Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth

by DivadX

Yuhiro Furutani, one of 8 children kidnapped 10 years ago by an unknown group, now works as Raguel, an agent in LINK VRAINS' Black Market. One day, he fights the Knights of Hanoi and encounters Playmaker, who becomes his newest assignment. Follow Yuhiro as he now must decide who he wants to become: as both a duelist and as an individual.

99. Chapter 99: Overwhelming Might

Response to Reviews

Thank you to Kingdom Hearts Guy, HunterHQ, Anonymous, Guest, ThornRoseX33, Ambiguous, Guest, T.V. 2000, Big Duels, Guest and Anonymous for reviewing Chapter 98 of Obscured Truth.

Hi, everyone! As we move to the last few weeks of 2023, I do hope you are doing well and are safe wherever you are. Before I get to reviewing Author's Notes, I just want to give you all a heads up that Fanfiction dot net's notifications aren't fully functioning, which means you might not get a notification when the chapter drops. However, for those of you who have the Fanfiction app, it seems to be sending notifications, so download it if necessarily.

With that note out of the way, let's get to answering reviews:

Kingdom Hearts Guy: Of a course a gnarly battle's coming. It's so gnarly that I had to split it into two chapters.

HunterHQ: For the time being, Arashi's living in a motel that's in Den City. The small Shadow Giant is in hiding right now. Regarding the curse killing Cyberse monsters, I'm referring to creatures that lived in the dark net. The group didn't have the time to relocate, as Yuhiro would come any minute. No, Ai hasn't seen the simulations yet. Gil was able to make it back to Den City by hopping on a few trains and calling a cab or two. Abyss King is the one from the Rise of the Abyss King Spell card. Well, Gil won't be able to duel Yuhiro and get payback for his humiliation by the latter's hands. No, the card for Medusa wasn't in Yuhiro's deck, as it was technically removed. How? Well, I'll just say this: It's Yu-Gi-Oh. No need to explain everything. Honestly, it wouldn't be in Roxy's best interest to put in lethal weapons. There's only so much she can do, after all. And yes, the Yuhiro that Roxy fought against was the real one. She was shocked, yes, but she had to stay focused in order to try and stop Yuhiro. Even if Greg tried to go for the head, Yuhiro would have shrugged it off and kept going. Arshad used a copy of the Spatial Cube to create a portal to the network. You can thank Ai for shutting down the alarm systems in Rachel's prison cell. Rachel chose to willingly give herself up because she saw that it was a losing battle. Plus, she didn't want the others to get hurt as well. Despite being on the point of madness, you could say that Yuhiro's reasonable to a point. I do have plans for Katsuya moving forward. On your comment about Ukyos, the reason I put that part in was to do three things. First, to show one good thing Arshad done for the heroes. Second, to introduce two methods Myojin, Arshad and Ukyos experimented with on how to log into the network. Third, to show that another threat was coming despite being delayed temporarily. How exactly is Aoi fighting with a sword poetic to Yusaku using Decode Sword? I'm confused on that. You forgot that Drachen's trial occurred in Chapter 96, so read it again if you need a reminder on what happened. We'll see whether an Arshad and Zero team up happens in the future, as the former was massively injured by Yuhiro after all. Ukyos' data phantasm is different because of how they can't do anything physically. He can't spawn them continuously. As a result of the data phantasm being destroyed, Jericho can't contact Urizen again. In all honesty, because of the Baptism Rite, Watchman was in no shape to fight against Jericho. He was even lucky that Jericho was also weakened as well, or else he would have been killed. Speaking about Jericho, he does know about the Inquisitors. I mean, Watchman was spited as evident by his loss against Yuhiro. For the record, Yuhiro does feel a sense of camaraderie with some of his duel monsters. At least a majority of them, anyway. And yes, Yuhiro forgave Yukage for everything. I can confirm that Yua and Katsuya are still able to contact one another if needed. I will confirm this: If Playmaker had Firewall Dragon Singularity, he would have won against Raguel, no questions asked.

Anonymous: If the Hanoi tried to spill the beans on Yuhiro, he'd leak their information to the world in response. Due to Arshad being wounded, he can't enter into a Soltis body right now. I originally had the idea of Takeru dueling against Arshad and the latter putting the former in his place, but I scrapped it due to the fact that Takeru has beef with the Hanoi specifically. Plus, it's a canon event, if you know what I mean. Yuhiro was close to killing Arshad, but had to retreat due to the pain he felt from Hercules/Alpha Mode being slain in combat. You need to specifically train on how to use the abilities of an Inquisitor. Blood transfusions obviously won't work.

Guest: Regarding your concern on Medusa and Achilles, there's a few reasons why they didn't tell the heroes what happened at Herald's server. One of which I'll tell you right now was that they were focused on keeping everyone else safe. As for the other reason, that will be revealed this chapter.

ThornRoseX33: Honestly, I have a lot of favourite archetypes right now. Some of which include Despia, Swordsoul, Bystial, Infernoid, Dragunity, Abyss Actor, Orcust, AtIgnister and others. In terms of ones I hate, it'd be archetypes such as Traptrix, Runick, Windwitch, and others.

Ambiguous: The reason why no one mentioned Jericho to Yuhiro was because they were practically fighting for their lives, along with rescuing Rachel from his grasp. Rest assured, the damage to Akira's apartment and Café Matsuo are minor, so expect them to be repaired. I can confirm that Roxy's going to upgrade Café Matsuo following these events. Both Ghost Girl and Blood Shepherd aren't going to get involved in this mess because the two of them are recovering from what happened during the Mirror LINK VRAINS arc. As for the other Raiders, they got their own problems to deal with right now. Yeah, in her madness, Atalanta compromised herself upon accepting that not all children can be saved in this corrupted world. For one of your questions, think about it like this: If the world realized that a human was infected with the Cursed Boundary Layer, everyone would be up in arms. Plus, there'd be a chance that it could infect others, thus leading to mass destruction just to both stop Yuhiro and ensure that the Cursed Boundary Layer is either contained or destroyed. For your question on Brion, I can't answer that right now. Greg didn't seem put off by Achilles talking because he's used to seeing the unordinary by now. Since the Cursed Boundary Layer and Yuhiro weren't in sync at the time, he was able to stop himself from killing the officers back at Sincero. If it turned out he unwittingly murdered a loved one, then the Cursed Boundary Layer would have consumed him completely. While the explosion's technically automatic, the fact that Yuhiro has so much willpower in absorbing a ton of energy that he's practically delaying it from happening. Yes, Hercules/Alpha Mode will regain his lives, but he won't be used for the next few chapters.

Guest: Yes, Roxy has a license to shoot a gun and set up security defenses. If vandals came to try and break into Café Matsuo, then she'd be able to stop them immediately. Do note that they won't die, as Roxy specifically programmed the security system to stop criminals, not kill them.

T.V. 2000: I'll look into the Arc V: Six Dimensions fanfic when I have the time. The quote from Kung Fu Panda 2 definitely applies here both for Yuhiro and Gil, as they're living in the past this whole time. For the battle against Hercules/Alpha Mode, I originally thought of Blue Maiden being the one to slay him in combat, but remembered that it'd take a massive power up for her to do so, which was how I switched to her and Playmaker working together to win the battle. Because let's be realistic: Shirou and Saber working together to defeat Berserker vs Shirou using Archer's left arm to defeat Berserker was more realistic here. Believe it or not, there's a reason why Hercules considers himself to be the real Hercules, so expect that question to be answered this chapter. Regarding your question on Code Talker weapons, it'd be Decode Sword, Encode Shield, Transcode Cannon, Shootingcode Bow, Excode Gauntlet and Powercode Anchor. I will admit, Raguel's a bit OP right now, but can you blame him? He practically took cards from Ace's 'Evil Eye' deck and Watchman's 'Cubic' deck and made them into ones that were geared towards the 'Cyreath' deck. Ultimately, despite having noble intentions, you are right: Watchman's a Not-So-Well-Intentioned Extremist, which he became due to both his upbringing and the deaths of Myojin and Lyla.

Big Duels: It is indeed four years since Obscured Truth first launched in 2019. Regarding the Playmaker vs Raguel duel, I have to say, I'm beyond joyful you liked it. I'm even more shocked that you liked it so much that you read it over three more times. For that duel, to show that things are getting darker moving forward, I had Raguel and Playmaker fight both with cards and combat. Speaking of combat, I took inspiration from the Kratos vs Thor fight in God of War: Ragnarök, Goku vs Jiren in Dragon Ball Super and Saber Alter vs Berserker in Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel Part II: Lost Butterfly. If you want to read more epic OC vs Playmaker duels, then I encourage you to read Yu-Gi-Oh! Cross Vrains and Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Overdrive. Luckily, Café Matsuo was some distance away from the general public, making the attack secluded in the end. Yeah, Sharpshot and Chainslaver's fates were sealed the moment Gil took them from prison. At least Atalanta was finally able to avenge the child slaves in the end. Look, I get what you're saying regarding your criticism. Regarding Rachel being rescued in the same chapter she was captured in, it became a massive and urgent priority for the heroes to rescue her. Otherwise, Raguel would have been one step closer to finding the Root of All Knowledge. And it wasn't easy at all for the heroes to rescue Rachel, as they had to fight against a corrupted Hercules/Alpha Mode and others to succeed in doing so. Watchman lost against Raguel in their duel, and it cost him big time. Had it not been for Zero rescuing Watchman, along with Raguel being forced to retreat, I can certainly confirm that Watchman would have died for his sins.

Guest: Look, I get what you're saying there. Even though Playmaker didn't have all the Code Talkers, he still put up one hell of a fight against Morningstar during their second duel. I appreciate you informing me about your idea regarding Playmaker moving forward, as he needs time to process the trauma that had occurred during his duel against Raguel. So there's obviously going to be effects of the defeat on his mind, and they won't be quickly solved immediately.

Anonymous: I mean, sending Amadeus, Chainslaver and Sharpshot back to Den City was the only way to ensure that they were restrained. Knight and the others weren't involved with the slave trade. Due to how there's so many prisoners at Sincero Penitentiary, SOL Technologies was unable to realize that Amadeus was there.

Now that all reviews have been answered, we're only one chapter away to Chapter 100. Enjoy!

Chapter 99: Overwhelming Might

The screen is pitch black as the duel disks belonging to Yuhiro, Yusaku, Takeru, and Arashi slowly fall from the top, scattered around the screen, and leaving small trails of stardust behind them. All four duel disks hit an invisible ground in unison, causing them to explode into cards that were used by every character in the story so far. The cards continue to rain across the screen before the Cursed Boundary Layer blackens the screen completely, replacing it with a new scene.

The camera moves from left to right, showing a grassy field with Den City and the following characters: Yuhiro, Miyu, Aoi, Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi, Brea, Go, Roxy, Kusanagi, Greg, Quinton, Miles, Ryoken, Youta, Takeya, Akairo, Emma, Kengo, Akira, Brion, Rachel, Gil, Tsubaki, and Gekiryushi. The wind blows, causing each person's hair and clothes to be blown up a bit. The scene suddenly changes, revealing Playmaker, Raguel, Blue Maiden, Numera, Slipstream, and Tigress on one side, along with a girl that had long, chestnut-colored hair in the form of a crown braid and hazel eyes. Her attire consisted of a long-sleeved, violet leather tunic with a lightweight silver chest plate, lightweight violet shoulder pads that had rainbow orbs at the center, and black, fingerless gloves. On the other side was Revolver, Specter, Lord Kazuma, Gil, and Soulburner, a destroyed LINK VRAINS behind them.

The screen then changes to show Yusaku and Ai in the streets of a raining Den City. Yusaku was looking down, and Ai was looking upwards, the rain drenching their clothes. Yusaku slowly looks up with a vexed expression, while Ai runs a hand through his hair and turns his gaze onward. In another area of Den City, Yuhiro is shown running as his strength was drained, having cried in despair as a silhouette of Yukage is shown with a smile before fading away in the rainy mist. A dark aura emits from Yuhiro as the Cursed Boundary Layer emerges from a large puddle and embraces him tightly before he logs into a desolate, forest-like area in LINK VRAINS that had a dead aura around it. A psychotic grin appeared on Raguel's face as Excalibur Morgan formed in his right hand.

Opposing Raguel was Playmaker, Soulburner and Slipstream, the three duelists thrusting their right hands forward as Firewall Dragon Darkfluid, Salamangreat Pyro Phoenix, and Crystal Wing Synchro Dragon appear behind the trio and fire beams of energy at Raguel. The blasts impact, but when the smoke fades, Raguel is shown unharmed. Tentacles from the Cursed Boundary Layer appear behind Raguel, along with Cyreaths Pandora and Alastor on his right side, Atalanta/Alpha Mode and Teferi on his left side, and Deimos and Phobos floating above his right and left shoulders. Black, red, and purple particles merged with Excalibur Morgan as Raguel charges forward at Playmaker and the others, the latter having summoned Decode Talker's sword to block the attack. Nearby, Jericho is shown chasing after Blue Maiden and Numera, only for him to suddenly dodge numerous cannon blasts fired from Tigress nearby, hellbent on protecting the duo.

The Knights of Hanoi are shown next, with Revolver, Specter, Lord Kazuma, Baira, Faust, Dr. Genome, Dancho and Infearno appearing one by one. However, the images of Dancho and Infearno then dissipate before being replaced by Demeter and Ondina. Simorgh, Bird of Sovereignty and a mischievous, fallen pixie-like angel with long pink hair whose attire consisted of a black dress with stockings, as well as a pair of wings on her back appeared behind the two of them.

The scene changes to show Zero in an unknown area in the network, frantically looking through screens as he tries to pinpoint the Cursed Boundary Layer's whereabouts before changing to show Jericho in his laboratory, who's looking at his findings with glee. Seven orbs, one white, one black, one yellow, one red, one brown, one green, and one blue orbit around him as he sadistically smiles at what he's seeing.

Kusanagi, Katsuya, and Jin are shown in Café Nagi driving away from the Cursed Boundary Layer, intent on escaping its wrath. Roxy is also shown in her car with Miyu, Rachel, and Aoi, also hoping to escape from the Cursed Boundary Layer before it gets them both.

In a forest-like area with a large facility in it, Watchman is shown carrying Numera as Alastor pursues the duo on the left, while Atalanta/Alpha Mode pursues the duo on the right. Alastor throws the chained, curved blades at Watchman, who hops to the side and dodges it before throwing a Black Key in response. He then hops forward to dodge Atalanta/Alpha Mode's berserk attacks as he throws two more Black Keys at her. Watchman slides back, three more Black Keys appearing in his right hand as he prepares himself to confront his and Numera's attackers, Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord appearing behind the duo as well to defend the both of them. Elsewhere, a corrupted Hercules/Alpha Mode slashes through the trees with Nine Lives in his hand, intent on pursuing Playmaker and Blue Maiden so he can destroy the two of them. At the last second, Decode Talker and Marincess Wonder Heart appear to block the unrelenting attacks, only for the clash to send them, along with Playmaker and Blue Maiden flying off the ground before landing on it. Decode Talker and Wonder Heart immediately get back up before engaging a corrupted Hercules/Alpha Mode in combat while Playmaker and Blue Maiden continue running from the chaos.

Cyreaths Medusa, Achilles, and two twins, one being a boy with short brown hair and green eyes who wore a white toga with gold cuffs and a black undershirt, the other a girl with long brown hair and green eyes who wore a white dress with gold armlets, look upward to the sky, trying to figure out who to side with as they contemplate their futures.

Yuhiro is shown looking at the destroyed Lost Incident facility lit up in flames, a content smile evident on his face as he lets out a loud and crazy laugh. He then walks away from it, ignoring the bodies in the area as he disappears in the darkness. The screen then jumps to the dark sky and the glowing red moon before being blackened completely.

In the network, at Zero's server...

Zero returned to his server, having carried a wounded Watchman back with him at Kairi's request. As much as he wanted to deal with his old friend, he did have to honor Kairi's request to speak with Watchman. After all, you can never get answers from someone who died, for dead men tell no tales. Regardless, Zero needed answers from Watchman himself first, especially after seeing the footage Jericho showed him regarding the latter's intentions. He wanted to truly know whether Watchman's intentions were malicious in the end or not.

Taking the injured Watchman to a cave nearby, Zero walked down the steps before reaching a luminous chamber, which contained the properties needed both to heal Watchman and restrain him. As a result of Raguel severely injuring Watchman following their duel, it meant the former was able to steal all the data from the latter's duel disk. That meant the only way Zero could figure out Watchman's true intentions for the Root of All Knowledge was to scan his memories one by one. Thus, Zero threw Watchman down to the ground, where lush green vines wrapped themselves around his body before slowly hoisting the latter upwards on his feet. The vines then connected with one another to form into an airborne web that contained a cocooned Watchman in the middle. This way, Watchman would not only be stabilized for the healing process to occur, he also wouldn't be able to escape as well.

Zero pressed a button on his duel disk, which caused a green wave of data to scan Watchman for several seconds before images popped up. Those images showed Zero some memories of Watchman growing up and what he learned during his youth, along with the experiences that made him the person he is today. One of the things that stood out to Zero was the time Watchman spent with the former, Myojin, and Ukyos as they worked towards achieving the Root of All Knowledge. Happy times before Ukyos betrayed them all. Happy times before it all went to Hell, where Zero was exiled from SOL Technologies, Watchman remained behind and Myojin and Lyla went into hiding with their baby boys. Looking through the memories, Zero was appalled at what he saw next. Watchman, supposedly swooping in to save Yuhiro and Yukage following Myojin and Lyla's deaths, only to bring them to Dr. Kogami for the Lost Incident. Both the deaths of Myojin and Lyla, along with Watchman's treacherous act in kidnapping Yuhiro and Yukage shocked Zero to the core upon seeing those memories. After some more time searching, Zero eventually found what he was looking for. A conversation that Jericho had showed him from the footage shared during their duel. To Zero's horror, it was there, which immediately began playing.

"Again, Azrael and Wraith. Everything that you said and showed was true." Watchman told Azrael. "You and Raguel's parents, Myojin and Lyla Furutani, were the purest human beings I've ever met. Along with Ukyos Albinor, of course. They were the ones who rekindled my hope for humanity, and the primary reason why I sealed my powers away."

"Oh?" Azrael and Wraith both raised an eyebrow at Watchman's comment.

"However, the moment Ukyos sent his envoys to kill your and Raguel's parents, it shattered my faith in humanity completely. It was here where I swore to save humanity at all costs, destroy sin once and for all, and get revenge in the process. You and Raguel, along with the other Lost Incident children, all had unique qualities ranging from enhanced knowledge to physical prowess, and even mental capacities unlike the average child. You should be honoured in being selected for the Hanoi Project."

"Honoured, you say?" Azrael repeated with a laugh. "You turned us all into abominations in the name of your selfish goals!"

"Yes, my goals are ultimately selfish in the end, for I have no qualms in casting people aside once their usefulness was used up. Such examples would include Percival and Demeter, you and the other Lost Incident children, and any other allies or enemies as well. That is something I will not deny." Watchman acknowledged. "The only reason I put up a façade in the first place was so I can help you all grow and fulfil your roles, whether you were an enemy or an ally."

"Everything I did was so I can fulfil my selfish goals in saving humanity, eradicating sin, and getting revenge on Ukyos." Watchman stated, having raised his arms. "You have all met my expectations, and soon, the gate to the Root of All Knowledge will be opened. Even though there were a few obstacles, it took far less effort than I anticipated."

Zero grit his teeth in pure anger after seeing the footage once again. This had confirmed the unfortunate truth: Watchman was ultimately a traitor in the end. Simple as that. An infuriated Zero then punched the unconscious Watchman in the face, which suddenly jolted the latter awake.

"Eh...Huh?" Watchman said, as he opened his eyes. "Where am I?"

"You're in my server. I carried you here." Zero simply answered, before punching Watchman in the face again. "You hypocrite! We trusted you, yet you betrayed us!"

Watchman sighed. "Though my methods were... different, I still sought to-."

"No! I refuse to hear your excuses!" Zero punched Watchman several more times. "I saw your memories, and how you and the Inquisitorius killed scores of people. You want to know what your greatest sin was, Arshad? It was betraying Myojin and defiling his legacy! Your actions have caused one of their two boys to die, while the other's on a path of destruction! Their futures, along with the futures of others, were stolen because of you!"

"If it weren't for me, then they'd be dead along with Myojin and Lyla." Watchman retorted. "I brought them to the facility so they'd gain the power necessary-."

WHAM!

Zero punched Watchman so hard in the stomach that the latter let out a cough of blood.

"Your reasons don't justify your actions, Arshad. Intent does not matter. Only consequences." Zero jabbed his anger at Watchman. "I'd kill you for your treachery, but she wishes to have a word with you, and I have to respect that. The cave will not only heal you from your injuries, it also won't let you escape as well. Although given the injuries Yuhiro dealt you, I doubt you'd be able to do so." Zero then began walking towards the steps of the cave, intent on heading to the entrance.

"At least I eliminated Urizen's data phantasm! At least I wounded Jason enough to make him retreat!" Watchman shouted, which made Zero turn around after hearing those words.

"Data Phantasm? You mean Urizen managed to make one and come here?" Zero questioned, shock evident in his tone as he walked back to where the imprisoned Watchman was. "You may have been able to destroy Urizen's eye on this world, but as long as Jason's around, he'll be able to resume his operations as though nothing happened!"

"But I made him retreat! Wounds from Black Keys don't heal in a day! He won't be able to-!"

WHAM!

Zero punched Watchman in the gut once again to silence the latter. He massaged his hands in order to loosen them up afterwards. "I'll not only clean up the mess you've made, but also be a better ally than you ever were. Yuhiro and his friends deserve a trustworthy ally to help them for what's to come, and I'll ensure they can trust me. No lies. No secrets. Simple as that. I'll see you soon." With that, an infuriated Zero headed towards the steps before walking up them, where he eventually headed towards the cave's entrance. After exiting the cave, he pressed a button on his duel disk, which caused it to ring before someone picked up on the other end.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Kairi. It's Dairoku." Zero reported. "I captured Arshad. Unfortunately, Raguel injured him using the Cursed Boundary Layer, so he's recovering for the time being."

"I see. Were you able to find where Raguel is in the network?" Kairi asked.

"I almost pinpointed his location. However, it looks like we're past the point of no return. One way or another, Raguel's friends will arrive to save him, and given how I plan to destroy the Cursed Boundary Layer…"

"I know. Do what you must, Dairoku. If there's even a hope that Raguel can be saved from the Cursed Boundary Layer, then there's still a chance. After you find Raguel's location, send it to Playmaker and his allies. I'm sure they'll seize the opportunity to help their friend." Kairi said, before hanging up on her end. After the call ended, Zero let out a loud sigh. The war had taken a toll on him, especially after a long time of fighting.

But as long as Urizen was there, then the war would not be over. As such, Zero left the cave, intent on completing his tasks to find Raguel, destroy the Cursed Boundary Layer and provide Ai asylum should he find him in the network. There was a lot at stake here, and if Zero played this carefully, then Urizen's plans in acquiring the Root of All Knowledge would be delayed for the time being.

In the real world, during the night, at the safehouses...

"There's no recent sightings on the Shadow lately, Ryoken."

"Well, that's good news for now. We can focus on Arshad and the Dark Ignis for the time being."

"On the topic of Arshad, despite our best efforts, we haven't been able to find his location in the network. He's been able to hide himself quite well, if I do say so myself."

Those words were said by Aso, Youta and Takeya, the three of them sitting down on seats with the other Hanoi members, all of them working on laptops. All of them, save for Zandaka and Emon, were in a room in a yacht that contained a holographic information display, along with monitors. The past few days have been rough for the group, as they had to say goodbye to two of their members. Specifically, Zandaka and Emon, whose life force was draining away as a result of what Yukage and Malf did to both of them. While the Hanoi managed to get payback on Yukage and Malf for the pain they brought to the group, it didn't change the end result, as two of their members were pretty much done for.

"Mother, you've worked with Arshad for a long time. Surely, you know where Arshad's hiding out." Ryoken stated, having turned to Yua for a response.

"I have the coordinates from his base of operations. Maybe it can help find him in the network." Yua suggested, the other Hanoi members nodding in agreement as she pressed a few buttons on her duel disk, which popped up on the monitors seconds later. From there, Kyoko and Mikuru put it on the holographic information display, where it began searching the network to see if the coordinates would truly lead them to Arshad's location or not. If it did, then the Hanoi can launch a full-out assault on Arshad as retribution for what they recently learned about him. Particularly, his true intentions regarding the Root of All Knowledge, along with him being responsible for the Lost Incident. It was also thanks to Arshad that Yua Kogami, Ryoken's own mother, was roped into this entire mess. What's more, Dr. Kogami didn't tell the truth about Arshad this whole time to any of the Hanoi, which shocked Ryoken after learning this information back into Mirror LINK VRAINS. This betrayal, along with all of Arshad's other transgressions were the reasons why the Hanoi were hellbent on eliminating him.

After a minute of searching, the monitors stopped the search before displaying a 'NOT ON THE SERVER' sign seconds later, much to the Hanoi's dismay.

"Perhaps we should set aside our search for Arshad for the time being, Ryoken. With everything going on, he'll definitely show up to strike again. I'll make an alert system using the coordinates Yua gave us so that the moment he appears, we'll be able to pinpoint his whereabouts and eliminate him." Kyoko offered.

"Do it." Ryoken said, as Kyoko immediately got to work on setting up the notification system for Arshad. While Arshad need to pay for his transgressions, there were two other threats that had to be taken care of first. "In the meanwhile, we can focus on finding a way to stop Raguel, along with preparing the tools needed so we can succeed in doing so."

"Wait a minute, Ryoken. Let's not be brash here." Yua stated, which got the others' attention. "We also have to deal with the Shadow, remember? It did attack you, me and Youta when we went back to our old home."

Ryoken frowned upon being reminded of this information. The Shadow was another threat the Hanoi were currently dealing with, as after the war in Mirror LINK VRAINS, it emerged from the network and began murdering people to take their energy. When Ryoken went with Youta and Yua to his childhood home in order to complete their tasks, the Shadow somehow found their location and proceeded to try killing them. The worst part was how it destroyed Ryoken's old home, a place that he felt safe in for the longest time. Even though the trio managed to barely get away from the Shadow's wrath, its actions and attempts to kill them left a mark of pain on Ryoken. One that he intended to viciously pay back for its sins.

"As much as I want to deal with the Shadow, there haven't been any sightings of it since we were attacked, mother. Clearly, Aso announced that earlier."

"It's true, Yua. I checked the media outlets, and there haven't been any recent reports of it." Aso reminded Yua.

"But don't worry, Yua. Once we acquire a sample of the Shadow, then we can begin creating a weapon in order to counter its abilities, just like how we acquired a piece of Malf in order to weaponize it against the Ignis." Eizaburo commented.

"I know, but we should at least make a plan-." Yua began speaking.

"After we gather more information, we'll figure out how to eliminate it in due time." Ryoken interrupted before turning to Yua. "I find it funny how you preach about learning things from other species instead of judging them because they're different, yet you're willing to assist in destroying a threat to humanity, mother."

"What?!" Yua gasped.

"You heard me, mother. It seems you're no better than the Hanoi. And given how you abruptly changed the topic from Raguel to the Shadow, you still don't want him to be killed."

"You already know why I'm against you and the Hanoi eliminating Yuhiro, Ryoken. Even though Yuhiro's a part of the family who hurt us, it doesn't mean you get to judge him for his family's actions! It's just not right!" Yua turned to the others present. "Some of you in this room see that it's wrong, right? Right?"

"I do not like this path of action either, Yua." Aso sadly admitted. "But the Hanoi unfortunately played a role in turning Yuhiro into an abnormal human through the Lost Incident. Just like with his brother, he is a monster of our own making."

"What about you, Kyoko? You took a Hippocratic oath as a doctor to save lives! You should be against this!" Yua pointed out, which made Kyoko sigh in response.

"Of course I took that oath, Yua. I am one hundred percent aware of that fact as a doctor. Unfortunately, there are instances where we have no choice but to end our patients' suffering through euthanasia, usually by the request of the patient and/or their loved ones in response to a terminal disease." Kyoko lamented. "If we do this, then we'll at least free Raguel from the suffering he's been through his whole life. It'll be a part of our atonement."

"But it's just not right." Yua let out a sad sigh after saying those words.

"You don't have a say in this, mother." Ryoken stated, which made Yua turn to face him.

"Oh, boy. Here comes the drama." Takeya commented, who rolled his eyes upon knowing what was about to come next.

"What did you say?" Yua dangerously inquired.

"You heard me. You don't have a say in this because you weren't there after the Lost Incident ended and events following it, so you could never understand what the Hanoi went through." Ryoken gritted his teeth. "If I were to guess, I think you're saying all of these things so you can elevate yourself as the better person compared to us Knights of Hanoi, who were forced to lay low after having lost everything at Azrael's hands. If anything, your self-righteousness is just as bad as ours are, and you refuse to admit it because you lack knowledge from our point of view."

"Do you really think I wanted all of this to occur, Ryoken?! I risked my life to try and stop Windy and Lightning so you didn't have too! I wanted to make sure you didn't have to follow your father's deluded dream anymore. And yet you dare to question my integrity?"

"Your integrity's just as compromised as ours are, mother, yet you refuse to admit it!" Ryoken shouted. "If anything, your time being forced to work with Arshad has made you acquire some of his beliefs. Ones that are nothing more than-!"

"Enough, both of you!" Mikuru exclaimed, having walked quickly over to get in between Ryoken and Yua. "Ryoken, go cool off right now! The tension between you and Yua is not helping the current situation at hand."

Ryoken looked around the room. Sure enough, the looks on the other Hanoi's faces present consisted of shock, fear and confusion. For the past while, Ryoken hadn't been himself because of all the losses the Hanoi went through at Yukage and Malf's hands. He was so hellbent on both preventing further losses and eliminating pressing threats that he didn't consider his own wellbeing. Sure, Ryoken looked fine on the outside, but the inside was a totally different story.

Ryoken sighed, having realized what he had done. "Sorry, everyone." He turned to Yua. "Sorry, mother." He then walked out of the room and headed to the entrance of the yacht, needing some time for himself.

"That wasn't fair for Master Ryoken to do to you, Mrs. Kogami. If anything, you deserve the benefit of the doubt after what you've been through." Youta commented.

"I'm with Youta. What Ryoken did to you was unfair." Kyoko agreed.

Yua put a hand on her chin, having thought over what Ryoken told her just now. "He needs time to process things. What's more, I can tell that Ryoken needs to get help, or all of this will destroy him from the inside out."

Several minutes later, near the safehouses...

Ryoken quietly walked down the sidewalk near the safe houses, needing some time to think for himself after his argument with Yua. He needed to be alone for the time being so he can clear his head and take a break from the situation. After Ryoken cleared his mind, he would talk with Yua and officially apologize to her for his words.

Aside from Ai, the Shadow and Arshad, the remaining threat the Hanoi was preparing to fight against was Yuhiro Furutani, also known as Raguel in the network. According to the knowledge the Hanoi on hand, the Furutani family was responsible for Project: VIII, which led to both the Lost Incident and Project: Apotheosis. All geared towards finding the Root of All Knowledge. While that information was important, what took priority was how Yukage Furutani, who was also known as Azrael, made both Ryoken's and the other Hanoi member's lives a living Hell. Given how unnaturally powerful Yukage was, it was only logical to assume that Yuhiro would hold that same power. Such an assumption was proven correct, as according to Emon, Yuhiro turned into a demon-like state to enhance his physical and mental prowess at the cost of his emotional state. Emon also mentioned that it was called the Link Trigger, a special ability given to both Yuhiro and Yukage following the Lost Incident. It made Ryoken that assume that the other Lost Incident victims would gain unique abilities, such as Yusaku's Link Sense.

With this information in mind, Ryoken headed out with Youta and Takeya a few days ago in order to inform Yusaku and his allies about how Yuhiro's a threat to humanity as a result of his family playing a major role in everything going on. He gave them valid points, such as how Yuhiro and Yukage wielded powerful weapons rivalling that of even the strongest programs, how they could transform into beings of unfathomable power, and how both of their Ignis' were the most powerful ones of them all. But despite sharing this information, Yusaku and the others denied those claims, saying that Yuhiro would never snap. They'd ensure such a scenario would never occur. Having heard this information, Ryoken backed off, knowing there was no point in trying to convince someone that refused to listen to the other. Before leaving, Ryoken told Yusaku and the others that should Yuhiro become a threat, the Hanoi would act not just to eliminate him at all costs, but so he pays the blood debt on Yukage's behalf.

Playmaker, you and the others should have listened to me all those days ago, Ryoken thought in his mind with a stern expression, as he found a bench nearby before sitting on it. Ryoken certainly did not doubt Yusaku's skills as a duelist, as he had the highest chance at stopping Yuhiro should he go berserk. Then there was Takeru and Arashi, who Ryoken didn't doubt as well, though the two of them would have a lower chance at stopping Yuhiro compared to Yusaku.

"There you are, Ryoken," Yua said, as Ryoken turned to see her approach him. "Oh, sorry. I didn't see you were deep in thought. I'll go somewhere else if you need some more time for yourself."

"It's alright. You can sit beside me, if you want." Ryoken replied, which led Yua to sit beside him on the bench seconds later.

"It's nice out, don't you think?" Yua asked, the two of them looking out in the ocean. "You, your father and I used to look at the Stardust Road whenever it came up. We'd make time to do so together."

"I remember that." Ryoken commented, a smile evident on his face.

"The three of us would even go out at night to get a close-up look during the festivals that were set up there. I remember you getting a teal, dragon-like mask at one of those festivals, and saying you were a brave and strong dragon."

"I do remember that as well."

Yua smiled. "There were also times where we went camping out in the woods. Sometimes it was just us, sometimes it was with Akairo's family. Regardless, we all had fun together."

"Yeah." Ryoken frowned before putting two and two together, where he then turned to Yua. "I'm sorry for what I said to you back in the yacht, mother. I hope you can forgive me."

"You may be right on some of the things you said to me, Ryoken." Yua admitted. "In the time I was forced to work with Arshad, I may have unwittingly took some of his viewpoints, which makes me just as bad as you and the other Hanoi are. If anything, I'm not self-righteous. So yeah, I forgive you."

"Thank you, mother." Ryoken responded.

"Look, Ryoken. Regarding the Shadow and Arshad, I do agree with what you're saying. The Shadow needs to be destroyed before it can cause further harm, and Arshad needs to pay for his transgressions. You have my word that I'll help however I can to ensure both of them are stopped. But for Yuhiro..." Yua sighed. "He's not a threat because despite him being a part of a family whose research caused all of these events to occur, he still chose to fight for what's right. Yuhiro chose to protect those he cared about. The people who still accepted him despite having learned the truth about his origins."

Ryoken crossed his arms in response. "Raguel is an unnatural individual just like his brother. The fact the both of them can wield great weapons rivalling that of even the strongest programs, how they could transform into beings of unfathomable power, and how both of their Ignis' were the most powerful ones of them all are proofs of those facts. I know you're against us hunting Raguel down, mother, but I can't afford to take any more risks. Not after all the pain and suffering Azrael put us through for a very long time. It was thanks to him that Zandaka and Emon are at death's doors. It was thanks to him that Akairo's being put through Hell, and it was thanks to him that we nearly lost everything."

Yua let out a sad sigh, disappointed that Ryoken was not only unwilling to listen to reason, but for also being short-sighed that he was unable to see the consequences should he pursue this course of action. "If you and the other Hanoi continue to make plans of eliminating Yuhiro, it'll only lead to ruin for all of us. I don't want to lose any of you. Not after what happened. Besides, we have other threats to deal with for the time being."

"The last Ignis, the Shadow and Arshad. Those are the three other threats we have to contend with." Ryoken listed out the other enemies the Hanoi had to deal with. If Ryoken had to list them out in terms of priority, the Shadow would be first, the last Ignis would be second and Arshad would be last. He was confident that the last two were correlated due to Arshad's goal in obtaining the Root of All Knowledge. This would enable the Hanoi to kill two birds with one stone after the Shadow was dealt with.

"Please listen to me, Ryoken. Due to the war in Mirror LINK VRAINS, almost all of the Ignis have been wiped out. If you and the Hanoi kill the last one, you'd be making the Ignis extinct." Yua warned Ryoken.

"Father said that if the Ignis weren't eliminated, then they would destroy humanity. Despite everything that's happened and the new information obtained, the Hanoi will do whatever it takes to destroy both them and any other threats in the network." Ryoken reminded Yua, who put her hands to her face and let out a muffled scream.

"Why? Why won't you listen to me, Ryoken? Why won't you realize the ramifications of your actions?" Yua quietly mumbled to herself, angry with how stubborn Ryoken was right now. She then turned to Ryoken, a frustrated and angry look on her face. "You give me no choice then, Ryoken. If you and the Hanoi choose to continue hunting down both Yuhiro and the final Ignis-."

"GAAAAAH!"

Ryoken and Yua turned their heads to the safehouses, knowing where the scream came from. The duo quickly ran up the stairs near the bench they sat on and ran towards the safe houses, intent on figuring out what was going on. After entering into one of them, they saw the pitch-black humanoid from before fighting off those trying to defend themselves. One person tried to retaliate against the pitch-black humanoid in response to seeing their comrades get swatted to the ground, only for it to grab that person and smash them to the ground. What surprised Ryoken was how the pitch-black humanoid was only going after those it deemed as a threat, such as the people trying to eliminate it rather than go after those evacuating the children present.

"Where… are they?!" the pitch-black humanoid demanded, as it grabbed one of the people and smashed them through the wall, much to the horror of the others present.

"Go warn the others, mother. I'll handle this…" Ryoken whispered to Yua, who nodded as she ran back to the yacht. As for Ryoken, he charged forward before grabbing a broken chair leg and hit the pitch-black humanoid using it, which made the latter stumble back in surprise upon being hit. This gave the people in the safe house time to escape the area so they can recover from their wounds.

The pitch-black humanoid immediately proceeded to try and clobber Ryoken with a series of punches and kicks, only for him to dodge them before striking back with the broken chair leg in his hands. Having seen this, the pitch-black humanoid jumped out of the way before blending into the shadows, where Ryoken grabbed the broken chair leg tightly in order to prepare himself for what was to come. To his shock, numerous, shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles erupted from the walls and tried to skewer him seconds later, where he immediately began running in order to evade getting injured.

The pitch-black humanoid launched itself off the wall in order to try and slam Ryoken down to the ground, the latter succeeding in dodge the attack before hitting the former back numerous times using the broken chair leg in his hands. Having succeeded in stunning the pitch-black humanoid as evident by it falling to the ground upon impact, Ryoken immediately ran out of the safe house and turned left, hoping to succeed in buying time for two goals. First in order to prevent the people in the other safe houses from getting injured, and the second so that the Hanoi can rendezvous with Ryoken in launching an attack on the pitch-black humanoid.

How did the Shadow manage to find us, Ryoken wondered in his mind, as he continued running down the sidewalk. To his shock, the pitch-black humanoid appeared out of the darkness and tackled Ryoken, the two of them rolling down the stairs upon impact. Having pinned Ryoken to the ground, a shadowy, ribbon-like tentacle emerged from its back as it attempted to pierce him.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Stun bullets rang through the air and hit the pitch-black humanoid, who let out a whimper of pain before being forced to retreat back into the shadows. When Ryoken got up, he saw Kyoko and Aso run over to him, the two of them having been responsible for getting the pitch-black humanoid to retreat by using the guns in their hands.

"Are you okay, Ryoken?" Aso asked.

"Your mother warned us on what happened." Kyoko quickly told Ryoken. "Do you think the pitch-back humanoid can swim?"

"Given how it infected a human, it may be possible. But it can only do so much swimming before losing energy." Ryoken hypothesized, the three of them now heading over to the yacht. As the pitch-black humanoid was after Ryoken and the Hanoi, an idea popped into his mind. If the Hanoi drew the pitch-black humanoid to the yacht, they could drive out to the sea and make it follow after them as though it were a moth to a flame. Since there's only so much energy humans have, it would only be a matter of time before the infected host tired itself out before drowning, thus taking the Shadow with them. While Ryoken felt a sting of pain for the poor soul that was about to soon die, at least the Hanoi wouldn't be getting their hands tainted with blood on this matter.

Heading over to the yacht, Ryoken saw Eizaburo gesturing the former and the others to get to the yacht. Upon entering inside, Ryoken nodded to Eizaburo, who immediately went to get the boat running while he, Kyoko and Aso went to get stun guns. Youta, Takeya and Mikuru, who were already inside, also had stun guns on them should the pitch-black humanoid arrive to attack the group. Just as Ryoken predicted, the pitch-black humanoid was some distance away from the yacht.

"Activate the defense systems, Takeya!" Ryoken instructed.

"Sweet! I always wanted to activate them!" Takeya cheered, as he pressed a button on his duel disk, which caused several small stun turrets to emerge from parts of the yacht. Ones that weren't heavy so people can still use them. A long time ago, Dr. Kogami had them installed so that should anyone try to attack him or anyone else while out at sea, they'd be able to dispose of the trespassers. The best part was that the stun turrets had pieces of each member of the Hanoi's DNA embedded on them, which meant they were forbidden in targeting the Knights of Hanoi as though they were trespassers. Rather, the stun turrets would only target those that were not Knights of Hanoi. To sum it up, it was wise to be prepared for anything and everything, or else it could cost you down the road.

The stun turrets immediately fired electrical stun bullets at the pitch-black humanoid, who was forced to dodge to evade them. Seeing the yacht, the pitch-black humanoid charged forward and evaded the bullets once more before jumping forward, having managed to land on it with such force that the vehicle wobbled for a second or two as it regained balance. The pitch-black humanoid then dodged another round of electrical stun bullets from the turrets before shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles emerged from its back, which seeped into the weapons and forcibly disabled them.

The Knights of Hanoi immediately fired stun bullets from their guns, which got the pitch-black humanoid's attention as it quickly dodged them and a shadowy, ribbon-like tentacle emerged from its back before slamming onto the yacht once again. As a result, it made the Hanoi nearly lose balance while the pitch-black humanoid seized the opportunity and slammed Kyoko, Aso and Eizaburo to the wall with overwhelming speed. This further stunned the three of them upon impact, having prevented the trio from regaining their surroundings in the process.

Takeya and Youta fired their stun guns at the pitch-black humanoid, who dodged the stun bullets before zooming in and slamming the latter to the wall nearby with such force that he was temporarily winded. The pitch-black humanoid attempted to then strike Takeya, but he dodged the attack and fired a stun bullet point blank, which made the former wince in pure agony seconds later. This gave Takeya the opportunity to unleash a series of punches and kicks that sent the pitch-black humanoid flying off the ground as a result.

"Quickly, everyone! We need to regroup before it regains its senses!" Ryoken exclaimed, as he, Mikuru and Yua helped Kyoko, Aso and Eizaburo stand up on their feet while Takeya helped Youta regain his balance. The group then proceeded to all fire stun bullets at the pitch-black humanoid, each one piercing through its body upon impact. Just a little more, and they'd be able to capture it in order to figure out how to fully destroy the Shadow for good.

Unfortunately, the pitch-black humanoid let out a loud scream that caused shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles to erupt from its back, where it proceeded to slash the guns and sent the Hanoi flying off their feet before landing on the ground. The pitch-black humanoid charged forward to try and kill Ryoken, only for Mikuru to intercept the attack and strike back with a fast-delivered punch. Youta also joined in as the two of them tried to block and counter the pitch-black humanoid's attacks while the other Hanoi members got up on their feet as fast as they could. While the pitch-black humanoid was hit a few times, it managed to Mikuru and Youta before throwing them to the side with such force that the two of them were temporarily stunned. After doing so, it dashed forward and slammed Kyoko and Aso to the ground before heading over to Ryoken, hellbent on eliminating him.

"Ryoken, look out!" Yua cried out, as she pushed Ryoken out of the way in order to take the brunt of the pitch-black humanoid's attack. Sure enough, the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacle emerging from the pitch-black humanoid's black hit Yua instead and sent her flying off the ground, her back having hit the wall seconds later.

"Mother!" Ryoken exclaimed out of shock, as he, Takeya and Eizaburo fired several stun bullets at the pitch-black humanoid, who charged forward and slammed the trio with such force that they were pushed back to the wall. Mikuru and Youta regained consciousness before firing more stun bullets at the pitch-black humanoid, which caused it to dodge the attacks before grabbing Kyoko and Aso using the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles that emerged out of its back. Those same tentacles turned into spikes that were aimed to Kyoko and Aso's throats.

"Enough! This farce is over!" the pitch-black humanoid exclaimed, as its face glitched into Yuhiro's, his identity as the pitch-black humanoid having been revealed. "Drop your guns or these two pay the price for your sins!"

"So you're the one who attacked us that night." Ryoken hissed. It seemed that Youta's hypothesis on the pitch-black humanoid's identity being closer than he and the other Hanoi thought was right after all.

"Call it a warning of what would happen should you and your little buddies try to continue your mission of hunting others down like animals." Yuhiro clarified. "Now drop your guns, or else these two will pay the price."

Ryoken felt his hands shake after hearing this ultimatum. As much as he wanted to fight back against Yuhiro, he couldn't do that when the latter held Kyoko and Aso, people who were there for the former after Dr. Kogami was imprisoned, hostage. Ryoken also theorized that Yuhiro would most likely hold Youta and Mikuru hostage as well should he not surrender when he had the chance. "Knights of Hanoi, stand down."

"But Master Ryoken-." Youta began speaking.

"If we surrender, then we'll die." Takeya pointed out.

"Do it. Or else we're going to lose more than just our lives." Ryoken told both Youta and Takeya, as the three of them, along with Mikuru and Eizaburo, dropped their guns to the ground.

"Good. Now kick them over to me." Yuhiro instructed, the other Hanoi members complying with his instructions by kicking their guns to him. After destroying the guns, he used the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles to throw Kyoko and Aso over to Ryoken and the others, who caught them so they didn't sustain further injuries.

"Mother, are you okay?" Ryoken asked, as he ran over to ensure she was alright.

"Yeah, Ryoken. I'm okay." Yua answered, which made Ryoken breathe a sigh of relief as he helped her stand up on her feet. It reminded Ryoken of when his father sacrificed his remaining life essence so he can not only heal his wound, but also acquire Topologic Gumblar Dragon as well. The difference between then and now was that whereas his father died in the end, his mother was here alive and well.

Ryoken then turned to face Yuhiro, a glare evident on the former's face. "What do you want, Raguel?"

"Simple. I'm here to deliver a gift, a message and a warning." Yuhiro replied, as the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles emerged from his back, where it dropped a bag onto the ground seconds later. He then chucked the bag over to Ryoken. "Go ahead. Open it. Don't worry, it's not a bomb or anything. I'm not here to murder you guys after all."

After assuring the others that it'd be okay, Ryoken then slowly opened the bag, where it contained numerous bags of blood after doing so. Upon seeing the blood, Kyoko and Yua's eyes widened out of shock, Aso and Youta gasped, and Eizaburo and Mikuru felt queasy. Ryoken and Takeya were the only ones who frowned upon seeing the blood bags in the bag.

"I overheard I had a blood debt to pay on my brother's behalf. In all of those blood bags you see contains portions of Arshad Saito's blood. Or at the very least, a great majority of it anyway."

"Overheard? What do you mean by that, Raguel?" Takeya questioned.

"He was there the day we spoke to Playmaker, Soulburner and Slipstream about the threat Raguel posed." Youta realized.

"That's correct." Yuhiro confirmed. "As for my message, it's simple: I have the data on each and every one of you, which I can leak to the world any time I want!"

"What?!" Ryoken exclaimed, the others gasping after hearing this piece of news. With Yuhiro having the Hanoi's information on hand, that meant he also had access to all of the programs they created, such as the Another virus, data gale and so many others.

"Now onto the warning portion of my visit. What was it again?" Yuhiro put a hand to his chin before recalling it in his mind. "Oh, yes. Ai is my prey now, which means you shouldn't hunt neither him nor me down. Should you interfere in my plans like Playmaker did or continue to hunt Ai and myself down like dogs despite my warning, I'll leak your data to the world for it to be seen. However..." He pointed his right finger to Yua. "Out of gratitude to Yua Kogami for taking care of Miyu Sugisaki all of these years, I will spare her life. As for Drachen, he too will be spared as an apology for how my brother used him as a slave."

I know you were at the Den City Hospital, mother, but I didn't know one of the people you took care of was one of the Lost Incident victims, Ryoken thought in his mind. Such a thing surprised him, and also changed how he viewed her upon learning this information. As for Akairo, Ryoken was grateful that he would be spared, for he was already going through a lot right now.

"See you all later. Oh, and thank you for letting me use your weapon, Ryoken. It's going to be a great asset for my plans," were Yuhiro's last words before turning into particles.

"Huh. It seems he sent a data clone instead of doing the job himself." Eizaburo stated.

Ryoken narrowed his eyes, having been able to piece together what was going on based on what happened just now. While the Hanoi wanted to eliminate the Ignis, Yusaku and the others sought to protect them from eradication. As for Arshad, he wanted to acquire the Root of All Knowledge, which meant one of his tasks was to capture all eight Ignis in order to find it. Due to this information, it was obvious what Yuhiro's been after this whole time. And after comprehending everything together, Ryoken gasped, having realized what Yuhiro meant by his final remark.

"What's wrong, Master Ryoken?" Youta asked, as Ryoken immediately left the room and began running to the room with the holographic information display and monitors, the other Hanoi members immediately proceeding to follow him.

"Ryoken, please tell us what's going on." Mikuru said, all of them having entered inside the room.

"Check the status for the Tower of Hanoi now!" Ryoken told the others. "If what Raguel's saying is true, then this situation has gotten far worser than any of us could have anticipated."

Knowing how urgent and serious Ryoken's request was, the other Hanoi members quickly sat down and began typing on their laptops. After a few seconds of work, the holographic information display turned into a digital version of a red polyhedron, which was completely empty.

"No. This can't be..." Kyoko muttered.

"Oh, boy. This isn't good..." Takeya muttered as well.

"Master Ryoken, with what we're seeing..." Youta began speaking.

"Raguel managed to somehow steal control of the Tower of Hanoi from all of us." Ryoken finished, his eyes widening in horror after realizing this horrific information.

The next day, at Café Matsuo….

"Can you get the pancake mix, Miyu?"

"Yeah, Aoi. Hang on."

These words were said by Aoi and Miyu, the two of them having decided to make breakfast together. After successfully rescuing Yusaku and Rachel from captivity, Roxy called Akira to ask him if Aoi can stay at Café Matsuo for the night, given how it was late by the time she returned from the network. Akira allowed it, knowing that he can trust Roxy since she was one of Aoi's friends. Thus, it led Aoi and Miyu to make breakfast together after getting up this morning. Another person in the kitchen was Rasterliger, who was sleeping nearby. Well, partially in case someone tried to attack Café Matsuo.

"Just a little bit is needed, Miyu. We don't need to use the whole-." Aoi began speaking, only for Miyu to basically dump almost three quarters of the entire pancake mix into a bowl with water, which made the two of them cough seconds later.

"Sorry! Sorry!" Miyu apologized.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it. Just begin mixing it with the water while I get some fruits ready for the salad."

Having nodded to confirm what Aoi just said, Miyu began to mix the pancake mix with the water, intent on getting it ready for it to be made. She turned the degrees on to medium on the stove upon nearly getting finished, which led her to pour the pancake mixed with water into the pan slowly into different parts so not as to overfill it with one giant pancake. Having grabbed a spatula, Miyu carefully flipped the pancakes over after seeing one of the sides being cooked, just as Aoi instructed her to do. Aoi, on the other hand, began cutting up strawberries to be used for the fruit salad. After the numerous pancakes were cooked, Miyu put it on a plate to cool while she went over to help Aoi with the fruit salad.

"Have you had practice cutting up fruits and vegetables before, Miyu?" Aoi asked.

"Yeah, I've had some practice from Auntie a while back, so I think I know what to do." Miyu replied, having taken a banana before peeling it off. From there, she grabbed a knife nearby and began chopping it.

"Try the rocking motion in using a knife, Miyu. It should be easier." Aoi showed Miyu what the former meant, which involved gently placing the knife at a piece of the food before slicing down to cut it off. She then moved another piece of the banana and proceeded to move the knife up and down to cut off the pieces. Having seen this, Miyu proceeded to slowly did what Aoi did with her piece of the banana, which led to some success seconds later.

"How did I do?"

Aoi sweat-dropped after seeing the results of Miyu's attempt at cutting up a fruit. "With practice, you'll get there in time. Now go grab some grapes and blueberries from the fridge. We'll sprinkle them once we get everything else in order." The two of them proceeded to finish making the fruit salad before grabbing the large bowl and setting it on the kitchen table, along with the large plate that had pancakes on it. After that was finished, both Miyu and Aoi got utensils and napkins before setting them on the table, where the two of them then sat down on their respective seats so they could wait for Roxy to show up.

"Morning, you two." Roxy said, as she walked up the stairs and headed towards the kitchen area of the room. "Oh, the two of you made breakfast. Thank you so much. With what I had to do last night, I appreciate it."

"You're welcome." Aoi simply responded, as Roxy sat down at one of the chairs nearby.

"Did you stay up all night, auntie?" Miyu worriedly inquired. "It's not good for your health."

Roxy let out a loud sigh. "Well, given everything that happened last night, I needed to get a few things in order. One being putting a few social media posts online saying that Café Matsuo's closed due to renovations, along with making sure that any cameras that were nearby had their footage erased to ensure we weren't tracked. The second being to give a call to my cousins for a garage repair after Yuhiro attacked us!"

"Auntie..."

"Oh, and the third thing was that I had to drive Brea home, as I didn't want to risk losing anyone else." Roxy then began to feel sadness overwhelm her, as evident by the tears falling from her face. "I don't want to lose Yuhiro. I can't afford to lose him. He's my son. With everything that's happened, I don't want to lose him." She put her hands to her face, having begun crying upon being overwhelmed with the events of last night.

Miyu quickly went over to where Roxy was and embraced her, much to the latter's surprise. "It'll be okay, auntie. It'll be okay. We'll get him back." She felt herself cry as well, knowing what Roxy was going through. Specifically, how neither of them didn't want to lose Yuhiro, and how he meant the world to the duo. Rasterliger went to the crying duo before letting out a concerned whine, which got Roxy and Miyu's attention as they stroked his fur, happy that he was here. Having calmed down, Miyu sat down at the seat beside Roxy, who also calmed down now that all the sadness was out of their systems.

"Okay, with that out of the way, let's eat!" Roxy stated, as she grabbed the fork and used it to grab one of the pancakes, along with using a spoon to grab a portion of the fruit salad. Miyu and Aoi did the same thing before they also began to eat their breakfast. "I said this before, and I'll say it again: Thank you both for making breakfast this morning."

"You're welcome," Miyu and Aoi happily replied at the same time.

"I also want to thank you for letting me stay here at Café Matsuo for the night, Roxy. I'm truly grateful." Aoi said.

"After what you've done last night in saving Yusaku and Rachel, you really needed a rest." Roxy told Aoi. Again, Roxy was able to convince Akira to let Aoi stay at Café Matsuo for the night after telling him about how she risked her life to rescue Yusaku from captivity. Rather than being shocked, Akira replied by saying how pleased he was at Aoi for growing into the person she is today, and had allowed her to spend the night at Café Matsuo at Roxy's request. "Speaking of Yusaku, I've been told that you have a crush on him."

That comment nearly made Aoi do a spit take upon hearing this information. "H-H-How do you know that?"

"Let's just say I put two and two together after putting the pieces together." Roxy chuckled while Miyu giggled, much to Aoi's embarrassment.

"Can we please change the topic to something else? Like how we're going to stop Yuhiro and that Shadow strapped to his mind, body and soul?" Aoi blurted out, which made Roxy and Miyu frown upon hearing that question. "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to say it like that."

"I know, Aoi. The only problem is that we don't know how to stop the Shadow, and unless we find a way to fight back against it, we won't be able to free Yuhiro from its control." Miyu pointed out.

"We'll need to look for clues first before forming a plan to do so." Roxy agreed, before she ran upstairs to her room, much to Miyu and Aoi's confusion on what she was doing. It made sense when Roxy returned, her duel disk in hand, along with a laptop. After turning the laptop on, Roxy typed on it for a few seconds before a notification popped up on Aoi's duel disk.

DOWNLOAD COMPLETE!

"What's this?" Aoi asked.

"I've granted you temporary access to Herald's server. Perhaps we can find some clues in there." Roxy hypothesized. "In the meanwhile, I'm going to schedule a meeting with your brother and SOL Technologies' lead card designer Hideki."

"Hideki? Tsubaki told me about him back at the hospital." Miyu remembered.

"Hang on." Roxy turned to Miyu. "You met Tsubaki?"

"Yeah. I met her at the hospital. She was a wonderful person, auntie. We got along quite quickly."

Roxy put a hand on her chin. Well, it does get rid of the introduction part, which speeds things along, she thought in her mind. "Anyhow, given how Yuhiro managed to make upgrades to his deck, we need to upgrade our own decks if we're to defeat him."

"I see. You want to take a card from each of our decks so Hideki can make new ones to enhance our strategies." Aoi figured out. "The only issue is going to Yusaku and the others in getting their cards."

"What about me, auntie? Surely, I can help." Miyu spoke up. "After being put on the sidelines for so long, I can't stand by and do nothing. I want to help save Yuhiro."

Roxy put a hand on Miyu's shoulder. "I know you do, sweetie, but you need to practice dueling."

"Hey, I can learn quickly. My mom has this ability to learn new things at fast rates and retain them." Miyu protested back. "And I made my own avatar as well! I'm perfectly capable of logging into the network."

"Well, maybe you could look through our files to see if Yuhiro left any traces in them. Ones that I think he may have put in himself so that we'd be prepared should he become our enemy." Roxy suggested.

"Alright, fine." Miyu pouted, irritated that Roxy wouldn't agree with what she was saying.

"It is only temporary, Miyu. Do note that there is more than one way you can help." Rasterliger assured Miyu.

"I promise, all of us will help you become a strong duelist. You have my word." Aoi added in support to Rasterliger's point.

Roxy, on the other hand, typed on her laptop before an email to Greg. "I'm also sending the coordinates to Rachel and Greg as well, as the former was able to also contend against the Shadow last night."

"That's a good idea. Rachel's abilities could be useful in keeping you guys safe." Miyu voiced her agreement to Roxy's idea.

"Provided if Greg agrees to Rachel helping us further. I mean, she just got back out of captivity, and will probably want to stay out of this mess." Aoi pointed out.

"If I know Rachel, she's just as stubborn as Yuhiro, so she'll obviously want to continue helping us save him." Roxy said. "Though you are right about her being just rescued out of captivity, Aoi. I'm sure Greg would have placed some conditions on Rachel in exchange for her continuing to help us."

"One instance being not to help us on the front lines." Miyu surmised.

"Exactly." As if on cue, Roxy's phone began to ring. "Excuse me." She left the kitchen area and went downstairs, intent on taking the call.

"Miyu, you mentioned you made an avatar, right? Can I see it?" Aoi asked.

Hearing that question made Miyu smile as though it took all the tension away. "Yeah, sure! I'll be right back!" She ran upstairs to her room in order to get her duel disk. As for Aoi, she pressed a few buttons on her duel disk, which caused the 'Trickstar' deck to pop up. The first deck she used as a duelist, which symbolized her desire to be seen by the world. Not as Akira's sister, but as a person who wished to make a difference in people's lives, as well as be free in the process.

Perhaps it's time I passed the 'Trickstar' deck to Miyu, Aoi thought in her mind, a small smile evident on her face. This way, a piece of me will always be with her, and since the 'Marincess' deck originally belonged to Miyu, a part of her will always be with me. Unbeknownst to her, the small Shadow Giant from hours earlier emerged from hiding and quickly ran to the kitchen table before climbing it, where it went into Aoi's duel disk seconds later.

"I'm back!" Miyu announced, as she ran back downstairs to the kitchen portion of the living room, her duel disk in tow. She pressed a few buttons on her duel disk before a screen popped up, which showed a girl that had long, chestnut-colored hair in the form of a crown braid and hazel eyes. Her attire consisted of a long-sleeved, violet leather tunic with a lightweight silver chest plate, lightweight violet shoulder pads that had rainbow orbs at the center, and black, fingerless gloves.

"Wow, that's wonderful." Aoi stated, awestruck with what Miyu showed her just now. She then got her thoughts in order, having figured out what she wanted to talk to Miyu about. "Listen, Miyu. There's something you should know."

"Huh? What is it?"

Aoi pressed a button on her duel disk, which caused the 'Trickstar' and 'Marincess' decks to pop up on the screen. "These are the two decks I have, Miyu. The 'Trickstar' deck was the one I used before switching over to the 'Marincess' deck-."

"Which Aqua gave to you when she appeared." Miyu finished, which made Aoi widen her eyes upon the former finishing the latter's sentence. "I know this already. Yuhiro told me."

"So you know what's going on, huh? In that case, I want to give you the 'Trickstar' deck, Miyu."

"Eh?" Miyu let out a small gasp before gathering her thoughts in order. "You want to give one of your decks to me? What if I don't live up to your expectations and succeed in using it?"

In response, Aoi put a hand on Miyu's shoulder. "Hey, I don't mind. Besides, as a Charisma duelist, I have a job to inspire those who look up to me. Trust me when I say this: With the right training, you will use it just as well as I have, if not better." As if on cue, Rasterliger let out a bark of reassurance, which made Miyu giggle upon hearing it.

"Thank you. Both of you," was all Miyu could say after hearing both Aoi and Rasterliger reassure her that she'd be a great duelist.

"Okay, those calls took longer than I expected." Roxy complained, as she walked back upstairs to the kitchen area of Café Matsuo.

"I thought you had to take care of one phone call, Roxy." Aoi said.

"Well, after talking with Hideki and Akira to book the meeting, I contacted Brea so she was in the loop as to what was going on. I also had to give her coordinates to visit Herald's server, given how she's now an official part of the team." Roxy explained. "Anyhow, I'll be heading out to visit Yusaku and the others in getting the cards. Speaking of cards, can you give me one of your 'Marincess' cards, Aoi?"

"Just need a quick second." Aoi pressed a few buttons on her duel disk before choosing a random Marincess card from her deck and sending it to Roxy, which appeared in the latter's duel disk seconds later.

"Thank you very much, Aoi." Roxy gathered her thoughts before continuing to speak. "What was I saying just now? Oh, yes. I'll be heading out to visit Yusaku and the others in order to get a card from their decks. Once that's done, I'll be going to Green Park to meet up with Akira and Hideki. This way, we can get some new cards in order to put an end to all of this madness. If everything goes well, I should be back late afternoon." She then began heading to the stairs so she can walk to the garage, only for Miyu to catch up and grab her arm.

"You shouldn't drive, auntie. Not in the state you're in." Miyu firmly told Roxy.

"Miyu, I appreciate you caring for me, but-." Roxy began speaking.

"But nothing! If you drive in the state you're in right now, you'll end up in a car accident!" Miyu shook her head back and forth to drive that point home. "You should take a taxi to where Yusaku and his friends are first before going to Green Park."

Roxy let out a sigh of defeat after hearing this information. As much as she hated to admit it, Miyu was right. People who were overtired were more likely to make driving mistakes. "Fine. I'll do what you request. Happy?"

"Yes, I'm happy." Miyu answered, which made Roxy roll her eyes in annoyance while Aoi and Rasterliger chuckled in amusement at seeing the conversation in front of them. With the conversation over, Roxy went outside through the front door, having decided not to drive for the time being until she got enough rest to do so again.

"That was amazing, Miyu. I never saw anyone who was able to make Roxy admit defeat like that." Aoi commented.

"My mom knew her clever ways to make auntie stand down in conversations, so she taught them to me if a time should come where I'm in an argument against her." Miyu replied back.

Or more like pure logic, Aoi amusedly thought in her mind. "Anyhow, we should finish breakfast and tidy things up. We have a long day ahead, don't you agree?"

"Yeah. I suppose we do." Miyu and Aoi then began finishing their breakfasts before tidying things up. Unbeknownst to her, Achilles and Medusa were upstairs, having overheard the whole conversation downstairs.

"You don't trust them, do you?" Achilles quietly guessed, who leaned on the wall.

"I trust Roxy, Miyu, Herald and Yuhiro. As for Aoi and the others, I don't fully trust them to the same extent." Medusa quietly said.

"I'd be lying if I said I fully trusted Yusaku and the others. The ones Yuhiro, Roxy, Herald and Miyu also trust." Achilles quietly admitted. "But Yuhiro did ask us to keep them safe to the very end, no matter what happens in the future."

"I am aware of that, Achilles. My concern is who they choose to recruit for the coming fight, as there could be those intent on destroying Yuhiro. Like the Knights of Hanoi."

Achilles rolled his eyes. "If I may make a suggestion, why don't you talk to Aoi yourself to get her stance on things? You'd be surprised at hearing her answer."

"..." Medusa thought this over. What Achilles was suggesting had merit. For when Medusa first spoke to Aoi, she asked her if she was still Yuhiro's friend no matter what had passed. Not just that, but whether Aoi forgave Yuhiro for his mistakes or not. She could also speak to Yusaku and the others about their thoughts regarding Yuhiro, as well as to confirm whether they're truly intending to save him or not. "I see. A valid idea, Achilles."

"Glad I could help. Though I wonder about the Cyreath twins Herald made and their thoughts on what's happening right now. I mean, the fact they have to fight their dad soon is unsettling." Achilles let out a sad sigh. "Kids fighting their parents in hand-to-hand combat is something that should never happen."

"We're on the same page on that topic." Medusa agreed, as she and Achilles turned into particles, having left for the time being.

Elsewhere, a half hour later, at Green Park...

"Thank you." Roxy said to the taxi driver, as she exited the taxi before walking up the steps to Green Park. She walked over to the middle of the park and walked to the gazebo, where she sat at one of the benches nearby. After doing so, Roxy took out three cards from her pocket and pulled them out. Backup Secretary. Salamangreat Falco. Marincess Blue Tang. Speedroid Horse Stilts. And Super Express Bullet Train. When Roxy acquired the first four cards, it occurred to her that perhaps it would be a good idea for Brea to get some new cards of her own. After all, a duelist was never stagnant. A duelist always sought to improve their strategies in order to become stronger with each duel. If this worked out, then Yusaku and the others would get stronger as duelists, thus allowing them to put an end to this madness for good.

After some time passed, Roxy turned and saw a limo pull up near the entrance, which dropped Akira and Hideki off before they walked over to the gazebo.

"About time the both of you showed up. It's rude to make a lady wait, you know." Roxy pointed out the obvious.

"I had to take care of some matters at SOL Technologies, Roxy. With what's recently happened, I needed to assist in getting some company dynamics in order." Akira explained.

"Well, both of us had to take care of some matters, Akira. The two of us had plenty of stuff on our plates." Hideki clarified, as Roxy shook his hand before shaking Akira's hand.

"Nevertheless, thank you both for taking the time to meet me here today. As evident by our call, we have business to discuss."

"Yes. According to your call, you said that Playmaker and his allies need new cards for their decks. While I'm more than happy to help, I'll need a card from their decks as a base so I know what I'm dealing with." Hideki reminded Roxy, as she took out the five cards and handed them over to him. "Ah, perfect. This should do."

"You also wanted to discuss with us what happened last night regarding Yuhiro, along with Aoi successfully saving Playmaker and Numera." Akira added, which made Hideki turn to him.

"Yuhiro? What's going on with him? Is everything okay?"

Roxy gestured the two men to follow her to a picnic table nearby, which they did before sitting down at the benches. "Akira and I already know what's been recently happening, but it's only fair for you to know as well, Hideki. However, you need to swear you won't tell anyone else, for the last thing we need is for anyone else to get involved."

"Indeed. If SOL Technologies and/or the Knights of Hanoi got involved, it'd only get messier." Hideki nodded in agreement, knowing that this matter was very serious to the point that secrecy was needed.

"Then buckle up, Hideki. Because there's a lot of information you need to know." Roxy then proceeded to tell Hideki about what happened to Yuhiro, and how he got injured by the Shadow before succumbing to its corruption. How the Shadow used Yuhiro in murdering numerous groups of individuals, along with him admitting to the deeds prior to his duel against Playmaker. How that same Shadow used Yuhiro as a catalyst in order to kidnap Rachel, which led to Aoi and the others logging into the network to rescue her. How despite all of Playmaker's efforts, he lost against a corrupted Yuhiro in the end and was captured by the latter. Last but not least, Roxy told Hideki about how Yuhiro kidnapped Rachel following his attack at Café Matsuo, which wasn't too badly damaged as much as she feared. But moving that aside, she told Hideki how Aoi risked her life to rescue both Yusaku and Rachel from captivity.

"I had not believed Tsubaki's concerns on Yuhiro until now." Hideki commented, as he processed this information.

Roxy crossed her arms, having raised an eyebrow at Hideki upon hearing that comment. "What do you mean by that comment, Hideki? Because there was no way she would know this information."

"I'm not saying she knows specifically what's going on. She did, however, share her concerns with me yesterday based on the warning Emon Uchida, who we all know as Infearno, gave her when he was at the Den City Shelter."

"Infearno was at the Den City Shelter?" both Akira and Roxy questioned at the same time.

"Believe it or not, yes. Apparently, Emon came to the Den City Shelter yesterday to bequeath his remaining assets both to it and to the orphanage." Hideki explained. "According to Tsubaki, Emon also arrived to warn both her and Stregone about the threat Yuhiro posed as an individual. He even recommended that they strengthen their decks should such a time occur before leaving."

"I see. So that's how Tsubaki is aware of this information." Akira said.

Hideki looked at the five cards he was given. "I will need a few hours in order to make a few cards for Playmaker and his allies to use. On that topic, I do have something to share with the both of you."

"Oh? What would that be?" Roxy inquired, which made Hideki sigh.

"I spoke about this with Akira a few days ago, so it's only fair I bring you up to speed as well, Roxy. I'm resigning as SOL Technologies' lead card designer as of next week." Hideki announced, which made Roxy gasp upon hearing the announcement. As for Akira, he simply frowned.

"So you've decided to resign in the end, haven't you?" Akira figured out, which made Hideki nod in agreement.

"I know it's your decision, Hideki, but SOL Technologies needs ethical people like you to keep it intact. Otherwise…" Roxy began speaking.

"Unfortunately, I don't necessarily think I have a choice in this matter, Roxy." Hideki interjected. "Lately, there have been rumours about mass layoffs going around in the company in response to its troubles and losses. So rather than getting laid off, I'm leaving on my own terms. Regarding work moving forward, the two of you don't need to worry about me, as I'm in the process of starting up my own card-designing business."

Roxy nodded. "Ah, I see. So rather than risk being amongst the layoffs, you want to leave on a high note with your own power."

"Exactly. And Akira did point out a rather special benefit to me starting my own card-designing business. Along with the flexibility, I'd be able to work more closely with Playmaker and his allies."

The three of them let out a laugh, amused by what Hideki said. In a way, it made sense. By starting his own card-designing business, Hideki was now able to work closely with Playmaker and the others, as well as ensure his business was one they can trust. Who knows? Maybe Hideki could meet Playmaker in real life one day. Then again, the last thing he wanted was to push his luck, for his business was only starting up right now.

"Again, just give me a few hours and I'll have new cards ready. You want me to send them to the address for Café Matsuo, right?" Hideki inquired.

"Yeah, just send them to me, and I'll give them to Playmaker and the others." Roxy confirmed, as she and Hideki shook hands.

"I'll make sure that no one looks into the current situation at hand. The people at SOL Technologies are going through a lot right now, and the last thing they need is to contend with something that came from the network." Akira added, the others nodding in agreement to what he just said. If word came out that the Shadow came from the network, there'd be no end to the chaos to come. "Tell Aoi that I'm proud of her for what she's doing."

"I'll do that." Roxy replied, as the three of them stood up from the picnic benches before going their separate ways. I just hope that this is enough, she worriedly thought in her mind. We still need to look through our files to see if Yuhiro put in any notes that can help us defeat him. Herald also must have foreseen this coming, and he would have made something to ensure we'd win this battle. I mean, he obviously would have given recent events. Again, I hope all of this will be enough to put an end to this madness. Otherwise, we'll all lose.

A few hours later, in Herald's server….

Playmaker logged into Herald's server, having walked on the once, lush-green grass as he looked around the area. To his horror, he saw black blotches in different sections of the ground that pulsed red, along with the glowing cracks that spread out from them and onto the ground. What's more, instead of the sky being colored blue, it was now colored blood-red.

"Man, I can't believe the Shadow did this to Herald's server." Soulburner commented, as he and Slipstream also logged into it. Joining them seconds later was Numera and Blue Maiden, along with Tigress.

Blue Maiden gasped upon seeing the damage on World Gears, which appeared to be irreversible. "Oh, God..."

"It just goes to show how deadly this thing is. For if it can destroy an entire server and infect it, it can also tear into and destroy living beings." Numera observed, before turning to the others present. "The five of you have seen what the Shadow can do firsthand, along with the damage it can further cause if we can't eliminate it."

"Obviously. But we need a weapon that's just as powerful as Playmaker's Link 5 monster if we're able to fight against the Shadow." Tigress impulsively pointed out.

"Which means we'll have to make it ourselves. However, we need a sample of the Shadow if we're to even begin making it." Slipstream added.

"I think I may have something that can help us." Blue Maiden interjected, as she pressed a button on her duel disk, which caused the Black Key Watchman gave her to pop out of it.

"Watchman was able to use that to free me from the Shadow's captivity." Playmaker remembered. "It should be able to get us a sample of the Shadow for us to study from."

"In that case, I'll go get it." Blue Maiden volunteered, which made Playmaker narrow his eyes out of worry.

"You need not worry, Playmaker. My power will ensure she's safe." Numera assured Playmaker.

"Just be careful, okay, you two?" Playmaker asked, which led Numera and Blue Maiden to jump down from the slope and land on the ground below. Trekking carefully on the infected ground, Blue Maiden and Numera eventually found a black blotch that was small enough to not be a threat.

Numera raised her right palm in front of Blue Maiden, the former's eyes glowing a rainbow color as energy surrounded the latter in order to protect her. Once that was done, Blue Maiden quickly and stealthily trekked across the ground before slicing the blotch using the Black Key in her hand, a sample of it having attached itself to the blade. When that was done, Blue Maiden and Numera returned to where Playmaker and the others were, the blotch having been contained in an orb of data by Numera. "While we have the sample, it'd be wise to get a first-person account on what happened in this server."

"Medusa and Achilles have escaped from here when the Shadow attacked. Maybe we can ask them?" Blue Maiden suggested.

"Or we can ask the remaining sentient thing at the center of this server." Tigress countered, having gestured to World Gears ahead of them. "And has anyone seen Medusa and Achilles since they appeared to help us?"

Not one person answered Tigress's question. For they all assumed that the duo was silently guarding Café Matsuo should the place come under attack again. Plus, should anyone get attacked, then Medusa and Achilles would come to assist them. But ultimately, no one had seen Medusa and Achilles since the events of last night. There had to be a good reason why the duo wasn't helping them.

Numera's eyes glowed a rainbow color as she fired rainbow-colored energy at Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream and Tigress, which protected the four of them before they jumped onto the infected ground near Numera and Blue Maiden. The quartet quickly and stealthily trekked across the ground and headed towards where Numera and Blue Maiden were afterwards, where all of them looked ahead to see World Gears. There, the group saw that the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles not only seethed into World Gears, but was also guarding it as well to ward off any suspicious individuals aiming to free it from captivity.

"Of course the remaining sentient thing in his server has to be in captivity. How exactly are we supposed to free it? We only have one Black Key in our arsenal, and I doubt any program we have will be able to free it." Slipstream pointed out.

"Then we need to simply get to it in order to acquire answers. We can use the avatar enhancement program Kusanagi gave us to get through the blockade." Playmaker told Slipstream.

"Along with my powers, we should be able to avoid any traps the Shadow put on the place. We can walk and talk along the way, for I have some information about the Shadow to share with you all." Numera added, as the rainbow-colored energy surrounded her, Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Tigress, and Blue Maiden. To ensure they were further safe, all six individuals activated the avatar enhancement program by pressing a button on their duel disk, which enhanced their avatars in a temporary, translucent coating. Once that was done, the group stealthily trekked across the corrupted land, with Blue Maiden using the Black Key in her hand to cut down any shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles that were in their way. She wasn't the only one, as Playmaker used Decode Sword and Soulburner used the curved blades resembling that of Heatleo's claws to do the same. "Raguel's attack on Café Matsuo was his second attempt at kidnapping me, to which all of you know that he succeeded in doing so before you freed me from his grasp. He attempted to kidnap me back at Central Japan after murdering Balius."

"Hang on a minute. Raguel somehow travelled to Central Japan and back again? Such a thing should be impossible." Soulburner commented.

"But it answers several questions, Soulburner. Such as where Raguel went to on the night he was infected by the Shadow, along with how he managed to murder Balius in the first place." Playmaker told Soulburner. "He most likely used Excalibur to go to Central Japan and back again."

"You know, we don't have to keep calling that creature Raguel's infected by the Shadow. For according to Jericho, he called it a Cursed Boundary Layer. So we should probably use that name moving forward."

"When Raguel tried to kidnap me back in Central Japan, I didn't just see him succeeding in kidnapping me. I also saw brief visions of the Cursed Boundary Layer being used on other types of creatures from different worlds." Numera continued, which shocked the others present.

"Hang on a minute. You're saying that the Cursed Boundary Layer was used on other worlds before Earth? Worlds that are in the network? Other species had to suffer at its hands?!" Blue Maiden questioned.

"The Cursed Boundary Layer used here was among many of its kind unleashed to weaken worlds, but to answer your question, yes." Numera confirmed, knowing what she saw upon being attacked by Raguel back at Central Japan.

"Wait a minute." Slipstream said, as he began pondering over each piece of information. From the Cursed Boundary Layer draining the life out of people or straight up murdering them, to it infecting Raguel before corrupting him, and Jericho attacking the group while the duel between Raguel and Playmaker occurred, Slipstream processed them until something clicked in his mind. "Holy shit, I got it!"

"Got what, exactly?" Playmaker asked.

"Jericho's strategy. It's simple, yet so effective." Slipstream responded. "Given how the Cursed Boundary Layer's been used on other worlds previously, it's like a parasite in how it infects one person before weakening the world by using its host to acquire mass amounts of energy from the living beings there. After gathering its strength inside the host, it would then take over completely and spread out in order to claim more territory, thus weakening the world as a result from the inside out."

"Wow. That's... brilliant," was all Tigress could say after hearing that explanation. Once again, the idiot she met in the network surprised her once again. For that, Tigress was impressed, but also shocked at the same time. She wasn't the only one shocked, as the others were appalled by what Slipstream said. If what Slipstream was saying was ultimately true, then this situation would be even more catastrophic should they fail to stop Raguel in time.

Numera thought this information over, having understood what Slipstream said. "I see..." She gathered her thoughts before continuing to talk. "As you all know by now, Project: VIII was launched by three humans in order to reach the Root of All Knowledge and ensure humanity's survival. Two sub-projects were also launched to ensure Project: VIII's success."

"One bent on creating unique AIs with free will..." Playmaker began speaking.

"The other preparing a chosen human to become the Construct." Soulburner finished.

"Correct. Thanks to those sub-projects, they led to what we know today as the Lost Incident and Project: Apotheosis." Numera stopped walking and turned around, which made the others stop walking as well. "Now then. There's some more information you all need to know based on both what we currently know and what we've recently learned."

"If it's about saving Raguel, then please tell us, Numera. Any piece of information, even a little bit, can lead to victory." Blue Maiden requested.

"Greg told me the name of the person who attacked us in the network, who we all know by now as Jericho-."

"The same person who not only murdered the other Ignis, but is also responsible for unleashing the Cursed Boundary Layer on Earth in the first place." Soulburner interrupted, before realizing what he did just now. This was evident by the glares Soulburner received from Playmaker, Blue Maiden, Slipstream, Tigress and Blue Maiden. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Please continue, Numera."

"Given how Jericho came from a different area in the network, it seems he serves someone there who craves the Root of All Knowledge. I am certain that Jericho's master is one of the three men who started Project: VIII in the first place." Numera hypothesized. "As a result, he sent Jericho to weaken each world from the inside out in order to find and seize the Root of All Knowledge, thus resulting in the destruction of numerous groups of species in his amoral quest to do so."

"And given Jericho attacking us, it seems he realized that Earth's the planet that contains what his master's looking for, and is desperate to get it done as soon as possible." Tigress angrily realized.

"At least we know who Jericho's master is." Slipstream commented.

"Ukyos Albinor, one of the three men who started Project: VIII, now going by Urizen." Playmaker said.

"If we don't stop Raguel, then Urizen will invade Earth, and who knows what will happen to us." Soulburner stated.

"That is why we need to create a weapon in order to match the Cursed Boundary Layer's power. Thus, getting information from World Gears will help us understand not just what happened here, but to also figure out what else is needed for the weapon as well." Numera summed up, as the group continued stealthily trekking across the corrupted land in order to reach World Gears. Eventually, they reached World Gears, only for the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles to lash out and attempt to eradicate the group.

"Look out!" Blue Maiden cried out, as she grabbed Numera and rolled onto the ground in order to save her. Tigress fired an arrow from her crossbow while Slipstream threw numerous shurikens to cut the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles down. As for Playmaker and Soulburner, the former used Decode Sword to quickly destroy some of the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles, while the latter pulled out his bow and a set of arrows resembling Emerald Eagle before firing them at other shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles nearby, destroying them in the process.

Having had enough, Numera's eyes glowed a rainbow-like color as she fired a blast of rainbow energy at the remaining shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles, destroying them for good. The blast even destroyed the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles seeping into World Gears as well, freeing it from captivity. As if on cue, a bridge formed between the land and some distance away from World Gears, which enabled the group to walk on it.

"Thank you all for delivering me from the foul pain this Shadow brought onto me." World Gears stated. "Playmaker. Soulburner. Slipstream. Origins of Ai, Flame and Windy. So the three of you have returned. It seems the three of you have brought someone who wields the deck Aqua made for her Origin. As for the other two girls, I'm intrigued on who they are."

"Uh, hello Mr. Giant Core, I'm Tigress. Look, I know that I'm not someone who has an Ignis, but I am one of Playmaker's and Raguel's allies one hundred percent. You have my word." Tigress assured World Gears.

"Intriguing. As for the other girl, I sense energy from the Cyberse world intertwined into her body. I have never seen such a thing before."

"My name is Numera, and I'm the human that was made a Construct as a result of Project: Apotheosis." Numera introduced herself to World Gears. "We've come to ask not just what happened here, but to request your assistance in saving Raguel from the Cursed Boundary Layer."

"I can show you all what happened so you have an understanding of what transpired here." World Gears offered, the others nodding in agreement as it glowed with energy. Soon, the land turned into a holographic display, where it showed previous events. Specifically, the battle between the Cyreath monsters and the Cursed Boundary Layer, along with their attempts to protect World Gears from its wrath. Despite the Cyreath monsters' best efforts in trying to stop the Cursed Boundary Layer, it was all for naught, as a great majority of the group was eventually overwhelmed before being absorbed them. To Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Numera, Tigress and Blue Maiden's surprise, they saw Alastor jumping into the fight in order to help stop the Cursed Boundary Layer. The group couldn't believe that one of Raguel's corrupted duel monsters came to his senses before joining the fight. As a result of Alastor's assistance, he was able to buy time for Medusa and Achilles to escape from Herald's server. To further ensure this, World Gears also provided a spark of its own energy to the duo, allowing them to successfully escape. Pandora also tried to kill Medusa and Achilles, only for her efforts to fail once the duo escaped. The simulation then ended with the Cursed Boundary Layer eroding Herald's world upon destroying the last of World Gears' defenses.

"Oh, my God.." Blue Maiden muttered, having covered her mouth with her hands as the simulation finished.

"Due to the Cursed Boundary Layer infecting Raguel, it was able to somehow enter Herald's server and erode it." Soulburner surmised.

"Perhaps the destruction of Herald's server was the final push Jericho needed to make Raguel snap." Playmaker theorized.

"Very likely theories." Numera commented, as she turned back to World Gears. "Is there any other information you can give us?"

"Yeah, like why Medusa and Achilles didn't tell us all of this when they appeared?" Tigress inquired.

"Medusa and Achilles had to remain in hiding temporarily, or else Raguel would have detected their presence and had them absorbed using the Cursed Boundary Layer. That is why they didn't tell you. After all, as requested by Raguel, their priority was to keep you safe." World Gears answered. "But moving that aside, Herald left you all a message."

"A message?" Slipstream repeated, as World Gears glowed with energy. Soon, a holographic image of Herald appeared in front of the group.

"If you're listening to this message, it means we've won against Lightning, Bohman and Azrael. However, it came at a great cost. For due to us winning the war, Raguel snapped and succumbed to his grief and despair." Herald began speaking to the group. "I had a nightmarish vision of the future, where it showed Raguel damaging the world beyond repair. Having learned this, I told Raguel about it, but only partially so that he'd be motivated to use his willpower in staying intact, selfless and kind no matter what happens next. Still, I needed to prepare should the worst-case scenario occur. That's why I called Ai, Flame and Aqua before telling them about what I saw, as well as get their help in creating a contingency to stop Raguel should he become our enemy down the road."

Another holographic image appeared beside the image of Herald, which showed an iridescent-colored, jagged dagger with a black hilt. At the end of the hilt was a golden ornament with a red jewel on it, while on the sides near the blade each had a ribbon with golden outlines.

"Behold, the dagger called Rule Breaker. I will admit that playing a lot of Fate/Grand Order and using Medea for a bit had inspired me to create this weapon. But moving that aside, the dagger has the energies of five out of the eight Ignis. Mine, Ai's, Flame's, Aqua's and Earth's energy. It should be enough to eradicate the Shadow seeped into Raguel's body. However, for this to work, Raguel must be severely weakened so you have the opportunity to stab him with it. Thus, defeating him in combat and/or a duel should help with this."

"I can't believe Herald actually got inspiration from Fate/Grand Order to create such a weapon." Slipstream said, only for Tigress to punch him on the shoulder seconds later. "Ow..."

"Quiet, Slipstream! Herald's talking!" Tigress quietly scolded Slipstream.

"I've also created some cards to ensure you can catch Raguel off guard and ultimately defeat him in the end." Herald continued, as a few holographic cards appeared beside him. "While two of the cards are 'Cyreath' Pendulum cards, they also support general Cyberse monsters as well. One card allows you to Pendulum Summon Cyberse monsters from the Graveyard if you control no monsters in the Main Monster Zones, while the other allows you to Special Summon monsters from the opponent's Graveyard to Main Monster Zones a Cyberse Link monster points to in exchange for negating their effects and forbidding them from attacking for the turn."

Herald pointed to another card nearby him. "This one right here was created using inspiration from the Rho Aias, the shield used by Aias the Great during the Trojan War. While it primarily supports Cyreath monsters, it also supports Cyberse monsters as well if needed. Last but not least, it has an effect that can catch anyone off guard. As for the rest of the cards, let's just say they'll also help in both enhancing your decks and putting an end to Raguel's madness. To access these weapons, I put them deep inside World Gears so that they cannot be touched. Only by guessing the right password will you be able to access them."

"Ai told me that Herald wished to speak with him the night before he went into Mirror LINK VRAINS, which was why he wasn't in my duel disk." Playmaker recalled.

"Same with Flame. He mentioned to me that Herald wished to speak with him, Aqua and Ai about something very urgent. This was what Flame was talking about." Soulburner realized.

"I beg you all right now: Please save Raguel. Despite everything that's happened, there's still traces of his good self within him. Ones that can never be truly destroyed." Herald pleaded. "Use what I made to not just stop Raguel's plans, but to free him from this curse as well. I wish you all good luck. I'm counting on each and every one of you." With that, Herald's message ended.

"Raguel wasn't the only one who foresaw this situation occurring. Herald also made preparations so that we can stop Raguel before there's irreparable damage." Slipstream said, as he and the others turned to face World Gears.

"So what's the password to get the weapons Herald made? Surely, it has to be something we're overlooking." Tigress stated.

"I think it may have something to do with the Lost Incident." Playmaker answered, as he thought over what the password could be in order to access the weapons Herald made for them. Eight victims led to the creation of eight Ignis' with different attributes, which meant each Ignis would have some form of identification on it. Playmaker suddenly gasped after remembering a conversation he had with Revolver over three months prior. Specifically, during the battle at the Tower of Hanoi.

"Five years before you arrived on the scene, I was mere moments away from capturing that Ignis. And since that program is staring right back at my face, you know that I failed. But not entirely. I was able to capture most of its data. Data that I personally processed and analyzed. And here's what I found to be quite interesting: None of the data contained its memory files. All of its memories are inside that Ignis."

"Do you want to know why, Playmaker? That Ignis's code ID is IGN006, meaning it was created based off of the sixth test subject."

"You okay, Playmaker? You look like you've seen a ghost." Soulburner said.

"I figured it out." Playmaker told Soulburner and the others, as the former turned to face World Gears. "IGN007."

"That is correct." World Gears confirmed, as the cards and Rule Breaker emerged out of it before floating over to Playmaker and the others.

"Nice one, Playmaker." Slipstream commented.

"With that, we have the weapons Herald gave us." Numera observed, as she gasped upon seeing Rule Breaker glow with more than one color. "Wait a minute. I can sense the energy of the other Ignis inside it."

"Obviously. Herald just said that his, Ai's, Flame's, Aqua's and Earth's energy are inside it." Tigress reminded Numera.

"It's not just them. Energies belonging to the Wind, Light and Space Ignis are also there."

That comment made everyone else gasp upon hearing Numera's announcement.

"How exactly are the energies of Windy, Lightning and Wraith inside Rule Breaker?" Blue Maiden questioned.

"I believe I may have an answer." Playmaker spoke up. "When Ai went into Bohman to try and rescue the other Ignis, they gave him their energy in order to create Firewall Dragon Darkfluid. We also know that Ai indirectly got Wraith's algorithm upon speaking with him as well. Therefore, following the war, Ai may have sent Windy's and Lightning's algorithm to further energize Rule Breaker, but at the time of creating it with Herald, he unknowingly put in Wraith's algorithm inside as well."

"Thus making Herald's contingency ever more stronger." Blue Maiden thought this over. If any of us stabs Raguel with Rule Breaker, it should be able to free him from the Cursed Boundary Layer, she thought in her mind. Last time, we weren't prepared. This time, however, we will stop Raguel.

"We still need to create a weapon to match the Cursed Boundary Layer's power. Otherwise, we can't use Rule Breaker on Raguel to free him." Soulburner reminded the others.

"Show me the card called Firewall Dragon Darkfluid." World Gears requested, which led Playmaker to take the card out before showing it to the former. It took a few moments for World Gears to scan the card, the process finishing seconds later. "Ah. A Link 5 Cyberse monster. Never had I expected to see such a powerful Cyberse creature in existence. Its power, combined with the algorithms of the eight Ignis, will give you the edge needed to overcome this conflict. I will provide you with a private area in the server so you can craft the weapon, along with a spark of my energy if needed."

"Thank you very much, World Gears." Slipstream said, before turning to the others. "Now that we've acquired more information on what happened, along with this sample of the Cursed Boundary Layer, we can begin creating the weapon so-."

Suddenly, Playmaker's duel disk began beeping, which caused him to press it. "Is everything okay, Kusanagi?"

"No, Yusaku! We have a major problem on our hands!" Kusanagi exclaimed. "You might want to see this."

Seconds later, a screen then popped out of Playmaker's duel disk, which showed a digital version of a red polyhedron that was completely empty.

"Impossible…" Playmaker muttered.

"Playmaker, what's going-?" Slipstream began speaking, before letting out a gasp. "Oh crap, oh, crap, oh crap."

Soulburner's eyes widened out of shock after seeing the screen. "Our control over the portion of the Tower of Hanoi…"

"Was stolen." Blue Maiden finished, who was also shocked with what she was seeing.

"You guys used the Tower of Hanoi? The same one that tried to destroy the network all those months ago?" Tigress angrily questioned.

"We used it to find out where Lightning was in the network." Slipstream quickly explained to Tigress. "At the time, Revolver split control of the Tower of Hanoi's program to us, Ghost Girl and Watchman to reduce the chances of it being turned into a weapon again. Given what's going on, I honestly doubt the Hanoi were the ones who did this."

"Which means there's only one person who'd do such a thing. Raguel." Numera figured out, the others nodding in agreement. They never thought Raguel would be so desperate that he'd seize control of the Tower of Hanoi in order to find the Root of All Knowledge. Before anyone else can say anything, Playmaker's duel disk beeped once again, which led to him clicking a button on his duel disk. Soon, a digital screen appeared that showed a familiar face.

"Revolver…" Playmaker said.

"Hello, Playmaker. We need to talk. It's very urgent." Revolver spoke on the other end. "Meet me at the same place we spoke at prior to going into Mirror LINK VRAINS. Do not waste any time, as it can cost you important knowledge." With that, the call immediately ended.

"Great, now Revolver wants to meet with us? I bet he wants to not only taunt us for failing to prevent Raguel from becoming our enemy, but request another team up as well." Soulburner angrily stated.

"You may be right on the second thing, Soulburner, but I honestly doubt Revolver would taunt us at a time like this." Slipstream told Soulburner.

"We won't know what Revolver wants until we meet him." Numera pointed out.

"I will take you to the place the Hanoi wishes to meet you all at." World Gears said. "However, I warn you all to tread very carefully. The Knights of Hanoi aren't ones to be trusted."

"Rest assured, World Gears. We won't let our guard down." Blue Maiden promised, before she, Numera, Tigress, Playmaker, Soulburner and Slipstream felt themselves surrounded in white auras as they were immediately teleported out of Herald's server seconds later.

Several minutes later, in LINK VRAINS….

The six duelists suddenly appeared on the island they met Revolver at weeks ago, having successfully been transported by World Gears in the process.

"This is the island you met with the Hanoi several weeks ago, right?" Tigress asked, as she got her bearings.

"The one and the same." Slipstream answered, having helped Tigress stand up on her feet.

Playmaker got up on his feet and turned to look at Soulburner, a look of frustration evident on the latter's face. "Soulburner, I know you don't want to team up with the Hanoi, but since Raguel has the Tower of Hanoi in his hands, it makes this problem just as much theirs as it is ours."

"I know that, Playmaker. I just wish we didn't have to work with the Hanoi in stopping Raguel. They're hellbent on eliminating him." Soulburner pointed out, which made Playmaker frown in agreement as the former got up on his feet.

"If it's any consolation, we know Revolver's real-world identity, so we can leak it to the real world should he try anything suspicious." Blue Maiden reminded Soulburner, as she got up on her feet.

"But nevertheless, we'd have to talk with the Hanoi at one point. For like Playmaker said, now that Raguel's managed to seize control of the Tower of Hanoi, it makes this problem the Hanoi's as well." Numera firmly commented, having managed to stand up on her feet with Blue Maiden's assistance. Suddenly, everyone noticed a light shimmer above them. Within a few seconds, the light went downwards, with some light going upwards as well until it was connected, forming into a cage in the process.

"It's a trap!" Tigress exclaimed, as she readied her crossbow at whoever was responsible for setting it up.

"It's no trap. Rather, it's a program that will prevent anyone from listening to our conversation," a voice explained, as a portal opened some distance away, with Revolver and Lord Kazuma stepping out of it before it closed behind him.

"Greetings, everyone!" Lord Kazuma greeted Playmaker and the others.

"Revolver…" Playmaker muttered.

"And Lord Kazuma." Slipstream said as well.

"If you're here to warn us that Raguel seized control of the Tower of Hanoi, then you don't have to. We already know." Soulburner commented.

"Ah, so you already know this information. Excellent. Then let me cut to the chase and go to why I wanted to meet with you. Given how Raguel's snapped and became our enemy, we need to join forces and stop him before things get further out of hand, especially after what he's done to us very recently." Revolver summed up.

Soulburner crossed his arms. "What do you mean by that, Revolver?"

"Simple. Last night, Raguel sent a data clone of himself to attack us before delivering us Arshad's blood in order to pay the blood debt on his brother's behalf."

"Hang on a minute. You're saying Watchman's dead?" Blue Maiden questioned. If she was being honest, a part of her was hoping that he'd die for his actions. However, if Blue Maiden continued that way of thinking, it'd take her down a slippery slope that can't be climbed out of.

"You mean that same old man who came to our aid when Raguel attacked us actually died in combat?" Tigress also asked, surprised with this information.

"As evident by the numerous blood bags Raguel's data clone gave us last night, obviously." Lord Kazuma answered before Revolver could confirm this information. Instead, he turned over to Tigress, having saw that she was here in the meeting.

"Ah, so you're Tigress. The Knights of Hanoi were wise to keep an eye on you out of all the Rickety Raiders. After all, you've had the most interaction with Playmaker and his allies." Revolver observed.

"You'd be a fool to underestimate me, Revolver. I may not be a Knight of Hanoi or have an Ignis, but I can hold myself quite well as a duelist." Tigress warned Revolver.

"While we appreciate you telling us that Watchman's dead, Revolver, we're perfectly capable of dealing with this ourselves." Slipstream told Revolver.

"Really, now? If that's the case, why haven't you stopped Raguel yet? Did you find out that he snapped just now and are preparing to take action? Or did you let things play out in the hopes that your friend wouldn't fall into despair?" Revolver taunted, before letting out a gasp. "Unless…"

"Unless, what? Come on, Revolver. Don't leave us in suspense." Lord Kazuma stated.

"Unless they confronted Raguel and were forced to retreat." Revolver realized, having made a fist with his right hand. "Which means…" He then dashed forward so fast that Playmaker couldn't see him coming. Within seconds, Revolver punched Playmaker in the gut with such force that he was pushed back several feet, much to everyone else's surprise.

"Playmaker!" Blue Maiden said out of concern, as she went over to help him regain his balance. Tigress armed her crossbow while Slipstream pulled out his shurikens, the two of them ready to defend Playmaker for what Revolver did just now.

"You lost against Raguel, Playmaker?! You, the duelist whose strength rivals that of my own, actually lost against your former ally?!" Revolver accused Playmaker, who didn't bother responding upon hearing the accusation. Thus confirming Revolver's suspicions as a result. "I expected you to retain your pride as the strongest duelist. Yet even at your full power, you couldn't defeat Raguel?! How disgraceful." Revolver then walked over to Playmaker in order to deliver another beatdown as punishment for losing against Raguel. However, Soulburner stood in Revolver's way as a curved blade resembling that of Heatleo's claws appeared in the former's left hand.

"Take one more step, and you're not gonna like how this ends." Soulburner warned Revolver, disgusted with what the latter did to Playmaker.

Revolver narrowed his eyes back at Soulburner. "Really. And how do you intend to stop me?"

"Look into my eyes. You tell me." As if on cue, a fiery aura surrounded Soulburner's entire body, which actually caught Revolver off guard upon seeing it, thus forcing him to take a step or two back out of shock.

"May that loss motivate you to become stronger, Playmaker. That way, such a scenario never happens again." Revolver warned Playmaker, disgust evident in the former's tone.

"Alright, Revolver. You made your point. Let's settle down before we get ourselves into a fire fight here." Lord Kazuma told Revolver, who stood down at the former's request.

"If you're done lashing out, we need to go back on topic." Numera interrupted. "You say you want to team up with us, yet compared to us, you don't have anything to put on the table."

"We do have something, Numera. One thing that Raguel doesn't have." Revolver replied, as he pressed a button on his duel disk. Soon, a small box with a red skull, buttons on the sides, an adjustable antenna on the top and a USB port hovered above Revolver's right palm.

"A USB stick? While it's a unique one, don't tell me the Tower of Hanoi has a USB port on it." Soulburner commented.

"It may appear to be a USB stick, but it actually is not, Soulburner. The Knights of Hanoi created this piece of technology in the event the Ignis or anyone seizes control of the Tower of Hanoi. We also deleted all pieces of information regarding this gadget from our servers so that we'd not only have a copy in the event our data was stolen, our enemies wouldn't be able to replicate it as well. To put it simply, Raguel doesn't know about its existence, which gives us an advantage." Revolver turned to Playmaker. "Do you remember the area World Gears was in just moments to the Tower being activated following my victory against Ghost Girl?"

"I do." Playmaker confirmed. "Where are you getting with this?"

Revolver crossed his arms. "It's simple. Down beneath the Tower of Hanoi is an area just underneath it. In that area contains the Tower's essence, its source code if you will. Upon activation, this gadget will emit a transmitter wave eradicating it completely, which will cause its destruction from the inside out. The only issue is that whoever's holding the gadget has to be in close proximity to the source code in order for it to work."

"That must be where Raguel's camped out at." Tigress hypothesized.

"Exactly. Unfortunately, it's very likely that Raguel would have set up defenses in order to drive off anyone who dares to get in his way. One defense being that wretched Shadow." Revolver frowned after finishing his explanation. "Now that we shared what we put down on the table, I want to know what you have to offer us for this alliance."

"It's simple. We plan on creating a weapon to match the Cursed Boundary Layer's strength using two things. One being the algorithms of the eight Ignis, and the other being Playmaker's strongest monster." Numera answered. None of them would tell Revolver about Herald's contingency, as otherwise, Revolver would shut it down immediately. Besides, it was better to have an unknown advantage up your sleeve in order to stay one step ahead of your enemies.

"I'm to assume that Playmaker's strongest monster is a Link 5 monster, am I correct?" Revolver guessed, which made the others gasp, except for Lord Kazuma.

"How do you know that?" Playmaker questioned.

"The other Knights of Hanoi filled me in on what happened while I was unconscious following my duel against the Light Ignis. I must say, Playmaker. I'm impressed you were able to get a monster of that caliber, but know I'll get one of my own soon with the data we have on hand." Revolver turned to Numera. "How long do you need to create this weapon you speak of?"

"A couple of hours tops." Numera responded. "And just so you know, I won't be participating in this plan any further other than helping to create the weapon."

Revolver thought this over for a few seconds before speaking. "Excellent. In that case, we will meet here at nightfall before launching our attack."

"Our attack?" Soulburner repeated.

"Correct. Except for Numera, the rest of you and Lord Kazuma will battle against Raguel's army of data clones while I go in and duel the real one." Revolver explained. "Using the weapon, I will destroy Raguel's defenses and permanently destroy the Tower of Hanoi before putting him down for good."

"You're actually planning on murdering Raguel?!" Tigress demanded, a horrified expression evident on her face. She wasn't the only one horrified, as there were horrified expressions on Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Numera and Blue Maiden as well.

"If you do this, you'll be no better than Azrael, if not worse." Playmaker angrily warned Revolver.

"The Knights of Hanoi have some responsibility for turning Yuhiro into a monster. Not only will murdering Yuhiro keep humanity safe, it'll also be a part of the Hanoi's atonement in the process. What's more, we'll be freeing Yuhiro from the pain he's in right now." Revolver tried to justify his explanation to everyone else present.

"No one's murdering Yuhiro, Revolver. Because I'll be the one to save him." Blue Maiden interjected. "With the deck Aqua gave me, the one that originally belonged to Miyu, I will be the one to free him from this madness." Hearing that response caused Lord Kazuma to laugh out loud.

"Seriously? You think the power of friendship and bonds is going to save Raguel?" Lord Kazuma questioned. "Listen very carefully, Blue Maiden. Raguel's a threat to humanity, and as long as he's around, there's the chance he'll cause further damage to the point that it becomes irreparable. We can't afford to take that chance."

"What Lord Kazuma is saying is both logical and realistic, Blue Maiden. Since Raguel's infected by that Shadow, he'll only end up bringing more pain and suffering onto humans like a rampant virus. Only by killing him will we be able to ensure humanity's safety." Revolver argued.

"Are you freaking kidding me right now, Revolver?! You talk about humanity's safety, but the self-righteousness you and the other Hanoi members preach is why Raguel snapped in the first place!" Slipstream scolded Revolver, the former having made a fist with his right hand. "Raguel had hope you guys would change, but your words ended up destroying his faith."

"Faith doesn't solve problems, Slipstream. It never has, and it never will."

Slipstream grit his teeth in anger, having no choice but to resort to his ace in the hole. "In that case, you give me no choice, Revolver. You remember how I saved your mother's life by defeating Windy before returning her consciousness to the real world? And upon learning about it, you thanked me back in the real world for that good deed? What was it that you said? Oh, yes. You said you owed me a debt of gratitude."

"You wouldn't dare…" Revolver hissed.

"Actually, I do dare, Revolver." Slipstream countered. "You said that you owed me a debt of gratitude, and that type of debt is always repaid. So here's my terms: You and the Knights of Hanoi will leave Raguel alone when this is all over. You will never hunt him again neither in the real world nor in the network. What's more, you're forbidden from killing Raguel now and after our battle. Do you understand me?"

"Are you that foolish enough to invoke it now of all times, Slipstream? Out of all of us, the Knights of Hanoi and I are the only ones willing to make the sacrifices needed to save humanity."

"If that were the case, then you would have ended Jin's life to stop Lightning back in your duel against him." Playmaker interjected, which got Revolver's attention. "When Lightning used Jin as a hostage, you could have proceeded with your final attack, but you ultimately chose not to. The fact you didn't kill Jin tells me that you still care about people. Not just you and your comrades, but for others as well. To put it simply, you have a stronger sense of humanity than before. Don't throw it all away for the sake of your mission, or else you'll forever lose yourself."

Revolver thought all of this over before letting out a sigh. What Playmaker said was true. His sense of humanity became stronger following the events at the Tower of Hanoi. That sense of humanity was what led him to provide a safe haven to those that were affected by both the Turf War and the attacks launched by Azrael. This included the employees that were formerly at Uchida Industries, as they were caught in the crossfire. In addition, that sense of humanity was what led Revolver to end his turn rather than attack Lightning and win the duel, as the latter had both Jin and Specter's consciousness data held hostage.

"Revolver, if you do this-." Lord Kazuma began speaking.

"Stand down, Lord Kazuma. Don't you see? I owe him for saving my mother's life." Revolver replied, as he walked towards Slipstream before offering him a hand. "Once I fulfil this debt, then the slate will be evened. I won't owe you anything else. Do you understand?"

"I do." Slipstream simply confirmed, as the two of them shook hands. However, the moment of silence was interrupted when they heard Tigress laugh loudly.

"Really? The Knight of Hanoi beside you actually named their avatar after a perverted anime character? That is so ridiculous." Tigress commented. "I can't believe you even allowed them to do such a thing."

"Quiet, little girl! I'll show you a pain beyond suffering for mocking me!" Lord Kazuma growled.

"Stand down, Lord Kazuma." Revolver repeated, which made Lord Kazuma back down at the former's order. When that was done, he turned to Blue Maiden. "Regarding your comment on you being the one to duel Raguel, the probability of you encountering the real him in the network is low compared to encountering a data clone he created."

"But the odds are the same for all of us, not just for her." Soulburner reminded Revolver.

"That's true, which is why I suggest this: As we're going to be entering into a chaotic war zone with defenses Raguel set up, whoever ends up either reaching the area containing the Tower's source code or finding the real Raguel first will be the one to duel him. Simple as that. After all, it'd be unwise to put all of our eggs in one basket, don't you agree?"

The others nodded in agreement after hearing Revolver's counterpoint. He was right about one thing: Raguel would have certainly set up defenses to guard the Tower of Hanoi, along with the area containing its source code. With the data clone army Raguel made, that meant it led to chance on whether the group could find the real Raguel in the chaos. Even though there was a great chance that the real Raguel would stay behind and guard the area himself while his clones battled at the front lines, there was also a chance he'd lead them to battle himself. Thus, both probabilities were very likely. Soon, a portal opened behind Revolver and Lord Kazuma, which indicated that the meeting was coming to an end.

"Well, it looks like we have to go. Given how you've hyped up this superweapon you guys plan on making, I really hope it's ready by nightfall." Lord Kazuma said.

"Lord Kazuma is right. If you manage to create this weapon you speak of, our chances of stopping Raguel will massively increase. Do not disappoint me." Revolver warned the group, as he and Lord Kazuma entered into the portal before it closed behind the duo, the meeting having concluded in the process.

"Damn, Slipstream. I can't believe you managed to make Revolver promise not to kill Raguel like that." Blue Maiden commented.

"Revolver approached us in the real world following the battle in Mirror LINK VRAINS. He said he owed both Slipstream and Soulburner debts of gratitude for indirectly avenging the Hanoi, along with saving Demeter." Playmaker explained.

"Let us leave and begin making the weapon, as we need to be ready by nightfall in order to fight against the Cursed Boundary Layer." Numera suggested, the other duelists nodding in agreement as they all logged out seconds later.

Several minutes later, in the real world, at Café Matsuo...

Aoi wobbled out of the closed-off space, a tired expression evident on her face. She would have fallen over had Miyu not ran to catch her at the last minute.

"Easy there, Aoi. You've been in the network for a bit." Miyu told Aoi, as she helped Aoi walk to the backroom and ensure the latter sat down on a chair.

"Were you able to find any clues Yuhiro left behind in the files? And has Roxy come back yet?" Aoi asked both questions.

"I did find something regrading Yuhiro. As for auntie, she's supposed to be back soon." Miyu answered both questions at the same time before typing something on the digital keyboard. "I found this." She pressed a button on the digital keyboard, which caused Yuhiro's profile to pop up on the screen. However, a part of it was highlighted, which looked like this:

URGENT NOTE: Yuhiro's no longer himself. For the past few days, he's been having nightmares. Ones that have been injuring him both physically and mentally. Ex. Wounds appeared on his body during one of the nightmares, and he was trapped in one of them until Roxy and Miyu calmed him down. Along with the new cards Yuhiro made and recent events, he's losing himself with each and every day that passes.

As such, if Yuhiro should fall into his despair, then the people in his life must do everything they can to stop him before it's too late. Words that provoke Yuhiro are unlikely to work now that he's learned how they affect his dueling as a duelist. Since Yuhiro's deck primarily relies on Link Summoning at fast rates, cards that hinder those efforts to bring out powerful monsters, or at the very least negate the effects of his monsters, should help. However, duelists who duel against Yuhiro in the state of mind he's in must be prepared to adapt at all costs, for he will counter the enemy's strategies very quickly if they're not careful, especially how some of the new cards he's made prevent the opponent from activating cards or effects in response to their activations should he bring out powerful monsters.

"Wait a minute..." Miyu narrowed her eyes upon seeing a video file just nearby Yuhiro's profile. One that was not only highlighted, but also marked urgent as well.

"Perhaps Yuhiro didn't leave traces, but instead left clues for us to find and utilize in the event should he turn evil." Rasterliger commented.

"I can confirm that, Rasterliger." Aoi confirmed. "When I was with the others inside Herald's server, we saw a recording that he stored deep within World Gears. Before we went into Mirror LINK VRAINS, he collaborated with Ai, Flame and Aqua in creating a contingency that-."

WHAM!

The door suddenly flew open, much to the shock of Miyu, Aoi and Rasterliger as Roxy walked inside Café Matsuo before heading to the backroom.

"Hey guys, I'm back. Traffic was long." Roxy said, as she entered the backroom. "Hey, you're back, Aoi. How'd it go?"

"She was about to tell us something important, auntie. You don't just barge in and interrupt a conversation like that!" Miyu scolded Roxy.

"Okay, sorry. I'll remember to be a little quieter next time." Roxy apologized. She turned her head to look at the screen before her eyes widened out of shock. "Oh, God..."

"Yuhiro updated his profile prior to him falling into despair. At that time, he also uploaded the profiles of Yusaku and the others, which was how he was able to learn about Firewall Dragon Darkfluid." Rasterliger told Roxy. "He may have left clues behind for us as well."

Roxy adjusted her glasses before looking at the video file nearby Yuhiro's profile. "Please play the footage, Miyu."

"Are you sure, auntie?" Miyu asked.

"Yeah. We need to know what clues Yuhiro left behind for us so we can stop him."

Aoi remained silent. Given how Roxy was hellbent on seeing the footage Yuhiro left behind, it'd be wise to look into it first before discussing what happened in the network. Besides, if Aoi knew one thing about Roxy, it was that the latter was stubborn. As such, Miyu pressed the 'Play' button on the video file, where a screen of Yuhiro popped up.

"My deck's main function is still the same. How my monsters bring others out and lets me search out for cards to aid my strategies. How my Spell cards are about either accumulating resources, gaining an advantage, or keeping the monsters alive for another turn. And lastly, how my Trap cards are meant to aggravate my opponent." Yuhiro began speaking. "However, I've recently created some new cards. Ones that are meant to not only push my opponent towards despair before being defeated, but to also hinder their moves in the process as well. For these cards, if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' Link monster, the opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to each of their activations. Not just that, it also lets me stay one step ahead of my enemies. I'm not proud to admit this, but I feel that the ruthless edge was the thing my deck needed this whole time. You might be thinking: How am I, a human, able to create cards that support a Cyberse archetype? Isn't an Ignis only allowed to do that by using their algorithm? Well, everyone, it seems I managed to do that somehow, especially when you're so connected with your Ignis. Who knows? Maybe it could be my Link Trigger enhancing me with the knowledge needed to do so. Or perhaps I'm taking inspiration from somewhere else in creating the cards.

The video fizzled out for a few seconds before the screen showing Yuhiro popped up for a second time.

"Again, I'm not the person I once was. If anything, the Ignis war has impacted me for the worse. That's why I'm putting in an urgent note in my profile. One that I hope the others will read before studying the updates in my profile. This way, they can prepare themselves to fight against me, and if all goes well, bring me back to my normal self."

The video footage ended seconds later.

"So this confirms it. Yuhiro made new cards to practically strengthen his deck. And without Herald's help as well..." Roxy muttered. At this rate, he could be at Dr. Kogami's level, she thought in her mind.

"Yuhiro cared for us so much that he left us clues for us to use to save him. Not just that, but to keep humanity safe as well." Miyu realized. "Yuhiro, I'm so sorry…" Now that she had a deck, she would be able to go into the network and help contribute to saving Yuhiro in person.

"Yuhiro wasn't the only one who left behind information for us to find." Aoi said, which got Roxy and Miyu's attention. "As I said earlier before I was rudely interrupted, when I was with the others inside Herald's server, we saw a recording that he stored deep within World Gears. Before we went into Mirror LINK VRAINS, he collaborated with Ai, Flame and Aqua in creating a contingency that would ensure his nightmarish vision didn't come to pass. Not just that, but so we can save Yuhiro as well."

"Ah, so that explains why he wasn't in the duel disk during the night. He was talking with Ai, Flame and Aqua about what he saw, along with getting World Gears' wisdom on the matter." Roxy deduced. "If I may ask, Aoi, what did Herald create for his contingency?"

"I can show you, but I'll have to connect my duel disk to your server." Aoi proceeded to grab a wire before connecting her duel disk to Café Matsuo's server. After doing so, Aoi pressed a few buttons on her duel disk, where a few images popped up on the monitors.

Roxy sweatdropped upon seeing Rule Breaker on the screen, which looked like the same weapon Medea wielded in Fate/Grand Order. "Okay, Herald using inspiration from a mobile video game to create a weapon is something he would do. As for the cards, I'm glad he made them. For we'll need all the help we can get."

"According to Herald, two of the cards he made are 'Cyreath' Pendulum monsters that also support general Cyberse monsters. One card lets you Pendulum Summon Cyberse monsters from the Graveyard if you control no monsters in your Main Monster Zones, while the other allows you to Special Summon monsters from the opponent's Graveyard to Main Monster Zones a Cyberse Link monster points to in exchange for negating their effects and forbidding them from attacking for the turn." Aoi explained. "As for the others, Herald didn't specifically tell us what they were. All he said that they'll be useful in catching Raguel off guard, along with any duelist that tries to threaten this world."

"That's just like Herald. He'd do anything to make sure we're safe." Miyu commented.

"There's something else. We recently learned Yuhiro seized control of the Tower of Hanoi."

"What?! That's impossible!" Roxy exclaimed, as she quickly typed something on the digital keyboard. A digital screen then popped up, which showed a red polyhedron that was completely empty, much to her horror. "Oh, that's not good..." She then typed something else on the digital keyboard to open a digital app, where she started a conference call.

"You're calling to let Yusaku and the others know, aren't you?" Miyu guessed.

"Yusaku and everyone else already knows this information, Roxy. There's no need for them to hear it a second time." Aoi pointed out.

"That maybe the case, but we need to further discuss how we're going to fight against the Cursed Boundary Layer. Otherwise, we won't be able to even reach Yuhiro." Roxy countered, having typed on the digital keyboard for a few more seconds before stopping. An audio window appeared on the screen before a video window joined it. Upon seeing it, Aoi understood what Roxy was doing. Besides, it wasn't important for Yusaku to realize that Aoi knew his identity as Playmaker, along with her knowing the real-life identities of Soulburner and Slipstream.

This led Roxy to gesture Aoi to move away from the camera so that no one can see her on video. As if on cue, several windows popped up. One window showed Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi and Kusanagi. The second showed Brea, while the third showed Rachel and Greg.

"Thanks for joining the call, everyone. I have some bad news to tell you all."

"If it's about the Tower of Hanoi, we already know, Roxy." Kusanagi told Roxy, which confirmed Aoi's statement earlier.

"I never expected Yuhiro to somehow seize control of the Tower of Hanoi despite it being split into several pieces." Greg admitted. "What are your thoughts, Rachel?"

"What matters is not how Yuhiro managed to acquire control, but how we're able to stop it." Rachel firmly answered. "We spoke with the Hanoi, and they mentioned they had a secret gadget that will ensure its permanent destruction. As for us, we plan on creating a weapon using a combination of the eight Ignis algorithms and Yusaku's strongest Link monster in order to fight against the Cursed Boundary Layer."

"But if we're not careful, we'll end up killing Yuhiro. Worse, the Hanoi will give him a fate worse than death." Miyu warned everyone present on the video call.

"You don't need to worry, Miyu. I made sure that Revolver and the Knights of Hanoi will never go after Yuhiro again, nor will they hurt him anymore." Arashi assured Miyu.

"If memory serves, you said Revolver owed you a debt of gratitude, right Slipstream?" Aoi inquired.

"That's correct, Blue Maiden. Revolver owed Slipstream a debt of gratitude for saving Demeter's life, while he currently owes me that same type of debt for indirectly avenging the Hanoi for the suffering they went through at Azrael and Malf's hands." Takeru replied.

Aoi put a hand to her chin in order to think this over. "Come to think of it, Yuhiro seizing control of the Tower of Hanoi kind of fits with the warning Pandora gave Playmaker, Rachel and I before escaping from the server."

"Why would that pipsqueak of a duel monster give us a warning? Last night, she was hellbent on kidnapping Rachel for Yuhiro." Brea reminded everyone else present.

"Maybe auntie's words impacted Pandora in a way she didn't expect?" Miyu hypothesized.

"All Cyberse monsters have sentience one way or another. They talk, think and act. If I were to guess, perhaps one of three scenarios occurred." Roxy stated, as she held up one finger. "One: Miyu may be correct. Maybe my words may have had an effect on Pandora, thus making her second guess whether whatever goals she's pursuing will be worth it in the end." She held up a second finger. "Two: Upon seeing Blue Maiden and Playmaker defeat Hercules/Alpha Mode in combat, Pandora may have begun to have doubts in Yuhiro's mission, which could lead to her ultimately betraying him and assisting us in the end." She held up a third finger. "Three, and this may seem unlikely: Someone else was there in the server and cured Pandora."

"Of your three hypotheses, I believe the first two may be correct, Roxy. As for the third one, until we find more footage, I highly doubt that's the case." Yusaku admitted.

"But moving the topic of Pandora aside, the weapon we're making needs to not only be strong enough to fight against the Cursed Boundary Layer, but also the sword in Yuhiro's hands as well." Brea remembered, which made Yusaku grimace upon recalling how Yuhiro brutally defeated him using Excalibur Morgan. Specifically, the despair and helplessness he felt during the Lost Incident going through his head upon the duel's conclusion.

"Excalibur... To think that the Cursed Boundary Layer would infect Yuhiro's weapon as well..." Roxy muttered. "Hey, you okay, Yusaku?"

"Y-Y-Yeah, I'm fine." Yusaku assured everyone else present.

"I think I have an idea on how we can counter Excalibur as well." Arashi spoke up, before he pressed a button on his duel disk, which caused green data to orbit above his palm. "Windy used Storm Access during his duels against Revolver and myself. Given how this is a piece of his algorithm, what if we power the weapon with a ton of data material? After all, the stronger the data storm..."

"The stronger the Cyberse monster that appears out of it." Yusaku finished. "And with eight Ignis algorithms, we should be able to draw in a massive amount of data material to fuel the weapon."

"That's actually brilliant, Arashi." Kusanagi praised Arashi. "Now that we know what to do, the only thing left is to make the weapon itself. The only problem is to determine what the structure will be."

"We could create a special gun using a combination of Dascium and data material." Greg suggested, which earned glares from everyone else present in the meeting.

"While I agree on how strong Dascium is, we are not going to rely on bullets to stop Yuhiro. Besides, except for you, none of us are able to wield a gun. In addition, it'd take too long for us to create Dascium bullets made of data material." Roxy reminded Greg. Brea was about to say something, only for Roxy to shake her head in order to stop the former from making a rebuttal.

"What about a sword? Yusaku was able to counter Excalibur with his weapon. Plus, he was able to land several blows on him." Miyu suggested.

"That could actually work. So we now have the material and what type of weapon we're creating. All that's missing is a blue print on what it should look like." Brea stated.

"You leave the blueprint to me." Roxy said.

"I'll give you some Dascium I have in storage. It should help." Greg added.

"Then we'll meet back at Herald's server in one hour. See you soon." Rachel finished, as everyone hung up seconds later.

Roxy let out a sigh, glad that the conversation was over. "We still have a lot of work to do, and we only have until nightfall to do it."

Miyu put a hand on Roxy's shoulder. "Hey, it'll be okay, auntie. We can help creating the weapon from the sidelines. Though I'd really prefer it if you let me go with Aoi in ensuring its completion firsthand."

"Roxy, I know that you don't want Miyu going into the network right now, but she'll be going there at some point." Aoi reminded Roxy. "Surely, a part of you-."

"If you're planning on going with Aoi and the others on the frontlines, Miyu, then I won't allow it." Roxy decided. "For if you do, it'll push Yuhiro beyond off the edge to the point he can no longer be saved. I can't risk that."

"I'm aware of that, auntie, but I want to at least help in making the weapon. Aqua wouldn't want me to help on the sidelines, after all." Miyu countered, which made Roxy let out a sigh of defeat.

"Fine, but only to help with making the weapon, and that's final." Roxy laughed, which got both Miyu and Aoi's attention. "Oh, and I know you gave Miyu the 'Trickstar' deck, Aoi."

"What?!" both Miyu and Aoi exclaimed at the same time.

"How do you know that?!" Aoi demanded.

"I have my ways of knowing, ladies. Do you really think I wouldn't know this information? I'd be disappointed if the two of you didn't know that nothing stays hidden from me sooner or later." Roxy commented, as she stood up from her seat. "Anyhow, let's go make some food. We'll need to eat if we're to get strength for what's to come." Nodding in agreement, Miyu, Aoi and Rasterliger stood up on their feet before following Roxy upstairs, intent on making a nice dinner together.

One hour later, at Herald's server...

Blue Maiden and a girl with long, chestnut-colored hair in the form of a crown braid and hazel eyes logged into Herald's server. Her attire consisted of a long-sleeved, violet leather tunic with a lightweight silver chest plate, lightweight violet shoulder pads that had rainbow orbs at the center, and black, fingerless gloves.

"Uh, I forgot to ask you what you named your avatar, Miyu." Blue Maiden whispered to the person beside her.

"I was thinking of the name Aerith." the girl answered. "What do you think?"

Blue Maiden smiled back in response. "Well then, Aerith. It's a pleasure to meet you. Come on, the others are expecting us." The two of them stealthily trekked across the ground and headed towards what looked like a set of stairs leading to a circular chamber just nearby World Gears, Blue Maiden having activated a program in order to ensure they were safe. After reaching the circular chamber, Blue Maiden and Aerith walked up the stairs before entering inside, the interior looking like a dark cavern with lanterns on the sides. At the middle of the chamber was a circle with a small table on it, the two of them having the same symbols World Gears had on its body. Around the chamber were lanterns that each had a small flame ensuring the area was lit up.

What's more, expecting the duo were Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Numera and Tigress.

"About time you made it here, Blue Maiden." Soulburner said, before letting out a gasp. "Hang on, is that-?"

"Everyone, this is Aerith. Or in this case, the avatar Miyu made. This is what she'll be using moving forward." Blue Maiden introduced Aerith to everyone else present.

"A pleasure meeting you, Aerith." Tigress stated.

"Same here." Playmaker agreed.

"Ditto." Slipstream added.

"If we're done with the introductions, allow me to tell you something World Gears told me." Numera interrupted, which got everyone else's attention. "In order to succeed, World Gears says that we'll need to call on a data storm stronger than any other data storm in existence."

"Wait a minute, Numera. I thought Windy's algorithm would attract data material nearby in the network. Are you saying that both it, along with the eight Ignis algorithms, Firewall Dragon Darkfluid and the Dascium metal won't be enough?" Slipstream questioned.

"I don't think you're incorrect, Slipstream, but let me ask you all this: What's the limit of Storm Access exactly?" Aerith also asked.

Playmaker put a hand on his chin and thought that question over. "In my experience, the highest Link monster I acquired using Storm Access was the Link 4 Firewall Dragon. When Ai upgraded Storm Access to Neo Storm Access, I was able to acquire Cyberse Clock Dragon, Cyberse Quantum Dragon and Firewall eXceed Dragon."

"And the highest Link monster Windy was able to get using Storm Access was the Link 4 monster Stormriderflagship Custom Bahamut Bomber." Soulburner reminded Slipstream.

"Which means we'll have to use Neo Storm Access to call out a data storm with a ton of intensity in order to acquire the power of a Link 5 monster." Tigress finished. "But does anyone know the risks of calling out such a data storm? Trust me, I've had no experience in being in a data storm, but even I have the common sense not to be in one."

"Hey, I've been able to escape from a data storm before, I can do it again. So don't worry about it." Slipstream reminded Tigress, which made the latter blush in annoyance.

"I'm just being logical here, Slipstream. After all, the last thing I want is for my allies to get in serious trouble." Tigress pouted.

"My abilities as a Construct will also aid in bringing this data storm to us." Numera interjected. "Playmaker will use Neo Storm Access to call the data storm, while Firewall Dragon Darkfluid and I will ensure it's the right one. From there, we'll use the eight Ignis algorithms and the blueprint to create the sword before using the Dascium metal to seal the data material inside it. Windy's algorithm will also be used in order to control the data storm just long enough so all of us can direct it to the blade. Everyone good with the plan?"

"Yes!" everyone else confirmed.

"Good." Numera turned to Playmaker. "We can now begin."

The ceiling of the chamber opened, where it showed the blood-red sky. While it appeared to be tainted, there were still sparkles of light on it as though they were stars. If this worked, then the data storm could speed up the healing process of Herald's server. Thus, Playmaker pulled out Firewall Dragon Darkfluid before summoning it, where he emerged above Playmaker and the others.

"Again, that monster of yours is awesome." Tigress commented.

"Can you lend us a hand, Darkfluid?" Playmaker asked.

"Yes. I will do what I can to get the data storm to you. The rest, though, will be in your hands." Darkfluid explained, as he flew upwards to the sky.

Playmaker then raised his right hand upward, just like how Bohman did when he used Master Storm Access. "Go! Neo Storm Access!" A sonic boom erupted from the sky, which indicated that the process had begun.

Darkfluid flew towards the coming data storm before entering inside, where it spun around him before he let out a roar of energy that intensified it. It soon glowed into a rainbow-like color, having shined a bright light down on Herald's server that began to further cleanse it of the infection the Cursed Boundary Layer brought onto it.

Numera's eyes glowed a rainbow-like color as she began to scan the energy of the data storm. After comparing it with her readings of Firewall Dragon, which Playmaker temporarily lent her early, she let out a small gasp, knowing that things were going according to plan. "This is the one, everyone. Now, Slipstream. Activate Windy's algorithm!"

"On it!" Slipstream exclaimed, as he pressed a button on his duel disk, which caused green particles to fly out of it and surround the data storm, having succeeded to slow down its momentum.

"Now, everyone! Initiate the creation!" Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Tigress, Blue Maiden, Numera and Aerith pressed a button on their duel disks, which caused the eight Ignis algorithms to float in the air before combining to form into dagger-like sword with a jewelled blade. Once it landed on the table, the data storm began descending downwards, having managed to almost break through the slowdown Windy's algorithm gave it. Raising their hands high in the air, Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Tigress, Blue Maiden, Numera and Aerith were surrounded in a rainbow-like aura as they directed the data storm into the dagger-like sword with maximum effort. After doing so, the group pressed a button on their duel disks before throwing the Dascium metal orbs at the dagger-like sword, which sealed the data material inside and caused it to glow a rainbow-like color.

"It's finished." Blue Maiden announced, much to the exhausted joy of everyone else present as they stumbled over and tried to regain their balance. Playmaker, Soulburner and Blue Maiden were forced to fall on one knee, while Slipstream, Tigress and Aerith fell down on their hands and knees. As for Numera, she was surprisingly the only one who kept her balance after everything that happened. Their work had succeeded, and now they had a weapon to match not only the Cursed Boundary Layer, but Excalibur Morgan as well. As if on cue, Darkfluid floated down to the ground, having landed on it seconds later.

"This will do. I am at your beck and call if you ever need me, Playmaker." Darkfluid promised, as he turned into particles that returned back to Playmaker's duel disk.

"It's a good thing we had dinner first. Otherwise, we'd all be tired." Soulburner commented.

With several panted breaths, Aerith got up on her feet and slowly walked over to the dagger-like sword before grabbing it, rainbow-colored data material flowing through it. Seeing the sealed portion of the Cursed Boundary Layer, she pointed the sword at it, which caused a small beam of data material to destroy it completely. "It works. We did it. We actually did it."

"Awesome job, everyone! You've earned some rest before the battle to come!" Roxy praised everyone over the comms.

"As per my agreement with Greg, this is all the help I can give you right now. I won't help on the frontlines." Numera told everyone else. "Good luck, everyone. I'll be cheering for you on the sidelines." She then logged out of Herald's server, her task having been fulfilled.

"Yusaku, I need to speak with you, Takeru and Arashi once you guys return back to the real world. Your new cards have been made, so I'll bring them to the three of you as soon as I can." Roxy told Playmaker.

"Alright, Roxy. I'll see you soon." Playmaker replied.

"Hang on, what about my new cards, Roxy? You didn't forget about them, right?" Tigress complained.

"Yes, yes. I'll stop by your place as well. So be patient." Roxy replied, which made Tigress pout seconds later.

"Nevertheless, Roxy's right. We all need to get some rest before the battle against Raguel." Aerith reminded everyone else that was present. Nodding in agreement, the group logged out of Herald's server, intent on getting some rest so they were prepared to stop Raguel.

Several minutes later, in the evening, at Café Matsuo…

Aoi lied down on the guest bedroom and looked at the new 'Marincess' cards that Hideki made for her at Roxy's request. All of them were strong cards that would help her in a duel when used together, especially the new strategy that they provided to work in conjunction with the deck's current playing style. One of the cards, however, couldn't be shown due to it being covered in a blue aura. If Aoi had to guess, Aqua must have made that card just after her meeting with Herald, but before she died during the war in Mirror LINK VRAINS.

After she and Miyu returned back to the real world, the two of them learned that Roxy went to deliver the new cards to Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi and Brea now that they were made by Hideki. While Miyu was a little irked that she didn't get any new cards, she did understand that going into battle on the frontlines was risky due to numerous factors. One being that she hadn't practiced using the deck, while the other was due to Yuhiro's mental state. If he saw that Miyu was working with them in stopping him, it'd push him to the point where he could no longer be saved. That was something Miyu didn't want to happen, which was what led her to agree with Roxy's terms in the end. As such, Miyu would help from the sidelines along with Roxy, Kusanagi, Rachel and Greg in helping stop Yuhiro for good.

Having put the 'Marincess' cards back into her duel disk, Aoi then took out the 'Cyreath' cards that Herald made prior to his death in Mirror LINK VRAINS. Just as he said, they were indeed powerful, especially how both the Pendulum monsters and the other cards supported general Cyberse monsters as well. They would help Aoi out very much once she found and dueled against the real Yuhiro, not his data clone. For like Revolver said, the chance of finding the real Yuhiro was very low compared to finding a data clone version of him. The good thing was that Aoi and the others had both the dagger-like sword and Rule Breaker on them. After weakening Yuhiro just enough, they would use Rule Breaker to free him from the Cursed Boundary Layer.

"You look terrible," a voice commented, which made Aoi tense up after hearing a familiar voice. As if on cue, Medusa materialized out of thin air, having appeared in front of the door leading to the guest room. She obviously didn't enter inside, as she wanted to give Aoi space.

"Medusa, is that you?" Aoi quietly asked.

"Yes." Medusa simply confirmed.

"I'm also here too, you know. For just like with her, I need to talk with you." Achilles added.

Aoi grit her teeth. "What do the two of you want with me?"

"The two of us have been watching you and the others from a distance. Though our sworn duty is to protect you and those Yuhiro cares about, you still created a weapon to use against him." Medusa began speaking.

"And to top it off, you agreed to team up with people willing to kill Yuhiro." Achilles pointed out.

"That's not necessarily true. Arashi made the Hanoi back off. They're not going to kill nor hurt Yuhiro." Aoi countered.

"Perhaps, but as long as you plan on bringing harm to him, we cannot protect you. The cards Herald made won't assist you as well." Medusa warned Aoi, which made the latter gasp out of shock.

"You also teamed up with the old man who was hellbent on killing Yuhiro, which was why we didn't assist you guys in rescuing the little girl." Achilles said.

"So what? Are you refusing to go to battle with us in order to save Yuhiro?" Aoi inquired.

"Aoi, there's something you should know. Herald didn't just use his algorithm to create Yuhiro's deck. He also obtained the memories from our legends firsthand by looking at each one before creating his cards." Medusa commented. "When that happens, the duel monsters made by an Ignis are not only close to them, but also to their Origin as well."

"To put it simply, in more ways than one, we relate to Yuhiro." Achilles lamented with a sigh. "Medusa, Atalanta, Hercules, the others and I understand what Yuhiro went through to an extent, along with the pain he experienced. None of us... none of us wanted Yuhiro to become a monster. Not after everything he went through."

"But now, we cannot let you make Yuhiro suffer." Medusa finished.

"I'm not gonna kill him. I'm going to save Yuhiro." Aoi promised, as she stood up on her feet and headed to the door. "I promise. I'm on Yuhiro's side no matter what comes to pass." She opened the door, which made Medusa let out a small gasp seconds later. As for Achilles, he raised an eyebrow.

"Is this your answer to my questions from the other day?"

"Yes. Yuhiro's my friend, and I forgive him for what he's done." Aoi narrowed her eyes at Medusa and Achilles in order to drive that point home to the duo. "For this to work, we need the both of you to lend us your power. We can't do this alone. So if you truly care for Yuhiro, please help us." She offered Medusa a hand while the latter thought over the words that were spoken just now.

"Well, I'm convinced. A genuine answer is no doubt a true one at that." Achilles stated.

"Indeed." Medusa agreed, before turning back to Aoi. "But I need to know whether we have a fair chance at winning."

"We do. Herald wouldn't have made his contingency with the other Ignis if there wasn't a chance we'd win in the end." Aoi answered.

"Then I'm with you." Medusa proceeded to shake Aoi's hand. "The two of us will assist you as best as we can, and we'll all work together to save Yuhiro."

"Thank you. Both of you." Aoi gratefully replied, the cards also glowing with a dimming light as if to confirm they were going to assist her as well.

"Why would the two of you doubt Aoi and the others?" a voice questioned, which caused everyone to turn to Miyu and Rasterliger, the two of them walking downstairs.

"With everything going on, the two of us-." Achilles began speaking.

"Aoi was intent on saving Yuhiro from the very start, Achilles. Not just her, but Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi and Brea plan to save him as well." Miyu continued, her eyes glowing a light-blue color.

Medusa let out a sigh. "I understand that, but what they've done recently led us to question their motives, especially when the Hanoi and the old man were thrown into this mess."

"Can you blame us? Yuhiro did request us to keep you guys safe." Achilles pointed out.

"I know, but it doesn't mean you have a right to threaten the people I care about." Miyu scolded both Medusa and Achilles. "Asking questions is fine, but the intent to harm people after hearing what you don't want to hear is purely wrong. Surely, you both understand, right?"

"You do make a valid point. Still, I needed reassurance that Aoi still planned on saving Yuhiro." Medusa responded, which caused the light-blue color around Miyu's eyes to dim down.

"So you were telling the truth..." Miyu let out a sigh after realizing this information. The quintet then heard a door open, which led the five of them to head to Café Matsuo's entrance, only to relax after seeing Roxy enter inside.

"Sorry for being late, but traffic was a little slow this evening. Had to unfortunately pay the taxi driver a bit more money due to him taking an alternative route." Roxy said. "I assume all of you are ready to go, then?"

"Yup, we are." Achilles answered, before turning to Aoi. "You can find mine and Medusa's cards back in Yuhiro's room."

"And my own as well. For I plan on going with you in this battle." Rasterliger added, as he gestured the others to follow him. Entering inside Yuhiro's room, Rasterliger headed to the desk and let out a small bark, which led Miyu to step forward and open the drawer inside it. There, she found three cards. One for Medusa, one for Achilles and the third for Rasterliger.

Miyu walked back and handed Aoi the three cards before the latter put them in her duel disk. "Please bring Yuhiro back to me. No, to all of us. Make sure you save him."

In response, Aoi proceeded to hug Miyu tightly. "I will. You have my word." After letting Miyu go from the brief hug, Aoi and the others proceeded to walk downstairs and go to the back room. Medusa, Achilles and Rasterliger turned into particles that went into Aoi's duel disk as she headed to the closed-off space. Roxy and Miyu, on the other hand, sat down on the chairs before turning the systems on, ready to assist on the sidelines.

"Hey, Aoi." Roxy said, which got Aoi's attention. "I know I may sound like I'm being overprotective, but be careful, you got that?"

"I'll be careful." Aoi assured both Roxy and Miyu before officially entering inside the closed-off space. Upon doing so, she put her deck in her duel disk. "Deck Set! Into the VRAINS!"

Meanwhile, in the old LINK VRAINS…

Raguel hugged himself, the pain having coursed through his body once again as he tried to keep it together, genuine tears falling from his eyes. "Why?! Why must you all get in my way?!" Shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles emerged to crush a small stalagmite that was some distance away from him. Right now, he was in a dark cavern that was underneath the Tower of Hanoi, a hallway connecting it to a massive area that contained its newest power source in the form of the Spatial Cube ahead of him. Pieces of non-lethal fire in the form of shining red and black lights were attached to the dark cavern's walls, each one managing to successfully illuminate it. Small pieces of watery data material dropped down from the ceiling, as well as from the walls with each second that passed. In a way, the dark cavern resembled that of a dragon's lair.

Watching Raguel was Pandora, who had a look of disgust and concern evident on her face. The words that Roxy spoke to Pandora back in the real world, along with witnessing Playmaker and Blue Maiden defeat Hercules/Alpha Mode in combat actually made her second guess her intentions in assisting Raguel despite being created by him. As much as Pandora hated to admit it, she was actually doubting whether Raguel would succeed in his plan for two reasons. First being mankind's determination to go through difficult times by leaning on one another and becoming each other's pillar of strength. Seeing this in action made Pandora curious on what lengths mankind would go to ensure their friends and family got through difficult times. After all, Pandora did have good times with her father and the other Greek Gods.

The second one, on the other hand, was mankind's primal instinct to preserve themselves instead of other people in response to difficult situations. Up until now, Pandora never considered what would happen to her should Raguel succeed in acquiring the Root of All Knowledge and become the One True God. But having been freed from the Cursed Boundary Layer by Zero, she had realized just how messed up and vile Raguel's goal was. For if he succeeded, then it'd only make things worse down the road for everyone. Thus, Pandora gave Blue Maiden and her allies a clue on where Raguel was located, along with how he planned to try and obtain the Root of All Knowledge next. That way, Blue Maiden and her allies would make a plan before launching an attack on Raguel in order to stop him for good. When the right moment came to pass, Pandora would sever ties with Raguel for good and focus on her own survival. For she would no longer be a part of his plans any longer.

Thus, Pandora walked up the steps and exited out of the cavern, where she saw Teferi land on the ground. "Good to see you make it back here, Teferi. Were you followed?"

"No, I was not." Teferi reported, as he followed after Pandora. "What is Raguel's current state?"

"He's close to recovering, but he's mentally unstable thanks to that Shadow and all the energy he absorbed due to killing so many people." Pandora grimly answered, as she gestured Teferi to follow after her. Atalanta/Alpha Mode and Alastor were closely patrolling the area to ensure Raguel wasn't attacked while he was recovering his full strength. "If anyone tries to push Raguel any further, it'll only lead to ruin for him and all of us."

"All of us? What do you mean? Are you implying-?"

THUMP!

A field of purple energy had surrounded Pandora's hand in order to create a blade, which she used to hit Teferi so hard that he crumpled to the floor. "I'm done with this mess..."

BLARE! BLARE!

The whole area began to emit pulses of red and black energy as shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles erupted from the ground in order to try and capture Pandora from her treachery, which she managed to evade. She fired blasts of magical energy from her hands in order to make the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles retreat, each blast doing so upon making impact. Some of the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles tried to pierce Pandora, only for her to dodge the attacks and respond by firing more magical energy blasts that managed to make them disintegrate.

Atalanta/Alpha Mode emerged out of nowhere and proceeded to charge forward at Pandora before launching an attack, which managed to connect and send the latter flying off the ground before landing on it. She fired more magical blasts of energy at Atalanta/Alpha Mode, only for her to dodge the attacks and jump in the air, dark energy surrounding the latter as she turned into a dark torpedo of energy. Pandora rolled to the side and barely avoided the attack, only for shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles to erupt from the ground and try to restrain her movements. Yet upon impact, they did less damage than Pandora expected due to the veil of energy reducing the attack at the last minute. The best part was that the damage wasn't lethal, which gave Pandora the opportunity to respond with several energy blasts that disintegrated the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles. She continued running and used her energy to try and fly away, only for Alastor to emerge out of nowhere and swing the chained, curved blades upwards, having stabbed her in the torso seconds later with such force that she screamed in pain. Alastor then swung Pandora down to the ground before spinning her around and slamming the latter to the ground numerous times. A weakened Pandora slowly got up on her feet in order to try and fight back, only for Alastor to quickly dash forward and slam her face to the ground before picking the former back up again.

"Now, we're even." Alastor told Pandora, only for the veil of energy to suddenly push him back several feet before being forced to let go of her. Before Pandora could react to what was going on, Atalanta/Alpha Mode dashed forward and slashed her with such force that the former screamed in pain, just like earlier when Alastor attacked her. More shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles erupted from the ground and tried to pierce Pandora, only for the veil of energy surrounding her body managing to mitigate the damage at the last second. Unfortunately for her, the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles wrapped themselves around their body, instead having succeeded in restraining her as she let out several screams of pain in response.

"How amusing. You honestly thought you could get away from me?" a voice questioned, as Raguel slowly appeared out of nowhere and walked to where Pandora was. "Just like in your myth, your curiosity proved to be your undoing."

"Damn you..." Pandora seethed, pure anger and disgust evident in her voice.

"Did you really think you could get away with trying to kill the Zaizens, Pandora? I already knew this whole time." Raguel amusedly taunted with a chuckle. "For your treachery, along with your failure to capture Numera and Playmaker when you had the chance to do so, your sentence is death." To his surprise, the veil of energy surrounding Pandora suddenly freed her from the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles' grasp, thus allowing her to try and escape once again. Having let out another chuckle, Raguel summoned more shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles in order to try and restrain Pandora once again, which slammed her to the ground seconds later. Excalibur Morgan then appeared in front of Raguel as he grabbed it, black, red and purple particles merging into the sword in order to increase its size.

"Go fuck yourself." Pandora replied back, energy appearing in her hands as she managed to break through the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles' grasp before slamming it down onto the ground. As a result, the energy caused an explosion that pulsed through the area before forcing the shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles to retreat to the ground. Raguel, Atalanta/Alpha Mode and even Alastor were forced to brace themselves from the attack as well. When the light faded away, the trio realized that Pandora was gone, which meant she was either dead or having managed to somehow retreat deep within the network.

"What just-?" Raguel gasped upon realizing what Pandora did just now. "Oh no!" He quickly ran towards the entrance to his lair, Atalanta/Alpha Mode and Alastor following after him before the trio went through the dark cavern's hallway and entered into a massive area that was at the end of it, where in the middle of it was an altar containing the Spatial Cube. Pure, white energy had seethed itself into the black, red, purple and orange-colored Spatial Cube, which temporarily halted the amount of data material it was accumulating. "Damn it, Pandora!" Due to her interference, he had to wait longer in using the Tower of Hanoi as a super weapon to breach deep into the network and find the Root of All Knowledge.

"Raguel, I apologize for my-." Teferi began speaking, as shadowy, ribbon-like tentacles pierced his body.

"Your failure of not warning me about Pandora's betrayal has costed you your life, Teferi. It also costed me time needed to utilize the Tower of Hanoi's full capacities." Raguel hissed, as Teferi turned into particles that went into his duel disk. Suddenly, he let out more painful gasps upon sensing the energy in his body raging throughout him from the inside out.

"We're not finished. Not yet." Atalanta/Alpha Mode reminded Raguel. "There are more. They'll be here soon."

Raguel recomposed himself upon hearing what Atalanta/Alpha Mode just pointed out to him, the pain his body having subsided once again. "Go, please. Ensure the data clone program is up and running. As for you, Alastor, make sure the labyrinth program is operable. I need to buy time so that the Tower of Hanoi can tear a hole in the network and enable me to find the Roof of All Knowledge."

"Pandora's traitorous act is only a minor delay. You will achieve your goal soon." Alastor assured Raguel. "I for one am glad she got what was coming to her." While Alastor assumed Pandora died due to her last act of defiance, a part of him somehow knew that she somehow survived. It was very likely she was rescued by someone none of them knew about. But nevertheless, Pandora paid the price for making Alastor get corrupted by the Cursed Boundary Layer, which satisfied him in the end.

"So am I." Atalanta/Alpha Mode agreed with Alastor's point. While Pandora looked like a child, and was certainly one, she ultimately wasn't due to her nature. "But moving that aside, if Miyu Sugisaki is with the others, what should we do?"

Raguel opened his mouth in order to respond, but he ended up stammering seconds later. Despite being corrupted, a part of him ultimately didn't want to hurt Miyu because he loved her with all his heart and soul. He just couldn't. Besides, if Raguel knew one thing, it was that Roxy wouldn't let Miyu log into the network to assist Playmaker and the others. He'd be surprised if she allowed such a thing, but it wouldn't happen due to everything that was going on.

Atalanta/Alpha Mode and Alastor then exited the massive area and began heading down the hallway of the dark cavern, intent on heading the entrance in order to get their tasks done. The two of them ultimately chose to leave Raguel alone, the conversation having come to an end. Besides, Atalanta/Alpha Mode and Alastor knew that Miyu would not fight on the frontlines, which would eliminate further pain inside Raguel. After all, Raguel was growing unstable by the minute despite having not lost his reasoning, so it was a good idea not to provoke him lest something bad happened to you in response.

Elsewhere, in LINK VRAINS….

Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Blue Maiden and Tigress rode on their respective duel boards before landing on the same island they were on earlier today. Revolver and Lord Kazuma were already waiting for the group to arrive, the former having crossed his arms after seeing them land on the island.

"So you've arrived. Good." Revolver spoke up. "Now let's see this weapon you've made that will help combat that Shadow."

"Here." Blue Maiden said, as she pressed a button on her duel disk, which caused the dagger-like sword to appear in her hands. "This sword contains the algorithms of all eight Ignis, along with the power of Playmaker's Link 5 monster." There was no way in Hell that they would show Revolver what Herald made, or else he'd try to destroy it for sure.

Revolver pressed a button on his duel disk, which caused an algorithm of green data to scan the dagger-like sword. Sure enough, what Blue Maiden said was true. "Impressive. So you actually did it. Would it be too much to ask that you hand the weapon over to me?"

"Not a chance, Revolver. There's no way we're handing a weapon as powerful as this one over to you." Soulburner immediately answered.

"I knew you'd say that, Soulburner. Still, at least allow me to lend you all something." Revolver pressed another button on his duel disk, which caused notifications to go off of everyone else's duel disks as they all looked at their respective ones. Popping up from each duel disk was the same technological device Revolver talked about earlier. Specifically, the gadget that would help shut down the Tower of Hanoi permanently. "I've duplicated the device and ensured that all of you have a copy of it. That way, whoever ends up reaching the area containing the Tower's source code will have the responsibility of shutting it down for good. In addition, whoever finds the real Raguel first will also be responsible for defeating him. At least until the rest of us finish dealing with his army, anyway."

"After all, the chances of finding the real Raguel are slim compared to finding a data clone of him." Lord Kazuma reminded everyone else present. "Though do us a favor and delete your copies of the device permanently once this is over. The last thing we need is for someone else to build another Tower of Hanoi."

"We are all on the same page for that topic." Playmaker agreed.

"Good. In that case, we should get going." Revolver said, as he snapped his fingers, which caused a portal to appear nearby him. All the humans present walked into it before it closed up behind them.

Several minutes later, in the old LINK VRAINS….

A portal opened up in the old LINK VRAINS, with Revolver, Lord Kazuma, Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream, Blue Maiden and Tigress entering in the server before it closed up behind the group. All seven of them looked at the Tower of Hanoi, which was emitting with black, red and orange energy. Unlike last time, the sandstorm was no longer there, having been destroyed by Raguel once he took over the old server.

"The Tower of Hanoi..." Tigress muttered. "Damn. It still baffles me that you guys had to use it to defeat Azrael and his allies."

"We needed to use it to even find them in the first place." Slipstream told Tigress.

"Isn't it ironic, Revolver? We used the Tower of Hanoi three months prior, yet we're now destroying it permanently in order to prevent a greater threat from using it." Lord Kazuma commented.

"It certainly is, my friend." Revolver agreed. The Tower of Hanoi was originally built in order to destroy the Ignis, but it was turned into a scanner so Revolver and the others could find Lightning and Azrael. But now, Raguel was using a lot of data material to turn it into a super weapon that would tear a hole in the network. All so he could obtain the Root of All Knowledge. The Knights of Hanoi were formed to ensure mankind was protected from any and all threats that could reside in the network, so if Raguel succeeded here, it would lead to something worse to occur down the road.

Before anyone else could speak, the ground rumbled, as if knowing that the group had arrived on foreign territory. Within several seconds, walls began rising upwards, intent on separating the group and preventing them from reaching the Tower of Hanoi.

"Shit! We need to get moving!" Soulburner exclaimed, as everyone began to move in order to try and find the right path to the Tower of Hanoi. Unfortunately, a massive burst of data material zoomed through the air and sent everyone flying off the ground, having managed to separate them from one another. This was evident by how each person rolled onto the ground before getting up on their feet, along with the walls ensuring that they couldn't regroup with each other.

Thus, the battle to stop Raguel had begun.

Meanwhile, at an area in the old server...

Revolver quickly ran down the path he was on before turning left in an attempt to avoid the walls rising upwards to stop him. He quickly rolled to his right to avoid another wall that suddenly rose up to try and stop him before getting up on his feet and continuing to run. Looking around the area quickly, Revolver activated his duel anchor and lashed it onto one of the rising walls, which propelled him forward to avoid another of the walls rising to stop him. Unfortunately, he was forced to release the duel anchor and roll onto the ground upon seeing three walls with electrical spikes rise up at the same time, which ultimately prevented him from moving forward.

"One way or another, I knew you'd be here. After all, you and the other Hanoi were formed to stop all threats to the network," a voice commented, as particles appeared out of nowhere before forming into a data clone of Raguel.

"So you summoned a data clone of yourself rather than confront me in person. How cowardly." Revolver remarked.

"Well, given the limited time available, I need to ensure that no one can stop me from succeeding in my goal." Raguel replied, only for Revolver to chuckle.

"Your goal? One that was formed based on the ideas of three dead men? How amusing."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Simple. Whereas my father's goal in creating the Ignis was both logical and feasible, yours is based on nothing more than a mere fantasy." Revolver glared at Raguel. "No matter what actions you commit and the people you hurt, you'll never reach it because there's no evidence that such a thing exists."

"No! I refuse to believe what you say! The Root of All Knowledge does exist! I know it!" Raguel exclaimed.

"Your father and his allies were aiming for nothing more than a fool's errand this entire time. Hell, maybe even a monkey's paw that could have brought down irreparable consequences onto humanity for trying to obtain divine hood!" Revolver continued, not bothered by Raguel's response.

"How dare you mock my father's research! If it weren't for it, then the Lost Incident and Project: Apotheosis would have never existed." Raguel seethed back at Revolver.

"Perhaps, but again, at least my father sought to save mankind using logic and feasibility vs your father seeking to save mankind by pursuing a mythical object." Revolver shot back. "From what I heard, it seems you're defending your father, which means you care for him. However, I wonder how he would react if he found out the actions you've committed recently."

Raguel narrowed his eyes back at Revolver. "Well, we won't find the answer to that question because he died a very long time ago. Specifically, just shortly before the Lost Incident began."

"I suppose you make a valid point. But moving that aside, it's time you paid for your brother's transgressions against the Hanoi." Revolver activated his duel disk.

"Hahaha! That's what this is about? You came here to avenge your allies? I told you and the other Hanoi that I paid the blood debt on my brother's behalf through Watchman's blood."

"That may be true, but you still need to feel the Hanoi's wrath for what your family has done to us." Revolver said. "You also need to pay for stealing the satisfaction of being the first duelist to defeat Playmaker. If anything, defeating the duelist who defeated Playmaker will bring me both satisfaction and payback at the same time. After all, such satisfaction should only belong to me."

"Given how you made your decision, I'll gladly entertain your futile efforts in challenging me to a duel. But in the meanwhile, do try to show me your motivation. I want to at least get some satisfaction from this duel before defeating you." Raguel responded, as he also activated his duel disk.

"Let's duel!" Raguel and Revolver shouted at the same time.

Raguel: 4000 LP

Revolver: 4000 LP

"I will not let you impede my strategies, Raguel. That's why I'm going first. My turn." Revolver said. "I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Supply Squad. Then I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Quick Launch. This card lets me Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck to my field, but it can't attack, and it's destroyed during my End Phase. Come from my deck, Shelrokket Dragon!" A card popped out of Revolver's deck, which he took and played. Soon, a gold and black metal dragon with green lines running over it, green holographic wings, and a green tube on its head appeared on Revolver's field.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 DEF: 2000 LV: 2

"Manifest, my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above Revolver's field. "The summoning conditions are one Level 4 or lower Dark Dragon monster! I set Shelrokket Dragon into the Link Markers!" Shelrokket Dragon went into the left arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Rise! Link 1! Striker Dragon!" A blue metal dragon with light-green lines running over it, large green holographic wings, and clawed legs flew onto Revolver's field in the Extra Monster Zone. The curved pieces of metal on the dragon's head and shoulders coincidentally resembled the ones from revolvers.

Striker Dragon ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬅️

"When Striker Dragon is Link Summoned, I can add the Field Spell card Boot Sector Launch from my deck to my hand." Revolver explained, as a card popped out of his deck, which he added to his hand. "I activate the Field Spell card, Boot Sector Launch. With this card, all 'Rokket' monsters on my field gain 300 attack and defense points! I also activate Boot Sector Launch's second effect. Once per turn, I can Special Summon up to two 'Rokket' monsters from my hand in defense position. Come on out, Spawnerrokket Dragon and Metalrokket Dragon!" Two monsters then appeared on Revolver's field in defense position.

The first was a long, two-headed red metal dragon with green holographic wings and gun barrels on each of its heads. It also had orange, glowing orbs on its body.

The second was a blue metal dragon with green holographic wings and a missile on its head.

Spawnerrokket Dragon ATK: 2000 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

Metalrokket Dragon ATK: 1700 DEF: 1400 LV: 4

Spawnerrokket Dragon ATK: 2000 + 300 = 2300 DEF: 2000 + 300 = 2300

Metalrokket Dragon ATK: 1700 + 300 = 2000 DEF: 1400 + 300 = 1700

"I activate Striker Dragon's effect. By targeting a face-up monster on my field and destroying it, I can target and add a 'Rokket' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I destroy Striker Dragon itself, and add Shelrokket Dragon right back to my hand." After Striker Dragon turned into particles, a card popped out of Revolver's Graveyard, which he took and added to his hand. "Supply Squad's effect also activates. Once per turn, when a monster I control is destroyed by battle or card effect, I can draw one card from the top of my deck." Revolver then drew a card from the top of his deck afterwards.

"I summon Shelrokket Dragon from my hand to my field." Revolver continued, as Shelrokket Dragon reappeared on his field.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 DEF: 2000 LV: 2

Shelrokket Dragon ATK: 1100 + 300 = 1400 DEF: 2000 + 300 = 2300

"Manifest for a second time, my circuit!" A second Link Portal appeared above Revolver. "The summoning conditions are two 'Rokket' monsters. I set Shelrokket Dragon and Metalrokket Dragon into the Link Markers!" Shelrokket Dragon went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while Metalrokket Dragon went into the bottom-right arrowhead.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Booster Dragon!" A black metal dragon with a large barrel on its head, no arms, two legs, and green holographic wings roared as it appeared on Revolver's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Booster Dragon ATK: 1900 LINK-2 ↙️↘️

"I activate Booster Dragon's effect!" Revolver continued. "Once per turn, I can target one monster on my field and increase its attack and defense points by 500. In addition, you cannot activate cards or effects in response. I target Spawnerrokket Dragon!" He then gestured to Spawnerrokket Dragon. "At this point, Spawnerrokket Dragon's effect activates. Since it was targeted by a Link monster's effect, I can destroy it to Special Summon up to two 'Rokket' monsters from my deck with different names to my field in defense position."

"So it's basically a monster version of Boot Sector Launch..." Raguel surmised.

"Exactly." Revolver confirmed, as Spawnerrokket Dragon turned into particles before Revolver took two cards from his deck. "Now come to me from my deck, Magnarokket Dragon and Anesthrokket Dragon." Soon, two monsters appeared on his field in defense position.

The first was a blue and red metal dragon with green holographic wings and a small cannon on its head.

The second was a green and yellow metal dragon with green holographic wings and a syringe on its head.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200 LV: 4

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK: 0 DEF: 2200 LV: 1

Magnarokket Dragon ATK: 1800 + 300 = 2100 DEF: 1200 + 300 = 1500

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 2200 + 300 = 2500

"Manifest for a third time, my circuit!" A third Link Portal appeared above Revolver. "The summoning conditions are three or more effect monsters. I set the Link 2 Booster Dragon, Magnarokket Dragon and Anesthrokket Dragon into the Link Markers!" Booster Dragon went into the left and right arrowheads, Magnarokket Dragon went into the bottom-left arrowhead and Anesthrokket Dragon went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning all four of them red.

"My new wind that pierces through the closed world!" Revolver chanted. "Link Summon! Rise! Link 4! Borreload Dragon!" A large, red and silver mechanical dragon that had multiple green lines running over its body appeared on Revolver's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. It had two large silver spines, which projected green holographic wings. Borreload Dragon also had a gun cylinder in its chest, ready to be used.

Borreload Dragon ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ↙️⬅️➡️↘️

"I activate the Equip Spell card, Borrel Regenerator. This card lets me target one 'Rokket' monster in my Graveyard and equip it with this card. By doing so, I can Special Summon it from my Graveyard to my field, but it's banished when it leaves my field. I target Metalrokket Dragon in my Graveyard, equip it with Borrel Generator, and Special Summon it to my field!" At Revolver's command, Metalrokket Dragon reappeared on his field.

Metalrokket Dragon ATK: 1700 DEF: 1400 LV: 4

Metalrokket Dragon ATK: 1700 + 300 = 2000 DEF: 1400 + 300 = 1700

"From there, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Squib Draw. By targeting a 'Rokket' monster on my field and destroying it, I get to draw two cards. I destroy Metalrokket Dragon!" Revolver decided, as Metalrokket Dragon turned into particles. Once that was done, Revolver drew the top two cards of his deck. "In addition, Borrel Regenerator's second effect activates! As it was sent to the Graveyard because the equipped monster was destroyed, I can draw a card from the top of my deck." He drew the third card from the top of his deck seconds later.

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn. At this point, Spawnerrokket Dragon's effect now activates. Since it was destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck to my field with a different name. Emerge from my deck, Hollowrokket Dragon!" A six-headed, grey and copper-colored dragon with a sharp bullet on each of their heads, along with green holographic wings appeared on Revolver's field.

Hollowrokket Dragon ATK: 1800 DEF: 1800 LV: 5

Hollowrokket Dragon ATK: 1800 + 300 = 2100 DEF: 1800 + 300 = 2100

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, as he drew the top card of his deck.

"I activate Borreload Dragon's effect!" Revolver interrupted. "Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can target one monster on the field and lower its attack and defense points by 500! You can't activate cards or effects in response to this effect as well! I target Hollowrokket Dragon!" Borreload Dragon roared loudly as a red aura surrounded Hollowrokket Dragon, which decreased its attack points.

Hollowrokket Dragon ATK: 2100 – 500 = 1600 DEF: 2100 – 500 = 1600

"Hollowrokket Dragon's effect now activates! If it's targeted by a Link monster's effect, I can destroy this card to halve your life points."

"What?!" Raguel exclaimed, as Hollowrokket Dragon's entire body transformed into a bullet that went into the gun barrel in Borreload Dragon's chest.

"You heard me." Revolver replied, having smirked upon seeing the look of shock on Raguel's face. "Take this!" The gun barrel rotated as Borreload Dragon opened its mouth and fired a golden beam at Raguel, which pushed him back several feet as his life points were halved.

Raguel: 4000 / 2 = 2000 LP

"Supply Squad's effect activates! Just like before, when a monster I control is destroyed by battle or card effect, I can draw one card from the top of my deck." Revolver then drew a card from the top of his deck afterwards.

"You will seriously regret that, Revolver." Raguel grit his teeth immediately, infuriated that Revolver was able to damage him this severely at the beginning of the duel. "I activate the Spell card, Cyreath Pendulum. "This card lets me take two 'Cyreath' Pendulum monsters from my deck with different names and place them in the Pendulum zone. The best part is that if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster, you can't activate cards or effects in response to its activation."

"It seems you're setting up for a Pendulum Summon..." Revolver observed.

"Exactly." Raguel confirmed, as two cards popped out of his deck. "I place Cyreath Deimos and Cyreath Phobos into the Pendulum Scales." Soon, two pillars of light appeared on Raguel's left and right sides.

In the pillar of light on his right was a demon that had red skin with clawed hands, orange armor, and a helmet that had a red plume on the back, as well as spikes on the sides.

In the pillar of light on his left was a demon that had grey skin with yellow armor, spikes on his head, and a set of wings.

Cyreath Deimos PS: 1

Cyreath Phobos PS: 10

"Swing, Pendulum of the Gods, and show me the path to victory! With the set Pendulum Scale, I can Special Summon monsters between Levels 1 and 10 at the same time! Emerge, Cyreath Chronicler, Cyreath Damselfly and Cyreath Khalkotauroi." Within moments, a portal opened between the two pillars, where two lights emerged. The lights hit the field and then dissipated, revealing two monsters.

The first was a bald man who wore black, white, and golden robes over his body, with some parts of the robes having pieces of armor that emitted an orange color.

The second was a large, black-skinned creature that had dots all over its body. It had a total of four wings, along with a long tail that had a spike at the end of it. Attached to its body was armored plating that had a lightning bolt on it.

The third was a buffalo with black and red skin, which wore grey armor that had cyan gems on it.

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

Cyreath Damselfly ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Cyreath Khalkotauroi ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 3

"When Chronicler is Normal or Special Summoned, I can take a copy of Cyreath Mount Olympus and either activate it or add it to my hand. I think I'll do the former." Raguel decided, as a card popped out of his deck, which he took and played seconds later. "I activate the Field Spell card, Cyreath Mount Olympus. While this card is on my field, all 'Cyreath' monsters on my field gain 500 attack and defense points. What's more, they're unaffected by your monster effects."

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000 DEF: 2000 + 500 = 2500 LV: 7

Cyreath Damselfly ATK: 0 + 500 = 500 DEF: 0 + 500 = 500 LV: 1

Cyreath Khalkotauroi ATK: 1000 + 500 = 1500 DEF: 1500 + 500 = 2000 LV: 3

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set Cyreath Damselfly into the Link Markers!" Damselfly went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Skull Wing!" A small skull with wings appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyreath Skull Wing ATK: 300 LINK-1 ↙️

Cyreath Skull Wing ATK: 300 + 500 = 800

"As Damselfly was used to Link Summon a Link monster, I can add one 'Cyreath' card from my deck to my hand." Raguel informed Revolver. "I add Cyreath Ouroboros from my deck to my hand. Then I activate Ouroboros' effect from my hand. If it's in my hand or Graveyard while I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can Special Summon this card to my field." A black and red draconic serpent with a cyan gem on its head appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: 800 DEF: 1600 LV: 3

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: 800 + 500 = 1300 DEF: 1600 + 500 = 2100

"My, now that's a lineup of monsters you have there, Raguel. Especially from someone who's a bomb with a lit fuse." Revolver commented callously.

"A bomb with a lit fuse, huh? Well, at least my old self will die, and my new self as the One True God will finally emerge." Raguel responded. "Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Cyreath Chronicler, Ouroboros and Khalkotauroi in the Link Markers!" Chronicler went into the left arrowhead, Ouroboros went into the bottom arrowhead and Khalkotauroi went into the right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Odysseus!" A man wearing dark-purple armor all over his body appeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Skull Wing pointed to. Silver armaments were attached his upper chest, which spread to each of his shoulders. There were also pieces of silver armaments also attached to his thighs, as well as on his forearms. He also wore a helmet that was coated in silver, which had dark-blue eyes on it. A black cape was attached to his shoulders, which flowed for a few seconds before dropping down.

Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ⬅️⬇️➡️

Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

"The effects of Ouroboros and Khalkotauroi activate in sequence." Raguel began speaking. "First, when Ouroboros is used as material for the Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, or Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, I can have all monsters you control lose 500 attack points until the End Phase."

"Sorry, but I won't let that happen." Revolver interjected, as he gestured to his face-down card. "Quick-Play Spell card, activate! Draconian Coating!" The card showed Armed Protector Dragon being covered in a translucent aura resembling that of Dragon Shield. "I can target one Dragon monster I control, and until the End Phase, it's unaffected by your card effects."

"Tch." Raguel frowned as a silhouette of Ouroboros appeared before releasing a hiss of energy at Borreload Dragon, which did nothing upon impact. "But moving that aside, when Khalkotauroi is used as material for the Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, I can target up to two cards on my field and have them become unaffected by your card effects for the rest of this turn. I target Odysseus and Mount Olympus." A silhouette of Khalkotauroi appeared before letting out a roar of energy, which covered Odysseus and Mount Olympus with purple energy that protected the both of them temporarily.

"Next, I activate Odysseus' effect." Raguel added. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon up to two 'Cyreath' monsters from my Graveyard to Main Monster Zones he points to. As such, I summon Khalkotauroi and Ouroboros back to my field. Ley Line Beckoning!" Soon, Khalkotauroi and Ouroboros reappeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Khalkotauroi ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 3

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: 800 DEF: 1600 LV: 3

Cyreath Khalkotauroi ATK: 1000 + 500 = 1500 DEF: 1500 + 500 = 2000 LV: 3

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: 800 + 500 = 1300 DEF: 1600 + 500 = 2100

Given how Borreload Dragon's now unaffected by my card effects, that means I won't be able to use Melinoe's effect to shuffle it back into Revolver's Extra Deck, Raguel realized in his mind. If that's the case, then I'll simply run over it by battle. "Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Cyreath Khalkotauroi and Ouroboros into the Link Markers!" Khalkotauroi went into the bottom arrowhead, while Ouroboros went into the bottom-right, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Van Gogh!" A young girl with blue eyes and an orange bob cut that had a long strand of hair flowing out of it appeared on Raguel's field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Odysseus pointed to. She wore a black cardigan over her white shirt, as well as a pair of blue overalls. Her orange high heels each had a golden sunflower emblem on the front of them. Attached to the back of her head was a golden disk that resembled a sunflower. In her hands, she carried a massive staff that resembled a sunflower.

Cyreath Van Gogh ATK: 1000 LINK-2 ⬇️↘️

Cyreath Van Gogh ATK: 1000 + 500 = 1500

"Appear, for a third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a third Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are one or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 1 Cyreath Skull Wing, and the Link 2 Van Gogh into the Link Markers!" Skull Wing went into the top arrowhead, while Van Gogh went into the bottom-left and bottom-right arrowheads, turning both of them red.

"Embodiment of death itself! Ascend from the underworld and unleash the funeral song of ire onto your prey! Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Thanatos!" A tall, pale-skinned muscular man with short spiked white hair and golden eyes, which had dark circles around them appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He wore a hood that covered the top of his head, as well as a cape attached to his back. Attached to his shoulders, forearms and legs were pieces of armor that each had a purple, glowing eye at the center of them. In his hands, he carried a whitish magenta energy scythe.

Cyreath Thanatos ATK: 2700 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️↘️

Cyreath Thanatos ATK: 2700 + 500 = 3200

"Since Van Gogh was used as Link Material for the Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' Link monster, I can add one 'Cyreath' card from my deck to my hand, as well as gain 500 life points. I add Cyreath Eradication from my deck to my hand." Raguel decided, as a card popped out of his deck, which he took and added to his hand. Once that was done, a small sun appeared above Raguel, which showered him with light as his life points increased.

Raguel: 2000 + 500 = 2500 LP

"In addition, as Skull Wing was used as Link material, you take 300 points of damage." A silhouette of Skull Wing appeared and went through Revolver, who didn't react as his life points dropped.

Revolver: 4000 – 300 = 3700 LP

"Finally, I activate Mount Olympus' effect." Raguel said. "Once, I can target one 'Cyreath' Link monster I control, and gain life points equal to its Link rating times 500. I target Odysseus, who is a Link 3 monster. That means I gain 1500 life points." A golden glow surrounded Raguel's body seconds later, his life points having increased as a result.

Raguel: 2500 + (500 x 3) = 4000 LP

And just like that, Raguel's life points are right back to his starting amount, as though nothing happened, Revolver cursed in his mind.

"Battle!" Raguel thrusted out his right hand. "Cyreath Odysseus attacks Borreload Dragon! At this point, Odysseus' effect now activates! When he battles a Special Summoned monster, his original attack points are doubled until the end of the damage step. Aegis Enhancement!" Odysseus let out a roar as his strength was doubled.

Cyreath Odysseus ATK: (2500 X 2) + 500 = 5500

"Brutal Beatdown!" Odysseus sped forward towards Borreload Dragon, intent on taking it down.

"If you thought it was going to be that easy to defeat me, think again!" Revolver said back. "I activate the effect of Exactorokket Dragon from my hand. When you declare an attack, I can Special Summon this card from my hand to my field in face-up defense position!" Soon, a long, red and green dragon with green lines running over its body and long wings appeared on Revolver's field in defense position. All over its body were armored shields, which also had green lines running over it.

Exactorokket Dragon ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 7

Exactorokket Dragon ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 0 + 300 = 300

"Exactorokket dragon also has two other effects! First, when it's Special Summoned by its own effect, you can only target it for attacks!" The armored shields on Exactorokket Dragon glowed as it got Odysseus' attention. "Second, I can target one monster you control, and have it gain attack and defense points equal to the half of the targeted monsters attack and defense points! I target Odysseus!" Exactorokket Dragon released a scanning wave towards Odysseus, analyzing him for a moment before a red aura surrounded the former, which increased its attack and defense points.

Exactorokket Dragon ATK: 300 + 2750 = 3050 DEF: 300 + 2750 = 3050

Raguel frowned. While Revolver managed to stall him, it was only temporary, as Raguel would still defeat the former this turn. "Very well. Cyreath Odysseus attacks Exactorokket Dragon! Brutal Beatdown!" Odysseus charged forward and brutally destroyed Exactorokket Dragon with a series of punches, which turned the latter into particles.

Cyreath Odysseus ATK: (5000 / 2) + 500 = 3000

"The battle continues! Cyreath Thanatos attacks Borreload Dragon! Waltz of Chaos!" Thanatos swung his scythe in front of him, which released a wave of energy that hit Borreload Dragon and went through its body before appearing behind the latter, where it opened as several silhouettes of the former emerged and brutally pummelled it with a series of attacks. As if on cue, Thanatos leaped high into the air and brought down his scythe onto Borreload Dragon, which caused an explosion seconds later. However, when it dissipated, it showed Borreload Dragon still intact, much to Raguel's shock.

Revolver: 3700 – 200 = 3500 LP

"How is your monster still on your field?" Raguel questioned.

"Simple. I activated the second effect of Draconian Coating from my Graveyard." Revolver answered. "By banishing it from my Graveyard, Borreload Dragon can't be destroyed by battle for the rest of this turn. So you might as well end your turn if you don't have any more moves to make."

"But the battle isn't over yet." Raguel responded, which got Revolver's attention. "I forgot to mention Thanatos' first effect. When he's Link Summoned using only 'Cyreath' Link monsters, he can attack up to three times during the Battle Phase."

"Damn…" Revolver frowned after hearing this information. Though he won't lose Borreload Dragon, Raguel was still hellbent on inflicting as much damage as possible.

"The battle continues! Cyreath Thanatos attacks Borreload Dragon a second time! Waltz of Chaos!" Thanatos swung his scythe in front of him a second time, which released another wave of energy that hit Borreload Dragon and went through its body before appearing behind the latter, where it opened as several silhouettes of the former emerged and brutally pummelled it with a series of attacks. As if on cue, Thanatos leaped high into the air and brought down his scythe onto Borreload Dragon once again, which caused an explosion seconds later that the latter survived. As for Revolver, he winced before his life points decreased.

Revolver: 3500 – 200 = 3300 LP

"The battle continues one more time." Raguel announced. "Cyreath Thanatos attacks Borreload Dragon a third time! Waltz of Chaos!" Thanatos swung his scythe in front of him a third time, which released another wave of energy that hit Borreload Dragon and went through its body before appearing behind the latter, where it opened as several silhouettes of the former emerged and brutally pummelled it with a series of attacks. As if on cue, Thanatos leaped high into the air and brought down his scythe onto Borreload Dragon for a third time, which caused an explosion seconds later that the latter survived. As for Revolver, he winced again before his life points decreased.

Revolver: 3300 – 200 = 3100 LP

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn, which means the effects of Draconian Coating and Khalkotauroi end." Raguel let out a sigh, disappointed that he was unable to defeat Revolver this turn. Then again, Revolver was the leader of the Hanoi, so it would take a lot more for Raguel to defeat him.

"At this point, the effect of Exactorokket Dragon activates." Revolver said. "Since it was destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Rokket' monster from my deck to my field with a different name. Rise, Rokket Synchron!" A small, blue mechanical dragon with green, holographic lines on it appeared on Revolver's field. It also had a medium-sized tail, a large, circular body, and a pair of green, holographic wings on the top. Last but not least, it had a missile on its head.

Rokket Synchron ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Rokket Synchron ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 0 + 300 = 300

"My turn! I draw!" Revolver drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the effect of Absorouter Dragon from my hand. Since I control a 'Rokket' monster, I can Special Summon Absorouter Dragon from my hand." A dark-blue and black dragon with green eyes, two legs, and wings that had three spines on each side appeared on Revolver's field.

Absorouter Dragon ATK: 1200 DEF: 2800 LV: 7

"I tune the Level 1 Rokket Synchron with the Level 7 Absorouter Dragon!" Revolver declared, as a bolt of lightning struck him and the world greyed out before his monsters turned into particles. Two rings, one colored blue and the other dark blue before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "1 + 7" in front of them. The screen then changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"The fuel of the cosmos mixes the boundaries of speed to transcend the beyond! Synchro Summon! Make my opponent suffer! Level 8! Borreload Savage Dragon!" A large, red and white mechanical dragon that had multiple green lines running over its body appeared on Revolver's field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Borreload Dragon pointed to. It had a total of two horns, two of which curved upward, while the other two curved forward. It also had two large white spines, which projected green holographic wings. The dragon also had a gun cylinder in its chest, which was ready to be used.

Borreload Savage Dragon ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 LV: 8

"I know how strong your monster is, which is why I plan on getting rid of it." Raguel said, before he gestured to his face-down card. "Trap card, activate! Cyreath Eradication! When you activate a card effect or summon a monster, I can negate the effect or summon and send it to your Graveyard. The best part is that you can't activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation! Say goodbye to Borreload Savage Dragon."

"You wretch!" Revolver exclaimed, as a blade of energy headed towards Borreload Savage Dragon, which turned it into particles. Since Raguel negated Borreload Savage Dragon's summon, that meant Revolver couldn't use its effect upon it being summoned. Still, he had a way to make a comeback. "Nevertheless, when Absorouter Dragon is sent to the Graveyard, I can add one 'Rokket' monster from my deck to my hand. I add Rokket Tracer from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Revolver's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"I now activate Boot Sector Launch's second effect. As you control more monsters than I do, I can Special Summon 'Rokket' monsters with different names from my Graveyard in defense position up to the difference. Since you control two monsters and I control one, that means I can Special Summon one 'Rokket' monster from my Graveyard. Return to me, Magnarokket Dragon!" At Revolver's command, Magnarokket Dragon reappeared on his field.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK: 1800 DEF: 1200 LV: 4

Magnarokket Dragon ATK: 1800 + 300 = 2100 DEF: 1200 + 300 = 1500

"Then I activate the Spell card, Pot of Avarice." Revolver continued. "By shuffling five monsters back into my deck, I can draw two cards. I shuffle Rokket Synchron, Absorouter Dragon, Borreload Savage Dragon, Shelrokket Dragon and Spawnerrokket Dragon back into my deck and Extra Deck, and draw!" Five cards popped out of Revolver's Graveyard, which he took and shuffled into his deck and Extra Deck. After doing so, Revolver drew the top two cards of his deck.

"I summon Rokket Tracer from my hand to my field." A red dragon with a long tail and four green, holographic wings appeared on Revolver's field. Green lines ran all over its body, and attached to its arms were shoulder pads in the form of a rocket. In addition, it had a missile on its head.

Rokket Tracer ATK: 1600 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

Rokket Tracer ATK: 1600 + 300 = 1900 DEF: 1000 + 300 = 1300

"Next, I activate the Spell card, Harmonic Synchro Fusion." Revolver added, which made Raguel widen his eyes upon seeing that card after such a long time.

"Harmonic Synchro Fusion? When did you-?" Raguel began asking, before he put two and two together.

"Even though Infearno's not here right now, he'll at least enjoy how the card he gave me managed to catch you off guard once again. And in case you need a reminder, Harmonic Synchro Fusion lets me use monsters I control to perform a Fusion and a Synchro Summon." Revolver revealed, as Rokket Tracer and Magnarokket Dragon split into two copies each. "First, I use Rokket Tracer and Magnarokket Dragon as Fusion Materials." Rokket Tracer turned into red particles, while Magnarokket Dragon turned into blue particles before they swirled into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.

"The two dragons that symbolize forlorn power, combine into one, and unleash a roar of rage! Fusion Summon! Arise, Level 8! Borreload Furious Dragon!" A large, red and black mechanical dragon that had multiple green lines running over its body appeared on Revolver's field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Borreload Dragon too. It had purple holographic wings and armor on its legs, arms, and wings. It also had two red tusks on both sides of its mouth, as well as two violet horns on its head. Borreload Furious Dragon also had a gun cylinder in its chest, ready to be used.

Borreload Furious Dragon ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 LV: 8

"Then I tune the Level 4 Rokket Tracer with the Level 4 Magnarokket Dragon!" Revolver declared, as a bolt of lightning struck him and the world greyed out before his monsters turned into particles. Two rings, one colored red and the other blue before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "4 + 4" in front of them. The screen then changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"The fuel of the cosmos mixes the boundaries of speed to transcend the beyond! Synchro Summon! Make my opponent suffer! Level 8! Borreload Savage Dragon!" At Revolver's command, Borreload Savage Dragon reappeared on his field in the second Main Monster Zone Borreload Dragon pointed to.

Borreload Savage Dragon ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 LV: 8

"When Borreload Savage Dragon is Synchro Summoned, I can equip one Link monster from my Graveyard to it. By doing so, Borreload Savage Dragon not only gains attack points equal to half of the equipped Link monster's attack points, it also gains 'Borrel' counters equal to its Link rating. I equip the Link 2 Booster Dragon to Borreload Savage Dragon." Revolver decided, as a silhouette of Booster Dragon appeared before being equipped onto Borreload Savage Dragon. Soon, two golden orbs went loaded into Borreload Savage Dragon's cylinder chest as it began rotating.

Borreload Savage Dragon BC: 0 + 2 = 2

Borreload Savage Dragon ATK: 3000 + (1900 / 2) = 3950

"I activate Borreload Furious Dragon's effect. Once per turn, during either player's turn-."

"I think not. I activate Deimos' effect." Raguel countered. "Once per turn, during either player's turn-."

"No, you don't! I activate the effect of Deletion Dragon from my hand!" Revolver interrupted back. "When you activate a card effect while it's on my field or in my hand, I can send it to my Graveyard to not only negate the effect, but also send it to your Graveyard as well."

"What?!" Raguel gasped, as a silhouette of a white and light-red, serpentine-like dragon with magnetic circles on its body appeared on Revolver's field before firing energy at Deimos, which turned it into particles.

"Now that Deimos is gone, Borreload Furious Dragon's effect can continue. Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can target one monster I control and one card you control before destroying them both. I target Borreload Furious Dragon itself and Mount Olympus! Null Borrel Trigger!" Borreload Furious Dragon turned into purple and violet energy as it charged forward towards Mount Olympus, destroying both of them seconds later.

Cyreath Thanatos ATK: 3200 – 500 = 2700

Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 3000 – 500 = 2500

"And just like before, when a monster is destroyed by battle or card effect, Supply Squad's effect lets me draw a card from the top of my deck." Revolver reminded Raguel, as he drew the top card of his deck seconds later.

"What you did wasn't wise, Revolver. For thanks to you, I was able to activate Mount Olympus' final effect." Raguel told Revolver. "When it leaves the field by a card effect, I can target one 'Cyreath' Link monster on my field and shuffle 'Cyreath' cards from my Graveyard and/or banished zone into my deck and/or Extra Deck up to its Link rating. Then for every card shuffled by this effect, I can draw a card from the top of my deck. I target Thanatos, who is a Link 3 monster. That means I can shuffle Damselfly, Eradication, and Pendulum back into my deck and draw!" After Raguel took the three declared cards and shuffled them into his deck, he drew the top three cards of his deck.

"But with your Field Spell card gone, that means your monsters can now be affected by my monster effects." Revolver pointed out to Raguel. "Battle! Borreload Savage Dragon attacks Cyreath Thanatos! I also activate Borreload Dragon's effect! Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can target one monster on the field and lower its attack and defense points by 500! You can't activate cards or effects in response to this effect as well! I target Thanatos!" Borreload Dragon fired a blast of energy from its mouth that hit Thanatos and further decreased his strength.

Cyreath Thanatos ATK: 2700 – 500 = 2200

"Dominance Borrel Cannon!" A gun barrel extended out of Borreload Savage Dragon's mouth, which charged up energy before releasing it in the form of an orange stream that tore through Thanatos and destroyed him seconds later. An explosion soon occurred that pushed Raguel back, his life points having decreased in the process.

Raguel: 4000 – 1750 = 2250 LP

"I activate Thanatos' third effect. When he leaves the field by battle or card effect-." Raguel began speaking.

"I think not. I activate Borreload Savage Dragon's effect. Once per turn, during either player's turn, when you activate a card effect, I can remove a 'Borrel' counter to negate it." Revolver countered, as a golden orb emerged out of Borreload Savage Dragon's chest before turning into particles, which stopped the effect from activating.

Borreload Savage Dragon BC: 2 – 1 = 1

"The battle continues! Borreload Dragon attacks Cyreath Odysseus! At this point, I activate Borreload Dragon's second effect. At the start of the damage step, when it attacks a monster you control, I can place that monster in a Main Monster Zone it points to and take control of it. However, I must send it to the Graveyard at the end of my next turn."

"Oh no!" Raguel exclaimed. Without Odysseus, he'd have no other monsters on his field to protect himself!

"It seems you realized the situation, haven't you?" Revolver taunted with a grin. "Strange Trigger!" Borreload Dragon fired a blue bullet at Odysseus, which erupted upon impact. As a result, Odysseus felt himself cry out in pain before glitching and reappearing in the remaining Main Monster Zone Borreload Dragon pointed to.

"This duel is as good as over. Cyreath Odysseus attacks you directly!" Odysseus charged forward at Raguel, intent on winning the duel for Revolver.

"If you think this duel's over, think again. I activate the effect of Cyreath Rippler from my hand." Raguel said. "If I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card from my hand and negate the attack!" Soon, a ghoul wearing digital pale robes appeared, carrying a small metal wand and triangle. Rippler hit the triangle using its wand, having managed to stop Odysseus' attack.

Cyreath Rippler ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Revolver concluded, disappointed that he wasn't able to finish Raguel off this turn.

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, as he drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the effects of Ouroboros and Khalkotauroi from my Graveyard. As I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can Special Summon them from either my hand or my Graveyard to my field. Return to me, Ouroboros and Khalkotauroi." At Raguel's command, Ouroboros and Khalkotauroi reappeared on his field.

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: 800 DEF: 1600 LV: 3

Cyreath Khalkotauroi ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 3

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are three 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Cyreath Rippler, Ouroboros and Khalkotauroi into the Link Markers!" Rippler went into the bottom-left arrowhead, Ouroboros went into the bottom arrowhead and Khalkotauroi went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"From the depths of Tartarus, emerge, and claim the souls of those who oppose you!" Raguel chanted. "Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld!" A grotesque, demonic large man wearing a blazing helm on his head and cloth around his waist, with chains wrapped around his body and spikes on his back appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He carried two clawed chain blades, with each blade emitting a purple glow.

Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld ATK: 3000 LINK-3 ↙️⬇️↘️

"Just like before, the effects of Ouroboros and Khalkotauroi activate in sequence. First, when Ouroboros is used as material for the Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, or Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, I can have all monsters you control lose 500 attack points until the End Phase."

"Not this again…" Revolver cursed under his breath, as a silhouette of Ouroboros appeared once more before releasing a hiss of energy at the monsters on his field, which made all three of them groan in pain seconds later.

Borreload Dragon ATK: 3000 – 500 = 2500

Borreload Savage Dragon ATK: 3950 – 500 = 3450

Cyreath Odysseus ATK: 2500 – 500 = 2000

"Second, when Khalkotauroi is used as material for the Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, I can-."

"Not on my watch. I activate Borreload Savage Dragon's effect to-." Revolver began interrupting.

"I activate Phobos' Pendulum effect." Raguel interrupted back. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, when you activate a card effect-."

"How naïve. Counter-Trap, activate! Trigger Jam!" Revolver countered. The card showed Boot Sector Launch, where one of the holes was filled with so much gunk that Magnarokket Dragon couldn't get out of it. "When you activate a card effect, I can negate the activation and send it to your Graveyard. What's more, you can't activate cards or effects in response to either of its effects if I control a 'Borrel' Link monster."

"What?" Raguel gasped as Phobos turned into particles that went to his Graveyard.

"And now that Phobos is gone, I can resume using Borreload Savage Dragon's effect to remove a 'Borrel' counter and negate Khalkotauroi's effect." The second golden orb emerged out of Borreload Savage Dragon's chest before turning into particles, which stopped the effect from activating.

Borreload Savage Dragon BC: 1 – 1 = 0

Raguel narrowed his eyes. "You may have stopped my combo, but you've used up all of Borreload Savage Dragon's 'Borrel' counters, which means you can no longer protect it. I activate Hades' first effect. Once per turn, I can target one face-up monster you control and place that monster to a Main Monster Zone Hades points to and take control of it! However, it cannot attack the turn I activate this effect. I target Odysseus. Soul Removal!" Hades swung his clawed chain blades around and around, before lashing them out at Odysseus, which ripped his soul out and made him disappear, having reappeared on Raguel's field seconds later.

Raguel could have gone after Borreload Savage Dragon, but it wouldn't be able to attack the turn he used Hades' effect. Nor could he target Borreload Dragon because neither of us can target it with monster effects, Revolver thought in his mind. He went after Odysseus because of his card effects.

"I now activate Odysseus' effect." Raguel stated. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon 'Cyreath' monsters from my Graveyard to Main Monster Zones he points to. As such, I summon Skull Wing and Chronicler back to my field. Ley Line Beckoning!" Soon, Skull Wing and Chronicler reappeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zones Odysseus pointed to.

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

Cyreath Skull Wing ATK: 300 LINK-1 ↙️

"I activate Chronicler's effect. As I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster, I can Set one 'Cyreath' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my field. What's more, I can activate it the turn it was set." A card popped out of Raguel's deck, which he took and Set to his field. "From there, I activate the Continuous-Trap card, Cyreath Dominion. While this card is on my field, my 'Cyreath' monsters are unaffected by your card effects."

"Damn..." Revolver cursed, as a rainbow aura surrounded Raguel's field before it dissipated. Once again, Raguel managed to find a way to protect his monsters. His Spell and Trap cards, however, were a different story.

"But why stop there, when there's so much more I can do. Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set the Link 1 Cyreath Skull Wing into the Link Markers!" Skull Wing went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Crimson Soul!" A small, humanoid spirit with fire on its orange skin appeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone both Odysseus and Hades pointed to. It wore a crown that had a red, blue, and yellow jewel on it. Wrapped around its neck was a small cape that flowed behind it.

Cyreath Crimson Soul ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬇️

"Just like before, when Skull Wing is used as Link material, you take 300 points of damage." Raguel reminded Revolver, as a silhouette of Skull Wing appeared and went through the latter, who didn't react as his life points dropped.

Revolver: 3100 – 300 = 2800 LP

"Appear, for a third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A third Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' Link monsters. I set the Link 3 Cyreath Hades, Lord of the Underworld and the Link 1 Crimson Soul into the Link Markers!" Hades went into the top, bottom-left and bottom arrowheads, while Crimson Soul went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning all four of them red.

"Ultimate hunter of Olympus! Advance on the chaotic hunting grounds, and relentlessly pursue your enemies until they're eliminated!" Raguel chanted. "Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Cyreath Super Orion!" A very muscular man with shaggy black hair and a long yellow cape draped behind him appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He wore a chest strap that had a single red jewel at the end, along with several circular symbols on it. He also wore dark-blue pants that had small pieces of armor around the knees, along with a belt that had three blue jewels on it. In his right hand, he carried a diamond club, while he carried a massive bow in the other hand.

Cyreath Super Orion ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ↙️⬆️⬇️↘️

"When Super Orion's Link Summoned, he's unaffected by your card effects for the rest of this turn. What's more, you can't activate cards or effects in response to each of his effects. Artemis Hagnos!" A moon-like aura surrounded Super Orion, which protected him from whatever would come next. "In addition, when Crimson Soul is used for the Link Summon of a Link monster, not only does the Link Summoned monster gain 1000 attack points, it can't be destroyed by battle or card effects this turn as well!" Super Orion was surrounded in a fiery aura as his strength increased.

Cyreath Super Orion ATK: 3000 + 1000 = 4000

"Battle!" Raguel declared. "Cyreath Super Orion attacks Borreload Dragon! Orion Horkos!" An arrow of pure energy materialized in Super Orion's right hand before he took and pulled it back with his bow, where he then fired it straight at Borreload Dragon. The arrow pierced through Borreload Dragon and destroyed it in a massive explosion, which made Revolver shield himself with his right hand as his life points dropped.

Revolver: 2800 – 1500 = 1300 LP

"Because a monster I control was destroyed by battle or card effect, Supply Squad's effect lets me-." Revolver began speaking.

"Sorry, but you won't be gaining anything." Raguel interrupted. "I activate Super Orion's effect. During either of our turns, when you activate a card effect, I can negate that effect and send it to the Graveyard. Refraction Boomerang!" Super Orion's diamond club glowed silver as he threw it at Supply Squad, which returned back to his hand before the latter turned into particles. "What's more, I'm then allowed to shuffle a card on either player's field back into their owner's deck."

"What?!" Revolver exclaimed.

"I shuffle Borreload Savage Dragon right back into your Extra Deck!" Seconds later, Borreload Savage Dragon turned into particles that returned right back to Revolver's Extra Deck.

"With Borreload Savage Dragon no longer on the field, the equipped Booster Dragon returns to my Graveyard." As if on cue, Booster Dragon turned into particles from the Spell & Trap card zone before returning to Revolver's Graveyard.

"It gets worse for you, Revolver. For Super Orion can attack up to two times per turn." Raguel revealed, which made Revolver gasp. "Grovel before the One True God! The battle continues! Cyreath Super Orion attacks you directly! Orion Horkos!" An arrow of pure energy materialized in Super Orion's right hand before he took and pulled it back with his bow, where he then fired it straight at Revolver!

"There's no way in Hell I'll grovel before a broken person such as you!" Revolver growled, as he gestured to his face-down card. "Trap card, activate! Dimension Equilibrium! When a monster is destroyed by battle, the Battle Phase instantly ends!"

"What?!" Raguel exclaimed in shock, as the arrow of light dissipated into particles mere inches away from Revolver.

"Then I'm allowed to not only banish your monster, but also Special Summon the destroyed monster back to my field." Revolver continued.

"But Super Orion's unaffected by your card effects." Raguel reminded Revolver.

"I already know that, Raguel." Revolver thrusted his right hand in front of him. "Now return to me, Borreload Dragon!" At Revolver's command, Borreload Dragon reappeared on his field.

Borreload Dragon ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ↙️⬅️➡️↘️

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn, which means the effects of Super Orion and Crimson Soul end." Raguel concluded, as the fiery and moon-like auras surrounding Super Orion dissipated seconds later.

Cyreath Super Orion ATK: 4000 – 1000 = 3000

"Heh. I'm glad you've survived, Revolver. It'd be disappointing if a powerful duelist such as yourself lost at this point in the duel."

"Like I said earlier, there's no way I'll grovel before a person such as yourself. As long as I have a single life point left, this duel's not over." Revolver firmly told Raguel.

"You do make a valid point, Revolver. One that I most certainly agree with you on." Raguel acknowledged. "That's why, as a testament to your strength, I will share with you some vital information before I finish you off on my next turn. Something that you have the right to know."

"What do you mean by that?"

Raguel grinned after hearing that question. "I'm talking about how your role in everything leading up to this entire mess is not what you think it is. Specifically, the Lost Incident and what unfolded afterwards."

Elsewhere, in another area of the old server…

Lord Kazuma dodged one of the walls that attempted to block him by rolling to his right side and turning right, where he continued running down the area in the hopes of escaping the trap. He encountered more walls that tried to impede his progress, which led him to turn left in another attempt to escape the trap Raguel had unleashed upon the group. Electricity ran down the wall to where Lord Kazuma was, which led him to make another left in order to evade the attack. Unfortunately, the same electricity dashed to the wall that emerged from the ground some distance ahead of Lord Kazuma. As a result, it connected with the other walls that rose to impede Lord Kazuma's progress, thus leading to the creation of an electric trap that prevented him from moving any further.

"Okay, you got me. Why don't you show yourself so we can get this over with, Raguel?" Lord Kazuma loudly requested, as data particles appeared out of nowhere, which formed into a data clone of Raguel.

"Here I am. Just like you wanted." Raguel stated.

"Woah! Damn! Someone got a wardrobe change and a makeover!" Lord Kazuma exclaimed.

"So despite telling you and the other Hanoi to stay out of my way, you still came to stop me..." Raguel muttered.

"Well, duh! You're a threat that the Hanoi needs to stop if the world's supposed to be safe! Plus, I get a sweet benefit out of this!" Lord Kazuma's voice lowered. "I get the opportunity to get payback on your family for the pain you brought onto me by killing my mentor. The one person who was like a father to me."

"The one you wish to get revenge on is Azrael. For he's the one who murdered your mentor, not me. Then again, had it not been for Azrael, you would have never been a Knight of Hanoi." Raguel pointed out.

Lord Kazuma frowned. "What you say does make sense. Nevertheless, I'm here to settle the score between us and dish out your family's well-deserved comeuppance. Though with Azrael unfortunately gone, I'll have to deliver a personal thrashing onto you instead."

Raguel laughed in response. "You really think you have a chance against me? I've dueled against you before, so whatever improvements you made to your precious deck will be useless against me. What's more, I'm just a clone of the real Raguel, so whatever thrashing you intend to deliver upon me will be for naught."

"Maybe so, but at least I'll get some satisfaction knowing I not only made you suffer, I also got payback for myself, the Hanoi and my mentor as well. As for the improvements I've made to my deck, you'd be unwise to underestimate them." Lord Kazuma readied his duel disk.

"You're right. I'd be unwise to underestimate whatever upgrades you have implemented into your deck. If you really think you can actually defeat me, then go ahead and try. Do show me your motivation if you can." Raguel responded, as he also activated his duel disk.

"Let's duel!" Raguel and Lord Kazuma said at the same time.

Lord Kazuma: 4000 LP

Raguel: 4000 LP

"Though you're a fake, I'll at least get some payback on you. I'm going first. My turn." Lord Kazuma said. "I activate the Spell card, Graceful Charity. I can draw the top three cards of my deck in exchange for discarding two cards from my hand to my Graveyard." After Lord Kazuma drew the top three cards of his deck, he took two of them and sent each one to his Graveyard.

"Next, I summon Magician's Rod from my hand." A spectral version of a spellcaster with shiny, curved plates that had sharp edges and covered the torso and shoulder areas appeared on Lord Kazuma's field. It carried a long rod in its hands.

Magician's Rod ATK: 1600 DEF: 100 LV: 3

"When this card is Normal Summoned, I get to add a Spell or Trap card that specifically lists the card 'Dark Magician' in its text. I know the perfect one to add to my hand." Lord Kazuma explained, as a card popped out of his deck, which he took and added to his hand. "I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Dark Magical Circle. Now I can look at the top three cards of my deck for a 'Dark Magician' or a Spell or Trap card listing 'Dark Magician' specifically in its text. Then by revealing it to you, I get to add it to my hand." Lord Kazuma looked at the top three cards of his deck before choosing one. "I reveal to you the Spell card, Jewel of the Dark Magician." He took the declared card and added it to his hand.

"I now activate the Spell card, Jewel of the Dark Magician!" The card showed a treasure box with a purple jewel inside it. "This card lets me Special Summon one Dark Spellcaster monster with 2500 attack points and/or one Dark Spellcaster monster with 2000 attack points from my hand and/or Graveyard."

"It looks like you're bringing out your ace monster really early, huh?" Raguel deduced.

"Technically, yes, but my ace monster's not the only one appearing on the scene." Lord Kazuma pointed out. "Now emerge from my Graveyard, Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl!" Soon, two monsters appeared on Lord Kazuma's field.

The first was a spellcaster in dark blue armour with shiny, curved plates that had sharp edges and covered the torso and shoulder areas. On the edges of the plates were curved trimmings of contrasting shade. He had blue-coloured skin and white hair, and in his right hand was a dark blue rod.

The second was a teenage girl in blue robes with a pink skirt and small pink cape. She had long, blond spiky hair that extended to the middle of her back. On top of her head was a blue wizard's hat with pink rings encircling it. She also wore high-heeled blue boots with pink rings as well. In her hands, she carried a scepter.

Dark Magician ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

Dark Magician Girl ATK: 2000 DEF: 1700 LV: 6

"I activate the Field Spell card, Secret Village of the Spellcasters. As long as I control a Spellcaster monster, you can't activate any Spell cards. But if I control no Spellcaster monsters, I can't activate any Spell cards."

"Great. Not that card again..." Raguel cursed under his breath.

"Getting frustrated, Raguel? Good. Because things are about to get worse for you." Lord Kazuma taunted. "I also activate the Continuous-Spell card, Secret Sanctuary of the Spellcasters. Allow me to give you some breaking news on this card, Raguel. When a monster that's not a Spellcaster monster is summoned while I control a face-up Spell card and you have no Spell cards on your field, that monster cannot attack nor activate its effects that turn."

"What?!" Raguel gasped in shock after hearing this information. That meant two thirds of his deck was sealed off!

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Lord Kazuma narrowed his eyes. Don't worry, Kazuma Saromi. I'll ensure the scales are balanced by defeating the killer's sibling now that the killer's gone, Lord Kazuma vowed in his head. When Lord Kazuma learned that Azrael was gone, he breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that his mentor was avenged. But where did that leave Lord Kazuma? Simple. It left him feeling that his business was unfinished. Given how Azrael had taken his mentor, it was only fair to make Raguel suffer in his place. After all, Lord Kazuma had to settle his score with Raguel one way or another.

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, as he drew the top card of his deck.

"Continuous-Trap, activate! Royal Decree!" Lord Kazuma interrupted, as he gestured to his face-down card. "All other Trap effects on the field are instantly negated."

"So that means..." Raguel's mouth opened as he began to form the words that he would say next.

"I've locked down your entire deck!" Lord Kazuma confirmed. "With Secret Village of the Spellcasters, Secret Sanctuary of the Spellcasters and Royal Decree on the field, any strategies you plan on using has been put to a permanent halt!"

"A permanent halt, you say?" Raguel questioned. There was no such thing as an indestructible plan, and Raguel would drive that point home permanently. Still, as Raguel looked at the cards in his hand, he saw an opportunity to catch Lord Kazuma off guard in a way he couldn't expect.

"Unable to continue your turn, Raguel? Do yourself a favor and surrender so I can end you quickly." Lord Kazuma said.

"I'm only pondering my moves, worthless insect. Be patient." Raguel told Lord Kazuma before making a final decision. "I Set a monster. I Set two cards face-down and end my turn."

Lord Kazuma blinked. That's it? A Set monster and two face-down cards? It was... unusual of Raguel to do. Was Raguel changing tactics in response to this lock? Or was Raguel using new cards to further strengthen both his deck and this new strategy he was deploying? Still, Lord Kazuma couldn't let it reach fruition. Not when he had a chance of getting payback! "My turn! I draw." He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Pot of Greed, which lets me draw the top two cards of his deck." Lord Kazuma proceeded to draw the top two cards of his deck seconds later.

"From there, I activate the Ritual Spell card, Chaos Form. This card lets me Ritual Summon any 'Chaos' or 'Black Luster Soldier' Ritual monster by tributing monsters from my hand or field whose levels equal or exceed whose combined levels equal or exceed that of the stated Ritual monster, and then summon it from my hand. In addition, I'm also allowed to banish 'Dark Magician' or 'Blue-Eyes White Dragon' from my Graveyard to Ritual Summon as well!"

"Really now?" Raguel raised an eyebrow, curious on what monster Lord Kazuma will bring out next.

"That's correct." Lord Kazuma confirmed. "I tribute the Level 7 Dark Magician on my field!" A dark blue magic circle with seven flames appeared on their field, along with Dark Magician. Five cobalt spikes then appeared before he disintegrated into light and entered the center of the circle, which emitted a pillar of dark blue light.

"The contract's been made! Through the integration of Chaos, the magician shall unlock new heights of magical knowledge and strength! Ritual Summon! Arise, Level 7! Magician of Chaos!" A spellcaster in dark blue armor with violet lines all over his body and sharp edges that covered the torso and shoulder areas appeared on Lord Kazuma's field. He had dark-blond hair and light-blue skin, and in front of him was a scepter that had a blue magical circle emitting from it.

Magician of Chaos ATK: 2500 DEF: 2100 LV: 7

"Magician of Chaos's name becomes Dark Magician while he's on my field or in the Graveyard." Lord Kazuma explained. "Oh, and just note that Dark Magician Girl gains 300 attack points for each copy of 'Dark Magician' in our Graveyards." Dark Magician Girl then felt a magical aura power her up seconds later.

Dark Magician Girl ATK: 2000 + 300 = 2300

"But moving that aside, I activate the effect of Magicians' Souls in my hand. By sending a Level 6 or higher Spellcaster monster from my deck to my Graveyard, I can activate one of two effects. I send a second copy of Dark Magician from my deck to my Graveyard to activate Magicians' Souls second effect. By sending this card from my hand to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon 'Dark Magician' or 'Dark Magician Girl' from my hand or Graveyard to my field. Now come from the Graveyard, a second copy of Dark Magician." At Lord Kazuma's command, a second copy of Dark Magician appeared on his field.

Dark Magician ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

"And since Dark Magician was Normal or Special Summoned, I can activate Dark Magical Circle's second effect." Lord Kazuma added. "Once per turn, I can target a card you control and banish it. I target and banish the face-down card on your right." As if on cue, the face-down card on Raguel's right turned into particles, much to his ire.

"In addition, Magician of Chaos's effect now activates. Once per turn, during either player's turn, when a Spell or Trap card is activated, I can target one card on your field and destroy it. I target and destroy your second face-down card." The staff in front of Magician of Chaos then fired a blue magical circle, restraining Raguel's second face-down card before turning it into particles.

"Appear, the circuit of dark magic!" Lord Kazuma declared, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are one Dark Spellcaster monster. I set Magician's Rod into the Link Markers!" Magician's Rod went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Spirit of the Dark Magician!" A purple, ghostly spirit that wore dark blue armour with shiny, curved plates that had sharp edges appeared on Lord Kazuma's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. On the edges of the plates were curved trimmings of contrasting shade

Spirit of the Dark Magician ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ⬇️

"When Spirit of the Dark Magician's Link Summoned, I can draw a card for each face-up Spell and/or Trap card on my field." Lord Kazuma explained. "I have Secret Village of the Spellcasters, Secret Sanctuary of the Spellcasters, Dark Magical Circle and Royal Decree. That means I can draw a total of four cards from the top card of my deck." He then drew the top four cards of his deck seconds later.

"I also activate Spirit of the Dark Magician's second effect. By tributing it, Dark Spellcaster monsters I control are unaffected by your card effects until the end of my next turn." Lord Kazuma said, as Spirit of the Dark Magician turned into particles that flowed over to Magician of Chaos, Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl before surrounding each one in a glowing aura.

"Battle! Dark Magician Girl attacks your Set monster! Dark Burning Magic!" Dark Magician Girl fired magical energy from her scepter, which headed towards Raguel's Set monster.

"The monster you're attacking is Cyreath Pane." Raguel announced, as the card flipped up, which revealed a goat-footed man that had the head and torso of a man, along with the horns, tail, beard, nose and ears of a goat. His attire consisted of pieces of blue and red robes, along with a chest plate and shoulder pads. In his hands, he carried a large, double-edged sword.

Cyreath Pane ATK: 1600 DEF: 1800 LV: 4

"To start, Pane cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects." As if to indicate this, Pane he spun the double-edged sword in front of him, which shredded the magical blast seconds later. "In addition, when Pane is Flip Summoned, I can change him to attack position to Set one 'Cyreath' monster from my deck to my field." After Raguel took a card from his deck and Set it to his field, Pane's stance changed to attack position.

"Though your monster can't be destroyed by battle or card effects, I can still deal some damage." Lord Kazuma pointed out. "The battle continues! Dark Magician attacks Cyreath Pane! Dark Magic Attack!" Dark Magician fired a magical blast from his dark blue rod at Pane, who spun the double-edged sword in his hands to protect himself from the attack. However, the clash caused a small explosion that made Raguel shield himself with his right arm as his life points dropped.

Raguel: 4000 – 900 = 3100 LP

"The battle continues once again! Magician of Chaos attacks Cyreath Pane! Dark Magic Burst!" The staff in front of Magician of Chaos then fired a blue magical burst of energy, which made Pane spin the double-edged sword in his hands to protect himself from the attack. Just like before, the clash caused a small explosion that made Raguel shield himself with his right arm as his life points dropped.

Raguel: 3100 – 900 = 2200 LP

"With that, I end my turn." Lord Kazuma concluded. As much as he wanted to use the other cards in his hand, he ultimately decided not to. After all, Lord Kazuma wanted to prepare himself for whatever strategies Raguel planned to unleash, especially one that was rather… unusual for this duel. For Raguel would never use Flip monsters, which was the main reason why Lord Kazuma didn't use the four new cards in his hand. That way, he can survive whatever happens next before counter attacking in response on his next turn. Besides, Lord Kazuma's monsters were unaffected by card effects thanks to Spirit of the Dark Magician, which meant they were safe.

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, as he drew the top card of his deck. "I Flip Summon Cyreath Manticore to my field." A grey-skinned lion with a black mane, large draconic wings, and the tail of a scorpion appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Manticore ATK: 2000 DEF: 2700 LV: 7

"When Manticore's Flip Summoned, I can banish a card you control, and this doesn't target. I banish Secret Village of the Spellcasters!" Manticore's scorpion tail sped forward towards Secret Village of the Spellcasters, turning it into particles seconds later.

"Crap. With Secret Village of the Spellcasters gone…" Lord Kazuma began speaking.

"I can use Spell cards again." Raguel confirmed. "Starting with this! I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Cyreath Dispel. Once per turn, this card lets me target a Spell or Trap card on your field and destroy it."

"In that case, I activate Magician of Chaos' effect. Once per turn, during either player's turn, when a Spell or Trap card is activated, I can target one card on your field and destroy it." Lord Kazuma reminded Raguel. "I target and destroy Manticore." The staff in front of Magician of Chaos then fired a blue magical circle, restraining Manticore before turning it into particles.

"I see. So you went after one of my monsters rather than Dispel, as destroying it wouldn't negate its effects." Raguel commented. "Still, you're losing one of your cards. I target and destroy Secret Sanctuary of the Spellcasters." Dispel fired a purple blast at Secret Sanctuary of the Spellcasters, turning it into particles.

"I activate the effect of Cyreath Doppelganger in my hand. If I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can Special Summon it from my hand to my field." A pale, shadowy man materialized itself on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Cyreath Pan and Doppelganger into the Link Markers!" Pan went into the bottom arrowhead, while Doppelganger went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Nemo!" A young boy with light-emerald eyes and orange hair appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He wore a sailor's suit that had golden buttons and black bars on his shoulders, as well as blue pants. On top of his head was a sailor's cap that had a blue feather at the front.

Cyreath Nemo ATK: 1000 LINK-2 ↙️⬇️

"When Nemo is Link Summoned, I can add a copy of 'Cyreath Fusion' from my deck or Graveyard to my hand." Raguel explained, as a card popped out of his deck, which he took and added to his hand. "I activate the effect of Doppelganger in my Graveyard. By banishing a 'Cyreath' monster with a different name from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it from my Graveyard back to my field. I banish Manticore, and Special Summon Doppelganger back to my field." At Raguel's command, Doppelganger reappeared on his field in the Main Monster Zone Nemo pointed to.

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4

"Nemo's second effect! Once per turn, when a 'Cyreath' monster is Normal or Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone he points to, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster from my deck to my field." A card popped out of Raguel's deck, which he took and added to his hand. "I Special Summon Cyreath Hewdraw from my deck to my field." A medium-sized, serpent-like dragon with dark-purple scales and a white underbelly appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Hewdraw ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

"I'd normally use Hewdraw's effects, but given how your monsters are unaffected by my card effects, there's no point in doing so." Raguel acknowledged. "Instead, I will do this. Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set Doppelganger into the Link Markers!" Doppelganger went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Hephaestus!" A deformed blacksmith carrying a heated rod and a walking stick appeared on Raguel's field in one of the Main Monster Zones Nemo pointed to. He wore a short brown tunic around his waist.

Cyreath Hephaestus ATK: 500 LINK-1 ↘️

"I activate Hephaestus's effect. Once per turn, when I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can add a Spell or Trap card from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Dispel from my Graveyard to my hand." Raguel said, as a card popped out of his Graveyard, which he took and added to his hand. "In addition, I activate the effect of Cyreath Unleashed Rites from my Graveyard. By banishing it from my Graveyard, I can add a 'Cyreath' card from my deck or Graveyard to my hand. However, if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster, I can not only add two 'Cyreath' cards from my deck or Graveyard to my hand, you also can't activate cards or effects in response to Unleashed Rites' effects. Thus, I add Cyreath Guardian from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Raguel's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"I now activate the Spell card, Cyreath Fusion. This card lets me Fusion Summon one 'Cyreath' Fusion monster from my Extra Deck, by using 'Cyreath' monsters from my hand or field. In addition, if you control a Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, Pendulum, or Link monster, I can also use one 'Cyreath' Link monster from my Extra Deck as Fusion Material as well!"

"What?!" Lord Kazuma exclaimed.

"I use the Nemo, Hephaestus and Hewdraw on my field, as well as Cyreath Poseidon, Lord of the Sea from my Extra Deck as Fusion Materials!" Raguel decided, as a silhouette of a massive water elemental with rocky elements forming around his chest and glowing heart appeared along with Nemo, Hephaestus and Hewdraw. Several watery hippocampi protruded out of the rock formation below his waist, with two hippocampi appearing as makeshift arms. The water elemental had wet, braided hair, with a crown on the back of his head in the form of crab legs. He carried a trident, which was covered in electricity. They broke apart into red, blue, green, and orange particles before they went upwards and swirled into a vortex. Four tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.

"Supreme creature of the deep! Rise from the ocean's depths, and bury my enemies beneath your almighty waves! Fusion Summon! Emerge, Level 8! Cyreath Lernaean Hydra!" A purple, nine-headed hydra with dark-blue armour on his skin appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. On his chest was a single eyeball, along with a jaw that had sharp teeth on it.

Cyreath Lernaean Hydra ATK: 3000 DEF: 2500 LV: 8

"You can Fusion Summon. Just like your brother..." Lord Kazuma muttered, remembering how he was brutally defeated by Azrael at the hands of the latter's Fusion monster.

"Lernaean Hydra will be the end of you, Lord Kazuma. Especially when you take into account his effects." Raguel said. "I activate Lernaean Hydra's first effect. Once per turn, I can target one 'Cyreath' Link monster in my Graveyard, and have him gain attack points equal to that monster's Link rating times 500 until the end phase. In exchange, other monsters I control can't attack. I target Cyreath Poseidon, Lord of the Sea, who is a Link 3 monster. That means Lernaean Hydra gains 1500 attack points!" Lernaean Hydra roared as his strength increased.

Cyreath Lernaean Hydra ATK: 3000 + (500 X 3) = 4500

"Battle! Cyreath Lernaean Hydra attacks Dark Magician Girl! Gazer Exedra – First Shot!" Purple energy charged up in each of Lernaean Hydra's heads, along with the jaw in his chest, before they fired it at Dark Magician Girl, who turned into particles upon impact as a massive explosion occurred. But when the smoke dissipated, it showed an unharmed Lord Kazuma. "How are you still standing?"

"Simple. I activated the effect of Kuriboh from my hand." Lord Kazuma answered. "When you declare an attack, I can discard this card to reduce the battle damage from that battle all the way to zero."

"Is that so? Well, it's a good thing Lernaean Hydra can attack multiple times." Raguel commented, which made Lord Kazuma gasp.

"What did you just say?"

"I said that Lernaean Hydra's number of attacks are equal to the number of 'Cyreath' Link monsters used for his Fusion Summon. Since three 'Cyreath' Link monsters were used as Fusion Material, that means he can attack two more times." Raguel grinned. "Let's see you get away with this! The battle still continues! Cyreath Lernaean Hydra attacks Dark Magician! Gazer Exedra – Second Shot!" Purple energy charged up in each of Lernaean Hydra's heads, along with the jaw in his chest, before they fired it at Dark Magician.

"I activate the effect of Apprentice Illusion Magician from my hand." Lord Kazuma responded. "When a Dark Spellcaster monster I control battles, I can send it from my hand or field to my Graveyard to increase that monster's attack and defense points by 2000 during that damage calculation only." A silhouette of a woman in purple robes and hat, along with high heel boots, appeared on Lord Kazuma's field. She had spiky, white hair that went to the back of her neck. In her hand was her own scepter. Apprentice Illusion Magician released a magical spell from her scepter aimed towards Dark Magician, powering him up as she disappeared from the field to the Graveyard.

Dark Magician ATK: 2500 + 2000 = 4500 DEF: 2000 + 2000 = 4000

"If Dark Magician's going down, then I'll take your monster with him! Dark Magic Attack!" Dark Magician fired a blast of energy from his dark blue rod in order to intercept the attack.

"If you think both our monsters are going down, think again. I activate the effect of Cyreath Guardian from my hand." Raguel countered. "By sending this card from my hand to my Graveyard, not only can I prevent my monster from being destroyed by battle or card effects this turn, any battle damage I take is halved as well. To put it simply, only Dark Magician will be destroyed from this battle." As if on cue, a giant, vertically wide octagonal shield composed of solid onyx with Zeus on the face of the shield appeared in front of Lernaean Hydra to protect him from Dark Magician's counterattack. The attack from Lernaean Hydra hit Dark Magician, who turned into particles upon impact.

"The battle continues one more time! Cyreath Lernaean Hydra attacks Magician of Chaos! Gazer Expedia – Third Shot!" Purple energy charged up in each of Lernaean Hydra's heads, along with the jaw in his chest, before they fired it at Magician of Chaos, who turned into particles upon impact as a massive explosion occurred seconds later. Due to this, Lord Kazuma had to shield himself from the explosion using his right arm as his life points dropped.

Lord Kazuma: 4000 – 2000 = 2000 LP

"I activate Magician of Chaos's second effect. When it's destroyed by battle or card effect, I can Special Summon one 'Chaos' or 'Black Luster Soldier' Ritual monster from my hand to my field, ignoring its summoning conditions." Lord Kazuma announced, much to Raguel's surprise. "Come to me, Illusion of Chaos!" A spellcaster in dark blue armor with violet lines all over his body and sharp edges that covered the torso and shoulder areas appeared on Lord Kazuma's field. He had dark-blond hair and light-blue skin, along with a long, dark-blue cape with violet lines attached to his armor. Orbiting over his hands were green rings of magical energy.

Illusion of Chaos ATK: 2100 DEF: 2500 LV: 7

"In that case, I end the Battle Phase. I Set a monster. I Set one card face-down and end my turn, which means Lernaean Hydra's effect ends, and his attack points return to normal." Raguel concluded, as a red aura surrounded Lernaean Hydra, which reverted his attack points to his original amount.

Cyreath Lernaean Hydra ATK: 4500 – (500 X 3) = 3000

"It wasn't just your wardrobe change and makeover that's made you stronger. It seems you've gotten some new cards, just like myself." Lord Kazuma observed.

"Just like how you made improvements to your deck, Lord Kazuma, I've made improvements of my own. Ones that were… inspired by others, if I so say myself." Raguel commented.

"True, but I wonder what cost came with those improvements." Lord Kazuma put a hand to his chin and began pondering over this information. "Maybe it led you to disrespect your deck, or even infect it so much it's forced to obey your will with whatever oozy creature's latched onto your body. Well, the real version of you, anyway."

"My deck and I function as one. We are allies!" Raguel narrowed his eyes in anger, as if knowing what Lord Kazuma would say next.

"Allies, you say? Based on what I've saw, you've disrespected your deck after embracing your vile corruption. If a duelist doesn't respect their deck, then both it and the duelist are nothing more than shams!"

Hearing that comment led Raguel to laugh in response. "You talk about disrespect, yet you use the deck of the world-renowned champion Yugi Muto. The deck your mentor stole. So isn't what you're saying hypocritical?"

"Well, at least my mentor and I are giving it a better life than it being stocked up in a boring museum." Lord Kazuma responded. "Let me ask you a curious question: What does it mean to be good, and what does it mean to be evil?"

"That's obvious. To be good means you are selfless and fight for the benefits of others. But to be evil is to selfish and fight only for your own benefit. Only the One True God can determine what is truly good and evil, and with the Root of All Knowledge's power, I will ensure that anything related to evil is burned out of mankind's source code." Raguel immediately answered.

"Really, now? You think good and evil are opposites, yet did you know they're also the same?" Lord Kazuma challenged Raguel. "What if being good is to be selfish and only fight for yourself, while being evil is all about being selfless and fighting for others?"

Raguel raised an eyebrow. "Where are you going with this, Lord Kazuma?"

"Simple: Good and evil aren't as opposite as you think. In fact, you could say they need one another, lest the balance falls apart. If anything threatens that balance, let's say a greater evil or good, it's up to those present to eradicate it as soon as possible." Lord Kazuma narrowed his eyes. "We Knights of Hanoi may have committed heinous acts, yes, but we have always done it with the good intention of keeping mankind safe from threats in the network. You, on the other hand, claim to be doing what is right for mankind, but your actions say otherwise."

"You, a feeble human, dare challenge the wisdom of the One True God?!"

"Oh, I'm obviously challenging your wisdom, Raguel. I'm also saying that you've deluded yourself to the point where any action you commit is better for mankind's survival. You could say it's a lie you've convinced yourself with so you'd have an excuse to justify your actions."

"Shut your mouth, Lord Kazuma." Raguel warned Lord Kazuma.

"No, I think I won't. Because let's face it: That delusion and lie you've wrapped yourself with has made you no better than the sin that's plagued humanity for numerous millennia. You're no God. A person such as yourself, along with your deck that you based off of Greek Mythology, are just pale and inconsistent when compared with true divinity. To sum it up, you're nothing more than a faker striving to emulate something incomprehensible to the human eye." Lord Kazuma summed up so that Raguel got the overall message.

Raguel shockingly gasped after hearing those words. What caught his attention the most was how Lord Kazuma called Raguel a faker, which reminded the latter of when Gil called him a faker plenty of times before. Hearing that word made Raguel grit his teeth in pure anger upon remembering how it damaged him mentally from the inside out. "How dare you mock and question the One True God like that, Lord Kazuma. For that sin, you will pay for it once I defeat you on my next turn!"

"You kidding me? You think I'm going to lose this duel? I've got loads of fans on my side cheering for my victory over you." Lord Kazuma responded, having pointed his right index finger to the side of his head. "Sorry, Raguel, but no one's axing the great Lord Kazuma from this story. Got it memorized?"

Meanwhile, in the old server….

Playmaker rolled to his left side in order to evade the rising wall trying to stop him from moving. Summoning Decode Sword, Playmaker proceeded to slash through the wall in front of him before continuing to run forward, where he was forced to turn right to evade a wall that had electricity emitting from it. From there, he rolled to his right side before getting up and continuing to run forward, having managed to evade another wall attempting to trap him deep within the maze-like structure. Having found an opportunity, Playmaker jumped into the air and slammed Decode Sword deep within it in an attempt to climb over the wall in order to try and find where Raguel truly was in the network. Unfortunately, the wall suddenly emitted a burst of electricity that sent Playmaker falling to the ground, where he got up on his feet seconds later. Before he could move any further, the walls surrounded the area he was in and emitted electricity that formed into a barrier, which prevented him from moving any further.

"So even after losing our duel, you still come back for more," a voice spoke up, as the data particles emerged out of nowhere to form into a data clone of Raguel.

"Sending a clone of yourself to do the job instead of dealing with us yourself? How pathetic." Playmaker remarked.

"There is nothing wrong with using the tools you have in your arsenal against your enemies, Playmaker. Then again, I'm not as low as to use hostages, unlike a certain Ignis." Raguel pointed out, having crossed his arms seconds later.

"Maybe so, but how is what you're doing any different than what Bohman, Lightning and Azrael had tried to do before? Even if you succeed, the price of such a victory will lead to you being alone and no one accepting the world you would make. You'd end up sacrificing countless futures and possibilities in order to create it." Playmaker firmly replied back, which made Raguel roll his eyes.

"I told you earlier that neither the eradication of free will nor destroying mankind will solve the problem at hand. For they are not to blame. Sin is the cause of mankind's problems, which is what I intend to expunge out of mankind's source code using the Root of All Knowledge. After all, I do value both mankind and free will."

All Playmaker could do in response before speaking was sigh. "You're a hypocrite in so many ways, Raguel."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Raguel raised an eyebrow in response.

"In our previous duel, you criticized me for holding back against Go despite the reasons I said to you for doing so. A situation similar as that one occurred three months prior, where Numera and Akira were held hostage by the Hanoi." Playmaker began speaking. "You claim to value two important things, yet just like you and I in that situation, we weren't able to choose both our allies and victory at the same time. Despite all our best efforts to free Numera and Akira without hurting them, in the end, they sacrificed themselves so we could win our respective duels against the Hanoi."

Raguel tensed up after hearing those words. He remembered how powerless he felt after Lord Kazuma revealed that he had Numera hostage courtesy of Infearno. That same scenario happened when Playmaker dueled against Specter, who had Akira as a hostage thanks to Infearno helping out behind the scenes. To put it simply, like what Playmaker said, he and Raguel had no choice but to let Numera and Akira sacrifice themselves in order for victory to be achieved. What's more, Raguel also remembered another situation, where he was forced to duel against Roxy thanks to Azrael and Wraith forcing him to do so. Raguel held back because he didn't want to fight against the person he deemed his mother. Unfortunately, Raguel ended up sacrificing Roxy for the sake of victory, which still hurt him to this day despite after being reassured by the latter that it was all okay. "I already know this, Playmaker. You don't need to remind me of what happened. I'm doing all of this so that I never feel weak and vulnerable again!"

"Even if it means cutting out the people who made you into the person you are today? Are you really willing to take such a risk?" Playmaker questioned back.

"You'll need more than words to try and get my attention. You will need resolve and strength if you want to make me listen." Raguel reminded Playmaker.

"I know. For I needed both resolve and strength myself if I was to get revenge on the Hani for what they did during the Lost Incident." Playmaker sadly sighed. "Due to my desire for revenge, time stopped for me. I never thought Ai of all people would help me move forward, despite how he stuck his nose in my business. It was thanks to him that I was able to open my horizons and care for other people."

Playmaker pointed his right index finger at Raguel. "It seems that time's stopped for you as well, hasn't it, Raguel? The war in Mirror LINK VRAINS, along with you losing Herald and Azrael have all prevented you from moving forward. You're stuck as a result, just like I once was."

"You think I'm stuck? Look at me!" Raguel spread out his arms in front of him. "I am healthy. I am strong. This is what you and the others wanted, isn't it? I mean, you guys did find a way to move on quite quickly after we defeated Lightning and Azrael."

"Are you seriously that foolish, Raguel?! You don't just move on from a big event like the war in Mirror LINK VRAINS!" Playmaker firmly exclaimed. "We all process events in different ways, but the way you're doing it is not healthy. If anything, you're doing the same thing I once did after the Lost Incident. Stuck in time, unable to let go and move forward. But rest assured, once I defeat you, I will remind you that you're not alone. That we'll help you move forward from your pain and back to your life." He activated his duel disk.

"Your words bore me, Playmaker. If you wish to truly drive your point home, then you need to show me your motivation." Raguel stated, as he also activated his duel disk.

"It's time to duel!" Raguel and Playmaker shouted.

Raguel: 4000 LP

Playmaker: 4000 LP

"In our previous duel, you went first. I will take the first turn this time, and make you grovel at my feet just like I did before. My turn." Raguel said. "I activate the Spell card, Glorious Cyreaths. When I control no monsters in my Main Monster Zone, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster from my hand, deck, or Graveyard and draw the top card of my deck." A card popped out of Raguel's deck, which glowed with a dark light before dimming. "Come from my deck, Cyreath Lava Hound." An overweight, volcanic creature with small wings appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Lava Hound ATK: 2200 DEF: 1700 LV: 6

Seconds later, Raguel drew the top card of his deck.

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set Cyreath Lava Hound into the Link Markers!" Lava Hound went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Ceryneian Hind!" A female deer with light-brown skin appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Unlike other deer though, she had male-like antlers made of gold and hooves made of bronze. She also had a dappled hide as well.

Cyreath Ceryneian Hind ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ↙️

"When Ceryneian Hind is Link Summoned, I can draw the top card of my deck." Raguel explained, as he drew the top card of his deck. "In addition, as Lava Hound left the field, I can Special Summon two 'Cyreath Lava Pup' tokens to my field!" smaller pups resembling Lava Hound emerged into existence on Raguel's field in defense position.

Cyreath Lava Pup Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 3

Cyreath Lava Pup Token ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 3

"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared on Raguel's field. "The summoning conditions are one or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 1 Ceryneian Hind and both Lava Pup tokens into the Link Markers!" Ceryneian Hind went into the left arrowhead, one Lava Pup token went into the right arrowhead and the other Lava Pup token went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Lord Gaol!" An imposing man who wore massive, purple-colored knight-like armor over his entire body to the point that only his green eyes were visible appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Two massive horns extended from his helmet, each one having red spikes on it. Attached to his back was a red cape, which had eye-like patterns on it. Radiating from his hands was green mystical energy.

Cyreath Lord Gaol ATK: 2600 LINK-3 ⬅️↙️➡️

"I now activate the Spell card, Cyreath Manifestation!" The card showed Deimos and Phobos using their energy to create misty orbs, each one having a golden wreath on them. "This card lets me Special Summon one 'Cyreath' token to my field. However, if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster, I can Special Summon three 'Cyreath' tokens to my field instead. What's more, you can't activate cards or effects in response to the activation of each of this card's effects. As I control Lord Gaol, who is a Link 3 monster, that means I can Special Summon three 'Cyreath' tokens to my field!" Soon, three, translucent orbs of energy with golden wreaths on their heads and eyes appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Token ATK: 300 DEF: 300 LV: 1

Cyreath Token ATK: 300 DEF: 300 LV: 1

Cyreath Token ATK: 300 DEF: 300 LV: 1

"Appear, for a third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a third Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set all three 'Cyreath' tokens into the Link Markers!" One Cyreath token went into the top arrowhead, the second Cyreath token went into the left arrowhead, and the third Cyreath token went into the right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Asclepius!" A man who had long, silver hair with dark-red streaks at the end that was tied up in a ponytail, appeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Lord Gaol pointed to. Several pieces of his hair covered his forehead just above his green-colored eyes, the two longer ones having crossed left and right to encircle underneath them. For his attire, it consisted of a black, doctoral robe coat with golden lines running down from the top to the bottom. On the sides of the coat were two large violet circles, each one having a golden button in the middle. The forearm portion of the coat had glowing, cyan lines on each side of it. He carried a large rod in his hands, which had a mechanical serpent orbiting around it. Strapped to his sides were sheathes containing daggers.

Cyreath Asclepius ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ⬅️⬆️➡️

Great. Not that monster, Playmaker cursed in his mind. In his previous duel against Raguel, Asclepius proved to be a major pain in the ass, especially when you took into account his effects.

"In addition, I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Cyreath Domain Tartarus." Raguel added. "While this card's on my field, 'Cyreath' monsters I control gain 300 attack and defense points, and can no longer be targeted or destroyed by your card effects." Lord Gaol and Asclepius were surrounded with energy as their strength increased.

Cyreath Lord Gaol ATK: 2600 + 300 = 2900

Cyreath Asclepius ATK: 2500 + 300 = 2800

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Raguel frowned after finishing his turn. "Do your worst, Playmaker. That is, if you can."

"My turn! I draw!" Playmaker said, as he drew the top card of his deck. "I summon Widget Kid from my hand to my field." A boy who wore a black, blue and cyan jumpsuit with yellow lines, along with a white vest appeared on Playmaker's field. On top of his head was a backwards cap, and covering his eyes was a visor. In his hands, he carried a toy gun.

Widget Kid ATK: 1500 DEF: 900 LV: 3

"When Widget Kid is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Cyberse monster from my hand to my field in defense position. Come to me, Dotscaper." A green and white monster made out of digital bricks appeared on Playmaker's field in defense position.

Dotscaper ATK: 0 DEF: 2100 LV: 1

"I will now create my circuit." Playmaker declared, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Widget Kid and Dotscaper into the Link Markers!" Widget Kid went into the bottom arrowhead, while Dotscaper went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyberse Wicckid!" A young boy wearing a black magician's robe with green lining, along with a formal white shirt with green suspenders connected to black shorts and glowing green underpants appeared on Playmaker's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He had light green hair, with some of it covering his right eye, the both of them being light green. He also wore green and black gloves, along with black boots and green socks. In his left hand, he carried a black wand with green lining, a gem in the middle, and green horn-like ends at the tip.

Cyberse Wicckid ATK: 800 LINK-2 ⬇️↘️

"Next, I activate the Spell card, Effect Cowl." Playmaker continued. "If I control a Cyberse monster, I take no effect damage for this turn."

"So you managed to find a way around Asclepius' burn effect..." Raguel muttered.

"I'm not done yet. I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Card of Safe Return. Each time a monster is Special Summoned from my Graveyard, I can draw the top card of my deck." Playmaker announced. "Next, I activate the effect of Defcon Bird from my hand. By discarding a Cyberse monster from my hand to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it to my field. I send Cliant from my hand to my Graveyard." After Playmaker took a card from his hand and sent it to his Graveyard, a dark-blue and orange bird with silver armor attached to its body appeared on Playmaker's field in the Main Monster Zone Wicckid pointed to. It also had large cyan wings, which were in the form of a crescent.

Defcon Bird ATK: 100 DEF: 1700 LV: 3

"Wicckid's effect also activates! Since a monster was Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone he points to, I can banish a Cyberse monster in my Graveyard to add a Cyberse Tuner monster from my deck to my hand. I banish Dotscaper from my Graveyard, and add Cyberse Synchron from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Playmaker's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"I also activate Dotscaper's second effect! When it's banished, I can Special Summon it right back to my field." Playmaker added. "Return to me, Dotscaper." At Playmaker's command, Dotscaper reappeared on his field.

Dotscaper ATK: 0 DEF: 2100 LV: 1

"And since a monster was Special Summoned from my Graveyard to my field, I can draw the top card of my deck." Playmaker drew the top card of his deck seconds later. "I now activate the Equip Spell card, Cynet Defrag. I can target one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it to my field before equipping it with this card. I target the Level 3 Cliant in my Graveyard, Special Summon it to my field and equip it with this card." A digital, dark-blue ant with light-blue lines on its body appeared on Playmaker's field. A gaster made of pure energy, which was held in a silver cannister, was attached to its back.

Cliant ATK: 1500 DEF: 1500 LV: 3

Seconds later, Playmaker drew the top card of his deck.

"While Cliant is on my field, Cyberse monsters I control gain 500 attack and defense points during my turn only." Playmaker explained, as Wicckid, Defcon Bird, Dotscaper and Cliant were surrounded in auras that increased their strength.

Cyberse Wicckid ATK: 800 + 500 = 1300

Defcon Bird ATK: 100 + 500 = 600 DEF: 1700 + 500 = 2200

Dotscaper ATK: 0 + 500 = 500 DEF: 2100 + 500 = 2600

Cliant ATK: 1500 + 500 = 2000 DEF: 1500 + 500 = 2000

"I overlay the Level 3 Defcon Bird with the Level 3 Cliant!" Blue lightning shot out of Playmaker's duel disk as it went to the sky behind him. Withing seconds, it struck, creating the Xyz Cross. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Defcon Bird and Cliant then turned into particles that went into the cross, which caused it to release a burst of particles.

"Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 3! Cyberse Reminder!" A digital, dark-blue robotic humanoid with cyan lines running over its body appeared on Playmaker's field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Wicckid pointed to. Attached to its chest was a chest plate that had green lines on it, along with a 'G' at the middle of the chest plate. Strapped to its arms were screw-like blades that protruded outwards.

Cyberse Reminder ATK: 1800 DEF: 800 RNK: 3 OU: 2

Cyberse Wicckid ATK: 1300 - 500 = 800

Dotscaper ATK: 500 - 500 = 0 DEF: 2600 - 500 = 2100

"A new Cyberse Xyz monster..." Raguel muttered.

"I now activate Reminder's effect. By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can add one 'Cynet' Spell or Trap card from my Graveyard to my hand." Playmaker said, which got Raguel's attention. "I add Cynet Defrag from my Graveyard back to my hand." One of the two Overlay units orbiting around Reminder went into its chest, which caused Playmaker's Graveyard to glow as he took a card from it and added it right back to his hand.

Cyberse Reminder OU: 2 – 1 = 1

"I also activate the Continuous-Spell card, Cynet Optimization. Once per turn, I can Normal Summon one Cyberse monster. I summon Cyberse Synchron from my hand to my field." A small white machine with blue eyes connected to the middle of a white ring appeared on Playmaker's field. In the middle of the ring was a translucent, blue energy field. Surrounding it were three boosters. One on the top, one on the bottom-left, and one on the bottom-right.

Cyberse Synchron ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1

"I also use Cyberse Synchron's effect. Once per turn, I can target one Level 4 or lower monster on my field and increase its current level by its original level until the End Phase. I target Cyberse Synchron itself and increase its level by one!" Playmaker decided, as the boosters on Cyberse Synchron glowed, which increased its level by one.

Cyberse Synchron LV: 1 + 1 = 2

"I tune the Level 2 Cyberse Synchron with the Level 1 Dotscaper!" A bolt blue lightning struck Playmaker before the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were both white appeared before turning blue and merging. Two blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "2 + 1" in front of them. The screen changed to "3" as light surged through the rings.

"Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 3! Cyberse Integrator!" A blue and white drone with mechanical claws, as well as boosters on its sides appeared on Playmaker's field in the second Main Monster Zone Wicckid pointed to.

Cyberse Integrator ATK: 1000 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

"And now a different Cyberse Synchro monster…." Raguel muttered, having narrowed his eyes. He wanted to see how this would play out, and after doing so, he'd ensure that Playmaker's strategies were put to a halt just moments before they reached fruition.

"I activate Cyberse Integrator's effect. When it's Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon one Cyberse Tuner monster from my hand or Graveyard to my field in defense position." Playmaker explained. "Return to me, Cyberse Synchron." At Playmaker's command, Cyberse Synchron reappeared on his field.

Cyberse Synchron ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1

"Just like before, Card of Safe Return's effect lets me draw another card." Playmaker proceeded to draw another card from the top of his deck. "Next, I activate Cyberse Synchron's effect once again. Once per turn, I can target one Level 4 or lower monster on my field and increase its current level by its original level until the End Phase. I target Cyberse Integrator and increase its level by three!" The boosters on Cyberse Synchron glowed, which increased Cyberse Integrator's level by three.

Cyberse Integrator LV: 3 + 3 = 6

"I tune the Level 1 Cyberse Synchron with the Level 6 Cyberse Integrator!" Playmaker declared, as a bolt of blue lightning struck him and the world greyed out before his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, which were both white, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "1 + 6" in front of them. The screen changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"Flash of lightning! Strike from the far reaches of the universe, and unleash the soaring dragon's unknown power to all that dare stand against it! Synchro Summon! Descend, Level 7! Cyberse Quantum Dragon!" A white and blue dragon with elongated wings that had thrusters embedded in them appeared on Playmaker's field in the remaining Main Monster Zone Wicckid pointed to. He had a total of four eyes that gleamed from his head.

Cyberse Quantum Dragon ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

"Cyberse Integrator's second effect now activates! Since it was sent from my field to my Graveyard, I can draw the top card of my deck." Playmaker stated, as he drew the top card of his deck while Raguel rolled his eyes. Just how many cards was Playmaker going to draw this turn? It was like he was taking the Maxx C' challenge.

"That's a lot of monsters you got there, Playmaker. It'd be a shame for all of that effort to blow up in flames." Raguel remarked.

"What do you mean?" Playmaker inquired, as Raguel gestured to his field.

"Continuous-Trap, activate! Cyreath Strife!" The card showed Atalanta/Alpha Mode engaged in combat with Cyreath Zeus, Lord of the Storm and Aetos Dios in a desecrated Mount Olympus. "While this card is on my field, monsters on your field must attack, if able."

"What?!" Playmaker exclaimed, shocked at what he just heard. That meant if Playmaker wasn't careful, one of his weaker monsters would be forced to battle, thus leading to a loss in life points should such a thing happen. I've faced worse, so this will not stop me! Not with so much on the line, he vowed to himself in his mind. "I activate the Equip Spell card, Cynet Defrag once again. Like earlier, I can target one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it to my field before equipping it with this card. I target the Level 1 Dotscaper in my Graveyard, Special Summon it to my field and equip it with this card." At Playmaker's command, Dotscaper reappeared on his field.

Dotscaper ATK: 0 DEF: 2100 LV: 1

And just like earlier, Playmaker drew another card from the top of his deck.

"I will now create my circuit!" A second Link Portal appeared above Playmaker. "The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set the Link 2 Cyberse Wicckid, and Dotscaper into the Link Markers!" Wicckid went into the top and bottom arrowheads, while Dotscaper went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Encode Talker!" A warrior in bright blue and gold armor appeared on Playmaker's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. In his right hand, he carried a large shield.

Encode Talker ATK: 2300 LINK-3 ⬆️⬇️↘️

"I also activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Big Return. It lets me target a card on my field that has a 'Once-Per-Turn' effect and activate it once again." Playmaker revealed, much to Raguel's surprise. "Thus, I activate Cyberse Reminder's effect once again. By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can add one 'Cynet' Spell or Trap card from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Cynet Defrag from my Graveyard back to my hand once again." The remaining Overlay unit orbiting around Reminder went into its chest, which caused Playmaker's Graveyard to glow as he took a card from it and added it right back to his hand.

Cyberse Reminder OU: 1 – 1 = 0

"For a third time, I activate the Equip Spell card, Cynet Defrag. Like earlier, I can target one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it to my field before equipping it with this card. I target the Level 1 Dotscaper in my Graveyard, Special Summon it to my field and equip it with this card." At Playmaker's command, Dotscaper reappeared on his field in defense position.

Dotscaper ATK: 0 DEF: 2100 LV: 1

Once again, Playmaker drew another card from the top of his deck.

"I will now create my circuit for a third time!" Playmaker said, as a third Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Cyberse Reminder and Dotscaper into the Link Markers!" Reminder went into the left arrowhead, while Dotscaper went into the top arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Link Bumper!" A gray robot with cyan lines on its body, along with red armor on its chest appeared on Playmaker's field in the remaining Main Monster Zone Wicckid pointed to. Attached to its waist was a pair of red pinball bumpers, along with another pair orbiting near its shoulders.

Link Bumper ATK: 1400 LINK-2 ⬅️⬆️

"Battle! Cyberse Quantum Dragon attacks Cyreath Asclepius! At this point, I activate Cyberse Quantum Dragon's effect. Once per turn, when it battles a monster you control, I can not only return it back to your hand, but also allow it to attack a second time as well."

"Not this again." Raguel seethed after hearing this information. With Cyberse Quantum Dragon returning Asclepius back to his Extra Deck, that meant he could no longer use Asclepius' second effect to shuffle Playmaker's cards back into his deck and/or Extra Deck. In addition, that effect did not target, which meant Raguel couldn't keep his monster safe due to Domain Tartarus' effects.

"Go, Quantum Return!" Playmaker shouted, as Cyberse Quantum Dragon flew through Asclepius, which made him turn into particles as the former dove upward before retreating back to Playmaker's field. "Cyberse Quantum Dragon attacks Cyreath Lord Gaol! Quantum Encryption!" Cyberse Quantum Dragon generated black and blue data in his maw before preparing to fire it at Lord Gaol. "I activate Encode Talker's effect. When a monster he points to battles a monster you control with higher attack points, my monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and I take no battle damage!" Cyberse Quantum Dragon stopped charging energy in his mouth before standing down. "And then either Encode Talker or a monster he points to gains attack points equal to your monster's attack points until the End Phase. I therefore increase Cyberse Quantum Dragon's attack points!" A bright blue aura surrounded Encode Talker as he powered up.

Cyberse Quantum Dragon ATK: 2500 + 2900 = 5400

"Why did you do that? Your monster already attacked." Raguel pointed out, as he looked up the effects of Playmaker's monsters. He then gasped upon reading Link Bumper's effect.

"It seems you've realized what's going on, right, Raguel? If you're still putting two and two together, then allow me to spell it out for you." Playmaker cheekily stated. "I activate Link Bumper's effect. Once per turn, at the end of the damage step, when a monster it points to attacks a Link monster you control, that monster can attack your Link monster an additional time for each Link monster I control except this one. In exchange, no other monsters than the monster Link Bumper is pointing to can attack for the rest of this turn."

"So you managed to stop your weaker monsters from attacking then this turn, thus saving your life points as a result…" Raguel realized.

"That's correct." Playmaker confirmed, as he thrusted out his right hand. "The battle continues! Cyberse Quantum Dragon attacks Cyreath Lord Gaol!" Cyberse Quantum Dragon generated black and blue data in his maw before preparing to fire it at Lord Gaol.

"I activate Strife's effect." Raguel said back. "Once per turn, during either player's turn, I can target one 'Cyreath' monster on my field and have it gain attack points equal to the attack points of one other 'Cyreath' monster that's either on my field or in my Graveyard. I target Lava Hound in my Graveyard, who has 2200 attack points! That means Lord Gaol gains 2200 attack points!" Lord Gaol was surrounded in an aura that further increased his strength.

Cyreath Lord Gaol ATK: 2900 + 2200 = 5100

"In addition, the 'Cyreath' monster targeted by this effect cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects this turn."

"But you'll still take some damage, Raguel! Quantum Encryption!" Playmaker countered, as Cyberse Quantum Dragon fired the black and blue data in the form of a beam of energy at Lord Gaol, who crossed his arms in front of him to shield himself from the attack. As for Raguel, he winced in pain as his life points dropped.

Raguel: 4000 – 300 = 3700 LP

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn, which means the effects of Encode Talker and Strife end." Playmaker begrudgingly concluded, as auras surrounded Cyberse Quantum Dragon and Lord Gaol, which returned their strength to their original amounts.

Cyberse Quantum Dragon ATK: 5400 – 2900 = 2500

Cyreath Lord Gaol ATK: 5100 – 2200 = 2900

"All that for a drop of blood, huh? What a disappointment." Raguel taunted Playmaker. "My turn! I draw!" He drew the top card of his deck. "I activate Lord Gaol's effect. Once per turn, I can target one monster you control, and Special Summon one 'Cyreath Prisoner' token to my field whose attack and defense points are equal to either the targeted monster's original attack or defense points, whichever's higher. You also can't activate cards or effects in response to this effect if I control a face-up 'Cyreath' Spell or Trap card."

"But while I control a Cyberse Link monster, you can only target Cyberse Quantum Dragon for attacks or effects." Playmaker reminded Raguel.

"That's fine with me. I target Cyberse Quantum Dragon! Hollow Materialization!" Green energy danced around Lord Gaol's hands as he fired it at Cyberse Quantum Dragon, which caused an aura to surround him. That same energy formed into a ghoulish apparition of Cyberse Quantum Dragon that wore tattered pieces of prison clothing, which appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Prisoner ATK: ? DEF: ? LV: 1

Cyreath Prisoner ATK: ? + 2500 + 300 = 2800 DEF: ? + 2500 + 300 = 2800

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Cyreath Selector. When this card is activated, I can send the top card of my deck to reveal three 'Cyreath' cards from my deck to you that have different names. You choose one for me to add to my hand, one for me to shuffle back to my deck, and one for me to send to my Graveyard."

"You're letting me choose?" Playmaker asked. On one hand, this was good, as Playmaker can get rid of any cards that can potentially help Raguel advance his strategies. But on the other hand, this gave Raguel an opportunity to choose three strong cards that will force Playmaker to make a difficult decision. Specifically, to choose which of the three strong cards would benefit Raguel the least.

"That's correct." Raguel simply answered, as he sent the top card of his deck to his Graveyard. "I reveal Cyreath Eradication, Providence and Tranquility from my deck." The three declared cards then appeared in front of Playmaker on a screen for him to look at each one.

Playmaker gritted his teeth as he looked at each one. With Eradication, Raguel can negate any summon or card effect that Playmaker would use before sending it to the Graveyard. The worst part was that Playmaker couldn't activate cards or effects in response to Eradication's effect. For Providence, it simply allowed Raguel to Link Summon by shuffling monsters from his Graveyard to do so. Given how it was a Quick-Play Spell card, that meant Raguel was allowed to use this card on the opponent's turn in order to bring out a powerful monster and impede his opponent's strategies. Lastly, Tranquility's effect not only allowed Raguel to draw a card upon activation, but it also allowed him to Special Summon a 'Cyreath' monster from his Graveyard should be bring out a Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz or Link monster. What's worse, the opponent's monster would lose attack points based on the Special Summoned monster's attack points until the End Phase. All in all, it was difficult for Playmaker to make a decision.

Raguel raised an eyebrow, having noticed that Playmaker was stuck in his thinking. "What is your decision, Playmaker? Which of the three cards do you think I should have, and which of them do you think I should lose?"

Playmaker grit his teeth. As much as he hated his options, it was better to give Raguel a temporary advantage than a permanent one. "I choose to add Tranquility to your hand, send Providence to your Graveyard, and shuffle Eradication back into your deck." One card appeared in Raguel's hand, one card shuffled itself back into Raguel's deck, and the last card went into Raguel's Graveyard.

"I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Cyreath Tranquility. When this card is activated, I can draw the top card of my deck." Raguel explained, as he drew the top card of his deck. "Battle! The Cyreath Prisoner token attacks Cyberse Quantum Dragon!" The Prisoner token charged forward at Cyberse Quantum Dragon.

"I activate Encode Talker's effect!" Playmaker interrupted. "When a monster he points to battles a monster you control with higher attack points, my monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and I take no battle damage!" The Prisoner token clashed with Cyberse Quantum Dragon, who pushed it back to Raguel's field. "And then either Encode Talker or a monster he points to gains attack points equal to your monster's attack points until the End Phase. I therefore increase Cyberse Quantum Dragon's attack points!" A bright blue aura surrounded Cyberse Quantum Dragon as he powered up.

Cyberse Quantum Dragon ATK: 2500 + 2800 = 5300

"That won't deter me. The battle continues!" Raguel replied back. "Cyreath Lord Gaol attacks Cyberse Quantum Dragon! I also activate Strife's effect! Once per turn, during either of our turns-."

"No, you don't!" Playmaker interrupted. "Counter-Trap, activate! Cynet Conflict! When you activate a card effect while I control a 'Code Talker' monster, I can negate the activation and banish it. What's more, you can't activate cards or effects of cards with the same original name as that card until the end of your next turn."

"What?!" Raguel exclaimed, as a cyan blade of energy sped towards Strife, turning it into particles. "For defying the One True God, you will pay the ultimate price! The battle continues! Cyreath Lord Gaol attacks Cyberse Quantum Dragon! At this point, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Cyreath Confrontation!" The card showed Lord Gaol summoning a silhouette of Ouroboros, which charged forward at Salamangreat Heatleo and Sunlight Wolf. "When your monster battles, I can have it lose attack points equal to the attack points of one 'Cyreath' monster in your Graveyard. However, if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster, not only does your monster's attack points drop all the way to zero, its effects are negated as well. In addition, you can't activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster."

"Oh no!" Playmaker exclaimed, as a purple blast of energy hit Cyberse Quantum Dragon, which made him scream in pain before his strength decreased.

Cyberse Quantum Dragon ATK: 5300 – 5300 = 0

"Hollow Decimation!" Green, magical orbs orbited around Lord Gaol as he thrusted out his hands, which sent them flying towards Cyberse Quantum Dragon before orbiting around the latter's body and piercing him from all directions. Lord Gaol then had the orbs yank Cyberse Quantum Dragon to him, where the orbs exited his body and the former had them merge into a massive burst of energy that disintegrated the latter seconds later. As a result, a massive explosion occurred that threatened to engulf Playmaker!

"I activate the Trap card, Cynet Reinforcement!" Playmaker replied, as he gestured to his face-down card. The card showed a Link Portal being reinforced by tornadoes of energy as it formed into a shield, protecting it from blasts of energy on all sides. "When a Cyberse monster I control is destroyed by battle, any damage I take from that battle is halved." A Link Portal appeared in front of Playmaker, which caused the explosion to wash over him as he nearly stumbled over, his life points having decreased in the process.

Playmaker: 4000 – (2900 / 2) = 2550 LP

"Then I'm allowed to Special Summon both that monster and one Cyberse Link monster from my Graveyard. Return to me, Cyberse Quantum Dragon and Cyberse Wicckid." At Playmaker's command, Cyberse Quantum Dragon and Cyberse Wicckid reappeared on his field.

Cyberse Quantum Dragon ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

Cyberse Wicckid ATK: 800 LINK-2 ⬇️↘️

"In addition, if I already control a 'Code Talker' monster the turn I activate this effect, I can perform a Link Summon using Cyberse monsters I control." Playmaker added.

"A Link Summon on my turn?!" Raguel exclaimed.

"That's right." Playmaker answered, as he raised his hand high in the sky. There were multiple monsters Playmaker can bring out to solidify his field. However, before he can make a decision, a voice suddenly popped into his head.

"Bring me out to the field, Playmaker," the voice whispered in his head. "It's the only way to stop Raguel."

It's you, isn't it, Turboblaze Dragon, Playmaker realized in his mind. Very well. If that's your wish, I will Link Summon you to my field. "I will now create my circuit!" A Link Portal appeared above Playmaker. "The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set the Link 2 Cyberse Wicckid, and the Link 2 Link Bumper into the Link Markers!" Wicckid went into the left and top arrowheads, while Link Bumper went into the right and bottom arrowheads, turning them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Turboblaze Dragon!" A white-color bipedal dragon with blue irises and black pupils, as well as a long and slender neck roared as he appeared on Playmaker's field in the Main Monster Zone Encode Talker pointed to, resulting in both monsters being co-linked with one another. He had a long, voluminous wispy mane streaming out from the upper side of his snout and outwards from his head, with two protrusions resembling ears on the top of the mane. His arms were slender and arm-like with a wing-like appearance and four fingers on his claws. He had a feathered chest, with long feather-like protrusions jutting out of his thighs. On his feet were large grey claws, three at the front and one positioned at the back to resemble high heels. He also had a jet engine-like tail, with two large bands similar to the front and ribbon like extensions.

Turboblaze Dragon ATK: 3000 LINK-4 ⬅️⬆️⬇️➡️

"Turboblaze Dragon?!" Raguel exclaimed out of shock. I removed you from my deck so you wouldn't get thrown into this conflict. How could you betray me, Raguel lamented in his mind.

"When Turboblaze Dragon is Link Summoned, the effects of all monsters you control are negated." Playmaker told Raguel. "Heat Veil!" Turboblaze Dragon's jet engine-like tail began to charge up before he unleashed waves of volcanic energy at Lord Gaol, covering him in scorch marks.

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Raguel concluded, angry that he wasn't able to finish Playmaker off this turn.

Elsewhere, in the old server….

WHOOSH!

Soulburner slashed the walls trying to block him using the blades resembling Heatleo's claws in his hands, a fiery aura surrounding his body in the process. He quickly charged forward and slashed another wall that tried to trap him before continuing to run forward, where electricity ran down another wall nearby to impede his progress. Seeing this, Soulburner immediately jumped to the left wall and jammed his blades onto it in order to evade the electrical attack, having immediately begun to climb upwards before vaulting over the wall. After doing so, Soulburner then turned right upon seeing more electricity heading towards him, having forced to roll to his left side and continue running. If he could only get to the center of the maze, then he can confront Raguel and convince him to stop this madness.

Numerous strands of electricity dashed onto the ground towards Soulburner, who was forced to jump to the wall nearby before immediately springing himself towards the other one nearby. He even slammed the two blades in his hands onto that same wall in order to prevent himself from falling to the ground. But to his shock, electricity ran down the wall and headed towards Soulburner, leading him to jump down onto the ground before continuing to run forward. He quickly turned left to evade another attack, only for electricity to suddenly wrap itself around Soulburner and prevent him from moving despite his best efforts at freeing himself. The fiery aura surrounding Soulburner's body blazed with energy as he ripped the electricity off of him before trying to move forward. Unfortunately, by the time Soulburner did this, the electricity connected to all the walls nearby and formed into a barrier that prevented him from moving forward. Data particles immediately appeared out of nowhere, which led Soulburner to try and slash them to see what was going on.

"Yup. It's a data clone of you, isn't it, Raguel?" Soulburner guessed, as the data particles formed into a data clone of Raguel, which confirmed the former's suspicion.

"Obviously. There's no way I'd let you try and impede my plans. Though let me tell you that even though I may be a clone, I'm no pushover." Raguel remarked.

"Of course you'd say that." Soulburner said, as the blades resembling Heatleo's claws turned into particles. "Listen to me, Raguel. You're doing the same thing Go did back when he became a bounty hunter. Casting others aside for a selfish goal. Just like him, you're crying over what you lost rather than focus on what you have left so you can move forward. The fact that you're blinded will be your undoing in the end."

"My undoing? I highly doubt that. I've gained pure clarity after everything that's happened. This world, no, this universe, doesn't need a hero. It needs the One True God to so that it can prosper without the curse of sin."

"Just like Go and Playmaker, you're a hero to LINK VRAINS. A hero I wanted to be like to the others in my life. But now..." Soulburner made a fist with his right hand. "Now you're aiming to plunge both it and the universe to calamity. All because you're blinded by your pain."

"Pain's a great motivator, Soulburner. It's something Azrael taught me in my duels against him. It's because of the unrelenting pain coursing in my body and mind that I'm motivated to do what must be done. Both for myself and for the universe." Raguel said, having activated his duel disk.

"What must be done. Ha! What a load of bullshit." Soulburner replied back, as he activated his duel disk in response. "Just like how Playmaker managed to save Go from himself, I'll save you from the pain you've been blinded by!"

"You can try all you want, Soulburner, but it won't change the final outcome. Do try to show me your motivation in the meanwhile." Raguel stated.

"It's time to duel!" Raguel and Soulburner said in unison.

Raguel: 4000 LP

Soulburner: 4000 LP

"I'm going first, Raguel. There's no way in Hell I'll let you put a halt to my strategies, especially when I have new tricks up my sleeve." Soulburner stated.

"Feel free to take the first turn, Soulburner. It won't change the ultimate outcome in the end, which will be your loss." Raguel boringly complied.

"My turn!" Soulburner looked at the cards in his hand before making a decision. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Salamangreat Circle. This card lets me activate one of two effects, and I'll choose effect one, which lets me add one 'Salamangreat' monster from my deck to my hand. I add Salamangreat Tiger from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Soulburner's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"Next, I activate the effect of Salamangreat Tiger from my hand." Soulburner continued. "By discarding one other 'Salamangreat' card, I can Special Summon it to my field. I discard Salamangreat Falco from my hand to my Graveyard." A purple and silver tiger with green, glowing lines and fiery tattoos appeared on Soulburner's field.

Salamangreat Tiger ATK: 2000 DEF: 500 LV: 5

"Falco's effect also activates! When it's sent to the Graveyard, I can target one 'Salamangreat' Spell or Trap card in my Graveyard and Set it to my field. I target Salamangreat Circle in my Graveyard, and Set it to my field." A card popped out of Soulburner's Graveyard, which he took and Set to his field.

Soulburner's most likely going to use Circle on his next turn to add more resources to his hand, Raguel hypothesized in his mind.

"From there, I summon Salamangreat Foxy from my hand to my field." Soulburner added, as a blue and grey armored fox with a burning tail appeared on his field.

Salamangreat Foxy ATK: 1000 DEF: 1200 LV: 3

"When Foxy's Normal Summoned, I can excavate the top three cards of my deck and add one excavated 'Salamangreat' card from my deck to my hand. The others are then shuffled into my deck." Soulburner took the top three cards of his deck before looking at them for a few seconds. "I add Salamangreat Racoon from my deck to my hand." He picked one and added it to his hand before taking the other two cards and shuffling them back into his deck.

"I tune the Level 5 Salamangreat Tiger with the Level 3 Salamangreat Foxy!" Soulburner declared, as a bolt of red lightning struck him and the world greyed out before his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one purple and one blue, appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "5 + 3" in front of them. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Flaming gryphon residing within the fiery kingdom's mountains! Take flight from your cavern, and aid your brethren to achieve long-lasting survival! Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 8! Salamangreat Burst Gryphon!" A large, bipedal white and blue gryphon covered in white and blue armor appeared on Soulburner's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Green orbs were on his knees, chest and the edges of his wings. Emitting from his four wings were dark-blue flames. He also had a ring of blue flames around his neck as well.

Salamangreat Burst Gryphon ATK: 2800 DEF: 2500 LV: 8

"You won't hurt the kingdom and its creatures! I promise you that!" Burst Gryphon exclaimed.

"You can now Synchro Summon?!" Raguel exclaimed, shock evident in his tone.

"That's right, Raguel." Soulburner simply confirmed. "I activate Burst Gryphon's effect. Once per turn, I can target one Level 7 or lower Fire monster from my Graveyard and Special Summon it to my field. What's more, I can lower Burst Gryphon's level by the level of the monster Special Summoned by this effect. I target the Level 5 Tiger in my Graveyard, and Special Summon it to my field. Blazing Rebirth!" Burst Gryphon let out a roar as a blue, fiery portal appeared on Soulburner's field, which led to Tiger jumping out of moments later.

Salamangreat Tiger ATK: 2000 DEF: 500 LV: 5

Salamangreat Burst Gryphon LV: 8 – 5 = 3

"Get ready for this, Raguel! I tune the Level 5 Salamangreat Tiger with the Level 3 Salamangreat Burst Gryphon!" Soulburner declared, as a bolt of red lightning struck him and the world greyed out before his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one purple and one blue, appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "5 + 3" in front of them. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Flaming gryphon residing within the fiery kingdom's mountains! Embrace the flames of rebirth, and emerge as a creature of blissful flames! Reincarnation Synchro Summon! Appear! Level 8! Salamangreat Burst Gryphon!" Salamangreat Burst Gryphon reappeared on Soulburner's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. However, the ring of blue flames was now more radiant, and the four wings on his back now emitted harsher dark-blue flames.

Salamangreat Burst Gryphon ATK: 2800 DEF: 2500 LV: 8

"Now that's more like it!" Burst Gryphon exclaimed.

"Glad you like it, Burst Gryphon." Soulburner said, before turning to Raguel. "You should know that when Burst Gryphon is Reincarnation Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon one monster from my Graveyard on my next turn."

"I see..." Raguel muttered. That meant he had to get rid of Burst Gryphon lest Soulburner bring out more monsters to his field.

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Soulburner narrowed his eyes. "Alright, Raguel. You're up."

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, as he drew the top card of his deck. "You've certainly surprised me with what you pulled off just now, Soulburner. But against the One True God, it won't matter in the end. Since you control a 'Cyreath' monster and I do not, I can Special Summon Cyreath Satyr from my hand to my field." A creature with the upper body of a man and the horns and legs of a goat appeared on Raguel's field. The creature had bronze pieces of armor on its head, arms, and legs, as well as long claws on its hands.

Cyreath Satyr ATK: 2300 DEF: 1400 LV: 5

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set Cyreath Satyr into the Link Markers!" Satyr went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Skull Wing!" A small skull with wings appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyreath Skull Wing ATK: 300 LINK-1 ↙️

"I summon Cyreath Wandering Soul from my hand to my field." Raguel continued, as an illusion of a man appeared on his field, with mist running throughout his body.

Cyreath Wandering Soul ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 1 Cyreath Skull Wing and Wandering Soul into the Link Markers!" Skull Wing went into the bottom-left arrowhead, while Wandering Soul went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Paris!" A young boy wearing ornate white and black robes appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He had neck-long, moss-colored hair, as well as sheep horns on each side of his head. He also had long, elf-like shoes on his feet. Lastly, Paris had orange eyes, which twinkled for a brief moment before dimming down.

Cyreath Paris ATK: 1000 LINK-2 ↙️↘️

"The effects of Skull Wing and Paris activate in sequence." Raguel began speaking. "First, when Skull Wing is used as Link material, you take 300 points of damage." A silhouette of Skull Wing appeared and went through Soulburner, who shivered as his life points dropped.

Soulburner ATK: 4000 – 300 = 3700 LP

"Second, when Paris is Link Summoned using a 'Cyreath' Link monster, I can add one 'Cyreath' Ritual monster and one 'Cyreath' Ritual Spell card from my deck to my hand. I add Cyreath Calamity and Cyreath Alastor from my deck to my hand." Two cards popped out of Raguel's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"I now activate the Ritual Spell card, Cyreath Calamity." Raguel added. "This card lets me tribute 'Cyreath' monsters on my field or in my hand whose total levels equal or exceed the Level of the 'Cyreath' Ritual monster I'm summoning from my hand. I'm also allowed to banish 'Cyreath' monsters from my Graveyard as well for the Ritual Summon!"

"Oh no!" Soulburner exclaimed, knowing what Raguel will bring out next.

"I banish the Level 7 Satyr and the Level 1 Wandering Soul from my Graveyard." Within seconds, a black hole with eight purple flames appeared on Raguel's field, along with Satyr and Wandering Soul. Both monsters disintegrated into light and entered into the center of the black hole, which unleashed a burst of purple light.

"Human scorned by the rest of mankind! Break free from your shackles, and punish humanity for its transgressions! Keep avenging until retribution has been fully unleashed!" Raguel chanted. "Ritual Summon! Come before us, Level 8! Cyreath Alastor!" A black-armored knight with multicolored shapes resembling eyes, a spiked plume on his helmet, and with dark-steel plates on his arms appeared on Raguel's field. Strapped to his sides were a pair of jagged, chained blades, each one having a demonic red-orange glyph pattern on them. Attached to his back was a long sword with a massive blade, as well as a set of arms that had large hands, each one having three claws.

Cyreath Alastor ATK: 0 DEF: 3000 LV: 8 Scale: 9

"Prepare yourself, Soulburner. For the effects of Calamity, Alastor, and Paris activate in sequence. First, since Calamity was used to Ritual Summon Alastor, your life points are halved!"

"What?!" Soulburner exclaimed, who was caught off guard as a black hole appeared above him before lightning fired out of it, which caused him to wince in pain as his life points were halved.

Soulburner: 3700 / 2 = 1850 LP

"Second, when Alastor is Ritual Summoned, I can banish one monster from each of our Graveyards and/or our Extra Decks, and he gains attack points equal to the combined attack points of the monsters banished by this effect. The best part is that you can't activate cards or effects in response to his activation!" Raguel continued, which made Soulburner grit his teeth in pure anger and frustration. "I banish Salamangreat Pyro Phoenix from your Extra Deck and Cyreath Erymanthian Boar from my Extra Deck, which means Alastor gains a total of 5300 attack points. Verg Avesta!" Alastor let out an animalistic scream as his strength increased.

Cyreath Alastor ATK: 0 + 5300 = 5300

"Third, when a monster is Normal or Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone he points to, that monster gains 500 attack and defense points, and is unaffected by your card effects until the End Phase!" Paris turned around and shined light from his hands onto Alastor, enveloping him in a golden aura and increasing his strength further.

Cyreath Alastor ATK: 5300 + 500 = 5800

"I now activate the Continuous-Spell card, Cyreath Ley Line." Raguel added. The card showed a tornado of dark-blue energy with white rings going from Cyreath Odysseus to Nemo, the latter having taken a battle stance as his strength increased. "During my Main Phase, I can target one 'Cyreath' monster and send up to three 'Cyreath' monsters from my deck to my Graveyard. Then for each one sent to the Graveyard by this effect, the targeted 'Cyreath' monster gains 1000 attack points until the End Phase."

"Such a card's... insane!" Soulburner exclaimed. Some of Raguel's monsters had effects that can be activated from the Graveyard, which could spell trouble for Soulburner down the road if he wasn't careful.

"I target Paris and send Cyreath Ouroboros, Khalkotauroi and Whelp from my deck to my Graveyard, which means he gains 3000 attack points until the End Phase!" After Raguel took three cards from his deck and sent them to his Graveyard, Paris was surrounded in a dark-blue aura that increased his strength.

Cyreath Paris ATK: 1000 + (1000 X 3) = 4000

"Battle!" Raguel declared. "Cyreath Paris attacks Salamangreat Burst Gryphon!" Paris gathered solar energy in his hands and fired it at Burst Gryphon.

"I activate the effect of Salamangreat Racoon from my hand." Soulburner interjected. "When a monster you control declares an attack on a 'Salamangreat' monster on my field, I can send this card from my hand to my Graveyard to gain life points equal to your attacking monster's attack points. What's more, my monster can't be destroyed by battle for the rest of this turn. The best part is that you can't activate card effects until the end of the damage step."

"Oh no!" Raguel shouted. Thanks to Racoon, Raguel would be forbidden from activating any cards until the end of the damage step, which meant he couldn't use Alastor's effects to stop any of Soulburner's cards!

"Paris has 4000 attack points, which means I gain 4000 life points!" Fiery auras surrounded Burst Gryphon and Soulburner later on, which both protected and vitalized the duo so they were prepared for what would come next.

Soulburner: 1850 + 4000 = 5850 LP

Burst Gryphon crossed his arms in front of him in order to withstand the attack fired from Paris, only for the clash to make Soulburner nearly stumble over as his life points dropped.

Soulburner: 5850 – 1200 = 4650 LP

"The battle continues!" Raguel reminded Soulburner. "Cyreath Alastor attacks Salamangreat Burst Gryphon! Unrelenting Fury!" Alastor swung down the chained blades towards at Burst Gryphon, who blocked them before the latter's set of arms with large hands on his back grabbed the large sword attached to him.

"I think not, Raguel. Quick-Play Spell card, activate! Salamangreat Tail!" Soulburner said, as he gestured to one of his face-down cards. "I can target one 'Salamangreat' monster I control, and have it gain attack points equal to its defense points until the end of this turn! What's more, I gain life points equal to its defense points as well!"

"Why, you-!" Raguel cursed, infuriated that he was being pushed back like this.

"Burst Gryphon has 2500 defense points, which means he gains 2500 attack points while I gain 2500 life points!" Both Burst Gryphon and Soulburner were surrounded in fiery auras that increased their strength.

Salamangreat Burst Gryphon ATK: 2800 + 2500 = 5300

Soulburner: 4650 + 2500 = 7150 LP

Alastor brought down the large sword onto Burst Gryphon, who blocked the attack with his hands as the clash caused another small explosion that pushed Soulburner back several feet, his life points having dropped once again in the process.

Soulburner: 7150 – 500 = 6550 LP

"You cannot defy me for long, Soulburner. I'll see to that personally. I Set two cards face-down and end my turn, which means the effects of Ley Line, Paris, Racoon and Tail end." Raguel frustratingly concluded, as auras surrounded Paris and Burst Gryphon, which reverted their strength to normal.

Cyreath Alastor ATK: 5800 – 500 = 5300

Cyreath Paris ATK: 4000 – (1000 X 3) = 1000

Salamangreat Burst Gryphon ATK: 5300 – 2500 = 2800

"My turn! I draw!" Soulburner said. "Like I said earlier, Burst Gryphon's second effect upon being Reincarnation Synchro Summoned allows me to Special Summon one monster from my Graveyard on my next turn. As it's now my next turn, that means I can use the effect. Return to me from my Graveyard, a second copy of Burst Gryphon!" At Soulburner's command, a second copy of Burst Gryphon appeared on his field.

Salamangreat Burst Gryphon ATK: 2800 DEF: 2500 LV: 8

"Next, I activate the first effect of the second copy of Burst Gryphon. Once per turn-."

"That's just what I was waiting for!" Raguel interrupted. "I activate Alastor's effect. Once per turn, during either of our turns, when you activate a card effect, I can not only negate it, but also activate an additional effect depending on the type of card negated. What's more, you can't activate cards or effects in response to his activation."

"What?!" Soulburner exclaimed.

"Go, Alastor! Abnormal Pressure!" One of the copies of Burst Gryphon groaned in agony as a grey aura surrounded him that nullified his effects. "As a monster's effect was negated, I can take control of that monster and treat it as a 'Cyreath' monster." Alastor swung his jagged chained blades at one of the copies of Burst Gryphon, which pierced his body as the former swung him over to Raguel's field.

"You need not worry, Soulburner, as your monster will play his role before leaving the field." Raguel told Soulburner. "I activate the Trap card, Cyreath Unleashed Rites. This card lets me Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, or Link Summon a 'Cyreath' monster from my Extra Deck by using 'Cyreath' monsters on my field. In addition, if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster, I can also use 'Cyreath' monsters in my Graveyard as material by banishing them. The best part is that you can't activate cards or effects in response to the activation of either of this card's effects if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster."

Great! Just great! Now Raguel's going to Link Summon on my turn, just like he did in his duel against Playmaker, Soulburner angrily cursed in his mind. The worst part was that Raguel was going to use his stolen monster for his next Link Summon. Even though that would slow Soulburner down, he obviously wouldn't give up. Not when there was so much on the line.

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 2 Cyreath Paris and Salamangreat Burst Gryphon, which is now treated as a 'Cyreath' monster, into the Link Markers!" Paris went into the top and bottom-left arrowheads, while Burst Gryphon went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning all three of them red seconds later.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Circe!" A young woman with long pink hair, blue and green eyes, and fair skin appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. She had pointed ears, along with a golden tiara, a light tunic with a short skirt, and gladiator sandals. She also had a pair of falcon wings attached to her back. In Circe's hands was a staff that had a sun disk at the top, as well as a total of seven spikes.

Cyreath Circe ATK: 2400 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️↘️

Soulburner narrowed his eyes. Given what Raguel did just now, there was an opportunity for Soulburner to take control of the duel, but only as long as he played his cards carefully. After all, one misstep, and it'd all come crashing down. "In that case, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Salamangreat Circle. Just like before, this card lets me activate one of two effects. I choose effect one, which lets me add one 'Salamangreat' monster from my deck to my hand. I'll add Salamangreat Gazelle from my deck to my hand." A card popped of Soulburner's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"I summon Salamangreat Gazelle from my hand to my field." Soulburner continued, as a white and black metal gazelle with flames on its back appeared on Soulburner's field.

Salamangreat Gazelle ATK: 1500 DEF: 1000 LV: 3

"When Gazelle is Normal or Special Summoned, I can send a 'Salamangreat' card from my deck to my Graveyard. I send Salamangreat Spinny from my deck to my Graveyard." A card popped out of his deck, which he took and sent to his Graveyard.

"I blaze the circuit that scorches the path to the future!" Soulburner declared, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Salamangreat Gazelle into the Link Markers!" Gazelle went into the bottom arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Salamangreat Balelynx!" A red and white mechanical cat with her tail on fire appeared on Soulburner's field in the Main Monster Zone Circe pointed to.

Salamangreat Balelynx ATK: 500 LINK-1 ⬇️

"When Balelynx is Link Summoned, I can-." Soulburner began speaking.

"I activate the effect of Cyreath Whelp in my Graveyard." Raguel interrupted. "During either of our turns, when you activate a card effect, I can banish Whelp from my Graveyard to not only negate the activation, but also inflict 500 points of damage as well."

"What?!" Soulburner exclaimed, as a grey aura surrounded Balelynx, which negated her effects. Seconds later, a burst of fire erupted from the ground Soulburner was on as he nearly lost his balance, his life points having slightly dropped as a result.

Soulburner: 6550 – 500 = 6050 LP

"You may have stopped Balelynx's effect, but there's other things I can still do. Such as this! I activate the effect of Salamangreat Spinny from my Graveyard. As I control a 'Salamangreat' monster with a different name, I can Special Summon this card from my Graveyard to my field. However, it's banished once it leaves my field. Return, Spinny!" A black and orange metal armadillo covered in small flames appeared on Soulburner's field.

Salamangreat Spinny ATK: 1000 DEF: 1500 LV: 3

"I also activate the Trap card, Salamangreat Revive. It lets me Special Summon one Fire monster from my Graveyard. Return to me, Salamangreat Falco!" Soulburner decided, as a dark-blue, black and silver eagle with flames emitting from under his wings appeared on Soulburner's field in defense position.

Salamangreat Falco ATK: 1200 DEF: 1600 LV: 4

"I blaze the circuit that scorches the path to the future for a second time!" A second Link Portal appeared above Soulburner. "The summoning conditions are two or more Fire effect monsters. I set the Link 1 Salamangreat Balelynx, Spinny and Falco into the Link Markers!" Balelynx went into the top arrowhead, Spinny went into the bottom-left arrowhead and Falco went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"King of the fiery jungle! Awaken, and protect the land and its creatures! Link Summon! Rise! Link 3! Salamangreat Heatleo!" A large, dark-blue skinned, anthropomorphic lion wearing orange and red armor, along with wings and gauntlets shaped like mouths appeared on Soulburner's field in the Main Monster Zone Circe pointed to.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK: 2300 LINK-3 ↙️⬆️↘️

"Let's see if you have what it takes to stand against me!" Heatleo roared.

"When Heatleo is Link Summoned, I can-." Soulburner began speaking.

"Continuous-Trap, activate! Cyreath Erosion!" Raguel interrupted. "Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can banish a 'Cyreath' monster in my Graveyard to negate the effects of a card you control until the End Phase. What's more, I can activate one of three effects depending on the card negated. In addition, you can't activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster."

"Damn it!" Soulburner cursed.

"I banish Skull Wing from my Graveyard, and negate Heatleo's effects until the End Phase!" Raguel said, as a dark grey aura surrounded Heatleo before he groaned in pain, his effects having been negated in the process. "And because a monster's effect was negated, I gain life points equal to that monster's original attack points. Since Heatleo's original attack points are 2300, that means I gain 2300 life points!" A dark aura surrounded Raguel as his life points increased.

Raguel: 4000 + 2300 = 6300 LP

"You may have stopped Heatleo's effects, but I can still activate Falco's effect." Soulburner reminded Raguel. "When it's sent to the Graveyard, I can target one 'Salamangreat' Spell or Trap card in my Graveyard and Set it to my field. I target Revive in my Graveyard, and Set it to my field." A card popped out of Soulburner's Graveyard, which he took and Set to his field.

"I also activate the Spell card, Salamangreat Perseverance. If I control a 'Salamangreat' monster, I can draw until I have five cards in my hand." Soulburner then proceeded to draw the top five cards of his deck afterwards. Yes! This is just what I need right now, Soulburner happily thought in his mind.

"I activate the Spell card, Fusion of Fire!" Soulburner announced. "This card lets me Fusion Summon a Fusion monster from my Extra Deck by using monsters from my hand or field. The best part is that I can also use monsters from either of our fields as Fusion Material!"

"Oh no!" Raguel exclaimed out of horror, knowing what Soulburner will do next.

"I use Cyreath Circe on your field and the remaining copy of Salamangreat Burst Gryphon on my field as Fusion Materials!" Circe turned into orange fire, while Burst Gryphon turned into purple fire, with the both of them going into a Fusion Portal that appeared above Soulburner.

"When the flames consume the old, a new creature emerges to reign supreme!" Soulburner chanted. "Fusion Summon! Arise, Level 8! Salamangreat Violet Chimera!" A humanoid purple metal lion with grey plating appeared on Soulburner's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. His right hand ended with a lance and his left hand ended with a mouth. Grey and silver spines sprouted out of his sides, which took the form of six wings as light blue flames burned on his wings, back and head.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK: 2800 DEF: 2000 LV: 8

"Oh Hell yeah!" Violet Chimera roared. "It's time to bring up the heat!"

"Oh, crap. Not this monster." Raguel seethed, shock and anger evident in his tone.

"When Violet Chimera is Fusion Summoned, he gains half the attack points of the Fusion Materials used for his Fusion Summon until the end of this turn! Circe had 2400 attack points, while Burst Gryphon had 2800 attack points! That means Violet Chimera gains a total of 2600 attack points!" Soulburner stated, as Violet Chimera let out a roar before his strength increased.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK: 2800 + (5200 / 2) = 5400

"Battle! Salamangreat Violet Chimera attacks Cyreath Alastor! At this point, Violet Chimera's second effect activates! When he battles a monster whose attack points are different than its original attack points, his attack points are doubled during damage calculation only! Violet Submersion!" Violet Chimera let out a second roar as his strength further increased.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK: 5400 X 2 = 10800

"Go, Violet Chimera! Violet Soul!" Soulburner shouted.

"Begone!" Violet Chimera said, as he charged forward at Alastor, intent on eliminating the latter.

"You're really pushing my buttons, Soulburner. You know that?" Raguel said, as he gestured to his field. "I activate Ley Line's second effect. When your monster declares an attack on a 'Cyreath' monster I control, I can send it to my Graveyard to double my monster's attack points until the End Phase." Ley Line turned into particles that went into Alastor, which covered him in a dark-blue aura as his strength doubled.

Cyreath Alastor ATK: 5300 x 2 = 10600

"In addition, I activate the effect of Cyreath Guardian from my hand. By sending this card from my hand to my Graveyard, not only can I prevent my monster from being destroyed by battle or card effects this turn, any battle damage I take is halved as well." As if on cue, a giant, vertically wide octagonal shield composed of solid onyx with Zeus on the face of the shield appeared in front of Alastor, which protected him from Violet Chimera's attack seconds later.

Raguel: 6300 – (200 / 2) = 6200 LP

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK: 10800 / 2 = 5400

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn, which means the effects of Ley Line, Violet Chimera and Erosion end." Soulburner tiredly concluded, as auras surrounded Alastor, Violet Chimera and Heatleo that reverted their strength to normal.

Cyreath Alastor ATK: 10600 / 2 = 5300

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK: 5400 – 2600 = 2800

"Heh. Even with all of your best efforts, you were barely able to land a scratch on me as though nothing happened. After all, as the One True God, you'll experience my divine power soon enough." Raguel told Soulburner.

"Really now? Because from what I'm seeing, you're using divinity as an excuse to parade your losses like it's the biggest one in town." Soulburner commented.

"What are you talking about?"

Soulburner made a fist with his right hand. "You once told me not to parade my losses around when we were talking with Revolver about forming a temporary alliance with him to defeat Lightning and Azrael. Yet you're doing what you told me not to do, which has made you contradict yourself as a result."

"Is that what you think? Unlike you, I have the right to express my losses over others as the One True God. For compared to my anger, yours is nothing but a childish tantrum. Still, I would have done the same thing you did if being presented with the option to team up with Revolver. After all, I do have my misgivings with the Hanoi." Raguel narrowed his eyes. "What I would have done compared to you, however, is set aside my personal anger until after Lightning and Azrael were stopped. Pure logic."

"It doesn't change what you've done, Raguel! Not! One! Bit!" Soulburner exclaimed, as a fiery aura surrounded his body. "Everything you're saying makes you no better than Watchman. Just like he did, you twist your words and claim you have good intentions. Yet they're ultimately malicious in the end."

Raguel let out a growl before making a fist with his right hand, irritated upon hearing Soulburner's response. "Malicious, you say? Unlike that traitorous old man, I will succeed where he, my father and my brother could not. Prepare yourself for what's to come, Soulburner! It'll be anything but merciful!"

Meanwhile, in the old server...

Slipstream quickly ran forward before turning left, having managed to avoid another wall trying to impede his progress. After Raguel activated the maze program, it forced everyone to split up in order to find where his fortress was located. If Slipstream was to guess, it'd have to be somewhere just nearby the Tower of Hanoi, as Raguel was obviously in the area. Slipstream's thoughts were interrupted when he saw electricity emit from a wall nearby and zoom towards him, where he turned right to avoid it. He then threw shurikens that had eyes on the sides at another wall coming up, having managed to destroy it before continuing to run forward. More pieces of electricity continued rushing down from walls that rose up from the ground, intent on blocking Slipstream's path. However, Slipstream pressed a button on his duel disk that caused a translucent veil of energy to surround his body, which enabled him to keep moving and turn left.

Seeing the electrical obstacles having risen up to try and stop him, Slipstream pressed another button on his duel disk that caused an orb of data material to appear in his right hand, which he fired at the obstacles to destroy them completely. After Slipstream received Windy's algorithm from Ai, he didn't know what to do with it. Well, he wanted to try and revive him at first, but found he couldn't do so after realizing he didn't have enough to complete the process. For the time being, using Windy's algorithm to amplify his programs would have to do. The algorithm, along with Slipstream's Link ability would help him get out of this maze. Unfortunately, Slipstream was caught off guard by electrical bursts that erupted from the walls, which sent him flying off the ground before landing on it. The electricity from each wall conjoined together to form into a barrier, having prevented Slipstream from moving any further for the time being.

Calming down, Slipstream looked around the area, having gotten himself in a fighting stance in order to prepare himself for what's to come. Upon noticing the presence of data particles flow nearby, Slipstream threw two shurikens at them, which fell forward to the ground before turning into a data clone of Raguel.

"Damn, Raguel. You've let that Cursed Boundary Layer seep into your mind, body and soul..." Slipstream commented, as the data clone of Raguel quickly got up on his feet.

"It's the edge I needed this whole time, Slipstream. Azrael mentioned how I could only succeed if I cast aside all of my crutches." Raguel countered back. "Let me give you an example. Azrael said that Herald was a crutch because of how he was among many people to keep me in check and ensure my wellbeing was stable."

"Crutches?! Dude! You think what makes you a person are crutches?! No, man! The bonds you forge with others, the good and bad experiences you share with them, the lessons you learn and how you move forward are what determines what type of person you are!" Slipstream exclaimed.

Raguel narrowed his eyes. "While you may be right about experiences and lessons learned, bonds both shackle and prevent you from achieving your true potential."

"How dare you not only call the power of bonds crutches, but also disrespect Herald's bond with you as well! He practically saved your life, dude, and you repay his sacrifice by desecrating his memory?! So disrespectful." Slipstream glared back at Raguel in pure fury and disgust after saying those words. "Unlike you, I never had a partner, but you and Herald still helped me move forward with my life. So I'm going to repay your help by freeing you from the Cursed Boundary Layer's control." He activated his duel disk seconds later.

"You think you can defeat me? You couldn't win last time, so what makes you think you'll win this time?" Raguel questioned back, as he also activated his duel disk. "Still, I'll entertain your futile efforts. Make sure to show me your motivation, or else your loss will be on your head once this is all over."

"Duel!" Raguel and Slipstream said in unison.

Raguel: 4000 LP

Slipstream: 4000 LP

"In our previous duel, you went first. This time, I will be the one to take the first turn. My turn." Raguel said, as he looked at the cards in his hand. "As I control no monsters in the Main Monster Zones, I can Special Summon Cyreath Damselfly from my hand to my field." A large, black-skinned creature that had dots all over its body appeared on Raguel's field. It had a total of four wings, along with a long tail that had a spike at the end of it. Attached to its body was armored plating that had a lightning bolt on it.

Cyreath Damselfly ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set Cyreath Damselfly into the Link Markers!" Damselfly went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Ceryneian Hind!" Ceryneian Hind!" A female deer with light-brown skin appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Unlike other deer though, she had male-like antlers made of gold and hooves made of bronze. She also had a dappled hide as well.

Cyreath Ceryneian Hind ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ↙️

"Since Damselfly was used to Link Summon a Link monster, I can add one 'Cyreath' card from my deck to my hand. I add Cyreath Eunomia from my deck to my hand." Raguel decided, as a card popped out of his deck, which he took and added to his hand. "What's more, when Ceryneian Hind is Link Summoned, I can draw the top card of my deck." Seconds later, Raguel drew the top card of his deck.

"I summon Cyreath Wandering Soul from my hand to my field." An illusion of a man appeared on his field, with mist running throughout his body.

Cyreath Wandering Soul ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a second Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 1 Cyreath Ceryneian Hind and Wandering Soul into the Link Markers!" Ceryneian Hind went into the top arrowhead, while Wandering Soul went into the bottom arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Aletheia!" A woman who wore white Greek robes and a red piece of cloth wrapped around her neck appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. A chest plate was attached to the upper portion of her robe, along with a black strap with golden circles that was strapped to her right shoulder. On her head was a large, golden crown with thorns on it, which kept her hair bundled in place.

Cyreath Aletheia ATK: 2200 LINK-2 ⬆️⬇️

"I activate the effect of Wandering Soul in my Graveyard." Raguel continued. "By banishing it, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath' Wanderer token to my field." A small ball of mist in the form of a ghost appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Wanderer Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"From there, I activate Aletheia's effect. Once per turn, I can destroy a 'Cyreath' monster I control to Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster with a different name from my deck to my field. The best part is that you can't activate cards or effects in response to either of her effects if I Link Summoned her using a 'Cyreath' Link monster."

"What?" Slipstream said, as he narrowed his eyes. That meant Raguel would be able to bring out any 'Cyreath' monster he wanted from his deck to his field. What's more, Slipstream couldn't activate cards or effects in response to either of Aletheia's effects, which meant he couldn't negate them.

"I destroy the Wanderer token on my field and Special Summon Cyreath Chronicler from my deck to my field." Raguel decided, as the Wanderer token turned into particles. Soon, a bald man who wore black, white, and golden robes over his body, with some parts of the robes having pieces of armor that emitted an orange color.

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

"When Chronicler is Normal or Special Summoned, I can take a copy of Cyreath Mount Olympus and either activate it or add it to my hand. I think I'll do the former." A card popped out of Raguel's deck, which he took and played seconds later. "I activate the Field Spell card, Cyreath Mount Olympus. While this card is on my field, all 'Cyreath' monsters on my field gain 500 attack and defense points. What's more, they're unaffected by your monster effects."

Cyreath Aletheia ATK: 2200 + 500 = 2700

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000 DEF: 2000 + 500 = 2500

Well, this is just great. Now the effects of my monsters won't do anything against Raguel monsters, Slipstream cursed in his mind. On the plus side, at least Spell and Trap cards can do something against any monster Raguel brings out to his field.

"Appear, for a third time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a third Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 2 Cyreath Aletheia and Chronicler into the Link Markers!" Aletheia went into the top and left arrowheads, while Chronicler went into the bottom arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"Go wild and smash everything in your way! Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Erymanthian Boar!" A bulky, massively built suidae with short and relatively thin legs appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. It had brown fur with light green elements all over its body, along with a mane of dark fur. It also had four tusks at the front of its head. While the two biggest ones were long and curved inward, the two small ones were hooked slightly forward.

Cyreath Erymanthian Boar ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ⬅️⬆️⬇️

Cyreath Erymanthian Boar ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000

"Since Aletheia was used as Link Material for the Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, I can Set one 'Cyreath' Spell or Trap card from my deck to my field. I Set Cyreath Eradication from my deck to my field." Raguel added, as a card popped out of his deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"From there, I activate Erymanthian Boar's effect. Once per turn, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster in my Graveyard, except a Link monster, and Special Summon it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. I target Chronicler from my Graveyard, and Special Summon it to my field." At Raguel's command, Chronicler reappeared on his field in the Main Monster Zone Erymanthian Boar pointed to.

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000 DEF: 2000 + 500 = 2500

"I also activate Mount Olympus' effect." Raguel continued. "Once, I can target one 'Cyreath' Link monster I control, and gain life points equal to its Link rating times 500. I target Erymanthian Boar, which is a Link 3 monster. That means I gain 1500 life points." A golden glow surrounded Raguel's body seconds later, his life points having increased as a result.

Raguel: 4000 + (500 X 3) = 5500 LP

"I Set one card face-down and end my turn." Raguel frowned. "Now then, Slipstream. Let's see what you can do on your turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Slipstream said, as he drew the top card of his deck. "I activate the Spell card, Speedraw. When I control no cards, I can draw two cards from the top of my deck in exchange for sending one 'Speedroid' monster from my hand to my Graveyard. I send Speedroid Tri-Eyed Dice from my hand to my Graveyard." After Slipstream took a card from his hand and sent it to his Graveyard, he drew the top two cards of his deck.

"Next, I summon Speedroid Double Yoyo from my hand to my field." Two green discs with blades attached by a single, grey center then appeared on Slipstream's field.

Speedroid Double Yoyo ATK: 1400 DEF: 1400 LV: 4

"Double Yoyo's effect! When it's Normal Summoned, I can-."

"Sorry, but you'll need to work harder than that if you intend to bring out your Synchro monsters." Raguel interrupted, as he gestured to his face-down card. "Trap card, activate! Cyreath Eradication! When you activate a card effect or summon a monster, I can negate the effect or summon and send it to your Graveyard. The best part is that you can't activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation! So say goodbye to Double Yoyo!" A blade of energy headed towards Double Yoyo, which turned it into particles.

Damn it! I really needed Double Yoyo, Slipstream cursed in his mind. On the plus side, at least there were other moves Slipstream could make during his turn. "In that case, I activate the Quick-Play Spell card, Speedroid Wheel. By discarding a card from my hand to my Graveyard, I can roll a six-sided dice and then Special Summon up to two 'Speedroid' monsters from my hand and/or my deck whose total levels equal the result, but I have to negate their effects. However, here's the catch. If I do not Special Summon this turn, I lose life points equal to the result times 500."

Raguel narrowed his eyes. "You'd use a card that relies on luck during a dark time such as this?"

"Hey, Lady Luck has never failed me before. She will certainly not fail to help me in this situation either." Slipstream responded. "I send Cards of Compensation from my hand to my Graveyard. Go, Dice Roll!" After Slipstream took a card from his hand and sent it to his Graveyard, a giant dice appeared in front of him, which he grabbed and threw into the air. After it landed on the ground and rolled for a few moments, the dice stopped on a three, much to Slipstream's ire. "YES! Since the dice landed on a six, that means I can Special Summon two 'Speedroid' monsters from my deck whose total levels equal six. As such, I Special Summon Speedroid Ultra Hound and Ohajikid from my deck to my field." He took two cards from his deck and played them, which caused two monsters to appear on his field.

The first was a red dragon whose body was consisted of several criss-cross-connected plastic elements, which operated on the 'lazy tongs' pantograph principle. On one end of the dragon was its tail, with the mouth on the other end.

The second was a small robotic kid in a cowboy's outfit with a blue cape and a hat on its head.

Speedroid Ultra Hound ATK: 800 DEF: 800 LV: 3

Speedroid Ohajikid ATK: 1000 DEF: 200 LV: 3

"In addition, since Cards of Compensation was discarded, I get to draw the top two cards of my deck." Slipstream then drew the top two cards of his deck. "Next, I activate the effect of Speedroid Taketomborg from my hand. Since I control a Wind monster, I can Special Summon it from my hand to my field." A blue, red, and yellow humanoid robot with very thin arms and legs, as well as two lightning bolt-like antennas appeared on Slipstream's field.

Speedroid Taketomborg ATK: 600 DEF: 1200 LV: 3

"I activate Taketomborg's second effect. Once per turn, by tributing it, I can Special Summon one 'Speedroid' tuner monster from my deck to my field." Slipstream continued, as a card popped out of his deck. "I tribute Taketomborg, and Special Summon Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice from my deck to my field." After Taketomborg turned into particles, a yellow dice with a single red eye and six red electrodes orbiting around it on Slipstream's field.

Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice ATK: 100 DEF: 100 LV: 1

"I tune the Level 1 Speedroid Red-Eyed Dice with the Level 3 Speedroid Ohajikid and the Level 3 Speedroid Ultra Hound!" A bolt of green lightning struck Slipstream as the world greyed out and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Three rings, one yellow, one orange and one red appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "1 + 3 + 3" in front of them. The screen changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"Dragon with shining wings! Descend onto the battlefield with your divine speed, and light up the heavens and earth upon arrival!" Slipstream chanted. "Synchro Summon! Emerge! Level 7! Clear Wing Fast Dragon!" A white and black dragon covered in white, black, and dark-green armor appeared on Slipstream's field in the Main Monster Zone Erymanthian Boar pointed to. She had neon blue crystals attached to her body, which acted like wings that shone with bright light.

Clear Wing Fast Dragon ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7 PS: 4

"You now have a Synchro Pendulum monster?!" Raguel exclaimed, as he looked up Clear Wing Fast Dragon's effects, having gasped after doing so.

"Correct." Slipstream simply confirmed. "I now activate the Field Spell card, Speedroid Grand Derby. When this card is activated, I can send one 'Speedroid' card from my deck to my Graveyard to add a 'Speedroid' card with a different name from my deck to my hand. I send Speedroid CarTurbo from my deck to my Graveyard and add Speedroid Breakdown from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Slipstream's deck, which he took and sent to his Graveyard. After doing so, another card popped out of Slipstream's deck that he took and added to his hand.

"I also activate the effect of CarTurbo from my Graveyard. By banishing it and one other 'Speedroid' monster from my Graveyard, I can have all Wind monsters I control gain 800 attack points until the end of the turn. I banish CarTurbo and Ohajikid from my Graveyard." Soon, Clear Wing Fast Dragon was surrounded in a red aura, which temporarily increased her strength.

Clear Wing Fast Dragon ATK: 2500 + 800 = 3300

"Battle!" Slipstream declared. "Clear Wing Fast Dragon attacks Cyreath Erymanthian Boar! High Speed Corkscrew!" Clear Wing Fast Dragon rose high into the sky before roaring and diving downwards, green winds whipping around her as she turned into a drill of wind. She then corkscrewed straight through Erymanthian Boar, which caused the latter to blow up in numerous explosions that slightly pushed Raguel back, his life points barely dropping in the process.

Raguel: 5500 - 300 = 5200 LP

With Raguel's Link 3 monster gone, that means I can negate the activation of his cards. Along with the cards in my hand and Graveyard, I'll be more than prepared for what's to come, Slipstream thought in his mind. "I Set four face-down cards and end my turn, which means CarTurbo's effect ends and Clear Wing Fast Dragon's attack points return to normal."

Clear Wing Fast Dragon ATK: 3300 – 800 = 2500

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, as he drew the top card of his deck.

"Continuous-Trap cards, activate! Dragon's Bind, Synchro Zone and Follow Wing!" Slipstream suddenly stated, as he gestured to three out of the four face-down cards on his field. "To start, when Dragon's Bind is activated-."

"I think not. I activate the effect of Cyreath Eunomia in my hand." Raguel interrupted. "By sending this card from my hand to my Graveyard, I can negate the activation of a card effect." A woman with silver hair, carrying a silver sword and a small court scale, briefly appeared on Raguel's field. The woman wore a black and white dress, with a diamond choker. Eunomia threw the silver sword at Dragon's Bind, negating its effects.

"If that's the case, I now activate Synchro Zone's effect! While it's on the field-."

"Continuous-Trap, activate! Cyreath Erosion! Once per turn, during either player's turn-."

"I don't think so! Counter-Trap, activate! Speedroid Breakdown! When you activate a card effect, I can not only negate the effect, but banish it as well. So say goodbye to Erosion for good!" Several bursts of smoke erupted out of Breakdown, which went towards Erosion as they suffocated the card and turned it into particles, much to Raguel's ire. "Now that your card's out of the way, I can use Synchro Zone's effect. While it's on the field, neither of us can declare attacks with monsters except Synchro monsters. I also activate Follow Wing's effect. When it's activated, I can target a Synchro monster I control, and it can't be destroyed by battle or card effects while it's on my field. I target Clear Wing Fast Dragon." Clear Wing Fast Dragon's wings were soon covered in yellow light, which made her roar upon receiving the power boost.

"Don't get cocky, Slipstream. For arrogance will always lead to one's downfall!" Raguel angrily pointed out, infuriated by how Slipstream was able to outwit the former like that. Such a thing was something Slipstream will regret in time. "If you want a Synchro match, then I'll be more than happy to give you one! I activate the effect of Cyreath Doppelganger from my hand. If I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can Special Summon it from my hand to my field." A pale, shadowy man materialized itself on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 + 500 = 1000 DEF: 500 + 500 = 1000

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" A Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Cyreath Chronicler and Doppelganger into the Link Markers!" Chronicler went into the bottom arrowhead, while Doppelganger went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Van Gogh!" A young girl with blue eyes and an orange bob cut that had a long strand of hair flowing out of it appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. She wore a black cardigan over her white shirt, as well as a pair of blue overalls. Her orange high heels each had a golden sunflower emblem on the front of them. Attached to the back of her head was a golden disk that resembled a sunflower. In her hands, she carried a massive staff that resembled a sunflower.

Cyreath Van Gogh ATK: 1000 LINK-2 ⬇️↘️

Cyreath Van Gogh ATK: 1000 + 500 = 1500

"I activate the effect of Doppelganger in my Graveyard. By banishing a 'Cyreath' monster with a different name from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it from my Graveyard back to my field. I banish Damselfly from my Graveyard, and Special Summon Doppelganger right back to my field." Raguel decided, as Doppelganger reappeared on his field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Van Gogh pointed to.

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 DEF: 500 LV: 4

Cyreath Doppelganger ATK: 500 + 500 = 1000 DEF: 500 + 500 = 1000

"When a monster is Normal or Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone Van Gogh points to, I can add a 'Cyreath' Tuner monster from my deck to my hand. I add Cyreath Periphas from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Raguel's deck, which he took and added to his hand. "I summon Cyreath Periphas from my hand to my field." A young man who had red eyes and spiky, ash-coloured hair appeared on Raguel's field. He wore a customized version of black Greek robes, as well as long, fingerless gloves on his arms. Wrapped around his neck was a piece of red cloth, which resembled that of a scarf.

Cyreath Periphas ATK: 1400 DEF: 1100 LV: 4

Cyreath Periphas ATK: 1400 + 500 = 1900 DEF: 1100 + 500 = 1600

"I tune the Level 4 Cyreath Periphas with the Level 4 Doppelganger!" Raguel declared, as a bolt of golden lightning struck Raguel before the world greyed out, which caused both of his two monsters to disintegrate into particles. Two rings, one grey, and one black, appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight rings, stacked in a tower, appeared, a screen displaying "4 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Divine bird of the gods of Olympus! Heed my call, and bring the omens of victory and perseverance! Synchro Summon! Come before us, Level 8! Cyreath Aetos Dios!" A giant, yellow-skinned eagle with golden armor covering its entire body, as well as razor-sharp talons appeared on Raguel's field in one of the two Main Monster Zones Van Gogh pointed to. It had a golden helmet on top of its head, which had a lightning bolt on both of its sides. It also had four strands of grey hair that resembled lightning bolts on both sides of its neck.

Cyreath Aetos Dios ATK: 2800 DEF: 2200 LV: 8

Cyreath Aetos Dios ATK: 2800 + 500 = 3300 DEF: 2200 + 500 = 2700

"I activate the Spell card, Cyreath Reborn, which lets me Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster from my Graveyard to my field." Raguel said. "Return to me, Chronicler." At Raguel's command, Chronicler reappeared on his field.

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 LV: 7

Cyreath Chronicler ATK: 2500 + 500 = 3000 DEF: 2000 + 500 = 2500 LV: 7

"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above Raguel. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 2 Cyreath Van Gogh and Chronicler into the Link Markers!" Van Gogh went into the bottom-left and bottom arrowheads, while Chronicler went into the bottom-right arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Underkeeper!" A large, grey mechanical device with golden rims that had two massive wings in the form of flower petals, each having golden orbs inside them appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Its lower body consisted of a massive spike that had translucent spheres on the sides. A golden wreath constructed as a face was at the center of its body.

Cyreath Underkeeper ATK: 2000 LINK-3 ↙️⬇️↘️

"Van Gogh's effect now activates! Since she was used for the Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' Link monster, I can add one 'Cyreath' card from my deck to my hand, as well as gain 500 life points. I add Cyreath Genesis from my deck to my hand." Raguel told Slipstream, as a card popped out of the former's deck, which he took and added to his hand. Once that was done, a small sun appeared above Raguel, which showered him with light as his life points increased.

Raguel: 5300 + 500 = 5800 LP

Raguel knows he can only attack with Synchro monsters, so he's fortifying his defenses when my turn comes around, Slipstream deduced in his mind. While Synchro Zone only allows Raguel to attack with Synchro monsters, the same thing applies to me as well. The good thing is that I have both Tri-Eyed Dice and Breakdown in my Graveyard, which will protect me from damage. Combined with Follow Wing, I'll be able to get through whatever Raguel throws at me next.

"You seem confident, don't you, Slipstream? Allow me to derail your hopes with this! When Underkeeper is Link Summoned, I can banish a card from either your Graveyard or your field. I banish Breakdown from your Graveyard." Golden beams of energy fired from Underkeeper's wings, which headed towards Slipstream's Graveyard and destroyed the declared card inside it, much to his annoyance. "I also activate Underkeeper's second effect. Once per turn, I can target a 'Cyreath' monster I control and activate one of two effects. I can either have the targeted monster gain 2000 attack points until the End Phase or have it attack twice during each Battle Phase this turn. In exchange, no other monsters can attack this turn."

"And we both know which effect you'll choose..." Slipstream angrily commented, having looked up Aetos Dios' effects. Without Breakdown in his Graveyard, Slipstream won't be able to nullify all the coming battle damage.

"I target Aetos Dios on my field and give it the ability to attack twice this turn." Raguel decided, as Underkeeper glowed a golden aura that went over to Aetos Dios, which imbued him with strength. "And with Aetos Dios' effect allowing him to attack you directly in exchange for halving battle damage, you'll receive payback for that little stunt you pulled earlier. Battle! Cyreath Aetos Dios attacks you directly! Supersonic Skystrike!" Aetos Dios flew high into the air before plummeting at full speed towards Slipstream!

"I activate the effect of Tri-Eyed Dice in my Graveyard." Slipstream responded. "By banishing it from my Graveyard, I can negate your attack." A silhouette of Tri-Eyed Dice appeared before spinning and forming a barrier, which not only forced Aetos Dios to retreat back to Raguel's field, but it also protected Slipstream from the attack as well.

Raguel thrusted out his right hand. "The battle continues! Cyreath Aetos Dios attacks you directly for a second time! Supersonic Skystrike!" Aetos Dios flew high into the air before plummeting at full speed towards Slipstream, which caused an explosion that pushed him back several feet upon impact.

Slipstream: 4000 – (3300 / 2) = 2350 LP

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn, which means Underkeeper's effect ends." Raguel grinned, slightly satisfied with being able to gain the advantage for now. "Let's see whether your motivation will be there or not for your next turn, Slipstream. Otherwise, you're as good as toast once my next turn comes around."

Elsewhere, in the old server...

Tigress ran through the area as several walls began to chase her, which she was able to dodge. She quickly turned right to evade another wall ahead of her before jumping over it and continue running forward, intent on finding a way to the center of the fortress. Unfortunately, numerous walls appeared that surrounded the area Tigress was in before buzzing with electricity, which made her stop running.

"If you seriously thought you could escape this trap, you were mistaken, Tigress," a familiar voice said, as numerous particles appeared before forming into a data clone of Raguel.

"Raguel... No. You're just a data clone of Raguel..." Tigress muttered.

"I admit I didn't expect you to join the others in trying to stop me. I thought you had the common sense to stay on the sidelines." Raguel commented. "Besides, in our numerous duels, I defeated you every single time."

"Excuse me, but you and I both know I have what it takes to contend with duelists these days. I may not be a Knight of Hanoi or someone with an Ignis, but there's no way in Hell that'll stop me from becoming a stronger duelist." Tigress replied back. "What's more, I'm here with the others to save you from that Cursed Boundary Layer."

Raguel narrowed his eyes. "Save me? There's no saving me. Not after everything that's happened."

"I really don't care about your excuses. I may not be one for speeches, but in the time I spent with you, Roxy, the other Raiders and everyone else I've just recently met, I learned what it means to be a part of a family. A real family." Tigress sighed. "It was thanks to Roxy that I was able to learn what it means to truly care for others. She's not the only one who cares for your wellbeing, as we've all come here to both stop and save you. So prepare yourself, Raguel. Because I'll defeat you and show you the power that family has on people!" She activated her duel disk.

"Then there's no longer a need for words. Show me your motivation if you truly wish to succeed in stopping me." Raguel snarked back, as he also activated his duel disk.

"Duel!" Raguel and Tigress shouted at the same time.

Raguel: 4000 LP

Tigress: 4000 LP

"I'll be taking the first turn, Tigress. My turn." Raguel simply stated, as he looked at the cards in his hand before frowning at them. It wasn't the best hand, but he had to make do with what he had right now.

"You drew a bad hand or something, Raguel?" Tigress inquired.

"A mediocre set of cards, Tigress. One that should be enough for the time being," was all Raguel replied with. "By sending a 'Cyreath' card from my hand to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Cyreath Antikythera from my hand to my field. I send Cyreath Ouroboros from my hand to my Graveyard." After Raguel took a card from his hand and sent it to his Graveyard, a mechanical device in the form of a tesseract that had a massive bronze gear as a head appeared on his field. On its body was another bronze gear that had inscriptions covering its surface. Its arms had bronze gears in the middle, which ended in bladed prongs.

Cyreath Antikythera ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Then, when Antikythera is Special Summoned by this effect, I can activate a card effect based on the type of 'Cyreath' card sent to my Graveyard. As I sent a 'Cyreath' monster from my hand to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Cyreath' Detector token to my field." A small, bronze gear that had an eye in the middle appeared on Raguel's field.

Cyreath Detector Token ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two 'Cyreath' monsters. I set Cyreath Antikythera and the Detector token into the Link Markers!" Antikythera went into the top arrowhead, while the Detector token went into the bottom arrowhead, turning both of them red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Cyreath Jason!" A handsome blond-haired man with emerald colored eyes leapt onto Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. He had pieces of golden armor attached to his arms, shoulders, and upper body, as well as on his shins. Strapped around his waist was a medium-sized green waist cape, with a golden belt as well.

Cyreath Jason ATK: 1500 LINK-2 ⬆️⬇️

"When Jason is Link Summoned, I'm allowed to activate the Field Spell card, Cyreath Argo straight from my deck!" Raguel added, taking a card from his deck. "I now activate the Field Spell card, Cyreath Argo! While this card is on the field, all 'Cyreath' monsters on my field gain 300 attack and defense points, and they can't be destroyed by your card effects as well." Jason was surrounded in a yellow aura that increased his strength.

Cyreath Jason ATK: 1500 + 300 = 1800

Thanks to Argo, his monsters can no longer be destroyed by card effects. However, it doesn't apply for his Spell and Trap cards. By getting rid of them, I'll be able to find an opening and strike back, Tigress thought in her mind.

"I activate Jason's second effect. Once per turn, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster from my Graveyard to a Main Monster Zone he points to in exchange for negating its effects. Return to me, Ouroboros!" A black and red draconic serpent with a cyan gem on its head appeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Jason pointed to.

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: 800 DEF: 1600 LV: 3

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: 800 + 300 = 1100 DEF: 1600 + 300 = 1900

"I also activate the Spell card, Cyreath Reborn. which lets me Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster from my Graveyard to my field. Come to me, Antikythera." At Raguel's command, Antikythera reappeared on his field.

Cyreath Antikythera ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Cyreath Antikythera ATK: 0 + 300 = 300 DEF: 0 + 300 = 300

"In addition, I activate Antikythera's second effect. Once per turn, I can target a 'Cyreath' monster on my field with a different name and either change Antikythera's level to the targeted monster's level or double the targeted monster's level until the End Phase. I target Ouroboros and activate the first effect, which means Antikythera's level becomes three." Raguel decided, as the gears on Antikythera's body began turning, which indicated that its level increased.

Cyreath Antikythera LV: 1 + 2 = 3

"I overlay the Level 3 Cyreath Antikythera with the Level 3 Ouroboros!" A galaxy-like portal appeared behind Raguel. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Both Antikythera and Ouroboros turned into streams of bronze and black energy before entering into the portal, where a pillar of light soon erupted from its center.

"Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 3! Cyreath Revenant!" A clawed, skeletal humanoid adorned with pieces of golden armor on its body, as well as wearing a helmet that had a metallic red plume with golden outlines appeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Jason pointed to. It wore a rounded, golden plated mask that covered the areas around its eyes and the space in between them. It also wore large, golden shoulder pads that not only had red-ridged spikes emitting from them, but also had a wreath symbol on each one as well. Pieces of golden-armored padding covered its thighs and legs, each one also having a wreath symbol on them. In each of its hands, it carried a pair of scissor-like blades.

Cyreath Revenant ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500 RNK: 3 OU: 2

Cyreath Revenant ATK: 2000 + 300 = 2300 DEF: 1500 + 300 = 1800

"I Set two cards face-down and end my turn." Raguel concluded.

"My turn! I draw!" Tigress said, as she drew the top card of her deck. "I activate the Spell card, Urgent Schedule. As you control more monsters than I do, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower and one Level 5 or higher Earth machine monster each from my deck to my field in defense position, but their effects are negated in exchange." Two cards popped out of her deck. "Come on out from my deck, Ruffian Railcar and Super Express Bullet Train." Soon, two monsters appeared on Tigress's field in defense position.

The first was a red railcar with silver outlines that had two orange barrels at the end, along with a split cowcatcher that had spikes at the end.

The second was a large blue train that had missiles at its sides and front.

Ruffian Railcar ATK: 1800 DEF: 1000 LV: 4

Super Express Bullet Train ATK: 3000 DEF: 0 LV: 10

"Appear, the circuit of motorized rails!" A Link portal appeared above Tigress. "The summoning conditions are two Machine monsters. I set Ruffian Railcar and Super Express Bullet Train into the Link Markers!" Ruffian Railcar went into the right arrowhead, while Super Express Bullet Train went into the bottom arrowhead.

"Safety checks approved! All fuelled up and full speed ahead! Link Summon! Appear, Link 2! Double headed Anger Knuckle!" A bronze and silver train that had a spike at its front and two claws attached to its body appeared on Tigress' field in the right Extra Monster Zone.

Double Headed Anger Knuckle ATK: 1500 LINK-2 ⬇️➡️

"I activate the effect of Night Express Knight from my hand. By reducing its attack points to zero, I can summon it from my hand to my field." Tigress explained, as a large, white train that had an armored white knight with a lance and shield in its arms at the front appeared on her field.

Night Express Knight ATK: 3000 DEF: 0 LV: 10

Night Express Knight ATK: 3000 – 3000 = 0

"I also activate the effect of Heavy Freight Train Derricrane from my hand. When an Earth Machine monster is summoned to my field, I can Special Summon it from my hand to my field in exchange for halving its attack and defense points." A yellow and black train with a crane at its back end appeared on Tigress' field in defense position.

Heavy Freight Train Derricrane ATK: 2800 DEF: 2000 LV: 10

Heavy Freight Train Derricrane ATK: 2800 / 2 = 1400 DEF: 2000 / 2 = 1000

"I overlay the Level 10 Night Express Knight with the Level 10 Heavy Freight Train Derricrane!" A mechanical, galaxy-like portal appeared behind her as Night Express Knight and Heavy Freight Train Derricrane turned into streams of white and yellow energy that went into the portal, where a pillar of light erupted from it seconds later.

"From beyond the railway, behold the train that makes the earth tremble with its power! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 10! Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max!" A massive machine that had a red and gray base, as well as a body made up of numerous green blocks appeared on Tigress' field in the Main Monster Zone Double Headed Anger Knuckle pointed to.

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max ATK: 3000 DEF: 3000 RNK: 10 OU: 2

"I now activate Gustav Max's effect! Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit to inflict 2000 points of damage." Tigress added, as one of the two Overlay Units orbiting around Gustav Max went into the top of its body, which caused rainbow lines to spread throughout its entire body.

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max OU: 2 – 1 = 1

"Cataclysmic Cannon!" Gustav Max's body opened, which caused a massive cannon to emerge and extend towards Raguel before charging up energy to fire at him.

"I activate Revenant's effect." Raguel interrupted. "When you activate a card effect, I can detach an Overlay Unit to instantly negate the activation." One of the Overlay Units orbiting around Revenant went into the blades in its hands, who charged forward and slashed Gustav Max with them, which instantly negated the latter's effects.

Cyreath Revenant OU: 2 – 1 = 1

"That's not all. When Revenant uses its effect, you take 300 points of damage for each 'Cyreath' card in my Graveyard with a different name. And I currently have two 'Cyreath' cards with different names, which means you take a total of 600 points of damage."

"What?!" Tigress exclaimed, as the scissor-like blades in Revenant's hands glowed and combined to form into a bow. Revenant pulled back, forming a large arrow of energy, and released the arrow at Tigress, who took a step back as her life points dropped.

Tigress: 4000 – (300 X 2) = 3400 LP

"You may have stopped my monster's effects, but at least I have a backup in mind. I activate Derricrane's second effect. When it's detached from an Xyz monster and sent to the Graveyard to activate that Xyz monster's effect, I can target a card you control and destroy it."

"Then choose by all means. For the card you choose will determine whether you'll gain the upper hand or not in this duel."

Tigress narrowed her eyes. She hated to admit it, but Raguel was right. Whatever card Tigress chose to destroy would determine whether or not she'd get the advantage this turn. Cyreath Argo not only protects Raguel's monsters from being destroyed by card effects, it also grants them 300 attack and defense points as well. By destroying it, they'll lose those advantages, Tigress thought in her mind. However, the dangerous ones are Raguel's two facedown cards. If there's anything I hate, it's unknown cards because they have effects that can potentially turn the duel around if activated at the right time. She frowned after making her decision. "I choose to target and destroy the face-down card on your right." As if on cue, the face-down card on Raguel's right turned to particles, much to his irritation and her joy.

"I also activate the Continuous-Spell card, Clockwork Night. While it's on the field, all face-up monsters on the field become Machine monsters." Tigress continued. "What's more, all Machine monsters I control gain 500 attack and defense points while any Machine monsters you control lose 500 attack and defense points." A green aura surrounded Double Headed Anger Knuckle and Gustav Max, which increased their strength. A red aura then surrounded Revenant and Jason, which decreased their strength.

Double Headed Anger Knuckle ATK: 1500 + 500 = 2000

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max ATK: 3000 + 500 = 3500 DEF: 3000 + 500 = 3500

Cyreath Revenant ATK: 2300 – 500 = 1800 DEF: 1800 – 500 = 1300

Cyreath Jason ATK: 1800 – 500 = 1300

"Using Gustav Max, I rebuild the Overlay Network!" The mechanical, galaxy-like portal reappeared behind her as Gustav Max turned into energy that entered it, which caused a pillar of light to erupt from it seconds later.

"From beyond the railway, a new machine is born. Set fire to the world with your unrelenting bombardment!" Tigress chanted. "Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 11! Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe!" A massive, dark-green elongated battle machine that had orange lines running up and down its sides appeared on Tigress' field in the Main Monster Zone Double Headed Anger Knuckle pointed to. It had numerous turrets on its body, along with a single massive cannon that jutted upwards atop its body.

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe ATK: 4000 DEF: 4000 RNK: 11 OU: 2

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe ATK: 4000 + 500 = 4500 DEF: 4000 + 500 = 4500

Raguel narrowed his eyes. "Bringing out your strongest monster this early in the duel, huh? Seems you're not taking any risks."

"Of course I'm not taking any risks, Raguel. If I'm to defeat you, then I need to pull out all the stops as soon as possible!" Tigress responded. "For with Juggernaut Liebe's effect, it can attack a number of times equal to the number of Overlay units it has plus one. Since Juggernaut Liebe has two Overlay units, that means it can attack up to three times."

"Then let me tell you that while Jason's pointing to a 'Cyreath' monster, you can't target him for attacks or effects." Raguel informed Tigress.

"One way or another, your monster's going to be toast real soon! Battle!" Tigress thrusted out her right hand. "Battle! Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe attacks Cyreath Revenant! Catastrophe Cannon!" The massive cannon on Juggernaut Liebe charged up with yellow energy before firing it at Revenant, which caused a massive explosion that not only turned it into particles, but also headed towards Raguel as well.

"Going into a plan without thinking? Not smart, Tigress." Raguel gestured to the remaining face-down card on his field. "Trap card, activate! Cyreath Schism!" The card showed a wreath-like crack in the sky near Mount Olympus, with Deimos, Phobos and Teferi poking out of it to see the giant mountain. "When a 'Cyreath' monster I control is destroyed by battle, I can Special Summon it back to my field. Return to me, Revenant!" At Raguel's command, Revenant reappeared on his field.

Cyreath Revenant ATK: 2000 DEF: 1500 RNK: 3

Cyreath Revenant ATK: (2000 + 300) - 500 = 1800 DEF: (1500 + 300) - 500 = 1300

"In addition, I take no damage from that battle." A golden barrier surrounded Raguel as the explosion washed over him.

"You may have survived that attack, but I still have-." Tigress began speaking.

"Schism's third effect then ends the Battle Phase." Raguel interrupted, much to Tigress's shock. "Are there any other moves you want to make, Tigress? Or do you wish to end your turn?"

"I.…I Set two face-down cards and end my turn. At the End Phase, I can activate the effects of Ruffian Railcar and Super Express Bullet Train. First, since Ruffian Railcar was sent to the Graveyard, I can add one Level 10 Earth Machine monster from my deck to my hand. I add Snow Plow Hustle Rustle from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Tigress's deck, which she took and added to her hand.

"Second, since Super Express Bullet Train was sent to the Graveyard, I can target a Machine monster in my Graveyard with a different name and add it back to my hand. I add Derricrane from my Graveyard to my hand." Tigress stated, as a card popped out of her Graveyard, which she took and added to her hand.

"My turn! I draw!" Raguel said, as he drew the top card of his deck.

"I activate Double Headed Anger Knuckle's effect." Tigress interjected. "Once per turn, during either of our turns-." She gasped upon seeing a dark aura surrounding Double Headed Anger Knuckle, preventing it from activating its effects. "W-W-What? What's going on?"

Raguel let out a chuckle, which got Tigress's attention. "I forgot to mention that Revenant has another effect. One that takes hold once it has no Overlay Units. For while it has no Overlay Units, you cannot activate the effects of any monster that's on your field."

"What?!" Tigress gasped after hearing this information. That meant she couldn't use Double Headed Anger Knuckle's effect to replace it with a different Machine monster in her Graveyard!

"You're so focused on achieving victory quickly that it makes your strategies simple and straightforward. One that can easily be predicated and countered against. Allow me to show you how a duelist such as myself duels." Raguel narrowed his eyes at the card in his hand. He'll certainly be able to make this work. "I activate Ouroboros' from my Graveyard. If it's in my hand or Graveyard while I control a 'Cyreath' monster, I can Special Summon this card to my field." At Raguel's command, Ouroboros reappeared on his field.

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: 800 DEF: 1600 LV: 3

Cyreath Ouroboros ATK: (800 + 300) - 500 = 600 DEF: (1600 + 300) - 500 = 1400

"Appear, the circuit showing the highest mountain!" Raguel said, as a Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are one 'Cyreath' monster. I set Cyreath Ouroboros into the Link Markers!" Ouroboros went into the bottom-left arrowhead, turning it red.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link 1! Cyreath Ceryneian Hind!" A female deer with light-brown skin appeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Jason pointed to. Unlike other deer though, she had male-like antlers made of gold and hooves made of bronze. She also had a dappled hide as well.

Cyreath Ceryneian Hind ATK: 1000 LINK-1 ↙️

Cyreath Ceryneian Hind ATK: (1000 + 300) – 500 = 800

"When Ceryneian Hind is Link Summoned, I can draw the top card of my deck." Raguel explained, as he drew the top card of his deck. "In addition, when Ouroboros is used as material for the Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, or Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, I can have all monsters you control lose 500 attack points until the End Phase."

"Tch." Tigress grit her teeth as a silhouette of Ouroboros appeared and let out a hiss of energy at the monsters on her field, which temporarily drained their strength.

Double Headed Anger Knuckle ATK: 2000 – 500 = 1500

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe ATK: 4500 - 500 = 4000

"Appear, for a second time! The circuit showing the highest mountain!" A second Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyreath' monsters. I set the Link 2 Cyreath Jason and the Link 1 Ceryneian Hind into the Link Markers!" Jason went into the top and left arrowheads, while Ceryneian Hind went into the bottom arrowhead, turning all three of them red.

"Go wild and smash everything in your way! Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Cyreath Erymanthian Boar!" A bulky, massively built suidae with short and relatively thin legs appeared on Raguel's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. It had brown fur with light green elements all over its body, along with a mane of dark fur. It also had four tusks at the front of its head. While the two biggest ones were long and curved inward, the two small ones were hooked slightly forward.

Cyreath Erymanthian Boar ATK: 2500 LINK-3 ⬅️⬆️⬇️

Cyreath Erymanthian Boar ATK: (2500 + 300) – 500 = 2300

"I now activate Erymanthian Boar's effect. Once per turn, I can Special Summon one 'Cyreath' monster in my Graveyard, except a Link monster, and Special Summon it to a Main Monster Zone it points to." Raguel continued. "I target Antikythera in my Graveyard and Special Summon it to my field." Soon, Antikythera reappeared on Raguel's field in the Main Monster Zone Erymanthian Boar pointed to.

Cyreath Antikythera ATK: 0 DEF: 0 LV: 1

Cyreath Antikythera ATK: (0 + 300) - 500 = 0 DEF: (0 + 300) – 500 = 0

Tigress, upon seeing this, smirked. "Thanks for doing that, Raguel. For in doing so, you unwittingly gave me the advantage."

"What do you mean?" Raguel asked, having raised an eyebrow out of curiosity.

"Instead of me telling you, I'll show you what I mean." Tigress gestured to her field. "Trap card, activate! Switch Point! When you control three or more monsters, I can choose a monster you control and make you do one of two things. Either you send the chosen monster to your Graveyard, or you must send all other monsters you control to your Graveyard."

Raguel tensed up after hearing this information. "What?"

"Decks these days focus so much on bringing out a ton of monsters that it can stop the duelist's entire turn if their opponent is able to put it to a halt at the right time." Tigress explained. "I could have used it earlier…"

"But you waited until I brought out a powerful monster so that I'd end up wasting resources in the end." Raguel realized.

"Exactly. I choose Erymanthian Boar." Tigress grinned as a switch light immediately appeared on her field that headed towards Raguel's field. "Now make your choice, Raguel."

"I send Erymanthian Boar from my field to my Graveyard." Raguel angrily decided, as Erymanthian Boar turned into particles. "Then, I activate the effect of Unleashed Rites in my Graveyard. By banishing it from my Graveyard, I can add a 'Cyreath' card from my deck or Graveyard to my hand. However, if I control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster, I can not only add two 'Cyreath' cards from my deck or Graveyard to my hand, you also can't activate cards or effects in response to Unleashed Rites' effects. Thus, I add Cyreath Ley Line from my deck to my hand." A card popped out of Raguel's deck, which he took and added to his hand.

"I summon Cyreath Charon from my hand to my field." A skeletal and ghoulish man who wore a long, grey and light-green cloak over his body, with numerous wisps of energy orbiting around him appeared on Raguel's field. Adorned on his head were two golden chains, with a skull-like mask emblem connecting them together.

Cyreath Charon ATK: 1900 DEF: 1600 LV: 4

Cyreath Charon ATK: 1900 – 500 = 1400 DEF: 1600 – 500 = 1100

"From there, I activate Antikythera's second effect once again." Raguel added. "Once per turn, I can target a 'Cyreath' monster on my field and either change Antikythera's level to the targeted monster's level or double the targeted monster's level until the End Phase. I target Charon and activate the first effect, which means Antikythera's level becomes four." The gears on Antikythera's body began turning, which indicated that its level increased.

Cyreath Antikythera LV: 1 + 3 = 4

"I overlay the Level 4 Cyreath Charon with the Level 4 Antikythera!" A galaxy-like portal soon appeared behind Raguel. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Both Charon and Antikythera turned into streams of green and bronze energy before entering into the portal, where a pillar of light soon erupted from its center.

"Watchdog of the Underworld, heed my call and tear my foes to bits!" Raguel chanted. "Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 4! Cyreath Blazing Orthros!" A dark-red, two-headed hound with flames engulfing his body appeared on Raguel's field in the Extra Monster Zone. He had a large metal brace with a broken chain attached to his left paw, with similar-looking spiked collars around his necks. In addition, Orthros had a large bone structure protruding from his back, with funnel-like spouts that shot out flames, which ran along his spine.

Cyreath Blazing Orthros ATK: 2500 DEF: 2000 RNK: 4 OU: 2

Cyreath Blazing Orthros ATK: (2500 + 300) – 500 = 2300 DEF: (2000 + 300) – 500 = 1800

"Great. Despite what happened, Raguel was able to Xyz Summon..." Tigress muttered.

"Prepare yourself for this, Tigress! Charon's effect now activates!" Raguel announced, which got Tigress' attention. "When Charon's used as material for the Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, or Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster, I can negate the effects of a card on your field, and this doesn't target. I negate Clockwork Night's effects." Clockwork Night was surrounded in a red aura that greyed it out, much to Tigress' ire. It wasn't just that, as her monsters were weakened as a result while the strength of Raguel's monsters returned to normal.

Double Headed Anger Knuckle ATK: 1500 – 500 = 1000

Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Juggernaut Liebe ATK: 4000 - 500 = 3500

Cyreath Revenant ATK: 1800 + 500 = 2300 DEF: 1300 + 500 = 1800

Cyreath Blazing Orthros ATK: 2300 + 500 = 2800 DEF: 1800 + 500 = 2300

"And to make things worse for you, I activate the Continuous-Spell card, Cyreath Ley Line. During my Main Phase, I can target one 'Cyreath' monster and send up to three 'Cyreath' monsters from my deck to my Graveyard. Then for each one sent to the Graveyard by this effect, the targeted 'Cyreath' monster gains 1000 attack points until the End Phase."

"What?!" Tigress exclaimed. This… was not good at all for her.

"I target Blazing Orthros and send Cyreath Doppelganger, Whelp, and Damselfly from my deck to my Graveyard, which means he gains 3000 attack points until the End Phase!" Raguel decided, as he took three cards from his deck and sent them to his Graveyard, which caused a dark-blue aura to surround Blazing Orthros that increased his strength.

Cyreath Blazing Orthros ATK: 2800 + (1000 X 3) = 5800

"You thought you could outsmart, outwit and outthink me?! For that assumption, you will taste the One True God's judgment!" Raguel declared. "Battle! Cyreath Blazing Orthros attacks Double Headed Anger Knuckle!"

"I don't think so! I activate the effect of Construction Train Signal Red from my hand!" Tigress said back. "When your monster declares an attack, I can Special Summon this card from my hand and change the attack target to it before proceeding to damage calculation. Come to me, Construction Train Signal Red!" A set of green buffers integrated into a yellow and orange machine appeared on Tigress' field in defense position.

Construction Train Signal Red ATK: 1000 DEF: 1300 LV: 3

"In that case, that monster will pay the price." Raguel thrusted out his right hand. "Searing Flame Charge!" The fire engulfing Blazing Orthros turned him into a blazing inferno as he charged at Construction Train Signal Red. However, Construction Train Signal Red not only pushed the attack back but survived it as well. "What? How's your monster still on the field?"

"It's because the turn Construction Train Signal Red's Special Summoned by its own effect, it can't be destroyed by that battle." Tigress revealed, which made Raguel grit his teeth in anger after hearing this information. Due to what Tigress did just now, he couldn't use Blazing Orthros' effect to attack an additional time.

"You may have saved yourself, but the monsters on your field are an entirely different story." Raguel reminded Tigress. "The battle continues! Cyreath Revenant attacks Double Headed Anger Knuckle!" Revenant charged forward and brought down the blades in its hands onto Double Headed Anger Knuckle, which destroyed the latter and pushed Tigress back several feet as her life points dropped.

Tigress: 3400 – 1300 = 2100 LP

"Revenant's third effect now activates! When it destroys a monster by battle, it gains 600 attack points, and this isn't once per turn!" Revenant was surrounded in a ghoulish aura that increased its strength.

Cyreath Revenant ATK: 2300 + 600 = 2900

Raguel frowned. As much as he wanted to end the duel this turn, it would seem that it wasn't the case. On the bright side, Raguel would get another chance once his next turn came around. "I Set one card face-down and end my turn, which means Ley Line's effect ends and Blazing Orthros' attack points return to normal." A dark-blue aura surrounded Blazing Orthros, which returned his strength to normal.

Cyreath Blazing Orthros ATK: 5800 – (1000 X 3) = 2800

"Damn..." Tigress muttered, as she got her bearings together.

"Is that seriously all you got, Tigress? Even though you managed to survive, there's only so much you can do on your next turn." Raguel taunted Tigress.

"Based on the way you've been acting over the past few days, along with your actions, it seems you've got a ton of garbage on your shoulders." Tigress grit her teeth. "I don't understand why you didn't go to Leshawna to talk about your losses. She'd help you go through them in a healthy manner."

"That wouldn't change what happened, nor would it change the pain and emotions going through me right now! Had I chosen that option, I would have been forced to live with the pain for the rest of my life! I don't want a constant reminder hanging over my head of how much I failed! Then again, I doubt you'd understand." Raguel firmly responded.

"You're right. I don't understand." Tigress stated, which got Raguel's attention. "I don't understand why you didn't go talk to someone about what you're going through. I don't understand why you chose to murder a ton of people in your nightly strolls upon being infected by the Cursed Boundary Layer. What's more, I don't understand why you chose to push everyone away and hurt them emotionally when you were going through this difficult time. People who would be more than willing to help you if you just let them in. If there's a part of you that knows there's still time left, then break free from the rage and pain you're in before it's too late!"

Raguel narrowed his eyes in pure anger and sorrow in response. "They already know who I truly am. How I'm not human like everyone else. Even if they could help me get through this pain, there's nothing they could do to truly help me. No more good times would come for a broken being such as myself as a result. A person who's truly not of this world doesn't deserve it."

"You're wrong. Even a person such as yourself deserves to be cared for by the people who want to help free you from the pain you're in, as well as provide you with the support needed so you can move forward. I'll kick your ass not just to drive that point in that thick skull of yours, but so you don't hurt anyone else emotionally again! This, I swear!" Tigress declared, hellbent on persevering through the duel. After all, if there was anything Roxy taught Tigress, it was to always persevere no matter what was thrown at you. This way, you can keep fighting and get through a situation to the bitter end.

Elsewhere, in the old server...

Some distance away from the battles, Zero logged into the old server, intent on joining the fight. Upon learning where the Cursed Boundary Layer and Raguel were, Zero immediately pinpointed the coordinates and immediately logged in so he can assist Playmaker and the others in stopping their common enemies. As much as he hated to admit it, there would be a time where Playmaker and the others learned about Zero's existence, so it was better for it to be now than stretch it out in the hopes that they wouldn't find out. An alarm soon sounded, which caused several data clones of Raguel to appear around Zero.

"Get him!" one of the data clones shouted, as swords appeared in their hands before they all charged at Zero, a sword appearing in his hand seconds later. He immediately parried their attacks and proceeded to slash each one apart quickly, having seen them as nothing more than interferences. As Zero continued running towards the Tower of Hanoi, more data clones of Raguel continued to try and stop him, only for each one to fall at the former's hands in the process. To his horror, a barrier appeared out of nowhere that surrounded the Tower of Hanoi and prevented any entry whatsoever. Zero was so shocked by what he saw that he didn't notice a data anchor wrapping itself around his duel disk. He then turned to see who did that, where he noticed that the duel anchor had belonged to a data clone of Raguel.

"Didn't expect you to show up." Raguel told Zero. "Sorry, but I can't assist the others. Not when I'm so close to obtaining the Root of All Knowledge."

Meanwhile, in the old server...

Blue Maiden quickly ran down the area as several walls began to chase her, which she was able to dodge. She quickly turned left to evade another wall ahead of her before turning right so she can evade the next one. Blue Maiden was forced to roll to her left side in order to dodge an electrical trap that tried to restrict her movements before immediately getting up on her feet. Pressing a button on her duel disk, Blue Maiden briefly looked at the digital map before turning left and dodging another electric trap that once again tried to stop her movements. However, another burst of electricity attempted to trap Blue Maiden once again, only for Medusa to emerge out of nowhere and grab the former in order to dodge it successfully.

"I sense something. A field of power being generated at the Tower of Hanoi." Medusa said,

"Then that means we're getting close." Blue Maiden replied, as she looked at the digital map on her duel disk. Suddenly, Achilles emerged out of nowhere and slashed the walls using his lance, which revealed a pathway upon doing so. Rasterliger also emerged and let out a roar that further destroyed any other walls that were nearby.

"This way!" Achilles stated, which led Blue Maiden and Medusa to follow after him. The trio continued running down the area as more walls tried to entrap them, only for the group to either dodge or destroy them so they could continue moving. The quartet eventually found what appeared to be an opening, which lead them to go down the steps before the walls could prevent them from moving any forward.

There, Blue Maiden and the others entered into the dark cavern, having kept their guard up so that they weren't surprised by what they saw next. What did catch their guard off, however, was the small Shadow giant suddenly jumping out of Blue Maiden's duel disk and going in front of the group.

"Hey, it's that little guy from before." Blue Maiden said, having remembered how the small Shadow giant tried to save Raguel before he snapped and fell into despair.

"He may know where Raguel is. Let's follow him." Rasterliger stated, with Blue Maiden, Medusa and Achilles nodding in agreement as they followed after the small Shadow giant. Blue Maiden looked around the area she and the others were in, which consisted of non-lethal fire in the form of shining red and black lights that were attached to the dark cavern's walls, each one managing to successfully illuminate it. Small pieces of watery data material dropped down from the ceiling, as well as from the walls with each second that passed. In a way, the dark cavern resembled that of a dragon's lair. To Blue Maiden's surprise, up ahead were seven other Shadow giants that haven't been corrupted by the Cursed Boundary Layer. If she had to guess, a Shadow Giant's normal height was as tall as Earth. As for the small Shadow giant, its height was about a quarter as tall as Windy.

The Shadow giants beckoned for Blue Maiden, Medusa, Achilles and Rasterliger to follow them down the hallway, which they did. The small Shadow giant also followed them, only to begin running to catch up upon realizing that he was walking too slow. At one point, the small Shadow giant jumped up and down so Blue Maiden can pick him up, which worked to no avail.

After going down the hallway, Blue Maiden, Medusa, Achilles and Rasterliger entered into a massive area resembling that of a combination between a canopy and the current cavern, with the altar at the middle holding the Spatial Cube. Blue Maiden noticed the pure, white energy that seethed itself into the black, red, purple and orange-colored Spatial Cube, where she theorized that someone may have interfered with Raguel's plans. For that, Blue Maiden was grateful, as it bought her and everyone else the time needed to stop Raguel.

"Who would have thought the world would be eager to see the birth of its One True God?" a voice inquired, as several shades of darkness appeared before forming into a pitch-black humanoid on top of a cliff near the altar, the shades immediately shedding as it revealed Raguel itself. The real Raguel, not a data clone. "I remember you, Blue Maiden. And standing beside you are Medusa and Achilles, the traitors, along with RL."

"Hey, you asked us to protect Blue Maiden and the others." Achilles reminded Raguel, with Medusa nodding in agreement.

"I know, and you and Medusa have done well to fulfil my request. I couldn't have expected anything else from you guys."

"Raguel, it's all over. Please put an end to this madness before you do something you'll end up regretting." Blue Maiden pleaded, which got Raguel's attention.

"Raguel…" Raguel muttered his own name with disgust. "A name used by a weak, worthless and ignorant individual all those years ago. Pathetic, don't you think?"

"Pathetic?! You think your name is pathetic?! You couldn't have known what's going on right now back then. No human is able to learn things without experiencing them. You of all people should know that."

Raguel sighed. "Perhaps, but I've been thinking recently since I acquired this power, and I realized something. I hate myself, and I envy this entire world for being able to move forward in response to difficult times. The animals…. The plants…. The humans…. It amazes me how you all have the willpower to adapt and persevere during dark times. I thought had that ability, yet I don't."

"Yes you do, Raguel. You have the ability to let go and move forward. I'm just angry that you allowed your own darkness to turn you into the monster you've become now." Blue Maiden told Raguel, as she immediately pulled out the gadget and activated it, which released a wave of red data that headed straight towards the Spatial Cube. But to her horror, the red data suddenly changed course and went straight towards Raguel, where he immediately absorbed it completely.

"Did you really believe you could outsmart me? I had a feeling the Knights of Hanoi had a secret weapon to shut down the Tower of Hanoi, which was why I embedded its source code into my body. That means you will never be able to shut it down permanently until you defeat me." Raguel taunted Blue Maiden.

"You're closing off almost all of our options to end this peacefully, Raguel." Rasterliger warned Raguel, which got the latter's attention.

"Am I, RL? It's clear I'm obviously doing so." Raguel responded. "Strife is engraved upon every living being brought forth into this world, no matter if their role is to keep the balance or not. Through free will comes thought, which breeds ideas. This leads to conflict, and those endeavors will eventually become wicked, corrupted and marred by sin. Such a thing is inevitable. Now all that's left-."

"And what about Miyu?" Blue Maiden interrupted, which made Raguel gasp. "She still believes you can be saved after everything that's happened. I still believe you can be saved. Hell, Playmaker and the others believe the same thing."

Raguel narrowed his eyes and let out a chuckle. "Hehehe. I am aware of that, and I applaud your perseverance in striving towards your common goal. However, you should know that words alone cannot solve every problem. Like now, where your only option is to face me in combat." Excalibur Morgan appeared in Raguel's hands, which he planted in the ground in front of him before energy radiated around his body. To make things worse, the seven Shadow giants from before emerged from the ground and began walking around in a circle, where they grew several feet seconds later.

"Look out!" Medusa said, as she grabbed Blue Maiden to ensure the two of them could dodge the attacks. Achilles and Rasterliger also dodged the attacks, having regrouped with Blue Maiden and Medusa seconds later. The small Shadow giant had hidden behind a rock nearby, where he trembled in fear upon seeing the coming chaos. As for the other Shadow giants, they turned into particles that returned to Raguel seconds later after a demonstration of their strength.

"My desire to obtain the Root of All Knowledge cannot be contained any longer! I must obtain it, and with its power, I will eradicate sin from this universe for good!" Raguel exclaimed, as the energy intensified around him. "Of course, if I succeed, it means the universe we currently exist in will be permanently changed. Everything dividing mankind will be wiped out forever, and they will be united again just like in the old days."

"What?!" Blue Maiden exclaimed out of shock, as Medusa helped the former stand up on her feet. Rasterliger let out a growl, while Achilles grit his teeth after hearing Raguel say those words.

"If you want to keep this universe from permanently changing, then face me in battle. For that is your only option left." Raguel continued with a scoff, as Excalibur Morgan disappeared in front of him. "The Tower of Hanoi's source code is embedded within my avatar, which means you'll have to defeat me in a duel if you want to stop it for good."

"It looks like I have no choice at this point..." Blue Maiden narrowed her eyes in anger as she activated her duel disk.

"If you use all my powers correctly, I will be able to help hold Raguel off in this duel." Medusa told Blue Maiden, which got her attention. "Make sure you find an opening in his strategies and exploit them so you can gain the advantage."

"Same here." Achilles agreed. "Just don't let your guard down, or else it'll cost you the lead."

"Are you ready, Blue Maiden?" Rasterliger inquired.

"I am!" Blue Maiden answered, as Medusa, Achilles, and Rasterliger went into her duel disk, her cards glowing in the process. She then turned to Raguel, a determined expression evident on her face. "Even though I plan on saving you, Raguel, I'm going to smash that madness out of your thick skull first by defeating you in this duel!"

"Excellent. Then step forward and show me your motivation if you can, Blue Maiden." Raguel responded, as he activated his duel disk. "With this duel, my inauguration as the One True God will finally begin."

"It's time to duel!" Blue Maiden and Raguel said in unison.

In the sunset over Den City, Yuhiro, Miyu, and Arashi are depicted with Yusaku, Aoi, and Takeru looking out over the area.

Silhouettes of Earth, Windy, Aqua, Flame, Lightning, Herald, and Wraith are shown as Ai clenches his heart in despair before morphing into his human form. The screen shifts to the real world, which shows Roboppy looking out a window as a silhouette of his human form is shown with him.

Jin, Kusanagi, and Katsuya look at the starry skies, grateful smiles on their faces as they do so, glad to be reunited with one another, Silhouettes of Dark Rebellion Xyz Dragon and Codebreaker Virus Berserker appear in the area to ensure the peaceful moment wasn't disrupted.

Emma and Kengo Dojun are shown at the Den City hospital visiting his mother as she wakes up, happy to see her son again. A light-blue glow briefly surrounds her body before dimming, as though it were blessing her. In another area of the hospital, Roxy is shown lovingly embracing Miyu with joy, Aoi also smiling after seeing her wake up. Nearby is Yuhiro, who smiles as he watches the group. However, he lowers his head in sadness as he recalls everything that had to be sacrificed for this moment to occur.

Akira is shown rushing over to a helicopter, intent on completing an urgent business assignment. Hayami follows after him in a hurry, having also been called to assist him in completing the assignment.

A split screen then pops up, showing Tsubaki spending time with Hideki on one side, while Gekiryushi is training at the Shinpi-Tekina dojo, people happy to see the dojo being rejuvenated on the other side. Portrait of Zandaka, Kataru, and Arakan are also in the background. A second split screen appears next, showing Greg and Rachel spending time with one another, while Gil is looking at documents with the Bit and Boot under his command.

The screen then shows Youta, Ryoken, and Takeya looking over a high platform, with Yua, Kyoko, Aso, Eizaburo, and Mikuru in the background watching them. It then shifts to show Emon looking over Beatrice's grave at the cemetery before fading away.

A portrait of everyone riding their duel boards in LINK VRAINS appears on a table as Yusaku and Yuhiro put down their duel disks, having accepted everything that's happened as they strive to move forward towards a brighter future.

Card Gallery

Raguel:

Cyreath Khalkotauroi (LV: 3/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1500)

Effect: If you control a 'Cyreath' monster while this card is in your hand or in your GY: You can Special Summon it to your field. If this card is used as material for the Link, Ritual, Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz Summon of a 'Cyreath' monster (Quick Effect): You can target up to 2 'Cyreath' cards you control; for the rest of this turn, they're unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Khalkotauroi' once per turn.

Cyreath Pane (LV: 4/Cyberse/Flip/Earth/ATK: 1600/DEF: 1800)

Effect: FLIP: You can change this card to Attack Position; Set 1 'Cyreath' monster from your deck to your field in face-down defense position.

Cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. You can target 1 other 'Cyreath' monster on your field; change that monster, also this card, to face-down Defense Position. This is a Quick Effect if you control another 'Cyreath' card. You can only use this effect of 'Cyreath Pane' once per turn.

Cyreath Manticore (LV: 7/Cyberse/Flip/Earth/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2700)

Effect: FLIP: You can banish 1 card on your opponent's field. You can only use this effect of 'Cyreath' Manticore' once per turn.

If you control a 'Cyreath' monster with a different name: You can Special Summon this card from your hand to your field. If this card battles a monster your opponent controls, you can have that monster lose 500 ATK, also, its effects are negated until the end of the damage step. You can only use this effect of 'Cyreath Manticore' once per turn.

Cyreath Antikythera (LV: 1/Cyberse/Tuner/Earth/ATK: 0/DEF: 0)

Effect: You can send 1 'Cyreath' card from your hand to your GY; Special Summon this card from your hand to your field, and if you do, you can activate 1 of the following effects based on the card sent to the GY by this effect:

Monster: Special Summon 1 'Cyreath Detector' token to your field (LV: 1/Cyberse/Earth/ATK: 0/DEF: 0)

Spell: Set 1 'Cyreath' Spell or Trap card from your GY to your field.

Trap: Add 1 'Cyreath' card from your deck to your hand.

You can target 1 'Cyreath' monster with a different name on your field; either change this card's level to the targeted monster's level OR double the targeted monster's level until the End Phase. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Antikythera' once per turn.

Cyreath Manifestation (Normal Spell card)

Effect: When this card is activated: You can Special Summon 1 'Cyreath' token (LV: 1/Dark/Cyberse/ATK: 300/DEF: 300) to your field, or if you control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster, you can Special Summon 3 instead. If this card is in your GY, except it was sent there (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY; for the rest of this turn, if your opponent activates a card effect, they take 300 damage. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to each of this card's effects while you control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster. You can only activate 1 'Cyreath Manifestation' effect per turn, and only 1 that turn.

Cyreath Ley Line (Continuous-Spell card)

Effect: During your Main Phase: You can target 1 'Cyreath' monster you control; send up to three 'Cyreath' monsters from your deck to your GY, and if you do, you can have the targeted 'Cyreath' monster gain 1000 ATK for each monster sent from your deck to your GY by this effect until the End Phase. When a monster your opponent controls declares an attack on a 'Cyreath' monster on your field (Quick Effect): You can send this card from your field to your GY; double that 'Cyreath' monster's ATK until the End Phase. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Ley Line' once per turn.

Cyreath Confrontation (Quick-Play Spell card)

Effect: If a monster your opponent controls battles, you can have that monster lose ATK equal to the ATK of 1 'Cyreath' monster in your GY until the end of the damage step, or if you control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster: You can reduce your opponent's monster's ATK to 0; also, its effects are negated until the End Phase. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this card's effect while you control a Link 3 or higher 'Cyreath' monster. You can only activate 1 'Cyreath Confrontation' per turn.

Cyreath Schism (Normal Trap card)

Effect: When a 'Cyreath' monster you control is destroyed by battle: You can Special Summon that monster to your field, and if you do, you take no damage from that battle, then end the Battle Phase. You can only activate 1 'Cyreath Schism' per turn.

Cyreath Strife (Continuous-Trap card)

Effect: While this card is on your field, your opponent must attack with monsters on their field, if able. During either player's turn (Quick Effect): You can target 1 'Cyreath' monster you control and 1 'Cyreath' monster on your field or in your GY; the first target gains ATK equal to the ATK of the second target until the End Phase. If you control no 'Cyreath' monsters: Send this card to your GY. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Strife' once per turn.

Cyreath Revenant (RNK: 3/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 2000/DEF: 1500)

Effect: 2 Level 3 'Cyreath' monsters. When this card destroys a monster by battle: You can have this card gain 600 ATK. During either player's turn, when your opponent activates a card effect (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 Xyz material from this card; negate the activation, and if you do, inflict 300 damage to your opponent for each 'Cyreath' card in your GY with a different name. You can only use this effect of 'Cyreath Revenant' once per turn. While this card has no Xyz materials, your opponent cannot activate the effect of monsters that are on their field.

Cyreath Aletheia (LR: 2/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 2200/⬆️⬇️)

Effect: 2 'Cyreath' monsters. You can destroy 1 'Cyreath' monster on your field; Special Summon 1 'Cyreath' monster from your deck to your field. If this card is used as Link Material for the Link Summon of a 'Cyreath' Link monster: You can Set 1 'Cyreath' Spell or Trap card from your deck to your field. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of each of this card's effects if it was Link Summoned using a 'Cyreath' Link monster. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Aletheia' once per turn.

Cyreath Lord Gaol (LR: 3/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 2600/⬅️↙️➡️)

Effect: 2 or more 'Cyreath' monsters. You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; Special Summon 1 'Cyreath Prisoner' token to your field (LV: 1/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: ?/DEF: ?) (Prisoner Token's ATK and DEF are equal to the original ATK and DEF of the monster targeted by this effect). If a 'Cyreath' monster you control leaves the field by battle or your opponent's card effect (Quick Effect): You can have this card gain ATK equal to half the ATK of that 'Cyreath' monster until the End Phase. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to each of this card's effects while you control a face-up 'Cyreath' Field Spell card, 'Cyreath' Continuous-Spell card or 'Cyreath' Continuous-Trap card. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Lord Gaol' once per turn.

Cyreath Underkeeper (LR: 3/Cyberse/Dark/ATK: 2000 /↙️⬇️↘️)

Effect: 2 or more 'Cyreath' monsters. When this card is Link Summoned: You can banish 1 card from your opponent's field or their GY (your choice). You can target 1 'Cyreath' monster you control and activate 1 of the following effects:

It gains 2000 ATK until the end of this turn.

It can make up to 2 attacks during each Battle Phase this turn.

If you activate this effect, no other monsters you control can attack for the rest of this turn. You can only use each effect of 'Cyreath Underkeeper' once per turn.

Revolver:

Spawnerrokket Dragon (LV: 7/Dragon/Dark/ATK: 2000/DEF: 2000)

Effect: When a Link Monster's effect is activated that targets this face-up card on the field (Quick Effect): You can destroy this card, then Special Summon up to 2 'Rokket' monsters from your deck to your field with different names to your field in defense position. During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was destroyed on the field by battle or card effect and sent there this turn: You can Special Summon 1 "Rokket" monster from your Deck, except 'Spawnerrokket Dragon'. You can only use each effect of 'Spawnerrokket Dragon' once per turn.

Hollowrokket Dragon (LV: 5/Dragon/Dark/ATK: 1800/DEF: 1800)

Effect: When a Link Monster's effect is activated that targets this face-up card on the field (Quick Effect): You can destroy this card, then halve your opponent's LP. During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was destroyed on the field by battle or card effect and sent there this turn: You can Special Summon 1 "Rokket" monster from your Deck, except 'Hollowrokket Dragon'. You can only use each effect of 'Hollowrokket Dragon' once per turn.

Deletion Dragon (LV: 4/Dragon/Dark/ATK: 1000/DEF: 1500)

Effect: When your opponent activates a card or effect while this card is in your hand or on your field (Quick Effect): You can send this card from your hand or field to your GY; negate the activation, and if you do, send it to your opponent's GY. If this card is in your GY, except the turn it was sent there: You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 Dark Dragon monster from your deck or GY to your field, but its ATK and DEF is reduced to 0, also, it can't attack while it's on the field. You can only use each effect of 'Deletion Dragon' once per turn.

Draconian Coating (Quick-Play Spell card)

Effect: Target 1 Dragon monster you control; it is unaffected by your opponent's card effects for the rest of this turn. If a Dragon monster you control would be destroyed by battle, you can banish this card from your GY instead. You can only use each effect of 'Draconian Coating' once per turn.

Trigger Jam (Counter-Trap card)

Effect: When your opponent activates a card effect: You can negate the activation, and if you do, sent it to your opponent's GY. If this card is in your GY and you control a 'Borrel' Link monster: You can Set this card from your GY to your field, but banish it once it leaves your field. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to each of this card's effects while you control a 'Borrel' Link monster. You can only activate 1 'Trigger Jam' effect per turn, and only 1 that turn.

Lord Kazuma:

Jewel of the Dark Magician (Normal Spell card)

Effect: Special Summon 1 DARK Attribute Spellcaster Type monster with 2500 ATK and/or 1 DARK Attribute Spellcaster Type monster with 2000 ATK from your hand and/or Graveyard face-up to your field. You can only activate 1 'Jewel of the Dark Magician' per turn.

Spirit of the Dark Magician (LR: 1/Spellcaster/Dark/ATK: 1000/⬇️)

Effect: 1 Dark Spellcaster monster. When this card is Link Summoned: You can draw 1 card for each Spell and Trap card on your field. During your Main Phase: You can tribute this card; all Dark Spellcaster monsters you control are unaffected by your opponent's card effects until the end of your next turn. You can only use each effect of 'Spirit of the Dark Magician' once per turn.

Playmaker:

Cynet Reinforcement (Normal Trap card)

Effect: When a Cyberse monster you control is destroyed by battle: Halve any battle damage you would have taken, and if you do, you can Special Summon the destroyed Cyberse monster and 1 Cyberse Link monster from your GY to your field. If you control a 'Code Talker' monster the turn you activated this effect: You can Link Summon 1 Cyberse Link monster from your Extra Deck by using Cyberse monsters you control as Link Material. You can only use each effect of 'Cynet Reinforcement' once per turn.

QOTC

Over the different Yu-Gi-Oh! series, there have been protagonists who became evil due to extenuating circumstances (ex. Atem using The Seal of Orichalcos, Judai becoming the Supreme King, Kiryu and others becoming the Dark Signers, Yuma entering into Dark Zexal, Yuya transforming into Zarc, etc.). Which character had it the worst? Which character had the most impact on you?

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Obscured Truth. Chapter 100: Hope Against All Odds. Blue Maiden confronts Raguel head on in a duel, determined to free him from the Cursed Boundary Layer while the other heroes continue to battle against his army of data clones. Zero also jumps in to aid the group, only to be forced to contend with both a data clone of Raguel and the barrier surrounding the Tower of Hanoi. As chaos unfolds across the battlefield, Ai and Roboppy appear on the scene, intent on enacting their plan to ensure victory over Raguel can be achieved...

Author's Notes

Thank you to HunterHQ for giving me guidance and providing feedback on the duels in this chapter.

Well, this honestly took a while to write. I had hoped to release this chapter for November, but this was one of those chapters where quality mattered the most. After all, this is the first part of an epic battle between the heroes and Raguel, so I wanted to take my time in ensuring it met all of your expectations. Plus, I want to make something clear: People have lives outside of writing. Sometimes, things come up that we have to take care of. Nevertheless, I want to thank you all for waiting this long. I truly appreciate your patience, and I also hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Speaking of this chapter, let's get onto the recap, as there is a lot to go over:

First up is the scene between Zero and Watchman. It's here where we learned what happened to Watchman. Zero takes Watchman to his server and imprisons him so he can heal from his wounds, along with ensuring he doesn't escape as well. What's more, Zero scolds Watchman for his actions despite the latter's attempts to justify them. However, Zero responds by saying that as long as Jericho's still around, he'll be able to continue his operations despite the setbacks. After vowing to be a better ally to Yusaku and the others than Watchman ever would be, Zero leaves and informs Kairi of his findings. Now do note that had it not been for Kairi requesting to get answers from Watchman himself, Zero would have killed him for his sins. Simple as that.

Next up is the scenes regarding the Knights of Hanoi, where they're focused on dealing with several threats. Specifically, the Cursed Boundary Layer, Yuhiro, Watchman and the final Ignis. I want to focus on Ryoken here, where he's hellbent on eliminating these threats both to keep humanity safe and ensure what the Hanoi endured never happens to someone else. Plus, it's personal for Ryoken, as he wants to avenge the Hanoi's losses. I also want to highlight the ongoing conflict with Yua, as he still sees her as a traitor for abandoning him all of those years ago. In addition, he even calls out Yua as a hypocrite for advocating to destroy a threat to the network, yet preaches about coexistence and how mankind can learn from different species. Thus making her no better than the Knights of Hanoi. Upon hearing this, Yua lashes out, trying to convince the other Hanoi members that going after Yuhiro will lead to their own destruction. But after the Hanoi make valid counterpoints, it leads to a full blown argument between Ryoken and Yua so quickly that Mikuru steps in and ends it by forcing Ryoken to cool down.

After cooling down as Mikuru suggested, it leads to a more calmer discussion between Ryoken and Yua. But before they could continue talking, Yuhiro ends up attacking the Hanoi by going after the safehouses first in order to draw their attention. Well, a data clone of Yuhiro, anyway. Do note that at the end of Chapter 98, Yuhiro sent a data clone of himself in order to punish the Hanoi for their transgressions. Thus leading to the Hanoi battling against the data clone by using the weapons on hand. I will say this: Dr. Kogami put in weapons systems in the yacht should someone manage to attack it. It is due to these weapon systems that the Hanoi were able to fight against the data clone of Yuhiro. However, they're eventually forced to stand down after Yuhiro threatens to murder Kyoko and Aso. After the Hanoi stand down at Yuhiro's demands, he gives them a gift in the form of a bag containing Watchman's blood. He even reveals that he has all of the Hanoi's information, and will leak them to the world should they get in their way. However, Yuhiro promises to spare Yua and Akairo from his wrath for two reasons. For the former, it's out of gratitude for taking care of Miyu all those years. For the latter, it's an apology for being thrown into his entire mess and being used as a slave by Yukage. After Yuhiro leaves, it leads to Ryoken and the Hanoi to check their systems so they can figure out what Yuhiro meant by this last remark. It's here where they realized he stole control from the Tower of Hanoi.

Moving that aside, I do want to say something else here: During the attack, Yua threw herself in the way in order to shield Ryoken from one of Yuhiro's attacks, thus showing how much she cares for both her son and the Hanoi. This act of kindness, along with learning that Yua was taking care of Miyu for a very long time, has lead Ryoken to lighten up his views around her. You could say it's the first step towards reconciliation, don't you agree?

The next scene happens in the morning, where Miyu and Aoi end up making breakfast for an overtired Roxy. I did want to put in a feel-good scene here before things get serious, especially with the battle to come. I want to talk about a couple of things that happen here. First being Roxy granting Aoi, Rachel and Brea access to Herald's server because they're allies. Second, Roxy's visiting Hideki in order to acquire new cards for Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi, Brea and Aoi. I'll cover that specific scene later on in the Author's Notes. I will, however, talk about something else that happens here: Aoi giving Miyu the 'Trickstar' deck. That's right. Aoi passed the 'Trickstar' deck onto Miyu, which she'll be using later on in the story. Though she'll need training first, obviously. And I'm going to point this out right now: Miyu is not going on the frontlines for the battle against Yuhiro, as again, she needs training. Thus, she'll be helping from the sidelines. But unbeknownst to Roxy, Miyu and Aoi, eavesdropping nearby is Achilles and Medusa, who are both suspicious on what's going on.

Next up is the scene between Roxy, Hideki and Akira. It basically involves Roxy giving Hideki the cards needed so he can make new ones for Yusaku, Takeru, Arashi, Brea and Aoi. Hideki also learns about recent events regarding Yuhiro, which basically confirms Tsubaki's concerns about him. Do note that Tsubaki warned Hideki about how Yuhiro's not himself, which is how he has a slight lead in knowing what's going on. Though not enough information to specify details. After Hideki explains what he learned from Tsubaki at the Den City Shelter, he says that he's officially resigning at SOL Technologies as its lead card designer. He's doing this because of rumors regarding layoffs at the company, so he wants to leave with his dignity intact than the company forcing him out. I will say this: Hideki will be starting his own card making business, so be on the watchout for that.

From there is the scene at Herald's server, with Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream Blue Maiden, Tigress and Numera intent on creating a weapon to match the Cursed Boundary Layer's power. They also now call the Shadow the Cursed Boundary Layer, as that's what Jericho called it when he fought against Soulburner. It's here where Slipstream realizes that the Cursed Boundary Layer's strategy is similar to a parasite's objective. After Numera informs the others on Raguel's first attempt at kidnapping her, it enables them to put the pieces together on what truly happened the night before Raguel ultimately got corrupted. The group ends up capturing a sample of the Cursed Boundary Layer in order to study its strengths and ensure the weapon can counter against them. What's more, they free World Gears and acquire information on what happened in Herald's server, along with seeing Herald's message on creating a contingency with Ai, Flame and Aqua to save Raguel. For those of you wondering what this contingency looks like, its appearance is based off of Rule Breaker from Fate/Stay Night. Herald also made some new cards that not only support Cyreath monsters, but also support general Cyberse monsters as well for the group to use against Raguel. After seeing Herald's message and getting it from World Gears, it leads to Kusanagi informing them that control over the Tower of Hanoi has been stolen, which then leads to Revolver contacting the group so they can meet them asap.

Thus leading to the next scene, which is the heroes meeting with Revolver and Lord Kazuma to talk about recent events. Here, Revolver says that they need to team up to stop Raguel, which Soulburner begrudgingly agreeing despite his anger towards him. Revolver also learns that Playmaker lost against Raguel, which causes the former to brutally punch the latter as a result. Luckily, Soulburner forces Revolver to back down, which ends the petty argument. Knowing that stopping Raguel takes more priority, Revolver shows the heroes a gadget that can be used to shut the Tower of Hanoi down permanently. Apparently, it's the only thing Raguel doesn't have, which gives them an advantage. Numera, in turn, tells Revolver that they plan on creating a weapon to match the Cursed Boundary Layer. Hearing this, Revolver volunteers to be the one to eliminate Raguel for good while Lord Kazuma and the heroes deal with Raguel's army. However, Blue Maiden volunteers to be the one to duel Raguel, which leads to both Lord Kazuma and Revolver pointing out how their common opponent needs to be eliminated permanently. The argument, however, comes to an end once Slipstream invokes the debt Revolver owes him, which is basically this: Revolver and the Hanoi are to no longer to after Raguel both in the real world and in the network. They're also forbidden from killing him. Period. After being reminded by Playmaker on how he's changed, Revolver begrudgingly agrees to adhere to Slipstream's demand. He does, however, point out that anyone can encounter the real Raguel despite the chances being low. Revolver then adds that whoever ends up either reaching the area containing the Tower's source code or finding the real Raguel first will be the one to duel him. Simple as that. After all, it'd be unwise to put all of our eggs in one basket.

From there, Aoi returns to the real world, where she, Miyu and Roxy find the notes Yuhiro left behind prior to being corrupted. Specifically, the URGENT NOTE in his profile and the information he put down for his deck. The trio even discusses recent events, such as the Tower of Hanoi's controls being stolen by Raguel, the weapon's creation and why Pandora let Aoi and Yusaku go instead of killing them when she had the chance. But nevertheless, it eventually leads to the group deciding to create a sword to combat the Cursed Boundary Layer, as they are not going to put the fate of the universe on a gun because Raguel can use Excalibur Morgan to swat them aside.

Next up is the weapon's creation, where Miyu logs into the network for the first time. Yup, you heard me, folks. Miyu logs into the network for the first time to help with the weapon's creation, with her avatar name officially being revealed as Aerith. For those of you who forgotten, Miyu's avatar is based off of Asuna from Sword Art Online. Specifically, the avatar Asuna used when she was a part of the Knights of the Blood guild. I also added some of my own personal touches to it as well. Using Firewall Dragon Darkfluid, the eight Ignis algorithms, the Dascium metal and Windy's algorithm in order to control the data storm, the group is able to make the weapon needed to fight back against the Cursed Boundary Layer. For those of you who are wondering just what this weapon looks like, its appearance is based off of the Jeweled Sword of Zelretch from Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel.

Next up is the scene regarding the confrontation between Aoi, Medusa and Achilles. Here, Medusa and Achilles reveal their hesitation in assisting Aoi and the others for two reasons. First, the group has created a weapon in order to fight back and hurt Yuhiro. Second, the heroes have teamed up with people who are hellbent on murdering Yuhiro. It's also one of the reasons why Medusa and Achilles didn't assist Aoi in rescuing Rachel and Yusaku back in Chapter 98. In addition, Medusa and Achilles warn Aoi that they, along with the cards Herald made, will not assist her should she decide to kill Yuhiro. However, Aoi promises Medusa and Achilles that she'll save Yuhiro no matter what. Thus assuring the duo of Aoi's pure and good intentions, along with being able to answer Medusa's questions from back in Chapter 76 in the process. Unbeknownst to them all, Miyu was eavesdropping nearby, angry with Medusa and Achilles for not trusting Aoi and the others in fighting to save Yuhiro. Do note that Miyu's ability to tell the difference between truth and lies has been enhanced thanks to Aqua.

From there is the scene in the old server, which involves Pandora's attempt to escape from Raguel's service and be freed. Why would she do this? It's for three reasons. First being that Zero cured Pandora from the Cursed Boundary Layer, which has opened her eyes to the truth of the situation that's going on. The second being her curiosity, which was sparked upon seeing Blue Maiden and Playmaker defeat Hercules/Alpha mode in Chapter 98. This has actually made Pandora doubt whether Raguel's plans will succeed or not due to seeing humanity's willpower to survive together up close in person. The third and last reason is that Pandora had never given a thought on what will happen to her should Raguel succeed in the end. Here, she's afraid that she'll be discarded like a tool by Raguel once her usefulness has run out. Or worse, be killed for her failures. It's due to these reasons that Pandora attempts to escape and be free by knocking out Teferi first, only for Atalanta/Alpha Mode and Alastor to pursue after her upon realizing what was going on. I will say this: Thanks to Zero curing Pandora, she was able to efficiently fight back against the Cursed Boundary Layer.

Now here's where things get interesting: Just before Raguel could execute Pandora, she uses all her energy in order to delay his plans, which apparently leads to her death. And she succeeded, as it led to the Tower of Hanoi being slowed down by halting the Spatial Cube's work in absorbing data material. Having realized that her usefulness would run out soon in light of recent events, Pandora made a stand of defiance against Raguel that ended up giving the heroes a stronger chance at defeating him. You could say this situation is similar to Ace betraying Azrael back at Chapter 77, where the former got away with his actions and threw a monkey wrench in the latter's plans. Basically, both Azrael and Raguel suffered huge insults against their respective servants. Ace for Azrael, and Pandora for Raguel. Like brother, like brother, don't you agree? But here's a question for all of you: Is Pandora truly dead? That's for the future to decide.

Following this scene is the heroes entering into the old server in order to stop Raguel, where walls rise up from the ground in order to separate them. This leads to a total of six duels for this chapter. Specifically, Revolver, Lord Kazuma, Playmaker, Soulburner, Slipstream and Tigress vs data clones of Raguel. And before you say anything regarding the duels, please note that while the clones are weaker than the original, they're obviously no pushovers. Allow me to specify what happened for each duel below:

In Revolver's duel against the Raguel data clone, I had the latter use Pendulum summoning in order to counter Revolver's strategies. In response, Revolver utilized Harmonic Synchro Fusion to bring out both Borreload Furious Dragon and Borreload Savage Dragon on his turn. I'll just confirm this now: Infearno gave Revolver Harmonic Synchro Fusion at some point after the events of the Ignis war back in Season 2. This allowed Revolver to gain the advantage against Raguel and even things out for the time being despite the difference in life points.

For Lord Kazuma's duel against the Raguel data clone, I had the latter use Fusion summoning in order to counter Lord Kazuma's strategies. Lord Kazuma, however, responded by using a lockdown strategy of Secret Village of the Spellcasters, Secret Sanctuary of the Spellcasters and Royal Decree on the field to halt Raguel's strategies. Thus, Raguel had to use 'Cyreath' Flip monsters in order to try and regain the advantage. You could say things are pretty even between the two, as Lord Kazuma has a slight lead.

For Playmaker's duel against the Raguel data clone, I had the latter only use Link summoning in order to fight back against Playmaker's strategies. I learned something interesting for this duel: There is a clear difference between 'Once per turn' and 'You can only use each effect of [blank] once per turn'. HunterHQ pointed this out, and I give credit for his assistance here. Playmaker even used some of the new cards Hideki made for him in the form of Cyberse Integrator and Cyberse Reminder, which are support Cyberse monsters. Playmaker even has Turboblaze Dragon temporarily in his possession to fight against the Raguel data clone, so it should help him there.

For Soulburner's duel against the Raguel data clone, I had the latter use Ritual summoning in order to counter Soulburner's strategies. It's here where Soulburner uses Salamangreat Burst Gryphon, as he didn't use Synchro Summoning in the anime. So it was only fitting for Soulburner to use some of the new cards Hideki made him, don't you agree? In addition, Soulburner came close numerous times to defeating the Raguel data clone, only for them to be either blocked or reduced. Still, the duel's only heating up, so expect more for this duel next chapter.

For Slipstream's duel against the Raguel data clone, I had the latter use Synchro summoning in order to counter Slipstream's strategies. Here, Slipstream uses some new cards in his deck in the form of Follow Wing, Synchro Zone and Dragon's Bind. While Raguel managed to destroy Dragon's Bind, Slipstream was able to force Raguel into only attacking with only Synchro monsters, which helped him so far. The best part is that it's not necessarily a detriment to Slipstream, as he primarily uses Synchro monsters. Nevertheless, the duel's only getting started, so expect more for this duel next chapter.

For Tigress's duel against the Raguel data clone, I had the latter use Xyz summoning in order to counter Tigress's strategies. I will say this: While Tigress isn't a Knight of Hanoi or has an Ignis, she's still able to fight quite well, especially with how she forced Raguel to send one of his stronger monsters to his Graveyard by using Switch Point. But regardless, she'll have quite the challenge to deal with as the duel continues next chapter, especially with Raguel bringing out a new 'Cyreath' Xyz monster in the form of Revenant that prevents her from activating monster effects while they're on the field.

As the chaos happens in the old server, Zero logs in so he can assist the heroes in stopping Raguel and the Cursed Boundary Layer. However, he ends up having to contend with data clones of Raguel, hellbent on ensuring he doesn't get involved. So expect a duel between Zero and a data clone of Raguel next chapter.

And then we have the last scene, with Blue Maiden confronting Raguel, which in turn will lead to their duel in Chapter 100.

Now that this long chapter has been fully recapped, I want to thank you all for reading Chapter 99 of Obscured Truth. Also, constructive criticism is appreciated, as your tips and advice helps make the story better. In addition, don't forget to favourite and follow the story. That way, you will get a notification once the next chapter is released. If you can also answer the QOTC, that would be awesome as well.

What did you like the most about this chapter? The scene regarding Zero and Watchman? Yuhiro's attack on the Hanoi? The heroes creating the weapon to counter the Cursed Boundary Layer? The fact that Slipstream put Revolver in his place? The duels between the data clones of Raguel and the heroes? The confrontation between Blue Maiden and Raguel? Or was it something else?

That's all for now, everyone. I want to give you a heads up that there will be a lot of content for the next chapter, so it may take longer to get it done. Thus, just like with this chapter, I request that you be patient due to what will be happening for the next chapter. Some of which includes finishing up the duels against the clones, Blue Maiden's battle against the real Raguel, duel dialogue and more. Due to this, Chapter 100 will be released either in January or February of 2024. Again, thank you all for your understanding. But in the meanwhile, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all of you! Thank you very much for reading this far into the story! I hope you're looking forward to what's to come for Season 3, as this two part chapter is only the beginning of things to come! See you all next time!