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?

14. Eliminating the Target Part 1

Greetings, community! Donkeyboy100 is here with Chapter 14. And now, on with the story!

In LINK VRAINS, at Kolter's private server...

"Hello, Storm Rider." Varis firmly said, which got everyone's surprise upon hearing his voice. "I need to share some important news with you."

"What is it, Varis?" Storm Rider questioned.

"I'll tell me after you and the others meet me at these coordinates," Varis replied as a series of coordinates appeared on Storm Rider's Duel Disk.

"I don't like this at all, Storm Rider," Sanctum commented.

"Neither do I, Sanctum. But we'll only know Varis's reasons for calling me once we meet him at these coordinates." He pointed out.

"You won't be going alone, though," Soulburner stated, having gotten Storm Rider and Sanctum's attention. "We'll be going with you. Like what Sanctum said, I don't like this at all."

"Varis is an intimidating individual. So the more people by your side, the less scary it will be," Blue Maiden commented.

"Well, you can count me in," Roselyn asserted. "The more people that go, the better, and we can help one another get out of any traps that may come up."

"Same here," Esper added, having crossed her arms. "We'll hear Varis out and then leave right after. Who knows? Maybe he might have something to show us."

Storm Rider nodded. "Alright. Here are the coordinates." He pressed a few buttons on his Duel Disk, which sent the coordinates to Sanctum, Soulburner, Blue Maiden, Roselyn and Esper's Duel Disks. The six duelists then disappeared in a burst of blue light, indicating they had logged into the central network.

Elsewhere, in LINK VRAINS...

The four duelists appeared in the central network. More specifically, an area they didn't recognize. It was a seemingly empty, unlit room that had several pieces of cracks and tears in it as if it had gone through a massive battle.

"Where in the world are we?" Blue Maiden questioned as she looked around the area. "Wait a minute. Is this-?"

"No doubt about it. It's the Knights of Hanoi's base of operations," Soulburner deduced. "Well, what's left of it anyways."

"I must admit. This place isn't what I thought the Hanoi's lair would look like," Roselyn said.

"Given how the Knights of Hanoi are introverted, this look suits them," Storm Rider said as he and the others followed the coordinates. The sextet turned left and made a right after reaching a dead end. From there, they entered an alleyway before reaching the end of the third alleyway.

"This is the place," Storm Rider stated, the coordinates they had matching the entrance they were at.

"Really? Had we walked all this way to find some door? Couldn't the Hanoi just have met us where we'd arrived?" Esper questioned, disbelief evident in her tone.

"You have arrived, Storm Rider." A voice echoed out of nowhere said, catching Storm Rider and everyone else by surprise. Materializing in front of them was a female humanoid AI with red eyes and green streaks that resembled bangs. She wore a black, white and blue suit with gold trims and a red diamond at the collar. She had black gloves and boots with gold trims.

Soulburner and Blue Maiden smiled. "It's Pandor!"

"Hang on a minute. Don't tell me..." Sanctum put two and two together in her mind. "The Hanoi created an AI?"

"It looks like it," Storm Rider observed. "Though I thought the Hanoi hated AIs."

"They do," Blue Maiden answered. "However, they created Pandor to eliminate AIs."

"But now it looks like she almost acts more of a secretary," Soulburner stated.

"Varis and the others have been expecting you. Please follow me." Pandor said, having gestured the others to follow her.

Storm Rider and the others followed Pandor inside after the doors opened, all walking down the stairs. Once they reached the end of the stairs, Pandor made a right, the others following after her as they entered a massive area, causing everyone's eyes to widen upon seeing it. The area around consisted of floating pieces of debris here and there, and beneath them was a circle of data that kept turning and turning. They were standing on a massive floating green rock on the edge of a field of green rocks. Around the rocks, everything was purple and moving.

"Where are we?" Roselyn asked in confusion about where she and the others were.

"We're in the center of a Data Storm," Everyone turned to see their question was answered by none other than Varis himself. Four individuals were standing next to him. Three males and one female.

One of the three males had green hair, a white lab coat with blue lines, and a silver-yellow eyepiece over his left eye. The second man had dark and light blue hair, a white lab coat with black lines, and a silver-yellow eyepiece over his left eye. The third man was a fair-skinned man with grey hair and blue eyes. He wore a white suit with grey outlines and white shoes. The woman had red and orange hair, a sleeveless white lab coat, pink eyes, and a silver-yellow eyepiece over her left eye. Their names were Genome, Faust, Specter and Baira, Varis's lieutenants.

"Here are Storm Rider and his friends, just as you requested," Pandor reported, having bowed in front of Varis and the Knights.

Varis nodded. "Nice work, Pandor. You can return to your post. I'll take care of our guests."

"Of course. Please let me know should you need anything else." Pandora replied before walking over to the door and closing it.

After Pandor left, Varis narrowed his eyes at Esper. "I wasn't expecting your new comrade to be here."

Esper pouted. "Just because I recently joined the team doesn't mean I'm not allowed to accompany them."

Specter smiled. "We witnessed your duel with one of the Syndicate soldiers," he stated. "I must admit, you're quite the duelist. I can see why the Top 10 recruited your services."

"This is getting us nowhere," Storm Rider told Esper before he turned to Varis. "Why did you call me here? Does it have something to do with the Syndicate?"

"You could say that." He narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider and the others. "I gather you and your friends to inform you that the Syndicate recently attacked us."

"The Syndicate attacked you?" Soulburner repeated out of surprise.

"Yeah, that's correct." Dr. Genome confirmed. "It happened around an hour or two ago."

"But how?" Blue Maiden questioned. "Isn't your guys' security hard to break through?"

"Who said anything about them breaking through our security measures?" Faust said.

Sanctum raised an eyebrow. "Are you guys saying you let them attack you on purpose? That's idiotic if you ask me."

"You are correct," Baira answered. "It may have been idiotic, but it was necessary to learn how strong the Syndicate is." Baira pointed out. "We watched Storm Rider's duel against Umbra and learned that the Syndicate was responsible for backing Roget all those months ago."

"And since they're the whole reason behind Roget and his assault on LINK VRAINS, they're aware of our assistance with you guys and the Lancers," Varis added. "So it was only a matter before they decided to hunt us down."

"Which is why instead of waiting for them to appear and strike, you decided to make it easy for them to find you," Storm Rider stated.

"Indeed."

Sanctum then turned to Varis. "So what happened then?"

Varis narrowed his eyes at her. "Well, as Genome said, it all happened about two hours ago…."

Flashback: Two hours ago, in LINK VRAINS…

"Things have been interesting in the network over the past few days."

"Yes, especially with the Top 10 going against those Syndicate soldiers."

"Not to mention the shocking lost Storm Rider had against that Enoch guy who later stole his data."

A series of voices echoed as Faust, Genome, and Specter materialized in the room, looking over images of recent events.

"However, Sanctum, who vowed to win his data back by beating Enoch in a duel, instead duel a person named Nova, who she won it from instead." Faust continued.

"But something tells me Enoch's associates went against his idea of wagering Storm Rider's data in that duel," Baira commented as she materialized in the room. "If Enoch himself went to duel against Sanctum, then it wouldn't have ended well."

"And you are to believe that." The quartet turned in the direction of the voice as Varis walked into the room.

"Master Varis," Specter said with a bow and the other Knights of Hanoi.

"I believe what you say is right, Baira," Varis said. "I feel the Syndicate wouldn't allow Storm Rider's data to be wagered. Enoch did it to motivate the Top 10 to become stronger."

"Become stronger?" Faust repeated. "But if the Top 10 would become stronger, wouldn't that make them more of a threat?"

"It would. But should the Syndicate defeat them even after growing stronger, it would make their victory more enjoyable," Genome answered.

KABOOM!

Suddenly, the entire Hanoi Stronghold shook as if a massive blast of energy had hit it.

"What was that?" Baira asked. The footage then popped up, which showed five individuals attacking Hanoi's base.

"It's the Syndicate!" Faust exclaimed before turning to Varis. "Looks like we got their attention."

"Looks like it did. I recognize Desperado from his duel with Storm Rider, Astro, and Glacia..." Varis narrowed his eyes. "But the other two must be other members of the Syndicate. We must defeat and capture one of them. If we do, we can get some answers." All five logged out of the stronghold, intent on dealing with the attackers.

In LINK VRAINS...

"This is getting boring. Where are these pesky knights?"

Desperado complained as he walked through the seemingly deserted corridors of the Hanoi Stronghold. It had been some time since he split up from the rest of his comrades, but he hadn't come across Varis or any member of the Knights of Hanoi. While talking to himself in such a manner, Desperado almost missed the rather large door before him, abruptly stopping seconds before slamming on it.

"Phew, that was close…." Desperado said as he wiped his brow. "I'd better pay a bit more attention. I wonder what sort of place I've stumbled upon. Maybe I'm lucky enough to have arrived at the boss' lair? In that case, here I come!"

Desperado kicked the door open and rushed inside, finding himself in a semi-circular room containing a small arena surrounded by audience stands. Upon inspecting his surroundings, Desperado let out a small sigh of disappointment.

"What, it's just an empty practice arena of some sort… And here I thought I would finally get my chance to shine and some excitement."

"If you want excitement, I can help you with that. However, I cannot assure you that you'll be in any state to do anything right after, you intruder."

Desperado tensed at these sudden words. Immediately afterward, Genome appeared from the other side of the room and climbed onto the arena as he stared at Desperado.

"I know you." Desperado let out a smirk. "Your name is Dr. Genome. You're all about DNA and whatnot. I was getting bored looking for you and the others. You should make for a decent workout before I find your boss and crush him!"

"A mere ant like you thinks he can defeat Master Varis?" Genome snorted as he activated his Duel Disk. "How ridiculous. I'm going to thoroughly destroy that baseless pride of yours."

"You don't know who you're dealing with," Desperado responded as he jumped on the arena, facing Genome and activated his Duel Disk. "If you wish to fight, then come at me! But do go end up begging for mercy after I win!"

"Duel!" both duelists declared.

Dr. Genome: 4000 LP

Desperado: 4000 LP

"I shall go first," Genome announced, looking at his hand. "I'll start by activating the Field Spell Card: DNA Decoded Lab." The card showed the image of a creepy, large science lab with multiple DNA test tubes and stasis tubes. "With its effect, I can add one "Helixx" monster or a card that lists the name "Helixx" in its card text from my Deck to my hand. I choose to add Helixx Demacaque!"

A card popped out from Genome's Duel Disk, and he added it to his hand.

"Next, by discarding a "Helixx" monster from my hand, such as Helixx Marmotroll, I can summon another Helixx Marmotroll from my hand!"

A green-furred marmot with a bulky, humanoid body covered in armor appeared on Genome's field, swinging its mace around in a menacing manner.

Helixx Marmotroll ATK 2600 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"And since I control a "Helixx" monster, I can summon this card without a Tribute! Appear, Helixx Demacaque!"

A demonic tall but slim macaque monkey monster with dark brown fur and golden metal lining across the body appeared next to Marmotroll.

Helixx Demacaque ATK 2100 DEF 800 LVL: 5

"If Helixx Demacaque is Normal Summoned successfully, I can add one Spell or Trap Card that lists the name "Helixx" in its card text from my Deck to my hand. I add the Spell Card: Graveyard Incubation," Genome continued. "Plus, Demacaque gains 200 attack points for each "Helixx" monster in my Graveyard. Since I only possess Marmotroll, he gains 200 attack points!"

Helixx Demacaque ATK 2100→2300

"I place two cards face-down." Genome concluded. "I end my turn with this."

"Then, it's my turn!" Desperado announced. "I draw! I summon Magical Musketeer Kidbrave!"

A blonde young man in a cloak and outlaw's outfit appeared and unholstered a pistol.

Magical Musketeeer Kidbrave ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Magical Musket, huh?" Genome said. "I know that Deck; the monsters let you use their Spell and Trap Cards from your hand, right?"

"They do," Desperado confirmed. "But before I use one of them, I'll activate the Spell Card: Double Summon! Thanks to it, I can perform a second Normal Summon or Set. Kidbrave's effect activates! As a Spell or Trap Card was activated in its column, I can discard a "Magical Musket" card to draw two cards. I discard Magical Musketeer Wild and draw!"

"At this moment, I activate the Trap Card: Talisman of Reversal!" Genome declared. "Since you drew cards outside your Draw Phase, I draw cards equal to the number that you have in your hand!"

Desperado ignored him and gestured to his field. "Thanks to Double Summon, I summon Magical Musketeer Calamity!"

A woman with short red and white hair wearing skintight brown leather appeared, carrying a rocket launcher.

Magical Musketeer Calamity ATK 1500 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

He selected another card in his hand. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card Magical Musket – Fiendish Deal! With this card in play, "Magical Musket" monsters I control cannot be destroyed by card effects." He then gestured to his field. "Calamity's effect activates! Since I activated a Spell or Trap Card in its column, I can Special Summon a "Magical Musket" monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position."

"I see," Genome said, nodding. "That card you discarded with Kidbrave's effect was a monster card, wasn't it?"

Desperado nodded and said, "Return to me, Magical Musketeer Caspar!"

A young man in a red coat with wild blonde hair carrying a large pistol appeared on Desperado's field, summoned in Defense Position.

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Steady Hands!" Desperado declared. "And I'll target Kidbrave with it. Steady Hands now doubles Kidbrave's attack and defense points until the End Phase!"

Magical Musketeer Kidbrave ATK 1600→3200 DEF 200→400

"Caspar's effect activates! Since I activated a Spell or Trap Card in its column, I can add a "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand, so long as it has a different name than the activated card."

Desperado took the card from his Deck and showed it to Genome. "And I'll activate the card I just added. The Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Cross-Domination! Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, this card lets me change the attack and defense points of one monster on the field to 0 and negate its effects until the end of the turn."

Helixx Demacaque ATK 2300→0

"Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can activate the Trap Card: Magical Musket – Desperado!"

Genome raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you name yourself after that card."

"So what if I did?" Desperado retorted. "Through its effect, this card targets and destroys a face-up card on the field!" Genome's eyes widened. "I destroy Helixx Marmatroll!"

The green-furred monster shattered following Desperado's words.

Genome grit his teeth. "I see. You're going to try and end this duel right now?"

Desperado gestured to the field. "Battle! Kidbrave, attack Helixx Demacaque! Fourth Bullet!"

Kidbrave aimed its revolver at Demacaque and fired a blast of yellow energy.

Genome laughed. "Did you think it would be that easy?" He gestured to his field. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Negate Attack!"

"What?"

A barrier appeared in front of Demacaque and blocked Zakiel's attack. "Negate Attack, as the name says, negates your attack," Genome said. "Not only that, but it ends your Battle Phase. Did you think I would let you win so easily?"

Desperado frowned. "I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge! It lets me draw two cards normally, but I can draw four when my hand is empty!" He stated as he drew. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. And the attack and defense points of Kidbrave and Demacaque return to normal."

Magical Musketeer Kidbrave ATK 3200→1600 DEF 400→200

Helixx Demacaque ATK 0→2300

"My turn! I draw!" Genome said as he drew his card and smiled as he looked at the card he drew. "First, I summon Helixx Dreadrat to my field."

A fiendish rat with armor and flaming ears appeared on his field in Attack Position.

Helixx Dreadrat ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 5

"Dreadrat can be Normal Summoned without tributes if I control a "Helixx" monster," Genome explained. "Next, since I control a "Helixx" monster, I can Special Summon Helixx Greatape from my hand!"

A massive, built monkey man-creature having dark orange fur and yellow skin while wearing a red, golden lining outfit appeared next to Dreadrat.

Helixx Greatape ATK 2300 DEF 1800 LVL: 6

Desperado narrowed his eyes. "I activate my face-down!" he declared. "The Trap Card: Jar of Greed! It lets me draw a card!" He drew, then said, "Caspar's effect activates! Since a Spell or Trap Card was activated in its column, I can add a new "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand."

"That's pointless! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Effect Shut!" Genome abruptly declared. "It negates the activation of Caspar's effect and destroys it!"

Desperado gasped as Caspar was trapped inside a steel cage and vanished into a bright light.

"I'll now build my circuit!" Genome continued as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning condition is one "Helixx" monster. I'll set my Helixx Dreadrat in the Link Arrow!"

The armored rat went into the bottom arrow, turning it red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Helixx Xeno Damien!"

A large, dark blue wyvern-like bat creature with golden metal lining across the chest, ankle, and wrists. It had four red eyes with curved demonic horns as it emerged from the Link Portal and landed in the Left Extra Monster Zone.

Helixx Xeno Damien ATK 0 LINK-1 ↓

"And with another "Helixx" monster in my Graveyard, Demacaque gains 200 additional attack points."

Helixx Demacaque ATK 2300→2500

"What are you planning with that?" Desperado asked. "Are you going to summon a Link-2?"

"No," Genome answered before gesturing to his field. "Xeno Damien's effect activates! When this card is Link Summoned, I can target 1 "Helixx" monster in my Graveyard, in this case, Marmotroll and send a copy from my Deck to the Graveyard to have Damien be treated as that monster. And with another "Helixx" monster in the Graveyard, Demacaque gains 200 more attack points."

Helixx Demacaque ATK 2500→2700

"Why would he change his monster to be treated as Marmotroll?"

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Phalanx Pike and equip it onto Helixx Xeno Damien!"

A golden scepter appeared and landed in Xeno Damien's arms.

"It increases his attack points by 900 for every monster in the Graveyard with the same name as him!"

"But there aren't any other copies of Xeno Damien in the Graveyard," Desperado pointed out.

"True. But remember that I used Damien's effect to make itself be treated as Helixx Marmotroll, and with three copies in the Graveyard, it gains 2700 attack points!"

Helixx Xeno Damien ATK 0→2700

"I activate the Trap Card: Baton of the Hero!" Desperado abruptly declared. "This turn, I select the targets of your attacks!"

"So you had a counter ready, huh…?" Genome muttered. "Battle! Greatape attacks!"

"Due to the effect of Baton of the Hero, I select your attack target!" Desperado said. "I select Caspar!"

Greatape lunged toward Kidbrave before delivering a swift punch to the face, destroying it.

"Next, I'll have Demacaque attack!"

"Through Baton of the Hero's effect, I'll have Demacaque attack Kidbrave!"

Demacaque formed an orb of energy in its hand and blasted Kidbrave with it, destroying it and making Desperado wince.

Desperado: 4000→2900 LP

"Finally, Damien attacks Magical Musketeer Calamity!"

Damien charged at Calamity with its lance ready. But before it hit-.

"I activate my face-down Quick-Play Spell Card!" Desperado declared. "Magical Musket – Power Shot!" The card showed Calamity's rocket launcher bursting with red light. "This card increases the attack points of one "Magical Musket" monster I control by 800 until the end of the turn! In addition, it prevents Calamity from being destroyed in battle this turn!"

Magical Musketeer Calamity ATK 1500→2300

"Your monster may survive, but you will still take damage!"

The spear struck Calamity. Calamity screamed, but she wasn't destroyed. Desperado winced from the attack's backlash.

Desperado: 2900→2500 LP

Genome laughed. "I think that's enough for this turn. I don't want to end this so soon. I place one card face-down and end my turn. Thus, the effects of your Power Shot end."

Magical Musketeer Calamity ATK 2300→1500

"My turn! I draw!" Desperado looked at his cards, then chose one. "I activate the Spell Card: Magical Musket – Criminal Bounty!" The card showed Zakiel, Calamity, and Caspar. The latter two were tied together while Zakiel was grinning at a chest filled with gold. "As I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can discard two cards and then draw three cards." Desperado discarded his cards and then drew. He then gestured to Calamity.

"Calamity's effect activates! Since I activated a Spell or Trap Card in her column, I can Special Summon a "Magical Musket" monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position! Return to me, Caspar!"

The young man reappeared on Desperado's field.

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"And now I'll Tribute Calamity to Tribute Summon my ace monster!" Desperado declared as Calamity disappeared. "Come to me, Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel!"

"A portal of light appeared on his field, out of which a blue demon appeared. It wore a long black coat and spread large red wings from its back. Long hair framed its face, which was obscured by a red mask. Zakiel lifted its two pistols and gave a wide smile.

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Genomel chuckled softly. "So… there it is."

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Steady Hands!" Desperado continued. "And I'll target Zakiel with it!"

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500→5000 DEF 2500→5000

Genome growled. 5000 attack points? That's not good.

"Caspar's effect activates! Since a Spell or Trap Card was activated in its column, I can add one "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand, so long as it has a different name."

Desperado took his new card, then played it.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Urgent Battle!" The card showed Zakiel with its wings spread, raining gunfire into an army. "With this card, Zakiel can attack up to three of your monsters this turn! In exchange, the attack and defense points of monsters on the field cannot be changed by card effects this turn."

He gestured to his field. "Battle! Zakiel, attack Helixx Demacaque! Seventh Bullet!"

Zakiel charged its handguns and fired two blasts of red energy.

"Hold on a sec!" Genome exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Shade! I take no battle damage this turn by paying half my Life Points!"

The attack continued and destroyed Demacaque, but Genome didn't feel the force of the attack.

Genome: 4000→2000 LP

"Looks like you still have a long way to go before taking me down, Desperado."

"Not as long as you think, Hanoi scum," Desperado said. "Alright, Zakiel. Reload and attack his Helixx Greatape and Xeno Damien! Seventh Bullet!"

Zakiel lifted both of his guns twice more and fired at the two Helixx monsters, destroying them.

"I end my turn. And then the effect of Steady Hands ends, and Zakiel's attack and defense points return to normal."

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 5000→2500 DEF 5000→2500

Genome laughed. "Tell me something, Syndicate. How does it feel? To be stymied twice in your efforts to defeat me?"

Desperado didn't answer. Instead, he just glared at him.

Genome sighed. "Why do have to be such a bummer? Very well. My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity! It allows me to draw three cards, then discard two afterward."

He drew three cards, then discarded Cards of Compensation and an unknown monster.

"Cards of Compensation's effect activates! Since I sent it to the Graveyard, I draw two cards. Furthermore, I activate the effect of the Helixx Splicorc I just discarded. When it's sent from my hand to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it to my field in Defense Position!"

Following Genome's words, a bulky, humanoid demonic, dark green crocodile with short arms, large legs and a sharp jaw.

Helixx Splicorc ATK 1900 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Graveyard Incubation, which lets me target two "Helixx" monsters in my Graveyard with the same name and Special Summon them to our field. However, their attack and defense points are reduced to zero, and their effects are negated, can't attack or be tributed, and can only be used as material for a Link Summon. Return two copies of Helixx Marmotroll!"

Not happening!" Desperado said, selecting a card from his hand. "From my hand, I activate the Counter Trap Card: Magical Musket – Last Stand! Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can negate the activation of one of your Spell or Trap Cards and destroy it! So your not summoning any monsters!"

Following his words, the Spell Card shattered.

Genome growled as Desperado continued. "Caspar's effect activates! Since a Spell or Trap Card was activated in its column, I can add one "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand, aside from Desperado. I'll add Magical Musket – Desperado to my hand."

Genome clenched his fists, then unclenched them and laughed. "Very clever, Desperado," he said. "You activated your card during my turn so you could use Caspar's effect again. Not to mention Zakiel's effect. It lets you draw cards during the End Phase, yes? I take back what I said earlier; your skills are superb, indeed."

"Say all the compliments you want," Desperado said. "Ultimately, they won't be enough to save you."

"We'll see, won't we?" Genome asked. "I activate the Spell Card: Spell Rewind! By banishing one Normal Spell Card from my Graveyard, I can add a different Normal Spell Card to my hand. I banish Cards of Compensation to add Graveyard Incubation to my hand, which I'll activate! Through its effect, I'll Special Summon two copies of Helixx Marmotroll from my Graveyard!"

Soon, two copies of the Marmotroll appeared on Genome's field.

Helixx Marmotroll ATK 2600→0

Helixx Marmotroll ATK 2600→0

"I'll now build my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above Genome. "Link Arrows authorized. The summoning conditions are two "Helixx" monsters. I'll set both copies of Helixx Marmotroll into the Link Arrows!"

One Marmotroll went into the top arrow, while the second Marmotroll went into the bottom, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! You're up! Link-2! Helixx Gothiclone!"

A creature with sheep-like features, a humanoid body wearing regal clothes, and two horns on its head appeared on Genome's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 0 LINK-2 ↑↓

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket and target Gothiclone! I now draw cards equal to Gothiclone's Link Rating and then send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard. I draw two cards and send two to the Graveyard." Genome drew, then sent two cards from his Deck to the Graveyard. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Lucky Iron Axe and equip it to Splicorc, increasing its attack points by 500!"

Helixx Splicorc ATK 1900→2400

"Battle! Splicorc attacks Caspar!"

The scientist's bizarre crocodile roared before it charged the Magical Musketeer and slashed it in half with its axe, destroying it.

"From there, Helixx Gothiclone attacks Zakiel!" Genome declared. "And at this moment, Gothiclone's effect activates! When it battles your monster, its attack points become equal to your monster's attack points until the end of your turn!"

A red aura surrounded Gothiclone as it powered up.

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 0→2500

"Also, the first time Gothiclone would be destroyed, it's not!"

"I would have to disagree. I activate the Trap Card: Magical Musket – Desperado from my hand!" Desperado declared. "Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can destroy one face-up card on the field. I'll destroy your Gothiclone!"

His Trap Card released a blast of energy at Genome's monster, but he only smirked.

"My monster isn't going anywhere!" Genome state. "By discarding a card, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Card Guard!''

A large guard-like shield appeared before Gothiclone, shielding it from the blast of energy.

''Until the End Phase, my monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects!''

Desperado frowned. "So you prepared for me to use Desperado again?"

"You can't defeat the Knights of Hanoi that easily," Genome replied. "Since you failed to destroy Gothiclone, its attack resumes!"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Timed Reload!" Desperado abruptly exclaimed as the card showed Wild, its guns smoking as Caspar fed a new line of bullets into one of them. "This card targets a "Magical Musket" monster on my field. That monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and any battle damage I take this turn is halved!"

Following his words, Gothiclone imitated Zakiel's attack by forming two guns in its hands, engaging it in battle, with both monsters not being destroyed afterward.

"Not bad. But not good enough," Genome said. "I activate Helixx Gothiclone's additional effect! Since I used its effect to avoid destruction, I can Tribute one monster it points to and inflict damage to you equal to that monster's attack points!"

"What?!" Desperado exclaimed.

"I Tribute Splicorc, which means you take 2400 points of damage!"

Splicorc ran across the field before slashing Desperado with its axe, making him scream in pain. Seconds later, Splicorc vanished.

Desperado: 2500→100 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn. Meaning, Card Guard, Timed Reload and Gothiclone's effects end."

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 2500→0

"Zakiel's effect activates!" Desperado suddenly declared. "During your End Phase, I draw cards equal to the number of "Magical Musket" Spell or Trap Cards I activated this turn. I activated three. So I draw three cards!"

Desperado narrowed his eyes. I have 100 Life Points left. Even so, I have a mission to complete. So I'll win this duel no matter what!

"My turn! I draw!" Desperado drew, looked at his card, and smirked. "I activate the Spell Card: Magical Stone Excavation! By discarding two cards from my hand, I can add a Spell Card from my Graveyard back to my hand!"

He picked two cards in his hand and sent them to his Graveyard before choosing a card and adding it right back to his hand.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Steady Hands!" Desperado continued. "This card makes the attack and defense points of one "Magical Musket" monster equal to double their original attack and defense points until the end of the turn. I'll target Zakiel for its effect!"

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500→5000 DEF 2500→5000

"Battle!" Desperado declared. "Zakiel, attack Helixx Gothiclone! Seventh Bullet!"

"You fool," Genome said. "I activate Gothiclone's effect! When it battles a monster, its attack points become the same as the monster it's battling!"

Desperado smirked. "Don't be so sure," he said, surprising Genome. "From my hand, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Flash Effect! Whenever a monster activates its effect during the Battle Phase, it gains 800 attack points!"

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 0→800

Furthermore, the effects of all monsters on the field are negated!"

Genome gasped in surprise as Gothiclone and Zakiel greyed out. Without Gothiclone's effect…

"Go, Zakiel! Destroy Helixx Gothiclone directly and end this! Seventh Bullet!"

Zakiel lifted his guns and fired at Gothiclone. Before the attack hit-.

"This duel may be over. But you won't be walking away the winner," Genome said.

"What?" Desperado said, confused at Genome's words.

"I activate the Trap Card: Cross Damage! Through its effect, we both take the same amount of damage!"

"You're ending this duel in a draw?!" Desperado exclaimed.

A massive ball of electricity appeared above the field and released its energy. Desperado and Genome yelled and fell to their knees as their Life Points went to 0.

Genome: 2000→0 LP

Desperado: 100→0 LP

Suddenly, Desperado's data started to glow blue "What's going on?" he asked.

"It's simple. As our duel began, I secretly installed an emergency logout program into your Duel Disk," Genome answered. "Think of it as a failsafe, if you will."

Desperado growled. "You slimy piece of-"

Before he could finish his words, Desperado was forcefully logged out.

Genome smiled. "One down. Four more to go." He then proceeded to log out.

Meanwhile…

"You two will be our opponents, eh?"

Were Astro's amused words when Baira and Faust immediately blocked him and Glacia's path.

"We won't let you pass, former agents of Roget." Baira rebuked with a glare.

"We'll defend LINK VRAINS, even if it costs our lives!" Faust added as he and Baira activated their Duel Disks.

"Be our guests." Glacia chuckled as she and Astro activated their Duel Disks. "Let's get down to business, Hanoi!"

"Duel!" they shouted.

Faust & Baira: 4000 LP

Glacia & Astro: 4000 LP

"I shall go first!" Baira declared. Looking at her cards, she chose one. "I set a monster."

Astro narrowed his eyes. What is she planning?

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Book of Taiyou," Baira said. "This card flips one face-down monster into face-up Attack Position. I flip my Set monster face-up." The Set monster flipped up, revealing a mummy holding a set of bandages. "I flip Dark Mummy Physician face-up."

Dark Mummy Physician ATK 0 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

Baira gestured to her field. "At this moment, Dark Mummy Physician's Flip Effect activates! When it's Flip Summoned, I can activate the Continuous Spell Card: Temple of the Kings from my Deck."

She took the card from her Deck and then played it. A set of yellow stone stairs lined with matching pillars the size of elephant legs appeared behind her. The temple was simple in design, not much more than a roof on pillars. But there was a large altar at the top of the steps that was pure gold, every inch of its surface covered in hieroglyphs. The Eye of Horus and the Eye of Ra were carved into the wall above the altar, a watchful gaze to protect the contents of the altar, and a statue of Anubis stood guard on the stairs before it.

"This card allows me to activate a Trap Card the turn it's placed face-down," Baira answered."Next, I'll stitch up my circuit!" she declared as a Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Dark Mummy" monster. I'll set my Dark Mummy Probe in the Link Arrow!"

Her monster became a stream of energy that entered the bottom arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-1! Dark Mummy Clamps!"

A dark teal-wrapped feminine mummy with large sharp surgeon clamps out of its chest emerged in the Right Extra Monster Zone using them with her arms.

Dark Mummy Clamps ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Physician's second effect activates!" Baira continued. "When it's sent to the Graveyard while I control Temple of the Kings, I can add a "Virus" Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I add Current Corruption Virus to my hand. Moving on, I activate the Field Spell Card: Dark Mummy Temple!" The card showed a dark pyramid-like temple that resembled a hospital. "Thanks to its effect, I can add a "Dark Mummy" monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose to add Dark Mummy Probe to my hand, and thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon it since there's a card in the Field Spell Zone!"

A blue-skinned mummy with one red eye, bandages all over its body, and torn clothing appeared on Baira's field. Its left arm was covered with massive bandages with pins attached to it.

Dark Mummy Probe ATK 700 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"But after this effect resolves, Dark Mummy Temple is destroyed."

Following Baira's words, the Field Spell shattered.

"Why would you destroy your Field Spell?" Glacia asked.

"You'll find out soon," Baira answered. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. And since it's now the End Phase, the second effect of Dark Mummy Temple activates, letting me add another copy of it from my Deck to my hand."

"My turn!" Glacia said. "I draw!" She looked at her cards, then chose one and played it. "I summon Blizzard Falcon!"

A dark blue bird made out of ice crystals.

Blizzard Falcon ATK 1500 DEF 1500 LVL: 4

"Then I activate the Spell Card: Blizzard Jet!" Glacia continued. "This card increases the attack of a Water Winged Beast-type monster on my field by 1500 until my End Phase!"

Blizzard Falcon was encased in ice as its attack points increased.

Blizzard Falcon ATK 1500→3000

"Now I activate Blizzard Falcon's effect!" Glacia declared. "When a card effect increases its attack points, I can inflict damage equal to the difference between its current and original attack points!"

"I wonder about that," Baira said.

"Eh?"

"I activate the Trap Card: Current Corruption Virus! By Tributing one Dark monster with 0 defense points, I can change the attack points of all monsters you control with 2000 or fewer defense points to 0 until the end of your third turn after this card's activation. In addition, their effects are negated, nor can you activate the effects of monsters in your hand!"

"What!?" Glacia said in shock.

"Now that means every monster we summon that doesn't have more than 2000 defense points will lose both its attack points and effects," Astro noted.

"This surely will be a tough obstacle for the two of you to overcome," Faust stated. "Let's see how you'll get around it."

Baira gestured to her field. "I Tribute Dark Mummy Probe!"

Probe exploded into particles, which went into Current Corruption Virus before emitting large pink rings, which ensnared Blizzard Falcon as a dark aura formed around it.

Blizzard Falcon ATK 3000→0

"Oh yeah. There's one more thing I forgot to mention," Baira said. "You also can't activate the effects of monsters from your hand."

Glacia gritted her teeth. "You might have limited our options, but we won't let that stop us. I activate the Spell Card Blizzard Vision! Since I control a Water monster, I can Special Summon this card as a Normal Monster with the same Type, Attribute, and Level! So, I summon a copy of Blizzard Falcon!"

Blizzard Vision took on the shape of Blizzard Falcon but with 0 attack and defense points.

Blizzard Vision ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4

Faust narrowed his eyes. "She has two Level 4 monsters," he noted. "That means…"

"I overlay my Level 4 Blizzard Falcon and Blizzard Vision!"

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

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

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

"Gales of ice, flap your elegant wings and soar through the frozen sky! I Xyz Summon! Now please appear! Rank 4! Ice Winged Zeruera!"

A feminine humanoid-like creature appeared in Attack Position. Its upper body was colored dark blue, and its head resembled a bird. The bottom half of its body resembled a bird with sharp-like bird wings and sharp blades coming out from the arms.

Ice Winged Zeruera ATK 2600 DEF 2400 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"Ice Winged Zeruera's effect activates!" Glacia declared. "When Xyz Summoned, I can attach one card from either Graveyard to it as Xyz Material. I choose to attach Blizzard Jet from my Graveyard to Winged Zeruera!"

A black circle appeared on the field, out of which a blue light appeared and started orbiting Ice Winged Zeruera.

Ice Winged Zeruera OU: 2→3

"I activate Zeruera's effect!" Glacia shouted. "I can detach an Overlay Unit to banish one random card from your hand. Then depending on its type, I can activate one of three effects! I choose the card on the far left!"

One of the orbs circling Winged Zeruera lit up as she launched an icicle spear at Baira's hand.

Ice Winged Zeruera OU: 3→2

Baira took the far left card and showed it to Glacia, who smiled. "The card you targeted was Dark Mummy Temple," she said calmly.

"Excellent. Since the targeted card is a Spell, you take damage equal to Zeruera's attack points!"

Zeruera flapped its wings as it let loose a snowy wind directly at Baira and Faust, but before it hit-.

"I activate the Trap Card: Damage Eraser!" Baira announced. "Thanks to it, the effect damage is reduced to 0, and we gain Life Points equal to the damage we would've taken!"

The snowy winds transformed into a wave of golden-colored particles that enveloped Baira and Faust.

Faust & Baira: 4000→6400 LP

"Not bad, but the true terror starts from here." Glacia grinned. "I activate the Spell Card: Forbidden Substance! By targeting a monster I control, it can attack twice this turn. I select Ice Winged Zeruera!"

A syringe appeared above Winged Zeruera before it injected itself into her body, turning her eyes blue.

"Battle! Ice Winged Zeruera attacks Dark Mummy Clamps!"

Zeruera created several icicles around her, which she sent streaming at the Dark Mummy Link Monster. Baira remained calm and gestured to her field.

"I activate Dark Mummy Clamps' effect!" she declared. "Once per turn, when you declare an attack, I can negate that attack."

A bandaged-shaped barrier appeared around Clamps, shielding her from the icicles.

Glacia frowned. "You might have survived that attack, but can you survive the next? Zeruera attacks Clamps again!"

The previous scene was repeated as Clamps was destroyed, sending Baira skidding back.

Faust & Baira: 6400→4800 LP

"I set two cards face-down and my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Faust announced. "I draw! First, I set a card. Then, I summon Motor Worm Bumblebee!"

A mechanical bumblebee covered in sand-brown armor with black stripes made of soft fur, transparent crystal wings, and an abdomen emitted a luminous blue, yellow, and purple light appeared in Attack Position.

Motor Worm Bumblebee ATK 1700 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Bumblebees effect activates! When it's Normal Summoned, I can add a different "Motor Worm" monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Motor Worm Firefly." Faust added the card to his hand. "Next, I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon! This card lets me perform a second Normal Summon this turn. I summon Motor Worm Firefly!"

A mechanical firefly colored primarily sand-brown with blue trims and wings appeared next to Bumblebee. It gave a small cry as it entered the field.

Motor Worm Firefly ATK 100 DEF 1900 LVL: 2

"You summoned a monster with only 100 attack points?" Astro blinked twice. "Are you... planning on using it as material for a Link Summon?"

"That's correct," Faust confirmed. "I'll now infest my circuit!" Faust declared as a Link Portal appeared above him. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Motor Worm" monster. I'll set Motor Worm Firefly in the Link Arrow!"

Firefly became a stream of energy that entered the bottom arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-1! Motor Worm Seeker!"

A light brown insect, almost dog-sized, with long, multiple legs appeared in the Extra Monster Zone.

Motor Worm Seeker ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Motor Worm Seeker's effect activates! When it is successfully Link Summoned, I can Special Summon a Motor Worm Token next to its Link Arrow."

A mechanical worm-like insect with a glowing blue, yellow, and purple head appeared on the field in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"While you did an amazing job summoning multiple monsters on your first turn, I'm afraid to say that it and your other monster aren't strong enough to destroy mine," Glacia pointed out.

"How about I change that? I activate Seeker's second effect!" Faust continued. "By Tributing a monster it points to, I get to draw a card, and if the card I drew isn't a monster, I'm allowed to draw once more," The token burst into particles as Faust drew. "Lucky me, I drew the Equip Spell Card: Insect Armor with Laser Cannon, meaning I get to draw again." He drew once more. "Next, I activate Insect Armor with Laser Cannon and the Equip Spell Card: Level 2 Power Boost! I equip Laser Cannon on Seeker to increase its attack points by 700 and Power Boost onto Bumblebee, increasing its attack points by 1200!"

A large light began to rain down both the Motor Worms. Bumblebee grew larger and gaudy, forming a much more dangerous-looking insect with red, blue, and silver battle armor covering its body. Seeker had a large cannon mounted on its back and two turbines that made it screech loudly.

Motor Worm Bumblebee ATK 1700→2900

Motor Worm Seeker ATK 1000→1700

"Battle!" Faust exclaimed. "Motor Worm Bumblebee, attack Ice Winged Zeruera!"

Following its command, Bumblebee flew rapidly toward Zeruera as it emitted a high-pitched sonic wave, but Glacia smirked and gestured to her field.

"I activate the Trap Card: Icy Mirror!" The card showed an icy mirror bouncing back an energy blast but colder. "When your monster declares an attack while I control a Water monster, this card destroys all your monsters!"

Faust smirked. "I knew you'd have a card like that! Which is why I had this prepared! With Temple of the Kings' effect, I activate the Counter Trap Card: Trap Jammer!" Glacia gasped in surprise. "When you activate a Trap Card during the Battle Phase, that card is negated and destroyed!" Glacia flinched as her card shattered. "And with that out of the way, Bumblebee's attack continues!"

The sonic wave struck Zeruera, destroying her and making Glacia wince.

Glacia and Astro: 4000→3700 LP

"I activate the Trap Card: Card of Last Will!" Glacia 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…?" Faust muttered. "Next, Seeker attacks you directly!"

The insectoid Link Monster dashed toward Glacia before delivering a swift kick with one of its legs, striking her hard in the chest.

Glacia and Astro: 3700→2000 LP

"And that's just a small taste of what's coming next." Faust grinned. "With the combined power of my insects, there's no way we can lose. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Astro declared. "I draw! First, I summon Tachyon Dragon!"

A dragon with glowing red skin covered in dark purple and black armor appeared in Attack Position as it roared.

Tachyon Dragon ATK 2000→0 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Solid Overlay, whose effect allows it to be treated as an Xyz Material for the Xyz Summon of a Rank 4 Xyz Monster!" Astro smirked. "Now, let's begin the dance of despair! I overlay the Level 4 Tachyon Dragon with Solid Overlay!"

A bolt of crimson energy burst out of his Duel Disk and traveled upwards. It struck the sky and exploded into a ring of purple energy, changing the environment to a midnight sky. Streams of blue data traveled downward. A purple "X" with four red points appeared beneath his two cards, which broke into blue data and entered two of the dots. The corners of the "X" fired beams upwards, creating a shining galaxy.

"The light that pierces the midnight sky!" Astro chanted as his Duel Disk glowed. "Shine forth from the dragon's eye! I Xyz Summon! Descend! Rank 4! Starliege Tachyon Blast Dragon!"

A red-skinned dragon wearing black and purple armor all over its body roared as it appeared in Attack Position, with two lights circling behind it.

Starliege Tachyon Blast Dragon ATK 1800 DEF 2500 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"Blast Dragon's effect activates! When it is Xyz Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Tachyon" monster from my hand," Astro continued. "I summon Tachyon Caesar!"

A large dragonic warrior in red and black armor wielding a purple sword and shield appeared in Attack Position.

Tachyon Caesar ATK 2000 DEF 2800 LVL: 8

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters! By discarding one card from my hand, I can target up to two Spell and Trap Cards on the field and destroy them. I target and destroy both your Equip Spells!"

As Astro discarded a card from his hand, two twisters emerged from Twin Twisters, destroying both the Equip Spells.

Faust frowned. "Since Insect Armor with Laser Cannon and Level 2 Power Boost left the field, my monsters' attack points return to normal."

Motor Worm Bumblebee ATK 2900→1700

Motor Worm Seeker ATK 1700→1000

"Since the card I discarded was Cards of Compensation, I now get to draw two extra cards," Astro stated as he drew. "Now it's time for my dragons to sink their teeth into your monsters."

"Hate to break it to you, but that'll be impossible for you!" Faust declared. "I activate the Trap Card: Dragon Chains!" The card showed Dragon Capture Jar with numerous black chains erupting from the jar's opening. "So long as Dragon Chains is on the field, your Dragon monsters cannot attack or change their battle positions, and their effects are negated!"

Glaciai's eyes widened. "That means Astro's monsters are useless."

"Not for long. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy Dragon Chains!"

"What?" Faust said, startled as a blast of wind destroyed his Trap Card. "Curses!"

"I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, which lets me draw four cards since my hand is empty. Battle! Blast Dragon attacks Motor Worm Bumblebee! Radiance Stream!"

The dragon fired a beam of red light energy at Bumblebee, destroying it and making Faust wince.

Faust & Baira: 4800→4700 LP

"Next, Caesar attacks Motor Worm Seeker!"

Caesar charged at the Link Monster and slashed it with its sword, destroying it and pushing Faust back.

Faust & Baira: 4700→3700 LP

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn with this," Astro concluded.

"My turn!" Baira announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Unfair Dealer!"

For a moment, the scenery went through a sudden change. Roulette tables and slot machines were lined up as far as Astro and Glacia's eyes could see. Affluent owners scattered gold coins carelessly across the floor as he noticed Baira and Faust sitting at a blackjack table's barstool.

"What's going on here?" Glacia asked.

"It's the effect of my Spell," Baira explained as a card dealer materialized in front of her, shuffling a deck of cards, "When I have three cards or less in my hand while you have four or more in yours, Unfair Dealer allows me to draw cards equal to the number of cards in your hand, in this case, six!"

The dealer in front of Baira cut the Deck before throwing six cards in her direction. The young woman caught them in the crevasses between her fingers in her right hand before the ambiance disappeared.

"So she used Glacia's play to her advantage," Astro noted.

"Next, I summon Lilith, Lady of Lament!"

A red-haired, black-skinned female demon appeared on Baira's field. She had a very long tail, along with bat wings. Her right eye was red, while the other eye was green.

Lilith, Lady of Lament ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Because Lilith was Normal Summoned, its original attack points become 1000," Baira explained as dark chains appeared all over Lilith's body, tying her monster in one place.

Lilith, Lady of Lament ATK 2000→1000

"I activate Lilith's other effect! By Tributing a Dark Attribute monster I control, I reveal three Normal Trap Cards from my Deck to the opponent and have them pick one that I'll set on my field, with the rest shuffled into the Deck. These are the cards I chose!"

A screen appeared above Glacia's Duel Disk. She gritted her teeth in annoyance; Baira had chosen three copies of the same card, which showed dark green, green-colored swirls with strange writings. The cards flipped around, then Glacia chose one.

"I was hoping you would choose that one," Baira said as the selected appeared in her Spell & Trap Zone. "Next, since a Dark monster on my field, in this case, Lilith, was Tributed, I can Special Summon Dark Mummy Needle from my hand through its effect!"

Followed by a loud groan, a lavender-skinned female zombie with red eyes, wearing gray-blue clothes, with the back of her head and her forehead wrapped in many layers of bandages, from which sharp needles stuck out instead of hair, appeared.

Dark Mummy Needle ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"From there, I activate the Spell Card: Monster Restitch! By Tributing one "Dark Mummy" monster, I can Special Summon three Dark Mummy Tokens to my field. I Tribute Needle!"

Three will-o-wisps glowing with purple flames appeared on Baira's field as Needle exploded into pieces.

Dark Mummy Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 3

"I'll stitch my circuit!" Baira declared as a Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are three "Dark Mummy" monsters. I'll set tokens in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Arise, Link-3! Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps!"

A green-skinned female mummy with long black hair appeared on Baira's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. She had red eyes, a face mask, and a breastplate on her body. Also, half of her body was wrapped in bandages, wrapped around her legs, and had curved blades for her arms.

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑→

"I hate to say this, but I think your monster needs a makeover," Astro stated.

"Make all the jokes you like because they won't save you from Surgical Forceps' wrath!" Baira exclaimed. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters. By discarding a card from my hand, I can target up to two Spell and Trap Cards on the field and destroy them. I destroy both your face-down cards!"

Following Baira's words, two twisters destroyed both Astro's cards.

"Since I discarded Cards of Compensation through Twin Twister's effect, I can draw two cards. Next, I set a card. Battle! Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps attacks Blast Dragon!"

Surgical Forceps raised its blades before bringing them down and slicing the Xyz Monster in half, destroying it and making Astro wince.

Glacia and Astro: 2000→1400 LP

"And then, with Temple of the Kings, I'll activate the card I recently set," Baira said as she gestured to her field. "The Trap Card: Relentless Attacks! Surgical Forceps can attack again through its effect since I destroyed your monster!"

Forceps charged at Caser, slicing it in two and pushing Astro back from the shockwave.

Glacia and Astro: 1400→1000 LP

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

"My turn!" Glacia announced. "I draw! Since you went all out during your previous turns in your attempt to take me down, allow me to respond in kind by unleashing even more of my Deck's strength. First, I activate the Spell Card: Card of Adversity! Since I control no monsters on my field and you control a Special Summoned monster on yours, I can draw two cards."

Glacia drew and smiled at her cards. "Next, I place a card face-down. Then, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Xyz Revival! It lets me Special Summon an Xyz Monster from my Graveyard and then equip it with this card. Resurrect, Ice Winged Zeruera!"

The Xyz Monster reappeared in Attack Position.

Ice Winged Zeruera ATK 2600 DEF 2400 RNK: 4

"Then I summon Aurora Wing!"

A blue, green, and white bird with big wings appeared.

Aurora Wing ATK 1200 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Don't forget that due to the effect of Current Corruption Virus, monsters you control whose defense points are at least 2000 defense points lose their attack points and effects!" Baira pointed out.

Aurora Wing ATK 1200→0

"Appear! The frozen circuit!"

Glacia's hand glowed blue as it sent a lightning bolt into the sky that created the Link Portal.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Water Winged-Beast monsters! However, the monster I'm summoning also allowed me to use a monster from my hand as Link Material!"

"What?" Faust and Baira gasped. "A monster from the hand?"

"I set Ice Winged Zeruera, Aurora Wing and Guard Penguin in my hand in the Link Arrows!"

A penguin wearing a white shield-like dress appeared, along with Zeruera and Aurora Wing and entered the top-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows lit up.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Ice Dancer Zeriora!"

A centaur-like feminine white-colored monster with the bottom half resembling a swan with long, beautiful legs with sharp-ended feet appeared, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone. The monster has a swan-like head with a blue crystal-like armor-like dress and crystal blades coming out from its arms.

Ice Dancer Zeriora ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↖↓↘

"A Link-3 Monster?" Baira gasped.

Faust gritted his teeth. "I have a feeling things are going to get tougher."

"A Link 3, huh?" Astro muttered. This should be interesting to watch.

"Nice monster," Baira complimented. "Too bad you won't get the chance to use it." She gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Back to the Front! It lets me Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position! Resurrect, Dark Mummy Probe!"

The bandaged zombie reappeared.

Dark Mummy Probe ATK 700 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Next, I activate the Trap Card: Infected Demise Virus! By Tributing one Dark monster with 0 defense points; until the end of your 3rd End Phase after this card's activation, I can destroy all monsters you control with 2000 or more attack points, prevent them from activating their effects, and inflict 500 points of damage to you each time you draw or add a card to your hand!"

Glacia smirked. "That's what I was waiting for!"

"What?"

"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!"

Baira gasped as Demise Virus disintegrated.

"With your Trap Card out of the way, Ice Dancer Zeriora's effect activates!" Glacia continued. "When it is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a Water Winged-Beast monster from my Deck and Graveyard by negating their effects. I Special Summon Blizzard Thunderbird from my Deck and Blizzard Falcon from my Graveyard!"

Two portals appeared on Glacia's field, with Falcon and a female humanoid covered in dark blue armor with angular yellow wings emerging from it.

Blizzard Falcon ATK 1500 DEF 1500 LVL: 4

Blizzard Thunderbird ATK 1600 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"From there, I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket and target Zeriora! I now draw cards equal to its Link Rating and then send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard. I draw three cards and send three to the Graveyard."

Glacia drew, then sent Tundra Eagle, Overlay Regen, and Xyz Reflect to the Graveyard.

"I activate the Spell Card: Level Lifter!" Glacia declared. "By discarding the Level 5 Sirenorca from my hand, I can change the Levels of two monsters on my field to its Level. I change Blizzard Falcon and Blizzard Thunderbird to Level 5!"

Blizzard Falcon LVL: 4→5

Blizzard Thunderbird LVL: 4→5

Faust blinked his eyes and gasped. "She changed her monsters' Levels."

"That means-." Baira started.

"She's bringing out a Rank 5 Xyz Monster," Astro silently finished.

"I overlay my Level 5 Blizzard Falcon and Blizzard Thunderbird!"

Glacia raised her Duel Disk and shot a bolt of dark blue energy. That bolt created the Xyz cross.

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

Her monsters disintegrated into data and entered the red bolts. The ends fired beams and created a galaxy, which exploded with energy.

"Ruler of the frozen night! Travel to new heights through our frozen evolution!" Glacia chanted. "I Xyz Summon! Rank 5! Ice Princess Zereort!"

A female humanoid covered in pale blue crystals with dark blue skin appeared in Attack Position, summoned to Zeriora's bottom Link Arrow. She also carried a yellow scythe as a weapon.

Ice Princess Zereort ATK 2500 DEF 2100 RNK: 5 OU: 2

"Zeriora's effect activates!" Glacia declared. "When a monster is Special Summoned next to its Link Arrow, I can target one card on my opponent's field or in their Graveyard and banish it!"

"What!?" Faust and Baira said.

"I banish Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps! Artic Erasure!"

Zeriora raised her blades and shattered Baira's monster with blue light.

"Furthermore, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Xyz Unit! Zereort now gains 200 attack points multiplied by its Rank! Since its Rank is 5, it gains 1000 attack points!"

Ice Princess Zereort ATK 2500→3500

"Now then, it's time for battle!" Glacia exclaimed. "Ice Princess Zereort, attack them directly!"

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that!" Faust declared. "I activate the effect of Motor Worm Egg in my hand! When you declare an attack, I can Special Summon this card and end the Battle Phase!"

A strange husk-like wolf monster with insect-like veins and parts coming out from its body appeared as it let out a howl that stopped Zereort in its tracks.

Motor Worm Egg ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Not bad. However, I have a few tricks too!" Glacia smiled. "I activate the Spell Card: Surprise Attack From Beyond! With this, I can reconduct the Battle Phase once more with monsters I summoned this turn!"

"What?!" Faust and Baira gasped. "Reconduct the Battle Phase?!"

"Go! Zeriora attacks Motor Worm Egg! Tundra Termination!"

Zeriora charged forward with its blades ready, piercing the wolf-like insect as it shattered.

"Next, Zereort attacks you directly! Frozen Calamity!"

Zereort swung her scythe at Baira and Faust, striking them in the chest as they screamed in pain.

Faust & Baira: 3700→200 LP

"Your dueling was impressive initially, but it's starting to get very boring now," Glacia growled. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Faust looked at his card and then played it. "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."

Astro narrowed his eyes. "What an annoying card."

Faust drew five cards, looked at them, then took one.

"I summon Motor Worm Sac!"

A dark green cocoon with strange movement inside appeared.

Motor Worm Sac ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I activate Motor Worm Sac's effect! When it's Normal Summoned, I can Tribute it to Special Summon three Motor Worm Tokens to my field!"

Motor Worm Sac exploded as three Motor Worm Tokens appeared on the field in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 3

"I'll now infest my circuit!" Faust's hand glowed blue as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more Insect monsters. I'll set my three Motor Worm Tokens in the Link Arrows!"

The first token went into the left arrow, the second went into the bottom-left arrow, and the third went into the bottom arrow, turning them red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Motor Worm Spreader Queen!"

A massive insect with medium-sized wings and six legs appeared on the field in the Right Extra Monster Zone. Her abdomen glowed pink, while its back glowed glowing blue, yellow, and purple. She also had brown skin all over her body and red eyes.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1000 LINK-3 ←↙↓

"Spreader Queen's effect!" Faust continued. "Once per turn, if she doesn't point to any monsters, I can Special Summon one Motor Worm Token to a Main Monster Zone she points to. Furthermore, you cannot target Motor Worm Tokens for attacks."

Another Token appeared on Faust's field, to the bottom-left Main Monster Zone Spreader Queen pointed to.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Spreader Queen's second effect!" Faust added. "For each Insect monster on the field, she gains 700 attack points. There are two, so my queen gains 1400 attack points!"

Spreader Queen screeched as she powered up.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1000→2400

"Following that, I activate the Spell Card: Motor Worm Bait! Since I control an Insect monster, I can Special Summon two "Motor Worm" Tokens to my field. In exchange, this turn, I can't summon Level 3 or 4 monsters."

Soon, two Motor Worm Tokens appeared on Faust's field.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

He gestured to his Link Monster. "And with two more Insect monsters on the field, Spreader Queen gains 1400 attack points!"

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 2400→3800

"I activate the Spell Card Offerings to the Doomed! I skip my next Draw Phase to destroy your Ice Princess Zereort!"

Following Faust's words, a dark circle appeared around Zereort, out of which bandages wrapped around her completely and pulled her down into the Graveyard.

"Now she just has her Link Monster left," Baira said. "And the difference between Zeriora's attack and Spreader Queen's is …."

"1400," Astro said, a worried expression on his face.

Faust gestured to his Link Monster. "Battle! Motor Worm Spreader Queen, attack Ice Dancer Zeriora and end this duel! Swarming Storm Assault!"

"I won't let you!" Glacia yelled. "I activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet!" she declared. "Until the End Phase, all damage we take is cut in half!"

The back of Spreader Queen opened as hornet-like missiles launched toward Zeriorabefore breaking their shells and firing stinging blasts at her, destroying the Link Monster in the process and knocking Glacia and Astro down due to the ensuing shockwave.

Glacia and Astro: 1000→300 LP

"How was that?" Faust asked. "At this point, you will run out of Life Points. What say you now?"

"Thank you for the assistance, Hanoi," Glacia said with a grin as he got up. "If you hadn't destroyed my monster, I wouldn't have been able to do this. I activate Zeriora's final effect! When it's destroyed, I can add a Rank-Up-Magic Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I choose Rank-Up-Magic Barian Force."

"A Rank-Up-Magic, you say?" Baira snorted. "Summon what you wish, but we'll ensure you won't get the chance to."

She gave a glance at Faust, who nodded in response.

"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. Encode Talker is Link-3, so I draw three cards!"

Faust drew, then sent three cards from his Deck to the Graveyard. He looked the three cards over, and his eyes widened on seeing one of them.

"I place three cards face-down and end my turn," he concluded.

"It's my turn!" Astroannounced. "I draw! Now, let's finally draw the curtain on this duel. I activate the Spell Card: Roll of Fate! This card lets me roll a six-sided die and draw cards equal to the result. Afterward, I must banish cards from the top of my Deck equal to that result. Go, Dice Roll!"

A dice flew out of Roll of Fate and landed on the ground. After it stopped rolling, it eventually stopped at a five.

"Oh yeah! A five! That means I can draw five cards!"

Astro drew five cards and then removed the top five cards of his Deck from play.

"And since you decided to go all out, let me respond similarly. Since my opponent controls a face-up monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck and I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Tachyon Twin Wyvern from my hand!"

A raptor with red and black skin glowing with energy appeared in a bright flash, covered by armor and had two purple wings attached to its back.

Tachyon Twin Wyvern ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"I activate Twin Wyvern's effect!" Astro continued. "By discarding a card from my hand, I can Special Summon a "Tachyon" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon Tachyon Chargon!"

A monster with a dragonic body colored purple-red with a trimmed lining appeared.

Tachyon Chargon ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Lastly, I summon Tachyon Crusher!"

A large humanoid wearing red and black armor wielding a double-sided purple club appeared.

Tachyon Crusher ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I activate Tachyon Crusher's effect!" Astro declared. "When Normal Summoned, I can swap its attack and defense points to have its Level become 8 until my next Standby Phase."

Tachyon Crusher ATK 2000→0 DEF 0→2000 LVL: 4→8

"I activate the Spell Card: Upshift! This card changes the Levels of all my monsters to the Level of my monster with the highest Level. Twin Wyvern and Chargon's Levels become the same as Crusher's!"

Tachyon Twin Wyvern LVL: 4→8

Tachyon Chargon LVL: 4→8

Bairaa's eyes widened. "Three Level 8 monsters…."

Faust's eyes narrowed. "Here it comes…."

"The time is here! I overlay my Level 8 Tachyon Twin Wyvern, Chargon and Crusher!"

Astro placed his hands in front of him as his Duel Disk glowed. A bolt of crimson energy broke out of his Duel Disk and traveled into the air behind him. The bolt created a massive portal behind him – a blue X with four red dots at the sides.

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

The three monsters broke apart into blue particles and entered the red dots on the side and top, making them glow and causing a red circle around the portal. The four points of the X lit up and fired lasers, creating a swirling galaxy in front of Astro. The galaxy exploded with energy as he chanted.

"Galaxy lost through time, reawaken and reshape time and space with your roar! Manifest and create the voidless path of absolute victory! I Xyz Summon! Now manifest, Rank 8! Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon!"

A black dragon emerged from the galaxy with a body that almost looked mechanical. It had a violet-purple armor-scaled body with four red-bladed wings that released electricity across each one, making them glow, and yellow eyes with black pupils resembling a universe. Its tail was a sharp red blade resembling a hook, sharp-bladed shield-like hands, and pointy feet with four sharp claws coated in purple energy. The dragon roared in Attack Position as three lights orbited it.

Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 RNK: 8 OU: 3

"That's the monster that led to Chevalier and Charmcaster's defeat," Baira muttered, narrowing her eyes.

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Hand Control!" Astro declared. "I can guess the name of a player's card in their hand, and if I guess it right, they're forced to play it." He narrowed his eyes at Glacia. "Why don't you go ahead and activate Barian's Force?"

"Sure thing," Glacia replied.

The card in Glacia's hand shimmered as it flew into the air, causing a golden flash to light up the area around them.

Glacia smiled. "With Barian's Force, Astro can bring out his trump card!"

"I don't think so!" Faust exclaimed.

"Huh?" Glacia and Astro stared at him, taken back.

"I activate the Trap Card: Cursed Seal of the Forbidden Spell! Now, by discarding one Spell Card from my hand, I can negate your Spell Card and destroy it!" After discarding a card, The Spell Card shattered. Faust narrowed his eyes at Charmcaster, smiling. "Furthermore, you can no longer use the Spell Card destroyed through Cursed Seal's effect for the rest of the duel!"

Glacia and Astro stared at him, completely frozen in shock. She blinked, "Wait, we can't use Barian's Force anymore!?"

"I'm afraid not," Baira answered with a smirk. "Which means you can't summon your Chaos Xyz Monsters."

Astro glared at the duo and then smirked. "Very clever," he said. "A card like Cursed Seal of the Forbidden Spell would cripple a Rank-Up Deck, especially if its user was a lesser duelist. But…" His eyes narrowed. "We aren't lesser duelists. I activate Void Tachyon Dragon's effect! I can detach an Overlay Unit to banish one monster you control and summon a Galaxy Tachyon Dragon Token whose attack and defense points equal the banished monster's attack or defense points, whichever is higher."

One of the lights struck Void Tachyon Dragon's chest, which erupted with a blue glow.

Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon OU: 3→2

"I choose Spreader Queen. Go, Tachyon Illusion!"

"I won't allow it!" Faust shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Shift! When you target exactly one monster I control for an attack or a card effect, I can target a different monster I control and change the target to it instead!" Astro's eyes widened in surprise. "I change the target of Tachyon Dragon's effect to one of my Motor Worm Tokens!"

Shift fired a blast at the Tachyon Xyz Monster. Soon after, Tachyon Dragon's wings emitted a red-black spiral energy wave that ensnared the luminescent insect. The token burst into particles as a particle-like illusion of Void Tachyon Dragon appeared on Astro's field.

Galaxy Tachyon Dragon Token ATK ?→0 DEF ?→0 LVL: 8

Faust frowned. "However, since there's now one less Insect monster on the field, Spreader Queen loses 700 attack points."

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 3800→3100

"But even so, it's still stronger than your Tachyon Dragon!"

"I might not have been able to banish your monster, but I still have plenty of tricks up my sleeve!" he gestured to his monster. "Battle! Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon attacks Motor Worm Spreader Queen! Tachyon Spiral of Annilihation!"

The dragon roared as its wings and crystals glowed as energy gathered in its maw.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Galaxy Shockwave!" Astro shouted. "With its effect, Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon's attack points increase by 1500!"

Galaxy-Eyes Void Tachyon Dragon ATK 3000→4500

"Also, Galaxy Shockwave negates the effects of your Spreader Queen!"

"What!?" Faust gasped.

Motor Worm Spread Queen ATK 3100→1000

"Once this attack hits, the two of you are finished!" Glacia exclaimed.

"If we're going down, we're taking you with us!" Faust countered. "I activate the Trap Card: Grazing Bullet!"

"Grazing Bullet?" Astro and Glacia repeated, both caught off guard.

"When your monster declares an attack, I select a face-up Attack Position monster on your field and one on mine," Faust explained. "I target Spreader Queen and Void Tachyon Dragon!"

"And then, you take damage equal to the attack points of our selected monster while we take damage equal to the attack points of your selected monster," Baira finished.

"So that means we both lose?!" Glacia exclaimed.

As if in confirmation, the energy gathered in Tachyon Dragon's maw blasted at Faust and Baira, while Spreader Queen blasted Astro and Glacia with energy-like projectile missiles. The force of the two attacks caused a major explosion that sent everyone flying before landing back on the ground.

Glacia and Astro: 300→0 LP

Faust and Baira: 200→0 LP

The moment their Life Points hit zero, Glacia and Astro vanished, most likely being forcefully logged out.

"Looks like our program worked," Baira said.

"Indeed it has," Faust agreed. "However, we must see how Specter and Master Varis are fairing."

Baira nodded. "Right!"

Soon after, the two summoned their D-Boards and headed off to find Specter and Varis.

OC Card Memo:

Desperado:

Magical Musket - Power Shot Quick-Play Spell Card

Target 1 "Magical Musket" monster you control; until the end of the turn, it gains 800 ATK and cannot be destroyed by battle. You can only activate 1 "Magical Musket - Power Shot" per turn.

Magical Musket - Timed Reload Quick-Play Spell Card

Target 1 "Magical Musket" monster on the field; until the end of the turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle and all battle damage you take is halved. You can only use 1 "Magical Musket - Timed Reload" per turn.

Magical Musket - Urgent Battle Normal Spell Card

Target 1 "Magical Musket" monster you control; during each Battle Phase this turn, it can make up to three attacks on monsters, also your other monsters cannot attack. The turn you activate this effect, card effects cannot change the ATK/DEF of monsters on the field. You can only activate 1 "Magical Musket - Urgent Battle" per turn.

Magical Musket - Criminal Bounty Normal Spell Card

If you control a "Magical Musket" monster: Send 2 cards from your hand to the GY, then draw 3 cards. You can only activate 1 "Magical Musket - Criminal Bounty" per turn.

Dr. Genome:

Helixx Greatape- Level 6, ATK: 2300, DEF: 1800, ATT: DARK, Type: Fiend/Effect

Effect: If you control a "Helixx" monster; Special Summon this card from your hand. You can banish this card from your GY; until the end of this turn, your opponent cannot activate card effects during the Battle Phase.

Helixx Demacaque

Dark/Fiend/level 5

ATK 2100/ DEF800

If the only monsters you control are "Helixx" monsters (min. 1), you can Normal Summon this card without Tributing in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (You can only gain this effect once per turn.) If this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 Spell/Trap that specifically lists "Helixx" from your Deck to your hand, then if this card is Normal Summoned to a zone a Link Monster points to, you can send 1 "Helixx Desmacaque" from your Deck to your GY. You can only use this effect of "Helixx Desmacaque" once per turn. This card gains 200 ATK for each "Helixx" monster in your GY.

Helixx Splicorc

Dark/Fiend/level 5

ATK 1900/ DEF 1800

If this card is sent from the hand to the GY: You can Special Summon this card in Defense Position, but banish it when it leaves the field. If this card is used for the Link Summon of a "Helixx" Link Monster: You can Special Summon 1 "Helixx Token" (Fiend/DARK/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0). You can only use this effect of "Helixx Splicorc" once per turn.

Helixx Xeno Damien

Dark/Fiend/Link 1 Bottom

ATK 0

This card cannot be used as material for the Link Summon of a Link-1 Link Monster. If this card is Link Summoned: You can target 1 "Helixx" monster in your GY; Send one monster with the same name as the targeted monster from your Deck to your GY to have this card be treated as the sent monster. During the Main Phase (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Helixx" Link Monster you control; That monster, and monsters it points to, are unaffected by your opponent's card effects this turn. You can only use each effect of "Helixx Xeno Damien" once per turn.

DNA Decoded Lab- Type: Field Spell Card

Effect: When this card is activated: Add 1 "Helixx" monster or one card that lists the name "Helixx" in its text from your Deck to your hand.

Glacia:

Ice Winged Zeruera- Rank 4, ATK: 2600, DEF: 2400, ATT: WATER, Type: Winged Beast/Xyz/Effect

Effect: 2 Level 4 Winged Beast WATER monsters

When this card is Xyz Summoned: You can target 1 card in either player's GY; attach it to this card as material. Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; banish 1 random card on in your opponent's hand and next this card gains the following effect depending on the card Type the banished card was but this card cannot attack directly:

*Monster: Your opponent cannot Normal Summon until the end of their turn.

*Spell: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to this card's ATK.

*Trap: Your opponent can only activate 1 Spell/Trap Card until the end of their turn.

Ice Dancer Zeriora- LINK-3, ATK: 2400, ATT: WATER,Type: Winged Beast/Link/Effect, Arrows: Top-Left, Bottom, Bottom-Right

Effect: 2+ Winged Beast WATER monsters

You can also use 1 monster from your hand as material to Link Summon this card. If this card is Link Summoned: Special Summon up to 2 Winged Beast WATER monsters (1 from your GY and 1 from your Deck) but their effects are negated. If a Xyz Monster is summoned to a zone this card points to: Banish 1 card in your opponent's field or GY. If this Link Summoned card is destroyed: Select 1 Spell Card in your Deck and either add it to your hand or place it on top of your Deck. You can only use each effect of "Ice Dancer Zeriora" per turn.

Icy Mirror- Type: Normal Trap Card

Effect: When an opponent's monster declares an attack while you control a WATER monster: Destroy all monsters your opponent controls. You can activate this card from your hand if you control a WATER Xyz Monster. You can only activate 1 "Icy Mirror" per turn.

Astro:

Starliege Tachyon Blast Dragon- Rank 4, ATK: 1800, DEF: 2500, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Dragon/Xyz/Effect

Effect: 2 Level 4 Monsters

If this card is Xyz Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Tachyon" monster from your hand. While this Xyz Summoned monster is on the field, your opponent cannot target monsters you control with 2000 or more ATK with card effects, also they cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects. Once per opponent's turn (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 material from this card, then target 1 Xyz or Link Monster that is banished or in your GY; Special Summon it.

Faust:

Motor Worm Sac- Level 1, ATK: 0, DEF: 0, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Insect/Effect

Effect: When this card is Normal Summon: Tribute it, and if you do, Special Summon 3 "Motor Worm Tokens" (Insect/LIGHT/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) to your field. You can only activate the effect of "Motor Worm Sac" once per turn.

Motor Worm Egg- Level 1, ATK: 0, DEF: 0, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Insect/Effect

Effect: If your opponent declares an attack, Special Summon this card (from your hand) and if you do, end the Battle Phase. When this card is used for the Link Summon of a "Motor Worm" Link Monster; Special Summon 1 "Motor Worm Token" (Insect/LIGHT/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) from either side of the field. You can only activate the effect of "Motor Worm Egg" once per turn.

Motor Worm Firefly (Light/Insect/Effect/ATK: 100/DEF: 1900/LV: 2)

An Insect monster that used this card as a material can't be destroyed by battle or card effects once each turn. If this card is in your GY: Banish two other "Motor Worm" Effect Monsters from your GY and field; Special Summon this card in Attack Position. You can only Special Summon 1 "Motor Worm Firefly" per turn this way.

Motor Worm Bumblebee (Light/Insect/Effect/ATK: 1700/DEF: 0/LV: 3)

If this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Motor Worm" monster from your Deck to your hand, except "Motor Worm Bumblebee". If a "Motor Worm" Link Monster is Special Summoned to your field while this card is in your GY: You can Special Summon it to a zone that Link Monster points to, but banish this card the next time it leaves the field. You can only use 1 "Motor Worm Bumblebee" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

Motor Worm Seeker- LINK 1, ATK: 1200, ATT: LIGHT, Insect/Link/Effect, Arrows: Bottom-Right

Effect: 1 "Motor Worm" monster.

When this card is Link Summoned: Special Summon 1 (Insect/LIGHT/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) to a zone this card points to. Once per turn: You can Tribute one monster, draw one card, and draw one more card if it's a non-Monster Card. You can only activate each effect of "Motor Worm Seeker" once per turn.

Baira:

Dark Mummy Physician / DARK / Level 4 / Zombie / Effect / ATK 1000 / DEF 2000 / Flip: Activate 1 "Temple of the Kings" from your Deck or GY. If this card is sent to the GY while you control "Temple of the Kings,": You can set 1 "Virus" Trap Card from your Deck to your side of the field.

Dark Mummy Needle (Dark/Zombie/Effect/ATK: 0/DEF: 0/LV: 1)

If a DARK monster(s) you control is Tributed: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If a "Dark Mummy" monster(s) you control is sent to the GY (even during the Damage Step), except as a material: You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 of those monsters; Special Summon it with its effects negated and its original ATK halved. You can only use this effect of "Dark Mummy Needle" once per turn.

Dark Mummy Clamps- LINK 1, ATK: 1000, ATT: DARK, Type: Zombie/Link/Effect, Arrows: Bottom

Effect: 1 "Dark Mummy" monster

When this card is Link Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Dark Mummy" Link Monster from your Extra Deck, sending a "Dark Mummy" monster from your hand and 1 from your Deck. (This is treated as a Link Summon). When your opponent declares an attack: You can negate that attack. You can only activate each effect of "Dark Mummy Clamps" once per turn.

Dark Mummy Temple- Type: Field Spell Card

Effect: When this card is activated: Add 1 "Dark Mummy" monster or one card that lists "Dark Mummy" in its text from your Deck to your hand, except "Dark Mummy Temple". The activation and effects of a "Dark Mummy" Monster or cards that lists "Dark Mummy" in its text cannot be negated. If this card leaves the field: During the End Phase, add 1 "Dark Mummy Temple" from your Deck, GY or Banished to your hand. You can activate 1 "Dark Mummy Temple" once per turn.

Infected Demise Virus- Type: Normal Trap Card

Effect: Tribute 1 DARK monster with 0 DEF; until the end of your opponent 3rd End Phase after activation, destroy all monsters your opponent controls with 2000 or more ATK and their effects cannot be activated and inflict 500 of damage for each card your opponent draws or adds to their hand.

Question of the Chapter

Would you guys have preferred if the Knights lost to Syndicate? And which member of the Syndicate do you want to see duel next?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Advent of New Beginnings. Chapter 15 – Eliminating the Target Part 2. The Syndicate continues their strike against the Hanoi Specter faces off against Natura while Varis goes against Ladon. Do they have what it takes to beat the Syndicate, or will it be the other way around?

Author Notes: Sorry this chapter is coming out late. I've returned for my second semester at college, so chapter updates will come later than usual but I'll try my best to post a new chapter as fast as possible. Don't forget to leave a review. Also, favorite and follow the story. Until next time.