imperion Magnum, the Superconductive Battlebot ATK 4000 DEF 4000 LVL: 10

"Following that, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Megamorph!" The soldier proclaimed. "Since my Life Points are less than yours, the equipped Battlebot's attack points become equal to double its original attack points!"

Imperion Magnum, the Superconductive Battlebot ATK 4000→8000

"Not so fast! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Marincess Typhoon!" The card showed Marincess Coral Triangle firing watery energy from her hands, which formed into a typhoon that swallowed up a card completely. "When you activate a card effect, I can negate and banish that card."

"You won't escape so easily this time, you scum!" The soldier shouted. "Imperion Magnum's effect activates! Once during either player's turn, I can negate the activation of a card effect and destroy that card! As such, the effect of your Marincess Typhoon won't apply!"

Following Daichi's words, Imperion Magnum sent a lightning bolt at the Spell Card, causing it to shatter.

"But with another "Marincess" card in my Graveyard, Beauty Shark gains 100 attack points."

Marincess Beauty Shark ATK 4300→4400

"That matters not! Battle! Imperion Magnum, attack Marincess Beauty Shark! Electron Cutter Charge!"

Imperion Magnum charged forward, slashing Beauty Shark and sending Blue Maiden flying due to the ensuing explosion.

Blue Maiden: 1850→50 LP

"Thanks to Blue Sponge, my monster survived, and I only took half the damage," Blue Maiden stated. "Not only that, but since my Life Points are now lower than yours, Megamorph's effect makes your monster's attack points half its original value."

Imperion Magnum, the Superconductive Battlebot ATK 8000→2000

"That won't stop me," The soldier calmly responded. "I activate the Spell Card: Akashic Record. I can draw two cards, but I lose both if either has been used previously."

The soldier drew twice more and smiled at his cards, seeing they were new. "I 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 Megamorph and Magnet Field to the Graveyard to gain 2000 Life Points!"

Following his words, the soldier was surrounded by a green aura.

Syndicate Soldier: 1100→3100 LP

Imperion Magnum, the Superconductive Battlebot ATK 2000→4000

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Herald of the Abyss!" The soldier continued. "I pay 1500 Life Points, then declare a Type and Attribute. You must send a monster of the declared Type and Attribute from your field to the Graveyard. I declare Water Cyberse!"

Syndicate Soldier: 3100→1600 LP

Blue Maiden growled. "I send Marincess Beauty Shark to the Graveyard."

Following her words, a portal appeared underneath Beauty Shark, causing her to fall in.

"I place one card face-down and end my turn. Now, hurry up and begin your turn, although no matter what you do will be ultimately useless. With Imperion Magnum on my field and your Life Points being a measly 50, the probability of you winning this match is close to zero."

"But it isn't zero." Blue Maiden pointed out. "Furthermore, a duel isn't over until the opponent's Life Points have been depleted. That's a lesson I once learned the hard way, and it's a lesson I'll thoroughly beat into you right now."

"Is that so?" The soldier scoffed at Blue Maiden's words. "Well then, you're welcome to try. Watching your futile struggle might provide me with some entertainment."

"Then, it's my turn!" Blue Maiden announced. "I draw!"

Blue Maiden looked at her card and smirked. "I activate the Spell Card: Final Offguard! Since I have fewer Life points and you control a Special Summoned monster, I can draw two cards!"

"No, you won't!" The soldier abruptly stated. "I activate Imperion Magnum's effect once more to negate your Moonlight Smilodon's effect and destroy it!"

Blue Maiden smirked as her card shattered and narrowed her eyes at her opponent. "Thank you for doing that because I'm now free to activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, whose effect lets me draw four cards since my hand is empty. Next, I activate the Field Spell Card: Marincess Battle Ocean! This card increases my "Marincess" monsters' attack points by 200. Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Marincess Splash!" The card showed Sea Star, Sea Horse, Pascalus, Blue Tang, Crown Tail and Mandarin splashing out of the beautiful ocean. It lets me shuffle five "Marincess" cards or Water monsters in my Graveyard back into the Deck and draw two cards. I target and return Marincess Blue Tang, Sea Star, Sea Turtle, Sea Horse, and Ocella."

Blue Maiden took her cards from the Graveyard. She drew, then grinned. With these cards, she could win.

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Reborn!" Blue Maiden continued. "This card lets me Special Summon one Link monster from my Graveyard to my field, but it can't attack for the rest of this turn. Return to me, Blue Slug!"

At Blue Maiden's command, Blue Slug reappeared on her field, only in the Main Monster Zone.

Marincess Blue Slug ATK 1500→1700 LINK-1 ↓

"I activate the effect of Marincess Sleepy Maiden in my hand! By targeting one "Marincess" monster I control, I can Special Summon her from my hand to my field."

A woman with light-purple hair who wore a tiara on her head appeared on Blue Maiden's field. She wore a light-purple dress with yellow outlines and blue gems on the sides. On her chest was the Marincess emblem.

Marincess Sleepy Maiden ATK 500→700 DEF 2500 LVL: 5

"The targeted monster can't be destroyed by battle or card effects while she's on the field." Blue Maiden continued. "But moving past that, I'll create the circuit of friendship and bonds!" Blue Maiden declared, raising her hand. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Water monsters. I set Blue Slug and Sleepy Maiden in the Link Arrows!"

Blue Maiden's monsters entered the bottom and right arrows.

"Appear! Link-2! Marincess Crystal Heart!"

A heart made of blue crystals appeared at the right Extra Monster Zone, circled by white fog attached to a feminine face.

Marincess Crystal Heart ATK 0→200 LINK-2 ↙↘

The soldier blinked. "You summon a Link Monster with 200 attack points?"

"You'll see its use soon enough. And here's why! I activate the Spell Card: Marincess Fusion!" The soldier's eyes widened as the card showed Marincess Sea Horse and Coral Anemone swirling into an ocean-themed Fusion portal. "This allows me to use monsters from my hand or field to Fusion Summon a "Marincess" Fusion Monster."

"But you only have one monster on your field!" the soldier pointed out.

"That may be true, but if I use Crystal Heart as material, I can also banish a "Marincess" monster from my Graveyard as Fusion Material." Blue Maiden replied. "I fuse Marincess Crystal Heart on my field with Mariana Angel in my Graveyard!"

Mariana Angel briefly appeared on the field before it and Crystal Heart broke apart into red and blue data. The particles swirled into a vortex before surging upwards as tornados merged into a single violet tornado.

"Heart of the Seas, combine with a maiden of the seas; transform and evolve into your true form! Let your crystal beauty and kindness protect the oceans and purify the tainted! I Fusion Summon! Marincess Crystalized Heart!"

The monster emerging from the whirlwind was a humanoid version of Marincess Crystal Heart. Her once steam-like body became solid into the form of a beautiful human woman with long white hair and golden eyes. She wore a gorgeous, light blue crystal dress with long gloves, high heel boots, and the heart of Crystal Heart as a choker neck as she landed in the Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Crystalized Heart ATK 2800→3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Crystalized Heart's effect activates! When successfully Fusion Summoned, I can equip a "Marincess" Link Monster from my Graveyard to it. I equip Marincess Marbled Rock with Crystalized Heart! Crystal Connect!"

A spectral image of Wonder Heart appeared before disappearing into Crystalized Heart, making her glow blue.

"Thanks to Crystalized Heart's effect, while it's equipped with a Link Monster, it's treated as that Link Monster. And while Battle Ocean is on the field, monsters equipped with "Marincess" Link Monsters gain 300 attack points for each of the equipped monsters' Link Arrows!"

"Marbled Rock is Link-3, the soldier noted. "Crystalized Heart gains 900 attack points."

Marincess Crystalized Heart ATK 3000→3900

"You might've strengthened your monster, but it's still not powerful enough to take down my Imperion Magnum."

"True, but that's about to change." Blue Maiden declared with a confident expression. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Marincess Trident and equip it to Crystalized Heart!" A trident with a blue shaft appeared in Marbled Rock's right hand. The Marincess crest rested at the base of the head, while the head itself was silver, and the three prongs were gold. Marbled Rock spun the trident in her hand. "While Marincess Trident is equipped, Crystalized Heart cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects!"

Blue Maiden gestured to the field. "Battle! Crystalized Heart attacks Imperion Magnum!"

The woman spun the trident and leaped into the air.

"Marincess Trident's effect activates!" Blue Maiden declared. "When the equipped Crystalized Heart battles, I can banish a "Marincess" monster from my Graveyard. And until the end of the turn, Crystalized Heart gains attack points equal to that monster's Link Rating or Level times 300!"

"What?" The soldier gasped.

"I banish the Level 8 Beauty Shark!"

Marincess Crystalized Heart ATK 3900→6300

"6300 attack points!?" The soldier cried out with an astonished expression on his face. He regained focus and gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Fiery Fervor! Since you control a monster whose current attack points are higher than its original attack points, I can equip this card to Imperion Magnum to double its original attack points during the Damage Step! In other words, it's the end for you, Blue Maiden!"

"No, it isn't!" The soldier gasped at Blue Maiden's declaration. "I activate the Trap Card: Marincess Crystal Whirlpool from my hand!" The card showed Marincess Great Bubble Reef holding up her staff as swirls of water manifested around her. "I can activate this card from my hand if I control a Link-3 or higher "Marincess" Link Monster. And thanks to its effect, since you activated a Spell, Trap, or monster effect while I control a "Marincess" Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, that card is negated and destroyed!"

The soldier blinked as the Trap Card shattered.

"Furthermore, Crystal Whirlpool inflicts 200 points of damage to you for every other card on the field! There are five cards, so you take 1000 points of damage!"

A giant whirlpool appeared in the center of the field and struck the Syndicate soldier, sending him tumbling back.

Syndicate Soldier: 1600→600 LP

"Not only that, but Crystalized Heart's attack continues!" Blue Maiden pointed out. "Marincess Crystal Tsunami!"

Crystalized Heart gathered waves of water around her, crystalizing the water and throwing it all forward at Imperion Magnum. The waves consumed the Magnet Warrior, shattering it into pieces, with the ensuing shockwave sending the Syndicate soldier crashing into a nearby wall.

Syndicate Soldier: 600→0 LP

Blue Maiden deactivated her Duel Disk as she approached the fallen soldier. "Tell me what the Syndicate's endgame is regarding LINK VRAINS and SOL Technologies," she stated. "If you do, I'll let you log out peacefully, provided you surrender to the authorities."

"You can forget about it," the soldier replied as he struggled to get up. "Just because you defeated me doesn't mean you've won. The Syndicate will come for anyone they declare an enemy, and they'll-."

Soon, the soldier clutched his chest and started screaming. He then turned into black data, which dissolved until nothing was left.

"Just great." Blue Maiden complained. Suddenly, there was a massive explosion, causing Blue Maiden to turn her head to the right. "That explosion came from the area Soulburner went to. I better check on him." She summoned her D-Board and headed to the scene of the explosion.

Meanwhile, in another area of LINK VRAINS…

"Salamangreat Emerald Eagle attacks you directly!"

A large green and silver mechanical bird dived down and struck a Syndicate soldier, sending them flying off the ground before disintegrating into blue data. Soulburner breathed a sigh of relief before frowning. That was the second group that had found him and proved to be a tenacious bunch.

"Seriously. These guys get annoying after a while," he said. "But I can't stop now. The fewer there are, the better LINK VRAINS is safe."

"I think it's a little too early to celebrate."

Soulburner tensed and spun around. Standing across from him was a female soldier wearing the same outfit as the soldier Sanctum went against. The difference being she wore a white-colored jacket and pants, along with black fingerless gloves. She also had black-colored nails.

"I was hoping I would get to duel you, Soulburner," the female admin said as she activated her Duel Disk. "I mean, it's not every day you get to face a duelist who uses a Cyberse Deck."

"Really?" Soulburner said in surprise as he activated his Duel Disk. "Well, I'll be glad to oblige!"

"Let's Duel!"

Soulburner: 4000 LP

Syndicate Admin: 4000 LP

The two looked at their cards before Soulburner said, "I'll start this duel. I activate Salamangreat Meer's effect from my hand! I can Special Summon it by discarding a "Salamangreat" monster from my hand!"

A small orange, red, and black mechanical meerkat appeared, letting out a little roar.

Salamangreat Meer ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2

"I activate the effect of Salamangreat Falco in my graveyard!" Soulburner continued. "If this monster is in my Graveyard, I can target a "Salamangreat" monster I control and return it to my hand to Special Summon it!"

He gestured to Meer as it turned into a fire, returning into a card form as a black falcon with flaming wings took its place before letting out a powerful screech.

Salamangreat Falco ATK 1200 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"I activate the effect of Salamangreat Meer from my hand! Since it was added to my hand, except by drawing it, I can Special Summon it from my hand to my field!"

The small flaming meercat reappeared on Soulburner's field.

Salamangreat Meer ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2

"Finally, I summon Salamangreat Jack Jaguar!"

A black and yellow armored jaguar-like monster with flames shooting from its back appeared next to Falco.

Salamangreat Jack Jaguar ATK 1800 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I blaze my circuit that scorches the path to the future!" A Link Portal appeared above Soulburner. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more fire effect monsters. I set Salamangreat Meer, Falco and Mole into the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became streams of fire and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Salamangreat Heatleo!"

A dark blue-skinned anthropomorphic lion wearing orange and red armor with wings and gauntlets shaped like mouths emerged from the portal, summoned to the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

The Syndicate Admin smiled to herself. "That's his ace monster…" she muttered.

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Salamangreat Sparks and equip it to Salamangreat Heatleo!" Soulburner declared. "As long as Heatleo's equipped with this card, its attack points become the same as your monster during damage calculation. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

The female admin's smile widened a millimeter. His Reincarnation Link Summoning is only useful during his turn when I have cards on the field, she thought. So he's saving it for the next turn.

"My turn! I draw! I activate the effect of Harpie Queen in my hand! I can discard it to add the Field Spell Card: Harpie's Hunting Ground from my Deck, which I'll activate!"

The area around the two duelists became a large, grounded area with large mountains surrounding them.

"Thanks to this card, all Winged Beast monsters gain 200 attack and defense points, and whenever one of us summons Harpie Lady or Harpie Lady Sisters, we're allowed to destroy one Spell or Trap Card on the field."

"Harpie?" Soulburner whispered. "This isn't going to go well."

"Now I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Hysteric Sign!" The admin continued. "This card allows me to add "Elegant Egotist" to my hand." She did so, then said, "By sending a face-up card from my Spell/Trap Zone to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon this card from my hand!" Hysteric Sign vanished. "Arise, Harpie Berserker!"

A female monster with wings attached to its arms, red, orange and yellow colored feathers, bird feet with sharp and long nails, and wearing only some stripes of clothing over its body appeared as it screeched.

Harpie Berserker ATK 2300→2500 DEF 500→700 LVL: 7

"The effect of my Field Spell activates, letting me destroy your set card!"

Berserker flapped its wings as a storm of feathers destroyed Soulburner's face-down card.

"And no Harpie Deck is complete without this card. I activate the Spell Card: Elegant Egotist! Through its effect, I can Special Summon Harpie Lady or Harpie Lady Sisters. I Special Summon Harpie Lady!"

Suddenly, Harpie Berserker flew higher into the skies and raised her claws, causing several prisms to emerge from behind. Then, another harpie with green wings and long red hair in a purple jumpsuit appeared on the Syndicate admin's field.

Harpie Lady 1 ATK 1300→1500 DEF 1400→1600 LVL: 4

"Harpie Lady 1's effect increases the attack points of all Wind monsters by 300!"

Harpie Berserker ATK 2500→2800

Harpie Lady 1 ATK 1500→1800

"Since Harpie Lady 1's effect lets it Harpie Lady while on the field, the effect of my Field Spell activates, letting me destroy your Salamangreat Sparks Equip Spel!" The admin stated as the Equip Spell shattered.

Soulburner smirked. "Salamangreat Sparks' second effect activates!" he declared. "When it's destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon two Salamangret Tokens to either field in Defense Position. I Special Summon two Salamangreat Tokens to my field!"

Following Soulburner's words, two small fireballs with large blue eyes appeared on his field.

Salamangreat Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"Battle!" The admin declared. "Harpie Berserker attacks Salamangreat Heatleo!"

Berserker flew high up into the air, letting out an ear-splitting scream, sending a shockwave toward Heatleo, destroying it and making Soulburner wince.

Soulburner: 4000→3500 LP

"Next, Harpie Lady 1 will attack one of your Salamangreat Tokens!"

The magenta-haired harpie followed her sister, clawing down the fireball with its claws.

"I set two cards face-down and end my turn!" The admin concluded. "At this moment, the second effect of Hysteric Sign activates! During the End Phase of the turn it's sent to the Graveyard, I can add three cards with "Harpie" in their names from my Deck to my hand. I add Harpie's Feather Rest, Harpist, and Channeler."

"Three cards just like that!?" Soulburner gasped. "Talk about greedy... in any case, it's my turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw. Through its effect, I guess the type of the top card of my Deck. If I guess correctly, I can draw five cards; otherwise, I will have to send the five top cards of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I guess that my top card is a Monster Card. Now, draw!"

Soulburner checked his top card and revealed it with a smirk.

"It looks like I was correct, so I draw five cards. Moving on, I blaze my circuit that scorches the path to the future!" A Link Portal appeared above Soulburner. "The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set my Salamangreat Token into the Link Arrow!"

The fireball went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Salamangreat Balelynx!"

A red and white mechanical cat with her tail on fire appeared on Soulburner's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Balelynx ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"Balelynx's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned, I add Salamangreat Sanctuary from my Deck to my hand." Soulburner took the card and then gestured to his field. "I activate Salamangreat Jack Jaguar's effect from my Graveyard! By returning Salamangreat Heatleo from my Graveyard to my Extra Deck, I can Special Summon Jack Jaguar to the field to a Monster Zone that Balelynx is pointing towards!''

Following Soulburner's words, the flaming black and yellow armored jaguar reappeared at Balelynx's bottom Link Arrow.

Salamangreat Jack Jaguar ATK 1800 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Furthermore, since I performed a Link Summon this turn, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Mole from my hand!"

An armored mole with flaming front paws appeared in Defense Position.

Salamangreat Mole ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I blaze my circuit that scorches the path to the future for a second time!" A second Link Portal appeared above Soulburner. "The summoning conditions are two or more fire effect monsters. I set Jack Jaguar, Mole, and Balelynx in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Salamangreat Heatleo!"

Soulburner's ace monster reappeared in the Extra Monster Zone Balelynx had vacated and roared.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Heatleo's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned, one card in your Spell & Trap Zone is shuffled into your Deck!" The admin's eyes widened. "Resounding Roar!"

Heatleo roared again and caused The admin's Set card to disappear.

The admin gritted her teeth. "My Harpie Lady Sparrow Formation," she muttered.

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Salamangreat Sanctuary!" A large pink magic circle with white light in the center appeared above Soulburner's field. Embers started falling on the field. "Sanctuary's effect lets me Link Summon a 'Salamangreat' Link Monster by using a monster with the same name as Link Material."

Heatleo burst into flames and entered the magic circle.

"Now rise again from the valley of flames to scorch the land in a raging inferno!" A massive twister of fire exited the portal and struck Soulburner's field. "I Reincarnation Link Summon! Salamangreat Heatleo!"

Heatleo emerged from the fire with its wings on fire and a mane of flames around its neck.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Heatleo's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can shuffle a card in your Spell & Trap Zone back into your Deck. I shuffle your remaining face-down back into your Deck. Resounding Roar!"

Heatleo roared as the admin's last set card disappeared.

"Next, I activate the reincarnated Heatleo's effect! Once per turn, when it's Reincarnation Link Summoned, I can target a monster on your field and a "Salamangreat" monster in my Graveyard. Until the end of the turn, your monster's attack points become equal to my monster's."

"What!?" The admin gasped.

"I target Berserker and Balelynx! Flame Possession!"

An orb on Heatleo's chest emitted fire that took the shape of Balelynx. The fire charged and struck Berserker, weakening it.

Harpie Berserker ATK 2800→500

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Salamangreat Claw!" Soulburner declared. "And equip it to Heatleo." A massive orange gauntlet with two prongs at the end materialized around Heatleo's left arm. "Thanks to its effect, Heatleo can't be destroyed by battle or card effects. And when Claw is equipped to a Reincarnation Link Summoned monster, it can attack for every Link Arrow it has. Since it has three Link Arrows, Heatleo can attack three times!"

"What!?" The admin gasped.

"Battle! Heatleo attacks Harpie Berserker! Inferno Strike!"

Flames covered Heatleo's body as it spun and charged at Berserker. The fiery tornado struck Berserker, only for the flames to curve around it and strike the admin, who winced.

Syndicate Admin: 4000→2200

"Next, Heatleo attacks Harpie Lady 1!"

The previous scene was repeated as Heatleo destroyed Harpie Lady 1, with the ensuing shockwave pushing the admin back.

Syndicate Admin: 2200→1700

"I place a card face-down and end my turn," Soulburner concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" The admin declared as she drew. "I applaud your efforts in dealing massive damage to me. However, a Syndicate member doesn't fall that easily. Time to show you my true strength! First, 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."

The admin drew and smiled. "I summon Harpie Channeler!"

A girl with red hair tied into pigtails and a white and black bodysuit appeared. Her hands and feet were claws, and she had wings on her arms. She carried a staff with wings on it.

Harpie Channeler ATK 1400→1600 DEF 1300→1500 LVL: 4

"Harpie's Hunting Ground's effect activates!" The admin exclaimed. "I destroy Salamangreat Sanctuary!"

"You cannot!" Soulburner declared. "I activate Salamangreat Balelynx's effect from my Graveyard! If a "Salamangreat" card would be destroyed, I can banish Balelynx instead!"

"In that case, I activate Channeler's effect! I discard the Harpie Harpist in my hand and Special Summon Harpie's Pet Dragon from my Deck!"

A dragon with red scales, green eyes, and a leash made of chains appeared with a roar.

Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK 2000 DEF 2500 LVL: 7

"Pet Dragon gains 300 attack and defense points for each "Harpie Lady" on the field," the admin stated. "There's one such monster on my field, so it gains 300 attack and defense points!"

Harpie's Pet Dragon ATK 2000→2300 DEF 2500→2800

"Moreover, if there's a Dragon-type monster on my field, Channeler's Level becomes 7!"

Harpie Channeler LVL: 4→7

"She has two monsters with the same Level," Soulburner noted. "That means only one thing."

''I activate the Spell Card: Harpie's Feather Rest! By shuffling three ''Harpie Lady'' monsters in my Graveyard back to my Deck, I can draw a card. But since I control a Level 5 or higher ''Harpie'', I draw two cards instead!'' The admin drew her cards, then gestured to her field. "I overlay my Level 7 Hapie Channeler and Harpie's Pet Dragon!"

A bolt of bright green energy shot out of the admin's Duel Disk. The bolt created a massive blue "X" with four red dots at the corners.

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

The 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 she chanted.

"Rising from your worst nightmares to extinguish all hope you try to cling to is the dragon of ultimate demise! I Xyz Summon! Appear now, Rank 7! Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon!"

A dragon resembling Harpie's Pet Dragon with black scales and purple eyes emerged from the portal as it roared.

Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2000 RNK: 7 OU: 2

"Next, I activate Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon's effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to allow it to attack twice during the Battle Phase this turn. "

Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon OU: 2→1

"And since I now have exactly five Wind monsters in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come forth, Windrose the Elemental Lord!"

A tornado formed on the field, only to disperse and reveal a massive green bird with wings and claws made of violet roses in Attack Position.

Windrose the Elemental Lord ATK 2800→3000 DEF 2200→2400 LVL: 8

"Windrose's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, all Spell and Trap Cards you control are destroyed!"

A gale of wind tore across Soulburner's field, destroying his Spell and Trap Cards.

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Xyz Unit! Nightmare Dragon now gains 200 attack points multiplied by its Rank! Since its Rank is 7, it gains 1400 attack points!"

Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon ATK 3000→4400

"Battle!" The admin exclaimed. Nightmare Dragon attacks Salamangreat Heatleo! Flaming Nightmare!"

"I activate the effect of Salamangreat Raccoon in my hand!" Soulburner abruptly declared. "By discarding it, I can target both of our monsters. After that, I gain Life Points equal to your monster's attack points. What's more, Heatleo cannot be destroyed by battle this turn!"

Soulburner: 3500→7900 LP

"But you'll still take the damage!" The admin pointed out.

The dragon unleashed a wave of darkness from its maw, striking Heatleo, who withstood the attack, but the ensuing shockwave sent Soulburner tumbling back.

Soulburner: 7900→5800 LP

"Nightmare Dragon's second effect activates! Whenever it or a "Harpie" monster battles, Nightmare Dragon gains one Nightmare Counter!"

Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon: 0 NC→1 NC

"And here comes the second attack!" The admin stated. "Nightmare Dragon attacks Heatleo!" Flaming Nightmare!"

The previous scene was repeated as a wave of darkness stuck Heatleo, who survived, while Soulburner screamed in pain from the damage.

Soulburner: 5800→3700 LP

Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon: 1 NC→2 NC

"Next, Windrose attacks Heatleo!"

The massive bird flapped its wings, sending gusts of wind at the Link Monster. While it survived the impact, Soulburner winced.

Soulburner: 3700→3000 LP

Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon: 2 NC→3 NC

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Double Check!" The admin continued. "Since I failed to destroy your Heatleo in battle this turn, this card automatically destroys it!"

Following the admin's words, a lightning bolt emerged from the Spell Card, striking Heatleo and causing it to explode.

"I place a card face-down and end my turn," The admin concluded. "During my End Phase, I must remove one Nightmare Counter from my Nightmare Dragon or send it to the Graveyard."

Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon: 3 NC→2 NC

"And since it is the End Phase, the effect of the Harpie Harpist in my Graveyard activates! Since it was sent there this turn, I can add 1 Level 4 Winged Beast-type monster with 1500 or less attack points from my Deck to my hand. I add Harpie Dancer to my hand! Try to make a comeback now, Mr. Top 10!"

"With pleasure!" Soulburner smirked. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card Graceful Charity! I draw three cards, then send two to the Graveyard!"

He sent Salamangreat Gazer and Cards of Compensation to the Graveyard.

"Then," Soulburner continued. "Since I sent Cards of Compensation to the Graveyard, I get to draw two extra cards!"

He looked at his cards and smiled. Perfect.

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Rise of the Salamangreat!" Soulburner declared. "I Tribute monsters from my hand and field whose total Level equals or exceeds the Level of the "Salamangreat" Ritual Monster I'm Ritual Summoning. I Tribute the Level 8 Emerald Eagle that's in my hand!"

A dark pink magic circle appeared on the ground in front of Soulburner. Eight flames materialized around the circles' edges as a large green and black mechanical bird turned into red particles that entered the center of the circle, which glowed with red energy. The flames then merged and formed a ring of fire.

"Jade eagle flying over the valley of flame, embrace the flames of rebirth, and emerge as a creature of emerald fire!" Soulburner chanted. "Reincarnation Ritual Summon! Descend, Level 8! Salamangreat Emerald Eagle!"

Another copy of Emerald Eagle appeared on Soulburner's field. However, he had a much more radiant jade plumage, flaring with green flames and sharper features such as its beak and blade features.

Salamangreat Emerald Eagle ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Emerald Eagle's effect activates!" Soulburner declared. "When this card is Ritual Summoned using Salamangreat Emerald Eagle, I can destroy all monsters on my opponent's field!"

The admin blinked. "What?"

"Go, Emerald Eagle! Emerald Overload!"

Emerald Eagle let out a tremendous prominence from his fiery feathers that rained down upon the Syndicate member's field, swamping it in a sea of fire, destroying their monsters and leaving their field wide open.

"Battle! Emerald Eagle attacks you directly! Emerald Flames!"

Emerald Eagle was enveloped in fire and charged at the admin, who gestured to their field.

"I activate the Trap Card: Dimension Wall!" The admin shouted. "Through its effect, all battle damage I would receive from this battle is instead inflicted on you!"

Emerald Eagle struck a semi-transparent wall. The wall glowed bright light before firing a blast back at Soulburner, striking him and making him cry in pain.

Soulburner: 3000→200 LP

As Soulburner recovered himself, he narrowed his eyes at the Syndicate member. "Looks like you escaped defeat again. Not bad!" He praised his opponent. "But you're prevented from attacking next turn due to Windrose's effect. I place a card face-down and end my turn." Soulburner smiles. This is turning out to be a good duel. You're an amazing opponent!"

"All those praises are wasted breath," The admin said. "Say what you want. It won't change the fact you will be defeated and crushed by my hands! All for the sake of the Syndicate! My turn! I draw!"

A maniac grin spread over the Syndicate member's face as she looked at the card.

"Your end has come, Soulburner!" The admin stated. "I summon Harpie Dancer!"

Another harpie in a blue and black jumpsuit with white wings and blonde hair appeared on her field.

Harpie Dancer ATK 1200→1400 DEF 1000→1200 LVL: 4

"Since Dancer's name becomes Harpie Lady while on the field, the effect of my Field Spell activates, letting me destroy your set card!"

"In that case, I'll take it out for you!" Soulburner said. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Residual Reflection! By banishing Salamangreat Meer and Falco from my Graveyard, I take no damage this turn!"

"In that case, I'll banish Harpie Queen to Special Summon this monster from my hand. Appear, Garuda the Wind Spirit!"

A man with an eagle's head, wings and orange-colored pants appeared in Attack Position.

Garuda the Wind Spirit ATK 1600→1800 DEF 1200→1400 LVL: 4

"It's time to show my true power!" The admin stated. "I tune my Level 4 Harpie Dancer with my Level 4 Garuda the Wind Spirit!"

"But Harpie Dancer isn't a Tuner monster?!" Soulburner yelled.

"The monster I'm summoning let's me treat a "Harpie" monster on my field as a Tuner for its Synchro Summon!"

"What?!"

A bolt of green lightning struck the field as the world greyed out, and the two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "4 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Master of the wind that soars through the sky! Fly onto the field and slash through your prey! I Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Cyber Slash Harpie Lady!"

A purple-winged harpie with long pink hair, golden armor and talons emerged from the light and appeared on the field in Attack Position.

Cyber Slash Harpie Lady ATK 2600→2800 DEF 1400→1600 LVL: 8

"Since I summoned a "Harpie Lady", I have to destroy a Spell or Trap Card with my Field Spell's effect. I choose to destroy itself, thus returning my Slash Harpie's attack and defense points to normal."

Cyber Slash Harpie Lady ATK 2800→2600 DEF 1600→1400 LVL: 8

"I'm not trying to scare you! I'm trying to crush you! At this moment, Cyber Slash Harpie Lady's effect activates! Once per turn, when a Spell or Trap is activated, this card can return either a Harpie Lady or a monster on my opponent's field to their hand! I choose to return Emerald Eagle to your hand!"

The Harpie Synchro Monster created a storm of wind that forced the Salamangreat Ritual Monster back into a card. Soulburner grimaced as he returned it to his hand.

"You can continue to struggle all you like," The admin said. "However, you won't be the one to win in the end. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn! I draw!" Looking at his card, Soulburner smiled. This card will work! He thought. "I activate the Spell Card: Trade-In! By discarding a Level 8 monster, I can draw two cards. I discard Salamangreat Emerald Eagle!"

Soulburner drew his cards. Seeing what they were, he smiled again. I've won, he thought.

"I summon Salamangreat Felidae X!"

An orange-yellow feminine lion-like creature with a fire mane, choker and tail appeared.

Salamangreat Felidae X ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Felidae X's effect activates!" Soulburner continued. "When it's summoned, I can Special Summon a Fire Cyberse monster from my hand. Come on out, Salamangreat Wolvie!"

A wolf-like creature covered in armor with a flaming back appeared.

Salamangreat Wolvie ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

The admin tensed. "Two Level 4 monsters," she muttered. "Is he going to Xyz Summon?"

"Level 4 Felidae X tunes with the Level 4 Wolvie!" Soulburner declared.

The admin blinked. "Tuning?"

The world grayed as green energy gathered around Soulburner. Felidae X and Wolvie disintegrated into two rings of two and five concentric circles. The rings turned blue and merged before reforming into eight blue rings in a tower. A screen that said "4 + 4" appeared before changing to "8". Light surged through the rings.

"Three-headed beasts that incinerate heaven and earth! Become new flames that evolve strongly! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! Salamangreat Boric Cerberus!"

A large black fur, humanoid three-headed hound head creature with gray-like armor across its chest, legs and arms and up to its three necks. It releases bright green flames from its claws, three tails and each of its mouths. Its chest has a fire-like cannon and miniature flame shooters in the palm of its claws. The monster roared in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Boric Cerberus ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"I activate Salamangreat Boric Cerberus's effect!" Soulburner continued. "Once per turn, I can target one card on the field and negate its effects. And if that card happens to be a Monster Card, its attack points are halved!" The admin's eyes widened. "I target Cyber Slash Harpie Lady! Raging Breath!"

Following Soulburner's words, Boric Cerberus's three heads shout out green fireballs from their mouths, striking Slash Harpie, and lighting her on fire.

Cyber Slash Harpie Lady ATK 2600→1300

"Last but not least, I activate the Trap Card: Majesty of Fire from my hand!"

"From your hand? You can't do that! It's against the rules!" The admin protested as the card showed Salamangreat Pyro Phoenix releasing rainbow-like fire wings that spread across the sky with blue flames on their ends.

"I can activate this card from my hand if I control a "Salamangreat" Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Link Monster," Soulburner explained. "When this card is activated, I can double the attack points of a "Salamangreat" monster on my field until the End Phase. I double Boric Cerberus's attack points!"

The Synchro Monster glowed red as its attack points increased.

Salamangreat Boric Cerberus ATK 2800→5600

"Battle! Boric Cerberus, attack Cyber Slash Harpie Lady!"

Boric Cerberus charged at Slash Harpie. The admin gritted her teeth before gesturing to her field.

"I activate my Trap Card!" she declared. But the card refused to reveal itself. "What?" she said in shock. "Why isn't my card activating?"

"That's because of Boric Cerberus's additional effect!" Soulburner revealed. "You can't activate cards or effects during the Battle Phase!" The admin's eyes widened in surprise.

"Continue your attack, Boric Cerberus! Boric Soul!"

The Synchro Monster roared as it charged at Slash Harpie. Its body became wrapped around in flames as it spun like a drill and struck Slash Harpie's torso, destroying it and causing an explosion. The Syndicate member was blown backward due to the ensuing shockwave and crashed through a nearby wall.

Syndicate Admin: 1700→0 LP

After the duel, Soulburner approached the fallen admin.

"If you want no trouble, do the right thing and tell me who's responsible for this attack!" Soulburner demanded as his fist became covered in fire.

"Okay, okay! It's-!" Unfortunately for Soulburner, that was all the information he could get, as the admin immediately dissolved into data, surprising him in the process.

"The Syndicate must have planted a fail-safe in the soldiers if they lose a duel..." Soulburner muttered. "We need to create a program to keep them alive for interrogation." He conjured his D-Board and sped off, determined to reunite with the others.

OC Card Memo:

Syndicate Soldier/Admin:

Re-Magnet

Normal Spell Card

Target one Level 4 or lower "Magnet" Monster in your Graveyard; special summon it. The summoned Monster cannot attack during this turn's Battle Phase.

Overcharge

Normal Spell Card

If you control two or more "Magnet" Monsters, increase their attack by an amount equal to their original attack. During the End Phase, switch all Monsters you control to defense mode.

Magnet Attraction

Normal Trap Card

When a "Magnet Warrior" Monster you control is destroyed as a result of battle, and you receive damage from that battle, special summon two Level 4 "Magnet Warrior" Monsters from your Deck. The summoned Monsters cannot attack this turn.

Harpie Berserker (Wind/Winged Beast/Effect/ATK: 2300/DEF: 500/LV: 7)

You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) by sending 1 face-up card from your Spell/Trap Zone to the GY. You can only Special Summon 1 "Harpie Berserker" per turn this way. This card's name becomes "Harpie Lady" while it is on the field or in the GY.

Harpie's Pet Nightmare Dragon (Wind/Dragon/Xyz/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 2000/R: 7)

2 Level 7 WIND monsters

Once per turn, you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card: This turn, this card can attack an additional time during the Battle Phase. When this card or a "Harpie Lady" or "Harpie Lady Sisters" battles an opponent's monster, place 1 Nightmare Counter on this card. If a "Harpie Lady" or "Harpie Lady Sisters" you control fails to destroy an opponent's monster by battle, you can remove 2 Nightmare Counters from this card: Send that monster to the GY. During your End Phase, remove 1 Nightmare Counter from this card, or it's sent to the GY.

Skye/ZaizenBlue Maiden:

Marincess Sea Turtle- Level 2, ATK: 100, DEF: 1900, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Effect

Effect: When your opponent's monster declares an attack while you control a "Marincess" card: Special Summon this card from your hand. You can only Special Summon "Marincess Sea Turtle'' once per turn. Your opponent cannot attack or target cards you control except this card. This card cannot be destroyed by battle or card effect twice per turn.

Marincess Blue Sponge- Level 5, ATK: 500, DEF 600, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Effect

Effect: If a "Marincess" card you control would be destroyed by an opponent's card (Quick Effect): Discard this card, and until the end of this turn, all "Marincess" cards cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. Also, halve all battle damage you take from attacks involving them this run. If this card is banished: Special Summon this banished card but shuffle it to your Deck when it leaves the field. You can only use each "Marincess Blue Sponge" effect per turn.

Marincess Dolp Tail- Level 3, ATK: 1400, DEF: 800, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Tuner/Effect

Effect: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) to your zone that a Link Monster points to. You can only Special Summon "Marincess Dolp Tail" once per turn. If this card is Special Summoned this way: Special Summon 1 "Marincess" monster from your GY or banished, but its effects are negated.

Marincess Ocella- Level 4, ATK: 1100, DEF: 1500, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Tuner/Effect

Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: Special Summon 1 WATER Cyberse monster from your hand. Once per turn: Target 1 WATER Cyberse monster you control, then activate 1 of these effects;

*Increase its Level by 1

*Decrease its Level by 1.

During your Main Phase, except the turn, it is sent to the GY; you can banish this card from your GY and if you do, add 1 of your banished "Marincess" cards to your hand, except "Marincess Ocella". You can only use each effect of "Marincess Ocella" per turn.

Marincess Beauty Shark- Level 8, ATK: 2900, DEF: 2100, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Synchro/Effect

Effect: If this card is Special Summoned: Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects this turn. This effect can only be activated if you control another "Marincess" card on your field. This card gains 100 ATK for each "Marincess" card with a different name. on your field and GY. If this card destroys a monster by battle: Inflict 200 of damage for each card in your hand, and then this card can make a second attack this turn. You can only use each "Marincess Beauty Shark" effect per turn.

Marincess Mariana Angel- Level 8, ATK: 2600, DEF: 1800, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Ritual/Effect

Effect: You can Ritual Summon this card with "Marincess Ritual". If this card battles, it gains ATK equal to the total Link Rating of the "Marincess" Link Monsters you control x 600 during damage calculation only. You can only use each of these "Marincess Mariana Angel" effects once per turn.

● (Quick Effect): You can banish 1 "Marincess" card from your hand or GY, then target 1 face-up card your opponent controls; negate its effects until the end of this turn.

● If this face-up card leaves the field: You can target 1 "Marincess" monster in your GY, except "Marincess Mariana Angel"; Special Summon it.

Marincess Crystalized Heart- Level 8, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2500, ATT: WATER, Type: Cyberse/Fusion/Effect

Effect: "Marincess Crystal Heart" + 1 "Marincess" monster

Unaffected by your opponent's card effects. If this card is Fusion Summoned: Target 1 "Marincess" Link Monster in your GY; Equip it to this card. While a Link-Monster(s) is equipped to this card, this card is treated as a Link-Monster with a Link-Rating equal to the highest Link-Rating of the equipped monsters. This card can attack equal to the number of Equip Cards equipped. This card gains 800 ATK immediately after you activate a "Marincess" Trap Card. If this card is destroyed by battle: Target 1 "Marincess Crystal Heart" and 1 "Marincess" Trap in your GY; Special Summon the first target and add the second target to your hand.

Marincess Ritual Ritual Spell Card

This card can be used to Ritual Summon "Marincess Mariana Angel" by Tributing monsters from your hand or field whose total Levels equal 8 or more OR banishing 1 "Marincess Crystal Heart" from your field or GY. If you banish "Marincess Crystal Heart", the Summoned monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. During your Main Phase, except the turn, this card was sent to the GY: You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 of your other banished "Marincess" cards; add it to your hand.

Marincess Splash- Type: Normal Spell Card

Effect: Target up to 5 "Marincess" cards or WATER monsters in your GY, shuffle all 5 cards into the Deck, then draw 2 cards. If "Marincess Battle Ocean" is in your Field Zone: Draw 3 cards instead. You can only activate 1 "Marincess Splash" once per turn.

Marincess Stream Flux

Normal Spell

Target 1 "Marincess" Link Monster you control: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to its Link Rating x 200. Your opponent takes no effect damage during the turn you activate this card, except by the effect of "Marincess Stream Flux".

Marincess Typhoon (Quick-Play Spell card) (Credit to Divadx)

Effect: When your opponent activates a card effect: You can negate the effect, and if you do, banish it. Then, if you control a Link-2 or higher 'Marincess' Link monster: You can banish cards your opponent controls up to the number of 'Marincess' Link monsters on your field. You can only use each Marincess Typhoon effect once per turn.

Marincess Trident Equip Spell Card (Credit to Scififan599)

Equip only to a "Marincess" monster you control. The equipped monster cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects. Also, it can make a second attack during each Battle Phase. When the equipped monster battles your opponent's monster (Quick Effect): You can banish 1 "Marincess" monster from your GY; increase the equipped monster's ATK by that monster's Level/Link Rating x 300 until the end of the turn. You can only use this effect of "Marincess Trident" once per turn.

Marincess Fusion- Type: Quick-Play Spell Card

Effect: Fusion Summon 1 "Marincess" Fusion Monster, using monsters you control or in your hand. If your opponent controls more cards than you do, you can also banish "Marincess" monsters from your GY as Fusion Materials. The monster Fusion Summoned by this effect cannot be destroyed by card effects. You can only activate 1 "Marincess Fusion" per turn.

Marincess Tidal Dance- Type: Normal Trap Card

Effect: When your opponent declares an attack or activates a monster effect while you control a "Marincess" Link Monster: Destroy all monsters your opponent controls, then, if you control a Link-2 or higher "Marincess" monster; inflict 400 of damage for each destroyed monster, and their effects cannot be activated this turn. You can activate this card from your hand if you control a Link-3 or higher "Marincess" monster.

Marincess Crystal Whirlpool- Type: Counter Trap Card

Effect: When a Spell/Trap Card, or monster effect, is activated while you control a "Marincess" Link Monster in your Extra Monster Zone; negate the activation and if you do; banish it. Then, inflict 200 damage to your opponent for each card on the field. You can activate this card from your hand if you control a Link-3 or higher "Marincess" monster

Theodore Hamilton/Soulburner:

Salamangreat Felidae X- Level 4, ATK: 1600, DEF: 1000, ATT: FIRE, Type: Cyberse/Tuner/Effect

Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 FIRE Cyberse monster from your hand to your field. If a "Salamangreat" Link Monster was Link Summoned using a monster with its same name as material when you activate this card: You can Special Summon 1 FIRE Cyberse monster from your GY instead. You can activate this effect of "Salamangreat Felidae X" once per turn. Once per turn: Target 1 "Salamangreat" monster you control; change its Level to 3 or 4 until the end of this turn.

Salamangreat Boric Cerberus- Level 8, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2000, ATT: FIRE, Type: Cyberse/Synchro/Effect

Effect: 1 FIRE Tuner monster + 1 or more non-Tuner "Salamangreat" monsters

Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects during the Battle Phase. Once per turn (Quick Effect): Target 1 card on the field, and its effects are negated, and if it is a monster, its ATK is halved. During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): If this card is in your GY, you can banish 1 Tuner monster and 1 or more non-Tuner "Salamangreat" monster(s) in your GY, and you can Special Summon this card from your GY. (This is treated as a Synchro Summon) If this card is Synchro Summoned this way: Banish all other cards on the field.

Majesty of Fire- Type: Normal Trap Card

Effect: (This card is always treated as a "Salamangreat" card.)

Target 1 "Salamangreat" monster you control, double its ATK until the end of this turn, and only your opponent can target the targeted monster this turn. If you control a "Salamangreat" Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Link Monster: You can activate this card from your hand. You can only activate 1 "Salamangreat Wraith" per turn.

QOTC:

Did you guys enjoy Blue Maiden and Soulburner's duels? Were the Decks they went up against a perfect counter to theirs?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Advent of New Beginnings. Chapter 11: Bringing out the Big Guns. With the Syndicate's forces dwindling, the two Syndicate Seargents decide to make their move and ambush Storm Rider. However, Playmaker arrives in the nick of time and duels one of the sergeants while Storm Rider goes against the other. Can these two take them out and finally get the lead they need?

Well, that's it for now. Remember to favorite and follow this story. Leave a review. And please share and spread the word of this story to all of your friends. See you next time!