I want to let Timmy Stinson and Reginald Kaste know that Yuya won't appear in this story. This is a sequel to Circuit of Smiles but will follow the journey of Yuji and his friends. Enjoy Chapter 12!
At Den City Central Plaza…
Arthur stared at the screen in horror. "No way…" he whispered. "Storm Rider… lost?"
A scraping sound made him look behind him to see Sabrina strapping on her Duel Disk. "Sabrina? What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm going in, Arthur," the girl said, a fierce expression on her face. "Even though I recently met Storm Rider in real life not that long ago, he's still my comrade. I can't…."
Arthur's face softened. "I understand. If you're going, then I'm going too."
Sabrina nodded as she and Arthur went into a nearby ally. Once they made sure they were in the clear, they raised their arms. "Time to link into the VRAINS!"
Meanwhile, in LINK VRAINS…
"As I said, it was too early for you to challenge someone of my caliber," Enoch said as the barrier went down and he approached the unconscious Storm Rider. "You were good but not good enough. Although I'm tempted to just let you go, judging by your tenacious attitude, you'll continue to stand in the Syndicate's way, and I can't afford that. As such—"
"Storm Rider!"
Enoch turned his head as Blue Maiden and Soulburner landed a few meters away.
"Get away from him!" Soulburner said angrily as he glared at Enoch.
"Well, I didn't expect my enemies to come to me," Enoch commented. "Still, know that should any of you duel me, you'll end up in the same state your friend is in right now."
"You monster…" Soulburner growled through gritted teeth.
"ENOCH!" Sanctum growled as she charged toward Enoch with her activated Duel Disk blade. In response, Enoch turned around and raised a hand in front of him, which caused a black hole to appear in front of him that Sanctum unwittingly ran into. The black hole reappeared where Soulburner and Blue Maiden were, which spat out Sanctum with a surprised look on her face.
"A futile attempt," Enoch said before raising his right hand over Storm Rider. It glowed with a blue light as the Celebrity Duelist disintegrated. When he was gone, an orb of golden light materialized in Enoch's hand.
Playmaker gritted his teeth. "Let Storm Rider go!" he said.
"Why would I do that?" Enoch asked dismissively.
"Playmaker!"
They all turned as Chevalier and Charmcaster appeared behind them.
"Chevalier! Charmcaster!" Sanctum said in surprise before grimacing. "I'm glad you guys are here and feeling better, but this isn't a good time!"
"We know. We saw the duel," Charmcaster said grimly as she glared at the young man.
"We don't know who you are, but you hurt our friend!"Chevalier exclaimed. "Release Storm Rider's consciousness data!"
Enoch grunted contemptuously. "Chevalier and Charmcaster," he said. "Given how the two of you lost to Astro and Glacia. You have no power over me. And should you challenge me, you would fare worse than the others, except for Playmaker." Chevalier and Charmcaster gritted their teeth at his dismissal. But the man turned back to give Sanctum an appraising look.
"While you remain a disappointment, I'm not averse to bargaining," he said. "I'll offer you the same deal I offered Storm Rider: defeat me, and I'll tell you everything about the Syndicate. I'll even throw their location as a bonus. But if I win, I'll take your consciousness data. Do you accept?"
Sanctum gritted her teeth. "Of course I do! I won't let you hold Storm Rider as a hostage!"
Enoch chuckled. "Good. Then why don't we-."
However, Enoch's Duel Disk flashed at that moment, displaying some message.
"Huh?" Enoch stared at the message with a confused look. "Emergency Recall Protocol has been activated?" He turned to Sanctum before narrowing his eyes at her. "Return here tomorrow, and we will duel. See you then."
Before Sanctum could say anything, Enoch turned into particles and abruptly disappeared, perplexing everyone.
"W-What was that?" Esper asked. "Did he decide to retreat or something?"
"I don't know," Playmaker said. "But this isn't good; he has Storm Rider's consciousness data."
"Yuji…"
Everyone turned to Sanctum. The anger seemed to have exited out of her at Enoch's departure. Unshed tears started to gather in her eyes before she wiped them off and logged out.
"Sanctum…" Soulburner said worriedly.
Playmaker frowned in sympathy. "We need to go," he said. Everyone looked at him and nodded. The duo logged out, leaving Chevalier and Charmcaster alone.
"Ena," she whispered, hugging herself. "I'm sorry…."
Back in Den City…
When Yusaku, Theodore, Rhea, Lily, and Skye returned from LINK VRAINS, they saw him lying on the floor inside Cafe Nom, his eyes closed. Ena was kneeling next to him, her head in her arms. She lifted her head and turned to look at the newcomers, tears running down her cheeks.
"Yusaku," she said. "Everyone."
"Ena…" Kolter muttered as the three entered and looked down at Yuji's body. Theodore gritted his teeth as his body shook. Yusaku expressed utmost grief as he stared at his unconscious ally.
"Yuji," Skye said softly as she looked down at the teen, tears in her eyes.
"…So. What are we going to do?" Rhea asked. It was the first time they had heard the uncertainty in her voice.
"…We defeat Enoch," Yusaku said, his voice hard. "And get Yuji's consciousness data back."
"I don't disagree, but…."
"That's easier said than done," Kolter said, finishing Lily's thoughts. "Soulburner and Blue Maiden didn't see the start of the duel, but the rest of us did. Enoch's Deck has great offensive power and defensive power. Plus, he uses a Type of monster called Galaxy that we've never heard of. He might be beyond your ability to defeat."
"Even so, I can't abandon Yuji," Yusaku countered.
"You won't have to."
They all turned to Ena, who was staring at Yuji's face. Tears still stained her cheeks, but she had stopped producing new ones. Her face was set in a mask of determination. "Enoch is mine," she said.
Kolter scowled and opened his mouth, but Ena turned to him and beat him to the punch. "I know what you'll say, Kolter: I'm over my head and should leave this to Yusaku or the others. But I can't."
She looked back at Yuji, sadness briefly overwhelming her face. "Yuji fought so hard for me when I lost to Astro," she said softly. "Even though he went mad in the end, I was his priority above everything else. Now it's my turn to save him."
Kolter's frown deepened. "I don't disagree with you," he said slowly. "While Yuji did get the upper hand over Enoch a few times, he managed to counter every one of his moves easily. I bet he didn't show his true power. I know you've gotten stronger, but you're not at that level yet. You can't beat him."
Ena shook her head. "I'm the only one who can." She lifted her Duel Disk so it was level with her stomach. "Have you forgotten? I made it to the SOL Grand Prix's semifinals and gave Yuya and run for his money before he and Zuzu departed."
Kolter gritted his teeth. "She's right, you know."
The man and girl blinked as they turned to Skye.
"I know Ena has what it takes to face Enoch," she stated. "You saw my duel with her in the SOL Grand Prix. I thought victory was mine, but she snatched it away."
"I can vouch for Skye," Lily said. "If it weren't for Ena, I wouldn't be the duelist I am today. So if anyone should duel Enoch, it's her."
"I understand," Kolter argued. "Still, Yusaku's the best duelist here; give him time to study Enoch's cards and moves, and he'll probably have a better chance than the rest of us."
"No." Ena shook her head. "It has to be me. After everything that Yuji's done for me… I can't just let someone else fight my battle."
"…Let her duel, Kolter."
The purple-haired man blinked and turned to Yusaku. "I know what it feels like to want to do something by yourself," he said softly. "If Ena believes she needs to do this, then I have no problem with it."
Theodore nodded. "Same here," he said. "She is stronger now than when I first met her. She can handle Enoch."
Kolter frowned and looked at Jin, who just smiled and shrugged. "You can't stop her, can you?" he asked.
Kolter sighed. "No. No, I can't." He turned back to Ena. "Alright. You win. But how are you going to find Enoch?"
"Before he logged out, he told me to come back tomorrow. So we'll go there after school."
"I won't be able to make it," Rhea stated. "I have a music lesson tomorrow that I cannot get out of. I'm sorry."
"That's ok," Skye asked. "We understand. We'll inform you of what happens with Enoch after the duel."
"Speaking of Enoch, it looked like he was logged out by force. Do you think he was treating or just messing with us?"
"It could be one or the other," Theodore said. "However, he's an enemy and our only chance of getting Yuji's consciousness data back."
Meanwhile, at the Syndicate's Stronghold…
Enoch let out a sigh as he logged into the Syndicate's stronghold. He didn't expect the Emergency Recall Protocol to be activated, but sometimes, different priorities arose. Ones that had to immediately be tended to. Enoch soon started to walk through the spacious hallways reminiscent of a medieval castle. As he approached the throne room, he opened the doors and entered.
"Finally. You sure took your sweet time getting here." Desperado, as impatient as ever, was the first to speak up immediately after Enoch entered the room.
"I did my best to hurry here following my duel with Storm Rider," Enoch said back, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Now, now. No need to act like that, Desperado." Lumine gently chided her teammate, who frowned in response. Her smile widened. "Especially considering the amazing job he did! Well done, Enoch. You completed your mission."
"She got one thing right: that duel was amazing!" Natura exclaimed, jumping up and down in her chair. "That last turn was something out of this world!"
"Thank you for your praises, but I only followed orders." Enoch nodded at them.
"With that said, shall we focus on what's important?" Galerius cut in, turning to Queen Priscilla and prompting the others to do the same. "What will our next step be?"
"Haste makes waste, Galerius." the said man rolled his eyes at Queen Priscilla's words. "There's nothing wrong with basking in victory. First things first, Enoch, I thank you for your hard work. Your efforts have gotten us one step closer to our goal."
"Glad to be of assistance," Enoch replied. "But moving past that, I concur with Galerius. How do we proceed from here? I assume you have something in mind?"
"I do." Queen Priscilla smirked, ignoring Natura's suggestions of throwing a party to celebrate a little more, much to the green-haired woman's annoyance. "The Top 10 have just lost one of their members. One of their strongest, too."
"You want to strike while the iron is still hot?" Ladon spoke up.
"Oi, what happened to haste makes waste?" Galerius raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm." Queen Priscilla closed her eyes playfully for a moment. "Yet, am I wrong? If we hit them while in disarray, the outcome will be more welcoming than letting them prepare for what's to come. They will eventually process their losses, but why stop at one duelist when we could take out more?"
"Yes, you do have a point." Lumine agreed with a clap of her hands.
"Agreed," Umbra said. "But who do you plan to dispatch? And who will our next targets be?"
Upon hearing Umbra's words, Queen Priscilla sat on her throne and pressed a button on the left armrest. Immediately afterward, a picture depicting two individuals appeared above her, eliciting several gasps of surprise from the assembled elites.
"Isn't that…The Shepherd and Ghost Gal?" Ladon asked. "Why are you showing them to us? They don't pose a threat to us."
"That's where you're wrong," Priscilla responded. "After Umbra's duel with Storm Rider, the duo approached the latter and offered assistance in tracking us down. Unbeknownst to them, Enoch was nearby, secretly listening to their conversation, and reported it to me immediately."
At the mention of this sudden news, Ladon, Natura, Desperado, Astro and Glacia all perked up while Lumine and Galerius showed troubled expressions. However, none of them spoke or reacted in any other manner to avoid provoking Enoch and Umbra, who listened to the proceedings with impassive gazes.
"The Top 10 have been a persistent thorn in our side for quite some time now," Priscilla continued. "However, we have slowed them down after today's events." She narrowed her eyes at Enoch. "Still, I must ask, Enoch. Why did you wager Storm Rider's consciousness data in your coming duel against Sanctum?"
"To motivate them, of course," Enoch answered, having turned to Queen Priscilla. "Plus, we get more data on our enemies. A win-win for us in the end."
"A win-win, you say?" Galerius repeated out of curiosity. "Just why would you-?"
"At ease, Galerius." Queen Priscilla gently interrupted, which made Galerius back down. "What you suggest is a good proposal, Enoch. However, I have one condition."
"A condition?" Enoch questioned.
"Yes. Because you nearly lost against Storm Rider, you need more training with your Deck before you truly become unstoppable." Queen Priscilla clarified. "Meanwhile, I will send someone else to do the task."
"That is good with me." Enoch conceded.
"Perfect. Moving forward, Ladon and Natura notified me about the Knights of Hanoi being a potential threat to us. We must eliminate them immediately to ensure they don't get in our way." She narrowed her eyes at the duo. "Since the two of you are mostly concerned about the matter, you, Desperado, Astro and Glacia will infiltrate and eliminate the Knights of Hanoi's base. Meanwhile, Lumine and Galerius will hunt down Ghost Gal and The Shepherd to ensure they don't find our location."
Enoch's eyes widened. "So… Ah. I see. That's your intention."
"Indeed. Going off Sanctum's current skill level, she should serve as little difficulty to your replacement. It will be enough."
"Good. I'll give instructions tomorrow. Enoch out." He logged out of the room soon after.
"What about me, your Holiness?" Umbra asked. "Shouldn't I head out with either team to increase our odds of success?"
"For now, I need you to remain here as backup," Priscilla replied. "Some members of the Top 10 are most likely to hunt down Enoch and avenge Storm Rider, leading them to discover our location. I cannot dismiss the possibility that they might launch a surprise attack on the Syndicate, as foolhardy as that plan is. Therefore, you will oversee the Syndicate's defenses while everyone else is out."
"Understood." Umbra made a small bow. "I shall ensure to intercept any fools who dare to assault the Syndicate."
"Good." Priscilla nodded before noticing Natura had her hand raised. "Yes, Natura?"
"If the others and I are ambushing the Hanoi, when are we leaving?" She asked.
"Given how strong the Hanoi's security is and Ghost Gal and The Shepherd like to keep a low profile, it would be some time before you can depart," Priscilla said. "As such, you will have to wait at least a couple of days to weaken the Knights of Hanoi's defenses and track down the two bounty hunters, allowing you to jump on them."
"Understood."
"In that case, you are all dismissed."
The assembled elites bowed and exited their throne room, each going their separate ways.
Meanwhile, back in Den City…
The school day was horrible.
Not because of the company. Skye had met Ena at the halfway point, offered her sympathies for Yuji, and comforted her the rest of the way. And while they were at school, Skye stuck by her side. Skye shooed any boy who approached her. She even went to the bathroom when Ena had to go.
Of course, Lily and Theodore were there, but they kept their distance. Rhea had also called in sick with a small cold, so she stayed home so it wouldn't unintentionally spread to the other students. While Ena appreciated their concern, she didn't know if they were giving her some space or just watching over her from a distance. Probably both. She didn't mind. Nor did she mind Skye staying at her side. They were doing what they thought they needed to do for her sake. What they knew that only they could do.
It was a relief when school ended and Ena picked up homework for Yuji. Skye walked her to the crosswalk, but she walked the rest of the way to Kolter's apartment. As it turned out, the Cafe Nom food truck was parked outside the apartment building, and Yusaku and Theodore were waiting for her. The two guys and the girl entered the truck, where Kolter was waiting.
"Ena," Kolter said with a frown, "you're sure this is what you want to do?"
She nodded without hesitation. This was something she, and only she, could do. Kolter sighed. "Alright. I won't stop you. Just… be careful." He turned to the boys with her. "Look after her, will you?"
"We will," Yusaku assured him.
"If anything, she'll probably be looking out for us," Theodore said.
"This won't be like any other duel you had in your life, Ena," Kolter stated. "You're stronger than before, but Enoch has proven to be a powerful foe."
"I know Enoch is strong," Ena said, placing her Duel Disk on her wrist. "But if I can't face him, how can I help Yuji? Or look me in the eye again?"
"Try a mirror. I heard that works." Ena smiled and rolled her eyes at Theodore's stupid joke. She turned to him and Yusaku. "Thank you, both of you, for letting me do this."
They nodded. "We'll meet you in LINK VRAINS," Yusaku said.
"Let's save Yuji!" Theodore cheered.
Ena nodded and entered Yuji's sealed room.
"Time to link into the VRAINS!"
In LINK VRAINS…
Sanctum emerged from a portal in the sky before landing on an island. Playmaker, Soulburner, Blue Maiden and Roselyn were already there, waiting for her. They looked around the surrounding area.
"I don't see any sign of Enoch," Soulburner said.
"I don't sense him either," Playmaker said.
"You think he lured us into some sort of trap?" Roselyn asked. "Either he's not here, or he's concealing his presence somehow."
"Who knows?" Blue Maiden said. "I know we must keep our guard and not let our focus waver."
Sanctum nodded. "There is one thing that concerns me about Enoch. He used a new Monster Type known as Galaxy. Where do you guys know he got it from?"
"Not sure," Playmaker replied. "There's a possibility he or the Syndicate created it."
"Created them?" Soulburner replied. "Now that you mentioned it, his cards did look similar to that Cyberse monsters. You think his cards are based on them?"
"Could be," Sanctum answered. "If I win against him, I'll make sure to get the answer out of him."
Her eyes widened as her head swiveled, looking around. "Someone's here," she said.
"Yes," Playmaker said, eyes narrowed as he looked around. "I'm sensing them too."
Everyone else narrowed their gaze as they followed Sanctum's and Playmaker's actions.
"I sense them, but it doesn't feel like Enoch. It feels more like…."
Before Soulburner could finish his sentence, a purple energy field ring suddenly appeared around the quintet.
"What the?" Sanctum was shocked at what she was seeing. She saw that she and the others were trapped in a large cage. She tried to log out but found she could not.
"Kolter, what is this?" Playmaker said as he touched the earpiece in his right ear.
"Checking now," Kolter responded. After a few seconds, Kolter continued talking. "You're not going to like this, Yusaku. Somehow, whoever did this created a security field. That means you and the others won't be able to log out!"
"Seriously?"
"Aw, you don't like my little toy? I thought it would be nice not to have any interruptions."
Everyone sharply turned at the sound of this voice, coming face-to-face with a fair-skinned female in a dark blue and grey bodysuit, with dark green lines running across her forearms, feet, knees, hips, and upper chest covered in thick black high tech-like body armor, like that of a SWAT team member. Her face was covered by a helmet made of the same material as her armor, and she wore an earpiece with a circular pad that the person used for communications. Her eyes were covered by a visor connected to the helmet, with two slits going from the front to the bottom neck of her neck.
"As you must have already surmised, I'm not the person you were expecting to see," The female said.
Blue Maiden frowned. "Who are you?"
"The name's Nova," she answered. "I've been ordered to come here and eliminate you."
Sanctum gritted her teeth. "So Enoch sent you in his place?"
"Yes and no," Nova answered. "While he wanted to duel you, Sanctum, he was given orders not to. Enoch sent me to duel with you Storm Rider's consciousness data on the line."
She held her left hand as a golden sphere appeared above it."
Roselyn gasped. "That's Storm Rider's data!"
"The cage surrounding us prevents the five of you from logging out until you face me in a duel. Nor can I log out."
"You think she uses Galaxy monsters like Enoch," Soulburner asked, making Sanctum's eyes widen.
"I'm not sure," Playmaker answered. "We won't know until we see her Deck."
Nova pouted. "I tire of this posturing," she said. "Let us begin our duel, Sanctum!"
Sanctum gritted her teeth and then grinned. "You weren't the opponent I thought I would have, but I'll take you on all the same!"
Nova nodded and ran towards the island's edge, Sanctum chasing after her. The two jumped off and landed on their D-Boards before speeding away. The others followed after them.
"Oi, Playmaker, are you sure about this?" Blue Maiden asked. "I know this will probably be easier than if she dueled Enoch, but still…."
"It's out of our hands," Playmaker replied. "All we can do now is hope for Sanctum's victory."
Sanctum and Nova faced off against each other, with the latter in the lead.
"Speed Duel!"
Sanctum: 4000 LP
Nova: 4000 LP
"I'll take the first turn!" Nova declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Terraforming! This card adds a Field Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add the Field Spell Card: S-Force Brigade to my hand, which I'll activate! When this card is activated, I can add one "S-Force" monster from my Deck to my hand." Nova took her new card and said, "I summon S-Force Edge Razor!"
A futuristic samurai wearing red armor and a jingasa with green panels on the bottom appeared on Nova's field.
S-Force Edge Razor ATK 1500 DEF 1300 LVL: 4
"Wait a minute..." Sanctum looked up Edge Razor on her Duel Disk, and upon doing so, her eyes widened out of surprise. "That monster's a Cyberse monster. How did you get your hands on that card?!"
"I purchased this Deck way back before the Knights of Hanoi appeared," Nova answered, much to her amusement. "Anyhow, Edge Razor's effect activates! When it's Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon one "S-Force" monster from my hand with a different name. Come, S-Force Orrafist!"
A futuristic cowboy wearing a hat and a duster coat appeared next to Edge Razor. Attached to his right wrist was a bracelet with a red gem; in his left hand, he carried a futuristic gun.
S-Force Orrafist ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
"Another Cyberse monster?" Playmaker and Soulburner both said at the same time, surprised.
"That doesn't make sense," Blue Maiden said. "The Cyberse World was on lock and key before the Hanoi attacked it. How is there a Cyberse monster in this duel right now?"
"There's only one explanation." Playmaker theorized, putting a hand underneath his chin. "Perhaps Nova's monsters are some of the ones that escaped before the invasion."
"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Nova narrowed her eyes after doing so. Sanctum's Deck relies on having at least two cards in the same column so she can Special Summon her Mekk-Knight monsters, she recalled in her mind. It proved to be powerful that Astro nearly lost to her as a result. If she's going to win this duel, she has to be on guard for whatever Sanctum's got.
"My turn!" Sanctum announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Unexpected Dai. This card lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from my Deck if I control no monsters on my field!" A card popped out of Sanctum's Deck. "Appear, Mekk-Knight Avram!"
A young blonde man in gold armor carrying two curved swords emerged on her field.
Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"Next, I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse from my hand! Since two or more cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon this card to that column!"
Soon, a silver machine with a circle around its body and blue crystals embedded in its armor appeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse ATK 2400 DEF 2400 LVL: 8
"Indigo Eclipse's second effect!" Sanctum continued. "Once per turn, I can move one "Mekk-Knight" monster I control to another Main Monster Zone. I move Indigo Eclipse to the column on its left!"
Indigo Eclipse shifted to the Main Monster Zone on its left, causing Nova to scowl.
"I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Blue Sky from my hand! Since two or more cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon this card to that column!"
Like before, another mechanical warrior appeared on her field in Attack Position. This time, this monster had gold and blue armor, wore a blue cape, and wielded two curved swords.
Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2000 DEF 2500 LVL: 5
"A strong opener," Roselyn complimented.
"Yeah," Soulburner said with a smile. "She's going all out from the start."
"Blue Sky's effect activates!" Sanctum continued. "Since I summoned it from the hand, I can add different "Mekk-Knight" monsters from my Deck to my hand, equal to the number of cards you have in its column. Since you have two, I gain two more "Mekk-Knight" monsters!"
"No, you won't! I activate Orrafist's effect!" Nova suddenly stated. "When a monster you control activates its effect, I can banish one "S-Force" card from my hand to destroy that monster. I banish S-Force Disc Striker from my hand and destroy Mekk-Knight Blue Sky!"
Orrafist fired a burst of energy from his gun at Blue Sky, turning the armored warrior into particles.
"Tch," Playmaker growled. "It anticipated her move."
Sanctum frowned before continuing. "Time to battle! Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse attacks S-Force Edge Laser!"
"I activate Bridgehead's second effect!" Nova abruptly declared. "Once per turn, when your monster declares an attack on an "S-Force" monster in the same column, I can prevent it from being destroyed!"
Following her words, a blue aura surrounded Edge Laser.
Sanctum frowned. So Nova's Deck was just like hers. Her cards depend on having other cards in the same column. But just because you copy a person's dueling skills doesn't mean you can master them.
"Your monster may be safe, but your Life Points aren't!"
Indigo Eclipse blasted Edge Razor with blue energy that it fired from its chest. Edge Razor withstood the attack, but Nova winced in pain.
Nova: 4000→3100 LP
"Next, Mekk-Knight Avram attacks Edge Razor!"
The monster swung its swords at Edge Razor, destroying it and causing Nova's D-Board to wobble.
Nova: 3100→2600 LP
"With that, I end my turn," Sanctum concluded. "Was my starting attack a bit too much? You look out of breath already. Perhaps I should take it a bit easier?"
"Don't joke with me." Nova scoffed at Sanctum's words. "This is just a warm-up for me. The real deal starts from here. My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook Inside the Pot, which allows us to draw three cards!"
Sanctum and Nova both drew their cards and added them to their hands.
"Next, I activate the Trap Card: S-Force Specimen! As you control a monster, I can target one of my "S-Force" monsters that's banished or in my Graveyard and Special Summon it to my field in the same column your monster's in. I Special Summon Disc Striker from my banished zone to my field!"
A man in futuristic black body armor with green neon lining and sharp-bladed shoulder wings wielding energy-bladed discs appeared on Nova's field in the same column as Mekk-Knight Avram. The S-Force symbol is on both discs.
S-Force Disc Fighter ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
"Following that, I summon S-Force Blade Shadow!"
A humanoid-like knight wearing futuristic dark armor with a yellow lining pattern, with its face shrouded by a metal helmet, showing only his piercing yellow eyes appeared in Attack Position. Half his body was cloaked in a yellow and black shroud, and he wielded a large greatsword. The S-Force symbol is on its shrouded cape.
S-Force Blade Shadow ATK 2000 DEF 600 LVL: 4
"I place a card face-down," Nova said, then gestured to her field again. "Disc Striker attacks Mekk-Knight Avram!"
Disc Striker narrowed its eyes and launched its energy disks at Avram. Sanctum expected to see her opponent's monster be destroyed card shatter, but to her surprise, Avram warped when the discs hit and disappeared.
"What?" she said, blinking. "What happened?"
Nova smirked. "When Disk Striker battles an opponent's monster with at least 1000 attack points, that's in the same column as one of my "S-Force" monsters," she explained. "I can shuffle that monster back into your Deck."
"What?" Sanctum gasped.
"The Battle Phase is far from over!" Nova shouted. "Blade Shadow, attack Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse! And at this moment, Blade Shadow's effect activates! When an "S-Force" monster battles a monster with higher attack points, that monster's attack points are halved!"
Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse ATK 2400→1200
"Now Sanctum's monster is weaker," Blue Maiden noted.
Blade Shadow charged forward and slashed Indigo Eclipse with its sword, which cried out as it was destroyed. Sanctum winced from the damage of the attack.
Sanctum: 4000→3200 LP
"Continue the battle! Orrafist, attack Sanctum directly!"
Orrafist's gun glowed as it blasted Sanctum with several energy bullets, causing her to cry in pain.
Sanctum: 3200→1400 LP
"That should do for now. I end my turn."
"This isn't good," Roselyn said worryingly. "She took over 2000 points of damage in one turn."
"It seems Nova is stronger than we expected her to be," Blue Maiden noted.
Soulburner blinked. "You think so?"
"Yes," Playmaker agreed as his eyes narrowed. "But I believe Sanctum can make a comeback."
"I'm down to 1400 Life Points," Sanctum stated. "But I'm not going to let that stop me! I promised to rescue Storm Rider. And I will fulfill that promise! My turn! I draw!"
She drew, then smirked. "I activate the effect of Purple Nightfall from my hand! Since at least two cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon it to that column!"
A mechanical warrior carrying a spear and wearing a purple cape appeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Senet Switch! Once per turn, I can move a monster I control to an adjacent Main Monster Zone. I move Purple Nightfall to the column to its right.
"Then, I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine from my hand! Since two or more cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon this card to that column!"
Soon, a silver, marigold-colored machine with a feminine body appeared in Attack Position. It had sharp shoulders and a long marigold energy-like ribbon on top of its head, resembling a ponytail. It wielded a rapier-like weapon with a flower-like guard.
Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine ATK 2300 DEF 2000 LVL: 6
"Marigold Shine's second effect!" Sanctum continued. "When this card is summoned, I gain 500 Life Points for every other card in its column. Three cards are in its column, so I gain 1500 Life Points!"
"I won't let you!" Nova yelled. "I activate S-Force Orrafist's effect once more to negate your Marigold Shine's effect and destroy it!"
"That's pointless! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Effect Shut! It negates the activation of Orrafist's effect and destroys it!"
Nova gasped as Orrafist was suddenly trapped inside a steel cage and vanished into a bright light. Afterward, Sanctum was enveloped in a golden aura.
Sanctum: 1400→2900 LP
Sanctum gestured to her field. "I activate Purple Nightfall's effect! Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can banish a "Mekk-Knight" monster until my next Standby Phase and add a new "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Deck to my hand. I banish Marigold Shine to add Mekk-Knight Red Moon to my hand. And since your Set card is in the same column as Senet Switch and Odd-Eyes Advance Dragon, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Red Moon to that column!"
A red and silver machine carrying a large ax appeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Red Moon ATK 2300 DEF 2600 LVL: 7
"I activate Red Moon's effect!" Sanctum continued. "By banishing a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy a face-up monster in Red Moon's column! I banish Mekk-Knight Avram from my Graveyard to destroy S-Force Blade Shadow!"
Red Moon's ax glowed before it drove it into the ground, creating and releasing a blast of energy that struck Blade Shadow, destroying it.
"I place a card face-down and then activate the Equip Spell Card: Rainbow Veil!" Purple Nightfall became shrouded in a rainbow-colored aura. "While equipped, any monster Purple Nightfall battles has its effects negated. Battle! Purple Nightfall attacks S-Force Disc Striker!"
Her monster charged Disc Striker and jabbed its spear in its chest, destroying it and making Nova's D-Board wobble.
Nova: 2600→1100 LP
"I activate the effect of S-Force Darwcartes in my hand!" Nova declared. "If an "S-Force" monster I control is destroyed in the same column as a monster on my opponent's field, I can Special Summon Darwcartes!"
A dark blue, neon purple lizard humanoid with moth-like wings appeared on Nova's field in Attack Position. It had a draconic head, curly horns, sharp nailed claws, two long tails twirled around it and round hole shoulders.
S-Force Darwcartes ATK 2500 DEF 2400 LVL: 7
"Darwcartes's second effect activates!" Nova continued. "All cards in the same column as it has their effects negated. Since Rainbow Veil and Purple Nightfall are in the same column as Darwcartes, their effects are negated.
Sanctum gritted her teeth as her cards greyed out.
"Since Purple Nightfall's effects are negated, that means she can't add any more monsters to her hand," Soulburner noted.
"Even so, Sanctum still holds the advantage," Roselyn stated.
"But how long can she keep it?" Blue Maiden questioned.
"It's my turn!" Nova announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw. Through its effect, I guess the type of the top card of my Deck. If I guess correctly, I can draw five cards; otherwise, I will have to send the five top cards of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I guess that my top card is a Monster Card. Now, draw!"
Nova checked her top card and revealed it with a smirk.
"It looks like I was correct, so I draw five cards. Appear! The circuit of justice!" Nova's hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters, including one "S-Force" monster."
"What?" Sanctum said, her eyes widening in surprise. "But you only control one monster!"
"That's true," Nova admitted. "But if I'm summoning an "S-Force" Link Monster, I can use S-Force Electrovire and S-Force Sky Hunter in my hand as Link Material!"
Sanctum gasped as a male electrical humanoid, wearing white, futuristic body armor with a helmet to maintain its form while releasing powerful orange electricity and a white-haired woman, wearing a deep red, green lining battle armor that resembled a vulture with bladed wings and sharp talons appeared on Nova's field.
"I set Electrovire and Sky Hunter in the Link Arrows!"
Her two monsters entered the top and bottom arrowheads, causing them to turn red.
"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear, Link-2! S-Force Ace Caster!"
A pink-haired young woman, wearing a futuristic skin-tight black, pink-silver lining outfit, wearing a hoodie over her head, having rocket-like jet wings, and wielding a futuristic, metal staff, emerged from the portal into the Right Extra Monster Zone.
S-Force Ace Caster ATK 1600 LINK-2 ↑↓
"The effects of S-Force Electrovire and S-Force Sky Hunter activate! If Electrovire is sent from the hand or field to the Graveyard as Link Material, I can target add an "S-Force" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I add the Equip Spell Card: S-Force Drive Buster." She took the card from her Deck, then said, "And since Sky Hunter was used as Link Material, I can Special Summon an "S-Force" monster from my Graveyard. I'll choose to bring back my Sky Hunter!"
Following her words, Sky Hunter appeared on Nova's field in Attack Position.
S-Force Sky Hunter ATK 2200 DEF 1500 LVL: 5
"Sky Hunter's effect activates!" Nova continued. "When it's Special Summoned to a column one of my opponent's monsters are in, I can target a card in the same column as one of my other "S-Force" monsters and banish it."
Sanctum's eyes widened. "What?"
"Since your face-down is in the same column as Darwcartes, I banish it!"
Sky Hunter aimed her talons at Sanctum's Set card before firing a bullet, causing the card to disappear from the field.
Sanctum remained silent until his lips curved into a wide grin. Upon seeing this, Nova made a loud "Tch!" knowing her plan was a backfire.
"Did you think I wouldn't see that coming?" Sanctum rhetorically asked. "I activate the effect of the banished Booby Trap Mk-II!" A silhouette of the card appeared as it depicted Mask of Restrict being caught by a bear trap instead of Call of the Haunted. "When an opponent's card effect removes this card from the field, I can shuffle it back into my Deck to draw one card! Then, I can set one Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my field. I can also activate that set during this turn."
After drawing her card, a Sanctum swiped a card from her Deck into her Duel Disk, and a Set card materialized on her field before vanishing.
Sanctum chuckled. "Looks like the one who made a mistake was you, Nova."
"My turn isn't over yet," Nova coldly reminded her. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: S-Force Drive Buster and equip it to Darwcartes!" A massive energy cannon appeared and landed in Ace Caster's arms. "Thanks to its effect, the equipped monster gains 1000 attack points!"
S-Force Darwcartes ATK 2500→3500
"Furthermore, the equipped monster can attack all monsters you control once each this turn!"
Sanctum gasped. "I set a card. Battle! S-Force Darwcartes attacks Mekk-Knight Red Moon!"
The cannon barrels charged and fired violet energy at Red Moon, destroying it in an explosion. Sanctum cried out as she was pushed back by the shockwave.
Sanctum: 2900→1700 LP
"Darwcartes now attacks Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall!"
The previous scene was repeated as Purple Nightfall was struck and destroyed by a beam of violent energy.
Sanctum: 1700→700 LP
"This is the end, Sanctum!" Nova declared. "Ace Caster attacks you directly!"
Caster's staff glowed as it fired a wave of pink energy at Sanctum, who gestured to her field.
"I activate the Trap Card: Counter Gate! It negates your direct attack! Afterward, Counter Gate lets me draw a card; if that card is a monster, I can summon it!"
Nova blinked and smirked. "Well, isn't that a gamble? You only have a one-in-three chance to draw a monster, and even if you do, what makes you think you can even pull it off?"
"Only one way to find out!" Sanctum said with a daring grin. "Draw!" She took the card, looked at it, and then his grin widened. "Yes! Come to me, Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal!"
An aquamarine and silver machine brandishing a trident of the same color appeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal ATK 3100 DEF 2700 LVL: 10
"Aquamarine Tidal's effect activates!" Sanctum continued. "As long as this card is on the field, all your monsters lose 1000 attack points!"
"What!?" Nova gasped as her monsters became weaker.
S-Force Darwcartes ATK 3500→2500
S-Force Sky Hunter ATK 2200→1200
S-Force Ace Caster ATK 1600→600
Sanctum smirked. "Even if Darwcartes can attack all my monsters, it won't matter if it isn't strong enough. Looks like you can't hurt me anymore this turn."
"You're wrong," Nova denied. "I still have a card I can play."
"Say what?"
"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cynet Crosswipe! This card Tributes a Cyberse monster to target and destroy one card on the field!" Sanctum's eyes widened. "I Tribute S-Force Ace Caster to destroy Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal!"
Ace Caster and Aquamarine Tidal shattered at Nova's words, leaving a gasping Sanctum defenseless.
"Since Aquamarine Tidal left your field, my monsters' attack points now return to normal."
S-Force Darwcartes ATK 2500→3500
S-Force Sky Hunter ATK 1200→2200
Nova thrusted out her right hand. "I hate for this duel to end, but I have a job to finish. S-Force Sky Hinter attacks you directly!"
"You think this duel's over already? Think again! I activate the Trap Card: Empress's Staff from my hand!" Sanctum interrupted.
"From your hand? You can't do that! It's against the rules!" Nova protested.
"It isn't. If I control no monsters, I can activate this card from my hand." Sanctum explained. "When this card is activated, I can negate the attack and end the Battle Phase!"
A staff appeared in front of Sanctum before releasing a bright light, blinding Nova's monsters. "Oh, I forgot to mention that you take 500 points of damage as well."
"Why, you-!" Nova made a fist with his right hand before the staff fired a light beam, striking her in the chest.
Nova: 1100→600 LP
"Okay, I did not expect that." Blue Maiden admitted.
"Because Sanctum had no monsters on her field, she could utilize Empress's Staff to halt Nova's turn completely." Roselyn acknowledged. "Very clever play at that."
"Nicely done, Sanctum," Soulburner commented, a smile forming.
"Delaying the inevitable, huh? You may have survived for now, but you'll lose soon, that I promise! I end my turn!" Nova concluded.
"It's my turn! I draw!" Sanctum looked at her card, then gestured to her field. "As it is my Standby Phase, the effect of Purple Nightfall activates, and I Special Summon Marigold Shine back to my field!"
Said monster reappeared on Sanctum's field in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine ATK 2300 DEF 2000 LVL: 6
"Marigold Shine's effect activates!" Sanctum continued. "When this card is summoned, I gain 500 Life Points for every card in its column. It and Senet Switch are in the same column, so I gain 1000 Life Points!"
Sanctum: 700→1700 LP
"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Bubble Burst! By destroying Senet Switch, I get to draw two cards. And now I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Yellow Star via its effect!"
A machine with silver and yellow mechanical wings appeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Yellow Star ATK 2200 DEF 2800 LVL: 7
"I activate Yellow Star's effect!" Sanctum continued. "By banishing a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card in Yellow Star's column! I banish Purple Nightfall from my Graveyard to destroy Drive Buster!"
Following Sanctum's words, the Equip Spell shattered, much to Nova's dismay.
"Since Darwcartes is no longer equipped with Drive Buster, it loses 1000 attack points."
S-Force Darwcartes ATK 3500→2500
I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Unit and equip it to Mekk-Knight Yellow Star! If Yellow Star is used to Link Summon, it counts as two materials!"
Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "So she's planning on Link Summoning next," he muttered.
"Appear, the circuit of illumination!"
Sanctum's hand shot a lightning bolt into the air, creating a Link Portal.
"Link Arrows authorized!" Sanctum chanted. "The summoning conditions are two monsters, including at least one "Mekk-Knight" monster. I set Yellow Star, now treated as two monsters in the Link Arrows!"
Yellow Star split into two before turning into a whirlwind of energy as it entered the top-left and top-right arrows, turning them red.
"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night!"
A dark bipedal machine resembling Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star appeared on Sanctum's field. It had an arm cannon, two cybernetic robotic wings, a golden horn on its head and an orange wreath on its chest. Crescent Night roared from the Left Extra Monster Zone.
Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↖↗
Nova blinked. "A Link-2 Mekk-Knight monster other than Morning Star…."
"Crescent Night's effect activates!" Sanctum exclaimed. "When it is Link Summoned, by discarding a card, I get to add a "Mekk-Knight" card from my Deck to my hand." She discarded a card, then took another one from her Deck. "And since Crescent Night wasn't co-linked when this effect resolved, I can draw an additional card. And since the card I discarded was Cards of Compensation, I can draw two extra cards. Lastly, while a control a "Mekk-Knight" monster other than Crescent Night, all your monsters lose 1000 attack points and must attack!"
Nova's eyed widened. "What!? Are you serious!?"
S-Force Darwcartes ATK 2500→1500
S-Force Sky Hunter ATK 2200→1200
"I place one card face-down. Now, let's battle! Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine, attack S-Force Darwcartes!"
Nova gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Enchanted Javelin!" she exclaimed. "Since your monster declared an attack, I gain Life Points equal to its attack points!"
Nova: 600→2900 LP
Marigold Shine struck Rockstar with its sword, destroying it and making an explosion that caused Nova to wince in pain.
Nova: 2900→2100 LP
"Next, Crescent Night attacks Sky Hunter!"
Crescent Night aimed its arm cannon at Sky Hunter before firing a beam of energy, destroying it in an explosion.
Nova: 2100→1300 LP
"I end my turn," Sanctum said, then sighed. "I must admit, you're one tenacious opponent, Nova. You always managed to slip through when I think I've got you. You sure one of the toughest opponents I've ever faced."
"You're pretty skilled yourself," Nova smiled. "However, enough pleasantries. It's time for me to take the lead once again. It's my turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Junk Dealer!"
"Junk Dealer?!" Roselyn shouted, shocked. "That card's old but powerful."
"Using this card's effect, I can Special Summon two Machine or Warrior-Type monsters from my Graveyard by halving their attack points and negating their effects. Return to me, S-Force Disc Striker and S-Force Blade Shadow!"
The two monsters from before reappeared on Nova's field in a flash of light.
S-Force Disc Striker ATK 1000→500 DEF 1000 LVL: 4
S-Force Blade Shadow ATK 2000→1000 DEF 600 LVL: 4
"Don't forget that thanks to Crescent Night's effect, your monsters lose an additional 1000 attack points," Sanctum stated.
S-Force Disc Striker ATK 500→0
S-Force Blade Shadow ATK 1000→0
"That may be true, but my strategy is far from over." Nova let out a sly smile. "Next, I summon S-Force Professor DiGamma!"
A male, humanoid monster wearing a dark-blue jumpsuit and a black lab coat appeared on Nova's field. He had green, spiky hair and electricity that emitted all around him.
S-Force Professor DiGamma ATK 1000→0 DEF 1500 LVL: 3
"It's time for me to call on the circuit of security and justice!" A Link Portal appeared above Nova. "The summoning conditions are three effect monsters, including an "S-Force" monster. I'll set S-Force Blade Shadow, Disc Striker, and Professor DiGamma in the Link Arrows!"
Blade Shadow went into the top-right arrowhead, Disc Striker went into the top arrowhead, and Professor DiGamma went into the top-right arrowhead.
"Defender of the future, fight against injustice and protect the world! I Link Summon! Appear, LINK-3! S-Force Justify!"
A large, muscular warrior wearing black and orange-colored armor appeared on Nova's field in the Extra Monster Zone. He had massive shoulder pads that emitted green energy and circular pads attached to his legs and arms. Attached to his back was a large cape.
S-Force Justify ATK 2600→1600 LINK-3 ↖↑↗
Another Cyberse monster. How many does this girl have? Sanctum seethed in her mind. However, Justify's Link Arrows got her attention the most. They pointed to her field. Her monster's effect probably affects the Main Monster Zones it's pointing to. There's no other explanation. She deduced as she proceeded to look up Justify's effects. Her eyes widened.
"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket! This card lets me draw cards equal to my Link Monster's Link Rating, so long as I send the same number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard. Justify is Link-3, so I draw three cards!"
Nova drew, then sent three cards from her Deck to the Graveyard.
"I activate the Spell Card: S-Force Triple Threat!" Nova said, playing a new Spell Card from her hand. The card showed S-Force Justify in a dangerous 3-way fight against Time Thief Double Barrel and PSY-Frame Omega. "Through its effect, by targeting one "S-Force" Link Monster I control, I can destroy Special Summoned monsters you control up to the targeted monster's Link Rating."
Following Nova's words, S-Force Justify unleashed two bolts of energy from its armor, destroying Crescent Night and Marigold Shine.
"I set two cards. Battle!" Nova declared. "S-Force Justify, attack Sanctum directly and end this! Transgression Elimination!"
Justify charged forward as his fist was surrounded by electricity.
"I activate my Trap Card: Ground Capture!" Sanctum abruptly stated. "Since your monster declared an attack, the battle damage is halved!"
Soon, a giant stone hand erupted from the ground, temporarily stopping Justify's attack. Unfortunately, it broke through and struck Sanctum with its fist. She winced as her avatar fizzled.
Sanctum: 1700→550 LP
"Then, since I took 1000 or more points of damage from your attack, I can draw a card!"
"This will do for now," Nova said. "I end my turn."
"My turn!" Sanctum announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Chalice! I can target one face-up monster on the field and increase its attack points by 400 until the end of this turn. In exchange, until the End Phase, its effects are negated. I target Justify!"
Nova's monster was surrounded by a white veil for a few moments, increasing its strength before changing color to red and draining its effects.
S-Force Justify ATK 2600→3000
Nova smirked."I see. You saw that you're forbidden from summoning any monsters to zones it points to due to my Justify's effect. It can negate the effects of any monster it points to."
"Yeah," Sanctum confirmed. "I felt something was off when you summoned a Link Monster whose Link Arrows pointed to my field."
"Is that so?" Nova said. "You have some strong instincts. So how do you plan to destroy my monster?"
"I'll show you," Sanctum replied. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: World Legacy Multi-Skies! This card lets me add or Special Summon a "Mekk-Knight" from my Banished Zone. Resurrect, Mekk-Knight Avram!"
The armored warrior reappeared.
Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"And since I control a "Mekk-Knight" monster, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver from my hand!"
A light gray, magenta glowing armored mechanical warrior with a slim down male body appeared in Attack Position. It had bladed wings coated in magenta on its edges and smaller ones on its helmet.
Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver ATK 800 DEF 500 LVL: 2
"I activate Magenta Elver's effect!" Sanctum continued. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 6 or lower "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon the Level 6 Orange Sunset!"
A silver, black, and orange warrior with two shields appeared on Sanctum's field.
Mekk-Knight Orange Sunset ATK 800 DEF 3000 LVL: 6
Sanctum gestured to the sky as his hand glowed blue. "Appear! The circuit of illumination!" The Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more "Mekk-Knight" monsters. I set Mekk-Knight Avram, Magenta Elver, and Orange Sunset in the Arrows!"
Her three monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows, causing them to turn red.
"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Emerge and display the colors of the rainbow! Link-3! Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme!"
A monster that appeared to be an amalgamation of all the Mekk-Knight weapons emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.
Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme ATK 3000 LINK 3 ↙↓↘
"It's here! Sanctum's ace monster!" Blue Maiden shouted.
"Since your face-down card is in Spectrum Supreme's column, I can't use its effect to attack you directly," Sanctum stated. "However, I intend to win this turn. I activate the Spell Card: Back-Up Rider! This card gives 1500 extra attack points to Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme until the end of the turn!"
The Mekk-Knight Link Monster glowed as its power grew.
Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme ATK 3000→4500
"It has over 4000 attack points!" Soulburner exclaimed.
"If this attack is successful, Sanctum will win," Roselyn noted.
"I set a card. Battle! Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme, attack S-Force Justify! Rainbow Fall!"
Spectrum Supreme flew high and fired a barrage of rainbow lasers at the S-Force Link Monster. Before it hit-.
"I activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet!" Nova bellowed. "Through its effect, all damage I take this turn is halved!"
The lasers stuck Justify in the chest, causing it to explode. The backlash from the attack was so strong that Nova was blown off her D-Board, screaming as she fell onto a nearby island.
Nova: 1300→550 LP
"Darn it," Nova muttered as she stood back up, ran to the rooftop's edge and jumped. She landed on her D-Board and flew back to Sanctum.
"Kuh, so close and yet so far…." Sanctum murmured.
Nova gritted her teeth. "Don't think for a second you have the advantage now! I activate my Trap Card!" she declared, shocking Sanctum. "Necro Link!" The card showed Decode Talker's hand emerging from a buried grave. "Since a Link Monster left my field, I can target that Link Monster and Special Summon it to my field, specifically the Extra Monster Zone!"
Sanctum widened her eyes as Justify reappeared on the field. Sanctum looked and saw that it had resurrected in the Extra Monster Zone.
S-Force Justify ATK 2600 LINK-3 ↖↑↗
"Necro Link has a few more effects!" Nova continued. "The monster Special Summoned by its effect gains 1500 attack points!"
S-Force Justify ATK 2600→4100
"Furthermore, the summoned monster cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects the turn it was summoned," Nova stated. "But if it leaves the field, we both take damage equal to its original attack points."
Sanctum narrowed her eyes. Both mine and Nova's Life Points are 550. If I don't want to lose, I'll have to destroy Justify in one battle and wipe out all of Nova's Life Points. Well, I was planning to do that anyway.
"I end my turn with this. And since it's now the End Phase, the effect of Back-Up Rider ends, and Spectrum Supreme's attack points revert to normal."
Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme ATK 4500→3000
"It's my turn!" Nova announced. "I draw! Let's finally draw the curtain on this duel, my persistent opponent. I activate the Spell Card: Arrow Charge! Since there are two Link Monsters with the same Link Rating in the Extra Monster Zones, I can draw and reveal two cards."
Nova drew and looked at her cards before showing them to Sanctum. "The cards I drew are Prohibition and Battle Break."
Sanctum frowned as she looked at them. Prohibition lets Nova declare a card and prevent the both of us from using the declared card for the rest of the duel so long as Prohibition is on the field, she thought. As for Batte Break, It destroys my monster whenever I declare an attack. In addition, it automatically ends the Battle Phase afterward.
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Prohibition! I can declare one card name, and while this card is on the field, any card with that name and its effects cannot be used! I declare Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax!"
"That's not good. Sanctum's won her last few duels with Crusadia Avramax," Soulburner noted.
"It's practically her new ace," Roselyn said.
"However, I don't believe Sanctum will be deterred just because her best monster has been locked down," Playmaker stated.
"I've seen your duels with Oranos and the Syndicate Sergeant," Nova stated. "You won both of them with Crusadia Avramax. But now, this duel is as good as mine since it's out of your possession!"
"We'll see about that," Sanctum rebutted.
"You'll soon regret saying those words. I set a card." Nova then gestured to her field. "Now, it's time for the finale! S-Force Justify, attack Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme and end this! Transgression Elimination!"
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to walk away the winner of this duel! I activate the Trap Card: Final Life Gardna!" Sanctum shouted as Justify punched Spectrum Supreme with its fist, destroying it in an explosion. "If my Life Points would become 0 from an attack, I can make them 100 instead and end the Battle Phase!"
An armored knight wielding two large shields appeared before Sanctum, shielding her from the damage. Shortly after, Sanctum grimaced as a crimson aura surrounded her body.
Sanctum: 550→100 LP
"You tenacious worm…." Nova growled. "I end my turn with this." She narrowed her eyes at Sanctum. "What a pathetic sight you offer. Despite all your struggles, your Life Points are like a candle in the wind. Let your defeat warn anyone who even considers challenging the Syndicate."
"Yeah, that's not happening." Sanctum let out a sly smile. "If I surrendered right here and now, I wouldn't be able to look Storm Rider in the face again. And to ensure that doesn't happen, I'll defeat you and win this duel!"
"Hoh, you claim you have the means to defeat me despite my overwhelming advantage?" Nova snorted. "What makes you believe you can turn things around?"
Sanctum smiled as she raised her right hand. "One!" she declared, making Playmaker gasp. "I will defeat you and retrieve Storm Rider's consciousness data to avenge him and repay a debt to him as well. Two: I will find Enoch and make him regret hurting the people I care about. Three: As I save Storm Rider, I'll help protect the people of LINK VRAINS by taking down the Syndicate. Because that's what I promised when I became a member of the Top 10!"
"Sanctum…" Soulburner said in a touched tone.
"Are you that desperate that you're resorting to cheap lies?"
"Why don't you be the judge of that?" Sanctum retorted. "My turn! I draw!" Sanctum grinned as she glanced at her drawn card. "I activate the Spell Card: Monster Recovery! This card shuffles all the cards on my field and in my hand back into my Deck to draw five new cards!"
Nova was stunned that Sanctum was willing to gamble the duel on a single card, even telling her. ''You're willing to risk everything just for some extra cards?''
Sanctum closed her eyes, ignoring Nova. "That's one of the many factors that make duels so exhilarating. Plus— those who are strong enough determine their luck! Let's do this!"
Following her words, all of Sanctum's cards were shuffled back into the Deck as she placed her hand on the top of her Deck. ''DRAW!''
Sanctum, eyeing the cards he drew, smiled after seeing them. "Here I go! First, I set one card," she said. "Then, I activate the Spell Card: Cemetery Link! By banishing monsters from my Graveyard, I can perform a Link Summon!" Nova's eyes widened. "Appear, the circuit of justice and courage!" A Link Portal appeared ahead of Sanctum. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters, including a Link Monster! I banish Link-2 Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night and Avram!"
Spectral forms of Crescent Night and Avram appeared and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows.
"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Crusadia Equimax!"
A golden centaur emerged from the portal at the Right Extra Monster Zone. Its body was made of metal and had blue lines crossed over it. It swung a sword that it held in its right hand.
Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
Blue Maiden narrowed her eyes. "That monster is a Cyberse monster."
Nova stared at the monster in awe. "A Link Monster that isn't a "Mekk-Knight" monster," she muttered. "Nice monster, but it isn't strong enough to destroy my Justify and win you this duel."
"Then how about I change that?" Sanctum said. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Link Drain!" The card showed Summon Sorceress draining energy from Vector Scare Archfiend. "I can target a Link Monster you control and reduce its attack points to zero while giving those attack points to a Link Monster I control. However, these changes last until the end of the turn. I target S-Force Justify and reduce its attack points to zero, so Equimax gains its 4100 attack points!"
"Oh no!" Nova said in horror as Justify's energy was transferred to Equimax's, supercharging him.
S-Force Justify ATK 4100→0
Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000→6100
"Battle!" Sanctum declared. "Crusadia Equimax, attack S-Force Justify! Justice Slash!"
The centaur charged forward, its sword glowing, but Nova was ready.
"I activate the Trap Card: Battle Break!" he said. "This card destroys the attacking monster and ends the Battle Phase!"
"I think not!" Sanctum exclaimed as he gestured to his field. "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!"
Nova gasped out of shock as Battle Break turned to particles. "Continue your attack, Equimax!"
"I hope not to use this, but it looks like I have no other choice," Nova said. "I activate the effect of Necro Link in the Graveyard! Since the monster Special Summoned by its effect is attacked, I can banish Necro Link! And then we both take the damage from this battle!"
"That's useless!" Sanctum interrupted. "I discard a card from my hand to activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Silent Graveyard! With its effect, neither of us can activate card effects from the Graveyard!"
"This can't be…." Nova muttered with evident shock.
"Continue your attack, Equimax! Justice Slash!"
The centaur spun around and lashed out with its sword, cutting Justify from shoulder to hip. The armored man cried out before exploding. Nova screamed in pain as she was knocked off her D-Board.
Nova: 550→0 LP
Nova's body disintegrated into blue data, causing her to log out as a golden data sphere appeared. Sanctum flew over to it and hovered by it. She picked up the sphere and inserted it into her Duel. "It's over. Now I need to give this back."
"Sanctum!"
Sanctum turned as Playmaker, and everyone else approached her.
"Congratulations!" Soulburner cheered.
"That finishing move was amazing!" Roselyn said.
Sanctum smiled. "Thank you, Roselyn and Soulburner," she said. "Thank you, all of you, for letting me do this."
Playmaker smiled softly. "Let's get back to the real world." They all nodded and logged out.
Back in Den City, at Kolter's apartment…
Ena, Lily, Skye, Kolter, Yusaku, and Theodore headed to the top floor. Everyone decided Ena and Kolter would be the only ones allowed in the room to not crowd their friend when he awoke.
Ena stood over her friend's unconscious body and held up her Duel Disk
"Here goes nothing."
She brought out the golden orb from her Duel Disk and held it over Yuji's body before releasing it. The orb fell and hit the boy's chest. It dispersed across his body, briefly illuminating the room before fully disappearing.
"Guess we now wait," Kolter said, eyes narrowed in concern.
"Yuji…" Ena muttered, frowning to herself.
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
Darkness.
He found himself surrounded by darkness. He tried to stand up but found no floor. Thinking it was like water, he tried treading, moving arms and legs in pushing motions.
When he realized that he could do nothing but float, he called out for help. For the man who had given him a job out of the kindness of his heart. For the girl that had helped him find meaning in life again. For the boy who had shown him the truth, who made him realize that he couldn't run away from his true self.
When no one answered, his thoughts turned introspective. How had he ended up here? What was this place? He easily remembered the answer to the first question: He had lost to an overpowering opponent. No, one that, while he could contend with, defeated him in the end.
He did not know how much time had passed in this forsaken place. He had no way of knowing. It could have been minutes. It could have been hours. It could have been weeks, though he hoped it hadn't been that long.
And then, without warning, without indication of it having been there, there was suddenly light.
He turned his head and saw the outline of a door. The door opened, though it was far too bright to see what was on the other side.
He found that there was now a floor underneath him, and he could stand on it. And walk on it. So he walked for the door. He walked for what he hoped was a way out of this hell. And as he crossed the threshold, an idle thought crossed his mind.
I hope this is the good "walk towards the light" story because I will be so pissed if it isn't.
"Augh…"
Yuji groaned as awareness returned to him. It had been a while since he'd been in his real body. It took him a few seconds to figure out how to work his fingers and toes. And a few seconds more to force open his eyes.
He was back in his room on the top floor of the apartment building. But he wasn't alone. He tilted his head so he could see who was standing over him.
"…Ena?"
Tears filled the girl's eyes and threatened to spill down as she smiled. "Thank goodness," she whispered in a relieved tone. "You're safe, Yuji. You're back."
Yuji opened his mouth, but Ena dove down and hugged him before he could respond. Surprised at the sudden pressure, he looked down at the crying girl holding him. Frowning in concern, he reached around and placed his right hand on her lower back. The physical contact reassured her that it was him. He was back.
"Well." Yuji looked over to see Kolter looking very relieved in the corner. "I'm glad you're back, Yuji. Now, with you back, you and the others can focus on taking down the Syndicate."
"…No." Kolter blinked at Yuji's words, then blinked again, seeing the fear in his expression. Sorry, Koter… but I can't. "I can't fight the Syndicate. I just can't."
OC Card Memo:
Nova:
S-Force Disc Striker, Level 4, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1000, ATT: DARK, Type: Warrior/Effect
Effect: Your opponent cannot destroy by battle any of your "S-Force" monsters in the same column as one of your "S-Force" monsters. If this card battles an opponent's monster with 1000 or more in the same column as one of your "S-Force" monsters; shuffle that monster into their Deck without applying damage calculation. You can only use each effect of "S-Force Disk Striker" once per turn.
S-Force Blade Shadow- Level 4, ATK: 2000, DEF: 600, ATT: DARK, Type: Warrior/Effect
Effect: Your opponent cannot activate any of their Spell/Trap Cards in the same column as this card. When your "S-Force" monster battles an opponent's monster with an ATK greater than this card's ATK: Halve their current ATK until the end of the Battle Phase. You can only use this effect of "S-Force Blade Shadow" once per turn.
S-Force Electrovire- Level 6, ATK: 2300, DEF: 1600, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Psychic/Effect
Effect: If a "S-Force" monster you control would be used as Link Material for a "S-Force" monster, this card in your hand can also be used as material. If this card is sent from the hand or field to the GY as material for the Link Summon of a "S-Force" monster: You can add 1 "S-Force" Spell/Trap from your Deck to your hand. You can only use each effect of "S-Force Electrovire" once per turn.
S-Force Sky Hunter- Level 5, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1500, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect
Effect: If a "S-Force" monster you control would be used as Link Material for a "S-Force" monster, this card in your hand can also be used as material. If this card is sent from the hand or field to the GY as material for the Link Summon of a "S-Force" monster: Special Summon a "S-Force" monster from your GY or banished but it cannot attack directly this turn. If this card is summoned in the same column to an opponent's monster; target 1 card on the field that is in a "S-Force" monster's column and if you do, banish it. You can only use each effect of "S-Force Sky Hunter" once per turn.
S-Force Darwcartes- Level 7, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2400, ATT: DARK, Type: Fiend/Effect
Effect: If a "S-Force" monster is destroyed in the same column as a monster your opponent controls: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) to a column that your opponent controls. If this card is Special Summoned: all non-"S-Force" cards in the same column as this card have their effects negated. (Quick Effect): You can banish 1 "S-Force" monster in your GY and if you do, move this card to another of your Main Monster Zones and then destroy all cards your opponent controls in that same column. You can only use each effect of "S-Force Darwcartes" once per turn.
S-Force Ace Caster- LINK-2, ATK: 1600, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect, Arrows: Top, Bottom
Effect: 2 Effect Monsters, including an "S-Force" monster
When this card is Link Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 monster in your opponent's hand or GY but its effects are negated. If a monster is summoned to a zone this card points to: Add 1 "S-Force" card in your GY or banished to your hand. (Quick Effect): You can banish 1 "S-Force" card in your hand, this card and all monsters this card points to and if you do: Special Summon 2 "S-Force" monsters (1 from your Deck and 1 that is banished). You can only use each effect of "S-Force Ace Caster" once per turn.
S-Force Triple Threat- Type: Normal Spell Card
Effect: Target 1 "S-Force" Link Monster: Destroy monsters your opponents that were Special Summoned up to the Link Rating of the targeted monster and if you do; draw 1 card for each destroyed monster (Max 4.). This effect cannot be negated. You can only activate 1 "S-Force Triple Threat" once per turn.
S-Force Drive Buster- Type: Equip Spell Card
Effect: Equip only to a "S-Force" monster. The equipped monster gains 1000 ATK and it can attack all monsters your opponent controls for each "S-Force" monster(s) that is in the same column for each of your opponent's monsters. Each monster destroyed by battle from battles involving the equipped monster are banished. If the equipped monster leaves the field while equipped with this card: You can Special Summon 1 of your banished "S-Force" monsters. You can only control 1 "S-Force Drive Buster". You only activate 1 "S-Force Drive Buster" once per turn.
Necro Link Normal Trap Card
If a Link Monster leaves your field: Target that Link Monster in your GY; Special Summon it to an unoccupied Extra Monster Zone and increase its ATK by 1500. The Special Summoned monster cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects the turn it is Summoned. If the Special Summoned monster leaves the field, both players take damage equal to its original ATK. If the Special Summoned monster is targeted for an attack: you can banish this card from your GY; any battle damage inflicted to you by this battle is also inflicted to your opponent. You can only activate each effect of "Necro Link" once per turn.
Sanctum:
Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal- Level 10, ATK: 3100, DEF: 2700, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Psychic/Effect
Effect: If 2 or more cards are in the same column, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand) in that column. You can only Special Summon "Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal" once per turn this way. If this card is Special Summoned: All monsters your opponent controls loses 1000 ATK and DEF while this card is face-up on the field. When this card battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in this card's column.
Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver- Level 2, ATK: 800, DEF: 500, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Psychic/Tuner/Effect
Effect: If you control a ''Mekk-Knight'' monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver" once per turn this way. Once per turn: Special Summon 1 Level 6 or lower "Mekk-Knight" monster from your Deck but you cannot summon other monsters this turn, except "Mekk-Knight" monsters. You can only activate this effect of "Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver" once per turn.
Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night- LINK 2, ATK: 2200, ATT: DARK, Type: Machine/Link/Effect, Arrows: Top-Right, Top-Left
Effect: 2 monsters, including a "Mekk-Knight" monster
If this card is Link Summoned: You can discard 1 card; add 1 "Mekk-Knight" card from your Deck to your hand, then, if this card was not co-linked when this effect was activated, you can draw 1 card. You can only use this effect of "Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night" once per turn. While any linked "Mekk-Knight" monster(s) are on the field pointing to this card, monsters your opponent controls lose 1000 ATK and must attack this card during their Battle Phase, if able.
Link Drain (Normal Spell Card) (Credit to Divadx)
Target 1 Link Monster your opponent controls; reduce its ATK to 0, and if you do, 1 Link Monster you control gains ATK equal to the targeted monsters original ATK. These changes last until the End Phase.
Booby Trap Mk-II
Normal Trap
When this Set card is removed from the field by your opponent: shuffle it back into your Deck; draw 1 card, then you can Set 1 Spell/Trap from your hand. That Set card can be activated during this turn.
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Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Advent of New Beginnings. Chapter 13 – Tough Love. Ena rescued Yuji from Enoch, but his recovery isn't complete. Worried for her friend, she approaches him with an offer…
QOTC: What did you guys think of Nova? Also, do you believe Yuji will make a full recovery?
Thank you for reading Chapter 12 of New Beginnings. I hope you enjoyed it. Don't forget to favorite, follow and review, and I'll see you all next time!