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?

13. Tough Love

Greetings, community! Donkeyboy100 is here with Chapter 13. And now, without further ado, on with the story!

At Kolter's apartment…

"Right now…what did you just say…?"

Kolter asked with a trembling voice, his words accurately reflecting his and Ena's mental state following Yuji's shocking announcement.

"I believe I was quite clear, no?" Yuji said. "I refuse to fight against the Syndicate."

"No, back up a bit here," Ena spoke agitatedly. "That statement of yours requires a bit of elaboration first. What makes you think you can give up on stopping the Syndicate from taking over LINK VRAINS?"

"Simple. My loss against Enoch proves that I'm no match against him or the Syndicate, even at my current level," Yuji frowned. "Throughout the duel, he managed to counter every one of my moves and catch me by surprise."

"Yuji, you can't let one loss put you in a sour mood. You dueled your hardest, not just for yourself but for your teammates too," Kolter stated.

"He's right," Ena agreed. "You did our best!"

"Even so, my best wasn't good enough," Yuji noted.

"Just because you lost one duel doesn't mean there won't be another in the future."

The trio turned around to see Yusaku and the others had entered the room.

"Yusaku…" Yuji muttered.

"Yusaku's right," Theodore said. "Think of all the times we'd lost. Do you think we just sat down and did nothing? Heck no! We got back up and tried again!"

"We're trying to say that you've got to stop blaming yourself," Skye said. "You're our friend and comrade! Ena was so worried about you that she risked her conscious data on the line to save you. Sure, it's great that you're being cautious, but aren't you letting your fear get the best of you? Remember when you wanted to join the Top 10 to stop the Arbiters regardless of the consequences that might come?"

"All we're saying is that you don't need to be scared," Lily stated. "Not only that, you have the rest of the Top 10 and LINK VRAINS worried about you. Even after Sanctum informed them she would win you back, Chevalier and Charmcaster felt sad when they thought you weren't coming back."

Yuji looked at everyone with a hard look that made them step back a little, "Then, I hope you guys stay safe. Because you guys will have to win this fight without me."

Yuji then left the room, disheartening everyone at the once upbeat duelist determination.

"Well, that could've gone better," Kolter sighed.

"I would say we should give him space, but I don't think that's going to help," Theodore said.

"Is there anything we can do?" Lily questioned. "If Yuji stays depressed like this, then we'll have no chance at stopping the Syndicate."

"We just have to let time take its course," Yusaku said. "Hopefully, he'll move past his trauma and return to his old self."

"And if he doesn't?" Skye asked.

Ena had a determined expression on her face. "I refuse to believe that. Yuji will be okay. He needs time, that's all."

"I hope you're right, Ena. Because the last thing we need is to permanently lose one of our team members." Skye pointed out, a sad and concerned expression on her face.

Meanwhile, elsewhere…

"So this is the Stardust Road. It's beautiful!"

It was nighttime, and Yuji was sitting on a bench. He watched over the ocean as it reflected the light from the stars.

"With how busy my schedule has been, I've never had the chance to stop by here. Glad I now have the time."

"You aren't the first person to say that."

Yuji tensed as he turned around and saw a tall young man with fair skin, light-blue eyes, and white hair spiked backward at the sides with purple-blue highlights. He wore a pink V-neck shirt underneath a light grey suit jacket with black trousers and white shoes.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's alright," Yuji said. "I wasn't expecting anyone else to be out here this late. I take it you come here often?"

"Every time the Stardust Road appears," the man replied. "You know the story behind the Stardust Road?"

"Afraid not. But I'm guessing you do."

The man nodded. "The reason behind it is that luminous plankton gathers beneath the surface. And on certain nights, they light up. And they make the ocean look like this." His smile widened. "This is why the man who owns that house on the cliff behind us built it out here, away from the rest of Den City. So he and his family could have the view to themselves."

"That's rather selfish of him."

The man's lip twitched. "Being selfish isn't a bad thing. Wanting to keep the ones we love close to us is selfish. Wanting to protect them so we don't see them hurt is selfish. Being selfish is human nature."

He looked from his Yuji to the ocean. "Remember this; if you are ever lost or confused, the Stardust Road will guide you."

Yuji blinked and looked up. "The Stardust Road will guide me?"

"Yes. This path is the road to the future. No matter where you go or obstacles you face, the Stardust Road will lead you to the path you seek."

The boy frowned. "I… don't understand."

"It's alright if you don't right now," the man assured him. "One day, you will." His smile turned bittersweet. "One day, the Stardust Road will guide you as it has guided those who have seen it."

Yuji looked at the ocean. "I hope you're right about that."

The man glanced at Yuji. "I'm assuming by your tone that something is troubling you."

Yuji frowned. "You could say that," he replied as he stood up from the bench. "You see, I recently had this duel, which I lost. Normally, I wouldn't be so upset about losing one single duel. However, the opponent I faced was one I've never met."

"I see. And because of this loss, you're hesitant to ever duel again, is that right?"

"You got me."

The man smirked. "I know we just met, but may I offer you some advice?"

"I don't think it will help, but by all means, go ahead," Yuji allowed.

"Evolve," The man said, confusing Yuji. "Continue to grow. Surpass your limits. Even if you can't go any further, keep pushing to reach new heights and become stronger!"

"Become…stronger…"

"I must be somewhere, but I hope the advice helps you. Because one way or another, it will be needed at some point."

Following his words, the man took his leave, leaving Yuji behind.

"Overcome my limits, huh?" Yuji repeated the man's words. "But what if there aren't any new heights for me to reach?"

The next day…

Yuji slowly got up from his bed, still pondering the words the man he had met the other night had told him. Taking his Duel Disk with him, he walked down the hall and later to the kitchen.

As he put his Duel Disk down at the kitchen table and headed to the counter to make breakfast, Yuji noticed that Kolter wasn't there. This would make sense, given that his brother Jin has been working the morning shift lately.

DING!

After hearing it go off, Yuji headed to the toaster, which released two pieces of wheat toast. Grabbing them from the toaster and putting them on his plate, he put grape jam on each piece before bringing his plate to the kitchen table. While he normally enjoyed a big breakfast, he thought it was better to have something small today. Before he could take a bite, though...

"You seriously having breakfast without me..." Ena said, entering the kitchen from the living room, a tired look on her face. "How rude of you."

Yuji smiled. "Sorry. I was going to wake you but decided against it."

"It's ok. You're forgiven," Ena said as she sat at the table. "Do you mind splitting your breakfast with me?"

Yuji thought it over, then said, "You know what, why not? After hitting you and the others with the news I have you, I should make it up to you somehow." Yuji broke his toast before handing one of the halves to Ena, who ate it.

"Now that was good! Surely puts Kolter's hot dogs to shame!"

"Make sure you don't say that around him."

"Sure thing." Ena then frowned. "You sure there's nothing the others and I can do to change your mind?"

Yuji frowned. "I gave it some thought," he replied. "I'll need some time alone before rejoining you guys in fighting the Syndicate. I hope you understand."

Ena smiled. "I do. Take all the time you need. Just know I'll be waiting for you when you return to us."

"Thanks. Anyway, we should get ready for school. You can have the rest of my breakfast."

Following Yuji's words, he left the kitchen, leaving Ena alone, who frowned.

"I understand you need time, Yuji," she muttered. "But I don't think we have enough."

Meanwhile, at the Syndicate Stronghold...

"Go, Hecatoncheir! Direct attack with Doom Satellite!"

The bipedal dragon possessing four arms, generated an orb of energy that shot forward, sending the opposing duelist flying.

Syndicate Soldier: 1100→0 LP

Enoch: WIN

"An excellent performance, as always. You seem to be in tip-top shape, Enoch, judging from your winning streak."

Enoch turned to see none other than Marionette, praising his performance as she passed on a bottle of water, which he downed in one go.

"Thank you, Marionette," Enoch said with a smile as she returned the empty bottle to her.

"Sure thing." Marionette dismissively waved her hand. "After all, the soldiers can learn a lot by observing how to win a duel, so it's a win-win situation for everybody involved. Queen Priscilla thinks so too."

"Speaking of winning duels, I heard that the person the Queen hired lost against Sanctum," Enoch said.

"Me too, but it doesn't matter whether they or the rest of us win or lose so long as we got you," Marionette responded.

"You said it, not me," Enoch replied with a smile before making a guts pose. "Now then, who is next in line for fighting me? I still have plenty of stamina to spare!"

"While it's good that you're so enthusiastic…maybe it's better not to overdo things." Marionette pointed at the Syndicate soldiers, who had collapsed on the floor and were panting in exhaustion. "I don't think they can take much more of this."

"Hehe, sorry about that…." Enoch let out a nervous chuckle. "I guess I got a bit too carried away…."

"I must admit I'm curious," Marionette said as the tired soldiers slowly left the training arena. "Why are you in such a rush to become stronger? What drives you to train yourself so hard?"

"You wanna know what drives me to grow stronger?" Enoch asked. "Simple. It's Storm Rider."

"Storm Rider?" Marionette repeated.

"Before I dueled him, I was convinced I was the strongest duelist ever," Enoch stated. "However, Queen Priscilla pointed out that since I almost lost to him, I'm not as strong as I think. So I need to train as hard as possible, so my next win will be easy the next time the two of us face each other."

"I see, I see." Marionette nodded with an amused smile. "It's all for the sake of being the best, huh? That's certainly a noble reason." She narrowed her eyes at Enoch. "Well, if you ever need someone to train with, just remember I'm always available."

"Thanks, Marionette."

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Queen Priscilla materialized into the room, surprising the duo.

"Queen Priscilla!" Enoch and Marionette shouted in unison.

"Hello, you two," Priscilla said. "I can see your training is going well, Enoch. It won't be long before you become the most powerful duelist in the world."

Enoch smiled as he bowed. "Thank you, my queen."

Marionette narrowed her eyes at Priscilla. "Is there another reason why you're here?"

Queen Priscilla nodded. "There is. I wanted to inform both of you about the factory's progress," she answered before narrowing her eyes at Marionette. "Since Umbra is busy fortifying our defenses and everyone else is focused on completing their assigned tasks, I need you to gather more resources to speed up the progress of our goal. Do you understand?"

Marionette nodded. "Yes, my queen. I'll go gather them right now!"

Following her words, Nova logged out.

Priscilla narrowed her eyes at Enoch. "Speaking of progress, since you've been dueling so much lately, I would like to know which Deck our soldiers used gave the Top 10 the most trouble."

"Simple," Enoch said. "The Bystial Deck, out of all the others, is certainly the strongest. It sure gave Storm Rider a hard time." He then frowned. "But I do believe it could use some improvements."

"I see," Priscilla said. "You're allowed to make the necessary upgrades. Hopefully, it'll be enough to take down the Top 10."

"Took the words right out of my mouth."

Soon after, Queen Priscilla and Enoch logged out of the training area.

Elsewhere, at Den City High School…

Yuji packed his things and stood up, glad the school day was over. But before he could leave, a familiar individual walked up to him.

"Hey, Yuji," Taigen said, catching up to him. "I noticed you were quiet all day today. Is something up? You know you can talk to me if-."

"I'm kind of in a rush," Yuji explained as he began to walk. "So I'm afraid I can't talk right now."

Taigen narrowed his eyes at Yuji's comment. "Come on. There's something else. Please let me know what's going on."

Yuji stopped walking. He then turned his head to glare at Taigen. His face was pale, and his eyes were wide and fierce. Judging from his facial expression, he could tell that Yuji was experiencing both anger and sadness.

"Please... just leave me alone..." he pleaded. "I am begging you. Just. Leave. Me. Alone."

Before Taigen could speak, Yuji stormed off, heading to the school's entrance.

"Yuji..." he muttered.

Meanwhile...

"Something's eating away at him." Ena frowned at Theodore's words. Skye, Lily, and Rhea were sitting with them in an empty classroom. "I ran into Taigen on my way here, and he informed me about his interaction with Yuji."

"Yuji's not known to be confrontational, for it's a rare event," Skye stated. "Has he said anything to you, Ena, regarding his feelings?"

She shook her head. "No. Not a word. To Kolter or me. But I know something is troubling him; when I saw him these past two mornings, he looked… haggard. Like he'd seen something that terrified him."

Lily frowned. "Well, it's obvious what the cause is, right? It's because he lost to Enoch."

"But why?" Rhea asked. "Why did losing to that guy affect him so badly?"

"She's right," Skye agreed. "When you lose, you don't mope; you get back up and try again!."

"It's not that he lost," Theodore interrupted. "It's the way he lost."

"Huh?" Lily and Skye blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I don't get it either," Rhea admitted. "What does how he lost have to do with this?"

Theodore crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "I can tell that Yuji is a very proud duelist," he explained. "That was something I understood from all his past duels. He accepted his loss when he lost to Ringmaster in the Grand Prix. Just as I accepted my loss when Ringmaster defeated me."

Ena frowned. "Normally, when Yuji loses a duel, he doesn't let the loss get to him," she said.

"I get it now," Lily said, frowning slightly. "You're saying that Yuji can take a loss and move on when there's nothing on the line."

"Yes," Theodore confirmed. "But with Enoch, it was different." He held up a hand. "One: Yuji is a very skilled duelist. The number of people who can defeat him is very low. Two: He knows this and takes great pride in his abilities. Three: When he dueled Enoch, his opponent used a new type of monster that caught him off guard but also belittled his skills and defeated him in a way that crushed his spirit."

Ena frowned sadly and looked down at her hands. "You're right," she said softly. "To be honest, I feel that Enoch was holding back. The way he dueled against Yuji was designed to break him."

"He sure is a terrifying opponent," Rhea muttered with a frown.

"Yeah," Skye agreed. "I'm not keen on going up against him."

"But what about Yuji?" Lily asked. "It isn't a good idea for him to wallow right now, is it?"

"No, it isn't," Theodore agreed. "We need his help to end the Syndicate's reign of terror."

"And he's our friend," Skye added. "We should help him." She turned to Ena. "You know him best, Ena. How can we help him?"

Ena frowned and thought about it. "I do have an idea. Though I'll need to iron out the details. I will let you know after school if that is okay with everyone."

The others nodded in agreement, knowing that they could trust Ena completely. And if her idea can help Yuji get out of his funk, then so be it.

A while later…

Ena and Yuji walked into Kolter's apartment. "Huh," the boy said, looking around the room. "Looks like Yusaku's helping Kolter down at the plaza." He turned to Ena. Come on. We should get a start on our homework."

"Unfortunately, Yuji, we don't have time for that." Yuji blinked at Ena's words. "I want you to come with me to LINK VRAINS. Everyone else is there waiting for us."

Yuji frowned. "LINK VRAINS? What for?

"I'll let you know once we're there," Ena said. "Come on. Let's get going."

The boy sighed. "Alright, let's go."

Yuji grabbed his Duel Disk from his bag and put it on as he and Ena entered the sealed rooms in the back.

"Time to link into the VRAINS!"

In LINK VRAINS…

Storm Rider and Sanctum landed on a cliff, and the former blinked. "Sanctum, where are we?" he asked his comrade. They were standing atop the side of a mountain that was half covered in snow. The sky around them was blue and stretched off in every direction without anything else in sight. "This isn't LINK VRAINS, is it?"

"Not exactly," Sanctum said. "This is a private server that I had Kolter make."

"A private server?" Storm Rider repeated. "Why would he make something like this? To serve as a private practice area for us?"

"No. Because we wanted to meet you here."

Storm Rider blinked and turned. Soulburner, Blue Maiden, Roselyn and even Esper were there, standing further away from the ledge.

Storm Rider stared at them, then looked at Sanctum, who looked away guiltily. He sighed. "Alright, what's this about?" he asked. "Because all of you brought me here for a reason. What is it?"

"Storm Rider," Sanctum said, "will you duel me?"

"…Huh?"

Esper chuckled at the look on Storm Rider's face. "I told you guys that's how he'd react."

"It would probably be a good idea to explain why you're challenging him, Sanctum," Soulburner added dryly.

"It absolutely would be," Blue Maiden said as she crossed her arms.

"Guess the two of you are right. Sanctum closed her eyes for a few seconds, then opened them again. "Storm Rider, are you afraid of dueling again because of your recent duel with Enoch?"

"…!" Storm Rider's eyes narrowed as his heart rate accelerated. He clenched his fists, which Sanctum didn't miss.

"As I thought," she said softly. "When you dueled Enoch, he crushed your spirit. He showed you such a great gap between you that you believe it impossible to overcome. And now you're afraid of him and terrified of facing him again."

"…And you think dueling you will help me overcome that?" Storm Rider asked, glaring at his friend.

"Maybe," Sanctum shrugged. Honestly, I don't know. But it's better to try something than nothing, right?"

"A duel between Sanctum and Storm Rider. That's something I thought I wouldn't ever see." Soulburner stated, having grinned to himself.

"It's good that Kolter made it possible to have duels here," Blue Maiden commented.

"Sorry, but no." Everyone blinked and looked at Storm Rider, standing there with his eyes closed since Sanctum's last words. Now his eyes had opened. "I refuse your challenge, Sanctum. I told you that I would deal with this my way. And I need you and everyone else to respect that."

Storm Rider was about to log out when a golden cord wrapped around his wrist.

"I had a feeling you would refuse," Sanctum said as she narrowed her eyes at Storm Rider. "Which is why I had Kolter make me this Data Anchor."

Storm Rider frowned. "Why Sanctum? Why go through all this trouble just for one duel?"

"Because it's not worth it if you're sad and depressed!"

Storm Rider's eyes widened at Sanctum's words. "You're my best friend, Storm Rider. That makes it my duty to cheer you up when you're down," Sanctum stated. "Now that I've tagged you with this Data Anchor, you have no choice but to duel me!"

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at Sanctum. "…Very well. I'll duel you."

The cord disappeared as the two friends walked away some distance from the others, the former going to one side for their duel while the latter did the same thing on the opposite side before activating their Duel Disks.

Storm Rider checked out the landscape. It was a well-made private server, he noted. He looked forward at Sanctum, intent on getting this duel over with.

Sanctum looked at her opponent. "Let's go, Storm Rider!"

"Let's Duel!"

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Sanctum: 4000 LP

"You challenged me, so it's only fair for me to go first." Storm Rider pointed out, causing Sanctum to nod in agreement. "My turn! When no monsters are on the field, I can Special Summon Cycode Illusionist. When I do so, its attack points become 1800, and I can add a new "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand."

A robot in a tuxedo and top hat appeared in Attack Position and waved a wand in its right hand.

Cycode Illusionist ATK 2400→1800

Storm Rider took his new card from his Deck, then pointed upwards. "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 Illusionist in the Link Arrow!"

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

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

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

Cycode Architect ATK 700 LINK-1 ↙

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

A female-like android in a light blue leotard, leg warmers, and arm sleeves with a silver hoop in its right hand appeared next to Masterframe 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 Broken Cycode to my hand. Then, since I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon Cycode Linker from my hand!"

A white robotic warrior wearing black armor appeared. It had a black cape and wore gauntlets with red arrow markings.

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Now, I'll build my circuit again!"

The Link Portal appeared again above Storm Rider.

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

Both 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 the Extra Monster Zone.

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 Illusionist!"

The robot in a tuxedo reappeared on Storm Rider's field at Buster's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Illusionist ATK 2400 DEF 1000 LVL: 6

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

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

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

A cybernetic humanoid emerged from the Link Portal at Cycode Buster's bottom Link Arrow. It wore silver gauntlets with futuristic pistols on its forearms, and a cobalt mask covered its mouth. It also wore a navy blue cape with white lines hanging from its shoulders, and instead of eyes, it had two light blue lenses that were constantly whirling.

Cycode Hunter ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←↘

"Amazing!" Esper said in awe. "Three monsters from the Extra Deck in one turn!"

Soulburner smirked. "That's just how Storm Rider's Deck works."

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Storm Rider concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" Sanctum looked at her card, then at Storm Rider. "So, those are the monsters you choose to rely on."

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"I know what those monsters' effects are. Hunter can negate an attack once per turn, and Buster can destroy an attacking monster by Tributing a monster next to its Link Arrow." Sanctum frowned. "Ever since your loss against Enoch, your moves have become predictable."

Storm Rider frowned. "Where are you going with this, Sanctum?"

"Nowhere; I just found it interesting to note. But I'll get back to the duel. Since your Set card is in the same column as Cycode Hunter, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Blue Sky from my hand to that column!"

An armored warrior wielding two curved swords appeared, summoned in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2000 DEF 2500 LVL: 5

"Blue Sky's effect activates! When this card is Summoned from my hand, I can add "Mekk-Knight" monsters from my Deck to my hand, equal to the number of your cards in Blue Sky's column. You have two, so I'll add Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal and Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse to my hand." Sanctum took the cards and played another from her hand. "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 Blue Sky to the column to its right. And now I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse via its effect!"

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 right!"

Indigo Eclipse shifted to the Main Monster Zone on its right, causing Storm Rider to scowl in annoyance.

"I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal from my hand! Since two or more cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon this card to that column!"

An aquamarine and silver machine brandishing a trident of the same color appeared in Attack Position in the same column Indigo Eclipse had vacated.

Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal ATK 3100 DEF 2700 LVL: 10

"Aquamarine Tidal's effect activates!" Sanctum exclaimed. "As long as this card is on the field, all your monsters lose 1000 attack points!"

Cycode Buster ATK 1800→800

Cycode Hunter ATK 1600→600

"Battle!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Aquamarine Tidal, attack Cycode Hunter!"

Aquamarine let out a battle cry as it charged Hunter, its trident ready.

"Not so fast!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "I activate the Cycode Hunter's effect! When you declare an attack, I can negate that attack!"

"That's not going to happen!" Sanctum stated. "Thanks to Tidal's second effect, whenever it attacks, you can't activate cards of effects in the same column as it until the end of the Damage Step!"

Storm Rider gritted his teeth. "With Hunter's effects locked, I can't stop Tidal's attack."

Tidal launched its trident, piercing Hunter through its chest and destroying it in an explosion. The ensuing shockwave sent Storm Rider skidding backwards.

Storm Rider: 4000→1500 LP

"I was hoping this duel wouldn't end this soon, but we can't always get what we want," Sanctum said. "Indigo Eclipse attacks Cycode Buster!"

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Broken Cycode!" The card showed Cycode Wizard kneeling on the ground, its robes tattered. "When my "Cycode" monster battles your monster, Broken Cycode increases my Life Points by your monster's attack points!"

"What?!" Sanctum gasped.

"Indigo Eclipse has 2400 attack points, so I gain 2400 Life Points!"

Storm Rider: 1500→3900 LP

The silver machine released a blue energy wave at the Link Monster, making it explode. Storm Rider raised his arm, protecting his face from the shockwave.

Storm Rider: 3900→2300 LP

"Finally, Blue Sky attacks you directly!"

"I activate the effect of the Cycode Battler in my hand!" Storm Rider declared, surprising Sanctum. "If you attack me directly, I can Special Summon this card in Attack Position!"

A muscular robot in boxer's clothes, with red boxing gloves, blue shorts, a white tank top, and red headgear, appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Battler ATK 1500→500 DEF 700 LVL: 4

Sanctum narrowed her eyes. "Very well then. Blue Sky, attack Cycode Battler!"

Blue Sky slashed Battler with its swords, destroying it in an explosion. Storm Rider winced from the damage.

Storm Rider: 2300→800 LP

"When Battler is destroyed by battle, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I return Cycode Linker to my hand."

"Geez, Storm Rider is getting pulverized out there," Roselyn commented. "Don't recall him having that much trouble often against Sanctum."

"If she had one more monster, she would've won this turn," Blue Maiden noted.

"She's playing it smart, trying to exhaust him early on before he can build his formation," Esper remarked. "However, I don't think Storm Rider hasn't accounted for that. And low Life Points haven't stopped him before."

"At the end of the Battle Phase, Broken Cycode's effect activates!" Storm Rider stated. "Since I control no monster, Broken Cycode lets me draw two cards!"

He drew, looked at his cards, then added them to his hand.

"If you had lost to such a simple strategy, it would be incredibly disappointing," Sanctum said. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. Now, Storm Rider, show me your response to my dueling!"

"My response?" Storm Rider muttered. "In that case, I know just what to show you! My turn! I draw!"

Storm Rider looked at his card, and his eyes widened in surprise. He then smiled to himself. Yes, he thought. It's here. Now I need to clear her field of monsters, and this duel will be mine.

"First, I activate the Spell Card: Cyberse Call!" he declared. "This card adds one Level 4 or below Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cycode Recon to my hand. And since you control a monster and I don't, I can 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→200 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→0 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 Card from my Deck to my hand."

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

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

Cycode Updater ATK 1900→900 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 Strider!"

A medium-sized robot with semi-bulky armor wielding a futuristic rifle appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Strider ATK 1700→700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Strider's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When Special Summoned, I get to check the top card of my Deck, and if it's a monster, I get to summon it. So let's see if luck is on my side. I draw!"

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

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

A one-eyed tall slim black, metal skeletal robot with six arms, each holding a red blade energy dagger, appeared next to Updater.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500→500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I'll now build my circuit again!"

The Link Portal appeared once again above Storm Rider.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Updater and Assailant 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 Administrator!"

A monster resembling Flame Administrator, except it was blue instead of red, emerged from the portal, summoned to Cycode Kuriboh's Link Arrow.

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200→200 LINK-2 →↙

"Cycode Administrator's effect! All "Cycode" Link Monsters I control gain 800 attack points!"

Cycode Kuriboh ATK 0→800

Cycode Administrator ATK 200→1000

"Furthermore, all monsters Cycode Administrator points to can't be targeted by card effects. Next, I summon Cycode Sorceress!"

A mechanical female humanoid in a black dress carrying a metal staff appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400→400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Sorceress's effect activates! When she's Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Return to me, Cycode Assailant!"

The metal skeletal robot with six arms reappeared next to Sorceress.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500→500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Appear again, my circuit!"

For a third time, the Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

"The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters, except Tokens. I set Cycode Sorceress and Assailant in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Binal Sorceress!"

A monster resembling Binary Sorceress, but its robotic-like body is whiter with silver coating and energy coating feet as it appeared next to Cycode Administrator's right Link Arrow.

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 1600→600→1400 LINK-2 ←→

"And since I control a "Cycode" monster, I Special Summon Cycode Linker from my hand!"

The robot in black armor wearing gauntlets with red arrows reappeared.

Cycode Linker ATK 1700→700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"This is my final Link Summon! I create my circuit! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 or higher "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Linker and Strider 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, summoned to Binal Sorceress's right Link Arrow. He had light blue hair made out of digital energy and a long digital yellow scarf.

Cycode Striker ATK 2000→1000→1800 LINK-2 ←↓

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

Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2000→1700

Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse ATK 2400→2100

Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal ATK 3100→2800

"From there, I activate Binal Sorceress's effect!" Storm Rider continued. "Since it is co-linked to two monsters, I can target up to two monsters you control, halve their attack points, and negate their effects. I target Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse and Aquamarine Tidal!"

Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse ATK 2100→1050

Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal ATK 2800→1400

Sanctum gritted her teeth. "Since Aquamarine Tidal lost its effects, all you monsters regain 1000 attack points."

Cycode Administrator ATK 1000→2000

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 1400→2400

Cycode Striker ATK 1800→2800

"Battle! Cycode Striker attacks Indigo Eclipse!"

Following Storm Rider's words, Striker charged at Indigo Eclipse with a battle cry.

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

Sanctum: 4000→6800 LP

Cycode Striker struck Indigo with a powerful kick that caused the silver machine to explode and made Sanctum in pain.

Sanctum: 6800→5050 LP

"Binary Sorceress's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared, making Sanctum look up. "When a monster co-linked with it destroys a monster in battle, you take damage equal to the destroyed monster's attack points!"

"What!?" Sanctum gasped.

This time, the white robot-like humanoid fired a golden beam of energy at Sanctum, making her raise her arms to protect her face.

Sanctum: 5050→4000 LP

"Next, Cycode Administrator attacks Mekk-Knight Blue Sky!"

Cycode Administrator lobbed a blue orb of energy at Blue Sky, destroying it and making Sanctum wince again.

Sanctum: 4000→3700 LP

"Binal Sorceress's effect activates!"

Sorceress launched another golden beam at Sanctum, pushing her back.

Sanctum: 3700→2000 LP

"Finally, Binal Sorceress attacks Aquamarine Tidal!"

Sorceress launched a ball of energy at Tidal, destroying it and making Sanctum wince for the third time.

Sanctum: 2000→1000 LP

Sanctum narrowed her eyes. "Not a bad move, Storm Rider." She then smirked. "But I can do one better. I activate the Trap Card: Telepathic Power! Since my Psychic monster was destroyed by battle, I can destroy the monster that attacked it!"

Storm Rider's eyes widened in surprise as Binal Sorceress exploded.

"And then, I gain Life Points equal to the attack points of that monster on the field!"

Sanctum: 1000→3400 LP

Roselyn raised an eyebrow. "That's strange. Sanctum could've used that card to destroy Cycode Striker. Why didn't she?"

"That's because it would've triggered Striker's effect," Soulburner answered. "When Cycode Striker is destroyed, Storm Rider can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from his Graveyard."

"Meaning he can increase the number of monsters he has to strengthen his defenses," Blue Maiden added.

Storm Rider frowned. "Should've known you wouldn't let me keep the advantage for long. I place a card face-down and end my turn. Now, Sanctum. You should show me what you'll do next in response to my moves!"

Don't worry. I intend to do so! My turn! I draw!" Sanctum exclaimed. "I activate the Spell Card: Card of Sanctity! Now both of us draw until we're holding six cards!"

"Both of them have two cards in their hands," Soulburner commented. "That means they both draw four cards."

After drawing their cards, Sanctum took one of them and revealed it to Storm Rider. "I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Vermillion Flare 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 and vermillion-colored machine with swirls of flames bursting from its head and a cape coated in flames appeared in Attack Position. It wielded an energy-coated Warhammer.

Mekk-Knight Vermillion Flare ATK 2900 DEF 2400 LVL: 10

Sanctum gestured to her field. "Vermillion Flare's effect activates! When summoned successfully, for every other card in the same column as Vermillion Flare, you take 1000 points of damage. There are two cards in its column, so you take 2000 points of damage!"

Vermillion shot a wave of flames from its hammer upon hearing its master's command. In response, Storm Rider took a card from his hand.

"I activate the effect of Cycode Saver in my hand!" he declared. "When I would take damage from an effect, I can Special Summon this card to negate that damage!"

A dwarf alien in white armor carrying a small shield appeared on his field in Defense Position and blocked the wave of flames.

Cycode Saver ATK 0 DEF 1300 LVL: 2

"Then, I gain Life Points equal to the damage negated by Saver's effect!"

The shield in Saver's hands glowed, as did Storm Rider.

Storm Rider: 800→2800 LP

"And for the rest of the turn, I take no effect damage!"

Sanctum was stunned. With one card, Storm Rider had managed to recover most of his Life Point. But she still had plenty of other moves to make.

"Since I control a "Mekk-Knight" monster, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Black Hole from my hand!"

A silver humanoid with a black lining design, a thin waist and a bulky chest with a black crystal-like orb swirling like a black hole, wielding round-bladed weapons with black linings and a torn-up black cape with some white outline, appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Black Hole ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I activate Black Hole's effect! I can destroy one card in its column by moving Vermillion Flare to another Monster Zone. I move Vermilion Flare to the column to its left to destroy Cycode Administrator!"

The orb in Black Hole's chest started to glow before releasing a beam of dark energy at Administrator, destroying it.

"Since Cycode Administrator left the field, Cycode Striker's attack points return to normal."

Cycode Striker ATK 2800→2000

"Next, I activate the effect of Senet Switch! I move Black Hole to the column to its right. Since your Set card is in the same column as Senet Switch, 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 Blue Sky from my Graveyard to destroy Cycode Striker!"

Red Moon's ax glowed before it drove it into the ground, creating and releasing a blast of energy that struck Striker, destroying it.

"The Link Summoned Cycode Striker's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "When it leaves the field by an opponent's card, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Cycode Battler!"

The muscular robot in boxer's clothes reappeared in Defense Position.

Cycode Battler ATK 1500 DEF 700 LVL: 4

"In that case, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Unit and equip it to Mekk-Knight Black Hole! If Black Hole is used to Link Summon, it counts as two materials!"

Storm Rider 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 Black Hole, now treated as two monsters in the Link Arrows!"

Black Hole split into two before turning into dark energy and entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star!"

A large bipedal machine appeared on Sanctum's field. Its armor was grey, with blue lines running across its skin. Instead of hands, it had two electrodes, one of which created a blade of yellow fire. Morning Star roared from the Left Extra Monster Zone despite having no mouth.

Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"I've got plenty more moves to make, and one of them is activating Morning Star's effect!" Sanctum declared. "When it is Link Summoned, by discarding a "Mekk-Knight" monster or "World Legacy" card, I get to add a "World Legacy" card from my deck to my hand."

She discarded Legacy's Whispers and added a card from her Deck to her hand.

"Battle! Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star attacks Cycode Saver!"

Morning Star raised and aimed one of its arms cannons at Saver, destroying it.

"Next, Red Moon attacks Cycode Battler!"

Red Moon's raised its ax before bringing it down. Bisecting Storm Rider's monster and obliterating it.

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battler's effect activates! When it is destroyed by battle, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Acrobat to my hand."

"The Battle Phase is not over! Vermillion Flare attacks you directly!"

Storm Rider's eyes narrowed. "I activate the Trap Card: Cycode Suppression! By banishing a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard, I can reduce the battle damage by that monster's attack points. I banish Cycode Illusionist to reduce the damage by 2400!"

The attack struck Storm Rider. He grunted in pain as he struggled to stand but recovered quickly.

Storm Rider: 2800→2300 LP

"Cycode Suppression's effect then lets me place one "Cycode" monster from my Deck on the top of my Deck whose attack points are equal to or less than the damage I took," Storm Rider continued. "I place Cycode Teleporter on the top of my Deck."

"Looks like we're back to square one," Sanctum smirked. "Well, I expected nothing less from you. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his card, placed it in his hand and chose a different one. "I summon Cycode Masterframe!"

A hacker-like human with dark brown hair appeared, wearing a dark orange hoodie outfit and a pair of dark orange goggles that glow with white circuit lining across the lens. He also had a heavy right gauntlet glove and hover boots.

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Masterframe's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one "Cycode" monster from my hand. Appear once more, Cycode Acrobat!"

The female android holding a silver hoop in its right hand reappeared.

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." He took a card from his Deck. "I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Emblem! By sending a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can then Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Deck in Attack Position, so long as it has the same Level as the sent monster. I send the Level 4 Cycode Knight to the Graveyard and 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 Linker. "Now, I'll build my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

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

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

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

A female with long light-blue hair, wearing a long, digital-like cloak with a witch's hat and wielding an energy rod, appeared in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Magician ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"When Cycode Magician is successfully Link Summoned, I get to return a "Cycode" card from my Graveyard to my hand," Storm Rider continued. "I'll return Cycode Sorceress to my hand." After taking the card from the Graveyard, Storm Rider played another card from his hand. "When I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon Cycode Linker!"

The robot with red gauntlets appeared for the third time in Defense Position next to Acrobat.

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"I'll build my circuit for a second time! The summoning conditions are Cyberse monsters, including a "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Linker and Cycode Acrobat 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 its body with blue fangs and claws appeared next to Cycode Magician's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Leo ATK 2100 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Two Link Monsters in one turn," Sanctum muttered. "Looks like he decided to kick things up a notch."

"Cycode Magician's second effect activates! When a monster is summoned to its Link Arrow, I can banish one card on your field! Say goodbye to your Mekk-Knight Vermillion Flare!"

Magician swung its staff as a wave of blue energy appeared and struck Vermillion Flare, causing it to disappear from the field.

"Battle! Cycode Magician attacks Mekk-Knight Red Moon!"

Cycode Magician flew up and aimed its rod at Red Moon.

"At this moment, Cycode Leo's effect activates! Since Cycode Magician 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!"

Cycode Magician ATK 2000→3000

Cycode Leo ATK 2100→3100

"Go! Digital Deletion!"

"Not so fast!" Sanctum abruptly stated. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Mekk-Knight Reflection! When you declare an attack, I can banish a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard to banish the attacking monster! I banish Mekk-Knight Black Hole!"

"I don't think so! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cycode Coating!" The card showed Cycode Wizard, with its blue robe turned silver. "Until the end of the turn, one "Cycode" I monster I control is unaffected by your card effects!"

"What?!" Sanctum gasped.

"I target Cycode Magician!" The woman's robes turned silver. "With Magician unaffected by your card effects, Reflection's effect does nothing to it. Meaning its attack continues!"

Cycode Magician's rod glowed blue as it released a wave of energy at Red Moon, destroying it and making Sanctum wince.

Sanctum: 3400→2700 LP

"Next, Cycode Leo attacks Morning Star!"

Leo growled as it let out a blue energy blast from its mouth at the Mekk-Knight Link Monster, destroying it and sending Sanctum skidding backwards.

Sanctum: 2700→1600 LP

"I activate the Trap Card: Card of Last Will!" Sanctum declared as she revealed her remaining set card. "Since you destroyed one of my monsters by battle, I can draw until I hold five cards in my hand!"

"So she refilled her hand, huh…?" Storm Rider muttered. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. Cycode Leo's effect ends now, returning it and Magician's attack points to normal."

Cycode Magician ATK 3000→2000

Cycode Leo ATK 3100→2100

"My turn! I draw!" Sanctum looked at the card, then played it. "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

"I activate Senet Switch's effect to move Avram to the column to its right. And since Senet Switch and your face-down card are in the same column, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine from my hand!"

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 card in its column along with it. There are three cards, so I gain 1500 Life Points!"

Sanctum: 1600→3100 LP

"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 a second copy of Avram!"

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"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 Magenta Elver and one of my Mekk-Knight Avrams in the Link Arrows!"

The two monsters turned into whirlwinds of energy as they 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 ↖↗

"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. Lastly, while a "Mekk-Knight" monster other than Crescent Night, all your monsters lose 1000 attack points and must attack!"

Cycode Magician ATK 2000→1000

Cycode Leo ATK 2100→1100

"Battle! Marigold Shine attacks Cycode Magician!"

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Cycode Leo's effect activates! Both it and Cycode Magician gain 1000 attack points!"

Cycode Magician ATK 1000→2000

Cycode Leo ATK 1100→2100

"Your monster may be stronger, but it'll still be destroyed!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Cycode Half-Guard! By discarding Cycode Teleporter, all battle damage I take is halved!"

Marigold Shine struck Rockstar with its sword, destroying it and making an explosion that pushed Storm Rider back.

Storm Rider: 2300→2150 LP

Cycode Leo ATK 2100→1100

"I see you survived this, but let's see if you can survive this next attack," Sanctum remarked. "Go, Avram! Attack Cycode Leo!"

The armored warrior charged and slashed Leo with its swords, destroying it and sending Storm Rider skidding backwards.

Storm Rider: 2150→1700 LP

"Finally, Crescent Night attacks you directly!"

Crescent Night aimed its arm cannon at Storm Rider before firing a beam of energy. The beam hit Storm Rider and made him grunt in pain.

Storm Rider: 1700→700 LP

"Since the Battle Phase is over, Half-Guard's additional effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "I draw one card for each of your monsters that battled this turn. Three of your monsters battled. So I draw three cards!"

Storm Rider drew as Sanctum said, "As expected, you managed to survive. That's good. It would be a shame if you were defeated when I started going all out. I'm counting on you to keep showing me a good time here. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Storm Rider manages to escape a difficult situation, but his options are limited," Roselyn pointed out. "With three powerful monsters on Sanctum's field and none on his, he cannot afford to make a single misplay."

"My turn! I draw! Since I control no monsters," Storm Rider said. "I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman!"

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200→200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add Cycode Firefighter from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider continued. "Then, I activate the effect of Cycode Teleporter in my Graveyard! Since I control a face-up "Cycode" monster, by discarding 1 card, I can Special Summon this card in Attack Position! However, I cannot Normal Summon the turn I activate this effect."

His new monster was a black alien-like warrior in grey armor holding a baton.

Cycode Teleporter ATK 500→0 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Appear, my circuit!" Storm Rider's hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Swordsman in the Link Arrow!"

Cycode Swordsman became a whirlwind of energy and entered the right arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-1! Cycode Apprentice!"

A young mage in digital orange and gray hooded magician robes, wielding a small wand lit in flames, emerged from the portal, summoned to Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Apprentice ATK 1000→0 LINK-1 →

"Apprentice's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I draw a card!" Storm Rider drew, then said, "I activate the Trap Card: Cynet Regression! As I Special Summoned a Link Monster, one card on the field is destroyed! I destroy Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night!"

Following his words, the Mekk-Knight Link Monster disintegrated.

Sanctum scowled before reluctantly smirking. "Not bad. Since Crescent Night left the field, all your monsters regain 1000 attack points."

Cycode Apprentice ATK 0→1000

Cycode Teleporter ATK 0→500

"Regression also lets me draw a card," Storm Rider added. "And since there's a Cyberse Link Monster on the field, I Special Summon Cycode Prisoner from my hand!"

A cyborg in a prisoner's uniform appeared in Attack Position.

Cyborg Prisoner ATK 1600 DEF 2100 LVL: 5

"I'll create my circuit once again!" The Link Portal appeared above him a second time. "The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Cycode Teleporter, Prisoner, and Apprentice in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

The monster that resembled Decode Talker, with the difference that its armor was green and white and he wielded an energy-bladed katana, appeared as he emerged from the portal into the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Since Prisoner was used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand." Storm Rider did so, then gestured to his field. "Next, Cycode Talker's effect activates! When it's successfully Link Summoned, I can Special Summon a Cycode Token next to its Link Arrow!"

A tiny creature resembling a computer arrow appeared next to Cycode Talker's bottom-left Link Arrow.

"Cycode Talker's second effect activates! All your monsters lose 500 attack points for every monster it points to! It points to one monster, so your monsters lose 500 attack points! Go, Power Degradation!"

Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine ATK 2300→1800

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000→1500

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters!" Storm Rider 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 and destroy both your face-down cards!"

As Storm Rider discarded a card from his hand, two twisters emerged from Twin Twisters, destroying both of Sanctum's Set cards.

However, to Storm Rider's surprise, Sanctum grinned. "I was waiting for you to do that."

He raised an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

"Because you allowed me to do this!" Sanctum gestured to her field, where a silhouette of a card appeared. "You see, one of the cards you destroyed was a Trap Card called Waking The Dragon. When this Set card leaves the field due to your card effect and is banished or in the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one monster from my Deck or Extra Deck!"

"From your Deck or Extra Deck?!" Storm Rider repeated.

"You heard me. Now come from my Extra Deck, Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax!"

A young warrior with cyan hair in silver armor, blue lines across it, and a tattered cape and shield appeared on Sanctum's field in the Extra Monster Zone as he swung his sword.

Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"Wow! She brought out her ace monster!" Soulburner exclaimed.

"And bypassing the proper summoning method too. That is very impressive." Esper said.

"And don't think I'm finished yet," Sanctum stated, gesturing to her field again, where a card's silhouette appeared. "The second card you destroyed was the Trap Card: Wild Tornado. When it's destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can target and destroy one card on the field. Say goodbye to your Cycode Talker!"

A tornado fired from the silhouetted card and headed toward the Cycode Link Monster.

"You're wrong," Storm Rider interjected. "Cycode Talker isn't going anywhere."

"What?"

"I activate the effect Cycode Coating from my Graveyard! By banishing and targeting a "Cycode" monster I control, I can have it be unaffected by your card effects until the end of the turn!"

The winds made contact with Talker, who managed to disperse them with its swords.

Storm Rider stared at Sanctum with eyes that gradually narrowed. "I see. You were expecting me to destroy your card."

The girl glanced back at him with a light smirk. "I have a wideset knowledge of how you duel, Storm Rider. You come off as ruthless, but you're analytical and methodical. Knowing that lets me predict what move you'd be most likely to make. And considering all our previous duels. You could say I did the same thing Enoch did in your duel with him."

"…I see." She knew I would think her face-down cards would either counter my moves or break my formation, so she baited me on purpose. Storm Rider's lip twitched as he suppressed a grimace. The trick aside, he had to continue with his turn.

"Since the card I discarded was Cards of Compensation, I now get to draw two extra cards. Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cynet Crosswipe! By Tributing a Cyberse monster, I can destroy a card on the field. I Tribute my Cycode Token to destroy your Mekk-Knight Reflection!"

Following his words, the two cards shattered.

"Since Cycode Talker no longer points to any monsters, both your monsters regain 500 attack points."

Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine ATK 1800→2300

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 1500→2000

"I activate the Equip Spell Cards: Cycode Multiplier and Cycode Datasword, equipping them to Cycode Talker!" Storm Rider declared as Talker's katana began glowing as it changed shape. It remained curved but became slightly longer and more jagged on the sides. Blue data streams were embedded in the blade's center, one near the tip and the other near the hilt. Said hilt also became longer and changed color to gold and silver with a black tassel at the end. "Multiplier allows Talker to make two attacks against your monsters this turn. And since Talker is equipped with Datasword, it can't be destroyed by battle or card effects, and when it attacks a Special Summoned monster, it gains attack points equal to its Level times 200!"

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Talker attacks Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine!"

The armored warrior roared as it swung the sword.

"At this point, Cycode Datasword's effect increases Cycode Talker's attack points by 200 multiplied by Marigold Shine's Level. Your monster is Level 6, so Talker gains 1200 attack points!"

Cycode Talker ATK 2300→3500

"Go, Cycode Catastrophe!"

Cycode Talker unsheathed its sword and charged at Marigold Shine, slashing it with its sword, destroying it and causing Sanctum to wince.

Sanctum: 3100→1900 LP

Cycode Talker ATK 3700→2300

"Here comes the second attack. Cycode Talker attacks Mekk-Knight Avram! And again, Datasword's effect activates!"

Cycode Talker ATK 2300→3100

Cycode Talker roared as it brought the sword down, slicing Avram in two and sending Sanctum tumbling back from the ensuing shockwave.

Sanctum: 1900→800 LP

Cycode Talker ATK 3100→2300

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Storm Rider concluded.

"Storm Rider destroyed all three of Sanctum's monsters," Blue Maiden remarked. "Looks like he has the advantage now."

"While that is true, you must remember that Sanctum is his opponent," Soulburner said. "After all, Sanctum's monsters can summon themselves easily as long as there are two cards in the same column, so it shouldn't be hard for her to set up her field."

"My turn!" Sanctum announced. "I draw!" She looked at her card, then said, "Ooh, lucky me! I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket! This card lets me draw cards equal to Crusadia Avramax's Link Rating, but then I must send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard."

She drew four cards before sending four cards to the Graveyard.

"I activate the Spell Card: Soul Release!" Sanctum said, surprising her opponent. "This card lets me banish up to five cards from either of our Graveyards. I banish Cycode Half-Guard, Broken Cycode, Cycode Firefighter, Cycode Strider, and Cycode Knight from your Graveyard!"

Storm Rider grimaced as his cards were removed from play.

"If you think I'm done, I'm not," Sanctum said, drawing Storm Rider's attention. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Spell Shattering Arrow! This card destroys all face-up Spell Cards on your field and deals 500 points of damage for each one!"

Two bright red arrows shot from the Spell and pierced through Multiplier and Datasword before aiming for Storm Rider.

"I activate the Trap Card: Damage Eraser!" Storm Rider declared. "Thanks to its effect, if I would take effect damage, I gain an equal amount of Life Points instead!"

A radar-like device appeared before Storm Rider as it absorbed the two arrows and transformed them into a rain of golden-colored particles that enveloped him.

Storm Rider: 700→1700 LP

"That was a close call," Roselyn said. "If Storm Rider didn't have that card, he would've lost."

"Cycode Defense has a second effect. It allows me to return a banished card to its controller's Graveyard. I return Cycode Knight to my Graveyard!"

"Battle! Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax attacks Cycode Talker!"

The armored warrior charged the Cycode Link Monster.

"Crusadia Avramax's effect activates! When it attacks your Special Summoned monster, its attack points increase by your monster's attack points!"

Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax ATK 3000→5300

"If this attack connects, Storm Rider will lose," Esper stated.

"I activate the Trap Card: Defense Draw!" Storm Rider shouted as the Avramax's sword impaled his monster, destroying it in an explosion. "Through its effect, the battle damage is reduced to 0, and I can draw a card from my Deck!"

Sanctum frowned. "Since the Battle Phase is over, Avaramax's attack points return to normal."

Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax ATK 5300→3000

"That's good enough for now," Sanctum remarked. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! I summon Cycode Sorceress!"

A mechanical female humanoid in a black dress carrying a metal staff appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Sorceress's effect activates! When she's Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Return to me, Cycode Assailant!"

The metal skeletal robot with six arms reappeared.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Reinforcements!" Storm Rider then said. The card showed Lancer and Linker racing toward a battlefield. "Since I control two or more "Cycode" monsters, I can now Special Summon a Level 6 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Return, Cycode Linker!"

The robot with gauntlets reappeared.

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"And since I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon Cycode Valkyrie from my hand!"

A mechanical female in white armor gilded with silver wielding an ax appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Valkyrie ATK 2100 DEF 400 LVL: 5

Storm Rider raised his hand. "Appear! The ultimate circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Cycode Sorceress, Assailant, Navigator and Linker in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

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

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

"Storm Rider's ace monster has appeared!" Roselyn announced. "Could this be the start of a reversal!?"

"Since the monster Special Summoned by Cycode Core was used as Link Material, I get to draw a card."

Storm Rider drew his card, then gestured to his field.

"I activate the effect of the Teleporter in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider declared. "By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Level 3 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard. I summon Cycode Swordsman in Defense Position!"

His monster returned to the field, summoned to Cyber Tech's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Lastly, I activate Cyber Tech's effect!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Once per turn, I can Tribute a monster it points to and target one Special Summoned monster my opponent controls that's in Attack Position, and until the end of this turn, I can place that monster in a zone it points to and take control of it! I Tribute Swordsman to take control of Crusadia Avramax. Go, Cryptic Corruption!"

Following Storm Rider's words, Swordman 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 Avramax, snaring it up and placing it underneath Cyber Tech's bottom Link Arrow.

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

Cyber Tech's eyes glowed blue while the same colored aura formed around its body, increasing its strength.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→5500

"Since Crusadia Avramax was summoned through the effect of Waking the Dragon, it didn't have the effect that prevents it from being targeted," Blue Maiden noted.

"Meaning, Storm Rider was able to use his monster's effect to take control of it," Soulburner added.

"I activate the Trap Card Threatening Roar!" Sanctum abruptly shouted. "Through its effect, your monsters cannot declare an attack for this turn! As such, I'm afraid you won't be able to finish me off as you'd hoped!"

"So close…" Storm Rider grimaced. "I activate the Spell Card: Offerings to a Higher Power! It allows me to draw two cards by Tributing a monster on my field. I Tribute your Crusadia Avramax and draw!"

The Mekk-Knight Link Monster disintegrated as Storm Rider drew.

"Since Avramax's no longer on your field, your dragon loses 3000 attack points," Sanctum pointed out.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 5500→2500

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Storm Rider concluded.

Sanctum smirked as she narrowed her eyes at Storm Rider. "This has been a fun duel, but I think it's time to end this!" she declared. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, which lets me draw until I have five cards. But I must send my entire hand to the Graveyard during my fifth Standby Phase after activating this card."

Sanctum drew four cards and let out a confident smirk.

"This is just what I needed. Since Senet Switch and your face-down card are in the same column, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Yellow Star from my hand!"

A machine with silver and yellow mechanical wings appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Yellow Star ATK 2200 DEF 2800 LVL: 7

"I activate the Spell Card: Equivalent Exchange!" Sanctum continued as the card showed a weighing scale where a Spell Card rests on one disk while a hand from above places a Spell Card on the other. "By sending one Spell Card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can add another from my Deck to my hand. I discard Teleport to add the Spell Card: Link Reborn, which I'll activate! I can Special Summon a Link Monster from my Graveyard through its effect! However, it can't attack for the rest of this turn! Appear once again! Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star!"

Soon, Morning Star reappeared on Sanctum's field in the Main Monster Zone.

Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"I activate Yellow Star's effect! By banishing a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card in Yellow Star's column! I banish Black Hole from my Graveyard to destroy your face-down card!"

The card shattered, and Sanctum checked the Graveyard to see what it was. She narrowed her eyes. "Link Showdown, huh? That would've increased your Link Monster's attack points by 500 times its Link Rating. But, this duel is as good as mine since it's gone now."

"We'll see about that." Storm Rider replied.

Sanctum glanced at Storm Rider, then gestured to her field. "Now, I'll create the circuit of justice!" A Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters, including a Link Monster! I'll set Mekk–Knight of the Morning Star and Yellow Star in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear, Link-3! Crusadia Equimax!"

Soon, a centaur in golden armor with blue lines running through it galloped out of the Link Portal and appeared in the Extra Monster Zone on Sanctum's field. His helmet had four spikes sprouting from its back and a long, blue tail. Equimax brandished his long blade, ready for battle.

Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "That monster is a Cyberse monster. Since when do you have that card?"

"I added it to my Deck shortly after the Syndicate first appeared," Sanctum said. "While it isn't a "Mekk-Knight" monster, that doesn't mean I can't use it."

"I see." Storm Rider said. "However, even if you have a new monster, it still isn't strong enough to take down Cyber Tech."

"That is true, but my turn is far from over," Sanctum stated as she took another card from her hand. "Using its effect, I Special Summon World Legacy – "World Crown" to Equimax's Link Arrow!"

A large dark blue six-sided crown appeared, summoned to Equimax's bottom-right Link Arrow in Defense Position.

World Legacy – "World Crown" ATK 2000 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"Equimax's effect activates! It gains attack points equal to the combined original attack points of all monsters it points to! Go, Power Surge!"

Equimax held his sword as he bathed in a golden aura, powering him up.

Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000→4000

"4000 attack points?!" Roselyn gasped in surprise.

"Looks like this duel is close to being over," Esper noted.

Sanctum smiled. "Seems like the ball's in my court now!" she exclaimed. "Battle! Equimax attacks Cyber Tech Link Dragon! Justice Slash!"

The centaur charged forward, its sword glowing as it slashed Cyber Tech in half, destroying and causing a massive explosion that forced Storm Rider onto one knee.

Storm Rider: 1700→200 LP

Storm Rider quickly recovered as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Call of the Haunted! It lets me Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Resurrect, Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

Storm Rider's dragon emerged from a portal, letting out a furious howl.

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

Sanctum sighed and smirked, "Should've known you wouldn't let your ace monster bite the dust that easily. You're still a strong duelist. I hate seeing you being so depressed."

"Thanks for the compliment," Storm Rider said. "But I can assure you I'm fin-..."

"Don't play dumb with me," Sanctum interrupted. "You tell us you're fine when the truth is you're not." She then frowned, "The problem is, whenever something or someone got the best of you; you never had to walk away from your friends or me... We want to be here for you in your time of need. In fact... It's like when I clammed up outside of duels during our years as kids!"

Storm Rider frowned as everyone looked shocked.

"As much of a good duelist I wanted to be, I still had trouble winning duels, even against newbies," Sanctum continued. "I was like Shima a little bit. But I held on to the dream of becoming a Celebrity Duelist one day, knowing that all eyes would be on me when it happened.

Sanctum's frown deepened. "But now I see you're hiding away," she said, holding back her tears. "It may not involve some unknown group keeping me from opening up, but I know you're in pain! I want to be there for you! And this is my selfish wish! Because after everything that happened... I still care about you, Storm Rider!"

Everyone felt their heart wrench as Sanctum poured her heart out to the person she had known her whole life, not looking away nor realizing the others around her. Even Storm Rider felt shaken as he stared back at his best friend's resolve in her eyes.

"Fine, I'll talk," Storm Rider sighed as he closed his eyes. "I hate this..."

"Huh?" Everyone asked except Sanctum, who waited for him to finish.

"I hate all of this!" the Celebrity Duelist shouted, "Whenever I want to relax, some power-hungry maniac wants to take over LINK VRAINS or destroy it. The truly messed up part is that they use the game we love to do this." He shouted, "And being the No.1 duelist in LINK VRAINS, it ends up being me having to solve the problems!"

"Yuji..." Sanctum whispered. She then smiled, "Yeah, I get it... but I'm willing to cope if it means we'll still be around each other." She then looked at him square in his eyes. "It doesn't mean you have to carry all this alone. We proved it once when the Syndicate sent their soldiers to take us all out! Remember that!"

"Yeah, I'll remember that..." Storm Rider said. He then looked up at her and smiled. "No more moping around. I have a duel to win."

"That's what you think. I place one card face-down and end my turn. This is your last chance to turn things around, Storm Rider. Better make it count."

Storm Rider looked at the data on Equimax and "World Crown." What he saw made him frown.

Equimax can negate the effects of a face-up card on the field, and "World Crown" can negate the effects of a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, he thought. This will be tricky.

Storm Rider smirked as he narrowed his eyes. "If the outcome is to be decided now…I'll overcome this situation with a bang!" he declared. "My turn! I draw!"

Upon checking out his drawn card, Storm Rider's unreadable expression morphed into a small smirk.

"I activate the Spell Card: Cyberse Hack!" The card showed Doublebyte Dragon coiled up in a digital red circle extending outward across a datascape. "This card lets me target a Cyberse or Dragon monster I control and lets it attack twice during each Battle Phase this turn. I target Cyber Tech!" Storm Rider's eyes narrowed. "Also, since the monster targeted by Cyberse Hack is a Link Monster, I can target one card on your field and shuffle it back into the Deck!"

Sanctum gasped. "You can do what?!"

"I shuffle World Legacy – "World Crown" back into your Deck!"

Cyber Tech roared as the large headpiece disappeared at Storm Rider's words.

Sanctum frowned. "Since Equimax no longer points to a monster, it loses attack points."

Crusadia Equimax ATK 4000→2000

Storm Rider then gestured to his field. "Battle! Cyber Tech Link Dragon attacks Crusadia Avramax!"

The circuits on Cyber Tech's body glowed with energy before the dragon released a blue energy stream.

"At this point, I activate the effect of Link Showdown from my Graveyard! By banishing it, a Link Monster I control gains 1000 attack points until the End Phase!"

Following his words, Cyber Tech became enveloped in a red aura.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→3500

"Now Storm Rider's monster has enough attack points to finish Sanctum off," Blue Maiden commented. "If this hits, he wins. But if it misses, then he loses."

"No joke," Roselyn said. "Whatever happens next will decide the duel."

Sanctum smiled. "You're truly strong, Storm Rider," she commented. "But I still got one trick left up my sleeve."

"And what trick would that be?" he questioned.

"This! I activate the Trap Card: Maximum Bet!" The card showed Terrorking Archfiend and Snipe Hunter betting on who would win a battle between Maximum Six and Orgoth the Relentless. "When either of us declares an attack with a monster on our fields, a dice is rolled, and we call out a number. If the dice lands on either of our numbers, the winner's monster has its attack points doubled until the End Phase. However, if the result is a number we didn't call, we both take damage from this attack!"

"You're resorting to luck to win this duel?" Storm Rider asked.

"You and I know that luck can turn a duel around," Sanctum replied. "That's why I'm using this card. The number I call is five. What's your number, Storm Rider?"

"I call a three," he answered.

"Go, Dice Roll!"

A dice appeared between both duelists before it flung itself in the air. It then landed on the field before rolling. Once it finished rolling, the dice landed on a four.

Sanctum smirked. "Sorry, but it looks like this duel's ending in a draw," she said, with Storm Rider nodding in agreement as the torrent of blue energy struck Equimax, which caused a shockwave that sent both duelists flying off the ground before they landed on their backs.

Storm Rider: 200→0 LP

Sanctum: 800→0 LP

"Storm Rider! Sanctum!" The others yelled as they ran over to where the duo was. Soulburner ran over to Storm Rider while the girls ran to Sanctum.

"You doing alright?" Soulburner asked as he helped Storm Rider stand up on his feet.

"A little winded, but I'm okay," Storm Rider replied. He then narrowed his eyes at Sanctum. "Thanks, you guys. I appreciate the help."

"We're just glad we could help you get your head on straight," Sanctum responded. She then glared at him, "Which is why you shouldn't keep your feelings all bottled up! You have a job to do, and I understand that! We all understand that! But you can share that same pain with us! You don't want us to carry the burden, but I'm your friend! I'm willing to carry that burden because I want to help!"

Before Storm Rider could respond, his Duel Disk beeped, much to everyone's surprise.

"A message?" Storm Rider questioned.

"It may be from SOL," Roselyn mentioned.

"Answer it! I want to know who's calling!" Esper said.

"Alright, alright. Hang on a second." Storm Rider pressed a button on his Duel Disk. "Hello?"

"Hello back to you, Storm Rider. It's Varis." Everyone's eyes widened upon hearing his voice. "There's something you and the others need to know."

OC Card Memo:

Storm Rider:

Cycode Valkyrie
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 2100 DEF 400 Level: 5
If you control a "Cycode" monster: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). A "Cycode" monster that was Link Summoned using this card as Link Material cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects.

Cycode Rescue Unit

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1600 DEF 1200 Level: 4 If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can add 1 "Cycode" Monster from your GY to your hand.

Cycode Teleporter

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 500 DEF 1500 Level: 3

If you control a "Cycode" monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your GY) in Attack Position by discarding 1 card. You cannot Normal Summon the turn you activate this effect. You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower "Cycode" monster from your GY. You can only activate each effect of "Cycode Teleporter" once per turn.

Cycode Saver

Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 0 DEF 1300 Level: 2

If you would take effect damage; you can Special Summon this card from your hand in Defense Position and negate that damage. If Summoned this way: You gain Life Points equal to the damage negate and you take no effect damage this turn. You can only activate this effect of Cycode Saver once per Duel.

Cycode Linker

Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1700 DEF 800 Level: 4

If you control a "Cycode" monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Cycode Linker" once per turn this way. Link Monsters linked to this card cannot be destroyed by card effects.

Cycode Datasword Equip Spell Card

Equip only to a "Cycode" monster. The equipped monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. If an opponent's card effect targets the equipped monster: You can send this card to the GY (Quick Effect); negate the activation of that effect, and if you do, your opponent cannot target your "Cycode" monsters with their card effects until the end of the turn. If the equipped monster attacks an opponent's Special Summoned monster, it gains ATK equal to its Level/Rank/Link Rating x 200 until the end of the Damage Step.

Cycode Coating Quick-Play Spell Card

Target 1 "Cycode" monster you control; until the end of the turn, that monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Cycode" monster you control; until the end of the turn, that monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can only use 1 effect of "Cycode Coating" per turn, and only once per turn.

Cycode Reinforcements Normal Spell Card

If you control 2 or more face-up "Cycode" monsters: Target 1 Level 6 or lower "Cycode" monster in your GY; Special Summon it in Attack Position. If you control a "Cycode" Link Monster and your opponent targets 1 "Cycode" monster you control for an attack, and that monster is not a Link Monster, you can banish this card from your GY; change the attack target to 1 "Cycode" Link Monster you control. You can only use each facet of "Cycode Reinforcements" once per turn.

Cyberse Hack Normal Spell Card

Target 1 Cyberse or Dragon monster you control; that monster can make up to 2 attacks during each Battle Phase this turn, also if the targeted monster is a Link Monster, you can shuffle 1 card on the field into the Deck. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of this card. You can only use "Cyberse Hack" once per turn.

Broken Cycode Normal Trap Card

When your "Cycode" monster battles your opponent's monster: Gain LP equal to that monster's ATK, then at the end of the Battle Phase, if you control no monsters, draw 2 cards. Once per Duel, you can activate the above effect by banishing this card from your GY. You can only activate 1 "Broken Cycode" per turn.

Sanctum:

Mekk-Knight Vermillion Flare- Level 10, ATK: 2900, DEF: 2400, 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 Vermillion Flare" once per turn this way. If this card is Special Summoned: Inflict 1000 of damage for every card in this card's column, except this card. Once per turn: Target 1 other "Mekk-Knight" monster you control; it gains ATK equal to the number of cards in this card's column until the end of this turn.

Equivalent Exchange

Normal Spell Card

Send one Spell Card from your hand or field to the Graveyard; add one Spell Card from your Deck to your hand.

Maximum Bet (Normal Trap card) (Credit to Divadx)

Effect: When either player attacks with a monster they control: Roll a dice, and have both players call out a number. If the dice lands on either player's declared number, their monster has its ATK doubled until the End Phase. If the dice lands on a number neither player called out, both players take battle damage from the attack.

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Advent of New Beginnings. Chapter 14 – Eliminating the Target. The Syndicate lead a pre-emptive strike against the Knights of Hanoi to prevent them from aiding the Top 10. Being attacked by enemies, the Knights of Hanoi are forced to respond, with Genome facing Desperado and Faust and Baira facing off against Astro and Glacia. Can the Knights Hanoi stop the Syndicate and eliminate them, or will they be eliminated instead?

QOTC: Did you guys think Sanctum did a great job of reaching or Storm Rider or would rather him to still be in a funk for a little while?