In LINK VRAINS...
"Let's Duel!" Esper, Sanctum and Pandor shouted together.
Sanctum & Esper: 4000 LP
Pandor #1 & Pandor #2: 4000 LP
"I hope Esper and Sanctum know what they're doing." Blue Maiden commented. "If they drop their guard, they'll get crushed quickly."
"If I know Sanctum, she won't let someone, especially an AI like Pandor, defeat her without a fight." Storm Ridersaid. "And with Esper on her side, I believe they'll win this duel."
"I'm with you on that one, Storm Rider." Soulburner agreed with him.
"Hopefully, the Knights of Hanoi will see that even duelists like Esper can surprise them."
"Let the test begin," Pandor 1 declared, selecting a card from her hand. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Topologina Honeycomb Beehicle! When this card is activated, I can add a "Topologina" monster from my Deck to my hand."
Pandor took the card from her Deck as Sanctum narrowed her eyes. "Topologina?" she muttered. "Is it related to the Topologic monsters?"
"I activate the Spell Card: Allure of Darkness!" Pandor continued. "This card lets me draw two cards, but then I must banish a Dark monster or send my entire hand to the Graveyard." Pandor drew her cards and smirked upon seeing them. "Perfect! I banish Topologina Gatsbee. Then, I Special Summon Topologina Babee from my hand in Attack Position!"
A tiny cybernetic monster with a brown body and a green eye appeared in Attack Position. It had a pair of yellow crescents on its side to simulate wings.
Topologina Babee ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1
"I can Special Summon it from my hand when our Life Points are equal," Pandor 1 continued. "Appear! The future circuit that guides us!" Pandor's hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Topologina" monster. I set Topologina Babee in the Link Arrow!"
Her monster became a gold whirlwind and entered the bottom-left arrow.
"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Topologina Rubee!"
A small red cybernetic bee with a white face, a single green eye and two small crescent wings emerged from the portal, summoned to the Right Extra Monster Zone. A small silver stinger flew behind it.
Topologina Rubee ATK 500 LINK-1 ↙
"A Topologina Link Monster," Sanctum said. "Be careful, Esper. Who knows what effects these monsters have."
"Please," Esper said. "It doesn't look so tough to me."
"Confident, are you?" Pandor 2 questioned. "Then let our monster prove you wrong."
Pandor 1 gestured to her monster. "I activate Topologina Rubee's effect! When it's Link Summoned, I can target and banish a "Topologina" card from my Graveyard to add a "Topologina" card with a different name from my Deck to my hand. I banish Topologina Babee to add Topologina Sibee to my hand. And since I control a "Topologina" Link Monster, I can Special Summon it!"
A green, yellow-lining robotic bee with legs and yellow energy wings appeared in Attack Position.
Topologina Sibee ATK 500 DEF 1300 LVL: 2
"I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial! With this, I send a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard." Pandor took a card from her Deck and placed it in her Graveyard. "Next, I summon Topologina Maybee!"
A centaur-looking cybernetic monster with pink tones and a grey abdomen appeared. It has a green head with large yellow, almost blade-like crescents coming off the side.
Topologina Maybee ATK 800 DEF 100 LVL: 2
"If I control a "Topologina" monster that was Special Summoned this turn, I can Special Summon this card from your hand. Appear again! The future circuit that guides us! The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters! I set Topologina Rubee and Sibee in the Link Arrows!"
Said monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows.
"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Topologic Etherstar!"
The monster that emerged from the portal was a dark-colored cybernetic dragon with a large body and a pair of arms coming off of it. Large cables come flowing off the back and connect to a pair of ports, forming a pair of wings. The dragon roared from the Extra Monster Zone Rubee had previously vacated.
Topologic Etherstar ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘
"A Link-2 monster!" Sanctum and Esper said in surprise.
Specter narrowed his eyes. "I haven't seen Pandor use that monster before," he said. "Interesting."
"That's because I had Pandor make a few adjustments to her Deck right before the duel started," Varis said. "If Esper isn't good enough to get around these new cards, she isn't worth fighting alongside us."
"Since Sibee was used to Link Summon a Dark Cyberse Link Monster, I draw one card," Pandor 1 explained as she drew.
Storm Rider turned to Soulburner and Blue Maiden. "What do you guys know about Pandor's Deck?"
"The "Topologina" archetype utilizes an array of plays finalized to support the Topologic series, frequent Special Summoning above all, to summon them and trigger their devastating effects," Soulburner replied.
"An example of another is "Honeycomb Beehicle"," Blue Maiden added. "It can recover the player's banished "Topologina" cards and even itself when banished from the Spell & Trap Zone, which can be played off through Topologic Trisbaena." She narrowed her eyes at Etherstar. "However, it seems that Pandor has added some new cards to her Deck."
"So does that mean Sanctum and Esper don't stand a chance?" Roselyn asked.
"That's not what we're saying at all," Storm Rider assured her. "All we're saying is they need to keep on their toes during this duel and work as a team. Otherwise, it will end in their defeat."
"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Pandor 1 concluded. "And during the End Phase, the effect of Topologina Rubee activates. Since it was sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special Summon one "Topologina" monster from my Graveyard or Banished Zone. I Special Summon Topologina Newbee from my Graveyard in Defense Position!"
A small cybernetic soldier with bee-like stingers for arms, thrusters for feet, and a head shaped like a bee with yellow crescent wings appeared on the field at Etherstar's bottom-left Link Arrow.
Topologina Newbee ATK 1200 DEF 100 LVL: 4
Sanctum narrowed her eyes at the new Topologina. "That must be the monster she sent to the Graveyard through Foolish Burial," she deduced.
"Etherstar's effect activates!" Pandor 1 declared. "When a monster is Special Summoned next to its Link Arrow, that monster and any other monster Etherstar it points to is banished!"
Following her words, Etherstar roared, causing a large rift in space to appear above her field, consuming Newbee and Maybee.
"And for every monster banished, I gain 500 Life Points."
Pandor 1 & Pandor 2: 4000→5000 LP
Esper raised an eyebrow. "Why would you banish your monsters?"
"Because doing so activates Topologina Newbee's effect!" Pandor 1 answered. "When Newbee's banished while I have at least three other banished "Topologina" cards, you randomly choose one to be added to my hand, while the others are returned to the Graveyard.
The three cards appeared in front of Esper before turning around and mixing up.
"Which one will you choose?" Pandor 1 asked.
The girl frowned and looked at the cards. "…The middle card."
"The middle card is Topologina Maybee, which I will add to my hand."
"Pandor managed to summon two Link Monsters and increase her Life Points on her first turn," Soulburner said, a little in awe.
"My-!"
"Esper." The girl turned to Sanctum. "I know you want to showcase your skills, but let me take the first turn." Sanctum narrowed her eyes at the AIs. "By doing so, I can set up a defense and leave you support for when your turn comes. So will you please let me go first?"
She frowned but ultimately nodded and stepped back.
Sanctum placed her hand on her Duel Disk. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Trade-In! I discard a Level 8 monster to draw two cards. I discard Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall."
Sanctum discarded, drew, then played another card from her hand.
"Next, 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 the Continuous Spell Card: Senet Switch!" Sanctum continued. "Once per turn, I can move a monster I control to an adjacent Main Monster Zone. I move Avram to the column to its right. And since Senet Switch and your Set card are in the same column, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Red Moon from my hand!"
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! By banishing a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy a face-up monster in Red Moon's column. I banish Purple Nightfall to destroy Topologic Etherstar!"
Red Moon's ax glowed before it drove it into the ground, creating and releasing a blast of energy.
Pandor 1 gestured to her field. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Topologina Hive Fortress!" The card showed a massive machine, a hive-like fortress with protective barriers and wasp-like laser beams. "Thanks to this card's effect, all "Topologina" monsters are unaffected by your card effects."
Sanctum gasped as a barrier appeared and blocked the blast of energy.
"Furthermore, on this card's activation, I get to add a "Topologina" card from my Deck to my hand." She took a card from her Deck. "I add the Equip Spell Card: Topologina Honey Cannon. Lastly, Hive Fortress increases the attack and defense points of all "Topologina" and "Topologic" monsters by 300."
Topologina Etherstar ATK 2000→2300
"If you think you've hindered my strategy, think again," Sanctum stated. "I activate the Field Spell Card: World Legacy Scars, which increases the attack and defense points of all my "Mekk-Knight" monsters by 300!"
Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000→2300 DEF 0→300
Mekk-Knight Red Moon ATK 2300→2600 DEF 2600→2900
"Battle! Red Moon attacks Topologic Etherstar!"
"My monster isn't going down that easily!" Pandor 1 exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Topologina Honey Wall!" The card showed a digital, honey-like hive pattern barrier protecting Topologina Maybee and Gatsbee. "When you declare an attack, this card banishes your attacking monster. But since I control a "Topologic" Link Monster, it banishes all your monsters instead!"
"That won't happen." Sanctum grinned. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Mekk-Knight Justice from my hand! I can activate this card from my hand when I control two or more "Mekk-Knight" monsters with different names. Through its effect, whenever you activate the effect of a Spell or Trap Card while I control a "Mekk-Knight" monster, I can negate that card's activation and destroy it!"
Following Sanctum's words, her Trap Card released a golden beam at Pandor's Trap Card, destroying it.
"Without your Trap Card, Red Moon's attack resumes!"
Red Moon's ax bisected Etherstar and obliterated it. Pandor 1 winced in pain from the attack.
Pandor 1 & Pandor 2: 5000→4700 LP
"The Battle Phase is not over! Avram attacks you directly!"
Avram roared as it charged Pandor 1, who screamed in pain as Avram slashed her with his swords.
Pandor 1 & Pandor 2: 4700→2400 LP
"Alright, Sanctum!" Storm Rider cheered, "Nice work!"
"Keep it up, and the two of you will win this duel in no time," Roselyn added.
"But remember, it's Esper that needs to prove herself," Blue Maiden stated.
Esper frowned. She thought they would be completely defenseless if not for Sanctum's Trap Card. Even so, she halved more than half their Life Points.
"I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge!" Sanctum declared. "It lets me draw four cards since my hand is empty! Then, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: World Legacy Key! This card lets me add one banished "Mekk-Knight" monster or "World Legacy" card to my hand. I return the banished Purple Nightfall to my hand. Lastly, I place two cards face-down and end my turn."
"In that case, it's my turn!" Pandor 2 announced. "I draw! I summon Topolgina Hubee!"
An orange, yellow-lining robotic bee with arms but with energy wings for legs appeared.
Topologina Hubee ATK 1200→1500 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 4
"Hubee's effect activates! When this card is successfully Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Topologina" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon Topologina Gatsbee!"
A humanoid cybernetic robot with a rather slim build appeared. It had large blue legs, blades on the bottom, large blue fists and yellow crescents as its feet.
Topologina Gatsbee ATK 1500→1800 DEF 100→400 LVL: 5
"Appear the circuit that guides us! The summoning conditions are two monsters, including a "Topologina" monster. I set Hubee and Gatsbee in the Link Arrows!"
Her monsters entered the top-right and bottom-left arrows.
"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Topologina Homotobee!"
A white, soft red-colored and black lining heavy bulk armless bee-like robot with massive wing-like engines, hive-like patterns, and a massive cannon-like stinger that also acts like a spear appeared in the Extra Monster Zone.
Topologina Homotobee ATK 1500→1800 LINK-2 ↗↙
Sanctum frowned. Those were unusual Link Markers.
"Topologina Homotobee's effect activates!" Pandor 2 declared, gesturing to her field. "When it's Link Summoned, I can Special Summon one of the monsters used to summon it. Return, Topologina Gatsbee!"
Topologina Gatsbee ATK 1500→1800 DEF 100→400 LVL: 5
"Furthermore, I activate Homotobee's additional effect. Once per turn, it can inflict 200 points of damage to you for each "Topologina" monster in my Graveyard and Banished Zone." Sanctum and Esper's eyes widened. "There are six monsters, so you take 1200 points of damage!"
Homotobee aimed its cannon-like as it formed into a ball of blue energy that blasted towards Sanctum and Esper, with the former gesturing to her field.
"Not happening! I activate the Trap Card: Dodge Roll!" she declared. "This card reduces one instance of damage to 0!"
The ball of energy hit a barrier and rebounded.
"So they were ready in case I deflected his damage?" Pandor 1 wondered aloud.
"But that doesn't mean they are safe," Pandor 2 stated. I manifest my circuit for a second time!" Soon, a second Link Portal appeared in the sky. "The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters! I'll set Topologina Homotobee and Gatsbee in the Link Arrows!"
Her monsters became whirlwinds of yellow energy and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.
"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Topologic Trisbaena!"
The monster that emerged from the portal was a four-limbed black and white mechanical dragon with several splashes of red across it. It had a single green eye in the center of its head and two loops on its back that reminded them of its wings. Topologic Trisbaena screeched as it was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.
Topologic Trisbaena ATK 2500→2800 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
"A new Topologic!" Storm Rider said, shocked at Trisbaena's appearance.
"And it's not just its appearance that's scary," Soulburner stated.
"What do you mean?" Roselyn asked.
"Just watch, and you'll see," Blue Maiden answered.
"I Special Summon Topologina Tribee from my hand!"
A blue, yellow-lining robotic bee with arms and legs with three-bladed wings shaped like a helicopter appeared at Topologic Trisbaena's bottom-right Link Arrow in Defense Position.
Topologina Tribee ATK 1400→1700 DEF 200→500 LVL: 3
"Tribee can be Special Summoned to a "Topologina" or "Topologic Link Monster's Link Arrow," Pandor 2 explained before gesturing to her monster. And that triggers Trisbaena's effect! When a monster is Special Summoned to a zone it points to, I can banish it along with all Spell and Trap Cards on the field. Then you take 500 points of damage for each of your Spell and Trap cards banished by this effect! Exile's Retribution!"
"Before your monster's effect goes through," Sanctum said. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystik Wok! This card lets me Tribute a monster I control and gain Life Points equal to its attack or defense points. I Tribute Red Moon and gain Life Points equal to its attack points."
Red Moon burst into particles as they showered Sanctum in a golden aura.
Esper & Sanctum: 4000→6600 LP
A helmet sealed over Trisbaena's head as green holographic claws extended from its hands. It slashed Tribee, Honeycomb Beehicle, and Hive Fortress to pieces before slashing through Sanctum's Spell and Trap Cards, destroying all of them and causing a massive explosion that caused her and Esper to shield their eyes.
Esper & Sanctum: 6600→4100 LP
"Not only did Sanctum increase her and Esper's Life Points so they could survive the turn," Storm Rider remarked as he watched the duel. "But she also weakened the damage from Trisbaena's effect by using both her face-downs. Smart play."
Varis narrowed his eyes. "That's a smart move Sanctum made," He commentated. "Especially since her Deck revolves around Spells and Traps. But even if Pandor can't finish them off this turn, she still has plenty of tricks up her sleeve."
Sanctum frowned. "Since World Legacy Scars is no longer on the field, Avram's attack and defense points return to normal."
Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2300→2000 DEF 300→0
"Since Hive Fortress left the field," Pandor 2 said. "Trisbaena loses 300 attack points."
Topologic Trisbaena ATK 2800→2500
"Furthermore, since Honeycomb Beehicle was banished, its effect activates. I can add a banished "Topologina" card to my hand. I add Topologina Honeycomb Beehicle to my hand."
Esper narrowed her eyes. "I see. She retrieved it by using Trisbaena's effect to banish it." She frowned. "I hate to admit it, but that's a nice combo."
"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Topologina Honeycomb Beehicle!" Pandor 2 declared. "Through its effect, I add Topologina Bambee to my hand. And by banishing Topologina Babee and Gatsbee from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Bambee from my hand!"
A bee-like cybernetic monster with a large silver drill and bronze body appeared. It had pincer-like arms, a large white mask with a green eye on its torso, and four yellow crescent wings on its back.
Topologina Bambee ATK 1000 DEF 100 LVL: 3
"Appear, the circuit that guides us!" Pandor 2 declared, her hand sparking with blue electricity. The Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are at least two Effect Monsters. I set the Link 3 Topologic Trisbaena and Topologina Bambee in the Link Arrows!"
Her two monsters became whirlwinds of energy and, with Trisbaena separating into three whirlwinds, entered the bottom-left, top, bottom, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.
"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Topologic Bomber Dragon!"
The massive metallic orange dragon with green lines running over its body appeared summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.
Topologic Bomber Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘
Storm Rider, Soulburner, Sanctum, Blue Maiden, Roselyn and Esper braced themselves as Topologic Bomber Dragon released waves of wind at its summoning.
"There it is!" Soulburner said, covering his face with his arms. "Bomber Dragon!"
Blue Maiden narrowed her eyes. "She summoned Trisbaena and Bomber Dragon in the same turn."
"That Deck works too well," Roselyn commentated.
Storm Rider gritted his teeth. Things were about to get worse for Esper and Sanctum.
Pandor 2 gestured to the field. "Battle! Topologic Bomber Dragon, attack Mekk-Knight Avram! Malicious Mayhem!"
Topologic Bomber gathered red energy in its mouth, which it then released at Avram. Sanctum and Esper braced themselves again as the Mekk-Knight monster exploded.
Esper & Sanctum: 4100→3100 LP
Pandor 2 smirked. "Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect activates!" she declared. "Since it attacked an opponent's monster, you take damage equal to your monster's original attack points! Aiming Blast!"
Topologic Bomber Dragon gathered red lightning around its body, which it then released. The shockwaves hit Esper and Sanctum, making them cry out and pushing them back several feet, causing them to fall to their knees.
Esper & Sanctum: 3100→1100 LP
"Are you guys alright?" Blue Maiden asked worriedly.
"…Yeah, we're fine," Esper said, wincing as Sanctum helped her stand up straight.
Sanctum scowled. "I'm sorry, Esper. I wasn't able to leave you any monsters."
The girl smirked. "It's alright. The important thing is that we're still in this duel. If it weren't for your face-down cards, we would both be goners."
Sanctum smiled. "You're right. We'll have this duel in the bag as long as we work together!"
Esper nodded. "Besides, to compensate for our loss of monsters, I'll make sure Pandor has none when her turn comes around." She stepped forward and placed her hand on her Deck. "My turn! Draw!"
Looking at her card, Esper chose a different one. "I activate the Spell Card: Card of Adversity! Since you control a Special Summoned monster while I control no monsters, I can draw two cards."
Esper drew and smiled. "I summon Silent Psychic Wizard!"
Her monster was a man in white, gold and blue armored warrior donning a white helmet and metallic saber.
Silent Psychic Wizard ATK 1900 DEF 0 LVL: 4
"Silent Psychic Wizard's effect activates!" Esper declared. "When it's Normal Summoned, I can banish a Psychic monster from my Graveyard. I banish Mekk-Knight Red Moon. Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Teleport! This card lets me Special Summon a Level 3 or lower Psychic monster from my hand or Deck, but that monster is banished during the End Phase. From my Deck, I summon the Tuner monster Mind Master!"
A brain in a machine with two robotic arms attached appeared in Attack Position.
Mind Master ATK 100 DEF 200 LVL: 1
"I tune Level 1 Mind Master to Level 4 Silent Psychic Wizard!"
A bolt of green lightning struck Esper as the world greyed out, and her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were colored green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Five blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "1 + 4" in front of them. The screen then changed to "5" as light surged through the rings.
"Power of the mind, be reborn in a body that can harness the radiance of absolute light! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 5! Magical Android!"
A woman wearing blue, white, and yellow robes emerged from the light in Attack Position. She wielded an intricate sword and shield.
Magical Android ATK 2400 DEF 1700 LVL: 5
"Since Silent Psychic Wizard left the field, its additional effect activates, and I can Special Summon the monster that was banished by its effect," Esper stated. "Return to me, Mekk-Knight Red Moon!"
The red and silver machine reappeared.
Mekk-Knight Red Moon ATK 2300 DEF 2600 LVL: 7
"Now," Esper said, "I activate the Continuous Spell Card Solidarity! If I have only one type of monster in the Graveyard, all monsters I control of the same type gain 800 attack points! All the monsters in my Graveyard are Psychic-type, so all Psychic monsters gain 800 attack points!"
Magical Android ATK 2400→3200
Mekk-Knight Red Moon ATK 2300→3100
"Battle!" Esper exclaimed. "Magical Android, attack Topologic Bomber Dragon!"
Magical Android started to gather energy in its staff.
Pandor 2 smirked. "Predictable. I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Call of the Haunted! It lets me Special Summon a monster in Attack Position."
Sanctum narrowed her eyes. That effect didn't help her monster. Which means-
"I Special Summon Topologina Rubee!"
Thesmall red cybernetic bee with a white face reappeared at Bomber Dragon's bottom Link Arrow.
Topologina Rubee ATK 500 LINK-1 ↙
Pandor 2 gestured to the field. "Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect activates! When a monster is Special Summoned to a Link Monster's Link Arrow, it destroys all monsters in the Main Monster Zones! Decimation Destruction!"
"That's pointless!" Esper exclaimed. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Effect Shut! It negates the activation of Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect and destroys it!"
Both Pandors gasped as Bomber Dragon was suddenly trapped inside a steel cage and vanished into a bright light.
"Since Bomber Dragon left the field, a reply now occurs," Esper stated. "Magical Android attacks Topologina Rubee!
Magical Android let loose an energy blast at Rubee, destroying it and generating a massive explosion.
"They won!" Soulburner, Blue Maiden and Roselyn cheered.
"No, they didn't," Storm Rider said.
The trio blinked in confusion as they waited for the smoke to clear. Once it was gone, Pandor 1 and Pandor were shown to still be standing.
"Sorry to spoil your fun," Pandor 2 said. "But I activated the Trap Card: Impenetrable Attack. This card allows me to either prevent a monster's destruction by battle or negate all battle damage I would take. I chose the latter."
Esper narrowed her eyes but continued her turn. "I place three cards face-down and end my turn. Since it is the End Phase, Magical Android's effect increases my Life Points by 600 for each Psychic-type monster I control. I control two, so I gain 1200 Life Points!"
Esper & Sanctum: 1100→2300 LP
"Not only that but the effect of Topologina Rubee activates!" Pandor 1 stated. "Since it was sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special Summon one "Topologina" monster from my Graveyard or Banished Zone. I Special Summon Topologina Homotobee from my Graveyard!"
Topologina Homotobee ATK 1500 LINK-2 ↗↙
"My turn! I draw!" Pandor 1 exclaimed. "I activate Equip Spell Card: Topologina Recovery Honey!" The card showed Topologina Gatsbee hooked up to tubes with a yellow liquid pumped into it. "I Special Summon a banished "Topologina" monster and equip it with this card. Come, Topologina Newbee!"
The cybernetic soldier with bee-like stingers and yellow crescent wings reappeared on the field.
Topologina Newbee ATK 1200 DEF 100 LVL: 4
"I shall now create my circuit!" The Link Portal appeared. "The summoning conditions are two or more Dark Cyberse monsters. I set Topologina Homotobee and Newbee in the Link Arrows!"
Her monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.
"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Topologina Trisotobee!"
The monster that emerged from the portal was a slim, white, robotic, bee-like monster with a golden lining. It had stinger-like blaster arms and turbine-like wings and antennas. It roared from the Right Extra Monster Zone.
Topologina Trisotobee ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket, and Trisotobee with its effect! 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. Trisotobe is Link-3, so I draw three cards and send three cards to the Graveyard."
Pandor 1 drew and then sent her cards to the Graveyard before gesturing to her field. "I activate Topolgina Trisotobee's effect! Once per turn, I can banish up to three "Topologina" monsters from my Graveyard to banish the same number of cards on your field." Esper and Sanctum's eyes widened. "I banish Topologina Gatsbee, Bambee and Homotobee to banish Magical Android, Mekk-Knight Red Moon and Solidarity!"
"Think again!" Esper yelled as she gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Breakthrough Skill! This card lets me target a face-up effect monster you control and negate its effects until the end of the turn. I target Trisotobee!"
Breakthrough Skill then glowed and fired a beam at the Topologina Link Monster, but…
"I activate the effect of Topologina Labee from my hand!" Pandor 1 suddenly said. "When you activate a card or effect while I control a "Topologina" or "Topologic" monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand, and by doing so, I can negate the activation of that card and destroy it!"
A pink, black-lining humanoid bee with four wings appeared on the field in Defense Position. It raised its wings and created a barrier that protected Trisotobee.
Topologina Labee ATK 0 DEF 700 LVL: 1
"Without your Trap Card, your cards are defenseless! Continue your effect, Trisotobee!"
Following Pandor 1's words, the Topologina Link Monster flapped its turbine-like wings, generating a blast of wind that vaporized the designated cards.
"This isn't good," Roselyn said. "They lost both their monsters."
"And if Pandor's next attack succeeds," Soulburner explained. "They'll lose the duel, and Esper will be forbidden to help fight the Syndicate."
"Have faith, you guys," Blue Maiden said. "We've all seen Esper and Sanctum duel, and they've proven they can get themselves out of any situation." She turned to Storm Rider. "You agree with me, right?"
He didn't answer and continued to focus on the duel.
"Battle!" Pandor 1 exclaimed. "Trisotobee attacks you directly!"
"I activate the Trap Card: Counter Gate!" Esper declared. "When you attack me directly, that attack is negated!" A stone gate appeared in front of Esper, blocking Trisotobee's attack. "Then I get to draw a card, and if the card I draw is a Monster Card, I get to summon it."
Esper drew her card, looked at it and smirked.
"I drew the Level 3 Hushed Psychic Cleric, which means I can summon it to my field."
A dark-skinned man with long gray hair wearing white and purple robes with yellow lining appeared on the field in Attack Position. He wielded a yellow and white staff in his left hand.
Hushed Psychic Cleric ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 3
"Hushed Psychic Cleric's effect! When he's Normal or Flip Summoned, I can automatically change him to Defense Position."
A blue glow surrounded his body as Hushed Psychic Cleric crossed his arms.
"In that case, I end my turn," Pandor 1 concluded.
"Should've known those two would have something up their sleeve," Genome commentated.
"To be honest, I thought this duel would be over now," Faust said.
"I agree," Baira said. "
Esper turned to Sanctum and bowed his head. "Sorry. Due to my carelessness, we lost most of our resources."
"Don't sweat it." Sanctum dismissively waved her hand. "You kept us from losing and summoned a monster for me to use. You can leave things to me now."
Sanctum stepped forward and placed her hand on her Deck. "It's my turn! I draw!"
Sanctum was surprised upon seeing what he had drawn. This card would help turn the duel in their favor.
"I activate the Spell Card: Cache Upload!" she declared. "This card lets me target one Link Monster you control, then draw cards equal to its Link Rating. I target your Topologina Trisotobee!"
Cache Upload released a green scanning wave, which scanned Trisotobee from top to bottom.
"Since your monster is Link-3, I draw three cards. Then, I activate Hushed Psychic Cleric's effect! Once per turn, I can discard a card and then banish a Psychic monster from my Graveyard. I'll banish the discarded Mekk-Knight Purple Knightfall. Following that, I summon Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay!"
A thin armored mechanical humanoid with bright emerald glowing lines and gem-like parts across its armor figure appeared in Attack Position. It had two winged heads, wielded thin dagger-like blades, and wore a split-half emerald-colored cape.
Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2
"And I can do more than that!" Sanctum said. "I activate the Spell Card: Plus Star 123! I target a Level 4 or below monster, then increase that monster's Level by up to 3! I target my Emerald Jay and increase its Level by 3!"
Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay LVL: 2→5
"Why is she increasing one monster's Level?" Specter wondered.
Esper's frown deepened. "Sanctum can summon a Link-1 or Link-2 monster with the monsters on our field, which wouldn't be enough to take out Trisotobee. So what does she plan to do?"
Sanctum smiled. "Time to showcase some of my power! Level 5 Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay tunes Level 3 Hushed Psychic Cleric!"
"What?" Pandor 1 gasped.
"Did she say-?" Pandor 2's eyes widened.
"Tuning?" Genome, Baira, Faust and Esper said in surprise.
A bolt of green lightning struck Sanctum as the world turned gray. A wave of energy swept across his field and disintegrated Emerald Jay and Hushed Psychic Cleric, turning them into blue particles. Those particles turned into two circles – one green and one yellow, composed of five and three concentric circles – stacked above each other. The circles turned blue and then merged. Numerous blue-green rectangles appeared and formed a circle, while eight blue rings formed in the middle and arranged themselves in a tower. A screen above the tower showed "5 + 3" before shifting to "8". A beam of light shot through the rings.
"Shine, knight of the bright star of life!" Sanctum chanted. "Let your righteous steel body destroy those who will disturb the peace across the cosmos with your blade of reflecting light! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! Mekk-Knight Prism Sun!"
The light and the rings faded to reveal a golden and silver armored mechanical humanoid with bright prism rainbow-colored glowing lines across its armor figure. It had a prismatic-shaped head with halo-like wings and wielded a rainbow-colored, golden battle ax with a gem in its center. It wore a white cape with a rainbow-colored aura as it appeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Prism Sun ATK 3000 DEF 3000 LVL: 8
"Sanctum Synchro Summoned!" Roselyn cheered.
"Impressive teamwork!" Blue Maiden noted. "Thanks to Esper's Trap Card, she provided a monster for Sanctum to summon Prism Sun!"
Storm Rider smiled. "Looks like she's getting serious now."
"So, on top of Link Summoning, she also has Synchro Summoning?" Esper questioned. "…When did she learn this?" she wondered.
"Synchro Summoning," Pandor 1 whispered, staring back at the monster. Then a smile arose that threatened to split her face. "Interesting. "While I applaud you for successfully performing a Synchro Summon, your new monster still cannot stand up to Trisotobe. I activate its effect! By banishing Rubee from my Graveyard, I banish Prism Sun from your field!"
"You can't!" Sanctum shouted. "The Synchro Summoned Prism Sun's effect! Since it was Synchro Summoned to a Monster Zone with two more cards in its column, it's unaffected by your card effects! In other words, you can't banish it with Trisotobee's effect!"
Pandor 1 frowned. "So she summoned the monster, knowing I would use my monster's effect," she muttered.
"Furthermore, since Hushed Psychic Cleric was sent to the Graveyard, its additional effect activates, and I can Special Summon a monster that was banished by its effect." The AI's eyes widened. "Return to me, Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall!"
A mechanical warrior carrying a spear and wearing a purple cape appeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8
"I activate Prism Sun's second effect!" Sanctum continued. "Once per turn, I can target a card on the field and negate its effects. But if the card I chose is in the same column as Prism Sun, I get to negate two cards."
"What?" Pandor 1 and 2 gasped.
"I choose Topologina Trisotobee! And since Trisotobee is in the same column as Prism Sun, I get to also negate Honeycomb Beehicle's effects! Prism Flash!"
Prism Sun held its ax as it released a prism light that struck the designated cards, causing them to lose color.
"Now, let's battle! Mekk-Knight Prism Sun, attack Topologina Trisotobee! Sun Blade Crash!"
Prism Sun swung its ax, creating a massive wave of flames that engulfed Trisotobee and destroyed it, with both Pandors being sent skidding backwards.
Pandor 1 & Pandor 2: 2400→1800 LP
"I activate Trisotobee's effect!" Pandor 1 declared. "When it leaves the field due to battle or a card effect, I can Link Summon a "Topologina" or "Topologic" Link Monster by shuffling "Topologina" monsters that are in my Graveyard or Banished Zone back into my Deck."
"What!?" Sanctum and Esper gasped.
"I've seen people use monsters from the Graveyard to summon Link Monsters," Soulburner said. "But using monsters from the Banished Zone is a new Level."
"Let's just hope that Esper and Sanctum for whatever's about to come," Blue Maiden said.
Pandor 1 pointed her right hand high in the sky. "The circuit that guides the future!" A Link Portal appeared above her. "The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters! I'll set Topologina Gatsbee and Babee from my Banished Zone and Topologina Bambee and Sibee from my Graveyard in the Link Arrows!"
Spectral forms of Gatsbee, Babee, Bambee and Sibee appeared as they turned into whirlwinds of energy and went into the top, left, right and bottom arrows.
"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Topologic Gumblar Dragon!"
A large dragon with a metallic blue, grey, and orange colored body that had glowing green accents all over it appeared on the field and roared in the Extra Monster Zone. Spike-like objects emerged from its back, with a serpentine tail attached to the dragon's waist. It also had several green glowing eyes on its head as well.
Topologic Gumblar Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→
"That's what I call not good!" Roselyn panicked as the others saw Gumblar Dragon.
Sanctum narrowed her eyes at the dragon. "Another Link-4 Topologic Link Monster," she muttered before regaining her focus. "You might've brought out a new monster, but it's still our Battle Phase. Purple Nightfall attacks Labee!"
Her monster twirled its spear before impaling the monster, destroying it.
Sanctum gestured to her field. "I activate Purple Nightfall's effect! Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can banish a "Mekk-Knight" monster until my next Standby Phase and add a new "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Deck to my hand. I banish Purple Nightfall to add Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver to my hand. Lastly, I place one card face-down and end my turn."
"Then it's my turn," Pandor 2 said. "I draw! She looked at her card and smirked. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Armaments and equip it to Gumblar Dragon!"
Gumblar Dragon's armor changed colors from dark blue to silver.
"As long as Link Armaments is equipped to Topologic Gumblar Dragon, it cannot be destroyed by card effects and can inflict piercing battle damage if it attacks a Defense Position monster," Pandor 2 explained. "Furthermore, it gains 500 attack points for each Link Monster in my Graveyard. My Graveyard has five Link Monsters, so Gumblar Dragon gains 2500 attack points!"
Topologic Gumblar Dragon ATK 3000→5500
"Battle! Gumblar Dragon attacks Mekk-Knight Prism Sun! Battering Blast!"
"Not so fast!" Sanctum exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Ground Capture! When you declare an attack, I can halve any battle damage from that attack!"
Gumblar's two fists shot forward like rockets headed for the Mekk-Knight Synchro Monster. Soon, a giant stone hand erupted from the ground, temporarily stopping the Topologic Link Monster's attack. Unfortunately, it broke through and destroyed Prism Sun, generating a massive explosion that pushed Esper and Sanctum back.
Esper & Sanctum: 2300→1050
"Also, if I take 1000 or more damage from that battle, I get to draw one card from my Deck."
"A nice defense indeed." Pandor 2 praised his opponent.
"There's more to it," Esper said with a smirk as she gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Shadow Impulse! Since a Synchro Monster I control was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, this card lets me Special Summon a new Synchro Monster from my Extra Deck with the same Type and Level as the destroyed monster, but with a different name and treat it as a Synchro Summon!"
Pandor 1 and 2's eyes widened. "Meaning you can summon another Synchro Monster?"
"Correct!" Esper confirmed. "Come forth, Thought Ruler Archfiend!"
A massive, green-skinned demon with white bones on his chest and legs appeared on Esper's field in Attack Position. He had green wings with orange spines all over them and orange nails on his fingers and toes. Lastly, there were orange braces evenly spread out on his tail.
Thought Ruler Archfiend ATK 2700 DEF 2300 LVL: 8
"Awesome!" Storm Rider commentated. "Esper managed to replace her and Sanctum's destroyed monster with a brand new one! Amazing!"
Pandor 2 narrowed her eyes. "I place a card face-down and end my turn," she concluded.
"My turn! I draw!"
Sanctum gestured to the field. "As it's the Standby Phase, the effect of Purple Nightfall activates and returns to our field!"
The purple and silver machine reappeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 5
Esper looked at her drawn card and played it. "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 Card of Adversity to add Cache Upload back to my hand, which I'll activate! By targeting your Topologic Gumblar Dragon, I can draw four cards through its effect!"
Upon looking at the cards she drew, Esper played one of them. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Trinity Convergence, equipping it to Thought Ruler Archfiend!" The card showed Dark Sage, with Maha Vailo and Goddess of Sweet Revenge hovering behind it, surrounded by energy spheres that transfer energy to Dark Sage. "Thanks to its effect, I can banish two monsters with the same summoning type and an equal or lower Level as the equipped monster from my Deck or Extra Deck to add their attack points to the equipped monster. I choose to banish the Level 7 Psychic Lifetrancer and the Level 6 Psychic Nightmare from my Extra Deck, adding their attack points to Thought Ruler Archfiend!"
Spirits of a pale-skinned woman with green hair in a blue sleeveless jumpsuit, green boots, a mechanical left arm, and a winged dark blue fiend with a mane of green hair and horns appeared. They soon entered Thought Ruler Archfiend's body, causing a powerful aura to appear around it.
Thought Ruler Archfiend ATK 2700→7500
"Battle! Thought Ruler Archfiend attacks Topologic Gumblar Dragon!"
"I activate the Trap Card: Half Unbreak!" Pandor 2 declared. "With this Trap Card, Gumblar Dragon cannot be destroyed in battle this turn, and all battle damage I take is halved!"
The demon brought its claws down on the massive dragon, but Gumblar Dragon remained on the field. Even so, the AI felt the shock from the attack.
Pandor 1 & Pandor 2: 1800→800 LP
Esper frowned. "In that case, I move to my Main Phase 2 and activate the Continuous Spell Card: Different Dimension Capsule!" On activation, an ornate sarcophagus appeared before her, glowing with energy. "Here's how it works. I take a card from my Deck, which is removed from play. Then in two turns, the Capsule is destroyed, and the card comes to my hand."
A card shot from Esper's Deck as it was placed inside the Capsule, which closed before sinking into the ground.
"So it's a weaker version of Gold Sarcophagus, more or less," Bairaa pointed out. "Since the Capsule stays on the field, if I destroy it before its effect activates, the card stays removed from play."
"I set two cards face-down and end my turn."
Pandor 1 narrowed her eyes. "You think you've already won because you have the stronger monster? You think you can keep us from defeating both of you? Let me show you how wrong you are! My turn! I draw!"
Esper gestured to the field. "I activate the Trap Card: Dust Tornado!" she exclaimed. "Through its effect, I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card on your field. I destroy Link Armaments!"
A tornado showed up and swept through Link Armaments, destroying it. As a result, the silver armor on Gumblar Dragon's body faded.
Topologic Gumblar Dragon ATK 5500→3000
"Now Pandor's opponents truly have the advantage," Specter commentated. "It's going to take a miracle for her to turn things around."
"Miracle or not," Varis said. "I know Pandor won't be deterred so easily."
Pandor 1 looked at her card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Link Baton Pass!" The card showed two Link Monsters going in opposite directions. Going in one direction was Honeybot, who had a glowing baton in her left hand. Accepting the glowing baton was Binary Sorceress, who was going in the opposite direction. "By Tributing a Link Monster I control, I can Special Summon a Link Monster whose Link Rating is equal or less to the Tributed monsters' and treat it as a Link Summon!"
"Your card can do that?" Sanctum said in surprise.
"It sure can!" Pandor 1 confirmed. "I Tribute Topologic Gumblar Dragon to Link Summon the Link 4 Topologic Zeroboros!"
Gumblar Dragon disintegrated into yellow particles, which combined to form a new monster. One that took the shape of a white-armored dragon-like creature with orange wing loops, light blue lining, orbs, and spikes across its trefoil knot tail appeared on the field in the Right Extra Monster Zone. A set of pink and golden cords were decorated all over its upper armor. The other portions of its armor on its arms and the middle of its chest, which had a light-blue diamond at the center, were colored black. The dragon had a blue orb for an eye inside its sharp-fanged mouth. As for its curved horns, they were attached to the sides of its mouth.
Topologic Zeroboros ATK 3000 LINK-4 ↖↙↘↗
"Come on! Another Topologic?!" Esper complained.
"It has 3000 attack points!" Sanctum stated with narrowed eyes.
Pandor 1 gestured towards Zeroboros. "Thanks to Topologic Zeroboros's effect, it gains 200 attack points for every banished card. Since there are currently twelve banished cards, Zeroboros gains 2400 attack points!"
Topologic Zeroboros ATK 3000→5400
"It may be stronger now, but it's not strong enough to destroy Thought Ruler," Soulburner commentated.
"I activate Mystical Space Typhoon!" Pandor 1 continued. "Through its effect, I can destroy one of your Spell or Trap Cards. I destroy Trinity of Convergence!"
A typhoon blew across the field and made the Equip Spell disintegrate, causing the aura around Thought Ruler Archfiend to disappear.
Esper frowned. "Since Trinity of Convergence left the field, Thought Ruler Archfiend's attack points return to normal."
Thought Ruler Archfiend ATK 7500→2700
"Now then, it's time for battle!" Pandor 1 declared. "Topologic Zeroboros attacks Thought Ruler Archfiend! Malicious Destruction!"
Zeroboros roared as it fired orange beams from its wings at the Synchro Monster. Esper gritted her teeth as she gestured to her field.
"I activate the Trap Card: Altar for Tribute!" she said. "By Tributing a monster, I gain Life Points equal to that monster's attack points! I Tribute Purple Nightfall to gain 2500 Life Points!"
The purple and silver machine disintegrated into particles of light that enveloped Esper and Sanctum.
Esper & Sanctum: 1050→3550 LP
Zeroboros's attack connected with Thought Ruler, destroying it and causing an explosion. Esper and Sanctum cried out as they were hit by a powerful shockwave, knocking them back.
Esper & Sanctum: 3550→850 LP
"Not bad," Pandor 1 praised her opponent. "Of course, we expected you to be capable of at least that much. I place two cards face-down and end my turn. I hope the two of you don't feel too overwhelmed because your defeat is imminent."
"The situation is a bit too hot even for my tastes, but it's nothing we can't tackle," Sanctum spoke with evident confidence. "Bring out all the monsters you want. We'll just beat them into submission and force them to stay down. My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Final Offguard! As my Life Points are lower than yours and you're the only one with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can draw two cards."
Sanctum drew and smiled at her cards. "Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: World Legacy's Memory, which I'll use to Special Summon Mekk-Knight Yellow Star!"
A machine with silver and yellow mechanical wings appeared in Attack Position.
Mekk-Knight Yellow Star ATK 2200 DEF 2800 LVL: 7
"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 Avram and Magenta Elver in the Link Arrows!"
The two monsters 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. It had two electrodes, creating a blade of yellow fire. Morning Star roared from the Left Extra Monster Zone.
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 World Legacy's Awaken and added a card from her Deck to her hand.
"Now, I'll create the circuit of justice!" A second 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. Its 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 ↙↑↘
Varis's eyes widened. That's a Cyberse monster, he thought, as he narrowed his eyes at Equimax.
"Now, I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure!" Sanctum continued. "Since there are two Link Monsters on the field, I draw two cards!"
On seeing what she drew, Sanctum smiled. "Using its effect, I Special Summon World Legacy – "World Crown" from my hand to Equimax's Link Arrow!"
A massive purple crown with six blue jewels 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! 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 was bathed in a golden aura, powering him up.
Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000→4000
"Battle! Crusadia Equimax attacks Topologic Zeroboros!"
"You're attacking even though your monster has less attack?" Pandor 1 questioned.
"I activate the effect of the World Legacy - "World Lance" from my hand!" Sanctum revealed. "When two monsters battle, including a Link Monster, I discard this card to reduce your monster's attack points by 3000!"
Pandor 1 and 2 gasped as Zeroboros glowed.
Topologic Zeroboros ATK 5400→2400
"The attack continues, and Equimax destroys your monster! Courageous Charge!"
Equimax charged forward at Zeroboros and slashed it with its sword, destroying it and causing a massive explosion that covered the field in smoke.
"Is it over…?" Roselyn wondered. "Did this settle things?"
"I'm sorry to disappoint all of you, but I can assure you that Pandot is still very much in the game."
Following Varis's words, the smoke cleared, revealing the unscathed figure of Pandor, who was smiling at Esper and Sanctum.
"They're unharmed!?" Blue Maiden cried out. "How!? The damage from that battle should have finished things!"
"Normally, that would have been the case." Pandor 1 said as she pointed to a card on her field. "However, I activated the Quick-Play Spell Card: Residual Reflection. And thanks to its effect, it allows me to negate all damage I would take for the rest of the turn just by banishing two monsters. Such as Topologic Trisbaena and Bomber Dragon."
"At the very least, though, we got rid of your ace monster, meaning you can no longer use it against us," Esper stated.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Pandor 1 countered as she gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Necro Link! Since a Link Monster left my field, I can target that Link Monster and Special Summon it to my field, specifically the Extra Monster Zone!"
Sanctum and Esper's eyes widened his eyes as Zeroboros reappeared on the field and roared. They looked and saw that it did indeed resurrect in the Extra Monster Zone.
Topologic Zeroboros ATK 3000 LINK-4 ↖↙↘↗
"Necro Link has a few more effects!" Pandor 1 continued. "The monster Special Summoned by its effect gains 1500 attack points Plus, Zeroboros's effect increases its attack points by an additional 2800!"
Topologic Zeroboros ATK 3000→7300
"Furthermore, the summoned monster cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects this turn," Pandor 1 said. "And if it leaves the field, we both take damage equal to its original attack points."
"So for them to win, they need to end this duel in one attack," Storm Rider noted.
"And knowing Pandor, she won't make it easy for them," Blue Maiden added.
Sanctum narrowed her eyes at the Topologic Link Monster before looking up its effects. I see. If a monster is summoned next to its Link, it'll banish all cards on the field. Normally, I would use World Crown's effect to negate it, but it will also destroy Zeroboros, causing the duel to end in a draw. Hopefully, when Esper's turn, she will help us win this duel.
Sanctum took the last card in her hand. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."
"My turn!" Pandor 2 announced. "I draw! Now, let's battle and finish this! Topologic Zeroboros, attack Crusadia Equimax!"
"Alright!" Specter cheered. "If that attack goes through, Esper and Sanctum's Life Points will be depleted!"
"Sorry, but we can't have us losing here!" Sanctum exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Shade! In exchange for half of our Life Points, we take no battle damage this turn!"
The attack continued and destroyed Equimax, but Sanctum didn't feel the force of the attack.
Esper & Sanctum: 850→425 LP
"Nice save." Pandor 2 praised her opponents. "However, I wonder how long you can last with the powered-up Zeroboros. I place one card face-down and end my turn."
"Then, it's my turn!" Esper announced. "Draw! Sure enough, I won't be able to last another turn against that monster. In that case, I'll have to deliver the grand finale by defeating you during this turn! First, through Different Dimension Capsule's effect, the card I banished returns to my hand!"
The capsule reappeared and opened, giving Esper back her card before disappearing.
"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise!" Esper continued. "Through its effect, I draw until I hold five cards. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Release Change! By Tributing World Crown, I can Special Summon a monster with the same Level from my Deck. Appear, Storm Caller!"
Following Esper's words, the massive purple crown disintegrated as a giant blue monster with a satellite dish attached to its shoulders took its place.
Storm Caller ATK 2300 DEF 2000 LVL: 6
Esper's smirk widened. "Let me show you my new power!" Esper took one of the two cards left in her hand and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Miracle Synchro Fusion!"
"What!?" Sanctum and the rest of the Top 10 gasped.
"Fusion!?" Genome repeated.
"She never used that card in her previous duels!" Faust stated.
"So when did she put in in her Deck!?" Baira wondered.
"Miracle Synchro Fusion's effect lets me banish Fusion Materials from my field or Graveyard for the Fusion Summon of a monster that lists a Synchro Monster as Fusion Material," Esper explained. "I banish Storm Caller from my field and Thought Ruler Archfiend from my Graveyard to Fusion Summon!"
Storm Caller disintegrated into red energy particles, while Thought Ruler Archfiend emerged from Esper's Graveyard as blue energy particles. The red and blue particles of energy then swirled into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.
"Fallen demon born from black flames, absorb these energies and arise anew!" Esper chanted. "I Fusion Summon! Emerge! Ultimate Axon Kicker!"
The monster that emerged from the vortex was a massive green-skinned fiend with orange and white spines all over its body, with two sets of wings and a long tail trailing behind it. Green lightning crackled under its skin as it roared in Attack Position.
Ultimate Axon Kicker ATK 2900 DEF 1700 LVL: 10
Pandor stared at the monster in awe before regaining focus. "Since two cards were banished, Zeroboros gains 400 attack points."
Topologic Zeroboros ATK 7300→7700
Sanctum's eyes narrowed at the Fusion Monster before turning to Esper. "Where did you learn how to do this?"
Esper smiled. "That's a story for another day. Right now, we have a duel to win. She thrusted her right hand forward. "Battle! Ultimate Axon Kicker attacks Topologic Zeroboros! And at this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Battle Fusion! When a face-up monster I control battles, it gains attack points equal to the attack points of the opponent's monster until the end of the damage step! Ultimate Axon Kicker gains your Zeroboros's 7700 attack points!"
Ultimate Axon Kicker ATK 2900→10600
"This is for doubting my skills as a duelist!" Esper declared. "Electric Breaker!"
Ultimate Axon Kicker gathered green lightning in his hands before firing it at Zeroboros.
Pandor 2 smirked. "This duel is over!" she said. "I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Force! Since you declared an attack, this card destroys all your Attack Position monsters!"
A blast of powerful energy shot from the card right at Axon Kicker. But before it hit the monster, a green barrier appeared around the Fusion Monster, shielding it.
"What?" Pandor 1 said in surprise. "What's happening?"
"Ultimate Axon Kicker's effect," Esper revealed. "Card effects can't destroy it."
Pandor 1 frowned. "I hope not to use this, but it looks like I have no other choice," she said. "I activate the effect of Necro Link in the Graveyard! Since the monster Special Summoned by its effect is attacked, I can banish Necro Link! And then we both take the damage from this battle!"
"That's useless," Esper interrupted. "I discard a card from my hand to activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Silent Graveyard! With its effect, neither of us can activate card effects from the Graveyard!"
"This can't be…." Pandor 2 muttered with evident shock.
The blast hit Zeroboros, destroying it and creating a massive explosion. The two AIs yelled as they disintegrated.
Pandor 1 & Pandor 2: 800→0 LP
"Yes!" Roselyn cheered. "They won! They won!"
"Way to go, Sanctum and Esper!" Soulburner shouted in excitement.
Storm Rider breathed a sigh of relief, then walked over to Sanctum. "Nice job out there," he said. "There were a few times I was worried you'd lose."
Sanctum smiled. "Come on, Storm Rider," she said. "You know me better than that. It takes more than an AI, some cybernetic bees to take me down."
"What about me?" Esper complained as she approached the duo. "I don't get any recognition."
Sanctum turned to Esper and threw her arms around her. "Thanks, Esper," she said as she removed her arms. "I'm glad to have you as a partner and a comrade."
Esper smiled as she blushed. "Well, you and I both know we won because we're the better team."
"Indeed you were," Varis said, causing everyone to turn to him and the Knights of Hanoi. "More importantly, as per our earlier agreement, you're free to participate in the fight against the Syndicate. Do not make me regret my decision."
"Don't worry, you won't," Esper said as she logged out.
"Looks like someone's in a hurry," Blue Maiden commentated.
"She's probably just exhausted from the duel and wants to rest up," Soulburner said. "We should log out as well."
"Yes, we should." Storm Rider agreed. "We must prepare for the upcoming battle, so it's best to practice and get some rest while we can."
"After dueling you and Pandor today, I desperately need a break." Sanctum concurred as well.
Blue Maiden, Soulburner, Sanctum, and Storm Rider logged out of the network, leaving Varis and the Knights of Hanoi alone.
Specter narrowed his eyes at Varis. "You want us to keep an eye on Esper, don't you?" he asked.
"Of course," Varis answered. "There's just something about her that doesn't sit right with me," he said. "I don't know what it is but I intend to figure it out."
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
The blue sphere faded from around Rhea as she opened her eyes. She sighed and smiled.
"Today sure was fun," she said. "Exhausting, but fun." She then frowned. "I just wish the circumstances were different."
Soon after, her Duel Disk started beeping. She answered it without looking, knowing who it was.
"An impressive display, Rhea," A female voice said. "Not only have you earned the trust of the Top 10, but the Knights of Hanoi as well."
"Thank you, Queen Priscilla," Rhea said flatly. "I'd do anything to help the Syndicate's goal."
"I appreciate your assistance," Priscilla said. "I'll inform you of the details for your next assignment tomorrow Until then, have a good night's rest."
And with that, Queen Priscilla signed off, prompting Rhea to sigh in despair.
"…I know I'm deceiving the people I see as friends, but the Queen comes first and I definitely won't let the Top 10 or anyone else stand in the Syndicate's way. No matter what, we will eliminate them and Sol Technologies."
And with that, Rhea placed her Duel Disk on the counter and went to bed.
OC Card Memo:
Pandor:
Topologina Sibee- Level 2, ATK: 500, DEF: 1300, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect
Effect: If you control a "Topologina" monster; Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is used as Link Material for the Link Summon of a DARK Cyberse monster; draw 1 card. You can only activate this effect of "Topologina Sibee" once per turn.
Topologina Tribee- Level 3, ATK: 1400, DEF: 200, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect
Effect: When you Link Summon a "Topologic" Link Monster; Special Summon this card from your hand or GY to a zone that monster points to. You can only activate this effect of "Topologina Tribee" once per turn.
Topologina Xibee- Level 3, ATK: 1700, DEF: 1100, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect
Effect: When you Summoned this card: You can add 1 "Topologina" card from your Deck to your hand. You cannot summon other monsters the turn you activate this effect, except for "Topologina" or "Topologic" monsters. You can only activate this effect of "Topologina Hubee" once per turn.
Topologina Hubee- Level 4, ATK: 1800, DEF: 1300, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect
Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned: Special Summon 1 "Topologina" monster from your Deck. You cannot summon other monsters the turn you activate this effect, except for "Topologina" or "Topologic" monsters. You can only activate this effect of "Topologina Hubee" once per turn.
Topologina Robee- Level 1, ATK: 400, DEF: 200, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect
Effect: If this card is banished; Special Summon it. If this card is banished by the effect of a "Topologina" or "Topologic" Link Monster; banish 1 card on your opponent's Field or GY. You can only activate this effect of "Topologina Robee" once per turn.
Topologina Labee- Level 1, ATK: 0, DEF: 700, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect
Effect: If you opponent activates a card or effect while you control a "Topologina" or "Topologic" Link Monster (Quick Effect): Special Summon this card from your hand or GY (but banish it when it leaves the field), and if you do, negate that card's effect. If this card is banished, target 1 "Topologina" card in your GY: Add it to your hand. You can only activate this effect of "Topologina Labee" once per turn.
Topologina Newbee
Level: 4
Cyberse/Effect/Dark
ATK: 1200/DEF: 100
Effect: If you have more banished cards than your opponent, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card is banished, you can target three "Topologina" cards that are banished, except "Topologina Newbee"; your opponent randomly picks among the three. The chosen card is added to your hand, and the rest are returned to the GY. You can only use this effect of "Topologina Newbee" once per turn.
Topologina Rubee
Link 1
Cyberse/Effect/Dark
ATK: 500
Link Markers: Bottom Left
Effect: If this card is Link Summoned: You can target one "Topologina" card in your GY: banish it, and if you do, add one "Topologina" card from your Deck with a different name from the banished card to your hand. During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was sent there this turn: You can Special Summon 1 'Topologina' monster from your banished zone or GY to your field. You can only use each effect of "Topologina Rubee" once per turn.
Topologina Primabee- LINK-1, ATK: 600, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Top
Effect: 1 "Topologina" Monster
When this card is Special Summoned while pointing to a monster: You can target that monster; banish it. If this card leaves the field by battle or card effect: You can draw 1 card from the top of your deck. You can only use each effect of 'Topologina Primabee' once per turn.
Topologina Homotobee- LINK-2, ATK: 1500, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Top-Right, Bottom-Left
Effect: 2+ monsters, including a "Topologina" Monster
When this card is Link Summoned: You can target 1 of the monsters used for its Link Summon in your GY; Special Summon it to your field, but negate its effects. If this card leaves the field by battle or card effect: You can inflict 200 damage to your opponent for each 'Topologina' monster that is in your GY and in your banished zone. You can only use each effect of 'Topologina Homotobee' once per turn.
Topologina Trisotobee- LINK-3, ATK: 2400, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Top-Left, Bottom, Top-Right
Effect: 2+ DARK Cyberse Monsters
Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can banish up to 3 "Topologina" monsters from your GY; banish cards your opponent controls for each monster banished by this effect until the End Phase. Once, if this card leaves the field by battle or card effect: You can; immediately after this effect resolves, Link Summon 1 "Toplogina" or "Topologic" Link monster by shuffling "Topologina" monsters from your banished zone or Graveyard, except this card.
Topologina Etherstar
Link 2
Cyberse/Effect/Dark
ATK: 2000
Link Markers: Bottom Left, Bottom Right
Effect: When a monster is Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone this card points to (Quick Effect): You can banish as many of those monsters as possible, and if you do, gain 500 LP for each monster banished by this effect. You can only use each effect of 'Topologina Polyhedrake' once per turn.
Topologina Recovery Honey
Equip Spell Card
Effect:Target one "Topologina" banished monsters: Special Summon it in Attack Position, and equip it with this card. When this card leaves the field, destroy the equipped monster. You can banish this card from the GY, except the turn it was sent there and target three "Topologina" cards, not named "Topologina Recovery Honey": Shuffle them into the deck and draw two cards.
Topologina Hive Fortress- Type: Field Spell Card
Effect: When this card is activated: You can add 1 "Topologina" card from your deck to your hand. While this card is on your field, 'Topologina' and 'Topologic' monsters you control gain 300 ATK and DEF; also, they're unaffected by your opponent's card effects. If this card leaves the field by your opponent's card effect: You can Set 1 'Topologina' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your field. You can only use this effect of 'Topologina Hive Fortress' once per turn.
Topologina Honey Wall- Type: Normal Trap Card
Effect: When your opponent declares an attack with a monster they control: Negate the attack, and if you do, banish it. If you control a 'Topologic' Link monster, you can banish all monsters your opponent controls instead. You can only activate 1 "Topologina Honey Wall" per turn.
Sanctum:
Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay- Lvl 2, ATK: 600, DEF: 800, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Psychic/Tuner/Effect
Effect: If you control a ''Mekk-Knight'' monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card is Special Summoned, target another Mekk-Knight monster you control; increase or decrease the Level of the targeted monster by 1 and then increase or decrease the Level of this card by 1. If this card leaves the field; target a card on your opponent's field and move it to another column adjacent to it. You can only use each effect of ''Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay'' once per turn.
Mekk-Knight Prism Sun- Lvl 8, ATK: 3000, DEF: 3000, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Psychic/Synchro/Effect
1 Tuner monster + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
Effect: If this card is Synchro or Special Summoned while there are 2 or more cards in the same column, this card is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn (Quick Effect): Negate the effects of a card on the field. If this card would be destroyed by battle or card effect: Destroy 1 card instead with 2 or more cards in a column. You can only use the effect of ''Mekk-Knight Prism Sun'' once per turn.
Esper:
Trinity Convergence
Equip Spell Card
Equip this card to a Special Summoned Monster on the field. When this card is equipped to a Monster, banish two Monsters from your Deck or Extra Deck with the same summoning type as that Monster and an equal or lower Level/Rank than it, and then add their combined ATK to it. If this card is sent to the Graveyard because the equipped Monster was destroyed, draw one card from your Deck.
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Advent of New Beginnings. Chapter 18 – The Power of Pendulum. After all the dueling they've been doing, the Top 10 decides to take a break and relax while figuring out how to become stronger. The next day, they meet a female duelist who Skye knows possesses Pendulum Cards…
Question of the Chapter
Who would you like to see participate in a Tag Duel next?
This was the Tag Duel between Pandor and her clone, Esper and Sanctum. I wrote this because I created Topologina cards for Circuit of Smiles but never used them and decided what better time than now. Also, it was just plain fun. As for the name of the OC and what Pendulum archetype she uses, you'll have to wait and see. Plus, I'm planning on having other members of the Top 10 duel. Who would you like to see duel next? Charmcaster, Chevalier, Brawler or Seraph? Let me know your pick in the reviews.
Thank you for reading Chapter 17 of Advent of New Beginnings. What did you think of the duel? Do you think Cyberse Pendulum Cards will make their debut/appearance? Feedback is important to this fanfic's continual growth.