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?

47. The War Begins

The following day, in LINK VRAINS…

Storm Rider, Sanctum, and Playmaker materialized on an isolated island. Next to them, Soulburner, Blue Maiden and Roselyn appeared. The sextet stepped forward and looked around, only to notice Gore, Pyrrha, Ginger, Na'amah, Magnum and Faris were already present, waiting for them.

"I see you've all gathered."

Everyone turned as Varis materialized into the area, accompanied by Akira.

"So, Mr. Hanoi shows up last…" Gore remarked. "He sure loves making an entrance."

"Thank you, everyone," Akira said in relief, looking over the crowd. Pyrrha, Ginger, and Na'amah stood to one side, Gore, Magnum, and Faris stood in the back, Soulburner Roselyn and Blue Maiden were grouped, and to Akira's left were Sanctum, Storm Rider, and Playmaker. "Thanks for coming. I must admit, I was afraid some of you would bail at the last minute."

"I find your lack of faith in us disturbing," Soulburner spoke with a foreboding tone but then raised an eyebrow. "Where's everyone else? In case you guys didn't notice, we're four people short."

"If by everyone else you mean Chevalier, Charmcaster, Brawler and Seraph, I ordered them to go to LINK VRAINS," Akira revealed. "Just in case something bad happens there, they can mitigate the damage while the rest of you focus on your opponents."

"That's a wise decision," Roselyn pointed out.

"Varis, what about your teammates?" Playmaker asked.

"I had them stay behind," he replied. "Faust, Dr. Genome, and Baira are in IRL because we need backup from the outside, but Spectre went to LINK VRAINS, too."

"Spectre did?" Blue Maiden inquired.

"Spectre's Deck is the most defensive in Hanoi. He's the perfect candidate to guard LINK VRAINS."

"That makes sense," Sanctum agreed with a nod.

"So what's the plan?" Pyrrha eventually asked.

"We'll split into groups of three in order to cover more ground and track down the Syndicate's leader," Varis explained. "The first group will consist of Soulburner, Blue Maiden, Roselyn and Pyrrha. Magnum, Faris, Ginger and Na'amah will be the second group. The third one will be me, Playmaker, Storm Rider, Sanctum, and Gore. Is that clear?"

Everybody nodded affirmatively, so Varis continued speaking.

"Alright then." He looked around at everyone present. "Once we arrive at our destination, remember to not let your guard down no matter what. We have no idea about the enemy's true capabilities, so be prepared for the worst. Remember that the fate of the world may hinge on this battle. Head out, and may the fortunes of war be with us!"

[Right!]

The enthusiastic cheers of everyone resounded throughout the area.

Following those words, Varis snapped his fingers and conjured up a portal. Everyone jumped off the island and summoned their D-Boards, flying into the portal. The thirteen duelists rode their D-Boards through the gate, with Varis, Playmaker and Storm Rider in the lead. They all sped along, though Faris found herself hit by a burst of turbulence. Her D-Board wobbled, but Magnum grabbed her arm.

"Faris!"

The girl's D-Board stabilized, and she smiled. "Thank you, Magnum."

"Be careful," Soulburner warned. "If you leave the path and enter the turbulence, who knows where you'll end up."

"This place will probably be like the Tower of Hanoi," Gore warned them. "If you lose, your consciousness data will be absorbed."

"So be careful, everyone," Blue Maiden urged.

"There's the exit!" Sanctum announced. Everyone looked ahead to see a door of light.

"Let's go!" Playmaker said.

"This foolish war ends today!" Varis declared.

"There are a lot of enemies ahead of us," Storm Rider stated. "Umbra, Enoch, Marionette, Desperado, Astro, Glacia, Galerius…"

"But we'll find them!" Pyrrha declared. "And defeat them!"

Soon, the thirteen D-Boards exited the gate and finally reached their destination. When they passed through it, the portal closed behind them, trapping them inside this world.

"They're somewhere around here," Roselyn said.

"Is LINK VRAINS okay?" Blue Maiden wondered.

"Let me check," Playmaker said as he pressed a button on his Duel Disk. "What's the status of LINK VRAINS?" he asked.

"So far, so good," Kolter told him. "In any case, if something happens here, I'll let you guys know."

"Invaders detected! We will eliminate you!"

Everyone looked ahead to see a swarm of Syndicate Sergeants floating in front of them.

"The minions showed up first, typical," Sanctum noted.

"And they'll vanish just as fast as they showed up," Storm Rider grinned.

"Let's deal with them!" Varis said.

Everybody nodded and split off, each taking on their opponent.

Meanwhile, in the Syndicate's fortress...

"It started." Priscilla folded her arms, watching the thirteen Duelists battling on multiple different screens. Two people materialized in the throne room: Marionette and Enoch. "You came. Good timing."

"Wouldn't miss this for the world," Marionette said. "The final battle is upon us."

"And it's one we can't afford to lose," Enoch added. "But let's return to the matter at hand. The location those duelists are battling in isn't optimal unless you want Speed Duels and group battles only."

"No, I prefer fighting them head-on," Priscilla responded. "For now, we'll watch how the enemies duel, allowing us to get further insight into how to respond to the strengths of their respective Decks and eventually crush them by exploiting their weaknesses."

"Very well. But I'll be the one who'll make the Syndicate's dream a reality."

"Of course." Priscilla chuckled. "I have the utmost faith in you, Enoch."

"Thank you." Enoch made a small bow. "My presence isn't needed, then. I'll return upon your call." that said, he vanished.

"The same." Marionette logged out.

Meanwhile...

A male Syndicate Sergeant rode the data stream and glared behind him. "So you're my opponent," she said. "I suppose I should be honored to face the infamous Black Rose."

"I'm glad to know I have fans among the Syndicate," Roselyn said. "Though the name could use some work."

The man snarled. "If you think you can stop us, you are a fool!"

"Insult me all you want; this duel is only going to end one way." She raised her Duel Disk. The man raised his Duel Disk in response, which was a black band.

"Speed Duel!"

Roselyn: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I activate the Field Spell Card: World Legacy's Nightmare! While this card is on the field, I take no battle damage from battles involving my co-linked monsters! Next, I summon Knightmare Corruptor Iblee!"

A purple-haired girl in a large dress appeared.

Knightmare Corruptor Iblee ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Roselyn's eyes narrowed. "A Cyberse monster? I'm surprised the Syndicate managed to get their filthy hands on one."

The Sergeant chuckled. "You should know by now that the Syndicate always has a few tricks up his sleeve. Though a Speed Duel isn't the best format to show them all off. Appear, the connected circuit!" The Link Portal appeared. "The summoning condition is a "Knightmare" monster beside itself! I set Corruptor Iblee in the Link Arrow!"

His monster entered the bottom arrow.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Knightmare Mermaid!"

The monster that emerged from the portal in the Extra Monster Zone was a mermaid composed of blue metal and glass held up by a blue arch.

Knightmare Mermaid ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Mermaid's effect activates!" The Sergeant declared. "When it is Link Summoned, I can discard a card to Special Summon a "Knightmare" monster from my Deck with its effects negated. I discard The Fabled Ganashia to Special Summon a second Corruptor Iblee in Defense Position!"

Knightmare Corruptor Iblee ATK 0 DF 0 LVL: 2

"And since Corruptor Iblee was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it to your field in Defense Position."

"To my field?" Roselyn repeated as the girl reappeared on her field.

"Furthermore, so long as Mermaid is on the field, all monsters that aren't co-linked lose 1000 attack points!"

Knightmare Mermaid ATK 1000→0

"Since I discarded The Fabled Ganashia, its effect activates and Special Summons itself from my Graveyard."

A blue humanoid elephant wearing a vest appeared in Attack Position.

The Fabled Ganashia ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Since The Fabled Ganashia was Special Summoned by its effect, it gains 200 attack points and will be banished when it leaves the field."

The Fabled Ganashia ATK 1600→1800

Roselyn narrowed her eyes. "However, Ganashia loses 1000 attack points since it isn't co-linked."

The Fabled Ganashia ATK 1800→1600

The Sergeant ignored her as she gestured toward the sky. "Appear again, the connected circuit!" The Link Portal appeared again. "The summoning conditions are two different monsters. I set Corruptor Iblee and The Fabled Ganashia in the Link Arrows!"

The two monsters entered the top and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Knightmare Phoenix!"

A bright red bird with mechanical claws and wings emerged from the portal at Knightmare Mermaid's Link Arrow.

Knightmare Phoenix ATK 1900 LINK-2 ↑→

"Since Mermaid is co-linked, it regains 1000 attack points."

Knightmare Mermaid ATK 0→1000

"Since the Special Summoned The Fabled Ganashia left the field, it is banished. And while I would activate Phoenix's effect, it requires you to have a card on your field." The Sergeant stated. "But so long as Phoenix is on the field, my co-linked monsters cannot be destroyed by battle. I activate the Spell Card: Dark Eruption! It lets me add a Dark monster with at least 1500 attack points from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Corruptor Iblee to my hand. With that, I end my turn."

Roselyn looked at the effects of Corruptor Iblee and scowled. Ah, that was why he'd summoned it. So long as it was on her field, she could only Special Summon Link Monsters. Then Mermaid reduced the attack points of monsters that weren't co-linked by 1000, Phoenix prevented co-linked monsters from being destroyed by battle, and his Field Spell kept her from dealing battle damage to his co-linked monsters. Simply put, it was a very formidable defense.

She would have fun breaking it.

"My turn! I draw! First, I summon Dark Verger!"

A dark green plant with two eyes on its leaves appeared in Attack Position.

Dark Verger ATK 0 DEF 1000→0 LVL: 2

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Seed of Deception! It lets me Special Summon a Level 2 or lower Plant monster from my hand. Come, Glow-Up Bulb!"

A small plant with an eye in its center appeared.

Glow-Up Bulb ATK 100→0 DEF 100→0 LVL: 1

"Following that, I activate the effect of the Fallen Angel of Roses in my hand!" Roselyn continued. "By returning Dark Verger to my hand, I can Special Summon it!"

A pale-skinned woman with dark hair wearing a black corset skirt with purple feathered wings and a whip made of thorns appeared in a flurry of black and purple rose petals.

Fallen Angel of Roses ATK 2400→1400 DEF 1300→300 LVL: 7

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Cards of Heaven and Earth, which lets me draw two cards since I summoned a Level 7 or higher monster this turn." She smirked upon seeing her cards. "Since I summoned a monster whose Level is at least 5 or higher this turn, I can discard Lantern Seed from my hand to add one Level 5 or higher Plant monster from my Deck to the hand." She took the card and then said, "Furthermore, I can perform an additional Normal Summon this turn. I Tribute Glow-Up Bulb to Tribute Summon Queen Angel of Roses, who can be Tribute Summoned by Tributing just one Plant monster with its effect!"

A female angel with short, blond hair appeared on Roselyn's field. She had red, featherily wings with strands of blond hair attached. She also wore a long, rose-themed dress that started as a regular dress but became more armored and sharper at the bottom. She wore a helmet with a rose symbol on her head. In her left arm, she carried a long sword.

Queen Angel of Roses ATK 2400→1400 DEF 1300→300 LVL: 7

Roselyn gestured to her field. "I activate Queen Angel of Roses' effect!" she declared. "Once per turn, I can destroy one face-up monster on the field with the lowest attack points."

The Sergeant's eyes widened. "Knightmare Mermaid has the least attack points..." he noted.

"Exactly," Roselyn confirmed. "That means it will be the one that's destroyed!"

As if in confirmation, Queen Angel of Roses flew high up in the air and slashed the blue Link Monster down its body, destroying it.

"And with Mermaid gone, my monsters' attack points return to normal."

Fallen Angel of Roses ATK 1400→2400 DEF 300→1300

Queen Angel of Roses ATK 1400→2400 DEF 300→1300

"I Set one card. Battle! Fallen Angel attacks Phoenix!"

The dark-haired woman leaped into the air and lashed its whip at the Link Monster.

The Sergeant gestured to his field. "I activate my Skill! Ascended Knightmare!" His suit shone with gray light. "If my "Knightmare" monster is attacked, the battle damage is halved."

The whip struck and tore through Phoenix. The Sergeant winced as the backlash hit him.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→3750 LP

"My Skill then ends the Battle Phase and lets me Special Summon a Link-2 or lower "Knightmare" monster from my Extra Deck. Come, a second Knightmare Mermaid!"

Another blue monster appeared at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Knightmare Mermaid ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Mermaid's effect! All monsters that aren't co-linked lose 1000 attack and defense points!"

Knightmare Mermaid ATK 1000→0

Fallen Angel of Roses ATK 2400→1400 DEF 1300→300

Queen Angel of Roses ATK 2400→1400 DEF 1300→300

Roselyn frowned. "Since there's nothing else I can do, I have no choice but to end my turn."

The Sergeant placed his hand on his Deck. "My turn! I draw! I summon Knightmare Corruptor Iblee!"

The girl reappeared.

Knightmare Corruptor Iblee ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"Corruptor Iblee's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Link Monster from my Graveyard so that it is linked to Corruptor Iblee. However, that monster's attack points will become 0, and its effects will be negated. Resurrect, Phoenix!"

The red firebird reappeared and cawed.

Knightmare Phoenix ATK 1900→0 LINK-2 ↑→

The Sergeant raised his hand. "Appear, the connected circuit! The summoning conditions are two monsters with different names. I set Corruptor Iblee and Phoenix in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the left and top arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Knightmare Cerberus!"

An orange dog with three heads and metal around its neck and feet emerged from the portal and howled at Mermaid's Link Arrow.

Knightmare Cerberus ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←↑

"Since Mermaid is co-linked, its attack points return to normal."

Knightmare Mermaid ATK 0→1000

"Cerberus's effect activates!" The Sergeant continued. " As it was Link Summoned, I can discard a card to destroy a Special Summoned monster in your Main Monster Zone. I'll discard this card to destroy Fallen Angel!"

Cerberus opened its three mouths and breathed fire on the woman, making her explode.

It's a good thing Queen Angel was Tribute Summoned, Roselyn thought.

"Since Cerberus was co-linked when its effect was activated, I can draw a card. And since I discard Fabled Lurrie for this effect, I can Special Summon it."

A small, pink-skinned fiend with large bat wings and a mask appeared in Defense Position.

Fabled Lurrie ATK 200→0 DEF 400→0 LVL: 1

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure! This card lets me draw cards equal to the number of Link Monsters on the field. There are two, so I draw two cards." The Sergeant drew his cards, then said, "I activate the Spell Card: World Legacy Succession. This card Special Summons a monster from my Graveyard to my Link Monster's Link Marker. Resurrect, Corruptor Iblee!"

The girl reappeared again at Cerberus's left Link Arrow in Defense Position.

Knightmare Corruptor Iblee ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"Appear again, the connected circuit. The summoning conditions are two monsters with different names. I set Corruptor Iblee and Fabled Lurrie in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the left and right arrows. '

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Knightmare Goblin!"

A small green humanoid monster emerged from the portal at Cerberus's left Link Arrow. It wore a hat and a metal skirt and wielded a wooden club and shield.

Knightmare Goblin ATK 1300 LINK-2 ←→

"Goblin's effect activates! As it was Link Summoned, I can discard a card to allow myself to Normal Summon again this turn. And since Goblin was co-linked when this effect was activated, I can draw a card!" The Sergeant drew again. "I summon Capshell!"

A marble with arms and eyes appeared at Goblin's left Link Marker.

Capshell ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"For a third time, the connected circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more monsters with different names. I set Capshell and Link-2 Goblin in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Knightmare Unicorn!"

A golden horse with an orange mane and tail emerged from the Link portal at Cerberus's left Link Arrow. A golden horn sat atop its head, and a wreath of blades was attached to its back.

Knightmare Unicorn ATK 2200 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Unicorn's effect activates!" The Sergeant declared. " When it is Link Summoned, I can discard a card to return a card on the field to the Deck. I return Queen Angel to your Deck!"

Roselyn gasped as her lone monster disappeared. "Then, since Unicorn is co-linked, I draw a card."

The Sergeant drew again, then gestured to his field. "Battle! Unicorn attacks you directly!"

The unicorn whinnied as the blades on its back and its horn lit up.

"I activate my Trap Card!" Roselyn declared. "Ground Capture! Since your monster declared an attack, the battle damage is halved!"

The beast fired beams of golden energy that hit Roselyn in the abdomen, causing her to double over in pain.

Roselyn: 4000→2900 LP

"Then, since I took 1000 or more points of damage from your attack, I can draw a card!"

"That doesn't matter!" The Sergeant stated. "Mermaid attacks you directly!"

The blue statue fired a beam of blue energy that struck Roselyn, pushing her back.

Roselyn: 2900→1900 LP

"And now Cerberus attacks you directly!"

The three-headed dog leaped upwards and brought his paws down, smashing into Roselyn's D-Board and sending her spinning out of control.

Roselyn: 1900→300 LP

The Sergeant narrowed his eyes as Roselyn regained her balance. "I end my turn. Come next turn, this duel will end in your defeat."

"My defeat?" Roselyn repeated. "Sorry, but I don't plan on losing before making it to the Syndicate's base! My turn! I draw!" She looked at her card and smirked. "I summon Dark Verger!"

The dark green plant with eyes appeared.

Dark Verger ATK 0 DEF 1000→0 LVL: 2

"I activate the Spell Card: Fragrance Storm! I destroy one Plant monster on the field and draw one card. I destroy Dark Verger!" Her monster shattered as she drew." The card I drew is Rose Princess, a Plant monster! So I draw another card!" Roselyn drew again, then said, "Since you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon Rose Princess!"

A pink-skinned woman in a red dress with rose petals for hair appeared in Attack Position.

Rose Princess ATK 1200→200 DEF 800→0 LVL: 3

The Sergeant narrowed his eyes. "You might've increased your resources, but so long as my Field Spell Card is in play, I won't take any battle damage from battles involving my co-linked monsters. And so long as Cerberus is on the field, my co-linked monsters can't be destroyed by card effects."

"That's true, which is why I'll have to gamble," Roselyn responded as she gestured upwards. "Appear, the circuit of roses!" A Link Portal appeared above Roselyn. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two monsters of different types! I'll set Dark Rose Fairy and Dark Verger in the Link Arrows!"

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

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Crossrose Dragon!"

A medium-sized purple dragon covered in different colored roses flew onto Roselyn's field in the Right Extra Monster Zone. Her wings consisted of folded-up red roses and vine elements on the edges. She also had a long tail, with its end holding several small roses. Crossrose Dragon let out a growl upon entering the field.

Crossrose Dragon ATK 800→0 LINK-2 ←↓

"I activate Crossrose Dragon's effect!" Roselyn declared. "By Tributing it and a Plant monster, I get to Special Summon one "Rose" Synchro monster or a Plant Synchro monster from my Extra Deck, and treat it as a Synchro Summon!"

"Oh no! You're planning on bringing out your ace monster, aren't you?" The Sergeant asked.

"Right on the nose," Roselyn answered with a smirk. "I Tribute Crossrose Dragon and Rose Princess to Special Summon Black Rose Dragon!"

Crossrose Dragon and Spore disintegrated into yellow particles and disappeared, with the particles joining together shortly afterward and forming a black dragon with wings made out of giant rose petals, head crests made out of roses, and several tails, each equipped with several thorns, all over them.

Black Rose Dragon ATK 2400→1400 DEF 1800→800 LVL: 7

"I activate the Spell Card: Aurora Draw!" Roselyn continued. "Since I have no other cards in my hand, I can draw two cards. Then, I activate the Spell Card: Brain Reboot! With this card, since my Life Points are below 1000, all monsters you control are returned to the hand!"

"What did you say!?" The Sergeant gasped in shock as the three Knightmare Link Monsters were surrounded by a storm of lightning, consuming them before vanishing completely from the field.

"Since Knightmare Mermaid's no longer on the field, Black Rose's attack and defense points return to normal."

Black Rose Dragon ATK 1400→2400 DEF 800→1800

"Also, due to the second effect of Brain Reboot, you would've taken damage equal to the combined Levels of the returned monsters times 500," Roselyn revealed. "But since Link Monsters don't have Levels, that effect doesn't resolve. But with the card I have in my hand, that doesn't matter." She took the last card in her hand. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Megamorph and equip it to Black Rose Dragon! Since my Life Points are less than yours, the equipped monsters' attack points become equal to double their original attack points!"

Black Rose Dragon ATK 2400→4800

"4-4800 attack points!?" The Sergeant muttered, his eyes wide.

"Battle! Black Rose Dragon, attack him directly! Black Rose Flare!"

Black Rose Dragon let loose a stream of red and purple energy at the Syndicate Sergeant, engulfing him before he was knocked off his D-Board.

Syndicate Sergeant: 3750→0 LP

"That was faster than normal," Roselyn mused. "Regardless, I need to meet up with the others."

Elsewhere, in another area…

Blue Maiden's D-Board spun as she glared at her opponent, a male Syndicate Sergeant. "You guys are starting to annoy me, you know that?"

The man sneered. "You think you can stop the Syndicate, girl?" her opponent demanded.

"I do not know," she replied, her eyes narrowing. "But I won't know until I try!"

"Speed Duel!"

Blue Maiden: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" the Sergeant declared. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Convulsion of Nature!"

A howl began to echo across the area. Blue Maiden looked up and saw storm clouds gathering. Lightning streaked across the sky, and even though her feet weren't touching the ground, she could still somehow feel the earth tremble. In the distance, tornados began to fall to the ground and tear the landscape apart.

"Does this have a game effect, or is it just supposed to destroy stuff?" Blue Maiden asked, getting a touch worried.

"Don't worry, those disasters will never touch us." the Sergeant smiled, "But my spell here does have a powerful effect. As long as this card's on the field, all of us must turn our respective Decks upside down and proceed with the current duel."

Blue Maiden frowned as she turned her Deck upside down along with her opponent.

"Next, I activate the effect of SPYRAL Super Agent in my hand! I declare a card type, and if the top card of your Deck is the declared type, I can Special Summon Super Agent! I declare Monster Card!"

After Blue Maiden picked up the card, which obviously was a monster card, the Sergeant grinned.

"The card is the declared type, so I Special Summon SPYRAL Super Agent!"

A man with brown-blonde hair while wearing a brown suit with a red tie and carrying a briefcase appeared.

SPYRAL Super Agent ATK 1900 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I summon SPYRAL GEAR – Drone!"

A black drone with four rotors and mechanical claws appeared beside Super Agent.

SPYRAL GEAR – Drone ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Drone's effect activates!" The Sergeant continued. "When it's Normal or Special Summoned, I can look at the top three cards of your Deck and rearrange them in any order I wish." He looked at the cards before saying, "I think you can have a Monster first, then a Spell, and then a Trap." The cards rearranged themselves in the respective order, much to Blue Maiden's chagrin. "Appear, the secret circuit!" he declared, shooting energy from his hand at the sky. The Link Portal appeared. "The summoning conditions are two "SPYRAL" monsters! I set SPYRAL GEAR – Drone and SPYRAL Super Agent in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters entered the left and bottom-center arrows, turning them red.

"I Link Summon! Show yourself! Link 2! SPYRAL Double Helix!"

Two people, one a younger version of Super Agent, the other a big man with dark skin and braided white hair holding a gun, appeared on the Sergeant's field in the Extra Monster Zone.

SPYRAL Double Helix ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←↓

A Link Summon this early, Blue Maiden thought, narrowing her eyes.

"I activate Double Helix's effect! Once per turn, I declare a card type, and if the top card of your Deck is that type, I can take a "SPYRAL" monster from my Deck or Graveyard and add it to my hand or summon it to Double Helix's Link Arrow! I declare Spell Card, and since the top card of your Deck is a Spell Card, I Special Summon SPYRAL Quik-Fix from my Deck to Double Helix's Link Arrow!"

A young man with brown hair and glasses carrying a screwdriver appeared in Defense Position.

SPYRAL Quik-Fix ATK 500 DEF 400 LVL: 1

"Quik-Fix's effect activates! When Normal or Special Summoned, I can add one "SPYRAL GEAR" card from my Deck to my hand." He did so, then said, "I activate the Equip Spell: SPYRAL GEAR – Fully Armed! I equip this card to Double Helix!" Two red and blue futuristic shields appeared on the arms of Double Helix's mech suits. "Normally, I can only equip this card to SPYRAL – Super Agent, but Double Helix's effect treats it as having the same name as Super Agent! The equipped monster gains 1000 attack points, and if it destroys your monster by battle, I can banish that monster and one other card you control."

SPYRAL Double Helix ATK 1900→2900

"With this, I end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Blue Maiden drew and smirked at her card. "I summon Marincess Blue Tang!"

A young girl with dark blue hair wearing a dark blue dress and yellow gloves appeared.

Marincess Blue Tang ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Blue Tang's effect activates! When she is Normal or Special Summoned, I can send a "Marincess" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Marincess Sea Horse to the Graveyard." Blue Maiden raised her hand. "Shine, the circuit of friendship and bonds! Link Arrow authorized! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower "Marincess" monster. I set Blue Tang in the Link Arrow!"

Her monster turned into a whirlwind of water and entered the bottom arrow.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Marincess Blue Slug!"

A little girl in a blue dress with blue, maroon, and yellow hair emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Blue Slug ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓

"Blue Slug's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I add a "Marincess" monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Marincess Sea Horse to my hand. And since Blue Tang was sent to the Graveyard as material for a Water Link Monster, I excavate the top three cards of my Deck, then add a "Marincess" card among them to my hand. The other two are shuffled into my Deck." Blue Maiden picked up three cards, then said, "I'll add Marincess Mandarin to my hand. And once per turn, I can Special Summon Marincess Sea Horse to my "Marincess" Link Monster's Link Arrow!"

A blonde girl in a blue and pink dress appeared at Blue Slug's Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Appear again, the circuit of love and bonds! The summoning conditions are two Water monsters. I set Sea Horse and Blue Slug in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the left and bottom arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Marincess Coral Anemone!"

An orange-haired woman wearing a dress that resembled a jellyfish emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Coral Anemone ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"I activate Coral Anemone's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Water monster to Coral Anemone's Link Arrow. Resurrect, Blue Slug!"

The short blue-haired girl reappeared at Coral Anemone's bottom Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Marincess Blue Slug ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓

"Two Link Monsters in one go…." the Sergeant muttered. "I think I know what's coming next."

"For a third time, shine! The circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two or more Water monsters. I set Blue Slug and Link-2 Coral Anemone in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Marincess Marbled Rock!"

A woman with spiky blue hair wearing a red dress with fins and coral on her head and shoulders emerged from the portal at the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↓→

"A Link-3 monster on the first turn," the Sergeant muttered in surprise. "Impressive. Too bad it isn't strong enough."

"We'll see about that," Blue Maiden said. "Due to the effect of Coral Anemone, I can add a "Marincess" card from my Graveyard to my hand whenever it's sent there. I'll add Sea Horse to my hand. Next, by discarding Marincess Sea Star from my hand, I can activate its effect! One "Marincess" monster I control gains 800 attack points. I increase Marbled Rock's attack points!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500→3300

"From there, I activate Marbled Rock's effect! Once per turn, I target a "Marincess" card in my Graveyard and add it to my hand. I'll return Sea Star to my hand. And then, I'll discard Sea Star to raise Marbled Rock's attack points again!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 3300→4100

Blue Maiden gestured to her field. "Battle! Marbled Rock attacks Double Helix!"

The woman leaped into the air, then swung her arms, shredding Double Helix with her nails. The Link-2 monster exploded as its owner grunted from the shockwave.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→2900 LP

"That'll teach you to think twice for underestimating me." Blue Maiden said. "I end my turn. And since it's now the End Phase, Sea Star's effect wears off, and Marbled Rock's attack points return to normal."

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 4100→2500

"Then, it's my turn!" The Sergeant announced. "I draw! You may have managed to deal me damage, but that will be your last attempt at trying to defeat me in this duel! I activate the Spell Card: Graceful Charity, which allows me to draw three cards from my Deck and discard two. And since one of the cards I discarded was Cards of Compensation, its effect activates, allowing me to draw two more cards."

The Sergeant smirked upon seeing his cards. "Now, it is time to bring out my true ace! The monster that will lead to your destruction! I banish SPYRAL Tough, SPYRAL Super Agent, and SPYRAL Master Plan from my Graveyard to Special Summon SPYRAL Sleeper in Attack Position!"

His monster was an older version of the big man in Double Helix, wearing a black bodysuit and wielding two darker versions of SPYRAL Gear – Fully Armed.

SPYRAL Sleeper ATK 2800 DEF 1200 LVL: 8

2800 attack points, Blue Maiden thought. Even so, so long as I have Marbled Rock's protection effect, it doesn't matter what monster he brings out.

"Now I activate the effect of SPYRAL GEAR – Last Resort in my hand!" The Sergeant declared. "I can equip this card from my hand or field to a "SPYRAL" monster I control! I equip it to Sleeper!"

The dark-skinned man gained a green mech suit, though he looked unhappy about it.

"While Last Resort is equipped to a monster by its effect, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects," the Sergeant revealed. "In addition, you cannot target it with card effects."

Blue Maiden didn't react to that announcement, instead waiting to see what her opponent would do next.

"It's time to end this!" The Sergeant said. "I activate Sleeper's effect! Once per turn, I can target one "SPYRAL" card I control and up to two cards you control. I then destroy them! I target my Last Resort and your Marincess Marbled Rock! Say goodbye to your only line of defense!"

The mech suit that Sleeper was wearing disintegrated. At the same time, Marbled Rock disintegrated, much to Blue Maiden's dismay.

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Rush Recklessly, which increases Sleeper's attack points by 700 until the end of the turn!"

SPYRAL Sleeper ATK 2800→3500

"I Set two cards," the Sergeant said. "Battle! SPYRAL Sleeper, attack Blue Maiden directly!"

Sleeper charged at Blue Maiden and punched her in the solar plexus, causing her to cry out in pain.

Blue Maiden: 4000→500 LP

"Your Life Points are down to 500 now," the Sergeant stated. "Come my next turn, your defeat is certain!"

"Nothing is certain!" Blue Maiden countered. "Particularly not when I can use your attack to my advantage!" The Sergeant raised an eyebrow. "I activate my Skill! Shape of Sea!"

A set of white wings sprung from her back. A tornado of water formed in front of her.

The Sergeant blinked. "What the-?"

"When I take battle damage, I can Special Summon a Water monster from my Graveyard whose attack points are equal to or less than the damage I took!" Blue Maiden said. "The damage was 3500, so I'll resurrect Coral Anemone!"

The water twister broke apart, revealing the orange-haired girl in a white and pink dress.

Marincess Coral Anemone ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

The Sergeant gritted his teeth. "I end my turn. During the End Phase, Rush Recklessly's effect expires."

SPYRAL Sleeper ATK 3500→2800

"My turn! I draw!" Blue Maiden said. She quickly assessed the situation and came up with a solution. But this would be close. "Coral Anemone's effect activates! I target and Special Summon a Water monster from my Graveyard to its Link Arrow!"

The Sergeant smirked. "I'm sorry, but that won't work! I activate the Trap Card: Breakthrough Skill! I target your Effect Monster and negate its effects until the end of the turn! I target Coral Anemone!" Blue Maiden gritted her teeth. "I knew you would try to resurrect a monster to use it for a Link Summon. So I prepared for that possibility."

Blue Maiden glared at him before smirking. "Indeed, you did. But did you prepare for my backup plan?"

The Sergeant blinked. "Backup plan?"

"I summon Marincess Sea Horse!"

Another blonde girl appeared.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Shine, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower "Marincess" monster. I set Sea Horse in the Link Arrow!"

The girl entered the left arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Marincess Sea Angel!"

A girl in a white dress with long white hair emerged from the portal at Coral Anemone's left Link Arrow.

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000 LINK-1 ←

"Sea Angel's effect activates! When she is Link Summoned, I can add a "Marincess" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add and then activate the Field Spell Card: Marincess Battle Ocean! This card increases my "Marincess" monsters' attack points by 200!"

Marincess Coral Anemone ATK 2000→2200

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000→1200

"And since I control two or more "Marincess" Link Monsters, I can Special Summon Marincess Mandarin from my hand!"

A pink-haired girl in an orange robe over a blue skirt appeared in Defense Position.

Marincess Mandarin ATK 100→300 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Appear again, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two Water monsters. I set Mandarin and Sea Angel in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Marincess Crystal Heart!"

A heart made of blue crystals appeared at the right Extra Monster Zone, circled by white fog attached to a feminine face.

Marincess Crystal Heart ATK 0→200 LINK-2 ↙↘

The Sergeant blinked. "You summon a Link Monster with 0 attack points?"

Blue Maiden ignored her opponent and raised her hand towards the sky. "Shine again, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two or more Water monsters, including Marincess Crystal Heart. I set Coral Anemone Crystal Heart in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Marincess Wonder Heart!"

A pale-skinned woman emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. She wore a blue dress and a gold and dark blue crown that sat atop her head.

Marincess Wonder Heart ATK 2400→2600 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"That's an interesting monster you got there," the Sergeant commented. "However, you won't get to use it. I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Shadow Spell! Not only does your monster lose 700 attack points, but it also cannot attack nor change its battle position! Your attempts at defeating me end here!"

Several chains shot out of the Trap Card, binding Wonder Heart and forcing her to her knees. However, surprisingly enough, Wonder Heart proceeded to destroy the chains binding her.

"But how?" The Sergeant seemed perplexed. "Why didn't my Trap Card work?"

"It's simple," Blue Maiden replied, smiling. "Due to Battle Ocean's effect, any "Marincess" Link Monster that is Link Summoned using Crystal Heart is unaffected by your card effects!"

"What?" The Sergeant gasped.

"Furthermore, since the Special Summon Mandarin left the field, it is banished by its effect. Then, since a '"Marincess" Link Monster was Special Summoned to the Extra Monster Zone, I can equip up to three "Marincess" Link Monsters with different Link Ratings from my Graveyard to that monster!"

"What? Equip?"

"I equip Coral Anemone and Marbled Rock to Wonder Heart!" Spectral images of the two female monsters appeared before disappearing into Wonder Heart, making her glow blue. "While Battle Ocean is on the field, monsters equipped with "Marincess" Link Monsters gain 300 attack points for each of the equipped monsters' Link Markers!"

"Coral Anemone is Link-2," the Sergeant said. "Marbled Rock is Link-3. Wonder Heart gains 1500 attack points."

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2600→4100

"You only equipped two monsters?" The Sergeant noticed. "Why?"

"So that I could activate this!" Blue Maiden declared. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Marincess Trident and equip it to Wonder Heart!" A trident with a blue shaft, silver head, and golden prongs materialized in Wonder Heart's left hand. "While Marincess Trident is equipped, Wonder Heart cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects!"

Blue Maiden gestured to the field. "Battle! Wonder Heart attacks SPYRAL Sleeper!" A dark blue longsword formed in Wonder Heart's right hand. At this moment, Marincess Trident's effect activates! When the equipped Wonder Heart battles, I can banish a "Marincess" monster from my Graveyard. And until the end of the turn, Wonder Heart gains attack points equal to that monster's Link Rating or Level times 300!"

"What?" The Sergeant gasped.

"I banish the Level 4 Blue Tang!"

Marincess Wonder Heart ATK 4100→5600

"Wonder Heart's attack continues!"

Wonder Heart crossed her sword and trident before swinging the sword. Sleeper raised its right arm and blocked the sword. After briefly struggling, Wonder Heart overpowered Sleeper, tearing through its body and destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave causing the Syndicate Sergeant to fall off his D-Board.

Syndicate Sergeant: 2800→0 LP

Blue Maiden watched as her forcefully opponent logged out and then looked at the corner of her Duel Disk. that showed the status of her teammates. "Well, looks like Roselyn finished her duel. Now we'll have to wait for the others to finish up."

Meanwhile, in another area…

Soulburner ducked, guiding his D-Board underneath the island he had been led to. Ahead of him, his opponent turned to the left and looked back at him. It was a female Syndicate Sergeant. But not just any female Sergeant; it was the one he defeated a while ago when they invaded LINK VRAINS for the second time.

"I'm glad you're my opponent, Soulburner," the woman said. "Because of that, I can exact my revenge on you."

"Don't you know it's unhealthy to keep grudges?" Soulburner remarked. "But if it's a duel you want, that's all the more reason for me to take you down here and now. The Syndicate's downfall begins with your defeat!"

"How confident you are…" The woman smirked as she activated his Duel Disk. "Let's see whether you have the strength to back up your defiant words."

"Then let us commence this battle!" Soulburner exclaimed as he activated his Duel Disk. "Hope you've gotten stronger since we last fought!"

"Speed Duel!"

Soulburner: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"As a lady, I believe I shall go first." the Sergeant said, looking at her cards. "First, I summon Simorgh, Bird of Beginning!"

A small green bird with red eyes flapped onto the field. It had a necklace around its neck and a small crown on its head. It had pieces of gold jewelry on its wings, along with two wispy feathers on each side.

Simorgh, Bird of Beginning ATK 0 DEF 1600 LVL: 1

Soulburner frowned. Soulburner frowned. Simorgh? That wasn't her Deck the last time we dueled. And is it me, or am I getting a case of deja vu here? It's like I've dueled against a similar type of Deck before.

"Beginning's effect activates! When this card is Normal Summoned, I'm allowed to Normal Summon one "Simorgh" monster in addition to my Normal Summon or Set. Come, Simorgh, Bird of Bringing!"

A large orange bird wearing a feathered headdress and chestplate appeared.

Simorgh, Bird of Bringing ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"When this card is Normal Summoned, I'm allowed to add one "Simorgh" card from my deck to my hand!" The Sergeant took the card from her Deck and played it. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Elborz, The Sacred Lands of Simorgh!" Soon, a massive gust of wind blew through the field before settling down. "Now all Wind Winged-Beast monsters I control gain 300 attack and defense points!"

Simorgh, Bird of Beginning ATK 0→300 DEF 1600→1900

Simorgh, Bird of Bringing ATK 1000→1300 DEF 1000→1300

"Now, I can activate its effect! Once per turn, I can reveal a level 5 or higher Winged-Beast monster from my hand and Normal Summon it with one less Tribute!"

"Are you kidding me?!" Soulburner exclaimed. "You can't perform a third Normal Summon this tun!"

"Then allow me to disprove your theory," Demeter replied. "I activate the third effect of Elborz! If I control a Wind Winged-Beast monster, I'm allowed to Normal Summon a Winged Beast monster from my hand! I Tribute Simorgh, Bird of Bringing to Tribute Summon Simorgh, Bird of Divinity!"

A tornado appeared in the middle of the field, causing Soulburner to use his Duel Disk as a shield. A bright radiance soon illuminated the winds and dispersed them quickly. Emerging from it was a giant, green eagle with four massive wings and tails wearing jewelry around its neck, a crown on top of its head and a large, golden circle resembling that of a halo on its back. The massive bird opened its large curved beak, spread its gigantic wings, and shrieked a loud battle cry that echoed for miles.

Simorgh, Bird of Divinity ATK 2700→3000 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 7

"I place one card face-down and end my turn. At this point, Simorgh, Bird of Divinity's effect activates! During each of our End Phases, we both take 1000 points of damage, but the damage is reduced by 500 for each Spell or Trap Card we have. Since I have my Field Spell and Set card, I'm safe. However, you are definitely not, so let him have it, Simorgh! Divine Wind!"

The large bird flapped its massive wings, conjuring up a violent hurricane. The female Sergeant was safe from the storm, but Soulburner was battered by the bone-breaking winds, causing him to grunt from the pain.

Soulburner: 4000→3000 LP

"This duel's only just beginning!" Soulburner exclaimed. "My turn! I draw! First, I—"

"Oops, I almost forgot to do this." the woman cut off Soulburner with a playful smile on her face. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Anti-Spell Fragrance! As long as this card remains on the field, we must now set Spell Cards before activating them, and they cannot be activated until the following turn."

Instead of being worried, Soulburner chuckled. "How laughable," he said. "If you think some Trap Card is enough to stop me, you've got another thing coming! I activate Salamangreat Meer's effect from my hand! By discarding Salamangreat Falco, I can Special Summon it!"

An orange mechanical rodent appeared in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Meer ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2

"And since Salamangreat Falco is in my Graveyard, I can target and return Salamangreat Meer to my hand, then Special Summon Falco!"

The rodent vanished and was replaced by a metal bird of prey in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Falco ATK 1200 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Since Meer was added to my hand outside of my normal draw, I can reveal it and Special Summon it!"

The rodent reappeared and hissed.

Salamangreat Meer ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2

"Finally, I summon Salamangreat Wolvie!"

A metal wolverine with flames at its back and front legs appeared.

Salamangreat Wolvie ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"I blaze my circuit that scorches the path to the future!" A Link Portal appeared above Soulburner. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Fire effect monsters. I set Salamangreat Meer, Falco and Wolvie into the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became streams of fire and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Salamangreat Heatleo!"

A dark blue-skinned anthropomorphic lion wearing orange and red armor with wings and gauntlets shaped like mouths emerged from the portal, summoned to the Right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Heatleo's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, one card in your Spell & Trap Zone is shuffled into your Deck!" The Sergeant's eyes widened. "Resounding Roar!"

Heatleo roared and caused Anti-Spell Fragrance to disappear.

"With that card out of the way, I'm now free to activate the Field Spell Card: Salamangreat Sanctuary!" A large pink magic circle with white light in the center appeared above Soulburner's field. "Sanctuary's effect lets me Link Summon a "Salamangreat" Link Monster by using a monster with the same name as Link Material."

"Heatleo burst into flames and entered the magic circle.

"Now rise again from the valley of flames to scorch the land in a raging inferno!" A massive twister of fire exited the portal and struck Soulburner's field. "I Reincarnation Link Summon! Salamangreat Heatleo!"

Heatleo emerged from the fire with its wings on fire and a mane of flames around its neck.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Heatleo's effect activates! Since it was Reincarnation Link Summoned, I can target a monster on the field and a monster in my Graveyard. Until the end of the turn, the attack points of the monster on the field become the attack points of the monster in the Graveyard. I target Salamangreat Meer in my Graveyard to make Simorgh's attack points become 800! Flame Possession!"

Heatleo let loose a blast of flames that struck the green bird, making it groan.

Simorgh, Bird of Divinity ATK 3000→800

"I Set one card. Battle! Heatleo attacks Simorgh! Inferno Strike!"

The Link Monster launched a stream of fire at the massive bird. The avian creature screamed as it exploded, and its controller's body fizzled from the force of the blow.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→2500 LP

"I end my turn," Soulburner smirked. "If that's the best you can do, then this duel's going to end sooner than I thought it would."

The Sergeant gritted her teeth. "If you think that will give you the lead in this duel, think again! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed!" She drew her two cards. "Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Field Barrier. While Field Barrier is active, Field Spell Cards cannot be destroyed by card effects. Also, new Field Spell Cards can't be activated." Soulburner narrowed his eyes at that. "I summon Simorgh, Bird of Calamity!"

A thin bird with a long neck and a small beak, with a metal collar with a small red jewel at its center, appeared.

Simorgh, Bird of Calamity ATK 1500→1800 DEF 200→500 LVL: 3

"Calamity's effect activates!" the Sergeant declared. "When summoned, I can send a "Simorgh" card from my Deck to my hand. I send Simorgh of Darkness to the Graveyard. Then, I activate the first effect of my Field Spell, revealing Simorgh, Bird of Ancestry that's in my hand to Normal Summon a Winged Beast monster with one less Tribute this turn. Following that, I activate my Field Spell's second effect, Tributing Calamity to Tribute Summon Simorgh, Bird of Ancestry!"

The thin bird with a long neck broke apart as a pillar of light erupted from the Sergeant's field. A large bird with golden feathers and two sets of wings with taloned ends emerged from the pillar. It let out a magnificent screech and extended its wings.

Simorgh, Bird of Ancestry ATK 2900→3200 DEF 2000→2300 LVL: 8

"Though that's one big bird you got there, I've seen worse. Much worse." Soulburner said.

"Well, it's only going to get worse for you," the woman said with a smile. "When Simorgh, Bird of Ancestry is Tribute Summoned by Tributing only Wind monsters, its effect activates, allowing me to return up to two cards that you control to your hand." Soulburner's eyes widened. "I return Salamangreat Sanctuary and Heatleo!"

"Not so fast!" Soulburner exclaimed. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystik Wok! This card lets me Tribute a monster and gain Life Points equal to either its attack or defense points. I Tribute Heatleo and gain Life Points equal to its attack points."

Soulburner: 3000→5300 LP

The female Sergeant gritted her teeth in frustration. "You might've boosted your Life Points, but now you're completely defenseless!" she stated. "Furthermore, since I Tribute Summoned a Wind Attribute monster, I can Special Summon this monster from my Graveyard. Descend, Simorgh of Darkness!"

A large black-feathered bird with a silver crown on its head and a silver halo behind it flew onto the field in Attack Position. The bird had a small, black tail with silver strands extending out of its back. Pieces of silver jewelry were on its chest and neck. Its wings also had silver spikes, as well as purple jewels.

Simorgh of Darkness ATK 2900 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"That's not good," Soulburner muttered.

"Now, it's time for battle!" The Sergeant exclaimed. "Simorgh of Ancestry, attack Soulburner directly!"

"I don't think so!" Soulburner yelled. "When I'm about to receive a direct attack, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Parro from my hand!"

A parrot with sharp blue wings, a long, yellow tail with red and blue feathers on the sides and a flaming forehead appeared on Soulburner's field in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Parro ATK 2000 DEF 1000 LVL: 5

"And when Parro is Special Summoned, I can target one "Salamangreat" monster in my Graveyard and make its attack points become that targeted monster's attack points." Soulburner continued. "I target Heatleo in my Graveyard, making Parro's attack points 2300!"

Salamangreat Parro ATK 2000→2300

"Even so, my monster is still stronger!" The Sergeant pointed out. "Take Parro down, Simorgh!"

The large golden bird flapped its wings, generating a large twister that destroyed Parro and caused Soulburner's D-Board to wobble.

Soulburner: 5300→4400 LP

"Next, I attack you directly with Simorgh of Darkness!"

Simorgh of Darkness flapped its wings, unleashing a powerful gale that struck Soulburner's body, making him scream in pain.

Soulburner: 4400→1600 LP

"You might've survived this turn, but your next turn will be your last," the Sergeant stated. "It won't take long until your flame is extinguished. I end my turn."

"Extinguished, you say?" Soulburner gave a genuine smile to his opponent. "I might be losing, but that doesn't mean I've lost." he chuckled. "The flame that burns inside of me won't be extinguished so easily. Rather, it will never be gone!" He placed his hand on his Deck. "My turn! I draw!"

Soulburner checked his drawn card, with a dissapointed expression appearing on his face.

"Looks like I bit off more than I could chew," he grumbled. "No matter. I still have one last trick up my sleeve. I activate my Skill!" Soulburner's eyes flashed with fire. The gem attached to his chest started glowing, and the same glow surrounded his right arm and hand. "I lower my Life Points to 100, and for every 1000 Life Points I gave up, I draw one card!"

Soulburner: 1600→100 LP

"Open the closed future, Burning DRAW!" he drew a new card, which was enveloped in flames. As Soulburner turned it around, the flames vanished and revealed what he had got. He grinned and played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Link Fire's Return! Through its effect, I target one "Salamangreat" Link Monster in my Graveyard and Special Summon it. And if I do that, you take damage equal to its Link Rating times 200! Return to me, Salamangreat Heatleo!"

The anthropomorphic lion reappeared on the field with a roar, which made the female Sergeant grit her teeth as her body glitched in pain.

Syndicate Sergeant: 2500→1900 LP

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Double Spell! By discarding a Spell Card, I can activate a Spell Card from your Graveyard as if it were mine. I discard Salamagreat Sanctuary to activate Pot of Greed from your Graveyard to draw two cards."

Soulburner drew and smiled. "Time to end this. I activate the Spell Card: Fusion of Fire! I Fusion Summon a "Salamangreat" Fusion Monster using monsters from my hand and either field as material! I fuse Heatleo on my field with Salamangreat Gazelle in my hand!"

A white-and-black metallic gazelle appeared before erupting into blue flames. Heatleo burst into red flames before spiraling into the air, merging with the blue flames.

"When the flames consume the old, a new creature reigns supreme! I Fusion Summon! Arise, Salamangreat Violet Chimera!"

The flames dissipated to reveal a violet lion humanoid monster with six wings on its sides that emitted blue flames. Its left arm ended in a claw, while its right ended in a lance. The monster roared from Soulburner's field in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"F-Fusion!?" The Sergeant repeated in surprise.

"Violet Chimera's effect activates! Until the end of the turn, it gains attack points equal to half the combined attack points of Gazelle and Heatleo! Violet Chimera gains 1900 attack points!"

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 2800→4700

"Battle! Violet Chimera attacks Simorgh, Bird of Ancestry!" Soulburner smirked. "Violet Chimera's additional effect! When it battles a monster whose current attack points are different from its original attack points, its attack points are doubled during damage calculation!"

Salamangreat Violet Chimera ATK 4700→9400

"WHAT!?"

"Go! Violet Soul!"

The monster breathed purple flames that consumed the large golden bird. It screamed as it exploded, and then the explosion consumed their controller. The woman screamed as she was knocked off her D-Board.

Syndicate Sergeant: 1900→0 LP

"Yes!" Soulburner pumped his fist. "I won again!" He smiled. "With this, LINK VRAINS is a step closer to being safe for everyone!" He proceeded to look at his Duel Disk. "Looks like Roselyn and Blue Maiden finished their duels. That means it's all up to Sanctum, Storm Rider and Playmaker."

Meanwhile, in another area...

A D-Board whipped through the air. Atop that board stood a male Syndicate Sergeant. His eyes narrowed as he glared at his pursuer.

"So, you're not giving up, huh?" he asked.

Sanctum smirked. "Of course not. You and the Syndicate have caused enough pain and suffering to the people of Den City. It's time to repent!"

"You won't get the chance to do so!" The Sergeant declared. He raised his Duel Disk, with Sanctum following suit.

"Speed Duel!"

Sanctum: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" the Sergeant declared, selecting a card from his hand. "I activate the Spell Card: World Legacy Survivor! It card lets me excavate the top five cards of my Deck and add a "Krawler" monster or "World Legacy" card from among them to my hand and send the rest to the Graveyard."

Krawler? Sanctum thought. And World Legacy? Talk about irony…

The Sergeant took five cards, then chose one and sent the rest to the Graveyard. "I add the Field Spell Card: World Legacy in Shadow to my hand and then activate it! So long as it's on the field, all "Krawler" monsters gain 300 attack and defense points. I Set one monster. I activate my Field Spell's effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower Insect monster from my hand in face-up or face-down Defense Position. I Special Summon Krawler Glial in face-down Defense Position. I Set one card. I end my turn."

Two Set monsters, a Set card, and a Field Spell, Sanctum thought. She looked up the Field Spell as her eyes narrowed. Krawler monsters were Flip monsters with effects that activated when flipped face-up. And they all also had an effect that summoned more of them if they were destroyed by card effects while face-up. However, it was the opponent's Field Spell that was the real problem. If a Flip monster was destroyed by battle, he could send the monster that destroyed it to the Graveyard. Well, that won't do.

"My turn! I draw!" She took a card from his hand and played it. "I activate the Field Spell Card: World Legacy Scars! Now, all "Mekk-Knight" monsters gain 300 attack and defense points!"

"Eh?" the Sergeant said, surprised. "A "World Legacy" card? You have those, too?"

"Yes. I activate the second effect of World Legacy Scars!" Sanctum said. "By discarding one "Mekk-Knight" monster or one "World Legacy" card, I draw one card. I discard Mekk-Knight Green Horizon." She drew, looked at it, then played it. "I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse from my hand! Since two or more cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon this card to that column!"

Soon, a silver machine with a circle around its body and blue crystals embedded in its armor appeared in Attack Position.

Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse ATK 2400→2700 DEF 2400→2700 LVL: 8

"Indigo Eclipse's second effect!" Sanctum continued. "Once per turn, I can move one "Mekk-Knight" monster I control to another Main Monster Zone. I move Indigo Eclipse to the column on its left!"

Indigo Eclipse shifted to the Main Monster Zone on its left, causing the Sergeant to scowl.

"I activate the effect of Mekk-Knight Blue Sky from my hand! Since two or more cards are in the same column, I can Special Summon this card to that column!"

Like before, another mechanical warrior appeared on her field in Attack Position. This time, this monster had gold and blue armor, wore a blue cape, and wielded two curved swords.

Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2000→2300 DEF 2500→2800 LVL: 5

"Blue Sky's effect! When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add "Mekk-Knight" monsters with different names from my Deck to my hand equal to the number of my opponent's cards in its column. There are two cards, so I add Mekk-Knight Yellow Star and Mekk-Knight Red Star to my hand."

She did so, then said, "I activate the Spell Card: Cup of Ace! With this card, I flip a coin, and depending on the result, one of us draws two cards." A coin materialized in her hand, which she tossed into the air. When it landed in her palm, she slammed it on the back of her other hand. Removing her hand, she said, "The result is heads, which means that I draw two cards. Next, I summon Mekk-Knight Avram!"

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

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000→2300 DEF 0→300 LVL: 4

"I Set two cards. Battle! Avram attacks your Set monster!"

Avram raised its sword as it charged the face-down monster. The card flipped face-up, revealing a brown mechanical insect with two eyes atop each other and a rotating maw of teeth.

"My Set monster is Krawler Ranvier!" the Sergeant said.

Krawler Ranvier ATK 1100→1400 DEF 900→1200 LVL: 2

"Ranvier's Flip Effect activates! I can add up to two "Krawler" monsters from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Krawlers Dendrite and Receptor to my hand."

As the Sergeant took the cards, Avram slashed the mechanical insect with its swords, destroying it in an explosion.

"Blue Sky attacks your other Set monster."

As the mechanical blue warrior charged forward, the face-down card flipped over to reveal a brown insect with thin legs and upraised wings.

"My other Set monster is Krawler Glial."

Krawler Glial ATK 700→1000 DEF 1500→1800 LVL: 2

"Glial's Flip Effect activates! I can Special Summon a "Krawler" monster from my hand or Graveyard in face-up Attack Position or face-down Defense Position. I Special Summon Krawler Spine from my Graveyard in face-down Defense Position."

Sanctum narrowed her eyes as a new Set card appeared. "Blue Sky's attack continues!"

Blue Sky swung its sword, cleaving Gilal in half.

The man smirked. "You may have destroyed my monsters, but I still have this. I activate the Continuous Trap Card: World Legacy Pawns! Once per turn, I can activate one of two effects. I activate the first effect to change one Set monster to face-up Attack or Defense Position. I change my Set Krawler Spine to face-up Defense Position!"

A four-legged insect with red tendrils on its body appeared.

Krawler Spine ATK 300→600 DEF 2100→2400 LVL: 2

"Spine's Flip Effect activates! I can target and destroy one monster on the field!" Sanctum's eyes widened. "I destroy Indigo Eclipse!"

The tendrils lashed out and struck Indigo Eclipse. Red electricity shot through them and electrocuted the monster, destroying it in an explosion.

Sanctum grimaced. "And I was so close to depleting your resources. I end my turn."

"Which makes it my turn again. I draw! First, I activate World Legacy in Shadow's effect to Special Summon a Level 2 or lower Insect monster from my hand in face-up Defense Position. Come, Krawler Receptor!"

A brown mechanical insect with six wings appeared.

Krawler Receptor ATK 900→1200 DEF 1200→1500 LVL: 2

"Appear, the circuit of hunger! The summoning conditions are two "Krawler" monsters. I set Receptor and Spine in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! X-Krawler Qualiark!"

A flying insect with cannons attached to its back emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

X-Krawler Qualiark ATK 2000→2300 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Following that, I activate the effect of World Legacy's Mind Meld in my Graveyard!" the Sergeant continued. "By banishing it and targeting a Link Monster, I can Special Summon a "Krawler" monster from my hand, Deck, or Graveyard to that monster's Link Arrow in face-down Defense Position. From my Graveyard, I Special Summon Krawler Gilal to Qualiark's bottom-left Link Arrow." A Set card materialized on the man's field. "I activate the effect of World Legacy Pawns to change Spine to face-up Attack Position!"

The four-legged insect reappeared.

Krawler Glial ATK 700→1000 DEF 1500→1800 LVL: 2

"Spine's Flip Effect activates! I can target and destroy a monster on the field!"

"You cannot," Sanctum interrupted. "I activate the Counter Trap Card: Recall! When you activate a monster effect, I can negate that effect and destroy your monster!" Spine disintegrated at her words. "However, in exchange, you get to draw a card."

The man gritted his teeth as he drew his card before smirking. "You protected your monster, but you'll pay for destroying mine. Since the face-up Spine left the field because of your card effect, I can Special Summon two "Krawler" monsters with different names from my Deck in face-down Defense Position. I Set Krawler Axon and Krawler Glial!"

Sanctum watched two new Set cards appear. "I activate my Skill! Divine Flip!" Brown light glowed along the edges of his suit. "All face-down Defense Position monsters are changed to face-up Defense Position. I Flip Summon Krawler Axon and Krawler Glial!"

A mechanical insect that stood on its hind legs appeared alongside one with upright wings.

Krawler Axon ATK 500→800 DEF 1800→2100 LVL: 2

Krawler Glial ATK 700→1000 DEF 1500→1800 LVL: 2

"Axon's and Glial's Flip Effects activate! I can target and destroy a Spell or Trap Card on the field and Special Summon a "Krawler" monster from my hand or Graveyard in face-up Attack Position or face-down Defense Position. I destroy World Legacy Scars and Special Summon Krawler Spine from the Graveyard!"

Sanctum frowned as her Field Spell Card disintegrated while the previously destroyed Spine reappeared.

Krawler Spine ATK 300→600 DEF 2100→2400 LVL: 2

"Since World Legacy Scars is no longer on the field, Avram and Blue Sky's attack and defense points return to normal."

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2300→2000 DEF 300→0

Mekk-Knight Blue Sky ATK 2300→2000 DEF 2800→2500

"Qualiark's effect! As I control two or more "Krawler" monsters, all monsters I control gain 300 attack and defense points!"

Krawler Axon ATK 800→1100 DEF 2100→2400

Krawler Glial ATK 1000→1300 DEF 1800→2100

Krawler Spine ATK 600→900 DEF 2400→2700

X-Krawler Qualiark ATK 2300→2600

"Appear again, the circuit of hunger! The summoning conditions are two Insect monsters. I set Axon and Spine in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the left and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! X-Krawler Neurogos!"

A blue and yellow scorpion emerged from the portal at Qualiark's bottom-left Link Arrow.

X-Krawler Neurogos ATK 1900→2500 LINK-2 ←→

"Neurogos's effect! "Krawler" monsters linked to it cannot be destroyed by battle, gain 300 attack and defense points, and if they battle your monster, any battle damage you take is doubled!"

Krawler Glial ATK 1300→1600 DEF 2100→2400

"I summon Krawler Dendrite!"

A hulking brown insect standing on four legs appeared at Neurogos's right Link Arrow.

Krawler Dendrite ATK 1300→2200 DEF 600→1500 LVL: 2

"Appear for a third time, the circuit of hunger! The summoning conditions are two Earth monsters. I set Dendrite and Glial in the Link Arrows!"

His two monsters entered the left and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Krawler Synaphysis!"

A blue and brown insect that stood on four legs emerged from the portal at Neurogos's right Link Arrow.

X-Krawler Synaphysis ATK 1800→2700 LINK-2 ←→

"Synaphysis's effect! "Krawler" monsters linked to it cannot be destroyed by battle, gain 300 attack and defense points, and can make up to two attacks on your monsters during the Battle Phase."

X-Krawler Neurogos ATK 2500→2800

Sanctum smiled as a bead of sweat went down her forehead. "Well, isn't that a troublesome formation…"

"I Set one card," the Sergeant said. "Battle! Due to Synaphysis' effect, Neurogos is allowed to attack both your monsters. Destroy Mekk-Knight Avram and Blue Sky!"

The scorpion gathered red energy in front of it, which it then blasted at the two Mekk-Knight monsters, destroying them and making Sanctum wince in pain from the shockwave.

Sanctum: 4000→2400 LP

"Your turn, Synaphysis! Attack Sanctum directly!"

"Not so fast!" Sanctum 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!"

X-Krawler Synaphysis ATK 2700→1350

Synaphysis gathered red energy in front of it, blasting it at Sanctum's abdomen, causing her to stumble. She quickly recovered as she drew.

Sanctum: 2400→1050 LP

"This is the end for you, Top 10 scum! Qualiark attacks you directly!"

"Oh no!" Sanctum said with panic in her voice. "I…I don't have a way to stop this attack!" She blinked. "Oh, wait. I do!" She took a card from her hand and showed it to her opponent. "I activate Gagaga Gardna's effect from my hand! When I'm attacked directly, I can Special Summon this card from my hand in Attack Position!"

A pink-haired man in a black trench coat whose face was hidden by an orange scarf and goggles appeared. He was kneeling with a large shield out in front.

Gagaga Gardna ATK 1500 DEF 2000

The Sergeant gritted his teeth. "Even if you prevent your defeat, I can still inflict damage. Qualiark attacks Gagaga Gardna!"

The flying insect fired several green lasers at Gardna, tearing it apart and making Sanctum flinch.

Sanctum: 1050→50 LP

The man frowned and grunted. "I end my turn."

Sanctum smiled slightly as she looked at the field. The situation isn't severe, but I'm at a disadvantage. Still, I have to pull it together.

Out loud, she said, "My turn! I draw! First off, I—"

"I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Imperial Iron Wall!" the Sergeant cut off Sanctum's words. "So long as this card remains on the field, cards can no longer be banished! In other words, you're locked out from using your monsters' effects."

"You already took action to protect your cards, eh…?" Sanctum murmured. "However, that won't be enough to stop me. I activate the Spell Card: Card of Variation, which lets me draw two cards. But I must send a card from my Graveyard at the end of the turn or otherwise take 3000 points of damage!"

Sanctum looked at her cards and played one. "As Neurogos and World Legacy's Pawn are in the same column, I Special Summon Mekk-Knight Red Moon to their column!"

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

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

"I activate the Quick-Play Card: Column Switch!" Sanctum continued. "It lets me move a monster I control to a different Main Monster Zone. I move Red Moon to the column to its right. Then, I Special Summo Mekk-Knight Yellow Star to the same column as Red Moon vacated!"

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

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

"Next, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: World Legacy's Memory, which I'll use to Special Summon a second Mekk-Knight Avram!"

Mekk-Knight Avram ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 4

The Sergeant gritted his teeth. "Three monsters," he muttered. "Is she-?"

"Appear, the circuit of illumination!" Lightning shot from her hand and created a Link Portal. "The summoning conditions are two or more "Mekk-Knight" monsters. I set Avram, Red Moon, and Yellow Star in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 3! Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme!"

A monster that appeared to be an amalgamation of all the Mekk-Knight monsters' weapons emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme ATK 3000 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"For my final move, I activate the Spell Card: Back-Up Rider!" Sanctum proclaimed. "Until the end of the turn, one face-up monster gains 1500 attack points! I choose Spectrum Supreme!"

Mekk-Knight Spectrum Supreme ATK 3000→4500

"Spectrum Supreme's effect! When there are no other cards in its column, it can attack directly!"

"WHAT!?" the Sergeant said, his eyes bugging out after realizing there were no other cards in Spectrum Supreme's column.

"Battle!" Sanctum declared. "Spectrum Supreme, attack him directly! Ultimate Rainbow Burst!"

Seven lights gathered around Spectrum Supreme's body before being launched at the Syndicate Sergeant. He was too surprised to react and screamed as he was struck in the chest and sent flying off his D-Board.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→0 LP

Sanctum closed her eyes as her opponent logged out. I hope you're alright, Yuji.

Meanwhile, in another area...

"Looks like we've got some company."

"Sure looks like it. And it seems they don't plan on letting us go without a fight."

"Fine by me. We can't stop now. Not when the Syndicate is so close."

Storm Rider responded to Playmaker, who was riding on his D-Board beside him. In front of them were two Syndicate Sergeants. One male and one female.

"We'll say this once again," the male Sergeant said. "Surrender and come with us. Queen Priscilla has requested that Storm Rider be brought before her. Any attempts at resistance will be met with force!"

"And we've already told you we have no intention of surrendering," Playmaker stated.

"Then we will take him by force," the female Sergeant said, pressing a button on her Duel Disk. Storm Rider and Playmaker gasped as a red circle briefly appeared around them. A similar circle manifested around the two Sergeants. "This is a duel lock program. You cannot escape us now."

"In that case, since there are four of us present, how about we make this a Tag Duel?" Storm Rider suggested. "Both teams will share their Life Points, field, and Graveyard. If anyone activates an effect that would target cards in the hand, they can target their partner's hand. And to make things even more interesting, only one player from each team can use their Skill. Is that acceptable?"

The two Sergeants shared a glance and nodded. "Alright! We accept! No matter what the conditions are, you'll still lose!"

"We'll see about that, won't we?" Playmaker said. "Now, let's get started!"

"Speed Duel!" they shouted.

Playmaker & Storm Rider: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant 1 & Syndicate Sergeant 2: 4000 LP

"We'll take the first turn," the male Sergeant said. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Guardians' Dominion!" The card showed an island with a stone castle atop it, and rising above the castle was Guardian Eatos holding Celestial Sword – Eatos. "My monsters equipped with Equip Cards cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and your card effects cannot target my Equip Cards. Guardians' Dominion's additional effect: When it is activated, I add a "Guardian" monster and one Equip Spell listed in its text from my Deck to my hand."

Storm Rider raised an eyebrow. Guardian, huh? That's a rare archetype.

"As I control no monsters, I activate the Spell Card: Heart of the Guardians!" The card showed a young man leaning over a firepit, and across from him were specters of Guardians Eatos, Grarl, and Kay'est. "I pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon two Guardian Tokens in Defense Position."

Two small stone statues of Guardian Grarl appeared in Defense Position.

Syndicate Sergeant 1 & Syndicate Sergeant 2: 4000→3500 LP

Guardian Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Butterfly Dagger – Elma and equip it to one Guardian Token." An elaborate dagger appeared in the stone hands of one statue. "The monster equipped with Butterfly Dagger gains 300 attack points."

Guardian Token ATK 0→300

"As I control Butterfly Dagger, I can Special Summon Guardian Elma from my hand."

A red-haired woman in loose green and red clothes appeared.

Guardian Elma ATK 1300 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Elma and two Guardian Tokens in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters spiraled into the left, bottom, and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Greater Guardian Forerunner!"

A humanoid monster in gray robes and armor emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. Its visor was tinted gold and its helmet had three spines on the back.

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↓→

"I activate Forerunner's effect!" the male Sergeant declared. "I reveal one "Guardian" monster in my hand, then Special Summon it while ignoring its summoning conditions. I reveal Guardian Tryce and Special Summon it!"

A blue-skinned man in a golden cuirass appeared at Forerunner's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Guardian Tryce ATK 1900 DEF 1700 LVL: 5

"Forerunner gains attack points equal to the combined attack points of "Guardian" monsters linked to it."

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 2500→4400

"While Forerunner is on the field, my opponent cannot target my other "Guardian" monsters for attacks. I set one card. I end my turn."

Playmaker frowned as he looked over the opponent's cards. "So we can only attack a monster with 4400 attack points. But the Field Spell only protects Equip Cards and monsters with Equip Cards. If that's the case…"

Playmaker turned to his partner. "Storm Rider, allow me to take this turn," he said. "I'll set them up, and you knock them down."

"Do what you want, man," Storm Rider assured him. "But don't do anything that'll make us lose. I'm alright with taking some damage if it keeps us in the game."

"Don't worry; I don't plan on doing anything excessive. My turn! I draw!"

"I activate my Trap Card!" the male Sergeant interrupted. "The Continuous Trap Card: Guardians' Armory!" The card showed several weapons racks, with swords, bows, axes, and daggers propped up on them. "Once per turn, I can target a "Guardian" monster I control to equip 1 Equip Spell Card from my hand or Graveyard to that monster. I equip Butterfly Dagger – Elma to Forerunner."

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 4400→4700

Playmaker blinked. "…Okay, this will be a problem. But only for a while. I summon Flame Bufferlo!"

A black metal bison with horns and a tail made of blue fire appeared.

Flame Bufferlo ATK 1400 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Then, by reducing Flame Bufferlo's Level by two, I Special Summon Catche Eve L2 from my hand!"

A woman with cat paws, ears, and a tail appeared, wearing a blue cloak and a white skirt.

Flame Bufferlo LVL: 3→1

Catche Eve L2 ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2

"Since I control two or more monsters of the same Type, I can Special Summon Cyberse White Hat!"

A cowboy in a white coat and hat appeared in Attack Position.

Cyberse White Hat ATK 1800 DEF 2400 LVL: 6

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future!" A Link Portal appeared above Playmaker! "The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Catche Eve L2 in the Link Arrow!"

The monster entered the bottom arrow.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Link Disciple!"

A red, black, and white machine in a humanoid shape emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Link Disciple ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"I activate the effect of Backup Operator in my hand! I target a monster my Link Monster points to, Special Summon Backup Operator, and return that monster to the owner's hand. I target Flame Bufferlo and Special Summon Backup Operator!"

A pink-haired woman in white armor over a black jumpsuit appeared, sitting on a mobile chair in Attack Position.

Backup Operator ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Flame Bufferlo then returns to my hand." The black bison disappeared. "And since Flame Bufferlo left the field, I can discard a Cyberse monster to draw two cards. I'll discard Flame Bufferlo itself and draw!" Playmaker glanced at his new cards and added them to his hand. "Appear again, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 or higher Cyberse monsters. I set Backup Operator and Cyberse White Hat in the Link Arrows!"

Playmaker's monsters entered the top and right arrows.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Elphase!"

A man in a blue tunic with blonde hair tied in a ponytail emerged from the portal at Link Disciple's Link Arrow.

Elphase ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑→

"Since Backup Operator was Special Summoned by its effect, it is banished since it left the field. And while Elphase is on the field, it gains 300 attack points for each monster it points to."

Elphase ATK 2000→2300

"Furthermore, since it was used to Link Summon, Cyberse White Hat's effect activates! All monsters my opponents control lose 1000!"

Great Guardian Forerunner ATK 4700→3700

Guardian Tryce ATK 1900→900

Storm Rider smirked. "Plus, Forerunner loses an additional 1000 attack points since Tryce was weakened."

Great Guardian Forerunner ATK 3700→2700

"For a third time, the circuit that leads to the future!"

The Link Portal appeared again above Playmaker.

"The summoning conditions are two or more Effect Monsters. I set Link Disciple and Elphase in the Link Arrows!"

The monsters entered the top, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Transcode Talker!"

A humanoid in orange armor emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Transcode Talker ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓→

"Since the Link Summoned Elphase left the field, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Flame Bufferlo!"

The black bison with horns and a tail of blue fire appeared in Attack Position.

Flame Bufferlo ATK 1400 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Transcode Talker's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Link-3 or lower Cyberse Link Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Arrow. Return, Elphase!"

The blonde warrior reappeared at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Elphase ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑→

"Elphase gains 300 attack points for each monster it points to. And while Transcode Talker is co-linked, itself and monsters co-linked with it gain 500 attack points and cannot be targeted by your card effects."

Elphase ATK 2000→2300→2800

Transcode Talker ATK 2300→2800

"For a fourth time! The circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set Flame Bufferlo and Link-2 Elphase in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Shootingcode Talker!"

A warrior in blue armor with wings emerged from the portal at Transcode Talker's bottom Link Arrow.

Shootingcode Talker ATK 2300→2800 LINK-3 ←↑↓

"I activate the Spell Card: Cyberse Cache!" Playmaker continued. "Since I control a Cyberse monster whose attack points are different from their original attack points, I draw two cards." He drew, then said, "I activate the Field Spell Card: Cynet Universe! This card increases the attack points of my Link Monsters by 300!"

Transcode Talker ATK 2800→3100

Shootingcode Talker ATK 2800→3100

"Moving on, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy Guardian's Dominion!"

The Field Spell Card shattered at Playmaker's words. "Guardians' Dominion's effect activates!" the male Sergeant spoke up. "If it is sent to the Graveyard by my opponent's card effect, I can Special Summon a "Guardian" monster from my Deck, ignoring the summoning conditions. I Special Summon Guardian Eatos!"

A woman in brown clothes with wings and an eagle's head as a headdress appeared in Attack Position.

Guardian Eatos ATK 2800 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

"Interesting feature, but that won't help," Playmaker stated. "I Set one card. Battle! At this point, Shootingcode Talker's effect activates! During this Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker gains additional attacks against your monsters for each monster it points to!"

"What?" the Sergeants gasped.

"Shootingcode Talker is linked to Transcode Talker, meaning it gets to attack twice!" The bars on Shootingcode Talker's left arm extended, creating a golden bow. "Shootingcode Talker attacks Tryce!"

Shootingcode Talker pulled its string back, creating a blue arrow that it then released, striking Tryce and destroying it.

"I activate my Skill!" the male Sergeant announced. "Damage to Life! If I take damage, that damage is reduced to 0, then I gain Life Points equal to the damage I would've taken!"

Syndicate Sergeant 1 & Syndicate Sergeant 2: 3500→5700 LP

Playmaker grimaced. "Seems desperate to use your Skill this early!" he stated. "But don't forget that Shootingcode Talker can attack twice! Shootingcode Talker attacks Forerunner! Shooting Complete!"

"If my monster equipped with an Equip Card would be destroyed by battle or card effect," the male Sergeant said. "I can banish Heart of the Guardians from my Graveyard instead."

The Link Monster pulled its bow back and formed a new arrow before releasing the string. The string hit Forerunner's chest, but the Link Monster withstood the attack.

Syndicate Sergeant 1 & Syndicate Sergeant 2: 5700→5300 LP

Playmaker sighed. "I guess this will be dragged out another turn. But no matter; Transcode Talker attacks Forerunner! Trans Fault!"

Transcode Talker's shoulder popped open, revealing a rifle that it took in its hands. The rifle fired a beam of orange light that struck Forerunner and destroyed it. The two Sergeants from the shockwave of the attack.

Syndicate Sergeant 1 & Syndicate Sergeant 2: 5300→4900 LP

"At the end of the Battle Phase, Shootingcode Talker's effect lets me draw cards equal to the number of monsters it destroyed this turn. It destroyed one, so I'm allowed to draw one card. I end my turn."

"That Skill had been unexpected, but unexpected things happened all the time," Storm Rider stated. "And while leaving Eatos on the field might be bad, I'm confident enough in our skills that we won't lose."

"Is that so?" the female Sergeant let out a confident smile. "Let's see if you're still going to act all high and might after this. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Guardian Rebirth!" The card showed a man kneeling in the rain and Guardian Eatos holding out her hand for him to take. "I Special Summon a "Guardian" monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position, ignoring its summoning conditions. I Special Summon Greater Guardian Forerunner!"

The humanoid in gray armor and robes reappeared in the the Sergeant's center Main Monster Zone.

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Forerunner is linked to Eatos, so it gains attack points equal to Eatos's attack points."

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 2500→5000

"I activate the effect of Guardian Rebirth in the Graveyard," the Sergeant continued. "I banish it to add one "Guardian" monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Guardian Grarl to my hand. I now activate Guardians' Armory's other effect to reveal one "Guardian" monster in my hand or Graveyard, then add one Equip Spell listed in the monster's text from my Deck to my hand. I reveal Guardian Grarl in my hand to add Gravity Axe – Grarl from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Gravity Axe – Grarl and equip it to Forerunner!" A bronze two-pronged axe appeared in Forerunner's right hand. "The monster equipped with Gravity Axe gains 500 attack points, and while Gravity Axe is on the field, my opponent's monsters cannot change their battle positions!"

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 5000→5500

"As I control Gravity Axe – Grarl, I can Special Summon Guardian Grarl!"

A brown-skinned humanoid reptile in a yellow vest appeared at Forerunner's right Link Arrow in Attack Position.

Guardian Grarl ATK 2500 DEF 1000 LVL: 5

"As a new "Guardian" monster is linked to Forerunner, Forerunner gains attack points equal to that monster's attack points."

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 5500→8000

Storm Rider frowned. "A Link Monster with 8000 attack points and two other monsters with 2500 attack points each. Yeesh."

"Don't worry. It won't stay for long," the female Sergeant stated. "I activate Eatos' effect! By sending an Equip Spell Card on my field to the Graveyard, I can banish up to three monsters from your Graveyard to increase Eatos' attack points by 500 for every monster banished." Storm Rider and Playmaker's eyes widened. "I send Gravity Axe – Grarl to the Graveyard to banish Cyberse White Hat, Link Disciple and Elphase from your Graveyard to increase Eatos attack points by 1500!"

Guardian Eatos ATK 2500→4000

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 8000→7500

"I Set one card. Battle! Forerunner attacks Transcode Talker!"

The robed monster charged forward, its axe held out to its side.

"I activate the Trap Card: Damage Diet!" Playmaker announced. "For the rest of the turn, all damage I take is halved!"

The robed monster continued its charge and swung its axe, cutting the orange dragon in half. Playmaker and Storm Rider winced from the backlash.

Playmaker & Storm Rider: 4000→1800 LP

Playmaker and Storm Rider got their D-Boards under control and frowned. "Since Transcode Talker left the field, Shootingcode Talker loses 500 attack points."

Shootingcode Talker ATK 3100→2600

"Next, Guardian Eatos will attack Shootingcode Talker!"

"Due to Damage Diet's effect, we'll only take 700 points of damage from this attack."

Following Playmaker's words, Eatos crossed her hands, generating an orb of energy that shot forward and struck Shootingcode, creating a large explosion that caused Playmaker and Storm Rider to grimace in pain.

Playmaker & Storm Rider: 1800→1100 LP

"Now, it's time to end this!" the female Sergeant shouted. "The two of you have 1100 Life Points left. Due to Damage Diet's effect, the damage you'll take from Guardiran Grarl's direct attack will be reduced to 1250, which is more than enough to finish you two off!" She gestured to her field. "Guardian Grarl attacks you directly!"

The reptilian roared as it leaped into the air and divebombed Playmaker, who kept an expressionless face even as he took the last card from his hand.

"I activate the effect of Lockout Gardna in my hand! If my opponent's monster attacks me directly, I can Special Summon Lockout Gardna in Attack Position!"

A bipedal machine with a red body and black and gold limbs appeared.

Lockout Gardna ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

The Sergeant gritted her teeth. "In that case, Grarl attacks Lockout Gardna!"

The reptilian's fist hit Lockout Gardna head-on and created a shockwave.

"The turn Lockout Gardna is Special Summoned, it cannot be destroyed by battle!"

"But you will still take damage!" the Sergeant reminded him. Playmaker and Storm Rider winced at the blowback.

Playmaker & Storm Rider: 1100→350 LP

The woman sighed. "Not the ending I hope for, but it's still something. I end my turn. During the End Phase, Eatos' effect ends."

Guardian Eatos ATK 4000→2500

"Are you alright?" Storm Rider asked.

"I am," Playmaker insisted. "I think it's about time we brought an end to this. Don't you agree?"

"Yes, we can't waste any more valuable time with these idiots," Storm Rider. "I'll give them a defeat they won't soon forget. My turn! I draw!"

"At this moment, I activate the Continuous Trap Card: Spirit Barrier!" the female Sergeant declared. "As long as this card is active, we take no battle damage so long as there's a monster on our field!"

"This means we have to end things this turn," Playmaker remarked. He turned to Storm Rider. "But I have no doubts you'll be able to pull it off."

"I would be surprised if I didn't." Storm Rider chuckled as he narrowed his eyes. "Since my partner has placed so much faith in me, I'll live up to his expectations and defeat you on this turn!"

"Ridiculous." the male Sergeant scoffed at this. "Then, try defeating us in one turn if you can, you piece of trash! Our impenetrable formation will never yield to the likes of you!"

"I'll accept this challenge!" Storm Rider declared. "First, I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Mining! By discarding a card, I 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 Masterframe!"

A young boy with dark brown hair, wearing an orange hoodie, a pair of goggles, hover boots and gloves appeared.

Cycode Masterframe ATK 1600 DEF 400 LVL: 4

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

A feminine 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 Equip Spell Card: Cycode Chain!" The card showed Cycode Linker wrapped up in black chains, with Cycode Kid pulling on them, trying to get them off. "And I equip this card to Playmaker's Lockout Gardna." The monster in question glowed red as Storm Rider played his card. "Cycode Chain sends one "Cycode" monster from my Deck to the Graveyard and treats the equipped monster as having the same name as the sent monster."

The two Sergeants narrowed their eyes. Why would he change the monster's name…?

"Lockout Gardna is now treated as having the same name as Cycode Archer!" Storm Rider said, gesturing to the sky. "Appear, my circuit!"

The burst of electricity he sent to the sky created the Link Portal.'

Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters, including one "Cycode" monster. I set Cycode Acrobat, Masterframe, and Lockout Gardna treated as Cycode Archer in the Link Arrows!"

Storm Rider's monsters became whirlwinds of energy as they entered the left, bottom, and right arrows.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cycode Gaia Charger!"

A knight riding a robotic horse with digital wings appeared in the Extra Monster Zone. He wielded digital twin lances.

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2600→2900 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Gaia Charger's effect activates!" Storm Rider exclaimed. "When Link summoned, the attack points of all monsters my opponent controls are halved!"

The female Sergeant smirked. "I'm sorry, but that won't work! By discarding Effect Veiler from my hand, I can target one monster on the field and negate its effects until the end of the turn. I target Gaia Charger!" Storm Rider gritted his teeth as the Link Monster greyed out. "I figured you would summon either Gaia Charger or Cyber Tech and use its effect; if you couldn't reach Forerunner's attack points, the obvious solution would be to destroy or weaken it with an effect. So I prepared for that possibility."

Storm Rider glared at her before smirking. "Indeed, you did. But did you prepare for this?" Storm Rider took a card from his hand. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cyberse Advantage and equip it to Gaia Charger!" The knight glowed briefly as the Equip Spell was activated. "To activate this card, I must discard Cycode Brawler from my hand," Storm Rider explained. "Then, the equipped monster gains attack points equal to the sent monster's!"

Cycode Gaia Charger ATK 2900→5700

"5700 attack points," the male Sergeant muttered. "Even if you powered up your monster, you'll still fail in dealing us damage!"

"Will I?" Storm Rider questioned. "I activate the effect of Cycode Acrobat in the Graveyard! By banishing it, Gaia Charger can attack all monsters you control once each this turn!"

The Sergeants gasped at Storm Rider's words. "Battle! Gaia Charger attacks Guardian Grarl and Eatos!"

The Link Monster charged at the two Guardian monsters, piercing and destroying them with its lances.

"Due to the effect of Spirit Barrier, we don't take no damage," the female Sergeant stated.

"But since Forerunner doesn't point to any monsters, it loses its attack boost," Playmaker pointed out.

Greater Guardian Forerunner ATK 7500→2500

"Looks like your monster is the one now who's powerless," Storm Rider said. "Gaia Charger attacks Forerunner!"

The previous scene repeated itself once more as Gaia Charger impaled Forerunner with its lance, destroying it in an explosion.

"Kuh, to think that you'd cleared our field with such ease…" the male Sergeant gritted his teeth. "However, you're out of attacks! And on my next turn—".

"There won't be a next turn for you." Storm Rider declared mercilessly. "I activate the effect of Cycode Archer in the Graveyard!" he declared. "By banishing it and targeting Gaia Charger, it can make a second attack during the Battle Phase!"

"What!?" the two Sergeants were shocked. "Don't tell me…you were aiming for this from the start!? That's impossible! You couldn't have been able to read my strategy to that extent!"

"That was your first mistaken assumption." Storm Rider stated. "Never underestimate your opponents." He gestured to his field. "Gaia Charger attacks you directly! Linkage Spiral!"

The Cycode Link Monster's lances glowed as it fired two beams of blue energy that struck two Syndicate Sergeants. The duo screamed in pain as they were knocked off their D-Boards and forced to log out.

Syndicate Sergeant 1 & Syndicate Sergeant 2: 4900→0 LP

"Fighting these guys is starting to get tedious," Storm Rider said.

"Agreed," Playmaker said. "We should hurry and defeat the rest."

Meanwhile, in another area…..

"Humph, so you are to be my opponent? That is certainly a huge waste of time that could be spent better planning our assault. Oh well, since it can't be helped, I suppose I'll have to make sure this ends as quickly as possible."

Varis spoke with a condescending tone as he gazed at the Syndicate Sergeant before him, prompting him to bristle.

"It appears the leader of the Hanoi has quite the haughty attitude." the Sergeant remarked. "Eliminating you is of high priority."

"Is that so? Then let's see who is superior and who is inferior!"

"Speed Duel!"

Varis: 4000 LP

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000 LP

"The first turn is mine!" the Sergeant declared. "I activate the Spell Card: Akashic Record. This card lets me draw two cards. However, I must banish them if I played either of those cards during the duel."

Varis frowned as the Sergeant drew. That was a very good card if used on the first turn. It practically guaranteed that Akashic Record's second effect wouldn't resolve.

The Sergeant looked at his cards and grinned. "I activate the effect of Archfiend General from my hand! By discarding it, I can add the Field Spell Card Pandemonium to my hand." He took the card from its Deck, then said, "I activate the Field Spell Card: Pandemonium! With Pandemonium in play, neither player has to pay Life Points during the Standby Phase for "Archfiend" monsters. And each time an "Archfiend" monster is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard outside of battle, its owner can add one "Archfiend" monster from their Deck to their hand, so long as its Level is lower than the destroyed monster's."

"An Archfiend Deck, huh?" Varis remarked. "This will be interesting."

"I summon Archfiend Cavalry!"

A fiend rider in red armor carrying a bone lance and riding a black horse in red armor appeared on its field.

Archfiend Cavalry ATK 1900 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"As I now control an "Archfiend" card, I can Special Summon Archfiend Commander from my hand!"

Another monster joined Archfiend Cavalry on the field. This one was a large purple fiend with grey arms, legs, and shoulders.

Archfiend Commander ATK 2500 DEF 1200 LVL: 6

"Archfiend Commander's effect activates!" the Sergeant continued. "If Special Summoned by its effect, I must target and destroy one "Archfiend" card I control. I target Archfiend Cavalry!"

Cavalry disintegrated at the Sergeant's words.

"At this moment, Archfiend Cavalry's effect activates! If destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard, I can target one "Archfiend" monster in my Graveyard, except Archfiend Cavalry, and Special Summon it. I Special Summon Archfiend General in Attack Position!"

An orange fiend covered in black bone armor with black wings appeared on its field.

Archfiend General ATK 2100 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"As an "Archfiend" monster was destroyed by a card effect and sent to the Graveyard, Pandemonium's effect activates," the Sergeant said. "I can add 1 Level 3 or lower "Archfiend" monster from my Deck to my hand. I add the Level 3 Archfiend Heiress to my hand."

"I see," Varis said. "It destroyed its monster to bring back a stronger one and add a new one to its hand."

The Sergeant raised his hand. "Appear, my circuit!" The Link Portal appeared above him. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Fiend monsters. I set Archfiend Commander and Archfiend General in the Link Arrows!"

His two monsters entered the portal, turning the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows red.

"Link the Circuit! I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Masterking Archfiend!"

A large blue demon with bone armor and large blue wings appeared on the Sergeant's field. It swung a bone sword with a blue hilt as it took its place in the Extra Monster Zone.

Masterking Archfiend ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↙↘

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

"Then, it's my turn," Varis announced. "I draw! As there is a Link Monster on your field, I can Special Summon Gateway Dragon from my hand in Attack Position!"

A six-sided golden gate appeared on his field, out of which a three-armed golden dragon appeared.

Gateway Dragon ATK 1600 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"I activate Gateway Dragon's effect!" Varis continued. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower Dragon monster from my hand. I call forth Sniffer Dragon!"

Gateway Dragon's gate opened again and out came a red humanoid dragon with black metal attachments.

Sniffer Dragon ATK 800 DEF 400 LVL: 2

"Due to Sniffer Dragon's monster effect, I add another Sniffer Dragon from my Deck to my hand," Varis said, doing so. "I discard the Level 6 Linkbelt Wall Dragon to Special Summon Defrag Dragon from my hand!"

A dark blue metal dragon with red outlines and red and green holographic wings appeared on Revolver's field.

Defrag Dragon ATK 1000 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"Appear! The future circuit that lights up my path!" Varis declared, gesturing above him as his hand sparked with blue lightning. "Link Arrows authorized! The summoning conditions are two Level 4 or lower non-Token Dragon monsters! I set Gateway Dragon and Sniffer Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

His two dragons became whirlwinds of energy as they entered the bottom and right arrows, turning them red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Twin Triangle Dragon!"

A black, gold, and purple dragon with two gold triangles around its arms appeared, summoned to Varis' Extra Monster Zone.

Twin Triangle Dragon ATK 1200 LINK-2 ↓→

"Twin Triangle Dragon's effect activates," Varis said. "I pay 500 Life Points, and then Special Summon a Level 5 or higher monster from my Graveyard next to its Link Arrow. Resurrect, Linkbelt Wall Dragon!"

A large blue and gold dragon with two silver arms appeared behind Revolver in Attack Position.

Varis: 4000→3500 LP

Linkbelt Wall Dragon ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 6

"The Special Summoned monster loses its effects and can't attack this turn," Varis stated. "Next, I activate the Spell Card: Marker Charge! Since there are two monsters in the Extra Monster Zones with equal Link Ratings, I can draw two cards and reveal them. But they will be banished during the End Phase if I do not play them."

Varis drew, then revealed them to his opponent. The cards were Anesthrokket Dragon and Squib Draw. He then gestured above himself again as he declared, "Manifest! The future circuit that lights up my path!" The Link Portal once again appeared above Varis. "The summoning conditions are at least two Effect Monsters. I set Defrag Dragon, Linkbelt Wall Dragon, and the Link-2 Twin Triangle Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

His monsters became whirlwinds of energy, with Twin Triangle Dragon splitting in half, and entered the bottom-left, top, bottom, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link 4! Topologic Bomber Dragon!"

A massive metallic orange dragon with green lines running over its body appeared, taking Twin Triangle Dragon's place in the Extra Monster Zone.

Topologic Bomber Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ↙↑↓↘

Varis smirked. "I could easily attack you now, but why don't I wait," he said. "I summon Anesthrokket Dragon!"

A green and yellow metal dragon with green holographic wings and a syringe on its head appeared on Varis' field.

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK 0 DEF 2200 LVL: 1

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Squib Draw!" Varis then said. "This card destroys Anesthrokket Dragon!" His monster disintegrated upon those words. "And now I draw two cards!"

He drew and smirked at his cards. "I Set one card. Battle! Topologic Bomber Dragon, attack Masterking Archfiend! Malicious Mayhem!"

Topologic Bomber Dragon gathered red energy in its mouth and blasted Masterking Archfiend with it.

"I activate my Trap Card!" The Sergeant declared. "Archfiend's Barrier!" The card showed Archfiend Commander standing in front of Archfiend General, stopping an energy blast with its hand. "All battle damage from battles involving "Archfiend" monsters is reduced to 0 this turn!" The red blast hit Masterking Archfiend, but it held firm. "In addition, "Archfiend" monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects this turn."

"Hmm," Varis said. "Not bad. Looks like you have some defensive skills." He smirked at what he said next. "But it's wasted. Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect activates! Since it attacked an opponent's monster, it inflicts damage equal to that monster's original attack points! Decimation Destruction!"

Topologic Bomber Dragon released blasts of red wind at the Sergeant, making him grunt in pain.

Syndicate Sergeant: 4000→2000 LP

"Archfiend's Barrier's second effect," the Sergeant suddenly said. "If I take effect damage during the turn this card is activated, I can Set one Trap Card directly from my Deck. I Set Call of the Archfiend."

Call of the Archfiend? Varis thought, narrowing his eyes. That Trap Card lets it Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Fiend monster from its Graveyard. But that won't change the outcome of this duel.

"I end my turn," Varis said. "And during the End Phase, the effect of Anesthrokket Dragon activates. Since it was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard this turn, I can Special Summon one "Rokket" monster from my Deck with a different name. I Special Summon Shelrokket Dragon in Defense Position!"

A gold and black metal dragon with green lines running over it, green holographic wings, and a green tube on its head appeared on the field.

Shelrokket Dragon ATK 1100 DEF 2000 LVL: 2

"It's my turn!" the Sergeant announced. "I draw! Time to put an end to this farce of a duel. During the Standby Phase, Masterking Archfiend's effect requires me to pay 500 Life Points. But due to the effect of Pandemonium, I do not pay Life Points for the effects of "Archfiend" cards." The Sergeant gestured to one of his face-down cards. "I activate the Continuous Trap Card: That Six!"

Varis narrowed his eyes. "A perfect Trap Card for him to use," he noted.

"Following that, I activate my second face-down card!" the Sergeant shouted. "The Continuous Trap Card: Call of the Archfiend! Once per turn, by discarding one Fiend monster, I can target and Special Summon one Level 5 or higher Fiend monster from my Graveyard. I discard Archfiend Heiress to Special Summon Archfiend Commander!"

The purple and grey fiend reappeared.

Archfiend Commander ATK 2500 DEF 1200 LVL: 6

"Archfiend Heiress's effect activates!" the Sergeant continued. "When it is sent to the Graveyard by card effect or battle, I can add one "Archfiend" card from my Deck to my hand. I will add Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror."

After doing so, the Sergeant said, "Masterking's effect activates! When a Fiend monster is sent to the Graveyard, I roll a six-sided die and apply an effect depending on the result. If the result is 1, the monster is added to my hand. If the result is 2, 3, 4, or 5, the monster is shuffled into the Deck. And if the result is 6, that monster is Special Summoned."

Six orbs appeared next to Masterking Archfiend. One lit on fire, and that fire leaped to each number. Eventually, it stopped at 3.

"The effect of That Six activates," the Sergeant said. "Once per dice roll, depending on the result, I can change the result to either 1 or 6." Varis narrowed his eyes as the fire leaped from the 3 to the 6. "As the result is 6, Masterking Archfiend's effect Special Summons Archfiend Heiress to my field in Attack Position."

A small female fiend in an intricate purple and silver dress and headdress carrying a skull scepter appeared.

Archfiend Heiress ATK 1000 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Moving on, I Tribute Archfiend Commander and Archfiend Heiress." The two monsters disintegrated following the Sergeant's words. "I Tribute Summon Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror!"

A massive fiend, as large as Topologic Bomber Dragon, appeared on the field. It was primarily purple but had red spheres in its knees. It swung a massive red and purple sword as it was summoned to Masterking Archfiend's bottom-left Link Marker.

Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror ATK 3000 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

Varis smirked. "Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect only activates if a monster is Special Summoned to a monster's Link Arrow. Since this was a Normal Summon, Topologic Bomber Dragon's effect doesn't activate."

"Masterking Archfiend's effect!" The Sergeant declared. "As at least one Fiend monster was sent to the Graveyard, I can roll a die and apply an effect depending on the result." The six orbs appeared again, and this time the fire stopped at 2. "That Six's effect activates. Because the result is a 2, it changes to 1." The fire then leapt to 1. "Because the result is 1, Masterking Archfiend's effect lets me add one of the sent Fiend monsters to my hand. I add Archfiend Commander to my hand."

The Sergeant did so, then said, "I activate Archfiend Emperor's effect! Once per turn, by banishing one "Archfiend" card from my hand or Graveyard, I can target and destroy one card on the field. I banish Archfiend Cavalry from my Graveyard to destroy Topologic Bomber Dragon."

"Like I would allow Topologic Bomber Dragon to fall to someone like you," Varis said. He gestured to his face-down card. "I activate the Trap Card: Tactical Exchamber! This card destroys one face-up monster on my field to Special Summon one "Rokket" monster from my Deck or Graveyard. I destroy Topologic Bomber Dragon to Special Summon Anesthrokket Dragon from my Graveyard in Defense Position!"

Topologic Bomber Dragon disintegrated while Anesthrokket Dragon reappeared.

Anesthrokket Dragon ATK 0 DEF 2200 LVL: 1

"Because the target of Archfiend Emperor's effect left the field, its effect doesn't resolve," the Sergeant said. "Even so, I assure you that won't slow me down one bit." He gestured to his field. "I activate Archfiend Commander's effect! As I control an "Archfiend" card, I Special Summon it in Attack Position, but it cannot declare an attack this turn."

Archfiend Commander ATK 2500 DEF 1200 LVL: 6

"Since it was Special Summoned by its effect, Archfiend Commander's effect destroys one "Archfiend" card I control," the Sergeant continued. "I destroy Archfiend Emperor."

The massive purple fiend disintegrated, surprising Varis. "You destroyed your most powerful monster for a monster that cannot attack? Why?"

"This is why!" The Sergeant yelled. "Since a Fiend monster was sent to the Graveyard, Masterking Archfiend's effect activates again. And if the die lands on a 6…" Varis' eyes widened in realization.

The six orbs appeared again as the fire leaped between them. Eventually, it landed on 5. "The effect of That Six activates, and the result of 5 changes to a result of 6. Masterking Archfiend's effect Special Summons Archfiend Emperor to my field."

Archfiend Emperor reappeared on the Sergeant's field, Special Summoned to Masterking Archfiend's bottom-left Link Arrow.

Archfiend Emperor, the First Lord of Horror ATK 3000 DEF 2000 LVL: 8

Varis gritted his teeth as the Sergeant said, "I activate Archfiend Emperor's effect! Once per turn, I can banish one "Archfiend" card from my hand or Graveyard to destroy one card on the field. I banish Archfiend General from my Graveyard to destroy Anesthrokket Dragon!" The said monster shattered at his words. "From there, I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure Ticket and target Masterking! I now draw cards equal to the targeted monster's Link Rating and then send an equal number of cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard. I draw two cards and send two to the Graveyard."

The Sergeant drew, then sent Desrook Archfiend and Battle-Scarred to the Graveyard. "Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Axe of Despair and equip it to Masterking Archfiend!" A big axe appeared in Masterking's right claw. The demon's body then began to give off a sinister red aura. "This card increases the equipped monster's attack points by 1000!"

Masterking Archfiend ATK 2000→3000

"Battle! Archfiend Emperor, attack Shelrokket Dragon! Imperial Fiend Strike!"

Archfiend Emperor swung its sword and chopped Shelrokket Dragon in half, destroying it in a massive explosion.

"The Battle Phase continues! Masterking Archfiend, attack Varis directly! Royal Authority!"

Mastering Archfiend charged Varis and swung its two weapons, striking Varis and causing him to let out a cry of pain as he struggled to retain control of his D-Board.

Varis: 3500→500 LP

"I end my turn," the Sergeant said. "Now, show me your last pathetic struggle before your inevitable demise!"

Varis ignored his opponent as he gestured to the field. "During the End Phase, the effects of the destroyed Anesthrokket and Shelrokket Dragons activate! I can now Special Summon two new "Rokket" monsters from my Deck. Join me, Magnarokket Dragon and Metalrokket Dragon!"

A blue and red metal dragon with green holographic wings and a small cannon on its head appeared in Defense Position, as did a blue metal dragon with green lines running over its armor, green holographic wings, and an extended cannon on its head.

Magnarokket Dragon ATK 1800 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

Metalrokket Dragon ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

The Sergeant narrowed his eyes. "I would advise you to surrender. Against both my monsters, you have no chance."

Varis glared at his opponent and then smirked. "On the contrary… I already have everything I need to win."

"What?"

"My turn! I draw!" Varis looked at his card and smirked. It was almost too easy. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Boot Sector Launch! With this card, all "Rokket" monsters gain 300 attack and defense points!"

Magnarokket Dragon ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1200→1500

Metalrokket Dragon ATK 1700→2000 DEF 1400→1700

"I activate the effect of Boot Sector Launch!" Varis continued. "I can now Special Summon up to two "Rokket" monsters from my hand in Defense Position. Come forth, Autorokket Dragon and Shelrokket Dragon!"

An armored orange metal dragon with green holographic wings and a rocket on its head appeared alongside another Shelrokket Dragon, both in Defense Position.

Autorokket Dragon ATK 1600 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

Shelrokket Dragon ATK 1100 DEF 2000 LVL: 2

"And due to Boot Sector Launch, both dragons gain 300 attack and defense points!"

Autorokket Dragon ATK 1600→1900 DEF 1000→1300

Shelrokket Dragon ATK 1100→1400 DEF 2000→2300

Varis smirked. "Appear! The future circuit that lights up my path!" The Link Portal appeared above Varis once more. "The summoning conditions are two '"Rokket" monsters! I set Autorokket Dragon and Magnarokket Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

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

"I Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Booster Dragon!"

A black metal dragon with a large barrel on its head, no arms, two legs, and green holographic wings appeared on his field. It roared as it was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Booster Dragon ATK 1900 LINK-2 ↙↘

"I activate Booster Dragon's effect!" Varis declared. "Once per turn, I can target one monster on the field and increase its attack and defense points by 500. I target Metalrokket Dragon for this effect!" He then gestured to said monster. "At this point, Metalrokket Dragon's effect activates! If a Link Monster's effect targets it, I can destroy Metalrokket Dragon and all your cards in the same column!"

"What did you say!?" The Sergeant said. "All cards in the same column!?"

Metalrokket Dragon became an orb of energy that entered the barrel on Booster Dragon's head. It then fired a blast of energy at Masterking Archfiend, which passed through, hit Archfiend Commander, passed through it and Call of the Archfiend. All three holograms exploded as a result.

"That was certainly an intense effect." The Sergeant admitted. "However, your Monster is still far weaker than Archfiend Emperor."

"That may be the case, but I always have a trick or two up my sleeve," Varis said as he selected the last card in his hand. "I summon Sniffer Dragon!"

A copy of the red and black humanoid dragon appeared.

Sniffer Dragon ATK 800 DEF 400 LVL: 2

"Because Sniffer Dragon was Summoned, I can add my third Sniffer Dragon to my hand," Vari said, doing so. "But I won't be needing it. Manifest! The future circuit that lights up my path!" The Link Portal appeared for a fourth time above Revolver. "The summoning conditions are three or more Effect Monsters! I set Shelrokket Dragon, Sniffer Dragon, and the Link-2 Booster Dragon in the Link Arrows!"

His three monsters became whirlwinds of energy, two in Booster Dragon's case, that entered the left, bottom-left, right, and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"My new wind that pierces through the closed world! Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Borreload Dragon!"

A massive red mechanical dragon emerged from the portal. It had red and silver spines that projected green holographic wings, green lines across its body, and a gun cylinder in its chest. It roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Borreload Dragon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"Battle! Borreload Dragon attacks Archfiend Emperor!" A gun barrel shot out of Borreload Dragon's mouth and fired a large bullet at Emperor. "Borreload Dragon's effect activates! Strange Trigger!" The bullet hit the large fiend, but instead of destroying Emperor, the bullet burst open and sprayed an orange paste over the monster.

"What?" the Sergeant gasped, watching as his monster glitched out. "What's happening?" Archfiend Emperor then disappeared but then reappeared at Borreload Dragon's bottom-left Link Arrow. "You took control of my monster?!"

"That's right," Varis confirmed. "If Borreload Dragon attacks your monster, I can place that monster at Borreload Dragon's Link Arrow and take control of it. And that monster will be sent to the Graveyard during the End Phase of the next turn." Varis's eyes narrowed. "Now, face your punishment at your own monster's hands! Archfiend Emperor attacks you directly! Imperial Fiend Strike!"

Archfiend Emperor charged the Sergeant and swung its massive sword. It struck the Syndicate elite, hurling him off his D-Board, screaming on his way down.

Syndicate Sergeant: 2000→0 LP

Varis gazed dispassionately down at his fallen enemy. "You don't deserve to call yourself a duelist!" he declared as he turned his D-Board around and left the area.