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?

21. Operation: Mission Possible? Part 2

Greetings, community! Donkeyboy100 here, with Chapter 21. Luckily, this chapter came out quicker than the last one. Again, I apologize for that. And now, on with the story!

In LINK VRAINS, at the Light Ignis's former palace…

"Go! Trans Fault!"

An orange-armored warrior fired a beam that sent one soldier flying.

Syndicate Soldier #1: 2600→0 LP

"Excode Close!"

A larger warrior in green brought a holographic claw down, sending another student tumbling backwards.

Syndicate Soldier #2: 1800→0 LP

"Finally! Power Termination Smash!"

A warrior in red armor delivered a powerful punch to the third soldier, who cried out in pain as he was knocked off his feet.

Syndicate Soldier #3: 3000→0 LP

Playmaker watched as his three opponents fell unconscious and his monsters disappeared.

"And with that, we're finished here," Playmaker remarked as he deactivated his Duel Disk. "These soldiers are relentless… Hopefully, that was the last one."

The former hero of LINK VRAINS continued down the corridors of the palace. After being separated from the others when the Syndicate attacked them, Playmaker continued to look for the room containing the Link Spell, Judgment Arrows. Despite having encountered several storage rooms, a couple of training halls and several soldiers that he had promptly taken care of, there was still no sign of the Link Spell.

A few minutes later…

"This place is a bust too… It would be nice if Lightning placed some signposts here saying, 'room that contains Link Spell this way, all prospective challengers are welcome'. But I guess that's asking too much."

Playmaker grumbled as he checked the spacious room before him, only to become empty again. He was rapidly losing patience with the apparent lack of progress, but there wasn't much he could do other than move as fast as he could. Lightning's palace was quite large, and with no other way to communicate with the rest of his comrades apart from short-burst messages due to the interference, there was no way for everyone to coordinate their efforts.

"Alright, where should I try my luck next?" Playmaker wondered aloud as he checked the holographic map Kolter had provided him and the others just in case they separated. "Hmmm, looks like the next room is nearby. Not to mention, it's spacious enough to contain the Link Spell and any additional resources. Let's hope this attempt will not end like the fifteen failed ones…."

After saying so, Playmaker immediately rushed through the palace corridors and reached a large door after making three lefts and rights.

"Looks like this is the place…." Playmaker stated as he opened the door and rushed inside, finding himself in a semi-circular room with a small arena.

"Another training hall… This is starting to get very tiring. Regardless, time to move to the next area."

"I'm afraid I cannot let you do that."

Playmaker flinched at the sudden statement that came out of nowhere, certain that the enemy was upon him. Upon turning around, he noticed a Syndicate Sergeant standing in the distance.

"It looks like my opponent has shown himself at last," Playmaker said. "Honestly, you guys have the worst timing. However, know that I will blow you away without mercy if you choose to stand in my way."

"Aren't you a confident one," The Sergeant said. "I was hoping to run in your comrade, Storm Rider, to exact revenge against him for defeating me, but I'll test out my new Deck against you before that."

"Sorry. But won't get the chance to do so," Playmaker said as he activated his Duel Disk. "I plan on defeating you here and reuniting with my allies."

"That won't be happening." The Sergeant also activated his Duel Disk. "Now, come at me, former hero of LINK VRAINS. I'll perform your last rites with great pleasure."

"Let's Duel!"

Playmaker and The Sergeant shouted in unison as they activated their Duel Disks.

Playmaker: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"It's my turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I summon The Black Stone of Legend!"

A black stone with red cracks appeared on the Sergeant's field.

The Black Stone of Legend ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Next, I activate The Black Stone of Legend's effect! By Tributing it, I can Special Summon one Level 7 or lower "Red-Eyes" monster from my Deck! I Tribute The Black Stone of Legend to Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"

The black stone broke apart and turned into particles as a large, black dragon with red eyes appeared on the field and took its place, roaring in the process.

Red-Eyes Black Dragon ATK 2400 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

Playmaker's eyes widened. Red-Eyes? That's one of the legendary Decks! How did he get his hands on it?

"I activate the Spell Card: Inferno Fire Blast!" The Sergeant continued. "This card lets me target one "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" on my field and inflict damage equal to its original attack points! However, it can't attack the turn this card is activated."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. Since the person who went first wasn't allowed to attack, the Sergeant played a card that allowed him to deal effect damage, thus enabling him to get around that rule.

"Now go, Red-Eyes! Inferno Fire Blast!"

Red-Eyes Black Dragon gathered black and red energy in his maw before firing it as a blast at Playmaker, striking him and sending him tumbling to the ground.

Playmaker: 4000→1600 LP

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

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker declared. "I summon Flame Bufferlo!"

A black metal bison with horns and a tail made of blue fire appeared.

Flame Bufferlo ATK 1400 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Since a Cyberse monster was Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon this monster. Come, Boot Staggered!"

A humanoid machine with white armor and a body covered in blue dots appeared in Attack Position.

Boot Staggered ATK 2300 DEF 500 LVL: 5

"Then, by reducing Flame Bufferlo's Level by two, I Special Summon Catche Eve L2 from my hand!"

A woman with cat paws, ears, and a tail appeared, wearing a blue cloak and a white skirt.

Flame Bufferlo LVL: 3→1

Catche Eve L2 ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!" A Link Portal appeared above Playmaker! "The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Catche Eve L2 in the Link Arrow!"

The monster entered the bottom arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Link Disciple!"

A red, black, and white machine in a humanoid shape emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Link Disciple ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"I activate the effect of Backup Operator in my hand! I target a monster my Link Monster points to, Special Summon Backup Operator, and return that monster to the owner's hand. I target Flame Bufferlo and Special Summon Backup Operator!"

A pink-haired woman in white armor over a black jumpsuit appeared, sitting on a mobile chair in Attack Position.

Backup Operator ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Flame Bufferlo then returns to my hand." The black bison disappeared. "And since Flame Bufferlo left the field, I can discard a Cyberse monster to draw two cards. I'll discard Flame Bufferlo itself and draw!" Playmaker glanced at his new cards and added them to his hand. "Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 or higher Cyberse monsters. I set Backup Operator and Boot Staggered in the Link Arrows!"

Playmaker's monsters entered the top and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Elphase!"

A man in a blue tunic with blonde hair tied in a ponytail emerged from the portal at Link Disciple's Link Arrow.

Elphase ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑→

"Since Backup Operator was Special Summoned by its effect, it is banished since it left the field. And while Elphase is on the field, it gains 300 attack points for each monster it points to."

Elphase ATK 2000→2300

"For a third time, the circuit that leads to the future!"

The Link Portal appeared again above Playmaker.

"The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Link Disciple and Elphase in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the top, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Transcode Talker!"

A humanoid in orange armor emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Transcode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓→

"Since the Link Summoned Elphase left the field, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Flame Bufferlo!"

The black bison with horns and a tail of blue fire appeared in Attack Position.

Flame Bufferlo ATK 1400 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Transcode Talker's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Arrow. Return, Elphase!"

The blonde warrior reappeared at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Elphase ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑→

"Elphase gains 300 attack points for each monster it points to. And while Transcode Talker is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it gain 500 attack points and cannot be targeted by your card effects."

Elphase ATK 2000→2300→2800

Transcode Talker ATK 2300→2800

"For a fourth time! The circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set Flame Bufferlo and Link-2 Elphase in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the top, bottom, and left arrows.

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

A warrior in blue armor with wings emerged from the portal at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Shootingcode Talker ATK 2300→2800 LINK-3 ←↑↓

"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."

Playmaker drew his cards, then played one of them. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Cynet Universe! This card increases the attack points of my Link Monsters by 300!"

Transcode Talker ATK 2800→3100

Shootingcode Talker ATK 2800→3100

"Battle! At this point, Shootingcode Talker's effect activates! During this Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker gains additional attacks against your monsters for each monster it points to!" Playmaker explained. "Shootingcode Talker is linked to Transcode Talker so it can attack your monsters twice!"

The bars on Shootingcode Talker's left arm extended, creating a golden bow.

"Shootingcode Talker attacks Red-Eyes Black Dragon! And since you only control one monster, Shootingcode Talker loses 400 attack points."

Shootingcode Talker ATK 3100→2700

Shootingcode released its string, sending its bolt through Red-Eyes Black Dragon. The monster was destroyed in an explosion.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→3700 LP

Shootingcode Talker ATK 2700→3100

"I activate the Trap Card: Destruction Reward!" The Sergeant declared. "Because you destroyed the Level 7 Red-Eyes Black Dragon, I can draw two cards!"

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "My Battle Phase isn't over. Shootingcode Talker attacks you directly! Shimmering Straight Shot!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Counter Gate!" The Sergeant yelled. "Through its effect, if I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can negate it! Then, I will draw a card from my Deck, and if it's a monster, I can Special Summon it!"

The Sergeant drew his card and smirked as he revealed it.

"The drawn card is Red-Eyes Baby Dragon, which is a monster. That means I can Special Summon it!"

A portal appeared before the Sergeant, out of which a small, black dragon with red eyes appeared in Defense Position.

Red-Eyes Baby Dragon ATK 1200 DEF 700 LVL: 3

"In that case, Transcode Talker attacks Red-Eyes Baby Dragon!" Playmaker pointed at the Sergeant's monster. "Trans Fault!"

Transcode Talker's shoulder popped open, revealing a rifle it took in its hands. The rifle fired a beam of orange light that struck Baby Dragon and destroyed it.

"At this moment, Red-Eyes Baby Dragon's effect activates!" The Sergeant exclaimed. "When this card is destroyed, I can Special Summon a Level 7 or lower "Red-Eyes" monster from my Deck. Come, Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!"

An imposing black dragon with four flaming wings extending from its back appeared.

Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon ATK 2400 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Baby Dragon then equips onto Black Dragon and increases its attack points by 300!"

The small black dragon reappeared and wrapped its arms around Black Flare Dragon's neck from the back.

Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon ATK 2400→2700

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "At the end of the Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker's effect lets me draw cards equal to the number of monsters it destroyed this turn. It destroyed one, so I get to draw one card. Finally, I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! First, I Normal Summon Black Flare Dragon!"

Suddenly, the dragon roared as it surrounded itself in a fire.

"Normal Summon it…?" Playmaker seemed perplexed. "But…Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon is already on the field. What's the meaning of this?"

"Black Flare Dragon belongs to a special category of monsters called Gemini Monsters. Monsters that are treated as Normal Monsters on the field or in the Graveyard. However, their effects can only be unlocked by Normal Summoning them again while on the field," the Sergeant explained before playing a card from his hand. "I activate the Spell Card: Red-Eyes Insight, whose effect allows me to send a "Red-Eyes" monster from my Deck or hand to the Graveyard to add a "Red-Eyes" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I will send Red-Eyes Black Flame Swordsman from my Deck to the Graveyard to add Red-Eyes Gateway from my Deck to my hand and activate it!" The card showed Lady of D. conjuring a portal with Red-Eyes Black Dragon emerging from it. "Through its effect, I can target a "Red-Eyes" monster I control and Special Summon a "Red-Eyes" monster from my Deck with a Level equal to or lower than the targeted monster's. Come, another copy of Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"

A pitch-black portal appeared above the Sergeant, which emerged Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

Red-Eyes Black Dragon ATK 2400 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Due to the second effect of Red-Eyes Gateway, the summoned monster's attack points become equal to the targeted monster's."

Red-Eyes Black Dragon ATK 2400→2700

"In addition, since a "Red-Eyes" monster was Special Summoned successfully, the effect of Red-Eyes Black Flame Swordsman in my Graveyard activates, allowing me to Special Summon it once per Duel. Revive, Red-Eyes Black Flame Swordsman!"

A warrior with red eyes clad in a black battle outfit, which held a crimson blade with black flames surrounding it, appeared on the Sergeant's field.

Red-Eyes Black Flame Swordsman ATK 1800 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization, and fuse Red-Eyes Black Dragon Black Flame Swordsman!"

His monsters disintegrated into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Two whirlwinds of energy shot upwards from the vortex before merging into a violet tornado.

"Dragon of darkness embodying infinite potential! Join as one with the warrior of the underworld and slash apart everything obstructing your path! I Fusion Summon! Rise! Red-Eyes Slash Dragon!"

A winged dragon clad in dark-colored iron armor with large blades protruding from its forearms appeared in Attack Position.

Red-Eyes Slash Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 7

"I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, whose effect lets me draw four cards. Next, I'll activate the effect of Black Metal Dragon in my hand!" The Sergeant continued. "I can equip it from my hand or field to a "Red-Eyes" monster I control, which gains 600 attack points. I equip it to Black Flare Dragon!"

Above Black Flare, a small black metallic dragon materialized before it broke off into several smaller pieces, which attached themselves to Black Flare's body.

Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon ATK 2700→3300

"Battle!" The Sergeant exclaimed. "Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon, attack Transcode Talker! Dark Flare Blast!"

A massive fireball erupted from Black Flare Dragon's mouth, destroying Transcode and making Playmaker wince.

Playmaker: 1600→1400 LP

"Since Transcode Talker left the field, Shootingcode Talker loses 500 attack points."

Shootingcode Talker ATK 3100→2600

"Next, Red-Eyes Slash Dragon attacks Shootingcode Talker!" The Sergeant shouted. "And at this moment, Slash Dragon's effect activates! I can equip a Warrior monster from my Graveyard to it and increase its attack points by 200. I equip Black Flame Swordsman!"

Red-Eyes Slash Dragon ATK 2800→3000

"Go, Red-Eyes Slash Dragon! Blazing Laceration!"

Flames enveloped the blades extending from the dragon's forearms as it charged forward, slashing at Shootingcode rapidly and destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave sending Playmaker skidding backwards.

Playmaker: 1400→1000 LP

The Sergeant gestured to Black Flare Dragon. "With the Battle Phase's end, Black Flare Dragon's effect activates! Since this card inflicted battle damage, I can also inflict effect damage equal to this card's original attack points!"

Torrents of flames erupted from Black Flare Dragon's wings at Playmaker, but he was ready for them.

"I activate the Trap Card: Life Regeneration!" he said. "This negates the damage I would take and increases my Life Points by the same amount!"

The flames turned green, and instead of causing him pain, he was healed.

Playmaker: 1000→3400 LP

"Playmaker escaped defeat," the Sergeant noted. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker looked at his card, and his eyes fractionally widened. This'll work. "I summon Clock Wyvern!"

A blue and pink metal dragon appeared and roared.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Clock Wyvern's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can halve its attack points to Special Summon a Clock Token!"

A mass of violet crystals appeared in Defense Position.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800→900

Clock Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Clock Token and Clock Wyvern in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the bottom and bottom-right Link Arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Clock Spartoi!"

A humanoid warrior in silver and gold armor emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone, wielding a small spear.

Clock Spartoi ATK 800→1100 LINK-2 ↓↘

"Clock Spartoi's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can add Cynet Fusion from my Deck to my hand!"

The Sergeant narrowed his eyes. "Fusion?"

"I activate the Trap Card: Recoded Alive!" Playmaker continued. "By banishing a Link-3 Cyberse Link Monster from my field or Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Code Talker' monster from my Extra Deck. I banish Transcode Talker to Special Summon Decode Talker!"

A warrior in dark blue armor wielding a massive purple sword appeared at Clock Spartoi's bottom-right Link Arrow.

Decode Talker ATK 2300→2600 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Clock Spartoi's effect activates! When a monster is Special Summoned to its Link Arrow, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Come, Clock Wyvern!"

The dragon reappeared and roared in Attack Position.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Finally, I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Fusion! With this, I fuse monsters in my hand or field to Fusion Summon a Cyberse Fusion Monster. I fuse Clock Wyvern, Clock Spartoi, and Decode Talker!"

"By fusing my monsters, I merge them into a new, more powerful creation! I Fusion Summon! Cyberse Clock Dragon!"

The tornado was torn apart by a violet dragon in black armor with silver and gold wings and four gleaming blue eyes. The dragon roared in Attack Position.

Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"A Fusion Monster?" The Sergeant gasped.

Playmaker gestured to his field. "Clock Dragon's effect activates! When Fusion Summoned, I send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to the combined Link Ratings of its Fusion Materials. Clock Spartoi was Link-2, and Decode Talker was Link-3; that means I send five cards to the Graveyard." Playmaker did so and smirked. "Then, until the end of the next turn, Clock Dragon gains 1000 attack points for each card! Go! Cyberse Clockup!"

Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 2500→7500

"Cyberse Clock Dragon now has 7500 attack points!" The Sergeant noted before gesturing to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Altar for Tribute! I send my Black Flare Dragon to the Graveyard and gain Life Points equal to its original attack points!"

The Gemini Monster disappeared as a green light surrounded the Syndicate Sergeant.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3700→6100 LP

"And thanks to Red-Eyes Baby Dragon's second effect, I can add a Level 1 Dragon monster from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand if this card is sent to the Graveyard while equipped to a Monster," the Sergeant said. "I add a second copy of Black Metal Dragon to my hand. Moreover, the equipped Black Metal Dragon's effect also activates. When it's sent to the Graveyard, I can add a "Red-Eyes" card from my Deck to the hand. I choose Red-Eyes Fusion."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "Now he'll survive the turn," he muttered before gesturing to his monster. "Battle! Cyberse Clock Dragon attacks Red-Eyes Slash Dragon! Pulse Pressure!"

Pink lightning crawled across Clock Dragon's skin before gathering in its maw. The dragon reared its head back and forward, releasing a beam of energy at the Red-Eyes Fusion Monster, destroying it in an explosion and sending the Sergeant skidding backwards due to the ensuing shockwave.

Syndicate Sergeant: 6100→1600 LP

"Red-Eyes Slash Dragon's effect activates!" The Sergeant exclaimed. "When this card is destroyed, I can Special Summon the monster equipped to it. Return to my field, Black Flame Swordsman in Defense Position!"

The swordsman emerged from a dark portal and landed on the Sergeant's field.

Red-Eyes Black Flame Swordsman ATK 1800 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

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

"My turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Red-Eyes Fusion! This card lets me Fusion Summon a Fusion Monster that lists a "Red-Eyes" monster as a Fusion Material from my Extra Deck by using monsters from my hand, Deck, or Field as Fusion Materials in exchange that I can't summon any other monsters this turn."

"What?!" Playmaker exclaimed, surprised at what he was hearing. Whatever monster the Sergeant was about to bring out would be tricky to overcome.

Two cards popped out of the Sergeant's Deck. "From my Deck, I fuse a second copy of Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon with Red-Eyes Archfiend of Lightning!"

A silhouette of Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon appeared, along with a silhouette of a large demonic creature with black armor that covered its purple skin underneath. Covering his chest was a large, silver rib-like armor extending to his shoulder pads. The fiend had four horns, with two on his sides and two curved ones on his head. Last but not least, he had three eyes and two wings on his back. Both monsters disintegrated into red and blue particles before swirling into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.

"Mighty dragon of endless potential! Envelop yourself with malevolence and raze those who stand in your way of evolution!" The Sergeant chanted. "I Fusion Summon! Arise! Archfiend Black Skull Dragon!"

A large demonic dragon with light-red skin and portions of black armor on his feet, legs, and spiked tail appeared on the Sergeant's field in Attack Position. The top of his head was covered in a metal coating, while his jaw consisted of pure bone. The wings on his back unleashed fire as he roared at Playmaker.

Archfiend Black Skull Dragon ATK 3200 DEF 2500 LVL: 9

"Next, I switch Black Flame Swordsman to Attack Position and equip Black Metal Dragon from my hand to it, increasing its attack points by 600."

Red-Eyes Black Flame Swordsman ATK 1800→2400

"Now, it's time for battle! Black Skull Dragon, attack Cyberse Clock Dragon! At this point, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Ego Boost! When a monster declares an attack, I can target one face-up monster on the field and increase its attack points by 1000 until the end of the Battle Phase. I target Red-Eyes Archfiend Skull Dragon!"

Archfiend Black Skull Dragon ATK 3200→4200

"Furthermore, any monster the targeted monster battles has its attack points become their original value," the Sergeant stated. "So Clock Dragon's attack points return to 2500!"

Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 7500→2500

"Go, Volcanic Fireball!"

"I activate my Trap Card!" Playmaker declared, gesturing to his field. "Half Shield! The damage I receive from your attack is halved!"

A torrent of crimson flames erupted from Skull Dragon's maw and enveloped Clock Dragon, vaporizing it almost instantly and causing Playmaker to let out a cry of pain due to the intense heat that assaulted him.

Playmaker: 3400→2550 LP

"Archfiend Black Skull Dragon's effect activates!" The Sergeant exclaimed. "After it battles, I can return a "Red-Eyes" Normal Monster from my Graveyard back to the Deck and inflict damage to you equal to its attack points! The one I choose to return is Red-Eyes Black Dragon, meaning you'll receive 2400 points of damage!"

"I don't think so!" Playmaker shouted as a dragon-shaped torrent of flames was generated from Skulls Dragon's body and headed straight for him. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Link Restart! This card negates an effect that would inflict damage. As such, your dragon's effect cannot damage me!"

The flames hit a barrier and rebounded.

"Then, Link Restart lets me Special Summon a Link Monster from the Graveyard. Resurrect, Deck Talker!"

The purple-armored warrior reappeared from a portal to the Main Monster Zone on Playmaker's field in Attack Position.

Decode Talker ATK 2300→2600 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"It's futile to resist," the Sergeant stated. "Since a "Red-Eyes" monster on my field, in this case, Archfiend Skull Dragon whose name is treated as Red-Eyes Black Dragon due to Red-Eyes Fusion's effect destroyed an opponent's monster, Black Flame Swordsman's effect activates. Thanks to it, I can draw one card from my turn once per turn when a "Red-Eyes" monster I control destroys an opponent's monster. Then, I move to my Main Phase 2 and activate the Spell Card: Offerings to a Higher Power, sending Black Flame Swordsman to the Graveyard to draw two cards!"

The warrior disintegrated as the Sergeant drew.

"And thanks to Black Metal Dragon's effect, I'll add Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon to my hand. Finally, I place three cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker glanced at his card before gesturing to his field. "I activate the effect of Recoded Alive in my Graveyard! When I don't control a monster in the Extra Monster Zone, I can banish Recoded Alive to Special Summon a banished "Code Talker" monster. Return, Transcode Talker!"

The orange-armored warrior reappeared at Playmaker's center Main Monster Zone.

Transcode Talker ATK 2300→2600 LINK-3 ↑↓→

The Sergeant smirked as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Breakthrough Skill!" he declared. "I can target a face-up monster you control and negate its effects until the end of the turn. I target Transcode Talker!"

Transcode groaned in pain as it greyed out.

"In that case, I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket and target Transcode Talker with its effect! I now draw cards equal to Transcode Talker's Link Rating and then send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard. Transcode is Link-3, so I draw three cards and send three cards to the Graveyard."

Playmaker drew and then sent his cards to the Graveyard. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cynet Crosswipe! By Tributing a Cyberse monster, I can target and destroy a card on the field. I Tribute Transcode Talker to destroy Archfiend Skull Dragon!"

The orange Link Monster and Red-Eyes Fusion Monster shattered at his words.

However, instead of being upset, the Sergeant gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Shadow Diffusion!" The card showed a damaged figure that resembles Elemental HERO Neos Knight with a bright glowing figure behind it resembling Elemental HERO Brave Neos. "Since a Fusion Monster I control was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, this card lets me Special Summon a Fusion Monster from the Extra Deck with the same Type as the destroyed monster with a different name and treat it as a Fusion Summon!"

Playmaker's eyes widened. "Meaning you can summon another Fusion Monster?"

"Correct!" The Sergeant gestured to his field. "Dragon of darkness embodying infinite potential! Soar across the skies with the speed of a shooting star and transform everything before you into a burning wasteland! I Fusion Summon! Descend! Meteor Black Comet Dragon!"

A monster resembling a dragon cloaked in flames with a body made of volcanic rock and a dragon head attached to its chest appeared on the Sergeant's field in Attack Position.

Meteor Black Comet Dragon ATK 3500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"A Level 8 monster with 3500 attack points?" Playmaker said, surprised at seeing such a monster.

"When Meteor Black Comet Dragon is Fusion Summoned, I can send one "Red-Eyes" monster from my hand or deck to the Graveyard and inflict damage equal to half of the original attack points of that monster! I send Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon from my Deck, which has 2800 attack points!"

"That means I take 1400 points of effect damage." Playmaker finished.

"Go, Meteor Black Comet Dragon! Meteor Storm!"

A large stream of magma and molten rock erupted from Comet Dragon's maw, striking Playmaker and causing him to wince.

Playmaker: 2550→1150 LP

Playmaker recovered from the attack and played a card from his hand. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Armaments and equip it to my Link Monster!" The purple armor on Decode Talker's body turned silver. "Thanks to this card's effect, Decode Talker gains 500 attack points for each Link Monster in my Graveyard. My Graveyard has five Link Monsters, so Decode Talker gains 2500 attack points!"

Decode Talker ATK 2600→5100

"Battle! Decode Talker, attack Comet Dragon! Decode Destruction!"

Decode Talker struck the large dragon with its sword, cutting it in half and causing an explosion.

"I activate the Trap Card: Defense Draw!" The Sergeant shouted. "Through its effect, the damage is reduced to 0, and I can draw a card from my Deck!" He drew his card, then said, "Meteor Black Dragon's effect activates! When this card is destroyed, I can target a Normal Monster in my Graveyard, and Special Summon it. Revive, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"

Red-Eyes Black Dragon emerged from a puddle of lava that had remained behind after Meteor Black Dragon's destruction, letting out a defiant howl.

Red-Eyes Black Dragon ATK 2400 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"In that case, I place one card face-down and then activate the Spell Card: Aurora Draw, which lets me draw two cards since it's the only card in my hand," Playmaker said. "I place one more card face-down and end my turn. With this, the advantage is once again on my side. However, I can't help but feel you still have something up your sleeve."

"My turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! 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, by Tributing Red-Eyes Black Dragon on my field, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come forth, Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon!"

Following his words, Red-Eyes Black Dragon vanished from the field as a large, black dragon with red-colored eyes took its place. It had volcanic lines all over its body that glowed with blazing energy. He also had large wings shaped like three large, curved blades.

Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon ATK 2400 DEF 2000 LVL: 9

"Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon's effect It gains 300 attack points for every Dragon monster in my Graveyard," the Sergeant stated. "There's eleven, which means Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon gains 3300 attack points!"

Playmaker gritted his teeth and gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Courageous Heart!" he declared. "Through its effect, by paying half my Life Points, I can negate your Darkness Dragon's effects!"

A portal appeared before the Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon as it emitted a beam of purple light that drained its power. At the same time, Playmaker was enveloped by an aura of the same color that caused him to wince.

Playmaker: 1150→575 LP

The Sergeant frowned but then smirked. "Well, that's a shame. Still, I can roll with this. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Trap Booster! By discarding a card, I can activate a Trap Card from my hand." Playmaker gasped in surprise. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Metal Plus! Through its effect, I equip it onto Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon."

Soon, Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon was coated in metal.

"As long as Darkness Dragon is equipped with Metal Plus, any Spell cards that target it are negated and destroyed."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. While he didn't know what his opponent was planning, he felt something nasty was coming.

"I now activate the effect of Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon in my hand. I can Special Summon this card by Tributing Red-Eyes Darkness Dragon equipped with Metal Plus!"

Soon, a large, black dragon coated in shining, metallic armor with volcanic lines appeared on the Sergeant's field. He also had large wings shaped like three large, curved blades.

Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 10

"A metal version of the monster?" Playmaker muttered.

The Sergeant gestured to his monster "Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon's effect! It gains 400 attack points for every Dragon monster in my Graveyard. There are twelve, which means Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon gains 4800 attack points!"

Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon ATK 2800→7600

"Battle! Darkness Metal Dragon attacks Decode Talker! Darkness Metal Flare!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Impenetrable Attack!" Playmaker shouted. "I choose to activate its second effect, which reduces all battle damage I take to 0!"

Following Playmaker's words, Darkness Metal's body glowed as he charged up red, hot energy in his maw that fired at Decode Talker, vaporizing it. However, Playmaker was shielded from the flames by a semi-transparent wall that appeared in front of him.

"You survived by the skin of your teeth, huh?" The Sergeant remarked. "Even so, your situation is still nearly hopeless," the Sergeant said. "I end my turn with this."

"It's my turn!" Playmaker announced. "I draw!"

Upon checking out his drawn card, Playmaker smirked.

"By discarding Disconnect Linker from my hand, I can activate the Spell Card: Double Spell!" he declared. "Through its effect, I can activate a Spell Card from your Graveyard. I choose to activate your Card of Demise to draw five cards. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Mining! I discard a card to add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand."

He sent the first card to the Graveyard, then took the second from his Deck.

"Next, I summon Widget Kid!"

A young boy in blue and white appeared, aiming a blaster at the Syndicate Sergeant.

Widget Kid ATK 1500 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Widget Kid's effect activates! I can Special Summon a Cyberse monster from my hand in Defense Position when it's summoned. Come, Balancer Lord!"

A humanoid knight in white armor with a sword and shield appeared.

Balancer Lord ATK 1700 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Finally, I Special Summon Backup Secretary!"

A woman with purple hair and white, black, and purple clothes appeared in Attack Position.

Backup Secretary ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"I can Special Summon Backup Secretary if I control a Cyberse monster," Playmaker explained as he raised his hand. "Now behold, as I create the ultimate circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above Playmaker. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect monsters. I set Balancer Lord, Dotscaper, and Widget Kid in the Link Arrows!"

Playmaker's three monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Decode Talker Extended!"

A warrior that resembled Decode Talker, with its armor gilded in gold and wielding two swords instead of one, emerged from the portal and swung its swords from the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Decode Talker Extended ATK 2300→2600 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Hack Sword!" Playmaker continued as the card showed Cyberse White Hat holding a long, blue diamond-bladed sword, as different codes appeared on it. "When a Cyberse monster equipped with this card attacks a monster you control, it gains attack points equal to that monster's attack points until the End Phase."

Extended's swords transformed into long, blue diamond-bladed ones.

"Battle!" Playmaker declared. "Decode Talker Extended attacks Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon! At this point, Hack Sword's effect activates. When a Cyberse monster equipped with this card attacks a monster you control, it gains attack points equal to that monster's attack points until the End Phase!"

A technological aura surrounded Extended as he powered up.

Decode Talker Extended ATK 2600→10200

"Go, Dual Synch Slash!"

Decode Talker Extended's sword elongated as it charged Darkness Metal Dragon, slashing it from head to toe, destroying the dragon and causing a massive explosion, engulfing the Sergeant and causing him to vanish.

Syndicate Sergeant: 1600→0 LP

"Sorry to disappoint you, but we absolutely won't allow you to succeed, Syndicate," Playmaker said as he left the practice arena. "That was time-consuming. Hopefully, his comrades haven't found the designated location. I must hurry up and find it or regroup with the others."

Upon saying so, Playmaker started running again through the corridors, wary of any more ambushes by the soldiers or sergeants. After a few minutes, Playmaker abruptly stopped as he heard footsteps approaching in the distance.

"Another enemy…?" Playmaker muttered. "Let's see if I can surprise them this time…."

Playmaker hid in a corner, doing his utmost to erase his presence. After the person he planned to ambush approached, Playmaker swiftly activated his Duel Disk and lunged at them. However, his target had superb reflexes and brought up his Duel Disk to guard against Playmaker's Disk.

"…Soulburner?"

"Playmaker?" Soulburner relaxed and withdrew his Duel Disk, with Playmaker following suit. "Why on Earth did you attack me out of nowhere?"

"You have my apologies for that, Soulburner," Playmaker inclined his head. "I mistook you for an enemy and sought to ambush you. In my defense, I just came out of a rough Duel, so my nerves are frayed. Still, failing to consider that the person approaching me might have been an ally was a major blunder."

"That's quite understandable, so don't beat yourself over it," Soulburner said. "You found the location of the Link Spell?"

"Afraid not," Playmaker replied. "However, I believe we may be close. Knowing Lightning, he'd probably placed the data material for creating Link Spells in one place. His chambers. And If I'm correct, we're not far from reaching it."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Soulburner said. "Let's hurry up and head there."

"You two!" They turned to look over at the address. Several soldiers suddenly appeared, slowly approaching the duo before stopping a few meters across them.

"…Feel like getting a little more exercise?" Soulburner asked.

Playmaker sighed. "Might as well; leaving gnats to buzz around would be impolite, wouldn't it?"

"Indeed it would." Playmaker and Soulburner raised their Duel Disks.

Meanwhile, in another area of Lightning's palace…

"Ah, so my opponent has finally appeared. While I appreciate that you arrived earlier than expected, I was hoping to face Playmaker instead of you. After he learns about your crushing defeat, he'll surely come crawling to me."

Inside a huge library with shelves that reached the ceiling, Storm Rider had come face-to-face with a Syndicate Sergeant.

"An encounter with an enemy inside a library of all places." Storm Rider remarked. "I thought that such places had long become obsolete with the advent of technology."

"Enough talk!" The Sergeant shouted. "I'm here to complete my mission and crush you and the Top 10!"

"Hate to tell you this, but I won't let that happen," Storm Rider stated. "To reword what you said, I'll defeat you and complete our mission. That way, my comrades and I will be one step closer to stopping the Syndicate."

"Defeat me?" The Sergeant repeated as he activated his Duel Disk. "The only one who'll be defeated is you. Especially with the new Deck my master has provided me."

"It appears your arrogance knows no bounds, just like the rest of your comrades." Storm Rider narrowed his eyes as he activated his Duel Disk. "Claiming that you can win just because you changed your Deck only says you have no confidence in your skills as a Duelist."

"We shall see about that," the Sergeant replied. "Since you appear ready, let's begin this battle!"

"Duel!"

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," the Sergeant said. "First, I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity!" It lets me draw three cards, but then I must discard two."

He drew his cards and discarded Chaos Command Magician and Magician's Circle.

"Next, I summon Magician's Rod!"

A spectral version of a spellcaster with shiny, curved plates with sharp edges that covered the torso and shoulder areas appeared on the Sergeant's field. It carried a long rod in its hands.

Magician's Rod ATK 1600 DEF 100 LVL: 3

"When this card is Normal Summoned, I add a Spell or Trap card that specifically lists the "Dark Magician" in its text. I add Dark Magical Circle to my hand."

"Dark Magician, you say…?" Storm Rider's eyes suddenly widened. "Don't tell me… you're using one of the Legendary Decks!? How was the Syndicate able to come in possession of it?!"

The Sergeant ignored Storm Rider and continued with his turn. "Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Dark Magical Circle! Now I can look at the top three cards of my Deck for a "Dark Magician" or a Spell or Trap card listing "Dark Magician" specifically in its text. Then I can add it to my hand by revealing it to you."

The Sergeant looked at the top three cards before choosing one. "I reveal to you the Dark Magician!"

Seeing Dark Magician revealed in front of Storm Rider's eyes made him furious.

"Dark Magical Circle has a second effect. I can place the remaining two cards in any order. Let's see here. I place the third card on top and the second card underneath. Lastly, I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! Since you control a monster and I don't, I'm allowed to Special Summon Cycode Recon from my hand!"

A human-sized robot appeared wielding a marksman rifle and wearing light military gear.

Cycode Recon ATK 1200 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"And whenever I Normal or Special Summon Recon, its effect lets me add one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I add Cycode Updater to my hand. Now I'll create my circuit!"

Storm Rider raised his hand as it glowed blue and shot a lightning bolt, creating a Link Portal.

"Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster! I set Cycode Recon in the Link Arrow!"

Recon entered the bottom-left arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cycode Kuriboh!"

A small light blue monster with antenna-like winged heads with white lining emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone and started cooing.

Cycode Kuriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

"Since I used Recon as Link Material for the summoning of a "Cycode" Link Monster, I'm allowed to add a "Cycode" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand."

A card ejected from his Deck as he grabbed it and placed it in his hand.

"Next, I activate the effect of the Cycode Updater in my hand!" Storm Rider continued. "I can Special Summon this card to a "Cycode" Link Monster's Link Arrow!"

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

Cycode Updater ATK 1900 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"If Updater is Special Summoned through its effect, I can Special Summon a Level 6 or below "Cycode" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon Cycode Knight!"

A cybernetic knight in blue and white armor appeared on his field.

Cycode Knight ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

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

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

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

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

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

A male humanoid, wearing a light energy brown, yellow trimmed digital-like martial arts' Gi outfit with armored legs, appeared from the portal. He had light blue hair made out of digital energy and a long digital yellow scarf as he was summoned to the Extra Monster.

Cycode Striker ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

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

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

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"I build my circuit for the third time!" The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider again as his hand glowed blue. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Cycode Linker and Updater in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A large, white fur-like digital lion with a blue circuit pattern lining across its body with blue fangs and claws appeared next to Cycode Striker's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Leo ATK 2100 LINK-2 ↑↓

"He summoned three Link Monsters in one turn," the Sergeant muttered.

"Striker's effect activates! All monsters on your field lose 300 attack points for each monster it points to!"

Magician's Rod ATK 1600→1300

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Striker attacks Magician's Rod! And at this moment, Cycode Leo's effect activates! Since Striker is next to Leo's Link Arrow, he gains 1000 more attack points, but since the two are co-linked, they both gain 1000 attack points!"

Cycode Striker ATK 2000→3000

Cycode Leo ATK 2100→3100

"Not so fast! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Dimension!" The Sergeant declared as a golden and black coffin appeared. "By Tributing my Magician's Rod, I can Special Summon a Spellcaster monster from my hand."

The coffin drew in Magician's Rod and closed.

"Now I bring out my Dark Magician!"

On the Sergeant's command, a spellcaster in dark blue armor with shiny, curved plates with sharp edges that covered the torso and shoulder areas appeared on his field. On the edges of the plates were curved trimmings of contrasting shade. He had blue-colored skin and white hair, and in his right hand was a dark blue rod.

Dark Magician ATK 2500→2200 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"Now Magical Dimension's second effect activates! I can destroy a monster on your field! I destroy your Leo!"

The coffin shot off a beam of dark energy that blasted and destroyed the Cycode Link Monster.

Storm Rider frowned. "Since Cycode Leo left the field, Cycode Striker's attack points return to normal."

Cycode Striker ATK 3000→2000

The Sergeant narrowed his eyes. "And since Striker isn't pointing to any monsters, my Dark Magician regains 300 attack points."

Dark Magician ATK 2200→2500

"Dark Magical Circle's effect! Whenever Dark Magician is Normal or Special Summoned, I can target and banish one card you control!" Storm Rider's eyes widened. "I choose to banish Cycode Striker!"

Dark Magical Circle fired a blast of energy at Striker, causing it to vanish.

The Sergeant smirked. "In just one turn, I successfully extinguished all your monsters." He narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "So, do you have any other moves left to play?"

"I…place two cards face-down and end my turn." Storm Rider said through gritted teeth. "Now, let's see what your Dark Magician is capable of."

"As you wish," the Sergeant said. "My turn! I draw! I summon Kuribandit!"

A large fluffy demonic monster wearing a bandana and an eyepatch on its left eye appeared.

Kuribandit ATK 1000 DEF 700 LVL: 3

"I activate Kuribandit's effect! By Tributing it, I can draw and reveal the top five cards of my Deck. If any of the revealed cards are Spell or Trap Cards, I get to add them to my hand. But if I draw a monster, it's sent to the Graveyard."

Kuribandit vanished as the Syndicate Sergeant drew and revealed his cards to Storm Rider.

"The cards I drew are Thousand Knives, Spellbinding Circle, Pot of Greed, Dedication through Light and Darkness and Black Illusion," the Sergeant stated. "Since all the cards I revealed are Spell and Trap Cards, I get to add all five to my hand. And now, let's battle! Dark Magician, attack Storm Rider directly! Dark Magic Attack!"

Dark Magician fired a magical blast from his dark blue rod at Storm Rider. But...

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

The magical blast hit Storm Rider and made him wince.

Storm Rider: 4000→2750 LP

"I activate the Trap Card: Cyberse Beacon! Since I took battle or effect damage, I can add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cycode Dancer to my hand."

"And since the Battle Phase ended, Half-Guard's additional effect activates!" Storm Rider stated. "I draw one card for each of your monsters that battled this turn. Since one monster battled, I get to draw one card."

The Sergeant narrowed his eyes as Storm Rider added the card to his hand. "I place three cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his cards and thought, Time for a comeback.

"First, I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Mining! By discarding one card, I add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand."

He discarded a card and then took another one from his Deck.

"Since the card I discarded was Cards of Compensation, I can draw two cards. Then, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cyberse Infinite Coding! This card gains a Cyberse Counter whenever a Cyberse monster is Link Summoned. And since you control monsters and I don't, I'm allowed to Special Summon Cycode Swordsman from my hand!"

A man in cybernetic blue armor carrying futuristic swords appeared.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I add Cycode Firefighter to my hand." He did so, then said, "I summon Cycode Dancer!"

A robotic female in a pink leotard with pink dancing shoed appeared and did a pirouette.

Cycode Dancer ATK 1000 DEF 200 LVL: 2

"Since Dancer was Normal Summoned while I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower "Cycode" Monster from my hand or Deck." A card popped out of his Deck, which he took and placed on his Duel Disk. "I summon Cycode Kid!"

A small robotic boy in a t-shirt and cap appeared on Storm Rider's field in Defense Position.

Cycode Kid ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"Now, I'll create my circuit!"

Storm Rider raised his hand as it glowed blue and shot a lightning bolt, creating a Link Portal.

"Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one Cyberse monster! I set Cycode Swordsman in the Link Arrow!"

The monster entered the bottom-left arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cycode Sky Eagle!"

A light green cybernetic eagle-like monster appeared in the Right Extra Monster Zone with turbine-like wings.

Cycode Sky Eagle ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

"Because a Cyberse monster was Link Summoned, Infinite Coding gains one Cyberse Counter!"

Cyberse Infinite Coding: 0 CC→1 CC

"Then, Sky Eagle's effect activates! When Link Summoned, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Cycode Swordsman to my hand. Now, I'll build my circuit again!"

The Link Portal appeared again above Storm Rider.

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

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

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

A white robotic-like humanoid monster with silver coating and feet appeared, summoned to Sky Eagle's bottom-left Link Arrow.

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→

"Because another Cyberse monster was Link Summoned, Infinite Coding gains another Cyberse Counter!"

Cyberse Infinite Coding: 1 CC→2 CC

"Since I used Dancer to Link Summon Binal Sorceress, it gains 600 attack points!"

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 1600→2200

"Furthermore, Kid's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When it is used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, one face-up card on the field is destroyed! I'll destroy Dark Magical Circle!"

The Syndicate Sergeant winced as Dark Magical Circle disintegrated.

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Overdone Burial! By discarding one monster, I can Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard so long as its Level is lower than the discarded monster's and equip it with Overdone Burial. I discard the Level 5 Cycode Firefighter to Special Summon the Level 4 Cycode Linker!"

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

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"The monster summoned by Overdone Burial has its effects negated," Storm Rider revealed to his oppponent. "Appear again, my circuit!"

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

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Sky Eagle and Linker in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A large blue mechanical humanoid emerged from the portal, summoned to Cycode Binal Sorceress's left Link Arrow.

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200 LINK-2 →↙

Cyberse Infinite Coding: 2 CC→3 CC

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

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200→2000

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 2200→3000

"Not only that, but since I used Cycode Sky Eagle to Link Summon Administrator, its effect activates!" Storm Rider added. "All my monsters gain 400 attack points!"

Cycode Administrator ATK 2000→2400

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 3000→3400

"I activate the second effect of Infinite Coding!" Storm Rider shouted. "By removing two Cyberse Counters, I draw one card!"

Cyberse Infinite Coding: 3 CC→1 CC

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure!" Storm Rider continued. "This card lets me draw cards equal to the number of Link Monsters on the field. There are two, so I draw two cards!"

After looking at his cards, he picked two of them.

"I activate the Equip Spell Cards: Cycode Multiplier and Cycode War Helm! I equip Multiplier to Cycode Binal Sorceress and War Helm to Administrator!"

Binal Sorceress glowed green from the card being equipped, and Administrator glowed green as its head was equipped with a silver helmet. This one was tapered at the top with a raised face guard. Wings framed the sides of the helmet.

"The equipped monster gains 800 attack points thanks to War Helm."

Cycode Administrator ATK 2400→3200

"And Cycode Multiplier allows Binal Sorceress to make two attacks on monsters my opponent controls!" The Sergeant's eyes widened. "Battle! Binal Sorceress, attack Dark Magician!"

Binal Sorceress lobbed a ball of energy at Dark Magician, but the Sergeant gestured to his field before it reached.

"I activate my Trap Card!" The Sergeant declared. "Spellbinding Circle! This card lets me target one monster you control and prevent it from attacking!"

Storm Rider smirked. "I expected that!" The Sergeant blinked at his words. "From my hand, I activate the Counter Trap Card: Cycode Jamming! I can activate it if I control two or more "Cycode" monsters with different names. And thanks to its effect, whenever you activate a card effect during the Batlle Phase while I control a "Cycode" Link Monster, Jamming can negate that effect and destroy it!"

"What!?" The Sergeant said in surprise as Spellbinding Circle disintegrated.

"Without your Trap Card, Cycode Binal Sorceress's attack continues!"

"I won't allow that!" The Sergeant said. "I activate the Trap Cards: Black Illusion and Damage Diet! Until the end of this turn, Damage Diet halves all damage I take, and Black Illusion prevents all Dark Spellcasters I control with 2000 or more attack points from being destroyed or affected by your card effects! Which means my Dark Magician isn't going anywhere!"

A purple aura surrounded Dark Magician.

"But that won't stop you from taking battle damage!" Storm Rider countered.

The ball of energy struck Dark Magician, resulting in an explosion, causing the Syndicate Sergeant to shield his eyes using his right arm. When it dissipated, Dark Magician was still standing.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→3550 LP

"Don't forget that Cycode Multiplier allows Binal Sorceress to attack twice. Go, Binal Sorceress! Attack Dark Magician again!"

Binal Sorceress lobbed another energy ball at Dark Magician, who withstood the attack, but the Sergeant winced from the damage.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3550→3100 LP

"Next, Cycode Administrator attacks Dark Magician!"

The blue mechanical humanoid lobbed a blue orb of energy at Dark Magician, striking it and making the Sergeant wince for a third time.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3100→2750 LP

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

"Then, it's my turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Dark Magic Attack! This card allows me to destroy all Spell and Trap Cards you control since Dark Magician is on my field."

Dark Magician twirled his staff and unleashed a powerful blast that vaporized Storm Rider's Spell and Trap Cards.

Storm Rider frowned. "Since War Helm left the field, Cycode Administrator loses 800 attack points."

Cycode Administrator ATK 3200→2400

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Thousand Knives!" The Sergeant continued. "Since I control Dark Magician, I can destroy a monster on your field. I choose Cycode Administrator!"

Several knives appeared around Dark Magician and shot forward, piercing through Administrator and destroying it.

"Since Cycode Administrator left the field," Storm Rider said. "Binal Sorceress loses 800 attack points."

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 3400→2600

"I now activate the Spell Card: Bond Between Teacher and Student!" The Sergeant continued. "Since I control Dark Magician, I'm allowed to Special Summon Dark Magician Girl from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard. Come, Dark Magician Girl!"

A teenage girl in blue robes, a pink skirt, and a small pink cape winked at Storm Rider as she appeared beside Dark Magician. She had long blond spiky hair and a blue wizard's hat with pink rings encircling it. She also wore high-heeled blue boots with pink rings.

Dark Magician Girl ATK 2000 DEF 1700 LVL: 6

"Also, I'm allowed to Set either Dark Magic Attack, Dark Burning Attack, Dark Burning Magic, or Dark Magic Twin Burst straight from my Deck to my field. And I know which one to choose!"

The Sergeant maliciously smiled as he took a card from his Deck and set it on his field.

"But why wait? I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Dark Burning Magic! Since I control Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl, I can destroy all cards that my opponent controls, so goodbye to your entire field Storm Rider!"

Both magicians raised their wands and pointed them in Storm Rider's direction, and one unleashed a powerful burst of magical energy, destroying all his cards!"

"It's time to battle! Dark Magician attacks you directly! Dark Magic Attack!"

Dark Magician fired a magical blast from his dark blue rod at Storm Rider, who gestured to his field.

"I activate my Trap Card!"

"What?" The Sergeant said, surprised. "But you don't have any Trap Cards! Or monsters or Spell Cards!"

"I do in my Graveyard," Storm Rider said calmly. "Since you declared an attack while I have a "Cycode" monster either on my field or in my Graveyard, I can banish Cycode Battle Barrier!" The card the Sergeant had destroyed earlier appeared on Storm Rider's field. "Cycode Battle Barrier reduces the damage from this battle to 0 and ends the Battle Phase!" A barrier appeared around Storm Rider and blocked Dark Magician's attack. "And then, since I control no monsters, I draw cards equal to the number of monsters you control. You control two monsters, so I draw two cards!"

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

"A nice defense indeed." The Sergeant praised his opponent. "Which means the duel can continue! I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! Man, you surely mastered that Deck. But enough of that, back to the duel. Through its effect, I Special Summon Cycode Swordsman from my hand!"

The man with two swords reappeared.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider continued as a card slid out from his Deck, which he then showed to his opponent. "I summon Cycode Masterframe!"

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

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

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

A female android holding a silver hoop in its right hand appeared.

Cycode Acrobat ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"Acrobat's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by a "Cycode" card's effect, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand." He took a card from his Deck. "I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Emblem! By sending a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can then Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Deck in Attack Position, so long as it has the same Level as the sent monster. I send the Level 4 Assailant to the Graveyard and Special Summon Cycode Rescue Unit!"

Four human-sized robots with light military gear with red crosses on their chests appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Rescue Unit ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Rescue Unit's effect activates! "When it's Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I choose Cycode Linker, which I'll summon through its effect!"

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

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Now, I'll build my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

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

The three monsters became whirlwinds of energy before entering the left, right and bottom-right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-3! Cycode Drifter!"

A humanoid robot wielding two twin energy rifles appeared in the Right Extra Monster Zone. It had a large jetpack on its back, with the two lower boosters extending past its legs and the upper boosters resting against its shoulders.

Cycode Drifter ATK 2400 LINK-2 ←↘→

"When Cycode Drifter is successfully Link Summoned, I can target and banish monster one monster from each player's field," Storm Rider continued. "I'll target and banish my Linker and your Dark Magician!"

Drifter aimed its rifle and blasted Linker, causing it to vanish. It then aimed its rifle at Dark Magician.

"I don't think so!" The Sergeant abruptly stated. "I activate the Trap Card: Shift! When you target exactly one monster, I control an attack or a Spell or Trap effect. I can target a monster I control and change the target to it instead! I change the target of Drifter's effect to Dark Magician Girl!"

Shift fired a beam at Cycode Drifter that caused it to blast Dark Magician Girl instead, causing her to vanish.

"In that case, I activate Cycode Drifter's second effect!" Storm Rider declared. "By Tributing a monster it points to, I can reduce the attack points of a monster you control by 200 times the Level of the Tributed monster. I Tribute Cycode Acrobat to reduce your Dark Magicain's attack points by 1000!"

Following Storm Rider's words, Acrobat exploded into particles as they entered Drifter's rifles. The Cycode Link Monster aimed and fired a beam of energy both of them at Dark Magician, draining its strength.

Dark Magician ATK 2500→1500

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Drifter, attack Dark Magician!"

Drifter blasted Dark Magician with a beam of blue energy, destroying it and causing the Sergeant's body to flicker.

Syndicate Sergeant: 2750→1850 LP

"I activate the Trap Card: Destruction Reward!" The Sergeant declared. "Because you destroyed the Level 7 Dark Magician, I can draw two cards!"

"So he refilled his hand, huh…?" Storm Rider muttered. "I end my turn."

"It's my turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! First, I summon Illusion Magician!"

A spellcaster that resembled the Dark Magician wielding the same wand with a shadow covering his face appeared on the Sergeant's field in Attack Position.

Illusion Magician ATK 1100 DEF 1900 LVL: 4

"And while this monster is on the field, its name becomes the Dark Magician," the Sergeant explained. "Which means I can activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Dedication through Light and Darkness!, whose effect allows me to send Dark Magician to the Graveyard to Special Summon its evolved form from my Deck! Descend now, Dark Magician of Chaos!"

Illusion Magician vanished as a blue-skinned monster with long black hair, clad in a form-fitting black jumpsuit and holding a long staff, appeared on the Sergeant's field.

Dark Magician of Chaos ATK 2800 DEF 2600 LVL: 8

"From there, I activate the Equip Spell Card: One-Shot Wand and equip it to Magician of Chaos!"

The blue-skinned monster's scepter became a staff with a boomerang attached to the end. "Thanks to its effect, the equipped monster gains 800 attack points!"

Dark Magician of Chaos ATK 2800→3600

"Now, let's battle! Dark Magician of Chaos, attack Cycode Drifter! Chaos Scepter Blast!"

Dark Magician of Chaos unleashed a dark sphere from its staff that vaporized the Cycode Link Monster, sending Storm skidding backwards from the ensuing shockwave.

Storm Rider: 2750→1550 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn." The Sergeant said. "At this moment, Dark Magician of Chaos's effect activates, allowing me to add a Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand during the End Phase of the turn I summoned it. I choose Pot of Greed."

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn! This card lets me Special Summon a monster from the Graveyard. Resurrect, Cyode Strider!"

The medium-sized robot wielding a rifle reappeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

He drew his card and showed it to his opponent.

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

A small robotic dragon with metallic armor with silver wings appeared.

Cycode Nova ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Core!" Storm Rider. "I Special Summon a "Cycode" monster with a Level from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated. Return, Cycode Assailant!"

The metal skeletal robot with six arms appeared next to Nova.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I'll now create my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider once again.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters, including one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Assailant, Strider and Nova in the Link Arrows!"

Storm Rider's monsters became whirlwinds of energy as they entered the left, bottom, and right arrows.

"Beyond Reality, beyond technology; appear and begin your path to change the course of evolution! I Link Summon! Appear, Link 3! Cyber Tech Armored Dragon!"

The dragon that emerged from the portal was half the size of Storm Rider's Link-4 monster. It had four limbs and a bulky armored body with four cybernetic orbs. It roared, its yellow eyes gleaming from the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyber Tech Armored Dragon ATK 2000 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Since the monster Special Summoned by Cycode Core was used as Link Material, I get to draw a card." He drew his card and then gestured to his monster. "Battle! Armored Dragon attacks Dark Magician of Chaos!"

The small dragon roared as it soared into the air. "Cyber Tech Armored Dragon's effect activates! Since I summoned it using three monsters during the Battle Phase, the attack points of all monsters you control become 0!"

Dark Magician of Chaos ATK 3600→0

"Go, Cyber Armored Burst!"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Half Shut!" The Sergeant declared. "This card lets me halve the attack points of your monster until the End Phase. However, it can't be destroyed this turn."

Cyber Tech Armored Dragon ATK 2000→1000

Armored Dragon unleashed a blue energy blast from its mouth and orbs at Prism Sun, destroying it and causing a massive shockwave that pushed the Sergeant back.

Syndicate Sergeant: 1850→850 LP

"Upon being destroyed, Dark Magician of Chaos's effect activates," the Sergeant said. "Due to it, it's banished instead of going to the Graveyard."

"I believe that's quite enough for this turn," Storm Rider said. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! I again activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn, which allows me to Special Summon a monster from either player's Graveyard. Revive, Dark Magician!"

Dark Magician returned to the field after emerging from a magic circle that appeared on the ground.

Dark Magician ATK 2500 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"I activate the Spell Card: Knight's Title! By Tributing Dark Magician on my field, I can Special Summon Dark Magician Knight from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard to my field!"

After Dark Magician turned into particles, a knight in purple armor with shiny, curved plates with sharp edges that covered the torso and shoulder areas appeared on the Sergeant's field. A long cape was attached to his back, and in his right hand, he carried a sword.

Dark Magician Knight ATK 2500 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"When Dark Magician Knight is Special Summoned, I can target and destroy one card you control. I target and destroy Cyber Tech Armored Dragon!"

Dark Magician Knight released a slash of energy toward Storm Rider's Link Monster, destroying it in an explosion.

Storm Rider smirked. "You may have destroyed my monster, but your victory is short-lived. I activate the effect of Cyber Tech Armored Dragon in the Graveyard! When it is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can banish it and two "Cycode" Link Monsters to Special Summon Cyber Tech Link Dragon from my Extra Deck. I banish Cycode Sky Eagle and Cycode Kuriboh! Go, Cyber Rebirth!"

The destroyed pieces of Armored Dragon appeared on Storm Rider's field along with spectral figures of Sky Eagle and Kuriboh before smashing together.

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

The blue dragon covered in white and yellow armor emerged from the portal, the orbs in its wings and chest gleaming, and spread its wings and roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

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

The Sergeant narrowed his eyes as he played a card from his hand. "I activate the Spell Card: Back-Up Rider! This card increased the attack points of a monster I control by 1500 until the end of the turn. I target Dark Magician Knight!"

Dark Magician Knight ATK 2500→4000

"Battle! Dark Magician Knight attacks Cyber Tech Link Dragon! Dark Magic Slash!"

Storm Rider gritted his teeth before gesturing to his field. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Fighting Fund! This card prevents all monsters on the field from being destroyed in battle this turn! Furthermore, I activate Half-Guard's effect from my Graveyard. Banishing it and discarding Cycode Teleporter to halve the battle damage!"

Magical energy surrounded Dark Magician Knight's sword as he charged forward, jumping high into the air before slashing Cyber Tech, and while the monster survived, Storm Rider suffered from the damage.

Storm Rider: 1550→800 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," the Sergeant said. "At this moment, Back-Up Rider's effect ends, returning Dark Magician Knight's attack to normal."

Dark Magician Knight ATK 4000→2500

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

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

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

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

"Think again! I activate the effect of Effect Veiler from my hand!" The Sergeant responded. "By sending this card from my hand to my Graveyard, I can target one monster you control and negate its effects until the end of this turn."

A silhouette of a female angel wearing a long-sleeved white tunic with long, black socks appeared and fired a blast of energy at Cyber Tech, negating his effects before disappearing.

"In that case, I activate the Spell Card: Link Hole! Since I control a Link-4 or higher monster, I can destroy monsters you control up to the number of Link-3 or higher monsters I control. I control one, so I destroy your Dark Magician Knight!"

Energy formed inside Cyber Tech's mouth. The dragon fired the energy at Dark Magician Knight, destroying it.

"Battle!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Cyber Tech Link Dragon attacks you directly!"

Cyber Tech flew above the two duelists and roared. All circuits on Cyber Tech's body lit as dark blue energy traveled across its skin. The energy gathered in its mouth before releasing it at the Syndicate Sergeant.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Spell Textbook!" The Sergeant exclaimed. "By discarding my entire hand, Spell Textbook lets me draw one from my Deck, and if it's a Spell Card, I get to activate it immediately! I draw!"

Upon checking out his drawn card, the Sergeant smirked and showed it to Storm Rider.

"It looks like my gamble paid off," the Sergeant stated. "I drew the Spell Card: Magicalized Fusion, which lets me Fusion Summon one Spellcaster Fusion monster from my Extra Deck by banishing monsters from my field or Graveyard!"

"From your Graveyard?!" Storm Rider repeated.

"That's correct. I banish Dark Magician and Chaos Command Magician from my Graveyard to Fusion Summon!"

A silhouette of Dark Magician appeared alongside a silhouette of a blue-skinned spellcaster wearing dark green robes and a hood with a staff of the same color with a red spherical jewel. Both monsters disintegrated into red and blue particles before swirling into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a violet whirlwind.

"Great Wizard of Dark Magic, intertwine your long journey alongside the being of chaos and bring forth a new age! I Fusion Summon! Rise! Master of Chaos!"

A monster that resembles Dark Magician with green skin, red eyes, and long orange hair appeared on the Syndicate Sergeant's body in Attack Position. It wore blue-and-purple colored full body armor with golden lining. The armor also had several blue orbs, each attached on the shoulders, chest, feet, knees, and elbow, as well as sharp shoulder pads, boots and chest plate with a red design resembling a dragon's head and hood-like armor back similar to Dark Magician. The coattail, loincloth and long cape are similar to the armor with a red inner portion. He wielded a great large shield in his left hand and a long-bladed sword in his right with colors exactly like the armor with blue orbs and a red in the center with a design similar to a dragon.

Master of Chaos ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"I can't now since his monster's stronger," Storm Rider muttered. He then proceeded to look up Master of Chaos's effects. His eyes widened. "I have to prepare for his next turn. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Infinite Impermanence!" Storm abruptly shouted. "Thanks to its effect, I can negate your Fusion Monster's effects until the end of your turn!"

The Sergeant narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "I see you looked up Master of Chaos's effect that allows me to banish all cards you control by Tributing a monster. Not bad, but you're still going to lose! I activate the Equip Spell Card: Proof of Ascension, equipping it to Master of Chaos! Through its effect, I can banish a monster with the same summoning type as the equipped monster from my Graveyard or my Extra Deck and add its attack points to the equipped monster's attack points. I banish Quintet Magician from my Extra Deck to add its attack points to Master of Chaos!"

Master of Chaos ATK 3000→7500

"Battle!" The Sergeant declared. "Master of Chaos, attack Cyber Tech Link Dragon and end this duel!"

Master of Chaos swung its sword forward, unleashing a massive stream of energy that headed for Storm Rider's Link Monster.

Storm Rider gritted his teeth but gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Link Armoring! Through this card's effect, it card equips itself to Cyber Tech!" The armor on the dragon's body gained an ethereal glow. "If you attack my monster equipped with Link Armoring, I can send a card I control to the Graveyard to prevent my monster's destruction by battle and reduce the battle damage to 0! I send Link Armoring to the Graveyard!"

The Trap Card disintegrated as the wave of energy consumed Cyber Tech, but the Link Monster conjured a barrier, shielding it and Storm Rider from harm.

"Tch." The Sergeant clicked his tongue in irritation. "But with that, you have no more options left. I end my turn. On my next turn, I will bury you for good and move on to Playmaker."

"Sorry, but you're the one who will end up being buried." Storm Rider stated with a resolute expression. "There is no way I will let a depraved individual like you feel the satisfaction of triumphing over me or anyone else. I'll take you down right here and now! My turn! I draw!"

Storm Rider looked at his card, then gestured to his field. "I activate Cycode Knight's effect from my Graveyard, banishing it to shuffle Cycode Recon, Kid, Masterframe, Acrobat and Strider into my Deck to draw two cards!"

He drew his cards, then played one of them. "I activate the effect of the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cyberse Access!" The card showed a swirling stream of violet particles, and several particles were turning red and blue in the center of the stream. "This card lets me target a Cyberse or Dragon monster I control and increase its attack points by 1000. I target Cyber Tech!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→3500

"Then, I activate the Spell Card: Equivalent Exchange!" Storm Rider continued. "Through its effect, I discard Effect Cowl from my hand to add Riryoku, which I'll activate! Thanks to its effect, I can halve Master of Chaos's attack points and give them to Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

Master of Chaos ATK 7500→3750

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 3500→7250

"7250 attack points!?" The Sergeant cried out in shock. "That can't be! I…will lose once again to one of you pitiful worms!?"

"Now, for the finale!" Storm Riderdeclared. "Battle! Cyber Tech Link Dragon, attack Master of Chaos! "Digitized Burst Stream!"

A torrent of dark blue energy erupted from the Link Monster's maw, obliterating Master of Chaos and sending the Syndicate Sergeant flying as he screamed in agony while tumbling on the ground.

Syndicate Sergeant: 850→0 LP

"Man, what a troublesome fellow…." Storm Rider muttered as he surveyed his opponent's fallen form before extending a cable from his Duel Disk and connecting to the Sergeant's Duel Disk while pressing several buttons on his Duel Disk's screen.

"Come on, work your magic here." Storm Rider impatiently tapped his foot. "Kolter's custom-made hacking program hasn't let us down before, so I'm sure it'll pull through for us here as well."

After a few agonizing minutes, Storm Rider's Duel Disk beeped. His eyes widened. "Yes!" he declared. He unplugged the cord and stood up. "I owe Kolter big time for this."

"—der. Storm Rider, can you hear me?"

"This voice… is it you, Sanctum?" Storm Rider turned to his Duel Disk, where the voice had originated. "If you're wondering about contacting the others. Don't try. I could only restore communications with one person but acquired something we desperately needed."

"Something we needed?" Sanctum repeated. "Don't tell me…."

"It's as you suspect," Storm Rider said. "I managed to download the schematics of this fortress. We now have the approximate location of the Link Spell. It's in Lightning's throne room. And by the looks of it, I'm close to it." He then pressed a button on his Duel Disk. "I just sent you and the others a copy of the schematics so you can meet me at the throne room."

"Understood," Sanctum replied. "I'll try to see if I can restore communications. Good luck, and be careful."

Nodding wordlessly, Storm Rider exited the library hurriedly, heading towards the location marked on his Duel Disk. As he ran, he noticed an unknown signal marked at the designated location. He would be facing another opponent. That benefited him, seeing as his last duel got him fired. While all these thoughts passed through his head in a flash, Storm Rider abruptly stopped in front of a large door. He pushed the double doors open and entered the throne room. When Storm Rider entered the throne room, he looked around. It was a massive and circular room surrounded by diamond walls. Four golden pillars evenly supported the room on all sides. Storm Rider's eyes widened upon noticing a familiar figure waiting for him sitting in the middle of the room on a throne.

"Storm Rider, huh? It appears you will be the first opponent I crush today."

The one who had spoken was none other than Umbra.

"Umbra…" Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at the sight of the Syndicate member. "So you're here as well, huh?" He smiled. "Perfect. I've been itching to face you again since you ended our last duel in a draw."

"Me as well," Umbra said. "I've been ordered to eliminate all who would hinder completing my master's goal. Now, prepare yourself, young warrior! If you wish to survive past today, come at me with your full strength!"

"I'm always one hundred percent serious!" Storm Rider declared. "Let's do this!"

"Let's duel!"

Both duelists shouted together as they activated their Duel Disks…

OC Card Memo:

Syndicate Sergeant:

Red-Eyes Black Flame Swordsman

ATK: 1800, DEF: 1600, LV: 5

Dark/Warrior/Effect

If a "Red-Eyes" Monster is Special Summoned successfully while this card is in your Graveyard, you can Special Summon it from your Graveyard. You can only use this effect once per Duel. Once per turn, you can draw one card from your Deck when a "Red-Eyes" Monster you control destroys an opponent's Monster by battle.

Illusion Magician

ATK: 1100, DEF: 1900, LV: 4

Dark/Magician/Effect

This card's name becomes "Dark Magician" on the field or in the GY.

Red-Eyes Gateway

Normal Spell Card

Target a "Red-Eyes" Monster you control; Special Summon a "Red-Eyes" Monster from your Deck with a Level equal to or lower than the targeted Monster's Level and make its ATK equal to the targeted Monster's ATK. You can banish this card from your Graveyard to target a "Red-Eyes" Monster you control and make its ATK equal to another "Red-Eyes" Monster on your field.

Proof of Ascension

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card only to a Monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck. Banish a Monster with the same summoning type as the equipped Monster from your Graveyard and add that Monster's ATK to the equipped Monster's attack points. If the equipped Monster is destroyed, draw a card from your Deck.

Shadow Diffusion- Type: Normal Trap Card

Effect: When a Fusion Monster(s) you control is destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to the GY: Target 1 of those Fusion Monsters; Special Summon from your Extra Deck, 1 Fusion Monster with the same Level and Type as that monster, but with a different name (It is treated as a Fusion Summon). You can only activate 1 "Shadow Diffusion" per turn.

Storm Rider:

Cycode Drifter

Link: 3

Cyberse/Link/Effect

Attribute: LIGHT

ATK: 2400

Link Arrows: Left, Right, Upper-Right

Effect:

2+ "Cycode" monsters

If this card is Link Summoned: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; banish both monsters. Once per turn: You can banish a "Cycode" monster this card points, then target 1 monster on your opponent's Field; Reduce its ATK by the level of the banished monster x 200.

Cyberse Access Quick-Play Spell Card

Target 1 Cyberse or Dragon monster you control; that monster gains 1000 ATK and if it attacks your opponent's Defense Position, inflict piercing battle damage. If the activation of your card(s) is negated: You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 Cyberse or Dragon monster you control; until the end of the turn, that monster's ATK becomes double its original ATK. You can only use 1 effect of "Cyberse Access" per turn, and only once that turn.

And that concludes Chapter 21, where the duels against the Sergeants were concluded. I bet many of you were surprised by that the Sergeants used some of most Legendary archetypes. I chose Red-Eyes and Dark Magician because they're two of my favorite archetypes. The next chapter will cover the duels against Umbra and Marionette, with Storm Rider and Sanctum engaging them, respectively. Well, that's all for now. Please read, review, favorite and follow. See you all next time!