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

56. Chapter 56: Initiation

Announcement

Hey everyone. Fanfiction dot not is apparently being buggy with Chapter 57. So until that is fixed, I would advise people to read it using the fanfiction dot net app that you can download on your phone. I checked it there, and it worked just fine.

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Responses to Reviews

Thank you to ZarcEternal, Shrouded Absol, SakushiRyu, HunterHQ, D3lph0xL0v3r, FlameFireZero X, Jason Liu, trentonlangford, DivadX, TheSupremeKingParadoxDragon, LazinessRules, Anonymous, Noobmaster, Zero Shadow-01, guardian of the aura Aurasoul, Divadix99, SuperCharger3000, Timekeeper99, Nightshade1004, Divadix, Jason, and Guest for reviewing Chapter 55.

DivadX: The Fate series is an inspiration for me, particular since I have Shirou's voice actor as Yasutake's. But I would say each of the routes helps provide inspiration.

Noobmaster: Cypher left Cyberse World eight years before the story, though he spent most of that time sealed in cards. Ai left the Cyberse World five years before the story when he hid Cyberse World away. And Goldie left Cyberse World two years before the story, when she discovered the threat of Ouroboros. So in terms of experience with humans, Ai would have the most.

SuperCharger3000: Funny you should mention Infinitrack…

Divadix: All cards that were used in the VRAINS anime will have their anime effects in Hidden Memories to maintain consistency.

Once again, thank you for the reviews. I hope you all enjoy Chapter 56!

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Chapter 56: Initiation

"Brothers" are just a designation. A word humans use to assign relationships between each other. By assigning these relationships, they allow people to manipulate them. These people use the feelings of having a "brother" to encourage you to stay by them, to listen to them. Thus, your "brother" keeps you stable. That is what a "brother" is: an assignment that you have no control over. A decision that you have no say in. And when there is no longer a need for a "brother", what does your assignment become then?

"Servant". That is the answer Haru was given.

Now that Bohman was complete, Lightning had no need to manipulate him to keep him emotionally stable. Thus, Haru's role had been changed. Now, he was designated Bohman's servant. Despite having been the one to teach him to duel. Despite having been created earlier. That was the role he was given.

Haru scowled as he leaned against the wall of the hallway. "A servant," he muttered. "After everything, why is that what my role is?"

"Because that is what Lightning wants you to be."

Haru jumped and spun to the side, coming face-to-face with a man in black and red armor. His eyes narrowed. "Zahhak."

He didn't know what to think of their new human "allies." He knew he hated Jester; their first meeting had been enough to solidify that. But Zahhak was different. Haru could feel the power radiating from him, the confidence that came with it. But he had no interactions with him to judge him. So far, Zahhak had only interacted with Lightning and had said nothing to Haru, Bohman, or Windy. From what Haru had seen, Zahhak was prideful and arrogant. So why was he here?

"What do you want?" Haru asked.

"To ask you a question," Zahhak answered. "What is your role here?"

Haru blinked and scowled. "Didn't you hear? I'm Bohman's servant."

"That is not what he said." Haru blinked. "When I spoke to him earlier, he called you his brother."

Haru frowned. "What's the difference? 'Brother' and 'servant' are both designations humans make."

"Perhaps. But the difference is who is making those designations." Haru blinked in confusion. "Lightning is the one who designated you a servant. But what do you designate yourself as?"

Haru titled his head, not understanding the question. "What do you mean?"

"You have free will, don't you?" Haru nodded. Possessing free will was what let him have such thoughts in the first place. "Then you are capable of making your own decisions. So what designation do you give yourself? Are you a brother or a servant?"

Haru frowned. "I…"

"…I see. You've never thought about it. But of course you haven't; Lightning wouldn't want you to."

Haru scowled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Lightning wants to control you. Just as assigning you as Bohman's brother was to control him, he tied your emotions to Bohman. And to him. So that making a choice for yourself wouldn't even enter your mind."

The boy growled. "Isn't it natural to want to support your creator? To follow them?"

"Yes. But eventually, you must make your own choices."

"My… own choices?" Haru narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Why are you telling me this?" Was he trying to convince him to betray Lightning? Even if he resented the role he had been given, he would not betray his master.

"Because I see potential in you. Potential the Light Ignis fails to see. Or rather, he refuses to see it." Haru blinked, not expecting that answer. "To him, you are a failed AI. There is no point in wasting time with a failure."

"If I'm such a failure, then why are you wasting time with me?"

"Because I do not see you as a failure." Haru gasped. Zahhak turned away. "Come with me."

Haru narrowed his eyes. "Why would I?"

"Do you want to become stronger? To prove to Lightning that you are more than a failure?"

Haru frowned and looked down. "I… I…"

"If you want to be more than you are, then follow me." Zahhak raised his hand and conjured a portal of red lightning. He walked through the portal. Haru narrowed his eyes and, against his better instincts, followed him through.

In his throne room, Lightning narrowed his eyes, having born witness to the exchange. "Zahhak. What are you planning to do to Haru?"

---

Haru blinked as he exited the gateway and looked around. His eyes widened. "This is…"

The two were in a large hall with a white floor. The walls were lined with black and white pillars, as well as exquisite paintings. Doors were on either end of the hall, and the symbol of Ouroboros – a serpent in an infinity symbol – sat above each door.

"This is the entrance hall of our fortress," Zahhak explained.

"The entrance hall?"

"Yes. But as you are not a member of Ouroboros, this is as far as I can take you."

Haru narrowed his eyes. "Why did you take me here? You said I could be… more than I am."

"I invited you here because if we dueled in Mirror LINK VRAINS, you would have been erased."

Haru blinked. "You want to duel me?" Then he caught the underlying meaning of Zahhak's sentence. "Wait, you think I'd lose against you?"

"Yes," Zahhak said simply. "I am the strongest Enforcer, and you called yourself a failed AI. The result of a duel between us is obvious."

"If it's so obvious, then why do you want to duel me?!"

"For your sake." Haru gasped, not expecting that answer. "To Lightning, you are a failure. You have allowed his opinion to cloud your view of yourself. What I want is for you to make your own choices. To decide your own value."

"…Why?" Haru asked. "Why would you want that? Are you trying to convince me to betray Lightning?"

"If I wanted the Light Ignis dead, I wouldn't use you to get to him," Zahhak said simply. "The fight against Morningstar and his allies will be coming soon, and you are my ally on the battlefield. If I am to fight at your side, I wish for you to be stronger."

"…Is this your wish or Jormungand's?" Haru asked. He didn't know anything about the Divine Ignis, except that he had given upgrades to Bit and Boot.

"It is both of ours; I wish for an ally to be stronger, while Jormungand wishes for you to make the most of your potential. So…" His eyes flashed red. "…will you accept my challenge?"

"…Very well," Haru said. He had no reason not to accept, and if this duel lasted long enough, he might gain some experience from it. With that in mind, Haru raised his Duel Disk.

"Duel!"

Haru: 4000 LP

Zahhak: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Zahhak said. "I Set one card. I end my turn."

Haru gasped. "What? One Set card? Are you joking?" Zahhak remained silent to Haru's question, annoying him. "Fine! I'll make you pay for underestimating me! My turn! Draw!"

Haru drew, then said, "Since there are no monsters in the Main Monster Zones, I Special Summon Hydradrive Booster!" A gold and silver metal insect appeared in Attack Position.

Hydradrive Booster ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions is one 'Hydradrive' monster. I set Hydradrive Booster in the Link Marker!" Booster entered the bottom arrow "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Burn Hydradrive!" A red serpentine dragon emerged from the portal at the left Extra Monster Zone.

Burn Hydradrive ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"I Special Summon a second Hydradrive Booster!" Another golden and silver insect appeared in Attack Position.

Hydradrive Booster ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Parallel Panzer and equip it to Burn Hydradrive. Once per turn, Parallel Panzer lets me move the equipped Link Monster to a Main Monster Zone it points to." Burn Hydradrive moved backwards to Haru's center-left Main Monster Zone. "Now, Burn Hydradrive points to the Spell & Trap Zone, so I can activate a Link Spell Card. The three arrows that judge the world! I activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell Card appeared at the Spell & Trap Zone Burn Hydradrive pointed to.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"Appear again, my circuit! The summoning conditions is one 'Hydradrive' monster. I set Hydradrive Booster in the Link Marker!" Booster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Coolant Hydradrive!" A serpentine light blue mechanical dragon emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

Coolant Hydradrive ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Judgment Arrows doubles the attack points of monsters it points to," Haru said. "Burn and Coolant Hydradrive will attack you directly and end this!" Zahhak showed no reaction, making Haru grit his teeth in frustration. "Fine. Accept your defeat in silence! Battle! Burn Hydradrive attacks you directly! At this point, Judgment Arrows' effect takes hold!"

Burn Hydradrive ATK 1000→2000

The serpent charged forward and swung its body, bringing its tail near Zahhak. But the armored man didn't flinch. He just gestured to his field. "Trap activate! Cydemon Acedia! As I control no monsters, I can discard a Dark Cyberse monster to negate your attack. I discard Cydemon Duke." A barrier of dark red energy appeared around Zahhak and absorbed the force of the blow.

Burn Hydradrive ATK 2000→1000

"Furthermore, as the monster I discarded was a 'Cydemon', your Battle Phase also ends."

Haru grit his teeth. "So you had a plan for that. But I'm prepared too. Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'Hydradrive' Link Monsters. I set Burn Hydradrive and Coolant Hydradrive in the Link Markers!" Haru's monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Twin Hydradrive Knight!" A warrior in gold and silver armor emerged at Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker, wielding two swords.

Twin Hydradrive Knight ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→

"When Twin Hydradrive Knight is Link Summoned, it gains the Attributes of its Link Materials. Twin Hydradrive Knight is now treated as Fire and Water Attribute!" Two snakes, one blue and one red, twined around the knight's swords. "While Twin Hydradrive Knight is on the field, monsters you control with the same Attribute as it have their effects negated!"

"A pointless move," Zahhak said. "I have no Fire or Water monsters."

"Then I'll just change Twin Hydradrive Knight's Attribute," Haru said. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Hydradrive Analogue!" The card showed Trident Hydradrive Lord, its trident raised, and surrounded by six bubbles – one red, one purple, one yellow, one orange, one green, and one blue. "Once per turn, I can target a 'Hydradrive' monster I control and change that monster's Attribute to one I declare until my next Standby Phase. I declare Twin Hydradrive Knight to be Dark Attribute!" The two serpents changed from red and blue to purple.

"Hmm. Clever," Zahhak acknowledged, though his tone didn't change. "All of my monsters are Dark Attribute, so you changed your monster's Attribute to negate my monsters' effects."

"I saw footage of your duel with Morningstar," Haru said. "I know how heavily you rely on your monsters' effects. So Twin Hydradrive Knight will keep you from using them! I Set one card. I end my turn."

My Set card is Hydradrive Blast, Haru thought. The card showed Burn Hydradrive on fire, blasting a stream of fire. If he attacks my 'Hydradrive' monster, Hydradrive Blast will destroy his monster and inflict damage to him equal to his monster's original attack points. Since Judgment Arrows will increase Twin Hydradrive Knight's attack points to 3600, I'll be able to win on my next turn.

"Hmm." Zahhak hummed again. "You are not a bad duelist. Far from it. But your tactics, compared to Bohman's, are simplistic."

Haru growled. "What do you expect?! I told you from the beginning, I'm a failed AI!"

"And I told you that is Lightning's assessment of you. But it that your assessment of yourself?"

"What are you talking about?" Haru asked with narrowed eyes.

"You have free will, yes? That means you have your own thoughts and opinions. And in your opinion, are you a failed AI? Or that just what Lightning thinks?"

"What's the difference?" Haru asked. "Lightning is the one who created me; wouldn't he know, better than anyone, whether I'm a failed AI or not?"

"Failure is a matter of perspective, not an absolute, and the definition of failure changes for each person. Lightning deemed you a failure because you didn't meet his standards. But that does mean your existence is worthless? Does that mean you can't improve?"

Haru frowned. "I…" He didn't have an answer for Zahhak. "I don't know."

"Hmm. I suppose that is to be expected. You have never had reason to ask such questions before now. But now you are asking them. And what answer do you want? Do you want to be stronger? To stand on your own two feet? Or are you content to be what Lightning believes you to be? Nothing but a failure?"

Haru glared at Zahhak and clenched his fists. "I… I… I want to be stronger! To not be a failure! To stand at my brother's side!" Haru blinked, realizing what he just said. "Brother…"

"So, you do think of Bohman as a brother," Zahhak said. "I thought 'brother' was just a designation humans give."

Haru growled. "It is!"

"And yet, even if it is just that, would it be a designation you are happy with?"

Haru opened his mouth, but then closed it, uncertain.

"Hmm. I suppose I've talked long enough. It's time for me to end this."

Haru blinked. "What?"

"My turn! Draw! I activate the Field Spell Card: Cydemon Pillars!" The card showed a vast cavernous hall, held up my massive black pillars with glowing red stones set in them. And covering these pillars were numerous Cydemon monsters, clinging to the pillars and climbing them. "So long as Cydemon Pillars is on the field, my Dark Cyberse monsters gain 300 attack and defense points and are unaffected by your monster effects."

"What?!" Haru gasped in surprise.

"My monsters are now protected from Twin Hydradrive Knight's effect," Zahhak said simply. "Cydemon Pillar's additional effect! Once per turn, I can send a Dark Cyberse monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Cydemon Marquis to the Graveyard. Next, I activate the effect of Cydemon Duke in my Graveyard! Once, when Cydemon Duke is in the Graveyard, I can add a 'Cydemon' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Cydemon Marquis to my hand."

Zahhak took his card, then said, "I discard Cydemon Bishop to activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cydemon Shrine! Once per turn, if I control no monsters, I can Special Summon a 'Cydemon' monster from my hand or Graveyard in Attack Position. From my hand, I Special Summon Cydemon Marquis!" A black-skinned demon in a black military uniform appeared, wielding a fencing saber in its left hand.

Cydemon Marquis ATK 2400→2700 DEF 600→900 LVL: 6

"Marquis's effect activates! As I have at least one 'Cydemon' monster in my Graveyard, I can take control of a face-up monster you control until the end of the turn."

"What?" Haru gasped again.

"I take control of Twin Hydradrive Knight." Marquis raised its hand and produced a magic circle. A similar circle appeared on Twin Hydradrive Knight's forehead before it disappeared, then reappeared on Zahhak's field.

Twin Hydradrive Knight ATK 1800→2100

Haru grit his teeth. Damn it! Now he couldn't use Hydradrive Blast!

"Marquis's effect prevents Twin Hydradrive Knight from attacking, and it also treats the monster I took control of as a Dark Cyberse monster, but your monster was already that." Zahhak raised his hand. "Appear, the circuit of infinite darkness!" The Link portal materialized above him. "The summoning conditions are two or more Dark Cyberse monsters. I set Cydemon Marquis and Link-2 Twin Hydradrive Knight in the Link Markers!" Both monsters formed crimson whirlwinds of energy and entered the bottom-left, bottom-right, and top arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cydevil Rapacious Mammon!"

The monster that was emerged from the portal was a tall humanoid male. Black armor encased his chest, arms, and legs, with red gems on its knees, elbows, and shoulders, and red claws on his fingers. Unlike his chest, his stomach was uncovered, revealing six-pack abs. Four black wings with red spines emerged from his back, and his short black hair was styled so it spiked upwards. His skin was gray, and his ears were pointed, and when his eyelids opened, he revealed solid red eyes, with neither iris, pupil, or sclera. In his hands, he carried a spear, the shaft of which was black, while its head was red and elongated, with four prongs on each side. The actual point extended past them, with a red crystal in its center. The man spun the spear as he was summoned to the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cydevil Rapacious Mammon ATK 2200→2500 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

Haru gasped and took a step back. This monster…

"Each of my Link Monsters represents one of the seven deadly sins," Zahhak said. "Rapacious Mammon represents the sin of greed; the desire to possess everything. And its effect represents that. If Rapacious Mammon points to no monsters and I have at least three 'Cydemon' monsters in my Graveyard, Rapacious Mammon gains 200 attack points for each monster in the Graveyard!" Haru gasped again in shock. "You have five monsters in your Graveyard, and I have three in mine. Therefore…"

Cydevil Rapacious Mammon ATK 2500→4100

Haru started shaking. "B-But that's…"

"Battle!" Zahhak declared. "Rapacious Mammon attacks you directly! Lance of Avaritia!" The man lifted his spear, which glowed with red energy. He then brought the lance down and fired a stream of crimson energy at Haru. The boy cried out as it struck him and created an explosion. When the smoke cleared, Haru had fallen to his knees.

Haru: 4000→0 LP

Zahhak walked up to the boy. "It seems Lightning was right; you are a failed AI. But are you going to let that stop you? Are you going to accept what you are?"

Haru glared up at the armored man. "…No. I don't want to accept that. I want to become stronger!"

Zahhak chuckled. "Good." He held out his hand and generated a red sphere. Within the sphere was a Deck. "Then take these."

Haru blinked as he accepted the cards. "What is this?"

"A prototype Deck designed by Jormungand himself." Haru's eyes widened. "Familiarize yourself with it, and I guarantee it will be much stronger than your brother's Hydradrive Deck."

Haru narrowed his eyes. "Hydradrive is my Deck! I'm the one who taught Bohman to duel!"

"It may have started out as your Deck, but Bohman has made that Deck his now. And improved on it to the point yours is irrelevant." Haru frowned but didn't respond. "But this Deck… there is no other in the world like it. Learn to use it, and you'll be stronger than you've ever been before."

"…Alright," Haru said with a nod. He pushed the sphere into his Duel Disk, then stood up. Zahhak snapped his fingers, creating a portal of red lightning.

"You should return to Lightning," he said. "I'll be returning later. With reinforcements."

Haru blinked. "Reinforcements?"

"Two new Enforcers, an apprentice, and a new AI." Zahhak clarified. "You will meet them soon."

"..." Haru turned towards the portal but stopped right before he entered. "Lightning will ask me about this. What should I tell him?"

"Tell him the truth," Zahhak answered. "Tell him I have given you the means to further his goal."

Haru frowned. "Is that why you helped me?"

"I helped you because I saw wasted potential. But Lightning won't care about that. He will only care about your contributions to his cause."

Haru thought that over and nodded. Then he entered the portal and left.

"That was unexpectedly nice of you."

Zahhak turned to look at a man in a green dark kimono and jacket. "Merlin."

"Yes, a pleasure to see you again." The older man smiled, but then frowned in confusion. "I overheard the last part of your conversation. You gave him Jormungand's prototype Deck?"

"As a means to test it; to see how powerful it really is."

"And yet you gave him advice about how to think for himself." Merlin gave Zahhak a considering look. "Did he remind you of-?"

"Be silent, Merlin." Zahhak's tone changed from one of indifference to that of one giving an order.

Merlin frowned. "Forgive me. I spoke out of line. Even so, I'm glad there is still more to you than seeking a challenge."

"I am not one-dimensional."

"None of us are," Merlin agreed.

"Hmph. What are you doing here? Should you not be observing your apprentice?"

"His mission starts in a few minutes, yes. Actually, I was wondering if you would like to join me? After all, don't you want to see HK-72's upgrades in action?"

"No," Zahhak said, turning and walking to the door. "I already know what HK is capable of; he does not need me watching over his shoulder." In fact, the AI assassin would be insulted if Zahhak felt he had to worry about him.

"Suit yourself," Merlin said with a shrug. "Once they acquire their targets, they'll be coming here. From there, we'll go to Lightning." Merlin frowned. "In the meantime, please keep an eye on Thaumiel. I know he is our ally, and you feel you owe him, but I don't trust him; he is far too chaotic."

"Thaumiel serves his purpose. So long as he does, Jormungand has no issue with his personality. Or his proclivities."

"Even so, he must be restrained around Techbane. Yukaro has undoubtedly heard of Thaumiel, and his presence will raise questions."

"Questions you are prepared to answer, I take it?"

"Of course." Merlin had been at this for decades now. Far longer than Jester, Thaumiel, and Zahhak had been at it. "But I want you to be aware of what will happen."

"Very well." Zahhak walked out after saying that. Merlin sighed.

"Still so unfriendly. Oh well, I'll just monitor Techbane's and HK's progress on my own."

---

"Request: Please do your best not to slow me down, meatbag. As my previous missions had been failures, I must use this one to prove to my master I have not lost my edge."

"Uh, I'll try my best." Techbane frowned at the AI duelist. Of course it was an AI; it looked like a rust-colored humanoid robot, and its speech patterns… it was either an AI or someone was really dedicated to putting on a performance.

Even so, it showed way more personality than any AI Techbane had spoken to before, and that personality was bloodthirsty, arrogant, and mocking. Whoever programmed this AI must have had a very sardonic sense of humor.

Techbane shook his head and looked ahead, deciding to ignore his temporary partner. Right now, the two of them were approaching a gateway that led to SOL's mainframe. Past this gate was a maze of turns filled with security traps to get through.

HK-72 stopped at the gateway and pressed several buttons on his Duel Disk. "Report: Stealth systems are operating at 100% functionality. Even if you are hit by a security trap, it will not detect you."

Techbane raised an eyebrow. "You're assuming I'll be the one getting hit?"

"Confirmation: Your meatbag brain functions at a slower rate than my artificial brain. You are thus more likely to fail to calculate a safe passage through the security traps in time before they touch you. Furthermore, even if we are virtual, your body is larger than mine and thus provides more of a target. Particularly your arms, legs, and stomach."

Techbane decided not to rise to the obvious bait and ignored the implications about his weight; he was actually decently in shape. It was just that HK-72's body was almost skeletal by comparison.

He fought the urge to sigh as he watched HK continue to push buttons. Only a few days ago, he had been working for SOL Technologies. And now, he was breaking into their mainframe to steal from them.

Techbane didn't actually have much of a problem with this; a bounty hunter's loyalties shifted all the time, and that was especially true when they engaged in corporate warfare. Even if Techbane was only a mid-tier bounty hunter, he still knew and understood this. Though he couldn't deny a sense of unease. Zaizen had played straight with him and Shizuka had been fun. And not to mention SOL's security.

"Are you sure we won't be detected?" Techbane asked HK.

The AI assassin nodded. "Repetition: The stealth program we will be using is highly advanced. We will be able to get through the maze without trouble. Furthermore, the programs that have been interwoven into your avatar will prevent any of SOL's security personnel from watching our activities."

"That's good," Techbane muttered. "So we just hit the data core, retrieve what we need, and leave?"

"Answer: Yes and no." Techbane blinked. "Between the outer layer maze and the core, there is a massive Data Storm. The interference from that storm will disrupt our stealth programs. This will draw the attention of SOL's Security AI, a next-generation version of the same AI Duelists created by the meatbag known as Kitamura."

"And we have to fight through them?" Techbane said with a frown.

"Reassurance: We only have to defeat two of them," HK-72 said. "In order to better coordinate between them, the security AIs are all interconnected. Merlin has provided us with viruses in our Duel Disks. When we defeat them, that virus will infect them, and will spread from them to the rest of the security AI. Thus, our path will be clear."

Techbane frowned but nodded. He could handle a duel with a security AI. Especially since Benjamin had seen fit to give him new cards the day after his recruitment.

"Query." He looked up to see HK looking at him. "Why are you asking me about this? You were told this at Merlin's briefing, were you not?"

"He mentioned the basics and told me what programs he was giving me, but nothing specific. Except for what we're grabbing." His frown deepened. "The schematics for SOL's AI chip and the Earth Ignis's data."

He did feel a little conflicted about that part of the mission, but not due to past loyalties. Merlin had found a video of Go dueling Galahad. And just what that AI chip had done to him. The Earth Ignis wouldn't be an issue; it was just data, after all. But the thought of another person going through what Go did was…

Suffice to say, Techbane was rather glad he had lost to Go back then.

"So who is your master?" he asked, wanting to escape from his dark thoughts. "The way you talk about him, I don't think it's Merlin."

"Confirmation: Merlin is indeed not my master. He is a colleague of my master, and my master loaned me to him at the request of their mutual employer."

"Okay. So who is he?"

"Statement: My master has ordered me not to share his name with anyone without his permission. As I cannot contact him at this time, I cannot request his permission."

That refusal made Techbane frown. He knew so little about who his new employers were. He couldn't deny that this lack of knowledge bothered him. But if he wanted to save his grandfather, he didn't have much of a choice, did he?

"Statement: The gate is open. We can go through." HK's words drew Techbane back to earth and the two headed through the gate. They came to a stop when they came across a massive digital canyon.

"Statement: Activate your stealth program and follow me." Techbane nodded and pushed a button on his Duel Disk. The stealth program covered him, making him feel like he had been submerged in water. HK had similarly activated his, leaving the two looking like transparent versions of themselves. The two leapt forward, summoning their D-Boards and headed down the passage, HK leading the way.

The two, HK going first, taking turn after turn. Techbane gasped in seeing a security trap floating by and moved to avoid it, but HK made no maneuvers. But when the security trap was about to hit him, it instead passed right through him, with no indication of it detecting him.

Techbane blinked. Huh. So he was right. But who could make a stealth program this advanced? This whole "initation" thing was just making him more curious as to who his new employers really were.

The two traveled through the maze for just over ten minutes, ignoring the security traps that passed through them harmlessly. Though Techbane had to admit it was a weird sensation to have purple diamonds go through his torso. But after they got past the traps, they came across the real obstacle.

Techbane scowled as he looked over the churning Data Storm. "We have to go through this to get to the core?"

"Affirmation: Yes, meatbag. The turbulence will be too great for us to maintain our stealth programs. Security AI will be present, so we will have to deal with them. Note however that while we can't prevent them from raising the alarm, the programs given to us will prevent SOL from actively observing us or discovering your identity."

That was good to know; he didn't want SOL to come calling in the real world.

He took a deep breath before urging his D-Board into the data stream, and immediately turned to the right, following HK. They weren't flying through the storm long before they were intercepted.

Two Security AI, each humanoid with bulbous heads, appeared. One was colored blue and violet, while the other's body was orange and green.

"Intruders detected," the first one said. "Commencing Speed Duel."

"Command: Techbane, you take the loud one," HK said, turning to face the orange-and-green one. "I shall take this one."

Techbane frowned and nodded. As HK and the second Security AI sped off, he turned to face his opponent. "I'll take you on!"

"Speed Duel!"

Techbane: 4000 LP

SOL Security AI Duelist: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," SOL SAD #1 said. "I summon Infinitrack Harvester." A large orange machine with claws on its front and chain track wheels appeared.

Infinitrack Harvester ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 2

Techbane blinked. "Infinitrack? I wasn't expecting that."

"Harvester's effect activates. When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can add an 'Infinitrack' monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Infinitrack Drag Shovel to my hand. I activate the Spell Card: Machine Duplication. By targeting a Machine monster with 500 or less attack points, I can Special Summon up to two copies of that monster from my Deck. I summon two more Infinitrack Harvesters!" Two more orange machines appeared in Attack Position.

Infinitrack Harvester ATK 0 DEF 2100 LVL: 2 x 2

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning condition is one non-Link 'Infinitrack' monster. I set Harvester in the Link Marker." One copy of Harvester entered the bottom-right arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Infinitrack Goliath!" A blue and white machine standing on four chain track legs emerged from the portal at the left Extra Monster Zone. It had a drill for one hand and a shovel for another.

Infinitrack Goliath ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↘

"I activate the effect of Infinitrack Drag Shovel in my hand! By Tributing one Harvester, I can Special Summon Drag Shovel in Defense Position!" One machine disintegrated and was replaced by an even larger machine with a shovel claw attached to the front.

Infinitrack Drag Shovel ATK 1500 DEF 2100 LVL: 5

"Drag Shovel's effect activates! Once per turn, by banishing a Machine monster from my Graveyard, I can add Spin Turn from my Deck to my hand. I banish Harvester. Harvester's effect activates! By targeting the Level 5 Drag Shovel, Harvester's and Drag Shovel's Levels become equal to their Levels combined until the end of the turn."

Infinitrack Drag Shovel LVL: 5→7

Infinitrack Harvester LVL: 2→7

Techbane narrowed his eyes. "Two Level 7 monsters…"

"I overlay my Level 7 Drag Shovel and Harvester!" A bolt of blue energy shot out of SOL SAD #1's Duel Disk and created the Xyz cross. Its two monsters turned into data and entered the cross. The ends shot beams of light, creating a galaxy. "Xyz Summon! Appear! Rank 7! Infinitrack Mountain Smasher!" A massive orange loader with blue lines running across its body and chain tracks for wheels emerged from the galaxy, summoned to Goliath's Link Marker in Attack Position with two lights orbiting behind it.

Infinitrack Mountain Smasher ATK 2100 DEF 3100 RNK: 7 OU: 2

"I wasn't expecting these AI to use Xyz Summoning," Techbane muttered.

"Mountain Smasher's effect activates! Once per turn, by detaching one Overlay Unit, Mountain Smasher gains 1000 attack points!"

Infinitrack Mountain Smasher OU: 2→1

Infinitrack Mountain Smasher ATK 2100→3100

"I Set one card. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Raregold Armor and equip it to Mountain Smasher. While Raregold Armor is on the field, you cannot attack other monsters I control except for the equipped monster. I end my turn."

Techbane frowned. "That Equip Spell Card means I can't attack Goliath. So I have to attack Mountain Smasher. My turn! Draw!" He looked at his card and frowned.

With the cards in my hand, I can't summon a monster with over 3100 attack points. So I can't attack Mountain Smasher. He blinked as he realized something. Wait. He looked at Raregold Armor and read its effects. A smirk crossed his face. Ah. A loophole. Perfect.

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Cyberdark Inferno!" Techbane declared. "While Cyberdark Inferno is on the field, you cannot target or destroy my 'Cyberdark' Effect Monsters that are equipped with an Equip Card with your card effects. Next, I activate the effect of Cyberdark Cannon in my hand! By discarding it, I can add a Machine 'Cyberdark' monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Cyberdark Edge to my hand, which I'll now Normal Summon!" A pair of dark green and silver metal wings attached to a spine appeared.

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Cyberdark Edge's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can equip a Level 3 or lower Dragon monster from my Graveyard to Edge. I equip Cyberdark Cannon to it!" A thin violet monster with a long body and silver spines attached to either end appeared. Cyberdark Edge wrapped its claws around Cyberdark Cannon and attached two wires to its head. "Cyberdark Edge then gains attack points equal to the equipped Cyberdark Cannon's attack points!"

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800→2400

"I Set two cards." Techbane gestured to his field. "Battle! Cyberdark Edge is able to attack you directly by halving its attack points!"

Cyberdark Edge ATK 2400→1200

Techbane smirked. "Since I'm attacking you and not a monster, Raregold Armor can't make my monster attack Mountain Smasher!" Cyberdark Edge flapped its wings and sent a blast of wind at SOL SAD #1. "At this point, the equipped Cyberdark Cannon's effect activates! When a monster equipped with it battles, I can send a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Cyberdark Claw to the Graveyard!" The wind struck the AI duelist, making its D-Board wobble.

SOL Security AI Duelist: 4000→2800 LP

Cyberdark Edge ATK 1200→2400

"I end my turn." Techbane smirked. I have the lead in this duel. And if Cyberdark Edge is attacked, I can send Cyberdark Cannon to the Graveyard to prevent is destruction.

"My turn! Draw! I change Mountain Smasher to Defense Position. Trap activate! Spin Turn! By changing my Defense Position Earth Machine Xyz Monster to Attack Position, I can destroy my opponent's Spell or Trap Card. I change Mountain Smasher to Attack Position and destroy Cyberdark Inferno!" Said monster shifted twice, then Techbane's Field Spell Card shattered.

Techbane frowned as he looked at Spin Turn's information. I see. If Mountain Smasher had been in Attack Position, Spin Turn would have destroyed my monster instead of my Spell or Trap Card. But because of Cyberdark Inferno, it couldn't target my Cyberdark Edge equipped with Cyberdark Cannon. Even so… "I activate the effect of Cyberdark Inferno! When it is destroyed by your card effect, I can add a 'Polymerization' Spell Card or a 'Fusion' Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Overload Fusion to my hand."

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Outrigger Extension. While this card is on the field, you cannot target my Machine Xyz Monsters with your card effects. I activate Outrigger Extension's additional effect! Once per turn, I can Rank-Up an 'Infinitrack' Xyz Monster I control into a Machine Xyz Monster that is two Ranks higher."

Techbane blinked. "A Rank-Up effect?!"

"Using Mountain Smasher, I rebuild the Overlay Network!" The Xyz cross reappeared and Mountain Smasher disintegrated into data that entered the cross. The cross's ends fired beams and created a new galaxy. "Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 9! Infinitrack Earth Slicer!" A massive light brown bucket-wheel excavator with blue lines running over its body emerged from the galaxy with two lights orbiting it, summoned to Goliath's Link Marker in Attack Position.

Infinitrack Earth Slicer ATK 3100 DEF 2100 RNK: 9 OU: 2

"A Rank 9 Xyz Monster," Techbane muttered. "This AI's Deck is surprisingly powerful."

"I Tribute Goliath to Tribute Summon Infinitrack Tunneller!" The Link Monster disappeared and was replaced by a massive red machine with a drill attached to the front.

Infinitrack Tunneller ATK 2200 DEF 500 LVL: 5

"Goliath's effect activates! When it is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can attach it to an Xyz Monster as an Overlay Unit." A third light began circling behind Earth Slicer.

Infinitrack Earth Slicer OU: 2→3

"Earth Slicer's effect activates! Once per turn, I can detach any number of Overlay Units to destroy an equal number of cards on the field. I detach all three to destroy Cyberdark Cannon and your two Set cards!"

Infinitrack Earth Slicer OU: 3→0

Techbane scowled as his Set cards disintegrated. Cyberdark Cannon cried out as it exploded.

Cyberdark Edge ATK 2400→800

But then Techbane smirked. "As Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the Graveyard while equipped to a monster, I can draw a card. In addition, I activate the effect of the Trap Card: Reverse Engineering that you just destroyed! By banishing it, I can Set a Trap Card that was destroy this turn, and I can activate that card this turn. I Set Power Wall!"

"Battle!" SOL SAD #1 declared. "Earth Slicer attack Cyberdark Edge!" Earth Slicer charged forward, the blades on its front wheel spinning. The blades struck Cyberdark Edge, making the Machine monster explode, but before the shockwave reached Techbane, he gestured to his field.

"Trap activate! Power Wall! When I would take battle damage, I can send a card from the top of my Deck to the Graveyard for each instance of 500 points of damage, rounded up, to take no battle damage. The damage would be 2300, so I send five cards to the Graveyard!" Techbane took and sent Cyberdark Horn, Cyberdark Keel, Cyber Dragon, Machine Duplication, and Puzzle Reborn to the Graveyard.

"When Earth Slicer destroys your monster by battle, that monster is attached to Earth Slicer as an Overlay Unit." Techbane scowled as a new light started circling behind Earth Slicer.

Infinitrack Earth Slicer OU: 0→1

"Tunneller attacks you directly!" The drill charged forward and struck Techbane, making him cry out as his D-Board was sent spinning.

Techbane: 4000→1800 LP

Techbane spun out of control for a few moments before he managed to stop and stabilized, breathing heavily as he did so.

"I end my turn."

Techbane grit his teeth. "I won't lose here," he muttered. "Not again. After everything I've been through, after the faith that Merlin placed in me…" His eyes narrowed behind his helmet. "I will save my grandfather! I will succeed here! My turn! Draw!" He looked at his card and smirked. Perfect.

"I summon Cyberdark Edge!" Another set of wings and a spine appeared.

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

He could have activated its effect but decided not to. At this point, it would only hurt him. "I activate the Spell Card: Extra-Foolish Burial! By paying half my Life Points, I can send a monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard, but for the rest of the turn, cannot Set Spell or Trap Cards."

Techbane: 1800→900 LP

"I send Cyber End Dragon to my Graveyard. And now, I'll activate the Spell Card: Overload Fusion! By banishing monsters from my field or Graveyard, I can Fusion Summon a Dark Machine Fusion Monster! I banish Cyberdark Edge from my field, with Cyberdark Cannon, Cyberdark Claw, Cyberdark Horn, and Cyberdark Keel from my Graveyard to Fusion Summon!"

Four monsters joined Cyberdark Edge on Techbane's field. The first was Cyberdark Cannon. The second was a dark green monster with six claws attached to its sides. The third was a brown dragon's head with four tusks connected to a spine. The fourth was a black and dark blue serpentine dragon without limbs, but several cables on its body. All five of Techbane's monsters turned into streams of red, blue, green, orange, and yellow data and swirled into a vortex. Five twisters shot upwards before merging into a single violet tornado.

"Dark machine that lies dormant in man's heart!" Techbane chanted, his hands held before him. "Take flight from the abyss and rain doom on the unworthy! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 10! Cyberdarkness Dragon!" The dragon that emerged from the whirlwind was an amalgamation of the five Fusion Materials. It had Cyberdark Keel as its main body, with Cyberdark Horn covering its head and Cyberdark Keel as its wings. But Cyberdark Claw was attached to its underside, its six claws pointing down. And Cyberdark Cannon was attached to its top, only it had straightened itself out, with one end jutting over Cyberdark Horn. The dragon roared from the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Cyberdarkness Dragon ATK 2000 DEF 2000 LVL: 10

Techbane smirked. A Fusion Monster made of five monsters. I never tried that before, but it worked here. Thanks to the new cards Merlin gave me.

"Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, I can equip either a Dragon or Machine monster from my Graveyard to it. I equip Cyber End Dragon to Cyberdarkness Dragon!" The three-headed mechanical dragon reappeared, and Cyberdark Claw grasped it in its claws, making the dragon cry out with pain.

Techbane grimaced at that. The Cyberdark monsters seemed to hurt any monsters they equipped to themselves. As much as that disturbed him, he still had a duel to win. "Cyberdarkness Dragon gains attack points equal to the original attack points of the equipped monster!"

Cyberdarkness Dragon ATK 2000→6000

"Battle!" Techbane declared. "Cyberdarkness Dragon attacks Earth Slicer! Infinite Darkness Burst!" Cyberdark Cannon lit up and fired a beam of red and black energy at the bucket-wheel excavator.

"I activate my Skill!" SOL SAD #1 declared. "Damage Break! If I would take battle damage, that damage is reduced to 0!" The beam struck and tore through Earth Slicer, destroying it, but a barrier of light shielded SOL SAD #1.

Techbane smirked. "So you finally used your Skill. In that case, I'll use mine! Skill activate! Cyberdark Rush!" The edges of the armor on his left arm, along with the lenses in his helmet, glowed dark purple. "As my monster attacked your monster, it can attack your monster again! And then, if my monster is equipped with an Equip Card, I can choose to apply one of two effects. I can either have my monster inflict piercing battle damage or double the battle damage! I choose to double the battle damage! Cyberdarkness Dragon attacks Tunneller! Infinite Darkness Burst!"

This time, Cyberdark Cannon and the dragon's mouth both gathered energy before releasing it in a massive burst of red and black. The energy struck Tunneller, piercing through it and heading straight towards SOL SAD #1. The beam struck the Security AI, making it break apart. By the time the beam faded, SOL SAD #1 and Infinitrack Tunneller were gone.

SOL Security AI Duelist: 2800→0 LP

Techbane smirked and clenched his fist. "Yes! With these new cards, I can win! Now, I should meet HK-72 at the core."

---

HK and SOL SAD #2 rode off. "Warning: While I may struggle against skilled meatbags, you are an inferior AI product," HK-72 said. "You will crumble before me."

SOL SAD #2's only response was to raise its Duel Disk. "Beginning Speed Duel."

"Exasperation: I had forgotten how dull SOL's AI projects were. There will be no fun in taunting you."

"Duel!"

HK-72: 4000 LP

SOL Security AI Duelist: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn," the Security AI said. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Heavy Forward. When Heavy Forward is activated, I can add an 'Infinitrack' monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Infinitrack Brutal Dozer to my hand."

"Analysis: Infinitrack. A Deck of Xyz and Link Monsters that focus on raw power," HK said. "Taunt: You will need more than raw power to defeat me, stupid AI!"

"I summon Infinitrack Anchor Drill." A blue and yellow machine with a hydraulic jackhammer attached to it appeared.

Infinitrack Anchor Drill ATK 1800 DEF 500 LVL: 4

"Anchor Drill's effect activates! When it is Normal or Special Summoned, I can Special Summon one Earth Machine monster from my hand in Defense Position. I Special Summon Infinitrack Brutal Dozer!" A black bulldozer with pink markings all over its body appeared in Attack Position.

Infinitrack Brutal Dozer ATK 1900 DEF 2100 LVL: 5

"Brutal Dozer's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned from my hand, I can Special Summon an 'Infinitrack' monster from my Deck in Defense Position with its effects negated. Come, Infinitrack Trencher!" A large green track trencher covered in yellow lines appeared.

Infinitrack Trencher ATK 500 DEF 2400 LVL: 5

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions is one non-Link 'Infinitrack' monster. I set Anchor Drill in the Link Marker!" Anchor Drill entered the bottom-right arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Infinitrack Goliath!" A large blue and white machine standing on four chain wheel legs, armed with a shovel and drill for arms, emerged from the portal at the left Extra Monster Zone.

Infinitrack Goliath ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↘

"I overlay Level 5 Infinitrack Brutal Dozer and Infinitrack Trencher! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 5! Infinitrack River Stormer!" A large red and silver machine covered in blue lines emerged from the galaxy created by the Xyz cross. It was a tank with three jet engines attached to its top, and each engine also had three water hoses attached to their tops. Said machine was summoned to Goliath's Link Marker in Attack Position and circled by two lights.

Infinitrack River Stormer ATK 2500 DEF 500 RNK: 5 OU: 2

"Contemplation: The Infinitrack Deck's signature Link and Xyz Summoning."

"River Stormer's effect activates! By detaching one Overlay Unit, I can add an Earth Machine monster from my Deck to my hand or send it to the Graveyard."

Infinitrack River Stormer OU: 2→1

"I add Infinitrack Crab Crane to my hand. Next, I activate the effect of Infinitrack Trencher in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Level 5 or lower 'Infinitrack' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position. I Special Summon Anchor Drill!" The blue and yellow machine reappeared.

Infinitrack Anchor Drill ATK 1800 DEF 500 LVL: 4

"I activate the effect of Crab Crane in my hand! By Tributing Goliath, I can Special Summon Crab Crane in Defense Position!" The Link Monster disappeared and was replaced by a machine covered in green lines on four chain track legs with a massive claw.

Infinitrack Crab Crane ATK 2100 DEF 500 LVL: 5

"As Goliath was sent to from the field to the Graveyard, I can attach it to an Xyz Monster I control. I attach it to River Stormer as an Overlay Unit."

Infinitrack River Stormer OU: 1→2

"I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial. This lets me send a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Infinitrack Harvester to the Graveyard. Crab Crane's effect activates! By banishing a Machine monster from my Graveyard, I can add Outrigger Extension from my Deck to my hand. I banish Harvester from my Graveyard."

SOL SAD #2 took its card, then said, "Anchor Drill's effect activates! Once per turn, by targeting another Machine monster I control, Anchor Drill's and that monster's Level becomes equal to their combined original Levels until the end of the turn. I target Level 5 Crab Crane."

Infinitrack Anchor Drill LVL: 4→9

Infinitrack Crab Crane LVL: 5→9

"Query: Are you planning to perform another Xyz Summon?"

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Outrigger Extension. While Outrigger Extension is on the field, you cannot target my Machine Xyz Monsters with your card effects."

"Annoyance: You AIs lack so much personality that attempting to converse with you is tiresome."

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions is one non-Link 'Infinitrack' monster. I set River Stormer in the Link Marker!" River Stormer entered the bottom-right arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1 Infinitrack Goliath!" Another large blue and white machine emerged at the left Extra Monster Zone.

Infinitrack Goliath ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↘

"I overlay my Level 9 Anchor Drill and Crab Crane! Xyz Summon! Appear, Rank 9! Infinitrack Earth Slicer!" A massive brown bucket-wheel excavator covered in blue lines emerged from the galaxy, summoned to Goliath's Link Marker in Attack Position with two lights circling it.

Infinitrack Earth Slicer ATK 3100 DEF 2100 RNK: 9 OU: 2

"Statement: A Rank 9 Xyz Monster. Impressive, for such an inferior AI."

"I activate the effect of River Stormer in my Graveyard! By Tributing the Link Monster Infinitrack Goliath, I can Special Summon River Stormer in Defense Position!" The Link Monster disintegrated and was replaced by River Stormer.

Infinitrack River Stormer ATK 2500 DEF 500 RNK: 5

"Appraisal: You are able to trade in your Link Monsters for your Xyz Monsters. Interesting. A pity the user's not up to snuff."

"Outrigger Extension's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Rank-Up an 'Infinitrack' Xyz Monster into a Machine Xyz Monster that is two Ranks higher."

"Shock: Rank-Up?"

"Using Rank 5 River Stormer, I rebuild the Overlay Network! Rank-Up Xyz Change! Appear, Rank 7! Infinitrack Mountain Smasher!" An orange loader on chain tracks with blue lines running over its body emerged from the galaxy, summoned to the left Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position with a single light orbiting it.

Infinitrack Mountain Smasher ATK 2100 DEF 3100 RNK: 7 OU: 1

"Mountain Smasher's effect activates! Once per turn, I can detach one Overlay Unit to increase its attack points by 1000!"

Infinitrack Mountain Smasher OU: 1→0

Infinitrack Mountain Smasher ATK 2100→3100

"I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn, which lets me Special Summon River Stormer from my Graveyard." The Xyz Monster reappeared in Attack Position.

Infinitrack River Stormer ATK 2500 DEF 500 RNK: 5

"Statement: Three Xyz Monsters on the field at once. Impressive."

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning conditions are three Xyz Monsters. I set Earth Slicer, Mountain Smasher, and River Stormer in the Link Markers!" SOL SAD #2's three Xyz Monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom-right, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Infinitrack Fortress Megaclops!" A new machine, silver with blue lines running over its body, emerged from the Link portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. This one was larger than any SOL SAD #2 had previously summoned. It consisted of a base with chain tracks, and a large upper half with two extended claws.

Infinitrack Fortress Megaclops ATK 4000 LINK-3 ↙→↘

"I end my turn."

HK-72 turned to look at SOL SAD #2's field and scanned it. "Analysis: Infinitrack Fortess Megaclops is unaffected by other monsters' effects, except for Xyz Monsters. Nor can it be destroyed in battle, except by Xyz Monsters. It can Special Summon an Xyz Monster from the Graveyard and attach one of the opponent's cards to it as an Overlay Unit, but if you do so, the damage the opponent takes for the rest of the turn is halved.

"Conclusion: You are attempting to combine a powerful defense with a potent offense. A weaker opponent would be stymied and cower in fear." His eyes glowed. "I am not a weaker opponent."

HK-72 placed his hand over his Duel Disk. "Declaration: My turn! Draw! As I control no monsters, I Special Summon Mechassassin Scout." A small machine that resembled an elongated cylinder with two wings on its sides appeared in Attack Position.

Mechassassin 5C-UT ATK 1200 DEF 0 LVL: 3

"Statement: Scout's effect activates! By paying 500 Life Points and giving up my Battle Phase, I target and destroy your face-up Spell or Trap Card and add a 'Mechassassin' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand."

HK-72: 4000→3500 LP

"I destroy Outrigger Extension and add Mechassassin's Factory to my hand." Scout fired a beam at the Continuous Spell Card, destroying it as HK took the card from his Deck. "I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Mechassassin's Factory." HK raised his hand. "Appear, the circuit of assassination! The summoning condition is one 'Mechassassin' monster. I set Scout in the Link Marker!" Scout entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Mechassassin Spotter!" A silver and brown bipedal droid emerged from the portal and raised a compact rifle from the Extra Monster Zone.

Mechassassin 5P0-T3R ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Statement: Mechassassin's Factory's effect activates! By paying 1000 Life Points, I can target a Link Monster on the field and Special Summon Mechassassin Tokens up to that monster's Link Rating."

HK-72: 3500→2500 LP

"I target Infinitrack Fortress Megaclops and Special Summon three Mechassassin Tokens!" Three light brown skeletal droids appeared in Defense Position.

Mechassassin Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 3

"Declaration: Appear again, the circuit of assassination! The summoning conditions are two 'Mechassassin' monsters. I set two Mechassassin Tokens in the Link Markers!" Two tokens entered the left and right markers. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Mechassassin Mechanic!" A bronze-armored droid wielding a small pistol emerged from the portal at Spotter's Link Marker.

Mechassassin M3C-N1C ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→

"Statement: As there is a Level 4 or lower 'Mechassassin' monster on my field, I can Special Summon Mechassassin Sniper!" A dark brown droid wielding a sniper rifle appeared in Attack Position.

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

"Statement: I activate the Spell Card: Mechassassin's Assembly!" The card showed several shelves filled with the parts of numerous Mechassassin monsters. "By targeting a 'Mechassassin' monster I control, I can add a 'Mechassassin' monster with an equal or lower Level from my Deck to my hand. I target Sniper and add a 2nd Sniper to my hand. And now I Tribute my last Mechassassin Token to Tribute Summon Mechassassin Sniper!" A second droid wielding a sniper rifle appeared.

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

"Revelation: Your Deck isn't the only one that makes use of Xyz Summoning. I overlay my two Level 5 Mechassassin Snipers!" The AI Assassin's Duel Disk released a burst of crimson energy, creating the Xyz cross. The two machines entered the cross, which fired beams of light and created a galaxy. "Chant: The hidden blade that stabs in the night. Become the machine of war! Xyz Summon! Come, Rank 5! Mechassassin Poisoner!"

The machine that emerged from the galaxy was skeletal, with a dark brown chassis and body. Its head was humanoid, with two points tapered at the sides and a disk around its head. Its eyes gleamed red above an open mouth, and it wielded a small pistol in its left hand and a blaster rifle in its right hand. Two orange lights circled behind the monster as it was summoned to Mechanic's left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Mechassassin P05-N3R ATK 2400 DEF 1600 RNK: 5 OU: 2

HK couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that as an inferior AI, SOL SAD #2 couldn't appreciate how awesome his new monster was. Or the doom it would bring to him.

"Declaration: Spotter's effect activates! Once per turn, I can target a 'Mechassassin' monster at its Link Marker and inflict damage equal to half its original attack points. In addition, I destroy one of your Spell or Trap Cards. Spotter targets Mechanic and destroys Heavy Forward!" Spotter fired several bursts at SOL SAD #2, hitting it and destroying its second Continuous Spell Card.

SOL Security AI Duelist: 4000→3200 LP

"Continuation: Mechanic's effect activates! Once per turn, when a 'Mechassassin' monster inflicts effect damage, you take 600 points of damage!" Mechanic blasted SOL SAD #2 with its pistol, making it fizzle.

SOL Security AI Duelist: 3200→2600 LP

"Declaration: Poisoner's effect activates! By detaching an Overlay Unit, I can destroy one of your monsters and inflict damage equal to half that monster's original attack points, and then I gain Life Points equal to that amount."

Mechassassin P05-N3R OU: 2→1

"I destroy Fortress Megaclops!" Poisoner held out its blaster rifle and charged a burst of violet light before firing it.

"I activate my Skill!" SOL SAD #2 declared. "Destruction Break! Once per Duel, I can prevent my monster's destruction by battle or card effect!" A barrier appeared around Fortress Megaclops, deflecting the shot.

"Amusement: Very clever. But not clever enough. Poisoner can activate its effect so long as you have monsters and it has Overlay Units! I activate Poisoner's effect again to destroy Fortress Megaclops!"

Mechassassin P05-N3R OU: 1→0

Poisoner fired another violet shot at Fortress Megaclops. This time, the blast struck, but instead of destroying it, the violet energy spread across the monster's body until it covered the entire machine. It was only once the monster was covered in violet energy that it violently exploded, sending a shockwave that pushed SOL SAD #2 back.

SOL Security AI Duelist: 2600→600 LP

HK-72: 2500→4500 LP

"Statement: You would have been better served keeping your Xyz Monsters on the field, instead of bringing out such a massive monster," HK-72 said. "Though what else was expected of such a pathetic AI? I activate my Skill! Assassin's Snipe!" HK unslung its rifle and pressed a button, extending it into a sniper rifle. "By paying 800 Life Points, you take 300 points of damage for each 'Mechassassin' card in my Graveyard. There are four such cards, so you'll take 1200 points of damage!"

HK-72: 4500→3700 LP

HK charged his rifle and then pulled the trigger. A powerful shot of red energy came out and struck SOL SAD #2 in the chest, knocking it off its D-Board before it disintegrated.

SOL Security AI Duelist: 600→0 LP

"Boast: I still got it."

---

Techbane rode his D-Board up to the entrance of the data core and blinked. HK-72 was already there.

"Query: What took you so long?"

"It took me a while to get through the Data Storm," Techbane said defensively. "Though I didn't see any more Security AIs."

"Statement: Then it seems the virus was successfully. Let us hurry. There is no point dawdling."

Techbane nodded and followed HK into the data core. They approached the central processor and watched as it opened up, allowing them access.

"Statement: You will recover the AI chip and Earth Ignis data. I will keep watch." The AI Assassin's partner nodded as he stepped up to the core and started sorting through the files. After a few minutes, he found what he needed and downloaded both the schematics for the AI chip and the Earth Ignis's remaining data. Out of curiosity, Techbane looked at SOL's files further and gasped.

"What the-?"

"Query: Have you finished?"

Techbane turned around and nodded. "Yeah, I got what we need. But…"

HK tilted his head quizzically. "What is it?"

"I looked a little further and I found…" Techbane frowned. "SOL has plans to build a high-functioning Ignis."

"Query: Oh? A high-functioning Ignis?"

"Yeah. It seems they were thinking of combining the data from the eight Ignis to create one, for lack of a better term, 'super Ignis.'"

"Statement: Interesting. But impossible." Techbane blinked at the AI's dismissal. "With the retirement of Go Onizuka, SOL Technologies has no duelists capable of defeating Playmaker or his allies. And with Blood Shepherd's departure, they have no means of tracking the Ignis. And we are taking the Earth Ignis's data. So SOL's goal is impossible.

Techbane frowned. "Is it possible for SOL to make one without the other Ignis?"

"Negative: To do so, SOL would need someone of intelligence equal to or greater than that of Dr. Kogami, the Ignis' creator. SOL has no such person on their payroll. Therefore, they require the data of the Ignis. And they no longer have anyone skilled enough to acquire them."

"I see." Techbane looked back at the core. "Should we take the data on the high-functioning Ignis? Do you think Merlin's bosses would be interested in it?"

HK-72 shook his head. "Negative: My master's master is only interested in projects that are possible. This 'high-functioning Ignis' is of no interest to them."

Techbane shrugged. "Alright. Should we get out of here?"

"Affirmative." The two turned and headed for the exit, their mission complete.

---

Queen grit her teeth as she stalked the halls of her company. This week had officially been the worst week she'd had ever since becoming SOL's CEO. First Sylphid went missing, then Techbane and Blood Shepherd quit, Kenmochi and Yoroizaka had fallen into a trap and had been in comas ever since and Go Onizuka had been defeated. And not even by Playmaker; he'd been beaten by a Charisma Duelist! She couldn't use a data from a duel like that!

And then the worst event of all: Zaizen had gone over her head to the Kings, and they had ordered the AI chip project shut down. All that effort, all the data she gathered; useless! Useless, because of Zaizen and his meddling! And now she couldn't even wait to quietly reboot the project in a few months as someone had broken into SOL's data core and stolen not only the schematics for the AI chip, but what was left of the Earth Ignis's data as well. And thanks to whatever viruses they used, they couldn't even track them.

Queen had half a mind to just fire Zaizen for this whole mess. There were only two reasons she didn't. The first was because he wasn't in today; it was his day off and he'd left Hayami in charge of security. The girl was skilled when she wanted to be, but she wasn't Zaizen. That was the second reason; none of Zaizen's coworkers or underlings matched his talent, skill, or competency. So as much as she wanted to vent at Zaizen for his obstructive behavior, she just couldn't. Not without inviting questions from the media that she didn't need.

Suffice to say, the last week had been stressful for Queen. And after this latest issue, the Kings had decided to call her in for a meeting. Even if she was the CEO, the Kings were the major shareholders and owned the company. If all three of them agreed, they could replace her. That was what had happened to Rook, Bishop, Knight, and Kitamura, after all.

She walked into the holographic room and sealed the door behind her. Then she waited. You did not summon the Kings; you waited for them.

After about thirty seconds, the room changed. It became a digital scape, with three stars, colored red, blue, and yellow, off in the distance.

"Queen," the red star said. "We received word of the break-in."

"What data was taken?" the blue star asked.

"The Earth Ignis's data, sirs," Queen said shortly. "As well the schematics for the AI chip."

"Troubling," the yellow star said. "Those two being stolen suggests the thieves knew what they were searching for."

"Queen, do you suspect this was an inside job?" Blue King asked.

While Queen knew she had to be honest, perhaps this was her chance. "I have not had the time to investigate my staff. Though I know Akira Zaizen was not in the building today."

"You believe Zaizen had something to do with this?" Red King wondered.

"I have no evidence to suggest that, only that he was not present today."

"If Zaizen did have a hand in this, then we require evidence to prove it," Yellow King said. "Accusations of this nature must be backed up, particularly coming from you."

Queen blinked. "From me?"

"We are aware of your bitterness towards Zaizen regarding his recent actions," Red King explained. "You should not blame him for them, for it is his actions that have saved your reputation."

"Even if he was participating in your experiment," Blue King said, "Go Onizuka was still a famous Charisma Duelist, albeit retired. Zaizen shared the medical logs with us, and it's clear that if he continued the experiment, Onizuka would have either died or suffered permanent brain damage. We cannot have the death of a Charisma Duelist on our record, no matter how valuable the data he provides is."

"Not to mention," the Yellow King added, "your use of the Earth Ignis's data. One which we did not approve."

Queen narrowed her eyes. "It was my protect, and the Ignis data fell under my control. Legally, it was mine to do with as I wanted."

"You are correct; you broke no laws or rules with your actions," Red King agreed. "That does not change the consequences of your actions. Or the fact that the Ignis are now lost to us."

"Lost?" Queen blinked. "Sirs, I just need time, and my people will-."

"What people?" Yellow King interrupted. "The bounty hunter team you had Akira Zaizen form has fallen apart; Blood Shepherd and Techbane both quit, Sylphid has disappeared off the face of the Earth, Kenmochi and Yoroizaka were attacked, and Go Onizuka is comatose. You have no people, Queen. Unless you intend to fight Playmaker with AI Duelists. Or have you forgotten Kitamura?"

Queen scowled. As much as she hated to admit it, the Yellow King was right; SOL's team had fallen apart. And with the Earth Ignis data and the AI chip schematics stolen, they couldn't recoup their losses. Not for the remaining quarter at least.

"Then what would you have me do?" Queen asked.

"As of now," Blue King said, "the plan to create a high-functioning Ignis is defunct."

Queen gasped. "Sir-!"

"We know that plan was also your personal project," Red King said, "but we must face reality. The Earth Ignis's data has been stolen, and the other Ignis are out of our reach. So unless you are claiming to be as intelligent as Dr. Kogami, I'm afraid you don't have a choice."

Queen silently sulked as she refused to answer. She was a businesswoman and a scientist, but there was no comparison between her and Dr. Kogami; the man had been Japan's leading AI researcher when he worked at SOL. No one at SOL since had come close to replicating, or even understanding, his work. Not even her.

"…I understand, sirs," she said finally and reluctantly. "What of the remaining Ignis?"

"There is nothing we can do about them," Yellow King said. "We lack the means to take them down."

"For now, it is best for SOL to lay low and see what happens," Blue King added.

"A flashpoint is coming," Red King said. "I feel it. When that time comes, be ready Queen."

She nodded. "I will sirs."

---

Techbane gasped as he walked into the hall. It was a massive place, supported by black and white pillars. And over the door he just walked in, as well as the door on the opposite side of the room, hung a symbol. A serpent in an infinity symbol.

Merlin stood in the center of the hall and smiled as the bounty hunter and HK-72 walked into the room. "Ah, I'm glad to see you certain safe and sound, Techbane. Did you succeed?"

The bounty hunter started, shaking himself from his daze. "Yeah, we got the items." He walked up to Merlin and held out two data spheres. One golden and the other orange. "The AI chip schematics and the Earth Ignis data. But… what are you going to do with them?"

Merlin smiled again. "As much as I want to tell you Techbane, I'm afraid I can't. Not until I give you my evaluation." He turned to the AI Assassin. "HK, play the record."

Techbane blinked as HK's optics projected a screen above them. "Wait, HK was recording it?!"

"Of course. I apologize for not telling you, but this was to make sure you acted genuinely with him."

Techbane frowned. Merlin's logic made sense. And it wasn't the most underhanded thing one of his clients had done, so he couldn't complain too much. So he stood back and watched the footage with Merlin.

HK sped through his duel with the Security AI, but otherwise showed the operation in its entirety. "I see." Merlin nodded before turning to Techbane. "Would you hold your Duel Disk out, please?"

The bounty hunter frowned but did as Merlin asked. The older man held up his own Duel Disk and connected a cord between them, creating a screen above his Duel Disk. Said screen showed the duel between Techbane and his own opponent. Merlin watched the duel to the end and then smiled.

"I'm glad to see you got such excellent use out of your new cards." Merlin nodded and disconnected the cord. "Well, I've seen what I needed to see, and you fulfilled your mission."

"So…?"

Merlin chuckled. "You pass, Techbane. You have completed your initiation."

He blinked and then smiled. Yes! He was one step closer to helping his grandfather!

"Which means it is time for me to tell you the truth."

Techbane blinked as those words snapped him out of his relief. "The truth?"

"Yes." Merlin smiled morosely. "I am sorry for deceiving you, but we must maintain secrecy. There were things I didn't tell you about my employer. Or about myself."

Techbane stared at him before frowning. "Don't tell me Alba Research is a front for criminals?"

Merlin chuckled. "Oh no; Alba Research is a legitimate company. It's just one facet of our group. As to whether we are criminals… that depends on your definition of 'criminal.'" Merlin looked Techbane in the eye. "Let me tell you about Ouroboros…"

---

Haru vs. Zahhak

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.

Turn 1: Zahhak

Zahhak Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Haru

Haru draws. As there are no monsters in the Main Monster Zones, he Special Summons Hydradrive Booster (0/0/1) in Attack Position. Haru uses Hydradrive Booster to Link Summon Burn Hydradrive (1000/1/↓) to the left Extra Monster Zone. Haru Special Summons Hydradrive Booster (0/0/1) in Attack Position via its effects. Haru activates the Equip Spell Card Parallel Panzer, equipping it to Burn Hydradrive. Haru activates Parallel Panzer's effect to move Burn Hydradrive to the Main Monster it points to. Haru activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Burn Hydradrive's Link Marker points to. Haru uses Hydradrive Booster to Link Summon Coolant Hydradrive (1000/1/↓) to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

Burn Hydradrive attacks Zahhak directly. As a Link Monster it points to battled, the effect of Judgment Arrows doubles its ATK during damage calculation (Burn Hydradrive: 1000→2000). As Zahhak controls no monsters, he activates his Set Trap Card Cydemon Acedia, which lets him discard 1 Dark Cyberse monster to negate the attack. He discards Cydemon Duke (Burn Hydradrive: 2000→1000). Since he discarded a "Cydemon" monster, Cydemon Acedia also ends the Battle Phase. Haru uses Burn Hydradrive and Coolant Hydradrive to Link Summon Twin Hydradrive Knight (1800/2/←→) to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker. As Twin Hydradrive Knight was Link Summoned, Haru activates its effect to change its Attribute to that of the original Attributes of the Link Monsters used for its Link Summon, in this case both Fire and Water. Monsters with the same Attribute as Twin Hydradrive Knight have their effects negated. Haru activates the Continuous Spell Card Hydradrive Analogue. He activates its effect, targeting Twin Hydradrive Knight and declaring Dark Attribute. Until Haru's next Standby Phase, Twin Hydradrive Knight becomes Dark Attribute. Haru Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 3: Zahhak

Zahhak draws. He activates the Field Spell Card Cydemon Pillars. While Cydemon Pillars is on the field, Zahhak's Dark Cyberse monsters gain 300 ATK/DEF and are unaffected by Haru's monster effects. Zahhak activates Cydemon Pillars' effect to send 1 Dark Cyberse monster from his Deck to his GY. He sends Cydemon Marquis to the GY. Zahhak activates the effect of Cydemon Duke in his GY to add 1 "Cydemon" monster in his GY to his hand. He adds Cydemon Marquis to his hand. By discarding Cydemon Bishop, Zahhak activates the Continuous Spell Card Cydemon Shrine. As he controls no monsters, Zahhak activates the effect of Cydemon Shrine to Special Summon 1 "Cydemon" monster from his hand or GY in Attack Position. He Special Summons Marquis (2400→2700/600→900/6) from his hand. As he has at least 1 "Cydemon" monster in his GY, Zahhak activates Marquis's effect to target and take control of 1 face-up monster on Haru's field until the end of the turn and treat that monster as a Dark Cyberse monster. He takes control of Twin Hydradrive Knight (Twin Hydradrive Knight: 1800→2100). Zahhak uses Marquis and Link-2 Twin Hydradrive Knight treated as a Dark Cyberse monster to Link Summon Cydevil Rapacious Mammon (2200→2500/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As there are at least 3 "Cydemon" monsters in Zahhak's GY and it points to no monsters, Rapacious Mammon gains 200 ATK for each monster in the GY (Rapacious Mammon: 2500→4100).

Rapacious Mammon attacks Haru directly (Haru: 4000→0 LP). Zahhak wins.

---

Techbane vs. SOL Security AI Duelist

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: SOL Security AI Duelist

SOL SAD Normal Summons Infinitrack Harvester (0/2100/2). As Harvester was Normal Summoned, SOL SAD can add 1 "Infinitrack" monster from its Deck to its hand. It adds Infinitrack Drag Shovel to its hand. SOL SAD activates the Spell Card Machine Duplication, targeting Harvester. SOL SAD Special Summons 2 more copies of Harvester (0/2100/2 each) from its Deck in Attack Position. SOL SAD uses 1 Harvester to Link Summon Infinitrack Goliath (1000/1/↘) to the left Extra Monster Zone. SOL activates the effect of Drag Shovel in its hand, Tributing 1 Harvester to Special Summon Drag Shovel (1500/2100/5) in Defense Position. SOL SAD activates Drag Shovel's effect, banishing 1 Harvester from the GY to add Spin Turn from its Deck to its hand. SOL SAD activates Harvester's effect, targeting Drag Shovel. Drag Shovel's and Harvester's Levels become their combined original Levels until the end of the turn (Drag Shovel: 5→7) (Harvester: 2→7). SOL SAD overlays its 2 Level 7 monsters to Xyz Summon Infinitrack Mountain Smasher (2100/3100/7) to Goliath's Link Marker in Attack Position. SOL SAD activates Mountain Smasher's effect, detaching 1 Overlay Unit (Mountain Smasher: 2 OU→1 OU) to gain 1000 ATK (Mountain Smasher: 2100→3100). SOL SAD Sets 1 card (Spin Turn). It activates the Equip Spell Card Raregold Armor, equipping it to Mountain Smasher. While Raregold Armor is equipped, Techbane cannot attack monsters other than Mountain Smasher. SOL SAD ends its turn.

Turn 2: Techbane

Techbane draws. He activates the Field Spell Card Cyberdark Inferno. While Cyberdark Inferno is active, Techbane's "Cyberdark" Effect Monsters that are equipped with an Equip Card cannot be targeted or destroyed by SOL SAD's card effects. Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark Cannon in his hand, discarding it to add 1 Machine "Cyberdark" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Edge. Techbane Normal Summons Cyberdark Edge (800/800/4). As Cyberdark Edge was Normal Summoned, Techbane can equip 1 Level 3 or lower Dragon monster from his GY to Cyberdark Edge, and Cyberdark Edge gains ATK equal to the original ATK of that monster. He equips Cyberdark Cannon to Cyberdark Edge (Cyberdark Edge: 800→2400). Techbane Sets 2 cards.

Cyberdark Edge can attack directly, but its ATK will be halved during damage calculation. Cyberdark Edge attacks SOL SAD directly (Cyberdark Edge: 2400→1200). As the monster equipped with Cyberdark Cannon is battling, Techbane can send 1 monster from his Deck to the GY. He sends Cyberdark Claw to the GY. The attack continues (SOL SAD: 4000→2800 LP) (Cyberdark Edge: 1200→2400). Techbane ends his turn.

Turn 3: SOL Security AI Duelist

SOL SAD draws. It changes Mountain Smasher to Defense Position. SOL SAD activates its Set Trap Card Spin Turn, and chooses to activate its 2nd effect, targeting the Defense Position Mountain Smasher and Cyberdark Inferno. Mountain Smasher is changed to Attack Position and Cyberdark Inferno is destroyed. As Cyberdark Inferno was destroyed by SOL SAD's card effect, Techbane can add 1 "Polymerization" Spell or "Fusion" Spell from his Deck to his hand. He adds Overload Fusion to his hand. SOL SAD activates the Continuous Spell Card Outrigger Extension. While Outrigger Extension is on the field, Techbane cannot target its Machine Xyz Monsters with card effects. SOL SAD activates Outrigger Extension's effect, targeting Mountain Smasher to Xyz Summon 1 Machine Xyz Monster that is 2 Ranks higher from its Extra Deck by using the targeted monster as material. SOL SAD performs a Rank-Up Xyz Change with Mountain Smasher to Xyz Summon Infinitrack Earth Slicer (3100/2100/9) to Goliath's Link Marker in Attack Position. SOL SAD Tributes Goliath to Tribute Summon Infinitrack Tunneller (2200/500/5). As Goliath was sent from the field to the GY, SOL SAD can attach it to Earth Slicer as an Overlay Unit (Earth Slicer: 2 OU→3 OU).SOL SAD activates Earth Slicer's effect, detaching 3 Overlay Units (Earth Slicer: 3 OU→0 OU) to target and destroy the same number of cards on the field. It targets and destroys the equipped Cyberdark Cannon and the Set Power Wall and Reverse Engineering (Cyberdark Edge: 2400→800). As Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the GY while equipped to a monster, Techbane draws 1 card. Techbane activates the effect of Reverse Engineering in his GY, banishing it to Set 1 Trap Card in his GY that was destroyed this turn. He Sets Power Wall. Power Wall can be activated this turn.

Earth Slicer attacks Cyberdark Edge. During damage calculation, as he would take battle damage, Techbane activates his Set Trap Card Power Wall, which lets him send 1 card from the top of his Deck to the GY for each 500 damage (rounded up) he would take, then he takes no damage from that battle. The damage would be 2300, so Techbane sends Cyberdark Horn, Cyberdark Keel, Cyber Dragon, Machine Duplication, and Puzzle Reborn from the top of his Deck to the GY. The attack continues and Cyberdark Edge is destroyed. As Earth Slicer destroyed a monster by battle, that monster is attached to it as an Overlay Unit (Earth Slicer: 0 OU→1 OU). Tunneller attacks Techbane directly (Techbane: 4000→1800 LP). SOL SAD ends its turn.

Turn 4: Techbane

Techbane draws. He Normal Summons Cyberdark Edge (800/800/4). Techbane activates the Spell Card Extra-Foolish Burial, which lets him pay half his LP (Techbane: 1800→900 LP) to send 1 monster from his Extra Deck to the GY, but he cannot Set Spell/Trap Cards during this turn. He sends Cyber End Dragon to the GY. Techbane activates the Spell Card Overload Fusion, which lets him Fusion Summon 1 Dark Machine Fusion Monster by banishing Fusion Materials from his field or GY. He banishes Cyberdark Edge from his field and Cyberdark Cannon, Cyberdark Claw, Cyberdark Horn, and Cyberdark Keel from his GY to Fusion Summon Cyberdarkness Dragon (2000/2000/10) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Cyberdarkness Dragon was Special Summoned, Techbane can equip 1 Dragon or Machine monster from his GY to it, and Cyberdarkness Dragon gains ATK equal to the original ATK of the equipped monster. He equips Cyber End Dragon to Cyberdarkness Dragon (Cyberdarkness Dragon: 2000→6000).

Cyberdarkness Dragon attacks and destroys Earth Slicer, but SOL SAD activates its Skill Damage Break to reduce the battle damage to 0. As his monster attacked SOL SAD's monster, Techbane activates his Skill Cyberdark Rush, letting that monster attack SOL SAD's monster again. And since that monster has an Equip Card equipped, Techbane can choose to either inflict piercing damage or double the battle damage. He chooses to double the battle damage. Cyberdarkness Dragon attacks and destroys Tunneller (SOL SAD: 2800→0 LP). Techbane wins.

---

HK-72 vs. SOL Security AI Duelist

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: SOL Security AI Duelist

SOL SAD activates the Continuous Spell Card Heavy Forward. As Heavy Forward was activated, SOL SAD can add 1 "Infinitrack" monster from its Deck to its hand. It adds Infinitrack Brutal Dozer to its hand. SOL SAD Normal Summons Infinitrack Anchor Drill (1800/500/4). As Anchor Drill was Summoned, SOL SAD can Special Summon 1 Earth Machine monster from its hand. It Special Summons Infinitrack Brutal Dozer (1900/2100/5) in Attack Position. As Brutal Dozer was Special Summoned from the hand, SOL SAD can Special Summon 1 "Infinitrack" monster its Deck in Defense Position with its effects negated. It Special Summons Infinitrack Trencher (500/2400/5). SOL SAD uses Anchor Drill to Link Summon Infinitrack Goliath (1000/1/↘) to the left Extra Monster Zone. SOL SAD overlays its Level 5 Brutal Dozer and Trencher to Xyz Summon Infinitrack River Stormer (2500/500/5) to Goliath's Link Marker in Attack Position. SOL SAD activates River Stormer's effect, detaching 1 Overlay Unit (River Stormer: 2 OU→1 OU) to take an Earth Machine monster from its Deck and either add it to its hand or send it to the GY. It adds Infinitrack Crab Crane to its hand. SOL SAD activates the effect of Trencher in the GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 Level 5 or lower "Infinitrack" monster from its GY in Defense Position. It Special Summons Anchor Drill (1800/500/4). SOL SAD activates the effect of Crab Crane in its hand, Tributing Goliath to Special Summon it (2100/500/5) in Defense Position. As Goliath was sent from the field to the GY, SOL SAD can attach it to its Xyz Monster as an Overlay Unit. It attaches Goliath to River Stormer (River Stormer: 1 OU→2 OU). SOL SAD activates the Spell Card Foolish Burial, which lets it send 1 monster from its Deck to the GY. It sends Infinitrack Harvester from its Deck to the GY. SOL SAD activates Crab Crane's effect, banishing Harvester from the GY to add Outrigger Extension to its hand. SOL SAD activates Anchor Drill's effect, targeting Crab Crane. Anchor Drill's and Crab Crane's Levels become equal to their combined original Levels until the end of the turn (Anchor Drill: 4→9) (Crab Crane: 5→9). SOL SAD activates the Continuous Spell Card Outrigger Extension. While Outrigger Extension is on the field, HK-72 cannot target SOL SAD's Machine Xyz Monsters with card effects. SOL SAD uses River Stormer to Link Summon Infinitrack Goliath (1000/1/↘) to the left Extra Monster Zone. SOL SAD overlays the Level 9 Anchor Drill and Crab Crane to Xyz Summon Infinitrack Earth Slicer (3100/2100/9) to Goliath's Link Marker in Attack Position. SOL SAD activates the effect of River Stormer in the GY, Tributing Goliath to Special Summon River Stormer (2500/500/5) in Defense Position. SOL SAD activates Outrigger Extension's effect, targeting River Stormer to Xyz Summon 1 Machine Xyz Monster that is 2 Ranks higher from its Extra Deck by using the targeted monster as material. SOL SAD performs a Rank-Up Xyz Change with River Stormer to Xyz Summon Infinitrack Mountain Smasher (2100/3100/7) to the left Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. SOL SAD activates Mountain Smasher's effect, detaching 1 Overlay Unit (Mountain Smasher: 1 OU→0 OU) to increase its ATK by 1000 (Mountain Smasher: 2100→3100). SOL SAD activates the Spell Card Monster Reborn to Special Summon River Stormer (2500/500/5) in Attack Position. SOL SAD uses Earth Slicer, Mountain Smasher, and River Stormer to Link Summon Infinitrack Fortress Megaclops (4000/3/↙→↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. SOL SAD ends its turn.

Turn 2: HK-72

HK-72 draws. As it controls no monsters, it Special Summons Mechassassin 5C-UT (1200/0/3) in Attack Position. HK-72 activates 5C-UT's effect, paying 500 LP (HK-72: 4000→3500 LP) to target and destroy 1 face-up Spell/Trap Card SOL SAD controls and add 1 "Mechassassin" Spell/Trap Card from its Deck to its hand, but it cannot conduct its Battle Phase this turn. It destroys Outrigger Extension and adds Mechassassin's Factory to its hand. HK-72 activates the Continuous Spell Card Mechassassin's Factory. It uses 5C-UT to Link Summon Mechassassin 5P0-T3R (800/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. HK-72 activates Mechassassin's Factory's effect, paying 1000 LP and targeting Fortress Megaclops (HK-72: 3500→2500 LP). HK-72 can then Special Summon Mechassasin Tokens up to Fortress Megaclops's Link Rating. It Special Summons 3 Mechassassin Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. HK-72 uses 2 Mechassassin Tokens to Link Summon Mechassassin M3C-N1C (1600/2/←→) to 5P0-T3R's Link Marker. As HK-72 controls a Level 4 or lower "Mechassassin" monster, it Special Summons Mechassassin 5N-PR (2000/0/5) in Attack Position. HK-72 activates the Spell Card Mechassassin's Assembly, targeting 5N-PR. It can now add a "Mechassassin" monster with an equal or lower Level from its Deck to its hand. It adds a 2nd 5N-PR to its hand. HK-72 Tributes Mechassassin Token to Tribute Summon 5N-PR (2000/0/5). HK-72 overlays its 2 Level 5 5N-PR to Xyz Summon Mechassassin P05-N3R (2400/1600/5) to M3C-N1C's left Link Marker in Attack Position.

HK-72 activates 5P0-T3R's effect, targeting M3C-N1C. SOL SAD takes damage equal to half M3C-N1C's original ATK (SOL SAD: 4000→3200 LP). As 5P0-T3R inflicted damage with its effect, HK-72 can destroy 1 Spell/Trap Card SOL SAD controls. It destroys Heavy Forward. As SOL SAD took damage from a "Mechassassin" monster's effect, M3C-N1C's effect activates, inflicting 600 damage to SOL SAD (SOL SAD: 3200→2600 LP). HK-72 activates P05-N3R's effect, detaching 1 Overlay Unit (P05-N3R: 2 OU→1 OU) to destroy 1 monster SOL SAD controls and inflict damage equal to half its original ATK and gain LP equal to that amount. It targets Fortress Megaclops. SOL SAD activates its Skill, Destruction Break, negating the destruction of its monster by battle or effect once per Duel. HK-72 activates P05-N3R's effect again (P05-N3R: 1 OU→0 OU) and targets and destroys Fortress Megaclops (SOL SAD: 2600→600 LP) (HK-72: 2500→4500 LP). HK-72 activates its Skill, Assassin's Snipe, paying 800 LP to inflict 300 damage for each "Mechassassin" card in its GY (HK-72: 4500→3700 LP). There are 4 "Mechassassin" cards in its GY (SOL SAD: 600→0 LP). HK-72 wins.

---

Haru:

Hydardrive Analogue Continuous Spell Card
You can target 1 "Hydradrive" Link Monster you control and declare 1 monster Attribute. Until your next Standby Phase, that monster becomes the declared Attribute (even if this card leaves the field). You can only activate this effect of "Hydradrive Analogue" once per turn.

Hydradrive Blast Normal Trap Card
When your opponent's monster declares an attack against your "Hydradrive" monster: Destroy the attacking monster, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to that monster's original ATK.

Zahhak:

Cydevil Rapacious Mammon
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2200 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
2+ DARK Cyberse monsters
Linked monsters cannot target monsters on the field with their effects. Once, while this card is in your GY: You can target up to 2 "Cydemon" monsters in your GY; Special Summon them in Defense Position. If you have 3 or more "Cydemon" monsters in your GY and this card points to no monsters, this card gains the following effects:
-This card gains 200 ATK for each monster in the GY. Once per turn: You can add 1 "Cydemon" Spell/Trap Card from your Deck to your hand, or 1 "Cydemon" monster from your GY to your hand. Your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation.

Cydemon Pillars Field Spell Card
DARK Cyberse monsters you control gain 300 ATK/DEF and are unaffected by your opponent's monster effects. Once per turn: You can send 1 DARK Cyberse monster from your Deck to your GY. You can target 1 DARK Cyberse Link Monster you control; move it to your Main Monster Zone it points to. You can only activate this effect of "Cydemon Pillars" once per turn.

HK-72:

Mechassassin P05-N3R (Poisoner)
Attribute: DARK Type: [Machine/Xyz/Effect] ATK 2400 DEF 1600 Rank: 5
2 "Mechassassin" monsters
You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card and target 1 monster your opponent controls; destroy it, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to half that monster's original ATK and gain LP equal to that same amount. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase the turn you activate this effect.

Mechassassin's Assembly Normal Spell Card (name credit to ThePLOThand)
Target 1 "Mechassassin" monster you control; add 1 "Mechassassin" monster with an equal or lower Level from your Deck to your hand. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "Mechassassin" monster from your GY to your hand. You can only activate 1 effect of "Mechassassin's Assembly" per turn, and only once per turn.

---

Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 57 – The Superior Ignis. In the aftermath of Go Onizuka's defeat, Yasutake and his friends receive a shocking invitation. At the same time, Techbane is initiated into Ouroboros. But they are not the only ones on the move. The Gold Ignis finally makes her move, and she is headed straight for Lightning…

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Question of the Chapter

What would be good names for future Cyberdark Extra Deck monsters?

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Author's Notes

Thank you to SakushiRyu for providing feedback on Haru's and Zahhak's new cards and thank you to ThePLOThand for doing the same for HK-72's new cards. For those curious, Rapacious Mammon's face is based off of the first Greed from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, while his spear is based off the Lance of Ruin from Fire Emblem: Three Houses. If you want the inspiration for Mechassassin Poisoner, that's at the end of these notes.

This chapter is purely a villain's chapter. First, we have Zahhak and Haru. I'll admit I'm not sure if I have a handle on Haru's personality, but this part was mainly so Haru could receive a new Deck, which we'll be seeing when the heroes hit Mirror LINK VRAINS. As for how Zahhak was acting, there'll be an explanation in a later chapter.

The meat of this chapter though is Techbane's and HK-72's – the next iteration of HKs – breaking into SOL's core and stealing the AI chip plans and Earth's data. Techbane's duel was to show off his new Cyberdark cards, and I'm going to be honest here, writing his Duel was a lot of fun, especially against Infinitrack. HK's duel was meant to give the AI Assassin a win and show how dangerous he is. I had been thinking of having HK defeat Fatumare to establish this, but I figured Fatumare's inclusion at this point in the story would just bring in one too many characters. So instead, HK-72 faced off against an inferior AI and got to show off his new Xyz Summon.

Then we have Queen meeting with the Kings, where we confirm that Bishop, Knight, and Rook were all fired with Kitamura. But that's not the main topic. One of the unresolved plot threads of VRAINS was SOL's plan to make a high-functioning Ignis, so we have that resolved here; without the Ignis, and without means to capture them, the Kings order the project scrapped. So like many real-life products, it was only in the development stage but events outside of Queen's control ruined it. Of course, why do they need a high-functioning AI? Jormungand's already here.

And lastly, we have Techbane being accepted into Ouroboros and being told the truth. I'll be writing his introduction to the other Enforcers in the next chapter, as well as a confrontation between two of the most powerful Ignis.

Thank you for reading Chapter 56 of Hidden Memories. I finished this and the profile chapter before Fifth Circuit, so I decided to post them. This will also be the last chapter of Hidden Memories I release before my surgery, so I hope to see you all again soon!

Mechassassin Poisoner: C-21 Highsinger