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?

31. Shutdown

Greetings, community! Donkeyboy100 is back with chapter 31.

And now, on with the story!

In LINK VRAINS, at the Syndicate factory...

"It looks like Sanctum is out of commission. I'll make the Syndicate rue the day for messing with my friend."

Storm Rider said angrily as he and Playmaker ran down the factory corridors. He had recently received a message from Kolter saying that Sanctum and Blue Maiden ran into Astro and Glacia and were forced into individual duels. While Blue Maiden won her duel, Sanctum's ended in a draw, and she suffered major injuries, causing her to tap out of the mission. He wished Astro were still here, so he could make him regret hurting Sanctum a second time. They were rapidly losing patience with the apparent lack of progress, but there wasn't much they could do other than move as fast as they could. After all, the factory was quite large, and with no other way to communicate with the rest of his comrades apart from short-burst messages due to the interference, there was no way for everyone to coordinate their efforts.

"I understand how you feel, but now is not the time for anger," Playmaker advised him. "We need to keep a clear head for the battles ahead. Strangely, we haven't encountered enemy delists so far. It's almost as if…"

"As if we're being led into some sort of trap, huh?" Storm Rider finished for him. "It would be nice if they had placed some signposts here saying "main control room this way, all prospective challengers are welcome". But I guess that's asking too much."

"Regardless, we have no time to waste. We better find the lab quickly. Otherwise, we'll have to face an army of infinite soldiers." Playmaker said before checking the map of the factory on his Duel Disk. "Hmmm, the top floor is the only place we haven't checked. We'll likely find the control room there. And it's also not very far from us if we take this route. Let's hope this attempt will not end like the fifteen failed ones…."

"My, you two sure are confident. However, I'm afraid you won't get the chance to even attempt to reach the control room nor shut down the factory since your journey ends here."

Several energy bullets shot out of seemingly nowhere, heading for Storm Rider. Driven by instinct, Playmaker quickly pushed Storm Rider out of the way. And it was thanks to him bullets fired from a side corridor that hit him instead of Storm Rider. Immediately afterward, the figure of Desperado emerged seemingly out of nowhere.

"Aw, man. I was aiming for Storm Rider, but I guess Playmaker is also good."

"Playmaker!" Storm Rider shouted as he looked at his friend's shoulder. His eyes widened on seeing a small hole in his arm. Golden light traveled across his skin from the bullet hole. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," he replied as he stood up and narrowed his eyes at Desperado. "I assume he's a member of the Syndicate? Do you have some history with him, Storm Rider?"

"I met him the day the Syndicate attacked LINK VRAINS," Storm Rider explained. "We dueled, and I won. However, he said I only won because he held back."

"That's true," Desperado confirmed. "Only this time, I planned to go all out. But since my bullets trapped Playmaker instead of you, I guess he'll have to be the unlucky victim."

Playmaker frowned and looked back at Storm Rider. "Go on," he urged. "Finding the control room and shutting down the factory is the main priority!"

"Playmaker…" Storm Rider shot a worried look at his comrade. "Can you handle this guy on your own?"

"Do I look concerned?" Playmaker said with a smirk. "Even though he held back, you still managed to beat him, and I will do so even if he goes all out. You focus on your task."

"In that case, good luck, and I'll see you soon."

Storm Rider shot Playmaker a thumbs-up and turned around, running in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, Desperado laughed.

"That was a bit weird…" Playmaker remarked as he turned his attention to Desperado. "How kind of you to let him go without attempting to stop him. I think whoever's in charge here would have given strict orders to detain us to the best of your abilities."

"Please." Desperado scoffed at Playmaker's words. "Do you think I'd let you two join forces together? There's no way I'd be able to defeat you both."

"Oh? Are you saying you can duel me now that it's one-on-one?" Playmaker asked. "How ridiculous. Your chances of victory are almost the same as they would be against the two of us, which is zero."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Desperado smirked as he activated his Duel Disk. "I've been practicing by dueling against several of our soldiers. So you might find me to be quite the challenging opponent. I shall have you taste the full might of my Deck and make you regret challenging the Syndicate."

"Big words coming from such a small man," Playmaker said as he activated his Duel Disk. "In that case, there's no need for any further words. I'll take you down, and that's that."

"You can try, but I assure you this duel will end in my victory," Desperado said.

"Then, let's begin!" Playmaker exclaimed. "Action Field, on!"

"Field Spell Card: Crossover."

Following the announcement from Playmaker's Duel Disk, several glowing platforms appeared around the two duelists as the rudimentary Action Field was deployed.

"Duel!" they shouted as the Action Cards spread across the field.

Playmaker: 4000 LP

Desperado: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Playmaker said, with Desperado nodding in agreement. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cynet Codec. Then, I summon Link Streamer!"

A golden satellite with a mechanical dragon's head appeared on the field.

Link Streamer ATK 1600 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Since I control a Cyberse monster, I can Special Summon Backup Secretary."

A purple-haired woman in purple robes appeared in Attack Position.

Backup Secretary ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Link Streamer's effect activates! Once per turn, when I Normal or Special Summon a Cyberse monster, I can Special Summon a Data Token!"

The center of Link Streamer's chest opened up, revealing a golden light. A smaller version of Link Streamer's central section materialized in Attack Position.

Data Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear! The circuit that leads to the future!" The Link Portal appeared above Playmaker. "Link Arrow authorized! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 or higher Cyberse monsters. I set Backup Secretary and Link Streamer in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the top and right arrows.

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

The blonde man in a blue tunic appeared, summoned to the left Extra Monster Zone.

Elphase ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑→

"Appear again! The circuit that leads to the future! Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set Data Token and Link-2 Elphase in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A mechanical warrior in light blue armor wielding a shield appeared, summoned to the left Extra Monster Zone.

Encode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓↘

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

The satellite reappeared at Encode Talker's bottom Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Link Streamer ATK 1600 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Cynet Codec's effect activates! When a "Code Talker" monster is Special Summoned from my Extra Deck, I can add a Cyberse monster with the same Attribute as that monster from my Deck to my hand. I add the Light Attribute Lady Debug from my Deck to my hand. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"A strong opening move," Desperado commented. "As expected of the former hero of LINK VRAINS, your skill appears to be quite high. However, I refuse to lose here, so I can make our leader's goal come to fruition. My turn! I draw! I summon Magical Musketeer Kidbrave!"

A blonde young man in a cape and outlaw's outfit appeared and unholstered a pistol.

Magical Musketeeer Kidbrave ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Magical Musket, huh?" Playmaker said. "Storm Rider informed me of that Deck; the monsters let you use their Spell and Trap Cards from your hand, right?"

"They do," Desperado confirmed. "But before I use one of them, I'll activate the Spell Card: Double Summon! Thanks to it, I can perform a second Normal Summon or Set. Kidbrave's effect activates! As a Spell or Trap Card was activated in its column, I can discard a "Magical Musket" card to draw two cards. I discard Magical Musketeer Wild and draw!"

Desperado took his two new cards and then gestured to his field. "It's time to shoot a bullseye through my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above Desperado. "The summoning conditions are one Level 8 or lower "Magical Musket" monster. I set Magical Musketeer Kidbrave in the Link Arrow!"

Kidbrave went into the bottom arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Magical Musketeer Max!"

A man wearing black leather clothes wielding a golden machine gun emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Magical Musketeer Max ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"If you think I'm done, you're wrong. I activate Max's effect! Since he's Link Summoned, I can activate one of two effects!" Desperado informed Playmaker. "I can either add "Magical Musket" Spell or Trap Cards from my Deck to my hand up to the number of monsters on your field or Special Summon "Magical Musket" monsters with different names from my Deck up to the number of Spell or Trap Cards on your field. I activate its second effect, letting me Special Summon two "Magical Musket" monsters from my Deck. I Special Summon Magical Musketeer Caspar and Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel!"

Two new monsters appeared on Desperado's field in Attack Position. The first was a young blonde man in a red overcoat wielding an oversized pistol, while the second was a large red-winged demon in a tailored suit and coat wielding two similar pistols.

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Steady Hands! This card targets my "Magical Musket" monster and makes its attack and defense points equal to twice its original attack and defense points until the end of the turn. I target Zakiel!"

The fiend cackled as it glowed red.

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500→5000 DEF 2500→5000

Desperado smirked. "At this moment, Caspar's effect activates! When a Spell or Trap Card is activated in its column, I can add a "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand." Desperado took the card, then played it. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Cross-Domination! Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, one monster has its effects negated, and its attack and defense points become 0."

"I activate my Trap Card!" Playmaker declared, surprising Desperado. "Parallel Port Armor! This card equips itself to Encode Talker!" A light briefly shone around the Link Monster. "While Parallel Port Armor is equipped, Encode Talker cannot be destroyed by battle or targeted by your card effects."

"What?" Desperado said. Then he gritted his teeth. "Fine then. I target Link Streamer!"

Playmaker's monster lost its coloring at Desperado's words.

Link Streamer ATK 1600→0 DEF 1800→0

"Battle! Caspar attacks Link Streamer! Second Bullet!"

"Encode Talker's effect activates!" Playmaker declared. "Since a monster at its Link Arrow is battling a monster with more attack points, my monster isn't destroyed, and I take no battle damage!" Caspar pointed his pistol at Link Streamer and pulled the trigger, pelting it with several energy blasts, but they did nothing. "And after damage calculation, Encode Talker or a monster linked to it gains attack points equal to your monster's attack points. I increase Link Streamer's attack points!"

Link Streamer ATK 0→1200

Desperado narrowed his eyes. "Even if your monster now has attack points, "you'll still take damage from my next attack!" he stated. "Zakiel attacks Link Streamer! Seventh Bullet!"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Playmaker climbed on Link Streamer's back after saying so, with the monster aiding him in reaching an Action Card in a platform above it. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Evasion! Thanks to its effect, your Zakiel's attack is negated!"

"That ain't too shabby, Playmaker. As expected of someone of your caliber." Desperado said with a smirk. "However, no matter what you try to do, it will all be in vain. I end my turn."

"And during the End Phase, Cross-Domination's and Steady Hands' effects end," Playmaker reminded him. "So Zakiel's and Link Streamer's attack and defense points return to normal."

Magical Musketeer Zakiel ATK 5000→2500 DEF 5000→2500

Link Streamer ATK 1200→1600 DEF 0→1800

"My turn!" Playmaker announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Unfair Dealer! Since I have less than three cards in my hand and you have at least four, this card lets me draw cards equal to the number of cards in your hand, in this case, four. Then, I summon Lady Debug!"

A mechanical humanoid ladybug appeared.

Lady Debug ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Lady Debug's effect activates! When she is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add a Level 3 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Rescue Interlacer to my hand. Next, Link Streamer's effect activates! Since a Cyberse monster was Summoned, I can Special Summon a Data Token!"

Another token appeared in Attack Position.

Data Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning condition is one Level 1 monster. I set Data Token in the Link Arrow!"

The monster entered the bottom arrow.

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

A small blue monster cooed as it emerged from the portal at Encode Talker's bottom-right Link Arrow.

"Kuri kuri ku!" it cheered.

Linkuriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↓

"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are three monsters. I set the Linkuriboh, Lady Debug, and Link Streamer in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A large red-armored warrior emerged from the portal at Encode Talker's bottom-right Link Arrow.

Powercode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ←↙→

"Cynet Codec's effect activates! I add the Fire Attribute Flame Bufferlo from my Deck to my hand. Furthermore, I activate the Field Spell Card: Cynet Universe! With Cynet Universe active, all my Link Monsters gain 300 attack points."

Encode Talker ATK 2300→2600

Powercode Talker ATK 2300→2600

"From there, I activate the Spell Card: World Legacy Succession!" Playmaker continued. "This card Special Summons a monster from my Graveyard to my Link Monster's Link Arrow. Resurrect, Elphase!"

The blond man in a blue tunic reappeared at Powercode Talker's left Link Arrow.

Elphase ATK 2000→2300 LINK-2 ↑→

"Elphase's effect activates! For each monster it points to, it gains 300 attack points!"

Elphase ATK 2300→2600

Playmaker gestured to his field. "I activate Powercode Talker's effect!" he declared. "Once per turn, I can negate the effects of 1 face-up monster until the end of the turn. I negate the effects of Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel! Wire Restruction!"

Powercode Talker released a blue grapnel from its right hand and fired it at Zakiel. The grapnel latched onto it, draining its power.

"You aren't the only one who can activate an effect!" Desperado stated. "I activate the Trap Card: Magical Musket – Desperado from my hand! Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can destroy one face-up card on the field. I'll destroy your Powercode Talker!"

His Trap Card released a blast of energy at Playmaker's monster, but he only smirked.

"My monster isn't going anywhere!" Playmaker bellowed. "I activate the Trap Card: Shield Handler! When a card or effect that destroys monsters is activated, I can target a Link Monster on both our fields and Shield Handler becomes an Equip Card to mine while your monster's effects are negated! I choose Magical Musketeer Max and Powercode Talker for this effect!"

"Even then, Desperado's effect will go through!" Desperado pointed out.

"Afraid not. Due to Shield Handler's second effect, the equipped monster can't be destroyed by card effects!" Playmaker shouted as his Link Monster survived. "Looks like your move was all for naught."

"Don't be so sure," Desperado said. "Caspar's effect activates! Since a Spell or Trap Card was activated in its column, I can add one "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand, aside from Desperado. I'll add Magical Musket – Timed Reload to my hand."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes and gestured to his field. "Battle! Elphase attacks Magical Musketeer Max!"

"Oh my, it looks like I'm in a pinch." However, someone of my caliber can escape from any bind!" Desperado exclaimed thus as Caspar and Zakiel launched him towards a platform high above the ground, where he grabbed an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Damage Banish! Thanks to it, the damage from your attack is reduced to 0!"

Following Desperado's words, Elphase struck Max with a powerful kick that caused the Link Monster to explode. However, a semi-transparent barrier appeared around Desperado's body, shielding him from the shockwave.

Playmaker frowned. "Moving on, Encode Talker will attack Caspar! Final Encode!"

A blade extended from Encode Talker's shield as it charged Desperado's monster. Desperado gestured at his monster, which aimed its blaster upwards and knocked an Action Card from a platform up to the ground, allowing him to grab it easily.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Quick Guard!" he shouted. "Through its effect, I can change Caspar to Defense Position!"

Caspar took a defensive stance as it was bisected by Encode's sword, destroying it in an explosion.

Playmaker narrowed his eyes at Desperado. "Powercode Talker attacks Zakiel!" Boosters fired from Powercode Talker's back as it charged Zakiel. "Powercode Talker's additional effect! By Tributing a monster next to its Link Arrow, Powercode's attack points become double their original value until the end of the Damage Step! I Tribute Elphase!"

Elphase disintegrated as Powercode Talker became stronger.

Powercode Talker ATK 2800→4600

"Break right through, Powercode! Power Smash!"

Powercode Talker charged forward at Zakie, his right fist generating energy. But...

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Timed Reload!" Desperado abruptly declared. "This card targets a "Magical Musket" monster on my field. That monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and any battle damage I take this turn is halved!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Zakiel, shielding it from Powercode's attack. However, the ensuing shockwave sent Desperado flying backward.

Desperado: 4000→2950 LP

"With the battle's end, Powercode's attack points return to normal."

Powercode Talker ATK 4600→2800

"I place one card face-down and end my turn with this," Playmaker concluded. "Since it's the End Phase, Zakiel regains its effects."

"Which means its effect activates!" Desperado suddenly declared. "During your End Phase, I draw cards equal to the number of "Magical Musket" Spell or Trap Cards I activated this turn. I activated two, so I draw two cards!"

As he drew, Playmaker spoke into his earpiece, "How's Storm Rider doing, Kolter?"

"So far, so good," Kolter answered. "At the moment, at least. But you and I know he can handle anything the Syndicate throws at him."

"Let's just hope you're right," Playmaker said as he returned his focus to the duel.

"My turn! I draw!" Desperado looked at his card and smiled. "I summon Magical Musketeer Calamity!"

A red-haired woman in tight leather clothes, wielding a rocket launcher, appeared.

Magical Musketeer Calamity ATK 1500 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Steady Hands and target Zakiel! Until the end of the turn, Zakiel's attack and defense points are doubled, but it cannot attack directly."

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500→5000 DEF 2500→5000

"Calamity's effect activates! Once per turn, if a Spell or Trap Card is activated in its column, I can Special Summon a "Magical Musket" monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Caspar!"

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

Desperado raised his right hand. "Time for me to bullseye my circuit! The summoning condition is one Level 8 or lower "Magical Musket" monster. I set Calamity in the Link Arrow!"

The woman turned into energy and entered the bottom arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Magical Musketeer Max!"

The man in black with a rifle reappeared at the Extra Monster Zone.

Magical Musketeer Max ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Max's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can activate one of two effects. I activate the second effect to Special Summon "Magical Musket" monsters from my Deck, up to the number of Spell and Trap Cards you control!"

"That's not going to work again," Playmaker responded. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Cynet Conflict! If a monster effect is activated while I control a "Code Talker" monster, that effect is negated, and the monster in question is banished!" Desperado gasped as his Link Monster was warped away. "And until the end of the next turn, you cannot activate the effects of cards with the same original name as the banished card."

"So you were prepared for that," Desperado said. "But were you prepared for this? I activate the Spell Card: Magical Musket – Criminal Bounty! Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can discard two cards, then draw three. I'll discard Magical Musketeer Doc and Magical Mallet!"

Desperado drew again, then gestured to his field. "Caspar's effect activates! When a Spell or Trap Card is activated in its column, I can add a "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Magical Musket – Urgent Battle to my hand. Then, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Living Fossil, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated and its attack points reduced by 1000. Resurrect, Magical Musketeer Doc!"

A wide crack appeared on the ground following Desperado's words, which emerged a bespectacled man in a white coat holding a sniper rifle.

Magical Musketeer Doc ATK 1400→400 DEF 1200

Desperado raised his right hand again. "I bullseye my circuit for a second time! The summoning conditions are two "Magical Musket" monsters. I set Doc and Caspar in the Link Arrows!"

The two monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Magical Musketeer Daly!"

The man who emerged from the portal had spiky red hair underneath a black cowboy hat, with said hair covering his right eye and pulled into a ponytail in the back. He wore a black vest with yellow lightning bolts over his bare chest and black leather pants that ended in knee-high black combat boots. His right arm turned blue at the elbow and ended in a clawed hand that held a large grenade launcher, and a red cape was pinned to cover his left shoulder. The man laughed as he hefted the grenade launcher from the Extra Monster Zone.

Magical Musketeer Daly ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"A new "Magical Musket" Link Monster!" Kolter exclaimed through Playmaker's comm.

"And a Link-2 at that," Playmaker said, a small frown on his lips.

"Daly's effect activates!" Desperado declared. "When it is Link Summoned, I can add a "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add and activate the Continuous Trap Card: Magical Musket – Crooked Crown! Once per turn, during the Main Phase, I can Special Summon a "Magical Musket" monster from my hand, and until the end of the turn, your unused Main Monster Zone in the same column cannot be used. I Special Summon Magical Musketeer Starfire!"

A veiled woman in a blue, white, and black dancer's outfit appeared in Attack Position holding a Derringer.

Magical Musketeer Starfire ATK 1300 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

"Daly's second effect activates! Since a Spell or Trap Card was activated in the column of a zone its Link Arrow points to, I can activate one of two effects. I activate the first effect to add one "Magical Musket" Spell or Trap Card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll return Desperado to my hand and activate it! This lets me target and destroy one face-up card on the field. I'll destroy Parallel Port Armor!"

Sure enough, the Trap Card shattered following his words.

Desperado smirked. "And now for the icing on the cake," he said. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Urgent Battle! By targeting Zakiel, it can attack up to three of your monsters this turn! In exchange, the attack and defense points of monsters on the field cannot be changed by card effects this turn."

He gestured to his field. "Battle! Zakiel, attack Encode Talker! Seventh Bullet!"

Zakiel charged its handguns and fired two blasts of yellow energy at Encode Talker, destroying it in an explosion. But when the smoke cleared, Playmaker's Life Points hadn't changed. Desperado raised an eyebrow.

Playmaker held up a card in response. "I activated the effect of Rescue Interlacer in my hand," he explained. "When you attack my Attack Position Cyberse monster, I can discard Rescue Interlacer to reduce the battle damage to 0."

"I see. Quite clever. But I have two attacks left." Desperado stated as he gestured to his monster. "Zakiel attacks Powercode Talker! Seventh Bullet!"

As Zakiel prepared to attack again, Playmaker spotted an Action Card embedded on the ground near him and swiftly grabbed it, letting out a sly smile upon seeing what it was.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Choice Choice!" Playmaker yelled. "Through its effect, I choose to halve the battle damage I will receive from this battle!"

The yellow energy continued and struck Powercode, destroying it and causing Playmaker to wince due to the intense shockwave that assaulted his body.

Playmaker: 4000→2800 LP

"You may have halved the damage from that battle, but let's see how you dodge this!" Desperado pointed at Playmaker!" Daly attacks you directly! Extra Bullet!"

The man sneered as he raised the grenade launcher and fired a shot at Playmaker. In response, he quickly started jumping from platform to platform, grabbing an Action Card from one of them.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Big Escape!" Playmaker shouted. "Due to its effect, the Battle Phase ends!"

Desperado gritted his teeth. Dagnabbit. But even so… "I place one card face-down and end my turn. During the End Phase, Urgent Battle's and Steady Hands' effects end."

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 5000→2500 DEF 5000→2500

"And during your End Phase, the effect of Rescue Interlacer activates," Playmaker said. "And I can Special Summon it!"

A red and white humanoid machine appeared on Playmaker's field in Attack Position.

Rescue Interlacer ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"So he's planning his comeback, huh?" Desperado muttered. "Come on and do your worst, Playmaker!"

"Be careful what you wish for," Playmaker warned. "You might just get it!"

Meanwhile, in another area of the factory...

Storm Rider continued running down his path, his eyes darting around as he surveyed every nook and cranny of the area around him. Despite having encountered several dead ends, some storage rooms, a couple of training halls and several soldiers that he had promptly taken care of, there was still no sign of the main control room. Still, he didn't like the silence that echoed in the general area. That meant something huge was about to happen.

"At least the path seems pretty straightforward from here on," Storm Rider remarked as he continued running forward, wary of any nasty surprises. "Now then, if I were a member of the Syndicate in charge of guarding the control room, where would I be hiding…?"

As if answering his question, a futuristic-looking large door to his far right opened with an almost inaudible sound. Storm Rider smirked upon seeing that.

"Well, that was faster than I thought. Since they're inviting me right in, I have no reason to refuse them. Ready or not, here I come."

After taking a deep breath to compose himself, Storm Rider stepped inside the dimly lit room. Suddenly, the room was flooded with light, temporarily blinding Storm Rider. When his sight cleared, he found himself in a spacious room containing equipment and machines whose purpose he could vaguely guess at best. The next thing he noticed was the low hum of a machine echoing throughout the room.

"Jackpot." Upon seeing a large computer at the room's far end, Storm Rider smiled, satisfied. "It looks like things are finally looking up for me. Although…"

After taking a look around the room, Storm Rider shouted.

"I know you're here, Syndicate! There's no way you would've left the control room undefended! Show yourself, and let's get this over with!"

"Such impetuousness." A voice suddenly echoed across the room. "There's no need to be so wary. I was merely considering the best way to give you my greetings, though I'll praise your backbone at the very least."

Following those words, a middle-aged man with white mid-length hair, a white goatee, and a white mustache emerged from the shadows, staring at Storm Rider. On his right eye, he wore a device with a red lens. He wore a white lab coat over a buttoned purple vest. Underneath his vest, he wears a light purple shirt wing tip collared over a yellow necktie. He also wore brown pants along with some white and black dress shoes. Strapped to his left form was a new Duel Disk model resembling a wristwatch with a violet base, a bright yellow band, and a black orb.

"While I know almost everything about you, I believe this is our first meeting, Storm Rider." The man said. "I am Dr. Willow, the commander of the Syndicate squad and owner of this facility. Even though it will be for a short time, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Dr. Willow…" Storm Rider muttered as he glared at his opponent. "So you're why all those soldiers we faced look so abnormal? Why did you appear before me? Wouldn't it have been more advantageous to you to keep hiding? Or are you that confident in your skills?"

"That's certainly part of the reason, but not all," Willow replied. "I've seen and watched recordings of all your duels many times. Including your last duel with Enoch." Storm Rider's eyes widened upon hearing that. And after witnessing the power you showcased in that duel… Yes, I must thoroughly research you to discover and harvest the secret of that abnormal power and harvest it. I'm feeling rather excited right now, so if you become my lab rat obediently, I promise to treat you very well."

"Sorry, but I have no intention of cooperating with your selfish plans, especially when all you and the Syndicate have done is bring misery and fear to the people of LINK VRAINS!" Storm Rider declared with a resolute expression as he activated his Duel Disk.

"Spoken like a true fool who doesn't understand anything about the brilliance of my research." Dr. Willow scoffed at Storm Rider's words as he activated his Duel Disk. "Since you rejected my offer, you leave me with no choice. I'll extract whatever secrets you have from your body through force. Oh, before I forget, I installed a special barrier to prevent Action Fields from being deployed after gathering data from two associates. If you want to beat me, you must rely on your Deck and skills."

"If you think the lack of an Action Field will impair me significantly, you're dumber than I thought," Storm Rider stated. "I'll play your little game, but I suggest you start running with all your might when I win. Because if I get my hands on you, I'll make you regret the day you were born."

"Scary, scary," The man spoke in a mocking tone. "By all means, feel free to do your best against me. Our battle should give me and the Syndicate all the data needed to put an end to the Top 10. Now, prepare for a one-way trip to the abyss, Storm Rider!"

"Duel!" they shouted in unison.

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Dr. Willow: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn!" Dr. Willow announced. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Beastborg Fusioner! I cannot Normal Summon or Set, but once per turn, I can Fusion Summon a "Beastborg" Fusion Monster using monsters from my hand or field. I fuse Dark Sentinel and Panther Warrior in my hand!"

Silhouettes of an armored humanoid panther and a teal aircraft appeared before disintegrating into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Two streams of energy shot upward and merged into a violet whirlwind.

"My new Monster will take the savagery of a jungle hunter with the attack strength of a high-tech combat machine! I Fusion Summon the most dangerous mercenary you've ever faced! Beastborg Panther Predator!"

A humanoid armored panther appeared in Attack Position, the left half of its body replaced by teal and gray cyborg parts.

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 1600 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"I activate Panther Predator's effect!" The doctor exclaimed. "Once per turn, I can inflict damage to you equal to half this card's attack points! Quasar Beam!"

A crimson blast was shot out of Panther Predator's chest, striking Storm Rider and causing him to wince.

Storm Rider: 4000→3200 LP

Storm Rider grimaced. "A strategy centered around effect damage, that is. Tch, I hate such Decks…."

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Willow said. "Now, it's your move, Storm Rider."

"My turn! I draw!" Storm Rider glanced at his cards, then picked one. "Since you control monsters while I don't, I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman from my hand!"

The man in cybernetic blue armor appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

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

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

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

Cycode Coder ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

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

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

"Now, I'll build my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

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

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

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

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

Cycode Kuriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Emblem! By sending a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can then Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Deck in Attack Position, so long as it has the same Level as the sent monster. I send the Level 5 Cycode Firefighter to the Graveyard and Special Summon Cycode Wanderer!"

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

Cycode Wanderer ATK 1900 DEF 200 LVL: 5

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

Willow gritted his teeth as his monster's attack points dropped.

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 1600→800

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Now, I'll build my circuit for a second time!"

The Link Portal appeared again above Storm Rider.

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

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

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

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

Cycode Meister ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Cycode Meister's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "When it is Link Summoned, I can look at your hand and banish one card. Since you only have one card, it's instantly banished!"

The humanoid robot raised its arm and fired a beam of green energy at Willow's sole card, evaporating it into data.

"As a Cyberse Link Monster is on the field, I can Special Summon this card. Come, Cycode Prisoner!"

The cyborg in a prisoner's uniform appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Prisoner ATK 1600 DEF 2100 LVL: 5

"I'll build my circuit for the third and final time!" Storm Rider declared. "The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters. I set Cycode Wanderer and Prisoner in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A cybernetic humanoid emerged from the Link Portal at Meister's bottom Link Arrow. It wore silver gauntlets with futuristic pistols on its forearms, and a cobalt mask covered its mouth. It also wore a navy blue cape with white lines hanging from its shoulders, and instead of eyes, it had two light blue lenses that were constantly whirling.

Cycode Hunter ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←↘

"Amazing!" The doctor said in awe. "Three monsters from the Extra Deck in one turn!"

"That's just how my Deck works," Storm Rider replied. He then gestured to his field again. "Cyspirit Prisoner's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can add one "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand."

He took the card from his Deck, then gestured to one of his monsters. "Battle! Cycode Hunter, attack Panther Predator!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Threatening Roar!" Willow abruptly shouted. "Through its effect, your monsters cannot declare an attack for this turn!"

"So it would seem…." Storm Rider said through gritted teeth. "In that case, I place two cards face-down and end my turn, which means Wanderer's effect ends."

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 800→1600

"Then, it's my turn!" Willow announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Call of the Beastborg!" The card showed a roaring Beastborg Panther Predator in the background, conjuring two portals in the foreground from which Panther Warrior and Dark Sentinel emerged. "Through its effect, if I control a "Beastborg" monster, I can add a Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior monster and a Level 4 or lower Machine monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose Exarion Universe and Stealth Sentinel. Then, I will again use Beastborg Fusioner's effect to fuse the monsters I just added to my hand!"

Silhouettes of a centaur armed with a spear and dark green combat drone with the tips of its wings and fins colored gray and a missile attached to the underside of one of its wings appeared before disintegrating into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Two streams of energy shot upward and merged into a violet whirlwind.

"Graceful centaur galloping across the battlefield, merge with the silent watchman and awaken a new raging warrior! I Fusion Summon! Show yourself! Beastborg Centaur Pursuer!"

A four-legged mechanical centaur holding a weapon resembling a futuristic crossbow appeared on Willow's field in Attack Position.

Beastborg Centaur Pursuer ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 6

"I activate Panther Predator's effect once again to inflict damage to you equal to half its attack points!" Willow stated. "Quasar Beam!"

Storm Rider was struck by the crimson beam that erupted from Panther Predator's chest, letting out a hiss of pain.

Storm Rider: 3200→2400 LP

"At this moment, Centaur Pursuer's effect activates!" Willow declared. "Thanks to it, whenever a "Beastborg" monster inflicts effect damage to my opponent, the attack points of all "Beastborg" monsters I control are increased by an amount equal to half the damage they received, in this case, 400!"

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 1600→2000

Beastborg Centaur Pursuer ATK 2300→2700

"That sure is a nasty combo." Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "By inflicting effect damage, you increase your monsters' attack points, allowing you to inflict even more damage on the next turn. Even though your record is less than stellar, you are a skilled Duelist…."

"Battle!" Willow exclaimed. "Centaur Pursuer, attack Cycode Meister! Heavy Metal Shot!"

"Not so fast!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "I activate the Cycode Meister's effect! When it battles a monster with higher attack points, I can shuffle that monster back into the Deck!"

"That's not going to happen!" Willow stated. "Thanks to Centaur Pursuer's second effect, whenever a "Beastborg" monster attacks a monster, the effects of the attack target are negated for the rest of the Battle Phase!"

"What?" Storm Rider gasped. "That means I can't use Hunter's effect either." He then smiled. "Lucky enough, I had a backup plan. I activate the Trap Card: Cycode Half-Guard! By discarding Cycode Assailant, all battle damage I take is halved!"

Following Storm Rider's words, an energy bolt was launched from Centaur Pursuer's crossbow, piercing Meister in the chest, destroying it and causing Storm Rider to wince in pain due to the ensuing shockwave.

Storm Rider: 2400→2050 LP

"Not too shabby, Storm Rider." Willow praised his opponent. "However, my Battle Phase continues. Next, Beastborg Panther Predator will attack Cycode Hunter! Industrial Savage!"

Panther Predator slashed at Hunter with its blade, causing it to explode and generating a shockwave that sent Storm Rider skidding back.

Storm Rider: 2050→1850 LP

"At the end of the Battle Phase," Storm Rider said after righting himself. "I draw one card for every monster you control that battled this turn. Centaur Pursuer and Panther Predator battled, so I draw two cards!"

The doctor narrowed his eyes as Storm Rider drew. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

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

A young boy with dark brown hair, wearing a dark orange hoodie, a pair of goggles with white lining across the lens, hover boots and gauntlet-like gloves appeared.

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

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

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

Cycode Acrobat ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"Acrobat's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by a "Cycode" card's effect, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand." He took a card from his Deck. "Now, I'll create my circuit!"

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

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

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

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

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

Cycode Sky Eagle ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

"Sky Eagle's effect activates! When it's Link Summoned, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Cycode Swordsman to my hand." Storm Rider said. "Next, I—"

"Before that, I activate my Continuous Trap Card: Beastborg Medal of the Crimson Chain!" Willow interrupted Storm Rider. "Due to its effect, when my opponent Special Summons a monster from the Extra Deck, I can target that monster and prevent it from attacking, changing its battle position or being destroyed by battle! Furthermore, the controller of that monster cannot Normal or Special Summon monsters, and they also can't activate Spell or Trap Cards! With this, your movements are completely sealed!"

"That's what you think!" Storm Rider shouted. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Cycode Shutdown! Since I control a "Cycode" monster, I can negate the activation of your Trap Card and banish it!"

The doctor gasped as Crimson Chain disappeared. "Furthermore, so long as Crimson Chain is banished, you cannot activate any cards of the same name!"

Willow stared before his eye narrowed. "You anticipated my use of Crimson Chain," he stated. It was not a question.

"You could say that. But to be completely honest, my monsters and I hate to be restrained, so I took the liberty to destroy your chains." Storm Rider grinned. "Now then, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Overdone Burial! By discarding one monster, I can Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard so long as its Level is lower than the discarded monster's and equip it with Overdone Burial. I discard the Level 8 Cycode Scorpion to Special Summon the Level 4 Cycode Assailant!"

The metal skeletal robot with six arms appeared.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"The monster summoned by Overdone Burial has its effects negated," Storm Rider revealed. "Following that, I activate the effect of Cycode Scorpion in my Graveyard! By banishing Cycode Coder and Cycode Kuriboh from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!"

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

Cycode Scorpion ATK 1400 DEF 2600 LVL: 8

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

The Link Portal appeared again above Storm Rider.

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

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

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

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

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→

"Appear for the third time, my circuit!"

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

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

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

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

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

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200 LINK-2 →↙

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

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200→2000

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 1600→2400

"Since I used Cycode Sky Eagle to Link Summon Administrator, its effect activates!" Storm Rider added. "All my monsters gain 400 attack points!"

Cycode Administrator ATK 2000→2400

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 2400→2800

"Remarkable. Not only did you perform three Link Summons like the previous turn, but you also strengthened your monsters." Willow remarked. "How splendid. Your stance, moves, tactics, everything tells me you are a duelist fighting right to the edge. It looks like I can expect a superb battle from you."

"That's a given, but don't start complaining if I crank up the pressure too much for your tastes," Storm Rider responded. Battle! Binal Sorceress, attack Beastborg Centaur Pursuer!"

Binal Sorceress unleashed a sphere of energy from its hands, striking Centaur Pursuer with it and destroying it.

Dr. Willow: 4000→3900 LP

"Centaur Pursuer's additional effect!" the doctor declared, gesturing to his field. "If it is destroyed by battle and all of its materials are in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon them!"

Two portals appeared on Willow's field, with his two monsters emerging from them, both in Defense Position.

Stealth Sentinel ATK 1700 DEF 900 LVL: 4

Exarion Universe ATK 1800 DEF 1900 LVL: 4

"Next, Cycode Administrator attacks Beastborg Panther Predator!"

Cycode Administrator lobbed a blue orb of energy at Panther Predator, destroying it and making the doctor wince again.

Dr. Willow: 3900→3500 LP

"Thanks to Panther Predator's effect, its Fusion Materials will be Special Summoned to my field!"

Following the doctor's words, Panther Warrior and Dark Sentinel appeared beside his other monsters in Defense Position.

Dark Sentinel ATK 1500 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

Panther Warrior ATK 2000 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Binary Sorceress's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared, drawing Willow's attention. " When a monster co-linked with it destroys a monster in battle, you take damage equal to the destroyed monster's attack points!"

"What!?"

This time, the white robot-like humanoid fired a golden beam of energy at Willow, making him raise his arms as he was sent tumbling back due to the ensuing shockwave.

Dr. Willow: 3500→1500 LP

"I place a card face-down and end my turn." Storm Rider said. "Now, hurry up and make your move, you depraved scientist. All the people you've toyed with demand your swift punishment."

"If I were in your shoes, I'd be more concerned about myself than others." The doctor sneered. "But have it your way. My turn! I draw!"

Meanwhile, at Playmaker and Desperado's duel...

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker looked at his card and played it. "I summon Widget Kid!"

A boy in a blue jumpsuit wielding a toy blaster appeared.

Widget Kid ATK 1500 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Widget Kid's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a Cyberse monster from my hand in Defense Position. Come, Flame Bufferlo!"

A black mechanical bull with blue flames on its tail and horns appeared.

Flame Bufferlo ATK 1400 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Appear! The circuit that leads to the future! Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters. I set Widget Kid and Flame Bufferlo in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the top and bottom arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Code Talker!"

A monster in plain gray armor wielding a long sword appeared in the Extra Monster Zone.

Code Talker ATK 1300→1600 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Cynet Codec's effect activates! Since a "Code Talker" monster was Special Summoned from my Extra Deck, I can add a Cyberse monster with the same Attribute as that monster from my Deck to my hand. I add the Dark Micro Coder from my Deck to my hand. Furthermore, since Flame Bufferlo left the field, I can discard a Cyberse monster to draw two cards. I discard Dual Assembwurm!" Playmaker said, doing so. "If I would use a Cyberse monster to Link Summon a "Code Talker" monster, I can use Micro Coder in my hand instead. Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Mirco Coder and Code Talker in the Link Arrows!"

A small white armored human with a dagger appeared, then it and Code Talker entered the top, bottom, and right arrows.

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

A large orange-armored humanoid armed with a rifle emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

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

"Since I used Micro Coder to Link Summon a "Code Talker" monster, I can add a "Cynet" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I add Cynet Rollback. In addition, Cynet Codec's effect activates! I add the Earth Lockout Gardna from my Deck to my hand. From there, I activate Transcode Talker's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Arrow. Resurrect, Code Talker!"

The white-armored warrior reappeared at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Code Talker ATK 1300→1600 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Transcode Talker's additional effect! While it is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it gain 500 attack points and cannot be targeted by your card effects. Furthermore, Code Talker gains 500 attack points for each monster it points to."

Code Talker ATK 1600→2100→2600

Transcode Talker ATK 2600→3100

"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set Rescue Interlacer and Code Talker in the Link Arrows!"

The two monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows.

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

A large, green-armored humanoid with massive shoulders and plates on its wrists emerged from the portal at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Excode Talker ATK 2300→2800→3100 LINK-3 ←↑→

"Excode Talker's effect activates!" Playmaker continued. "When it is Link Summoned, I can choose unused Main Monster Zones equal to the number of monsters in the Extra Monster Zones. And while Excode Talker remains on the field, those zones can't be used! Grasp Zone!"

Excode Talker shot a sphere of green energy at Desperado's center-right Main Monster Zone.

"Furthermore, Cynet Codec's effect activates once again! I add the Wind Attribute Clock Wyvern from my Deck to my hand." Playmaker gestured to his field. "Excode Talker's second effect! Monsters linked to gain 500 attack points and cannot be destroyed by card effects!"

Transcode Talker ATK 3100→3600

Playmaker pointed to his field. "Battle! Transcode Talker attacks Magical Musketeer Starfire! Trans Fault!"

The Link Monster's shoulder popped open, revealing a rifle that Transcode Talker held in its right hand. It fired a beam of yellow light at Starfire.

"It won't be so easy!" Desperado exclaimed as he swiftly grabbed an Action Card from a nearby platform. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Battle Change, switching the target of your attack to Zakiel! Furthermore, I activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet! All damage I take is halved for the rest of the turn!"

The beam hit Zakiel and made it explode, with the ensuing shockwave pushing Desperado back a meter.

Desperado: 2950→2400 LP

"Furthermore, Starfire's effect activates! As a Spell or Trap Card was activated in its column, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Magical Musket" monster from my Deck in Defense Position. Come, Magical Musketeer Caspar!"

The blonde man armed with two handguns reappeared.

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "The Battle Phase continues. Excode Talker attack Starfire! Excode Close!"

"Battle Change's effect is still active!" Desperado stated. "So I'll have your Excode Talker attack Daly instead!"

Holographic claws formed from Excode Talker's wrists. The monster charged and cut through the Link Monster, destroying it and making Desperado grunt in pain.

Desperado: 2400→1850 LP

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

"That was well-played." Desperado praised Playmaker, but then his expression hardened. "Then again, it's only natural that you are this strong, right? You do work for Zaizen, after all. That man runs one of Den City's biggest and most successful companies, being one of the richest and most influential people in your home city. For him, constructing the best Deck possible and hiring professional trainers to educate you should be simple. Good old nepotism at its finest, no?"

Playmaker only frowned slightly at Desperado's words, with the Syndicate agent continuing to speak.

"Such a world, where your status greatly limits everything you can accomplish or acquire, and everyone wars against each other because of their wishes, is appalling. The country I grew up in was just like that. All the citizens were placed in classes according to family standing, with the privileged ones getting the lion's share of the resources and leaving the rest of us to work for scraps. No matter how talented you were, you could never hope to get acknowledged as anything more than a useful tool for those with higher social standing. And the ensuing war…that's where the true horror of humanity showed."

Desperado spread his hands wide as he let out a malicious smile.

"For their goals, dreams, hopes or desires, humans were willing to lower themselves to the point where they became savage beasts to attain victory, committing every sin imaginable as they destroyed each other. History has proven time and time again that humanity's greatest flaw is its fierce sense of individuality. That meaningless trait has only served to make us suffer. Everything…everything should become as clear and pristine as this beautiful world spreading around us, united under a single will. And once the Syndicate accomplishes its goal of taking control of SOL Technologies, we'll be one step closer to creating a true equality and justice world."

"You mean a world where everyone will be just a mindless drone following the will of your leader…or perhaps your will?" Playmaker interjected. "How ridiculous. I didn't know the Syndicate also had comedians among their ranks."

"To be expected by someone bound by the chains of the current world, you don't understand anything about the liberation nihility offers." Desperado sneered. "But I digress. Let's continue the duel. It's my turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity, drawing three cards from my Deck and discarding two. Then, I activate the effect of the discarded Cards of Compensation, which allows me to draw two more cards. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn! It lets me Special Summon a monster from either Graveyard. Return, Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel!"

The grinning pale-faced fiend in a coat and suit appeared, spreading his wings and hefting two handguns.

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"So he brought back his ace," Playmaker noted.

"From my hand, I activate the Trap Card: Magical Musket – Desperado!" Desperado continued. "Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can destroy one face-up card on the field. I'll destroy your Cynet Codec!"

His Trap Card released a blast of energy at Playmaker's card, shattering it.

"Caspar's effect activates! Since I activated a Spell or Trap Card in the same column as Caspar, I can add one "Magical Musket" card with a different name from my Deck to my hand," Desperado said. "I add the Spell Card: Magical Musket – About Face, which I will now activate!" The card showed Caspar, Kidbrave, and Wild all standing together, each pointing their guns in a different direction. "This card lets me target and Tribute up to two "Magical Musket" monsters on my field. I target and Tribute Caspar and Starfire!"

Both monsters disappeared, then Desperado said, "Now, About Face's real effect begins! I can Special Summon an equal number of Level 4 or lower "Magical Musket" monsters from my Deck in Attack Position! Come to me, Magical Musketeer Doc and Magical Musketeer Wild!"

Doc and a bare-chested man with dreadlocks carrying many weapons appeared on Desperado's field following his words.

Magical Musketeer Doc ATK 1400 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

Magical Musketeer Wild ATK 1700 DEF 900 LVL: 4

"I activate the Trap Card: Magical Musket – Quick Draw!" The card showed Magical Musketeer Kidbrave raising his pistol and firing it, his right hand above his wrist. "Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can target one face-up card and return it to the owner's hand!" He pointed at Playmaker's field. "I return Cynet Universe to your hand!"

Playmaker watched as his Field Spell Card disintegrated. "Since Cynet Universe left the field, my monsters lose 300 attack points."

Transcode Talker ATK 3600→3300

Excode Talker ATK 3100→2800

"Doc's effect activates! Since I activated a Spell or Trap Card in its column, I can add one "Magical Musket" card from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Steady Hands to my hand and activate it!" Desperado exclaimed. "This card makes the attack and defense points of one "Magical Musket" monster equal to double their original attack and defense points until the end of the turn. I'll target Zakiel for its effect!"

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500→5000 DEF 2500→5000

"Battle! Zakiel attacks Transcode Talker! Seventh Bullet!"

Zakiel hefted his pistols and fired beams of red energy. The beams struck and tore through Transcode. Playmaker winced as the backlash hit him.

"As Transcode Talker left the field, Excode Talker's attack points return to normal."

Playmaker: 2800→1100 LP

Excode Talker ATK 2800→2300

"This will finish you, Playmaker." Desperado grinned as he grabbed a nearby Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Wonder Chance to allow Zakiel to attack a second time. Zakiel attacks Excode Talker! Seventh Bullet!"

Zakiel lifted both of its guns and fired at its target. Playmaker gritted his teeth as he ran and grabbed an Action Card embedded in the floor. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Copy Action! Due to its effect, I can copy the effects of Damage Banish in your Graveyard to reduce the battle damage to 0!"

The beams struck Excode, destroying it in an explosion. However, Playmaker was shielded by a semi-transparent barrier.

"You may have escaped the damage, but let's see you escape this attack!" Desperado stated. "Doc attacks you directly!"

"I activate the effect of Lockout Gardna in my hand!" Playmaker declared as Doc fired several bullets. "When your monster attacks me directly, I can Special Summon it!"

A red humanoid machine with thin arms and legs appeared in Attack Position.

Lockout Gardna ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Your attack is redirected to Lockout Gardna. And the turn it is Special Summoned by its effect, Lockout Gardna cannot be destroyed by battle!"

"But you still take damage!"

"Are you sure?" Playmaker said, making Desperado raise an eyebrow. "I activate the Trap Card: Cure Conversion! When a monster I control is attacked, I can Tribute it to end the Battle Phase!"

Following Playmaker's words, Lockout Gardna burst into green particles and pushed back the bullets.

"Then, I get to draw a card, and if I draw a monster, I gain Life Points equal to its attack points! Draw!"

After drawing, Playmaker revealed the card to his opponent. "I drew Cyberse Converter, which has 1000 attack points. So I gain 1000 Life Points!"

Playmaker: 1100→2100 LP

"Tch, you're a stubborn one, aren't you?" Desperado clicked his tongue in irritation. "Still, you won't hold up for much longer at this rate. I place one card face-down and end my turn. And since I activated About Face before, all my Spell and Trap Cards are destroyed, which means Crooked Crown is gone."

Following his words, Desperado's Trap Card shattered.

"Furthermore, Steady Hands' effect ends and Zakiel's attack points return to normal."

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 5000→2500 DEF 5000→2500

"My turn!" Playmaker announced. "I draw! First, I summon Clock Wyvern!"

A blue and pink metal dragon appeared and roared.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

A mass of violet crystals appeared in Defense Position.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800→900

Clock Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Since all the monsters I control are Cyberse Type, I can Special Summon Cyberse Converter!"

A light purple machine with two cannons for hands and a face made of data appeared in Attack Position.

Cyberse Converter ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

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

The monsters entered the bottom and bottom-right arrows.

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

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

Clock Spartoi ATK 800 LINK-2 ↓↘

Desperado gasped. "Clock Spartoi? Galerius mentioned this monster…."

"When Clock Spartoi is Link Summoned, I can add Cynet Fusion from my Deck to my hand," Playmaker continued. "Then, I activate Linkuriboh's effect from my Graveyard! By Tributing a Level 1 monster, it Special Summons itself!"

The Clock Token disappeared as Linkuriboh reappeared, cooing from Clock Spartoi's bottom Link Arrow.

Linkuriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↓

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

The blue and purple mechanical dragon reappeared and roared from Clock Spartoi's bottom-right Link Arrow.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Fusion!" Playmaker declared, the line on his suit glowing violet. "I fuse Clock Wyvern, Linkuriboh, and Clock Spartoi!"

The monsters disintegrated into particles that swirled into a vortex before spiraling up as twisters that merged to form a violet tornado.

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

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

Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Fusion Summoning," Desperado muttered as he braced himself.

Playmaker gestured to his field. "Clock Dragon's effect! When it is Fusion Summoned, I can send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard, equal to its materials' Link Ratings. I send three cards to the Graveyard. And for each card sent, Clock Dragon gains 1000 attack points! Cyberse Clockup!"

Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 2500→5500

"5500 attack points?!" Desperado exclaimed. If Playmaker attacked anyone of his monsters, then he would lose. Well, it seemed his options were clear.

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Life Force!" Desperado abruptly declared. "Thanks to its effect, I can pay 400 Life Points to reduce any battle damage I take to 0!"

Playmaker frowned. "If I can't damage you, I'll at least clear your field. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Code Accelerator and equip it to Clock Dragon! Once per turn, Code Accelerator lets me banish a Link Monster from my Graveyard. Then, for the rest of the turn, the equipped monster can attack monsters up to the banished monster's Link Rating!"

"What?!"

"I banish the Link-3 Transcode Talker to let Clock Dragon attack up to three times this turn! Battle! Cyberse Clock Dragon attacks Magical Musketeer Doc, Wild, and Zakiel! Pulse Pressure!"

Desperado gritted his teeth. "I activate Life Force's effect three times to negate the damage!"

Pink lightning sparked over Clock Dragon's body before it gathered in its maw. Said lightning was released in a massive stream that enveloped all three of Desperado's monsters. However, the stream of energy failed to reach Desperado due to a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around him. Afterward, a crimson aura formed around his body, causing him to hiss in pain.

Desperado: 1850→650 LP

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

Meanwhile, at Storm Rider and Dr. Willow's duel...

"I activate the Spell Card: Beastborg Medal of Sacrifice!" Willow declared as the card showed a medal with an intricate design, a circular-shaped body, and two halberds crossed on top of it. "Through its effect, I can draw six cards from my Deck if all "Beastborg" monsters I controlled were destroyed during the previous turn by my opponent and if I currently control no such monsters!"

Upon checking out her drawn cards, Dr. Willow chuckled.

"The true battle starts from here! I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Beastborg Generator by sending three cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard." The card showed a large, old-fashioned electromagnetic generator. "And to complete my preparations, I will banish Beastborg Fusioner to activate the Continuous Spell Card: Superior Beastborg Fusioner!" The card showed a similar scenario to Beastborg Fusioner but with a more futuristic injection press powered by Beastborg Generator. "Through its effect, I can Fusion Summon a "Beastborg" Fusion Monster by using monsters from my hand or field up to twice per turn. I will fuse Panther Warrior and Dark Sentinel! Along with Exarion Universe and Stealth Sentinel! Return to the frontlines once again, Panther Predator and Centaur Pursuer!"

Dr. Willow's monsters disintegrated into particles and formed two violent whirlwinds, with Panther Predator and Centaur Pursuer emerging.

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 1600 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

Beastborg Centaur Pursuer ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 6

He Fusion Summoned those monsters again… Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. But that can't be all there is to his strategy for this turn. As such, he must have something else in store…

"Now, it's time to reinforce my troops and renew my assault!" Willow exclaimed. "I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization! With it, I fuse the Enraged Battle Ox and Cannon Sentinel in my hand!"

Silhouettes of a bipedal ox in red armor, wielding a double-bladed axe and dark brown tank with cannons attached to its top and sides, appeared. The monsters disintegrated into particles that formed a vortex. Two whirlwinds, colored red and blue, emerged from the vortex before merging into a purple tornado.

"Furious bestial warrior tearing through its enemies, unite with the merciless defender and become a new terror dominating the battlefield! I Fusion Summon! Come forth! Beastborg Taurus Slayer!"

A humanoid bull with several mechanical parts attached to its body, which held a large halberd shaped like a gear and had a cannon protruding from its left shoulder, appeared on Willow's field.

Beastborg Taurus Slayer ATK 2500 DEF 1950 LVL: 7

"I activate Panther Predator's effect, inflicting damage to you equal to half its attack points!" Willow shouted. "Moreover, due to Taurus Slayer's effect, whenever you receive damage from the effect of a "Beastborg" monster, that damage is doubled! And thanks to Beastborg Generator's effect, whenever you receive effect damage from the effect of a "Beastborg" monster, I gain an equal amount of Life Points! Take this! Quasar Beam!"

Panther Predator launched a crimson blast of energy from its chest and struck Storm Rider, sending him skidding back several feet.

Storm Rider: 1850→250 LP

Dr. Willow: 1500→3100 LP

"At this moment, Centaur Pursuer's effect also activates, increasing my monsters' attack points equal to half the damage you received from Panther Predator's effect!"

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 1600→2400

Beastborg Centaur Pursuer ATK 2300→3100

Beastborg Taurus Slayer ATK 2500→3300

"Now, it's time for battle!" Willow declared. "Beastborg Taurus Slayer, attack Cycode Administrator! In addition, when Taurus Slayer inflicts battle damage to the opponent, that damage is doubled! With this, you're finished! Brutal Motor!"

"I beg to differ." Storm Rider grinned. "I activate the Trap Card: Broken Cycode! When my "Cycode" monster battles your monster, Broken Cycode increases my Life Points by your monster's attack points!"

Storm Rider: 250→3550 LP

"Furthermore, I banish Cycode Half-Guard from my Graveyard to activate its effect!" Storm Rider continued. "By discarding Cycode Shieldmaiden, all battle damage I take is halved!"

Taurus Slayer swung its halberd and bisected Administrator with it. Immediately afterward, its remains were absorbed by the cannon on Taurus Slayer's shoulder, which proceeded to shoot a powerful blast that sent Storm Rider tumbling back several feet.

Storm Rider: 3550→3100 LP

Storm Rider frowned after recuperating from the attack. "Since Cycode Administrator left the field, Binal Sorceress's attack points return to normal."

Cycode Binal Sorceress ATK 2800→2000

"Next, Centaur Pursuer, attack Binal Sorceress!" The doctor exclaimed. "Heavy Metal Shot!"

Centaur Pursuer's crossbow shot a powerful energy bolt, piercing through Binal Sorceress and striking Storm Rider's body, causing him to grunt in pain.

Storm Rider: 3100→2550 LP

"Finally, Panther Predator attacks you directly, Storm Rider!" Willow yelled. "Industrial Savage!"

"I activate the effect of the Cycode Shieldmaiden in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider shouted as a spectral monster of a female in mechanical armor carrying a large shield with a spear appeared. "By banishing this card from my Graveyard, all your monsters lose attack points equal to Shieldmaiden's attack points until the End Phase! Which means all your monsters lose 1800 attack points!"

The doctor's eyes widened as the shield in Shieldmaiden's hand glowed, and all his monsters weakened.

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 2400→600

Beastborg Centaur Pursuer ATK 3100→1300

Beastborg Taurus Slayer ATK 3300→1500

Willow narrowed his eyes. "Even if my monsters are weaker, you'll still take damage!"

Panther Predator's blade finally hit Storm Rider, making him cry in pain.

Storm Rider: 2550→2250 LP

"Since the Battle Phase is over, both Broken Cycode and Half-Guard's effects activate!" Storm Rider stated. "Broken Cycode lets me draw two cards since I control no monsters, and Half-Guard lets me draw a card for every monster you control that battled this turn, in this case, three. Meaning, I get to draw a total of five cards!" He drew, looked at his cards, then added them to his hand.

"Even though I worked hard to reduce your Life Points, you restored most of them with a single move." Willow let out a small smile. "I place one card face-down and end my turn. And because of that, your Shieldmaiden's effect ends, and my monsters' attack points return to normal."

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 600→2400

Beastborg Centaur Pursuer ATK 1300→3100

Beastborg Taurus Slayer ATK 1500→3300

"As I thought, you are a skilled and fierce warrior, a truly worthy opponent for me. It's a shame you must perish along with the rest of your comrades."

"Don't act as if you've already won the duel!" Storm Rider stated with a cold glare. "Though it does make me wonder, how could someone of your talents work for someone who only uses people to attain and fulfill their own selfish goals?"

"A lowlife like you has no business questioning my loyalty and resolve," Willow replied." But I'll tell you if you want to know so badly." The doctor turned his gaze to the ceiling solemnly as he continued speaking. "You see, for a long time, I always believed that true growth can only be accomplished by strictly controlling a person's evolutionary path toward the desired outcome. People who believe in survival of the fittest have only produced inconsistent results disproportionate to the effort and resources spent. On the other hand, my methods can bring out a duelist's full potential, especially once the trials of Phase 2 are complete. And to think that my short-sighted colleagues in the past dared to call me a madman once I presented my discoveries to them…."

Suddenly, Dr. Willow gritted his teeth in frustration. "Before you were even born, I was considered one of the brightest minds in my country and many great things were expected from me. My field of expertise was the study of the human brain and, more specifically, its responses to several stimuli. Thanks to my thorough study of the brain's patterns and neural network, I devised ways to influence behavior, inhibit or enhance a person's emotional responses, manipulate the signals responsible for pain and ultimately place a person under someone else's complete control. I had presented my findings before the scientific community, certain that they would prove invaluable to the war effort and instrumental in their country's victory. Instead, petty morals had triumphed over pragmatism, with my fellow scientists condemning me for my supposedly unethical experiments and our country's leaders following suit. Not long after, I was labeled a dangerous element, with the army detaining me and forbidding me from conducting more research.

He narrowed his eyes at Storm Rider. "However, things changed when I met Queen Priscilla, and she liberated me. She recognized my talent and research's value to the great cause of her goal. It was partly thanks to my accomplishments that most of the Syndicate's soldiers had remained loyal to her, with my research being the last in many discoveries. And soon enough, my research will give birth to the perfect warrior. Far superior to any Duel Soldier."

"I thought you might be different, but in the end, you're just another loyal dog of the Syndicate who can't tell right from wrong." Storm Rider scoffed at the doctor's words and exasperatedly shook his head. "How pathetic that a great scientist like yourself doesn't possess an ounce of free will or conscience. You're just as cold and heartless as the mindless dragons you command."

"Watch your tone, mongrel!" Willow shouted. "Trash like you don't get to speak to someone of my intellect like that!"

Storm Rider sighed as he rubbed his temple. "Since you seem so determined in your false beliefs, there's no point in reasoning with you." He then placed his hand on his Deck. "In that case, it's my turn! I draw! Since you control monsters and I don't, I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman!"

The armored man with swords reappeared.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Swordsman's effect activates! If it is Special Summoned by its effect, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand." He took a card from his Deck, then gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Cycode Teleporter in my Graveyard! Since I control a face-up "Cycode" monster, by discarding 1 card, I can Special Summon this card in Attack Position! However, I cannot Normal Summon the turn I activate this effect."

A black alien-like warrior in grey armor, holding a baton, appeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Teleporter ATK 500 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

The doctor narrowed his eyes at the monster. "That must be the card he sent through Coder's effect on his first turn," he deduced.

Storm Rider raised his hand toward the sky. "Appear, my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

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

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

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

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

Cycode Priestess ATK 1200 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: One-Time Passcode!" Storm Rider declared. "This lets me Special Summon a Security Token in Defense Position!"

A triangular robot with a blue lens appeared at Cycode Priestess's bottom-right Link Arrow.

Security Token ATK 2000 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

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

A card ejected from Storm Rider's Duel Disk as he took it and added it to his hand. "Furthermore, since I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon Cycode Linker from my hand!"

The monster with red arrows on its gauntlets appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Now for the main event. I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Cycode Ritual!" Storm Rider declared. "With this card, I Tribute monsters from my hand and field whose total Levels equal or surpass the Level of a Cyberse Ritual Monster that I'm Ritual Summoning from my hand!"

The light around them faded as a blue circle with seven blue flames materialized before Storm Rider.

"I Tribute the Level 4 Cycode Linker and Level 4 Security Token!"

Seven pillars erupted around the circle as Linker and Security Token disintegrated into data that entered the circle's center.

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

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

Cycode Warlock ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Ritual Summon, huh?" Willow remarked. "I had heard that you and your comrades utilize this summoning method, but it's my first time witnessing it. While this is impressive, I fail to see how it will aid you in overcoming me and my monsters."

"Then watch and learn," Storm Rider stated. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cycode Multiplier and equip it to Warlock!" The Ritual Monster glowed green from the equipped card. "Multiplier allows Cycode Warlock to make two attacks on monsters my opponent controls!" Willow's eyes widened. "Battle! Warlock, attack Taurus Slayer!"

The doctor raised an eyebrow. "You're attacking even though your Monster's attack is lower?"

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

Willow gasped as Taurus Slayer was weakened.

Beastborg Taurus Slayer ATK 3300→1650

"In addition, all battle damage you take involving "Cycode" monsters is doubled," Storm Rider added. "Which means once this attack connects, this duel is as good as done!"

"I won't allow that!" Willow shouted. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Beastborg Medal of Valor!" The card showed a medal with an intricate design that had a square-shaped body and a shield engraved on top of it. "Through this card's effect, I take no battle damage from battles involving "Beastborg" monsters! In exchange, those monsters and the monsters used to summon them are banished from my Graveyard!"

Following the doctor's words, Warlock aimed its staff and blasted Taurus Slayer with a stream of dark blue energy, destroying it, although the ensuing shockwave didn't reach Willow due to a barrier that appeared around him.

"Since a "Beastborg" monster on my field was destroyed, Beastborg Medal of Valor's second effect activates!" Willow stated. "Thanks to it, this card gains a Valor Counter!"

Beastborg Medal of Valor: 0 VC→1 VC

"Tch." Storm Rider clicked his tongue in irritation. "As long as that Continuous Trap remains on the field, I won't be able to inflict battle damage when battling "Beastborg" monsters… In any case, my Battle Phase is still not over! Cycode Warlock attacks Beastborg Panther Predator! And like before, Cycode Warlock's effect activates!"

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 2400→1200

The previous scene was repeated as Warlock blasted Panther Predator with a beam of energy, eradicating it.

"Due to Medal of Valor's effect, I take no battle damage, although both Panther Predator and its materials are banished from my Graveyard." Willow reminded Storm Rider. "Also, my card gains yet another Valor Counter."

Beastborg Medal of Valor: 1 VC→2 VC

"There must be a purpose behind these counters, but I can't do anything more right now…." Storm Rider muttered. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

At Playmaker and Desperado's duel...

"It's my turn!" Desperado announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, which allows me to draw cards until I have five in my hand. In exchange, I must discard my entire hand during the fifth Standby Phase after this card's activation. Then, I summon Magical Musketeer Starfire!"

The woman in a black and blue belly dancer's outfit appeared on his field.

Magical Musketeer Starfire ATK 1300 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Magical Musket – Armed Rebellion!" The card showed weapons handed to Caspar, Doc, Wild, and Starfire. Wild was smiling wildly at the mini-machinegun given to him. "Since I control a "Magical Musket" monster, I can Special Summon 2 Level 4 or lower "Magical Musket" monsters from my Graveyard. Come to me, Magical Musketeer Calamity and Magical Musketeer Kidbrave!"

Kidbrave and a red-haired woman carrying a rocket launcher appeared on Desperado's field, both in Attack Position.

Magical Musketeer Calamity ATK 1500 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

Magical Musketeer Kidbrave ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"The monsters Special Summoned by Armed Rebellion cannot attack and have their effects negated," Desperado continued. "And if they leave the field, they are banished."

"Then what is the point of summoning them?" Playmaker asked before his eyes widened in realization. "Unless..."

"Exactly," Desperado smirked as he gestured to the sky. "I'll bullseye my circuit once again!"

His hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared in the sky above.

"Link Arrows authorized!" Desperado shouted. "The summoning conditions are three "Magical Musket" monsters! I set Calamity, Kidbrave, and Starfire in the Link Arrows!"

All three monsters became whirlwinds of energy that entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar!"

The monster that appeared was similar to Zakiel, but only in structure. Its skin was colored white, while its trench coat was a mixture of red and gold. White angelic wings spread out from its back, while silver hair hung from its head, topped with a golden crown. Ottokar hefted two massive pistols as it was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 3000 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"So this must be his ultimate monster," Playmaker murmured as he narrowed his eyes at Ottokar.

"Since Calamity and Kidbrave left the field, they are banished by Armed Rebellion's effect," Desperado said. "Moving on, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Power Shot! Until the end of the turn, a "Magical Musket" monster I control gains 800 attack points and cannot be destroyed by battle! I target Sovereign Ottokar!"

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 3000→3800

Desperado gestured to his field. "Furthermore, Ottokar's effect activates! When a Spell or Trap Card is activated in the column of a zone it points to, I can banish one Level 4 or lower "Magical Musket" monster from my Graveyard and then activate its effect as Ottokar's!"

Playmaker's eyes widened. That meant he could activate any of his monster's effects.

"I banish Magical Musketeer Doc from the Graveyard to activate its effect as Ottokar's. Doc's effect lets me add a "Magical Musket" card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Magical Musket – Cross Domination and activate it! Thanks to its effect, one monster's attack and defense points become 0, and that monster's effects are negated until the end of the turn! I target Cyberse Clock Dragon!"

Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 5500→0 DEF 2000→0

Desperado pointed to Playmaker's field. "Time to finish you off, Playmaker! Ottokar, attack Cyberse Clock Dragon! Ultimate Bullet!"

"Not so fast!" Playmaker said, interrupting the attack. "I activate the Trap Card: Half or Nothing! When this card is activated, you can choose one of two effects. You either end the Battle Phase or the attack points of all monsters you control become halved until the end of your Battle Phase."

Desperado gritted his teeth as he made a decision. "I'll choose the second effect, which halves the attack points of all my monsters for the duration of this Battle Phase."

Half or Nothing then glowed an eerie color, halting Ottokar's attack as it groaned in pain.

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 3800→1900

"Resume your attack, Sovereign Ottokar! Ultimate Bullet!"

Ottokar laughed as it hefted its pistols and pointed them at Cyberse Clock Dragon. The pistols charged and fired two massive bursts of yellow energy at the Cyberse Fusion Monster, destroying it in a massive explosion and causing Playmaker to use his right arm to shield himself from the blast as he was pushed back due to the ensuing shockwave.

Playmaker: 2100→200 LP

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 1900→3800

"At this moment, I activate the Trap Card: Destruction Bounty!" Playmaker declared. "Through its effect, if a monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck was destroyed, I can draw a card from my Deck for every material used to summon it. Moreover, I can draw another card from my Deck if I control no other monsters. So I draw a total of four cards!"

"Great. Just great. You refilled your hand, which means you can resume your strategies on your next turn." Desperado sarcastically commented. "I place one card face-down and end my turn. And since it's the End Phase, Power Shot's effect ends."

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 3800→3000

"My turn!" Playmaker announced. "I draw! First, I can Special Summon this monster by sending a Level 2 or lower monster from my hand to the Graveyard. Come, Bitrooper!"

A white and yellow armored mechanical warrior appeared in Attack Position.

Bitrooper ATK 1500 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"Next, I summon ROM Cloudia!"

A ram with black fur and pink horns appeared on his field.

ROM Cloudia ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"ROM Cloudia's effect activates!" Playmaker declared. "As it was Normal Summoned, I can add one Cyberse monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add the monster I just discarded to my hand."

After taking the card from the Graveyard, he said, "I activate the effect of the Latency I just added to my hand. I can Special Summon it when it is added from the Graveyard to my hand!"

An armored machine woman in a pink dress holding an hourglass appeared in Attack Position.

Latency ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Playmaker raised his hand. "Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Level 2 or higher Cyberse monsters. I set Bitrooper and ROM Cloudia in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the top and left arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Update Jammer!"

A blue-haired young man wearing a green overcoat, a black jumpsuit, gauntlets, boots, and a mask emerged from the Extra Monster Zone portal.

Update Jammer ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↑

"Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future!" The Link Portal appeared above Playmaker a second time. "The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse Effect monsters. I set Update Jammer and Latency in the Link Arrows!"

Playmaker's monsters entered the top, bottom, and left arrows.

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

A humanoid with silver armor and a flowing red cloak wielding a scythe appeared on Playmaker's field in the Extra Monster Zone.

Incode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ←↑↓

"Since the Special Summoned Latency was used to Link Summon, I draw one card!" Playmaker drew, then said, "I activate the effect of Dual Assembwurm in my Graveyard! By banishing Lockout Gardna and Flame Bufferlo from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it with its attack points halved!"

A large mechanical dragon, one half of it blue and the other half red appeared and roared in Attack Position at Incode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Dual Assembwurm ATK 2800→1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 8

"I activate Incode Talker's effect!" Playmaker continued. "By destroying Dual Assembwurm, which is currently linked to it, Incode Talker gains its attack points until this turn's End Phase! Circuit Break!"

The blue and red dragon disintegrated, and its particles flew to Incode Talker's scythe, which glowed with silver light.

Incode Talker ATK 2300→3700

"As impressive as that sounds, it won't do much against me, Playmaker," Desperado said. "However, thanks to Life Force, I can prevent myself from losing by paying a mere 400 Life Points. You'll need more than this to defeat me."

"I'm aware of that," Playmaker said. "Since I used Update Jammer to Link Summon Incode Talker, it can attack twice this turn."

"What?" Desperado said, surprised.

"Battle!" Playmaker exclaimed. "Incode Talker, attack Sovereign Ottokar! Last Incode!"

"Unfortunately, I also have a few additional tricks up my sleeve!" Desperado shouted. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Scrubbed Raid! Through its effect, I can automatically end the Battle Phase by sending a card I control to the Graveyard! I send Life Force to the Graveyard!"

Following Desperado's words, Incode Talker attempted to strike Ottokar with its scythe, only to be blocked by a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around the Magical Musket Link Monster.

Desperado smirked. "Furthermore, Ottokar's effect activates!" he stated. "I'll banish Magical Musketeer Caspar from my Graveyard. Doing so lets me add one "Magical Musket" card from my Deck to my hand. "I add my last Steady Hands from my Deck to my hand."

"I should have known it wouldn't be so simple…" Playmaker grumbled as he took a card from his hand. "I activate the Spell Card: Link Spring!" The card showed a gray stone basin with carved arrows on the sides. The basin was filled with water, and more water was poured into it. "For every Link Monster on the field, I gain 400 Life Points. As there are two Link Monsters, I gain 800 Life Points."

Playmaker: 200→1000 LP

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn. And at this moment, Incode Talker's effect ends, and its attack points return to normal."

Incode Talker ATK 3700→2300

Back at Storm Rider and Dr. Willow's duel…

"My turn!" Willow announced. "I draw! I activate Superior Beastborg Fusioner's second effect, which allows me to Fusion Summon a "Beastborg" Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck by sending two monsters from my Deck to the Graveyard once per turn. I will send Goblin Marauding Force and Spell Canceller from my Deck to the Graveyard to Fusion Summon!"

Silhouettes of a trio of goblins with blonde hair and a machine that resembled a spider appeared before disintegrating into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. The particles swirled into a vortex before two different-colored tornados burst out. The tornados merged into a single violet twister as Willow chanted.

"Savage barbarians that endlessly seek battle merge as one with the fearless observer and become a harbinger of terror! I Fusion Summon! Show yourself! Beastborg Goblin Jaeger!"

A towering mechanical goblin wielding two large curved blades with a heat rod resembling a tail attached to its left arm appeared on the field in Attack Position.

Beastborg Goblin Jaeger ATK 2700 DEF 1650 LVL: 7

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Beastborg Processing Plant!" The card showed a factory with several bound and unconscious Beast-Warrior and Sentinel monsters being thrown into a machine, from which various Beastborg monsters walked out. "By banishing Pitch-Black Warwolf and Carrier Sentinel from my Graveyard, I can Fusion Summon a "Beastborg" monster!"

Silhouettes of a humanoid wolf wielding a sword and a large green carrier tank appeared before breaking into particles, which swirled into a vortex afterward. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"Wolf of the battlefield that bares its fangs unite with the veteran sentinel to give rise to a new bestial hero! I Fusion Summon! Show yourself! Beastborg Wolf Kämpfer!"

A mechanical humanoid wolf appeared on Willow's field.

Beastborg Wolf Kampler ATK 2200 DEF 1600 LVL: 6

"Now then, can you withstand this assault as well, Storm Rider?" Willow said. "I guess we'll find out soon. Battle! Beastborg Goblin Jaeger, attack Cycode Warlock!"

"You're attacking even though your monster's weaker? Then, I activate Cycode Warlock's effect once again!" Storm Rider shouted. "Thanks to it, your Goblin Jaeger's effects are negated, and its attack points are halved!"

"Useless!" Willow exclaimed. "As long as Goblin Jaeger remains face-up on the field, "Beastborg" monsters I control are unaffected by my opponent's monster's effects! Furthermore, Beastborg Medal of Valor's second effect activates! Once per turn, when a "Beastborg" monster I control attacks an opponent's monster, that monster gains attack points equal to the number of counters on this card multiplied by 300 during damage calculation! Since there are two Valor Counters, Goblin Jaeger gains 600 attack points!"

Beastborg Goblin Jaeger ATK 2700→3300

"Go, Goblin Jaeger! Ravage Generator!"

"I activate Broken Cycode's effect from my Graveyard!" Storm Rider shouted. "By banishing it, I can activate its effect! Now I gain Life Points equal to Goblin Jaeger's attack points!"

Storm Rider: 2250→5550 LP

"Even so, you'll still lose your monster!"

Goblin Jaeger's twin blades were enveloped by crimson energy as it slashed at Warlock with them, destroying the Ritual Monster and sending Storm Rider skidding back.

Storm Rider: 5550→4750 LP

Beastborg Goblin Jaeger ATK 3300→2700

"At this moment, Goblin Jaeger's effect activates, inflicting damage to you equal to the destroyed monster's attack points!" Willow declared. "Moreover, due to Wolf Kämpfer's effect, whenever you receive battle damage, you also receive 300 points of damage! Take this!"

"Sorry, but the same tricks won't work twice!" Storm Rider stated. "I activate the Trap Card: Damage Eraser, whose effect reduces the effect damage to 0 and increases my Life Points by an equal amount!"

Goblin Jaeger swung its heat rod following the doctor's words while Wolf Kämpfer unleashed a volley of missiles from the launcher on its right shoulder. However, a barrier formed around Storm Rider, blocking the attacks. Immediately afterward, the barrier shattered, turning into a rain of particles that enveloped Storm Rider.

Storm Rider: 4750→7550 LP

The doctor gritted his teeth in frustration. "In that case, Centaur Pursuer attacks Cycode Priestess!" he shouted. "Heavy Metal Shot!"

A bolt of energy was shot from Centaur Pursuer's crossbow, piercing through Priestess and destroying it, with the ensuing explosion's shockwave sending Storm Rider flying.

Storm Rider: 7550→5650 LP

"Wolf Kämpfer's effect activates once again since you received battle damage!" Willow stated. "Take an additional 300 points of damage!"

Another volley of missiles was launched from Wolf Kämpfer's launcher, striking Storm Rider's body and causing him to cry in pain.

Storm Rider: 5650→5350 LP

"In addition, due to Beastborg Generator's effect, I gain Life Points equal to the amount of effect damage you received."

Dr. Willow: 3100→3400 LP

"An due to Centaur Pursuer's effect, the attack points of my "Beastborg" monsters increase by equal to half the damage you received from Wolf Kampfer's effect."

Beastborg Centaur Pursuer ATK 3100→3250

Beastborg Goblin Jaeger ATK 2700→2850

Beastborg Wolf Kampfer ATK 2200→2350

"Finally, Beastborg Wolf Kämpfe attacks you directly!" Willow pointed at Storm Rider. "Mechanized Nail!"

Wolf Kämpfer slashed Storm Rider with its claws, making him fall to a knee.

Storm Rider: 5350→3000 LP

"Wolf Kämpfer's effect activates once again since you received battle damage!"

Following the doctor's words, Wolf Kamper unleashed another volley of missiles that struck Storm Rider, causing him to grunt in pain.

Storm Rider: 3000→2700 LP

"Centaur Pursuer's effect activates again, making my monsters even stronger!"

Beastborg Centaur Pursuer ATK 3250→3400

Beastborg Goblin Jaeger ATK 2850→3000

Beastborg Wolf Kampfer ATK 2350→2500

"In addition, Beastborg Generator's effect increases my Life Points by an amount equal to the effect damage you took."

Dr. Willow: 3400→3700 LP

"At the end of the Battle Phase, Broken Cycode's effect activates," Storm Rider said. "It lets me draw two cards since I control no monsters." He drew and smiled at his cards.

"I believe the results are quite satisfactory for this turn," The doctor said. "I place one card face-down and end my turn. Can you overcome my Beastborgs' invincible formation, or will you fall beneath their might, Storm Rider?"

"I suppose we'll find out soon, won't we?" Storm Rider responded. "My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Card of Adversity! Thanks to its effect, I can draw two cards since I control no monsters while you control a Special Summoned monster. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Maintenance! It lets me add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Cycode Masterframe to my hand and summon it!"

The young boy in a hoodie and goggles reappeared.

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

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

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

Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

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

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

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

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

Cycode Knight ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I'll now create my circuit!"

The Link Portal appeared above Storm Rider.

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

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

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

A knight riding a robotic horse with digital wings appeared in the Extra Monster Zone. He wielded digital twin lances.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Normally, I would use Gaia Charger's effect to weaken your monsters," Storm Rider said. "But thanks to your Goblin Jaegar, that plan's cut short. So I'll have to resort to Plan B. I activate the Spell Card: Back-Up Rider! Until the end of the turn, Gaia Charger gains 1500 attack points!"

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600→4100

"And thanks to its effect, Gaia Charger can attack twice!" Storm Rider added. "Battle! Gaia Charger attacks Golbin Jaeger! Linkage Spiral!"

The warrior charged forward, piercing Centaur Pursuer with its lance and destroying it in an explosion.

"Due to Beastborg Medal of Valor's effect, I receive no damage from battles involving "Beastborg" monsters, although Goblin Jaeger and its materials are banished from my Graveyard." The doctor reminded Storm Rider. "Furthermore, my Trap gains another Valor Counter."

Beastborg Medal of Valor: 2 VC→3 VC

"That may be the case, but without your Goblin Jaeger, your "Beastborg" monsters can now be affected by monsters' effects." Storm Rider pointed out. "But before that, I'll have Gaia Charger attack Centaur Pursuer!"

The Link Monster charged forward, piercing Centaur Pursuer's body with its lance and destroying it.

"Medal of Valor's effect reduces the battle damage to 0 once again, while my card gains another Valor Counter."

Beastborg Medal of Valor: 3 VC→4 VC

"Furthermore, since "Beastborg" monsters on my field were destroyed, I can activate the Trap Card: Tenacious Beastborg!" The card showed a battered Beastborg Wolf Kampfer kneeling on top of a pile of defeated Beastborg monsters, its eyes glowing brightly. Through its effect, I can Special Summon "Beastborg" monsters from my Graveyard or banish zone equal to the number of "Beastborg" monsters destroyed so far with their effects negated. Revive, Panther Predator and Taurus Slayer!"

Willow's previously destroyed monsters returned to the field from a portal that appeared on the ground.

Beastborg Panther Predator ATK 1600 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

Beastborg Taurus Slayer ATK 2500 DEF 1950 LVL: 7

"Even though they say I'm pretty stubborn, you're quite the tenacious fellow," Storm Rider remarked with a cramped smile. "Although I'm destroying your monsters one after another, my attacks aren't reaching you, thanks to your Trap Card. I place three cards face-down and end my turn with Back-Up Rider's effect ending," Storm Rider concluded.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 4100→2600

Back at Playmaker and Desperado's duel…

"My turn!" Desperado announced. "I draw!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Breakthrough Skill!" Playmaker abruptly declared. "It lets me negate the effects of one face-up monster on your field. I negate Sovereign Ottokar's effects!"

"So you prepared, huh…?" Desperado said as his monster greyed out. "Then, how about this? I activate Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Steady Hands! And with this, Ottokar's attack points become twice its original attack points!"

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 3000→6000

"Unfortunately, that won't work," Playmaker stated as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Cyberse Shatter! When I control a Cyberse monster and a card or effect that changes the attack of exactly one monster is activated, I can negate the activation and draw one card!"

"...!" Desperado was silent with shock as Cyberse Shatter fired a wave of energy at Ottokar, negating its attack boost as Playmaker drew.

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 6000→3000

"Tch." Desperado clicked his tongue in irritation. "Did you predict that move as well?"

"I always tend to study my opponents as much as possible during a duel," Playmaker replied.

"I see," Desperado muttered. He then gestured to his monster. "Battle! Sovereign Ottokar attacks Incode Talker! Ultimate Bullet!"

The Magical Musket Link Monster aimed its pistols, firing multiple beams of yellow energy. Upon seeing that, Playmaker started jumping from platform to platform, eventually coming across an Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Tenacity!" Playmaker exclaimed. "Since Incode is the only monster I control, it can't be destroyed this turn!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around the Code Talker, shielding it from energy beams, although some struck Playmaker's body.

Playmaker: 1000→300 LP

"Bad move," Playmaker," Desperado sneered. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Revenge Attack! Since my monster failed to destroy yours, not only does it gain 1000 attack points and gets to attack a second time!"

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 3000→4000

Ottokar aimed its blasters and fired yellow energy at Incode Talker. Upon seeing that, Playmaker jumped to a nearby platform and snatched an Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Encore!" Playmaker declared. "Due to its effect, I will copy the effect of Big Escape in my Graveyard, ending the Battle Phase!"

"Aren't you the lucky one, Playmaker?" Desperado smirked. "In that case, let me try to limit it! I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Battle Gravity! With this card, if the turn player controls a monster that didn't battle, they take 1000 points of damage during the End Phase."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "And you can ensure that due to Scrubbed Raid," he noted.

Desperado nodded. "That's right. I've got you completely locked down. With that, I end my turn. And since it's the End Phase, Revenge Attack and Breakthrough Skill's effects end."

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar ATK 4000→3000

"Now, make your last pathetic move before the inevitable end arrives."

"I don't need you to tell me that…" Playmaker grumbled. "My turn! I draw!" After viewing his card, Playmaker let out a small smile. "Alright, here goes nothing! First, I activate the effect of Breakthrough Skill from my Graveyard! By banishing this card, I can target a face-up monster you control and negate its effects until the end of the turn. I target Ottokar!"

Desperado gritted his teeth in anger as his Link Monster greyed out.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Equivalent Exchange!" Playmaker continued. "Through its effect, I discard Cynet Universe to add Twin Twisters to my hand. Then, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters! By discarding a card from my hand, I can target and destroy up to two Spell or Trap Cards on the field." Desperado's eyes widened. "I target and destroy Scrubbed Raid and Battle Gravity!"

Two raging twisters emerged from Playmaker's Spell Card, striking and destroying the designated cards.

"Next, I activate the effect of Cyberse Shatter in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Link-2 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Update Jammer!"

The blue-haired youth reappeared at Incode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Update Jammer ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↑

"Finally, I activate Incode Talker's effect!" Playmaker shouted. "Since it points to Update Jammer, I can destroy it to give its attack points to Incode until the End Phase! Circuit Break!"

Update Jammer disintegrated as Incode Talker roared and glowed red from its increased power.

Incode Talker ATK 2300→4300

"Battle! Incode Talker, attack Sovereign Ottokar!"

Desperado clicked his tongue as he began jumping from platform to platform. Playmaker followed suit as Incode Talker soared in the sky and got into position to charge at Ottokar. Almost simultaneously, both duelists grabbed Action Cards and activated them.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Battle Lock!" Desperado shouted. "Due to its effect, your monsters are prevented from declaring an attack for this turn!"

"I won't allow that!" Playmaker exclaimed. "I activate the Action Spell Card: No Action, negating the effects of your Action Card! As such, my monster's attack resumes unhindered! Go, Incode Talker! Destroy Sovereign Ottokar! Last Incode!"

Incode Talker swung its scythe in Ottokar's direction, creating a massive crescent-shaped energy wave that bisected the Link Monster, with the ensuing explosion sending Desperado flying and crashing into a nearby wall.

Desperado: 650→0 LP

"Simply…magnificent…" Desperado said with a wide smile as the Action Field surrounding the two duelists disappeared. "Your strength is the real deal, Playmaker. No wonder Galerius had a tough time facing you. However, don't relax just yet. You and I will fight again, so you had best prepare yourself until then!"

And with that, Desperado was enveloped by the blue light of teleportation and disappeared.

"It looks like you have some wild party going on here. Do you have room for a few more guests?"

The nearby voice attracted Playmaker's attention as he turned his sight toward three youths standing behind. It was Soulburner, Blue Maiden and Roselyn. An expression of relief and joy appeared on his face.

"Glad to see you guys are okay. But where are Chevalier and Charmcaster?"

"After they finished clearing up all of the soldiers, I informed them about what happened to Sanctum," Blue Maiden said. "Those two logged out to check in on her at my request."

"But enough about them. What are you doing here by yourself?" Soulburner asked.

"Weren't you and Storm Rider supposed to be looking for the main control room like us?" Roselyn added.

"A lot of things happened, but let's leave the explanations for later," Playmaker said. "Right now, we have to meet up with Storm Rider. I fear he might be in trouble."

Following Playmaker's words, everyone started running as fast as possible, heading to the upper floor. After a few minutes, they reached a large ornate door. Driven by instinct, Playmaker opened it as he and the others stepped inside, only to be surprised when they saw Storm Rider in a middle of a duel.

"Storm Rider!"

Playmaker called out to his comrade. Storm Rider glanced in Playmaker's direction, smiling as he saw him and his friends. However, he kept his opponent within his line of sight.

"My, we sure have a lot of visitors today," Willow remarked. "Unfortunately, it's first come, first served, so the rest of you will have to wait for your turn after I'm done with your comrade here."

"If you think we're just going to stand by and watch, you've got another thing coming!" Soulburner scoffed at the doctor's words. "And if you think five versus one is unfair, I'd say that you jerks trying to eradicate something we love is even more unfair."

"What he said." Roselyn supplied from the side. "We don't have time to play by your rules here, so we're joining this fight whether you like it or not."

"Unfortunately, you don't have a choice in the matter."

Willow pressed a button on his Duel Disk, causing a semi-transparent Real Solid Vision wall to materialize around him and Storm Rider.

"As long as this cage remains active, the people inside cannot escape its confines, and no one can interfere with them. As such, please observe the spectacle of your friend's crushing defeat and prepare for your imminent demise."

"Just great." Blue Maiden frowned. "All we can do is watch helplessly from the sidelines."

"What, are you guys concerned about me?" Storm Rider grinned. "There's no need to worry. I'll defeat this guy quickly, and then we can deal with shutting down the factory."

"How naive," Willow said, causing Storm Rider to narrow his eyes at him. "You must be punished for your insolence. And what better way to do this than have you taste despair after I utterly crush you!? My turn! I draw!"

The doctor smirked upon seeing his drawn card.

"Hoh, this is a good card. The time has come for us to settle this match, Storm Rider. As a show of respect for you, I will eliminate you by using my most powerful monster. This monster can be Special Summoned from my Extra Deck by sending three "Beastborg" monsters from my side of the field and a Level 7 or higher Beast-Warrior monster from my hand to the Graveyard. In exchange, I cannot Special Summon other monsters for this turn. I will send Panther Predator, Wolf Kämpfer, Taurus Slayer from my field and Beast King Barbaros from my hand to the Graveyard to Fusion Summon!"

A massive lion centaur – with the lower body of a black feline and the upper body of an anthropomorphic lion – armed with a lance and shield appeared on Willow's field before it and his other monsters broke into particles. The particles swirled into a vortex before bursting forth as three whirlwinds of energy combined to form a purple whirlwind as Willow chanted.

"Mechanized bestial warriors dominating the battlefield, unite as one with the messenger of the underworld and herald the rise of the ultimate machine of destruction! I Fusion Summon! Rise now! Beastborg Leo Eradicator!"

Beastborg Leo Eradicator ATK 4000 DEF 3450 LVL: 10

The monster that emerged from the whirlwind was an anthropomorphic humanoid lion clad in gold and purple mechanical armor, with flames emitting from its forearms and several protrusions extending from its back that spewed fire appeared on the field in Attack Position.

"That's your ace monster, huh…?" Storm Rider narrowed his eyes at the sight of Leo Eradicator. "It sure gives off an intense aura of power…"

"It has been some time since I brought Leo Eradicator forth," Willow said. "Consider this my acknowledgment of your strength." He gestured to his monster. "I activate Leo Eradicator's effect! Once per turn, I can inflict damage to my opponent equal to the Level of a "Beastborg" monster on my field multiplied by 100, and again multiplied by the number of "Beastborg" monsters in my Graveyard and banish zone! And since Leo Eradicator is Level 10 and I have five "Beastborg" Monsters in my Graveyard and banish zone, you will receive 5000 points of damage! This is the end, you loathsome pest! Plasma Burst Stream!"

"I don't think so!" Storm Rider shouted. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Cycode Defense!" The card showed Cycode Defender before a duelist, blocking a blast of white energy with its shield. "Since I control a "Cycode" monster or have one in the Graveyard, I can halve one instance of effect damage!"

A stream of golden flames erupted from Leo Eradicator's forearms, enveloping Storm Rider's body and causing him to scream in pain as his body was tossed left and right like a ragdoll.

Storm Rider: 2700→200 LP

"Cycode Defense has a second effect," Storm Rider added as he stood back up. "It allows me to return a banished card to its controller's Graveyard. I return Cycode Kuriboh to my Graveyard!"

"Phew." Blue Maiden let out a relieved sign. "That was pretty close. Storm Rider escaped by the skin of his teeth."

"Don't celebrate just yet," Playmaker said. "Storm Rider is still far from safe. It's still his opponent's turn, and if he successfully uses an effect like that again, Storm Rider is finished."

"Your persistence is admirable, but you're merely delaying the inevitable," Willow stated. "Thanks to Beastborg Generator's effect, I will gain Life Points equal to the damage you just took!"

Dr. Willow: 3700→6200 LP

"Now, it's time for battle!" Willow exclaimed. "Beastborg Leo Eradicator, attack Cycode Gaia Charger!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Dimension Wall!" Storm Rider declared. "Through its effect, all battle damage I would receive from this battle is instead inflicted on you!"

"Way to go, Storm Rider!" Soulburner cheered. "That guy will be sunk by his monster's attack now!"

"As if I'll let that happen!" The doctor exclaimed while smirking. "Once during either player's turn, Leo Eradicator can negate the activation of an opponent's card effect, meaning your Trap's effect won't apply. In addition, Beastborg Medal of Valor's second effect activates, increasing my monster's attack points by 1200 during the damage step since there are four Valor Counters on it!"

Beastborg Leo Eradicator ATK 4000→5200

"Finish him off, Leo! Phoebus Blow!"

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

Leo Eradicator's fist was coated in flames as the mechanical behemoth drove it through Gaia Charger's chest and destroyed it in a massive explosion. However, Storm Rider was unaffected due to a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around him.

Beastborg Leo Eradicator ATK 5200→4000

"Crafty worm…" Willow growled. "You may have negated the battle damage, but that doesn't mean you're safe! Due to its final effect, Leo Eradicator can attack twice per Battle Phase! Now then, I'll perform your last rites, Storm Rider! Go, Leo Eradicator! Attack Storm Rider directly and end this! Phoebus Blow!"

"Don't be so hasty there!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "I haven't lost yet! I activate the effect of Cycode Firefighter in my Graveyard, banishing it and paying half my Life Points to negate your direct attack!"

A ghostly image of Cycode Firefighter appeared before Storm Rider, consuming Leo Eradicator's attack before vanishing. At the same time, Storm Rider was enveloped by a crimson aura that caused him to wince.

Storm Rider: 200→100 LP

"That was close…." Roselyn let out a relieved sigh. "However, the situation is even worse than before. Storm Rider has no cards on his field and 100 Life Points left. Meanwhile, his opponent has his ace monster and 6200 Life Points. There's an overwhelming difference there."

"Things look pretty bleak, but we've got no choice but to believe in Storm Rider," Blue Maiden said. "I know he'll find a way to pull through in the end."

Storm Rider smirked. "It looks like you failed to finish me off once again."

"So you managed to survive once again," Willow said as he clicked his tongue in frustration. "I suppose that's fitting for a cockroach such as yourself. However, don't think you'll be able to escape your reckoning for much longer. Pointing your blade towards the heavens, towards someone like me, is a sin punishable by defeat. Eventually, you will be swept aside. I end my turn."

"Finally…" Storm Rider muttered. "You must like to hear yourself talk. Also, if I'm a sinner for opposing you, how about we add a few more sins to the total count? My turn! I draw!"

After drawing his card, Storm Rider felt dizzy as his sight blurred momentarily. Although he stumbled, he managed to retain consciousness with a herculean effort.

This isn't good. My body is almost at its limit from this duel… Endure it… Just a little longer…

"I activate Cycode Knight's effect from my Graveyard, banishing it to shuffle Cycode Prisoner, Masterframe, Acrobat, Linker and Scorpion into my Deck to draw two cards!"

He drew his cards, then gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of the Wanderer in my Graveyard! By shuffling it back into my Deck, I can Special Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster from my Graveyard. Return to me, Cycode Meister!"

The armored humanoid robot reappeared on Storm Rider's field.

Cycode Meister ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Wanderer's effect prevents Meister from attacking this turn," Storm Rider told Willow. "But that matters not. I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Mining! I discard a card to add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand." He sent the first card to the Graveyard, then took the second from his Deck. "I summon Cycode Sorceress!"

The mechanical female in a black dress wielding a metal staff appeared.

Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Sorceress's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or below "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Cycode Strider!"

Strider reappeared on Storm Rider's field next to Sorceress.

Cycode Strider ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And since I Special Summoned Strider, I get to check the top card of my Deck to see if it's a monster. I draw!"

He drew and looked at his card, causing him to smile. "I drew Cycode Miner, which means I can summon it!"

A robotic humanoid in a prospector's uniform carrying a shovel appeared.

Cycode Miner ATK 1700 DEF 100 LVL: 4

"Finally, I activate the Spell Card: Link Tag!" The card showed a similar scenario to Fusion Tag but with a Link Portal in the background with the dog tags depicting Backup Supervisor and Link Bumper. "Through its effect, I target Meister and reveal the Link Monster, Cyber Tech Link Dragon from my Extra Deck. By doing so, Meister's name can be treated as the revealed monster if I use it as material for a Link Summon this turn. Which is what I'm about to do right now! Appear, the circuit of infinite potential!"

Storm Rider's hand shone with blue light, materializing the Link Portal beneath the field.

"Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are three or more Cyberse and/or Dragon monsters, including one Cyberse or Dragon Link Monster! I set Cycode Sorceress, Cycode Strider, Cycode Miner and the Link-2 Cycode Meister in the Link Arrows!"

Sorceress, Strider, and Miner became whirlwinds and entered the bottom-left,bottom-right, and bottom arrows. Meister split into two whirlwinds and entered the left and right arrows. All five arrows lit up red as a pillar of blue light shot out of the circuit.

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

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

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

"So this is your trump card, huh…?" Willow narrowed his eyes at the sight of the blue-armored dragon with wings of electricity. "However, as imposing as it is, it still cannot stand up to my Leo Eradicator with its current attack points."

"That may be the case, but you shouldn't always judge a monster based on its attack points," Storm Rider smirked. "Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon's effect activates! When Link Summoned, I can negate the effects of all face-up cards you control, and since I used Cyber Tech Link Dragon as Link Material, this card gains attack points equal to the attack points of the highest monster you control until the End Phase of my next turn!"

"You're a fool!" Willow scoffed at Storm Rider's words. "Have you already forgotten about Leo Eradicator's effect? Once per turn, I can negate the activation of an opponent's card effect, meaning your Cyber Voltaic's effect will be negated!"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but my monster's effect is superior!" Storm Rider stated. "When Cyber Voltaic's effect is activated, you cannot activate cards or effects in response to it!" The doctor gasped. "As such, Leo Eradicator's effects are negated, and Cyber Voltaic's effect continues! Wild Discharge!"

Voltaic sinks its claws into the ground and raises its tail high. The electricity inside the circle at its tip doubled in intensity as it released a wave of energy that washed over Willow's field, causing all his cards to gray out. Willow watched with frustration as Leo Eradicator groaned and slumped over. At the same time, a dark blue aura formed around Voltaic.

Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon ATK 3500→7500

Beastborg Medal of Valor: 4 VC→0 VC

"Following that, I activate the effect of the Teleporter in my Graveyard!" Storm Rider continued. "By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Level 3 or lower "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard. I summon Cycode Swordsman in Defense Position!"

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

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"And to finalize things, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Armaments and equip it to Cyber Voltaic!" Cyber Voltaic's armor changed colors from dark blue to silver. "As long as Cyber Voltaic is equipped with Link Armaments, card effects cannot destroy it, it can inflict piercing battle damage if it attacks a Defense Position monster, and it gains 500 attack points for each Link Monster in my Graveyard. My Graveyard has eight Link Monsters, so Cyber Voltaic gains 4000 attack points!"

Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon ATK 7500→11500

Soulburner grinned. "Awesome! With those attack points-!"

"Storm Rider can end this!" Blue Maiden and Roselyn finished.

"11500 attack points!?" Willow sounded astonished. "Kuh, in that case, I activate Tenacious Beastborg's effect from my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can double the attack points of a "Beastborg" monster I control until the End Phase! I select Leo Eradicator as the target for that effect! In other words, you won't be able to deal enough damage to finish me off!"

"Don't think that's enough to save you!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Cycode Malfunction from my Graveyard!" Everyone gasped in shock as a card appeared on Storm Rider's field. It showed Cycode Buster, the rifle in its hands exploding. "In case you're wondering how this card got in my Graveyard, I sent it there when I played Cynet Mining. And thanks to its effect, since you activated an effect from the Graveyard while I have a "Cycode" monster on my field, that activation is negated!"

"Impossible!" Willow cried out in shock. "I…was bested by someone beneath me!? Curse you!"

"This is the end!" Storm Rider declared. "Go, Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon! Take down Beastborg Leo Eradicator! Zeus Punisher!"

Electricity surged through Storm Rider's dragon body as it opened its maw wide, unleashing a raging stream of pure light blue-colored energy that vaporized Leo Eradicator, with the ensuing explosion sending Willow flying. He hit the far wall of the room before slumping to the ground.

Dr. Willow: 6200→0 LP

"He won!" Blue Maiden and Roselyn cheered.

"Amazing!" Soulburner praised.

As Cyber Voltaic Link Dragon faded, Storm Rider and Playmaker rushed to the command center's console. The two began typing away. After a few seconds, the duo smiled.

"I've managed to wipe all the data from the servers," Playmaker stated. "Furthermore, the self-destruction sequence has been set for five minutes, giving us enough time to leave this place." He turned to Storm Rider. "Storm Rider, care to do the honors?"

The boy gave a small smile. "Why I thought you'd never ask!" he said. "Activating self-destruction sequence now!"

After pressing the button, sirens went off throughout the factory, indicating that the sequence had begun.

"You think this is over?"

Everyone tensed and spun around to face the kneeling Dr. Willow. He was gritting his teeth and glaring at them.

"I might have failed to eliminate you," he said, reaching for his Duel Disk. "But I can still delay your departure." He pressed a button.

BEEP-BEEP

Storm Rider tensed at the sound. "Get back!" he shouted. He and Playmaker leaped back from the console at his warning and-

BOOM!

The entire console exploded, and the shockwave hit Storm Ridr, Playmaker and their allies, knocking them back. Willow disappeared in a flash of blue while they were disoriented.

"What was that?!" Soulburner exclaimed loudly, his ears ringing.

"Willow installed a bomb within the control room!" Storm Rider realized.

"What?!"

"Aw, man!" Roselyn cried out, the map of the factory fizzling on her Duel Disk. It did the same for everyone else. The next thing they knew, the door behind them closed. "With the maps gone and the exits sealed, we'll run in circles!"

"It must have been a contingency plan in case someone succeeded in trying to blow this place up." Blue Maiden deduced.

Playmaker gritted his teeth in anger before pressing the earpiece in his ear. "Kolter, can you lead us out of here?"

"Don't lose your marbles. I got it under control," Kolter answered. "Lucky for all of you, the control room has a ventilation system. Go inside it. And once you do, make a right turn and a left before turning right again. After that, run down the hallway before turning left."

The quintet followed Kolter's instructions and began evacuating.

"Gah," Soulburner groaned as the group crawled through the vents. "This pipe reeks of sewage…."

"Overcome the smell, Soulburner," Storm Rider said, breathing through his mouth. "And be quiet; there might still be guards that haven't evacuated yet. We don't want them to hear us."

"Yes. I understand."

The group of five crawled in silence, with Playmaker leading the way. After following Kolter's instructions, they came across a grate. Playmaker searched for guards through the grate before loosening the bolts, landing on a well-lit corridor. He finally slid the grate over and then dropped down gracefully into a well-lit corridor. As the others dropped, he had everyone move to a secluded corner before forging ahead, avoiding the sparse cameras in their path just in case. After a few minutes of hurried running, they eventually exited the factory.

KABOOM!

Everyone looked at the factory, which exploded, causing them to smile.

"So, what do we do next?" Soulburner asked. "I'd suggest we log out and check on Sanctum to see how she's doing."

"While I agree with you, Soulburner, I suggest we stay behind and ensure there's nothing leftover," Blue Maiden stated. "We can't take any chances of having any spare data or resources laying around."

"If it makes the two of you feel better, I can assure you I've taken that into consideration," Storm Rider said. "Right when we arrived, Playmaker and I deployed several drones around the area that are programmed to survey the area for anything that could be suspicious, useful or dangerous."

"You've thought of everything, huh?" Roselyn smirked. "As expected, the two of you are quite resourceful."

"The drones will immediately notify us should they find anything," Playmaker stated. "But until then, let's head home. We could all use some rest after such an intense day."

[Right!]

Following everyone's shout, they logged out. Unbeknownst to them, someone was watching this scene through the monitors of his quarters.

"Accursed Top 10…" Willow spat out with undisguised hatred, having arrived there following his defeat at Storm Rider's hands. Unfortunately, he couldn't hear the group's discussion since his monitors didn't pick up sound. "You managed to ruin everything for me. Queen Priscilla will punish me severely once news of this colossal failure reaches her. Since things have reached this point, I have no choice but to have my new and latest creation put a stop to the Top 10's interference…."

Upon saying so, Willow turned his gaze to a humanoid figure dressed in a form-fitting black jumpsuit with several armor pieces. However, any semblance of normalcy stopped there as instead of a human head, a robotic head with a crimson visor where the eyes should be was attached to its shoulders.

OC Card Memo:

Desperado:

Magical Musketeer Daly (credit to scififan599)
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Fiend/Link/Effect] ATK 2000 LINK-2 Link Markers: Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right
2 "Magical Musket" monsters
If this card is Link Summoned: You can add 1 "Magical Musket" card from your Deck to your hand. You can activate "Magical Musket" Spell/Trap Cards from your hand during either player's turn. Once per turn, if a Spell/Trap Card is activated in the same column as a zone this card points to (Quick Effect): You can activate one of the following effects.
-Add 1 "Magical Musket" Spell/Trap Card from your GY to your hand.
-Target 1 "Magical Musket" monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your zone this card points to.

Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar (credit to scififan599)
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Fiend/Link/Effect] ATK 3000 LINK-3 Link Markers: Bottom-Left, Bottom, Bottom-Right
3 "Magical Musket" monsters
You can activate "Magical Musket" Spell/Trap Cards from your hand during either player's turn. Up to thrice per turn, if a Spell/Trap Card is activated in the same column as a zone this card points to: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower "Magical Musket" monster in your GY; banish it and activate its effect as this card's effect. You cannot activate this effect if your LP are 1000 or higher. If this card points to no monsters, it cannot be destroyed by battle.

Magical Musket - About Face Normal Spell Card (credit to scififan599)
Target up to 2 "Magical Musket" monsters you control; Tribute them, then Special Summon an equal number of Level 4 or lower "Magical Musket" monsters from your Deck in Attack Position. During the End Phase, destroy all Spell/Trap Cards you control. You can only use 1 "Magical Musket - About Face" per turn.

Magical Musket - Armed Rebellion Normal Spell Card (credit to scififan599)
If you control a "Magical Musket" monster: Target 2 Level 4 or lower "Magical Musket" monsters in your GY; Special Summon them to your field in Attack Position with their effects negated. Monsters Special Summoned by this effect cannot attack and are banished when they leave the field. If you control a "Magical Musket" monster: You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 Spell/Trap Card on your opponent's field; destroy it. You can only activate each effect of "Magical Musket - Armed Rebellion" once per turn.

Magical Musket - Quick Draw Normal Trap Card (credit to scififan599)
If you control a "Magical Musket" monster: Target 1 face-up card on the field; return it to the owner's hand. You can only activate 1 "Maigcal Musket - Quick Draw" per turn.

Storm Rider:

Cycode Defense Counter Trap Card

If you would take damage from a card effect while you control a "Cycode" monster or have at least 1 "Cycode" monster in your GY: Halve that damage, then you can return 1 banished card to its controller's GY.

Cycode Malfunction Counter Trap Card

When your opponent activates an effect from the GY while you control a "Cycode" monster: Negate that activation, and if you do, your opponent cannot activate cards or the effects of cards with the same original name as the negated card while this card is in your GY. You can only use 1 "Cycode Malfunction" once per turn.

Dr. Willow:

Stealth Sentinel

ATK: 1700, DEF: 900, LV: 4

Dark/Machine/Effect

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can halve this card's attack until the End Phase and have it attack your opponent directly during the Battle Phase.

Cannon Sentinel

ATK: 2100, DEF: 950, LV: 5

Dark/Machine/Effect

Monster Effect: Once per turn, you can tribute a Beast-Warrior-type Monster you control to destroy a card your opponent controls. This card cannot declare an attack on the turn you activated this effect.

Call of the Beastborg

Normal Spell Card

If you control a face-up "Beastborg" Monster, add a Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior-type Monster and a Level 4 or lower Machine-type Monster from your Deck to your hand.

Beastborg Medal of Sacrifice

Normal Spell Card

If all "Beastborg" Monsters you controlled during the previous turn (min.1) were destroyed by your opponent and you control no such Monsters, you can draw six cards from your Deck.

Beastborg Generator

Continuous Spell Card

Activate this card by sending the top three cards from your Deck to your Graveyard. Whenever your opponent receives damage from the effect of a "Beastborg" Monster, gain an equal amount of Life Points.

Superior Beastborg Fusioner

Continuous Spell Card

Activate this card by banishing a face-up "Beastborg Fusioner" you control. Once per turn, you can activate one of the following effects:

· Fusion Summon a "Beastborg" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck up to twice per turn by using Monsters from your side of the field and/or hand as materials.

· Fusion Summon a "Beastborg" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck by sending two Monsters from your Deck to the Graveyard as materials.

Beastborg Processing Plant

Normal Spell Card

Banish two Monsters from your Graveyard and Fusion Summon a "Beastborg" Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck by using these Monsters as materials.

Beastborg Medal of Valor

Continuous Trap Card

You receive no damage from battles involving "Beastborg" Monsters you control. When a "Beastborg" Monster you control is destroyed, banish it along with its Fusion Materials from your Graveyard and place a Valor Counter on this card. Once during your Battle Phase, when a "Beastborg" Monster you control attacks an opponent's Monster, increase that Monster's ATK by an amount equal to the number of Valor Counters on this card x 300. If you control no "Beastborg" Monsters, destroy this card. If this card is in your Graveyard, you can banish it during either player's turn to double the ATK of a "Beastborg" Monster you control until the End Phase.

Tenacious Beastborg

Normal Trap Card

When "Beastborg" Monsters on your side of the field are destroyed, you can Special Summon a number of "Beastborg" Monsters from your Graveyard and/or banish zone equal to the number of Monsters destroyed before this card's activation. If the summoned Monsters leave the field, banish them.

And that was Chapter 31, along with completing the mission to shut down the Syndicate's factory. As you already have guessed, the two duels featured in this chapter were Playmaker vs Desperado and Storm Rider vs Dr. Willow. I took the opportunity to use the Beastborg archetype for the doctor's Deck since I felt it suited him the most and decided to give him a backstory. The next chapter will be a filler along with another after that. Until then, please read, review, favorite and follow.

See you all next time!