Chapter 19: The Tower of Hanoi
"What… what the hell is this?"
Yasutake stared at the monitors, shock overcoming every other emotion.
In the center of LINK VRAINS, a massive purple tower had appeared and connected to the sky. Its base was made of several purple tendrils, and a massive grey ring was forming around a purple sphere. That ring was absorbing the nearby buildings, converting them into data.
Cam scowled. "Everything in LINK VRAINS is being turned into data and absorbed by that thing."
Yasutake narrowed his eyes and hooked his Duel Disk up to the computer. "I scanned this thing before it was activated. Hopefully this data can give us a clue as to what this thing is and how to stop it."
Cam nodded. "I just hope it's worth it. For Emma's sake…"
Yasutake looked at Cam and frowned. "I know, Cam. I want Revolver to pay for what he did to her, too. But we have to stay focused. Getting angry right now won't help her."
Cam gave a small smile. "I didn't think I'd get this worried about her," Cam said. "Guess some people are harder to remove from your heart than you would think." He started typing, analyzing the information Yasutake scanned.
In the hospital room, Takeshi stared at the television. It showed the massive tower being constructed.
"Brother, what is that?"
Takeshi turned to look at the bed. Eiji was looking from Takeshi to the television and back.
Takeshi tried to give a reassuring smile. "I'm not sure, Eiji. We'll have to wait and see, I think." He turned back to the television and frowned. But, he thought, I'm certain this is the work of Hanoi. They're the only ones who could do something like this. Or would do something like this.
Next to him, Katsumi also frowned at the television. "Don't worry, Eiji," she said. "Whatever that is, we'll know more soon." She reached out and took Takeshi's hand.
The three gasped when the camera panned to show some people running away. All of them turned red and broke into data.
"What… what was that?" Takeshi asked, his eyes wide.
Yasutake grit his teeth. "Damn it. Hanoi isn't just converting the environment into data. They're doing it to people's avatars."
"Brother, what's going to happen to those people?" Eiji asked Takeshi.
Takeshi didn't answer. He couldn't answer.
"K-Katsumi?" Eiji said, turning to the girl, who shook her head.
"I don't know, Eiji," she answered. "But… hopefully something can be done soon."
Takeshi gasped. Eiji and Katsumi turned and watched as one avatar tried to log out but failed. He then turned red and broke apart too.
"They can't even log out?" Takeshi said, clenching his fists. "Those… those…"
"Next on the news, SOL Technologies, manager of the VR space LINK VRAINS, held an emergency press conference to announce the shutdown of LINK VRAINS."
Masako scowled at the television. She and Tagoma had watched as… whatever that thing was… started destroying LINK VRAINS. But the cameras from inside LINK VRAINS had all shut down, leaving only the news.
"Is the Another incident happening again?" the anchor asked her co-host.
"Hmm, hard to tell," he replied. "SOL Technologies announced a shutdown, but people can still log into LINK VRAINS. Rumors say that they've lost control."
"That's a concern," his co-host said. Of course it's a concern, Masako thought, her scowl deepening. But do you have to say that with a straight face? You look like you just reported on the weather. "We'll report any further details as we receive them. In other news…"
Tagoma muted the television. "Damn it," he said, scowling. "That thing is Hanoi's work, I know it."
"Of course it is," Masako said. "No one else can make something like that." But… what is their endgame?
"Ha!" Cam cheered. "The analysis is finished!" He and Yasutake looked at the data and gasped.
"This is…"
"That letter," Yasutake said. "The one from Terminus. He talked about something called 'the Tower.' And when Playmaker and I confronted Revolver, he said, 'The Tower of Hanoi has already activated.'"
"Tower of Hanoi?" Cam repeated, his eyes wide. "The puzzle game?"
Yasutake's eyes narrowed. "That game is based off an old myth involving an Indian temple. It has a large room with three poles and 64 discs. The priests of that temple have been moving those disks in accordance with a prophecy. According to that myth, when all the discs are on the last pole, the world will end. Revolver's making that myth a reality."
Cam turned back to the monitors. "Those rings substitute for discs," he said, frowning. "The central pillar extends from the underground reprocessing plant. The top is connected to the LINK VRAINS network. That sphere in the center of the pillar is the reprocessing plant's core. Since it has appeared, the core has continued to absorb the surrounding data. And the speed of absorption hasn't decreased."
"Hanoi built this using the reprocessing plant," Yasutake said.
"The data suggests that the tower will create six rings in total. One ring per hour."
"And what will happen when it's complete?" Yasutake asked, dreading the answer.
Cam frowned. "The core will release high density data to external networks. More than computers can withstand. All records and programs that are connected to those networks will be erased. Power plants, hospitals, public safety systems… they'll all shut down. If the Tower is complete, humanity will revert to an era when there were no computers."
Yasutake narrowed his eyes again. "What about systems not connected to the network? Revolver is doing this to destroy Playmaker's AI, right? He must have a way to ensure its destruction."
"He does," Cam responded. "The release of the high density data will spread to all major devices in a chain reaction. The resulting pulse will be magnified and transmitted."
"That means devices not connected to the network will also be destroyed," Yasutake said, finishing Cam's thoughts. "So it's like a worldwide EMP weapon."
Cam grit his teeth. "This… this is crazy. Revolver and Terminus will cause untold destruction just to destroy one AI? There's no telling how many people will be hurt or killed from this."
Yasutake grit his teeth and pressed some buttons. Soon, the feed from LINK VRAINS, which had been cut before, resumed.
"What?" Cam said in surprise. "You restored the feed? How?"
"I left a few inactive drones in LINK VRAINS a while ago," Yasutake responded. "To provide surveillance in case we needed it. I wasn't sure if I could activate them from the outside, but it looks like I can activate this one at least." The camera from the drone panned over LINK VRAINS. "There should be audio, too. With this, we can get a clearer picture of what's going on."
"I'm Kitamura, the one in charge of LINK VRAINS's security for SOL Technologies! I want to speak to the Knights of Hanoi's leader!"
Yasutake and Cam blinked. Yasutake rotated the drone so that it could locate the source of that voice. Sure enough, they soon found Kitamura on top of a rooftop, some distance from the Tower.
"Kitamura?" Cam said in surprise. "What's he doing in LINK VRAINS?"
"Is he challenging Hanoi himself?" Yasutake wondered. He had no idea of Kitamura's skills, but he imagined they wouldn't be enough.
Kitamura looked around as no one appeared. "I revealed my identity and came here!" he shouted. "I'm not here to negotiate! Or trap you! I just want to talk! Please answer me!"
"What do you want?"
Kitamura turned around at those words. Yasutake rotated the drone's camera so it showed the other person.
"Who are you?" Kitamura asked.
"I'm Revolver, leader of the Knights of Hanoi," Revolver said. Yasutake narrowed his eyes. Akira had known who Revolver was, but Kitamura didn't? He really was incompetent.
"Revolver?" Kitamura cleared his throat. "I'm Kitamura, SOL Technologies' security-."
"State your business," Revolver interrupted. "If it's garbage, I'll erase you."
"Please be garbage," Cam whispered. "Please be garbage." Yasutake gave Cam a look, then returned his attention to the screens.
"T-Take it easy," Kitamura said placatingly. "There's no one in LINK VRAINS, except for us. All news outlets have left, so no one is covering LINK VRAINS."
"So?"
"No one is listening to us," Kitamura said confidently. Cam couldn't help but snicker.
"So this will be a secret agreement just between us." Yasutake narrowed his eyes. What was Kitamura up to? Was he trying to bargain with Revolver?
"So?"
"I'll get right to the point." About time, Yasutake thought. "Team up with me to rule LINK VRAINS."
Yasutake blinked then turned to Cam. "He… can't be serious. Can he?"
Cam scowled at the screen. "Kitamura doesn't have a sense of humor. And he's an incompetent coward who only cares about himself. He must be serious."
"I realize that you're in a superior position than me," Kitamura continued. "Because LINK VRAINS is currently in Hanoi's hands. But SOL Technologies won't remain silent. They'll do whatever it takes to regain control… But if I'm on your side, since I manage LINK VRAINS, your rule will be absolute. We can acquire a fortune if we work together."
The idiot, Yasutake thought, narrowing his eyes. He must not know what the Tower's true purpose was. Hanoi didn't want to control LINK VRAINS; they wanted to destroy it.
"I see," Revolver said, smiling. "How interesting." Yasutake blinked as Kitamura smiled. "But if you want to join us, we must test your abilities." Revolver turned around. "Handle this."
As Revolver walked into a portal, Kitamura said, "Hey! Where are you going?"
"I'm honored to meet you."
Yasutake gasped. He knew that voice. He reoriented the camera.
"Hello. My name is Spectre." Yasutake narrowed his eyes. He hadn't seen this Knight since he had dueled him.
"Spectre?" Kitamura asked.
"I'll test your abilities," Spectre said. "In a Master Duel."
"Master Duel?" Kitamura repeated.
"Yes." Spectre then turned and looked at Yasutake's drone. "But first, why don't we have some privacy?" The man snapped his fingers and the camera fizzled out.
"What the-?" Yasutake said, gritting his teeth as he pushed some buttons. "Damn it. The drone was destroyed."
Cam looked at Yasutake. "That was recorded, right?"
"Of course," Yasutake said, pulling the video up. "Why?"
"No reason," Cam said. "I just thought that if Kitamura somehow gets out of that, we might be able to blackmail him with that."
Yasutake raised an eyebrow. "You're eviler than I thought you were Cam."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cam scowled. "I honestly don't think much of Kitamura, but betraying SOL? I thought he would at least have some measure of loyalty to them."
"People reap what they sow," Yasutake said, scowling with Cam. "Bishop and the others put Kitamura in charge because they thought they could control him. But the man is so blinded by his own ego, he didn't even bother trying to find Hanoi. Instead he just dispatched AI duelists."
Yasutake started typing again. "I'll try to get the rest of my drones online. The Tower will have erased some, but I think I can find at least one."
After a minute, the video returned. "Is that one of your drones?" Cam asked.
Yasutake shook his head. "This is the news service. A few journalists must have remained." Probably that Frog and Pigeon duo, he thought.
Yasutake's eyes widened at what he saw. Kitamura was still dueling Spectre, but it looked like the duel was over. One of Spectre's monsters – a green-cloaked and blue skinned warrior carrying a sword – charged Kitamura and slashed him. Kitamura fell onto his back as his Life Points hit 0.
Yasutake's eyes narrowed. "The feed was only off for a minute or so. He lost that easily?"
"Damn fool," Cam muttered.
Unfortunately, the camera was too far away to pick up on what Kitamura and Spectre were saying. They watched as Spectre walked up to Kitamura. Whatever they talked about, it didn't go well for Kitamura. Spectre snapped his fingers, then Kitamura turned red. Cam's and Yasutake's eyes widened as Kitamura broke apart into data.
"Damn," Cam whispered. "I know he deserved that, but damn."
Spectre then turned to the camera and spoke loud enough for them to hear. "This is a warning," he said. "Those who enter LINK VRAINS will end up the same as him. But if you don't care, feel free to come." The feed cut off after that.
Yasutake scowled at the screen.
"He's challenging Playmaker," Cam said.
"He's challenging anyone," Yasutake corrected. "More than that… that monster he used to defeat Kitamura wasn't a Machine monster. I didn't recognize it from our duel."
Cam looked at Yasutake. "You think he changed Decks?"
"Or he fought me with some kind of test Deck," Yasutake said, frowning. "He mentioned Revolver had made a card just to defeat me. I guess the Deck he used was made to accommodate it." After saying that, he stood up.
"You're going back in?" Cam said, his eyes wide.
"Not yet," Yasutake said. "There's something I have to do first."
Takeshi watched, his face grim as the feed cut out.
"Brother?"
He turned to look at Eiji. "It will be alright, won't it? Playmaker will stop Hanoi, won't he?"
Takeshi struggled to smile. "Yeah," he said. "He will. I know it."
And he won't be alone, Takeshi thought. Katsumi frowned at him, but before she could say anything, the door opened.
"We're sorry to interrupt," the doctor said. "But it's time for the operation."
"Ah. No worries," Takeshi said. He looked back at Eiji. "You ready?"
Eiji frowned. "I don't know. But… for you, brother, I'll go through with it. Will… will you be here, when I get back?"
Takeshi smiled warmly at his little brother. "Yes. I will. I promise."
He helped Eiji into a wheelchair, which the nurse pushed out of the door. Katsumi watched them go, then turned and frowned at Takeshi.
"You're going in, aren't you?"
Takeshi narrowed his eyes. "I have to, Katsumi. Not just because Hanoi has to be stopped; but to pay back Terminus." He looked at the television. "I know he gave my brother a second chance at life, but he used him against me. He manipulated me into doing his dirty work. If I don't repay him for that… then I won't be able to live with myself."
Katsumi closed her eyes and smiled. "I know," she said. "I love that part of you, Takeshi. But… be careful, please?"
Takeshi turned and smirked at her. "Who, me?"
Katsumi frowned at him. "I'm being serious, Takeshi."
Takeshi's smirk turned into a smile. "I know, Katsumi. Don't worry. I won't lose to Terminus." He held up his Duel Disk. "I just got a new card. A card that will render Terminus powerless."
"Is that so? Then… I'll give you some help, too." Katsumi rolled up her sleeve, revealing a Duel Disk. She pushed some buttons, which made Takeshi's Duel Disk beep. He looked at it and his eyes widened.
"Katsumi… you're giving me this?"
"You and I are the only duelists I know who can use it," Katsumi said, smiling at him. "Defeat Terminus and come back. You made a promise to Eiji, after all."
"I know. And I'll make one to you, as well." Takeshi brought his fist to his chest. "I promise you, Katsumi. I will return!"
Masako stood up from the couch and picked up her Duel Disk from the table.
Tagoma turned to her with wide eyes. "What are you doing? You're not actually thinking of going to LINK VRAINS?"
"Yes, I am," Masako replied, pressing some buttons.
"But… this isn't our fight. Don't you remember what happened in your duel with Terminus?"
"Yes, I do," Masako said, looking at Tagoma. "That's why I have to go. I have to get revenge for him defeating me. More than that, I owe Morningstar a debt for saving me. This is how I'll repay him."
Tagoma scowled at her. "If you lose, you'll become part of that thing. Like all those other people."
Masako smirked. "No risk, no reward, right? That's what you always said before."
Tagoma struggled with himself then sighed. "Alright. I'll let you go. But first…" He brought out his own Duel Disk and pushed some buttons. Masako looked at her Duel Disk and her eyes widened.
"This is-."
"Your birthday present this year," Tagoma said. "I was planning on waiting, but I think you'll need it now more than ever."
Masako smiled. "Thank you, Tagoma. But I'll need more than this." She picked up her father's laptop and connected her Duel Disk to it.
"What are you doing?"
"Downloading the two Cyspirit monsters that are on this," she answered. "We'll need every advantage we can get, and if Morningstar has these two cards, he'll be unstoppable."
Tagoma scowled then sighed. "You're going to give those to him for free, aren't you?"
"If you want, I can ask him to owe us a favor in return."
"…That would be useful. Having LINK VRAINS's best bounty hunter owe us works for me."
Yasutake walked into Sachi's room and sat in the chair. She was currently on her bed, her arms wrapped around her legs. She was awake, but her dull eyes stared out into nothing.
Yasutake remembered when she had spoken to him. Yasu is my friend. She had woken up from nightmares since then, but it had happened less frequently. And every time it happened, either Cam or Yasutake had been here, saying three things to her to calm her down.
"Hey, Sachi." She didn't respond to him. While she seemed calmer than ever before, she still didn't talk to him or Cam. "I want you to know something. I'm… going to be doing something dangerous. Something potentially life-threatening. But… it's something I have to do."
He was silent in thought, then said, "I know who was responsible for what happened to us. The Lost Incident. I know who was responsible. And they're threatening more than just us now."
He narrowed his eyes. "One: the Knights of Hanoi are responsible for what happened to us. I'll hunt them down and get justice for us. Two: they are threatening all of LINK VRAINS with their next plan. I won't let them succeed. Three." On the last one, his voice became gentler. "I will defeat them. All of them. And I'll come back to you and Cam. You and Cam… are the people I care about most in this world."
They sat in silence for a minute, then Yasutake stood up. He turned to leave and opened the door.
"Yasu will win."
He stopped in his tracks and turned back to look at Sachi. She hadn't moved and her eyes hadn't changed, but there was no mistaking her mouth moving.
"Yasu… will win. Yasu always wins. No matter what… I have faith in Yasu."
She closed her eyes and tucked her head in. Yasutake felt something on his cheek. Reaching up, he wiped away a tear. He turned around and walked out the door.
Cam looked up as Yasutake walked in. "Hey. We have another problem."
Yasutake raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, a voice came from the computers. "Morningstar."
Yasutake narrowed his eyes. "Bishop," he said. "This isn't a good time."
"I am aware. You are watching what is happening in LINK VRAINS?"
"The Tower of Hanoi? Yes, I'm seeing it."
"If that thing is not shut down in six hours, the world's network will collapse."
"I also know that."
There was silence for a bit before Bishop said, "Do you remember the last time I called?"
"Yes. You called offering me a job to capture Playmaker's AI. For twice my usual rate."
"I'm offering you another bounty," Bishop said. "Shut the Tower down. Defeat the Knights of Hanoi. I'll offer you three times your usual rate."
Yasutake raised an eyebrow. "That's very generous of you. I assume there's a catch."
"Not on this bounty, no," Bishop said. "But there is one on the Playmaker bounty."
"And that is…?"
"My colleagues have lost patience with you," Bishop said. "As have I in this regard. After this crisis is over, we'll be making a general announcement. A public bounty on Playmaker's head."
Yasutake narrowed his eyes again. "That will only make my job harder," he said. "These things take time. It will take even more if I'm tripping over amateurs."
"The people Knight and Rook have been in contact with are not amateurs. I assume you remember Blood Shepherd?"
"I've been trying to forget him, actually. You're saying they're bringing him on?"
"It's only talk at this point, but they'll hire him eventually. Along with others. The only reason I am giving you an advanced warning is so you can hunt Playmaker down before Blood Shepherd and other bounty hunters like him arrive. If you acquire Playmaker's AI before we make the announcement, we'll gladly pay you the public amount."
"Which is…?"
"Five times larger than what I was offering you before."
Yasutake whistled and pretended to think it over. "Alright, Bishop. Once the Tower has collapsed, I'll resume the hunt. And I'll retrieve that AI."
"I know you will, Morningstar," Bishop said. He ended the call after that.
Cam looked at Yasutake. "Are you really going to do this, Yasu? I was starting to think of Fujiki and Kusanagi as friends."
"So was I," Yasutake said. "But I accepted a contract for Ai. My hunter's honor obliges me to complete it. And if I can retrieve Ai, that means Fujiki won't have to deal with people like Blood Shepherd." He shuddered thinking of that man. While some bounty hunters like himself and Emma had some standards, all Blood Shepherd cared about was money. Even Yasutake, who was a better duelist and hunter than him, didn't want to face him.
"But that's a secondary concern." Yasutake looked at the screens showing the Tower. "Playmaker will try to stop the Tower. And I'm going to help him."
Cam frowned. "Since the core absorbed the data material, there are no Data Storms in LINK VRAINS, except near the Tower. You'll have to go in on foot."
"I'll still go," Yasutake said, narrowing his eyes. "Terminus is there. I know he is. And he has the answers Playmaker and I are searching for."
Maybe that's what I've been searching for all this time. For answers to bring peace to myself and Sachi.
Yasutake headed for the sealed room, but Cam grabbed his sleeve. "Wait. There's something you should take with you." Cam took a small disc and inserted it into Yasutake's Duel Disk. Looking at the screen, Yasutake raised an eyebrow.
"This is the anti-purge program?"
"Yeah," Cam said, nodding. "I made a few slight modifications. It should keep someone from being turned into data. It will only work once, so be careful. If only I'd finished it in time for Emma…"
Yasutake clenched his fist and looked Cam in the eye. "I'll bring her back, Cam," he said. "We both have our issues with her, but she was a friend in the past. And she didn't deserve what happened to her."
Cam nodded. "Agreed. Bring her back. Then I can yell at her for losing in person." Yasutake smiled and turned around.
Yasutake entered the sealed room and, taking out his Deck, inserted it into his Duel Disk. "Deck set!"
Masako, Takeshi, and Yasutake all shouted, "Into the VRAINS!"
As Morningstar descended into LINK VRAINS, he noticed a familiar figure and smirked. "Hello, Playmaker!"
Playmaker looked up as Morningstar landed next to him.
"I expected to find you here."
"Playmaker!" The two turned to the left.
"Go Onizuka!" Playmaker said with surprise as the man ran towards them.
"Hey! Over there!" Ai said, pointing to the right. They turned as Blue Angel walked up to them.
"So you three came too," she said.
"Not just them."
The three turned as Galahad came, walking up from behind Playmaker.
"Why are you here?" Playmaker asked all of them.
"That's what I was going to say," Go said. "Especially you, Blue Angel. I thought you only fought for yourself."
"Lay off her, Go," Galahad said.
"It's alright, Galahad," Blue Angel said, before turning to Go. "I learned something from my duels. When people believe in you, you're fighting for everyone. So Blue Angel fights for everyone from now on!"
"I'm the same," Go said. "I'm LINK VRAINS's hero, so it's my mission to protect this place!"
"Always full of energy," Ai commented.
Go looked at the AI. "So that's Ignis, the special AI."
"I have a wonderful name, you know! Ai! Call me Master Ai from now on! Actually, Lord Ai! No, Professor Ai! No, Aiai!"
"What an arrogant AI."
The five turned as a new figure came around the corner.
"A pity a loud mouth isn't all that's needed to win duels," Lilith said, looking at Ai with a bored expression. "Otherwise we could just leave this whole thing to you and Playmaker."
"Eh?" Ai said. "Who are you supposed to be?"
"Her name is Lilith," Morningstar answered. "She's a bounty hunter like me."
"A bounty hunter?" Go said, his disgust evident. "So you're here to make money?"
"Go easy on her," Galahad said. "I've met her before. She's no friend of Hanoi."
Lilith looked at Galahad and smirked. "Who are you again?"
Galahad fell over, then stood up again. "What do you mean by that!? We met before, didn't we!? I'm Galahad, the 4th best duelist in all of LINK VRAINS!"
"Oh, now I remember you. But I thought you were the 5th best? Did someone retire?"
"Why you-!"
"Playmaker," Blue Angel said, interrupting Galahad's tirade. "Why are you here?"
"For three reasons," Playmaker responded. "One: I'll stop the Tower of Hanoi that's causing this. Two: I'll rescue Ghost Girl, who gave me info about that tower. And three: I must end it with the person behind this incident."
Blue Angel's eyes widened. "Something happened to Ghost Girl?"
"Yeah. Revolver, the Knights of Hanoi's leader, defeated her. She was turned into data and absorbed into the core."
"No way," Blue Angel said, covering her mouth. Galahad and Lilith just scowled.
"She gave you info about the tower?" Go asked. "What info?"
Playmaker pointed at the Tower. "Revolver will use that Tower of Hanoi to execute a terrifying plan."
"What plan?"
"To destroy the entire network," Morningstar answered.
"What?" Go said in shock.
"That's impossible," Blue Angel said.
"Not impossible." Everyone turned to Lilith. "I met someone who tried something similar once. They were only able to shut a portion of the network down for a time, but…" She looked at the Tower. "That person's code was far inferior to whatever that thing is."
"When the Tower of Hanoi is complete," Playmaker said. "It will erase all information on the network."
"But," Blue Angel said. "If that happens, won't it erase the consciousnesses of Ghost Girl and everyone who was absorbed?"
"Exactly. That's why I must stop it before it activates."
"And I don't want to be erased either," Ai interjected.
"But how can it be stopped?" Go asked.
"By defeating Revolver," Playmaker answered.
"Not just him," Morningstar said. "There is another Knight with him. A man named Terminus. Undoubtedly, he's at the Tower too." Galahad narrowed his eyes on hearing that.
"The time limit is six hours," Ai said.
"Six hours!" Blue Angel, Galahad, Go, and Lilith said in surprise.
"Or the Tower of Hanoi will be completed," Ai finished.
Playmaker looked at the Tower. "Revolver is waiting at the Tower of Hanoi. And I will end it with him!"
"And so is Terminus," Morningstar said. "I have my own business with him to finish."
Go raised a fist. "I'm going too!"
"Me too!" Blue Angel.
"Don't leave me out!" Galahad said.
"No, go home," Playmaker said. "It's too dangerous."
Blue Angel smiled. "I knew you'd say that."
"After hearing this, I can't go home," Go said. "It's my duty to protect the children's futures, dreams and hopes!"
"I feel the same," Blue Angel said. "We must rescue Ghost Girl too!"
"Not just her!" Galahad said. "Many innocent people were caught in that thing. We have to save them too!"
Lilith sighed. "I don't know about saving or protecting people. But if that thing is completed, I'll be out of a job. That would be annoying to deal with."
Morningstar narrowed his eyes at Playmaker. "They aren't changing their minds, Playmaker. And neither am I. I will confront Terminus again. And I will defeat him."
Playmaker stared at Morningstar for a while then closed his eyes. "Do whatever you want," he said to all of them.
"Belligerent as always," Ai said.
"Among the six of us, one of us must defeat Revolver and Terminus!" Blue Angel said.
"Be careful, all of you," Playmaker said. "According to Ghost Girl, Revolver has a terrifying card."
They all nodded in response.
"Let's meet again if we're still alive," Blue Angel said.
"And celebrate our victory," Galahad added. "I know a great cyber café around here somewhere. Though, it might have turned into data by now…"
"Good luck," Go said.
"See ya!" Ai said.
Blue Angel, Go, and Playmaker all turned and ran down the streets. Galahad and Lilith made to follow them, but Morningstar stopped them.
"Galahad, Lilith," he said, making the two turn to him. "I have to know. Why are the two of you here?"
Galahad smiled. "What other reason? To protect this place! I can't entertain a crowd from the real world!"
Morningstar frowned at him. "You're here for Terminus too, aren't you?"
Galahad sighed. "Yes, I am. He used my brother against me and forced me to duel you. I can't forgive such an act." He narrowed his eyes. "I know you have your own business with Terminus, Morningstar. But so do I. And if I get to him first, I will defeat him."
Morningstar looked at Galahad then turned to Lilith. "And you? I assume you want revenge for what Terminus did to you?"
Lilith scowled at him. "Of course," she said. "I'm not like you, Playmaker, or this fool and his Charisma Duelist pals."
"Eh?" Galahad said, his anger evident. "Who are you calling-!?"
"I have to be realistic," Lilith said, ignoring Galahad. "I can't concern myself with fancy ideals or right and wrong. But… I can repay my debts. And I owe Terminus for what he did to me. And… I owe you for saving me, Morningstar."
"I was going to duel Terminus anyway, Lilith," Morningstar said. "You don't owe me anything."
"You saying that doesn't change things," Lilith said, raising her Duel Disk. "You may feel differently, but I pay what I owe. That's why I'm giving you these."
Morningstar raised an eyebrow as she took some cards from her Duel Disk and held them out to him. He took them and looked at them.
His eyes widened in shock. "These-."
"Yes," Lilith interrupted. "I can't tell you where I got them, but I figure these will help you defeat Terminus. You can owe me a favor in return."
Morningstar thought about it, then pressed a button on his Duel Disk. A golden sphere appeared, which he offered to Lilith.
She raised an eyebrow. "This is…?"
"Something for you to blackmail Kitamura with when this is over," he said. "I'm assuming he didn't pay you for dueling me. You can force him to with this."
"Oh?" Lilith smirked at hearing that. "That does sound good. Alright. Our debts are paid."
"You two are horrible," Galahad said. "You're openly talking about blackmailing the security manager of SOL Technologies. And who just became part of that monstrosity."
"That's the benefit of being a bounty hunter, Galahad," Lilith said, smiling cutely at the Charisma Duelist. "We can be honest about how the people we take jobs from are scumbags."
"Don't say that with that kind of cute voice! And stop smiling at me like that!"
"Enough!" Morningstar said sharply. "We've wasted enough time as it is. Let's go!"
"Right!"
The three turned and headed down different roads. Galahad followed the same road as Go and Morningstar went after Playmaker. Lilith, on the other hand, took a different path than Blue Angel.
Lilith sighed as she ran. "Honestly," she said. "Morningstar and Playmaker are one thing; at least those two have a sense of realism. But dealing with Charisma Duelists… what have I gotten myself into?"
"If you're getting cold feet, little girl, you can always log out," Tagoma said into her earpiece. Lilith narrowed her eyes. His voice sounded scratchy.
"Tagoma, I'm hearing some interference. Is that on your end?"
"No. The Tower appears to be emitting some kind of signal that's disrupting communications. The closer you get to it, the worse our connection will be."
"Great."
Lilith continued to run, but when she reached an intersection, she gasped then scowled.
"Whoever's there, come out," she said. "I know you're hiding."
"…Well, well… You have gotten stronger, Lilith."
Lilith gasped as a person rounded a corner and came into view. He wore mostly white robes, with purple lines running up the arms and legs. Golden boots and gloves covered his hands and feet, and a gold and white mask covered his face.
Lilith narrowed her eyes. That tone he used… "Do I know you?" she asked. "I'm certain I haven't seen you before."
The man chuckled. "Well, that is just hurtful, Lilith. I honestly thought it wouldn't matter what avatar I used; you would always recognize me. After all, I can never forget you… Masako."
Lilith's eyes widened. He knew her real name? But that was impossible! Only one other person besides Tagoma knew she was Lilith and… no. It couldn't be.
"Who…," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Who are you?"
He chuckled again as he reached up and took his mask off, revealing his face. His skin was very pale, with sunken brown eyes. Long, shaggy black hair went down to his collarbone. A long scar went across his left cheek up towards his forehead.
Lilith started shaking. No. This was impossible. Someone had to mimicking him. But that scar… she would always remember it. She had been the one to give it to him. And only he could recreate it so vividly.
"Issei?" she said, her horror evident. "Issei Kamakura?"
The man laughed as he put his mask back on. "I go by Thaumiel now," he said. "I had to change avatars after you defeated me."
"Kamakura?" Tagoma said, shock and surprise evident in his voice. "That's… that's not possible! He's supposed to be in jail!"
"How?" Lilith asked, her eyes wide. "How are you here? You were sent to prison for what you did in Osaka!"
"You mean for what you did in Osaka," Thaumiel corrected her. "I would have gotten away clean if you hadn't insisted on restarting the systems." Thaumiel shook his head. "I thought we had something special. But I try to have a little fun, and not only do you object, you throw me to the wolves. But to answer your question, I escaped. Took me longer than I thought it would, but now I'm here."
Thaumiel's voice lowered. "I've waited for my chance to get revenge on you for what you did to me, Masako. I didn't reveal your identity to anyone because I wanted to be the one to make you suffer. And now, Terminus has given me that chance."
"Terminus? So you're with the Knights of Hanoi now?"
Thaumiel seemed to consider that. "I don't know if 'with' is the right word. I haven't joined them officially or anything. In fact, I can tell Revolver and Terminus don't like me. They think I should be back in prison. But I don't care about that. I care about what the Tower will do."
"You mean shut down every computer in the world?"
Thaumiel laughed. "Oh, it will do more than that. Untold chaos, destruction… it will be beautiful. The greatest cybercrime in all of history, and my name will be attached to it." His voice lowered. "The fact I can get revenge on you at the same time is merely a side benefit. But a very good one."
"People will die, Issei," Lilith said, her voice low. "If that thing is finished, thousands of people all over the world will die."
"Yes," Thaumiel said. "And it will be beautiful. That's why I can't have you interfere like you did back in Osaka. I can't have you spoiling my fun again."
Lilith grit her teeth. "You're challenging me to a duel? What will happen if I lose?"
"You'll become part of the Tower," he said casually. "Just like that foolish Ghost Girl. But don't feel too worried about it. Your new friends, especially Morningstar, will be joining you soon enough."
"Be careful, Masako," Tagoma said. "Kamakura's insane, but he's dangerous."
Lilith knew that all too well. Thaumiel was perhaps the most dangerous opponent she had ever faced. Morningstar and Terminus were likely better duelists than him, but both of them had moral codes that held them in check. Thaumiel had no such restraint.
"I defeated you once before, Iss-, no, Thaumiel," Lilith said, correcting herself. "I can do it again."
"I've become far stronger than the last time we fought," Thaumiel said, smirking beneath his mask. "I'll defeat you in a Master Duel!"
"Duel!" they shouted.
Lilith: 4000 LP
Thaumiel: 4000 LP
Looking at his cards, Thaumiel laughed. "I shall go first. Let me show you my new power!" He selected two cards in his hand. "With the Scale 1 Qliphort Monolith and the Scale 9 Qliphort Scout, I set the Pendulum Scale!"
Lilith's eyes widened with surprise. "Pendulum!?" she repeated.
On either end of Thaumiel's field, two pillars of light appeared. In the pillar on his right, a massive stone tablet with a blue crystal in the center and red lines across it appeared. In the pillar on his left, a large green and yellow spaceship with a green crystal in the center appeared.
Qliphort Monolith Scale 1
Qliphort Scout Scale 9
"This… this can't be," Lilith said, her eyes wide. While Pendulum monsters had been popular before, the release of Link Monsters, the change to the Master Rules, and the relocation of the Pendulum Zones, had hit them hard. So hard that it was rare to see a Pendulum Monster in the online card shops, let alone in a duel.
Thaumiel laughed at the expression on Lilith's face. "Because you betrayed me, my hatred and desire for revenge made me grow stronger. And this is the result of your betrayal." He gestured to the pillar on his left. "Qliphort Scout's Pendulum effect! Once per turn, I can pay 800 Life Points to add one 'Qli' card from my Deck to my hand. I add Qliphort Disk from my Deck to my hand." Thaumiel didn't react as his Life Points took a hit.
Thaumiel: 4000→3200 LP
"And now it's time." Thaumiel spread his arms wide. "With the set Pendulum Scale, I can Special Summon monsters between Levels 2 and 8 at the same time!" he shouted. "Come forth! My servants! Qliphort Shell and Qliphort Stealth!"
A portal opened between the pillars, out of which two lights emerged. The lights hit his field and then dissipated, revealing two monsters. The first looked like a green and grey top, with several spikes on the edges. The second was a transparent fighter, with only a central jewel visible. Both were summoned in Attack Position.
Qliphort Shell ATK 2800 DEF 1000 LVL: 8 PS: 9
Qliphort Stealth ATK 2800 DEF 1000 LVL: 8 PS: 1
"Two monsters with high attack at once," Lilith muttered.
"Shell's and Stealth's effects activate!" Thaumiel declared. "As they were Special Summoned, their Levels become 4 and their original attack points become 1800!"
Qliphort Shell ATK 2800→1800 LVL: 8→4
Qliphort Stealth ATK 2800→1800 LVL: 8→4
Lilith gasped. "Why would you intentionally weaken your monsters?"
"Because they won't remain for long," Thaumiel responded, then gestured to his field. "I Tribute Shell and Stealth to Tribute Summon Qliphort Disk!" Both monsters disappeared as a monster that resembled a rainbow-colored UFO appeared on Thaumiel's field.
Qliphort Disk ATK 2800 DEF 1000 LVL: 7 PS: 1
"Qliphort Disk's monster effect!" Thaumiel declared. "If it is Tribute Summoned by Tributing a 'Qli' monster, I can Special Summon two 'Qli' monsters from my Deck! Come to me, Qliphort Carrier and Qliphort Helix!"
A large white monster white orange lines that resembled an aircraft carrier appeared on Thaumiel's field. Alongside it was a monster that resembled a boat attached to spiral gold and silver bands. Both were summoned in Attack Position.
Qliphort Carrier ATK 2400 DEF 1000 LVL: 6 PS: 1
Qliphort Helix ATK 2400 DEF 1000 LVL: 6 PS: 9
"And just like Shell and Stealth, since Carrier and Helix were Special Summoned, their Levels become 4 and their original attack points become 1800."
Qliphort Carrier ATK 2400→1800 LVL: 6→4
Qliphort Helix ATK 2400→1800 LVL: 6→4
Thaumiel chuckled. "As impressive as my monsters are, they are but the opening act. It is time for my ace monster to take center stage!" He gestured upwards as his hand glowed blue. "Appear! The circuit of the ancient machine!" The Link portal appeared high in the sky above him.
"Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are two Machine monsters! I set Qliphort Carrier and Qliphort Helix in the Link Markers!" Carrier and Helix became orange and silver whirlwinds of energy, respectively. The whirlwinds entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows, turning them red. The portal glowed with energy as Thaumiel continued.
"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link 2! Qliphort Genius!"
The monster that appeared resembled the jewel that had been visible on Qliphort Stealth, but there was no light in it. The sphere in the center of it broke apart, revealing a figure made of shadows that emerged from it. The entire jewel seemed to radiate darkness as it was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.
Qliphort Genius ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↙↘
Lilith grit her teeth. "So this is your Link Monster," she said.
Thaumiel laughed. "Genius is unaffected by Spell and Trap effects," he said. "And the activated effects of other Link Monsters. Furthermore, Disk is unaffected by the activated effects from any monster whose original Level or Rank is lower than its current Level. I Set one card and end my turn."
Thaumiel then gestured to the pillar on his right. "The Pendulum effect of Qliphort Monolith activates! During the End Phase of my turn, if I Tribute Summoned, I can draw cards equal to the number of 'Qli' monsters I Tributed. I Tributed two, so I draw two cards."
Thaumiel drew, then laughed again. "This… this is the new power I have acquired, Lilith." He clenched his fist in front of him. "Prepare yourself, my old friend. For soon, you shall experience my vengeance!"
Lilith vs. Thaumiel
This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.
Turn 1: Thaumiel
Thaumiel activates the Scale 1 Qliphort Monolith and the Scale 9 Qliphort Scout in his Pendulum Zones. Thaumiel activates the effect of the Qliphort Scout in the Pendulum Zone, paying 800 LP to add 1 "Qli" card from his Deck to his hand (Thaumiel: 4000→3200 LP). He adds Qliphort Disk from his Deck to his hand. Thaumiel Pendulum Summons Qliphort Shell (2800/1000/8/9) and Qliphort Stealth (2800/1000/8/1) in Attack Position. Because Shell and Stealth were Special Summoned, their Levels become 4 and their original ATK becomes 1800 (Shell: 2800→1800/9→4) (Stealth: 2800→1800/1→4). Thaumiel Tributes Shell and Stealth to Tribute Summon Qliphort Disk (2800/1000/7/1). Since Disk was Tribute Summoned, Thaumiel can Special Summon 2 "Qli" monsters from his Deck, but they are destroyed during the End Phase. He Special Summons Qliphort Carrier (2400/1000/6/1) and Qliphort Helix (2400/1000/6/9) from his Deck in Attack Position. Because Carrier and Helix were Special Summoned, their Levels become 4 and their original ATK becomes 1800 (Carrier: 2400→1800/6→4) (Helix: 2400→1800/6→4). Thaumiel uses Carrier and Helix to Link Summon Qliphort Genius (1800/2/↙↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Thaumiel Sets 1 card. He ends his turn. During the End Phase, since he Tribute Summoned this turn, the effect of Monolith lets him draw cards equal to the number of "Qli" monsters he Tributed for Tribute Summons this turn. He draws 2 cards.
This duel will continue…
Chapter Preview
Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 20 – An Old Score
Responses to Reviews & Author's Notes
Thank you to D3lph0xL0v3r, HunterHQ, sanedimentio, Guest, Aira Aura, ClearwingYuta, Lindia Fullmoon, Guest, Guest, GreenD109, and ThePLOThand for reviewing Chapter 18 of Hidden Memories.
To answer HunterHQ, I have not decided if Morningstar will use the other summoning methods. All the Cyspirit Extra Deck monsters he owns are Link Monsters, so either new ones will have to be made, or they'll be of a different archetype.
On sanedimentio's question about banned/limited Cyspirits, I would definitely agree to Mad Mongrel and Neo Nova at least getting limited. I would also see Necrocoding, Cacophonic Caller (since the only limit is Level 4 or lower), and possibly Winning Wrestler getting limited or semi-limited.
Both Guest reviews provided some interesting ideas, but I won't respond them to keep myself from giving away spoilers. But I am glad there is interest in Sachi. I'm looking forward to developing her character.
Okay, this chapter is officially the shortest chapter I've ever written, but I think that's to be expected; previous chapters have covered one or more episodes or had long duels. This chapter only has the first turn of a duel, like Episode 32. The rest of the duel will be in Chapter 20. Also, starting with this chapter, this duel, and the next three, will take place over two chapters each.
In this chapter, we saw the Tower rise and everyone gather to face it. Galahad, Lilith, and Morningstar have joined Playmaker and his allies to destroy the Tower, and while Galahad does have some noble reasons, all three are essentially there for Terminus. Lilith also gave Morningstar the last two Cyspirit Link Monsters, and she received a new card from Tagoma. Galahad also got a card from Katsumi, which I hope everyone will like when it shows up.
We also have the reveal of Thaumiel's Deck, and it is the Qliphort Pendulum archetype. The Qliphort archetype was suggested by sanedimentio, but the man himself, including his real life name Issei Kamakura, was created by ThePLOThand. A huge thank you to him, as well as letting me work out his personality and backstory.
I just want to say this about Thaumiel's character. You might think he is like Spectre; a character with a tragic past who became a monster. Someone who, even if they are despicable, you can understand how they got there. Thaumiel is not that kind of character.
Thaumiel is the kind of character who takes pleasure in causing as much pain and suffering as possible because he can. I am not writing him to be sympathetic or tragic. I am writing him to be the vilest person I can possibly create. The kind of character you hope will lose in the biggest way possible. It might make a bit flat compared to other villains lime Revolver or Terminus, but I really wanted a truly evil character, and that person is Thaumiel.
Thank you for reading Chapter 19 of Hidden Memories. Please tell me whose goodbye you liked the most: Takeshi's, Masako's, or Yasutake's?