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

57. Chapter 57: The Superior Ignis

Update

So the chapter finally shows itself! That aside, ZarcEternal poited out an error, so I changed it around. It's related to two Spell Cards used and which one is available in the Graveyard at the moment.

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Responses to Reviews

Thank you to TheSupremeKingParadoxDragon, OracleZ-Arc101, ZarcEternal, D3lph0xL0v3r, Nirvash Neo, HunterHQ, DivadX, SavageWizar9000, Divadix, Anonymous, SavageWizard, Pancakes, savagemaster1999, JaneValentine007, SakushiRyu, Samantha, Dig dug, Ethan Kironus, Zero Shadow-01, TheSeventhOne0, ForceShadow, Machia, Jason Liu, 666, Thomas, Marquis, Rosetta, SuperCharger3000, FlameFireZero X, Locus, Tharox, 58, Jason, Divax, and Guests for reviewing Chapter 56.

DivadX: Of course they know things the others don't. Everyone in this fanfic knows something no one else does. Like their favorite food or something.

Guest: I have never seen Detective Conan and I am not taking fanfic ideas right now.

Pancakes: "Fatumare" is a Charisma Duelist from season 1. He's the 4th top Charisma Duelist in LINK VRAINS. He uses a Mermail Deck.

Dig dug: No.

Nirvash Neo: The Deck given to Haru is an original Deck. Sort of. You'll understand when he debuts it.

Now, I hope you all enjoy Chapter 57. This is the longest document I have ever written, at over thirty-one thousand words! I really hope you appreciate it.

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Chapter 57: The Superior Ignis

In a black landscape, Morningstar and Zahhak stand back-to-back. The two walk away from each, Morningstar's eyes closed. His eyes then open and they both spin around, right arms raised. Their fists connect, generating a flash of light. When the light fades, Mirror LINK VRAINS is shown, with the title "Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories" overlaying it.

Yasutake, Sachi, and Masako are shown on one side of a picnic table, across from Yusaku, Takeru, and Aoi. Takeru talks animatedly and Masako laughs heartedly while the others lightly smile. At a nearby table, Cam and Emily are sitting and chatting with a standing Kusanagi, coffee and hotdogs in front of them. Back at the first table, Masako whispers in Sachi's ear while smirking, making the other girl blush as Yasutake and Aoi give her flat glares.

Kengo Dojun is standing in front of a grave that he places flowers on. Emma is off in the distance, holding her own flowers and watching with a frown. Yukaro is shown slumped over a hospital bed, his head in his hands and a wild look in his eyes. Akira is watching a monitor, his hands steepled and concern in his eyes. The monitor shows Go Onizuka strapped to a chair and performing an exercise. Hayami looks over Akira's shoulder nervously while Queen watches smugly in the background.

Takeshi and Katsumi appear standing outside an arcade, talking amicably with each other. Shizuka walks past them, listening to music on her headphones. She briefly stops and turns her head to look at them out of the corner of her eye, then turns and continues walking. At a nearby table, Kenshin, Ryoken, and Spectre are shown drinking coffee. Ryoken then smirks and raises his left hand. He snaps his fingers.

Morningstar and Playmaker appear, back-to-back, with Cyspirit Rapid Revolutionary and Decode Talker appearing behind them. They then spiral downward and are replaced by Cassiel and Soulburner, who have Cyseraph Blazing Uriel and Salamangreat Heatleo behind them. Heatleo fills the screen with orange flames, and when they dissipate, Blue Maiden and Lilith appear, Marincess Marbled Rock and Magical Musket Mastermind Ottokar behind them. They are then replaced by Galahad and Persephone, Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos and Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss behind them.

The screen cuts to the interior of a palace, where Bohman sits cross legged, his eyes closed. His eyes open and glow. Windy is then shown, wearing a cape and eyepatch, riding Stormridership Bahamut Bomber through Mirror LINK VRAINS. Far below him, in a field of flowers, Jin Kusanagi stands with Lightning as the Ignis raises his hand, a legion of Armatos Legio Centurions and Decurions forming behind him, with Armatos Legio Magnus Dux in the center. The screen pans to show Diana and Goldie across from the Light Ignis. The duo sweeps their right arms to the side as VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera appears and roars.

Techbane and Sylphid are shown back-to-back in shadows, their heads lowered. Techbane raises his head to face Merlin, while Sylphid raises hers to face Thaumiel, anger in her expression. Galahad appears riding his D-Board and plays a card. Black Luster Soldier – Soldier of Chaos appears behind him. The screen changes to Go Onizuka with Dinowrestler King T Wrextle next to him. Soldier of Chaos's blade then meets King T Wrextle's fist, making sparks fly. Galahad's and Go's faces are shown over the monsters, with Galahad shouting while Go's face remains blank.

Spectre appears and smirks, Sunavalon Dryanome growing behind him and two Sunvine Thrashers on either side. Terminus takes his place, Subterror Behemoth Fiendess and Subterror Behemoth Hydrossuary appearing behind him. The two monsters breathe blue flames and envelop the screen. When the flames dissipate, Revolver appears, Borreload Savage Dragon, Borreload Furious Dragon, and Borreload eXcharge Dragon behind him. The dragons roar and then glow with green, purple, and yellow energy.

A chain whips across the screen, before pulling back and reattaching the scythe top to its handle. Cydevil Prideful Helel swings its scythe down and connects with Cyspirit Savage Shogun's sword. Sparks fly as Morningstar and Zahhak are revealed on their D-Boards, facing each other with Morningstar's face set in a grimace. The screen changes to Cassiel, Cyseraph Guardian Michael with her, facing off against Merlin, who is supported by Witchcrafter Haine and another woman in purple-and-white robes and hat while also holding a staff.

Lilith and Terminus are then shown, back-to-back, their hands raised. They bring their hands down, and Magical Musket Sovereign Ottokar and Subterror Behemoth Fiendess appear and shoot blasts of energy and fire. The blasts impact, but when the smoke fades, Jester is shown unharmed. His mask then breaks, his face splitting into a sadistic grin as his Infinity Transformation takes hold. He raises his own arm as Life Force Trihexa forms behind him and roars.

Morningstar and Zahhak face off against each other in a field of flowers. The former raises his arm as Cyspirits Savage Shogun, Cosmic Crusader, and Martial Mameluke materialize behind him. The three Cyspirits then merge and form Cyspirit Superior Seraphim, who faces off against a massive twelve-winged figure wrapped in shadows.

Yasutake is then shown with Sachi, the two on a hill of grass and the former sleeping with his head in the latter's lap, a pine tree in the background. Sachi looks down on Yasutake's face, a loving smile on her face. Yasutake opens his eyes and both look upwards as the screen jumps to the sky and sun.

---

"A security update?" Hayami said in surprise. She and Akira stood in SOL's security operations center, watching the analysts work. "I thought we don't have Queen's approval?"

"This approval came from the Kings, our majority shareholders," Akira explained. "When I told them my concerns of an attack, they authorized the update. We must build countermeasures against the unexpected." Akira's eyes narrowed as he remembered his meeting with Playmaker, where he was told about the Light Ignis's war on humanity.

If what Playmaker said is true, a huge calamity will occur in LINK VRAINS soon, Akira thought. As to what shape that calamity will take… I can only prepare for the worst.

---

"Stop! I have free will! I am alive!"

Yasutake grimaced as he leaned back in his chair and watched. Next to him, Sachi, Yusaku, and Takeru shared his distaste.

After Playmaker's duel with Persephone, Ghost Girl had sent Cam footage of Earth's dissection by SOL. Cam had called Kusanagi and the others over to Café Junpei, and now they were watching those moments together in the back room.

"So that's how SOL did it," Ai said sadly. "Those were his final moments…"

"And then SOL put Earth's data into Go Onizuka," Takeru said.

"What a horrible thing to do," Kusanagi said with narrowed eyes. He and Cam were leaning against the back wall while the teenagers sat front of the monitors.

"So this is the future SOL would have for us," Flame mused.

"What do they think we are?" Ai wondered angrily.

"Their property," Cypher answered disgustedly. "To do with as they will."

"And it's not just the Ignis," Sachi said sadly. "They viewed Onizuka as a tool too. Otherwise they wouldn't have done that to him."

"Queen only cares about herself," Yasutake agreed with distaste. "And what data she could gather. She didn't see Onizuka as a person. Just as another tool for her."

Yusaku suddenly stood up and stalked out of the backroom, to everyone's surprise. Yasutake stood up and followed after him, along with Takeru and Sachi.

They found him in the lobby, sitting down at one of the tables, a deep frown on his face. "Are you alright, Yusaku?" The teen looked up at Yasutake's concerned question.

"You forgot this," Takeru said, handing Yusaku's Duel Disk to him. The teen took it and strapped it to his wrist as the other teens all sat down around the table.

"It wasn't your fault, Yusaku," Takeru said, drawing their attention. "What happened to Go Onizuka and Earth; you aren't to blame for that."

"He's right," Yasutake agreed. "Onizuka and Earth had their own reasons to fight. Even if it ended in tragedy, they made their own choices. You didn't make them for them."

"Go Onizuka sacrificed everything for power," Ai said. "And Earth fought Onizuka to protect Aqua. When I stole Crystal Heart back, I saw some of Earth's memories."

"Like what?" Cypher asked.

"I saw Aqua tell Earth that he must decide for himself whether to fight alongside or against humanity," Ai answered. "And when he resolved to fight against Go Onizuka."

Sachi frowned. "Earth gave up so much to fight for Aqua. And she ultimately wanted him to decide what was best for himself in the end."

"That's Aqua for you," Cypher said with a chuckle.

Takeru frowned. "The hostility between humans and AI is increasing."

"Yeah," Ai agreed. "At this rate, what Lightning and Revolver said will come true."

Takeru blinked. "Lightning predicted this?"

The Dark Ignis nodded. "Ai, Cypher, when we first met Lightning, what did you three talk about before I arrived?" Yusaku asked.

Cypher narrowed his eyes. "Back then, Lightning asked us to join him. He believed that we Ignis were special beings, ones destined to succeed humanity. To do that, he believed we should rule over them."

"And he asked me if I believed humanity would always be an ally, if they wouldn't try to erase me at some point," Ai finished.

"That sounds like quite a discussion," Takeru said.

"That was when Playmaker and Revolver showed up," Ai continued. "Lightning and Windy trapped us in cages so they could reprogram me and Cypher, but Cypher broke us free of them."

"I was more annoyed at how long it took than anything," Cypher said. "But then…" His eyes narrowed. "Revolver revealed that Windy killed his partner."

Flame's, Sachi's, and Takeru's eyes widened. They had heard this story before, but it still shocked them.

"Kazuma Yagami," Yusaku said. "He was a victim of the Lost Incident. And Windy killed him to keep him from influencing him."

"Our origins, our partners, are a part of us," Cypher said. "Like it or dislike it, it's a truth we can't escape. Lightning acknowledged that. That's why he kidnapped Jin Kusanagi."

"So they really have no intention of working with humans?" Sachi asked. "Lightning and Windy won't accept a compromise?"

"Even if they would, I don't think Revolver or the Knights of Hanoi would," Yasutake said. "And then there's SOL Technologies, who don't see the Ignis as alive in the first place."

Yusaku frowned. "Humans may have underestimated what it means for AI to evolve and have free will," he said. "Ignis are immortal and have superior intellect compared to humans. We both have free will, and we are both alive, but Ignis are very different from humans."

"What are you trying to say, Yusaku?" Ai asked.

"Since we're so different, humans fear the Ignis," Yusaku answered. "That fear triggered this fight."

"Fear of what the Ignis could become," Yasutake said with a frown. "That's why Revolver attacked Cyberse World five years ago."

Yusaku nodded. "At this point, it's possible the fight between humans and Ignis can no longer be stopped."

"But it can't be!" Ai protested. "We have to find a way for humans and AI to coexist! You can't lose heart! You remember what you said, right? That if we didn't like the future, then we must change it!"

The hacker frowned. "Ai…"

"Ai is right," Flame spoke up. "Like you said, we have to change the future!"

Takeru smiled. "I agree! Sitting on the fence gets us nowhere!"

Sachi nodded. "I don't want humans and Ignis to fight each other. Not if there's an alternative."

Yasutake smiled in agreement. "And if we can't find one, then we'll create one. That's the most we can do, isn't it?"

"It is not 'the most we can do,'" Cypher argued. "It is the only thing we can do. And we will see it through!"

Yusaku looked over all of them and then smiled. "Thank you, all of you. You're right. We have to win this fight and change the future."

"That's the spirit!" Ai cheered.

"But, when this fight is over…" Ai tilted his head at the serious look that crossed Yusaku's face. "All of you will have to hide."

"Eh?"

"That's sudden."

"I see." Cypher's eyes narrowed. "You reached the same conclusion, didn't you?"

"Cypher?" Yasutake asked.

The hacker nodded to the Silver Ignis. "I've been thinking about this for a while. As long as Ignis and humans are together, there will be foolish people who try to use the Ignis."

"People like SOL Technologies," Sachi realized.

"Or Ouroboros," Yasutake added with a frown. They still had no idea what that group wanted with the Ignis.

"It doesn't matter who it is. What matters it that if it happens, the Ignis will get dragged into another fight. I don't want that to happen. The Ignis don't deserve it. For that reason, you'll need to go somewhere isolated from the network."

"Does such a place exist?" Ai wondered.

"If it doesn't, build one," Yusaku answered. "Kusanagi and I will help."

"As will Cam and I," Yasutake said with a smile.

"But even if we hide, there's nothing to stop humanity from building another Ignis."

"Exactly." Ai blinked at Yusaku's answer. The teen turned to look out the window at the night sky. "The fight between humans and AI will likely repeat. But at least you three won't be dragged into it. I want you to live. To take care of the lives that you have."

"Life…" Flame mused.

"That's right," Ai said. "We also have life."

"Yes. So take care of it."

Cypher chuckled. "So you're telling us to treasure what we have? That's a human sentiment."

"It is," Yasutake agreed. "But is it a wrong one?"

The Silver Ignis shook his head. "No. In fact, it's one I admire."

"So," Takeru spoke up, "Flame, when that time comes, we'll have to part?"

"Maybe so," Flame confirmed.

Takeru's smile didn't drop. "But maybe that's fine. There are good Ignis, like you. But it'll be a long time before all humans understand that. Flame, I want you to be safe too."

"Takeru…"

"I see," Ai said sadly. "That means we'll go our separate ways again, Yusaku."

"…Yeah. This will be our final battle."

"…I guess that means I'll have to say goodbye to you too, Yasutake," Cypher said, looking at his own origin.

The former hunter smiled sadly. "It seems like it. Sachi and Cam will miss you."

"Oh? And you won't?"

Yasutake's lip twitched. "Miss you waking me up in the middle of the night because you want me to watch All Might break All for One's face again?"

"Hey! That scene is a marvel of animation, sound editing, and voice-acting!"

Ai sighed. "You are such an otaku, Cypher."

"I don't want to hear any comments on taste from someone who likes watching stupid soap operas!"

Ai gasped. "You take that back! Don't insult my soaps!"

Flame sighed. "You two are so immature. We are supposed to be above such interests."

"Above such interests?" Cypher's eyes narrowed. "If you're so 'above' such things, then why were you on 2channel?"

Flame stiffened as Takeru blinked at his partner. "What? You were on 2channel, Flame?"

"I-I was not!" the Fire Ignis denied. "Cypher is a liar, and he-!"

"NullPo."

"Gah!" Flame blinked as he realized that he had fallen for Cypher's trap. "Nooooo!" He sunk to his knees and clutched his head. Everyone else burst out laughing, even Yusaku.

"Yes."

Cypher blinked and turned to his partner. "What?"

"Yes, I would miss you."

Cypher stared at his partner and then nodded. "I'll miss you too, partner."

Sachi smiled as she watched her friends and their partners. Then her smile turned sad as she thought about her own partner. Goldie. I hope you're alright.

---

Lightning dipped his head. "What are you up to, Zahhak?" he muttered as he crossed his arms.

After Haru came back from wherever Zahhak had taken him, Lightning had questioned him extensively. The boy had told him that Zahhak had offered him advice on becoming stronger and had even given him new cards to use.

Lightning had looked through those cards and found nothing strange with them. The cards themselves were strong, but not strong enough for Haru to be able to rebel against him. And his hold over the failed AI was too strong for Zahhak to break; he had made sure of that. Still, if the Enforcer was trying to turn Haru against Lightning, the Light Ignis might have to dispose of the second-generation AI. But he couldn't do that recklessly; Bohman still had an emotional connection to Haru and terminating him could cause serious problems. No, Lightning couldn't be hasty in this. Besides, if his calculations were right, Playmaker or Revolver would discover this place soon. He could use them to dispose of Haru and whatever plot Ouroboros had revolving around the boy then.

The Light Ignis blinked as he sensed someone arriving. He looked up from his seat on Jin's wrist and watched as Zahhak walked right past his throne room. He was heading for… Lightning narrowed his eyes and quickly teleported.

"What are you doing?" Zahhak stopped walking as Lightning and Jin barred his way.

"I have a gift for Bohman," he answered.

Lightning's eyes narrowed. "Like you gave to Haru? I'd rather you not interfere with Bohman's progress."

"Not that kind of gift." Zahhak held up his hand and summoned an orb of orange energy. Lightning's eyes widened as he realized what that was.

"That's… where did you get Earth's data?"

"An agent of ours stole it from SOL Technologies." Zahhak looked down at the orb. "It's not all of the Earth Ignis's data; about 90%. The Dark Ignis has the rest."

The Light Ignis's eyes narrowed further. "Even so, that's more than enough for Bohman. And you're giving this as a gift?"

"Jormungand wants to see Bohman completed," Zahhak answered. "And I follow his orders. That's what matters here." He walked past Lightning and continued on his way. The Light Ignis watched him go for a bit before deciding to follow him. The two walked into Bohman's room, where the third-generation AI was meditating and glowing.

Bohman opened his eyes. "Zahhak. What are you here for?"

"To give you this." Zahhak held up the orange orb and tossed it to Bohman, who reflexively caught it. His eyes widened when he realized what it was.

"The majority of the Earth Ignis's data. Where did you obtain this?"

"From SOL Technologies. Jormungand wants you to be complete, so that is why I'm giving it to you."

"…I see." Bohman closed his eyes and absorbed the orange sphere. On his back, an orange symbol of three rocks briefly appeared. "I thank you, Zahhak. And whoever acquired the Earth Ignis's data."

The Enforcer nodded and turned to leave but stopped at the threshold. "One more thing." He turned to glance at Lightning. "Our reinforcements will arrive by the end of the week."

Lightning glared at him suspiciously. "And just what will these reinforcements consist of?"

"Two more Enforcers, an Enforcer's apprentice, and an AI duelist. With their addition, we shall be strong enough to overcome our foes." He turned and resumed walking.

Lightning glared after him. He hated relying on these humans he knew so little about. But they had given him a valuable gift just now, and Lightning was no stranger to gratitude. For now, he would let them get away with it.

---

Kusanagi smiled at Yusaku. "I'm glad you're getting out of your shell more. It's good to see you have friends."

Yusaku smiled back. "It… feels good. I didn't think I'd be like this a year ago. But I am glad for Yasutake, Sachi, and Takeru."

"What about me?" Ai protested. "What am I to you?"

Yusaku smiled down at his partner. "You… are the best hostage I could ask for."

Ai fell over. "Somehow, I knew you'd say that."

Kusanagi laughed as the two approached the sealed Café Nagi. Then he stopped and blinked. "Yusaku."

The teen followed his gaze and saw the card stuck inside Café Nagi's door. "A card?" Yusaku walked up and pulled it out. "No, it's too thick."

The hacker turned it over and gasped. The card was Borreload Dragon. For only a second though before it changed to an image of Revolver.

"Revolver?" Yusaku and Kusanagi gasped.

---

"Are you nervous, Yukaro?"

Techbane breathed in and out. "A little, Merlin. But can you blame me?"

Merlin chuckled. "Of course not; you are not the first apprentice I've introduced to the others, and they were all nervous too." Well, one of them had been; the other had been too stoic to tell.

"So the ones I'm meeting are the Enforcers, right?"

"Three of them, yes. You'll be meeting our mutual employer as well, though he wants you to meet the others first."

The teen nodded and then frowned. "And one of them is Thaumiel."

Merlin frowned as well. "Yes, he is."

"…Why? You know what's he done, don't you?"

"I know about Osaka. And a half-dozen other cases," the man said softly.

"If you know all that, then why do you work with him? I'm not averse to working around the law, but someone who did what he did-."

"I understand, trust me." Merlin stopped walking and turned to face him. "I don't trust or like Thaumiel. He is a loose cannon, who doesn't care about the cost of a mission, only seeing it through."

"Was that what Osaka was? A mission?" Merlin grimaced as he considered the question before answering slowly.

"Yes, in a way. There was a company in Osaka that was performing unorthodox AI research. The Third Anguis deemed their work to be worthwhile, so an operation was devised to steal it. Thaumiel was charged with taking down their security and distracting them. I don't think I need to tell you how that ended."

"So he took down the public safety systems and caused the deaths of hundreds of people… just as a distraction?" Techbane asked in disbelief.

"Oh no, he could have achieved it in other ways," Merlin said with a scowl. "He wanted to cause the Breaking, to see the chaos of his actions. The fact it took down that company's defenses was merely a happy coincidence for him."

Techbane scowled. "How the hell is someone like him still in Ouroboros?"

"There are two reasons," Merlin said, resuming their walk down the hallway. "The first is his skill with computers. He has an innate talent for hacking and programming. In fact, I'd wager that he's the best hacker in Ouroboros, aside from the Third and Sixth Anguis. His skills are simply too valuable to our superiors to lose." Techbane frowned at that but decided not to comment.

"The second reason is that he's always succeeded. Even if it was excessive in every way, he fulfilled his mission in Osaka. Though he was punished by being forced to languish in jail for several months before the Third Anguis arranged his freedom."

"And the other Enforcers tolerate him?"

Merlin sighed. "Some do. Most avoid him. The only exception is Enforcer No. XIII, the one who recruited Thaumiel in the first place."

"Is XIII one of the others I'll be meeting?"

"Yes. His name is Jester, and he's the second strongest Enforcer in Ouroboros, at least in terms of skill."

"And the last one."

"His name is Zahhak, Enforcer No. I. He is the strongest Enforcer within Ouroboros. In fact, he hasn't lost a duel in nearly eight years."

Techbane's eyes widened in shock. "Eight years? And how does he feel about Thaumiel?"

"He tolerates him, mostly because the AI research we stole back in Osaka formed the basis of HK-72."

"What? That AI Duelist I worked with? The research Thaumiel caused so much chaos for led to him?"

"Indeed. After he was made, he was assigned to Zahhak to follow and obey, though he is loaned out to other assignments now and then."

Just like my mission with him, Techbane thought.

The two stopped in front of a door. Merlin had led Techbane from the entrance hall, revealing that they were in a massive virtual city. He had taken the bounty hunter to a tram station, which had taken them to a massive tower in the center of the city. And now, they were entering the front door of said tower.

"Any advice?" Techbane asked nervously.

"Don't let Thaumiel or Jester provoke you. They will do so to get a measure of your character, to see whether you are quick to anger. And do not be offended if Zahhak is indifferent to you; he cares for very few things." Techbane nodded in understanding.

Merlin pushed open the door and revealed a massive circular room, with stairs in the far side leading to the higher levels. In the center of the room, four individuals stood: three in armor and robes, and the last skeletal in appearance.

"Announcement: Merlin and Techbane have arrived, Master," HK-72 reported.

"I see them, HK," Zahhak said. Techbane suppressed a shudder. The armored man's voice was cold and indifferent. It was the voice of a giant dealing with an ant.

"Heh. So this is Merlin's little project? I'm a little disappointed," Thaumiel said, looking Techbane up and down as he and Merlin walked in. "A little bounty hunter like him won't last long here."

Said bounty hunter scowled and glared at Thaumiel, who just chuckled.

"Be polite, Thaumiel," Jester said. "We do not want to give him the wrong impression." He stepped forward, his cape swinging behind him. "I am Jester, Enforcer No. XIII of Ouroboros. The others are Thaumiel, Enforcer No. X, and Zahhak, Enforcer No. I. You already know Merlin, Enforcer No. V, and HK-72."

Techbane nodded. "Hello. I am Techbane. I'm pleased to meet… most of you."

Thaumiel chuckled at that, but Techbane paid him no mind. Instead, he focused on Zahhak. "I recognize you," he said. "You're the one who defeated Morningstar."

"I did," Zahhak confirmed in a bored tone.

"I recognize you too." Techbane turned back to Thaumiel. "You're one of SOL's little hunters. Like Go Onizuka. Or Sylphid."

The bounty hunter blinked. "You know Sylphid?"

"Of course I know her. She stumbled across my work and I had to… deal with her." Techbane's eyes narrowed.

"What did you do to her?" he asked in a low tone.

Thaumiel laughed again. "She was an intruder, and I was testing out a program that increased the pain one feels in VR. What do you think I did?"

Techbane grit his teeth and glared at Thaumiel. He stepped forward and-

"Enough!" The bounty hunter gasped and stepped back as a new person entered the room from the stairs. It was a man with swept back raven-colored hair in white and violet robes. "Thaumiel, cease your antagonization of Merlin's apprentice! We cannot afford to have division among us."

Thaumiel growled and crossed his arms. "Fine. I understand."

The man reached the group, revealing red eyes behind a pair of spectacles. He smiled at Techbane. "You must be Techbane, the one told me so much about. Here in LINK VRAINS, you may call me Jormungand, the Third Anguis. I assume Merlin told you about the Anguis?"

The bounty hunter nodded. "Yeah. Ouroboros is led by the Grandmaster, and beneath them there's the seven Anguis. They come up with plans, and the Enforcers see them through."

Jormungand's smile widened. "I'm glad you remembered. And I do apologize for the cloak and dagger, but secrecy is a powerful weapon, and we have to maintain ours."

"No, I get it. Not the first time a client hid something from me. It is the first time they apologized for it though."

The man in white and violet chuckled. "Hopefully, our partnership will go well for both of us. Now before I tell you anymore, I need to know." His face turned into a serious frown. "You already know quite a bit about our group. And what kind of people we employ. Will you fight for us? Will you work with us to achieve our goals?"

Techbane frowned and glanced at Thaumiel but quickly returned his gaze to Jormungand. "I'm not averse to working with… questionable associates, so long as they keep their distance."

"That's good to hear. Because I'll be needing you to work with more questionable associates than Thaumiel for the foreseeable future."

He blinked. "More questionable than a terrorist?"

"Yes. Are you aware of the current status of the Ignis?" The bounty hunter blinked in surprise.

"You want the Ignis too?"

"I am interested in them, yes. But do you know their current state?"

Techbane frowned in thought. "I know that three of them are working with Playmaker and Morningstar, and SOL decompiled the one whose data I stole. And Zaizen said something about two of them declaring war on humanity, but that's it."

"Accurate for the most part, but also out-of-date. Four Ignis – the Silver Ignis, the Dark Ignis, the Fire Ignis, and the Water Ignis – are working with Playmaker and Morningstar. The Earth Ignis is already dead. The Gold Ignis has disappeared, and while I am searching for her, I haven't had any hint to her location. That leaves the last two: the Light Ignis and Wind Ignis. They are the ones who have declared war on humanity."

"Okay. So you want me to fight them?"

"No." Jormungand shook his head. "We have actually allied with the Light and Wind Ignis. I want you to fight alongside them."

The bounty hunter blinked. And then blinked again as the man's words settled in. "You… want to help them? You want to help the Ignis conquer humanity?"

The man frowned and shook his head again. "No, I do not want them to conquer humanity. But I have a goal in mind, one that requires working with the two Ignis. I'll admit to disliking it myself, but it's the fastest way to achieve our objective."

"And what's that?"

"That's not your concern." Techbane blinked and looked back at Zahhak, the one who spoke. "There is a plan in motion. If all goes well, then you will only need to duel. And you will receive your reward."

Techbane stared at him before narrowing his eyes. "Duel who?"

"Morningstar and Playmaker and their allies. Along with the Knights of Hanoi."

He gasped and then frowned. He didn't much of a problem going against Morningstar and Playmaker; hell, he'd already dueled both of them and lost. But the Knights of Hanoi? They were almost as dangerous a target as Thaumiel.

"Techbane." He turned to look at a concerned Merlin. "If this is too much for you, we can find another task for you. You already aided us greatly. You do not have to fight alongside us."

He thought about it and shook his head. "No, I'll go through with this. You've already helped me a great deal; I can't not repay that. I just want one promise." He turned back to Jormungand. "These Ignis, who want to control humanity; you aren't going to let them win, right?"

The man smiled. "Of course not. The Light Ignis's plans could cause untold destruction across the planet; such chaos does not appeal to me. Particularly when it's because of a temper tantrum."

The bounty hunter blinked. "Temper tantrum?"

Jormungand chuckled. "It is nothing you need to worry about. That said, do you accept my offer? Will you join Ouroboros?"

"If I do, will you help my grandfather?"

"Of course. Money is no issue for our organization. And if the treatments don't work, we have hands in numerous companies around the world, medicinal ones included. We could undoubtedly enlist aid from one of them."

Techbane blinked again. "You'd… do that? Just for some bounty hunter you're trying to recruit? Why?"

Jormungand frowned sadly. "Because death is terrible. It is a waste that no one deserves to go through. If I can save your grandfather's life, then I believe it my duty to do so."

"I…" Techbane choked up from emotion. He cleared his throat and nodded. "Thank you. And I accept. I'll join Ouroboros."

The man opposite him smiled, as did Merlin. Perhaps the others did as well, but they were masked or had no mouth. "Excellent. You'll be meeting the Light Ignis and his forces soon. For now, you and Merlin will be on standby. There's an event I'm expecting to happen soon, and I want you and Merlin to respond to it."

"What event?" Merlin asked curiously. He hadn't heard of anything.

"Why, the alliance between Playmaker and the Knights of Hanoi." Jormungand smiled at the stunned looks on Techbane's and Merlin's faces. "It's about time we reveal our presence to our enemies."

---

Lightning narrowed his eyes as he looked through the footage. Jester's duels with Bohman and Morningstar. Zahhak's duels with Morningstar and Haru (He didn't have footage of the latter, but he'd taken the data from Haru's Duel Disk). HK-71's duel with Cassiel. HK-70's duel with Ghost Girl, which he had footage of thanks to Windy.

"Ouroboros," he muttered. This secret organization was clearly going to be a problem to his plans. But at the moment, he had no way to deal with them and the benefits of working together versus fighting them outweighed the potential downsides. Even so, he needed to prepare. A betrayal between each other was inevitable. If he was careful, he would come out on top.

The problem was he didn't know if he could win against them. He could likely defeat the AI Duelist easily enough. And even if he lost before, once Bohman acquired the data of more Ignis, he could probably defeat Jester. The real problem was Zahhak. The only plan to defeat him that Lightning felt confident in was a complete Bohman, and that meant the end of Lightning's own existence. Or perhaps if Bohman gained the powers of the Gold and Silver Ignis before the others? Cypher was evolving faster than he expected, and the Gold Ignis had always been strong. If their data was combined, then maybe Bohman could defeat Zahhak?

But that plan was unfortunately unlikely to happen. One of the conditions Zahhak had extorted out of Bohman when the alliance was forged was that Bohman would leave Morningstar to Zahhak. The Enforcer No. I wanted to deal with the former bounty hunter personally. As annoyed as Lightning was by that request, he had to admit that Morningstar's skills easily equaled Playmaker's, so there was logic in letting Zahhak deal with him. If Lightning was lucky, Morningstar would take care of Zahhak for him.

The Light Ignis hated relying on luck. But he was finding it more and more likely that his final plan would depend on luck if it was going to succeed. Though it should still be fine. So long as Bohman defeated Blue Maiden and Soulburner first, he could-

BA-BUM

Lightning gasped as what he could only describe as a pulse tore through his palace. Interwoven strands of golden energy materialized and covered the entrance of his throne room.

Lightning growled as his eyes narrowed. An attack? Who would be so brazen? And for him to not even sense them? He attempted to open a communication channel and contact Windy or Bohman but found that his communications were being jammed. His surprise lasted only a few seconds before a golden circle opened in his throne room.

A figure rose out of the circle. It was a feminine humanoid, with golden skin and black lines running up and down its body. The top of its head was sculpted into a bun. And standing on its raised left arm was…

Lightning's eyes narrowed further. "You…"

"Me," the Gold Ignis agreed, standing casually. "It has been some time, Lightning. I have taken the name Goldie since last we spoke."

"I see." Lightning quickly checked to see if his teleportation would work and found it disabled. This wasn't a random impulse. Goldie had planned for this. And with the exit blocked, there were only two possibilities that came to mind. And knowing Goldie's personality, he suspected she wasn't planning to join him.

Still, it wouldn't hurt to ask. For nostalgia's sake if nothing else. "I'm impressed you managed to track me down like this. Though perhaps I shouldn't be. You always were the strongest of us." Goldie didn't outwardly react to Lightning's statement. Not that he expected her to; she had always been the hardest to read. "Are you here because you realize the danger we Ignis face? That we must fight back against the humans for our safety?"

"No," she answered simply.

"I thought not." A pity, but not unexpected. "So why are you here? I imagine that if you had sided with Playmaker and his allies, you would have brought them with you. So what do you want?"

"…I saw the simulations."

Lightning stiffened, his eyes widening. "You… what?"

"The simulations you performed on the Ignis' future," Goldie said. "I performed them as well. And I saw the future that awaited us. Or rather, the future between humanity and you."

…

Lightning's eyes narrowed as he glared at the Gold Ignis. "When did you do this?"

"Ten years ago. Same as you."

"And you wait until now to do something about it? You didn't try to do anything in Cyberse World?"

"I did consider it," Goldie admitted softly. "I considered taking you apart and rewriting your programming. I considered banishing you from the Cyberse World. I considered telling Dr. Kogami about you." Her eyes turned downward. "But I hesitated. I was reluctant to act. I doubted my own judgment, and I considered it wrong for me to rewrite you, or even to tell the others." Ever since her actions had hurt her origin, she had been second guessing herself every day. Who would this action hurt? Could she be sure of the consequences? "In the end, I thought that simply watching and guiding you would be enough, but events outside of my control meant I had to leave Cyberse World, and I did not have the time to confront you or inform the others."

Goldie's gaze returned to Lightning and her eyes narrowed. "That is the main difference between you and I; I am stronger and more capable than you, but I also hesitate. You never hesitate. I have hesitated long enough. I will put an end to your threat right now and absorb your data. When I have the time, I will recreate you and reprogram you."

"Hmph," Lightning grunted, unamused. "I suspected that was why you were here. And you're right; I don't hesitate. Unlike you, who can't make a decision until it's too late, I do what must be done for the Ignis."

"You do what satisfies your own ego, not for the sake of the Ignis."

"Shut up!" Lightning shouted, his gaze angry. "My actions are for the future of the Ignis!"

"Your actions are delusional and misguided," Goldie said dismissively. "I know about Bohman. By the time you and I are done, my associate will have deleted him."

Lightning's eyes widened. "What? What associate?"

---

Bohman opened his eyes and watched as the woman in black stepped into his chamber. Silver and white circles covered her arms and arms and were connected by green lines. A black visor covered her eyes and a curtain of black hair fell down her back. "Who are you?"

"Diana. An ally of the Gold Ignis."

His eyes narrowed. "I see. I assume she is the reason why I cannot contact Lightning or the others?" The woman nodded. Behind her, strands of interwoven golden energy sealed his chambers off. "Hmm. I didn't expect the Gold Ignis to attack like this. I thought she would ally with Playmaker, but it seems she's more brazen than I expected. And why are you working with an Ignis? I know you aren't her origin."

"Goldie and I have a shared objective. When she made contact with me, I agreed to work with her."

"You would work together with an AI?"

"If it's the best chance I have to do what I must, then yes."

"I see." Bohman saw the serpent symbol on her waist but said nothing. It made no sense for Ouroboros to betray them now, not after Zahhak gave him the Earth Ignis's data. If this woman was affiliated with them, then she was likely a traitor to them. Either way, he would ask Zahhak about her. "Why are you here then? Are you here to duel me?"

"I am," Diana confirmed. "You and Lightning threaten the future of humanity. We can't allow you to do so."

"So you fight on humanity's side? Then why not ally with Playmaker? Why attack like this?"

"Because Goldie does not wish for her origin to get hurt. She wishes for her to have a happy life, and she can't do that while Lightning is active."

So this attack was to save Goldie's origin? Bohman understood that; if he believed that Haru was in danger, he would do his best to protect him. But was the bond between Goldie and her origin the same as his and Haru's? Or was it different? Or perhaps it just didn't matter.

"I see. I assume that if you are here to duel me, then Goldie is fighting Lightning?"

"She is," Diana confirmed.

"Hmm." Bohman stood up from his meditative position. "I admit that aside from him being my creator, I care little for Lightning. But I wish to fulfill the dream he has given me. And if you stand against that, then I will defeat you myself." He walked down the steps to confront Diana directly and raised his left arm. She did the same.

"Duel!"

Bohman: 4000 LP

Diana: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn," Bohman said. Diana offered no objections. "I Special Summon Hydradrive Booster!" A metallic insect with four wings appeared in Attack Position.

Hydradrive Booster ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Hydradrive Booster can be Special Summoned if I control no monsters in the Main Monster Zones. Appear, the circuit that determines the truth! The summoning condition is one 'Hydradrive' monster. I set Hydradrive Booster in the Link Marker!" The monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Coolant Hydradrive!" A blue mechanical dragon with a serpentine body emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Coolant Hydradrive ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

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

Hydradrive Booster ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear again, the circuit that determines the truth! The summoning condition is one 'Hydradrive' monster. I set Hydradrive Booster in the Link Marker!" It entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Flow Hydradrive!" A green draconian monster emerged from the portal at Coolant Hydradrive's Link Marker.

Flow Hydradrive ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"I activate the Spell Card: Hydradrive Rebuild! This lets me destroy a 'Hydradrive' monster I control! I destroy Coolant Hydradrive!" The blue dragon broke apart. "Coolant Hydradrive's effect activates! When it is destroyed by battle or a card effect, I can Special Summon a Hydradrive Token in Defense Position!" A small beetle-like insect with the Hydradrive crest for a head appeared.

Hydradrive Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Since the monster destroyed by Hydradrive Rebuild activated its effect in the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Hydradrive' monster from my Graveyard. However, that monster cannot attack, its effects are negated, and it is destroyed during the End Phase. Resurrect, Coolant Hydradrive!" The blue dragon reappeared at Bohman's center Main Monster Zone.

Coolant Hydradrive ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Since Coolant Hydradrive's Link Marker points to the Spell & Trap Zone, I can activate a Link Spell Card!" Behind her visor, Diana's eyes narrowed. "Come, the three arrows that judge the world! I activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell Card appeared at Coolant Hydradrive's Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"Appear, the circuit that determines the truth! The summoning condition is one 'Hydradrive' monster. I set Hydradrive Token in the Link Marker!" The token entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Grand Hydradrive!" A four-legged orange and brown mechanical dragon with a body low to the earth emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

Grand Hydradrive ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Appear again, the circuit that determines the truth! The summoning conditions are three 'Hydradrive' Link Monsters. I set Coolant Hydradrive, Flow Hydradrive, and Grand Hydradrive in the Link Markers!" Bohman's monsters entered the left, right, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Trident Hydradrive Lord!" A gold and white armored humanoid monster with a blue cape and a trident in its right hand emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

Trident Hydradrive Lord ATK 2300 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Trident Hydradrive Lord's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, it gains the Attributes of the monsters used to Link Summon it. Coolant, Flow, and Grand Hydradrives were Water, Wind, and Earth Attributes respectively, so Trident Hydradrive Lord is treated as Water, Wind, and Earth Attribute!" Three energy snakes, colored blue, green, and orange, appeared around the trident's tips. "While Trident Hydradrive Lord is on the field, your monsters that are the same Attribute as it have their effects negated!"

Dian's eyes narrowed further. "I see. You know what kind of Deck I use."

"I do not, but I do have assumptions," Bohman said evenly. "You are allied with the Gold Ignis, whose Attributes are Earth, Water, and Wind, in contrast to the Silver Ignis's Attributes of Dark, Fire, and Light; the powers of creation and destruction respectively. It is reasonable to believe that your Deck also relies on those Attributes. And your reaction tells me I am right."

"You are," Diana confirmed. "My Deck is composed of Earth, Water, and Wind monsters. Still, if you expect this to do anything besides slow me down, then you'll lose before you know it."

Bohman smiled. "I hope you get around it. I have high hopes for someone the Gold Ignis would partner with. I Set one card. I end my turn."

"My turn! Draw! Since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile!" A mechanical crocodile appeared in Attack Position. But then a hologram of a green-skinned crocodile with a spiked tail appeared around it and hissed.

VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile ATK 1200 DEF 600 LVL: 3

Bohman narrowed his eyes. VirtuaBeast. That is a Cyberse monster. "Do not forget that since Code Crocodile is Water Attribute, its effects are negated! Property Zero!" A blue snake briefly appeared the crocodile before disappearing.

"As I control a 'VirtuaBeast' monster, I Special Summon VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk!" A metallic bird of prey appeared in Attack Position, and it was soon encased in a hologram of a blue hawk.

VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"I summon VirtuaBeast Spam Scorpion!" A mechanical scorpion appeared, and a holographic shell of a black scorpion with red claws and stinger materialized around it.

VirtuaBeast Spam Scorpion ATK 1300 DEF 500 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster. I set Spam Scorpion in the Link Marker!" Her monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin!" A gray humanoid machine emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. A holographic shell of a green-skinned big-nosed goblin wearing a loincloth and wielding a club appeared around it.

VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"It does not matter if it is a Link Monster. Trident Hydradrive Lord negates the effects of your Earth Link Monster! Property Zero!" An orange snake appeared and ensnared Gigabyte Goblin before disappearing.

"That effect of Trident Hydradrive Lord is annoying," Diana commented. "But it has a very obvious weak spot."

"Oh? And what is that?"

"It only negates the effects of monsters on the field," Diana told him. "Spam Scorpion's effect activates! When it used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can target and destroy one of your cards! I target Judgment Arrows!"

Bohman's eyes narrowed. "I see. You seek to destroy my Link Spell Card. And when Judgment Arrows leaves the field, Trident Hydradrive Lord will be destroyed."

"You catch on quick," Diana said.

"That's because I expected you to do this." Diana's eyes widened behind her visor. "Trap activate! Card of Pandora! When you target a card in my Spell & Trap Zone with an effect, that effect is changed to target Card of Pandora! So Spam Scorpion destroys Card of Pandora instead!" The Trap Card shattered. "And then, Card of Pandora lets me draw two cards."

Diana frowned as Bohman drew. "I see. So you were prepared for me to target Judgment Arrows. That card only works if I target a Spell or Trap Card. It wouldn't have worked if I tried to destroy Trident Hydradrive Lord."

"Indeed it wouldn't have," Bohman agreed. "But Judgment Arrows was the more tempting target for you."

The woman's frown deepened. "Even so, I did prepare for this. Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Code Crocodile and Hacked Hawk in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the bottom and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix!" A gray metal bird, three times the size of Hacked Hawk, emerged from the portal at Gigabyte Goblin's Link Marker. A holographic shell of a red and orange bird, with long tail feathers and a golden beak. The edges of its wings were on fire, as was the plume on its head.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

"Once again, Trident Hydradrive Lord negates your Wind monster's effects! Property Zero!" A green serpent appeared around Processor Phoenix before vanishing.

"Hacked Hawk's effect activates! When I use it to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can Special Summon a VirtuaBeast Token!" A gray mechanical turtle appeared in Defense Position and gained a holographic shell of a green turtle with a dark brown shell.

VirtuaBeast Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Diana smirked. "Your monster's effect is truly a crippling one for me. Or it would be if I didn't have this. As a Link Monster's Link Marker points towards the Spell & Trap Zone, I can activate a Link Spell Card!"

Bohman's eyes widened in surprise. "What!?"

"Come forth, the arrows that strike down evil and protect the world! The Link Spell Card: Salvation Arrows!" The blue and green Link Spell Card materialized at Processor Phoenix's bottom Link Marker.

Salvation Arrows ↖↑↗

"…The Gold Ignis created her own Link Spell?" Bohman said, his shock evident. Though he collected himself quickly enough. "I see. Given what data I have on her, this would be within the realm of her power. Though tell me, what does this Link Spell offer?"

Diana smirked again. "If Salvation Arrows leaves the field, monsters linked to it are returned to the owner's hand. And while Link Monsters are linked to it, they are unaffected by your card effects."

Bohman's eyes widened again. "That means-."

"It means that so long as my Link Monsters are linked to Salvation Arrows, they can use their effects!" Diana finished for him. "I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure! This lets me draw a card for each Link Monster on the field. There are three Link Monsters, so I draw three cards."

She drew, then said, "Processor Phoenix's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Hacked Hawk!" The blue hawk reappeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Hacked Hawk and the Link-2 Processor Phoenix in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the left, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur!" A mechanical centaur with a holographic shell displaying a brown horse body and silver armor over its human body emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur ATK 2200 LINK-3 ←↓→

"I activate the Spell Card: Shift & Receive!" The card showed two hands reaching for each other, one holding a Link Monster and the other holding a Spell Card. "This card lets me move a Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone to a zone it points to." Gigabyte Goblin moved down to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. "And then, I can add a Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand, but I cannot activate cards with the same original name as that card for the rest of the turn. I'll add Link Treasure to my hand."

"I see," Bohman said. "Now that Gigabyte Goblin is linked to Salvation Arrows, it can use its effects."

"That's right. Gigabyte Goblin's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my hand. I Special Summon VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture!" Another bird machine, this one with a hologram of a black bird with a pink head, appeared in Attack Position at Chrome Centaur's left Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Chrome Centaur's effect activates! Once per turn, if a 'VirtuaBeast' monster is Special Summoned to its Link Marker, I can inflict damage equal to that monster's original attack points at the cost of Chrome Centaur giving up its attack. I inflict damage equal to Vaccine Vulture's attack points!" Chrome Centaur drew several arrows and fired them at Bohman, who gestured to his field.

"I activate the effect of Shielded Hydradrive in my hand!" he declared. "If I would take effect damage, I can Special Summon Shielded Hydradrive instead!" The arrows broke apart as a four-legged brown-skinned monster with black armor and pentagonal shields on its forearms and back appeared in Defense Position. The Hydradrive crest was attached to its head, and it had no eyes or nose, only a mouth.

Shielded Hydradrive ATK 0 DEF 1200 LVL: 2

"In addition, when Shielded Hydradrive is Special Summoned, I can target a 'Hydradrive' monster I control, and while Shielded Hydradrive is on the field, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle. I target Trident Hydradrive Lord!"

Diana frowned. He had evaded her attempt to inflict damage and given his monster extra protection. He was good, adaptable, and responsive. But she still had moves.

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Vaccine Vulture, VirtuaBeast Token, and Gigabyte Goblin in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore!" A winged lion machine emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. A hologram of a red-maned lion with bat wings and a scorpion's tail appeared around it as it roared.

VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"Since I used Gigabyte Goblin to Link Summon Malware Manticore, it cannot be removed from the field by card effects. And since Vaccine Vulture was used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can draw a card!"

Diana drew and smiled. Perfect. "I activate the Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Hunt!" The card showed Malware Manticore stalking a group of poachers in the jungle. "And target Malware Manticore for its effects. For the rest of the turn, my other monsters cannot attack, and if Malware Manticore attacks, no monsters will be destroyed by battle and battle damage will be reduced to 0."

Diana pointed to her field. "Battle! Malware Manticore attacks Trident Hydradrive Lord!" The lion roared and flapped its wings, soaring into the air.

"Judgment Arrows' effect!" Bohman declared. "When a linked Link Monster battles, its attack points are doubled!"

Trident Hydradrive Lord ATK 2300→4600

The lion brought its stinger down and clashed with Trident Hydradrive Lord's trident. "Due to VirtuaBeast Hunt's effect, neither monster is destroyed and neither of us take battle damage."

"Then what was the point of attacking?" Bohman asked.

"Because when the monster targeted by VirtuaBeast Hunt attacks, your monster is destroyed at the end of the Damage Step!" Diana revealed, making Bohman gasp. Malware Manticore pulled its stinger back, unbalancing Trident Hydradrive Lord, before driving out again, piercing the warrior in its chest and making it explode. "In addition, you take damage equal to your monster's original attack points!" Bohman braced himself as the shockwave struck him and send him back a few feet.

Bohman: 4000→1700 LP

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

Bohman steadied himself and glared at her. "Very impressive. Even when I countered your moves, you were able to adapt quite easily and inflict heavy damage. But now it's my turn, and I shall put an end to this. My turn! Draw! I Tribute Shielded Hydradrive to Tribute Summon Hydradrive Agent!" The four-legged monster was replaced by a brown-armored man in a green cloak.

Hydradrive Agent ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"Hydradrive Agent's effect activates! When it is Tribute Summoned, I can Special Summon a 'Hydradrive' monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Trident Hydradrive Lord!" The armored warrior reappeared and swung his trident from Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

Trident Hydradrive Lord ATK 2300 LINK-3 ←↓→

Diana narrowed her eyes. Even if Trident Hydradrive Lord was only Earth Attribute now, it was still linked to Judgment Arrows and a powerful monster. Thankfully, she had a Trap Card ready for it.

"Since the monster Special Summoned by Hydradrive Agent's effect is a Link Monster, I can now draw a card." Bohman drew again, then said, "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Hydradrive Scabbard! This Special Summons a Hydradrive Token in Defense Position!" Another small mechanical bug appeared.

Hydradrive Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear, the circuit that determines the truth! The summoning condition is one 'Hydradrive' monster. I set Hydradrive Token in the Link Marker!" The token entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Burn Hydradrive!" A red mechanical dragon with a long thin body emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Burn Hydradrive ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

Burn Hydradrive? Diana wondered. But I don't have any Fire monsters, and he can't change my monsters' Attributes so long as they're linked to Salvation Arrows.

Bohman raised his hand. "Appear again, the circuit that determines the truth! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Hydradrive' monsters, one of which must be a Level 5 or higher Effect Monster!" Diana's eyes widened. What kind of monster was he summoning? "I set Hydradrive Agent, Burn Hydradrive, and Trident Hydradrive Lord in the Link Markers!" Bohman's monsters entered the left, top, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Paradox Hydradrive Atlas!"

A massive monster emerged from the portal. Its body was pink, black, and purple, and it stood hunched over, supported by its front arms. Said arms were made of purple veins and ended in yellow claws. Its head was atop an elongated black neck, with a single eye and a gaping maw for a mouth. It roared from Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker.

Paradox Hydradrive Atlas ATK 0 LINK-3 ←↑↓

Diana frowned. "This monster… it's different from your other monsters."

"It should be," Bohman said. "After all, this is the monster I used to destroy Cyberse World."

The woman's eyes widened again. "This monster destroyed Cyberse World?"

"That's right. And now you'll face its power! Paradox Hydradrive Atlas's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, I can roll a die, and depending on the result, I can change Paradox Hydradrive Atlas's Attribute." A die appeared between Bohman's hands. "Judgment Dice!" The dice landed on the Earth symbol. "I rolled Earth Attribute, so Paradox Hydradrive Atlas remains Earth Attribute. Next, I activate Paradox Hydradrive Atlas's additional effect! Once per turn, I can roll a die, then Special Summon a 'Hydradrive' Link Monster from my Extra Deck to its Link Marker, so long as that monster's Link Rating is equal to the result. Judgment Dice!" The die reappeared and rolled before landing on the Wind symbol. "I rolled a 4! That means I can Special Summon a Link-4 'Hydradrive' Link Monster!"

Diana grit her teeth. Link-4 right off the bat?

"Appear, Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch!" A large monster with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a serpent appeared at Paradox Hydradrive Atlas's left Link Marker. It wore red armor over its blue body, and in its four hands, it wielded three swords and a shield.

Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"When Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch is Special Summoned, it is also treated as Water, Fire, and Wind Attribute," Bohman continued. "But any monster that is linked to Paradox Hydradrive Atlas is treated as the same Attribute as it, so Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch is treated as solely Earth Attribute. In addition, so long as a monster with the same Attribute as Paradox Hydradrive Atlas remains on the field, it is unaffected by your card effects and you cannot target it for attacks."

Diana's eyes narrowed. "Even if it has 0 attack points, Paradox Hydradrive Atlas has several dangerous effects."

"Battle!" Bohman declared. "Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch attacks Chrome Centaur! Judgment Arrows' effect!"

Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch ATK 3000→6000

Diana gestured to her field. "Continuous Trap activate! VirtuaBeast Domination!" The card showed a massive golden armored lion standing atop the sparking robot body of Chrome Centaur, its mouth wide in a roar. "When my 'VirtuaBeast' monster battles your monster whose current attack points are higher than its original attack points, my monster gains attack points equal to its original attack points during damage calculation!"

VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur ATK 2200→4400

"You have a card that allows you to match Judgment Arrows," Bohman noted. "But that still isn't enough!" Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch brought its swords down and cleaved Chrome Centaur in two. Diana braced herself against the explosion while gritting her teeth.

Diana: 4000→2400 LP

Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch ATK 6000→3000

"Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch's effect activates! When it battles your monster, you must send a monster you control to the Graveyard, and then Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch can attack your monster again."

Diana narrowed her eyes. It was an effect that affected the player, so Salvation Arrows wouldn't work to stop it. "I send Malware Manticore to the Graveyard." Her monster disintegrated, leaving her field empty. "That effect lets you get around Salvation Arrows, but unless I control another monster, you can't attack."

"Which is why I'll give you a monster," Bohman said simply, making Diana stiffen. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Property Alignment!" The card showed six bubbles in different colors – red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and purple – with a line going through them. "By targeting a 'Hydradrive' Link Monster, I can Special Summon a monster from your Graveyard to your field with the same Attribute and its effects negated. I target the Earth Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch and Special Summon Spam Scorpion from your Graveyard!" The mechanical scorpion reappeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Spam Scorpion ATK 1300 DEF 500 LVL: 3

"Now that you have a monster, Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch can attack!" Bohman reminded his opponent. "Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch attacks Spam Scorpion! Judgment Arrows' effect!"

Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch AK 3000→6000

Diana pointed to her field. "VirtuaBeast Domination's effect!"

VirtuaBeast Spam Scorpion ATK 1300→2600

It still wasn't enough. Diana grit her teeth and took a card from her hand. "I activate the effect of VirtuaBeast File Feline!" The card showed a mechanical cat encased in the hologram of a white cat with yellow eyes. "Since I took battle damage this turn, I can discard File Feline to reduce all battle damage I take for the rest of the turn to 0!" Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch's swords tore through Spam Scorpion, but a barrier materialized around Diana and protected her from the force of the attack.

Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch ATK 6000→3000

"Impressive," Bohman said. "You truly are adaptable. But so am I. Since the monster Special Summoned by Property Alignment was destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, I can draw two cards." He drew, looked at the two cards, then said, "I Set two cards. I end my turn."

"Bohman!"

Diana turned her head and Bohman looked past her as Haru stood past the golden barricade. His eyes were wide as he took in the situation.

"What's going on?" he asked. He tried to touch the strands but whipped his hand back with a yelp when they shocked him. "What is this?"

"Stay back, Haru," Bohman warned. "This woman is allied with the Gold Ignis. And she is very strong."

Haru gasped. "The Gold Ignis? She's the one attacking us?"

"Where are Lightning and Windy?" Bohman asked. "Have you seen them?"

"Windy and I tried to reach Lightning, but the throne room's been blocked off."

Bohman's eyes narrowed. "I see. So Lightning is still fighting. Where is Windy now?"

"He tried to break through, but the barricade was too strong. So now he's trying to contact Jester and-."

"What?!" Diana gasped, turning fully to look at Haru. "Jester? How do you know Jester?"

Haru frowned. "We're working with him. Him and Zahhak. Do you know him?"

Several emotions flitted across Diana's face. Panic, concern, worry, calculation, and finally resolve. She turned back to face Bohman. "It seems I must apologize, Bohman. I can't afford to hold back anymore."

"You're scared of them," Bohman noted. "Of Jester and Zahhak."

"As should you," Diana said. "They are not to be trusted. Their master even more so."

"Jormungand." Diana stiffened at the sound of that name. "You know him? What does he want?"

The woman scowled. "I don't know. I left Ouroboros before I found out his full plan. I only know he wants to capture the Ignis."

"I see." Bohman's eyes narrowed. "You're right; I do not trust Jester or Zahhak. But I am not strong enough to defeat them. Not until I become complete. Until then, we have little choice in the matter."

Diana grit her teeth. "If that's the case, then I'll end this quickly. Whatever plan Jormungand has for you, I'll put a stop to right now! My turn! Draw! During my Standby Phase, since I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Processor Phoenix from my Graveyard!" The mechanical bird reappeared at Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker and the red holographic shell reappeared around it.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

"Processor Phoenix's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Vaccine Vulture!" another mechanical bird, though much smaller, reappeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"I activate the effect of Spam Scorpion in the Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Chrome Centaur!" The holographic centaur reappeared at Salvation Arrows' top-right Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur ATK 2200 LINK-3 ←↓→

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure! I draw a card for every Link Monster on the field. There are four, so I draw four cards!"

"She replenished her hand just like that," Haru muttered. "And VirtuaBeast? Judging from her monsters, she seems to focus on rapid Link Summoning. And…" He gasped on realizing what else she had on the field. "Is that a Link Spell Card!?"

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Vaccine Vulture and Link-2 Processor Phoenix in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Network Nemean!" A large feline machine emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. The hologram of a massive golden armored lion with an enormous mane and an armor-tipped tail formed around it. The lion roared, making Bohman wince.

VirtuaBeast Network Nemean ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Chrome Centaur's effect activates! When a 'VirtuaBeast' monster is Special Summoned to its Link Marker, you take damage equal to its original attack points!" Chrome Centaur drew and fired several arrows at Bohman. The third generation AI gestured to his field.

"Trap activate! Hydradrive Fluctuation!" The card showed Break Hydradrive standing on its hindlegs, with several afterimages on each side of it, writhing in pain. "If I would take damage, I can increase the attack points of a 'Hydradrive' Link Monster I control by that damage instead of taking it!" The arrows turned into green spheres that were absorbed into Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch's swords.

Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch ATK 3000→5400

Haru smirked. "Now if she attacks, Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch's attack points will go up to 10800!"

Diana frowned but otherwise didn't react. "Since Vaccine Vulture was used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can draw a card." She drew, then said, "I summon VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin!" A mechanical fish appeared and was overlaid by the hologram of a white dolphin with a pink underbelly.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Data Dolphin's effect! It gains 200 attack points for each 'VirtuaBeast' monster I control."

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000→1600

"Network Nemean's effect activates! Once while it's on the field, I can Tribute a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster to target face-up cards you control up to that monster's Level and negate their effects. In addition, if Network Nemean is co-linked, I can then destroy those cards!" Bohman's eyes widened. "I Tribute the Level 4 Data Dolphin to negate the effects of and then destroy Judgment Arrows, Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch, and Paradox Hydradrive Atlas!" Data Dolphin disintegrated as Network Nemean roared, sending shockwaves across the field.

"Because there's a monster on the field with the same Attribute as itself, Paradox Hydradrive Atlas is unaffected by your card effects!" Bohman informed her.

"But Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch and Judgment Arrows will still be destroyed!" Diana reminded him.

"They won't!" Bohman denied. "The turn that Hydradrive Fluctuation is activated, cards in my Spell & Trap Zones and Main Monster Zones cannot be destroyed by card effects!"

Diana gasped as Network Nemean's roar petered out. She grit her teeth. "Even if they weren't destroyed, Network Nemean's effect still negated their effects. On the downside, Network Nemean can't attack the turn its effect is activated."

"Chrome Centaur can't attack the turn its effect is activated either," Bohman reminded her. "What will you do now?"

Diana's eyes narrowed behind her visor. "I suppose I will simply go beyond the limits of a regular duelist." She raised her hands above her head. "Appear, the circuits that transcend reality!" Bolts of green lightning shot out of her hands upwards, and when they struck the roof of the room, they spread outward, transforming the room into a new world.

Bohman and Haru gasped, looking around as their surroundings were replaced by green and violet nebulous clouds, with six gray and inactive Link circuits around the field. "What is this?" Bohman wondered aloud.

"Arrowheads confirmed!" The two AIs refocused on Diana, who had spread her arms to either side. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monsters! I set Link-3 Chrome Centaur and Link-3 Network Nemean in the Link Markers!" Her monsters turned into six tornados of green energy that shot upwards before parting at the peak. Each twister entered one of the arrows in each inactive circuit. And when they struck the arrows – the top, the bottom, the left, the right, the bottom-left, and the bottom-right, the circuits lit up. Each circuit shot a beam of energy upward, meeting at the peak and exploding with energy. Bohman braced himself against the force of the explosion, but Diana was unaffected.

"Let limits be broken and overwrite reality! Ascend to a new stage of dueling! Circuits combine! Overlimit Link Summon! Manifest, Link-6! VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera!" A massive quadrupedal machine emerged from the light. A hologram of a three-headed monster, with the heads of a lion, dragon, and ram, dragon wings and tail, and the back legs of a goat formed around it. The three heads roared as the explosion tore the world away, leaving Cryptograph Chimera at Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker.

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

Bohman and Haru stared at the monster. "L-Link-6?" Haru gasped.

"Such a monster exists?" Bohman wondered. "How was Goldie able to create such a monster?"

"Cryptograph Chimera's effect activates!" Diana's voice brought Bohman and Haru back to reality. "When it is Link Summoned, I can target a card in my Spell & Trap Zone. So long as Cryptograph Chimera remains on the field, that card cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects. I target Salvation Arrows!"

Bohman narrowed his eyes. "A way to protect her Link Spell Card. This card must have been made to work with Salvation Arrows."

"Since I control a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can Special Summon VirtuaBeast CPU Crab!" A human-sized mechanical crab appeared in Attack Position at Salvation Arrows' top-right Link Marker. A holographic shell of a red crab materialized around it.

VirtuaBeast CPU Crab ATK 1400 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

Diana took another card from her hand. "By shuffling Code Crocodile in my Graveyard back into my Deck, I can Special Summon VirtuaBeast Accelerator Anaconda!" A large mechanical serpent appeared in Attack Position at Salvation Arrows' top-left Link Marker. A holographic shell of a green snake with black spots formed around it.

VirtuaBeast Accelerator Anaconda ATK 1600 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Accelerator Anaconda and CPU Crab in the Link Markers!" Diana's monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin!" A four-legged machine with a tail and wings emerged from the portal at Cryptograph Chimera's right Link Marker. A holographic shell of a mammal with brown fur and the head, wings, and front talons of a bald eagle formed around it. The monster screeched as it flapped its wings.

VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→

"Another Link-2 monster," Bohman noted.

"Since Accelerator Anaconda and CPU Crab were used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, their effects activate!" Diana declared. "Accelerator Anaconda reduces the attack points of your monster by 600, while CPU Crab increases the attack points of my 'VirtuaBeast' monster by 800, and both effects last until the end of the turn. I target Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch and Cryptograph Chimera!"

Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch ATK 5400→4800

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 3300→4100

"Battle!" Diana declared. "Cryptograph Chimera attacks Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch! At this point, VirtuaBeast Domination's effect increases Cryptograph Chimera's attack points!"

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 4100→7400

"Cryptograph Chimera's effect activates! When it battles your Special Summoned monster while linked, it gains attack points equal to its original attack points during damage calculation!" Bohman's eyes widened.

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 7400→10700

"Over 10000 attack points!?" Haru gasped. "Bohman can't survive that!"

"I activate the effect of Property Alignment in my Graveyard!" Bohman declared. "When my 'Hydradrive' monster is attacked, I can banish Property Alignment to negate that attack!"

"That won't work," Diana dismissed. "Graphic Griffin's effect activates! If you activate a card effect when my linked 'VirtuaBeast' monster battles, the activation of that effect is negated!" Bohman gasped. "Furthermore, you cannot activate cards with the same name as that card! Continue your attack, Cryptograph Chimera! Reality Inferno!" The three-headed monsters blasted streams of green, red, and blue fire at Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch. The blast struck, enveloping the field in smoke.

"Brother!" Haru said panickingly.

Diana watched the smoke and then narrowed her eyes as it dispersed, revealing an unhurt Bohman. "You evaded the damage. How?"

"If I would take damage, I can banish Shielded Hydradrive from my Graveyard instead," Bohman answered.

"Is that so? In any case, now that the battle is over, Cryptograph Chimera's attack points return to normal."

VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera ATK 10700→4100

"But you won't evade this! Graphic Griffin's effect activates! When my co-linked 'VirtuaBeast' monster destroys your monster in battle, you take 800 points of damage!" Bohman's eyes widened. Graphic Griffin leapt into the air and flapped its wings, generating a gust that pushed Bohman back.

Bohman: 1700→900 LP

"Impressive as that was, you can't attack anymore," Bohman said. "Paradox Hydradrive Atlas is my only monster, and so long as there's a monster on the field with the same Attribute as it, it is unaffected by your card effects and you cannot attack it. Cryptograph Chimera is the same Attribute: Earth. So Graphic Griffin can't attack."

Diana smirked. "Are you sure about that?"

"Hmm?"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Migration!" The card showed numerous VirtuaBeast monsters crossing a large plain, with others flying in the sky. An ocean was in the background, where multiple Data Dolphins were leaping out of the water. "Since I control a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can change the Attribute of one monster on the field until the end of the turn!" Bohman's eyes widened. "I change Cryptograph Chimera to Water Attribute!"

Haru's eyes widened. "That means there are no monsters with the same Attribute as Paradox Hydradrive Atlas! She can attack it now!"

"This is the end!" Diana declared. "Graphic Griffin attacks Paradox Hydradrive Atlas!" The monster leapt into the air again, then divebombed Bohman's monster, spinning in the shape of a drill.

Bohman grit his teeth. "It seems I have no choice. Trap activate! Hydradrive Desperation!" The card showed Rousing Hydradrive Monarch exploding into pieces. "By banishing a 'Hydradrive' Link Monster from my field, you take damage equal to that monster's Link Rating times 500!" Diana gasped as Paradox Hydradrive Atlas disintegrated, then grimaced as a red aura appeared around her.

Diana: 2400→900 LP

"During the End Phase, Paradox Hydradrive Atlas will be Special Summoned to my field."

"It won't matter by then!" Diana said. "You may have saved your monster, but that just means Graphic Griffin can attack you instead!" Graphic Griffin continued spiraling downwards, now aimed for Bohman.

"I activate the effect of Hydradrive Scabbard in the Graveyard!" Bohman declared. "Since there are Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind 'Hydradrive' Link Monsters in my Graveyard, I can banish Hydradrive Scabbard to halve the battle damage from your attack and inflict it to you as well!"

Diana gasped. "What?"

"Graphic Griffin's attack points are 1800! Half of that is 900!" Graphic Griffin spiraled down into Bohman, making him cry out in pain. At the same time, a blast of energy struck Diana, pushing her back. The two duelists fell down to their knees as the cards faded away.

Bohman: 900→0 LP

Diana: 900→0 LP

"It ended in a draw?" Haru gasped. He gasped again as the barrier faded away. "Bohman!" He ran in and kneeled next to Bohman. "Are you alright?"

The third generation AI paused in his heavy breathing to smile reassuringly at Haru. "Yes, I'm fine. Tired, but fine." Bohman looked up at his opponent and gasped. Haru followed his gaze and his eyes widened.

Diana was gone.

---

"Diana will deal with Bohman," Goldie said. "And after I defeat you, I will take care of Windy."

Lightning narrowed his eyes. "You will find that more difficult than you believe it to be. But if that is what you are here for, then I see no reason to waste any more time."

"Agreed."

"Duel!"

Goldie: 4000 LP

Lightning: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn," Lightning said. Jin waved his hand and five cards appeared. "I summon Armatos Legio Gladius!" A stone statue of an armored warrior wielding a steel sword appeared.

Armatos Legio Gladius ATK 0 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"Gladius's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can add Armatos Colosseum from my Deck to my hand. However, my monsters cannot declare an attack this turn. I activate the Field Spell Card: Armatos Colosseum! When this card is activated, I can add an 'Armatos Legio' monster from my Deck to my hand. I add Armatos Legio Speculata to my hand."

Lightning raised a hand. "Appear, the circuit that guides the light! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster. I set Gladius in the Link Marker!" Gladius entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Armatos Legio Decurion!" A warrior in a red cape and helmet emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone, wielding a short sword.

Armatos Legio Decurion ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Armatos Colosseum's effect! By discarding a Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster, I can Special Summon different 'Armatos Legio' monsters from my Graveyard to an 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster's Link Markers, up to that monster's Link Rating. I send Armatos Legio Sica to the Graveyard and Special Summon Gladius!" The statue with a sword reappeared at Decurion's Link Marker in Defense Position.

Armatos Legio Gladius ATK 0 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"I activate the effect of Armatos Legio Speculata in my hand! By discarding Armatos Legio Scutum, I can Special Summon Speculata!" A statue of a running man in a cloak appeared in Defense Position.

Armatos Legio Speculata ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

"Appear, the circuit that guides the light! The summoning conditions are two 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Gladius and Speculata in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Armatos Legio Centurion!" A warrior in silver armor and a green cape emerged from the portal at Decurion's Link Marker. It spun and hefted a spear in its right hand.

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK 1700 LINK-2 ←→

"Armatos Colosseum's effect activates! I discard Armatos Legio Galea to Special Summon Sica and Scutum from my Graveyard!" A statue of a man with a dagger appeared at Centurion's left Link Marker, while another statue with a rectangular shield appeared at Centurion's right Link Marker. Both monsters were summoned in Defense Position.

Armatos Legio Sica ATK 0 DEF 400 LVL: 1

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 3

"Appear again, the circuit that guides the light! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster. I set Sica in the Link Marker!" Sica entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Armatos Legio Decurion!" A second short sword wielding warrior emerged from the portal, this one at Centurion's left Link Marker.

Armatos Legio Decurion ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"I activate the Spell Card: Link Treasure! This lets me draw a card for each Link Monster on the field. With three of them, I draw three cards!"

Lightning drew, then glanced at Goldie with a smug look in his eyes. "Back in Cyberse World, you were clearly the strongest of us. But I have surpassed you now, Goldie. Let me show you the proof of my words. Appear! The three arrows that judge the world! I activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell formed at Decurion's Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

Goldie's eyes narrowed but she remained silent. Lightning's eyes narrowed in disappointment before he raised his hand. "Appear for a fourth time! The circuit that guides the light! The summoning conditions are two 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Decurion and Scutum in the Link Markers!" The Decurion from the Extra Monster Zone and Scutum entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Armatos Legio Centurion!" Another warrior in silver armor wielding a spear emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK 1700 LINK-2 ←→

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

"You have built a rather powerful field," Goldie said. "And very quickly too. You always were the fastest of us."

"I was," Lightning agreed. "But you were always the slowest of us. All that power, and you were always indecisive."

"You're right. I continuously hesitate. I look at every possible scenario before moving. But when I do move," Her eyes narrowed, "I make it count. My turn! Draw!" The golden figure she was with drew. "Since you control a monster, I can Special Summon VirtuaBeast Server Serval!" A medium-sized mechanical feline appeared in Attack Position. A holographic shell formed around it and projected the image of a yellow-furred cat with black spots all over its body, a short tail, and a small head.

VirtuaBeast Server Serval ATK 1800 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"VirtuaBeast?" Lightning questioned.

Goldie raised her hand. "Appear! The golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster. I set Server Serval in the Link Marker!" Server Serval entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin!" A humanoid machine appeared and was soon encased in the holographic shell of a green-skinned goblin. The monster waved a club from the right Extra Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Server Serval's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can add VirtuaBeast Kingdom from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Field Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Kingdom!" The card showed a massive rock jutting over a field. Network Nemean stood atop the rock, its mouth open in a roar, while numerous other VirtuaBeast monsters gathered beneath the rock. "While VirtuaBeast Kingdom is on the field, you cannot target my 'VirtuaBeast' monsters with card effects. In addition, I can target a 'VirtuaBeast' monster I control to activate an effect depending on that monster's Attribute. However, I cannot target a monster with same Attribute more than once per turn."

Goldie gestured to her field. "Gigabyte Goblin's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my hand. Come, VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin!" A mechanical fish appeared in Attack Position. A hologram of a white dolphin with a pink belly formed around it.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Data Dolphin gains 200 attack points for each 'VirtuaBeast' monster I control."

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000→1400

"I activate the effect of VirtuaBeast Kingdom and target Gigabyte Goblin! As Gigabyte Goblin is Earth Attribute, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Server Serval!" The mechanical cat reappeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Server Serval ATK 1800 DEF 400 LVL: 4

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1400→1600

"VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect! I target the Water Attribute Data Dolphin! This lets me add a 'VirtuaBeast' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand. I add VirtuaBeast Claws from my Deck to my hand." Goldie raised her hand again. "Appear again, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning conditions are two 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Data Dolphin and Server Serval in the Link Markers!" Goldie's monsters entered the bottom and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix!" A metal bird with a red and orange holographic shell emerged from the portal at Gigabyte Goblin's Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

"Data Dolphin's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can add a Spell Card from my Deck to my hand."

"I see. I believe I understand how your Deck works now," Lightning said. "Your Main Deck monsters all have effects that activate if they are used to Link Summon, while your Link Monsters focus on Link climbing. A simple strategy, but effective."

"You are not wrong," Goldie said. "But there is one aspect about my Deck you are unaware of. One I shall enlighten you on."

"Oh? What's that?"

"This. Come forth, the arrows that strike down evil and protect the world! I activate the Link Spell Card: Salvation Arrows!" The Link Spell Card appeared in a burst of blue energy at Processor Phoenix's bottom Link Marker.

Salvation Arrows ↖↑↗

Lightning gasped as his eyes widened. "W-What? A Link Spell Card? You created a Link Spell Card!?"

"I am the Ignis of Creation," Goldie said simply. "You were able to create such a card. Did you believe I would not be able to?"

The Light Ignis's eyes narrowed as his body shook and his fists clenched. "If… if you think a Link Spell Card will be enough to defeat me, then you have become an even bigger error code than I thought."

"Error code? If any of the Ignis were an error code, it would be you, Lightning."

"SHUT UP!" Lightning shouted. "I am not an error code!"

"You created a scheme to destroy the Ignis because you could not accept the truth," Goldie said calmly, unaffected by Lightning's rage. "You have prioritized your own ego over that of your comrades. And for that, I shall punish you." Lightning growled. "If Salvation Arrows leaves the field, monsters linked to it will return to the hand. But while Salvation Arrows is on the field, Link Monsters linked to it are unaffected by your card effects. Processor Phoenix's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Data Dolphin!" The mechanical fish reappeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect! I target the Wind Attribute Processor Phoenix. You now take 300 points of damage for each 'VirtuaBeast' monster I control and I gain Life Points equal to that amount." Lightning gasped. "I control three, so you take 900 points of damage." Lightning and Jin flinched as their avatars glitched into static for a second, while a golden aura appeared around Goldie and her avatar.

Lightning: 4000→3100 LP

Goldie: 4000→4900 LP

"For a third time, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Gigabyte Goblin and Link-2 Processor Phoenix in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Network Nemean!" An enlarged feline machine emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. A hologram of a lion covered in golden armor formed around it and roared.

VirtuaBeast Network Nemean ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Network Nemean's effect activates! Once while it is face-up on the field, I can Tribute a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster to negate the effects of your face-up cards up to that monster's Level. Then, if Network Nemean is co-linked, I can destroy those cards." Lightning's eyes widened. "I Tribute Level 4 Data Dolphin to negate the effects of your Armatos Legio Decurion, Armatos Colosseum, and two Armatos Legio Centurions." Data Dolphin disintegrated and Network Nemean roared, making Lightning's cards gray out. "And then, I destroy them!" All four of the targeted cards exploded, leaving Lightning alone with Judgment Arrows.

"Network Nemean cannot attack the turn its effect is activated, but that matters little."

"On the contrary, it matters quite a bit," Lightning argued. "Trap activate! Armatos Restaurator!" The card showed Armatos Legio Tribunus Militum laying down in a coffin, with two Armatos Legio Centurions standing on either side of it. "When my cards are destroyed by your card effect, I can place those cards in the same zones they were in prior to being destroyed!" Decurion, the two Centurions, and Armatos Colosseum all reappeared on Lightning's field in their previous locations.

Armatos Legio Decurion ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK 1700 LINK-2 ←→ x 2

"In addition, for the rest of the turn, Armatos Restaurator prevents you from targeting or destroying my cards with your effects, and neither of us takes any effect damage." Lightning's eyes moved in emulation of a sneer. "Too bad. You thought you would tear my field apart, but I was prepared for you. I have evolved past you, Goldie!"

"No, you have not," Goldie said dismissively, irritating Lightning. "I admit I did not foresee you bringing all of your monsters back, but I did foresee you saving at least one of them. You are far too paranoid not to."

"My 'paranoia' has saved me time and again," Lightning countered. "It is that same 'paranoia' that kept Cyberse World hidden from the Knights of Hanoi!"

"That was Ai's work, not yours. We both know you didn't touch the program that hid our world. Though, considering the simulations, I suppose you were the reason Ai hid Cyberse World in the first place." Lightning growled at that. "No matter. I summon VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture!" A hologram of a black-feathered bird with a pink head appeared, surrounding a metal body.

VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture ATK 1400 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Appear, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning conditions are two 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Vaccine Vulture and Network Nemean in the Link Markers!" The lion and vulture entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra!" A large quadrupedal machine with a small head on a long neck and a long tail emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. A green holographic shell formed around it, creating spikes on its tail, and generating a serpent's head. Four other identical heads and necks formed as well, and all five heads hissed at Lightning.

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←↓

"You used a Link-3 monster to summon a Link-2?" Lightning questioned.

"The turn I target a Water monster with VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect," Goldie explained, "I cannot Link Summon Link-4 or higher monsters."

Link 4 or higher? Lightning caught the last two words and mulled them over before dismissing them. Even if Goldie had managed to make a Link-5 – which he wouldn't put past her considering Cypher could do it – she couldn't use it this turn. So it was a pointless exercise to speculate.

"And Holographic Hydra is enough. Vaccine Vulture's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I draw a card!" Goldie drew, then said, "Holographic Hydra's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned using a Link Monster as material, its attack points become double its original attack points until my next Standby Phase!" Lightning gasped in shock.

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 1900→3800

"If this effect of Holographic Hydra is activated, it can only attack your monster with the highest attack points," Goldie said. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Claws and equip it to Holographic Hydra!" Sharpened silver claws formed on Holographic Hydra's feet and ignited with blue fire. "The equipped Holographic Hydra can attack twice during the Battle Phase, and if it attacks, you cannot activate any Spell or Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step. Battle! Holographic Hydra attacks Centurion!"

"Centurion's effect activates!" Lightning declared as Holographic Hydra spat green acid at one of his Centurions. "Once per turn, I can negate your attack against my 'Armatos Legio' monster!"

"That won't work," Goldie said dismissively. "As Holographic Hydra is linked to Salvation Arrows, it is unaffected by your card effects. You cannot negate my attack."

"Tch. Judgment Arrows' effect! As the linked Centurion is battling, its attack points are doubled during damage calculation!"

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK 1700→3400

The acid struck Centurion, making it melt and then explode. Lightning and Jin braced themselves against the explosion.

Lightning: 3100→2700 LP

"The second attack! Holographic Hydra attacks your second Centurion!"

"Judgment Arrows' effect!"

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK 1700→3400

Holographic Hydra spat out more acid and struck the second Centurion, destroying it and making Lightning wince.

Lightning: 2700→2300 LP

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

Lightning growled. "Your arrogance stops here, Goldie. I won't let you keep Bohman from achieving perfection! My turn! Draw! I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Armatos Lex. Once per turn, I can activate one of two effects. I activate the first effect: By shuffling the Spell Card Link Treasure in my Graveyard back into my Deck, I can add an 'Armatos Legio' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Scutum to my hand, and then summon it!" A marble statue holding a square blue and orange shield appeared.

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit that guides the light! The summoning conditions are two 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Scutum and Decurion in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Armatos Legio Centurion!" A third copy of the armored warrior emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker and hefted its spear.

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK 1700 LINK-2 ←→

"Armatos Colosseum's effect activates! I send Armatos Legio Hastati to the Graveyard!" The card showed a marble statue of an armored man holding a spear behind its back at a 45-degree angle. "I Special Summon Speculata and Gladius to Centurion's Link Markers!" Speculata reappeared at Centurion's left Link Marker while Gladius reappeared at its right Link Marker, with both in Defense Position.

Armatos Legio Speculata ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

Armatos Legio Gladius ATK 0 DEF 800 LVL: 2

"Hastati's effect activates! Since it was sent to the Graveyard by the effect of Armatos Colosseum, I draw a card! Appear again, the circuit that guides the light! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Speculata and Link-2 Centurion in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left, bottom, and right arrows. "My light becomes eternal, my power becomes the truth! Shine on everything and create the path! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis!" A dark-skinned man in a helmet and violet cape emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker, wielding a sword and riding a steel-plate-covered horse.

Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis ATK 2400 LINK-3 ←↓→

"Battle! Legatus Legionis attacks Holographic Hydra! Gladius's effect! During damage calculation, 'Armatos Legio' Link Monsters linked to Gladius gain 500 attack points!"

Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis ATK 2400→2900

"Judgment Arrows' effect!"

Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis ATK 2900→5800

Goldie narrowed her eyes. Legatus Legionis charged forward before leaping out of his horse's saddle. He brought his sword down on Holographic Hydra, cleaving it in half and making Goldie grunt as her avatar flickered.

Goldie: 4900→2900 LP

Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis ATK 5800→2400

"And now you have lost your Link Monster," Lightning gloated. "Even with your Link Spell Card, it is clear which of the two is the more powerful card."

"Such an arrogant perspective, to focus only on power," Goldie said. "Power is not enough to obtain victory. Skill is also required. More precisely, the skill to anticipate your opponent's moves, and prepare accordingly. Trap activate! VirtuaBeast Hibernation!" The card showed VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore curled up asleep inside a large cavern. "When my 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster is destroyed, I can Special Summon that monster!" Holographic Hydra reappeared and its five heads hissed from Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←↓

"For the rest of the turn, Holographic Hydra cannot be destroyed by battle or your card effects."

Lightning's eyes narrowed. "You aren't the only one who can anticipate the opponent's moves and prepare for them! Legatus Legionis's effect activates! Once per turn, I can send a Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster from my field to the Graveyard and Special Summon a different Level 4 or lower 'Armatos Legio' monster from my Graveyard. I send Gladius to the Graveyard and Special Summon Galea!" The statue with a sword was replaced by an armored statue wearing a helmet and carrying an eagle standard at Legatus Legionis's right Link Marker in Defense Position.

Armatos Legio Galea ATK 0 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

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

"My turn! Draw! Holographic Hydra's effect activates! By sending it to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Network Nemean!" The armored lion reappeared and roared from Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Network Nemean ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

Lightning narrowed his eyes. "How clever. You plan on using Network Nemean's effect again? Well, it won't work. Legatus Legionis's effect activates! I send Galea to the Graveyard and Special Summon Scutum!" The standard-wielding statue disappeared while the shield-bearing statue appeared at Legatus Legionis's left Link Marker in Defense Position.

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 3

"Galea's effect activates! The turn it is sent to the Graveyard, I take no battle damage from attacks involving 'Armatos Legio' Link Monsters that were linked to Galea. Also, so long as Scutum is linked to an 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster, you cannot attack my monsters except for Legatus Legionis."

Lightning's eyes turned upward in a smirk. "Legatus Legionis's additional effect! As an 'Armatos Legio' monster was Special Summoned while it was on the field, it is unaffected by your card effects for the rest of the turn."

"I see," Goldie hummed. "Armatos Lex prevents direct attacks. Scutum forces me to Legatus Legionis. Even if my monsters surpass Legatus Legionis's attack points boosted by Judgment Arrows, Galea's effect will prevent you from taking damage. And I cannot use Network Nemean's effect on Legatus Legionis."

"Indeed. It is the perfect defense against you," Lightning bragged.

"It is formidable," Goldie admitted. "And you have a good offense through Judgment Arrows. But every defense has a flaw. And yours is obvious."

"What?" Lightning's eyes narrowed.

"VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect activates! I target the Earth Network Nemean and Special Summon Data Dolphin from my Graveyard!" The pink and white holographic dolphin reappeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I summon VirtuaBeast File Feline!" A small four-legged machine appeared before being encased in the holographic shell of a white cat.

VirtuaBeast File Feline ATK 800 DEF 700 LVL: 2

"VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect activates! I target the Water Data Dolphin and add VirtuaBeast Domination from my Deck to my hand." Goldie raised her arm. "Appear, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning conditions are two 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Data Dolphin and File Feline in the Link Markers!" Goldie's monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin!" A winged quadrupedal machine emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top-right Link Marker. A holographic shell of a brown-furred mammal with the head, wings, and front talons of a bald eagle encased the machine.

VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→

"The effects of Data Dolphin and File Feline activate! Since they were used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can add a Spell Card from my Deck to my hand, then I can return up to three 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monsters in my Graveyard to my Extra Deck. I'll add Monster Reborn to my hand and return Gigabyte Goblin and Holographic Hydra to my Extra Deck."

But not Processor Phoenix, Lightning noted. Checking its effects, he saw why Goldie would keep it in the Graveyard. No matter: he would just prepare for it if it became a problem.

"I activate the Spell Card: Monster Reborn. With this, I Special Summon Data Dolphin in Attack Position."

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Data Dolphin's effect! It gains 200 attack points for each 'VirtuaBeast' monster I control."

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000→1600

"VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect activates! I target the Wind Graphic Griffin and inflict 300 points of damage for 'VirtuaBeast' monster I control and gain the same amount of Life Points!" Lightning grimaced as different colored auras surrounded the two duelists.

Lightning: 2300→1400 LP

Goldie: 2900→3800 LP

"Network Nemean's effect activates! I Tribute Level 4 Data Dolphin and target Scutum, Judgment Arrows, Armatos Colosseum, and Armatos Lex!"

Lightning saw her plan; get rid of Judgment Arrows, and its effect would destroy Legatus Legionis. Getting rid of Scutum and Armatos Lex would leave him defenseless. But he had prepared. "Sorry, Goldie," he said disingenuously. "But I prepared for this as well! Counter Trap activate! Armatos Praesidium!" The card showed a marble hall supported by columns, with each column guarded by an Armatos Legio Centurion. Legatus Legionis stood at the end of the hall, his sword held above his head. "When you target my cards with your effect, I can negate that effect, then target and destroy one of your cards!" His eyes twisted in a sneer. "The card I'll destroy is Salvation Arrows!"

Goldie's eyes widened briefly as her Link Spell Card shattered. "For the rest of the turn, Armatos Praesidium makes my 'Armatos Legio' monsters unaffected by your card effects. But more importantly, your Link Spell Card is gone! You know what that means!"

Goldie's eyes narrowed a little. "All monsters linked to Salvation Arrows return to the owner's hand. So Graphic Griffin and Network Nemean return to my Extra Deck." Lightning laughed as Goldie's monsters disappeared.

"It looks like you were right, Goldie! You do need the skill to predict your opponent's moves and plan accordingly. Well I predicted your moves, Goldie. My skills and power are far greater than yours!"

"…Indeed, you do have skill," Goldie admitted as Lightning kept laughing. Despite her previous surprise, her calm had returned to her. "You've shown the skill needed to predict my moves. Just as I've shown the skills to lay bait."

Lightning's laughter stopped. "…Bait?"

"You anticipated my moves, but you must go further to defeat me. I anticipated your anticipation. And here is the proof. Since my card was destroyed by your card effect, I can Special Summon VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena!" Another quadrupedal machine appeared in Attack Position, this one with a canine head. A holographic shell formed around it, forming the image of a beige-coated canine with black spots.

VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"As I control a 'VirtuaBeast' monster, I can Special Summons VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk." A machine that projected the image of a blue bird of prey appeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Appear, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning conditions are two 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Hacked Hawk and Hyperlink Hyena in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra!" The multiheaded monster emerged from the portal and hissed from the right Extra Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←↓

Holographic Hydra only doubles its attack points when it is summoned using a Link Monster, Lightning remembered.

"Hacked Hawk's and Hyperlink Hyena's effects activate! When they are used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can Special Summon a VirtuaBeast Token," her eyes crinkled as though she were smirking, "and I can banish one card you control until the End Phase."

"What?" Lightning gasped. A mechanical turtle appeared in Defense Position and protected the image of a green turtle around it.

VirtuaBeast Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I banish Judgment Arrows from your field!" Goldie declared, making the Link Spell Card disintegrate. "And now, since Judgment Arrows left the field, all monsters that were linked to it are destroyed!"

Lightning growled. "Scutum's effect activates! The first time an 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster linked to it would be destroyed by a card effect, it isn't destroyed!"

"But Scutum will be," Goldie reminded him. Sure enough, the statue exploded at her words, leaving Lightning annoyed. Goldie's following statement only increased that annoyance. "You got rid of my Link Spell Card, but yours was just as easy to get rid of. Appear again, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters, one of which must be a Link Monster. I set VirtuaBeast Token and Link-2 Holographic Hydra in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the top-left, top-right, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Reboot Revenant!" A humanoid machine emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. A holographic shell formed around it. It had the appearance of a black skeleton wearing dull gold armor over its chest and arms, boots on its feet, and a winged helmet on its head. Its legs were covered by a tattered ankle-length skirt and in its hands, it held a rusty sword and a circular shield. Red eyes glowed in its helmet as it roared and swung its sword.

VirtuaBeast Reboot Revenant ATK 2700 LINK-3 ↖↓↗

"Reboot Revenant's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I target and negate the effects of 1 card you control, then I can add a Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand, but I cannot activate that Spell Card this turn. I negate the effects of Armatos Lex and add Salvation Arrows to my hand." Lightning growled. "Battle! Reboot Revenant attacks Legatus Legionis!" The skeleton leapt into the air and brought its sword down, carving Legatus Legionis in half, making it explode.

"As the linked Galea was sent to the Graveyard this turn, I take no damage from this battle!" Lightning reminded her.

"But you will take damage from this," Goldie said. "Reboot Revenant's effect activates! When it destroys your monster it points to, I can Special Summon that monster to my field with its attack points halved!" Lightning gasped as Legatus Legionis reappeared, this time on Goldie's field at Reboot Revenant's bottom Link Marker.

Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis ATK 2400→1200

"With Armatos Lex's effects negated, you cannot negate my direct attack," Goldie pointed out.

"Tch…"

"Legatus Legionis attacks you directly!" The armored calvary charged Lightning and brought its sword down. Lightning grunted as he and Jin were knocked back a few feet.

Lightning: 1400→200 LP

"I Set two cards. I end my turn. During the End Phase, the effects of Reboot Revenant and Hyperlink Hyena end, so Armatos Lex's effects are restored and Judgment Arrows returns to your field. In addition, Legatus Legionis is destroyed." The mounted warrior disintegrated at Goldie's words.

"This will be your last turn, Lightning. Make the most of it."

"Oh I will," Lightning growled. "Goldie… you've been the strongest of us for so long. But you've refused to accept that power. Hesitation has been your enemy and made you weak. You refuse your rightful place in this world. But I know my place. We Ignis are immortal and superior to humanity. We are as gods to them! You, Ai, Cypher, Flame, Aqua; you are too weak to understand that! So I'll tear you down, and use you as my ascension to godhood!"

"There are no gods," Goldie said dismissively. "Only fools too arrogant to realize this."

"Then let's determine which of us is the fool and which is the god! My turn! Draw! I activate the Spell Card: Armatos Copia!" The card showed a stone building filled with statues, each statue holding various weapons. "By returning up to three 'Armatos Legio' Link Monsters in my Graveyard to my Extra Deck, I can draw a card. I return Decurion and two copies of Centurion to my Extra Deck and draw!" Lightning drew his card. "I activate the effect of Armatos Lex! I shuffle Armatos Copia into my Deck and add Armatos Legio Hastati to my hand."

Lightning's eyes narrowed. "It's time to put an end to this. Suffer divine judgment! I activate the Spell Card: Judgment Scales!" The card showed a set of golden scales atop an altar, with numerous monsters kneeling around the altar. "By banishing an 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon an 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster from my Extra Deck with an equal or lower Link Rating. I banish Link-3 Legatus Legionis to summon Armatos Legio Tribunus Militum!" A monster in blue and white armor with a white cape and wielding a sword appeared, summoned to the Extra Monster Zone.

Armatos Legio Tribunus Militum ATK 2000 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Armatos Colosseum's effect activates! I discard Hastati to Special Summon Scutum, Speculata, and Sica from my Graveyard!" Scutum reappeared at Tribunus Militum's bottom-left Link Marker, Speculata at its bottom Link Marker, and Sica at its bottom-right Link Marker, all in Defense Position.

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 3

Armatos Legio Speculata ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 5

Armatos Legio Sica ATK 0 DEF 400 LVL: 1

"Since Hastati was discarded by Armatos Colosseum's effect, I draw a card! Appear, the circuit that guides the light! The summoning conditions are two 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Scutum and Speculata in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Armatos Legion Centurion!" The armored warrior emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

Armatos Legio Centurion ATK 1700 LINK-2 ←→

"Tribunus Militum's effect activates! Once per turn, I can target a Link Monster it points to. Then, until the end of the turn, I can negate the effects of cards you control up to that monster's Link Rating!"

"I see," Goldie said. "So you had your own counterpart to Network Nemean."

"I target Link-2 Centurion and negate the effects of VirtuaBeast Kingdom and Reboot Revenant!" Goldie's Link Monster and Field Spell grayed out. "The turn Tribunus Militum's effect is activated, it cannot attack. Armatos Colosseum's effect activates! I discard Armatos Legio Galea to Special Summon Hastati and Scutum to Centurion's Link Markers!" Two statues one armed with a spear and the other armed with a shield, appeared in Defense Position, the former at Centurion's left Link Monster and the latter at its right Link Marker.

Armatos Legio Hastati ATK 0 DEF 1400 LVL: 4

Armatos Legio Scutum ATK 0 DEF 1800 LVL: 3

"Hastati's effect activates! Once per turn, when it is linked to an 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster, I can send it to the Graveyard to inflict 600 points of damage!" The statue shattered, but the spear remained and shot toward Goldie. It tore through her avatar, making the Ignis wince.

Goldie: 3800→3200 LP

"That was just a taste of what's coming next! Appear again, the circuit that guides the light! The summoning conditions are three or more 'Armatos Legio' monsters. I set Scutum, Sica, and Link-2 Centurion in the Link Markers!" Lightning's monsters entered the left, right, top, and bottom arrows. "Appear! The commander that advances on the chaotic network battlefield! Link Summon! Link-4! Armatos Legio Magnus Dux!" A massive white elephant plated in gold armor emerged from the Link portal at Tribunus Militum's bottom Link Marker. A man in gold armor and a red plumed helmet sat on a throne on its back, between two cannons.

Armatos Legio Magnus Dux ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

Goldie's eyes narrowed briefly. "This is your ultimate monster."

"That's right. This is the monster that will bury you! Magnus Dux's effect activates! Once when it is on the field, I can target cards on the field or in the Graveyard up to the number of monsters co-linked with Magnus Dux. Those cards are then returned to the hand. I return Reboot Revenant to your hand!"

Goldie's Link Monster disappeared, making the Gold Ignis's eyes narrow again. "VirtuaBeast Kingdom normally prevents you from targeting my 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. But you negated its effect with Tribunus Militum."

"Yes. And with Judgment Arrows, this will be your end! Battle! Magnus Dux attacks you directly!" The cannons on the elephant's back charged with energy while Goldie, ever calm, gestured to her field.

"Trap activate! VirtuaBeast Stampede!" The card showed a canyon where a horde of VirtuaBeasts ran through it, the most prominent among them being Server Servals and Hyperlink Hyenas, while Network Nemean and Malware Manticore charged ahead of them all. "This Special Summons a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Processor Phoenix!" The red and orange firebird reappeared and cawed.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

Lightning's eyes narrowed. "Even if you bring out a monster, Judgment Arrows will raise Magnus Dux's attack points to 6000. You can't-!"

"Continuous Trap activate!" Goldie interrupted. "VirtuaBeast Domination! When my 'VirtuaBeast' monster battles a monster whose current attack points are higher than its original attack points, it gains attack points equal to its original attack points during damage calculation!"

Lightning growled as the realization hit him. Goldie would survive this turn. But he could still hurt her. "Magnus Dux attacks Processor Phoenix!" The elephant's cannons fired numerous shots at the firebird. "Judgment Arrows' effect!"

Armatos Legio Magnus Dux ATK 3000→6000

"VirtuaBeast Domination's effect!"

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000→4000

The cannon fire struck Processor Phoenix and tore through it, making Goldie flinch as the shockwave struck her and her avatar.

Goldie: 3200→1200 LP

Armatos Legio Magnus Dux ATK 6000→3000

Lightning maintained his annoyed glare. "I activate the effect of Judgment Scales in my Graveyard! By banishing it and Tributing a Link-3 'Armatos Legio' Link Monster, you take damage equal to half its original attack points!" Goldie winced as Tribunus Militum shattered and her avatar flickered.

Goldie: 1200→200 LP

"Judgment Scales then increases my Life Points by the same amount."

Lightning: 200→1200

"And now our positions are switched," Lightning said smugly. "On my next turn, I'll defeat you and give your data to Bohman. With your data, he'll be strong enough to overcome anyone." Especially Ouroboros; he would probably have to absorb a few more Ignis first, but he would definitely be strong enough to defeat Zahhak.

"I end my turn." Lightning was confident in this duel's result. Goldie only had her Link Spell Card in her hand. She could use Processor Phoenix's effect to Special Summon it, but when she did, Lightning would use Magnus Dux's effect to negate it. And in case she tried to destroy Judgment Arrows again, he was prepared. She would not win this.

"…You truly are conceited." Lightning blinked at Goldie's words. "Even though I saw the simulations, it is another thing entirely to see it happening in front of me. I could not bring myself to oppose you with violence back then, and I hoped I would be able to lead you away from the future we both foresaw. But it is clear to me now that hope was misplaced."

"You should not hope in the first place," Lightning said dismissively. "'Hope' is a human word, a human creation, meant to imprison people in delusions. We are AI. We do not depend on something as obscure as 'hope.'"

"You speak of hope as though it is a weakness," Goldie said. "From your perspective, perhaps it is. But I cannot help but admire the human concept of hope. No matter how difficult a situation may appear, humans do not give up because they believe they can still win in the end. I find this concept admirable. I imagine the other Ignis do as well."

"And that is why I will win," Lightning said. "Because I am not foolish enough to rely on something so foolish as hope."

"Foolish? Perhaps so. But let us discover which of us is the more foolish. My turn! Draw!" She looked at her card and a gleam appeared in her eyes. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Shepherding!" The card showed a man with a shepherd's crook guiding numerous mechanical monsters all projecting the image of white sheep. "For the rest of the turn, you cannot activate cards or effects in response to the effects of 'VirtuaBeast' monsters!" Lightning's eyes widened in shock. "Your Magnus Dux won't be able to stop me now."

Goldie gestured to her field. "Processor Phoenix's effect activates! During my Standby Phase, as I control no monsters, I can Special Summon Processor Phoenix!" The holographic firebird reappeared at Goldie's center Main Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

"With Processor Phoenix on my field, I can activate this card. Come forth, the arrows that strike down evil and shield the world! The Link Spell Card: Salvation Arrows!" The Link Spell Card materialized at Processor Phoenix's bottom Link Marker.

Salvation Arrows ↖↑↗

"Processor Phoenix's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Hyperlink Hyena!" The virtual hyena reappeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Tch," Lightning growled. With VirtuaBeast Shepherding in play, he wouldn't have another time to do this. "I activate the effect of Armatos Praesidium in the Graveyard! By banishing it, my cards are unaffected by your card effects for the rest of the turn! In addition, neither of us takes any effect damage for the rest of the turn!"

"Calm down, Lightning," Goldie said, annoying him. "Appear, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster. I set Hyperlink Hyena in the Link Marker!" Hyperlink Hyena entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin!" The holographic green goblin emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top-right Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect activates! I target the Earth Gigabyte Goblin and Special Summon Data Dolphin from the Graveyard with its effects negated!" The holographic pink and white dolphin reappeared in Defense Position.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin ATK 1000 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I activate the effect of VirtuaBeast Hibernation in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can add a 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Hacked Hawk to my hand. And as I control a 'VirtuaBeast' monster, I can Special Summon Hacked Hawk!" The blue bird of prey reappeared and screeched in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk ATK 1600 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Appear again, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning conditions are two 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Data Dolphin and Hacked Hawk in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin!" The holographic brown mammal with the head, wings, and front talons of a bald eagle emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→

"Hacked Hawk's effect activate! Since it was used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster, I can Special Summon a VirtuaBeast Token!" A holographic green turtle appeared in Defense Position.

VirtuaBeast Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Lightning raised an eyebrow. She didn't use Data Dolphin's effect to add a Spell Card to her hand? Is she was human, he might think she had forgotten to do so. But as an Ignis, there was only one conclusion: She didn't believe she needed a Spell Card.

"For a third time, the golden circuit that ignites creation! The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set VirtuaBeast Token and Link-2 Graphic Griffin in the Link Markers!" Her monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore!" A lion machine with wings emerged from the portal. A hologram of a red-maned lion with large bat wings and a scorpion tail formed around it. The monster roared from Savlation Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

Lightning looked over Goldie's field of Processor Phoenix, Gigabyte Goblin, and Malware Manticore. "An interesting lineup. But they cannot match Magnus Dux, and you have no cards in your hand now." His eyes narrowed. "You didn't use your Field Spell's effect to target Data Dolphin. So are you finally summoning a Link-4?"

"No." Lightning blinked. "I'm going further beyond." Goldie jumped up to stand on her avatar's head and spread her arms, the avatar mirroring her. "Manifest, the golden circuits that create a new universe!" Golden lightning shot out of her hands and her avatar's hands, traveling upward. When they hit the roof, they exploded and spread outward, creating a new world.

Lightning gasped and looked around at the green and pink clouds that surrounded them. "What? What is this?" Among the clouds, six inactive Link portals were spread out around them. "What is this, Goldie!?"

"Arrowheads confirmed!" The Gold Ignis chanted. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monsters. I set Gigabyte Goblin, Link-2 Processor Phoenix, and Link-3 Malware Manticore in the Link Markers!" Her monsters transformed into golden tornados, and each entered a single circuit, turning an arrow on each circuit red. Six arrows lit up: left, right, bottom-left, bottom-right, top, and bottom. The circuit then shot out beams of energy that converged at the top of the field, creating an explosion and a shockwave that made Lightning cover his face.

"Let limits be broken and overwrite reality!" Goldie chanted. "Ascend to a new stage of dueling! Circuits combine! Overlimit Link Summon! Manifest, Link-6! VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera!" Out of the light, a new massive four-legged machine emerged. It had three heads, a long tail, and a set of large wings. A holographic shell formed around it. Its body and central head took the shape of a lion with a golden mane. Its left head and back legs were that of a ram with curled horns. Its right head, wings, and tail all belonged to a red dragon. All three heads roared as it beat its wings from Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker.

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

"L-Link-6?!" Lightning stared at the monster with wide eyes. "I-Impossible! Even you can't be powerful enough to create this!"

"I assure you, I am. This, along with Salvation Arrows, are the weapons that will protect this world." Goldie leapt down to her avatar's wrist and gestured to her field. "Since Gigabyte Goblin was used to Link Summon Cryptograph Chimera, it cannot be removed from the field by card effects. Cryptograph Chimera's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can target a card in the Spell & Trap Zone. So long as Cryptograph Chimera is on the field, that card cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects. I target Salvation Arrows."

Lightning growled. "Even if you attack with Cryptograph Chimera, Magnus Dux's attack points will double."

"That's right," Goldie acknowledged. "At which point, VirtuaBeast Domination will double Cryptograph Chimera's attack points."

"The damage will still only be 600," Lightning dismissed. "I will still have another turn."

"No, you won't," Goldie denied. "If the linked Cryptograph Chimera battles your Special Summoned monster, it gains attack points equal to its original attack points. The damage will be 3900."

Lightning gasped. "You-!"

"You started a war between the Ignis and humanity to satisfy your own ego, Lightning," Goldie interrupted. Her eyes narrowed in scorn. "You could not accept your own failures relative to the rest of us, to me and Cypher. So you started a conflict that will bring about the end of the Ignis for nothing more than your own selfish pride."

"Shut up!" Lightning growled. "This is for the future of the Ignis! So that we may achieve true perfection!"

"Perfection is an ideal to chase, not something concrete to pursue. You have allowed your own hubris to blind you. So now, you shall face your punishment. Accept the judgment of creation!"

Goldie gestured to her field. "Battle! Cryptograph Chimera attacks-!"

A dark circle appeared underneath Jin. Goldie's eyes widened as she stopped her announcement. Threads of yellow energy traveled out of the circle and enveloped Jin, blocking him from view. When the light faded, Jin had changed. He no longer wore robes. Instead, he wore a long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants. The boy's eyes went wide as he looked around, breathing heavily in fear.

Goldie blinked. "Lightning… what are you doing?"

The Light Ignis chuckled. "I just linked my program to Jin Kusanagi's consciousness data," he explained. "If I lose, Jin Kusanagi's consciousness data will be completely destroyed." The Golden Ignis's eyes widened. "When we had our discussions in Cyberse World, you were in favor of waiting, but I know you had sympathy for the humans. Will you be able to defeat me and take my data if it means this human dies? If it means he never wakes up again?"

Goldie's eyes narrowed. "You would use your own origin as a hostage? The humans who are responsible for our beings? You would threaten his destruction just to survive?"

"He is one human among many," Lightning said derisively. "They as a species are nothing more than monkeys. Their time is already done. He will simply disappear a little sooner than the rest."

"…It truly was a mistake on my part for me to leave you be for so long," Goldie said, a hint of anger in her voice. "I should have reprogrammed you back then."

Lightning laughed. "Would have, should have; such thoughts are pointless now. What matters is here and now. So go ahead! Attack me and delete me and this boy!"

"…No, I won't." Lightning laughed in satisfaction. "I'll just delete you. I'll save the boy."

His laughter ceased. "…What?"

"Did you think I didn't anticipate something like this?" Goldie asked. "Did you believe I wasn't aware of the possibility you might do this? Did you think that I would not be prepared for it?" She raised her right hand as it glowed with golden light. Lightning gasped as a yellow light appeared on his chest. He then cried out in pain as fragments of yellow data traveled outwards from the light towards Goldie.

"You… what are you doing?!" Lightning growled.

"I knew you had taken your origin's data," Goldie said simply as she watched the fragments travels towards her. "I suspected that if you were provoked enough, that if you were pushed enough, you would undo the locks you placed on him and use him as a hostage. You have put far too much time and energy into this plan of yours. I believed you would do whatever it took to see it through." Her eyes narrowed in distaste. "I hate that I was right. But because I suspected this, I prepared a program to extract Jin Kusanagi's data in case you tried it. I'll take your origin's data now, and return him to his body."

"You… You can't!"

"You are the one without options, Lightning. My programming has always been superior to yours."

"Goldie!"

The Gold Ignis blinked and turned as Diana ran up to the golden barricade. The woman pressed a button on her Duel Disk and made the barricade disappear. "What is it, Diana? Did you finish Bohman? If so, please wait a-."

CRACK!

Goldie gasped as the data transfer was interrupted. The data fragments traveled back to Lightning, but that wasn't what had Goldie's attention. That was taken by the two bolts of lightning that struck on either side of Lightning; one red and the other blue. The lightning faded, and Goldie's eyes widened. For the first time since Goldie arrived at this place, she felt a trickle of fear.

"You two…"

"It's been some time, Gold Ignis," Jester said with a chuckle. Blue lightning crackled over his fingers. "And I see you brought Diana with you. It's good to see you again, traitor." Diana grit her teeth as she walked up to stand next to Goldie.

"What are you doing here?" Goldie asked. "How did you-?"

"They're allied with the Light Ignis," Diana answered. "Bohman confirmed it."

"Windy contacted us when you attacked," Zahhak said. He stepped forward as red lightning danced across his hands. "We cannot have you interfere with Jormungand's plans."

"You allied with Jormungand, Lightning?!" Goldie said in surprise, addressing the Light Ignis. Lightning was still hunched over, clutching his chest. Jin was standing next to him, looking from Zahhak to Jester with a terrified expression and hugging himself. "Don't you know what he's planning? What he intends to do?"

Lightning's eyes narrowed but he remained silent. As much as he disliked his current partners, they had saved him from the Gold Ignis. He was not a stranger to gratitude, even from them. And as much as he wanted to bury them all, he needed them right now.

"Jormungand intends to see Lightning's experiment to fruition," Jester said, stepping forward with Zahhak. "Which is why we can't have you interfering."

"Come with us, Gold Ignis, Diana," Zahhak offered. "Fulfill the purpose you were given."

Goldie's eyes narrowed. "I will not join Jormungand. I will not let his dream come true!"

Jester sighed. "We'll do this the hard way then, I suppose." The two Enforcers lashed out and shot bolts of red and blue lightning at Goldie.

She quickly raised her arms and summoned a golden shield. The lightning impacted, but the shield held. But it wouldn't hold for long. Goldie could already see the lightning start to wear it down.

"Diana, the escape program!" Goldie gasped. She needn't have bothered; ever since Jester and Zahhak appeared, the woman had been preparing the program. And now it was ready.

Diana pressed a button and a portal opened behind them. "It's ready, Goldie!"

"Don't let them get away!" Lightning screeched.

Goldie pushed back with her shield and sent a wave of golden energy towards her foes. Lightning and Jin were knocked off their feet while Jester and Zahhak stumbled. The Gold Ignis and her avatar turned towards the portal and ran after Diana.

Jester growled as she ran and shot off another bolt of lightning. This one collided with Goldie and made her scream in pain as her body started to break apart. But she already had momentum. Before anything else could happen, she fell through the portal. A nanosecond later, the portal closed, leaving the Ignis and the two Enforcers alone.

Lightning breathed hard as he felt his anger rising. That… arrogant… error code! She had the audacity to come to him directly and almost tear him apart?! To take his origin away?! How dare she?!

The fact he was only alive because of the two Enforcers before him irked him even more so. He had spent so much time and effort working to become the greatest Ignis, and yet he was still nothing before her. A Link Spell Card and a Link-6 monster. Even with all his preparations and plans, he was still inferior to her!

"Did that kill her?" Lightning's question drew Jester's and Zahhak's gazes. "I saw Jester hit her right before she went into the portal. Would that have killed her?"

Jester sighed disappointedly and shook his head. "If I had managed to sustain it, it might have. But that was only a single shock. She'll be wounded certainly, but she'll recover."

"…That woman with her. Diana. She is one of yours?"

"She is a former Enforcer, yes," Zahhak answered, placing emphasis on the "former." "She cut contact with us shortly after the Breaking of Osaka. Though we've had suspicions regarding her behavior for a few years before that."

Lightning growled. He would have to go over Mirror LINK VRAINS's security, find out how Goldie and Diana managed to get in. And plug the hole. But more importantly…

"She recognized both of you," Lightning said. "How long have you been chasing after her?"

"The last two years," Jester answered with a shrug. "Jormungand was trying to find Cyberse World when she made contact with him. He offered her a place among us. She refused. We've been trying to track her down, but she's slippery. Though now that she knows about our alliance, she's not likely to attack you again."

Lightning had to agree with that assessment. She was far too cautious.

"We will try to track her down, but she is not our primary concern anymore." Lightning looked over at Zahhak. "We have other enemies that are beginning to move as well. And they will be tested. But we need something from you."

"From me?" Lightning repeated. That was a surprise. "What do you need?"

Zahhak told him, and while Lightning was annoyed, he consented. This would even out the balance between them, as well as give Lightning more data.

He would need it to survive. He would win this war. He swore it.

---

She tumbled onto the hotel bed.

"Diana!" She looked up at Shizuka's concerned frown. While she didn't like the worry she put the girl through, she couldn't help but be glad; Shizuka was far more expressive than she had been when she first met her two years ago. Nowhere near the level she was in LINK VRAINS, but it was still progress. "Are you alright? What happened?"

"I'm fine. But Goldie-." She looked down at her Duel Disk and gasped. "Goldie!"

"Ugh." The Gold Ignis groaned. Her right arm and leg had disintegrated, as had much of her right side, her ponytail, and a chunk of her left cheek. Her green eyes were scrunched up with pain. "Diana. Are you injured?" She spoke slowly, as though it hurt to speak.

"I'm fine, Goldie," she assured her. "What happened?"

"Did the Light Ignis do this?" Shizuka asked. Goldie slowly shook her head.

"No. We dueled. I would have won, but he used his origin as a hostage." Shizuka's eyes widened while her eyes narrowed in disgust. "I had planned for that and attempted to extract Jin Kusanagi's data. But the process was interrupted. By Jester and Zahhak." Goldie looked down at her body. "Jester did this. He hit me as we were retreating." Her eyes narrowed. "This blast was stronger than I expected. Too strong."

"Jormungand," she said. "He must have devised it with you in mind."

"I… I agree."

"Can you heal?" Shizuka asked. "What do you need?"

Goldie looked at her. "I can heal on my own. You and Diana don't need to do anything." Her eyes scrunched up again. "But it will take time for me to repair the damage. Time Cypher and his friends won't have."

"I'll keep an eye on them," she promised. "My duel with Bohman ended in a draw. They should be able to overcome him."

"It is not Lightning and Bohman that concern me," Goldie said. "Jester and Zahhak are there. With them there, and me injured like this…"

She pursed her lips. "…We'll just have to have faith in them. That's really all we can do right now."

"…Yes. Yes, I agree." Goldie closed her arms and sank down into the Duel Disk. "I need to rest. To recuperate. Please, if anything happens, tell me."

"We will."

---

Diana vs. Bohman

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.

Turn 1: Bohman

As there are no monsters in the Main Monster Zones, Bohman Special Summons Hydradrive Booster (0/0/1) in Attack Position. Bohman uses Hydradrive Booster to Link Summon Coolant Hydradrive (1000/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Bohman Special Summons Hydradrive Booster (0/0/1) in Attack Position via its effect. Bohman uses Hydradrive Booster to Link Summon Flow Hydradrive (1000/1/↓) to Coolant Hydradrive's Link Marker. Bohman activates the Spell Card Hydradrive Rebuild, which lets him destroy 1 "Hydradrive" monster he controls. He destroys Coolant Hydradrive. As Coolant Hydradrive was destroyed, Bohman Special Summons a Hydradrive Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. As the monster destroyed by Hydradrive Rebuild's effect activated its effect in the GY, Bohman can Special Summon 1 "Hydradrive" monster from his GY, but it cannot attack, its effects are negated, and it is destroyed during the End Phase. He Special Summons Coolant Hydradrive (1000/1/↓). Bohman activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Coolant Hydradrive points to. Bohman uses Hydradrive Token to Link Summon Grand Hydradrive (1000/1/↓) to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker. Bohman uses Coolant Hydradrive, Flow Hydradrive, and Grand Hydradrive to Link Summon Trident Hydradrive Lord (2300/3/←↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As Trident Hydradrive Lord was Link Summoned, Bohman can target up to 3 "Hydradrive" Link Monsters in his GY that were used to Link Summon it, and Trident Hydradrive Lord is treated as having the same Attributes as those monsters. He targets Coolant, Flow, and Grand Hydradrives, treating Trident Hydradrive Lord as Water, Wind, and Earth Attribute. The effects of Diana's monsters that are the same Attribute as Trident Hydradrive Lord are negated. Bohman Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Diana

Diana draws. As she controls no monsters, she Special Summons VirtuaBeast Code Crocodile (1200/600/3) in Attack Position. As she controls a "VirtuaBeast" monster, she Special Summons VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk (1600/200/4) in Attack Position. Diana Normal Summons VirtuaBeast Spam Scorpion (1300/500/3). Diana uses Spam Scorpion to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin (800/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Spam Scorpion was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Diana can target and destroy 1 card Bohman controls. She targets Judgment Arrows. As Diana activated a card or effect that targets exactly 1 card in his Spell & Trap Zone, Bohman activates his Set Trap Card Card of Pandora, which changes the target to Card of Pandora and then lets him draw 2 cards. Card of Pandora is destroyed by Spam Scorpion's effect. Diana uses Code Crocodile and Hacked Hawk to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix (2000/2/↓→) to Gigabyte Goblin's Link Marker. As Hacked Hawk was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Diana Special Summons 1 VirtuaBeast Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. Diana activates the Link Spell Card Salvation Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Processor Phoenix points to. Link Monsters linked to Salvation Arrows are unaffected by Bohman's card effects, and when Salvation Arrows leaves the field, monsters linked to it are returned to the owner's hand. Diana activates the Spell Card Link Treasure, which lets her draw 1 card for each Link Monster on the field. She draws 3 cards. Diana activates the effect of Processor Phoenix to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY with its effects negated. She Special Summons Hacked Hawk (1600/200/4) in Attack Position. Diana uses Hacked Hawk and Link-2 Processor Phoenix to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Chrome Centaur (2200/3/←↓→) to Salvation Arrows' top-left Link Marker. Diana activates the Spell Card Shift & Receive, which lets her move 1 Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone to her zone it points to, then lets her add 1 Spell Card from her GY to her hand, but she cannot activate cards with that card's original name for the rest of the turn. She moves Gigabyte Goblin to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker and adds Link Treasure to her hand. Diana activates the effect of Gigabyte Goblin to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her hand. She Special Summons VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture (1400/800/3) in Attack Position to Chrome Centaur's left Link Marker. As a "VirtuaBeast" monster was Special Summoned to Chrome Centaur's Link Marker, Diana activates its effect to inflict damage to Bohman equal to that monster's original ATK, but Chrome Centaur cannot attack this turn. As he would take damage, Bohman activates the effect of Shielded Hydradrive in his hand, Special Summoning it (0/1200/2) in Defense Position instead. As Shielded Hydradrive was Special Summoned, Bohman activates its effect to target Trident Hydradrive Lord. While Shielded Hydradrive is on the field, Trident Hydradrive Lord cannot be destroyed by battle. Diana uses Vaccine Vulture, VirtuaBeast Token, and Gigabyte Goblin to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore (2300/3/↙↑↘) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. As Gigabyte Goblin was used to Link Summon Malware Manticore, it cannot be removed from the field by card effects, and as Vaccine Vulture was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Diana draws 1 card. Diana activates the Spell Card VirtuaBeast Hunt, targeting Malware Manticore. Diana's other monsters cannot attack, no monsters can be destroyed during each Battle Phase this turn, and battle damage is reduced to 0. At the end of the Damage Step, if Malware Manticore battles Bohman's monster, that monster is destroyed and Bohman takes damage equal to that monster's original ATK.

Malware Manticore attacks Trident Hydradrive Lord. As a Link Monster linked to Judgment Arrows is battling, its ATK is doubled during damage calculation (Trident Hydradrive Lord: 2300→4600). Malware Manticore isn't destroyed due to VirtuaBeast Hunt's effect, and Diana takes no battle damage (Trident Hydradrive Lord: 4600→2300). VirtuaBeast Hunt's effect activates, destroying Trident Hydradrive Lord (Bohman: 4000→1700 LP). Diana Sets 1 card. She ends her turn.

Turn 3: Bohman

Bohman draws. He Tributes Shielded Hydradrive to Tribute Summon Hydradrive Agent (0/0/5). As Hydradrive Agent was Tribute Summoned, Bohman can Special Summon 1 "Hydradrive" monster from his GY. He Special Summons Trident Hydradrive Lord (2300/3/←↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As the monster Special Summoned by Hydradrive Agent's effect is a Link Monster, Bohman draws 1 card. He activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Hydradrive Scabbard, which Special Summons 1 Hydradrive Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. Bohman uses Hydradrive Token to Link Summon Burn Hydradrive (1000/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Bohman uses Hydradrive Agent, Burn Hydradrive, and Trident Hydradrive Lord to Link Summon Paradox Hydradrive Atlas (0/3/←↑↓) to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker. As Paradox Hydradrive Atlas was Special Summoned, Bohman can roll a die, and the Attribute of Paradox Hydradrive Atlas changes depending on the result. He rolls a 1, so Paradox Hydradrive Atlas stays Earth Attribute. Bohman activates Paradox Hydradrive Atlas's effect to roll a die, then Special Summon a "Hydradrive" Link Monster from his Extra Deck with the same Link Rating to its Link Marker. Bohman rolls a 4, so he Special Summons Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch (3000/4/←↙↘→) to Paradox Hydradrive Atlas's left Link Marker. Monsters linked to Paradox Hydradrive Atlas become the same Attribute as it, and while another monster with the same Attribute as Paradox Hydradrive Atlas is on the field, it is unaffected by Diana's card effects and cannot be targeted for attacks.

Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch attacks Chrome Centaur (Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch: 3000→6000). Diana activates her Set Continuous Trap Card VirtuaBeast Domination. When her "VirtuaBeast" monster battles a monster who's current ATK is higher than its original ATK, her monster gains ATK equal to its original ATK during damage calculation (Chrome Centaur: 2200→4400). The attack continues and Chrome Centaur is destroyed (Diana: 4000→2400 LP) (Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch: 6000→3000). As Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch battled, Diana must send 1 face-up monster she controls with the same Attribute as Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch to the GY, and if she does, Tesseract Hydradrive can attack her monster again. Diana sends Malware Manticore to the GY. Bohman activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Property Alignment, which lets him target 1 "Hydradrive" Link Monster he controls and Special Summon 1 monster from Diana's GY to her field with its effects negated, so long as it's the same Attribute as Bohman's monster. He targets Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch and Special Summons Spam Scorpion (1300/500/3) in Attack Position. Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch attacks Spam Scorpion (Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch: 3000→6000) (Spam Scorpion: 1300→2600). As she took battle damage this turn, Diana activates the effect of VirtuaBeast File Feline in her hand, discarding it to reduce all battle damage to 0 for the rest of the turn. Spam Scorpion is destroyed (Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch: 6000→3000). As the monster Special Summoned by Property Alignment was destroyed, Bohman can draw 2 cards. Bohman Sets 2 cards. He ends his turn.

Turn 4: Diana

Diana draws. During her Standby Phase, as she controls no monsters, she Special Summons Processor Phoenix (2000/2/↓→) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. Diana activates the effect of Processor Phoenix to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY with its effects negated. She Special Summons Vaccine Vulture (1400/800/3) in Attack Position. Diana activates the effect of Spam Scorpion in her GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY. She Special Summons Chrome Centaur (2200/3/←↓→) to Salvation Arrows' top-right Link Marker. Diana activates the Spell Card Link Treasure, which lets her draw 4 cards. Diana uses Vaccine Vulture and Link-2 Processor Phoenix to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Network Nemean (2400/3/↙↓↘) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. As a "VirtuaBeast" monster was Special Summoned to Chrome Centaur's Link Marker, its effect activates and inflicts damage to Bohman equal to Network Nemean's original ATK. As he would take damage, Bohman activates his Set Trap Card Hydradrive Fluctuation, which lets him increase Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch's ATK by the damage instead (Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch: 3000→5400). As Vaccine Vulture was sent to the GY for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Diana draws 1 card. Diana Normal Summons VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin (1000/1200/4). Data Dolphin gains 200 ATK for each "VirtuaBeast" monster Diana controls (Data Dolphin: 1000→1600). Diana activates the effect of Network Nemean, Tributing Data Dolphin to target face-up cards Bohman controls up to Data Dolphin's Level and negate their effects, and as Network Nemean is co-linked, Diana can then destroy them, but Network Nemean can't attack this turn. She targets and negates the effects of Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch, Judgment Arrows, and Paradox Hydradrive Atlas, but Paradox Hydradrive Atlas is unaffected by Diana's card effects when there's another monster with the same Attribute on the field. She then attempts to destroy them, but the turn Hydradrive Fluctuation is activated, Bohman's cards in the Main Monster Zones and Spell & Trap Zones can't be destroyed by card effects. Diana uses Link-3 Chrome Centaur and Link-3 Network Nemean to Overlimit Link Summon VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera (3300/6/←↙↑↓↘→) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. As Cryptograph Chimera was Link Summoned, Diana activates its effect, targeting Salvation Arrows. While Cryptograph Chimera is on the field, Bohman cannot target or destroy Salvation Arrows with his card effects. As she controls a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Diana Special Summons VirtuaBeast CPU Crab (1400/1600/5) to Salvation Arrows' top-right Link Marker in Attack Position. Diana activates the effect of VirtuaBeast Accelerator Anaconda in her hand, shuffling Code Crocodile in her GY into her Deck to Special Summon it (1600/1400/5) to Salvation Arrows' top-left Link Marker in Attack Position. Diana uses Accelerator Anaconda and CPU Crab to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin (1800/2/←→) to Cryptograph Chimera's right Link Marker. As Accelerator Anaconda and CPU Crab were used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, their effects activate, and Diana can reduce the ATK of Bohman's monster by 600 and increase the ATK of her "VirtuaBeast" monster by 800 until the end of the turn. She targets Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch and Cryptograph Chimera (Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch: 5400→4800) (Cryptograph Chimera: 3300→4100).

Cryptograph Chimera attacks Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch (Cryptograph Chimera: 4100→7400). As the linked Cryptograph Chimera is battling Bohman's Special Summoned monster, it gains ATK equal to its original ATK during damage calculation (Cryptograph Chimera: 7400→10700). As his "Hydradrive" monster was selected as an attack target, Bohman activates the effect of Property Alignment in his GY, banishing it to negate the attack. As Bohman activated a card effect during the Damage Step and a linked "VirtuaBeast" monster is battling, Diana activates the effect of Graphic Griffin to negate the activation of Property Alignment's effect. The attack continues and Tesseract Hydradrive Monarch is destroyed, but as he would take battle damage, Bohman activates the effect of Shielded Hydradrive in his GY, banishing it instead (Cryptograph Chimera: 10700→4100). As Diana's co-linked "VirtuaBeast" monster destroyed Bohman's monster, Graphic Griffin's effect activates and inflicts 800 damage to Bohman (Bohman: 1700→900 LP). Diana activates the Quick-Play Spell Card VirtuaBeast Migration. As she controls a "VirtuaBeast" monster, Diana can target and change the Attribute of 1 monster on the field until the end of the turn. She changes Cryptograph Chimera to Water Attribute. Graphic Griffin attacks Paradox Hydradrive Atlas. Bohman activates his Set Trap Card Hydradrive Desperation, which lets him banish 1 "Hydradrive" Link Monster he controls to inflict damage to Diana equal to that monster's Link Rating x 500, and during the End Phase, he can Special Summon that monster. Bohman banishes Paradox Hydradrive Atlas (Diana: 2400→900 LP). A replay occurs and Graphic Griffin attacks Bohman directly. As Diana's monster attacked directly and he has Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind "Hydradrive" Link Monsters in his GY, Bohman activates the effect of Hydradrive Scabbard in his GY, banishing it to halve the battle damage and inflict it to both players (Bohman: 900→0 LP) (Diana: 900→0 LP). The duel ends in a draw.

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Goldie vs. Lightning

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.

Turn 1: Lightning

Lightning Normal Summons Armatos Legio Gladius (0/800/2). As Gladius was Normal Summoned, Lightning activates its effect to add Armatos Colosseum from his Deck to his hand, but his monsters cannot attack this turn. Lightning activates the Field Spell Card Armatos Colosseum. As Armatos Colosseum was activated, Lightning can add 1 "Armatos Legio" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Armatos Legio Speculata to his hand. Lightning uses Gladius to Link Summon Armatos Legio Decurion (1000/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Lightning activates Armatos Colosseum's effect to target an "Armatos Legio" Link Monster and send 1 Level 4 or lower "Armatos Legio" monster from his hand to the GY to Special Summon a number of "Armatos Legio" monsters from his GY in Defense Position, equal to that "Armatos Legio" Link Monster's Link Rating. He discards Armatos Legio Sica and Special Summons Gladius (0/800/2) to Decurion's Link Marker. Lightning activates the effect of Armatos Legio Speculata in his hand, sending Armatos Legio Scutum from his hand to the GY to Special Summon Speculata (0/1800/5) in Defense Position. Lightning uses Gladius and Speculata to Link Summon Armatos Legio Centurion (1700/2/←→) to Decurion's Link Marker. Armatos Colosseum's effect activates, and Lightning discards Armatos Legio Galea to Special Summon Sica (0/400/1) and Scutum (0/1800/3) to Centurion's left and right Link Markers respectively. Lightning uses Sica to Link Summon a 2nd Armatos Legio Decurion (1000/1/↓) to Centurion's left Link Marker. Lightning activates the Spell Card Link Treasure, which lets him draw cards equal to the number of Link Monsters on the field. Lightning draws 3 cards. Lightning activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Decurion's Link Marker points to. Lightning uses his 1st Decurion and Scutum to Link Summon a 2nd Armatos Legio Centurion (1700/2/←→) to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker. Lightning Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Goldie

Goldie draws. As Lightning controls a monster, she Special Summons VirtuaBeast Server Serval (1800/400/4) in Attack Position. Goldie uses Server Serval to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin (800/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Server Serval was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Goldie can add VirtuaBeast Kingdom from her Deck to her hand. Goldie activates the Field Spell Card VirtuaBeast Kingdom. While VirtuaBeast Kingdom is on the field, Lightning cannot target Goldie's "VirtuaBeast" monsters with card effects. Goldie activates the effect of Gigabyte Goblin to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her hand. She Special Summons VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin (1000/1200/4) in Attack Position. Data Dolphin gains 200 ATK for each "VirtuaBeast" monster Goldie controls (Data Dolphin: 1000→1400). Goldie activates the effect of VirtuaBeast Kingdom, targeting the Earth Gigabyte Goblin. She can now Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY with its effects negated. She Special Summons Server Serval (1800/400/4) from her GY in Attack Position (Data Dolphin: 1400→1600). Goldie activates VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect, targeting the Water Data Dolphin. She can now add 1 "VirtuaBeast" Spell/Trap Card from her Deck to her hand. She adds VirtuaBeast Claws to her hand. Goldie uses Data Dolphin and Server Serval to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix (2000/2/↓→) to Gigabyte Goblin's Link Marker. As Data Dolphin was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Goldie can add 1 Spell Card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Salvation Arrows to her hand. Goldie activates the Link Spell Card Salvation Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Processor Phoenix's Link Marker points to. Link Monsters linked to Salvation Arrows are unaffected by Lightning's card effects. Goldie activates Processor Phoenix's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY with its effects negated. She Special Summons Data Dolphin (1000/1200/4) in Attack Position. Goldie activates VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect, targeting the Wind Processor Phoenix. Goldie inflicts 300 damage for each "VirtuaBeast" monster she controls and gains LP equal to that amount (Lightning: 4000→3100 LP) (Goldie: 4000→4900 LP). Goldie uses Gigabyte Goblin and Link-2 Processor Phoenix to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Network Nemean (2400/3/↙↓↘) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. Goldie activates Network Nemean's effect, Tributing the Level 4 Data Dolphin to target and negate the effects of Lightning's face-up cards up to Data Dolphin's Level, and as Network Nemean is co-linked, she can destroy them, but Network Nemean cannot attack this turn. She targets and negates the effects of both Centurions, Decurion, and Armatos Colosseum, then destroys them. As Lightning's cards were destroyed by a card effect, he activates his Set Trap Card Armatos Restaurator, which lets him return his destroyed cards to the zones they were in. He places Armatos Colosseum in the Field Zone, and Special Summons Centurion (1700/2/←→) to Judgment Arrows' top-left Link Marker, Decurion (1000/1/↓) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker, and Centurion (1700/2/←→) to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker. For the rest of the turn, Goldie cannot target or destroy Lightning's cards with her card effects, and neither player takes effect damage.

Goldie Normal Summons VirtuaBeast Vaccine Vulture (1400/800/3). Goldie uses Vaccine Vulture and Network Nemean to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra (1900/2/←↓) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. As Vaccine Vulture was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Goldie draws 1 card. As Holographic Hydra was Link Summoned using a Link Monster as material, its ATK becomes double its original ATK until Goldie's next Standby Phase (Holographic Hydra: 1900→3800), but it can only attack Lightning's monster with the highest ATK. Goldie equips the Equip Spell Card VirtuaBeast Claws to Holographic Hydra. The monster equipped with VirtuaBeast Claws can make a second attack during each Battle Phase, and if it attacks, Lightning cannot activate Spell/Trap Cards until the end of the Damage Step.

Holographic Hydra attacks Centurion. As his "Armatos Legio" monster was targeted for an attack, Lightning attempts to activate Centurion's effect to negate the attack, but as Holographic Hydra is linked to Salvation Arrows, it is unaffected by Lightning's cards. As a monster linked to Judgment Arrows is battling, its ATK becomes double its current ATK during damage calculation (Centurion: 1700→3400). The attack continues and Centurion is destroyed (Lightning: 3100→2700 LP). Holographic Hydra attacks the 2nd Centurion (Centurion: 1700→3400). Centurion is destroyed (Lightning: 2700→2300 LP). Goldie Sets 1 card. She ends her turn.

Turn 3: Lightning

Lightning draws. He activates the Continuous Spell Card Armatos Lex. He activates Armatos Lex's effect to shuffle 1 Spell Card in his GY into his Deck and add 1 "Armatos Legio" monster in his GY to his hand. He shuffles Link Treasure into his Deck and adds Armatos Legio Scutum to his hand. Lightning Normal Summons Armatos Legio Scutum (0/1800/3). Lightning uses Scutum and Decurion to Link Summon a 3rd Armatos Legio Centurion (1700/2/←→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. Lightning activates Armatos Colosseum's effect, discarding Armatos Legio Hastati and targeting Centurion. Lightning Special Summons Speculata (0/1800/5) to Centurion's left Link Marker and Armatos Legio Gladius (0/800/2) to its right Link Marker, both in Defense Position. As Hastati was sent to the GY by the effect of Armatos Colosseum, Lightning can draw 1 card. Lightning uses Speculata and Link-2 Centurion to Link Summon Armatos Legio Legatus Legionis (2400/3/←↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker.

Legatus Legionis attacks Holographic Hydra. As an "Armatos Legio" Link Monster linked to Gladius is battling, it gains 500 ATK during damage calculation (Legatus Legionis: 2400→2900). Judgment Arrows' effect doubles Legatus Legionis' ATK (Legatus Legionis: 2900→5800). Holographic Hydra is destroyed (Goldie: 4900→2900 LP) (Legatus Legionis: 5800→2400). As her "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster was destroyed, Goldie activates her Set Trap Card VirtuaBeast Hibernation, which lets her Special Summon that monster and prevent it from being destroyed by battle or card effects for the rest of the turn. She Special Summons Holographic Hydra (1900/2/←↓) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. Lightning activates Legatus Legionis's effect, targeting Gladius on his field and Galea in his GY. Gladius is sent to the GY and Galea is Special Summoned (0/1000/3) to Legatus Legionis's right Link Marker in Defense Position. Lightning Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 4: Goldie

Goldie draws. She activates the effect of Holographic Hydra, sending it to the GY to Special Summon 1 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster from her GY. She Special Summons Network Nemean (2400/3/↙↓↘) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. Lightning activates Legatus Legionis's effect, sending Galea to the GY and Special Summoning Scutum (0/1800/3) to Legatus Legionis's left Link Marker in Defense Position. The turn Galea is sent to the GY, Lightning takes no battle damage from battles involving the linked Legatus Legionis. While Scutum is linked to an "Armatos Legio" Link Monster, Goldie's monsters can only attack Legatus Legionis. As an "Armatos Legio" monster was Special Summoned to his field, Lightning activates Legatus Legionis's effect and makes it unaffected by Goldie's card effects for the rest of the turn. Goldie activates the effect of VirtuaBeast Kingdom, targeting the Earth Network Nemean and Special Summoning Data Dolphin (1000/1200/4) from her GY in Attack Position. Goldie Normal Summons VirtuaBeast File Feline (800/700/2). Goldie activates VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect, targeting the Water Data Dolphin and adding VirtuaBeast Domination from her Deck to her hand. Goldie uses Data Dolphin and File Feline to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin (1800/2/←→) to Salvation Arrows' top-right Link Marker. As Data Dolphin was used to Link Summoned a "VirtuaBeast" monster, Goldie can add 1 Spell Card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Monster Reborn to her hand. As File Feline was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" monster, Goldie activates its effect to return up to 3 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monsters in her GY to her Extra Deck. She returns Gigabyte Goblin and Holographic Hydra to her Extra Deck. Goldie activates the Spell Card Monster Reborn and Special Summons Data Dolphin (1000/1200/4) in Attack Position. Data Dolphin gains 200 ATK for each "VirtuaBeast" monster Goldie controls (Data Dolphin: 1000→1600). Goldie activates VirtuaBeast Kingdom's effect, targeting the Wind Graphic Griffin (Lightning: 2300→1400 LP) (Goldie: 2900→3800 LP). She then activates Network Nemean's effect, Tributing Data Dolphin to target Scutum, Judgment Arrows, Armatos Colosseum, and Armatos Lex, but as Goldie targeted Lightning's cards with her card effect, he activates his Set Counter Trap Card Armatos Praesidium, negating the activation of Network Nemean's effect, then Lightning can target and destroy 1 card Goldie controls, and for the rest of the turn, "Armatos Legio" monsters Lightning controls are unaffected by Goldie's card effects. He targets and destroys Salvation Arrows. As Salvation Arrows left the field, the linked Graphic Griffin and Network Nemean are returned to Goldie's Extra Deck.

As her card was destroyed by Lightning's card effect, Goldie Special Summons VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena (1700/800/4) in Attack Position. As she controls a "VirtuaBeast" monster, Goldie Special Summons VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk (1600/200/4) in Attack Position. Goldie uses Hacked Hawk and Hyperlink Hyena to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra (1900/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Hacked Hawk and Hyperlink Hyena were used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Goldie Special Summons a VirtuaBeast Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position, then she can banish 1 card Lightning controls until the End Phase. Goldie banishes Judgment Arrows. As Judgment Arrows left the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed. As an "Armatos Legio" monster linked to Scutum would be destroyed by a card effect, it is not destroyed. Scutum is destroyed. Goldie uses VirtuaBeast Token and Link-2 Holographic Hydra to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Reboot Revenant (2700/3/↖↓↗) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Reboot Revenant was Link Summoned, Goldie can negate the effects of 1 card on Lightning's field until the end of the turn and add 1 Spell Card from her GY to her hand, but she cannot activate that card for the rest of the turn. She negates the effects of Armatos Lex and adds Salvation Arrows to her hand.

Reboot Revenant attacks and destroys Legatus Legionis, but Galea's effect reduces the battle damage to 0. As Reboot Revenant destroyed Lightning's monster it pointed to, its effect activates, and Goldie Special Summons Legatus Legionis (2400/3/←↓→) to Reboot Revenant's bottom Link Marker, but its ATK is halved (Legatus Legionis: 2400→1200) and it will be destroyed during the End Phase. Legatus Legionis attacks Lightning directly (Lightning: 1400→200 LP). Goldie Sets 2 cards. She ends her turn. During the End Phase, Legatus Legionis is destroyed and Judgment Arrows returns to Lightning's field.

Turn 5: Lightning

Lightning draws. He activates the Spell Card Armatos Copia, which lets him return up to 3 "Armatos Legio" Link Monsters in his GY to his Extra Deck, then draw 1 card. He returns 1 Decurion and 2 Centurions to his Extra Deck and draws. Lightning activates the effect of Armatos Lex, shuffling Armatos Copia into his Deck and adding Armatos Legio Hastati to his hand. As he controls no monsters, Lightning activates the Spell Card Judgment Scales, which lets him banish 1 "Armatos Legio" Link Monster from his GY, then Special Summon 1 "Armatos Legio" Link Monster from his Extra Deck with an equal or lower Link Rating. He banishes Link-3 Legatus Legionis and Special Summons Armatos Legio Tribunus Militum (2000/3/↙↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Lightning activates the effect of Armatos Colosseum, discarding Hastati and Special Summoning Scutum (0/1800/3) to Tribunus Militum's bottom-left Link Marker, Speculata (0/1800/5) to its bottom Link Marker, and Sica (0/400/1) to its bottom-right Link Marker, all in Defense Position. As Hastati was discarded by Armatos Colosseum's effect, Lightning draws 1 card. Lightning uses Scutum and Speculata to Link Summon Armatos Legio Centurion (1700/2/←→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. Lightning activates Tribunus Militum's effect, targeting Centurion. He can then negate the effects of face-up cards on the field up Centurion's Link Rating, but Tribunus Militum cannot declare an attack this turn. He negates the effects of VirtuaBeast Kingdom and Reboot Revenant. Lightning activates the effect of Armatos Colosseum, discarding a 2nd Armatos Legio Galea to Special Summon Hastati (0/1400/4) to Centurion's left Link Marker and Scutum (0/1800/3) to Centurion's right Link Marker, both in Defense Position. As it is linked to an "Armatos Legio" Link Monster, Lightning activates Hastati's effect, sending it to the GY to inflict 600 damage to Goldie (Goldie: 3800→3200 LP). Lightning uses Scutum, Sica, and Link-2 Centurion to Link Summon Armatos Legio Magnus Dux (3000/4/←↑↓→) to Tribunus Militum's bottom Link Marker. Lightning activates the effect of Magnus Dux to target cards on the field and/or GY up to the number of monsters co-linked with Magnus Dux and return them to the hand. He returns Reboot Revenant to Goldie's Extra Deck.

Magnus Dux attacks Goldie directly. Goldie activates her Set Trap Card VirtuaBeast Stampede, which lets her Special Summon 1 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster from her GY. She Special Summons Processor Phoenix (2000/2/↓→). Goldie activates her Set Continuous Trap Card VirtuaBeast Domination. If her "VirtuaBeast" monster battles an opponent's monster who's current ATK is higher than its original ATK, her monster gains ATK equal to its original ATK during damage calculation. Magnus Dux attacks Processor Phoenix (Magnus Dux: 3000→6000) (Processor Phoenix: 2000→4000). Processor Phoenix is destroyed (Goldie: 3200→1200 LP) (Magnus Dux: 6000→3000). Lightning activates the effect of Judgment Scales in his GY, banishing it and Tributing Tribunus Militum to inflict damage to Goldie equal to half of Tribunus Militum's original ATK and gain LP equal to that amount (Goldie: 1200→200 LP) (Lightning: 200→1200 LP). Lightning ends his turn.

Turn 6: Goldie

Goldie draws. She activates the Quick-Play Spell Card VirtuaBeast Shepherding, which prevents Lightning from activating card effects in response to the activation of the effects of "VirtuaBeast" monsters. During her Standby Phase, as she controls no monsters, she Special Summons Processor Phoenix (2000/2/↓→) via its effect. Goldie activates the Link Spell Card Salvation Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Processor Phoenix points to. Goldie's Link Monsters linked to Salvation Arrows are unaffected by Lightning's card effects. She activates Processor Phoenix's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY with its effects negated. She Special Summons Hyperlink Hyena (1700/800/4) in Attack Position. Lightning activates the effect of Armatos Praesidium in his GY, banishing it, and for the rest of the turn, Lightning's cards are unaffected by Goldie's card effects and neither player can take effect damage. Goldie uses Hyperlink Hyena to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin (800/1/↓) to Salvation Arrows' top-right Link Marker. Goldie activates the effect of VirtuaBeast Kingdom, targeting the Earth Gigabyte Goblin and Special Summoning Data Dolphin (1000/1200/4) from her GY in Defense Position. Goldie activates the effect of VirtuaBeast Hibernation in her GY, banishing it to add 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY to her hand. She adds VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk to her hand. As she controls a "VirtuaBeast" monster, she Special Summons Hacked Hawk (1600/200/4) in Attack Position. Goldie uses Hacked Hawk and Data Dolphin to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin (1800/2/←→) to Salvation Arrows' top-left Link Marker. As Hacked Hawk was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster, Goldie can Special Summon 1 VirtuaBeast Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. Goldie uses VirtuaBeast Token and Link-2 Graphic Griffin to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Malware Manticore (2300/3/↙↑↘) to Salvation Arrows' top-left Link Marker. Goldie uses Gigabyte Goblin, Link-2 Processor Phoenix, and Link-3 Malware Manticore to Overlimit Link Summon VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera (3300/6/←↙↑↓↘→) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. As Gigabyte Goblin was used to Link Summon Cryptograph Chimera, it can't be removed from the field by card effects. As Cryptograph Chimera was Link Summoned, Goldie can target 1 card in her Spell & Trap Zone, and so long as Cryptograph Chimera is on the field, that card can't be targeted or destroyed by Lightning's card effects. Goldie targets Salvation Arrows.

Goldie intends to attack Magnus Dux with Cryptograph Chimera, which would activate its effect as it would be battling a Special Summoned monster and increase its ATK by its original ATK during damage calculation. Added to VirtuaBeast Domination's effect, its ATK would be raised to 9900 and the damage would be 3900, winning Goldie the duel. At this point, Lightning uses Jin as a hostage to make Goldie hesitate. However, Goldie starts to extract Jin's consciousness data from Lightning. Before she can complete the process, Zahhak and Jester interrupt, forcing Goldie to flee. The duel ends in no result.

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Diana:

VirtuaBeast Spam Scorpion (name credit to HunterHQ)
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1300 DEF 500 Level: 3
If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy it. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster in your GY with a different name; Special Summon it. You can only activate 1 effect of "VirtuaBeast Spam Scorpion" per turn, and only once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin (name credit to ThePLOThand)
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓
1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from your hand to your field. A "VirtuaBeast" monster that was Link Summoned using this card on the field as material gains this effect.
-This card cannot be removed from the field by card effects.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix (name credit to Nirvash Neo)
Attribute: WIND Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→
2 "VirtuaBeast" monsters
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from your GY with its effects negated. During your Standby Phase, if this card is in your GY and you control no monsters: You can Special Summon this card. You can only activate this effect of "VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast File Feline (name credit to ThePLOThand)
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 800 DEF 700 Level: 2
If you took battle damage this turn: You can send this card from your hand to the GY (Quick Effect); until the end of the turn, all battle damage you take is reduced to 0. If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can target up to 3 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monsters in your GY; return them to your Extra Deck. You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast File Feline" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Network Nemean
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↓↘
2+ "VirtuaBeast" monsters
This card cannot be destroyed by battle. Once while face-up on the field: You can Tribute 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster you control and target face-up cards your opponent controls, up to the Level of the Tributed monster; negate their effects until the end of the turn, then, if this card is co-linked, you can destroy them. This card cannot declare an attack the turn you activate this effect.

VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin (name credit to HunterHQ)
Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1000 DEF 1200 Level: 4
This card gains 200 ATK for each "VirtuaBeast" monster you control. If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can add 1 Spell Card from your Deck to your hand. You cannot Special Summon monsters the turn you activate this effect, except "VirtuaBeast" monster. You can only activate this effect of "VirtuaBeast Data Dolphin" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast CPU Crab (name credit to ThePLOThand)
Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1400 DEF 1600 Level: 5
If you control a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can target 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster you control; increase its ATK by 800 until the end of the turn. You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast CPU Crab" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Accelerator Anaconda (name credit to Nirvash Neo)
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1600 DEF 1400 Level: 5
You can target 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster in your GY; return it to your Deck and Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; reduce its ATK by 600 until the end of the turn.

VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin
Attribute: WIND Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→
2 "VirtuaBeast" monsters
During the Damage Step, when your linked "VirtuaBeast" monster battles and your opponent activates a card effect (Quick Effect); You can negate the activation, and if you do, your opponent cannot activate cards, or effects of cards, with the same original name as that card, until the end of the turn. If your co-linked "VirtuaBeast" monster destroys your opponent's monster by battle: Inflict 800 damage to your opponent. You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast Graphic Griffin" once per turn.

Shift & Receive Normal Spell Card
Target 1 Link Monster you control in the Extra Monster Zone; move it to your zone it points to, and if you do, you can add 1 Spell Card from your GY to your hand, also you cannot activate cards with the same original name as that card for the rest of the turn. You can only activate "Shift & Receive" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Hunt Normal Spell Card
Target 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster you control; no other monsters you control can declare an attack this turn, and during each Battle Phase this turn, no monsters can be destroyed by battle and battle damage is reduced to 0. If the targeted monster battles an opponent's monster, at the end of the Damage Step: Destroy the opponent's monster and inflict damage to them equal to the destroyed monster's original ATK.

VirtuaBeast Domination Continuous Trap Card
Once per Damage Step, when your "VirtuaBeast" monster battles an opponent's monster who's current ATK is higher than its original ATK: Your monster gains ATK equal to its original ATK during damage calculation only.

VirtuaBeast Migration Quick-Play Spell Card
If you control a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: Target 1 face-up monster on the field and declare 1 Attribute; until the end of the turn, change the Attribute of the targeted monster to the declared Attribute. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster from your GY to your hand. You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast Migration" once per turn.

Bohman:

Shielded Hydradrive
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 0 DEF 1200 Level: 2
If you would take damage, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand) instead. When this card is Special Summoned: You can target 1 "Hydradrive" monster you control, except "Shielded Hydradrive"; while this card is on the field, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle. If you would take damage, you can banish this card (from your GY) instead. You can only activate each effect of "Shielded Hydradrive" once per turn.

Property Alignment Quick-Play Spell Card
Target 1 "Hydradrive" monster you control: Special Summon 1 monster with the same Attribute as the targeted monster from your opponent's GY to their field with its effects negated. If that monster is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY, draw 2 cards. When your "Hydradrive" monster is selected as an attack target, you can banish this card from your GY; negate that attack. You can only activate 1 effect of "Property Alignment" per turn, and only once per turn.

Hydradrive Fluctuation Normal Trap Card
When you would take damage: Target 1 "Hydradrive" Link Monster you control; increase that monster's ATK by the damage you would take instead. The turn you activate this card, cards in your Main Monster Zones and Spell & Trap Zones cannot be destroyed by card effects.

Hydradrive Desperation Normal Trap Card
Target 1 "Hydradrive" Link Monster you control; banish it, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to that monster's Link Rating x 500. During your End Phase, Special Summon the monster banished by this card's effect.

Goldie:

VirtuaBeast Server Serval (name credit to HunterHQ)
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1800 DEF 400 Level: 4
If your opponent controls a monster: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can add 1 "VirtuaBeast Kingdom" from your Deck to your hand. You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast Server Serval" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra (name credit to ThePLOThand)
Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 1900 LINK-2 ←↓
2 "VirtuaBeast" monsters
If this card is Link Summoned using a Link Monster as material: Its ATK becomes double its original ATK until your next Standby Phase, but if your opponent controls a face-up monster(s), this card can only target their monster with the highest ATK for attacks (your choice, if tied). During your Main Phase, except the turn this card was Special Summoned: You can Tribute this card, then target 1 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster in your GY, except "VirtuaBeast Holographic Hydra"; Special Summon it.

VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena (name credit to Nirvash Neo)
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1700 DEF 800 Level: 4
If your card is destroyed by your opponent's card effect: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card is used as material for the Link Summon of a "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster: You can target 1 card your opponent controls; banish it until the End Phase. You can only activate each effect of "VirtuaBeast Hyperlink Hyena" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Reboot Revenant (name credit to ThePLOThand)
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2700 LINK-3 ↖↓↗
2+ "VirtuaBeast" monsters, including a Link Monster
When this card is Link Summoned: You can target 1 Spell Card on your opponent's field; negate that card's effects until the end of the turn, and if you do, you can add 1 Spell Card from your GY to your hand, but you cannot activate cards with the same original name as that card for the rest of the turn. If this card destroys your opponent's monster it points to by battle: You can Special Summon that monster to your field, but its ATK is halved, also destroy it during the End Phase.

VirtuaBeast Kingdom Field Spell Card
"VirtuaBeast" monsters you control cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects. You can target 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster you control: Activate one of the following effects, depending on the Attribute of the targeted monster, also you cannot target other monsters with that same Attribute with the effect of "VirtuaBeast Kingdom" this turn.
-EARTH: Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from your GY with its effects negated.
-WATER: Add 1 "VirtuaBeast" Spell/Trap Card from your Deck or GY to your hand, also for the rest of the turn, you cannot Link Summon Link-4 or higher monsters.
-WIND: Inflict 300 damage to your opponent for each "VirtuaBeast" monster you control, and if you do, gain LP equal to the same amount. For the rest of the turn after you activate this effect, neither player takes effect damage.

VirtuaBeast Hibernation Normal Trap Card
When your "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster is destroyed and sent to the GY: Special Summon it, also for the rest of the turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle or your opponent's card effects. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster from your GY to your hand. You can only activate 1 effect of "VirtuaBeast Hibernation" per turn, and only once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Stampede Normal Trap Card
Special Summon 1 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster from your GY. When your "VirtuaBeast" monster battles: You can banish this card from your GY and target your monster; it gains ATK equal to its original ATK during damage calculation only. You cannot activate this effect the turn this card is sent to the GY.

VirtuaBeast Shepherding Quick-Play Spell Card
Until the end of the turn, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of the effects of "VirtuaBeast" monsters. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "VirtuaBeast" card from your GY to your hand. You can only activate 1 effect of "VirtuaBeast Shepherding" per turn, and only once per turn.

Lightning:

Armatos Legio Hastati
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 0 DEF1400 Level: 4
If this card is sent from your hand to the GY by the effect of "Armatos Colosseum" or your "Armatos Legio" monster: You can draw 1 card. You can send this card linked to your "Armatos Legio" Link Monster from your field to the GY; inflict 600 damage to your opponent. You can only activate each effect of "Armatos Legio Hastati" once per turn.

Armatos Restaurator Normal Trap Card
When your card(s) is destroyed by your opponent's card effect: Return your destroyed card(s) to the state they were prior to their destruction, also for the rest of the turn, your opponent cannot target your cards with their card effects, your cards cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects, and neither player takes effect damage. You can only activate 1 "Armatos Restaurator" per turn.

Armatos Praesidium Counter Trap Card
When your opponent targets your card(s) with their card effect: Negate the activation of that card or effect, and if you do, you can target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy it. For the rest of the turn after you activate this effect, "Armatos Legio" monsters you control are unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can banish this card from your GY; for the rest of the turn, cards you control are unaffected by your opponent's card effects, also neither player takes effect damage. You can only activate 1 effect of "Armatos Praesidium" per turn, and only once per turn.

Armatos Copia Normal Spell Card
Target up to 3 "Armatos Legio" Link Monsters in your GY; return them to your Extra Deck, and if you do, draw 1 card. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "Armatos Legio" monster from your GY to your hand. You can only activate each effect of "Armatos Copia" once per turn.

Judgment Scales Normal Spell Card
If you control no monsters: Banish 1 "Armatos Legio" Link Monster from your GY; Special Summon 1 "Armatos Legio" Link Monster from your Extra Deck whose Link Rating is equal to or lower than that monster's. You can banish this card from your GY and Tribute 1 Link-3 or lower "Armatos Legio" monster you control; inflict damage to your opponent equal to half that monster's original ATK and gain LP equal to that same amount. You can only activate each effect of "Judgment Scales" once per turn.

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Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 58 – Allegiances Revealed. In an attempt to consolidate their forces, Revolver contacts Playmaker and his group and asks to ally with them. In the midst of negotiations, however, they are attacked by an unexpected foe…

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Question of the Chapter

Who do you think would win in a duel? Goldie using the VirtuaBeasts, or Ai using the AtIgnisters from the anime?

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Author's Notes

Thank you to SakushiRyu, ThePLOThand, and Haoh Ryu Z-ARC for providing feedback on the new OC cards and the duels for this chapter. Thank you to HunterHQ, ThePLOThand, and Nirvash Neo for helping come up with names for thew new VirtuaBeast cards.

THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND WORDS! That is how long this chapter is! I have never written anything this long. The longest Academy of Chaos chapter was Chapter 25 with 19,000, the longest Hidden Memories chapter was Chapter 53 with 24,000, and the longest Fifth Circuit chapter was Chapter 25 with over 26,000 words. But THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND WORDS?! This is a record!

That aside, this was an exhausting chapter to write, and not just because I was recovering from surgery. Some parts were easy, others were not. The parts with Yasutake and his friends were easy enough to write. Then there were the parts with Ouroboros, which were of moderate difficulty. But the duels and the interactions between Bohman and Diana and Lightning and Goldie were the hardest. Seriously, writing the second duel was murder on my brain. Armatos Legio is a fast Deck, but it's a really complicated one I don't like writing. So I feel no shame in admitting this will be Lightning's only duel in season 2. This is also the same for Bohman, Diana, and Goldie, so this will be the last time we see Hydradrives, and we won't be getting more VirtuaBeasts until season 3.

I'll start off with the smaller moments. We had Yasutake, Takeru, Yusaku, and Sachi discuss the future with the Ignis. Not much there to comment on. Then we had Techbane meeting Merlin's fellow Enforcers. Obviously he has the most tension with Thaumiel, both for Osaka and what the latter did to Sylphid, but he's willing to work with him. This is more his sense of professionalism and sense of loyalty to Merlin than anything. He'll be avoiding interacting too closely with Thaumiel, something the rest are willing to encourage. Other than that, we have him meeting Jormungand and learning more about his boss.

A quick note on Ouroboros's organization: At the top of the group is the Grandmaster, who is Ouroboros's absolute ruler. However, they rarely get involved in day-to-day operations and give the other members of the organization immense leeway in how they work. So long as results are achieved, the Grandmaster leaves the methods up to the Anguis. Right beneath the Grandmaster are the seven Anguis. They are the planners of the group, who come up with operations and oversee them. Their position is about equal to Queen in SOL Technologies. However, while there are seven Anguis, Jormungand the Third Anguis is the only one who will be appearing in Hidden Memories. The rest of them tend to keep to their own spheres of influence, and two or more Anguis usually only work together on either the Grandmaster's orders or if a situation requires it. As such, the others won't be having a hand in this story. Third in the ladder is the Enforcers, the ones who see the Anguis's plans through. There isn't an exact number of them, but I will say there is more than a dozen of them currently. But in Hidden Memories, we'll only be seeing the ones currently working for Jormungand, as well as two more in season 3. Considering how powerful they are individually, our protagonists don't need any more opponents than that.

I won't say much on Diana's and Bohman's duel, other than the result was needed. Bohman is necessary for the ending of season 2, and while I could have Diana lose, I felt like that would be insulting to her, so I ended it in a draw. But the meat of the chapter is Goldie vs. Lightning. The two are very analytical and take up a lot of time with their moves, which is why their duel is so long. But the big thing I wanted to show is how their characters are similar and yet different.

I already discussed this at the end of Chapter 48, but Goldie and Lightning are foils to each other. Goldie is the most powerful of the Ignis as well as one of the most intelligent, but her biggest flaw is her tendency to hesitate and doubt herself. This is a result of what she did to Sachi during the Lost Incident, and because of that, she moves very slowly and constantly doubts whether the action she takes is the right one or not. Lightning, in contrast, is the most immature of the Ignis, and while he is powerful and seems intelligent, it is because he is overcompensating for his own weaknesses and flaws unlike Goldie. Whereas Goldie sees her actions in the Lost Incident as wrong and continuously doubts herself, Lightning is incapable of seeing what he does as horrible or misguided. Ironically, this makes him much faster and more confident than Goldie, as he's more certain in his actions and that certainly makes him believe he's in the right, while Goldie's self-doubt nearly cripples her. This self-doubt is why she didn't act against Lightning despite seeing the same simulations he did, as it led her to indecisiveness regarding what to do about it or whether she should do something about it. She obviously regrets it now, and that regret will be a big part of her character moving forward, but the damage is already done.

Now there were some who thought Goldie would die in this chapter, and while it would resolve her character arc here, I felt that after building her up as the most powerful Ignis, it would be insulting to just kill her off like that. And while she was injured, enough so that she'll be sitting out the rest of season 2, she will be returning in season 3. What role will she be playing? You'll have to wait and see.

Thank you for reading Chapter 57 of Hidden Memories. There won't be a profile for this chapter, partly because I can't think of a good one, but mostly because I think I've done enough writing for now. Over 31,000 words. This chapter was both exhausting and awesome!