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?

49. Divide & Conquer Part 2

"Achoo! Sniff, I always hated places like this. My allergies tend to act up when all this stupid foliage around…"

Pyrrha complained as she wiped her nose while surveying the area. After being separated from the rest of the group after the Syndicate had baited them into a trap, Pyrrha found herself in a rather large greenhouse-like structure with a wide variety of trees and plants planted inside. Her school also had a similar place where most students would often go to relax during their free period, but Pyrrha could never stand being there for obvious reasons. She did rate the gardens slightly higher than the classroom or the reeducation room. More importantly, a part of her was somewhat concerned about the rest of her comrades; she believed that they would be able to hold their own against their respective adversaries no matter how skilled they were. What concerned her the most right now was Faris' brief and cryptic message that he had received a while back about the Syndicate hiring some duelists off the Black Market to help eliminate them. Although she had no idea what cards they used or what their skills were, she could only assume they were something dangerous if one of her comrades saw fit to warn everybody about them.

"Regardless of who the Syndicate has hired, I will definitely prevail against them!" Pyrrha declared. " But as of right, I need to join up with some of the others so we can—"

"Not so fast! I won't let you pass through here without a fight!"

A young woman with curly silver, white eyes, a tiger-shaped helmet cladded in gold armor and a shouted as she suddenly dropped off a tree and landed a short distance away from Pyrrha, a wide grin and an excited glint in her eyes prevalent on her face.

"Who are you?" Pyrrha asked the stranger. "I assume you're one of the duelists hired by the Syndicate."

"Got it in one." The girl grinned. "As for who I am, the name's Artemis. Remember it well because it will be the last one you'll ever hear!"

"It is rather haunting and ominous to hear that from someone who was raised in the wild," Pyrrha responded. "I don't really have the time for this, but it can't be helped. I'm sure you're not going to stop bugging me unless we do this. No matter how strong you are, I'll definitely prevail for the sake of the LINK VRAINS."

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy breaking both your body and spirit." Artemis chuckled as she activated her Duel Disk, which was a black-and-green new model. "Me and my beasts are starving for some fresh meat!"

"Fresh meat?" Pyrrha narrowed her eyes as she activated her Duel Disk. "If you believe you can defeat me, then bring it on! I'll show you just how tenacious my monsters and I can be!"

"Duel!"

Pyrrha: 4000 LP

Artemis: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Artemis announced. "Since I control no Monsters, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come, Kaiser Vorse Raider!"

A blue-skinned orc wielding a large halberd in its hands appeared on Artemis' field.

Kaiser Vorse Raider ATK 1900 DEF 1200 LVL: 5

"Next, I summon Gene-Warped Warwolf!"

A bipedal white wolf with four arms and sharp claws appeared in Attack Position.

Gene-Warped Warwolf ATK 2000 DEF 100 LVL: 4

"I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Artemis concluded. "Now, show me what you're made of!"

"With pleasure," Pyrrha answered in a determined manner. "My turn! I draw! With the Scale 1 Metalfoes Cadmaker and Scale 8 Metalfoes Palladium, I set the Pendulum Scales!"

Two pillars of blue light appeared on either end of Pyrrha's field. One contained a blonde-haired man wearing a red jumpsuit underneath silver armor with glowing red shoulder pads. He wore headgear that covered his face and rode on a silver armored jet. The other held a brown-haired woman wearing a black and red jumpsuit with white silver armor worn on top. She wore a mask that covered her mouth and rode a mechanical pegasus equipped with jet boosters as feet. A stylized "1" and "8" appeared beneath them.

Metalfoes Cadmaker Scale: 1

Metalfoes Palladium Scale: 8

"With this, I can simultaneously summon monsters from Levels 2 to 7!" Pyrrha declared. "I Pendulum Summon! Come forth, my monsters! Metalfoes Goldriver and Metalfoes Volflame!"

A portal opened between the pillars, out of which two lights emerged. The lights hit the field and dissipated, revealing a black-haired young man clad in golden armor with neon green accents driving a quad bike and wielding a flaming axe-like weapon and a spiky, gray-haired young man clad in orange armor driving a large tank with neon green accents.

Metalfoes Goldriver ATK 1900 DEF 500 LVL: 4 PS: 1

Metalfoes Volflame ATK 2400 DEF 2000 LVL: 7 PS: 8

"Hoh, a Pendulum Summon?" Artemis remarked with interest. "I had heard that the Top 10 had an ally who specializes in that summoning method, but it's a different thing seeing it with your own eyes."

"And we're just getting started here." Pyrrha grinned. "I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Pot! It allows me to draw cards equal to the number of cards in my Pendulum Zones. Since both my Pendulum Zones are currently occupied, I can draw two cards!" She drew, then said, "I activate the Field Spell Card: Molten Destruction! While this card is active, all Fire monsters gain 500 attack points and lose 400 defense points."

Metalfoes Goldriver ATK 1900→2400 DEF 500→100

Metalfoes Volflame ATK 2400→2900 DEF 2000→1600

"Battle!" Pyrrha exclaimed. "Goldriver attacks Gene-Warped Warwolf!"

Goldriver rushed forward following Pyrrha's words and performed a downward slash, bisecting Warwolf and destroying it, with the shockwave causing Artemis to wince.

Artemis: 4000→3600 LP

"Since my monster was destroyed by battle, I can activate the Trap Card: Ring of Vengeance!" Artemis declared. "Thanks to its effect, the monster that destroyed it is also destroyed, and you take 500 points of damage!"

An oversized ring with cursed symbols engraved on it appeared around Goldriver's neck. It discharged streams of black lightning that destroyed Pyrrha's monster and struck her body, causing her to wince in pain.

Pyrrha: 4000→3500 LP

"Not bad," Pyrrha admitted. "However, I still have one more attack! Go, Volflame! Destroy Kaiser Vorse Raider!"

A storm of crimson energy erupted from Goldriver's tank, vaporizing Kaiser Vorse Raider with apparent ease.

Artemis: 3600→2600

"At this moment, Kaiser Vorse Raider's effect activates!" Artemis exclaimed. "When it's destroyed in battle, the monster that destroyed it loses 500 attack points!"

Metalfoes Volflame ATK 2900→2400

"Furthermore, I activate the Trap Card: Card of Last Will, whose effect lets me draw five cards since a monster I control was destroyed in battle."

"You may have refilled your hand, but at least you're defenseless now," Pyrrha remarked. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Artemis announced. "I draw! I think it's about time for me to get a bit serious here. I activate the Field Spell Card: Mist of Illusion!" The card showed Berfomet in the foreground, waving its arms and conjuring a dark mist around itself, with the silhouettes of Phantom Beast, Thunder-Pegasus and Phantom Beast Rock-Lizard visible in the background as their eyes glowed. "When this card is activated, I add a "Phantom Beast" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand."

"Phantom Beasts…?" Pyrrha wondered. "I've never seen or heard of that archetype before."

Artemis took the card from her Deck and then played. "I add the Spell Card: Call of the Phantom Beast, which I'll activate!" The card showed Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts roaring, prompting Wild-Horn and Cross-Wing to rush to its side. "It lets me activate one of two effects. I choose to activate its first effect, letting me add a "Phantom Beast" monster from my Deck to my hand." Artemis' smirk widened. " I summon Gazelle, Lord of the Phantom Beasts!"

A brown lion with red and yellow streaks in its mane, silver claws and horns on its head in the shape of a crown appeared.

Gazelle, Lord of the Phantom Beasts ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Gazelle's effect activates!" Artemis declared. "When it is summoned, I can add a "Phantom Beast" monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Phantom Beast Earth-Catoblepas. Furthermore, due to my Field Spell's effect, all "Phantom Beast" monsters I control gain 300 attack and defense points."

Gazelle, Lord of the Phantom Beasts ATK 1500→1800 DEF 1200→1500

"Following that, I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon! With this, I can perform a second Normal Summon this turn. I summon Phantom Beast Earth-Catoblepas!"

A brown-furred buffalo with a very long neck, four horns, and a single green eye appeared.

Phantom Beast Earth-Catoblepas ATK 1800→2100 DEF 200→500 LVL: 4

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Solidarity!" Artemis said. "So long as I have one original Type of monster in my Graveyard, all my monsters with the same Type gain 800 attack points. The only monsters in my Graveyard are Beast-Warrior monsters, so all my Beast-Warrior monsters gain 800 attack points!"

Gazelle, Lord of the Phantom Beasts ATK 1800→2600

Phantom Beast Earth-Catoblepas ATK 2100→2900

"Battle!" Artemis exclaimed. "Earth-Catoblepas, attack Metalfoes Volflame!"

Catoblepas charged forward, piercing through Volflame with its horns and destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave sending Pyrrha skidding back.

Pyrrha: 3500→3000 LP

"And that's just a small taste of what's coming next." Artemis grinned. "Gazelle attacks you directly!"

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

Gazelle slashed at Pyrrha with its claw, causing her to yell out in pain.

Pyrrha: 3000→1700 LP

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

"How annoying…" Artemis growled. "In any case, I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn! I draw!" Pyrrha looked at her card, then gestured to her field. "I activate Silverd's Pendulum Effect! By destroying a face-up card on my field, I can set a "Metalfoes" Spell or Trap Card from my Deck in my Spell & Trap Zone. I destroy Molten Destruction to set Metalfoes Fusion!"

The Field Spell Card exploded as a Set card materialized on Pyrrha's field.

"Then, with the set Pendulum Scale, I can summon monsters between Levels 2 and 7!" Pyrrha shouted. "Appear once more! Metalfoes Goldriver and Volflame!"

A portal opened between the pillars, and out of Goldriver and Volflame emerged.

Metalfoes Goldriver ATK 1900 DEF 500 LVL: 4 PS: 1

Metalfoes Volflame ATK 2400 DEF 2000 LVL: 7 PS: 8

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Metalfoes Fusion!" Pyrrha continued. "It lets me perform a Fusion Summon using "Metalfoes" monsters from my hand or field! I fuse Goldriver and Volflame!"

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

"Vanquisher of the vanished!" Pyrrha chanted. "Become one with the soldier who flies at lightspeed! Bring forth a soldier who pierces through all defense! I Fusion Summon! Appear, Metalfoes Orichalc!"

A male humanoid with armor parts reminiscent of a motorcycle attached to its body appeared on Pyrrha's field in Attack Position. The man wielded two flaming axes and swung them as he appeared on Pyrhha's field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Orichalc ATK 2800 DEF 2200 LVL: 8

"Moving on, I activate Pendulum Pot's effect from my Graveyard!" Pyrrha declared. "By banishing it, I get to activate its effect, letting me draw two cards!"

Pyrrha drew her cards, looked at one and played it. "I activate the Spell Card Dowsing Fusion, which allows me to banish two Pendulum Monsters from my Extra Deck to Fusion Summon! I banish Metalfoes Goldriver and Volflame!"

Silhouettes of the two Metalfoes appeared on the field. Goldriver turned into red particles, while Volflame turned into blue particles, with both of them swirling into a vortex. Two tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"Merge, man and machine!" Pyrrha chanted. "Take flight, mythical master of mountains, and soar through the skies as the sun glistens off your silver steel! I Fusion Summon, Metalfoes Mithrilium!"

A humanoid cladded in a silver flight suit with green outlines and a faint red glow around her and wielded a pair of plasma pistols appeared on the field in Attack Position.

Metalfoes Mithrilum ATK 2600 DEF 1000 LVL: 6

"So you brought out two Fusion monsters, huh?" Artemis said. "I'll admit I'm a bit surprised."

"It's too early to be dazzled," Pyrrha remarked. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Mystical Space Typhoon and use it to destroy Solidarity!" Artemis frowned as her card shattered. "With it no longer on your field, your monsters lose their attack boost!"

Gazelle, Lord of the Phantom Beasts ATK 2600→1800

Phantom Beast Earth-Catoblepas ATK 2900→2100

"Battle!" Pyrrha exclaimed. "Metalfoes Orichalc attacks Gazelle!"

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

Following that, Orichalc struck Gazelle with its axe, destroying it and generating a shockwave that caused Artemis to stumble for a moment.

Artemis: 2600→2100

"Next, Mithrilum attacks Earth-Catoblepas!"

Mithrilum unleashed a hail of bullets following Pyrrha's words, striking Catoblepas' body and destroying it.

Artemis: 2100→1850

"Catoblepas' effect activates!" Artemis stated. "When this card is sent to the Graveyard, I can add one "Phantom Beast" monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose Phantom Beast Stone-Garoo."

"Petty tricks…" Pyrrha murmured. "I activate Metalfoes Fusion's Graveyard effect, shuffling it back into my Deck to draw a card. Finally, I place one card face-down and end my turn with this."

"Then, it's my turn!" Artemis announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed to draw two cards from my Deck. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Polymerization, and fuse Phantom-Beast Stone Garoo and Phantom Beast Sea Soldier from my hand!"

Two monsters appeared on Artemis' field. One was a dark gray kangaroo with amethyst gems for eyes and rocks jutting out of its back all the way to the tip of its tail, while the other was a dark blue anthropomorphic shark with crimson eyes, wearing blue and black armor from his abdominals downwards and shoulder guards with spikes, and holding a spear in each hand. The two monsters broke apart into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Two whirlwinds of energy shot upwards from the vortex before merging into a violet tornado.

"Mighty spirits of the wild. Blend your strength in a mystical dance and unleash the power that echoes through the realms of beasts and warriors alike! I Fuson Summon! Arise! Chimera, Winged Lord of the Phantom Beasts!"

A two-headed lion with large wings, one colored white and the other colored black emerged from the whirlwind and roared. A dark veil that was tied to its horns covered its face and it wore dark brown and black armor from its abdominals downwards.

Chimera, Winged Lord of the Phantom Beasts ATK 2100→2400 DEF 1800→2100 LVL: 6

"So you're also a user of Fusion Summoning, huh…?" Pyrrha muttered. "Looks like this duel will be more entertaining than I had predicted."

"I activate Stone Garoo's effect from my Graveyard!" Artemis declared. "Since it was used as Fusion Material, I can target one monster on your field and lower its attack points. I choose Metalfoes Orichalc!"

Metalfoes Orichalc ATK 2800→1800

"Furthermore, I activate the Spell Card: Fusion Treasure, which allows me to draw a card for every Fusion Monster on the field, in this case, three. In addition, since my opponent controls the Fusion Monster with the highest attack on the field, I can draw one more card. Next, I activate the Spell Card: Nightmare Binding! I can target one monster you control and have it lose 800 attack points."

"..." Pyrrha narrowed her eyes, paying attention to her opponent.

"Also, the targeted monster can't activate its effects while it's on your field, nor can it be tributed, and I gain 800 Life Points! I target Mithrilum!"

Several chains erupted from the card and wrapped themselves around Mithrilum, restricting its movements. At the same time, a golden aura surrounded Artemis.

Metalfoes Mithrilum ATK 2600→1800

Artemis: 1850→2650

"Battle!" Artemis shouted. "Chimera attacks Metalfoes Mithrilum!"

Chimera extended its claws, piercing through Mithrilum's body and destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave causing Pyrrha to wince.

Pyrhha: 1700→1100

"Chimera's effect activates!" Artemis exclaimed. "When it destroys a monster in battle, it gains 200 attack points!"

Chimera, Winged Lord of the Phantom Beasts ATK 2400→2600

"Furthermore, it gets to attack all monsters you control once each!" Pyrrha's eyes widened at that. "Chimera attacks Orichalc!"

The previous scene was repeated once more as Chimera's attack struck Orichalc and destroyed it in a spectacular explosion, sending Pyrrha tumbling back.

Pyrhha: 1100→300

"Chimera's effect activates!"

Chimera, Winged Lord of the Phantom Beasts ATK 2600→2800

"Don't count me out…Just yet…" Pyrrha stated as she slowly stood up. "I activate the Trap Card: Fusion Potion! Since I control no monsters, this card lets me gain Life Points equal to the attack points of a Fusion Monster in my Graveyard. I increase my Life Points by Orichalc's attack points!"

Pyyrha: 300→3100 LP

"Your persistence was tolerable at first, but it's starting to get very irritating now," Artemis growled. "I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"It's my turn!" Pyrrha announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw. Through its effect, I will send all cards in my hand to the Graveyard first. Then, I will guess what type the top card of my Deck is. If I guess correctly, I can draw five cards from my Deck; otherwise, I will have to send the five top cards of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I guess that my top card is a Trap Card. Now, draw!"

Pyrrha checked her top card and revealed it with a smirk.

"It looks like I was correct, so I draw five cards. Next, with my Pendulum Scale, I'll Pendulum Summon! Come forth! Ultrametalfoes Irondum and Ultrametalfoes Cobaltame!"

A portal opened between the pillars. Two lights shot out of the portal and then reformed into a brown-haired man driving a weaponized tank and an orange-haired woman riding a weaponized jet made of cobalt with mini machine guns on its sides. Both monsters were summoned in Attack Position.

Ultrametalfoes Irondum ATK 2400 DEF 2100 LVL: 6 PS: 9

Ultrametalfoes Cobaltame ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4 PS: 1

"Irondum and Cobaltame's effects activate!" Pyrrha declared. "First, when Irondum is summoned, I can force you to shuffle a card on your field to your Deck. So which card is it going to be?"

"I return my Field Spell!" Artemis answered as the Field Spell Card disappeared. "With it gone, Chimera loses 300 attack and defense points."

Chimera, Winged Lord of the Phantom Beasts ATK 2800→2500 DEF 2100→1800 LVL: 6

"Next, Cobaltame's effect!" Pyrrha continued. "When summoned, you take 300 points of damage for every "Metalfoes" card on my field. Since there are four cards, so you take 1200 points of damage!"

A stream of flames erupted from Cobaltame's mini-guns, enveloping Artemis' body and causing her to grunt in pain.

Artemis: 2650→1450

"Following that, I activate the Spell Card: Fusion Substitute!" Pyrrha stated. "I Fusion Summon using monsters I control. I fuse Irondum and Cobaltame!"

Her monsters separated into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. The particles turned into streams of energy that soared upwards before merging into a violet whirlwind.

"Forge within the fires of alchemy." Pyrrha chanted. "Let your presence ripple through the threads of destiny! I Fusion Summon! Arise, Metalfoes Chronotron!"

Emerging from the whirlwind was a giant mech robot that was shaped like a golem, wearing slate grey armor in one layer and crimson red armor on top of the other. The red armor was overlaid over the legs, chest and head, with green energy lines flowing throughout the bone structure of its arms and legs. It was equipped with pulse thrusters on its palms and feet. Its head showed a green visor behind the red glass, indicating its eyes.

Metalfoes Chronotron ATK 2900 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"I activate Metalfoes Chronotron's effect!" Pyrrha continued. "When summoned, I can Special Summon a face-up "Metalfoes" monster from my Extra Deck with its effects negated. Return, Ultrametalfoes Irondum!"

A portal appeared on the ground, out of which Irondum emerged on the field.

Ultrametalfoes Irondum ATK 2400 DEF 2100 LVL: 6 PS: 9

"I place a card face-down and activate Chronotron's second effect!" Pyrhha exclaimed. "By sending my Set card to the Graveyard, I can banish one card on the field. Say goodbye to your Fusion Monster!"

A large red energy beam erupted from one of Chrontron's thrusters, heading straight for Chimera.

"If you think that's enough to work, think again!" Artemis shouted. "I activate the Trap Card: Convert Ghost! When a card effect targets a monster on my field, I can banish a monster from my Graveyard to negate it! I banish Kaiser Vorse Raider!"

The blue-skinned orc jumped out of Artemis' Graveyard, intercepting the beam of energy as it warped away.

"Alright then, we'll do this the old-fashioned way," Pyrrha stated. "Chronotron attacks Chimera!"

"I activate Gazelles effect from my Graveyard!" Artemis abruptly declared. "Since you declared an attack, I can banish it to negate it!"

"In that case, Irondum attacks Chimera!" Pyrrha shouted. "At this moment, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Ego Boost, increasing Irondum's attack points by 1000 until the End Phase!"

Ultrametalfoes Iroundum ATK 2400→3400

Irondum unleashed a powerful blast of crimson energy from its tank, piercing through Chimera's torso and destroying it, with the ensuing explosion sending Artemis skidding back.

Artemis: 1450→550

"Chimera's effect activates!" Pyrrha declared. "When this card is destroyed, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Phantom Beast" monster from my Graveyard! Revive, Stone-Garoo!"

A portal appeared above Artemis, with the gray-skinned kangaroo with gems embedded into its body emerging from it and landing on her field.

Phantom Beast Stone-Garoo ATK 1000 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Pyrrha concluded. "And since my turn's now over, Ego Boost's effect ends, and Irondum's attack points return to normal."

Ultrametalfoes Iroundum ATK 3400→2400

Pyrrha narrowed her eyes. "With this, the advantage is once again on my side. However, I can't help but feel you still have something up your sleeve."

"You would be correct in assuming so," Artemis smirked. "This duel is far from over, as you'll soon find out. My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Phantom Beast Fusion!" The card showed a similar scenario to Polymerization but with Phantom Beast Cross-Wing and Phantom Beast Wild-Horn glowing with yellow and orange energy. "I Fusion Summon a "Phantom Beast" Fusion Monster by using monsters from my hand, field, or Deck as Fusion Materials!"

"What!?" Pyrrha gasped. "The Deck!?"

"That's right. I fuse Phantom Beast Stone-Garoo with Phantom-Beast Sky Hunter and Phantom Beast Ground Guardian in my Deck!"

Two new monsters appeared beside Stone-Garoo. On the left was a light green anthropomorphic eagle with pink eyes and golden beak and wings, wearing green and golden armor from his abdominals downwards and the spines of his wings with spikes and holding a chakram. On the right was a six-legged, light brown lizard creature with a gray coat of fur on its back, dark eyes, and possessing two mouths filled with fangs, one inside the other. The three monsters disintegrated into particles that formed a vortex. Three whirlwinds, colored red, blue, and green, emerged from the vortex before merging into a purple tornado.

"Roar, mighty guardian, as your power echoes through the silent realms. Unleash your might upon the foes that dare defy the essence of the wild!" Artemis chanted. "I Fusion Summon! Arise, Chimera Gazelle, King of the Phantom Beasts!"

A monster resembling Chimera, Winged Lord of the Phantom Beasts, but with a serpentine body, eight legs and four orange and brown feathered wings emerging from its back appeared and roared in Attack Position.

Chimera Gazelle, King of the Phantom Beasts ATK 2600 DEF 2100 LVL: 8

"An evolved form of her previous Fusion Monster, huh?" Pyrrha commented. "However, that Monster gives off a really dangerous vibe…"

"This will end you at last!" Artemis stated. "Chimera Gazelle's effect! It gains 200 attack points for each Beast and Beast-Warrior "Phantom Beast" monster in my Graveyard with different names! There are six, so it gains 1200 attack points!"

Chimera Gazelle, King of the Phantom Beasts ATK 2600→3800

"And since Stone-Garoo was used as Fusion Material, one of your monsters loses 1000 attack points!" Artemis added. "I choose Chronotron!"

Metalfoes Chronotron ATK 2900→1900

"Battle!" Artemis exclaimed. "Chimera Gazelle attacks Chrontron!"

Pyrrha gritted her teeth. "I activate the-!"

"Pointless!" Artemis interrupted. "When Chimera Gazelle attacks, you cannot activate Spell or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step!" Pyrrha gasped. "Ferocious Fury!"

The monster beat its wings and fired a blast of wind at the Metalfoea Fusion Monster, destroying it in an explosion and knocking Pyyrha back.

Pyrrha: 3100→1200 LP

"But don't think this is the end," Artemis smirked. "Just like my other Fusion Monster. Chimera Gazelle can also attack all my monsters my opponent controls once each."

"If that's the case, I'll activate the Trap Card: Inspiration!" Pyrhha abruptly declared. "By targeting Irondum, its attack points are increasd by 700!"

Ultrametalfoes Irondum ATK 2400→3100

"However, Chimera Gazelle is still stronger." Artemis pointed out. "Chimera Gazelle attacks Irondum! Ferocious Fury!"

Chimera Gazelle slashed at Irondum with its claws, destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave sending Pyrrha tumbling back.

Pyrrha: 1200→500 LP

"I end my turn with this," Artemis said. "How was that? With Chimera Gazelle on my side, your chances of winning are practically zero. Not to mention that as long as I have Ground Guardian and Sky Hunter in my Graveyard, my "Phantom Beast" monsters can't be destroyed in battle nor be targeted by effects. In other words, this duel is as good as mine."

"Careful, jungle girl," Pyrrha said with a teasing smirk. "These are famous pre-defeat boasts you're spouting there. And I'm afraid that so long as I still have Life Points, I have a chance."

"Quit lying to yourself." Artemis scoffed at Pyrrha's words. "There's no way someone like you can't possibly turn things around at this point."

"Is that so?" Pyrrha raised an eyebrow. "Well, I'll be the judge of that! My turn! I draw! First, I activate the Spell Card: Pendulum Card Burst! By destroying Metalfoes Cadmaker and Palladium, I get to draw two cards from my Deck." She drew and smirked. "Just what I needed. I activate the Spell Card: Extra Fusion! It allows me to summon a Fusion Monster by using monsters from my Extra Deck! I will fuse Metalfoes Adamante, Crimsonite and Nicklelord!"

Silhouettes of the three Fusion Monsters appeared on Pyrrha's field. Adamante broke into red particles, while Crimsonite and Nicklelord turned into blue and green particles, swirling into a vortex afterward. Three tornadoes of energy shot upwards and merged to form a magenta whirlwind.

"Alloys of Life! Combine to become the mythical material from space! With your new armor, push the limits of the flames and blast off into new heights! I Fusion Summon! Ultrametalfoes Meteorient!"

A massive entity with jetpack-like wings, steel black chest armor and a visor-like helmet with a mouth mask. It wielded a longer katana-like blade in its right hand while its left arm had a wrist blade attached; both blades were engulfed in flames. On its shoulders were small fire cannons.

Ultrametalfoes Meteorient ATK 3000→3500 DEF 2600→2200 LVL: 8 PS: 10

"Meteorient's effect activates!" Pyrrha declared. "When it's Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can shuffle cards from your field or Graveyard equal to the number of face-up "Metalfoes" cards I control!" Pyrrha smirked. "The only card I control is Meteorient, but that's more than enough because I'm returning Chimera Gazelle to your Extra Deck! And since this effect doesn't target, Sky Hunter's effect can't stop it. Meteor Crisis!"

Meteorient fired multiple missiles from its shoulder cannons at Chimera Gazelle, making contact and causing it to disappear from the field.

"No!" Artemis gasped. "Th-This can't be!"

"This is the end!" Pyrrha bellowed. "Meteorient attacks you directly! Calamity Combustion!"

Meteorient swung its large blade, unleashing a raging wave of flames at Artemis, consuming her as she was sent flying into a nearby tree before falling to the ground unconscious.

Artemis: 550→0 LP

"Game, set and match." Pyrrha made a thumbs-up while smiling. "I'll admit this was an amusing distraction, but I've wasted enough time here already. Better see if I can find the others. Hopefully, they shouldn't be too far…"

After saying so, Pyrrha hurriedly exited the gardens, leaving the unconscious Artemis behind.

Meanwhile, in the throne room…

"Even with extra reinforcement, they were still outmatched by Storm Rider's allies. Guess they're more of a threat than I thought…"

Priscilla commented as she viewed Drakon, Nyx, and Artemis, all losing to Magnum, Faris, and Pyrrha.

"I suppose it can't be helped if the Top 10 and their friends want to make things more difficult for themselves," Priscilla said. "While I did not anticipate the enemy proceeding as far as they did, it won't matter one bit in the end. No matter how many victories they pile up, it won't matter in the end once my long-awaited goal is achieved."

Priscilla dismissed the holographic winder in front of her and opened another window that displayed the layout of the Syndicate's fortress with several red dots on the screen.

"Now that should be interesting," Priscilla stated with a sly smile. "Looks like two members of the enemy's troupe are heading towards the location of a peculiar area. Hopefully, the person they come across can manage to defeat them, unlike the other three."

Meanwhile, in a different area of the fortress…

"I told you we should have taken the right turn in the passage back there! Because of you, we had to waste our time going around in circles! Seriously, I sometimes wonder what's rolling inside that head of yours because it sure isn't a brain!"

"Geez, calm down. It was an honest mistake. You realize this is our first time being here. You can't expect me to know the layout of every single area, especially ones we've never been to. But hey, if you feel so confident, why don't you take charge, and I'll be following you while constantly grumbling?"

"Perhaps I should, seeing as it's the only way we'll get anything done today. Knowing you, you'll lead us straight to a pitfall next or something."

Standing in a corridor of the Syndicate's fortress, Ginger and Na'amah could be seen quarreling with each other. Luckily for them, the two ran into each other not long ago after the Syndicate separated them. After some more arguing, Ginger eventually threw her hands up in the air in exasperation.

"Fine then! Since I'm doing such a horrible job as our guide, let's see whether you can do a better job than me. Might as well try to do something productive other than complaining all the time…"

"What was that?" Na'amah shot a nasty glare at Ginger. "Did you say something?"

"Nothing at all!" Ginger instantly capitulated, not the least bit willing to incur the wrath of her friend. "I was just wondering if the others are doing alright. Separating from one another like that threw an unexpected wrench in our plans. And the fact that we can't communicate with one another doesn't help things either."

"I'm also concerned, but perhaps this will turn out to be for the best," Na'amah said as she rushed ahead, Ginger following behind her. "If all of us are scattered throughout the Syndicate's base, that means their soldiers will be forced to split up in order to pursue every one of us, which means we will face less resistance in our way. As such, at least some of us should be able to accomplish our objective, namely sabotaging parts of the Syndicate's defense systems in order to make things easier for our comrades."

"Let's hope things will go that smoothly, although I won't be holding my breath," Ginger replied. "I'm certain that whoever's in charge will have many nasty surprises in store for us to make sure we don't interfere with their plans."

"I do hope you won't freeze up if we come across an enemy or something," Na'amah said. "We can't afford to pull any punches here, Ginger. Should we lose, both you and I will have our data taken. And I'll have you know I'm in no mood to become a glowing orb."

"It will be alright," Ginger assured Na'amah with a smile. "I don't plan on holding back no matter who stands before us. I'll fight my hardest until the bitter end."

"First things first," Na'amah stated. "We need to find this place's security control room or command center and shut it down post-haste. If we cripple their security enough, our comrades might be able to reach the enemy without meeting too much resistance along the way. If only there were some shortcut that could lead us there."

"You mean like that elevator over there?

Turning her gaze towards the direction Ginger was pointing at, Na'amah could see an elevator door situated at the bottom part of a large cylinder extending upwards in the distance. She walked over to it, opened a panel and pushed some buttons. A minute later, the elevator stopped.

"Where do you think it leads to?" Ginger asked.

"Knowing our enemy, nowhere good," Na'amah replied. "But seeing as we have no other options, we have no choice but to take it."

Ginger nodded as she and Na'amah entered the elevator and it ascended upward. A few minutes went by, and the elevator came to a halt as its doors opened. Upon stepping outside, the two girls entered a room resembling a fortuneteller's shop. Thick, velvet curtains hung from the walls, several candles were placed throughout the room, crystal sconces hung from the walls and dark red-colored wallpaper had been placed on them.

Sitting on a table in the middle of the room was a young woman with tanned skin, dark hair tied in a ponytail with two bangs on the sides and bright purple eyes. She wore dark blue regal clothing reminiscent of a witch's robe with stars and galaxies engraved on it. She also wore a small golden necklace around her neck. The youth seemingly paid no attention to Ginger and Na'amah's intrusion as he placed tarot cards on the table.

"The Emperor has been taken down by The Strength in upright position and Temperance in reversed position…" The female youth muttered. "And The Fool in reverse position and The Moon in upright position are pressing on. But what about the current circumstances?"

The woman placed three cards on the table.

"Hoh, I see." The young woman smirked. "The Fiend and The Chariot are about to confront The Hierophant, all in an upright position. And as for their destiny…"

She placed Wheel of Fortune in a reversed position on the table, with her smile becoming wider.

"Fufu, the omens are most inauspicious for our prospective challengers. Such a shame."

"OK, what the heck?" Ginger eventually spoke, fed up with the woman's incomprehensive mumblings. "What are you, some psychic? Are you going to pull a Doctor Strange on us here and claim you can see the future?"

"I do not know what this Doctor Strange you speak of is, but I assure you that I cannot see the future." The young woman replied, acknowledging Ginger and Na'amah for the first time. "Fortunetelling just happens to be a favorite pastime of mine. We all need something to alleviate boredom, right? Although I guess it's also true that my predictions are mostly accurate."

"Fortunetelling…?" Na'amah narrowed his eyes at the woman's words. "I see… So you're the infamous Fortuneteller Fortuna?"

"Do you know this lady?" Ginger asked Na'amah. "Have you two met before?"

"No, but I have heard rumors of her on online message boards," Na'amah responded. "Supposedly, she possesses an extraordinary amount of luck that borders on miraculous, which allows her to always have a positive result in card effects that deal with chance during duels. We should be very cautious when dealing with her."

"Oh, so you have heard of me?" Fortuna smiled. "It's an honor to be recognized. And if I'm not mistaken, the two of you are Ginger and Na'mah. Two new allies recruited by the Top 10."

"So everyone knows each other here," Ginger said. "Good. In that case, we can get on with the Duel. The sooner we're done with you, the faster we can liberate our comrades, the faster we can shut down this dreadful place and put a stop to the Syndicate's plans."

"Careful now," Fortuna warned Ginger. "You heard my earlier prediction, no? The reversed Wheel of Fortune came up in my reading, meaning luck is not on your side. Do you still wish to challenge me even after knowing this?"

"I thought you said you can't predict the future." Ginger pointed out. "So why would we care about what your dumb cards have to say?"

"While it's true that I cannot accurately see the future, I'm quite adept at shaping it." Fortuna's smile became twisted. "And I have every intention to have you experience misfortune of the highest degree before I send you both to your untimely demise."

"Spare us your pitiful attempts at intimidation." Na'amah retorted. "We're here for one thing and one thing alone: to stop the Syndicate and put an end to their twisted plans. Either surrender and get out of our way, or we'll have to do this the hard way."

"Well, if you want to move forward, you'll have to go through me first," Fortuna stated. "But seeing how there's two of you and one of me, why don't we make things a bit more fair?"

Na'amah raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said," Fortuna replied as she took out a coin from her pocket. "We'll flip to see which one of you I will face. If it's heads, then my opponent will be Ginger. But if tails, my opponent will be you. Is that acceptable?"

"I suppose it's better than the two of us arguing to decide who goes first," Ginger stated, with Na'amah nodding in response. "Go on."

Fortuna did as she asked and then showed the duo the coin.

"The result is tails, which means my opponent will be Na'amah. Understood?"

"Understood." Na'amah nodded as she stepped forward and activated her Duel Disk. She turned to Ginger. "Don't interfere in this battle," she stated. "No matter what happens, promise me that you'll stay back."

"You have my word," Ginger promised. "I'm sure you have this in the bag."

"I wonder about that." Fortuna let out a sly smile as she activated her Duel Disk. "But no matter who ended up being my opponent, It won't affect the outcome in any way. Now then, the time has come to set the gears of fate into motion and send you and soon your friend straight into oblivion!"

"Duel!" they shouted.

Na'amah: 4000 LP

Fortuna: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Fortuna decided. "I activate the Spell Card: Pentacle of Ace. When activated, I toss a coin and apply an effect depending on the result." A coin appeared above Fortuna's head. On one side was the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, then it flipped over and showed Red-Eyes Black Dragon. The coin spun and stopped on an image of Blue-Eyes White Dragon. "The result is heads, so I get to draw a card and gain 500 Life Points."

Fortuna: 4000→4500 LP

"A coin toss?" Na'amah muttered. Cards with effects like that tended to be powerful but with great risk because of the potential consequences of calling it wrong.

"I activate the Spell Card: Cup of Ace!" Fortuna continued. "This card lets me flip a coin, and depending on the result, one of us draws two cards." A giant coin appeared on her field before it flipped in the air. When it landed on the ground, it showed heads. "Since the result is Heads, I can draw two cards!"

"That's some luck right there…" Ginger narrowed her eyes. "It seems her Deck is based on a tarot theme, with her cards' effects changing depending on the result of a coin toss. But to think she'd get it right twice in a row…"

"That's what makes her so infamous," Na'amah said. "If it involves effects relying on chance, rumor has it she's never failed to get even a single one right. Like I said before, we should tread carefully here."

"Now then, let's begin the reading of your fate," Fortuna smirked. "I summon Arcana Force III – The Empress!"

A slender gray-skinned feminine humanoid in blue armor with a translucent cape of light flowing down its back appeared.

Arcana Force III – The Empress ATK 1300 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"And now, The Empress' effect activates!" A silver coin appeared above The Empress' head. "When The Empress is Summoned, I toss a coin and apply an effect depending on the result." The coin spun around before stopping on the Blue-Eyes. "The result is heads! As for its effect, you'll find out what it is soon enough. I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"My turn!" Na'amah announced. "I draw! I summon Flare Resonator!"

A small, demonic creature with flames spewing out of its back appeared on Na'amah's field.

Flare Resonator ATK 300 DEF 1300 LVL: 3

"At this moment, The Empress's effect activates!" Fortuna abruptly declared. "Each time my opponent Normal Summons or Sets a monster, I can Special Summon an "Arcana Force" monster from my hand! Appear, Arcana Force IV – The Emperor!"

A large black humanoid machine with wings appeared. It had multiple red orbs on its body, and where its arms and legs would be were several tentacles that ended in claws and red orbs.

Arcana Force IV – The Emperor ATK 1400 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

"And now, The Emperor's effect activates!" A silver coin appeared above The Emperor's head. On one side was the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, then it flipped over and showed Red-Eyes Black Dragon. "When The Emperor is Summoned, I toss a coin and apply an effect depending on the result." The coin spun around before stopping on the Blue-Eyes. "The result is heads! That means my "Arcana Force" monsters gain 500 attack points!"

Arcana Force IV – The Emperor ATK 1400→1900

Arcana Force III– The Empress ATK 1300→1800

"You summoned a monster during my turn and used its effect to increase your monsters' attack points, huh?" Na'amah said. "Not a bad play. However, you're going to have to try a bit harder than this! Since I control a Fiend Tuner monster with at least 1500 attack points, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. Come forth, Wandering King Wildwind!"

A humanoid panther wearing a green cape appeared in Attack Position.

Wandering King Wildwind ATK 1700 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"Then, by discarding Fabled Lurrie from my hand, I can Special Summon The Fabled Chawa!"

A small dog ridden by a yellow imp with green eyes appeared.

The Fabled Chawa ATK 200 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"And since I discarded Fabled Lurrie, its effect activates and Special Summons itself!"

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

Fabled Lurrie ATK 200 DEF 400 LVL: 1

"Quite an impressive move summoning four monsters in a single turn," Fortuna remarked. "You surely possess a relentless dueling style."

"Trust me, you've seen nothing yet," Na'amah said with a confident smile. "I place two cards face-down, and then I tune the Level 4 Wildwind with the Level 1 Chawa!"

A bolt of lightning struck Na'amah as the world greyed out, and her two monsters turned into particles before turning into rings. A light-yellow ring and a green ring appeared before turning blue and merging. Five rings stacked in a tower appeared as a screen displayed "4 + 1" in front of them. The screen then changed to "5" as light surged through the rings.

"Rebellious angel who fell from heaven's grace." Na'amah chanted. "Indulge yourself in this world's pleasures! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 5! Fabled Ragin!"

A demonic humanoid clad in ornate black and gold armor with bat-like wings and a sword strapped to its waist emerged from the light onto Na'amah's field in Attack Position. Two imps, one blue and one black, floated around him.

Fabled Ragin ATK 2300 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

"Ragin's effect activates!" Na'amah announced. "When Synchro Summoned, I can draw until I have two cards in my hand!" She drew twice, then said, "Next, I tune my Level 1 Lurrie with my Level 3 Flare Resonator!"

The world greyed out again as Ganashia and Raven formed into two rings that turned blue. A screen that displayed "1 + 3" appeared before changing to "4" as a light surged through the rings.

"The tales of yore speak of one with a blackened blade! Rise and begin the end! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 4! Underworld Fighter Balmung!"

A warrior in silver and black armor with a red cloak appeared, swinging a massive black broadsword.

Underworld Fighter Balmung ATK 2100 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Underworld Fighter Balbung…?" Ginger wondered. "I've never seen that monster before in Na'amah's duels…"

"The effect of my Flare Resonator now activates!" Na'amah declared. "Since it was used as Synchro Material, the summoned Synchro Monster gains 300 attack points!"

Underworld Fighter Balmung ATK 2100→2400

"Battle!" Na'amah exclaimed. "Ragin, attack The Emperor!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Distortion of Fate!" Fortuna exclaimed as the card showed Arcana Force XVIII - The Moon looking up at the sky with its hands raised, showing the moon above being distorted and glowing blue. "Due to its effect, "Arcana Force" monsters under my control cannot be destroyed by battle for this turn! Moreover, all battle damage is negated, and I gain Life Points equal to the amount of battle damage I would have taken!"

Following Fortuna's words, Fabled Ragin unleashed a golden wave of energy from its sword, which failed to destroy The Emperor due to a barrier that appeared around it. Meanwhile, Fortuna was enveloped by a white aura.

Fortuna: 4500→4900 LP

"Tch, so you had taken measures against my monsters, huh?" Na'amah clicked her tongue. "In that case, I end the Battle Phase and—"

"Impossible." Fortuna cut off Na'amah. "Due to Distortion of Fate's final effect, all Attack Position monsters my opponent controls must attack if able in this turn's Battle Phase. Therefore, you are forced to attack with your remaining monster."

Na'amah gritted her teeth."…In that case, Balmung, attack The Emperor."

All of Siruis' heads opened their mouths wide, unleashing a stream of flames at The Emperor, but the attack had no effect as the white aura once again enveloped Fortuna.

Fortuna: 4900→5400 LP

"This was certainly not a good start…" Na'amah muttered. "I end my turn with this."

"Then, it's my turn!" Fortuna announced. "I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Pot of Greed, whose effect lets me draw two cards. Next, I Tribute The Empress to Tribute Summon Arcana Force X – The Wheel of Fortune!"

A black and gray circular machine with orange circuits glowing with eyes around its edges and two wings attached to its back, one segmented and one shaped like a clawed hand.

Arcana Force X – The Wheel of Fortune ATK 2000→2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"The Wheel of Fortune's effect activates! I toss a coin!" A coin appeared, spun, and landed on the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. "The result is heads, so I can now decide which effect of my "Arcana Force" monsters I wish to apply. Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Intersecting Paths!" The card showed two shadowy silhouettes of people walking down two different paths down a hill, with the morning sun shining down and the paths intersecting further ahead of them. "Its effect allows me to Special Summon an "Arcana Force" monster from my Deck whose Level is lower than the combined Levels of two "Arcana Force" monsters on my field. Come forth, Arcana Force XIII – The Reaper!"

A skeletal humanoid with dark gray skin, no legs, and clad in black armor shaped like a cloak with a hood over its head and a white mask that had an eye drawn on it appeared. A scythe was attached to one of its arms instead of a hand.

Arcana Force X – The Reaper ATK 2300→2800 DEF 2300 LVL: 6

"Through The Wheel of Fortune's effect, I choose to apply The Reaper's heads effect," Fortuna stated. "Now, battle! The Emperor, attack Ragin!"

"What!?" Na'amah cried out in shock. "You're attacking even though your monster's attack points are lower!?"

"At this moment, The Reaper's effect activates!" Fortuna exclaimed. "When an "Arcana Force" monster battles an opponent's monster, that monster is immediately destroyed before damage calculation! As such, Fabled Ragin is destroyed!"

Following Fortuna's words, a black haze erupted from The Reaper's body and enveloped Ragin, destroying it.

"Next, The Wheel of Fortune will attack Balmung!" Fortuna shouted. "And like before, The Reaper's effect will destroy your monster before damage calculation once again!"

A crimson beam was launched from one of The Wheel of Fortune's eyes and merged with The Reaper's haze, obliterating Na'amah's last monster.

"Fighter Balmung's effect activates!" Na'amah declared. "Since a card effect destroyed it, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower monster from my Graveyard. Return, Fabled Lurrie!"

The small pink fiend with a mask reappeared.

"In that case, The Reaper will attack Fabled Lurrie!"

"Unfortunately, I'm going to have to spoil your plans a bit," Na'amah smirked. "I activate the Trap Card: Break Tune! When you declare an attack, this card negates it!"

A semi-transparent barrier appeared around Lurrie, shielding it from The Reaper's attack.

"Then, I can Special Summon a Tuner monster from my hand," Na'amah added. "I Special Summon The Fabled Rubyruda!"

A small, black-feathered bird with big eyes and a small red-skinned fiend riding on its back reappeared.

The Fabled Rubyruda ATK 1100 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"In that case, I'll place one card face-down and end my turn," Fortuna said. "Now then, what sort of possibilities will you show me? I can't wait for it."

"In that case, take a good look at this!" Na'amah declared. "My turn! I draw! First, since I control a "Fabled" monster, I can discard Fabled Grimro to add a "Fabled" monster from my Deck to my hand. I choose to add The Fabled Chawa. Following that, I activate the Continous Spell Card: Celestial Bell Tower. Then, I tune Level 4 Fabled Rubyruda with the Level 1 Fabled Lurrie!"

The world grayed out as green energy gathered around Na'amah before blasting upwards. Her monsters disintegrated into data that reformed into two rings. The rings turned blue and merged before reforming into five blue rings in a tower. "4 + 1" before shifting to "5". A beam of light shot through the rings.

"Strength leads to wisdom as wisdom leads to victory. Show them your power! I Synchro Summon! T.G Hyper Librarian!"

A tall humanoid figure wearing glasses, white and black robes, a red cape and holding a futuristic tablet emerged from the light in Attack Position.

T.G. Hyper Librarian ATK 2400 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

"Due to Bell Tower's effect, I get to draw a card from my Deck since I successfully performed a Synchro Summon," Na'amah stated. "Next, I summon The Fabled Cerburrel!"

A small, red, three-headed puppy collared by a small, grey demon with green eyes appeared.

The Fabled Cerburrel ATK 1000 DEF 400 LVL: 2

"Since I control a Tuner monster, I can Special Summon this card from my hand." Na'amah continued. "Come, Magical King Moonstar!"

A humanoid in violet robes and holding a staff with a crescent moon on its tip appeared on Na'amah's field.

Magical King Moonstar ATK 900 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"I now tune the Level 2 Cerburrel with the Level 3 Moonstar!"

Following her declaration, a bolt of green lightning struck Na'amah. Soon, the world greyed out, causing both monsters to disappear. Two pink rings appeared before turning blue and merging. Five blue rings stacked in a tower then appeared as a screen displayed "2 + 3". The screen changed to a "5" as light surged through the rings.

"Ruthless champion of dark justice who patrols this land! Appear before us and mow down these spineless worms!" Na'amah chanted. "I Synchro Summon! Charge forth, Stygian Sergeants!"

The light faded after a moment to reveal a two-headed, brown-skinned, fiendish lizard with large bat wings and a muscular physique. It wore a black biker outfit while riding a dark blue motorcycle.

Stygian Sergeants ATK 2200 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

"Since I Synchro Summoned again, Celestial Bell Tower lets me draw a card," Na'amah said. "Furthermore, Hyper Librarian's effect activates since I Synchro Summoned, allowing me to draw another card. Following that, I activate the Continous Trap Card: Wicked Trample! Due to this card's effect, whenever you take battle damage other than from a direct attack, that damage is doubled!"

"What!?" Fortuna cried out in shock.

"Battle!" Na'amah exclaimed. "Hyper Librarian, attack the Emperor!"

Raising his white-gloved hand, the Librarian pointed and fired a bright blue beam at the Emperor, destroying it with a resounding explosion.

Fortuna: 5400→4400 LP

"Since The Emperor was destroyed, your monsters lose 500 attack points!"

Arcana Force X – The Wheel of Fortune ATK 2500→2000

Arcana Force X – The Reaper ATK 2800→2300

"Next, Stygian Sergeants, destroy Wheel of Fortune!" Na'amah ordered her monster. "Tyrant Wheel!"

Sergeants revved up his motorcycle and went full speed towards Wheel of Fortune, sending it crashing into the ground as it exploded.

Fortuna: 4400→4000 LP

"At this moment, Stygian Sergeants effect activates!" Na'amah declared. "When it destroys a monster in battle, it's allowed to attack a second time, and its attack points also increase by 800 until the end of my Battle Phase!"

Stygian Sergeants ATK 2200→3000

"Now, Stygian Sergeants, attack again and mow down that poor excuse of a scary ghost! Tyrant Wheel!"

The previous scene was repeated once again as Stygian Sergeant's motorcycle wheel crushed The Reaper with ease, with the ensuing shockwave causing Fortuna to grunt in pain.

Fortuna: 4000→2600 LP

"I place a card face-down and end my turn," Na'amah said. "And since my turn's now over, Stygian Sergeants effect ends, and its attack points return to normal."

Stygian Sergeants ATK 3000→2200

"As I thought, you are strong," Fortuna smiled. "No wonder you were recruited by the Top 10. However, don't get too complacent just because you destroyed my monsters and dealt me damage. The true terror of my Arcana Force Deck starts from here. My turn! I activate the Spell Card: Suit of Ace V!" The card showed a hand holding five cards of diamonds in a seamless ocean. "This card lets me flip a coin, and depending on the result, one of us gets to draw five cards." A coin appeared above Fortuna's hand, which she grasped and then flipped. When the coin landed in its hand, she said, "The result is heads, so I draw five cards."

"Hax!" Ginger shouted as Fortuna drew. "I call hax! How in the world is it possible that every single game of chance so far has ended in your favor!? There's something fishy going on here!"

"There are no tricks involved here, I assure you." Fortuna smiled. "I've just been blessed by fate ever since I was little. I always wondered if I'm strong because I'm loved by fate or whether it's because I'm strong that fate is on my side. Well, I suppose it doesn't matter either way. It doesn't change the fact that your friend was doomed from the start."

"We'll see about that," Na'amah said. "The duel's still early and judging from what you've seen from me, I can say with certainty that I have no intention of giving up anytime soon."

"In that case, let me change that," Fortuna stated. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Realm of Fate!" The card showed a circular white room with drapes, a staircase and a marble statue of a woman with her hands on either side. On the ceiling were images of several different tarot cards. "While Realm of Fate is on the field, all "Arcana Force" monsters I control gain attack points equal to their Levels multiplied by 100. In addition, when I activate a card of effect that involves a coin toss, I can choose which effect to apply without tossing a coin."

"That means you now have perfect control over your cards' effects, huh?" Na'amah remarked. "I suppose I should commend you for not leaving anything to chance even though you're apparently so adored by fate."

"I'm not so overconfident to think that I can take you down without covering all angles," Fortuna said. "Now, let's continue. I activate the Spell Card: Trans Shift! It lets me banish an "Arcana Force" monster from my Graveyard to Special Summon an "Arcana Force" monster from my Deck with an equal or lower Level than it. I will banish The Empress to Special Summon Arcana Force VI – The Lovers!"

A grey-skinned humanoid wearing a black dress with its body studded with pink gems appeared in Defense Position.

Arcana Force VI – The Lovers ATK 1600→2000 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"As The Lovers was Summoned, I would toss a coin, but with Realm of Fate's effect, I apply its heads effect, meaning it counts as two Tributes for the Tribute Summon of an "Arcana Force" monster," Fortuna smirked. "I Tribute The Lovers to Tribute Summon Arcana Force XV – The Fiend!"

A grotesque humanoid monster with three large eyes attached to its torso and four tentacles with scythes on their ends extending from its body appeared.

Arcana Force XV – The Fiend ATK 2500→3200 DEF 2500 LVL: 7

"Well, that's one nasty-looking creature," Ginger remarked in disgust. "Are all "Arcana Force" monsters such abominations…?"

"I'm not finished yet!" Fortuna declared. "I activate Realm of Fate's third effect! Once per turn, I can target an "Arcana Force" monster on my field and Special Summon an "Arcana Force" monster with a lower Level than it from my hand. I target the Level 7 The Fiend to Special Summon the Level 6 Arcana Force XI – The Justice!"

A black mechanical humanoid machine with violet energy lines running through its body, which had blades instead of limbs and six blade-shaped wings with small grey masks embedded on them protruding from its back, appeared in Attack Position.

Arcana Force XV – The Justice ATK 2100→2700 DEF 2100 LVL: 6

"Of course, I choose to apply The Justice's heads effect through Realm of Fate's effect," Takuma stated. "Now, it's time for battle! The Fiend, attack Stygian Sergeants! And at this moment, The Fiend's effect activates, allowing me to destroy a monster you control and inflict 500 points of damage to you whenever it declares an attack! Say goodbye to Hyper Librarian!"

The Fiends's tentacles were shot forward, piercing through Hyper Librarian's body and destroying it. At the same time, beams of energy were launched from The Fiend's three eyes, striking Stygian Sergeants and destroying it, with the ensuing shockwave blowing Na'amah back a few inches.

Na'amah: 4000→3500→2500 LP

"And now, here comes a direct attack!" Fortuna. "Go, The Justice! Attack Na'amah directly! Shooting Blade!"

"As if you'd take me down that easily!" Na'amah bellowed. "I activate the Trap Card: Offensive Guard! When I'm about to receive a direct attack, this card halves the attacking monster's attack points!"

Arcana Force XV – The Justice ATK 2700→1350

The wings on The Justice's back swung forward, unleashing a barrage of blade-shaped bullets that struck Na'amah's body, causing her to cry out in pain as she fell to her knees.

Na'amah: 2500→1150 LP

"Oi, are you alright, Na'amah!?" Ginger asked with evident concern. "Can you stand!?"

"I end my turn," Fortuna concluded as she gazed at Na'amah, who was struggling to stand up. "What's wrong? Is that the limit of your resolve? Perhaps you are finally beginning to understand that you cannot escape the merciless hand of fate?"

"Like heck…I'm giving up here." Na'amah declared as she stood up. "This much isn't enough to discourage me. Me and my cards will surely break through your walls of fate. My turn! I draw!

First, allow me to pay you back for those previous attacks. I activate the Spell Card: Magic Planter, sending Wicked Trample to the Graveyard to draw two cards. Next, I summon Fabled Raven!"

A humanoid monster clad in black robes and having blade-like wings attached to its arms and legs appeared.

Fabled Raven ATK 1300 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"Next, I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Card of Safe Return!" Na'amah continued. "Whenever a monster is Special Summoned from the Graveyard, its controller gets to draw a card. Then, I activate Raven's effect, discarding any number of cards from my hand to increase its Level by one and its attack points by 400 points until the end of the turn. I discard one card."

Fabled Raven ATK 1300→1700 LVL: 2→3

"And since the card I discarded was Fabled Krus, its effect activates!" Na'amah stated. "When discarded, I'm allowed to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower "Fabled" monster from my Graveyard. Return to me, Fabled Grimro!"

A pale-skinned female in black robes with black-feathered wings appeared on Na'amah's field.

Fabled Grimro ATK 1700 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Due to the effect of Card of Safe Return, I get to draw a card," She drew, then said, "I tune the Level 3 Fabled Raven with the Level 4 Fabled Grimro!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Na'amah as the world greyed out, and her two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one purple and one white, appeared before turning blue and merging. Seven blue rings stacked in a tower appeared along with a screen displaying "3 + 4" in front of them. The screen changed to "7" as light surged through the rings.

"Beating pulse of the new ruler!" Na'amah chanted. "Show the chaos within yourself! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 7! Chaos King Archfiend!"

A slender blue and red humanoid with flaming wings attached to its arms and smoke billowing out from its head emerged from the light and appeared on Na'amah's field.

Chaos King Archfiend ATK 2600 DEF 2600 LVL: 7

"Since I Synchro Summoned, Bell Tower's effect allows me to draw a card," Na'amah stated. "Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: Archer's Volley and equip it to Chaos King Archfiend! Due to its effect, the equipped monster gains 400 attack points and is allowed to attack all my opponent's monsters once each!"

Chaos King Archfiend ATK 2600→3000

"Battle!" Na'amah exclaimed. "Chaos King Archfiend, attack The Fiend and The Justice! And at this moment, Chaos King's effect activates! When it attacks, the attack and defense points of all face-up monsters you control are switched!"

"Say what?" Fortuna gasped.

Arcana Force XV – The Fiend ATK 3200→2500 DEF 2500→3200

Arcana Force XI – The Justice ATK 2700→2100 DEF 2700→2100

"Go, Cross Chaos Slash!"

Chaos King used its fire-enveloped blades to slash through the two Arcana Force monsters, destroying them easily, with the shockwave pushing Fortuna back several feet.

Fortuna: 2600→1200 LP

"I activate the Trap Card: Arcana Loop!" Fortuna abruptly declared as the card showed Arcana Force VII - The Chariot and Arcana Force IV - The Emperor emerging from light portals in the ground as they both glowed white. "Thanks to its effect, I can Special Summon all "Arcana Force" monsters that were destroyed on this turn's Battle Phase. However, they can't attack, and their effects are negated. Revive, The Fiend and The Justice!"

Two portals appeared on Fortuna's field, with his two Arcana Force monsters emerging from them.

Arcana Force XV – The Fiend ATK 2500→3200 DEF 2500 LVL: 7

Arcana Force XI – The Justice ATK 2100→2700 DEF 2100 LVL: 6

"And due to the effect of your Continuous Spell, I get to draw two cards since I Special Summoned two monsters from my Graveyard."

"Should've known it wouldn't be so easy…" Na'amah grumbled. "I place a card face-down and end my turn. So, what have you got next for me, Fortuna?"

"A very nasty surprise, I assure you," Fortuna said with a sinister smirk on her face. "My turn! I draw! First, I Tribute The Fiend and The Justice to Tribute Summon Arcana Force XVIII – The Moon!"

The two monsters disappeared and were replaced by a large mechanical monster with long, thin hands, a lower body comprised of a mass of mechanical tentacles and a core housing a small, alien creature.

Arcana Force XVIII – The Moon ATK 2800→3500 DEF 2800 LVL: 7

"Then, I activate Realm of Fate's effect, targeting The Moon to Special Summon an "Arcana Force" monster with an equal or lower Level than it." Fortuna continued. "Come, Arcana Force XVI – The Tower!"

A tall, cylindrical machine with various cannons and drones floating around its body and a large crimson eye on its top appeared in Attack Position.

Arcana Force XVI – The Tower ATK 2600→3300 DEF 2600 LVL: 7

"And since I control two "Arcana Force" monsters, I can Special Summon this card from my hand." Fortuna stated. "Descend now, Arcana Force XVII – The Star!"

A grey-skinned alien-like humanoid whose body was comprised of a large orb housing a creature resembling a parasite of some sort and sixteen large spires extending from it appeared on Fortuna's field next to her other monsters.

Arcana Force XVII – The Star ATK 2700→3400 DEF 2700 LVL: 7

"Well,…that might be a bit troublesome." Na'amah let out a crooked smile. "Three high-level monsters and all of them are stronger than Chaos King Archfiend."

"Their attack points aren't the only fearsome thing about them," Fortuna said. "Through my Field Spell's effect, all three of my monsters gain their heads effect. From there, I activate The Tower's effect, which allows me to inflict 300 points of damage for every "Arcana Force" monster I control. Prosperity Collapse!"

A lightning bolt suddenly struck Na'amah's body, causing a cry of pain to escape from her lips.

Na'amah: 1150→250 LP

"Furthermore, The Star's effect activates!" Fortuna continued. "Each time you receive damage from an "Arcana Force" monster, whether it's through battle or its effect, I gain an equal amount of Life Points. Saint Affection!"

The Star's core lit up, with Fortuna being surrounded by a white aura at the same time.

Fortuna: 1200→2100 LP

"Battle!" Fortunaa exclaimed. "The Tower, attack Chaos King Archfiend! And when The Tower battles an opponent's Monster, the battle damage from that battle is doubled! Rumbling Calamity!"

"I activate the Trap Card: Intrigue Shield and equip it to Chaos King Archfiend!" Na'amah exclaimed as a gold shield appeared in the Synchro Monster's right hand. It had a crest in the form of a pair of white horses with wings. "Now, as long as the equipped monster is in Attack Position, it can't be destroyed in battle once per turn, and I don't take any battle damage from battles with it!"

Following Na'amah's words, a small thunderstorm erupted on the field and struck Chaos King Archfiend, failing to destroy it.

"In that case, The Star will attack Chaos King Archfiend next!" Fortuna shouted. "Anomalous Bright!"

A barrage of beam blasts was unleashed from The Star's body, striking Chaos King Archfiend, destroying it in an explosion.

"Now, let's put an end to this once and for all," Fortuna said. "Arcana Force XVIII – The Moon, attack her directly! Lunatic Loom!"

"I activate the effect of Kuriboh in my hand!" Na'amah declared. "By discarding it, I take no battle damage!"

Following her words, a small brown fluffy monster with purple eyes appeared in front of her and received The Moon's attack, bursting into pieces as a result.

"That was really close…" Ginger let out a relieved sigh, but then her expression became serious. "Still, facing three monsters with over 3000 attack points is even more dangerous than facing one. If Na'amah doesn't find a way to get rid of it, it's game over for her."

"I place one card face-down and end my turn," Fortuna concluded. "Now then, can you overcome the obstacle that is right in front of you? Because as far as I'm concerned, you're still a puppet manipulated by the strings of destiny."

"Then I suppose I'll have to overcome both you and this destiny you're so fond of speaking of," Na'amah stated. "My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card: Foresight Draw! Through its effect, I'm forced to guess whether the top card of my Deck is a Monster, Spell or Trap Card. If I guess correctly, I get to draw five cards from my Deck. If I'm wrong, I have to send five cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard and skip my next Draw Phase. I declare that my top card is a Monster Card. Now, let's see if I was correct!"

Na'amah drew her top card and checked it, showing it to Fortuna and Ginger while smirking.

"It looks like my guess was correct, meaning I get to draw five cards from my Deck. Then, by discarding The Fabled Catsith from my hand, I can Special Summon The Fabled Nozoochee!"

A small, yellow serpent with a blue head crest and brown markings all over its body appeared. Latching onto it was a small blue imp with green eyes.

The Fabled Nozoochee ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"The Fabled Catsith's effect activates!" Na'amah continued. "Since it was discarded, I can destroy a face-up card on your field." She pointed at Fortuna's field. "I destroy your Realm of Fate!"

Sure enough, the Field Spell Card shattered.

Arcana Force XVIII – The Moon ATK 3500→2800

Arcana Force XVI – The Tower ATK 3300→2600

Arcana Force XVII – The Star ATK 3400→2700

"With your Field Spell gone, your monsters' attack points are back to normal," Na'amah said. "Furthermore, since I summoned Nozoochee through its effect, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower "Fabled" monster from my hand. Come forth, Fabled Miztoji!"

A short-winged demon resembling an old man holding a cane appeared, chuckling.

Fabled Miztoji ATK 400 DEF 200 LVL: 2

"And I'm far from finished!" Na'amah stated. "I activate the Spell Card: Plus Star 123! I target a Level 4 or below monster, then increase that monster's Level by up to 3! I target Miztoji and increase its Level by 2!"

Fabled Miztoji LVL: 2→4

"I now tune the Level 4 Fabled Miztoji with the Level 2 Fabled Nozoochee!"

A bolt of green lightning struck Na'amah, and the world greyed out before his two monsters disappeared into particles. Two rings, one yellow and one pink, appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower appeared as a screen displayed"4 + 2". The screen changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.

"Fiends of the demising light, awaken the giant of unseen light!" Na'amah chanted. "Let its fury crush its enemies! I Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Fabled Goliath!"

A gray-skinned muscular humanoid fiend cladded in black and gold armor wearing a crimson-colored mask emerged from the light in Attack Position. Two spiked gauntlets were attached to its forearms.

Fabled Goliath ATK 2300 DEF 1600 LVL: 6

"Celestial Bell Tower lets me draw one card from my Deck due to its effect," Na'amah stated. "Furthermore, there's Goliath's effect! It gains 200 attack points for each "Fabled" monster in my Graveyard! Right now… there are eleven "Fabled" monsters!" Fortuna's eyes widened as spectral images of said eleven Fabled monsters appeared beside Goliath. "So it gains 2200 attack points!"

Fabled Goliath ATK 2300→4500

"Moving on, I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial and use it to send Fabled Kushana from my Deck to the Graveyard. And with another "Fabled" monster in my Graveyard, Goliath's attack points increase once more!"

Fabled Goliath ATK 4500→4700

"My, that's a frightening amount of attack points," Fortuna noted. "You're really intent on deciding this on this turn, huh?"

"That's right, I'll settle everything right now!" Na'amah exclaimed. "Battle! Fabled Goliath, attack The Tower!"

"Since an "Arcana Force" monster I control is battling, I can activate the effect of Knight of Wands in my hand!" Fortuna declared. "It lets me Special Summon it in Defense Position!"

A small grey-skinned armored humanoid holding a staff and shield appeared on her field.

Knight of Wands ATK 1000 DEF 500 LVL: 3

"And if Knight of Wands is Special Summoned in that manner, I can activate its second effect depending on the result of the coin toss! If it lands on heads, it is destroyed, but I can pay half of my Life Points to reduce the damage to 0! If tails, I'll receive double damage from this battle!"

A coin appeared, spun, and landed on Blue-Eyes White Dragon, resulting in the monster's destruction. Immediately after, A golden-colored aura surrounded one of Goliath's gauntlets as it threw its fist forward, unleashing a wave of energy that pierced through The Sun's body, destroying it and sending Fortuna's body flying from the ensuing shockwave.

Fortuna: 2100→1050 LP

"It looks like I managed to survive once again, thanks to the blessings of fate," Fortuna smirked as she dusted herself off. "But to be honest, I never expected you would be able to overcome my formation."

"Serves you right for looking down on me." Na'amah pulled her tongue out at Fortuna. "I activate the Spell Card: Synchro Blast Wave! Since there's a Synchro Monster on my field, I can destroy one monster you control. I destroy The Moon!"

An energy blast erupted from Na'amah's Spell Card, destroying The Moon.

"I place a card face-down and end my turn."

"Then, it's my turn!" Fortuna announced. "I draw! I'll commend you for surviving the assault of my three Arcana Force monsters. However, your persistence, while admirable, is ultimately meaningless. Allow me to show you true despair. I summon Arcana Force II – The Priestess!"

A gray-skinned feminine humanoid with solid yellow eyes appeared, wearing a red-and-white dress, wrappings on her lower arms, and red disks at her waist and the sides of her head, holding up long gray hair.

Arcana Force II – The Priestess ATK 1200 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"The Priestess's effect activates! I toss a coin!" A coin appeared, spun, and landed on the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. "The result is heads, so I can Special Summon one "Arcana Force" monster from my Deck in Defense Position. The monster I will Special Summon is Arcana Force I – The Magician!"

A gray-skinned humanoid in gray and black clothes appeared.

Arcana Force I – The Magician ATK 1100→1600 DEF 1100 LVL: 4

"The Magician's effect activates!" Another coin appeared and spun around before landing on Red-Eyes. "The result is tails, but that's fine. Since there are three monsters on my field, I can Tribute them all to the Graveyard to Special Summon this card! From the farthest reaches of the cosmos, manifest onto this battlefield and spread your sacred light across this world! Appear, Arcana Force EX – The Light Ruler!"

A massive mechanical Monster with black-colored armor, which had two dragon heads emerging from its shoulders and a long tail where its legs should be, appeared on Takuma's field.

Arcana Force EX – The Light Ruler ATK 4000 DEF 4000 LVL: 10

"A Level 10 with 4000 attack points!?" Na'ama seemed shocked. "Is that your ace!?"

"One of them," Fortuna replied. "When The Light Ruler is summoned, its effect flips a coin." A coin appeared, spun and landed on Blue-Eyes. "I next activate the Spell Card: Suit of Sword V!" The card showed five silver swords with gold crossguards and black handles planted atop a hill. "With it, I target The Light Ruler and toss a coin." The coin reappeared and spun before landing on Blue-Eyes again. Fortuna chuckled. "This, more than anything, is proof that it is my destiny to win."

Na'amah's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Had Suit of Sword V landed on tails, The Light Ruler's attack points would have become 0, and if it were destroyed, I would take damage equal to its original attack points," Fortuna explained. "But because it landed on heads, The Light Ruler's attack points are now doubled, and it can make a second attack during the Battle Phase." Na'amah's eyes widened this time.

Arcana Force EX – The Light Ruler ATK 4000→8000

"As I told you before, you were only capable of postponing your fate in the end," Fortuna remarked. Battle! The Light Ruler, attack Fabled Goliath! Final Ray!"

The Light Ruler's two dragon heads opened their maws, unleashing two energy blasts that converged into a powerful energy wave that headed toward Goliath.

"Unfortunately, I won't let destiny overcome me so easily!" Na'amah exclaimed. "I activate the Trap Card: Synchro Barrier! By Tributing a Synchro Monster on my field, all damage I receive is reduced to 0 until the next turn's End Phase! I Tribute Goliath!"

Following Na'amah's words, Goliath turned into particles of light, which reformed into a green barrier in front of Na'amah, shielding her from The Light Ruler's blast.

"That was close…" Ginger let out a relieved sigh. "However, the situation is very disadvantageous for Na'amah as things stand. Unless she turns things around on her next turn, she'll…"

"You may have escaped me once again, but don't delude yourself into thinking you have any chance of winning," Fortuna said. "By discarding a card, I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Twin Twisters, destroying both your Continuous Spells!"

Two small twisters shot out of the Spell Card, striking Na'amah's cards and destroying them.

"And since the card I discarded was Cards of Compensation, I get to draw two cards due to its effect," Fortuna stated. "Finally, I place a card face-down and end my turn. Now then, if you have any more tricks for me, now is the time to show them. Don't hold back and come at me with all you've got."

"I don't need you to tell me that!" Na'amah said. "My turn! I draw! I'll start things with this. I activate the Spell Card: Underworld Synchro. Thanks to its effect, if my opponent controls more monsters than I do, I can destroy all monsters I control and perform a Synchro Summon by using monsters in my Graveyard as materials."

"What!?" Fortuna cried out in surprise. "Using monsters in your Graveyard as materials!?"

"I banish Fabled Ragin, Grimro, Lurrie and Raven to Synchro Summon!"

Following Na'amah's declaration, ghostly images of the four monsters appeared before becoming particles that reformed into four red circles. The circles turned blue before merging, forming twelve rings stacked in a tower, circled by blue-green rectangles. A screen displaying "2 + 1 + 4 + 5" appeared before changing to "12."

"Spread your twelve dark wings and guide the lost souls of the forgotten to their eternal doom!" Na'amah chanted. "I Synchro Summon! Manifest now, Level 12! Fabled Azrael!"

A humanoid fiend clad in gold and purple armor with twelve black angel wings protruding from its back, which held a large scythe, appeared on Na'amah's field.

Fabled Azrael ATK 3500 DEF 2800 LVL: 12

"Azrael's effect activates!" Na'amah shouted. "When Synchro Summoned, I can return up to three "Fabled" monsters from my Graveyard to my Deck. I choose Cerburrel. Then, I can destroy one card on your field for every monster I return to my Deck. I destroy The Light Ruler!"

Following Na'amah's words, Azrael shot two bolts of dark energy from its wings, destroying the designated cards.

"An impressive but ultimately futile gesture." Fortuna smiled. "Since The Light Ruler was destroyed, I can activate the Trap Card: Destiny Falling into Darkness!" The card showed Arcana Force EX - The Light Ruler battered on the ground as The Dark Ruler emerged from a portal in the sky, and the area grew dark. "This card lets me banish the destroyed The Light Ruler to Special Summon a new monster! Emerge from the shadows cast by the eternal light and strike down the fools who dare oppose you with the relentless fury of darkness! Manifest now, Arcana Force EX – The Dark Ruler!"

A massive black and red mechanical monster with a white underbelly appeared behind Fortuna. It had a hunched neck, with twin yellow eyes, three sharp claws on each arm, and a dragon head on a long neck protruding from each shoulder. One of the heads had bladed horns, the other bull horns.

Arcana Force EX – The Dark Ruler ATK 4000 DEF 4000 LVL: 10

"And due to the effect of my Trap Card, The Dark Ruler will have the same coin toss result as the banished The Light Ruler," Fortuna stated. "Therefore, its heads effect will apply." She narrowed her eyes at Na'amah. "No matter how much humans struggle, they cannot ever overcome the unsurpassable wall that is fate. But if it's any consolation, you fought really well."

"Fate this, fate that…" Na'amah said in a low voice before exploding. "Screw this! I refuse to be a puppet of destiny like you! Even if my current strength is not enough to overcome it, I will muster even more power and shatter fate with my own hands! I activate the Spell Card: Riryoku! Thanks to its effect, I can halve The Dark Ruler's attack points and give them to Fabled Azrael!"

Arcana Force EX – The Dark Ruler ATK 4000→2000

Fabled Azrael ATK 3500→5500

"Impossible!" Fortuna shouted in disbelief. "An attack of 5500!?"

"Go, Fabled Azrael!" Na'amah exclaimed. "Attack The Dark Ruler and put an end to Fortuna and her crooked destiny once and for all! Soul Harvester!"

Fabled Azrael brandished its large scythe and drove it into The Dark Ruler's body with all its strength, destroying it in a spectacular explosion that engulfed Fortuna and sent her crashing to the ground, losing consciousness as she did so.

Fortuna: 1050→0 LP

"All right!" Ginger thrust her fist into the air. "You did it! How did you like that!? Did your so-called fate foresee that? I bet it didn't!"

"Will you quit it with that already!?" Na'amah slapped Ginger's head with an irritated expression on her face. "If you have time to gloat, then use that time instead so that we can finish our mission and aid our comrades in putting an end to the Syndicate's abominable plans!"

"I know, I know…" Ginger groaned as she rubbed her head before pointing at the unconscious Fortuna. "What are we going to do with Miss ESP over here?"

"Leave her to me," Na'amah said as she surveyed her opponent's fallen form before extending a cable from her Duel Disk and connecting it to Fortuna's Duel Disk while pressing several buttons on her Duel Disk's screen.

"Come on, work your magic here." Na'amah impatiently tapped her foot. "Hopefully, the custom-made hacking program Storm Rider's friend made for us will pull through here."

After a few agonizing minutes, Na'amah's Duel Disk beeped. His eyes widened. "Yes!" she declared. She unplugged the cord, stood up and turned to Ginger. "Judging from the schematics, we're close to the lower levels of the Syndicate's fortress. Unfortunately, that means we're rather far from the throne room, which I assume is where the leader is. The shortest route involves us going back the way we came from and then using the passageway leading to the western wing located here to get to the throne room as soon as possible. The problem is, I have no idea who or what might be waiting for us down there."

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say," Ginger stated. "We won't gain anything by standing here and debating among ourselves. I suggest we move before they send more troops against us."

Na'amah nodded as she and Ginger turned around, leaving the room and the unconscious Fortuna behind.