bopdog111: Well the first heist in Link VRAINS turned out successful. They not only got two new allies but they also receive a Navigator App from one of them. Though Axis said that Link VRAINS is the Metaverse.
Ulrich362: True, but what could that mean, and what's the connection between Link VRAINS, and Mementos?
bopdog111: Maybe we can get some answers. In the meantime, it also means the Phantom Thieves will get to know there new allies. And let's not forget now that Yusaku's heart is free at last, it means it be time for him to pay a visit to the Velvet Room.
Ulrich362: True, but then again what will his Velvet Room resemble? It can vary wildly from person to person after all.
bopdog111: Let us find out.
Ulrich362: Agreed, enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimers: We don't own anything but OCs.
Exhausting couldn't be the better term for what Yusaku went through today. First off it's working again on revenge to find the Knights of Hanoi to get revenge on them. Then halfway through the day, a Calling Card by the Phantom Thieves was sent to him when they target criminals. He assumed it was a prank before then seeing it was listed to him in accurate detail. It made him on-guard for whatever they want to try. But then at sunset he suddenly felt thoughts of revenge disappeared without a trace. All that remained is a feeling of calmness, and positive influence.
With the thought about Cal he had decided to repay him for his kindness, and teamwork that he should've done before. Then the Phantom Thieves themselves came which he remembers as the group the other day, and they accepted his, and Cal's invitation to join them after being told about more targets in Den City from Link VRAINS from there new friend, A-X-I-S, or the name adapted to him, Axis. Yusaku then wished them well, and will talk more tomorrow as he feels tired wishing them luck. So after he gave more appreciation to his Robot Butler, Roboppi, for a job well done he retired to his room already asleep when his head hit the bed.
(Cue Theme: Aria of the Soul)
Yusaku suddenly felt a shift, and opened his eyes. His eyes widen he noticed he is in front of a table. Beside that table was a woman wearing a hotel waitress' outfit holding a menu with short green hair, and yellow eyes looking at him with a clear smile. She also has blue rimmed glasses on with blue heels, and a white skirt.
But the person in front of him has on a suit near bald, and a long nose before he opened his eyes greeting, "Welcome to the Velvet Room."
"Huh?" Yusaku blinked confused from this happening.
"This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter." the long nosed man explained calmly. "My name is Igor, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Uh... pleased to meet you?" Yusaku asked confused before looking around seeing he is in a VIP access of a hotel restaurant he seen before where he notes everything is a royal blue.
"This room becomes shaped to any guests' hearts. To have it manifest as a Hotel Room is unique." the woman explained answering his non-verbal question while Yusaku turned to her. "It shows that you aspire to be the best so that you can claim answers for your past."
"And you are...?"
"Moritz." the woman introduced bowing with a smile. "I am my Master's assistant toward your journey. We will be joined shortly."
"Joined? By who?" Yusaku hears an elevator ding as he turned over to his left seeing the elevator door opening.
"Please forgive our delay master." mentioned a young girl holding a book as Akira in his Joker outfit walked out of the elevator with her.
"Akira?" Yusaku asked surprised seeing the leader of the Phantom Thieves in his Phantom Thief attire.
"Yeah, I'm guessing you were already welcomed to the Velvet Room?" he asked before turning to Igor and nodding as he and Lavenza took their own seats.
"Well... first time being here." Yusaku answered before turning to Lavenza, "And I'm guessing she's also an assistant? Isn't she too young though?"
"Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm more than qualified to assist my master and my Trickster through his journey just as Moritz will assist you on yours." Lavenza mentioned calmly before pausing. "My apologies, my name is Lavenza."
"Trust me, she can handle herself." Joker told Yusaku while shuddering slightly. "When Moritz asks to fight... make sure you're ready."
Yusaku stared before nodding as Igor voiced, "Apologies for interrupting but there are matters to voice over, and our time is short." They looked over to him as Igor said to Yusaku, "Your heart was previously closed off so we were unable to contact you here. However thanks to the work of the Trickster, and his friends, they managed to free your heart allowing us to meet."
Yusaku nodded having been told already that someone asked the Thieves a personal favor to free him of his past trauma which he now knows is Igor. Then man in question then added, "And also even with your future now brought back in your hands, I fear this is only the beginning of dark times."
"Dark times?" Yusaku asked him.
"Yes for you see, even if the Metaverse ceased too exist someone salvaged it, and converted it into the network where you fight at now." Igor answered him.
Yusaku widen his eyes saying the name of that network: "Link VRAINS."
"Correct, we cannot determine the reason however whoever did this must be incredibly powerful. Far more so than anything the Trickster and his friends faced before." Lavenza added.
"So what can we do?" Yusaku asked them.
Moritz at that said to him. "Since you crossed paths with the Trickster, it means you now hold the means to use your newfound power. The Power of Persona."
"Think of it like a mask. For example your alternate personality in Link VRAINS, Playmaker..." Yusaku's eyes narrowed at Igor as the man continued explaining, "Is the mask you frequently use to look for answers regarding your enemies. Personas, are different personalities within humans, and those personalities can manifest at will if awakened allowing you to combat dangerous enemies." Igor then looked over towards Joker, "Trickster, perhaps it won't be too much trouble to demonstrate?"
Smirking he tore off his mask. "Arsene!"
At that what appeared above him was a red suited black fiendish masked fiend with a large black top hat with large wings. Yusaku widen his eyes seeing it feeling the power it gives off.
"If nurtured, and used properly the Power of Persona can be a very effective ability. But it doesn't take training." Yusaku turned to Igor who explained. "For you to fully master the Power of Persona you must strengthen, your Social Links - emotional ties towards others. As they grow so can your potential."
"And because my heart was closed off before, they was no way I was able to grow." Yusaku realized hearing that if his trauma kept holding him back his Power of the Wild Card would've been wasted.
"And the reason why is because like the Trickster you are a unique case." Yusaku blinked as Igor explained, "Normally humans can only wield one Persona. However you, and the Trickster share an ability few possess; the Power of the Wild Card."
"The Wild Card?" Yusaku turned to Joker for that info.
"It means exactly what you think, you can wield multiple Personas. Not all at once, but it makes fighting a lot easier." Joker explained. "In my case, I had to talk with Shadows and convince them to fight on my side... or later just spend a lot of money to buy them from the compendium... a big book listing all your Personas."
Hearing someone clearing there throat Yusaku, and Joker looked over seeing Moritz looking at Joker gesturing to the menu she's holding which isn't a book.
"Oh, I guess your compendium is a menu? It should be basically the same though." Joker admitted.
"Your ability is weak at the moment despite your strong conviction." Igor said as they looked over to them. "Not to worry as you work, and develop your Social Links your ability can grow. Just like the Trickster we can also offer our services. Those will come at a later time. Here."
Moritz handed Yusaku something which he sees is a glowing key the same color as the room as he asked, "What's this for?"
"The next time you enter the Velvet Room it will be of your own volition." Moritz answered calmly. "As of now, you'll soon be waking up in the real world."
"Until we meet again." Igor chuckled softly.
Yusaku blinked seeing the Velvet Room fading out.
(Cue Theme: Beneath the Mask)
Naoki Shima wasn't sure if he's dreaming. All he knows is that Yusaku Fujiki of all people suddenly became more social suddenly. He wasn't sure but now Yusaku started talking to some people who are also stunned like he is. He knows Yusaku is the type to keep to himself so what's with this sudden change of behavior? Along with that is that he isn't cold, or anti-social like he was before answering some questions from the teacher who is also surprised from this change of behavior.
For Yusaku himself, after he woken up, and told Roboppi a farewell, he headed off to school, and in a attempt to form some Social Links he talked to some students but the conversations always die after several seconds. He figured it be best for them to come to him so after asking Akira about it on the phone before Homeroom, he decided to wait on it, and talk more at Cafe Nom. So he decided to try by do things he wouldn't normally do; Answer Questions.
"Alright everyone? Who can answer this question here?" the teacher, Mr. Yamano, asked the class with a smile a middle aged man with graying hair wearing a plain suit.
None of the students raise there hands from being stumped but one hand rose, and when Mr. Yamano looked to see he was surprised to see who the student was.
"Yes, Yusaku?" he said seeing that.
The students looked over surprised seeing the least social student was taking a question as he rose up before he answered, "The definition of the number π, is in fact, a ratio invented as the letter p in Greek. In mathematics, it is the ratio of a circumference of any circle to the diameter of that circle, and regardless of the size, this ratio will always equal pi. In decimal form, the value of pi is approximately 3.14."
Everyone looked over to the Mr. Yamano to see if Yusaku answered correctly cause from a response like that it sounded like Yusaku knows this even with a detail that is trivia.
"That's absolutely correct." Mr. Yamano smiled.
Yusaku sat back down as he explained to them, "Like Yusaku explained, π's meaning is showing the diameter of any circle for any form of Math. Mathimaticians still struggle to find the secrets to it's meaning. Now next question..."
Then Yusaku hears whispers saying there surprised he got it right, remarking he must be smart which can't help but feel he gotten some attention from the students.
At the end of the day he got ready to exit before someone called, "Hey, Yusaku!" He recognizes that voice anywhere.
He turned hearing that. "Yes?"
He sees it was Naoki Shima, a big teenage boy, wearing the same uniform with green hair, and a front up nose.
"What was that suddenly? Did something happen to you that made you more... I don't know normal?" he asked him.
"Normal? I just felt the need to get out more." Yusaku explained confusion in his voice.
Shima only grinned at that. "Ah well, I can understand since you keep to yourself all the time." He then said to him, "Well check here!" He shows off a tablet like device on his wrist in place of the Duel Disk, Yusaku usually wears in Link VRAINS.
"A Duel Disk?" Yusaku inquired seeing it.
"Yeah! One made, and employed at SOL Technologies! It's got lots of things the old-fashioned machine you have doesn't." Shima explained to him with a grin. "And it's even got a built in AI that allows you aid when Dueling."
"Greetings, I am Duel Disk #78." the AI in question voiced.
"In even creates virtual cards allowing you to Duel in Link VRAINS without physical cards from being connected to SOL Technologies cloud!" Shima added sounding proud of himself. "Not to mention, I also have VIP priority access to LINK VRAINS!" He pressed a button which the screen in the class is replaced by duels in Link VRAINS.
"Well I see, but have you went there yourself?"
Shima balked at that offended. "What!? Are you stupid!?"
"Stupid is a forbidden word." his Duel Disk voiced.
"I didn't mean to offend." Yusaku said to him.
"You should know Link VRAINS is a gathering for all Duelists, and even the Charisma Duelists meet from anywhere to catch a seat at them dueling." Shima said to him. "Or even Playmaker of course, he's also the same level as them." This interests Yusaku who wonders what he is like in Shima's eyes.
"Really, I haven't heard much about Playmaker... I thought he was just a rumor." Yusaku admitted.
"Oh he's no made up myth! He is the best!" Shima grinned at that. "Playmaker is a secret Duelist looking for that hacker group, the Knights of Hanoi! I don't know who he is, but he is a amazing duelist! He is like the number 1, I ever know!"
"Do you have a picture, I can see?" Yusaku asked him.
Shima pouted turning away. "No. He is so mysterious that any appearances, or pictures of him get deleted almost immediately... No one knows his identity either. He can learn a thing from you about getting out more. Plus if only I'm confident in my skills, I can be in Link VRAINS already."
"I see..." Yusaku gets up preparing to leave.
"Hey." Yusaku stop looking over, "From the old Duel Disk, do you want me to teach you Duel Monsters?"
"Sorry but no thanks, cause I have three reasons." Yusaku lifts three fingers before bringing two down for one, "1. You brag much more about your Duel Disk then your Deck. 2. Your not confident in your own skills as of late so it wouldn't help me for you teach me. And 3. You seem to judge me only by my Duel Disk rather then my Deck. So how can you teach me how to duel?" Shima made such a stunned look that Yusaku said to him, "Don't take it personally, it's just you need to expand your horizons if you want to be a better duelist."
Shima only went to say a rebuke but paused, and gives thought. "Well I... I guess I forgot. The new Duel Disk is just so awesome, I kinda slipped between the cracks."
"It happens, don't worry about it." Yusaku mentioned. "Though to be honest, I'm not really that confident in my skills either."
Hearing that Shima looked at him. "Well if that's true... then maybe perhaps we can get together sometime for us to build our skills together?"
Normally Yusaku would refuse as it would risk his identity of Playmaker being know, but after yesterday with the Phantom Thieves, and his night at the Velvet Room, Yusaku now thinks differently, and he sees no harm as long as he can keep it hidden. So his answer was...
"Why not? Maybe we can figure out a time to meet up." Yusaku smiled softly.
"Alright! Be sure to find me in the Dueling Club after school sometime!" Shima cheered at that. "It's on the second floor in Class 2-B open at Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesday! See ya!"
He waved walking off. Yusaku stared off wondering if a Social Link started but felt no shifts like Akira described. That thought he exited the school making his way to Cafe LeBlanc. He soon arrived at Cafe LeBlanc seeing the Phantom Thieves with Cal cooking but blinked seeing Akira in the truck cooking with Cal along with a man having a goatte, and a woman, and a stand up phone was there too, and a black haired girl was with the Thieves too.
"Hello?" he asked seeing them.
They looked over where the man waved with a smile, "Oh, so you must be the first target the Thieves gotten since they arrived here. I'm Zenkichi Hanesagawa, a Police Officer, nice to meet ya." He gestured to the girl. "This is my daughter Akane."
Akane gave a wave to him.
"My name is Kuon Ichinose, the creator of the EMMA App." the woman introduced with a smile before turning the phone, "And this is Sophia, another of my creations, and also a member of the Phantom Thieves."
Yusaku looked over at the phone at that to see.
"It's nice to meet you Yusaku, we were just talking about what's going on and how we might be able to help you." mentioned a red-haired girl on the phone screen.
"An AI? Like Axis?" Yusaku asked cupping his chin staring at Sophia interested.
"Well, not exactly the same." Akira admitted.
Yusaku turned over before he asked, "Hey Cal how come Akira is with you in the kitchen?"
"He offered services to me." Cal answered with a smile. "He said he worked at Cafe LeBlanc, and asked if he can help here for 'nostalgia' purposes. Working as a one man Cafe guy is hard so I'm glad he offered."
"Indeed, this is almost nostalgic in a way." Yusuke chuckled.
"Not as good as LeBlanc but not bad. If only he served curry."
Cal sighed at that. "For the last time Futaba, I DON'T know how to make that. And it still kind of hurts to compare me to Boss' stuff... Dude's stuff is legendary." He then shakes his head. "Besides, I still don't get how coffee, and curry pair so well together."
"They do?" Yusaku asked blinking hearing that."Definitely, but you can't really blame Futaba for loving curry... it was a recipe her mom helped create." Ann explained. "And it's really good."
"Well, I guess that's part of what makes it special. You can only get it in one place, and your hot dog sandwiches are good too." Futaba shrugged.
Cal sighed annoyed, "There's NOT sandwiches! There not! Why does everyone keep saying that?"
"Dude, it's not a big deal." Ryuji pointed out.
"Anyway, we should figure out what we're going to do moving forward." Zenkichi mentioned to try and get them back on track.
"That reminds me, Akira?" the boy looked to Yusaku who said, "I haven't felt a shift like you described, but I think I had formed a Social Link or at least about too."
Akira nodded. "That happens sometimes, you've probably set up a potential one but haven't started forming it yet. You should probably talk to whoever you tried to bond with again and see what happens."
Yusaku nodded hearing that before he turned to Cal asking, "So what did you find out?"
"Nothing much. Even with Futaba's amazing intellect, we still haven't found anything about the Knights of Hanoi." Cal admitted to him with a shrug. "But we did found something on the dark web."
"Something big, so big that everyone is interested in it." Futaba added.
"What's that?" Yusaku asked.
"Apparently SOL Technologies had been all over the place looking for an AI." Cal explained at that, "Not much to say what the deal about the AI but it is so important that there looking everywhere, and we also found out the Hanoi are also looking for it."
"Sounds like quite the important AI." Yusaku cupped his chin.
"An Ignis." Axis voiced on his Duel Disk suddenly.
"Ignis?" Cal asked hearing that.
Yusaku raised his Duel Disk where Axis' face was shown. "Correct an Ignis. An AI with free will created years ago, and the Hanoi are trying to eliminate it before SOL Technologies can claim it. An AI powerful enough to hold the key to there home, Cyberse World, and are the creators of the Cyberse cards."
"Well if the Hanoi and SOL Technologies are after this Ignis it must be important." Yusaku mentioned. "So we need to find it before they can."
"Well I already have Sophia ready to be deployed in Link VRAINS to help us look for it if we encounter it." Kuon mentioned to them, "After that it's up to you all to find it before either of them can get it."
Yusaku only looked down at that which Cal noticed, "Something up Yusaku?"
"It's about the Hanoi. Where could there Leader be? Despite a large legion he's difficult to find. Not to mention what they could be doing to him." Yusaku explained at that.
"We'll find the answers." Cal reassured him.
But the Phantom Thieves blinked at the 'him' part of what Yusaku said.
"Huh, oh wait... do you mean the voice that told you about three things?" Makoto asked him.
Yusaku looked over at that before nodding, "Yes. I had thoughts of revenge but now three new reasons why we must go to the Hanoi."
He lift one finger. "1. Whatever there up too with the Ignis can't be good so we must stop them."
The second one. "2. There going to go after more innocent people so we have to stop them."
And the third. "And 3. If they have that person captured, then we must rescue him, and repay him for helping me."
"I agree, so... what's our next move? How do we find something that an entire organization of hackers, and the biggest company in the city are both having trouble finding?" Zenkichi asked.
"Maybe... the event tonight can help with that?" Haru asked which they looked at her. She asked them, "Wasn't there suppose to be a big duel tonight?"
"Oh you mean the top two Charisma Duelists, The Gore, and Blue Angel?" Akane voiced over hearing that. "Everyone is gathering for the big match so maybe it can be there to spectate or find a hiding spot since SOL will be managing the match. Also a big time for the Hanoi to make a move for a desperate gig."
"That makes sense." Akechi nodded. "It would be our best opportunity."
"Which will also mean you guys can see what kind of a Duelist, Yusaku is." Cal grinned to them. "Playmaker is among one of the best mysterious Duelists ever seen. Never losing a duel, and always be gone by the time it's over."
"Dueling was an engine for revenge. One day, I hope I regain my ability to have fun with it." Yusaku admitted at that with a shrug, "Although with revenge no longer motivating me, it be harder for me to not lose like usual."
"Well just be careful out there Yusaku. With your mind cleared up, it be harder now." Cal said to him which Yusaku nodded towards.
Then Yusaku turned to Futaba, "By the way, Futaba, there is something I need you to do for my Playmaker persona."
"Huh, what is it?" she asked.
"Well regarding my scrap of trace whenever I enter Link VRAINS maybe, you can assist me in some new abilities? Like able to transport to small distances, or able to jump higher for me to escape custody?" Yusaku asked her.
"I should be able to do something." Futaba grinned.
Meanwhile...
A masked man was staying at a holographic screen watching in before a gray haired man wearing a white suit materialized behind him, "Varis, we have located the Ignis."
"Have you ascertained where?"
"In the event where the event between The Gore, and Blue Angel's duel will appear."
"Good. Number 10."
Who materialized kneeing was a white robed masked man wearing a different mask. He was a generic Knight of Hanoi.
"Sir?" the Knight of Hanoi asked.
"I am sending you to capture that Ignis." Some data gathered forming into a card, "You have the ability to use Cracking Dragon into battle. Find that Ignis, and bring it back so we can extract the Key to Cyberse World from it."
"Of course." the Knight of Hanoi nodded before vanishing.
"Now the pieces are in place. That Ignis will be good as ours."
"But what if this Playmaker interferes with us again?" the blonde man asked him.
"Let him, he is of little concern. There is no reason to waste resources on an ant like him."
"Yes Varis. Also there is another matter. It's just a rumor but apparently the Phantom Thieves have returned here in Den City." the blonde man said to him.
That caught the masked man's attention turning his head to his location slightly. "The Phantom Thieves? Are you certain?"
"Unfortunately no, it's just a rumor." the gray man answered.
"Hmm..." the masked man looked in thought before stating, "Keep an eye out in case they do appear. Be prepared to send in more Knights, or even Dr. Genome should the need arises. From all there acts, we can't dare underestimate the Phantom Thieves."
"Of course Varis, though are they a threat at all, they aren't duelists and as such would have little influence in Link VRAINS." the man pointed out.
"It is unknown how they operate but we must take heed if they operate here." the masked man answered. "Father believed they operated where Link VRAINS is based on, and if that's any indication then they would also operate here."
"I understand, I'll keep my eyes open in that case." the man stated before vanishing.
"Well... this game gotten interesting." the masked man said by himself.
Meanwhile later...
(Cue Theme: NFL on Fox Theme)
In the middle of the square was a large cloud with three large screens with the Phantom Thieves at Cafe Nom nearby.
"Alright everyone! I bet your all ready! Cause in 5 minutes the ultimate duel of the century is about to begin! First on the right in the Paris area is the number 1, Charisma Duelist, a lumbering giant smacking his opponents down in the fighting ring, a true champion of the people, and a tough party house, The Gore!" an announcer called gesturing to the large screen on the left.
Who stepped up was Gore from the advertisement as he let out a battle cry sounding like a roar with a large grin.
"Dude, he looks pretty tough." Ryuji admitted.
"And his opponent, the number 2, Charisma Duelist, a girl that is known as the Angel of Link VRAINS giving smiles, and hope to all who view her, she is also a quick fairy stinging you until you fall, and can also tell how to wow the crowd, everyone give it up for Blue Angel!" the MC called on the screen on his right.
Who was there was Blue Angel who winked to the crowd with a smile. "Hello there everyone! Hope you all are ready for the big duel happening tonight for this fantastic night!"
"She's really charismatic." Ann admitted. "I guess it's in the name though."
Yusaku was more focused on his laptop asking through a headset, "Sophia, how is your search for the Ignis going?"
"Nothing so far, but I can't shake the feeling something bad is going to happen soon." Sophia admitted.
Meanwhile at SOL Technologies...
Zaizen was at a large room managing security before he gets a email from Bishop checking it saying he has permission to activate the City Scan to find the Ignis despite the event happening tonight.
"The City Scan?" he whispered in shock before frowning knowing that if it was from the Inner Circle it must be important. "Hayami, activate the City Scan."
"What?" the woman, Hayami, asked him, "The City Scan? But we have a large event in progress right now."
"I know, but this came directly from the Inner Circle themselves." Akira frowned.
Hayami grunted before nodding, "Yes sir." She told everyone in the room, "Prepare the City Scan! Have it running, and double the efforts to locate the Ignis at once!"
"Affirmative!" an employee called.
Meanwhile...
The Knight of Hanoi from before was waiting behind a large barrier. "If the intent was correct, the gate should weaken any second now..." Just then the barrier weakened becoming transparent as he smirked, "Right on time!" He raised a card, "Now Cracking Dragon let's head in!"
Back at the truck...
Yusaku was still working before detecting something, "Sophia there's a large scan heading your way!"
"I can feel it, logging out now." she mentioned as she reappeared in Ichinose's phone.
But after a few seconds they suddenly hear something. Looking over they see above the confused Charisma Duelists cracks are appearing at the sky. Just then something burst through showing the Knight of Hanoi. What shocked the Phantom Thieves is that the monster he is riding is the same dragon they fought in Yusaku's Palace screeching loud flying into Link VRAINS.
"What the hell?" Ryuji questioned.
"This is bad, that thing is dangerous." Yusuke frowned.
Yusaku then sees something, "I found the Ignis!" He signaled Futaba inside Cafe Nom, "Futaba, activate the backway as planned!"
"Already on it, this path should lead him right to you." Futaba grinned. "Plus I installed a few extra locks so it can't get back out."
Yusaku got up running to a spot, "If the Ignis took the bait, it'll come straight here!" He raised his arm as electricity build up around him.
"So far so good." Zenkichi whispered.
They watched for a few seconds before the electricity faded as Yusaku's Duel Disk messaged, "Transfer complete."
He lowered his arm as they all checked watching as a dark eye appeared on his Duel Disk groaning before it widen seeing Yusaku, "Oi!"
"Hello there. You must be the AI everyone wants." Yusaku said seeing him.
The Ignis looked around, "Huh, where am I?"
"Inside my Duel Disk. And my friend placed in some safe-guards so you can't alter it's programming." Yusaku answered.
"So I'm trapped in here!?" the Ignis asked shocked before he then demanded, "Who are you clowns!?"
"It's nice to meet you, my name is Sophia. I'm humanity's companion." Sophia smiled.
"Huh?" the Ignis looked seeing her from Ichinose's phone, "Oh glitch! I don't think, I met an AI that is different from my brethran..."
"You guys might need to save the chat for later!" Cal said as they looked to him, "Cause it looks like the Hanoi is attacking!"
They looked seeing the Knight of Hanoi is using the dragon to attack, and anyone who been hit by it vanished in data while Blue Angel was shown running from it before it seen her running.
"Sophia?" Haru asked.
"It's too risky, whatever that scan was I can't go back in right now." she admitted.
"Then I'll go." Akira frowned. "I should be able to stop that dragon like before."
"I'll head in with you." Yusaku said to him.
"Wha-!? But I just got out!" the Ignis complained.
"Then you'll be right at home!" Yusaku readied his Deck turning to Akira, "Ready Akira?"
"Ready as I'll ever be, into the VRAINS!" he called.
"Into the VRAINS!" they both placed there Decks as they glowed before changing forms.
They both flew together before arriving in some area landing at the top of a building. Yusaku is now wearing a black and green bodysuit with golden stripes going across his body and a grey belt at the waistline. His hair color also changes to yellow and red with pink strips and accents.
Akira meanwhile transformed into Joker with him as they looked before Playmaker noticed them directing to Joker, "Over there! You grab her, I'll handle the Hanoi!"
"Right." Joker nodded making sure his grappling hook was on securely before jumping from the roof of the building and zipping towards her before holding his hand. "Grab on!"
"Huh?" Blue Angel looked, and widen her eyes before reaching her hand over allowing Joker to take it.
He made sure the had a good grip before spinning and throwing out his grappling hook again as he shot them straight up to a nearby roof.
"Are you alright?" Joker asked her.
"Yeah, I'm alright, thanks for the save." Blue Angel answered before then asking shocked, "And... are you really one of the honest to goodness Phantom Thieves!?"
"I'm not sure, it is just an avatar after all... maybe I'm just a fan of them, they were popular after all." Joker answered before looking towards the dragon and frowning.
The dragon flew as the Knight of Hanoi spat, "You dare interfere punk!?"
What appeared in between them in data was Playmaker who glared up, "My name is Playmaker, and we have what your looking for right here." He raised his Duel Disk to show the Ignis. "So if you don't call off your attack you will regret it. Cause I will delete this AI right now."
He didn't mean that but it was the only thing he can think of to get the Hanoi to stop. Either way the Ignis widen it's eye, "W-W-WHA!? Hey who's side are ya on!?"
"Play it cool." Playmaker said quietly to him before saying to the Knight, "Now come down here, and face us!"
The Knight growled jumping down as the dragon vanished allowing them to see his appearance glaring at Playmaker, "Fine, I was looking forward to crushing an ant anyway. Once I defeat you, I'll take that Ignis!"
'Be careful Yusaku.' Joker thought hearing that.
Then a laugh was heard, "And while he does that, I'll take care of that Phantom Thief there." The three sensed something behind Blue Angel, and Joker.
Hearing that Joker immediately turned around. "Who's there?"
(Cue Theme: Desire)
What appeared was a Knight of Hanoi but unlike the one with them this one doesn't have a hood with a mask covering the left side of his face having green hair with a smirk. He gave a mock bow, "Eager to meet you Mr. Thief. I am Dr. Genome, one of three lieutenants of the Knights of Hanoi. Guess the rumor, that you all are here was true after all if you came. But who knew that the leader would be here to make a move...?"
Joker's eyes widened slightly as Playmaker froze turning. "A lieutenant of the Hanoi?"
"Varis had assume you be here to make a move. His instincts were correct as usual." Dr. Genome smirked to him, "While my comrade takes the Ignis, I will be handling you, if you get my drift."
Playmaker stared before asking Joker, "Joker?" Joker turned an eye to him where he said, "I don't know how strong he is compared to the other Hanoi. Out of all of the Thieves, your the one that has the most experience in Duel Monsters. Do you think, you can handle someone like him?"
Joker frowned. "Being completely honest with you, no. I don't."
A ping was heard on his Duel Disk, "Not to worry!"
Shocked he glanced at it. It was Axis who's face smiled to him, "I will be assisting you handle this Knight of Hanoi! Together we have a win ratio of 60.8%!"
"Those... aren't good odds." Blue Angel sweatdropped from the barely attainable odds before shaking her head, "W-What he's trying to say is that with his help you can take care of that Hanoi, and keep him off Playmaker!"
"Right." Joker nodded. "I appreciate the help."
"Right!" Axis winked.
"Oh so you have an AI with you." Dr. Genome chuckled at this. "Then this will make things REALLY interesting... What do you say we stop the talk, and get this show on the road in a Speed Duel?"
He frowned but nodded. "Alright."
"Hey just to say, I looked through your Deck, and with these cards there not enough against his dragon." the Ignis told Playmaker.
"Then do you need to pray for me to win?" Playmaker questioned him, "Cause otherwise you'll be going home with the Hanoi."
"AIs don't pray! We make calculations in order to win!" the Ignis told him simply, "Alright I'll even things out!"
With that he generated some waves of data around them just as the Knights of Hanoi jumped up landing on boards while two materialized for both Playmaker, and Joker which they both jumped landing on. Joker frowned before turning to Dr. Genome. "I'm guessing you'll be going first?"
"Of course, if you like me to start off." Dr. Genome smirked to him.
Axis meanwhile at Joker's Duel Duel informed him. "Well Joker," Joker looked towards him as the AI continued, "since you've been out of practice for a while, I assume you don't know about Speed Duels. Would you like me to relay the rules of a Speed Duel to you?"
"More like... the rules of dueling in general." Joker admitted. "I have almost no experience."
"Well to just clear on Speed Dueling being different there are several differences it had." Axis said over to him, "Instead of 5 cards in your starting hand, you only have 4 in your starting hand, and you only have 3 Main Monster Zones, and Spell & Trap Zones. There is no Main Phase 2, and you can also activate a Special Ability known as a Skill. When the time is right we will get more about Skills."
Joker nodded as he turned to see what Dr. Genome would try.
"Alright let's start the show!" Dr. Genome called riding behind him.
"SPEED DUEL!"
(Dueling Theme: My Addiction by Shallow Side)
Joker: 4000
Hand: 4
Field: Nothing
Dr. Genome: 4000
Hand: 4
Field: Nothing
Let the duel commence!
Seeing them the MC back at Den City Square called out, "Oh look everyone! Coming to Blue Angel's rescue is the mysterious duelist Playmaker, and it looks like he has the aid of the Phantom Thieves!"
Hearing that the rest of the Phantom Thieves, and Cal turned over seeing on the two screens was Joker against Dr. Genome with Playmaker fighting against the Knight of Hanoi on data waves in Speed Duels.
"This is bad, he's barely had any practice. We literally looked up a video on the basics when we moved here." Futaba frowned.
"Didn't he say he have experience though?" Cal asked hearing that, "He had a Deck handy."
"He never used it though." Ryuji pointed out.
"Uh yeah he did." Zenkichi voiced over confused.
"I think he more meant the new Deck that was prepared by his allies." Kuon said to them before they looked back over to view.
Back at Link VRAINS...
Dr. Genome 1st Turn:
Dr. Genome flew passed Joker flying above viewing his hand of 4 virtual cards that appeared in front of him grinning. "This is a nice hand." He looked over to Joker, "I wonder what kind of genetics the leader of the Phantom Thieves have." As a card vanished, and reappeared in between his fingers he called, "With no monsters on the field, I can summon Helixx Marmotroll in Defense Position!"
A virtual portal appeared before what appeared was what looks like a genetic chipmunk wielding a large club rising up.
(Defense Position)
Helixx Marmotroll
DARK
Level 6
Fiend/Effect
ATK: 2600
DEF: 0
This card is also treated as a Beast-Warrior monster. If you control no monsters or a "Helixx" monster, except "Helixx Marmotroll": You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) in Defense Position. If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "Helixx" monster from your hand, or GY, except "Helixx Marmotroll" in Defense Position. You cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck except Link Monsters the turn you activate this effect. You can only activate this effect of "Helixx Marmotroll" once per turn. The first time you would take damage this turn, you do not.
"Oh this could be a problem. He Special Summoned a Level 6 monster." Axis said worried before informing Joker, "You probably already know but you can't summon Level 5 or higher monsters normally but he uses a Special Summon that allows him to summon it while retaining his ability to Normal Summon. You can Special Summon as many times as you want in a turn just as long as you provide the conditions for it of course."
"Great." Joker frowned. 'Hopefully Yusaku's having better luck.'
"Then as Marmotroll was summoned, I can summon another Helixx from my hand or my graveyard that isn't a Marmotroll to the field." Dr. Genome smirked over to Joker as a second card from his hand vanished, "Alright, rise Helixx Dreadrat!"
What rose up was a genetic fiendish rat that has a purple body with a large rat skull, and having flames on both sides.
(Attack Position)
Helixx Dreadrat
DARK
Level 5
Fiend/Effect
ATK: 1200
DEF: 2000
This card is also treated as a Beast monster. If you control a Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand), or from your GY, but banish it when it leaves the field. You can only use this effect of "Helixx Dreadrat" once per turn. You cannot Special Summon monsters, except "Helixx" monsters the turn you activate this effect. Once per turn, you can target 1 monster your opponent controls: This card's Monster Type becomes that Monster's Type, until the End Phase.
"And while both Marmotroll, and Dreadrat are on the field there monster types are also labeled as Beast-Warrior, and Beast respectfully." Dr. Genome grinned over to Joker.
Marmotroll: (Type: Fiend/Beast-Warrior)
Dreadrat: (Type: Field/Beast)
"An archetype that can change the types of it's monsters. That's new." Axis admitted to Joker, "Whatever the case, we can't let our guard down."
"Well AI if your so confident for your master why don't you let him fight his battles?" Dr. Genome smirked before he spread his arms, "Well Mr. Phantom Thief, I end my turn. I certainly hope you can do wonders."
"Alright Joker, since your out of practice, I'll help you out on what you need to do!" Axis said to him determined.
Dr. Genome's Hand: 2/Field: Helixx Marmotroll (Defense Position/Type: Beast-Warrior), Helixx Dreadrat (Attack Position/Type: Beast)
Joker 1st Turn:
Joker waved his arm as his four cards appeared and he frowned. "Ok... any ideas?"
Axis viewed over the cards checking over them before then seeing, "Well first is your draw phase. That's the step in your turn that allows you to draw a card. To draw a card bring your hand to your Duel Disk, and a card should appear for you to take."
Joker nodded drawing his card. The new drawn card appeared as Axis checked over before then seeing, "Oh there! Emperor Persona Oberon is a good monster to start off! Summon that!"
"I'll bring out Emperor Persona Obreron in attack mode." Joker mentioned playing the card.
What rose up was a guard suited like fairy with a curved rapier handy, and a crown on it's head.
(Attack Position)
Emperor Persona Oberon
LIGHT
Level 4
Warrior/Effect
ATK: 1800
DEF: 1100
While this card is face-up on the field: All monsters you control gain 300 ATK, also if they attack a Defense Position monster; inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent. During your End Phase, if you control this face-up card: You can inflict 500 damage to your opponent. If this card is destroyed, and sent to the GY: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Persona" monster from your Deck, except "Emperor Persona Oberon" in Attack Position. You can only activate this effect of "Emperor Persona Oberon" per turn.
"Ha... 1800 Attack Points." Dr. Genome grinned seeing this.
"Now Joker remember when the Battle Phase ends, it goes to the End Phase, so the time to set counterplans for the other turns must be set before going into battle." Axis said to Joker, "Here get these two set." Axis directed to 2 pink cards that are labeled traps.
Seeing them Joker put them down. "That's it, I end my move."
"No don't end your turn yet!" Axis quickly told him.
"Huh?" Joker asked hearing that.
"After Main Phase 1, is the Battle Phase. It allows you to have your monsters attack your opponent's monsters to bring down there Life Points." Axis explained to him, "Oberon is a good choice to start off cause while it's on the field it gains 300 attack points, and the ability to inflict piercing damage."
Oberon at that glowed red powering up. (ATK: 1800 + 300 = 2100/Inflict Piercing Damage)
"Piercing damage is battle damage from battle where a monster with higher attack points attacks a monster in Defense Position. Normally the player with the Defense Position monster doesn't take damage when there monster is destroyed but if a monster has the ability to inflict piercing damage the damage will be inflicted to them." Axis explained over to Joker.
"I get it, in that case the move would be this." Joker nodded. "Oberon attack Helixx Marmotroll."
Oberon charged forward while Marmotroll moved trying to club Oberon but the fairy Persona evaded, and slashed down destroying Marmotroll while Dr. Genome braced himself from the shockwave but smirked to Joker, "Well not bad however there is a small... detail."
His Life Point counter appeared but it wasn't lowering. (Dr. Genome: 4000/Hand: 2)
"What?" Joker questioned.
"So sorry, but once a turn while on the field, Helixx Marmotroll nullifies any instances of damage, I would've taken."
Axis grunted from that. "So even if Piercing Damage was in option Marmotroll would stop it before he would take a lot of damage." He then brightened up. "But it's okay though we gotten rid of his Level 6 that is stronger then Oberon before he had a chance to change it to Attack Position. Not only that Oberon also has another ability."
Joker looked and nodded. "Ok, now I'll end my turn and that means Oberon deals 500 points of damage."
Oberon charged a bolt of lightning firing it which struck Dr. Genome. (Dr. Genome: 3500/Hand: 2)
"Well Joker, I gotta say that was a little shaky... But hey we managed to do some excellent progress!" Axis warmed up to him with a grin.
"If you say so." Joker frowned before glancing over to Playmaker's duel.
He couldn't quite see due to all of the buildings before Dr. Genome called to him, "Pay attention to your own battle!" Joker looked over to him at that.
Joker's Hand: 2/Field: Emperor Persona Oberon (Attack Position/ATK: 2100), Two Set Cards
Joker: 4000
Hand: 2
Field: Emperor Persona Oberon (Attack Position/ATK: 2100), Two Set Cards
Dr. Genome: 3500
Hand: 2
Field: Helixx Dreadrat (Attack Position/Type: Beast)
Dr. Genome 2nd Turn:
Dr. Genome drew before smirking, "And I use the Continuous Spell, Graveyard Incubation!"
A spell having the infinity symbol in the corner appeared showing an artwork of purple orbs above a underground lab with skeletons of Marmotroll, and Dreadrat, and others with a skeleton of Dreadrat at the ground.
(face-up)
Graveyard Incubation
Continuous Spell Card
Once per turn, during your Main Phase: You can target 1 "Helixx" monster you control; Special Summon 1 monster from your GY, or Deck with the same name as that monster, but change it's ATK/DEF to 0, it's effects are negated, it cannot attack or be Tributed, also it cannot be used as material for a Summon, except for the Link Summon of a "Helixx" monster. Once per turn, if you control 2 or more "Helixx" monsters you control that are different Monster Types: You can draw 1 card. You can only control 1 "Graveyard Incubation".
"Oh the Hanoi has a Continuous Spell. As the name says Continuous allows it to remain on the field until it's destroyed." Axis explained to Joker, "Continuous Spells, and Traps help a lot of Duelists in the long way on there plays."
"And here's a prime example!" they looked as Dr. Genome smirked, "But targeting my Helixx Dreadrat, Graveyard Incubation allows me to summon a second copy of it as long as it can't be Tributed, can't attack, it's Attack, and Defense Points goes to 0, it's effects are negated, and can only be used for the Link Summon of a Helixx! Come Dreadrat number 2!"
At that what popped up was an identical Dreadrat only with all the restrictions reverted into an empty skeleton like the one in Graveyard Incubation's artwork.
Helixx Dreadrat: (ATK: 1200 - 1200 = 0/DEF: 2000 - 2000 = 0/Attack Position/Effects Negated/Can't attack/Can't be Tributed/Can only be used to Link Summon a Helixx monsters)
Joker frowned seeing that. Dr. Genome then raise an arm. "Appear, our future circuit!"
At that suddenly what appeared above them was a large blue box shaped portal with 8 arrows in all directions at the outside. Joker's eyes widened. 'That looks like the ad I saw.'
"The summoning conditions are two Helixxs!" Dr. Genome raised his arm, "I set the two Dreadrats in the Link Arrows!"
The two Dreadrats flew up entering the top, and bottom arrows, "Link Summon! Appear Link 2, Helixx Gothiclone!"
What appeared from the portal was a gray fiend that's skeletal, and having a minotaur like skull while having gold plated armor on itself.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Helixx Gothiclone
DARK
Link Rating 2
Fiend/Effect/Link
ATK: 0
Link Markers: Top, Bottom
2 "Helixx" monsters
Cannot be destroyed by battle. At the start of the Damage Step, if this card battles an opponent's monster: This card's ATK becomes equal to the ATK of that face-up opponent's monster until the end of this turn. At the end of the Damage Step if this card, or a monster this card points too battles: You can Tribute 1 monster you control this card points to; inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK the Tributed monster had on the field. You can only activate this effect of "Helixx Gothiclone" once per turn.
"What is that?" Joker questioned.
"That's a summon method known as Link Summoning." Joker turned to Axis as he explained, "What a Link Summon is, is a summoning method that can summon a Link Monster. Link Monsters lack Defense Points so they stay in Attack Position the entire game, and their always summoned to the Extra Monster Zone in between both player's fields. And the red arrows on them allows a player to summon a monster from the Extra Deck to that zone in place of the Extra Monster Zone, even another Link Monster for more options."
Joker nodded hearing that. "Right."
"If your done talking..." they looked at Dr. Genome who grinned, "As there is a Link Monster in my Extra Monster Zone, I can summon Dreadrat back from the graveyard under the restriction it's banished when it leaves the field!"
Dreadrat popped up below Gothiclone's Link Arrow.
Helixx Dreadrat: (Attack Position/Type: Beast/Banished when leaves the field/Linked to Helixx Gothiclone)
Helixx Gothiclone: (Linked to Helixx Dreadrat)
"I set a card." Dr. Genome sets a card before pointing. "Battle! Helixx Gothiclone attacks Emperor Persona Oberon!"
His weakest monster charged in at Oberon who gears up for a battle.
"What?" Joker questioned.
"Gothiclone's ability! It's attack points are always equal to whatever it's fighting!"
Gothiclone quickly powered up. (ATK: 0 + 2100 = 2100)
"Oh I didn't think of this!" Axis cried in shock, "Wait but Gothiclone will be destroyed too!"
"Indeed except... Gothiclone can't be destroyed in battle!" Dr. Genome revealed just as Gothiclone clashed against Oberon before striking it with a dark orb attack.
"Now what's going on?" Joker asked.
"Now... bye-bye." Oberon was destroyed from the attack by Gothiclone.
"Normally when monsters with the same attack points battle they destroy each other. But since Gothiclone was immune to battle destruction, it won the battle." Axis said to Joker before then saying, "But Oberon won't abandon us thanks to his final ability!"
Joker nodded. "Right, Oberon let's me summon a new Persona when he's destroyed."
They looked over as Axis looked before seeing something, and pointed. "There! Priestess Persona High Pixie!"
Joker nodded summoning the monster. What rose was a woman having fairy wings, and having on a revealing set of armor.
(Attack Position)
Priestess Persona High Pixie
LIGHT
Level 4
Fairy/Effect
ATK: 1500
DEF: 1300
Once per turn: You can destroy 1 Spell/Trap on the field. This card cannot attack the turn this effect is used. "Persona" monsters you control gain 500 ATK during Damage Calculation only.
"Okay you have that. But I have Gothiclone's other ability!" Dr. Genome directed as Dreadrat glowed, "When a monster, or Gothiclone itself battles a monster at the end of it, I Tribute a monster on my field to inflict you damage equal to it's attack points!"
Dreadrat at that charged forward at Joker. His eyes widened before crying out as Dreadrat hit him.
(Joker: 2800/Hand: 2)
"Joker, you alright?" Axis asked him worried.
"I think so… and I think I see a winning move." Joker answered quietly.
"Oh please, what can you do in this helpless situation?" Dr. Genome asked with a smirk, "I end my turn."
Dr. Genome's Hand: 1/Field: Helixx Gothiclone (Attack Position/Extra Monster Zone), Graveyard Incubation (face-up), One Set Card
Joker 2nd Turn:
Joker drew just as Axis blinked, "Wait Joker what's that you draw?"
Joker showed him it was a trap card as a gun suddenly digitized into his hand and he aimed it at Gothiclone. "Lend me your power!"
"What the...?" Dr. Genome asked blinking seeing this, "What's he doing?"
Just as Axis glowed as Joker's own mask glowed with parts of his Phantom Thief attire glowing too.
"Joker, are you using a Skill?" Axis asked realizing what's going on.
"I'm not sure." Joker answered as Gothiclone turned into a replica of Joker's mask and flew into the one he was wearing before appearing on his field.
"What the hell...?" Dr. Genome asked with widen eyes.
Just then an infobox appeared above Joker's Duel Disk.
Persona Negotiation
Joker's Skill
Can be used while you have a "Persona" monster in your GY. Target one monster your opponent controls, take control of that monster. This Skill can be used once per duel.
"So that was a Skill! I didn't program this though, how did you get this?" Axis asked Joker which was answered by a shrug which Axis said, "Well, I suppose it doesn't matter. Well that brings up to Skills, they allow you to do any sorts of abilities raising attack points, grant immunity, regaining Life Points, there are many different types."
Joker nodded. "Ok, High Pixie attacks you directly, and her ability gives my Personas 500 more points."
Priestess Persona High Pixie: (ATK: 1500 + 500 = 2000)
High Pixie charged forward at Dr. Genome who got tackled crying out stumbling on his Duel Board. (Dr. Genome: 1500/Hand: 1)
Priestess Persona High Pixie: (ATK: 2000 - 500 = 1500)
"Now, I'll use Helixx Gothiclone's ability." Joker continued.
Gothiclone stood still not doing anything.
"What?" Joker questioned.
"Helixx Gothiclone's ability only works when it's Linked to a monster. Your Skill moved it out of the Extra Monster Zone into your Main Monster Zone so unless it points to a monster in your Extra Monster Zone in it's top arrow, the uses Gothiclone can do is limited." Axis explained to problem to him before he assured, "But hey your out of practice, and Link Summoning is still new to you so it's understandable how your confused!"
Joker frowned. "Any ideas how to finish the duel now?"
"Well right now as we took one of his main enforcers we're in the lead. We still have your face-downs to use." Axis explained over to him. "Oh speaking of which use one of your face-downs! The trap card, Metaverse!"
Joker nodded. "I play the trap Metaverse!"
Metaverse
Normal Trap Card
Take 1 Field Spell from your Deck, and either activate it or add it to your hand.
"Metaverse takes 1 Field Spell from your Deck, and you either activate the card or add it to your hand." Axis explained the trap's effect before 10 card options appeared in front of Joker for him to choose. "10 Field Spells? Isn't that much?"
Joker can see the Velvet Room but also sees the Palaces from all his other heists with the Phantom Theives. Kamoshida's Castle, Kunikazu's Spaceport, Sae's Casino, and even Maruki's own Palace. Even Mementos.
"No, it's just perfect." Joker smiled.
Axis nodded checking over before pointing, "Here use that one!" He pointed over to Palace - Pyramid of Wrath.
Taking it Joker activated the spell as he and Dr. Genome appeared in a desert with a pyramid near them.
(Field Zone)
Palace - Pyramid of Wrath
Field Spell Card
When this card activates: You can add 1 "Palace Distortion" to your hand. At the start of the Battle Phase, you can activate this effect: All "Persona" monsters gain 1000 ATK until the end of the Battle Phase. If this card is sent to the GY by the effect of "Palace Distortion": You can add 1 differently named "Palace" Field Spell from your Deck to your hand, except "Palace - Center of Melancholy". You can only activate each effect of "Palace - Pyramid of Wrath" per turn.
"Huh? What is this?" Dr. Genome looked around surprised.
"This is the Pyramid of Wrath." Joker answered.
"Well Joker it looks as though this is all we can do this turn. Your free to call it the End Phase, and let him have a go." Axis said over to him.
"I end my turn." Joker mentioned.
Joker's Hand: 3/Field: Palace - Pyramid of Wrath (Field Zone), Helixx Gothiclone (Attack Position), Priestess Persona High Pixie (Attack Position), One Set Card
Joker: 2800
Hand: 3
Field: Palace - Pyramid of Wrath (Field Zone), Helixx Gothiclone (Attack Position), Priestess Persona High Pixie (Attack Position), One Set Card
Dr. Genome: 1500
Hand: 1
Field: Graveyard Incubation (face-up), One Set Card)
Dr. Genome 3rd Turn:
Dr. Genome growled before yelling, "Okay no more fooling around, I draw!" He drew looking before smirking, "And look here! Marmotroll!"
At that a second Marmotroll popped up.
Helixx Marmotroll: (Defense Position/Type: Beast-Warrior)
"And of course with his summon, I can summon Helixx Dreadrat!" From there a third Dreadrat popped up again.
Helixx Dreadrat: (Attack Position/Type: Beast/Banished when leaves the field)
"Then I use the effect of Graveyard Incubation to summon the one from the graveyard!"
At that the first Marmotroll rose up only as a skeleton.
Helixx Marmotroll: (ATK: 2600 - 2600 = 0/DEF: 0 - 0 = 0/Attack Position/Effects Negated/Can't attack/Can't be Tributed/Can only be used to Link Summon a Helixx monsters)
"He must be preparing another Link Summon." Axis guessed over to Joker.
Joker just frowned but nodded. "Right."
(Cue Theme: Faceless by Red)
"Your the first to push me this far. Hope you like this!" Dr. Genome smirked before his Duel Board jumped up. "Appear our future circuit!"
The circuit appeared as he called, "The summoning conditions are at least 2 Helixxs with different types! I set Fiend Helixx Marmotroll, Beast-Warrior Helixx Marmotroll, and Beast Helixx Dreadrat in the Link Arrows!"
The three flew up as hurricanes entering the bottom, bottom-right, and top-left arrows.
"Superior DNA taken from the advanced creatures! Manifest as the ultimate lifeform designed to take evolution to the next level! Link Summon! Link 3, Helixx Microb-Enigma!"
At that what rose was a black squid like monster that has bones around it's body as armor, and a large beak with dead fish like eyes roaring.
(Attack Position)
Helixx Microb-Enigma
DARK
Link Rating 3
Fiend/Effect/Link
ATK: 2200
Link Markers: Top-Left, Bottom, Bottom-Right
2+ "Helixx" monsters with different types
This card's type also becomes the type of the monsters it's linked too. If this card battles a monster with the same type as this card: You can have this card gain 1000 ATK until the end of the Battle Phase. During the End Phase, if this card battles a monster this turn: You can target 1 monster in your GY; Special Summon it, then have it become the type of the attack target that this card battled this turn, and if you do, inflict 800 damage to your opponent.
Joker frowned seeing the monster.
"This card's monster type becomes the same as a monster linked with it!" Dr. Genome smirked seeing High Pixie is linked with it.
Priestess Persona High Pixie: (Linked with Helixx Microb-Enigma)
Helixx Microb-Enigma: (Linked with Priestess Persona High Pixie/Type: Fiend/Fairy)
"Then, I activate the effect of Helixx Dreadrat in the graveyard! It summons itself!" Dr. Genome called as Dreadrat rose up.
Helixx Dreadrat: (Attack Position/Type: Beast/Banished when leaves the field/Linked with Helixx Microb-Engima)
Helixx Microb-Enigma: (Linked with Priestess Persona High Pixie & Helixx Dreadrat/Type: Fiend/Fairy/Beast)
"He summoned Dreadrat again... What could be be up too?" Axis asked confused at this.
"Now battle!" Dr. Genome called.
Axis quickly told Joker, "Quick Joker, Pyramid's effect!"
"I use the effect of Pyramid of Wrath!" Joker called. "It gives all my Personas 1000 points!"
Priestess Persona High Pixie: (ATK: 1500 + 1000 = 2500)
"Good with it's attack points higher, he would not attack." Axis smiled.
Dr. Genome only smirked, "Is that what you think?" They looked as Dr. Genome pointed, "Microb-Enigma attack Priestess Persona High Pixie!"
The Link 3 charged at High Pixie just as he called, "Micro-Enigma's ability! When it battles a monster with the same type as it, it gains 1000 attack points!"
Helixx Micro-Enigma: (ATK: 2200 + 1000 = 3200)
"Uh oh Joker brace yourself!" Axis warned as Micro-Enigma attacked High Pixie with multiple tentacles.
Joker frowned as his Persona shattered.
(Joker: 2100/Hand: 3)
"Your luckily close mind ya. Well here's something else! As Microb-Enigma battled this turn, I can summon a monster, and have it's type be the same as High Pixie's, and deal you 800 points of damage! Revive Helixx Marmotroll!"
Marmotroll rose up again. (Defense Position/Type: Fairy/Linked with Helixx Microb-Enigma)
Helixx Microb-Enigma: (Linked with Helixx Marmotroll/Type: Fiend/Beast/Fairy)
Joker got hit bracing himself looking at Dr. Genome. (Joker: 1300/Hand: 3)
"And that allows me to activate Genetic Completion!" Dr. Genome activated a trap card.
Genetic Completion
Normal Trap Card
Link Summon 1 "Helixx" Link Monster from your Extra Deck using monsters you control, then target 1 monster your opponent controls with equal or lower ATK then then Link Summoned monster: Negate it's effects, also the Link Summoned "Helixx" Link Monster's type becomes the same type as the targeted monster. You can only activate 1 "Genetic Completion" per turn.
"So now thanks to this, I Link Summon! Appear our future circuit!" The circuit appeared as Marmotroll, and Dreadrat flew up entering the top, and left Link Markers.
"You're finally up! Link Summon! The strongest DNA combines into this monster! Link 2 Hellix Necro Darwin!"
What rose was a orange feathered bird fiend like monster with skulls around it's body shaping bones cawing.
(Attack Position)
(Co-linked with Helixx Micro-Enigma)
Helixx Necro Darwin
DARK
Link Rating 2
Fiend/Effect/Link
ATK: 1800
Link Markers: Top, Left
2 "Helixx" monsters with different Types
Your opponent's monsters cannot target this co-linked card for attacks. (Quick Effect) During the Main Phase, or your Battle Phase, if this card is in your GY: You can Special Summon this card to your zone a Link Monster points to. You can only use this effect of "Helixx Necro Darwin" once per turn. If a player would take damage (Quick Effect): You can make that damage 0, then this card gains 800 ATK until the End Phase.
Helixx Micro-Enigma: (Co-linked with Helixx Necro Darwin/Type: Fiend)
"While Necro Darwin is co-linked, you cannot target it for attacks." Dr. Genome smirked over to Joker.
Axis grunted at this. "Co-linked means the Link Arrows of two Link Monsters are pointing at each other." He then added to Joker. "He planned to summon that monster but what for?"
"For else what? My trap also negates Gothiclone's abilities."
Gothiclone grayed at that.
Helixx Gothiclone: (Effects Negated)
"Well at least it's the End Phase so he can't attack again." Axis remarked to Joker.
"For now." Joker frowned.
"This is your last turn. I end my turn." Dr. Genome smirked.
Dr. Genome's Hand: 1/Field: Helixx Microb-Enigma (Attack Position/Co-linked with Helixx Necro Darwin), Helixx Necro Darwin (Attack Position/Co-linked with Microb-Enigma), Graveyard Incubation (face-up)
Joker 3rd Turn:
"Alright Joker... I don't know how else we can fight. All we can do now is depend on your draw. In duels you gotta bet it all, and believe in your cards." Axis said over to Joker, "Right now I believe!"
Joker frowned drawing his card and looking at it. They looked where they see it's a Continuous Spell that shows of different colored Personas.
Picaro Mask
Joker's eyes widened before he frowned and checked something before his eyes widened and he smirked. "Checkmate."
"Checkmate?" Dr. Genome blinked hearing that confused wondering what he's up too.
"I'll start by sacrificing Helixx Necro Dawrin in order to summon Fortune Persona Ariadne!" Joker called as a silver skilled mechanical doll like woman wearing a large robe with red strings around her rose up.
(Attack Position)
Fortune Persona Ariadne
WIND
Level 5
Machine/Effect
ATK: 2200
DEF: 1900
Effects to be revealed.
"What is that?" Dr. Genome asked seeing the monster.
"Then, I'll play the spell Picaro Mask and sacrifice Ariadne to use it." Joker continued. "This lets me summon Fortune Persona Ariadne Picaro!"
(face-up)
Picaro Mask
Continuous Spell Card
(This card is treated as a "Persona" card.)
During your Main Phase, you can target 1 "Persona" monster you control: Declare 1 "Persona" monster name; that monster's name is treated as the declared name while it's face-up on the field, then you can add 1 "Picaro Persona" monster with the same name as the declared name. If a "Picaro Persona" monster is Special Summoned: You can draw 1 card. You can only control 1 "Picaro Persona" monster. During the End Phase, if this card is in your GY: You can banish this card; add 1 "Picaro Mask" to your hand from your Deck. You can only activate each effect of "Picaro Mask" per turn. You can only control 1 "Picaro Mask".
(Attack Position)
Picaro Persona Ariadne
WIND
Level 6
Machine/Effect
ATK: 2300
DEF: 2000
(This card's name is always treated as "Fortune Persona Ariadne".)
Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set, must be Special Summoned by the effect of "Picaro Mask" and cannot be summoned by other ways. If you don't control "Picaro Mask", destroy this card. Other effects to be revealed.
"What is that?" Dr. Genome asked seeing the inverted color form of the Persona he had just seen.
"Whoa Joker that's a powerful monster." Axis said in awe.
"She is, cause I use her special ability!" Joker called as the Picaro version of the Persona charged up energy. "When she is summoned, I take one monster on the field, and shuffle it back into the Deck!"
"What?" Picaro Ariande charged energy wrapping Microb-Enigma before it vanished returning back to Dr. Genome's Extra Deck, "After that she gains attack points equal to the monster she shuffles!"
Persona Picaro Ariande: (ATK: 2300 + 2200 = 4500)
Dr. Genome's eyes widened in shock seeing that.
"And now Ariadne attack Helixx Necro Darwin! Beast Weaver!"
Ariadne charged in striking Necro Dawin with a large attack destroying it while Dr. Genome screamed out being blasted in the air from the force of the attack.
Joker: 1300
Hand: 1
Field: Palace - Pyramid of Wrath (Field Zone), Picaro Persona Ariadne (Attack Position/ATK: 4500), Helixx Gothiclone (Attack Position/Effects Negated), Picaro Mask (face-up), One Set Card
Dr. Genome: 0000
Hand: 1
Field: Graveyard Incubation (face-up)
Joker wins!
Dr. Genome landed hard on the ground weakened at this as Joker stopped above him, "You... You really are..."
"Checkmate." Joker repeated just as Dr. Genome glowed in data vanishing.
"He retreated." Axis said seeing this before then sensing something. "Joker."
Joker frowned. "Where are they?"
"Over there." Axis directed where Joker sees a large destructive data twister, "Playmaker is in that Data Storm but I sense something abnormal happening there."
Hearing that Joker frowned before using his grappling hook to zip over to the twister.
Meanwhile earlier...
Both Playmaker, and the Knight of Hanoi meanwhile flew up beside each other in there own Speed Duel where the Ignis asked Playmaker, "Are you ready to Speed Duel, Playmaker! Would you like me to say the rules?"
"Keep it short but brief." Playmaker answered.
"Right! Basically a Speed Duel allows you to surf the Data Storm for a speeding match! You get three Main Monster Zones, and Spell & Trap Zones with only 4 cards in your starting hand. There's no Main Phase 2 so you gotta plan out your moves carefully." the Ignis gave him a replay of the rules.
"Right. Well let's give my teammates, a show shall we?" Playmaker asked with a slight grin before he turned to the Knight of Hanoi, "It's your move friend!"
With that they both declared. "SPEED DUEL!"
(Dueling Theme: Land of Confusion by Disturbed)
Playmaker: 4000
Hand: 4
Field: Nothing
Knight of Hanoi: 4000
Hand: 4
Field: Nothing
Let the duel commence!
Knight of Hanoi 1st Turn:
"Giving me the first turn was your first mistake, and since you don't have any monsters in play I can summon Hack Worm from my hand." the Knight of Hanoi smirked. "And why stop at one when I can bring out two Hack Worms."
Two identical monsters shaping as mechanical worms appeared above him.
(Attack Position)
Hack Worm
DARK
Level 1
Machine/Effects
ATK: 400
DEF: 0
If your opponent controls no monsters, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand).
"Of course they won't be staying for long because I'll sacrifice them both in order to summon Cracking Dragon in attack position."
What appeared was the large dragon he was riding screeching loud before flying behind the Knight of Hanoi.
(Attack Position)
Cracking Dragon
DARK
Level 8
Machine/Effect
ATK: 3000
DEF: 0
Cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster with equal or lower Level. When your opponent Normal or Special Summons exactly 1 monster (and no other monsters are Summoned) while this monster is on the field: You can make that monster lose ATK equal to its Level x 200 (until the end of this turn), and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK lost by this effect.
"That'll end my turn."
Knight of Hanoi's Hand: 1/Field: Cracking Dragon (Attack Position)
Playmaker 1st Turn:
"Oh glitch! He already brought that big guy out!" the Ignis panicked.
"Calm down, things may look bleak but this is how duels go." Playmaker said he reached before his lines glowed before he drew, "My turn draw!" Looking at his drawn cards he takes one, "I set a card." A face-down card appeared before he places a second on his Duel Disk, "Next I summon Cyberse Wizard!"
What rose was a white robed humanoid magician that has a cybernetic staff readying.
(Attack Position)
Cyberse Wizard
LIGHT
Level 4
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 1800
DEF: 800
Once per turn: You can target 1 Attack Position opponent's monster; change it to Defense Position, and if you do, for the rest of this turn, your monsters cannot attack, except to attack that monster, and if your Cyberse monster attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent.
"Big mistake, whenever you summon a monster Cracking Dragon lowers its attack points by 200 times its level and deals the same amount as damage to your life points." the Knight of Hanoi called. "Crack Fall!"
Cracking Dragon fired winds which Playmaker braced himself while he, and Cyberse Wizard were blown back.
(Playmaker: 3200/Hand: 2)
Cyberse Wizard: (ATK: 1800 - (200 * 4) = 1000)
Playmaker only grinned up to him. "Oh, so you think your the only one with a fancy effect?" The Knight of Hanoi looked confused but Playmaker cleared it up with his next move. "I use Cyberse Wizard's ability! It takes 1 monster on your field, and forces it to Defense Position! Cyberse Algorithm!"
Cyberse Wizard raised it's staff up shining over Cracking Dragon forcing it to kneel.
Cracking Dragon: (Defense Position)
"Great, that oversized dragon has no defense points." the Ignis mentioned.
"And now it's defenseless cause from that effect Cyberse Wizard gives a Cyberse that attacks the monster who's position changed able to inflict piercing damage! Illusion Spike!"
Cyberse Wizard charged an attack firing it at Cracking Dragon setting off a large explosion.
"Nice you got it." the Ignis grinned.
"Not quite." the Knight of Hanoi smirked as the smoke cleared revealing Cracking Dragon survived. "Cracking Dragon can't be destroyed by a monster with a lower level."
Playmaker's face scowled before he then pointed out, "However even if Cracking Dragon wasn't destroyed Cyberse Wizard still inflicted damage due to his special ability."
The Knight of Hanoi frowned at that.
(Knight of Hanoi: 3000/Hand: 1)
"I end my turn which means the effect of Cracking Dragon wears off." Playmaker added while Cyberse Wizard regained his strength.
Cyberse Wizard: (Attack Position/ATK: 1000 + (200 * 4) = 1800)
Playmaker's Hand: 3/Field: Cyberse Wizard (Attack Position), One Set Card
Playmaker: 3200
Hand: 3
Field: Cyberse Wizard (Attack Position), One Set Card
Knight of Hanoi: 3000
Hand: 1
Field: Cracking Dragon (Defense Position)
Knight of Hanoi 2nd Turn:
"My move and I'll start by activating my Skill Double Draw to draw two cards." the Knight of Hanoi called.
Double Draw
Knight of Hanoi's Skill
Can be used before your normal draw. Your normal draw this turn becomes 2 cards.
"Skill?" Playmaker asked with a blink.
"You told me to keep the rules of Speed Duels brief, so I left that part out." the Ignis explained to him, and at Playmaker's annoyed look the Ignis pointed out, "You didn't ask... Anyway Skills allow you to do any sort of abilities. Summoning a monster, gaining Life Points, deal damage, you name it! But I never heard of the Skill he's using. The Hanoi must've created it."
Hearing that Playmaker turned back at that. The Knight of Hanoi drew twice before smirking. "I'll set one card and equip Cracking Dragon with the spell Air Cracking Storm."
(Equipped to Cracking Dragon)
Air Cracking Storm
Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a Machine monster. When that attacking monster destroys your opponent's monster by battle: You can activate this effect; it can make a second attack during this Battle Phase. Your other monsters cannot attack the turn you activate this effect.
"We'll get to that in a moment though, I switch Cracking Dragon back to attack mode."
Cracking Dragon: (Attack Position/Equipped with Air Cracking Storm)
"And now destroy his Cyberse Magician! Traffic Blast!"
Cracking Dragon charged a blue blast firing it striking Cyberse Magician destroying it while Playmaker stumbled a bit. (Playmaker: 2000/Hand: 3)
"Now, since Cracking Dragon destroyed your monster Air Cracking Storm let's it attack one more time, so now wipe him out, Traffic Blast!"
Cracking Dragon charged a blast while the Ignis panicked, "Oh no! We're dead, we're dead, we're dead, we'redeadwe'redeadwe'redeadwe'redeadwe'redeadwe'redead-"
Cracking Dragon fired the blast before Playmaker called, "We aren't dead yet! I activate the trap, Enchanted Javelin!"
Enchanted Javelin
Normal Trap Card
Select 1 attacking monster. Gain Life Points equal to its ATK.
"So now Cracking Dragon's attack points are added to my Life Points!"
Playmaker glowed from his trap's effect. (Playmaker: 5000/Hand: 3) That was before he braced himself being hit from the blast. (Playmaker: 2000/Hand: 3) After that he grinned at the Hanoi, "Is that all you got? Cause if it is, I'm still standing."
"Not for much longer, I end my turn." the Knight of Hanoi told him.
Knight of Hanoi's Hand: 1/Field: Cracking Dragon (Attack Position/Equipped with Air Cracking Storm), Air Cracking Storm (Equipped to Cracking Dragon), One Set Card
Playmaker 2nd Turn:
"Then it's my turn, draw!" Playmaker drew looking before taking a card, "And to start is Balancer Lord!"
At that what rose was a white armored caped warrior with cybernetic armor, and a sword.
(Attack Position)
Balancer Lord
LIGHT
Level 4
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 1700
DEF: 1200
Once per turn: You can pay 1000 LP; during your Main Phase this turn, you can Normal Summon 1 Cyberse monster, in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (You can only gain this effect once per turn.) If this card is banished: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower monster from your hand. You can only use this effect of "Balancer Lord" once per turn.
"Cracking Dragon's ability activates, Crack Fall!" the Knight of Hanoi called.
Cracking Dragon fired winds as Playmaker braced himself. (Playmaker: 1200/Hand: 3)
Balancer Lord: (ATK: 1700 - (200 * 4) = 900)
"Well I activate it's ability! I pay 1000 Life Points to Normal Summon another Cyberse this turn!" Playmaker called as he glowed while Balancer Lord absorbed some of his energy.
(Playmaker: 0200/Hand: 3)
Of course both the Knight of Hanoi, and the Ignis are stunned from Playmaker using such a risky effect despite the circumstances with Cracking Dragon.
"You must be insane, with only 200 life points any monster you summon will guarantee your defeat." the Knight of Hanoi smirked. "That ability was your way of surrendering wasn't it?"
"Only one way to find out huh?" Playmaker shrugged before calling, "Well let's start here! Appear the circuit that leads to the future!"
The Link Portal appeared above them.
"What?" the Knight of Hanoi questioned.
"The summoning conditions is 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse! I set Balancer Lord in the Link Arrow!" Balancer Lord flew up entering the bottom arrow, "Link Summon! Link 1, Link Disciple!"
What lowered was a small blue cybernetic like machine readying.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Link Disciple
Link Rating 1
Cyberse/Effect/Link
ATK: 500
Link Marker: 1
1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster
You can Tribute 1 monster this card points to; draw 1 card, then place 1 card from your hand on the bottom of the Deck. You can only use this effect of "Link Disciple" once per turn.
"Link Monsters don't have levels! So the effect of Cracking Dragon has no effect!" Playmaker added to the Knight of Hanoi.
"No matter, it only has 500 attack points so it won't help you." the Knight of Hanoi smirked.
"Well I still have cards to play! Here's one for example, Link Infra-Flier!" Playmaker places down a card, "I can summon this card next to my monster's Link!"
At that a kite like monster appeared in Defense.
(Defense Position)
(Linked with Link Disciple)
Link Infra-Flier
WIND
Level 2
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 0
DEF: 1800
You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) to your zone a Link Monster points to. You can only Special Summon "Link Infra-Flier" once per turn this way.
Link Disciple: (Linked with Link Infra-Flier)
"That monster is level two which means you lose!" the Knight of Hanoi called. "Crack Fall!"
Cracking Dragon generated waves of winds blasting them. Only... Nothing happened.
"What?" the Knight of Hanoi questioned seeing that.
"Looks like your the one that doesn't understand the power of your monster." Playmaker grinned to him. "Cracking Dragon only deals damage equal to the attack points of the monster it forces it to lose. But Link Infra-Flier DOESN'T have any!"
The Knight of Hanoi frowned hearing that.
"Then the next move is summoning Defect Compiler!" Playmaker next summoned a cybernetic orb like monster in front of him.
(Attack Position)
Defect Compiler
LIGHT
Level 3
Cyberse/Effect
ATK: 1000
DEF: 1000
Once per turn, if you would take damage from an opponent's card effect, place 1 Defect Counter on this card instead (max. 1). Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can remove 1 Defect Counter from this card, then target 1 Cyberse monster you control; it gains 800 ATK until the end of this turn.
"That monster has 1000 points, so this time you will lose, Crack Fall!" the Knight of Hanoi called.
Cracking Dragon burst winds which Playmaker called, "Now this time either. Defect Compiler's ability activates!" Defect Compiler stopped the winds despite being weakned.
Defect Compiler: (ATK: 1000 - (200 * 3) = 400/Defect Counter: 1)
"Whenever I would take effect damage, I can instead place a Defect Counter on Defect Compiler!" Playmaker explained before taking the last card in his hand, "Last is Cynet Failure!"
Cynet Failure
Equip Spell Card
Target 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster in your GY: Special Summon, and equip it with this card, but it's ATK becomes 0, also it cannot be used for a Link Summon this turn. During your opponent's Battle Phase, you can after this effect resolves: Link Summon 1 Cyberse Link Monster using monsters you control including the equipped monster as material. You can only only activate 1 "Cynet Failure" per turn.
"So now Cyberse Wizard returns with no attack points!" Cyberse Wizard popped back up.
Cyberse Wizard: (Attack Position/ATK: 1800 - 1800 = 0/Equipped with Cynet Failure)
Cynet Failure: (Equipped with Cyberse Magician)
"No points means Cracking Dragon can't deal any damage." the Ignis realized.
"And thanks to this a clear road is ahead! Cyberse Wizard's ability activates! Cyberse Algorithm!" Cyberse Wizard fired it's ability again forcing Cracking Dragon down to Defense Position.
Cracking Dragon: (Defense Position)
The Knight of Hanoi frowned seeing that.
"Next I remove the Defect Counter from Defect Compiler, and give 800 attack points to Link Disciple!"
Defect Compiler: (Defect Counter: 1 - 1 = 0)
Link Disciple: (ATK: 500 + 800 = 1300)
The Knight of Hanoi frowned. "No Choice, I play the trap Pulse Mines, this switches all your monsters into defense mode."
Pulse Mines
Normal Trap Card
If you control a Machine monster: Change your opponent's Attack Position monsters (if any) to Defense Position, also, until the end of this turn, if a monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned to your opponent's field, change them to Defense Position.
Playmaker blinked as Cyberse Wizard, and Defect Compiler were forced into defense.
Cyberse Wizard: (Defense Position)
Defect Compiler: (Defense Position)
Playmaker grunted at this, "Okay... what now?"
He heard a clearing of throat, and looked, "What is it?"
"I have something that might interest ya... But it's risky." the Ignis said to him.
"Risky how?"
"You'll get torn apart, if you don't harness it."
Playmaker frowned before he gives a nod. "Alright, if anything to stop the Hanoi, and get answers."
"No hesitance, I like that. Alright then summon Data Storm!"
At that the Ignis concentrated before what manifested nearby was a large destructive data twister that is approaching the duel.
"What is that?" the Knight of Hanoi cried in shock.
Playmaker turned over seeing it as the Ignis directed, "Now go inside it!"
"Inside it?" Playmaker asked surprised.
"I did warn you you'll get torn apart."
Playmaker looked back before nodding, and shot forward letting out a battle cry penetrating the Data Storm entering it. As he did Joker arrived on a rooftop seeing the Data Storm upclose.
"What is that thing?" Joker questioned.
"That is called a Data Storm a large mess of data around Link VRAINS with high destructive capabilities. All users are authorized to avoid it at all cost as it would kill anyone who gets sucked in." Axis explained to him, "Playmaker, and the Ignis are inside the Data Storm right now."
"Inside? Why would they do that?" Joker questioned.
"I do not know." Axis admitted as they looked back.
Inside the Data Storm, Playmaker is struggling through it grunting from the large force in it, "Okay what now!?"
"Now reach your hand, and seize the wind! This is your own Skill!" the Ignis answered.
"My Skill?"
"Yes! Neo Storm Access! You take 1 random Cyberse from the Data Storm that's well-suited for your Deck, and add it to your Extra Deck! The more intense the storm is how powerful it is!" the Ignis answered, "Reach your hand in, and seize the wind!"
Playmaker at that reached before grunting holding his wrist with his other hand trying to control the power. He still struggles as he is pushed back before trying again grunting more screaming from the intensity of the Data Storm. Seeing him struggling the Ignis called, "Hey, I just noticed how powerful the storm is! Get out of there!"
"What?" Playmaker asked shocked.
"From how powerful this storm is, you can't control the power inside! You need to get out now!"
Playmaker grunted before he stated to him, "No."
"Are you insane, it'll tear you apart!" the Ignis told him.
"I don't care!" Playmaker yelled at him before saying, "10 years... 10 long years my mind has been clouded by thoughts, obsessions with revenge!" He stared deep at the storm, "All I cared was revenge on the Hanoi for what they done to me all those years ago! Those thoughts are gone now... But now I fight for a different reason! To seek answers against the Hanoi for what there purpose is!" He then screamed in the storm, "And no matter what... I WILL MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS!"
The Ignis stared in shock before they both hear something.
(Cue Theme: Awakening)
"So you've finally begun to step forward from the shadows of your past."
Playmaker gasped feeling a major headache like his head is being torn apart as he grabbed it screaming loud in the Data Storm which allowed the Ignis, the Knight of Hanoi, Joker, and Axis to hear while Playmaker has yellow eyes while Joker suddenly senses the feeling of a Persona from the Data Storm.
"No way..." he whispered before smirking.
"Huh? What was that?" the Ignis looked around for the voice.
"The hatred that blinded you for so long has been cleansed and now you can seek the truth behind your captivity all those years ago. Your eyes in the digital world have been opened to the world around you as well."
Playmaker's head kept ringing as he hears the voice spoke from the Data Storm screaming from the large pain he's feeling.
"I am thou, thou art I..."
Suddenly sensing something Playmaker, and the Ignis looked seeing something had appeared from the storm as a silhouette of a digital warrior larger then them was in front of them.
"Tell me," the silhouette figure started to Playmaker, "will you decode the mysteries of your past and bring new light to your future?"
"What the, now seize the wind Playmaker!" the Ignis cried.
Playmaker stared ahead before he stood up conviction on his face, "Yes, I will..." He then called the name of the figure, "Decode Talker."
He raised his hand trying again only this time he begins the control the power. The warrior nodded, "Very good." He transformed to data gathering in Playmaker's hand, "Now the time to seek answers for your past is nigh... give justice onto those who wronged you!"
A card appeared from the storm as Playmaker gave a grunt calling, "Skill activate! Neo Storm Access!"
Neo Storm Access
Playmaker's Skill
Can be used if your LP are at 1000 or below. Add 1 randomly-generated Cyberse monster well-suited for your Deck from a nearby Data Storm to your Extra Deck. The more intense the Data Storm, the stronger the monster will be.
An image of the warrior being signed into with him made him grin before he popped out of the Data Storm back on the duel much to the shock of the Knight of Hanoi who couldn't believe Playmaker wasn't destroyed from the Data Storm.
"He survived?" the Knight of Hanoi questioned in shock. "Oh well, I'll finish this on my next turn."
Playmaker landed back before he called, "Manifest, the future circuit that lights up my path!" The circuit appeared as he called, "The summoning conditions are at least 2 effect monsters! I set Link Disciple, Defect Compiler, and Link Infra-Flier in the Link Arrows!"
The three turned to hurricanes flying up entering the top, and bottom diagonal arrows.
"The truth ahead is far beyond the path! But now the truth can be grasp with the aid of the lone avenger! An avenger he is that can aid those who are wronged with him! Link Summon! Link 3, Decode Talker!"
(Cue Theme: Will Power)
Blue flames erupted from the Link Portal before they looked after bracing to see what appeared was a large purple armored cybernetic digital warrior with a large sword, and a black body readying.
(Attack Position)
(Extra Monster Zone)
Decode Talker
DARK
Link Rating 3
Cyberse/Effect/Link
ATK: 2300
Link Markers: Top, Bottom-Right, Bottom-Left
2+ Effect Monsters
(This card is treated as a "Persona" card.)
Gains 500 ATK for each monster it points to. When your opponent activates a card or effect that targets a card(s) you control (Quick Effect): You can Tribute 1 monster this card points to; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy that card.
The Knight of Hanoi frowned seeing the monster. "Link Monsters don't have a level, and they can't be in defense mode."
"Sometime feels off about that Link Monster..." Axis admitted to Joker.
"It's more than just a monster, watch." Joker told him.
"For every monster it's linked too Decode Talker, it gains 500 attack points! Power Integration!"
Decode Talker charged up from Cracking Dragon, and Cyberse Wizard.
Decode Talker: (ATK: 2300 + (500 * 2) = 3300/Linked with Cyberse Wizard, and Cracking Dragon)
Cracking Dragon: (Linked with Decode Talker)
Cyberse Wizard: (Linked with Decode Talker)
"3300!" the Knight of Hanoi cried in shock.
"And now Decode Talker attack Cracking Dragon! Decode End!" Decode Talker charged forward raising it's sword, "Cyberse Wizard's effect! Decode Talker deals piercing damage!"
Decode Talker charged energy before it slashed down at Cracking Dragon's head. Cracking Dragon roared before shattering as the Knight of Hanoi cried out.
Playmaker: 0200
Hand: 0
Field: Decode Talker (Attack Position/Extra Monster Zone/ATK: 2800/Linked with Cyberse Wizard), Cyberse Wizard (Attack Position/ATK: 0/Equipped with Cynet Failure/Linked with Decode Talker), Cynet Failure (Equipped to Cyberse Wizard)
Knight of Hanoi: 0000
Hand: 1
Field: Nothing
Playmaker wins!
"You have no right to call yourself a Duelist!" Playmaker declared as the Knight of Hanoi vanished. Seeing Joker he flew jumping off the Duel Board before then grunting kneeling, "Agh... what? Why is my strength giving out now?"
"It's normal for when you awaken." Joker answered. "Log out, you need your rest."
"Hey wait a second!"
They looked seeing the Gore had jumped up to where they are, "You two have quite a bit of nerve coming here, and taking the spotlight from me, and Blue Angel's intended event!"
"I'm sure they had a reason Gore." Blue Angel arrived at there location as they looked too her before she asked, "But seriously who are you two?"
"And why should we answer?" Playmaker grabbed Joker's arm before vanishing with him appearing at another rooftop far from the two.
Joker glanced at the two Charisma Duelists before logging out with Playmaker.
(Cue Theme: Beneath the Mask)
The two quickly woken up while Yusaku looked exhausted rubbing his head, "Oh man... what was that? First the massive headache, and... I knew what my monster was?"
"You should head home, we'll explain everything once you've gotten some rest." Akira mentioned. "Or... actually I think Igor and Moritz will explain it."
"Just know for now... it was the Rebellion within your heart taken form. Your Persona." Morgana said to Yusaku.
"My... Persona..." Yusaku looked at his hand before standing up only to stumble, and grabbed on the side of Cafe Nom, "Dammit... I can't walk straight..."
"Here." Ryuji mentioned walking over to him. "Let me help you get home."
"Indeed, you should feel better after a good night's rest." Yusuke agreed.
Ulrich362: Yusaku has awoken to his Persona... the first of many.
bopdog111: Any surprise it was Decode Talker?
Ulrich362: Not really, it is his ace monster after all. That said next up Yusaku will likely return to the Velvet Room and, maybe see if he can form a Social Link? Oh, and of course a certain group will react to the Phantom Thieves arrival.
bopdog111: What certain group is that?
Ulrich362: The Inner Circle of SOL Technologies of course. See you in the next chapter.
bopdog111: Be sure to review!