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?

42. Requiem

Storm Rider and Sanctum panted heavily, defeating another group of Syndicate soldiers. They hoped to reunite with the others, and they would've if it weren't for them.

"Should we continue moving forward?" Sanctum asked as she caught her breath.

"Nah, I'm sure Playmaker and everyone else can handle things independently without a problem," Storm Rider said. "Duelists of their caliber won't lose to small fries. While the soldiers are easy to defeat, they do take a lot out of you. For now, let's try to locate the Syndicate. I received a message from Gore that he and Kid Fate encountered Galerius a while back, and Kid Fate stayed to duel him so Gore could continue looking for the others."

"While I commend Kid Fate for his bravery, I don't know if it was the smartest decision of his to make," Sanctum stated. "We've seen Galerius's skills in action when he dueled Playmaker, and he's a force to be reckoned with."

"I'm well aware of that," Storm Rider said. "All we can do now is hope he'll win. Right now, we should see if any other of Galerius's allies are here with him."

"But how are we supposed to do that?" Sanctum asked. "We really could use some sort of sign right about now…"

No sooner had Sanctum said that than a flare was launched from a certain area in LINK VRAINS, briefly illuminating the sky with its brilliance.

"…Well, what do you know?" Storm Rider seemed amazed. "Good things can happen to you if you wish hard enough for them. It's safe to assume that the Syndicate is over there. However, since practically everyone in LINK VRAINS could see that, some unwanted company is going to be heading there for sure as well. We have to hurry!"

"Wait, Storm Rider!" Sanctum suddenly spoke, catching his attention as she pointed toward another area in the distance. "Over there. Listen."

Storm Rider did as his friend asked, their ears registering faint clashing sounds and explosions in the distance.

"This is…the sound of fighting." Sanctum narrowed her eyes at this. "Could it be one of our comrades?"

"Most likely, though we cannot dismiss the possibility of a trap." Storm Ride reasoned. "Let's proceed with caution."

Sanctum nodded in assent as she followed after Storm Rider. Just as they were about to arrive at the sight of the battle, a Syndicate soldier suddenly flew past the duo and slammed on an opposing wall, startling them before crumbling to the ground unconscious.

"Well, after seeing that, whoever is fighting is on our side," Sanctum said. If this is supposed to be a trap, it's quite sloppy.

"Agreed." Storm Rider nodded. "Let's see who it is and whether they need assistance."

The duo dashed forward and came across a rather surprising scene as several Syndicate soldiers and sergeants were lying unconscious on their ground like their comrades before. And standing in the middle of this scene with their Duel Disks raised were—

"Ginger, Na'amah…and Pyrrha? Now that's a great combination."

Storm Rider stated, causing the three girls to turn towards the approaching duo.

"If it isn't Storm Rider and Sanctum." Na'amah smiled at the sight of her comrades. "While it hasn't been long since we all last saw each other, it still feels like a lifetime, considering what the five of us have been doing for the last hour or two."

"It's good to see you guys again as well." Storm Rider said with a smile. "I assume you guys also saw the flare in the sky."

"Indeed we did," Ginger confirmed. "But we had our hands tied at the moment dealing with these hooligans."

"Well, I'm glad we managed to find you guys in the nick of time," Sanctum said. "Have you guys managed to pinpoint the location of the others?"

"I know that Magnum and Faris are fighting a group of soldiers not far from here," Pyrrha revealed. "I left a drone there to keep an eye on them. But as for Triton and Hornet, I'm afraid to say that the Syndicate got them."

Storm Rider gritted his teeth and clenched his fists hard, staring at the ground with undisguised hatred. "How dare they!? Are there no depths to which those maniacs aren't willing to sink!? Unforgivable! Even if God forgives them, I will never forgive them!"

"Storm Rider…" Sanctum muttered before widening her eyes in realization. "If what you say is true, Pyrrha, then there's a chance that Kid Fate lost against Galerius."

"Aaaahhhhhh!" Storm Rider punched the ground in frustration with all his strength as he screamed, startling the girls around him. "Kuh, to think this would happen in such a short matter of time…" he muttered. "We should have been here to protect everyone! There wouldn't have been so many casualties if we did!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Storm Rider," Ginger said with a hint of a frown. "If there's anyone to blame for all of this chaos and madness, it's the Syndicate, not you."

"I guess you're right…" Storm Rider admitted with a sigh. "But no matter what, I will do what must be done to end this meaningless war and make the Syndicate pay for all their actions."

"Storm Rider…" Sanctum whispered under her breath.

"In any case, nothing will begin unless we get to the Central Station first," Na'amah stated. "But with all these soldiers running around, how are we supposed to get there without interruptions?"

"If you're stumped, how about you allow us to aid you?"

Following that abrupt announcement, several Syndicate sergeants and soldiers suddenly appeared, slowly approaching the group before stopping a few meters across them.

"More enemies…?" Ginger sighed. "This is starting to get repetitive. But since the crowd keeps coming, I must give them a show they'll never forget."

"You do that," Na'amah said next to Ginger. "I'm just going to focus on pulverizing them."

"Hold it, you two." Pyrrha gestured at the two girls. "The newcomers don't appear to be hostile for now. I assume you people have a message for us?"

"That's right." One of the Syndicate sergeants said. "Our leader has ordered us to escort Storm Rider and Sanctum to the Central Station because they wish to speak with them. I advise you to follow us obediently and not make a fuss. They've given express orders not to harm you, but we can restrain you if you cause problems."

"That's an interesting proposal," Storm Rider remarked. "However, I'm not so naïve as to trust the enemy leader and blindly follow their soldiers. In addition, you made no mention of our companions here, which means you intend to eliminate them. As such, I think I speak for all of us when I say I'm afraid we'll have to decline your leader's kind invitation. And since you'll probably insist on following your orders and apprehending us, we'll be forced to resist. No hard feelings."

Ginger and Na'amah raised their Duel Disks and stepped forward following Storm Rider's declaration, glaring at the Syndicate agents.

"You three go on ahead!" Ginger said. "We'll handle these clowns and join you later!"

"What the half-pint said." Na'amah grinned. "Leave this act to us. You are needed for the climax, so you must conserve your strength."

Storm Rider looked at the two youths for a few seconds and nodded.

"Very well, we will leave this place to you. Let's go, Sanctum, Pyrrha."

"Yes, Storm Rider."

"Stay safe, you guys!"

The Storm Rider, Sanctum, and Pyrrha trio turned around and swiftly left the area. Upon seeing that sight, one of the Syndicate sergeants shouted.

"The priority targets are getting away! After them!"

The sergeants and soldiers attempted to rush forward, only to find their path blocked by Na'amah and Ginger.

"Hey, don't you know that leaving before the performance starts is bad manners?" Ginger shook her head in faux exasperation. "Seriously, the Syndicate sure does lack in the education department."

"In that case, how about we give them an extra-special course?" Na'amah suggested with a smirk. "We'll teach your bodies directly and thoroughly, to the point where you'll recall this special lesson even in your sleep~."

"Infuriating brats…" A Syndicate sergeant said through gritted teeth. "Everyone, eliminate them! We will erase the stain on the Syndicate's honor with our own hands!"

"The only one getting erased here is you buffoons!" Na'amah declared. "Let's do this!"

"Let's Duel!"

The collective shouts of the duelists present echoed throughout the area.

Meanwhile, elsewhere…

"As I thought, Storm Rider and Sanctum chose the most difficult path by rejecting our invitation. No wonder Queen Priscilla is obsessed with him…"

Enoch commented as he and Marionette stood atop a large building and viewed the Syndicate agents engaging Ginger and Na'amah while Storm Rider, Sanctum and Pyrrha were currently on their D-Boards to the Central Station.

"I suppose it can't be helped if they want to make things more difficult for us," Marionette said as she opened a different screen that showed the rest of the Top 10's comrades fighting against the remaining Syndicate soldiers. "Either way, our forces are quickly dwindling. While Astro, Glacia and Galerius may have succeeded in apprehending Triton, Hornet and Kid Fate, it won't matter one bit in the end if we don't hold up our end in the bargain."

"You're not wrong," Enoch said. "But no matter how many victories they pile up, once Priscilla has what she wants, the Syndicate's long-awaited goal will finally be at our grasp. The world will be reformed the way it should be. But first, we have to deal with the fanfare."

Enoch dismissed the holographic image in front of him and Marionette and opened another window that displayed the layout of LINK VRAINS. Upon verifying Storm Rider and the others' position on the map, Enoch let out a small frown.

"They're almost near our location," he stated. "I suppose this is as good a chance as any to test Dr. Willow's new invention. It doesn't need to defeat them, only slow them down."

"Well, if the robot's dueling, then so am I," Marionette said. "It's not fair if everyone gets to a duel, not me."

"Fine by me. I assume you're going after Sanctum, right?" Enoch asked, with Marionette nodding in confirmation. "In that case, don't hold back. Go all out. Stall her as long as possible, but defeat her if it comes to it."

"Understood," Marionette nodded. "Let's get a move on."

With that, Marionette began hopping from building to building, heading for Storm Rider and his friends' location while Enoch began inputting several commands in his Duel Disk, ordering his pawn to act before continuing towards the Central Station.

Back with Storm Rider's group…

"We seem to have escaped from the squad that sought to bring the two of you guys to their leader, but there is still the issue of us not knowing what troubles lie ahead. I have tried to find any notes in SOL Technologies' database regarding the Central Station but found nothing much so far. I doubt we'll learn anything until we get there."

"What about interrogating the enemy's duelists?" Sanctum suggested. "Perhaps they know something about it."

"I doubt any of them would be willing to betray their leader." Storm Rider responded. "Perhaps we should seek an information terminal or some way to hack into the soldier's or sergeant's Duel Disk. There's a chance they might have some info."

"At the very least, the path before us is quite straightforward for now," Sanctum stated. "I send our coordinates to everyone else, so hopeful they should be joining us soon enough."

"While I'm glad to hear that, I expect yet another enemy will be waiting for us, most likely." Storm Rider said. "Dillydallying here and waiting for everyone isn't make things easier. Let's continue onward."

And with that, the three duelists rode silently, alert for changes in their surroundings. After less than five minutes, Pyrrha's Duel Disk started ringing with a shrill sound. Upon looking at it, her expression quickly turned grave, something that didn't go unnoticed by Storm Rider and Sanctum. Both of them tensed up in reflex, sensing that something had happened.

"Oh, dear…" Pyrrha frowned. "It appears Storm Rider's bad feeling wasn't unfounded after all. But to think the enemy would choose such timing to attack… Was it an unlucky coincidence or a devious plot…?"

"What's going on, Pyrrha?" Sanctum asked her comrade in an agitated tone. "Is it the Syndicate? Have they captured another one of our friends? Are they under attack? Did their number of soldiers increase?"

"One question at a time, please," Pyrrha said while observing a holographic projection on her Duel Disk. "Judging from this, many soldiers have blocked our comrades' path. In addition, two hostiles are registering on my sensors. However, there are no bio-signs from one of them. I'm displaying them to you two right now."

Two images appeared following Pyrrha's words, with one depicting an armored individual resembling a battle droid from a sci-fi movie of old. However, Sanctum let out a strangled gasp upon seeing the person depicted in the second image.

"Marionette…?" Sanctum regarded the person who was once her friend and ally with a shocked expression. "So she's here too…?"

Pyrrha was surprised by Serena's unexpected reaction. Usually, she had a fearless attitude that led her to charge forward and confront their enemies head-first without regard for the consequences. However, the way she was right now at the sight of the purple-haired individual jumping from building to building at a casual pace indicated that she had some history with this foe.

"Judging from the stunned look on your face, I assume you know this person." Pyrrha pointed at the image of the youth. "But why do you seem so shocked?"

"Of course, I know her," Sanctum said. "I must've forgotten to tell you when we last saw each other. That's Marionette, or as you probably know, Esper. The Esper that you saw being captured was none other than a clone. All this time, she was a double agent who infiltrated our group to learn our weaknesses. That's why I can't help but wonder what she's doing here."

"Isn't that obvious?" Storm Rider said. "She must have been ordered to cause all of this damage. Or perhaps she was sent here to do something even worse."

"If this is supposed to be retribution for destroying their factory, it's way too much…" Pyrrha laughed humorlessly.

"I don't think it's a good time to be making jokes," Storm Rider said as he started at Marionette's image. "What about the other fellow? Do we have any information on that thing?"

"As I said, the sensors indicate that no biological signs can be detected from the second intruder," Pyrrha stated as she pressed a button on her Duel Disk, causing the image to zoom on the form of the mysterious assailant. "Instead, scans show that the entity in question is comprised entirely of mechanical parts, which leads me to conclude that it's probably a humanoid-shaped machine with a Duel AI installed."

"So the Syndicate has now deployed robot duelists against us." Sanctum seemed disgusted. "That's insulting and pathetic at the same time. Do they think such toys can substitute a flesh-and-blood Duelist? If so, I'll show them the error of their ways by smashing that tin can to pieces."

"While I understand your indignation, Sanctum, we should focus on escaping from this bind first," Storm Rider said. "According to the schematics of LINK VRAINS that I downloaded earlier, a hidden underground passage leads away to a private server that only allows special access to people. However, the problem is that many civilians failed to log out because the enemy damaged their Duel Disks or were severely injured. Not to mention, we have little time to evacuate them. Therefore, it's imperative to at least stall Marionette and her companion while the remaining people in LINK VRAINS retreat through the passage."

"Say no more, Storm Rider." Pyrrha turned to Sanctum. "I'll face the Duel Bot while you face Marionette. While we're doing that, Storm Rider will continue onward to the Central Station."

"I'm all down for your plan," Sanctum said. "But who's going to evacuate everyone?"

"According to my Duel Disk, the other group shouldn't be too far from us," she said. "We can have them round up everybody."

"In that case, let's hurry and get a move," Storm Rider suggested. "The more time we waste, our comrades will be in danger."

"Got it." Sanctum nodded. "Just be careful out there, Storm Rider."

After saying so, Storm Rider and Sanctum went to their respective locations while Pyrrha watched them worriedly. Although she was admittedly anxious about them leaving alone, she couldn't be distracted now. The lives of everyone currently fleeing from the Syndicate depended on both her and them taking down the approaching Syndicate agents to prevent them from hindering the evacuation. Solidifying her resolve, Pyrrha sped off, heading toward the location of her opponent. After a few minutes, she leaped off her D-Baord and landed in a new area. The server was a giant, lonely, scorched land all centered around a giant volcano. At the base of it were ruins of cities and temples that made it appear like Pompeii, as similar ruins clung to the edges of the cliffs leading up to the top of the molten mountain. Pyrrha walked through the ash-covered broken houses at the mountain's base, broken vases and glass crunching beneath her feet as she looked around. She soon came across her target, the black-armored Duel Bot, which stopped walking upon catching sight of Pyrrha with its visor and began scrutinizing her.

"Potentially hostile subject detected. Beginning analysis." An emotionless, robotic voice was heard coming from the Duel Bot. "Analysis complete. The subject identified as Pyrrha, also known as Scarlett Burns, the daughter of SOL employee Ed Burns and ally to the Top 10. Currently designated as a primary target following operator's orders. Switching from termination mode to subjugation mode. Subject Pyrrha must be eliminated at all costs according to the operator's orders. Adjusting pacification protocols to comply with new parameters."

"So I'm one of your targets, huh?" Pyrrha stated as she activated her Duel Disk. "However, you're sorely mistaken if you think I'll allow myself to be defeated by a bucket of bolts like you. And if your target is also the Top 10, then there's no way I'll let you get to them. Now, it's time to turn you into scrap metal!"

"Duel Disk detected. Formulating response. Duel protocols initiated. Switching to Duel Mode in response to the target's hostile behavioral patterns."

In response, several armor parts placed on Duel Bot's left arm detached from it and formed a Duel Disk, which connected itself to its left arm. Following that, an energy line shot out of it, locking itself around Pyrrha's Duel Disk.

"Duel Anchor deployed. The probability of escape in the middle of the match: 0,03%. Initiating Duel."

"It looks like you're ready for action," Pyrrha smirked. "In that case, allow me to send you back to your creator in pieces!"

"Duel!"

Pyrrha: 4000 LP

Duel Bot: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Pyrrha declared. "To start, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Supply Squad! Once per turn, I can draw a card if a monster I control is destroyed by battle or card effect. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Unexpected Dai! Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower monster from my Deck. Appear, Metalfoes Silverd!"

A pink-haired young woman wearing silver armor on her arms with neon green accents flying on a jet-like aircraft and wielding a futuristic gun appeared on Pyrrha's field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Silverd ATK 1700 DEF 100 LVL: 3 PS: 1

"Moving on, I set the Pendulum Scale with Scale 1 Metalfoes Goldriver and Scale 8 Metalfoes Volflame!"

Two pillars of light appeared. The first pillar held a black-haired young man clad in golden armor with neon green accents driving a quad bike and wielding a flaming axe-like weapon. The second pillar held was a spiky, gray-haired young man clad in orange armor driving a large tank with neon green accents.

Metalfoes Goldriver Scale: 1

Metalfoes Volflame Scale: 8

"Now I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7! But first, I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Pot!" Pyrrha continued. "When this card is activated, I can draw cards from my Deck equal to the number of cards in my Pendulum Zones. Since I have two cards in my Pendulum Zones, I can draw two cards!"

After drawing her cards, Pyrrha pointed upward. "I activate Goldriver's Pendulum Effect! By destroying a face-up card on my field, I can set a "Metalfoes" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck in my Spell & Trap Zone. I destroy Silverd to set Metalfoes Fusion!"

Silverd exploded as a Set card materialized on Pyrrha's field.

"Also, since my monster was destroyed, Supply Squad's effect activates, and I draw one card!" Pyrrha drew, then gestured to her field. "With the set Pendulum Scale, I Pendulum Summon! Come forth! Two copies of Metalfoes Silverd!"

A portal opened between the pillars, out of which two lights emerged. The lights hit the field and dissipated, revealing two copies of Silverd.

Metalfoes Silverd ATK 1700 DEF 100 LVL: 3 PS: 1 x 2

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Metalfoes Fusion!" Pyrrha continued. "Through its effect, I can perform a Fusion Summon using "Metalfoes" monsters from my hand or field! I fuse both copies of Metalfoes Silverd!"

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

"Merge, man and machine! Ascend as the apocalypse approaches and set the earth alight with the flames of mayhem! I Fusion Summon! Metalfoes Adamante!"

A humanoid male cladded in armor resembling a motorcycle's parts and holding two flaming blades appeared on Pyrrha's field.

Metalfoes Adamante ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 5

"I activate the effect of Metalfoes Fusion in my Graveard, shuffling it back to my Deck to draw one card," Pyrrha stated. "Then, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Metalfoes Blaster, equipping it to Adamante!" A ray blaster appeared in Adamante's hand. "Through this card's effect, I can inflict 800 points of damage to my opponent if I have two "Metalfoes" cards in my Pendulum Zones. Take this!"

Streams of fire erupted from the blaster Adamante was holding, enveloping the Duel Bot.

Duel Bot: 4000→3200 LP

"No reaction whatsoever…" Pyrrha muttered. "But I guess that's to be expected since I'm dueling a robot, not a human being. I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"My turn." Duel Bot announced. "I draw. From my hand, I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity. Its effect allows me to draw three cards from my Deck and discard two from my hand. Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Branded Lost. Through its effect, you cannot negate the activation of cards and effects that would Fusion Summon a monster, and you cannot activate cards or effects when a monster is Fusion Summoned that way.."

Pyrrha gritted her teeth. That meant she couldn't stop it from Fusion Summoning.

"I activate the Spell Card: Branded in White." Duel Bot continued. "It lets me perform a Fusion Summon using cards in my hand or on my field, including a Dragon monster. I will fuse Despian Tragedy and Albion the Shrouded Dragon in my hand."

Spectral figures of a bizarre-looking monster whose body was composed of a joker mask attached to a skeleton-shaped object that ended with a blade, to which three spiked collars were connected through chains, and a large black dragon with a white mane and lava-like wings appeared. The monsters disintegrated into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Two streams of energy shot upward and merged into a violet whirlwind.

"Darkness sealed within a suit of holy armor." The Duel Bot chanted. "Emerge now in the flurry of the rising curtains and crush them in the emptiness of destruction. I Fusion Summon. Despian Quaeritis."

A black, armored humanoid creature appeared, grey and red spikes stabbing out of its armor. Devil-like wings of red spheres and metallic bronze lines spread out behind them. A cape of red-purple fabric was split in half as it drifted through the air behind it. A long red and black lance spun as Quaeritis caught it again.

Despian Quaeritis ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Since Despian Tragedy was sent to the Graveyard by a card effect, I can add a different "Despia" monster from my Deck to my hand." A card was ejected from Duel Bot's Duel Disk, which it took. "Furthermore, since I Fusion Summoned a Fusion Monster, I can add a monster that mentions "Fallen of Albaz", or "Fallen of Albaz" itself, from my Deck to my hand with Branded Lost's effect. I add Blazing Cartesia, the Virtuous. And due to Albion the Shrouded Dragon's effect, it's treated as "Fallen of Albaz" while on the field or in the Graveyard, which means I can Special Summon Blazing Cartesia from my hand!"

A white-haired girl appeared on the field with bloody red eyes, wearing a dark tiara and dress with a sword in her hands. The sword had an eye-like structure with a thin blade at its base.

Blazing Cartesia, the Virtuous ATK 1500 DEF 1500 LVL: 4

"I will use Cartesia's effect. I can perform a Fusion Summon of a Level 8 or higher monster using monsters on my field or in my hand." Pyrrha's eyes widened. "I will fuse Blazing Cartesia on my field with Aluber the Jester of Despia in my hand."

A silhouette of a young man with spiky red hair, a chequered black and white cape and a red jester's hat with several spikes appeared beside Blazing Cartesia. Aluber broke into red particles, while Blazing Cartesia broke into blue particles, which swirled into a vortex afterward. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"Beautiful masks lie over a hidden darkness. Scarlet Dragon, rise, and with the power of your envious heart, strike down all others like a phantom. I Fusion Summon. Masquerade the Blazing Dragon."

The dragon that appeared was bright red, with wings that looked just like the curtains on a stage. It had black scales that were covered in red and white plate armor. It had long, red, hair-like structures on its head.

Masquerade the Blazing Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Two consecutive Fusion Summons by playing combo after combo…" Pyrrha noted. "Looks like I'll have to be on my toes from here on out."

"While Masquerade is face-up on the field, you must pay 600 life points to activate cards or effects," Duel Bot revealed. "Moving on, I activate Despian Quaeritis's effect. Once per turn, I can reduce the attack points of all monsters on the field, except Level 8 or higher Fusion Monsters, to 0 until the End Phase. Absolute Despair."

Quaeritis glided upward gracefully, summoning forth clouds of red and black, creating an oppressive aura that engulfed Adamante, making it groan in pain.

Metalfoes Adamante ATK 2500→0

"A card that penalizes all non-Fusion Monsters?" Pyrrha gritted her teeth. "… what a xenophobic card."

"Battle." Duel Bot announced. "Despian Quaeritis, attack Adamante. Cursed Shadow Slash."

"Not so fast, you piece of scrap metal!" Pyrrha shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Sakuretsu Armor! Through its effect, your monster will be destroyed!".

"However, since you activated a card effect, you must pay 600 Life Points due to Masquerade's effect." Duel Bot reminded Pyrrha. "Blazing Pressure."

Following Duel Bot's words, Pyrrha was forced to her knees due to an intense pressure bearing down on her.

Pyrrha: 4000→3400 LP

"Even so, Draining Shield's effect still resolves!"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Branded Vision." Duel Bot abruptly announced. "Through its effect, I will Special Summon Albion the Shrouded Dragon from my Graveyard and immediately perform a Fusion Summon by banishing monsters from my hand and field! I will fuse Albion the Shrouded Dragon and Despian Quaeritis!"

Following Duel Bot's words, the large black dragon reappeared as it and Quaeritis disintegrated into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex, creating a violet twister.

"Lawful dragon born of the stoic judgment of the land of cruel dogma. With your ruthlessness, reduce this world to ashes. I Fusion Summon. Titaniklad the Ash Dragon."

A large metallic dragon appeared in Attack Position, its wings glowing with light. Its spine was covered with bright red horns that were glowing.

Titaniklad the Ash Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Titaniklad's effect," Duel Bot continued. "It gains 100 attack points times the total Levels of its Fusion Materials."

Titaniklad the Ash Dragon ATK 2500→4100

"Furthermore, it's unaffected by the effects of other monsters Special Summoned from the Extra Deck for the rest of this turn." Duel Bot revealed. "So your Trap misfires, and you can't respond to Titaniklad's Fusion Summon since I control Branded Lost."

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes. "It countered my moves with ease…"

"Ttaniklad can't attack directly, but since you control a monster, that's no problem. Titaniklad the Ash Dragon attacks Metalfoes Adamante! Silver Judgement!"

The dragon dashed straight toward Pyrrha's weakened monster.

"Not so fast!" Pyrrha shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Draining Shield! It negates Titaniklad's attack and increases my Life Points equal to its attack points!"

"You may have been able to protect your monster, but it won't be for free," Duel Bot stated. "Due to Masqueade's effect, you must pay 600 Life Points to activate a card effect."

Following Duel Bot's words, Pyrrha was forced to her knees again due to the intense pressure. At the same time, Titaniklad's claw struck a semi-transparent barrier that appeared around Adamante, preventing the attack from reaching the monster. Afterward, the barrier turned into light that enveloped Pyrrha.

Pyrrha: 3400→2800→6900 LP

"In that case, Masquerade will destroy your Adamante." Duel Bot said. "Curtain Call."

Masquerade roared as it unleashed a stream of flames from its maw, incinerating the Metalfoes Fusion Monster and engulfing Pyrrha, making her scream in pain.

Pyrrha: 6900→4400 LP

"You may have destroyed my monster, but its destruction won't go to waste," Pyrhha stated. "Supply Squad's effect activates, letting me draw a card since my monster was destroyed."

"But first, you'll have to pay 600 Life Points once more due to Masquerade's effect."

Pyrrha: 4400→3800 LP

"I activate the Spell Card: Emergency Recharge, whose effect lets me draw four cards since my hand is empty," Duel Bot stated. "Finally, I place a card face-down and activate the Continous Spell Card: Branded in Central Dogmatika. With this, I end my turn. And since it's now the End Phase, Titaniklad's effect ends, and its attack points return to normal."

Titaniklad the Ash Dragon ATK 4100→2500

"My turn! I draw!" Pyrrha looked at her card, then at the field. This upgraded washing machine has two face-down cards and two Fusion Monsters on its field, practically spelled out 'not good', and I'm forced to pay Life Points to activate my cards. If that's the case…

"I activate the Spell Card: Roll of Fate! Through its effect, I will roll a dice, and depending on its result, I can draw the same number of cards from my Deck. But in exchange, I have to send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard."

"Masquerade's effect activates." Duel Bot declared. "Since you activated a card effect, you must pay 500 Life Points."

"I don't think so," Pyrrha responded in return. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Effect Shut! This card negates your monster's effect and then destroys it!"

Following Pyrrha's words, the large black dragon was suddenly trapped inside a steel cage as electricity crackled around it, causing the monster to vanish into a bright light.

"Since Masquerade's effect was negated, its effect doesn't resolve, and I don't lose any Life Points," Pyrrha stated. "Furthermore, Roll of Fate's effect continues. Go, dice roll!"

The dice shot out of the Spell Card and briefly rolled before landing on six.

"It looks like luck is on my side today," Pyrrha grinned. "Since the result is six, I draw six cards from my Deck, then send six cards from the top of my Deck to my Graveyard. Next, with the set Pendulum Scale, I can summon monsters between Levels 2 and 7!" she shouted. "Come forth! Two copies of Metalfoes Silverd!"

A portal opened between the pillars, and two copies of Silverd emerged.

Metalfoes Silverd ATK 1700 DEF 100 LVL: 3 PS: 1 x 2

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization!" Pyrrha continued. "With it, I fuse my two Metalfoes Silverds!"

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

"Merge, man and machine! Descend from dizzying heights and destroy this desolate world and all that dares dwell in it! I Fusion Summon! Metalfoes Orichalc!"

Emerging from the portal was a male humanoid with armor parts reminiscent of a motorcycle attached to its body. The monster wielded two flaming axes and swung them as it appeared on Pyrhha's field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Orichalc ATK 2800 DEF 2200 LVL: 8

"Moreover, I activate the Spell Card: Metalfoes Transmutation!" Pyrrha declared. "Thanks to it, I can target a "Metalfoes" Fusion Monster I control and Special Summon a "Metalfoes" Fusion Monster with an equal or lower Level than it from my Extra Deck. Come, Metalfoes Citrinus!"

A monster clad in bright yellow armor with several wheels attached, which held a flaming whip, appeared on the field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Citrinus ATK 2500 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"And I'm far from finished. From my hand, I activate the Field Spell Card: Molten Destruction! While this card is active, all Fire monsters gain 500 attack points and lose 400 defense points."

Metalfoes Orichalc ATK 2800→3300 DEF 2200→1800

Metalfoes Citrinus ATK 2500→3000 DEF 2100→1700

"Following that, I activate the Spell Card: Block Attack!" Pyrrha continued. "This card allows me to switch one monster on the field to Defense Position. I change your Titaniklad to Defense Position!"

Following her words, Titaniklad took a knee and placed its arms in front of itself.

"Battle! Metalfoes Orichalc, attack Titaniklad the Ash Dragon! And when Metalphosis Orichalc attacks an opponent's Defense Position monster, it can inflict double-piercing battle damage!"

"Before that, I activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet." Duel Bot announced. "Thanks to it, all damage for the rest of this turn will be halved!"

Orichalc slashed Titaniklad in half with its axe, destroying it and sending the Duel Bot skidding back due to the ensuing shockwave.

Duel Bot: 3200→1900 LP

"Now, Metalfoes Citrinus, attack the piece of junk directly!"

Citrinus swung its whip, striking Duel Bot's body, forcing it back.

Duel Bot: 1900→400 LP

Pyrrha grinned. "Looks like I paid you back for all the damage you inflicted on me and took the lead. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"At this moment, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Swamp Mirroer," Duel Bot stated. This card lets me declare one Monster Type and Attribute, and by doing so, I can Special Summon this card as a Normal Monster with that same type and attribute. I declare Dark and Dragon."

A swamp-like creature with rocks all over its body appeared on Duel Bot's field in Defense Position.

Swamp Mirrorer ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"In addition, since Titaniklad was sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can add "Fallen of Albaz" or a "Dogmatika" monster from my Deck to my hand or Special Summon one of them from my Deck." A card ejected from its Deck. "Come—Fallen of Albaz."

Appearing in a blaze of fire is a teenage boy with white and orange-streaked hair, red eyes, tan skin, and dressed in black-red clothing with many adornments.

Fallen of Albaz ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"My turn." Duel Bot announced. "I draw. First, I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Next, I activate the effect of Albion the Shrouded Dragon from my Graveyard. By sending Branded Sword from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can shuffle Albion into the Deck to draw a card. From there, I activate the Spell Card: Branded Fusion. With this card, I can Fusion Summon a monster that uses "Fallen of Albaz" as Fusion Material using materials from my hand, field or Deck, but this turn, I can only Special Summon Fusion Monsters from the Extra Deck and no other type of monster." Two cards slid out of its Deck. "I will fuse Fallen of Albaz and Albion the Shrouded Dragon from my Deck."

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes. "So it wanted it back in the deck for that effect?"

"The bright red jester and the brave warrior with the power of dragons. Now, bathed in the flames of rebirth, have your power become one, and let the boiling magic roar more intensely. I Fusion Summon. Alba-Lenatus the Abyss Dragon."

A scarlet dragon with black scales forming a contrasting darkness on its body appeared on Duel Bot's field in Attack Position. It glowed like fire. Holding its large claws, it let out a loud, ferocious roar.

Alba-Lenatus the Abyss Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"Central Dogmatika's effect activates," Duel Bot said. "When a Fusion Monster is Special Summoned by a Spell card or effect while I control this card, it gains attack points equal to its original attack points."

Alba-Lenatus the Abyss Dragon ATK 2500→5000

"Furthermore, Alba-Lenatus can declare an attack equal to the number of Fusion Materials used for its Fusion Summon during each Battle Phase, in this case, two."

"That means it can destroy both my monsters…" Pyrrha muttered. "It's certainly fond of using solid and straightforward tactics, huh?"

"Battle." Duel Bot announced. "Alba-Lenatus, attack Metalfoes Orichalc and Metalfoes Citrinus."

Flames erupted from Alba-Lenatus' maw, incinerating Orichalc and Citrinus. The flames then enveloped Pyrrha and caused her to fall to her knees.

Pyrrha: 3800→100 LP

"You may have cleared my field…" Pyrrha winced. "However, I still have Life Points!"

"Not for long," Duel Bot stated. "I activate the Spell Card: Dragon's Gunfire. If I control a Dragon monster, it gives me a choice: I can either inflict 800 points of damage to your Life Points or destroy a monster on the field with 800 defense points or less," it explained, "Since you don't control a monster with that few defense points, you can guess which choice I'm going to make."

Following Duel Bot's words, the Spell Card fired a large ball of flame at Pyrrha, who gestured to her field.

"I activate the Counter Trap Card: Fusion Guard!" she declared. "If I would take damage from an effect, this card negates it!" A barrier appeared in front of her and blocked the fireball. "But then I must send a random Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard." Pyrrha pulled a card from her Extra Deck and then showed it to her opponent. "I send Metalfoes Crimsonite to the Graveyard. So, unless your monster has any other surprises in store for me, there's nothing more you can do. As such, hurry up and end your turn. The sooner I turn you into scrap metal, the sooner I can go help everyone else."

"Speech pattern indicates that the subject still believes she has a chance for victory." Duel Bot stated. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Emergency Provisions, sending Branded Lot and Branded in central Dogmatika to the Graveyard to gain 2000 Life Points."

Duel Bot: 400→2400 LP

"Lastly, I place a card face-down and end my turn with this. And since we've reached the End Phase, the effect of Central Dogmatika ends, and Alba-Lenatus' attack points return to normal."

Alba-Lenatus the Abyss Dragon ATK 5000→2500

"Analysis indicates that come next turn, the opponent will be defeated," Duel Bot said. "Their only option left is to surrender."

"The only one getting defeated here is you!" Pyrrha exclaimed as he pointed at Duel Bot. "Let me prove it to you. My turn! I draw!First, I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Card Burst! By destroying Metalfoes Goldriver and Volfame, I get to draw two cards from my Deck." She drew and smirked. "Just what I needed. From my hand, I activate the Spell Card: Dowsing Fusion! It allows me to summon a Fusion Monster by banishing Pendulum Monsters from my field, Graveyard or Extra Deck! I will fuse Metalfoes Goldriver, Volfame and SIlverd that are in my Extra Deck!"

Silhouettes of the three Metalfoes monsters appeared on Pyrrha's field. Goldriver broke into red particles, while Volflame and Steelen turned into blue and green particles, swirling into a vortex afterward. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"The power of the three soldiers shall become one! Bring forth the ultimate soldier whose fire burns hotter than his allies!" Pyrrha clasped her hands together. "I Fusion Summon! Metalfoes Crimsonite!"

Emerging from the purple tornado was a humanoid clad in crimson-colored armor with two flaming blades extending from its forearms. It swung the blades as it appeared on Pyrrha's field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Crimsonite ATK 3000 DEF 3000 LVL: 9

"And I'm just getting started here," Pyrrha stated. "I activate the Spell Card: Equivalent Exchange! By sending one Spell Card from my hand to the Graveyard, I can add another Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I discard Re-Fusion to add Trinity of Convergence from my Deck to my hand. And now I'll activate the Equip Spell Card: Trinity of Convergence, equipping it to Metalfoes Crimsonite. Thanks to its effect, I can banish two monsters with the same summoning type and an equal or lower Level as the equipped monster from my Deck or Extra Deck to add their attack points to it. I banish Metalfoes Mithrilium and Parametalfoes Azortless, adding their attack points to Crimsonite."

Spirits of the Mithrilium and Azortless Monsters appeared next to Metalfoes Crimsonite and were absorbed into its body, causing a powerful red aura to appear around it.

Metalfoes Crimsonite ATK 3000→8100

"Battle!" Pyrrha exclaimed. "Metalfoes Crimsonite, attack Alba-Lenatus and end this! Magma Mayhem!"

Crimsonite raised his blades and aimed them at the Ritual Beast before firing a large stream of fire at the Fusion Monster.

"Sorry, but I won't be the only one losing this duel. I activate the Trap Card: Fallen Apocalypse!" Duel Bot countered as it gestured to its face-down card. The card showed Alba-Lenatus the Abyss Dragon, unleashing a storm of fireballs from the distorted sky upon Swordsoul Sovereign Summit, leaving destruction upon the mountain. "When a Level 8 Dragon Fusion Monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can negate the attack and banish that monster."

Following Duel Bot's words, a semi-transparent barrier appeared around Alba-Lenatus, shielding it from Crimsonite's attack. Soon after, a rift appeared in space, with Alba-Lenatus being consumed by it.

"That's not all." Duel Bot continued. "Fallen Apocalypse has one more effect. We both take damage equal to the banished monster's attack points."

"WHAT?!" Pyrrha gasped as several fireballs fell from the sky, striking the Duel Bot and her. She cried out in pain as the flames engulfed her, obscuring her side of the field in a cloud of smoke.

Pyrrha: 100→0 LP

Duel Bot: 2400→0 LP

As the smoke cleared, Pyrrha stood up and dusted herself off before noticing that the Duel Bot was nowhere to be found, much to her shock.

"It's gone," she noted. "It either retreated, or the effect of its Trap Card destroyed it. Regardless, better than me losing to it. "More importantly, I need to hurry up and rendezvous with the rest. Who knows how many soldiers are left? We need to get out of here before we're cornered like rats."

Upon saying so, Pyrrha hopped on her D-Board and took off, leaving the area behind her.

Meanwhile, in another area of LINK VRAINS…

"According to the data Pyrrha received from the sensors, Marionette must be somewhere around this area…"

Sanctum said while scrutinizing the surroundings for any sign of her former comrade. She was currently in a special server named 'Moonlight Musical'. It was in a perpetual state of night with a crescent moon hovering above with stars surrounding it. The ground was a simple field of grass, but giant music notes and ghostly instruments floated around, illuminating the darkness with their light and soft music. Ironically, this place fitted Marionette, given her Deck's archetype. Although Marionette is her enemy, a part of her still sees her as her friend, and she can't stand the thought of facing a friend, even if it means risking her own life and the safety of LINK VRAINS.

"Oya, if it isn't Sanctum. Fancy meeting you here of all places."

Sanctum sharply turned on her heels, coming face-to-face with the familiar figure of Marionette, a.k.a Esper, a.k.a Rhea, standing before her, her usual easygoing smile plastered on his face. However, like in their last duel, she also emitted a malicious aura that immediately put Sanctum on edge.

"Marionette…" Sanctum muttered. "No, Rhea. It's been quite some time since we've met face-to-face like that with no one else around us, no?"

"Rhea…you say?" Marionette sneered. "That name no longer has any meaning for me. And neither do I have a friend. What stands before me is yet another obstacle to the Syndicate's noble goal, one that will soon meet her end at my hands like everyone else who dares oppose us."

"…What happened to you, Rhea?" Sanctum said with an anguished expression on her face. "When we first met, I could tell you were such a bright and cheerful person who loved dueling to the point of irritation. Did you merely pretend to enjoy our times as friends to gain our trust and get closer to me and the others?"

"That's…not the case." Marionette looked somewhat uncomfortable while speaking. "I did enjoy my time with you and everyone else. It was like being inside a dream that I never wanted to wake up from. However…first and foremost, I'm a loyal Syndicate soldier. I cannot allow such naive sentiments to stand in the way of fulfilling my duty. And right now, that duty is to defeat you and capture Storm Rider so I can deliver him to my leader, Sanctum. After all, he now plays an important part in creating the utopia we dream of."

"Storm Rider?" Sanctum repeated. "Why does the Syndicate want him now all of a sudden? What is his connection to this malicious goal of theirs?"

"Even if I knew the full details of my master's plan, what use is there sharing such information with someone who's soon going to be data?" Marionette said. "And even if I did tell you, you're way too soft-hearted to understand. Therefore, I have no choice but to eliminate you."

"…You're right in saying that I cannot fathom your or the Syndicate's intentions, Rhea, no, Marionette," Sanctum said in a low tone. "However—I'm certain that both of your methods are wrong! Only despair and pain await you at the end of this path you've chosen to walk upon! That's why I'll defeat you and correct those twisted ideals of yours for sure!" She activated her Duel Disk. "If you want Storm Rider, then you'll have to get through me first!"

"An answer so like you, Sanctum." Marionette let out a small smile as she also activated her Duel Disk. "Very well then. If you believe that I'm mistaken, then use your dueling to show me the strength of your conviction. I'm looking forward to seeing if your skills have improved somewhat compared to the last time we crossed paths."

"Trust me, things will be different this time, old friend," Sanctum stated. "Now, let's begin!"

"Duel!"

Sanctum: 4000 LP

Marionette: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Sanctum announced. "I activate the Spell Card: Trade-In! I discard a Level 8 monster to draw two cards. I discard Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall." Sanctum discarded, drew, then took a card from her hand."I summon Mekk-Knight Avram!"

A young blonde man in gold armor wielding two curved swords appeared.

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Next, I activate the effect of Gallis the Star Beast from my hand!" Sanctum continued. "It allows me to send the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard, and if it's a monster, I get to Special Summon Gallis to the field and inflict damage to your Life Points equal to the sent monster's Level multiplied by 200!"

Sanctum checked the top card of her Deck and sent it to the Graveyard with a wide smile on her face as she spoke.

"My discarded card was Tasuke Knight, which is a Level 4 monster! That means you take 800 points of damage, and I get to summon Gallis!"

Following Sanctum's words, a dragon-like creature appeared on her field in Defense Position. It had crimson scales and wore blue armor from its back with a star symbol on its chest. It wore a bird-like helmet with a crimson topping and golden blade-like arches. It spread its steel wings as it glowed brightly and then flapped forward, shooting feather-like projectiles that struck Marionette's body and caused her to grunt due to the sudden impact.

Marionette: 4000→3200 LP

Gallis the Star Beast ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 3

Sanctum raised her hand. "Appear, the circuit of illumination!"

Sanctum's hand shot a lightning bolt into the air, creating a Link Portal.

"Link Arrows authorized!" Sanctum chanted. "The summoning conditions are two monsters, including at least one "Mekk-Knight" monster. I set Mekk-Knight Avram and Gallis the Star Beast in the Link Arrows!"

Avram and Gallis turned into whirlwinds of energy as they entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star!"

A large, grey bipedal machine with blue lines running across its armor appeared on Sanctum's field in the right Extra Monster Zone. Instead of hands, it had two electrodes, one of which created a blade of yellow fire.

Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Morning Star's effect activates!" Sanctum declared. "When it is Link Summoned, I can discard a "Mekk-Knight" monster or "World Legacy" card from my hand to add a "World Legacy" card from my Deck to my hand. I send Green Horizon to the Graveyard and add The World Legacy to my hand. Then, I activate the effect of Crusadia Draco in my hand! I Special Summon it to my Link Monster's Link Arrow in Defense Position!"

A small green dragon in white armor appeared at Morning Star's bottom-right Link Arrow.

Crusadia Draco ATK 600 DEF 2000 LVL: 4

"Not only did you deal me damage, you Link Summoned and strengthened your defenses," Marionette commented. "I wonder if things will be different this time around than our last two duels."

"I'll let you be the judge of that," Sanctum stated. "I activate the Spell Card: Cross Linkage Hack! It enables me to draw two cards if I control a non-Link-Monster linked to a Link Monster. Since Morning Star points to Crusadia Draco, I draw two cards. Finally, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: The World Legacy, place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"As expected, you made a solid start on your first turn." Marionette praised her opponent. "However, from here on out, I'm not holding back. My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Orcust Repeat! This card allows me to add an "Orcust" card from my Deck to my hand at the cost of banishing a card from my hand afterward. I add Orcust Trumpet Sukkubus to my hand and banish Cyber Ouroboros from my hand."

She took the card, then banished Cyber Ouroboros from her hand.

"And since it was banished, Cyber Ouroboros's effect activates!" Marionette declared. It allows me to send a card from my hand to the Graveyard, in this case, Desperado Barrel Dragon, to draw a card from my Deck. Next, I summon Orcust Trumpet Sukkubus!"

A gold and black humanoid machine resembling a female with a tail, wings and horns appeared on Marionette's field.

Orcust Trumpet Sukkubus ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"The turn that Sukkubus is Normal Summoned," Marionette continued, "I can Normal Summon one "Orcust" monster in addition to my Normal Summon. I summon Orcust Tambourine Ghul!"

A gold and black humanoid tambourine with sluggish eyes, a drooling mouth and short limbs appeared beside Trumpet Sukkubus.

Orcust Tambourine Ghul ATK 900 DEF 300 LVL: 3

"And if you were hoping to use those face-down cards of yours, then you will be sorely disappointed," Marionette smirked. "Due to Tambourine Ghul's effect, you can't activate any Set cards during the turn it's summoned."

"Should've known it wouldn't be so easy." Sanctum let out a humorless laugh. "But that just makes things more exciting."

"Is that so? In that case, let me make things more interesting for you." Marionette pointed upwards. "Appear, the circuit that determines! The summoning condition is one Dark Machine monster. I set Orcust Tambourine Ghul in the Link Arrow!" Ghul entered the bottom arrow. "I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Anacrusis, the Orcust Origin!"

A black cylinder-shaped box that had a glowing blue cube in its center emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Anacrusis, the Orcust Origin ATK 0 LINK-1 ↓

"Anacrusis's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can banish a monster from either Graveyard to draw a card. Through Anacruiss' effect, I banish Tambourine Ghul to draw a card, and since I did, its effect activates, dealing you 300 points of damage for every banished Dark monster." Sanctum's eyes widened. "There are two banished monsters, so you take 600 points of damage!"

Sanctum was struck by an orb of purple energy following Marionette's words, causing her to double over due to the pain.

Sanctum: 4000→3400 LP

"And that's not all." Marionette grinned. "Since the banished monster's Attribute was Dark, I get to add a Dark Machine monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Saber Slasher to my hand. Next, I summon Psychic Megacyber!"

A storm exploded between Marionette and Sanctum. Blue bolts of lightning flashed and streamed outward as the new monster emerged from the sphere of lightning. It was humanoid cladded in yellow and black armor with spikes. The monster roared as it punched the air with its two glowing fists.

Psychic Megacyber ATK 2200 DEF 1200 LVL: 6

"A Level 6 monster with 2200 attack points?" Sanctum questioned. "How were you able to summon it without a Tribute?!"

"You can thank Megacyber's effect for that," Marionette said. "While you control more face-downs than me, I can Special Summon it from my hand. But that's not all I have up my sleeve." She raised her hand. "Appear! The circuit that leads to the future!" The Link Portal appeared again. "The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters, including an "Orcust" monster. I set Anacrusis and Trumpet Sukkubus in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Galatea, the Orcust Automaton!"

A young woman with long purple hair wearing a green and black jumpsuit and wielding a scythe emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Galatea, the Orcust Automaton ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↙↗

"I activate Galatea's effect! Once per turn, I can shuffle a banished Machine monster back into my Deck and Set an "Orcust" Spell or Trap Card directly from my Deck. I shuffle Tambourine Ghul into my Deck and Set Orcustrated Crescendo." Marionette did so, then gestured to her field again. "Battle! Galatea attacks Mekk-Knight Morning Star! And at this moment, I activate the effect of Saber Slasher from my hand! Whenever a Dark Machine monster I control battles, I discard this card to have that monster gain 2000 attack points until the end of the Damage Step!"

Galatea, the Orcust Automaton ATK 1800→3800

Galatea swung its scythe, bisecting Morning Star and sending Sanctum tumbling back due to the ensuing shockwave.

Sanctum: 3400→1600 LP

Galatea, the Orcust Automaton ATK 3800→1800

"My Batte Phase isn't over. I will attack your Draco with Megacyber! Mega Knuckle!"

Megacyber surged forward, slamming the green dragon with its fist and destroying it.

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Marionette said. "At this moment, Tambourine Ghul's effect ends, meaning you can use your Set cards now. Not that it will help you much."

"We'll see about that," Sanctum said. "Now, it's my turn! I draw! First, I activate the Trap Card: Sixth Sense! Through its effect, I declare two numbers from one to six. Then, a die is rolled. If it lands on one of the numbers I said, then I draw that many cards. If it's anything else, I have to send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to my Graveyard instead. I declare 5 and 6!"

A die appeared on Sanctum's field and was shot forward and rolled at the ground a few times before stopping at six.

"Alright!" Sanctum cheered. "With this, I draw six cards from my Deck. Then, since your Set card is in the same column as The World Legacy, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Blue Sky to that column!"

An armored warrior wielding two curved swords appeared on Sanctum's field, summoned in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2000 DEF 2500 LVL: 5

"Blue Sky's effect activates! When this card is Summoned from my hand, I can add "Mekk-Knight" monsters from my Deck to my hand, equal to the number of your cards in Blue Sky's column."

"That won't happen!" Marionette stated. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Orcust Crescendo! Since a monster effect was activated while I control an "Orcust" Link Monster, that effect is negated, and the card is banished!"

Sanctum frowned as Blue Sky vanished. "You might slow me down, but it's too late to stop me! Since Psychic Megacyber and my face-down card are in the same column, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine from my hand!"

A silver and marigold humanoid machine appeared in Attack Position. It wielded a rapier-like weapon with a flower-like guard.

Mekk-Knight Marigold Shine ATK 2300 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"Marigold Shine's second effect!" Sanctum continued. "When this card is summoned, I gain 500 Life Points for every card in its column along with it. There are three cards, so I gain 1500 Life Points!"

Sanctum: 1600→3100 LP

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Release Change! It lets me Tribute a monster I control to Special Summon another monster from my Deck with the same Level as the Tributed monster. I Tribute the Level 6 Marigold Shine to Special Summon the Level 6 Twinheaded Beast!"

The monster disappeared and was replaced by a centaur-like creature with two flaming heads. It leered at Marionette as flames ignited menacingly in the palm of its hands.

Twinheaded Beast ATK 1700 DEF 1900 LVL: 6

"At this moment, The World Legacy's effect activates!" Sanctum declared. "Each time a Level 5 or higher monster is sent from the field to the Graveyard, it gains a Counter."

The World Legacy 0 C→1 C

Sanctum gestured to her field. "Following that, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Call of the Haunted! I Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position! Resurrect, Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall!"

A mechanical warrior carrying a spear and wearing a purple cape appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Moving on, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Stim Pack and equip it onto Twinheaded Beast!" A green aura surrounded the monster. "While equipped with Stim Pack, Twinheaded Beast gains 700 attack points."

Twinheaded Beast ATK 1700→2400

"Battle!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Twinheaded Beast attacks Galatea!"

The two-headed creature raised its right hand as a fireball formed in it. It launched the fireball at the female doll, incinerating it. Marionette grunted as the shockwave of the attack hit her.

Marionette: 3200→2600 LP

"Don't relax just yet," Sanctum warned Marionette. "Due to its effect, Twinheaded Beast can attack twice."

Marionette's eyes widened. "What?"

"Twinheaded Beast attacks Psychic Megacyber!"

The previous scene was repeated as Twinheaded Beast generated a fireball and launched it at the armored humanoid, vaporizing it with ease and making Marionette wince in pain.

Marionette: 2600→2400 LP

"And now the effect of my Continuous Spell activates again! Since the Level 6 Psychic Monster left the field, it gains another Counter!"

The World Legacy 1 C→2 C

"Next, Purple Nightfall, attack Marionette directly!" Sanctum shouted. "Defeat her and bring her to her senses!"

"That won't be happening," Marionette stated. "I activate the Trap Card: Imperial Manners! Since you declared an attack while I control no monsters, all your monsters in Attack Position are destroyed!"

Sanctum gritted her teeth as she quickly gestured to her field. "I activate Purple Nightfall's effect!" she declared. "Once per turn, during either of our turns, I can banish a "Mekk-Knight" monster until my next Standby Phase and add a new "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Deck to my hand. I banish Purple Nightfall to add Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver to my hand."

The mechanical warrior disintegrated as Sanctum took a card from her Deck. At the same time, Twinheaded Beast became veiled in a purple aura before shattering like glass.

"Since Twinheaded Beast left the field, the effect of The World Legacy activates once more," Sanctum said. "Meaning it gains another Counter."

The World Legacy 2 C→3 C

Marionette smirked. "As you can see, my Deck is full of tricks and surprises, so you'd better not let your guard down for even a second if you wish to stand a chance against me."

"I'm well aware of that, and I have no intention of underestimating you," Sanctum said. "You are definitely a formidable opponent, Rhea. Still, for the sake of everyone currently fighting to overthrow the Syndicate, I will defeat you for sure. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Overthrow us, you say?" Marionette snorted. "The Syndicate falling to people like you is something I absolutely won't allow as long as I'm standing. My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed, drawing two cards from my Deck! Then, I activate the Continous Spell Card: Hacking Virus." The card showed Hack Worm, Jack Wyvern and Cracking Dragon attacking a golden tower circled by six floating rocks, each a different color – purple, blue, brown, yellow, orange, and green. "So long as the card is on the field, I get to draw a card every time a Dark Machine monster is Special Summoned from my hand or Graveyard. And since you control no monsters, I can Special Summon this monster from my hand! Hack Worm!"

A light brown serpentine monster with green lines running up and down its body appeared on Marionette's field.

Hack Worm ATK 400 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Thanks to Hacking Virus, I get to draw a card. And by using the same effect, I Special Summon another Hack Worm!"

Hack Worm ATK 400 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Hack Worm…?" Sanctum narrowed her eyes at Marionette's two monsters. "The Knights of Hanoi originally used them. Why does she have them?"

Marionette pointed upwards. "Appear, my circuit!" The Link portal appeared above her. "The summoning conditions are two Dark Machine monsters. I set both Hack Worms in the Link Arrows!"

Said monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the left and bottom arrows, turning them red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Input Drago!"

A black metallic dragon with sharp claws and fangs cladded in spiky red armor emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Input Drago ATK 1100 LINK-2 ←↓

"A non-Orcust Link Monster!" Sanctum said in surprise.

Marionette smirked. "I can tell by the look on your face that I caught you by surprise," she said. "I thought I would take after you and add a few cards to my Deck that, while they don't fit with my Deck's mechanic, still provide diversity. Let me show you what I mean. I activate Input Drago's effect! When Link Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Dark Machine monster from my Deck. Appear, Jack Wyvern!"

A mechanical black dragon with a green line running down its body appeared in Attack Position.

Jack Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I activate Orcust Horn Draco's effect from my hand!" Marionette continued. "Since I control a Dark Machine monster, I can Special Summon it!"

A gold and black machine that resembled a mix of a horn and a dragon with a pair of ornate pipe-like wings appeared beside Jack Wyvern.

Orcust Horn Draco ATK 1900 DEF 1100 LVL: 4

"And due to the effect of my Hacking Virus, I get to draw a card. Following that, I activate Jack Wyvern's effect! I banish this card and one face-up Machine monster I control to Special Summon one Dark monster in my Graveyard." Sanctum's eyes widened. "I banish Jack Wyvern and Horn Draco to bring back Desperado Barrel Dragon!"

A metal dragon with a red underbelly appeared on Marionette's field. Plasma cannons were on its head and arms. Rigged metal spikes were on its back as well.

Desperado Barrel Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 2200 LVL: 8

"Since Desperado Barrel Dragon was summoned from the Graveyard, I get to draw a card thanks to Hacking Virus," Marionette stated. "Furthermore, since Horn Draco was banished, I can Special Summon a banished Dark Machine monster with its effects negated. Resurrect, Tamboruine Ghul!"

The monster reappeared in Attack Position.

Orcust Tambourine Ghul ATK 900 DEF 300 LVL: 3

"Appear once more, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters, including an "Orcust" monster. I set Tambourine Ghul and Link-2 Input Drago in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator!"

A man in maroon robes and armor emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone, wielding a spear and shield.

Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↖↑↘

"Battle!" Marionette exclaimed. "Desperado Barrel Dragon, attack her directly!"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Scapegoat!" Sanctum shouted. "This card Special Summons four Sheep Tokens in Defense Position!"

At Sanctum's command, four different colored sleeping sheep, one red, one orange, one pink, and one blue, appeared on her field.

Sheep Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 4

"Will you press on with your attack?" Sanctum asked.

"Of course. After all, I can't let you Link Summon." Marionette answered. "Desperado will instead attack the Sheep token on your far-right."

The metal dragon aimed its cannons at the Sheep token and blasted it to bits.

"Next, Longirsu attacks the Sheep token on the left!"

The man leaped into the air and spun his spear around before bringing it down on the Sheep token, slashing it to bits.

"Not bad, Sanctum." Marionette clapped. "Thanks to your Spell, you managed to avoid an outright loss from my monsters' attack. Still, you won't be able to avoid receiving a large amount of damage! I activate the Spell Card: DDoS Attack! With this card's effect, I send the other two copies of this card from my Deck to the Graveyard. And you're dealt 100 points of damage for each card sent to the Graveyard times the Level of a Machine monster I control!" Sanctum gasped. "I send two copies of DDos Attack and target the Level 8 Desperado Barrel Dragon! Therefore, you take 1600 points of damage!"

Following Marionette's words, a red laser blasted out of the card, striking Sanctum in the chest and causing her to fall to the ground due to the impact.

Sanctum: 3100→1500 LP

"Furthermore, I activate Desperado Barrel Dragon's effect!" Marionette continued. "During either player's turn, I can toss three coins to destroy monsters on the field, equal to the number of results that end up being heads! Go, Desperado Roulette!"

Desperado Barrel Dragon's pistols began spinning around. In front of each of the cannons, three holographic coins were tossed into the air. When they landed, two landed on heads, while one landed on tails.

"Bad news for you, Sanctum," Marionette smirked. "Since two of the results ended up being heads, I get to destroy up to two of your monsters!"

Roaring, Desperato Barrel Dragon fired an energy blast at the two remaining Sheep tokens, destroying them.

"It's too bad I couldn't press on my attack a bit further," Marionette said as she looked at Sanctum, who was struggling to stand up. "I could have ended this farce a lot sooner if I could do so. In any case, I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"You…really have changed," Sanctum spoke with a sorrowful expression on her face as she slowly stood up. "To think that the person who was once my friend was replaced by an uncaring monster that only seeks to destroy all enemies of the Syndicate…it truly pains my heart. But that's why…I will stop you here before your sins pile up even further. And I'll definitely bring back the real you."

"Hoh, is that so?" Marionette said. "In that case, what you have to do hasn't changed. Use your full power and strive to make me acknowledge that my path was mistaken. But that's if you can. From my time with you, I've learned that you are far too soft for your good after all."

"I will. I will defeat you!" Sanctum bellowed. "My turn! I draw!" She looked at her card, then gestured to her field. "As it is my Standby Phase, the effect of Purple Nightfall activates, and I Special Summon it back to my field!"

Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity! It allows me to draw three cards at the cost of discarding two." She did so, then said, "Since one of the cards I discarded was Cards of Compensation, I get to draw two cards from my Deck. Moving on, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Living Fossil, whose effect allows me to Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated and its attack reduced points by 1000. Resurrect, Twinheaded Beast!"

A wide crack appeared on the ground following Sanctum's words, out of which emerged the two-headed centaur.

Twinheaded Beast ATK 1700→700 DEF 1900

Sanctum gestured upwards. "I Tribute Mekk-Knight Purple Nightfall and Twinheaded Beast to Tribute Summon my newest monster!" The two monsters glowed and disintegrated as a pillar of light appeared on Sanctum's field. "Come to me, The Tyrant Neptune!"

The light faded as a reptilian creature with the lower body of a crocodile and the upper body of an armed warrior wielding a large sickle in its hands. As the creature tightened its grip on its weapon, it glared at Marionette with pale yellow eyes that seemed like two glowing orbs with the shadowy head it had.

The Tyrant Neptune ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 10

"The…The Tyrant Neptune?" Marionette flinched as her eyes widened at the sight of the beast. Most duelists could never dream of obtaining one of the Legendary Planets; Umbra had obtained a copy of The Suppression Pluto from Queen Priscilla, and those who have tried to acquire them have failed.

"How the heck did you get a card that rare?" Marionette asked. "You can't just walk into a store and buy The Tyrant Neptune! And I doubt SOL Technologies had it on hand."

"Let's just say I… Acquired it through a friend," Sanctum chuckled. "But enough about how I got it. Let's focus back on the duel." She gestured to her monster. "Thanks to its effect, The Tyrant Neptune's attack and defense points become equal to the total original attack and defense of the monsters used to summon it."

The Tyrant Neptune ATK 0→4200 DEF ?→3900

"Furthermore, when this card is Tribute Summoned, I can target one monster in my Graveyard that was used for Neptune's Tribute Summon and have it gain its effects. I'll have Neptune gain Twinheaded Beast's effect."

Marionette growled in frustration. "That means it can attack twice during this Battle Phase."

"That's right!" Sanctum exclaimed. "As such, your monsters are finished! Battle! The Tyrant Neptune, attack Desperado Barrel Dragon! Sickle of Ruin!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Nitwit Outwit!" Marionette shouted. "Thanks to it, I can discard a monster from my hand to the Graveyard to reduce the attack points of a monster you control by that monster's attack points. I send KA-2 Des Scissors to the Graveyard to reduce Tyrant Neptune's attack points by 1000!"

The Tyrant Neptune ATK 4200→3200

"However, your monster's attack points are still lower than mine." Sanctum pointed out. "Shred her monster to pieces, Neptune!"

Following her words, Neptune slashed the metal dragon with its sickle, bisecting it in the middle and destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave causing Marionette to wince.

Marionette: 2400→2000 LP

"Since Desperado Barrel Dragon went to the Graveyard, The World Legacy gains another Counter."

The World Legacy 3 C→4 C

"And here comes the second attack!" Sanctum shouted. "Go, Neptune! Attack Longirsu! Sickle of Ruin!"

The previous scene was repeated once more, with the ensuing shockwave sending Marionette skidding back.

Marionette: 2000→1300 LP

"That's as far as I can go for now," Sanctum remarked. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Marionette announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Akashic Record! Through its effect, I draw two cards, but if any of them are cards that I've already used, they're banished."

She drew and smirked. "Looks like my bet paid off. They're new cards. From my hand, I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial! With this, I send a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard."

Marionette took a card from her Deck, placed it in her Graveyard and gestured to her field.

"I activate Orcust Cymbal Skeleton's effect from my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon an "Orcust" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator!"

The man with the spear and shield reappeared.

Longirsu, the Orcust Orchestrator ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↖↑↘

"And thanks to the effect of Hacking Virus, I get to draw a card from my Deck," Marionette continued. "Next, I summon Orcust Brass Bombard!"

A black and gold machine made of brass instruments appeared in Attack Position.

Orcust Brass Bombard ATK 500 DEF 1900 LVL: 1

"Appear, the circuit of the vanished world!" Marionette shouted as the Link Portal appeared above her. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters, one of which must be an "Orcust" monster. I set Brass Bombard and Link-3 Longirsu in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Orcustrion!"

A massive automated orchestrion with a large trumpet for feet and two mechanical arms emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Orcustrion ATK 3000 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↗

Sanctum narrowed her eyes. "She brought out her Link-4 monster…"

Marionette gestured to his field. "I activate Orcustrion's effect! By shuffling three of my banished Machine monsters back into my Deck, the effects of your linked monsters are negated, and their attack and defense points become 0!"

Several of the keys on Orcustrion began playing. A wave of sound erupted from the monster that made The Tyrant Neptune cry out in pain.

The Tyrant Neptune ATK 3200→0

"Battle! Orcustrion attacks The Tyrant Neptune!"

The monster's pipes shot out waves of sound at the Legendary Planet monster.

"I activate the Trap Card: Surprise Assist!" Sanctum declared. "When a monster I control is targeted for an attack, I can reveal cards from the top of my Deck until I get a Level 4 or lower monster, and once I do, the targeted monster gains attack points equal to the revealed monster's attack points until the End Phase, while all other cards are sent to the Graveyard!"

Sanctum began checking the cards in her Deck, sending the first four to the Graveyard before finally coming across a monster.

"I drew Wattkinetic Puppeteer," Sanctum said. "So through Surprise Assist's effect, Neptune gains 1800 attack points!"

The Tyrant Neptune ATK 0→1800

The soundwaves struck and tore The Tyrant Neptune apart, the shockwave pushing Sanctum back. At the same, her Continuous Spell gained another Counter.

Sanctum: 1500→300 LP

The World Legacy 4 C→5 C

"You may have proven yourself to be quite tenacious, but you won't last much longer," Marionette stated. "It would be best to give up and spare yourself the upcoming agony. I end my turn with this."

"If you remembered anything about me at all, you'd know how futile it is to ask me to surrender, Rhea." Sanctum let out a confident smile. "I always fight to the last. It's my turn! I draw! I summon Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver!"

A silver and magenta armored mechanical warrior with a slim body appeared in Attack Position. It had bladed wings on its edges and smaller ones on its helmet.

Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver ATK 800 DEF 500 LVL: 2

"I activate Magenta Elver's effect!" Sanctum continued. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 6 or lower "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Deck. I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Orange Sunset!"

A silver, black, and orange warrior with two shields appeared on Sanctum's field.

Mekk-Knight Orange Sunset ATK 800 DEF 3000 LVL: 6

"Appear, the circuit of illumination!"

Sanctum's hand shot a lightning bolt into the air, creating a Link Portal.

"The summoning conditions are two monsters, including at least one "Mekk-Knight" monster. I set Orange Sunset and Magenta Elver in the Link Arrows!"

Her monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star!"

A second copy of the gray bipedal machine emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Mekk-Knight of the Morning Star ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Since Orange Sunset left the field, The World Legacy gains another Counter."

The World Legacy 5 C→6 C

"From there, I activate Continuous Trap Card: Crusadia Krawler!" Sanctum continued. "This card Special Summons itself as an Effect Monster!"

A four-legged gold insect with blue lines covering its body appeared at Morning Star's bottom-left Link Arrow in Defense Position.

Crusadia Krawler ATK 300 DEF 2100 LVL: 2

"Crusadia Krawler's additional effect! If it is Special Summoned to a Link Monster's Link Marker, I can add a 'World Legacy' card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add World Legacy – "World Crown" to my hand. Now, I'll create the circuit of justice!"

A second Link Portal appeared above her.

"The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters, including a Link Monster! I'll set Mekk–Knight of the Morning Star and Orange Sunset in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear, Link-3! Crusadia Equimax!"

A golden centaur emerged from the portal at the Right Extra Monster Zone. Its body was made of metal, and blue lines crossed over its body. It swung a sword that it held in its right hand.

Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"From there, I activate World Crown's effect from my hand!" Sanctum stated. "I Special Summon it to Equimax's Link Arrow!"

A large dark blue six-sided crown appeared, summoned to Equimax's bottom-right Link Arrow in Defense Position.

World Legacy – "World Crown" ATK 2000 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"Equimax's effect activates! It gains attack points equal to the combined original attack points of all monsters it points to! Go, Power Surge!"

Equimax held his sword as he bathed in a golden aura, powering him up.

Crusadia Equimax ATK 2000→4000

"Battle!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Equimax, attack Orcustrion! Courageous Charge"

The centaur charged forward and lashed out with its sword, shredding the Machine monster in half. The Link-4 monster exploded as its owner grunted from the shockwave.

Marionette: 1300→300 LP

"I wasn't able to finish it during this turn…" Sanctum muttered with an expression filled with chagrin. "The fact that I'll have to continue this duel where I have to hurt someone close sickens me… I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Marionette announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity, which allows me to draw three cards and discard two from my hand. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Bubble Burst, whose effect lets me destroy a face-up Spell or Trap Card, such as Hacking Virus, to draw two cards from my Deck!"

A dark expression appeared on Marionette's face as she checked her drawn cards, causing Sanctum to feel chills going down her spine due to her former comrade's sudden change in demeanor.

"While this duel has been quite amusing so far, I think it's about time for the kid gloves to come off." Marionette glowered at Sanctum. "I've already wasted enough time indulging myself, so I'll put an end to this duel right now! First, I summon Black Salvo!"

A black bomb with a face and lit fuse appeared.

Black Salvo ATK 100 DEF 1100 LVL: 3

"Black Salvo's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 Dark Machine monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated. Return to me, Girsu, the Orcust Mekk-Knight!"

A gold and black mechanical knight armed with a lance appeared on her field.

Girsu, the Orcust Mekk-Knight ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"I activate the effect of Brass Bombard in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon an "Orcust" monster from my hand. Come, Orcust Knightmare!"

A large golden and black monster that was a mishmash of limbs and hair materialized in Defense Position.

Orcust Knightmare ATK 100 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"Following that, I activate the effect of Doomsday Eye from my hand!" Marionette continued. "By destroying a face-up Dark Machine monster I control, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. I destroy Black Salvo!"

The large bomb's body exploded in a shower of particles. Shortly afterward, they merged and formed into a titanic tripod, clad in black chrome plating from top to bottom. At the top is one giant spinning sphere with three red 'eyes' constantly flashing and blinking.

Doomsday Eye ATK 1500 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

"And when Doomsday Eye is summoned successfully through this effect, I get to add two special cards from my Deck to my hand." Two cards ejected out from Marionette's Deck, which she took. "Now then, this might be my first time trying it out, but this Duel should make for good practice. I'll pull out all the stops and show you my full power."

"Your full power…?" Sanctum frowned. "Rhea, you can't have…"

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Malicious Machine Ritual! Marionette declared as the card showed a dimly lit garage with a bunch of engine parts spread around in a strange pattern, a jet-black titanic engine standing in the middle and glowing ominously with crimson energy as a portal began to open underneath. "By destroying monsters from my hand or field whose Levels equal that of the Ritual Monster that I'm Ritual Summoning from my hand!"

A shroud of darkness settled around the duelists as a blue and silver magic circle appeared on Marionette's field. Seven blue flames sprang up around the circle.

"I destroy the Level 5 Doomsday Eye and the Level 4 Girsu, the Orcust Mekk-Knight!"

Soon, a metallic circle with eight lights appeared on Marionette's field. The two monsters disintegrated into light and entered into the center of the circle, which emitted a pillar of bright light.

"Rebuild from the dark, reinforce with dark souls and the body of the Dark One!" Marionette chanted. "Become reborn as the ultimate machine of destruction! I Ritual Summon! Arise, Level 8! Zera the Malicious Black Engine!"

The pillar of light dissipated, revealing a large titanic metal fiend clad in jet-black coating with crimson eyes and claws, summoned to Marionette's field in Attack Position. It had an enormous metal tail shaped like an ax and a set of demonic metal wings sprouting from its back. Its chest and back revealed a large engine-like device with a glowing dark orb.

Zera the Malicious Black Engine ATK 2800 DF 2500 LVL: 8

"Ritual Summon…" Sanctum muttered. "I have to admit I didn't expect that. So, you weren't satisfied with Synchro alone. However, because the Level Doomsday Eye left the field, my Continuous Spell gains another Counter."

The World Legacy 6 C→7 C

Marionette gestured to her field. "I activate Zera's effect! Once per turn, I can destroy I can destroy a Machine monster I control to banish cards from your Graveyard equal to the destroyed monster's Level, and then for every card banished, your monsters lose 200 attack points."

Sanctum gritted her teeth. "Sorry, but that won't be happening," Sanctum said with a serious expression. "Equimax's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Tribute a "Crusadia" or "World Legacy" monster at its Link Marker to negate the effects of one of your cards until the end of the turn. I Tribute World Crown to negate Zera's effects!"

Crusadia Equimax ATK 4000→2000

"And in case you're wondering why The World Legacy didn't gain another Counter, it's because it can only have a max of seven."

"A meaningless effort." Marionette snorted. "But I suppose that the only option left since defeat is on your doorstep. Now, let's battle! Zera, attack Crusadia Equimax! Dark Drilling Claw!"

"Sorry, but I'm not letting you take me down that easily!" Sanctum exclaimed. "I activate the effect of Tasuke Knight in my Graveyard! When my opponent declares an attack while I have no cards in my hand, I can Special Summon this monster from my Graveyard and end the Battle Phase! Return to my side, Tasuke Knight!"

A portal appeared on the ground, with a humanoid knight cladded in bulky red armor emerging from it and landing on the field. Immediately afterward, waves of energy were emitted from its hands, enveloping Marionette's field and forcing Zera to return to its standby position.

"Why you…" Marionette cursed. "Struggle all you want, but you won't be able to escape your reckoning. I activate the Spell Card: Surprise Attack from Beyond, letting me conduct my Battle Phase for a second time!" Sanctum gasped. "Battle! Zera, attack her Tasuke Knight! Dark Drilling Claw!"

"Not so fast!" Sanctum shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: High Rate Draw! Through its effect, all my monsters are destroyed, and I draw a card for every two destroyed monsters!"

"But now, you're completely defenseless against my attack," Marionette pointed out. "Zera, attack hier directly and finish this! Dark Drilling Claw!"

"No, it's not over yet!" Sanctum stated as Zara charged toward her. "When your monster declares a direct attack, I can discard Swift Scarecrow from my hand to negate that attack and end the Battle Phase!"

A metal scarecrow with an engine attached to its spine appeared and was shredded to pieces by Zera's attack.

"Persistent insect…" Marionette growled. "I place a card face-down and end my turn." She narrowed her eyes at Sanctum. "At this point, I believe the result is obvious. Therefore, I advise you to surrender and spare yourself the agony of defeat."

"I appreciate the offer." Sanctum's voice dripped with sarcasm as she responded, but then her face became serious. "But I'm afraid I'll have to decline. You just said that my defeat was a foregone conclusion and that I wouldn't be able to overcome it. In that case, I regret to inform you that you're wrong on both counts. I'm still very much in the game. And I'll use all of my strength to make you realize the error of your ways! It's my turn! I draw!"

Upon checking her drawn card, Sanctum smiled. With this card, and then… Her eyes widened. She could see it! The path to victory!

"What's going on over there?" Marionette asked. "If you've realized the futility of any further resistance, hurry up and surrender or end your turn. Either way, you're finished!"

"Is that what you think?" Sanctum smirked. "Unfortunately for you, this match isn't over yet! First, I activate The World Legacy's second effect! Since this card has seven Counters, I can send it to the Graveyard to Special Summon a Cyberse Link Monster from my Extra Deck!"

Marionette's eyes widened. "Wait. Summoning a Link Monster without Link Summoning?"

"That's right," Sanctum confirmed. "I send The World Legacy to the Graveyard to Special Summon Rasterliger from my Extra Deck!"

Following Sanctum's words, the Continuous Spell shattered into pieces, and then those pieces reformed into a white-furred liger with orange eyes. It had a large, circular, armored collar that had red lines and panels attached to its neck. Metal braces were attached to its legs and feet, each of them having blue, glowing lines. The creature also had armor pieces on its body, which had two camera-like blasters attached to the sides. Finally, a metal plate was attached to the top of its head.

Rasterliger ATK 2000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"So that's your new Link Monster, huh?" Marionette seemed impressed by Sanctum's newly unexpected monster but quickly snapped out of it. "I'll admit it looks very impressive, but in terms of attack power, it's far below Zera."

"I activate Rasterliger's effect!" Sanctum declared. "Once per turn, I can target one Link monster in either of our Graveyards and increase his attack points equal to the targeted Link monster's attack points until the end of the turn."

"What?!" Marionette gasped, having not expected to hear that.

"Thank you for summoning Orcustrion because I'm selecting it as the target for Raterligher's effect, which means Rasterliger gains 3000 attack points! Integration Increase!"

The liger roared as its skin emitted an azure glow.

Rasterliger ATK 2000→5000

"Let's end this, Marionette!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Battle! Rasterliger attacks Zera the Malicious Black Engine!"

"I'm afraid that's not good enough!" Marionette stated with a gleeful smile. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Limiter Removal, whose effect doubles my monster's attack points until the End Phase!"

Zera the Malicious Black Engine ATK 2800→5600

Marionette smirked. "You fought well, but your efforts were all for nothing."

"Then it's a good thing I have this card," Sanctum said, playing the card she drew. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Big Return! It lets me activate a once-per-turn effect again this turn!"

"What?" Marionette said, her eyes widening in shock.

"Once again, I activate Rasterliger's effect and target Orcustrion!"

Rasterliger ATK 5000→8000

"8000 attack points!?" Masquerade cried out. "It actually surpassed Zera's attack points!?"

"Go, Rasterliger!" Sanctum ordered her monster. "Take down that abominable creation of the Syndicate! Combination Sequence!"

Rasterliger charged forward and tore Zera to shreds through a combination of claw strikes and body maneuvers, destroying it in a massive explosion and sending Marionette tumbling to the ground as a result.

Marionette: 300→0 LP

"It looks like this is my win." Sanctum addressed her former comrade. "Your days working with the Syndicate are forever done. Won't you…consider coming back to our side? I'm sure Storm Rider and the rest will welcome you back with open arms if you apologize to them properly. So…let's go back together."

Sanctum extended her hand to Marionetee with a smile, causing her former comrade to look at her with wide eyes due to her unexpected words. Moments of her time with the Top 10 flashed before her eyes. If she was honest with herself, these were quite enjoyable days for her due to the fact that she made genuine friends. However…

"I can't go with you." Marionette eventually said, shocking Sanctum. "I appreciate your sentiments, but the Syndicate is the place I have always belonged. Even if my heart yearns to return to your side…I no longer have that right."

Sanctum seemed like she wanted to say something, but before she even had the chance to, Marionette stood up abruptly and inserted a card in her Duel Disk that generated an intense flash of light, which temporarily blinded Sanctum. When it died down, Marionette was nowhere to be found.

"Okay, that was totally dishonorable."

Upon hearing these words, Sanctum turned around, coming face-to-face with Pyrrha.

"Pyrrha?" Sanctum said. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Not that long," she answered. "Although I did witness your victory and heartfelt offer. And while I do understand you want your old friend back, you have to remember all the pain and damage she and her comrades have done."

"I know. But I believe there's still hope," Sanctum assured her. "As long as we don't give up on Rhea, there will always be a chance to save her. That is something I believe in."

Pyrrha sighed. "Then I'll assist however I can," she promised. "I'll admit I did enjoy my time with her, so I'll do everything in my power to revert her to the person we once knew."

"Glad to hear you say that," Sanctum said with a smile. "Let's go meet up with Storm Rider. Hopefully, he made it to the Central Station safely?"

Pyrrha nodded. "Right. Let's go."

And with that, the two of them hopped on their D-Boards and took their leave, heading towards Storm Rider's location.

Meanwhile, elsewhere…

"Go, Cyber Tech Link Dragon! Attack them directly! Digitized Burst Stream!"

Storm Rider's ace unleashed a torrent of blue energy, sending several Syndicate soldiers crashing into the wall, where they fell unconscious. He was currently standing in the courtyard of the Central Station and had arrived not that long ago before being ambushed by what felt like a hundred soldiers.

"Okay, I think that's the last of them," he said before narrowing his eyes forward toward a building in front of him. It was a dome with doors all around it. "Whatever the Syndicate is after, it's in there. Time to go and stop them."

However, before Storm Rider could even take a single step, he was suddenly tackled by a cloaked figure, with the force of their charge sending them both tumbling to the ground. The figure held Storm Rider down as he glared at him.

"Do you remember me?" The figure, who had a male voice, asked Storm Rider. "Because I sure haven't forgotten about you. I've been waiting for this for a long time, Storm Rider!"

The figure stood and removed his cloak. Storm Rider's eyes widened at his attacker's features. It was a fair-skinned man with a lean, well-built frame. His hair was dark purple and sported two tentacle-shaped bangs almost reaching his abdomen, while the color of his irises was a combination of blue and green. His outfit consisted only of bandages that reached his biceps where one armband was on each side, his arms mostly bare bar gray armguards, a green scarf knotted around his neck, dark teal pants, bandages wrapped around his shins, and black shoes. He raised his left hand and clenched it, revealing his armguard had an elongated oval-shaped crimson screen and green accents.

"You're…Oranos!?" Storm Rider exclaimed at the unexpected reappearance of Phantom's right-hand man and the opponent Sanctum had defeated during the Syndicate's first invasion before standing up. "Why are you here!?"

"Ever since my boss lost to you, he's lost the respect of all his underlings and became trapped in what felt like to him a bottomless pit of darkness, out of which there was no escape," Oranos responded with evident hostility. "Which is why I'm here to get his revenge. However, don't think I'm the same duelist your friend humiliated in the past. After being given a second chance by the Syndicate, I made sure to make several improvements to my Deck in preparation for the day we would confront either of you. This time, I will utterly crush you on behalf of my boss and make you grovel like the worm you are!"

"Let me see if I got this straight." Storm Rider said with a hostile tone. "You decided to become the Syndicate's pawn, the very same group of people who're responsible for causing chaos and mayhem to LINK VRAINS just to have revenge on me? Are you out of your mind?"

"I don't see anything wrong with it," Oranos responded nonchalantly. "Moreover, the way I see it, the Syndicate is going to be the winner of this war, so joining the winning side and being a part of the upcoming new world order is the logical option here. And since I get to destroy with my own two hands as a bonus, I really can't ask for anything more."

"…You really are a worthless piece of scum, you know that?" Storm Rider spoke with a tone filled with contempt. "Then, as you wish, I will duel you. But when I defeat you for the second time, I'll make sure you stay down this time."

"Just try it, you lowly mongrel." Oranos sneered as he activated his Duel Disk. "I will thoroughly enjoy watching you suffer."

"We'll see about that." Storm Rider replied as he also activated his Duel Disk. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

"Duel!" Storm Rider and Oranos shouted in unison.