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?

39. Hero vs Hero

Greetings, community! Thank everyone again for supporting this story and me thus far. As you know, I haven't been posting regularly because of college, and I appreciate your patience. I hope you'll all keep enjoying this story in the future! Now, without further ado, here's chapter 39!

In Link VRAINS: City Area (server set at night)...

"Go, Infernoid Sjette! Attack him directly! Belphegor Revelation!"

Upon hearing its user's command, a mechanical beast with four horns and two wings sprouting from its back let loose a spiraling wave of azure flames from its mouth, engulfing a boy with green hair and a grey suit, who was sent flying against a wall, creating cracks on it as his Life Points dropped to 0. He was then approached by a tall, burly man with spiky purple hair and red tribal flame tattoos over his body. On his left wrist was a black band with a red circle atop it. His name was Slade.

"Man, that was too easy." He laughed, stomping over to him. "Now, as promised, you'll give me the data for all the cards in your Deck."

"Y-You can't..." The loser gasped.

"Oh, I can, and I will." Slade picked the defeated duelist up by his collar forcefully. "That's how this works! Now give me your Deck, or things will turn most…unpleasant for you."

"I won't let you!"

Several chains shot out of seemingly nowhere, entangling themselves around Slade's Duel Disk. Before fully realizing what was happening, he was pulled backward and tossed into a nearby wall, with rubble falling on top of him. Immediately afterward, a familiar figure appeared seemingly out of nowhere, approaching the green-haired boy.

"You're…The Gore…"

The young boy muttered the name of his savior with a grimace as he slowly stood up. Gore stepped in front of him while glaring at Slade, who had just emerged from the pile of rubble with a furious expression.

"...Are you alright?" Gore asked, causing the boy to nod his head in fear. "Good. Log out and be careful from now on."

The boy nodded again, following Gore's words before quickly logging out.

"The Gore…?" Slade raised an eyebrow, a confused expression on his face. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be entertaining some fans or signing autographs right now?"

"I just finished doing that about fifteen minutes ago," Gore replied as he cracked his knuckles. "Also, SOL has received reports of several thefts and muggings happening late at night in LINK VRAINS and has tasked me with catching the people responsible and bringing them in. So that's a plus for me. But I'm short on time, so why don't you do us both a favor and surrender now?"

"It won't be that easy!" Slade declared, pressing a button on his Duel Disk, attempting to log out. Unfortunately for him, it failed.

"What the-?" Slade said before widening his eyes in realization. "I see. You used a Data Anchor, didn't you?"

"That's correct," Gore confirmed. "And I'm sure you know what that means. Neither of us can log out unless we have a duel."

Slade growled. "So that's how it will be, huh?" he sneered. "Since you're insistent on standing in my way, I'll gladly eliminate you, Gore. Taking down one of LINK VRAINS' best duelists will further boost my status."

"In that case, let's see you put your Deck where your mouth is," Gore said as he and Slade readied their Duel Disks. "Now, let's begin!"

"Duel!" they shouted.

Slade: 4000 LP

Gore: 4000 LP

"I'll start things up," Slade announced. "First, let's prepare the stage of our battle. I activate the Field Spell Card: Void Expansion!"

Following the Spell's activation, waves of eerie blue flames erupted from the ground, surrounding the two duelists.

"During my Standby Phase, this card lets me Special Summon one Infernoid Token," Slade revealed. "Next, I activate the Spell Card Reasoning! My opponent declares a Level from 1 to 12, and then I excavate cards from the top of my Deck until I find a monster that can be Normal Summoned or Set. If that monster's Level is the same as you declared, all excavated cards are sent to the Graveyard. If it isn't, I Special Summon that Monster and send the other excavated cards to the Graveyard."

"Ultimately, you aim to fill up your Graveyard." Gore huffed. "But if I have to, I declare Level 4."

Slade drew his first card and showed it. "The first card I excavate is Infernoid Antra. Antra cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. Therefore, I continue drawing." He drew again. "The second card is Infernoid Seitsemas, which cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. The third card is Infernoid Harmadik, which cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. The fourth card is Foolish Burial, which is a Spell Card. The fifth card is Eye of the Void, a Trap Card. The sixth card is Electromagnetic Turtle, which can be Normal Summoned. However, it is Level 4, so it is sent to the Graveyard with my other cards."

Gore gritted his teeth. Great. He managed to get a lot of material in the Graveyard.

"I summon Infernoid Decatron!"

A purple fiendish machine with vials attached to its head, sides, and chin appeared.

Infernoid Decatron ATK 500 DEF 200 LVL: 1

"Decatron's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can send an "Infernoid" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, then increase Decatron's Level by that monster's. I send the Level 5 Infernoid Piaty to the Graveyard."

Decatron glowed as its Level changed.

Infernoid Decatron LVL: 1→6

"Since Seitsemas is in my Graveyard and the total Levels of all Effect Monsters I control are 8 or lower, I can Special Summon it by banishing two "Infernoid" monsters from my hand or Graveyard," Slade continued. "But since Void Expansion is on the field, I can also banish "Infernoid" monsters I control. I banish Decatron from my field and Antra from my Graveyard to Special Summon Infernoid Seitsemas!"

A mechanical red and black bipedal demonic dragon appeared and spread its wings. It swung a staff in its right hand as it was summoned in Attack Position.

Infernoid Seitsemas ATK 2600 DEF 0 LVL: 7

"I place a card face-down and end my turn," Slade concluded. "Now, it's your turn. You'd better make this worth my while."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that," Gore smirked. "My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Reinforcement of the Army. It lets me add a Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Gouki Suprex to my hand, which I'll summon!"

A blue warrior with two claws above his hands appeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from my hand. I Special Summon Gouki Bearhug!"

An ogre wearing a bearskin cape appeared next to Suprex.

Gouki Bearhug ATK 2400 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"Bearhug's effect activates!" Gore continued. "If it is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gouki" card, then one of your monster's attack points becomes equal to half its original attack points! I target Seitsemas!"

"Think again!" Slade declared. "I activate the Trap Card: Skill Prisoner! I target Seitsemas for its effect. For the rest of the turn, when a monster effect that targets Seitsemas resolves, that effect is negated!"

Gore frowned. "Well, that sucks." His frown deepened. "And he can activate that effect from the Graveyard too later." The frown turned into a smirk. "Still, I can work around that. Appear, my circuit!"

Following Gore's words, the Link Portal appeared above him.

"The summoning conditions are two "Gouki" monsters. I set Suprex and Bearhug in the Link Arrows!"

Gore's monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Gouki Jet Ogre!"

A blue ogre with a saber and a jetpack on its back shot out of the portal to the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"As Suprex and Bearhug were sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add two new "Gouki" cards from my Deck to my hand." Gore took the cards. "I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-Match! This card lets me Special Summon two "Gouki" monsters with different Levels from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Bearhug and Suprex!"

The two monsters reappeared on Gore's field.

Gouki Bearhug ATK 2400 DEF 0 LVL: 6

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions are three or more "Gouki" monsters. I set Bearhug, Suprex, and Link-2 Jet Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the left, bottom-left, right, and bottom-right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Gouki The Giant Ogre!"

A large pale-skinned ogre in white and black armor with purple spikes and a cape emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"A Link-4 Monster?" Slader stared at Giant Ogre warily. "And it has an attack of 3000… Is this your ace monster, Gore?"

"Indeed, and you're about to find out why," Gore stated. "But first, Jet Ogre's effect activates! When it is sent from the field to the Graveyard, all my "Gouki" monsters gain 500 attack points until the end of the turn."

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000→3500

"The Giant Ogre's effect activates! Once per turn, if its attack points are changed, they are increased by an additional 1000 until the end of the turn."

A massive sword materialized in The Giant ogre's right hand.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3500→4500

"Battle!" Gore shouted. "Giant Ogre, attack Infernoid Seitsemas! Ogre Sword!"

"I activate the effect of Electromagnetic Turtle in my Graveyard!" Slade declared. "By banishing this card, I can end the Battle Phase!"

Following Slade's words, an electromagnetic barrier appeared around his field, preventing Giant Ogre from reaching his monster.

Gore frowned. "Even though I expected that, I was hoping you forgot about Electromagnetic Turtle's effect," he admitted. "I end my turn. During the End Phase, Jet Ogre's and The Giant Ogre's effects end."

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 4500→3000

"My turn! I draw!" Slade declared. "During my Standby Phase, Void Expansion's effect Special Summons one Infernoid Token to my field."

A silver lamp containing rainbow light appeared in Defense Position.

Infernoid Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I activate the Spell Card: Cup of Ace. This card lets me flip a coin, and depending on the result, you or I will get to draw two cards." A coin appeared above Slade's hand, which he grasped and flipped. When the coin landed in his hand, he said, "The result is heads, so I draw two cards."

Gore frowned. "That sucks. I could've used some new cards."

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Burial from the Different Dimension!" Slade continued. "It lets me return up to three banished monsters to the Graveyard. I return Electromagnetic Turtle, Harmadik, and Piaty to my Graveyard. Now, by banishing Infernoid Token and Seitsemas from my field and Piaty from the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Infernoid Onuncu!"

Slade's two monsters vanished, and in their place, a massive red mechanical serpentine dragon with spread wings appeared and roared in Attack Position.

Infenroid Onuncu ATK 3000 DEF 3000 LVL: 10

"Onuncu's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, all other monsters on the field are destroyed! Sinister Serenade!"

"That's useless!" Gore stated. "The Giant Ogre is unaffected by the activated effects of your monsters with less than or equal attack points!"

Following his words, a semi-transparent barrier protected Giant Ogre from Onuncu's flames.

"If card effects are ineffective, we'll solve it the old-fashioned way," Slade said. "I activate the Spell Card: Void Fusion!" The card showed Onuncu and Infernoid Devyaty, colored blue and red, respectively, swirling. "This card lets me Fusion Summon 1 "Infernoid" Fusion Monster using monsters from my hand or field as material. However, as a Level 8 or higher "Infernoid" monster is on the field, I can also banish up to three monsters from my Deck as materials."

Gore's eyes widened. "You're Fusion Summoning from the Deck?!"

"I banish another Onuncu, Infernoid Devyaty, and Infernoid Pirmais from my Deck to perform a Fusion Summon!"

Said monsters – a second copy of the serpentine dragon, another large mechanical dragon with purple armor instead of red, and a fiend made of scrap metal – appeared before disintegrating into red, blue, and green particles that swirled into a vortex. Red, blue, and green tornados shot upward before merging into a single violet storm.

"Mechanized demons of the burning inferno, become one with the void and revive as the ultimate entity of absolute destruction! I Fusion Summon! Descend now! Level 11! Infernoid Tierra!"

A massive mechanical serpentine dragon covered in black plates emerged from the whirlwind and roared.

Infernoid Tierra ATK 3400 DEF 3600 LVL: 11

Gore gritted his teeth. "Well, this isn't going to be fun."

"Tierra's effect activates! When Fusion Summoned, I can apply several effects depending on the number of Fusion Materials. Since I used three monsters, we must send three cards from our Extra Decks to the Graveyard."

Gorea's expression didn't change as he took another Jet Ogre, Gouki the Blade Ogre, and Gouki Solid Ogre from his Extra Deck to the Graveyard. At the same time, Slade sent another Tierra and two copies of Duelitte Chimera to the Graveyard.

"Battle!" Slade exclaimed. "Tierra attacks The Giant Ogre! Accursed Malediction!"

Tierra opened its maw wide, unleashing a stream of flames that incinerated The Giant Ogre, with Gore wincing due to the intense heat.

Gore: 4000→3600 LP

"Next, Onuncu attacks you directly!"

Following its master's command, Onuncu opened its maw and fired a stream of blue flames at Gore, who activated a card from his hand.

"I activate the effect of Gouki Octostretch in my hand! By discarding it, battle damage is halved!"

A pale blue monster with an octopus on its head appeared in front of Gore, with its arms spread wide. Some flames made contact, but a few passed through and struck Gore, making him wince as he fell to one knew.

Gore: 3600→2400 LP

"With that, I end my turn," Slade concluded as he stared at the kneeling Gore. "Come on, get up. I don't have all night. Or if you don't feel like continuing this pointless fight, surrender, and I promise to finish you off quickly. I suppose you've earned that much."

"Whoever said…I was surrendering?" Gore spoke with a defiant tone as he slowly got up. "You'll regret not finishing me off in the previous turn! My turn! I draw!" Gore looked at his card, added it to his hand, and then played a different card. "I summon another Suprex!"

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"When Suprex is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from my hand," Gore said. "Come, Gouki Twistcobra!"

A green warrior with serpent tails appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Face Turn! It lets me destroy one "Gouki" card I control and Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from my Graveyard. I destroy Suprex to Special Summon The Giant Ogre!"

The blue ogre disappeared as the large ogre wielding a sword reappeared.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"Suprex's effect activates! As it was sent to the Graveyard, I can add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand." Gore took the card and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Fusion!"

"What?!" Slade gasped. "Fusion?"

The card had a swirling green background, with Gouki Riscorpio and Gouki Headbatt, colored blue and yellow, respectively, circling a vortex. "This card lets me Fusion Summon a "Gouki" Fusion Monster by using monsters in my hand or on my field as Fusion Materials. Using the effect of Gouki Fusion, I fuse Gouki The Giant Ogre with Gouki Twistcobra!"

Twistcobra and The Giant Ogre broke into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex before shooting upwards as tornados. The two tornados merged into a single violet twister.

"I Fusion Summon! Gouki Beatdown Ogre!"

A draconic ogre with red hair and two horns wearing dark-blue armor all over his body with yellow outlines emerged from the twister onto Gore's field in Attack Position. He wore a cape that blazed with fire as he roared.

Gouki Beatdown Ogre ATK 2900 DEF 0 LVL: 8

"A "Gouki" Fusion Monster…" Slade muttered. "No way…"

"Since Twistcobra was sent to the Graveyard, I get to add a "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand," Gore said. "Furthermore, Gouki Beatdown Ogre's effect activates! Since it was successfully Fusion Summoned, it gains half the attack points of the Link Monster used to summon it," Gore revealed. "Giant Ogre had 3000 attack points, so Beatdown Ogre gains 1500 attack points!"

Gouki Beatdown Ogre ATK 2900→4400

"Also, for the remainder of this turn, the monster I summoned through Gouki Fusion will be unaffected by all your card effects."

"That's very impressive, Gore," Slade said. "However, remember that I have Electromagnetic Turtle in my Graveyard. So no matter how strong your monster is, it'll never get to destroy mine."

"I'm aware of that," Gore stated as he took a card from his hand and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Sales Ban! I declare one card name, and for the rest of this turn, you can't activate cards or the effects of cards of that name." Slade's eyes widened. "I declare Electromagnetic Turtle!"

Slade gritted his teeth. "Not bad," he said. "However, even if you can attack now, the most damage you can do is 1400!"

"Is that so?" Gore smirked. "Then, let's test that theory, shall we? Battle! Gouki Breakdown Ogre, attack Infernoid Tierra!"

Following Gore's words, Beatdown Ogre released a flurry of punches at Rising Taeklodocus, hammering it hard, destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave blasting Slade back.

Slade: 4000→3000 LP

Slade smirked. "You failed to defeat me. On my next turn, I will-."

"There won't be a next turn," Gore interrupted. "I told you before; this is my win." He gestured to his field. "Beatdown Ogre's effect activates! When it destroys a monster by battle, you take damage equal to that monster's defense points!"

Slade gasped as his eyes widened. "That's what you were aiming for?!"

Gore's eyes narrowed. "Tierra had 3600 defense points. Which means you take 3600 points of damage!"

Following Gore's words, Beatdown Ogre's right fist glowed red and released a pulse of energy at Slade, sending him flying until he crashed on the wall and fell to the ground.

Slade: 3000→0 LP

"Ah, that was satisfying," Gore remarked as he approached the downed Slade. "You certainly served as an excellent night workout, and I am grateful. However, I'm afraid I still have to turn you in to the authorities."

"Turn me in…?" Slade let out a pained chuckle. "Sorry… but I don't intend to go behind bars, Not now! Not ever!"

Suddenly, Slade reached into his pocket and pulled out a smoke grenade, throwing it into the ground and generating a smokescreen before Gore could react. When the smoke cleared, Gore could see Slade running in the distance.

"Oi, where do you think you're going!?" Gore shouted as he ran. "Get back here!"

Slade ran as fast as possible and hid in the alleyway where nobody would see him.

"Heh! Nor he or anybody will find me here.".

"That's what you think."

Slade jumped when he heard a nearby voice. "Hey! Who said that?" He yelled, surprised to know he wasn't alone. He heard something from behind. When he turned around, he gasped. A giant, shadowy figure with huge muscles and glowing red eyes appeared before him. It roared and grabbed him by his arms.

"Aaaaahhh!"

Just nearby, Gore heard the scream and followed the noise to the source. He went into the same alleyway and found Slade on the ground, unconscious.

He knelt and said, "Are you OK? What happened here?"

" …." Slade was speechless, looking in pain and fear.

Gore looked around and noticed a huge crack in the wall and some trash cans busted. Someone or something very strong attacked Slade and even scared the poor man to near death.

A few seconds later, a SOL security bot arrived and arrested the unconscious Slade. He was charged with digital harassment, a common felony in LINK VRAINS, but nothing too serious. He was most likely to have his account suspended, but it'll probably be permanently deleted.

"Thank you for the assistance, Gore," the security bot said.

"Don't mention it," Gore replied.

"Hoorry for The Gore!" A nearby bystander praised. Several other bystanders joined in, started praising Gore, and applauded him for his victory.

"Thank you, everyone! And remember to be nice to each other, and if you see anything strange, don't hesitate to contact me or SOL," Gore announced before he jumped onto his D-Board and then flew off. Unbeknownst to him, someone was observing him while concealed in the shadows from atop a nearby building.

"Wow. Gore's just so cool! Hopefully, my dream of facing him in a duel will one day come true."

Following these words, the concealed figure released an excited smile as they quickly disappeared from the area…

At Den City High School, in the afternoon...

"Good nooning, everyone! This is Kitty and Mimi in the house, yo!"

"Seriously? Good nooning?"

"Yeah. It's noon time. So, good nooning!"

"Whatever. We have news reporting, so let's begin the daily report."

"That's right!" Kitty said excitedly.

Around this time, Yuji and his friends were eating lunch together in the cafeteria and watching a show on the TV. On the screen were two young women. The left one was a young woman in a black, skimpy dress with two black cat ears and even a tail attached behind her. The right woman wore a white bunny look, with ears and a puffy tail at her end, and also had high heels on.

"The show is starting," Yuji said while eating his sandwich.

"We have reported that Gore once again saved the day!" Kitty announced.

"According to yesterday's eyewitnesses, Gore has stopped a troublesome user in the central sector of LINK VRAINS. It's about his fourth time this week!" Mimi stated.

"Indeed, Mimi. Gore is helping to clean up the street of LINK VRAINS, and thanks to his effort, the digital world seems to be a much safer place with someone like him around," Kitty added.

"Look at that, everyone. Gore's doing well in LINK VRAINS," Theodore said. "Can't believe he has the time to do his."

"I hear you," Skye agreed. "With helping out at the orphanage and dueling fans in LINK VRAINS, it surprises me he has the time to undercover work for my brother."

"But you have to admit that it's nice of him to do so," Lily said. "Given how the Syndicate is the main threat, it makes sense that the lesser-known criminals would try to commit heinous acts since they're convinced they won't be caught.

"Onto the next news." Mimi continued. "Another terrible incident occurred again. A strange attack on some users occurred again last night."

Yuji and the others turned their heads to the TV screen, paying close attention.

"According to the victim named Slade, he didn't quite say who attacked him but stated that a mysterious, huge monster with glowing red eyes attacked him. While Slade didn't have any physical effect in the real world, he had a terrible effect in LINK VRAINS to the point that the mysterious attacker almost destroyed his avatar."

"Woah! Sounds like a big problem," Theodore commented. "I wonder who's the mysterious attacker."

Ena turned to Yuji. "Do you think it could be the Syndicate's doing?"

"I doubt it," Yuji answered, crossing his hands behind his head. "If the Syndicate wanted to recruit new members or extra reinforcements, they would use bribery over brute force."

'I wonder. Was that guy, Slade, attacked by the same monster as in the news?" Lily pondered.

"The security seems very busy finding this mysterious attacker. SOL Technologies' best hackers have failed to uncover the attacker's real-life identity. Not only do they block their trackers, but it seems they also purge their logging histories," Kitty said. "But at least we have Gore and the Top 10 around. They'll take care of this mess."

"That's true," Mimi nodded in agreement. "It would be good if the Top 10 handled this problem."

Theodore smirked. "Well, you guys. Want to hunt down this mysterious vigilante and recruit them on our side to help fight the Syndicate?"

"No." Yuji sternly said as he held up a finger. "One. While I am up to finding more allies to increase our roster, this guy doesn't meet the requirements." He held up another. "Two. It seems this guy plays by his own rules and prefers working alone. Making it a problem for us and everyone else." He held up a third finger. "Three. Despite the available resources, I still feel it would be difficult to track this person down. Making it a waste of time."

"Yuji..." Ena sighed, confusing the boy. "I understand that whatever this mysterious person is doing, things are out of their head, and you don't want to endanger them, but you got to have an open mind. We NEED some help; we've already got seven new allies. Imagine how helpful it would be to have another. He may have some useful skills and tactics that could benefit us."

"Even so, unlike the people we've recruited, we know nothing about this person," Yuji reminded. "While this nighttime vigilante helping us could be advantageous, I don't want him lending us a hand if he's not going to be a team player."

"Fine. We'll leave it alone," Ena said with an annoyed tone. "There should be a limit to how much of a smart alec you can be."

"I don't mean to be," Yuji said. "I'm just being cautious. But I will admit that this mysterious attack does pique my interest. My only question regarding his actions is, why does he do it?"

Meanwhile, in LINK VRAINS…

In a server with only tall, dark blue buildings, a figure fell onto his back with a cry of pain. He had short brown hair with freckles and wore a purple bodysuit with a grey stripe. Bearing down on him were four men.

The first person had long, spiky blonde hair, giving the appearance of a crown while his forehead and side-parts of his face. Along with blonde eyebrows, he has slanted eyelids, a pointed nose, and sharp teeth to complete a somewhat eccentric or menacing appearance. He wore a blue robe with a large white star and a smaller green robe acting as an undershirt and yellow shoes. Lastly, he wore dark green gloves where two fingers were covered, and the remaining three showed. His name was Gavin.

The second was muscular with spiky brown hair, eyes with small pupils, and a large X-shaped scar on his forehead. He wore a China-based sleeveless gray tunic-like shirt, red pants with bandages on his left leg and white shoes. He also has bandaged hands as well. His name was Spike.

The third had long black hair, a tan complex, and large eyebrows, wearing a mahogany bandana with brown leather wristbands, a black t-shirt with a bat-skull logo, blue jeans, a pair of Brown motorcycle boots, and a blue denim shirt with white puff sleeves and white collar. His name was Carlos.

The fourth was a tall, dark-skinned man with a muscular build and a red razor-style mohawk. He had a vast assortment of tattoos across his body that he proudly displayed, with his torso only being covered by a brown leather vest, a pair of spiked leather wristbands and a pair of black leather jeans held up by a silver chain belt and shoes. His name was Crusher, the leader.

"Did you think you had a chance against us?" Gavin chuckled.

"You won't get away from this..." The injured one hissed.

"Anyone who messes with us gets destroyed." Spike grinned darkly.

"But of course, you'll know once we delete your account," Carlos added.

Crusher approached the fallen Duelist, a malicious smirk on his face. "This was fun, but you're finished!" But before Crusher could do anything, a purple cloud of smoke appeared out of nowhere and landed on the ground before the young duelist as if defending them. When the smoke settled, it revealed a short figure cladded in a dark green cloak that completely obscured their face except their yellow eyes.

"Go!" the figure, with a male and youthful voice, said to the young duelist, urging them to leave. As they started running from the confrontation, the figure turned to the group of thugs and said, "You don't want any part of this."

"Huh? Who do you think you are?" Carlos yelled in outrage at him. "If you get in our way, we'll destroy you."

"That's my line, punk," the cloaked youth remarked with a cold expression as he lifted his head enough so that she could see his face. "But if you want to know my name so bad, you can call me The D. And if there's one thing I don't appreciate, it's when someone threatens the innocent, especially worthless pieces of trash like you and your friends."

"What was that, you brat!?"

Carlos attempted to punch the cloaked youth, only for his fist to be easily caught by him. His vice-like grip caused a pained expression to appear on the would-be bully's face.

"Just like a typical bully, all bark and no bite." The cloaked youth released Carlos's fist with a contemptuous expression. "If you have something to prove or say, do so through a duel. Words are only for cowards and arrogant windbags who try to mask their inferiority through them."

"You little… Don't act all high and mighty with us!"

"It looks like we have another wannabe hero in our midst," Spike smirked. "At least the baby is brave enough to stand on his own. But what does he think he can accomplish on his own? Or maybe he's just dumb?"

"Since we're currently in a hurry to hunt down some more wannabe duelists, we're willing to overlook your insolence just this once," Gavin said. "Get out of our way, and you won't have to suffer the same fate as the guy you just saved."

The cloaked youth's only response to their words was to activate his Duel Disk. It was a new model that was colored black with glowing, dark purple highlights. Surprisingly, it produced a light blue blade.

"So that's your answer, huh?" Carlos said as he, Gavin and Spike activated their Duel Disks. A black and red card-insert model. They each produced a purple blade. "How foolish. In that case, we'll teach you the true terror of the Duel Raiders, brat! You'll rue the day you picked a fight with us!"

"Duel!" they shouted.

The D: 4000 LP

Gavin: 4000 LP

Spike: 4000 LP

Carlos: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" The D announced. "I summon Destiny Hero – Diamond Dude!"

A slight glow formed on the field, and from it was a humanoid with a green tattered cap, long grey hair, black leather pants and a black shirt, a diamond-looking mask over his eyes, and several crystals protruding from its body appeared in Attack Position.

Destiny Hero – Diamond Dude ATK 1400 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Want some more? Check out his effect!" The D declared. "Once per turn, I can check the top card of my Deck, and if it's a Normal Spell Card, I can send it to the Graveyard and activate it on my next turn's Main Phase! Otherwise, it's placed on the bottom of my Deck! Draw!"

He drew and revealed his drawn card with a satisfied smile.

"My card is the Normal Spell Card Destiny Draw. That means I can send it to the Graveyard and activate its effect next turn. Next, I place a card face-down and end my turn. Now, let's see what the three of you can do!"

"My turn!" Gavin announced. "I draw! I summon Fuse Ray Blaster!"

A cartoonish-looking cowboy with a sombrero and a scattergun took its position and locked onto the masked hero.

Fuse Ray Blaster ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Since this is a Battle Royale, no one attack can declare an attack on their first turn," Gavin said knowingly. "As of now, I'll end my turn!"

Not even bothering to Set any other cards? The D thought. What is that guy up to?

"Then I'll go next," Spike said, stepping forward. "My turn! I draw! I summon Fuse Ray Blaster!"

Fuse Ray Blaster ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

Gavin laughed. "My Fuse Ray Blaster's effect activates!" The monster raised his rifle, "Fire!"

Fuse Ray Blaster fired a red beam from the rifle, striking The D in the chest, making him grunt in pain.

The D: 4000→3200 LP

"What was that about?!" The D asked.

"If Fuse Ray Blaster is in Attack Position when another is summoned, it inflicts 800 damage to my opponent," Spike explained with a wide smile. "It's as simple as that! All three of us run these monsters! We get enough of them out, and you can kiss your Life Points goodbye without us attacking! I end my turn with this."

So, these guys have three copies of Fuse Ray Blaster in their Decks. The D thought before chuckling with anticipation. Well, whatever! I'm ready for those kinds of cards!

Carlos stepped forward. "My turn! I draw! I summon Fuse Ray Blaster!"

Fuse Ray Blaster ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"My Fuse Ray Blaster's effect activates!" Gavin exclaimed. "When another Fuse Ray Musketeer is Summoned, my monster inflicts 800 points of damage!"

The monster shot a bullet from its gun at the cloaked figure, making him grimace.

The D: 3200→2400 LP

"My monster's effect triggers also!" Spike added. "Take 800 more damage!"

The D: 2400→1600 LP

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Monster Recovery!" Carlos declared. "I shuffle my monster and hand into my Deck to draw five new cards."

"Why would you do that?" The D asked.

"This is why," Carlos replied, taking a card from his hand. "I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon! This card lets me Normal Summon again! I summon Fuse Ray Blaster!"

Fuse Ray Blaster ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

Gavin smirked. "My Fuse Ray Blaster's effect activates! When another Fuse Ray Blaster is summoned, my monster inflicts 800 points of damage to my opponent!"

The D: 1600→800 LP

"Then my monster's effect triggers as well!" Spike shouted. "Take 800 damage and lose!"

"You won't beat me!" The D stated. "I activate the Trap Card: Hyper Burning! If my Life Points would become 0 from Battle or Effect Damage, I can make the damage 0 by paying half my Life Points!"

Fuse Ray Blaster's blast was blocked by a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around The D and dispersed harmlessly. However, he was forced on his knees as a crimson aura surrounded his body.

The D: 800→400 LP

"Tch." Carlos clicked his tongue in irritation. "I end my turn with this. "However, don't delude yourself into thinking you have a fighting chance just because you survived! When your turn is over—"

"Before my turn ends, you three will be no more." The D stated, cutting off Carlos's words. "And unlike you, I'm a man of my word."

"Are you saying you'll defeat us all in one turn?" Gavin scoffed at the cloaked figure's words. "Did we perhaps blast you one time too many? That must be the reason as to why you're spouting such nonsense out of the blue."

"My turn!" The D announced, ignoring Gavin. "I draw! First, I activate the effect of Destiny Draw in my Graveyard! Thanks to it, I can draw two cards from my Deck!"

Upon checking out his drawn cards, The D chuckled.

"Your little strategy could have been better. So allow me to educate the three of you in the art of real dueling! I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization, fusing Diamond Dude with Destiny Hero – Captain Tenacious and Destiny Hero – Doom Lord in my hand!"

Soon after, two silhouettes of monsters appeared beside Diamond Dude. The first was a man with long orange hair that fell to his ankles in length, wearing a black mask that covered half of his face and holding two large shields in his hands. The second was a humanoid cladded in black armor with spikes and a tattered red cape. He had long clawed hands and a white head in which only his eyes were revealed. The three monsters disintegrated into red, blue and green particles before swirling into a vortex. Three tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a white and yellow whirlwind.

"With a titanic power, change the sight of your enemies and bring down the hammer of eternity! I Fusion Summon! Be born! Vision Hero Trinity!"

A new monster emerged from it. This one was a humanoid in red armor with spines on the back of said armor and red ports on its chest, stomach, shoulders, and knees. It posed from the field in Attack Position.

Vision HERO Trinity ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"A Fusion Monster?" Spike gasped. "Just who is this guy!?"

"Trinity's effect activates!" The D declared. "When it is Fusion Summoned, its attack points are doubled for the rest of the turn!"

Vision HERO Trinity ATK 2500→5000

"Too bad, meddler." Gavin grinned. "If that effect had tripled your monster's attack points, you could have taken down at least one of us. However, as things stand now, you'll have to end your turn without accomplishing anything again."

"Did I perhaps not make myself clear before?" The D asked with a menacing tone. "I will settle this duel in this turn. However, if either of you had the brains to set a card, one of you might have survived what's coming next."

"Heh, if you want to bluff, you'll have to do better than that," Gavin said, smirking. "Or has a fear of your imminent defeat driven you insane?"

"I wonder about that," The D said. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Magnum Shield and equip it to Vision Hero Trinity!" A purple and gold shield appeared on the armored hero's right arm. "With this, since Trinity is in Attack Position, it gains attack points equal to its defense points!"

Vision HERO Trinity ATK 5000→7000

"So what if you made your monster stronger!" Carlos exclaimed. "You can only defeat one of us with your monster! On our next turn—"

"Maybe I didn't make myself clear before," The D stated. "There will be no next turn for you! Due to its effect, Trinity cannot attack directly, but in return, it can make a second and third attack each turn!"

"Can attack thrice per Battle Phase…" Gavin spoke with evident fear. "That means…"

"All of you are finished." The D completed Gavin's sentence as he pointed at him. "Battle! Vision Hero Trinity, attack his Fuse Ray Blaster! Trinity Crush!"

Two giant fists made of energy emerged from the ports on Trinity's shoulders and shot toward the small cowboy, vaporizing it and sending Gavin flying.

Gavin: 4000→0 LP

"The next one is you!" The D pointed at Spike. "Trinity Crush!"

The previous scene was repeated once more as the warrior's blast annihilated every last trace of Fuse Ray Blaster and sent Spike flying.

Spike: 4000→0 LP

"Now, the finale!" The D announced as he pointed at Carlos. "Eliminate him, Trinity! Trinity Crush!"

A purple-colored blast erupted from Trinity's chest, destroying Fuse Ray Blaster and knocking Carlos to the ground.

Carlos: 4000→0 LP

"Unbelievable…" Gavin grimaced.

"To think that we would lose…to a good-for-nothing brat…" Spike added.

Carlos narrowed his eyes forward. "Boss, help us up… we…can still fight!"

Crusher gazed at the trio briefly before raising a hand that crackled with green lightning.

"No!" Carlos gasped, trembling and staring at Crusher's hand. "No, please have mercy!"

"I'm afraid the three of you must face the consequences you agreed to when I recruited you," Crusher said. "Farewell."

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The D's eyes widened as Gavin, Spike and Carlos's avatar broke apart into 0's and 1's. He frowned at it but turned back to Crusher.

"To think that you would do that to your lackeys, I guess thugs like you have little loyalty to one another. How deplorable."

"That's not something you should concern yourself with, runt," Crusher stated as he activated his Duel Disk. It was a new model with a dark blue band, black orb, and white base. "You should be more worried about yourself. Unlike them, you'll find that dueling me will pose more of a challenge than you think."

"I highly doubt that." The D snorted. "Bring it on!"

"Duel!" they shouted.

Crusher: 4000 LP

The D: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Crusher declared. "I summon Gatling Ogre!"

A purple-skinned fiend with spiky blue hair appeared. It wore a brown trench coat embroidered with gold, and its left arm had been replaced by a magazine holder that fed a belt of bullets into the gun barrel attached to the fiend's waist. Its right hand was held firm on a rotating handle.

Gatling Ogre ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"I activate the Spell Card: Ogre Load!" The card showed Gatling Ogre firing multiple bullets while two goblins were unloading ammo racks from behind, with one adding it to Gatling Ogre's gun. "Thanks to its effect, I can set three Spell or Trap Cards from my Deck to my field, but they cannot be activated this turn."

Upon saying so, three cards materialized on Crusher's field.

He has three Set cards, but he cannot activate them… What is he going to do…? The D thought.

"I activate the effect of Gatling Ogre! I can send one Set Spell or Trap Card to the Graveyard; by doing this, you take 800 points of damage!"

The D gasped upon hearing that. "What?"

"The best part is that I can use this effect multiple times! So I'll send all three cards on my field to the Graveyard! Which means you take 2400 points of damage!"

As Crusher sent his Set cards to the Graveyard, Gatling Ogre rotated its handle and started firing. The D screamed in pain as multiple bullets rained down on him.

The D: 4000→3200→2400→1600 LP

The D growled. "I hate effect damage-based Decks…" he grumbled before straightening himself.

Crusher narrowed his eyes. "You're lucky I cannot send more cards to the Graveyard since I activate Ogre Load. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" The D announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Destiny Draw, whose effect enables me to send a "Destiny HERO" monster from my hand to the Graveyard to draw two cards. Next, I activate the Spell Card: D–Spirit, which allows me to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Destiny HERO" monster from my hand if I control no "Destiny HERO" monsters. Come on, Destiny HERO – Drilldark!"

A humanoid with several small drills protruding from its body and a large one attached to its right hand appeared in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Drilldark ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I activate the effect of Destiny HERO – Malicious in my Graveyard!" Kid Fate continued. "By banishing it from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a second Malicious from my Deck!"

A man with fur-covered legs, arms, a tail, and wings appeared in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Malicious ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 6

"Moving on, I summon Destiny HERO – Disk Commander!"

A muscular male humanoid wearing a grey suit with blue outlines and several disks attached to it appeared.

Destiny HERO – Disk Commander ATK 300 DEF 300 LVL: 1

"And now, I Tribute all three monsters to bring out one of my strongest heroes. Come on out, Destiny HERO – Dogma!"

The three monsters turned into streams of sparkling energy. The three streams combined, causing a blinding white light to form as a new creature appeared. The creature was a male humanoid cladded in black demonic armor with massive bat-like wings. The man had a long black ponytail that reached his knees in length and a pair of chains wrapped around his neck, with white horns sticking out of his head. Olive skin protruded from under a large black mask while four red eyes stared out of the mask. On the monster's right and left arms were large silver blades.

Destiny HERO – Dogma ATK 3400 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"A Level 8 monster with over 3400 attack points?" Crusher grimaced. "It's only his first turn, and he's already brought out something outrageous."

"Battle!" The D exclaimed. "Dogma attacks Gatling Ogre! Dogma Dagger Dash!"

"Naïve." Crusher snorted. "I activate the Trap Card: Blazing Mirror Force! When the opponent declares an attack, I can destroy all Attack Position monsters you control. Then, for each face-up Attack Position monster that was destroyed, we both damage equal to half the combined attack points of those destroyed monsters!"

Following Crusher's words, a torrent of flames erupted from the Trap Card, heading for Dogma.

"You won't get rid of my monster that easily!" The D countered before taking a card from his hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Forbidden Dress! One monster loses 600 attack points until the end of the turn, but it cannot be targeted or destroyed by other card effects this turn! I target Dogma!"

A white light formed around the hero in black armor.

Destiny HERO – Dogma ATK 3400→2800

The wave of flames stuck Dogma but did nothing. Crusher gritted his teeth.

"You're so predictable," The D said. "Trying to take me out in one swoop is child's play." He chuckled. "You thought dueling would be a challenge for me. But it seems like to me it's the other way around."

"Why you…" Crusher growled. "In that case, I activate the effect of Ogre Gardna from my hand!" The card showed a small orge wearing black armor around its entire body, a military cap and using arm guards to shield itself. "By sending this card to the Graveyard, Gatling Ogre isn't destroyed, and damage from attacks involving it is halved!"

The wave hit the ogre repeatedly but failed to destroy it, only leaving several gashes.

Dogma slashed at Gatling Ogre, failing to destroy it but generating a shockwave that sent Crusher skidding back several feet.

Crusher: 4000→3000

"Even if you saved your monster from destruction, it's meaningless if it can't take out mine." The D said. "I activate the Spell Card: Cards of Heaven and Earth! Thanks to it, I can draw two cards since I summoned a monster with a Level of at least 8. Finally, I place two cards face-down and end my turn. As it's the End Phase now, the effect of Forbidden Dress wears off."

Destiny HERO – Dogma ATK 2800→3400

"My turn!" Crusher announced. "I draw!"

"At this moment, Dogma's effect activates!" The D shouted. "If it was Special Summoned through its effect, my opponent's Life Points are halved during their next Standby Phase! Chronicle Of Destruction!"

Dogmaguy unleashed a crimson stream of energy from its blade, striking Crusher squarely on his chest and forcing him to his knees.

Crusher: 3000→1500

"Furthermore, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Fiendish Chain!" The D continued. "Through its effect, I target an Effect Monster on the field, and so long as that monster's on the field, it cannot attack, and its effects are negated! I target Gatling Ogre!"

Following his words, green chains shot out of the Trap Card and wrapped themselves around Gatling Ogre's body.

"You'll pay for this, pipsqueak," Crusher spoke hatefully. "Enough playing around. It's time for you to experience true despair. "From the Graveyard, I activate Ogre Load's effect! I banish it to send a Fire "Ogre" monster from my hand to my Graveyard" to add a different Fire "Ogre" monster from my Deck to my hand. And since the discarded Full Armor Ogre is now in the Graveyard, I can Tribute Gatling Ogre to Special Summon this card! Appear now, Big Cannon Ogre!"

Gatling Ogre disintegrated and was replaced by a grey-skinned fiend squatting down on its arms and knees. It wore a Confederate military uniform and had three cannons mounted on its back.

Big Cannon Ogre ATK 2400 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"You released Gatling Ogre to call another Ogre monster?" The D wondered. "Since Gatling Ogre left the field, Fiendish Chain is destroyed…" The Trap Card disintegrated. "But it only has 2400 attack points. It cannot destroy Dogma."

"That's what you think." Crusher sneered. "I activate Ogre Gardna's effect from my Graveyard! Since I Special Summoned a FIRE "Ogre" monster, I can Special Summon it!"

The small armored ogre with two arm shields appeared beside Big Cannon Ogre in Defense Position.

Ogre Gardna ATK 500 DEF 400 LVL: 1

"Now, time to mix things up a little bit." Crusher let out a vicious smirk. "I tune the Level 1 Ogre Gardna with the Level 7 Big Cannon Ogre!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Crusher and made the world gray out. The two monsters disintegrated into data and reformed into two rings, one of which was composed of seven concentric circles. The rings turned blue and merged before reforming into a tower of eight blue rings. A screen appeared before the tower and displayed "1 + 7" before changing to "8." A surge of light burst through the rings.

"Fire and fury, release havoc on the battlefield and obliterate everything! I Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Blaster Ogre!"

The monster that emerged from the light was a dark green-skinned orge with piercing crimson eyes, messy black hair and horns. It wore a dark blue military uniform with a violet gorget and a cap hat. Attached to its back was a large cannon that extended long enough to reach over its shoulders and carried it with its right arm.

Blaster Ogre ATK 3000 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"A Synchro Monster?" The D seemed mildly surprised. "And it's one with an attack of 3000, no less. Impressive. But I'm afraid it doesn't hold a candle to my Dogma."

"We'll see about that," Crusher said. "I activate Blaster Ogre's effect! Once per turn, it can inflict damage equal to half the attack points of an "Ogre" monster in my Graveyard and increase this card's attack points equal to the damage inflicted!" The D's eyes widened. "I target the 2400 attack point Big Cannon Ogre to deal 1200 points of damage to your Life Points! Take this!"

Blaster Ogre aimed its weapon at The D, unleashing a hail of bullets that struck him and caused him to let out a scream of pain. At the same time, a fiery red aura appeared around Blaster Ogre.

The D: 1600→400

Blaster Ogre ATK 3000→4200

"Now, let's battle!" Crusher bellowed with a sadistic smile on his face. "Blaster, attack Destiny HERO – Dogma and end this!"

Blaster fired off a volley of bullets, riddling Dogma's body with holes and eventually destroying it and creating a large explosion that enveloped The D.

"Yosh, it's finally settled!" Crusher made a guts pose. "See, what did I tell you? How did you like that, you insignificant pest?"

"That was a decent attack. However, if that was supposed to be your best, I'm afraid it's too little, too late."

An abrupt gust of wind cleared the smoke, revealing the figure of the still intact form of The D with his Life Points untouched.

"Impossible!" Crusher cried out in astonishment. "Your Life Points should have become zero from my monster's attack! How did you survive!?"

"Just before your attack connected, I activated the Trap Card: Defense Draw," The D responded. "Thanks to it, the battle damage was reduced to 0, and I drew a card from my Deck. "

"So it would seem…" Crusher had a frustrated expression on his face. "You sure spoiled my big finale even though I planned it meticulously. In any case, I end my turn."

"Then it's finally time to end this farce of a battle." The D stated. "My turn! I draw! First, I summon Destiny HERO – Fear Monger!"

A humanoid clad in dark brown armor with a cannon attached to its right hand appeared on the field.

Destiny HERO – Fear Monger ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Doctor D!" The D continued. "I can banish a "Destiny HERO" monster from my Graveyard to Special Summon a Level 4 or below "Destiny HERO" monster from my Graveyard. I banish Drilldark to Special Summon Disk Commander!"

The muscular humanoid with disks attached to its body reappeared.

Destiny HERO – Disk Commander ATK 300 DEF 300 LVL: 1

"And since Disk Commander was Special Summoned from the Graveyard, its effect activities, letting me draw two cards! Following that, I summon Destiny HERO – Denier!"

A blonde man in a violet jacket and pants over a black shirt appeared in Attack Position, a black cape on his shoulders and a chain in his hands.

Destiny HERO – Denier ATK 1100 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"You may have overcome my Dogma, but let's see how you'll deal with this fellow, Crusher!" The D exclaimed. "I Tribute Fear Monger, Denier and Disk Commander to Special Summon this monster! Come on out, Destiny Hero – Plasma!"

The three monsters transformed into golden dust. Below the dust, a pool of red liquid formed. The dust suddenly shot into the liquid, causing it to boil. After a few seconds, a large maroon armored warrior with massive black bat wings slowly emerged from the puddle. On the back of the red armor was a large blade-like spike that erupted from the sides of the creature's chest and shoulders. The monster's left arm was formed normally, but the right became a maroon dragon's head instead of an arm. Finally, the warrior raised its head, revealing he wore a dragon's helmet and that his face was covered mostly by a mask, but eerie yellow eyes stared out from behind it.

Destiny HERO – Plasma ATK 1900 DEF 600 LVL: 8

"Destiny Hero Plasma…?" Crusher wondered. "Indeed, I haven't seen or heard of this monster before, but what can you do with a mere 1900 attack points? In addition, due to Blaster Ogre's effect, you can't destroy it with card effects."

"I activate Destiny HERO – Plasma's effect!" The D announced. "While it's on the field, the effects of all face-up monsters my opponent controls are negated, meaning Blaster Ogre loses its attack boost!"

Blaster Ogre ATK 4200→3000

"From there, I activate Plasma's second effect, which allows me to equip one monster you control as an Equip Card to it once per turn and have it gain attack points equal to half that monster's attack points!"

"What did you say!?" Crusher cried out in alarm. "To think it would have such an absurd effect!"

"Do it, Plasma!" The D exclaimed. "Gravity Blood!"

Following The D's command, Plasma stretched its wings to their full span as it stared down Blaster Ogre. The air soon began being sucked into the wings of the maroon warrior. The Synchro Monster roared as its body began to inch toward Plasma. All at once, the ogre transformed into a red mist, which was instantly sucked into the massive wings. Pressing up against the skin of the black wings of the warrior after a moment was the head of the green-skinned fiend.

Destiny HERO – Plasma ATK 1900→3400

"It can't be…" Crusher fell to his knees with an expression of utter despair. "My monster was…"

"Now, let's wrap this up!" The D declared as he gestured to his monster. "Battle! Destiny HERO – Plasma, attack him directly! Vengeful Rain!"

A rain of crimson projectiles was generated from Plasma's wings, pelting Crusher's body as he let out a scream of pain and was sent flying.

Crusher: 1500→0

The D launched a net made out of Real Solid Vision from his Duel Disk, catching Crusher before he hit the ground. He flung the net so that it hit the side of a building, leaving Crusher stuck there.

"Oi! What is this?" Crusher asked. "Let me out of here!"

"That net will keep you from logging out until SOL's security drones find you," The D told him. "I imagine they'll delete your account after discovering what you did. Goodbye." He logged out.

The man growled to himself. "Beaten by a kid! I can't believe this!"

Meanwhile, at Den City Central Plaza...

"Are you truly certain about what you just told us?"

Theodore asked Skye curiously while the two of them, alongside Yuji, Ena and Lily, were sitting at a table in the plaza.

"I'm almost ninety-nine percent sure what Akira told me is true, Theodore," Skye responded. "One of SOL's security drones apprehended a man named Crusher, and according to the security footage he provided, he was defeated by someone wearing a cloak."

"And since nobody knows who this mysterious duelist is or what they look like, they were likely the ones who defeated Crusher," Ena said.

"A mysterious individual who takes down criminals," Lily smirked. "This sounds like the beginning of a superhero, even though the situation is as far from one as it can be."

"That never occurred to me," Yuji said before turning to Ena. "Did Zaizen get any other info regarding this person from Crusher?"

"Honestly? Absolutely nothing other than what we've just seen." Skye said. "He covers his tracks incredibly well, even better than we do, deleting anything relating to himself mere milliseconds after it is processed, and even deleting the recordings of that data as well."

"So what is he then?" Lily asked.

"A master. Someone who has complete control over VRAINS. He can make it his playground." Theodore sighed. "But that's what makes him so awesome."

"If it comes to it, we might have to stop him along with the Syndicate," Yuji said.

"Or, better idea," Ena replied, "we could hunt him down…and recruit him to our side!"

"No. I already told you it's too risky." Yuji sternly denied it. "I don't want us to have another Esper situation."

"I understand your concerns, but aren't you being too cautious?" she asked. "I know you're afraid of this guy backstabbing us or making things more difficult than they already are, but after hearing about what he's done in the past 24 hours, it seems he could be a valuable asset to us."

She stood up from her chair and looked Yuji dead in his eyes. "Won't you please just give him a chance?"

Although Yuji felt this was a hassle and thought about denying it, all it took was one look at Ena's cute and begging face for his resolve to crumble like a house of cards. Yuji always had a weak spot for when Ena made that face and couldn't refuse anything she asked of him.

"Haaaa…" Yuji let out a deep sigh. "Alright, I guess one search for this duelist of mystery isn't too much to ask. But how can we find him if he always covers his tracks and deets any data he leaves behind?"

"You can leave that to me," Skye said with a grin, confusing everyone. "I cooked up the idea right after Akira told me what happened." She narrowed her eyes at the four youths. "Here's the plan.

Yuji and the others gathered around Skye as she whispered and began discussing the details.

A few hours later, in LINK VRAINS…

It was nighttime in LINK VRAINS. The virtual full moon was out, and you could even see some stars twinkling in the sky despite how bright the virtual city was.

"Hmmm…If I were to find a thug committing a crime, where is the best place to do it?" Gore asked himself, watching over the city from the top of the skyline in a crouching position.

At that moment, large explosions were heard in the distance, accompanied by a female screaming.

"Bingo!" Gore exclaimed as he jumped from building to building. After a few minutes, he arrived just in time to witness the unfolding, unexpected event.

"Sam Hill!" Gore gasped.

Cowering in fear was a group of four young boys. The first had blond hair and green eyes and wore a bandana on his head. The second one was muscular with short brown hair. The third had short green hair and freckles on his face. The fourth one had tanned skin and navy blue hair.

"Help us!" The navy-haired youth screamed.

"Mmmmwaaaaaaahhh!" The mysterious monster was indeed what Mimi and Kitty described in the news. Big and glowing red eyes.

"Stop right there, you fiend!" Gore shouted.

The mysterious monster turned around to face the hero. In all honesty, Gore felt shaky in his feet. He never had a face, someone, this big before. This couldn't be some troublesome avatar user, could it?

That was when the full moon shined the light in the dark alleyway. The moonlight revealed the monster's true form. It was a big, muscular man with scars all over his body, glowing red eyes behind an iron mask, long black hair, and chains attached to iron rings around his wrists and ankles.

"Wait for a second," Gore said. "This is a monster, but a Duel Monster! Destiny HERO Dreadmaster is the one who's been attacking the hooligan avatars!"

"Mmwaaaaahhh!" Dreadmaster roared.

Gore narrowed his eyes at the monster. "But if that's the case, then it would mean someone nearby should be controlling him."

Gore looked around from left to right, down and up for the controller until he saw a strange silhouette on a nearby rooftop, which noticed him and moved away.

"Hold it right there!" Gore shouted as he jumped to the roof and chased after the perpetrator. "Stop running! I want to talk with you!" he said, but couldn't reach the person. "If that's how you want to play, you leave me with no choice!"

The mysterious figure was heading toward a nearby building when he suddenly felt something on his wrist. He looked down and saw a red cord wrapped around it. He was unceremoniously yanked back.

"Yikes!" The figure gasped.

"Now, explain to me. Why were you…. holy Kuriboh! You are…are…. kid!" Gore gasped.

The mysterious perpetrator was revealed to be what Gore said: a kid. He was short with yellow eyes, spiky black hair with gray highlights, and a red eye mask. He was wearing a black jumpsuit with long sleeves, a brown cape, a yellow utility belt, green gloves, and black boots. On the center of his jumpsuit was a big letter "F" in silver color and stylized.

"Who are you, kid? What are you doing here?" Gore asked.

"Oh! The Gore! It's an honor to meet you, sir!" The kid greeted happily, even though Gore's Data Anchor trapped him.

"Oops. Sorry about that," Gore said as he deactivated the Data Anchor. "Now that you're free, I'll ask you again. Who are you, and what are you doing here?"

The kid smirked. "Who am I? I am justice! I am a defender! I am….Kid Fate!" He exclaimed as he posed with his finger pointing to the sky.

There were a few seconds of silence before Gore responded.

"Ah…Kid Fate?" He repeated.

"Well, I use the alias The D when fighting bad guys since it's more intimidating. But yes, that's what I call myself, as a crime fighter!" Kid Fate explained.

"So, are you the one who's been attacking troublesome avatar users lately?" Gore questioned.

"That is correct," Kid Fate confirmed. "I did it because I was inspired to be a superhero like you and the Top 10. You and the rest of them are the coolest, strongest, and bravest heroes, and I want to be like you. So, I created my very own avatar, which took a while to make, but I managed to do it, and here I am, fighting bad guys to beat up and punish for their evil deeds!"

Gore could only watch this boy with both awe and concern. On one hand, he felt proud of himself that someone as young as this boy was inspired by his work and ethics. On the other hand, the boy was also taking the wrong way. Gore never attacked the villain up front first unless he had no other choice since he gave the bully a chance with a warning. Kid Fate was doing the complete opposite; he was the bigger bully than the other bullies in simple terms. He should explain to him right here and now, but he also felt that may cause him to be sad, and he didn't want to disappoint him.

"So, Kid Fate, exactly what are you fighting for?" Gore asked.

"OH! Well, that's easy. I want to help you and the Top 10 fight against the Syndicate and stop their evil plans!" Kid Fate answered. "It is why I've been fighting bad guys, so I can show you I am worthy."

"Worthy, huh? Very well, but if you want to join the team, you must duel me first," Gore stated.

"Duel you?" Kid Fate looked confused and surprised. "I duel you, Gore?"

"That's right. If you win, you can help us with our battle against the Syndicate." Gore explained fashionably. "It is…. a test to see if you are worthy to join, young lad!"

"Sweet! I mean, yes, sir!" Kid Fate saluted his hero. "I accept the challenge and will prove I am worthy!"

"Perfect," Gore said with a smirk as he lifted his Duel Disk. A bright light shone from it, so bright that it blinded Kid Fate as he covered his eyes. When Kid Fate opened his eyes, they widened in shock. A transparent dome now surrounded them.

"This is a Camouflage Dome," Gore explained. "It's connected to the same program in my Data Anchor that prevents us from logging out. In addition, neither of us can leave this area, which hides our presence from the rest of LINK VRAINS."

Kid Fate frowned as he looked around but said nothing. He readied his Duel Disk. "Alright, then; let's go!"

"Yeah!" Gore replied as he readied Duel Disk as he stood opposite Kid Fate.

"Duel!" Both duelists shouted together as they activated their Duel Disks.

Gore: 4000 LP

Kid Fate: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Gore said, swiping his hand and revealing his cards. He smiled to himself.

A perfect opening hand. With this, it'll draw out Kid Fate's full strength.

Nearby, at the top of a building, Storm Rider, Sanctum, Soulburner, Blue Maiden, and Roselyn were observing Gore's duel with Kid Fate.

"Looks like your plan worked," Sanctum said to Blue Maiden. "Though I'm surprised that it did."

"Well, believe me when I say I was banking on it," Blue Maiden replied. "Props to SOL's interns for helping enact this idea of mine."

"Still, it's surprising this kid wants to fight the Syndicate," Soulburner stated.

"You're telling me," Roselyn said. "Doesn't he know he's in over his head?"

"Even if he's aware of that or not, all we can do now is observe," Storm Rider said. "And who knows? We might see something interesting depending on how this duel plays out."

Gore selected a card from his hand. "I summon Gouki Suprex!"

A blue ogre with claws appeared and posed.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from my hand. Come, Gouki Twistcobra!"

A green ogre with snake tails appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Appear, my circuit!" Gore declared. "The summoning conditions are two "Gouki" monsters. I set Suprex and Twistcobra in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Gouki Jet Ogre!"

A blue ogre with a jetpack and saber emerged from the Link Portal at the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"Suprex's and Twistcobra's effects activate! As they were sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add two new "Gouki" cards from my Deck to my hand." He took two cards before playing one of them. "I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-Match! This card lets me Special Summon two "Gouki" monsters from my Graveyard with different Levels in Defense Position, Resurrect, Suprex and Twistcobra!"

The two ogres reappeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Appear again, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more "Gouki" monsters. I set Suprex and Link-2 Jet Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Gouki Thunder Ogre!"

A large, white-skinned ogre wearing a blue jumpsuit, red armor, and a gray cape emerged from the portal in the Extra Monster Zone Jet Ogre had vacated. Two blasters were strapped to its wrists.

Gouki Thunder Ogre ATK 2200 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Thunder Ogre's effect! Once per turn, the turn player can Normal Summon a monster from their hand to Thunder Ogre's Link Arrow. I summon a second Suprex!"

Another blue ogre appeared at Thunder Ogre's bottom-left Link Arrow.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! I Special Summon Gouki Riscorpio!"

A red-and-black ogre with a scorpion tail and claws appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Appear for a third time, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more "Gouki" monsters. I set Riscorpio and Link-3 Thunder Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

Gore's monsters entered the top, bottom, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Gouki The Master Ogre!"

A large ogre wearing gold armor and a black and red cape emerged from the portal at the Right Extra Monster Zone. It swung an enormous gold-and-black axe with its right hand.

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 2800 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘

"Riscorpio's effect activates! When it is sent from my field to the Graveyard, I add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Amazing!" Soulburner cheered. "Gore brought out a Link-4 Link Monster on his first turn! He's going all out from the start!"

Storm Rider frowned as he watched the duel. "What are you doing, Gore? You don't normally duel like this."

"It seems you're going all out from the start, Gore." Kid Fate remarked, although he was secretly sweating bullets. "I'll respond by doing the same. My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Destiny Draw, sending Destiny HERO Disk Commander from my hand to the Graveyard to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I summon Destiny HERO Drilldark!"

A humanoid with several small drills protruding from its body and a large one attached to its right hand appeared in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Drilldark ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"When Drilldark is Normal or Special Summoned, its effect activates!" Kid Fate stated. "I can Special Summon a "Destiny HERO" monster from my hand with an equal or lower amount of attack points than Drilldark's! Come on, Destiny HERO - Decider!"

Answering the hero's cry was another hero. It was a humanoid clad in silver and dark green armor, a Bordeaux bodysuit under it, and a mask with fins attached to its sides. The hero struck a pose upon entering the fray.

Destiny HERO – Decider ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"He also gathered two monsters and is ready to Link Summon!" Roselyn noted. "They're neck-on-neck!"

"Decider's effect activates!" Kid Fate said. "Once per Duel, I can activate an effect during the End Phase of the turn it was summoned in. Once that time comes, you'll see what I'm talking about. Now, come on, my circuit!"

A Link Portal twirled out from behind Kid Fate before stopping above him.

"The summoning conditions are two Warrior Monsters!" he shouted. "I set Drilldark and Decider in the Link Arrows!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of brown and grey wind and entered the Link Portal, causing its arrows to light up.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Xtra HERO Cross Crusader!"

A humanoid monster in gray and purple armor covered in red crosses emerged from the Link portal at the Extra Monster Zone, two cross-shaped blades on its wrists.

Xtra HERO Cross Crusader ATK 1600 LINK-2 ↙↘

Gore didn't react outwardly to the Link Monster's presence. "Cross Crusader's effect activates! If it is Link Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Destiny HERO" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Drilldark!"

The drill-based humanoid reappeared in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Drilldark ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"He recovered a material..." Gore muttered. "He can use his cards to a good degree."

"Cross Crusader's additional effect!" Kid Fate continued. "Once per turn, I Tribute a "Destiny HERO" monster to add a different "HERO" monster from my Deck to my hand. I Tribute Drilldark to add Destiny HERO – Drawhand from my Deck to my hand." He took the card and then played a different one in his hand. "I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization! I fuse Destiny HERO – Drawhand and Destiny HERO – Departed in my hand!"

Silhouettes of a man in a white suit with a maroon scarf and gray cowboy hat, spinning a pistol in his right hand, and a man clad in a suit and holding a staff with a skull at its tip, whose face and hands were covered with bandages appeared before turning into particles of red and blue light that swirled together as Kid Fate chanted.

"Heroes that protect the unknown fate. Become one and reign in the pitch-black future! I Fusion Summon! Come on, Destiny HERO – Dystopia!"

A twister of purple wind erupted from the whirlpool of particles as a new hero emerged from it, this one being a humanoid clad in purple armor with yellow pieces and a mask that had a crimson 'D' engraved on it. Dystopia punched the air in front of it while giving its pose.

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"Dystopia's effect activates!" Kid Fat declared. "When Special Summoned, I target one a Level 4 or lower "Destiny HERO" monster in my Graveyard and inflict damage equal to its attack points. I target Drawhand! Pummeling Palm!"

Gore's eyes widened as Dystopia threw a sphere of wind at him. He cried out and fell to a knee from the impact.

Gore: 4000→2400 LP

Gore growled and pushed himself back to his feet. "That hurt."

"And this will hurt more. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Big Bang Shot and equip it to Dystopia!" A fiery aura surrounded the Fusion Monster. "This card increases Dystopia's attack by 400 and allows it to inflict piercing damage!"

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800→3200

"Dystopia's second effect activates! Once per turn, I can target and destroy one card on the field if its attack or defense points change. I destroy The Master Ogre! Noble Justice!"

"I won't allow that!" Gore stated. "I activate The Master Ogre's effect! Once per turn, by returning any number of "Gouki" monsters linked to Master Ogre to my hand, I can target the same number of cards you control and negate their effects until the end of the turn!" Kid Fate gasped as Gouki Suprex disappeared. "I return Suprex to my hand and negate Dystopia's effects!"

Kid Fate gritted his teeth as his Fusion Monster grayed out. "Tch. If that's the case, then I'll do this! Battle! Dystopia attacks Master Ogre! Dystopian Destruction!"

The Fusion Monster charged forward, its fist crackling with electricity.

Gore growled as he gestured to his field. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Gouki Defensive Stance!" The card showed a wrestling ring with Gouki The Solid Ogre fighting against Des Kangaroo. Its arms were raised upwards, protecting its head from Des Kangaroo's punches. "During each turn, the first time my "Gouki" Link Monsters would be destroyed by battle or your card effects, they aren't destroyed!"

Dystopia struck Master Ogre with its fist, failing to destroy it but generating a shockwave that caused Gore to grunt in pain.

Gore: 2400→2000 LP

"Since Master Ogre has more attack points than Cross Crusader, I'll end my Battle Phase here," Kid Fate stated. "I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, whose effect lets me draw four cards since I have no other cards in my hand. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Fissure! It destroys the monster on your field with the lowest attack points. And since Master Ogre is the only monster on your field, it becomes the unlucky winner!

Following Kid Fate's words, the ground began to shake fiercely under Master Ogre's feet, suddenly causing a giant fissure to open up, swallowing the Link Monster.

"Finally, I place one card face-down and end my turn," Kid Fate concluded. "And at this moment, Decider's effect I mentioned earlier resolves, letting me add a "HERO" monster, such as Destiny HERO - Drilldark from my Graveyard to my hand."

"That was a good move," Soulburner commented. "Kid Fate failed to finish this duel in one turn but still managed to wipe away half of Gore's Life Points."

"That's true. However, I don't believe that Gore will be deterred by that much," Storm Rider remarked. "Such tactics are only a minor speed bump for him, and Kid Fate should be well aware of that."

"It's my turn!" Gore announced. "I draw!"

"I activate the effect of Drawhand in my Graveyard!" Kid Fate interjected. "During the Standby Phase of the turn after it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!"

The white-suited man reappeared again in Defense Position.

Destiny HERO – Drawhand ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Drawhand's effect activates! Since it was Special Summoned by a "HERO" monster's effect, we each draw one card!"

"That effect helps me out also," Gore reminded his opponent. He smirked. "It helped me out a great deal! I summon Gouki Suprex!"

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! As it was Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon Gouki Moonsault from my hand!"

A large, muscular, humanoid rabbit in black and pink armor appeared in Attack Position.

"I activate Moonsault's effect! Once per turn, I can return a "Gouki" Link Monster in my Graveyard to my Extra Deck. Then, I can add a "Gouki" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll return Thunder Ogre to my Extra Deck and add Gouki Suprex to my hand. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Face Turn! By destroying a "Gouki" card on my field, I can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster in my Graveyard. I destroy Moonsault and Special Summon Jet Ogre!"

The humanoid rabbit was replaced by the blue ogre with a jetpack.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more "Gouki" monsters. I set Suprex and Link-2 Jet Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

Gore's monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Gouki The Great Ogre!"

An ogre in black and maroon armor wearing a bearskin cape emerged from the Link Portal at the Extra Monster Zone and hefted a battle ax in its right hand.

Gouki The Great Ogre ATK 2600 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Suprex's and Jet Ogre's effects activate!" Gore said. "I add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand. Then, all "Gouki" monsters I currently control gain 500 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Gouki The Great Ogre ATK 2600→3100

"The Great Ogre's effect! While it is on the field, all monsters lose attack points equal to their original defense points! Ogre Pressure!"

The Great Ogre roared while Dystopia moaned.

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 3200→800

"Bad move!" Kid Fate sneered. "Have you already forgotten Dystopia's effect!? Once per turn, when its attack or defense points change, I can destroy a card on your field! Destroy his Gouki Defensive Stance, Dystopia! Noble Justice!"

A portion of Dystopiaguy's palm opened up, unleashing a vortex that destroyed the Trap Card.

"That was smart of him," Sanctum noted with a smirk. "Without Defensive Stance, Gore can't protect his monsters anymore."

"I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-Match! Resurrect, Riscorpio and Twistcobra!"

The red and green ogres reappeared in Defense Position, summoned to The Great Ogre's bottom and bottom-right Link Arrows.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Battle!" Gore declared. "The Great Ogre attacks Dystopia!"

Kid Fate blinked. "He's not using Twistcobra's effect?"

"Ogre Axe!" The Great Ogre leaped up, bringing down its ax on the Destiny Hero Fusion Monster.

"I activate the Trap Card: Card Defense!" Kid Fate declared. "By discarding a card from my hand, not only can I negate the attack, but I also get to draw a card!"

Following his words, a swarm of cards protected Dystopia from the Great Ogre's attack. Soon after, Kid Fate drew a card.

"And since the card I discarded to activate Card Defense's effect was Cards of Compensation, I get to draw two cards from my Deck thanks to its effect," He drew again, then smirked. "If you intend to show me anything, you'll have to do a lot better than that!"

"Oh, I intend to!" Gore shouted. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Link Ascension!" The card showed Mekk-Knight Avram kneeling among rocks, his swords at his sides with the tips buried in the ground. Above and behind him stood Mekk-Knight Crusadia Avramax, sword and head held high. "This card lets me use monsters I control to perform a Link Summon!"

Kid Fate gasped. "What?"

"Appear again, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two "Gouki" monsters! I set Riscorpio and Twistcobra in the Link Arrows!"

Gore's monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Gouki Jet Ogre!"

Another blue ogre with a jetpack on its back and a saber in its right hand emerged from the portal at The Great Ogre's bottom Link Arrow.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"Since Riscorpio and Twistcobra were sent to the Graveyard, their effects activate! I add two new "Gouki" cards from my Deck to my hand!" Gore drew his cards, then pointed to his field. "Battle! Jet Ogre attacks Dystopia!"

The ogre's jetpack ignited, propelling it forward. The ogre swung his saber, cleaving Dystopia in two, with the ensuing shockwave causing Kid Fate to wince.

Kid Fate: 4000→2800 LP

"I figured you'd have a way to negate my attack, so I waited to activate Link Ascension until I was certain of what you had," Gore said. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. During the End Phase, The Great Ogre's attack points return to normal."

Gouki The Great Ogre ATK 3100→2600

"My turn!" Kid Fate announced. "I draw! Allow me to pay you back for the previous attack, Gore! First, I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed, which allows me to draw two cards from my Deck. Then, I activate Cross Crusader's effect, Tributing Drawhand to add Destiny HERO - Celestial from my Deck to my hand! Following that, I summon Destiny HERO Drilldark!"

Destiny HERO – Drilldark ATK 1600→400 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Drilldark's effect activates! I Special Summon Destiny HERO - Celestial from my hand!"

A male humanoid clad from head to toe in a black bodysuit with crimson lining and large blades attached to its back. The man gave a battle cry as it appeared.

Destiny HERO – Celestial ATK 1600→200 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"Lastly, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Xtra Bond, equipping it to Cross Crusader!" The card showed Xtra HERO - Wonder Driver shaking hands with Destiny HERO - Dystopia in a symbol of alliance. "When activated, I have to declare one "HERO" series, and the equipped monster's name will also be treated as such. I declare Destiny HERO, making Cross Crusader a "Destiny HERO" monster!"

"He has three Destiny HERO monsters," Gore muttered in concern. "What's he planning?"

"I activate Xtra Bond's second effect!" Kid Fate declared. "I can use monsters I control, including the equipped monster, to perform a Fusion Summon!"

His monsters disintegrated into particles that formed a vortex. Three whirlwinds, colored red, blue, and green, emerged from the vortex before merging into a purple tornado.

"Heroes that protect the unknown fate. Become one and reign in the pitch-black future! Fusion Summon! Come on, Destiny HERO - Dominance!"

A male humanoid cladded in bulky grey armor with numerous spikes emerging from it and a Crimson D engraved on its abdomen, which held a large cleaver in its right hand, appeared on Kid Fate's field in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Dominance ATK 2900→300 DEF 2600 LVL: 9

"A Level 10 Fusion Monster this time!" Roselyn shouted.

"Yeah, but thanks to Great Ogre's effect, it becomes weaker," Blue Maiden stated.

"I activate the Spell Card: D–Shock!" Kid Fate declared as the card showed a gloved hand letting out massive sparks of electricity with a "D" symbol glowing blue in the middle of its palm. "Thanks to its effect, if I control a "Destiny HERO" monster, I can negate the effects of all monsters you control until the End Phase! And since Great Ogre's effects are negated, Dominance's attack points return to normal!"

Destiny HERO – Dominance ATK 300→2900

I can't use Great Ogre's effect to protect it from destruction. Gore thought. He's sure making this difficult for me…

"Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Re-Fusion! By paying 800 Life Points, I can target one Fusion Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it! Revive, Destiny HERO – Dystopia!"

Kid Fate: 2800→2000 LP

After he paid the necessary cost, Dystopia returned to Kid Fate's field.

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"Battle!" Kid Fate exclaimed. "Destiny HERO – Dystopia, attack Great Ogre! Dystopia Destruction!"

Dystopia dashed forward and struck Great Ogre with its fist, destroying it in an explosion. Gore gritted his teeth and gestured to his field.

"I activate the Trap Card: Desperate Tag! When my Attack Position monster is destroyed, I can reduce the battle damage to 0!" The smoke from the explosion washed over Gore, but he stood his ground through it without hesitation. "Then, Desperate Tag lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Warrior monster from my hand. Come, Gouki Twistcobra!"

The green ogre appeared in Defense Position.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Well, aren't you lucky," Kid Fate remarked. "Let's see if you can uphold that luck. Dominance attacks Jet Ogre! Submission Punish!"

Dominance swung its blade, generating an energy slash that tore through Darkwurm and destroyed it.

"I activate Twistcobra's effect!" Gore declared. "By Tributing a "Gouki" monster, another "Gouki" monster gains attack points equal to its original attack points until the end of the turn! I Tribute Twistcobra and give its attack points to Jet Ogre!"

The green ogre broke apart as the blue ogre glowed.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000→3600

"Twistcobra's effect activates! I add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand." Gore stated. "Now my monster's stronger than yours."

"Are you sure about that?" Kid Fate asked Gore. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: World Legacy Clash! By banishing my monster until the End Phase, one of yours loses attack and defense points equal to the banished monster's!"

"What!?" Gore gasped.

"I banish Dystopia and lower Jet Ogre's attack points!"

Dystopia disintegrated as Jet Ogrel glowed red.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 3600→800

Domiance's blade pierced Jet Ogre with ease. At that moment—

"I activate my second face-down, the Trap Card: Heroic Legacy!" Gore abruptly announced. "If one of my monsters is about to be destroyed due to battle, I can banish it before damage calculation occurs and gain its original attack points as Life Points!"

Jet Ogre turned into a stream of particles, enveloping Gore.

Gore: 2000→4000 LP

"But now, you'll receive the damage from the earlier battle." Kid Fate pointed out.

Following its master's words, Dominance thrust its weapon, stabbing Gore in the stomach and causing him to double over from the pain.

Gore: 4000→1900 LP

"Dominance's effect activates!" Kid Fate continued. "When it destroys a monster by battle, I can draw a card from my Deck. Finally, I place two cards face-down and end my turn. And during the End Phase, the effect of World Legacy Clash activates and Special Summons Dystopia to my field."

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"He's not bad, that Kid Fate," Blue Maiden remarked. "He sure does know what he's doing."

"Maybe, but Gore isn't going all out yet." Soulburner pointed out. "Once he does, that wannabe superhero won't know what hit him."

"That goes for Kid Fate as well," Storm Rider commented. "Both of them are still feeling each other out. From this point on, things are going to get more heated."

"It's my turn!" Gore stated. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: The Warrior Returning Alive! This card lets me add one Warrior monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Suprex to my hand. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Final Offguard! As my Life Points are lower than yours and you're the only one with a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can draw two cards."

Gore drew and smiled at his cards. "I summon Gouki Suprex!"

The blue ogre reappeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! As it was Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from my hand. Come, Gouki Splashfrog!"

A dark green with a lighter brown chest appeared. He stood on hunched webbed feet, and his hands were similarly webbed. A frog hood rested atop his head.

Gouki Splashfrog ATK 1500 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Splashfrog's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gouki" card, I can return a "Gouki" Link Monster in my Graveyard to my Extra Deck and gain Life Points equal to half its attack points. I return The Great Ogre to my Extra Deck!"

Gore: 1900→3200 LP

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two "Gouki" monsters. I set Splashfrog and Suprex in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Gouki Jet Ogre!"

Another blue ogre with a jetpack and saber emerged in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"Splashfrog's and Suprex's effects activate! I add two new "Gouki" cards from my Deck to my hand!" Gore added two new cards to his hand and played a different one. "Next, I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial. It lets me send a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Gouki Tagpartner. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-Match! Resurrect, Twistcobra and Tagpartner!"

Twistcobra returned to the field along with a violet, bearded ogre with spiked shoulder pads and forearm guards resembling that of a boar. On his feet were a pair of spiked brass, each of them containing a total of three spikes. Fur was attached just below his knees and the back of his forearm guards.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

Gouki Tagpartner ATK 1700 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Show up again, my circuit!'' Gore called out, pointing at the sky as another Link portal appeared. "Like last time, the conditions are two "Gouki" monsters! I set Tagpartner and Jet Ogre in the Link Arrows!''

Gore called out as his two monsters turned into tornadoes, while Jet Ogre turned into two tornadoes and entered the top, bottom, and bottom left arrows.

"I Link Summon! Link-3! Gouki The Blade Ogre!''

A large ogre in a black jumpsuit with blue armor on its shoulders and legs emerged from the portal to the Right Extra Monster Zone. A red cape hung from its shoulders, wielding a massive blue blade in its right hand.

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑↓

"A new "Gouki" Link Monster," Kid Fate murmured.

"Since Jet Ogre left the field, all "Gouki" monsters I control gain 500 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→2900

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600→2100

"Furthermore, since Tagpartner was used as Link Material, Blade Ogre gains 1000 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2900→3900

"Lastly, Blade Ogre's effect activates!" For each monster it points to, it gains 300 attack points," Gore stated. "Since it only points to Twistcobra, it gains 300 attack points!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 3900→4200

"4200 attack points?!" Kid Fate exclaimed. Gore would take massive damage if he attacked any of his monsters. Well, his options were clear.

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Life Force!" Kid Fate abruptly declared. "Thanks to its effect, I can pay 400 Life Points to reduce any battle damage I take to 0!"

Gore frowned. "If I can't damage you, I'll at least clear your field. I activate The Blade Ogre's effect!" Gore continued. "Once per turn, by Tributing one monster it points to, it can make a second attack during the Battle Phase! I Tribute Twistcobra!"

Kid Fate narrowed his eyes as Twistcobra vanished. "But since Twistcobra is no longer on your field, your Blade Ogre loses 300 attack points."

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 4200→3900

"That's fine because Twistcobra's effect activates! I add Gouki Octostretch from my hand. Now, time for battle! Blade Ogre, attack Dystopia and Dominance!"

Kid Fate gritted his teeth. "I activate Life Force's effect twice to negate the damage!"

Following Kid Fate's words, Blade Ogre swung its sword at the two Fusion Monsters, striking their bodies and destroying them in a massive explosion. However, the ensuing shockwaves failed to reach Kid Fate due to a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around him. Afterward, a crimson aura formed around his body, causing him to hiss in pain.

Kid Fate: 2000→1200 LP

"Dominateguy's effect activates!" Kid Fate stated. "When this Fusion Summoned card is destroyed, I can target 3 Level 9 or lower "Destiny HERO" monsters in my Graveyard with different names and Special Summon them! Come on, Celestial, Disk Commander and Dystopia!"

Three portals appeared above Kid Fate, with his Celestial and Dystopia emerging from them in Attack Position alongside a male humanoid with grey skin, wearing a blue suit with multiple disks attached to it in Defense Position.

Destiny HERO – Celestial ATK 1600 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

Destiny HERO – Disk Commander ATK 300 DEF 300 LVL: 1

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800 DEF 2400 LVL: 8

"Dystopia's and Disk Commander's effects activate!" Kid Fate continued. "Once per Duel, when Disk Commander is Special Summoned from the Graveyard, I can draw two new cards! And when Dystopia is Special Summoned, I can target one Level 4 or lower "Destiny HERO" monster in my Graveyard and inflict its attack points as damage to you! I target Drilldark! Go, Pummeling Palm!"

The Fusion Monster fired another white sphere from its hand, hitting Gore and sending him skidding several feet as his body stumbled from the pain.

Gore: 3200→1600 LP

"Not bad for someone still in diapers..." Gore chuckled. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn. Since it's the End Phase, Tagpartner and Jet Ogre's effects end."

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 3900→2400

"It's my turn!" Kid Fate announced. "I draw! Appear, my circuit!" a Link Portal twirled out from behind Kid Fate. "The summoning conditions are two "HERO" monsters! I set Celestial and Disk Commander in the Link Arrows!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of black and grey energy and entered the Link Portal, causing its markers to light up.

"I Link Summon! Link-2! Xtra HERO Wonder Driver!"

A humanoid in black-and-blue skintight clothes emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone, a glowing golden staff in its left hand.

Xtra HERO Wonder Driver ATK 1900 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Another Xtra HERO," Storm Rider noted. "I wonder what this one does..."

Kid Fate took a card from his hand. "I summon Destiny HERO – Dunker!"

A muscular humanoid with dark skin and dreadlocks clad in silver armor appeared on Kid Fate's field.

Destiny HERO – Dunker ATK 1200 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

"Wonder Driver's effect activates! When a "HERO" monster is Summoned to its Link Arrow, I can Set Polymerization, a "Fusion" Spell, or a "Change" Quick-Play Spell from my Graveyard. I'll Set Polymerization."

"He set a Fusion card... that means-" Gore narrowed his eyes. "A Fusion Summon."

"That's right!" Kid Fate confirmed with a smirk. "But before that, I'll go even further! For the second time, I create my circuit!" Another Link Portal appeared at those words. "The summoning conditions are two or more "HERO" monsters! I set Dunker and the Link-2 Wonder Driver in the Link Arrows!"

His two monsters turned into twisters of energy and entered the Link Portal, causing its markers to light up.

"I Link Summon! Link-3! Xtra HERO Dread Decimator!"

Emerging from the portal was another humanoid, cladded in black and grey Bordeaux armor with a large gun attached to its right arm. It gave a battle cry upon entering the Extra Monster Zone Wonder Driver had vacated a few seconds ago.

Xtra HERO Dread Decimator ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"A Link 3 Monster..." Gore muttered.

"Dread Buster's effect!" Kid Fate exclaimed! "This card and any "HERO" monsters it points to gain 100 attack points for every "HERO" monster in my Graveyard with different names! Since I have ten such monsters, Dread Decimator and Dystopia gain 1000 attack points!"

Fiery auras surrounded his three heroes, and they gave a battle pose each.

Destiny HERO – Dread Decimator ATK 2500→3500

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 2800→3800

"And since Dystopia's attack points changed, its effect activates, allowing me to destroy a card on the field! I choose your Blade Ogre! Noble Justice!"

"My monster isn't going anywhere!" Gore bellowed. "I activate the Trap Card: Shield Handler! When a card or effect that destroys monsters is activated, I can target a Link Monster on both our fields and Shield Handler becomes an Equip Card to mine while your monster's effects are negated! I choose Dread Decimator Max and Blade Ogre for this effect!"

"Even so, Dystopia's effect will go through!" Kid Fate pointed out.

"Afraid not. Due to Shield Handler's second effect, the equipped monster can't be destroyed by card effects!" Gore revealed. "And since Dread Decimator's effects have been negated, your monsters lose their attack boosts!"

Destiny HERO – Dread Decimator ATK 3500→2500

Destiny HERO – Dystopia ATK 3800→2800

Gore smirked. "Looks like your move was all for naught."

"Don't be so sure," Kid Fate said. "Battle! Dread Decimator, attack Blade Ogre! Dread Blaster!"

"I activate the Trap Cad: Intrigue Shield!" Gore declared. "I target and equip this card to Blade Ogre!" A golden shield with two horses emblazoned on it appeared in Blade Ogre's left hand. "The Attack Position monster equipped with Intrigue Shield cannot be destroyed in battle once per turn, and I take no battle damage from attacks involving it!"

Beams of energy were fired from Dread Decimator's blaster, hitting the shield, but the shield held.

"Not bad, Gore," Kid Fate praised his opponent. "However, the Battle Phase isn't over yet. Dystopia will attack Blade Ogre! Dystopian Destruction!"

The Fusion Monster raised its right hand, electricity enveloping it. It brought its fist down on the shield, shattering it along with Blade Ogre.

"You may destroy Blade Ogre with this attack, but I don't take any damage thanks to Intrigue Shield's effect!" Gore reminded Kid Fate.

"As expected of Gore, you won't make this easy." Kid Fate let out a cramped smile. "I place one card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Gore announced. "I activate the effect of Gouki Ringtrainer in my hand! By revealing it and targeting a "Gouki" Link Monster in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Ringtrainer and the targeted Link Monster with its attack points reduced by 500! I select and Special Summon Gouki The Master Ogre!"

The Master Ogre reappeared, accompanied by a small ogre in green armor wielding a wooden sword in Defense Position.

Gouki Ringtrainer ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 2800→2300

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Avarice! I shuffle five monsters in my Graveyard back into the Deck and draw two cards. I target Gouki Suprex, Twistcobra, Riscorpio, Tagpartner, and Splashfrog in my Graveyard and shuffle them back into my Deck."

Gore took his cards from the Graveyard, shuffled them into his Deck and drew.

"Since all of the monsters I control are "Gouki" monsters, I can Normal Summon this monster without a Tribute. Come, Gouki Riscorpio!"

The red-and-black ogre with scorpion claws and a tail appeared.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Now all the conditions are met! I now activate the Spell Card: Star Light, Star Bright! With this card, when there are monsters on the field with either the same attack points or the same defense points, I can take one of their Levels and change all the other monsters to that same Level. As a result, I will change Gouki Ringtrainer's Level to that of Riscorpio's!"

Gouki Ringtrainer LVL: 1→5

Kid Fate narrowed his eyes at the two Goukis, "Two Level 5 monsters...Don't tell me…."

"I overlay my Level 5 Gouki Ringtrainer and Gouki Riscorpio!"

A bolt of orange energy burst out of Gore's Duel Disk and traveled upwards. It struck the sky and exploded into a ring of orange energy that traveled downwards, changing the environment to a midnight sky. Streams of orange data traveled downward.

"With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!"

A large blue "X" with four red points appeared beneath his two monsters, who broke into blue data and entered two of the dots. The corners of the "X" fired beams upwards, creating a shining galaxy that exploded with power.

"It's time for the final curtain!" Gore chanted as his Duel Disk glowed. "Step onto the stage, warrior basked in the climax's luster! I Xyz Summon! Descend! Rank 5! Gouki The Showstopper Ogre!"

An ogre-like monster clad in copper-colored armor with a tattered cape, several spikes protruding from its body, and several thick chains wrapped around its arms. It let out a huge roar as it was summoned next to Master Ogre's bottom Link Arrow in Attack Position as two orange lights circled behind it.

Gouki The Showstopper Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 0 RNK: 5 OU: 2

"Showstopper Ogre's effect activates! When it's Xyz Summoned next to a Link Monster's Link, I can target cards on the field up to the Link Rating of a Link Monster that it points to and return them to the hand. I return Dystopia, Dread Decimator, Life Force and your face-down card on the left. Go, Rebound Roar!"

Multiple spotlights focus on the targeted cards as Showstopper lets out a great roar, causing the designated cards to disappear and return to Kid Fate's hand.

"Following that, I activate Showstopper Ogre's second effect!" Gore continued. "Once per turn, by detaching one Overlay Unit, I can target a "Gouki" monster in my Graveyard and add it to your hand to increase Showstopper Ogre's attack points equal to that target's original attack points until the end of this turn. I return The Blade Ogre to my Extra Deck. Epilogue Reunion!"

The ghostly form of Blade Ogre appeared before Showstopper, and they grasped hands, causing Blade Ogre to explode into particles that then surrounded Showstopper.

Gouki The Showstopper Ogre OU: 2→1

Gouki The Showstopper Ogre ATK 2800→5200

"Battle! Showstopper Ogre attacks you directly!"

Following Gore's command, Showstopper rushed forward as spotlights focused on him.

"As much as I'm enjoying this duel, I won't let it end with me losing! I activate Trap Card: Compensation Mediation!" Kid Fate declared. "This card lets you pick two cards from your Graveyard, then they get shuffled on the field with this card, and then I get to pick a card! If it's my Trap, then the Battle Phase automatically ends!"

"Interesting," Gore said. "You will allow the duel's outcome to be decided on a game of chance? Fine. I shall choose Gouki Re-Match and Gouki Defensive Stance to be shuffled with Compensation Mediation."

Three face-down cards appeared on the field and then shuffled themselves.

A one in three chance," Storm Rider observed. However, even if Kid Fate does choose the right card, Gore is still allowed to reuse the two cards he had chosen.

"I choose the card on the right!" Kid Fate announced.

Both duelists waited tensely for the card to flip over…

Compensation Mediation.

Kid Fate grinned as Showstopper Ogre was stopped in its tracks. "Looks like I'm safe!"

"So close, and yet so far." Gore let out a small laugh. "Looks like I couldn't reach it… After returning the two cards I selected to the top of my Deck, I end my turn. As it's now the End Phase, Showstopper Ogre's attack points return to normal."

Gouki The Showstopper Ogre ATK 5200→2800

"In that case, let's settle things, Gore!" Kid Fate declared. "It's my turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Legacy of a Hero! Since I have at least two Level 4 or higher "HERO" monsters in my Graveyard, I draw three cards from my Deck. Next, 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, I cannot Set Spell or Trap Cards."

Kid Fate: 1200→600 LP

"I send Destiny HERO – Dystopia to my Graveyard. And now, I'll activate the Spell Card: Miracle Destiny!" The card showed a golden engraved "D" symbol in front of a shining vortex with both blue and purple spirits of heroes swirling into the middle. "This card lets me banish "Destiny HERO" monsters from my field or Graveyard and perform a Fusion Summon with them!"

"What!?" Gore exclaimed. "From your Graveyard, you say!?"

"The ones I will fuse are Dystopia and Dominance from my Graveyard!"

Silhouettes of the two Fusion Monsters appeared on Kid Fate's field. The two monsters turned into red and blue data streams and swirled into a vortex. Two twisters shot upwards before merging into a single violet tornado.

"Heroes that protect the unknown fate!" Kid Fate chanted, his hands held before him. "Become one and reign over the utopia's twilight I Fusion Summon! Come on! Destiny HERO - Dusktopia!"

The monster that emerged from the Fusion vortex was humanoid and covered in heavy gold armor. The plates at its waist went down to its ankles, and green leaves wreathed its left shoulder plate. It had no head, instead having a red "D" symbol on a green orb with gold attachments. The monster posed from the field in Attack Position.

Destiny HERO – Dusktopia ATK 3000 DEF 3000 LVL: 10

"You went from dystopia to utopia?" Gore questioned. "Even so, no matter which monster you attack, I'll only take 200 damage."

"I'm not done yet! I activate the Spell Card: Left Arm Offering! By banishing my entire hand, I can add one Spell Card from my Deck to my hand! I choose the Equip Spell Card: Giant Hunter and equip it to Dusktopia!" Kid Fate declared. "Battle! Dusktopia attacks Showstopper Ogre! And at this moment, I activate Giant Hunter's effect! When the equipped monster attacks, you're prevented from activating any Spell or Trap Cards, and if my Life Points are lower than yours, the attack target's attack points are halved!"

"What?" Gore gasped.

Gouki The Showstopper Ogre ATK 2800→1400

"End this, Dusktopia! Last Ecstasis!"

Dusktopia unleashed a golden energy blast from its hands, piercing through Showstopper Ogre's body and destroying it, with the explosion sending Gore flying back.

Gore: 1600→0 LP

"Ah, man," Soulburner said with a disappointed expression. "I can't believe Gore lost."

"But at least he put up a very good fight." Roselyn supplied from the side as Soulburner nodded. "And it's better that he lost to some kid rather than the Syndicate."

As the holograms disappeared, the spectators were shocked by the result.

"Gore… lost?" Soulburner said.

"It looks that way." Storm Rider replied calmly despite being as shocked as the rest.

As the transparent dome around the two duelists started to disintegrate, Kid Fate approached Gore, who looked down at the ground, not saying a word. "Gore, you okay?" He asked him worriedly.

But to his surprise, he looked up and laughed. "I've never been better!" He turned to Kid Fate. "That was a great duel."

He walked to him and smiled. "It sure was. I was a little worried back there. You almost had me there. But almost doesn't count."

"Then I'll just have to step up my game next time," Gore said as he raised his right fist.

Kid Fate smirked and gave him a fist bump. "You better."