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?

25. One for the Taking

Greetings, everyone! Donkeyboy100 is back with Chapter 25. But first, let me respond to your questions.

—To Sartorius: I think RUSH is interesting because it stems from the original path of Yugioh. As for GO RUSH, I haven't seen it yet, so I don't have an opinion on it.

—To Victoria Justice: The hardest duel for me to write was the Tag Duel between Pandor and Sanctum and Esper.

And now, on with the story!

In an unknown area in LINK VRAINS…

"Huff… Huff… Why are there…so many stairs in here!? It feels like…I'm about to spit my lungs out here!"

Pyrrha complained while gasping for air as she and Esper climbed yet another flight of stairs for the umpteenth time since they separated from Storm Rider and Sanctum. While the lack of enemies in his path was more than welcome, she was beginning to think the intense physical exertion was not a good trade-off. She made a mental note to go after and defeat the person responsible for creating a tower that didn't have a decent amount of elevators in it

"At least the path seems pretty straightforward from here on," Esper remarked as she slowly walked behind Pyrrha, wary of any nasty surprises. "Now then, if I were a kidnapper wanting to keep my kidnappee in a secret place, where would I put them…?"

"I can answer that for you. However, I don't think you'll like the response."

Pyrrha and Esper stopped in their tracks as a silhouette stood before them. Appearing from the shadows was a fair-skinned green-haired young woman with amber-colored eyes, wearing a beautiful, shoulderless light yellow dress with a brown cape resembling a pair of wings with green feathers. She also wears toeless, strapped low-heel boots, a flower hair clip on the left side of her head, and a flower-like neck choker.

"Are you with the Syndicate!?" Pyrrha asked with clear hostility. "Who are you!?"

"If you ask for someone's name, you should give your own first." The girl said with a smirk. "That's common courtesy, no?"

"I'm Pyrrha," Pyrrha responded thus. "Now answer my questions!"

"I'm Natura." She answered without losing her smile. "As you correctly guessed, I'm a loyal member of the Syndicate."

"I see," Pyrrha said. "Here's another question. Where's my father? What does the Syndicate want with him?"

"I'm afraid that's a secret." Natura wagged her finger playfully. "If I were to blurt out the details of my mission, I would be scolded by my boss. But tell you what. If you beat me in a duel, I will lead you and your friend straight to where I'm keeping your father."

"Is that so?" Pyrrha let out a humorless laugh and turned to Esper. "Leave this girl to me, Esper. You should go on ahead. Don't worry. I'll catch up to you later."

"Are you sure?" Esper asked her. "I could help you with her, and we can be on our way once she's defeated."

"Thanks for the offer, but I insist you continue without me," Pyrrha responded. "I know it would be better to rescue my father, but Sanctum informed me that you missed the last few missions, so if they learned that you were the one who found and saved my dad's life. I'm sure they would be impressed."

"Pyrrha…" Esper seemed to be wavering but eventually nodded. "I understand. I'll leave this to you. Just try to beat this girl so you can be reunited with your father."

Upon saying so, Esper dashed past Natura, exiting the hall. After making sure that she was safely out, Pyrrha turned to Natura.

"That was a bit surprising, to be honest. I was almost certain you'd say something like 'no one is permitted to leave' and would try to stop her."

"I could, but numerous guards are standing between you and your father, so I'd wager she won't manage to get very far," Natura said as she activated her Duel Disk. "Furthermore, I'm curious to see which of us is stronger in a one-on-one duel. I heard you excel in Fusion Summoning, just like me. Perhaps it was fated for the two of us to meet today. I'm looking forward to the result of this duel, although I feel like I will walk away the winner in the end."

"Don't think this match will be a walk in the park for you," Pyrrha warned Naturra as she activated her Duel Disk.. "Ever since my duel with Storm Rider, I've further polished my skills. And no matter what tricks you have, you won't find me an easy opponent to overcome. Now, let's begin!"

"Duel!"

Natura: 4000 LP

Pyrrha: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Nature declared. "I summon Spiritual Beast Rampengu!"

A penguin with a dark green back and wings, a greenish-white front, and long eyebrows appeared.

Spiritual Beast Rampengu ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"I activate Rampengu's effect! Once per turn, I can banish a "Ritual Beast" monster from my Extra Deck to send a "Ritual Beast" Monster that shares the same Type from my Deck to the Graveyard. I banish the Thunder-Type Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk and send Spiritual Beast Cannahawk to the Graveyard. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Pyrrha looked at her card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Terraforming. It 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: Metamorformation!"

The area around them changed to multiple shades of blue.

"With this, all my "Metalfoes" monsters gain 300 attack and defense points!" Pyrrha revealed before taking two cards from her hand. "Next, with Scale 1 Metalfoes Silverd and Scale 8 Metalfoes Steelen, I set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two pillars of light appeared. The first pillar held a pink-haired young woman wearing silver armor on her arms with neon green accents flying on a jet-like aircraft and wielding a futuristic gun. The second pillar held a light gray-haired young man clad in silver armor with neon green accents driving a motorcycle of the same colors. The man held a flaming sword-like weapon in his hand.

Metalfoes Silverd Scale: 1

Metalfoes Steelen Scale: 8

"Now I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7!" Pyrrha stated. "I Pendulum Summon! Come forth! Metalfoes Goldriver and Metalfoes Volflame!"

A portal opened between the pillars, out of which two lights emerged. The lights hit the field and dissipated, revealing a black-haired young man clad in golden armor with neon green accents driving a quad bike and wielding a flaming axe-like weapon and a spiky, gray-haired young man clad in orange armor driving a large tank with neon green accents.

Metalfoes Goldriver ATK 1900→2200 DEF 500→800 LVL: 4 PS: 1

Metalfoes Volflame ATK 2400→2700 DEF 2000→2300 LVL: 7 PS: 8

"Battle! Metalfoes Goldriver attacks Rampengu!"

Goldriver raised its ax as it charged forward.

"Too predictable! I activate the Trap Card: Ritual Beast Survival!" Natura declared as the card showed several Spiritual Beasts and Ritual Beast Tamers at the feet of a giant hexagon-shaped barrier that repelled attacks from El Shaddoll Winda, El Shadoll Construct and El Shaddoll Grysta. "When a "Ritual Beast" monster I control is attacked, I can shuffle one of my banished "Ritual Beast" cards into my Deck to negate the attack and end the Battle Phase. Of course, I'll shuffle Ulti-Cannahawk into my Extra Deck for this effect."

A large golden barrier appeared before Rampengu, protecting it from Goldriver's attack.

"Furthermore, I gain Life Points equal to the damage I would have taken from that attack, in this case, 600."

The barrier burst into green particles that surrounded Natura.

Natura: 4000→4600 LP

Pyrrha grimaced in dismay. "I activate the Spell Card: Aurora Draw. Since it's the only card in my hand, I can draw two cards. I place a card face-down and activate the Continuous Spell Card: Supply Squad. With that, I end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Natura looked at her card, then smiled at Pyrrha. It wasn't a friendly one. "That was a pretty impressive turn. In return for that, I'll show you some of my skills. I summon Ritual Beast Tamer Elder!"

A bearded man with long hair in robes wielding a staff appeared.

Ritual Beast Tamer Elder ATK 200 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"Tamer Elder's effect activates! When it's summoned, I can Normal Summon a "Ritual Beast" monster. I summon Ritual Beast Tamer Lara!"

A blonde girl in green robes and a cloak appeared, leaning on a wooden staff.

Ritual Beast Tamer Lara ATK 100 DEF 2000 LVL: 1

"Lara's effect activates! When it's Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Ritual Beast" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Cannahawk!"

A black and yellow hawk whose claws and wings were surrounded by electricity appeared in Defense Position.

Spiritual Beast Cannahawk ATK 1400 DEF 600 LVL: 4

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes at her opponent's field."That sure is a lineup of monsters," she muttered. "My gut's telling me something's big coming…."

"I activate Cannahawk's effect!" Natura declared as the hawk screeched. "Once per turn, I can banish one "Ritual Beast" card from my Deck, and on my second Standby Phase after this effect's activation, that banished card is added to my hand. I banish Spiritual Beast Tamer Winda. Next, I activate Rampengu's effect, banishing the Pyro-Type Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio from my Extra Deck and sending Spiritual Beast Apelio from my Deck to the Graveyard. Now time for the real fun to begin." She gestured to her field. "I banish Cannahwak and Elder to perform a Contact Fusion!"

A Fusion Portal appeared above Natura, much to Pyrrha's shock. The two monsters broke into red and green particles, entering the Fusion Portal before swirling into a vortex. A massive tornado of energy then shot downwards from the portal to the ground on Natura's field.

"Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!"

A bird of prey with bright green and black feathers emerged from the Fusion vortex, black armor on its chin and an old man on its back as it appeared on Natura's field in Attack Position.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk ATK 1400 DEF 1600 LVL: 6

"Next, I banish Lara and Rampengu and fuse them!" Natura exclaimed as the Fusion Portal reappeared, and her two monsters broke into particles and entered the vortex. "Beast with mystical powers coursing through its veins. Gain the tamer's wisdom, and become a new power! Contact Fusion! Appear before me, Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio!"

A massive lion with a blazing mane and claws emerged from the portal. A woman with long blonde hair wielding a staff with a yellow crystal rode on its back. The lion roared as it appeared in Attack Position.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio ATK 2600 DEF 400 LVL: 6

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes at Ulti-Apelio. "So she runs multiple copies of it, huh...then it's safe to assume she does the same thing for the other Fusion Monsters."

"I hope you're keeping up because I'm just getting warmed up," Nature said. "I activate the Spell Card: Ritual Beast Gathering!" The card showed the Spiritual Beasts and their Tamers gathered at the feet of a humongous tree. "With this card, by banishing a "Ritual Beast" card from my Graveyard, I can draw one card for each "Ritual Beast" monster I control. I banish Spiritual Beast Apelio and draw two cards."

She drew her cards, then said, "Now I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect! Once per turn, I can target two of my banished "Ritual Beast" cards and return them to the Graveyard to add one "Ritual Beast" card from my Deck to my hand. I target the banished Ulti-Apelio and Elder. In addition, I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's other effect! During either player's turn, I can return this card to the Extra Deck and target a banished Ritual Beast Tamer and Spiritual Beast to Special Summon in Defense Position."

"What!?" Pyrrha's eyes widened in shock. "You can use those effects in the same chain!? But that means...!"

"Yes. Each Main Deck monster has a restriction of only being able to be Special Summoned once per turn, but as long as I have the cards to send to the Graveyard and Special Summon, I can revive Ulti-Cannahawk over and over again, as well as use its effect to fetch a card since it isn't a hard once per turn effect."

Natura gestured to her field. "Return to me, Elder, Rampengu!"

Following her words, Ulti-Cannahawkleft the field in a shower of yellow particles, which took the forms of Elder and Rampengu.

Ritual Beast Tamer Elder ATK 200 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

Spiritual Beast Rampengu ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect now resolves. The banished Ulti-Apelio goes to the Graveyard, and I add Ritual Beast's Bond to my hand. Then, I activate Rampengu's again, banishing the Aqua-Type Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin from my Extra Deck and sending Spiritual Beast Pettlephin from my Deck to the Graveyard."

Pyrrha gritted her teeth. She's setting up her combos; all I could do was watch powerlessly.

"Now I banish Elder and Rampengu and fuse them!"

Natura's monsters turned into red and blue particles, spiraling into a portal as she clasped her hands together. "Contact Fusion! Appear for the second time, Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!"

The armored bird with an old man on its back reappeared.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk ATK 1400 DEF 1600 LVL: 6

"I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect again!" Natura declared. "I target my banished Ulti-Pettlephin and Lara to return them to the Graveyard and add Ritual Beast Steeds from my Deck to my hand. But simultaneously, I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect to Tag Out! Return to me, Lara, Apelio!"

Ulti-Cannahawk left the field in a shower of yellow particles again, which then took the forms of Lara and a red lion with a mane of flames and a collar with an orange crystal in the center.

Spiritual Beast Apelio ATK 1800 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect now resolves," Natura explained while adding a new card to her hand. "From there, I activate Apelio's effect! Once during either player's turn, by banishing one "Ritual Beast" card from my Graveyard, all Ritual Beasts I control will gain 500 Attack and Defense for the rest of this turn. I banish Spiritual Beast Pettlephin. Roar of Wisdom!"

Apelio let out a roar, causing it and the rest of Natura's monsters to gain a green aura.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio ATK 2600→3100 DEF 400→900

Ritual Beast Tamer Lara ATK 100→600 DEF 2000→2500

Spiritual Beast Apelio ATK 1800→2300 DEF 200→700

"Now I banish Lara and Apelio and fuse them! Contact Fusion! Appear for the third and final time, Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk!"

Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk ATK 1400 DEF 1600 LVL: 6

"Apelio's effect is applied to every one of my "Ritual Beast" monsters this turn," Natura revealed. "Including monsters that are summoned after I use its effect."

Ritual Beast Ulti-Cannahawk ATK 1400→1900 DEF 1600→2100 LVL: 6

"I activate Ulti-Cannahawk's first effect," Natura said. "I target my banished Cannahawk and Rampengu to return them to the Graveyard and add a second Ritual Beast Steeds from my Deck to my hand. I also activate Ulti-Cannahawk's effect to Tag Out for Winda and Pettlephin!"

Her Fusion Monster was replaced by a female youth with long green hair, holding an ornate staff and a pink dolphin with purple markings painted over its body and wearing silver armor around its fins, tail, and forehead.

Spiritual Beast Tamer Winda ATK 1600→21000 DEF 1800→2300 LVL: 4

Spiritual Beast Pettlephin ATK 0→500 DEF 2000→2500 LVL: 4

Natura gestured to his field. "I activate Pettlephin's effect! By banishing a "Ritual Beast" from my hand, one of your cards returns to your hand!" Pyrrha's eyes widened. "I banish Ritual Beast Ambush from my hand to return Metalfoes Volflame to your hand!"

Pettlephin shot a blast of water at Volfame, but nothing happened.

Natura raised an eyebrow."What gives? Why didn't your monster return to your hand?"

Pyrrha smirked. "That's because of my Field Spell," she revealed. "Thanks to it, all non-Effect "Metalfoes" monsters I control are unaffected by your card effects."

Natura frowned. "In that case, I'll just have to get rid of your monster the hard way." She gestured to her field. "I banish Winda and Pettlephin and perform a Contact Fusion! Appear, Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio!"

Following Natura's words, a second copy of Ulti-Apelio appeared on her field and roared.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio ATK 2600→3100 DEF 400→900

Pyrrha checked her Duel Disk, and her eyes narrowed. "I see. When Ulti-Apelio attacks, it becomes unaffected by other cards' effects until the end of the Damage Step. That includes your cards as well." She then smirked. "So if you attack with either Ulti-Apelio, it will do so with 2600 attack points. Meaning it can't overpower my Volflame."

"That may be true, but I can still deal some damage," Natura said. "Battle! Ulti-Apelio attacks Goldriver! At this moment, Ulti-Apelio's effect activates! When it attacks, it is unaffected by other cards' effects until the end of the Damage Step!"

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio ATK 3100→2600 DEF 900→400

The lion charged forward and raked its claws across Goldriver's chest. The armored man cried out as it exploded, the resulting shockwave pushing Pyrrha back.

Pyrrha: 4000→3600 LP

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio ATK 2600→3100 DEF 400→900

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Extra Buck!" Pyrrha declared. "Each time a card is added to my Extra Deck, this card gains one Spell Counter. Since Goldriver is a Pendulum Monster, it gets sent to the Extra Deck, meaning Extra Buck gains a counter."

Extra Buck: 0 SC→1 SC

"And since my monster was destroyed, Supply Squad's effect activates, and I draw one card!"

Natura sighed. "Not as much damage as I hoped to inflict, but it's still something. I place four cards face-down and end my turn. During the End Phase, Apelio's effect ends."

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio ATK 3100→2600 DEF 900→400 x 2

"My turn! I draw!" Pyrrha looked at her card, then at the field. Natura has four face-down cards on her field, practically spelled out 'not good'. There was a chance they were the cards she added through Ulti-Cannahawk's effect. If that's the case…

Pyrrha pointed upward. "I activate Siverd's Pendulum Effect! By destroying a face-up card on my field, I can set a "Metalfoes" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck in my Spell & Trap Zone. I destroy Volflame to set Metalfoes Fusion!"

Silverd exploded as a Set card materialized on Pyrrha's field.

"Also, since my monster was destroyed, Supply Squad's effect activates, and I draw one card!" Pyrrha drew, then gestured to her field. "Not only that, but Extra Buck gains another counter since a card was added to my Extra Deck."

Extra Buck: 1 SC→2 SC

She then pointed upward. "With the set Pendulum Scale, I can summon monsters between Levels 2 and 7!" she shouted. "Come forth! Metalfoes Goldriver and Volflame!"

A portal opened between the pillars, and out of Goldriver and Volflame emerged.

Metalfoes Goldriver ATK 1900→2200 DEF 500→800 LVL: 4 PS: 1

Metalfoes Volflame ATK 2400→2700 DEF 2000→2300 LVL: 7 PS: 8

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Metalfoes Fusion!" Pyrrha continued. "Through its effect, I can perform a Fusion Summon using "Metalfoes" monsters from my hand or field! I fuse Goldriver and Volflame!"

Her monsters disintegrated into particles that formed a vortex. Two whirlwinds, colored red and blue, emerged from the vortex before merging into a purple tornado.

"I Fusion Summon! Appear, Metalfoes Orichalc!"

Emerging from the portal was a male humanoid with armor parts reminiscent of a motorcycle attached to its body. He wielded two flaming axes and swung them as he appeared on Pyrhha's field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Orichalc ATK 2800→3100 DEF 2200→2500 LVL: 8

"Since another card was added to my Extra Deck, Extra Buck gains another Spell Counter," Pyrrha stated.

Extra Buck: 2 SC→3 SC

''I activate Extra Buck's second effect, sending it to the Graveyard with its 3 Spell Counters to draw two cards!''

The Trap Card vanished as Pyrrha drew two cards. "Next, I activate the Spell Card: Metalfoes Transmutation! Thanks to it, I can target a "Metalfoes Fusion Monster I control and Special Summon a "Metalfoes Fusion Monster with an equal or lower Level than it from my Extra Deck. Come, Metalfoes Nickelord!"

A monster clad in solid steel armor with jet turbine wings, wielding a large cannon made of magma, appeared on the field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Nickelord ATK 2900→3200 DEF 2100→2400 LVL: 8

Pyrhha gestured to her field. "Battle! Nickelord, attack Ulti-Apelio!"

Nickelord aimed its cannon at the Fusion Monster, but Natura was ready.

"I activate my Trap Card!" she declared. But the card refused to reveal itself. "What?" she said in shock. "Why isn't my card activating?"

"That's because of Nickelord's effect!" Pyrrha revealed. "When it or another "Metalfoes" Fusion Monster attacks, you cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step!" Natura's eyes widened in surprise. "Continue your attack, Nickelord!"

Nickelord fired a large fireball from its cannon, which struck Ulti-Apelop, destroying it and making Natura wince from the backlash.

Natura: 4600→4000 LP

"Nickelord's second effect now activates!" Pyrrha exclaimed. "When it destroys a monster in battle, you take damage equal to half the destroyed monster's attack points!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet!" Natura abruptly stated. "Through its effect, all damage I take this turn is halved!"

Following Natura's words, Nickelord fired another fireball at Natura, causing her to scream in pain.

Natura: 4000→3350 LP

"My Battle Phase isn't over!" Pyrrha continued. "Orichalc, attack Ulti-Apelio!"

Orichalc slashed the large lion in half with its axe, destroying it and pushing Natura back several feet due to the ensuing shockwave.

Natura: 3350→3100 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Pyrrha said. "You're up."

Elsewhere...

"Go, Thought Ruler Archfiend! Eliminate the small fry gathered before us!"

The massive skeletal-like creature howled as it opened its maw wide, unleashing a stream of black haze that sent the six screaming troop members in front of Esper flying. The corridor walls were also cracked due to the intensity of the attack.

"When will you realize it's useless?" Esper snorted as she removed Thought Ruler's card from her Duel Disk, causing its figure to disappear. "With such a low skill level and lack of true courage, you cannot stand against me no matter how many of you come at me. It's too bad that the Syndicate seems to have invested in quantity instead of quality. Now then, where should I head next?"

After deliberating for a few seconds, Esper chose to head towards the flight of stairs that seemed to lead upwards. If she knew anything about prison towers, the most valuable or dangerous prisoner would surely be at the top.

"Good news, Esper. You're almost at the prison cells." Kolter said over her comm.

"There's also no more guards where you are," Yusaku added.

"That's great," Esper responded before approaching a large steel door. Yup. That was indeed the prison room.

She opened it and walked down a passage before continuing down a flight of stairs. Eventually, she stopped before a cell and saw a man with average skin, short black hair and brown eyes tied up. He wore a purple shirt with a black jacket with purple lining. He wears blue jeans with white shoes. His graying sideburns and slightly wrinkled skin were the most distinguishing features.

"Jeff Burns, my name is Esper, and I'm here to rescue you." Esper introduced herself before untying the ropes surrounding Jeff, allowing him to stand up.

"You came with my daughter to rescue me, correct?" he deduced."

"That's right," Esper confirmed. "We were on the way together, but someone got in our way. So she decided to duel them while I come to rescue you."

"She dueling's right now?" Jeff said. "We have to hurry before something bad happens to her."

"Relax, man," Esper said nonchalantly. "I've heard a lot about your daughter's dueling skills. And I can promise you she can handle herself just fine."

Jeff narrowed his eyes at Esper. "Alright. If you say she's more than capable of handling things, then I have no choice but to believe you, he said. "However, we should leave before any more guards show up.

"Awww, leaving so soon? And here I wanted to chat with the two of you."

Esper and Jeff abruptly turned on their heels, seeing the space in front of them warped, and Marionette stepped out, who was grinning widely.

"Who's that?" Jeff asked.

"While I've never met her in person, I assume that's Marionette," Esper answered. "I saw a recording of her dueling Sanctum, which she caused the duel to end in a draw." She gritted her teeth. "And after watching her, I can say she's one tough cookie."

"I'm honored you're aware of my skills as a duelist," Marionette said. "Now then, how should we play this one out?"

Marionette scratched her chin with a sinister smile on his face while surveying Esper and Jeff, who was eyeing her.

"One option is that I could take you both at once." Marionette continued speaking to himself. "But I assume the old man doesn't have his Deck on him, which leaves only one option."

With no warning, chains shot out of Marionette's Duel Disk, entangling themselves around Esper's Duel Disk. Before the girl fully realized what was happening, she was flung backward and tossed against a wall.

"Esper!" Jeff shouted. "Are you okay!?"

"Don't worry about me. You had best get out of here as quickly as possible and find your daughter," Esper suggested. "You're unable to fight and will only be a hindrance. Leave this girl to me."

"As much as it pains me to admit it…you're right," Jeff said. "I'm counting on you to win and reunite with the rest of us."

"That I will," Esper responded. "Now leave this place at once."

Following Esper's prompt, Jeff turned around and exited the cell as fast as possible. In response to that, Marionette placed a card on his Duel Disk.

"Did I say you could leave this place, scum?"

A large fireball generated above Marionette and headed straight for the fleeing middle-aged man. However, a large green wall suddenly rose from the ground, blocking the firewall and allowing Jeff to escape.

"You know what's funny, Marionette?" Esper said as she stood up. "I don't recall saying you could stop him."

"Oh, so that's how it will be, huh?" Marionette sneered. "Since you're so insistent on standing in my way, I'll get rid of you first, Esper. Oh, and don't bother calling your friends. I've jammed all communications. That way, no one can interrupt us. You should feel honored to duel someone of my caliber."

"Honored…isn't the word I'd use to describe what I feel right now…." Esper chuckled nervously, but her expression became serious as she activated her Duel Disk. "But regardless of what I feel, I will fight. Therefore—I will defeat you and help the Top 10 be one step forward in stopping the Syndicate's wretched plans!"

"Oh, so we have another idealist here." Marionette sneered as she activated her Duel Disk. "All the better for me, I suppose. Your vaunted beliefs only make you fight harder, making my eventual victory all the more satisfying. Now, let's start digging into this exquisite banquet!"

"Duel!"

Esper: 4000 LP

Marionette: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Esper announced. "I summon Psychic Tracker!"

A small white and green machine with yoyos attached appeared on Esper's field.

Psychic Tracker ATK 1600 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"I activate the effect of Psychic Wheeleder from my hand. As I control a monster other than this card, I can Special Summon it to my field."

A white robot enclosed in a sphere appeared in Defense Position on Electrolyzer's field.

Psychic Wheeleder ATK 600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"I now tune the Level 3 Psychic Commander with the Level 3 Psychic Tracker!" Esper declared as a bolt of green lightning struck her, the world greying out and his two monsters disappearing into particles. Two rings, one colored green and the other colored white appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower appeared on a screen displaying "3 + 3" in front of them. The screen then changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.

"Warrior of the future! Upgrade yourself with new machinery, and bring my enemies to justice!" Esper chanted. "I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Hyper Psychic Riser!"

A humanoid monster in white armor with massive wheels for feet emerged from the light in Attack Position.

Hyper Psychic Riser ATK 2000 DEF 600 LVL: 6

"Since I used Psychic Tracker to Synchro Summon Hyper Psychic Riser, it gains 600 attack points!"

Hyper Psychic Riser ATK 2000→2600

"There's more. While Hyper Psychic Riser's on the field, monsters with fewer attack points than him can't attack, and monsters with more attack points can't activate their effects!"

Marionette narrowed her eyes in annoyance. That... was rather a troublesome effect. Still, with the right cards, she can get around it.

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

"My turn!" Marionette announced. "I draw! Since you saw fit to Synchro Summon from the first turn, I guess I should also begin this duel in a semi-serious mode. Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Appear, Orcust Sax Flamed!"

A gold and black machine that resembled a four-legged saxophone blowing a torrent of black flames through its hole appeared.

Orcust Sax Flamed ATK 2000 DEF 1300 LVL: 5

"Next, I summon Mechanicalhunter!"

A machine with a round red body, giant black metallic bat wings and a crimson visor appeared in Attack Position. It had four arms with four weapons: A scythe, a double-sided axe, a blaster and a spear.

Mechanicalhunter ATK 1850 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Mechanicalhunter's effect activates!" Marionette continued. "When summoned, I can add a Dark Machine monster from my Deck to my hand." She took a card from her Deck and showed it. "I add Saber Slasher to my hand. Now, let's battle! Sax Flamed attacks Hyper Psychic Riser!"

"Are you insane?" Esper asked. "My monster has more attack points."

"For now. I activate the effect of Saber Slasher from my hand!" Marionette declared as the card showed a robotic warrior with crimson plating and a horned helmet. It wielded two long black broadswords in its hands. "Whenever a Dark Machine monster I control battles, I discard this card to have that monster gain 2000 attack points until the end of the Damage Step!"

Orcust Sax Flamed ATK 2000→4000

Marionette smiled. "Destroy her monster, Sax Flamed!"

Following its master's command, a torrent of flames emerged from Sax's horn, engulfing the Psychic Synchro Monster, destroying it and making Esper grunt in pain.

Esper: 4000→2600 LP

Orcust Sax Flamed ATK 4000→2000

Esper quickly recovered before gesturing to her field. "I activate the Trap Card Destruction Bounty! Through its effect, if a monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck was destroyed, I get to draw a card from my Deck for every material used to summon it. Moreover, if I control no other monsters, I can draw an additional card from my Deck."

"That matters not," Marionette stated. "Mechanicalhunter attacks you directly!"

Following Marionette's words, Mechanicalhunter charged forward, only for Esper to gesture to her field.

"I activate the Trap Card: Counter Gate!" she declared. "When you attack me directly, that attack is negated!" A stone gate appeared before Esper, blocking Mechanicalhunter's attack and forcing it to return to Marionette's field. "Then I get to draw a card, and if the card I draw is a Monster Card, I get to summon it."

Esper drew her card, looked at it and smirked.

"I drew the Level 3 Hushed Psychic Cleric, which means I can summon it to my field."

A dark-skinned man with long gray hair wearing white and purple robes with yellow lining appeared on Esper's field in Attack Position. He wielded a yellow and white staff in his left hand.

Hushed Psychic Cleric ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 3

"Hushed Psychic Cleric's effect! When he's Normal or Flip Summoned, I can automatically change him to Defense Position."

A blue glow surrounded his body as Hushed Psychic Cleric crossed his arms.

"Well, it looks like you escaped defeat, but only for now," Marionette remarked. "However, don't think you'll leave this duel completely unscathed. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Esper announced. "I draw! Now then, allow me to pay you back for that damage. First, activate the Trap Card: Synchro Spirits! This card lets me target one Synchro Monster in my Graveyard and banish it. And then, if all the monsters used for its Synchro Summon are in the Graveyard, I can Special Summon them. I banish Hyper Psychic Raiser to Special Summon Psychic Tracker and Psychic Wheeleder!"

The robotic machine with yoyos and the one enclosed in a sphere reappeared in Attack Position.

Psychic Tracker ATK 1600 DEF 600 LVL: 3

Psychic Wheeleder ATK 600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"From there, I activate Hushed Psychic Cleric's effect!" Esper continued. "Once per turn, I can discard a card to banish a Psychic monster from my Graveyard. I'll banish the just discarded Space-Time Police. Then, I tune the Level 3 Psychic Wheeleder with the Level 3 Hushed Psychic Cleric!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Esper as the world greyed out, and her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were colored green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings were stacked in a tower, and a screen displayed "3 + 3" in front of them. The screen then changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.

"Esper with a stalwart resolve beating in his heart. Remove these foolish misfeasors from your path! I Synchro Summon! Level 6! Stoic Psychic Successor!"

A humanoid machine forged from metal wearing a sleeveless white jacket with golden trims and a high collar, several black belts tied around its stomach, and black boots with golden soles emerged from the light onto Esper's field in Attack Position. A V-shaped green visor covered its eyes, and its arms were crossed over its chest as two oversized silver hands floated around it, adorned with golden claws and pink circuits glowing on them.

Stoic Psychic Successor ATK 2300 DEF 1000 LVL: 6

"Psychic Successor's effect activates!" Esper exclaimed. "When this card or a Psychic monster is Special Summoned, I can banish a Psychic monster from my Graveyard to inflict you 300 points of damage! I banish Psychic Wheeleder!"

Stoic's left-hand drone fired a green energy beam from its palm at Marionette, causing her to stumble.

Marionette: 4000→3700 LP

"Not only that, but all your monsters lose 300 attack points."

Following Esper's words, Stoic's right-hand drone snapped its fingers, causing Marionette's monsters to kneel as a green aura surrounded them.

Orcust Sax Flamed ATK 2000→1700

Mechanicalhunter ATK 1850→1550

"Furthermore, since Hushed Psychic Cleric was sent to the Graveyard, its additional effect activates," Esper continued. "And I can Special Summon a monster that was banished by its effect." Marionette's eyes widened. "Return to me, Space-Time Police!"

A tall male humanoid dressed in a police uniform appeared on Esper's field in Attack Position. It had a long blue cape and wielded a futuristic baton.

Space-Time Police ATK 2300 DEF 1500 LVL: 5

"Space-Time Police's effect activates! When Special Summoned, I can target and banish one face-up card on your field." Marionette's eyes widened. "I banish Mechanicalhunter!"

The policeman aimed its baton at the designated monster and fired a beam of blue energy at it, causing it to vanish.

"Finally, I Tribute Psychic Tracker to Tribute Summon Psychic Emperor!"

A grey-skinned old man in a meditation stance appeared in Attack Position.

Psychic Emperor ATK 2400 DEF 1000 LVL: 6

"Emperor's effect activates!" Esper continued. "When summoned, I gain 500 Life Points for every Psychic monster in my Graveyard. I have two, so I gain 1000 Life Points!"

Following Esper's words, a green glow formed around her body.

Esper: 2600→3600 LP

"Battle! Psychic Emperor attacks Orcust Sax Flamed!"

Emperor formed and blasted Sax Flamed with a green orb of energy, destroying it and making Marionette wince.

Marionette: 3700→3000 LP

"And now, Space-Time Police attacks you directly!"

The officer aimed its baton at Marionette and fired a stream of blue energy at her.

"Hold on there!" Marionette shouted as she gestured to her field, "I activate the Trap Card: Nutrient Z! Since I'm about to take at least 2000 points of damage, I gain 4000 Life Points before your attack hits!"

A purple aura surrounded Marionette's body…

Marionette: 3000→7000 LP

...Then, the beam of energy struck her in the chest, sending her skidding back.

Marionette: 7000→4700 LP

"So it's going to be like that, huh?" Esper said. "If that's the case, Stoic attacks you directly! Stoic Justice!"

Stoic's hand-drones flew across the field and slashed Marionette with its claw, causing her to scream in pain.

Marionette: 4700→2400 LP

"I think that's enough for now. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

At Pyrrha and Natura's duel…

"Nice comeback," Natura said while narrowing her eyes at Pyrrha. "But don't get too excited. This duel is only just beginning. My turn! I draw!

As Natura drew her card, Pyrrha gestured to her field. "Before you do anything, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Xing Zhen Hu!"

Following Pyrrha's declaration, two large blocks of wood with marks and intricate carvings on the side fell on top of two of Natura's face-down cards. Ropes suddenly burst from the ground and tied the blocks to the face-down cards.

"This'll keep you from activating those two face-down cards."

Natura frowned. "Not bad," she said. "But that alone isn't enough to stop me. I activate the Spell Card: Supreme Recharge!" The card showed a duelist attaching a battery pack to their Duel Disk, but a surge of electricity shot out. "I can only activate this card if I have no cards in my hand and my Life Points are less than yours. Since both these requirements are met, I can draw six cards!"

Upon checking out her drawn cards, Natura chuckled.

"With what I currently have in my hand, it's safe to say that things are about to get horrific for you. First, by banishing Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio from my Graveyard, I can now Special Summon Spiritual Beast Aperilla from my hand!"

A red-skinned gorilla with flaming fists and orange lining appeared on Natura's field and howled.

Spiritual Beast Aperilla ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And since Aperilla was summoned successfully through its effect, its attack points become 2000."

Spiritual Beast Aperilla ATK 1500→2000

"Furthermore, I activate the effect of Ritual Beast Tamer Pon from my hand!" Natura continued. "Since I summoned a non-Psychic-Type "Ritual Beast" monster, I can Special Summon it!"

A small girl with short amber hair, green eyes, a small cloak, and a scarf appeared on Natura's field next to Aperilla. She wore a white colored dress and wielded a small staff with an amber-colored gem.

Ritual Beast Tamer Pon ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Thunder Short! You now take 500 points of damage for every monster that you have!"

Two lightning bolts fell from the sky, hitting Pyrrha and making her grunt in pain.

Pyrrha: 3600→2600 LP

Natura smirked as she gestured to her field. "Now, I banish Pon and Aperilla to perform a Contact Fusion!"

The Fusion Portal appeared behind Natura as she spread her arms. His monsters turned into red and blue particles and swirled into the vortex.

"Beast of the jungle! The master tamer! Enter the realm of the spirits, and combine your power into a new form!" She clasped her hands together. "I Fusion Summon! Come forth! Ritual Beast Ulti-Aperilla!"

A girl resembling Tamer Pon with a jeweled staff rode on the back of a large armored gorilla. The gorilla had flaming red fists and orange lining all over its body. It roared as it appeared in Attack Position.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Aperilla ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Moving on, I activate the Equip Spell Card: United We Stand and equip it onto Ulti-Aperilla! The equipped monster gains 800 attack and defense points for every monster on my field! As I only control one monster, my Fusion Monster gains 800 attack and defense points!"

The armored gorilla let out a roar as its attack points increased.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Aperilla ATK 2500→3300 DEF 2000→2800

"Battle!" Natura exclaimed. "Utlti-Aperilla, attack Metalfoes Nickelord!"

The armored gorilla slammed its fist into the Metalfoes Fusion Monster, destroying it in an explosion.

Pyrrha: 2600→2500 LP

"Due to Supply Squad's effect, I get to draw a card since you destroyed my monster," Pyrrha said as she drew.

"If you think you're safe now, think again!" Natura stated. "Thanks to Ulti-Aperilla's effect, it can attack all monsters you control!"

"What did you say!?" Pyrrha cried out in shock. "You can attack all my monsters!?"

"Go, Ulti-Aperilla! Attack Metalfoes Orichalc!"

The previous scene repeated once more as Aperilla's lunged its fist into Orichalc, destroying it.

Pyrrha: 2500→2300 LP

"I activate Orichalc's effect! When it's sent to the Graveyard, I can target and destroy a card on the field! I destroy your Ulti-Apelio!"

A burst of fire in the shape of Orichalc erupted from a small portal and flew towards Ulti-Apelio.

"That won't work! Ulti-Aperilla's effect activates!" Natura declared. "By returning Ulti-Aperilla to my Extra Deck, I can Special Summon a "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster and "Spiritual Beast" monster that is banished in Defense Position. Come to me, Tamer Pon and Aperilla!"

The little girl with amber hair and the red gorilla reappeared, both in Defense Position.

Ritual Beast Tamer Pon ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

Spiritual Beast Aperilla ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Nice try, but nice enough," Natura said as she played a card from my hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions! By sending any number of Spell and Trap Cards on my field to the Graveyard, I gain 1000 Life Points for each sent card."

Three of four Natura's Spell and Trap Cards vanished from the field as a green aura surrounded her.

Natura: 3100→6100 LP

"Moving on, I banish my two monsters to Contact Fusion Ulti-Apelio!"

Following Natura's words, the two monsters vanished as the large armored gorilla with a small girl on its back reappeared.

"With that, I place a card face-down and end my turn," Natura concluded. "Not bad, eh, Pyrrha?"

"Not bad at all." Pyrrha smiled. "That's why I have to do my best not to fall behind. It's my turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Fusion! This card allows me to perform a Fusion Summon using monsters I control! However—I can also use monsters in my Pendulum Zone as Fusion Materials by sending them to the Graveyard! I fuse Silverd and Steelen in my Pendulum Zones!"

Silverd broke into red particles, while Steelen broke into blue particles, swirling into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"Vanquisher of the vanished! Become one with the soldier who flies at lightspeed! Bring forth a soldier who flies with grace!" The portal flashed as Pyrrha cupped her hands together. "I Fusion Summon! Metalfoes Mithrilium!"

A blur flew out of the portal and stopped above Hazel. It was a female humanoid resembling Silverd, but she wore a silver flight suit with red and green outlines and wielded a pair of plasma pistols.

Metalfoes Mithrilium ATK 2600→2900 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 6

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Re-Fusion! By paying 800 Life Points, I can target one Fusion Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it! Return, Metalfoes Orichalc!"

After she paid the necessary cost, Orichalc returned to Pyrrha's field.

Pyrrha: 2300→1500 LP

Metalfoes Orichalc ATK 2800→3100 DEF 2200→2500 LVL: 8

"Next, I'll activate Mithrilium's effect!" Pyrrha declared. "By shuffling Metalfoes Silverd and Nickelord from my Graveyard into the Deck, I can target one card on the field and return it to the hand." She pointed toward Natura's field. "I return Ulti-Aperilla to your Extra Deck!"

"Fat chance!" Natura bellowed. "I return Ulti-Aperilla to the Extra Deck to bring back the monsters used to summon it!"

The armored gorilla vanished, and in its place appeared Tamer Pon and Aperilla in Defense Position.

Ritual Beast Tamer Pon ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

Spiritual Beast Aperilla ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

Pyrrha smirked."Thanks for that. Because of the move you just made, victory is mine." She gestured to her field. "Battle Metalfoes Orichalc attacks Tamer Pon! And thanks to Orichalc's effect, all "Metalfoes" monsters I control can inflict double-piercing battle damage! In other words, you're about to receive a serious beating!"

"I don't think so! I activate the Trap Card: Draining Shield!" Natura exclaimed. "Through its effect, your attack is negated, and I gain Life Points equal to your monster's attack points!"

Orichalc's ax slammed into a semi-transparent barrier that appeared in front of Natura, dissipating harmlessly. Then, the barrier transformed into a wave of energy that enveloped Natura.

Natura: 6100→9200 LP

"Not bad, but I'm not finished yet," Pyrrha stated. "Metalfoes Mithrilium attacks Tamer Pon!"

The Fusion Monster aimed its pistols and unleashed a barrage of purple energy blasts at the small girl, destroying her, with the ensuing explosion sending Natura tumbling back.

Natura: 9200→3800 LP

"This will finish things!" Pyrrha exclaimed. "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!"

Metalfoes Mithrilium ATK 2900→3400

"Mithrilum, attack Spiritual Beast Aperilla and end this duel!"

The monster aimed its pistol and fired an energy blast at Aperilla, but Natura wasn't worried.

"I activate the Trap Card: D2 Shield!" Natura declared. "Through its effect, I can double the defense points of one monster on my field. I double Aperilla's defense points!"

Spiritual Beast Aperilla DEF 1000→2000

The energy blasts struck Aperilla, destroying it and making Natura scream in pain as she fell to her knees.

Natura: 3800→1000 LP

"Since you destroyed the monster affected by D2 Shield's effect, I get to draw a card."

"You had best come up with a strategy quickly. Otherwise, you will fall before my monsters' might." Pyrrha warned. "I place a card face-down and end my turn. During the End Phase, Serial Claw's effect wears off."

Metalfoes Mithrilium ATK 3400→2900

Meanwhile, at Esper and Marionette's duel…

"My turn!" Marionette announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity, which allows me to draw three cards from my Deck and discard two. And since one of the cards I discarded was Cards of Compensation, its effect activates, allowing me to draw two cards. From there, I activate the effect of Harp Horror in the Graveyard! I banish it to Special Summon Girsu, the Orcust Mekk-Knight from my Deck!"

A gold and black mechanical knight armed with a lance appeared in Attack Position.

Girsu, the Orcust Mekk-Knight ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Girsu's effect activates! When summoned, I can send one "Orcust" or "World Legacy" card from my Deck to my Graveyard. I send World Legacy – World Wand to my Graveyard." A card popped out of Marionette's Deck, which she took and sent to her Graveyard. "And as there are no other monsters on my field, I can Special Summon a "World Legacy" Token to both of our fields in Defense Position."

"Both our fields?" Esper repeated.

"That's right," Marionette confirmed as a small, purple-haired female fairy appeared on both her and Esper's fields.

World Legacy Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

World Legacy Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"World Legacy – World Wand's effect now activates! Since I sent it to the Graveyard, it lets me Special Summon one "World Legacy" monster from my hand. Emerge, World Legacy – World Key!"

A sword with a golden hilt and a long blade appeared on Marionette's field.

World Legacy – World Key ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear, my orcustrated circuit!" Marionette declared as a Link Portal appeared above her. "The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters, one of which must be an "Orcust" monster. I set Girsu and World Key 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 ↙↗

"I activate Galatea's effect! 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 shuffle Harp Horror to Set Orcustrated Attack. Then, I activate the effect of Orcust Cymbal Skeleton from my Graveyard. By banishing it from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon one "Orcust" monster from my Graveyard. Return, Girsu!"

Girsu, the Orcust Mekk-Knight ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Next, I summon Orcust Brass Bombard!"

Orcust Brass Bombard ATK 500 DEF 1900 LVL: 1

"From there, I activate the Spell Card: Orcust Assembly!" Marionette continued as the card showed Longirsu and Galatea looking on as a factory assembled several Orcust Harp Horrors, Cymbal Skeletons, and Brass Bombards. "By sending one "Orcust" or "World Legacy" monster from my field to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one "Orcust" or "World Legacy" monster from my Deck or Graveyard with a different name to my field. I send the World Legacy token to my Graveyard to Special Summon Orcust Cymbal Skeleton from my Deck!"

The token then turned into yellow particles as a gold and black machine on treads with several cymbals attached to its arms and shoulders appeared in Defense Position.

Orcust Cymbal Skeleton ATK 1200 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Appear for a second time, my orcustrated circuit!" A second Link Portal appeared above her. "The summoning conditions are two Effect monsters, including an "Orcust" monster. I'll set Orcust Brass Bombard, Girsu, the Orcust Mekk-Knight, and Cymbal Skeleton 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 in the Main Monster Zone Galatea pointed. He wielded an elaborate purple lance in his right hand and a large shield in his left hand.

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

"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 Knightmare's effect in the Graveyard! By banishing it, I can send a Dark Machine monster from my Deck to the GY and increase the attack points of a monster on my field by that monster's Level times 100 until the end of the turn. I send the Level 4 Knightmare to the Graveyard and target Galatea!"

Galatea, the Orcust Automation ATK 1800→2500

"Finally, I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, which lets me draw four cards since my hand is empty. Now, let's battle! Galatea, the Orcust Automation, attacks Stoic Psychic Psychic Successor! Scythe of Sorrow!"

Galatea spun around and swung her scythe in front of her, releasing a giant slash of energy that hit the Synchro Monster, bisecting it in two before exploding.

Esper: 3600→3400 LP

Esper smirked. "Nice attack. But destroying my monster's going to cost you! When Stoic Psychic Successor is destroyed by your card and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a banished Level 4 or below Psychic monster! Resurrect, Psychic Wheeleder!"

The white robot enclosed in a wheel appeared for a third time in Defense Position.

Psychic Wheeleder ATK 600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

Marionette narrowed her eyes. "My Battle Phase isn't over. Longirsu attacks Space-Time Police! Go, Lance of Loss!"

Longirsu leaped into the air and spun his lance before bringing it down on the policeman, destroying him.

Esper: 3400→3300 LP

Esper gritted her teeth. "Since Space-Time Police left the field, the card banished by its effect returns to the field," she said. "In other words, you get back your Mechanicalhunter."

Following Esper's words, the machine wielding several weapons reappeared on Marionette's field.

Mechanicalhunter ATK 1850 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"And I'll put him to good use," Marionette said. "Mechanicalhunter attacks Psychic Wheeleder! And at this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Enemy Controller!" A giant video game controller with a cable appeared. "This card has two effects, and I can use one. I choose its first effect, which lets me change your monster's battle position. So I'll force your Psychic Wheeleder to Attack Position."

The cable of the controller attached itself to the monster. Then, some of the controller's buttons were automatically pressed in the following order: A, left, B, left, and up. After that, the small robot stood up. Mechanicalhunter aimed its blaster and fired an energy blast that made Esper grunt in pain.

Esper: 3200→2050 LP

"And with that, most of the nuisances are gone," Marionette stated. "I hope you plan something spectacular for me if you wish to have a small chance of beating me. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Esper announced. "I draw! First off, I activate the Spell Card: Night Beam! This card lets me destroy 1 Set Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls and prevents you from activating that card in response. I destroy the card on the left!"

The card emitted a beam of light that destroyed the face-down card on Marionette's field.

"Following that, I activate the Trap Card: Psychic Trigger! Since my Life Points are lower than yours, I can banish two Psychic monsters from my Graveyard to draw two cards. I banish Psychic Wheeleder and Psychic Tracker."

Esper drew, then said, "I summon Silent Psychic Wizard!"

A man in white, gold and blue armored warrior donning a white helmet and metallic saber appeared in Attack Position.

Silent Psychic Wizard ATK 1900 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Silent Psychic Wizard's effect activates!" Esper continued. "When it's Normal Summoned, I can banish a Psychic monster from my Graveyard. I banish Stoic Psychic Successor. Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Teleport! This card lets me Special Summon a Level 3 or lower Psychic monster from my hand or Deck, but that monster is banished during the End Phase. From my Deck, I summon the Tuner monster Psychic Commander!"

A man in a green uniform riding a floating tank appeared.

Psychic Commander ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"I tune Level 3 Psychic Commander to Level 4 Silent Psychic Wizard!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Esper as the world greyed out, and her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were colored green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings were stacked in a tower, and "3 + 4" appeared before them. The screen then changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"Bewitch the crowd with your beauty and create the perfect opportunity for a decisive strike! I Synchro Summon! Level 7! Harmonized Psychic Archmage!"

A female humanoid machine forged from metal wearing a white and brown kimono with golden trims, a large brown bow tie on its back, and white heels emerged from the light in Attack Position. A stripe-shaped pink visor covered its eyes, held a mechanical staff in its hands, and silver cables emerged from the back of its head akin to hair, their tips pink.

Harmonized Psychic Archmage ATK 2400 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"Due to Archmage's effect, it gains 100 attack and defense points for every banished Psychic monster," Esper revealed. "There are four banished monsters, so Archmage gains 400 attack and defense points!"

Harmonized Psychic Archmage ATK 2400→2800 DEF 2100→2500 LVL: 7

"Since Silent Psychic Wizard left the field, its additional effect activates, and I can Special Summon the monster that was banished by its effect," Esper stated. "Return to me, Stoic Psychic Succesor!"

Harmonized Psychic Archmage ATK 2800→2700 DEF 2500→2400

"Now," Esper said, "Stoic Psychic Successor's effect activates! Since it was Special Summoned, by banishing Psychic Commander from my Graveyard, you take 300 points of damage, and all your monsters lose 300 attack points!"

Stoic's left-hand drone fired a green energy beam from its palm at Marionette while the right-hand drone snapped its fingers, causing a green aura to surround her monsters.

Marionette: 2400→2100 LP

Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator ATK 2500→2200

Galatea, the Orcust Automation ATK 2500→2200

Mechanicalhunter ATK 1850→1550

Harmonized Psychic Archmage ATK 2700→2800 DEF 2400→2500

"Finally, I activate Psychic Archmage's effect!" Esper exclaimed. "By banishing a Psychic monster from my Graveyard, such as Space-Time Police, I can target and banish a monster you control. And the one I choose to banish is Longirsu! Go, Ascension Outburst!"

Archmage's visor and the tips of its hair glowed before it fired a lightning bolt from its staff at the Link Monster, causing it to vanish.

Harmonized Psychic Archmage ATK 2800→2900 DEF 2500→2600

"Now, let's battle! Psychic Archmange, attack Mechanicalhunter! Eternal Grace!"

"Not so fast!" Marionette 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!"

Marionette: 2100→1050 LP

Followed by a twirl, Archmage hits the ground with its staff, unleashing a wave of pink energy at Mechanicalhunter, destroying it in an explosion.

Esper frowned. "If I can't deplete your Life Points, I'll settle for depleting your monsters. Psychic Successor attacks Galatea! Stoic Justice!"

Stoic's hand-drones flew across the field and slashed Galatea with its claw, destroying her as she screamed in pain.

"I place a card face-down and end my turn," Esper said with a smile. "How was that? Not too bad, huh?"

"Not bad at all," Marionette smirked. "You are certainly skilled, but that skill level is not enough to overcome, as you're about to find out. My turn! I draw!"

Back at Pyrrha and Natura's duel…

"My turn!" Natura announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, whose effect allows me to draw cards until I have five in my hand.

Natura smiled widely upon seeing her drawn cards.

"That's just what I needed. It's time to end this duel! First, I summon Spiritual Beast Repunwhale!"

A killer whale with a tall and triangular dorsal fin, sapphire blue eyes, and white tribal tattoos on his body's black parts and silver armor covering his fins, tail, and forehead appeared on the field with a loud cry.

Spiritual Beast Repunwhale ATK 200 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Repunwhale's effect activates!" Natura continued. "When this card is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster from my Deck. Appear, Ritual Beast Tamer Wen!"

A little blonde girl with a staff appeared.

Ritual Beast Tamer Wen ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Moving on, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Living Fossil, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated and its attack points reduced by 1000. Resurrect, Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio!"

A wide crack appeared on the ground following Natura's words, which emerged Ulti-Apelio.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Apelio ATK 2600→1600

"Time for me to get truly serious," Natura stated as she clenched her fist. "I banish Ulti-Rampengu, Tamer Wen, and Repunwhale to perform a Triple Contact Fusion!"

The three monsters turned into red, green, and yellow energy and swirled together into the Fusion vortex as Natura spread her arms.

"Tamed beast storing eternal grace. Gain the tamer's wisdom and the beast's power, and become God's divine emissary! I Fusion Summon! Appear! Ritual Beast Ulti-Repuntuswhale!"

Swimming out of the portal was Repunwhale, its body now twice as large with a halo glowing above its forehead. A short girl with blonde hair in a brown robe stood on the whale's back, wielding a staff and a scarf on her right wrist.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Repuntswhale ATK 3000 DEF 3200 LVL: 10

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes at the monster. "That's one big whale," she muttered.

"Next up, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Heavy Storm Blade, equipping it to Ulti-Repuntswhale!"

Following Natura's words, the tamer's staff was replaced by a fan-shaped weapon.

"Now, battle! Ulti-Repuntswhale, attack Mithrilium! And at this moment, the effect of Heavy Storm Blade activates, allowing me to destroy all other Spell and Trap Cards on the field!"

The fan-shaped weapon started to spin, generating a powerful gust of wind that destroyed Pyrrha's Field Spell and face-down card.

Pyrrha frowned. "Since Metamorformation left the field, my monsters' attack points now return to their original value."

Metalfoes Mithrilium ATK 2900→2600 DEF 1300→1000

Metalfoes Orichalc ATK 3100→2800 DEF 2500→2200

"Not only that, but Ulti-Repuntswhale's effect activates!" Natura stated. "When it battles an opponent's monster, I can banish a "Ritual Beast" card from my hand or Graveyard to reduce your monster's attack and defense points to 0 and negate its effects!"

"What!?" Pyrrha gasped.

"You heard me. Go, Psyche Judgment!"

A shoal of fishes, which looked like ants made of water, materialized around the Ritual Beast Fusion Monster. The shoals rushed forward, surrounding Mithrilium and trapping her in a sphere of water.

Metalfoes Mithrilium ATK 2600→0

"Finish this, Ulti-Repuntuswhale! Tidal Takedown!"

Repuntuswhale unleashed a large torrent of water from its mouth at the Metalfoes Fusion Monster. But before it hit-.

"At this point, I activate the effect of the Trap Card: Trap Re-Arm from my Graveyard! Pyrrha declared as a silhouette of a card appeared on her field, showing a hunter setting a trap to catch a deer. "By banishing this card, I can set one Trap Card from my Deck or Graveyard to my field! In addition, I'm allowed to activate it this turn!"

Natura's eyes widened. "That must've been the card I destroyed through Heavy Storm Blade's effect," she noted.

A face-down card appeared on Pyrrha's field. "I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Shade! By paying half my Life Points, all battle damage I take this turn is halved!"

The torrent of water struck Mithrilium, destroying it, but Pyrrha didn't feel the force of the attack.

Pyrrha: 1500→750 LP

"Due to Supply Squad's effect, I can draw a card since my monster was destroyed."

"That may be true, but it won't be enough to save you," Natura said. "I activate the Spell Card: Ultimate Slayer! By sending the Fusion Monster Ritual Beast Ulti-Pettlephin from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard, I can target and shuffle a monster of the same card type on your field back to the Deck. I select Metalfoes Orichalc!"

A golden arrow shot out from the Spell Card and pierced through Orichalc's body, causing it to disappear from the field.

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Natura concluded. "Now, do you have something else up your sleeve, or have you run out of ideas?"

"Far from it." Pyrrha let out a smile. "My Deck's never let me down before! So I know it'll come through for me in the end!"

"Hoh, that's interesting." Natura grinned. "Even though with one of my most powerful monsters out, you claim you have the means to come out on top and end the duel in your victory? Now that would be a sight to behold. In that case, come at me with all you've got, Pyrrha!"

"As you wish!" Pyrrha said. "My turn! I draw!"

Upon looking at her card, Pyrrha could help but grin. What she had in her hand could win her the duel.

"I activate the Spell Card: Dowsing Fusion!" Pyrrha announced. "This card allows me to summon a Fusion Monster by banishing Pendulum Monsters from my field, Graveyard or Extra Deck! I will fuse Metalfoes Goldriver and Volfame in my Extra Deck with Metalfoes Steelen in my Graveyard!"

Silhouettes of Goldriver, Volflame, and Steelen appeared on Pyrrha's field. Goldriver broke into red particles, while Volflame and Steelen turned into blue and green particles, swirling into a vortex afterward. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"The power of the three soldiers shall become one! Bring forth the ultimate soldier whose fire burns hotter than his allies!" Pyrrha clasped her hands together. "I Fusion Summon! Metalfoes Crimsonite!"

Emerging from the purple tornado was a humanoid clad in crimson-colored armor with two flaming blades extending from its forearms. It swung the blades as it appeared on Pyrrha's field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Crimsonite ATK 3000 DEF 3000 LVL: 9

"That's quite an impressive monster," Natura remarked. "However, its attack points are the same as my monster's. And even if you make it stronger, I only have to use Ulti-Repuntuswhale's effect to reduce your monster's attack points to 0. How do you plan on destroying them as things stand?"

"Like this!" Damon grinned. "First, I activate Metalfoes Fusion's effect from my Graveyard, shuffling it into my Deck to draw one card. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Spirit Extraction!" The card showed a dark-robed figure with a glowing blue hand stealing the souls of several goblins around him. "By discarding a card from my hand, I can target one monster on your field and have that monster have its attack points halved and its effects negated. I target Ulti-Repuntuswhale!"

Natura's Fusion Monster was enveloped in blue light as it groaned and slumped over.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Repuntuswhale ATK 3000→1500

"Battle!" Pyrrha exclaimed. "Crimsonite, attack Ulti-Repuntuswhale!"

Crimsonite raised his blades and aimed them at the Ritual Beast before firing a large stream of fire at the Fusion Monster.

Natura chuckled. "Thanks for this duel, Pyrrha. It was great."

Pyrrha raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Thanks. I guess."

Natura smiled. "And I'm not done just yet. If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!" she declared as she gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Final Fusion!"

Pyrhha's eyes widened. "Not that card!"

Natura smirked. "I take it by your expression you know what this card does. I can only activate when two Fusion Monsters battle. And due to its effect, the attack is negated, and both of us take damage equal to the combined attack points of our monsters!"

The stream of fire engulfed Ulti-Repuntuswhale, causing a massive explosion, with a huge cloud of smoke covering the surrounding area. When the smoke cleared, both monsters were gone, and both duelists had fallen to the ground.

Pyrrha: 750→0 LP

Natura: 1000→0 LP

"Scarlett!"

Just as the duel reached its conclusion, the familiar figure of Jeff Burns burst onto the scene with Storm Rider and Sanctum following behind him. Upon seeing the duo, Natura pushed a button on her Duel Disk.

"Hold it right there!" Storm Rider shouted as Natura logged out, much to his dismay.

"Scarlett, answer me!" Jeff rushed to his daughter, who had crumbled to the ground following the explosion. "Are you alright!?"

"Dad…" Pyrrha stared at him in shock. "Dad! You're here! And you're alright!"

Pyrrha sprung up after saying so, burying herself into her father's chest as her father chuckled and embraced her.

"I'm glad to see you're both okay," Sanctum said, walking over with Storm Rider to where she and her father was.

"And happy once again." Storm Rider added. "Shall we track down Esper and convene in the real world?"

"That might be a good idea," Jeff replied. "After all, she's dueling someone by the name of Marionette."

Sanctum's eyes widened. "Did you say Marionette?" she asked, causing Jeff to nod in response. "If so, we must find her quickly. Esper can hold her own, but against someone like Marionette is a different story. Let's go!"

And with that, Sanctum and the others exited the hall, heading towards Esper's location…

Meanwhile, at Esper and Marionette's duel…

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

Marionette checked her top card and revealed it with a smirk.

"It looks like I was correct, so I draw five cards. Next, by discarding Orcust Clavier Psycho from my hand, I can Special Summon Orcust Guitar Dread!"

A gold and black machine resembling a guitar with robotic limbs appeared on Marionette's field.

Orcust Guitar Dread ATK 700 DEF 600 LVL: 2

"I activate Orcust Horn Draco's effect from my hand!" Marionette continued. "Since I control a Dark Machine monster, I can Special Summon it!"

A gold and black machine that resembled a mix between a horn and a dragon with a pair of ornate pipe-like dragon wings appeared.

Orcust Horn Draco ATK 1900 DEF 1100 LVL: 4

"And since I summoned an "Orcust" monster while Clavier Psycho is in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!"

A gold and black machine that resembled a piano with a pair of demonic fangs appeared next to Marionette's other monsters.

Orcust Clavier Psycho ATK 200 DEF 1600 LVL: 2

"Lastly, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Unit and equip it to Horn Draco!" Marionette exclaimed. "Now, if Horn Draco is used to Link Summon, it counts as two materials!"

Esper narrowed her eyes. "So she's finally bringing out her ace," she muttered.

"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 Guitar Dread, Clavier Psycho and the Horn Draco treated as two materials in the Link Arrows!" Her three monsters turned into purple whirlwinds of energy, with one whirlwind splitting in half, and 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 ↙↑↓↗

"A Link 4 with 3000 attack points…." Esper narrowed her eyes at the sight of the new Link Monster. "So this monster must be her trump card."

"Since Orcust Clavier Psycho was Special Summoned through its effect, it's banished when it leaves the field," Marionette explained before gesturing to her field. "But since it was banished, its effect activates! I can target one non-Monster Card on the field and banish it. I target your face-down card!"

Following Marionette's words, the designated card vanished from the field.

"From there, I activate the Spell Card: Lightning Vortex! By discarding a card from my hand, this card destroys all face-up monsters you control!"

Black clouds appeared above the two duelists and started to rumble before bolts of lightning shot downward and slammed into Esper's monsters, destroying all of them.

"At this moment, the effects of Stoic Psychic Successor and Harmonized Psychic Archmage activate!" Esper exclaimed. "When Successor is destroyed by your card and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a banished Level 4 or below Psychic monster. And when Archmage leaves the field, I can Special Summon a banished Level 6 or lower Psychic monster. Return, Psychic Wheeleder and Space-Time Police!"

Two portals appeared on Esper's field, with her two monsters emerging from them in Defense Position.

Psychic Wheeleder ATK 600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

Space-Time Police ATK 2300 DEF 1500 LVL: 5

"And since Space-Time Police was Special Summoned, its effect activates!" Esper continued. "I banish Orcustrion!"

"I don't think so," Marionette smirked. "I activate Orcust Assembly's effect from my Graveyard! When an "Orcust" monster on my field is affected by a Spell, Trap or monster effect, I can banish this card to negate that effect! Therefore, your monster's effect doesn't apply!"

"Tch." Esper clicked her tongue. "Did she expect me to summon Space-Time Police?"

"Time to battle!" Marionette exclaimed. "Orcustrion attacks Space Time-Police! Melody of Mayhem!"

Two powerful soundwaves were generated from Orcustrion's pipes, vaporizing the psychic policeman.

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Yuri said. "Now, if you have more tricks for me, it is time to show them. Don't hold back and come at me with all you've got."

"I don't need you to tell me that!" Yugo said. "My turn! I draw! I'll start things off with this. I activate the Spell Card: Cup of Ace! This card lets me flip a coin, and depending on the result, one of us draws two cards."

A giant coin appeared on his field before it flipped in the air. When it landed on the ground, it showed heads.

"Since the result is Heads, I can draw two cards!"

Upon checking out her drawn cards, Esper let out a small smile.

"I summon Psychic Snail!"

An orange and purple monster emerging from a large shell covered in yellow orbs appeared in Attack Position.

Psychic Snail ATK 1900 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Next, I set the Scale 2 Risebell the Summoner in the Pendulum Scale!"

A pillar of blue light with a little boy in rustic medieval clothing appeared on the right side of her field.

Risebell the Summoner Scale: 2

"Pendulum?" Marionette repeated. "So you have also obtained this power?"

"That's right! And you're about to see it in action!" Esper assured her before raising his hand. "I activate Risebell's Pendulum Effect! Once per turn, I can increase the Level of a monster on my field by 1. I Increase Psychic Wheeleder's Level!"

Psychic Wheeleder LVL: 3→4

"I tune the Level 4 Psychic Snail with the Level 4 Psychic Wheeleder!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Esper as the world greyed out, and her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were colored green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, and a screen displayed "4 + 4" in front of them. The screen then changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Split the earth with your roar, overlord of the forbidden realm!" Esper chanted. "I Synchro Summon! Arise, Level 8! Overlord Gig!"

A colossal demonic creature covered in white scales with cyan and violet spikes on its shoulders, elbows, and knees, running from the back of its neck to the tip of its tail, ending with a diamond-shaped black crystal encircled by a golden ring appeared on Esper's field in Attack Position. It had golden eyes with black slits, crooked claws of the same color, and a single spike jutting from the back of its head.

Overlord Gig ATK 2600 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"A new Synchro Monster," Marionette noted. "Not bad. But isn't strong enough to take down Orcustrion."

"Then let me change that. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Telekinetic Charging Cell!"

Following Esper's words, a pair of hovering white robotic drones flew up next to Overlord Gig's sides before projecting a golden energy field of three energy rings.

"While equipped with Telekinetic Charging Cell, I'm not required to pay any Life Points to Overlord Gig's effects, such as this. I activate Overlord Gig's effect! By banishing one Psychic monster from my Graveyard and paying Life Points equal to its attack points, I can banish all monsters you control. But thanks to my Equip Spell, I don't need to pay any Life Points. I banish Silent Psychic Wizard to banish Orcustrion! Go, Supreme Verdict!"

With a roar, Overlord's eyes flash gold, releasing cyan and violet electricity from its hands, striking everything Orcustion, causing it to disappear from the field.

Marionette smirked. "Thank you for doing that, she said, confusing Esper. "Since an "Orcust" monster was banished, I can activate the effect of Orcust Violin Cobra from my Graveyard, allowing me to Special Summon it!"

Following her words, a gold and black machine resembling a cobra-shaped violin with sharp golden fangs and razor-sharp red eyes emerged onto the field from a black portal.

Orcust Violin Cobra ATK 1200 DEF 2400 LVL: 6

"Furthermore, Violet Cobra's second effect activates," Marionette continued. "It can't be destroyed this turn since I summoned it through its effect."

"Are you kidding me…?" Esper muttered with evident shock. "Guess I have no choice but to end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Marionette announced. "I draw! While this has been a lot of fun, it's time to settle things. I activate the Spell Card: The Beginning Of The End! Pretty symbolic of the outcome of this duel. I can only use this card if I have at least seven Dark monsters in my Graveyard, and by banishing five of them, I get to draw three cards! I banish Galatea, Mechanicalhunter, Saber Slasher, World Wand, and Girsu to draw three cards!"

Marionette drew her cards and smiled sinisterly upon checking them out.

"Perfect. First, I activate the effect of Gizmek Orochi, the Serpentron Sky Slasher in my hand! By banishing the top eight cards of my Deck face-down, I can Special Summon it!"

A large three-headed serpentine-like golden dragon with several laser cannons attached to its back appeared on Marionette's field and roared.

Gizmek Orochi, the Serpentron Sky Slasher ATK 2450 DEF 2450 LVL: 8

"Following that, I activate the Spell Card: Equivalent Exchange!" Marionette continued. "By discarding the Spell Transmodify from my hand, I can add a different Spell Card from my Deck." A card popped out from her Deck, which she then took and played. "I activate the Spell Card: Resonance Device! By targeting two of my face-up monsters with the same Type and Attribute, I can change the Level of one monster to the Level of the other!" Marionette's smirk widened. "I target the Dark Machines Gizmek Orochi and Violin Cobra and change Cobra's Level to Orochi's!"

Orcust Violin Cobra LVL: 6→8

Esper tensed. "Two Level 8's!"

Marionette narrowed her eyes at Esper as she gestured to her field. "The time is here! I overlay my Level 8 Gizmek Orochi and Violin Cobra!"

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

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

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

"Legendary hero hurt from grief! Let your pitch-black sorrow turn into the beating metal heart of your strongest weapon! I Xyz Summon! Arise, Rank 8! Dingirsu, the Orcust of the Evening Star!"

A mechanical-like knight wearing black and gold armor with four legs similar to that of a horse appeared on Marionette's field in Attack Position. His helmet consisted of a single blue visor, and unique covers was on his shoulders. He carried a long spear in his right hand, while in his left hand, he carried a shield shaped like a long instrument. Behind him was an orbiting light.

Dingirsu, the Orcust of the Evening Star ATK 2600 DEF 2100 RNK: 8 OU: 2

"When Dingirsu is Special Summoned, I can activate one of two effects!" Marionette stated. "I choose the first effect, which lets me send one monster on the field to the Graveyard." Esper's eyes widened. "I send Overlord Gig to the Graveyard!"

A bright light emitted from Dingirsu's shield, striking the Synchro Monster and causing it to disintegrate within seconds.

"My field is now completely defenseless…." Esper remarked with a defeated tone. "Such a brutal effect…."

"Now, let's wrap this up!" Marionette declared as her pupils became slit. "Battle! Dingrsu, the Orcust of the Evening Star! Attack her directly and end this! Spear of Sorrow!"

A complex magic circle appeared in front of Dingirsu, with the monster thrusting its spear into it to generate a powerful wave of multi-colored energy that enveloped Esper and sent her flying backward until she crashed on the wall and fell to the ground.

Esper: 2050→0 LP

"I…lost…" Esper wheezed out. "Sorry, everyone… It looks like…I let you down…."

"Don't feel so discouraged," Marionette said as she approached Esper. "It was, after all, inevitable. And with my victory, you lose your consciousness data!"

Esper's body began disintegrating before turning into a green orb, which floated to Marionette as it orbited above her hand.

"This… was more challenging than I thought it would be," she admitted. "But it's time I take my leave."

"Esper!"

Just as Marionette was about to leave, Sanctum and the others suddenly appeared. Their eyes widened as they noticed the glowing orb in Marionette's hands.

Marionette smiled. "So you defeated Natura and her associates, huh? As much as I would love to duel you all, my recent one has drained me. So I'm going to have to take a rain check."

She played a card, and a violet light filled the air, forcing everyone to cover their eyes. Even so, Sanctum tried to run forward, only to collide with something that knocked her off her feet.

When the light faded, and they could see properly, they gasped aloud. Marionette was gone.

"No…" Pyrrha whispered, falling to her knees. "No… we…"

Storm Rider gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. Again… I can't believe this happened again…

Sitting on the ground, Sanctum stared at the large crack in the wall her friend had made. Her friend who she promised to help her avenge her friend. A friend who had helped to give the Top 10 a fighting chance. A friend who had stood by her side.

Sanctum gritted her teeth and then yelled out an impotent scream.

"ESPER!"

OC Card Memo:

Natura:

Spiritual Beast Aperilla

LVL: 4

Wind

Pyro/Effect

You can banish 1 "Ritual Beast" monster from your hand or Graveyard; Special Summon this card from your hand. If Summoned this way: This card's original ATK becomes 2000. You can only Special Summon "Spiritual Beast Aperilla(s)" once per turn.

ATK/1500 DEF/1000

Ritual Beast Tamer Pon

LVL: 1

Wind

Psychic/Effect

If a non-Psychic-Type "Ritual Beast" monster is Special Summoned to your field: You can Special Summon this card from your hand to your field. You can only Special Summon "Ritual Beast Tamer Pon(s)" once per turn.

ATK/300 DEF/200

Ritual Beast Ulti-Aperilla (Wind/Pyro/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 2500/DEF: 2000/LV: 8)

1 "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster + 1 Pyro-Type "Spiritual Beast" monster

Must be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by banishing the above cards you control, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways (You do not use "Polymerization"). This card can attack once for each face-up "Ritual Beast" monster you control, but if it does, other monsters you control cannot attack this turn. During either player's turn: You can return this card you control to the Extra Deck, then target 2 of your banished monsters (1 "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster and 1 "Spiritual Beast" monster); Special Summon them in Defense Position.

Ritual Beast Ulti-Repuntuswhale (Light/Psychic/Fusion/Effect/ATK: 3000/DEF: 3200/LV: 10)

1 "Ritual Beast Ulti-" monster + 1 "Ritual Beast Tamer" monster + 1 "Spiritual Beast" monster

Must be Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by banishing the above cards you control, and cannot be Special Summoned by other ways. (You do not use "Polymerization".) If Summoned this way, this card gains this effect:

- If this card battles an opponent's monster: You can banish 1 "Ritual Beast" card from your hand or Graveyard; for the rest of this turn, the ATK/DEF of any monster this card battles become 0, and its effects are negated, during damage calculation only.

Ritual Beast Gathering

Normal Spell

Banish 1 "Ritual Beast" card from your GY, then draw 1 card for each "Ritual Beast Ulti-" monster you control. You can only activate 1 "Ritual Beast Gathering" per turn.

Supreme Recharge

Normal Spell Card

Activate this card only while you have no other cards in your hand and your Life Points are less than your opponent's. Draw six cards.

Ritual Beast Survival

Normal Trap

When your "Ritual Beast" monster is attacked: Shuffle 1 "Ritual Beast" card from your Banish Zone into the Deck; negate that attack, and if you do, gain LP equal to the damage you would have taken from that battle. You can only activate 1 "Ritual Beast Survival" per turn.

Pyrhha:

Metalfoes Nickelord

ATK: 2900, DEF: 2100, LV: 8

Fire/Psychic/Fusion/Effect

2 "Metalfoes" Monsters

If a "Metalfoes" monster you control attacks, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK.

Spirit Extraction

Normal Spell Card

Target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls, then discard 1 card; negate its effects and halve its ATK. Also, if it leaves the field, banish it. If this Set card is destroyed by your opponent's card effect: Negate the effects of all monsters your opponent currently controls.

Trap Re-Arm (Credit to Divadx)

Normal Trap Card

Effect: When this card is activated: You can target 1 Trap card in your GY; add it to your hand. If this card is in your GY: You can banish it; Set one Trap card from your deck to your field face-down. It can be activated this turn. You can only activate one effect of 'Trap Re-Arm' per turn, and only one that turn.

Marionette:

Orcust Sax Flamed- Level 5, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1300, ATT: DARK, Type; Machine/Effect

Effect: If you control no monsters, or all monsters you control are "Orcust" monsters: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is banished: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls, except a DARK monster; banish it."

Mechanicalhunter- Level 4, ATK: 1850, DEF: 800, ATT: DARK, Type; Machine/Effect

When this card is Summoned, you can add one DARK Machine-Type Monster from your Deck to your hand, except "Mechanicalhunter". While you control this face-up card and one Level 5 or higher DARK Machine-Type Monster, all Machine-Type Monsters you control inflict piercing battle damage. If this card destroys a Monster by battle, it can attack again. You can only use each effect of "Mechanicalhunter" once per turn.

Saber Slasher- Level 4, ATK: 2000, DEF: 500, ATT: DARK, Type; Machine/Effect

Effect: (Quick Effect): During either player's Damage Step, when a DARK Machine-type monster you control is attacking or is being attacked, you can destroy this card in your hand or on your side of the field; that monster gains 2000 ATK until the end of this turn. During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was destroyed by an opponent's card: You can add 1 "Heavy Metal Raiders" from your Deck or GY to your hand.

Orcust Guitar Dread- Level 2, ATK: 700, DEF: 600, ATT: DARK, Type: Machine/Tuner/Effect

Effect: You can discard 1 "Orcust" card from your hand; Special Summon this card from your hand. You can banish this card from your GY; banish up to 3 cards from either player's GY. You can only use each "Orcust Drum Kobold" effect once per turn.

Orcust Horn Draco- Level 4, ATK: 1900, DEF: 1100, ATT: DARK, Type: Machine/Tuner/Effect

Effect: If you control a DARK Machine monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is banished: You can target 1 of your "Orcust" monsters that is banished; Special Summon it in Defense Position, but it cannot activate its effects this turn. Also, you cannot Special Summon monsters except DARK monsters for the rest of this turn. You can only use each "Orcust Horn Draco" effect once per turn.

Orcust Clavier Psycho- Level 2, ATK: 200, DEF: 1600, ATT: DARK, Type: Machine/Effect

Effect: When an "Orcust" monster is summoned while this card is in your hand or GY, Special Summon this card but banish it when it leaves the field. If this card is banished: Banish 1 non-monster card on the field. You can only use each effect of "Orcust Clavier Psycho" once per turn.

Orcust Violin Cobra- Level 6, ATK: 1200, DEF: 2400, ATT: DARK, Type: Machine/Effect

Effect: If an "Orcust" monster is sent to the GY or banished: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, it cannot be destroyed by battle this turn. If this card is banished: You can activate this effect; each player looks at the top card of their Decks, and if it is a Monster Card, they can send it to the GY or banish it, and if it is not, they place it on the bottom of the Deck. You can only use each effect of "Orcust Violin Cobra" once per turn.

Esper:

Stoic Psychic Successor

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Psychic/Synchro/Effect] ATK 2300 DEF 1000 Level: 6

1 Psychic Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner Psychic monsters

If this card is Special Summoned or another Psychic monster(s) is Special Summoned (Quick Effect): You can target 1 Psychic monster in your GY; banish it, and if you do, inflict 300 damage to your opponent, also all monsters your opponent controls lose 300 ATK/DEF. If this face-up card leaves the field: You can target 1 of your banished Level 4 or lower Psychic monsters; Special Summon it. You can only use each effect of "Stoic Psychic Successor" once per turn.

Harmonized Psychic Archmage

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Psychic/Synchro/Effect] ATK 2400 DEF 2100 Level: 7

1 Psychic Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner Psychic monsters

Gains 100 ATK/DEF for each of your banished Psychic monsters. You can only use each of the following "Harmonized Psychic Archmage" effects once per turn. If this card is Synchro Summoned: You can target 1 Psychic monster in your GY; banish it, and if you do, banish 1 card your opponent controls. If this face-up card leaves the field: You can target 1 of your banished Level 6 or lower Psychic monsters; Special Summon it.

Overlord Gig

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Psychic/Synchro/Effect] ATK 2600 DEF 2400 Level: 8

1 Psychic Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner Psychic monsters

If this card is Synchro Summoned using only Psychic-Type monsters as Synchro Materials: You can destroy all Spell/Trap Cards your opponent controls, and if you do, gain 300 LP for each card destroyed by this effect. Once per turn: You can target 1 Psychic-Type monster in your Graveyard; pay LP equal to its original ATK, and if you do, banish all monsters your opponent controls, also banish the targeted monster. If you activate this effect, any damage your opponent takes for the rest of this turn is halved.

Well, this was both a fun and draining chapter to write. Fun because the duels were such a delight and draining because of how emotional the second duel made me. Thank you to SakushiRyu and Divadx for helping me with the cards used in this chapter, and thanks to the former for giving me feedback.

The first duel was meant to serve the same purpose as Storm Rider's and Sanctum's duels' last chapter; to show Pyrrha's power as a duelist, this time against the Natura. But the true gem of this chapter is the Esper vs. Marionette duel. I honestly feel this is one of the best-written duels of this fic, with Yuji vs. Reiji. It was so much fun having them go back and forth, with Esper bringing out her best monsters. And while she lost in the end, she fought Marionette hard.

Well, that's all for now. As always, please read, review, favorite and follow.

See you all next time!