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?

44. Ready or Not?

"What do you mean the Kid Fate and the others lost and had their consciousness data taken!?"

A clearly distraught Gore questioned Pyrrha, who was looking at him with an upset look on her face.

"Answer me!" Gore insisted. "There's no way Kid Fate would have lost! Even since I recruited him, he's been training under my wing!"

"That may be, but what I say is the truth," Pyrhha stated. "I was there when he lost. But believe me when I say he did everything in his power to defeat Galerius."

"But that's impossible…he promised me he wouldn't lose…?" Gore seemed to have a hard time believing that. "That can't be…"

"It's the truth," Na'amah interjected. "Just like Pyrrha, Ginger and I witnessed Triton and Hornet's losses as well. And just like Kid Fate, they fought with everything they had."

"Indeed they did. And their defeats won't be in vain." Storm Rider stated with a fierce expression as he raised his fist. "We can't let the loss of our comrades get the best of us. That's just what the Syndicate wants. We'll show them what happens when you mess with us!"

"That's easy for you to say!" Gore shouted. "You didn't lose someone close to you!"

"Well, if you don't want to lose any more friends, then you should use your pain to your advantage and become stronger," Varis stated. "You can avenge them. Rather than focusing on what you've lost, you should take pride in winning a duel against the most powerful foe."

Storm Rider may be the only one to notice, but Gore is growing angrier with every word. His shoulders were shaking with rage. He looks pretty outraged by Varis' speech.

"Shut up!" Gore snapped, making his voice raise higher. "Pride?! What pride!? You're asking me to trust you of all people? I don't care about pride! All I want is my friend back!"

Through his tears, Gore cannot deny the rage burning against Varis. "If you and your so-called Knight had done a better job in aiding us…Then Kid Fate…" He glared at Varis. "Kid Fate… Give everyone back!"

Gore roared as he charged forward, ready to throw a punch at Varis, but out of nowhere came Storm Rider, who easily caught it.

"Cut it out, Gore!" Storm Rider yelled at his comrade. "After everything you've been through, you still haven't learned to control your temper!"

"Why are you getting in my way, Storm Rider?!" Gore shouted at him, "In order to get Kid Fate back, I will use whatever means necessary! And all of that starts with giving Varis a lesson in pain and defeat!"

"That's exactly the reason why I'm getting in your way!" Storm Rider shouted. "Because you're being so unhinged and careless!"

"I don't have to explain my actions to anyone, least of all you." Gore glared at Storm Rider. "And as I've said before, you didn't lose someone close to you! Now get out of my way before I do something I regret!"

"I've had enough of your nonsense, Gore." Storm Rider said in a low voice. "You might have lost your friend to the hands of the Syndicate, but that doesn't give you the right to bear your fangs even at those who are genuinely trying to help you like a mad dog! If Kid Fate could see your disgraceful form right now, he would be embarrassed and disappointed in you!"

"Shut up!" Gore had a murderous expression on his face following Storm Rider's words. "You understand nothing of my pain, so spare me your ridiculous indignation! And don't you dare say Kid Fate's name so casually! Now get out of my way or else!"

"No, you're going to listen to me whether you like it or not." Storm Rider retorted. "Just because you've suffered the loss of your friend, do you think that gives you the right to inflict the same amount of suffering on others? Right now, you're just like a child throwing a temper tantrum. And what's worse is that in the process of trying to get revenge, you're becoming the very thing you swore to destroy, Gore: a ruthless hunter who takes everything from anyone without any regard for the consequences or those who get hurt by your reckless actions."

"Even so, still—"

"Storm Rider's right. This isn't like you, Gore," Blue Maiden suddenly spoke. "You duel not only to keep LINK VRAINS safe but also to see the ecstatic expressions on the children's faces. Have you really fallen so far that you've even forgotten about this?"

"If what Blue Maiden's saying is true, then you're really just a shadow of your former self, Gore." Storm Rider continued as he threw Gore back. "Don't you think it's high time you stopped grieving for your loss and did something productive for a change?" He narrowed his eyes at Gore. "If you call yourself a duelist, express your anger not through your fists but through your Duels!"

Gore glared at Storm Rider and pointed his fist at him. "I will!" he declared as he activated his Duel Disk. "In Kid Fate and everyone else's place, I'll make you grovel before me!" He turned back to face the forward group. "Varis. Consider this a preview of what's to come."

"Fine by me," Storm Rider said as he activated his Duel Disk. "If I lose, Varia and I will repent until you're satisfied."

"Do you think Gore can win?" Roselyn wondered, asking the others.

"It's possible but unlikely," Playmaker said bluntly. "While Gore has the dueling skills of a pro, against a duelist like Storm Rider, he stands a low chance of winning ."

"I agree," Soulburner concurred. "Even though Gore's improved a lot over the last year, so has Storm Rider. But this duel is anyone's game."

Ginger frowned at the two Cyberse users. "Don't discount him so readily," he warned. "Before you guys came along, Gore was the highest-ranked Celebrity Duelist after Blue Maiden; he didn't win that spot through weak opponents."

"He didn't," Blue Maiden confirmed. A self-deprecatory smile graced her lips. "Though I lost to Storm Rider before. He can win, but it will be an uphill battle."

Magnum shrugged. "I don't know which of them will win, and I honestly don't care," she said bluntly. "I mean, if Gore can defeat an army of cyber-enhanced soldiers, then surely he can defeat Storm Rider."

Faris gave the boy the stink-eye. "That sounded like a compliment, but the way you said it sounded like an insult." Magnum offered her with an innocent smile.

"Are you sure you're well enough to duel, Storm Rider?" Serena asked with a hint of concern in her voice. "Won't the strain aggravate your injuries?"

"There won't be a problem!" Storm Rider gave her a thumbs-up with a smile. "What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger!"

"…I'm not sure I like how you've worded this, but whatever." Sanctum sighed. "Just be careful there. You and I both know that Gore's a strong duelist with an attitude that single-mindedly pursues victory."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"If the two of you are done talking to one another, let's begin this already," Gore said. "The sooner this is over, the sooner I can get my hands on Varis."

"It's really eerie how similar you are to several opponents I've faced in the past…" Storm Rider muttered. "Then, as you wish, let's go!"

"Duel!" they shouted.

Gore: 4000 LP

Storm Rider: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Gore declared. "I summon Gouki Suprex!"

A blue ogre with claws appeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

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

Another ogre, this one green with snakes attached to its head, appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

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

His monsters turned into whirlwinds and entered the left and bottom arrows.

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

A dark blue ogre with a jetpack on its back and a sword in its right hand emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

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

The two ogres reappeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"I will now mash up my circuit for a second time!" Gore declared as a second Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two "Gouki" monsters. I set Gouki Suprex and Twistcobra in the Link Arrows!"

Suprex went into the top arrow, while Twistcobra went into the bottom arrow, turning both of them red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Gouki Heel Ogre!"

A violet-skinned ogre who wore bronze and gold armor appeared on Gore's field, summoned to Jet Ogre's bottom Link Arrow. His hair was in the form of a mane that was on fire. In his hands, he carried a large, spiked staff.

Gouki Heel Ogre ATK 1000 LINK-2 ↑↓

"I activate the effect of Gouki Headbatt in my hand! By discarding Gouki Riscorpio, Jet Ogre gains 800 attack points, and I can Special Summon Headbatt in Defense Position."

A smaller violet ogre appeared alongside the previous two.

Gouki Headbatt ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Gouki Heel Ogre ATK 1000→1800

"I will now mash my circuit for a third time!" Gore declared as a third Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more "Gouki" monsters. I set Headbatt and Heel Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

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

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

"The Blade Ogre's effect activates! For each monster it points to, it gains 300 attack points!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→2700

"And since Headbatt was sent to the Graveyard, I get to add a new "Gouki" card to my hand," Gore said as he took a card from his Deck."Finally, I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Not bad, Gore." Storm Rider praised his opponent. "That's quite the field you've built. However, I won't be deterred by just this! My turn! I draw!" Looking at his card, Storm Rider chose a different one. "I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Gift! By discarding a "Cycode" card, I draw two cards." He discarded, drew, and then said, "Since you control a Link Monster and I do not, I can Special Summon Cycode Armorer from my hand!"

A robot wearing blacksmith's clothes carrying a large hammer appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Armorer ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"I activate Armorer's effect! I can target a Link Monster on the field and send Armorer to the Graveyard. Then I can Special Summon Cycode Armor Tokens equal to that monster's Link Rating. I target your Blade Ogre to summon three Armor Tokens!"

Armorer disintegrated, and three dwarf robots with large heads in blacksmith's clothes appeared, all in Attack Position.

Cycode Armor Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2 x 3

"Appear, my circuit!" The Link Portal materialized above Storm Rider. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning condition is one "Cycode" monster. I set one Cycode Armor Token in the Link Arrow!"

The token became a whirlwind of energy and entered the right arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Link-1! Cycode Apprentice!"

A young mage in digital orange and gray hooded magician robes, wielding a small wand lit in flames, emerged from the portal, summoned to Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Apprentice ATK 1000 LINK-1 →

"Apprentice's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I draw a card!" Storm Rider drew, then said, "And because there is a Cyberse Link Monster on the field, I can Special Summon Cycode Prisoner!"

The cyborg in a prisoner's uniform appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Prisoner ATK 1600 DEF 2100 LVL: 5

Storm Rider raised his right hand. "Appear again, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two Effect Monsters, including a "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Apprentice and Cycode Prisoner in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the top and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cycode Squire!"

A warrior in gray armor with pale green lining emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone, swinging a white greatsword.

Cycode Squire ATK 1300 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Prisoner's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand." Storm Rider took a card from his Deck and smirked. "I summon Cycode Dancer!"

A robotic female in a pink leotard with pink dancing shoes appeared and did a pirouette.

Cycode Dancer ATK 1000 DEF 200 LVL: 2

"Since Dancer was Normal Summoned while I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower "Cycode" monster from my hand or Deck." A card popped out of his Deck, which he took and placed on his Duel Disk. "I summon Cycode Coder!"

An alien in a lab coat appeared on its field. It carried a laptop under one arm and had small pieces of armor on its shoulders and lower legs.

Cycode Coder ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Coder's effect continues!" Storm Rider continued. "When this monster is Summoned, I can add one "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand, but then I must send a card from my hand, Deck, or field to the Graveyard."

Storm Rider took two cards from his Deck. He added one to his hand and sent the other to the Graveyard.

"Now, I'll create my circuit for a third time!" Storm Rider raised his hand as it glowed blue and shot a lightning bolt, creating a Link Portal. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Level 4 or lower "Cycode" monsters. I set one of my Armor Tokens and Dancer in the Link Arrows!"

Said monsters entered the top and right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cycode Wild Outlaw!"

A robotic male humanoid emerged from the portal. The robot wore a brown cowboy hat over his blonde hair and had a mustache. It also wore blue jeans with white frills, a red handkerchief around its neck, brown boots, a white shirt and a black vest over it. A dark red cape with maroon lining hung from its shoulders, and two flintlock pistols were holstered in two dark brown leather holsters on its hips. It aimed one of its pistols as it was summoned to Cycode Squire's bottom Link Arrow.

Cycode Wild Outlaw ATK 1900 LINK-2 ↑→

"Dancer's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "Since it was used to Link Summon a "Cycode" Link Monster, that monster gains 600 attack points!"

Cycode Wild Outlaw ATK 1900→2500

"Furthermore, Code Squire's effect! All monsters you control lose 500 attack and defense points for each monster it points to."

Gore gasped as his two monsters were weakened.

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2700→2200

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000→1500

Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "This is my final Link Summon!" His hand glowed blue as the Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters. I set my last Armor Token and Coder in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the left and bottom-right arrows, turning red.

"I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Hunter!"

A cybernetic humanoid emerged from the Link Portal at Cycode Wild Outlaw's right Link Arrow. It wore silver gauntlets with futuristic pistols on its forearms, and a cobalt mask covered its mouth. It also wore a navy blue cape with white lines hanging from its shoulders, and instead of eyes, it had two light blue lenses that were constantly whirling.

Cycode Hunter 1600 LINK-2 ←↘

"Link Summoning four times in a turn!?" Ginger said in surprise.

Storm Rider gestured to his field. "Battle! Cycode Wild Outlaw attacks Blade Ogre!"

"I won't let you!" Gore exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Wall of Disruption! This card will-!"

"Not do anything!" Storm Rider interrupted. "I activate Wild Outlaw's effect! Once per turn, when it points to at least one monster, I can activate a "Cycode" Spell or Trap Card from my hand." Storm Rider played the card he'd gained from Prisoner's effect. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Cycode Jamming!" The card showed Cycode Coder sitting at a computer on a desk, cackling. "Since I control a "Cycode" Link Monster, Jamming negates the activation of a Spell or Trap Card and destroys it!"

"What!?" Gore said in surprise as his Trap Card shattered.

"With your Trap Card out of the way, Wild Outlaw's attack continues!"

Following Storm Rider's words, the robot unholstered its pistols and blasted Blade Ogre. The ensuing shockwave caused Gore to wince.

Gore: 4000→3700 LP

"Next, I'll have Cycode Hunter attack Jet Ogre!"

Hunter quickly punched Jet Ogre in the chest, destroying it and making Gore wince a second time.

Gore: 3700→3600 LP

"Lastly, Cycode Squire attacks you directly!"

The monster raised its sword and charged at Gore, who activated a card from his hand.

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

Squire struck Gore with its blade, making him grunt in pain.

Gore: 3600→2950 LP

"That was a strong start," Varis commented. "But will Storm Rider be able to keep it up until the end?"

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Storm Rider concluded.

"Even though Storm Rider was set to inflict quite a bit of damage on Gore, I still can't help but feel it wasn't enough to slow him down," Sanctum remarked from the side.

"No joke," Blue Maiden said. "And if that's the case, Storm Rider has a hard fight ahead of him."

"My turn!" Gore announced. "I draw! Allow me to pay you back with interest for the damage you inflicted on me! First, I place a card face-down and then activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw! Through its effect, I can draw five cards from my Deck, provided that I discard my current hand and guess what type the top card of my Deck is. If I guess wrong, I must send five cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I predict that my top card is a Monster Card. Now, let's see if I was correct. I draw!"

Gore drew a card from his Deck—and grinned as he showed it to Storm Rider.

"I guessed correctly. My top card was Gouki Bearhug, meaning I now draw five cards from my Deck. Next, I activate the Spell Card: The Warrior Returning Alive! This card lets me add one Warrior monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Suprex to my hand and then summon it!"

The blue ogre reappeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800→1300 DEF 0 LVL: 4

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

A gray ogre wearing a bearskin appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Bearhug ATK 2400→1900 DEF 0 LVL: 6

"Bearhug's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Gouki" card, one of your monsters' attack points becomes equal to half its original attack points! I target Wild Outlaw!"

Storm Rider gritted his teeth. "You may halve its attack points, but Outlaw retains Dancer's boost!"

Cycode Wild Outlaw ATK 2500→1550

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

The blue ogre disappeared and the larger ogre with a sword reappeared.

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→1900 LINK-3 ↙↑↓

"Suprex's effect activates! As it was sent to the Graveyard, I get to add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand." Gore pointed upwards as his hand glowed blue. "The summoning conditions are two or more "Gouki" monsters. I set Bearhug and Link-3 Blade Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

A large ogre in a red and blue suit wearing golden armor appeared. His cape swung behind him, and he wielded a massive axe from the Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 2800→2300 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘

"Master Ogre right off the bat, huh…?" Storm Rider let out a crooked smile. "You really are going all out…"

"Bearhug's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard, I add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand. Next, I activate the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match! With this, I Special Summon two "Gouki" monsters from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Twistcobra and Riscorpio!"

Twistcobra and a red ogre with a scorpion tail appeared at The Master Ogre's bottom-left and bottom Link Arrows.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600→1100 DEF 0 LVL: 3

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300→1800 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Twistcobra's effect activates! I Tribute Riscorpio to increase The Master Ogre's attack points by Riscorpio's attack points!"

The red ogre disintegrated as the Link Monster glowed.

"Don't be so sure." Gore gasped as Storm Rider gestured to his field. "I activate the Trap Card: Cyberse Shatter! Since I control a Cyberse monster and an effect was activated that would increase the attack points of a single monster, that effect is negated!" Gore gritted his teeth as the glow faded from Master Ogre. "In addition, I then draw a card."

Gore's grimace turned into a smirk. "Fine then. I'll have to resort to other methods. First, since Riscorpio was sent to the Graveyard, I get to add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand. Following that, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Fusion Sword Murasame Blade!" A dark katana with a chaotic aura appeared before Master Ogre grabbed it. "By equipping this card to a Warrior-type monster, I can increase its attack points by 800!"

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 2300→3100

Gore gestured to his field. "I activate Master Ogre's effect! Once per turn, I can return a number of "Gouki" monsters at its Link Arrows to my hand. Then, the same number of your cards have their effects negated!" Storm Rider gasped. "I return Twistcobra to my hand to negate Cycode Hunter's effects!"

The green ogre disappeared as a gray aura enveloped the Cycode Link Monster.

"When The Master Ogre battles, it must attack the monster you control with the highest attack points first," Gore said. "But in exchange, it can attack every monster you control once each!" Storm Rider's eyes widened as Gore pointed at his monsters. "Battle! Destroy all his monsters, Master Ogre!"

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

Following that, Master Ogre generated three crescent waves of energy from its sword ax and sword, destroying the three Cycode Link Monsters and sending Storm Rider flying back.

Storm Rider: 4000→2050 LP

As Storm Rider recovered from the attack, he said, "Since Cycode Squire is no longer on the field, Master Ogre's attack points revert to normal."

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 3100→3600

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Gore concluded. "Now then, show me how you'll respond to this, Storm Rider."

"With pleasure," Storm Rider answered in a determined manner. "My turn! I draw!"

Storm Rider let out a smile upon seeing the card he had drawn.

"Alright, Gore! My counterattack starts here! First, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cyberse Infinite Coding! When a Cyberse monster is Link Summoned, I place a Cyberse Counter on this card, and once per turn, I can remove two Cyberse Counters to draw one card. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Cyberse Call! It lets me add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand." He took a card from his Deck, then said, "Since you control monsters and I don't, I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman from my hand!"

A man in cybernetic blue armor carrying futuristic swords appeared.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider said. "I add Cycode Masterframe to my hand." He did so, then gestured to his field. "Now, I'll create my circuit!"

Storm Rider raised his hand as it glowed blue and shot a lightning bolt, creating a Link Portal.

"Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one Cyberse monster! I set Cycode Swordsman in the Link Arrow!"

Swordsman entered the bottom-left arrow, turning it red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cycode Sky Eagle!"

A light green cybernetic eagle with turbine wings appeared in the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Cycode Sky Eagle ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

"As a Cyberse Link Monster was Link Summoned, Infinite Coding gains one Cyberse Counter!"

Cyberse Infinite Coding: 0 CC→1 CC

"Sky Eagle's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When it's Link Summoned, I can add a "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Cycode Swordsman to my hand. Then, I summon Cycode Masterframe!"

A young boy with dark brown hair, wearing an orange hoodie outfit and goggles, appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Masterframe's effect activates!" Storm Rider declared. "When Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one "Cycode" monster from my hand. Appear, Cycode Acrobat!"

A female android holding a silver hoop in its right hand appeared.

Cycode Acrobat ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"Acrobat's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by a "Cycode" card's effect, I can add a "Cycode" card from my Deck to my hand." He took a card from his Deck and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Cycode Emblem! By sending a "Cycode" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can then Special Summon a "Cycode" monster from my Deck in Attack Position, so long as it has the same Level as the sent monster. I send the Level 4 Cycode Assailant to the Graveyard and Special Summon Cycode Miner!"

A robotic humanoid in a prospector's uniform carrying a shovel appeared.

Cycode Miner ATK 1700 DEF 100 LVL: 4

"Now, I'll build my circuit a second time!"

The Link Portal appeared again above Storm Rider.

"The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters, except Tokens. I set Cycode Masterframe and Miner in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy and entered the left and right arrows, turning them red.

"I Link Summon! Link-2! Cycode Administrator!"

A large blue mechanical humanoid emerged from the portal, summoned to Cycode Sky Eagle's Link Arrow.

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200 LINK-2 →↙

Cyberse Infinite Coding: 1 CC→2 CC

"Cycode Administrator's effect! All "Cycode" Link Monsters I control gain 800 attack points!"

Cycode Sky Eagle ATK 300→1100

Cycode Administrator ATK 1200→2000

Storm Rider raised his hand. "For the third time, I build my circuit! The summoning conditions are two "Cycode" monsters! I set Cycode Acrobat and Sky Eagle in the Link Arrows!"

The two monsters entered the left and right arrows, turning them red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cycode Bi-Blader!"

A white and blue humanoid monster with glowing yellow energy-like blades attached to its wrists appeared summoned to Cycode Administrator's right Link Arrow.

Cycode Bi-Blader ATK 1800→2600 LINK-2 ←→

Cyberse Infinite Coding: 2 CC→3 CC

"Since I used Cycode Sky Eagle to Link Summon Administrator, its effect activates!" Storm Rider stated. "All my monsters gain 400 attack points!"

Cycode Bi-Blader ATK 2600→3000

Cycode Administrator ATK 2000→2400

"Hm, most impressive," Gore remarked with a relaxed expression. "However, it's a given that you would be able to do this much."

"Nothing ruffles your feathers, huh?" Storm Rider growled. "In that case, let's battle! Bi-Blader attacks Master Ogre!"

Binary Blader charged the Gouki Link Monster.

"Cycode Bi-Blader's effect activates! Since it is co-linked, it can attack twice this turn, and the first time it attacks, your monster's attack points become 0!"

Gouki The Master Ogre ATK 3600→0

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

Blader's swords hit the shield, making a scraping noise, but the shield held.

Storm Rider frowned. "It seems I was right to summon Bi-Blader. Bi-Blader attacks Master Ogre again!"

The Cycode Link Monster raised its right blade, glowing white energy enveloping it. It brought its blade down on the shield, shattering it along with Master Ogre.

"You may destroy Master Ogre with this attack, but thanks to Intrigue Shield, I don't take any damage!" Gore reminded Storm Rider.

"But you will take damage from this attack! Cycode Administrator attacks you directly!"

Following Storm Rider's command, the large humanoid lobbed an orb of blu energy at Gore.

"Not so fast!" Gore yelled. I activate the Trap Card: Offensive Guard! When a monster you control declares a direct attack, I can halve the attacking monster's attack points until the End Phase and draw one card!"

Cycode Administrator ATK 2400→1200

The orb of energy struck, and Gore grunted as he was pushed back. He quickly recovered as he drew.

Gore: 2950→1750 LP

"Not bad." Storm Rider said. "I activate the effect of Infinite Coding and remove two Cyberse Counters to draw one card!"

Cyberse Infinite Coding: 3 CC→1 CC

"I can't do much about it as things stand." Storm Rider said. "I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"Doesn't look like either one of them are showing any signs of slowing down," Magnum said, raising an eyebrow. "Their Life Points are equal now."

"Yeah," Faris said. "I still don't think Storm Rider will lose, but Gore might give him a run for his money."

"It's still too early to decide a winner," Playmaker stated. "Let's continue watching and see how things play out."

"It's my turn!" Gore announced. "I draw! Since you decided to turn things up a notch, I'll do so as well. I summon Gouki Suprex!"

The blue ogre reappeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

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

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

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

His monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

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

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

Gouki Jet Ogre ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"Twistcobra's and Suprex's effects activate! I add two new "Gouki" cards from my Deck to my hand!" Go took his two new cards and then played one. "I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-Match! It lets me Special Summon two "Gouki" monsters from my Graveyard in Defense Position! Return, Headbatt and Riscorpio!"

The purple ogre and red-and-black ogre reappeared in Defense Position.

Gouki Headbatt ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"I now mash up my circuit for the second time!" Gore declared. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are at least three "Gouki" monsters."Accelrex's eyes widened. "I set Riscorpio, Twistcobra, and the Link-2 Jet Ogre in the Link Arrows!"

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

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

The ogre that emerged from the portal had beige skin and wore fur-lined armor on his chest, shoulders, legs, and lower arms, exposing his stomach and upper arms. Violet spikes protruded from his shoulders and knees, and the mask over the top half of his face was lined with red spikes. Its black cape fluttered in the wind when summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

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

"Your ace monster is out, eh?" Storm Rider smirked. "Looks like things are starting to get really serious."

"Riscorpio's and Twistcobra's effects activate! I add two new "Gouki" cards from my Deck to my hand." He glanced at the cards: victory was in his sights with these two cards. "Jet Ogre's effect activates! Since I sent it to the Graveyard, all "Gouki" monsters I control gain 500 attack points until the end of the turn!"

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000→3500

"The Giant Ogre's effect activates! Once per turn, if its attack points are different from its original attack points, I can increase its attack points by 1000 until the end of the turn!"

The Giant Ogre pulled out a massive dark steel sword with a violet-and-red hilt.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3500→4500

"Next, I activate the effect of Gouki Batteram in my hand!" Gore continued as the card showed a humanoid wrestler clad in a brown suit with a light brown torso and black gloves and hooves instead of feet. The monster had long, curly hair and two ram horns emerging from its head. "I can equip this card to a "Gouki" monster on my field and increase its attack points by 1000!"

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 4500→5500

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Poison Mist! This card inflicts 700 points damage to my opponent and seals them from activating any Spell or Trap Cards they currently control for this turn!"

A stream of poison-like liquid was shot out of the card, but Storm Rider wasn't worried.

"I activate the Counter Trap Card: Cycode Break!" Storm Rider abruptly declared as the card showed Cycode Gaia Charger emerging from an explosion. "When a Spell, Trap, or monster effect is activated that would inflict damage to me while I control a "Cycode" Link Monster, I negate the activation of that effect!"

Gore gritted his teeth. In that case, let's battle!" he declared. "The Giant Ogre attacks Cycode Administrator!"

The Giant Ogre leaped into the air, holding its sword in one hand.

"I activate the Trap Cards: Cycode Half-Guard and Broken Cycode!" Storm Rider shouted. "Due to the effect of Half-Guard, by discarding Cycode Illusionist, all battle damage I take this turn is halved. And due to the effect of Broken Cycode, when a "Cycode" monster I control, Broken Cycode increases my Life Points by your monster's attack points!"

Storm Rider: 1550→7050 LP

The Giant Ogre roared as it brought its sword down, cleaving Administrator in half and creating a shockwave that made Storm Rider grunt in pain.

Storm Rider: 7050→3550 LP

"Since Cycode Administrator left the field, Bi-Blader's attack points return to normal."

Cycode Bi-Blader ATK 3000→2200

"That's not the only thing that happens," Gore said, confusing Storm Rider. "Due to the effect of Batteram, Giant Ogre can attack a second time." Storm Rider's eyes widened. "Giant Ogre attacks Bi-Blader!"

The Gouki Link Monster leaped towards Bi-Blader, with the Link Monster attempting to defend itself with its blades. However, Giant Ogre's attack tore through the blades and bifurcated Bi-Blader, destroying it and causing Storm Rider to tumble back from the ensuing shockwave.

Storm Rider: 3550→250 LP

"At this point, the second effect of Broken Cycode activates," Storm Rider said as he got back up. "Since I control no monsters, I get to draw two cards from my Deck."

"Humph." Gore snorted as Storm Rider drew. "You may have reduced the damage and got some new cards, but you still lost your monsters. I place a card face-down and end my turn. And during the End Phase, the effects of Giant Ogre and Jet Ogre end."

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 5500→4000

"Storm Rider survived for now, but he received a lot of damage and had his field wiped out completely," Blue Maiden remarked. "Furthermore, he has to go through one of Gore's strongest monsters."

"No joke. I've never seen Gore fight this hard before," Soulburner said as he observed Gore's image. "Losing Kid Fate must have affected him more than we thought."

"It's my turn!" Storm Rider announced. "I draw! Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Cycode Swordsman from my hand!"

The man with two swords reappeared.

Cycode Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Since Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, I can add one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to my hand," Storm Rider continued as a card slid out from his Deck, which he then showed to his opponent. "I Special Summon Cycode Serpent!"

A white robotic snake appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Serpent ATK 400 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I can Special Summon Serpent if it's added to my hand outside my Draw Phase," Storm Rider explained. "Moving on, I activate the effect of Cycode Valkyrie from my hand. Since I control a "Cycode" monster, I can Special Summon it!"

A mechanical female in white armor gilded with silver appeared in Attack Position.

Cycode Valkyrie ATK 2100 DEF 400 LVL: 5

"Next, I activate the effect of Cyberse Shatter in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Link-2 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Cycode Sky Eagle!"

The green cybernetic eagle reappeared.

Cycode Sky Eagle ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

Storm Rider raised his hand. "Appear! The ultimate circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Cycode Swordsman, Serpent, Valkyrie and Sky Eagle in the Link Arrows!"

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

"The new wind that flows throughout this world gives the mighty creature that connects the past and future! I Link Summon! Appear, Link-4! Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

The dragon that emerged from the portal had a blue body, white and yellow lining, and silver claws. It also had a spiral-like tail and jet-like energy wings with white and blue-lining eyes like a circuit board. Two large horns on its head faced forward, with a smaller one on the back of its head. Three small spikes that resembled claws were placed on the "elbow" of the wings. The dragon's red eyes glowed as it released a powerful roar.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"I see you've also brought out your ace monster," Gore smirked. "Shame it won't get to use its effect since Giant Ogre is unaffected by the effects of monsters with equal or lower attack points."

"I was prepared for that." Storm Rider smiled. "I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure! It lets me draw a card for each Link Monster on the field. There are two Link Monsters, so I draw two cards."

He drew, then said, "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Link Armaments and equip it to my Link Monster!" The dark blue armor on Cyber Tech's body turned silver and made it roar. "So long as Cyber Tech is equipped with this card, you can't destroy it with card effects, it inflicts piercing battle damage, and it gains 500 attack points for each Link Monster in my Graveyard. There are seven Link Monsters in my Graveyard, so my dragon's attack points become 6000!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→6000

"Let's settle this, Gore!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Battle! Cyber Tech Link Dragon, destroy Gouki The Giant Ogre! Digitized Burst Stream!"

"No, it's not over yet!" Gore stated as Cyber Tech soared upwards and started gathering energy in its maw. "I activate the Trap Card: Ground Capture! When you declare an attack, I can halve any battle damage from that attack! Furthermore, by sending Batteram to the Graveyard, I can prevent Giant Ogre's destruction!"

The battering ram in Giant Ogre's hand disappeared as its sword reappeared.

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 4000→3000

"Since Batteram was sent to the Graveyard, I can add a new "Gouki" card from my Deck to my hand, Gore stated. "Also, Giant Ogre's effect activates and its attack points increase by 1000!"

Gouki The Giant Ogre ATK 3000→4000

"Even if you protect your monster, you'll still take the damage from this attack!" Storm Rider reminded him. "Go, Cyber Tech!"

A dark blue stream of energy erupted from Cyber Tech's maw, enveloping Giant Ogre but generating a shockwave that sent Gore tumbling back.

Gore: 1750→750 LP

"Due to the second effect of Ground Capture," Gore said, "I get to draw a card since I took at least 1000 points of damage from your attack."

"I place a card face-down and end my turn with this," Storm Rider stated. "Now, how are you going to respond to this, Gore?"

"My turn!" Gore announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed, which lets me draw two cards. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Magical Stone Excavation, discarding two cards from my hand to add Gouki Re-Match to my hand from the Graveyard and activate it! Resurrect, Bearhug and Riscorpio!"

The ogre in a bearskin and the ogre with scorpion claws and a tail reappeared in Defense Position.

Gouki Bearhug ATK 2400 DEF 0 LVL: 6

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Bearhug's effect activates!" Gore declared. "Until the end of this turn, I halve your dragon's attack points!"

"Not so fast!" Storm Rider declared. "I activate the Trap Card: Parallel Port Armor! This card equips itself to Cyber Tech Link Dragon!" A light briefly shone around the Link Monster. "While Parallel Port Armor is equipped, Cyber Tech cannot be destroyed by battle or targeted by your card effects!"

"What?" Gore said. Then he gritted his teeth. "Fine then. I activate the Spell Card: Resonance Device! I target two of my monsters that have the same Type and Attribute and change the Level of one to the Level of the other. I target Riscorpio and Bearhug and change the latter's Level to the former's."

Gouki Bearhug LVL: 6→5

"Now he has two Level 5s…" Storm Rider narrowed his eyes. "Which means…"

Gore gestured to his field. "I overlay my Level 5 Gouki Bearhug and Gouki Riscorpio!"

A bolt of orange energy burst out of Gore's Duel Disk and traveled upwards. It struck the sky and exploded into a ring of orange energy that traveled downwards, changing the environment to a midnight sky. Streams of orange data traveled downward. A large blue "X" with four red points appeared beneath his two monsters, both of whom broke into blue data and entered two of the dots. The corners of the "X" fired beams upwards, creating a shining galaxy that exploded with power.

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

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

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

"The Xyz Monster that he used when he dueled Kid Fate," Roselyn remembered.

"Showstopper Ogre's effect activates! When it's Xyz Summoned next to a Link Monster's Link Arrow, I can target cards on the field up to the Link Rating of a Link Monster that it points to and return them to the hand. I select to return Link Armaments, Cyberse Infinite Coding and Parallel Port Armor. Go, Rebound Roar!"

Multiple spotlights focus on the targeted cards as Showstopper lets out a great roar, causing them to disappear.

Storm Rider frowned. "Since Link Armaments left the field, my dragon's attack points now return to their original value."

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 6000→2500

"This is the end!" Gore pointed at Storm Rider. "Giant Ogre, attack Cyber Tech Link Dragon and finish this! Ogre's Sword!"

Giant Ogre charged Cyber Tech. Its sword sliced the dragon in half, destroying it in a massive explosion that enveloped Storm Rider's field. However, once the smoke cleared, Storm Rider was shown to be still standing.

"What's the meaning of this?" Gore asked. "You were supposed to take damage!"

"By banishing the Cycode Battle Barrier in my Graveyard," Storm Rider explained. "I take no battle damage from that battle. All I needed was a "Cycode" monster either on my field or in my Graveyard."

Gore scoffed. "So what? I still have Showstopper Ogre-."

"Battle Barrier also ends the Battle Phase," Storm Rider interrupted. "And since I control no monsters, I draw cards equal to the number of monsters you control, in this case, two."

"That must have been the card you sent to the Graveyard through Cycode Gift's effect." Gore grimaced. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"That was close…" Souburner let out a relieved sigh. "If he didn't have that card, Storm Rider would be toast right now."

"It's my turn! I draw!"

After checking his hand, Storm RIder's brow furrowed. There was a way to turn things around in his favor and win him the duel, but it was extremely risky. There was also a considerable chance it might backfire on him and accomplish nothing in the end. After a few seconds of deliberation…

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Reload!" Storm Rider said. "Through its effect, I will shuffle all cards in my hand back to the Deck, shuffle it and draw the same amount of cards."

"Oh?" Gore raised an eyebrow. "Was your hand that bad that you've resorted to this card?"

"You could say that," Storm Rider replied. "This turn of mine might be my last, but I'm willing to risk it all to free you from your restraints. This draw…is the draw that will bring you back to your senses!"

Upon drawing his new cards and checking them out, Storm Rider let out a small smile.

"It looks like my path to victory is now wide open!" Storm Rider stated. "I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Mining! I discard a card to add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand." He sent the first card to the Graveyard, then took the second from his Deck. "I summon Cycode Sorceress!"

The mechanical female in a black dress wielding a metal staff appeared.

Cycode Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Sorceress's effect activates!" Storm Rider continued. "When Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or below "Cycode" monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Cycode Assailant!"

The metal skeletal robot with six arms appeared.

Cycode Assailant ATK 1500 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"You have two Level 4 monsters…" Gore narrowed his eyes. "Are you planning to Xyz Summon?"

"Got it in one." Storm Rider grinned. "I use the Level 4 Cycode Sorceress and Cycode Assailant to build the Overlay Network!"

Storm Rider raised his Duel Disk. A bolt of blue lightning shot out of it, turning the world around them into a void. The Xyz cross appeared beneath the two monsters, turning them into data as they entered the circles on the cross. The ends of the cross shot beams of light upward, creating a spiraling galaxy that exploded with power.

"The creature who guards the sacred lands! Ascend to this battle and strike down our enemies! I Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Cycode Master Beast!"

A strand of blue DNA formed before breaking apart and forming a sphere. The sphere then reformed into a cybernetic humanoid lion with sharp energy manes wearing a fur-like cape.

Cycode Master Beast ATK 2400 DEF 2200 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"Cycode Master Beast's effect activates! When it is Xyz Summoned, it gains 200 attack points for every card on the field. Four cards are currently on the field, so it gains 800 attack points!"

Cycode Master Beast ATK 2400→3200

"That certainly is a unique effect," Gore remarked. "However, no matter which monster of mine you attack, I'll still have Life Points left."

"Is that so?" Storm Rider let out a sly smile. "Then, let's test that theory out! I activate Master Beast's second effect! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can Special Summon a Link Monster from my Graveyard! In exchange, I can't summon any other Link Monsters this turn!" One of the two lights disappeared. "Resurrect, Cyber Tech Link Dragon!"

Storm Rider's dragon emerged from a cybernetic portal, letting out a furious howl.

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

Cycode Master Beast OU: 2→1

"Storm Rider now has this in the bag," Faris stated. "All he has to do is use Cyber Tech's effect, and he'll win the duel."

Gore growled. "I won't let it end here! I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Gouki Fusion, which lets me Fusion Summon a "Gouki" Fusion Monsters by using monsters in my hand or on my field as Fusion Materials. Using the effect of Gouki Fusion, I fuse Gouki The Giant Ogre with Gouki The Showstopper Ogre!"

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

"I Fusion Summon! Gouki Beatdown Ogre!"

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

Gouki Beatdown Ogre ATK 2900 DEF 0 LVL: 8

"Since I successfully Fusion Summoned Beatdown Ogre, it gains half the attack points of the Link Monster used to summon it. Giant Ogre had 3000 attack points, so Beatdown Ogre gains 1500 attack points!"

Gouki Beatdown Ogre ATK 2900→4400

"In addition, for the remainder of this turn, the monster I summoned through Gouki Fusion will be unaffected by all your card effects," Gore added. "You fought well, but seeing how things are right now, I currently hold the advantage. This duel will be over next turn."

"I'm afraid that's not true, Gore," Storm Rider said, making his opponent blink. "The result of this duel has already been decided! Battle! Cyber Tech Link Dragon attacks Gouki Beatdown Ogre!"

Gore raised an eyebrow. "What? But Beatdown Ogre has more attack points!"

"From my hand, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cyberse Blending!" Storm Rider declared as the card showed Cyberse Enchanter bestowing its power to Protron through a yellow wire connected to Protron's back and Enchanter's left hand. "If a Link Monster I control declares an attack, I can target one Cyberse monster next to its Link Arrow and have the attacking Link Monster gain attack points equal to that target's attack points for this Battle Phase!"

"What?!"

Cyber Tech Link Dragon ATK 2500→5700

"Finish this, Cyber Tech!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "Digitized Burst Stream!"

Upon hearing Storm Rider's command, the dragon opened its maw wide, unleashing a massive blast of blue energy that engulfed Beatdown Ogre and blasted Gore from off the ground.

Gore: 750→0 LP

"I lost…" Gore muttered as he lay down on the ground. "Heh, I guess your resolve was stronger than mine in the end."

"Does that mean you're finally ready to listen to me now?" Storm Rider asked as he extended his hand forward, helping Gore to get up. "Or do you want to have another round?"

"No, one defeat is good enough for me," Gore said. "Thanks, Storm Rider. I appreciate the help."

"I'm just glad I was able to help you get your head on straight," Storm Rider responded. "But rest assured, I promise we'll get Kid Fate and the others back."

"I hope you're right," Gore said. "Because if we fail to stop the Syndicate, then all of LINK VRAINS is doomed."

"Then we just got to make sure that doesn't happen."

The duo turned around to see Sanctum and everyone else behind them with smiles on their faces.

"She's right," Soulburner said with his fist raised. "The Syndicate believes that the loss of our comrades will hinder our ability to fight."

"But the truth is that it'll only make us stronger," Lily added.

"And when they see our new and improved strength, they'll wish they'd never mess with us or our friends," Blue Maiden stated.

"I feel you," Storm Rider said with a wide smile. "As Enoch said, the final battle is upon us. Which means we have... No. Must prepare for the worst if we're willing to stand a chance." He raised his fist. "Are you with me, everyone!?"

"Yeah!"

The enthusiastic cheers of everyone resounded thus within Central Station's courtyard.

"I hate to interrupt your little motivation moment, but I think I have something that might prove to be beneficial," Varis said as he approached the group. "Take a look at this."

Varis brought up his Duel Disk and generated a hologram that depicted a floating massive futuristic dome-like building resembling a castle. It was clear white and made up of diamonds. Some diamonds even floated in midair as each of them flickered in multiple colors, such as red, blue, green, orange, purple, and so many more. Surrounding the castle was a tall fort, and there was no gate door to allow anyone to enter.

"Alright, I'll bite." Magnum, who didn't understand what was going on, said. "What are we looking at here?"

"This is the Syndicate's base of operations, or in other words, their hideout," Varis said. "It took us a while to track it down, but we achieved in obtaining its location. Do you understand what this means?"

"Of course we do," Ginger said with a smirk. "It means we're one step closer to bringing an end to the Syndicate's tyranny."

"And that's not all." Varis continued as he swiped the hologram aside, with a new image of two familiar individuals appearing in its place, causing everyone's eyes to widen.

"Ghost Gal and The Shepherd!?" Playmaker yelled.

"Correct. And if they're locked up, then so are Kid Fate and the others," Varis stated. "Luckily for us, there's a secret passageway underneath the fortress that leads to the prison. Not to mention, their security and surveillance are limited in the area, which makes things easier for us." He narrowed his eyes forward. "But this is what caught my attention the most."

This time, the image of a large spacious room containing equipment and machines whose purpose anyone could vaguely guess at best. But what caught everyone's eyes were several large tubes filled with liquid that seemed to contain several boys and girls in them.

"What is that?" Gore asked. "Some sort of new biological weapon?"

"No, it's something far more sinister." Varis started explaining. "Ghost Gal and her brother overheard a few soldiers talking about it. Apparently, it looks like the Syndicate is trying to create artificial duel soldiers."

"Artificial duel soldiers…" Storm Rider repeated as he clenched his fists hard, an expression of pure hatred evident on his face. "How dare they do something so crude…?"

"The decision to aid you guys in taking down the Syndicae looks better and better with each passing second," Magnum remarked with a disgusted expression on his face. "Attacking innocent people in LINK VRAINS is one thing, but making clones is another. Whatever the Syndicate is planning to achieve, methods like these will most certainly not bring about the utopia they brag about."

"It is indeed revolting," Varis commented. "This insidious manipulation is a grave insult to all the soldiers who gave their lives for the sake of the promised utopia. The thought of creating an artificial lifeform…it makes me want to tear down the Syndicate and crush their leader with my hands."

"Trust me, I know how you're feeling," Storm Rider said with a dark expression on his face. "That makes defeating the Syndicate even more imperative than before. Since we have their location now, I assume you have planned out a mission already. Is that true?"

"Indeed, that is the case," Varis answered as he pressed a button on his Duel Disk, causing several red dots to appear on the holographic image. "There are several entrances, but each of their security is strong. Of course, we could weaken it to make our assault easier, but we're trying to look for more secret passageways like the underground tunnel."

"Take your time, Varis," Soulburner said. "While you do that, the rest of us will have round-the-clock duels with one another to hone our skills and keep our guard up for any surprise attacks the enemy might throw at us."

"Since you seem to be so determined, I guess there's no point in trying to stop you," Varis said. "Until further notice, I want every one of you to modify your Decks. Add anything to it that may be beneficial or catch the Syndicate off guard. We can't take any more losses. Understood?"

Everyone nodded in response to Varis' words, causing him to smirk.

"Perfect. Until further notice, good luck, and see you soon."

Upon saying so, Varis logged out, with everyone else following suit.

Back in the real world…

"Good to have you guys back." Kolter smiled as the six youths stepped out of their individual sealed rooms. He frowned upon noticing their tense expressions. "...I'm sorry. For Kid Fare, Hornet and Triton."

"Thank you, Kolter," Skye said. "We appreciate it."

"This can't go on," Yuji said as he sat down in a chair. "The Syndicate has gone way too far. It's time to put an end to all this madness and chaos."

"Yuji's right," Yusaku agreed. "As long as the Syndicate continues to roam free, LINK VRAINS and the citizens of Den City are in danger."

"We're well aware of that, Yusaku," Theodore stated. "But all we can do now is wait for the update from Varis and hone our skills in the meantime."

"Speaking of honing our skills, we should probably have a couple of practice duels with each other," Lily suggested.

"Well, if you guys are going to duel, I set up a brand new landscape in my private server," Kolter said. "Want to check it out?"

"Of course we do!" Ena exclaimed. "Lead the way!"

In LINK VRAINS, at Kolter's private server...

A portal opened in the sky as Storm Rider, Sanctum, Playmaker, Soulburner, Blue Maiden and Roselyn emerged from it, landing on the ground. They checked their surroundings.

"Man! Kolter really knows how to create a server!" Soulburner commented.

The six youths were standing on some giant space carrier colored dark red. It was floating in the galaxy, and distant planets of the solar system could be seen from their spot. A sea of stars shone all around them, with the sun glowing in the distance.

"Wow..." Storm Rider breathed out, his eyes wide. "This place is amazing. I knew Kolter was talented, but I didn't think he was this talented..."

"Ah, you guys made it!"

"Glad you guys like it," a voice commented, causing the sextet to turn over to the individual ahead of them. The individual wore a maroon trench coat with a tan lining, a large maroon cap, maroon boots with belted straps, belted teal pants, and a dark grey top with silver lines.

"K-Kolter? Is that-?" Sanctum began speaking.

"I'm known as Unnamed in the network," he clarified. "So, what do you guys think?"

"How much time did it take you to make this?" Roselyn asked.

"A couple of weeks," Unnamed answered. "But we're not here to talk. We're here to duel." He pulled out a handful of straws from his pocket. "Let's draw to see who goes first. The straws have numbers on the bottom to determine the order."

Everyone agreed with the idea and walked forward. Blue Maiden went first. Followed by Roselyn, Playmaker, Soulburner, Sanctum and finally, Storm Rider.

"Looks like Sanctum got the longer straw," Soulburner said. "So, which one of us are you going to throw down against?"

"I'm not quite sure," Sanctum replied. "To be honest, I'm not quite in the dueling mood. Ever since my run-in with Marionette, my mind's been occupied with figuring out ways to bring her back to her side." She frowned. "But I feel that no matter the solution I come up with, the result always ends up being the same with her refusing to leave the Syndicate."

"Sounds like your heart's in turmoil," Unnamed said. "In that case, why don't the two of us duel?"

Sanctum raised an eyebrow. "A duel between you and me?"

"Why not? It might help take your mind off things," Unnamed explained. "Plus, I've always wanted to test my skills against you or Storm Rider. What do you say, Sanctum? You in?"

Sanctum thought this over. While she or Storm Rider had never seen Kolter duel, she had always been curious about what his skills as a duelist were.

"I accept." Sanctum decided, much to Unnamed's surprise and delight.

"You sure about this, Sanctum?" Storm Rider asked. "You and I have never seen Kolter duel before. Nor do we know what kind of Deck he uses."

"Which is why this is a good opportunity to see those exact things," Sanctum answered. "As well as prepare myself for the upcoming battle." She activated her Duel Disk and narrowed her eyes forward. "I'm ready!"

"Then let's begin," Unnamed said as he activated his Duel Disk. It was an old model colored dark blue with a purple orb outlined by a purple circle with a yellow side. It produced an orange blade. Be advised that I will not be holding back, and I expect the same of you."

"Duel!" they shouted.

Unnamed: 4000 LP

Sanctum: 4000 LP

"If you don't mind, I'll take the first turn," Unnamed said. "I summon VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin!"

A mechanical fish appeared and was overlaid by the hologram of a white dolphin with a pink underbelly.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

Sanctum blinked. "VirtuaBeast?"

Storm Rider's eyes widened. "That monster-!"

"Is a Cyberse monster," Soulburner finished.

"But how's that possible?" Roselyn questioned.

"According to my brother, neither he nor Varis were able to find any remaining Cyberse cards in the real world or network." She turned to Playmaker. "Did you know about this?"

"I did," he confirmed with a smirk. "You're probably wondering how Kolter has these cards. You see, after Ai's incident, Kolter had an idea. He wanted to create an archetype to help protect the digital world, just like we did. Since I had an extensive Cyberse Deck, we used it as a basis for this new archetype, the VirtuaBeasts. It was a way for him to give something back to the virtual world, something to defend it with. So, he studied my Deck and created these cards with his unique touch. But he didn't stop there. To add diversity and strength to the VirtuaBeasts, we also incorporated data from Soulburner's Deck. It gave them a unique blend of power, one that could serve both worlds."

"Wow, that's incredible!" Blue Maiden exclaimed. "Kolter sure is devoted to protecting the digital world."

Soulburner smiled. "I'm really touched that my Deck could be part of this. We all want the digital world to be safe."

"No joke," Storm Rider said. "Though I wish he thought of this when I had trouble creating my Cyberse cards."

"How surprising," Sanctum said with a cramped smile. "I truly didn't see that coming."

"Only a reminder for you guys to keep your guard up at all times," Unnamed stated. "Now, let's continue. Due to Data Dolphin's effect, it gains 200 attack points for each "VirtuaBeast" monster I control."

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000→1200

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster. I set Data Dolphin in the Link Arrow!"

His monster entered the bottom arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin!"

A gray humanoid machine emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. A holographic shell of a green-skinned, big-nosed goblin wearing a loincloth and wielding a club appeared around it.

VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"When Data Dolphin is used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" monster, I add a Spell Card from my Deck to my hand." Unnamed took the card from his Deck and then played it. "I activate the Field Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Kingdom!" The card showed a massive rock jutting over a field. A large mechanical feline creature stood atop the rock, its mouth open in a roar, while numerous other mechanical-like creatures gathered beneath the rock. "While VirtuaBeast Kingdom is on the field, you cannot target my "VirtuaBeast" monsters with card effects. In addition, I can target a "VirtuaBeast" monster I control to activate an effect depending on that monster's Attribute. However, I cannot target a monster with the same Attribute more than once per turn."

Unnamed gestured to his field. I activate VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect and target Gigabyte Goblin. Gigabyte Goblin is Earth Attribute, so I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Data Dolphin!"

The metal fish reappeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Following that, I activate Gigabyte Goblin's effect! Once per turn, I Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from my hand. Come, VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture!"

An avian machine appeared at Gigabyte Goblin's Link Arrow in Attack Position, then formed a hologram of a black bird with a pink head.

VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Appear again, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two "VirtuaBeast" monsters. I set Data Dolphin and Vaccine Vulture in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the bottom and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix!"

Another avian machine, this one much larger, emerged from the portal at Gigabyte Goblin's Link Arrow. A holographic shell of a red-and-orange bird with the edges of its wings aflame formed around it.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

"When Vaccine Vulture is used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" monster, I draw a card," Unnamed continued. "Moving on, I activate Processor Phoenix's effect! Once per turn, I Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect once again, Data Dolphin!"

The Cyberse monster reappeared again in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I activate VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect and target Data Dolphin. Data Dolphin is Water Attribute, so I add a "VirtuaBeast" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand, but I cannot Link Summon Link-3 or higher monsters for the rest of the turn." Unnamed took a card from his Deck, then played another from his hand. "For a third time, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two "VirtuaBeast" monsters. I set Data Dolphin and Gigabyte Goblin in the Link Arrows!"

The two monsters entered the left and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Firewall Fenrir!"

A mechanical canine emerged from the portal at Processor Phoenix's right Link Arrow, and then a holographic shell of a blue and white-furred wolf formed around it, with sharp fangs and glowing yellow eyes.

VirtuaBeast Firewall Fenrir ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←→

"I see. I believe I understand how your Deck works now," Sanctum said. "Your Main Deck monsters all have effects that activate if they are used to Link Summon, while your Link Monsters focus on Link climbing. A simple strategy, but effective."

"You are not wrong," Unnamed said. "But here's one thing that might come off as a shocker to you. Due to Firewall Fenrir's effect, monsters it points to can't be destroyed by card effects or be targeted for attacks," Sanctum gasped. "Furthermore, once during either player's Battle Phase, I can target a "VirtuaBeast" monster I control, and for the rest of the turn, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle, and I take no battle damage from battles involving it. From there, I activate VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect! I target the Wind Attribute Processor Phoenix. You now take 300 points of damage for each "VirtuaBeast" monster I control, and I gain Life Points equal to that amount." Sanctum's eyes widened. "I control two, so you take 600 points of damage."

Sanctum flinched as she stumbled for a second while a golden aura appeared around Unnamed.

Sanctum: 4000→3400 LP

Unnamed: 4000→4600 LP

"Finally, I place a card face-down and end my turn with that."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "Two Link Monsters and a Field Spell that prevents Unnamed's monsters from being targeted. Not to mention, he placed his face-down card in a different column."

"And thanks to Firewall Fenrir, it'll be even harder for her to deal damage," Storm Rider added. "But not impossible."

Sanctum stepped forward and placed her hand on her Deck. "It's my turn!" Sanctum announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Star Blast! By paying multiples of 500 Life Points, I can reduce a monster's Level in my hand by one. And I pick this one... My Level 5 Mekk-Knight Blue Sky! And I'll pay 500 Life Points to make it Level 4!"

Sanctum: 3400→2900 LP

"Now I summon Mekk-Knight Blue Sky to the field!"

An armored warrior wielding two curved swords appeared, 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. You have one, so I'll add Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal to my hand." Sanctum took the card and played another from her hand. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Senet Switch! Once per turn, I can move a monster I control to an adjacent Main Monster Zone. I move Blue Sky to the column to its right. And now I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal via its effect!"

An aquamarine and silver machine brandishing a trident of the same color appeared in Attack Position in the same column Blue Sky had vacated.

Mekk-Knight Aquamarine Tidal ATK 3100 DEF 2700 LVL: 10

"Aquamarine Tidal's effect activates!" Sanctum continued. "As long as this card is on the field, all your monsters lose 1000 attack points!"

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000→1000

VirtuaBeast Firewall Fenrir ATK 1900→900

"Nice try, but I'm afraid that's not good enough." Unnamed stated. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: VirtuaBeast Digital Defense!" The card showed a futuristic shield with circuitry patterns and holographic layers forming a barrier around a group of VirtuaBeast monsters. "As long as this card remains on my field, "VirtuaBeast" monsters I control are unaffected by the effects of your monsters. In other words, they're no longer affected by Aquamarine Tidal's effect."

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 1000→2000

VirtuaBeast Firewall Fenrir ATK 900→1900

"Kuh, to think you had something like that prepared…" Sanctum grimaced. "Then there's no choice. I have to go with Plan B. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Shine Palace and equip it to Blue Sky!" The armored warrior's body became covered in a veil of bright light. "This card can only be equipped to a Light Attribute monster, and due to its effect, the equipped monster's attack points increase by 700!"

Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2000→2700

"Battle!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Aquamarine Tidal, attack VirtuaBeast Firewall Fenrir!"

Aquamarine Tidal let out a battle cry as it charged Hunter, its trident ready.

"And if you're planning to use Fenrir's effect, think again!" Sanctum stated. "Thanks to Tidal's second effect, whenever it attacks, you can't activate cards of effects in the same column as it until the end of the Damage Step!"

Tidal launched its trident, piercing the mechanical canine and destroying it in an explosion. The ensuing shockwave sent Unnamed skidding back a few feet.

Unnamed: 4600→3400 LP

"Next up, Blue Sky attacks Processor Phoenix!"

Blue Sky roared as it raised its swords and charged Phoenix, slicing it in half and destroying it.

Unnamed: 3400→2700 LP

"That's as far as I can go for now," Sanctum remarked. "I place a card face-down and activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Double Cyclone! Through its effect, I'll destroy the card I just Set and VirtuaBeast Kingdom!"

The two cards shattered at Sanctum's declaration.

"And since my face-down card was Dummy Marker, I'm allowed to draw two cards due to its effect," Sanctum stated. "Finally, I place two cards face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Unnamed announced. "I draw! Now, let's get a bit more serious. During my Standby Phase, since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Processor Phoenix from my Graveyard!"

The mechanical bird reappeared, and the red holographic shell reappeared around it.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

"Next, I activate Processor Phoenix's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Data Dolphin!"

The mechanical fish reappeared on the field in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two or more "VirtuaBeast" monsters. I set Data Dolphin and Link-2 Processor Phoenix in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Network Nemean!"

A large feline machine emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone. The hologram of a massive golden armored lion with an enormous mane and an armor-tipped tail formed around it. The lion roared, making Sanctum and the others wince.

VirtuaBeast Network Nemean ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"A Link-3?" Blue Maiden blinked.

"Is this his ace monster?" Soulburner asked.

"No," Storm Rider answered, his eyes narrowing. "I get the feeling his ace is much stronger and fiercer than this monster."

"When Data Dolphin is used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" monster, I add a Spell Card from my Deck to my hand." Unnamed took the card, then said, "Since I control a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, I can Special Summon this monster from my hand. Appear, VirtuaBeast CPU Crab!"

A human-sized mechanical crab appeared in Attack Position at Network Nemean's bottom Link Arrow. A holographic shell of a red crab materialized around it.

VirtuaBeast CPU Crab ATK 1400 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"For the second time, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two "VirtuaBeast" monsters. I set CPU Crab and Network Nemean in the Link Arrows!"

The lion and crab entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra!"

A large quadrupedal machine with a small head on a long neck and a long tail emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone Network Nemean had vacated. A green holographic shell formed around it, creating spikes on its tail and generating a serpent's head. Four other identical heads and necks formed as well, and all five heads hissed at Sanctum.

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←↓

"You used a Link-3 monster to summon a Link-2?" Sanctum questioned. "Why would you do that?"

"You'll understand soon," Unnamed replied. "First, since CPU Crab was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, it gains 600 attack points!"

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 1900→2500

"Furthermore, Holographic Hydra's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned using a Link Monster as material, its original attack points are doubled until my next Standby Phase!"

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 2500→4400

"If this effect of Holographic Hydra is activated, it can only attack your monster with the highest attack points," Unnamed said. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Claws and equip it to Holographic Hydra!"Sharpened silver claws formed on Holographic Hydra's feet and ignited with blue fire. "The equipped Holographic Hydra can attack twice during the Battle Phase, and if it attacks, you cannot activate any Spell or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step."

"That doesn't sound too good," Sanctum said. "In that case, I activate the Trap Card: Destruct Potion! Thanks to its effect, I can destroy a monster on my field and gain Life Points equal to its attack points! I choose to destroy Aquamarine Tidal and gain 3100 Life Points!"

Following Sanctumi's words, the Mekk-Knight's body exploded, with its remains turning into a dark haze that enveloped her body.

Sanctum: 2900→6000 LP

"Nice quick thinking," Unnamed praised his opponent before gesturing to his field. "Battle! Holographic Hydra attacks Mekk-Knight Blue Sky!"

Holographic Hydra spat green acid at Blue Sky. The acid struck the Mekk-Knight, making it melt and then explode. Sanctum braced herself against the explosion.

Sanctum: 6000→4300 LP

"At this moment, I activate the Trap Card: Rope of Life!" Sanctum declared as she sent the last card in her hand to the Graveyard, and Mekk-Knight Blue Sky Dragon emerged from a portal on the ground. "In exchange for discarding my hand, I'm allowed to Special Summon the monster that you just destroyed and increase its attack points by 800!"

Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2000→2800

"Furthermore, since I discarded Cards of Compensation through Rope of Life, its effect kicks in, and I get to draw two cards."

"Even so, your monster's still weaker!" Unnamed stated. "The second attack! Holographic Hydra attacks Blue Sky again!"

Holographic Hydra spat out more acid and struck the armored warrior, destroying it and making Sanctum grunt in pain.

Sanctum: 4300→2700 LP

"With this, your field is devoid of monsters." Unnamed remarked. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Sanctum announced. "I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Spellbook Inside The Pot, which allows both of us to draw three cards from our Decks. And since VirtuaBeast Digital Defense is in the same column as Senet Switch, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Red Moon to that column!"

A red and silver machine carrying a large ax appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Red Moon ATK 2300 DEF 2600 LVL: 7

"From there, I use Senet Switch's effect to move Red Moon to the same column as Holographic Hydra," Sanctum stated. Next, I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Yellow Star to the same column as Digital Defense and Senet Switch!"

A machine with silver and yellow mechanical wings appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Yellow Star ATK 2200 DEF 2800 LVL: 7

"I activate Yellow Star's effect! I banish Mekk-Knight Blue Sky in my Graveyard to target and destroy one Spell or Trap Card in Yellow Bloom's column. I destroy VirtuaBeast Digital Defense!"

Yellow Star's wings started to glow before releasing a beam of golden energy at the Continuous Trap, turning it into particles.

"Then, I activate Red Moon's effect! By banishing a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard, I can destroy a face-up monster in Red Moon's column! I banish Blue Sky from to destroy Holographic Hydra!"

Red Moon's axe glowed before it drove it into the ground, creating a blast of energy that struck the VituaBeast Link Monster, destroying it.

"I activate the Trap Card: VirtuaBeast Hibernation!" Unnamed shouted as the card showed a mechanical lion with wings curled up asleep inside a large cavern. "When my "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster is destroyed, I can Special Summon that monster!"

Holographic Hydra reappeared, and its five heads hissed.

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←↓

"In addition, for the rest of the turn, Holographic Hydra cannot be destroyed by battle or your card effects."

"You might've prevented your monster from being destroyed, but that doesn't mean your Life Points are safe," Sanctum remarked. "Battle! Red Moon, attack Holographic Hydra!"

Red Moon brought its ax down and struck Hydra, failing to destroy it but generating a shockwave that pushed Unnamed back a few inches.

Unnamed: 2700→2300 LP

"And don't forget that I still have Yellow Star left." Sanctum pointed out. "Go, Mekk-Knight Yellow Star! Attack Holographic Hydra!"

Yellow Star unleashed two blasts of energy from its wings, striking the VituaBeast Link Monster. Although it failed to destroy it, some stray bolts struck Unnamed's body, causing him to wince.

Unnamed: 2300→2000 LP

"That was a pretty good play," Roselyn remarked. "Not only did she get rid of Digital Defense protection, she also eliminated Holographic Hydra's attack boost."

"It was a decent move. You're not wrong," Soulburner commented from the side. "But let's see how Kolter will react to it."

"I place a card face-down and end my turn," Sanctum concluded. "Not bad, eh, Kolter?"

"It's Unnamed. And not bad at all." Unnamed said. "That's why I have to do my best so as not to fall behind. It's my turn! I draw! Holographic Hydra's effect activates! By sending it to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Network Nemean!"

The armored lion reappeared and roared.

VirtuaBeast Network Nemean ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"I don't know what you're planning, but I won't allow it!" Sanctum said. "I activate the Trap Card: Bottomless Trap Hole! When you summon a monster with 1500 or more attack points, I can destroy and banish it!"

Following her words, a fissure opened underneath Network Nemean, with a malformed hand extending from it and dragging the armored lion into it.

"Nice job," Unnamed said. "You've shown the skill needed to predict your opponent's moves. Just as I've shown the skills to lay bait."

Sanctum raised an eyebrow. "…Bait?"

"You anticipated my moves, but you must go further to defeat me. I anticipated your anticipation. And here is the proof. Since your card effect destroyed my card, I can Special Summon VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena!"

Another quadrupedal machine appeared in Attack Position, this one with a canine head. A holographic shell formed around it, forming the image of a beige-coated canine with black spots.

VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Since I control a "VirtuaBeast" monster," Unnamed continued, "I can Special Summon VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk from my hand!"

A gray mechanical bird of prey appeared in Attack Position, and a second later, a hologram of a blue falcon materialized around it.

VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two "VirtuaBeast" monsters. I set Hacked Hawk and Hyperlink Hyena in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra!"

The multiheaded monster emerged from the portal and hissed from the right Extra Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←↓

Holographic Hydra only doubles its attack points when it is summoned using a Link Monster, Sanctum remembered.

"Hacked Hawk's and Hyperlink Hyena's effects activate! When they are used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, I can Special Summon a VirtuaBeast Token," he smirked, "and I can banish one card you control until the End Phase."

"What?" Sanctum gasped.

A mechanical turtle appeared in Defense Position and protected the image of a green turtle around it.

VirtuaBeast Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I banish Mekk-Knight Yellow Star from your field!" Unnamed declared, making the machine with wings disintegrate.

"Appear again, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two or more "VirtuaBeast" monsters, one of which must be a Link Monster. I set VirtuaBeast Token and Link-2 Holographic Hydra in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Reboot Revenant!"

A humanoid machine emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. A holographic shell formed around it. It had the appearance of a black skeleton wearing dull gold armor over its chest and arms, boots on its feet, and a winged helmet on its head. A tattered ankle-length skirt covered its legs, and in its hands, it held a rusty sword and a circular shield. Red eyes glowed in its helmet as it roared and swung its sword.

VirtuaBeast Reboot Revenant ATK 2700 LINK-3 ↖↓↗

"Reboot Revenant's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I target and negate the effects of 1 card you control, then I can add a Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand, but I cannot activate that Spell Card this turn. I negate the effects of Red Moon and add VirtuaBeast Kingdom to my hand. Battle! Reboot Revenant attacks Mekk-Knight Red Moon!"

The skeleton leaped into the air and brought its sword down, carving Red Moon in half and making it explode.

Sanctum: 2700→2300 LP

Unnamed gestured to his field. "Reboot Revenant's effect activates! When it destroys a monster it points to, I can Special Summon that monster to my field with its attack points halved!"

Sanctum gasped as Red Moon reappeared, this time on Unnamed's field at Reboot Revenant's bottom Link Arrow.

Mekk-Knight Red Moon ATK 2300→1150

"Red Moon attacks you directly!"

The armored machine charged Sanctum and brought its ax down. Sanctum grunted as she was knocked back a few feet.

Sanctum: 2300→1150 LP

"I place one card face-down and end my turn." Unnamed concluded. "During the End Phase, the effects of Reboot Revenant and Hyperlink Hyena end, so Red Moon's effects are restored, and Yellow Star returns to your field."

Following his words, the silver and yellow machine with wings reappeared on Sanctum's field.

Mekk-Knight Yellow Star ATK 2200 DEF 2800 LVL: 7

"Now then, can you overcome the obstacle that stands before you? Or is this your limit, Sanctum? Because that appears to be the case to me."

"You know what they say." Sanctum let out a confident smile. "Limits are meant to be surpassed. It's my turn! I draw! Since I control a "Mekk-Knight" monster, I can Special Summon Mekk-Knight Magenta Elver from my hand!"

A silver and magenta machine with a slim body and bladed wings appeared in Defense Position next to Yellow Star.

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 Green Horizon!"

At Sanctum's command, a green armored monster wielding a staff appeared on her field in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Green Horizon ATK 2100 DEF 1600 LVL: 6

Sanctum gestured to her field. "I Tribute Mekk-Knight Yellow Star, Magenta Elver and Green Horizon to Tribute Summon Gilford the Lightning!"

Her three monsters disappeared as a lightning bolt struck the ground and deposited a tall, muscular man in silver armor and a red cape wielding a large sword.

Gilford the Lightning ATK 2800 DEF 1400 LVL: 8

"At this moment, Gilford the Lightning's effect activates!" Sanctum declared. "Since it was summoned by Tributing three monsters, I can destroy all monsters on your field! Lightning Sword!"

Gilford raised its blade high, calling down two bolts of lightning that destroyed both Reboot Revenant and Red Moon.

"Battle!" Sanctum exclaimed. "Gilford the Lightning, attack him directly! Lightning Slash!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Reverse Glasses!" Unnamed shouted. "Through its effect, the attack points of all monsters on the field are halved!"

Gilford the Lightning ATK 2800→1400

Gilford charged forward and swung its lightning-clad sword, releasing a wave of lightning that struck Unnamed's body and sending him tumbling back.

Unnamed: 2000→600 LP

"Serves you right for looking down on me." Sanctum pulled her tongue out at Unnamed. "I place a card face-down and end my turn. At this moment, the effect of Reverse Glasses wears off, and Gilford's attack points return to normal."

Gilford the Lightning ATK 1400→2800

"Then, it's my turn!" Unnamed announced. "I draw! First, I activate Processor Phoenix's effect from my Graveyard! During my Standby Phase, as I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Processor Phoenix!"

The holographic firebird reappeared at Unnamed's center Main Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

"Next, I activate the Field Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Kingdom! Following that, I activate Processor Phoenix's second effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Hyperlink Hyena!"

The virtual hyena reappeared.

VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

Unnamed raised his hand. "Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster. I set Hyperlink Hyena in the Link Arrow!"

Hyperlink Hyena entered the bottom arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin!"

The holographic green goblin emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect activates! I target the Earth Gigabyte Goblin and Special Summon Data Dolphin from the Graveyard with its effects negated!"

The holographic pink and white dolphin reappeared in Defense Position.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Appear again, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two "VirtuaBeast" monsters. I set Data Dolphin and Gigabyte Goblin in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the left and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin!"

A four-legged machine with a tail and wings emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone. A holographic shell of a mammal with brown fur and the head, wings, and front paws of a bald eagle formed around it. The monster screeched as it flapped its wings.

VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→

"Another Link-2 monster," Sanctum noted.

"Data Dolphin's effect activates! Since it was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, I can add a Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I choose to add another copy of VirtuaBeast Claws!" He raised his hand again. "For a third time, the circuit that changes reality!" Unnamed's eyes narrowed. "Link Arrows authorized! "The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters, including a Link Monster. I set Graphic Griffin and Processor Phoenix in the Link Arrows!"

The two Link Monsters turned into four twisters of energy that shot upwards and entered the top, bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera!"

Emerging from the Link Portal to the Extra Monster Zone was a quadrupedal machine twice the size of its component monsters with a long tail, three heads, and wings. A holographic shell then composed itself around the machine, revealing its true form. Its body and central head were that of a yellow lion with a golden mane, while its left head and back legs belonged to a white ram with curled horns, and its right head, wings, and tail were that of a red dragon. The massive monster roared from all three of its heads as it was summoned to Unnamed's field in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 3300 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘

"W-What the…?" Blue Maiden muttered, her eyes wide.

"Ah!" Roselyn screamed. "He brought out a Link-4!"

Storm Rider clenched his fist. "Be careful, Sanctum."

"Cryptograph Chimera…" Sanctum murmured. "So this is your final trump card…"

"Cryptograph Chimera's effect activates!" Unnamed declared. "If it was Link Summoned successfully, the effects of all face-up cards you control are negated!" Sanctum frowned as her cards greyed out. "Moving on, I activate VirtuaBeast Claws and equip it to Chimera! Due to its effect, Chimera can attack twice, and you're prevented from activating any Spell or Traps Cards until the end of the Damage Step."

"In that case, I'll activate it right now," Sanctum said. "I activate the Trap Card: Mirror Shade, whose effect prevents me from taking any battle damage this turn in exchange for half my Life Points."

Sanctum: 1150→575 LP

"Then, let's battle!" Unnamed exclaimed. "Cryptograph Chimera attacks Gilford the Lightning! Reality Inferno!"

The monster's three heads all shot fire at Gilforrd – green from the goat, blue from the lion, and red from the dragon. The multicolored flames struck the warrior and destroyed it in a massive explosion.

"I end my turn with a face-down." Unnamed concluded. "And just a heads up, so long as Cryptograph Chimera's on the field, "VirtuaBeast" monsters I control can't be destroyed by card effects. And if it battles a Special Summoned monster, it gains that monster's attack points." He narrowed his eyes forward. "Now, if you have anything else left to play, come at me, Sanctum!"

"As you wish," Sanctum replied. "It's my turn! I draw!"

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Cynet Blockade!" Unnamed abruptly declared as the card showed a translucent barrier being formed from particles that not only pushed Rousing Hydradrive Monarch and an army of Coolant, Grand, Flow, and Burn Hydradrives back on a battlefield but also protected Decode Talker and an army of Cyberse creatures as well as he led the charge against their enemies. "When this card is activated, I can target one Cyberse Link monster I control, and while the targeted monster's on the field, you can't Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck whose attack points are less than or equal to the targeted monster's original attack points. I target Cryptograph Chumera. That means you can no longer Special Summon monsters from your Extra Deck whose attack points are 3300 or less!"

"What?!" Sanctum gasped out of pure shock after hearing this information. That meant a great majority of her Extra Deck was locked down, thanks to Cynet Blockade!

"I also activate Cynet Blockade's second effect. If I control a Link 3 or higher Cyberse Link monster, I can shuffle a Cyberse monster from my Graveyard back into my Deck to gain Life Points equal to its attack points. I shuffle Reboot Revenant back into my Extra Deck to gain 2700 Life Points!"

After saying so, Unnamed was enveloped by a golden aura that was emitted from his Trap Card.

Unnamed: 600→3300 LP

"Hang in there, Sanctum!" Soulburner screamed. "Don't let Unnamed's overwhelming advantage get the best of you!"

"It won't be that easy," Playmaker said. "Unnamed summoned a powerful monster that not only strengthens his defenses but ensures that he'll overpower any monster that Sanctum brings out."

"He's built up a strong field…" Roselyn remarked. "Will Sanctum lose here?"

"I don't know." Blue Maiden said. "But I'm sure she won't give up without a fight."

"Come on, girl…" Storm Rider muttered while staring at his friend with an intense look. "I know you can still win this. You're way too stubborn to lose so soon."

Upon checking her hand, Sanctum let out a faint smile. The situation was desperate, but if this final ace in her sleeve worked, she was confident she could win. Everything would depend on this single strike.

"No choice but to go through with it…" Sanctum murmured. "I activate the Spell Card: Akashic Record! It lets me draw two cards. But if the cards I draw happen to be ones I've already used, they're banished."

Upon checking out her drawn cards, Sanctum let out a satisfied smile.

"They're new cards," she stated. "And they're just the ones I needed. But before I use them, I have to set the stage. I activate the Spell Card: Unexpected Dai. This card lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Normal Monster from my Deck if I control no monsters on my field!" A card popped out of Sanctum's Deck. "Appear, Mekk-Knight Avram!"

A young blonde man in gold armor carrying two curved swords emerged on her field.

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

She narrowed her eyes at Kolter. "You thought you had been beaten when you locked me out of my Extra Deck. But you and I both know there's more than one way to bring out powerful monsters." She took a card from her hand. "And this card is proof of that. I activate the Ritual Spell Card: World Legacy Daybreak!"

Sanctum's declaration caught Unnamed and everyone else by surprise. The card showed Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme's silhouette bathed in white light, colorful streaks of energy spiraling out from its back and towards a shadowy figure.

"With this card, I Tribute monsters from my hand or field whose Levels equal or exceed the Level of the Ritual monster I'm about to Ritual Summon. And since there are at least two cards in the same column as Mekk-Knight Avram, it can be used as the entire Tribute for the Ritual Summon!"

"Such a Ritual Spell card like that exists?!" Unnamed exclaimed.

"That's right! I Tribute Mekk-Knight Avram!"

A rainbow circle appeared on Sanctum's field as five flames of different colors materialized around the circle. The blonde-haired boy broke apart into particles and entered the circle, which emitted a beam of light.

"The contract has been made! The supreme lord of the vast spectrum heeds the Stars' cries!" Sanctum chanted. "Let your scars mold your body, and reawaken! I Ritual Summon! Rise, Level 9! Mekk-Knight Kaleidoscope Phantom!"

This monster that emerged from the pillar of light resembled Spectrum Supreme in appearance but with its body parts in different positions. Purple Nightfall's cloak was wrapped around its body instead of shoulders, Blue Sky's swords were attached to its head and now acted as horns, and Orange Sunset's shields were now its hands instead. Green Horizon's key-like device and Red Moon's axe were now attached to its back, Indigo Eclipse's arc floated above its head like a halo, and Yellow Star's drones moved together as wings.

Mekk-Knight Kaleidoscope Phantom ATK 3200 DEF 3200 LVL: 9

"Ritual Summon…" Unnamed muttered. "I have to admit I didn't expect that."

"True duelists always keep a trick or two up their sleeve, as you're well aware," Sanctum said. "I activate Mekk-Knight Kaleidoscope Phantom's effect! By sending another card that's in the same column as it, I can add a "Mekk-Knight" monster from my Graveyard to my hand."

"You might need to get your eyes checked," Unnamed stated. "Because from my perspective, you have no other cards in Kaleidoscope Phantom's column. The only other cards in it are Cryptograph Chimera and VirtuaBeast Claws."

"And you need to get your ears checked; otherwise, you would've known I said another card and not a card I control," Sanctum corrected him, causing Unnamed's eyes to widen. "I send Cryptograph Chimera to the Graveyard! Prismatic Void!"

Following her words, a multi-colored void appeared above the field, drawing Cryptograph Chimera inside it and causing it to disappear from the field.

Storm Rider smirked. "Since that effect didn't target nor destroy, it was able to bypass VirtuaBeast Kingdom and Cryptograph Chimera's protection effects."

"Due to the second effect of Kaleidoscope Phantom, I add Mekk-Knight Avram back to my hand," Sanctum said. "But it won't stay there for long because I'm summoning it right back to the field!"

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Finally, I activate Spell Card: Gift of the Martyr!" Sanctum declared. "By Tributing Avram, I can increase Kaleidoscope Phantom's attack points by 2000!"

Mekk-Knight Kaleidoscope Phantom ATK 3200→5200

Unnamed gasped, his eyes wide. "5-5200 attack points?!"

"Battle!" Sanctum shouted. "Kaleidoscope Phantom attacks you directly! Final Daybreak!"

Phantom's wings transformed into two oversized hands, unleashing two colorful energy blasts that engulfed Unnamed, knocking him off his feet.

Unnamed: 3300→0 LP

"Yes!" Storm Rider cheered as he and the others crowded Sanctum. "Way to go, Sanctum!"

"That was awesome!" Roselyn cheered.

"It was a very good Ritual Summon," Playmaker said, joining the group.

"It sure was," Unnamed said, a childish grin on his face as he approached the sextet. "So, what do you guys think of my Deck?"

"It's the bee's knees! You mind me having a go at it?" Soulburner asked.

Unnamed chuckled. "Not today," he said. "I'm all tuckered out, and I bet all of you are as well. Let's pick this up tomorrow."

The six youths nodded and logged out one by one, with Unnamed being the last to do so.

Meanwhile, several days later, in a server in LINK VRAINS...

TP00000, also known as Top Palace. It was a server only the Top 10 Charisma Duelists could access with a special code. It was a giant white palace with golden rings around its spires and velvet red carpets leading up to it, with a blue sky above it filled with clouds shaped like crowns.

"Glad you guys could come on short notice."

"No problem. You're lucky my family's bookstore is closed today."

"Same here with me. My local church is being reconstructed."

"And my dojo's tournament doesn't begin til noon, so I have plenty of time to kill."

The four voices belonged to none other than Chevalier, Charmcaster, Seraph and Brawler, who were standing on the roof of Top Palace.

Chevalier smirked as he narrowed his eyes at the top. "Well, regardless, how about we stop talking and get down to dueling?"