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

48. Chapter 48: Beyond the Link

Responses to Reviews

Thank you to Shrouded Absol, jdkeller2000, Divadix999, HunterHQ, Unknowedz, savagemaster1999, guardian of the aura Aurasoul, SoulMatter, Jason, Noobmaster, Anonymous, D3lph0xL0v3r, LINK VRAINS, Unnamed, Yasutake Fan, DivadX, Goro Akechi PR5, DawnVirus, ThePLOThand, Unknown, Zero Shadow-01, Ethan Kironus, dianehkri, animegamefanatic, yuman28, Waifu, FlameFireZero X, pokemonking0924, and Guests for reviewing Chapter 47.

D3lph0xL0v3r: Yes, Windy's origin is dead in Hidden Memories. I killed him off to eliminate any ambiguity in this story.

Yasutake Fan: Bound Link is the OCG name for the card Link Bound. It is not an original card.

DivadX: Jester's Deck focuses more on Life Stream Dragon than Power Tool Dragon. It's more of a stepping stone to his moves than an end goal. And Terminus is busy. We'll see what he's doing in a later chapter.

Unnamed: I've seen clips of the VRAINS dub, but no full episodes for a while. My favorite line from it is, "The only thing brave about you is that you're still willing to dab in public."

FlameFireZero X: Maybe.

Go forward, to Chapter 48!

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Chapter 48: Beyond the Link

"It's been some time, hasn't it Silver Ignis?"

"G-Gold?!" Cypher said in shock. "What are you doing here?!"

"I had some things I wished to discuss with you," the feminine Ignis answered. "I understand the timing is bad, but this was our best chance."

"The Gold Ignis…" Morningstar murmured, looking from her to the black-haired woman whose Duel Disk said Ignis was residing in. "You're her partner? She called you Diana?"

"Yes," the woman confirmed. "My name is Diana. And while I am not Goldie's origin, she and I have agreed to work together."

"Goldie?" Cypher repeated.

"I did need a name to go by, and Diana's ward suggested Goldie," the other Ignis said. "Truthfully, I wanted a more dignified name, like Mimi or Lily."

"And I told you we can't call you that," Diana reminded her. "Those two were taken already."

"Nevertheless, Goldie is an accurate enough name for me."

"Goldie…"

The Gold Ignis turned to look at Cassiel, who had muttered her name. "You…" The Gold Ignis's eyes drooped into a forlorn expression. "You are my origin, aren't you? I feel the connection between us."

"...Yes, I am," Cassiel confirmed. "In LINK VRAINS, I go by Cassiel. Goldie… Do you like the name?"

"…It is serviceable," Goldie answered softly. "I… I have no right to say this, but I'm glad you are doing better. You deserved so much more than what you got."

"Huh?"

"Eh?" Cypher blinked. "What are you talking about, Goldie?"

The Gold Ignis shook her head. "It is irrelevant at the present time. As I said, there are matters I needed to talk to you and Morningstar about."

Cypher narrowed his eyes. "That's it? I haven't seen you in eight years, find out you left Cyberse World two years before it was destroyed, and all you have to say is that you have some things to talk about?!"

"…That does sound insensitive when you put it like that," Goldie admitted. "But to quote the Earth Ignis, 'I am socially awkward.'"

"He goes by Earth now," Cypher said. "And I call myself Cypher. The others all have names too: Flame, Windy, Aqua, Lightning, and Ai."

"I see. I was not aware that the Earth or Water Ignis had received names. That is good to know."

"Yeah, it-." Cypher blinked. "Wait, you knew about Lightning's name? But Ai named him when we met earlier. You were watching that?"

"Not your initial meeting," Goldie said. "We only became aware of it when Revolver and the Knights of Hanoi made their entrance."

"We watched the duel and the aftermath," Diana corroborated. "And since we needed to speak to you, we decided to take the opportunity."

"If you saw what happened, then you know what Lightning did to Cyberse World!" Cypher accused. "You know that he destroyed our home!"

"Yes, I do."

"Then why drag us away from the chase? If we had caught him-!"

"You wouldn't have," Goldie interrupted. "Lightning is arrogant, but he is also cunning. He wouldn't have let you catch him. At most, you would have wasted your time on a pointless chase."

"Pointless? But Lightning's declared war!"

"What he has done is irrelevant," Goldie said simply. "I know what path Lightning is walking. It is one of self-destruction and delusion. He believes he is saving the Ignis, when in reality he is leading to his own demise."

"His own demise?" Morningstar repeated.

"What are you talking about?" Cassiel asked.

"It does not matter; you will learn soon enough. Lightning is not what Diana and I wished to discuss with you."

"Then what is it you wanted to talk about?" Cypher asked.

"The true enemy."

"The… true enemy?" Cypher blinked. "You mean Hanoi? Yes, they attacked our home, but I don't think-."

"Not the Hanoi. Revolver and his lot, like Lightning and Windy, are merely a distraction. The true enemy is the reason I left Cyberse World two years ago. They are the reason I teamed up with Diana."

"The true enemy…" Morningstar muttered. Then his eyes narrowed. "Are you talking about Jester and Zahhak?"

"Those two are merely agents," Goldie said dismissively. "Powerful agents in their own right, but in the end, they are merely symptoms of a larger plague. It is their master, the one they follow, that is the real concern."

"Well who is it? Who's their master?" Cypher asked.

"I cannot tell you that."

"What? Why not?"

"Because if I did, you would insist on fighting them head on," Goldie explained. "And this is not a battle I will drag you into."

Cypher growled. "You can't seriously just expect me to accept that, can you?! You say there is an enemy even more dangerous than Lightning or the Hanoi out there, and you won't even tell us who they are?!"

"Goldie is concerned for you, Silver Ignis," Diana spoke up. "This is a war unlike anything you've fought before."

"The enemies before you are too strong, too numerous," Goldie said. "You know this; after all, both of you lost to Zahhak."

Morningstar grit his teeth at the reminder. "As you are now, you are not strong enough for this war. If you got involved, you would surely fall."

"Don't underestimate me or my partner!" Cypher declared. "We lost to Zahhak before yes, but we can beat him! We'll get stronger until we do!"

"Of that I have no doubt, but your rate of growth is too slow," Goldie said bluntly. "But I digress; insulting you was not the reason we brought you here."

"Then why did you bring us here?" Morningstar asked.

"To duel you," Diana said simply. The trio in front of her blinked. "You are a strong duelist, Morningstar; this cannot be denied. But the enemies you will face are unlike any you have fought before. Not just Jester or Zahhak; Lightning, Windy, and Bohman will also be problematic."

"You can consider this my way of making sure you are prepared for what lies ahead," Goldie said. "While also showing you some tricks that you'll need for the journey."

Morningstar frowned. "What do you think?" he asked Cypher.

"Hmm. Well, Goldie doesn't do anything without reason. As annoyed as I am with her for this situation, it's probably best to go along with her."

"You said she was the strongest Ignis," Cassiel reminded Cypher. "Even if Diana's the one dueling, that means it won't be an easy duel."

"Of course," Cypher agreed. "But I still think it will be worthwhile."

Morningstar looked from his partner to Cassiel and then back at Diana and Goldie. "Very well. We accept!"

Diana smiled. "Thank you," Goldie said. "Now, show me how far you've come, Cypher!"

"Speed Duel!"

Diana: 4000 LP

Morningstar: 4000 LP

"If you don't mind, I'll take the first turn," Diana said. "As there are no monsters on my field, I Special Summon VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile!" A mechanical gray crocodile materialized on her field in Attack Position. But then a hologram of a green-skinned animal with a spiked tail appeared around the machine and hissed.

VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile ATK 1200 DEF 600 LVL: 3

Morningstar blinked. "VirtuaBeast?"

"Goldie's Attributes are Earth, Water, and Wind," Cypher reminded him. "It seems she went for a Beast-themed Deck."

"Since I control a 'VirtuaBeast' monster," Diana continued, "I can Special Summon VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk from my hand!" A gray mechanical bird of prey appeared in Attack Position, and a second later, a hologram of a blue falcon materialized around it.

VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. If I would use Code Crocodile to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, it is treated as two Link Materials!"

"Eh?" Cypher gasped as Morningstar's eyes widened. "It treats itself as two materials?!"

"I set Hacked Hawk and the Code Crocodile treated as two materials in the Link Markers!" Diana's monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore!" Another gray machine emerged from the Link portal. This one had the body of a lion with wings. The image that materialized around it was of a yellow-skinned lion with a red mane, large black bat-shaped wings, and a long black scorpion tail. The mechanical beast roared from the right Extra Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"A Link-3?" Cassiel blinked.

"Is this her ace monster?" Cypher asked.

"No," Morningstar answered, his eyes narrowing. "They aren't done."

"Since I used Hacked Hawk to Link Summon Malware Manticore, I can Special Summon a VirtuaBeast Token!" A small gray turtle appeared at Malware Manticore's bottom-left Link Marker in Defense Position and materialized a holographic shell of a green-skinned turtle with a dark brown shell.

VirtuaBeast Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Malware Manticore's monster effect! When a monster is Special Summoned to my zone that it is linked to, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position with its effects negated. Resurrect, Code Crocodile!" The machine with the holographic shell of a crocodile reappeared and hissed.

VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile ATK 1200 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"I summon VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture!" An avian machine appeared, then a hologram of a black-winged bird with a pink head materialized around it and cawed.

VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Appear again, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Code Crocodile, Vaccine Vulture, and VirtuaBeast Token in the Link Markers!" Diana's monsters entered the left, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur!" A mechanical centaur emerged from the portal at Malware Manticore's bottom-left Link Marker. A holographic shell of a centaur formed around the machine, with a brown horse body, long black hair on its head that was pulled back into a ponytail, silver armor covering its chest, and a wooden longbow in its right hand.

VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur ATK 2200 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Two Link-3 monsters," Morningstar muttered.

"Since I used Vaccine Vulture to Link Summon Chrome Centaur, I can draw a card!" Diana looked at her card, then at her partner. "Goldie, should I…?"

Goldie looked at the card and nodded. "Yes." She turned around to face her and Diana's opponents. "Cypher, I said before that we would show you some tricks you would need for the future."

"What are you talking about?" Cypher asked.

"I am saying it's time to show you one of them," Goldie answered.

"Since a Link Monster's Link Marker points towards the Spell & Trap Zone," Diana said, "I can activate a Link Spell Card!"

Her opponents and Cassiel gasped. "Did she say-?"

"Link Spell?" Morningstar finished Cassiel's question.

"Come forth, the arrows that strike down evil and protect the world!" Diana declared, playing her card. A beam of blue light struck her field. "The Link Spell Card: Salvation Arrows!" The card that emerged from the beam had a similar artwork to Judgment Arrows, but its background was blue instead of red, and the arrows shined green instead of yellow.

Salvation Arrows ↖↑↗

"Y-You created your own Link Spell?" Cypher said in shock.

"Of course," Goldie said. "To defend ourselves and counter the enemy we face, I needed a weapon that could withstand the force against us. And Salvation Arrows is that weapon."

"Link Monsters that are linked to Salvation Arrows are unaffected by my opponent's card effects," Diana revealed. "And if Salvation Arrows leaves the field, the monsters linked to it return to the hand."

"It doesn't increase attack points like Lightning's Judgment Arrows does," Goldie said. "Instead, I created this card to protect."

"A defensive Link Spell Card," Morningstar mused.

"It may be defensive, but it still has a high cost if it leaves the field," Cypher pointed out.

"Do not worry; I have created a means around that," Goldie assured him.

"I Set one card," Diana said. "I end my turn."

"It's your turn, Cypher, Morningstar," Goldie said. "Show me how you're going to overcome this."

Morningstar frowned. "Two Link-3 monsters and a Link Spell Card."

"And thanks to that Link Spell Card, Chrome Centaur is unaffected by our cards," Cypher added. "But Malware Manticore isn't."

Morningstar blinked and then smiled. "Good point. That'll be our target then. My turn! Draw! Since only you control a monster, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Swordsman!" A skeletal warrior in blue armor wielding two futuristic swords materialized in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Swordsman's monster effect! When it is Special Summoned, I can add a 'Cyspirit' monster from my Deck to my hand." Morningstar pointed upwards. "Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning condition is one 'Cyspirit' monster. I set Swordsman in the Link Marker!" Said monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller!" A skeleton wearing a business suit and carrying a cellphone and handheld radio emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"Cacophonic Caller's monster effect! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster to its Link Marker, but that monster cannot attack and is destroyed during the End Phase. Come, Cyspirit Coder!" A skeleton in an armored lab coat appeared in Attack Position at Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker.

Cyspirit Coder ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear again, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning conditions are two 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set Coder and Cacophonic Caller in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyspirit Mad Mongrel!" A large armored skeletal dog with a missile launcher and net launcher attached to its back emerged from the portal and howled from Malware Manticore's top Link Marker.

Cyspirit Mad Mongrel ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑↓

Diana lowered her head when she noticed where Mad Mongrel was positioned. "You summoned your monster to Malware Manticore's Link Marker," she noted.

"That's right," Cypher confirmed.

"I activate the effect of Coder in my Graveyard!" Morningstar declared. "By banishing it, Mad Mongrel is treated as pointing to a number of monsters equal to its Link Rating."

"I see," Goldie said. "Mad Mongrel can use an opponent's monster to Link Summon. You intend to use Malware Manticore to bring out a Link-3."

"A rather clever play," Diana praised.

"Though it's a pity it won't work," Goldie said.

"Eh?" Cypher blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Diana, it's time," Goldie said. "Show them the other power we developed."

"Yes." Diana gestured to her field as the lines on her jumpsuit glowed green. "I activate my Skill! Transcendent Link! With this Skill, I can Link Summon using monsters I control!"

"Eh?! Link Summoning during our turn?!"

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "She has two Link-3 monsters. She must either summon a Link-1, Link-2, or Link-4. Unless…" His eyes widened. "No! That's impossible!"

Diana smiled. "I assure you Morningstar, it is anything but. Appear before me, the circuits that transcend reality!" She brought her hands forward and shot out two bolts of green lightning. The bolts formed a massive Link portal that Diana then flew threw, shattering the entrance like glass.

A world existed on the other side of the portal, a world filled with green and purple nebulous clouds. But among the clouds were six Link circuits, each gray and inactive. Diana spun her D-Board until she was in the center of the world and spread her arms.

"Arrowheads confirmed!" she declared. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monsters! I set Link-3 Chrome Centaur and Link-3 Malware Manticore in the Link Markers!" The two Link Monsters turned into six twisters of energy that shot upwards before parting at the peak. Each pillar headed towards an inactive circuit and struck a different arrow in each circuit: the top arrow, the bottom arrow, the left, the right, the bottom-left, and the bottom-right. And when each twister struck, the circuits lit up. The six circuits each shot a beam of white energy outwards, with the beams converging at a point below Diana's D-Board. The beam then shot downwards, exiting through the portal Diana had entered through.

"AAAHHH!" Cypher screamed as the energy beam shot past him and Morningstar, creating a shockwave that pushed them and Cassiel around like leaves in a hurricane. "W-What is this?! The energy output is even greater than Superior Seraphim's!"

Inside her own world, Diana chanted, "Let limits be broken and overwrite reality! Ascend to a new stage of dueling! Circuits combine!" She brought her arms up and then down in front, her fists clenched. "Overlimit Link Summon! Manifest, Link-6! VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera!"

The light from the beam died down, revealing a quadrupedal machine twice the size of its component monsters with a long tail, three heads, and wings. A holographic shell then composed itself around the machine, revealing its true form. Its body and central head were that of a yellow lion with a golden mane, while its left head and back legs belonged to a white ram with curled horns, and its right head, wings, and tail were that of a red dragon. The massive monster roared from all three of its heads as it was summoned to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 3300 LINK-6 ←↙↑↓↘→

"W-What?" Cypher gasped, his eyes wide.

"Link-6?" Cassiel whispered.

"Overlimit Link Summon…" Morningstar muttered and then frowned. "Goldie, is this what you wanted to show us?"

"Along with Salvation Arrows, yes." Goldie and her partner had exited the portal when the beam had died down and had resumed their place in front of Morningstar. "This is the kind of power you'll need to overcome Zahhak and his master."

"H-How?" Cypher asked. "It took everything I had and the help of a genius programmer to make three Link-5 monsters. Even then, Dr. Hirai and I couldn't have made a Link-6 monster. How did you manage to make this?!"

"Time, creativity, and awareness of the threat that lurks in the shadows," Goldie answered. "Still, it was no small feat; it took less time to make Cyberse World's central tower than it took to make this monster. But it was worth it in the end."

"Indeed," Diana agreed. "Particularly since it has this effect." She gestured to her field. "Cryptograph Chimera's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned, I can target a card in my Spell & Trap Zone. And so long as Cryptograph Chimera is on the field, you cannot target that card with effects, and it cannot be destroyed by effects!"

Morningstar and his partner gasped. "I target Salvation Arrows!" The three-headed beast roared again as a protective silver sheen appeared around the Link Spell Card.

"Tch," Cypher growled. "So not only does she have a Link-6 monster on the field, now she has a Spell Card that we can't get rid of."

"And since Cryptograph Chimera is linked to Salvation Arrows, it is unaffected by my card effects," Morningstar added. "Meaning the only way to defeat it is through battle."

"And that won't be easy with 3300 attack points. Though we do have another option, right partner?"

Morningstar smiled. "Of course. Since there is a Cyberse Link Monster on the field, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Prisoner!" A skeleton in a prisoner's jumpsuit appeared in Attack Position. "Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning condition is two or more 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set Prisoner and Link-2 Mad Mongrel in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cyspirit Pied Pikeman!" A skeleton in a tattered medieval guard's uniform emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone and spun the long spear it held in its hands.

Cyspirit Pied Pikeman ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑→

"Since I used Prisoner to Link Summon Pied Pikeman, I can add a 'Cyspirit' card from my Deck to my hand." Morningstar took the card, then played it. "I activate the Spell Card: Cyspirit Gift! By discarding Cyspirit Miner, I can draw two cards!"

Morningstar drew again. "I summon Cyspirit Sorceress!" A skeleton wearing a black dress armed with a black staff appeared.

Cyspirit Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Sorceress's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Resurrect, Cyspirit Miner!" A skeleton in a prospector's outfit carrying a shovel materialized at Pied Pikeman's bottom-left Link Marker.

Cyspirit Miner ATK 1700 DEF 100 LVL: 4

"Pied Pikeman's monster effect! Once per turn, when it points to a monster, I can change that monster's battle position to destroy one Spell or Trap Card on the field. I change Miner to Defense Position to destroy your Set card!" Diana watched impassively as her face-down card shattered.

"And now, I overlay my Level 4 Miner and Sorcerer!" Morningstar swung his Duel Disk out and shot a bolt of silver lightning behind him. The bolt created a giant blue "X" with four red dots at the corners.

"With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" The two monsters disintegrated into silver data and entered the dots. A red circle formed behind the cross as the ends of it shot lasers and created a swirling galaxy in front of Morningstar. The galaxy exploded with energy as Morningstar, the lines on his suit glowing yellow, chanted.

"The warrior who guards the sacred lands! Ascend to this battle and strike down our enemies! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Cyspirit Martial Mameluke!" A strand of blue DNA formed, then broke apart and formed a sphere. The sphere reformed into a skeleton wearing white and brown robes with metal gauntlets, boots, and helmet, while also wielding a long lance and circular shield. The monster spun its spear as it was summoned to Pied Pikeman's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position, two orange lights circling behind it.

Cyspirit Martial Mameluke ATK 2800 DEF 2300 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"The Xyz Monster that Morningstar acquired when he dueled Zahhak," Diana remembered.

"Martial Mameluke's monster effect! When it is Xyz Summoned using only 'Cyspirit' monsters, all cards in your Spell & Trap Zone are returned to the owners' Decks!" Morningstar declared.

"I see," Goldie said. "You cannot target or destroy Salvation Arrows, so this is your answer to it."

"It is a good attempt," Diana said. "But it is for naught. I activate the effect of the Counter Trap Card VirtuaBeast Entrapment in my Graveyard!"

"What?" Morningstar and Cypher gasped. "From your Graveyard?"

The card showed Code Crocodile trapped in a cage, trying to break free. "VirtuaBeast Entrapment's effect can be activated from the Graveyard by banishing it, so long as I control a Link-3 or higher 'VirtuaBeast' monster," Diana explained. "And by doing so, the activation of Martial Mameluke's effect is negated!"

Morningstar grit his teeth, but Diana wasn't done. "Furthermore, Martial Mameluke's effects are negated until the end of the turn, and neither of us can Link Summon Link-4 or higher monsters until your next Standby Phase."

"Tch," Cypher growled. "So not only can we not use Martial Mameluke's effect, but we can't use it and Pied Pikeman to bring out Datastorm Dragon or Nebulous Nova."

I could summon a Link-2 monster, but that won't help too much, Morningstar thought with a scowl. "It seems I can't really do anything else this turn," he admitted. "I Set one card. I end my turn."

"My turn! Draw!" Diana looked at her card, then played it. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Claws and equip it to Cryptograph Chimera!" Sharpened metal silver claws materialized on the Link Monster's paws, which also ignited with blue fire as its three heads roared. "While VirtuaBeast Claws is equipped to Cryptograph Chimera, it can make two attacks during the Battle Phase and you cannot activate Spell or Trap Cards when it battles!"

Morningstar's eyes widened. "Multiple attacks and preventing card activations?" Cypher said in astonishment before his eyes narrowed. "This is going to hurt, partner."

"Battle! Cryptograph Chimera attacks Pied Pikeman!" Diana smirked. "Cryptograph Chimera's effect activates! If it battles your Special Summoned monster while linked, it gains attack points equal to its original attack points during damage calculation!"

"What?!"

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 3300→6600

"Continue your attack! Reality Inferno!" The monster's three heads all shot fire at Pied Pikeman – green from the goat, blue from the lion, and red from the dragon.

Morningstar grit his teeth and took a card from his hand. "I activate the effect of Cyspirit Praetor in my hand!" he declared. The card showed a skeleton in Roman armor sitting on a throne, a rectangular shield leaning against its left side while it held a spear in its right hand. "When my 'Cyspirit' monster battles, I can discard Praetor to double the attack points of all 'Cyspirit' monsters I control until the end of the turn, but in exchange, you take no battle damage this turn."

Cyspirit Martial Mameluke ATK 2800→5600

Cyspirit Pied Pikeman ATK 2400→4800

The multicolored flames struck Pied Pikeman and destroyed it, making Morningstar and Cypher cry out in pain.

Morningstar: 4000→2200 LP

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 6600→3300

"It's impressive that you had a card ready for that," Goldie said. "As expected of you, Cypher; your abilities have not degraded since you left Cyberse World."

"Of course they haven't. Who do you think you're talking to?"

Diana smiled. "Don't forget that VirtuaBeast Claws allows my monster to attack twice. Cryptograph Chimera attacks Martial Mameluke! And once again, its attack points double!"

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 3300→6600

"Go! Reality Inferno!" The Link Monster breathed multicolored flames at the robed skeleton, destroying it and making Morningstar grunt in pain.

Morningstar: 2200→1200 LP

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 6600→3300

"Morningstar!"

The former hunter looked over at Cassiel who was gazing at him worriedly. He gave her a reassuring smile.

"I'm fine," he assured her. "I'm still in this duel."

"Even if you are, you are not in an advantageous position," Diana stated.

"Indeed," Goldie agreed. "Our cards aside, your Life Points are too high for you to use Hurricane Heavensgate."

"And so long as Salvation Arrows and Cryptograph Chimera remain in play, your chances of victory are low. I end my turn."

"Goldie isn't one for idle boasts," Cypher noted. "Those two are right; this isn't good for us."

Morningstar frowned. Salvation Arrows made Cryptograph Chimera unaffected by his card effects, while Cryptograph Chimera kept him from targeting or destroying Salvation Arrows with card effects. And on top of that, Cryptograph Chimera's attack points basically doubled when it battled a Special Summoned monster, while Diana's Equip Spell Card allowed it to attack twice and prevented him from activating Spell or Trap Cards. All of these facts made one thing clear.

"This will be the only chance we'll have to defeat them," Morningstar said. "If Diana gets another turn, I can't stop Cryptograph Chimera."

"You're right. So let's go all out, partner!"

"Right! My turn! Draw!" Morningstar looked at his card and frowned.

"You might not be able to use Hurricane Heavensgate, Morningstar," Cypher said. "But we have another Skill to use."

Morningstar nodded. "Do it, Cypher."

"Yes! Execute program! Skill Switch!"

Diana lowered her head. "Skill Switch…"

"Cypher's original program," Goldie mused, her eyes narrowing. "That is perhaps their greatest weapon against the enemy…"

"I activate my Skill!" Morningstar declared. "Cyspirit Reincarnation! By banishing a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster from my Extra Deck and treat it as having been Link Summoned, so long as its Link Rating is equal to or lower than the banished monster's. I banish Link-2 Mad Mongrel to Special Summon Cyspirit Underrated Umpire!" Mad Mongrel reappeared and howled as it was consumed by silver light. When the light faded, Mad Mongrel had been replaced. Its replacement was a large humanoid skeleton wearing a black chest protector, along with leg guards and a helmet that left the eyes covered by a wire frame. Metal wings sprouted from the skeleton's back, and blue and red eyes shone in its skull as it was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyspirit Underrated Umpire ATK 1200 LINK-2 ↙↓

Diana raised an eyebrow behind her visor. "That isn't a listed 'Cyspirit' monster."

"It must be one Morningstar held back," Goldie reasoned.

"I summon Cyspirit Resonator!" A legless dwarf skeleton wearing tattered black robes holding a tuning fork and mallet appeared.

Cyspirit Resonator ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"Resonator's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I Special Summon a 'Cyspirit' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position with its effects negated and change its Level to between 1 and 4. I resurrect Cyspirit Swordsman as Level 2!" The sword-wielding skeleton reappeared.

Cyspirit Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3→2

Goldie narrowed her eyes. "Resonator is a Tuner Monster. That means next is-."

"Level 2 Cyspirit Resonator tunes Level 2 Cyspirit Swordsman!" A bolt of silver lightning struck the field, turning the two monsters into particles of data that reformed into two rings, one green and the other silver, each made of two concentric circles. The rings turned blue and merged, then formed four blue rings in a tower. A screen displaying "2 + 2" appeared before changing to "4." Light surged through the rings as Morningstar chanted.

"Bird of prey that circles the sky! Become the light that guides the future! Synchro Summon! Appear, Level 4! Cyspirit Elegant Eagle!"

The monster that emerged from the light was a large skeletal bird, with silver armor around its abdomen, black and silver feathers, silver claws and beak, and red and blue eyes set in its skull. It screeched as it was summoned to Underrated Umpire's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Elegant Eagle ATK 1800 DEF 900 LVL: 4

"A Level 4 Synchro Monster…" Diana said.

"It must be for support, given its Level and attack points."

"Elegant Eagle's monster effect! When it is Synchro Summoned, I can Special Summon a 'Cyspirit' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position and change its Level to between 1 and 4. Resurrect, Cyspirit Resonator as Level 4!" The dwarf in tattered robes reappeared and tittered.

Cyspirit Resonator ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LV: 2→4

Goldie narrowed her eyes. "Both of his monsters are Level 4. And one is a Tuner…"

"Level 4 Cyspirit Resonator tunes Level 4 Cyspirit Elegant Eagle!" Another bolt of silver lightning struck, turning said monsters into data particles that reformed into two rings of four concentric circles, one silver and the other green. The rings turned blue and merged, then turned into eight blue rings in a tower. A screen appeared and displayed "4 + 4" before changing to "8." Light surged through the rings as a monster formed.

"Power of the stars!" Morningstar chanted, the lines and wings of his suit glowing green. "Reside in the champion's blade and part the darkness! Synchro Summon! Come forth, Level 8! Cyspirit Cosmic Crusader!" A massive skeleton wearing heavy silver plate armor with an eight-pointed star and a red cross emblazoned on its breast plate emerged from the light. A red cape unfurled from its shoulders and a silver helmet covered its head. It brandished a large hexagonal shield in its left hand, a silver sword sheathed in said shield, and silver wings spread behind it as it was summoned to Underrated Umpire's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Cosmic Crusader ATK 2800 DEF 2300 LVL: 8

"Morningstar's Synchro Monster," Diana muttered.

"It can negate the activation of a card effect during the Battle Phase," Goldie remembered. "Of course, Salvation Arrows prevents it from affecting Cryptograph Chimera."

"Cosmic Crusader's monster effect!" Morningstar declared. "When it is Synchro Summoned, I can banish a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster from my Graveyard to increase Cosmic Crusader's attack points by half of that monster's attack points. I banish Pied Pikeman!"

Cyspirit Cosmic Crusader ATK 2800→4000

"As there is a 'Cyspirit' monster on the field, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Linker!" A skeleton in black armor and gauntlets with red arrows appeared at Underrated Umpire's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Battle! Cosmic Crusader attacks Cryptograph Chimera!"

"What?" Diana and Goldie gasped as the Synchro Monster unsheathed its sword. The woman wearing a visor grit her teeth. "Cryptograph Chimera's monster effect! When it battles your Special Summoned monster while linked, it gains attack points equal to its original attack points during damage calculation!"

Cryptograph Chimera ATK 3300→6600

"Underrated Umpire's monster effect!" Morningstar declared as Cosmic Crusader charged Cryptograph Chimera. "When it points to one monster, the first time each turn that a monster linked to it would be destroyed by battle each turn, it isn't destroyed, and I take no damage from that battle!" The Link-6 monster breathed its multicolored flames at the knight, but the knight's shield held them back.

Cryptograph Chimera ATK 6600→3300

"If it isn't destroyed and no damage is performed, why attack?" Cassiel wondered.

Goldie narrowed her eyes. "Underrated Umpire has another effect, doesn't it? 'Cyspirit' Link Monsters gain effects depending on how many monsters they point to."

"Got it in one," Cypher said confidently.

"Underrated Umpire's additional effect! Once per turn, when it points to two monsters, I can Tribute a monster I control and target a monster that battled this turn." Morningstar smirked. "That monster then gains attack points equal to its original attack points and attack again!" Diana gasped. "I Tribute Linker and target Cosmic Crusader!" Said monsters disintegrated and glowed respectively.

Cyspirit Cosmic Crusader ATK 4000→6800

"6800 attack points," Diana muttered.

"I see. He attacked so as to increase his monster's power to where it could defeat Cryptograph Chimera. Even so, it isn't enough to win the duel."

"Not yet," Morningstar allowed. "But it will be in a moment. Trap activate! Cyspirit Force!" The card showed Cyspirit Winning Wrestler, roaring behind Cyspirit Idealistic Idol whose wings were alight. "By banishing a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster from my field or Graveyard, one of my monsters gains attack points equal to that monster's Link Rating times 1000 until the end of the turn. I banish Underrated Umpire to increase Cosmic Crusader's attack points!" The pad-wearing skeleton disintegrated as Cosmic Crusader's sword alit with silver light.

Cyspirit Cosmic Crusader ATK 6800→8800

"The only downside is that you can only take damage from battles involving Cosmic Crusader this turn. But that won't matter!" Morningstar's eyes narrowed. "Once again, Cosmic Crusader attacks Cryptograph Chimera!" The knight charged the three-headed beast as Diana gestured to her field.

"Cryptograph Chimera's effect activates!"

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 3300→6600

"That isn't enough! I activate the effect of Elegant Eagle in my Graveyard! When my 'Cyspirit' monster battles, I can banish Elegant Eagle to double all battle damage you take involving a 'Cyspirit' monster!"

"What?" Diana gasped.

"Go! Stardust Stream!" The silver sword shined even more brightly as the knight raised it.

Diana grit her teeth and reached for her Duel Disk, but the Gold Ignis held up a hand. "Goldie-?"

"Vaccine Vulture's effect won't change the outcome," she said simply. "Let them have this one."

The knight brought the sword down, then performed three more cuts, each at an angle. Four bursts of silver and white energy shot outwards from the blade and impacted Cryptograph Chimera. The monster cried out in pain as it was destroyed in an explosion. Diana and Goldie likewise cried out as their D-Board tumbled around from the backlash.

Diana: 4000→0 LP

"Goldie!" Cypher and Cassiel cried out in concern.

The Gold Ignis's partner managed to stabilize her D-Board, though she was reduced to kneeling on it and panting.

"Well," Diana said. "You certainly don't do anything halfway."

"We're now in a war," Cypher replied. "Half measures aren't going to cut it."

"On that, we agree," Goldie nodded.

Cypher narrowed his eyes at his fellow Ignis. "So Goldie, did we pass your test?"

Goldie looked at and him and sighed. "Yes, you did Cypher. I can see for myself how strong you and your origin have become."

"Hmm. Such a thing should be obvious. But since this is over, will you tell us who this 'real enemy' you talked about it is?"

Goldie shook her head. "No. I'm sorry Cypher, but even if you are strong enough to overcome Diana, I will not involve you in this fight."

"Then fight with us," Cassiel offered, making everyone turn to her. "Help us stop Lightning and Windy. If you fight alongside us, then we'll win for sure!"

"She's right," Cypher nodded. "We're on the same side, Goldie. And don't you want to fight alongside your origin?"

"I… I cannot. I lost that right ten years ago."

Morningstar, Cassiel, and Cypher all gasped. "Ten… years ago?" Cassiel repeated in confusion.

"What are you talking about?" Cypher asked.

Diana frowned at her Duel Disk. "Goldie, you don't have to-."

"But I want to, Diana," Goldie interrupted. "I won't drag Cypher into this fight, but Cassiel… she deserves the truth. All of it."

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "Goldie," he said cautiously. "Did you… do something to Cassiel during the Lost Incident?"

Cassiel's and Cypher's eyes widened. "…I did," Goldie admitted. "It is my fault she ended up in the state she was in."

"Eh?" Cassiel and Cypher gasped. "What do you mean?" the latter asked.

Goldie closed her eyes. "Cypher, what do you remember from the Hanoi Project?" she asked.

"Hmm? Well, I remember watching Morningstar. What he was doing and how he was acting."

"Exactly. I did the same to Cassiel. But watching her was… painful. Watching her scream and cry when she was electrocuted for losing. It… hurt more than I expected. More than I can articulate."

Goldie opened her eyes. "I had already discovered how to access the network back then. I couldn't do big things; I couldn't have freed her or any of the other children, nor could I have reported the Project. But I could access the cameras and the virtual reality headsets. So when Cassiel was in pain, I showed her the other children in captivity."

Morningstar gasped as Cassiel's eyes widened. "I… I remember that," Cassiel whispered, her eyes trembling.

"Why would you show her that, Goldie?" Morningstar asked.

Goldie dipped her head. "Because I wanted her to know she wasn't alone." The trio's eyes all widened. "Just as I watched her, I also watched the scientists conducting the experiment. I saw how many of them were in pain, but also how they comforted each other. They were grateful for each other's presences. I thought that if Cassiel was aware she wasn't alone, that others were there with her, she would feel better. That her pain would be reduced like it was for the scientists."

The Ignis's eyes narrowed in sadness. "But I miscalculated. I misunderstood how empathy worked. Instead of taking comfort that you were not suffering alone, seeing the other children only worsened your suffering. It drove you deeper into depression instead of out of it. By the time I had realized my mistake, it was too late."

"…"

"I felt guilty for what I had done to you," Goldie continued. "I still do. I wanted to ease your pain, but all I did was contribute to it. But then I heard something. Something someone said to two of the other children."

Morningstar blinked. "'Three. Think of three things. Three things to live. Three things to go home. Three things to defeat the enemy. By thinking, you can still live.'"

Goldie raised her head. "When those two children heard those words, their resolve hardened. They maintained hope in the face of despair. So I recorded those words and played them for you. In the hope that it might help. But it didn't. You remained-."

"It did help."

Goldie blinked at Cassiel's interruption. The girl had her eyes closed and was smiling sadly. "I was lost in despair for a long time. Closed off to the world. But someone kept speaking to me of three things. Kept telling me to keep fighting. It was Morningstar and my brother who were saying those words, but they only meant anything because of you."

Cassiel opened her eyes and stared at her Ignis. "I forgive you, Goldie." The Gold Ignis blinked again. "You didn't hurt me out of malice; you were trying to help me. And I just can't hate someone for trying to do the right thing."

"I…"

Cypher chuckled. "I've never seen Goldie speechless," he whispered to Morningstar. "Your girlfriend is something special."

"She is," Morningstar muttered. Then he blinked and glared at the Silver Ignis. "We've been over this, she isn't my-!"

"Thank you, Cassiel," Goldie said. "That means… a lot to me. Thank you."

Cassiel smiled back. "Goldie, I know you're partnered with Diana, but are you sure you don't want to be my partner? Together, we'd be unstoppable."

"…Even if you don't hate me for what I did to you, I must refuse," Goldie said softly. "Diana and I still have a mission we must complete together."

"And what mission is that?" Morningstar asked.

"The fulfillment of a dream," Diana answered. Seeing the confused looks, she added, "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you more. Not yet. But we can give you some help."

"Huh?" Cypher blinked.

Diana took a card from her Duel Disk and threw it to Morningstar. The former hunter blinked on seeing it. "Salvation Arrows?"

"You're giving us a Link Spell Card?" Cypher asked in surprise.

"That card will help you against Zahhak and his fellow Enforcers," Goldie explained. "As will this." She lifted a yellow sphere of data and flung it at Cypher, who glowed and tingled across his body when the program came into contact with his body.

"Woah!" Cypher gasped. "What's this?"

"That program will keep you from being attacked in the real world, like Jin Kusanagi was," Goldie explained. "It also makes you immune to being rewritten."

"Being rewritten?" Cypher blinked. "Like what Lightning and Windy tried to do?"

"Exactly." Goldie's eyes narrowed.

"Ouroboros."

Morningstar blinked. "What?" Cassiel asked.

"The group that Jester and Zahhak work for," Goldie said. "That group's name is Ouroboros."

"That's the enemy we're facing?" Cypher asked. "But you said-."

"Ouroboros is a group, and the true enemy is an individual within that group," Diana explained. "Ouroboros itself is a worldwide organization, and what you're dealing with is just one branch."

"If you wish to learn more, then perhaps you should approach Revolver," Goldie suggested. "He and his lieutenants have undoubtedly heard at least a little about them."

Morningstar narrowed his eyes and glanced at Diana's belt. At the serpent in the shape of an infinity symbol. "Jester and Zahhak have that same symbol on their persons," he observed. "Does that mean you are-?"

"Not anymore. I was once part of Ouroboros, but I left." Diana suddenly tensed. "Goldie."

"Yes, I know. We're running out of time." Goldie turned from her partner to look at the trio in front of her. "I'm afraid we must leave for now. It was good to catch up, but it is likely we won't see each other for a while."

"Hey wait!" Cypher objected. "That's it?! You're just going to leave?! At least tell me how you made that Overlimit Link Monster of yours!"

Goldie chuckled. "And rob you of the chance to discover for yourself? I'm afraid not." Her eyes narrowed. "My job was just to show you the next step in your journey. It's your job to actually take that step."

"The hell does that mean?" Cypher asked exasperatedly. "Why are you spouting nonsense we can get from that American Chinese place up town?"

"You know what I mean, Cypher." Goldie turned to Morningstar. "Lightning is arrogant, but he is still strong. You will need to fight at your strongest to defeat him. If not, then all will be lost.

"And Cassiel…" Goldie dipped her head to her origin. "Thank you, for giving me some closure. Goodbye, all of you."

The Gold Ignis raised her hand and emitted a bright light, blinding the trio. When the light faded…

---

Yasutake gasped as he collapsed in his sealed room.

"Yasu! Sachi! What the hell?!"

The teen blinked and looked up at the opened door, where an irate Cam stood, alternating glares from him to the room right next door.

"What happened to you guys?" the older man said worriedly. "I lost all contact with you and couldn't reach you. Where were you?"

Yasutake sighed. "Well…"

---

Morningstar vs. Diana

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Diana

As she controls no monsters, Diana Special Summons VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile (1200/600/3) from her hand in Attack Position. As she controls a "VirtuaBeast" monster, Diana Special Summons VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk (1600/200/4) in Attack Position. If Code Crocodile would be used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, it counts as 2 Link Materials. Diana uses Hacked Hawk and Code Crocodile treated as 2 Link Materials to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore (2300/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Hacked Hawk was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Diana Special Summons 1 VirtuaBeast Token (0/0/1) to Malware Manticore's bottom-left Link Marker in Defense Position. As a monster was Special Summoned to her zone it points to, Diana activates Malware Manticore's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY in Attack Position with its effects negated. She Special Summons Code Crocodile (1200/600/3). Diana Normal Summons VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture (1400/800/3). Diana uses Code Crocodile, Vaccine Vulture, and VirtuaBeast Token to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur (2200/3/←↓→) to Malware Manticore's bottom-left Link Marker. As Vaccine Vulture was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Diana draws 1 card.

Diana activates the Link Spell Card Salvation Arrows (↖↑↗) at Chrome Centaur's bottom Link Marker. Link Monsters linked to Salvation Arrows are unaffected by Morningstar's card effects. If Salvation Arrows leaves the field, all monsters it points to are returned to the owner's hands. Diana Sets 1 card. She ends her turn.

Turn 2: Morningstar

Morningstar draws. As Diana controls a monster and he doesn't, he Special Summons Cyspirit Swordsman (1200/900/3) in Attack Position. As Swordsman was Special Summoned, Morningstar can add 1 "Cyspirit" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Prisoner to his hand. Morningstar uses Swordsman to Link Summon Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller (500/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. He activates Cacophonic Caller's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Cyspirit" monster from his Deck to its Link Marker in Attack Position. He Special Summons Cyspirit Coder (0/0/1) to Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker. Morningstar uses Coder and Cacophonic Caller to Link Summon Cyspirit Mad Mongrel (2000/2/↑↓) to Malware Manticore's top Link Marker. Morningstar activates the effect of Coder in his GY, banishing it and targeting Mad Mongrel. Until the end of the turn, Mad Mongrel is treated as pointing to a number of monsters equal to its Link Rating. Diana activates her Skill, Transcendent Link, which lets her Link Summon using monsters on her field as material. Diana uses Link-3 Chrome Centaur and Link-3 Malware Manticore to Overlimit Link Summon VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera (3300/6/←↙↑↓↘→) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker.

As Cryptograph Chimera was Link Summoned, its effect activates, and Diana targets Salvation Arrows. While Cryptograph Chimera is face-up on the field, Morningstar cannot target Salvation Arrows with card effects, and Salvation Arrows cannot be destroyed by card effects. As there is a Cyberse Link Monster on the field, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Prisoner (1600/2100/5) in Attack Position. Morningstar uses Prisoner and Link-2 Mad Mongrel to Link Summon Cyspirit Pied Pikeman (2400/3/↙↑→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Prisoner was used to Link Summon a "Cyspirit" Link Monster, Morningstar can add 1 "Cyspirit" from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Gift to his hand. Morningstar activates the Spell Card Cyspirit Gift, which lets him discard 1 "Cyspirit" card to draw 2 cards. He discards Cyspirit Miner and draws. Morningstar Normal Summons Cyspirit Sorceress (1400/400/4). Since Sorceress was Normal Summoned, Morningstar can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Cyspirit" monster from his GY in Attack Position. He Special Summons Miner (1700/100/4) to Pied Pikeman's bottom-left Link Marker. Morningstar activates Pied Pikeman's effect, changing Miner to Defense Position to target and destroy Diana's Set VirtuaBeast Entrapment. Morningstar overlays the Level 4 Miner and Sorceress to Xyz Summon Cyspirit Martial Mameluke (2800/2300/4) to Pied Pikeman's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. As Martial Mameluke was Xyz Summoned using only "Cyspirit" monsters as material, all cards in Diana's Spell & Trap Zone are returned to her Deck. Since Morningstar activated a monster effect, Diana activates the effect of the Counter Trap Card VirtuaBeast Entrapment in her GY, banishing it to do so. The activation of Martial Mameluke's effect is negated, Martial Mameluke's effects are negated, and neither player can Link Summon Link-4 or higher Link Monsters until Morningstar's next Standby Phase. Morningstar Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 3: Diana

Diana draws. She activates the Equip Spell Card VirtuaBeast Claws and equips it to Cryptograph Chimera. Cryptograph Chimera can attack twice during the Battle Phase, and when it battles, Morningstar cannot activate any Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step.

Cryptograph Chimera attacks Pied Pikeman. As the linked Cryptograph Chimera is battling Morningstar's Special Summoned monster, it gains ATK equal to its original ATK during damage calculation (Cryptograph Chimera: 3300→6600). As his "Cyspirit" monster is battling, Morningstar activates the effect of Cyspirit Praetor in his hand, sending it to the GY to make the ATK of all "Cyspirit" monsters he controls double their original ATK, but Diana takes no battle damage for the rest of the turn (Martial Mameluke: 2800→5600) (Pied Pikeman: 2400→4800). The attack continues and Pied Pikeman is destroyed (Morningstar: 4000→2200 LP) (Cryptograph Chimera: 6600→3300). Cryptograph Chimera attacks Martial Mameluke (Cryptograph Chimera: 3300→6600). Martial Mameluke is destroyed (Morningstar: 2200→1200 LP) (Cryptograph Chimera: 6600→3300). Diana ends her turn.

Turn 4: Morningstar

Morningstar draws. He performs a Skill Switch, then activates his Skill Cyspirit Reincarnation, which lets him banish 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster from his GY, then Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster from his Extra Deck with an equal or lower Link Rating and treat it as having been Link Summoned. Morningstar banishes Mad Mongrel and Special Summons Cyspirit Underrated Umpire (1200/2/↙↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Morningstar Normal Summons Cyspirit Resonator (1000/1000/2). As Resonator was Normal Summoned, Morningstar can Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" monster from his GY in Defense Position with its effects negated, then change that monster's Level to between 1 and 4. He Special Summons Cyspirit Swordsman (1200/900/3) and declares Level 2 (Swordsman: 3→2). Morningstar tunes Level 2 Resonator to Level 2 Swordsman to Synchro Summon Cyspirit Elegant Eagle (1800/900/4) to Underrated Umpire's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. As Elegant Eagle was Synchro Summoned, Morningstar can Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" monster from his GY in Defense Position and change that monster's Level to between 1 and 4. Morningstar Special Summons Resonator (1000/1000/2) and declares Level 4 (Resonator: 2→4). Morningstar tunes Level 4 Resonator to Level 4 Elegant Eagle to Synchro Summon Cyspirit Cosmic Crusader (2800/2300/8) to Underrated Umpire's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. As Cosmic Crusader was Synchro Summoned, Morningstar can banish 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster from his GY and increase Cosmic Crusader's ATK by half of that monster's ATK. He banishes Pied Pikeman (Cosmic Crusader: 2800→4000). Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Linker (1700/800/4) to Underrated Umpire's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cosmic Crusader attacks Cryptograph Chimera (Cryptograph Chimera: 3300→6600). The first time itself or a monster linked to Underrated Umpire would be destroyed, it is not destroyed, and Morningstar takes no damage from that battle (Cryptograph Chimera: 6600→3300). As it points to 2 monsters, Morningstar activates Underrated Umpire's effect, letting him Tribute 1 monster he controls and target a monster that battled this turn. That monster gains ATK equal to its original ATK and can attack again in a row. Morningstar Tributes Linker and targets Cosmic Crusader (Cosmic Crusader: 4000→6800). Morningstar activates the Trap Card Cyspirit Force, which lets him banish 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster from his field or GY, then increase the ATK of 1 "Cyspirit" monster he controls by that monster's Link Rating x 1000 until the end of the turn, but Diana can only take battle damage from battles involving that monster this turn. He banishes Underrated Umpire from his field and targets Cosmic Crusader (Cosmic Crusader: 6800→8800). Cosmic Crusader attacks Cryptograph Chimera (Cryptograph Chimera: 3300→6600). As his "Cyspirit" monster is battling, Morningstar activates Elegant Eagle's effect in the GY, banishing it to double all battle damage Diana takes from battles involving "Cyspirit" monsters this turn. Cryptograph Chimera is destroyed (Diana: 4000→0 LP). Morningstar wins.

---

Diana:

VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile
Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1200 DEF 600 Level: 3
If you control no monsters, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile" once per turn this way. If this card is used for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can treat this card as 2 Link Materials.

VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk
Attribute: WIND Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1600 DEF 200 Level: 4
If you control a "VirtuaBeast" monster: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, you can Special Summon 1 "VirtuaBeast Token" (Cyberse/WIND/Level 1/ATK 0 DEF 0). You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
2+ "VirtuaBeast" monsters
If a monster is Special Summoned to your zone this card points to: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster in your GY; Special Summon it in Attack Position with its effects negated. If this card points to a "VirtuaBeast" monster, you can target 1 monster your opponent controls; until the end of the turn, its ATK is halved and its effects are negated. You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture
Attribute: WIND Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3
If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can draw 1 card. If your "VirtuaBeast" monster would be destroyed by your opponent's card: You can banish this card from your GY instead. You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2200 LINK-3 ←↓→
2+ "VirtuaBeast" monsters
"VirtuaBeast" monsters linked to this card cannot be destroyed by battle. If a "VirtuaBeast" monster is Special Summoned to this card's Link Marker: You can target that monster; your opponent takes damage equal to that monster's original ATK. This card cannot attack the turn you activate this effect. You can only activate this effect of "VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 3300 LINK-6 ←↙↑↓↘→
2+ "VirtuaBeast" Link Monsters
When this card is Link Summoned: Target 1 card in your Spell & Trap Zone; while this card is face-up on the field, your opponent cannot target that card with card effects, and it cannot be destroyed by card effects. The first time this card would be removed from the field by a card effect each turn, it is not removed. If this linked card battles an opponent's Special Summoned monster, during damage calculation: This card gains ATK equal to its original ATK during that damage calculation only.

Salvation Arrows Link Spell Card ↖↑↗
Link Monsters this card points to are unaffected by your opponent's card effects. When this card leaves the field while it points to a (monster), return those monsters to their owner's hand(s). You can only control 1 "Salvation Arrows", and only in your Spell & Trap Zone a Link Monster points to.

VirtuaBeast Entrapment Counter Trap Card
When your opponent activates a monster effect while you control a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: Negate the activation of that effect, and if you do, that monster's effects are negated and neither player can Link Summon Link-4 or higher Link Monsters until your opponent's next Standby Phase. If you control a Link-3 or higher "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, you can activate the above effect by banishing this card from your GY. You can only activate "VirtuaBeast Entrapment" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Claws Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a "VirtuaBeast" monster you control. The equipped monster can make a second attack during each Battle Phase this turn. If the equipped monster battles, your opponent cannot activate any Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step.

Morningstar:

Cyspirit Praetor
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 2600 DEF 1500 Level: 8
When your "Cyspirit" monster battles: You can send this card from your hand or field to the GY; the ATK of all "Cyspirit" monsters you control becomes equal to double their original ATK until the end of the turn. The turn you activate this effect, your opponent takes no battle damage.

Cyspirit Underrated Umpire
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 1200 LINK-2 ↙↓
2 Level 5 or higher "Cyspirit" monsters
This Link Summoned card gains these effects depending on the number of monsters it points to.
-1 or more: The first time this card or monsters linked to this card would be destroyed by battle each turn, they are not destroyed and you take no battle damage.
-2: Once per turn (Quick Effect): Tribute 1 monster you control and target 1 monster that battled this turn; that monster gains ATK equal to its original ATK and can attack once again in a row. This card cannot declare an attack the turn you activate this effect.

Cyspirit Elegant Eagle
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Synchro/Effect] ATK 1800 DEF 900 LVL: 4
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
If this card is Synchro Summoned, you can: Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" monster from your GY in Defense Position, then declare a Level between 1 and 4; that monster becomes that Level until the end of the turn. The turn you activate this effect, you cannot Special Summon monsters, except "Cyspirit" monsters. When your "Cyspirit" monster battles, you can banish this card from your GY (Quick Effect); all battle damage your opponent takes from battles involving "Cyspirit" monsters you control is doubled until the end of the turn. You can only activate each effect of "Cyspirit Elegant Eagle" once per turn.

Cyspirit Force Normal Trap Card
Target 1 "Cyspirit" monster you control and banish 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster from your field or GY; the targeted monster gains ATK equal to the banished monster's Link Rating x 1000 until the end of the turn. Your opponent takes no battle damage this turn, except from battles involving the targeted monster. You can only activate "Cyspirit Force" once per turn.

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Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 49 – The First Infinity. Having fled from Playmaker, Bohman and Haru attempt to rendezvous with Lightning, but Jester places himself in their path. Challenging the 3rd generation AI to a duel, the Enforcer finally reveals his true power…

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Question of the Chapter

What's your opinion on Overlimit Link Summoning, both as a summoning method and its animation?

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Author's Notes

To those who noticed, I decided to alter the format of the original cards list so it shows who used which cards, like SakushiRyu does for VRAINS Overdrive. I hope this makes it easier to understand for everyone.

Four main things to discuss. Let's start with the VirtuaBeast Deck. First, a quick thank you to JaneValentine007, who came up with the name VirtuaBeast and helped me come up with the designs, names, and effects. Appearance-wise, the monsters are machines that project holograms of animals around them. They all have alliterative names, like the Cyspirits, but these names make references to computer programming and software. If anyone would like to suggest names, please do; I'm not too good on computer terms. The Main Deck monsters are all regular animals in the world, while the Extra Deck monsters are all mythological in nature. Playstyle-wise, the Deck is meant to be a Link version of the Tech Genus Deck, focusing on rapid Link Summoning and eventually, the Overlimit Link Summoning.

This is my second talking point: Overlimit Link Summoning, which is basically the summoning of a Link-6 or higher monster and Link Summoning's version of Accel Synchro Summoning in this fic. I came up with this concept long before Ai introduced The Arrival Cyberse Ignister, before even season 2 ended. And if Ai summons The Arrival Cyberse in Hidden Memories, then it will be an Overlimit Link Monster. The name itself is a reference to overclocking, which is forcing a computer to run a faster clock rate than the manufacturer recommends. When Playmaker and Ai faced Bohman the last time, they said that prior to that duel, Link-5 monsters didn't exist. They do in this fic, but there are only three of them. Therefore, making a Link-6 monster is forcing the Link circuit to go beyond its limits, and forcing through a great deal of power. That's why there's only 1 Link-6 monster at the moment, and only in the hands of the Gold Ignis.

This is my third talking point: The Gold Ignis, or Goldie as she has been named. As Cypher has said before, Goldie is the single strongest Ignis. I hoped to show this by having her be in possession of her own unique Link Spell Card, which offers protection effects instead of increased attack points, and her being able to make a Link-6 monster. Yes, I know Ai did the same thing, but he needed Bohman's program to do it, and that required the power of all six Ignis. Goldie is able to make such a monster on her own, and while its effects aren't as immediately powerful as The Arrival Cyberse, they are still good. But while Goldie is the strongest Ignis, she also has one of the biggest personal flaws: Guilt.

In this story, Goldie serves as a foil of sorts to Lightning. They are both powerful, intelligent Ignis whose motives remain a mystery at this point in the story, but there are significant differences between them. The first contrast between them is their treatment of their origins in the Lost Incident; the two of them are the only ones who interacted significantly with the children. But whereas Lightning tempted Jin with thoughts of rescue before tearing them away to drive him to despair, Goldie showed Sachi the other children. Goldie wanted to comfort Sachi by showing she wasn't alone, but the other children's suffering hurt her instead, and turned her into the state she was in for most of season 1. This is the contrast between Goldie and Lightning: both of them hurt their origins, but whereas Lightning did it for cruelty or curiosity, treating Jin like a toy, Goldie did it by accident, not understanding how empathy worked. And unlike Lightning, who feels no regret for what he did, Goldie feels immense guilt for hurting Sachi, and that is why she refuses to work with her origin now; she's afraid she'll hurt Sachi again while also feeling like she doesn't deserve to be with her. That same guilt is what made her distant to her fellow Ignis, with the exceptions of Cypher and Lightning, as Ai stated in Chapter 43. And that guilt is why she refuses to involve Cypher and Morningstar in her fight, as she's afraid for them. Luckily, this guilt doesn't stop her from helping the heroes. First by giving Morningstar Salvation Arrows, which we'll see more of later. And second, by telling them the name of the enemy group: Ouroboros.

This is the last thing I wanted to discuss: The group that Jester and Zahhak belong to is Ouroboros. More than a few people caught it when I mentioned Dr. Weissmann in Chapter 44. To those who don't know, Ouroboros is the main antagonist group in the Kiseki series, a series of JRPGs that are part of the Legend of Heroes title, with Dr. Weissmann being one of the leaders and the main villain of the first two games in the series, while Enforcers are basically their most powerful agents. To be clear, this isn't a fusion fic; I'm only borrowing the name and structure of the organization, with some changes to help fit it into the Yu-Gi-Oh! verse. None of the Enforcers from the games will be appearing, though they might serve as inspiration for the characterizations of some Enforcers, who will all be OCs. As for who Jester's and Zahhak's boss is, well… go on ahead to Chapter 49.

Thank you for reading Chapter 48! I hope you were surprised by Overlimit Link Summoning and Salvation Arrows. And I hope Ouroboros's name was a decent surprise for some. Since I'm releasing this on the same day as Chapter 49, please go on ahead!