Update

Because of this chapter, I've gone back to Chapter 12 to make some changes regarding Takeshi. If you look hard enough, you'll be able to find them.

Chapter 17: Rising Tides

"Are we there yet, Father?"

"Almost, Hitomu. Be patient."

Hitomu sighed with impatience in the backseat. Kenshin smiled as he looked in the rearview mirror. "If you want something to do, look out the window."

Hitomu did so and frowned. "I don't understand. What's so special about the ocean?"

"This is no ordinary ocean," Kenshin said. "This part of the ocean is called Stardust Road."

"Stardust Road?"

"Yeah. Every now and then, luminescent plankton gather beneath the surface. And at night, they make the ocean glow." Kenshin smiled again. "That's the reason your cousin Ryoken and his father built their house out here; to see the ocean in the starlight. It's a beautiful thing to see."

Hitomu got excited. "Do you think I'll get to see it?"

Kenshin chuckled. "I hope so, Hitomu. It's something definitely worth seeing."

Kenshin smiled to himself as he drove along the cliffs outside Den City. He was driving to his friend Ryoken's house. Ryoken wasn't actually Hitomu's cousin, but they'd spent enough time together he was considered honorary family.

After talking with Ryoken on the phone, they had agreed that Kenshin would stay at his place for the next week and a half until the Tower was completed. Kenshin would take Hitomu with him, but his mother's sister would come by soon to take him out to the country.

Kenshin wanted Hitomu to be as far away as possible when the Tower was deployed. He didn't want his son to share in the consequences of his and Ryoken's actions.

"Here we are," Kenshin said after a few minutes when the two reached Ryoken's house. It was one of the largest houses Kenshin had ever seen. Every time he visited, he couldn't help but wonder how Ryoken kept up the payments for it all these years.

When he pulled up to the front, father and son got out, Hitomu carrying a Kuriboh plushie. They walked up, but before they reached the door, Ryoken answered it.

The white-haired youth smiled at them. "It's been a while since we met in person, Kenshin," he said, his blue eyes friendly as he looked down. "Good to see you again, Hitomu."

"Cousin Ryoken!" Hitomu said, running up to Ryoken and hugging him. Ryoken kneeled down so he could hug him back. "Father said the ocean sometimes glows. Is that true?"

"Yeah, it is," Ryoken said, chuckling to himself. "It only happens at nighttime though. And it is very beautiful to see."

"Will it happen tonight?"

"I don't know. It only happens rarely." After saying that, Ryoken led the way into his home.

Once inside, Ryoken pointed to some stairs. "Your room is up there, Hitomu. Why don't you go check it out? I have some business to discuss with your father."

Hitomu looked at Kenshin, who nodded. Hitomu ran for the stairs and leapt up them, two at a time.

"I'm sorry for imposing on you like this," Kenshin said.

"It's no imposition," Ryoken said. "When is his aunt coming?"

"Maria will come by either tomorrow or the day after," Kenshin said. "She'll pick him up then. I don't want him to be in Den City when the Tower ascends."

Ryoken frowned. "You don't have to stay here, Kenshin," he said. "You can go to the country with your son too. Spectre and I can protect the Tower by ourselves. And Aso and Kyoko would both feel better knowing you're safe."

Kenshin smiled. "I know. That's why I have to see this through. For their sakes. And… I have a promise to keep."

Ryoken raised an eyebrow. "A promise?"

"After our duel, I promised Morningstar that I would answer his questions the next time we met," Kenshin explained. "He'll try to stop the Tower just like Playmaker will. That will be the perfect time."

Kenshin didn't plan on telling Ryoken he knew who Morningstar was; it would only serve as a distraction. More than that, his conflict with Morningstar felt personal. He didn't to involve Ryoken in it.

Ryoken frowned. "You are right that Morningstar and Playmaker will try to stop the Tower. But they won't be the only ones."

"No," Kenshin agreed. "Since they defeated Dr. Genome and Baira, I imagine Go Onizuka and Blue Angel will involve themselves as well. And given his disposition, Galahad will likely try to fight us, too."

"You, me, and Spectre against the five of them…" Ryoken mused. "Do you think anyone else might try to stop us?"

"I don't know about stopping us, but I suspect Lilith will show up," Kenshin said. "She'll probably want revenge against me for turning her into an Another."

Ryoken smirked. "So six opponents between the three of us. I can't say I like those odds. Or have you finished repairing that AI duelist of yours?"

"Not yet, but it should be done before the Tower is deployed. Even so, it's nothing more than a deterrent; it will only slow them down. In the meantime, I actually found someone who I think could help us."

Ryoken frowned. "Who?"

Yasutake glanced at the empty seat next to him. Masako usually sat there, but she was absent today. He had received an email from her saying she was sick, but she hadn't been specific, and he hadn't asked. Either way, he was sitting by himself today.

"Himura isn't here today?"

Or at least he had been. Aoi got up from her seat and took Masako's. They were having a free study period right now.

"No," Yasutake said. "I take it you don't know why?"

"No," Aoi said, shaking her head. "You?"

Yasutake looked at her through half-lidded eyes. "If I did, would I be asking you?"

"…Fair point." Aoi looked down at her tablet and frowned.

"…Why are you asking?" Yasutake said, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Do the two of you talk often?"

"…Not often," Aoi said. "Just little things. Homework, hobbies, that sort of thing. She… said she wanted to be my friend."

"…Huh," Yasutake finally said. He didn't really know what else to say to that.

They sat in silence for the next few minutes before Aoi broke it again, looking at her tablet. "This is interesting."

"What is?"

She held the tablet up so Yasutake could see. He raised an eyebrow as he read it out loud.

"'In order to celebrate the end of Hanoi's threat to LINK VRAINS, SOL Technologies is organizing a Challenge Duel between two of the Top 10 Charisma Duelists?'" He looked from the tablet to Aoi. "Does it say which of the Top 10?"

Aoi shook her head. "No. But…" She lowered her voice so they couldn't be overheard. "I haven't received any emails or requests about this, so I'm guessing Blue Angel isn't participating."

She was probably right; SOL wouldn't have announced the event unless they were certain of the participants. But the first part…

"A Challenge Duel?" Yasutake reread. "I've never heard of that kind of duel before. What is it?"

Aoi frowned in thought. "Basically, it's a duel where one of the duelists is experiencing some sort of handicap. Like they start with fewer Life Points, or fewer cards in their hand, or they can't play certain kinds of cards. Though that last one gets tricky."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you can't just ask a person to take the cards out of their Deck; most people only have 40 cards, so removing one means they can't duel. Oftentimes, they are told not to use certain monsters from the Extra Deck."

Yasutake frowned. "How do you know about these kinds of Duels?"

Aoi lowered her voice again. "Challenge Duels are an invention among the Charisma Duelists. A way to make matches more exciting for the audience by restricting a player's movements and forcing them to adapt. Among the Top 10, the one with a handicap is usually the one with a lower ranking, and the handicap is chosen by the person with the higher ranking. For example, if Blue Angel and Go Onizuka had a Challenge Duel, Blue Angel, in the #2 spot, would experience a handicap."

"Huh," Yasutake said, continuing to frown. "You said they are told not to use certain Extra Deck monsters. Does that mean if they do use them, they automatically lose?"

"No…" Aoi frowned again. "To be honest, that particularly rule is ill-defined. But among the Top 10, it has to do with rankings."

"Meaning…?"

"Say you accept a Challenge Duel with the condition being you can't Special Summon any monsters from the Extra Deck. You can still do it; they won't stop the duel. But you lose credibility in doing so, and in official matches like the one scheduled for tonight, if you break the handicap, you won't advance in the ranks."

Yasutake understood where she was going. "So, if Blue Angel and Go dueled, and she had a handicap but broke it, she would remain #2 even if she won?"

"Basically, yes." Aoi frowned at her tablet. "I wonder who it will be. To be honest, I'm not that familiar with the other members of the Top 10."

Yasutake could see why: Despite her dueling persona, Blue Angel was a very private person.

"I'm only familiar with Go Onizuka, Blue Angel, and Galahad," he said. "They're ranked #1, #2, and #5, right? So who are #3 and #4?"

"I can't say. I've never met #3 or #4 in person, but I've heard about them. #3 is a woman nicknamed 'The Traveler' and #4 is a man known as 'The Mariner.'"

"'The Traveler' and 'The Mariner?' Are those their avatar names?"

"No, they're just their nicknames. Like Blue Angel is known as 'The Idol of LINK VRAINS.'" She smiled as she lowered her voice again. "Or Morningstar is known as 'The Devil of LINK VRAINS.'"

Yasutake scowled. "I suspect Morningstar has mixed feelings about that name." He turned back to his own tablet. "If nothing else, this Challenge Duel should be interesting to watch."

"Yeah. Two interesting things in one day."

"Two?" Yasutake turned back to Aoi. "What's the second?"

She blinked in surprise at him. "Didn't you pay attention to the teacher earlier? Some students from Den University are stopping by to talk to some of the classes."

Den University? If Yasutake remembered right, that was the local college here in Den City. Most students who graduated from Den Academy ended up going there.

"What are they going to lecture about?"

"No idea. Probably some pre-college courses or finance issues some students have."

Yasutake filed that information away in his brain. He hadn't thought too much about higher education, but he imagined Cam would want him to at least consider it. And who knew? These college students might be worth listening to.

Yasutake walked down the steps outside of Den Academy. It was break period right now, so he decided to sit outside and think.

Evidently, he wasn't the only one who thought of that; Yusaku was also outside, sitting on a bench. Remembering something Terminus had said, Yasutake headed to join Yusaku.

"Hello."

Yusaku looked up as Yasutake approached. "Hello," he said. "Did you want something?"

Yasutake sat down next to Yusaku. He noticed that Yusaku wasn't wearing his Duel Disk. Either Ai was in his bag on the ground, or he had left him with Kusanagi.

"Did you encounter a Knight of Hanoi over the weekend?"

Yusaku narrowed his eyes. "Yes. A man named Faust. I'm guessing you also faced Hanoi?"

Yasutake nodded. "Terminus."

"The one who forced Galahad to duel you," Yusaku remembered. "You're here, so I assume you won?"

"It was a draw, actually," Yasutake said, to Yusaku's surprise. "He's still out there. What about Faust?"

"Purged," Yusaku said, frowning. "But… I'm more concerned about something else."

"What?"

Yusaku told him about Naoki getting ahold of Cyberse Wizard and then Faust kidnapping him to lure Yusaku out.

Yasutake narrowed his eyes. "Shima couldn't have gotten your card on his own. Did you send it to him?"

"I didn't," Yusaku said, shaking his head. "At first, I thought Faust had somehow given it to Shima, but he denied it. And I believe he was telling the truth. And aside from Faust, there's only one other who could have sent Cyberse Wizard to Shima."

Yasutake's eyes widened. "Ai? You think it would do that?"

"I initially didn't consider it. But Ai is the only one other than me who had access to my Deck."

Yasutake frowned. He could understand the logic of Ai's plan: use Naoki to lure Faust out so they could face him. Still, using others as pawns… that wasn't something Yasutake wanted to condone.

Before he could say anything else, someone shouted at the top of their lungs, "I'M BACK, DEN ACADEMY!"

The two freshmen turned and blinked at the guy who just appeared. If Yasutake had to guess, he was about 20, with the body of an athlete. Dark blue spiky hair framed a handsome face. His ice blue eyes looked out over the Den Academy campus. Yasutake also noted he wore the Den University uniform under a dark blue sweatshirt. And the guy wasn't alone.

"Geeze. Do you have to announce yourself everywhere you go, Ichiyanagi?"

The speaker was a tall girl standing behind him, her amethyst eyes looking at him with a bored expression. Her long silver hair, which was tied back in a ponytail, reached all the way down to her waist. Like Ichiyanagi, she wore the Den University uniform, though she lacked a coat.

"Oh lighten up, Kurosaki," Ichiyanagi said, smiling at her. "This is our alma mater. And we're here to give our advice to the students here. Besides, I'm famous here." He turned and noticed Yasutake and Yusaku. "Isn't that right, freshmen? You know who I am, right?"

All the two teenagers could do was blink.

"There you are."

Everyone turned as Takeshi walked down the steps and smiled at Ichiyanagi and Kurosaki. "I was wondering when you would arrive."

"Oh?" Ichiyanagi said, raising an eyebrow. "And who are you?"

Takeshi tensed up, then relaxed, his left eye twitching. "You've never met me before," he said in a low voice. "And you graduated when I was a freshman. It makes sense you wouldn't know me." He cleared his throat, then said, "I'm Takeshi Akino, senior and Student Council President here at Den Academy." He then noticed Yasutake and Yusaku sitting nearby. "Oh hey, Fujiki. Narahiko. What are you two doing out here?"

"Thinking," Yusaku answered. He looked at the two college students. "Who…?"

Takeshi raised an eyebrow. "You didn't hear? We're getting visited by students from Den University today." He gestured to the two people standing next to him. "Allow me to introduce Ibuki Ichiyanagi, sophomore at Den University and the former soccer captain here at Den Academy."

"Yo!" Ibuki said, smiling at them. Yasutake and Yusaku just stared at him.

"And the pretty girl next to him is Katsumi Kurosaki," Takeshi continued. "Freshman at Den University and one of the smartest people you'll ever meet."

"I doubt that, President Akino," Katsumi said, her face expressionless. "You should know we aren't the only students coming; a few more will be coming later in the day."

Takeshi nodded. "Then I'll make sure to greet them. But I do need the two of you to come with me. The Student Council needs to go over the schedule with both of you."

"Aww," Ibuki said, looking disappointed. "I wanted to visit the soccer field, see how the team is doing. Maybe visit the trophy case to look over my past awards, flirt with a few pretty seniors…"

Katsumi pinched his cheek. "We're here to speak to the student body about college," she said. "Not flirt with them."

"That hurts… that hurts, Kurosaki…"

Takeshi chuckled. "Come on, I'll take you to the Student Council." He turned and went back into the building with Ibuki and Katsumi following him.

"Huh," Yasutake said, frowning. "Kurosaki…"

"You know her?" Yusaku asked.

"I've never met her, but I've heard that name before. Hang on…" He pulled out his tablet and searched for Katsumi Kurosaki. When he found what he was looking for, his eyes widened.

"Huh. Not bad." He turned to Yusaku. "That girl's only 17. She graduated two years early at the top of her class. Her scores are among the best in Den Academy's history. She was also a member of the Duel Club and Chess Club. She took the latter to the National Championship and won."

"…So how do you know her?"

"The Duel Club President mentioned her once." Yasutake frowned. "That girl is a genius. Definitely not someone to take lightly."

"And Ichiyanagi?"

Yasutake shook his head. "Never heard of him."

After meeting with the Student Council, Ibuki went to speak at a sophomore class about finances. Or at least, that was what he said he was going to do. If Katsumi was to be believed, he was probably going to speak to them about sports.

Katsumi herself would head to speak to a senior class, but there was something she had to discuss with Takeshi first.

Once they were alone, Takeshi looked out the window and smiled. "It's been a while, hasn't it, Katsumi?"

Katsumi, who had locked the door, came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. "Yeah, it has, Takeshi," she said emotionally. "I've missed you. How… how is Eiji?"

"Better," Takeshi said, turning around so he could look at her. "Or, he will be. There's a new treatment that they're going to try. If it succeeds, then Eiji will never have to worry about this illness ever again. If it doesn't…"

Katsumi smiled as she brought her hands up to either side of his face. "The treatment will work. Eiji's strong. And he has a great big brother to watch out for him."

She leaned in and kissed him. Takeshi's brain felt like it was melting. She'd kissed him many times before, but he never got used to the sensation. He hoped he never would.

He and Katsumi had been dating for over a year, before she graduated early and started attending Den University. It was because of her and Eiji that he had become Galahad. His desire to save his brother's life, and his desire to be worthy of this wonderful girl.

Once their lips parted, Takeshi smiled at her. "I'm glad to see college hasn't changed you too much. Though… do any of your classmates know about us?"

Katsumi shook her head. "I haven't told anyone. And… I don't plan on telling. Not for a while. I want you all to myself."

When he and Katsumi had started going out, they decided to keep it a secret. Takeshi had only been the Vice President of the Student Council then, but he had several duties, and she had been an important member of the Duel Club and the President of the Chess Club. Most of their activities were already in the public sphere. The two of them wanted something private, just between them.

Katsumi suddenly frowned. "I wanted to ask about something. I heard about the Challenge Duel later today. I didn't receive an invitation, but I was wondering…"

Takeshi nodded. "Yeah. I'm one of the participants. And I'm dueling #4."

Katsumi's brow furrowed. "#4," she muttered. "Fatumare. The Mariner. He's a tough opponent."

"So am I."

Katsumi's frown deepened. "Don't take this lightly, Takeshi. I know there are some Charisma Duelists who were given their spots in the Top 10 by SOL, but Fatumare isn't one of them. I am not one of them."

Takeshi frowned back. "I know, Katsumi. Believe me, I am taking this seriously. If I win this duel, I'll advance in the rankings to #4. One step closer to you, #3."

"Yes. And then we'll duel. And we'll see which of us can complete our dream."

"To be #1," Takeshi remembered. "To become the best duelists in LINK VRAINS. I haven't forgotten our promise."

Katsumi smiled at him. "I know. We both joined LINK VRAINS to become stronger. And we will." She kissed him again, albeit much slower. Both of them wanted this moment to last forever.

But eventually, it had to end. Katsumi parted from him and said, "I have to be at a classroom in a few minutes to talk about entrance exams. I'll come by your place after your duel?"

Takeshi smiled at her as he walked to the table in the center of the room and started picking up papers. "I'd like that. But would you mind paying Eiji a visit this afternoon? I know he would like to see you."

Katsumi smiled back. "I will. I haven't seen him for a while myself." She unlocked the door and left the room.

Takeshi smiled to himself. That girl… Katsumi was one of the few good things that had happened to him in the last few years. When he first met her, he had been blown away by her intelligence and beauty. She seemed almost unapproachable. More than a few guys who hit on her were victims of her sharp tongue. Takeshi hadn't been one of them; he had always been too nervous.

He still remembered the first time they talked; he had been outside, watching the soccer team practice. He didn't play himself; student government and taking care of Eiji kept him busy. Katsumi had approached him and started a conversation. He had been surprised, to say the least. The smartest and one of the most beautiful students in Den Academy stopped to talk to him. And that was only the first time. Later, she would talk to him at lunch or when classes ended, usually under the pretense of business between her clubs and the Student Council.

Eventually, he learned there was more to Katsumi than just her looks and smarts. Because so many people found her intimidating, both in demeanor and skills, she hadn't made any real friends at Den Academy. She had seen Takeshi, who seemed to get along with everyone, and decided to try and befriend him. And once she did, she realized that she had developed feelings for him. When he asked her out, she had said yes immediately.

Takeshi was pretty sure he loved Katsumi, but… he had to admit he understood people's jealousy of her. Her natural talent seemed to work better than others' hard work. He remembered that when she led the Chess Club, more than one member had quit because they couldn't keep up with her. Takeshi himself sometimes felt he couldn't measure up to Katsumi. When the two of them joined LINK VRAINS, he had ended up in 5th place while she ended up in 3rd. He didn't resent her for her success, but it did make him feel unworthy of her.

That was why he wanted to win this Challenge Duel he'd been offered. To get closer to her, closer to the top. No matter what handicap he faced in this duel, he would overcome it. For himself, and to be worthy of the Traveler.

"Everyone! Are you fired up?" In the public viewing plaza, the MC shouted into his microphone before the large crowd that had gathered. "I hope so, because there is a very special show for you tonight in LINK VRAINS! To celebrate the defeat of Hanoi, SOL Technologies has announced a Challenge Duel between two of the Top 10 Charisma Duelists!"

"A Challenge Duel?" Yusaku asked. He was sitting in front of Café Nagi, a hot dog in his hands and his Duel Disk on his arm.

"That's what he said," Kusanagi, who was inside grilling hotdogs, answered him. "Those kinds of duels aren't very common outside of the Charisma Duelists."

"But what kind of duel is it, Kusanagi?"

"Basically, a duel where one of them suffers a handicap, usually the lower ranked duelist. Lower Life Points, less cards in their hands, being unable to summon certain monsters, that sort of thing."

"The whole thing is meant to make the duel more exciting."

Yusaku looked up as Yasutake and Cam walked over to his table. Cam smiled at Yusaku.

"Hey. I'm Cameron Junpei, but please call me Cam. You must be Fujiki, right?"

Yusaku nodded. "What are you two doing here?"

"Café Junpei is closed today," Yasutake answered. "And Cam wanted a hotdog. So we figured we'd watch the duel here."

"That, and I invited them," Kusanagi said, looking up from his grill. "I thought it would be nice to share a meal with friends."

Yusaku raised an eyebrow. Friends? Was that what these two were? He didn't know if he considered them friends, but Kusanagi obviously did.

"Hey, don't forget me!"

Everyone looked at the purple figure that emerged from Yusaku's Duel Disk. "I was with Kusanagi when he sent the invite," Ai said. "Did you bring what he asked for?"

Cam smirked. "Oh yeah, I brought it." He took a picture out of his picket and held it in front of Ai. "This is me kicking Kitamura out of Café Junpei."

Ai laughed at the picture. "Oh, it's just as good as I thought it would be! Please tell me you have more!"

"I think I might have a recording somewhere," Cam said, putting the picture back in his pocket. "I'll send it to Kusanagi."

"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for!"

The four people and one AI looked at the center television as the MC spoke again.

"The Challenge Duel will begin shortly. First, we have the challenger! While he started out as an unknown and people still seem to have a problem remembering him, he is without a doubt one of the best young duelists out there today! Ladies and gentlemen, the Knight of LINK VRAINS and ranked #5 of the Top 10, Galahad!"

The screen showed the central LINK VRAINS hub, where Galahad stood on one side of a skyscraper with an annoyed expression.

"What do you mean people can't seem to remember me!?" he shouted at the camera, which made the audience laugh. "Why is that part of my introduction!?"

"Akino seems rather sensitive to people not remembering him," Yusaku noted.

"At this point, I'm starting to think I'm not the only one doing it on purpose," Yasutake said.

"And now, we have the defender!" the MC continued. "He has faced challenge after challenge and overcame each obstacle in his way to ascend to the #4 rank. He is the master of the ocean, the unstoppable tide! He is the Mariner of LINK VRAINS! Ladies and gentlemen, Fatumare!"

A person wearing a large blue-green cloak appeared opposite Galahad. He quickly tore the cloak off, revealing a tall, tan-skinned young man. He had curly black hair that went to the nape of his neck and an impressive beard and mustache. He didn't wear a shirt, exposing an impressive musculature that would make Go jealous. From the waist down, he wore dark blue pants and boots that looked like they were made of fish scales. From the waist up, he only wore similarly designed shoulder pads and a bandolier. On his arms were dark blue gauntlets, each bearing an image of a gold trident.

Fatumare's ocean green eyes seemed to glow as he raised an arm. "Denizens of LINK VRAINS!" he shouted. "Today, I, Fatumare, will face off against Galahad!" He turned his gaze on Galahad. "Tell me, Galahad; do you really think a Knight can challenge a God?"

"God?" Yusaku repeated, frowning. "Is he that full of himself?"

"He seems to have based his avatar off of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea," Cam noted. "Maybe that's what he's referring to?"

Galahad smirked. "God or not, no challenge is too great for a Knight of Justice," he said. "I have faced the Devil himself; I am not afraid of God!"

Yasutake sweatdropped. "Does he have to be this dramatic?" Sadly, no one answered him.

Fatumare smiled at Galahad. "You are not afraid? Well then, perhaps you will change your tune when I tell you the condition for our Challenge Duel?"

Galahad narrowed his eyes. "It does not matter what my handicap is. Fewer Life Points, fewer cards in my hand, I will still emerge victorious!"

Fatumare laughed. "You think that is the handicap I chose? I have no interest in defeating someone weaker than myself. No…" His smile turned into a smirk. "I want to defeat you at your best. Which is why I chose a condition that will bother you the least of all the Charisma Duelists."

He pointed at Galahad dramatically. "Galahad! For our Challenge Duel, your handicap is that you cannot summon Link Monsters!"

"Oh!" the MC commented. "A duel where Galahad cannot use Link Monsters!? For most duelists, including the Top 2, such a handicap would be crushing!"

"But for Galahad, it's perfect," Cam said. "Since he uses Fusion, Ritual, Synchro, and Xyz Monsters alongside Link Monsters, such a ruling won't impact him too much."

Galahad smiled. "Are you sure that's the one you want? It will weaken me a little, but not enough to slow me down."

"That's why I chose it," Fatumare said. "Like I said, I wish to defeat you at your best. So, Galahad, do you accept my challenge?"

Galahad pointed dramatically at Fatumare. "I do! I will defeat you without using Link Monsters! And God will fall before man!"

"So this challenge means Galahad can't summon any Link Monsters?" Yusaku asked.

"Technically, no," Yasutake answered. "He can summon Link Monsters if he wants, but if he does so, he loses credibility, and if he wins, he won't advance in the ranks. He'll win the battle, but he'll lose the war."

The two duelists rode the data stream, with Fatumare riding a dark blue D-Board with green fins and a trident design in the center.

"Speed Duel!" they shouted.

Fatumare: 4000 LP

Galahad: 4000 LP

"As the defendant, I shall take the first turn!" Fatumare declared. "Prepare to face the servants of the ocean! I summon Mermail Abysspike!" A merman with blonde hair wearing light blue armor appeared on Fatumare's field.

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1600 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Abysspike's monster effect! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can discard one Water monster and add one Level 3 Water monster from my Deck to hand. I discard Mermail Abysshilde to add Mermail Abyssnerei from my Deck to my hand."

After doing so, Fatumare said, "I activate the effect of the Abysshilde in my Graveyard! Because it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Mermail' monster from my hand. Come forth, Mermail Abysslung in Defense Position!" Another merman, this one with red hair, wearing black and silver armor and two massive black and gold arm shields, appeared alongside Abysspike.

Mermail Abysslung ATK 1200 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"Abysslung's monster effect!" Fatumare continued. "While it is face-up on the field, all Water monsters I control gain 300 attack points!"

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1600→1900

Mermail Abysslung ATK 1200→1500

"I activate the Spell Card: Mermail Gift!" The card showed Abysshilde opening a small box shining with light. "Since I control 2 or more 'Mermail' monsters, I can perform a second Normal Summon this turn. And if I happen to summon a 'Mermail' monster, I can draw one card. I summon Mermail Abyssnerei!" A mermaid with long white hair wearing dark blue armor appeared on his field.

Mermail Abyssnerei ATK 1200→1500 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"Since Abyssnerei is a 'Mermail' monster, I draw one card due to Mermail Gift's effect!" After Fatumare drew, he smiled. "It is time to take this duel to the next level! Appear, the circuit of the deepest ocean!"

Fatumare's hand glowed blue as the Link portal appeared above him. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are two Fish, Sea Serpent, and/or Aqua monsters! I set Abyssnerei and Abysspike in the Link Markers!" His two monsters became whirlwinds of blue energy that entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows, turning them red.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Mermail Abyssalacia!" A woman with purple hair wearing purple armor and carrying a golden staff appeared, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Mermail Abyssalacia ATK 1600→1900 LINK-2 ↙↘

"It doesn't exactly seem fair that Fatumare can Link Summon without penalties and Galahad can't," Ai said.

"That's the point of a Challenge Duel," Cam told the AI. "To make the duel more exciting and to see if they can overcome such a handicap."

"Abyssnerei's monster effect!" Fatumare declared. "Since this card was sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can draw then discard one card." He did so, then said, "I discarded Mermail Abyssgunde. And when Abyssgunde is discarded, I can Special Summon one 'Mermail' monster from my Graveyard. Return to me, Abysspike!"

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1600→1900 DEF 800 LVL: 4

Fatumare gestured to his Link Monster. "Abyssalacia's monster effect! Any monster that it points to gains 500 attack and defense points. Abyssalacia points to Abysslung!"

Mermail Abysslung ATK 1500→2000 DEF 1800→2300

"I end my turn," Fatumare said.

"Amazing!" The MC shouted. "Fatumare not only managed to Link Summon, but also summon two more monsters!"

"That won't stop Galahad," Yasutake said.

"My turn! Draw!" Galahad looked at his cards and smirked. Even if he couldn't Link Summon, he would still win. The card he drew just made that clearer.

"Since you control a monster and I do not, I can Special Summon Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight!" The blue-armored knight riding a yellow dragon appeared on Galahad's field in Attack Position.

Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"And since you control more monsters than I do, I can Normal Summon Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight!" A blue-armored knight carrying blue lances and riding a purple horse appeared alongside Lord Gaia.

Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

Before Galahad could make his next move, Fatumare spoke up. "Abyssalacia's monster effect!" he declared. "During your turn, I can discard one card to add one 'Mermail' monster from my Deck to my hand. I discard Mermail Abyssmegalo and add Mermail Abysslinde from my Deck to my hand."

Galahad smirked. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Charge of the Fierce Knight! With this card, if I perform a Fusion, Link, Synchro, or Xyz Summon using at least one 'Gaia the Fierce Knight' monster as Material, I can draw two cards."

Yasutake narrowed his eyes. "He has two Level 7 monsters," he noted. "That means…"

"Appear, the network of champions!" Galahad's hand glowed yellow as the galaxy portal appeared in the sky above the duelists. "Materials confirmed! The summoning conditions are two Level 7 monsters! I overlay the Level 7 Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight and Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight!" The two monsters became streams of purple and orange energy respectively and entered the portal. A pillar of light erupted from the center of the portal.

"Xyz Summon! Take flight! Rank 7! Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger!" The red armored knight riding the red mechanical dragon appeared, summoned to Galahad's Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position, circled by two green orbs.

Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger ATK 2600 DEF 2100 RNK: 7 OU: 2

"Oh ho! An Xyz Summon! Even without Link Summoning, Galahad is clearly a powerful duelist!"

"Because I used Arisen Gaia and Lord Gaia to Xyz Summon, Charge of the Fierce Knight's effect activates," Galahad said. "And I draw two cards." He did so, then said, "I Set one card."

Galahad gestured to his field. "Battle! Gaia Dragon, attack Abyssalacia! Double Lance Strike!" Gaia Dragon charged Abyssalacia, but Abysslung got in the way.

As Gaia Dragon's lance struck Abysslung's shields, Fatumare smirked. "Sorry, but Abyssalacia is not going anywhere!" he declared. "So long as Abysslung is on my field, you cannot target any other Water monster for an attack!"

Galahad smirked. "I figured you would have an effect like that," he said, surprising Fatumare. "Which is why it's fortune for me that when Gaia Dragon attacks a Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage!"

Fatumare's eyes widened as Gaia Dragon destroyed Abysslung. The backlash from the explosion stung Fatumare, making him wince.

Fatumare: 4000→3700 LP

"And the Knight of LINK VRAINS has drawn first blood!" the MC commented. "How will Fatumare respond?"

Fatumare grit his teeth. "Because Abysslung is no longer on the field, Abyssalacia and Abysspike lose their attack bonus."

Mermail Abyssalacia ATK 1900→1600

Mermail Abysspike ATK 1900→1600

"Not bad, Galahad," he then said. "But your damage was but a prick in the finger. How will you topple a god like that?"

"With this!" Galahad said, selecting a new card. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Pursuit of the Fiend! Since my Xyz Monster destroyed a Defense Position monster, I can detach all of Gaia Dragon's Overlay Units. And then it can make a second attack!"

Fatumare's eyes widened. "What?" The green orbs circling Gaia Dragon burst as the monster roared.

"I then activate the effect of Charge of the Fierce Knight!" Galahad continued. "By sending this card to the Graveyard, I can change your monster's battle position! I change Abysspike to Defense Position!"

Fatumare grit his teeth. "So he's going for maximum damage."

"Battle! Gaia Dragon, attack Abysspike!" Gaia Dragon charged Abysspike as Galahad continued speaking. "And as before, Gaia Dragon inflicts piercing battle damage! Double Lance Strike!" Gaia Dragon's lance pierced Abysspike, destroying it. Fatumare swerved from the backlash of Galahad's attack.

Fatumare: 3700→1900 LP

"I end my turn," Galahad said as Gaia Dragon returned to his side.

"Amazing!" the MC shouted. "In just one turn, Galahad depleted over half of Fatumare's Life Points! Can the Mariner come back from a devastating setback?"

Fatumare laughed. "Impressive! So this is the strength of a Knight? Certainly, it is more than I expected." He smirked as he looked back at Galahad. "But now it is God's turn to strike. Prepare yourself, Galahad! My turn! Draw!"

Looking at his card, Fatumare said, "I activate the Spell Card: Cards of the Abyss!" The card showed Great White and Skull Kraken falling into a bottomless abyss. "With this card, I can shuffle up to three Water monsters in my Graveyard back into my Deck. Then, I can draw an equal number of cards. I shuffle the Abyssgunde, Abyssnerei, and Abysspike in my Graveyard back into my Deck, then draw three cards."

Fatumare drew and smirked. These would do nicely. "I summon Mermail Abysslinde!" A blue-haired mermaid wearing red armor appeared on his field.

Mermail Abysslinde ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"And now I activate the effect of the Mermail Abyssnerei in my hand!" he declared. "By discarding it and targeting a Water monster I control, I can destroy another Water monster in my hand or on my field and increase the first monster's attack and defense points by the destroyed monster's attack points until the end of the turn. I destroy Abysslinde to increase Abyssalacia's attack points by 1500!" Abysslinde shattered as Abyssalacia glowed.

Mermail Abyssalacia ATK 1600→3100

"Abysslinde's monster effect!" Fatumare continued. "If she destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one 'Mermail' monster from my Deck. I summon Mermail Abyssdine in Attack Position!" A little girl mermaid with pink hair and blue armor appeared on his field.

Mermail Abyssdine ATK 1000 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Abyssdine's monster effect! When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a 'Mermail' monster, I can Special Summon one Level 3 or lower 'Mermail' monster in my Graveyard. Return to me, Abyssnerei in Attack Position!"

Mermail Abyssnerei ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

"And now, I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn to bring back Abysslinde in Attack Position!" Abysslinde reappeared, summoned to Abyssalacia's bottom-left Link Marker.

Mermail Abysslinde ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"Because Abyssalacia points to Abysslinde, Abysslinde gains 500 attack and defense points!"

Mermail Abysslinde ATK 1500→2000 DEF 1200→1700

"Why would he summon so many monsters?" Ai asked. "None of them are strong enough to defeat Gaia Dragon. Oh! Is he going to Link Summon?"

"No," Yusaku said, narrowing his eyes.

"All three of those monsters are Level 3," Yasutake said.

Fatumare gestured above him. "Appear! The network of the deepest ocean!" His hand glowed yellow as the galaxy portal appeared above them. "Materials confirmed! The summoning conditions are three Level 3 monsters! I overlay the Level 3 Abyssdine, Abysslinde, and Abyssnerei!" His three monsters all became streams of blue energy that entered the portal. A pillar of light erupted from said portal.

"Xyz Summon! Surface! Rank 3! Mermail Abysstrite!" This mermaid has the tail of a dolphin and wore elaborate purple armor. A golden crown sat atop her purple hair and she carried a golden scepter. She smiled as she was summoned to Abyssalacia's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position, circled by three blue lights.

Mermail Abysstrite ATK 1600 DEF 2800 RNK: 3 OU: 3

"And as before, Abysstrite gains 500 attack and defense points because Abyssalacia points to it!"

Mermail Abysstrite ATK 1600→2100 DEF 2800→3300

"Oh! Fatumare has Xyz Summoned as well! Xyz vs. Xyz! This duel is becoming even more amazing!"

"Huh," Galahad said, impressed. "I wasn't expecting you to Xyz Summon. I thought you would only Link Summon."

Fatumare smiled back at Galahad. "It is true I don't often use Xyz Summoning. But ever since your duel with Morningstar, there has been renewed interest in the older summoning methods. You shouldn't be surprised if your opponents start using Xyz, Synchro, Fusion, or even Ritual Summoning now."

"Renewed interest?" Galahad muttered. "Because of me? I would have thought it would be because of her…"

"I activate the Spell Card: Xyz Treasure Ticket!" Fatumare said, interrupting Galahad's thoughts. "This card lets me draw cards equal to the Rank of a Rank 4 or lower Xyz Monster I control. Abysstrite is Rank 3, so I can draw three cards!"

He drew, then said, "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Abyss-scale of the Mizuchi! And I equip it to Abysstrite!" Abysstrite's armor changed color to white and green. "The monster equipped with Mizuchi gains 800 attack points!"

Mermail Abysstrite ATK 2100→2900

Yasutake narrowed his eyes. "One monster with 3100 attack points and another with 2900 attack points… Not good."

"I Set one card," Fatumare said, then he gestured to Abyssalacia. "Battle! Abyssalacia, attack Gaia Dragon!" Abyssalacia lifted her scepter in the air then pointed it at Gaia Dragon. A blast of water erupted from the scepter and struck Gaia Dragon, which cried out as it was destroyed. Galahad winced from the damage.

Galahad: 4000→3500 LP

"If he attacks directly with Abysstrite, Galahad will only have 600 Life Points left," Cam noted.

Galahad smirked. "If you think this ends here, it won't!" he declared. "Trap activate! Extra Switch!" The card showed Junk Warrior and Number 39: Utopia, with the latter fading as the former shone with light. "Since a monster in the Extra Monster Zone I control was destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, this card lets me Special Summon a monster from the Extra Deck with the same attack points as the destroyed monster!"

Fatumare's eyes widened. "Meaning you can summon a monster with 2600 attack points?"

"So long as I summon it in Attack Position, yes!" Galahad gestured to his field. "Take flight, Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion!" A portal appeared, out of which a blue knight riding a red dragon appeared, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion ATK 2600 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"Oh!" the MC commentated. "Galahad lost his Xyz Monster, but he has now replaced it with a Fusion Monster! Amazing!"

"Sky Galloping Gaia's monster effect!" Galahad declared. "When this monster is Special Summoned, I can add one 'Spiral Spear Strike' from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand." He added a card from his Deck to his hand.

Fatumare smirked. "Not bad. But now you'll lose your Fusion Monster! Abysstrite, attack Sky Galloping Gaia!" Abysstrite gathered water in her hands and blasted Sky Galloping Gaia with it.

"Since Sky Galloping Gaia was summoned by the effect of Extra Switch," Galahad said. "It cannot be destroyed by battle this turn!"

"But you will still take damage!" Galahad winced from the backlash of Abysstrite's attack.

Galahad: 3500→3200 LP

Fatumare smiled again. "Impressive, Mr. Knight. You have weathered God's assault for now. It will be a different story next turn. I end my turn, and Abysstrite's attack points return to normal."

Mermail Abysstrite ATK 3100→1600

After Fatumare said he ended his turn, Galahad suddenly received an electrical shock. As everyone watched in surprise, Galahad explained, "During the End Phase of the turn I activate Extra Switch, I take 800 points of damage."

Galahad: 3200→2400 LP

"My turn! Draw!" Galahad drew and looked at his cards. He was going to enjoy this. "I activate the card I added through Sky Galloping Gaia's effect. The Spell Card: Strike of the Fierce Knight!" The card showed Arisen Gaia with circles of wind wrapped around its lance.

"What?" Fatumare said, surprised. "But I thought you added Spiral Spear Strike!"

"Thanks to Strike of the Fierce Knight's effect, its name is always treated as 'Spiral Spear Strike!'" Galahad revealed. "This card, however, can only target a monster I control with either 2300 or 2600 attack points. And during this turn, that monster can inflict piercing battle damage. I target Sky Galloping Gaia for its effect!"

Fatumare smirked. "Impressive use of tactics, but it will avail you not! I activate the effect of Abyss-scale of the Mizuchi! When you activate the effect of a Spell Card, Mizuchi negates that effect and sends itself to the Graveyard!" Abysstrite's armor returned to normal as its attack points decreased.

Mermail Abysstrite ATK 2900→2100

Fatumare suddenly realized something and smiled. "That was your goal, wasn't it? To get rid of my Equip Spell."

"Of course," Galahad said, smiling as well.

"Eh? What are they talking about?" Ai asked.

"The effect of Mizuchi is mandatory," Yusaku told him. "Meaning Fatumare had no control about which Spell Card it negated. And with it gone, Abysstrite is weaker than Sky Galloping Gaia."

"I activate the effect of Strike of the Fierce Knight in my Graveyard!" Galahad declared. "By banishing a monster in my Graveyard, I can add this card to my hand. I banish Gaia Dragon to return Strike of the Fierce Knight to my hand, and then I activate it, targeting Sky Galloping Gaia!"

Fatumare smirked again. "So not only did you get rid of my Equip Spell, but you were able to activate your card anyway. But since Abysstrite's defense points are higher than Sky Galloping Gaia's, I imagine you have another plan in mind."

"Naturally," Galahad said. "But first, I have another play to make. I summon Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight!" A knight in blue and green armor riding a purple horse appeared on his field. "I can Normal Summon Charging Gaia without Tributing, but in exchange its attack points become 1900."

Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300→1900 DEF 2100 LVL: 7

"I Set one card," Galahad said, then gestured to Sky Galloping Gaia. "Battle! Sky Galloping Gaia, attack Abyssalacia!" Sky Galloping Gaia charged the said monster, but Fatumare spoke up.

"Abysstrite's monster effect!" he declared. "By detaching one Overlay Unit from Abysstrite, I make her the target of your attack!" One of the orbs circling Abysstrite lit up as she positioned herself in front of Abyssalacia.

Mermail Abysstrite OU: 3→2

Galahad grit his teeth. "You may reduce the damage, but you will still lose your monster! Go, Sky Galloping Gaia! Double Dragon Lance!" Sky Galloping Gaia enveloped itself in flames as it charged Abysstrite, destroying her and making Fatumare wince.

Fatumare: 1900→1400 LP

"Since Sky Galloping Gaia inflicted battle damage, Strike of the Fierce Knight's effect activates!" Galahad said. "And I can now draw two cards, but I then must discard one card." He drew, then discarded Spiral Spear Strike.

Fatumare smirked. "You aren't the only one who can activate an effect," he said. "Abysstrite's monster effect! When Abysstrite is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Mermail' monster from my Graveyard!"

Galahad's eyes widened. "What?"

"Come to me, Mermail Abyssmegalo!" A giant red humanoid fish appeared on Fatumare's field, summoned to Abyssalacia's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. It wore golden armor and carried a massive spiked cutlass.

Mermail Abyssmegalo ATK 2400 DEF 1900 LVL: 7

Yasutake narrowed his eyes. "Fatumare discarded that card with Abyssalacia's effect on Galahad's last turn."

"And remember; because Abyssalacia points to Abyssmegalo, it gains 500 attack and defense points!"

Mermail Abyssmegalo ATK 2400→2900 DEF 1900→2400

"Impressive monster," Galahad said. "A pity it doesn't matter." He gestured to his other monster. "Charging Gaia! Attack Abyssalacia and destroy her!" Charging Gaia raced for Abyssalacia, but Fatumare only smirked.

"Did you think it would be that easy?" he asked as his shoulder pads glowed blue. "I activate my Skill! Mermail Redirection! By banishing a 'Mermail' Xyz Monster from my Graveyard, I can change your monster's attack target!" Galahad's eyes widened in surprise. "I banish Abysstrite to make Charging Gaia attack Abyssmegalo!"

Charging Gaia turned to the right and charged Abyssmegalo, which swung its cutlass at Charging Gaia. "My Skill prevents either monster from being destroyed by this battle," Fatumare said. "But you will still take damage!" The cutlass and lance struck each other, creating a blast of wind that hit Galahad, making him cry out.

Galahad: 2400→1400 LP

Galahad grit his teeth. "I end my turn."

"Their Life Points are equal now," Kusanagi said. He turned to Yasutake. "You dueled Galahad before. Do you think he'll win?"

"I can't say," Yasutake answered. "I get the feeling neither of them has shown their full power yet."

"My turn! Draw!" Fatumare drew, and seeing what he got, laughed. "Yes! With this, victory belongs to God! I activate the Equip Spell Card: Abyss-scale of Cetus and equip it to Abyssalacia!" The purple armor that Abyssalacia wore expanded to cover more of her body. "With this card, Abyssalacia gains 800 attack points!"

Mermail Abyssalacia ATK 1600→2400

Yusaku narrowed his eyes. "With that, Abyssalacia and Abyssmegalo are strong enough to destroy Galahad's monsters."

"But not strong enough to win the duel," Yasutake noted. "He must have another move to make."

"Continuous Trap activate!" Fatumare declared. "Abyss-sphere! This card lets me Special Summon one 'Mermail' monster from my Deck with its effects negated. However, I cannot activate any Spell Cards. Come to me, Mermail Abyssteus in Attack Position!" A medium-sized green humanoid fish in purple and white armor appeared, carrying a red coral spear.

Mermail Abyssteus ATK 1700 DEF 2400 LVL: 7

Yasutake's eyes widened. "Uh oh."

Galahad's eyes narrowed. "Two Level 7 monsters…"

Fatumare smirked. "You may be a master of all the summoning methods, but I am a master of Xyz Summoning. Let me show you my true power!" He gestured above him. "Appear! The network of the deepest ocean!" His hand glowed yellow as the galaxy portal appeared above them. "Materials confirmed! The summoning conditions are two Level 7 Water monsters! I overlay the Level 7 Abyssmegalo and Abyssteus!" His two monsters became streams of blue energy that entered the portal. A beam of light erupted from it as Fatumare continued chanting.

"Xyz Summon! Surface! Rank 7! Mermail Abyssgaios!" A massive monster emerged from the portal. It had the upper body of a man, but the lower body of a blue dragon covered with green armor. Above the waist, it was a muscular old man wearing blue armor, with long grey hair. Abyssgaios swung a massive trident as it was summoned to Abyssalacia's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position, circled by two blue lights.

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 2800 DEF 1600 RNK: 7 OU: 2

"And as you know, Abyssgaios gains 500 attack and defense points because Abyssalacia points to it!"

Mermail Abyssgaios ATK 2800→3300 DEF 1600→2100

"3300 attack points…" Yasutake muttered, frowning.

"That must be his true ace monster," Yusaku said, likewise frowning.

Fatumare smirked. "I imagine you're going to enjoy Abyssgaious's first effect," he said. "So long as it has Overlay Units attached, Level 5 or higher monsters cannot attack!" Galahad's eyes widened.

"So that's why the condition for this duel was Galahad couldn't use Link Monsters," Ai said. "He already used his Xyz Monster, so if he wants to win, he'll need to Link Summon."

"Don't be so sure," Yasutake said. "Galahad is smarter than he looks. He'll find a way."

"I Set one card," Fatumare said, then gestured to his field. "Battle! Abyssgaios, attack Sky Galloping Gaia!" Abyssgaios raised its trident, but Galahad smirked.

"Trap activate!" he declared. "Mirror Force!" The card he showed shined bright. "Since you declared an attack, this card destroys all Attack Position monsters you control!" A bright beam burst from the card and headed for Fatumare's field, but he only smirked.

"That won't work," Fatumare said. "I activate the effect of Abyss-scale of Cetus! When the effect of a Trap Card is activated on your field, that effect is negated, and Cetus is sent to the Graveyard!" Abyssalacia's armor glowed and created a barrier around Fatumare's field that deflected Mirror Force.

Galahad grit his teeth, but said, "Since your Equip Spell left the field, that means Abyssalacia loses 800 attack points!"

Mermail Abyssalacia ATK 2400→1600

"The battle continues!" Fatumare declared. "Destroy his dragon, Abyssgaios!" Abyssgaios's trident glowed with light, which it then released as lightning aimed at Sky Galloping Gaia. Galahad looked at a card in his hand but decided against using it. The attack hit, destroying Sky Galloping Gaia and making Galahad cry out.

Galahad: 1400→700 LP

"And now, I-."

"I activate the effect of Extra Switch in my Graveyard!" Galahad declared, interrupting Fatumare. "Since a monster I control in the Extra Monster Zone was destroyed, I can banish Extra Switch and Special Summon a monster with the same attack points as Sky Galloping Gaia from my Extra Deck in Attack Position!"

"Oh?" Fatumare said, raising an eyebrow. "Sky Galloping Gaia had 2600 attack points. I remember from your duel with Morningstar that you have at least two other monsters with 2600 attack points. A Synchro Monster and a Link Monster." Fatumare looked at Abyssgaios. "So long as Abyssgaios has Overlay Units, Level 5 or higher monsters cannot attack. But since they don't have Levels, that effect doesn't apply to Link Monsters. Tactically, it would make more sense to summon a Link Monster."

Fatumare smirked. "Of course, if you do that, you won't advance in the ranks if you win. But to win this duel… there really is only one choice, isn't there?"

"This is tricky," Ai commented, crossing its arms. "He can summon a Link Monster that can attack to avoid Abyssgaios's effect, but if he does, the point of this duel will be for nothing."

A screen appeared in front of Galahad. It showed the monsters he could summon with Extra Switch's effect. Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth, a Synchro Monster, and Gaia Saber, the Lightning Shadow, a Link Monster. Galahad smirked. Fatumare was right; there was only one choice.

"With Extra Switch's effect, I summon Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth in Attack Position!" The mechanical warrior and horse appeared on his field, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth ATK 2600 DEF 800 LVL: 6

Fatumare's eyes widened, but then he smiled. "I see. So that's the kind of person you are, Galahad." He laughed. "Perfect! But let's see if you can still win!" He gestured to his field. "Trap activate! Abyss-supremacy!" His face-down card opened, revealing an image of Abyssgaios glowing with blue energy.

"Eh!?" Ai said, shocked. "He just Set that card this turn! How can he activate it!?"

"Abyss-supremacy can be activated the turn it is Set if I control a 'Mermail' monster," Fatumare explained. "And until your next End Phase, it increases the attack points of one 'Mermail' monster I control by 1000! I choose Abyssalacia!"

Mermail Abyssalacia ATK 1600→2600

"This duel is over, Galahad!" Fatumare declared. "Abyssalacia, attack Charging Gaia!" Water erupted from Abyssalacia's scepter and blasted Charging Gaia, but Galahad wasn't worried.

"It will never be that easy, Fatumare!" Galahad declared. "I activate the effect of the Kuriboh in my hand! By discarding it, the damage from this battle is reduced to 0!" Charging Gaia was shattered by the attack, but a small furry brown monster appeared and kept Galahad from getting hit.

Fatumare laughed. "Not bad, Galahad. I end my turn. So then, how are you going to defeat me? As I told you before, so long as Abyssgaios has Overlay Units, Level 5 and above monsters cannot attack!"

And if you summon an Xyz Monster or a low-Level monster, he thought. I can detach one Overlay Unit from Abyssgaios to negate the effects of all monsters you control with lower attack points than Abyssgaios.

"Things do not look good for Galahad!" the MC commentated. "With 700 Life Points, a Synchro Monster that cannot attack, and only one card in his hand; if he does not pull out a game changer now, he will lose! Is this the end for the Knight of LINK VRAINS?"

Galahad smiled. "Of course not!" he shouted. "A true Knight does not give up until the very end!" He placed his hand on his Deck as the card materialized. I need a certain card to turn this around, he thought. A monster that will bypass both of his Abyssgaios's effects.

As he closed his eyes in thought, he didn't notice the figure on a nearby skyscraper, watching the duel. The woman wore a long black dress, with dark gold armor covering her shoulders, chest, and waist. A dark gold circlet wrapped around her short black hair. Her amethyst eyes watched as Galahad took his turn.

Galahad opened his eyes. "My turn! Draw!" He drew, and looking at his card, he smiled. It's here!

"I summon Squire of Gaia!" A short young man with dark green skin wearing basic blue armor appeared, a small sword in its right hand.

Squire of Gaia ATK 800 DEF 1200 LVL: 2

Fatumare's eyes widened. "That's-."

"A Tuner monster," Yasutake said, narrowing his eyes.

Galahad smiled. "Appear! The rings of the champion!" As his outstretched hand glowed green, Squire jumped forward and out of sight. In a flash of light, two green rings raced back and stopped in front of Galahad.

"Materials confirmed!" Galahad chanted. "The summoning conditions are one Warrior Tuner and one or more non-Tuner Warrior monsters! I tune the Level 2 Squire of Gaia to the Level 6 Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth!" His Synchro Monster galloped into the rings and quickly turned into an orange outline with six stars inside it. The outline faded and the stars straightened out, and then disappeared as a surge of light passed through the rings.

"Synchro Summon! Charge forth! Level 8! Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth!"

The monster that emerged from the rings looked very similar to the Force of Earth, but not completely. Instead of mechanical lances, it carried two red pentagonal shields. The yellow portions of its armor had turned gold and the blue parts gleamed like sapphires. Mechanical sapphire and gold wings had sprouted from the horse. The horse whinnied as it and its rider were summoned to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth ATK 3200 DEF 1800 LVL: 8

"Oh! Galahad has summoned a new Synchro Monster!"

"Amazing!" Ai said. "That thing looks powerful!"

"Squire of Gaia's monster effect!" Galahad continued. "If it is used to Synchro Summon a Warrior Synchro Monster, that monster gains 600 attack points until my next Standby Phase!"

Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth ATK 3200→3800

Fatumare smirked. "With that attack boost, it's immune to my Abyssgaios's effect," he said to himself. He then raised his voice to say, "Impressive monster, but so long as Abyssgaios has Overlay Units, it cannot attack!"

"Are you sure about that?" Fatumare gasped at Galahad's words. "Since I Synchro Summoned Vanguard of Earth using Force of Earth, it is unaffected by your card effects and cannot be targeted by the same until my next Standby Phase!"

Fatumare's eyes widened. "Unaffected by my card effects?" That meant Abyssgaios's attack prevention effect wouldn't work on Vanguard of Earth!

Galahad smirked. "And now, I start my Battle Phase, and it is here that the true power of the Vanguard of Earth is unleashed! When I start the Battle Phase, I can discard one card from my hand and choose one of three effects to activate. I discard Beginning Knight to activate Vanguard of Earth's second effect!"

"And that is…"

Galahad's smirk grew. "If Vanguard of Earth battles a monster, all battle damage it inflicts is doubled!" Fatumare's eyes widened. "Battle! Vanguard of Earth, attack Abyssalacia!" Vanguard of Earth charged the Link Monster, but Fatumare only smirked.

"It will not be that easy! I activate the effect of Abyss-supremacy in the Graveyard! If you attack a 'Mermail' monster, I can banish Abyss-supremacy to change the target of your attack! Vanguard of Earth must now attack Abyssgaios!" Vanguard of Earth leapt into the air, over Abyssalacia and charged Abyssgaios.

Galahad smiled. "Fine then. Go, Vanguard of Earth! Destroy Abyssgaios with Ultimate Spiral Force!" One of Vanguard of Earth's shields morphed into a long red lance, which it charged Abyssgaios with. Abyssgaios struck back with lightning from its trident, but Vanguard of Earth continued its charge, wrapping itself in wind. It broke through the lightning and pierced Abyssgaios, which exploded from the attack. Fatumare cried out from the doubled damage.

Fatumare: 1400→400 LP

After steadying himself, Fatumare laughed. "A good try, Galahad!" he shouted. "But I still have Life Points! And with Abyssalacia on my field, I still have a chance!"

"…Tell me something," Galahad said, surprising Fatumare. "Every move you've made has, in some way or other, protected Abyssalacia. I can understand simple tactics, but your actions suggest more. Does that card mean something to you?"

Fatumare was silent. He remembered back to that day…

"Dad!" Ibuki cried out, running down the stairs. His father was about to leave for work and turned to look at the young boy. He smiled at the child.

"What is it, Ibuki?" he asked, somewhat wearily. "I have to go to work."

"I know, I know, but… you'll be back, right? In time for my birthday dinner?"

His father frowned. "To be honest, I'm not sure, son. I've had to sail out further over the last few weeks. I'm not sure what time I'll be home." Seeing the downcast look on his son's face, he put a hand in his pocket. "Tell you what, how about I give you your present early?"

"Really?" Ibuki said, brightening up immediately. "Won't mom get mad?"

"I'm willing to risk it this time," his father said, taking a card out of his pocket. "Here."

Ibuki took the card and his eyes widened. "A Link Monster? For real?"

"Yes," the adult said, nodding. "Mermail Abyssalacia. A fine card for that ocean Deck you're building." He smiled at his son. "You may not have the disposition of a fisherman like your father, but you'll make a fine duelist. And one day, maybe you'll stand at the top, as the God of dueling."

Ibuki smiled. "That sounds better than being the God of fishermen."

His father laughed. "I can't disagree with you. Well… I have to head out now. I'll see you later, son."

"Bye, dad! Good luck!"

His father never made it in time for dinner. Ibuki fell asleep waiting for him. And when he woke up in the morning, his mother was crying. There had been a storm the night before, and his father's ship had been lost in it.

Ibuki had spent the last 10 years moving on from that accident, looking towards the future. And all the time, he carried and protected the last card his father gave him…

Fatumare pulled himself back to the present and smiled. "Abyssalacia is a good card," he said to Galahad. "If I cannot protect my best monsters, what kind of God am I?"

Galahad smiled back. "Nice answer," he said. "Unfortunately… I have an answer too." He narrowed his eyes. "I made a promise to become the best duelist I can be. And I will fulfill it!" He gestured to his field. "I activate my Skill! Second Charge! By banishing three Warrior monsters from my Graveyard, I can conduct a second Battle Phase!"

Fatumare's eyes widened. "I banish Arisen Gaia, Charging Gaia, and Lord Gaia from my Graveyard!" All three cards appeared in front of Galahad and crumbled into darkness. "That means the Vanguard of Earth can attack one more time!"

And I have nothing to stop it, Fatumare thought. He smiled to himself. In that case…

"Go on, Galahad!" he shouted. "Show the Mariner the strength of the Knight!"

"Right!" Galahad shouted back. "Go, Vanguard of Earth! Ultimate Spiral Force!" Vanguard of Earth charged, its shield once again transformed into a lance. Wind encased the monster as it charged and pierced Abyssalacia with its lance, destroying it. As the backlash from the attack engulfed him, Fatumare smiled.

Fatumare: 400→0 LP

"The duel is over!" The MC shouted over the cheering crowd. "The winner is Galahad, the Knight of LINK VRAINS!"

"Yahoo!" Ai cheered, then looked at Yasutake and Yusaku. "Why aren't you two cheering? That was an amazing duel, wasn't it?"

"It was," Yasutake agreed. "Galahad has proven himself to be a talented duelist, even when facing a handicap. And now he'll move up in the rankings."

"You don't seem happy about that," Ai said.

Yasutake blinked at the AI. "What are you talking about? I am happy about it."

Ai sighed. "You're just like Yusaku…"

"What are you talking about?" Yusaku asked Ai.

Cam and Kusanagi laughed. "It's pointless to tell these two," Cam said.

"Agreed," Kusanagi said, smiling.

Galahad landed next to Fatumare, who was laying down on a nearby skyscraper.

"You okay?" he asked the Mermail duelist, who nodded.

"Yeah. Just relaxing a bit," he said. He stood up, then took Galahad's hand and raised it high. "Everyone! This is your victor today! I, Fatumare, the Mariner of LINK VRAINS, have lost to him! Per the rules of the Challenge Duel, I abdicate my position as the 4th best duelist in LINK VRAINS to this Knight!"

The crowd cheered as Fatumare released Galahad's arm. "Good job, Galahad," he said, smiling at him. "You said you have a dream to fulfill, right?"

Galahad nodded. "Yeah, I do. And so do you, right?"

Fatumare's smile turned into a smirk. "Every person has a dream." After saying that, he logged out.

Galahad sighed as he looked over LINK VRAINS. I will become #1, he thought. I will prove to myself that I am worthy of you, Katsumi. And I will surpass you, Persephone. He then logged out.

The woman in black who watched the duel smiled to herself. "Well done, Galahad," she said. "I suppose that means you and I are next, isn't it? I can't wait to see how much you've grown." She logged out.

Cam and Yasutake both stood up. "Well this was interesting," Cam said, stretching. "We should do it again some time."

"Except next time, let's do it at Café Junpei," Kusanagi said, smiling at the two. "Yasutake promised some free pastries."

Cam smiled back. "Fair enough." He turned to leave, but Yasutake didn't.

"There's one thing I forgot to mention earlier, Fujiki," he said, drawing everyone's attention. "When I dueled Terminus, he said something that I think you'll want to know."

Yusaku frowned. "What?"

"He said he was one of the researchers of the Hanoi Project."

Yusaku and Kusanagi froze on hearing that. "You're certain he said that?" Yusaku said, his eyes narrowed and his voice low.

Yasutake nodded. "Yes. And when I asked him the reason for the Project, he said it was to save the world."

"…Save the world?" Kusanagi muttered, balling his fists. "How… how does what he did to my brother save the world?"

"We don't know," Cam said, his face grave. "He didn't elaborate. But… we know who he is in real life."

"You do?" Yusaku said in surprise.

"But when we went to confront him, he was gone," Yasutake said, disappointing Kusanagi and Yusaku. "Worse, he left a note. He knows who I am."

Yusaku's eyes widened then narrowed. "Do you believe he'll tell anyone?"

Yasutake shrugged. "I don't know. But he said we'll meet again when 'the Tower rises.'"

Kusanagi frowned. "What tower?"

"No clue," Cam said. "And we can't track him. We'll just have to wait for him or Revolver to reveal themselves."

"Revolver will show up," Yusaku said with certainty. "He isn't the type to sit on his hands."

"And when he shows up, Terminus will too," Yasutake said. "Then we'll both get the answers we need."

"So that is one of the people opposing us," Revolver said. He, Spectre, and Terminus were standing in their stronghold, looking at a screen. It had been showing the duel between Fatumare and Galahad. "I must admit, he will be a difficult opponent."

"Agreed," Terminus said, scowling.

"You seem uncharacteristically upset, Terminus," Spectre noted. "Does Galahad upset you?"

"It's not him. It's… the person we'll be meeting."

Spectre frowned. "Aren't you the one who suggested him?"

"Yes, but only because we need numbers. In any other situation, I would send this person straight to jail." Terminus turned to Revolver, who was still staring at the screen. "Is something wrong, Revolver?"

"No," Revolver said, frowning. "That card Galahad used against Fatumare… Mirror Force, right?"

"Yes. What about it?"

"I was just thinking… Link Monsters can only exist in Attack Position, so Mirror Force would be a good counter for them, wouldn't it?"

Thinking about it, Terminus nodded. "Unless they had anti-destruction effects, yes. That's why Galahad's Mirror Force failed against Morningstar's Cyspirit Winning Wrestler." Terminus frowned at Revolver. "Back to the subject at hand… I know my feelings and Spectre's on the individual I suggested, but I don't know yours."

"I want to meet him first before forming an opinion," Revolver said, closing the screen. "But first… do you trust this person, Terminus?"

Terminus shook his head. "No. But he's the only one I know outside of the Knights of Hanoi who would fight to defend the Tower."

"Talking about me?"

Startled, the three turned around. A tall man had appeared behind them. He was covered head to foot in white robes, with purple lines running across his arms and legs. Golden boots and gloves stuck out, as did the mask he wore. It was primarily white, but also had gold designs over it.

"Forgive me," he said. His voice was harsh and low, barely above a whisper. "When I received Terminus's message, I couldn't wait. I've spent the last ten hours looking for this place."

Revolver narrowed his eyes. "I take it you are Thaumiel?"

The man bowed. "Indeed I am. Though, that name is rather new. I used to have another."

"And what name was that?"

"It doesn't matter anymore," Thaumiel said. "Unless you care about the Breaking of Osaka."

Revolver's and Spectre's eyes widened. "That… that was you?" Spectre said, admiration in his voice. "Someone hacked into the public safety systems and shut them down. The entire city fell into chaos for over an hour. Hundreds ended up in the hospital and more than a few died."

"Why would you do that?" Revolver asked. "For what reason did you hack the public safety systems?"

Thaumiel seemed to consider it, then shrugged. "Why not?" he asked, surprising Revolver. "I saw a vulnerability in the system, I took advantage of it. I was curious to see what would happen. Though," he added, "it didn't go as well as it could have."

"What do you mean?" Terminus asked, his distaste for Thaumiel evident in his voice.

Thaumiel's voice seemed to get even lower as he said, "A little pest took issue with my fun. She insisted on restarting the systems. When I protested, she defeated me and forced the system back up." He clenched his fist. "I will never forget her… because of her, I have spent the last two years in jail. If I wasn't as smart as I am, I would still be there."

Revolver scowled. Whoever the girl was who had beaten Thaumiel, he congratulated her. This man was sick, even by Revolver's standards. Still…

"What offer did Terminus make you?" he asked.

Though they couldn't see his face, his voice suggested a grin. "To be part of the greatest cybercrime in history. How could I resist an invitation like that?"

Revolver turned to Terminus. His face was blank, but Revolver could tell from his clenched fist that although he disliked Thaumiel, he wanted Revolver to bring him on.

"Very well," Revolver said, turning back to Thaumiel. "We accept your help. Terminus will contact you when it's time."

Thaumiel bowed. "I will be certain to answer." He disappeared after saying that.

"He is a distasteful individual," Terminus said. "If we didn't need numbers, I wouldn't go near him."

Revolver turned to Terminus. "Is he really responsible for the Breaking of Osaka?"

Terminus nodded. "And half a dozen other confirmed cybercrimes. He's suspected to be responsible for over a dozen more. He's an extremist, an anarchist, who only seems to want to cause as much chaos as possible."

Spectre smiled. "Working with such a man sounds fun."

"Keep a close eye on him," Revolver said to Terminus. "The Tower will cause enough damage. I don't want someone like him running wild."

"Believe me, Revolver. Neither do I."

Galahad vs. Fatumare

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Fatumare

Fatumare Normal Summons Mermail Abysspike (1600/800/4). Since Abysspike was Normal Summoned, he can discard 1 Water monster and add 1 Level 3 Water monster from his Deck to his hand. He discards Mermail Abysshilde and adds Mermail Abyssnerei from his Deck to his hand. Since Abysshilde was sent to the GY, its effect lets Fatumare Special Summon one "Mermail" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Merail Abysslung (1200/1800/4) in Defense Position. So long as Abysslung is on the field, all Water monsters Fatumare controls gain 300 ATK (Abysspike: 1600→1900) (Abysslung: 1200→1500). Fatumare activates the Spell Card Mermail Gift. Since he controls 2 "Mermail" monsters, he can perform a 2nd Normal Summon, and if that monster is a "Mermail" monster, he can draw 1 card. Fatumare Normal Summons Mermail Abyssnerei (1200→1500/2000/3). Since Abyssnerei is a "Mermail" monster, Fatumare draws 1 card. Fatumare uses Abyssnerei and Abysspike to Link Summon Mermail Abyssalacia (1600→1900/2/↙↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Since Abyssnerei was sent from the field to the GY, Fatumare can draw 1 card then discard 1 card. He draws, then discards Mermail Abyssgunde. Since Abyssgunde was discarded to the GY, Fatumare can target and Special Summon one "Mermail" monster from his GY. He Special Summons Abysspike in Attack Position (1600→1900/800/4). Since Abyssalacia points to Abysslung, it gains 500 ATK/DEF (Abysslung: 1500→2000/1800→2300). Fatumare ends his turn.

Turn 2: Galahad

Galahad draws. Since Fatumare controls a monster and he does not, he Special Summons Lord Gaia the Fierce Knight (2300/2100/7) in Attack Position. Since Fatumare controls more monsters than he does, Galahad Normal Summons Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight (2300/2100/7) in Attack Position without Tributing. Fatumare activates the effect of Abyssalacia, discarding Mermail Abyssmegalo to add Mermail Abysslinde from his Deck to his hand. Galahad activates the Continuous Spell Card Charge of the Fierce Knight. The first time he performs a Fusion, Link, Synchro, or Xyz Summon using at least one "Gaia the Fierce Knight" monster as Material, he draws 2 cards. Galahad overlays the Level 7 Arisen Gaia and Lord Gaia to Xyz Summon Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger (2600/2100/7) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Because he Xyz Summoned using Arisen Gaia and Lord Gaia, Galahad draws 2 cards due to Charge of the Fierce Knight's effect. He Sets 1 card.

Gaia Dragon attacks Abyssalacia, but while Abysslung is on the field, Galahad cannot target face-up Water monsters for attacks, except Abysslung. Gaia Dragon attacks Abysslung, and because Abysslung is in Defense Position, Gaia Dragon inflicts piercing battle damage. Abysslung is destroyed (Fatumare: 4000→3700 LP). Since Abysslung is no longer on the field, Abyssalacia's and Abysspike's ATK returns to normal (Abyssalacia: 1900→1600) (Abysspike: 1900→1600). Galahad activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Pursuit of the Fiend. Since an Xyz Monster he controls destroyed a Defense Position monster, he can detach all its Overlay Units to let it make a second attack. He detaches all the Overlay Units from Gaia Dragon (Gaia Dragon: 2 OU→0 OU). Galahad activates the effect of Charge of the Fierce Knight, sending it to the GY to change Abysspike to Defense Position. Gaia Dragon attacks and destroys Abysspike, inflicting piercing battle damage (Fatumare: 3700→1900 LP). Galahad ends his turn.

Turn 3: Fatumare

Fatumare draws. He activates the Spell Card Cards of the Abyss. He shuffles up to 3 Water monsters in his GY back into his Deck, then draws an equal number of cards. He shuffles Abyssgunde, Abyssnerei, and Abysspike back into his Deck, then draws 3 cards. Fatumare Normal Summons Mermail Abysslinde (1500/1200/3). He activates the effect of the Abyssnerei in his hand, discarding it and targeting Abysslacia. Abysslinde is destroyed, and Abyssalacia gains ATK equal to Abysslinde's ATK until the end of the turn (Abyssalacia: 1600→3100). Since Abysslinde was destroyed and sent to the GY, Fatumare can Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from his Deck. He Special Summons Mermail Abyssdine (1000/200/3) in Attack Position. Because Abyssdine was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Mermail" monster, Fatumare can target 1 Level 3 or lower "Mermail" monster in his GY and Special Summon it. He Special Summons Abyssnerei (1200/2000/3) in Attack Position. Fatumare activates the Spell Card Monster Reborn to Special Summon Abysslinde (1500/1200/3) from his GY in Attack Position. Since Abyssalacia points to Abysslinde, Abysslinde gains 500 ATK/DEF (Abysslinde: 1500→2000/1200→1700). Fatumare overlays the Level 3 Abyssdine, Abysslinde, and Abyssnerei to Xyz Summon Mermail Abysstrite (1600→2100/2800→3300/3) to Abyssalacia's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. Fatumare activates the Spell Card Xyz Treasure Ticket, targeting Abysstrite and drawing cards equal to its Rank. He draws 3 cards. Fatumare activates the Equip Spell Card Abyss-scale of the Mizuchi, equipping it to Abysstrite. Abysstrite gains 800 ATK (Abysstrite: 2100→2900). Fatumare Sets 1 card.

Abyssalacia attacks Gaia Dragon. Gaia Dragon is destroyed (Galahad: 4000→3500 LP). Galahad activates his face-down Trap Card Extra Switch. Since a monster he controls that was in the Extra Monster Zone was destroyed, he can Special Summon 1 monster from the Extra Deck in Attack Position, so long as its ATK is equal to the destroyed monster's. Galahad Special Summons Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion (2600/2100/7) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Because Sky Galloping Gaia was Special Summoned, Galahad can add 1 "Spiral Spear Strike" from his Deck to his hand. He adds Strike of the Fierce Knight, which is always treated as "Spiral Spear Strike." Abysstrite attacks Sky Galloping Gaia. Due to the effect of Extra Switch, Sky Galloping Gaia cannot be destroyed by battle this turn (Galahad: 3500→3200 LP). Fatumare ends his turn, and the ATK of Abyssalacia returns to normal (Abyssalacia: 3100→1600). Due to the effect of Extra Switch, Galahad takes 800 damage during the End Phase (Galahad: 3200→2400 LP).

Turn 4: Galahad

Galahad draws. He activates the Spell Card Strike of the Fierce Knight, targeting Sky Galloping Gaia. Now if Sky Galloping Gaia attacks a Defense Position monster, Sky Galloping Gaia inflicts piercing battle damage. Since Galahad activated the effect of a Spell Card, the effect of Abyss-Scale of the Mizuchi activates. The effect of Strike of the Fierce Knight is negated and Mizuchi is sent to the GY (Abysstrite: 2900→2100). Galahad activates the effect of Strike of the Fierce Knight in his GY, banishing Gaia Dragon from his GY to add Strike of the Fierce Knight to his hand. He activates Strike of the Fierce Knight, targeting Sky Galloping Gaia. Galahad Normal Summons Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight, whose ATK becomes 1900 because it was Normal Summoned without Tributing (Charging Gaia: 2300→1900/2100/7). Galahad Sets 1 card.

Sky Galloping Gaia attacks Abyssalacia, but Fatumare activates the effect of Abysstrite, detaching 1 Overlay Unit to change the attack target to Abysstrite (Abysstrite: 3 OU→2 OU). Sky Galloping Gaia attacks and destroys Abysstrite (Fatumare: 1900→1400 LP). Since the monster targeted by Strike of the Fierce Knight inflicted battle damage, Galahad can draw 2 cards, but then discard 1. He draws, then discards Spiral Spear Strike. Since Abysstrite was destroyed and sent to the GY, its effect activates, letting Fatumare target 1 "Mermail" monster in his GY and Special Summon it. He Special Summons Mermail Abyssmegalo (2400→2900/1900→2400/7) in Attack Position to Aybssalacia's bottom-left Link Marker. Charging Gaia attacks Abyssalacia, but Fatumare activates his Skill, Mermail Redirection. Once per duel, by banishing a "Mermail" Xyz Monster from his GY, he can change the attack target of an opponent's monster, and neither monster will be destroyed. He banishes Abysstrite from his GY and switches Charging Gaia's attack to Abyssmegalo. Due to Mermail Redirection, Charging Gaia is not destroyed (Galahad: 2400→1400 LP). Galahad ends his turn.

Turn 5: Fatumare

Fatumare draws. He activates the Equip Spell Card Abyss-scale of Cetus, equipping it to Abyssalacia and increasing its ATK by 800 (Abyssalacia: 1600→2400). Fatumare activates his face-down Continuous Trap Card Abyss-sphere, which lets him Special Summon 1 "Mermail" monster from his Deck with its effects negated. He Special Summons Mermail Abyssteus (1700/2400/7) in Attack Position. Fatumare overlays the Level 7 Abyssmegalo and Abyssteus to Xyz Summon Mermail Abyssgaios (2800→3300/1600→2100/7) to Abyssalacia's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. So long as Abyssgaios has Overlay Units attached, Level 5 or higher monsters cannot attack. Fatumare Sets 1 card.

Abyssgaios attacks Sky Galloping Gaia, but Galahad activates his face-down Trap Card Mirror Force, destroying all Attack Position monsters Fatumare controls. Since Galahad activated a Trap Card, the effect of Cetus negates that effect and sends itself to the GY (Abyssalacia: 2400→1600). The attack continues and Sky Galloping Gaia is destroyed (Galahad: 1400→700 LP). Galahad activates the effect of the Extra Switch in his GY. Since a monster he controls that was in the Extra Monster Zone was destroyed, he can banish Extra Switch from the GY to Special Summon 1 monster with the same ATK as Sky Galloping Gaia from his Extra Deck in Attack Position. Galahad Special Summons Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth (2600/800/6) to the Extra Monster Zone. Fatumare activates his face-down Trap Card Abyss-supremacy, which can be activated the turn it is Set if he controls a "Mermail" monster. It increases the ATK of 1 "Mermail" monster Fatumare controls by 1000 until Galahad's next End Phase. He targets Abyssalacia (Abyssalacia: 1600→2600). Abyssalacia attacks Charging Gaia. Charging Gaia is destroyed, but Galahad activates the effect of the Kuriboh in his hand, discarding it to reduce the battle damage to 0. Fatumare ends his turn.

Turn 6: Galahad

Galahad draws. He Normal Summons Squire of Gaia (800/1200/2). He tunes the Level 2 Squire of Gaia to the Level 6 Gaia Knight to Synchro Summon Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth (3200/1800/8) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Since Squire of Gaia was used to Synchro Summon Vanguard of Earth, Vanguard of Earth gains 600 ATK until Galahad's next Standby Phase (Vanguard of Earth: 3200→3800). Because it was Synchro Summoned using Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth, Vanguard of Earth cannot be targeted by, and is unaffected by, Fatumare's card effects until Galahad's next Standby Phase.

At the start of his Battle Phase, Galahad activates the effect of Vanguard of Earth, discarding Beginning Knight. Now, if Vanguard of Earth battles an opponent's monster, any battle damage it inflicts is doubled. Vanguard of Earth attacks Abyssalacia. Fatumare activates the effect of Abyss-supremacy in his GY, banishing it to change the attack target to Abyssgaios. Abyssgaios is destroyed and the battle damage is doubled (Fatumare: 1400→400 LP).

Galahad activates his Skill, Second Charge. At the end of the Battle Phase, he can banish 3 Warrior monsters from his GY to conduct a second Battle Phase. He banishes Arisen Gaia, Charging Gaia, and Lord Gaia from his GY. Vanguard of Earth attacks and destroys Abyssalacia (Fatumare: 400→0 LP). Galahad wins.

Squire of Gaia
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Warrior/Tuner] ATK 800 DEF 1200 Level: 2
If this card is as Synchro Material for the Synchro Summon of a Warrior Synchro Monster, that monster gains 600 ATK until your next Standby Phase. The turn this card is used to Synchro Summon, you cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck, except Warrior monsters.

Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Warrior/Synchro/Effect] ATK 3200 DEF 1800 Level: 8
1 Warrior Tuner + 1 or more Warrior non-Tuner monsters
If this card is Synchro Summoned using "Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth" as Synchro Material, it cannot be targeted by, and is unaffected by, your opponent's card effects until your next Standby Phase. At the start of your Battle Phase, you can discard 1 card from your hand to activate one of the following effects:
-If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent.
-If this card battles an opponent's monster, any battle damage this card inflicts to your opponent is doubled.
-If this card destroys a monster by battle: gain LP equal to either the ATK or DEF (whichever is lower) of the destroyed monster.

Mermail Gift Normal Spell Card
Activate only if you control 2 or more "Mermail" monsters. You can conduct 2 Normal Summons/Sets this turn. If you Normal Summon a "Mermail" monster with this effect: draw 1 card. You can only activate "Mermail Gift" once per turn.

Cards of the Abyss Normal Spell Card
Target up to 3 Water monsters in your GY; shuffle them into your Deck, then draw cards equal to the totaled number of shuffled Water monsters. You can only activate "Cards of the Abyss" once per turn.

Extra Switch Normal Trap Card
If a monster in the Extra Monster Zone you control is destroyed and sent to the GY: Special Summon 1 monster with ATK equal to the destroyed monster from the Extra Deck in Attack Position. The monster Special Summoned by this effect cannot be destroyed by battle this turn. During the End Phase, take 800 damage. If a monster in the Extra Monster Zone you control is destroyed and sent to the GY, you can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon 1 monster with ATK equal to the destroyed monster from the Extra Deck in Attack Position. The monster Special Summoned by this effect cannot be destroyed by battle this turn. You can only activate 1 effect of "Extra Switch" per turn, and only once per turn.

Strike of the Fierce Knight Normal Spell Card
(This card's name is always treated as "Spiral Spear Strike".)
Target 1 monster you control with 2300 ATK or 2600 ATK; during the Battle Phase, if that monster attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent. If the targeted monster inflicts battle damage: Draw 2 cards, then discard 1. If this card is in your GY, you can banish 1 monster in your GY; add this card to your hand. You can only activate this effect of "Strike of the Fierce Knight" once per turn.

Abyss-supremacy Normal Trap Card
Target 1 "Mermail" monster you control; increase its ATK by 1000 until your opponent's next End Phase. If you control a "Mermail" monster, you can activate this card the turn it was Set. When an opponent's monster attacks a "Mermail" monster while you control two or more monsters, you can banish this card from your GY; change the attack target to an appropriate "Mermail" monster you control. You can only activate 1 effect of "Abyss-supremacy" per turn, and only once per turn.

Chapter Preview

Note: I've decided to include previews for the next several chapters, partly because I'm confident in the order, but also because I want to try something new.

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 18 – Door to the Abyss. As Masako goes through her father's files, Morningstar is drawn into LINK VRAINS by an unknown feeling. In his search, he is confronted by an unexpected foe…

Chapter 19 – The Tower of Hanoi. Hanoi has deployed its ultimate weapon to destroy LINK VRAINS. Morningstar, Playmaker, and their allies all join forces to bring a stop to Hanoi's plan. Before Lilith, an old enemy appears and unveils his new power…

Chapter 20 – An Old Score. Lilith does her best against her opponent, but he overwhelms her with raw power. Unleashing her own new power, Lilith fights back. Will fate swing her way?

Chapter 21 – Nature's Revenge. An old enemy, looking for revenge, confronts Morningstar. He does everything he can to overcome them, but they still stand. And when the truth is revealed, Morningstar must make a choice…

Chapter 22 – Angel's Wrath. Morningstar is pushed into a corner as his allies are threatened. Pushed past his breaking point, Morningstar releases his anger and calls on a terrifying new monster…

Responses to Reviews & Author's Notes

Thank you to HunterHQ, ClearwingYuta, Ryujomaru15, ThePLOThand, D3lph0xL0v3r, Frost190, and Linda Fullmoon for reviewing Chapter 16. Also thank you to Sanokal and Hawkatana for reviewing Chapter 1.

To answer ThePLOThand, yes, I suppose Morningstar can do that with Neo Nova, Rapid Revolutionary, and Winning Wrestler. But I have yet to write a duel where that happens, and I can't say when it will.

Linda Fullmoon: How many cards are in Morningstar's Deck? As many as he needs.

Credit to Ezilo for the creation of Squire of Gaia and Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth. The Vanguard of Earth's effects worked perfectly when I wrote this duel, so thank you.

An even larger thank you to ThePLOThand, who is the creator of Fatumare, aka Ibuki Ichiyanagi, and Thaumiel. I hope I did their characters justice. As for Katsumi Kurosaki, she was submitted by Ethan Kironus, so credit to him for her, while her VRAINS avatar name, Persephone, was suggested by HunterHQ. That said, Den University, and the two being students of said college, is all my idea.

Like I said last time, this chapter is a sort of breather chapter before the Tower of Hanoi arc, so I decided to introduce three OCs here. I'm undecided if Fatumare will be a recurring player, but Thaumiel certainly will be, and because of her connection to Takeshi, so will Katsumi, or Persephone as she's known in LINK VRAINS. Unfortunately, she won't get to duel until season 2. Sorry.

As for the idea of the Challenge Duel, I came up with that after I wrote the duel. I noticed that Galahad never Link Summoned, so I decided to provide an in-universe reason why he did not. And now, he is #4 among the Charisma Duelists. Sadly, this will not impact his memorability.

Like I said above, I'm rather confident about the next few chapters coming out, so I have provided previews and teasers for the next five chapters. Which of them is your favorite?

Thank you for reading Chapter 17 of Hidden Memories. Please tell me what you think of the idea of the Challenge Duel, of Fatumare, Katsumi, Thaumiel, the previews, and/or your favorite moments of the chapter.