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?

10. Bringing Out The Big Guns

Greetings, community! Donkeyboy here with Chapter 10. We finally made double digits. And now, on with the story!

In the Syndicate Stronghold...

Ladon stood in the Syndicate Stronghold and looked at the monitor in front of him. It showcased the recordings of Esper, Sanctum, Blue Maiden and Soulburner's duels against the soldiers and admins. After watching those duels, Ladon replayed them several times to understand how they dueled.

"Ladon." He turned around and saw Natura materialize behind him. "How are our reinforcements doing?" she asked. "Since I was misled into believing we would be fighting as well."

"Not so good," Ladon answered, gesturing to the monitor. "Especially since now the Top 10 have a new ally. Her name is Esper. She's a Synchro User and utilizes Assault Mode Monsters like Roselyn."

"I see," Natura pondered. "Hopefully, I'll get my hands dirty and crush some of the Top 10. It gets boring being stuck in here all day."

"Just be patient," Ladon said. "The more info we have on our enemies, the better chance we have to eliminate them. I'll inform you and the others once I receive more data."

"Alright then," Natura said before logging out.

Ladon turned back to the monitor in front of him. He thought it would be wise to keep an eye on any duelists that challenged the Syndicate. After all, with the information they provide us, it will eventually lead to their undoing!

Meanwhile, in LINK VRAINS...

"Man, where did that sergeant run off to? I've been walking around for who knows how long after he escaped me. Umbra probably created a program to allow the soldiers to deactivate my Data Anchor should I use it on them."

Storm Rider complained as he walked through a deserted area of LINK VRAINS. It had been some time since he had split up from the rest of his comrades, but he hadn't come across the escaped sergeant or any other member of the Top 10 so far. He couldn't help but survey his surroundings with a restless gaze, certain that some nefarious plot of the Syndicate was in play here, with him as the unfortunate victim. While concerned about the rest of his comrades, he was more troubled over his current predicament. After all, he couldn't help anyone if he fell into a trap.

"There's no need to be so tense. This is not a trap, but rather a rescue attempt."

Storm Rider sharply turned on his heels at the sound of that familiar voice that seemed to respond to his thoughts, coming face-to-face with an unexpected ally.

"Playmaker…?" Storm Rider raised an eyebrow, a confused expression on his face. "What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be at Cafe Nom with Kolter?"

"Indeed, but Koter insisted on me coming here to help aid you and the others," Playmaker replied. "You manage to get any leads regarding the Syndicate's location?"

"Sadly, no," Storm Rider replied. "Earlier, I used my Data Anchor to catch the leader of the soldiers, but he used a program to get away."

"But on the bright side, we're one step closer to freeing LINK VRAINS of them," Playmaker stated. "Let's keep that momentum up until we find the Syndicate."

Storm Rider nodded at Playmaker's words and was about to speak when—

"Aw, isn't this a lovely post-victory scene? Too bad I have to spoil it for you."

At that moment, several soldiers of the Syndicate appeared out of nowhere, along with a female, who wore a black high-collared shirt under a white and golden vest, a black necktie, a black jacket with white and golden trims, a golden ring on each of her fingers. She also had a black belt with a golden ornament on its front, rolled-up white pants with a black interior, and black shoes with dark gray soles. A cruel smile was etched on her face as she turned to Storm Rider and Playmaker.

"Two mere ants like you think you can defeat the Syndicate?" The woman snorted. "How ridiculous. I'm one of the sergeants in charge and the Syndicate's closest aides. And the person who will annihilate the both of you."

"Bring it on!"

Storm Rider attempted to step forward, only to be stopped by Playmaker's outstretched hand.

"Playmaker?" Storm Rider looked at his comrade, who had an impassive look. "Why are you stopping me?"

"Because your skills are needed elsewhere," Playmaker said. "You must not forget our purpose here: to obtain clues regarding the Syndicate's location and goal. Therefore, you shouldn't waste your time with this trivial distraction. Leave this to me and go on ahead."

"You will fight alone against all these Syndicate soldiers?" Storm Rider asked. "But Playmaker—"

"But nothing! I promise to make them pay for their unforgivable acts, so you regroup with the others."

"Playmaker…" Storm Rider seemed hesitant but nodded. "I understand. However, you must win for sure!"

"Don't you worry about a thing," Playmaker said. "Once I'm finished with them, they'll think twice before doing something like this again."

With one last glance at his ally, Storm Rider turned around and left.

"It looks like I'll have to deal with Storm Rider later…." The female sergeant said before she turned her gaze to Playmaker. "Don't think that I don't know who you are. You're the renowned Playmaker, the best duelist in LINK VRAINS, right? If so, then this must be my lucky day. Not only do I get to eliminate the Top 10, but I'll also take the head of LINK VRAINS's strongest duelist. Defeating you will certainly show the Syndicate that I deserve to become a council member."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but that title no longer belongs to me," Playmaker stated. "A duelist known as Ringmaster, a former member of the Top 10, won that title from me fair and square by defeating me in a duel."

"Seriously?" The sergeant seemed surprised. "You lost your title to a newcomer? What, did he drive you crazy with his Duetaining nonsense to the point where you threw the match? To think I'll have to duel with somebody's leftovers kills my motivation now."

"Enough talk!" Playmaker spoke with an icy tone as he activated his Duel Disk. "If you wish to make a point or a statement, then do so through your duel!"

"Nice resolve!" The sergeant laughed as she activated her Duel Disk. "However, you should be careful with our words, for you might end up being the one getting annihilated instead! Now, let's begin!"

"Duel!"

Playmaker: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Playmaker declared. "I summon Firewall Guardian!"

A small blue and white mechanical dragon appeared, letting out a roar.

Firewall Guardian ATK 100 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"I'll now create my circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above Playmaker. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Firewall Guardian in the Link Arrow!"

His monster became a whirlwind and entered the bottom arrow, turning red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Link Disciple!"

A small black, red, and white humanoid emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Link Disciple ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"Firewall Guardian's effect activates!" Playmaker continued. "When it's used to Link Summon, I can Special Summon it back to my field!"

The small mechanical dragon reappeared in Defense Position.

Firewall Guardian ATK 100 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"I'll now create my circuit once again!" The Link Portal appeared again above him. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Firewall Guardian in the Link Arrow!"

Said monster turned into energy and entered the top arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Link Devotee!"

A dark blue monster with a circle around it appeared, summoned to Link Disciple's Link Arrow.

Link Devotee ATK 500 LINK-1 ↑

"I can't Link Summon Link-3 or higher monsters the turn Link Devotee is Special Summoned," Playmaker said before gesturing to his field. "I activate Link Disciple's effect! By Tributing Link Devotee, I draw one card!"

Link Devotee disintegrated as Playmaker drew.

"Then I must place one card in my hand on the bottom of my Deck." He put the card he just drew back into his Deck. "And now Link Devotee's effect activates! When it is Tributed, I Special Summon two Link Tokens on my field!"

Two blue and white diamond-shaped monsters appeared on his field in Attack Position.

Link Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"Then, I activate the effect of the Link Infra-Flier in my hand!" Playmaker continued. "I can Special Summon this card to Link Disciple's Link Arrow!"

A mechanical blue, red, and silver kite appeared, summoned to Disciple's Link Arrow in Defense Position.

Link Infra-Flier ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 2

"For the third time, I create my circuit!" The Link Portal appeared again. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set ink Infra-Flier and one Link Token in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the left and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Protocol Gardna!"

A green and yellow humanoid machine emerged from the portal at Link Disciple's bottom Link Arrow.

Protocol Gardna ATK 1000 LINK-2 ←→

"I'll create my circuit once again! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters! I set Link Disciple and my final Link Token in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the left and right arrows, turning them red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Honeybot!"

A female monster with mechanical wings and a mechanical bee's stinger appeared as she was summoned to Protocol Gardna's right Link Arrow.

Honeybot ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←→

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

"Truly impressive," The sergeant commented as she looked over the effects of Playmaker's cards. "Monsters that are linked to Protocol Gardna can't be attacked. And because Protocol Gardna is at Honeybot's Link Arrow, it cannot be destroyed by battle nor be targeted with card effects." She smiled. "Not bad. You set up quite the strong defense, Playmaker."

"It feels kind of weird to get praised by my opponent," Playmaker commented.

"Weird or not, my words are genuine. You may be strong enough to face the Syndicate head-on." The sergeant's eyes narrowed. "But before you meet them, you must face me. And while I will admit that my strength may not be the same as theirs, my experience is far greater than anyone! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed, which lets me draw two cards. Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Spellbook Star Hall! Now, each time a "Spellbook" Spell Card is activated, I place one Spell Counter on this card, and then all Spellcaster monsters I control gain 100 attack points for each Spell Counter on it."

"A Spell Counter Deck?" Playmaker said, bracing himself. "This is going to take a while, isn't it?"

"Yes, so be patient," The sergeant said, taking another card from her hand. "Next, I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook Library of the Crescent. Since I have no "Spellbook" Spell Cards in my Graveyard, I can activate the Spell Card: Spellbook Library of the Crescent. I reveal three different "Spellbook" Spell Cards from my Deck, and then you randomly one of them to my hand. The rest are shuffled back into the Deck."

She took three cards out of her Deck and showed them to Playmaker. "I picked Spellbook of Judgment, Spellbook of Knowledge, and Spellbook of Secrets." She turned them around, mixed them up, then held them up to Playmaker. "Which one?"

Playmaker frowned and looked at the cards. "…The middle card."

"The middle card is Spellbook of Secrets, which I will add to my hand. And Star Hall gains a Spell Counter since I activated a "Spellbook" Spell Card."

Spellbook Star Hall: 0 SC→1 SC

"Next, I'll play the card you gave me," the sergeant said. "Spellbook of Secrets! This card allows me to add one "Spellbook" Spell Card besides Spellbook of Secrets from my Deck to my hand. I add Spellbook of Power to my hand."

Star Hall gained another Spell Counter as she did so.

Spellbook Star Hall: 1 SC→2 SC

"Now I activate the Field Spell Card: The Grand Spellbook Tower!"

The field glowed as a giant white tower emerged behind the Syndicate Sergeant. Playmaker gasped in awe at the Field Spell she played.

"Now, if I have a Spellcaster monster on my field or in my Graveyard during my Standby Phase," the sergeant said. "I can place one "Spellbook" Spell Card in my Graveyard on the bottom of my Deck and draw one card. And like before, Star Hall gains one Spell Counter."

Spellbook Star Hall 2 SC→3 SC

"That tower is massive!" Kolter said through Playmaker's comm, amazed by the structure he saw on his monitor. "Four Spell Cards right off the bat?"

"It's too early to be impressed, Kolter," Playmaker stated.

"And now it's time for my monster," the sergeant said, still not emoting. "I summon Fool of Prophecy!"

A young man with red hair in green and yellow robes appeared carrying a golden staff.

Fool of Prophecy ATK 1600 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"And due to Star Hall's effect, Spellcaster monsters gain 300 attack points!"

Fool of Prophecy ATK 1600→1900

"Furthermore, I activate Fool's effect! Once per turn, I can send one "Spellbook" Spell Card from my Deck to my Graveyard. I send Spellbook of Wisdom to the Graveyard."

"Why would you do that?" Playmaker wondered aloud. "I suppose I'll have to wait to find out, won't I?"

"Of course," the sergeant said. "But you won't have to wait long. I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Power! This card grants a Spellcaster monster on my field 1000 attack points until the End Phase. And since I activated another "Spellbook", Star Hall gains another Spell Counter and makes my Fool even stronger!"

Spellbook Star Hall 3 SC→4 SC

Fool of Prophecy ATK 1900→3000

"3000 attack points?" Playmaker said, his eyes wide with shock.

"Then I'll activate the Equip Spell Card: Rainbow Veil!" The sergeant continued as Fool became shrouded in a rainbow-colored aura. "While this card is in play, any monster battling the equipped monster has its effects negated!"

"That means if you attack Protocol Gardna, you won't have to worry about its effect," Playmaker noted.

"Exactly. Battle!" The sergeant declared. "Fool of Prophecy, attack Protocol Gardna! Foolish Fortune!"

"I activate my Trap Card!" Playmaker declared. "Ground Capture! When you declare an attack, I can halve any battle damage from that attack!"

Soon, a giant stone hand erupted, temporarily stopping Fool of Prophecy's attack. Despite this, the attack eventually destroyed the giant stone hand as Fool swung its staff and struck Gardna, destroying the Link Monster and making Playmaker wince.

Playmaker: 4000→3000 LP

"Ground Capture's second effect activates! Since I took at least 1000 from your attack, I can draw one card from my Deck."

"Since the monster targeted by Spellbook of Power destroyed a monster in battle," the sergeant said. "I can add one "Spellbook" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I add Spellbook of Knowledge to my hand."

She did so, then said, "Now, I will activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Knowledge. I can draw two cards by discarding Spellbook of Life from my hand."

She drew as Star Hall gained a Spell Counter, and Fool gained attack points.

Spellbook Star Hall: 4 SC→5 SC

Fool of Prophecy ATK 3000→3100

"I place two cards face-down," the sergeant said. "That ends my turn."

"Then I guess that means-," Playmaker started before his opponent interrupted him.

"It means the effect of Fool of Prophecy finally activates," she said. "During the End Phase of the turn he used its effect, and I have five or more "Spellbook" Spell Cards with different names in my Graveyard, I can Tribute Fool and Special Summon one Level 5 or higher Dark Spellcaster monster from my Deck."

"What?" Playmaker said, his eyes widening. "Level 5?"

"I summon Emperor of Prophecy!"

A regal man in gold, black, and purple robes appeared in Attack Position and swung a scepter in his right hand.

Emperor of Prophecy ATK 2300→2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 5

Playmaker stared at the monster with wide eyes, then smiled. "Impressive. First, I ended my turn with two Link Monsters, and now you end your turn with a 2800 attack point monster. Let's see if I can destroy your monster. My turn! I draw!"

He looked at his card, then chose a different one. "I summon Flame Bufferlo!"

A black metal bison with flaming horns and a tail appeared.

Flame Bufferlo ATK 1400 DEF 200 LVL: 3

Playmaker raised his right hand. "Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters. I set Honeyboy and Flame Bufferlo in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the top and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Code Talker!"

A warrior in white armor emerged from the portal into the Extra Monster Zone, swinging a white greatsword.

Code Talker ATK 1300 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Flame Bufferlo's effect activates! When it leaves the field, I can discard a Cyberse monster to draw two cards. I discard Latency and draw!" Playmaker glanced at his new cards. Good. "I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon, which lets me Normal Summon a second time this turn. I Normal Summon ROM Cloudia!"

A ram with brown fur and pink horns appeared and bleated.

ROM Cloudia ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"ROM Cloudia's effect activates! I can add a Cyberse monster from my Graveyard to my hand when it is Normal Summoned. I'll add Latency to my hand. And since Latency was added to my hand from the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!"

A small pink mechanical girl, holding a blue hourglass, appeared in Attack Position.

Latency ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Code Talker and ROM Cloudia in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the top, bottom, and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Transcode Talker!"

A warrior in orange armor emerged at the Extra Monster Zone, grabbing a gun from its shoulder.

Transcode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓→

"Transcode Talker's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Arrow. Resurrect, Code Talker!"

The gray warrior reappeared at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Code Talker ATK 1300 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Once again, Code Talker gains 500 attack points for each monster it points to. And when Transcode Talker is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it gain 500 attack points and cannot be targeted by my opponents' card effects."

Code Talker ATK 1300→1800→2300

Transcode Talker ATK 2300→2800

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!"

"What?!" The sergeant gasped. "Three Link Summons in one turn?!"

"The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set Latency and Link-2 Code Talker in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Excode Talker!"

A large green warrior with shields on his wrists emerged from the portal at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Excode Talker ATK 2300→2800 LINK-3 ←↑→

"As Latency was Special Summoned by its effect and used for a Link Summon, I can draw a card. Furthermore, Excode Talker's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can choose unused Main Monster Zones equal to the number of monsters in the Extra Monster Zones and make those zones unusable so long as Excode Talker is on the field. Grasp Zone!"

The Syndicate Sergeant gasped as a green impacted her field, leaving her center-left Main Monster Zone unusable.

"Furthermore, monsters linked to Excode Talker gain 500 attack points and cannot be destroyed by card effects."

Transcode Talker ATK 2800→3300

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Cynet Storm! While this card is on the field, all linked monsters gain 500 attack and defense points, and you can't negate the summoning of Link Monsters."

Transcode Talker ATK 3300→3800

Excode Talker ATK 2800→3300

"Those are some pretty strong monsters," the sergeant commented.

"Got that right," Playmaker replied. "Battle!" PTranscode Talker attacks Emperor of Prophecy! Transcode Finish!"

The cannon on Transcode Talker's back began to unfold into a massive one, which Transcode Talker grabbed and aimed at Emperor before firing a blast.

"I activate the Trap Card: Enchanted Javelin!" The sergeant exclaimed. "Since your monster declared an attack, I gain Life Points equal to its attack points!"

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→7800 LP

The blast of energy struck Emperor, which turned it into particles. As a result, the Syndicate member was slightly pushed back.

Syndicate Sergeant: 7800→6800 LP

"Next, Excode Talker attacks you directly! Excode Close!"

A green holographic claw emerged from Excode Talker's right gauntlet. The Link Monster charged and pierced the sergeant in the chest, making them cry in pain.

Syndicate Sergeant: 6800→3500 LP

"I activate my Trap Card: Shock Draw!" The sergeant announced. "I get to draw a card for every 1000 points of damage I took this turn. I took over 4000 points of damage, so I get to draw four cards!"

Playmaker frowned as his opponent drew their cards. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" The sergeant looked at her card and smiled a small smile. "I summon Amores of Prophecy!"

A green-haired man in tight blue clothes and a blindfold appeared, wielding a bow in his left hand.

Amores of Prophecy ATK 600→1100 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"I activate Amores's effect! Once per turn, I reveal a "Spellbook" Spell Card to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Spellcaster monster from my hand. I reveal Spellbook Organization to Special Summon Strength of Prophecy!"

A young red-haired man in red robes appeared, a big axe in front of him.

Strength of Prophecy ATK 1500→2000 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I activate Strength of Prophecy's effect! Once per turn, I can shuffle a "Spellbook" Spell Card in my Graveyard into my Deck to increase the attack points of one Spellcaster monster on the field by 500 and Level by one. I return Spellbook of Secrets to my Deck and target Amores of Prophecy!"

Amores of Prophecy ATK 1100→1600 LVL: 3→4

Playmaker's eyes narrowed. "Two Level 4 monsters…."

"I overlay my Level 4 Amores of Prophecy and Strength of Prophecy!"

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

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

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

"Symbol of forgiveness and grace, grant me the power to protect my allies! I Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Hope of Prophecy!"

A young woman in her late teens or early twenties emerged from the portal, wearing a white sweater and leggings, with a black cape and hip cape covering the same sweater and leggings, both covered in white designs. The woman wore a white hood over her head, stylized with black markings, and black boots over her feet. A short white wand was in her left hand, topped by a blue crystal wrapped in gold. Her blue eyes blinked as she stood in Attack Position, two yellow lights circling her.

Hope of Prophecy ATK 1700→2200 DEF 1500 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"A Rank 4 Xyz Monster," Playmaker muttered.

"Xyz Monster or not, its attack points are only 2200," Kolter pointed out. "Both your monsters have over 3000 attack points. They'll need more than that."

"Hope of Prophecy's effect! So long as it's on the field, it gains 100 attack points for each face-up Spell Card I control."

Hope of Prophecy ATK 2200→2400

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Spellbook Organization!" The sergeant said. "This card allows me to rearrange the top three cards of my Deck in any order I please. I put the middle on the top, the top on the bottom and the bottom in the middle. Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon, which lets me perform a second Normal Summon this turn. I summon Temperance of Prophecy!"

A human figure in a hooded brown robe and cloak appeared, chalices connected by a chain in its hands.

Temperance of Prophecy ATK 1000→1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"And since I activated another Spellbook, Star Hall gains one Spell Counter!"

Spellbook Star Hall: 5 SC→6 SC

Temperance of Prophecy ATK 1500→1600

Hope of Prophecy ATK 2400→2500

"Temperance's effect! As I activated a "Spellbook" Spell Card earlier this turn, I can Tribute Temperance to Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Light or Dark Spellcaster monster from my Deck!"

Playmaker's eyes widened. "What?"

The hooded human disappeared. "I Special Summon High Priestess of Prophecy!"

A pink-haired woman in white robes covered in bright green circles appeared in Attack Position.

High Priestess of Prophecy ATK 2500→3100 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"The turn I activate Temperance's effect, I cannot Special Summon other monsters," The sergeant continued. "I activate High Priestess's effect! Once per turn, I banish a "Spellbook" Spell Card from my hand or Graveyard to target and destroy one card on the field! I banish Spellbook of Power from my Graveyard to destroy Cynet Storm!"

The woman fired a green energy blast that shattered the Field Spell Card.

Transcode Talker ATK 3800→3300

Excode Talker ATK 3300→2800

"I activate Hope of Prophecy's effect! Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit to send a "Spellbook" Spell Card from my Deck to the Graveyard, then increase its attack points by 600 until my next Standby Phase. I send a second copy of Spellbook Library of the Crescent to the Graveyard!"

Hope of Prophecy ATK 2500→3100 OU: 2→1

Playmaker gritted his teeth. "Now both her monsters are stronger…."

"Battle! High Priestess attacks Excode Talker!"

The woman fired several bolts of green energy that tore through Excode, making Playmaker wince.

Playmaker: 3000→2700 LP

"Since Excode Talker left the field, its effects end, and you're now able to use the Main Monster Zones it blocked," Playmaker pointed out. "Also, Transcode Talker loses its attack boost."

Transcode Talker ATK 3300→2300

"Hope of Prophecy attacks Transcode! Fate's Light!"

The second woman waved her wand again and sent a wave of light at the orange Code Talker as Playmaker gestured to the field.

"I activate my face-down card!" he declared. "The Continuous Trap Card: Overload Anchor! Since your monster attacked while I only control a Link Monster, Transcode Talker isn't destroyed, and the damage is halved!"

The attack struck the warrior, who groaned while Playmaker winced from the pain.

Playmaker: 2700→2300 LP

"Overload Anchor then ends the Battle Phase," Playmaker said, earning a scowl from his opponent.

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

She drew, then said, "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

Playmaker's eyes narrowed. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Trap Card: Recoded Alive! By banishing a Link-3 Cyberse Link Monster from my field or Graveyard, I can Special Summon a "Code Talker" monster from my Extra Deck."

What?" The sergeant gasped. "Another one?'"

"I banish Excode Talker to bring out Shootingcode Talker!"

A warrior in blue armor with wings emerged from the portal at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Shootingcode Talker ATK 2300→2800 LINK-3 ←↑↓

Transcode Talker ATK 2300→2800

"I activate the Spell Card: Cyberse Cache!" Playmaker said. "Since I control a Cyberse monster whose current attack points differ from its original, I draw two cards!" He drew, then played one of them. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Cynet Universe! This card increases the attack points of my Link Monsters by 300!"

Transcode Talker ATK 2800→3100

Shootingcode Talker ATK 2800→3100

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Party!" he continued. "This card applies effects in sequence equal to the amount of Link Monsters I control with different attributes. I have two, so Link Monsters I control gain 500 attack points!"

Transcode Talker ATK 3100→3600

Shootingcode Talker ATK 3100→3600

"Battle! At this point, Shootingcode Talker's effect activates! During this Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker gains additional attacks against your monsters for each monster it points to!"

"What?" The sergeant gasped.

"Shootingcode Talker is linked to Transcode Talker, meaning it can attack your monsters twice!"

The bars on Shootingcode Talker's left arm extended, creating a golden bow.

"Shootingcode Talker attacks High Priestess of Prophecy!"

Shootingcode Talker pulled its string back, creating a blue arrow that it released. The sergeant winced as the blow struck High Priestess, destroying it.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3500→3000 LP

"Shootingcode Talker's effect now makes it lose 400 attack points since you only control one monster."

Shootingcode Talker ATK 3600→3200

"I activate the Trap Card: Reading the Future!" The sergeant declared as the card showed a cloaked figure with several Tarot cards distributed on a wooden table, two glowing. "When a Level or Rank 5 or higher "Prophecy" monster is destroyed by battle, I can add one "Prophecy" and "Spellbook" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand! I add Reaper of Prophecy and Spellbook of Eternity to my hand!"

Playmaker narrowed his eyes but still gestured to his field. "The second attack! Shootingcode Talker attacks Hope of Prophecy! Shooting Complete!"

Shootingcode Talker let loose a third arrow, destroying Hope and knocking the Syndicate member onto her back.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3000→2500 LP

"Lastly, Transcode Talker attacks you directly! Transcode Finish!"

The cannon on Transcode Talker's back began to unfold into a massive one, which Transcode Talker grabbed and aimed at the sergeant before firing a blast.

"I activate the Trap Card: Offensive Guard! Since your monster declared a direct attack, not only can I halve its attack points until the End Phase, but I also get to draw a card!"

Offensive Guard fired a blast that hit Transcode, temporarily siphoning it of its strength.

Transcode Talker ATK 3600→1800

The blast hit the Syndicate member in the chest, pushing them back several feet. Afterward, she drew a card.

Syndicate Sergeant: 2500→700 LP

Transcode Talker ATK 1800→3600

"At the end of the Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker's effect lets me draw cards equal to the number of monsters it destroyed this turn. It destroyed two, so I get to draw two cards."

The sergeant gritted her teeth. "That card gets multiple attacks and lets you draw? Just how broken is your Deck?!"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters!" Playmaker continued. "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 Spellbook Star Hall and Grand Spellbook Tower!"

As Playmaker discarded a card from his hand, two twisters emerged from Twin Twisters, destroying Conductor and Shady Deal.

"I may have lost my cards, but both of them have effects that trigger when destroyed by your effects," The sergeant revealed. "When Star Hall is destroyed, I can add a Spellcaster monster from my Deck to my hand, so long as its Level is less than or equal to the number of Spell Counters on Star Hall. I'll add Sage Magician to my hand. And when The Grand Spellbook Tower is destroyed, I can Special Summon a Spellcaster monster from my hand or Deck whose Level is equal to or less than the number of "Spellbook" Spell Cards in my Graveyard. I Special Summon Justice of Prophecy!"

A woman in green robes appeared on her field, carrying a short silver sword and golden scales.

Justice of Prophecy ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Due to the effect of the discarded Cards of Compensation, I get to draw cards. I place a card face-down and end my turn," Playmaker concluded. "Which means Transcode's attack points revert to normal."

Transcode Talker ATK 1800→3600

"Then it's my turn! I draw!" The sergeant drew her card, then played a different one. "I Tribute Justice of Prophecy to Tribute Summon Reaper of Prophecy!"

Justice vanished as a young woman dressed in a dark cloak and hood, with a skull design on her torso right above her waist, and holding a large scythe appeared. She looked at Playmaker and his monsters with a silent, emotionless expression.

Reaper of Prophecy ATK 2000 DEF 1600 LVL: 6

"Reaper of Prophecy has three effects based on the number of "Spellbook" Spell Cards in my Graveyard," The sergeant explained, "Since I have at least three, Reaper gains 600 attack points."

Reaper of Prophecy ATK 2000→2600

"Then, I get to add another "Spellbook" Spell Card to my hand, the sergeant continued. "I add Spellbook of Fate. And third, I get to Special Summon a Dark Spellcaster monster from my Deck. Come forth, Cosmo Queen!"

A tall, purple-skinned woman dressed in a red and black striped cloak appeared in Attack Position. Atop its head was a gigantic gold crown.

Cosmo Queen ATK 2900 DEF 2450 LVL: 8

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Solidarity! So long as I have monsters of the same Type in my Graveyard, all monsters of that Type I control gain 800 attack points!"

Reaper of Prophecy ATK 2600→3400

Cosmo Queen ATK 2900→3700

"I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Eternity! It lets me add a banished "Spellbook" Spell Card to my hand. I add the banished Spellbook of Power to my hand, which I'll activate and target Cosmo Queen!"

Cosmo Queen ATK 3700→4700

"And my move isn't finished yet. I activate the Equip Spell Card: One-Shot Wand and equip it to Reaper of Prophecy!" Reaper's scythe became a staff with a boomerang attached to the end. "When this card is equipped to a Spellcaster, that monster gains 800 attack points!"

Reaper of Prophecy ATK 3400→4200

"If I destroy Shootingcode Talker, you'll just bring it back with Transcode Talker's effect," The sergeant reasoned. "So I'll take out the latter! Battle! Cosmo Queen attacks Transcode Talker! Cosmic Nova!"

Cosmo Queen's eyes glowed as she put her hands together. A pulse of energy resembling a miniature galaxy appeared, and she shot the pulse forward in a blast of dark energy at Transcode Talker, making it explode. Playmaker grunted as the shockwave hit him.

Playmaker: 2300→1200 LP

Playmaker frowned. "Since Transcode Talker left the field, Shootingcode Talker loses 500 attack points."

Shootingcode Talker ATK 3600→3100

"Since Cosmo Queen destroyed your monster, Spellbook of Power's effect lets me add a "Spellbook" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand." The sergeant took the card, then revealed it. "I add Spellbook of the Master. Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Spellbook of Fate! Since I control a Spellcaster monster, I can banish up to three "Spellbook" Spell Cards from my Graveyard, then apply an effect depending on how many cards I banished. I banish Spellbook of Power, Spellbook of the Crescent Library, and Spellbook of Knowledge to activate its third effect and banish one card you control!"

Playmaker's eyes widened. "Banish a card I control!?"

"I banish Shootingcode Talker!"

Playmaker gritted his teeth as his Link Monster vanished.

"Reaper of Prophecy now attacks you directly!"

The hooded figure charged at Playmaker and raised its scythe. Playmaker gestured to his field.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Spool Code!" he declared, surprising his opponent. "When your monster attacks directly while I have three or more Cyberse monsters in my Graveyard, that attack is negated!"

A blue barrier appeared and blocked Reaper's attack.

"After the attack ends, I can Special Summon three Spool Tokens in Defense Position!"

Three blue disks with white centers appeared on his field.

Spool Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 3

The sergeant smirked playfully. "Not bad. I figured you had some trap waiting, but I wasn't expecting this. I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Decree!" The card showed Strength of Prophecy with an opened Spellbook, blasting green-colored fireballs at Crimson Mefist. "For every Spellcaster I control, my opponent takes 400 points of damage! With two, that's 800 points of damage!"

Two beams of light erupted from the Spell, each striking Playmaker and making him grunt in pain.

Playmaker: 1200→400 LP

"I activate One-Shot Wand's effect!" The sergeant continued. "Since the equipped monster attacked, I can destroy One-Shot Wand to draw a card!"

Reaper's scythe reappeared as the Syndicate member drew.

Reaper of Prophecy ATK 4200→3400

"I place a card face-down and end my turn, meaning Spellbook of Power's effect ends."

Cosmo Queen ATK 4700→3700

"My turn! I draw!" Glancing at his new card, Playmaker turned his gaze to his Spool Tokens. Time to teach this Syndicate member a thing or two when summoning monsters.

"First, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cynet Codec!" Playmaker declared before he pointed to the sky. "Appear! The circuit that leads to the future!" The Link portal materialized above him. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set three Spool Tokens in the Link Arrows!"

His tokens entered the top, bottom, and bottom-right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Encode Talker!"

A warrior in light blue armor wielding a shield in its right hand emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Encode Talker ATK 2300→2600 LINK-3 ↑↓↘

"Cynet Codec's effect activates! Since a "Code Talker" monster was Special Summoned from my Extra Deck, I can add a Cyberse monster with the same Attribute as that monster from my Deck to my hand." Playmaker took a card from his Deck and held it before him. "I add Salvagent Driver. Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket and target Encode Talker with its effect! I now draw cards equal to Encode Talker's Link Rating and then send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard. Encode is Link-3, so I draw three cards and send three cards to the Graveyard."

Playmaker drew three cards and then sent three cards from his Deck to the Graveyard.

"Next, I activate Backup Operator's effect from my hand! By returning a face-up monster linked to my Link Monster to the hand, I can Special Summon this card!"

The sergeant blinked. "But you don't have any other monsters besides Encode Talker!"

"Yes. I don't. But you do." The sergeant's eyes widened as he checked her Duel Disk. Yes. Cosmo Queen was at Encode Talker's top Link Arrow. "I return Cosmo Queen to your hand to Special Summon Backup Operator!"

Cosmo Queen, then a woman with long pink hair in a purple and white jumpsuit sitting on a white chair appeared, summoned to Encode Talker's bottom-right Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Backup Operator ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"I was able to bring my monster out because of yours," Playmaker said.

The sergeant gritted her teeth before giving a reluctant smile. "Well, I have to admit, that was rather clever. Taking advantage of my monster like that."

"There's still more to come! I summon Clock Wyvern!"

A purple and blue mechanical dragon appeared.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Clock Wyvern's effect activates! When it's summoned, I can halve its attack points to Special Summon a Clock Token!"

A cluster of purple crystals appeared in Attack Position.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800→900

Clock Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Now he has three monsters…." The sergeant muttered.

"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning condition is one Level 1 monster. I set Clock Token in the Link Arrow!"

His monster entered the bottom arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Linkuriboh!" A small blue monster emerged from the portal at the Encode Talker's bottom Link Arrow and started cooing.

Linkuriboh ATK 300→600 LINK-1 ↓

"Appear again! The circuit that leads to the future!" The Link portal reappeared. "The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters. I set Linkuriboh and Clock Wyvern in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the top and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Pentestag!"

A black mechanical beetle with blue lines running up its body and purple and yellow sections on its pincers emerged, summoned to Encode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Pentestag ATK 1600→1900 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Appear for a fourth time! The circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Backup Operator and Link-2 Pentestag in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Decode Talker!"

The warrior in blue armor carrying a giant purple sword appeared, summoned to Encode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Decode Talker ATK 2300→2600 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Cynet Codec's effect activates! I add the Dark Attribute Suppression Collider from my Deck to my hand. Furthermore, Decode Talker's effect activates! For every monster at its Link Arrows, it gains 500 attack points! Power Integration!"

Decode Talker ATK 2600→3100

"Battle! Decode Talker attacks Reaper of Prophecy!"

"What?!" The sergeant said, her eyes wide as Decode Talker charged at her monster. "Are you trying to self-destruct?!" Unbeknownst to her, Kolter smirked as he realized what Playmaker was doing.

"Encode Talker's effect activates!" Playmaker declared. "When my monster linked to Encode battles a monster with higher attack points, that monster isn't destroyed and battle damage becomes 0!"

Decode Talker's sword clashed against Reaper's scythe, but neither monster was destroyed.

"Then, after the battle ends, Encode Talker or a monster at its Link Arrow gains attack points equal to your monster's attack points."

"What?"

"I grant Reaper's 3400 attack points to Encode Talker!"

Encode Talker ATK 2600→6000

"6-6000 attack points?" The sergeant said, her eyes wide.

"Go, Encode Talker! Final Encode!"

A sword appeared from Encode Talker's shield as it charged at Reaper of Prophecy. It charged past it as it slashed it, causing a massive explosion that obscured the Syndicate member's field.

"Yes!" Kolter cheered. "Way to go, Yusaku!"

Playmaker watched the smoke silently, then his eyes widened. His opponent was still standing, her Life Points still intact.

"How did you survive my attack?" Playmaker asked.

"Before your attack connected, I activated the Trap Card: Mage's Discernment!" The card depicted Crusader of Endymion conjuring a set of magic circles to shield himself from a bright beam of yellow light. "Since I have a Normal Spell Card in my Graveyard, the damage I would take from this battle is negated!"

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "I end my turn. And during the End Phase, Encode Talker's attack points return to normal."

Encode Talker ATK 6000→2600

"My turn! I draw!" The sergeant announced. "Alright, time to stop holding back, you annoying pest. I discard Sage Magician to activate its effect!" The monster on the card was an old man wearing a worn-out magician's robe and holding a wooden staff surrounded by several hovering books amid a library. "By sending the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard, I can add a Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I add the Spell Card: Magicalized Fusion, which I'll activate! This card lets me Fusion Summon one Spellcaster Fusion monster from my Extra Deck by banishing monsters from my field or Graveyard! I'll let you in on a little secret, Playmaker. For this Fusion Monster, I need to banish five Spellcaster monsters."

"Five?!" Playmaker exclaimed.

"From my Graveyard, I banish Hope of Prophecy, Emperor of Prophecy, High Priestess of Prophecy, Reaper of Prophecy, and Sage Magician!"

All five monsters materialized on the field. They separated into red, blue, green, orange, and yellow energy particles and swirled into a vortex. Five twisters then shot upward and merged into a violet tornado.

"Five souls will open the path to the pinnacle of magic! Grace the world with your sublime form, ruler of magicians! I Fusion Summon! Show yourself! Quintet Magician!"

A magician in extravagant blue and green robes, with an ornate staff in his right hand and surrounded by five magic circles, appeared on the Syndicate Sergeant's field in Attack Position.

Quintet Magician ATK 4500→5300 DEF 4500 LVL: 12

"A Level 12 Fusion Monster with 4500 attack points!?" Kolter said in shock.

"Quintet Magician's effect activates! When he's Fusion Summoned using five Spellcaster monsters with different names, I can destroy all cards you control! Grand Magic!"

Quintet Magician spun the ornate staff in his hand before he pointed it at Playmaker, causing the dark magical circles to spread themselves out and surround his field. Several arcane blasts shot out of the dark magical circles, destroying Encode Talker, Decode Talker, Cynet Codec, and Cynet Universe. When the barrage died down, Playmaker's field was left bare.

"Not bad," Playmaker said. "But not good enough. Since a card effect destroyed a Cyberse Link Monster I control, I can Special Summon Salvagent Driver from my hand!"

Following Playmaker's words, a humanoid in yellow mechanical armor driving a motorcycle appeared in Defense Position.

Salvagent Driver ATK 2200 DEF 2100 LVL: 6

"In that case, I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of the Master!" The sergeant declared. "When I control a Spellcaster monster, I can reveal a "Spellbook" card in my hand to target a "Spellbook" Normal Spell Card in my Graveyard and activate its effects as Spellbook of the Master's!"

Playmaker blinked. "An effect that replaces itself with another effect?"

"I reveal Spellbook of Miracles in my hand to target Spellbook of Secrets in my Graveyard. It lets me add a "Spellbook" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I add another copy of Spellbook of Fate, which I'll activate! Through its effect, I banish Spellbook of Decree, Master and Eternity to banish Salvagent Driver!"

Following her words, Salvagent Driver disappeared from Playmaker's field.

The sergeant gestured to her field. "Battle! Quintet Magician attacks you directly! Mystical Pentagram!"

Quintet Magician spun the ornate staff in his hand before firing a pentagram-shaped magical blast at Playmaker, who remained calm as he took a card from his hand. "I activate the Trap Card: Firewall Shield from my hand!"

"From your hand!?" The Syndicate member shouted, surprised as the card appeared. It showed Firewall Dragon and Security Dragon, their wings curved in front of them. "You can't do that!"

"I can since I control no monsters," Playmaker revealed. "By paying half my Life Points, I take no damage from this attack by paying half of my Life Points!"

Playmaker winced as his Life Points were halved but was shielded from Quintet Magician's attack.

Playmaker: 400→200 LP

"Firewall Shield then lets me add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Widget Kid to my hand."

The sergeant narrowed her eyes. "That was a clever way to evade my attack.

The sergeant gritted her teeth. "I end my turn," she said grudgingly.

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker drew and narrowed his eyes at what he got. "I summon Widget Kid!"

A boy in a blue jumpsuit wielding a toy blaster appeared.

Widget Kid ATK 1500 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Widget Kid's effect! I can Special Summon a Cyberse monster from my hand in Defense Position. I Special Summon Suppression Collider!"

A white-haired man in green and yellow armor appeared, swinging a hammer as large as him.

Suppression Collider ATK 2800 DEF 2600 LVL: 8

"Furthermore, I activate the effect of Dual Assembwurm in the Graveyard! I banish Backup Operator and Link Infra-Flier from my Graveyard to Special Summon it with its attack points halved!"

A large red and blue mechanical dragon reappeared in Attack Position.

Dual Assembwurm ATK 2800→1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 8

"Dual Assembwurm..." The sergeant muttered before it hit her. "That's one of the cards you sent to the Graveyard with Link Treasure Ticket."

"That's right, and it will be one of many cards leading to your defeat," Playmaker confirmed. "Since I control two or more monsters of the same Type, I can Special Summon Cyberse White Hat!"

A cowboy in a white coat and hat appeared in Attack Position.

Cyberse White Hat ATK 1800 DEF 2400 LVL: 6

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!" The Link Portal appeared above Playmaker. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse Effect monsters. I set Widget Kid, Cyberse White Hat, and Dual Assembwurm in the Link Arrows!"

Playmaker's three monsters entered the top, bottom, and left arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Incode Talker!"

The warrior in silver with pitch-black skin and neon red highlights wearing a red clock and wielding a scythe appeared on Playmaker's field in the Extra Monster Zone.

Incode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ←↑↓

"Cyberse White Hat's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon, all your monsters lose 1000 attack points until the end of the turn!"

"What!?" The sergeant gasped as Quintet Magician became weaker.

Quintet Magician ATK 5300→4300

"I activate Incode Talker's effect!" Playmaker continued. "By destroying Suppression Collider, which is currently linked to it, Incode Talker gains its attack points until this turn's End Phase! Circuit Break!"

Degrade Buster disintegrated, and its particles flew to Incode Talker's scythe, which glowed with silver light.

Incode Talker ATK 2300→5100

"The difference between our monsters' attack points is 800," the sergeant stated. "I won't survive this next attack.

"Battle!" Playmaker declared. "Incode Talker, attack Quintet Magician! Last Incode!"

The scythe-holding knight leaped into the air as it raised its weapon. Incode Talker swung its scythe down, cutting Quintet Magician in two, making the monster explode. The shockwave traveled past the explosion and struck the sergeant, sending her flying.

Syndicate Sergeant: 700→0 LP

The Syndicate member hit the ground and was left there groaning. Playmaker soon approached her.

Playmaker kneeled next to the sergeant. "Tell me everything you know about the Syndicate," he said.

The sergeant turned away from Playmaker as she said began disintegrating, "There's no point in talking if I'm not here."

"Don't worry," Playmaker said. "You're not going anywhere."

Playmaker pressed a button on his Duel Disk. A green light emerged from it and entered the Syndicate member's body. She gasped as her body stopped disintegrating.

"Tell me everything you know about the Syndicate…or else."

Meanwhile, in another area of LINK VRAINS…

"I wonder if Sanctum and Esper are alright. I shouldn't have listened to Playmaker when he asked me to go on ahead and leave those Syndicate soldiers to him. Even though he will not be taken down so easily, I still feel bad about this…."

Storm Rider murmured as he walked forward, wary of concealed traps or ambushes. Suddenly, a gust of wind burst behind him, giving him a scare as he stopped walking.

"Whoever's out there, show yourself!"

"Making demands now?" a familiar voice said. "My, my. You're in no position to be doing that."

Storm Rider gasped as a man in a black high-collared shirt under a white, golden vest appeared from around the corner. He also wore a black necktie, a black jacket with white and golden trims, a golden ring on each of his fingers, a black belt with a golden ornament on its front, white pants and black shoes with dark gray soles.

He immediately widened his eyes upon looking at his face. "It's you! So you finally decide to come out of hiding?"

"Don't kid yourself, the sergeant said. "I just wanted to give you a break from walking."

"Normally, I'd thank you for being so considerate, but I rather get rid of you as quickly as possible."

"I see you're not only impetuous but arrogant as well," "The sergeant remarked. Your track record gives you the right to act in such a manner. Still, you would be wise not to underestimate me. My skills are on a different level."

"Then I guess it's a good thing that I'm no pushover either," Storm Rider said as the two duelists activated their Duel Disks. "Let's do this!"

"Duel!" they shouted.

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," The sergeant declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Chaos Space! By discarding a Light or Dark monster, I can add a monster with a Level between 4 and 8 from my Deck to my hand." He discarded a card, then took another one from his Deck. "I activate Eclipse Wyvern's effect from my Graveyard! Since I sent it there, I can banish a Level 7 or higher Light or Dark Dragon-Type monster from my Deck. I banish The Bystial Lubellion. Next, I summon Starliege Seyfret!"

Starliege Seyfret ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

He gestured to his field. "I activate Starliege Seyfret's effect! I can send as many Dragon monsters from either my hand or field to add a Dragon monster from my Deck whose Level is equal or less to the total Level of the discarded monsters. I discard Bystial Saronir to add Bystial Magnamut. And since Saronir was sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates, letting me send a "Bystial" monster or a "Branded" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Branded Regained to the Graveyard!"

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "He sent another card to the Graveyard," he muttered.

"Next, by banishing the Light-Attribute Eclipse Wyvern from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Bystial Magnamut!"

At the sergeant's command, a large red-black dragon with large gauntlets on its wrists and chains on its body appeared in Attack Position.

Bystial Magnamut ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"Eclipse Wyvern's second effect activates! When it's banished, I'm allowed to add the monster I banished through its effect to my hand," The sergeant said. "I add Lubellion back to my hand. Lastly, I place two cards face-down and end my turn. At this moment, Magnamut's effect activates! During the End Phase, I can add a Dragon monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Interplanetarypurplythorny Dragon."

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw!"

What is that guy planning? Storm Rider wondered while checking his hand. His opponent may have set a nice field for his first turn but seemed more interested in sending cards to the Graveyard to trigger their effects. That's important...

"I can see it." The sergeant abruptly said, startling Storm Rider. "Your mind is working overtime to figure out my strategy. Rest assured that all will be revealed to you in good time. Whether you'll have the power to stand up to what's coming next… remains to be seen."

"Aren't you one cool customer," Storm Rider remarked upon seeing Amon's relaxed and confident attitude. "In that case, let's see how you plan on withstanding this! Since you control a monster and I don't, I'm allowed to Special Summon Cycode Recon from my hand!"

A human-sized robot appeared wielding a marksman rifle and wearing light military gear.

Cycode Recon ATK 1200 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Since Recon was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I add Cycode Updater to my hand. Now I'll create my circuit!"

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

"Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster! I set Cycode Recon 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 ↙

"Since I used Recon as Link Material for the summoning of a "Cycode" Link Monster, I'm allowed to add a "Cycode" Spell or Trap to my hand."

A card ejected from his Deck as he grabbed it and placed it in his hand. "Next, I activate the effect of the Cycode Updater in my hand!" Storm Rider declared. "I can Special Summon this card to a "Cycode" Link Monster's Link Arrow!"

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

Cycode Updater ATK 1900 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

Four human-sized robots with light military gear with red crosses on their chests appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Rescue Unit ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Rescue Unit's effect activates! "When it's Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I choose Cycode Recon. "Now, I'll build my circuit again!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse Effect Monsters. I set Cycode Rescue Unit and Kuriboh in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy before entering the left and bottom arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Buster!"

A male humanoid wearing a digital-like energy trench coat wielding a rifle-like energy blaster appeared, summoned to Cycode Kuriboh's Link Arrow.

Cycode Buster ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←↓

"Cycode Buster's effect activates! When Link Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to its Link Arrow. Resurrect, Cycode Kuriboh!"

Kuribog reappeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Kuriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

"The monster Special Summoned by Cycode Buster's effect has its effects negated," Storm Rider stated. "I build my circuit for the third time!" The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider again as his hand glowed blue. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Cycode Kuriboh and Updater in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the bottom and right arrows, turning red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Leo!"

A large, white fur-like digital lion with a blue circuit pattern lining across its body with blue fangs and claws appeared next to Cycode Buster's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Leo ATK 2100 LINK-2 ↑↓

"He summoned three Link Monsters in one turn," The sergeant muttered.

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Buster attacks Starliege Seyfret! And at this moment, Cycode Leo's effect activates! Since Cycode Buster is next to Leo's Link Arrow, she gains 1000 more attack points, but since the two are co-linked, they both gain 1000 attack points!"

"What?!" The sergeant gasped.

Cycode Buster ATK 1800→2800

Cycode Leo ATK 2100→3100

"Before your attack connects, I activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet!" The sergeant exclaimed. "Thanks to it, all damage I take is halved for the rest of the turn!"

Buster aimed its rifle and shot multiple energy bullets at the small dragon, blowing it away.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→3500 LP

"Next, Cycode Leo attacks Bystial Magnamut!"

Leo growled as it let out a blue energy blast from its mouth at Magmut, destroying it and sending the Syndicate member skidding backwards.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3500→3200 LP

"I activate Interplanetarypurplythorny Dragon's effect from my hand!" The sergeant announced, holding up a card. "Since you destroyed a monster I controlled, I can Special Summon this monster!"

A purple light flashed out of nowhere as a large, purple, alien-like dragon stood on all fours. It had a blue furry mane that moved like wildfire along its back, and its purple wings were so thin that they could double for giant thorns.

Interplanetarypurplythorny Dragon ATK 2200 DEF 1100 LVL: 5

"That monster's name sure is a mouthful," Storm Rider stated.

"Say what you like. I think it's cool," the sergeant replied. "Furthermore, I activate Trap Card: Card of Last Will! Through its effect, since you destroyed my monster, I draw until I have five cards in my hand!"

Following his words, the sergeant proceeded to draw four new cards.

"So he refilled his hand, huh…?" Storm Rider muttered. "Since we've reached the end of the Battle Phase, Cycode Leo's effect wears off."

Cycode Leo ATK 3100→2100

Cycode Buster ATK 2800→1800

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"At this moment, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Branded Beast! Thanks to its effect, I can target a "Branded" Spell or Trap Card in my Graveyard and place it face-up on my field. I choose the Continuous Spell Card: Branded Regained!"

The Continuous Spell appeared as Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. So that's why he sent it to the Graveyard.

"Then, it's my turn!" The sergeant announced. "I draw! First, since you control a monster with at least 2000 attack points, I can Special Summon Schwarzschild Limit Dragon!"

A brown, serpentine dragon with an orange underside appeared before them, twisting itself into an infinity symbol.

Schwarzchild Limit Dragon ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 8

"Next, I banish the Light Starliege Seyfret and the Dark Bystial Magnamut to Special Summon Lightpulsar Dragon from my hand!"

A portal opened above, and a large dragon with bluish-white scales appeared. It stood on its two legs, stretched out its large wings and let out a powerful roar as another flare flashed on its chest.

Lightpulsar Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 1500 LVL: 6

"Branded Regained's effect activates!" The sergeant exclaimed. "Whenever a Light or Dark monster is banished, I can return it to the bottom of my Deck to draw a card. I return Bystial Magnamut!"

"Storm Rider gritted his teeth. "Great. Now he's recycling his cards."

"The real deal starts from here." The sergeant let out a sly smile. "By Tributing the Level 6 Dark Schwarzchild Limit Dragon, I can Special Summon The Bystial Lubellion from my hand!"

Schwarzchild vanished as a massive monster with dragonic features and white scales, which covered its arms, legs and wings, appeared on the sergeant's field, howling loudly.

The Bystial Lubellion ATK 2500 DEF 3000 LVL: 8

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at the monster. "So this must be his ace monster? But even so, my monsters are still stronger!"

The sergeant narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider and smirked. "You're pretty confident. Why don't I change that?" He gestured to his field. "I activate Branded Beast's effect! Since I control a "Bystial" monster, I can Tribute a Dragon monster I control to destroy a card on your field!"

"What!?"

"I Tribute Interplanetarypurplythorny Dragon to destroy Cycode Leo!"

The dragon covered in thorns burst into particles before transforming into a dark ball of energy, which then crashed into Leo, destroying it.

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Solidarity! So long as I have monsters of the same Type in my Graveyard, all monsters of that Type I control gain 800 attack points!"

Lightpulsar Dragon ATK 2500→3300

The Bystial Lubellion ATK 2500→3300

"Battle! Lightpulsar Dragon attacks Cycode Buster!"

Lightpulsar released a giant ball of white flare from its chest at the Cycode Link Monster, destroying it and making Storm Rider wince.

Storm Rider: 4000→2500 LP

"Your turn, Lubellion! Attack Storm Rider directly! Imperial Turbulence!"

Golden energy gathered in both the dragon's mouth before firing it at Storm Rider, who gestured to his field.

"I activate the Trap Card: Cycode Suppression!" The card showed Cycode Prisoner in chains in the dungeon's center, with several guards pointing rifles at it. "By banishing a "Cyspirit" monster from the Graveyard, the damage is reduced by that monster's attack points. I banish Cycode Leo to reduce the damage by 2100!"

The blast struck Storm Rider, making him cry out again.

Storm Rider: 2500→1300 LP

"I activate my Trap Card!" Storm Rider declared. "Cyberse Beacon! Since I took battle or effect damage, I can add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cycode Masterframe to my hand."

"Add all the cards you want because, in the end, I'll be the winner of this duel," The sergeant said. "I place a card face-down and my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his cards and thought, Time for a comeback.

"First, I set one card," he said. "Then, I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Mining! By discarding one card, I add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand." He discarded a card and then took another one from his Deck. "Since I control no monsters and you do, I can Special Summon Cycode Recon!"

The human-sized robot holding a rifle reappeared.

Cycode Recon ATK 1200 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"And thanks to its effect, I can add Cycode Strider from my Deck to my hand. 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 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my hand. Come on out, Cycode Strider!"

The 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

"And when Strider's Special Summoned, its effect activates! I check the top card of my Deck, and if it's a monster, I get to summon it. Draw!"

He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile.

"I drew Cycode Acrobat, which means I can summon it!"

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

Cycode Acrobat ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"Acrobat's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by a "Cycode" card's effect, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cycode Prisoner to my hand. Now, I'll create my circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 or higher "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Recon and Masterframe in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters turned into blue energy and entered the top and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cycode Striker!"

A male humanoid, wearing a light energy brown, yellow trimmed digital-like martial arts' Gi outfit with armored legs, appeared from the portal. He had light blue hair made out of digital energy and a long digital yellow scarf as he was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Striker ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"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, I summon Cycode Prisoner!"

A cyborg in a white-and-blue prisoner's uniform with a single red eye appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Prisoner ATK 1600 DEF 2100 LVL: 5

"Cycode Prisoner can be Special Summoned if there is a Cyberse Link Monster on the field." Storm Rider gestured to the sky. "Appear, my circuit!" The Link portal manifested as his hand glowed blue. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more non-Token monsters. I set Cycode Strider, Acrobat and Prison in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Wizard!"

A man in a dark brown and silver gentleman-like suit emerged from the portal. He had black and white clothes wrapped around his shoulders and waist and a blue top hat on his head. The man wielded an energy cane in his left hand, summoned to Cycode Striker's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Wizard ATK 2200 LINK-3 ←↑→

The sergeant narrowed his eyes. "He summoned a Link-3 monster," he muttered.

"Striker's effect activates! All monsters you control lose 300 attack points for each monster it points to!"

Lightpulsar Dragon ATK 3300→3000

The Bystial Lubellion ATK 3300→3000

"Since Prisoner was used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can add one "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand. I add Cycode Swordsman. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Storm!" The card showed a humanoid figure in a hi-tech teal jumpsuit with five white energy funnels on its back and legs wrapped around a utility pole, electrocuting by lightning striking the pole. "For every "Cycode" Link Monster I control, I can destroy one Spell or Trap Card on the field. I'll destroy Solidarity and Branded Beast!"

The sergeant watched as his Continuous Spell and Continuous Trap Card shattered.

"With Solidarity no longer on your field, your monsters lose 800 attack points," Storm Rider pointed out.

Lightpulsar Dragon ATK 3000→2200

The Bystial Lubellion ATK 3000→2200

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket and target Cycode Wizard! I now draw cards equal to its Link Rating and then send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard. I draw two cards and send two to the Graveyard." Storm Rider drew, then sent Cynet Regression, Link Back and an unknown Monster Card to the Graveyard.

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Code Matrix!" Storm Rider continued as the card showed Cycode Buster and Cycode Striker gaining energy from the digital area around them. "During my Battle Phase only, all my Cyberse Link Monsters gain 1000 attack points."

"Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Wizard attacks Bystial Lubellion! Cycode Catastrophe!"

The wizard roared as it swung its staff.

"At this point, Matrix's effect activates, increasing the attack points of all my Cyberse Link Monsters by 1000!"

Cycode Wizard ATK 2200→3200

Cycode Striker ATK 2000→3000

The sergeant smirked as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Storming Mirror Force! When your monster declares an attack, all Attack Position monsters you control return to the hand!"

"I think not!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Arrow Break! I can activate this card the turn I set it if I control a Link 3 or higher monster. And since you activated a Trap Card while I control a Link Monster, that Trap Card's activation is negated and destroyed!"

The sergeant gasped as Storming Mirror Force disintegrated. "Continue your attack, Cycode Wizard!"

Cycode Wizard swung its staff and formed a blue magic circle. Cycode Wizard blasted Lubellion with blue energy, making the sergeant wince.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3200→2200 LP

"Next, Cycode Striker attacks Lightpulsar Dragon!"

Cycode Striker struck Lightpulsar with a powerful kick that caused the dragon to explode.

Syndicate Sergeant: 2200→1400 LP

"Cycode Wizard's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "Since a monster co-linked to it inflicted battle damage, I gain Life Points equal to double that damage!"

Cycode Wizard aimed its staff at Storm Rider and emitted a light down on him.

Storm Rider: 1200→2800 LP

"Lightpulsar Dragon's effect activates!" The sergeant declared. "When it's sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Dark Dragon from my Graveyard! Return in Defense Position, Interplanetarypurplythorny Dragon!"

Interplanetarypurplythorny Dragon ATK 2200→1900 DEF 1100 LVL: 5

"Since we've reached the end of the Battle Phase, Code Matrix's effect wears off," Storm Rider stated.

Cycode Wizard ATK 3200→2200

Cycode Striker ATK 3000→2000

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

"It's my turn!" The sergeant announced. "I draw! Since you decided to go all out, let me respond similarly. I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity! It allows me to draw three cards at the cost of discarding two."

He drew three cards, then discarded Cards of Compensation and Samsara Dragon.

"Card of Compensation's effect activates! I get to draw two cards as I sent it from my hand to the Graveyard." Sanctum drew her cards, then said, "I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two more cards. Next, by banishing Samsara Dragon, I can Special Summon a Dragon from my Graveyard. Return, Lightpulsar Dragon!"

Lightpulsar Dragon ATK 2500→2200 DEF 1500 LVL: 6

"Branded Regained's effect activates!" The sergeant exclaimed. "I return Samsara Dragon to draw a card. Next, I banish Schwarzschild Limit Dragon to Special Summon Bystial Baldrake from my hand!"

A large black dragon with massive claws, wings, and chains around its body appeared in the field in Attack Position.

Bystial Baldrake ATK 2500→2200 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"Following that, I Tribute Interplanetary to Tribute Summon Bystial Druiswurm!"

Taking the purple dragon's place was a large grey and blue dragon with large pink wings and chains around its body.

Bystial Druiswurm ATK 2500→2200 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"And since I summoned it successfully, I can Special Summon Clone Dragon from my hand!"

A small rainbow-colored dragon appeared next to Druiswurm.

Clone Dragon ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"What's with the little technicolor monster?" Storm Rider asked.

"Clueless..." The sergeant scoffed. "Clone Dragon can copy a monster's stats on my field once summoned. And it'll be nice for my Druiswurm to have a clone!"

The dragon scanned the monster with his eyes and then transformed into an exact copy of Bystial Driswurm.

Clone Dragon ATK 0→2500 DEF 0→2000 LVL: 4→6

"Even so, it still loses 300 attack points due to Striker's effect!"

Clone Dragon ATK 2500→2200

"That matters not! I activate Bystial Baldrake's effect! Since you control a Link Monster, I can Tribute a Light or Dark monster I control to banish one of your monsters!"

"What!?" Storm Rider gasped.

"I Tribute my original Driswurm to banish Cycode Striker!"

Storm Rider widened his eyes as Striker and Druiswurm glowed with light and vanished.

"Next, Driswurm's effect activates!" The sergeant continued. "When it's sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can send one Special Summoned monster you control to the Graveyard." Storm Rider's eyes widened. "I send your Cycode Wizard to the Graveyard!"

The Cycode Link Monster vanished at the sergeant's words.

The sergeant gestured to his field. "Battle! Clone Dragon attacks you directly!"

The clone blew out a light energy blast at Storm Rider, but before it hit-.

"I activate the effect of the Cycode Shieldmaiden in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider declared. "By banishing this card from my Graveyard, all monsters you control lose attack points equal to her attack points until the End Phase! Which means all your monsters lose 1800 attack points!"

Clone Dragon ATK 2500→700

Lightpulsar Dragon ATK 2500→700

Bystial Baldrake ATK 2500→700

The sergeant narrowed his eyes. "Even if my monsters are weaker, you'll still take damage!"

The energy blast finally hit Storm Rider, making him wince.

Storm Rider: 2800→2100 LP

"My turn isn't over yet! Both Lightpulsar and Baldrake attack you directly!"

The two dragons blasted Storm Rider with golden and purple energy beams, striking him and pushing him back several feet.

Storm Rider: 2100→700 LP

"Not bad, Storm Rider." The sergeant praised his opponent. "Of course, I expected you to be capable of at least that much. I place two cards face-down and end my turn. So, is my Deck's power too much for you? I hope you don't feel overwhelmed because the worst is yet."

"The situation is a bit too hot even for my tastes, but it's nothing I can't tackle," Storm Rider spoke confidently. "No matter how many monsters you bring out, I'll keep beating them into submission and force them to stay down. My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his card, then played it. "Since you control monsters and I do not, I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman!"

The man in cybernetic armor wielding two swords appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Swordsman's effect activates! When summoned by its effect, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand." Storm Rider took a card from his Deck, then played it. "I summon Cycode Dancer!"

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

Cycode Dancer ATK 1000 DEF 200 LVL: 2

"Since Dancer was Normal Summoned while I control a "Cycode" monster from my hand or Deck with its effects negated." A card popped out of his Deck, which he took and placed on his Duel Disk. "I summon Cycode Kid!"

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

Cycode Kid ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"I now create my circuit!"

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 Dancer, Swordsman and Kid 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 monster that resembles Gaia the Fierce Knight, but his body is merged with a robotic horse with digital wings, appeared in the Extra Monster Zone. He wielded digital energy light brown lances.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

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

"What!?" The sergeant gasped.

"I choose to banish Lightpulsar Dragon."

A portal to a different dimension opened up underneath Lightpulsar, dragging it down.

"Furthermore, 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 lances at the two dragons, but the Syndicate member wasn't worried.

"I'm sorry, but that won't work! I activate the Trap Card: Breakthrough Skill! I target your Effect Monster and negate its effects until the end of the turn! I target Gaia Charger!" Storm Rider grit his teeth. "I knew you would summon Gaia Charger. So I prepared for that possibility."

"Even so, since I used Dancer to Link Summon Gaia Charger, my monster gains 600 attack points!"

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600→3200

"Cycode Kid's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "When this card is used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can target and destroy one face-up card on my opponent's field!"

"What?" The sergeant said.

"I destroy Branded Regained!"

The Continuous Spell shattered at Storm Rider's words.

"Battle! Gaia Charger attacks your Bystial Baldrake, and thanks to Matrix's effect, its attack points increase by 1000!"

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 3200→4200

"Go, Linkage Spiral!"

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

Appearing in front of Baldrake was a shield with a glass and a metal side. Gaia Charger's lance hit the shield and went through it, but the force weakened. The sergeant ignored the slight pain he felt when the attack hit.

Syndicate Sergeant: 1400→550 LP

"Kuh, so close and yet so far…." Storm Rider murmured. "The Battle Phase ends, meaning Code Matrix's effect ends."

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 4200→3200

"Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions, sending Code Matrix to the Graveyard through its effect to gain 1000 Life Points!"

Following his words, Storm Rider was surrounded by a green aura.

Storm Rider: 700→1700 LP

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" The sergeant announced. "I draw!" He smiled on seeing his card. "Humph, your tactics for dealing with my monsters are as predictable as unoriginal. Since you're incapable of destroying them, you shifted your focus on taking me down instead of constantly inflicting damage on me bit by bit. However, your judgment is naïve. Did you think I wouldn't have developed a countermeasure for such an obvious strategy? —No, a duelist of your caliber must have accounted for that possibility, meaning you are still probing me to discern a weakness and strike there. In that case, I'm afraid I'll disappoint you. My strategy is foolproof, as you're about to find out. I activate the Spell Card: Release Change! By Tributing Clone Dragon, I can Special Summon a monster with the same Level from my Deck. Appear, Bystial Arknucler!"

Following his words, Clone Dragon disintegrated as a gray, dark brown scaled dragon with massive dragon claws, sharp knuckles, chains around its neck and wrists, and deep purple wings appeared in Attack Position.

Bystial Arknucler ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"Arknucler's effect activates! When it's Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a Dragon monster from my hand. Arise, Bystial Mordivritra!"

A pale yellow, black-scaled centaur-like dragon with the bottom half resembling a thin elephant with claws and large wings appeared next to Arknucler. It also has a collar chain around its neck connected to its back.

Bystial Mordivritra ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"I activate Mordivritra's effect!" The sergeant continued. "When Special Summoned, I can banish a Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls! I banish the card on the right!"

Mordivritra emitted a beam of light from its maw and vaporized the designated card.

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Harmonic Synchro Fusion! With this card, I can perform a Synchro and Fusion Summon using the monsters I control as Fusion and Synchro Material!"

"What!?" Storm Rider gasped. "Synchro and Fusion at the same time!?"

Spectral versions of Arknucler and Mordivritra appeared next to their physical selves.

"I tune Level 6 Arknucler to Level 4 Mordivritra!"

A bolt of green lightning struck the field as the world greyed out, and the two Bystials disappeared into particles. Two rings, one brown and one yellow, appeared before turning blue and merging. Blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "6 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "10" as light surged through the rings.

"Soul of dragonic and entity of the dark. Merge and create the path to the creature of unholy destruction. Let its wake set the world in horrific turmoil and devour all life! I Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 10! Bystial Dis Pater!"

A hideous, white-scaled dragon with red-pink vines, four arms with tentacle-like wings and a long serpent tail appeared in Attack Position. It had purple tentacles, red eye-like orbs across its neck, and tentacles from its mouth.

Bystial Dis Pater ATK 3500 DEF 3000 LVL: 10

"Next, I fuse Arknucler and Mordivritra!"

The sergeant chanted again as his two monsters became particles and swirled together, forming a violet tornado.

"Be reborn, the demon of the otherworld and become the dragon that will end the age of life! I Fusion Summon! Be born again, Bystial Quaeritis Los!"

Bystial Quaeritis Los ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Storm Rider gasped as he stared at the two monsters. "Synchro… and Fusion… through one card?"

"Storm Rider!"

He gasped and looked behind her to see two familiar individuals. "Esper! Sanctum!"

"You okay, Storm Rider?" Sanctum asked.

"I'm fine now, but you guys should stay back," Storm Rider replied.

"I would listen to Storm Rider if I were you," The sergeant said, causing everyone to gaze at him. "Because what's about to happen to him will happen to the two of you very soon."

"We'll see about that."

"Yes, we will. Quaeritis Los's effect activates! When Fusion Summoned, it gains attack points equal to half the Fusion Material Monsters' attack points!"

"Arknucler had 2500 attack points," Storm Rider noted. "And Mordivritra had 1000 attack points. That means Quaeritis Los gains 1750 attack points."

Bystial Quaeritis Los ATK 2500→4250

"Next, I activate Dis Pater's effect!" The sergeant continued. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a banished Light or Dark monster."

Storm Rider gritted his teeth and gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Dimension Reversion! This card returns all monsters that are banished back to the Deck!"

The sergeant blinked. "I'll applaud you for thinking outside the box compared to my many opponents in the past, but I'm afraid that much is not enough to defeat me. Battle! Quaeritis Los, attack Cycode Gaia Charger! Nightmare Stream!"

A massive wave of flames erupted from Quaeritis maw, enveloping Gaia Charger and vaporizing it. Immediately afterward, Storm Rider's body was enveloped by raging flames, causing him to let out a cry of pain as he fell to his knees.

Storm Rider: 1700→650 LP

"This next attack will end things," The sergeant grinned. "Dis Pater attacks you directly! Despair Hole!"

The Bystial Synchro Monster gathered purple energy in its mouth and blasted Storm Rider with it.

"You're finished, Storm Rider!"

"As if!" Storm Rider shouted as he gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Cycode Firefighter in my Graveyard!" he declared. A silhouette of the card appeared. It showed a robotic man in a firefighter's uniform carrying a long hose. "By banishing it and halving my Life Points, your attack is negated!"

A transparent Firefighter appeared and blocked Dis Pater's energy blast. The monster soon shattered, making Storm Rider gasp and stagger as his Life Points were halved.

Storm Rider: 650→325 LP

"This is bad," Esper commented from the side. "Storm Rider has no more cards in his hand or field. I'm afraid that this is the end of the line for him. We had best get ready to face this guy next."

Sanctum was seemingly watching the proceedings with an apathetic gaze, but unbeknownst even to her, her right hand was tightly balled into a fist.

"I have no choice but to end my turn." The sergeant stated. "You are a truly persistent individual. However, your struggles will amount to nothing in the end. Will you finally acknowledge that you've exhausted all options and surrendered quietly? Or will you continue this futile resistance?"

"I'm afraid I'm far too stubborn to give up merely due to the threat of an impending defeat," Storm Rider smirked. "Moreover, to cinch victory under such desperate circumstances is something I'm an expert at, as you're about to find out. My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Adversity! Since I control no monsters on my field and you control a Special Summoned monster on yours, I can draw two cards."

Upon drawing his two cards and checking them out, Storm Rider let out a small smile.

"It looks like my path to victory is now wide open!" Storm Rider stated. "First up, 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 continued. "Next, I activate the Spell Card: Cyberse Call! This card lets me add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cycode Sorceress, which I'll summon!"

The mechanical female in a black dress wielding a metal staff appeared on the field.

Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Sorceress's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or below "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard."

"That's what you think." The sergeant sneered. "I activate Bystial Dis Pater's effect! When a monster activates its effect, by shuffling a banished card back into the Deck, I can negate the activation of that effect. I shuffle your banished Firefighter to negate Sorceress's effects! Now then, what else do you have in store for me?"

"This is what I have! I activate the effect of Cyberse Call in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "By banishing it, I Special Summon a Cyberse 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 Soul, which means I can summon it!"

A small drone built around a mechanical ring appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Soul ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"He has four monsters now," The sergeant noted.

"Time for me to create the ultimate circuit!" Storm Rider declared as the Link Portal appeared above him. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Cycode Defender, Sorceress, Strider and Brawler in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! The new wind that flows throughout this world gives the mighty creature that connects the past and future! 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 from the Extra Monster Zone.

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

"That's an impressive Link Monster, but its attack is still far below Dis Pater and Quaeritis," Talon remarked. "You should know by now that such feeble moves are useless against me."

"That may be the case, but I'm far from finished," Storm Rider responded. "I activate Cycode Soul's effect from my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard! Return, Cycode Swordsman!"

The man with two swords reappeared at Cyber Tech's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"It's finally time for the climax! I activate Cyber Tech Link Dragon's effect! By Tributing a monster it points to, I can take control of a Special Summoned monster on your field that's in Attack Position and place that monster in a zone Cyber Tech points to! I Tribute Cycode Swordsman to take control of Quaeritis Los! Go, Cryptic Corruption!"

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

"Cyber Tech then 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→6250

"6250 attack points!?" The sergeant shouted with apparent agitation. "That can't be!"

"Now, the finale!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Cyber Tech Link Dragon, attack Bystial Dis Pater and end this! Digitized Burst Stream!"

The dragon opened its maw wide, unleashing a massive blast of blue energy at the Bystial Synchro Monster, destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave sending the Syndicate Sergeant flying.

Syndicate Sergeant: 550→0 LP

Esper cheered for Storm Rider's victory while Sanctum sighed as she placed her hand on her chest before swiftly composing herself. Meanwhile, Storm Rider approached his opponent, struggling to get up.

"It seems this match has ended with my victory. As I said, no matter how many soldiers, I'll always be here to stop you. Now tell me where the Syndicate is."

Before he could answer, the Syndicate Seargent was struck by blue lightning and started screaming. "What's happening to you?" Storm Rider gasped, watching as the man disintegrated into blue data, logging out. Turning to the right, Storm Rider saw the culprit: a young man wearing a dark blue cloak.

"Greetings, Storm Rider," the young man said, pressing a button on his Duel Disk. The cloak disintegrated, revealing the person underneath. He had short orange hair and wore an unbuttoned grey jacket at the end to reveal a belt with a blue gem. The jacket is also adorned with blue and yellow lines as well. He had silver eyes and a beaded earring with a blue crystal attached to his left ear.

"What? Who are you?" Storm Rider asked, his eyes narrowed at the new opponent.

"You can call me Enoch," he answered, raising his head higher. "And I think it's about time you face a real opponent, Storm Rider."