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?

34. Hang Out

In LINK VRAINS, at the Syndicate's base...

Umbra was sitting at a desk, looking at a digital screen that showed various recordings of all the Top 10's duels. Now that he was benched from going on missions until further notice, he decided to take the time to study much about his enemies as much as he could. To ensure that he didn't miss anything, he repeatedly watched the recordings over and over again to memorize the plays and strategies Storm Rider and his friends made. It was necessary to do so because the Top 10 have been getting stronger, which means he needs to do the same. But the question was how. His Dark World has won him most of the duels he's been in. And while he lost to Storm Rider once, it still affected his confidence in his dueling skills.

While Dr. Willow successfully produced enough Pendulum Cards before the Top 10 destroyed his factory, he'd felt the need not to include them in his Deck. But now he's regretting that decision. While he wants to get stronger to help Queen Priscilla's goal come to fruition, he'd rather become stronger on his own than with some cheap gimmick. But Queen Priscilla saw the benefit in using Pendulum cards, which was why she had Natura kidnap Pyrrha's father. This way, Dr. Willow can make Pendulum Cards.

He hated admitting it, but the truth was right before him. If he wanted to stand a chance of crushing the Top 10, he would have to include new cards in his Deck that would help strengthen it, but that now was no longer an option after Storm Rider and his allies practically blew up the factory. At the moment, he was waiting for his next mission, and if he succeeded, he could make up for the loss.

Despite everything, Umbra ultimately believed that a miracle would soon come.

"That position suits you quite well."

Umbra turned around, surprised that Natura was behind him in the darkness.

"Please don't do that again," he told her. "It doesn't suit you, and you scared me a bit."

"Oh, please. You would have done the same to me if the roles were reversed," Natura replied with a smirk. "Regardless, I have some news for you."

"What is it?"

"Queen Priscilla is allowing you to make up for failing your previous mission," Natura told him. "After experiencing Action Duels, Lumine believes we needed to eliminate them so that the Top 10 doesn't hold an advantage over us." She then smirked. "However, Ladon has second thoughts and feels we should leave it alone since they make duels more exciting. And between you and me, I agree with him."

Umbra frowned. "That's because you're jealous," he said. "You secretly want to participate in an Action Duel yourself."

"You got me," Natura said with a crooked smile. "You are quite the clever individual. However, I couldn't but overhear you saying you're upset that the doctor can't cook you up any new cards after his factory was destroyed."

"While I would be angry at you for listening to my private thoughts, you are right," Umbra revealed. "What about it?"

"You're in luck," Natura smiled. "Right before the factory got obliterated, Dr. Willow managed to create cards for all of us. Including Dark World cards for you."

"Is that so?" Umbra said with a smirk as Natura handed him a case, which he opened. His eyes widened in excitement. Looks like his miracle came sooner than he had anticipated. "With the help of these new cards, Storm Rider and his friends no longer stand a chance against us." He narrowed his eyes at Natura. "Alright. I will accept the mission of eliminating the Top 10's use of Action Fields."

"Good to hear it," Natura said as she took her love before stopping. "Oh, before I forget. Since the mission is happening tonight, I thought I'd pass some information to you so you can prepare for it. SOL Technologies updates its systems once a year after everything that's recently happened. And during that time, the security systems are shut off. Also, Queen Priscilla wants us to head to the training area to master our new cards. Okay?"

Umbra nodded, understanding the instructions. With that, Natura took her leave, and he went back to watching his recordings.

Meanwhile, at Den City High School, in the gym….

WHAM!

Theodore threw Yuji to the ground again. Today's gym class didn't focus on sports like basketball, baseball, or soccer. Rather, it focused on Judo, a martial art focused on unarmed combat.

The second was Kendo, a martial art that used bamboo swords and protective armor. Simply put, the goal was to develop the physical capability for fighting and the moral and spiritual aspects that may be applied in coping with real life.

When Theodore heard the teacher's announcement regarding today's class, he was overjoyed, whereas some of the other students were... less than enthusiastic to partake in the sport, especially the three students that he beat up the other day.

"Point 1 for Hamilton!" the teacher decreed as Yuji slowly rose.

"Okay, I didn't see that coming," Yuji admitted, quickly stretching to lighten up his muscles.

"It's only your first time, Yuji. You'll get better at it with practice." Theodore assured him, the both of them now getting into position.

"Are the both of you ready?" the teacher asked, both students nodding in confirmation. "Round 2! Fight!" Theodore and Yuji then charged forward at one another before grappling for several moments. While Yuji tried to move around before using force to throw Theodore down, the latter sensed it and switched grips before sweeping Yuji's right leg, which caused him to fall before being pinned by Theodore.

"Point 2 for Hamilton! Hamilton wins!" After the teacher said this, Theodore helped Yuji up.

"Physical force won't help you in a fight. You must analyze your opponent and try to catch them off guard, no matter your situation." Theodore instructed.

"I'll keep that in mind for the next round," Yuji replied, walking off the mat and heading down to the bleachers with Ena and the others as another student challenged Theodore.

"So what is it now? Five wins on Theodore's side and zero for you?" Ena asked as she and the girls lightly chuckled.

"Come on, Ena. As Theodore said, it's only my first time practicing Judo." Yuji pouted.

"No one succeeds in perfecting something the first time they do it, Yuji," Skye said. "It takes practice. Lots of practice."

"Skye's right, you know. I mean, look at me." Lily put her hand on her chest. "It took a long time for me to become a gardening and botany expert. But with help and guidance from my parents and a lot of practice, I was able to master it over a long period."

"Alright. I hear you guys." Yuji stated, now pulling out a bottle of water and siping. In a sense, he was glad that today's gym class focused on Judo and Kendo. He's wanted to step out of his comfort zone and try new things but hasn't had the time since the Syndicate came along and became a thorn in his side. So acquiring some practice and learning more moves will certainly help the next time Yuji is involved in physical or mental combat.

"Okay. I'm up now." The quarter turned to see Shima get up from his seat and stretch before heading to the mat, where Theodore was ready for his next opponent. Yuji wasn't the only one grateful for the chance to practice Judo and Kendo, as it would also be fun to see Shima get his butt kicked.

WHAM!

Theodore threw Shima down to the ground in less than a second, the match having already been decided.

"Point 2 for Hamilton! Theodore wins!" the teacher decreed as Theodore helped Shima.

"Man. I seriously thought I was going to win after watching all your matches. I'm going to need more lessons in how to fight efficiently." Shima commented.

"Well, if you like, my grandpa teaches a Judo class several times weekly. If you want, I can give you his contact info, and he'll teach you anything you'd like to know," Theodore replied, with Shima nodding back. After doing so, he left the mat and headed to the bleachers.

"Okay, class! Judo's over! We're now focusing on the Kendo martial art for the rest of the class," the teacher told the students before gesturing to the armor nearby. "Grab a set of armor and head to the changing room. Once that's done, grab a shinai from the rack nearby. You have five minutes." Immediately, all the students raced over to grab a set of armor before changing into it. Once that was done, everyone grabbed a shinai from the other rack and immediately headed to the bleachers. "Alright, who's up first?"

"I'll go." Yuji volunteered and headed over to the mat. The good news was that he looked up the rules beforehand, giving him an advantage on what to do. Plus, Yuji played a lot of sword-based video games as a kid. Now while some would say that won't help someone learn how to use a sword, he would beg to differ since most of the techniques he learned in those games were integrated into his mind.

A student approached the mat and faced Yuji, both preparing for combat. Both charged toward each other at the teacher's signal, their shinais locked in combat. Breaking the lock, Yuji proceeded to jab his opponent several times with his shinai, making him fall to the ground.

"Sugimuto wins!" the teacher decreed as Yuji's opponent got up before leaving the mat. Soon after, another student walked forward, ready to battle Yuji. At the teacher's signal, Yuji attacked his opponent, who managed to block it immediately. The student then responded by trying to attack Yuji's left and right sides, allowing him to easily block each strike. Seizing the opportunity, Yuji jabbed his shinai into his opponent's chest numerous times before hitting him, making him fall. Once again, Yuji immediately dashed forward and pointed his shinai at his opponent, which indicated that the match was over.

"Wow, Yuji's good at sword fighting," Theodore chuckled as another student challenged Yuji. "Kind of makes me hesitant to go challenge him."

"Looks like playing all those video games when we were younger wasn't a waste," Ena stated.

"Relax, Theo. I'm sure you'll be fine if you do battle against Yuji in a shinai match." Lily pointed out. "I mean, your grandparents did teach you in Judo. So if you apply it in kendo, you can beat Yuji easily."

"But remember that Yuji has a keen eye when figuring out an opponent's plays and strategies," Skye mentioned. "So even if he and Theodore face one another, he might have an advantage over him regardless of Theodore's background."

"Hamilton! You're up!" the teacher told him, making Theodore wear his helmet.

"Wish me luck..." Theodore said to the girls before walking over to face Yuji, the both of them getting ready for combat. At the teacher's signal, Yuji immediately charged Theodore, much to the latter's surprise. While blocking a few of his attacks, Yuji managed to bypass Theodore's guard and strike him in the chest with a right swing of his shinai, resulting in him falling on his back.

"Sugimuto wins yet again!" the teacher decreed as Theodore walked over to the bleachers.

"Looks like that's another win for Yuji," Ena said. "Hope he doesn't let all those victories go to his head, or he'll be bragging about it for the rest of the day."

"Wow, Sugimuto," the teacher spoke, going over and putting a hand on Yuji's shoulder. "You're showing some awesome skills here. You should take a break. I mean, some rest will help you."

"Thanks, teach, but I'm good," Yuji replied. "Honestly, I wasn't expecting to be very good at this, but after racking all these victories, I can tell I'm a natural. So if you don't mind me asking, who's up next?"

"Have you guys ever seen Yuji this excited about something, Ena?" Lily asked.

"Not since he discovered the "Skyfire" series," she answered.

"I will go." Taigen volunteered as he stepped to the mat to face Yuji. "I've been itching to face you again, Yuji. Thought I hoped it would be in a duel, this would suffice just fine."

"So you're my opponent, huh?" Yuji said with a smirk. "In that case, this should be a fun and interesting match. However, don't feel bad when you lose and end up on the ground in defeat."

Taigen chuckled. "What a coincidence. I was going to say the same thing to you."

Ena sighed. "Oh, boy. They're letting their egos get the best of them."

"It seems so," Theodore said. "But on the bright side, this should be an interesting fight."

"Are the both of you ready?" the teacher nervously asked Yuji and Taigen, who nodded in confirmation. "In that case, begin!"

Without warning, Yuji immediately charged forward at Taigen, hoping to get a strike in before he could do anything. Taigen, in response, managed to block every single one of Yuji's attacks.

"Wow, Taigen knows what she's doing," one male student commented.

"If he can beat Yuji, he'll be one of the strongest students in the school," another male student stated.

"And he'll be a cool boy to go out with," a female male student added, which caused the rest of the female students to nod in agreement. The fact that Taigen was getting a lot of attention from the girls would anger some male students, that's for sure.

Taigen immediately moved to the side and swung his shinai at Yuji with force, hitting him in the stomach and sending him sliding back.

The next thing Yuji knew, Taigen charged forward, intent on striking him down with his shinai. While Yuji could block them, he didn't see Taigen in front of him anymore. He saw the image of Enoch, who attacked him relentlessly with his Duel Disk blade.

Before Yuji could do anything else, Taigen jabbed him numerous times in his stomach with his shinai, which resulted in Yuji falling to one knee. He then pointed his shinai at Yuji, who had a feral look on his face.

The teacher, having noticed this, said, "Taigen-."

"This isn't over yet!" Yuji snapped, immediately standing up and attempting to strike Taigen with his shinai, only for him to block it as he was pushed back a few feet. He then charged forward, hoping to strike him numerous times with his shinai, who managed to block each strike.

After blocking all the strikes, Taigen slid backward while Yuji tried to strike her again. However, seeing that one action made Yuji freeze partway, reminding him of how Enoch always countered his moves and pushed him into a corner.

Seeing Yuji's shocked expression, Taigen jabbed Yuji in the stomach with his shinai, making him slide back several feet. He charged forward and hit Yuji multiple times in the body so fast that he couldn't block them.

Yuji felt that he couldn't. It was as if his body was frozen, traumatized by his duel with Enoch. It made sense; the strikes came from Voidvelgr Requiem's staff, reminding him of his wounds.

The next thing Yuji knew, Taigen hit him one last time in the stomach with his shinai, the impact making him fall to the floor. As Yuji looked up at him, he still saw Enoch in his mind, with a disappointed expression. Suddenly, Yuji's eyes widened, and Enoch's words popped into his mind.

"All you have shown me is that you have not grown; your actions remain predictable, your strength stagnant. Now, I find I have no other choice. If you are to grow, you require the proper incentive. So I shall grind you beneath my heel and show you how beneath me you truly are."

"…Oi, Yuji! Earth to Yuji, come in! Are you there?"

"Huh?" Yuji looked up and narrowed his eyes at Taigen, who had put down his shinai and was trying to get his attention. "…Sorry, I got a bit distracted there."

"I could tell. Well, allow me to say that you put up an amazing fight even though you lost," Taigen extended his hand, allowing Yuji to pull himself up. "That was easily one of my most intense kendo matches. But to be completely honest, this is my very first one."

Yuji raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"It is," Taigen confirmed. "About a week and a half ago, I was skipping through the TV when I came across this documentary regarding the history of kendo sparring. Intrigued and fascinated by it, I decided to take it upon myself to learn the sport. And in just a few days, I did."

Yuji chuckled. "Man, is there anything you can't master and learn?"

Taigen laughed. "I can't tell you how often I've heard people tell me that." He narrowed his eyes at Yuji. "Also, it might not be my place to ask, but I could feel anger coming from your attacks. Something troubling you?"

Yuji hooked his head. "No, of course not," he assured. "Everything's fine. I just got so focused on winning that some of my sanity disappeared. But I do apologize for making you worry."

Taigen smiled. "Don't worry about it. But remember, if you need someone to talk to or listen to your problems, I'll be here waiting."

Yuji nodded. "Thanks, Taigen. I appreciate it."

And with that, Taigen walked off the mat and went over to the bleachers with the other challengers Yuji had previously faced. Yuji followed him, only to be stopped by the teacher, who had a worried expression. "Uh, Sugimuto, is everything okay with you?" the teacher asked concernedly. "Just as Taigen said, if you need help figuring things out, the counseling office is near mine."

"While I thank you for the offer, I assure you everything is fine," Yuji responded.

"Well, okay then. If you say so," the teacher stated as Yuji removed his armor and joined his friends.

"Man, that match with Taigen sure made me sweat," Yuji said.

"I can see that," Theodore said. "But what got my attention was how aggressive you got halfway through it."

Yuji sighed as he looked at his friends. "So you guys noticed, huh?"

"We're your friends, Yuji," Ena said. "We can tell when yourself or not."

"What happened out there?" Roselyn asked. "I'd figured Taigen would be challenging, but not challenging enough to push your buttons."

"Does it have something to do with Enoch?" Skye questioned.

Yuji gritted his teeth and nodded. "Right on the nose."

"So once Taigen started to gain control of the match, you ended up seeing Enoch in his place." Ena deduced. "It made you reminisce of your lost against him."

"But I thought your previous duel with him snapped Yuji out of his funk," Theodore stated. "Not to mention that he almost beat Enoch in their last duel."

"That's just it, Theo," Yuji said. "It's that fact I almost beat him. Or, in other words, didn't."

"It's not your fault Yuji," Lily said. "You couldn't have anticipated Enoch's face-down card would've ended the duel in a draw."

"But I should've. I worked so hard not to let Enoch's trash talk and mind games get the best of me that I should've been able to see or figure it him to have some fallback plan to evade losing."

"You have to remember that this is a new foe we're facing," Ena stated. "Without the aid of Yuya and Zuzu, as well as their comrades, it's up to us to protect LINK VRAINS and keep this dimension safe from dangerous people like the Syndicate."

"Ena's right," Skye agreed." Even though we never expected the arrival of a new enemy so soon, we still managed to adapt and fight back no matter how many forces the Syndicate sent our way."

"Yeah. You guys are probably right." Yuji said with a sigh. "I wish there was a way I could fully move on from my lost with Enoch and continue forward."

"Well, you won't move on if you keep talking about it. Let alone think of it." Ena stated. "Tell you what, since lunch period is supposed to be an hour and a half long today due to some meeting the teachers have the attend, why don't we go out for it instead?"

"That's a great idea, Ena," Lily said. "Question is, where should we go to eat?"

"How about McBurgertown?" Theodore suggested. "I've never been, and I heard it's great. Plus, me and Kiku passed by there the other day while picking up groceries for dinner."

"I have no objections," Skye said. "Everyone else in?"

The others nodded in confirmation, with Ena smiling. "Guess it's settled then. Immediately right after 4th period, let's meet outside the school. Hopefully, we can make it there before the lunch rush."

Following Ena's words, the group changed out of their gym clothes back into their school uniforms and headed to their next class.

A while later, in Downtown Den City...

"We finally reached our destination!"

Theodore shouted as he and the others reached McBurgertown.

"It still gots that alluring greasy smell," Yuji commentated.

Lily raised an eyebrow. Have you been here before Yuji?"

"Only once," Yuji answered. "This was Kolter and Jin's favorite restaurant growing up, so we brought them here as thanks for everything they've done for us. Now that I think about it, it's almost been a year since we did that. Hasn't it, Ena?"

Ena nodded. "I believe so."

"Excuse me," Theodore abruptly said, gathering everyone's attention. "While I love to be a part of this fond memory, you guys are sharing and reliving, and I would like to get some food in my belly."

"Alright, Theo. Just hold your horses," Yuji said with a small chuckle. "Let's head in and start filling up our stomachs!"

The five teens entered the building and approached a young woman standing behind a podium. She had long, straight, waist-length black hair with bangs. She wore blue denim jeans, a bright red shirt with an apron, purple skates, and pink glasses. The woman smiled at the five youths, grabbing a pen and paper from her apron pocket.

"Hello! My name is Lexi, and welcome to McBurgertown! How can I help you?"

"We would like a table, please," Ena said. "One big enough to seat five people."

The woman frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry. A group of three came in about 10 minutes earlier and took our last table. We're only taking to-go orders."

Theodore slumped. "Just our luck. It took us almost 30 minutes to walk down here, and I don't want to walk around another 30 to find a place to sit down and eat."

"You heard her, Theodore. They have no tables left," Yuji said before returning to the server. "Sorry about that. We'll place our to-go order now."

"Okay then. You all doing one big order or each doing a separate one?"

"Neither because they're with us."

Yuji and the others narrowed their eyes as they saw a trio of girls standing behind the server. The one on the left was pale-skinned with white hair below her shoulders and crystal blue eyes. She wore a long-sleeved cyan dress top with silver-gray line designs running vertically across it and a sleeveless pure white vest layered over it. She also had a short frilled navy blue skirt, grey leggings, and dark blue boots with black lacing. The one on the right was fair-skinned with long curly pink hair with a bright blue ribbon adorning it. She wore a dark blue hoodie, blue and white fingerless gloves, dark blue pants, and black shoes. And the one in the center was dark-skinned with an hourglass figure. She had jet-black hair with a thick streak of maroon going down each side and a dark pink line down the left side, reaching just above her shoulder blades with curled sides and short bangs framing her silver eyes. She wore a long red scarf around her neck, a white blouse, a black unbuttoned jacket, and a green skirt with white trim. She also wore black stockings, cherry-red sneakers, small gold loop earrings, and a gold bracelet with engraved designs.

"I'm sorry," the server said. "I was under the impression you were a party of three."

"My mistake," the dark-skinned girl said. "We were all supposed to meet here, but they got the time wrong. Isn't that right?"

Yuji and the others nodded, going along with the girl's plan.

"If that's the case, then the five of you can join your friends."

Following the server's words, Yuji and the others joined the female trio and sat at their table.

"Thanks for that," Ena said. "But you didn't have to go all through the trouble just to let us sit at a table."

"It's no problem," the white-haired girl said.

"Plus, it's the least we could do after taking the last table from you guys," the pink-haired girl stated.

"Well, I'm glad you did," Theodore said with a big smile. "I can't wait to fill my gut with a double bacon cheeseburger deluxe combo!"

The girls chuckled at Theodore's comment, the black-haired girl laughing the most. After she stopped, she narrowed her eyes at Yuji. "I'm sorry, but do we know each other? I swear it feels like we've met before somewhere."

"I doubt it," Yuji answered. "But if you would like to know, my name's Yuji. And these are my friends, Ena, Theodore, Lily and Skye."

"Skye," Scarlett whispered under her breath. "Well, it's nice to meet all of you. These two girls right here next to me are my best friends. The one on the left is Nina, and the one on the right is Robin. As for me, I'm-"

"We know who you are. You're Scarlett Burns," Yuji abruptly said, shocking Scarlett and her friends. "You're the daughter of Edward Burns, a famous card designer at SOL Technologies."

"Wow, Scarlett. You're like a celebrity," Nina teased, making Scarlett blush.

"I wouldn't say that, she countered. "Plus, everyone knows about my father, which resorts to them knowing about me."

"My brother is the CEO of SOL, and even before he got that position, many people came to ask for free stuff, jobs and many more things that would bore you to death."

"Wait a minute. Your brother is the CEO of SOL?" Robin asked, with Skye nodding in confirmation.

Scarlett smiled. "I thought I recognized you once Yuji mentioned your name," Scarlett said. "We before when we were kids."

"That's right. And it's because of that memory of us meeting is how my friends know who you are."

"Well, I'm glad you remembered. Anyway, what are you guys doing here in the afternoon? Isn't it a school day?"

"It is, Lily confirmed. "But the teachers all had a meeting that extended our lunch period."

"So since we decided to eat out since we have extra time," Theodore added.

"Well, aren't you guys lucky," Robin said. "But not lucky enough to get a half day like us."

"A half day?" Ena repeated. "I remember hearing something like that earlier." Her eyes widened. "Do you guys attend Den City Private High?"

"The one and only," Nina confirmed.

"I know about that school," Lily said. "When I moved here to Den City, my parents immediately wanted to apply me there, but with me being in private schools my whole life, I wanted a new change of pace and begged them to send me to public school instead."

"It isn't so bad. It's not as strict as most private schools are." Scarlett stated. "So, do you guys have any other plans for today?"

"No. Not really," Skye answered.

"In that case, how bout the five of you join us on our trip to the orphanage after school?" Robin asked. "It's only a ten-minute drive from here."

"Orphanage?" Theodore repeated. "I thought there was only one in Den City."

"Hate to break it to you, but you're wrong," Ena said. "There's one in Uptown and one in Downtown."

"She's right," Robin confirmed. "One day, after school, we went grocery shopping to pick up some ingredients for a special dinner the three of us were going to make when we found out most of them were out of stock."

"So we had to leave the city to get them," Nina continued. "After finding and buying the ingredients we needed, we passed by this orphanage on our way home, and the workers stopped and asked us if we could help out since they were short on staff members."

"Being the nice people we are, we said yes," Scarlett said. "We go down there and provide help in our free time so we can give the kids who grew up without families or ones who lost them through tragic events hope that they'll be part of a family again one day."

"Well, that's very nice of you guys to do," Ena said. "We loved to help out. Wouldn't we, Yuji?"

Yuji nodded. "We haven't been assigned any homework yet, so long as that continues, the five of us will be free after school."

"Glad to hear it!" Scarlett said with a smile as she took out her phone." I'll contact the owners and let them know we're bringing some extra helpers."

After sending the message and conversating for a few minutes, Lexi came and took everyone's orders. Ten minutes later, she returned and brought a tray with the burger and fries ordered earlier.

"Here you go, Ms Zaizen, Ms Yamashiro and Ms. Burns," Lexi said. "Two Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburgers with a side of fries. For you, Ms. Nina, Ms. Robin and Mr. Sugimuto, three Deluxe Chicken Sandwiches, each with a large Coke and fries. And for you, Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Gardener, two orders of a plate of spaghetti with little pieces of hot dogs chopped up with fries and two large Sprites.

"Thank you very much, Ms. Holland."

Lexi couldn't help but smile. "Please, call me Tori. If you need anything else, please let me know."

As she walked away, Yuji began eating. After taking a few bites from his sandwich, he narrowed his eyes at Skye.

"Hey, Skye. You should bring Orion with us so he can play with the kids.

"That's a great idea, Yuji!" Ena said. "I'm sure the kids would love that, as well as Orion.

"I'm sure he will, too," Skye said as she took another bite into her burger. "But I'll have to check with my neighbor to see if I can."

The gang continued eating their lunch, and right after they finished, they heard Scarlet's phone start to ring from her pocket. She took it out and checked it.

"Good news, the owners said you guys are welcome to come and help!"

"Alright!" Ena cheered as she and the others got up from the seat. "Guess we'll see you guys there!"

"Right back at you," Nina said as she, Robin and Scarlet exited the restaurant.

"How about we ask Kolter to borrow his van?" Theodore suggested.

"That's probably smart," Yuji said. "But as you're already aware, he views that van as if it were his child. So it's a 50/50 chance whether he'll let us use it or not?"

After sending the text to Kolter, Yuji and the others exited the restaurant and began walking back to school...

A few hours later, at the end of the school day...

"What is taking Kolter so long? It's half an hour past our appointed meeting time…"

Yuji grumbled as he and everyone else slumped on the school's walls, impatiently tapping their feet. Given his polite and upbeat personality, Kolter was usually on time for his meetings. But as of yet, he was nowhere to be seen. Yuji thought about calling him, but luckily, Ena's last class ended a lot earlier than everyone else's, and she took it upon herself to meet Kolter halfway from the school to pick up the van from him. At that moment, he heard the sound of an engine in the distance.

"I get it already! Stop following me around! We're going to end up being late!"

"Yes, but do you have enough money for gas? What about a spare tire? I don't like the idea of you guys getting a flat tire and not knowing how to change one. And the plaza gets busy during this tour, so you might have to reschedule. And also—"

"Are you still talking!?"

Yuji turned his head to the side where Ena, accompanied by a fretting Kolter, who seemed extremely annoyed, was approaching him. Upon seeing him, Kolter immediately exited the van and dashed to Yuji with a glowering expression.

"Yuji, you and Ena better take good care of my precious truck, or the both of you will end up meeting my bad side, which I assure you, you don't want to meet."

Ena sighed as she stepped out of the van and slowly approached Kolter. "I hate to do this, but you brought this upon yourself!"

Ena pulled out a paper fan and slapped Kolter on the head, causing him to crumble on the ground with a dazed expression.

Theodore, Skye and Lily all stared at Ena with surprised looks. "Since when do you carry a fan on you?" they asked.

"Since almost a year ago," she answered. "Zuzu gave it to me as a goodbye gift. She said to always carry it with me because you never know when you might need it."

"I hate to be a future recipient of that fan," Yuji muttered before narrowing his eyes at the twitching Kolter. "Is he going to be alright?"

"You and I both know he's tough as nails, so don't worry about him," Ena said as the others entered Kolter's truck. "I'll message Yusaku to have him come here and pick up Kolter. Now then, let's get a move on, or we'll end up being late."

"You don't have to tell me that twice."

After ensuring everyone was inside, Yuji started the van, leaving Kolter behind. After a few minutes of driving in silence, Ena spoke.

"I'm sorry about Kolter's unexpected attitude. You know he means well. Yuji and I know firsthand how kind he is."

"Don't worry about it," Theodore responded. "It's like Yuji said. He sees this truck as his child. So it makes sense for him to be so overprotective of it."

Everyone nodded in response to Theodore's comment and continued conversing throughout their driving journey before exiting Den City and passing a couple of towns until they finally reached the outskirts of a medium-sized city. Yuji stopped the vehicle by the side of the road, looking at the city with a wistful expression.

"W finally arrived, everyone…." Yuji stated. "Welcome to Clover City."

"It's a nice place," Ena commented. "It's not as big or plentiful as Den City, but it looks tidy and clean with many open spaces. It reminds me of the town I grew up in before my family moved here. So, where's the orphanage we're supposed to meet Scarlet and the girls at?"

Yuji pulled out his phone and checked a text he received from Scarlett an hour ago. "According to this map of the city, it's close to the suburbs," he said as he started driving again. "We should be there soon."

After driving for a few minutes, the five teens finally arrived outside a large three-story house with the sign 'Clover City Orphanage' on it. Upon taking a closer look while exiting the truck, the group let out a small smile.

"It looks in a far better condition than I had pictured it in my mind," Theodore commentated. "Although I'm a little nervous. I don't have any experience with kids. But now that we're here…"

"Hey, no getting cold feet at this point." Skye gave him a gentle push. "Take a page out of Yuya's book and take a step forward with courage. Nothing will change, and nothing will begin otherwise."

"Skye's right," Yuji agreed as the group approached the door. "We promised to help, and we're going to deliver." He knocked on the door. "Hello, is anyone there? It's us…"

Instead of a response, the door opened slightly with a creaking sound. Curious that the door had been left open and slightly concerned, Yuji stepped inside, with the others following behind as they entered a dimly lit living room area. However, before they could even take another step—

[Surprise!]

The lights were suddenly switched on as several young boys and girls popped out behind several pieces of furniture while shouting as one. After his eyes adjusted, the five teens could make out a long table with several delicacies on it standing in the center of the room, while a large banner with the words 'Welcome to Clover City!' sewn on it was hanging from the ceiling. Then, two children rushed forward and slammed Yuji, almost knocking him off his feet.

"Scarlett said she was bringing some new friends with us to play with!" A young boy with tussled grey hair and almond eyes yelled with a wide smile. "Is that true? It's been so long since we've seen any new visitors!"

"And are these people standing behind you also here to play with us?" The other child, a girl with long black hair and green eyes, asked while her eyes were sparkling. "If so, I'm filled to the brim with joy!"

"This level of excitement may be too much for me…" Yuji muttered with a dazed expression. However, he smiled before kneeling and embracing the two children, who let out squeals of delight. "Of course, we're here to play with you. And I promise, we'll give you a day you'll never forget."

"Ah, so you're the youths Scarlett told us about. We're so glad you could make it."

Following these words, Yuji and his friends' eyes narrowed forward. Across the room, they saw Scarlett, Nina and Robin standing alongside a middle-aged couple, gazing at the five teens with neutral expressions on their faces. The man had short brown hair and almond eyes, and several burn scars could be seen on his forearms. The woman was a head shorter than him, had short red hair and light blue eyes, and wore a pair of horn-rimmed glasses. The man looked at Yuji and his friends.

"Oh, excuse me. Allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Tanaka Hayato, and this is my wife, Tanaka Otoha. We are the ones responsible for running this orphanage. It's very nice to meet you in person."

"The pleasure is all ours." Ena made a small bow as she said so. "We've been looking forward to seeing the place Scarlett and her friends devote their free time to help out. I have to say it's a beautiful home."

"Oh my, how kind of you to say so," Otoha said with a smile. "However, this place used to be much more decrepit and run-down. Only in the last couple of years have we refurbished it and made it into the home you see today."

"Yes, many things have changed, but one issue has remained unresolved until today," Hayato said. "Most of the kids have been here for more than five years, clinging to the tiniest hope that they'll be adopted by a loving family one day. There's one thing I've wanted to tell you ever since."

"Figures…" Yuji sighed. "But I know how they feel. Me and Ena's parents moved to America to open up their new business there five years ago. While it was hard for us at first, we managed to adapt. Though, there are some days we hope they'll return, and we can be with our families again."

Hayato said nothing as he approached Yuji, raising his hands. The cyan-haired youth braced himself for him to be yelled at for saying something non-relatable…only to be shocked when the older man wrapped his arms around him in a hug.

"Thanks for sharing your pain with us," Hayato said with a smile. "It means a lot to us and the children."

Yuji was speechless for a few seconds before speaking with a trembling voice.

"What…? Thank…me? Share my pain…? But I…I! I wasn't trying to let my guard down and open up… I was trying to make the kids feel less sad."

"I understand, but that doesn't mean you can't break down your walls and let people see the real you?" Otoha said as she also embraced Yuji. "I can tell you're going through something stressing you out for a while. And if you blame yourself for causing that stress, you shouldn't. Don't let your problems overcome you, Yuji."

"Yes, we managed to do it, and so can you!" Mamoru said with a wide grin. "You look so strong and cool!"

"It's because of you helping out today we're given more hope," Nene added. "So, truly, thank you!"

"Everyone…" Yuji muttered as the other kids also chimed in, praising him. "I…"

"Hey, what's this?" Ena said while smiling. "Are you crying, Yuji? Now that's a rare sight."

"I'm not crying!" Yuji protested, although it was obvious that tears had started running down his eyes. "These aren't tears! It's sweat from my eyes!"

"You're sweating an awful lot there, then," Ena said as she patted Yuji's back. "Come now, even I know it's alright to cry at some times. Just let it out, tough guy."

"I said I'm not crying! Leave me alone!"

Everybody present laughed at Yuji's reaction as he hugged Hayato and Otoha back. The other kids swarmed around Yuji and his friends and started bombarding them with requests to play until Otoha clapped her hands.

"Yes, I understand you're all very excited to see new faces after all this time, but the food will get cold. Let's sit and eat and answer questions later."

After she said so, the children replied with a 'Yes!' and rushed to sit down. Yuji and the others chuckled at how familiar this scene was. Next to him, Ena spoke.

"This is a very lively place, much more boisterous than the town I grew up in. Was it always like this?"

"Pretty much," Scarlett said. "As least from the knowledge. From what I've been told, these kids didn't have much to live with, but Papa and Mama always told them to keep smiling and having fun no matter what."

"Papa and Mama?" Theodore repeated with a confused look.

"That's what they call Hayato-san and Otoha-san…and how the girls and I usually called them as well," Scarlett said, rubbing her neck with a grin.

"Big Bro Yuji mentioned that his and Bis Sis Ena's parents moved to America for their business?" Nene asked from the side. "Do they not have time to visit?"

"In the beginning, they did," Ena answered." However, the more popular the business got, the more free time they had was taken. But we do get phone calls a couple of times a month, so it isn't like they've completely abandoned us," she said with a crooked smile. "Also…big sis?"

"You're big bro Yuji's friend, aren't you?" Nene said. "That makes you big, is then. Or maybe…you don't like it?"

"No, you just caught me by surprise, that's all," Ena reassured the girl with a smile. "In fact…I quite like this for some reason… Anyway, have you two known Scarlett and her friends the longest?"

"That's right," Nina said. "We're among a few people they connected with. Although, they've caused a lot of trouble for him."

"I wouldn't say they cause trouble," Robin said as everyone sat at the table. "It's always our pleasure looking after you, though you were a handful sometimes."

"I recall someone else also being a handful at times," Hayato said with a smile. "Remember when you had trouble finding a store even when it was nearby? Or the fights you'd pick with kids your age around the area? Or all those sweets to take from the vase when you thought no one saw you? Or maybe—"

"OK, we get it. I can be somewhat of a rascal sometimes." Robin interrupted Hayato with a grin. "Then again, who hasn't been one?"

Once everyone was seated at the table, they began to eat. However, everyone's eyes narrowed at Robin as she took out a bottle of hot sauce and spread its content all over her food, ignoring everyone's incredulous looks as he took a big bite out of her now steaming entree.

"Mmmm, spicy!" Robin commented with a blissful expression. "Just the way I like it."

"Oh dear, you're still using your dreadful concoction?" Otoha frowned. "I was hoping you'd have gotten over that nasty habit of yours, but no such luck. I've repeatedly told you it's unhealthy, but you refuse to listen. What will I do with you?"

"Come on now, you can't deny me one of my greatest pleasures in life," Robin said as she took another big bite from her sauce-covered steak. "Besides, as I've repeatedly told you, I'll be fine."

Curious, Theodore asked Robin to have a bite of her spiced-up food, which she allowed, but his eyes began watering, and his throat started burning simply from inhaling the fumes emitting from them as he got close.

"Oh my god! What the heck is that thing!?" Theodore cried out as he rubbed his sore eyes vigorously. "The Devil's homemade brand of hot sauce!?"

"Oh, that's a nice name," Robin said. "I'm going to use that from now on. Anyone else wants a bite, Skye, Lily?"

"Uh, thanks, but no thanks," Lily replied as she edged away. "I just had a whiff of that stuff, and I already feel like I'm going to pass out any second now…."

"Yeah, there's no way I'm putting that thing anywhere near my mouth either." Skye agreed with Lily. "I feel I'm going to immediately combust after taking a single bite. Where exactly did you find that sauce?"

"Oh, she made it herself…after mixing ten of the world's spiciest and hottest sauces into one super-hot sauce," Nina replied as the others watched Robin take another big bite from her food. "She's a wild one, that's for sure…"

"And you're still alive after eating that thing?" Theodore asked with an incredulous expression. "Your sense of taste must be messed up…"

"Yeah, she gets that a lot from everyone here," Scarlett said. "I remember they would even dare each other to try out the sauce, but they always chickened out in the end."

"I can't imagine why…" Ena said with a sarcastic expression.

"Now, can we get to playing with our new guests?" Another child, around eleven years old with green hair and brown eyes, asked Hayato and Otoha. "We've been patiently waiting for their arrival!"

"Yes, Kenta is right!" Another child, with blonde hair and blue eyes, agreed. "Are you guys duelists like Scarlett and her friends?"

"Come on, big bro Yuji! Show us how to Duel!"

"Yes, yes! We also want to become as strong as the Top 10 one day!"

"Big sis Ena!" Nene also shouted. "Teach us as well!"

Then, all children began requesting the two to teach them how to duel and show them their tricks. Upon seeing that, Yuji let out a sigh and then smiled.

"It can't be helped, I suppose." He turned to his friends. "What do you guys say? Are you confident and strong enough to take on many hyperactive kids?"

"You know me." Ena grinned. "I always love a challenge."

"Took the words right out of my mouth," Theodore said.

Skye stood up from her seat. "Alright, line up, kids! We'll turn you all into powerful duelists today!"

[Yes!]

The children cheered as they gathered around the five teens and Scarlett, Nina and Robin while taking out their Decks. The eight started teaching them then, while Hayato and Otoha looked on with matching smiles.

Several hours later…

"Haaa, I'm drained…."

Yuji sighed as he, Ena, Theodore, Sky, and Lily leaned on the roof, looking at the city below him. After having their fill of dueling, the children went to bed, though they promised to play with them more tomorrow. A small part of him was grateful they would only stay until tomorrow afternoon. The children's stamina was endless, and he didn't feel he would last long if he had to follow their rhythm.

"Ah, so this is where you guys were."

The five teens turned on his heels to see Scarlett and her friends approaching the quintet. The trio sighed as they leaned on the railings as well.

"Let me guess," Lily said. "The three of you are also exhausted by the children's vigor and enthusiasm, right?"

"Got it in one," Nina responded. "No rigorous training would allow us to keep up with those kids. On the other hand, it was very fun."

"I'm with you on that one," Theodore said. "So what do we do know? The sun doesn't set for about another hour."

"How about we pass the time the only way we know how," Robin said as she stood up and took something out from her pocket. It was Duel Disk. It was a new model and colored white.

"A duel, huh?" Skye asked. "Even after playing with all those kids, you still have enough energy left for another duel?"

"What can I say?" Robin shrugged. "I'm an adrenaline junkie. So, which one of you will be my opponent?"

"I'll duel you," Ena stated as she stood up and faced Robin. "Just like you, I'm also an adrenaline junkie."

"Then let's head to the backyard," Scarlett said. "There'll be enough space for you guys to go all out."

Once the group arrived at the backyard, Ena and Robin took their positions, facing each other with matching determined expressions while the others went to the side.

"Just a heads up, Robin," Ena said. "Don't expect me to go easy on you because this is a friendly duel."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Robin responded with a challenging tone as she set up her Duel Disk. "Just don't get too upset when you lose."

"We'll see about that," Ena said as she set up her Duel Disk and began typing on it. "I'm setting the duel to practice mode so the result won't affect our official win ratio. Is that OK?"

"Go ahead."

After Ena confirmed that the settings had been inputted correctly, she activated her Duel Disk, with Robin following suit.

"Duel!" they shouted.

Ena: 4000 LP

Robin: 4000 LP

"I shall take the first move!" Ena said, taking a card from her hand. "I summon Cyber Petit Angel!"

A round-shaped robotic creature with small angel wings appeared on Ena's field.

Cyber Petit Angel ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 2

"Since I successfully summoned Cyber Petit Angel, I can add Machine Angel Ritual or a "Cyber Angel" monster from my Deck to my hand!" She took a card from her Deck and played it. "I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Machine Angel Ritual, offering Cyber Petit Angel from my field along with the Level 5 Cyber Tutubon from my hand as Tributes to Ritual Summon!"

A large, mechanical pillar rose from the ground, with Cyber Petit Angel and a young woman with short straight teal hair clad in a skintight green, light-blue and red bodysuit being absorbed by it. Ena chanted as a towering blaze erupted from the top of the pillar.

"Angel of light possessing unwavering faith! Become a staunch guardian that shields this world from the tides of darkness! I Ritual Summon! Descend now, Level 6! Cyber Angel Idaten!"

A pink-skinned woman clad in a skimpy jumpsuit, which wore an oddly shaped crimson helmet on its head, appeared on Ena's field.

Cyber Angel Idaten ATK 1600 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"A Ritual Deck," Scarett surmised. "It's been a while since Robin faced a Deck like that."

"Well, I hope she doesn't get thrown off too much or else this will be a boring duel for us and Ena," Yuji stated."

"Since Idaten was Ritual Summoned successfully, I can add a Ritual Spell Card from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand due to its effect," Ena stated. "I choose to add Machine Angel Absolute Ritual from my Deck to my hand. And since Tutubon was Tributed for a Ritual Summon, I can add a Ritual Spell from my Graveyard to my hand. I add back Machine Angel Ritual."

Nina blinked in surprise. "Two Ritual Spells in hand? Isn't that a bad thing?"

"I activate the Spell Card: Magical Mallet! I shuffle any number of cards from my hand into my Deck, then draw cards equal to the number returned. I'll shuffle all three into the Deck, then draw three cards!" Ena returned her cards to her Deck, then drew again. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Incarnated Machine Angel! As for its effect, you'll find out soon enough. With that, I end my turn."

"That was a smart move," Skye commentated. "She avoided bricking up her hand with Ritual Spells."

Robin narrowed her eyes at Ena's field. "Oh? So you use a Fairy Deck. If so, then this duel will be more interesting than anticipated." Ena raised an eyebrow, confused by her opponent's comment. "My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Field Spell Card: The Sanctuary in the Sky!"

A giant temple appeared behind Robin, while the environment around them changed, so they appeared high in the clouds.

"Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen!" Robin continued. "Through its effect, if I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a Fairy monster from my hand. I Special Summon Athena!"

A woman clad in a long, white dress, which wore an ornate silver helmet and held a spear and a shield in its hands, appeared on Robin's field in Attack Position.

Athena ATK 2600 DEF 800 LVL: 7

"So you're also a user of Fairy monsters, huh?" Ena smirked. "No wonder you said this duel would be more interesting."

"However, the question of "who has the best Fairy Deck" will be answered come this duel's conclusion," Robin stated. "Now, let's continue. I summon Power Angel Valkyria!"

A female clad in white armor with angel wings extending from its back and holding a shield and a lance in its hands appeared next to Athena.

Power Angel Valkyria ATK 1800 DEF 1050 LVL: 4

"Athena's effect activates!" Robin declared. "Each time a Fairy monster is summoned, I can inflict 600 points of damage to my opponent!"

A silver bolt of energy erupted from Athena's lance, striking Ena's chest and sending her skidding back.

Ena: 4000→3400 LP

"This isn't good," Theodore commented. "Since Ena's Deck is also composed of Fairy monsters, she'll also take damage from her summons."

"Relax, it'll be alright," Yuji said. "Ena has barely begun showing his full power here. Taking a little damage won't be enough to slow her down one bit."

"Not bad, but I was one step ahead of you," Ena smirked. "When I take battle or effect damage, I can activate the effect of Incarnated Machine Angel!" Her Continuous Spell glowed, and then a golden light surrounded Idaten. "I can Tribute a "Cyber Angel" Ritual Monster from my hand or field and Special Summon a "Cyber Angel" Ritual Monster from my hand and treat it as a Ritual Summon! I Tribute Idaten to summon Cyber Angel Natasha!"

Idaten vanished as a four-armed, four-legged female resembling a centaur and holding a whip appeared on Ena's field in Defense Position.

Cyber Angel Natasha ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 5

"And since Cyber Angel Idaten was Tributed, all Ritual Monsters I control gain 1000 attack and defense points! Baton Pass!"

Cyber Angel Natasha ATK 1000→2000 DEF 1000→2000

Robin smirked. "Big mistake. Athena's effect activates again! Since a Fairy monster was summoned, you take 600 points of damage!"

Athena fired another bolt from her spear, hitting Ena and making her wince.

Ena: 3400→2800 LP

"Battle!" Robin exclaimed. "Athena, attack Cyber Angel Idaten! Goddess Baptism!"

"Incarnated Machine Angel's second effect!" Ena declared. "As long as it's on the field, "Cyber Angel" Ritual Monsters I control can't be destroyed in battle!"

Athena's spear struck a hazy barrier that appeared around Natasha, shielding it from harm.

"An adequate defense, I suppose," Robin said. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Ena announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed, which enables me to draw two cards. Then, I activate Natasha's effect! Once per turn, I can target a face-up monster I control and gain Life Points equal to half its attack points. I choose Cyber Angel Natasha. Recovery Ray!"

"Not so fast! I activate the Counter Trap Card: Divine Punishment!" Robin abruptly declared. "Thanks to its effect, I can negate the activation of your monster's effect and destroy it since The Sanctuary in the Sky is on my field!"

A bolt of crimson lightning was shot from the temple hovering behind Talon, destroying Ena's monster.

"Moreover, Power Angel Valkyria's effect activates," Robin continued. "When the activation of a card effect is negated, I can add a Light Fairy-type Monster from my Deck to my hand. I select Tualatin."

"You may have managed to destroy my monster, but that won't hinder me," Ena smirked. "Because you activated a monster effect on my turn, I can activate the Spell Card: Triple Tactics Talent! It lets me choose between taking control of one monster you control, shuffling one card from your hand into your Deck, or drawing two cards from my Deck. And I choose to draw two cards!"

As she drew her cards, Ena's smirk widened. "I summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands!"

A grotesque monster with a green body and several hands attached to it appeared.

Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

Robin gestured to her field. "Since you summoned a Fairy monster, you take another 600 points of damage!"

The next bolt fired by Athena made Ena stumble back in pain.

Ena: 2800→2200 LP

Ena quickly recovered as she gestured to her monster. "When this card is Normal or Flip Summoned, I can add one Ritual Spell or Ritual Monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Machine Angel Ritual, which I'll activate! Through its effect, I can Tribute monster from my hand and field to perform a Ritual Summon!"

"Before that, I activate my second Counter Trap Card: Divine Surge!" Robin exclaimed as the card showed Guardian Angel Joan firing a sphere of energy at Ultimate Obedient Fiend. "Through its effect, I can negate the activation of a card effect that would Special Summon a monster and destroy that card! Furthermore, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Fairy monster from my Deck! Come, Gellenduo!"

Two small fairies, one pink and one green, with a halo surrounding them, appeared on the field in Defense Position next to Robin's other two monsters.

Gellenduo ATK 1400 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"And since a Fairy monster was summoned, Athena's effect activates once more," Robin said. "As such, you'll receive 600 points of damage!"

"Not a chance!" Ena rebutted. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Ant Barrier from my hand! I can activate it from my hand to negate damage from an opponent's monster effect!"

Another bolt of lightning erupted from Athena's lance and headed straight for Ena, only to be blocked by a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around her.

"And my strategy is far from over," Ena stated. "I activate the Spell Card: Bubble Burst, destroying Incarnated Machine Angel to draw two cards. Then, I activate the Field Spell Card: Ritual Sanctuary. 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 Cards of Compensation to add the Ritual Spell Card: Machine Angel Absolute Ritual to my hand. And thanks to the discarded Cards of Compensation's effect, I draw two cards. Next, I activate Machine Angel Absolute Ritual! With this card, I can Ritual Summon a "Cyber Angel" Ritual Monster from my hand by Tributing monsters from my hand or field whose combined Levels equal that of the Ritual Monster. Alternatively, I can shuffle "Cyber" monsters in my Graveyard back into my Deck instead."

A golden seal appeared on Ena's field. However, it didn't remain long as the ground broke apart and a stone pedestal rose.

"I Tribute Level 4 Manju and shuffle the Level 2 Cyber Petit Angel in my Graveyard into my Deck to Ritual Summon!"

The mechanical pillar emerged from the ground again, with Manju and Petit Angel becoming particles and absorbed by it. As a pillar of fire erupted from the top of the pillar, Ena chanted.

"Angel of light hiding furious power. Cast your rage against those who would harm the kind world! I Ritual Summon! Descend, Level 6! Cyber Angel Ashura!"

A female with yellow skin and twin braided silver hair wearing skin-tight red and black armor appeared on Ena's field in Attack Position. She has four arms, each wielding a dagger.

Cyber Angel Ashura ATK 2400 DEF 1800 LVL: 6

"Nice monster, Robin praised her opponent. "But since it's a Fairy, you take 600 points of damage!"

Another bolt of lightning struck Ena, causing her to wince.

Ena: 2200→1600 LP

"That matters not!" Ena stated. "I activate Cyber Angel Ashura's effect! By discarding Cyber Angel Benten from my hand, I can double its attack points until the End Phase of the next turn. Overflow Rage!"

Following Ena's words, Ashura roared as she became surrounded by a fiery aura.

Cyber Angel Ashura ATK 2400→4800

"Battle!" Ena exclaimed. "Ashura, attack Athena! Angelic Fury!"

Ashura dashed forward, impaling Athena with its daggers, destroying it in an explosion.

"Yes! Way to go, Ena!" Lily cheered.

"That was a very impressive attack!" Theodore added.

Ena was about to answer their cheers, but something drew her attention. The smoke around Robin cleared, revealing she hadn't taken any damage.

"Why didn't you take damage?" Ena asked her in a shocked voice.

"Thanks to The Sanctuary in the Sky," Robin explained, "Due to its effect, I receive no damage from battles involving Fairy monsters. So no matter how many times you attack, you won't be able to damage me."

"We'll see about that," Ena replied. "Thanks to its second effect, Ashura can attack all monsters you control once each. As such, Ashura will attack your Power Angel Valkyria next! Angelic Fury!"

The previous scene was repeated as Ashura's daggers impaled Valkyria, destroying her.

"At this moment, I activate the effect of Tualatin in my hand." Robin abruptly said. "Since I had at least two monsters on my field during the Battle Phase's start, and both were destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon this card!"

A tall humanoid encased in dazzling white armor emitting a faint radiance appeared on Robin's field.

Tualatin ATK 2800 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Since this card was Special Summoned through its effect, its second effect activates." Robin continued speaking. "Thanks to it, I can choose an Attribute and destroy all face-up monsters on your side of the field with that Attribute. My choice is Light, meaning your monster will be destroyed!"

"Sorry, but that won't be happening." Ena let out a sly smile. "I activate the effect of Machine Angel Ritual in my Graveyard, banishing it to prevent my Light Attribute monster from being destroyed! Now, Ashura, take down her Tualatin! Angelic Fury!"

The Ritual Monter pierced Tualatin's chest with its dagger, destroying it easily.

"And while I'd love to destroy your last monster, if I recall correctly, Gellenduo cannot be destroyed by battle. Therefore, I activate the Spell Card: Aurora Draw to draw cards since it's the only card in my hand. Finally, I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Robin announced. "I draw! Now then, I believe playtime is over. From here on out, I'll use my strength to eliminate you. I activate the Spell Card: Final Will of Light!" The card showed a wounded Archlord Zerato kneeling before Darklord Morningstar as he raised his sword to the sky, causing a beam of light to shine down on him. "Through its effect, since The Sanctuary in the Sky is on my field, I can destroy all monsters I control to draw cards from my Deck until I'm holding six. Then, I will use Valhalla's effect to bring out my trump card! Descend now, the second of the Planet Series, The Splendid Venus!"

A majestic angel clad in glowing armor, with four angel wings sprouting from its back and holding a staff in its left hand, appeared on Robin's field in Attack Position.

The Splendid Venus ATK 2800 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"No way!" a stunned Skye spoke. "Isn't that…?"

"A Legendary Planet." Yuji identified, answering Skye's question. "Though I never expected Robin to have one in her possession."

"Oh?" Nina said with interest. "So you know about the Legendary Planet cards."

"Indeed I do," Yuji confirmed. "I faced one a while ago, and it gave me a tough time."

"Is that so?" Scarlett said. "Well, I hate to tell you, but Ena's going to have a lot of trouble on her hands s long as she has Speldnid Venus. And you're about to see why."

"Venus's effect activates!" Robin declared. "As long as this card remains face-up on the field, all non-Fairy monsters lose 500 attack and defense points! Eosphoros Radiance!"

A bright light was emitted from Venus's staff, forcing Ahura to avert its gaze from it as she fell to her knees.

Cyber Angel Ashura ATK 4800→4300 DEF 1600→1100

"Since I control The Splendid Venus, I can Special Summon this card from my hand," Robin continued. "Come, Planet Server Eros!"

A child-like fairy, clad in a chiton with eight angel wings sprouting from its back, appeared on Robin's field in Defense Position.

Planet Server Eros ATK 2800 DEF 3000 LVL: 8

"Due to Eros's effect, The Splendid Venus gains 500 attack points for every monster on the opponent's field is affected by its effect."

The Splendid Venus ATK 2800→3300

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Pathway of Parshath!" Robin continued as the card showed Guardian of Order's body glowing and cracking open, revealing Sacred Arch-Airknight Parshath inside. "Thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon a "Parshath" monster from my Deck whose Level is lower than that of a Fairy monster on my field. The monster I choose to summon is Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin!"

A new monster resembling a mechanical angel appeared on Robin's field. It had starlight for skin, wore gold and blue armor, had sword and shield gauntlets, and a massive halo behind it. From the halo emerged giant wings.

Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin ATK 2300 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"And now, since The Sanctuary in the Sky is on the field and my Life Points are higher than yours', Neo-Parshath gains attack and defense equal to the difference!" Ena's eyes widened. "The difference is 2400, so he gains 2400 attack and defense points!"

Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin ATK 2300→4700 DEF 2000→4400

"4700 attack points?" Lily said in horror. "This isn't good."

"It isn't over," Yuji said. "I know Ena has a way to escape this predicament."

"Next up, I summon Meltiel, Sage of the Sky!"

A woman whose body was covered in white feathers and wearing thin orange armor appeared on Robin's field. She also had white feathered wings on her back and a golden ring of light floating around her waist.

Meltiel, Sage of the Sky ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Battle!" Robin exclaimed. "Neo-Parshath, attack Cyber Angel Ashura! Ascension Harpe!"

"It's not over yet!" Ena yelled. "I activate Ant Barrier's second effect! Once per turn, I can negate the attack of one of your monsters!"

An energy barrier appeared before Ashura, shielding her from Neo-Parshath's attack.

Robin gritted her teeth. "In that case, I'll have The Splendid Venus attack Cyber Angel Ashura! At this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Ego Boost from my hand! Not only does it increase Venus's attack points by 1000, but it also returns your monster's attack points to their original value!"

The Splendid Venus ATK 3300→4300

Cyber Angel Ashura ATK 4300→1900

"Go, Holy Feather Shower!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Enchanted Javelin!" Ena exclaimed. "Since your monster declared an attack, I gain Life Points equal to its attack points!"

Sanctum: 1600→5900 LP

"Furthermore, since my Life Points are now higher than yours, Neo-Parshath loses its attack and defense boost!"

Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin ATK 4700→2300 DEF 4400→2000

Feathers ran down from Venus's wings, striking Ashura as she was destroyed. Ena grunted in pain from the damage.

Ena: 5900→3500 LP

"Since the difference between our Life Points increased, Neo-Parshath gains 500 more attack and defense points." Robin pointed out. "Also, Venus loses 500 attack points since your field is empty."

Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin ATK 2300→2800 DEF 2000→2500

The Splendid Venus ATK 3300→2800

"Finally, Meltiel will attack you directly!" Robin yelled. "Saint Bombardment!"

Several beams of energy erupted from the halo surrounding Meltiel, striking Ena's body and sending her tumbling back, with her gritting her teeth to prevent cries of pain from escaping her mouth.

Ena: 3500→1900 LP

"And as the difference between our Life Points is higher again, Neo-Parshath gains more attack and defense."

Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin ATK 2300→4400 DEF 2000→4100

"An attack of 4400?" Lily asked in shock. "She can't win against that."

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

"So she refilled her hand, huh…?" Robin muttered. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"Ena is behind now," Theodore stated.

"I can see she earned her the use of that Legendary Planet card," Skye said.

Ena sighed, then smiled. "You got me good, Robin. So in return, I'll go all out too. My turn! I draw! First, "I activate the Spell Card: Preparation of Rites! This card's effect lets me add one Level 7 or lower Ritual Monster from my Deck to my hand and one Ritual Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand. I will add Cyber Angel Aishvarya from my Deck to my hand and Machine Angel Absolute Angel from my Graveyard. Then, I activate the Field Spell Card: Machine Angel Forge!" Ritual Sanctuary disintegrated as the new Field Spell took effect. "Through its effect, I can target a "Cyber Angel" Ritual Monster in my hand and Special Summon a Prototype Angel Token on my field with the same Level. I target the Level 7 Cyber Angel Aishvarya in my hand to Special Summon a Prototype Angel Token to my field!"

A human-sized mechanical monster resembling a female angel appeared on Ena's field.

Prototype Angel Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 7

"Then, I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Machine Angel Absolute Ritual, offering my token as Tribute to Ritual Summon!"

A large, mechanical pillar emerged from the ground following Ena's words, with her token becoming particles and absorbed by it. Ena chanted as a towering blaze erupted from the top of the pillar.

"Angel of light embodying the principle of sovereignty! Walk the path of Heaven and demonstrate your supreme might! I Ritual Summon! Show yourself, Level 7! Cyber Angel Aishvarya!"

A female with silver hair clad in similarly colored armor and holding a scepter in its right hand appeared on Ena's field.

Cyber Angel Aishvarya ATK 2600→2100 DEF 2200→1700 LVL: 7

"Aishvarya's effect activates!" Ena declared. "Since it was Ritual Summoned successfully, its effect activates, allowing me to Special Summon a "Cyber Angel" Ritual Monster from my Graveyard. Revive, Cyber Angel Ashura!"

Aishvarya pointed its scepter towards the ground, generating a portal from which Ashura emerged and landed on the field.

Cyber Angel Ashura ATK 2400→1900 DEF 1600→1100 LVL: 6

"In addition, the second effect of Machine Angel Forge activates as well, allowing me to draw one card from my Deck each time I successfully Special Summoned a Ritual Monster, in this case, two."

"You can summon whatever you want, but the result will not change." Robin snorted. "Thanks to Planet Server Eros's effect, The Splendid Venus's attack will increase even further!"

The Splendid Venus ATK 2800→3800

"Also, due to The Sanctuary in the Sky, I will receive no damage from battles involving Fairy monsters, and I also have the 4400 attack Neo-Parshath on my field. How do you plan on breaking through my perfect formation?"

"I'll start with this," Ena said as she took three cards from her hand. "I activate the Equip Spell Cards: Megamorph, Junk Barrage and Rainbow Veil, equipping them all to Cyber Angel Ashura! Thanks to Megamorph, Ashura's attack points are doubled!"

Cyber Angel Ashura ATK 1900→3800

"Following that, I activate the Spell Card Night Beam!" Ena continued. "It allows me to destroy 1 Set Spell or Trap Card my opponent controls and prevents you from activating that card in response."

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

"Battle!" Ena exclaimed. "Cyber Angel Ashura, attack Neo-Parshath! And thanks to the effect of Rainbow Veil, your monster's effects are negated, meaning its attack and defense points return to normal!"

Neo-Parshath, the Sky Paladin ATK 4400→2300 DEF 4100→2000

Following Ena's command, Ashura jumped forward, slashing at Neo-Parshath with its daggers, destroying it.

"And now the effect of my Junk Barrage activates!" Ena continued. "So half of Neo-Parshath's original attack points are dealt to you as damage!"

Ashura's daggers glowed, creating a shockwave that struck Robin and sent her tumbling back.

Robin: 4000→2850 LP

"There's more from where that came from." Ena grinned. "Ashura's effect lets her attack all your monsters. So I'll have her attack Meltiel next!"

Ashura charged forward again, piercing through Meltiel and destroying it.

"And thanks to Junk Barrage, you'll receive half of your monster's attack points as damage!" Ena reminded Robin. "Go, Ashura!"

Robin was sent skidding back once more due to Ashura's golden-colored blast.

Robin: 2850→2050 LP

"Finally, Ashura will attack Splendid Venus!" Ena declared. "Angelic Fury!"

"I won't let you take down my Venus that easily!" Robin abruptly exclaimed. "I Tribute Planet Server Eros to activate its final effect! Thanks to it, for the remainder of this turn, The Splendid Venus cannot leave the field through any means, and I also receive no battle damage from battles involving it!"

"Tch." Ena clicked her tongue in irritation. "It looks like you managed to protect your Legendary Planet. But without Eros, your monster loses 1000 attack points.

The Splendid Venus ATK 3800→2800

"Moving on, 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 all three Equip Spell Cards to the Graveyard to gain 3000 Life Points. However, since Ashura's no longer equipped with Megamorph, she loses her attack boost."

Ena: 1900→4900 LP

Cyber Angel Ashura ATK 3800→1900

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

"That was close…" Nina let out a relieved sigh. "If she didn't have Eros, Robin would've lost."

"But she didn't," Scarlett stated. "If Robin draws the right card, she'll win the duel. But if she doesn't, it's game over."

"It's my turn!" Robin announced. "I draw! First, 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 Spell Card!"

Robin drew her top card and revealed it to Ena.

"Since my guess was correct, I can draw five cards from my Deck. Then, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Divine Girdle and equip it to The Splendid Venus!" The card showed Angel of Zera wielding a holy, silver guard and hilt girdle thin blade with yellow lining and a bright holy blade. "Thanks to its effect, the equipped monster cannot be destroyed by battle. In addition, I can target an opponent's monster once per turn and change its battle position. I will switch your Cyber Angel Ashura to Defense Position."

A blinding light was emitted from the girdle tied around Venus's waist, forcing Ashura to change its battle position.

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Heaven's Gate!" Robin continued as the card showed Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen, shattering apart before Hecatrice, with Archlord Krystia emerging from a portal of light. "Through its effect, by destroying Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen, I can Special Summon a Light Fairy monster from my Deck by ignoring its summoning conditions. Come, Archangel Kristya!"

A bright light erupted next to Venus, releasing a white-armored female humanoid with two crimson wings extending from its back.

Archlord Kristya ATK 2800 DEF 2300 LVL: 8

"Due to Kristya's effect, neither of us can Special Summon monsters as long as it remains face-up on the field, meaning your Ritual Summoning is sealed," Robin said with barely contained glee, much to Ena's dismay. "Moving on, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystical Space Typhoon and destroy Ant Barrier!"

A gust of wind blew around the area, destroying Ena's Continuous Spell.

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Fairy Grace!" The card showed Splendid Venus alongside Master Hyperion and Vanity's Ruler, all posing in the sky, releasing bright rays of light that pierce the earth below. "It allows me to draw one card for every Level 8 or higher Fairy monster I control. As such, I will draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I summon Freya, the Spirit of Victory!"

A purple-haired young woman appeared on Robin's field. She wore a black and purple dress with sandals and a necklace. She had halos around her ankles and wrists and carried red pom-poms in her hands.

Freya, the Spirit of Victory ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"As long as Freya is on the field, all Fairy monsters I control gain 400 attack and defense points."

The Splendid Venus ATK 2800→3200 DEF 2300→2700

Archlord Kristya ATK 2800→3200 DEF 2300→2700

Freya, the Spirit of Victory ATK 100→500 DEF 100→500

"Finally, I activate the Continuous Spell Cards: Merciless Verdict and Solidarity!" Robin declared as the first card showed Avenging Knight Parshath thrusting his sword right through Darkness Destroyer. Thanks to Merciless Verdict, all Fairy monsters I control can inflict piercing damage when attacking a Defense Position monster. And thanks to Solidarity, since I have only Fairy monsters in my Graveyard, all of my Fairy monsters on the field gain 800 attack points!"

The Splendid Venus ATK 3200→4000

Archlord Kristya ATK 3200→4000

Freya, the Spirit of Victory ATK 500→1300

"Now, let's battle! The Splendid Venus, attack Cyber Angel Ashura! Holy Feather Shower!"

Venus's numerous feathers pierced through Ashura, destroying it, with the ensuing explosion causing Ena to cry out in pain.

Ena: 4900→2000 LP

"It's your turn, Archlord Kristya!" Robin shouted. "Attack Cyber Angel Aishvarya! Holy Raging Shine!"

Kristya fired a beam of light from its hands at Aishvarya. Although the Ritual Monster tried to defend itself, the light beam overpowered and destroyed her, with the ensuing shockwave sending Ena tumbling back.

Ena: 2000→100 LP

"Since Aishvarya left the field, her effect activates," Ena said as she got back up. "Thanks to it, I can draw two cards from my Deck."

"It matters not. I still have one monster on my field." Robin pointed out. "Go, Freya! Attack Ena directly!"

"No, it's not over yet!" Ena stated as Freya charged toward her. "When your monster declares a direct attack, I can discard Swift Scarecrow from my hand to negate that attack!"

A metal scarecrow with a beaten hat and two sticks in its hands appeared on the field. Freya punched it with its pom poms, making it explode.

"Swift Scarecrow's effect then ends the Battle Phase."

"Don't think you're safe yet," Robin stated. "Divine Girdle's final effect activates! During the Battle Phase's end, my opponent receives 500 points of damage for every monster destroyed by battle with the equipped monster! Take this!"

"Sorry, but this attempt is doomed to fail as well!" Ena declared. "I activate Hanewata's effect from my hand! By discarding this card, I take no effect damage this turn!"

A hazy barrier appeared around Ena, shielding her from a beam of light.

"Well played." Robin praised her opponent. "I place a card face-down and end my turn. However, even though I failed to defeat you this turn, you have no monsters, your hand is at zero, and your Life Points are down to a mere 100. Not to mention, you can't Special Summon any monsters, thanks to Kristya's effect. On my next turn, extinguishing your remaining Life Points will be simple."

"Then I just have to settle things on this turn, don't I?" Ena grinned. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Card of Demise! Now I draw until I have five cards in my hand!"

Ena placed her hand on her Deck.

"Let's do this, Robin!" Ena exclaimed. "This is the draw that will decide this match!"

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

"It looks like my path to victory is now wide open!" Ena stated. "First up, I activate the Trap Card: Panic Wave! By destroying a card on my field, I can negate the effects of all face-up Continuous Spells, Continuous Traps and Effect Monsters until the end of the turn."

"What!?" Robin cried out in shock. "Negate all the effects of face-up cards, you say!?"

"That's right!" Ena confirmed. "I destroy Machine Angel Forge!"

The Field Spell shattered as Panic Wave glowed white before releasing a blast of energy across the field, striking all cards and causing them to grey out.

"Since Freya's and Solidarity's effects have been negated, your monsters' attack and defense points to normal."

The Splendid Venus ATK 4000→2800 DEF 2700→2300

Archlord Kristya ATK 4000→2800 DEF 2700→2300

Freya, the Spirit of Victory ATK 1300→100 DEF 1300→100

"And with Krystia's effect negated, I can again Special Summon monsters," Ena added. "As such, I activate the Spell Card: Ritual Replication! Thanks to its effect, I can target one Ritual Spell Card in my Graveyard, banish it and apply its effects if there's an appropriate target!" Robin's eyes widened. "I banish Machine Angel Absolute Ritual from my Graveyard to perform a Ritual Summon. Through it, I offer Cyber Gymnast and Cyber Prima in my hand as Tributes and Ritual Summon!"

A circle of light appeared in front of Ena as a mechanical pillar emerged from its center. A muscular blonde woman wearing a white mask and blue and black leotard and a woman wearing a skintight gray catsuit, a strange mask over her eyes, and long platinum hair appeared before turning into flames as it was absorbed into the pillar. Flames erupted from it as Ena chanted.

"Angel of light hiding wondrous power. Manifest your beauty upon the everlasting world and let your shine become eternal! Descend, Level 10! Cyber Angel Lyris!"

A beautiful blue-skinned female with gorgeous long blonde hair, gold eyes and four arms appeared on Ena's field in Attack Position. She wore a white and blue armored jumpsuit with golden shoulder pads and four angel wings sprouting from the back. She donned av-shaped tiara resembling a golden feather. In each of her hands was a gold and white blade.

Cyber Angel Shiva ATK 3000 DEF 2800 LVL: 10

"Lyris's effect activates!" Ena declared. "When this card is Ritual Summoned, I can banish all Special Summoned monsters my opponent controls and inflict damage equal to half the combined attack points of the banished monsters! Take this! Holy Banishment!"

"I won't allow that!" Robin exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Two-Fold Barrier! Thanks to its effect, I can pay half my Life Points to reduce all damage I receive this turn to 0!"

Robin: 2050→1025 LP

Following Robin's words, Lyris spread her wings and released a beam of bright light across the field, engulfing Robin's monsters and making them disappear.

"The turn I use this effect, Lyris can't attack," Ena revealed. "Luckily, I have a card to change that. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mischief of the Time Goddess! This card automatically skips the current turn and proceeds directly to the start of my next Battle Phase!"

"What did you say!?" Robin gasped. "I had never seen an effect like that before…"

"Battle!" Ena declared. "Cyber Angel Lyris, attack her directly! Angelic Wondrous!"

Lyris spun her four blades, creating a large halo before her. She thrust her blades through it, creating a massive blast of golden energy that struck Robin, who screamed and fell on her knees from the damage.

Robin: 1025→0 LP

"Yes!" Theodore cheered as he and the others crowded Ena. "Way to go, Ena!"

"That was an amazing duel," Lily said, then frowned. "I didn't know you had a card like Mischief of the Time Goddess in your Deck. When did you get it?"

"I added it in while rebuilding my deck," Ena explained. "I just added it because I thought it would be useful."

"Of course you did," Yuji said with a sly smile.

"You don't have to say it like that," Ena said as she walked over to Robin. "That was a fun duel, Robin. I've never dueled against someone who uses a Fairy Deck. You're really good."

"But not good enough as I thought," Robin smirked as she grabbed Ena's hand, with the Ritual Duelist helping her up. "I knew I probably wouldn't win the moment I failed to finish you off on my last turn. Oh well, a good lesson for next time."

"I have a feeling I'm going to have a very hard time repeating today's feat in our next duel," Ena said with a chuckle before turning to the others. "Now then, anybody up for another duel themselves?"

"I wouldn't mind having a fair go," Yuji replied.

"And I'll be going up against you," Scarlett added as she stepped up. "Besides, after seeing your skills against the kids, I'd like to duel you myself."

"This sounds like a good match," Skye said.

"And it'll be just as intense and exciting as the last one," Nina added.

Ena and Robin stepped back into the crowd as Yuji and Scarlett took their places and set up their Duel Disks.

"Before we get to the action, I have a proposition for you," Scarlett said as she held out two Decks, one in each hand. "In my left hand is my Deck of Knowledge – in the right is my Deck of Power. I would like you to choose which one I will use."

After a moment's thought, Yuji answered. "Very well. I choose the Deck of Knowledge."

Scarlett nodded and put away the Deck of Power. Probably a good choice – Yuji had already witnessed her Volcanic Deck in her duel with Shima, and while it would give him an advantage over her, he decided to choose the Deck that would make this duel more challenging.

"I hope you're ready," Scarlett said as she activated her Duel Disk.

"Ready and willing," Yuji replied as he activated his Duel Disk.

"Duel!" they shouted.

Yuji: 4000 LP

Scarlett: 4000 LP

OC Card Memo:

Robin:

Final Will of Light

Normal Spell Card

If "The Sanctuary in the Sky" is on your field, destroy all Monsters you control (min. 1) and draw cards from your Deck until you have six.

Pathway of Parshath

Normal Spell Card

Target a Fairy-type Monster on the field; Special Summon a "Parshath" Monster from your Deck with a lower Level than the targeted Monster's.

Divine Girdle

Equip Spell Card

Equip this card only to a Level 7 or higher Fairy-Type monster you control. The equipped Monster cannot be destroyed by battle and can also change the battle position of an opponent's Monster once per turn. During the Battle Phase's end, inflict 500 points of damage to your opponent for every Monster that the equipped Monster destroyed through battle.

Heaven's Gate

Normal Spell Card

Destroy a "Valhalla Hall of the Fallen" you control; Special Summon a Fairy-type Monster from your Deck by ignoring its summoning conditions.

Fairy Grace

Normal Spell Card

Draw one card from your Deck for every Level 8 or higher Fairy-type Monster you control.

Merciless Verdict

Continuous Spell Card

All Fairy-type Monsters you control can inflict piercing damage when attacking defense position Monsters.

Divine Surge

Counter Trap Card

Negate the activation of a card or effect that would Special Summon a Monster and destroy that card. Then, you can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Fairy-type Monster from your Deck.

Ena:

Cyber Angel Ashura

ATK: 2400, DEF: 1800, LV: 6

Light/Fairy/Ritual/Effect

You can Ritual Summon this card with "Machine Angel Ritual". During your Main Phase: You can discard 1 "Cyber Angel" Ritual Monster from your hand, and if you do, double this card's current ATK. Also, it can attack all monsters your opponent controls in a row, once each. After this effect is resolved, you cannot activate this effect of "Cyber Angel Ashura" until the end of your 2nd turn.

Cyber Angel Lyris

ATK: 3000, DEF: 2800, LV: 10

Light/Fairy/Ritual/Effect

You can Ritual Summon this card with "Machine Angel Ritual". If this card is Ritual Summoned: You can banish as many Special Summoned monsters your opponent controls as possible, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to half their combined original ATK. This card cannot attack directly the turn you use this effect. Once per turn, during either player's turn, if your opponent would Special Summon a monster(s) or activates a monster effect: You can shuffle 1 "Cyber Angel" monster or "Machine Angel Ritual" from your Graveyard into the Deck; negate the Summon or effect, and if you do, banish that monster.