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Thank you to LazinessRules, uyigho98, tmnt101107, donkeyboy100, pokemonking0924, NtroRogue, Bia1230, TheRealD3lph0xL0v3r, the dragoon of END, Xyzdragon1234, Unknowedz, King of Autumn Leaves, LoneTaker, FlameFireZero X, Ethan Kironus, shaswatpatnayakthewriter26, doa570047, Reader2, HunterHQ, The Persona, savagemaster1999, Dimension Se7en, Frost190, makotoxvalerie, reggielacey2, Vegapunk, blizzard174, Codah, Cdswalkthrough, DawnYugo, kirbypikachu2, Hero, and Guests for reviewing Chapter 52. And Merry Christmas to all!

Before we get to the chapter, I have a policy change to announce. Fifth Circuit has hit over 2300 reviews, and I am grateful for that. But for some time now, I've noticed that a lot of those are spam or troll reviews. I've been reluctant to do anything about them before but honestly… I've just gotten tired of them. So from now on, I will no longer be doing Review Responses and will in fact be deleting any guest reviews I get for Fifth Circuit instead of just approving them. This isn't because guest reviews are negative or anything, but because I feel like they tend to repeat the same things over and over and I am tired of them. If you are unhappy with this, that's perfectly fine, but at the same time, this is my story, and I just done with them. If you really want to leave a review… then just create your own account and then post a review. It's easy; you just need a username, email, and password. And if you have any questions you want answered, then just PM me, which you can do from my profile page. I can't guarantee I'll answer, because I might be busy or get distracted, but I'll try my best.

I also have a few announcements to make, but I'll put them in the Author's Notes. So for now, please enjoy Chapter 53 of Fifth Circuit.

Chapter 53: The Collective's Trials

The inside of Café Nagi didn't have any windows, so Yuji couldn't see where Kusanagi was taking them. Nor did it have an opening to talk to the front seat, so none of them could talk to the driver.

So, while Kusanagi drove them away from SOL and towards wherever he was taking them, Yuji took the opportunity to inspect his and his friends' Duel Disks to make sure SOL didn't install any malware in them. He wouldn't have put it past Queen or Bishop to mess with them.

While he did that, Yuya and the others looked through their Decks to make sure SOL didn't take any of their cards; the last thing they needed was making a mistake in a duel because they didn't have a certain card. By unspoken agreement, they worked in silence.

By the time Yuji was done going over Sawatari's Duel Disk and confirming SOL hadn't snuck anything in them, the food truck had come to a stop. Yuji looked up as the engine turned off. The others watched the door at the back as footsteps approached.

Kusanagi opened the door and smiled at the Lancers. "We're here!" he said cheerily. "Come on!"

Everyone stepped out and looked around. Yuji narrowed his eyes at the sight of the ocean. "We're at the waterfront," he noticed.

"That's right," Kusanagi confirmed. "There's a warehouse here we can hide out at. It's privately owned, so SOL won't find it."

"Before we go there, how about some answers?" Sawatari demanded, his fists on his hips. "We went with you before because it was better than the alternative, but now that we're away from SOL, why the hell should we trust you?"

"Sawatari does have a point," Leila begrudgingly admitted. "You broke us out of SOL; that shouldn't be possible for someone who's just a hotdog vendor."

"Come on guys," Yuya pleaded. "He helped us out, and Yuji knows him. I'm sure we can trust-."

"He's Collective," Yuji interjected, looking back at Kusanagi with a blank expression as the others stiffened. "That's what you said before, isn't it?"

Kusanagi frowned. "I did, and I am. After everything you've been through Yuji, I don't blame you for being wary of me. But I'm going to ask you to trust me for a little while longer. At least until you've talked to my boss."

"That would be Bohman?" Kusanagi nodded. Yuji met his gaze until he sighed. "I'm irritated at you Mr. Kusanagi, but the events of the last 24 hours have shown me that things aren't as straightforward as I was led to believe." He looked at the other Lancers. "I don't trust the Collective, but right now, we need help. At the very least, I want to hear them out."

Edo frowned. "I'm not the best person to comment on questionable allies… so if the rest of you want to go along with this, I will."

The other three frowned and looked at each other before turning to Yuji. "You know the Collective best out of us," Yuya said. "If you want to talk to them Yuji, then we'll follow your lead."

"Just don't think you speak for us," Sawatari added.

Yuji nodded to them, then turned to Kusanagi. The hotdog vendor smiled reassuringly and led them to an alley. The Lancers followed him through a maze of crates until they reached a smaller warehouse, where he opened a side door and let them inside.

The warehouse was sparsely furnished, with couches in one corner and a small kitchen in another. But what drew Yuji's attention was the multiple monitors and keyboard set up against the back.

"Yours?" he asked Kusanagi.

The man shrugged. "Technically it's Bohman's, but I use it now and then. Unless I'm on the move, in which case I'll use Café Nagi."

"Huh?" Sawatari blinked. "I didn't see any computers in the hot dog truck."

"Behind the cupboards," Yuji muttered in realizations. "They can move, can't they?"

Kusanagi chuckled. "Yeah. As for these," he gestured to the computers, "Bohman has a few hideouts around Den City. This was the one farthest from SOL." He looked over the others. "I know it's late, but we need to have a long talk. I'll make some coffee."

He headed over to the kitchen, while Yuji led the others to the couches. Sawatari huffed as he sat down on one. "Nowhere near as good as mine back home, but it'll do."

Leila sat down next to him. "How well do you know Mr. Kusanagi, Yuji?" she questioned.

Yuji sat on the other couch, with Edo and Yuya next to him. "Not as well as I thought I did. To me, he just made the best hotdogs in Den City. Outside of that…" He shrugged helplessly.

At that point, Kusanagi brought over a tray of six coffee mugs, and everyone grabbed one.

"Alright," the man said, sitting down in the sole chair. "I think we've put this off long enough." He looked at Yuji. "Where do you want to start?"

"How long have you been with the Collective?" Yuji immediately asked.

"Since nearly the beginning," the hotdog vendor answered. "I used to do freelance hacking, and then Bohman reached out to me. He knew… things about my past. Things that I'd tried to move on from. He offered me closure on them. And more than that, justice."

"Justice?" Edo repeated. "Justice for what?"

Kusanagi frowned and reached inside his brown hoodie. "I think it's better if you hear from the man himself." He pulled out a tablet and set it up in front of them. The five Lancers leaned over and watched as he turned it on. A few seconds later, a face came up.

"Kingmaker." The speaker was a man with dark brown skin and orange-and-yellow eyes. His hair was long and went down past his shoulders, with it being blonde on the top, brown at the ends, and having an orange bang at the front. Aquamarine diamond symbols were at his forehead and chin, and he had pink and red sections on his cheeks and chin. While only his upper body was visible, he wore similar armor to the rest of the Collective, but with gold lines at the seams. "This meeting is long overdue, Yuji Kogami. I am Bohman."

Yuji's eyes narrowed. "The leader of the Collective. You know who I am?"

"I do. Me and my inner circle have been aware of the identities of Team 13 for a while now." The dark-skinned man looked at the other four. His eyes widened on seeing Yuya, but he refocused almost instantly. "And you four are Yuya Sakaki, Shingo Sawatari, Edo Phoenix, and Leila Thompson."

"What? How do you-?"

"You have a spy in SOL," Leila concluded, cutting off Sawatari. "That's how you know who we are. And how you were able to spring us."

"We do. Or we did. SOL caught him after he sabotaged the generator."

"What?" Yuya's eyes widened. "What's going to happen to him?"

"In all likelihood, he'll be turned over to the police and accused of corporate espionage." Bohman noticed Yuya's downcast expression. "Your compassion does you credit, but do not worry; he knew the likely consequences of his actions and he accepted them."

"Why did you free us?" Edo asked. "Yuji told us he's been fighting the Collective for six months; why would you help your enemy escape?"

"Yuji Kogami is not my enemy; SOL Technologies is," Bohman corrected. "Though I will admit I did not help you escape out of the goodness of my heart; I enabled it because I need answers."

"Answers?" Yuya repeated.

"To what questions?" Yuji asked.

"In order, what happened to you, Revolver, and the rest of Team 13 after you fell into an interdimensional portal, who King's new allies are, and why SOL would value that partnership over one of their best duelists and four strangers, who I assume to be from other dimensions."

The five duelists stared at the tablet in silence. "You know more than I thought you did," Yuji admitted. "You know about the other dimensions?"

"I know of their existence and that there are four others, but no details. I know that SOL was testing a transporter, and a malfunction with it sent you, Hanako Zaizen, Go Onizuka, and Ryoken Kogami to these other worlds." His eyes narrowed. "I know that a group from one of these dimensions gave SOL Technologies Fusion Summoning, and SOL forced Dr. Kiyoshi Kogami to retire when he protested their dealings. But I am missing a great deal of context for these decisions. Context which I am hoping you can provide."

…

"I don't know if we should trust this man," Yuto offered to Yuya and Yuji. "He did help us escape, and his help could be invaluable, but we don't know anything about him or his motives. The enemy of my enemy isn't always a friend."

"…Okay, we'll tell you."

The others turned and blinked at Yuji.

"Are you sure?" Leila asked. She looked at the tablet. "No offense intended, but we don't know you, and Yuji's told us about his encounters with the Collective. Even if you helped us, that doesn't mean we should trust you."

"I assure you, I am not offended, Ms. Thompson," Bohman replied. "If anything, I am relieved; your caution shows that you aren't willing to just take things at face value."

"We don't have much choice," Yuji responded to Leila. "King and Queen have made their positions clear." He looked at Bohman. "I'd rather know now whether you're an enemy or potential ally."

"Then let us dispense with the frivolities; what happened after you fell into that transporter?"

Yuji told him about his arrival in Standard, then his involvement with the Battle Royal. Yuya took over from there, talking about the Lancers and their mission, their trip to the Synchro Dimension and the Friendship Cup, then how they ended up in Heartland. He, Yuji, Sawatari, and Leila then alternated on telling the story of what happened in Heartland, up to and including Yuya's conflict with Edo.

Kusanagi looked over at Edo. "You were their enemy?"

"I was," the defector confirmed. "I believed in Academia's mission: to unite the dimensions and create a utopia, no matter the cost. But Yuya's father, and later Yuya himself, opened my eyes to the truth. Now I'm pledged to fix Academia's mistakes."

Bohman hummed in thought. "How did you come to Den City?"

Yuya told him about the Tactical Squad, how he and Yuji defeated Cobra, and then Cobra sabotaged the dimensional transporter, which opened a wormhole and sent the five of them to the Link Dimension.

"It never occurred to me that Academia would approach SOL as it did," Yuji admitted. "I walked us into a trap without knowing."

"We've already been over this," Sawatari said. "Don't blame yourself for what you couldn't anticipate Yuji."

Bohman crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "So that is the situation," he muttered. "I wonder if King knows about this Leo Akaba's end goal?" He scoffed. "Of course even if he did, it wouldn't change anything."

"You know King?" Yuji asked.

"I used to, once," Bohman admitted. "The man is completely self-absorbed, thinking only of his own advancement. It would not surprise me if he is fully aware of this Arc Area Project and is going along with it because he believes it will benefit him. No matter the cost to the rest of Den City."

"I think we've answered enough of your questions." Bohman opened his eyes and looked at Yuji. "It's time you answered some of ours." The Lancer's eyes narrowed. "What are the Collective's exact goals?"

"Yuji?" Sawatari blinked.

Yuji leaned over and interlaced his fingers. "I've been thinking over my previous confrontations with Collective duelists. While their goals followed a general thread of causing harm, the specifics varied in each case. Some wanted to hurt SOL Technologies, others wanted to cause general mayhem. That kind of dissonance… none of the duelists I've fought before knew your goals, did they Bohman?"

The Collective leader stared at Yuji before nodding. "Outside of Kusanagi and my inner circle, no one in the Collective knows what I truly want to achieve."

"What?" Yuya said. "You recruited people for your cause and didn't even tell them what you wanted?"

"I told them what they needed to hear: That SOL Technologies had wronged them and me, and that I could give them a chance at revenge." Bohman looked at the Lancer. "None of that was a lie. It was only the specifics of my plans that I kept hidden."

"And what are those specifics?" Leila asked, her eyes narrowed.

"Some thought I wanted SOL's destruction. I do not." The Lancers blinked in surprise. "I am not shortsighted; SOL Technologies is responsible for almost 30% of Den City's GDP, more than any other company. Were it to collapse, the economic ramifications alone would cause massive disruptions to society. Which is why what I want isn't SOL's destruction… but King's."

Yuji's eyes narrowed. "Your enemy is King?"

"Yes. Eight years ago, a great crime was committed. A crime for which no one responsible was punished." Bohman's eyes narrowed. "I want to correct that injustice. King and those who conspired with him will face punishment for their sins. So long as he is removed from SOL and held accountable, I don't care what happens to the company."

Edo frowned. "King is the one who forged the deal with Academia," he remembered. "If he is removed from power…"

"Not just him, but Queen and Bishop as well," Leila reminded him. "They were just as invested in the deal as him, if Dennis was telling the truth. If those three are removed from SOL…"

"Then we could end SOL's alliance with Academia!" Sawatari realized with a big grin. "And get SOL's help for the Lancers instead!" He turned to Yuya and blinked. "Yuya? What's wrong?"

Edo and Leila turned to look at Yuya's frown and a frozen Yuji. "Eight years ago," the former muttered. "A crime…" The Lancer looked at Bohman. "Are you talking about the Den City fire?"

Leila's and Sawatari's eyes widened and turned back to Bohman. But Edo just frowned. "Fire?" he repeated.

"Eight years ago," Yuji said softly, "there was a fire in Den City that killed over 1300 people. Me and my father were the only survivors." Edo's eyes widened in shock. "It was always assumed that the fire was an accident." His eyes narrowed at Bohman. "You're telling me it wasn't?"

"…Yes and no," Bohman admitted. "King and those responsible never meant for the fire to happen… but it was because of their actions that it did. My desire is for them to face the consequences of their actions."

"…I see." Yuji closed his eyes and breathed in and out. His eyes opened. "If what you are saying is true… then I would be willing to work with you."

"But would that benefit us?" Everyone turned to a frowning Leila. "We saw your duelists face three of SOL's duelists; they were decisively defeated. And from Yuji's accounts, the quality of your duelists has been mediocre for some time." She leaned forward. "Even if you are telling the truth of the fire eight years ago, how can you guarantee an alliance with you will help us?"

"That question applies to you as well." The Lancers blinked at the new voice before the screen split, four new faces appearing beneath Bohman. Each of them wore the Collective uniforms and helmets, but one had gold lining their robes, another had silver, the third had blue, and the fourth had green. "After all, you couldn't have escaped SOL without our help," the one with gold lining continued. "That doesn't speak well of your competence."

"What?" Sawatari barked.

"Primus," Bohman said, his eyes narrowing.

"He has a point, Master Bohman," the one with silver linings said. "We know nothing of these Lancers or their capabilities; entering a partnership with them without knowing their abilities would be foolish."

"I do understand why you would want them on our side against SOL," the one in blue, whose voice was unmistakably female, said, "but we have not lasted this long by being careless."

"A test is needed," Green asserted. "A test so that we may determine the Lancers' abilities, and so that they may determine ours."

Yuji's eyes narrowed. "You're Bohman's inner circle?" he questioned, remembering the Collective leader's words before.

"Quartus," Green introduced himself.

"Tertia," the sole female said.

"I go by Secundus," Silver said.

"And I am Primus." The gold-lined one lightly bowed his head. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"First, second, third, and fourth in Latin," Yuji noted with a frown.

"Oi," Kusanagi spoke out, looking at the tablet with concern. "What are you guys suggesting?"

"A trial," Secundus said. "We do not know what the Lancers are capable of, and they do not know us. The solution to this is simple."

"Duel us," Quartus said. "Let us show you that we are powerful allies and show the same to us."

"Duel you?" Yuya repeated. "Is that really necessary?"

"…I think it is." The Lancer turned to a smiling Edo. "It was dueling you that opened my eyes, Yuya; if we want to create an understanding with the Collective, then perhaps dueling them is the best way. Besides…" Edo turned back to the tablet, a challenging glint in his eyes. "I've never dueled someone from the Link Dimension before. I'm curious to see how strong its duelists are firsthand."

"I'm all for that," Sawatari said with a smirk. "I've been antsy since we arrived; getting some action sounds good."

"You two…" Leila sighed. "Well, if Yuya and Yuji are up for it, so am I."

Bohman locked eyes with Yuji and nodded. "This was not my preference, but I will go along with it. Very well. My inner circle will duel the other Lancers, and I will duel you, Yuji Kogami." He smiled softly. "I'm curious to see what exposure to other dimensions and their dueling styles have changed about you."

Yuji frowned at the unexpected familiarity, then looked at Yuya and raised an eyebrow. The other boy frowned but reluctantly nodded. Yuji looked back at Bohman and nodded. "We're up for it," he said. "But the others' Duel Disks don't have access to LINK VRAINS. Are there any spares here?"

"There are," Kusanagi confirmed. "I'll give them to you to log in LINK VRAINS, and the others will duel you. I'll keep watch here."

"Thank you, Kusanagi." Bohman's smile widened. "We will wait for all of you in LINK VRAINS." The tablet turned off.

"So we're going into LINK VRAINS," Sawatari muttered with a wide grin. "Finally."

"Do we need to create avatars?" Leila asked.

"Not this time," Kusanagi answered, walking over to the computer setup. He came back with four card-insert Duel Disks. They had white bodies, orange circles, and green sides. "Just insert your Decks and say, 'Into the VRAINS.' The log-in function is voice-activated."

The four Lancers accepted the Duel Disks and switched them with their own. "Before we go, I want to know," Yuji said, looking at Kusanagi. "When we got here, you said Bohman offered you justice. What kind of justice?"

Kusanagi frowned. "Justice against those who hurt my family." He looked Yuji in the eye. "The fire eight years ago… my brother Jin was one of the victims."

The Lancers' eyes widened. "Mr. Kusanagi…" Yuji breathed.

"Bohman told me the truth of what happened and promised me that those responsible would answer for their sins," Kusanagi said. "I don't duel for the Collective; I support them from the real world. And if you ally with us, I'll support you too." He smiled. "Good luck, all of you; Bohman is one of the strongest duelists I've seen, and his inner circle aren't pushovers. You'll need to bring your A game if you want to win."

"Thanks for the advice." Yuji turned to the other Lancers and held up his Deck. "Just repeat after me, okay?" They all nodded and held up their own Decks. They followed Yuji's motion of inserting his Deck.

"Deck set! Into the VRAINS!"

Sawatari blinked as a new world formed around him. "Woah." He flexed his fingers and waved his arms around. "So this… is VR?" He looked around. He was in a domed room. The walls and floor were black with green lines covering them. "Doesn't look like much. Where am I?"

"Our base." A man formed out of blue particles in front of Sawatari. He wore the Collective uniform, but with green lines running up-and-down his robes. "You should be honored; you and your friends are the first outside the Collective to see this cyberspace."

"Heh. If you want me to feel honored, then you should redecorate." Sawatari smirked as he took another look around. "Seriously, a virtual world and this is the best you could do? At least put a few windows!"

The man chuckled. "I'll relay your complaints to Master Bohman. I am Quartus, your opponent in this duel. You are from the Standard Dimension, correct? Your dimension has all of the summoning methods apart from Link Summoning. I look forward to seeing what you're capable of."

"And I look forward to seeing if Yuji is the rule in the Link Dimension… or the exception." Sawatari held out his borrowed Duel Disk and generated a silver blade with a violet outline. Quartus held his left arm, revealing a black-and-green new model Duel Disk.

"Duel!"

Quartus: 4000 LP

Shingo Sawatari: 4000 LP

"I shall take the first turn," Quartus said, waving his hand and making five cards appeared. "When there are no monsters on the field, I can summon Helixx Marmotroll without Tributing by discarding another Marmotroll." A green ogre with dark ugly armor appeared, swinging a club.

Helixx Marmotroll ATK 2600 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"I Set one card. I end my turn."

Sawatari sneered. "2600 attack points? I guess that's supposed to make up for how ugly it is. Let me show you the beauty of my Entertainment Duel! My turn! Draw! With the Scale 1 Abyss Actor – Evil Heel and Scale 8 Abyss Actor – Funky Comedian, I set the Pendulum Scales!" Two blue pillars appeared, with a blue fiend in one and a fat yellow fiend in the other.

Abyss Actor – Evil Heel Scale 1

Abyss Actor – Funky Comedian Scale 8

"What?" Quartus gasped. "Pendulum? What is this?"

"The greatest weapon of the Lancers! With the set Pendulum Scales, I can summon Level 2 to 7 monsters at the same time! Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters! Abyss Actor – Leading Lady and Abyss Actor – Superstar!" A pink-skinned young woman in a violet dress and a pink-skinned fiend in a black styled suit appeared in Attack Position.

Abyss Actor – Leading Lady ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 4 PS: 2

Abyss Actor – Superstar ATK 2500 DEF 1800 LVL: 7 PS: 3

"Pendulum Summoning," Quartus muttered. "Being able to summon multiple monsters at once… Interesting."

"Superstar's monster effect! Once per turn, I add an 'Abyss Script' Spell Card from my Deck to my hand." Sawatari took the card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Abyss Script – Rise of the Abyss King! I target and destroy face-up cards up to the number of Attack Position 'Abyss Actor' monsters I control."

"What?" Quartus gasped again.

"Not only that, but since I control a Level 7 or higher 'Abyss Actor' monster, you can't activate cards or effects in response to Rise of the Abyss King's activation," Sawatari said smugly. "I'll destroy Marmotroll!" Quartus's monster exploded at the Lancer's words, leaving the Collective lieutenant unprotected. "I'm curious what you can do, but it's late and I need my beauty sleep. Battle! Superstar attacks you directly!"

The tuxedo-wearing fiend leapt into the air, then dived down in a kick.

"Heh." Quartus gestured to his field. "Counter Trap activate! Negate Attack! Your attack is negated and the Battle Phase ends!" A barrier appeared around him and knocked Superstar back, prompting a scowl from Sawatari. "Sorry, but your beauty sleep is being postponed."

"Feh. I end my turn."

"My turn! Draw!" Quartus's new card was added to his hand, and the man chuckled. "You've shown me what Pendulum Summoning is capable of; let's see if its code matches up to Link Summoning."

"Code?" Sawatari repeated.

"I activate the Spell Card: Graveyard Incubation! I target and Special Summon two 'Helixx' monsters from my Graveyard with the same name, but their attack and defense points become 0, their effects are negated, they cannot attack or be Tributed, and I can only use them as Link Material for a 'Helixx' monster. Resurrect, my two Marmotrolls!" The ogre Sawatari had destroyed and an identical fiend appeared in Attack Position.

Helixx Marmotroll ATK 2600→0 DEF 0 LVL: 5 x 2

"Appear, my future circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'Helixx' monsters. I set my two Marmotrolls in the Link Markers!" The fiends entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Helixx Gothiclone!" A robed humanoid emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. It had a ram's head and horns, with a fur cloak and fur at its wrists and collar.

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 0 LINK-2 ↑↓

"0 attack points?" Sawatari questioned. He grimaced. "It has a strong effect, doesn't it?"

"You've been doing this a while now, haven't you? Since I control a Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, I can Normal Summon Helixx Dreadrat without Tributing." A fiendish rodent with flaming ears appeared at Gothiclone's bottom Link Marker.

Helixx Dreadrat ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 5

"Battle! Gothiclone attacks Superstar!"

Sawatari blinked as the ram-headed monster charged forward. "You're attacking a monster with 2500 attack points with a monster with 0 attack points?" His grimace worsened. "Okay, how much is this going to hurt?"

"Quite a bit," Quartus said cheerily. "Gothiclone's monster effect! Once per turn, when it battles your monster, its attack points become equal to that monster's attack points until the end of the turn."

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 0→2500

"You can't be aiming for mutual destruction," Sawatari grumbled. "That's way too obvious."

"Indeed; the first time each turn Gothiclone would be destroyed by battle, it is not destroyed." The Link Monster's fist struck Superstar in the chest, making it explode. "Gothiclone's additional effect! Since its effect was applied, I Tribute a monster it points to, and you take damage equal to that monster's attack points on the field! I Tribute Dreadrat!" The flaming rat charged Sawatari and bit his arm, making the Lancer gasp in pain as his body fizzled blue before the rat disintegrated.

Shingo Sawatari: 4000→2800 LP

Sawatari frowned and flexed his fingers. "So this is how dueling in VR feels… it almost feels the same as dueling in the real world, but there's something off about it." Was this how Yuji felt when he experienced Action Duels?

"I Set one card. I end my turn. During the End Phase, Gothiclone's attack points return to normal."

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 2500→0

"I have to admit, your code is interesting so far," Quartus continued.

"My code?" Sawatari repeated. "You said that earlier; what 'code' are you talking about?"

"The code is the core of a computer program," Quartus explained. "What is in the code defines the program's existence. People and dueling are the same; our personal codes determine what we are capable of, and what we are not capable of."

"I see. So these duels are meant to show you the Lancers' code?"

"And your home dimensions' code, and your summoning methods'. No pressure."

Sawatari chuckled. "Well then, you had best brace yourself. You might find the great Shingo Sawatari's code so superior you can't handle it! My turn! Draw! Once more, Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters! Abyss Actor – Superstar and Abyss Actor – Sassy Rookie!" The suit-wearing fiend reappeared at the Extra Monster Zone, and it was joined by a fiend in overalls, with both of them in Attack Position.

Abyss Actor – Sassy Rookie ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4 PS: 2

Abyss Actor – Superstar ATK 2500 DEF 1800 LVL: 7 PS: 3

"What?" Quartus gasped. "Superstar was destroyed! How did you summon it back?"

"Pendulum Monsters go to the Extra Deck when they're destroyed," Sawatari explained smugly. "And then I can Pendulum Summon them again and again from there."

"I see." Quartus checked the field and saw Superstar's placement in the Extra Monster Zone. He could have summoned it to Gothiclone's top Link Marker, he thought. But if he did, that would let me Tribute Superstar for Gothiclone's effect; its effect doesn't specify that I need to control the monster at its Link Marker to Tribute it.

"Superstar's monster effect! I add an 'Abyss Script' Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Abysstainment to my hand, and then activate the Continuous Spell Card: Abyss Script – Abysstainment! By Tributing an 'Abyss Actor' monster, I can Set an 'Abyss Script' Spell Card from my Graveyard. I Tribute Leading Lady to Set Rise of the Abyss King."

Quartus immediately saw Sawatari's plan: Since Gothiclone could not be destroyed by battle once per turn, it was better to use an effect to destroy it. A pity Quartus had anticipated it. "Trap activate! Helixx Tampering!" The card showed Kozaky working at a lab table, mixing two vials of green and yellow liquid. "As I control a 'Helixx' Link Monster, until the end of the turn, my 'Helixx' monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects, and they cannot be destroyed by battle against a monster whose attack points are different from its own.

Sawatari blinked and then scowled. That meant even if he did activate Rise of the Abyss King, it wouldn't do anything. But the wording of that effect gave him an opening. "Battle! Sassy Rookie attacks Gothiclone!" The overalls-wearing fiend leapt into the air and dive-kicked the Link Monster.

"Heh. Are you attempting to destroy your own monster? Gothiclone's monster effect! Its attack points become equal to Sassy Rookie's!"

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 0→1700

Sassy Rookie's foot impacted Gothiclone's head, but to Quartus's surprise, the Abyss Actor didn't shatter. "Sassy Rookie can prevent its destruction once per turn," Sawatari explained as his monster leapt away. "And since that effect was used, if you raise its attack points again, it will be destroyed! Superstar attacks Gothiclone!" The second fiend dive kicked Gothiclone. Quartus clenched his fists but stayed silent as the kick hit his monster. Gothiclone was unharmed, but the shockwave hit Quartus.

Quartus: 4000→3200 LP

"So you chose your monster over your Life Points? Fine with me. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Abyss Costume – Wolf's Guise and equip it to Sassy Rookie!" Sassy Rookie's clothes changed to a pink nightgown and a hat with two ears. "While Wolf's Guise is equipped to Sassy Rookie, you can't attack my other 'Abyss Actor' monsters. I Set one card. I end my turn."

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 1700→0

"You showed some ingenuity in that, forcing me to choose between my monster and my Life Points," Quartus praised. "But unfortunately, my code's offense is superior to yours. My turn! Draw! By banishing Helixx Tampering from my Graveyard, I Special Summon two Helixx Tokens!" Two black eggs with purple markings and two tentacles emerging from cracks appeared in Defense Position.

Helixx Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"Appear, my future circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'Helixx' monsters. I set two Helixx Tokens in the Link Markers!" The tokens entered the top and left arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Helixx Necro Darwin!" A maroon avian monster with yellow fur and a gray mask on its chest emerged from the portal at Gothiclone's bottom Link Marker, its neck and head encased in silver.

Helixx Necro Darwin ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←↑

He wants that monster linked to Gothiclone, Sawatari thought. But 1800 attack points isn't enough to defeat me, and attacking Sassy Rookie with Necro Darwin first will just inflict 100 points of damage. His eyes narrowed. What is he up to?

"The co-linked Necro Darwin cannot be attacked. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Helixx Editing and equip it to Necro Darwin!" Green-and-yellow bands of DNA wrapped themselves around Necro Darwin's wings and limbs, then faded into them, turning the wings and limbs a mottled yellow green. "Necro Darwin cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects. And once per turn, I can target a 'Helixx' monster in my Graveyard and shuffle it into my Deck, and until the end of the turn, the equipped monster's attack points become double its original attack points. I target and shuffle a Marmotroll back into my Deck."

Helixx Necro Darwin ATK 1800→3600

"Oh," Sawatari muttered. "That's what he's up to."

"Battle! Necro Darwin attacks Sassy Rookie!" The Link Monster charged, and its claws struck Sassy Rookie.

"Sassy Rookie cannot be destroyed by battle once per turn!" Sawatari grunted as the shockwave hit him and his body fizzled.

Shingo Sawatari: 2800→900 LP

"This is the end for you! Gothiclone attacks Sassy Rookie! Its attack points become equal to Sassy Rookie's, and once per turn it cannot be destroyed by battle!"

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 0→1700

Gothiclone charged and punched Sassy Rookie in the face, knocking its hat off and making it explode. "Gothiclone's monster effect! As it wasn't destroyed by battle, I Tribute a monster at its Link Marker and inflict damage equal to that monster's current attack points. I Tribute Necro Darwin!" The Link Monster turned into violet energy and then shot towards Sawatari.

The Lancer only smirked. "Earlier, you said my code's defense was lacking. I'm going to make you eat those words. Counter Trap activate! Abyss Intermission!" The card showed Superstar getting a bag of popcorn from a concession stand manned by Trendy Understudy. "When an effect is activated that would inflict damage to me, I shuffle an 'Abyss Actor' monster that is face-up in my Extra Deck into my Deck to negate the activation. I'll shuffle Leading Lady into my Extra Deck!" The fiendish woman reappeared, and with a wink, she and the violet energy broke apart into fireworks.

"That isn't the only effect I can use; when Wolf's Guise is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add an 'Abyss Actor' monster or 'Abyss Script' Spell from my Deck to my hand." Sawatari took the card from his Deck but declined to name it.

"Heh. So you evaded the damage. But you aren't the only one who gets new resources; as Helixx Editing was sent to the Graveyard because the equipped Necro Darwin left the field, I draw a card." Quartus drew and chuckled. "Well, I might not be able to defeat you this turn, but I can prevent you from defeating me next turn with your Set Spell Card. As Dreadrat is in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!" The flaming rat reappeared in Defense Position.

Helixx Dreadrat ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 5

"The turn Dreadrat is Special Summoned by its own effect, I cannot Normal Summon or Set. But I can Special Summon. And by Tributing Dreadrat, I can Special Summon Helixx Kobomorpha!" A maroon humanoid with a reptilian body appeared in Defense Position. It had gray fur covering its chest, shoulders, and legs, round rodent ears on its head, wore a loincloth, and carried a sling and knife in its hands.

Helixx Kobomorpha ATK 0 DEF 2300 LVL: 5

"Kobomorpha's monster effect! Since I control a 'Helixx' Link Monster, I Tribute it, then target up to two of your cards. I'll target Superstar and your Set Spell Card." Sawatari could hear the smugness in Quartus's voice. "Those cards are then banished!"

"What!?" Sawatari blinked as the reptilian humanoid disintegrated, then his ace monster and Set Rise of the Abyss King warped away.

"As Necro Darwin is in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it to Gothiclone's Link Marker." The avian Link Monster reappeared at Gothiclone's bottom Link Marker.

Helixx Necro Darwin ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←↑

"I end my turn. During the End Phase, Gothiclone's attack points return to normal."

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 1700→0

"You are in a precarious position, Shingo Sawatari," Quartus said. "Necro Darwin's effect prevents you from targeting it for attacks, and Gothiclone will make its attack points equal to any monster that attacks it. If you bring back Sassy Rookie and attack with it, Gothiclone will Tribute Necro Darwin to inflict damage to you. And if you attempt to inflict effect damage, you should know that Necro Darwin's effect will reduce that damage to 0, then double its attack points."

"Which will just increase the damage Gothiclone can inflict with its effect," Sawatari realized with a grimace. "You've prepared against both battle and effect damage."

"As you can see, my code is superior," Quartus boasted. "If this is all the Lancers are capable of, perhaps the Collective would be better off without your assistance."

"Heh. And if your boss is as delusional as you, then perhaps we're better off without you!"

"What?"

Sawatari smirked. "You think victory is impossible for me? Please, our backs being against the wall is when Entertainment Duelists shine the most! After all, I only need one last card to win this!" He placed his hand on his Deck. "So I want to do my fellow Lancers proud, I'll just have to draw it! My turn! Draw!"

The Lancer looked at his new card and his smirk widened. "It's here! I activate the Spell Card: Abyss Script – Casting Call! I Special Summon an 'Abyss Actor' Pendulum Monster from my Deck in Attack Position, but it cannot attack and is destroyed during the End Phase. Come, Abyss Actor – Wild Hope!" A fiend in a cowboy outfit wielding a cartoonish pistol appeared in Attack Position.

Abyss Actor – Wild Hope ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4 PS: 2

"The set Pendulum Scales are 1 and 8! With this, I can Special Summon monsters between Levels 2 and 7 at the same time! Pendulum Summon! Return to me, my monster! Abyss Actor – Sassy Rookie!" The overall-wearing fiend reappeared at the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Abyss Actor – Sassy Rookie ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4 PS: 2

"I activate the effect of Abyss Intermission in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I add an 'Abyss Actor' monster or 'Abyss Script' Spell from my Deck to my hand." Sawatari took the card, then showed it to Quartus. "The card I am adding is Abyss Script – Ritual of the Abyss!"

"What?" Quartus gasped. "Ritual? Then the card you added to your hand with Wolf Guise's effect was-."

"That's right. I activate Ritual Spell Card: Abyss Script – Ritual of the Abyss! I Tribute the Level 4 Sassy Rookie and Wild Hope to Ritual Summon!" A brazier appeared, and the two Abyss Actors turned into flames that spiraled into it. A pillar of blue flames shot upwards. "Designer of the underworld's greatest dances! Step onto the great stage! Ritual Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Abyss Actor – Shadow Choreographer!"

The flames faded, revealing a violet-skinned woman wearing a black suit similar to Superstar's, but with tails that went down past her knees, black dress pants, and black tap shoes. Her amber hair was tied up in a ponytail, save for the bangs hanging over her right eye. She raised her right hand and snapped her fingers, posing in Attack Position.

Abyss Actor – Shadow Choreographer ATK 2900 DEF 2200 LVL: 8

"A Level 8 Ritual Monster," Quartus whispered. "How unexpected."

I could have used Ritual of the Abyss's effect to shuffle Sassy Rookie into my Deck instead of Pendulum Summoning it, Sawatari thought. But then I wouldn't be able to win this.

"Shadow Choreographer's monster effect! By shuffling an 'Abyss Actor' Pendulum Monster that is face-up in my Extra Deck back into my Deck, I negate the effects of all face-up cards you control until the end of the turn!"

"What!?"

"I shuffle Sassy Rookie into my Deck." Shadow Choreographer snapped her fingers, and Sassy Rookie appeared on the field. With another snap of her fingers, Sassy Rookie started to tap dance, and as it danced, waves of energy rippled outwards over Gothiclone and Necro Darwin, making them groan and slump over.

"With your monsters' effects negated, I can attack and destroy them no problem."

"Tch… But even if you attack, you will not win. The most damage you can inflict is 2900 against Gothiclone, and I have 3200 Life Points. On my next turn, I will be able to turn this around."

"Are you sure about that?" Sawatari gestured to his field. "Battle! Shadow Choreographer attacks Gothiclone!" The woman began to tap dance, then leapt into the air and brought her right foot down, smacking Gothiclone in the head. The Link Monster exploded, making Quartus grunt and fizzle.

Quartus: 3200→300 LP

"Shadow Choreographer's additional effect! When it destroys your monster by battle, and I have an 'Abyss Actor' Pendulum Monster face-up in my Extra Deck, it can make a second attack in a row!"

Quartus gasped. "Shadow Choreographer attacks Necro Darwin! End this!" The woman spun on the spot for several seconds, then lashed out with one foot, catching Necro Darwin on the side of its head, knocking it backwards onto Quartus before it exploded. The man cried out as the impact of his monster knocked him off his feet.

Quartus: 300→0 LP

"Heh. How was that?" Sawatari approached the fallen Quartus with a smug smirk. "Was my code too much for you to handle?"

Quartus had to chuckle himself. "Some pieces of your code were a little ridiculous… but I'll admit to being impressed." He pushed himself to his feet. "My doubts on an alliance between the Collective and Lancers have been cleared up; I will support it. Now you just have to hope your friends are stronger than my friends."

Leila opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. Domed room, black walls and floor with green lines. No visible entrance or exit. But then again, such things wouldn't matter in VR. And speaking of that… the Xyz duelist flexed her fingers, then her legs.

"Testing out how VR feels?" Leila looked up as the sole female Collective lieutenant materialized in front of her. Her robes and mask were the same as her male colleagues' outfits, albeit adjusted for a woman's body. The only difference was the blue lines running up her sides.

"…Yes," Leila admitted. "We never had VR in Heartland, but Hanako told me about it. It is different from Real Solid Vision, but at the same time… familiar."

"The VRAINS system was built to be intuitive," the woman said. "If it was not easy to use, SOL would not be able to commercialize it."

"I see… so you are my opponent?"

"I am. I am Tertia, one of Bohman's lieutenants. But before we duel, there is something I must know."

"And that is?"

"How do you see your fight ending?" Leila raised an eyebrow at the question. "You fight alongside someone who occupied your home, and alongside people who want your conflict to end peacefully. Will you accept that? Will you forgive the people who caused you so much pain?"

"…I do not know," Leila admitted. She closed her eyes. "Before the war, I came to Heartland as an exchange student. I made dear friends who believed that dueling should be used to bring people together. And then that, and they, were torn away." Her eyes opened. "I do not know if I can ever forgive Academia itself for what it has done to Heartland. Or to my friends and their families… but I want to believe that this can end peacefully. Yuya managed to reach Edo's heart, and Edo convinced the rest of the Academia forces in Heartland to surrender. If there is a possibility of this fight ending without further bloodshed, then I believe the Lancers are the best chance of that."

The Xyz duelist frowned. "Why do you ask? Are you concerned about the aftermath of your fight with SOL?"

"Of course I am," Tertia responded. "No matter your intentions, there are always consequences to your actions, and you may not be the one to pay them. If we succeed in dethroning King, there will be aftereffects. These could range from SOL's stocks plummeting to Den City's economy collapsing." She lowered her head. "That will be because of us. Because of the choices we made. Knowing what King is responsible for, I have no regrets of my path. But I cannot lie and say I do not worry for the future."

"…Don't we all?" Leila asked. "The future is always in motion, always subject to change. Even those who think they know what will happen are often surprised."

"Very true. But we have dawdled long enough." Tertia raised her new model Duel Disk. "Before any partnership can be formed, we must know each other's abilities. So show me what a Resistance duelist is capable of!"

"…You are right; we have talked long enough." Leila activated the borrowed Duel Disk's blade. "I have experience with your Master Rules. Now I will learn how to duel in VR!"

"Duel!"

Leila Thompson: 4000 LP

Tertia: 4000 LP

"I will let you take the first turn," Tertia offered.

The Xyz duelist narrowed her eyes. That offer likely meant that Tertia benefited most from taking the second turn.

…Well, either turn worked for Leila. "I accept. I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Faith! I control no monsters, so I can Special Summon two Prophecy Tokens!" Two girls in green-and-white robes appeared in Defense Position.

Prophecy Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"Appear, the circuit that foretells the future! The summoning conditions are two Spellcaster monsters. I set my two Prophecy Tokens in the Link Markers!" The tokens entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Crowley, the First Propheseer!" A glass chamber with a horned, green-haired man imprisoned within it emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Crowley, the First Propheseer ATK 1000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"You can Link Summon," Tertia noted. "You said that Nature Queen was in the Xyz Dimension; did you learn from her?"

"I did," Leila confirmed. "Even though she was with us for only a short time, I still call Hanako Zaizen a dear friend and comrade." Her eyes narrowed. "That is why, in her absence, I will fight to remove Academia's influence from her home! Crowley's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned, I reveal three 'Spellbook' cards from my Deck, and you randomly pick one. That card is added to my hand and the other two are shuffled into my Deck."

Her Deck ejected three cards, and those same three cards appeared in front of Tertia. The Collective lieutenant examined them, then when the cards changed to show their backs, she tapped the left one. Leila took the card, then returned the other two to her Deck.

"I activate the Field Spell Card: The Grand Spellbook Tower! During my Standby Phase, if I have a Spellcaster monster on my field or in my Graveyard, I can place a 'Spellbook' Spell Card from my Graveyard on the bottom of my Deck to draw a card. And once per turn, Crowley allows me to Normal Summon a Level 5 or higher Spellcaster monster without Tributing. I summon Emperor of Prophecy!" A man in gold, black, and purple robes appeared.

Emperor of Prophecy ATK 2300 DEF 2000 LVL: 5

"I Set one card. I end my turn."

"A Spellcaster Deck," Tertia examined. "One that, judging by the Field Spell, makes extensive use of Spell Cards. Interesting. Let us see how it compares to mine. My turn! Draw! When there is a card in the Field Zone, I can Special Summon Dark Mummy Probe!" A blue-skinned fiend in a tunic with bandages around its limbs appeared in Attack Position.

Dark Mummy Probe ATK 700 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Dark Mummy Probe then destroys that card in the Field Zone."

Leila grimaced as her card exploded. Then she gestured to her field. "When The Grand Spellbook Tower is destroyed by your card and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Spellcaster monster from my hand or Deck whose Level is less than or equal to the number of 'Spellbook' Spell Cards in my Graveyard. I Special Summon Stoic of Prophecy!" A man with spiky orange hair appeared in Defense Position, wielding two staves.

Stoic of Prophecy ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"So you got a monster out of that as well. No matter. I summon a second Dark Mummy Probe!" Another blue fiend in bandages appeared.

Dark Mummy Probe ATK 700 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Virus Research Lab!" The card showed a lab with multiple tubes, each filled with spheres that Leila recognized from Deck Devastation Virus, Eradicator Epidemic Virus, and others. "This card prevents you from activating cards or effects in response to the activation of my 'Virus' Trap Cards."

Leila narrowed her eyes. Virus, huh? That can be problematic.

And once per turn, I shuffle a card in my hand into my Deck to add a 'Virus' Trap from my Deck to my hand." Tertia placed a card on top of her Duel Disk, and it vanished, only to be replaced by a different card. "I Set one card. On top of its other effects, Virus Research Lab allows me to activate one Trap Card the turn it is Set." The Xyz duelist's eyes widened. "Trap activate! Current Corruption Virus! I Tribute a Dark Mummy Probe with 0 defense points, and until your third End Phase, the attack points of all monsters you control with 2000 or less defense points becomes 0, their effects are negated, and monsters in your hand cannot activate their effects!"

Leila watched as one of Tertia's monsters burst, and the particles of its body turned into spores that latched onto Emperor and Stoic, making them groan in pain.

Emperor of Prophecy ATK 2300→0

Stoic of Prophecy ATK 300→0

The Resistance duelist grit her teeth, then noticed that no spores had attached to Crowley. "Your Trap Card only works on monsters with defense points; since Link Monsters have no defense points, Crowley is unaffected by your Trap Card."

"True. But I would wager that Crowley is your only Link Monster." Leila scowled at that truth. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Monster Restitch! I Tribute my second Probe to Special Summon three Dark Mummy Tokens!" The zombie broke apart and reformed into three dark blue flames in Defense Position.

Dark Mummy Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 3

"Appear, my future circuit! The summoning conditions are three 'Dark Mummy' monsters. I set three Dark Mummy Tokens in the Link Markers!" The three flames entered the bottom-left, top, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps!" A female humanoid with curved blades for hands wearing Egyptian robes emerged from the portal to the Extra Monster Zone.

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑→

"Since I control a Zombie Link Monster, I can Special Summon Dark Mummy Depressor!" An indigo-skinned humanoid in a black tunic with bandaged arms and legs appeared at Surgical Forceps' bottom-left Link Marker in Defense Position. In place of feet, it had wooden staves with rounded ends.

Dark Mummy Depressor ATK 500 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"While Depressor is linked, your monsters cannot target it for attacks. And for each monster it points to, Surgical Forceps gains 600 attack points."

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 2400→3000

"Battle! Surgical Forceps attacks Emperor!" The mummy charged the robed man, its blades crossed over its chest.

"Trap activate!" Leila declared. "Shift! When my monster is targeted for an attack or Spell or Trap effect, I change the target to a different monster. I change your attack to Stoic of Prophecy!" Emperor and Stoic digitally switched places, then Surgical Forceps swung its blades, carving the orange-haired man up. "Since Stoic was in Defense Position, I take no damage. And when Stoic of Prophecy is sent to the Graveyard, I add a Level 3 'Prophecy' monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Hermit of Prophecy to my hand."

"You managed to evade damage," Tertia praised. "But you failed to protect your Emperor. Depressor's monster effect! When my Zombie Link Monster destroys your monster in battle, I target and destroy one of your monsters. I'll destroy Emperor!"

Leila frowned as her monster shattered. She targeted Emperor instead of Crowley, she noted. Despite Crowley having attack points and retaining its effects. Her eyes narrowed. Hanako told me that SOL had observed the other dimensions and our summoning methods, and the Collective had at least one spy in SOL. Do they know how Xyz Summoning works? If they did, it would make sense for Tertia to destroy the monster with a Level instead of the one without a Level.

"I end my turn. I've shown you my dueling; now it is your turn, Leila Thompson."

"So it is. My turn! Draw!" Leila frowned at her hand, then at Tertia's field. Current Corruption Virus keeps me from activating monster effects from my hand, and effects of my monsters with 2000 or less defense points are negated. Link Monsters like Crowley are unaffected, but Tertia was right that Crowley is my only Link Monster. Her eyes narrowed. Empress's defense points are 1700, so it won't work. But another Xyz Monster will, and to summon it…

"I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Knowledge! I send my Spellcaster monster or a 'Spellbook' card from my hand or field to the Graveyard, then draw two cards. I'll send Crowley to the Graveyard!" The tank shattered, and Leila drew.

"You have left yourself defenseless," Tertia noted. "I hope your gamble is worthwhile."

Leila looked at her new cards and smirked. "It was. I summon Hermit of Prophecy!" A bearded old man in purple robes appeared, only to groan as spores covered his skin.

Hermit of Prophecy ATK 1200→0 DEF 700 LVL: 3

"I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Adjustment! By targeting Hermit and declaring a Level, Hermit becomes that Level, then I can Special Summon a Spellcaster monster from my Graveyard with an equal or lesser Level. I declare Level 5, making Hermit Level 5, and Special Summoning the Level 5 Emperor of Prophecy!" The man in elaborate robes reappeared in Attack Position.

Hermit of Prophecy LVL: 3→5

Emperor of Prophecy ATK 2300→0 DEF 2000 LVL: 5

"Two Level 5 monsters," Tertia said. "If our information on Xyz Summoning was accurate…"

"It was. I overlay the Level 5 Emperor and Hermit! Ruler of the future and symbol of nobility, grant me your power to overcome my foes! Xyz Summon! Rank 5! Empress of Prophecy!" A woman in green and white robes emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position, two yellow lights circling it.

Empress of Prophecy ATK 2000→0 DEF 1700 RNK: 5 OU: 2

"So this is Xyz Summoning," Tertia muttered. "But with defense points below 2000, even your Xyz Monsters are powerless against my viruses."

"This one can't," Leila agreed. "But the next one will. I activate the Spell Card: Rank-Up-Magic Spellbook Ascension!"

"What?" Tertia gasped. "What is that?"

"I Rank-Up Empress into a Spellcaster Xyz Monster that is one or two Ranks higher," Leila continued. "Using Empress, I rebuild the Overlay Network!" Empress spiraled into the portal. "Magician who rules supreme over the future, come now to this world and let the magic reign! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 7! Hierophant of Prophecy!" A man in black and gold robes wielding a staff in his left hand emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position, three yellow lights orbiting him.

Hierophant of Prophecy ATK 2800 DEF 2600 RNK: 7 OU: 3

"She used her Xyz Monster and a Spell Card to summon a stronger one," Tertia said in surprise. "I can't say I expected that."

"Hierophant's defense points are 2600, so it is unaffected by Current Corruption Virus's effect," Leila said. "And when I use Spellbook Ascension to summon a monster, that monster gains an effect. For each 'Spellbook' Spell Card in my Graveyard, it gains 200 attack points. Right now, there are five 'Spellbook' Spell Cards."

Hierophant of Prophecy ATK 2800→3800

"Hierophant's monster effect! By using an Overlay Unit, I destroy Spell and Trap Cards you control up to the number of 'Spellbook' Spell Cards in my Graveyard. Say goodbye to Virus Research Lab!" One of the orbs hit the head of Hierophant's staff, which then fired a bolt of black lightning at Tertia's Continuous Spell Card, shattering it.

Hierophant of Prophecy OU: 3→2

"When Virus Research Lab is sent to the Graveyard by my opponent's card effect, I can add it to my hand," Tertia revealed. "However, I can only use this effect once during the Duel."

Leila frowned. That meant Tertia would be able to use another Virus Trap on her next turn. "I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Power! My Spellcaster monster gains 1000 attack points for the rest of the turn. And with another 'Spellbook' in my Graveyard, Hierophant gains 200 more attack points."

Hierophant of Prophecy ATK 3800→4800→5000

"Battle! Hierophant attacks Surgical Forceps! Shadows of Fate!" Bolts of black lightning shot out of the staff again, this time tearing through Tertia's Link Monster, making it explode and causing her to wince.

Tertia: 4000→2000 LP

"When the monster targeted by Spellbook of Power destroys a monster in battle, I can add a 'Spellbook' Spell from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Spellbook of Miracles to my hand. I Set one card. I end my turn, and Spellbook of Power's effect ends."

Hierophant of Prophecy ATK 5000→4000

"Impressive," Tertia breathed. "I did have expectations of someone who has been in multiple battles for their life before, but you have exceeded them. But is that enough to defeat SOL? In all likelihood, you will have to fight their new Team 2 in the future."

Leila grimaced. She remembered how Soulburner, Blue Maiden, and Windy had dueled. Especially the sole girl of the group. Was she strong enough to defeat that?

"Only one way to find it, isn't there?" the Resistance duelist asked.

"True. My turn! Draw! Appear, my future circuit! The summoning condition is one 'Dark Mummy' monster. I set Depressor in the Link Marker!" The Zombie monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Dark Mummy Resuscitator!" A humanoid with dark blue skin wearing bandages wrapped around its arms and legs, a gold-and-blue skirt, and a headdress of the same colors that covered the top of its chest, emerged from the Link portal at the Extra Monster Zone. It rose its arms, which ended in white defibrillators.

Dark Mummy Resuscitator ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Resuscitator's monster effect! Once per turn, if I have no monsters in the Main Monster Zone, I can Special Summon a 'Dark Mummy' monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker." A portal opened and Surgical Forceps emerged from it at Resuscitator's Link Marker.

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑→

"Surgical Forceps gains 600 attack points for each monster at its Link Markers."

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 2400→3000

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure! I draw a card for each Link Monster on the field." Tertia drew two cards, then revealed one of them. "I drew the Trap Card: Root Ransom Virus. When I draw a Trap Card, Surgical Forceps inflicts 500 points of damage!" The Link Monster swung its bladed arms, sending a cross of energy at Leila. The girl winced from the impact.

Leila Thompson: 4000→3500 LP

I summon Dark Mummy Infuser!" A zombie wrapped in blue bandages with needles for legs appeared at Surgical Forceps' right Link Marker.

Dark Mummy Infuser ATK 0 DEF 500 LVL: 1

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 3000→3600

"Infuser's monster effect! When it is Summoned to a Zombie Link Monster's Link Marker, I target that Link Monster, in this case Surgical Forceps. While Infuser is on the field, Surgical Forceps is unaffected by Trap effects."

Leila narrowed her eyes. "Let me guess; Infuser cannot be targeted for attacks while linked?"

"Just like Depressor," Tertia confirmed. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Virus Research Lab! I activate its effect to shuffle Root Ransom Virus into my Deck to add a new 'Virus' Trap to my hand. I Set one card. As before, Virus Research Lab allows me to activate one Trap Card the turn it is Set. Trap activate! Soul Suture Virus!" The card showed two spirals – green and yellow – tied together, only to split apart and continue separately. "I Tribute a Dark Link Monster. I Tribute Resuscitator!" The Link Monster with defibrillators for hands broke apart.

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 3600→3000

"Until your third End Phase after Soul Suture Virus's activation, the effects of any monsters you control that were originally in the Extra Deck are negated, and their attack points become 0!" Spores spread outward from Resuscitator's former position and latched onto Hierophant, making it groan.

Hierophant of Prophecy ATK 4000→0

"Finally, Soul Suture Virus prevents your monsters in the Graveyard from activating their effects."

Leila grit her teeth. Current Corruption Virus kept her from activating the effects of monsters in her hand and negated the effects of monsters with 2000 or less defense points. And now Soul Suture Virus was keeping her from activating monster effects from her Graveyard and negating the effects of her Xyz Monsters.

"By banishing Resuscitator from my Graveyard, Surgical Forceps gains 1000 attack points until my next Standby Phase."

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 3000→4000

"You are attempting to end this in a single attack?" Leila asked.

"You've shown yourself to be very intelligent. The faster I end this, the better. Battle! Surgical Forceps attacks Hierophant!" The mummy charged the sorcerer.

Leila gestured to her field. "Trap activate! Xyz Soul! I target the Empress of Prophecy in my Graveyard. Until the End Phase, all monsters I currently control gain attack points equal to Empress's Rank times 200, and Empress if shuffled into my Extra Deck."

Hierophant of Prophecy ATK 0→1000

Surgical Forceps brought its blades down, cutting Hierophant in half. The explosion struck Leila, pushing her back with a grunt.

Leila Thompson: 3500→500 LP

"You survived the turn. Impressive. But you only have 500 Life Points, and the effects of my Viruses are still in play. I end my turn."

The Resistance duelist frowned. "You're right; the odds aren't in my favor. But that's how it's always been since Academia attacked Heartland. Being on the back foot is when the Resistance is at its strongest! My turn! Draw!" Leila gestured to her field. "By banishing Spellbook of Adjustment from my Graveyard, I shuffle five 'Spellbook' Spell Cards in my Graveyard into my Deck, then draw a card. I'll shuffle The Grand Spellbook Tower, Spellbook of Power, Spellbook of Knowledge, Spellbook Ascension, and Spellbook of Faith into my Deck."

Leila drew her new card, blinked, and then smiled. "And now the proof of my words! I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook of Miracles! I Special Summon a Spellcaster Xyz Monster from my Graveyard, then attach up to two of my banished 'Spellbook' Spell Cards to it as Overlay Units. Resurrect, Hierophant!" The man in black and gold robes reappeared in Attack Position, a single light orbiting him. He then groaned as spores covered his exposed skin.

Hierophant of Prophecy ATK 2800→0 DEF 2600 RNK: 7 OU: 1

"It doesn't matter what you summon; so long as you rely on your Extra Deck, you cannot defeat me."

"Are you sure about that?" Leila revealed the card she drew with Spellbook of Adjustment's effect. "I activate the Spell Card: Rank-Down-Magic Spellbook Descent!"

"What!?" Tertia gasped. The card showed a red holographic tome breaking into pieces, red lightning arcing across its fragments. "Rank-Down -Magic!?"

"That's right. This card does exactly what its name implies. I use a Spellcaster Xyz Monster to summon a Spellcaster Xyz Monster with a lower Rank. I use Hierophant to rebuild the Overlay Network!" Hierophant spiraled into the portal. "Ruler of the future and symbol of nobility, grant me your power to overcome my foes! Rank-Down Xyz Change! Appear! Rank 5! Empress of Prophecy!" The woman in green and white robes reappeared, two lights circling her as she stood in the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Empress of Prophecy ATK 2000 DEF 1700 RNK: 5 OU: 2

"…This was even more unexpected," Tertia muttered. "But it doesn't matter; Rank-Up a monster or Rank-Down a monster, they will still be rendered powerless by my Viruses!" Spores appeared and gathered around Empress, but to Tertia's surprise, the woman dismissed them with a wave of her hand. "What?"

"Spellbook Descent has a second effect," Leila said smugly. "The monster summoned by its effect is unaffected by my opponent's Spell and Trap effects for the rest of the turn."

"Tch."

"Empress gains 300 attack points for each of its Overlay Units."

Empress of Prophecy ATK 2000→2600

"Empress of Prophecy's monster effect! I detach an Overlay Unit to excavate five cards."

Empress of Prophecy OU: 2→1 ATK 2600→2300

Leila drew five cards. "For each 'Spellbook' card excavated, I can destroy a monster on the field." She revealed the cards. "I excavated Wall of Fate, Justice of Prophecy, Spellbook of Wisdom, Spellbook Star Hall, and World of Prophecy. With two 'Spellbook' cards, I destroy two monsters! Fate's End!" Empress's scepter released a pulse of gold energy, tearing through Infuser and Surgical Forceps.

"Battle! Empress attacks you directly! Final Fate!" The woman spun her scepter, then fired a stream of gold light at Tertia, who yelled as she was knocked off her feet.

Tertia: 2000→0 LP

Leila approached her downed opponent. "Was that enough?" she asked. "Enough to assuage your concerns on our strength?"

"…Yes, it was." Tertia pushed herself to her feet. "I cannot say whether our strength combined will be enough to take down King, but I am willing to put my trust in you. But should the worst-case scenario regarding SOL come true… will you be able to live with the consequences?"

"…I do not know," Leila admitted. "But I am more than willing to do everything I can to make the worst-case scenario unnecessary."

Tertia chuckled. "For all of our sakes, I hope you are successful."

Edo blinked and looked at the black and green surroundings. "This is… weird." He looked down at his suit and patted it down. "It feels like the real world but at the same time there's something missing…"

"It is the feeling of the real world." Edo looked up as a man in the Collective's uniform with silver lines on it appeared. "Virtual reality can recreate everything visually, but there are certain sensations that it still can't fully replicate. Our senses of touch and smell for starters. And while there are places in LINK VRAINS that sell food and drinks, they do not actually put anything in your stomach."

Edo narrowed his eyes. "You're Secundus, right?"

"I am. The second of Master Bohman's lieutenants." He raised his Duel Disk. "I see little point in wasting time, so let us begin."

The Academia defector raised an eyebrow. "You don't have anything you want to ask me?"

"About why you would turn against your own home?" Secundus guessed. "Truthfully, I care little for your reasons for fighting with those Lancers. Only whether or not you will be able to aid our fight with the Collective."

"…I can see the logic in that," Edo responded. "As I said before, I've never dueled someone from the Link Dimension before. It will be interesting to see how I stack up against you." He activated his borrowed Duel Disk's blade.

"Duel!"

Edo Phoenix: 4000 LP

Secundus: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn," Secundus said. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Wormhole Defense!" A wormhole opened in the air behind Secundus, and out emerged a massive structure composed of numerous rocks in a sphere with satellite dishes in the mix, with more rocks forming a crescent around the sphere. "When this card is activated, I Special Summon a Motor Worm Token!" A blue and yellow mechanical larva with a glowing head emerged from one of the dishes to Secundus's field in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I activate the Spell Card: Motor Worm Bait! Since I control an Insect monster, I Special Summon two Motor Worm Tokens!" Two more larvae were dropped from the structure in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"Three monsters," Edo muttered. "Is he…?"

"The turn Motor Worm Bait is activated, I cannot Normal or Special Summon Level 3 or 4 monsters. Appear, my future circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more Insect monsters. I set three Motor Worm Tokens in the Link Markers!" The tokens entered the left, bottom-left, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Motor Worm Spreader Queen!" A massive insect emerged from the portal. Its body was primarily maroon and orange, with an enlarged abdomen and smaller thorax and head, with glowing blue lines on its sides and an orange machine in the middle of its abdomen. The large insect stood at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1000 LINK-3 ←↙↓

"Spreader Queen's monster effect! Once per turn, if it points to no monsters, I can Special Summon a Motor Worm Token to its Link Marker!" A new larva was released from the machine in Spreader Queen's body at the Link Monster's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Spreader Queen's additional effect! It gains 700 attack points for each Insect monster on the field."

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1000→2400

"I Set two cards. I end my turn."

"A Link Monster that empowers itself by summoning new Tokens," Edo muttered. He tapped his Duel Disk and frowned at the information on Secundus's visible cards. "Spreader Queen also prevents me from attacking Motor Worm Tokens, and Wormhole Defense destroys Motor Worm Tokens to prevent Insect monsters from being destroyed."

A solid defense to ensure the Link Monster's survival. But it offered no protection from damage. A weakness Edo would have no difficulties exploiting.

"My turn! Draw!" He smirked at his card. "I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization! I fuse Destiny HERO – Dreamer and Destiny HERO – Drilldark in my hand! Hero of the dream world, hero drilling the bedrock of destiny. Now become one and reign in the pitch-black future! Fusion Summon! Come on! Level 8! Destiny HERO – Dystopia!" A humanoid in violet and yellow armor with a "D" symbol on its helmet emerged from the Fusion vortex to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"A Fusion Summon right at the start," Secundus noted. "It seems you aren't wasting any time either."

"Dystopia's monster effect! When it is Fusion Summoned, I target one of its materials and inflict damage equal to that monster's attack points. I target Drilldark! Squeeze Palm!" Dystopia threw a sphere of wind at Secundus, making him grunt.

Secundus: 4000→2400 LP

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: D-Impact!" Dystopia's right arm was covered by black metal with black tubes and gained a backwards-curving blade. "While Dystopia is equipped with D-Impact, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects once per turn. I activate D-Impact's effect to increase the equipped Dystopia's attack points by 500 until the end of the turn."

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800→3300

"Dystopia's additional effect! Once per turn, when its attack or defense points change, I target and destroy one card on the field. I'll destroy Spreader Queen! Noble Justice!" Dystopia swung its right arm, sending a blade of energy at the Link Monster.

"If my Insect monster would be destroyed by battle or an effect, Wormhole Defense destroys a Motor Worm Token instead!" The larva leaped in front of its queen and was cut in half.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 2400→1700

"Spreader Queen's monster effect! When it points to no monsters, I Special Summon a Motor Worm Token!" A new larva emerged from the queen at its bottom Link Marker in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1700→2400

"You wasted your monster's effect. If you attack, Wormhole Defense will prevent Spreader Queen's destruction again."

Edo smirked. "I looked at your cards, so I knew that you would prevent Spreader Queen's destruction with Wormhole Defense's effect."

Secundus tilted his head. "If you knew that would happen, then why target Spreader Queen in the first place?"

"Because D-Impact also allows Dystopia to make two attacks during the Battle Phase!" Secundus stiffened at Edo's words. "Battle! Dystopia attacks Spreader Queen! Dystopia Blow!" Dystopia charged forward, its fist crackling with lightning.

"Tch. Wormhole Defense's effect destroys a Motor Worm Token in place of Spreader Queen!" The larva jumped and was destroyed by Dystopia's fist. Secundus winced as his avatar fizzled.

Secundus: 2400→1500 LP

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 2400→1700

"D-Impact lets Dystopia attack twice, and the difference between our monsters' attack points is 1600," Edo said. "This is the end! Dystopia attacks Spreader Queen! Dystopia Blow!" The Fusion Monster charged again, lightning around both its hands.

Secundus gestured to his field. "When my Insect monster battles a monster with higher attack points, I can discard Motor Worm Pollinator!" A six-legged insect with yellow and glowing blue fuzz appeared in front of him, its wings buzzing. "I take no damage from this battle!" Dystopia's fists struck Spreader Queen, making it explode, but Pollinator's wings dissipated the explosion before it reached Secundus. "Pollinator then increases my Life Points by 1000."

Secundus: 1500→2500 LP

"Even if you survive the turn, your monster is gone," Edo pointed out.

"Not for long. Trap activate! Worm Revival! I Special Summon a Link-3 or lower Insect Link Monster from my Graveyard, then Special Summon a Motor Worm Token to its Link Marker. Resurrect, Spreader Queen!" The large Link Monster reappeared, then a larva emerged from its side at its left Link Marker in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1000 LINK-3 ←↙↓

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"With two Insect monsters on the field, Spreader Queen gains 1400 attack points."

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1000→2400

Edo grit his teeth. "So you managed to revive it. But Dystopia is still stronger than Spreader Queen."

"Trap activate! Worm Infection!" The card showed a six-limbed violet insect latched onto SPYRAL Super Agent's back. "When an Insect Link Monster is Special Summoned to my field, I target Dystopia and change it to an Insect monster!" Edo's eyes widened as a six-legged insect shot out of the card and latched onto Dystopia's back, a single eye opening on its back. Dystopia growled in pain as veins popped out of its face and its visor glowed amber. "The monster targeted by Worm Infection also has its effects negated and cannot declare an attack. And because another Insect is on the field, Spreader Queen gains 700 attack points."

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 2400→3100

"You planned on me destroying Spreader Queen from the beginning, didn't you?" Edo realized.

"That's right," Secundus confirmed. "I will admit however that you inflicted more damage than I thought you would. Take pride in that."

"Hmph. I Set one card. I end my turn. During the End Phase, D-Impact's effect ends, and Dystopia's attack points return to normal."

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 3300→2800

Spreader Queen has more attack points than Dystopia, but with D-Impact still equipped, Dystopia can't be destroyed once per turn, Edo thought. And if another monster attacks, I have Destiny HERO – Dreamer in my Graveyard to prevent Dystopia's destruction and the damage, then Special Summon Dreamer itself. And then there's my Set card. His eyes narrowed. No matter what, I won't be defenseless!

"My turn! Draw! I activate the effect of Motor Worm Pollinator in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I add a 'Motor Worm' card from my Deck to my hand." Secundus took the card, then played it. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Motor Worm Gate! If all face-up monsters my opponent controls are Insect monsters, I can target my Insect monster and allow it to attack directly this turn!" Edo's eyes widened. "I target Spreader Queen!"

Secundus gestured to his field. "I activate Worm Infection's additional effect! By Tributing my Motor Worm Token, I Special Summon two Motor Worm Tokens to either field. I Special Summon two to my field!" The first larva shattered, only for its particles to reform into two new larvae in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 3100→3800

"Spreader Queen's monster effect! When it points to no monsters, I Special Summon a Motor Worm Token!" A third larva emerged from the Link Monster's body in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 3800→4500

"4500 attack points!?" Edo gasped.

"With Dystopia treated as an Insect monster due to Worm Infection, Motor Worm Gate's effect lets Spreader Queen attack directly! Battle! Spreader Queen attacks you directly!" A wormhole opened in the sky, and the sides of Spreader Queen's abdomen fell down, revealing missile ports. Numerous missiles shot out of its body and into the portal. A new portal opened above Edo, and the missiles shot out. They broke apart, revealing mechanical insects, which shot multiple stingers at Edo.

The Fusion defector raised his right hand. "Trap activate! D – Fortune! When you declare a direct attack, I banish a 'Destiny HERO' monster from my Graveyard to end the Battle Phase! I banish Drilldark!" A humanoid with a drill for tis right hand appeared in front of Edo and was struck by the stingers, exploding but taking the insects out with it.

"You were prepared for a direct attack, huh? But you will find that I was prepared for your Trap Card! I activate the Spell Card: Worm Memories!" The card showed Spreader Queen releasing its missiles, and numerous after images of itself behind it in various poses. "Since you took no battle damage this turn, I Tribute a Motor Worm Token to conduct my Battle Phase again!"

"What?" Edo gasped. The larva linked to Spreader Queen shattered and an aura formed around Spreader Queen.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 4500→3800

"Let's try this again! Spreader Queen attacks you directly!" Another swarm of missiles were launched into the wormhole, and once again, a new wormhole opened above Edo. The missiles burst, releasing mechanical insects that fired their stingers at Edo. They struck him and the ground around, making him cry out as he was surrounded by explosions.

Edo Phoenix: 4000→200 LP

The smoke cleared, revealing a panting Edo. "I end my turn," Secundus said. "I will admit that I was uncertain whether you would survive the turn, but you've shown yourself to be resourceful. Academia's training served you well."

Edo frowned at the compliment. "I'm guessing you have no experience with Academia's duelists, then?"

"No. We were aware that they gave SOL Fusion Summoning and that one of their duelists was here, but we haven't encountered him nor any other Academia duelists. Tell me, are you the benchmark or the exception among them?"

"I would say I am above average, but Academia has numerous duelists that are far better than me. And among the Link duelists I've seen, I'm not sure where I'd place." Edo's frown deepened. "But I admit that I don't care that much about skill level anymore. What matters more to me is what I'm dueling for, and that is an end to the war my dimension started."

"A noble goal, but intentions mean little without the power to see them through."

"Fair. So I will do my best to show you that I do have the skill to back up my words! My turn! Draw!"

"Spreader Queen's monster effect! I Special Summon a Motor Worm Token to its Link Marker!" The larva emerged from the Link Monster's side at its left Link Marker in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 3800→4500

Edo looked at his card, then revealed it. "I activate the Spell Card: Destiny Draw! By discarding a 'Destiny HERO' card, I draw two cards. I'll discard Destiny HERO – Malicious and draw!" Edo looked at his two new cards and smiled. Exactly what I needed. "By banishing Malicious from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a second Malicious from my Deck!" A man with fur-covered legs arms, a tail, and wings appeared in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Malicious ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 6

"I Normal Summon Destiny HERO – Dissolver!" A humanoid in purple armor with green sides, gauntlets, and greaves appeared. It had a black backpack connected to a hose it held in its hands, and its head was covered by a black helmet with violet sides.

Destiny HERO – Dissolver ATK 1400 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Dissolver's monster effect! I target Dystopia on my field and Wormhole Defense on yours!" Edo smirked. "Those two cards are then returned to our Decks!"

"What?" Secundus gasped. Dissolver sprayed a violet liquid from its hose, hitting Dystopia and the Continuous Spell Card. The spray coated them until they dissolved.

"Wormhole Defense's effect prevents its destruction, but not its removal," Edo pointed out smugly.

"Tch. With the targeted monster no longer on the field, Worm Infection is destroyed." The Continuous Trap Card shattered at Secundus's words.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 4500→3800

"I activate the Spell Card: Fusion Substitute!" Edo declared. "I Fusion Summon using monsters I control. I fuse Dissolver and Malicious! Hero cleaning the world! Hero of the night sky! Now become one and reign in the pitch-black future! Fusion Summon! Come on! Level 8! Destiny HERO – Dystopia!" The humanoid in violet and yellow reappeared from the Fusion vortex at the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"Dystopia's monster effect! I target the Dissolver in my Graveyard to inflict damage equal to its attack points! Squeeze Palm!" Dystopia threw a ball of wind and struck Secundus, pushing him back.

Secundus: 2500→1100 LP

"Impressive," Secundus allowed. "You destroyed Wormhole Defense and Worm Infection. But Spreader Queen has 3800 attack points, and you have no cards in your hand. You will need more than just Dystopia to win."

"Are you sure about that?" Edo gestured to his field. "Battle! Dystopia attacks Spreader Queen! Dystopia Blow!"

"What?" Secundus gasped as the Fusion Monster charged. "Spreader Queen, counterattack!" The monster's back opened up and fired its missiles at Dystopia. The missiles released the insects, which fired their stingers at the Fusion Monster. Dystopia howled as it exploded.

Edo swept his arm to the side. "If I would take damage from a battle involving my 'Destiny HERO' monster, I can banish D-Impact from the Graveyard instead!"

"Then what was the point of that?" Secundus demanded. "What was the point of destroying your own monster?"

"To do this! I activate the effect of Destiny HERO – Dissolver in my Graveyard! When my 'Destiny HERO' monster is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, I banish Dissolver and target Dystopia!" A transparent Dissolver reappeared on the field and raised its hose. "All monsters you control that have less attack points than Dystopia are destroyed!"

"What!?" Secundus watched in horror as Dissolver sprayed its hose and the violet liquid washed over his Motor Worm Tokens, making them disintegrate.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 3800→1700

"Dissolver's effect then Special Summons Dystopia from the Graveyard!" A portal opened and Dystopia leaped out in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"Battle! Dystopia attacks Spreader Queen! Dystopia Blow!" The humanoid roared as it charged forward, its right fist crackling with lightning. Its blow impacted Spreader Queen in its head. The insect howled as it exploded, the shockwave knocking Secundus off his feet.

Secundus: 1100→0 LP

Edo watched as his monster faded and Secundus picked himself up. "Impressive," the latter breathed. "Very well. My concerns on you and your allies have been assuaged." The wall behind Secundus changed to reveal a door.

Edo blinked. "What is that?"

"The path to Master Bohman," Secundus answered. "I do not know how his match with Kingmaker has gone, but the aftermath… if he has his way, you will need to be there."

The Fusion duelist frowned. "Be there for what?"

"Answers," Secundus said. That was the only response he gave before turning to the door, and Edo walked after him.

Shingo Sawatari vs. Quartus

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.

Turn 1: Quartus

As there are no monsters on the field, Quartus Normal Summons Helixx Marmotroll (2600/0/5) without Tributing by sending a 2nd Marmotroll from his hand to the GY. Quartus Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Shingo Sawatari

Shingo draws. He activates Abyss Actor – Evil Heel (PS: 1) and Abyss Actor – Funky Comedian (PS: 8) in his Pendulum Zones. He Pendulum Summons Abyss Actor – Leading Lady (1500/1000/4/2) and Abyss Actor – Superstar (2500/1800/7/3) from his hand in Attack Position. Shingo activates Superstar's effect to add 1 "Abyss Script" Spell Card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Abyss Script – Rise of the Abyss King to his hand. Shingo activates the Spell Card Abyss Script – Rise of the Abyss King, which lets him target face-up cards on the field, up to the number of Shingo's different Attack Position "Abyss Actor" monsters, and destroy them, and as he controls a Level 7 or higher "Abyss Actor" monster, Quartus cannot activate cards or effects in response to its activation. Shingo targets and destroys Marmotroll.

Superstar attacks Quartus directly. Quartus activates his Counter Trap Card Negate Attack, negating Superstar's attack and ending the Battle Phase. Shingo ends his turn.

Turn 3: Quartus

Quartus draws. He activates the Spell Card Graveyard Incubation, targeting the 2 Helixx Marmotrolls in his GY. They are Special Summoned in Attack Position, but their ATK/DEF becomes 0 (2600→0/0/5 each), their effects are negated, they cannot attack or be Tributed, and they cannot be used to Link Summon, except to Link Summon a "Helixx" monster. Quartus uses 2 Marmotrolls to Link Summon Helixx Gothiclone (0/2/↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Quartus controls a Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, he Normal Summons Helixx Dreadrat (1200/2000/5) without Tributing to Gothiclone's bottom Link Marker.

Gothiclone attacks Superstar. At the start of the Damage Step, as Gothiclone is battling Shingo's monster, its ATK becomes equal to Superstar's ATK until the end of the turn (Gothiclone: 0→2500). The attack continues, and Superstar is destroyed, but the first time each turn Gothiclone would be destroyed by battle each turn it is not destroyed. As Gothiclone was not destroyed by battle due to its effect, its additional effect activates, and Quartus Tributes 1 monster it points to and inflict damage to Shingo equal to the ATK that monster had on the field. He Tributes Dreadrat (Shingo: 4000→2800 LP). Quartus Sets 1 card. He ends his turn, and Gothiclone's effect ends (Gothiclone: 2500→0).

Turn 4: Shingo Sawatari

Shingo draws. He Pendulum Summons Superstar (2500/1800/7/3) from his Extra Deck to the Extra Monster Zone and Abyss Actor – Sassy Rookie (1700/1000/4/2) from his hand, both in Attack Position. Shingo activates Superstar's effect and adds Abyss Script – Abysstainment from his Deck to his hand. Shingo activates the Continuous Spell Card Abyss Script – Abysstainment. By Tributing an "Abyss Actor" monster, Shingo can target 1 "Abyss Script" Spell Card in his GY and Set it. Shingo Tributes Leading Lady to Set Rise of the Abyss King. As he controls a "Helixx" Link Monster, Quartus activates his Set Trap Card Helixx Tampering. For the rest of the turn, Quartus's "Helixx" monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects, or by battle against monsters with the same ATK.

Sassy Rookie attacks Gothiclone. As Gothiclone is battling Shingo's monster, its ATK becomes equal to Sassy Rookie's until the end of the turn (Gothiclone: 0→1700). The first time Sassy Rookie would be destroyed each turn, it is not destroyed. The attack continues, and neither monster is destroyed. Superstar attacks Gothiclone, but Gothiclone is not destroyed (Quartus: 4000→3200 LP). Shingo activates the Equip Spell Card Abyss Costume – Wolf's Guise, equipping it to Sassy Rookie. While Wolf's Guise is equipped to Sassy Rookie, Quartus's monsters cannot target Shingo's other "Abyss Actor" monsters for attacks. Shingo Sets 1 card. He ends his turn, and Gothiclone's effect ends (Gothiclone: 1700→0).

Turn 5: Quartus

Quartus draws. He activates the effect of Helixx Tampering in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 2 Helixx Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. Quartus uses 2 Helixx Tokens to Link Summon Helixx Necro Darwin (1800/2/←↑) to Gothiclone's bottom Link Marker. Quartus activates the Equip Spell Card Helixx Editing, equipping it to Necro Darwin. Necro Darwin cannot be targeted or destroyed by Shingo's card effects. Quartus activates Helixx Editing's effect, targeting 1 Marmotroll in his GY. Marmotroll is shuffled into Quartus's Deck, and until the end of the turn, Necro Darwin's ATK becomes double its original ATK (Necro Darwin: 1800→3600).

Necro Darwin attacks Sassy Rookie, but Sassy Rookie is not destroyed (Shingo: 2800→900 LP). Gothiclone attacks Sassy Rookie, and its effect activates (Gothiclone: 0→1700). The attack continues, and Sassy Rookie is destroyed. Gothiclone's effect activates, and Quartus Tributes Necro Darwin to inflict its ATK as damage to Shingo, but as an effect was activated that would inflict damage to him, Shingo chains his Set Counter Trap Card Abyss Intermission, shuffling Leading Lady in his Extra Deck into his Deck to negate the activation of Gothiclone's effect. As Wolf's Guise was sent from the field to the GY, Shingo can add 1 "Abyss Actor" monster or "Abyss Script" Spell from his Deck to his hand. He adds Abyss Actor – Shadow Playwright to his hand. As Helixx Editing was sent to the GY because the equipped Necro Darwin left the field, Quartus draws 1 card. As he controls a Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, he activates Dreadrat's effect in the GY, Special Summoning it (1200/2000/5) in Defense Position, but it is banished when it leaves the field. Quartus Tributes Dreadrat to Special Summon Helixx Kobomorpha (0/2300/5) in Defense Position via its effect. As he controls a "Helixx" Link Monster, Quartus activates Kobomorpha's effect, Tributing it to target up to 2 cards Shingo controls and banish them. Quartus targets Superstar and Shingo's Set Rise of the Abyss King, then banishes them. Quartus activates Necro Darwin's effect in his GY, Special Summoning it (1800/2/←↑) to Gothiclone's bottom Link Marker. Quartus ends his turn, and Gothiclone's effect ends (Gothiclone: 1700→0).

Turn 6: Shingo Sawatari

Shingo draws. He activates the Spell Card Abyss Script – Casting Call, which lets him Special Summon 1 "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from his Deck to his field in Attack Position, but it cannot attack, and it is destroyed during the End Phase. He Special Summons Abyss Actor – Wild Hope (1600/1200/4/2). Shingo Pendulum Summons Sassy Rookie (1700/1000/4/2) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Shingo activates Abyss Intermission's effect in his GY, banishing it to add 1 "Abyss Actor" monster or 1 "Abyss Script" Spell from his Deck to his hand. He adds Abyss Script – Ritual of the Abyss to his hand. Shingo activates the Ritual Spell Card Abyss Script – Ritual of the Abyss, which lets him Ritual Summon 1 "Abyss Actor" Ritual Monster from his hand by Tributing monsters whose combined Levels equal or exceed the Ritual Monster's. He Tributes Level 4 Sassy Rookie and Level 4 Wild Hope to Ritual Summon Abyss Actor – Shadow Choreographer (2900/2200/8) in Attack Position. Shingo activates Shadow Choreographer's effect, shuffling the face-up Sassy Rookie in his Extra Deck into his Deck, and until the end of the turn, the effects of all face-up cards Quartus controls are negated.

Shadow Choreographer attacks and destroys Gothiclone (Quartus: 3200→300 LP). As Shadow Choreographer destroyed Quartus's monster by battle and Shingo has a face-up "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster in his Extra Deck, Shadow Choreographer can make a second attack in a row. Shadow Choreographer attacks and destroys Necro Darwin (Quartus: 300→0 LP). Shingo wins.

Leila Thompson vs. Tertia

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.

Turn 1: Leila Thompson

As she controls no monsters, Leila activates the Spell Card Spellbook of Faith, Special Summoning 2 Prophecy Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position, but she cannot Special Summon monsters this turn, except Spellcaster monsters. Leila uses 2 Prophecy Tokens to Link Summon Crowley, the First Propheseer (1000/2/↙↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Crowley was Link Summoned, Leila reveals 3 different "Spellbook" cards from her Deck, and Tertia randomly adds 1 to Leila's hand while the rest are shuffled into Leila's Deck. Leila reveals The Grand Spellbook Tower, Spellbook of Secrets, and Spellbook Star Hall. Tertia adds The Grand Spellbook Tower to Leila's hand. Leila activates the Field Spell Card The Grand Spellbook Tower. Each turn, Crowley's effect lets Leila Normal Summon 1 Level 5 or higher Spellcaster monster without Tributing. She Normal Summons Emperor of Prophecy (2300/2000/5). Leila Sets 1 card. She ends her turn.

Turn 2: Tertia

Tertia draws. As there is a card in the Field Zone, Tertia Special Summons Dark Mummy Probe (700/0/1) in Attack Position, then destroys The Grand Spellbook Tower. As The Grand Spellbook Tower was destroyed by Tertia's card and sent to the GY, its effect activates, letting Leila Special Summon 1 Spellcaster monster from her hand or Deck whose Level is less than or equal to the number of "Spellbook" Spell Cards in her GY. Leila Special Summons Stoic of Prophecy (300/200/1) from her Deck in Defense Position. Tertia Normal Summons a 2nd Dark Mummy Probe (700/0/1). She activates the Continuous Spell Card Virus Research Lab. While Virus Research Lab is on the field, Leila cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of Tertia's "Virus" Trap Cards. Tertia activates Virus Research Lab's effect, shuffling Giant Germ in her hand into her Deck to add Current Corruption Virus from her Deck to her hand. Tertia Sets 1 card. Virus Research Lab's effect lets Tertia activate 1 Trap Card the turn it was Set. Tertia activates her Set Trap Card Current Corruption Virus, Tributing 1 Dark Mummy Probe. Until Leila's 3rd Standby Phase after Current Corruption Virus's activation, the ATK of all monsters Leila controls with 2000 or less DEF becomes 0, their effects are negated, and monsters in Leila's hand cannot activate their effects (Emperor: 2300→0) (Stoic: 300→0). Tertia activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Monster Restitch, Tributing her 2nd Probe to Special Summon 3 Dark Mummy Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. Tertia uses 3 Dark Mummy Tokens to Link Summon Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps (2400/3/↙↑→) to the Extra Monster Zone. As she controls a Zombie Link Monster, Tertia Special Summons Dark Mummy Depressor (500/0/2) to Surgical Forceps' bottom-left Link Marker in Defense Position. Surgical Forceps gains 600 ATK for each monster it points to (Surgical Forceps: 2400→3000).

Surgical Forceps attacks Emperor. As Tertia targeted exactly 1 monster for an attack, Leila activates her Set Trap Card Shift, targeting Stoic and making it the new attack target. The attack continues and Stoic is destroyed. As Stoic was sent to the GY, Leila adds 1 Level 3 "Prophecy" monster from her Deck to her hand. She adds Hermit of Prophecy to her hand. As Tertia's Zombie Link Monster destroyed Leila's monster by battle, she activates Depressor's effect, targeting Emperor. Emperor is destroyed. Tertia ends her turn.

Turn 3: Leila Thompson

Leila draws. She activates the Spell Card Spellbook of Knowledge, which lets her send 1 Spellcaster monster she controls or 1 "Spellbook" card from her hand or field to the GY and draw 2 cards. She sends Crowley to the GY and draws. Leila Normal Summons Hermit of Prophecy (1200→0/700/3). Leila activates the Spell Card Spellbook of Adjustment. She targets her Spellcaster monster and declares a Level. That monster becomes that Level, then Leila can Special Summon 1 Spellcaster monster from her GY whose Level is equal to or less than the declared Level. She targets Hermit and declares Level 5 (Hermit: 3→5), then Special Summons Emperor (2300→0/2000/5) in Attack Position. Leila overlays Level 5 Emperor and Hermit to Xyz Summon Empress of Prophecy (2000→0/1700/5/2) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Leila activates the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Spellbook Ascension, targeting Empress of Prophecy to use it to Xyz Summon 1 Spellcaster Xyz Monster that is 1 or 2 Ranks higher. Leila performs a Rank-Up Xyz Change with Empress to Xyz Summon Hierophant of Prophecy (2800/2600/7/3) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Hierophant was Xyz Summoned using Spellbook Ascension, it gains 200 ATK for each "Spellbook" Spell Card in Leila's GY (Hierophant: 2800→3800). Leila activates Hierophant's effect, detaching 1 Overlay Unit (Hierophant: 3 OU→2 OU) to destroy Spell/Trap Cards Tertia controls up to the number of "Spellbook" Spell Cards in Leila's GY. She destroys Virus Research Lab. As Virus Research Lab was sent to the GY by Leila's card effect, Tertia adds it to her hand. Leila activates the Spell Card Spellbook of Power, targeting Hierophant. It gains 1000 ATK until the end of the turn (Hierophant: 3800→4800→5000).

Hierophant attacks and destroys Surgical Forceps (Tertia: 4000→2000 LP). As the monster targeted by Spellbook of Power destroyed a monster by battle, Leila can add 1 "Spellbook" Spell from her Deck to her hand. She adds Spellbook of Miracles to her hand. Leila Sets 1 card. She ends her turn, and Spellbook of Power's effect ends (Hierophant: 5000→4000).

Turn 4: Tertia

Tertia draws. She uses Depressor to Link Summon Dark Mummy Resuscitator (1000/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. As she controls no monsters in the Main Monster Zone, she activates Resuscitator's effect to Special Summon 1 "Dark Mummy" monster from her GY to Resuscitator's Link Marker. She Special Summons Surgical Forceps (2400/3/↙↑→) to Resuscitator's Link Marker. Surgical Forceps gains 600 ATK for each monster it points to (Surgical Forceps: 2400→3000). Tertia activates the Spell Card Link Treasure and draws 1 card for each Link Monster on the field. She draws 2 cards. As she drew a Trap Card, Surgical Forceps' effect activates. Tertia reveals Root Ransom Virus to inflict 500 damage to Leila (Leila: 4000→3500 LP). Tertia Normal Summons Dark Mummy Infuser (0/500/1) to Surgical Forceps' right Link Marker (Surgical Forceps: 3000→3600). As Infuser was Summoned to a Zombie Link Monster's Link Marker, Tertia targets Surgical Forceps. While Infuser is face-up in the Main Monster Zone, Surgical Forceps is unaffected by Trap effects. Tertia activates the Continuous Spell Card Virus Research Lab. She activates its effect, shuffling Root Ransom Virus in her hand into her Deck to add Soul Suture Virus from her Deck to her hand. Tertia Sets 1 card. With Virus Research Lab's effect, she activates Soul Suture Virus, Tributing the Dark Link Monster Resuscitator (Surgical Forceps: 3600→3000). Until Leila's 3rd End Phase after Soul Suture Virus's activation, the ATK of all monsters Leila controls that were originally in the Extra Deck changes to 0, they have their effects negated, and monsters in Leila's GY cannot activate their effects (Hierophant: 4000→0). Tertia activates Resuscitator's effect in her GY, banishing it and targeting Surgical Forceps. It gains 1000 ATK until Tertia's next Standby Phase (Surgical Forceps: 3000→4000).

Surgical Forceps attacks Hierophant. Leila activates her Set Trap Card Xyz Soul, targeting Empress in her GY. Monsters Leila currently controls gain ATK equal to Empress's Rank x 200 until the End Phase, then Leila shuffles Empress into the Extra Deck (Hierophant: 0→1000). The attack continues and Hierophant is destroyed (Leila: 3500→500 LP). Tertia ends her turn.

Turn 5: Leila Thompson

Leila draws. She activates Spellbook of Adjustment's effect in her GY, banishing it to shuffle up to 5 "Spellbook" Spell Cards in her GY into the Deck, then draw 1 card. She shuffles The Grand Spellbook Tower, Spellbook of Power, Spellbook of Knowledge, Rank-Up-Magic Spellbook Ascension, and Spellbook of Faith into her Deck, then draws. Leila activates the Spell Card Spellbook of Miracles, targeting Hierophant in her GY and the banished Spellbook of Adjustment. Hierophant is Special Summoned (2800→0/2600/7) in Attack Position, and Spellbook of Adjustment is attached to it as an Overlay Unit (Hierophant: 0 OU→1 OU). Leila activates the Spell Card Rank-Down-Magic Spellbook Descent, targeting Hierophant to use it to Xyz Summon 1 Spellcaster Xyz Monster with a lower Rank. Leila performs a Rank-Down Xyz Change with Hierophant to Xyz Summon Empress of Prophecy (2000/1700/5/2) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. The monster Summoned by Spellbook Descent's effect is unaffected by Tertia's Spell/Trap effects for the rest of the turn. Empress gains 300 ATK for each Overlay Unit attached to Leila's monsters (Empress: 2000→2600). Leila activates Empress's effect, detaching 1 material to excavate the top 5 cards of her Deck, then destroy monsters on the field up to the number of "Spellbook" cards excavated, and place the excavated cards on the top of her Deck in any order (Empress: 2 OU→1 OU/2600→2300). Leila excavates Wall of Fate, Justice of Prophecy, Spellbook of Wisdom, Spellbook Star Hall, and World of Prophecy. She destroys Infuser and Surgical Forceps.

Empress attacks Tertia directly (Tertia: 2000→0 LP). Leila wins.

Edo Phoenix vs. Secundus

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.

Turn 1: Secundus

Secundus activates the Continuous Spell Card Wormhole Defense, which Special Summons 1 Motor Worm Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position when it is activated. As he controls an Insect monster, Secundus activates the Spell Card Motor Worm Bait, Special Summoning 2 Motor Worm Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position, but he cannot Normal or Special Summon any Level 3 or 4 monsters this turn. Secundus uses 3 Motor Worm Tokens to Link Summon Motor Worm Spreader Queen (1000/3/←↙↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Spreader Queen points to no monsters, Secundus activates its effect to Special Summon 1 Motor Worm Token (0/0/1) to its bottom Link Marker in Defense Position. Spreader Queen gains 700 ATK for each Insect monster on the field (Spreader Queen: 1000→2400). Secundus Sets 2 cards. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Edo Phoenix

Edo draws. He activates the Spell Card Polymerization, fusing Destiny HERO – Dreamer and Destiny HERO – Drilldark in his hand to Fusion Summon Destiny HERO – Dystopia (2800/2400/8) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Dystopia was Fusion Summoned, Edo can target 1 of its Fusion Materials and inflict damage to Secundus equal to that monster's ATK. He targets Drilldark (Secundus: 4000→2400 LP). Edo activates the Equip Spell Card D-Impact, equipping it to Dystopia. Dystopia can make 2 attacks during each Battle Phase, and the first time it would be destroyed by battle or card effect each turn, it is not destroyed. Edo activates D-Impact's effect, increasing Dystopia's ATK by 500 until the end of the turn (Dystopia: 2800→3300). As Dystopia's ATK changed, Edo can target 1 card on the field and destroy it. He targets Spreader Queen, but if Secundus's Insect monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect while Wormhole Defense is on the field, Secundus can destroy 1 Motor Worm Token instead (Spreader Queen: 2400→1700). As it points to no monsters, Secundus activates Spreader Queen's effect, Special Summoning 1 Motor Worm Token (0/0/1) to its bottom Link Marker in Defense Position (Spreader Queen: 1700→2400).

Dystopia attacks Spreader Queen. As Spreader Queen would be destroyed by battle, Secundus uses Wormhole Defense's effect to destroy 1 Motor Worm Token instead (Secundus: 2400→1500 LP) (Spreader Queen: 2400→1700). Dystopia attacks Spreader Queen. As his Insect monster is battling a monster with higher ATK, Secundus activates the effect of Motor Worm Pollinator in his hand, discarding it. He takes no damage from this battle and gains 1000 LP (Secundus: 1500→2500 LP). The attack continues and Spreader Queen is destroyed. Secundus activates his Set Trap Card Worm Revival, which targets a Link-3 or lower Insect Link Monster in Secundus's GY and Special Summons it. That monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects this turn, and 1 Motor Worm Token is Special Summoned to its Link Marker. Secundus targets Spreader Queen and Special Summons it (1000→1700/3/←↙↓), then Special Summons a Motor Worm Token (0/0/1) to its left Link Marker in Defense Position (Spreader Queen: 1700→2400). As an Insect Link Monster was Special Summoned to Secundus's field, he activates his Continuous Trap Card Worm Infection, targeting Dystopia. Dystopia becomes an Insect monster, it cannot declare an attack, and its effects are negated (Spreader Queen: 2400→3100). Edo Sets 1 card. He ends his turn, and D-Impact's effect ends (Dystopia: 3300→2800).

Turn 3: Secundus

Secundus draws. He activates the effect of Motor Worm Pollinator in his GY, banishing it to add 1 "Motor Worm" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Motor Worm Gate to his hand. Secundus activates the Continuous Spell Card Motor Worm Gate. Once per turn, if all monsters Edo controls are Insect monsters, Secundus can target 1 Insect monster he controls. This turn, that monster can attack directly. He targets Spreader Queen. Secundus activates Worm Infection's effect, Tributing 1 Motor Worm Token to Special Summon 2 Motor Worm Tokens (0/0/1 each) to his field in Defense Position (Spreader Queen: 3100→3800). As it points to no monsters, Secundus activates Spreader Queen's effect, Special Summoning 1 Motor Worm Token (0/0/1) to its left Link Marker in Defense Position (Spreader Queen: 3800→4500).

Spreader Queen attacks Edo directly. As Secundus's monster declared a direct attack, Edo activates his Set Trap Card D – Fortune. He banishes Drilldark from his GY to end the Battle Phase. As Edo took no battle damage this turn, Secundus activates the Spell Card Worm Memories, Tributing 1 Motor Worm Token (Spreader Queen: 4500→3800) to conduct his Battle Phase again. Spreader Queen attacks Edo directly (Edo: 4000→200 LP). Secundus ends his turn.

Turn 4: Edo Phoenix

Edo draws. Secundus activates Spreader Queen's effect, Special Summoning 1 Motor Worm Token (0/0/1) to its left Link Marker in Defense Position (Spreader Queen: 3800→4500). Edo activates the Spell Card Destiny Draw, discarding Destiny HERO – Malicious to draw 2 cards. Edo banishes Malicious from his GY to Special Summon a 2nd Malicious (800/800/6) from his Deck in Attack Position. Edo Normal Summons Destiny HERO – Dissolver (1400/1600/4). He activates Dissolver's effect, targeting Dystopia on his field and Wormhole Defense on Secundus's field. Dystopia and Wormhole Defense return to Edo's Extra Deck and Secundus's Deck (Spreader Queen: 4500→3800). As the monster targeted by Worm Infection left the field, it is destroyed. Edo activates the Spell Card Fusion Substitute, which lets him Fusion Summon using monsters he controls as Fusion Material. He fuses Dissolver and Malicious to Fusion Summon Destiny HERO – Dystopia (2800/2400/8) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Dystopia was Fusion Summoned, Edo targets Dissolver in his GY (Secundus: 2500→1100 LP).

Dystopia attacks Spreader Queen. Dystopia is destroyed, but as Edo would take damage from a battle involving a "Destiny HERO" monster, he banishes D-Impact from his GY instead. As his "Destiny HERO" monster was destroyed by battle and sent to the GY, Edo activates Dissolver's effect in his GY, banishing it and targeting Dystopia. All monsters Secundus controls with ATK less than or equal to Dystopia's ATK are destroyed, then Dystopia is Special Summoned, but it cannot attack directly this turn. Secundus's 3 Motor Worm Tokens are destroyed (Spreader Queen: 3800→1700), then Dystopia is Special Summoned (2800/2400/8) in Attack Position. Dystopia attacks and destroys Spreader Queen (Secundus: 1100→0 LP). Edo wins.

Quartus:

Helixx Kobomorpha
Attribute: DARK Type: [Fiend/Effect] ATK 0 DEF 2300 Level: 5
You can Special Summon this card from your hand by Tributing 1 "Helixx" monster. If you control a "Helixx" Link Monster: You can Tribute this card, then target up to 2 cards your opponent controls; banish them. You can only use this effect of "Helixx Kobomorpha" once per turn.

Helixx Tampering Normal Trap Card
If you control a "Helixx" Link Monster: Until the end of the turn, "Helixx" monsters you control cannot be destroyed by card effects, also they cannot be destroyed by battle against monsters with different ATK. You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon up to 2 "Helixx Tokens" (Fiend/DARK/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position. You can only use 1 "Helixx Tampering" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

Helixx Editing Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a "Helixx" monster. It cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn: You can target 1 "Helixx" monster in your GY; shuffle it into the Deck, and until the end of the turn, the equipped monster's ATK becomes double its original ATK. If this card is sent to the GY because the equipped monster left the field: You can draw 1 card.

Shingo Sawatari:

Abyss Actor – Shadow Choreographer
Attribute: DARK Type: [Fiend/Ritual/Effect] ATK 2900 DEF 2200 Level: 8
You can Ritual Summon this card with "Abyss Script – Ritual of the Abyss". Cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects. You can shuffle 1 face-up "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster from your Extra Deck into the Deck; negate the effects of all face-up cards your opponent controls until the end of the turn. If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle, and you have a face-up "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster in your Extra Deck: This card can make a second attack in a row. You can only use each effect of "Abyss Actor – Shadow Choreographer" once per turn.

Abyss Intermission Counter Trap Card
When a Spell/Trap Card, or monster effect, is activated that would inflict damage to you: Shuffle 1 face-up "Abyss Actor" Pendulum Monster in your Extra Deck into the Deck; negate the activation. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "Abyss Actor" monster or 1 "Abyss Script" Spell from your Deck to your hand. You can only use 1 "Abyss Intermission" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

Tertia:

Dark Mummy Depressor
Attribute: DARK Type: [Zombie/Effect] ATK 500 DEF 0 Level: 2
If you control a Zombie Link Monster, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Dark Mummy Depressor" once per turn this way. Your opponent's monsters cannot target this linked card for attacks. Once per turn, if your Zombie Link Monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle (Quick Effect): You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; destroy it.

Dark Mummy Resuscitator
Attribute: DARK Type: [Zombie/Link/Effect] ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓
1 "Dark Mummy" monster
If you control no monsters in the Main Monster Zone: You can Special Summon 1 "Dark Mummy" monster from your GY to your zone this card points to. You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 Zombie Link Monster you control; it gains 1000 ATK until your next Standby Phase. You can only use each effect of "Dark Mummy Resuscitator" once per turn.

Virus Research Lab Continuous Spell Card
You can activate 1 Trap Card the turn it was Set. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of your "Virus" Trap Cards. Once per turn: You can shuffle 1 card in your hand into the Deck; add 1 "Virus" Trap from your Deck to your hand. If this card is sent to the GY by an opponent's card effect: You can add this card from your GY to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Virus Research Lab" once per Duel.

Soul Suture Virus Normal Trap Card
Tribute 1 DARK Link Monster; until your opponent's 3rd End Phase after activation, change the ATK of all monsters your opponent controls control that were originally in the Extra Deck to 0, they have their effects negated, also monsters in your opponent's GY cannot activate their effects.

Leila Thompson:

Rank-Down-Magic Spellbook Descent Normal Spell Card
Target 1 Spellcaster Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon 1 Spellcaster Xyz Monster with a lower Rank from your Extra Deck by using that Xyz Monster you control as material. (This is treated as an Xyz Summon. Transfer its materials to the Summoned monster.) The monster Summoned by this card's effect is unaffected by your opponent's Spell/Trap effects for the rest of this turn.

Secundus:

Motor Worm Pollinator
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Insect/Effect] ATK 500 DEF 600 Level: 2
When your Insect monster battles an opponent's monster (Quick Effect): You can send this card from your hand to the GY; you take no damage from that battle, also you gain 1000 LP. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "Motor Worm" card from your Deck to your hand. You can only use 1 "Motor Worm Pollinator" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

Worm Infection Continuous Trap Card
If an Insect Link Monster(s) is Special Summoned to your field: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; it becomes an Insect monster, also it cannot declare an attack and its effects are negated. When that monster leaves the field, destroy this card. Once per turn: You can Tribute 1 Insect monster you control; Special Summon up to 2 "Motor Worm Tokens" (Insect/LIGHT/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) to either field in Defense Position.

Worm Memories Normal Spell Card
During your Main Phase 2, if your opponent took no battle damage this turn: Tribute 1 Insect monster you control; conduct your Battle Phase again. You can only use 1 "Worm Memories" per turn.

Edo Pheonix:

Destiny HERO – Dissolver
Attribute: DARK Type: [Warrior/Effect] ATK 1400 DEF 1600 Level: 4
You can target 1 "Destiny HERO" monster you control and 1 Spell/Trap Card on the field; return them to the owner's Deck(s). If your "Destiny HERO" monster is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY and target that monster in your GY; destroy all monsters your opponent controls with ATK less than or equal to that monster's ATK, then Special Summon it in Attack Position. It cannot attack directly the turn you activate this effect. You can only use each effect of "Destiny HERO – Dissolver" once per turn.

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V: The Fifth Circuit. Chapter 54 – Leader of the Collective

Question of the Chapter

What are your first thoughts on the Collective's leadership?

Author's Notes

Thank you to SakushiRyu for giving feedback on the duels and OC cards of this chapter. For those curious, the monster Helixx Kobomorpha is a combination of a kobold and a chinchilla, the latter of which belongs to the order Caviomorpha.

This chapter introduced Bohman and his lieutenants: Quartus, Tertia, Secundus, and Primus. I did intend for Primus's duel with Yuya to be the end of the chapter, but because of the length, I decided to make it the opening of the next chapter instead, which will also feature Yuji vs. Bohman. We also got the Collective's claim that the fire 8 years ago wasn't an accident, and that King was responsible for it. Are they telling the truth? We'll see, won't we?

Then we had the duels, where Quartus, Tertia, and Secundus used the Hanoi lieutenants' Decks from VRAINS. Which Deck will Primus use? Meanwhile Sawatari used a new Ritual Monster, Leila got the first ever Rank-Down-Magic card in this fic, and Edo got a new Destiny HERO.

Okay, I have things to announce. The first is these is the simplest: I will be deleting the "My Yu-Gi-Oh! Original Cards" story and replacing it with a new one that serves the same purpose, but with the OC cards divided by seasons and arcs instead of just 5 chapters at a time. I'm doing it this way to condense everything and make them easier to find. After I have uploaded the card lists, I will delete all the cards from my profile page to clean it up. And just so we're all aware, I will NOT be responding to any reviews on the card lists.

The second thing I want to say is… I'm tired. When I started fanfiction writing, I did it for fun and because I enjoyed it. These days though, writing Fifth Circuit and Hidden Memories feels more like I'm obligated to do them rather than because I enjoy them. And this is fanfiction; I don't make any money from these, and with everything going on in my life, I need to prioritize. I'm not quitting fanfiction or canceling these stories; I fully intend to finish them. But I'm feeling burned out from writing these stories, and I don't like writing them as much as I used to. Between real world problems, and other fanfic ideas that won't leave my head (A SWTOR x RWBY crossover, a VRAINS x Persona 5: Royal crossover, a Dragon Age: Inquisition x Fire Emblem: Three Houses crossover, an FGO x Fate/Extra CCC crossover… you get the idea) that I really want to do… I feel like I need to take a break from these stories for a bit. At least until I get back to a point where I can write a chapter and not feel exhausted afterwards.

Thanks again for reading Fifth Circuit. I can't make any promises on when the next update will be. It'll probably be a while. But when it comes out, I want it to be because I like writing this story, not because I feel obligated to.