MAIN DISTRICT – CASADONIA CITY – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Casadonia, a city that lies at the southern part of Cantidel Empire. It has around 100,000 inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities of Cantidel Empire. It is run with majestic aqueducts that provides the inhabitants with running water at many parts of the city. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions.

At the moment in that city, Sawatari and Gongenzaka were there. Sawatari, in particular, was sitting at one of the tables while having a meal at one of the most popular restaurants.

"Fufu, A well-prepared delectable meal with great presentation and an interesting flavor I've never experienced before. A divine combination of different meat and vegetable elements came together to create this innovative dish. This meal was a gastronomical experience that left me full but still wanting more. The chef outdid himself for my sake." Sawatari said out loud from the joy.

A mouthful spoon of rice coupled with vegetables and meat sent the soul of the Abyss Actor user flying in bliss like he just ate ambrosia, the fruit of god. He couldn't stop grinning from the taste and the delightful sound he was making caught the attention of the other customers who were looking at him like he has grown another head.

"Enough! It's embarrassing!"

Gongenzaka disrupted Sawatari's reverie. He politely bowed to the other customers and workers for making a scene before dragging out Sawatari from the restaurant (not before paying for the foods of course). He swooped Sawatari into his shoulder and walked several metres away before dragging him by his collar.

"Hey, don't interrupt my monologue!" Sawatari protested while struggling in vain.

"We're not here to play around! Don't forget that we're tasked to keep things safe here since there are reports of the Reformist Faction sightings in this city!" Gongenzaka reminded the complaining Abyss Actor user.

"It's rare for us to go to a city like this! It won't hurt to enjoy it a bit while we can! We can't fight with empty stomach!" Sawatari reasoned. But Gongenzaka knew better that Sawatari just want to take a tour on the city more.

"Also, what's with that outfit?" Gongenzaka let Sawatari go and then pointed the outfit he was wearing.

Sawatari was wearing a collared, white frock coat adorned with gold lining and embroidering and black patterning, worn over a formal suit made up of white pleated trousers, which have a ram head buckle, and a formal yellow buttoned vest over a torn black undershirt. He also wore white gloves and gray and white loafers, also adorned with ram's head decorations, as well as an undone gray tie and a silver chain necklace as accessories.

"Hmph. Foolish question. It's given that someone great such as I to wear this high-class clothes. I have the servants at the Imperial Palace to make it for me. I do look like a prince, don't I?" Sawatari flung his hair and said it in matter-of-factly way like it was the most obvious thing int he world. Gongenzaka never stopped wondering just how Sawatari was raised that he became...like this.

"It stands out too much. If we're patrolling, then wear clothes that attract less attention." Gongenzaka decided to stop asking and tried to make Sawatari focus on their mission, but unfortunately his words fell on deaf ears.

"I actually wanted a cape to show my charm more, but the Imperial Adviser won't allow it. It's so sad that despite being number two in this country and a royalty, she couldn't see that the purpose of this grand outfit is to be worn by me." Sawatari dismayed over his back that has no cape.

"As if such a grand outfit exist for a monkey like you. If you want to go flaunt your body and stupidity and get laughed at, go to the stage at the park where everyone can see you."

Sawatari and Gongenzaka blinked at the unfamiliar voice. They looked for the source of the voice. Their eyes landed on a young man who lowered the newspaper he was holding that got their attention. He has long hair tied in ponytail, long bangs, and olive green eyes. He was wearing plain white shirt with dark blue vest and simple jeans.

"Who are you callin' stupid monkey?! Who are you anyway?!" Sawatari pointed his finger accusingly at the young man whose eyes were still reading the newspaper.

"My name is not really important. Just your common passerby who wish his eyes are eaten from seeing a grandious idiot walking around the street. But Shiki is my name." The young man, Shiki, introduced himself. His eyes were still glued on the newspaper.

"You named yourself anyway! Don't you know who I am?!" Sawatari almost shouted at the top of his lungs, body trembling from the annoyance after receiving insult after insult by this stranger whom he never even met.

"Don't know and don't care."

Before Sawatari could lung at Shiki, Gongenzaka effortlessly held him back, locking his neck but not thight enough to cause difficulty in breathing. Even so, this doesn't stop Sawatari from struggling his way out so he can give the stranger a piece of his mind.

"Knock it off, Sawatari. He's a Cantidel citizen, so it's understandable that he doesn't know about Lancers." Gongenzaka told him. While the existence of Lancers already became a common knowledge in Cantidel thanks to Yuya and the counterparts, the identities of the members of Lancers are still not quite memorized in the minds of the public. There are some who recognized them, there are some who doesn't.

"I know about Lancers, but I only bother to remember the ones worth remembering. Like you, Noboru Gongenzaka." Shiki finally put away the newspaper and faced Gongenzaka, smiling politely at the big guy. "A Steadfast Duelist who uses Superheavy Samurai Deck relying solely on Monster cards. I've never seen anyone like you. Although, your Deck is rather dull."

Gongenzaka felt a slight tinge of anger from the remark. They barely even met but yet this person said dared to say his Deck is dull. Who does this person think he is? The Deck born from dueling taught in Gongenzaka dojo runned by his family is his pride. For a stranger to insult it like that, he won't let it slide. But Gongenzaka tried to remain composed. No matter how angry he is, he mustn't cause a ruckus. They have a mission at the moment.

"Dull? What do you mean by that?" Gongenzaka instead asked. He was also curious why would the stranger thought of his Deck that way when they just met.

"Your Deck is almost useless if you're dueling in Tag Duel." Shiki answered.

That answer unexpectedly hit Gongenzaka. He couldn't refute that. In a Tag Duel, unless his dueling partner not using any Spell or Trap Cards, then his Deck is safe. His Steadfast Deck requires him only has Monster Cards in his Deck and there must be no Spell or Trap Cards in his Graveyard otherwise he can't use his monsters' effects. When he and Sawatari dueled Tyler Sister last year, he couldn't help much because the sisters countered them by destroying Sawatari's Spell or Trap cards, sending them to the Graveyard that rendered most of his effects unusable. He couldn't help much and it resulted with their loss. If Yuya and Shun didn't come, they would have been carded already together with Sayaka and Allen and Serena might be taken.

"Just forget about him, Gongenzaka. Let's go to the mall over there." Sawatari freed himself from Gongenzaka's slackened grip. He ushered Gongenzaka into the mall while giving Shiki a glare. He really wanted to give the guy a piece of his mind, but seeing Gongenzaka was getting bothered by what he said, he decided to suck it up for this once.

Shiki watched the two of them until they entered the mall. He didn't expect to see Lancers here. He was unusually given a one day off, so he decided to visit this city for his break. Aside from eating at almost all the restaurants here, all he did was quietly observing people. Maybe it's weird, but he found it amusing to watch the people in various situations like a couple who have a fight over trivial things, a child being bullied by other children, girls gosipping, children playing games, etc.

He was lying when he said he didn't know Sawatari. He knew him too since he has done a research on all members of Lancers. And from that, he just knew how Sawatari will react if he answered that way. It was very amusing. Although, he didn't expect Sawatari to actually be aware enough to notice Gongenzaka's discomfort and end their conversation like that. The Abyss Actor user was not as spoiled and stupid as he initially thought. He praised him for that. And then Gongenzaka. He's as strong as he appear and sportsman-like, but once knowing where it would hurt him the most, he won't be as strong.

Shiki wondered if he should follow them for his amusement, but then a scream came from inside the mall. A swarm of people coming out from the building in panic. They were running for their lives. Shiki approached the swarm of people and asked one of the men who were running away.

"What's going on here?" Shiki asked.

"It's the terrorists of the Reformirst Faction! They suddenly appeared and took some people inside as hostages and have barricaded themselves! You better evacuate too!" The man said before running again.

Shiki hummed. He looked at the mall. Since the Reformist Faction is here, Gongenzaka and Sawatari won't stay quiet. As Lancers, they have to stop them. That's why they were sent to this city. Considering this is a surprise attack, the two got stuck inside the mall together with the hostages. With Sawatari's outfit, the terrorists won't have any difficulty to identify them as Lancers. They're in trouble. Shiki smiled at the situation. He just wondered what he should do and the answer has presented itself.

"I think I'll play a bit more here."

3RD FLOOR – MALL – MAIN DISTRICT – CASADONIA CITY – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

There were around 10 people as hostages. They were huddled together in one group with the terrorists' Duel Monsters threatening to kill them if they move from their position. Sawatari and Gongenzaka were also amongst the hostages. They cursed their current situation. As opposed to the previous modus operandi, the terrorists this time disguised themselves as civilians and workers. The ones disguised as workers knocked out the guards while the ones disguised as civilians captured the hostages.

Fortunately, Gongenzaka and Sawatari didn't wear their Duel Disks in open. They have them hidden beneath their respective jackets. Now they just need to find the right time, an opening where they can activate their Duel Disk without the terrorists noticing and launch a surprise attack of their own that would break their formation, allowing the hostages to escape. All they need is just waiting for the right time...

"According to our information, there are members of Lancers patroling at this mall!"

One of the terrorists reported to the guy who seems to be the leader. Gongenzaka and Sawatari internally groaned. So they managed to get an intel that they were sent to the city. Gongenzaka stared at Sawatari from the corner of his eyes. He desperately hoped that this won't turn out as he imagined it will be...

"That's him! There's no mistake from his clothes that I saw! And the big guy next to him too!"

Gongenzaka internally grimaced. He knew it.

"We've been found out pretty quick!" Sawatari whispered in panic.

"It's because of what you're wearing!" Gongenzaka whispered back. Seeing the men making their moves, Gongenzaka quickly stood up before the hostages got scared even more.

"As you've suspected, we're members of Lancers. We'll go with you without fighting, so release the hostages! Threatening innocent people is not a manly thing to do!" Gongenzaka demanded. Since they have been found out, Sawatari saw no reason to pretending clueless and stood up as well.

The man who received the report turned to them with his hands behind him. He was wearing the same uniform that all of Heidel's men wears. Even though their faction has been dismissed after Heidel's failed rebellion, they still have their pride and loyalty to their now arrested leader.

"I take it you're the leader behind this attack?" Gongenzaka questioned the man.

"Even though you are kids, being members of an elite group make you have some guts? Then let me get straight to my demands. You Lancers are allied with the Brotherhood. And from your clothes, it's obvious that you're also closely related to the Imperial Family. Contact them and tell them to release Supreme Commander. Otherwise, you both will die here." He said as he raised his Duel Disk, threatening them.

"Then release the hostages first. They have nothing to do with this!" Gongenzaka demanded back.

"Do you think you're in any position to bargain?"

"You guys must be big idiots if you think that taking us as hostages will make any difference." Sawatari retorted. The provokation caused further discomfort for the hostages who looked at Sawatari as if he was crazy. Sawatari didn't care because that's the truth. Besides, they have no intention to let them live anyway. They'll still need the hostages so they're safe, but not the Lancers.

"Looks like neither of you place value on your own lives. You don't understand what it means to be a hostage do you? Fools." The leader activated his Duel Disk and ready to summon his monster.

Sawatari and Gongenzaka steeled themselves when all of a sudden waters splattered on them from above. The hostages momentarily yelled in distress, taken by surprise. The terrorists were the also as much as surprised.

"W-what?! The sprinklers?!" The leader was almost dumbstruck. He immediately told his men to turn it off.

Before anyone realized it, several few of the terrorists who got distracted were lying unconscious on the floor. Gongenzaka and Sawatari didn't know how to react when hands gripped firm their wrists and dragged them out. The terrorists who noticed their escape quickly ordered for their recapture, though some were too surprised and confused by what happened that they slipped from the wet floor by accident when they ran in hurry.

2ND FLOOR – TOY STORE – MALL – CASADONIA CITY – CANTIDEL EMPIRE – ARC-V

Gongenzaka and Sawatari didn't think or question who their saviour is and kept running until they stop. They got pushed into storage a room at a toy store. If Gongenzaka remembered it right, it was located right below the floor they just escaped from earlier. Their saviour locked the door and quietly turned on the light. The dim light revealed the face of the one who saved them. It was the rude stranger they met not long ago.

"You're...the jerk from before!" Sawatari exclaimed, quickly causing Shiki and Gongenzaka to shush him.

"How rude. I have a name. It's Shiki. Is that the right attitude to someone who just saved your life?" Shiki replied quietly.

"Thank you. But how did you do that?" Gongenzaka gave his gratitude, but was also suspicious as to how Shiki turned on the sprinklers.

"I used the air vent to go to the control room unnoticed and turned on the sprinklers. The hostages are at the floor above us. Not counting the men I've taken down, there are 6 men left while there are around 20 guests being held inside." Shiki explained plainly. It was a lie. He knocked out a few of the disguised terrorists and took one of their guns. Making sure the sound was silenced, from the air vent, he shot the sprinklers, raining down the whole floor.

"It looks like you know this place all too well." Gongenzaka commented suspiciously.

"The owner of this mall is a good friend of my parents. I can get the knowledge that only the staff knows simply by asking them. That's what you call connection." Shiki answered effortlessly. He doubted this would be enough to fool Gongenzaka, but the Steadfast Duelist would prioritized hostage rescue over finding out his identity. As he expected, Gongenzaka relented with that answer.

"Saving the hostages takes priority. We can't risk dragging them into crossfire. We need to find a way to evacuate them to safety." Gongenzaka said.

"Simple. If we want to save them then all we need to do is beat up those guys." Sawatari said in a way like that was the most obvious and briliant idea.

"I told you that we can't drag them into crossfire! We must find a way to separate the terrorists and the hostages. Once the hostages' safety is assured, then we'll take them down." Gongenzaka reasoned, putting emphasis on the hostages' safety to Sawatari. He was quite exasperated by how Sawatari simplifying things.

The trio gasped quietly when they heard footsteps. It must be the terrorists being sent to find them. They couldn't get out so carelessly. But it's only a matter of time until they reached this door.

"I'll be a decoy to distract some of them. In the meantime, both of you defeat the remaining terrorists and keep the hostages safe." Shiki volunteered.

"Wait, alone? You'll be outnumbered! That's too dangerous! And you're also a victim who got dragged into this mess! I, the man Gongenzaka, won't allow it! If someone has to be a decoy, I'll do it!" Gongenzaka objected, offering himself to be a decoy instead.

"I estimate there'll be around 3 or 4 people who'll follow me. Those numbers are not much of a big deal to me. Besides, do you really want to leave the most important task to a victim like me together with him. Can you really imagine the two of us working well together?" Shiki pointed at himself and then at Sawatari.

Gongenzaka and Sawatari couldn't disagree. After their first encounter, they doubt things would go well with just the two of them.

"Since you're saying that much, you must be very confident in your skill or you have a plan to outsmart them. Gongenzaka, let's just leave the task to him. Thinking about it, once we defeated the remaining terrorists, we can evacuate the hostages. Once we're done with that, we don't have anything to worry about anymore to take care of the other terrorrists if Shiki got captured or anything." Sawatari agreed with Shiki's suggestion.

"All right, but be careful." Gongenzaka sighed in defeat.

"No need to worry about me." Shiki smiled. Things would start even more fun from now on.

3RD FLOOR – MALL – MAIN DISTRICT CASADONIA CITY – CANTIDEL EMPIRE

3 of the remaining 6 terrorists went after the escaped Lancers. The leader, his vice-leader, and one subordinate stayed to keep the hostages in order. With their monsters and weapons, it's not difficult even if the hostages were more in number than them. They managed to turned off the sprinklers, but his men haven't come back yet. It's been a few minutes already. The Lancers shouldn't be able to run that far. Even if they could, they won't leave the mall since they must rescue the hostages unless they became too afraid and decided to run for themselves and call for a back-up.

If that's the case, then his men should have returned by now. What actually took them so long? They were just kids.

A loud noise coming from the door startled him quite a bit. He directed the subordinate to keep his eyes on the hostages while he and the vice-leader prepared for battle. The door was slammed open, revealing the two kids from Lancers.

"Be honored, you lowly terrorists! For I, the ultra-hyper-super-strong Shingo Sawatari, has personally come to end your heinous crime!" Sawatari declared, standing at the top of the broken door (broken by Gongenzaka).

"Release the hostages and surrender quietly. That'll be the best option for the both of us." Gongenzaka warned them.

"Just because you took down most of my men we're going to back off? No. We'll kill you both and proceed with our plan. Don't expect us to show mercy even if you're just brats!" The leader activated his Duel Disk.

"There are four of us. We'll settle this in a Tag Duel." The vice-leader suggested, also activating his Duel Disk.

"Heh! As you wish! Let's show them who's the boss, Gongenzaka!" Sawatari was pumped up. Noticing Gongenzaka seemed somewhat reluctant, Sawatari leaned closer and smiled confidently. "Relax. I won't let this end the same as when we fought the Tyler Sisters."

"Sawatari..." Gongenzaka was visibly surprised by Sawatari's understanding. After that talk with Shiki, he was in doubt in doing a Tag Duel now, but Sawatari's encouragement and seeing the hostages, Gongenzaka quickly dismissed such doubt. They'll find a way to coordinate.

{FIELD SPELL: SPACE DOME}

The whole floor was enclosed in space with several floating rocks with Action Cards. A dome was form around the Duelists, including the terrorist who was ordered to keep eye on the hostages, separating them from the hostages. This way, the hostages won't get caught in the crossfire, though they still can't leave until the Duel is over. At least they'll be safe for now.

[ACTION DUEL!]

"I'm taking the first Turn! I summon Oily Cicada (ATK: 1000 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 3)!" The leader summoned Oily Cicada in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"As I control a face-up Attack Position Insect-Type monster, I Special Summon Dream Cicada (ATK: 300 / DEF: 1300 / LV: 3)!" He summoned Dream Cicada in Attack Position in the Main Zone via its own effect.

"I activate Dream Cicada's second effect! I can switch Oily Cicada to Defense Position! And due to the effect of Oily Cicada, it is allowed be treated as two Overlay Units for an Xyz Summon since its battle position was changed this turn!" He switched Oily Cicada, resulting with the shadow of Oily Cicada to appear next to the original.

"I overlay Oily Cicada and Dream Cicada! Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 3! Locust Cicada King - Locust King ATK: 1200 / DEF: 2500 / RNK: 2 / ORU: 2)!" He used the Oily Cicada treated as two monsters and Dream Cicada, summoning his ace monster Locust King in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"I end my Turn." The leader concluded.

"My Turn! With Scale 3 Abyss Actor – Extra (ATK: 100 / DEF: 100 / LV: 1 / PS: 3) and Scale 8 Abyss Actor – Comic Relief (ATK: 1000 / DEF: 2000 / LV: 3 / PS: 8), I set the Pendulum Scale!" Sawatari set his Pendulum Scale, allowing him to summon Level 4 to 7 monsters.

"Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters!" Sawatari summoned Abyss Actor Pretty Heroine (ATK: 1500 / DEF: 1000 / LV: 4 / PS: 2) and Abyss Actor – Big Star (ATK: 2500 / DEF: 1800 / LV: 7 / PS: 3) both in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"I activate Big Star's effect! Once per Turn, I can set 1 Abyss Script Spell directly from my Deck, but it is sent to the Graveyard during the End Phase!" Sawatari intended to add Abyss Script – Ice Dragon's Lair, but before he could add it to his hand, the leader terrorist pointed at his monster.

"I activate Locust King's effect! By detaching an Overlay Unit, when my opponent activates an effect, I can negate that effect and increase the DEF of Cicada by 500!" He negated Big Star's effect and increased Locust King's DEF to 3000. This reduced the Overlay Unit to two units left.

"I end my Turn." Sawatari concluded. He intially intended to increase Big Star's effect and destroy Locust King and then banish the Spell Card via its own effect so there won't be any Spell card in the Graveyard, but his opponent's monster effect was unexpected.

"My Turn! I summon Sphere Bomb – Spherical Time Bomb (ATK: 1400 / DEF: 1400 / LV: 4)!" The vice-leader summoned Sphere Bomb in Defense Position in the Main Zone.

"When I have Sphere Bomb Monster on my Field, I can Special Summon Sphere Bomb – Spherical Mine (ATK: 2000 / DEF: 1400 / LV: 5) from my hand!" He summoned a monster similar to Sphere Bomb but it was dark green-colored.

"Battle! I attack Pretty Heroine with Spherical Mine!" The vice-leader declared. The mine-shaped monster attached itself to Pretty Heroine.

Sawatari noticed an Action Card nearby and was ready to make his move, but he stopped when his mind instantly reminded himself of Gongenzaka. If he used Action Card, then Gongenzaka won't be able to use his monsters' effect because it has a Spell Card in the Graveyard. This moment of hesitation gave enough time for Spherical Mine to blow away Pretty Heroine to bits.

SAWATARI & GONGENZAKA LP: 4000 = 3500

"I set two cards and end my Turn." He concluded.

"Gongenzaka, kick their asses with your monsters!" Sawatari encouraged his Tag partner. Had he took the Action Card, Gongenzaka won't be able to use his Deck to the fullest this Turn. Gongenzaka has better chance to counterattack.

"Leave it to me! My Turn! I summon Superheavy Samurai Jisha-Q (ATK: 900 / DEF: 1900 / LV: 4)!" Gongenzaka summoned Jisha-Q from his hand in Defense Position in the Main Zone.

"As Jisha-Q was normal summoned, I can Special Summon Level 4 or lower Superheavy Samurai Monster from my hand!" Gongenzaka was about to summon a second copy Jisha-Q from his hand, but the terrorist leader made his move first.

"Once more, I activate Locust King's effect to negate your monster's effect!" He negated Gongenzaka's Jisha-Q's effect, preventing Gongenzaka from summoning another copy of Jisha-Q and increasing Locust King's DEF to 3500.

"I activate Superheavy Samurai Ruki-A's effect from my hand! I can special summon this card when there's a Level 4 or lower Superheavy Samurai monster on my Field!" Gongenzaka summoned Ruki-A (ATK: 1100 / DEF: 200 / LV: 3) in Defense Position in the Main Zone. Since it's from his hand, Locust King couldn't use its effect.

"I tune Jisha-Q with Ruki-A! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! Superheavy Samurai Stealth Ninja (ATK: 1200 / DEF: 2800 / LV: 7)!" Gongenzaka summoned Stealth Ninja in Defense Position in the Main Zone.

"I activate Superheavy Samurai Stealth Ninja's effect! Once per Turn, if there's no Spell or Trap in my Graveyard, I can halve its original DEF to attack my opponent directly!" Gongenzaka halved Stealth Ninja's DEF to 1400, but his opponent, as expected, activated the last of his monster's Overlay Unit.

"It's useless! I activate Locust King's effect to negate your monster's effect!" He negated it again, reverting Stealth Ninja's DEF back to 2800 that prevented it from Direct Attack and at the same time increasing Locust King's DEF to 4000.

"But with this Locust King has no Overlay Unit left to use." Gongenzaka pointed out. All the orbs surrounding the Xyz Monster has gone, meaning Locust King can't use its effect again.

"I activate Ruki-A's effect! By banishing this card from Graveyard, I can target a Superheavy Samurai Monster on my Field, that monster can activate its Once per Turn effect again!" Gongenzaka obviously chose Stealth Ninja.

"Battle! I attack directly with Stealth Ninja!" Gongenzaka halved Stealth Ninja's DEF to 1400, allowing it to attack their two opponents directly.

REFORMIST TERRORISTS LP: 4000 = 2600

"Next, I attack Spherical Time Bomb with Big Star!" Gongenzaka used Sawatari's monster. Big Star was delivering its powerful kick to its target.

"I activate Spherical Time Bomb's effect! When this Defense Position monster is attacked, before the damage calculation, I can equip it to the attacking monster, and that monster will be destroyed in your next Standby Phase!" The vice-leader declared. The Time Bomb attached itself to Big Star and won't let go no matter how hard Big Star tried until it gave up.

"I end my Turn. Sorry Sawatari. Even though you gave me a chance to turn things around." Gongenzaka apologized.

"Relax! We'll do something on my next Turn!" Sawatari replied confidently.

"You sure are confident if you think we'll let you slide with this! My Turn! I switch Locust King to Attack Position!" The leader switched his ace monster to offensive, causing Sawatari and Gongenzaka to be on their guard.

"I activate Magic Card: Cicada Illusion! Cicada Monster gains ATK equal to its DEF!" He increased Locust King's ATK to 5200, far above Sawatari and Gongenzaka's monsters.

"I activate Spherical Mine's effect! When a Sphere Bomb monster is equipped to a monster, I can release it and that monster's ATK and DEF are reduced to 0 until the end of this Turn, and it cannot be destroyed by Battle!" The vice-leader added, reducing Big Star's ATK and DEF to complete 0.

"No way!" Sawatari exclaimed in dismay. If Locust King attack Big Star, then he and Gongenzaka are done for.

"You did well for a brat. How about we make a proposition for you?" The leader suggested.

"Proposition?" Gongenzaka questioned.

"Join us. If you do that, we'll spare the two of you and release the hostages. You two are skilled Duelists. It would be a waste if those skills are not used for greater good." The man offered. While he found the two kids annoying, they would be a good asset for them.

"Don't be ridiculous! What you guys are doing are anything but good! You view Duel Monsters' lives as tools, harming innocent people or any other people who don't agree with you! That's no different than dictatorship! As long as I'm still standing, I, the man Gongenzaka, will never let you guys have your way!" Gongenzaka fervently refused, standing his ground bravely despite being in a pinch.

"You heard the man. Go with your tails between your legs and tell your other doggy friends that all of you can eat dirt alone! It is not fit for the likes of Lord Shingo Sawatari!" Sawatari also refused, causing the man to made a disappointed look.

"Fine! I attack Big Star with Locust King!" The leader declared Battle Phase.

"I activate Abyss Actor – Hoola Girl's effect from my hand! When an Abyss Actor monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can send this card to the Graveyard to halve the damage!" Sawatari sent his monster to the Graveyard, saving himself and his partner from defeat.

SAWATARI & GONGENZAKA LP: 3500 = 900

"I activate my second Trap Card: Paralyzing Hands! When a Battle damage is inflicted to my opponent, each player must send one Magic Card or Trap Card from their hands to the Graveyard, and for every card discarded, my opponent will receive 300 damage!" The vice-leader opened his Reverse Card, forming a black purplish sphere that contained the power of the Spell and Traps that were discarded.

Sawatari and Gongenzaka went pale. Their LP was already at only 250. And from the looks of it Sawatari and their opponents each have Magic or Trap in their hands. Gongenzaka noticed an Action Card not so far away. If he took it, he'll have difficulty in using his monsters effects, but if they do nothing, they'll be dead for sure. Gongenzaka will have to trust Sawatari to find a way out, first they must get out fromt his situation or else the two of them and the hostages won't make it out of here alive.

Gongenzaka was ready to make jump toward the Action Card, but someone else has already beaten him to it.

"Action Magic: Meteor Clash! I pay half of my LP to negate the damage!" Shiki activated the Action Card, summoning a meteorite that blocked the destrutive sphere that would have finished off Gongenzaka and Sawatari, saving them. His LP was reduced to 2000 as the cost to activate the card.

SHIKI LP: 4000 = 2000

{DUEL INTRUSION: BATTLE ROYAL MODE}

"I arrived right on time. You guys okay?" Shiki asked nonchalantly, smiling casually like he was having a mall crawl.

"Shiki!" Sawatari exclaimed in shock.

"If you're here, then that means you beat those guys you lured out?!" Gongenzaka asked in disbelieve at the young man's presence.

"Obviously." Shiki shrugged.

"He must be the one who turned on the sprinklers." The vice-leader terrorist remarked, addressing the Duelist who intruded them with spite.

"Guilty as charged~" Shiki admitted cheerfully.

"You must be a strong Duelist to reach this place, Shiki! Then I'll allow you to lend us a hand! Show them your skill! Use your strongest movement!" Sawatari told him, motioning Shiki to join him and Gongenzaka.

"Come on! What are you waiting for? Hurry up!" Sawatari demanded again.

At Sawatari's calling, Shiki's face slowly turned like he was bored. His battle stance slackened, he lowered his Duel Disk.

"Hey! Shiki! Shiki?!" Sawatari kept calling for him, wondering why all of a sudden Shiki looked not so motivated.

"Somehow I feel less motivated hearing you order me to do it..." Shiki said with a sigh, surprising everyone.

"What the heck?!" Sawatari questioned, looking incredulously at Shiki.

"I mean, even without you telling me I was gonna do it. But now that you're ordering me like that it feels..." Shiki's face turned even more bored than before and he slowly took a step back.

"Can't you see that many lives are on the line here?! Be reasonable so stop acting ridiculous!" Gongenzaka angrily demanded Shiki to join the fight. He got himself into the conflict, so it's cowardly if he suddenly decided to back out.

"I was the one who came here to save you. Why am I the one being ordered like this? Is that the way you talk to someone who came to help? Hmm?" Shiki tilted his head in not so innocent way, infuriating Gongenzaka and Sawatari further.

"Scumbag!" Sawatari cursed, hissing furiously at the guy.

"That's it. I'm outta here." Shiki casually walked towards the door, surprising everyone. The guy truly meant it!

"Wait just a fucking minute you bag of flesh! Can't you see that they're really in need of help?! Have a heart and join this rescue mission!" Sawatari demanded, pointing at the hostages who were all looking pleadingly at Shiki for his help since Sawatari and Gongenzaka are clearly in a pinch.

"It can't be helped then..." Shiki turned to them again. For a second, they all thought they will be saved, but Shiki's next words caused their hope to fell flat. "If you two bow to me then I'll reconsider."

"T-this fucking piece of shit!" Sawatari gritted so hard that he was positive he'll destroy his own teeth if he continue to grit them any harder from his boiling fury. He refused to bow down to a jerk like this guy. As if someone as great as him has to bow down to this guy.

"Stop joking around! This is not the time! And you call yourself a man?!" Gongenzaka was at the peak of his patience. How dare this man playing around in a dangerous situation like this where people's lives are on the line? Does he think this is a game?

"Hmm~ what was that? You see~ isn't there a certain attitude you need for asking people? Or something? What could that be, hmm? There must be something?" Shiki casually walked right behind Gongenzaka and Sawatari, taking joy in their predicament. Seeing humans in this situation was the best after all.

"Trash! He is a trash! The worst trash ever!" The hostages thought in unison at Shiki's behaviour. They were both afraid and angry at the said man. But Shiki is their only hope right now.

"Isn't your head a big high there? Or your pride as a man is much more important than the lives of these people you want to save, hmm?" Shiki taunted, reminding the hostages' situation again. And he knew that Gongenzaka and Sawatari couldn't do anything about that if they keep their grounds.

"DAMMIT!" Sawatari and Gongenzaka finally relented, bowing down to the jerk. Sawatari, in particular, was clearly crying bloody tears inside and seems close to cough out blood from his damaged pride.

"Endure it! Endure it, Shingo Sawatari! Just this once!" Sawatari pushed himself to swallow his pride that was on the verge of coming out through his mouth.

"Your head is not on the floor yet, monkey." Shiki said. This was not enough for him? Was he kidding?

"Argh, just forget him Sawatari! Don't amuse him any longer!" Gongenzaka has enough. He stood up and decided to fight alone if he has to. They were only wasting more times like this.

"Guess I'm leaving then. Good luck finding a way to escort them to safety." Shiki walked away again.

"Wait! Here you go! I'm doing it! So help us already!" Sawatari hit his head to the floor.

"Why do you want to save these people who you don't even know anyway? These weak, feeble people who can only cower in fear." Shiki narrowed his eyes at the hostages.

"W-what?" Gongenzaka and Sawatari were shocked by the sudden question. Not to mention, Shiki now looked serious.

"If you're being nice to or cheer up someone half-heartedly, then it's kinder to leave them alone right from the very beginning. For one thing, if someone does bad things to someone, then they should do something instead of staying quiet. The one not doing anything is also at fault." Shiki turned fully to look at the hostages.

The hostages didn't need to ask the implication behind Shiki's words. He was referring how they could only wait for someone to rescue them instead of thinking of doing something even though now the number of enemies have disminished. They looked away from his gaze because of that. Gongenzaka noticed this and glared at Shiki. It was normal for the civilians to be afraid. They were just normal people who lived in peace, not a fighter. By logic, no one would blame them from acting like this. And yet this guy was saying as if demanding for them to fight for themselves and not relying on others.

"That's an idealistic and fair argument. But there are many who are crushed by that very reasoning." Gongenzaka retorted with barely concealed anger. He then remembered Yuya when they were children. He remembered how Yuya was constantly being bullied when his father disappeared. From those whispers of mockeries, Yuya deal with it by hiding his face with his goggles and laughed to himself, like going into his own world where no one can reach him. Everyone was making fun of him and he acted stupid so they won't mock him more for it even though he was hurting inside. From then on, Gongenzaka swore that he'll protect Yuya from the bullies, or anyone who's suffering like he was.

"Then...maybe it's better to let Apophis reign over people?" Shiki wondered out loud, shocking them.

"What?! Why it comes to that?!" Gongenzaka questioned by the answer Shiki reached.

"Gotta clean them up first." Shiki put aside the topic, finally facing the almost forgotten terrorists. The leader set a card and then ended his Turn, allowing Shiki to begin his Turn.

"My Turn! I activate Field Spell: Orichalcos Domain!" Shiki activated his Field Spell, forming a light green magic circle beneath and above the space dome.

"From my hand, I summon Orichalcos Slyphneir (ATK: 0 / DEF: 0 / LV: 1) from my hand!" Shiki summoned a small bird-shaped crystal from his hand in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"When an Orichalcos Monster is Normal summoned from hand, duet o Orichalcos Domain's effect, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or lower Orichalcos monster from my Deck!" Shiki summoned Orichalcos Nymphiniar (ATK: 0 / DEF: 0 / LV: 2) from his Deck in Attack Position in the Main Zone. It was a similar crystal-looking monster but has a shape of a fish.

"When Nymphiniar is Special Summoned, I can activate its effect. I can Special Summon an Orichalcos monster from my hand." Shiki summoned Orichalcos Terrarquatz (ATK: 0 / DEF: 0 / LV: 3) from his hand in Attack Position in the Main Zone. This time, it was a turtle-shaped crystal monster.

"I activate Terrarquartz' effect. Once per Turn, I can add an Orichalcos monster from my Deck to my hand." Shiki added Orichalcos Iffritzia (ATK: 0 / DEF: / LV: 4) to his hand.

"When there are two or more Orichalcos monster on my Field, I can Special Summon Orichalcos Iffritzia from my hand!" Shiki summoned Iffritzia that he just added to his hand to the Main Zone in Attack Position. It was a salamander-shaped crystal monster.

The terrorists snickered at the four group of monsters with 0 ATK points.

"You brought a whole lot, but what are a bunch of weaklings can do against our Locust King with 5200 ATK?" The leader taunted mockingly.

"It can do this." Shiki revealed a Ritual Spell Card in his hand. "I activate Ritual Spell: Orichalcos World! I can use Orichalcos monsters with different Levels to summon a Ritual Monster from my Deck whose Level exactly equal to total Levels of the Orichalcos monsters on my Field!"

The four Orichalcos monsters became glowing spirits who each stood at the top of an altar that appeared from beneath the magic circle. Each of the four monsters' eyes glowed and unleashed a beam of light at the center of the magic circle. The beam of light began to form into a cyrstal statue of man in white armor with silver spear.

"Ritual Summon! Appear! Level 10! Orichalcos Arlmyritziel (ATK: ? / DEF: ? / LV: 10)!" Shiki summoned Arlmyritziel in Attack Position in the Main Zone.

"Arlmyritziel's ATK and DEF are equal to 1500 for each Orichalcos monsters in my Graveyard." Shiki revealed, making Arlmyritziel's ATK and DEF at 6000.

"He instantly summoned a monster with an ATK of 6000?!" Sawatari exclaimed in shock.

"Battle! I attack Locust King with Orichalcos Arlmyritziel!" Shiki declared Battle Phase. Arlmyritziel raised its spear, summoning crystal spears from the magic circle above. As the Ritual Monster swung down its spear, the crystal also rained down towards the Xyz Monster.

"I activate Trap Card: Cicada Force! If my opponent attacks while I control Cicada Monster, I can destroy all face-up Attack Position monsters that my opponent controls!" The leader opened his Reverse Card, but Shiki has expected that. That's why he summoned Arlmyritziel.

"Arlmyritziel cannot be destroyed by Spell or Trap card effects!" Shiki revealed, shocking the two terrorists. The crystal continued, stabbing Locust King to the death.

REFORMIST TERRORISTS LP: 2600 = 1800

"And when Arlmyritziel destroyed a monster, it inflicts additional damage equal to half of the destroyed monster's ATK!" Shiki added. Arlmyritzia dashed forward and slashed the two terrorists, delivering the finishing blow.

REFORMIST TERRORISTS LP: 1800 = 0

The Action Field dispersed. His leader and vice-leader's defeat took the last remaining terrorist by surprise and he shivered in fear at the glare given by the three Duelists. Without being told, he raised his hands up in defeat, surrendering to them. This allowed the hostages to go free, but not before helping the three to tie up the unconscious terrorists. Once everything was done and Gongenzaka received a call that help has arrived, the hostages were allowed to exit the building and being checked in case there were some injuries.

This left the three Duelists left still inside the building as they descending to the first floor.

"I told you, right? Your Deck is useless in Tag Duel." Shiki told Gongenzaka, causing them to stop walking.

"You see now? You Lancers are not working alone. You're fighting together. It's not strange if by a chance you and your friends going into Tag Duel against your enemies. In Tag Duel, you'll be sharing Field, LP, and Graveyard. Unless your partner is using the same Steadfast style as you, it's unavoidable that Magic or Trap will be sent to the Graveyard, rendering your monsters' effects useless." Shiki pointed out the weaknesses of Gongenzaka's Deck and how it'll be not only a problem for himself but also for his allies.

"Or don't tell me that you're expecting your partner to fully coordinate with you? When it'll only prevent them from using the full power of their Deck? In my view, you'll only become a liability." Shiki said without hesitation and Gongenzaka didn't refute.

It was the fact.

Gongenzaka admitted at that time, when Sawatari said he won't let the same thing back when they dueled Tyler Sister to happen again, he had expected him to coordinate his strategy that will suit with his Deck. And because of that consideration Sawatari was hesitating to take Action Card. He even hesitated to take one when they were faced with the finishing blow. He wasn't sure he could get the Action Card in time if Shiki didn't come to help them. He almost let themselves to be killed.

"Alright, that's enough. Tag Duel may put Gongenzaka at disadvantage, but that doesn't make him a burden! We'll just need to think up a strategy that will work for the both of us next time!" Sawatari defended the Steadfast Duelist. They may be not the best of friends or maybe not even a close friend, but he won't just quietly stand there and let Gongenzaka being overly reprimanded like that.

"Any strategy would be pointless unless he's able to overcome this weakness. Because as far as I know, you don't have any card that can help you should an attack like earlier happens again." Shiki retorted, still staying to his opinion.

"Oh, and about what I said earlier. No human is born equal in this world. Humans are selfish, greedy, and self-serving creatures. Because they have will of their own. They're willing to do everything for their own gain, and that's why the basic law of nature, survival for the fittest, is at the top. Really, humans will continue to be at conflict with each other because of free will." Shiki restarted the topic of when he mentioned that Apophis should reign over human that he didn't get to explain earlier.

"However, if humanity is enslaved by Apophis, then there won't be inequality between them because Apophis will treat them all the same. Under Apophis' rule, humans have are equal. They won't have the will to fight each other, they will be driven to help one another for the sake of survival. People are equal in having their rights or opportunities. It's in a way, an egalitarian society. There's no point in having free will when you can be peacefuly equal like that in a way." Shiki explained.

"Of course there's a point in having free will." Sawatari said firmly, glaring at Shiki disapprovingly.

"There's no future for humanity under Apophis' rule. Being trapped in the past or stuck in the present then nothing will change. Life without change is boring. I won't be alive that way. We will continue to look for our happiness! If we're dead while looking for it then so be it! It's better than living under Apophis' thumbs!" Sawatari tightly grasped Shiki by his collar, bringing their face closer so Shiki can see how serious he is.

"Human individuality is the most beautiful aspect of humanity. It defines us and gives us life. Yes, individuality brings in strife, but strife allows individuals to judge their actions and help them realize how it can affect their actions and strive to better themselves for the future. That is why society is like this today because individuality helped society evolve. The past may shape people, but it doesn't define them because individuality helps them grow!" Sawatari let go of Shiki, pushing him a bit when he did so before pointing at him.

"Aren't you like that? Not bound by anything or anyone, you're free to do whatever you like without having to worry about anything. You can be yourself. Don't you enjoy your life more like that?" Sawatari questioned. He actually couldn't believe he would meet someone who suggested to let Apophis rule over them.

Shiki didn't say anything for a while, taken aback by the rare moment of Sawatari being so serious. Even Gongenzaka was as much as surprised. Sawatari said everything the Steadfast Duelist wished to say about the topic. After what felt like forever, Shiki stifled a soft laugh.

"True, it's because of that free will you humans never bore me." Shiki said softly, which Sawatari and Gongenzaka couldn't hear.

"Sawatari! Gongenzaka! Are you two okay?!"

The two said people turned around and saw Serena running towards them while calling them. Celica must have sent her to check on them. Seeing Sawatari and Gongenzaka waving at her, Serena was relieved because that means they were well, but she stopped on her tracks when she saw the young man behind the two of them. Their enemies.

"You're Shiki!" Serena took fighting stance, raising her Duel Disk.

"Serena, you know this guy?" Gongenzaka asked.

"He's Apophis' offspring!" Serena revealed, glaring at Shiki. The guy was there back at the party when Yuri and Celica were kidnapped. No way she forgot him.

"What?!" Sawatari and Gongenzaka quickly took a step back from Shiki, raising their Duel Disks as well against him.

"I'm having a day off. Thanks to you two my time here is not boring." Shiki said easily, not showing any indication that he'll fight them. He's not in the mood. He already had his fun. Seeing it's his time to make his exit, Shiki opened the warp hole, waving at the Lancers.

"See you next time." Shiki bid them goodbye and disappeared into the portal.

Whilst Serena and Sawatari were fussing over Shiki's presence, Gongenzaka's mind kept remembering Shiki's words. Even though he hated to admit it, he couldn't stay this way. He doesn't want to be a burden for his friends if there's another Tag Duel. He must find a way to overcome this weakness while keeping his Steadfast Dueling. But is it possible? Can he overcome the weakness without abandoning his Steadfast Dueling?

"What should I do...?"


NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW:

The Soul Within D-Wheel – Yugo visits Lilac's garage and is fascinated by her creations and her skill as mechanic. Seeing Yugo's passion, Lilac takes Yugo as her apprentice to teach him in upgrading his D-Wheel. Meanwhile, Sara discuss with Yukiya about what she saw within the Rift.


Finally finished after taking so long. Because I don't have a lot of time, there may some mistakes and the sort and I'm sorry for that. I think I've focused on Yuya and the counterparts' growth and all in the previous fic, so I decided at the beginning of this fanfic, I'll focus on the other supporting characters before focusing on Yuya and the other main characters again.

Please don't forget to review this chapter!