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?

29. Breaking In

Greetings, community. I'm back with Chapter 29. First, though, let me respond to your reviews.

—To Arcana: The Sacred Beasts and Egyptian Gods will not appear in this story.

—To Mew Furinji: I've thought about it and decided maybe in the near future.

—To Chiaki Katsuya: I do read "ARC-V: An Alternative Universe" created by HereICome.

—To Agatha the Witch: The Seal of Orichalcos will appear in this story.

Now, without further ado, on with the story!

In the network, at the Syndicate's palace...

A portal appeared inside the castle as Enoch, Marionette, and Galerius stepped out of it before it closed behind them. They just returned from their duels against Storm Rider, Sanctum and Playmaker. They quickly healed their wounds before arriving to prevent suspicions from their comrades or Queen Priscilla.

"I still can't believe Storm Rider had another Link-5 in his possession," Marionette grumbled.

"Me either," Galerius agreed. "You sure Astro didn't inform you of this, Enoch?"

"Very sure," Enoch answered. "I must admit, I'm impressed by Storm Rider's newfound power. It only motivates me to grow stronger, so his defeat at my hands will be more satisfying when I face him again."

"But who's to say Storm Rider won't get stronger also," Marionette stated. "Especially since he and his friends found out their comrade Esper has been their enemy this whole time."

Galerius frowned. "Speaking of which, why did you do that? What did you gain from that? I can understand wanting to get in our enemy's heads to hinder their will to focus and fight, but wouldn't it have been smarter to do that later in the fight against the Top 10? Don't get me wrong; seeing the upset look on Sanctum's face was entertaining. But who's to say she uses this surprising news to grow stronger and evolve like Storm Rider?"

"I have my reasons," Marionette replied. "But to answer your question… our foes should be at their strongest for when the true fight begins. The stronger Storm Rider and his allies become, the more they believe they can beat us."

"That makes sense, I guess…." Galerius murmured. "But I'm still curious about how Storm Rider manifested a new monster from nowhere. Do you think he secretly created it after he lost against you, Enoch?"

"No. I highly doubt it. The data on every card is stored within SOL Technolgies' database." Enoch began explaining. "And after Astro informed me of Storm Rider's Link-5, I took it upon myself to see if SOL were the one who created it. After hours of research, I discovered nothing but detected some strange energy readings from Storm Rider's ace, Cyber Tech. I discovered that it possesses a significant amount of unknown energy."

"Now that you mention it, I do recall Umbra saying something about Storm Rider using a card with the name "Supreme King" in its title that gave off the same sensation Astro felt in his duel with him," Galerius stated.

"So you're saying Storm Rider has the power to create cards all on his own without needing the aid of a card fabricator…?" Marionette sounded astonished. "If that's the case, do you think it's possible he could create monsters for his teammates?"

"I did consider that with the data available to us," Enoch said. "However, I do feel that—"

Enoch's words were interrupted by a beeping sound from his Duel Disk, displaying some message. "Looks like Queen Priscilla wants everyone to come to her chambers."

"Lucky for us, it's not that far from here," Marionette said. "Let's get a move on."

Enoch and Galeirus nodded as they and Marionette started running down the hall as fast as they could. After a few minutes, they reached Priscilla's throne room, where she and everyone else awaited them.

"What's the news here?" Galerius asked, folding his arms.

"Don't play dumb, Galerius. We all know why we're here," Desperado said as he pointed at Natura. "Mother Nature over here promised she wouldn't fail, and guess what happened."

"She failed," Marionette replied, causing Desperado to nod in response.

"Excuse me, Mr. Cowboy. It would be best not to have your hat on too tight. Otherwise, you know I didn't fail," Natura stated. "While my mission was to kidnap Dr. Burns to force him to create Pendulum Cards, I considered that his daughter would contact the Top 10 for assistance to help rescue him. "She then smiled. "While Glitter and Papillo were busy distracting Storm Rider and Sanctum, I was scanning Pyrrha's father's brain to learn how to create Pendulum Cards."

Enoch's eyes widened. "Is that true?"

"It is," Priscilla confirmed. "However, I believe that they're still in production."

"Not for long," Ladon said. "I've been notified that the mechanist successfully created a new Pendulum archetype. They're called Amorphages."

"However, he would like the soldiers to test it first by participating in duels," Lumine added.

"I see. In that case, you and Ladon will assist the soldiers by dueling them." Priscilla said. "Also, I would like you to take Astro and Glacia with you. I feel like their Decks require upgrades."

Desperado raised his hand. "Your Holiness, if it's alright with you, I would like also go to the factory."

"You?" Priscilla raised an eyebrow at this. "That's…unlike you. What brought on this sudden change of attitude? You usually try to avoid work like the plague."

"Because…" Desperado narrowed his eyes. "I need to get stronger if I want to beat Storm Rider. Even though I was holding back in our last duel, that doesn't mean I'm strong enough to beat if I go all out. If I want to stand a chance, I will need major adjustments to my Deck."

"Oi, oi, isn't that surprising?" Natura smirked. "You're so afraid of losing that you finally decided to ask for assistance."

"Why you little…." Desperado said. "You better watch your mouth, little girl. Otherwise, you'll end up being in a showdown with me…."

"I'm afraid if that were to happen, you would be crushed within five minutes," Natura said with a sly smile. "If I recall, I believe I have more wins over you throughout all the practice duels you and I had with each other. Plus, you already faced and interacted with the Top 10, while I still haven't had my turn. I'm sick and tired of dealing with the soldiers all the time. Such guys pose no challenge whatsoever."

"It's alright." Priscilla intervened. "You may join this expedition, but remember that the primary goal is to test the Pendulum Cards and see if they help strengthen our soldiers. Defeating the Top 10, crushing and taking over SOL Technologies, is also an important but secondary objective. You had best keep that in mind, Desperado."

"Yes, Queen Priscilla!" Desperado exclaimed as he bowed. "Oh man, I can't wait to experience fighting against Pendulum for the first time! The anticipation is killing me!"

"In one ear and out the other, huh…?" Priscilla sighed. "Lumine and Ladon, I trust you to keep Desperado and the soldiers in line to the best of your abilities. And Natura, you must fill in for them since they'll be heading out. I won't accept any objections."

"As you command, your Holiness," Natura said as she bowed

"That is all. Everyone but Enoch Marionette and Galerius are permitted to leave."

The trio raised an eyebrow as they wondered why the Queen wanted them to stay behind. Could she have learned about their scheme?

"The three of you must wonder why I asked you to stay." Priscilla's voice became colder as she looked down at her soldiers. They felt pressure from their master that they couldn't keep standing and fell to their knees.

"I know all about your duels against Storm Rider, Sanctum and Playmaker. You tried to keep me from knowing by disabling the trackers in your Duel Disks. But you didn't know that I installed a backup should in case that was to happen. I have to say that I am quite disappointed in the three of you. And the sight of Storm Rider's new monster proved it." Priscilla was displeased. She expected this kind of behavior from Galerius and maybe Desperado. But from Enoch and Marionette, it was a shock to her. But what shocked her the most was Enoch almost losing to Storm Rider when he had an advantage in Life Points, causing him to end the duel in a draw.

She narrowed her eyes toward Marionette. "As punishment, Marionette, you'll be sent to prison duty for interfering with Natura's mission. While Natura succeeded in acquiring info on how to make Pendulum Cards from Dr. Burns, your interference during the mission could have ended it in failure. Moreover, the fact that you interfered led the Syndicate to lose a major advantage. And you want to know the worst part? Storm Rider and his allies had gotten stronger as a result."

"But your Holiness, that's–" Marionette opened her mouth to defend herself and her comrades, but Priscilla only unleashed even more pressure that rendered her and the others speechless. Their bodies were trembling, and they were sweating cold. Fear struck them to the very bones.

"Silence! I will not listen to any excuses! Just be lucky you're not receiving a worse punishment." She then turned to Enoch. "As for you, Enoch, you'll be on the sidelines.

Enoch's eyes widened in shock. "No. Please don't do this, Queen Priscilla!" he pleaded. "I promise to get stronger to make up for what happened!"

"I don't care," Priscilla responded. "Given recent events, it's best for you not to go on any missions for now. Please leave until further notice. You too, Marionette."

Following Priscilla's orders, Enoch and Marionette bowed and exited the throne room. Afterward, Priscilla turned to Galerius.

"Last but not least is you, Galerius," she said. "I expected this behavior from you, but not Marionette and Enoch. However, if you're willing to make amends for what happened, then I'll let this little scheme of yours go just this once."

Galerius nodded. "Yes, your Holiness. I will do anything. Just name it."

Priscilla smirked. "As of now, I want to know the progress regarding Nova, Papillo, and Glimmer."

"I see. They've been trained to the letter," Galerius replied.

"Excellent. Also, I would like you to meet with the mechanist afterward to identify progress on the cyberized troops. Following that, I want you to have Nova, Papillo and Glimmer duel against one of the mechanist's inventions he just recently finished. If one emerges victorious, bring the winner to me afterward for cyberization.

"It shall be done," Galerius said as he bowed and took his leave, leaving Priscilla by herself. However, unbeknownst to her, Ghost Gal and The Shepherd were observing everything through a small grey drone with a camera hidden behind one of the pillars inside the throne room.

"It looks like the Syndicate has successfully developed Pendulum Cards," Ghost Gal remarked. "To think that they manage to do could present a big problem for Storm Rider and his friends."

"So what are you waiting for then?" The Shepherd asked. "We got the info we need, so let's send it to Zaizen."

"That's true." Ghost Gal rubbed her chin. "However, I have a better idea." She turned to Shepherd. "They mentioned something about a factory. What if we try to find the location of this factory? When we do, we can send the coordinates to Zaizen, which he'll tell the others about within minutes."

"That's a great idea," Shepherd said before loading his Duel Disk. "I'll try to hack into their systems and see if I can find the location of this factory. You continue recording their meeting."

Ghost Gal nodded in response as she and her brother continued their plan.

Meanwhile, in the real world...

Yuji whistled to himself as he and Ena walked down the street from Den City High School to the Central Plaza to meet with Kolter and Yusaku. He's glad he and his friends had a chance to relax after what happened recently. After his duels with Enoch and Varis, he spent the rest of the field trip resting. To avoid suspicions from his teacher and classmates, he pretended he got food poisoning from eating bad fish. Luckily, his bruises weren't too severe, and he recovered quickly. Not much had happened aside from the usual everyday activities. Also, while the others were away, there were no reports of any attacks in LINK VRAINS. It was quite peaceful for the time being.

That didn't mean it would be peaceful forever, though. Deep down in his mind, Yuji knew that the Syndicate would make their next attack very soon. Yuji sighed to himself. Thinking about these scenarios proved quite annoying, as ruminating on the future did nothing but stress him out.

"Worried about something Yuji?" Ena asked.

"A bit," Yuji admitted. "Just regarding our enemies, their next move, and when all this madness will end."

"I know how you feel," Ena said. "But do you mind if we can take a break from walking? I'm still a bit sore from running laps in gym class."

"Sure thing," Yuji said. "There's a bench nearby, so let's sit and rest while continuing our conversation."

After sitting on the nearby bench and taking a breather, Ena continued talking. "As I said earlier, I know exactly what you're feeling right now. Confused and scared, am I right?"

Yuji nodded. "Right on the nose. But if you don't mind me asking, what are you so confused about?"

"I think you and I both know," Ena said. "The feeling that I now have to fight Rhea. Or should I say Marionette?"

Yuji narrowed his eyes. "I see. That's understandable. Given how the two of you were close, it makes sense. Not to mention the two of you dueled together."

Ena sighed. "I still can't believe it was a whole lie. But even so, a part of me feels like the person I met and befriended is still in there somewhere." She turned to Yuji. "I must sound crazy for saying that, aren't I?"

Yuji chuckled as he turned to Ena and ruffled her hair, causing her to blush in embarrassment. "Ena, listen carefully and listen well. When we first met Yuya and Zuzu, we were shocked that they looked exactly like us but brushed it off as a coincidence. But after learning they were Ringmaster and Maestra and contained Pendulum Summoning, "I accused the two of working with the Arbiters." He looked up to the sky. "If I recall correctly, you said my actions were insane. But had I not done it, I wouldn't have learned our origins and made two new friends I will never forget. Ultimately, I'm saying that It's okay to be afraid of taking risks and second-guess yourself. The thing is..." Yuji turned and pointed at Ena. "What are you going to do to soothe your worries?"

Ena's eyes widened as if he understood what Yuji was trying to say. "I see what you're saying. Thanks for your wisdom, Yuji. I rather appreciate it."

"That's good to hear," Ena replied as she and Yuji stood up from the bench and resumed walking to Café Nagi.

"Now, onto the next topic. After learning the truth, how exactly will you reach out to Marionette, a.k.a. Rhea, and convince her what she's doing is wrong and to come back to our side?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure," Ena responded, sighing. "I'll figure something out, alright? So don't prattle me about it."

"I hope so," Yuji said. "Because otherwise, things will get more uneasy real fast." Ena rolled his eyes at Yuji's comment. How exactly could it get more uneasy? Not only did she learn her friend was working for the Syndicate this entire time, but she was an entirely different person than she thought. After a few more minutes of walking, the duo eventually reached Café Nom, where they found Kolter and Yusaku serving a customer their order.

"Have a great day!" he told them as the customer walked away with their meal. Kolter smiled at Yuji and Ena as they approached the counter. "Oh, Yuji and Ena! Didn't see you there! How was school?"

"Same old, same old," Yuji answered.

"We're just enjoying the peace while it lasts," Ena added.

"Well said." Yusaku agreed. "Hey, why don't the two of you come on inside? Kolter and I got some stuff to show you."

As the two teens went inside, Kolter pulled the window down, closing the store for the day. He proceeded to power up the monitor with a large window showing the entire LINK VRAINS network. At the bottom left were gauges that showed heat levels based on various categories. At the bottom right was a gauge that measured electromagnetic signals. "Behold, the LVSS System VI!"

"LVSS System VI?" Yuji repeated, looking at the monitor. From what he saw, it was a definite improvement to the previous LVSS System they used for various reasons, including heat and electromagnetic detectors, faster processing speed, and more. "Gotta say it's not bad. How long did it take?"

"A couple of weeks," Kolter answered, sitting in his chair while the others did the same. "After your guys' first meeting with Varis and the Knights of Hanoi, I asked Yusaku to contact them to see if they would be willing to update our systems. They agreed, and Varis suggested we implement those upgrades into the LVSS System and prepare for the future. Pretty awesome, don't you think?"

Yuji was about to speak when Ena beat him to the punch. "If by awesome you mean keeping this a secret from us until now, then we can agree."

"C'mon, Ena? Don't be like that," Kolter said. "Of course, I took you and Yuji into consideration. And I felt that with your guy's help, we could've had these upgrades installed faster. But at the time, you guys were busy focusing on the Syndicate and upgrading your Decks. I didn't want to bother you."

"We understand, Kolter," Yuji said, with Ena nodding. Before he could say anything else, the quintet noticed somebody was calling them.

"Guess we'll have to continue this convo later..." Kolter said before he answered the call. "Hello?"

"Hey there, Kolter. It's Skye!" She said, surprising everyone for a few moments. "How are things doing with Jin and the food truck?"

"All right these days," Kolter answered. "Though I am curious why you called me instead of Yuji and Ena. Could it be that you need our help or tell us something?"

"Right on the nose," Skye confirmed. "I was using my laptop to write a research paper for one of my classes when I received an email from none other than Ghost Gal with some information I think you guys might be interested in hearing."

"Ghost Gal," Yusaku repeated. "I haven't heard from her in a while."

"Now that you mention it, Yusaku, you're right," Yuji said.

"Last we heard from her is when she said she and the Shepherd will help us track down the Syndicate," Ena added. "But since then, not a word from them."

"Does the info you received concern the Syndicate?" Kolter asked.

"And if it does, does it provide its location?" Yusaku asked, getting Skye's attention as she turned to him.

"Yes and no. The information I received regards those cyborg soldiers we faced when we invaded Lightning's palace," Skye told him as she pressed several buttons on her computer, generating a 3D holographic image of some high-tech factory. "From what Ghost Gal stated in her message, this factory converts normal people into cybernetic soldiers. It increases their dueling capabilities and removes any trace of emotions they have."

Ena narrowed her eyes at Skye's words. "Removing human emotions. That's horrible."

"No joke," Yuji agreed. "Is that it? Or is there more?"

"Oh, there's more. And this next part you're not going to like," Skye said, causing everyone to raise an eyebrow. "The Syndicate has successfully created Pendulum Cards."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock. "What!?"

"I'm not kidding. If this continues, the Syndicate will use our secret weapon against us."

"Well, we can't have that," Kolter said.

"Does Theo and Lily know about this?" Ena asked.

Skye nodded. "Yep. I contacted them right before I contacted you guys."

"Good," Yuji said. "So what's the plan?"

Following Yuji's question, Skye pressed a button on her laptop, causing several red dots to appear on the screen. "As you can see, a full frontal assault is out of the question. We'll lose valuable time breaking through the factory's defensive formation. And even with the help of the entire Top 10, it still won't be enough to help us take down an army of cybernetic soldiers specializing in guerilla warfare. As such, our only option is to have a few members infiltrate the factory while the rest of us keep the soldiers and any guards stationed busy."

"If you seek a way to enter the factory undetected, I'd say the sewer network running underneath it is currently our best option," Kolter commented as he pointed to several crimson lines crisscrossing the area under the factory's most distinguished landmark. "However, the Syndicate will surely be expecting an assault from underground, meaning we might be walking into a trap."

"Still, the prospect of the Syndicate and their soldiers lying in wait for us there is quite likely, which is why I'd like to disrupt their strategy even further by intruding from another point, preferably one they wouldn't expect." Yusaku rubbed his chin. "Unfortunately, that seems to be a tall order considering our current situation…."

"I might have an idea regarding that." Skye unexpectedly chimed in, a wide smile appearing on his face. "If it works, we'll surely catch the Syndicate by surprise."

"Care to enlighten us regarding this idea of yours?" Yuji cut in from the side. "Leaving us in the dark is quite rude."

"Ah, my apologies about that," Skye said. "Regarding my plan, here are the details."

As Skye explained the meaning of her plan, everyone gaped at the youth upon realizing her actual plan.

"People have called me a dumb risk-taker in the past, but this goes beyond recklessness and into the realm of foolishness," Yuji commented. "Still, I'll admit that our enemies probably won't see that one coming."

"Are you volunteering to be part of this foolish gamble then?" Ena smirked. "If so, that wouldn't surprise me one bit."

"Oh, heck no." Yuji crossed his arms in an X. "I've had way too many brushes with death recently, and considering that we're already risking our lives here, I don't want to make my odds of surviving even worse than they already are."

"We can settle that matter later," Yusaku said. "We must contact the others and move as quickly as possible. Time is a precious commodity we cannot afford to waste. The strike team infiltrating the factory will consist of me, Yuji, Ena, Skye, Theodore and Lily. Due to your technical expertise, I ask that you also participate in this, Kolter. Your skills will be essential in helping us shut down the factory after all."

"That's what I intended to do from the start," Kolter stated. "Rest assured that I won't drag you down. Even though I wish I was there with you guys and participated in the fight, it's better to stay here."

"In that case, the time has come to head out!" Skye exclaimed. "Our destination is the Syndicate's factory! Using our full power, we'll end the Syndicate's sinister plot and be one step closer to bringing peace back to LINK VRAINS!"

The enthusiastic cheers of everyone resounded thus within Kolter's truck.

[Right!]

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

"So this is our target, huh? It sure looked less imposing as a hologram…."

Storm Rider said with a self-deprecating smile as he stared at the factory through a set of binoculars, with Playmaker standing by his side. Up close, the sheer size of the factory and its bulk evoked a feeling of awe and dread within Storm Rider. Furthermore, its dull gray color and prominent decorative spikes only added to the feeling of hostility emanating from it. Around its perimeter, several Syndicate soldiers could be seen patrolling the surroundings, alert for any discrepancies or signs of trouble.

"However, life sure has a sense of irony, if nothing else." Storm Rider suddenly chuckled. "I've played many video games where I had to escape several detention facilities in the past, but I never thought the day would come when I'd have to break into prison."

"You know what they say." Playmaker let out a small smile. "You don't live life to the fullest if you don't experience everything at least once. Still, the irony of this operation is not lost on me either. I hope our infiltration operation goes better than our escape attempt from Lightning's palace back from our last mission."

"You and me both." A grim look appeared on Storm Rider's face as he recalled when their mission almost succeeded, only to be foiled by the unexpected appearance of the Syndicate and their goons. "I'm just glad this time we have reinforcements. Well, some reinforcements. We could only manage to get in contact with Chevalier and Charmcaster. Gore couldn't come because he was busy at the orphanage. Brawler couldn't come because he was teaching a martial arts class. And Seraph couldn't attend because he's in Europe for his niece's christening. However, we did manage to get Chevalier and Charmcaster. When I brought up the Syndicate, they immediately said yes before I even told them anything."

"Well, who could blame them?" Playmaker rhetorically said. "Astro and Glacia defeated them. So they're eager to get their revenge any chance possible."

"You got a point there," Storm Rider said before returning to the factory as he placed his binoculars on his eyes. "But before they get their chance to do so, we should focus on completing the current mission first. It's almost time for the guard to change according to the schedule. Alpha Team, are you in position?"

[This is Charmcaster of Alpha Team.] A voice came from Storm Rider's Duel Disk. [We're standing by and awaiting your signal over.]

"Good. What about you, Kolter? How are things looking on your side?"

[It's a bit trickier than I imagined initially, but I'm almost done.] This time, Kolter's voice came out of the Duel Disk. [Proximity sensors will be disabled in three, two, one…proximity sensors in areas A2 through D1 are now disabled and showing false readings. You have fifty-five seconds before they properly restart.]

"Confirming that the exchange of shifts is currently taking place," Playmaker stated as he observed the guards' exchanges throughout the fortress's perimeter. "Alpha Team, you're clear to move out through the previously discussed route."

[Acknowledged.] Charmcaster responded. [Alpha Team, setting off.]

Following Charmcaster's words, Storm Rider and Playmaker turned their binoculars at Chevalier and Charmcaster directly, catching glimpses of them as they swiftly moved from rubble to rubble and approached the factory. However, Storm Rider was alarmed when the guards changed positions faster than anticipated in certain areas.

"Alpha Team, stop moving at once!" Playmaker ordered. "If you keep going forward like this, the guards will notice you!"

Charmcaster obeyed and immediately crouched down in an attempt to conceal himself. However, because he didn't hear Playmaker's command or chose to ignore it, Chevalier pressed on. He made it to the prison's walls before the guards could spot him or the proximity sensors around the perimeter were reactivated.

"Even though he can be an idiot sometimes, at least he's got the Devil's luck…." Storm Rider exhaled in relief and then whispered at his Duel Disk. "It's up to you now, Chevalier. Place the explosives Blue Maiden gave you on the eastern side and conceal yourself until they go off. Tap your Duel Disk if you understand."

A soft tap was heard in response to Storm Rider's words.

"It looks like we've avoided the first major hurdle somehow." Storm Rider wiped his brow. "I'm still going to chew out Chevalier later for blatantly ignoring my orders and moving forward on his own, though."

"You can try, but I fear you'll only be wasting your breath…." Playmaker let out an exasperated sigh. "You know that everything is in one ear and out the other with Chevalier."

"True enough," Storm Rider admitted, gazing at his Duel Disk's timer. "If everything has gone well, the explosives should go off right about…now!"

Following Storm Rider's words, a resounding explosion was heard—from the eastern side of the building, prompting the guards to rush to that location. Meanwhile, Storm Rider and Playmaker were staring at the unexpected spectacle with deadpan expressions etched on their faces.

"…We're not starting on the right foot here." Storm Rider eventually said as he opened a communications channel. "Chevalier, you complete imbecile, what do you think you're doing!? We said you should plant the explosives in the eastern area, not the western one! Don't you know how to read a darn compass!?"

[Of course, I know how to read one!] Chevalier hissed angrily. [Doesn't the tip always point south!?]

Mirroring expressions of shock and disbelief appeared on Storm Rider and Playmaker's faces as they were temporarily rendered speechless by Chevalier's words.

Playmaker sighed. "… In hindsight, perhaps including a snobbish fellow like Chevalier on this operation was a horrible idea after all."

"No dip, Sherlock." Storm Rider retorted to Playmaker's words. "What do we do now to salvage this mess?"

"We improvise." Playmaker merely said as he brought his Duel Disk close to his mouth. "Alpha Team, charge forward and head toward the factory as planned. Beta Team, you are to support Alpha Team by engaging the guards and drawing their attention as much as possible. Meanwhile, Storm Rider, Soulburner, Roselyn, and I will try to sneak inside the factory from an alternative route. Kolter, what's the least conspicuous entry point we can use?"

[There's a service hatch not too far away from your position.] Kolter responded after a few seconds. [I can open it for you, but you'll have to fight several guards on your way there. Moreover, it will not lead you straight to the central spire and the command center like the entrance you had initially planned to use, so this might make things more difficult for you.]

"Spectacular," Storm Rider said in a voice dripping with irony. "Is there any good news?"

[Well, I've managed to hack quite a few portions of the security system, so it should be easier to reduce the obstacles in your way if that helps.] Kolter said. [Regardless, if I were you, I'd get moving while the guards are still disorganized and shocked.]

"Although this isn't going according to plan, I suppose it can't be helped." Playmaker clicked his tongue. "Let's go, Storm Rider!"

"Right!"

The two youths started running towards their designated entry point as the sounds of battle from the western gate reached their ears. Storm Rider assumed that Blue Maiden, Sanctum, Charmcaster and Chevalier were engaging the guards in battle, but he did not know how things were going for them.

"Hey, you two! Stop right there!"

Several Syndicate soldiers could be seen running towards Storm Rider and Playmaker, their Duel Disks active and their harsh expressions promising swift punishment. However, the two youths were undeterred. After glancing at each other briefly and nodding, they slipped the goggles they wore on their heads over their eyes and threw several smoke grenades amid the charging Syndicate troops, blinding and disorienting them. Before they could recover, Storm Rider and Playmaker dove into their midst and swiftly dispatched them with several well-placed blows, leaving them unconscious as they kept moving forward.

"There! I see it!"

Following Playmaker's exclamation, Storm Rider also noticed the small service hatch that had opened several meters above them in the side of the factory's wall. Both youths pointed their Duel Disks at it, with lines shooting out of them that attached themselves near the hatch. Then, they soared in the sky as the lines retracted, landing on a small balcony directly below the hatch. Wasting no time, Storm Rider gave Playmaker a boost to reach it, with the former hero of LINK VRAINS also aiding Storm Rider in entering the hatch by giving him his hand. As soon as both of them were inside, the cover of the hatch closed behind them.

"Well, the easy part is over," Playmaker remarked with a smirk. "According to the map, we have quite some distance to traverse until we reach the command center. And you can bet the place will be crawling with guards even if Kolter has managed to disable parts of the security system."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Storm Rider said. "Let's get moving. This place is making me feel claustrophobic big time."

"Right. It's time we put an end to this dreadful installation."

And with that, the two youths started crawling inside the service vent, moving deeper into the heart of the factory…

Meanwhile, at the command center…

"Confirmed explosion at the western gate! Almost ninety percent of the guards there have been neutralized! We're receiving multiple requests for immediate assistance!"

"The security system's integrity has been compromised by forty percent! Auxiliary defensive mechanisms effectiveness is at twenty-six percent, while primary defensive mechanisms show errors and bugs on over fifteen percent of their protocols!"

"Infrared scan is registering multiple incursions from several directions! However, visual identification is impaired due to errors in the source code! Someone is most likely hacking us from outside!"

The various Syndicate members sitting on the command center's monitors could hear such panicked reports. However, amidst this clamor, only one seated on an ornate chair remained relatively calm.

"So we're being invaded, huh?" The older man draped in a brown cloak said while smirking. "And this is a well-organized assault, nothing like the usual desperate attempts to breach this facility I've experienced. I wonder if the so-called Top 10 Queen Priscilla and her associates spoke to me about are the ones behind this attack. If so, this could be a golden opportunity to eliminate a persistent thorn on the Syndicate's side."

"But how are we supposed to deal with so many intruders simultaneously, Doctor?" One of the staff members asked with an anxious expression. "With the data available, we estimate that they outnumber us at least three to one."

"Don't be a fool." The man scoffed at his subordinates' words. "There's no way the Top 10 could gather so many duelists quickly to invade us. Most likely, we're being invaded by a small group whose members have hacked our security system to make themselves appear more numerous than they are. Judging from their attack pattern, they're aiming for the assembly line in the western area, the production line and the command center to neutralize this facility and damage our technology and resources. It's a daring plan but also quite reckless and risky."

"Then, what are your orders, sir? How should we deal with these intruders?"

"Have Astro and Glacia go to the western gate to intercept the group heading there since I'm certain they're itching for a fight." The man ordered his subordinates. "And have Ladon and Lumine deal with the ones on the eastern side. Also, most guards should be posted on the passageways leading to the holding cells area to prevent anyone from attempting to rescue our captives. And if some of these Top 10 pests are indeed making their way here—"

The man let out a malicious smile as he stood up.

"I will personally show them the route to their demise."

Meanwhile, elsewhere…

"Things sure are eerily silent in here. I wish some action like our little skirmish in the sewers took place sooner rather than later…."

Soulburner muttered thus as he and Roselyn ran through the building's hallways, searching for traces of the enemy. Following a brief fight with several guards in the underground waterways, where their combined might have allowed them to easily knock them out without much effort, the rest of their comrades had split up to cover more ground. Although some of them had questioned the wisdom of such a tactic, Playmaker pointed out that the Syndicate would find ways to split them up for sure and then go after them separately. As such, they had taken the initiative to separate independently to lure the Syndicate to them. Personally speaking, the boldness of this plan appealed to Soulburner, who was confident that he wouldn't lose to any of the Syndicate's goons.

"…How long…is this blasted hallway…anyway…? I feel like…spitting my lungs out…." Roselyn wheezed as she sluggishly trudged behind Soulburner.

"C'mon, Roselyn. Don't quit on me now," Soulburner said. "I'm sure we'll find the door to the assembly line very soon."

"Still, my patience is being tested here…" Roselyn sighed. "I rather duel a member of the Syndicate than continue running."

"—Hoh, are you that eager to meet your demise? That's a first for us."

Responding to Roselyn's query, a voice was suddenly heard from behind, causing Soulburner and Roselyn to sharply turn on their heels. Upon doing so, they noticed Ladon and Lumine standing right before them.

"Finally," Lumine remarked with a hint of irritation. "You've led us into quite a chase, but this is the end of the line for both of you. Now, surrender quietly and come with us. Dr. Willow has requested that both of you be brought before him."

"Oh, come on, Lumine!" Ladon exclaimed. "You know this isn't how it's supposed to go! We have to challenge them to a duel first, betting their freedom on the outcome of our match! That's what proper duelists do! Don't jump the gun here!"

"Even with your stone-cold attitude, you're way too enthusiastic about dueling as always…." Lumine shook her head in exasperation. "Regardless, it seems like you'll get your wish since these two are unwilling to give up."

"Darn straight," Soulburner said with a grin as he and Roselyn turned to face the two siblings. "First things first, though. Who are you two?"

"I'm Ladon, and the grumpy woman beside me is my associate Lumine," Ladon said, earning him a glare from Lumine. "As both of you know, we're members of the Syndicate. Now, let's hurry up and begin our duel! I can't wait to see what you two are made of, especially after witnessing your duels against our soldiers!"

"I can't help but agree that he's too enthusiastic about this…." Soulburner murmured. "Since you're so eager to start, how about we make things more interesting?"

"What do you mean by that?" Lumine asked.

"Let me show you." Soulburner raised his hand and snapped his fingers. "Action Field, on!"

"Field Spell, Cross Over."

Following the announcement from Soulburner's Duel Disk, several glowing blue floating platforms appeared around the area, causing Ladon and Lumine to stare at them with wide eyes.

"I see. You're making this duel an Action Duel, believing it will give the two of you an advantage," Lumine stated. "Try all the gimmicks you like. I assure you it won't be enough to save you."

"We'll see about that," Soulburner retorted.

"Since there are four of us present, how about we make this a Tag Duel?" Ladon suggested. "Both teams will share their Life Points, field, Graveyard and banish zone. Is that acceptable?"

"I don't have any problem with that, and Soulburner seems alright with this as well," Roselyn responded as all four duelists activated their Duel Disks. "Now, let's get this show on the road!"

"Let's Duel!"

All four duelists shouted together while the Action Cards spread across the Action Field.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 4000 LP

Ladon & Lumine: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Ladon announced. "I activate the Spell Card: Dragon Shrine! It lets me send a Dragon monster from my Deck to my Graveyard. I send Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord to the Graveyard!" Once he sent the card, the Spell Card shined. "And since the card I sent was a Normal Monster, Dragon Shrine lets me send another card to the Graveyard!"

Ladon took another monster from his Deck and sent it to the Graveyard.

"He already has a very powerful monster he could bring out later," Roselyn grimaced. "We better watch out..."

"No kidding," Soulburner added.

Soon, a faint image of a small, orange baby dragon appeared next to Ladon.

"I just sent this cutie called Kidmodo Dragon to the Graveyard!" he stated. "And its effect Special Summons a Dragon monster from my hand! And I choose this one! Come forth, Armed Protector Dragon!"

A glowing, otherworldy dragon appeared glowing dark blue in a pillar of light and roared.

Armed Protector Dragon ATK 2000 DEF 2800 LVL: 8

"Then, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Dragon Shield, equipping it to Armed Protector Dragon!" Ladon continued as his monster was covered in armor made of white and gold dragon scales. "Through its effect, my monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and both of us take no damage from battles involving it. And since Armed Protector Dragon is equipped with an Equip Spell, it gains 500 attack points!"

Armed Protector Dragon ATK 2000→2500

"Furthermore, while Armed Protector is on the field, Equip Cards can't be destroyed." Soulburner and Roselyn narrowed their eyes at that. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. Now, show me your full strength without holding back one bit!"

Soulbunrer stepped forward as he placed his hand on his Deck. "My-!"

"Wait, Soulburner!" Roselyn abruptly shouted, getting her partner's attention. "I know what you're thinking. You plan on summoning out Heatleo to use its effect to eliminate Dragon Shield." She narrowed her eyes at Ladon and Lumine. "However, I feel that they're expecting that. By letting me go instead, I can disrupt their plays, set up a defense and leave you support for when your turn comes. So what do you say?"

Soulburner nodded and stepped back. "Go right on ahead."

Roselyn smiled as she placed her hand on her Duel Disk. "My turn! I draw!" She looked at her hand, then narrowed her eyes at Ladon. "Your Armed Protector Dragon's effect keeps itself and its armor well protected for the most part. It prevents Equip Spells and Traps from being destroyed, but that doesn't mean they can't leave the monster." Ladon raised an eyebrow at Roselyn's comment. "I activate the Spell Card: Giant Trunade!"

Ladon's eyes widened. "Giant Trunade?"

Soulburner smirked as a gust of wind started to whistle around them. "Giant Trunade returns every Spell and Trap Card on the field to the owners' hands."

"Armed Protector Dragon prevents the destruction of Equip Cards," Roselyn reminded Ladon. "But it does nothing against effects that return cards to the hand."

Ladon smirked. "I'm proud you found that workaround. Pity it won't work. I activate the Counter Trap Card: Dark Bribe!"

It was Roselyn's eyes' turn to widen. "Dark Bribe?"

"Since you activated a Spell Card, Dark Bribe lets you draw one card, then the activation of Giant Trunade is negated and destroyed."

Roselyn gritted her teeth and drew, angry as the wind died down. Soulburner frowned. He tricked us. Ladon wanted us to believe one of his face-down cards was meant to counter Heatleo in hopes of letting our guard down. He narrowed his eyes at Ladon's remaining Set card. I bet that card's also a Counter Trap.

"What's with that face, Soulbunrer?" The boy turned to face his smirking partner. "Don't tell me you think this duel is over because of one little counter."

Soulburner blinked and then smirked back. "My, my. Since when did you become so confident, Roselyn? I assume you do have a plan to get around this?"

"Of course I do. And it's thanks to Ladon that I can do this."

Ladon raised an eyebrow. "Thanks to me?"

"The card you just let me draw," Roselyn explained. She then played said card. "I activate the Spell Card: Blizzard! Due to its effect, since you have a face-up Spell Card on your field, I can negate that card's effects!"

Ladon grimaced as Armed Protector Dragon's armor became encased in ice.

Soulburner grinned. "Awesome! Since Dragon Shield's effects have been negated, we can destroy Armed Protector and deal damage."

"Way ahead of you," Roselyn said with a smirk. I summon Twilight Rose Knight!"

A little girl with white hair in dark purple armor with a light pink cape carrying a sword appeared on Rosleyn's field.

Twilight Rose Knight ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LV: 3

"Twilight Rose Knight's effect activates! When she's Normal Summoned, I get to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Plant monster from my hand! Come, Botanical Girl!"

A teenage girl wearing plant-like clothing with petal-like hair appeared on Roselyn's field next to Twilight Rose Knight.

Botanical Girl ATK 1300 DEF 1000 LV: 3

"I now tune the Level 3 Twilight Rose Knight with the Level 3 Botanical Girl!"

Following her declaration, a bolt of green lightning struck Roselyn. Soon, the world greyed out, causing both monsters to disappear. Two pink rings appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower then appeared as a screen displayed "3 + 3". The screen changed to a "6" as light surged through the rings.

"Hunter of splendid thorns hidden in the sacred forest! With your whip of punishment in hand, come forth now! I Synchro Summon! Appear now! Level 6! Splendid Rose!"

A woman with blonde hair in a bob cut emerged from the pillar of light. She wore a green and black suit with half a rose around each ankle and had four vines emerging from her back.

Splendid Rose ATK 2200 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"At this moment, Botanical Girl's effect activates!" Roselyn exclaimed. "Since it was sent to the Graveyard, I get to add a Plant monster with 1000 defense points or less from my Deck to my hand."

A card popped out of Roselyn's Deck, which she took and added to her hand. "From there, I activate Splendid Rose's effect! Once per turn, I can banish one Plant monster in my Graveyard, then the attack points of one face-up monster you control are halved!"

"What?" Ladon said, his eyes widening.

"I banish Botanical Girl from my Graveyard," Roselyn said, taking the card out of her Duel Disk, "and halve your Armed Protector Dragon's attack points!"

Armed Protector Dragon ATK 2500→1250

"Battle!" Roselyn declared. "Splendid Rose, attack Armed Protector Dragon!"

Splendid Rose's vines struck the glowing dragon, destroying it. Ladon braced himself against the attack, but one of the vines went out and struck him, causing him to grit his teeth in pain as he fell to the ground.

Ladon & Lumine: 4000→2950 LP

"I activate the Trap Card: Card of Last Will!" Ladon declared as he revealed his remaining Set card. "Since you destroyed one of my monsters by battle, I can draw until I hold five cards!"

"So he refilled his hand, huh…?" Roselyn muttered. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"In that case, it's my turn!" Lumine announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Unexpected Dai! Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from the Deck! Come, Mystery Shell Dragon!"

A dragon in dark black armor with crimson red eyes appeared in Attack Position.

Mystery Shell Dragon ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Swordsoul Emergence! This card lets me add a "Swordsoul" monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Swordsoul of Taia to my hand, which I'll summon!"

A bipedal dragon clad from head to toe in white Chinese armor with spikes on its shoulders. A long, crimson mane flowed from the back of its horned helmet. It wielded a sword with a glowing white blade, almost as if it was made of ice.

Swordsoul of Taia ATK 1800 DEF 1500 LVL: 4

"I activate Taia's effect!" Lumine continued. "By banishing a Wyrm monster or a "Swordsoul" card from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Swordsoul Token. I banish Swordsoul Emergence!"

Following Lumine's words, a blue crystal-like monster with wings appeared on her field.

Swordsoul Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I tune the Level 4 Swordsoul of Taia with the Level 4 Swordsoul Token!"

Lumine declared as a bolt of green lightning struck her, as the world greyed out before her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one white and one blue, appeared before merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared as a screen displayed "4 + 4. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Sacred swords, cross your blades, and become the path for the champion of light to surface. With his unmatched skill, cut through the opposing evil and bring forth the path of righteousness! Synchro Summon! Now appear, Level 8! Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao!"

A bipedal dragon clad from head to toe in crimson and white Chinese armor with golden trims and a cape attached to its shoulders emerged from the light in Attack Position. It wielded a sword with a glowing orange blade, creating the illusion as if it was on fire.

Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao ATK 2800 DEF 1000 LVL: 8

"So one of them plays Dragons while the other uses Wyrms," Soulburner remarked. "Even though they work differently, they have great synergy."

"Agreed." Roselyn nodded. "It's highly likely they can unleash combination attacks using their Decks together. We should tread carefully here."

"Chixiao and Taia's effects now activate!" Lumine exclaimed. "Since Taia was used as Synchro Material, I can send a "Swordsoul" card or Wyrm monster from my Deck to the Graveyard." She took the card from her Deck before revealing it to everyone. "I send Swordsoul Blackout to the Graveyard. Then, thanks to Chixiao's effect, I can add a "Swordsoul" card from my Deck to my hand since it was Synchro Summoned successfully. I add Swordsoul Resolution. Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Amulet of Ambition, equipping it to Mystery Shell Dragon. Now let's battle. Chixiao attacks Splendid Rose!"

Roselyn remained calm as she gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Half Counter! When my monster is attacked, I target my monster, and it gains attack points equal to half the original attack points of the attacking monster until the End Phase. I target Splendid Rose!"

"Not going to happen!" Lumine shouted. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Swordsoul Resolution from my hand!" The card showed The Swordosul Iris slashing through both Bystial Dis Pater and Despain Proskenion with her holy greatsword. "I can activate it from my hand if there is a "Swordsoul" Synchro monster on my field, and thanks to its effect, it negates the activation of your Trap and destroys it!"

Roselyn gasped as her Trap Card shattered.

"That means my monster's attack continues unhindered! Go, Chixiao! Swift Swordsoul Strike!"

"I won't let you!" Roselyn shouted as she grabbed an Action Card from a nearby wall. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Miracle! Thanks to its effect, Splendid Rose Dragon isn't destroyed, and all battle damage is halved!"

Chixiao charged forward as it swung its sword, which failed to destroy Splendid Rose due to a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around it. However, the shockwave struck Soulburner and Roselyn, making them wince in pain.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 4000→3700 LP

"Hoh, so these are Action Cards?" Ladon seemed intrigued. "Certainly, they add a new dimension to the duel. I'll make sure to keep that in mind."

"As will I," Lumine stated. "In any case, the Battle Phase continues. Mystery Shell Dragon attacks Splendid Rose!"

"What's the point of doing that?" Soulburner asked. "Your monster's weaker than ours. So why attack?"

"That's why I equipped it with the Amulet of Ambition. It can only be equipped with a Nomral Monster, like Mystery Shell. And if it battles a monster with a higher Level, its attack points are increased by 500 x the difference in Levels."

Roselyn and Soulburner gasped. "And since Splendid Rose's Level is 6, it's 2 Levels higher than Mystery Shell Dragon."

Ladon nodded while smirking. "And that gives it enough power to take your monster down."

The amulet glowed red as the black dragon got closer, strengthening it.

Mystery Shell Dragon ATK 2000→3000

The black dragon fired a beam of crimson energy from its maw at Splendid Rose, destroying it and sending Roselyn and Soulburner tumbling back.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 3700→2900 LP

Mystery Shell Dragon ATK 3000→2000

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

"My turn!" Soulburner announced. "I draw!" Soulburner drew, then looked up Chixiao's effects. His eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed.

I see, he thought. This monster can negate the effects of one of my monsters by banishing a "Swordsoul" card or Wyrm monster from the Graveyard.

That effect annoyed him, but he must admit it was a good tactic. Against duelists like him and Roselyn, such an effect would limit their options. Or it would make them work to adapt.

"Since I control no cards, I can activate the Trap Card: Infinite Impermanence from my hand!" Ghost Gal declared. "Thanks to its effect, I can negate Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao's effects until the end of the turn!"

A silhouette of the card appeared and glowed as Chixiao greyed out in the process, much to Lumine's dismay.

"Moving on, I summon Salamangreat Falco!"

A blackbird burning in flames appeared on Soulburner's field, letting out a powerful screech.

Salamangreat Falco ATK 1200 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"I now blaze the circuit that scorches the path to the future!"

Fire erupted from his hand, twirling before conjuring a Link Portal.

"The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Falco in the Link Arrow!"

Falco became a whirlwind of fire and entered the bottom arrow.

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

A cat in red and white armor and its flaming tail on fire appeared in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Balelynx ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"Balelynx's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I add Salamangreat Sanctuary from my Deck to my hand." Soulburner took the card before continuing. "Since I performed a Link Summon this turn, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Mole!"

An armored mole with flaming front paws appeared at Baelynx's bottom Link Arrow in Defense Position.

Salamangreat Mole ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Soulburner raised his hand as another Link Portal appeared. "I'll blaze my circuit once again! The summoning conditions are two Fire Effect Monsters. I set Mole and Balelynx in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the top and bottom arrows.

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

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

Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↑↓

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

A blue and green mechanical peacock with feathers made of fire appeared at Sunlight Wolf's bottom Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Fowl ATK 1800 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Sunlight Wolf's effect activates! When a monster is Special Summoned to its Link Marker, I can add a Fire monster from my Graveyard to my hand, but I cannot Normal Summon, Set, or Special Summon any monsters with that monster's name. I add Salamangreat Falco to my hand. Soulburner raised his hand again. "For a third time, I'll blaze my circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more Fire Effect Monsters. I set Mole and Link-2 Sunlight Wolf in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A large anthropomorphic lion covered in orange armor with wings emerged from the portal and roared from the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"There it is. Soulburner's ace monster," Ladon noted.

"Heatleo's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, one card in your Spell & Trap Zone is shuffled into your Deck!" Lumine's eyes widened. "Resounding Roar!"

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

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

"Heatleo burst into flames and entered the magic circle.

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

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

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Reincarnation Link Summon..." Ladon chuckled. "This duel's going to be more fun than I thought."

"Heatleo's effect activates! Resounding Roar!"

Heatleo roared as Lumine's remaining face-down card disappeared.

"Next, I activate Heatleo's second effect! Since it was Reincarnation Link Summoned, I can target a monster on the field and a monster in my Graveyard. Until the end of the turn, the monster's attack points on the field become the monster's attack points in the Graveyard. I target Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao on your field and Salamangreat Mole in my Graveyard! Flame Possession!"

Heatleo let loose a blast of flames that struck the Synchro Monster, making it groan.

Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao ATK 2800→0

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Salamangreat Claw!" Soulburner continued. "And equip it to Heatleo." A massive orange gauntlet with two prongs at the end materialized around Heatleo's left arm. "Thanks to its effect, Heatleo can't be destroyed by battle or card effects. And when Claw is equipped to a Reincarnation Link Summoned monster, it can attack for every Link Arrow it has. Since it has three Link Arrows, Heatleo can attack three times!"

"What!?" Ladon and Lumine gasped.

"Battle! Heatleo attacks Chixiao! Inferno Strike!"

Raging flames surrounded Heatleo as it charged forward, piercing through the Sworsoul Synchro Monster's body. However, Lumine didn't remain idle as she grabbed a nearby Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Damage Banish, whose effect reduces the battle damage to 0!" she shouted.

Soulburner scowled in annoyance. "You're forgetting that my monster still has an attack left." He gestured to his field. "The second attack! Heatleo attacks Mystery Shell Dragon!"

The previous scene was repeated as Heatleo destroyed the black dragon, with the ensuing shockwave pushing Lumine and Ladon back a bit.

Ladon & Lumine: 2950→2650 LP

"I place a card face-down and end my turn," Soulburner concluded.

"My turn!" Ladon announced. "I draw! Through our earlier exchange, I believe I've grasped your respective styles. Roselyn's Deck focus on swarming the field and gaining an advantage using their Synchro Monsters, while Soulburner's Deck strikes fast and hard by utilizing his Field Spell to lead to reincarnated forms of his Extra Deck Monsters to take down his opponents with overwhelming power. I can't help but laugh at the irony that the styles of you two almost mirror mine and Lumine's style down to the fact that they mesh well together even if they appear incompatible. Still, even if you employ tactics similar to ours, that doesn't mean you'll be able to take us down so easily. I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity, whose effect allows me to draw three cards from my Deck and discard two from my hand. Moving on, I summon The King of D.!"

A monster clad in dragon armor that held a blue guitar with three handles with dragon heads at their edges appeared on Ladon's field.

The King of D. ATK 1200 DEF 1100 LVL: 4

"I activate The King of D.'s effect, sending Cost Down from my hand to the Graveyard to add the Spell Card The Flute of Summoning Dragon from my Deck to my hand and activate it." Ladon continued. "Thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon two Dragon monsters from my hand if I control Lord of D."

"But you don't control that monster!" Roselyn protested.

"King of D. is always treated as Lord of D. via its effect," Ladon explained. "Which means I can Special Summon these two monsters. Come, White Horned Dragon and Pandemic Dragon!"

Following Ladons's words, The King of D. blew a dragon-shaped flute that appeared before it. Immediately afterward, two portals appeared above Ladon and Lumine, out of which a slender red dragon armed with a single, shining white horn and a violet-colored dragon with several protrusions that formed a biohazard symbol emerged and landed on the field.

White-Horned Dragon ATK 2200 DEF 1400 LVL: 6

Pandemic Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 1000 LVL: 7

"Two powerful monsters in one turn?" Soulburner narrowed his eyes. "It looks like he's starting to get serious…"

"White-Horned Dragon's effect activates!" Ladon continued. "When summoned, I can banish up to five Spell Cards in my opponent's Graveyard and increase its attack points by 300 for each card removed. Since you only have three, I'll remove all of them to give my dragon a 900 attack point boost!"

Giant Trunade, Blizzard, and Miracle appeared and disappeared into nothing.

White-Horned Dragon ATK 2200→3100

"I activate the Spell Card: Swing of Memories, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a Normal Monster from my Graveyard," Ladon stated. "However, the summoned Monster is destroyed during the End Phase. Be revived, Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord!"

A golden sphere descended from the sky and appeared on Ladon's field in Defense Position.

Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 8

"Following that, I activate the Spell Card: A Wingbeat of Giant Dragon! Now, by returning one Level 5 or higher Dragon monster on my field back to my hand, all Spell and Trap Cards are destroyed!"

The golden sphere rose into the air before vanishing as a giant whirlwind raged around the impromptu arena, causing all Spell and Trap Cards on Soulburner and Roselyn's field to disappear.

"Next, I activate Pandemic Dragon's effect!" Ladon continued. "Once per turn, I can target a monster with attack points equal to or less than this card's and destroy it! I choose Salamangreat Heatleo! Viral Spread Shot!"

"I don't think so!" Soulburner exclaimed. "If a "Salamangreat" monster I control would be destroyed by battle or card effect, I can banish Balelynx from my Graveyard instead!"

A fiery aura surrounded Heatleo, which protected him from three violet-colored blasts that erupted from Pandemic Dragon's protrusions.

"Even if you got yourself out of this jam, my turn isn't over yet!" Landon said as he gestured to his field. "Battle! White-Horned Dragon attacks Heatleo!"

As the red-scaled dragon's horn glowed, Soulburner jumped to a nearby platform, grabbing an Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Tenacity!" Soulburner shouted. "Due to its effect, Heatleo cannot be destroyed this turn!"

A beam of white energy erupted from the dragon's horn, striking Heatleo and sending Soulburner and Roselyn skidding back due to the ensuing shockwave.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 2900→2100 LP

"Next, Pandemic Dragon attacks Heatleo!"

Pandemic Dragon unleashed a blast of orange energy from its maw, which enveloped Heatleo and sent Soulburner and Roselyn tumbling to the ground due to the force of the ensuing explosion.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 2100→1900 LP

"While I wish to continue, I have no remaining attacks," Ladon said. "But don't worry, the excitement is far from over."

"What you should do is get your act together." Lumine scolded her teammate. "Don't forget our mission."

"Kill my joy, won't you, Lumine…?" Ladon muttered. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Roselyn announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Gap Draw!" The card showed Gagagigo standing on one side of a canyon and Marauding Captain on the other. "Since you control more monsters than us, I can draw one card equal to the difference, in this case, two!"

Upon drawing her cards and checking them out, Roselyn let out a small smile.

"Looks like I got a good haul. Time to put them to good use. But first, I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity, which allows me to draw three cards from my Deck and discard two. And since one of the discarded cards was Cards of Compensation, I can draw two cards through its effect. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Pre-Preparation of Rites, whose effect lets me add a Ritual Monster and its corresponding Ritual Spell from my Deck to my hand. I add Black Rose Ritual and Paladin of Rose Dragon to my hand."

"Ritual?" Lumine repeated. "So you're resorting to Ritual Summoning?"

"That's right," Roselyn confirmed. "I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Black Rose Ritual! This allows me to Ritual Summon any "Rose" Ritual Monster by Tributing monsters whose Levels equal or exceed that of the Ritual Monster in my hand. I Tribute the Level 4 Botanical Lion from my hand!"

Following Roselyn's words, a large stone altar that resembled a flower garden appeared on the field. A spectral form of a lion wearing golden armor with its mane made of red flower petals appeared before turning into particles and was absorbed by the altar, with a torrent of red and purple erupting from it as Roselyn chanted.

"Cold flames born through the pleading of the divine. Bloom and strike the world in your gorgeous flames! I Ritual Summon! Come forth, Paladin of Rose Dragon!

A female knight clad in red and black armor with red lining that resembled thorns wielding a blade of the same color in its right hand, riding on a small dragon resembling Black Rose Dragon, appeared on the field in Attack Position.

Paladin of Rose Dragon ATK 1900 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"Another Ritual Monster?" Soulburner smirked as he turned. "Looks like you've been progressing well with this summoning method."

"Thanks. But my turn is far from finished!" Roselyn grinned as she gestured toward her monster. "Paladin of Rose Dragon's effect activates! When this card is successfully Ritual Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Plant monster from my Deck or Graveyard. I Special Dark Verger from my Deck!"

The armored knight slashed the air with its blade, opening a rift from which a dark green plant appeared with two eyes on its leaves.

Dark Verger ATK 0 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"Next, I summon Rose, Warrior of Revenge!"

A female ninja with red hair clad in a blue outfit wielding a wakizashi appeared on the field next to Dark Verger.

Rose, Warrior of Revenge ATK 1600 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

Lumine narrowed her eyes at Roselyn's new monster. "That monster's a Tuner," she noted. "Which means only one thing..."

"I now tune Rose, Warrior of Revenge with Dark Verger!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Roselyn as the world greyed out, and her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one red and one green, appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower appeared as a screen displayed "4 + 2". The screen changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.

Archer of the sacred forest!" Roselyn chanted. "Strike down intruders that wish to bring harm to your kingdom! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Rose Sniper!"

A woman wearing a red leotard-like outfit with fingerless gloves, red stockings with black low heel boots and a torn scarf but more torn-up by the ends appeared on the field in Attack Position. She wielded a dark green and red bow and carried a quill with black thorn-like arrows.

Rose Sniper ATK 2400 DEF 2200 LVL: 6

"This time, we have Ritual and Synchro Summoning in a single turn?" Ladon remarked. "You pull off some amusing moves out of nowhere, Roselyn. However, can your two new monsters stand up to my dragons?"

"Why don't you see for yourself?" Roselyn let out a sly smile. "Rose Sniper's effect activates! When it's Synchro Summoned, I target one Plant monster in my Graveyard and inflict damage equal to half its attack points. I target Splendid Rose! Rose Cross!"

Rose Sniper aimed and shot two bright red arrows from its bow at Ladon and Lumine.

"I activate the Trap Card: Damage Eraser!" Ladon declared. "Thanks to its effect, if I would take effect damage, I gain an equal amount of Life Points instead!"

A radar-like device appeared before Ladon and Lumine as it absorbed the two arrows and transformed them into a rain of golden-colored particles that enveloped the duo.

Ladon & Lumine: 2650→3750 LP

Roselyn gritted her teeth in frustration before calming down. "No problem. I'll go to Plan B." She gestured to her field. "I activate Heatleo's effect! Since it was Reincarnation Link Summoned, I can change your monster's attack points to the attack points of a "Salamangreat" monster in my Graveyard. I make Pandemic Dragon's attack points equal to Salamangreat Mole's in our Graveyard! Flame Possession!"

Heatleo blasted fire at the purple-colored dragon, which cried out in pain.

Pandemic Dragon ATK 2500→0

"Now it's time for battle!" Roselyn exclaimed. "Rose Sniper attacks White-Horned Dragon!"

Roselyn's Synchro Monster nocked an arrow and fired it at the crimson-scaled dragon. Ladon and Lumine were confused by her play and expected their monster to win the battle, but to their surprise when the arrow hit, the dragon warped and disappeared.

"What?" Ladon said, blinking. "What happened?"

Roselyn smirked. "When Rose Sniper attacks an opponent's monster whose attack points differ from its original value," she explained. "I can shuffle that monster back into your Deck." Her smirk widened. "Furthermore, you take damage equal to half the returned monster's original attack points!"

This time, a crimson-colored energy blast was shot from the tip of Rose Sniper's arrow, striking Ladon squarely in his chest.

Ladon & Lumine: 3750→2650 LP

"Next, Paladin of Rose Dragon attacks King of D.!" Roselyn shouted. "Blooming Blade!"

Rose petals surrounded the armored knight's blade as it charged forward and slash the dragonic mage with its sword, destroying it.

Ladon & Lumine: 2650→1950 LP

"Finally, Heatleo, take down Pandemic Dragon!" Roselyn pointed at Ladon's remaining monster. "Inferno Strike!"

Upon seeing that Heatleo was getting ready to attack, Ladon started running in search of an Action Card. In response, Roselyn motioned at her two remaining monsters to stop Ladon. However, he avoided them in the nick of time, grabbing an Action Card off a platform just as Heatleo's claw was about to strike Pandemic Dragon.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Twilight Healing!" Ladon exclaimed. "Through its effect, I can negate one instance of damage and increase both teams' Life Points by 600!"

With a mighty swing of its claw, Heatleo bisected Pandemic Dragon, with its remains turning into particles of light that enveloped the four duelists.

Ladon & Lumine: 1950→2550 LP

Roselyn & Soulburner: 1900→2500 LP

"Furthermore, Pandemic Dragon's effect activates! When this card is destroyed, all monsters on the field lose 1000 attack points!"

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300→0

Paladin of Rose Dragon ATK 1900→900

Rose Sniper ATK 2400→1400

Following Ladon's words, a purple-colored vapor surrounded the field, sticking on Roselyn and Soulburner's monsters and causing several biohazard markings on their bodies.

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

"It looks like I have to pick up the slack as always," Lumine grumbled. "My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Roll of Fate! This card lets me roll a six-sided die and draw cards equal to the result. Afterward, I must banish cards from the top of my Deck equal to that result. Go, Dice Roll!"

A dice flew out of Roll of Fate and landed on the ground. After it stopped rolling, it eventually stopped at a five.

"Just what I need. Because I rolled a five, I get to draw six cards." She drew her cards, then said, "I summon Swordsoul of Mo Ye!"

A female warrior with pitch-black skin covered by white and pink Chinese armor, having a dragon-themed helmet and tail, appeared on Lumine's field. She wielded a segmented sword in her hands, enveloped by a flow of clear water.

Swordsoul of Mo Ye ATK 1700 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"I activate Mo Ye's effect! When summoned, I can reveal a "Swordsoul" card in my hand, like Swordsoul Blackout to Special Summon a Swordsoul Token.!"

Swordsoul Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Appear, my circuit!" Lumine declared as a Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two monsters, including a "Swordsoul" monster. I set Swordsoul of Mo Ye and my Swordsoul Token in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-2! Swordsoul Aura Master- Huaiwen!"

A dragon-like woman, wearing a full body red, white colored Chinese armor with a long cape split in half and resembling dragon wings. It wielded twin small great blades with long chains attached to the end of the handles, able to throw them and swing them around like harpoons.

Swordsoul Aura Master - Huaiwen ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Huaiwen's effect activates! When it's Link Summoned, I can target one card on your field and banish it." Roselyn and Soulburner's eyes widened. "To ensure you can't use its effect on your turn, I banish Salamangreat Heatleo!"

Following Lumine's words, Huaiwen swung its sword, creating a wave of energy that struck Heatleo, causing it to disappear from the field.

"Moving on, I activate Swordsoul of Lieyan Fu's effect from my hand!" Lumine continued. "If I control a "Swordsoul" monster, I can Special Summon it!"

A bipedal dragon with crimson scales, two wings, and golden horns which curled backward, sprouting from its head. It had a hole in its chest that burned energy like a reactor and held an axe.

Swordsoul of Lieyan Fu ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Lieyan Fu's effect activates! When it's Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a Swordsoul Token!"

Swordsoul Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I now tune the Level 4 Swordsoul Token with the Level 4 Lieyan Fu!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Lumine as the world grayed out and her monsters disintegrated into particles. Two rings appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared as a screen displayed "4 + 4". The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Incarnation of viciousness preying on the hapless!" Lumine chanted. "Turn this world into an ocean of fire and brimstone! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 8! Swordsoul Grandmaster - Da Hou!"

A bipedal dragon with dark purple scales, four flaming wings, and clad in light blue armor with cyan gems and several spikes jutting out of it appeared on the field in Attack Position. Instead of holding a sword, its flaming claws acted as its weapon of choice.

Swordsoul Grandmaster - Da Hou ATK 2800 DEF 1000 LVL: 8

"Swordsoul Grandmaster - Da Hou's effect activates! When this card is Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Swordsoul" monster from my Graveyard. Revive, Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao!"

Da Hou extended its hand, generating a portal out of which emerged Chixiao.

Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao ATK 2800 DEF 1000 LVL: 8

"Battle!" Lumine exclaimed. "Swordsoul Aura Master - Huaiwen, attack Paladin of Rose Dragon!"

Following Lumine's words, the Swordsoul Link Monster charged forward and raised its sword, slashing the Ritual Monster in half and generating a large explosion. However, when the smoke cleared, Roselyn and Soulburner had not lost a single Life Point.

"This is…" Ladon's expression hardened. "Don't tell me…you used an Action Card again?"

"Not quite," Roselyn smirked. "After all, using the same trick repeatedly would be dull. Right before your teammate's monster destroyed mine, I activated the Trap Card Impenetrable Attack. Thanks to it, I can either prevent a monster's destruction by battle or negate all battle damage I would take. I chose the latter."

"A clever ploy." Lumine sneered. "However, you're still too naïve! Da Hou's effect activates! Since a monster I control destroyed an opponent's monster, you take 600 points of damage! Trident Spark!"

Several crimson bolts were launched from Da Hou's claws, striking Roselyn and Soulburner squarely on their chests and sending them skidding back.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 2500→1900 LP

"Next, Da Hou will attack Rose Sniper!" Lumine pointed at the Synchro Monster. "Destruction Claw!"

Da Hou surged forward following Lumine's command and slashed at Rose Sniper, destroying it.

"And don't forget you'll receive 600 points of damage once more!" Lumine reminded Soulburner and Roselyn. "Trident Spark!"

The two youths were again struck by a barrage of crimson shots, which forced them onto their knees.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 1900→1300 LP

Lumine smirked as she narrowed her eyes at Soulburner and Roselyn. "Now, what will you do, you two? Thanks to the combined effects of my Swordsoul monsters, your field is wide open. It was fun while it lasted, but this is the end of the line for you two."

"Is that so?" Roselyn smirked. "You're being a bit premature. The match is far from over! When Rose Sniper is destroyed, its effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a Plant monster from my Graveyard! Return, Splendid Rose!"

A portal appeared on the ground, and Splendid Rose emerged onto the field in Defense Position.

Splendid Rose ATK 2200 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"In that case, Chixiao will destroy your Splendid Rose!" Lumine exclaimed. "Emerald Blaze!"

Like Huaiwen, Chixiao charged forward and sliced Splendid Rose in two with its blades, destroying it.

"Since another monster was destroyed, you'll receive 600 points of damage once again!" Lumine gleefully said. "Trident Spark!"

Da Hou unleashed a powerful blast from its claws, sending Soulburner and Roselyn flying back.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 1300→700 LP

"You're as merciless as always, Lumine," Ladon said as sweat formed on his forehead.

"What can I say?" Lumine responded. "It's better to rough them up so they don't entertain notions of escaping once we win this duel."

"Like I said…merciless…." Ladon sighed before turning to Soulburner and Roselyn. "Oi, you two! Are you still breathing there!?"

"Don't…worry…" Soulburner wheezed as both he and Roselyn slowly stood up. "We've been…through much worse treatment than this in this past. This is nothing in comparison."

"Furthermore…the duel is far from over, so you shouldn't proclaim your victory just yet." Roselyn pointed out.

"It looks like you two are still determined to fight even though you're in such a disadvantageous position," Ladon smirked. "I admire your guts and spirit. Yosh, let's fire things up even more in that case!"

"…I would prefer for them to roll over and surrender quietly, but since they seem so eager to prolong their suffering, I suppose I have no choice but to indulge them." Lumine huffed. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

We have three "Swordsoul monsters". Soulburner thought as he narrowed his eyes at Ladon and Lumine's field. Not to mention they have 2550 Life Points and two face-down cards. If I can somehow destroy their monsters and inflict enough damage, I might be able to end this.

"My turn!" Soulburner announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw, whose effect allows me to draw five cards from my Deck if I can guess the top card of my Deck successfully. However, if I guess wrong, I'm forced to send five cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I declare that my top card is a Spell Card. Now, let's draw!"

Soulburner checked his top card and let out a triumphant smile.

"My guess is correct, meaning I get to draw five cards," Soulburner stated. "Next, I activate the Spell Card: Link Fire's Return! This lets me Special Summon a "Salamangreat" Link Monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Heatleo!"

The flaming lion reappeared and roared.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Then, Link Fire's Return's effect inflicts damage equal to Heatleo's Link Rating times 200! Heatleo is Link-3, so you take 600 points of damage!"

Ladon and Lumine flinched from being hit by a small explosion.

Ladon & Lumine: 2550→1950 LP

"From there, I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Kindred!" The card showed Double Iris Magician, Black Fang Magician, White Wing Magician and Violet Poison Magicians floating in space with different colored auras surrounding them. "By targeting Heatleo, I can add two Pendulum Monsters from my Deck to my hand who share the same Type and Attribute as the targeted monster. I add Scale 1 Salamangreat Hound and Scale 9 Salamangreat Jackal to my hand. But they won't stay there long because I'm using them to set the Pendulum Scale!"

Two columns of light appeared at Soulburner and Roselyn's sides. The pillar on the left contained a black and red-colored basset hound with white armored pieces covered in flames. It had antenna-like ears, emerald eyes, sharp claws and a tail that resembled an exhaust pipe. And the pillar on the right contained a brown and black-colored jackal with exhaust attachments on the back of its back legs that shot out flames and a red gem on its forehead.

Salamangreat Hound Scale: 1

Salamangreat Jackal Scale: 9

"There it is!" Ladon enthusiastically exclaimed. "The rumored Pendulum Summon has made an appearance!"

"And if the data is correct, you can summon monsters with Levels between the Scales," Lumine stated. "So you're planning on Pendulum Summoning next?"

"Not quite," Soulburner answered. "I have something else in my mind." He pointed upward. "I activate Salamangreat Hound's Pendulum Effect! Since I control a "Salamangreat" Link Monster, I can add Fusion of Fire to my hand."

"Fusion…" Roselyn repeated as she turned to Soulburner. "You bringing out your Fusion Monster?"

"Not just yet," Soulburner replied while smiling. "First, I activate the Spell Card: Fusion Tag. By revealing a Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, I can target one monster on my field and change its name to the monster I showed you. I reveal Salamangreat Violet Chimera to you and target Heatleo, which means its name is now changed to Salamangreat Violet Chimera!"

A silhouette of Violet Chimera briefly surrounded Heatleo before dissipating.

"Now, I activate the Spell Card: Fusion of Fire! Using its effect, I can Fusion Summon a "Salamangreat" Fusion Monster using monsters from my hand and field as material! And the best part is, Fusion of Fire lets me use monsters from either of our fields as Fusion Material!"

"Are you serious?!" Lumine exclaimed out of shock.

"Obviously!" Soulburner confirmed. "I use Swordsoul Aura Master - Huaiwen on your field and Salamangreat Heatleo from my field as Fusion Materials!"

Heatleo dissolved into orange flames, while Huaiwen dissolved into purple flames, with both entering a Fusion Portal that appeared above Soulburner.

"When the flames consume the old, a new creature reigns supreme! Reincarnation Fusion Summon! Arise, Salamangreat Violet Chimera!"

A humanoid purple metal lion with grey plating appeared on Soulburner and Roselyn's field in Attack Position. His right hand ended with a lance, and his left ended with a mouth. Grey and silver spines sprouted out of his sides, which took the form of six wings as light blue flames burned on his wings, back and head.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"He can fuse using monsters from either field?" Ladon said in astonishment.

"Violet Chimera's effect activates!" Soulburner said. "When it's successfully summoned, until the End Phase, it gains attack points equal to half the Fusion Material Monsters' attack points!"

"Heatleo had 2300 attack points," Roselyn noted. "And Huaiwen had 2000 attack points."

"That means Violet Chimera gains 2150 attack points," Ladon concluded.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800→4950

"Impressive," Lumine commentated. "Too bad for you, I'm one step ahead. I activate Chixiao's effect! I can negate Violet Chimera's effects by banning Swordsoul of Lieyan Fu from my Graveyard!"

"I won't let you do that!" Roselyn shouted as she grabbed an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Malfunction to negate Chixiao's effects until the End Phase!"

"Thanks, partner. I owe you one," Soulburner said before continuing with his turn. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters! By discarding one card from my hand, I can target up to two Spell and Trap Cards on the field and destroy them. I target and destroy both your face-down cards!"

As Soulburner discarded a card from his hand, two twisters emerged from the Spell Card, destroying both of Lumine's face-down cards.

"Battle!" Soulburner exclaimed. "Violet Chimera, attack Swordsoul Grandmaster - Da Hou! And at this moment, Violet Chimera's second effect activates! When Violet Chimera is Reincarnation Fusion Summoned, your monster's attack points drop to zero. Violet Crackdown!"

Violet Chimera let out a roar and forced Da Hou down to its knees in pain.

Swordsoul Grandmaster - Da Hou ATK 2800→0

"And last but not least, when Violet Chimera battles a monster whose attack points are different than its original attack points, his attack points double! Violet Submersion!"

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 4950→9900

"Go, Violet Chimera! Violet Soul!"

Lumine gritted her teeth and started moving, barely evading a wave of flames that Violet Chimera shot from its mouth in its attempt to impede her. After dodging the flames, Lumine grabbed an Action Card from a nearby platform just as Violet Chimera's lance struck her monster and obliterated it.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Encore!" Lumine shouted. "Due to its effect, I can copy the effects of an Action Spell in my Graveyard! I will activate the effect of Damage Banish to reduce the damage to 0!"

Soulburner before reluctantly smirking. "You might have survived. But I'll ensure your other monster won't!"

Following his words, Soulburner jumped to a platform and grabbed an Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Rocket Spike! It destroys a monster on your field, and you take 1000 points of damage!"

A pair of rockets appeared from the sky and came crashing toward Chixiao. Lumine tried to reach an Action Card on a wall not far from her, but a wave of flames created by Violet Chimera appeared before her, blocking her path. Ladon looked for an Action Card and found one on a platform above. He jumped and reached for it. But before he could, his body was hit by Violet Chimera's tail, sending him on his back on the floor with a cry of pain. Unfortunately for them, the rockets hit Chixiao, causing an explosion that sent Ladon and Lumine back several feet.

Ladon & Lumine: 1950→950 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Soulburner stated. "At this moment, Violet Chimera's attack points return to their normal value."

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 9900→2800

"Then, it's my turn!" Ladon announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Sanctity! Due to its effect, all players draw cards until they have six. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Ancient Rules! Through its effect, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from my hand. Appear, Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord!"

A golden sphere reappeared on the field in Defense Position.

Hieratic Seal of the Sun Dragon Overlord ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 8

"I activate the Spell Card: Trade-In! By discarding a Level 8 monster, I can draw two cards. I discard Felgrand Dragon!" Ladon drew, then said, "Next, I will banish Sun Dragon Overlord to Special Summon this card from my hand. Come forth, Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon!"

A large, black dragon coated in shining, metallic armor with red lines appeared on the field in Attack Position. It also had large wings shaped like three large, curved blades.

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

(Note: In this duel, Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon differs from the one used in Chapter 21. This one is the TCG version).

"I activate Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon's effect!" Ladon declared. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Dragon-type Monster from my hand or Graveyard. Return from my Graveyard, Felgrand Dragon!"

A dark-colored portal appeared on the ground, with a large black and gold dragon with a silver underbelly emerging from it and landing on Ladon and Lumine's field.

Felgrand Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 2800 LVL: 8

"If you think my dragon's tough now, just wait! It's about to get even tougher!" Ladon stated. "Felgrand Dragon's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, I can choose a monster in my Graveyard and increase Felgrand Dragon's attack points equal to that monster's Level times 200! I'll pick my Armed Protector Dragon! With it being Level 8, Felgrand gains 1800 attack points!"

The big dragon roared as its body became surrounded by a golden aura.

Felgrand Dragon ATK 2800→4400

"Not bad, but you're wasting your time," Soulburner stated. "No matter how much you strengthen your monsters, Violet Chimera's effect will reduce their attack points to zero."

"Then why don't I change that?" Lumine said as she jumped on a nearby platform and grabbed an Action Card. "All right! I activate the Action Card: Sky Meteor! With this, I can banish a monster on the field with 2500 or more attack points! I choose Violet Chimera!"

Soulburner gritted his teeth. "In that case, I'll take it out for you!" he said. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystik Wok! "By Tributing a monster, I gain Life Points equal to that monster's attack points! I Tribute Violet Chimera to gain 2800 Life Points!"

The Fusion Monster disintegrated into light as Soulburner and Roselyn glowed yellow.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 700→3500 LP

"In that case, it's time to battle!" Ladon exclaimed. "Felgrand Dragon, attack Soulburner and Roselyn directly! Grand Flame!"

"I won't let you!" Roselyn yelled as she grabbed an Action Card from a nearby platform. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Evasion! Thanks to it, your attack is negated!"

Ladon gritted his teeth. "Fine then! Darkness Metal Dragon attacks you directly! Darkness Metal Flare!"

Darkness Metal's body glowed as he charged up red, hot energy in his maw that fired at Soulburner and Roaelyn, sending them flying.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 3500→700 LP

"And I'm far from finished!" Ladon grabbed an Action Card from a nearby platform, but he clicked his tongue upon seeing that it wouldn't help him decide the match. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Fire Crystal, which will inflict 600 points of damage to the both of you!"

A large ball of flame was shot toward Soulburner and Roselyn, generating a large explosion upon striking their bodies, sending them tumbling back several feet.

Roselyn & Soulburner: 700→100 LP

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Ladon said. "Now, do you two have something else up your sleeve, or have you run out of ideas?"

"Far from it." Roselyn let out a smile. "Thanks to the cards you've given me, I can end this duel in our victory!"

"Hoh, that's interesting." Ladon grinned. "Even though we hold the advantage, you claim you have the means to come out on top and end the duel in your victory? Now that would be a sight to behold. In that case, come at us with all you've got!"

"As you wish!" Roselyn said. "My turn! I draw! First, I summon Evil Thorn!"

A dark, spiky plant with a shriveled, pink flower on one side and a massive grenade on the other sprouted onto the field.

"I activate Evil Thorn's effect! By Tributing it, I can inflict 300 points of damage to my opponent!"

Evil Thorn flung the massive grenade at Soulburner before shriveling up, causing him to wince slightly.

Ladon & Lumine: 950→650 LP

"And then, Evil Thorn's second effect lets me Special Summon up to two Evil Thorns from my Deck!"

Two more Evil Thorns appeared on the field in Attack Position.

Evil Thorn ATK 100 DEF 300 LVL: 1 x 2

"The Evil Thorn Special Summoned by this effect cannot activate its effects this turn," Roselyn stated. "I activate the Spell Card: One for One! By discarding a monster card, I can Special Summon a Level 1 monster from my hand or Deck! I discard Rose Tentacles to Special Summon Glow-Up Bulb!"

A small plant with a flower on its top and a single purple eye in its center appeared.

Glow-Up Bulb ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"And since a Tuner was Special Summoned, I can Special Summon Dark Rose Fairy from my hand!''

A green-haired fairy wearing a rose-like dress with a lantern in her hands appeared.

Dark Rose Fairy ATK 800 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"Lastly, since a Tuner monster is on my field, I can Special Summon Quillbolt Hedgehog from my Graveyard!"

An orange hedgehog with screws covering its back joined Roselyn's army of monsters.

Quillbolt Hedgehog ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"When did-?" Lumine asked, then it hit her. "You sent that card to the Graveyard when you used Graceful Charity earlier!"

"Yes," Roselyn answered. "I place a card face-down and tune Level 1 Glow-Up Bulb with the two Level 1 Evil Thorn and the Level 2 Dark Rose Fairy and Quillbolt Hedgehog!"

The world grayed out as green energy gathered around Roselyn before blasting upwards. Her monsters disintegrated into data that reformed into five rings. The rings turned blue and merged before reforming into seven blue rings in a tower. "1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2" before shifting to "7". A beam of light shot through the rings.

"The cold flame envelops the entire world. Black flower, bloom! Synchro Summon! Appear, Black Rose Dragon!"

A massive, black-skinned dragon, whose entire body was covered in roses, spread out her wings and let out a shriveling roar as she was summoned in Attack Position. She had a long, slender neck covered in roses at the back and three mandibles made of roses on her head. She also had clawed draconic feet. In addition, the dragon had a long, thorned tail and thinner thorned tails. Black Rose Dragon's orange eyes glowed as she glared at Esper.

Black Rose Dragon ATK 2400 DEF 1800 LV: 7

"When will you fools realize you cannot raise a hand against the Syndicate?" Ladon asked. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: The Huge Revolution is Over! Since you activated a card effect that would destroy two or more cards on the field, that effect is negated, and the card that activated the effect is banished!"

Following Ladon's declaration, Black Rose Dragon glowed bright white and dissolved into particles.

Lumine smirked. "You were planning on using your dragon's effect to destroy every card on the field," she said. "Including your face-down card. Which I assume is Forced Rebirth, right?"

Soulburner gritted his teeth. "Looks like they were on to you. Please tell me you have a backup plan.

Roselyn turned to Soulburner and smiled. "Of course I do. And it starts with this. I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn! With this, I'll Special Summon a monster from our Graveyards. Return to me, Black Rose Dragon!"

A portal appeared on Roselyn's field, with Black Rose emerging.

Black Rose Dragon ATK 2400 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"Next, I activate the effect of Glow-Up Bulb from my Graveyard!" Roselyn continued. "Once per duel, I can send the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard and Special Summon it back to the field!"

Following her words, the small plant bulb sprouted onto the field.

Glow-Up Bulb ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"I tune the Level 1 Glow-Up Bulb with the Level 7 Black Rose Dragon!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Roselyn before the world greyed out, and her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one red and one purple, appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared as a screen displayed "1 + 7". The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Resurrected rose, let your frozen, blazing flames bloom worldwide!" Roselyn chanted. "Burn like a phoenix and leave everything in ashes! I Synchro Summon! Come forth, Shining Rose Phoenix!"

A large female humanoid that resembled a phoenix with red and gold outlines all over her body appeared on the field. She had a pair of petal-like wings and wore a crown made out of roses with sharp dragon horns on its head.

Shining Rose Phoenix ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"Shining Rose Phoenix…?" Lumine stared at the new monster. "However, with only 2800 attack points, it cannot possibly surpass Felgrand Dragon or even Darkness Metal. What meaning is there to summoning such a monster? Unless your aim is…."

"As expected of someone who claims to be an elite duelist, you don't rush to conclusions based on a superficial point of view," Roselyn said. "I activate Shining Rose Phoenix's effect! When this card is summoned successfully, I can destroy all monsters you control or all your Spells and Traps! Do it, my Phoenix! Shining Flame Gale!"

Shining Rose Phoenix flapped its wings, generating a large whirlwind of flames that engulfed the two dragons, destroying them in an explosion.

Soulburner raised his fist in excitement. "Perfect!" he cheered. "You manage to clear their field in one swoop!"

"Like I'll let you filthy Top 10 defeat us!" Ladon bellowed as he activated his Duel Anchor, using it to grab an Action Card from a platform a few meters away and bring it to his hand. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Revival Fighter! Thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon a monster that was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard this turn. Return to me, Felgrand Dragon!"

Following Ladon's words, the gold and black dragon returned to the field from a portal that appeared on the ground.

Felgrand Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 2800 LVL: 8

"Felgrand Dragon's effect activates! When this card is Special Summoned, I can target a monster in my Graveyard and increase Felgrand's attack points equal to the targeted monster's Level multiplied by 200. I target the Level 10 Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon to increase my dragon's attack points by 2000!"

Felgrand Dragon ATK 2800→4800

Ladon smirked. "Looks like we have the stronger monster now."

"Not for long," Roselyn stated. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Megamorph and equip it to Shining Rose Phoenix! Since our Life Points are lower than yours, Shining Rose Phoenix's attack points now become double its original attack points!"

A golden aura materialized around the Synchro Monster as she let out a powerful screech.

Shining Rose Phoenix ATK 2800→5600

"It's time to end this! Battle! Go, Shining Rose Phoenix! Attack Felgrand Dragon! Shining Rose Flare!"

"Too bad, but I still have one trick up my sleeve!" Ladon exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Fiery Fervor!"

Roselyn gasped. "A Trap?"

"Fiery Fervor equips itself to Felgrand Dragon!" Ladon continued. "And as you control a monster whose current attack points are higher than its original attack points, Felgrand Dragon's attack points are doubled during the Damage Step!"

"WHAT?!"

A fiery aura surrounded Felgrand Dragon as it loudly roared.

Felgrand Dragon ATK 4800→9600

Roselyn gritted her teeth and began hopping from platform to platform, searching for an Action Card. As things stood now, this was the only way to settle things in this turn.

"Yosh! There's one!"

Launching herself onto a platform halfway across, she snagged an Action Card. However, before she could activate it—

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Action Crush!" Lumine abruptly declared as she stood on a platform across from Roselyn. "All Action Cards in your hand are destroyed!"

Roselyn gasped as the card shattered.

"Furthermore, for the rest of the turn, after Action Crush is activated, each time we add an Action Card to our hands, that card is destroyed! In other words, you can no longer use Action Cards for this turn!"

"You've put up a good fight. But in the end, you still lost!" Ladon exclaimed. "Finish them, Felgrand Dragon! Grand Flame!"

The dragon gathered golden energy in its maw before firing it at Roselyn's phoenix.

"There's no choice, I guess…" Soulburner sighed before turning to Roselyn. "I have a way for us to get out of this mess, but it won't be pleasant. Are you up for it?"

Roselyn nodded. "If it helps us escape defeat, I'm all in."

"Alright then, let's do this!" Soulburner exclaimed. "I activate the effect of the Trap Card: Cynet Sorcery from my Graveyard!"

"What?!" Ladon and Lumine gasped.

The card showed Cyberse Witch and Cyberse Wicckid reading multiple textbooks in a virtual library. Roselyn narrowed her eyes at Soulburner in confusion. "When did you send that card to the Graveyard?"

"When I used Twin Twisters on my last turn," Soulburner answered with a sly smile. "By banishing it and Violet Chimera, I can send a Spell Card from my Deck to the Graveyard to activate its effect. I send Tempest Fire to use its effect to target one Fire monster on the field with the lowest attack and destroy it, along with all my other monsters. By doing this, the four of us take damage equal to the destroyed monster's original attack points!."

"So you're aiming for mutual destruction?" Lumine asked.

"I guess we are," Roselyn confirmed. "Even if we can't beat you today, you will one day pay for all the pain and misery you brought upon LINK VRAINS! This we promise!"

Soulburner nodded before gesturing to his field. "I target and destroy Shining Rose Phoenix!"

Following his declaration, a ball of fire enveloped the Synchro Monster before causing an explosion that blew the four duelists back due to the shockwave.

Ladon & Lumine: 650→0 LP

Roselyn & Soulburner: 100→0 LP

When the smoke cleared, Soulburner and Roselyn were nowhere to be seen.

"They escaped!?" Ladon remarked.

Lumine growled. "How dare they end the duel in a tie. I refuse to accept it." She turned to Ladon. "Let's hunt them down and show what happens to everyone who dares to make a fool out of the Syndicate!"

Nodding at her words, Ladon and Lumine took off, intent on locating Soulburner and Roselyn.

"Looks like they're gone."

"Thank god. I was worried there for a second."

After pressing a few buttons on their Duel Disk, Souburner and Roselyn became visible.

"Lucky for us, Ghost Gal's hideout had a camouflage program," Roselyn said.

"Amen to that," Soulburner said. "Let's get a move on. Otherwise, they'll end up finding us."

Following Soulburner's words, he and Roselyn started running again in the dimly lit corridors of the wrecked hallway…

OC Card Memo:

Lumine:

Swordsoul of Lieyan Fu
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Wyrm/Effect] ATK 2000 DEF 0 Level: 4
If you control a "Swordsoul" monster: You can Special Summon this card from your hand, then you can Special Summon 1 "Swordsoul Token" (Wyrm/Tuner/WATER/Level 4/ATK 0/DEF 0). While that Token is in the Monster Zone, the player who Summoned it cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, except "Swordsoul" monsters. If you control no "Swordsoul Token" in the Main Monster Zone, you can treat this card as a Tuner monster. You can only use each "Swordsoul of Lieyan Fu" effect once per turn.

Swordsoul Grandmaster - Da Hou

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Wyrm/Synchro/Effect] ATK 2800 DEF 1000 Level: 8

1 "Swordsoul" Tuner monster + 1 or more non-Tuner Wyrm monsters

If this card is Synchro Summoned successfully, you can Special Summon a "Swordsoul" monster from your Graveyard. You can only activate this "Swordsoul Grandmaster - Da Hou" effect once per turn. If a monster you control destroys an opponent's monster by battle, inflict 400 points of damage to your opponent. Once per turn: you can banish a "Swordsoul" monster from your Graveyard; change all face-up monsters your opponent controls to face-down Defense Position.

Swordsoul Resolution- Type: Counter Trap Card

Effect: When your opponent activates a Spell/Trap or monster effect while you control a "Swordsoul" monster: Negate that card's activation and effect. If you control a "Swordsoul" Synchro Monster, you can activate this card from your hand. When this card is banished, set it face-down but shuffle it into your Deck when it leaves the field. That card can be activated during the turn it was set. You can only use each "Swordsoul Resolution" effect once per turn.

Roselyn:

Paladin of Rose Dragon

Attribute: Fire Type: [Warrior/Ritual/Tuner/Effect] ATK 1900 DEF 1300 Level: 4

You can Ritual Summon this card with "Black Rose Ritual". If this card is Special Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 Plant monster from your Deck or GY. A Synchro Monster that used this card as a Synchro Material cannot be destroyed by card effects during the turn it is Synchro Summoned. You can only use each effect of "Paladin of Rose Dragon" once per turn.

Rose Sniper

Attribute: FIRE Type: [Plant/Synchro/Effect] ATK 2400 DEF 2200 Level: 6

1 Plant-Type Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters

If this card is Synchro Summoned: You can target 1 Plant monster in your GY; inflict damage to your opponent equal to half of its ATK. If this card battles a Monster whose ATK is different than its original ATK: You can shuffle that monster into your opponent's Deck without applying damage calculation, and if you do, you can inflict damage to your opponent equal to half of that monster's original ATK. You can only use each effect of "Rose Sniper" once per turn.

Shining Rose Phoenix

Attribute: FIRE Type: [Winged-Beast/Synchro/Effect] ATK 2800 DEF 2400 Level: 8

1 Plant-Type Tuner + Black Rose Dragon

If this card is Special Summoned: You can destroy all monsters your opponent controls OR all Spell/Trap Cards they control. If this card you control is destroyed by your opponent's card (by battle or card effect) and sent to your Graveyard: You can Special Summon 1 "Rose Dragon" monster from your Deck or Extra Deck, ignoring its summoning conditions. You can only use each effect of "Shining Rose Phoenix" once per turn.

Gap Draw

Normal Spell Card

If your opponent controls more monsters than you, draw cards from your Deck equal to the difference.

Soulburner:

Salamangreat Hound

Attribute: FIRE Type: [Cyberse/Pendulum/Effect] ATK 1200 DEF 1500 Level: 3 Scale: 1

Pendulum Effect: You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except FIRE monsters. This effect cannot be negated. If you control a "Salamangreat" Link Monster: You can add 1 "Fusion of Fire" from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Salamangreat Hound" once per turn.

Monster Effect: If your opponent controls more monsters than you do, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Salamangreat Hound" once per turn this way. If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can place 1 "Salamangreat" Pendulum Monster from your Deck or Extra Deck into 1 of your Pendulum Zones.

Salamangreat Jackal

Attribute: FIRE Type: [Cyberse/Pendulum/Effect] ATK 1500 DEF 1200 Level: 4 Scale: 9

Pendulum Effect: You cannot Pendulum Summon monsters, except FIRE monsters. This effect cannot be negated. Once per turn: You can target 1 "Salamangreat" monster in your GY with a Level; Special Summon it to your field in Defense Position.

Monster Effect: If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can place 1 "Salamangreat" Pendulum Monster from your Deck or Extra Deck into 1 of your Pendulum Zones.

Pendulum Kindred

Normal Spell Card

Target 1 face-up non-Pendulum Monster you control; add 2 Pendulum Monsters from your Deck or Extra Deck to your hand with the same Type and Attribute as that target, but with different Pendulum Scales. You cannot Special Summon monsters the turn you activate this effect, except monsters with the same Type as the target. You can only activate 1 "Pendulum Kindred" per turn.

Cynet Sorcery

Normal Trap Card

If you control a Cyberse monster: send 1 Spell Card from your Deck to the GY and apply its effects. You can banish this card and 1 Cyberse monster from your GY: send one Spell from your Deck to the GY and apply its effects. You can only activate 1 effect of "Cynet Sorcery" per turn and only once per turn.

Action Cards:

Twilight Healing

Action Spell Card

Negate one instance of damage and increase both players' Life Points by 600.

And that's Chapter 29. Hope you guys enjoyed the Tag Duel. Thanks to Divadx for looking over the OC Cards. And thanks to Dragonknight15 and SakushiRyu for providing the designs. Originally, I planned to have Soulburner duel Ladon individually and the same for Roselyn and Lumine. But I felt it'd be better to make it a tag duel. And while I was writing, I decided to spice things up by making it an Action Tag Duel. The reason is that the Top 10 have honed their skills by having Action Duels in their private server. Also, it gives them somewhat of an advantage over the Syndicate. As for the outcome, I decided it to be a draw because Ladon already lost, and I didn't want him to have another loss under his belt. Same for Lumine, as I don't want her to lose just yet. Well, that's all for now. Remember to follow and favorite this story and me. Leave a review as well. And don't hesitate to send me a PM. See you guys next time.