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?

22. Operation: Mission Possible? Part 3

Greetings, community! First, I want to thank everyone for supporting this story. You guys are the best! Second, I apologize for this delayed release and the fact that this chapter may not meet the usual standards. Several issues sapped my motivation to write, hence why this chapter took so long. We'll be back on schedule with the next chapter!

In LINK VRAINS, at Lightning's castle...

"Duel!"

Both Storm Rider and Umbra shouted together while glaring at each other.

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Umbra: 4000 LP

"Before we begin, I'll ensure this duel cannot be interrupted," Umbra said. "I'd rather avoid a repeat of last time."

Before Storm Rider could ask him what he meant by that, Umbra threw a cylindrical device at the floor. Immediately afterward, a rectangular Real Solid Vision cage-like structure was generated from that device, spreading across the corridor and enclosing the two duelists within its confines.

"This is…" Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at the sight of the cage. "I see. Since we're cut off from everyone else, none of us can receive assistance from our respective comrades until the duel is concluded."

"Indeed. Now, the one who strikes first has the advantage!" Umbra shouted. "Since you went first in our last duel, it's only fair that I start us off. Prepare yourself, Storm Rider. While I have the utmost respect for you and your comrades as brave warriors, I must defeat you here for the sake of my mission."

"Oh, you're only here to duel me because you were ordered and not because you want to," Storm Rider said. "In any case, I'm afraid I'll have to spoil your plans once again. More importantly, however, I have a question for you, big guy."

"A question?" Umbra wondered. "What is it?"

"Judging from your attitude, I daresay you're not like the other Syndicate members I've seen," Storm Rider stated. "You're respectful and have morals. Why are you working with people who want to take over LINK VRAINS and destroy SOL Technologies?"

"I'm afraid I cannot share that information with you. After all, what use is there in sharing such information with someone about to be crushed?" Umbra said. "The time for talk is over Storm Rider. Now, we let our cards do the talking! I activate the Spell Card: Allure of Darkness! This card lets me draw two cards, but then I must banish a Dark monster or send my entire hand to the Graveyard." Umbra drew. His eyes widened on seeing his cards, but then he smirked. "Perfect! I banish Silva, Warlord of Dark World. Then, I activate the Field Spell Card: The Gates of Dark World!"

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "Looks like he's setting up his combo," he muttered.

"With this card, all Fiend monsters gain 300 attack and defense points!" Umbra continued. "And now, I activate the Spell Card: Dark World Dealings! This card lets us draw one card, and then we must discard one."

Storm Rider and Umbra drew, then they each discarded a card. Umbra spoke again. "The card I discarded was Broww, Huntsman of Dark World! Since a card effect discarded Broww, its effect lets me draw another card!"

He drew, then said, "I activate the effect of my Field Spell! By banishing a Fiend monster from my Graveyard, I can discard a Fiend monster and draw one card. I banish Broww and discard Sepphia, Fighter of Dark World."

Umbra drew again, then said, "Since Sepphia was discarded, its effect activates and lets me Special Summon a banished "Dark World" monster! Return, Sillva, in Attack Position!"

A large black and silver humanoid monster appeared on Umbra's field. It had black wings and carried a dagger.

Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 2300 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"And since Sillva is a Fiend monster, it gains 300 attack points thanks to The Gates of Dark World!"

Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 2300→2600 DEF 1400→1700

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Water of Life! This card lets me Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Return, Sepphia!"

A large demonic humanoid wearing a sapphire-colored fighter's Gi appeared alongside Siilva.

Sepphia, Fighter of Dark World ATK 2300→2600 DEF 1400→1700 LVL: 5

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Umbra said. "Now, it's your move, Storm Rider."

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider looked at his card, then played it. "Since you control monsters and I do not, I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman!"

The man in cybernetic blue armor wielding two swords appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Swordsman's effect activates! When summoned by its effect, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand." He took a card from his Deck, then played it. "I summon the newly added Cycode Coder!"

An alien in a lab coat appeared on its field. It carried a laptop under one arm and had small pieces of armor on its shoulders and lower legs.

Cycode Coder ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Coder's effect continues!" Storm Rider continued. "When this monster is Summoned, I can add one "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand, but then I must send a card from my hand, Deck, or field to the Graveyard."

Storm Rider took two cards from his Deck. He added one to his hand and sent the other to the Graveyard.

"Now, I'll build my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

"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 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 ↙

"Moving on, 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 5 Cycode Firefighter to the Graveyard and Special Summon Cycode Wanderer!"

A black-skinned alien that wore a tattered brown cloak appeared.

Cycode Wanderer ATK 1900 DEF 200 LVL: 5

"When Cycode Wanderer is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Cycode" card, it can lower the attack points of one of my opponent's monsters by 800! I lower Sepphia's attack points! Digital Drain!"

Umbra gritted his teeth as Sepphia's attack points dropped.

Sepphia, Fighter of Dark World ATK 2600→1800

"And since I control a "Cycode" monster, I'm allowed to Special Summon Cycode Navigator from my hand!"

The monster that appeared was a robot in a pirate's outfit, wearing a black tricorne hat.

Cycode Navigator ATK 1300 DEF 1100 LVL: 3

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Back! This card moves Cycode Kurboh from the Extra Monster Zone to the Main Monster Zone at its Link Arrow."

The small blue monster moved to the Main Monster Zone it pointed to.

"Then, I send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to Cycode Kurboh's Link Rating."

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes on seeing what he was discarding but said nothing. He gestured to his field. "Now, I'll build my circuit for a second time!"

The Link Portal appeared again above Storm Rider.

"The summoning conditions are two monsters, including a Cyberse monster. I set Cycode Kuriboh and Coder in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Meister!"

A golden-white armored yet slim, blue digital energy humanoid robot with twin cybernetic wrist blades attached to its forearms emerged from the portal and landed in the Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Meister ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑↓

"I'll build my circuit for the third and final time!" Storm Rider declared. "The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Wanderer and Navigator 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 Mesiter's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200 LINK-2 →↙

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

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200→2000

Cycode Meister ATK 2000→2800

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Cycode Ethernet!" The card showed thousands of hexagons connected with lines forming a globe. "So long as this card is on the field, all "Cycode" Link Monsters I control gain 500 attack points."

Cycode Meister ATK 2800→3300

Cycode Administrator ATK 2000→2500

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure, which lets me draw a card for each Link Monster on the field! I draw two cards!"

Storm Rider drew, then gestured to his field. Battle!" he exclaimed. "Cycode Meister attacks Sillva!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Dark World Seal!" Umbra shouted as the card showed Ceruli, Guru of Dark World, creating a barrier to shield himself from Getsu Fuhma's attack. "Through its effect, I can send a "Dark World" monster from my hand to the Graveyard to negate the attack! I send Ameth, Seeker of Dark World, whose effect allows me to Tribute a "Dark World" monster on my field to draw two cards from my Deck. I Tribute Sepphia!"

As Umbra drew his cards, Storm Rider frowned. "Since I can't attack with Administrator, I have no choice but to end my Battle Phase. From there, I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Umbra announced. "I draw! I activate the effect of The Gates of Dark World to banish Ameth from my Graveyard and send one card from my hand to the Graveyard to draw one card from my Deck. And since the card I discarded was a copy of Broww, its effect activates, allowing me to draw another card. Moving on, I activate the Trap Card: Wrath of Dark World!" The card showed Snoww, Unlight of Dark World, extending her hand as she released violent energy waves upon a heavily damaged D.D. Assailant. "Thanks to its effect, I can send a "Dark World" monster from my card to the Graveyard to destroy a monster you control and draw one card from my Deck. I'll destroy Cycode Administrator!"

"I activate my face-down card!" Storm Rider declared. "The Continuous Trap Card: Cycode Wall!" The card showed Cycode Drifter with a square of light rising around it. "If I control a "Cycode" Link Monster, "Cycode" monsters I control cannot be destroyed by card effects!"

A wave of darkness was unleashed from Umbra's Trap Card and enveloped Administrator, but a barrier appeared and repelled it.

"Well played, Storm Rider." Umbra praised his opponent. "However, the card I just sent to the Graveyard was Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World," he stated. "As such, I can Special Summon it through its effect!"

A massive black fiend monster with giant dragon wings carrying a two-pronged staff appeared on Umbra's field.

Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World ATK 2500→2800 DEF 1800→2100 LVL: 7

"Furthermore, thanks to the effect of Wrath of Dark World, the monster sent from my hand to the Graveyard through its effect is treated as having been sent there by an opponent's card effect." Umbra continued. "Therefore, I activate Reign's second effect, allowing me to destroy all cards in your Monster Zones or your Spell & Trap Zones. Since I can't destroy your monsters, I think I'll destroy your Spell and Trap Cards. Overlord Decree!"

Following Storm Rider's words, Reign-Beaux's chest glowed as it unleashed a rainbow-colored blast that obliterated every one of Storm Rider's Spell and Trap Cards.

"Since my remaining face-down card you destroyed was Dummy Marker, its effect activates," Storm Rider said. "Allowing me to draw a card."

Umbra gestured to his field. "Battle! Sillva attacks Cycode Administrator! Argent Slash!"

Sillva charged forward, swinging its blades down and bisecting Administrator with the ensuing explosion that made Storm Rider wince.

Storm Rider: 4000→3700 LP

"And finally, Reign, eliminate Cycode Meister!" Umbra shouted. "Ferocious Crucible!"

Reign swung its staff with great force, smashing Meister across the room and destroying it, making Storm Rider wince again.

Storm Rider: 3700→3400 LP

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

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! First, I place a card face-down, then activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Following that, 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, then took another one from his Deck. "I summon Cycode Sorceress!"

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

Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

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

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

Cycode Kid ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"Now, I'll build my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Cycode Sorceress and Kid in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

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

Cycode Magician ATK 2000→2500 LINK-2 ←↓

"Cycode Kid's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "When this card is used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can target and destroy one face-up card on my opponent's field!" Umbra's eyes widened. "I destroy The Gates of Dark World!"

The Field Spell shattered as Umbra gritted his teeth. "Since Gates of Dark World left the field, my monsters now lose 300 attack and defense points."

Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World ATK 2800→2500 DEF 2100→1800

Sillva, Warlord of Dark World ATK 2600→2300 DEF 1700→1400

"And since Cycode Magician is successfully Link Summoned, I get to return a "Cycode" card from my Graveyard to my hand," Storm Rider continued. "I'll return Cycode Swordsman to my hand." After taking the card from the Graveyard, Storm Rider played another card from his hand. "I activate the effect of the Cycode Updater in my hand! I Special Summon this card to Cycode Magician'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 Magician's bottom Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Cycode Updater ATK 1900 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And since Updater was Special Summoned through its effect, I can Special Summon a Level 6 or below "Cycode" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon Cycode Acrobat!"

Cycode Acrobat ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"Acrobat's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When it is Special Summoned by a "Cycode" card's effect, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cycode Half-Guard to my hand. Furthermore, since I summoned a monster to Cycode Magician's Link Arrow, I can banish a card you control!" Umbra gasped at Storm Rider's words. "Say goodbye to your Reign-Beaux!"

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

"I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Core, which lets me 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 in Attack Position.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

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

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

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more non-Token monsters. I set Cycode Updater, Acrobat and Assailant in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Wizard!"

A man in a dark brown and silver gentleman-like suit emerged from the portal. He had black and white clothes wrapped around his shoulders and waist and a blue top hat on his head. The man wielded an energy cane in his left hand as it was summoned to Cycode Magician's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Wizard ATK 2200→2700 LINK-3 ←↑→

Umbra narrowed his eyes. "He summoned a Link-3 monster," he muttered.

"Since the monster Special Summoned by Cycode Core was used as Link Material," Storm Rider said. "I get to draw a card. Battle! Cycode Magician, attack Sillva Warlord of Dark World! Digital Deletion!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Half or Nothing!" Umbra exclaimed. "This card can be activated during my opponent's Battle Phase and offers you two choices! You must either halve your Monsters' attack until the Battle Phase's end if you wish for the Battle Phase to resume, or you must end your Battle Phase! Now, what do you choose!?"

Storm Rider smirked. "Simple. I choose neither. I activate the Counter Trap Card: Arrow Break! I can activate this card the turn I set it if I control a Link 3 or higher monster. And since you activated a Trap Card while I control a Link Monster, that Trap Card's activation is negated and destroyed!"

Umbra gasped as Half or Nothing disintegrated. "Continue your attack, Cycode Magician!"

Cycode Magician's rod glowed blue as it released energy at Sillva, destroying it and making Umbra wince.

Umbra: 4000→3800 LP

"Cycode Wizard's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "Since a monster co-linked to it inflicted battle damage, I gain Life Points equal to double that damage!"

Cycode Wizard aimed its staff at Storm Rider and emitted a light down on him.

Storm Rider: 3400→3800 LP

Umbra brushed himself off before gesturing to his field. "I activate Trap Card: Card of Last Will! Through its effect, since you destroyed my monster, I can draw until I have five cards in my hand!"

"Even so, you're defenseless!" Storm Rider stated. "Cycode Wizard attacks you directly!"

Cycode Wizard swung its staff, forming a blue magic circle and blaster Umbra with blue energy.

"I activate the Trap Card: Ground Capture!" Umbra declared. "Since you declared an attack, this card halves the damage I take from it!"

Soon, a giant stone hand erupted from the ground and shielded Umbra temporarily from Cycode Wizard's attack. Despite this, the attack eventually destroyed the giant stone hand and Struck, causing him to grunt in pain from the backlash of the attack.

Umbra: 3800→2450 LP

"And due to Ground Capture's second effect, I get to draw one card since I took more than 1000 damage from your attack."

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Storm Rider concluded. "Now, what are you going to do, Umbra? Your field is clear, and I currently hold the advantage in Life Points. I would appreciate you surrendering here."

"If you believe that much will deter me, you are deluded," Umbra replied. "Though you may have overcome many challenges to arrive at this point, I survived several traumatic battlefields with which this duel cannot compare. Also, my pride and honor as a member of the Syndicate will not allow me to yield to an enemy under any circumstances. As such, this duel will continue until one of us is no more, Storm Rider!"

That guy… He might be an enemy, but I must respect that tenacious attitude and steadfast loyalty. Storm Rider thought. It's too bad he's fighting for the wrong side.

"Let's go!" Umbra announced. "The true battle starts from here! My turn! I draw!"

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Lightning's palace…

"I wonder if the others are alright. Even with Kolter's programming, I still couldn't restore communications. Although I have the map Storm Rider provided me, I still feel bad about this…."

Sanctum murmured as she walked forward, wary of concealed traps or ambushes. After nearly falling into a pitfall and getting assaulted by several Syndicate soldiers a few minutes after that incident, she decided to be much more prudent.

"Tch, this place is like a large maze…." Sanctum clicked her tongue in irritation. "At this point, I can only hope to get lucky and run into one of the others or perhaps come across some control center or something…."

Sanctum's monologue was interrupted as her Duel Disk started beeping. She noticed it had picked up a nearby signal, causing her to turn. Her eyes took notice of a large, ornate door. While she was wary of another ambush, there was a chance one of her comrades or the required resource was behind that door. So, after taking a deep breath to calm down, she cautiously opened the door, only to find herself inside a massive semispherical chamber with four pillars jutting from the floor.

"Lovely decoration," Sanctum said as she surveyed the chamber.

"I agree. Whoever's place this was had amazing taste."

Sanctum turned around upon hearing those words and directed his gaze forward, where a fair-skinned female with light purple hair and purple eyes wearing a black skirt with golden yellow outlines on her sleeves and skirt, with the middle portion having bright-blue lines. The color on the right side of her pants was colored black with golden outlines, while the other side was colored white.

"The name's Marionette, a fellow member of the Syndicate." She introduced herself. "And unless I'm mistaken, you're Sanctum, a member of the infamous Top 10 who has been causing us so much trouble recently."

"It looks like I don't need to introduce myself," Sanctum smirked. "So what are you doing here? Am I correct to assume you're in charge of this sudden ambush?"

"Afraid not," Marionette said as she waved her finger. "The man in charge is none other than my partner Umbra."

"Is that so? Then where is he?" Sanctum asked.

"Take a look for yourself."

Marionette reached out her left arm, causing a massive holographic window to appear above them, displaying Storm Rider and Umbra's duel.

"Storm Rider!" Sanctum yelled.

"I'm afraid he can't hear you," Marionette said as she dismissed the holographic window. "And if you're thinking of leaving to help him, think again."

Marionette pressed a button on her Duel Disk. Then, a circular device on the floor generated a semi-transparent barrier surrounding the area where Marionette and Sanctum stood.

"This is a Real Solid Vision Cage, another application of the Real Solid Vision technology," Marionette explained. "As long as it remains active, the duelists within it cannot escape its confines, and no one can interfere with them."

"Just great…" Sanctum sighed before scrutinizing Marionette's face. "Have I…met you somewhere before? I swear your face reminds me of someone I know…."

"I assure you that the two of us have never met before," Marionette said as she activated her Duel Disk. "In any case, I believe that's enough small talk. You and your peers are undoubtedly the Syndicate's enemies and an obstacle to our goal. Therefore, I will destroy you, Sanctum."

"You're welcome to try!" Sanctum grinned as she also activated her Duel Disk. "However, many of your soldiers can attest that I'm no pushover, Marionette! Now, let's do this!"

"Duel!"

Sanctum: 4000 LP

Marionette: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Marionette declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Allure of Darkness! This card lets me draw two cards, but then I must banish a Dark monster or send my entire hand to the Graveyard." Marionette drew her cards, then smirked. "Perfect! I banish Barrier Statue of the Abyss. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Terraforming! This card lets me add a Field Spell Card from my Deck to my hand." She took a card from her Deck, then played it. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Orcustrated Babel! While this card is on the field, I can activate the effects of "Orcust" monsters in my Graveyard or of "Orcust" Link Monsters I control as Quick Effects!"

Sanctum narrowed her eyes. A card that lets her activate monster effects as Quick Effects? That could be dangerous.

"I summon Armageddon Knight!"

A black-haired man in black armor wielding a saber appeared.

Armageddon Knight ATK 1400 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Armageddon Knight's effect activates! I can send a Dark monster from my Deck to the Graveyard when summoned. I send Orcust Harp Horror to the Graveyard. Next, I activate the effect of Harp Horror in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon an "Orcust" monster from my Deck. However, I can only Special Summon Dark monsters for the rest of the turn. I Special Summon Orcust Brass Bombard!"

A black and gold machine made of brass instruments appeared in Attack Position.

Orcust Brass Bombard ATK 500 DEF 1900 LVL: 1

"Appear, the circuit of the downward journey! The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters, one of which must be an "Orcust" monster. I set Armageddon Knight and Brass Bombard in the Link Arrows!"

Marionette's monsters entered the bottom-left and top-right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Galatea, the Orcust Automation!"

A purple-haired girl in black and gold armor emerged from the portal. She twirled a large scythe from the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Galatea, the Orcust Automation ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↙↗

Sanctum frowned. Those were unusual Link Arrows.

"I activate the effect of Brass Bombard in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon an "Orcust" monster from my hand. Come, Orcust Knightmare!"

The monster that appeared resembled Galatea but only barely. Her left leg and the right side of her face were covered in bandages, mechanical claws had replaced her arms, and her hair spiraled out from her inbound tendrils. The woman appeared at Galatea's bottom-left Link Arrow in Defense Position.

Orcust Knightmare ATK 100 DF 2000 LVL: 7

"Galatea's effect activates! Once per turn, I can shuffle a banished Machine monster into my Deck to Set an "Orcust" Spell or Trap Card directly from my Deck. I Set Orcustrated Attack. Then, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Orcustrated Einsatz! Once per turn, if you Normal or Special Summon a monster, I can take an "Orcust" or "World Legacy" monster from my hand or Deck and then either banish it or send it to the Graveyard. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

Sanctum frowned as she looked over her opponent's field. A Field Spell that lets her activate his monsters' effects during her turn, two face-downs, a Continuous Spell Card, and two monsters. Looking at their effects, she saw that a Link Monster couldn't destroy Galatea when it was linked and that Orcust Knightmare couldn't be destroyed in battle. Her opponent was dueling safely and smartly, protecting her monsters while preparing for her. It reminded her of her practice duels with Storm Rider.

"My turn! I draw!"

"I activate Galatea's effect!" Marionette declared. "I shuffle the banished Harp Horror into my Deck to Set Orcust Crescendo!" Sanctum's eyes narrowed. While Galatea's effect was problematic, the good thing was that Marionette couldn't activate that card the turn it was Set. Thus, Sanctum was safe from an unknown threat for now.

"Next, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Escape from the Dark Dimension!" Marionette continued. "It allows me to Special Summon a banished Dark monster. Appear, Barrier Statue of the Abyss!"

A purple statue of a winged demon emerged from a dark portal onto the field.

Barrier Statue of the Abyss ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And thanks to my statue, you can't Special Summon any monsters except Dark monsters." Sanctum's eyes widened. "I've studied all your duels, and I know you're Deck consists of Light Attribute monsters. In other words, you're completely locked down."

"So that was what you were trying to accomplish?" Sanctum asked. "To keep me from summoning any monsters? You know that won't work against me." She took a card from her hand and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Change of Heart! This card lets me target a monster you control and take control of it until the End Phase. I target your Barrier Statue of the Abyss!"

A purple beam fired out of Change of Heart and hit the Barrier Statue, transferring it to Sanctum's field.

"Now I Tribute Statue of the Abyss to Tribute Summon Mekk-Knight Blue Sky!"

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

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

Marionette frowned. "Since Barrier Statue left the field, Escape from the Dark Dimension is destroyed."

The Trap Card disintegrated following Marionette's words.

"Blue Sky's effect activates! When this card is Summoned from my hand, I can add "Mekk-Knight" monsters from my Deck to my hand, equal to the number of your cards in Blue Sky's column. You have two cards, so I'll add Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall and Yellow Star to my hand." Sanctum then took and played another card from her hand. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Senet Switch! Once per turn, I can move a monster I control to an adjacent Main Monster Zone. I move Blue Sky to the column to its right. And now I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Yellow Star via its effect!"

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

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

"I activate the Spell Card: Trade-In!" Sanctum continued. "I discard a Level 8 monster to draw two cards. I discard Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall." Sanctum discarded, drew, then gestured to her field. "I activate Yellow Star's effect! By banishing a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card in Yellow Star's column! I banish Purple Nightfall from my Graveyard to destroy set Orcustrated Attack!"

The card shattered, much to Marionette's dismay.

Sanctum gestured to her field. "Battle! Yellow Star attacks Orcust Knightmare!"

Yellow Star's wings glowed as they fired a beam of energy at the doll, destroying it.

"Next, Blue Sky attacks Galatea!"

Blue Sky charged toward the Link Monster as Marionette gestured to her field. "I activate the effect of Orcust Knightmare in my Graveyard!" She declared. "By banishing it, I can send a Dark Machine monster from my Deck to the Graveyard and increase the attack points of one monster on the field by that monster's Level times 100. I send the Level 4 Orcust Harp Horror to the Graveyard and target Galatea!"

Galatea, the Orcust Automation ATK 1800→2200

Sanctum gritted her teeth. Great. Her monster's now stronger. "I cancel my attack," she said as Blue Sky returned to her field. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: World Legacy Key! This card lets me add one banished "Mekk-Knight" monster or "World Legacy" card to my hand. I return the banished Purple Nightfall to my hand. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Marionette announced. "I draw! First, I place a card face-down and then activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw! Through its effect, I can draw five cards from my Deck, provided that I discard my current hand and guess what type the top card of my Deck is. If I guess wrong, I must send five cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase." I predict that my top card is a monster I draw!"

Marionette drew a card from her Deck—and grinned as he showed it to Sanctum.

"It seems I guessed correctly. My top card was Orcust Bell Wraith, which means I can draw five cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the effect of Harp Horror in the Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon an "Orcust" monster from my Deck. Come, another Orcust Knightmare!"

A second patchwork doll appeared at Galatea's bottom-left Link Arrow in Defense Position.

Orcust Knightmare ATK 100 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

Sanctum smiled. "Thanks for that," she said, confusing Marionette. "Because you Special Summoned a monster, I can discard a card from my hand to Special Summon this monster. Come forth, Chaos Hunter!"

A woman with long white hair and white eyes, wearing crimson armor and wielding a whip, appeared on Sanctum's field in Attack Position.

Chaos Hunter ATK 2500 DEF 1600 LVL: 7

"And since the card I discarded was Cards of Compensation, I can draw two cards from my Deck."

Marionette narrowed her eyes. "A monster that isn't a Mekk-Knight," she muttered. "I don't know what you're planning, but it won't work!" She raised her hand as it glowed blue. "Appear, the circuit of the downward journey!" The Link Portal appeared. "The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters, including an "Orcust" monster. I set Orcust Knightmare and Link-2 Galatea in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator!"

A violet-haired man in black, gold, and purple armor emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone. He wielded an elaborate blue spear in his right hand and a large shield in his left.

Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↖↑↘

"A Link-3 monster," Sanctum muttered.

"I activate the effect of Orcust Knightmare in my Graveyard! I banish it and send another Harp Horror from my Deck to the Graveyard to increase Longirsu's attack points!"

"I'm afraid you can't," Sanctum said as Marionette raised an eyebrow. "Due to Chaos Hunter's effect, you can't banish cards so long as it's on the field."

Marionette stared at Sanctum in shock and surprise. "That's impossible," she muttered. "There's no way you knew my Deck revolves around banishing cards…."

"True." Sanctum agreed. "But not too long ago, I dueled against someone whose Deck's main strategy also revolved around banishing cards. And just in case I ever ended up in that situation again, I added this card to my Deck to prevent that."

Marionette glared at Sanctum and then smirked. "Very clever," she said. "You're right; a card like Chaos Hunter would cripple a Deck that focuses on banishing. Especially if its user was a lesser duelist. But…" Her eyes narrowed. "I am not a lesser duelist."

Marionette took and played a card from her hand. "I activate the Spell Card: World Legacy Succession! This card Special Summons a monster from my Graveyard to a Link Monster's Link Arrow. I Special Summon Orcust Knightmare to Orchestrator's Link Arrow!"

The patchwork doll reappeared at Orchestrator's bottom-right Link Arrow in Defense Position.

Orcust Knightmare ATK 100 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Transmodify!" Marionette continued as Orcust Knightmare was enveloped by energy before vanishing entirely. "I can Tribute one monster on my field to Special Summon a monster with the same Type and Attribute from my Deck, but one Level higher! Appear, Fiendish Engine Omega!"

Following Marionette's words, a large red-armored, silver-colored robot resembling a devil with sharp horns, claws, wrist blades and a tail appeared in Attack Position. Its yellow eyes glared at Sanctum.

Fiendish Engine Omega ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"From there, I activate Longirsu's effect! Once per turn, I can shuffle two banished Machine monsters into my Deck to send one of your linked monsters to the Graveyard!" Sanctum's eyes widened. Thanks to where Longirsu was, it pointed to Chaos Hunter! "I send Chaos Hunter to the Graveyard!"

The man raised his spear and shot a bolt of blue lightning at the armored woman, making her disintegrate.

"Battle!" Marionette exclaimed. "Fiendish Engine Omega, attack Mekk-Knight Blue Sky!"

"I won't let you!" Sanctum exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Battle Break! This card destroys your monster and ends the Battle Phase!"

"How pathetic," Marionette commented. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Orcust Crescendo! When a Spell, Trap, or monster effect is activated while I control an "Orcust" Link Monster, that effect is negated, and the card is banished!"

"Tch," Sanctum grunted as her Trap Card shattered.

"Now, destroy her monster, Fiendish Engine! Omega Crusher!"

The large robot swung one of its blades, slashing Blue Sky in half and sending Sanctum skidding back due to the ensuing shockwave.

Sanctum: 4000→3200 LP

"Next, Longirsu, attack Yellow Star!" Marionette pointed at Sanctum's second monster. "Lance of Loss!"

Longirsu leaped into the air and spun his lance before bringing it down on Yellow Star, destroying it and causing her to grunt in pain.

Sanctum: 3200→2900 LP

"I set one card face-down and end my turn," Marionette concluded.

"My turn!" Sanctum announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Unexpected Dai. This card lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from my Deck if I control no monsters on my field!" A card popped out of Sanctum's Deck. "Appear, Mekk-Knight Avram!"

A young blonde man in gold armor carrying two curved swords emerged on her field.

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"As Senet Switch and Fiendish Engine Omega are in the same column, I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall to their column!"

A mechanical warrior carrying a spear and wearing a purple cape appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Unit and equip it to Mekk-Knight Avram!" Sanctum continued. "If Avram is used to Link Summon, it counts as two materials!"

Marionette narrowed her eyes. "So she's planning on Link Summoning next," she muttered.

"Appear, the circuit of illumination!"

Sanctum's hand shot a lightning bolt into the air, creating a Link Portal.

"Link Arrows authorized!" Sanctum chanted. "The summoning conditions are two monsters, including at least one "Mekk-Knight" monster. I set Mekk-Knight Avram, now treated as two monsters in the Link Arrows!"

Avram split into two before turning into a whirlwind of energy as it entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night!"

A dark bipedal machine resembling Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star appeared on Sanctum's field. It had an arm cannon, two cybernetic robotic wings, a golden horn on its head and an orange wreath on its chest. Crescent Night roared from the Left Extra Monster Zone.

Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↖↗

"I activate the Trap Card: Cynet Regression!" Sanctum declared. "As I Special Summoned a Link Monster, one card on the field is destroyed! I destroy Orcustrated Babel!"

Following her words, the Field Spell shattered.

"Furthermore, Regression also lets me draw a card," Sanctum said as she drew. "Then, Crescent Night's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, by discarding a card, I get to add a "Mekk-Knight" card from my Deck to my hand." She discarded a card, then took another one from her Deck. "And since Crescent Night wasn't co-linked when this effect resolved, I can draw an additional card. Furthermore, while a control a"Mekk-Knight" monster other than Crescent Night, all your monsters lose 1000 attack points and must attack!"

Marionette's eyes widened. "What?"

Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator ATK 2500→1500

Fiendish Engine Omega ATK 2800→1800

"I activate the Field Spell Card: World Legacy Scars, which increases the attack and defense points of all my "Mekk-Knight" monsters by 300!"

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500→2800 DEF 2000→2300

Mekk-Knight of the Crescent Night ATK 2000→2300

Sanctum gestured to her field. "Battle! Crescent Night attacks Fiendish Engine Omega!"

"It won't be that easy!" Marionette declared. "I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Wall! So long as I pay 2000 Life Points during my Standby Phase, your monsters lose half their attack points when they attack!"

"That won't happen." Sanctum grinned. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Mekk-Knight Justice from my hand! I can activate this card from my hand when I control two or more "Mekk-Knight" monsters with different names. Through its effect, whenever you activate the effect of a Spell or Trap Card while I control a "Mekk-Knight" monster, I can negate that card's activation and destroy it!"

Following Sanctum's words, her Trap Card released a golden beam at Marionette's Trap Card, destroying it.

"Without your Trap Card, Crescent Night's attack resumes!"

Crescent Night aimed its arm cannon at the large machine before firing a beam of energy, destroying it and making Marionette wince.

Marionette: 4000→3500 LP

"Next, Purple Nightfall attacks Longirsu!"

Nightfall twirled its spear before impaling the Orcust Link Monster, causing it to explode and Marionette to wince again.

Marionette: 3500→2200 LP

"Not bad, but not good enough, Sanctum!" Marionette taunted. "I activate the effect of Desperado Barrel Dragon from my hand! As a face-up Dark Machine monster was destroyed, I can Special Summon this card!"

A metal dragon with a red underbelly appeared on Marionette's field. Plasma cannons were on its head and arms. Rigged metal spikes were on its back as well.

Desperado Barrel Dragon ATK 2800→1800 DEF 2200 LVL: 8

"I activate Desperado Barrel Dragon's second effect!" Marionette continued. "During the Battle Phase of either player's turn, I can toss three coins to destroy monsters on the field, equal to the number of results that end up being heads! Go, Desperado Roulette!"

"Before that happens, I activate Purple Nightfall's effect!" Sanctum abruptly stated. "Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can banish a "Mekk-Knight" monster until my next Standby Phase and add a new "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Deck to my hand. I banish Purple Nightfall to add Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay to my hand."

Following Sanctum's words, Desperato Barrel Dragon's pistols began spinning around. In front of each of the cannons, three holographic coins were tossed into the air. When they landed, two landed on heads, while one landed on tails.

"Bad news for you, Sanctum," Marionette smirked. "Since two of the results ended up being heads, I get to destroy up to two of your monsters!"

Roaring, Desperato Barrel Dragon fired an energy blast at Crescent Night, destroying it.

"And since Crescent Night's no longer on the field, Desperado Barrel attack points increase by 1000."

Desperado Barrel Dragon ATK 1800→2800 DEF 2200 LVL: 8

Sanctum gritted her teeth in frustration. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

Sanctum narrowed her eyes. I need to end this duel as soon as possible, she thought. Storm Rider can handle opponents independently but struggle against Umbra in their last duel. I wonder how he's doing right now.

Meanwhile, at Storm Rider and Umbra's duel...

Umbra smiled. "Heh, you truly are as formidable as I heard you were. However, I absolutely won't lose to you here! I activate the Spell Card: Dark World Misdirection!" The card showed a grey and indigo colored humanoid, wearing demonic knight-like armor matching, throwing knives at Dai Grepher, unaware that Kahkki, Guerilla of Dark World, was behind him. "Thanks to its effect, if I control no monsters while my opponent does, I can send two cards from my hand to the Graveyard and treat them as having been discarded by an opponent's card effect."

Storm Rider frowned. "Now his monsters will be able to activate their bonus effects," he muttered. "Things are about to go from hard to even harder."

"The cards I discard are Quoisse, Sharpshooter of Dark World, and Vellve, Temptress of Dark World, whose effects allow me to Special Summon them when discarded!"

Two new monsters appeared on Umbra's field. One was a turquoise-colored female humanoid wearing stealth-like robes and wielding a sniper, and the other was a velvet-colored female humanoid wearing an elegant yet raggy dress and a small crown.

Quoisse, Sharpshooter of Dark World ATK 2400 DEF 1600 LVL: 6

Vellve, Temptress of Dark World ATK 1600 DEF 300 LVL: 4

"Both their effects activate!" Umbra continued. "First, since an opponent's card effect discarded Quoisse, the attack points of all your Special Summoned monsters are halved!"

"Are you serious?" Storm Rider asked as his monster was weakened.

Cycode Magician ATK 2500→1250

Cycode Wizard ATK 2700→1350

"And thanks to Vellve's second effect, I can target a "Dark World" monster in my Graveyard, and Special Summon it. Return, Reign-Beaux!"

The massive black fiend wielding a halberd reappeared on Umbra's field.

Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World ATK 2500 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

Umbra gestured to his field. "Now, bear witness to the terror of the Dark World denizens! Battle! Velleve, attack his Cycode Magician!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Cycode Half-Guard!" Storm Rider shouted. By discarding Cycode Scorpion, all battle damage I take is halved!"

Vellve formed an orb of dark energy in its hand before blasting Magician with it, destroying it and making Storm Rider wince.

Storm Rider: 3800→3625 LP

"Next, Quoisse, attack Cycode Wizard!"

A powerful energy bolt was shot from Quoisse's sniper, piercing through Cycode Wizard and striking Storm Rider's body, causing him to grunt in pain.

Storm Rider: 3625→3100 LP

"Finally, Reign-Beaux attacks you directly, Storm Rider!" Umbra yelled. "Devilish Vaccum Wave!"

Reign swung its staff with great force, creating a crescent wave of energy that struck Storm Rider that sent him tumbling back.

Storm Rider: 3100→1850 LP

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

Storm Rider drew as Umbra said, "As expected, you managed to survive. That's good. It would be a shame if you were defeated when I started going all out." He let out a small smile. "I place one card face-down and end my turn. As I thought, you are a skilled and fierce warrior, a truly worthy adversary for me. It's a shame that we're enemies."

"Speaking of which, I've wanted to ask you something." Storm Rider glared at Umbra with a sharp gaze. "Judging from our duel so far, you are an honorable individual who values loyalty and trust. Even so, how can you condone bringing destruction to LINK VRAINS? Duelists like us, who were prepared to risk our lives the moment we entered this fight, is one thing, but the people of LINK VRAINS have nothing to do with the battle between us. The unrealistic dream that you can somehow build a better world after causing so much suffering? Is the goal the Syndicate has worth it all?"

"Sacrifices, huh…?" Umbra muttered. "You are not wrong, Storm Rider. We have performed many terrible acts by attacking LINK VRAINS, using your friends against their will and kidnapping your comrades. I understand the depth of the sins we bear. I understand it better than anyone else. However, unless someone bears this burden and does whatever is necessary to usher in a new era, tragedies like this will continue to be repeated worldwide, just like what happened to me long ago before the Queen came into my life."

Storm Rider raised an eyebrow. "The Queen?"

Umbra turned his gaze to the ruined ceiling before resuming speaking.

"You called me an honorable individual before. However, I was not always so. You see, a long time ago, I was a U.S. Army Colonel with a long line of ancestors serving in the nation's military. Following their footsteps, I pushed to succeed and applied to and was quickly accepted into Delta Force, the United States premiere counter-terrorism agency. I was an accomplished operative, soon rising to the position of the unit commander. Caring deeply for my comrades, I led them through difficult Iraq, Darfur and Afghanistan operations. But during these conflicts, I saw that the ideals of men like my father were impossible to uphold. I witnessed my commanders sabotage missions for personal gain, intentionally compromise operatives and allow for horrible atrocities to be committed. This culminated with a joint operations mission with the SAS, which resulted in the deaths of five of my men. After that, I decided not to re-enlist when my tour was up. After leaving the military, I went rogue and eliminated all the commanders who sabotaged missions for personal gain and other targets. And being a former Colonel, I evaded the military for many years.

Umbra let out a small smile at that moment.

"However, everything changed the day I met her."

Flashback: Seven years ago, in LINK VRAINS...

"Get back here!" At this point, Umbra, a.k.a. Kelvin, shouted as he chased an individual down an alleyway. The man had curly blue hair and wore a red jacket with grey shoulder pads, a white shirt underneath, and black boots. Eventually, the man reached a dead end as Kelvin stood across from him, his glowing eyes filled with hate.

"Feeble scum," he growled. "A worthless person like you who fights only for money and power doesn't deserve to be called a hero." He raised a hand that crackled with purple lightning.

"No!" The man gasped, trembling and staring at his opponent's hand. "No, please have mercy!"

"You turned your back on mankind like everyone else I've crushed," Kelvin said coldly and resolutely. "It's time for you to face the consequences of your actions."

Kelvin tried to approach the man, but the air in front of him suddenly warped. Stepping out of it were two individuals. The first person was a short blue-haired girl with brown eyes over a pair of glasses. She wore a light blue sweater, skirt with pantyhose and high heels. The second was a dark green-haired boy wearing an elegant, dark blue military school uniform.

"Out of the way," Kelvin spat.

"No," the boy said firmly, glaring at Kelvin unflinchingly. "This individual is under our protection." He and the girl stepped aside as a woman with long blonde hair with soft red eyes materialized into the alleyway. She wore a formal white dress with a Sunday hat over her head, a pair of white gloves and high heels with white stockings.

Kelvin's eyes widened. "I know who you are," he said. "You're Priscilla. The founder of SOL Technologies. What are you doing here?"

"I'm here because I'm displeased with the way my vision for the company has become twisted by humans, and I'm currently looking for people with unique skillsets that, too, are displeased with the current status the world and humans are at. That is why I offer you a seat amongst the mighty, and all I ask for in return is your assistance so my vision can become a reality. What do you say?"

Kelvin touched his chin as he thought about what Priscilla had said. Even though he thought it would be a waste of time, he couldn't help but agree with her words.

"How interesting." Kelvin thought it over. "This is a golden opportunity I cannot pass. I accept!"

"Not so fast." Priscilla suddenly said. "You can't just join the Syndicate. You must prove yourself." She took out her Duel Disk and placed it on her wrist.

Kelvin smirked. A Duel Initiation? "If you insist." He also readied his own Duel Disk. "But a fair warning: I'm unpredictable."

"I don't expect anything less from a former colonel."

"Duel!"

Flashback End: Present Day...

"Even though I thought I left my past behind me, the Queen insisted that my knowledge was essential for the Syndicate. The survival skills, the combat tactics, the psychology of battle, bypassing everything I experienced and learned on the battlefield, I could help others survive and triumph. People like me, whose existence is already drenched in sin, are ideal for that unpleasant task. And if my actions aid in creating a world of peace and prosperity, I can ask for nothing else, even if I have to shoulder all the world's evils. The Queen's dream is my dream now. And fighting to realize that noble dream no matter the cost is the meaning he gave to my wretched existence and the reason I persevere regardless of the costs I must pay."

"…I see." Storm Rider eventually said after remaining silent for a few seconds. "I understand your feelings and your resolve very well. However, I must still say this; even for a one-eyed individual, your field of vision is incredibly narrow."

"What?"

"Are you aware of the definition of madness?" Storm Rider continued speaking. "It's when you do the same thing repeatedly yet expect a different result during each attempt. How many times in the past have individuals started a fight with others because it was for the great or good? And yet, nothing has changed at all, and nothing will change by employing such means. However, you and the other members of the Syndicate are so blinded by the Queen's nonsense that you haven't bothered to stop for a moment, and question whether the path she's leading you on is the correct one or whether saving the world is her true goal."

"If you're trying to sow doubt into me, I advise you to give up," Umbra said. "My loyalty and faith to the Syndicate will not be shaken merely by your taunts."

"Those blinkers make your vision so narrow that you cannot see anything apart from what the Syndicate allows you to," Storm Rider responded. "Very well. In that case, I will shatter your distorted perception through this duel and make you understand that the grand dreams they let you see are mere deceptions! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Maintenance! It lets me a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Cycode Swordsman to my hand, and thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon it!"

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add Cycode Masterframe from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider continued. "Appear, my circuit!" Storm Rider's hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Swordsman in the Link Arrow!"

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

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

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

Cycode Apprentice ATK 1000→1500 LINK-1 →

"Apprentice's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I draw a card!" Storm Rider drew, then said, "I summon Cycode Masterframe!"

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

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Masterframe's effect activates! When this card is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one "Cycode" monster from my hand. Come on out, Cycode Alchemist!"

A gray alien in a torn white lab coat holding two beakers – one red and one blue – in its hands appeared next to Masterframe in Attack Position.

Cycode Alchemsit ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Now, I'll build my circuit a second time!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

"Link Arrows Authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Cycode Masterframe, Alchemist, and Apprentice in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

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

Cycode Talker ATK 2300→2800 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Cycode Talker's effect activates! When it's successfully Link Summoned, I can Specia Summon a Cycode Token!"

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

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

Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World ATK 2500→2000

Quoisse, Sharpshooter of Dark World ATK 2400→1900

Vellve, Temptress of Dark World ATK 1600→1100

"I activate the effect of Cycode Apprentice in my Graveyard! Since I summoned a Link-3 "Cycode" Link Monster, I can Special Summon it!"

The hooded mage reappeared.

Cycode Apprentice ATK 1000→1500 LINK-1 →

"I activate the effect of Cycode Scorpion in my Graveyard! By banishing Cycode Assailant and Kid from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!"

A large red mechanical scorpion with a single eye in the front of its body appeared in Defense Position.

Cycode Scorpion ATK 1400 DEF 2600 LVL: 8

"Appear, my circuit!" Storm Rider's hand glowed as the Link Portal appeared for the third time. "The summoning conditions are two or more "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Scorpion, Apprentice and my Cycode Token in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A purple and silver humanoid monster with a bulky body wearing a blue vest wielding digital-like batons emerged from the portal, summoned to Cycode Talker's bottom-left Link Arrow.

Cycode Deleter ATK 2100→2600 LINK-3 ←↘→

"Since Apprentice left the field the same turn it was summoned by its effect, it's banished," Storm Rider said. "Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cycode Datasword and equip it to Cycode Talker!"

Cycode Talker's katana began glowing as it changed shape. It remained curved but became slightly longer and more jagged on the sides. Blue data streams were embedded in the blade's center, one near the tip and the other near the hilt. Said hilt also became longer and changed color to gold and silver with a black tassel at the end.

"While Datasword is equipped to a monster, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and when it attacks a Special Summoned monster, it gains attack points equal to its Level times 200!" Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Deleter, attack Reign-Beaux, Overlord of Dark World!"

Cycode Deleter drew two of its batons.

"And just in case you forgot from our last duel, whenever Deleter battles a monster that isn't Link-3 or higher Link Monster, I can banish the attack target and have Delter attack again!"

Cycode Deleter threw its batons at Reign-Beaux, disintegrating on impact.

"Since the effect was successful, Cycode Deleter gets to attack for a second time," Storm Rider stated. "Cycode Deleter attacks Quoisse!"

Cycode Deleter pulled out a knife slashing Quoisse's chest, causing it to disappear.

"Finally, Cycode Talker attacks Vellve, Temptress of Dark World!" The armored warrior roared as it swung the sword. "At this point, Cycode Datasword's effect increases Cycode Talker's attack points by 200 multiplied by Vellve's Level. Your monster is Level 4, so Talker gains 800 attack points!"

Cycode Talker ATK 2800→3600

"Go, Cycode Catastrophe!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Surprise Assist!" Umbra exclaimed as the card showed a duelist raising their Duel Disk as Skull Knight emerged. "When a monster I control is being targeted for an attack, I can reveal cards from the top of my Deck until I get a Level 4 or lower monster, and once I do, the targeted monster gains attack points equal to the revealed monster's attack points until the End Phase, while all other cards are sent to the Graveyard! Let's do this!"

Umbra began checking the cards in his Deck, sending the first three to the Graveyard before finally coming across a monster.

"I drew Beiige, Vanguard of Dark World," Umbra said. "So through Surprise Assist's effect, Vellve gains 1600 attack points!"

Vellve, Temptress of Dark World ATK 1100→2700

Cycode Talker unsheathed its katana and charged at Vellve, slashing it with its sword and destroying it in a massive explosion that sent Umbra back a meter.

Umbra: 2450→1550 LP

Cycode Talker ATK 3600→2800

"Since Cycode Talker destroyed your monster in battle, its third effect lets me Tribute a monster next to its Link Arrow to deal you damage equal to its attack points."

"What?" Umbra gasped.

"I Tribute Cycode Deleter to deal you 2800 points of damage!" Storm Rider exclaimed as Deleter disintegrated, and Talker's katana glowed blue and released a blast of energy directly at Sanctum.

"Not happening! I activate the second effect of Surprise Effect from my Graveyard!" Umbra declared. "When I'm about to receive damage from a card effect, I can banish it to negate the damage!"

The blast hit a barrier and rebounded.

Storm Rider grimaced. "I can't do anything more right now…" he muttered. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

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

Umbra let out a cold smile, which Storm Rider assumed meant he was about to pull an unexpected move and turn the tables yet again. Even though he holds the advantage over Umbra, Storm Rider can't shake off the sense of imminent danger.

"Allow me to praise you, Storm Rider." Umbra addressed his opponent. "It's not every day a face duelist who can push me as far as you have, which is why I'll pull out all stops to defeat you. I activate the Spell Card: Revelation of Truth!" The card showed two duelists with a large glass mirror hovering above him, revealing the two duelists' hands. "This card's effect forces both players to draw a card from their Deck and reveal it to the opponent. Now, draw your card, Storm Rider!"

Storm Rider drew and revealed Card of Adversity, while Umbra revealed Dark World Market.

"Perfect." Umbra let out a malicious chuckle. "With this, I can bring out my strongest monster and show you true darkness and despair. First, I activate the Spell Card: Dark World Market! This card allows me to draw one card and reveal it. If the card is not a "Dark World" monster, I must discard it and my entire hand. But if it is a "Dark World" monster, I draw two more cards, discard one, and treat it as having been discarded by my opponent's card effect! I draw!"

Umbra drew his card, looked at it and smirked. "The card I drew is Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World! That means I draw two more cards!" He drew, then continued. "I now send Lucent to the Graveyard and treat it as having been discarded by your card effect."

Umbra discarded Lucent as his smirk grew. "Since Lucent was discarded to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it! Return to me, Lucent, in Attack Position!"

A humanoid, pink, and purple fiend monster appeared and roared.

Lucent, Netherlord of Dark World ATK 2400 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"Lucent's second effect activates!" Umbra said. "Since an opponent's card effect discarded it, I can also Special Summon a Fiend monster from my Deck to either side of the field. I Special Summon Renge, Gatekeeper of Dark World, to my field in Attack Position!"

A giant fiend with silver armor over its skeletal-like body with a blue jewel on its chest appeared.

Renge, Gatekeeper of Dark World ATK 100 DEF 2100 LVL: 4

"Now then, it's time for the true ruler of the Underworld to descend and grant eternal rest to both you and your monsters!" Umbra declared. "I Tribute Renge and Lucent to Tribute Summon The Suppression Pluto!"

A violet-colored demonic monster appeared on Umbra's field with several eyes embedded in its chest and three whip-shaped appendages extending from its back.

The Suppression Pluto ATK 2600 DEF 2200 LVL: 8

"So you possess one of the Legendary Planet Cards?" Storm Rider said with a disgusted expression. "Such a vile and horrifying aura that can be felt even from here…."

"If you think that's all I have in store for you, think again!" Umbra stated. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Helm of Darkness, equipping it to Pluto!"

A pitch-black helmet appeared on Pluto's head.

"Then, I activate The Suppression Pluto's effect! Once per turn, I can declare a card name, and if my opponent has that card in their hand…well, you'll see soon enough. I declare Card of Adversity!"

"Kuh, so that's why you used Revelation of Truth beforehand." Storm Rider grimaced. "It was all to use Pluto's effect."

"That's right," Umbra confirmed Storm Rider's words. "Thanks to it, since my guess was correct, I can activate one of Pluto's two effects. I'll activate its first effect, allowing me to control a monster on your field. As such, your Cycode Talker belongs to me now!"

Pluto's body generated several tendrils of darkness, binding Deleter and bringing it to Umbra's field.

"Furthermore, the effect of the equipped Helm of Darkness activates!" Umbra continued. "Since Pluto activated its effect successfully, it gains 800 attack points."

The Suppression Pluto ATK 2600→3400

"Now, it's time for battle! The Suppression Pluto, attack Storm Rider directly! Three Satellites!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Defense Draw!" Storm Rider shouted. "Through its effect, the battle damage is reduced to 0, and I can draw one card from my Deck!"

"Not bad, but I'm not finished yet," Umbra stated as he gestured to his field. "Go, Cycode Talker! Attack your former master directly!"

"As if!" Storm Rider shouted as he gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Cycode Firefighter in my Graveyard!" he declared. "By banishing it and halving my Life Points, your attack is negated!"

A transparent robotic firefighter appeared and blocked Talker's attack. The monster soon shattered, but Storm Rider winced from the effect.

Storm Rider: 1850→925 LP

"I believe the results are quite satisfactory for this turn," Umbra said. "I place one card face-down and end my turn. Can you overcome my formation, or will you fall beneath it, Storm Rider?"

"I suppose we'll find out soon, won't we?" Storm Rider responded. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Adversity, whose effect allows me to draw two cards since you control a Special Summoned monster while I control no monsters. Next, 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 Umbra.

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

A digitized warrior in golden armor with blue circuits running across it with a crown-shaped visor obscuring the upper half of his face. He wielded twin swords with a glowing blue line in the middle.

Cycode Skywalker ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I activate the effect of Cycode Alchemist in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider continued. "By banishing it, I can add Cycode Fusion from my Deck to my hand, which I'll activate!"

"What?!" Umbra gasped. "Fusion?!"

"With Cycode Fusion, I can use monsters from my hand or field to the Graveyard to Fusion Summon a "Cycode" Fusion Monster!" Storm explained. "I fuse Cycode Skywalker and Cycode Strider!"

Skywalker and Strider disintegrated into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex before shooting upwards as tornados. The two tornados merged to form a single violet twister.

"The supreme blade that cleaves the wind! Bring forth the new legend!" Storm Rider chanted as he gestured to his field, the lines on his suit glowing a soft purple. "I Fusion Summon! Come out! Cycode Lordwalker!"

A golden greatsword split the whirlwind, revealing an evolved version of Cycode Skywalker in kinglike armor. It unsheathed its sword and let out a battle cry, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Cycode Lordwalker ATK 2600 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"A "Cycode" Fusion Monster…" Umbra muttered. "No way…"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystical Space Typhoon! This card destroys my Cycode Datasword!"

A wind built up that destroyed Datasword and was replaced by Cycode Talker's katana.

"I activate Cycode Lordwalker's effect!" Storm Rider continued. "Once per turn, I can target and destroy a card on the field. I choose to destroy Cycode Talker!"

Lordwalker swung his arms, sending a beam of blue light at the Cycode Link Monster, destroying it.

"Battle! Cycode Lordwalker attacks The Suppression Pluto!" The Fusion Monster charged the Legendary Planet monster. "Lordwalker's effect activates! When it attacks, its attack points are doubled!"

Cycode Lordwalker ATK 2600→5200

"Go, Termination Slash!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Half Unbreak!" Umbra declared. "With this Trap Card, my Suppression Pluto cannot be destroyed in battle this turn, and all battle damage I take is halved!"

Lordwalker slashed Pluto with its sword, and while it remained on the field, Umbra felt the shock from the attack.

Umbra: 1550→650 LP

Cycode Lordwalker ATK 5200→2600

Umbra smirked. "Looks like you still have a long way to go before taking me down, Storm Rider."

"Not as long as you think," Storm Rider said. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

Meanwhile, at Sanctum and Marionette's duel...

"My turn!" Marionette announced. "I draw! Now then, I believe playtime is over. From here on out, I'll use all my strength to defeat you. First, I summon Heavy Mech Support Platform!"

Appearing from the sky was a large platform with red wings and thrusters on the back.

"I activate Support Platform's effect and equip it to Desperado Barrel Dragon, increasing its attack and defense points by 500!"

The platform latched onto the back of the metal dragon, charging it with power.

Desperado Barrel Dragon ATK 2800→3300 DEF 2200→2700

"Battle!" Marionette exclaimed. "Desperado Barrel Dragon attacks you directly!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Reverse Glasses!" Sanctum shouted. "Through its effect, the attack points of all monsters on the field are halved!"

Desperado Barrel Dragon ATK 3300→1650

Three beams of energy erupted from Desperado's pistols, striking Sanctum's body and sending her tumbling back, with her gritting her teeth to prevent cries of pain from escaping her mouth.

Sanctum: 2900→1250 LP

"Congratulations to you for surviving this turn," Marionette said. "I place one card face-down and end my turn. As it's now the End Phase, the effect of Reverse Glasses wears off."

Desperado Barrell Dragon ATK 1650→3300

"My turn! I draw!" Sanctum looked at her card, then gestured to her field. "As it is my Standby Phase, the effect of Purple Nightfall activates, and I Special Summon it!"

The armored mechanical warrior reappeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500→2800 DEF 2000→2300 LVL: 8

"I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay from my hand!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Since I control a "Mekk-Knight" monster, I can Special Summon this card!"

A thin armored mechanical humanoid with bright emerald glowing lines and gem-like parts across its armor figure appeared in Attack Position. It had two winged heads, wielded thin dagger-like blades, and wore a split-half emerald-colored cape.

Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay ATK 800→1100 DEF 600→900 LVL: 2

"I activate Emerald Jay's second effect!" Sanctum continued. "Through it, I can target two "Mekk-Knight" monsters on my field and either increase or decrease their Levels by 1. I target both Purple Nightfall and Emerald Jay and decrease their Levels!"

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall LVL: 8→7

Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay LVL: 1→1

Marionette narrowed her eyes. "A Level 7 and Level 1 monster?" She smirked. "So she's bringing that out."

"Level 1 Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay tunes Level 7 Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Sanctum as the world grayed out and her monsters disintegrated into particles. Two rings appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "5 + 3" in front of them. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Shine, knight of the bright star of life!" Sanctum chanted. "Let your righteous steel body destroy those who will disturb the peace across the cosmos with your blade of reflecting light! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! Mekk-Knight Prism Sun!"

The light and the rings faded to reveal a golden and silver armored mechanical humanoid with bright prism rainbow-colored glowing lines across its armor figure. It had a prismatic-shaped head with halo-like wings and wielded a rainbow-colored, golden battle ax with a gem in its center. It wore a white cape with a rainbow-colored aura as it appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Prism Sun ATK 3000→3300 DEF 3000→3300 LVL: 8

"I activate Prism Sun's second effect!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Once per turn, I can target a card on the field and negate its effects. But if the card I chose is in the same column as Prism Sun, I get to negate two cards." Marionette's eyes widened. "I choose Desperado Barrel Dragon! And since Barrel Dragon is in the same column as Prism Sun, I get to also negate Heavy Mech Support Platform's effects! Prism Flash!"

Prism Sun held its ax as it released a prism light that struck the two cards, causing them to lose color.

Desperado Barrell Dragon ATK 3300→2800

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Gravity Lash! This card lets me target one monster on the field and have it lose attack points equal to its defense points!" Sanctum explained. "And since Desperado Barrell Dragon has 2200 defense points, that will backfire on him!"

A bolt of lightning shot out from the Spell Card and zapped Marionette's monster, sapping its strength.

Desperado Barrel Dragon ATK 2800→600

"Now, let's battle! Mekk-Knight Prism Sun, attack Desperado Barrel Dragon! Sun Blade Crash!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Half Counter!" Marionette abruptly stated. "Due to its effect, since you declared an attack against my monster, I can increase Desperado Barrel Dragon's attack points by half of your Prism Sun's original attack points!"

Sanctum narrowed her eyes. "Prism Sun's original attack points were 3000! That means Desperado gains 1500 attack points!"

Desperado Barrel Dragon ATK 600→2100

Prism Sun swung its ax, creating a massive wave of flames that engulfed Barrel Dragon and destroyed him, with several flames striking Marionette and causing her to hiss from the pain.

Marionette: 2200→1000 LP

"You've put up a good fight," Sanctum said. "But I think it's about time to end things. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Serial Claw! Since my monster destroyed your monster in battle, it gains 500 attack points and can also attack a second time!"

Mekk-Knight Prism Sun ATK 3300→3800

"Prism Sun attacks you directly!"

The monster with the large ax charged Marionette, but she wasn't worried.

"I activate the effect of Orcust Bell Wraith in my hand!" she declared. "Since you declared an attack, I can Special Summon this card and negate the attack."

A gold and black machine that resembled a wraith with its chest resembling a gong and its legs resembling tank tracks appeared and blocked Prism Sun's attack.

Orcust Bell Wraith ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 4

"Tch." Sanctum clicked her tongue in irritation. "It looks like you managed to survive as well. I place two cards face-down and end my turn. During the End Phase, Serial Claw's effect wears off."

Mekk-Knigth Prism Sun ATK 3800→3300

"My turn!" Marionette announced. "I draw! Since you brought out Prism Sun, how about I take things one step further to keep the tension up? I activate the Spell Card: Card of Burial Magic! I draw two cards by banishing three Spell Cards from my Graveyard. I banish Terraforming, Transmodify and World Legacy Succession!"

She drew and smirked. "Looks like my bet paid off! I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial! With this, I send a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard."

Marionette took a card from her Deck, placed it in her Graveyard and gestured to her field.

"I activate Orcust Cymbal Skeleton's effect from my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon an "Orcust" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator!"

The man with the spear and shield reappeared.

Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↖↑↘

"Appear, the circuit of the vanished world!" Marionette shouted as the Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters, one of which must be an "Orcust" monster. I set Bell Wraith and Link-3 Longirsu in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Orcustrion!"

A massive, mechanical-like creature whose body was composed of numerous organs connected by arches, platforms, and pipes appeared on Marionette's field in the Right Extra Monster Zone. Horns blasted sound from the creature, releasing a shockwave in the process.

Orcustrion ATK 3000 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↗

"And now a Link-4," Sanctum muttered with a grimace. "Now that's something I didn't expect..."

"Since Orcust Bell Wraith was Special Summoned through its effect, it's banished when it leaves the field," Marionette explained before gesturing to her field. "I activate Orcustrion's effect! By shuffling three of my banished Machine monsters back into my Deck, the effects of your linked monsters are negated, and their attack and defense points become 0!"

Sanctum gasped. "What?!"

Several of the keys on Orcustrion began playing. A sound wave erupted from the monster, making Prism Sun cry in pain.

Mekk-Knight Prism Sun ATK 3300→0

"Battle! Orcustrion attacks Mekk-Knigth Prism Sun!"

The monster's pipes shone with energy, launching into the air as beams. The beams traveled downwards, striking the Mekk-Knight Synchro Monster in a fierce explosion and destroying it.

"So this is it, huh…?" Marionette sighed. "What a complete waste of my time. And just after you made that passionate declaration, you went ahead and lost without—"

"Who said that I lost? Aren't you a bit hasty here, Ms. Syndicate?"

Much to Marionette's astonishment, a familiar voice was suddenly heard from within the smokescreen. Once the smoke cleared, Sanctum's form was revealed, with her not receiving any damage, a Trap Card on her field.

"What happened?" Marionette asked in shock. "What is that Trap Card?"

"It's called Iron Resolve," Sanctum answered. "It reduces that damage from your attack to 0 in exchange for paying half my Life Points. Afterward, the Battle Phase ends."

Sanctum: 1200→625 LP

"Not only that, but I also activate the Trap Card: Destruction Bounty!" Sanctum declared as the card showed Gauntlet Launcher's spirit leaving its wrecked body and dissolving into a rain of light particles. "Through its effect, if a monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck was destroyed, I can draw a card from my Deck for every material used to summon it. Moreover, I can draw an additional card from my Deck if I control no other monsters. So I draw a total of three cards!"

"Great. Just great. You refilled your hand, which means you can resume your strategies on your next turn." Marionette sarcastically commented. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

Back at Storm Rider and Umbra's duel…

"My turn!" Umbra exclaimed. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Dark Designator! Now I get to declare the name of one card, and if it happens to be in your Deck, it's automatically added to your hand, and I declare Cyberse Beacon!"

Storm Rider added the card from his Deck to his hand.

"Moving on, I activate The Suppression Pluto's effect!" Umbra continued. "Through it, I declare that you have Cyberse Beacon in your hand, meaning I can now activate Pluto's effect. Like before, I'll use its first effect, which allows me to target a monster on your field and take control of it. My target is none other than your Cycode Lordwalker!"

The tendrils from Pluto's body headed straight for Lordwalker. Storm Rider, instead of being worried, just smirked.

"I activate the effect of Cycode Stealth Shadow from my hand!" Storm Rider abruptly stated. "When you activate a card or effect that targets a ''Cycode'' monster I control, I can Special Summon this card from my hand, and by doing so, I can negate the activation!"

A black, dark blue digital ninja wielding energy kunais appeared on Storm Rider's field in Defense Position. He raised his kunais and created a barrier deflecting the tendrils.

Cycode Stealth Shadow ATK 1000 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Umbra smirked. "I'm not even surprised you had a counter to that ready. Very well! I'll have to defeat you the normal way! Battle! The Suppression Pluto, attack Cycode Lordwalker! Three Satellites!"

"Not so fast!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Two-Fold Barrier! Thanks to its effect, I can pay half my Life Points to reduce all damage I receive during this turn to 0!"

Storm Rider: 925→463 LP

Pluto's whip-like appendages shot forward, piercing through the Cycode Fusion Monster and striking Storm Rider's body, causing him to yell in pain and fall to his knees while clutching his shoulder.

…Umbra found himself smiling as Storm Rider picked himself up. "You had a contingency plan ready for Pluto's attack and Helm of Darkness' effect. I honestly can't say I am surprised. I place one card face-down and end my turn. As you can see, the odds are against you right now. But will you allow that fact to dishearten you?"

"Of course not," Storm Rider replied. "If I gave up now, I would insult the Top 10 with my cowardice." His eyes narrowed. "Normally, I don't mind losing if there are no stakes. But even if there weren't any here… you are someone I refuse to lose against! My turn! I draw!"

Storm Rider drew, and his eyes widened. This… could work.

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "I activate Cycode Knight's effect from my Graveyard, banishing it to shuffle Cycode Acrobat, Coder, Sorceress, Navigator and Strider into my Deck to draw two cards!"

He drew his cards, then showed one of them to his opponent. "I Special Summon Cycode Serpent!"

A robotic snake appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Serpent ATK 400 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I can Special Summon Serpent if it is added to my hand outside my Draw Phase," Storm Rider continued. "Next, by banishing Cycode Swordsman and Recon from my Graveyard, I Special Summon Cycode Scorpion from my Graveyard!"

The large red mechanical scorpion reappeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Scorpion ATK 1400 DEF 2600 LVL: 8

"Finally, I summon Cycode Soul!"

A small drone built around a mechanical ring appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Soul ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"He has four monsters now," Umbra noted.

"Time for me to create the ultimate circuit!" Storm Rider declared as the Link Portal appeared above him. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Cycode Scorpion, Serpent, Stealth Shadow and Soul in the Link Arrows!"

Storm Rider's monsters entered the top, left, right, and bottom arrows.

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

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

"Ah. So you brought out Cyber Tech Link Dragon, the monster that serves the false god such as yourself, Storm Rider…." Umbra muttered before he narrowed his eyes at the sight of the dragon. "However, as imposing as it is, it still cannot stand up to Pluto."

"That may be the case, but I'm far from finished," Storm Rider smirked. "I activate Cycode Soul's effect from my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard. Return, Cycode Masterframe!"

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Dress!" Umbra 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 The Suppression Pluto!"

The Suppression Pluto ATK 3400→2800

"Your dragon may have a powerful effect, but it's a pointless move if used all the time," Umbra stated.

"Then, let's see if we can change this situation," Storm Rider stated as he looked at the card he drew earlier. "This card... I have no choice here but to use it… I activate the Equip Spell Card: Supreme King's Viciousness, equipping it to Cyber Tech!"

A thick, black aura enveloped Cyber Tech Dragon, taking the form of a large dragon made of darkness. At the same, Storm Rider's irises turned dark blue, and a black aura surrounded him.

"Hoh, what's this?" Umbra's brow furrowed as he narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "Somehow, he's giving off a different feeling than before."

"This card can only be equipped to a Dragon monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck!" Storm Rider explained. "Through its effect, the equipped monster gains 500 attack points for each material used to summon it! Since Cyber Tech Link Dragon was summoned using four monsters, it gains 2000 attack points!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→4500

"This will settle it!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Battle! Cyber Tech Link Dragon, attack and destroy The Suppression Pluto!"

"I won't allow that!" Umbra yelled. "I activate the last effect of Helm of Darkness! By destroying this card when the equipped monster is about to be attacked, I can destroy the attacking monster and deal you 800 points of damage! With this, you're finished!"

"I don't think so!" Storm Rider shouted. "I activate the effect of Two-Fold Barrier from my Graveyard! If a monster on my field would be destroyed by battle or an effect, I can banish this card to prevent its destruction! As such, my monster is safe, and you're the one who's finished! Go, Digitized Burst Stream!"

The dragon opened its maw wide, unleashing a massive blast of blue energy, vaporizing Pluto and sending Umbra flying off the ground.

Umbra: 650→0 LP

Following the duel's conclusion, Storm Rider collapsed to the ground on all fours as the dark aura around him receded and his eyes returned to their normal color.

"Heh…it looks like I underestimated your tenacity yet again…." Umbra said as he got up. "You certainly have the skills to back up your reputation."

"Enough small talk," Storm Rider said as he stood up and approached Umbra. "I assume you've acquired what my comrades and I have been looking for. So I suggest you hand it to me, and I promise you won't get hurt…too much."

"While that's a tempting offer, I'm afraid I have to refuse," Umbra said as he pressed a few buttons on his Duel Disk. "You may have defeated me in a Duel, but it's still my responsibility to prevent any escapes and take down all intrudes. This place will no longer stand in a few minutes, just like you wished. Unfortunately—it will take all of you down with it!"

[Self-destruct sequence initiated. T minus ten minutes until detonation.]

"You maniac!" Storm Rider grabbed Umbra by the collar upon hearing that announcement. "You're going to bring this place down on us!? What about your comrades!?"

"The emergency evacuation protocol has already been activated, recalling everyone back to the Syndicate's base," Umbra said with a smirk. "Therefore, if I were in your shoes, I'd be more concerned about myself and my comrades here. If you don't move fast, you'll all perish together."

Storm Rider gritted his teeth in irritation but eventually threw Umbra aside. Before exiting the throne room, he turned to Umbra. "If I were you, I'd hope we never meet again. Because next time, I will grind you to dust for this."

And with that, Storm Rider exited the room, leaving Umbra behind.

"What a violent fellow…." Umbra remarked as he checked his Duel Disk to confirm that no soldiers had been left behind. "Hah, it looks like I won't be able to acquire the resource I've been ordered to get. But I can ensure the Top 10 can't get it either, seeing as they forced me to destroy the palace. My apologies, my dear queen."

Upon saying that, Umbra logged out.

Elsewhere, at Sanctum and Marionette's duel...

"Seeing how we're both pressed for time since this place is about to be destroyed, I think I should close the curtain on this duel!" Sanctum declared. "I draw! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card World Legacy's Memory! This card lets me Special Summon a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my hand or Deck in Defense Position. From my Deck, I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Orange Sunset!"

A silver, black, and orange warrior with two shields appeared on Sanctum's field.

Mekk-Knight Orange Sunset ATK 800 DEF 3000 LVL: 6

"And since I control a "Mekk-Knight" monster, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver from my hand!"

A light gray, magenta glowing armored mechanical warrior with a slim down male body appeared in Attack Position. It had bladed wings coated in magenta on its edges and smaller ones on its helmet.

Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver ATK 800 DEF 500 LVL: 2

"I activate Magenta Elver's effect!" Sanctum continued. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 6 or lower "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon a second copy of Avram!"

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit of illumination!"

Sanctum's hand shot a lightning bolt into the air, creating a Link Portal.

"Link Arrows authorized!" Sanctum chanted. "The summoning conditions are two monsters, including at least one "Mekk-Knight" monster. I set Mekk-Knight Avram and Magenta Elver in the Link Arrows!"

Her monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

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

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

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

"Morning Star's effect activates!" Sanctum declared. "When it is Link Summoned, I can discard a "Mekk-Knight" monster or "World Legacy" card to add a "World Legacy" card from my Deck to my hand. I send World Legacy Whispers to the Graveyard and add World Legacy – "World Crown" to my hand. Now, I'll create the circuit of justice!"

A second Link Portal appeared above her.

"The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters, including a Link Monster! I'll set Mekk–Knight of the Morning Star and Orange Sunset in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A golden centaur emerged from the portal at the Right Extra Monster Zone. Its body was made of metal, and blue lines crossed over its body. It swung a sword that it held in its right hand.

Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"From there, I activate World Crown's effect from my hand!" Sanctum continued. "I Special Summon it to Equimax's Link Arrow!"

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

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

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

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

Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000→4000

"Battle! Equimax attacks Orcustrion! Justice Slash!"

"I'm afraid that's not good enough!" Marionette shouted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Limiter Removal! Until the end of the turn, all of my Machine monsters have their attack points doubled, but in exchange, they'll be destroyed during the End Phase."

Orcustrion ATK 3000→6000

Marionette smiled. "It's your loss, Sanctum!"

"No, not yet!" Sanctum shouted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Battle x 2! Since Orcustrion's attack points are at least double the original attack points of Crusadia Equimax, Equimax's attack points are doubled!"

Crusadia Equimax ATK 4000→8000

"You're truly strong, as everyone says," Marionette spoke with a small smile, but her expression hardened. "However, my pride as a duelist won't let me simply be defeated like this! I activate the Trap Card: Reflect Damage!" The card showed three small mirrors reflecting three energy blasts. "Through its effect, when I'm about to receive battle or effect damage, you take the same amount of damage!"

"What!?" Sanctum cried out in shock. "But then we'll both be—!"

Before she could finish her words, a large explosion engulfed the field, enveloping both duelists. Once the smoke dissipated, Sanctum and Marionette's slightly scorched forms could be seen kneeling while struggling to catch their breath.

Sanctum: 625→0 LP

Marionette: 1000→0 LP

"Sanctum!"

Just as the Duel reached its conclusion, the familiar figure of Storm Rider burst into the room.

"Storm…Rider…"

"We have to get out of here as quickly as possible," Storm Rider stated as he pressed a button on his Duel Disk. "So, like always, I must save our sorry hides."

Following Storm Rider's words, a large flash of light was emitted from his Duel Disk, temporarily blinding Marionette. Taking advantage of the distraction, Storm Rider threw Sanctum over his shoulder and quickly dashed out of the chapel. The two youths were gone when Marionette regained her bearings.

"They escaped, huh?" Marionette remarked. "Should I go after them…? No, while the thrill of the hunt feels great, I've already expanded too much energy in my duel with Sanctum. I should return to the base to recuperate."

Following her words, Marionette logged out…

Meanwhile, near the fortress's entrance…

"What the heck is going on here!?" Soulburner screamed. "One moment, we're up to our necks in Syndicate soldiers, and the next, this place will self-destruct!? That's too much!"

"Less talking, more running!" Blue Maiden responded. "We're close to the entrance! Give it all you've got, everyone!"

"I promise you, Soulburner, we'll be okay!" Playmaker stated with a resolute expression on his face. "Until we stop the Syndicate and their plans, there's no way I will let things end here!"

"Well said, Playmaker!" Roselyn said. "I also refuse to fall here! As such, let's squeeze out every last drop of our strength so we can live and see the next day!"

Playmaker and Roselyn's words energized everyone as they started running even faster, mustering all the strength they could spare. Thanks to the increased pace, the group was able to make it out of the palace just as the first explosions started, causing several parts of the buildings to start crumbling.

"We made it out!" Roselyn exclaimed with a wide grin on her face.

"I'm afraid not," Playmaker said.

Blue Maiden looked around. "He's right. Where are Sanctum and Storm Rider?"

Blue Maiden's words caused everyone to tense as they started looking around for any sign of their two comrades.

"Don't tell me…." Soulburner's expression was pale as he gazed at the crumbling fortress, which was still rocked by several explosions occurring throughout it. "Are they still inside!? Could they be—?"

"Alive." Storm Rider's voice suddenly came from behind, causing everyone to jump as they sharply turned on their heels and saw him approaching them with Sanctum. "Sorry to disappoint you, but we both survived."

"It's alright," Playmaker said. "However, we failed to acquire the necessary resource."

"And I know that Varis won't take this lying down," Blue Maiden commented.

"You're not wrong," Soulburner said. "Let's hope he'll go easy on us once we mention the news to him."

After Soulburner said so, the six duelists proceeded to log out, leaving the smoking remains of the destroyed palace behind…

OC Card Memo:

Umbra:

Sepphia, Fighter of Dark World

ATK: 2300/DEF: 1400/LV: 5

Dark/Fiend/Effect

Monster Effect: If this card is discarded to the Graveyard by a card effect: You can target 1 of your banished "Dark World" monsters, except "Sepphia, Fighter of Dark World"; Special Summon that target.

Quoisse, Sharpshooter of Dark World

ATK: 2400/DEF: 1500/LV: 6

Dark/Fiend/Effect

Monster Effect: If this card is discarded to the Graveyard by a card effect: Special Summon this card from the Graveyard, then, if it was discarded from your hand to your Graveyard by an opponent's card effect, halve the ATK of all Special Summoned monsters your opponent controls, until the end of this turn.

Dark World Misdirection

Normal Spell Card

If you control no Monsters while your opponent does, you can send two cards from your hand to the Graveyard and treat them as having been sent there by your opponent's card effect.

Revelation of Truth

Normal Spell Card

Both players draw one card from their Deck and reveal it to their opponent.

Dark World Alchemy

Normal Spell Card

Return a "Dark World" Monster from your hand to the Deck, and then send a "Dark World" Monster from your Deck to the Graveyard. That Monster is treated as being sent from your hand to the Graveyard through a card effect.

Helm of Darkness

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card only to a "The Suppression Pluto" Monster you control. Every time the equipped Monster successfully activates its effect, increase its ATK by 800. When the equipped Monster destroys an opponent's Monster by battle, inflict 500 points of damage to them. If an opponent's Monster attacks the equipped Monster, you can destroy this card to destroy the attacking Monster and inflict 800 points of damage to your opponent.

Dark World Seal

Normal Trap Card

When your opponent's Monster declares an attack, you can send a "Dark World" Monster from your hand to the Graveyard to negate the attack.

Wrath of Dark World

Normal Trap Card

Send a "Dark World" Monster from your hand to the Graveyard; destroy one Monster your opponent controls and draw one card from your Deck. The Monster you discarded is treated as having been discarded by an opponent's card effect.

Surprise Assist

Normal Trap Card

When an attack is targeting a monster you control: You can reveal cards from the top of your deck until you reveal a Level 4 or lower monster, and if you do, the monster you control gains ATK equal to the revealed monster's ATK until the End Phase. All other cards you revealed are sent to your GY. When you're about to take damage from an effect, you can banish this card from your Graveyard; reduce that damage to 0You can only activate each effect of 'Surprise Assist' per turn.

Storm Rider:

Cycode Navigator

Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1300 DEF 1100 Level: 3

If you control a "Cycode" monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Cycode Navigator" once per turn this way.

Cycode Scorpion

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1400 DEF 2600 Level: 8

If this card is in your hand or GY: You can banish 2 other "Cycode" monsters from your GY; Special Summon this card, but its ATK becomes halved. You can only use this effect once per turn. While this card is Face-up on your side of the field: your opponent cannot target other "Cycode" monsters you control for attacks.

Cycode Alchemist

Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1000 DEF 1000 Level: 3

You can Fusion Summon 1 "Cycode" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, including this card, using monsters you control as Fusion Materials. You can banish this card from your GY; add "Cycode Fusion" from your Deck or GY to your hand. You can only activate 1 "Cycode Alchemist" effect per turn and only once per turn.

Cycode Stealth Shadow- Level 2, ATK: 1000, DEF: 0, ATT: DARK, Type: Cyberse/Effect

Effect: When your opponent activates a card that would destroy or target a ''Cycode'' monster you control; Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, negate that card's effect. This card can attack directly. If your opponent declares a direct attack while this card is in your GY, Special Summon this card from your GY and end the Battle Phase, but banish it when it leaves the field. You can only activate each effect of ''Cycode Stealth Shadow'' once per turn.

Cycode Meister- LINK-2, ATK: 2000, ATT: LIGHT, Type: Cyberse/Link/Effect, Arrows: Top, Bottom

Effect: 2 monsters, including a Cyberse monster

If this card is Link Summoned: Look at your opponent's hand, select 1 card in it and banish that card. If this card battles an opponent's monster with an ATK higher than this card: Shuffle it back to the Deck. If this card is co-linked with a Cyberse Link Monster: You can Special Summon 1 "Cycode" monster from your Deck, but its effects are negated. You can only use each "Cycode Meister" effect once per turn.

Cycode Ethernet Field Spell Card

All "Cycode" Link Monsters you control gain 500 ATK. If you control no monsters: You can Special Summon 1 "Cycode" Link Monster from your GY with its effects negated. If you control a "Cycode" Link Monster: you can Special Summon 1 "Cycode" monster from your hand to a zone that Link Monster points to. You can only activate 1 "Cycode Ethernet" effect per turn and only once per turn.

Supreme King's Viciousness

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card only to a Dragon-type Monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck. The equipped Monster gains 500 ATK for every material used to summon it, cannot be targeted by Monster effects and can attack all Monsters your opponent controls once each. Other Monsters you control cannot attack. If the equipped Monster fails to inflict damage while battling an opponent's attack position Monster, halve your opponent's Life Points. If the equipped Monster is destroyed, Special Summon the materials used for its summon from your Extra Deck or Graveyard with their effects negated and inflict 400 points of damage to both players for each Monster Special Summoned this way.

Cycode Wall Continuous Trap Card

If you control a "Cycode" Link Monster: "Cycode" monsters you control cannot be destroyed by card effects. If a "Cycode" Link Monster leaves your field: destroy this card.

Marionette:

Orcust Bell Wraith- Level 4, ATK: 0, DEF: 2100, ATT: DARK, Type: Machine/Effect

Effect: When an opponent's monster declares an attack: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, then negate that attack. If Summoned this way, banish it when it leaves the field. If this card is banished, except by its effect: The ATK of all face-up monsters your opponent controls becomes 0. You can only use each "Orcust Bell Wraith" effect once per turn.

Reflect Damage

Normal Trap Card

When you're about to receive battle or effect damage, you can inflict the same amount of damage to your opponent.

Sanctum:

Destruction Bounty

Normal Trap Card

If a Monster on your field that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck was destroyed, you can draw a card from your Deck for every material used to summon it, and if you control no other Monsters, you can draw an additional card from your Deck.

And that was Chapter 22. Storm Rider had his rematch with Umbra and won. I gave him a backstory, so Storm Rider could understand his reasoning for the Syndicate. The other members will also have backstories, so stay tuned for that. Marionette also makes her debut duel from GX here. Credit to Divadx for creating her character and providing her Deck. I had the duel ended in a draw because I saw no reason for either side to win. They'll duel again shortly, and her origin story will also be revealed. I think I did a good job regarding the Duels featured here, especially with Storm Rider using a bit of Zarc's power. Feel free to ask in the reviews or send me a PM if you have any questions.

Well, that's all for now. The next two chapters will probably focus on events outside the fight between the Top 10 and the Syndicate, setting up the stage for later events. As always, please read, review, favorite and follow.

See you all next time!