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?

32. Taking it Easy

Greetings, community, and happy Summer Break to everyone! I hope you guys are happy to be out of school, and I have already made some amazing summer plans! I apologize in advance for the delayed release, should there is one. Once again, I'd like to thank everyone for their support and hope you will continue to do so. I also hope there won't be any other delays like this, but life is always unpredictable, so I can't say anything for sure. Now, in response to your reviews;

And now, without further ado, on with the story!

At Den Academy, in the afternoon...

"Ah, peace," Yuji muttered as the teacher finished the Geometry lesson early to give the students time to get started on the homework for the week. It had been a week since he and his friends invaded the Syndicate's factory after learning from Ghost Gal and The Shepherd that not only were they creating artificial cybernetic soldiers. But also mass-producing Pendulum Cards. It wasn't easy, though. Since they last saw the Syndicate, they've gotten stronger.

An example is Astro and Glacia using a Special Xyz Monster known as "Numbers" with a unique effect that prevents them from being destroyed in battle unless by another "Number" monster, which they had no possession of. They even asked Akira if he ever heard about them. And while he has, he or SOL Technologies had little info about them, which was very upsetting. Regardless, they managed to destroy the factory and erase all data they had on their systems. It finally feels like they're one step closer to bringing the Syndicate down. However, deep down, Yuji feels they've only won the battle, not the war.

"Yuji."

After his name was called out, Yuji immediately snapped out of his thoughts. Turning his head, he saw Taigen take the empty seat beside him.

"Good afternoon, Taigen," Yuji said. "What's up?"

"I noticed that there was something on your mind," he said, a mischievous smirk on his face. "Was it a girl by any chance?"

Yuji rolled his eyes. "Honestly, Taigen. To answer your question, no. If anything, that would be the last thing I would be thinking of. I was thinking about... something else."

Unfortunately for Yuji, Taigen's smirk was still on his face.

"C'mon Yuji. There's no need to lie to me. I know what you're thinking about. The question is…what is it?" he wondered. "Are you worried about our upcoming test, which determines our final grade? A deep secret? Or something else?" He rubbed his chin in thought as Yuji narrowed his eyes at him.

"Must you do that?" he asked, face-palming his head briefly as he realized he had fallen for Taigen's trap.

"It's my way of having fun," Taigen replied, a smile on his face. "I'm guessing that other people you know do this to you too?"

"Yes," Yuji grumbled. "I know of two people other than you and Ena who like teasing me." Wanting to change the subject, he asked, "Was there something you wanted? Or did you come here to tease me?"

Taigen, seeing that Yuji was serious, frowned. "Hold on." He pulled his tablet from his bag and turned it on before finding an article. "Aha! I found it!"

"Found what?"

Taigen showed Yuji the article he found on his tablet. "An announcement from SOL Technologies?"

"Yup!" Taigen confirmed with glee. "It says that SOL Technologies is organizing not one but two separate Celebrity duels. Two members of the Top 10 will face two lucky individuals selected based on their win-loss ratio in LINK VRAINS. "This is to thank the Top 10 for destroying the Syndicate's factory. I'm grateful they succeeded, or things would be bad for us if you know what I mean." He looked from the tablet to Yuji with a pout on his face. "But it doesn't say who will be participating."

"I'm sure they'll announce it later in the day," Yuji assured him. He had to admit. He was curious about this announcement. But he hoped he wouldn't be among the two Top 10 members participating. Sanctum and the others would be more suited for this than him, and he hopes it ends that way. However, just because they put a wrench in the Syndicate's plans doesn't mean they're completely safe. Not to mention the fact that SOL Technologies was announcing two special duels. Either the company was completely arrogant in their abilities or very stupid in pursuing this action.

"Who do you think will participate, Yuji?" Taigen asked, getting the boy's attention.

"Not sure," Yuji replied, shrugging his shoulders. "My best guesses would be The Gore, Blue Maiden or Soulburner. They're most likely to put on a good show. While Sanctum, Roselyn, Chevalier, Charmcaster, Brrawler and Serpah would also be a perfect fit, I doubt Storm Rider would participate if chosen. Doesn't seem like his cup of tea."

"That makes sense," Taigen agreed. "While Storm Rider's duels are amazing to watch, he's more focused on the duel than entertaining the audience." Yuji nodded in agreement. "But honestly, I hope he is one of the two chosen Celebrity Duelists."

"How come?"

"Because of this," Taigen answered, opening a video showcasing Storm Rider's duel with Ringmaster. "Even though he lost against Ringmaster in the finals of the SOL Grand Prix, it's still one of his best and most awesome duels ever, wouldn't you agree?"

My best and most awesome duel? Yuji repeated in his head as he watched Yuya, a.k.a. Ringmaster, Link Summon Odd-Eyes Cytech Dragon and use it to finish the duel in style and in a way that swept the crowd off their feet. Wait. While he hadn't thought about that duel for a while, he had to agree with Taigen that it was a great duel. He even went as far as to say it was his all-time fav-...

But before Yuji could finish his thought, he and Taigen heard a phone vibrate.

"Sorry, Yuji," Taigen said, taking his phone out of his pocket. When he found out who was calling him, he rolled his eyes. "I need to take this call. It was good talking to you."

And with that, Taigen exited the classroom to take the call.

Okay, Yuji thought. It wouldn't be so bad to participate in this little tournament. However, I should talk with Skye to see if there's any other reason for this little event her brother planned. He looked around the room and remembered that Ena wasn't at school today. It would make sense, he thought. After the brutal duel she had with Astro, she needs rest.

A few hours later, after school...

Yuji walked down the steps of Den Academy, the school day over at last. He was about to head home to check on Ena and see how her recovery was going when he saw Theodore, Lily and Skye outside, sitting on a bench. Considering how they were friends and allies, Yuji decided to join him.

"Hey, guys. What are you doing?"

The trio looked up as Yuji approached. "Hello," Theodore said. "To answer your question, we're all waiting for you?"

Yuji raised an eyebrow in confusion as he sat beside his friends. "Me? But why? Did I do something wrong? Does it regard the Syndicate or Sanctum?"

Skye chuckled and shook her head. "Relax. You're not in trouble. Ena's fine. And they're no news on the Syndicate," she answered.

"During 3rd period, I had to use the bathroom," Lily said. "And on my way there, I received a message from Kolter saying he would like all of us to meet in the plaza after school?"

"Meet after school?" Yuji repeated. "Did he mention what for?"

"Sadly, no," Theodore replied. "Maybe the drones you and Yusaku left retrieved some important info and want all of us to be there to discuss it."

"Let's just hope that isn't the case," Skye said. "Anyone, we better get going, or Kolter will be on our case for being late. Which is the last thing I want."

Everyone nodded as they stood up from the bench. As if on cue, the four teen's phones vibrated, indicating they all got texts.

"Hmm. Interesting," Lily said, reading over his text. He looked at the others. "There's going to be a-."

"A big tournament in LINK VRAINS today?" Yuji finished, surprising Lily and Theodore. "Yup. I know. Taigen showed me an article regarding it in class." He turned to Skye. "I assume you already knew about this, right?"

Skye nodded. "I was going to tell you, but knowing this would be a live event, it was better not to."

Yuji chuckled. "I understand. While dueling is fun, I normally focus on the duel rather than its effect on people. However, that part of me has changed. So if I'm among the selected duelists, who am I to say no."

There were a few moments of silence until Theodore broke it.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Yuji Sugimuto?" Theodore said with a grin. "All jokes aside, I'm glad you've adopted this new change, Yuji."

"Thanks. But it wasn't easy," Yuji remarked. "Dueling against and next to all of you helped me realize that fact, so allow me to express my gratitude."

"That's all well and good, but like we said, we have to get going!" Skye stated. "I can handle Kolter's heckling if we're late, but if I'm one of the selected duelists, I'll never hear the end of it from my brother."

Everyone nodded in agreement, leaving the school grounds, and started walking for Café Nom while discussing their day.

A few minutes later, at the Central Plaza...

CLINK!

Music played throughout the plaza as several people were partying.

Kolter had parked Café Nom in the center and was the reason for all this commotion. A special offer was given to customers: Anyone who bought a hotdog would get a coupon for a free meal on their next visit. Long story short, there were a lot of customers.

"Aw, yeah. Rock that beat, Jin!" Kolter said to Jin, the latter playing tunes at the DJ booth behind him. Yesterday, Jin contacted Kolter with an idea to host a special event to celebrate the destruction of the Syndicate's factory. Kolter was definitely on board with the idea, and to ensure people would attend the event, they called their dad and asked if they could use his old DJ booth with him allowing them. "Boy, is this good!"

"You said it, Kolter." Yuji agreed, bringing meals to various customers who were enjoying the event.

"Brownies, coming up!" Lily said as she and Skye brought a small tray of brownies over to a family near Café Nom. It was a good thing they had had a huge leftover of brownies from the Home Economics class, as they never expected this to happen today nor expected many customers to attend the event. Luckily, they saved an entire batch for them and their friends should they want some later.

While everyone was busy serving, Theodore and Yusaku did all the cooking. However, they preferred this. While Theodore is good at socializing, Yusaku isn't. So to ensure that, he offered to help Yusaku make the food, which Kolter allowed.

Yusaku turned to Theodore. "Thanks, Theodore. You know you didn't have to do that."

Theodore giggled. "It's no prob. You would do the same thing if the roles were reversed," he said. "Say, Yusaku. What do you think of this? The celebration, the camaraderie? Just a feeling of peace in the air?"

"It feels nice." Yusaku agreed as he finished cooking a hotdog for a customer before putting it in a bag and handing it to them. "Something we all need right now."

"Where's Ena at? I figured she would want to be here regardless of her injuries."

"Back at my apartment," Kolter answered before Yusaku could reply. "I insisted she come and have a good time, but she refused and wanted to stay behind in bed."

"Makes sense there," Yuji commented as he sat at a nearby table. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and sighed, tired of delivering meals to people. "She's probably looking over the material she's missed over the last few days or watching TV."

"Sounds like something someone would do if they were stuck inside for a long time," Theodore said. "However, everyone deserves to chill out and have fun."

"You're not wrong," Lily stated as she and Skye walked over. Each with an empty tray in their hands. "I didn't expect there to be a lot of families here. The kids love sweets," she said, wiping the sweat off her forehead.

"Remind me again, why couldn't you hire a catering staff to help you with all this?" Skye asked.

"Because we're an independent business," Kolter answered. Before he could continue speaking, he saw a familiar face approaching him. It was Shima.

"I'll have a chili dog with a combo, please. Sierra Mist for the drink and fries on the side." Shima requested. "Oh, and here's my payment."

"Hold on. Just writing it down." Kolter replied as she wrote Shima's order before receiving his payment. He then went to the drink machine and filled a cup with Sierra Mist. "Here's your ticket, coupon, change and drink. Please wait while we make your order."

After Shima received his stuff, he saw Yusaku and Theodore at Café Nom and, upon doing so, walked over to them.

"I didn't know you here worked part-time, Theodore," Shima commented. "Even though Yusaku's no longer a student, Theodore still is. And you are aware that the school doesn't allow students to-?"

"The principal gave Theodore special permission to work here," Kolter informed him. "If he has a problem, he can take it up with me. After all..." He went to one of the shelves and pulled out a piece of paper. "I got his approval with the signature and stamp on it."

"Eh?" Shima was shocked for a few moments before turning to Yuji, Skye and Lily. "Theodore may be off the hook, but if the principal knows that the three of you are working at Café Nom-?"

"Oh, calm down, Shimro. We're just lending a hand." Yuji interrupted with an annoyed look on his face.

"For the last time, it's SHIMA!" Shima called out to Yuji, with Lily and Skye laughing loudly. "Seriously. Why can't you get my name right? It's not that difficult."

"I think it's a running joke here." Theodore sheepishly responded.

"Oh yeah. It certainly is." Yuji agreed before turning to Shima.

"Joke's on you. Because I'm getting limited edition gifts showing the top ten Celebrity Duelists themselves!" Shima boasted as Yuji facepalmed. After arriving at the plaza and learning about the special promotion event Kolter was hosting, he'd purchased a lot of fan collectibles of the Celebrity Duelists, as many people loved watching their duels. Amongst other things, the collectibles consisted of action figures and posters. And the last time Yuji interacted with Shima, he had been set on getting coins showing the top ten Celebrity Duelists. When Yuji asked him why, Shima said he was a 'man of culture', whatever that meant.

"I hope you enjoy them, Shima," Lily said, trying to create a conversation.

"You bet I am!" Shima exclaimed, but before he could speak, Kolter called out his ticket number, which caused him to run over to the food truck.

"Here is your burger and fries, as well as an action figure and a poster of Sanctum," Kolter said, much to Shima's joy. "Thank you. And since you helped Theodore get a job here, can you approve me, so I can work at the arcade?"

Kolter sighed. "I'll think about it," he said, with Shima nodding before taking his leave. "Anyway, with that out of the way. There's something important I need to tell all of you. While it's better to do it when we're all alone, I think now is the best time to-."

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Are you fired up?" The MC shouted into his microphone in the public viewing plaza before the crowd gathered. "I hope you are because there is a special show for you all this afternoon in LINK VRAINS! To celebrate the end of the 'Another' threat, SOL Technologies is hosting not one, but two separate Celebrity duels!"

"Two duels at the same time!"

"Amazing!"

"I can't wait!"

"Who will be dueling?"

Kolter, who was annoyed with the MC for interrupting him, growled. "Just great! The event had to start at the worse timing!"

"Hey Kolter, take it easy," Yuji said. "You can share your news with us after the duels are over."

"Ugh. Fine." Kolter replied, calming down. "But if my important news disappears by the end of these duels, the MC and I will have some words..."

"Both duels will begin shortly at the same time," the MC said, causing everyone to look at the screen again. "For the first duel, we have our defender. He doesn't need an introduction, as all of Den City recognizes him as the King of the Ring and as #5 of the Top 10 Celebrity Duelists. Give it up for The Gore!"

The screen then showed the central LINK VRAINS hub, where a smiling Gore stood on top of a skyscraper with his hands in the air as he received everyone's cheers.

"And now for the challenger! He has overcome quest after quest to make it up the ranks. He has mastered the ocean and sailed the seven seas! And is here to reel in another victory! I give you, Triton!"

A person wearing a large blue-green cloak appeared opposite Gore. He quickly tore the cloak off, revealing a tall, tan-skinned young man with spiky dark blue hair and several Polynesian tattoos. He had long, wavy, orange hair that went to the nape of his neck. He didn't wear a shirt. Only a vest that exposed an impressive musculature which made Gore slightly jealous. From the waist down, he wore ocean-blue shorts and brown sandals. He also wore a brown belt around his waist with a small pouch on his right side with the letter "T" on it, which stands for his name. He wore a shark-tooth necklace with a blue crystal and two pearl bracelets on his right wrist. On his left wrist was his Duel Disk. It was a blue-colored new model shaped like a combination of an anchor and a harpoon with white trims.

Triton's emerald eyes seemed to glow as he raised an arm. "Denizens of LINK VRAINS!" he shouted. "Today, I, Trtion, will face off against The Gore!" He turned his gaze to his opponent. "Tell me, Gore; do you think a mere wrestler can challenge a God?"

"God?" Yusaku repeated, frowning. "Is he that full of himself?"

"He seems to have based his avatar off Triton, the son of the Roman god of the sea, Neptune," Lily noted. "Maybe that's what he's referring to?"

Gore smirked. "God or not, no challenge is too great for The Gore," he said. "I've faced even scarier duelists; I am not afraid of no God!"

Skye sweatdropped. "Does he have to be this dramatic?" Sadly, no one answered her.

"And for those wondering who the other participants are, " the MC suddenly said. "No need to worry. They'll be announced after the first's duel conclusion. Now, are both duelists ready?"

Gore and Triton raised their Duel Disks in the air for confirmation, releasing a beam of energy.

"Since we didn't get a chance to use this during the Top 10's formation, let's bring it out now!" The MC said. "Action Field, on!"

As the Real Solid Vision device initialized, the area around Gore and Triton transformed into a town out of an old Western.

"Field Spell, Wild West Duel Town!" The MC announced. "You two, I wish you the best of luck in this duel!"

"The Wild West, huh?" Triton commented after surveying the field. "Although I prefer the cool refreshing ocean over the hot scorching desert, I have to admit something is compelling about old westerns too."

"Are you ready, Triton?" Gore asked the blue-haired youth.

"Anytime, Gore," Triton responded with a smile. "Show me what you've got!"

"Alright then!" Gore declared enthusiastically and began chanting. "Duelists locked in battle!"

What's he-oh right, the Action Duel chant.

"Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters!"

Triton continued with equal enthusiasm as Gore spoke again.

"They storm through this field!"

"Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of dueling!"

"Action—!"

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

Triton: 4000 LP

Gore: 4000 LP

"I shall go first!" Triton said, taking a card from his hand. "I discard Atlantean Heavy Infantry to Special Summon Mermail Abyssteus from my hand!"

A creature resembling a bipedal, armored turtle holding a spear appeared on Triton's field in Defense Position.

Mermail Abyssteus ATK 1700 DEF 2400 LVL: 7

A Water duelist? Gore thought. If that's the case, his Deck might work similarly to Blue Maiden's. He then smirked. I'm going to enjoy this a lot more than I thought.

"Abyssteus's effect activates!" Triton stated. "When this card is Special Summoned, I can add one Level 4 or lower "Mermail" monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose the Level 3 Mermail Abysshilde. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Surface! It enables me to Special Summon a Level 3 or lower Fish, Sea Serpent, or Aqua-Type monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. I choose the previously discarded Atlantean Heavy Infantry!"

A humanoid fish wielding two shields in its hand materialized on Triton's field.

Atlantean Heavy Infantry ATK 0 DEF 1600 LVL: 2

"Then, I summon Atlantean Attack Squad!"

Following Triton's words, another humanoid fish clad in armor and holding a sword and a shield appeared next to his other two monsters.

Atlantean Attack Squad ATK 1400 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Atlantean Attack Squad's effect activates!" Triton continued. "If I control a Fish, Sea Serpent or Aqua-Type monster other than this card, it gains 800 attack points!"

Atlantean Attack Squad ATK 1400→2200

"Amazing!" The MC shouted. "Triton managed to summon three monsters and strengthen one of them all on his first turn!"

"That won't stop Gore," Theodore said.

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

After that, Triton began running toward the edges of the town.

"Trying to look for Action Cards, huh?" Gore muttered as he chased after Triton. "Don't think I'll let you do that so easily. My turn! I draw! First, I summon Gouki Suprex!"

A blue wrestler appeared and roared from Gore's field.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from my hand. Come, Come, Gouki Twistcobra!"

A green ogre with a forked tail appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Appear, my circuit!" Gore exclaimed as the Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two "Gouki" monsters. I set Suprex and Twistcobra in the Link Arrows!"

Gore's monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Gouki Jet Ogre!"

A blue ogre with a saber and a jetpack on its back shot out of the portal to the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2

"As Suprex and Twistcobra were sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add two new "Gouki" cards from my Deck to my hand." Gore took the cards. "I activate the effect of Gouki Headbatt in my hand! By discarding a "Gouki" monster, I can Special Summon Headbatt and increase another "Gouki" monster's attack points by 800!"

A small violet ogre appeared in Defense Position while Jet Ogre glowed.

Gouki Headbatt ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000→2800

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Cross Linkage Hack, enabling me to draw two cards since Gouki Headbatt is linked to Gouki Jet Ogre. From there, I activate Jet Ogre's effect! By targeting and destroying one of my "Gouki" cards, all monsters on the field change to Attack Position!"

Triton's eyes widened. "What?"

"I'll destroy Gouki Headbatt!"

The small violet ogre disintegrated at Gore's words as Heavy Infantry and Abyssteus all changed their positions.

"Since Headbatt was sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand," Gore continued. "I add and activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-MatchThis lets me Special Summon two "Gouki" monsters with different Levels from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Suprex and Twistcobra!"

The blue ogre and the green ogre reappeared on Gore's field.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Appear again, my circuit! Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more "Gouki" monsters. I set Suprex and Link-2 Jet Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-3! Gouki Thunder Ogre!"

A large ogre in a red and blue costume with electrical blasters on its wrists emerged from the portal and roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Thunder Ogre ATK 2200 LINK-3

"Gore brings out a Link-3 monster!" The MC reported.

"Jet Ogre's effect activates!" Gore declared. "When it is sent from the field to the Graveyard, all my "Gouki" monsters gain 500 attack points until the end of the turn."

Gouki Thunder Ogre ATK 2200→2700

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600→2100

"Following that, I activate Thunder Ogre's effect! Once per turn, the turn player can Normal Summon a monster to its Link Arrow. I can Normal Summon Gouki Riscorpio!"

A red and black ogre with scorpion features appeared at Thunder Ogre's bottom-left Link Arrow.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Riscorpio can be Normal Summoned without Tributing if I control no monsters or only "Gouki" monsters," Gore explained. "Next, I activate Twistcobra's effect! Once per turn, I can Tribute a "Gouki" monster to increase the attack points of another "Gouki" monster I control by the Tributed monster's attack points. I Tribute Riscorpio and give its attack points to Thunder Ogre!"

Gouki Thunder Ogre ATK 2700→5000

"5000 attack points?" Triton said in surprise.

"Riscorpio's effect activates! Since it was sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand. I add the Quick-Play Spell Card: Gouki Spirit, which I'll activate!" The card showed Jet Ogre kneeling with its saber planted, with a yellow aura around it. "I Special Summon a "Gouki" monster that went to the Graveyard this turn in Attack Position! Resurrect, Riscorpio!"

The red and black ogre reappeared at Thunder Ogre's bottom-left Link Arrow.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Let's see if you can escape this bind," Gore said as he gestured to his field. "Battle! Gouki Thunder Ogre attacks Atlantean Heavy Infantry! Ogre Lightning!"

Thunder Ogre gathered golden lightning in its blasters and fired at Heavy Infantry. However, Triton didn't remain idle as he grabbed a nearby Action Card.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Damage Banish!" Triton shouted as his monster was destroyed. "With this, the damage from this battle is reduced to 0!"

"Not bad," Gore commented. "However, not good enough. Riscorpio attacks Abyssteus!"

Riscorpio struck the bipedal armored turtle with its tail, destroying it. Triton winced as he took damage.

Triton: 4000→3400 LP

"And Gore has drawn first blood!" the MC commented. "How will Triton respond?"

Gore narrowed his eyes. "Since now you control no other Fish, Sea Serpent or Aqua-Type monsters, your Atlantean Attack Squad loses the attack boost it gained."

Atlantean Attack Squad ATK 2200→1400

"And I'm far from finished!" Gore shouted as he jumped onto the ceiling of a nearby building and snatched an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Rocket Spike! It destroys one of your monsters and deals you 1000 points of damage! I destroy Atlantean Attack Squad!"

Following Gore's words, a pair of rockets descended from the sky. Triton gritted his teeth as he attempted to go for an Action Card, but the rockets were faster, skewering the humanoid fish and sending Trtion flying due to the ensuing shockwave.

Triton: 3400→2400 LP

"Amazing!" the MC shouted. "Gore depleted almost half of Triton's Life Points in just one turn! Can he come back from a devastating setback?"

Triton laughed as he dusted himself off. "Impressive! So this is your strength? Certainly, it is more than I expected." He smirked as he looked back at Gore. "But now it is God's turn to strike. I activate the Trap Card: Torrential Reborn! Since Water monsters on my side of the field were destroyed, I can Special Summon all of them in Attack Position! Arise, my Ocean Warriors!"

Three portals appeared above Triton, with Abyssteus, Heavy Infantry and Attack Squad emerging from them and landing on his field.

Mermail Abyssteus ATK 1700 DEF 2400 LVL: 7

Atlantean Heavy Infantry ATK 0 DEF 1600 LVL: 2

Atlantean Heavy Infantry ATK 1400→2200 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Furthermore, you take 500 points of damage for each revived monster!"

"What?" Gore gasped, his eyes wide as a large tidal wave engulfed his body, sending him back several feet.

Gore: 4000→2500 LP

"Not bad, Triton…" Gore said with a smirk. "I place three cards face-down and end my turn. And during the End Phase, Jet Ogre's and Twistcobra's effects end, so Thunder Ogre's and Twistcobra's attack points return to normal."

Gouki Thunder Ogre ATK 5000→2200

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 2100→1600

Kolter smiled. "Wow, Triton anticipated Gore's move before it began."

"With how the Atlanteans and Mermails can work along with each other and Water Attribute support cards, he can turn the sea into a weapon," Yusaku stated. "With how Gore works, he's the perfect opponent for him."

"No joke," Yuji agreed. "Now I want to see him overcome Gore and defeat him at his best."

"Me too," Skye and Lily said.

"It's my turn!" Triton announced. "I draw!"

"At this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Instant Mining!" Gore abruptly declared as the card showed Mind Mole and Mogmole digging a tunnel in an abandoned mine shaft. "Through its effect, I can look through my Deck and set the first Normal Trap Card I come across."

As a face-down card appeared on Gore's field, Triton looked at the card he drew and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Cards of the Abyss!" The card showed Great White and Skull Kraken falling into a bottomless abyss. "Since I control a Level 7 or higher Water monster, I can draw three cards from my Deck and discard one! I choose to discard Mermail Abysshilde. Next up, I activate the effect of Mermail Abyssmegalo in my hand. I can Special Summon it by sending two Water monsters from my hand to the Graveyard!"

A bipedal armored shark holding a giant blade appeared.

Mermail Abyssmegalo ATK 2400 DEF 1900 LVL: 7

"Oh! Triton has summoned a Level 7 monster with 2400 attack points! This duel is becoming even more amazing!"

"Abyssmegalo's effect activates!" Triton declared. "Since it was Special Summoned, I can add one "Abyss-" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I choose Abyss-Scale of the Mizuchi. "Furthermore, the effects of the previously discarded Atlantean Dragoons and Mermail Abyssgunde also activate."

"These effects are becoming way too much..." Theodore muttered.

"Through Dragoons' effect, I can add one Sea Serpent monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon. And through Abyssgunde's effect, I can Special Summon one "Mermail" monster beside itself from the Graveyard. I Special Summon Mermail Abysshilde!"

A mermaid with a white tail and a long red ponytail under a red helmet appeared on Triton's field in Defense Position.

Mermail Abysshilde ATK 1300 DEF 400 LVL: 3

"Hoh, so you've managed to gather five monsters on your field," Gore remarked. "Pretty impressive, Triton."

"Trust me. This is only the beginning." Triton grinned. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Abyss-scale of the Mizuchi! And I equip it to Abyssmegalo!" Abyssmegalo's armor changed color to white and green. "The monster equipped with Mizuchi gains 800 attack points!"

Mermail Abyssmegalo ATK 2400→3200

"And now, since I control three Level 3 or lower Water monsters, I can Tribute them to Special Summon one of my greatest sea beasts! I Tribute Absshilde, Heavy Infantry and Attack Squad to Special Summon Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon!"

The three monsters vanished as a large blue monster resembling a mix between a dragon and a mythical sea serpent materialized on Triton's field, letting out a furious roar.

Poseidra, the Atlantean Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 1600 LVL: 7

Yuji narrowed his eyes. "One monster with 3200 attack points and another with 2800 attack points… Not good."

"Poseidra's effect activates!" Triton declared. "When this card is Special Summoned, I can return all Spell and Trap Cards on the field to each player's hand! And if three or more cards are returned, your monsters lose 300 attack points for each returned card! Tidal Outburst!"

Another massive wave appeared, washing over Triton and Gore's field and clearing their back row. Once it cleared up, Gore's monsters were all drenched.

Gouki Thunder Ogre ATK 2200→1300

Gouki Riscorpio 2300→1400

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1400→500

Mermail Abyssmegalo ATK 3200→2400

"Eh?" Triton looked confused as his eyes narrowed at Gore's field, seeing he had a card in his Spell & Trap Zone. "Why do you still have a face-down card on your field?"

"Due to the effect of Instant Mining, my Trap is unaffected by your card effects for this turn," Gore explained. "Sorry to disappoint you."

"No matter, this won't change much," Triton said dismissively. "I equip Abyss-scale of the Mizuchi to my Abyssmegalo once more!"

Mermail Abyssmegalo ATK 2400→3200

"And then, I activate Abyssmegalo's second effect! By Tributing one other Attack Position Water monster, like my Abyssteus, I can have it attack twice in this turn's Battle Phase!"

Following his words, Abyssteus turned into a watery veil that surrounded Abyssmegalo.

"Gore better brace himself..." Skye muttered.

"Battle!" Triton exclaimed. "First, I'll have Poseidra attack Gouki Twistcobra! Emperor Howling!"

Following its master's command, Poseidra unleashed a massive wave of water at the green ogre, destroying it in an explosion.

"Twistcobra's effect activates!" Gore declared. "Since it was sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand."

"It doesn't matter what you add. You'll still lose this turn!" Triton stated. "Abyssmegalo attacks Gouki Thunder Ogre!"

Upon seeing that Abyssmegalo was getting ready to unleash its attack, Gore started running to find an Action Card, chancing upon one placed on a nearby barrel.

"I activate the Action Spell Cad: Evasion!" Gore announced. "Your attack is negated!"

Triton smirked. "Impressive use of tactics, but it will avail you not! I activate the effect of Abyss-Scale of the Mizuchi! When you activate the effect of a Spell Card, Mizuchi negates that effect and sends itself to the Graveyard!"

Abyssmeaglo's armor returned to normal as its attack points decreased.

Mermail Abyssmegalo ATK 3200→2400

Triton suddenly realized something and smiled. "That was your goal. To get rid of my Equip Spell."

"Of course," Gore said, smiling as well.

"Eh? What are they talking about?" Lily asked.

"The effect of Mizuchi is mandatory," Yusaku told her. "Meaning Triton had no control over which Spell Card it negated. And with it gone, Abyssmeagalo is weaker."

Triton chuckled. "Nice move. However, in the end, my monster's still stronger." He gestured to his field. "Go, Abyssmegalo! Abyssal Slasher!"

Abyssmegalo swung its sword, bisecting Thunder Ogre and blowing Gore back.

Gore: 2500→1400 LP

"Here comes the second attack!" Triton declared. "Attack his Riscorpio now, Abyssmegalo!"

The previous scene was repeated once more as Abyssmegalo destroyed the red ogre with an overhead slash and enveloped Gore's field in a cloud of smoke. However, when the smoke cleared, his Life Points hadn't decreased.

"What just happened?" Triton looked perplexed. "Why didn't your Life Points change?"

"That's because I activated the Trap Card: Defense Draw," Gore revealed. "Thanks to it, the battle damage was reduced to 0, and I also got to draw one card. Furthermore, Riscorpio's effect activates, letting me add a "Gouki" card to my hand."

"You're a slippery little fish, huh?" Triton remarked. "Then, I end my turn with this."

"In that case, it's my turn!" Gore stated. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: The Warrior Returning Alive! This lets me add one Warrior monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Suprex to my hand and then summon it!"

The blue ogre reappeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! I Special Summon Gouki Moonsault from my hand!"

A large humanoid monster with rabbit ears wearing blue and pink armor appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Moonsault ATK 1900 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"Moonsault's effect activates! Once per turn, I can return a "Gouki" Link Monster in my Graveyard to my Extra Deck and then add a "Gouki" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Jet Ogre to my Extra Deck and add Suprex to my hand."

"Jet Ogre? Why did you choose that monster instead of Thunder Ogre?" Triton asked.

"I have my reasons," Gore answered. "Now, let's get it on again, my circuit!'' Gore called out, pointing at the sky as the Link Portal appeared. "The conditions are two "Gouki" monsters! I set Suprex and Moonsault on the Link Arrows!''

Gore called out as his two monsters turned into tornadoes, going into the bottom and left arrows.

"I Link Summon! Link-2! Gouki Jet Ogre!''

The blue ogre with a jetpack on its back and a saber in its right hand emerged from the portal in Attack Position.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2

"Suprex's effect activates, allowing me to add another "Gouki" card to my hand,'' Gore explained as a card came out of his Duel Disk before it disappeared. "Next, I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial. It lets me send a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Gouki Tagpartner. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-Match! Resurrect, Twistcobra and Tagpartner!"

Twistcobra returned to the field along with an armored purple ogre.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

Gouki Tagpartner ATK 1700 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Wow! Gore has brought out three monsters in an instant!" The MC commentated.

"Show up once more, my circuit!'' Gore called out, pointing at the sky as another Link portal appeared. "Like last time, the conditions are two "Gouki" monsters! I set Tagpartner and Jet Ogre in the Link Arrows!''

Gore called out as his two monsters turned into tornadoes, while Jet Ogre turned into two tornadoes and entered the top, bottom, and bottom left arrows.

"I Link Summon! Link-3! Gouki The Blade Ogre!''

A large ogre in a black jumpsuit with blue armor on its shoulders and legs emerged from the portal to the Right Extra Monster Zone. A red cape hung from its shoulders, wielding a massive blue blade in its right hand.

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑↓

"A new "Gouki" Link Monster," Triton murmured.

"Since Jet Ogre left the field, all "Gouki" monsters I control gain 500 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→2900

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600→2100

"Furthermore, since Tagpartner was used as Link Material, Blade Ogre gains 1000 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2900→3900

"Lastly, Blade Ogre's effect activates!" For each monster it points to, it gains 300 attack points," Gore stated. "Since it only points to Twistcobra, it gains 300 attack points!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 3900→4200

"Oh my!" the MC commented. "Gore's Blade Ogre has 4200 attack points! Talk about overkill!"

"I activate The Blade Ogre's effect!" Gore continued. "Once per turn, by Tributing one monster it points to, it can make a second attack during the Battle Phase! I Tribute Twistcobra!"

Triton narrowed his eyes as Twistcobra vanished. "But since Twistcobra is no longer on your field, your Blade Ogre loses 300 attack points."

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 4200→3900

"That's fine because Twistcobra's effect activates! I add Gouki Octostretch from my hand. Now, time for battle! Blade Ogre, attack Poseidra!"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Triton climbed on Poseidra's back after saying so, with the monster aiding him in reaching an Action Card on the ceiling of a nearby saloon. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Quick Guard! Thanks to its effect, I can switch Poseidra to Defense Position!"

Following Triton's words, Blade Ogre swung its sword at Poseidra and struck its body, destroying it.

"You may have saved yourself from Blade Ogre's first attack, but you won't for the second," Gore stated. "Blade Ogre attacks Abyssmegalo!"

Upon seeing the incoming attack, Triton jumped from building to building, eventually coming across an Action Card and snatching it.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Balloon Carnival! All battle damage I take this turn is halved!"

Immediately afterward, Blade Ogre slashed the armored shark in half with its sword, destroying it in an explosion and making Triton grunt in pain due to the shockwave.

Triton: 2400→1650 LP

"The situation has turned unfavorable for Triton!" The MC exclaimed. "Even though he has more Life Points than Gore, he's on the end of the stick! A wrong move is the only thing that separates him from defeat!"

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Gore concluded. "At this moment, Tagpartner and Jet Ogre's effects end."

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 3900→2400

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

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

"My guess is correct, meaning I get to draw five cards," Triton stated. "Then, I summon Mermail Abysspike!"

A merman with blonde hair wearing light blue armor appeared on Fatumare's field.

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Abysspike's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can discard one Water monster and add one Level 3 Water monster from my Deck to hand. I discard another copy of Mermail Abysshilde to add Mermail Abysslnde from my Deck to my hand."

After doing so, Triton said, "I activate the effect of the Abysshilde in my Graveyard! Because it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one "Mermail" monster from my hand. Come forth, Mermail Abysslung!"

Another merman with red hair, wearing black and silver armor and two massive black and gold arm shields, appeared alongside Abysspike in Defense Position.

Mermail Abysslung ATK 1200 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Abysslung's effect!" Triton continued. "While it is face-up on the field, all Water monsters I control gain 300 attack points!"

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1600→1900

Mermail Abysslung ATK 1200→1500

Yuji narrowed his eyes. "He has two Level 4 monsters," he noted. "That means…"

Triton smirked as he gestured to his field. "I overlay my Level 4 Mermail Abysspike and Mermail Abysslung!"

A bolt of dark blue energy shot out of Triton's Duel Disk. The bolt created a massive blue "X" with four red dots at the corners. His monsters disintegrated into data particles and entered two dots, lighting them up. The ends of the "X" fired beams, creating a galaxy before it exploded with power.

"Howl, unknown roar!" Triton chanted as a stream of DNA formed before turning into a blue sphere. "Rise from the darkness of the abyss! I Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Bahamut Shark!"

A blue and white anthropomorphic shark with sharp black claws, four fin-like wings and talons on its arms and legs emerged from the sphere. The monster roared in Attack Position while two blue lights circled it.

Bahamut Shark ATK 2600 DEF 2100 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"There it is!" The MC exclaimed as the crowd watching the broadcast cheered. "Triton's specialty, Xyz Summoning! This time, a monster with 2600 attack points has shown up! Triton is about to mount a ruthless assault in response to Gore's earlier attack!"

"I activate Bahamut Shark's effect!" Triton exclaimed. "By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can Special Summon a Rank 3 or lower Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck! Divine Soul!"

One of the blue orbs that floated around Bahamut Shark flew into its mouth, breathing a column of energy into the ground, glowing brightly as a portal appeared.

Bahamut Shark OU: 2→1

"Surface! Rank 3! Mermail Abysstrite!"

Triton's newest monster emerged from the portal in Attack Position. It was a beautiful woman with purple hair and the tail of a dolphin wearing purple armor, a golden crown, and carrying a golden scepter.

Mermail Abysstrite ATK 1600 DEF 2800 RNK: 3

"Two Xyz Monsters in one turn…." Gore looked uncomfortable. "This might be somewhat problematic to deal with…."

"The turn I use Bahamut Shark's effect, it can't attack," Triton revealed. "But lucky for me, I have a way around that. I activate the Spell Card: Xyz Treasure Ticket! By targeting Bahamut Shark, I draw cards equal to Rank! Since it's Rank 4, I draw four cards! Then, I activate the Spell Card: Valor Charge! Through its effect, if a monster on my field cannot attack this turn due to a card effect, it can now declare an attack."

"So Triton bypassed the adverse effects of Bahamut Shark's effect with that, huh?" Theodore chuckled. "He's resourceful. I can tell you that."

"I activate the Spell Card: Break Stream!" Triton continued. "By targeting Bahamut Shark, whenever it attacks, you're prevented from activating any Spells or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step!"

"Is that so?" Gore said. "If that's the case, I activate the Trap Card: Inspiration! One of my monsters gains 700 attack points until the end of the turn. I target Blade Ogre!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→3100

Triton narrowed his eyes. "Good move," he said. "But not good enough. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Xyz Unit! By equipping this card to Bahamut Shark, it increases its attack points by 200 multiplied by its Rank! Since Bahamut Shark is Rank 4, it gains 800 attack points!"

Bahamut Shark ATK 2600→3400

"Battle!" Triton announced. "Bahamut Shark, attack Gouki The Blade Ogre! Torrential Stream!"

The humanoid shark unleashed a large torrent of water from its mouth, easily destroying the Gouki Link Monster. Gore winced from the ensuing shockwave.

Gore: 1400→1100 LP

"One more thing," Triton said. "When the monster targeted by Break Stream's effect destroys a monster by battle, one Spell or Trap on my opponent's field is destroyed! I destroy your remaining face-down card!"

Gore's Set card shattered following Triton's words.

Triton smirked. "It's been fun dueling you, Gore. But all good things come to an end. Mermail Abysstrite attacks you directly!"

Abysstrite gathered water in her hands and blasted Gore with it, who activated a card from his hand.

"I activate the effect of Gouki Octostretch in my hand! By discarding it, battle damage is halved!"

A pale blue monster with an octopus on its head appeared in front of Gore, with its arms spread wide. The wave of water broke apart on hitting it but continued and struck Gore, making him wince.

Gore: 1100→300 LP

"Even though Triton was set to finish this duel, Gore managed to turn things around thanks to his quick thinking!" The MC exclaimed. "Did he anticipate Triton's strategy!?"

"Of course I did," Gore said. "A true Pro Duelist can adapt to any strategy and deduce whatever plan their opponents are scheming."

"Amen to that," Triton said. "You had best not underestimate me or my Deck's potential."

"I'll keep that in mind," Gore promised. "Let's continue the duel now."

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Triton concluded. "Now, come at me! And show me your strength, Gore!"

"Sure thing," Gore replied with a smirk. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reincarnation! Through its effect, I discard a card to add Gouki Suprex from my Graveyard to hand. And since the discarded card was Cards of Compensation, I can draw two cards. Then, I summon Gouki Suprex!"

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! As it was Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon Gouki Moonsault from my hand!"

The muscular rabbit reappeared.

Gouki Moonsault ATK 1900 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"Moonsault's effect activates! Once per turn, I can return a "Gouki" Link Monster in my Graveyard to my Extra Deck. Then, I can add a "Gouki" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll return Thunder Ogre to my Extra Deck and add Gouki Suprex to my hand. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Face Turn! By destroying a "Gouki" card on my field, I can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster in my Graveyard. I destroy Moonsault and Special Summon Jet Ogre!"

The blue ogre with a jetpack replaced Moonsault.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2

"Lastly, I activate the effect of Gouki Powerbug from my hand!" Gore continued. "Since I control a "Gouki" monster, I can Special Summon it!"

A humanoid wrestler clad in a ladybug-themed suit with a green visor covering its eyes appeared.

Gouki Powerbug ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Triton narrowed his eyes. "He must be planning out a Link-4..."

"I now mash up my circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above Gore. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are at least three "Gouki" monsters."Accelrex's eyes widened. "I set Suprex, Powerbug, and the Link-2 Jet Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear, Link-4! Gouki The Giant Ogre!"

The ogre that emerged from the portal had beige skin and wore fur-lined armor on his chest, shoulders, legs, and lower arms, exposing his stomach and upper arms. Violet spikes protruded from his shoulders and knees, and the mask over the top half of his face was lined with red spikes. Its black cape fluttered in the wind when summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000 LINK-4

"Oh!" The MC shouted as the audience cheered. "Gore brought out a Link-4 monster! And with 3000 attack points!"

Yusaku frowned. "I haven't seen that monster since his duel against Maestra. If he's using that, then…." His eyes narrowed. "He's going all out."

"Suprex's and Powerbug's effects activate! I add two new "Gouki" cards from my Deck to my hand." He glanced at the cards: victory was in his sights with these two cards. "Jet Ogre's effect activates! Since I sent it to the Graveyard, all "Gouki" monsters I control gain 500 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000→3500

"The Giant Ogre's effect activates! Once per turn, if its attack points differ from its original, I can increase them by 1000 until the end of the turn!"

The Giant Ogre pulled out a massive dark steel sword with a violet-and-red hilt.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3500→4500

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Poison Mist! Since I control a "Gouki" monster, you take 700 points of damage!"

Following Gore's words, the Spell Card sprayed Triton with a purple mist, causing him to flinch.

Triton: 1650→950 LP

"Furthermore, for the rest of the turn, you cannot activate any Set Spell or Trap Cards this turn," Gore continued. "Battle! Giant Ogre, take down Bahamut Shark and wipe out his Life Points!"

"This is bad!" Triton jumped and grabbed Bahamut Shark's legs, with the monster soaring in the air and depositing Triton on top of a wooden clocktower, where he grabbed an Action Card. "Jackpot! I activate the Action Spell Card: Hasty Retreat! It switches all Attack Position monsters on my field to Defense Position! However, I cannot change their battle positions until the end of my next turn!"

"Even so, I'll at least destroy your monster!" Gore said. "Do it, Giant Ogre! Ogre Sword!" The Giant Ogre roared as it brought its sword down, cleaving Bahamut Shark in half and destroying it in an explosion.

"And I'm not done yet!" Gore stated, grabbing an Action Card embedded in the wall of a nearby building. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Single Destruction! Since you control one monster, that monster is destroyed!"

Following his words, a lightning bolt emerged from the Spell and struck Abysstrite, destroying it.

"Awesome!" Theodore cheered. "Gore managed to clear his opponent's field with ease."

However, instead of being upset, Triton laughed, shocking Gore. "You're in big trouble now, my friend!" he said. "Because now you've given me the means to win this duel!"

"What are you talking about?" Gore asked.

"Allow me to show you! Abysstrite's effect activates! When Abysstrite is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a "Mermail" monster from my Graveyard!"

Gore's eyes widened. "What?"

"Return to me, Mermail Abyssmegalo!"

The armored red fish reappeared on Triton's field.

Mermail Abyssmegalo ATK 2400 DEF 1900 LVL: 7

"Finally, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters! Through its effect, I discard a card to target and destroy two Spell or Trap Cards on the field. I'll destroy both your face-down cards!"

Two twisters erupted from the Spell Card, engulfing and destroying Triton's face-down cards.

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Gore said. "During the End Phase, The Giant Ogre's and Jet Ogre's effects end."

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 4500→3000

"My turn!" Triton announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, whose effect allows me to draw cards until I have five in my hand. But I must send my entire hand to the Graveyard during my fifth Standby Phase after activating this card."

Gore narrowed his eyes. "What an annoying card."

Triton drew and laughed after seeing what he got. "Yes! With this, victory belongs to God! First, I summon Mermail Abysslinde!"

A blue-haired mermaid wearing red armor appeared on his field.

Mermail Abysslinde ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Galaxy Queen's Light!" Triton continued. "I target a Level 7 or above monster I control, then all monsters with a Level that I control become that monster's Level! That means Abysslinde's Level becomes 7!"

Mermail Abysslinde LVL: 3→7

Yuji and the other's eyes widened. "Uh oh."

Gore's eyes narrowed. "Two Level 7 monsters…."

Triton smirked. "You may be a master of Link Summoning, but I am a master of Xyz Summoning. Let me show you my true power!" He gestured to his two monsters. "I overlay my Level the Abyssmegalo and Abysslinde!"

A bolt of dark blue energy shot out of Triton's Duel Disk. The bolt created a massive blue "X" with four red dots at the corners. The two monsters disintegrated into data particles and entered two of the dots, lighting them up. The ends of the "X" fired light beams, creating a galaxy. The galaxy exploded with power as Triton chanted.

"Ruler of all under the seas! Rise above those who dwell on land, and send them plummeting into the abyss! I Xyz Summon! Emerge! Rank 7! Mermail Abyssgaios!"

A massive monster emerged from the portal. It had the upper body of a man but the lower body of a blue dragon covered with green armor. Above the waist was a muscular old man wearing blue armor with long grey hair. Abyssgaios swung a massive trident as it appeared in Attack Position, circled by two blue lights.

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 2800 DEF 1600 RNK: 7 OU: 2

"Mermail Abyssgaios, huh?" Gore said. "Am I right to assume that this is your ace monster?"

"You'd be half correct in saying so," Triton smirked. "Unfortunately, you won't see my other one because I plan on ending this duel here and now! But first, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Abyss-scale of Cetus and equip it to Abyssgaois!" The armor Abyssgaios was wearing turned purple. "With this card, Abyssgaois gains 800 attack points!"

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 2800→3600

"3600 attack points?" Yuji said in surprise. "This doesn't bode well for Gore."

Instead of being worried, Gore smirked. "So that's your play, huh? Well, here's mine! I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Battler's Cry! This card can be activated when the attack points of one of my opponent's monsters change due to an effect. As long as this card is in play, all of my Warrior monsters I control have their attack points doubled!"

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000→6000

"The Giant Ogre's additional effect activates!" Gore continued. "Since its attack points are different from its original attack points, it gains 1000 until the end of the turn!"

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 6000→7000

Triton smirked. "I'm not even surprised you had a counter to that ready. But I'm afraid it won't work. I activate the effect of Abyss-scale of Cetus! When the effect of a Trap Card is activated on your field, that effect is negated, and Cetus is sent to the Graveyard!"

The armor on Abyssgaios's body vanished as Gore's Trap Card shattered.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 7000→4000

Gore gritted his teeth but said, "Since your Equip Spell left the field, that means Abyssgaois loses 800 attack points!"

Mermail Abyssalacia ATK 3600→2800

"That matters not," Triton stated. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Marine Snow Seal! It lets me target and banish one monster on the field! I choose Gouki the Giant Ogre!"

The Gouki Link Monster was surrounded by ice before shattering and leaving the field.

"This is the end!" Triton pointed at Gore. "Finish this, Abyssgaios! Wrath of the Abyss!"

"Don't bet on it, Triton!" Gore retorted as he snatched a nearby Action Card from the debris of a house. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Big Escape! Through its effect, I can end the Battle Phase!"

Triton sighed, but he kept his smile. "Guess I'll end it next turn. Oh well. I place one card face-down and end my turn. Now, show me your dueling, Gore!"

"With pleasure!" Gore shouted. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Avarice! I can shuffle five monsters in my Graveyard back into the Deck and draw two cards. I target and shuffle Gouki Suprex, Twistcobra, Riscorpio, Octostretch, and Bearhug!"

After shuffling the designated cards, Gore placed his hand on his Deck. Come on, my Deck. Gore inwardly prayed as he was about to draw his two cards. I know you have something in there to help me turn the tide of this duel!

Gore drew his card with a sharp move—and grinned upon seeing what he had drawn. It looked like Lady Luck hadn't abandoned him just yet.

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Gouki Grand Match!" Gore declared as the card showed a golden-like, royal theme cage field with Gouki the Master Ogre sitting on a large throne outside the cage but facing it to watch Gouki the Powerload Ogre and Gouki the Giant Ogre clashing. "When Grand Match is activated, I can add a "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand. I add Gouki Riscorpio. From there, I activate Grand Match's second effect, shuffling Gouki Re-Match, Gouki Poison Mist and Gouki Spirit back into my Deck to draw a card. Then, I summon Gouki Suprex!"

The blue ogre with claws on its gauntlets appeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"When Suprex is Normal Summoned," Gore continued. "I can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from my hand. Come forth, Gouki Riscorpio!"

The red and black ogre reappeared next to Suprex.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Now all the conditions are met! I now activate the Spell Card: Star Light, Star Bright! With this card, when there are monsters on the field with either the same attack points or the same defense points, I can take one of their Levels and change all the other monsters to that same Level. As a result, I will change Gouki Suprex's Level to that of Riscorpio's!"

Gouki Suprex LVL: 4→5

Triton narrowed his eyes at the two Goukis, "Two Level 5 monsters...Don't tell me…."

Gore smirked as he gestured to his field. "I overlay my Level 5 Gouki Suprex and Gouki Riscorpio!"

A bolt of orange energy burst out of Gore's Duel Disk and traveled upwards. It struck the sky and exploded into a ring of orange energy that traveled downwards, changing the environment to a midnight sky. Streams of orange data traveled downward.

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

A large blue "X" with four red points appeared beneath his two monsters, who broke into blue data and entered two of the dots. The corners of the "X" fired beams upwards, creating a shining galaxy that exploded with power.

"It's time for the final curtain!" Gore chanted as his Duel Disk glowed. "Step onto the stage, warrior basked in the climax's luster! I Xyz Summon! Descend! Rank 5! Gouki The Showstopper Ogre!"

An ogre-like monster clad in copper-colored armor with a tattered cape, several spikes protruding from it, and several thick chains wrapped around its arms. It let out a huge roar as it was summoned to Gore's field in Attack Position. Two orange lights circled behind it.

Gouki The Showstopper Ogre ATK 2800 DEF 0 RNK: 5 OU: 2

"U-Unbelievable!" the MC shouted. "Gore just Xyz Summoned!"

"Amazing!" Theodore said. "Looks like Gore's about to turn things around!"

Triton smirked. "Impressive monster, but not impressive enough to help you win!"

"Are you sure about that?" Triton gasped at Gore's words. "I activate Showstopper Ogre's effect! Once per turn, by detaching one Overlay Unit, I can target 1 "Gouki" monster in my Graveyard and add it to my hand to increase Showstopper Ogre's attack points equal to that target's original attack points until the end of this turn. I return The Giant Ogre to my Extra Deck. Epilogue Reunion!"

The ghostly form of Giant Ogre appeared before Showstopper, and they grasped hands, causing Giant Ogre to explode into particles that then surrounded Showstopper.

Gouki The Showstopper Ogre OU: 2→1

Gouki The Showstopper Ogre ATK 2800→5800

"5800 attack points!?" Triton cried out. "Oi, oi, that's a bit too much!"

"And don't think I've forgotten about your face-down card!" Gore stated as he played the last card in his hand. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Glory Shield and equip it to Showstopper Ogre!" A glowing crystal shield appeared on the Xyz Monster's right arm. "With it, you can't activate Spells or Traps whenever the equipped monster attacks!"

"Eh!?" Triton gasped in shock. "But the difference in our monster's attack points is…3000! If I receive that amount as damage—!"

"You will lose." Gore completed his opponent's sentence. "Finish this, Showstopper Ogre!"

Showstopper lashed its spiked chain at Abyssgaios, slashing him in half as he exploded. As the backlash from the attack engulfed him, Triton smiled.

Triton: 950→0 LP

"The first duel has concluded!" The MC shouted to the crowd. "The winner is Gore!"

Gore raised his hands as the crowd cheered for him on screen.

"Yahoo!" Theodore cheered, along with Skye and Lily. "That was an amazing duel, wasn't it?"

Yuji nodded. "It sure was. Glad to see Gore hasn't been slacking off."

"While I expected Gore to win," Yusaku said, "I am impressed by Triton's skills. He might end up taking one of your guys' spots."

"No joke," Kolter said. "Putting all of that aside, the second duel is about to start. And I'm curious to see who's dueling next."

In LINK VRAINS...

As the Action Field disappeared, Gore walked up to Triton as he was looking up at the sky. Triton looked at Gore standing over him with a big smile.

"That was a very fun duel!" Gore said. "We should do it again sometime!"

Triton smiled and stood up. "Maybe we will someday," he said as he took Gore's hand and raised it high. "Everyone! This is your victor today! I, Triton, have lost to him! Please give him a round of applause!"

The crowd cheered as Triton released Gore's arm. "Good job, Gore," he said, smiling at him. "Just remember I'll be back to face you again. And I promise I'll be the victor. You got that?"

Gore nodded. "Yeah, I do."

Triton's smile turned into a smirk. "Until then, my friend." After saying that, he logged out, with Gore following suit.

"Let's carry this festive atmosphere to the next duel!" The M Cexclaimed. "First up is our defender. She has surprised us time and time again with her unexpected strategies to defeat her opponents. And those strategies helped her reach the #2 spot of the Top 10 Celebrity Duelists! Give it up for Sanctum!"

"Ena is dueling!?" Yuji, along with everyone else, was shocked. "Why is she in LINK VRAINS? Isn't she supposed to be at the apartment resting?"

"In any other situation, I look forward to watching Ena duel," Lily said. "However, I fear that she'll end up putting strain on her body should this duel becomes too intense."

"You would be correct in assuming so." Yusaku agreed. "But it would be rude of us to intrude. All we can do now is watch."

"It's time to announce our challenger!" the MC continued. "Having climbed up the ranks, her fortitude is something not to be messed with! Her opponents have all felt her nasty sting and have been buzzed out by her skills! I present you all the lovely Hornet!"

A girl wearing a bee-shaped helmet, her mouth uncovered, and her eyes covered by gold lenses, stood on top of a building with her arms crossed, facing Sanctum. She wore a silver and yellow jumpsuit with wasp-like wings, gray leather knee-high boots and a white belt. On her left arm was her Duel Disk. It was a new model shaped like a beehive.

Sanctum narrowed her eyes at her opponent. "Don't go easy on me; I'm looking forward to a challenging duel."

Hornet smirked. "The same to you, Sanctum. I expect you to make me work for my victory." Sanctum couldn't help but smile. Oh, she liked this girl.

In the real world, Yuji smiled. "Do your best, Ena," he muttered.

"Both of our competitors are getting fired up!" The MCcommentated. "Now, time to select the battleground for this match! Action Field On!"

Following the manager's words, the giant card above the field began spinning, stopping after a few seconds.

"The Action Field for this Duel is—Pandemonium Citadel!"

The MC announced enthusiastically, after which the Real Solid Vision device initialized, transforming the area into an otherworldly fortress with enormous towers. Black lightning also crackled in the pitch-black sky, further adding to this place's evil atmosphere.

"Duelists locked in battle!"

Sanctum began the Action Duel chant, with Hornet continuing after her.

"Kicking the earth and dancing in the air alongside their monsters!"

"They storm through this field!"

"Behold! This is the newest and greatest evolution of dueling!"

"Action—!" The MC exclaimed.

"Duel!"

Both duelists shouted in unison as the Action Cards spread across the field.

"Duel!"

Sanctum: 4000 LP

Hornet: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Hornet declared. "I summon Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye!"

An insect with a yellow head, a blue body that ended in a rocket, and wings appeared.

Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye ATK 200 DEF 300 LVL: 1

"Since I control an Insect monster, I Special Summon a second Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye from my hand!"

A second Pin the Bullseye appeared.

Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye ATK 200 DEF 300 LVL: 1

"Hornet has brought out two monsters!" The MC stated. "But their attack points are only 200!"

"I may not be able to attack because it's my first turn, but that doesn't mean I can't do some serious damage!" Hornet said. "I activate Pin the Bullseye's effect! Once per turn, I can inflict 200 points of damage to my opponent!"

The first Pin the Bullseye shot an orange cone at Sanctum, who winced from the impact.

Sanctum: 4000→3800 LP

"The second Pin the Bullseye's effect activates!"

Another orange cone struck Sanctum, who winced again from the damage.

Sanctum: 3800→3600 LP

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

"Hornet has started her first turn with dealing some effect damage!" The MC cheered. "But all she has on his field are two monsters with 200 attack points!"

"It's my turn!" Sanctum exclaimed. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Unexpected Dai, which allows me to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from my Deck as long as I don't control any monsters. Come, Mekk-Knight Avram!"

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

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Then, I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse from my hand! Since two or more cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon this card to that column!"

Soon, a silver machine with a circle around its body and blue crystals embedded in its armor appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse ATK 2400 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

Yuji narrowed his eyes. "Both Pin the Bullseyes have 200 attack points. Sanctum's aiming for a one-turn kill?"

"She doesn't waste time," Skye commented.

Sanctum gestured to her field. "Battle! Avram, attack Pin the Bullseye!"

Hornet smirked. "A rather simple but effective strategy," she commented. "But useless. I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Battlewasp - Nest! Thanks to its effect, since you attacked a "Battlewasp" monster, I can Special Summon a "Battlewasp" monster from my Deck or hand to place a counter on Battlewasp - Nest and end the Battle Phase! Come from the Deck—Battlewasp - Pin the Bullseye!"

A semi-transparent barrier intercepted Avram's attack. Once it faded, a third Pin the Bullseye appeared.

Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye ATK 200 DEF 300 LVL: 1

Battlewasp - Nest: 0 TC→1 TC

Sanctum gasped. "Sorry, but you're not ending this duel so quickly."

"Sanctum aimed for a one-turn kill, but Hornet outwitted her!" The MC said.

"Kuh, so you were prepared for this much…?" Sanctum grimaced. "In that case, I end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Hornet announced. "I draw! I Special Summon Battlewasp – Twinbow the Attacker through its effect!"

A brown and magenta four-legged bee appeared in Attack Position.

Battlewasp – Twinbow the Attacker ATK 1000 DEF 500 LVL: 3

"When Twinbow the Attacker is Special Summoned, I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck this turn, except Insect monsters. Next, I summon the Tuner monster Battlewasp – Sting the Poison!"

A mechanical bee with a glass abdomen filled with pink liquid appeared.

Battlewasp – Sting the Poison ATK 400 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"A Tuner…?" Sanctum muttered. "Naturally, what follows next is…."

"And when Sting the Posion is summoned, I can add a "Battlewasp" monster to my hand," Hornet said as she took a card from her Deck. "Moving on, I tune Level 2 Sting the Poison to Level 3 Twinbow the Attacker!"

The world greyed out as Twinbow and Sting disintegrated into green data. Two rings appeared. One brown and one orange, with the orange ring made of two concentric circles. The rings turned blue and merged before splitting into ten blue rings stacked on each other. Several blue-green rectangles appeared, circling the tower of rings as a screen appeared in front of the tower. The screen said "3 + 2" before changing it to read "5." A stream of light went through the rings as Hornet chanted.

"Stingers of rage, become a bow to pierce the heavens with a flash! I Synchro Summon! Appear now, Level 5! Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow!"

A red and white feminine humanoid monster with a longbow and a quiver of arrows at its waist emerged from the light in Attack Position.

Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow ATK 2200 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"And now Hornet pulls off a Synchro Summon!" The MC announced.

"I activate the effect of Pin the Bullseye!" Hornet declared. "Once per turn, I can inflict 200 points of damage to my opponent! And thanks to Azusa the Ghost Bow's effect, whenever a "Battlewasp" monster inflicts effect damage, that damage is doubled! This means Pin the Bullseye's effect will now deal 400 points of damage!"

"What?" Sanctum gasped.

"Since I control three, you two will receive 1200 points of damage!"

Following Hornet's words, the three bees shot their stingers at Sanctum, causing her to grunt in pain.

Sanctum: 3600→2400 LP

"Unbelievable!" The MC exclaimed. "It hasn't even been five turns, and almost half of Sanctum's Life Points have already been depleted! Hornet's effect damage-dealing strategy is showing its terrifying effectiveness!"

"Geez, Ena is getting pulverized out there," Lily commented. "Don't recall her having that much trouble often."

"That Hornet girl is playing it smart, trying to exhaust her early on before Ena can make a comeback," Yuji remarked. "However, I don't think she hasn't accounted for that. And low Life Points haven't stopped her before."

"We'll just have to wait and see," Kolter said. "Hornet hasn't entered her Battle Phase just yet. She might have some other nasty surprises in store."

"I switch all three copies of the Pin the Bullseye to Defense Position," Hornet said. "Now, let's battle! Azusa the Ghost Bow attacks Mekk-Knight Avram!"

Azusa knocked an arrow and launched it at Avram, destroying it.

Sanctum: 2400→2200 LP

"And I don't plan on stopping there!" Hornet exclaimed as Azusa grabbed her and sent her on top of the citadel's wall, where she snatched an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Wonder Charge! Thanks to its effect, I can target one of my monsters that has already declared an attack and have it attack once again while increasing its attack points by 500!"

Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow ATK 2200→2700

"Go, Azusa! Attack Indigo Eclipse!"

The previous scene was repeated as Indigo Eclipse was destroyed, sending Sanctum skidding back due to the shockwave.

Sanctum: 2200→1900 LP

"Sanctum attempted to end this duel in a single turn, but now Hornet's taken the lead!" The MC commentated.

"She hasn't taken the lead," Yusaku said, crossing his arms. "She's had it since the duel started."

"Hornet predicted Ena's moves and took steps to counter each of them," Skye said. "So long as she can keep doing that, Hornet has this duel won."

"I think I'm done enough for now," Hornet said. "I end my turn. And since it's the End Phase, Wonder Charge's effect ends, and Azusa'a's attack points return to normal."

Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow ATK 2700→2200

Hornet narrowed her eyes at Sanctum. "You better do something, or this duel is as good as mine."

Sanctum gritted her teeth. "It's my turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Teleport! Since you control monsters and I do not, I pay 800 Life Points and Special Summon a Psychic monster from my hand. I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Blue Sky!"

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

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

Sanctum: 1900→1100 LP

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

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

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

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

A silver and black machine, wielding round-bladed weapons and wearing a torn-up black cape, appeared in Defense Position.

Mekk-Knight Black Hole ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I activate Black Hole's effect!" Sanctum continued. "I can destroy one card in its column by moving Purple Nightfall to another Monster Zone. I move Purple Nightfall to the column to its left to destroy Battlewasp - Nest!"

The orb in Black Hole's chest started to glow before releasing a beam of dark energy at Hornet's Trap Card, destroying it.

"Following that, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Junk Barrage and equip it to Purple Nightfall!" The new Spell Card made the Mekk-Knight monster glow. "Now, when Purple Nightfall destroys a monster in battle, half that monster's attack points are dealt to you as damage!" Hornet's eyes widened. "Now, let's battle! Purple Nightfall, attack Azusa the Ghost Bow!"

Purple Nightfall impaled the Synchro Monster with its lance, destroying it and making Hornet wince in pain due to the ensuing shockwave.

Hornet: 4000→3700 LP

"And now the effect of my Junk Barrage activates!" Sanctum exclaimed. "So half of Azusa's attack points are dealt to you as damage!"

Purple Nightfall's lance glowed, creating a shockwave that struck Hornet and sent her tumbling back.

Hornet: 3700→2600 LP

"Next, Blue Sky attacks the far left Pin the Bullseye!"

Blue Sky swung its swords, destroying the small bee.

Sanctum gestured to her field. "I activate Purple Nightfall's effect! Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can banish a "Mekk-Knight" monster until my next Standby Phase and add a new "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Deck to my hand. I banish Black Hole to add Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine to my hand." Black Hole disintegrated as Sanctum took the card from her Deck. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn with that."

"Then, it's my turn!" Hornet announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook Inside the Pot, which allows us to draw three cards. Next, I summon Battlewasp - Kunai the Sharp!"

An orange and black striped bee with brown beady eyes and a sharp knife as its stinger appeared on Hornet's field.

Battlewasp – Kunai the Sharp ATK 500 DEF 300 LVL: 1

"Kunai's effect activates! When it's summoned, I can Special Summon a "Battlewasp" monster from my hand or Graveyard. Return, Battlewasp – Twinbow the Attacker!"

The brown and magenta bee reappeared.

Battlewasp – Twinbow the Attacker ATK 1000 DEF 500 LVL: 3

"Following that, I activate both Pin the Bullseye's effect to deal you 400 points of damage!"

"I'm afraid that won't be happening," Sanctum stated confidently as both bees fired a blast at her. "I activate the Trap Card: Pikeru's Circle of Enchantment! With it, I can negate all effect damage I take this turn!"

A white magic circle appeared around her feet, creating a cylindrical barrier that deflected the two energy blasts.

Hornet frowned. "In that case, I tune Level 1 Kunai the Sharp with the two Level 1 Pin the Bullseye and the Level 3 Twinbow the Attacker!"

The world grayed out as green energy gathered around Hornet before blasting upwards. Her monsters disintegrated into data that reformed into four rings. The rings turned blue and merged before reforming into six blue rings in a tower. "1 + 1 + 1 + 3" before shifting to "6". A beam of light shot through the rings.

"Beat your wings, bring your sting, unite and fight! I Synchro Summon! Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge!"

A blue and gold humanoid insect with a red halberd appeared on Hornet's field in Attack Position.

Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge ATK 2500 DEF 800 LVL: 6

"Normally, when Kunai is used as Synchro Material, you take 500 points of damage," Hornet explained. "But due to your Trap Card, that effect is useless now. But this one isn't. I banish two copies of Pin the Bullseye from my Graveyard to Special Summon Doom Dozer from my hand!"

With a roar, a giant centipede with a black carapace and a bright red underbelly rose from the ground.

Doom Dozer ATK 2800 DEF 2600 LVL: 8

"Oh my, Hornet has called out yet another creepy crawly on her field!" The MC exclaimed. "Could this be the end of the line for Sanctum!?"

"Battle!" Hornet exclaimed. "Halberd the Charge, attack Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall! And at this moment, Halberd's effect activates! When it battles a monster with equal or higher attack points, that monster's attack points are halved!"

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500→1250

Sanctum frowned as she gestured to her field. "I activate the Trap Card: Enchanted Javelin! Thanks to its effect, I gain Life Points equal to your monster's attack points!"

Sanctum: 1100→3600 LP

Halberd swung its battle-axe, splitting Purple Nightfall in half and destroying it, causing a large explosion that blew Sanctum back.

Sanctum: 3600→2350 LP

"Just like Kunai the Sharp, Halberd's additional effect deals you 200 points of damage for every "Battlewasp" monster I control whenever it destroys a monster in battle," Hornet revealed. "But your Trap prevented that. But even so, I can still deal you more damage. Doom Dozer attacks Blue Sky!"

Doom Dozer fired a purple-glowing bullet from its mouth at the Mekk-Knight, destroying it and sending Sanctum skidding back.

Sanctum: 2350→1550 LP

"When Doom Dozer inflicts battle damage, you're forced to send the top card of your Deck to the Graveyard!" Hornet stated as Sanctum milled her top card. Finally, I place a card face-down and activate the Continuous Spell Card: Insect Neglect! With that, I end my turn."

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

The black and silver machine reappeared.

Mekk-Knight Black Hole ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Then, I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine from my hand! Since two or more cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon this card to that column!"

A silver and marigold machine wielding a rapier-like weapon appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine ATK 2300 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"Marigold Shine's second effect!" Sanctum continued. "When this card is summoned, I gain 500 Life Points for every other card in its column. There are three cards, so I gain 1500 Life Points!"

Sanctum: 1550→3050 LP

"Quite greedy, aren't you?" Hornet remarked. "You've recovered even more Life Points."

"What can I say?" Sanctum shrugged. "I was taught that more is usually better than less. Regardless, I activate Senet Switch's effect and move Marigold Shine to the column to its right. Then, I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Yellow Star via its effect!"

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

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

"I activate Yellow Star's effect! By banishing a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy a Spell or Trap Card in Yellow Star's column! I banish Avram from my Graveyard to destroy Insect Neglect!"

"Not so fast!" Hornet shouted. " I activate the Trap Card: Card of Pandora! When you target a card in my Spell & Trap Zone with an effect, that effect is changed to target Card of Pandora instead!" The Trap Card shattered. "And then, Card of Pandora lets me draw two cards."

Sanctum frowned as Hornet drew. "I see. So you were prepared for me to destroy your Continuous Spell."

"Indeed I was," Hornet answered. "You're so predictable."

"Is that so? Well, let me change your mind. I activate Black Hole's effect! I move Marigold Shine to the column on its left to destroy Insect Neglect!"

Black Hole released a beam of dark energy from its chest at the Continuous Spell, destroying it.

"And don't think for a second that I'm done," Sanctum stated. "I activate the Spell Card: Release Change! By Tributing one monster on my field, I can Special Summon a monster with the same Level from my Deck! I Tribute the Level 7 Yellow Star to Special Summon the Level 7 Mekk-Knight Red Moon!"

Yellow Star vanished as a red and silver machine carrying a large ax appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Red Moon ATK 2300 DEF 2600 LVL: 7

"I activate Red Moon's effect! By banishing a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy a face-up monster in Red Moon's column!"

"What!?" Hornet gasped.

"I banish Purple Nightfall to destroy Halberd the Charge!"

Red Moon's ax glowed before it drove it into the ground, creating and releasing a blast of energy that struck the Synchro Monster, destroying it.

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Solidarity!" Sanctum said. "So long as I have one original Type of monster in my Graveyard, all my monsters with the same Type gain 800 attack points. The only monsters in my Graveyard are Psychic monsters, so all my Psychic monsters gain 800 attack points!"

Mekk-Knight Black Hole ATK 0→800

Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine ATK 2300→3100

Mekk-Knight Red Moon ATK 2300→3100

Sanctum gestured to her field. "Battle! Red Moon, attack her Doom Dozer!"

Red Moon charged at the large centipede and swung its ax. In response, Hornet rushed forward, grabbing another Action Card from the citadel's walls.

"I activate the Action Spell Card: Choice Choice!" Hornet declared. "Through its effect, I can either halve the battle damage or prevent my monster's destruction by battle! I choose to prevent Doom Dozer's destruction!"

"However, you'll still receive the battle damage!"

Red Moon struck Doom Dozer with its axe, but the giant centipede wasn't destroyed.

Hornet: 2600→2300 LP

"Now it's Marigold Shine's turn!" Sanctum stated. "Attack Doom Dozer!"

Marigold pierced the giant centipede with its sword, destroying it and making Hornet grunt in pain.

Hornet: 2300→2000 LP

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

"Despite a relentless assault that would have normally been the end for her, Hornet managed to hold on!" The MC cheered. "As expected, she's no pushover, everyone! Now then, what will she show us next!?"

"My turn!" Hornet announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity, whose effect allows me to draw three cards from my Deck and discard two from my hand. And since one of the two cards I just sent to the Graveyard was Cards of Compensation, I get to draw two cards. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Revival Swarm! It lets me Special Summon a "Battlewasp" monster from my Graveyard. Buzz back onto the battlefield, Battlewasp – Kunai the Sharp!"

Battlewasp – Kunai the Sharp ATK 500 DEF 300 LVL: 1

"And since I summoned Kunai, I'll use its effect to Special Summon Halberd the Charge from my Graveyard!"

The humanoid bee wielding a halberd reappeared.

Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge ATK 2500 DEF 800 LVL: 6

"I activate the Trap Card: Lost Wind!" Sanctum abruptly declared. "It negates Halberd's effects and halves its attack points!"

Halberd the Charge was soon encased in ice as its attack points lowered.

Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge ATK 2500→1250

"Oh?" Hornet said. "What an interesting Trap Card. It probably would have impeded them if it were anyone else."

"What?" Sanctum said, shocked at her opponent's reaction.

"I tune the Level 6 Halberd the Charge with the Level 1 Kunai the Sharp!"

The world grayed as green energy gathered around Hornet. Halberd and Kunai disintegrated into two rings. The rings turned blue and merged into seven blue rings in a tower. A screen showing "6 + 1" appeared before changing to "7". Light surged through the rings.

"I Synchro Summon! Come down, Level 7! Battlewasp - Varja the Lighting Bolt!"

An orange-skinned humanoid insect wearing brown armor at its chest and shoulders with a green gem in the middle and yellow jagged edges plastered from the middle of the chest to the top of the shoulders appeared on Hornet's field. It wore a helmet with a red visor hovering over its eyes and gloves with yellow webbing patterned onto them. Four thin wings on the back lower half of its legs were exposed, showing blue skin highlights.

Battlewasp - Varja the Lighting Bolt ATK 2600 DEF 1800 LVL: 7

"I activate Varja's effect!" Hornet declared. "Once per turn, I can send a card from my hand to the Graveyard to destroy one of your cards and inflict 700 points of damage. I destroy Red Moon!"

After she discarded one card, Varja shot a stream of needles at the red and silver machine, destroying it and making Sanctum wince.

Sanctum: 3050→2350 LP

"If you think I'm done, I'm not," Hornet said, drawing Sanctum's attention. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Spell Shattering Arrow! This card destroys all face-up Spell Cards on your field and deals 500 points of damage for each one!"

"In that case, I'll take them down for you!" Sanctum said. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions! Its effect allows me to send any number of Spell or Trap Cards I control to the Graveyard and gain 1000 Life Points for every sent card. I will send Teleport, Senet Switch and Solidarity to the Graveyard to gain 3000 Life Points."

Sanctum: 2350→5350 LP

Mekk-Knight Black Hole ATK 800→0

Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine ATK 3100→2300

"Oh, that wasn't half-bad," Hornet praised her opponent. "But I can do one better. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Level 2 Power Boost and it to Varja!" Twin exhaust fans appeared on the Synchro Monster's back. "When equipped to an Insect, that monster gains 1200 attack points!"

Battlewasp - Varja the Lighting Bolt ATK 2600→3800

"Battle!" Hornet exclaimed. "Varja, attack Marigold Shine! Swarm Hurricane!"

Varja extended its arms forward, conjuring a large sphere of bees that struck Marigold Shine, destroying it in an explosion and sending Sanctum tumbling back due to the shockwave.

Sanctum: 5350→3850 LP

"I activate Varja's additional effect!" Hornet continued. "If it was Synchro Summoned using a Synchro Monster as material and it destroyed a monster in battle, I can inflict damage to you equal to the destroyed monster's original attack points. Therefore, receive 2300 points of damage, Sanctum!"

Varja raised its hand high, generating a sound wave that struck Sanctum, with the girl letting out a cry of pain.

Sanctum: 3850→1550 LP

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

"Hornet brought Sanctum's Life Points down again and has driven her into a corner!" The MC exclaimed. "However, I wouldn't write her off just yet!"

"Smart of you to do so," Sanctum remarked. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw! Through its effect, I can guess what type of card is the top card of my Deck. If I'm correct, I get to draw five cards from my Deck. If not, I'll have to send five cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. Now, let's do this! I declare that my top card is a Trap Card!"

Sanctum drew her top card and revealed it to Hornet.

"Since my guess was correct, I can draw five cards from my Deck. 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, Mekk-Knight Blue Sky!"

A wide crack appeared on the ground following Sanctum's words, which emerged Blue Sky.

Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2000→1000 DEF 2500 LVL: 5

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

A mechanical humanoid with bright emerald glowing lines and wielding a dagger-like blade appeared in Attack Position.

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

Yuji narrowed his eyes at Sanctum's new monster. "A Tuner…."

"Here it comes," Kolter commented.

Sanctum smiled as she gestured to her field. "Level 2 Mekk-Knight Emerald Jay tunes Level 1 Mekk-Knight Black Hole and Level 5 Mekk-Knight Blue Sky!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Sanctum as the world turned gray. A wave of energy swept across his field and disintegrated Emerald Jay, Blue Sky, and Black Hole, turning them into blue particles. Those particles turned into three circles – one green and two yellow, with the latter two composed of five and one concentric circle – stacked above each other. The circles turned blue and then merged. Numerous blue-green rectangles appeared and formed a circle, while eight blue rings formed in the middle and arranged themselves in a tower. A screen above the tower showed "2 + 5 + 1" before shifting to "8". A beam of light shot through the rings.

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

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

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

"A Synchro Monster has been summoned quickly!" The MC announced. "With Prism Sun taking the field, Sanctum is poised for a fierce counterattack!"

"I activate Prism Sun's effect!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Once per turn, I can target a card on the field and negate its effects. But if the card I chose is in the same column as Prism Sun, I get to negate two cards." Hornet's eyes widened. "I choose Level 2 Power Boost! And since Varja the Lightning Blast is in the same column as Prism Sun, I get to also negate its effects! Prism Flash!"

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

Battlewasp - Varja the Lighting Bolt ATK 3800→2600

"Following that, I activate the Spell Card Night Beam!" Sanctum continued. "This card lets me destroy 1 Set Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls! Furthermore, it also prevents you from activating that card in response."

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

"Battle! Go, Mekk-Knight Prism Sun! Attack Battlewasp - Varja the Lighting Bolt! Sun Blade Crash!"

"Two can play at this game, Sanctum!" Horet stated as he gestured to her monster, with Varja launching her upward to reach one of the citadel's higher platforms, grabbing an Action Card. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Encore to copy the effects of Choice Choice in my Graveyard and prevent my monster's destruction!"

Following Hornet's words, Prism Sun swung its ax, generating a wave of energy that sent Hornet and her monster skidding back.

Hornet: 2000→1600 LP

"Your counterattack wasn't half-bad, but it barely fazed me. Do try harder than that, or my victory won't feel that satisfying."

"Then how about this!?" Sanctum shot out her Duel Anchor at the side of the tower and soared into the air, grabbing an Action Card embedded in its walls. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Critical Strike! Thanks to its effect, if a monster on my field fails to destroy an opponent's monster through battle, I can increase its attack points by 600 and have it attack that monster again!"

Mekk-Knight Prism Sun ATK 3000→3600

"Do it, Prism Sun! Sun Blade Crash!"

Hornet clicked her tongue as she dashed forward for an Action Card. However, her expression turned into a frown upon grabbing a card stuck in the citadel's wall.

"I guess you didn't get what you wanted," Sanctum smirked. "Continue with the attack, Prism Sun!"

The Mekk-Knight Synchro Monster swung its ax and unleashed a wave of flames that destroyed Varja.

Hornet: 1600→600 LP

"In that case, let me drag you down with me too!" Hornet's expression twisted into a nasty grin. "I activate the Action Spell Card: Damage Mirror! Thanks to its effect, you take the same damage I did!"

A mirror appeared on Hornet's field, out of which a beam of light was shot, striking Sanctum squarely in the chest and causing her to stagger.

Sanctum: 1550→550 LP

"I can't do anything else for now," Sanctum said. "Since the Battle Phase is over, Prism Sun's attack points return to normal."

Mekk-Knight Prism Sun ATK 3600→3000

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

"That Hornet isn't half-bad."

"But, Sanctum is pretty skilled as always."

"You two are amazing! Keep going like this and make us even more excited!"

"I haven't seen such an exciting duel for a long time! Do your best, Sanctum, Hornet!"

"Go, you two! Show us the passionate soul of a duelist even more!"

Much to Yuji and the others' surprise, comments could be heard from the crowd. It seemed like Sanctum and Hornet's duel was pumping the audience up. But the question of who will win remains.

"It's my turn!" Hornet announced. "I draw! First, I summon Dragonbite!"

A large, serpentine creature appeared, with yellow membranes forming its wings. Mandibles were all over its body, and it had two scythe-like legs.

Dragonbite ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And when Dragonbite is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Insect monster from my hand. Come—Battlewasp - Arbalest the Rapidfire!"

A purple and yellow bee with glaring red eyes appeared next to Dragonbite.

Battlewasp - Arbalest the Rapidfire ATK 1800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"The main event starts here!" Hornet exclaimed as she gestured to her two monsters. "I tune the Level 4 Arbalest with the Level 4 Dragonbite!"

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

"Power in concert. Bear the flames of revenge and release the arrow of revolt! I Synchro Summon! Level 8! Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow!"

The monster that emerged from the light was a humanoid insect wearing green and orange armor with four wings on its back. It held a green bow in its right hand as it was summoned in Attack Position.

Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Here it is, here it is, here it is!" The MC exclaimed. "Hornet's ace monster has appeared! Sanctum could be in serious trouble right now!"

"I activate the Equip Spell card: Disposable Learner Device!" Hornet declared. "By equipping this card to Hama the Conquering Bow, it gains 200 attack points for every monster in my Graveyard, in this case, ten. Which means Hama gains 2000 attack points!"

Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow ATK 2800→4800

"This will settle it!" Hornet exclaimed. "Battle! Hama the Conquering Bow, attack Mekk-Knight Prism Sky and end this!"

"The one who will settle this duel is me!" Sanctum yelled. "I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Shade! In exchange for half my Life Points, I take no battle damage this turn!"

An arrow formed on Hama's left wrist. Hama knocked the arrow and released the string, piercing Prism Sun and making it explode.

Sanctum: 550→275 LP

Hornet smirked. "Quite impressive, Sanctum. Hama's effect allows it to attack twice, but you prevented that from happening with the help of your Trap Card." Her smirk then turned into a wide smile. "But you made one miscalculation! Hama the Conquering Bow's effect activates! Since you took no battle damage this turn, Hama inflicts 300 points of damage for each "Battlewasp" monster in my Graveyard!"

Pin the Bullseye, Azusa the Ghost Bow, Kunai the Sharp, Twinbow the Attacker, Sting the Poison, Halberd the Charge, Varja the Lightning Blast and Arbalest the Rapidfire appeared around Hama.

"There are eight "Battlewasp" monsters. So you take 2400 points of damage!"

The monsters turned into yellow energy that gathered in Hama's left hand. The energy turned into a massive arrow that Hama launched from its bow.

"No, not yet!" Sanctum shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Trap Reborn! By paying half my Life Points, I can target a Normal Trap Card in either Graveyard, banish it and apply its effects to this card!"

Sanctum winced as her Life Points decreased.

Sanctum: 275→138 LP

"I choose to banish Pikeru's Circle of Enchantment from my Graveyard to reduce all effect damage this turn to 0!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Sanctum following her words, blocking the energy arrow.

"Almost there, but not quite, eh?" Hornet remarked. "In that case, I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Sanctum may have survived this turn, but she's in a big pinch right now!" The MC announced. "Unless she manages to settle things during this turn, she'll likely lose this duel!"

"No cards in my hand and only one card my the field…." Sanctum murmured. "This is difficult, but I have no choice but to do it. You haven't failed me yet, my Deck, so please don't start now. Now then…for better or worse, this is my last turn! I draw!"

"At this moment, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Bee Formation!" Hornet declared as a cloud of bees began swarming around Hama, forming a glowing infinity sign behind the monster. "Whenever a monster is summoned to your field, Hama the Conquering Bow's attack points increase by 400!" Hornet grinned confidently. "I don't know what you drew, but whenever you summon a monster, you'll only make mine stronger!"

"This means Ena's options have been limited," Yusaku noted. "Hornet has done her homework…"

Sanctum checked her drawn card and smiled.

"Looks like I'll be able to pull through after all," Sanctum remarked. "Hornet, I'm going to show something really interesting."

"Oh?" Hornet raised an eyebrow. "Something interesting, you say? Looks like you had a good draw. Then, come at me with everything you've got!"

"As you wish," Sanctum said. "I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise, whose effect allows me to draw cards from my Deck until I have five!"

Upon checking out his drawn cards, Sanctum smirked.

"This is just what I needed. First, I activate the Spell Card: Terraforming! This card adds a Field Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add the Field Spell Card: Ritual Sanctuary to my hand, which I'll activate! Once per turn, I can discard a Spell Card to add a Light Ritual Monster or a Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I discard World Legacy Clash to add the Ritual Monster Shinato, King of a Higher Plane!"

Hornet's eyes widened. "Ritual?" she repeated.

"And that's not all. I have a bigger plan for you, including my face-down card." Sanctum stated. "I activate the Trap Card: Urgent Ritual Art! I can activate it when I don't control any Ritual Monsters. First, it lets me take a Ritual Spell Card from my hand or Graveyard and remove it from play." A card ejected from Sanctum's Duel Disk before she held it up. "The card I choose is Shinato's Ark."

Hornet blinked. "When did you send that card go to the Graveyard?"

Sanctum smirked. "I didn't. You did," she replied, confusing Hornet. "You sent it to the Graveyard through Doom Dozer's effect. So thank you for doing that."

Hornet grimaced. "So what do you get by removing your Ritual Spell from play?"

"Something like this…" Sanctum's Trap Card glowed for a moment before its image changed. To everyone's surprise, the card now had the same image as the removed Spell Card. "After removing the selected card, the effect of my Trap becomes that card's effect. In other words, Urgent Ritual Art lets me use the effect of my Ritual Spell Card!"

Hornet couldn't help but gasp. "Unbelievable!"

Sanctum's smirk widened. "I activate Shinato's Ark!"

Following her declaration, the spectators watched in awe as a giant wooden ark with a silver sail with ancient marks appeared in the sky.

"Now I can Tribute monsters from my hand or field whose combined levels equal or exceed that of the stated Ritual Monster and Ritual Summon it! I Tribute the Level 8 Gilford the Lightning from my hand!"

A tall, muscular man in silver armor and a red cape wielding a large sword appeared on Sanctum's field. The wooden ark opened as Gilford broke into particles of yellow energy that went inside the ark, lighting them up. Then, a column of light surrounded the floating ark as it exploded outwards.

"King of the Fairies!" Sanctum chanted. "Rejoice in your subjects and join our cause to help us all! I Ritual Summon! Emerge, Shinato, King of a Higher Plane!"

The column of light faded, revealing a blue-skinned man wearing a white and golden royal gown and a golden celestial crown on his head. Four golden wings waved out from his back and kept him aloft as he appeared on Sanctum's field in Attack Position.

Shinato, King of a Higher Plane ATK 3300 DEF 3000 LVL: 8

"Whoa! 3300 attack points!?" Theodore gasped.

"That's pretty strong," Kolter added.

"I never thought she could use a Trap Card for a Ritual Summoning," Lily commented.

"I guess it's safe to say anything is possible in Duel Monsters," Skye said.

"Despite the odds against her, Sanctum has summoned a powerful new monster!" The MC announced. "However, is it strong enough to overcome Hornet's Hama the Conquering Bow!? No, to begin with, can it go past the effects of Hornet's Trap Card!? What sort of intricate tactics will Sanctum show us next!?"

"OK, I didn't expect that," Hornet admitted. "However, since you summoned a monster, Bee Formation's effect activates, and Hama gains 400 attack points!"

Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow ATK 4800→5200

"Looks like your final hope didn't amount to anything," Hornet remarked. "Such a shame."

"No, hope is still very much alive." Sanctum smiled. "I activate the Spell Card: Card Rotator! By sending a card from my hand to my Graveyard, I can change the battle positions of all monsters you control. I send World Legacy's Secret from my hand to my Graveyard."

Strings erupted from Card Rotator, which forced Hama to Defense Position.

"Battle!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Shinato attacks Hama the Conquering Bow! Divine Ring!"

The blue-skinned man raised his hands and created six purple orbs with different kanji. Suddenly, they spun around his hands and formed a light energy ring, quickly surrounding the Synchro Monster, making it roar in pain before exploding.

"Sanctum destroyed Hornet's Synchro Monster!"

"Next, Shinato's effect activates!" Sanctum said. "When it destroys a Defense Position monster in battle, it inflicts damage equal to the original attack points of the destroyed monster!"

"Hama's original attack points was…2800…" Hornet had a stunned expression on his face. "And my Life Points are 600… That means…"

"It's your loss." Sanctum completed Hornet's sentence. "Take this!"

Shinato gathered a ball of bright purple energy in its hands, which it lobbed at Hornet. It struck her and exploded, making her cry in pain as she was sent flying.

Hornet: 600→0 LP

"It is decided!" The MC shouted. "The winner of the second duel of the day is Sanctum!"

"Well done, Ena," Yuji muttered as he smiled.

As the crowd cheered, Sanctum approached Hornet and helped her up.

"Are you alright?" Sanctum asked as the Action Field disappeared. "Are you hurt anywhere?"

"No, I'm fine," Hornet responded. "I thought for sure that I could beat you this time. Oh well, there's always next time. Not to mention, I had a lot of fun fighting you, so that's a win for me."

"That's the spirit." Sanctum let out a wide grin. "Never forget to enjoy yourself, Hornet."

Hornet nodded. "Then, it's time for me to take my leave. Good luck with taking down the Syndicate."

As Hornet logged out, Sanctum turned her gaze to the sky. "I wonder what the others thought about my duel…" she muttered. "Even if they enjoyed it, they're probably wondering why I was dueling in the first place. Better explain it to them before they ask too many questions…."

And with that, Sanctum logged out…

In Den City, at Kolter's apartment...

The blue sphere faded from around Ena as she opened her eyes. She stood up and stretched, wincing as she did so.

"Man," she said, holding her side. "That Hornet sure wasn't no pushover. Maybe I should have let someone else duel instead of me."

Following her words, she left her bedroom and walked down the hall. Once she entered the living room, she encountered Yuji, Yusaku, Skye, Theodore, Kolter and Theodore, who all had awkward expressions. Although Ena dreaded the arrival of this moment, she would have to explain himself eventually, so it was better to get it done sooner rather than later.

"So…" Ena started. "I guess you guys must have many questions for me…"

"You got that right," Kolter said. "Why were you dueling in SOL's special tournament?"

"Straight to the point, huh? To answer part of your question, I wasn't selected as one of the participants," Ena revealed. "Shortly after learning about the event, I contacted Zaizen and begged him to let me participate."

"But why?" Yuji asked. "You know you haven't fully recovered from your duel with Astro. You could've strained your body if that duel was even remotely intense. Tell me why you did it."

"To feel good about myself."

Ena's unexpected answer silenced everyone.

"To…make yourself feel good?" Skye repeated. "What do you mean, Ena?"

"As you guys know, my loss to Astro has traumatized me," Ena said. "And after seeing him again, the fear of my loss to him started to resurface."

Ena couldn't keep the venom out of her voice, causing anguished expressions on everyone's faces.

"Refusing to keep listening to his insults and snark comments," Ena resumed speaking. "I decided to face him again. But I failed to win even after improving my skills and becoming stronger."

Ena let out a self-deprecating smile at that point.

"Due to the intensity of the duel, I was forced to tap out of the mission. I felt I had let you guys down because I couldn't hold my own."

Ena then turned to Yuji.

"Do you understand why I joined SOL's little tournament, Yuji? It was all because I wanted to forget about all the negativity affecting me and have one fun normal duel."

"I see," Yuji said. "But I know exactly how you feel. I felt worthless when I lost to Enoch. But it was thanks to you I got my confidence back."

"Yuji's right," Skye said. "We've all had our struggles in the past, but with the help of everyone's support, we managed to overcome them. And so can you."

At this, Ena couldn't help but laugh.

"Hahahaha! I can't believe I was worried for nothing! I honestly thought you guys would be mad and start yelling. Anyways, I'm starving after that duel. I could wolf down three meals myself."

"In that case, allow me to treat you," Kolter said. "Truth be told, I'm also famished. We have some leftovers from today's promo event. How about all of us have dinner together."

"Well, I do not reject an invitation, especially concerning food," Theodore said as he crossed his hands behind his back. "Let's chow dow—!"

Theodore's words were cut off as Yusaku's Duel Disk suddenly rang.

"Sorry, guys. Let me answer this real quick," He said as he took it out. "Hello?"

"Greetings, Playmaker. Sorry for calling so late. Am I perhaps interrupting something?"

"Pyrrha?" Yusaku raised an eyebrow at hearing the Pendulum user's voice. "No, it's fine… So, what can I do for you?"

"Before I say anything, I want to know if Storm Rider and the others are there with you?"

"They are," Yusaku confirmed before pressing a button on his Duel Disk. "I put you on speaker. What is it that you want to tell us?"

"Well, to start things off, I want to say I saw Sanctum's duel this afternoon, which was amazing!" Pyrrha stated. "Especially when she Ritual Summoned. I wasn't expecting that."

Ena smiled. "Thanks, Pyrrha. I appreciate it."

"No prob. That's part of the reason why I'm calling."

"What do you mean?" Yuji asked.

"After telling me the truth about Esper, I realized you are now short of an ally," Pyrrha noted. "Which is why I would like to offer my assistance to you guys. What do you say?"

"No problems here," Theodore said. "You've already done a lot for us. So it would be stupid of us to say no."

"Awesome!" Pyrrha cheered. "And lucky for you guys, I know two people who are more than willing to help the Top 10 take down the Syndicate."

"Is that so?" Ena let out a sly grin. "In that case, bring them on board! The more allies, the better!"

"I don't know if that's such a good idea," Yuji said. "Even if they want to help us stop the Syndicate's plans and actions, they might not fully understand the dangers they're getting into."

"He's right," Yusaku agreed. "I'm sorry, Pyrrha. But we must decline their offer."

Pyrrha said. "I figured you might say that. So how about they prove themselves to you in a duel?" she suggested. "You guys choose two duelists against my candidates. And if one of them manages to beat one of your chosen duelists, they get to join the fight. Sound good?"

"Seems reasonable to me," Skye said. "Have you and your associates meet us in our private server in 5 minutes."

"Gotcha," Pyrrha replied before signing off. Lily then spoke.

"So, do you think Pyrrha's friends have what it takes to partake in this fight?"

"We won't know until we see their skills in action," Theodore answered. "And if I'm being honest, with the Syndicate's forces rapidly increasing, we'll need all the help we can get."

"Amen to that," Yuji said as he took out his Duel Disk. "Now then, shall we enter?"

"It would be wrong us to keep them waiting," Ena said as she took out her Duel Disk, with everyone else following suit. "Let's do this."

The six teens placed their Duel Disks on their wrists and raised them.

"Time to link into the VRAINS!"

OC Card Memo:

Triton:

Cards of the Abyss

Normal Spell Card

If you search control a Level 7 or higher "Mermail" Monster, draw three cards from your Deck and discard one.

Gore:

Gouki Powerbug

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Warrior/Effect] ATK 800 DEF 0 Level: 2

If you control another "Gouki" Monster except "Gouki Powerbug", you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card is sent from the field to the GY: You can add 1 "Gouki" card from your Deck to your hand, except "Gouki Powerbug". You can only use this effect of "Gouki Powerbug" once per turn.

Gouki The Showstopper Ogre

Attribute: EARTH Type: [Warrior/Xyz/Effect] ATK 2800 DEF 0 Rank: 5

2 Level 5 monsters

If this card is Xyz Summoned to a zone a Link Monster points to, You can target cards on the field up to the Link Rating of 1 Link Monster that points to this card; return them to the hand. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 material from this card, then target 1 "Gouki" monster in your GY; add it to your hand, then this card gains ATK equal to that target's original ATK until the end of this turn.

Gouki Grand Match

Field Spell Card

When this card is activated: Add 1 "Gouki" card from your Deck to your hand. Once per turn: Target 3 "Gouki" cards from your GY, shuffle them to your Deck, and if you do, draw 1 card. During the Battle Phase (Quick Effect): Destroy this card and activate 1 "Gouki Cage Match" from your hand, Deck or GY and while that card is face-up on the field, all "Gouki" monsters gain 1000 ATK and cannot be targeted by card effects. You can banish this card from your GY (Quick Effect): Remove all counters on the field. You can only use each "Gouki Grand Match" effect per turn.

Instant Mining

Quick-Play Spell Card

When this card is activated, look through your Deck and set the first Normal Trap Card you come across. Furthermore, for the duration of this turn, the Trap Card you set is unaffected by your opponent's card effects.

Hornet:

Battlewasp - Kunai the Sharp

Attribute: WIND Type: [Insect/Tuner/Effect] ATK 500 DEF 300 Level: 1

If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: Special Summon 1 "Battlewasp" monster from your hand or GY, also for the rest of this turn, you cannot Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck except Insect Monsters. If this card is used as Synchro Material to Synchro Summon a "Battlewasp" Synchro Monster: Inflict 500 points of damage to your opponent. You can only use each "Battlewasp - Kunai the Sharp" effect once per turn.

Battlewasp - Varja the Lighting Bolt

Attribute: WIND Type: [Insect/Synchro/Effect] ATK 2600 DEF 1800 Level: 7

1 Tuner + 1+ non-Tuner Monster(s)

If this Synchro Summoned card that used a Synchro Monster as Synchro Material destroys a monster by battle: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK. Once per turn: You can discard 1 card from your hand and target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy the targeted card, and if you do, inflict 700 points of damage to your opponent. You can only use this effect of "Battlewasp - Varja the Lighting Bolt" once per turn.

Action Cards:

Damage Mirror

Action Spell

If you take damage, you can activate this card; your opponent receives the same amount of damage.

Author's Note:

Thank you to Dragonknight15 for helping with Hornet's design and Imagine97 with the designs of the Battlewasp monsters. As you can see, this chapter is a breather/filler, so I decided to introduce two original characters and have them duel two main ones in a special tournament hosted by SOL. I chose Gore as one of the participants since he best fitted it, and he hasn't had a chance to duel yet. As for the reason I chose Sanctum, well, she explained it. And in case you're wondering, these new characters might appear again and be involved in the fight against the Syndicate. Lastly, we have the return of Pyrrha, a.k.a. Scarlett, and two new individuals. They'll be dueling to see if they're strong enough to aid the Top 10. As for their names, they'll be revealed in the next chapter and their Decks.

Thank you for reading Chapter 32. Please tell me what you think of the idea of the duels. Until then, please read and review, and I'll see you guys later.