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?

28. Bring Your A Game!

Greetings, community! I'm back with Chapter 28. And without further ado, let's get on with the story.

In LINK VRAINS...

"Duel!"

Varis and Storm Rider shouted in unison as the Action Cards spread around the field.

Varis: 4000 LP

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Varis narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "Since I challenged you, you can decide who goes first."

Storm Rider looked at his hand before deciding. "I'll go second."

Soulburner nodded with a small smirk. "That's probably a good idea. Varis can't do much on his first turn."

"Maybe…" Blue Maiden said, somewhat not completely convinced. "Varis is the type of person to always have a plan and develop strategies very quickly."

''Oh... Seems Blue Maiden gets it.'' Specter says in a slight taunt, smirking. ''Master Varis hasn't spent his time not doing anything. He's been training, evolving his skills to stop the Syndicate. Your little friend should be quaking in his boots.''

Sanctum glared at Specter, enraged. "Storm Rider won't lose. I'm sure of it."

"We'll see if you're right when the duel's over," Specter said, shifting his focus to the duel with everyone else following suit.

Varis looked at his cards and said, "Let us begin. I summon Sniffer Dragon!"

A red bipedal dragon with black armor on its legs, chest, head, tail, and arms appeared on Varis's field.

Sniffer Dragon ATK 800 DEF 400 LVL: 2

"Sniffer Dragon's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add another Sniffer Dragon from my Deck to my hand."

Sanctum narrowed her eyes. "A Level 2 monster with 800 attack points?" she wondered. "What could Varis be planning?"

Varis raised his hand. "Appear, the future circuit that lights up my path!" The Link Portal appeared above Varis. "The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Dragon monster. I set Sniffer Dragon in the Link Arrow!"

Sniffer Dragon entered the left arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Striker Dragon!"

A light blue mechanical dragon with light green holographic wings emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Striker Dragon ATK 1000 LINK-1 ←

"Striker Dragon's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can add Boot Sector Launch from my Deck to my hand."

"I see," Playmaker said. "This monster was just to bring his Field Spell Card to him."

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Quick Launch!" Varis continued. "This card lets me Special Summon a "Rokket" monster from my Deck, but it can't attack and is destroyed during my End Phase. Come, Anesthrokket Dragon!"

A green and yellow metal dragon with green holographic wings and a syringe on its head appeared on Varis's field.

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK 0 DEF 2200 LVL: 1

"And since I control a "Rokket" monster, I can Special Summon Absorouter Dragon from my hand!"

A black metal dragon covered in blue lines with six spines for wings appeared in Attack Position.

Absorouter Dragon ATK 1200 DEF 2800 LVL: 7

Varis then gestured above himself again as he declared, "Manifest! The future circuit that lights up my path!" The Link Portal once again appeared above Varis. "The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Anesthrokket Dragon, Absorouter Draon and Striker Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

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

"My storm that guides through the closed world!'' Varis chanted. ''I Link Summon! Appear now! Link-3! Borrelcode Dragon!"

A large dragon with a red-colored body with glowing green accents all over it appeared on Varis's field and roared from Extra Monster Zone. Spike-like objects emerged from its back, with a serpentine tail attached to the dragon's waist. It also had several green glowing eyes on its head as well.

Borrelcode Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Borrelcode?" Roselyn said in a surprised tone.

"Guess Specter wasn't bluffing," Blue Maiden said.

"Since Absorouter Dragon was sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates and lets me add a "Rokket" monster from my Deck to my hand," Varis stated. "I'll add Shelrokket Dragon to my hand. And with that, I end my turn."

"That's it?" Soulburner uttered in surprise. "What the heck is he up to?"

"It is your turn now, Storm Rider," Varis said. "Do not think to hold back! If you wish to defeat the Syndicate, you must prove you have the strength to do so!"

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "That was a fine start, Varis." he praised his opponent. "As such, I must respond in kind. My turn! I draw! Since you control a monster and I do not, I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman!"

A man in cybernetic blue armor carrying futuristic swords appeared.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I add Cycode Updater to my hand. Now I'll create my circuit!"

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

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

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

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

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

Cycode Kuriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

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

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

Cycode Updater ATK 1900 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

A medium-sized robot with bulky armor wielding a futuristic rifle appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile.

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

A one-eyed tall slim black, metal skeletal robot with six arms, each holding a red blade energy dagger, appeared next to Updater.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I'll now build my circuit once again!"

The Link Portal appeared once again above Storm Rider.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Updater and Assailant in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A blue mechanical humanoid emerged from the portal and was summoned to the Main Monster Zone Cycode Kuriboh pointed to.

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200 LINK-2 →↙

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

Cycode Kuriboh ATK 300→1100

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200→2000

"Next, I summon Cycode Sorceress!"

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

Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

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

The metal skeletal robot with six arms reappeared next to Sorceress.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Appear again, my circuit!"

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

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

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

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

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

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 1600→2400 LINK-2 ←→

"And since I control at least two "Cycode" monsters, I Special Summon can Cycode General from my hand!"

A large male humanoid in blue knight-like armor with a white cape appeared. He wielded a massive energy blade in his left hand.

Cycode General ATK 2600 DEF 2300 LVL: 7

"This is my final Link Summon! I create my circuit! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 or higher "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode General and Strider in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters turned into blue energy and entered the top and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cycode Striker!"

A male humanoid, wearing a light energy brown, yellow trimmed digital-like martial arts' Gi outfit with armored legs. He had light blue hair made out of digital energy and a long digital yellow scarf as he appeared, summoned to Binal Sorceress's right Link Arrow.

Cycode Striker ATK 2000→2800 LINK-2 ←↓

"Amazing!" Roselyn cheered. "Four monsters from the Extra Deck in one turn!"

Sanctum smirked. "That's just how Storm Rider's Deck works."

"Striker's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "All monsters you control lose 300 attack points for each monster it points to!"

"Striker points to Binal Sorceress," Soulburner stated.

"Which means Borrelcode loses 300 attack points," Blue Maiden added.

Borrelcode Dragon ATK 2500→2200

"Furthermore, I activate Binal Sorceress's effect!" Storm Rider continued. "Since it is co-linked to two monsters, I can target up to two monsters you control, halve their attack points, and negate their effects. I target Borrelcode Dragon!"

Borrelcode Dragon ATK 2200→1100

"Nice! Now Storm Rider can perform an OTK and win this duel!" Soulburner exclaimed with a smirk.

"Let's see whether you survive this incoming onslaught or now, Varis. Battle!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Cycode Striker, attack Borrelcode Dragon!"

Following its master's command, Cycode Striker charged at Borrelcode, who fired multiple energy beams. Striker moved around the beams, evading them as he leaped upward before diving back down.

"As good as that was, I saw this a mile away, so it's a good thing I have a contingency in place should a situation like this occur," Varis told Storm Rider as he gestured to his field. "I activate Borrelcode Dragon's effect! Since it was Link Summoned using three monsters, it can destroy all monsters on the field whenever it battles a monster!"

"WHAT?!" Storm Rider exclaimed out of shock. "I won't allow this!"

Following Storm Rider's declaration, he jumped on Administrator's back and took off. As it passed next to a ruined building, Storm Rider grabbed an Action Card embedded into one of its numerous cracks.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Mirror Barrier, whose effect allows me to prevent one monster I control from being destroyed by card effects. I choose Cycode Striker!"

Borrelcode Dragon's body glowed green and exploded, releasing green energy waves that washed over Storm Rider's field, destroying Binal Sorceress and Administrator. However, a semi-transparent shield appeared around Striker, shielding it from the energy waves.

"Nice save," Varis smirked. "You have my praise."

"So what?" Storm Rider. "You're defenseless now! Go, Cycode Striker! Attack Varis directly!"

"It looks like I'm in a pinch. In that case!"

Varis jumped onto a nearby platform, snatching an Action Card from it.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Evasion!" Varis said. "Your attack is negated thanks to its effect!"

"It looks like Specter wasn't kidding when he said you mastered Action Duels." Storm Rider grimaced. "Well, I guess I should've expected that from the leader of the Hanoi. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Varis announced. "I draw! Let me respond similarly since you're going all out from the start. First, I summon Shelokket Dragon!"

A gold and black metal dragon with green lines running over it, green holographic wings, and a green tube on its head appeared on the field.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK 1100 DEF 2000 LVL: 2

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Squib Draw!" Varis then said. "This card destroys Shelrokket Dragon!" His monster disintegrated upon those words. "And now I draw two cards!"

He drew and smirked at his cards. "I activate the Spell Card: Pre-Preparation of Rites, whose effect allows me to add a Ritual Spell Card and a Ritual Monster from my Deck to my hand."

"What?" Storm Rider gasped. "Ritual?"

"I add Borreload Riot Dragon and Heavy Interlock to my hand. And now I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Heavy Interlock! This card lets me Tribute monsters from my hand or field whose combined Levels equal or exceed that of the stated Ritual Monster. I Tribute the Level 8 Cracking Dragon from my hand!"

A blue, technological circle surrounded by yellow lightning appeared on Varis's field, along with a giant black mechanical dragon with six wings attached by green lights. The dragon turned into particles that went into the circle's center, emitting a bright light.

"The contract has been made!" Varis chanted. "Blistering energy within the underground hangar! Erupt out of the surface, and unleash a rampant creature that brings obliteration to those who dare approach it! I Ritual Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Borreload Riot Dragon!"

A large, blue mechanical dragon with multiple green lines running over its body appeared on Varis's field. Its wings consisted of a metallic gun barrel with green lines running over them, with three green holographic-like blade wings protruding. It had four electrical pieces of energy attached to the back of its head, with two wires emitting electricity on the sides of its head. On top of its head was a black spike that protruded backward, along with a circular panel on its forehead.

Borreload Riot Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Another Borreload?" Soulburner muttered.

"So Varis has even mastered Ritual Summoning?" Blue Maiden commented with a surprised expression. "I hate to admit this, but Storm Rider might have bit off more than he could chew when he accepted this duel."

"A Ritual Monster right off the bat, huh…?" Storm Rider let out a crooked smile. "You sure are going all out from the start…."

"I activate the Spell Card: Water of Life!" Varis continued. "This card lets Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position! Return, Cracking Dragon!"

The large black mechanical dragon reappeared.

Cracking Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 0 LVL: 8

"Battle!" Varis declared. "Cracking Dragon, attack his Cycode Striker! Traffic Blast!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Cycod Half-Guard!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "By discarding Cycode Firefighter, all battle damage I take this turn is halved!"

Cracking Dragon sent a stream of blue fire that struck Cycode Striker, destroying it in an explosion and making Storm Rider wince.

Storm Rider: 4000→3000 LP

"The Link Summoned Cycode Striker's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "When it leaves the field, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Cycode Assailant in Defense Position!"

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"It's too early to celebrate, Storm Rider." Varis pointed out. "I activate Cracking Dragon's effect! Since you Normal or Special Summoned exactly one monster, its attack points are decreased by 200 times its Level, and that damage is dealt to my opponent! Crack Fall!"

The orbs around Cracking Dragon glowed as a wind hit Storm Rider and Assailant, hurting both. Cycode Assailant's Level was 4, so Storm Rider took 800 points of damage.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500→700

Storm Rider: 3000→2200 LP

Varis gestured to his field. "Go, Borreload Riot Dragon! Take down Cycode Assailant! Borrel Blast of Destruction!"

The dragon's holographic wings disappeared while the wires straightened out and bent at a 90-degree angle, turning forward and revealing two cannon barrels. A third barrel appeared in Riot Dragon's mouth. The cannons fired three beams of dark blue energy, converging on Storm Rider's monster and making it explode.

"And since the Battle Phase ended, Half-Guard's additional effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "I draw one card for each of your monsters that battled this turn. Two of your monsters battled, so I draw two cards!"

Storm Rider drew as Varis said, "I end my turn. And during the End Phase, the effect of Shelhrokket Dragon activates. Since it was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special Summon one "Rokket" monster from my Deck with a different name. I Special Summon Metalrokket Dragon in Defense Position!"

A blue metal dragon with green lines running over its armor, green holographic wings, and an extended cannon on its head.

Metalrokket Dragon ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Akashic Record! Now I draw two cards, and if they weren't used during the duel, I'm allowed to keep them."

"He's taking a gamble here," Roselyn said. "If those are any other copies of cards he used, he'll fail to make a comeback."

"Storm Rider will be fine," Sanctum said, encouraging her best friend.

Storm Rider drew his two cards and smiled at the find. "Since the cards I've drawn haven't been used, I can keep them. Next, I summon Cycode Rescue Unit!"

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

Cycode Rescue Unit ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"You fool!" Varis said, sneering at Storm Rider. "Have you forgotten Cracking Dragon's effect? You're about to take another 800 points of damage!"

"Are you sure about that?" Storm Rider asked, making Varis raise an eyebrow. "I activate the effect of Cycode Saver in my hand! When I would take effect damage, I can Special Summon this monster!"

A dwarf mechanical-like alien in white armor carrying a small shield appeared on Storm Rider's field in Defense Position.

Cycode Saver ATK 0 DEF 1300 LVL: 2

"And now, thanks to Cycode Saver's effect, the damage is negated, and I gain Life Points equal to the negated damage!"

The shield in Saver's hands glowed, as did Storm Rider.

Storm Rider: 2200→3000 LP

"And for the rest of the turn, I take no effect damage!"

Varis was impressed. With one card, Storm Rider had managed to prevent damage and recover his Life Points.

"Rescue Unit's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When it's Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I choose Cycode Assailant. Now, I'll build my circuit again!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Saver and Cycode Rescue Unit in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became streams of blue energy and entered the bottom-right and bottom-left arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cycode Priestess!"

A beautiful maiden with blonde hair wearing a cybernetic white nun-like outfit with a yellow lining resembling circuit boards appeared in the Right Extra Monster Zone. A light blue visor with a blue energy halo over her head.

Cycode Priestess ATK 1200 LINK-2 ↙↘

Specter's eyes widened. "That's-!"

"Upon your monster being summoned, I activate Borreload Riot Dragon's effect!" Varis declared, shocking Stom Rider as Riot Dragon glowed. "When my opponent Special Summons a monster, Riot Dragon can negate its summon and destroys that monster! Go, Riot Anti-Vullet!"

Following its master's command, Riot Dragon opened its maw and fired a bullet straight toward Cycode Priestess.

"My monster isn't going anywhere." Storm Rider stated as he began jumping from building to building, grabbing an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Illumination! Due to the effect of Illumination, once per turn, the Normal or Special Summoning of monsters cannot be negated. Cycode Priestess is safe from your dragon's effect!"

Varis smirked. "That was quick thinking on your part, Storm Rider."

"Spare me the compliments until the duel's over," Storm Rider said. "As a "Cycode" monster is on the field, I can Special Summon Cycode Linker from my hand!"

A robot in black armor and gauntlets with red arrows appeared at Priestess's bottom-right Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Next, Cycode Priestess's effect activates! When a monster is Special Summoned next to its Link Arrow, by banishing a card from my Graveyard, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand whose type is the same as the banished card. I banish Illumination from my Graveyard to add a "Cycode" Spell Card from my Deck!"

A card ejected from Storm Rider's Duel Disk as he took it and played it.

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Cycode Ritual!" Storm Rider continued. "With this card, I Tribute monsters from my hand and field whose total Levels equal or surpass the Level of a Cyberse Ritual Monster that I'm Ritual Summoning from my hand! I Tribute the Level 4 Cycode Linker on my field with the Level 4 Cycode Assailant in my hand!"

A futuristic magic circle appeared on Storm Rider's field. Seven pillars erupted around the circle as Linker and Assailant disintegrated into data that entered the circle's center.

"The contract has been made!" Storm Rider chanted. "The dark sage who wields the power of space and time inherits these two souls! I Ritual Summon! Rise! Level 7! Cycode Warlock!"

A man with pale skin, yellow eyes and dark silver hair emerged from the portal. He wore a deep blue robe glowing light purple with blue lining resembling circuit boards across his outfit. He wielded a large, mechanical-like wand with a blue orb on the tip that leaked energy.

Cycode Warlock ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Cycode Warlock…" Soulburner let out a small smile. "As always, Storm Rider is going full throttle when on the attack."

"Also, Warlock has a very nasty effect." Blue Maiden added. "Varis is in for some serious pain this turn."

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Code Accelerator!" Storm Rider declared as the card showed Decode Talker's sword crossed with Transcode Talker's rifle. "And equip it to Cycode Warlock!" Warlock's staff disappeared and was replaced with a large purple sword. A rifle materialized in its left hand. "Once per turn, I can banish a Link Monster from my Graveyard. Then, during each Battle Phase this turn, the equipped Cycode Warlock can attack your monsters up to the banished monster's Link Rating. I banish Cycode Binal Sorceress to allow Cycode Warlock to attack your monsters two times!"

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Warlock attacks Borreload Riot Dragon! And at this moment, Cycode Warlock's effect activates! If it battles a Special Summoned monster, your monster's effects are negated, and its attack points are halved until the end of the Damage Step!"

Varis gasped as Riot Dragon was weakened.

Borreload Riot Dragon ATK 3000→1500

"Not only that but all battle damage you take involving "Cycode" monsters is doubled," Storm Rider added.

"That means if this attack connects, Varis will take a lot of damage," Roselyn said.

Varis gritted his teeth. "Cracking Dragon!"

As Warlock prepared to attack, Varis called to his monster and jumped on its back, taking off in search of Action Cards. Cycode Priestess also took off at Storm Rider's command, chasing after the duo. Varis spotted an Action Card in the distance as his dragon jumped from elevated building to building.

"I won't let you!"

Having also spotted the Action Card, Storm Rider ordered Priestess to block Varis's path. However, Varis smirked as he jumped off Cracking Dragon's back and activated his Duel Anchor. Storm Rider wasn't fast enough to stop them, with Varis claiming the Action Card just as Warlock was about to strike Riot Dragon.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Damage Banish!" Varis shouted. "Through it, the battle damage is reduced to 0!"

Following his words, Cyberse Warlock slashed the Borreload Ritual Monster with its sword, destroying it.

"That was close…." Specter let out a relieved sigh. "If he hadn't grabbed that Action Card, Master Varis would have received quite a lot of damage."

Storm Rider scowled in annoyance. "You're forgetting that my monster still has an attack left, Varis." He gestured to his field. "The second attack! Cycode Warlock attacks Cracking Dragon! And like before, Cycode Warlock's effect activates!"

Cracking Dragon ATK 3000→1500

Once again, Cycode Warlock swung its sword and cut Cracking Dragon in half. The resultant explosion pushed Varis back a foot, grabbing an Action Card blown alongside him.

Varis: 4000→2000 LP

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Damage Draw!" Varis stated. "Since I took 2000 or more points of damage, I draw two cards!"

As he gazed around, Storm Rider noticed an Action Card on top of one of the glowing platforms. Upon grabbing it with a few quick jumps, a pleased expression appeared once he saw it.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Wonder Chance!" Storm Rider grinned. "Due to its effect, I'll have Cycode Warlock attack for a third time! Cycode Warlock attacks Metalrokket Dragon, which triggers Warlock's effect!"

Metalrokket Dragon ATK 1700→850

This time, Cycode Warlock aimed its rifle at Metalrokket and fired a burst of orange energy. The blast hit the monster and destroyed it.

"Lastly, Cycode Priestess attacks you directly!"

Priestess sent streams of dark blue energy at Varis, but he was prepared.

"Did you think it would be that easy?" Varis demanded. "When your monster declares an attack, I can Special Summon Checksum Dragon from my hand in Attack Position!"

A red dragon with a large shield atop its head appeared.

Checksum Dragon ATK 400 DEF 2400 LVL: 6

"When Checksum Dragon is Special Summoned by its effect, I gain Life Points equal to half its defense points!"

Varis: 2000→3200 LP

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "Priestess attacks Checksum Dragon!

The wave of energy struck the dragon and exploded, creating a massive smoke cloud. But when the smoke faded, Checksum Dragon was revealed to be unhurt. Varis, not so much.

Varis: 3200→2400 LP

"Nice try. But thanks to its effect, Checksum Dragon can't be destroyed in battle on the turn it's summoned," Varis explained.

"This will do for now," Storm Rider remarked. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"And during the End Phase, as Metalrokket Dragon is in the Graveyard because it was destroyed and sent there, its effect activates!" Varis declared. "Come, Autorokket Dragon!"

A light brown metal dragon with a rocket attached to its head appeared.

Autorokket Dragon ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Then, it's my turn!" Varis announced. "I draw!" Varis smirked on seeing what he drew but played a different card instead. "Since my Life Points are lower than yours and you're the only one with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can activate the Spell Card: Final Offguard! This lets me draw two cards!"

Varis drew and smiled at his cards. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Boot Sector Launch! With this card, all "Rokket" monsters on my field gain 300 attack and defense points!"

The ground shook as a massive red gun barrel appeared on Varis's right side with green lines. Its red and black frame ran from the top to the bottom, covering two of the six holes.

"I activate Boot Sector Launch's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon up to two "Rokket" monsters from my hand in Defense Position. Come on out, Anesthrokket Dragon and Magnarokket Dragon!"

Two of the holes in Boot Sector Launch glowed as it turned two times, releasing one dragon each before stopping.

The first was Anesthrokket, and the second was a blue and red mechanical dragon with green holographic wings.

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK 0→300 DEF 2200→2500 LVL: 1

Magnarokket Dragon ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1200→1500 LVL: 4

"Net, I Normal Summon Sniffer Dragon!"

Another copy of the red and black dragon appeared on Varis's field.

Sniffer Dragon ATK 800 DEF 400 LVL: 2

"Because Sniffer Dragon was Summoned, I can add my third Sniffer Dragon to my hand," Varis said, doing so. "I now manifest my circuit! The summoning conditions are two DARK Dragon monsters! I set Autorokket and Anesthrokket Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

Both dragons became whirlwinds of energy and entered the top and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Link-2! Dillingerous Dragon!"

A medium-sized, bipedal dragon with purple armor and no wings appeared on Varis's field in the Right Extra Monster Zone. Instead of fingers, it had a pair of guns attached to its hands and a gun cylinder in its chest.

Dillingerous Dragon ATK 1600 LINK-2 ↑↓

"As a Dark Dragon monster was Special Summoned to my field, I can Special Summon Noctovision Dragon from my hand!"

A large gray-green mechanical dragon with green holographic wings and four red eyes appeared on Varis's field in Defense Position.

Noctovision Dragon ATK 0 DEF 2800 LVL: 7

"Manifest, my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared in the sky above Varis. "The summoning conditions are three or more effect monsters! I'll set Dillingerous Dragon, Sniffer Dragon and Noctovison Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

Dillingerous Dragon split into two tornadoes of energy and entered the left and right arrows. Sniffer Dragon entered the bottom-left arrow, and Noctovision Dragon entered the bottom-right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! My new wind pierces through the closed world! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Borreload Dragon!"

A massive red mechanical dragon emerged from the portal. It had red and silver spines that projected green holographic wings, green lines across its body, and a gun cylinder in its chest. It roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Borreload Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

Sanctum narrowed her eyes. "Varis's ace monster," she said.

"And even though Cyclode Warlock is the only monster Varis can attack, something tells me he has a way to counter that along with its effect," Soulburner added.

"I activate Borreload Dragon's effect!" Varis declared. "Once per turn, I can reduce the attack and defense points of one monster on the field by 500, and you cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect. I target Magnarokket Dragon for this effect! And since I did, Magnarokket Dragon's effect activates! When a Link Monster's effect targets it, I can destroy Magnarokket Dragon and then send a monster on the field to the Graveyard. I send your Cycode Warlock to the Graveyard!"

"Eh?!" Storm Rider gasped.

Magnarokket Dragon disintegrated, and its particles traveled into the gun barrel in Borreload Dragon's chest. The barrel rotated, and then Borreload Dragon fired a blast at the Cycode Ritual Monster, disintegrating it.

"Battle!" Varis exclaimed. "Borreload Dragon attacks Cycode Priestess!"

Storm Rider gritted his teeth. "Looks like I need some assistance."

Storm Rider began jumping from platform to platform. Heading towards a floating piece of debris where an Action Card was placed. At the same time, Varis also began moving, with Checksum Dragon giving him a boost to reach the floating platform above him. Both Duelists grabbed Action Cards at almost the same time.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Evasion!" Storm Rider shouted. "Through its effect, your attack is negated!"

"That won't happen!" Varis stated. "I activate the Action Spell Card: No Action! Your Action Card's effects are negated, meaning Borreload Dragon's attack resumes! Go, Borreload! Thunder Borrel Cannon!"

Borreload Dragon extended a gun barrel from its mouth and fired a large shell at Priestess. The bullet tore through the Link Monster, making it explode and hitting Storm Rider with a shockwave.

Storm Rider: 3000→1200 LP

"I have one attack left. Checksum Dragon attacks you directly!"

A red laser beam shot out of the dragon's shield and struck Storm Rider, making him wince.

Storm Rider: 1200→800 LP

"I activate the Spell Card: Borrel Cooldown!" The card showed an immense hangar with Borrelsword Dragon standing in one of the slots. Numerous tubes were shooting out fire-extinguishing foam all over the dragon. "Since I control a "Borrel" monster, I can Tribute a monster I control to gain Life Points equal to its attack or defense points, whichever one is higher. I Tribute Checksum Dragon to gain Life Points equal to its defense points!"

Varis: 2400→4800 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn. And since Magnarokket Dragon was destroyed this turn and sent to the Graveyard, I Special Summon Autorokket Dragon from my Deck!"

Another bronze dragon appeared in Attack Position.

Autorokket Dragon ATK 1600→1900 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 3

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider announced as he drew his card.

"I activate my face-down card!" Varis abruptly declared. "The Continuous Trap Card: Imperial Order! While this card remains on the field, all Spell effects are negated!"

"That's not good," Roselyn said. "Now one-third of Storm Rider's Deck has been locked down."

"Which will make things even more difficult for him," Playmaker noted.

Varis narrowed his eyes. "So, Storm Rider, how do you respond to this?"

"Let me show you," he said as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Royal Surrender! The activation of your Continuous Trap Card is negated and then destroyed!"

Imperial Order disintegrated at Storm Rider's words.

"Oh! A Trap Card that deals with Continuous Trap Cards!" Soulburner said.

"I've watched all your duels multiple times, so I added this card to counter one of your strongest floodgates," Storm Rider said. Now, I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw, whose effect allows me to draw five cards from my Deck if I correctly guess the top card. I declare that my top card is a Spell Card!"

Storm Rider drew a card and revealed it to Varis.

"Seems like my gamble was correct, meaning I can draw five cards from my Deck," Storm Rider said. "Then, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cynet Defrag! I Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Cycode Strider!"

The medium-sized robot reappeared.

Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile.

"I drew Cycode Alchemist, meaning I can summon it!"

A gray alien in a torn white lab coat holding two beakers – one red and one blue appeared.

Cycode Alchemist ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Emblem! By sending a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can then Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Deck in Attack Position, so long as it has the same Level as the sent monster. I send the Level 4 Cycode Archer to the Graveyard and Special Summon Cycode Miner!"

A robot in a prospector's outfit carrying a shovel materialized onto Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Miner ATK 1700 DEF 100 LVL: 4

"I'll now create my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider once again.

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

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Gaia Charger!"

A monster resembling Gaia the Fierce Knight, but its body with a robotic horse with digital wings, appeared in the Extra Monster Zone. He wielded digital energy light brown lances.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Gaia Charger's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "When it's successfully Link Summoned, all monsters my opponent controls have their attack points halved! Go, Jamming Javelin!"

Gaia Charger aimed its lances at Borreload and Autorokket as it released a wave of electricity at the two dragons, draining their power.

Borreload Dragon ATK 3000→1500

Autorokket Dragon ATK 1900→950

"Battle! Gaia Charger attacks Borreload Dragon! Linkage Spiral!"

The warrior charged forward, piercing Borreload with its lance and destroying it in an explosion. The force of the attack pushed Varis back several feet.

Varis: 4800→3700 LP

After recovering from the attack, Varis gestured to his field, "Since my "Borrel" monster left the field, I activate the effect of Borrel Cooldown in my Graveyard!" he declared. "I banish it and draw a card!"

Varis drew as Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Thanks to Gaia's effect, it can attack twice!" he revealed. "Not only that, but Gaia Charge can inflict piercing damage! Attack Autorokket Dragon, Gaia! Linkage Spiral!"

Gaia charged again toward Autorokket, piercing it with its lance and destroying it. Varis grunted in pain due to the backlash of the attack.

Varis: 3700→2400 LP

"Alright!" Sanctum said enthusiastically. "Storm Rider eliminated both of Varis's monsters and halved his Life Points! So much for the leader of the Hanoi!"

"Is that what you think?" Specter scoffed at Sanctum's attitude. "You poor, naïve child. In case you haven't noticed, Master Varis still holds the advantage. I wouldn't be celebrating yet if I were you."

Specter's right. Storm Rider thought. Varis still has more Life Points than me. And even though he has no monsters on his field, I'm confident that will change when it's his turn. Better set up defenses for when he retaliates.

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

Varis gestured to his field drew. "During the End Phase, as Autorokket Dragon was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special Summon a new "Rokket" monster from my Deck. Come, Magnarokket Dragon!"

Another blue metal dragon appeared in Defense Position.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1200→1500 LVL: 4

"In addition, I activate the effect of Dillingerous Dragon from my Graveyard. As a "Rokket" monster was Special Summoned to my field while it's in the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it. In exchange, it's banished upon leaving the field. Rise again, Dillingerous Dragon!"

At Varis's command, Dillingerous Dragon reappeared on his field and roared.

Dillingerous Dragon ATK 1600 LINK-2 ↑↓

"My turn!" Varis announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Cache Upload! This card lets me target one Link Monster you control, then draw cards equal to its Link Rating. I target Cycode Gaia Charger!"

Cache Upload released a green scanning wave, which scanned Gaia Charger from top to bottom.

"Since your monster is Link-3, I draw three cards. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Dark World Dealings! This card lets us draw one card, and then we must discard one."

Storm Rider and Varis drew, then they each discarded a card. Varis spoke again. ''I activate Borreload Riot Dragon's effect from the Graveyard! By destroying a card in my hand or on my field, I can target a "Rokket" or "Borrel" monster in my Graveyard and add it to my hand. I destroy Sniffer Dragon to add the discarded Silverokket Dragon to my hand.''

Following his words, Sniffer Dragon shattered as Silverokkt Dragon returned to his hand.

"I activate the effect of Boot Sector Launch!" Varis continued. "I can now Special Summon up to two "Rokket" monsters from my hand in Defense Position. Come forth, Silverokket Dragon!"

A completely silver metal dragon with a missile on its head appeared.

Silverrokket Dragon ATK 1900→2200 DEF 100→400 LVL: 4

"I now manifest my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared in the sky above Varis. "The summoning conditions are three or more Effect Monsters. I set Silverokket Dragon, Magnarokket Dragon and Link-2 Dillingerous Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

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

"My gale that slices open the closed world! Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Borrelsword Dragon!"

The dragon that emerged from the Link portal at the Extra Monster Zone was mechanized, with yellow holographic wings, red skin with silver mechanical parts, a gun barrel in its chest, and three blades attached to its head.

Borrelsword Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↑↓

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "Another one of Varis's aces has appeared."

Varis narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "Don't think for a second that I'm finished." He stated as he took another card from his hand, "I summon Rokket Synchron!"

A small blue mechanical dragon with green holographic wings appeared.

Rokket Synchron ATK 300→600 DEF 0→300 LVL: 1

"Rokket Synchron's effect activates! As it was Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Dark Dragon monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated. Come, Noctovision Dragon!"

The thin dark green mechanical dragon reappeared.

Noctovision Dragon ATK 0 DEF 2800 LVL: 7

"However, because of Synchron's effect, Noctovision Dragon is destroyed at the end of this turn. But that won't matter. Level 1 Rokket Synchron tunes Level 7 Noctovision Dragon!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Varis and made the world gray out. The two monsters disintegrated into data and reformed into two rings, one of which was composed of seven concentric circles. The rings turned blue and merged before reforming into a tower of eight blue rings. A screen appeared before the tower and displayed "1 + 7" before changing to "8." A surge of light burst through the rings.

"The fuel of the cosmos mixes with the boundaries of speed to transcend the beyond!" Varis chanted. "I Synchro Summon! Borreload Savage Dragon!"

A large dragon with a gun cylinder in its chest emerged from the light. This one was covered in white armor, with numerous green holographic wings and glowing green lines all over its body. The dragon roared from Borrelsword Dragon's bottom-left Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Borreload Savage Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

Specter's face lit up with a smile. "It's here."

"Varis's Synchro Monster," Soulburner and Blue Maiden said in unison.

"No way! He can Synchro Summon?!" Roselyn gasped.

"It would appear so," Sanctum said. "And I have a bad feeling that monster will give Storm Rider a hard time."

"Borreload Savage Dragon's effect activates!" Varis declared. "When it is Synchro Summoned, I can equip a Link Monster from my Graveyard to it, increase its attack points by half of that monster's attack points, and place Borrel Counters on it for each of its Link Arrows. I equip Link-4 Borreload Dragon to Borreload Savage Dragon!"

Four golden orbs were loaded in Savage Dragon's chest cylinder as it rotated.

Borreload Savage Dragon: 0 BC→4 BC ATK 3000→4500

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Cross Linkage Hack, enabling me to draw two cards if I control a non-Link-Monster linked to a Link-Monster! Since Borreload Savage is linked to Borrelsword, I draw two cards. Now, let's battle! Borreload Savage Dragon attacks Cycode Gaia Charger!"

A gun barrel extended from Savage Dragon's mouth.

"Not so fast!" Storm Rider declared. "I activate the Trap Card: Cycode Force!" The card showed Cycode Fortress Golem roaring behind Cycode Binal Sorceress, who glowed with light. "By banishing a "Cycode" Link Monster from my field or Graveyard, one of my monsters gains attack points equal to that monster's Link Rating times 1000 until the end of the turn. I banish Cycode Striker to increase Gaia Charger's attack points!"

"You can't," Varis dismissed. "Savage Dragon's effect activates! I remove a Borrel Counter to negate the activation of your Trap's effect!"

"What?!" Storm Rider gasped as his Trap Card greyed out and burst into particles. Borreload Savage Dragon's chest plate opened to let out a yellow orb.

Borreload Savage Dragon: 4 BC→3 BC

"Go! Thunderclap Borrel Cannon!"

A golden sphere formed above Savage Dragon's mouth. It then launched the energy in a stream at the Cycode Link Monster.

"I activate the Trap Card: Broken Cycode! When my "Cycode" monster battles your monster, Broken Cycode increases my Life Points by your monster's attack points!"

"What?!" Varis gasped.

"Savage Dragon has 4500 attack points, so I gain 4500 Life Points!"

Storm Rider: 800→5300 LP

"Even if you survive the turn, your monster won't!"

The energy blast tore through Gaia Charger's body, destroying it and causing Storm Rider to stumble due to the ensuing shockwave.

Storm Rider: 5300→3400 LP

Varis gestured to his field again. "Go, Borrelsword! Attack Storm Rider directly! Borrel Sword Slash!"

The two blades on the sides of Borrelsword Dragon's head snapped upwards, forming a single massive blade before bringing it down on Storm Rider.

"I activate the effect of the Cycode Battler in my hand!" Storm Rider declared, surprising Varis. "If you attack me directly, I can Special Summon this card in Attack Position!"

A muscular robot in boxer's clothes, with red boxing gloves, blue shorts, a white tank top, and red headgear, appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Battler ATK 1500 DEF 700 LVL: 4

Varis narrowed his eyes. "Very well then. Borrelsword, attack Cycode Battler!"

Lightning sparked on Borrelsword Dragon's blade as it brought it down on Cycode Battler, bisecting the monster down the middle. The resulting explosion blew Storm Rider back and knocked him off his feet.

Storm Rider: 3400→1900 LP

"When Battler is destroyed by battle, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I return Cycode Swordsman to my hand. Furthermore, at the end of the Battle Phase, Broken Cycode's second effect activates. I get to draw two cards since I control no monsters!"

"Seeing as all my monsters have attacked, I can't do anything else now," Varis stated. "I end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! I activate the effect of the Cycode Swordsman in my hand!" he declared. "Since you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon it!"

"You won't!" Varis interrupted. "Borreload Savage Dragon's effect activates! I remove a Borrel Counter to negate your monster's effect!"

Borreload Savage Dragon: 3 BC→2 BC

Storm Rider smirked. "I was hoping you'd do that." Varis's eyes widened. "I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Gift! By discarding a "Cycode" card, I can draw two cards. I discard Cycode Stealth Shadow and draw!"

He looked at his cards, and his smirk widened. "I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Maintenance!" Storm Rider continued. "It lets me add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Cycode Swordsman to my hand, and thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon it!"

The man with two swords reappeared.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

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

A legless dwarf humanoid alien wearing tattered black robes holding a tuning fork and mallet appeared.

Cycode Resonator ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"Resonator's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated and changing its Level to 1 and 4. I resurrect Cycode Stealth Shadow as Level 3!"

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

Cycode Stealth Shadow ATK 1000 DEF 0 LVL: 2→3

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "Resonator is a Tuner Monster. That means next is-."

"Level 2 Cycode Resonator tunes Level 3 Cycode Swordsman and Level 2 Cycode Stealth Shadow!" Storm Rider declared, a bolt of green lightning striking behind him as the world grayed out. His three monsters disintegrated into particles of green data that reformed into three circles, one being green and composed of two concentric rings, while the other two were silver and composed of two and three concentric rings. The circles turned blue before merging, forming eight blue rings stacked in a tower, circled by blue-green rectangles. A screen displayed "2 + 3 + 3" appeared before changing to "8." A light surged through the rings as Storm Rider raised his hand above his head.

"Flash of lightning! The unknown power transforms into a soaring dragon!" Storm Rider chanted, bringing his hand down and gesturing to his field. "I Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Cycode Vortex Drake!"

A white digital dragonic avian with blue water-like energy rings surrounding its body emerged from the light onto Storm Rider's field. It had four metal energy wings with green lining and a long spiral-like tail.

Cycode Vortex Drake ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"First Ritual, now Synchro," Varis muttered. "Seems like Storm Rider's taking things up a notch."

"Storm Rider summoned a Synchro Monster!" Roselyn cheered. "But will it be enough to take down Varis's monsters?"

"I highly doubt it," Specter said. "You're friend doesn't stand a chance."

"How about we let Storm Rider continue with his turn and see what happens?" Blue Maiden said, returning everyone's attention to the duel.

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Vortex Drake's effect activates!" he shouted. "When this card is summoned successfully, I can reduce the attack point of all monsters my opponent controls to 0 until the end of this turn." Varis gasped at Storm Rider's words. "Draining Vortex!"

Vortex Drake's wings generated a massive wave of blue wind, enveloping Varis's monsters.

Borrelsword Dragon ATK 3000→0

Borreload Savage Dragon ATK 4500→0

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cycode Multiplier and equip it to Cycode Vortex Drake!" Storm Rider continued as the Cycode Synchro Monster glowed green from the equipped card. "Cycode Multiplier allows Vortex Drake to make two attacks on monsters my opponent controls!" Varis's eyes widened. "Battle! Vortex Drale, attack Borrelsword Dragon!"

Varis gritted his teeth as he went looking for an Action Card. The Cyberse Synchro Monster's wings glowed with light as it roared. They spun around, creating a powerful whirlwind as it drilled through Borrelsword, destroying it and causing an explosion that covered the entire field in smoke.

"Is it over?" Sanctum wondered. Only for the smoke to break apart to reveal Varis with a card in front of him. The card showed a black-skinned figure holding a sword in his right hand and a potion bottle in the other.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but when your attack connected, I found and activated the Action Spell Card: Damage Replenish!" Varis revealed. "If I would take battle damage, I gain Life Points equal to that damage instead!"

Varis: 2400→5200 LP

"What?!" Storm Rider gasped.

"Amazing!" Specter said. "Master Varis turns a defeating blow into a massive boost and restores his Life Points!"

Storm Rider scowled before reluctantly smirking. "Not bad. But I still have an attack left. Vortex Drake attacks Borreload Savage Dragon!"

The Synchro Monster gathered bright green energy in its mouth and then launched it at the Borrel Synchro Monster, enveloping it as it exploded. The resultant explosion pushed Varis back several feet.

Varis: 5200→2400 LP

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Cycode Archer in the Graveyard!" he declared. "By banishing it, one "Cycode" monster I control can make a second attack during the Battle Phase! I target Vortex Drake! And I'll use its extra attack to finish you off!"

Vortex Drake opened its mouth and fired another energy beam at Varis.

"It won't be that easy!" Varis exclaimed. "I activate the effect of Protection Dragon from my hand! When I'm attacked directly, I can Special Summon this card and a Dark Dragon monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Through Protection Dragon's effect, I Special Summon it along with Cracking Dragon!"

Cracking Dragon appeared on Varis's field alongside a gray and light green-scaled wyvern whose wings were entirely covered in bulky, dark armor, giving them the appearance of oversized shields.

Cracking Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 0 LVL: 8

Protection Dragon ATK 1900 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Protection Dragon's effect would also reduce the summoned monster's defense points to 0, but since Cracking Dragon's defense points are 0, that effect doesn't apply," Varis added.

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "In that case, I'll destroy Protection Dragon!"

The beam of green energy struck Protection Dragon, destroying it in an explosion.

Storm Rider clicked his tongue in irritation. "You escaped me yet again. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Varis announced. "I draw! I banish Borrelcode Dragon from my Graveyard to activate its effect!" he declared. "By banishing a Dark monster on my field with at least 3000 attack points, I can Special Summon a "Topologic" Link Monster from my Extra Deck."

Everyone but Specter gasped. "WHAT!?"

"I banish Cracking Dragon to Special Summon Topologic Zeroboros!"

Following his words, Cracking Dragon vanished as a white-armored dragon-like creature with orange wing loops, light blue lining, orbs, and spikes across its trefoil knot tail appeared on Varis's field in the Extra Monster Zone. Pink and golden cords were decorated all over its upper armor. The other portions of its armor on its arms and the middle of its chest, which had a light-blue diamond at the center, were colored black. The dragon had a blue orb for an eye inside its sharp-fanged mouth. As for its curved horns, they were attached to the sides of its mouth.

Topologic Zeroboros ATK 3000 LINK-4 ↖↙↗↘

"Zeroboros…" Soulburner spoke with a trembling voice. "The irrational monstrosity almost obliterated me in my duel with Varis. This isn't good. If that thing gets the opportunity to use its effect, Storm Rider is a goner."

"I was prepared for this," Storm Rider smirked. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Black Horn of Heaven! Through its effect, when my opponent would Special Summon a Monster, I can negate the summoning of that monster and destroy it! Say farewell to your Zeroboros!"

True enough, the Topologic Link Monster's body started crumbling and eventually disappeared from Varis's field.

"Nice!" Roselyn cheered. "Now Storm Rider doesn't have to deal with that monster and whatever its effects were! He can resume the duel with no fear!"

"Yes, that was the optimal strategy," Blue Maiden remarked. "Why face something so powerful when you can simply avoid doing so? However, Varis doesn't seem perturbed by his monster's loss."

"As I said before, I've analyzed your strategies so far," Yukio said. "Thanks to my Trap Card, my victory is now clear as day!"

"We'll see about that." Varis sneered. "I activate the Spell Card: Beloved Gift!" The card showed a present wrapped in a ribbon with a card and Winged Kuriboh displayed on a red tag. "By paying 1000 Life Points, I can draw a card and reveal it to you. If the card I draw happens to be a monster, I get to draw cards equal to its Level. However, if it isn't a monster, not only do I send that card to the Graveyard, but my Life Points are halved, and my turn automatically ends."

Varis: 2400→1400 LP

"That's a pretty big risk you're taking there, Varis." Storm Rider remarked. "This duel is as good as mine."

"If nothing else, I'm confident in my luck," Varis said with a smile. "Let's go. I draw!"

Varis drew the top card from his Deck and showed it to everyone.

"The card I drew was the Level 5 Magazine Dragon!" Varis said. "Therefore, I get to now draw five cards!"

Upon checking his drawn cards, Varis let out a small smile.

"Just what I needed," he remarked. "I summon Gateway Dragon!"

A bronze six-sided gate appeared on Varis's field. The gate then opened as a three-armed bronze dragon emerged in Attack Position.

Gateway Dragon ATK 1600 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I activate Gateway Dragon's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Dragon monster from my hand. Come, Rokket Tracer!"

A red metal dragon with a missile attached to its head and rocket boosters on its arms appeared in Defense Position.

Rokket Tracer ATK 1600→1900 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 4

Sanctum frowned. "Those monsters… They are both Level 4."

"I use Level 4 Gateway Dragon and Rokket Tracer to build the Overlay Network!" Varis proclaimed as he raised his Duel Disk. A bolt of green lightning shot out of it, turning the world around them into a void. The Xyz cross appeared beneath the two dragons, which turned into data and entered the circles on the cross. The ends of the cross shot beams of light upward, creating a spiraling galaxy that exploded with power.

"When steel and darkness synergize into one, the portal to the edge of the universe opens to invite its solitary denizen! I Xyz Summon! Rank 4! Borreload eXcharge Dragon!"

A new black-and-gray armored dragon emerged from the portal. This one had red holographic wings attached to two massive thrusters and a red "X" across the cylinder's chest. Two red horns rose from the sides of the dragon's gray head as it roared from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position, two orange lights circling behind it.

Borreload eXcharge Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Borrel Regenerator, which Special Summons a "Rokket" monster from my Graveyard and equips itself to it. Resurrect, Magnarokket Dragon!"

The blue-and-red mechanical dragon reappeared in Attack Position.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1200→1500 LVL: 4

"I activate eXcharge Dragon's effect!" Varis declared. "Anti-Enemy eXcharge! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can target one monster on the field and lower its attack and defense points by 600. I target Vortex Drake!"

One of the circling lights broke apart as eXcharge Dragon roared.

Cycode Vortex Drake ATK 2800→2200 DEF 2400→1800

Borreload eXcharge Dragon OU: 2→1

"I can also Special Summon a "Borrel" monster from my Graveyard! Resurrect, Borrelsword Dragon!"

The bladed dragon reappeared and roared.

Borrelsword Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↑↓

"From there, I activate Borrelsword Dragon's effect! Once per turn, I can change an Attack Position monster to Defense Position to allow Borrelsword to attack twice. I change Magnarokket Dragon to Defense Position. Next, Magnarokket Dragon's effect! Like before, since a Link monster's effect targeted it, I can destroy this card and send one monster on your field to your Graveyard. I'll send Cycode Vortex Drake!"

Magnarokket Dragon's entire body transformed into a bullet into the gun barrel in Borrelsword Dragon's chest. The gun barrel rotated again as Borrelsword Dragon opened its mouth.

"Go, Blast Destruction!"

Borrelsword Dragon fired a fountain of yellow energy at the Cycode Synchro Monster, destroying it completely.

"As the monster equipped with Borrel Regenerator was destroyed, I can draw a card," Varis said. "And since Borrel Regenerator left the field, Magnarokket Dragon is banished. Battle! Borrelsword Dragon attacks you directly!"

"I activate the effect of Cycode Stealth Shadow from my Graveyard!" Storm Rider abruptly stated. "When you declare a direct attack, I can Special Summon this card from my hand, and by doing so, the Battle Phase automatically ends!"

Stealth Shadow emerged from a portal as he raised his kunais, creating a barrier that blocked Borrelsword Dragon's attack.

Cycode Stealth Shadow ATK 1000 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Varis concluded. "During the End Phase, since Borreload Dragon was Special Summoned by eXcharge Dragon's effect, it's sent to the Graveyard. And through Magnarokket's effect, I Special Summon Autorokket Dragon."

The large dragon warped away, leaving its armored twin alone, while another bronze dragon appeared in Defense Position.

Autorokket Dragon ATK 1600→1900 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 3

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! First, I summon Cycode Knight!"

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

Cycode Knight ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the effect of the Cycode Gift in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider continued. "By banishing it, I can change the Level of one "Cycode" monster to between 1 and 8. I change Stealth Shadow to Level 4!"

Cycode Stealth Shadow LVL: 1→4

"Two Level 4 monsters…." Varis muttered.

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "I use Level 4 Cycode Serpent and Cycode Dual Beast to build the Overlay Network!"

Storm Rider raised his Duel Disk. A bolt of blue lightning shot out of it, turning the world around them into a void. The Xyz cross appeared beneath the two monsters, turning them into data as they entered the circles on the cross. The ends of the cross shot beams of light upward, creating a spiraling galaxy that exploded with power.

"The creature who guards the sacred lands! Ascend to this battle and strike down our enemies! I Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Cycode Master Beast!"

A strand of blue DNA formed before breaking apart and forming a sphere. The sphere then reformed into a cybernetic humanoid lion with sharp energy manes wearing a fur-like cape.

Cycode Master Beast ATK 2400 DEF 2200 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"First, Ritual Summoning. Then Synchro, and now Xyz." Varis's eyes narrowed. "Seems to me you're just copying my moves."

"I'm aware of that," Storm Rider remarked. "Cycode Master Beast's effect activates! When it is Xyz Summoned, it gains 200 attack points for every card on the field. Six cards are currently on the field, so it gains 1200 attack points!"

Cycode Master Beast ATK 2400→3600

Storm Rider gestured to his monster. "I activate Master Beast's second effect! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can Special Summon a Link Monster from my Graveyard! In exchange, I can't summon any other Link Monsters this turn!" One of the two lights disappeared. "Resurrect, Cycode Gaia Charger!"

Gaia Charger emerged from a cybernetic portal, letting out a battle cry.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

Cycode Master Beast OU: 2→1

"Storm Rider now has this in the bag," Roselyn stated. "All he has to do is attack with Master Beast and Gai Charger, and he'll win."

"I know what you're planning, and I'll make sure it won't work," Varis warned. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Deadly Trigger!" The card showed Borreload Dragon firing Metalrokket Dragon at Encode Talker and Decode Talker. "Through its effect, I target a "Rokket" monster I control on my field and two other cards on the field and destroy them. I target Autorokket Dragon, Cycode Master Beast and Cycode Gaia Charger!"

Autorokket Dragon shattered and turned into a golden orb that entered the barrel in eXcharge Dragon's chest. The dragon fired two bullets. One at Master Beast and one at Gaia Charger.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cycode Coating!" Storm Rider abruptly declared. "Until the end of the turn, one "Cycode" I monster I control is unaffected by your card effects!"

"What?!" Varis gasped.

"I target Cycode Gaia Charger!" The Link Monster's armor turned silver as the bullet struck it, but it was unharmed. "With Gaia Charger unaffected by your card effects, Deadly Trigger's effect does nothing to it."

"But you can't say the same for your other monster!"

Following Varis's words, the remaining bullet struck Master Beast, destroying it in an explosion.

"In that case, I'll go with Plan B. I activate Cycode Knight's effect from my Graveyard! By banishing it and shuffling Cycode Swordsman, Sorceress, Rescue Unit, Updater, and Battler back into my Deck, I get to draw two cards." He looked the two cards over. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cycode War Helm and equip it to Gaia Charger!"

Gaia Charger glowed green as its head was equipped with a silver helmet. This one was tapered at the top with a raised face guard. Wings framed the sides of the helmet.

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

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600→3400

"Battle!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Gaia Charger attacks eXcharge Dragon! Linkage Spiral!"

Gaia Charger charged forward and struck the Borrel Xyz Monster with its lance, destroying it and making Varis wince in pain.

Varis: 1400→1000 LP

"This duel is over, Varis," Storm Rider said. "You have 1000 Life Points left. And thanks to Gaia's effect, it can attack twice. Cycode Gaia Charger, attack Varis directly!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Defense Draw!" Varis declared as a semi-transparent barrier formed around him. "Through its effect, the damage is reduced to 0, and I get to draw one card from my Deck."

"That's enough fun for now, I guess," Storm Rider remarked. "I end my turn."

Varis narrowed his eyes. "As Autorokket Dragon was destroyed this turn and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Shelrokket Dragon!"

Another copy of Shelrokket appeared in Defense Position.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK 1100→1400 DEF 2000→2300 LVL: 2

"In addition, I activate the effect of Magazine Dragon from my Graveyard!" Varis continued. "As a Level 4 or lower Dark Dragon was summoned to my field, I can Special Summon this card!"

At Varis's command, a black-and-gray-colored mechanical dragon appeared on his field in Attack Position. It had a serpent-like body and sharp, spear-like bullet-shaped cannons on its forehead.

Magazine Dragon ATK 2300 DEF 1000 LVL: 5

"My turn!" Varis announced. "I draw!" He gestured towards the sky. "I now manifest my circuit! The summoning conditions are two Dark Dragon monsters. I set Magazine Dragon and Shelrokket Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

His two monsters entered the bottom and bottom-right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Synthborrel Dragon!"

The metallic dragon that emerged from the portal had dark orange skin with light red armor covering its legs, tail, and neck. Its tail ended in two prongs, and a gun cylinder sat in its chest. Violet holographic wings shout out of its back, and a single dark red gun barrel is attached to the top of the dragon's head. The dragon roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Synthborrel Dragon ATK 1200 LINK-2 ↓↘

"I activate Synthborrel Dragon's effect! Once per turn, I Special Summon a "Rokket" monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker with its effects negated. But I cannot Special Summon other monsters for the rest of the turn, except for Dragon monsters. Resurrect, Autorokket Dragon!"

The light brown metal dragon reappeared at Synthborrel Dragon's bottom-right Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Autorokket Dragon ATK 1600→1900 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 3

"Following that, I activate Synthborrel Dragon's additional effect! I can Fusion Summon a Dragon Fusion Monster using monsters on my field as materials!"

Storm Rider gasped at Varis's words. "What?!"

"I fuse Autorokket Dragon and Synthborrel Dragon!"

The monsters separated into red and blue data and swirled into a vortex. Two twisters shot upward and merged into a violet tornado.

"When the roar and anger merge, they coalesce into the source of all rage! I Fusion Summon! Borreload Furious Dragon!"

A new red and black mechanical dragon emerged from the whirlwind. This one had purple holographic wings and purple armor on its legs, arms, and wings. It also had two red tusks and two violet horns on either side of its mouth. The dragon roared in Attack Position.

Borreload Furious Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Varis has a Fusion Monster?" Roselyn wondered in surprise.

"He kept this up his sleeve?" Blue Maiden asked.

Sanctum's eyes narrowed as she looked at Varis's new monster. "Storm Rider…"

"Well… I didn't see that coming," Storm Rider admitted. "Still, Gaia Charger has more attack points."

"Indeed it does," Varis agreed. "But that's about to change. By discarding Spin-Headed Behemoth, I can Special Summon Defrag Dragon from my hand!"

A black and red dragon with prism panels attached to its wings appeared in Attack Position.

Defrag Dragon ATK 1000 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"I activate Borreload Furious Dragon's effect! I can target one monster on my field and one card you control and destroy them both!" Storm Rider's eyes widened. "I destroy Defrag Dragon and Cycode War Helm! Null Varrel Fire!"

Defrag Dragon reformed into an orb of light and entered Furious Dragon's chest cavity. The dragon opened its mouth and revealed a gun barrel. It fired a beam of violet energy at Storm Rider's Equip Spell Card, making it shatter.

Storm Rider gritted his teeth. "Since War Helm left the field, Gaia Charger's attack points return to normal."

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 3400→2600

"I activate the Spell Card: Back-Up Rider!" Varis continued. "This card increases the attack points of one monster on the field by 1500. I choose Furious Dragon!"

Furious Dragon let out a roar as its power grew.

Borreload Furious Dragon ATK 3000→4500

"Battle! Furious Dragon attacks Gaia Charger!"

The gun barrel extended again and charged with golden energy.

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Cycode Half-Guard in the Graveyard!" he declared, surprising Varis. "By banishing it and discarding Cycode Engineer from my hand, all battle damage I take is halved!"

The attack struck Gaia Charger, destroying it in an explosion. Storm Rider cried out in pain and stumbled.

Storm Rider: 1900→950 LP

"Heh," Varis chuckled. "I forgot about Half-Guard. Looks like I was wrong to declare victory. Still, I won't leave you any resources to fall back on." Varis suddenly jumped on a nearby platform and grabbed an Action Card from it, grinning upon seeing what it was. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Wonder Chance! Due to its effect, one monster on my field can attack again! I select Furious Dragon and have it attack you directly!"

Storm Rider gritted his teeth as he started to run. "Come on, where is it!?" he growled as his eyes darted around until he finally spotted an Action Card embedded in several floating debris. He snatched the Action Card by using his Duel Anchor, letting out a relieved sigh. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Big Escape! This forces the Battle Phase to end!"

"I don't think so!" Varis shouted as he used his Duel Anchor as a grappling hook to reach the top of another building and grab an Action Card placed there. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Encore, using its effect to copy No Action's effect in my Graveyard! Therefore, Big Escape's effects are negated, and the attack resumes!"

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

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

Storm Rider: 950→475 LP

Storm Rider quickly recovered and said, "Since your Battle Phase ended, Half-Guard lets me draw one card for each of your monsters that battled this turn." Storm Rider drew one card.

"So close, and yet so far," Varis said. "I place a card face-down and end my turn, which means Back-Up Rider's effect ends."

Borreload Furious Dragon ATK 4500→3000

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card Pot of Greed, whose effect allows me to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn! This card lets me Special Summon a monster from the Graveyard. Resurrect, Cyode Strider!"

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

Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

He drew his card and showed it to Varis.

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

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

Cycode Skywalker ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

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

"Fusion's next, then?" Varis muttered.

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

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

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

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

Cycode Lordwalker ATK 2600 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"Another of your ace monsters," Varis said. "This one can destroy a card and double its attack points."

"That's right," Storm Rider confirmed. "But why talk about it when I can show you? "Battle! Cycode Lordwalker attacks Borreload Furious Dragon!" The Fusion Monster charged the Borrel Fusion Monster. "Lordwalker's effect activates! When it attacks, its attack points are doubled!"

Cycode Lordwalker ATK 2600→5200

"Go, Termination Slash!"

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

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

"I drew Rokket Caliber," Varis said. "So through Surprise Assist's effect, Furious Dragon gains 1700 attack points!"

Borreload Furious Dragon ATK 3000→4700

Lordwalker slashed Pluto with its sword, destroying it in a massive explosion that sent Varis back a meter.

Varis: 1000→500 LP

"I couldn't finish you off, but at least I destroyed your monster." Storm Rider remarked."I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Varis declared. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, which lets me draw cards until I hold five!"

Upon checking out his drawn cards, Varis let out a smile that had unnerved Storm Rider.

"I tell by the look on your face you drew some great cards, didn't you?"

"Correct. And this is the perfect opportunity to test the new strength that you've recently acquired."

"What do you mean by that, Varis?" Storm Rider asked. "Judging by what you just said, it's not gonna end well for me, right?"

"Correct. Because with what I have in my hand, even I don't know if you'll survive the turn," Varis stated as he took and revealed two cards from his hand. "Using the Scale 0 Mortar Dragon and the Scale 5 Howitzer Dragon, I set the Pendulum Scales!"

Soon, two pillars of light appeared on both sides of Varis's field. In the right pillar was a quadrupedal dragon with dark-grayish-green scales covered in sand-colored armor on its forehead, neck, legs, and tail, with an orange visor over its eyes. A howitzer cannon was attached to its back, and the tip of its tail featured a crooked blade. In the left pillar was a bulky bipedal, mechanical dragon covered in brown and dark yellow scales with black claws and white eyes. A mortar with the same colors was situated on its right shoulder with a cable connected to the dragon's back.

Mortar Dragon Scale: 0

Howitzer Dragon Scale: 5

"He can also Pendulum Summon?" Soulburner wondered. "Things are about to go from hard to extremely difficult…."

"So you also obtained Pendulum Summon," Storm Rider commented. "However, can you put your newfound power to good use?"

"I guess we'll find out soon enough," Varis responded. "But don't worry. My Pendulum Scale won't be staying for long. While I have two cards in my Pendulum Zones, the monster I have in my hand can be Special Summoned by destroying them! I destroy Mortar Dragon and Howitzer Dragon!"

Both dragons in the pillars disintegrated as a portal appeared in the center of the field as Varis chanted.

"My evolving wind that manifests the arc to the intertwine closed worlds! Appear now! Borrelarc Dragon!"

Within the portal, an underground hangar that contained the Borrel monsters appeared. A light switched on, revealing a large dragon. This dragon was taken to the hangar center before it shot upwards and out of it, roaring as it emerged into the real world.

Borrelarc Dragon was a red and gray mechanical dragon-like monster like its predecessors, but its red armor was replaced with gray parts with red orbs embodied in them, and two half cogwheel-shaped golden wings jutted out of its back, from which cyan energy wings were released.

Borrelarc Dragon ATK 3000 DEF 2000 LVL: 8 PS: 1

"Borrelarc… Dragon" Sanctum's eyes opened wide at the dragon's sight. "The Pendulum version of Varis's Borreload Dragon…."

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at Varis's new monster. He proceeded to look at its effects, and his eyes widened. I see. Well, in that case...

"I activate the Trap Card: Breakthrough Skill!" Storm Rider abruptly declared. "This card lets me target a face-up monster you control and negate its effects until the end of the turn. I target Borrelarc Dragon!"

Breakthrough Skill then glowed and greyed out Borrelarc, much to Varis's dismay.

Varis narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "I see you looked up Borrlelarc's effect. Not bad. But such feeble tactics are useless against me!" Varis climbed on top of the debris pile and started jumping from ruined pillar to ruined pillar, grabbing an Action Card at the top of one. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Action Meteor!" The card showed a fireball-like comet descending downward. "It allows me to banish three Action Cards from my Graveyard to destroy a monster on my opponent's field! I banish No Action, Damage Replenish, and Wonder Chance to destroy Cycode Lordwalker!"

A blazing comet suddenly struck the Lordwalker, destroying it.

"With this, you're wide open," Varis stated. "Go, Borrelarc Dragon! Attack Storm Rider directly!"

Borrelarc opened its mouth as a large cannon extended from it, gathering blue and red energy before firing it in a concentrated beam at Storm Rider.

The boy's eyes narrowed as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Cyberse Elimination!" The card showed a stream of green data with little red digital bugs crawling up and eating the data. Cycode Dragon Gate - Raiden and Cycode Dragon Gate - Draco were in the middle, blasting the bugs with blue light. "If I would take damage, that damage is reduced to 0!" A blue barrier appeared around Storm Rider. The beam impacted the barrier and exploded. "Then, I can add a Cyberse or Dragon Pendulum Monster from my Deck to my hand. However, since I control no monsters, I get to add two of them instead."

Varis's eyes narrowed. "I see. All other summoning methods you have used so far have failed you, so now you'll try Pendulum Summoning." Varis smirked. "Let us see if that will be enough."

Specter chuckled. "I don't see what's the point. No matter how much your friend fights back or how strong a defense he sets up, Master Varis will break it down easily!"

Playmaker ignored Specter's words and narrowed. "What are you doing, Varis?" Playmaker muttered. "The way you're acting and dueling… it's like you're trying to tell Storm Rider something…."

"I place a card face-down and end my turn," Varis concluded. "Now, it's your move, Storm Rider. And it'd better be good if you want to win this duel."

"Oh, I will!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "My turn! I draw!" He checked his card and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Extravagance! This card lets me banish 3 or 6 cards from my Extra Deck to draw a card for every three I banished!"

"He's going to banish six cards to draw two cards!?" Soulburner said with shock. "Why would he take such a big risk? He might end up banishing Cyber Tech and its evolved forms."

"It's never a risk unless Storm Rider's betting on everything to beat Varis, Soulburner," Sanctum explained.

"I banish six cards from my Extra Deck to draw two cards!"

Storm Rider let out a sly smile upon seeing his drawn cards. "That was a good draw. Next, I set Scale 1 Cycode Dragon Gate - Raiden and Scale 9 Cycode Dragon Gate - Inti in the Pendulum Scales!"

Two blue pillars appeared on either side of Storm Rider's field. The second contained a cybernetic white snake-like dragon whose forehead and wings were covered in dark brown armor with glowing blue eyes with a black slit pupil. Its snake-like body was shaped like the letter "I". A stylized "9" appeared underneath it, while a similarly styled "1" appeared under Raiden.

Cycode Dragon Gate - Raiden Scale: 1

Cycode Dragon Gate - Inti Scale: 9

"Oh! Storm Rider set the Pendulum Scale!" Roselyn said. "Will we be seeing a Pendulum Summon?!"

"As expected, the Top 10 has obtained Pendulum Summoning," Specter said, bringing his right hand to his cheek as he rested his elbow in his left hand. "But it will be a rather unimpressive one."

"With the set Pendulum Scale, I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 2 to 8!" Storm Rider declared. Then he gestured to the side of his field. "Raiden's Pendulum Effect! When I control no monsters, I can Pendulum Summon monsters from the Graveyard!"

Varis's eyes widened. "What?"

"From the Graveyard?" Specter repeated in surprise.

"Go! Phantom Pendulum Summon! Return to my side again, Cycode Linker, Miner, Saver, Assailant and General!"

A dark portal appeared on the ground instead of the sky before Storm Rider, out of which five beams of light emerged and solidified into the form of monsters upon landing on the field.

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

Cycode Miner ATK 1700 DEF 100 LVL: 4

Cycode Saver ATK 0 DEF 1300 LVL: 2

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

Cycode General ATK 2600 DEF 2300 LVL: 7

"Storm Rider has a full field of monsters now…." Roselyn commentated.

"It looks like he's planning a counterattack," Soulburner noted.

"It appears so," Blue Maiden said. "Let's hope for his sake that it works."

Storm Rider raised his hand. "Appear! The ultimate circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Cycode Saver, Assailant, General and Linker in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

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

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

"Your ace monster is out, eh?" Varis smirked. "Looks like things are starting to get serious."

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

"This isn't good…."

Varis muttered as he motioned to Borrelarc, who grabbed him and sent him to the top of a nearby building, where he snatched an Action Card.

"Excellent," Varis remarked with a satisfied smile. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Malfunction! Cyber Tech Link Dragon's effects are negated until the End Phase!"

"So close!" Soulburner announced. "If the effect had gone through, Storm Rider could have settled this duel in one turn!"

"No matter," Storm Rider said. "I activate Cycode Dragon Gate - Inti's Pendulum Effect! By discarding a card, Borrelarc's effects are negated, and its attack points are halved until the end of the turn!"

Following Storm Rider's words, Borrelarc groaned and slumped over.

Borrelarc Dragon ATK 3000→1500

"Let's settle this!" Storm Rider shouted. "Battle! Cyber Tech, attack Borrelarc Dragon! Digitized Burst Stream!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Impenetrable Attack!" Varis exclaimed. "This card lets me choose one of two effects. I'll choose the second effect and reduce all damage I take to zero!"

Following Varis's words, a powerful wave of dark blue energy erupted from Cyber Tech's maw, vaporizing Borrelarc. However, a semi-transparent barrier around Varis's body shielded him from the shockwave.

Storm Rider gritted his teeth. "I was so close…." he muttered. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn! I draw!" Varis looked at his card and smirked. "Time for my counterstrike. I activate the Spell Card: Cemetery Link! By banishing monsters from my Graveyard, I can perform a Link Summon!" Storm Rider's eyes widened. "I manifest my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above Varis. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are three or more Effect Monsters. I banish eXcharge Dragon, Furious Dragon, Riot Dragon, Savage Dragon, and Borreload Dragon!"

Spectral forms of the mentioned monsters appeared and entered the top, left, right, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows.

Playmaker and Sanctum gasped. "That's-!"

"It can't be!"

"No way!" Soulburner exclaimed.

"Him too?!" Blue Maiden shouted.

"Link the Circuit!" Varis's eyes widened. "My new hurricane that breaks through to the closed world! Reveal the secrets of the world and bring destruction to my enemies! Link Summon! Appear! Link-5! Borrelend Dragon!"

Emerging from the circuit was a massive red and gray mechanical dragon. Its tail ended in four prongs, with four wings – two projected yellow and two green holographic wings. But the biggest difference was that Borrelend Dragon had three heads, with two attached to smaller cylinders on its chest cylinder's sides. The two heads on the sides had two black horns and two green and silver tusks on its mouth, while the center head had three black horns and three tusks. All three heads roared from the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Borrelend Dragon ATK 3500 LINK-5 ←↙↑↘→

"…Welp, I guess that's it," Specter remarked carefreely. "Storm Rider's a goner now. Master Varis will pulverize him."

"Want to bet on it?" Sanctum said with a challenging smirk. "Because I'm sure Storm Rider will turn this around and win. A thousand yen sound good?"

"Three thousand, take it or leave it."

"Deal."

"In that case, I'll also bet on Storm Rider's victory," Soulburner said. "What about you guys?"

"Pass." Playmaker made a dismissive gesture Along with Blue Maiden and Roselyn. "I just hope for Storm Rider's sake that he's got a plan to deal with this."

"A Link-5 Borrel, eh…?" Storm Rider said with a cramped smile. "Where was this when we were fighting Roget?"

"As you should be aware, creating Link-5 monsters is nearly impossible, except for very specific exceptions," Varis explained. "However, thanks to the data you and others provided during the SOL Grand Prix, creating such monsters became far easier. Feel honored that you will be the first duelist to feel this new power."

"That's an understatement…" Storm Rider muttered as sweat formed on his forehead. "Still to think Varis has a Link-5, I have difficulty swallowing that. Then again, with him being the leader of the Hanoi, I probably should've expected it."

"This is the end!" Varis declared. "You fought very well, but you've reached your limit! Go, Borrelend Dragon! Attack Cyber Tech and finish off Storm Rider! Ultimate Varrel Lightning Cannon!"

The dragon's three heads extended gun barrels and gathered golden energy in their maws before firing it in a concentrated beam.

Storm Rider gritted his teeth as he deployed his Duel Anchor again, using it to swing to a platform beneath the one he was standing before and grab an Action Card while passing next to some floating debris.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Take Flight!" Storm Rider shouted. "Through its effect, Cyber Tech gains 600 attack points until the Battle Phase's end!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→3100

The beam tore through Cyber Tech, obliterating it and sending Storm Rider tumbling back.

Storm Rider: 475→75 LP

"Defiant to the end," Varis remarked. "It's one of your most admirable qualities. However, even you will be hard-pressed to escape from this bind. You only have 75 Life Points and no cards in your hand. Even with your Pendulum Scale, it won't be enough to save you. But I'm eager to see if you have any remaining tricks. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Desires! I can draw two cards by banishing ten cards from the top of my Deck face-down!"

"You're willing to banish a quarter of your Deck just to draw two cards?" Varis asked Storm Rider, who nodded in response.

"You, of all people, should know that to execute a plan, you've got to take risks sometimes." Storm Rider answered as he drew his cards and looked at them with a neutral expression.

"What's the matter?" Varis asked. "Out of options?"

"No, far from it." Storm Rider let out a surprising smile. "It's just…it's a shame that one way or another, this duel will be decided on this turn. I've been enjoying myself quite a bit here, and I'm sure everyone watching us has a lot of fun as well."

Varis smiled. "I admit that it also saddens me that such an exciting match must end, but all good things eventually do. That's why they're valuable."

"I know," Storm Rider said. "That's why I'll make the most of this last turn! Let's go, Varis! I activate the effect of Cycode Engineer in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated. Return, Battler!"

The muscular robot reappeared.

Cycode Battler ATK 1500 DEF 700 LVL: 4

"Following that, since I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon Cycode Valkyrie from my hand!"

A feminine mechanical humanoid in white armor gilded with silver appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Valkyrie ATK 2100 DEF 400 LVL: 5

"Lastly, I activate the Trap Card: Reconnecting Lost Circuit!" Storm Rider continued. "I can Special Summon a Link Monster from my Graveyard in exchange that it can't attack, its effects are negated, and its attack points become 0! Revive, Cyber Tech!"

A portal appeared on Storm Rider's field, with his ace monster emerging.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→0 ←↑↓→

"Storm Rider now has three monsters on his field…." Sanctum muttered. "Looks like his new ace is coming next."

Varis narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider's field before gesturing to his. "I activate Borrelend Dragon's effect!" he declared. "Once per turn, I can target an Effect Monster on the field and a "Rokket" monster in my Graveyard. That monster's effects are negated, and the "Rokket" monster is Special Summoned to my field! I target Cycode Valkyrie and Magnarokket Dragon in my Graveyard! Rokket Recycle!"

The dragon roared as Valkyrie groaned, and the blue metal dragon reappeared in Defense Position.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1200→1500 LVL: 4

What was the point of that? Storm Rider seemed perplexed. Varis has something up his sleeve, and I must find out what it is.

Storm Rider gestured to the sky as his hand glowed blue. "Appear, my circuit!" he declared as the Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are three or more Cyberse or Dragon monsters, including a Link Monster. And thanks to Reconnecting Lost Circuit effect, Cyber Tech is treated as a Link-3 monster when used as Link Material! I set Cycode Battler, Cycode Valkyrie and Cyber Tech Link Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

Nova and Serpent became whirlwinds and entered the left and right arrows. Cyber Tech split into three whirlwinds instead of four and entered the bottom-left,bottom-right, and bottom arrows. All five arrows lit up red as a pillar of blue light shot out of the circuit. The observers' eyes all widened while Storm Rider smirked and Enoch tensed.

"Dragon's wisdom that unchains the forbidden hope!" Storm Rider chanted. "From the unknown world, along with the roaring thunder, set forth! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-5! Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon!"

The pillar of blue light faded, revealing a massive dragon. It had a light blue body with white and crimson lining and dark blue claws. Its long and thin tail ended with a circle, electricity sparkling in its center, and four jet-like energy wings segmented into numerous, rounded blades adorned its back, glowing with cyan light and releasing crimson particles. Three horns emerged from the top of its head, all facing backward and glowing with white highlights, and dark blue orbs ran from the back of its head to the tip of its tail, electricity glowing inside them. Its yellow eyes were now crimson as they gleamed with rage as the dragon roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon ATK 3500 LINK-5 ←↙↓↘→

"The newly evolved form of Cyber Tech Link Dragon…." Varis muttered. "It's even more majestic up close."

"I'm glad you like it, but I feel you're not going to like this," Storm Rider said as he gestured to his monster. "Cyber Voltaic's effect activates! When Link Summoned, I can negate the effects of all face-up cards you control, and since I used Cyber Tech Link Dragon as Link Material, this card gains attack points equal to the attack points of the highest monster you control until the End Phase of my next turn!"

"Not so fast!" Varis shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Accelerated Evolution!" The card showed Top Runner pacing very fast, leaving a light trail while glowing white, with two stars following behind. "Through this card's effect, I can target a monster on my field with a 'once per turn' effect and allow it to use during my opponent's turn if there's an applicable target! I choose to use Borrelend's effect on Magnarokket Dragon. At this point, Magnarokket Dragon's effect activates! It is destroyed since it was targeted for a Link Monster's effect!"

Magnarokket Dragon disintegrated and turned into a golden orb that entered Borrelend Dragon's chest cylinder.

"I can now send one of your monsters to the Graveyard! I send Cyber Voltaic to the Graveyard!"

The barrel rotated, and then Borrelend Dragon fired a blast at Storm Rider's Link Monster, disintegrating it.

"Looks like Storm Rider's final hope didn't amount to anything," Specter remarked. "Such a shame."

"To think you had such an effect prepared…." Storm Rider grimaced. "No matter. Luckily, I had a backup plan ready in case you did stop my monster." Varis's eyes widened. "I knew you had one last trick up your sleeve, and while I didn't know what it was, I knew you would activate it on my last turn, which is just what I wanted. I activate the Trap Card: Cyberse Corruption from my Graveyard!"

"From your Graveyard?!" The card showed Cycode Dragon Gate - Inti with pulsating red lines crawling up its legs and chest, making it cry in pain.

"The card I discarded for Inti's effect," Storm Rider revealed. "By banishing it, I can target a monster on your field and Special Summon a Cyberse or Dragon monster from my Graveyard. I target Borrelend and Special Summon Cyber Voltaic!"

The light blue dragon in dark blue armor reappeared with a roar.

Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon ATK 3500 LINK-5 ←↙↓↘→

"Storm Rider knew Varis would try to destroy his monster," Sanctum realized. "So he had a Trap Card ready that would not only stop his attempt but also punish him for it."

"So long as Cyber Voltaic remains on the field, Cyberse Corruption's effect negates Borrelend's effects!" Varis growled at Storm Rider's words. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Armaments and equip it to Cyber Voltaic!"

Cyber Voltaic's armor changed colors from dark blue to silver.

"As long as Cyber Voltaic is equipped with Link Armaments, card effects cannot destroy it, it can inflict piercing battle damage if it attacks a Defense Position monster, and it gains 500 attack points for each Link Monster in my Graveyard. My Graveyard has six Link Monsters, so Cyber Voltaic gains 3000 attack points!"

Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon ATK 3500→6500

Soulburner smirked. "A single attack from that dragon will end this! Finish it, Storm Rider!"

"Let's settle this, Varis!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Battle! Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon, attack Borrelend Dragon!"

"I won't fall so easily!" Varis signaled to his monster. "Let's go, Borrelend!"

In response to its controller's command, Borrelend Dragon glided down and grabbed Varis, sailing across the air. In response, Storm Rider urged his dragon to follow them, flying through the walls of a large building as they chased after the Hanoi leader. Shortly afterward, both of them caught sight of Action Cards and leaped from their respective monsters, with Storm Rider landing on the building's roof while Varis jumped on top of a platform.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Double Attack!" Varis declared. "During the Battle Phase, Borrelend Dragon's attack points are doubled!"

Borrelend Dragon ATK 3500→7000

"It's your loss, Storm Rider!"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Miracle Fire! Thanks to it, I can copy the effects of an Action Card you activated! I copy Double Attack's effect to double my monster's attack points!"

Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon ATK 6500→13000

"13000 attack points?" Roselyn said.

"Varis can't survive that!" Playmaker said.

"This is the finale!" Storm Rider stated. "Go, Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon! Take down Borrelend Dragon! Zeus Punisher!"

Electricity surged through Storm Rider's dragon body as it opened its maw wide, unleashing a raging stream of pure light blue-colored energy that pierced through Borrelend Dragon's body and destroyed it, with Varis being blown back due to the ensuing shockwave.

Varis: 500→0 LP

"I…won…"

Storm Rider fell on his butt as the adrenaline left his body following the conclusion, disbelief and bewilderment evident on his face at the hard-earned victory. Meanwhile, once the Action Field disappeared, Varis slowly stood up and approached Storm Rider before stopping before him, his expression unreadable. Storm Rider flinched when the Hanoi leader suddenly moved but was surprised to see he was merely extending his hand to help him stand.

"You seem to need some assistance." Varis had a small smile on his face. "Also, congratulations. That was an excellent duel, one of my best. It's been a while since I've lost a match."

"Truth be told, even with my new monster, I still feel like I'm not strong enough to take down the Syndicate or Enoch." Storm Rider said as he reached up and took the offered hand, letting Varis pull him up. "But I'm not going to let that stand in my way of ending all this chaos."

"That's the spirit!" Sanctum said as she and others joined Storm Rider and Varis. "Don't forget that we'll be right by your side."

Storm Rider smiled. Thanks, guys. I appreciate it." He turned to Varis. "I would like to thank you also, Varis. This duel has boosted my confidence."

Varis nodded. "Glad to be of help. Just remember. Even when you feel you've already reached your limit, continue to grow and surpass yourself. Set new heights and become stronger.

"Become…stronger…" Storm Rider repeated. His eyes widened. "You…were the man I met the night I almost gave dueling, weren't you…?"

"Yes, I was. I thought it was necessary after witnessing your loss at the hands of Enoch." Varis answered. "Duelists must continuously challenge themselves and surpass their limits to stay ahead. That's what you, your comrades, and everyone I've encountered so far have taught me. We'll evolve as duelists and overcome our past selves to take down the Syndicate!"

"Couldn't say it better myself," Storm Rider said with a smirk.

"Speaking of evolving, I remember you promising us Link Spells if Storm Rider won. And last I checked, he did." Soulburner stated.

Blue Maiden sighed. "You don't have to be so smug about it."

"No. Soulburner's right," Varis agreed. "Unfortunately, we only have three at the moment. But I assure you it'll be worth the wait while we finish the rest."

"Well, since there's only three, they should go to Storm Rider, Sanctum and Playmaker," Roselyn suggested.

"Are you sure?" Sanctum asked.

"Why not?" Blue Maiden agreed. "If we're being honest, Enoch and the others would've crushed the three of us."

"I agree," Soulburner said. "No matter what they threw at you, you guys always avoided it. You deserve those Link Spells."

Playmaker smirked. "If you guys insist, then we accept." He turned to Varis. "We're ready when you are."

Varis nodded as he took some cards from his Duel Disk and handed them to Storm Rider, Sanctum and Playmaker. "You should go on ahead and practice using them. Better to do it now since when don't know when the Syndicate will make their next move."

"No problem," Sanctum said. "With these cards now in our possession, the Syndicate is as good as done."

Specter shook his head. "A simple statement from a simple mind."

Sanctum growled as Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at Specter and sighed. "And if I already didn't have enough problems."

Following his words, Storm Rider and the others proceeded to log out, with Varis and Specter following suit.

OC Card Memo:

Varis:

Protection Dragon
Attribute: DARK Type: [Dragon/Effect] ATK 1900 DEF 0 Level: 4
If an opponent's monster declares a direct attack (Quick Effect): you can target 1 DARK Dragon monster in your GY; special summon that target and this card from your hand in face-up defense position, but the DEF of the monster summoned from the GY becomes 0, and it's effects are negated. If this card on the field is destroyed: you can special summon 1 level 6 or lower DARK Dragon monster from your hand. You can only use each "Protection Dragon" effect once per turn.

Magazine Dragon
Attribute: DARK Type: [Dragon/Effect] ATK 2300 DEF 1000 Level: 5
You can only use each "Magazine Dragon" effect once per turn. (1) If a Level 4 or lower DARK Dragon Monster is Normal or Special Summoned: you can Special Summon this card from the hand or GY. (2) If a DARK Dragon Monster you control is sent to the Graveyard for Link Summon: you can Special Summon 1 "Magazine Token" (Dragon-Type/DARK/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0). This card must be face-up on the field to resolve this effect.

Borrelarc Dragon- Level 8, ATK: 3000, DEF: 2000, ATT: DARK, Type: Dragon/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Scale: 1/1

Pendulum Effect: You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except DARK Dragon monsters. This effect cannot be negated. Once per turn, if you control no monsters in your Main Monster Zones, you can Special Summon 1 "Rokket" monster from your Deck and destroy it during your End Phase.

Monster Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. If you have 2 cards in your Pendulum Zones: You can destroy those cards, and if you do, Special Summon this card from your hand. You cannot Special Summon monsters the turn you activate this effect, except DARK Dragon monsters. If this card battles an opponent's monster, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step, also that opponent's monster has its effects negated and its attack points halved during the Battle Phase only. Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up card you control; destroy it, and if you do, Special Summon 1 LINK-4 "Borrel" monster from your GY.

Howitzer Dragon- Level 4, ATK: 1900, DEF: 1200, ATT: DARK, Type: Dragon/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Scale: 5/5

Pendulum Effect: The Pendulum Summon of DARK Dragon monsters cannot be negated. Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up monster you control; destroy it, and if you do, inflict 800 damage to your opponent. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation.

Monster Effect: If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a DARK monster, that monster gains this effect.

● When this card is Link Summoned: Inflict 800 damage to your opponent.

Mortar Dragon- Level 6, ATK: 2300, DEF: 1000, ATT: DARK, Type: Dragon/Pendulum/Effect

Pendulum Scale: 0/0

Pendulum Effect: The Pendulum Summon of DARK Dragon monsters cannot be negated. Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up monster you control; destroy it, and if you do, your opponent must send 1 monster from their field to the GY. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation.

Monster Effect: If this card is in your hand: You can target 1 "Rokket" monster you control; return it to your hand, and if you do, Special Summon this card. You can only Special Summon "Mortar Dragon" once per turn this way.

Borrel Cooldown Normal Spell Card
If you control a "Borrel" monster: Tribute 1 monster you control; gain LP equal to its ATK or DEF, whichever is higher. If your "Borrel" monster leaves the field (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY; draw 1 card. You can only use 1 effect "Borrel Cooldown" per turn, and only once per turn.

Deadly Trigger Quick-Play Spell Card
Target 1 "Rokket" monster and two other cards your opponent controls; destroy those targets. If this card is in your GY, except the turn it was sent there while you control a "Borrel" monster: You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 "Rokket" monster from your GY to your field in defense position. You can only use each "Deadly Trigger" effect once per turn.

Beloved Gift Normal Spell Card
Pay 1000 LP; draw one card. If that card is a monster, draw cards equal to its Level. Otherwise, send it to your Graveyard, halve your life points and automatically end your turn.

Accelerated Evolution Normal Trap Card

During your opponent's turn, you can target a Monster on your field with a 'once per turn' effect; activate that effect if there's an applicable target.

Storm Rider:

Cycode Master Beast- Rank 4, ATK: 2400, DEF: 2200, ATT: EARTH, Type: Cyberse/Xyz/Effect

Effect: 2 Level 4 Cyberse monsters

When this card is Xyz Summoned: It gains 200 ATK for each card on the field. Once per turn: You can detach 1 material from this card; Special Summon 1 Link Monster from your GY, but you cannot Link Summon the turn this effect was activated. At the end of the Battle Phase, If this card attacked an opponent's monster in the Extra Monster Zone: Inflict damage equal to half of the total ATK of the Link Monsters pointing to this card.

Code Accelerator Equip Spell Card

Equip only to a Cyberse monster. Once per turn: You can banish 1 Link Monster from your GY; the equipped monster can make attacks on your opponent's monsters up to the banished monster's Link Rating during each Battle Phase this turn. The equipped monster cannot attack your opponent directly. You can only control 1 "Code Accelerator".

Cyberse Elimination Normal Trap Card

If you would take damage: Reduce that damage to 0, and if you do, you can add 1 Cyberse or Dragon Pendulum Monster from your Deck or GY to your hand. If you control no monsters, you can add two monsters instead. If your Cyberse or Dragon Link Monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect: You can banish this card from your GY instead. You can only activate 1 'Cyberse Elimination' per turn.

Cyberse Corruption Normal Trap Card

If you take damage: You can target 1 card your opponent controls, negate its effects, and if you do, add 1 Cyberse or Dragon monster from your deck to your hand. You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 Cyberse or Dragon monster in your GY and 1 monster your opponent controls; Special Summon the first target, then negate the effects of the second target while the Special Summoned monster remains face-up on the field. You can only activate 1 'Cyberse Corruption' per turn, and only 1 that turn.

Cycode Force Normal Trap Card

Target 1 "Cycode" monster you control and banish 1 "Cycode" Link Monster from your field or GY; the targeted monster gains ATK equal to the banished monster's Link Rating x 1000 until the end of the turn. Your opponent takes no battle damage this turn, except from battles involving the targeted monster. You can only activate "Cycode Force" once per turn.

Action Cards:

Damage Replenish Action Spell Card

If you would take battle damage: Gain LP equal to that damage instead.

Action Meteor Action Spell Card

Banish three Action Spells from your Graveyard; destroy a Monster on your opponent's field.

And that's Chapter 28. Hope you guys enjoyed the Storm Rider and Varis duel. Thanks to Divadx for looking over the OC Cards. And thanks to Dragonknight15 and SakushiRyu for providing the designs. I finished this a few days ago but was busy with Finals. Hopefully, since it's now summer break, I should have more writing time. As always, follow, favorite, review, and don't hesitate to send me a PM. See you guys next time. Let me know what you guys thought of the duel in the reviews.