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

40. Chapter 40: Hunter's Trap

Chapter 40: Hunter's Trap

Playmaker and Soulburner orbited the sphere on their D-Boards.

"Blood Shepherd?" Kusanagi repeated over their comms.

"Yeah," Playmaker confirmed. "I saw him inside the gate."

"So the counting guy created this gate as a trap," Ai surmised.

"Except it was a trap for Playmaker," Flame said. "Not Morningstar."

"He saved both of us," Soulburner said as he grit his teeth. "If he hadn't pulled us away, I would have been sucked in too."

"Sorry," Kusanagi said. "If I only noticed sooner…"

"Kusanagi, let's focus on saving Morningstar," Playmaker said. "Can you open the gate?"

"…It doesn't look easy," Kusanagi admitted. "But I should be able to do it with Cam's help. Which reminds me…"

A few seconds of static later, another voice came over the comms. "Can you guys hear me?"

Playmaker's eyes widened. "Cam!"

"Yeah, I'm here. I've lost contact with Yasu and Cypher. Whatever this thing is, it's blocking both comms and scans."

"It's definitely an Ignis program, though heavily modified," Flame supplied.

"The two of you can do it," Soulburner said. "I know you can."

"Thanks for the support, Takeru," Cam said. "But… we might not be enough. I'm going to get some more help."

"More help?" Kusanagi asked. "From who?"

"You'll know in a minute." Cam temporarily disconnected the line.

As they orbited the sphere, Ai looked behind them. "Uh oh. Playmaker! We have company!"

The two duelists turned and gasped on seeing Sylphid, Techbane, Kenmochi, and Yoroizaka flying towards them.

Playmaker grit his teeth. "SOL Technologies' bounty hunters."

"What? Why now?" Kusanagi complained.

"But Go Onizuka isn't with them," Soulburner pointed out.

"Even without Go Onizuka, it is still four on two," Flame said.

"This is bad!" Ai said. "Cypher told me how Sylphid broke my forced logout program. If we can't use that, we'll have to log out!"

"No," Playmaker said. "We can't abandon Morningstar. We'll have to draw their attention."

"If you want to draw attention, then why don't we help?"

Playmaker and Soulburner turned towards the voice and gasped.

---

For the second time in two days, Cam ran out of the backroom and took two stairs at a time to the third floor. Reaching his sister's door, he rapidly knocked. "Sachi, open up!" he said loudly.

There was some shuffling on the other side before Sachi's voice came out. "C-Cam?" she said hesitantly. "I-I don't want to talk-."

"Yasu's in trouble!" he said. "The gate that appeared was a fake! Blood Shepherd lured him in!"

There was silence on the other side. Then he heard what sounded like something hitting metal.

His eyes widened in realization. "Don't!" he shouted. He lowered his voice through conscious effort. "Playmaker and Soulburner are outside the fake gate. They can handle things there. Kusanagi and I need you to help us open the gate from out here."

There was silence again. "Please, Sachi," Cam said softly.

After a few more seconds, the door opened. Sachi's hair was untied and she wore a light green tank top and blue shorts. "Alright," she said, determination in her eyes. "I'll help."

Cam smiled in relief. Then his eyes narrowed in disapproval. "Get dressed first," he said. Sachi rolled her eyes but went back into her room while Cam headed back downstairs.

---

As they hovered in front of the gate, Playmaker and Soulburner looked up with wide eyes at the two people standing on the island behind the gate, looking down at them with smiles on their faces. The male of the two had gray eyes and short blonde hair, wore a dark green jumpsuit with silver armor, and had a dark green cape hung over his left arm. The female had long black hair topped with a silver circlet and wore a purple-and-black jumpsuit with purple armor.

Playmaker blinked at them. "Who are you?"

The guy face faulted. "Are you kidding me?!" he shouted when he got back up. "We fought together three months ago! How could you forget Galahad?!"

"Galahad?" Soulburner repeated, his eyes wide. "The Charisma Duelist who dueled Terminus?"

Galahad smiled at the fire duelist. "Finally! Someone who knows me!"

"You did change your avatar," the girl reminded him. "And I get the feeling these two don't pay attention to the Charisma Duelists." She smiled down at the two hackers. "I am Persephone. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well," Flame said.

"What are two Charisma Duelists doing up here though?" Ai asked.

"I sent a message to a student of mine, but she didn't respond," Persephone said with a frown. "I came back here to look for her with Galahad, but I can't find her anywhere. Then we stumbled on you two."

"Morningstar's in that thing, isn't he?" Galahad asked, frowning at the sphere. "I saw him go in there. Who's responsible? Hanoi again?"

"Blood Shepherd," Playmaker said. "SOL Technologies' bounty hunter."

"…I see," Galahad closed his eyes with a frown. "I'm guessing those incoming guys are also bounty hunters. Well then, why don't we help you take those guys down?"

"Eh?" Ai said. "Seriously?"

"Dueling alongside the #2 and #3 Charisma Duelists would be an honor," Soulburner said. "But are you sure? Those are SOL Technologies' bounty hunters. You want to make enemies of them?"

"My friend may have become a bounty hunter, but that doesn't mean I am friendly with all of them," Galahad said. "More importantly, Morningstar saved my life when Terminus defeated me. He and you, Playmaker, saved the whole world. I owe him and you a debt of gratitude. Holding the line against these bounty hunters should be a good start."

"And where Galahad goes, I go," Persephone said. "I'll help as well."

"…Alright," Playmaker said reluctantly. He didn't want to accept help, but if they wanted to fight, he wouldn't be able to stop them.

"Here they are!"

They all looked over at Ai's words.

"Playmaker!" Techbane shouted. "You may have avoided Blood Shepherd's trap, but now I'll defeat you!"

"Soulburner!" Sylphid shouted. "What do you say we duel? I'd like to try my strength against your Reincarnation Link Summoning!"

The two duelists looked at each other and nodded. They turned their D-Boards around and headed in opposite directions, with Techbane following Playmaker and Sylphid chasing Soulburner.

Galahad and Persephone leapt off the island and landed on their D-Boards. The young man's D-Board was a longer dark green model with silver fins and two golden prongs at the front. His partner's D-Board was the same shape but was colored light purple with black fins and two darker purple prongs.

Galahad raced off, pursued by the bounty hunter with a pink afro. "You're one of Go Onizuka's teammates, aren't you?" the Charisma Duelist asked.

"I am part of his group, yes," Kenmochi answered. "And you're Galahad, his old friend from the Charisma Duelists. He talked about you a lot."

Galahad smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. It's good to know Go hasn't completely lost his way." His smile turned into a frown. "Why are you working with him, though? I know he has a grudge with Playmaker, and Blood Shepherd is a professional hunter. What's your reason for this?"

"Because of Go Onizuka," Kenmochi said. "Yoroizaka and I are from the same orphanage as him. When we were kids, we would be bullied, and Go would protect us from the bullies. When he left and became a famous Charisma Duelist, we were so proud of him. And when he told us what he was going to do, Yoroizaka and I went with him. We owe Go for all the help he's given our home, and for the hope and smiles he's given all of the children. After everything he's done for us, helping him with a single bounty is a small matter."

"…I see," Galahad said, smiling again. "I admit, I was worried about Go when he left the Charisma Duelists. But if he has people like you and Yoroizaka with him, then perhaps he'll retain his true self."

"Coming from someone like you, that's a big compliment," Kenmochi said. "That said, no hard feelings, right? I'm just doing this for Go."

"Of course not," Galahad assured him. "I'm dueling you because I wish to repay a debt to Morningstar. Not every duel has to become personal."

"I'm glad we understand each other," Kenmochi said, raising his arm.

"Speed Duel!" they declared.

Galahad: 4000 LP

Kenmochi: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Kenmochi declared. "I summon Gouki Suprex!" A blue ogre with claws appeared.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a 'Gouki' monster from my hand. Come, Twistcobra!" Another ogre, this one green with snakes attached to its head, appeared in Attack Position.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

Galahad narrowed his eyes. "A 'Gouki' Deck. A gift from Go, I take it?"

"It is," Kenmochi confirmed. "Go switched to using Dinowrestlers, so he gave his old Deck to me and Yoroizaka. I activate the effect of Gouki Headbatt in my hand! By discarding a 'Gouki' monster, I can Special Summon Headbatt in Defense Position and increase one 'Gouki' monster's attack points by 800. I discard Riscorpio to summon Headbatt and empower Suprex!" A smaller purple ogre wearing a mask appeared as Suprex became stronger.

Gouki Headbatt ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800→2600

"Appear! My circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Gouki' monsters. I set Headbatt, Suprex, and Twistcobra in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Gouki The Blade Ogre!" A large ogre in a black jumpsuit with blue armor on its shoulders and legs emerged from the portal to the right Extra Monster Zone. A red cape hung from its shoulders and it wielded a massive blue blade in its right hand.

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑↓

"A new 'Gouki' Link Monster," Galahad murmured.

"The effects of Headbatt, Suprex, and Twistcobra activate! I add three new 'Gouki' cards from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match to Special Summon two 'Gouki' monsters with different Levels from my Graveyard in Defense Posiiton. Resurrect, Riscorpio and Twistcobra!" The green ogre appeared at The Blade Ogre's bottom Link Marker, accompanied by a red ogre with scorpion claws and a tail at The Blade Ogre's bottom-left Link Marker.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"The Blade Ogre's effect activates! For each monster it points to, it gains 300 attack points!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→3000

"I end my turn," Kenmochi said.

Galahad smiled. "You know, Go was the one who inducted me into the Charisma Duelists," he said. "I lost count of the number of times I lost to him and his Gouki Deck. But this time," his eyes narrowed, "this time, I'll win. Because even if you have his Deck, you aren't its true owner, and it won't give its true power to anyone else. My turn! Draw!"

---

Persephone and her opponent rode off away from Galahad and Kenmochi. "Your name is Yoroizaka, right?" she asked.

He blinked behind his visor. "It is. I'm surprised you know it."

"I took a look at SOL's bounty hunters and some of their history," the Charisma Duelist said. "I wanted to know just what kind of people Go had signed up with."

"Worried about him?"

"A bit. Though finding out two of his fellow hunters were friends from his orphanage helped set my mind at ease."

Yoroizaka smiled. "You found that out, huh? Well, I didn't try hard to hide it. And Go told me a great deal about you and Galahad, so fair's fair, right?"

"I'm glad to know Go still talks about us," Persephone said.

"He does. Though, I have to admit, I'm also a fan of yours. I used to dream about dueling the Traveler. Didn't think it would happen like this, though."

"Reality is rarely what we wish it to be," Persephone said sadly. "Of course, fan or not, you understand I can't go easy on you?"

"I would be offended if you did," Yoroizaka said, smiling fiercely.

"Speed Duel!" they shouted.

Persephone: 4000 LP

Yoroizaka: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Yoroizaka said. "I summon Gouki Suprex!"

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Suprex's effect activates! I Special Summon Gouki Riscorpio in Attack Position.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"I activate the effect of Gouki Headbatt in my hand, discarding Gouki Twistcobra to Special Summon it in Defense Position and increase Riscorpio's attack points by 800!"

Gouki Headbatt ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300→3100

"Appear! My circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Gouki' monsters. I set Headbatt, Riscorpio, and Suprex in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the left, top, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Gouki The Solid Ogre!" A muscular monster wearing light blue, dark blue, and orange armor with large gauntlets on its fists emerged from the Link portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Gouki The Solid Ogre ATK 2400 LINK-3 ←↑↓

"The Sold Ogre's effects." Persephone looked down at her Duel Disk as her AI spoke. "While it points to a 'Gouki' monster, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. And once per turn, you can move your 'Gouki' monster to its Link Marker."

"Headbatt's, Riscorpio's, and Suprex's effect activate, and I add three new 'Gouki' cards from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match, which Special Summons two 'Gouki' monsters with different Levels in Defense Position. Resurrect, Riscorpio and Twistcobra!" The two ogres appeared, with Riscorpio summoned to The Solid Ogre's bottom Link Marker.

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Gouki Unity!"

"Gouki Unity's effects," Persephone's AI said. "While you control a 'Gouki' Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, 'Gouki' monsters in the Main Monster Zones cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and you take no battle damage from attacks involving your 'Gouki' monster and the opponent's monster. If your Life Points are higher than your opponent's, destroy Gouki Unity."

"I see," Persephone said. "With that Continuous Spell Card and The Solid Ogre's effects, I can't destroy any of your monsters nor can I inflict battle damage. A solid defensive formation."

"It's an honor for the Traveler to praise me," Yoroizaka said. "I end my turn."

"Indeed, I am praising you," Persephone said. "This formation of yours will be rather tricky to overcome. But that has never stopped me before. My turn! Draw!"

---

"Since you control more monsters than me," Galahad said, "I can Normal Summon Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight without Tributing!" A blue-skinned and blue-armored knight sitting on a purple horse wielding two blue spiral lances appeared.

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

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Double Summon. With this, I can perform a second Normal Summon or Set this turn. I summon Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight!" Another knight on a horse appeared. This one, however, had green skin and wielded two red lances.

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

"When Charging Gaia is Summoned without a Tribute, its original attack points become 1900."

Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight ATK 2300→1900

"I overlay my Level 7 Arisen Gaia and Charging Gaia!" Galahad declared as a bolt of dark green energy shot out of his Duel Disk. The bolt created a massive blue "X" with four red dots at the corners. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" His monsters disintegrated into data particles and entered two of the dots, making them light up. The ends of the "X" fired beams of light, creating a galaxy in front of Galahad. The galaxy exploded with power as Galahad chanted.

"The knight that rides the fiercest of steeds! Let thunder and lightning become your very soul! Xyz Summon!" A strand of DNA formed, then broke apart into a purple sphere. "Appear! Rank 7! Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger!" The sphere formed into a red-armored mechanical dragon, blue wings attached to its sides. Its rider was attached to its back, also wore red armor, and wielded two green lances. The dragon roared from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position as two orange lights circled behind it.

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

"Xyz Summon?" Kenmochi said in surprise.

"I Set one card. Battle!" Galahad declared. "Gaia Dragon attacks Riscorpio!" The Xyz Monster charged the red ogre. Kenmochi grit his teeth and gestured to his field.

"Twistcobra's monster effect! I Tribute Riscorpio to increase The Blade Ogre's attack points by Riscorpio's!" The red ogre disintegrated, avoiding the dragon's lances.

"But since it points to one less monster, The Blade Ogre loses 300 attack points," Galahad reminded the bounty hunter.

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 3000→2700→5000

"Riscorpio's effect activates! I add a new 'Gouki' card from my Deck to my hand."

"Since Riscorpio left the field, Gaia Dragon will attack Twistcobra!" Galahad decided. "Furthermore, when Gaia Dragon attacks your Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing damage!"

"What?" Kenmochi said in surprise.

"Go! Double Lance Strike!" The dragon charged and its lances pierced the green ogre, destroying it.

"I activate the effect of Gouki Octostretch in my hand!" Kenmochi declared. "By discarding it, battle damage is halved!" He winced after doing so.

Kenmochi: 4000→2700 LP

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 5000→4700

"Twistcobra's effect activates! I add a new 'Gouki' card from my Deck to my hand."

"I end my turn," Galahad said. "At which point, Twistcobra's effect ends and The Blade Ogre's attack points return to normal."

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 4700→2400

Galahad smiled. "Not bad," he said. "You've got a pretty good handle on the Gouki Deck."

"Thank you," Kenmochi said. "But flattery won't stop me from defeating you! My turn! Draw!"

Kenmochi added his new card to his hand and chose another one. "I summon Gouki Suprex!" The blue ogre appeared at The Blade Ogre's bottom Link Marker.

Gouki Suprex ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→2700

"Suprex's effect activates! I Special Summon Riscorpio in Attack Position."

Gouki Riscorpio ATK 2300 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Next, I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Poison Mist! Since I control a 'Gouki' monster, you take 700 points of damage!" Galahad flinched from the card's effect.

Galahad: 4000→3300 LP

"Furthermore, for the rest of the turn, you cannot activate any Set Spell or Trap Cards this turn," Kenmochi continued. "The Blade Ogre's monster effect! Once per turn, by Tributing one monster it points to, it can make a second attack during the Battle Phase! I Tribute Suprex"

Gouki the Blade Ogre ATK 2700→2400

"Suprex's effect activates! I add a new 'Gouki' card from my Deck to my hand, which I'll now activate. I activate the Spell Card: Gouki Re-Match! With this, I'll Special Summon Gouki Headbatt and Gouki Twistcobra from my Graveyard in Defense Position." The two ogres were Special Summoned to The Blade Ogre's bottom and bottom-left Link Markers respectively.

Gouki Headbatt ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 2

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→3000

"Twistcobra's monster effect! Once per turn, by Tributing Riscorpio, The Blade Ogre gains its attack points!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 3000→5300

"Riscorpio's effect activates! I add Gouki Octostretch from my Deck to my hand. I Set one card." Kenmochi gestured to his field. "Battle! The Blade Ogre attacks Gaia Dragon!" The ogre hefted its sword and charged the dragon.

"I see where you're going with this," Galahad said with a smile. "You'll destroy Gaia Dragon with your first attack, then defeat me with your second attack. A good strategy. But…" His eyes narrowed, "it won't work this time! I activate the effect of Fierce Knight's Soul in my hand! By discarding it, I take no battle damage and the Battle Phase ends!" The ogre swung its sword and destroyed the Xyz Monster with great force, but Galahad was untouched.

Kenmochi grit his teeth. "You avoided the battle damage, but what about this? I activate my Skill! Gouki Rage!" His visor briefly glowed yellow. "Since my 'Gouki' monster attacked and you took no battle damage, I inflict damage equal to half of The Blade Ogre's current attack points!" Galahad cried out in pain as he felt a great pressure push him down.

Galahad: 3300→650 LP

"I end my turn. And now Twistcobra's effect ends."

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 5300→3000

Galahad smirked. "Like I said, you're pretty good. You've clearly practiced with that Deck a lot. But… you aren't Go Onizuka! My turn! Draw!"

---

"I activate the Spell Card: Pre-Preparation of Rites!" Persephone declared. "This card lets me add one Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. Then, I can add a Ritual Monster that is listed on that Ritual Spell Card from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand. From my Deck, I add Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss and Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss to my hand."

Yoroizaka grit his teeth. "Ritual…" he muttered. "That's her signature technique…"

"I summon Tour Guide From the Underworld!" A red-haired woman wearing a blue suit and carrying a black purse with a skull-and-crossbones on it appeared.

Tour Guide From the Underworld ATK 1000 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"Tour Guide's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 3 Fiend monster from my hand or Deck with its effects negated. From my Deck, I summon Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A winged fiend with no arms and long white hair appeared in Attack Position.

Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK 1000 DEF 1900 LVL: 3

"'Burning Abyss' monsters normally destroy themselves if I control a monster that is not a 'Burning Abyss' monster," Persephone said. "But because Farfa's effects are negated, it won't be destroyed." She pointed upwards. "Appear! The circuit of the underworld!" The Link portal appeared above her. "The summoning conditions are two Level 3 monsters. I set Farfa and Tour Guide in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss!" A dark armored monster emerged from the portal. It had the head of an ox, the head of a lion, and the head of a redheaded woman on its chest and had wings both on its back and crossed over its chest. It wielded a red curving sword in its left hand, which lit on fire as it settled into the Extra Monster Zone.

Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss ATK 500 LINK-2 ↙↘

"You Link Summoned a monster with 500 attack points?" Yoroizaka said in surprise.

"I did," Persephone confirmed. "I also sent a 'Burning Abyss' monster to the Graveyard." She gestured to her field. "Farfa's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard, one monster on the field is banished until the End Phase! I banish Riscorpio!"

"I won't let you!" Yoroizaka declared. "Twistcobra's monster effect! I Tribute Riscorpio to increase The Solid Ogre's attack points by Riscorpio's attack points!" The red ogre disintegrated as the Link Monster become stronger.

Gouki The Solid Ogre ATK 2400→4700

"The target of Farfa's effect has left the field," Persephone's AI told her. "As such, Farfa's effect resolves with no target."

"You should have targeted The Solid Ogre for that effect, Traveler," Yoroizaka said.

"On the contrary, this is all according to plan," Persephone said. "Cherubini's monster effect! By sending a Level 3 monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, a 'Burning Abyss' monster I control gains attack and defense points equal to that monster's until the end of the turn. I send Djinn Releaser of Rituals to the Graveyard and grant its 1200 attack points to Cherubini!"

Cherubini Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss ATK 500→1700

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss!" Persephone declared.

"By Tributing monsters from your hand or field whose combined Levels equal or exceed that of the stated Ritual Monster," Persephone's AI said, "You can Ritual Summon that Ritual Monster."

"But I activate the effect of Djinn Releaser of Rituals from my Graveyard!"

"When you perform a Ritual Summon, you can banish Djinn Releaser of Rituals as one of the required monsters."

"What?" Yoroizaka said in surprise. "Ritual Summoning by banishing a monster from the Graveyard?"

"I banish the Level 3 Djinn Releaser of Rituals from my Graveyard and Tribute the Level 3 Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss from my hand!" Persephone declared. A dark blue magic circle with six flames appeared on her field, along with a fat purple monster wielding a staff and a draconic fiend with wings. They disintegrated in light and entered the center of the circle, which emitted a pillar of dark blue light.

"The contract has been made," Persephone chanted, her Duel Disk's screen and its black sections glowing blue. "The demon that guards the fifth circle inherits these two souls. Ritual Summon! Rise, Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss!" The pillar's light faded, revealing a red-skinned demon in blue armor. It wielded two swords, one blue and one red, had dark blue wings, and a tail that ended in a dragon's head. The demon roared as it was Ritual Summoned in Attack Position.

Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss ATK 2700 DEF 2200 LVL: 6

"This is her ace monster…" Yoroizaka muttered.

"As Djinn Releaser was used to Ritual Summon, you cannot Special Summon while Malacoda is face-up on the field," Persephone said, surprising the bounty hunter. "But more importantly, since Graff was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Deck. Come, the Tuner Monster, Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A pink-skinned demon with horns, wings, and a wooden staff appeared in Attack Position.

Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK 100 DEF 2100 LVL: 3

"Tuner Monster?" Yoroizaka repeated in shock.

"As I control no Spell or Trap Cards, I can Special Summon Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A demonic centaur with wings appeared in Attack Position.

Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK 1400 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Level 3 Rubic tunes Level 3 Calcab!" Persephone declared. A bolt of purple lightning struck her as the world grayed out and her monsters disintegrated into particles. Two rings, one green, the other purple, appeared before turning blue and merging. Six blue rings stacked in a tower appeared, a screen displaying "3 + 3" in front of them. The screen changed to "6" as light surged through the rings.

"The poet's guide to hell and purgatory!" Persephone chanted. "Ascend to the earth and perform once more! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 6! Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss!" A man in a white tunic, brown vest, and large hat emerged from the light. He carried a large golden guitar with flames spouting from the ends in his hands. The man strung a chord as he was summoned to Cherubini's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss ATK 2500 DEF 1000 LVL: 6

"Since I Special Summoned Calcab through its effect, I can't activate its effect," Persephone said.

Yoroizaka smirked. "It doesn't matter how many monsters you summon," he said. "They can't match The Solid Ogre's 4700 attack points."

"Indeed, they can't," Persephone agreed. "But I don't need them to. Virgil's monster effect! By discarding a 'Burning Abyss' card, one card on your field or in your Graveyard is shuffled back into your Deck!"

"What?" Yoroizaka said in surprise.

"I discard Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to return The Solid Ogre to your Deck! Purgatio Symphony!" Virgil strummed more chords and blasted the Link Monster with blue fire, disintegrating it. Yoroizaka stared slack jawed as his monster returned to his Extra Deck.

"Finally, since I sent Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the Graveyard, its effect activates, and I can Special Summon a 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Calcab!" The demonic centaur reappeared.

Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK 1400 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Battle!" Persephone declared. "Calcab attacks Gouki Twistcobra!" The fiendish centaur charged the green ogre and trampled over it, destroying it.

"Twistcobra's effect activates!" Yoroizaka declared. "I add a new 'Gouki' card from my Deck to my hand." He gestured to his field as his vizor glowed yellow. "I activate my Skill! Fighting Spirit! Every 'Gouki' monster that was destroyed by battle this turn returns to my field!" Twistcobra reappeared in Defense Position.

Gouki Twistcobra ATK 1600 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"I see," Persephone said. "So you took Go's Skill for yourself. I do not blame you; it is a good Skill, particular when used during the opponent's Battle Phase. Still, you cannot stop my attacks. Cherubini attacks Twistcobra! Inferno Slash!" The black armored figure charged the green ogre and cut it in half with its sword, destroying it.

"Now, Malacoda attacks you directly! Abyssal Slash!" The demon's swords lit on fire as it charged Yoroizaka, who activated a card from his hand.

"I activate the effect of Gouki Octostretch!" he declared. "By discarding it, battle damage is halved!" The flame hit the bounty hunter, who cried out in pain, but he remained on his D-Board.

Yoroizaka: 4000→2650 LP

Persephone smiled. "Clever. Virgil attacks you directly! Purgatio Rhapsody!" Virgil strummed his guitar and blasted blue fire at Yoroizaka, who activated another card.

"I activate a second Octostretch from my hand and halve the battle damage again!" He cried out when the blast hit him but remained on his D-Board.

Yoroizaka: 2650→1400 LP

The bounty hunter gasped for breath. "How… how was that? I survived your onslaught!"

"Indeed you did," Persephone said with a smile. "One of Go's greatest traits, one that he shares with his Gouki Deck, is that he never gives up, and that no matter how hard he is beaten down, he always stands back up. You've learned that trait well. Unfortunately, it won't be enough."

"Eh?"

"I activate my Skill!" Persephone declared, the edges of her armor glowing gold. "Legendary Awakening! By using monsters on my field, I can perform a Link, Fusion, Synchro, or Xyz Summon!"

"What!?"

"I fuse Cherubini, Calcab, and Virgil to perform a Fusion Summon!" Said monsters disintegrated into red, blue, and green particles and swirled into a vortex. Three tornados of energy shot upwards and merged into a purple whirlwind.

"Through hell and purgatory, enlightenment is reached!" Persephone chanted. "Become the avatar of paradise! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 9! Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss!" A blue-haired man wearing elaborate gold, white, and purple robes emerged from the whirlwind. He wielded an elaborate wooden staff topped with golden wings. The man smiled as he was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss ATK 2800 DEF 2500 LVL: 9

"Impossible…" Yoroizaka muttered. "Link Summoning, Ritual Summoning, Synchro Summoning, and now Fusion Summoning… all in the same turn?"

"The battle continues!" Persephone declared. "Dante attacks you directly! Paradise's Enlightenment!" The man's staff shone with golden light, which he blasted at Yoroizaka. The bounty hunter cried out in pain as he was knocked off his D-Board and then forcefully logged out.

Yoroizaka: 1400→0 LP

Persephone smiled. "Go really has some skilled helpers with him," she said. "I should go see how Galahad is faring."

---

Galahad looked at the card he drew and smirked. "Continuous Trap activate!" he declared. "Call of the Haunted! This lets me Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Resurrect, Gaia Dragon!" The mechanical dragon and rider reappeared and roared.

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

"Continuous Trap activate!" Kenmochi declared. "Gouki Point Guard!" The card showed Gouki Bearhug standing in front of Headbatt, its armed raised to the sides and a defiant expression on its face. "When this card is activated, I can target a 'Gouki' monster, and while Point Guard is active, you can only attack that monster! I target The Blade Ogre!"

"I see," Galahad said. "So now I can't attack your Defense Position monsters like before." He smirked again. "A nice counter, but pointless. I activate the Spell Card: Rank-Up-Magic Elemental Force!"

"What?" Kenmochi said in surprise. "Rank-Up-Magic?"

The card showed a world divided into six images. One was of a volcano, another of a canyon. One was of an ocean, another was a great forest. One was of the sun, the other was a dark cave. "Elemental Force lets me Rank-Up an Xyz Monster into an Xyz Monster that is the same Attribute but one Rank higher!" Galahad declared. "Using Gaia Dragon, I rebuild the Overlay Network!"

The blue "X" reappeared, and Gaia Dragon disintegrated and entered the top red dot. The ends of the "X" shot lasers that formed the exploding galaxy. A chain of DNA appeared before reintegrating into a purple orb. "Knight of the dragon riders!" Galahad chanted. "Be reborn through the power of the hurricane! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 8! Gaia Dragon, the Hurricane Bringer!"

A mechanical dragon formed from the sphere. It had sparkling ruby armor and four azure wings connected by emerald joints. It had two mechanical claws and a tail that ended in a ruby barb. The knight that was attached to the dragon's midsection wore ruby colored armor and wore a sapphire-colored helmet. In its hands, it wielded two emerald spears, each one half the length of the dragon's body. The dragon roared from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position as it was circled by one orange light.

Gaia Dragon, the Hurricane Bringer ATK 3200 DEF 2600 RNK: 8 OU: 1

"He Ranked Up his Xyz Monster?" Kenmochi said in wonder.

"Elemental Force's secondary effect activates!" Galahad declared. "Until the end of the turn, all monsters on the field with a different Attribute than the Summoned monster have their effects negated!"

"What?"

"Gaia Dragon is Wind Attribute, so the Earth Attribute Twistcobra, Headbatt, and The Blade Ogre have their effects negated! And with its effects negated, The Blade Ogre loses 600 attack points!"

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 3000→2400

"Gaia Dragon's monster effect! Once per turn, by detaching one Overlay Unit, the attack and defense points of one of your monsters are switched until the end of the turn. I target The Blade Ogre for this effect!" The orange lit hit the dragon rider's spear, making it light up.

"You fool!" Kenmochi said. "Link Monsters don't have defense points! You can't switch them!"

"You're right," Galahad acknowledged with a smirk. "Which is why when Gaia Dragon targets a Link Monster with its effect, its attack points become 0 until the end of the turn!"

"What!?"

"Go! Typhoon Termination!" The rider flung the spear in his right hand at The Blade Ogre, impaling it and making it cry out in pain.

Gouki The Blade Ogre ATK 2400→0

"Impossible!" Kenmochi said.

"Battle! Gaia Dragon attacks The Blade Ogre! Emerald Dragon Strike!" The dragon charged the ogre, wind gathering around its remaining spear.

Kenmochi gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Octostretch in my hand! I discard it to halve the battle damage!" Gaia Dragon impaled The Blade Ogre, destroying it and making Kenmochi cry out, but he remained in the duel.

Kenmochi: 2700→1100 LP

"Since The Blade Ogre left the field, Gouki Point Guard is destroyed. But I survived your attack," Kenmochi said. "And next turn, I'll-."

"There won't be a next turn," Galahad interrupted, the edges of his armor and cape glowing. "I activate my Skill! Second Charge! I banish three Warrior monsters – Arisen Gaia, Charging Gaia, and Fierce Knight's Soul – to conduct a second Battle Phase! And like its predecessor, Gaia Dragon inflicts piercing damage!"

"What!?"

"Go! Gaia Dragon attacks Twistcobra! Emerald Dragon Strike!" The dragon was encased in wind that pierced the green ogre, destroying it. Kenmochi cried out as he was knocked off his D-Board and forcefully logged out.

Kenmochi: 1100→0 LP

Galahad sighed heavily. "Man, that was an interesting fight. Didn't think I'd get a chance to show off my Rank-Up-Magic."

"That was very impressive, Galahad." He turned to see Persephone flying next to him.

"Thanks. You won yours too, huh? Let's head back to the sphere, then; Playmaker and Soulburner should be finishing up their duels."

---

Playmaker rode his D-Board around the edge of an island while Techbane chased after him.

"Duel me, Playmaker!" Techbane shouted.

"Very well!" Playmaker agreed.

"Speed Duel!"

Playmaker: 4000 LP

Techbane: 4000 LP

"I'll let you take the first turn," Techbane said.

"Hell no!" Ai said. "We know about your Cyber Dragons! We're taking the second turn!"

"Hmm. In that case, how about this?" Techbane held up a coin. "Which do you want, heads or tails?"

"Heads! No, tails! No, on its sides!"

"Heads," Playmaker said, ignoring Ai.

Techbane flipped the coin, caught it, then braced it against the back of his left hand. "Well, what do you know?" He showed the coin to Playmaker. The result was tails. "Looks like I win. I choose to go second."

Ai growled. "Damn luck."

"Very well," Playmaker said. "I summon Poisoning Blocker!" A humanoid machine with green armor and purple limbs that ended in points appeared.

Poisoning Blocker ATK 0 DEF 1400 LVL: 3

"Poisoning Blocker's monster effect! Once per turn, I can change this Attack Position card to Defense Position and increase its attack and defense points by 800." The monster's limbs folded in and formed a purple and beige shield.

Poisoning Blocker ATK 0→800 DEF 1400→2200

"I Set two cards. I end my turn."

"With 2200 defense points, his Cyber Dragons won't be able to get past Poisoning Blocker," Ai noted.

"My turn! Draw!" Techbane said. "Since you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon Cyber Dragon!" The white mechanical dragon appeared in Attack Position.

Cyber Dragon ATK 2100 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"I summon Cyber Dragon Core!" A thin mechanical dragon with a red light in its center appeared.

Cyber Dragon Core ATK 400 DEF 1500 LVL: 2

"Core's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I can add a 'Cyber' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I add Cyberload Fusion to my hand. Appear! The circuit of mechanical evolution!" The Link portal appeared at Techbane's words. "The summoning conditions are two Machine monsters including Cyber Dragon. I set Cyber Dragon and Core in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyber Dragon Sieger!" A white mechanical dragon with blue circles on its body emerged and was summoned to the left Extra Monster Zone.

Cyber Dragon Sieger ATK 2100 LINK-2 ←↓

"I activate the Spell Card: Cyber Revsystem! This lets me Special Summon Cyber Dragon from my Graveyard!" The mechanical dragon reappeared at Sieger's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyber Dragon ATK 2100 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"I Set one card. At the start of the Battle Phase, I activate Sieger's effect! I increase its attack points by 2100, but neither of us takes battle damage from battles involving Sieger this turn!"

Cyber Dragon Sieger ATK 2100→4200

"4200 attack points!?" Ai said in surprise. "That's too much!"

"Trap activate!" Playmaker declared. "Cyberse Shatter! Since an effect would change a monster's attack points while I control a Cyberse monster, that effect is negated and then I draw a card!"

Cyber Dragon Sieger ATK 4200→2100

"Oh, that's too bad," Ai said. "Both of his monsters have 2100 attack points, while Poisoning Blocker has 2200 defense points."

Techbane grit his teeth but activated a card from his hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cyberload Fusion! This lets me Fusion Summon a monster that lists Cyber Dragon as material by shuffling the Fusion Materials from my field or among my banished cards back into my Deck. I fuse Sieger and Cyber Dragon!"

His monsters disintegrated into red and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Two streams of energy shot upward and merged into a violet whirlwind. "Twin-headed dragon!" Techbane chanted. "Let your evolution take hold! Fusion Summon! Rise! Cyber Twin Dragon!" A large silver dragon with two heads emerged from the whirlwind and roared from the left Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Cyber Twin Dragon ATK 2800 DEF 2100 LVL: 8

"A Fusion Summon during the Battle Phase?" Ai asked in surprise. "Hey, wait, its attack points are higher than Poisoning Blocker's defense points!"

"Battle! Cyber Twin Dragon attacks Poisoning Blocker! Evolution Twin Burst!" The dragon blasted blue energy at the Cyberse monster, destroying it. "Cyber Twin Dragon can attack twice during each Battle Phase! Cyber Twin Dragon attacks you directly! Evolution Twin Burst!" The dragon fired another burst of blue energy at Playmaker, who cried out in pain from the shock.

Playmaker: 4000→1200 LP

"Oh, that hurt," Ai whined.

"I activate my Skill!" Techbane declared. "Cyber Strike! Since my Level 8 or higher Machine monster inflicted battle damage, Cyber Twin Dragon can attack again!"

"Eh? Seriously?" Ai said. "We can't survive that!"

"Goodbye, Playmaker! Evolution Twin Burst!" The dragon fired more blue energy, but Playmaker gestured to his field.

"Trap activate!" he declared. "Intercept Link!" The card showed a person in pain with a barrier around him, blocking a beam of light. The man stood in front of Link Spider, who was cowering behind him. "Since you declared a direct attack while my Life Points are less than yours, that attack is negated!" A barrier appeared and blocked the beams. "Then, I can Special Summon a Link Monster from my Extra Deck whose attack points are less than my current Life Points. Come, Security Dragon!" A small white and red mechanical dragon appeared, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Security Dragon ATK 1100 LINK-2 ↑↓

Techbane grit his teeth. He blocked my attack, but his Life Points are too high for him to use Storm Access. "I end my turn."

Ai breathed a sigh of relief. "That was close. I guess we shouldn't go easy on this guy, huh?"

"He knows both Link and Fusion Summoning and was proficient enough with both to push Morningstar into a corner," Playmaker mused. "Going easy on him was never an option." He placed his hand on his Deck.

---

Soulburner flew over an island while Sylphid chased after him.

"I was hoping I would get to duel you, Soulburner," Sylphid said. "When I heard about your Reincarnation Link Summoning, I got really excited to face it."

"Really?" Soulburner said in surprise. "Well, then I'll be glad to oblige!"

"Speed Duel!"

Soulburner: 4000 LP

Sylphid: 4000 LP

The two looked at their cards before Soulburner said, "I'll start this duel. I summon Salamangreat Fennec!" A small orange and yellow machine animal with a tail of fire appeared.

Salamangreat Fennec ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Since I Summoned a 'Salamangreat' monster, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Fowl!" A blue and green mechanical peacock with feathers made of fire appeared in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Fowl ATK 1800 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Appear! The circuit that changes the future! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Fowl in the Link Marker!" Fowl became a stream of fire and entered the Link portal's bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Salamangreat Balelynx!" A red and white mechanical cat with its tail on fire emerged, summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Balelynx ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"Balelynx's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned, I add Salamangreat Sanctuary from my Deck to my hand. Appear once more, the circuit that changes the future! The summoning conditions are two Fire Effect Monsters. I set Fennec and Balelynx in the Link Markers!" His two monsters entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf!" A green and gray mechanical wolf with a ring of fire around its neck and standing on its hind legs emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Fennec's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon a Link-2 or higher Cyberse Link Monster, I can add a 'Salamangreat' Normal Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I add Salamangreat Recureance to my hand. Then, since a 'Salamangreat' monster was sent to my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Gazelle!" A purple and white gazelle with flames spouting from its back was summoned to Sunlight Wolf's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Gazelle ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Then, since Gazelle was Summoned, I can send a 'Salamangreat' card from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Salamangreat Mole to the Graveyard." Soulburner did so, then gestured to his field. "Sunlight Wolf's monster effect! When a monster is Summoned to its Link Marker, I can add a Fire monster from my Graveyard to my hand, but I cannot Summon that monster this turn. I return Fowl to my hand."

Soulburner pointed upwards. "Appear! The circuit that changes the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Fire Effect Monsters. I set Gazelle and Link-2 Sunlight Wolf in the Link Markers!" His monsters became streams of fire and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Salamangreat Heatleo!" A dark blue-skinned anthropomorphic lion wearing orange and red armor with wings and gauntlets shaped like mouths emerged from the portal, summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

Sylphid smiled to herself. "That's his ace monster…" she muttered.

"I Set one card. I end my turn."

Sylphid's smile widened a millimeter. His Reincarnation Link Summoning is really only useful during his turn when I have cards on the field, she thought. So he's saving it for next turn.

Out loud, she said, "My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card: Cards of Consonance! I discard a Dragon Tuner monster with 1000 or less attack points and draw two cards." She drew, then said, "I summon Dragunity Partisan!" A purple and gold dragon with a spearhead attached to its forehead appeared.

Dragunity Partisan ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"Partisan's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Winged-Beast 'Dragunity' monster from my hand and equip Partisan to it. Come, Dragunity Militum!" A warrior in white and green armor with wings wielding a sword and dagger appeared in Attack Position. It then leapt onto Partisan's back.

Dragunity Militum ATK 1700 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"A 'Dragunity' Deck, just like Morningstar said she used," Soulburner noted.

"That Deck focuses on equipping monsters and Synchro Summoning," Flame said. "If nothing else, this is going to be an interesting matchup."

"Militum's monster effect!" Sylphid declared. "Once per turn, I can Special Summon a 'Dragunity' card from my Spell & Trap Zone! Return to me, Partisan!" Militum jumped off of Partisan's back as it returned to the Main Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Dragunity Partisan ATK 1200 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"Level 2 Partisan tunes Level 4 Militum!" Threads of orange energy traveled outwards from Sylphid's body as her monsters turned into particles. Two green rings, one twice the other's size and a darker shade, appeared before turning blue and merging. They then split into six rings in a tower, orbited by blue-green rectangles. A screen displayed "2 + 4" before changing to "6" as a surge of light passed through the rings.

"Spear of the heavens! Transform into the dragon of lightning!" Sylphid chanted. "Synchro Summon! Descend, Level 6! Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana!" A purple-skinned dragon covered in orange armor emerged from the rings. The rider on its back wore similar armor and held a spear in its right hand. The rider's mount roared from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana ATK 1900 DEF 1200 LVL: 6

"She brought out a Synchro Monster really quick," Soulburner noted, gritting his teeth.

"Vajrayana's monster effect!" Sylphid continued. "When it is Synchro Summoned, I can equip a Level 3 or lower 'Dragunity' monster from my Graveyard to it. I equip Dragunity Brandistock to Vajrayana!" A small dragon in blue armor with a spear attached to its head appeared on the field. The dragon glowed blue and turned into a blue spear, which Vajrayana's rider took in its left hand.

"I equip the Equip Spell Card: Dragunity Divine Lance to Vajrayana!" Vajrayana's other spear morphed into a golden lance with dragon wings in the middle. "While Divine Lance is equipped, Vajrayana is unaffected by Trap effects and gains attack points equal to its Level times 100."

Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana ATK 1900→2500

"I activate Divine Lance's additional effect! Once per turn, I can equip a 'Dragunity' Tuner monster from my Deck to Vajrayana. I equip Dragunity Couse!" A blue and purple dragon with a sword attached to its head appeared and sat on Vajrayana's back behind its rider.

"Vajrayana's additional effect! Once per turn, I can send a card equipped to Vajrayana to the Graveyard. And until the End Phase, Vajrayana's attack points are doubled!"

"Doubled?" Flame repeated in surprise.

"I send the equipped Couse to the Graveyard!" The dragon on Vajrayana's back disintegrated as the dragon glowed.

Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana ATK 2500→5000

"5000 attack points?" Soulburner said in shock.

"I Set one card." Sylphid gestured to her field. "Battle! Vajrayana attacks Heatleo! Divine Thunderbolt!" Vajrayana charged both of its weapons with lightning and then blasted Soulburner's monster while he gestured to his field.

"Continuous Trap activate!" he declared. "Salamangreat Gift! By discarding Salamangreat Fowl and sending Salamangreat Coyote from my hand to the Graveyard, I can draw a card!" Soulburner drew as the lightning bolt struck Heatleo, destroying it and making Soulburner cry out in pain.

Soulburner: 4000→1300 LP

"2700 points of damage all at once," Flame said painfully. "That wasn't fun."

"It isn't over yet," Sylphid said cheerily. "While Brandistock is equipped to Vajrayana, it can attack twice during the Battle Phase!" Soulburner's eyes widened. "End this, Vajrayana! Divine Thunderbolt!" The Synchro Monster shot more bursts of lightning at Soulburner, who gestured to his field.

"Since my Cyberse monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck was destroyed, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Fennec from the Graveyard!" The white and orange mechanical beast reappeared in Defense Position.

Salamangreat Fennec ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 3

Sylphid pouted. "In that case, Vajrayana attacks Fennec!" The bolts of lightning struck the small beast, causing it to disintegrate.

"Since Fennec left the field, it is banished instead of going to the Graveyard," Soulburner said.

Sylphid smiled. "Not bad, Soulburner. I can see why Go had such trouble with you. But you'll need to do better than this to win. I end my turn. And during the End Phase, Vajrayana's effect ends."

Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana ATK 5000→2500

"Hmm. This situation isn't optimal, Soulburner," Flame said. "All she needs to do is send an Equip Card to the Graveyard and Vajrayana's attack points are doubled."

"And with Divine Lance equipped, she can get a new Equip Card every turn," Soulburner concluded. "Brandistock's multiple attacks effect makes it worse." He smiled. "I can see that she's a strong duelist. But our friend is depending on us, so we can't afford to lose here!" He placed his hand on his Deck.

---

"My turn! Draw!" Playmaker looked at his card, then chose a different one. "I activate the Spell Card: Link Back! This card moves Security Dragon from the Extra Monster Zone to the Main Monster Zone at its Link Marker." Security Dragon moved to Playmaker's leftmost Main Monster Zone. "Then, I send cards from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard equal to Security Dragon's Link Marker." Playmaker narrowed his eyes on seeing what he was discarding but said nothing.

Then, Playmaker played a card from his hand. "I summon Cyberse Gadget!" A bipedal white machine with red shoulders appeared.

Cyberse Gadget ATK 1400 DEF 300 LVL: 4

"Cyberse Gadget's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Dotscaper!" A small green and white machine appeared in Defense Position.

Dotscaper ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 1

Behind his lenses, Techbane's eyes narrowed. "That is one of the cards discarded by Link Back's effect," he deduced.

"Appear! The circuit that leads to the future!" Playmaker declared as the Link portal appeared. "The summoning condition is one Level 1 monster. I set Dotscaper in the Link Marker!" Said monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Linkuriboh!" The small monster emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone Security Dragon previously occupied. "Kuri kuri ku!" it cheered.

Linkuriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↓

"Dotscaper's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard, it is Special Summoned!" Linkuriboh's predecessor returned in Defense Position.

Dotscaper ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 1

"Security Dragon's monster effect! Once, while it is co-linked, I can return one monster you control to your hand! I return Cyber Twin Dragon to your hand!" Security Dragon roared and shot yellow lightning at Cyber Twin Dragon, making it disintegrate. Techbane grit his teeth.

"Bye bye, scary dragon!" Ai waved.

"Even if you've cleared my field, your monsters aren't strong enough to defeat me," Techbane reminded Playmaker. The hacker's response was to raise his hand.

"Appear! The circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two or more monsters. I set Cyberse Gadget, Dotscaper, and Link-2 Security Dragon in the Link Markers!" Said monsters entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Firewall Dragon!" The large blue and white mechanical dragon emerged from the portal, summoned to Linkuriboh's bottom Link Marker.

Firewall Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

Techbane gasped. "Firewall Dragon? This is his true ace monster."

"Cyberse Gadget's effect activates!" Playmaker said. "As it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a Gadget Token!" A small white machine with pliers attached to its sides appeared in Defense Position.

Gadget Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2

"Appear! The circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Gadget Token and Linkuriboh in the Link Markers!" Said monsters entered the left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Flame Administrator!" A giant red and orange machine emerged from the portal at Firewall Dragon's right Link Marker.

Flame Administrator ATK 1200 LINK-2 ←↘

"Flame Administrator's monster effect! My Link Monsters gain 800 attack points!"

Firewall Dragon ATK 2500→3300

Flame Administrator ATK 1200→2000

"3300 and 2000 attack points?" Techbane said in surprise.

"Their attack points are greater than your Life Points!" Ai pointed out. "This is the end!"

"I Set one card," Playmaker said. "Battle! Firewall Dragon attacks you directly! Tempest Attack!" Firewall Dragon's blue skin changed red as its wings folded. The dragon blasted Techbane with red energy. The bounty hunter grit his teeth and gestured to his field.

"Continuous Trap activate!" he declared. "Fiendish Chain! One monster on the field has its effects negated and cannot attack!" Playmaker gasped as numerous chains appeared and bound Firewall Dragon. The energy of its attack dissipated into thin air.

"Gah! He chained Firewall Dragon!" Ai shouted, holding his head.

Playmaker grit his teeth, then said, "Even if Firewall Dragon can't attack, Flame Administrator can! Attack him directly!" The red and orange giant charged at Techbane and punched him, making him cry out in pain. His D-Board wobbled, but he stayed on.

Techbane: 4000→2000 LP

"I end my turn," Playmaker said.

Techbane smirked. "You tried to pull off a One-Turn Kill but failed. Allow me to return the favor. My turn! Draw!" Techbane looked at his card, then said, "I activate the effect of Cyber Dragon Core in the Graveyard! Since you control a monster and I don't, I banish Core to Special Summon a 'Cyber Dragon' monster from my Deck. Come, Cyber Dragon Herz!" A thin dark gray mechanical dragon with blue hexagons on its body appeared in Attack Position.

Cyber Dragon Herz ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"I summon Cyber Dragon Drei!" A streamlined white dragon with yellow markings on its body appeared and roared.

Cyber Dragon Drei ATK 1800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Drei's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, all Cyber Dragons I control become Level 5. And due to Drei's and Herz's effects, they are treated as Cyber Dragon while on the field or in the Graveyard."

Cyber Dragon Drei LVL: 4→5

Cyber Dragon Herz LVL: 1→5

"He changed their Levels?" Ai said in confusion.

"Two Level 5 monsters," Playmaker mused. His eyes widened. "Can it be…?"

"With my two Level 5 monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Techbane declared, his Duel Disk releasing a bolt of orange energy. The bolt created a massive "X" with four red points. The two mechanical dragons turned into data and entered the red dots, which glowed with light. The ends of the "X" fired beams that created a miniature galaxy, which exploded with power.

"The mechanical dragon that ascended to new heights!" Techbane chanted as a stream of DNA formed before turning into a purple sphere. "Let your power create a new world! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 5! Cyber Dragon Nova!" A large silver, black, and red mechanical dragon with wings and a long tail with a spoiler at the end formed from the sphere. The dragon roared from the left Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position while two orange lights circled it.

Cyber Dragon Nova ATK 2100 DEF 1600 RNK: 5 OU: 2

"Oh! Xyz Summoning!" Ai said in surprise.

Morningstar did mention he could use Xyz Summoning, Playmaker thought as his eyes narrowed.

"I don't use Xyz Summoning much, but for your sake, I'll go all out!" Techbane said as he gestured to his field. "Nova's monster effect! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can Special Summon a Cyber Dragon from my Graveyard!" An orange light burst behind it.

Cyber Dragon Nova OU: 2→1

"Eh? But with Core banished, he doesn't have any monsters in the Graveyard, does he?" Ai asked.

"Yes, he does," Playmaker said. "The monster he just detached."

Techbane smirked. "You're right. Return to me, Cyber Dragon Herz!" The thin gray dragon reappeared in Defense Position.

Cyber Dragon Herz ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Herz's monster effect! As it was sent to the Graveyard, I can add Cyber Dragon from my Deck to my hand." Techbane took the card, then said, "I Set one card. Next, I activate Nova's additional effect! By banishing Cyber Dragon from my hand or face-up from my Monster Zone, Nova gains 2100 attack points until the end of the turn. I banish Herz!" Herz disintegrated as Nova roared.

Cyber Dragon Nova ATK 2100→4200

"4200 attack points!?" Ai said, his eyes bugging out.

"Battle!" Techbane declared. "Nova attacks Flame Administrator! Neo Evolution Burst!" The mechanical dragon gathered red energy in its maw and blasted Flame Administrator with its fire. "This is the end, Playmaker!"

"Not yet!" Playmaker said as he gestured to his field. "Trap activate! Cyberse Impact!" The card showed Code Talker in the background, its limbs outstretched as a massive arrow pierced its chest. There was a purple portal in the foreground with Lady Debug's card sticking out. "This reduces the battle damage to 0!" The blast struck Flame Administrator, destroying it in an explosion, but Playmaker weathered the explosion unharmed. "Since Flame Administrator left the field, Firewall Dragon's attack points return to normal."

Firewall Dragon ATK 3300→2500

"The secondary effect of Cyberse Impact now activates," Playmaker continued. "Your monster can now make a second attack."

Techbane frowned in confusion. With Flame Administrator gone, Firewall Dragon was weak enough that a single attack would defeat him. What was Playmaker planning?

Well, there was only one way to find out. "Battle! Cyber Dragon Nova attacks Firewall Dragon! Neo Evolution Burst!" The dragon shot red energy at the Cyberse dragon, but Playmaker gestured to his own field.

"I activate the effect of Intercept Link in my Graveyard!" he declared. "When I have no cards in my Spell & Trap Zone, I can banish Intercept Link and target Firewall Dragon. I then gain Life Points equal to Firewall Dragon's attack points." The dragon wrapped in chains roared in response to Playmaker's words.

Playmaker: 1200→3700 LP

The red energy struck Firewall Dragon, destroying it. Playmaker grunted in pain.

Playmaker: 3700→2000 LP

Techbane grit his teeth. "Since the target of its effect was destroyed, Fiendish Chain is also destroyed. I end my turn."

"At the end of the Battle Phase, Cyberse Impact's additional effect activates!" Playmaker said. "I can then add a Cyberse monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Clock Wyvern to my hand."

Techbane lowered his head briefly. That must be the other card he added to his hand with Link Drive's effect. Out loud, he said, "During the End Phase, Nova's effect ends and its attack points return to normal."

Cyber Dragon Nova ATK 4200→2100

"This isn't a good situation, Playmaker," Ai said. "You both have the same Life Points, but since you're over 1000, we can't use Storm Access."

"Yeah," Playmaker agreed. "And the card in his hand is Cyber Dragon. Nova's effect to increase its attack points can be used during my turn as well; if I attack, he can increase his monster's attack points to 4200."

"Yeah, that's not good," Ai said. "Though is that going to stop us?"

Playmaker smirked. "Of course not," he said, placing his hand on his Deck. "Morningstar needs our help. For that reason, I won't lose now! My turn! Draw!"

---

"My turn! Draw!" Soulburner looked at his card, then chose a different one. "I activate the Spell Card: Salamangreat Recureance! This lets me add two 'Salamangreat' monsters with different names from my Graveyard to my hand. I return Coyote and Fowl to my hand. Then, I summon Salamangreat Coyote!" A white and purple mechanical dog with a long tail appeared and howled.

Salamangreat Coyote ATK 1000 DEF 200 LVL: 3

"Since a 'Salamangreat' monster was Summoned, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Fowl!" The mechanical peacock returned.

Salamangreat Fowl ATK 1800 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Fowl's monster effect! By sending Salamangreat Spinny to the Graveyard, you cannot activate your Set card this turn!" Sylphid pouted at that. "And since I control a 'Salamangreat' monster, I can Special Summon Salamangreat Spinny from the Graveyard!" A dinosaur with orange spines appeared in Attack Position.

Salamangreat Spinny ATK 1000 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit that changes the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Fire Effect Monsters. I set Coyote, Fowl, and Spinny in the Link Markers!" Soulburner's monsters became streams of fire and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Salamangreat Heatleo!" Another copy of the anthropomorphic lion appeared and roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"As the Special Summoned Spinny left the field, its effect banishes it," Soulburner continued. "Heatleo's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned, I can shuffle a card in your Spell & Trap Zone back into your Deck. I shuffle Divine Lance back into your Deck. Resounding Roar!" Heatleo roared as the golden lance in Vajrayana's hands disappeared and was replaced by Vajrayana's original spear.

"Since Divine Lance left the field, Vajrayana's attack points return to normal," Sylphid said.

Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana ATK 2500→1900

"Time to take this duel to the next level!" Soulburner declared. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Salamangreat Sanctuary!" A red magic circle appeared in the sky above him. "With Sanctuary's effect, I set Heatleo in the Link Markers!" Heatleo burst into flames and entered the magic circle, creating a burst of flames. "Surging flame, awaken Heatleo's true strength with the power of purification! Reincarnation Link Summon! Resurrect, the king of beasts that runs through the fire prairie! Salamangreat Heatleo!" A twister of fire fell out of the circle and hit Soulburner's field. When the fire dissipated, it revealed Heatleo in the Extra Monster Zone but with its wings on fire and a mane of flames around its neck.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Wow!" Sylphid said, her eyes wide. "So this is Reincarnation Link Summoning." She smiled. "It's pretty cool!"

"Thanks," Soulburner said with a smile. "I wonder how you'll feel about it in a little bit though. Heatleo's monster effect! Since it was Link Summoned, I shuffle the equipped Brandistock back into your Deck! Resounding Roar!" Heatleo roared again and Vajrayana's blue spear disintegrated. "Then, I activate Salamangreat Gift's effect! Since I control a Reincarnation Link Summoned 'Salamangreat' monster, I can discard Salamangreat Raccoon and draw two cards!"

Soulburner drew, then gestured to his field. "Heatleo's additional effect! When it has been Reincarnation Link Summoned, I can change your monster's attack points to the attack points of a 'Salamangreat' monster in my Graveyard. I make Vajrayana's attack points equal to Salamangreat Mole's in my Graveyard! Flame Possession!" Heatleo blasted fire at Vajrayana, which cried out in pain.

Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana ATK 1900→0

"I Set one card. Battle!" Soulburner declared. "Heatleo attacks Vajrayana! Heat Soul!" Heatleo encased itself in flames and charged the dragon rider.

Seeing this, Sylphid smirked. "Did you think it would be that easy?" she asked and gestured to her field. "I activate my Skill! Dragon's Power! When my Dragon monster is attacked, its attack points become equal to its original attack points and then gains attack points equal to its Level times 100!"

Soulburner's eyes widened. "What?"

"Vajrayana's original attack points are 1900," Sylphid continued. "And its Level is 6. So its current attack points become 2500!" The dragon roared at her words.

Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana ATK 0→1900→2500

Vajrayana's attack points are now greater than Heatleo's! Strike back, Vajrayana! Divine Thunderbolt!" Vajrayana charged its spear with lightning, which it shot at the flame covered Heatleo. The two met with a massive explosion.

"Looks like you lost your ace monster," Sylphid said. "How are you going to-?" She gasped as the smoke cleared, revealing Heatleo. "What? How did your monster survive?"

"By banishing Balelynx from the Graveyard, I was able to prevent Heatleo's destruction," Soulburner answered. "Even so, I did take damage."

Soulburner: 1300→1100 LP

Soulburner gave a small smile. "That Skill of yours. Did you make it for my sake?"

"Well, someone's awfully full of themselves," Sylphid teased. "But yes, I did. When I heard about your Heatleo's effect, I figured I should have a way to counter it. My Skill works perfectly in that regard."

"I see," Soulburner said. "I end my turn. And during the End Phase, Coyote's effect activates! Since I used it as Link Material, I can Special Summon a 'Salamangreat' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. Resurrect, Gazelle!" The purple and white monster reappeared.

Salamangreat Gazelle ATK 1500 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Gazelle's monster effect! Since it was Summoned, I can send a 'Salamangreat' card from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Salamangreat Ascetic to the Graveyard."

"And since your turn is ended, my Skill's effect and Heatleo's effect both end," Sylphid said. "So Vajrayana's attack points return to normal."

Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana ATK 2500→1900

"My turn! Draw!" Sylphid smirked on seeing her card. But before she could say anything, Soulburner gestured to his field.

"I activate Salamangreat Gift's effect!" he declared. "I discard Salamangreat Falco and send Salamangreat Meer from my Deck to the Graveyard and draw one card."

"Draw as many cards as you want," Sylphid said. "They won't change what I have in my hand. Or on my field." She gestured to said field. "Continuous Trap activate! Dragunity Legion! Once per turn, I can activate one of two effects. I choose to activate the second and equip a 'Dragunity' monster from my Graveyard to Vajrayana. I equip Dragunity Couse to Vajrayana!" The purple dragon with a sword-shaped head appeared before turning into a sword that Vajrayana held in its left hand.

"I activate the effect of the equipped Couse! If it is equipped to a monster, I can Special Summon it!" The sword disintegrated and the purple dragon reappeared and roared while in Attack Position.

Dragunity Couse ATK 1000 DEF 200 LVL: 2

"That monster is a Tuner monster," Flame noted.

"Is she going to Synchro Summon a Level 8 monster?" Soulburner wondered.

Sylphid overheard him and smirked. "A reasonable deduction, but a false one at the same time," she said. "If I use Couse to Synchro Summon, it can be treated as a Level 4 monster!" Soulburner and Flame gasped at that. "Level 4 tunes Level 6 Vajrayana!"

Her monsters disintegrated and formed two green rings, one larger and a darker shade than the other. The rings turned blue and merged, then became ten blue rings stacked on top of each other. A screen displaying "4 + 6" appeared and then changed to "10" as a surge of light went through the rings.

"Weapons of the gods! Reside in the golden dragon and ignite the future!" Sylphid chanted. "Synchro Summon! Take flight, Level 10! Dragunity Knight – Ascalon!" A large golden dragon with eight wings emerged from the light. A humanoid bird rode on its neck with a spear in its hands. The dragon roared from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Dragunity Knight – Ascalon ATK 3300 DEF 3200 LVL: 10

Soulburner braced himself against the winds the dragon's summoning caused. "This is her true ace monster," he muttered.

"Morningstar's report mentioned this monster," Flame said. "Its effect is… troublesome."

"Ascalon's monster effect!" Sylphid declared. "By banishing a 'Dragunity' monster from my Graveyard, I can banish one of your monsters. I banish Couse to banish Heatleo! Vanishing Force!" Ascalon blasted golden energy at Heatleo. The anthropomorphic lion yowled in pain as it disintegrated.

"Then, I banish Militum from my Graveyard to banish Gazelle. Vanishing Force!" Ascalon fired more golden energy, disintegrating Gazelle and leaving Soulburner defenseless. "Battle! Ascalon attacks you directly! Imperial Turbulence!"

Golden light gathered in the dragon's maw and at the tip of its rider's spear. The duo fired the energy at Soulburner, who gestured to his field.

"I activate the effect of Salamangreat Ascetic in the Graveyard!" he declared.

Sylphid's eyes widened. "That's the card you sent to the Graveyard with Gazelle's effect!"

"It is, and by banishing Ascetic from the Graveyard, I can return a 'Salamangreat' Link Monster from my Graveyard to my Extra Deck and Special Summon a non-Link 'Salamangreat' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated. I return Heatleo to my Extra Deck and Special Summon Salamangreat Meer!" A small orange, red, and black mechanical mammal appeared.

Salamangreat Meer ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 2

Sylphid blinked and then smirked. "In that case, Ascalon attacks Meer!" The golden beams twined together and converged on the small monster as Sylphid took a card from her hand. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Dragunity Strike!" The card showed Dragunity Knight – Gar Bulg encased in wind, charging another monster with lightning sparking off its lance. "For the rest of the turn, if Ascalon attacks your Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage!"

Soulburner's eyes widened. "It's over, Soulburner!" The streams struck Meer, causing an explosion.

Sylphid watched as the smoke spread out. "Ascalon has 3300 attack points and Meer has 600 defense points. The damage you take is 2700. I win."

"Are you sure about that?"

Sylphid gasped as the smoke cleared, revealing Meer hadn't been destroyed and a face-up Trap Card. "That's-!"

"The Trap Card: Energy of Fire!" Soulburner told her. "It prevented Meer's destruction by this battle. In addition, I can return a 'Salamangreat' monster in my Graveyard to my Deck and then gain Life Points equal to that monster's attack points. I returned Heatleo to my Extra Deck and gained 2300 Life Points."

Soulburner: 1100→3400→700 LP

Sylphid stared at Soulburner and then smiled. "Very good," she praised. "You managed to keep your monster and yourself alive. Though I'm afraid I'm going to have to make you pay for it." She gestured to her field. "Dragunity Strike's additional effect activates! When the equipped monster inflicts 2000 points of battle damage or more, I can destroy up to two of your face-up Spell or Trap Cards. I destroy Salamangreat Gift and Salamangreat Sanctuary!"

Soulburner grit his teeth as his Continuous Trap Card and Field Spell Card disintegrated. "I end my turn."

"With only 700 Life Points, you can't use Burning Draw," Flame told his partner.

"Yeah," Soulburner agreed. "This isn't going so well." Then he smiled. "But so what? Morningstar sacrificed himself to protect us from Blood Shepherd's trap. The least we can do is the best we can."

"Of course," Flame said. "No matter what, I'll support you all the way, partner."

"Glad to hear it, Flame." Soulburner placed his hand on his Deck. "This will probably be my last turn. And even if I can't use my Skill, I'm really feeling like a Burning Draw!" He drew, the card trailing flames behind it.

---

"I summon Clock Wyvern!" Playmaker said. A purple and blue mechanical dragon appeared.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"Clock Wyvern's monster effect! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can halve its attack points to Special Summon a Clock Token!" A mass of purple crystals appeared at his words in Defense Position.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800→900

Clock Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear! The circuit that leads to the future! The summoning conditions are two Cyberse monsters. I set Clock Wyvern and Clock Token in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the Link portal's bottom and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Clock Spartoi!" A red warrior in white and gold armor emerged from the portal, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Clock Spartoi ATK 800 LINK-2 ↓↘

Techbane gasped. "Clock Spartoi? Blood Shepherd mentioned this monster…"

"When Clock Spartoi is Link Summoned, I can add Cynet Fusion from my Deck to my hand," Playmaker continued. "Next, I activate the effect of Cyberse Shatter in the Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Link-2 or lower Link Monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Security Dragon!" A purple portal appeared behind Clock Spartoi, but before anything could emerge-.

"Counter Trap activate!" Techbane declared. "Cyber Guard!" The card showed Cyber Dragon Sieger with a silver light encasing its body. "Since you activated the effect of a Trap Card while I control a 'Cyber Dragon' monster, the effect of that Trap Card is negated, and Cyberse Shatter is shuffled into your Deck!"

The purple portal disappeared at Techbane's words. Playmaker grit his teeth as he placed Cyberse Shatter in his Deck. "In addition, the turn I activate Cyber Guard, you cannot target my Light Machine monsters with your card effects."

"This isn't good, Playmaker!" Ai said. "We can't summon any monsters to Clock Spartoi's Link Marker. Without that, we can't get Clock Wyvern back."

"What are you going to do now, Playmaker?" Techbane asked. "I would suggest surrendering and handing over the Ignis."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "Ai, activate Morningstar's program," he said.

"Huh?" the Ignis blinked. "Morningstar's prog-." His eyes widened. "Oh, you mean that! Yes, that would work!" Ai turned to face Techbane. "Let me show you something new. Execute program! Skill Switch!"

"What?" Techbane gasped.

"Once per Duel, I can change my Skill with that of another Skill," Playmaker said as a purple screen appeared above Ai. Two icons were displayed – one a blue and purple whirlwind, the other a tombstone. Playmaker pressed the tombstone icon, making it and the line on his suit light up.

"I activate my Skill!" Playmaker declared. "Phantom Link! Once per Duel, I can banish monsters from my Graveyard to Link Summon a Link Monster from my Graveyard!"

"Link Summoning from the Graveyard?" Techbane repeated. "Impossible!"

"There's no such thing as impossible!" Ai boasted. "It just takes a little longer to do!"

"I banish Cyberse Gadget, Poisoning Blocker, and Link-2 Security Dragon!" Playmaker declared as his hands glowed blue. The Link portal appeared on the ground in front of him, but there was something different about it. This one had purple edges instead of blue and had a purple magic circle in the center. The monsters Playmaker mentioned appeared before turning into whirlwinds and entering the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. The portal released a pillar of purple light.

"Phantom Link Summon!" Playmaker declared. "Appear! Link-4! Firewall Dragon!" The large blue and white dragon emerged from the pillar and roared from Clock Spartoi's bottom Link Marker.

Firewall Dragon ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

"Phantom Link Summon?" Techbane repeated in wonder. "Is this your response to Reincarnation Link Summoning?" Then he collected himself and said, "Impressive, but thanks to Cyber Guard, you can't use Firewall Dragon's effect to remove Cyber Dragon Nova!"

"Clock Spartoi's monster effect!" Playmaker said. "Since a monster was Special Summoned to its Link Marker, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Clock Wyvern!" The smaller dragon reappeared at Clock Spartoi's bottom-right Link Marker and roared in Attack Position.

Clock Wyvern ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Cynet Fusion!" Playmaker declared, the line on his suit glowing violet. "I fuse Clock Wyvern, Firewall Dragon, and Clock Spartoi!"

His monsters broke apart into particles of red, blue, and green data respectively. Their data swirled together into a vortex before shooting upwards as streams. The streams merged to form a violet whirlwind. "The strong ones gather before its grand wings!" Playmaker chanted. "Become a new legend! Fusion Summon! Come out! Cyberse Clock Dragon!" The whirlwind dissipated, revealing a purple dragon with black armor and golden wings. Its four blue eyes gleamed from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 2500 DEF 2000 LVL: 7

"He Fusion Summoned…" Techbane muttered. "This isn't good."

"Cyberse Clock Dragon's monster effect! I send a card to the Graveyard for each Fusion Material's Link Marker, and for each sent card, Clock Dragon gains 1000 attack points. I send 6 cards to the Graveyard."

"So Clock Dragon gains 6000 attack points!" Ai said.

Cyberse Clock Dragon ATK 2500→8500

Techbane gasped. "8500!?"

"Battle! Cyberse Clock Dragon attacks Cyber Dragon Nova!" The dragon gathered purple energy in its maw.

Techbane gestured to his field. "Cyber Dragon Nova's monster effect! I banish Cyber Dragon from my hand to increase its attack points by 2100 until the end of the turn!"

Cyber Dragon Nova ATK 2100→4200

"That's pointless!" Playmaker declared. "Go! Pulse Pressure!" The dragon shot purple energy at Nova, destroying it. Techbane cried out as he was knocked off his D-Board and forcefully logged out.

Techbane: 2000→0 LP

"You did it, Playmaker!" Ai cheered.

---

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Fire's Return!" Soulburner declared. "This lets me Special Summon a 'Salamangreat' Link Monster from my Graveyard, but it cannot attack or activate its effects this turn. Resurrect, Sunlight Wolf!" The green and gray mechanical wolf reappeared and howled.

Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Then, Link Fire's Return inflicts 200 points of damage to you for each of Sunlight Wolf's Link Markers!" Sylphid winced at the sudden pressure she felt.

Sylphid: 4000→3600 LP

"Appear! The circuit that changes the future! The summoning conditions are two or more Fire Effect Monsters. I set Meer and Link-2 Sunlight Wolf in the Link Markers!" His monsters turned into whirlwinds of fire and entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Salamangreat Heatleo!" The armored lion reappeared and roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Since Meer was Special Summoned by Ascetic's effect, it is banished after leaving the field," Soulburner said. "Heatleo's monster effect! Since it was Link Summoned, I return Dragunity Legion to your Deck! Resounding Roar!" Heatleo roared and Sylphid winced as her Continuous Trap Card disappeared.

"Even if you bring back Heatleo, you can't defeat Ascalon!" Sylphid reminded him.

Soulburner smirked at that. "That's true right now. But it won't be true in a minute." He glanced at Flame. "Flame, let's use Morningstar's program!"

Flame's eyes widened. "You mean…? Very well. Let's do this! Execute program! Skill Switch!"

Sylphid gasped. "Skill Switch?"

"Once per Duel, I can change my Skill to another Skill," Soulburner explained as a red screen appeared above his Duel Disk. It showed two icons – one was a card wreathed in flames, the other was a lion's face with a mane of fire. Soulburner pressed the second one, causing the green gemstone above his chest to glow and flames to travel up and down his body.

"I activate my Skill!" he declared. "Ascension of Fire! Once per Duel, I can perform a Reincarnation Link Summon using a Link Monster I control." Heatleo roared and burst into flames. "Surging flame, awaken Heatleo's true strength with the power of purification!" The fire exploded outwards, forcing Sylphid to cover her face. "Reincarnation Link Summon! Be reborn, Salamangreat Heatleo!" The flames dissipated, revealing Heatleo with wings and a mane of fire.

Salamangreat Heatleo ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"He performed a Reincarnation Link Summon without his Field Spell?" Sylphid said in surprise.

"Heatleo's monster effect!" Soulburner declared. "When it is Reincarnation Link Summoned, I can change your monster's attack points to the attack points of a 'Salamangreat' monster in my Graveyard. I make Ascalon's attack points equal to Salamangreat Raccoon's in my Graveyard! Flame Possession!" Heatleo shot flames at Ascalon. The dragon cried out in pain.

Dragunity Knight – Ascalon ATK 3300→400

Sylphid grit her teeth. I can't use my Skill to protect Ascalon this time.

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Salamangreat Prominence!" Soulburner said. The card showed Sunlight Wolf with a red aura around its body. "And equip it to Heatleo!" Heatleo gained a similar red aura and roared. "While Salamangreat Prominence is equipped to Heatleo, you cannot target it with card effects, nor can you attack any monster I control except Heatleo."

Soulburner pointed to the field. "Battle! Heatleo attacks Ascalon! Heat Soul!"

Heatleo encased itself in flames and charged the massive dragon. Ascalon responded by blasting the fire with golden energy, but the fire broke through it. Heatleo entered Ascalon's mouth and broke through the monster's body, emerging on the other side. The flames dissipated as Ascalon exploded and Sylphid cried out in pain.

Sylphid: 3600→1700 LP

"This Duel isn't over!" Sylphid said. "Since Ascalon was destroyed-."

"No, this Duel is over," Soulburner interrupted. "Salamangreat Prominence's effect activates! When the Reincarnation Link Summoned Heatleo destroys your monster by battle, you take damage equal to your monster's original attack points!"

Sylphid gasped. "Ascalon had 3300 attack points originally," Flame said. "So you take 3300 points of damage!"

Heatleo gathered flames in its mouth, which it then shot at Sylphid. The bounty hunter screamed in pain as she was knocked off her D-Board and forcefully logged out.

Sylphid: 1700→0 LP

Soulburner breathed a sigh of relief. "That was tricky; I wasn't expecting to use Morningstar's program this soon."

"Just be glad he shared it with us," Flame said. "And that Ascension of Fire doesn't take the same toll that Burning Draw does."

"Soulburner!"

The duelist turned as Playmaker appeared beside him. "Yo, Playmaker!" he said with a smile. "You managed to defeat Techbane?"

"Yes," the hacker confirmed. "We need to get back to the gate. Kusanagi, is the rescue program done?"

"I'm still working on it," Kusanagi said over their earpieces. "Though it's going faster thanks to our help."

"Considering this is for Yasu, I'm going as fast as I can," Cam said.

"As am I." The boys gasped on hearing Sachi's voice over the comm. "I'm not as good as my brother or Kusanagi, but I'm helping where I can."

"Sa-Cassiel?" Soulburner said in surprise.

"I see. So you're the help Cam got," Playmaker surmised.

"Yeah," she confirmed. "We're almost done decrypting the Ignis algorithm."

"But that won't be enough," Cam said. "Blood Shepherd will have made a few changes to make his program harder to break. We need to account for those before we launch the rescue program."

"Can you do it?" Soulburner asked.

"Yasu kept a couple samples of Blood Shepherd's code after their last encounter; it will take a bit more time, but we should be able to do it."

"Good luck. We're counting on you three," Playmaker said.

"Ah. We'll get Morningstar free!" Kusanagi assured him.

The duo reached the gate shortly after to see Galahad and Persephone circling it on their own D-Boards.

"Glad to see you two are okay," Galahad said, nodding to them.

"Nothing's happened since we got back," Persephone told them.

"That will change soon," Playmaker said. "We-."

His words were interrupted as the sphere started to glow with an internal light. They all gasped and turned to stare as a low light pulsed from the gate.

"Kusanagi, what's happening?" Playmaker whispered.

"I-I'm not sure," he said. "But I'm suddenly getting readings from within the gate. Strange readings."

Playmaker's eyes narrowed. "This light… it feels like…" His eyes widened in shock. "It couldn't be…!"

---

Galahad vs. Kenmochi

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Kenmochi

Kenmochi Normal Summons Gouki Suprex (1800/0/4). As Suprex was Normal Summoned, Kenmochi can Special Summon 1 "Gouki" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Gouki Twistcobra (1600/0/3) in Attack Position. Kenmochi activates the effect of Gouki Headbatt in his hand, sending a "Gouki" monster from his hand to the GY to Special Summon Headbatt in Defense Position and increase the ATK of a "Gouki" monster he controls by 800 until the end of the turn. He sends Gouki Riscorpio from his hand to the GY, Special Summons Headbatt (800/0/2) and increases the ATK of Suprex (Suprex: 1800→2600). Kenmochi uses Headbatt, Suprex, and Twistcobra to Link Summon Gouki The Blade Ogre (2400/3/↙↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Headbatt, Suprex, and Twistcobra were sent from the field to the GY, their effects activating, letting Kenmochi add a "Gouki" card for each one from his Deck to his hand. He adds Gouki Re-Match, Gouki Suprex, and Gouki Octostretch to his hand. Kenmochi activates the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match to Special Summon two "Gouki" monsters from his GY with different Levels in Defense Position. He Special Summons Riscorpio (2300/0/5) and Twistcobra (1600/0/3) to the bottom-left and bottom Link Markers of Blade Ogre respectively. The Blade Ogre gains 300 ATK for each monster it points to (The Blade Ogre: 2400→3000). Kenmochi ends his turn.

Turn 2: Galahad

Galahad draws. Since Kenmochi controls more monsters than him, Galahad Normal Summons Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight (2300/2100/7) without Tributing via its effect. Galahad activates the Spell Card Double Summon, letting him Normal Summon a 2nd time this turn. He Normal Summons Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight via its effect, making its original ATK 1900 (2300→1900/2100/7). Galahad overlays his two Level 7 monsters to Xyz Summon Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger (2600/2100/7) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Galahad Sets 1 card.

Gaia Dragon attacks Riscorpio. Kenmochi activates the effect of Twistcobra, Tributing Riscorpio and targeting The Blade Ogre. The Blade Ogre gains ATK equal to Riscorpio's ATK until the end of the turn (The Blade Ogre: 3000→2700→5000). Since Riscorpio was sent to the GY, Kenmochi activates its effect, adding Gouki Poison Mist from his Deck to his hand. A replay occurs and Gaia Dragon attacks Twistcobra. As his opponent's monster attacked, Kenmochi activates the effect of Octostretch in his hand, discarding it to halve the battle damage. Twistcobra is destroyed and Gaia Dragon inflicts piercing battle damage via its effect (Kenmochi: 4000→2700 LP) (The Blade Ogre: 5000→4700). Since Twistcobra was sent to the GY, Kenmochi activates its effect to add Gouki Riscorpio from his Deck to his hand. Galahad ends his turn, and Twistcobra's effect ends (The Blade Ogre: 4700→2400).

Turn 3: Kenmochi

Kenmochi draws. He Normal Summons Suprex (1800/0/4) to The Blade Ogre's bottom Link Marker (The Blade Ogre: 2400→2700). Since Suprex was Normal Summoned, Kenmochi can Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Riscorpio (2300/0/5) in Attack Position. Kenmochi activates the Spell Card Gouki Poison Mist, inflicting 700 damage to Galahad and preventing him from activating Set Spell or Trap Cards this turn (Galahad: 4000→3300 LP). Kenmochi activates the effect of The Blade Ogre, Tributing the Suprex it points at to activate its effect (The Blade Ogre: 2700→2400). The Blade Ogre can make a second attack during each Battle Phase this turn. Since Suprex was sent to the GY, Kenmochi adds a new "Gouki" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Gouki Re-Match. Kenmochi activates the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match, Special Summoning Headbatt (800/0/2) and Twistcobra (1600/0/3) to The Blade Ogre's bottom and bottom-left Link Markers respectively (The Blade Ogre: 2400→3000). Kenmochi activates Twistcobra's effect, Tributing Riscorpio to increase The Blade Ogre's ATK by Riscorpio's ATK until the end of the turn (The Blade Ogre: 3000→5300). Since Riscorpio was sent to the GY, its effect activates, letting Kenmochi add 1 "Gouki" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Gouki Octostretch to his hand. Kenmochi Sets 1 card.

The Blade Ogre attacks Gaia Dragon. Gaia Dragon is destroyed, but Galahad activates the effect of Fierce Knight's Soul in his hand, discarding it to take no damage from that battle, then end the Battle Phase. As his "Gouki" monster attacked and Galahad took no battle damage, Kenmochi activates his Skill, Gouki Rage, which inflicts damage to Galahad equal to half the ATK of the attacking monster (Galahad: 3300→650 LP). Kenmochi ends his turn, and the effect of Twistcobra ends (The Blade Ogre: 5300→3000).

Turn 4: Galahad

Galahad draws. He activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Call of the Haunted, which lets him Special Summon 1 monster from his GY in Attack Position. He Special Summons Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger (2600/2100/7). Kenmochi activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Gouki Point Guard, targeting The Blade Ogre. While Gouki Point Guard is active, Galahad can only select The Blade Ogre as an attack target. Galahad activates the Spell Card Rank-Up-Magic Elemental Force, which lets him target 1 Xyz Monster he controls, then use that monster as Xyz Material to Xyz Summon a Xyz Monster with the same Attribute as that monster, but 1 Rank higher. Galahad performs a Rank-Up Xyz Change with Gaia Dragon to Xyz Summon Gaia Dragon, the Hurricane Bringer (3200/2600/8) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. The second effect of Elemental Force negates the effects of all monsters on the field with a different Attribute from the Summoned monster (The Blade Ogre: 3000→2400). Galahad activates the effect of Gaia Dragon, detaching 1 Overlay Unit (Gaia Dragon: 1 OU→0 OU) and targeting The Blade Ogre. The Blade Ogre's ATK and DEF are switched, but since The Blade Ogre is a Link Monster, its ATK becomes 0 until the end of the turn (The Blade Ogre: 2400→0).

Gaia Dragon attacks The Blade Ogre. Kenmochi activates the effect of Octostretch in his hand, discarding it to halve the battle damage. The Blade Ogre is destroyed (Kenmochi: 2700→1100 LP). As the targeted monster left the field, Gouki Point Guard is destroyed. Galahad activates his Skill, Second Charge. At the end of the Battle Phase, he banishes 3 Warrior monsters from his GY to conduct a second Battle Phase. Galahad banishes Arisen Gaia, Charging Gaia, and Fierce Knight's Soul from his GY. Gaia Dragon attacks Twistcobra. Gaia Dragon inflicts piercing battle damage. Twistcobra is destroyed (Kenmochi: 1100→0 LP). Galahad wins.

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Persephone vs. Yoroizaka

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Yoroizaka

Yoroizaka Normal Summons Gouki Suprex (1800/0/4). As Suprex was Normal Summoned, Yoroizaka activates its effect to Special Summon a "Gouki" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Gouki Riscorpio (2300/0/5) in Attack Position. Yoroizaka activates the effect of Gouki Headbatt in his hand, sending a "Gouki" monster from his hand to the GY to Special Summon Headbatt in Defense Position and increase the ATK of a "Gouki" monster he controls by 800 until the end of the turn. He sends Gouki Twistcobra from his hand to the GY, Special Summons Headbatt (800/0/2) and increases the ATK of Riscorpio (Riscorpio: 2300→3100). Yoroizaka uses Headbatt, Riscorpio, and Suprex to Link Summon Gouki The Solid Ogre (2400/3/←↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Headbatt, Riscorpio, and Suprex were sent from the field to the GY, their effects activate, letting Yoroizaka add a "Gouki" card from his Deck to his hand for each of them. He adds Gouki Unity, Gouki Octostretch, and Gouki Re-Match to his hand. Yoroizaka activates the Spell Card Gouki Re-Match, which lets him Special Summon 2 "Gouki" monsters from his GY with different Levels in Defense Position. He Special Summons Riscorpio (2300/0/5) to The Solid Ogre's bottom Link Marker and Twistcobra (1600/0/3). Yoroizaka activates the Continuous Spell Card Gouki Unity. As Yoroizaka controls a "Gouki" Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone, "Gouki" monsters in his Main Monster Zones cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and he takes no battle damage from attacks involving his "Gouki" monsters. Yoroizaka ends his turn.

Turn 2: Persephone

Persephone draws. She activates the Spell Card Pre-Preparation of Rites, which lets her add 1 Ritual Spell Card from her Deck to her hand, and 1 Ritual Monster listed on that Ritual Spell from her Deck or GY to her hand. She adds Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss and Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss from her Deck to her hand. Persephone Normal Summons Tour Guide From the Underworld (1000/600/3). Since Tour Guide was Normal Summoned, Persephone can Special Summon 1 Level 3 Fiend monster from her hand or Deck with its effects negated. She Special Summons Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (1000/1900/3) from her Deck in Attack Position. Persephone uses Farfa and Tour Guide to Link Summon Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss (500/2/↙↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Since Farfa was sent to the GY, Persephone activates its effect, banishing Riscorpio until the End Phase. Yoroizaka activates the effect of Twistcobra, Tributing Riscorpio to increase The Solid Ogre's ATK by Riscorpio's (The Solid Ogre: 2400→4700). Persephone activates the effect of Cherubini, sending 1 Level 3 monster from her Deck to her GY to increase the ATK/DEF of 1 "Burning Abyss" monster on the field by the sent monster's ATK/DEF. She sends Djinn Releaser of Rituals to the GY and targets Cherubini (Cherubini: 500→1700). Persephone activates the Ritual Spell Card Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss, which lets her Tribute monsters from her hand or field whose total Levels equal that of Malacoda in her hand to Ritual Summon it. Since she is Ritual Summoning, Persephone activates the effect of Djinn Releaser of Rituals in her GY, banishing it as one of required monsters. Persephone Tributes the Level 3 Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss in her hand and banishes the Level 3 Djinn Releaser from her GY to Ritual Summon Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss (2700/2200/6) in Attack Position. Since Djinn Releaser was used to Ritual Summon, Yoroizaka cannot Special Summon while Malacoda is face-up on the field. Since Graff was sent to the GY, Persephone can Special Summon 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from her Deck. She Special Summons Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (100/2100/3) in Attack Position. Since she controls no Spell or Trap Cards, Persephone Special Summons Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (1400/0/3) in Attack Position. Persephone tunes the Level 3 Rubic to the Level 3 Calcab to Synchro Summon Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss (2500/1000/6) to Cherubini's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. Persephone activates Virgil's effect to discard 1 "Burning Abyss" card, then target 1 card on Yoroizaka's field or in his GY and shuffle it into his Deck. She discards Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss and shuffles The Solid Ogre back into Yoroizaka's Deck. Since Cir was sent to the GY, its effect activates, letting Persephone Special Summon 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from her GY. She Special Summons Calcab (1400/0/3) in Attack Position.

Calcab attacks and destroys Twistcobra. Since Twistcobra was sent to the GY, Yoroizaka can add a "Gouki" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds a 2nd Gouki Octostretch to his hand. Yoroizaka activates his Skill, Fighting Spirit, which lets him Special Summon every "Gouki" monster destroyed by battle this turn. He Special Summons Twistcobra in Defense Position (1600/0/3). Cherubini attacks and destroys Twistcobra. Malacoda attacks Yoroizaka directly, but Yoroizaka activates the effect of the 1st Octostretch in his hand, discarding it to halve the battle damage (Yoroizaka: 4000→2650 LP). Virgil attacks Yoroizaka directly, with Yoroizaka activating the effect of the 2nd Octostretch, discarding it to halve the battle damage (Yoroizaka: 2650→1400 LP). Persephone activates her Skill, Legendary Awakening, which lets her perform a Fusion, Link, Synchro, or Xyz Summon using monsters on her field as materials. Persephone fuses Cherubini, Calcab, and Virgil to Fusion Summon Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss (2800/2500/9) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Dante attacks Yoroizaka directly (Yoroizaka: 1400→0 LP). Persephone wins.

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Playmaker vs. Techbane

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Playmaker

Playmaker Normal Summons Poisoning Blocker (0/1400/3). He activates Poisoning Blocker's effect to change it to Defense Position and gain 800 ATK/DEF (Poisoning Blocker: 0→800/1400→2200). Playmaker Sets 2 cards. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Techbane

Techbane draws. As only Playmaker controls a monster, Techbane Special Summons Cyber Dragon (2100/1600/5). Techbane Normal Summons Cyber Dragon Core (400/1500/2). As Core was Normal Summoned, Techbane can add 1 "Cyber" Spell/Trap Card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberload Fusion from his Deck to his hand. Techbane uses Cyber Dragon and Core to Link Summon Cyber Dragon Sieger (2100/2/←↓) to the left Extra Monster Zone. Techbane activates the Spell Card Cyber Revsystem, which lets him Special Summon Cyber Dragon (2100/1600/5) from his GY at Sieger's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. Techbane Sets 1 card.

Techbane activates Sieger's effect. As it hasn't attacked yet, Techbane can increase the ATK of 1 Machine monster he controls with 2100 or more ATK by 2100, but neither player takes battle damage from battles involving Sieger this turn. Techbane targets Sieger for its effect (Sieger: 2100→4200). Since a card or effect was activated that would change the ATK of exactly 1 monster while he controls a Cyberse monster, Playmaker activates his Set Trap Card Cyberse Shatter, negating the activation of that effect (Sieger: 4200→2100) and drawing 1 card. Techbane activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Cyberload Fusion, which lets him Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from his Extra Deck that lists a "Cyber Dragon" monster as material by shuffling the Fusion Materials on his field and/or among his banished cards into his Deck. Techbane fuses Sieger and Cyber Dragon to Fusion Summon Cyber Twin Dragon (2800/2100/8) to the left Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Cyber Twin Dragon attacks and destroys Poisoning Blocker. Cyber Twin Dragon can make 2 attacks during each Battle Phase. Cyber Twin Dragon attacks Playmaker directly (Playmaker: 4000→1200 LP). As his Level 8 or higher Machine monster inflicted battle damage, Techbane activates his Skill, Cyber Strike, allowing Cyber Twin Dragon to attack again. Cyber Twin Dragon attacks Playmaker directly, but Playmaker activates his Set Trap Card Intercept Link. As he is being attacked directly while his LP are lower than his opponent's, the attack is negated, then Playmaker can Special Summon 1 Link Monster from his Extra Deck whose ATK is less than his LP. Playmaker Special Summons Security Dragon (1100/2/↑↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. Techbane ends his turn.

Turn 3: Playmaker

Playmaker draws. He activates the Spell Card Link Back, which lets him move his Link Monster from the Extra Monster Zone to his Main Monster Zone it points to, then send cards from the top of his Deck to the GY equal to that monster's Link Rating. Playmaker moves Security Dragon to his leftmost Main Monster Zone and sends Dotscaper and Clock Wyvern to the GY. Playmaker Normal Summons Cyberse Gadget (1400/300/4). Since Gadget was Normal Summoned, Playmaker can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower monster from his GY with its effects negated. Playmaker Special Summons Dotscaper (0/2100/1) in Defense Position. Playmaker uses Dotscaper to Link Summon Linkuriboh (300/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Dotscaper was sent to the GY, its effect activates, Special Summoning itself (0/2100/1) in Defense Position. Playmaker activates the effect of the co-linked Security Dragon to return 1 monster Techbane controls to his hand. He returns Cyber Twin Dragon to his Extra Deck. Playmaker uses Cyberse Gadget, Dotscaper, and Link-2 Security Dragon to Link Summon Firewall Dragon (2500/4/←↑↓→) to Linkuriboh's Link Marker. As Cyberse Gadget was sent from the field to the GY, its effect activates, Special Summoning 1 Gadget Token (0/0/2) in Defense Position. Playmaker uses Linkuriboh and Gadget Token to Link Summon Flame Administrator (1200/2/←↘) to Firewall Dragon's right Link Marker. While Flame Administrator is on the field, Playmaker's Link Monsters gain 800 ATK (Firewall Dragon: 2500→3300) (Flame Administrator: 1200→2000). Playmaker Sets 1 card.

Firewall Dragon attacks Techbane directly. Techbane activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Fiendish Chain, targeting Firewall Dragon. Firewall Dragon's effects are negated, and it cannot attack. Flame Administrator attacks Techbane directly (Techbane: 4000→2000 LP). He ends his turn.

Turn 4: Techbane

Techbane draws. He activates the effect of Core in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 "Cyber Dragon" monster from his Deck. He Special Summons Cyber Dragon Herz (100/100/1) in Attack Position. Techbane Normal Summons Cyber Dragon Drei (1800/800/4). As Drei was Normal Summoned, all Cyber Dragons he controls become Level 5 (Drei: 4→5) (Herz: 1→5). Techbane overlays his two Level 5 Machine monsters to Xyz Summon Cyber Dragon Nova (2100/1600/5) to the left Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Techbane activates Nova's effect, detaching Herz (Nova: 2 OU→1 OU) to Special Summon 1 Cyber Dragon from his GY. He Special Summons Herz (100/100/1) in Defense Position. Since Herz was sent to the GY, Techbane can add Cyber Dragon from his Deck to his hand. Techbane Sets 1 card. Techbane activates Nova's effect, banishing Herz from his field to increase Nova's ATK by 2100 until the end of the turn (Nova: 2100→4200).

Nova attacks Flame Administrator. Playmaker activates his Set Trap Card Cyberse Impact, which reduces the battle damage to 0. Flame Administrator is destroyed (Firewall Dragon: 3300→2500). The second effect of Cyberse Impact lets Nova attack again. Nova attacks Firewall Dragon. Playmaker activates the effect of Intercept Link in his GY, banishing it and targeting Firewall Dragon. Playmaker gains LP equal to Firewall Dragon's ATK (Playmaker: 1200→3700 LP). Firewall Dragon is destroyed (Playmaker: 3700→2000 LP). As Firewall Dragon was destroyed, Fiendish Chain is also destroyed. At the end of the Battle Phase, Cyberse Impact's effect lets Playmaker add 1 Cyberse monster from his GY to his hand. He adds Clock Wyvern from his GY to his hand. Techbane ends his turn, and Nova's effect ends (Nova: 4200→2100).

Turn 5: Playmaker

Playmaker draws. Playmaker Normal Summons Clock Wyvern (1800/1000/4). As it was Normal Summoned, Playmaker activates Clock Wyvern's effect, halving its ATK (Clock Wyvern: 1800→900) to Special Summon 1 Clock Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. Playmaker uses Clock Wyvern and Clock Token to Link Summon Clock Spartoi (800/2/↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Clock Spartoi was Link Summoned, Playmaker adds Cynet Fusion from his Deck to his hand. Playmaker activates the effect of Cyberse Shatter in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 Link-2 or lower Link Monster from his GY. As Playmaker activated a Trap effect while he controls a "Cyber Dragon" monster, Techbane activates his Set Counter Trap Card Cyber Guard, negating the activation of Cyberse Shatter's effect and shuffling it back into Playmaker's Deck. The turn Cyber Guard is activated, Playmaker can't target Techbane's Light Machine monsters with his card effects. Playmaker performs a Skill Switch and activates his Skill, Phantom Link, which lets him banish monsters from his GY to Link Summon a monster from his GY. Playmaker banishes Cyberse Gadget, Poisoning Blocker, and Link-2 Security Dragon to Phantom Link Summon Firewall Dragon (2500/4/←↑↓→) to Clock Spartoi's bottom Link Marker. As a monster was Special Summoned to its Link Marker, Clock Spartoi's effect activates, letting Playmaker Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster from his GY to its Link Marker with its effects negated. He Special Summons Clock Wyvern (1800/1000/4) to Clock Spartoi's bottom-right Link Marker in Attack Position. Playmaker activates the Spell Card Cynet Fusion, fusing Clock Wyvern, Firewall Dragon, and Clock Spartoi to Fusion Summon Cyberse Clock Dragon (2500/2000/7) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Since Clock Dragon was Fusion Summoned, Playmaker can send cards from the top of his Deck to the GY, equal to the combined Link Ratings of its Fusion Materials, and for each sent card, Clock Dragon gains 1000 ATK. Playmaker sends 6 cards to the GY (Clock Dragon: 2500→8500).

Clock Dragon attacks Nova. Techbane activates Nova's effect, banishing the Cyber Dragon is his hand to increase its ATK by 2100 until the end of the turn (Nova: 2100→4200). Nova is destroyed (Techbane: 2000→0 LP). Playmaker wins.

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Soulburner vs. Sylphid

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Soulburner

Soulburner Normal Summons Salamangreat Fennec (1600/200/3). As a "Salamangreat" monster was Normal or Special Summoned, Soulburner Special Summons Salamangreat Fowl (1800/200/4) from his hand in Attack Position. Soulburner uses Fowl to Link Summon Salamangreat Balelynx (500/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Balelynx was Link Summoned, Soulburner can add Salamangreat Sanctuary from his Deck to his hand. Soulburner uses Fennec and Balelynx to Link Summon Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf (1800/2/↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Fennec was used to Link Summon a Link-2 or higher Cyberse Link Monster, Soulburner can add 1 "Salamangreat" Normal Spell Card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Salamangreat Recurrence from his Deck to his hand. Since a "Salamangreat" monster was sent to his GY, Soulburner activates the effect of Salamangreat Gazelle in his hand, Special Summoning it (1500/1000/3) to Sunlight Wolf's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. As Gazelle was Normal or Special Summoned, Soulburner can send 1 "Salamangreat" card from his Deck to the GY. He sends Salamangreat Mole to the GY. Since a "Salamangreat" monster was Normal or Special Summoned to its Link Marker, Sunlight Wolf's effect activates, letting Soulburner add 1 "Salamangreat" monster from his GY to his hand. He adds Fowl to his hand. Soulburner uses Gazelle and Link-2 Sunlight Wolf to Link Summon Salamangreat Heatleo (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Soulburner Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Sylphid

Sylphid draws. She activates the Spell Card Cards of Consonance, which lets her discard 1 Dragon Tuner with 1000 or less ATK to draw 2 cards. She discards Dragunity Brandistock. Sylphid Normal Summons Dragunity Partisan (1200/800/2). As Partisan was Normal Summoned, Sylphid can Special Summon 1 Winged Beast "Dragunity" monster from her hand and equip Partisan to it. She Special Summons Dragunity Militum (1700/1200/4) in Attack Position and equips Partisan to it. Sylphid activates Militum's effect to target 1 "Dragunity" card in her Spell & Trap Zone and Special Summon it. She Special Summons Partisan (1200/800/2) in Attack Position. Sylphid tunes the Level 2 Partisan to Level 4 Militum to Synchro Summon Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana (1900/1200/6) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Vajrayana was Synchro Summoned, Sylphid can equip 1 Level 3 or lower "Dragunity" monster in her GY to it. She equips Brandistock to Vajrayana. Sylphid activates the Equip Spell Card Dragunity Divine Lance, equipping it to Vajrayana. Vajrayana gains ATK equal to its Level x 100 (Vajrayana: 1900→2500) and is unaffected by Trap effects. Sylphid activates Divine Lance's effect to equip 1 "Dragunity" Tuner monster from her Deck to Vajrayana. She equips Dragunity Couse to Vajrayana. Sylphid activates Vajrayana's effect to send 1 Equip Card equipped to it to the GY and double its ATK until the end of the turn. Sylphid sends Couse to the GY (Vajrayana: 2500→5000). Sylphid Sets 1 card.

Vajrayana attacks Heatleo. Soulburner activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Salamangreat Gift, which lets him discard 1 "Salamangreat" monster to send 1 "Salamangreat" monster from his Deck to the GY and draw 1 card. Soulburner discards Fowl and sends Salamangreat Coyote to the GY. He draws. The attack continues and Heatleo is destroyed (Soulburner: 4000→1300 LP). Since his Cyberse monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck was destroyed by battle, Soulburner activates the effect of Fennec in his GY, Special Summoning it (1600/200/3) in Defense Position. The monster Brandistock is equipped to can attack twice during each Battle Phase. Vajrayana attacks and destroys Fennec. As it left the field, Fennec is banished by its own effect. Sylphid ends her turn, and Vajrayana's effect ends (Vajrayana: 5000→2500).

Turn 3: Soulburner

Soulburner draws. He activates the Spell Card Salamangreat Recureance, which lets him add 2 "Salamangreat" monsters with different names from his GY to his hand. He adds Coyote and Fowl to his hand. Soulburner Normal Summons Salamangreat Coyote (1000/200/3). As a "Salamangreat" monster was Normal or Special Summoned, Soulburner Special Summons Fowl (1800/200/4) from his hand. Soulburner activates Fowl's effect, discarding Salamangreat Spinny to target Sylphid's Set card. That card cannot be activated this turn. As Soulburner controls a different "Salamangreat" monster, he activates the effect of Spinny in the GY, Special Summoning it (1000/1500/3) in Attack Position. Soulburner uses Coyote, Fowl, and Spinny to Link Summon Heatleo (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Since Spinny left the field, it is banished. As Heatleo was Link Summoned, Soulburner can target and shuffle 1 card in Sylphid's Spell & Trap Zone back into her Deck. He targets and shuffles Divine Lance (Vajrayana: 2500→1900). Soulburner activates the Field Spell Card Salamangreat Sanctuary. If he would Link Summon a "Salamangreat" Link Monster, Sanctuary's effect lets him use 1 Link Monster he controls with the same name. Soulburner uses Heatleo to Reincarnation Link Summon Heatleo (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Since Heatleo was Link Summoned, its effect activates, and Soulburner targets and shuffles Brandistock back into Sylphid's Deck. As he controls a Reincarnation Link Summoned "Salamangreat" monster, Soulburner activates Salamangreat Gift's effect to discard Salamangreat Raccoon and draw 2 cards. Soulburner activates the effect of the Reincarnation Link Summoned Heatleo, targeting Vajrayana and Salamangreat Mole in his GY. Vajrayana's ATK becomes equal to Mole's ATK until the end of the turn (Vajrayana: 1900→0). Soulburner Sets 1 card.

Heatleo attacks Vajrayana. Since her Dragon monster was attacked, Sylphid activates her Skill, Dragon's Power, targeting Vajrayana. Vajrayana's ATK becomes equal to its original ATK, and then it gains ATK equal to its Level x 100 (Vajrayana: 0→1900→2500). The attack continues, but Soulburner activates the effect of Balelynx in his GY, banishing it to prevent Heatleo's destruction by battle (Soulburner: 1300→1100 LP). Soulburner ends his turn. During the End Phase, since Coyote was sent to the GY as Link Material, its effect activates, letting Soulburner Special Summon 1 "Salamangreat" monster from his GY in Defense Position. He Special Summons Gazelle (1500/1000/3). As Gazelle was Normal or Special Summoned, its effect activates, letting Soulburner send 1 "Salamangreat" card from his Deck to the GY. He sends Salamangreat Ascetic to the GY. At the end of the turn, Sylphid's Skill's effect and Heatleo's effect end (Vajrayana: 2500→1900).

Turn 4: Sylphid

Sylphid draws. Soulburner activates the effect of Salamangreat Gift, discarding Salamangreat Falco and sending Salamangreat Meer to the GY to draw 1 card. Sylphid activates her Set Continuous Trap Card Dragunity Legion, which lets her either Special Summon 1 "Dragunity" monster from her Spell & Trap Zone or equip 1 "Dragunity" monster in her GY to her "Dragunity" monster. She activates the 2nd effect, equipping Couse from the GY to Vajrayana. Sylphid activates the effect of the equipped Couse, Special Summoning it (1000/200/2) in Attack Position. If Couse is used to Synchro Summon, it can be treated as a Level 4 monster. Sylphid tunes the Level 4 Couse to the Level 6 Vajrayana to Synchro Summon Dragunity Knight – Ascalon (3300/3200/10) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. She activates Ascalon's effect to banish 1 "Dragunity" monster from her GY and banish 1 of Soulburner's monsters. She banishes Couse from her GY to banish Heatleo. Sylphid activates Ascalon's effect again, banishing Militum to banish Gazelle.

Ascalon attacks Soulburner directly. Soulburner activates the effect of Salamangreat Ascetic in his GY, banishing it and targeting Heatleo and Meer in his GY. Heatleo is returned to his Extra Deck, and Meer is Special Summoned (800/600/2) in Defense Position with its effects negated. A replay occurs and Ascalon attacks Meer. Sylphid activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Dragunity Strike, targeting Ascalon for its effect. For the rest of the turn, if Ascalon attacks a Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage. Soulburner activates his Set Trap Card Energy of Fire, targeting Heatleo in his GY. Meer cannot be destroyed by this battle, Heatleo is returned to Soulburner's Extra Deck, and he gains LP equal to its ATK (Soulburner: 1100→3400 LP). The attack continues, but Meer isn't destroyed (Soulburner: 3400→700 LP). As the monster targeted by Dragunity Strike inflicted 2000 or more battle damage, Sylphid can target and destroy up to 2 face-up Spell/Trap Cards Soulburner controls. She targets and destroys Gift and Sanctuary. Sylphid ends her turn.

Turn 5: Soulburner

Soulburner draws. He activates the Spell Card Link Fire's Return, which lets him Special Summon 1 "Salamangreat" Link Monster from his GY and inflict damage to Sylphid equal to its Link Rating x 200, but that monster cannot attack or activate its effects this turn. Soulburner Special Summons Sunlight Wolf (1800/2/↑↓) (Sylphid: 4000→3600 LP). Soulburner uses Meer and Link-2 Sunlight Wolf to Link Summon Heatleo (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Meer left the field, it is banished. Heatleo's effect activates, and Soulburner returns Dragunity Legion to Sylphid's Deck. Soulburner performs a Skill Switch and activates his Skill Ascension of Fire, which lets him Link Summon a "Salamangreat" Link Monster by using 1 Link Monster he controls with the same name as the material. Soulburner uses Heatleo to Reincarnation Link Summon Heatleo (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Soulburner activates the Reincarnation Link Summoned Heatleo's effect, targeting Raccoon in his GY and Ascalon (Ascalon: 3300→400). Soulburner activates the Equip Spell Card Salamangreat Prominence, equipping it to Heatleo. If the Reincarnation Link Summoned Heatleo destroys Sylphid's monster by battle, Sylphid takes damage equal to her monster's original ATK.

Heatleo attacks and destroys Ascalon (Sylphid: 3600→1700 LP). Salamangreat Prominence's effect activates (Sylphid: 1700→0 LP). Soulburner wins.

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Gaia Dragon, the Hurricane Bringer
Attribute: WIND Type: [Dragon/Xyz/Effect] ATK 3200 DEF 2600 Rank: 8
3 Level 8 monsters
If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage. If this card has "Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger" as an Xyz Material, it gains this effect.
-Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card, then target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; switch that monster's ATK and DEF until the end of the turn. If you target a Link Monster with this effect, make that monster's ATK 0.

Gouki Point Guard Continuous Trap Card
Target 1 "Gouki" monster you control; while this card is face-up on the field, your opponent can only select the targeted monster as an attack target. If the targeted monster leaves the field, destroy this card.

Rank-Up-Magic Elemental Force Normal Spell Card
Target 1 face-up Xyz Monster you control; Special Summon from your Extra Deck, 1 monster that is the same Attribute as that monster you control, but 1 Rank higher, by using it as the Xyz Material. (This Special Summon is treated as an Xyz Summon. Xyz Materials attached to it also become Xyz Materials on the Summoned monster.) Then, negate the effects of all monsters on the field until the end of the turn, except the effects of monsters with the same Attribute as the Summoned monster.

Intercept Link Normal Trap Card
When your opponent's monster declares a direct attack while your LP are less than your opponent's: Negate that attack, and if you do, Special Summon 1 Link Monster from your Extra Deck whose ATK is less than your LP. If you have no cards in your Spell & Trap Zone: You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 Link Monster you control; gain LP equal to that monster's original ATK. You cannot activate this effect the turn this card is sent to the GY.

Cyberse Impact Normal Trap Card
When your opponent's monster attacks a Cyberse monster: Reduce the damage from that battle to 0, and if you do, your opponent's monster can attack again in a row. At the end of the Battle Phase: You can add 1 Cyberse monster from your GY to your hand.

Cyber Guard Counter Trap Card
When your opponent activates the effect of a Trap Card while you control a "Cyber Dragon" monster: Negate the activation of that effect, and if you do, shuffle that card back into the owner's Deck. The turn you activate this effect, your opponent cannot target your LIGHT Machine monsters with their card effects.

Dragunity Strike Quick-Play Spell Card
Target 1 "Dragunity" monster you control; for the rest of this turn, if that monster attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent. If the targeted monster inflicts 2000 or more battle damage to your opponent via this effect: You can target up to 2 face-up Spell/Trap Cards your opponent controls; destroy them.

Salamangreat Prominence Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a "Salamangreat" monster. It cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects, also your opponent cannot select monsters you control as attack targets, except the equipped monster. If the equipped monster is a "Salamangreat" Link Monster that was Link Summoned using a monster with its same name as material, it gains this effect:
-If the equipped monster destroys your opponent's monster by battle: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to that monster's original ATK.

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Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 41 – Hunter vs. Hunter. Going through Morningstar's memories, Blood Shepherd relives his past with the former bounty hunter. When he awakens, Morningstar faces Blood Shepherd in a showdown for Cypher and to determine who is the superior hunter…

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Question of the Chapter

Who do you think would be good voice actors for the Hidden Memories OCs? Here's my list:

Yasutake Narahiko – Noriaki Sugiyama

Cameron Junpei – Tomokazu Sugita

Sachi Junpei – Tomatsu Haruka

Masako Himura – Yuka Saitou

Takeshi Akino – Takuya Eguchi

Katsumi Kurosaki – Saori Hayami

Kenshin Hirai – Junichi Suwabe

Ibuki Ichiyanagi – Tomoaki Maeno

Hana Adachi – Nao Touyama

Yukaro Saiba – Takuya Sato

Issei Kamakura – Kaito Ishikawa

Shizuka Midori – Miyuki Sawashiro

Jester – Tomokazu Seki

Zahhak – Joji Nakata

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Responses to Reviews & Author's Notes

Thank you to Lyrissa Artemick, HunterHQ, Elfin Fan, SakushiRyu, guardian of the aura Aurasoul, SolanaLeonhart, D3lph0xL0v3r, DivadX, NewComer1, Phantom Flame-98, Guest, Daemon of Wrath, Ethan Kironus, JaneValentine007, Ryujomaru15, Unknowedz, Lindia Fullmoon, ZarcEternal, Ms choco, ThePLOThand, Guest, and savagemaster1999 for reviewing Chapter 39.

HunterHQ: I did not get the idea from The Seven Deadly Sins anime or Digimon. I googled the Seven Deadly Sins and Archdemons, and it listed demons associated with each sin. And yeah, Doctor Doom for Earth's Mightiest Heroes was an inspiration for Zahhak, along with Gilgamesh of fate/stay night and Escanor from Seven Deadly Sins.

DivadX: I forgot to mention this in the last chapter, so I'll say this here: The Cydevil Link Monsters are all decided already, and each is named after a demon. As for the Main Deck monsters, their names are derived from chess pieces and the Ars Goetia. So I'm afraid I can't use Urizen or Helios.

NewComer1: Masako, not Minako. Also, I call Cypher's Decks the Cyberse Trinity; I think it sounds nicer.

Ethan Kironus: No, Zahhak doesn't consider humans far beneath him. He considers weaklings to be far beneath him. Unfortunately, when you're as strong as he is, there isn't much difference.

Credit to SakushiRyu for the card designs of Intercept Link and Cyberse Impact. And thank you to ThePLOThand for coming up with the name of Salamangreat Prominence.

This chapter came out faster than I expected, though that's mostly because I worked on it while working on Fifth Circuit's Chapter 11. Sadly, the next chapter will probably take more time. In this chapter, we saw the return of Galahad and got to see more of Persephone's Deck and skills. I had them duel Kenmochi and Yoroizaka. Those two didn't have any characterization in the anime, aside from working with Go, so I decided to give them some. In Hidden Memories, they are from the same orphanage as Go and look up to him as a hero. So when he joined SOL, they did too to help him out.

We also had Techbane and Sylphid face Playmaker and Soulburner. This was the big part of the chapter, particularly the reveal that Playmaker and Soulburner have Morningstar's Skill Switch. This gave me the chance to demonstrate Phantom Link Summoning, which is a Link version of Phantom Synchro, and I thought it would be cool for Playmaker to demonstrate it instead of Morningstar. As for the ending scene, well you'll have to wait for the next chapter to find out what it is.

Thank you for reading Chapter 40 of Hidden Memories. I hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you give the QOTC serious thought, whether you agree with me on the choices or not. And for anyone who gets the connection between Morningstar's, Terminus's, Jester's, and Zahhak's actors, congratulations, you get a cookie.