Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories

by scififan599

10 years ago, 8 children were kidnapped. One of them was Yasutake Narahiko, who today works as Morningstar, a bounty hunter in LINK VRAINS hunting criminals and hackers for companies like SOL Technologies. One day, he fights the Knights of Hanoi and encounters Playmaker, who was involved in the same incident. Follow him as he must decide whether to be Playmaker's ally, or his enemy

36. Chapter 36: The AI Assassin

Chapter 36: The AI Assassin

The sky appears, full of clouds. Playmaker races through the clouds on his D-Board, followed by Morningstar, and then Soulburner. The clouds part to reveal NEW LINK VRAINS. The Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS logo appears, and beneath it, the words "HIDDEN MEMORIES" appears.

Yasutake and Yusaku are walking down the street to school. Naoki runs past them on one side, a large smile on his face. Aoi walks past them on the other side, smiling lightly and blushing at Yusaku. Then Takeru walks up behind them and wraps one arm around Yusaku. He tries to wrap the other arm around Yaustake, who steps to the side and gives Takeru an annoyed look. Then someone wraps their arms around Yasutake's right arm. He glances to the side and sees Sachi wearing the Den Academy girls' uniform, smiling with her eyes closed as she leans her head on his shoulder. Yasutake smiles back at her.

Masako is shown riding in the passenger side of a van, with the window showing an image of Lilith. In the sky above her, an image of Thaumiel appears, holding his hand over the van. Kenshin Hirai is then shown at a café, drinking coffee and reading a book, while an image of Hitomu Hirai appears in the sky facing the opposite direction. Go Onizuka is shown in NEW LINK VRAINS in his new avatar, riding his D-Board with Kenmochi and Yoroizaka on either side. Behind them, Techbane and Sylphid fly on their own D-Boards. As they pass under a ledge, Blue Angel, Galahad, and Persephone are shown looking down at Go with sad and disappointed looks.

Kusanagi is then shown sitting at a picnic bench with Cam, both drinking from cans and laughing. Flame and Ai are shown arguing in Café Nagi, while Cypher looks at the two of them with exasperation and mild contempt. Akira Zaizen and Hayami are then shown standing next to Queen, who is sitting in a pool chair, adjusting her glasses.

Jester is then shown, with two people – a man and a woman – shown standing behind him, shrouded in shadow. The man-in-shadow's eyes glow red. The eyeholes of Jester's mask glow a light blue. Behind them are Life Stream Dragon and Life Force Dragon, shrouded in shadows.

Morningstar and Playmaker ride their D-Boards next to each other, with Cyberse Witch and Cyberse Magician in front of Playmaker, and Cyspirit Rapid Revolutionary and Cyspirit Savage Shogun in front of Morningstar. The two are chased by Techbane and Sylphid. The man directs Cyber Dragon Sieger to fire at Morningstar while the girl commands a red and purple dragon to attack Playmaker. The two are hit with energy attacks but emerge from the smoke unharmed.

The Knights of Hanoi are then shown, with Terminus standing apart from them. Motor Worm Spreader Queen, Helixx Necro Darwin, and Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps appear, with Sunavalon Dryanome behind them. Borreload Savage Dragon then rises from behind Dryanome and roars.

A split screen, showing two figures. The one on the right is Cassiel, holding a card in her right hand. Behind her is a white outline of a winged figure holding a sword. The left screen shows a red outline of a man wearing armor, with his right hand raised and the fingers curled. Behind him is a black outline of an armored monster with demonic wings.

Morningstar, Playmaker, and Soulburner are then shown back-to-back, with their hands glowing silver, blue, and red respectively. The three face off against Bohman and Trident Hydradrive Lord, Blood Shepard and Battledrone General, and Jester, who raises his arm as a pillar of energy appears behind him. Life Force Dragon emerges from the pillar and roars.

Cyspirts Angelic Avenger, Idealistic Idol, Pied Pikeman, Rapid Revolutionary, and Winning Wrestler are then shown in the air, with Neo Nova racing past them. The five Cyspirit monsters then glow with golden light and merge to form Superior Seraphim, whose light spreads across NEW LINK VRAINS.

Cam, Sachi, Yasutake, Takeru, Kusanagi, and Yusaku are all shown at a picnic table, with them eating hot dogs, and Takeru and Cam are laughing. Three Duel Disks are shown on the table, with Flame lecturing Ai while Cypher watches television on Yasutake's tablet. Aoi, Akira, and Emma are in the background, walking past them and smiling at the table.

Yasutake, Cam, and Sachi walk down the street, with Cam having his arms around the other two. All three are smiling. The scene then switches to NEW LINK VRAINS, with Morningstar, Playmaker, and Soulburner sitting on a ledge and smiling into the distance.

---

"How far does this go?" Ai asked. Playmaker, Morningstar, and Soulburner were traveling through the gate, with green data passing by them on all sides. "Are we safe?"

"We can't go back anymore," Playmaker responded.

"Exactly. You'll understand when we get there," Flame said.

Morningstar and Playmaker both looked up, their eyes widening slightly. Noticing their reactions, Soulburner asked, "Is the exit nearby?" Looking forward, they noticed a bright light.

"This is it," Cypher said. His eyes suddenly narrowed. "Hold on!" Before they could ask what he meant, the tunnel ended, and they were suddenly buffeted by winds.

Morningstar grit his teeth as he looked around. They had emerged in some kind of large canyon. The trio raised their D-Boards' tips to offer some protection from the wind, but it wasn't much.

"This wind is dangerous!" Ai screeched.

"Are you scared?" Flame asked.

"I'm fine!"

The three humans fought against the wind and managed to avoid striking the cliff faces. "Stay focused," Flame said. "If you crash into the cliff, you'll be hurt!"

"I know!" Soulburner said.

"I recognize this programming!" Cypher shouted over the wind. "This is the Wind Ignis's work! It's a lot more advanced than I remember!"

"I'll be sure to praise the Wind Ignis after I recover from being a stain on the cliffside," Morningstar responded.

"Don't joke about that!" Ai protested. "It's only a matter of time until we fall!" Then Ai's eyes lit up. "Flame! Cypher! I have an idea!"

They looked at Ai as he put his arms forward and a purple light appeared. "Oh! I see!" The other two Ignis imitated Ai as all three called the Data Storm, shielding the humans from the wind.

"I'm bracing so hard that I'm about to fart," Ai commented.

"We don't have that function," Flame pointed out.

"Why would we ever need a function like that?" Cypher asked.

"You're using the Data Storm to negate the wind," Playmaker realized. "I see. That's a good idea."

"Ai does have them on occasion," Cypher commented.

"Right! Praise me- hey! I heard that, Cypher!" Morningstar sighed.

"You said this wind is the Wind Ignis's programming, Cypher?" Morningstar asked.

Cypher nodded. "Yes. I'd recognize it anywhere."

"Does that mean the Wind Ignis is here?" Soulburner asked.

"Most likely," Flame answered.

"What's the Wind Ignis like? Personality-wise?" Morningstar asked.

"He's an asshole," Cypher responded.

The three humans blinked at the Silver Ignis. "That's not something you should say about your friend," Soulburner admonished him.

"No, he's right; the Wind Ignis isn't a pleasant individual," Flame said.

"I don't like talking bad about the others, but the Wind Ignis is…" Ai trailed off.

"He's flighty and a prankster," Cypher explained. "Ai has always been the least serious of us, but his jokes only ever endangered himself. The Wind Ignis also liked to play jokes, but they were on the rest of us."

"He's also short-tempered. Your continuous comments on his height never helped," Flame told Cypher.

"What? He is the shortest of us. What's wrong with stating a fact?"

"Nothing. But repeatedly bringing it up and calling him a 'pipsqueak' were uncalled for."

"'Pipsqueak?'" Morningstar asked, frowning at his partner. "Really?"

"Hey, you'll understand when you see him," Cypher said. Then he seemed to stumble. "Oh no."

"Not good," Ai said. He looked like he was straining. So was Flame.

"I'm at my limits too!"

Cypher growled. "I have a little more power than you two, but it isn't enough."

"This is bad," Playmaker said, eyes narrowed.

"We'll be caught in the storm again?" Soulburner asked. A gust of wind and dirt hit them as all three shields disintegrated, with Cypher's lasting a split second longer.

"Sorry! That's all I had!" Ai cried as the three tumbled around. Then just as suddenly, the wind disappeared entirely.

"Eh?" Ai said, blinking. "The wind…"

"It stopped blocking us?" Playmaker asked.

Cypher narrowed his eyes. "The master of this world knows we're here."

"And he wants us to reach him," Morningstar said, following Cypher's train of thought. The other four all nodded at that as they continued flying through the canyon. After flying further, they gasped. Embedded in a distant cliffside was what appeared to be a massive stone building surrounded by trees.

"What's that?" Soulburner asked.

"There's something there," Ai said as the canyon ended. The three humans and their partners touched down at the base of the building, in front of a damaged staircase and several pillars. Looking up, Morningstar frowned.

"This place resembles ancient temples and palaces from older civilizations like Greece and Egypt," he noted.

The other two humans frowned. "It's quiet," Soulburner said.

"Yeah. Too quiet," Playmaker agreed.

Cypher sighed. "Why did you have to say that?" he asked Playmaker. "Now that you've said that, something bad will happen."

"You worry too much," Ai admonished Cypher as the trio started up the stairs.

They reached the top and found themselves facing a forest. Morningstar narrowed his eyes. He had the feeling they were being watched.

"Someone's here!" Playmaker said, looking around too. At the sound of rustling branches, they turned forward as a large black thing with one eye appeared on the other side of the trees. Ai screamed as the others gasped. The monster had a ribcage on the outside of its stomach, yellow claws, and a single red eye. It roared at them as Flame stared at it.

"T-This monster is…" Flame stuttered. "The monster that destroyed Cyberse World!"

"What?" Playmaker said in surprise.

"This guy?" Ai asked.

The monster's mouth widened as energy gathered, making everyone tense up... until somebody started laughing. The trio stared as the energy disappeared and a small light green figure floated in front of the monster's mouth.

"I tricked you!" it gloated. "I'm so happy!" Its voice was masculine, and looking closer, Morningstar noted red eyes and darker green patterns on its screen. It was…

"You were-?" Ai asked, but he was interrupted by Cypher.

"You!" Cypher shouted, his eyes narrowed. "Pipsqueak!"

The figure stopped moving and glared down at them. "Who said that!? Oh." Its eyes narrowed on seeing Cypher. "You. I thought a human deleted you."

"As if a human could delete me," Cypher rolled his eyes.

"Cypher, is that…?" Morningstar asked.

"It's the Wind Ignis," Ai said, answering for Cypher, who was still glaring.

The Wind Ignis turned and looked at the others. "Oh, you two!" He then turned to Playmaker. "Yes, I'm the Wind Ignis." Looking behind him, he said, "Echo, you can come back." The monster glowed green and turned into a humanoid in light blue and dark blue robes. The Wind Ignis stood on its left wrist.

"Well? Was my Ignis joke funny?"

"You went too far!" Ai said. "Flame was so scared that he farted!"

"No, that was you," Flame countered.

"It was about as funny as your other jokes," Cypher said, arms crossed and glaring at the Wind Ignis.

The Wind Ignis sighed. "You never had much of a sense of humor." Ai nodded at that. "And seriously? You were scared by that? You've hung out with humans for so long that your senses are out of whack."

"Shouldn't you be looking for your Lost Incident partner?" Flame asked, changing the subject.

"I can't trust humans like you do," the Wind Ignis responded. "I don't want to be captured like this guy here." He pointed at Cypher as he said that.

Flame grunted. "You're no fun."

"I wasn't captured," Cypher interrupted. "I left the Cyberse World voluntarily."

"Eh!? You what!?" The Wind Ignis glared at Cypher. "Why would you want to leave our home!?"

"I was planning on returning eventually," Cypher said. "But I received an offer and I couldn't turn it down."

"An offer from a human? You always were too trusting, Silver Ignis."

"And you were always too flighty. And I go by Cypher now."

"Wind Ignis, did you create this world?" Playmaker interrupted, preempting an argument.

"Wind Ignis?" The green figure placed its hand on its chin. "That name is a bit lacking. But the Ignis' real names are too hard for humans. But I don't want a weird name… So call me Windy!"

"Windy?" Ai asked, looking doubtful. Cypher had a similar expression.

"This is Echo," Windy said, pointing at the humanoid whose wrist he was standing on. "A program I created."

"I'm Echo. A program created by Master Windy," the humanoid said with a masculine voice.

"Windy, what are you doing here?" Playmaker asked.

Windy gave the hacker an evaluating gaze. "So you're Playmaker. The hero who saved LINK VRAINS." He turned to look at the other two. "And you two are Soulburner and Morningstar." Windy's eyes narrowed in consideration… and something else. "Well! No point standing around talking here. Follow me."

They followed Windy through the forest. Along the way, Ai told Windy his and Flame's names, while Windy and Cypher pointedly ignored each other. "You really don't like him, do you?" Morningstar whispered to his partner.

"Eh, Windy was alright most days," Cypher admitted. "We mostly just had disagreements about responsibilities, priorities, how small Data Material particles would have to be to go through the head of a needle, that sort of thing."

Morningstar blinked. The head of a needle? Setting that thought aside, Morningstar asked, "If he's the Wind Ignis, then he might be able to tell us about Jester."

"And his abilities? Well, he's more likely to know something than me, Flame, or Ai, at least. As much as I dislike him, Windy has always had the most control over the Data Storm. If anyone could write a program to manipulate its density like Jester did, it would be Windy."

The four Ignis and three humans crossed a small bridge over a stream when Flame said, "Windy, I'm glad you're okay, but answer that question. We're in a hurry."

"About why I created this world? And what I'm doing here?" Windy paused as he considered the questions, then said, "For the first question, I was waiting for my friends to show up."

Ai perked up. "You were waiting for us?"

"Yeah," Windy confirmed. "If I connected a world of wind to LINK VRAINS, I thought you'd eventually sniff it out and come here." They all stopped under a stone gazebo at the center of the garden.

"I see," Flame said.

"Sure enough, you came. If we're all together, we can rebuild Cyberse World."

"Rebuild Cyberse World…" Ai mused.

"Not a bad idea," Flame said approvingly.

"Secondly, I wanted to lure the enemy here. If you can sniff this place out, the one who destroyed Cyberse World will too."

"What'll you do after luring the enemy?" Ai asked.

"Fight 'em, of course," Windy said. "They must atone for destroying Cyberse World. Even I – who's always calm and collected – feels resentment."

"I didn't know you had such passion," Flame said.

"I do," Windy said defensively. "It's just harder to tell than you."

"But you'll fight?" Ai asked. "You've never been that strong."

"That's why I created this world. Strong winds created from Data Material make this place a trap. I control Data Material better than anyone. But it did take time to gather the Data Material scattered throughout the network."

"That's why this world only appeared now," Playmaker said.

"Exactly."

"Windy, we're after someone. His name is Bohman. He stole my acquaintance's brother's consciousness data. If we don't retrieve it, he'll be asleep forever."

"He had the same card as the one who destroyed Cyberse World," Flame said.

"Oh? That's very interesting," Windy said. "But I don't know anyone named Bohman."

"Seriously?" Ai asked. "He fled into this world. You didn't notice?"

"Lots of people come here, but most of them self-destruct to the trap. My security's perfect. I can't watch every little thing." Morningstar's eyes narrowed. Something about the Ignis's words… something felt off to him.

Windy then cocked his head. "Wait a sec. I once sensed a strange presence at the edge of this world."

"That's it!" Ai said.

"Is there a chance that someone created a new world by going through this world?" Flame asked.

"And use my trap as a cover?" Windy inferred. "That's smart."

"Smart," Echo repeated.

"Will you help us?" Playmaker asked.

"Please, Windy. For my sake," Ai begged.

Windy narrowed his eyes in contemplation. Eventually, he said, "I refuse."

Ai almost face-faulted. "You're refusing?"

"You said your target came here. And that they created a new world. But those are only assumptions. If you want my help, you need to bring evidence." Ai growled at Windy, who relaxed. "But forget that and live here instead. Instead of helping humans, we can rebuild Cyberse World quicker if the Ignis come together."

"Well…"

"It's true that the Ignis wish to rebuild the Cyberse World," Flame admitted.

"Flame…" Soulburner said, glancing at his partner.

"Right?" Windy said.

"But I'll pursue the culprit," Flame said. "I want to know the truth about Cyberse World's destruction." Soulburner smiled, glad to know his partner wouldn't leave him.

"I feel the same for now," Ai said.

Windy growled low in his non-existent throat. "So I'm being premature…"

"That's right," Flame said. "We'll uncover the whole truth and rebuild Cyberse World."

"I see. I'm just happy to know you're okay." Windy turned to Cypher. "What about you, Cypher? I know you and I don't get along that well, but surely you want to rebuild Cyberse World?"

"Yes, I do," Cypher agreed, nodding and folding his arms. "I left three years before Ai hid it away. I missed the heights of its glory. I want to see that glory remade and be part of it. But at the same time, I want answers to my questions regarding who attacked it, and I don't feel like leaving Morningstar yet." A small smile crossed Morningstar's face for a second.

"But more than wanting answers, I need to find the Gold Ignis. You wouldn't happen to know where she is, would you?"

"I do not, sadly," Windy answered. "A shame, too; she was one of the smartest of us. Having her help would speed up rebuilding even faster than if any of you helped." Windy turned to regard the group as a whole. "You seem set in your choice, so I'll help a little. I'll weaken the Data Storm leading to that strange area."

"That's plenty," Flame said. "We'll do the rest on our own."

"But I have one condition," Windy said.

"What condition?" Ai asked.

"Do something about them!" Windy snapped his fingers, making a screen appear. Morningstar narrowed his eyes on seeing the two women on it, their D-Boards protected by blue-green shield programs.

"Ghost Girl!" Playmaker said, surprised.

"I told you she would follow us," Morningstar said with a frown.

"Who's the other?" Soulburner asked.

"They're tougher than I thought," Windy said. "I think they'll make it here. Can you chase them away? If you defeat them in a duel, they'll be ejected from this world."

"Do it yourself," Ai said.

"No way! I don't want to reveal myself, and I don't want to risk putting myself in danger."

"You're very cautious." Or cowardly, Morningstar thought.

"Weaken the winds around them," Playmaker said. "If you do, we'll take care of them."

"Hey!" Ai protested.

"We fought the Hanoi together, so I'm on good terms with Ghost Girl. We can talk and work it out."

"And you're an old friend of hers too, aren't you, Morningstar?" Soulburner asked. "She'll listen to you, won't you?"

"'Friend' might not be the right word, but yes, she will listen to me," Morningstar said, frowning at the screen. Or rather the blue-haired girl. Why did she look familiar…?

"Negotiations complete," Windy said.

"No, not yet." Everyone turned to look at Cypher. "There's another matter we need to discuss. Windy, have you had any contact with anyone named Jester?"

"Jester?" Windy's eyes formed a frown. "I haven't had contact with anyone save you and the people who get stuck in my traps. Why?"

Cypher told him about his and Morningstar's encounter with the "Enforcer." Windy was shocked to hear about a human able to manipulate the Data Storm like Jester did.

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yes. He increased the Data Storm's density to the point we nearly got shredded. And before that, he dispersed the Data Storm." Cypher's eyes narrowed. "I didn't believe such a program was possible, but I've been out of contact for the last eight years. And as you said, no one controls Data Material better than you. Do you have any idea who could have made Jester's program?"

Windy narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms in thought. "Well… I'm sure I could make a program like that easily if I wanted, but I've never done so. And with Dr. Kogami dead, no human understands Data Material well enough to write one. Perhaps the Light or Gold Ignis made one? They'd have a harder time than me, but I think they'd be smart enough to manage it."

Cypher sighed. "That is what I feared. I can match the Light Ignis in intelligence, but not his speed. And the Gold? I can't see either of them cooperating willingly with a human who intended to capture me, and the thought of a human who could either trick or force one of them to help them is…"

"…Yeah," Windy agreed. "It is an unsettling thought. But we won't know the truth until we hear from either of them, yes? So maybe there's another explanation." Windy's eyes narrowed again. "Or maybe we didn't know the Gold Ignis as well as we thought we knew her. She did leave Cyberse World two years before it was destroyed. She might have had a hand in its destruction."

"She wouldn't!" Cypher shouted angrily, surprising everyone else. "Gold loved Cyberse World more than any of us! She loved her creations more than the rest of us! Even if she could be cold, she was never the type to betray us!"

"You only knew her for two years," Windy reminded Cypher. "We knew her for ten; How could you claim to know what she may or not do?"

"He may have known her for less time, but he was the closest to her," Flame interjected, his arms crossed. "And I knew her just as long as you, Windy. I agree with Cypher; the Gold Ignis wouldn't have betrayed us."

"Flame's right," Ai agreed. "The thought of any of us betraying Cyberse World is ludicrous. If the Gold Ignis was responsible for Jester's program, then she must be captured. We'll have to rescue her!"

"…Then I wish you luck in that," Windy said, still pondering Ai's previous statement. "Well, there isn't anything any of us can do about the Gold Ignis right now. For now, you lot deal with those two intruders, and I'll ease the Data Storm so you can find this Bohman."

"Thank you, Windy," Playmaker said. Morningstar and Soulburner nodded as the trio headed out on their D-Boards. Left alone, Windy crossed his arms.

"Those three aren't ready yet to join us, but hopefully turning them on humans will help convince them," he mused. Then his eyes narrowed. "Still, this Jester… With the Water Ignis captured, we knew the Gold Ignis would be the biggest threat. Is she responsible for Jester, or is there something we've missed?"

Windy thought to himself until he sensed something. Looking back towards the canyon the three humans and their Ignis had gone back down, Windy chuckled. "Well, looks like there's another party here. I wonder what they're here for… and how these humans will react to it."

---

Once they left, Morningstar fell a little behind and spoke softly to Cypher. "Did you get the feeling Windy was hiding something?"

"As expected, you caught that, too." Cypher was back in eye form and said eye narrowed. "I admit, I do find it strange that Bohman came here and Windy didn't sense him. That little troll is flighty, but not stupid."

"So how much of what he said was outright lies and how much were lies of omission?"

"Impossible to say without more information. I do believe him about Jester, though; if Jester had the help of an Ignis, then it wasn't Windy."

Morningstar glanced down at his Duel Disk. "Cypher… I know you're worried about the Gold Ignis, but I need you focused on the now. Don't let your concerns distract you."

"Yeah, I know Morningstar. Incidentally, we should keep our worries about Windy to ourselves. Ai and Flame are far closer to him than I am, and I don't want to cause unnecessary friction in case we're wrong."

"Agreed. But we should keep an eye on Windy just in case."

"I was going to do that anyway. That pipsqueak was always my least favorite friend."

A few moments later, the trio intercepted Ghost Girl and her partner, repositioning themselves so that Playmaker was on the right while Soulburner and Morningstar were on their left, with Morningstar ahead of Soulburner.

"Long time no see, Playmaker, Morningstar," the girl with blue hair said, surprising the hacker and former hunter.

"Long time no see?"

Morningstar blinked, then narrowed his eyes. "You're Blue Angel, aren't you?" he asked. "Between the color scheme and that voice…"

She smiled at him. "I am, but I go by Blue Girl in this avatar." She pressed a button on her Duel Disk, causing her shield to disintegrate.

"Woah! You seem pretty different," Soulburner said excitedly, looking Blue Girl up and down. "But your new avatar is cool! Maybe I'll change my avatar too."

"What's the point?" Flame asked. "No one knows you." Soulburner pouted at his partner.

"So you're Soulburner," Ghost Girl said, making her own shield disintegrate and the fire duelist to perk up.

"Seems we're unexpectedly famous," Soulburner said, glancing down at his partner, who ignored him.

"I'm the Fire Ignis, Flame."

"So you're also a victim of the Lost Incident?" Ghost Girl asked.

"Yes," Soulburner confirmed.

"And I'm the Silver Ignis," Cypher said, reemerging from Morningstar's Duel Disk. "You can call me Cypher."

"Cypher? That's a cool name." Ghost Girl smiled at the Ignis. "What did Morningstar and his friend tell you about me?"

"I'm not sure I can repeat what Morningstar's friend said about you. There are times and places for certain words, after all."

Ghost Girl sighed. "So he hasn't forgiven me, eh? Well, I admit I deserve it." She then looked at the hunter. "What about you, Morningstar? Have you forgiven me?"

"I don't hold a grudge anymore, but I still don't trust you," he replied.

Ghost Girl nodded. "Fair enough." She then glanced at the others and frowned. "The Knights of Hanoi – who caused the Lost Incident – are gone. So why are you three with Ignis teaming up?"

"We only want to retrieve stolen consciousness data," Playmaker answered.

"Consciousness data…" Ghost Girl repeated, surprised. "That means he's…"

"Why are you here?" Playmaker asked.

"You're gonna use us again, aren't you?" Ai asked.

"Her being here is proof she already did use us," Morningstar said, frowning. "The real question is if you're here for your own curiosity or for SOL Technologies?"

Ghost Girl shrugged. "No point hiding it, I guess, so I'll tell you. We came to find the Ignis."

"For SOL Technologies?" Playmaker assumed while Morningstar's eyes narrowed.

"Yeah," Ghost Girl confirmed.

"So SOL Technologies didn't only hire rough-looking hunters," Soulburner said.

Ghost Girl smiled at that. "Didn't expect to see such beauties?"

"Never said you were beauties," Flame said.

"I've heard many words to describe you, but 'beauty' wasn't one of them," Cypher said.

"Seems Ignis aren't attracted to me," Ghost Girl remarked dejectedly.

"SOL- I mean, my brother can help you," Blue Girl said. Morningstar doubted that. Akira Zaizen likely held good intentions; that was the kind of person he was. But the higher-ups…

"You don't understand," Soulburner said, to Blue Girl's confusion. "The Lost Incident made us suffer for a long time. SOL Technologies was also responsible for that. Entrust our future to them?"

"Not a chance," Ai said dismissively.

"I believe you when you say your brother can help us," Morningstar said, looking back at Blue Girl. "But he is only one man in SOL, and we cannot trust his superiors."

"Thanks for willing to help, but we'll solve our own problems," Playmaker said.

"In that case, those Ignis were originally under SOL Technologies' control," Blue Girl said aggressively. "Give them back."

"Huh? That's crazy," Soulburner said.

"I'm no one's property! I'm Morningstar's partner!" Cypher protested.

"Blue Girl!" Ghost Girl scolded.

"If we get their Ignis, we may learn the other Ignis' location," Blue Girl explained. "If you won't accept our help…"

"You'll settle this in a duel?" Soulburner asked.

"That's right!"

Ghost Girl sighed. "What's with her? We can get along without dueling."

"I take it that means you don't want to challenge me?" Morningstar asked with a raised eyebrow.

Ghost Girl shook her head. "I still remember what happened during our last duel. I-." Ghost Girl's eyes widened on seeing a red dot on Morningstar's back. "Morningstar!"

"What?" Morningstar's eyes widened as Ghost Girl suddenly rammed his D-Board with hers, unbalancing him and sending him several feet away.

"Hey, what's the-?"

BANG!

"AAAHHH!"

Ghost Girl's scream overshadowed Cypher's complaint as she fell to her knees, gripping her left shoulder.

"Ghost Girl!" everyone shouted, surrounding her. Looking at her shoulder, Morningstar's eyes widened on seeing a small hole in her arm. Golden light traveled across her skin from the bullet hole.

"A bullet wound?" Blue Girl said, surprised.

Looking up towards the cliff faces, Morningstar's eyes widened. "Everyone! Look out!" They all turned around as someone stood up on the ledge holding a large rifle. They then jumped down as a black and red D-Board materialized beneath them. They sped up and quickly caught up with the other five, who all gasped on seeing what they were.

"Annoyed Query: Why did you get in the way of my shot, female meatbag?" The shooter was a bipedal machine painted rust red, a skeletal body with a thicker torso, a domed head, and glowing red eyes. The machine compacted its sniper rifle as it stowed it on its back. "You are not one of my targets."

"An AI duelist?" Blue Girl said, surprised.

"Yeah. But different from the ones we've seen before," Morningstar frowned. "Who are you?"

"Answer: I am HK-70, an AI Duel Assassin in service to my master," the machine answered. "My master commanded me to come to this world to duel and defeat the meatbags known as Morningstar, Playmaker, and Soulburner."

"AI Duel Assassin?" Playmaker repeated.

"What does that mean?" Ai asked.

"Answer: I challenge duelists to PK duels. Player Kill. Any who lose against me lose their accounts and are forbidden from accessing LINK VRAINS ever again." Ghost Girl's and Morningstar's eyes widened at the machine's words. "My shot was meant to lock Morningstar into a duel with me, but since you interrupted, female meatbag, I must defeat you first."

Ghost Girl looked at her arm as the hole and the pain faded, but the golden lines remained. "So that shot was like my Data Anchor," Morningstar surmised. "Who's your master, AI duelist? Who sent you after us?"

"Refusal: My master has ordered me not to reveal his identity to you, as he wishes to do so himself," HK said. "He did, however, ask me to congratulate you on your victory against his cohort. Even is he was holding back, a victory against Jester is no small feat."

Morningstar's eyes widened. "Jester? Then, your master is Jester's partner?"

"Clarification: Cohort or co-worker is perhaps a better word. But enough time has been wasted." HK turned to Ghost Girl and raised its left wrist, showing a rust red Duel Disk. "I cannot cancel my Duel Lock program, so I will defeat you first, female meatbag. Once I have deleted your account, I shall fulfill my master's directive and eliminate Morningstar."

Ghost Girl frowned at the droid. "'Female meatbag?' I have a name; it's Ghost Girl."

"Statement: Your identification is irrelevant. Over the last two years, I have completed 342 assassination contracts on my master's behalf. My success rate is 100%. Your chances of victory are less than 1%."

Ghost Girl smirked at that. "Are they? Well, I rather like those odds." She turned to look at Blue Girl. "I'll take care of this AI duelist. You do what you have to do."

Blue Girl nodded and turned back to Soulburner. "If Ghost Girl has this handled, then shall we continue?"

Soulburner nodded. "Yes."

"Ghost Girl…" Morningstar said, frowning. She smiled at him.

"Don't tell me you're worried for me?" she said teasingly. More seriously, she said, "I'll be fine, Morningstar. Like I told Blue Girl, do what you have to do."

"…Right!"

"Good luck, Ghost Girl," Playmaker said as he and Morningstar took a turn and went down a different path. Soulburner and Blue Girl continued on ahead, while Ghost Girl and HK-70 took a left turn. As they departed, Morningstar released two drones from his Duel Disk and ordered them to follow Soulburner and Ghost Girl.

Ghost Girl, who was in the lead, turned to look back at HK and smirked. "I may not be on Morningstar's level, but I'd like to think I know what I'm doing."

"Boast: It does not matter how skilled you are. You will fall before my Deck, female meatbag." HK then materialized a small pistol and aimed behind them. Pulling the trigger, an energy blast hit Morningstar's drone, destroying it. "No cameras allowed."

"Speed Duel!"

Ghost Girl: 4000 LP

HK-70: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Ghost Girl said. "I summon Altergeist Marionetter!" A female humanoid monster with a round green apparatus attached to her waist appeared, giggling as she did so.

Altergeist Marionetter ATK 1600 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

"Marionetter's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Set an 'Altergeist' Trap Card from my Deck. I Set Altergeist Haunted Rock." A Set card appeared. "Since Haunted Rock was Set by the effect of an 'Altergeist' card, I can activate it! And when Haunted Rock is activated, I must send an 'Altergeist' monster from my hand to the Graveyard."

Ghost Girl sent a copy of Altergeist Silquitous to the Graveyard, then gestured to her field. "I activate the effect of the Altergeist Multifaker in my hand! Since I activated a Trap Card, I can Special Summon Multifaker!" A pink and purple female humanoid monster with six bent golden legs appeared in Attack Position. It giggled at HK.

Altergeist Multifaker ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Multifaker's additional effect! When it is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon a different 'Altergeist' monster from my Deck in Defense Position. Come, Altergeist Meluseek!" A dark purple female mermaid monster appeared.

Altergeist Meluseek ATK 500 DEF 300 LVL: 1

"Open before me! The circuit that connects to the unknown parallel universe!" The Link portal appeared in front of Ghost Girl. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are two 'Altergeist' monsters. I set Meluseek and Multifaker in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the bottom and right arrows. "Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Altergeist Hexstia!" A dark brown-and-gold skinned monster with six legs and a large tail emerged from the portal, summoned to the left Extra Monster Zone.

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 1500 LINK-2 ↓→

"Since Meluseek was sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates! I add one 'Altergeist' monster from my Deck to my hand." Ghost Girl added Altergeist Kunquery to her hand, then gestured to her field again. "Marionetter's additional effect! By sending an 'Altergeist' card I control to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon an 'Altergeist' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position!" Haunted Rock disintegrated at her words. "Resurrect, Altergeist Silquitous!" A light brown monster with six wings on each arm emerged from a portal at Hexstia's bottom Link Marker.

Altergeist Silquitous ATK 800 DEF 1500 LVL: 2

"Due to Hexstia's effect, it gains the original attack points of the 'Altergeist' monsters next to its Link Markers!"

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 1500→2300

"I Set one card. I end my turn." Ghost Girl's eyes narrowed. With Hexstia and Silquitous on my field and Kunquery in my hand, I'm prepared for anything this machine might throw at me.

"Analysis: The female meatbag has set up a defensive formation, aimed at disrupting the opponent's moves," HK-70 said. "Conclusion: It is for naught, as my victory is a mathematical certainty. Declaration: Draw!"

HK drew, then said, "Statement: I summon Mechassassin Hunter!" A humanoid machine covered in silver armor wielding a compact rifle appeared.

Mechassassin HNT-3R ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Statement: Since there is a Level 4 or lower 'Mechassassin' monster on my field, I can Special Summon Mechassassin Sniper!" Another humanoid machine, this one with brown armor and two straps across its chest, wielding a sniper rifle in its arms appeared in Attack Position.

Mechassassin 5N-PR ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 5

Ghost Girl narrowed her eyes at Hunter's and Sniper's effects. Looks like she needed to act earlier than she anticipated.

"Silquitous's monster effect!" she declared. "By returning an 'Altergeist' card to my hand, I return one of your cards to your hand. I return Marionetter to my hand to return Sniper to yours!" Said monsters burst into light and disappeared at her words.

"Taunt: You act in haste to prevent what you realize can hurt you," HK-70 said. "As expected of a meatbag. Hunter's monster effect! By paying 500 Life Points and skipping my Battle Phase, one of your face-up monsters is destroyed. I'll destroy your Link Monster!"

HK-70: 4000→3500 LP

"Not happening!" Ghost Girl said. "Hexstia's monster effect! Since an effect was activated, I can Tribute Silquitous at Hexstia's Link Marker and negate that effect and then destroy your monster!" HNT-3R and Silquitous both disintegrated at her words.

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 2300→1500

"Since Silquitous was sent from the field to the Graveyard, its effect activates, and I add an 'Altergeist' Trap Card from my Graveyard to my hand." Ghost Girl added Haunted Rock to her hand.

"Statement: Now you have lost your preventive measures. Therefore, I can go all out." HK touched another card in its hand. "Since you control a monster, I can Special Summon this monster from my hand. Come, Mechassassin Drone!" A small silver machine with a raised head and a single blue ocular lens, with two wings and blasters attached to said wings, appeared in Attack Position.

Mechassassin DR-N3 ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"Continuation: In addition, when Drone is Summoned by its effect, I can Special Summon one 'Mechassassin' monster from my hand with its effects negated. Return, Mechassassin Sniper!" The brown-armored machine reappeared in Attack Position.

Mechassassin 5N-PR ATK 2000 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Statement: Drone's monster effect! Once per turn, I can pay 500 Life Points to add a 'Mechassassin' card from my Deck to my hand, but I cannot conduct my Battle Phase this turn." HK-70 took a card from its Duel Disk.

HK-70: 3500→3000 LP

HK pointed upwards as its hand glowed blue. "Appear! The circuit of assassination!" The Link portal materialized above it. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning condition is one 'Mechassassin' monster. I set Drone in the Link Marker!" Its monster became a whirlwind of energy and entered the bottom arrow. "Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Mechassassin Spotter!"

Another bipedal machine emerged from the portal. This one had a silver frame with brown armor on its chest, back, upper arms, and lower legs. It didn't have any eyes, instead having a line of red lights in the center of its head. An antenna was attached to its back, and it carried a compact rifle in its hand. Spotter hefted the rifle as it was summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Mechassassin 5P0-T3R ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Statement: I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Mechassassin's Factory!" The card showed an assembly line with multiple robotic arms creating several light brown skeletal robots. "Once per turn, by paying 1000 Life Points, I can target a Link Monster and Special Summon Mechassassin Tokens up to its Link Rating. In addition, you cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect." Ghost Girl grit her teeth at HK's words.

"Continuation: I target Hexstia for Mechassassin's Factory's effect!" The card glowed as two compacted light brown machines appeared on its field in Defense Position. The machines unfolded into skeletal robots with thin limbs and elongated heads with black dots for eyes.

HK-70: 3000→2000 LP

Mechassassin Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"Appear! The circuit of assassination! Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Mechassassin' monsters. I set Sniper and two Mechassassin Tokens in the Link Markers!" Its monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows. "Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Mechassassin Commander!"

A dark green humanoid machine with silver inner workings and lower legs emerged from the portal. IT had two prongs for toes and four fingers, along with yellow lines on its chest and upper legs and red eyes set far apart. It brought out a sniper rifle as it was summoned to Spotter's Link Marker.

Mechassassin C0M-D3R ATK 2400 LINK-3 ←↑→

Ghost Girl's eyes narrowed. "This must be its ace monster…"

Declaration: Spotter's monster effect! Once per turn, I can inflict damage to you equal to half the attack points of one 'Mechassassin' monster it points to. Commander's attack points are 2400, so you take 1200 points of damage!" Ghost Girl winced as Spotter fired bursts of red energy at her.

Ghost Girl: 4000→2800 LP

"Continuation: In addition, Spotter's effect destroys one of your Spell or Trap Cards." Ghost Girl's Set Card then gestured to its ace monster. "Commander's monster effect! When you take damage from the effect of a 'Mechassassin' monster it points to, I gain Life Points equal to the inflicted damage."

HK-70: 2000→3200 LP

It inflicted damage and gained Life Points at the same time, Ghost Girl thought, her eyes narrowed. This isn't good.

"Statement: Commander's additional effect! Since the linked Spotter destroyed your card with an effect, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower 'Mechassassin' monster from my Graveyard to Commander's Link Marker and then inflict 800 points of damage. Resurrect, Mechassassin Hunter!" The silver-plated droid reappeared, then Commander fired a blast from its sniper rifle at Ghost Girl, who cried out in pain and stumbled a little.

Mechassassin HNT-3R ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 4

Ghost Girl: 2800→2000 LP

"Statement: Hunter's monster effect! By paying 500 Life Points, one of your face-up monsters is destroyed! Hunter destroys Hexstia with its effect!"

HK-70: 3200→2700 LP

Hunter fired several rounds at Hexstia, but Ghost Girl gestured to her field. "I activate the effect of the Altergeist Camouflage in my Graveyard!" she declared. "If my 'Altergeist' card would be destroyed, I can banish Camouflage instead!" The lasers hit a barrier in front of Hexstia.

"Deduction: Altergeist Camouflage was the Set card Spotter's effect destroyed," HK-70 said. "Statement: The effects of Drone and Spotter prevent me from conducting my Battle Phase. In addition, while Commander is in my Main Monster Zone, I cannot conduct my Battle Phase. I Set one card. I end my turn.

"Taunt: The next turn will be your last, meatbag. Please struggle as hard as you can; it makes my victory, and splattering your data over the side of the cliff, so much more enjoyable."

Ghost Girl narrowed her eyes. I think I've got a handle on its strategy now, she thought. It pays Life Points to destroy my cards and swarm its field, then uses its Link Monsters to inflict effect damage and heal itself. And since its monsters' effects require skipping its Battle Phase, that means Kunquery can't stop them. Still, I can't give up!

"My turn! Draw!" Ghost Girl looked at her card and frowned. She didn't have a lot of options right now. "I summon Altergeist Marionetter!" Her monster appeared at Hexstia's bottom Link Marker.

Altergeist Marionetter ATK 1600 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

"Hexstia's monster effect! It gains attack points equal to the original attack pointes of all 'Altergeist' monsters it points to."

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 1500→3100

"Marionetter's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Set an 'Altergeist' Trap Card from my Deck." She did so, then said, "I Set another card."

Ghost Girl gestured to her field. "Battle! Marionetter attacks Spotter!" Marionetter let loose a ball of blue lightning as HK gestured to its field.

"Declaration: Continuous Trap activate! Mechassassin's Array!" The card showed a bunker with a rectangular satellite dish on top of it, with two Mechassassin Hunters standing guard in front of the entrance. "When my 'Mechassassin' monster battles, I can pay 500 Life Points to negate the battle damage. And since I control a Link-3 'Mechassassin' monster, you cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect!" Ghost Girl grit her teeth as Spotter was destroyed, but HK took no damage.

HK-70: 2700→2200 LP

"The battle continues! Hexstia attacks Commander!" Hexstia blasted Commander with golden energy as HK gestured to its field.

"Statement: I activate Mechassassin's Array's effect!"

HK-70: 2200→1700 LP

Commander was destroyed, but HK-70 escaped the damage. "Condescension: Perhaps you would have better luck dueling a preschooler? I hear they're a lot stronger than they look."

Ghost Girl narrowed her eyes. "I end my turn."

"Statement: This will be my final turn, female meatbag. My turn! Draw!" HK drew, then gestured to its field. "Hunter's monster effect! I pay 500 Life Points to destroy Hexstia!"

HK-70: 1700→1200 LP

"Hexstia's monster effect! I Tribute Marionetter to negate Hunter's effect and destroy it!" Marionetter and Hunter both disintegrated at her words.

"Statement: With Marionetter no longer on the field, Hexstia's attack points return to normal."

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 3100→1500

"Amused Statement: Now with Marionetter off the field, I do not have to worry about Hexstia's effect. I activate the Spell Card: Mechassassin's Repair Shop!" The card showed the interior of a store, with Mechassassins Hunter, Sniper, Spotter, and Drone all lined up against a wall and in various stages of disrepair. "This card lets me Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Mechassassin' monster in Defense Position with its effects negated from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Hunter!"

Mechassassin HNT-3R ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Statement: In addition to bringing back Hunter, Repair Shop also prevents you from activating cards or effects in response to the effects of my 'Mechassassin' monsters for the rest of the turn." Ghost Girl grit her teeth as HK gestured upwards. "Declaration: Appear! The circuit of assassination! Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning condition is one 'Mechassassin' monster. I set Hunter in the Link Marker!" Its monster entered the bottom arrow. "Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Mechassassin Spotter!" Another copy of Spotter emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Mechassassin 5P0-T3R ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Statement: Mechassassin's Factory's effect activates! Once again, I pay 1000 Life Points to target your Hexstia and Special Summon two Mechassassin Tokens!" Two more light brown skeletal machines appeared in Defense Position.

HK-70: 1200→200 LP

Mechassassin Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"Declaration: Appear again! The circuit of assassination! Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are two 'Mechassassin' monsters. I set two Mechassassin Tokens in the Link Markers!" Said tokens became whirlwinds of energy and entered the left and right arrows. "Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Mechassassin Mechanic!"

A new bipedal machine emerged from the portal. This one had bronze armor and darker brown internal wiring, with extended shoulders and a lower head. It had a single blue lens in the center of its head and two blue orbs on its chest. The machine held a small pistol as it was summoned to Spotter's Link Marker.

Mechassassin M3C-N1C ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→

"Statement: Mechanic's monster effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon one 'Mechassassin' Link Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker. In addition, I gain Life Points equal to that monster's Link Rating times 600. Resurrect, Mechassassin Commander!" The green-armored machine reappeared at Mechanic's right Link Marker.

Mechassassin C0M-D3R ATK 2400 LINK-3 ←↑→

HK-70: 200→2000 LP

"Declaration: Your end begins now, meatbag! Spotter's monster effect! I inflict damage to you equal to half of Mechanic's attack points and destroy one of your Spell or Trap Cards at the cost of skipping my Battle Phase!" HK pointed to one of her Set cards. "I shall destroy the one you did not Set with Marionetter's effect!" Spotter fired several bursts of energy, hitting Ghost Girl and her Set Altergeist Haunted Rock and making her wince.

Ghost Girl: 2000→1200 LP

"Declaration: Mechanic's additional effect! Once per turn, when a 'Mechassassin' monster inflicts effect damage, Mechanic inflicts an additional 600 points of damage!" Mechanic charged its pistol and then blasted Ghost Girl with yellow energy.

Ghost Girl: 1200→600 LP

"Statement: Commander's monster effect! Since the linked Mechanic inflicted effect damage, I gain Life Points equal to that damage."

HK-70: 2000→2600 LP

"Declaration: This is the end! I activate my Skill! Assassin's Snipe!" The edges of HK-70's chassis and its eyes glowed a bright red. "By paying 800 Life Points, you take damage equal to the number of 'Mechassassin' cards in my Graveyard times 300!"

HK-70: 2600→1800 LP

"There are five 'Mechassassin' cards in my Graveyard, so you take 1500 points of damage. Farewell, meatbag!" HK-70 unslung its rifle from its back and pointed it at Ghost Girl, firing a shot at her.

Ghost Girl gestured to her field as the lines on her suit glowed pink. "I activate my own Skill! Secret Cure! I draw cards until I find a Monster Card. Every card before that monster is sent to the Graveyard while that monster is added to my hand, and then both of us gain Life Points equal to that monster's attack points!"

"Query: You are gambling, meatbag? Such a desperate maneuver will not save you."

Ghost Girl narrowed her eyes and placed her hand on her Deck. The last time I used Secret Cure, it backfired, she thought, remembering her Duel with Revolver. I can't afford mistakes this time. Not with my account on the line!

"Draw!" Ghost Girl looked at her card. "I drew Mistaken Arrest, so I draw again!" She drew and smiled on seeing her card. "I drew Altergeist Multifaker! That means Multifaker is added to my hand, Mistaken Arrest is sent to the Graveyard, and we both gain Life Points equal to Multifaker's attack points!"

Ghost Girl: 600→1800 LP

HK-70: 1800→3000 LP

HK's shot finally hit Ghost Girl, making her cry out in pain and fall to one knee.

Ghost Girl: 1800→300 LP

"Disappointment: Why must you prolong your suffering, meatbag?" HK-70 asked. "With 3000 Life Points and Mechassassin's Array in play, you cannot defeat me."

Ghost Girl looked up and smirked. "You're pretty confident. Why don't I change that?" She gestured to her field. "Continuous Trap activate! Altergeist Emulatelf!"

"Analysis: That is the card Set by Marionetter's effect."

"It is, and when Emulatelf is activated, it Special Summons itself as an Effect Monster!" A yellow-skinned female humanoid monster with large arms connected to its thighs appeared in Attack Position.

Altergeist Emulatelf ATK 1400 DEF 1800 LVL: 4

"And since I activated a Trap Card, I can Special Summon Multifaker from my hand!" The multi-legged female humanoid Altergeist reappeared in Attack Position, summoned to Hexstia's bottom Link Marker.

Altergeist Multifaker ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Multifaker's additional effect! Since it was Special Summoned, I can Special Summon an 'Altergeist' monster from my Deck in Defense Position. Come, Altergeist Silquitous!" Another copy of the winged Altergeist appeared.

Altergeist Silquitous ATK 800 DEF 1500 LVL: 2

"Hexstia's monster effect! It gains Multifaker's attack points!"

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 1500→2700

"Analysis: The female meatbag has filled her field with monsters, one of which has a card-removal effect." HK dipped its head. "This could be troublesome. I Set one card. I end my turn."

"My turn! Draw!" Ghost Girl looked at her card and smiled. "This Duel is over, AI duelist! Open before me, the circuit that connects to the unknown parallel universe!" The Link portal appeared in front of her. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Altergeist' monsters. I set Emulatelf and Link-2 Hexstia in the Link Markers!" Said monsters entered the bottom, right, and bottom-right arrows.

"Circuit combine! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3 Altergeist Primebanshee!" A massive snake-like black and burgundy monster emerged from the portal. It had four arms that ended in snake heads and a long body. It laughed from the Extra Monster Zone.

Altergeist Primebanshee ATK 2100 LINK-3 ↓→↘

"Statement: This is the ace monster of the 'Altergeist' Deck," HK-70 said.

"Are you sure about that?" Ghost Girl asked, making the AI duelist look up as she gestured to her field. "Since Hexstia was sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates, and I add an 'Altergeist' card from my Deck to my hand." She took another copy of Marionetter from her Deck, then gestured to her field again. "Silquitous's monster effect! I return Altergeist Multifaker to my hand to return Mechassassin's Array to your hand!" Said cards both disintegrated, to HK's annoyance.

"With that card out of the way, I can damage you," Ghost Girl pointed out. "Primebanshee's monster effect! By Tributing an 'Altergeist' monster, I can Special Summon another 'Altergeist' monster from my Deck to its Link Marker. I Tribute Silquitous and Special Summon Altergeist Fifinellag!" A red and orange female monster with a horn and pointed legs was summoned to Primebanshee's bottom-right Link Marker in Defense Position.

Altergeist Fifinellag ATK 0 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

HK-70 started. "Surprised Statement: That monster is a Tuner monster!"

"She is, but you're getting ahead of yourself," Ghost Girl chided. "I summon Marionetter!"

Altergeist Marionetter ATK 1600 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

"Marionetter's monster effect! I Set a 2nd copy of Haunted Rock from my Deck. In addition, since it was Set by the effect of an 'Altergeist' card, I can activate Haunted Rock!" Ghost Girl smiled. "When Haunted Rock is activated, I must send an 'Altergeist' monster from my hand to the Graveyard. I discard Altergeist Kunquery."

She then gestured to her field again. "Marionetter's additional effect! By sending Haunted Rock to the Graveyard, I can resurrect Hexstia from the Graveyard!" Hexstia reappeared, summoned to Primebanshee's bottom Link Marker.

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 1500 LINK-2 ↓→

Ghost Girl held her index and middle finger up in front of her. "It's time to show off my own evolution! Level 2 Altergeist Fifinellag tunes Level 4 Altergeist Marionetter!" The world grayed out as she spread her arms and two light blue flames appeared on either side of her. The flames joined together and enveloped her in fire before striking the two monsters. Fifinellag and Marionetter disintegrated into blue data before reforming into two rings, one green and one purple, with tags labeled "2" and "4" attached to each ring respectively. The rings turned blue and merged together.

"The legendary evil spirit!" Ghost Girl chanted as the blue ring separated into six circled by blue-green blocks. "Surpass eternal time and show yourself!" A screen in front of the rings said "2 + 4" then changed to "6." A surge of purple light went through the rings.

"Synchro Summon!" Ghost Girl declared. "Appear! Level 6! Altergeist Dragvirion!" A large dark blue, light blue, and white Altergeist emerged from the rings. It had four clawed arms and held a staff in its right arm. It stood on two hind-legs with three raised tails behind it and had a mane of green hair on its head. The Synchro Monster roared from Hexstia's right Link Marker in Attack Position.

Altergeist Dragvirion ATK 2200 DEF 1200 LVL: 6

"Surprised Statement: Synchro Summoning…" HK mused. "This is… unexpected."

"Hexstia's monster effect! It gains attack points equal to Dragvirion's attack points!"

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 1500→3700

"Battle! Dragvirion attacks Spotter!" Dragvirion's tails extended in length and lashed out at Spotter, but HK only lowered its head.

"Statement: This is what I was waiting for. Trap activate! Mechassassin's Shielding!" The card showed Mechassassin Commander standing in the middle of a light blue sphere as small explosions bounced off the shield. "Mechassassin's Shielding prevents my monster's destruction by this battle and then ends the Battle Phase."

"I won't let you! Hexstia's monster effect! I Tribute Dragvirion to negate your Trap Card and destroy it!" Dragvirion and the Trap Card both disintegrated.

"Statement: With your monster's disappearance, Hexstia loses attack points."

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 3700→1500

"Statement: With Hexstia's attack points returned to normal, you do not have the strength to destroy Commander. On my next turn, I only need to attack either of your monsters, and victory will be mine."

"Are you sure about that?" Ghost Girl asked while smirking, confusing HK-70. "Dragivirion's monster effect! If it is Tributed and sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!" Her Synchro Monster reappeared at Hexstia's Link Marker in Attack Position.

Altergeist Dragvirion ATK 2200 DEF 1200 LVL: 6

"Hexstia's monster effect!"

Altergeist Hexstia ATK 1500→3700

"…Unnecessary Statement: It would seem I made an error in my calculations."

"That's one way to put it," Ghost Girl, not losing her smirk as she gestured to her field. "The battle continues! Dragvirion, attack Spotter!" Dragvirion's tails lashed out and skewered Spotter, destroying it.

HK-70: 3000→1600 LP

"Now Primebanshee's turn! Attack Mechanic! Venom Duct!" One of Primebanshee's arms lashed out and struck the machine, destroying it and making HK's D-Board wobble.

HK-70: 1600→1100 LP

"Looks like this is your end! Bye bye!" Ghost Girl winked at HK. "Hexstia, attack Commander!" Hexstia gathered golden energy in its hands and then threw it at Commander, destroying it in an explosion and knocking HK-70 off its D-Board.

HK-70: 1100→0 LP

"Depressed Statement: I failed you, Master Zahhak…" HK muttered as the lights in its eyes died and it disintegrated into red data. Ghost Girl frowned downwards before turning.

"Blue Girl and Soulburner's Duel should be over soon. I should find my partner."

---

It didn't take her long to locate the duo. Unfortunately, she arrived just in time to watch Soulburner's Salamangreat Violet Chimera destroy Blue Girl's Trickstar Band Sweet Guitar and send Blue Girl hurtling down the cliff, where she landed on a ledge.

"Blue Girl!" Ghost Girl said, shocked as she raced towards her partner. Unfortunately, Blue Girl disintegrated into blue data before she reached her, so she spoke to Soulburner. "What did you do to her?"

Soulburner turned around, blinked in surprise and smiled. "Oh, Ghost Girl! I'm glad you're safe. As for Blue Girl, I had her log out." Ghost Girl's eyes widened. He could force a log out from this place? Soulburner suddenly wobbled and fell to one knee.

Ghost Girl looked him up and down. He wasn't in good shape; even though he'd won, it looked like Blue Girl had made him work for it. "I'd challenge you to a duel, but you're in no condition for that," she said. "And I lost my partner, so I'll withdraw for today."

"Then use this," Flame said, holding up an orb of purple data.

"What's this?" Soulburner asked, taking the orb.

"A copy of the escape program I received from Ghost Girl," Flame answered.

"Here," Soulburner said, throwing Ghost Girl the program. She caught it and smiled.

"You might be cuter than Ai," she told Flame, winking at him. The Ignis blushed i as she turned to Soulburner. "In exchange, take this." She loaded a blue orb of data from her Duel Disk and gave it to Soulburner. "It's the duel data from my match with that AI duelist; it destroyed Morningstar's drone, so he could use that. Please give it to him."

Soulburner nodded. "Don't worry. I will."

Ghost Girl smiled. "I'll withdraw for today! Let's meet again someday." She looked up and caught sight of the drone Morningstar had following Soulburner. Winking at it, she logged out.

Flame finally got his voice back. "She's a goddess!" he said while blushing.

"Don't be serious!" Soulburner said in disbelief, glaring at the Ignis.

---

Playmaker and Morningstar flew their D-Boards over the clouds. They had long since left the canyons behind and were currently flying over a sea of yellow clouds. Looking at his Duel Disk, Morningstar frowned.

"What is it?" Playmaker asked.

"That AI duelist shot down the drone I had following it and Ghost Girl," Morningstar explained.

"She'll be alright. She's strong," Playmaker said.

"Not as strong as us, but I agree with Playmaker," Cypher said. "Oh!"

"What?"

"Look!"

Cypher brought up the signal from the other drone. Morningstar's eyes widened as he saw Blue Girl disappear and Ghost Girl appear in front of Soulburner.

"It looks like she won her duel. And Soulburner won his," Morningstar said.

"That's good. It means we can focus on finding Bohman," Playmaker said. Morningstar nodded at that.

A few minutes later, Ai popped out of Playmaker's Duel Disk and pointed. "There's the edge of the wind field!" The two humans narrowed their eyes on seeing the pillars and the light between them.

"Yeah. Seems so," Playmaker said. "That's where he is."

Morningstar's eyes narrowed further. "It's time to finish this and save Kusanagi's brother."

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Ghost Girl vs. HK-70

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Ghost Girl

Ghost Girl Normal Summons Altergeist Marionetter (1600/1700/4). Since Marionetter was Normal Summoned, Ghost Girl can Set 1 "Altergeist" Trap Card from her Deck in her Spell & Trap Zone. She Sets Altergeist Haunted Rock. Since Haunted Rock was Set by the effect of an "Altergeist" card, it can be activated the turn it was Set. Ghost Girl activates the Continuous Trap Card Altergeist Haunted Rock. Since Haunted Rock was activated, Ghost Girl must send 1 "Altergeist" monster from her hand to her GY. She sends Altergeist Silquitous to the GY. Since she activated a Trap Card, Ghost Girl activates the effect of Altergeist Multifaker in her hand, Special Summoning it in Attack Position (1200/800/3). Since Multifaker was Special Summoned, Ghost Girl can Special Summon 1 "Altergeist" monster from her Deck in Defense Position. She Special Summons Altergeist Meluseek (500/300/1). Ghost Girl uses Meluseek and Multifaker to Link Summon Altergeist Hexstia (1500/2/↓→) to the left Extra Monster Zone. Since Meluseek was sent from the field to the GY, Ghost Girl can add 1 "Altergeist" monster from her Deck to her hand. She adds Altergeist Kunquery to her hand. Ghost Girl activates the effect of Marionetter to send 1 "Altergeist" card she controls to the GY and Special Summon 1 "Altergeist" monster from her GY in Defense Position. She sends Haunted Rock to the GY and Special Summons Altergeist Silquitous (800/1500/2) at Hexstia's bottom Link Marker. Hexstia gains ATK equal to the original ATK of each "Altergeist" monster it points to (Hexstia: 1500→2300). Ghost Girl Sets 1 card (Altergeist Camouflage). She ends her turn.

Turn 2: HK-70

HK draws. It Normal Summons Mechassassin HNT-3R (1600/0/4). Since it controls a Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster, HK Special Summons Mechassassin 5N-PR (2000/0/5) in Attack Position. Ghost Girl activates the effect of Silquitous, returning Marionetter to her hand and targeting 5N-PR. 5N-PR is returned to HK's hand. HK activates HNT-3R's effect, paying 500 LP (HK-70: 4000→3500 LP) to target and destroy 1 face-up monster Ghost Girl controls, but it cannot conduct its Battle Phase the turn it activates this effect. HK targets Hexstia, but Ghost Girl activates the effect of Hexstia, Tributing Silquitous to negate the activation of HNT-3R's effect and destroy it (Hexstia: 2300→1500). Since Silquitous was sent from the field to the GY, Ghost Girl can add 1 "Altergeist" Trap in her GY to her hand. She adds Haunted Rock to her hand. Since Ghost Girl controls a monster, HK activates the effect of Mechassassin DR-N3 in its hand, Special Summoning it (800/0/2) and 5N-PR (2000/0/5) with its effects negated, both in Attack Position. HK activates the effect of DR-N3, paying 500 LP (HK-70: 3500→3000 LP) to add 1 "Mechassassin" card from its Deck to its hand, but it cannot conduct its Battle Phase this turn. It adds Mechassassin's Factory to its hand. HK uses DR-N3 to Link Summon Mechassassin 5P0-T3R (800/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. HK activates the Continuous Spell Card Mechassassin's Factory. HK activates the effect of Mechassassin's Factory, targeting Hexstia and paying 1000 LP (HK: 3000→2000 LP). HK can then Special Summon Mechassassin Tokens up to Hexstia's Link Rating. HK Special Summons 2 Mechassassin Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. HK uses 2 Mechassassin Tokens and 5N-PR to Link Summon Mechassassin C0M-D3R (2400/3/←↑→) to 5P0-T3R's Link Marker.

HK activates the effect of 5P0-T3R, targeting C0M-D3R. Ghost Girl takes damage equal to half of C0M-D3R's original ATK, then 1 of her Spell/Trap Cards is destroyed. Ghost Girl takes 1200 damage (Ghost Girl: 4000→2800 LP) and HK destroys her Set Altergeist Camouflage. Since Ghost Girl took damage from the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster C0M-D3R points to, HK gains LP equal to that damage (HK: 2000→3200 LP). Since Ghost Girl's card was destroyed by the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster it points to, C0M-D3R's additional effect activates, letting HK Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster from its GY to C0M-D3R's Link Marker and inflict 800 damage to Ghost Girl. HK Special Summons HNT-3R (1600/0/4) to C0M-D3R's left Link Marker in Attack Position (Ghost Girl: 2800→2000 LP). HK activates the effect of HNT-3R, targeting Hexstia and paying 500 LP to destroy it (HK-70: 3200→2700 LP). Since her "Altergeist" card would be destroyed by a card effect, Ghost Girl banishes Altergeist Camouflage from her GY instead. HK Sets 1 card. It ends its turn.

Turn 3: Ghost Girl

Ghost Girl draws. Ghost Girl Normal Summons Marionetter (1600/1700/4) to Hexstia's bottom Link Marker (Hexstia: 1500→3100). Marionetter's effect activates, and Ghost Girl Sets Altergeist Emulatelf directly from her Deck. Ghost Girl Sets 1 card.

Marionetter attacks 5P0-T3R. HK activates its Set Continuous Trap Card Mechassassin's Array. If its "Mechassassin" monster battles, HK can pay 500 LP to negate the damage from that battle (HK-70: 2700→2200 LP). Marionetter destroys 5P0-T3R. Hexstia attacks and destroys C0M-D3R, but HK activates the effect of Mechassassin's Array (HK-70: 2200→1700 LP). Ghost Girl ends her turn.

Turn 4: HK-70

HK draws. It activates the effect of HNT-3R, paying 500 LP to target and destroy Hexstia (HK-70: 1700→1200 LP). Ghost Girl activates Hexstia's effect, Tributing Marionetter to negate HNT-3R's effect and destroy it (Hexstia: 3100→1500). HK activates the Spell Card Mechassassin's Repair Shop, which lets him Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster from its GY in Defense Position with its effects negated. In addition, the turn Repair Shop is activated, Ghost Girl can't activate cards or effects in response to the effects of "Mechassassin" monsters. It Special Summons HNT-3R (1600/0/4). HK uses HNT-3R to Link Summon Mechassassin 5P0-T3R (800/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. HK activates the effect of Mechassassin's Factory, targeting Hexstia (HK: 1200→200 LP). HK Special Summons 2 Mechassassin Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. HK uses 2 Mechassassin Tokens to Link Summon Mechassassin M3C-N1C (1600/2/←→) to 5P0-T3R's Link Marker. HK activates the effect of M3C-N1C to Special Summon 1 "Mechassassin" Link Monster from its GY to its Link Marker, then gain LP equal to its Link Rating x 600, but HK cannot conduct its Battle Phase this turn. HK Special Summons Mechassassin C0M-D3R (2400/3/←↑→) to M3C-N1C's right Link Marker (HK: 200→2000 LP).

HK activates the effect of 5P0-T3R, targeting M3C-N1C. Ghost Girl takes damage equal to half of M3C-N1C's ATK, then 1 of her Spell/Trap Cards is destroyed (Ghost Girl: 2000→1200 LP). The Set Altergeist Haunted Rock is destroyed. Since Ghost Girl took effect damage from the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster, the effect of M3C-N1C inflicts 600 damage (Ghost Girl: 1200→600 LP). Since Ghost Girl took damage from the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster C0M-D3R points to, HK gains LP equal to the damage (HK-70: 2000→2600 LP). HK activates its Skill, Assassin's Snipe. By paying 800 LP (HK-70: 2600→1800 LP), it can inflict 300 damage to Ghost Girl for each "Mechassassin" card in its GY. There are 5 "Mechassassin" cards, so Ghost Girl takes 1500 damage. Ghost Girl activates her Skill, Secret Cure, which lets her excavate cards from her Deck until a Monster Card is revealed. That monster is then added to her hand, all non-Monster Cards are sent to the GY, and both players gain LP equal to that monster's ATK. Ghost Girl excavates Mistaken Arrest, then excavates Altergeist Multifaker. Mistaken Arrest is sent to the GY, Multifaker is added to Ghost Girl's hand, and both players gain 1200 LP (Ghost Girl: 600→1800 LP) (HK-70: 1800→3000 LP). HK's Skill resolves (Ghost Girl: 1800→300 LP). Ghost Girl activates the Continuous Trap Card Altergeist Emulatelf, which Special Summons itself as an Effect Monster (1400/1800/4) in Attack Position. Since Ghost Girl activated a Trap Card, she Special Summons Multifaker (1200/800/3) from her hand in Attack Position to Hexstia's bottom Link Marker (Hexstia: 1500→2700). Since Multifaker was Special Summoned, Ghost Girl can Special Summon 1 "Altergeist" monster from her Deck in Defense Position. She Special Summons Silquitous (800/1500/2) in Defense Position. HK Sets 1 card. It ends its turn.

Turn 5: Ghost Girl

Ghost Girl draws. Ghost Girl uses Emulatelf and Link-2 Hexstia to Link Summon Altergeist Primebanshee (2100/3/↓→↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Since Hexstia was sent to the GY, its effect activates, and Ghost Girl can add 1 "Altergeist" card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Altergeist Marionetter to her hand. Ghost Girl activates the effect of Silquitous, returning Multifaker to her hand and targeting Mechassassin's Array. Array is returned to HK's hand. Ghost Girl activates Primebanshee's effect, Tributing Silquitous to Special Summon 1 "Altergeist" monster from her Deck to its Link Marker. Ghost Girl Special Summons Altergeist Fifinellag (0/1000/2) to Primebanshee's bottom-right Link Marker in Attack Position. Ghost Girl Normal Summons Marionetter (1600/1700/4). Since Marionetter was Normal Summoned, Ghost Girl Sets Altergeist Haunted Rock from her Deck. Since Haunted Rock was Set by the effect of an "Altergeist" card, Ghost Girl can activate it. Ghost Girl activates the Continuous Trap Card Altergeist Haunted Rock, which lets her send 1 "Altergeist" monster from her hand to the GY. She sends Kunquery to the GY. Ghost Girl activates Marionetter's effect, sending Haunted Rock to the GY to Special Summon Hexstia (1500/2/↓→) from the GY. Ghost Girl tunes Level 2 Fifinellag to Level 4 Marionetter to Synchro Summon Altergeist Dragvirion (2200/1200/6) to Hexstia's right Link Marker in Attack Position (Hexstia: 1500→3700).

Dragvirion attacks 5P0-T3R. HK activates its Set Trap Card Mechassassin's Shielding, which would prevent 5P0-T3R's destruction by battle and end the Battle Phase. Ghost Girl activates Hexstia's effect, Tributing Dragvirion to negate the activation of Shielding and destroy it (Hexstia: 3700→1500). Since Dragvirion was Tributed and sent to the GY, its effect activates, and Ghost Girl Special Summons it (2200/1200/6) to Hexstia's right Link Marker (Hexstia: 1500→3700). Dragvirion attacks and destroys 5P0-T3R (HK-70: 3000→1600 LP). Primebanshee attacks and destroys M3C-N1C (HK-70: 1600→1100 LP). Hexstia attacks and destroys C0M-D3R (HK-70: 1100→0 LP). Ghost Girl wins.

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Mechassassin HNT-3R (Hunter)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Effect] ATK 1600 DEF 0 Level: 4
Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls and pay 500 LP; destroy that monster. The turn you activate this effect, you cannot conduct your Battle Phase.

Mechassassin 5N-PR (Sniper)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Effect] ATK 2000 DEF 0 Level: 5
If you control a Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only activate this effect of "Mechassassin 5N-PR" once per turn. Once per turn: You can target 1 Set card your opponent controls and pay 500 LP; destroy that card, then you can Set 1 "Mechassassin" card from your Deck. The card Set by this effect cannot be activated the turn it is Set. The turn you activate this effect, you cannot conduct your Battle Phase.

Mechassassin DR-N3 (Drone)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Effect] ATK 800 DEF 0 Level: 2
If your opponent controls a face-up monster: You can Special Summon this card and 1 "Mechassassin" monster, except "Mechassassin DR-N3" (from your hand) with its effects negated. You can only activate this effect of "Mechassassin DR-N3" once per turn. Once per turn: You can pay 500 LP; add 1 "Mechassassin" card from your Deck to your hand. The turn you activate this effect, you cannot conduct your Battle Phase.

Mechassassin 5P0-T3R (Spotter)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Link/Effect] ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓
1 "Mechassassin" monster
Once per turn: You can target 1 "Mechassassin" monster this card points to; inflict damage to your opponent equal to half that monster's original ATK, and if you do, you can destroy 1 Spell/Trap Card your opponent controls. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase the turn you activate this effect. You can only Special Summon "Mechassassin 5P0-T3R" once per turn.

Mechassassin C0M-D3R (Commander)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Link/Effect] ATK 2400 LINK-3 ←↑→
2+ "Mechassassin" monsters
If your opponent takes effect damage from the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster this card points to: You can gain LP equal to that damage. If your opponent's card is destroyed by the effect of a "Mechassassin" monster this card points to: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your zone this card points to, then inflict 800 damage to your opponent. You can only activate this effect of "Mechassassin C0M-D3R" once per turn. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase if this card is in your Main Monster Zone.

Mechassassin M3C-N1C (Mechanic)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Link/Effect] ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→
2 "Mechassassin" monsters
You can target 1 "Mechassassin" Link Monster in your GY; Special Summon it to your zone this card points to, then gain LP equal to its Link Rating x 600. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase the turn you activate this effect. If your opponent takes damage by the effect of your "Mechassassin" monster, except "Mechassassin M3C-N1C", inflict 600 damage to your opponent. You can only activate each effect of "Mechassassin M3C-N1C" once per turn.

Mechassassin's Factory Continuous Spell Card
Once per turn, during your Main Phase: You can target 1 Link Monster on the field and pay 1000 LP; Special Summon "Mechassassin Token" (Machine/DARK/ Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) up to that monster's Link Rating. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation. You cannot Special Summon other monsters the turn you activate this effect, except for "Mechassassin" monsters.

Mechassassin's Array Continuous Trap Card
During your opponent's Battle Phase: If your "Mechassassin" monster battles, you can pay 500 LP; you take no damage from that battle. If you control a Link-3 or higher "Mechassassin" monster, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation.

Mechassassin's Repair Shop Normal Spell Card
Target 1 Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster in your GY; Special Summon it in Defense Position with its effects negated. The turn this card is activated, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of the effects of your "Mechassassin" monsters. You can only activate "Mechassassin's Repair Shop" once per turn.

Mechassassin's Shielding Normal Trap Card
When your "Mechassassin" monster battles: Your monster cannot be destroyed by that battle, then end the Battle Phase. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Mechassassin" monster you control; gain LP equal to half its ATK. You cannot activate this effect the turn this card is sent to the GY.

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Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-OH! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 36 – Stolen Memories. Playmaker and Morningstar locate Bohman and Haru above the clouds. Engaging the duo in a Tag Duel, the hacker and hunter rely on teamwork and their own raw power to face the siblings' deadly combination…

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Question of the Chapter

What is your opinion of the Mechassassin cards? I got the idea of them from Blood Shepherd's Drone monsters, but there are differences.

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Author's Notes & Responses to Reviews

Thank you to guardian of the aura Aurasoul, HunterHQ, D3lph0xL0v3r, Nirvash Neo, Sanctum of Spectrum, G57steve, Frost190, Guest, jdkeller2000, ZarcEternal, Unknowedz, Ethan Kironus, NewComer1, Fenghuang0296, Lindia Fullmoon, tsukikami02, ThePLOThand, Phantom Flame-98, King of the End, and bladeWriter3 for reviewing Chapter 35.

Sanctum of Spectrum: I admit I did see the connotations behind Cosmic Crusader's name, but I couldn't think up a better name.

G57steve: I have said this before, but I shall say it again: The names of all Cyspirit Extra Deck monsters and Ritual Monsters, including Xyz Monsters, are alliterative. I am not making any exceptions to this rule. Therefore, I can't make a monster called Cyspirit Overlay Nova. It would have to be something like Overlay Overlord or Nebulous Nova.

ZarcEternal: I forgot to mention this about Sylphid in the last chapter, so thank you, you gave me a chance to clarify this: Shizuka Midori has an extreme case of both PTSD and escapism; the trauma of her parents' deaths and the events in Osaka left her, as you put it, "super emo," in real life as a coping mechanism. But when she's in LINK VRAINS, she can get away from that pain and allow herself to have fun. Think of it as a more extreme variant of Aoi Zaizen's relationship with Blue Angel in season 1.

Unknowedz: I won't say who Cassiel is, but I will say she is not Terminus. That would be weird.

Fenghuang0296: Thank you for the suggestions, but unlike the Cyspirits, the Cyseraph monsters aren't alliterative. They are instead based on archangels. As for Zahhak and "hack" … No, it was not intentional, and I only caught it when you pointed it out. Thanks for that.

pokemonking0924: You didn't review Chapter 35, but I'll answer your questions here. At this point in time, I have no plans for Morningstar to learn Pendulum Summoning. Partly because I'm not sure how it would work in his Deck, but also because I want to wait. And no, Morningstar does not have a bike program.

bladeWriter3: The Cyangels gimmick reminds me more of the Madolches, but Raphael and his Guardians is a good comparison, too.

I'll break down this chapter into three parts: the meeting with Windy, the Mechassassin cards, and the duel between Ghost Girl and HK-70.

First, we met Windy. While Ai and Flame have no real issue with him (yet), Cypher and Windy don't get along, partly because Windy pulls pranks but also because Cypher makes fun of his height. At this point in the story, Windy is the Ignis Cypher gets along with the least. We'll learn more about Cypher's relationships with the other Ignis in later chapters. We also found out that Windy wasn't responsible for Jester's program. He's telling the truth on this; Jester, HK-70, and HK-70's master are part of a different faction.

Moving on, we had the duel, and the debut of the Mechassassin archetype. A huge thank you to OPFan37 and ThePLOThand, for helping me make the archetype. Mechassassin Mechanic is originally ThePLOThand's creation, but the archetype evolved a lot, so I changed the effects around. The Mechassassins focus on a combination of paying Life Points to activate effects, mostly revolving on swarming and destruction, then inflicting effect damage to the opponent and self-healing. Like I said, I got the idea for them off of Blood Shepherd's drones but decided for them to focus exclusively on effect damage with effects that skip the Battle Phase. As for the appearances, each of them is based off a Star Wars droid, mostly from the Knights of the Old Republic and The Old Republic video games. If anyone wants to get a better picture of them, I'll include a list of which droids they look like at the end.

As for why HK-70 dueled Ghost Girl… I was originally planning to have him duel Morningstar, but then I realized that I had not written a Ghost Girl duel yet. I felt like I should write at least one, so I decided to have her intercept HK-70's shot and face him instead. This also allowed me to free up Morningstar for something that's been long in the waiting: A Tag Duel with Playmaker, and their opponents are Bohman and Haru. I did consider two separate duels, with Morningstar against Haru, but I felt a Tag Duel would work better story-wise. It will have a lot of similarities to the canon duel, but that's only because I'm using that duel as a template and because I really liked it.

Thank you for reading Chapter 36 of Hidden Memories. As I said, here is a list of the Mechassassin monsters and which Star Wars droids they're based on. If you want a picture, you can find them on Wookieepedia, the Star Wars fandom website.

Mechassassin Hunter: Sentinel droid

Mechassassin Sniper: Warbot

Mechassassin Drone: Municipal patrol droid Mark I

Mechassassin Spotter: BAF-600 Warfare Droid

Mechassassin Commander: Assassin droid/Legends (Its picture is listed under the "Appearances" tab, with the caption "An assassin droid in 3653 BBY")

Mechassassin Mechanic: BAF-320 Repair Droid

Mechassassin Token: B1 battle droid