Yu-Gi-Oh Vrains: Advent of New Beginnings

by donkeyboy100

Sequel to Circuit of Smiles. Months have passed since Yuji, Ena, along with their counterparts, Yuya and Zuzu put a stop to Roget's plans and saved LINK VRAINS. However, a new mysterious group has come along that plans to eliminate LINK VRAINS Top 10 to take control of SOL Technologies. Can Storm Rider and his friends stop this new enemy without the aid of their counterparts?

38. Assembling Allies

In Amosis City, early in the morning…

"…Is it morning already…?"

Yuji said so with a yawn as he sluggishly woke up and exited the bed. He wasn't a morning person in general, and the fact that he had spent an eventful night yesterday with the Tag Duel he and Ena had with Xander and Zoey didn't help much. However, the thought that they successfully recruited two new allies quickly invigorated him. Suddenly, a buzzing sound from the right side of his mattress caught his attention. He turned towards that sound and saw it was his cellphone that was buzzing. He turned it off and saw that the time was 05:50 a.m.

"God, I didn't know I woke up this early," Yuji muttered. "I doubt I'll be able to go back to sleep. So I should kill time until someone else wakes up. But what should I do to kill time?"

Yuji pondered that for a few seconds before looking out his window.

"It looks nice outside," he said. "Perhaps going for a run and a little workout would be best." He then looked down at his clothes. "But I'm not running in the same clothes I'd slept in. Time for a wardrobe change."

He opened the closet, looking at the clothing available for him to choose from. After a few minutes, he quietly left the house and ran down the street. He wore a dark blue T-shirt, black shorts and white running shoes. He went toward the waterfront, where he and the others met Zoey for the first time and ran several laps there. After that, he moved on to push-ups, following up with sit-ups, and finally, he walked up to a nearby tree and used one of its branches to do some pull-ups. After finishing his workout, Yuji looked at his watch and saw that the time was 06:45 a.m., so he decided to watch the sea briefly before returning to the house.

"The salty sea breeze is nice." He said to himself.

"Yeah, I agree." A voice spoke up from behind, startling Yuji in the process. He turned around and saw it was none other than Ena standing before him. She wore a white T-shirt with blue stripes, a brown skirt and white shoes. "Sorry for startling you."

"Don't worry. It's alright. I just never expected someone to be out here this early."

"I could say the same about you," Ena said with a smirk. "But I have to admit that I'm impressed with your regime. Looks like all that talk about you and Theodore working out wasn't just for show."

Yuji chuckled at Ena's comment. "A good duelist needs to stay in shape at all times," he said. "But still, what are you doing here out so early? I'm guessing you woke up and couldn't go back to sleep either."

"Right on the nose," Ena confirmed. "That duel of ours last night drained me more than I wanted. And even though we got a decent amount of sleep, I still feel exhausted. So I thought going for a walk might help."

"Same here," Yuji said, returning his focus to the sea. "But it did work out in the end. We managed to get two new allies."

"Speaking of allies, heard anything from Zaizen regarding Triton and Hornet?" Ena asked.

Yuji shook his head. "Nothing yet," he said. "I do hope they join us. We'll need all the help to take down the Syndicate."

"No joke," Ena said as she joined Yuji in looking at the sea. "But it is nice. Getting a chance to relax after all we've been through."

Yuji nodded. "I'm with you on that. But just because things seem okay now doesn't mean they won't be soon. We have to keep our guard up at all times."

"I know, but I wish we didn't have to," Ena sighed. "We've been on high alert since the Syndicate appeared and had to watch our backs daily. It's like we're a celebrity escaping the paparazzi."

"That's one way of putting it," Yuji said. "But it's what we signed up for after winning the Masters Tournament last year. Though I miss the times when we could leave the apartment and not worry about something or someone lurking in the shadows or network waiting for the perfect chance to strike us when I least expect it."

"Then how about we change that?" Ena said with a smirk. "This is our last day in Amosis before we have to head back to Den City. So how about spending the whole day having fun and relaxing instead of wasting it by being inside?"

"That sounds good to me." Yuji nodded. "I'm sure the others would be down to. But what exactly are we going to do?"

"You can leave that to me," Ena said with a grin as she bumped her chest confidently. Suddenly, they heard a beeping sound from Yuji's wrist. It was his watch that was showing the time was now 06:50 a.m.

"Oh, that's our cue to head back. Don't want to make your family worry again."

And with that, Yuji and Ena hurried back to the Johnson residence, eager for a day of fun and relaxation.

Meanwhile, at the Syndicate's base…

"Battle! Mobius the Mega Monarch attacks The Fiend Megacyber! Imperial Charge!"

Several large ice spikes suddenly grew from Mobius' armor as it rushed forward, impaling a tall humanoid figure whose body was covered in yellow armor with two large spikes coming out of its shoulders, and a purple cloth was covering him from his stomach to his feet. The monster cried out in pain as it was destroyed in an explosion.

Syndicate Soldier: 500→0 LP

"Aaaaaah!" A regular Syndicate soldier grunted as he fell to the ground in defeat after his Life Points dropped to zero.

The other members watched as their fellow member was brutally defeated.

"What's wrong with you a lot? You're all pathetic and weak! You should be all deleted!" Galerius yelled at the defeated soldiers, including the ones who were watching. "Next!"

The members on the left and the right sidestepped away as the one in the middle looked to his left and right, surprised to see himself standing alone.

"Yeah, you're in the middle! You're next!" Galerius stated as he pointed at the lone soldier.

"Um…um…yes, sir!" He said nervously as he quickly activated his duel disk.

Just before the duel began, someone logged in and interrupted it.

"Galerius…" He turned over his shoulder to see Lumine.

"You…" Galerius responded before he turned to the scared soldiers. "You lot leave now! I need to have a moment to talk."

"Yes, sir!" They replied as some logged out quickly like a swarm of bees while two remained to carry the defeated one. After helping him up, they logged out with their fallen comrade.

"Galerius, you're being too harsh on the soldiers," Lumine said.

"Is that all you want to say to me?" Galerius asked with a cold tone.

"Anger doesn't solve anything," Lumine directly replied.

"Don't lecture me, Lumine!" Galerius exclaimed. "I know the two of us don't speak a lot, but I thought you of everyone besides Queen Priscilla understood me the most!"

Lumine sighed. "I do understand how you feel, Galerius. Just like you, I also want to eliminate the Top 10. And I know you would want a rematch with Playmaker since your duel with him ended without a winner. The same thing happened to Ladon and me in our duel with Soulburner and Roselyn. But need I remind you that Queen Priscilla's orders are absolute? For now, we must focus on training the soldiers into fine ones for her cause."

"Lumine is right, Galeriusa." They turned to see Enoch appearing out of nowhere as he approached them.

"Enoch…" Galerius hissed.

"As Lumine said, you must obey Queen Priscilla's order. Until she says so, you'll stay put and train the trainees," he emphasized.

Galerius growled at Enoch's words. "I will! But if I'm going to train them, I'll do it the way I want to!"

Enoch scoffed. "Oh, please. You're more aggressive than usual because of your loss against Dr. Willow's Duel Bot. Regardless of your advantage, you were still defeated by the doctor's invention. Not to mention you lost in a One Turn Kill."

"Why you…" Galerius growled as he approached the youth and grabbed him by his collar. "You have some nerve speaking in such a bold manner in front of me. Plus, if I recall, you were about to lose to Storm Rider the last time you two faced each other, forcing you to end the duel in a draw. Not to mention that because of you and Marionette's little stunt, the three of us got punished. So give me one reason I shouldn't beat you to a pulp right now!"

"Unless you want to upset her Holiness and be punished even more than you already have, I won't do that if I were you," Enoch said with a smile, seemingly unconcerned by Galerius's rage. "I can see in your eyes, heart and soul that you want to become stronger. I felt the same after my near-loss against Storm Rider. Since then, I've been training nonstop to ensure that doesn't happen again. Lucky for you, I have something to make your desire come true. So why don't we all calm down before you do something you'll regret, huh?"

Galerius was seething but released Enoch and stepped back, glaring at his comrade.

"That's better," Enoch said as he straightened his collar. "You really should do something about your violent outbursts, Galerius. Perhaps taking some anger management classes. Though I doubt it would help."

"Why are you here, Enoch?" Lumine asked her comrade. "What do you want? I doubt you came here to talk some sense into Galerius."

"I would think it's pretty obvious," Enoch said. "As you and everyone else are aware, Galerius has suffered an embarrassing loss. Let alone to a machine. As Dr. Willow produced new cards for us to help enhance our Decks, Queen Priscilla asked me to give Galerius the set of cards the doctor made especially for him. At first, given how prideful Galerius can be, I thought it would be a waste of time. However, after a little convincing, I agreed to do so."

Galerius narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Why are you telling me this?" Was he trying to convince him that he wasn't strong enough? Even if that were Enoch's motive, Galerius would not fall for such tricks.

"Because I see potential in you. A potential that you fail to see with your own eyes. Or rather, you refuse to see it." Galerius blinked, not expecting that answer. "At the moment, people like Desperado and Natura think you're a weakling and a burden. There is no point in wasting time with a burden weakling."

"If I'm those things, why are you wasting time with me?"

"Because, unlike them, I do not see you as that." Galerius gasped. Enoch turned away. "Come with me."

Galerius narrowed his eyes. "Why would I?"

"As I said, I can tell you want to become stronger. Isn't that what you want? To prove that you're more than a failure?"

Galerius frowned and looked down. "I… I…"

"If you want to be more than you are, follow me." Enoch raised his hand and conjured a portal of purple lightning. He walked through the portal. Galerius narrowed his eyes and, against his better instincts, followed him through, with Lumine following suit.

Queen Priscilla narrowed her eyes in her throne room, having borne witness to the exchange. "Good job, Enoch. Let's hope this will be the push Galerius desperately needs."

Elsewhere, in Amosis City…

Currently, Theodor, Skye Lily were in the living room. They were all in different clothing. Theodore wore a white undershirt and a black button-up polo with a red dragon design. His outfit is finished off with a pair of black pants and sneakers. Skye wore a teal green top with a hot pink jacket layered over it alongside blue jeans and sneakers. Finally, Lily was in a white tank top with a pleated blue shirt, purple shorts, and yellow shoes. The trio had woken up about 15 minutes ago. Shortly after waking up, they noticed Yuji and Ena were gone. As for Isaac and Daisy, they notified everyone they were leaving early in the morning to go to Italy to celebrate their anniversary. Luckily, the couple had left a change of clothes for the three youths before they left. They figured Yuji and Ena didn't need any since Yuji could wear Xander's clothes since they had the same body figure, and they probably kept some spare clothes for Ena since she was family.

After checking all over the house, the three youths assumed their friends had gone out for a walk or something and decided to wait for their return. And right now... they were playing video games. Theodore and Lily were sitting back while Skye watched them play. The screen on the TV was currently showing two characters fighting each other. One was a man with short black hair, wearing a karate outfit and a red headband. His opponent was a woman with brown hair arranged in two buns wearing a red Chinese dress.

"Ah! Come on, come on!" Theodore said fiercely while pressing the buttons on his controller.

"I don't think so!" Lilyy replied, just as determined as him.

The karate man charged forward with a kick, but the woman jumped in the air and performed a dropkick that knocked the man down. And with that, he was lying on his back, and the letters KO appeared on the screen.

"Oooh!" Theodore lowered.

"Yes! I win!" Lily cheered, raising her hand high in triumph.

Theodore sighed before smiling at her. "Nice game. Didn't think you were good at this kind of thing."

Lily pouted. "What? You thought I was only into girly stuff?"

Theodore raised his hands in a placating gesture. "No, I didn't mean it like..."

Lily giggled. "Oh, relax. I was kidding."

"Well, looks like you guys are having fun. Why not add some more fun on top of that?"

A nearby voice remarked, prompting the duo to turn their heads and see the source of the voice came from Yuji with Ena beside him.

"Ah, you're back," Skye said, smiling at the two youths.

"You guys enjoyed your walk?" Lily asked.

"We did," Ena answered. "But to clarify, I walked while Yuji ran and did some exercises."

Theodore smiled. "Glad to see you're staying in shape," he said. "But the next time you guys leave to go somewhere, leave a note."

Yuji nodded. "Noted."

"Now that we got that out of the way, let's circle back to what Yuji said earlier," Skye suggested. "What did you mean adding more fun on top?"

"He means let's go out and do something thrilling," Ena replied. "As you know, we've been on high alert since the Syndicate debut in LINK VRAINS. And since then, we've had close to no time to relax or take a breather."

"She's right," Yuji continued. "While we could count the time we helped Scarlett and her friends out by volunteering at the orphanage, that focused more on getting to know our allies."

"So while we were out, Yuji and I got to talking and decided to make our last day in Amosis City a day full of nonstop fun," Ena added. "That is if you guys are up to it."

"I'm down with that," Theodore stated with a wide smile.

"Me too!" Skye added.

"And me three!" Lily followed. "Are Xander and Zoey joining us as well?"

"Afraid not," Yuji said with a frown. "We contacted them, and they got stuck looking after their neighbor's dogs."

"Such a shame," Skye said. "It would've been nice to get to know them more."

"By the way, what exactly are we going to do to make our last day here fun?" Theodore asked.

"Not what, but where," Ena stated, making the trio raise an eyebrow. "We're going to Kaiba Land!"

Lily perked at that. "Kaiba Land? That's the greatest amusement park in the world."

"No joke," Skye agreed. "But I thought it was only located in Domino City."

"It was," Ena revealed. "But they decided to branch out and start opening more worldwide. There's one a few miles away from here."

"After sharing the idea with me, I believed it was the perfect place for us to relieve our stress," Yuji stated. "But enough details. How about we get going? If we don't leave now, there'll be a long line by the time we arrive."

"You don't have to tell me twice," Theodore remarked, with Skye and Lily nodding in agreement.

"Wonderful!" Ena grinned. "Let's go, everyone! It's about time we have a day to ourselves and forget about everything!"

[Right!]

Following everyone's shout, the five youths went out the door, intent on having a day full of fun and relaxation…

Meanwhile, elsewhere…

Galerius and Lumine gasped as they exited the gateway and looked around. Their eyes widened. "…A chapel?"

It was a truly unexpected sight for Galeris. The chapel was spacious and tidy, with a large, circular window made out of stained glass placed on the top of the wall opposite him and Lumine, serving as the only illumination source. Several wooden chairs were neatly arranged around the hall while a crimson carpet covered the floor. All in all, the place exuded a sense of harmony and calm.

"This virtual reality is separate from LINK VRAINS, right?" Lumine asked Enoch, who nodded.

"This is a specialized area Queen Priscilla made for Marionette and me to train and test out new cards given to us," he explained. Lumine nodded in understanding.

Galerius narrowed his eyes. "Why did you take me here? You said I could be… more than I am."

"I invited you here because, unlike the Syndicate's training area, no one can see our duel."

Galerius blinked. "You want to duel me?" He caught the underlying meaning of Enoch's sentence. "Wait, you think I'd lose against you?"

"Yes," Enoch said. "In case you're unaware, Queen Priscilla strongly believes I'm the Syndicate's strongest member, while you believe you're the strong one. The result of a duel between us is obvious."

"If it's obvious, why do you want to duel me?!"

"For your sake." Galerius gasped, not expecting that answer. "After your recent loss, you see yourself as a failure. You have allowed it, as well as the opinion of others, to cloud your view of yourself. What I want is for you to be at your best. In other words, I want to help you achieve that."

"…Why?" Galerius asked. "Why would you want that? Are you trying to convince me I can't become stronger alone?"

"If that were the case, we wouldn't be here right now," Enoch said. "The fight against Storm Rider and his allies will be coming soon, and you are my ally on the battlefield. If I am to fight at your side, I wish you to be stronger."

"…Is this your wish or Queen Priscilla's?" Galerius asked.

"It is both of ours; I wish for an ally to be stronger, while Queen Priscilla wishes for you to make the most of your potential. So…" His eyes flashed blue. "…will you accept my challenge?"

"…Very well," Galerius said. He had no reason not to accept, and if this duel lasted long enough, he might gain some experience. With that in mind, Galerius raised his Duel Disk.

"Duel!"

Galerius: 4000 LP

Enoch: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Enoch said. "I place one card face-down. I end my turn."

Lumine gasped while Galerius growled in anger. "What? One Set card? Are you joking?" Enoch remained silent to his question, annoying him. "Fine! I'll make you pay for underestimating me! My turn! I draw!"

Galerius drew, then said, "I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two cards. Next, I summon Edea the Heavenly Squire!"

A small humanoid female knight covered head to toe in silver armor appeared on Galerius's field.

Edea the Heavenly Squire ATK 800 DEF 1000 LVL: 1

"Idea's effect activates!" Galerius announced. "When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a monster with 800 attack points and 1000 defense points from my Deck in Defense Position. Come to my side, Eidos the Underworld Squire!"

A humanoid male wearing black armor with spikes on the chest plate and his arms appeared on Seamus's field. He had a long, black feather on the top of his helmet and a long, black cape draped on his back.

Eidos the Underworld Squire ATK 800 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"And thanks to Eidos's effect," Galerius said, holding up another one of his cards. "I can perform another Normal Summon this turn. I Tribute Edea the Heavenly Squire to Tribute Summon Caius the Shadow Monarch!"

Edea dissolved into a pool of shadows, which grew and swelled around the Monarch Duelist as he began to chant.

"Wherever the shadows lurk, Caius is there, ruling the darkness in man's heart. Come forth, Monarch of the Shadows!"

A man in bulky dark grey armor with purple highlights stepped from the shadows. Twin bat-like ears seemed to extend from the armor's helmet, giving the monster a sinister look.

Caius the Shadow Monarch ATK 2400 DEF 1000 LVL: 6

"An impressive opening move," Lumine noted. "A defense monster and a monster with 2400 attack points. While I doubt Enoch is intimated, he'll still have to play his cards carefully."

"I activate Caius's effect!" Galerius declared. "Since Caius was Tribute Summoned, I can target a card and banish it! The card I choose to banish is Eidos the Underworld Squire!"

Caius drew his dark broadsword and slashed at the squire next to him, creating a dark portal as it absorbed the unfortunate monster.

"There's more to Caius's effect," Galerius stated as he pointed at Enoch. "Since the card Caius banished was a Dark Attribute monster, you take 1000 points of damage! Go, Shadow Burst!"

Caius shot a spear of dark energy at an unphased Enoch, pushing him back slightly.

Enoch: 4000→3000 LP

"I activate the Spell Card: Double Attack!" Galerius continued. "By discarding a monster from my hand, I can choose a monster on my field with a lower Level than the monster I discarded to have the targeted monster attack twice this turn. I discard the Level 8 Granmarg the Mega Monarch, and target the Level 6 Caius." Galerius smiled. "With this, my monster will be able to damage your Life Points not once but twice and end this!"

However, to Galeriu's display, Enoch showed no reaction, making Galerius grit his teeth in frustration.

"Fine. Accept your defeat in silence! Battle! Caius the Shadow Monarch attacks you directly!"

Following its master's command, an orb of dark purple energy materialized in Caius' hands as he began to charge it. Once the mass doubled, the armored monster launched it toward Enoch.

"Did you honestly think it would be that easy?" Enoch smirked as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Dark Wall of Wind! Through its effect, I take no battle damage from direct attacks for this turn!"

Following his words, Enoch was encased into a sphere of wind, preventing Caius's attack from reaching him.

Galerius gritted his teeth. "So you had a plan for that. I activate the Continuous Spell Card: March of the Monarchs! While this card is on my field, my Tribute Summoned monsters cannot be destroyed or targeted by card effects. Following that, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Prohibition! When this card is activated, I can declare one card name, and while this card remains on the field, any card with that name and its effects cannot be used! I declare Voidvelgr Ritual!"

"Hmm. Clever," Enoch acknowledged, though his tone didn't change. "Since my best monsters are Ritual Monsters, you used a card that locks me out from summoning them."

"I saw footage of your duel with Storm Rider," Galerius said. "I know how you used them to push him into a corner. Prohibition will keep you from using the card needed to bring them out! I place a card face-down and end my turn."

My Set card is Blast Held By Destiny, Galerius thought. Once Enoch declares an attack, My Trap Card will destroy the monster with the highest attack points on his field and inflict damage to him equal to his monster's attack points. He'll likely try to bring out a monster with at least 3000 attack points. And once he does, I win.

"Enoch may have dodged a bullet there with the help of his Spell Card, but he's still in a tight spot," Lumine remarked. "Unless he manages to destroy Prohibition or negate its effect, it's all over for him come Galeriu's next turn."

"Hmm." Enoch hummed again. "You are not a bad duelist. Far from it. Your dueling is that of someone who's been pushed to the edge. I can feel a steeled strength and resolve from your dueling. However—you also lack focus!"

This sudden declaration from Enoch unsettled Galerius.

"I…lack focus? What are you talking about, Enoch?"

"Even though this duel hasn't been long, I could sense that I didn't register in your eyes as an opponent." Enoch began explaining. "You are dueling against me, yet it feels like you're struggling to overcome something."

Enoch's words cut deep into Galerius's heart. Why? He was speaking nonsense…wasn't he? Could it be true? Had he let his fixation with his loss against Dr. Willow's Duel Bot affect him so much that his mind had become clouded? Not to mention, he failed to defeat Playmaker. His only victory was defeating The Shepherd.

"And that is a fatal weakness that will cost you this Duel!" Enoch declared. "It's time for me to end this."

Galerius blinked. "What?"

"My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Advanced Ritual Art! This card allows me to Ritual Summon any Ritual Monster in my hand, as long as I send Normal Monsters from my Deck to the Graveyard whose Levels are precisely that of the Monster I plan to Summon! I send the Level 4 Normal Dimension Others and the Level 4 Normal Shadow Sentinal from my Deck to the Graveyard to Ritual Summon to Ritual Summon!"

Enoch declared as he gestured upwards, the screen of his Duel Disk and its black sections glowing blue. A dark blue magic circle appeared on Enoch's field, along with eight flames. Two monsters appeared on either side of the circle. One was a black-skinned creature with no eyes or mouth with pink clusters all over its body, while the other was a purple-armored humanoid riding a large hovercraft of the same color with a sharp blade on its side. Both monsters soon disintegrated into light and entered the circle's center, lighting them up. A pillar of light erupted from the circle.

"From the empty sky, I invoke the promised paradise of oblivion!" Enoch chanted. "I Ritual Summon! Come forth! Level 8! Voidvelgr Elysium!"

A bipedal dragon covered in dark and yellow armor adorned with pink orbs and accents all over its body. Two arc-shaped wings were attached to its back, which emitted electricity.

Voidvelgr Elysium ATK 3000 DEF 2600 LVL: 8

"He used a non-archetypal Ritual Spell Card to Ritual Summon…" Lumine stared in wonder at the sight unfolding before her. "Just how skilled are you, Enoch?"

"I can't believe it…" Galerius muttered. "He managed to summon one of his aces without Voidvelgr Ritual?"

"Normally, when Elysium's successfully Ritual Summoned, it destroys all monsters my opponent controls," Enoch said. "However, it's prevented thanks to March of the Monarch's effect. But that doesn't matter." He took a card from his hand and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Card Rotator! By sending a card from my hand to my Graveyard, I can change the battle positions of all monsters you control."

Strings erupted from the Spell Card, ensaring Caius as he kneeled.

Lumine raised an eyebrow. Why would he do that?

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Voidvelgr Dusk and equip it to Elysium!"

A disk-shaped black hole with orange, blue, and purple energy swirling on its trim appeared above Elysium's head.

"Through its effect, Voidvelgr Dusk increases the equipped monster's attack points by 100 per Level."

"Elysium is a Level 8 monster," Galerius noted.

"So that means it gains 800 attack points," Lumine finished.

Voidvelgr Elysium ATK 3000→3800

"Furthermore, due to Voidvelgr Dusk's second effect, the equipped monster can inflict double-piercing battle damage!"

"Double piercing damage?" Lumine repeated upon realizing what that entailed. "That means if Elysium's attack connects, Galerius will receive 5600 points of damage!"

"This will finish you!" Enoch declared while pointing at Galerius. "Voidvelgr Elysium, attack his Caius and end this!"

"Not so fast!" Galerius yelled. "I activate the Trap Card: Blast Held By Destiny! Thanks to its effect, it destroys the monster on your field with the highest attack points and inflicts its attack points as damage to you! This match is mine!"

"Sorry. But I won't allow that!" Enoch bellowed. "I activate the effect of Voidvelgr Meteon in my Graveyard! When you activate a card or an effect while I control a Dark Galaxy monster, I can negate its activation and banish it!"

"What!?" Galerius cried out in shock as a dark haze enveloped his Trap Card, making it vanish. "Kuh, you even had a countermeasure ready for that!?"

"Finish him off, Elysium! Universal Judgement!"

Elysium shot upwards as torrents of electricity surrounded its body, and its wings expanded. The monster was surrounded by a golden aura, which converged in front of its maw and was unleashed in a stream of energy that blasted Caius. Galerius cried out as the energy beam struck him and created an explosion. When the smoke cleared, Galerius fell to his knees.

Galerius: 4000→0 LP

Enoch walked up to the fallen man. "Seems Desperado and Natura are right; you are a burden to the Syndicate. But are you going to let that stop you? Are you going to accept what you are?"

Galerius glared up at the orange-haired youth. "…No. I don't want to accept that. I want to become stronger!"

Enoch chuckled. "Good." He held out his hand and generated a blue sphere. Within the sphere was a Deck. "Then take these."

Galerius blinked as he accepted the cards. "What is this?"

"A prototype Deck designed by Dr. Willow himself." Galerius's eyes widened. "It was originally intended for the Duel Bot, but he felt the Deck suited you more. Familiarize yourself with it, and I guarantee it will be much stronger than your current Deck."

"…Alright," Galerius said with a nod. He pushed the sphere into his Duel Disk, then stood up. Enoch snapped his fingers, creating a portal.

"The two of you should return," he said. "I'll be returning later."

Galerius frowned. "Before I leave, I'll ask you again. Why did you help me?"

"I helped you because I saw wasted potential. While Desperado and Natura won't care about that, I promise Priscilla and the others do."

Galerius thought that over and nodded. Then he and Lumine entered the portal and left.

"That was unexpectedly nice of you."

Upon hearing these words, Enoch turned around, coming face-to-face with a familiar purple-haired youth who was grinning at him. "Marionette."

"Yes, a pleasure to see you again." The girl smiled but then frowned in confusion. "I overheard the last part of your conversation. You gave him the cards Dr. Willow made for him?"

"As a means to see if he would take it; to help him see that it would assist him."

"And yet you advised him not to let other people's opinions get the better of him." Marionette gave Enoch a considering look. "That's…unlike you. What brought on this sudden change of attitude? Was it because you nearly lost to-?"

"Be silent, Marionette." Enoch's tone changed from one of indifference to that of one giving an order.

Marionette frowned. "Forgive me. I spoke out of line. Even so, I'm glad there is still more to you than seeking a challenge."

"I am not one-dimensional."

"I didn't say you were," Marionette agreed.

"Hmph. What are you doing here? Should you not be watching the prisoners? Or better yet, looking for duelists the Top 10 want to ally with?"

"The prisoners are still in their cells. And to answer your second question. I found two of them," Marionette said, pulling up a holographic screen that depicted Hornet and Triton. "A few weeks ago, SOL hosted a small tournament to celebrate the Top 10's accomplishment in shutting down our factory. These two were chosen challengers; from what I saw, they possess top-notch dueling skills."

"I see," Enoch said as he narrowed his eyes at the screen. "Were you able to pinpoint their location?"

"Didn't need to," Marionette smirked. "According to some online post, they're supposed to appear at some LINK VRAINS event or whatnot. They sure have gotten popular since their duels against Sanctum and Gore." She turned to Enoch. "I've already informed Queen Priscilla and plan to send out two of our soldiers to apprehend them."

"Good work, Marionette." Enoch praised her. "Do you think they'll succeed?"

"I hope so," Marionette replied. "But to be honest, it's give or take. After all, anything can happen..."

Meanwhile, back in the real world…

Kaiba Land Amosis City branch.

One of the first Kaiba Land amusement parks opened outside of Japan, it was a place to find happy children, young couples, parents, and duelists of all ages. There was something for everybody between the thrill rides and the dueling attractions (such as the arena). Little kids could even meet actors dressed as their favorite monsters (word around the theme park is the guy who plays Kuriboh quits on Thursday).

"We're here!" Ena exclaimed as he and the others looked around.

The place was pretty big. There were many amusement rides and games. And there were a lot of people in this place.

"So, what do you guys want to start with?" Theodore asked. "The rollercoaster? Bumper cars? Freefall?" He then smirked. "Or perhaps Yuji and Ena would want to ride in the Tunnel of Love?"

The last part caused the duo to turn bright red. Ena gave him an annoyed look. "Very funny!"

Andrew shook his head and got over his embarrassment. "Let's take the rollercoaster. Come on." He grabbed Ena's hand and dragged her, following the others behind them.

With that, the group of five had fun in Kaiba Land. They rode on the rollercoaster, featured with cars resembling Blue-Eyes White Dragon, with their arms raised above their heads. They then followed up with Bumper cars. Those cars had some Duel Monster resemblance. Some of them looked like the heads of Goblin Attack Force. Others looked like Beast King Barbaros. Etc. Skye was driving around, bumping into one driver after another. Before she knew it, Theodore and Yuji bumped her from behind. Skye was about to retaliate, but Lily and Ena emerged from nowhere and bumped into them. After a brief moment, the five youths laughed. Following that, the trio were on a new ride as they screamed from a swinging ship that spun in a complete 360-degree revolution. That, of course, made them dizzy as they got off the ride.

Afterward, they decided to try games that wouldn't cause them to vomit or pass out. They started with a simple ring toss game. They tossed their rings, trying to get them around the pegs. Skye was successful and won a small Buster Blader figure. After that, they tried a what-a-mole game. A Fairy Box version, to be exact. They whacked the moles until the game signaled for time's up. Theodore managed to get 76 points. Ena was able to get 81 points. They turned to Lily, who was cheering. And the reason for that was that she got 94 points.

Next up was dart-throwing, where one could win one of the many plushies hanging on the place's ceiling. The quintet did quite well hitting the dartboards. Yuji's three arrows were the ones that got closest to the middle, so he won the game.

After looking at the plushies, he pointed at the one he wanted. He was handed a Watapon plushie, which he handed over to Ena. She hugged it happily.

Soon enough, they sat together on a bench and drank soda.

"I'll tell you, this place never ceases to amaze me," Ena commented.

"You got that right," Lily replied before sipping her soda. "I always visited this place each summer since I was a kid, and I never got tired of it."

"As I said before, this is the greatest amusement park in the world," Skye added.

"So, what do you want to do next?" Theodore asked. "There are plenty of other areas we can head to."

Yuji chose that moment to stand up. "Well, there's one place I want to visit."

"And what's that?" Ena asked.

The cyan-haired smirked. "I'll show you."

The group walked in the direction Yuji was focused on. Eventually, they reached a pretty big white building with a black roof. It had a sign with big words that said 'KC Dueltek 760'.

"What kind of area is this?" Lily asked.

Yuji smirked. "I learned about this place shortly after we arrived," he revealed. "The one place where duelists come to have some real fun. Let's get inside."

With that, they entered the building. Once inside, they found themselves inside a huge hall where many people, mostly kids, were gathered together in a circle. The center of their attention was a large dueling arena. Each arena was red and blue, with two podiums and stands unfolded and four holo projection towers on each corner. The podiums contained a tray similar to a duel mat that duelists would use instead of Duel Disks, as well as counters for the Life Points and view screens to show the opponent's tray. A little girl was on the blue podium. As for her opponent... it was seemingly no one. But at a closer look, they could see some cards hovering above it.

"This, my friends, is where you can test your dueling skills against the KC Dueltek 760," Yuji revealed.

Ena hit her left palm with her right fist like a hammer. "Oh yeah! Kaiba Land has a dueling computer that you can duel against."

Lily rubbed her chin. "I've heard of that too. But I thought the dueling computer was in Kaiba Dome."

"It used to be," Skye answered. "But nowadays, that place houses matches between Pro League duelists. Which is why the Dueltek has been moved to this building."

"Ah, I see."

"Looks like that girl is having some trouble," Theodore noted.

Girl: 750 LP

Computer: 1900 LP

The girl had a monster on the field that looked like a green bean with small arms and legs and a blue cape, carrying a sword and shield. It was Jerry Bean Man.

Jerry Beans Man ATK 1750 DEF 0 LVL: 3

On the computer's side, there were two monsters on the field. One of them was an Alexandrite Dragon. The other monster was a Luster Dragon.

Alexandrite Dragon ATK 2000 DEF 100 LVL: 4

Luster Dragon ATK 1900 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"My turn! I draw!" The girl drew a card from her Deck and looked at it. She smiled before placing it on her table. "I activate Equip Spell Card: Vile Germs! This card gives my Plant-type monster 300 attack and defense points!"

Jerry Beans Man ATK 1750→2050 DEF 0→300

"Battle! Jerry Beans Man attacks Luster Dragon!"

The bean charged forward and stabbed the blue dragon with his sword, shattering it into pixels.

Computer: 1900→1750 LP

"With that, I end my turn." The girl concluded, grinning.

"Drawing new card." The computer announced with a female voice as an additional holographic card appeared. "Tributing Alexandrite Dragon to summon Strong Wind Dragon in Attack Position."

Alexandrite Dragon vanished as a large, muscular blue and green dragon took its place. It had a long tail and wings that stretched out widely.

Strong Wind Dragon ATK 1900 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Activate special effect. When Strong Wind Dragon is summoned by Tributing a Dragon-type monster, half of that monster's attack points are added to Strong Wind Dragon's attack points."

Strong Wind Dragon ATK 2400→3400

"Oh no!" The girl gasped.

"Strong Wind Dragon attacks Jerry Beans Man."

The dragon flapped its wings and launched blades of wind that cut the humanoid bean to pieces.

Girl: 750→0 LP

"Aww." The girl moaned in disappointment.

"That's too bad," Lily said.

"Can't say I'm surprised," Theodore said, pointing to a screen showing the image of the girl. It also showed the image of the Dueltek with the words Level 5 below. "That computer was set to level 5."

"The highest level, huh?" Yuji muttered. "Not easy to defeat a deck of that level." He then smirked. "But I always like having a challenging duel! And that's what I'm going to do!"

At that moment, Yuji walked over to the Duel Arena.

"That does sound fun," Skye commented. "Do you think Yuji has a chance against level 5?"

"It might be tough," Ena replied before smiling. "But knowing Yuji, I'm pretty sure he can win."

Theodore and Lily smiled. "Right."

The quarter walked up to the arena while Yuji got into position.

"Alright then..." He turned a small screen that showed the words 'Choose level'. "Let's get wild." He pressed an arrow-like button that pointed upwards, changing a number on the screen from 1 to 2, 3, 4 and finally 5. After that, he pressed a green button. "Now, let's go!"

"It's time to duel." The computer announced as five holographic cards appeared above its podium while Yuji drew his opening hand.

Yuji: 4000 LP

Computer: 4000 LP

Many of the people gasped upon seeing the settings the screen above showed.

"He's going for level 5?" A boy asked.

"How is she going to beat that? Even I couldn't beat it." The girl who dueled moments ago added.

"Commence turn. " The computer announced. "Activating the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, setting a monster in Defense Position."

A Set monster, Yuji thought. It must be using a different Deck that focuses on defense.

"Activating Continuous Spell Card: The Dark Door." The Spell Card appeared behind the face-down monster. "The Dark Door prevents each player from attacking with more than one monster each turn. Now, activating Continuous Spell Card: Supply Squad." Another Spell Card appeared next to The Dark Door. "Once per turn, an additional card is drawn when a monster on my field is destroyed. Turn complete."

Yuji narrowed his eyes. What is that computer up to? He placed his hand on his Deck."My turn! I draw! I summon Axe Dragonute!"

A large dragon clad in black armor wielding a massive axe appeared before Yuji.

The armored dragon charged forward, its ax ready. The Set card flipped, revealing a small armored knight carrying a red flag, riding a winged horse with matching armor.

Little Trooper ATK 900 DEF 500 LVL: 1

The dragon raised its axe and swung it downwards, cutting the knight and horse in half, shattering them into pixels.

"Little Trooper's effect activates." The computer announced. "When it's destroyed in battle, a Level 2 or lower Warrior monster is Special Summoned to the field in Defense Position."

A face-down monster card appeared. "Supply Squad's effect activates. Due to the destruction of a monster, one card is drawn." An additional card appeared above the podium.

"Since Axe Dragonute attacked, it switches to Defense Position." Yuji's dragon kneeled. He then placed one card on his table. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"Drawing new card." The Dueltek announced as a new card appeared above it. "Processing dueling strategy." After a moment, it spoke up again. "Placing one card face-down." A face-down card appeared. "Turn complete."

"That isn't much," Yuji commented as he drew his next card. After glancing at it, he smirked. "I Tribute Axe Dragonute to Tribute summon Des Volstgalph!"

The axe-wielding dragon vanished as a big dragon with red and blue scales, red wings, and light blue eyes appeared on the field.

"Then I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Dragon's Rage!" His face-down card flipped up. "As long as this card remains on the field, if my Dragon-type monster attacks a monster in Defense Position, you'll take damage equal between its attack points and your monster's defense points. Now, Des Volstgalph! Destroy that face-down monster!"

The dragon reared its head back before spitting out a torrent of blue flames. The face-down monster card flipped up before the flames reached the other side, revealing another Little Trooper.

"Another Little Trooper, huh?" Yuji said as the knight was burned to ashes.

Computer: 4000→2300 LP

"And now my Des Volstgalph's effect activates! Every time it destroys a monster in battle, you take another 500 points of damage!"

The dragon spat out another torrent of flames, getting a direct hit on the Dueltek.

Computer: 2300→1800 LP

"Nice one, Yuji!" Ena cheered.

"You got this, bro!" Theodore added.

"Activating Little Trooper's effect. Summoning new monster in Defense Position." A new face-down monster appeared on the computer's field. "Supply Squad activates. Drawing additional card." Another holographic card appeared.

"Well, I'll end my turn with this, "Yuji concluded.

"Drawing new card." The computer drew. "Activating the Spell Card: Polymerization."

Yuji's eyes widened as the named card appeared on the field. "A Fusion Summon?"

"Fusing Zombyra the Dark and Maryokutai."

As the Spell Card created a multi-colored vortex, two monsters appeared before it. One of them was a muscular man in a blue suit. He wore bone armor, a horned helmet, and a cape with a purple interior. The other monster was a skull with glowing eyes and a dome of red energy surrounding its cranium. The two monsters were sucked into the vortex. "Fusion Summoning The Last Warrior from Another Planet in Attack Position."

A new monster emerged from the vortex. It was a yellow-skinned creature resembling a muscular goblin. Though it was more cyborg-like, it had metallic shoulder plates, with a laser cannon attached to the left one. Blue cables were attached to its back and right arm, and its right hand was metallic with claws for fingers.

The Last Warrior from Another Planet ATK 2350 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"When The Last Warrior from Another Planet is summoned, other monsters on my field are destroyed." The face-down monster shattered into pixels. "Supply Squad's effect activates. Drawing new card." The computer drew a card. "Lastly, while the Last Warrior from Another Planet remains on the field, no monsters can be summoned."

"That's one strong monster," Yuji commented. "But unfortunately for you, my Des Volstgalph has another effect. Each time a Normal or Quick-Play Spell Card is activated, it gains 200 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Des Volstgalph ATK 2200→2400

"Activating Spell Card: Dark Ruler No More." The computer continued as another Spell Card appeared. "Until the end of this turn, the effects of all monsters on your side of the field are negated."

"No way!" Yuji exclaimed as a dark aura enveloped his dragon.

Des Volstgalph ATK 2400→2200

"Entering Battle Phase. The Last Warrior from Another Planet attacks Des Volstgalph."

The cyborg aimed its cannon at the dragon and fired a laser piercing its chest. Second later, it exploded. However, there was no change in Yuji's Life Points.

"How come Yuji didn't lose any Life Points?" Lily wondered.

"During the turn Dark Ruler No More is activated, the opponent doesn't take any damage," Skye explained.

"Placing two cards face-down." Two cards appeared on Dueltek's field. "Turn complete."

Yuji started to get a little nervous. "Okay, this is gonna be tough." He stared at the computer's monster. Especially since that thing prevents me from summoning monsters, I'll have to figure out a new strategy. He drew his next card. "Now then..."

"Activating Continuous Trap Card. Light of Intervention." The Dueltek interjected and revealed one of its three face-down cards. "As long as Light of Intervention remains active, no monsters can be set."

"Are you kidding me?!" Yuji questioned as he started to get annoyed.

"No face-down monsters?" One of the kids asked.

"That's not good." Another person from the crowd added.

"Activating second Continuous Trap Card. Curse of Darkness." One of the other face-down cards flipped up. "Each time a Spell Card is activated, the player that activated it takes 1000 points of damage. Now, activating the third and final Trap Card. Chain Burst." The Dueltek's final face-down card revealed itself. "Each time a Trap Card is activated, the player that activated it takes 1000 points of damage."

After hearing all that, Yuji started to sweat a little.

"Now things are starting to get bad," Theodore muttered worriedly.

"Tell me about it," Ena replied. "That computer has limited Yuji's options. Thanks to its card combo, he can't play any monster. And if that wasn't bad enough, he'll take plenty of damage whenever he plays a Spell or Trap Card."

"Well, this isn't good," Yuji muttered as he looked over his hand. He hesitated before taking a card from his hand and placing it on his table. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"Drawing new card." The computer drew. "Entering battle phase. The Last Warrior from Another Planet attacks the opponent directly."

The cyborg charged up its cannon.

"I activate the Trap Card: Defense Draw!" Yuji declared as his face-down card flipped up. "This card allows me to reduce the battle damage from your attack to 0!"

The cyborg fired away, but an invisible wall blocked the laser beam.

"And after that, I draw a card."

"Chain Burst's effect activates. Inflicting 1000 points of damage."

With that announcement, the named card blasted Yuji with energy, making him cry in pain.

Yuji: 4000→3000 LP

"Turn complete." The Dultek concluded.

"Then it's my turn." Yuji drew his next card and looked at it. My Emergency Provisions. He then looked over his hand. Hmm. Maybe... He then placed some of his cards on the table. "I place two cards face-down and activate the Continuous Spell Card: Mirage Of Nightmare!"

"Curse of Darkness activates." The computer announced. "You take 1000 points of damage."

Like Chain Burst, Curse of Darkness blasted Yuji with an energy beam.

Yuji: 3000→2000 LP

"I end my turn," Yuji concluded.

"Drawing new card." The Dueltek announced and drew.

"And this is when the effect of Mirage of Nightmare kicks in!" Yuji interjected. "During your Standby Phase, I can draw cards until I have four in my hand. Since I hold three cards, I only get to draw one."

"Entering Battle Phase. The Last Warrior from Another Planet attacks."

The cyborg charged up its cannon again.

"I activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet!" Yuji abruptly declared. "Thanks to this, all damage I'll take this turn is halved, but before I let it resolve, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions, sending Damage Diet, along with Mirage of Nightmare and Dragon's Rage to the Graveyard to gain 3000 Life Points!"

Following his words, Yuji was surrounded by a green aura.

Yuji: 2000→5000 LP

"Curse of Darkness inflicts damage."

The Trap Card fired another energy beam, damaging Clover's life points.

"Since Emergency Provisions took effect BEFORE Damage Diet, that will cost Clover 1000 points," Skye noted.

Yuji: 5000→4000 LP

"That may be, but at least the damage he'll take from this point is halved," Theodore replied.

At that, Chain Burst fired yet another energy beam at Yuji

Yuji: 4000→3500 LP

And then, she was blasted from the cyborg's cannon.

Yuji: 3500→2325 LP

"Turn complete." The computer concluded.

"Then it's my turn!" Yuji announced as he drew his card and looked at it. Savage Colosseum. This card can't be helpful in this situation. He then noticed a certain card in his hand. He smiled. Or it could be.

Ena noticed his expression. "Looks like Yuji's got a plan."

"You think so?" Lily asked.

Yuji placed a card on the table. "I place one card face-down and activate the Field Spell Card: Savage Colosseum!"

The stadium reacted and projected the transparent walls of a coliseum.

"Curse of Darkness activates. You take 1000 points of damage."

The named card blasted Yuji again.

Yuji: 2325→1325 LP

But despite the damage, Yuji wasn't worried. "I end my turn."

"Drawing new card." The computer drew.

"I activate my face-down card!" Yuji abruptly declared. "The Continuous Trap Card: Nightmare Wheel!" A red aura surrounded the cyborg. It tried to move, but it was frozen in place. "With this card in play, your monster can't attack or switch its battle position."

"Chain Burst's effect activates. You take 1000 points of damage."

The Continuous Trap Card blasted Yuji once again.

Yuji: 1325→325 LP

Yuji recovered and smirked. "Not that it matters since your monster is stuck."

"Processing dueling strategy." The computer went silent for a moment before speaking up again. "Turn complete."

"Not quite." Yuji retorted. "Because my Savage Colosseum has an interesting effect. Any monster in Attack Position that didn't attack this turn is destroyed during the End Phase."

Following Yuji's words, the cyborg exploded.

"Supply Squad's effect activates. Drawing new card." The computer drew.

"Not that it will help you now," Yuji smirked.

"He did it!" Lily said joyfully. "He defeated that dreadful Fusion Monster."

Ena nodded with a smile. "That was worth all the pain he went through."

"Here I go!" Yuji drew his next card and looked at it. He smirked. "Perfect! I summon Luster Dragon!"

A dragon with a blue body appeared and roared.

Luster Dragon ATK 1900 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Now, Luster Dragon! Direct attack!"

The large dragon roared and fired a stream of flames at the Dueltek, dropping its Life Points to 0 with its holographic cards vanishing.

"Game Over."

Computer: 1800→0 LP

As the holograms vanished, everyone was silent momentarily. But then, they all cheered loudly and applauded.

As she got down from her podium, many kids suddenly approached Yuji.

"That was so awesome!" A boy said enthusiastically.

"You defeated that mean combo!" A girl added.

"You were so cool!"

"Okay, okay. Take it easy, kids!" Yuji said, keeping herself from chuckling.

Ena and the others watched with smiles on their faces. After spending at least a few minutes talking to some of the kids, shaking their hands and teaching a couple of dueling strategies, Yuji eventually managed to sneak away and join his friends as they exited the building. However, at that moment, his stomach let out a loud growl.

"Hehehehe…" Yuji said with a nervous smile. "Sorry, everyone. Guess my duel was so intense that it made me hungry. I feel like I could wolf down three meals myself."

"In that case, why don't we grab a bite to eat?" Ena suggested. "Truth be told, I'm also famished. I always went to a small restaurant nearby when I needed a break from the rides. I'm sure you all will also enjoy it. You guys down?"

"Of course I am," Theodore said.

"Us as well!" Skye added, with Lily nodding.

"Well, I'm not one to reject an invitation, especially when it involves food," Yuji said, crossing his hands behind his back. "Lead the way, Ena."

"Kyaaaaah! It's Triton and Hornet!"

A person from a nearby crowd screamed, catching the five youths' attention. Other people from around gathered in front of the TV screen.

"So that's why we haven't heard anything from them," Yuji remarked. "It's because they've been busy accepting requests from fans."

"I wish Akira would've told me this," Skye said with a frown. "We could have saved ourselves time by asking them in person."

"I wish we knew about this as well," Ena remarked. "Regardless, instead of waiting for them to respond, why don't we just log into LINK VRAINS and ask them in person? Kill two birds with one stone."

"Sounds good to me," Yuji said. "Let's get a move on."

With that, the group of five began moving through the narrow streets of the amusement park like the wind. After a couple of minutes, they arrived at an abandoned warehouse. Once they ensured nobody was around, they entered and took out their Decks.

"Time to link into the VRAINS!"

Meanwhile, in LINK VRAINS…

"Battle!" Triton declared. "Mermail Abyssgaios attacks you directly! Wrath of the Abyss!"

On his command, Abyssgaios raised its trident and summoned a towering water vortex, blowing the opponent away as his Life Points dropped to 0.

"What a bummer! I lost," the boy said.

"I hope you enjoyed the duel, everyone!" Triton said to the crowd, who replied with cheers of his name. He turned to his fallen opponent and asked, "What about you? Did you have fun?"

The boy was silent but then laughed. "Yes, I did! I got to duel you after all! And even if I lost, having fun is important." He reached out his hand. "I look forward to the next time we duel, Triton. Though, I got a long way to go to become a Celebrity Duelist."

"You're not the only one," Hornet added as she approached the duo and placed HER hand on the boy's shoulder. "Even if people see Triton and I as Celebrity Duelists, it doesn't mean we are," she said. "But I believe we'll reach that milestone one day."

The boy smiled at Hornet's words. "Thanks, Hornet. I appreciate it."

And with that, the boy returned to the crowd as Triton and Hornet turned to them.

"Alright, everyone! We'll take a short break for autographs before going to the next duel," Triton said. "If you want an autograph, come on in a straight and orderly fashion!"

The next thing they knew, the crowd started to rush at them.

Hornet sweatdropped. "I expected a crowd, but I didn't expect it to grow in size this quickly!"

"Leave it to me," Triton said with a smile as he inserted a card in his Duel Disk that generated an intense flash of light that temporarily blinded the crowd. When it died down, he and Hornet were nowhere to be found.

"Huh?"

"Where did they go?"

"Was this part of the act?"

The crowd started talking to each other about where Triton and Hornet could have gone. But unbeknownst to them, two cloaked figures were on a nearby rooftop, looking down at them using their binoculars. Their Duel Disks started beeping within moments, indicating they got the trail. They soon leaped to the ground and vanished among the crowd, intent on tracking their targets.

In another area of LINK VRAINS...

"That was close," Hornet said, wiping sweat off her face with her left forearm. "I'll admit, even though I enjoy dueling, I get stage fright if people are watching me."

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll overcome it." Triton told her. "You know, we are alone. If you want, we can help each other get stronger by dueling."

"Seriously?" Hornet said with a wide smile. "I'd be-."

"If the two of you want to get stronger, then why don't you duel us!" a voice said, startling them. When they turned around, they took note of two cloaked figures approaching them, stopping a few meters away and taking off their cloaks, allowing the duo to look at their appearance.

Both men wore white high-collared shirts with black neckties under black suits with sleeves rolled up to their elbows. He also had a light gray belt around his wrists, waist, and knees, black pants, and shoes.

Triton and Hornet deduced they were Syndicate Soldiers. However, these two were unlike any they'd seen before. They looked like mindless zombies with cybernetic features. They wore mechanized armor with glowing blue outlines and metal gauntlets. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the soldiers activated their Duel Disks, causing two Duel Anchors to shoot out and wrap themselves around Triton and Hornet's wrists before disappearing.

"Targets found," the soldier on the right said. "Assignment: Defeat and apprehend Triton and Hornet."

"Apprehend?" Triton repeated. "What does the Syndicate want with us? We're not part of the Top 10."

"Even so, there's nothing we can do." Hornet reasoned as she pressed a few buttons on the Duel Disk to try and log out. Unfortunately for him, it didn't work. "I thought so. We can't log out."

"Is that so?" Triton let out a sly smile. "Then we'll just have to make sure this becomes a lose-lose scenario for them."

The two soldiers circled the two duelists until they were across from each other, with the duo in the middle.

"You ready, Hornet?" Triton asked, opposing the first soldier before they walked over to one side, while Hornet opposed the second soldier and walked over to the other.

"Always," she replied. "Just be careful, alright?"

Triton nodded before all four duelists activated their Duel Disks.

"Duel!" Triton and Syndicate Soldier #1 shouted in unison.

Triton: 4000 LP

Syndicate Soldier #1: 4000 LP

"I shall take the first turn," Soldier #1 said. "I summon Super Quantum Blue Layer."

A female wearing a futuristic blue uniform appeared.

Super Quantum Blue Layer ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

Triton raised an eyebrow. Super Quantum? I've never heard of this archetype.

"Blue Layer's effect activates." Soldier #1 stated. "When this card is summoned successfully, I can add a "Super Quant" card from my Deck to my hand. I choose and activate the Field Spell Card: Super Quantal Mech Ship Magnacarrier. Then, I activate my Field Spell's effect, discarding Quantum Supporter to perform an Xyz Summon by using only a "Super Quantum" monster on my field with the same Attribute as the Xyz Monster I wish to summon as material. I Overlay Blue Layer."

"What!?" Triton cried out in shock. "An Xyz Summon, you say!?"

Blue Layer became a stream of energy following Triton's words and was absorbed by a galaxy-like portal.

"Xyz Summon. Come forth, Rank 3. Super Quantal Mech Beast Grampulse in Defense Position."

A blue-colored mechanical monster that resembled a hybrid between a genus dolphin and a submarine with two blue lights orbiting it appeared on Soldier #1's field.

Super Quantal Mech Beast Grampulse ATK 1800 DEF 2800 RNK: 3 OU: 2

"I wasn't expecting an Xyz Summoning," Triton muttered.

"Since a "Super Quantal Mech Beast" was Special Summoned, the effect of Quantum Supporter in my Graveyard activates, allowing me to attach it as an Overlay Unit to it."

A third light began circling Grampulse.

Super Quantal Mech Beast Grampulse OU: 2→3

"Finally, I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Triton announced. "I draw! I summon Mermail Abysspike!"

A merman with blonde hair wearing light blue armor appeared on Triton's field.

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Abysspike's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can discard one Water monster and add one Level 3 Water monster from my Deck to hand. I discard Mermail Abysslinde to add Mermail Abyssgunde from my Deck to my hand."

After doing so, Triton said, "I discard Mermail Abyssgunde to Special Summon Mermail Abyssteus from my hand!"

A creature resembling a bipedal, armored turtle holding a spear appeared on Triton's field in Attack Position.

Mermail Abyssteus ATK 1700 DEF 2400 LVL: 7

"Abyssteus's effect activates!" Triton stated. "When this card is Special Summoned, I can add one Level 4 or lower "Mermail" monster from my Deck to my hand. I addMermail Abysshilde. And when Abyssgunde is discarded, I can Special Summon one "Mermail" monster from my Graveyard. Return to me, Abysslinde!"

A blue-haired mermaid wearing red armor appeared on his field in Attack Position.

Mermail Abysslinde ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Shield Attack." Triton continued. "Through its effect—"

"I activate Grampulse's effect." Soldier #1 interrupted Triton. "Once during either player's turn, I can detach an Xyz Material from it to destroy a Spell or Trap Card on your field. I choose to destroy Shield Attack."

Super Quantal Mech Beast Grampulse OU: 3→2

Triton narrowed his eyes as his card shattered. "So it looks like you're not dumb even though you look like a lab experiment gone wrong," he remarked. "Then, Plan B it is. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Blind Spot Strike! One Attack Position monster I control gains attack points equal to the defense points of a Defense Position monster you control. Abyssteus gains Grampulse's 2800 defense points!"

Mermail Abyssteus ATK 1700→4500

"Battle!" Triton declared. "Abyssteus, attack Mech Beast Grampulse!"

The armored turtle charged forward, piercing into Grampulse's body with its spear before exiting it from the opposite side and returning to Triton's field. Immediately afterward, the Xyz Monster was destroyed in a flashy explosion.

"Since a "Super Quant" Xyz Monster was destroyed, I can activate the Trap Card: Super Quantum Mech Legacy." Soldier #1 stated. "Through its effect, I will draw two cards from my Deck. Following that, I activate the Continous Trap Card: Direct Border, which prevents all monsters with 1000 or more attack points from attacking directly."

Triton growled in frustration after hearing that. "I place a card face-down and end my turn," he said. "At this moment, the effect of Blind Spot Strike ends."

Mermail Abyssteus ATK 4500→1700

"My turn." Soldier #1 announced. "Draw. First, I activate the Spell Card: Magic Planter, sending Direct Border to the Graveyard to draw two cards. Then, since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come, Super Quantum Red Layer."

A crimson-colored warrior with a lion motif armor appeared on Soldier's #1 field.

Super Quantum Red Layer ATK 2000 DEF 800 LVL: 5

"Since Red Layer was summoned successfully, its effect activates, allowing me to add a "Super Quant" card from my Graveyard to my hand." Soldier #1 continued. "I choose Super Quantum Blue Layer and summon it."

Blue Layer appeared once more on the field next to its red counterpart.

Super Quantum Blue Layer ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"Blue Layer's effect activates again, allowing me to add the Spell Card: Super Quantum Mech Revival from my Deck to my hand and activate it." Soldier #1 continued. "Through its effect, I can use it along with a "Super Quantum" monster on my field as materials to Special Summon a "Super Quant" Xyz Monster from my Graveyard with the same Attribute as the aforementioned "Super Quantum" monster and attach these cards as Overlay Units to it. Revive, Super Quantal Mech Grampulse in Defense Position."

The Spell Card and Blue Layer became energy streams that joined and transformed into Grampulse, which landed on the field.

Super Quantal Mech Beast Grampulse ATK 1800 DEF 2800 RNK: 3 OU: 2

"Next, I activate my Field Spell Card's effect." Soldier #1 said. "I send one card from my hand to the Graveyard to use Red Layer as an Xyz Material and Xyz Summon a "Super Quant" Xyz Monster with the same Attribute as it from my Extra Deck."

Following the soldier's words, Red Layer became a stream of energy and was absorbed by the galaxy-like portal.

"Xyz Summon. Come forth, Rank 5. Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger."

A red mechanical monster resembling a liger appeared on the field in Attack Position, letting out a loud howl.

Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger ATK 2600 DEF 2000 RNK: 5 OU: 1

"Since a "Super Quant" Xyz Monster was Xyz Summoned successfully, I can activate Quantum Supporter's effect in my Graveyard and attach it as an Xyz Material to it."

Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger OU: 1→2

"Next, I activate Grampulse's effect, detaching an Overlay Unit to destroy your face-down card."

"Before that, I activate the Trap Card: Advanced Alchemy Cycle!" Triton shouted. "Due to its effect, the attack points of all monsters I control become 0, but in exchange, I receive no damage from battles involving them and can draw one card from my Deck when they're destroyed for this turn!"

Mermail Abysslinde ATK 1500→0

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1600→0

Mermail Abyssteus ATK 1700→0

"Recalculating strategy. I activate Magnaliger's effect." Soldier #1 continued. "By detaching an Overlay Unit from it, I can destroy a monster on the field. I choose to destroy Mermail Abyssteus."

Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger OU: 2→1

A wave of fire erupted from Magnaliger's maw, enveloping Abyssteus and incinerating it.

"Since it was destroyed, Advanced Alchemy Cycle's effect activated." Triton declared. "Thanks to it, I get to draw a card!"

"Since the detached Quantum Supporter already used its effect twice, it will be banished instead of sent to the Graveyard. Now, battle." Soldier #1 announced. "Magnaliger, destroy Mermail Abysspike."

The large mechanical liger charged forward and sashed Abysspike with its claw, destroying it with Triton drawing a card right after.

"Subject managed to escape damage and refill hand." Soldier #1 stated. "Appropriate response has been formulated. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Triton announced. "I draw!" He looked at his card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Xyz Gift! Since two or more Xyz Monsters are on the field, this card lets me draw two cards! Then, I summon Saber Shark!"

A shark with a sword-like appendage on its forehead appeared.

Saber Shark ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

Triton gestured to his monster. "I activate Saber Shark's effect, raising Abysslinde's Level by one!"

Mermail Abysslinde LVL: 3→4

The soldier narrowed his eyes. "Opponent has two Level 4 monsters," he noted. "That means…"

"It means I overlay my Level 4 Saber Shark and Mermail Abysslinde!"

A bolt of dark blue energy shot out of Triton's Duel Disk. The bolt created a massive blue "X" with four red dots at the corners. His monsters disintegrated into data particles and entered two dots, lighting them up. The ends of the "X" fired beams, creating a galaxy before it exploded with power.

"Howl, unknown roar!" Triton chanted as a stream of DNA formed before turning into a blue sphere. "Rise from the darkness of the abyss! I Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Bahamut Shark!"

A blue and white anthropomorphic shark with sharp black claws, four fin-like wings and talons on its arms and legs emerged from the sphere. The monster roared in Attack Position while two blue lights circled it.

Bahamut Shark ATK 2600 DEF 2100 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"As predicted, the subject performed an Xyz Summon." Soldier #1 stated. "Commencing countermeasures. I detach Magnaliger's second Overlay Unit to activate its effect again and destroy Bahamut Shark."

Super Quantal Mech Beast Magnaliger OU: 1→0

"Your strategies are truly transparent, you emotionless freak." Triton snorted. "Did you think I wouldn't guess Magnaliger could activate its effect during either player's turn, just like Grampulse? That's why I had my countermeasure ready! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Effect Shut! It negates the activation of a monster's effect and destroys it! Say farewell to your Magnaliger!"

The wave of flame that erupted from Magnaliger's mouth was blocked by a shield of light that exploded into numerous fragments, which shredded Magnaliger's body, destroying it.

"Following that, I activate Bahamut Shark's effect!" Triton exclaimed. "By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can Special Summon a Rank 3 or lower Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck! Divine Soul!"

One of the blue orbs that floated around Bahamut Shark flew into its mouth, breathing a column of energy into the ground, glowing brightly as a portal appeared.

Bahamut Shark OU: 2→1

"Surface! Rank 3! Mermail Abysstrite!"

Triton's newest monster emerged from the portal in Attack Position. It was a beautiful woman with purple hair and the tail of a dolphin wearing purple armor, a golden crown, and carrying a golden scepter.

Mermail Abysstrite ATK 1600 DEF 2800 RNK: 3

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Xyz Treasure!" Triton stated. "Through its effect, I get to draw one card for every Xyz Monster on the field, meaning I can draw three cards! Then, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Xyz Unit and equip it to Bahamut Shark! Bahamut Shark now gains 200 attack points multiplied by its Rank! Since its Rank is 4, it gains 800 attack points!"

Bahamut Shark ATK 2600→3400

"Battle!" Triton announced. "Bahamut Shark, attack Grampulse! Torrential Stream!"

The humanoid shark unleashed a large torrent of water from its mouth, easily destroying the Super Quantum Xyz Monster.

Triton smirked. "Now it's Abysstrite's turn. Attack him directly!"

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Super Quantum Mech Guardian." Soldier #1 abruptly declared. "Through its effect, since I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can Special Summon this card as a Monster in Defense Position and have it receive your attack."

A small robotic humanoid appeared and was subsequently engulfed by Abysstrite's wave of water, resulting in its destruction.

"Super Quantum Mech Guardian's effect activates." Soldier #1 stated. "When this card is destroyed, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Super Quantum" monster from my Deck. Come, Super Quantum Green Layer in Defense Position."

A humanoid clad in a green uniform appeared on Soldier #1's field.

Super Quantum Green Layer ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Since Green Layer was summoned successfully, its effect activates." Soldier #1 continued. "Through it, I can Special Summon a "Super Quantum" monster from my hand. Come, Super Quantum Yellow Layer in Defense Position."

A humanoid clad in a yellow uniform appeared on the field next to Green Layer.

Super Quantum Yellow Layer ATK 800 DEF 1200 LVL: 1

"Yellow Layer's effect activates. When this card is summoned successfully, I can draw cards from my Deck equal to the number of "Super Quantum" monsters on my field plus one. Therefore, I will draw three cards from my Deck."

"It looks like you unfortunately managed to survive this turn." Triton clicked his tongue in irritation. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

At Hornet and Soldier #2's duel…

"Duel!" Hornet and Syndicate Soldier #2 said in unison.

Hornet: 4000 LP

Syndicate Soldier #2: 4000 LP

"Since you ambushed me, and I'm a lady, I'll go first," Hornet announced. "I summon Flying Kamakiri #1!"

A green, bipedal dragonfly with four arms appeared in Attack Position.

Flying Kamakiri #1 ATK 1400 DEF 900 LVL: 4

"Then, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Verdant Sanctuary! As for its effect, you'll find out soon. Finally, I place a card face-down and end my turn. Let's see what you got, you zombie!"

"My turn." Soldier #2 spoke with a neutral tone. "I draw. I activate the Field Spell Card: Scrap Factory. While this card is on the field, all "Scrap" monsters gain 200 attack and defense points. And now I summon Scrap Shark."

A mechanical shark made of scrap metal appeared.

Scrap Shark ATK 2100→2300 DEF 0→200 LVL: 4

Hornet blinked. "2300 attack points from a Normal Summon?"

"Battle. Scrap Shark attacks Flying Kamakiri #1."

The mechanized fish charged forward and bit down on the dragonfly, destroying it and making Hornet wince.

Hornet: 4000→3100 LP

Hornet chuckled. "Not bad, freak. But you'll have to do better than that. At this moment, the effects of Verdant Sanctuary and Flying Kamakiri both activate!" She announced as she took two cards from her Deck. "First, Verdant Sanctuary lets me add an Insect monster on my field whose Level is the same as the monster you just destroyed from my Deck to my hand." She added one of them to her hand while revealing the other card, "And when Flying Kamakiri is sent to the Graveyard by battle, I can Special Summon a Wind Attribute monster from my Deck in Attack Position so long its attack points are 1500 or less, and who better than Battlewasp – Sting the Poison!"

A mechanical bee with a glass abdomen filled with pink liquid appeared.

Battlewasp – Sting the Poison ATK 400 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"And when Sting the Posion is summoned, I can add a "Battlewasp" monster to my hand," Hornet said as she took a card from her Deck. "I choose Battlewasp – Dart the Hunter."

"Since a monster's effect was activated, Scrap Shark's effect activates, and it self-destructs."

Following Soldier #1's words, the mechanical fish exploded.

"Eh?" Hornet gasped. "Your monster self-destructed?"

"Since Shark was destroyed by a "Scrap" card's effect, its other effect activates." Soldier #2 declared. "I can send a "Scrap" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I'll send Scrap Beast to the Graveyard. And then the effect of Scrap Factory activates! When a card effect destroys a "Scrap" monster on the field, I can Special Summon a "Scrap" monster from my Deck."

Hornet's eyes widened. "What?"

"Come to me, Scrap Breaker."

A floating pile of junk metal with two arms, each ending in a different cannon, appeared in Attack Position.

Scrap Breaker ATK 2100→2300 DEF 700→900 LVL: 6

"It's still my Battle Phase," The soldier reminded Hornet. "Breaker attacks Sting the Poison."

Hornet gritted her teeth as the machine fired lasers at the mechanical bee. She gestured to her field.

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Battlewasp - Nest! Thanks to its effect, since you attacked a "Battlewasp" monster, I can Special Summon a "Battlewasp" monster from my Deck or hand to place a counter on Battlewasp - Nest and end the Battle Phase! Come from the Deck—Battlewasp - Pin the Bullseye!"

A semi-transparent barrier intercepted Scrap Breaker's attack. Once it faded, an insect with a yellow head, a blue body that ended in a rocket, and wings appeared.

Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye ATK 200 DEF 300 LVL: 1

Battlewasp - Nest: 0 TC→1 TC

"Opponent has escaped the attack," Soldier #2 stated. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Hornet announced. "I draw! I summon Dragonbite!"

A large, serpentine creature appeared, with yellow membranes forming its wings. Mandibles were all over its body, and it had two scythe-like legs.

Dragonbite ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"And when Dragonbite is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Insect monster from my hand. Come—Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter!"

A small black wasp appeared next to Dragonbite.

Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Celestial Bell Tower!" Hornet continued. "Now, whenever a player Synchro Summons, they get to draw a card." She gestured to her field. "I tune Level 4 Dragonbite to Level 1 Dart the Hunter!"

The world greyed out as the two monsters disintegrated into green data. Two rings appeared. One brown and one red, with the red ring made of two concentric circles. Several blue-green rectangles appeared, circling the tower of rings as a screen appeared in front of the tower. The screen said "4 + 1" before changing it to read "5." A stream of light went through the rings as Hornet chanted.

"Stingers of rage, become a bow to pierce the heavens with a flash! I Synchro Summon! Appear now, Level 5! Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow!"

A red and white feminine humanoid monster with a longbow and a quiver of arrows at its waist emerged from the light in Attack Position.

Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow ATK 2200 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"Thanks to the effect of Celestial Bell Tower, I draw a card!" Hornet declared as she drew. "Then, I activate Pin the Bullseye's effect! Once per turn, it can inflict you with 200 points of damage! And thanks to Azusa the Ghost Bow's effect, whenever a "Battlewasp" monster inflicts effect damage, that damage is doubled! In other words, Pin the Bullseye's effect will now deal 400 points of damage!"

Following Hornet's words, the small shot its stinger at the soldier, causing him to wince.

Syndicate Soldier #2: 4000→3600 LP

"I activate the Spell Card: Tannhauser Gate. Through its effect, I can target two monsters on my field and make the Level of each one equal to the original combined levels of both monsters. As such, both Sting the Poison and Pin the Bullseye become Level 3 monsters."

Battlewasp – Sting the Poison LVL: 2→3

Battlewasp – Pin the Bullseye LVL: 1→3

Hornet smirked. "I tune Level 3 Sting the Posion with Level 3 Pin the Bullseye!"

The world grayed out as green energy gathered around Hornet before blasting upwards. Her monsters disintegrated into data that reformed into four rings. The rings turned blue and merged before reforming into six blue rings in a tower. "3 + 3" before shifting to "6". A beam of light shot through the rings.

"Beat your wings, bring your sting, unite and fight!" Hornet chanted. "I Synchro Summon! Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge!"

A blue and gold humanoid insect with a red halberd appeared on Hornet's field in Attack Position.

Battlewasp - Halberd the Charge ATK 2500 DEF 800 LVL: 6

"Bell Tower's effect activates, letting me draw another card!" Hornet drew, then said, "Battle! Halberd the Charge, attack Scrap Breaker! And at this moment, Halberd's effect activates! When it battles a monster with equal or higher attack points, that monster's attack points are halved!"

Scrap Breaker ATK 2300→1150

Halberd swung its battle-axe, splitting Breaker in half and destroying it, causing a large explosion that blew Soldier #2 back.

Syndicate Soldier #2: 3600→2250 LP

"Furthermore, Halberd's second effect activates!" Hornet declared. "Since it destroyed a monster in battle, you take 200 points of damage for every "Battlewasp" monster I control, in this case, 400!"

Halberd swung its axe a second time, unleashing a crescent wave of energy that struck Soldier #2, making him grunt.

Syndicate Soldier #2: 2250→1850 LP

"Let's finish this." Hornet stated. "Azusa the Ghost Bow, attack him directly!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Counter Gate." Soldier #2 declared. "If I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can negate it! Then, I will draw a card from my Deck, and if it's a monster, I can Special Summon it in Attack Position."

The soldier drew his card and revealed it.

"The drawn card is Scrap Chimera, a monster. That means I can Special Summon it."

A winged mechanical lion with hooves for feet and a snake for a tail appeared.

Scrap Chimera ATK 1700→1900 DEF 500→700 LVL: 4

"Scrap Chimera's effect activates. When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Scrap" Tuner monster from my Graveyard."

Hornet blinked. "A Tuner monster? But you don't-!" He gasped. "The card you sent to the Graveyard with your Shark's effect!"

"Affirmative. I Special Summon Scrap Beast."

A gray and gold mechanical wolf appeared and howled.

Scrap Beast ATK 1600→1800 DEF 1300→1500 LVL: 4

"Tch." Hornet clicked her tongue in irritation. "This was a perfect chance to end this Duel, but I suppose that would have been too easy. I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn." Soldier #2 announced. "I draw. I tune Level 4 Scrap Beast to Level 4 Scrap Chimera."

A bolt of green lightning struck the Syndicate soldier as the world greyed out, and his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, colored yellow and brown, appeared before turning blue and merging. Eight blue rings stacked in a tower appeared on a screen displaying "4 + 4" in front of them. The screen then changed to "8" as light surged through the rings.

"Synchro Summon. Level 8. Scrap Dragon."

A mechanical dragon with plated wings and red eyes emerged from the rings and roared in Attack Position.

Scrap Dragon ATK 2800→3000 DEF 2000→2200 LVL: 8

"Due to the effect of your Celestial Bell Tower, I get to draw a card," Soldier #2 said. "Next, I summon Scrap Worm."

A mechanical slug with teeth lining its maw appeared.

Scrap Worm ATK 500→700 DEF 100→300 LVL: 2

"I activate Scrap Dragon's effect." Soldier #2 continued."Once per turn, I can destroy a card I control, then destroy a card you control." Hornet gasped. "I'll destroy my Scrap Worm to destroy your Halberd the Charge."

Two pipes connected to Scrap Dragon's body released copious amounts of superheated steam at Scrap Worm and Halberd, vaporizing both.

"Scrap Worm's effect activates," Soldier #2 stated. "When it's destroyed by the effect of a "Scrap" card, I can add a "Scrap" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I choose Scrap Chimera." He took the card, then said, "And since a card effect destroyed Scrap Worm, Scrap Factory lets me Special Summon a new "Scrap" monster from my Deck. Come, Scrap Golem."

A large mechanical monster appeared. It had a refrigerator for a body, a microwave for a head, and a fan for a right hand.

Scrap Golem ATK 2300→2500 DEF 1400→1600 LVL: 5

"I activate Scrap Golem's effect. Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Scrap" monster from my Graveyard to either of our fields. I Special Summon Scrap Worm to my field."

The creature made of wires, tubes, and coils reappeared.

Scrap Worm ATK 500→700 DEF 100→300 LVL: 2

Hornet narrowed her eyes. "That monster's a Tuner."

"I tune Level 2 Scrap Worm to Level 5 Scrap Golem."

Soldier #2's monsters disintegrated into green data as seven blue rings formed and a screen appeared. The screen said "2 + 5" before changing to "7." A stream of light went through the rings.

"I Synchro Summon. Level 7. Scrap Archfiend."

A black humanoid fiend with wings appeared in Attack Position. Its entire body was made of metal as steam poured from numerous valves.

Scrap Archfiend ATK 2700→2900 DEF 1800→2000 LVL: 7

"Two Synchro Summons, one a Level 7 and the other a Level 8, in the same turn," Hornet muttered, a rueful grin across his face. "I know how to pick them, don't I?"

"Bell Tower's effect activates, letting me draw a card," Soldier #2 stated. "Then, I activate the Spell Card: Remove Trap. This card lets me destroy one face-up Trap card on the field. I choose Battlewasp - Nest."

Remove Trap fired a blast of energy at Battlewasp - Nest, destroying it, much to Hornet's dismay.

"Battle." Soldier #2 announced. "Scrap Archfiend attacks Azusa the Ghost Bow."

Scrap Archfiend unleashed a cloud of toxic fumes from its mouth as they enveloped Azusa, destroying it and making Hornet wince.

Hornet: 3100→2400 LP

"Don't write your victory speech just yet," Hornet scoffed as she took a card from her Deck. "Since an Insect monster was destroyed in battle, Verdant Sanctuary lets me add another with the same Level to my hand. I add the Level 5 Bio Insect Armor!"

"Your Life Points are 2400, while Scrap Dragon's attack points are 3000." Soldier #2 remarked. "The probability that my next attack will result in your defeat is 89,13%. These parameters are acceptable. Scrap Dragon, attack her directly."

"Not so fast!" Hornet shouted as Scrap Dragon fired superheated steam at her. "I activate the Trap Card: Spider Egg! Since you declared a direct attack while I have at least three Insect monsters in my Graveyard, this card negates your direct attack and Special Summons three Spider Tokens to my field in Attack Position!"

An egg appeared and blocked the steam from Scrap Dragon's attack. The force from the steam destroyed it, hatching three small spiders onto Hornet's field.

Spider Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 3

Hornet smirked. "It appears you failed to finish me off. In other words, I get to repay you for the damage you inflicted on me."

"Surviving once is not a noteworthy feat." Soldier 2 responded in its usual emotionless tone. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

Hornet narrowed her eyes. "Since you seem to think that the only thing I have going for me is luck, allow me to prove you wrong! My turn! I draw!"

Back at Trition and Soldier #1's duel…

"My turn." Soldier #1 announced. "I draw. I summon Super Quantum Black Layer."

A humanoid clad in a black uniform with jackal-motif armor pieces attached to its body appeared.

Super Quantum Black Layer ATK 1000 DEF 1400 LVL: 2

"I activate Black Layer's effect." Soldier #1 continued. "If this card was summoned successfully, I can send a "Super Quantum" Xyz Monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard and inflict 500 points of damage to my opponent. I will send the second copy of Grampulse to my Graveyard to activate this effect."

Black Layer swung its tail-shaped whip and struck Triton's body, causing a hiss of pain to escape from his mouth.

Triton: 4000→3500 LP

"Next, I activate Super Quantal Mech Ship Magnacarrier's effect again." Soldier #1 stated. "I will send three cards from my hand to the Graveyard and use my three Super Quantum monsters to Xyz Summon their respective Super Quantal Mech Beast monsters."

Following the soldier's words, the three monsters he controlled turned into streams of energy that were absorbed by the three galaxy-like portals that appeared on the field.

"Xyz Summon. Come, Rank 1, Super Quantal Mech Beast Granray, Rank 2, Super Quantal Mech Beast Voltreker and Rank 4, Super Quantal Mech Beast Aeroboros."

Three mechanical monsters, a yellow-colored serpent with blade-shaped fins attached to its body, a black-colored jackal with two cannons attached to its shoulders and a green-colored winged creature with a blaster attached to its back, appeared on Soldier #1's field.

Super Quantal Mech Beast Granray ATK 1200 DEF 0 RNK: 1 OU: 1

Super Quantal Mech Beast Voltreker ATK 2000 DEF 600 RNK: 2 OU: 1

Super Quantal Mech Beast Aeroboros ATK 2200 DEF 2400 RNK: 4 OU: 1

"Three Xyz Monsters in a single turn…" Triton narrowed his eyes. "And to make matters worse, I feel something even bigger is coming up next…"

"I activate Voltreker's effect." Soldier #1 declared. "By detaching an Overlay Unit from it, I can banish all monsters in your Graveyard and deal 300 points of damage to you for each banished monster. Since four monsters are in your Graveyard, you'll receive 900 points of damage."

The cannons on Voltreker's shoulders aimed at Trition and unleashed two energy blasts that struck his body and sent him skidding back several feet.

Super Quantal Mech Beast Voltreker OU: 1→0

Triton: 3500→2300 LP

"Moving on, I activate my Field Spell Card's final effect," Soldier #2 stated. "By sending this card to the Graveyard, I can target three "Super Quantum Mech" Xyz Monsters in my field and Graveyard with different names and use them as materials for an Xyz Summon. I will use Magnaliger and Grampulse in my Graveyard and Aeroboros on my field to Xyz Summon."

As the three monsters turned into energy streams and were absorbed by the galaxy-like portal, Soldier #1 spoke.

"Xyz Summon. Come, Rank 12. Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus."

A towering mechanical monster that resembled a combination of Magnaliger, Grampulse and Aeroboros appeared.

Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus ATK 3600 DEF 3200 RNK: 12 OU: 4

"A Rank 12…" Triton muttered. "Moreover, it has 3600 attack points, and who knows what effects it has."

"Next, I activate Voltreker and Granray's effects, equipping them to Great Magnus as Equip Spell Cards." Soldier #1 said as Voltreker attached itself to Great Magnus's back while Granray turned into a blade that Great Magnus grasped with its left hand. "Thanks to the equipped Voltreker's effect, Great Magnus's attack points increase by an amount equal to its Rank multiplied by 200, meaning it gains 2400 attack points."

Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus ATK 3600→6000

"Now, battle. Great Magnus, destroy Mermail Abysstrite."

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Spirit Barrier!" Triton declared as Great Magnus's spear pierced Abysstrite's body, destroying it. "Thanks to its effect, if I control a monster, all battle damage is reduced to 0!"

"Opponent has escaped damage," Soldier #1 stated. "However, the Battle Phase is not over yet. Due to the equipped Granray's effect, Great Magnus can attack all the opponent's monsters once each. Therefore, Great Magnus will attack Bahamut Shark."

Following its master's command, Great Magnu slashed at Bahamut Shark, destroying it in an explosion.

"Big mistake. I activate the Trap Card: Shark Splash!" Triton declared. "Since a "Shark" monster was destroyed, I can Special Summon it from the Graveyard, but it loses 1000 attack points!"

A purple portal opened in front of Trtion. Out of that portal returned Bahamut Shark in Defense Position

Bahamut Shark ATK 2600→1600 DEF 2100 RNK: 4

"I'm not done just yet," Triton stated with a smirk. "Thanks to Shark Splash's second effect, you take damage equal to the current attack points of the revived monster. Bahamut Shark now has 1600 attack points, so you'll be taking 1600 points of damage!"

A stream of water fired from the card and raged towards the Syndicate soldier, pushing him back.

Syndicate Soldier #1: 4000→2400 LP

"Since a new monster is on your field, Great Magnus can attack again." Soldier #1 stated. "Go, Great Magnus!"

The Xyz Monster swung its blade and decapitated Bahamut Shark with a swift slash that was almost.

"Since Spirit Barrier is still in effect, the opponent takes no damage." Soldier #1 said. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Now, it's my turn!" Triton exclaimed. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card of Adversity, which lets me draw two cards since I control no monsters while you control a Special Summoned monster. Next, I banish Bahamut Shark and Mermail Abysstrite from my Graveyard to Special Summon, Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls from my hand!"

An imposing winged dragon whose body was made of ice and water, reflecting the sun's rays and forming a rainbow around itself, appeared on Triton's field, letting out a solemn howl.

Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls ATK 2600 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Then, I activate the Spell Card: Water of Life!" Triton continued. "This card lets Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position! Return, Mermail Abysspike!"

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Plus Star 123! I target a Level 4 or below monster, then increase that monster's Level by up to 3! I target Abysspike and increase its Level by 3 to 7!"

Mermail Abysspike LVL: 4→7

Soldier #1's eyes narrowed. "Two Level 7 monsters…."

Triton smirked. "You think you're a master of Xyz Summoning, but the true master is me!" He gestured to his two monsters. "I overlay my Level the Abysspike and Tidal!"

A bolt of dark blue energy shot out of Triton's Duel Disk. The bolt created a massive blue "X" with four red dots at the corners. The two monsters disintegrated into data particles and entered two of the dots, lighting them up. The ends of the "X" fired light beams, creating a galaxy. The galaxy exploded with power as Triton chanted.

"Ruler of all under the seas! Rise above those who dwell on land and send them plummeting into the abyss! I Xyz Summon! Emerge! Rank 7! Mermail Abyssgaios!"

A massive monster emerged from the portal. It had the upper body of a man but the lower body of a blue dragon covered with green armor. Above the waist was a muscular old man wearing blue armor with long grey hair. Abyssgaios swung a massive trident as it appeared in Attack Position, circled by two blue lights.

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 2800 DEF 1600 RNK: 7 OU: 2

"Your monster may be powerful," Triton remarked. "But it's nothing I can't overcome. I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, which lets me draw four cards since it's the only card in my hand. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Overlay Supercharge! Through its effect, I can increase Abyssgaios's attack points by 1000 for every Overlay Unit on the field. There are six, so its attack points increase by 6000!"

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 2800→8800

"Now, it's time for battle! Mermail Abyssgaios, attack Great Magnus! Wrath of the Abyss!"

"It's no use." Soldier #1 stated. "Due to the effect of the equipped Granray, Great Magnus cannot be destroyed by battle and damage from battles involving it halved.]

"Regardless, damage is still damage!" Triton exclaimed. "Get sent flying!"

Although Abyssgaios's blast failed to destroy Great Magnus, it generated a powerful explosion that sent the Syndicate soldier tumbling back.

Syndicate Soldier #1: 2400→1000 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn. At this moment, due to the effect of Overlay Supercharge, Abyssgaios switches to Defense Position, and its attack points return to normal."

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 8800→2800

Meanwhile, at Hornet and Soldier #2's duel…

Hornet looked at her card, then played it. "I summon Battlewasp - Arbalest the Rapidfire!"

A purple and yellow bee with glaring red eyes appeared next to Dragonbite.

Battlewasp - Arbalest the Rapidfire ATK 1800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Arbalest's effect activates!" Hornet declared. "I can Special Summon a Level 3 or lower Insect monster from my Graveyard when summoned. Return, Battlewasp - Dart the Hunter!"

The small black wasp reappeared.

Battlewasp – Dart the Hunter ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"I activate Dart the Hunter's effect! Once per turn, I can target an Insect monster I control and treat it as a Tuner until the end of the turn. I choose Arbalest Rapidfire and use it to tune with Level 1 Dart the Hunter and Spider Tokens!"

Hornet's monsters disintegrated into green data as eight blue rings formed. Blue-green rectangles appeared, circling the tower of rings. The screen said "4 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1" before changing to "8." A stream of light went through the rings.

"Power in concert. Bear the flames of revenge and release the arrow of revolt! I Synchro Summon! Level 8! Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow!"

The monster that emerged from the light was a humanoid insect wearing green and orange armor with four wings on its back. It held a green bow in its right hand as it was summoned in Attack Position.

Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Due to the effect of Celestial Bell Tower, I get to draw a card," Hornet said. "Next, I activate the effect of Bio Insect Armor from my hand, equipping it to Hama the Conquering Bow!"

Bits and pieces of metal suddenly rained down from the sky, pelting the field with metallic hail. These pieces latched onto Harma, forming an armor of green. Its shoulder pads, cuirass, and arms were all made of thorax chitin. On the back of this mantis cuirass is a cannon, its long barrel gleaming with energy.

"Battle!" Hornet exclaimed. "Hama attacks Scrap Archfiend! And at this moment, Bio Insect Armor's effect activates! Until the End Phase, the equipped monster's attack points increase by 1500 while its defense points increase by 2000!"

Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow ATK 2800→4300 DEF 2000→4000

"I activate the Trap Card: Two-Fold Barrier." Soldier #2 declared. "In exchange for half my Life Points, I take no damage this turn!"

An arrow formed on Hama's left wrist. Hama knocked the arrow and released the string, piercing Scrap Archfiend and making it explode.

Syndicate Soldier #2: 1850→925 LP

Hornet frowned. "Just great. I can't use Hama's effect." Her frown turned into a smirk. "But I can still clear his field. Thanks to Hama's effect, it can attack twice! Hama attacks Scrap Dragon!"

The previous scene was repeated with Hama aiming and releasing its arrow at Scrap Dragon. The arrow pierced through its body, destroying it in an explosion.

"Your monster isn't the only one with an effect." Soldier #2 stated, making Hornet blink. "When an opponent's card destroys Scrap Dragon, I can Special Summon a non-Synchro "Scrap" monster from my Graveyard. Come back, Scrap Breaker."

The laser-wielding machine reappeared in Defense Position.

Scrap Breaker ATK 2100→1500 DEF 700 LVL: 6

Hornet gritted her teeth. "And just when I thought I had the advantage. I place one card face-down and end my turn. And during the End Phase, Hama's attack and defense points return to normal."

Battlewasp – Hama the Conquering Bow ATK 4300→2800 DEF 4000→2000

Elsewhere, in LINK VRAINS...

"You guys had any luck?" Storm Rider asked as he landed on the roof of a building where Sanctum and the others were standing.

Sanctum shook her head. "No, I didn't find them." She turned to Soulburner, Blue Maiden and Roselyn. "What about you three?"

"Afraid not," Soulburner answered with a frown. "We asked everyone who attended the event, but we all got is that they disappeared in a flash of light."

"And who could blame them," Blue Maiden. "Being bombarded by many fans can be very stressful."

"Do you think they might have logged out of LINK VRAINS?" Roselyn asked.

"I hope that's not the case." Storm Rider said. "They couldn't have gotten very far. We should head out and search again."

The next thing he knew, there was a massive explosion a few blocks away, causing him and the others to turn in surprise.

"What was that?" Sanctum asked.

"Whatever that was, we need to hurry," Storm Rider replied. "Because I don't think that's anything but good."

At Triton and Soldier #1's duel…

"My turn." Soldier #1 announced. "I draw. I activate the Spell Card: Xyz Treasure, whose effect allows me to draw cards from my Deck equal to the number of Xyz Monsters on the field, in this case, two. Then, I activate my face-down Trap Card: Super Quantum Mech Finisher. Through its effect, I will send one card from my hand to the Graveyard to equip the Trap Card: Super Quantal Mech God Sword – Magnaslayer from my Deck to Great Magnus. Magnaslayer's effect increases Great Magnus's attack by an amount equal to its Rank multiplied by 100, meaning it gains 1200 attack points."

Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus ATK 6000→7200

"Great Magnus can also inflict piercing damage when attacking a Defense Position monster. But due to the effect of Spirit Barrier, the damage will be reduced to 0. As such, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cursed Bill and equip it to your Abyssgaios."

The Mermail Xyz Monster gained a purple aura as Triton glared at his opponent.

"What have you done to my monster? Explain yourself!"

"The probability of the subject's defeat is 67%. These parameters are acceptable. Commencing attack. Great Magnus will destroy Mermail Abyssgaios."

Following its master's command, Magnus slashed Abyssgaios with its sword, destroying it.

"At this moment, the effect of Cursed Bill activates," Soldier #1 said. "When the monster equipped with Cursed Bill is destroyed, and Cursed Bill is sent to the Graveyard, that monster's controller takes damage equal to that monster's defense points."

"What?" Triton said, his eyes widening again.

"Abyssgaios had 1600 defense points," The soldier reminded him. "So you take 1600 points of damage."

Cursed Bill reappeared and blasted Triton with dark energy, making him yell with pain as he fell to his knees.

Triton: 2500→900 LP

"I activate Magnaslayer's final effect." Soldier #2 said. "By sending it to the Graveyard, I can have Great Magnus attack an additional three times on this turn's Battle Phase. But since Great Magnus is no longer equipped with Magnaslayer, it loses its attack boost."

Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus ATK 7200→6000

"With no more monsters left to protect you, I am free to attack you directly and end this." Solider #1 stated. "Initiating extermination of the target. Great Magnus, attack Triton directly."

"If you believe this is enough to defeat me, think again!" Triton shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Deep Current! Since you declared a direct attack, I can negate the attack and end the Battle Phase!"

"Analysis indicates that the subject has avoided defeat." Soldier #1 noted. "Readjusting parameters. No more moves are available for now. I end my turn."

"That is enough!"

Triton turned to the voice's source and saw none other than Storm Rider, Sanctum, Soulburner, Blue Maiden and Roselyn.

"The Top 10?" Triton muttered, looking at the five youths with surprise. "What are you all doing here?"

"As I said, that is enough," Storm Rider said as he narrowed his eyes at Triton. "You've done well, Ringmaster. But even with your skills, you stand no chance against this soldier. His dueling skills are out of your league. Cancel this duel and leave it to me."

"He's right," Sanctum added. "Let Storm Rider take over for you."

"Negative," Soldier #2 said. "A Duel Anchor has trapped the target. Meaning the duel cannot be stopped."

"Good. Because I don't plan on losing," Triton said.

The quintet turned to Triton in response to his words, surprised at them. "But Triton-."

"I said no," Triton said, standing up. "I refuse to give up."

But don't you see the situation you're in?" Soulburner asked.

Triton narrowed his eyes at the five youths. "As a duelist, I wouldn't live with myself if I surrendered just because I didn't stand a chance at winning. And I will not let the Syndicate do what they want. I will fight, as hard as I can, to my last breath to do the right thing if need be."

He turned from the group to the Syndicate soldier. "Do you hear me? I will not lose! I will defeat you and protect LINK VRAINS!"

Storm Rider looked back until he turned away and sighed. "Can you win this duel?"

Triton nodded. "Without a doubt."

"Impossible. Analysis of the current situation indicates a less than 7% chance of a successful comeback from subject Triton. Surrender is advisable at this point."

"Oh, I'm so going to enjoy proving you wrong," Triton smirked. "My turn! I draw! Now, it's time for the much-anticipated counterattack! First, I activate the Spell Card: Extra-Foolish Burial! By paying half my Life Points, I can send a monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard, but for the rest of the turn, cannot Set Spell or Trap Cards."

Triton: 900→450 LP

"I send Xyz Armor Torpedo to my Graveyard. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Hidden Armory! By sending the top card of my Deck to my Graveyard, and at the cost of giving up my Normal Summon for the turn, "I can add one Equip Spel Card from my Deck to my hand." He took the card and said, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Xyz Revival! This card allows me to target an Xyz Monster on my Graveyard, Special Summon it and equip it with this card. Revive, Mermaiil Abyssgaios!"

A gravestone appeared on Triton's field, with Abyssgaios breaking out of it.

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 2800 DEF 1600 RNK: 7

"Abyssgaios again?" Soldier #2 snorted. "What will you do with such a weak Xyz Monster?"

"I will use it to win!" Triton stated. "From my Graveyard, I activate the effect of Full Armored Xyz!"

"Full Armored Xyz?" Everyone repeated.

"By banishing this card and targeting an Xyz Monster I control, I can equip an Xyz Monster on my field or Graveyard onto the targeted monster," Triton explained. "I equip Mermail Abyssgaios with Xyz Armor Torpedo!"

A humanoid machine with a golden lining appeared clad in white and crimson armor. It had two orange and white wings attached to its back and shark-themed gauntlets that could fire torpedoes. The monster turned into light and surrounded Abyssgaios. Abyssgaios gained Armor Torpedo's shoulder guards, wings, and gauntlets.

"Furthermore, Abyssgaios gains Xyz Armor Torpedo's attack points!"

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 2800→5300

"Not a bad comeback," Soulburner said. "He was banking the card he sent to the Graveyard through Hidden Armory was Full Armored Xyz, and luckily for him it was."

"But even so, the opponent's monster is still stronger," Blue Maiden pointed out. "If he doesn't have one last trick up his sleeve, it's all over for him."

"Opponent's Abyssgaios's attack points has increased," Soldier #1 stated. "Currently holding advantage, but deploying countermeasures. I activate Great Magnus's effect, detaching an Overlay Unit from it to shuffle Mermail Abyssgaios back to the Extra Deck."

Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus OU: 4→3

"Nice try, but I'm afraid that's not good enough," Triton said with a smirk. "Since Xyz Armor Torpedo is equipped to an Xyz Monster, the equipped monster can't be targeted by card effects. Therefore, your final, desperate play has failed." He took the last card in his hand and played it. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: White Veil and equip it to Abyssgaios!"

Following Triton's words, the Mermail Xyz Monster was surrounded by an aura of white light.

"What the…? I've never heard of that card before." Sanctum said, narrowing her eyes.

"Battle!" Triton exclaimed. "Mermail Abyssgaios, attack Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus! And at this moment, White Veil's effect activates, negating the effects of all your face-up Spell and Trap Cards, meaning Great Magnus's attack points return to normal!"

Super Quantal Mech King Great Magnus ATK 6000→3600

"Finish this, Abyssgaios!" Triton shouted. "Wrath of the Abyss!"

Abyssgaios's trident glowed with light,, unleashing a powerful lightning bolt that struck Great Magnus and vaporized it without a trace, sending the Syndicate soldier tumbling back due to the ensuing explosion, forcibly logging him out.

Syndicate Soldier #1: 1000→0 LP

"Heh, even against a Syndicate soldier, in the end, I still won." Triton let out a satisfied smile. "Score one for me."

"You did it, Triton." Storm Rider said with a smile as he approached the young duelist "Despite having no experience fighting against the Syndicate, you were successful in taking down that soldier."

Before Triton could say anything, a thunderous explosion occurred close by.

"That wasn't very far from where Hornet is!" Triton exclaimed in concern. "Let's hurry, everyone!"

At Hornet and Soldier #2's duel...

"My turn. "Soldier #2 said. "I draw. "I summon Scrap Goblin."

A small, bipedal mechanical monster appeared.

Scrap Goblin ATK 0→200 DEF 500→700 LVL: 3

Hornet frowned. "That monster's a Tuner," she noted. "He has a Level 3 Tuner monster and a Level 6 monster. Meaning…"

"Level 3 Scrap Goblin tunes Level 6 Scrap Breaker."

A bolt of dark green lightning struck the Syndicate soldier and disintegrated his two monsters. They reformed into two green rings that merged before turning into a tower of nine rungs. Light surged through the rings as a screen appeared. The screen said "3 + 6" and changed to "9".

"Synchro Summon. Appear. Level 9. Scrap Twin Dragon."

A large two-headed mechanical dragon emerged from the light of the rings and roared in Attack Position. A green glow surrounded it, and its tail slapped against the ground, making a hissing noise.

Scrap Twin Dragon ATK 3000→3200 DEF 2200→2400 LVL: 9

"A Level 9 Synchro Monster…" Hornet narrowed her eyes at the sight of the new Synchro Monster. "So that abominable beast is your trump card, huh…?"

The soldier gestured to his monster. "I activate Scrap Twin Dragon's effect. I can return two of your cards to your hand by destroying a card I control." Hornet gasped. "I destroy Scrap Factory to return Hama to your Extra Deck and your face-down card to your hand."

Hornet gritted her teeth as she quickly gestured to her field. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions! Its effect allows me to send any number of Spell or Trap Cards I control to the Graveyard and gain 1000 Life Points for every sent card. I will send Verdant Sanctuary to the Graveyard to gain 1000 Life Points!"

Hornet: 2400→3400 LP

The Synchro Monster roared as Scrap Factory shattered before transforming into a pile of scrap metal launched at the Battlewasp Synchro Monster. When the junk struck, the monster disappeared. With Scrap Factory gone, Scrap Twin Dragon loses its power boost.

Scrap Twin Dragon ATK 3200→3000 DEF 2400→2200

"Battle." Soldier #2 stated. "Scrap Twin Dragon attacks you directly."

The two-headed dragon fired two streams of superheated steam at Hornet. The steam struck her body, causing her to scream in pain as she fell to her knees.

Hornet: 3400→400 LP

"Analysis indicates that on my next turn, you'll lose." Soldier #2 said.

"You're a bit premature, aren't you?" Hornet said as she stood up. "For your information, I'm still very much in the game!"

"Speech pattern indicates that the subject still believes she has a chance for victory." Soldier #2 stated. "Based on the current situation and data assembled from prior battles regarding the subject's Deck, the probability of the subject mounting a successful counterattack that will lead to this unit's defeat is 0,001%. Therefore, such bold statements are illogical and unfounded. Conclusion: The subject bravely tries to mask her dread at her impending loss. An appropriate response is to humor the targeted subject by ending this turn."

"You sure do enjoy letting your mouth run off sometimes, don't you?" Horner snorted. "As I thought, a mindless zombie such as yourself would never understand the most fundamental aspect of Dueling, namely the fact that a single draw can change the outcome of the match. I'll prove that, as long as there is a small chance of it, a Duelist can find the path to victory by defeating you. My turn! I draw!"

With my current hand and field, there's only one option left to me if I want to defeat the Syndicate's toy. Hornet thought as she stared at her cards. Let's hope it's enough to help me win.

"First, I activate the Spell Card: Revival Swarm! It lets me Special Summon a "Battlewasp" monster from my Graveyard. Buzz back onto the battlefield, Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow!"

The female humanoid bee wielding a bow and arrow reappeared.

Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow ATK 2200 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"Next, I Special Summon Battlewasp – Twinbow the Attacker through its effect!"

A brown and magenta four-legged bee appeared in Attack Position.

Battlewasp – Twinbow the Attacker ATK 1000 DEF 500 LVL: 3

"When Twinbow the Attacker is Special Summoned, I cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck this turn, except Insect monsters," Hornet revealed. "From there, I activate the effect of Battlewasp – Scorpio the Quickshot from my hand! Since I control a "Battlewasp" monster, I can Special Summon this card!"

Battlewasp - Scorpio the Quickshot ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Now, I tune the Level 5 Azusa with the Level 3 Twinbow and the Level 4 Scorpio!"

A bolt of green lightning struck the ground, disintegrating Hornet's three monsters. They reformed into three rings of five, three, and four concentric circles. The rings merged and then turned into twelve blue rings in a tower. A screen saying "5 + 7" appeared, then changed to "12". A surge of light went through the rings.

"Tear down the wall of the haughty villains with the power of our gathered bonds! I Synchro Summon! Appear now, Level 12! Battlewasp - Battlewasp - Ballista the Armageddon!"

A large armored red and green bee surrounded by various sharp stings—some green, some red, some yellow appeared on Hornet's field in Attack Position. Its black mandibles vibrated as it floated around, almost faster than the eye could see. It made a sharp buzzing noise as its wings, which resembled blue glass bordered by red metal, carried it higher into the air.

Battlewasp - Ballista the Armageddon ATK 3000 DEF 800 LVL: 12

"Due to the effect of Celestial Bell Tower," Hornet said. "However, I won't need it because I already have everything needed to win. Ballista's effect activates! When Synchro Summoned, all Insect monsters in my Graveyard are banished. But in exchange, all monsters that my opponent currently controls lose 500 attack and defense points for each banished Insect monster!"

Following Hornet's words, a multi-colored vapor was emitted from Ballista's body, enveloping Scrap Twin Dragon.

Scrap Twin Dragon ATK 3000→0

"Now, it's time to end this Duel!" Hornet exclaimed. "Battle! Ballista, attack and destroy Scrap Twin Dragon! Arrow of Armageddon!"

Ballists surged forward at blinding speeds, stabbing its energy-enveloped arrow in the center of Scrap Twin Dragon, which resulted in the demonic behemoth's destruction. The ensuing explosion sent the Syndicate soldier flying as he was forcefully logged out.

Syndicate Soldier #2: 925→0 LP

"Alright, I did it!" Hornet cheered, jumping up and down like a hyperactive kid. "Oh, yeah! How do you like me now, huh!? With this victory, I—"

"Hornet!" Triton's shout interrupted Hornet's boasting. "Are you alright!? We saw the explosion and-, the duel's finished? And you won?"

"I'm not sure I like your tone, but regardless, it's a fact that I won that match," Hornet said with a proud expression. "But what are you doing with the Top 10?"

"I asked them the same thing on the way here," Triton remarked. "They came here to ask us to help fight the Syndicate alongside."

"Is that so?" Hornet asked. "Well, to save you the trouble, we accept your invitation. I'd enjoy taking down that soldier, and I'm sure Triton did too."

"Glad to have you onboard then." Storm grinned. "Alright then, as much as we would love to stay chat, we have to get going. Until then, you guys keep honing your skills and watch your backs for anyone and anything suspicious."

"You got it!"

Triton and Hornet said in unison before logging out. Storm Rider and the others followed suit a second after.

OC Card Memo:

Triton:

Cycode Gladiator
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑→
2+ "Cycode" monsters
This Link Summoned card gains these effects depending on the number of monsters it points to.
-1 or more: Once per turn: You can change the battle position of 1 monster this card points to; destroy 1 Spell/Trap Card on the field.
-2 or more: If this card destroys a monster by battle; you gain LP equal to half the destroyed monster's ATK.
-3: You can Tribute 1 monster this card points to; increase this card's ATK by the Tributed monster's ATK.

Overlay Supercharge

Continuous Spell Card

Target an Xyz Monster you control; increase its ATK by 1000 for every Xyz Material currently attached to it. During the End Phase, return its ATK to normal and switch it to defense mode.

Xander/Magnum:

Combat Scissors Dragon Catapult Cannon
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Machine/Fusion/Effect] ATK 3600 DEF 3000 Level: 11

"VWXYZ - Dragon Catapult Cannon" + "Combat Scissors Beetle"

Must first be Special Summoned (from the Extra Deck) by banishing the above cards you control and/or from your GY.

Once per turn, you can banish 1 card your opponent control and if you do, inflict 1000 damage to their Life Points. If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step.