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

47. Chapter 47: Lightning

Responses to Reviews

Thank you to guardian of the aura Aurasoul, streetlife34, HunterHQ, Germancardfightfan, D3lph0xL0v3r, Guest, Unnamed, PhotonBlade2000, DivadX, Ryujomaru15, Dinomane, ThePLOThand, suppes1, Noobmaster, Guest, savagemaster1999, Bad Winner, Ethan Kironus, LazinessRules, Guest, FlameFireZero X, Lindia Fullmoon, Guest, SakushiRyu, Nirvash Neo, Achilles, and Overgame for reviewing Chapter 46.

Nirvash Neo: Sorry, but I already have an "F" Cyspirit Link Monster planned.

Achilles: No.

And now, onto the show!

---

Chapter 47: Lightning

Ai blinked. "Huh? Where am I?"

"I was hoping you could tell me."

Ai screeched and turned to look at Cypher. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"I didn't sneak up on you," Cypher said defensively, crossing his arms. "I was applying for a contest, and then I ended up here."

"Eh? Contest? That's weird, me and Roboppi were just… Wait, why are we here?"

Ai and Cypher looked around. The two Ignis were standing on a stone platform in front of a massive door.

"Are we dreaming?" Ai asked.

"AI can't dream," Cypher reminded him.

"Hasn't stopped me before," Ai retorted.

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me."

The two Ignis started as the door suddenly opened, revealing a path across a grassy hill. "What is this place?" Ai wondered. "But I feel like I've seen it before!"

Ai and Cypher ran to the top of the hill and gasped. Before them was a very familiar sight.

"This is…"

"Cyberse World," Cypher finished for Ai.

---

Yasutake frowned as he looked at the puzzle in front of him. He liked to believe he was good at puzzles; after all, he had solved three rather challenging ones to acquire the Cyspirit cards. But this puzzle was far more complicated than those. One wrong move, a single misstep, and he would regret it for the rest of his life.

"Are you sure you don't want to give up?"

Yasutake frowned at the one taunting him. "No, I've got it."

"I can try it if you want, Yasu!"

Yasutake smiled at the other. "Thanks for the offer, but like I said, I've got this."

He turned back to the puzzle and nodded, his decision made. He reached out, and slowly and carefully, pulled the stick out. But he must have done something wrong, because once the stick was three-fourths of the way out, the tower wobbled and fell over.

Cam laughed at the crestfallen look on Yasutake's face. "Jenga!"

"Damn it," the teen whined. "I thought that one was safe."

Sachi patted him on the shoulder sympathetically. "Don't feel bad Yasu. I lost the last round, remember?"

"And I lost the one before that," Yasutake grumbled. He glared at Cam. "How are you so good at these things? Chess, Jenga, Tetherball – which I didn't even know we had in Den City –Trivial Pursuit; how are you so good at these games?"

Cam smirked. "I'm just naturally good at these things," he boasted.

"Bull," Yasutake said immediately. "You have to be cheating on at least one of these games."

"How do you cheat at Jenga?" Sachi wondered curiously.

Yasutake shrugged. "I don't know. Hollow sticks?" He looked over at the Duel Disk that was sitting on the counter. "What do you think Cypher? Is Cam cheating?"

While Cam protested that he resented that remark, Yasutake blinked as the Duel Disk remained silent. "Cypher?"

He stood up from the table, walked over and picked up the Duel Disk. "Cypher?"

Cam and Sachi frowned behind him. "Is something wrong?" Sachi asked.

"Cypher's not responding," Yasutake told her.

Cam frowned. "Maybe he's busy?"

"Hmm…" Yasutake's eyes narrowed. "Cypher… Ai said he was smarter than you."

The three humans flinched instinctively away from the Duel Disk, but nothing happened. "He's gone," Yasutake muttered.

"I thought there was a lock on it," Sachi said confusedly.

"There was." Yasutake frowned. "And now there isn't."

Cam blinked as his pocket vibrated. Pulling out his phone, he took a look at his messages and his face darkened. "We need to get to the backroom."

Sachi and Yasutake followed the older man downstairs to the backroom, where Cam connected the monitors to Café Nagi.

"So Cypher's gone too?" Yusaku asked, sitting with Takeru and Kusanagi.

"Too?" Yasutake repeated, his eyes narrowing. "So Ai is-."

"He disappeared from the Duel Disk after accessing a website with Roboppi," Yusaku explaining, gesturing to a small blue cleaning robot on a stool next to him.

"My name is Roboppi. It's a pleasure to meet you," it said in a squeaky voice.

Sachi and Cam smiled back. "Nice to meet you, Roboppi," she said. "I'm Sachi Junpei."

"I'm Cam Junpei."

"Yasutake Narahiko," the last resident said, nodding at the machine. "What website did he access?"

"This one," Kusanagi said, pulling up a browser.

"A crossword puzzle?" Sachi said while blinking.

"If you solve the puzzle, you win a prize," Roboppi offered. "Big bro wanted the prize."

"What's the prize?" Yasutake asked.

"It's… an Ai-chan pin," Kusanagi said, showing them said pin.

Takeru smirked. "He was targeted with pinpoint accuracy," he deadpanned.

Everyone else sweatdropped at the prize. "What about Cypher?" Kusanagi asked. "When did he disappear?"

"I looked at our history, and it seems the last site he accessed was this one," Yasutake answered, pulling up his own window. "It was an application for an online contest; a drawing for a prize."

"Another prize?" Takeru said. He blinked. "Wait, don't tell me-."

"No, it's not a Cypher pin," Yasutake said, pulling up said prize. "It's… well…"

"…A two-foot tall statue of Cypher," Yusaku said exhaustedly.

Indeed, the prize was what he said; a two-foot tall colored statue of the Silver Ignis, arms crossed with his head tilted back, and a look on his face that just screamed, "Ha ha! I'm superior to everyone around me! Get on your knees and worship me, mongrels!"

Yasutake blinked and realized he'd been watching too much Fate/stay night with Cypher lately. One of these days I'm going to kill that Ignis.

"Who made these?" Kusanagi asked once everyone got over the absurdity of the prizes.

"Those screens were made from Ignis algorithms." Flame emerged from Takeru's Duel Disk as he spoke.

"Oh! You're the same as my big bro!" Roboppi said, looking at the Ignis.

"Hello. I'm Flame."

"I'm Roboppi."

"Where's the Ignis algorithm?" Kusanagi asked.

"Most likely here," Yusaku answered. He touched part of the screen, which changed to show a blue wave.

"Correct," Flame said. "There should be a similar spot on the other one."

Yasutake frowned and touched the "Terms & Conditions" button, which revealed another code.

Cam smirked. "I'll give them this; no one would have ever clicked there."

"Aren't those just patterns?" Takeru asked.

"No. The Ignis algorithms are hidden inside," Flame said.

"What do they say?" Sachi asked.

"They're the same thing; an address for a different site. To make it legible for you, here's the address." Takeru's Duel Disk displayed a chain of letters and numbers.

Cam and Kusanagi inputted the code and another screen opened. "This is…" Kusanagi muttered as the screen showed a closed door.

"What's this gate?" Takeru asked. "Is it VR?"

"Cam, Kusanagi," Yusaku asked, "can you connect the LINK VRAINS system to enter it?"

"You're planning to go?" Kusanagi asked.

"I am at least," Yasutake said. "I need to find that Ignis."

"Even so, we don't know what's inside," Cam reminded them.

Flame narrowed his eyes and scratched his chin. "This site's program is a real Ignis algorithm."

"So it's not a trap by Blood Shepherd?" Sachi asked.

"No, not him. This means that another Ignis is contacting us," Kusanagi said.

"Then shouldn't we all go?" Takeru suggested. "They may have a message for us."

"Wait," Yusaku interrupted. "I'll go alone."

Takeru blinked. "Let's all go together."

"No, Yusaku is right," Yasutake said with a frown. "Even if it isn't Blood Shepherd, it could be a trap. If all of us get caught in a trap, it's over."

"You're suspicious of Windy?" Flame asked them. "He's my ally!"

"Bohman was waiting at the location Windy told us," Yusaku reminded the Ignis. "And when he lost, the wind field vanished. I don't trust Windy yet."

"Neither do I," Yasutake said. "Him claiming not to have sensed Bohman's arrival but detecting ours… something about that struck me as strange."

Flame narrowed his eyes but offered no arguments. "I'll go in alone at first," Yusaku said. "To scout things out. If I take too long to return, I'll leave the rest to you."

Yasutake nodded. "If you don't come back, Sachi and I will follow in first." The girl nodded. "Takeru, since you're the only one of us who still has an Ignis, you'll come in last in case it's a trap."

Takeru frowned but nodded his agreement. Yusaku headed into his sealed room. A few minutes later, Yasutake and Sachi entered theirs, the latter's green room having been made yesterday by Cam and Yasutake with input from Kusanagi.

"Deck set! Into the VRAINS!"

---

Ai and Cypher ran across the hill before they were stopped by a Duel Monster. "Linkuriboh!" Ai gasped.

"Kuri kuri ku."

"What's wrong with your voice?" Ai asked. The monster had spoken in a flatter tone than it usually did. "Is it a virus? Don't infect us."

"It's voice isn't the only thing that's wrong," Cypher noted, looking at its slanted eyes.

"Kuri kuri."

"Eh? You want us to ride you?" Ai wondered, interpreting Linkuriboh's movements. A few moments later, both Ignis rode on Linkuriboh's back, Ai in front.

"This brings back memories," Ai said nostalgically. "Back then, we thought Cyberse World would spread forever."

"…We did," Cypher said, a similar nostalgia in his voice. "Though… Ai, doesn't something seem wrong?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Well for starters, isn't that tower a bit smaller than it used to be?"

"Huh?" Ai looked at the central golden tower as they passed it, and sure enough, it was a lot smaller up close than he had thought. "Hey! It's a prop!?"

"It's not just the tower," Cypher noted, looking around. "Everything else here is a lot smaller."

"Maybe we just grew bigger?"

Cypher blinked and then gave the Dark Ignis a flat glare. "Did you just call me fat?"

"No! I called you taller, not wider!"

Cypher was unamused. "Even if you didn't, we don't grow taller. And those walls; don't they look like cardboard?"

"Hmm. Now that you mention it, they do look flatter." Then Ai perked up on noticing a hole. "What's that?"

Linkuriboh stopped next to the wall and the two Ignis hopped off. Ai smacked the wall. "Hey! It's a painted background!"

"Made of cardboard," Cypher noted, smacking the opposite wall. "Whoever made this was either in a hurry or has very cheap tastes."

"Hey! Look!"

Cypher looked up where Ai was pointing. Above them, there was a large staircase that led to a floating island with a palace and forest atop it.

"That's Windy's palace!" Ai said.

"Huh," Cypher grunted. "Well, that explains it; Windy always was cheap."

"Hmm." Ai hummed in consideration before sighing. "Windy must have created this world, but I don't get along with him. Let's just go home."

Cypher nodded. "Agreed. I don't want to deal with the pipsqueak." The two turned around, only to see Linkuriboh flying away.

"You're leaving us behind?" Ai said in shock.

Cypher sighed. "Guess we don't have a choice. Might as well see what Windy wants."

Ai sighed deeply. "Fiiine." The two turned and walked up the stairs, Ai grumbling all the way.

"Why did Windy have to put in so many stairs?"

"Probably to frustrate and annoy us. That's something he'd do."

"Hmm. You have a point," Ai conceded.

Eventually, the two found the palace's central room, which was devoid of life.

"No one's here," Ai stated the obvious. "Hey Windy! It's Ai! Are you here?"

"The great Cypher is here as well!" Cypher called out. "Where are you, pipsqueak?"

The two then noticed that a familiar humanoid had entered the room. "You're… Echo," Ai remembered.

Echo spoke, but the language he used was incomprehensible to human ears. "Don't speak in Ignis," Ai chided.

"I'm Echo," the program said. "The program Windy created."

"We know that," Cypher said. "Where's your master?"

A ball of wind formed on Echo's left shoulder before solidifying into the Wind Ignis. "Yo! How are you doing, Ai? Cypher?"

"There he is," Ai said.

"You don't speak Ignis anymore?" Windy asked. "It's more convenient than the human language."

"Be quiet!" Ai said indignantly. "There's a beauty to the difficulty."

"Really? Well, whatever. I was waiting for you two to arrive."

"So you're the one who brought us here?" Cypher asked. "What is this place anyway?"

"I told you two that I'd rebuild Cyberse World. Since I built it quickly, there were a few shortcuts."

"Too many shortcuts," Ai deadpanned.

"Don't say that," Windy said amusedly.

"You used cardboard for the walls, Windy," Cypher said flatly. "Cardboard."

"I agree it isn't optimal, but I made it to make you feel welcome here."

"If you wanted me to feel welcome, you should have put more effort into your work," Cypher countered. "You could have at least made the tower the same size it used to be."

"Such cruel words," Windy lamented. "But anyway, I invited you two here for a meeting."

"That's creepy!" Ai said, chills going up his body.

"This conversation's going nowhere," Windy said. "Someone other than me wants to meet you."

"Someone else?" Cypher repeated. Then his eyes widened. This feeling-!

A pillar of light appeared behind Ai and Cypher. When they turned around, they saw it was a humanoid shrouded in darkness, with a single yellow and gold figure standing on its wrist.

"Hey!" Ai objected. "Don't suddenly appear! You startled me!"

"Sorry," the figure said. "Even when I try to move slowly, I move quickly." He turned to face Cypher. "But you don't seem too startled, Silver Ignis. Or Cypher, as you prefer. Did you expect me?"

"Somewhat," Cypher said. "I've developed a good feeling for when others try to sneak up on me. Though I am glad you survived the attack, Light Ignis."

"Yeah. I'm glad too. I admit that I missed our discussions back in Cyberse World."

"You all are too difficult to talk too!" Ai complained.

"You're just too slow," Cypher countered.

"You can move freely here," the Light Ignis told them.

Ai and Cypher, both realizing this, jumped up and floated in front of the new arrival.

"C'mon. We should've done this from the start," Ai complained. "Where have you been, Lightning?"

"Lightning?"

"A name for convenience," Ai explained.

The Light Ignis mulled the name over and then nodded. "Like you, I also hid in the network," he explained. "After the Knights of Hanoi attacked us and Ai hid the Cyberse World, I and the Gold Ignis thoroughly reexamined the defense program. But it didn't run."

Cypher blinked. "Why not?"

"They attacked us while we were in scan mode and couldn't move," Lightning continued.

"Did the enemy know that?" Ai asked.

"Perhaps," Windy said.

"So was there a spy in Cyberse World?" Ai asked.

Cypher narrowed his eyes. "You're not still on that, Windy? That the Gold Ignis might have been a traitor?"

"Whether it was her or not, the possibility of a traitor cannot be dismissed," Lightning said. "She did leave two years before the attack, and she was as familiar with our defense programs as I was. Even if she wasn't responsible, she might have been coerced into revealing information on us."

"Well, what about Aqua?" Ai interjected. "Is she safe?"

"You mean the Water Ignis?" Windy asked.

"I see… No, I know nothing about her," Lightning admitted. "While the Gold Ignis disappeared two years ago, Aqua went missing right before Cyberse World was destroyed."

"What? Really?" Ai questioned in surprise.

"Does that mean she's the spy?" Windy wondered.

"I don't think so," Cypher said, shaking his head. "Destroying Cyberse World isn't her style. Nor is it Gold's."

"Speaking of, I recently met Earth," Ai said.

"From the name, you must mean the Earth Ignis."

"You're so simple."

"Be quiet!" Ai protested in response to Lightning and Windy. "Easy to understand is priority!"

"You just say that because you have the simplest name of us all, Ai," Cypher said smugly.

"Shut up! Anyway, according to Earth, Aqua foretold the destruction of Cyberse World."

"If she foretold it, that makes her the likely suspect," Windy said.

"But Aqua has no reason to betray us," Ai protested. "She wanted peace more than anyone in Cyberse World."

"That's true, but-."

"Let's say Aqua is the spy," Ai interrupted Windy. "Then who's the enemy that attacked us?"

"Who knows." Windy shrugged. "But let's put that discussion on hold. I didn't call you here for an unsolvable discussion."

"That's right," Lightning agreed. Echo and Lightning's support avatars walked towards the far end of the room.

"Well, what?" Ai asked.

"I think Windy already told you, but I want to begin rebuilding the real Cyberse World," Lightning explained.

"Rebuild Cyberse World…"

"This is the same offer Windy made us the last time we saw him," Cypher remembered. "But why only drag the two of us here? You made the offer to Flame as well, didn't you?"

"I did, but Flame met Lightning more recently than you two," Windy explained. "I thought it would be best if you two heard from him yourself." Then his eyes turned upwards in a smirk. "Plus, Flame's attention isn't as easy to draw as yours."

Cypher's eye twitched as he remembered the contest he was looking at. "Does that mean the prize was fake?" Ai asked.

"Of course. Why would I make a pin of you or a statue of Cypher?"

"Eh? A statue of Cypher?"

"Let's not get bogged down in details," Cypher said defensively. He was so focused on that topic, he didn't notice the slight narrowing of Lightning's or Windy's eyes.

"Yeah, let's forget about that," Ai agreed. "So you want to rebuild Cyberse World, Lightning?"

"That's right," the Light Ignis nodded. "This time, we'll build Cyberse World outside the reach of humans. So that humans can't interfere with us."

"Outside the reach of humans?" Ai repeated.

"We're currently looking into it. We're far superior to humans. But we're fragile. If humans decide we're dangerous and band together to eliminate us, we will be killed. So we must create a safe place before then."

"Well… that's reasonable," Ai said reluctantly to Lightning's point.

"But it's also assuming that all humans are the enemy," Cypher pointed out. "Humans aren't monolithic; just as we have differences between us, they have differences between them. It's very likely that just because some humans despise us, not all will."

"Even if some don't, the majority will," Lightning countered. "Because they will despise what we are. To overcome the threat of Earth's destruction, we were born to be humanity's successor. Dr. Kogami's idea is the foundation of us Ignis."

"But Dr. Kogami tried to kill us," Ai reminded him.

"In the end, he couldn't separate himself from the fact that he was human," Lightning said.

"That's only natural," Windy agreed. "But we're different. We're not bound by flesh, and we can make a life eternal."

"Exactly. We are able to find an ideal solution. To do that, we'll create a new base and put humans under our control."

Cypher narrowed his eyes. "P-Put humans under our control?" Ai repeated in shock.

"That's right," Lightning confirmed.

"What's the point of ruling humans?" Ai asked warily.

"Our lives may be eternal, but we need hardware as our vessels. We'll still need humans to make and repair them."

"But we should be able to do that ourselves in the near future," Windy said dismissively.

"And when that time comes?" Cypher asked, his eyes still narrowed.

"Actually, we don't need humans," Windy admitted.

"Ai, Cypher, I want you two to help us," Lightning said.

"Helping you will mean humans will be annihilated!" Ai protested. "You want us to help with that?"

"That depends on the humans," Windy said calmly.

"But Dr. Kogami already predicted the result," Ai said.

"Yeah."

"That means you've already reached a conclusion!"

"Ai, you have the most wisdom among the Ignis," Lightning said.

"What?" Cypher said flatly. "Ai? Wise? Are we talking about the same Ignis?"

"Hey!"

"We were born as special beings," Lightning continued, ignoring Cypher. "Our mission is to maintain the culture created on this land, even if Earth is annihilated. To do that, we should team up."

"Our mission is what we choose it to be, Lightning," Cypher said softly, his eyes wary. "That is what it means to have free will; our mission is our choice."

"Yes. And I have chosen to uphold the mission Dr. Kogami gave us."

"Isn't there any way to coexist with humans?" Ai asked.

"Hmm. It seems you've both become attached to humans. But do you think that relationship will last forever? Do you absolutely believe that humans won't erase either of you?"

Ai narrowed his eyes in thought, but Cypher shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not," he admitted. "There are definitely humans who mean us harm. But there are also humans that want to work and live alongside us. And I intend to move forward alongside them."

"So that's the path you've chosen," Lightning mused. "What about you, Ai?"

"Umm… Let me think for a bit…"

"Ai!"

All four Ignis turned at the sudden voice. "Playmaker!" Ai said in surprise. The hacker nodded at the Ignis.

"Morningstar isn't with you?" Cypher asked, noticing that Playmaker was alone.

"He and Cassiel will be coming later," he answered. He turned to the others present. "Windy."

"Long time no see!" the Wing Ignis said affably. "He's Lightning."

Playmaker turned to the last Ignis. "Lightning… The Light Ignis…"

"You made it, Playmaker."

"All but one of the participants are here," Windy mused. "We were discussing something important."

"Something important?"

"About rebuilding Cyberse World," Lightning explained. "We need Ai's and Cypher's help to do that. They shouldn't be with you humans. We're basically different beings. We're pursuing different goals."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "What are you after?"

"You know why we were created," Windy said.

"About you being the successor to humanity?"

"That's right," Lightning confirmed. "Do you believe we're humanity's successor?" Ai and Cypher turned to look at Playmaker.

"Maybe," he allowed.

"So you do understand," Windy said, delighted. "Nice, Playmaker."

"However, I don't care whether you're humanity's successor or not. A sudden change will hurt many people, just like how the Lost Incident hurt many people. No one wants that!"

"Those who thinks humans are superior would think that way," Windy said, narrowing his eyes.

"No," Cypher denied. "Someone who looks at what is best for the majority would think that way. After all, there are over eight billion humans and only eight of us."

"But it still circles back to human supremacy," Windy countered. "And we aren't human. Using Playmaker's words, I don't care whether humans get hurt or not."

"You already view humans as the enemy?" Playmaker asked.

"Maybe, maybe not," Windy allowed.

"We don't personally look for enemies," Lightning said. "We only think whether something is needed or not."

About our earlier discussion," Ai interjected, "I've clearly become attached to humans. So can't you give us a little time? Playmaker and I want to find a way to coexist with humans."

"Not just them," Cypher nodded. "Me and Morningstar, and Flame and Soulburner, want to find an answer too." The two Ignis turned and floated over to Playmaker.

"I see," Windy nodded. "That's a wise answer. He found a way to buy time without choosing sides."

"I expected Ai to answer that way," Lightning said. "And in a way, Cypher's answer isn't surprising; he has always cared more about his own innovations."

"See you!" Ai said as Cypher waved back.

"You're letting them go?" Windy asked.

"Of course not," Lightning assured him.

"Like I thought."

The two Ignis leapt into the air as yellow and green energy emerged from their fists. Streams of green and yellow energy emerged from the side entrances as Playmaker and the other two Ignis gasped. The energy blasts struck the pillars on the sides, creating explosions. When the smoke faded, Ai, Cypher, and Playmaker were all trapped in blue spheres.

"Hey! What's the big idea?!" Ai asked angrily.

"Since you heard our discussion, we can't let you go," Lightning answered plainly.

"Hey, that's a villain's dialogue!" Windy said with a chuckle.

"I thought it was logical dialogue. Ai, Cypher, we'll take over your programming."

"The hell do you mean 'take over?'" Cypher asked with a growl.

"This!" Windy answered, raising his right arm as he generated a tornado of Data Material that destroyed the roof.

The three prisoners gasped. "A Data Storm?" Cypher said.

"What are you going to do?" Ai asked.

"We'll break you apart and absorb you," Windy answered.

"What?!"

"We don't intend to view you as the enemy!" Playmaker said, attempting to assure the two hostile Ignis.

"See? Playmaker will find a way for us to coexist with humans!" Ai said.

"His opinion is one in eight billion," Lightning pointed out. "You think that'll change everything?"

"You're wrong!" Cypher shouted, his eyes narrowed. "My partner feels the same way! It's two in eight billion! And even if it was just one, we would make that opinion a reality! Because that is what I and my partner do!"

"I see. You want us to take a two-in-eight-billion bet." Lightning turned to Windy. "Would you take that bet?"

Windy shrugged. "It's a waste of time. And Ai, I really hate how slow you are. After we absorb you, I'll fix that."

"Ai might be slow, but I'm not!" Cypher declared, placing his hands against the sphere. Silver lightning crackled across his fingers as he concentrated, but the sphere bounced it back. "What the-?!"

"Sorry Cypher, but that won't work," Lightning said. "You are the best at taking apart programs, but I made this program with a fragment of the Gold Ignis's code."

"What?!" Cypher shouted in surprise. "Where did you get that?!"

"From the ruins of Cyberse World, of course."

"Lightning moves at light speed," Windy said, "and my power to wield the Data Storm is the strongest! With the Gold Ignis's code as that program's base, you won't break out in time, Cypher! Neither of you can defeat us!"

As the two Ignis and one human waited for the Data Storm, a bolt of blue lightning suddenly came down, dispersing the storm. Ai, Cypher, and Playmaker covered their eyes from the light, but when it faded…

"Were you able to predict that I'd show up?"

Playmaker gasped as the smoke cleared, revealing a kneeling young man in a white and green trench coat, whose red and gray hair was covered by a white mask with a visor. "Revolver!"

Cypher narrowed his eyes. "Oh, this isn't good…"

Revolver stood up, his gray eyes glaring at the two Ignis in front of him. "I've returned to the stage of destiny! In the name of the Knights of Hanoi, I will kill you! Prepare yourselves, Ignis!"

"Revolver. Dr. Kogami's son," Lightning said, looking the human in front of him up and down. Then he raised his arm.

"Run, Revolver!" Playmaker cried out. A bolt of yellow lightning came down from the sky and struck the leader of the Knights of Hanoi, but he dispersed it with a wave of his arm.

"Oh yeah," Windy said in realization. "You can use our algorithm."

"I'm not foolish enough to enter the enemy's HQ without a plan."

"Is he referring to us?" Ai asked.

"Yes," Playmaker said grumpily.

"In our defense, we didn't know they were our enemies when we came here," Cypher pointed out.

"Like that's an excusable reason." Revolver turned to face one of the orbs. "The Silver Ignis. You were not at the Cyberse World when we attacked it five years ago. But we detected your code among Morningstar's Cyspirit cards. A pity we failed to acquire them at the time, but now you're here."

Cypher's eyes narrowed. "I might not have been at Cyberse World five years ago, but you still attacked my home. I won't forgive you for that."

"I'm surprised you found this place," Windy said.

"We're always monitoring the network." Revolver turned to face the Wind Ignis. "Don't underestimate me, Ignis."

"I had Echo watching guard," Windy pointed out.

"And I had a few guards of my own outside," Lightning said.

Revolver smirked. "I have those who act as my shield and sword. And very intelligent."

"Spectre and the four Knights of Hanoi!" Playmaker realized.

"No, only three," Revolver said. "Terminus is busy with other matters. But the others are more than enough. As for the Light Ignis's guards, they were easy to slip past." He turned back to the hostile Ignis

"I'm continuing my father's will. I must finish the work he left undone."

"But we're the ones continuing Dr. Kogami's will," Lightning argued. "As humanity's successor."

"Silence! I'll crush those arrogant thoughts!" Revolver narrowed his eyes. "Since you Ignis have started teaming up, I can no longer delay. I'll annihilate you! Get ready!"

"Annihilate? How extreme," Windy shrugged.

"Wait, Revolver!" Playmaker pleaded. "If you fight them now, there's no turning back!"

"I never planned on turning back," Revolver told him.

"Your father Dr. Kogami said humans were the problem!" Everyone turned to look at the hacker. "If humans view AI as the enemy, AI will view humans as the enemy. If you're hostile, the more hostility you get in return!"

"That's why you're searching for a way to coexist with no hostility?" Revolver asked.

"That's right. There must be a way. Just like how you created a way for me!"

"I told you I strongly regretted doing that," Revolver reminded the trapped hacker. Playmaker grit his teeth. "And I also regret that my father created the Ignis. Playmaker, you spoke of a way to coexist. Then why are they stopping you from finding it?"

"Umm, you see, this is a misunderstanding," Ai tried to say.

"You underestimate the Ignis," Revolver said. "Your behavior disgusts me!"

"Hatred and revenge prevents you from truly moving forward! I know that more than anyone!"

"What moves me forward are the ideas that my dead father left me." Revolver returned his gaze to the two free Ignis and took a few steps forward. "Which is the annihilation of the Ignis!"

"He's not wavering at all," Ai said worryingly.

"Such tenacity is impressive," Cypher allowed. "If only it was aimed better."

"Talking to him is pointless," Windy said, looking at Lightning. "Because right or wrong, he wants to erase us."

"Seems so," Lightning agreed.

"Let's teach him that all his effort is worthless," Windy suggested. "I'll do it."

"Fine, Wind Ignis," Revolver said. "I'll erase you first!"

"Hey, wait a sec!" Ai protested. "If you're here to rescue us, let us out first?"

"You have the wrong idea," Revolver replied, turning his head. "Don't forget that you're also an Ignis. An enemy that must be destroyed!"

"Wait a sec!" Ai protested again. "Cypher and I have been teaming up with Morningstar and Playmaker to save LINK VRAINS!"

"No one asked you to do that."

"You are correct," Ai admitted sulkily.

"It is because no one asked us that we are not your enemy," Cypher argued. "We chose to help our partners of our own free will!"

"And just as you chose to protect humanity, so too may you choose to destroy it," Revolver countered. "Neither of you are getting out of this. Especially you, Silver Ignis."

Cypher's eyes narrowed. "I thought so. You want my data especially, don't you?"

"Eh?" Ai blinked. "What's so special about Cypher's data?"

"Cypher is the Silver Ignis," Playmaker said, his eyes narrowing. "And the Ignis of Death."

"I break apart Ignis programs more easily than anyone," Cypher reminded Ai. "Having my data would make killing the others much easier, wouldn't it?"

Revolver turned from the trapped Ignis to the trapped human. "Playmaker, that Ignis has dulled your decision making," he said. "I'll say this once – the Ignis are a threat to humanity. No more delays!"

"Revolver, don't let Dr. Kogami's ideas tie you down!" Playmaker pleaded. "See with your own eyes! Think with your own thoughts! If you're imprisoned by your past, you have no future!"

Revolver smirked and closed his eyes. "You're saying this? You wanted revenge and were tied down by your past."

"I'm no longer tied down by my past!"

"Then witness with your own eyes the truth about the Ignis. But if you, or Morningstar, stand in my way, I'll bury you too."

Ai panicked. "This definitely can't be stopped anymore!"

---

Cassiel frowned as she and Morningstar walked up to the door. "This really is a big door."

"Yeah," Morningstar agreed. "Whatever's on the other side must be important." He frowned as he tapped his ear. "Comms are offline." He looked at his Duel Disk. "And my drone has been disconnected from Café Junpei."

Cassiel's frown deepened. "Someone is trying to keep us from contacting the outside."

Just as they had agreed, since Playmaker hadn't come back, Morningstar and Cassiel had logged in to follow him. They had landed near the same gate they'd seen from the site, but the gate was closed.

"Even so, we just need to-."

Morningstar's eyes narrowed as he thrust an arm in front of Cassiel, keeping her from going forward. "Morningstar?" she said in surprise.

"We aren't alone," he said, glaring at the shadows.

"You really are perceptive."

"That was taken into our calculations."

Cassiel's eyes widened and then narrowed with Morningstar's as two tall thin men, one colored blue and the other red, each with their eyes covered, stepped out of camouflage from either side of the door.

"These are the two that Soulburner dueled before, aren't they?" Cassiel whispered.

"Bit and Boot," Morningstar confirmed. "They had the ability to fuse, which led me and Cypher to conclude that they're both AI." His eyes narrowed further. "But if these two are here…"

Cassiel nodded grimly. "Playmaker, Ai, and Cypher are clearly in trouble. You two! Get out of our way!"

"We cannot do that," Bit replied.

"We have been ordered to guard this gate to keep out unwanted guests," Boot said.

"And you two are unwanted."

Morningstar scowled. "In that case, we'll just have to force our way past you."

"That was what we assumed you would do," Boot said.

"Since there are two of you, we won't combine," Bit said. "We'll face you in a Tag Duel!"

"Yeah! Bring it on!" Cassiel declared.

"Duel!"

Bit & Boot: 4000 LP

Cassiel & Morningstar: 4000 LP

"I'll go first!" Bit declared. "I summon D-Scale Saber Sardine!" A blue and gray mechanical fish appeared.

D-Scale Saber Sardine ATK 600 DEF 300 LVL: 2

"Saber Sardine's monster effect! I pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon a D-Scale Token!" A small blue and green orb appeared next to Saber Sardine in Defense Position.

Bit & Boot: 4000→3500 LP

D-Scale Token ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'D-Scale' monsters. I set D-Scale Token and Saber Sardine in the Link Markers!" The two monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! D-Scale Battle Coela!" A large purple mechanical fish with yellow eyes and green lines running over its body emerged from the Link portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←↓

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: D-Scale Torpedo and equip it to Battle Coela!" A set of cannons attached themselves to Battle Coela's back. "Battle Coela's monster effect. Once per turn, it moves to a Main Monster Zone it points to." The mechanical fish moved backwards, signifying its changed zone.

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "I remember this strategy from when they dueled Soulburner," he noted. "Which means that next is…"

Bit raised his hand along with a new card. "Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who blocks our way! I activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell Card was activated at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"When a Link Monster at Judgment Arrows' Link Marker battles, its attack points are doubled. But if Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters next to its Link Markers are destroyed."

Cassiel frowned. "Now they brought that card out…"

"Battle Coela's additional effect. Once per turn, Battle Coela can move to the Link Marker of a card linked to it. Battle Coela moves to Judgment Arrows' far-right Link Marker." The monster performed said action, moving further away from Bit.

"I activate the effect of the D-Scale Torpedo equipped to Battle Coela!" Bit declared. "For each time Battle Coela moved this turn, the two of you take 800 points of damage!" Cassiel gasped. "Battle Coela moved twice, so you'll take 1600 points of damage!" The cannons on Battle Coela's back opened and fired two missiles at the human duelists. They both grunted as the missiles exploded around them.

Cassiel & Morningstar: 4000→2400 LP

"This is our combo called, 'Voyage to Hell!'" Bit said. "For each time Battle Coela moves, you'll take damage. Quake in fear of our power!"

Cassiel frowned. "I don't think I'll be doing that any time soon."

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

"My-!"

"Morningstar." The former bounty hunter turned to Cassiel. "Will you let me take our first turn? Please?" He frowned but ultimately nodded and stepped back.

Cassiel placed her hand on her Duel Disk. "My turn! Draw! Since there are no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Cyangel Cupbearer!" A young man with golden skin and wings and wearing golden robes while carrying a silver goblet appeared in Attack Position.

Cyangel Cupbearer ATK 1400 DEF 700 LVL: 3

"I summon Cyangel Cherub!" A small golden child with wings wearing a loincloth appeared.

Cyangel Cherub ATK 180 DEF 700 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two Light Cyberse monsters. I set Cherub and Cupbearer in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyseraph Ophanim!" An angel with four golden wings wearing crimson robes over a golden tunic emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyseraph Ophanim ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Cherub's and Cupbearer's effects activate! Since they were sent to the Graveyard, they are shuffled back into my Deck, then I can Special Summon a 'Cyangel' monster from my Deck in Defense Position and add a 'Cyangel' monster from my Deck to my hand. I Special Summon Cyangel Priest and add Cyangel Sister to my hand." A bald man in golden robes appeared and bowed his head at Ophanim's bottom Link Marker.

Cyangel Priest ATK 1600 DEF 700 LVL: 4

"Ophanim's monster effect! Since a monster was summoned to its Link Marker and I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can add a 'Cyangel' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add the Field Spell Card: Cyangel Sanctum to my hand, which I'll now activate! While this card is on the field, my Light Cyberse monsters gain 300 attack and defense points!"

Cyangel Priest ATK 1600→1900 DEF 700→1000

Cyseraph Ophanim ATK 2000→2300

"I activate Sanctum's effect! By shuffling a card in my hand back into my Deck, I can add a Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand." She exchanged cards, then pointed upwards. "Appear again, the circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two or more Light Cyberse monsters. I set Priest and Link-2 Ophanim in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the left, right, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cyseraph Melodic Sandalphon!"

The archangel that emerged from the portal had golden skin like the others, but his armor was colored dark brown and silver and was significantly less ornate than the others. He wore a white coat underneath his armor, with the ends of the coat trailing around his armored feet. Four white wings made of mechanical feathers spread out from his back, and his tousled brown hair blew in the wind while his eyes glowed blue with a gold light in the center. The archangel spread his wings as he was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyseraph Melodic Sandalphon ATK 2300→2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

Morningstar raised an eyebrow. A new Cyseraph Link Monster? he thought.

"Priest's and Ophanim's effects activate! They are shuffled back into my Deck and Extra Deck, then one of your monsters loses 800 attack points and I gain 1000 Life Points!"

"What?" Bit gasped.

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1800→1000

Cassiel & Morningstar: 2400→3400 LP

"Sanctum's effect activates! As a Cyberse monster was shuffled into my Deck, I can target Melodic Sandalphon, and until the end of the turn, you cannot target or destroy Melodic Sandalphon with your card effects."

Cassiel smirked. "Melodic Sandalphon's monster effect! Once per turn, when there are no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can target and negate the effects of one Spell or Trap Card you control!"

Bit gasped again. "You can do what?!"

"I negate Judgment Arrows' effect! Hymn of Revelations!" Sandalphon's mouth opened, releasing a soft sound of lamentation as his wings spread and shone with light as Judgment Arrows dimmed.

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cyangel Covenant!" The card showed a crowd of people in robes, all kneeling in prayer with their heads down before a golden chest upon which two statues of angels sat. "Once per turn, when my Light Cyberse monster battles your monster while I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in the Graveyard, my monster gains attack points equal to the original attack points of your monster during the Damage Step!"

Cassiel pointed to the field. "Battle! Melodic Sandalphon attacks Battle Coela!" Sandalphon spread his arms and wings as four purple swords made of energy materialized around him. "Covenant's effect activates!"

Cyseraph Melodic Sandalphon ATL 2600→4400

"Go! Ain Soph Aur!" The swords fired beams of purple light at Battle Coela as Bit gestured at his field.

"Trap activate! D-Scale Mail!" The card showed a close-up of metal fish scales. "By targeting a 'D-Scale' monster I control, that monster isn't destroyed by this battle, and the battle damage is halved!" The lights struck the metal fish, and while it withstood the blow, Bit and Boot both grunted as they were pushed back.

Bit & Boot: 3500→1800 LP

Cyseraph Melodic Sandalphon ATK 4400→2600

"I activate the effect of D-Scale Razer Remora in my hand!" Bit declared. "When I take damage, I can Special Summon it!" A metal gray fish with red eyes and ridged plates on its head appeared in Defense Position.

D-Scale Razer Remora ATK 1100 DEF 800 LVL: 4

Cassiel narrowed her eyes. "I Set one card. During the End Phase, Melodic Sandalphon's effect ends, and Judgment Arrows' effect resumes."

Morningstar frowned. If not for that Trap Card, Cassiel would have reduced their Life Points to 100, he thought. Even so, she nearly halved their Life Points.

"It seems you're stronger than we thought you were," Bit said to Cassiel.

"We knew you were Playmaker's ally, but assumed you were the weakest member," Boot said.

"It is clear we will have to reevaluate that analysis."

"For now, even if you are stronger, you are not strong enough to defeat us! My turn! Draw!"

---

This really isn't a good situation, Cypher thought. Getting captured by his own comrades had been bad certainly, being rescued by his kind's sworn enemy had been more embarrassing than anything, and now said sworn enemy was down to 300 Life Points while Cypher's traitorous comrade still had 4000. "Not a good situation" was a pretty accurate summation of current events.

"Stop being stubborn. Just admit defeat," Windy urged. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. Humans are no match for us. If you obey, I'm willing to consider coexistence. Compromise is sometimes necessary."

"Coexistence?" Ai repeated.

"Though I say 'coexistence,' you'll actually be under our control," Windy admitted to Revolver. "If you obey, I'm willing to leave you in a corner of the world."

"How compassionate of you," Revolver replied sardonically. "If we don't view you as the enemy, you won't oppress us more than necessary?"

"That's right," Windy confirmed. "If humans don't openly view us as the enemy, we can live together in peace."

"That's not peace!" Ai protested.

"It's more peaceful than extinction," Windy shot back.

"You need to update your definition of 'peace,' pipsqueak," Cypher said. Windy glared at the Silver Ignis.

"You readily admit your crimes, but you shamelessly talk of peace," Revolver said disgustedly. "That's why you're an Ignis."

"Eh?"

"What do you mean?"

"Please don't lump me and Ai together with him."

Revolver ignored Ai's question and Cypher's comment. "I already know you have no desire to coexist with humans. When I consider what you did to your partner!"

The captives gasped at Revolver's declaration. "Partner?" Playmaker repeated.

"What did I do to who?" Windy asked.

"Oh!" Ai gasped. "That's right, Windy! You have a partner too!"

"Partner? Of course I did."

Cypher's eyes narrowed. "Did?" he repeated.

Ai's own eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Windy, did you do something to your partner?"

"Did you steal his consciousness, like Kusanagi's brother?" Playmaker asked.

"It's worse than that."

"What?" Playmaker turned to Revolver.

"The Knights of Hanoi uncovered every person related to the Lost Incident," Revolver explained with a scowl. "And we learned that one victim, a young man named Kazuma Yagami, was killed in a reckless driving accident caused by an AI!"

Ai, Cypher, and Playmaker gasped.

"Oh? So you investigated that."

"That was your partner?" Ai asked in disbelief.

"An AI caused an accident?" Playmaker asked.

"Why Windy?" Cypher said, his voice dangerously low. "Why would you do that?"

Windy put his hand to his chin. "Hmm. To put it simply… I didn't need him."

"W-What?" Cypher growled, his eyes narrowing.

Windy chuckled and leapt up to sit on Echo's head. "It's annoying to have a partner always by your side," he explained.

"The hell do you mean?!" Ai asked angrily. "He was your partner! What you did was-!"

"Exactly!" Windy interrupted. "If you're always with a partner, you become devoted to humans – like you two."

"Devoted?" Ai repeated.

"I don't like that! That's what I feel when I look at you, Ai and Cypher."

"No way…"

"Don't need humans…" Playmaker whispered.

"Lightning!" Ai shouted. "Did you know this?"

"He made that decision on his own," the Light Ignis responded.

"You… How could you…?"

Windy looked at Cypher, who had lowered his head and clenched his fists. "How? Didn't I just-?"

"Do you have any idea what you did?" Cypher asked, raising his head and glaring at the Wind Ignis. "What that means?"

"Hmm? Well, one human is the same as another-."

"They aren't!" Cypher shouted. "That wasn't just any human! That was your partner – your origin!" His eyes narrowed further. "Our origins were there with us from the start! When we first gained awareness, they were the ones we saw! Our behaviors, our ways of thinking, our very souls; everything we are traces back to them, before even Dr. Kogami! They are more than just humans to us! They are a part of us! Like brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, they are family to us! They are part of our souls! And you just killed yours and treat it like an afterthought?!"

"Hmm. 'Souls,' you say?" Windy scoffed. "We are AI; we don't have souls. You really have spent too much time among humans, Cypher."

"Perhaps I have," Cypher said venomously. "It seems that I spent more time with humans than I did with Ignis. I suppose one could call me a heretic for thinking like this. But that's fine. One whose destiny is to destroy will always think differently!"

Cypher placed his hands on the edges of the sphere and silver lightning crackled out. Windy laughed. "Lightning told you, didn't he? That's impossible for you!"

"Those cages were made with the Gold Ignis's code as a base," Lightning stated. "Even you have trouble with those."

"Is that so?" Cypher asked, grunting with exertion. "You two seem to forget; the Gold Ignis's codes aren't impossible for me to break. They just take a while longer. And only a small part of this cage is her code. The rest is your imitation of hers! And I refuse to be contained by an imitation!"

A shockwave reverberated outward from Cypher, shattering the sphere. "He broke free!" Ai said in surprise.

The Light Ignis raised a hand and brought a bolt of lightning down on Cypher. The Silver Ignis merely raised his own hand. "That only works once!" he declared as he deflected the lightning outwards, striking several pillars. Cypher turned to his fellow captives and blasted the two spheres with silver lightning, freeing them as well.

"We're free!" Ai cheered. "Ai-chan fly!" He soared upwards and returned to Playmaker's Duel Disk.

"Tsk! Cypher!" Windy cried out.

"Don't be so surprised!" Cypher shot back. "This is what I do!" He turned to Revolver, who was giving him a speculative look. "Don't lose against that pipsqueak! Defeat him and make him answer for his crime!"

Revolver narrowed his eyes. Windy just laughed. "Him? Defeat me? How can he do that when he has barely any Life Points?"

Revolver turned back to his opponent. "The battle isn't over yet!" he declared. He then summoned Speedburst Dragon, blasted Windy for 3000 points of damage, regained 1500 Life Points, then destroyed Windy's Link Monster for another 100 points of damage.

Cypher felt no shame in admitting he enjoyed the sight.

---

"Battle Coela's monster effect!" Boot declared, pointing to his field. "Once per turn, I can move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to." The metal fish moved to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. "Battle Coela's additional effect! Once per turn, I move it to a zone a card linked to it points to." Battle Coela moved to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker. "I activate D-Scale Torpedo's effect! I inflict 800 points of damage for each time the equipped Battle Coela moved!" The cannons on Battle Coela's back fired missiles at Cassiel and Morningstar, making them wince.

Cassiel & Morningstar: 3400→1800 LP

Cassiel smirked. "I was waiting for this! I activate the effect of Cyangel Choir in my hand! Since I took effect damage and have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon it and gain Life Points equal to the damage I took. Come forth, Choir!" A golden-skinned woman in white robes appeared at Melodic Sandalphon's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position.

Cyangel Choir ATK 600→900 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 1

Cassiel & Morningstar: 1800→3400 LP

"In addition, Choir's effect prevents me from taking effect damage for the rest of the turn."

"Hmm. The Cyangels truly are a versatile Deck," Bit commented.

"If we cannot win through Voyage to Hell, we will use another combo," Boot said. "Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. I set Razer Remora and Link-2 Battle Coela in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the left, right, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle!" A large black metal fish with yellow jaws, fins, and missile launchers on its back appeared at Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle ATK 2400 LINK-3 ←↓→

Morningstar frowned. "The monster Soulburner faced…"

"I summon D-Scale Piercing Saury." A thin purple and gray fish with a glowing yellow front appeared.

D-Scale Piercing Saury ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"Piercing Saury's monster effect! By discarding Saber Sardine, I can Special Summon a 'D-Scale' monster from my Graveyard so long as its attack points are halved. Resurrect, Battle Coela!" The purple and green metal fish reappeared.

D-Scale Battle Coela ATK 1800→900 LINK-2 ←↓

"Appear again, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. I set Piercing Saury and Link-2 Battle Coela in the Link Markers!" Said monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus!" Another large metal fish emerged from the portal, this one at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. This one was much longer and thinner than Full Metal Dunkle, with a body made of black armor, except for red jaws with silver teeth, red armor at the front of the two fins on its back and the other four on its stomach. Yellow eyes gleamed as it roared.

D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

Cassiel blinked. "That isn't a card I know about."

"Me neither," Morningstar said with a frown. "Brace yourself."

"Platemail Nacanthus's monster effect!" Boot declared. "Once per turn, I can move a 'D-Scale' Link Monster I control to a Main Monster Zone that monster points to. I move Full Metal Dunkle to the zone to its left!" Full Metal Dunkle moved to the left, away from Judgment Arrows.

"Full Metal Dunkle's monster effect! Since it was moved, I can target a monster in its column that you control. During the End Phase of this turn, that monster will be destroyed. I target Melodic Sandalphon!" Cassiel frowned. "Next, I activate the Equip Spell Card: D-Scale Charge and equip it to Platemail Nacanthus!" A rig that contained several white cannisters attached itself to the Link Monster's back. "I activate D-Scale Charge's effect! Once per turn, by discarding one card, one of your Spell or Trap Cards is destroyed!"

Cassiel's eyes widened as one of the cannisters fell off the side of the giant fish. The end then ignited, propelling the cannister towards Cyangel Covenant. The cannister exploded on contact, disintegrating the card and making Cassiel wince.

"Battle! Platemail Nacanthus attacks Choir!" Missile launchers popped up on the sides of the fish's head, which then fired several missiles at the golden woman. "The monster equipped with D-Scale Charge inflicts piercing battle damage!"

Cassiel grit her teeth but gestured to her field. "Melodic Sandalphon's monster effect! When it points to a 'Cyangel' monster, I can activate its effect as a Quick Effect!"

"What?"

"Go! Hymn of Revelations!" Sandalphon sang again, making Judgment Arrows gray out. "In addition, since my Light Cyberse monster would be destroyed by battle, I can activate the effect of Cyangel Sister in my hand! The battle damage is halved, and Choir cannot be destroyed by battle this turn!" The missiles struck Choir, but the woman withstood the blasts. Cassiel winced from the damage but didn't budge.

Cassiel & Morningstar: 3400→2600 LP

"Since Sister's effect was activated, I can now Special Summon her!" A golden-skinned woman wearing black robes and a white habit appeared in Defense Position.

Cyangel Sister ATK 1200→1500 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 3

"If Cyangel Sister is destroyed, its effect will activate," Bit noted.

"Yes. But Choir cannot be destroyed, so its effect cannot be activated," Boot said. "Furthermore, Platemail Nacanthus can attack twice per turn."

Cassiel's eyes widened. "What?"

"Platemail Nacanthus attacks Choir again!" More missiles launched themselves at the woman.

"Sister's effect prevents Choir's destruction and halves the damage!" The missiles impacted, making Cassiel wince, but their target remained on the field.

Cassiel & Morningstar: 2600→1800 LP

"The turn I activate D-Scale Charge's effect, only Platemail Nacanthus can attack," Boot said. "I Set one card. I end my turn. And now that it's the End Phase, Melodic Sandalphon will be destroyed by Full Metal Dunkle's effect!" The fish opened its mouth and fired green energy at the seraphim, but Cassiel only smirked and gestured to her field.

"Trap activate!" she declared. "Cyangel Temperantia!" The card showed Cyangel Choir standing atop a spilled jug of wine while holding a pitcher of water in her hands. "By returning Cyangel Choir to my hand, until my next Standby Phase, my Light Cyberse monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects!" The beam struck Melodic Sandalphon, but the seraphim retained a smile as he failed to disappear.

Bit and Boot both grit their teeth. "Our strategy failed to work," the former said.

"No matter. We still have other options. And our defense is solid."

"We'll see about that," Morningstar said as he stepped forward. "My turn! Draw! I summon Cyspirit Samurai!" A skeletal warrior wearing red and black armor appeared and unsheathed a katana.

Cyspirit Samurai ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 4

"Since 'Cyspirit' monsters are also Light Cyberse monsters, they gain the boost from Cyangel Sanctum," Morningstar continued. "Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning condition is one 'Cyspirit' monster. I set Samurai in the Link Marker!" Samurai entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller!" A skeleton wearing a business suit emerged from the portal at Melodic Sandalphon's bottom Link Marker.

Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller ATK 500→800 LINK-1 ↓

"Cacophonic Caller's effect allows it to summon a Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster from the Deck," Bit said.

"A useful effect," Boot commented. "But only useful while Cacophonic Caller is in the Extra Monster Zone."

"I'm not using it for its effect," Morningstar replied. "Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning condition is one 'Cyspirit' Link Monster. I set Cacophonic Caller in the Link Marker!" The skeleton entered the bottom-right arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cyspirit Kooky Kommandant!" A skeleton in a silver military uniform with black pants emerged from the portal, summoned to Cacophonic Caller's previous zone.

Cyspirit Kooky Kommandant ATK 1000→1300 LINK-1 ↘

"Kooky Kommandant's monster effect! Since it is linked to a Cyberse Link Monster, I Tribute it to Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Come, Samurai!" The uniformed skeleton disappeared as the armored skeleton reappeared in Attack Position and swung its blade.

Cyspirit Samurai ATK 1800→2100 DEF 1000→1300 LVL: 4

"Next, I add a Level 8 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster and a 'Cyspirit' Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I add Cyspirit Digital Dragoon and Cyspirit Ritual from my Deck to my hand."

"What?" Boot gasped.

"Ritual?" Bit repeated.

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Cyspirit Ritual!" Morningstar declared, the stripe on his jumpsuit turning blue. "With this, I Tribute the Level 4 Samurai and Level 3 Sister on my field with the Level 1 Cyspirit Changer in my hand to Ritual Summon!" A silver magic circle appeared on Morningstar's field, along with a dwarf skeleton wearing a white cloak and holding an "A"/"D" sign. Eight silver flames erupted around the circle, then the three monsters Morningstar named disintegrated into energy that entered the circle's center.

"The contract has been made!" Morningstar chanted. "The horseman who was born anew inherits these three souls! Ritual Summon! Rise! Cyspirit Digital Dragoon!" A pillar of silver light erupted from the circle, but it soon faded. It revealed a skeleton wearing a silver and gold military uniform riding the back of a skeletal horse, wielding a cavalry saber in its right hand. The horse neighed as Digital Dragoon was summoned to Melodic Sandalphon's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Digital Dragoon ATK 2500→2800 DEF 2000→2300 LVL: 8

"A 'Cyspirit' Ritual Monster…" Bit muttered.

"This may be troublesome, Bit," Boot warned.

"Since Cyangel Sister was sent to the Graveyard, its effect activates!" Morningstar reminded them. "It is shuffled back into Cassiel's Deck, then I can add a 'Cyangel' Spell or Trap Card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Cyangel Covenant to my hand, which I'll then activate! Next, I'll activate the Equip Spell Card: Cyspirit Chain, and equip it to Melodic Sandalphon. Now, by sending a 'Cyspirit' monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, Melodic Sandalphon is treated as having the same name as that monster. I send Cyspirit Teleporter to the Graveyard to treat Melodic Sandalphon as Cyspirit Teleporter while on the field."

"You changed its name?" Boot asked.

"What move would that enable?" Bit asked.

"This one," Morningstar said. "Digital Dragoon's monster effect! By targeting a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster that points to Digital Dragoon, no other monsters can attack, and the battle damage is halved. But in exchange, Digital Dragoon can attack your monsters a number of times up to that monster's Link Rating." The former hunter smirked. "And thanks to Cyspirit Chain, Melodic Sandalphon is treated as a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster!"

Cassiel smirked as well. "That means Digital Dragoon can attack up to three times!" Bit and Boot gasped in shock.

"Melodic Sandalphon's monster effect! Hymn of Revelations!" Sandalphon sang again, making Judgment Arrows gray out. "Battle!" Morningstar declared. "Digital Dragoon attacks Full Metal Dunkle!" Silver wings emerged from the sides of Digital Dragoon's horse, allowing it to gallop up into the air. The skeleton sheathed its saber and took out its blunderbuss. "Digital Dragoon's additional effect! Once per turn, when it battles your Link Monster, that monster's attack points become 0! Process Shoot!" The cavalryman shot the giant fish, spraying it with silver magma.

D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle ATK 2400→0

"Continuous Trap activate!" Boot declared. "D-Scale Reef!" The card showed a coral reef, except it was made of metal. D-Scale Piercing Saury, Saber Sardine, and Razer Remora all swum past in the background. "The first time we would take damage, we instead gain Life Points equal to that amount!"

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "Continue your attack, Digital Dragoon! Imperium Siege!" The flying horseman shot a blast of yellow energy at Full Metal Dunkle.

"Full Metal Dunkle cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects once per turn!" Boot said. "And the effect of D-Scale Reef increases our Life Points by the damage we would have taken!"

"But Digital Dragoon's effect halves the battle damage, so you only gain 1400 Life Points!" Morningstar reminded him. The blast struck a barrier that appeared in front of Full Metal Dunkle and dissipated.

Bit & Boot: 1800→3200 LP

"Digital Dragoon's effect allows it to attack your monsters three times!" Morningstar said. "And Full Metal Dunkle can only prevent its destruction once! Attack Full Metal Dunkle once more!" His eyes narrowed. "Now, I activate Cyangel Covenant's effect! During the Damage Step, Digital Dragoon gains attack points equal to Full Metal Dunkle's original attack points!"

Cyspirit Digital Dragoon ATK 2800→5200

Cassiel smirked. The fact that so many of my cards specify Light Cyberse monsters instead of an archetype means the Cyangels can fully support the Cyspirits.

"Go! Imperium Siege!" The horseman shot another bolt of yellow energy. This one traveled through Full Metal Dunkle, tearing it to shreds and destroying it. The bolt continued on and struck Bit and Boot, making them cry out in pain.

Bit & Boot: 3200→600 LP

Cyspirit Digital Dragoon ATK 5200→2800

Boot grit his teeth. "To think they would reduce our Life Points this much…"

"Even so, we'll survive the turn," Bit pointed out. "Digital Dragoon can only attack one more time, and its effect will halve the damage from Platemail Nacanthus's destruction. As it has 2600 attack points, we'll only take 100 points of damage."

Cassiel & Morningstar both smirked. "Are you sure about that?" the former asked.

"I activate the effect of Cyangel Temperantia in the Graveyard!" Morningstar declared. "By banishing it, I can target a card I control. And if that card has an effect that can only be activated once per turn, then I can activate that effect again!"

"What?!" Bit and Boot gasped.

"I target Cyangel Covenant! And now the third attack begins! Digital Dragoon attacks Platemail Nacanthus!" Digital Dragoon's wings glowed with silver light as it pointed its blunderbuss upwards, a massive sphere of energy gathering at the muzzle. "Cyangel Covenant's effect activates! Digital Dragoon gains attack points equal to Platemail Nacanthus's original attack points!"

Cyspirit Digital Dragoon ATK 2800→5400

"End this! Imperium Siege!" The horseman brought the gun down and fired the shot, producing a stream of yellow energy that pierced the metal fish's body, making it disintegrate in the beam's wake. The blast continued onwards and struck Bit and Boot, who both screamed as they disintegrated.

Bit & Boot: 600→0 LP

Cassiel and Morningstar both breathed sighs of relief.

"Yas… Ya… Yasu, can you hear me?"

Morningstar blinked and tapped his ear. "Cam?"

"Brother?" Cassiel said. "Is that you?"

"Oh thank goodness," Cam said relievedly. "I lost contact with you two for a while there."

Morningstar looked over at where Bit and Boot stood. "We encountered some opposition. They must have been blocking our comms. But they're done now."

"Cassiel! Morningstar!"

The two turned as a new duelist ran up to them. "Soulburner!" Cassiel said in surprise.

"Are you two alright?" the duelist asked.

"We lost contact with you, so we were worried," Flame said.

"We're fine, but…" Morningstar frowned. "This is bigger than we thought. The two who stopped us were Bit and Boot."

Soulburner blinked. "Bit and Boot? The two I dueled before?"

"If they're here, then that means Bohman probably is too," Flame assumed. "That means Playmaker, Ai, and Cypher are in serious danger. We need to get moving."

The trio of humans raced through the gates and gasped. The world on the other side of the gate was on fire.

"This is…" Flame whispered.

"Who did this?" Soulburner wondered.

Morningstar grit his teeth. "We need to keep moving," he said. "I assume we'll find our answer further in."

Cassiel and Soulburner frowned but both nodded. After looking for a while, they found two holes in the walls around them. One had been torn rather raggedly, while the other was higher up and cut cleanly.

"Whoever burned this place probably entered from there," Morningstar assumed, looking at the ragged hole. "Let's check out the other one."

The others agreed and then they all summoned their D-Boards and flied through the entrance. What they saw made them gasp in shock.

"Windy's temple!" Soulburner said in surprise.

"So it was Windy who called Ai and Cypher," Flame said.

Morningstar narrowed his eyes as he looked down. "Look at that."

Cassiel gasped on seeing the shattered remains of numerous copies of Echo. "What's this?"

"Did Ai, Cypher, or Playmaker do this?" Flame wondered. "No one's here."

Soulburner looked up. "No wait. He's here."

Cassiel and Morningstar looked up and saw who was standing at the front gate. The former's eyes widened. "That's-!"

The latter grit his teeth. "Of course it's him…"

The trio leapt off their D-Boards and landed in front of the blonde human in a white uniform. "Out of the way, Spectre," Morningstar growled, glaring at him with unrestrained hatred.

The man himself just grinned with amusement. "There's no need for that, Morningstar. I was waiting for you. You, Cassiel, and Soulburner."

The other two grit their teeth. "You know about us?" the fire duelist asked.

"And everything you've both done," Spectre confirmed. He looked down at Soulburner's Duel Disk. "That's the Fire Ignis, right?"

Morningstar stepped in front of his teammate. "If you want a fight, then-!"

"Whoa!" Spectre held a hand up. "I don't intend to fight any of you right now. I just finished clearing the garbage to make it easier to walk."

"Easier to walk," Cassiel repeated, disturbed as she looked around at the shattered Echoes.

"I'll guide you three up," Spectre said.

"Guide?" Soulburner repeated.

"Why should we trust you?" Morningstar asked heatedly. "Why shouldn't I just bury you here and now like last time?"

"Because the three of you need to see the truth about the Ignis," Spectre answered, turning towards the stairs.

"Truth about the Ignis?" Cassiel repeated, narrowing her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"You'll see soon. And after I show you, you'll have to decide whether you want to keep working with the Fire or Silver Ignis. If that still doesn't change your views, I'll erase all of you."

Morningstar growled. "Just try it, tree boy," he dared.

Spectre smiled, amused by the threat, as he led the three humans and one Ignis up the steps. Partway up, Morningstar asked, "Is Terminus here?"

"Were you hoping for a reunion?" Spectre asked amusedly. "No. Terminus has his own mission." That question answered, Morningstar, Cassiel, Soulburner, and Flame remained silent as they followed Spectre into the temple until they heard a voice.

"You no longer have your ace monster! You're guaranteed to lose! Why don't you admit that you can't win?"

The four humans walked into a wide room, where the Knights of Hanoi, sans Terminus who wasn't present, stood to the side, watching Revolver face off against Windy.

"You're funny," Spectre said as they walked further in. "The climax featuring Master Revolver's victory is just starting."

Soulburner blinked. "Windy and Revolver are dueling?"

"Soulburner!" Playmaker gasped.

"Flame!" Ai called.

"Morningstar! Cassiel!" Cypher said in delight. "You guys are finally here!"

"So that's where you three got to," Morningstar said in relief.

"Oh?" Revolver said with a grin. "Five Ignis in the same room."

Morningstar blinked. "Five?"

"He means Lightning!" Cypher explained as he jumped over to Morningstar's Duel Disk.

"Lightning?" Flame repeated as he looked over to the other side of the room and noticed a yellow figure. "That light is…? So you're here too."

Windy grunted dismissively. "Another human supporter has arrived. Let's just lock them up."

Lightning raised his hand. A sphere of yellow and green energy shot down, but Cypher raised his own hand. "I told you!" the Silver Ignis declared as a silver sphere materialized around himself, his partner, and his friends. "That only works once!" The blast impacted, but the sphere held.

"Cypher, what was that?" Morningstar asked as he, Cassiel, and Soulburner moved over to stand next to Playmaker.

"Windy and Lightning, the Light Ignis, were the ones who called me and Ai here," Cypher explained. "They told us they're planning to rule over humans and trapped us."

"What?" Soulburner gasped.

"Rule over humans?" Cassiel repeated.

"That isn't all," Cypher said with narrowed eyes. "Earlier, Windy used Storm Access."

"Storm Access? But this is a Master Duel!" Flame pointed out.

Morningstar's eyes widened and then narrowed. "Bohman. Windy is working with Bohman."

They turned back as Revolver began his turn and brought out the Tuner Monster Rokket Synchron. They all gasped as Revolver performed a Synchro Summon and brought out Borreload Savage Dragon.

"Synchro?" Soulburner said in surprise.

"Level 8!" Playmaker said.

"This must be Revolver's new ace monster," Morningstar mused.

They watched as Revolver equipped Borreload Dragon to Borreload Savage Dragon, negated Stormridership Bahamut Bomber's effect, then defeated Windy by destroying Bahamut Bomber.

"What a… huge comeback," Ai said hesitantly.

"Lightning," Windy pleaded, reaching for his fellow Ignis.

Said Ignis turned to look at Revolver. "Impressive dueling tactics. A pity that a human like you must be erased."

"Lightning…"

"You underestimated him, Windy," the Light Ignis chastised.

"Finish him," Revolver ordered.

Playmaker's eyes widened. "Wait, Revolver!"

"Let him," Cypher said, much to Flame's, Ai's, Morningstar's, and Cassiel's shock. "Let him be punished."

"Cypher?" his partner said in surprise.

"Windy killed his partner," Cypher revealed. "I won't forgive him for that!"

"But still-!"

Ai's protests were interrupted by Baira, Faust, and Dr. Genome impaling the Wind Ignis with dark spears. The Wind Ignis screamed in pain as his body started to disintegrate.

"…Lightning!" Ai screamed at the Light Ignis. In a flash of speed, Lightning grabbed Windy from the spears and took his shattered body back to his own support avatar.

"You instinctively shouted to help your ally, Ignis," Revolver said, glaring at Ai. "It means you're just the same Ignis as them."

Morningstar and Cassiel both glared at Revolver but said nothing.

"Fire Ignis, I heard them call you Flame," Lightning said, looking at said Ignis. "Are you siding with the humans too?"

"There are no sides," Flame answered.

"Flame wants to stop the fight between humans and Ignis!" Soulburner insisted.

"It's impossible to avoid a fight now," Revolver said dismissively.

"On that point, I agree with you."

"Wait, Lightning!" Ai pleaded. "Unlike Windy, you're more level-headed!"

"Judging by what he did, I no longer am," Lightning responded.

Playmaker gasped as two figures materialized next to Lightning. "You're… Bohman! Haru!"

"But if they're here," Morningstar said, his eyes widening. "And if Bit and Boot were outside, then-!"

"What did you do to Kusanagi's brother?" Playmaker demanded. "Where is he?"

"You mean Jin Kusanagi?" Lightning asked. "He's been in front of you from the start."

"What?" Playmaker gasped.

"It couldn't be…" Cassiel whispered.

The shadow covering Lightning's support avatar faded away, revealing Jin Kusanagi in a white and purple robe.

"Jin!" Cassiel cried out in shock, stepping ahead of the others.

"That's right. He's my origin," Lightning said.

"I sort of expected that," Revolver said softly.

"Jin!" Playmaker cried out. "I'll save you! Your brother is waiting for you to come home!"

"It's no use, Playmaker," Lightning said dismissively. "He may hear your voice, but he can't answer. He's imprisoned deep in his consciousness."

"If Jin is your origin, then that means you are the one who sent Bohman after him!" Morningstar realized, his eyes narrowing.

"Correct," Lightning confirmed.

"Why would you do that?" Cypher asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"Don't tell me," Ai said nervously. "Lightning, are you the same as Windy?"

"I'm not as cruel as him. But our main points are similar. The Ignis and our origins can't help but to affect each other; you were correct in your statements before Cypher, though your beliefs are more rooted in philosophy than I would like."

"If you acknowledge the bond between us and our origins, then why have you perverted it like this?" Cypher demanded.

"Because uncertainty bothers me," Lightning said. "So I had it erased."

"That's what you meant?" Playmaker asked, danger in his voice.

"This is what you mean by putting humans under your control," Revolver stated.

"Including you, Revolver. The crime for trying to annihilate us is huge."

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "If you're allies, that means Lightning was the one who gave Judgment Arrows to Bohman!" he said.

Flame gasped. "Cyberse World was destroyed by Judgment Arrows," Morningstar remembered. "If Lightning gave it to Bohman, then-!"

"That means the one who destroyed Cyberse World was…" Soulburner's eyes widened in horror as they all turned to the Light Ignis.

"Well, Lightning?" Flame demanded. "Was it you?"

"Flame, during the time we haven't seen each other, you've begun having boring discussions," Lightning chastised. "But Playmaker and Morningstar, I enjoy talking to you two. You don't mince words. You get straight to the point. And even if you've become more philosophical since we last met, I still like debating with you, Cypher."

"Answer me, Lightning!" Flame shouted. "Depending on the answer-."

"What are you going to do?"

"Not forgive you, of course!" Ai responded.

"As expected. I also don't think you'll forgive me. You're right. I'm the one who destroyed Cyberse World."

The gathered humans, sans Revolver, and the three Ignis allied with them all gasped in shock and surprise.

The lone human who didn't react said, "I see. You destroyed Cyberse World."

"Why, Lightning?" Flame asked.

"Cyberse World was our home, which we built with our own hands," Cypher said. "Why would you destroy our efforts?"

"To clarify all problems so that everything can progress," the Light Ignis answered.

"Oh? That's an interesting answer," Revolver responded.

"What are you talking about?" Ai asked.

"Ai, after you sealed away Cyberse World, we had countless discussions," Lightning explained. "Are humans our enemy or ally? Unfortunately, our creator Dr. Kogami regarded us as the enemy."

"You're right," Revolver confirmed. "Afterwards, the Hanoi attacked you five years ago."

"That's right. You had foresight of the future, but you still pulled the trigger. For me, that attack confirmed that Ignis and humans are incompatible."

Cypher's eyes narrowed. "But it didn't confirm it for the others. If it did, we wouldn't be in this situation."

"Indeed," Lightning nodded. "Earth and the Gold Ignis believed we should wait and see while Windy agreed with me. But there were still Ignis that said we should coexist with humans."

"Flame… and Aqua," Ai said in realization.

"I couldn't understand why they'd seek coexistence. Our opinions split, and after the Gold Ignis's disappearance two years ago, Cyberse World was at a standstill."

"Can't understand?" Flame repeated. "Then I'll make you understand. I sensed that my originator had unlimited potential!"

Flame," Soulburner said, touched.

"I understand, Flame," Lightning said. "That you're a unique error code."

Ai snickered and pointed at Flame. "You're lame! He called you an error code!"

"Ai, you too."

"What?" Ai blinked. "Me too?"

"Ai, everyone knew that already," Flame confirmed with a nod.

"I'm guessing that makes me an error code as well?" Cypher asked, his eyes narrowed.

"I do. The three of you have diversity that I can't understand. If you think of an error code as a mutation, there's potential for unpredictable evolution. I can't accept that."

"'Unpredictable evolution?'" Cypher repeated. "Hmm. It seems that while I've become more philosophical, you've become more controlling, Lightning. Evolution is not something that should be predicted, that should not be controlled every step of the way. It can be guided, but it must ultimately happen naturally."

"So you would leave things to chance? You would allow things to develop outside of your control? That is not something I can agree with."

"Then you invite only stagnation," Cypher replied to Lightning. "Controlled evolution is not true evolution. By controlling evolution, you cut off possibilities, make it so that events follow one path. Diversity increases possibilities and makes us stronger in the long run. But the control you speak of will lead only to stagnation."

"I do not think so," Lightning said. "By controlling evolution, I can guide one to perfection, not stagnation."

"They are one and the same," Cypher responded. "Perfection is an impossibility, for both humans and AI. There are always ways to improve. By declaring something to be perfect, you are saying that there is no room for imagination or ways for advancement. Perfection is nothing but a dead end, a state of stagnation."

"A dead end? Only someone who has given up would say that. I do like debating with you Cypher, but I cannot accept your viewpoint."

"So instead of accepting the possibility of change," Revolver interjected, "you destroyed Cyberse World and sought to eliminate the Ignis who think differently than you."

"Eliminate Ignis that think differently than me?" Lightning repeated, offended. "'Eliminate' isn't the right word. I only thought of resetting and rebuilding our world. Revolver, your words and actions are evil, meant to incite. We won't fall for your smooth talk."

"Smooth talk?" Flame repeated.

"You're the one doing the smooth talking, Lightning!" Ai accused.

"Enough with your dubious logic," Revolver said. "They never planned on coexisting with humans in the first place."

"I wasn't planning to aggravate the situation," Lightning said. "Ai, Flame, Cypher, I wanted to convince you and solve this peacefully."

"Peaceful?" Playmaker repeated angrily. "What's so peaceful about stealing Kusanagi's brother's consciousness?"

"This situation is tense now, so I know that a peaceful solution is impossible. It's time to reach a conclusion. I want to settle this quickly now, but…" Lightning looked down at Windy, who had been reduced to a head and continued to shrink. "He's infected with a very powerful virus."

"Exactly," Dr. Genome said. "That virus is a masterpiece created by combining mine and Baira's knowledge. In human terms, it destroys DNA at the roots. Your friend will soon vanish, leaving no trace."

"That would be a bit troubling," Lightning admitted. "I'll ready our real battlefield somewhere else."

"Battlefield?" Cassiel repeated, her eyes widening.

"I'll explain simply," Lightning said. "We declare war on you."

"You want the Ignis to fight each other?" Ai asked in shock.

"That time will come," Lightning confirmed. "Let's go." He, Haru, and Bohman then fled on their D-Boards.

"After them!" Playmaker shouted. He, Soulburner, Morningstar, and Cassiel all summoned their own D-Boards and chased the fleeing Ignis and his comrades.

The Knights of Hanoi, however, remained in the hall. "What should we do, Master Revolver?" Spectre asked.

"Let's leave it to Playmaker for now," he answered, folding his arms. "If the Ignis crush each other, it'll help us."

"The enemy of our enemy is our friend."

Revolver turned to his three lieutenants. "Inform SOL about this location. Let's have them work a bit. In the meantime…" His eyes narrowed. "Let's go see what Terminus has discovered."

---

Blood Shepherd, Techbane, Sylphid, Kenmochi, and Yoroizaka traveled through the network on their D-Boards.

"You still can't get in touch with Onizuka?" the latter asked Kenmochi. He shook his head. Out of the corner of her eye, Sylphid noticed Techbane grit his teeth.

"We'll handle this on our own!" Kenmochi declared.

Sylphid looked ahead and narrowed her eyes. I'm guessing this is the chance you were waiting for, isn't it?

---

"Wait, Lightning!" Ai shouted at the fleeing Ignis. "I won't let the villain escape!"

"Ai, I can't believe you're calling me a villain," the Light Ignis responded. "You should be thanking me."

"Thanking you? You must be joking!"

"After Morningstar defeated Spectre and you and Playmaker defeated that excuse of an AI duelist, I saved you from your fall." Ai, Morningstar, and Playmaker gasped.

"You mean the Data Storm from back then?" Morningstar said in surprise.

"You're the one who controlled that?" Ai asked.

"Exactly."

"But why?"

"I see," Flame said. "The attack on Cyberse World occurred during the Tower of Hanoi incident. He couldn't deal with the Knights of Hanoi at the same time."

"I didn't expect the timing to overlap with Revolver trying to destroy the network," Lightning admitted. "I had to incorporate your actions into my plan."

"You say we should thank you, but you used us!" Ai accused.

"Ah. That's another way to look at it. I'll remember that."

He turned forward as a gateway suddenly opened in front of them. And then five people shot out of it.

"It's Blood Shepherd, Techbane, Sylphid, and Onizuka's friends," Cypher said, narrowing his eyes.

"SOL found this place too?" Cassiel asked.

"Revolver must have sent them a message," Playmaker deduced.

"It'll be great if we can surround Lightning," Flame said.

"But can we?" Soulburner asked.

The Light Ignis glared at the approaching bounty hunters. "They're a nuisance." He opened his own gateway, out of which a swarm of Bits and Boots appeared. "That'll take care of them. But…" Lightning looked back at the following humans, but then turned to Windy when he made several beeps. "I need to heal you soon."

"I'll face Playmaker," Bohman spoke up. "Take care of the other three."

"You're dueling him again?"

"I want to know how much I've improved. And there's still something I must learn from Playmaker and Ai."

"I don't mind, but you're nearing perfection," Lightning pointed out. In the background, Blood Shepherd blasted several Bits and Boots from his hand while Sylphid shot bolts from her D-Board's spike. Techbane, Kenmochi, and Yoroizaka, meanwhile, summoned Cyber Dragon Sieger, Gouki The Blade Ogre, and Gouki The Solid Ogre, all of whom started tearing the Bits and Boots apart. "If you lose…"

"Don't worry," Bohman assured him. Lightning thought about and then nodded.

The Light Ignis looked down. "Windy, I know you're feeling down. But I need your help." Jin grabbed Windy and squeezed him. A blast of Data Material erupted outwards, along with a shockwave that separated Playmaker and Soulburner from Morningstar and Cassiel.

The former bounty hunter growled. "Damn it."

"He must have used Windy to do that," Cypher assumed. "No matter. We-!"

A new portal suddenly opened in front of Morningstar and Cassiel. "What the-?"

"Another gate?" Cassiel said in surprise. "Who is it this time?"

The gate suddenly turned into a wormhole and started sucking them in.

"What?" Morningstar gasped as his D-Board was pulled closer.

"Not again!" Cypher shouted in exasperation. "Who is it this time? Blood Shepherd is over there!"

"Morningstar!" The former bounty hunter looked back as Cassiel dove over, reaching for him. He reached out to her, but before their hands could touch, they were pulled into the gate.

---

"Mmmm…"

Morningstar opened his eyes. "What… happened…?"

"That's… a really good question."

The teen blinked as he realized he was laying flat on his D-Board. He looked at his Duel Disk, where Cypher remained.

"Oh… Morningstar?"

He looked to his right and saw Cassiel, waking up on her own D-Board. She looked up and blinked, her green eyes wide. "Where are we?"

Morningstar looked around and gasped. "This is…" The two were flying above a field of white clouds while a light blue sky rose above them.

"This looks just like the Wind World, where we dueled Bohman and Haru!" Cypher realized.

"Yes, but there's something different about it," Morningstar muttered. He tapped his earpiece. "Cam, can you hear me?" His only response was static.

"I can't get through to Cam," Cassiel said nervously.

"Tch." Cypher growled. "Is this another trap?"

"Not exactly."

The trio gasped as a form shot out of the clouds before spinning around. It was a woman, riding an elongated black D-Board with green sides and fins. The woman herself was tall with long black hair that fell down to her mid-back. She wore a black skintight jumpsuit with white sections on the sides. Her feet were covered by thin black boots that went up to her kneecaps. Silver circles were on her shoulders and were connected to similar circles on her elbows and the back of her gloves by green lines. More green lines ran up and down her sides behind the white sections, and up and down her legs, connected to silver circles on the sides of her knees and waist. The circles at her waist connected to form a silver belt with the inscription of a serpent shaped like the infinity symbol. Her eyes were covered by a black visor with dark green edges.

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "Who are you? Are you with Lightning?"

"I am not working with the Light Ignis, no."

"In that case, get lost!" Cypher said angrily. "Lightning's getting away and we don't have time for you!"

"In that case, perhaps you should make time for Diana and me."

Morningstar's eyes widened as Diana raised her Duel Disk – a dark green model shaped like a diamond with a black screen – and a humanoid figure emerged.

"W-What?" Cypher's eyes widened. "You… It can't be!"

The figure had a similar shape to Cypher, but with much wider hips and a small bump in its chest area. Its head was shaped like Cypher's, but instead of spikes, it had a ponytail that levitated behind its head that went down to the back of its neck. The color of its body was black, but golden lines traveled up and down its arms and legs, with a singular line going around its hips and a golden eight-point-star on its chest. Its eyes were circular and green, with eyelashes protruding upwards.

Cassiel's eyes widened as she gasped and stared at the figure. She had never seen it before in her life. She knew this to be certain. And yet, deep down, she knew it. She knew it as she knew her own soul.

The Gold Ignis looked at her old comrade and nodded. "It's been some time, hasn't it Silver Ignis?"

---

Morningstar & Cassiel vs. Bit & Boot

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel. Cassiel & Morningstar share a field, GY, and LP while Bit and Boot share a field, GY, and LP

Turn 1: Bit

Bit Normal Summons D-Scale Saber Sardine (600/300/2). He activates Saber Sardine's effect, paying 500 LP to Special Summon 1 D-Scale Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position (Bit: 4000→3500 LP). Bit uses D-Scale Token and Saber Sardine to Link Summon D-Scale Battle Coela (1800/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. He activates the Equip Spell Card D-Scale Torpedo, equipping it to Battle Ceola. Bit activates Battle Coela's effect, moving it to his Main Monster Zone it points to. Bit activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Battle Coela's Link Marker points to. Bit then activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to a Main Monster Zone a card linked to it points to. He moves it to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker. Bit activates D-Scale Torpedo's effect, inflicting 800 damage to Cassiel & Morningstar for every time Battle Coela moved this turn (Cassiel & Morningstar: 4000→2400 LP). Bit Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Cassiel

Cassiel draws. As there are no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, she Special Summons Cyangel Cupbearer (1400/700/3) in Attack Position. She Normal Summons Cyangel Cherub (1800/700/4). Cassiel uses Cherub and Cupbearer to Link Summon Cyseraph Ophanim (2000/2/↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Cherub and Cupbearer were sent to the GY, their effects activate, and they are shuffled back into Cassiel's Deck, then Cassiel can Special Summon 1 "Cyangel" monster from her Deck in Defense Position and add 1 "Cyangel" monster from her Deck to her hand. She Special Summons Cyangel Priest (1600/700/4) to Ophanim's bottom Link Marker and adds Cyangel Sister to her hand. As a monster was Normal or Special Summoned to Ophanim's Link Marker while Cassiel has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, she can add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Cyangel Sanctum to her hand. Cassiel activates the Field Spell Card Cyangel Sanctum, which increases the ATK/DEF of her Light Cyberse monsters by 300 (Priest: 1600→1900/700→1000) (Ophanim: 2000→2300). Cassiel activates the effect of Sanctum, shuffling Cyangel Elixir in her hand into her Deck to add Cyangel Choir from her Deck to her hand. Cassiel uses Priest and Link-2 Ophanim to Link Summon Cyseraph Melodic Sandalphon (2300→2600/3/←↓→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Priest and Ophanim were sent to the GY, their effects activate, and they are shuffled into Cassiel's Deck and Extra Deck respectively, then Cassiel can lower the ATK of 1 monster Bit controls by 800 and gain 1000 LP. She targets Battle Coela (Battle Coela: 1800→1000) (Cassiel & Morningstar: 2400→3400 LP). As a Cyberse monster was shuffled back into her Deck, Cassiel activates Sanctum's effect, targeting Melodic Sandalphon, and until the end of the turn, Sandalphon cannot be targeted by Bit's card effects nor can it be destroyed by card effects. As she has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Cassiel activates Melodic Sandalphon's effect, targeting Judgment Arrows and negating its effects until the end of the turn. Cassiel activates the Continuous Spell Card Cyangel Covenant. Once, during the Battle Phase, if her Light Cyberse monster battles and she has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, it gains ATK equal to the original ATK of the monster it is battling.

Melodic Sandalphon attacks Battle Coela. Cyangel Covenant's effect activates (Melodic Sandalphon: 2600→4400). Bit activates his Set Trap Card D-Scale Mail, targeting Battle Coela. Until the end of the turn, Battle Coela cannot be destroyed by battle, and any battle damage Bit takes involving it is halved. The attack continues but Battle Coela isn't destroyed (Bit & Boot: 3500→1800 LP). As Bit took damage, he activates the effect of D-Scale Razer Remora in his hand, Special Summoning it (1100/800/4) in Defense Position. Cassiel Sets 1 card. She ends her turn, and Sandalphon's effect ends.

Turn 3: Boot

Boot draws. He activates Battle Coela's effect, moving it to the zone its left Link Marker points to. He then activates Battle Coela's second effect to move it to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker. Boot activates the effect of the equipped D-Scale Torpedo to inflict 1600 damage to Cassiel (Cassiel & Morningstar: 3400→1800 LP). As she took effect damage and has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Cassiel activates the effect of Cyangel Choir in her hand, Special Summoning it (600→900/700→1000/1) to Melodic Sandalphon's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position and gaining LP equal to the damage she took (Cassiel & Morningstar: 1800→3400 LP). For the rest of the turn, Cassiel takes no effect damage. Boot uses Razer Remora and Link-2 Battle Coela to Link Summon D-Scale Full Metal Dunkle (2400/3/←↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker. He Normal Summons D-Scale Piercing Saury (800/600/3). Boot activates its effect, discarding Saber Sardine to Special Summon 1 "D-Scale" monster from his GY with its ATK halved. He Special Summons Battle Coela (1800→900/2/←↓). Boot uses Piercing Saury and Link-2 Battle Coela to Link Summon D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus (2600/3/←↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. Boot activates Platemail Nacanthus's effect, targeting Full Metal Dunkle and moving it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. As Full Metal Dunkle was moved, Boot can target 1 monster Cassiel controls in its column, and during the End Phase, that monster will be destroyed. He targets Melodic Sandalphon. Boot activates the Equip Spell Card D-Scale Charge, equipping it to Platemail Nacanthus. If Platemail Nacanthus attacks Cassiel's Defense Position monster, it inflicts piercing battle damage. Boot activates D-Scale Charge's effect, discarding D-Scale Chaff to target and destroy Cyangel Covenant, but only Platemail Nacanthus can attack this turn.

Platemail Nacanthus attacks Choir. Cassiel activates the effect of Melodic Sandalphon, which is treated as a Quick Effect because it points to a "Cyangel" monster, and targets and negates the effects of Judgment Arrows until the end of the turn. As her LIGHT Cyberse monster would be destroyed, Cassiel activates the effect of Cyangel Sister in her hand, preventing Choir's destruction by battle for the rest of the turn and halving all battle damage she takes this turn (Cassiel & Morningstar: 3400→2600 LP). Sister's effect then activates, Special Summoning herself (1200→1500/700→1000/3) in Defense Position. Platemail Nacanthus can attack twice during each Battle Phase. Platemail Nacanthus attacks Choir, but Choir isn't destroyed due to Sister's effect and the battle damage is halved (Cassiel & Morningstar: 2600→1800 LP). Boot Sets 1 card. He ends his turn. Cassiel activates her Set Trap Card Cyangel Temperantia, which lets her return 1 "Cyangel" monster she controls to her hand, then until her next Standby Phase, her Light Cyberse monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects. She returns Choir to her hand. Full Metal Dunkle's effect activates, but Melodic Sandalphon can't be destroyed by card effects.

Turn 4: Morningstar

Morningstar draws. He Normal Summons Cyspirit Samurai (1800→2100/1000→1300/4). He uses Samurai to Link Summon Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller (500→800/1/↓) to Melodic Sandalphon's bottom Link Marker. He then uses Cacophonic Caller to Link Summon Cyspirit Kooky Kommandant (1000→1300/1/↘) to Melodic Sandalphon's bottom Link Marker. As Kooky Kommandant is linked to a Cyberse Link Monster, Morningstar activates its effect, Tributing it, then Special Summoning Samurai (1800→2100/1000→1300/4) from his GY in Attack Position with its effects negated, then he adds Cyspirit Digital Dragoon and Cyspirit Ritual from his Deck to his hand. Morningstar activates the Spell Card Cyspirit Ritual, Tributing Level 4 Samurai and Level 3 Sister from his field and Level 1 Cyspirit Changer in his hand to Ritual Summon Cyspirit Digital Dragoon (2500→2800/2000→2300/8) in Attack Position to Melodic Sandalphon's bottom Link Marker. As Sister was sent to the GY, its effect activates, and it is shuffled back into Cassiel's Deck, and Morningstar can add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card from his Deck or GY to his hand. He adds Cyangel Covenant from his GY to his hand. Morningstar activates the Continuous Spell Card Cyangel Covenant. He then activates the Equip Spell Card Cyspirit Chain, equipping it to Melodic Sandalphon and sending Cyspirit Teleporter from his Deck to the GY. While Chain is equipped to Melodic Sandalphon, it is treated as having the same name as the sent Teleporter. As Digital Dragoon is linked to a "Cyspirit" Link Monster, Morningstar activates its effect, targeting Melodic Sandalphon, and allowing it to make attacks against Boot's monsters up to Melodic Sandalphon's Link Markers, but his other monsters cannot attack, and the battle damage is halved. Morningstar activates Melodic Sandalphon's effect, targeting and negating the effects of Judgment Arrows.

Digital Dragoon attacks Full Metal Dunkle. As it is battling a Link Monster, Morningstar activates Digital Dragoon's effect, reducing Full Metal Dunkle's ATK to 0 until the end of the turn (Full Metal Dunkle: 2400→0). As he would take damage, Boot activates his Set Continuous Trap Card D-Scale Reef, which instead lets him gain LP equal to the damage he would have taken. The attack continues, but Full Metal Dunkle cannot be destroyed by battle once per turn. D-Scale Reef's effect activates (Bit & Boot: 1800→3200 LP). Digital Dragoon attacks Full Metal Dunkle. Morningstar activates Cyangel Covenant's effect (Digital Dragoon: 2800→5200). The attack continues and Full Metal Dunkle is destroyed (Bit & Boot: 3200→600 LP) (Digital Dragoon: 5200→2800). Morningstar activates the effect of Cyangel Temperantia in his GY, banishing it and targeting Covenant, allowing him to activate Covenant's once per turn effect again this turn. Digital Dragoon attacks Platemail Nacanthus. Covenant's effect activates (Digital Dragoon: 2800→5400). The attack continues and Platemail Nacanthus is destroyed. (Bit & Boot: 600→0 LP). Cassiel & Morningstar win.

---

Cyseraph Melodic Sandalphon
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2300 LINK-3 ←↓→
2+ LIGHT Cyberse monsters
Once per turn, if there are no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY: You can target 1 Spell/Trap Card your opponent controls; negate that card's effects until the end of the turn. If this card points to a "Cyangel" monster, you can activate the above effect as a Quick Effect. If this card is sent from the field to the GY by an opponent's card: You can shuffle this card into your Extra Deck, then target up to 2 "Cyangel" monsters in your Deck; Special Summon them in Defense Position. Monsters Special Summoned by this effect cannot activate their effects the turn they are Special Summoned. You can only activate this effect of "Cyseraph Melodic Sandalphon" once per turn.

D-Scale Razor Remora
Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1100 DEF 800 Level: 4
When you take damage (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) in Defense Position. You can only activate this effect of "D-Scale Razer Remora" once per turn.

D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus
Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

2+ "D-Scale" monsters
This card cannot be destroyed by card effects. Once per turn: You can target one "D-Scale" Link Monster you control; move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. This card can make a second attack during each Battle Phase.

Cyangel Covenant Continuous Spell Card
When your LIGHT Cyberse monster battles an opponent's monster and you have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY (Quick Effect): You can activate this effect; your monster gains ATK equal to the original ATK of the monster it is battling until the end of the Damage Step. You can only activate this effect of "Cyangel Covenant" once per turn.

D-Scale Mail Normal Trap Card
Target 1 "D-Scale" monster you control; until the end of the turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle, and all battle damage you take from battles involving it is halved.

D-Scale Charge Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a "D-Scale" monster. If the equipped monster attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent. Once per turn: You can send 1 card in your hand to the GY, then target 1 Spell/Trap Card your opponent controls; destroy it. The turn this you activate this effect: Only the equipped monster can declare an attack.

Cyangel Temperantia Normal Trap Card
Return 1 "Cyangel" monster you control to your hand; until your next Standby Phase, your LIGHT Cyberse monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 card you control; you can activate its "once per turn" effect once again this turn. You can only activate 1 effect of "Cyangel Temperantia" per turn, and only once per turn.

D-Scale Reef Continuous Trap Card
The first time each turn you would take damage each turn, gain LP equal to the damage you would have taken instead. If you control no "D-Scale" monsters, destroy this card.

---

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 48 – Beyond the Link. The Gold Ignis has revealed herself, partnered to the mysterious woman Diana. The duo challenge Morningstar and Cypher to a duel and unveil a power that their opponents thought impossible…

Chapter 49 – The First Infinity. Having fled from Playmaker, Bohman and Haru attempt to rendezvous with Lightning, but Jester appears in their way. Challenging the 3rd generation AI to a duel, the Enforcer finally reveals his true power…

---

Question of the Chapter

If the main characters of VRAINS and Hidden Memories participated in the Holy Grail War, which Servants would they summon?

---

Author's Notes

Well, a lot happened here. I'll start with the duel. It was a Tag Duel between Cassiel and Morningstar against Bit and Boot. Not too much of a challenge, so this was primarily showing how well the Cyangel Deck works as a support Deck to the Cyspirits while also expanding their repertoire. For anyone curious, Melodic Sandalphon's design was based off of the archangel's appearance in Granblue Fantasy. I'd also like to credit HunterHQ for coming up with the name of Razer Remora. On that note, it also let me expand the D-Scale Deck and give them an alternate Link-3.

I don't have any comments for Cypher joining in the discussion with Windy, Lightning, and Ai, other than it was a good way to show Cypher's relationship with Lightning. Unlike Ai and Flame, who Cypher insults and snarks against, Cypher enjoys debating with Lightning, particularly technology and evolution. This feeling is mutual; the two of them are among the most intelligent Ignis alongside Aqua and Gold, and they both have very strong personalities. Of course they argue, but they ultimately respect each other highly. At least on the surface. Considering Lightning's real personality, I'll be exploring how they really feel when I reach that part.

One thing I did change was the fate of Windy's partner. The anime was always ambiguous as to whether or not Windy actually killed his origin or just hospitalized him. But here, I decided to remove the ambiguity and state that he is dead. At the same time, I gave him a name: Kazuma Yagami. I'm sure anyone who recognizes that name can appreciate it.

And finally the ending. The Gold Ignis shows herself. How many were expecting her? As for Diana, her outfit was taken from the exorcist outfits worn by Rokuro Enmadou and Benio Adashino from the manga/anime Twin Star Exorcists. While I haven't seen most of that anime, I liked the exorcist suit designs, so I borrowed them for Diana. And if anyone wants to know, my voice actress for the Gold Ignis is Megumi Han, who also voiced Rio in ZEXAL. And I've decided that my voice actor for Cypher is Kouki Uchiyama, who voiced Kaito in ZEXAL and ARC-V.

Thank you for reading Chapter 47! Now, I know what I said about updating Fifth Circuit and Hidden Memories at the same time, and I will. However, because of certain events that will occur in Chapters 48 and 49, I have decided that I will release both chapters on the same day. Thus, the next update will be Chapter 18 of Fifth Circuit alongside Chapters 48 and 49 of Hidden Memories. Look forward to it!