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?

20. Operation: Mission Possible? Part 1

Greetings, everyone! Due to my free time shrinking, the last chapter came a bit later than planned. I will keep releasing a new chapter every week, but I may only sometimes be able to do this due to real-life circumstances. Enjoy chapter 20!

In Den City, at Kolter's apartment…

"As I thought, perhaps I should take that out and replace it with this… But on the other hand, it might be better to go with that combination to counter the Syndicate's strategies and tactics. Or perhaps…"

Yuji mumbled to himself as he sat down on the floor cross-legged, his cards scattered in front of him. Since he and the others had received a message stating he wanted them to carry out a mission for him to require some specific resource, Yuji had spent most of his alone time working on his Deck to prepare for future battles and relax. After completing all adjustments, Yuji gathered his scattered cards and sighed as he lay on the floor.

"When is this mission going to begin? The wait is killing me here…."

"In that case, you're in luck. Your wait is over."

Turning his gaze towards the doorway, Yuji noticed Ena standing there with an amused smile as she watched him.

"Ena?" Yuji frowned as he got up. "What are you doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Ena responded. "Varis is calling for everyone to join him. He wishes to announce the instructions for our objective regarding requiring this mysterious resource. Now, let's go. The gang should already have assembled in the kitchen with Kolter and Yusaku."

Nodding wordlessly, Yuji followed Ena down the hallway to the kitchen. Yuji saw that everyone was gathered around the table with a computer in front of them.

"Ah, you're here." Kolter motioned at Yuji and Ena to come closer. "Good. Now we can begin this mission briefing. Yusaku, would you be so kind as to elaborate on your plan?"

"Of course." Yusaku turned to the Top 10 with a severe look. "I hate to inform you all, but we've lost Ghost Gal and The Shepherd to the Syndicate."

Everyone's eyes widened. "What do you mean we lost them?" Skye asked.

Kolter frowned. There's one thing Varis didn't tell you in his message," he said. "Your brother had notified them not to go on their own and attack the Syndicate but refused to listen. And even though they gave it their all, they lost in the end."

Skye clenched her fist. "Why didn't Akira tell me this?"

"He probably didn't want to worry," Yusaku answered. "He thought it would affect your focus and stop the Syndicate."

Skye narrowed her eyes at Yusaku. "That does sound like him. She raised her fist. "I promise to avenge Emma and her brother! No matter what it takes!"

Kolter smiled. "That's the spirit!" He then turned to everyone else. "As Varis already informed all of you, he said to hone your skills and upgrade your Decks through any means necessary since it's imperative to mount a successful counteroffensive toward the Syndicate at some point shortly."

"But how are we going to do that?" Yuji seemed confused. "We already included Pendulum Summoning and every other summoning method known to man. What else could be left?"

"This," Yusaku answered as he pressed several buttons on the computer in front of everyone, generating a 3D holographic image of some building.

"That's…!" Theodore turned to Yusaku with a shocked look. "Have Varis lost his mind!? Is he seriously planning for us to go back to that place!? I knew he was reckless, but I didn't know he was psychotic!"

"It may be crazy, but it's also what the Syndicate least expects, especially considering they have little knowledge of it." Yusaku countered. "And I'm sure you can understand the advantages this offers us."

"Eh, guys?" Yuji interjected. "How about some context here for those without any idea what you're talking about?"

"Ah, my apologies for that," Yusaku said as he turned to Yuji. "Theodore and Skye already know about it, but are you, Ena, and Lily aware of the Lost Incident?"

"Of course," Ena replied. "Ten years ago, six kids were kidnapped by an unknown group of people and were tortured day and night."

"They were used as guinea pigs for some experiment for about six months," Yuji added. "Each day brought nothing but pain and torture for us. Not knowing if we'll survive."

"But after being trapped for six months, they were all rescued after someone reported about the Lost Incident, but around that time, they weren't the same again."

After explaining and listening to the story, Yuji, Ena, and Lily slowly pieced the puzzle pieces together: kidnapped, by an unknown group of people, after effects, and tortured day and night? It made perfect sense…

"You and Skye were two of the six kidnapped children?" Yuji asked.

"Yes and no," Theodore answered. "Yusaku and I were both victims of the Lost Incident, while Skye's childhood friend Miyu was another."

"And if you're wondering who's responsible for reporting the incident to the authorities was none other than Varis," Yusaku added.

"No kidding," Lily said. "Whoever thought Varis was the one who freed you guys from your cells."

"Moving on, what does this place have to do with you guys?" Ena asked.

"This place was the home base of Lightning, the Light Ignis," Yusaku explained. "The Ignis was created through the Lost Incident to be mankind's successors. However, Dr. Kogami, the man in charge of the Lost Incident, ran simulations that saw the Ignis responsible for mankind's demise. In response, he formed the Knights of Hanoi and tried to stop the Ignis, only for him to die months ago."

"And if I have to guess, the Light Ignis found those simulations and decided to rebel against the humans," Yuji deduced.

"Right on the nose," Kolter confirmed.

"So what special item is at this palace Varis wants us to retrieve?" Ena asked.

"The only that can give us a chance of defeating the Syndicate," Yusaku said. "The Link Spell Card, Judgment Arrows."

Skye gasped. "Did you say-?"

"Judgment Arrows?" Theodore finished Skye's question.

"I can understand your guys' feelings and reasonings on using the card that brought so much destruction to the Cyberse World and LINK VRAINS, but to defend ourselves and counter the enemy we face, we need a weapon to help us fight the force against us. And Judgment Arrows is that weapon."

The two remained silent before Theodore finally spoke. "Alright, Yusaku. If you think it's for the best, I'm all for it!"

"So am I!" Skye added.

Yuji raised his hand. "Sorry to interrupt the boost in morale, but what exactly is a Link Spell, Judgement Arrows, and how will it benefit us?"

Yusaku turned to Yuji. "Link Spells are a type of Spell Card that, like Equip and Continuous Spell Cards, remain on the field after activation. Uniquely, a Link Spell Card possesses functioning Link Arrows like Link Monsters, which allows Extra Deck monsters to be summoned at any Main Monster Zones they point to."

"And to answer your second question," Theodore said. "It'll provide us a major advantage in duels."

"You see, whenever a Link Monster Judgment Arrows points to battles, its attack points are doubled until the end of the damage step," Skye added.

"Whoa," Ena said. "Talk about powerful."

"That's all well and good, but do we have a plan for accomplishing this, Yusaku?" Yuji asked. "Resolution and feelings alone will get us nowhere."

"I'm well aware of that," Yusaku responded. "And rest assured that we have made plans so that this operation is successful. Isn't that right, Kolter?"

"Indeed," Kolter said as he pressed a few more buttons to zoom in on certain fortress areas. "Thanks to extensive surveillance, courtesy of Varis's drones, and my successful attempt at partially hacking the systems and obtaining blueprints for several areas, we now have a rough image of what we're facing. Luckily there are no guards or traps. But the room with the necessary resource to create Link Spells is guarded by several state-of-the-art security systems installed around the base."

"Then how exactly are we supposed to get in?" Lily frowned as she stared at the fortress's defenses. "I mean, this place looks impenetrable."

"Appearances can often be deceiving, Ena." Kolter smiled. It will be a challenge breaking in, but it can be done. If you look at the prison schematics, there are two points of interest. One, it requires two power generators to operate at total capacity. And two, if you get to the command center, there should be a master console that enables one to deactivate the entire fortress's defense system."

"Our goal should be getting into that command center." Skye rubbed her chin. "Still, seeing it's situated right at the top of the fortress's main spire, that will be a problem."

"That's why we have to whittle down their defenses first," Yusaku stated as he pointed at a specific point on the hologram. "To do so, we have to destroy one of the generators, preferably near the eastern gate, since it's easier to approach. Once the generator is down, the security systems should operate at a reduced capacity due to lack of power, making it easier to infiltrate the command center."

"And luckily for us, Varis has come up with a plan," Kolter continued. "You guys will split into two groups, with one group placing explosives and detonating them in the western gate to make the enemy think the attack is concentrated there. This will allow that group to infiltrate the fortress and disable the generator. Meanwhile, another group will head for the prisoners' holding cells, while the third will head toward the room to require the resource. If there are any guards there, they'll be so confused by the three-way assault that they won't know how to react, making our job easier."

"However, there seem to be several proximity sensors placed all around the prison." Theodore pointed out. "How exactly should the first group approach the gate and plant unseen explosives? They'll be discovered within seconds."

"Leave that to me." Kolter thumped his chest with confidence. "I did mention before that I could hack the Light Ignis's systems to a degree, right? Disabling some proximity sensors to allow you to approach the gate should be simple enough. Plus, I'll be engaging in electronic warfare while you guys storm the fortress to add to the confusion and aid you in accessing certain areas easier."

"If there are no more questions, I'll announce the teams next and their respective tasks," Yusaku said. "First—"

"Oi, oi, wait for a second." Lily interrupted Yusaku's words with a concerned look. "Shouldn't we inform Rhea of this? She hasn't attended the meeting yet after notifying me about her."

"I took that into consideration…." Ena sighed. "However, I called and texted multiple times and haven't heard from her."

"I hope she's doing okay," Skye said. "After we complete this mission, we should go to her place and check on her."

"That's a great idea," Theodore grinned before turning to Yusaku. "Sorry, Yusaku Please continue."

"As I said, we'll split into three teams of two." Yusaku resumed speaking. "Skye and Lily will be responsible for destroying the generator. Soulburner and I will head toward the room to acquire the resource. Finally, Yuji and Ena will be in charge of securing our escape route for when the operation has successfully concluded, and we need to retreat. The teams and their respective tasks were decided after careful consideration so I won't accept any objections. Is that clear?"

Everyone nodded in response.

"In that case, I suggest you finish your preparations as soon as possible," Yusaku said. "Our mission will begin in three hours. And once we have the resource to create Link Spells, we'll be one step closer to the Syndicate's downfall!"

"Right!"

The enthusiastic cheers of everyone resounded thus within the kitchen.

A few hours later, in an unknown location in LINK VRAINS…

A portal appeared out of nowhere, and stepping out of it were Playmaker and the Top 10 as they looked around their new location.

"A desolate location..." Storm Rider muttered, observing the terrain. The land was practically nothing but ground. In addition, there was little wildlife in the area as well.

"Which makes it a perfect hiding spot." Playmaker deduced, also looking around the area. Suddenly, he noticed something. "And there's the building we're looking for!"

Everyone turned their heads to look at the place Playmaker was talking about. It was a large brown palace with a castle-like structure and lights at the towers. They then started walking towards it.

"Luckily, we should get in and out with no problem," Sanctum said.

"Halt right there!"

The sextet tensed and turned around, seeing two female Syndicate Soldiers behind them. They fired Duel Anchors at the six teens, who dodged them and continued to run off.

"It's the Syndicate!" Soulburner noted as he and the others continued running.

"What are they doing here?" Roselyn questioned.

"The more important question is, how are they here?" Blue Maiden corrected.

"Blue Maiden's right," Sanctum said. "How did they find out we were going to be here?"

"We'll figure out the details later," Storm Rider said. "Right now, we must evade them and make it to the palace."

Suddenly, out of nowhere, two Duel Anchors shot out and wrapped themselves around Blue Maiden and Roselyn's wrists before disappearing.

Playmaker frowned. "Blue Maiden! Roselyn!"

Everyone turned around to see two Syndicate Soldiers, but they weren't the same as before. They looked like mindless zombies with cybernetic features. They wore mechanized armor with glowing blue outlines. And instead of fingerless gloves, they wore metal gauntlets.

"Targets found," the soldier on the right said. "Assignment: Eliminate members of the Top 10."

"They both used Duel Anchors." Blue Maiden deduced as the two soldiers approached her and Roselyn and stood in their way. "Until we beat them in a duel, we're not allowed to proceed or escape." She turned to Roselyn. "Looks like the two of us will have to team up to win."

"And what makes you think we'll let you take them on alone, Blue Maiden?" Soulburner asked. "There's more of us, so there's no reason for the two of you to duel by yourselves."

"Soulburner's right," Sanctum agreed, stepping forward. "We'll-."

"Wait."

Sanctum blinked at the arm blocking her path before looking at its owner. "Storm Rider?"

"We need to focus on obtaining the resource Varis wants us to get," Storm Rider ordered. "Blue Maiden and Roselyn can handle these two with no problem. So let them duel."

"Eh?" Soulburner blinked.

"Are you sure?" Sanctum asked. "There's enough of us here to-."

"Storm Rider's right," Playmaker stated. "There's no telling if there are more Syndicate forces between here and the guarded room, so we must move forward."

"Are you sure, Playmaker?" Soulburner asked.

"Yes."

"…Alright."

The remaining five continued up the stairs to the palace

"…Win, girls," Sanctum said softly. "For us, the Top 10, and LINK VRAINS." She then turned and followed the others.

Roselyn narrowed her eyes at the two soldiers. "In case the two of you are unaware, we're on a mission. So deactivate your Duel Anchors and get out of our way!"

"We cannot do that," Soldier 1 replied.

"We have been ordered to eliminate you," Soldier 2 said.

Blue Maiden scowled. "In that case, we'll just have to force our way past you."

"Yeah! Bring it on!" Roselyn declared.

"Duel!"

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 4000 LP

Roselyn & Blue Maiden: 4000 LP

"I'll go first!" Soldier 1 declared. "I activate the effect of Amazoness Spy in my hand. By revealing Amazoness Princess, I can Special Summon Amazoness Spy!"

A bronze-skinned woman wearing a cloak and wielding a knife appeared in Attack Position.

Amazoness Spy ATK 800 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"From there, I summon Amazoness Princess!"

A dark-skinned white-haired girl wearing red tribal clothes armed with a short spear appeared.

Amazoness Princess ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"So long as Princess is on the field or in the Graveyard, its name is treated as Amazoness Queen," Soldier 1 continued. "Also, when it's summoned successfully, Amazoness Princess' effect activates, allowing me to add an "Amazoness" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand." She added the card to her hand before raising it to the sky. "Appear, the circuit of warriors!"

The Link Portal appeared above the two soldiers. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two "Amazoness" monsters. I'll set Amazoness Princess and Spy into the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link the Circuit I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Amazoness Champion!"

The woman who emerged from the portal wore a black bra and sarong, the latter tattered at the edges and decorated with gold swords. Her brown-and-gold frizzy hair went halfway down her back and was topped with a black-and-gold crown while a black cloak covered her shoulders. She wielded a spear with a curved tooth for a tip in her right hand, and in her left, she wielded an oval-shaped brown shield. She spun the spear as she posed in the Extra Monster Zone.

Amazoness Champion ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

The soldier gestured to her Link Monster. "Champion's effect! It gains 200 attack points for each "Amazoness" monster on the field."

Amazoness Champion ATK 2000→2200

"Champion's additional effect! Once per turn, I can Normal Summon an "Amazoness" monster from my hand. Come forth, Amazoness Paladin!"

A blonde woman in a tan hood appeared in Attack Position, a sword in her right hand.

Amazoness Paladin ATK 1700 DEF 300 LVL: 4

Amazoness Champion ATK 2200→2400

"Paladin gains 100 attack points for each '"Amazoness" monster I control."

Amazoness Paladin ATK 1700→1900

"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Soldier 1 concluded.

Blue Maiden turned to Roselyn. "Hey, mind if I take the turn?" Roselyn looked at her and nodded. "Alright! My turn! I draw" She drew her card, looked at her hand, and smiled. "First, I summon Marincess Sea Horse!"

A blonde girl in a blue and gold dress appeared.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Shine! The circuit of friendship and bonds!" Blue Maiden declared, raising her hand. "The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower "Marincess" monster! I set Sea Horse in the Link Arrow!"

Her monster entered the bottom arrow as a stream of water.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Marincess Blue Slug!"

A little girl in a blue dress with blue, yellow, and purple hair emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Blue Slug ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓

Soldier 1 gestured to her field. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Amazoness Hall!" she declared. "Through its effect, each time one of you Special Summons a monster, we gain Life Points equal total sum of those summoned monsters' attack points!"

"What?!" Blue Maiden exclaimed.

"The sum of their attack points?!" Roselyn said in disbelief.

"Since your Blue Slug has 1500 attack points, we gain 1500 Life Points!"

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 4000→5500 LP

Blue Maiden narrowed her eyes. "Just because they gained a few Life Points doesn't mean they've won. Blue Slug's effect activates! If she is Link Summoned, I can add a 'Marincess' monster in my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Sea Horse to my hand. Then, I Special Summon Marincess Sea Horse!"

The blonde girl reappeared at Blue Slug's Link Arrow.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Amazoness Hall's effect activates!" Soldier 1 stated as she and Soldier 2's Life Points rose again.

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 5500→6900 LP

"Sea Horse can be Special Summoned to a "Marincess" Link Monster's Link Arrow," Blue Maiden explained. "From there, I will activate the effect of Sea Archiver from my hand. Since a monster was Special Summoned to a Link Monster's Link Arrow, I can Special Summon it from my hand, but it'll be banished when it leaves the field!"

A white metallic seahorse with blue circles around its body appeared, electric sparks surrounding it. At the same time, the soldiers' Life Points increased even more.

Sea Archiver ATK 300 DEF 2100 LVL: 3

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 6900→7200 LP

"Blue Maiden, we can't let their Life Points get any higher, or we'll never beat them!" Roselyn stated. But Blue Maiden didn't seem that concerned about it.

"Don't worry. As long as we work together, we will be fine," Blue Maiden assured her as she gestured toward the sky. "Shine again, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two Water monsters. I set Marincess Sea Horse and Sea Archiver in the Link Arrows!"

Blue Maiden's monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"Float through the water, away from the dangerous predators that seek our trail! I Link Summon! Link 2! Marincess Sea Butterfly!"

A young woman appeared, dressed in a purple dress and veil, with black silk gloves on both hands. Water swirled around her feet as she was summoned to Blue Slug's bottom Link Arrow.

Marincess Sea Butterfly ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↑→

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 7200→9000 LP

Roselyn blinked. "A new "Marincess" Link Monster?"

"Sea Butterfly's effect!" Blue Maiden declared. "Since she was Link Summoned and I only control Water monsters, I can Special Summon a Link-1 "Marincess" Link Monster from my Extra Deck, treating it as a Link Summon! She pulled out a card from her Extra Deck. "Come, Marincess Sea Angel!"

A girl with platinum blonde hair wearing a white dress emerged onto Blue Maiden's field at Sea Butterfly's right Link Arrow.

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000 LINK-1 ←

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 9000→10000 LP

"Now they have 10,000 Life Points," Roselyn noted.

"Sea Angel's effect activates! When she is Link Summoned, I can add a "Marincess" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add and activate the Field Spell Card: Marincess Battle Ocean! This card increases my "Marincess" monsters' attack points by 200!"

Marincess Blue Slug ATK 1500→1700

Marincess Sea Butterfly ATK 1800→2000

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000→1200

"For a third time, shine! The circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two or more Water monsters. I set Blue Slug, Sea Butterfly and Sea Angel in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Marincess Marbled Rock!"

A woman with spiky blue hair wearing a red dress with fins and coral on her head and shoulders emerged from the portal at the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500→2700 LINK-3 ←↓→

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 10000→12700 LP

"Battle Ocean's second effect activates!" Blue Maiden continued. Since a "Marincess'" Link Monster was Special Summoned to the Extra Monster Zone, I can equip up to three "Marincess" Link Monsters with different Link Ratings from my Graveyard to that monster! I equip Sea Butterfly and Blue Slug to Marbled Rock!"

Spectral images of the two female monsters appeared before disappearing into Marbled Rock, making her glow blue.

"While Battle Ocean is on the field, monsters equipped with "Marincess" Link Monsters gain 300 attack points for each of the equipped monsters' Link Arrows. Blue Slug is Link-1, and Sea Butterfly is Link-2, so Marbed Rock gains 900 attack points!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2700→3600

"Since I control a Cyberse monster whose attack points differ from its original, I can activate the Spell Card: Cyberse Cache, which lets me draw two cards. Next, I'll activate the effect of the Marincess Sea Star in my hand! I can discard it to increase the attack points of a "Marincess'" monster I control by 800. I increase Marbled Rock's attack points!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 3600→4400

"Following that, I activate Marbled Rock's effect! Once per turn, I can add a "Marincess'" card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Sea Star to my hand, which I'll use its effect again to increase Marbled Rock's attack points by 800!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 4400→5200

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Marincess Trident and equip it to Marbled Rock!"

A trident with a blue shaft appeared in Marbled Rock's right hand. The Marincess crest rested at the base, the head was silver, and the three prongs were gold. Marbled Rock spun the trident in her hand.

"While Marincess Trident is equipped, Marbled Rock cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects. Finally, I activate the Spell Card: Break Stream! By targeting Marbled Rock, whenever she attacks, you're prevented from activating any Spells or Traps until the end of the Damage Step." Blue Maiden gestured to her field. "Battle! Marbled Rock attacks Amazoness Champion!"

The woman spun the trident as it launched it at the Amazoness Link Monster, piercing it in the chest and destroying it. The two soldiers winced from the ensuing shockwave.

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 12700→9900 LP

Amazoness Paladin ATK 1900→1800

"One more thing," Blue Maiden said. "When the monster targeted by Break Stream's effect destroys a monster by battle, one Spell or Trap on my opponent's field is destroyed! I destroy Amazoness Hall!"

The Continuous Trap shattered following Blue Maiden's words.

"Marincess Trident's final effect!" Blue Maiden declared. "The monster equipped with it can attack again during the Battle Phase!" The soldiers gasped. "Marbled Rock attacks Amazoness Paladin! Marincess Submerge!"

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 9900→6500 LP

"Don't forget that due to Break Stream's effect, I can destroy one Spell or Trap Card on your field!" Blue Maiden reminded them. "I destroy your face-down card!"

The soldiers' face-down card disintegrated.

"Hmm," Blue Maiden said, looking at the sent card. "Sakuretsu Armor? That would have been deadly." She turned back to the two soldiers. "It is very unfortunate for you that this duel is still not over. I promise that it will soon, with your downfall! I place one card face-down and end my turn. Since it's now the End Phase, Sea Star's effect ends."

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 5200→3600

"My turn," Soldier 2 said. "I draw. First, I activate the Spell Card: Harpier's Feather Duster, whose effect destroys all Spell and Trap Cards you control!"

A massive wing appeared, creating a gust of wind that destroyed Blue Maiden's Spell and Trap Cards.

"Since Battle Ocean left the field, Marbled Rock's attack points now return to normal." Blue Maiden said.

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 3600→2500

"And since I control no cards, I can activate the Trap Card: Infinite Impermanence from my hand." Soldier 2 continued. "Thanks to its effect, I can negate Marbled Rock's effects until the end of the turn!"

A silhouette of the card appeared and glowed as Marbled Rock greyed out in the process, much to Blue Maiden's dismay.

"From there, I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed." Solider 2 said. "It lets me draw two cards. Next, I summon Amazoness Princess!"

The white-haired bronze-skinned girl reappeared.

Amazoness Princess ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Princess's effect activates. When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add an "Amazoness" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Amazoness Fighting Spirit to my hand. And since an "Amazoness" monster was Normal or Special Summoned, I'm allowed to Special Summon Amazoness Baby Tiger from my hand."

A small striped feline with an oversized gold collar around its neck appeared in Attack Position and meowed.

Amazoness Baby Tiger ATK 500 DEF 500 LVL: 2

"While Baby Tiger is on the field or in the Graveyard, its name becomes Amazoness Tiger," Soldier 2 continued. "And for every "Amazoness" card in my Graveyard, Baby Tiger gains 100 attack points."

Amazoness Baby Tiger ATK 500→1000

"But Baby Tiger won't stay around for long. I activate the Spell Card: Fusion Substitute!" Blue Maiden and Roselyn tensed. "I fuse Baby Tiger treated as Amazoness Tiger and Princess!"

Princess turned into red particles while Baby Tiger turned into blue particles that went upwards, swirling into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.

"I Fusion Summon! Amazoness Pet Liger!"

A pale-skinned liger with a mane, a scarred eye, and shoulder armor emerged from the Fusion vortex on the Syndicate soldiers' field in Attack Position.

Amazoness Pet Liger ATK 2500 DEF 2400 LVL: 7

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Amazoness Fighting Spirit!" Soldier 2 continued. "If my "Amazoness" monster attacks a monster with higher attack points, my monster gains 1000 attack points during damage calculation. Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Premature Burial! By paying 800 Life Points, I can Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard! I return Amazoness Champion to the field!"

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 6500→5700 LP

Amazoness Champion ATK 2000→2400 LINK-2 ↙↘

"I now activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge! Normally, it lets me draw two cards, but I can draw four when my hand is empty! Now, time to battle! Battle! Amazoness Champion attacks Marincess Marbled Rockt! At this point, Fighting Spirit's effect increases Champion's attack points by 1000!"

Amazoness Champion ATK 2400→3400

The woman charged forward, and her spear plunged into the spiky-haired woman's abdomen, making it explode and pushing Blue Maiden back.

Blue Maiden and Roselyn: 4000→3100

Amazoness Champion ATK 3400→2400

"Next, Pet Liger attacks you directly!"

Amazoness Pet Liger ATK 2500→3000

The liger roared and charged at Blue Maiden, only for the girl to take a card from her hand.

"I activate the effect of Marincess Sea Turtle from my hand!" Blue Maiden declared. "If you attack me directly, I can Special Summon this monster and redirect your attack to it!"

A cute little girl with teal green shoulder-length hair and eyes appeared on Blue Maiden's field in Defense Position. She had a small turtle shell back and shield with a blue-yellow trimmed design with green crystals. She also wore a ribbon headband with a small turtle shell attached.

Marincess Sea Turtle ATK 100 DEF 1900 LVL: 2

Soldier 2 narrowed her eyes. "In that case, Pet Liger attacks Marincess Sea Turtle!"

The monster slashed Sea Turtle with its claw, but the Marincess monster stood its ground when it connected.

"Hate to burst your bubble, but when Sea Turtle Special Summoned by its effect, it cannot be destroyed by battle twice per turn," Blue Maiden revealed.

Soldier 2 ignored her and gestured to her monster. "I activate Pet Liger's effect! As my "Amazoness" monster attacked your monster, I can target your monster and reduce its attack points by 800. I target your Sea Turtle!"

Marincess Sea Turtle ATK 100→0

"I place three cards face-down and end my turn," Soldier 2 concluded.

"Very well! My turn! I draw!" Roselyn declared as she drew.

Soldier 2 quickly gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Dimensional Barrier! I declare a summoning method, and for the rest of the turn, the effects of those monsters are negated, and neither of us can Special Summon monsters of that summoning method!"

"What!?" Roselyn practically shrieked.

"I declare Synchro Monsters!" Soldier 2's smirk widened. "Now you can't Synchro Summon for the rest of the turn!"

Roselyn glared at the soldiers while Blue Maiden frowned. "They act carefree and impulsive, but they're meticulous. Their dueling has completely changed since we last faced them."

"I don't think it's wise to compliment our enemy," Roselyn muttered. "Fine, I can't Synchro Summon, but I can still do this! From my hand, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Frozen Rose! I can send one monster from my field to the Graveyard, and depending on the monster sent, I can activate one of two effects. By sending Marincess Sea Turtle to the Graveyard, I can add a Level 4 or lower Plant monster from my Deck to my hand."

At Roselyn's command, Sea Turtle exploded into yellow particles as she took a card from her Deck.

"And because I control no monsters, I'm allowed to Special Summon Margrapevine from my hand through its effect!"

A female wearing a floral dress appeared in Attack Position. She had flowing green hair resembling vines, and her ears each had a bunch of grapes dangling like an earring.

Magrapevine ATK 600 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"I now Tribute Margrapevine to summon Queen Angel of Roses from my hand!"

Following Roselyn's words, a female angel wearing a scarlet dress with long, rose-like armor appeared on her field. She had short blond hair, a rose on the left side, and a white helmet on her head. Her wings were colored crimson, with strands of blond hair attached to each wing. In her left hand, she carried a lance-like sword.

Queen Angel of Roses ATK 2400 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"Queen Angel of Roses can also be Tribute Summoned in face-up Attack Position by Tributing one Plant monster," Roselyn explained. "Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon. It lets me perform an additional Normal Summon this turn. I summon Lonefire Blossom!"

An orange bulb appeared on her field, a sparkler at the end of it.

Lonefire Blossom ATK 500 DEF 1400 LVL: 3

"I activate Lonefire Blossom's effect! Once per turn, I can Tribute a Plant-type monster and Special Summon a Plant-type monster from my Deck!" Roselyn smiled. "I Tribute Lonefire Blossom to Special Summon Marina, Princess of Sunflowers!"

A large sunflower appeared, and a woman with brownish skin and sunflower petals for hair blooming out from it, wearing a purple leotard and a dress resembling a sunflower, appeared in Attack Position.

Marina, Princess of Sunflowers ATK 2800 DEF 1600 LVL: 8

"I activate Queen Angel of Roses' effect!" Roselyn declared. Once per turn, I can destroy one face-up monster on the field with the lowest attack points. If there's a tie, I can choose which monster I want to destroy."

"Since Amazoness Champion is the monster with the least attack points..." Blue Maiden noted.

"That means it will be the one that's destroyed!" Roselyn finished for her partner.

As if in confirmation, Queen Angel of Roses flew high and slashed Champion down its body, destroying it before returning to Roselyn's field.

"Battle! Queen Marina attacks Amazoness Pet Liger!"

Soldier 2 gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Amazoness Archers! Your monsters change to Attack Position, lose 500 attack points, and must attack!"

"That's pointless!" Roselyn interrupted. "I activate the effect of Rose Archer in my hand! When you activate a Trap Card, I can send Rose Archer to the Graveyard to negate the activation of your card and destroy it!"

Following Roselyn's words, the Trap Card disintegrated.

"The attack continues!"

Marina held up her hands, gathering sunlight before firing a beam, destroying Pet Liger and resulting in an explosion that pushed the two soldiers back.

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 5700→5400 LP

"Next, Queen Angel of Roses attacks you directly! Rose Trimmer!"

Queen Angel of Roses flew high up in the air and slashed the Syndicate soldiers, causing them to fall to a knee.

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 5400→3000 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Roselyn concluded.

"My turn!" Soldier 1 announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Sanctity! Due to its effect, all players draw cards until they have six. Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Amazoness Call. This card lets me add one "Amazoness" card from my Deck to my hand or send it to my Graveyard. I add Amazoness Queen. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization! This card lets me Fusion Summon one Fusion monster from my Extra Deck by using monsters from my hand or field as Fusion Materials. I use Amazoness Queen and Amazoness Swords Woman that are in my hand as Fusion Materials!"

Silhouettes of a tall bronze-skinned blue-haired female wearing a red cape and wielding a spiked club and a bronze-skinned woman wearing a blue bra and wielding a curved sword appeared before turning into red and blue particles that went upwards, swirling into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.

"Watch as these two warriors of the jungle combine into one, and harness the power of the jungle itself! I Fusion Summon! Amazoness Empress!"

"A white-haired brown-skinned woman wearing a cape and a skull crown emerged from the portal and swung a massive sword appeared in Attack Position.

Amazoness Empress ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"I activate the Spell Card: Tribute to the Doomed! I discard Cards of Compensation from my hand to destroy one monster on the field. I choose to destroy your Marina, Princess of Sunflowers!"

Following Soldier 1's words, a scary-looking mummy appeared. It then stretched out its arms, shooting out strands of linen that wrapped around Marina before dragging it down inside a portal.

"Card of Compensation's effect activates! I get to draw two cards as I sent it from my hand to the Graveyard." Soldier 1 drew her cards, then said, "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Amazoness Lasso and equip it onto Empress!" The card showed a golden lasso that was surrounded by an emanating aura. Empress grabbed the lasso and strapped it to her left thigh. "Battle! Amazoness Empress attacks Queen Angel of Roses! At this point, I activate the effect of Amazoness Lasso! When the equipped monster battles a monster you control, that monster's attack points are halved until the End Phase!"

Queen Angel of Roses ATK 2400→1200

Roselyn gritted her teeth and quickly gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Rose Barrier Force!" she responded. "By banishing a "Rose" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy all monsters you control in Attack Position! I banish Rose Archer!"

Soon, a bright light shined out of Rose Barrier Force, but instead of worrying, the Syndicate soldier smirked.

"Empress's effect! All "Amazoness" monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects!" The soldier informed Roselyn as a barrier formed around Empress, protecting it from Rose Barrier Force's effect. "Empress's attack continues! Amazoness Might!"

Empress charged forward and swung her massive sword at Queen Angel, destroying her and forcing Roselyn back several feet.

Blue Maiden and Roselyn: 3100→1500

"I activate the Spell Card: Aurora Draw, which lets me draw two cards since it's the only card in my hand. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Blue Maiden announced. "I draw! I summon Marincess Blue Tang!"

A girl with long blue hair in a blue vest appeared.

Marincess Blue Tang ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Blue Tang's effect activates! Since she was summoned, I can send Marincess Crown Tail from my Deck to the Graveyard." Blue Maiden raised her hand. "Shine, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower "Marincess" monster. I set Blue Tang in the Link Arrow!"

The girl entered the bottom arrow.

"I Link Summon! Link-1! Marincess Sea Angel!"

The girl in a white dress with long white hair reappeared in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000 LINK-1 ←

"Sea Angel's effect activates! When it's Link Summoned, I can add a "Marincess" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. The card I add is Marincess Ritual. Then, since I used Blue Tang to Link Summon, I can excavate the top three cards of my Deck, add a "Marincess" card among those cards and shuffle the rest back to my Deck.'' She pulled out her top three cards and eyed them before picking one and returning the rest. "Next, I Special Summon Marincess Dolp Tail from my hand!"

A beautiful young teenage girl with lovely white, blue highlight hair and light blue eyes wearing a dolphin-themed blue-white royal-designed dress. She had a dolphin tail and hat and wore a choker neck with the Marincess symbol attached to it as she appeared in Attack Position.

Marincess Dolp Tail ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Dolp Tail can be Special Summoned to my field since I control a "Marincess" Link Monster," Blue Maiden explained. "And when it's summoned successfully through this effect, I can Special Summon a "Marincess" monster from my Graveyard. Return, Blue Tang!"

Blue Tang reappeared on the field next to Dolp Tail.

Marincess Blue Tang ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Star Changer! This card increases my Dolp Tail's Level by 1!"

Marincess Dolp Tail LVL: 3→4

Roselyn's eyes widened. "Two Level 4s…."

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Marincess Ritual!" Blue Maiden declared. "With this card, I Tribute monsters from my hand and field whose total Levels equal or exceed that of the "Marincess" Ritual Monster in my hand!"

A ceremonial platform appeared on Blue Maiden's field. Blue Tang and Dolp Tail appeared on one end of the stage. The two monsters burst into blue particles and entered a magical circle engraved on the platform. The circle lit up and created a pillar of blue light.

"The contract has been made!" Blue Maiden chanted. "Star of the Ocean! Reshape the mystery of the sea with the souls of the pure maidens, and let your angelic wings brighten the oceans! I Ritual Summon! Appear, Level 8! Marincess Mariana Angel!"

The pillar dissipated, revealing the monster within. It was a young woman in a long, elegant blue and green dress coated with rainbow scales. She had light blue curly with a small tiara on her head. She had angel wings made of water, a light blue-green staff with a spiral-like tip, and a glowing heart-shaped orb on the tip. The Marincess symbol appeared on her chest, glowing as she took her place in Attack Position.

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 8

"…A Ritual Monster?" Soldier 1 muttered. "What a pointless effort! Your monster only has 2600 attack points while ours has 2800!"

"Are you sure about that?" Blue Maiden asked before gesturing to her field. "Battle! Mariana Angel attacks Amazoness Empress! At this moment, Mariana Angel's additional effect! "When she attacks your monster, she gains 600 attack points for every other "Marincess" monster with a different name I control until the end of the damage step."

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 2600→3200

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Amazoness Spellcaster!" Soldier 1 declared. "Through its effect, I can switch the attack points of an "Amazoness" monster I control with the attack points of a monster on my opponent's field. I choose to switch Empress and Mariana Angel's attack points!"

"Not happening!" Blue Maiden exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Marincess Crystal Whirlpool from my hand! I can activate this card from my hand if I control a "Marincess" Link Monster. And thanks to its effect, since you activated a Spell, Trap, or monster effect while I control a "Marincess" Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, that card is negated and destroyed!"

Following Blue Maiden's words, the Spell Card shattered.

"Furthermore, Crystal Whirlpool inflicts 200 points of damage to you for every card on the field! There are four cards, so you take 800 points of damage!"

"Afraid not!" Soldier 1 countered. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Fusion Fortress! Thanks to its effect, we take no damage from card effects if I control at least one Fusion Monster! As such, Crystal Whirlpool's second effect won't resolve!"

"Even so, Mariana Angel's attack continues! Go, Marincess Star Magic!"

"Due to Empress's effect, she isn't be destroyed!" Soldier 2 stated.

"But you will still take damage!" Roselyn pointed out as Mariana Angel twirled her staff as swirls of water formed around her and her staff, forming a sphere of water. Mariana Angel threw the Sphere at the Amazoness monster. The sphere of water exploded, and while the Fusion monster withstood the attack, the two soldiers winced from the shockwave.

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 3000→2600 LP

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 3200→2600

"I'm glad for your monster's effect." Blue Maiden said. "Because it lets me activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Revenge Attack! Since my monster didn't destroy yours in battle this turn, Mariana Angel gains 1000 attack points and can also attack again!"

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 2600→3600

"Mariana Angel attacks Empress again! And thanks to her effect, her attack points increase by 600!"

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 3600→4200

Mariana Angel's clashed with Empress's sword, creating a shockwave that pushed the two soldiers back.

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 2600→1200 LP

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 4200→3600

"I place two cards face-down," Blue Maiden said. "And because it is the End Phase, the effect of Revenge Attack ends."

Marincess Mariana Angel ATK 3600→2600

Soldier 2 placed her on her Deck. "My turn! I draw! First, I activate the effect of Fusion Substitute from my Graveyard! By returning Pet Liger to the Extra Deck, I get to draw a card. I activate the Spell Card: Fusion Recovery! I add Polymerization and a monster used as Fusion Material from my Graveyard to my hand." The soldier took the two cards, then played one of them. "I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization! I fuse Amazoness Baby Tiger and Fighter that are in my hand!"

Silhouettes of Baby Tiger and a bronze-skinned woman with long dark hair down to her shoulders, a dark green bra and a skirt appeared before disintegrating into particles that swirled into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"I Fusion Summon! Amazoness Pet Liger!"

The large feline reappeared and roared.

Amazoness Pet Liger ATK 2500 DEF 2400 LVL: 7

"Darn it," Roselyn muttered. "They got it back."

"I can see that…." Blue Maiden said with narrowed eyes. "This could be troublesome. It's a good thing I was prepared for something like this. I activate the effect of Marincess Crown Tail from my Graveyard!" By banishing her from my Graveyard, for every Link Arrow that the "Marincess" monsters in my Graveyard have, I can reduce the battle damage I take by 1000 points.

"The "Marincesses" in her Graveyard has a total Link of 4...," Soldier 1 said.

"So that means she can negate up to 4000 points of damage," Roselyn finished.

"I know I'm cautious by preventing 4000 points of battle damage, but being prepared for anything is important," Blue Maiden stated.

"That move you made was insufficient," Soldier 2 stated. "By discarding a card from my hand, I can activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Graveyard! All effects that activate in the Graveyard are negated for the rest of this turn!"

"What!?"

Soldier 2 gestured to her field. "Battle! Amazoness Empress attacks Sea Angel!"

Blue Maiden gritted her teeth as she gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Link Booster!" she declared. "By banishing a Link Monster from my Graveyard, one monster on my field gains attack points equal to that monster's Link Rating times 500. I banish Sea Butterfly to increase Sea Angel's attack points by 1000!"

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000→2000

"But you still take damage!"

The bronze-skinned woman charged and swung her sword, cleaving the white-haired girl in half and generating a spectacular explosion that lit the surrounding area and sent Blue Maiden and Roselyn skidding back.

Blue Maiden and Roselyn: 1500→700

"Pet Liger's effect activates!" Blue Maiden looked up at Soldier 2. "When my "Amazoness" monster attacks your monster, one of your monsters loses 800 attack points. I'll lower Mariana Angel's attack points!"

Mariana Holly Angel ATK 2600→1800

"It's time to finish things. Pet Liger attacks Mariana Angel! And thanks to its effect, its gains 500 attack points!"

Amazoness Pet Liger ATK 2500→3000

The liger charged at Blue Maiden's Ritual Monster.

"I activate the Trap Card: Half Shield!" Blue Maiden bellowed. "Through its effect, I can halve one instance of damage this turn!"

A shield with a glass and metal side appeared before Mariana Angel. The beast batted the weapon shield and brought its claws down at the Marincess Ritual Monster, destroying it and generating a shockwave that blew Blue Maiden and Roselyn away, sending them tumbling.

Blue Maiden and Roselyn: 700→100 LP

Soldier 2 growled before taking a card from her hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions! For every Spell or Trap Card I send to the Graveyard, I gain 1000 Life Points. I send Amazoness Fighting Spirit to the Graveyard to increase our Life Points by 1000!"

Following her words, the two soldiers were surrounded by a green aura.

Syndicate Soldier 1 & 2: 1200→2200 LP

"It's the end of the line for the two of you," Soldier 1 said as Blue Maiden and Roselyn gritted their teeth. "Thanks to Empress's effect, you're prevented from destroying our "Amazoness" monsters by battle or card effects. At the same time, Pet Liger can negate any attack against our other monsters. You'll need to pull out all the stops to defeat us."

"That won't be a problem." Roselyn let out a smile. "Thanks to the cards you've given me, I'll be able to turn things around when my turn comes!"

"I beg to differ," Soldier 2 said. "I activate the Spell Card: Top Share! Here's how it works. We both select a card from our Decks and reveal them to each other. Afterward, we place the selected card on the top of our Decks. I choose the Equip Spell Card: Re-Fusion. Now, select your card!"

Roselyn raised an eyebrow. "Why would she grant me access to picking a card to turn this duel in our favor? She thought. "I choose the Quick-Play Spell Card: Assault Mode Zero!"

"I had a feeling you would. I activate the Spell Card: Drawber! Through its effect, you draw a card, and then I have to guess what it is. If I guess correctly, all cards in your hand and on your field return to your Deck!"

"Kuh, so that's why you used Top Share beforehand." Blue Maiden grimaced. "It was all to use Drawber's effect."

"The card your partner will draw is Assault Mode Zero!"

Roselyn gritted her teeth as she drew her card and revealed it.

"Because I was right, you're forced to shuffle all your cards back to your Deck," Soldier 2 stated as Roselyn gathered her cards and shuffled them back into her Deck. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

Soldier 1 narrowed her eyes at Blue Maiden. "The two of you will lose because of your weak partner holding you back."

"…Yes, I was always weak," Roselyn spoke with a solemn expression. "It's indeed as you say. Because I couldn't protect myself properly, I had to burden my comrades more times than I could count during the Arbiters' invasion by relying on them a lot. All because I lacked strength and conviction."

"Roselyn…" Blue Maiden muttered. "Is that how you always felt…?"

"However, all that ends today!" Roselyn declared. "I refuse to be a burden to my comrades anymore. Instead, I'll fight with them as their equal and do my part in saving the world!"

"That's lovely, but pray to tell, how exactly do you intend to win?" Soldier 1 sneered. "I doubt your pitiful Deck has any monsters that can stand up to our Fusion Monsters."

"Like my comrades always say, there is more than one way to grasp victory against a superior foe." Roselyn let out a confident smile. "My turn! I draw!"

Upon checking out her drawn card, Roselyn let out a satisfied smile.

"Perfect. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Reversal! Since I have no cards on the field or in my hand, I can draw a card for each card my opponent controls. In this case, three!"

Upon drawing her cards, Roselyn let out a small smile. Alright, I got all I need. Time to give this a shot!

"I activate the Spell Card: Pre-Preparation of Rites! Through its effect, I add the Ritual Spell Card, which allows me to add one Ritual Spell and the corresponding Ritual Monster on its text from my Deck to my hand!" I add Black Rose Ritual and Magician of Black Rose from my Deck to my hand!"

"Ritual!?" Blue Maiden repeated.

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Black Rose Ritual!" Roselyn declared as the card showed Twilight Rose Knight and Revival Rose engulfed in burning black flames with a mysterious piece of red and black armor in the center with a statue of Black Rose Dragon behind them. Soon, a structure resembling a flower garden appeared on her field. "Through its effect, I can Tribute monsters from my hand or field to Ritual Summon. However, since you control a Special Summoned monster, I can send monsters from my Deck to Graveyard whose combined Levels equal the Level of the monster I'm Ritual Summoning. As such, I will send Blue Rose Dragon, Dark Rose Fairy, and Ruddy Rose Witch from my Deck to the Graveyard to Ritual Summon!"

Spectral forms of a small dragon covered in blue roses, a green-haired fairy wearing a rose-like dress holding a lantern and a little girl with red hair wearing a red and white dress appeared before turning into particles that were absorbed into the garden-like altar, with a torrent of red and purple erupting from it as Roselyn chanted.

"Souls of flowers, give birth to a new black raging flame! Cast upon your chilling fury and burn away all with your vicious thorns! I Ritual Summon! Appear! Level 7! Magician of Black Rose!"

The flames parted to reveal a man in armor-like magician robes whose colors and design resembled Black Rose Dragon. He wore a hood-like hat resembling the mouth of the dragon and wielded a staff with a red orb on the tip that within burns black flames.

Magician of Black Rose ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Wow," Blue Maiden whistled. "That's a nice monster you brought out. I didn't know you utilize Ritual Summon, Roselyn."

"The truth is, I've never considered Ritual Summoning before," Roselyn admitted. "But after seeing Storm Rider and Soulburner, and you use it, I asked Scarlett a few hours after our practice matches if she could help me. And she did; I owe him greatly for it" His eyes narrowed. "And I will start to pay her and you guys back for their kindness by winning this duel!" She gestured to her monster. "Magician of Black Rose's effect activates! When this card is summoned successfully, I can add Thorn of Malice or a card that lists "Rose Dragon" in its text from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand. I add Thorn of Malice, which I'll then equip to Magician of Black Rose. The magician became surrounded by a glowing purple aura. "This card increases the attack points of either Black Rose Dragon or a Plant monster by 600. And thanks to Magician of Black Rose's additional effect, it's also treated as a Plant monster."

Magician of Black Rose ATK 2500→3100

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Release Restraint Wave!" Roselyn exclaimed."I can destroy all Spell and Trap Cards you control by destroying one Equip Spell Card on my field!"

The glowing aura surrounding Roselyn's Ritual Monster disappeared as a hurricane erupted on the Syndicate soldier's field, destroying their Spell and Trap Cards.

Magician of Black Rose ATK 3100→2500

Roselyn took and played the last card in her hand. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Megamorph and equip it to Magician of Black Rose! Since my Life Points are lower than yours, Magician of Black Rose's attack points now become double its original attack points!"

A golden aura materialized around the magician as he raised his staff.

Magician of Black Rose ATK 2500→5000

"It's time to end this! Battle! Go, Magician of Black Rose! Attack Amazoness Pet Liger! Black Rose Magic!"

Twirling his staff, Magician of Black Rose aimed his rod at Liger as black flames ignited from within the orb and fired a magical black flame at the Amazoness Fusion Monster. The flames engulfed Liger before destroying him, causing an explosion that sent the two soldiers flying from the ground before they were forcefully logged out.

Syndicate Solider 1 & 2: 2200→0 LP

Blue Maiden and Roselyn breathed sighs of relief.

Roselyn smirked and held out a fist. "We won, Blue Maiden."

Blue Maiden stared at the extended fist before she recognized the gesture. She held out her fist and bumped hers. "That we did; you used your Ritual Monster expertly."

"Thank you."

"Sure thing. However, we must hurry up and rendezvous with the rest," Blue Maiden replied. "Who knows how many troops the Syndicate has sent after us? We must get out of here before we're cornered like rats."

Upon saying so, Blue Maiden and Roselyn started running up the stairs to the palace, hoping all their friends were safe.

Meanwhile, in the palace…

"And that makes four of them. Seriously though, how many people did the Syndicate send after us…?"

Soulburner sighed after leaving his fourth opponent behind and running through the narrow halls of the Light Ignis's former palace, intent on making it to the meeting spot so that he and the others could retrieve the resource for Varis. However, thanks to the soldiers that had abruptly arrived on the scene, he and the others were forced to split up. As he continued to walk deeper into the palace, he noticed a nearby room and went inside it.

"Urban combat simulation room, huh…? It makes sense for Lightning to have a training facility so he and the others can prepare to fight against their opponents. Guess that's one of the things that helped Bohman became stronger back then."

Soulburner remarked about his surroundings, which consisted of buildings, roads filled with debris, and smoke rising from corners of the room. The roof overhead had a cloudy sky, most likely thanks to Real Solid Vision technology.

"Either way, I have no business being here," Soulburner remarked. "I have to hurry up and join with the others, or better yet, find the room we're looking for."

"Opponent found. Initiating Duel Mode."

Soulburner abruptly turned on his heels, coming face-to-face with a familiar foe grinning widely.

"You are…that Syndicate sergeant I faced and defeated when you invaded LINK VRAINS?" Soulburner narrowed his eyes at the new foe, who activated her Duel Disk immediately. "Looks like she's been upgraded like the others. And she won't let me go until I duel. Guess I have no choice."

Following his words, Soulburner activated his Duel Disk.

"Duel!"

Soulburner: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," the Sergeant said. "I summon Blizzed, Defender of the Ice Barrier!"

A small light blue bird with wings made out of ice appeared. It had a yellow mask on its head, ice around its claws, chest and beak and armor around its chest.

Blizzard, Defender of the Ice Barrier ATK 300 DEF 500 LVL: 1

"Ice Barrier, huh…?" Soulburner murmured. "That archetype roughly focuses on summoning multiple Main Deck "Ice Barrier" monsters, combining their individual protection effects to handicap the opponent, and ideally summon its Synchro boss monsters to break the opponent's board and push for game."

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," the Sergeant concluded.

Soulburner narrowed his eyes. She summoned a monster with 0 attack points in Attack Position? he wondered. Is she baiting me into attacking her, or is it just a bluff? Guess I'll find out soon.

"My turn!" Soulburner announced. "I draw! I summon Salamangreat Fennec!"

A small orange and yellow machine animal with a tail of fire appeared.

Salamangreat Fennec ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Since I Summoned a "Salamangreat" monster, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Fowl from my hand!"

A blue and green mechanical peacock with feathers made of fire appeared in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Fowl ATK 1800 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"I activate Fowl's effect! By sending Salamangreat Spinny to the Graveyard, I can prevent you from activating one of your face-down cards. I choose the card on the left!"

"Predictable!" The Sergeant said, narrowing her eyes. "I activate the Trap Card: Card of Pandora! When you target a card in my Spell & Trap Zone with an effect, Card of Pandora becomes the new target!"The Trap Card froze up before it shattered. "Card of Pandora's second effect lets me draw two cards."

Soulburner frowned as his opponent drew. "You might have escaped that, but you won't escape this." Soulburner raised his hand. "I blaze my circuit that scorches the path to the future!" A Link Portal appeared above Soulburner. "The summoning conditions are one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I Set Salamangreat Fennec into the Link Arrow!"

Fennec went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Salamangreat Balelynx!"

A red and white mechanical cat with a flaming tail appeared on Soulburner's field in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Balelynx ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"Balelynx's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I add Salamangreat Sanctuary from my Deck to my hand." Soulburner took the card and then gestured to his field. "And now, I will blaze the circuit one more time! The summoning conditions are two Fire Effect Monsters. I set Fowl and Balelynx in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the top and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Link-2! Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf!"

A stream of fire burst from the portal, revealing an anthropomorphic wolf covered from head to toe in grey and green armor, red eyes, sharp claws and fangs, and its torso burning with flames. The beast gave a loud howl as it entered the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↑↓

"I activate the effect of Spinny in my Graveyard. As I control a "Salamangreat" monster with a different name, I can Special Summon this card from my Graveyard to my field. However, it's banished once it leaves my field. Return, Spinny!"

A black and orange metal armadillo covered in small flames appeared on Soulburner's field in the Main Monster Zone Sunlight Wolf pointed to.

Salamangreat Spinny ATK 1000 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Sunlight Wolf's effect activates! When a monster is Special Summoned to its Link Arrow, I can add a Fire monster from my Graveyard to my hand, but I cannot Normal Summon, Set, or Special Summon any monsters with that monster's name. I add Salamangreat Fowl to my hand." Soulburner took the card before gesturing to his field. "Battle! Sunlight Wolf attacks Blizzed!"

"Naïve!" The Sergeant yelled. "I activate the Trap Card: Ice Barrier! When you declare an attack, your monster's attack points are reduced to 0, and its effects are negated!"

A blizzard engulfed Sunlight Wolf as it was encased in solid ice.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 1800→0

"I still have another attack to go! Spinny attacks Blizzed!"

The small armadillo curled itself, then charged and slammed into the Ice Barrier monster, destroying it and making the Sergeant wince in pain.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→3300 LP

"When Blizzed is destroyed by battle, its effect lets me draw a card!"

Soulburner clicked his tongue. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" The Sergeant declared. "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."

The Sergeant drew, then said, "I activate the effect of Ice Barrier from my Graveyard! By banishing it and sending a Level 5 or higher Water monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can add a Water monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I send the Level 5 General Wayne of the Ice Barrier to the Graveyard to retrieve Blizzed. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Triangle of the Barrier! First, I have to reveal three different "Ice Barrier" monsters from my hand," she did so as the cards she revealed were Blizzed, General Grunard of the Ice Barrier and Strategist of the Ice Barrier in her hand, "Now, I can now destroy one card on your side of the field! I choose your face-down card on the left!"

A blizzard erupted from the Spell Card as it went towards the designated card, as it was revealed to be Energy Of Fire and was destroyed.

"Shoot!" Soulburner as he covered himself from the blizzard.

"Now, the second effect of my Magic Triangle activates!" The Sergeant continued. "I get to Special Summon one "Ice Barrier" monster from my hand! So appear, General Grunard Of The Ice Barrier!"

Appearing on the Sergeant's field was a monster resembling a samurai wearing black clothing and armor made of solid ice. He had red hair and green eyes and wore a massive helmet on the top of his head made of solid ice. He wielded a massive ice sword in his left hand.

General Grunard of the Ice Barrier ATK 2800 DEF 1000 LVL: 8

"Thanks to Grunard's effect, I can Normal Summon twice this turn!" Soulburner's eyes widened. "So I now summon two monsters! Blizzed and Strategist of the Ice Barrier!"

Blizzed reappeared on the field alongside an old man draped in blue robes and wearing a collie hat. He had a full, grey beard and wore an amulet with a blue stone.

Blizzard, Defender of the Ice Barrier ATK 300 DEF 500 LVL: 1

Strategist of the Ice Barrier ATK 1600 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"However, Blizzed won't be staying for long! I activate Strategist's effect! By Tributing an "Ice Barrier" monster, like Blizzed," The Sergeant said as the frozen bird disappeared from the field, "I can now draw one card from my Deck!"

She drew her card, looked at it, then placed it in her hand as she chose a different one. "Now I activate the Spell Card: Tuner's High! By discarding a monster from my hand, I can Special Summon a Tuner Monster with the same Type and Attribute as the discarded monster, but one Level higher from my Deck! I discard my Level 1 Hexa Spirit of the Ice Barrier and Special Summon my Level 2 Tuner Monster, Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier!"

A tan-skinned man wearing a multi-colored cloak around his body and a bandana on the top of his head appeared on the field in Attack Position. He wielded an ice staff in his hand.

Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier ATK 1300 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"A Tuner Monster…" Soulburner muttered. "So, what follows next is…."

"I tune my Level 4 Strategist of the Ice Barrier with my Level 2 Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier!" The Sergeant announced as threads of orange energy spread outwards from her. The elder and man disintegrated into green data before reforming into two rings, each a shade of blue. The rings merged and then formed a tower of six rings. A screen appeared before the rings and displayed "4 + 2" before changing to "6." Light surged through the rings as the Sergeant chanted.

"Fangs trapped in ice! Use your frozen claws and rip through your enemies! I Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 6! Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier!"

Emerging from the light with a roar onto the Sergeant's field in Attack Position. was a large tiger with blue, frost-covered fur and a black breastplate with a gold design.

Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier ATK 2000 DEF 1400 LVL: 6

Soulburner stepped back as he looked at the monster. It made Sunlight Wolf look like a puppy in comparison.

"Battle! Dewloren attacks your Sunlight Wolf! Frozen Crunch!"

Following its master's command, Dewloren jumped toward Sunlight Wolf, its teeth turning into solid ice.

Soulburner gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Salamangreat Ascetic!" he declared. "When an opponent's monster declares an attack, I can Tribute a "Salamangreat" Link Monster, like my Sunlight Wolf, and end the Battle Phase!"

Sunlight Wolf disintegrated, causing the Ice Barrier Synchro Monster to miss its attack. It looked around as it then went back to its controller.

"Since I have no more moves to make, I'll place three cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Soulburner announced. "I draw! I summon Salamangreat Gazelle!"

A white-and-black metal gazelle with flames on its back appeared in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Gazelle ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Gazelle's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can send a "Salamangreat" card from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Salamangreat Sparrow to the Graveyard."

The Sergeant narrowed her eyes at the monsters Soulburner had on his field. "Both those monsters are Level 3!"

Soulburner smirked. "You and I know what that means, huh? An Xyz Summon is coming..." He gestured to his field. "I overlay the Level 3 Salamangreat Gazelle with the Level 3 Salamangreat Spinny!"

Soulburner's Duel Disk released a burst of crimson energy, creating the Xyz cross.

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

Soulburner's monsters disintegrated into data and entered the cross, which fired beams, creating an exploded galaxy.

"This wild steed blazes through the tundra to torch every illusion! I Xyz Summon! Rank 3, Salamangreat Miragestallio!"

A black stallion with a fiery mane and tail and two golden-like wing appendages on his back appeared on Soulburner's field in Attack Position. He had six golden spikes, three on each side that jutted outwards, and a silver piece of armor on the top of his face. Two overlay units orbited around him.

Salamangreat Miragestallio ATK 2000 DEF 900 RNK: 3

"I activate Miragestallio's effect! Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit to Special Summon one "Salamangreat" monster from my Deck." Soulburner said as an Overlay Unit went into Miragestallio's body before he let out a loud war cry.

Salamangreat Miragestallio OU: 2→1

"I Special Summon Salamangreat Chimpy!"

Soon, a red-brown colored chimpanzee-like monster with flaming wrists, ears and tail appeared on Soulburner's field in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Chimpy ATK 2200 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

"I activate the effect of Sparrow from my Graveyard!" Soulburner continued. "Since I control a "Salamangreat" monster, I can Special Summon it!"

Following Soulburner's words, a red armored sparrow with flaming wings and talons appeared on his field in Defense Position.

Salamangreat Sparrow ATK 200 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"Then, I blaze my circuit that scorches the path to the future!" A Link Portal appeared above Soulburner. "The summoning conditions are two or more fire effect monsters. I set Sparrow, Chimpy, and Miragestallio in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Salamangreat Heatleo!"

A dark blue-skinned anthropomorphic lion wearing orange and red armor with wings and gauntlets shaped like mouths emerged from the portal, summoned to the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Salamangreat Chimpy's effect activates! Since it was used as Link Material for a "Salamangreat" monster, I can add a "Salamangreat" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Salamangreat Wolvie to my hand. And then, since Wolvie was added to my hand from the Graveyard, I can add a card in my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Salamangreat Gazelle to my hand."

The Sergeant narrowed her eyes. "He's recycling his cards so easily."

"Next, Miragestallio's effect activates!" Soulburner continued. "When Miragestallio is used as Link Material for the Link Summon of a "Salamangreat" monster Link monster, I can target one monster on the field and return it to your hand." The Sergeant's eyes widened. "I target your General Grunard! Ignition Slash!"

A silhouette of Miragestallio appeared before galloping toward Grunard, surrounded by fire as the Xyz Monster pierced right through him. As a result, General Grunard turned into particles that went back into the Sergeant's Deck.

"Next up, I activate Heatleo's effect! When it is Link Summoned, one card in your Spell & Trap Zone is shuffled into your Deck!" The Sergeant's eyes widened. "Resounding Roar!"

Heatleo roared and caused the Sergeant's left face-down card to disappear.

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Salamangreat Sanctuary!" A large pink magic circle with white light in the center appeared above Soulburner's field. Embers started falling on the field. "Sanctuary's effect lets me Link Summon a "Salamangreat" monster Link Monster by using a monster with the same name as Link Material."

Heatleo burst into flames and entered the magic circle.

"Now rise again from the valley of flames to scorch the land in a raging inferno!" A massive twister of fire exited the portal and struck Soulburner's field. "I Reincarnation Link Summon! Salamangreat Heatleo!"

Heatleo emerged from the fire with its wings on fire and a mane of flames around its neck.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Heatleo's effect activates! Resounding Roar!"

Heatleo roared as the Sergeant's middle face-down card disappeared.

"Next, I activate the reincarnated Heatleo's effect! Once per turn, when it's Reincarnation Link Summoned, I can target a monster on your field and a "Salamangreat" monster in my Graveyard. Until the end of the turn, your monster's attack points now equal my monster's. I target Dewloren and Balelynx! Flame Possession!"

An orb on Heatleo's chest emitted fire that took the shape of Balelynx. The fire charged and struck Berserker, weakening it.

Harpie Berserker ATK 2800→500

"Battle! Heatleo attacks Dewloren! Inferno Strike!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Dimension Wall!" The Sergeant declared. "Now, you take the damage that I would've taken!"

Soulburner gasped as Heatleo's claw struck through the tiger, only for a dimensional rip to absorb the damage. Then...

"AAHHHH!"

He shouted out loud as a dimensional portal opened behind him, and he received the damage from his monster's attack.

Soulburner: 4000→2200 LP

"It appears I chose the wrong face-down cards…." Soulburner muttered. "I should tread carefully from here on out… I end my turn with this."

"Then, it's my turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw. Through its effect, I guess the type of the top card of my Deck. If I guess correctly, I can draw five cards; otherwise, I will have to send the five top cards of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I guess that my top card is a Monster Card. Now, draw!"

The Sergeant checked her top card and revealed it.

"It looks like I was correct, so I draw five cards. Next, I summon the Tuner Monster Geomancer of the Ice Barrier!"

A young girl in a blue dress with long pigtails and a hat appeared on the Sergeant's field.

Geomancer of the Ice Barrier ATK 800 DEF 1200 LVL: 2

"And since I control an "Ice Barrier" monster while my opponent controls a monster, I can Special Summon General Wayne of the Ice Barrier from my hand!"

Following the Sergeant's words, a bulky warrior in blue crystal-like armor appeared, wielding a silver blade with a blue handle.

General Wayne of the Ice Barrier ATK 2100 DEF 400 LVL: 5

"I tune the Level 2 Geomancer of the Ice Barrier with the Level 5 General Wayne!"

Her two monsters disintegrated into green particles before reforming into two blue rings, one a darker shade than the other. The rings merged before turning into a tower of seven rings. A screen displayed "2 + 5" before changing to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"The spear of divine ice, I unseal thee. Become the weapon of legend and strike my foes without fail! I Synchro Summon! Level 7! Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!"

With a flash of blue light, a creature resembling a dragon made of dark-blue ice with glowing red energy emanating from its body appeared as it stood on its four legs and raised its frozen wings before it roared.

General Wayne of the Ice Barrier ATK 2500 DEF 1700 LVL: 7

Soulburner narrowed his eyes. "Another one.."

"I activate Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier's effect! I discard up to two cards to destroy an equal number of cards on the field. I discard the Cards of Compensation and Defender of the Ice Barrier to destroy Salamangreat Heatleo and Salamangreat Sanctuary!"

Soulburner quickly gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Salamangreat Balelynx in the Graveyard!" he declared. "If a "Salamangreat" card I control would be destroyed-."

"That's useless," The Sergeant interrupted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Called by the Grave! With its effect, I can banish a monster from your Graveyard, and until the end of the next turn, you can't activate any of the banished card's effects." Soulburner's eyes widened. "I banish Salamangreat Baelynx from your Graveyard!

Soulburner gritted his teeth. Without Baelynx, he can't save his cards from being destroyed.

Gungnir roared once more before icicles appeared from the sky and impaled Heatleo and Soulburner's field Spell, destroying them.

"Now, my Cards of Compensation's effect activates! When it is sent from my hand to the graveyard, I draw two cards from my Deck!" She did so, then said. "Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier, attack Soulburner directly! It's over!"

"Dream on!" Soulburner exclaimed. "I activate the effect of Salamangreat Parro from my hand! When an attack is declared, I get to Special Summon it!

Soon, a parrot with sharp blue wings and a long, yellow tail with red and blue feathers on the sides appeared on Soulburner's field. Not only did fire emit from the top of its head, but also its chest as well in the form of a 'V'.

Salamangreat Parro ATK 2000 DEF 1000 LVL: 5

"And when Parro is Special Summoned, I can target one "Salamangreat" monster in my Graveyard and make its attack points become that targeted monster's attack points." Soulburner continued. "I target Heatleo in my Graveyard, who has 2300 attack points. That means Parro's attack points become 2300."

Salamangreat Parro ATK 2000→2300

"In that case, Gungnir attacks Parro! Divine Ice Lance!"

A massive wave of ice erupted from Gungnir's maw, enveloping Parro and blowing Soulburner back.

Soulburner: 2200→2000 LP

Soulburner gestured to his field. "Since a "Salamangreat" monster was sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Gazelle from my hand!"

The purple and white monster reappeared.

Salamangreat Gazelle ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Gazelle's effect activates! Since it was summoned, I can send a "Salamangreat" card from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Fusion of Fire to the Graveyard."

"Fusion?" The Sergeant repeated. "No matter. Struggle all you wish, but the result won't change. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Soulburner announced. "I draw! First, 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 four.

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

Soulburner let out a confident smirk upon drawing his cards.

"Time for me to make a comeback. I activate the Spell Card: Link Fire's Return!" Soulburner declared. "This lets me Special Summon a "Salamangreat" Link Monster from my Graveyard, but it cannot attack or activate its effects this turn. Resurrect, Heatleo!"

The armored lion reappeared and roared.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Then, Link Fire's Return inflicts 200 points of damage to you for each of Heatleo's Link Arrows!"

The Sergeant winced at the sudden pressure she felt.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3300→2700 LP

"I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial! This card sends a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Salamangreat Falco to my Graveyard, which then triggers its effect. When Falco is sent to the Graveyard, I can target a "Salamangreat" Spell or Trap card in my Graveyard and set it to my field. I target Fusion of Fire!"

After Soulburner took the declared card from his Graveyard, he placed it face-down on his field.

"However, it won't stay face-down on the field for long!" Soulburner declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Fusion of Fire! I Fusion Summon a "Salamangreat" Fusion Monster using monsters from my hand and either field as material! I fuse Heatleo and Gazelle that are on my field!"

Gazelle erupted into blue flames while Heatleo burst into red flames before spiraling into the air, merging with the blue flames.

"When the flames consume the old, a new creature emerges supreme! I Fusion Summon! Salamangreat Violet Chimera!"

The flames dissipated to reveal a violet lion humanoid monster with six wings on its sides that emitted blue flames. Its left arm ended in a claw, while its right ended in a lance. The monster roared from Soulburner's field in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Violet Chimera's effect activates! Until the end of the turn, it gains attack points equal to half the combined attack points of Gazelle and Heatleo! Gazelle had 1500 attack points, while Heatleo had 2300 attack points. That means Violet Chimera gains 1900 attack points!"

Violet Chimera let out a roar as his attack points increased.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800→4700

''Battle! Violet Chimera, attack Gungnir! Violet Slash!''

"I activate the Trap Card: Ground Capture!" The Sergeant abruptly declared. "Since your monster declared an attack, the battle damage is halved!"

Soon, a giant stone hand erupted, temporarily stopping Violet Chimera's attack. Unfortunately, it broke through and slashed the Ice Barrier Synchro Monster with its sword, causing the Sergeant to flinch from the shockwave.

Syndicate Sergeant: 2700→1600 LP

"Then, since I took 1000 or more points of damage from your attack, I can draw a card!"

"In that case, I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Soulburner concluded. "And since it's now the End Phase, Violet Chimera's attack points return to normal."

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 4700→2800

"Then, it's my turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, which allows me to draw cards from my Deck until I have five. In exchange, I must discard all cards from my hand during my fifth Standby Phase after this card's activation. Then, I activate the Trap Card: Descending Lost Star! This card lets me Special Summon a Synchro Monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. However, its effects are negated, its Level is reduced by one, and its defense points become 0. Resurrect, Dewloren!"

The white and blue tiger reappeared.

Dewloren Tiger King of the Ice Barrier ATK 2000 DEF 1400→0 LVL: 6→5

"I summon Caravan of the Ice Barrier!"

A merchant dressed as a Sherpa mounted on a creature that looked like a cross between a dragon and a snail appeared. Sacks, packages, and bags were secured to its back appeared.

Caravan of the Ice Barrier ATK 500 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"But I'm far from finished," The Sergeant stated. "I activate Caravan's effect! By shuffling two "Ice Barrier monsters" from my Graveyard back into my Deck, we both get to draw a card. I shuffle Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier and Geomancer of the Ice Barrier!"

"Oh? How generous of you," Soulburner said, drawing as his opponent did.

"Next up, I activate the Spell Card: Surface! It enables me to Special Summon a Level 3 or lower Water Monster from my Graveyard. I choose the previously discarded Tuner Monster Defender of the Ice Barrier and Special Summon it in Defense Position!"

An orange fox covered in ice-like armor with icicles protruding from the tip of its tail appeared.

Defender of the Ice Barrier ATK 200 DEF 1600 LVL: 3

"Another Tuner," Soulburner muttered. "I know what's coming next."

"Level 3 Defender of the Ice Barrier tunes Level 1 Caravan of the Ice Barrier and Level 5 Dewloren Tiger King of the Ice Barrier!" The Sergeant declared, a bolt of silver lightning striking behind her as the world grayed out. Her three monsters disintegrated into particles of green data that reformed into three concentric rings. The circles turned blue before merging, forming nine blue rings stacked in a tower, circled by blue-green rectangles. A screen displayed "3 + 1 + 5" before changing to "9." A light surged through the rings as the Sergeant raised her hand above her head.

"Dragon frozen in the deep depths of the arctic, break free from your glacier prison and bring forth the most powerful blizzard! I Synchro Summon! Come forth! Level 9! Trishula, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!"

In a bright flash of blue light, a massive three-headed dragon appeared with a loud and ferocious roar. The dragon's body was white and dark blue, while its wings were white and light blue at the bottom. The dragon had yellow eyes with a yellow gem on each head.

Trishula Dragon of the Ice Barrier ATK 2700 DEF 2000 LVL: 9

As the dragon appeared, the temperature in the room suddenly dropped, causing Soulburner to shiver.

"Why did it become cold all of a sudden?" Soulburner wondered before narrowing his eyes at the dragon. "Is it responsible for this?"

"When Trishula is summoned, its effect activates! I can banish a card from your hand, a card from your field, and a card from your Graveyard!"

"What?!" Soulburner shouted.

"Let's go! I banish the card on the right!" The Sergeant exclaimed as Trishula's right headshot a stream of ice from its mouth through the card in Soulburner's hand.

"...!" Soulburner's eyes widened as the frozen card crumbled and eventually shattered.

"Next, I banish Violet Chimera on your field!"

Trishula's left head blasted a stream of ice at the Fusion Monster.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Dress!" Soulburner declared. "Until the end of the turn, one monster on the field loses 600 attack points, but it cannot be targeted or destroyed by other card effects. I target Violet Chimera!"

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800→2200

"You're not defeating me that easily."

"In that case...I'll use Trishula's third effect to banish Salamangreat Heatleo from your Graveyard!"

Suddenly, the spirit of Heatleo appeared before the huge dragon. Using its center head, the dragon shot a powerful icy blast at the dragon, causing it to freeze. Soon, the dragon swung its tail and hit the armored lion, shattering it.

Soulburner gritted his teeth. "Great. I just lost one of my best monsters," he muttered.

"Battle!" The Sergeant declared. "Trishula, attack Salamangreat Violet Chimera! Glacier Impact!"

Following its master's words, Violet was vaporized by a massive wave of ice that erupted from the three-headed dragon's maws and pushed Soulburner back several feet.

Soulburner: 2000→1500 LP

"Thanks for that!" Soulburner said. "Because you destroyed the Level 8 Violet Chimera, I can activate the Trap Card: Destruction Reward! Due to its effect, I can draw two cards!"

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn." The Sergeant concluded. "If I were you, I'd give up just about now. With my current line-up, your monsters are completely useless against me. How can you possibly hope to defeat me?"

"Oh, there's more than one way to skin a cat." Soulburner smiled. "And you're about to see why! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed! It lets me draw two cards."

Soulburner drew and smiled at his cards. "I activate the Spell Card: Pre-Preparation of Rites, which allows me to add a Ritual Monster and its corresponding Ritual Card from my Deck to my hand! I add Rise of the Salamangreat and Salamangreat Emerald Eagle from my Deck to my hand! Then, I activate Rise of the Salamangreat, offering the Level 8 Salamangreat Beat Bison in my hand to Ritual Summon!"

A dark pink magic circle appeared on the ground in front of Soulburner before eight flames materialized around the circle's edges. A large, red, light-purple armored buffalo with golden horns and flames all over its body appeared before turning into red particles that entered the circle's center, which glowed with red energy before turning into flames that merged and formed a ring of fire.

"Overseer of the fiery kingdom! Descend from above, and ward off invaders with your loud battle cry!" Soulburner chanted. "I Ritual Summon! Emerge, Level 8! Salamangreat Emerald Eagle!"

A large, green, silver mechanical bird appeared on Soulburner's field in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Emerald Eagle ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Reborn!" Soulburner continued. "This card lets me Special Summon a Link Monster from my Graveyard! However, it can't attack for the rest of this turn! Appear once again! Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf!"

The green and gray mechanical wolf reappeared and howled.

Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↑↓

The Sergeant narrowed her eyes at Soulburner. "Why would he use Link Reborn to bring Sunlight Wolf?"

Soulburner gestured to Emerald Eagle. "I activate Emerald Eagle's effect! Once per turn, I can Tribute a "Salamangreat" Link Monster I control to grant Emerald Eagle a special effect. I Tribute Sunlight Wolf!"

Following his words, Sunlight Wolf turned into particles, which went into Emerald Eagle.

"Battle! Salamangreat Emerald Eagle attacks Trishula! And at this moment, Emerald Eagle's effect activates! When Emerald Eagle attacks a monster you control, your monster is instantly destroyed before damage calculation, and you also take damage equal to its original attack points! Go, Emerald Raze!"

Emerald Eagle charged toward Trishula and tackled it, destroying it in a massive explosion.

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Damage Alteration!" The Sergeant declared. "When I'm about to receive damage from a card effect, I can negate the damage!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around the Sergeant, shielding her from the explosion.

"Then, Damage Alteration lets me Special Summon a monster from my Deck with attack points equal to the negated damage. Appear, General Gantala of the Ice Barrier!"

Soon, a bald, dark-skinned man with a blue snowflake-shaped marking on his head and back stepped onto the field. His clothes revealed his upper, well-toned physique, and his left arm was enveloped in a blue flame.

General Gantala of the Ice Barrier ATK 2700 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"In that case, I place one card face-down and end my turn," Soulburner concluded.

"This duel has gone on long enough," the Sergeant said. "Time to end this. My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Trap Card: Back to the Front! This Special Summons a monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Blizzed, Defender of the Ice Barrier!"

Blizzard, Defender of the Ice Barrier ATK 300 DEF 500 LVL: 1

"Then, I summon the Tuner Monster Dewdark of the Ice Barrier!"

A ninja-like monster with yellow hair, purple robes and blue gauntlets with yellow lining appeared on the Sergeant's field between Gantala and Blizzed. He wore a purple scarf and wielded an ice shuriken and a dagger.

Dewdark of the Ice Barrier ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"From there, I activate the Spell Card: Falling Current!" The Sergeant continued. "This card requires me to target 1 monster I control and declare a Level between 1 and 3. I target Blizzed and declare 2!"

Dewdark of the Ice Barrier LVL: 1→2

Two Level 2s and a Level 7, Soulburner thought. Uh oh.

"I tune the Level 7 General Gantala of the Ice Barrier and the Level 2 Blizzed with the Level 2 Dewdark!"

A bolt of green lightning struck the Sergeant as the world turned gray. A wave of energy swept across her field and disintegrated her monsters, turning them into blue particles and forming three concentric circles. The circles merged, and numerous blue-green rectangles appeared and formed a circle, while eleven blue rings formed in the middle and arranged themselves in a tower. A screen above the tower displayed "2 + 7 + 2" before shifting to "11". A beam of light shot through the rings.

"Dragon encased in ice broken free! Unleash your fury and put this duel on ice. I Synchro Summon! Level 11! Trishula, Zero Dragon of the Ice Barrier!"

A massive dragon that resembled Trishula appeared on the Sergeant's field in Attack Position. It had a red lining pattern across its whole body from its chest, ice scales, tail, claws, head, and even wings. Its body and tail have small ice spikes, and its heads have sharper horns. It also had a small yellow gem on each of its heads.

Trishula, Zero Dragon of the Ice Barrier ATK 2700 DEF 2000 LVL: 11

"A Level 11 Synchro Monster?" Soulburner grimaced. "Well, it doesn't matter. My monster's stronger than yours!"

"Not for long!" The Sergeant declared. "Zero Dragon's effect activates! When it's successfully Synchro Summoned, I can banish up to three cards you control!" Soulburner's eyes widened. "Eternal Blizzard!"

Following the Sergeant's command, the dragon opened its wings wide and unleashed an even more powerful blizzard, enveloping Soulburner's cards in ice before shattering.

"Now, let's battle!" The Sergeant exclaimed. "Trishula, attack Soulburner directly and finish him off! Subzero Impact!"

The gems on Trishula's three heads glowed before firing a massive, electrically charged blizzard-like laser at Soulburner.

"I activate the effect of Salamangreat Squirrel from my hand!" Soulburner declared. "Since you declared a direct attack, I can reduce the battle damage by sending this card to the Graveyard!"

Following Soulburner's words, a barrier of flames appeared around him, protecting him from Trishula's attack.

"So you survived by the skin of your teeth, huh?" The Sergeant said. "No matter, you're merely prolonging the inevitable. "I activate the Spell Card: Level Thunder!"

Soulburner blinked a few times as sparks of electricity began to build up all over the Sergeant's Synchro Monster's body.

"Now, you take 100 points of damage equal to the total combined Levels of all my face-up monsters!"

"What!?" Soulburner gasped.

"And that's 1100 points of damage!"

The electricity surged from the dragon, concentrating into a powerful bolt of energy that crashed into Soulburner's body, making him convulse as he screamed and fell to his knees due to the severe pain.

Soulburner: 1500→400 LP

"Hahahaha!" The Sergeant laughed madly. "Serves you right, you scum! That position is the most appropriate for you! Suffer in agony and despair and finally crumble! And when you do, my defeat at your hands will finally stop haunting my nightmares! I place one card face-down and end my turn," she concluded. "You may have survived this, but your Life Points are merely a candle in the wind. During my next turn, I'll completely extinguish them and win!"

"Next turn, you say?" Soulburner said as he stood back up and narrowed his eyes at his opponent. "There will be no next turn for you! I'm finishing all of you right here, right now! My turn! I draw! First, Salamangret Squirrel's second effect activates from my Graveyard. I can Special Summon it during the Standby Phase after the turn I activated its first effect!"

A light reddish brown squirrel-like creature with a fiery tail and flame-like gliders underneath its arms appeared on Soulburner's field in Defense Position.

Salamangreat Squirrel ATK 1200 DEF 600 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Linkage Release!" The card showed a Link portal breaking in half. "This card targets one of my banished Link Monsters and shuffles it into the Extra Deck. Then, I draw cards equal to the targeted monster's Link Rating. I shuffle the banished Salamangreat Heatleo back into my Extra Deck and draw three cards!"

He drew, then said, "Linkage Release has one more effect. During the End Phase, I take damage equal to Heatleo's attack points."

The Sergeant narrowed her eyes. That means if he doesn't win this turn, he'll take 2300 points of damage. She smirked. He's either confident he can win or taking a lousy bet.

Upon checking his drawn cards, Soulburner's eyes widened.

This card… Soulburner thought as he stared at one of his drawn cards. Perfect. With this, her defeat is sealed.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Salamangreat Circle!" By activating its first effect, I can add a "Salamangreat" monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Salamangreat Jack Jaguar, which I'll summon!"

A black and yellow armored jaguar-like monster with flames shooting from its back appeared next to Squirrel.

Salamangreat Jack Jaguar ATK 1800 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

The Sergeant narrowed her eyes. "Two Level 4 monsters," she muttered.

"I overlay Level 4 Salamangreat Jack Jaguar and Salamangreat Squirrel!"

Soulburner's Duel Disk released a burst of crimson energy, creating the Xyz cross.

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

Soulburner's monsters disintegrated into data and entered the cross, which fired beams, creating an exploded galaxy.

"The racing, fiery horse that dashes through the darkness! I Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Salamangreat Silver Unicorn!"

The monster that emerged from the galaxy was a silver-black armored coated, silver-colored eye, metallic unicorn with a yellow metal horn and red mane. It had silver stripes across its body, and its hooves and thighs were shaped like rocket-like engines that erupted in small flames. Two red lights circled it as it appeared in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Blaze Dragon ATK 2400 DEF 1500 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"Another Salamangreat Xyz Monster…?" The Sergeant said. "However, with an attack of 2400, it cannot surpass Trishula."

"I would have to disagree," Soulburner said. "I activate Silver Unicorn's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit from it, I can target a monster on the field and deal you damage equal to half the targeted monster's attack points! And after this effect resolves, I get to add a "Salamangreat" monster from my Deck to my hand whose attack points are equal to or less than the damage you took."

One of the red orbs entered Silver Unicorn's mane as it neighed.

Salamangreat Silver Unicorn OU: 2→1

"That won't be happening!" The Sergeant exclaimed. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Soulstone Binding!" The card showed a demonic creature trapped within an oversized red crystal. "Through its effect, I target Silver Unicorn!"

A large crimson crystal appeared around Silver Unicorn, imprisoning the horse within its confines as it neighed powerlessly.

"Silver Unicorn!" Soulburner shouted out in worry. "What did you do to it!?"

"Thanks to the effect of Soulstone Binding, your monster's effects are negated. It cannot be tributed, and it cannot attack or change its battle position," The Sergeant explained. "Furthermore, during each of your End Phases, Soulstone Binding will inflict 500 points of damage to you. And with your Life Points being a measly 400, you will ultimately be defeated. As I told you before, there's no way for prey like you to overcome the predator."

"Sorry, but you can't extinguish Silver Unicorn's flames so easily!" Soulburner stated with a confident expression. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Pseudo-Space! Through its effect, I can banish a Field Spell from my Graveyard to have Pseudo Space gains the banished card's name and effects. I banish Salamangreat Sanctuary!"

"What good would that do?" The Sergeant asked. "Your monster is an Xyz Monster, not a Link Monster. So you can't use Sanctuary's effect to Reincarnation Link Summon?"

"You're right. I can't," Soulburneragreed. "But this will. I activate the Spell Card: Rank-Up-Magic Blaze Ascension!" The card showed the background of Salamangreat Sanctuary with Salamangreat Silver Unicorn leaping upward as it goes through a portal, releasing powerful flames. "By targeting a "Salamangreat" Xyz Monster I control, I can Rank-Up it into a "Salamangreat" Xyz Monster that is one Rank higher! However, since I control a "Salamangreat" Field Spell, I can use the targeted monster to summon another copy of itself instead. Using Silver Unicorn, I rebuild the Overlay Network!"

Soulburner raised his left hand high into the air before he shot out a bolt of red energy, which caused a galaxy portal to appear behind him. Much to the Sergeant's astonishment, Silver Unicorn broke out of its prison and turned into red energy that went into it before a pillar of light erupted from the center.

"Reincarnation Xyz Summon! Blaze up everything in your path, Salamangreat Silver Unicorn!"

Silver Unicorn reappeared on Soulburner's field, only now its mane was covered in silver-colored flames and its horn, hooves and thighs.

Salamangreat Silver Unicorn ATK 2400 DEF 1500 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"A Reincarnation Xyz Summon?!" The Sergeant gasped, being caught off guard. She knew of Soulburner's Reincarnation Link Summon, but for a Reincarnation Xyz Summon to happen was unexpected.

"Now let's try this again," Soulburner said as he gestured to his monster. "I activate Silver Unicorn's effect! I use an Overlay Unit to target one monster on the field and inflict half of its attack points to you as damage!"

Salamangreat Silver Unicorn OU: 2→1

"Even so, I'll still have Life Points remaining once your monster's effect resolves!"

"No, you won't," Soulburner said. "Silver Unicorn's second effect! Since it was Xyz Summoned using itself as Xyz Material, all damage you receive from it is doubled!" Soulburner gestured to his monster. "Do it, Silver Unicorn! Rush Fire!"

Silver Unicorn charged at Trishula and pierced through it with its horn. Trishula's body was enveloped in flames, and while it wasn't destroyed, those same flames past through and engulfed the Syndicate Sergeant and knocked her off her feet.

Syndicate Sergeant: 1600→0 LP

Soulburner's monster faded as the two duelists' Duel Disks shut down. He frowned at his opponent, but before deciding what to do with her, she disappeared into blue light.

"That was faster than normal," Soulburner mused. "Enough of that; I need to meet up with the others."

Upon saying so, Soulburner took his leave.

OC Card Memo:

Roselyn:

Margrapevine

Level 3 EARTH Plant

ATK:600/DEF:800

If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). This card can be treated as 2 Tributes for the Tribute Summon of a Plant-Type monster.

Black Rose Ritual

Ritual Spell Card

This card can be used to Ritual Summon any "Rose" Ritual Monster from your hand. You must also Tribute monsters from your hand or field whose total Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual Monster you Ritual Summon. If your opponent controls a Special Summoned monster: You can also send monsters from your deck to your GY for the Ritual Summon. If this card is in your GY, except the turn it was sent there (Quick Effect): You can banish this card and 1 'Rose' Ritual Monster from your GY; Special Summon 1 Plant or 'Rose Dragon' monster from your GY. You can only use this effect of 'Black Rose Ritual' once per turn.

Magician of Black Rose

FIRE

Level 7

ATK: 2500/DEF:2000

[ Spellcaster/Ritual/Effect ]

You can Ritual Summon this card with "Black Rose Ritual". This card is also treated as a Plant-Type monster. When this card is Ritual Summoned: You can add 1 'Thorn of Malice' or 1 card that has 'Rose Dragon' in its text from your deck or GY to your hand. If this card destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the GY: You can Special Summon that monster to your field, but it can't attack directly. You can tribute this card and 1 monster you control; Special Summon 1 'Black Rose' Synchro monster from your Extra Deck to your field, and if you do, it can't be destroyed by battle or card effects for the rest of this turn. You can only use this effect of 'Magician of Black Rose' once per turn.

Soulburner:

Salamangreat Chimpy- Level 5, ATK: 2200, DEF: 1800, ATT: FIRE, Type: Cyberse/Effect

Effect: If you control a "Salamangreat" monster or if you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is used as material for the Ritual, Fusion, Synchro or Link Summon of a "Salamangreat" monster: Add 1 "Salamangreat" monster from your GY or banished to your hand. You can only use each effect of "Salamangreat Chimpy" per turn.

Salamangreat Squirrel- Level 4, ATK: 1200, DEF: 600, ATT: FIRE, Type: Cyberse/Effect

Effect: When your opponent's monster battles a "Salamangreat" monster you control or declares a direct attack (Quick Effect): Discard this card and if you do, you take no Battle Damage this turn. During the Standby Phase of your next turn after this card was activated; you can Special Summon this card from your GY and if you do; negate the effects of 1 face-up card on the field. You can only activate 1 "Salamangreat Squirrel" once per turn.

Salamangreat Silver Unicorn

ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500/RNK: 4

Fire/Cyberse/XYZ/Effect

Monster Effect: 2 Level 4 "Salamangreat" monsters

During your Main Phase: You have this card be treated as a Level 4 monster until the end of this turn. Once per turn: You can detach 1 material from this card, then target 1 face-up monster on the field; inflict damage to your opponent equal to half that target's current ATK, then add 1 "Salamangreat" monster from your Deck to your hand with ATK less than or equal to the damage inflicted. If this card was Xyz Summoned using "Salamangreat Silver Unicorn" as material, any battle or effect damage either player takes from this card is doubled.

Rank-Up-Magic Blaze Ascension

Quick-Play Spell Card

(This card is always treated as a "Salamangreat" card.)

Target 1 "Salamangreat" Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon 1 "Salamangreat" Xyz Monster from your Extra Deck, with a Rank 1 higher. (This is treated as an Xyz Summon. Transfer its materials to the Summoned monster.) If you control a "Salamangreat" Field Spell, you can Special Summon 1 "Samangreat" Xyz Monster with the same name instead. You can only activate 1 "Rank-Up-Magic Blaze Ascension" per turn.

Linkage Release Normal Spell Card

Target 1 of your banished Link Monsters: shuffle the targeted monster back into your Extra Deck and draw cards equal to that monster's Link Rating. During the End Phase, take damage equal to the targeted monster's ATK.

Blue Maiden:

Marincess Sea Butterfly (Credit to BlaiseCandell)

(L2/1800/WATER/Cyberse/Link/Effect/↑, →)

2 WATER monsters

If this card is Link Summoned and you control only WATER monsters: You can Special Summon 1 Link-1 "Marincess" Link Monster from your Extra Deck. (This is treated as a Link Summon.) You can only use this effect of "Marincess Sea Butterfly" once per turn. While you control this face-up card in the Monster Zone or Spell/Trap Zone, co-linked WATER monsters you control cannot be destroyed by card effects.

Syndicate Soldiers:

Amazoness Champion (Credit to scififan599)

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Warrior/Link/Effect] ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

2 EARTH monsters

Gains 200 ATK for each "Amazoness" monster on the field. During your Main Phase, you can: Immediately after this effect resolves, Normal Summon 1 "Amazoness" monster. You can only use this effect of "Amazoness Champion" once per turn.

Amazoness Lasso (Equip Spell card) (Credit to Divadx)

Effect: Equip only to an 'Amazoness' monster. When the equipped monster battles a monster your opponent controls, its ATK is halved until the End Phase.

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Advent of New Beginnings. Chapter 20 – Operation: Possible or Impossible.

QOTC: Which member of the Top 10 Pendulum Cards do you think is the best?

Author Notes:

And with that, Chapter 20 comes to an end. Hope you guys enjoyed the duels. Apologies for this chapter coming out so late, I've been busy with school. I've finished writing Chapter 21 and 22, so hopefully they should be up soon. Until then, please read and review. See you guys next time.