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

62. Chapter 62: The Next Line of Defense

Responses to Reviews

Thank you to Shrouded Absol, Nirvash Neo, HunterHQ, SakushiRyu, ZarcEternal, Ambiguous, D3lph0xL0v3r, pokemonking0924, savagemaster1999, Noobmaster, Unknowedz, Ethan Kironus, Anonymous, Unnamed, Unknown, and FlameFireZero X for reviewing Chapter 61.

HunterHQ: I have Morningstar's reaction to that duel, and I honestly don't see it as enough of a spoiler to withhold it: "Let's be honest, we're rooting for Lightning to lose."

savagemaster1999: I don't have 1,000,000 views of my story; I have 1,000,000 words. And yeah, that is a big milestone. And that Speed Duel in the opening is actually symbolic of their rivalry; it's not going to happen. Those two are only getting one more duel in this season.

Anonymous: Ouroboros has bonds between each other; it's just that said bonds are between certain people. Jester and Thaumiel, Merlin and Techbane, Zahhak and HK-72…

Thank you again for reading Hidden Memories. I hope you all enjoy Chapter 62!

---

Chapter 62: The Next Line of Defense

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 Witchcrafter Golem Aruru.

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.

---

Haru kneeled in his darkened room, watching the monitor as it showed a blue-haired girl on a D-Board.

"She's nearby," he said.

"She used to call herself Blue Angel," Lightning said over the intercom. "She's now Blue Maiden."

"Oh?"

"She is Aoi Zaizen. Younger sister of Akira Zaizen, SOL Technologies' Security Manager."

"They're siblings," Haru muttered.

"Stepsiblings," Lightning corrected, his image replacing Blue Maiden's. "Siblings for convenience's sake. Oh yeah," he remembered, "I set it up for you and Bohman to be siblings."

Haru blinked. "Blue Maiden and Aqua, the Water Ignis, are fighting together. Don't underestimate her instincts. It'd be bad if they find Bohman's location right now. He's currently synchronizing with Mirror LINK VRAINS. We can't let them interfere with that."

The screen changed again. "BitBoot won't last long. You are to go and fight Blue Maiden."

Haru narrowed his eyes. "Do you think I can win?"

"You don't need to win. You just need to buy time."

"Okay." Haru lowered his head and Lightning cut the link. With him no longer watching, Haru allowed himself to scowl. "He doesn't think I can win. Even with the new cards Zahhak gave me."

He had practiced with the cards and he felt he had a good handle on the Deck now. Even if it was a prototype, the cards were strong. And yet Lightning didn't think Haru could win.

It looked like Zahhak had been right; Lightning had designated Haru a failed AI; that designation would not change in Lightning's mind. But did Haru accept that designation? There was only one way to find out.

Haru frowned as he left his room. "If I lose, what will happen to me? Whatever. There's no point thinking about it." His frown deepened. "I guess I'll go see him first."

---

Cassiel swerved her D-Board and glared back at her two-toned opponent.

"Speed Duel!"

Cassiel: 4000 LP

BitBoot: 4000 LP

"The first turn is ours! We summon D-Scale Saber Sardine!" A blue and gray mechanical fish appeared.

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

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

BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP

D-Scale Token ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

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

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

"As we control a 'D-Scale' monster, we activate the Spell Card: D-Scale Swarm to draw two cards. We activate the Equip Spell Card: D-Scale Torpedo and equip it to Battle Coela. Then, we activate the Spell Card: Link Back! One Link Monster in the Extra Monster Zone is moved to a Main Monster Zone it points to, but then we must send cards from the top of our Deck to the Graveyard equal to that monster's Link Rating. We move Battle Coela to the Main Monster Zone and send two cards to the Graveyard."

BitBoot gestured to their field. "Battle Coela's effect activates! Once per turn, we can move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. We move Battle Coela to our center Main Monster Zone."

"I activate my Skill!" Bit declared. "Marker's Portal! Once per Duel, when my Life Points are 4000 or lower, I can activate a Link Spell Card from my Deck. Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who blocks our way! I activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell Card formed at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"When a Link Monster linked to Judgment Arrows battles, its attack points are doubled during damage calculation. But when Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed. In addition, since Judgment Arrows was activated via Marker's Portal, its effects cannot be negated and it cannot be destroyed by your card effects. Battle Coela's additional effect activates! Once per turn, we move it to a zone a card linked to it points to!" Battle Coela moved to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker.

"D-Scale Torpedo's effect activates! For each time the equipped Battle Coela moved this turn, you take 800 points of damage! Go! Voyage to Hell!" The cannons that had formed on Battle Coela's back fired missiles at Cassiel, making her cry out as they exploded around her.

Cassiel: 4000→1600 LP

Cassiel grimaced when the smoke cleared. "They normally only deal 1600 points of damage with that move, but the use of Link Back increased it." She smirked. "Don't get too cocky though! Since I took effect damage and have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Cyangel Friar from my hand!" A man in white gold robes appeared and spread his golden wings in Attack Position. The robes' hood covered his head, exposing only his solid blue eyes and the cybernetics that crossed the bridge of his golden nose. A cross hung in the center of his robes, and two orbs floated above his hands.

Cyangel Friar ATK 2000 DEF 700 LVL: 5

"Friar's effect then inflicts damage to you equal to half the damage I took!" The orbs lit up and fired several shots of golden light at BitBoot, striking them and making them fizzle.

BitBoot: 4000→2800 LP

BitBoot grit their teeth. "Clever girl. But you are not the only one with an effect to activate. Since you took effect damage, we can Special Summon D-Scale Plated Albacore!" A dark blue metal fish with light blue fins and tail appeared in Attack Position.

D-Scale Plated Albacore ATK 1600 DEF 1300 LVL: 5

"As we control a 'D-Scale' Link Monster, we can Special Summon D-Scale Carbonclad Trout!" A metal fish, colored green with silver lines and fins, appeared in Attack Position.

D-Scale Carbonclad Trout ATK 1200 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Appear, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Carbonclad Trout, Plated Albacore, and Link-2 Battle Coela in the Link Markers!" The metal fish entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon!" A large metal shark with silver, black, and green armor emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker and roared, revealing its silver teeth.

D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

Cassiel frowned. "They brought out their Link-4 on the first turn. They really aren't holding back."

"As Plated Albacore was used to Link Summon Fullarmor Megalodon, it cannot be destroyed by battle. In addition, since Carbonclad Trout was used, Fullarmor Megalodon cannot be targeted by your card effects!" Cassiel's eyes widened. "Fullarmor Megalodon's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, we look at your hand and send a card to the Graveyard. If that card is a Monster Card, you take damage equal to that monster's Level times 200!"

Three cards appeared in front of BitBoot. "We send the Level 5 Cyangel Guard to the Graveyard! You take 1000 points of damage!" Fullarmor Megalodon opened its mouth and fired a beam at Cassiel, making her flinch.

Cassiel: 1600→600 LP

"With only 600 Life Points left and Fullarmor Megalodon on our field, your defeat is assured."

Cassiel smirked. "Are you sure about that? Cyangel Guard's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard, I shuffle it into my Deck to draw a card!"

"A new card will not help you. We end our turn."

"My turn! But before I draw, I think I'll change things up a bit! Execute Program! Skill Switch! Once per Duel, I change my Skill to another Skill!" A green screen appeared above her Duel Disk and Cassiel pressed one of the icons. Her right hand glowed with golden light "I activate my Skill! When my Life Points are 1000 or less, instead of drawing, I can add any 'Cyangel' card from my Deck to my hand! Go! Sacred Draw!" With her hand glowing, Cassiel drew and created a stream of light. She looked at her card and smiled.

"I summon Cyangel Sister!" A woman with gold skin wearing black robes and a white habit appeared.

Cyangel Sister ATK 1200 DEF 700 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two Light Cyberse monsters. I set Friar and Sister in the Link Markers!" The golden man and woman entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyseraph Ophanim!" A golden angel wearing crimson robes over a gold tunic emerged from the portal. His blonde hair blew in the air and his four wings spread outwards from the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyseraph Ophanim ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↑↓

"Friar's and Sister's effects activate! They are shuffled back into my Deck and then, I can target your card and shuffle it into your Deck and add a 'Cyangel' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand."

"Since Fullarmor Megalodon was Link Summoned using Carbonclad Trout, you cannot target it with card effects!"

"I'll return Judgment Arrows to your Deck!" The Link Spell Card shattered at Cassiel's words. "Then, due to Sister's effect, I'll add Cyangel Sanctum to my hand. And because Judgment Arrows left the field, Fullarmor Megalodon is destroyed!"

"That would be the case. But Fullarmor Megalodon cannot be destroyed by card effects. Thus, it remains on the field."

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Cyangel Sanctum! While this card is on the field, my Light Cyberse monsters gain 300 attack and defense points."

Cyseraph Ophanim ATK 2000→2300

"I activate Sanctum's effect! Once per turn, I can shuffle a card in my hand into my Deck to add a Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand." Cassiel placed a card in her Deck, then took a different one. "Since there are no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Cyangel Cupbearer!" A young man with golden skin wearing golden robes appeared at Ophanim's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position, holding a silver goblet above his hands.

Cyangel Cupbearer ATK 1400→1700 DEF 700→1000 LVL: 3

"Ophanim's effect activates! When a monster is Special Summoned to its Link Marker while I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, I can add a 'Cyangel' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyangel Hymn to my hand." Cassiel raised her hand. "Appear again, the circuit of infinite light! The summoning conditions are two or more Light Cyberse monsters. I set Cupbearer and Link-2 Ophanim in the Link Markers!" Her two monsters entered the top, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cyseraph Blazing Uriel!" A golden archangel covered in ornate gold and crimson armor emerged from the portal. His red hair was tied into a ponytail and his four red-and-gold wings spread out behind him. He plucked the string of his decorated red and gold longbow from the right Extra Monster Zone.

Cyseraph Blazing Uriel ATK 2500→2800 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

"A Link-3 'Cyseraph' Link Monster has appeared."

"Cupbearer's and Ophanim's effects activate! I shuffle them into my Deck and Extra Deck, then I add a 'Cyangel' monster from my Deck to my hand and gain 1000 Life Points. I'll add Cyangel Guard to my hand."

Cassiel: 600→1600 LP

"I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cyangel Covenant!" Cassiel gestured to her field. "Battle! Blazing Uriel attacks Fullarmor Megalodon!" She smirked. "At this point, Cyangel Covenant's effect activates! When my Light Cyberse monster battles your monster and I have no 'Cyangel' monsters in my Graveyard, my monster gains attack points equal to the original attack points of your monster until the end of the Damage Step! Blazing Uriel gains attack points equal to Fullarmor Megalodon's attack points!"

Cyseraph Blazing Uriel ATK 2800→5800

"Impossible!" BitBoot exclaimed.

"Even if Fullarmor Megalodon cannot be destroyed, you will still take damage! Attack, Blazing Uriel! Holy Fire!" Blazing Uriel pulled back the bowstring and created an arrow of fire. It released the string and sent the bolt flying towards the giant metal shark. It impacted, and while it did not destroy the monster, the fire traveled around it and continued on to BitBoot, knocking them off their D-Board.

BitBoot: 2800→0 LP

"We lost to that Spell Card again!" Bit said.

"I told you we shouldn't have driven her to less than 1000 Life Points!" Boot said.

"No, I told you!"

Cassiel sweatdropped as the two-toned AI disintegrated. "Well… at least they seemed to be having fun."

---

Lilith's D-Board spun as she glared at BitBoot. "You guys are annoying me, so I'm going to take that frustration out on you, 'kay?"

"Speed Duel!"

Lilith: 4000 LP

BitBoot: 4000 LP

"The first turn will be ours! We summon D-Scale Saber Sardine!"

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

"Saber Sardine's effect activates! We pay 500 Life Points to Special Summon a D-Scale Token!" Said Token appeared in Defense Position.

D-Scale Token ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Appear, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Saber Sardine and D-Scale Token in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! D-Scale Battle Coela!" The maroon and green metal fish emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

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

"We activate the Equip Spell Card: D-Scale Torpedo and equip it to Battle Coela! Next, we activate the Field Spell Card: Castle Link! Once per turn, we can move a Link Monster on the field to a Main Monster Zone it points to. We activate Castle Link's effect to move Battle Coela to the Main Monster Zone it points to!" The metal fish moved backwards one zone.

"Battle Coela's effect activates! Once per turn, we can move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. We move it to our center Main Monster Zone."

Bit gestured to their field. "I activate my Skill! Marker's Portal! When our Life Points are 4000 or lower, we can activate a Link Spell Card from our Deck! Three arrows, shine! Fire at the enemy who blocks our way! I activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" In a flash of light, the Link Spell Card materialized at Battle Coela's Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

Lilith frowned. "So that card appears now…"

"The additional effect of Marker's Portal prevents Judgment Arrows' effects from being negated, and it cannot be destroyed by your card effects. And when a Link Monster next to Judgment Arrows battles, its attack points are doubled during damage calculation. But if Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed. Battle Coela's effect activates! Once per turn, we move it to a Main Monster Zone a card linked to it points to. We move Battle Coela to Judgment Arrows' Link Marker!" The metal fish moved to the Link Spell's top-right Link Marker.

"We activate D-Scale Torpedo's effect! Once per turn, we inflict 800 points of damage for each time the equipped Battle Coela moved. It moved three times, so you take 2400 points of damage!" Battle Coela fired missiles at Lilith, making her grunt as she strained to stay on her D-Board.

Lilith: 4000→1600 LP

"As we control a 'D-Scale' monster, we Special Summon D-Scale Carbonclad Trout!" A green and silver metal fish appeared in Attack Position.

D-Scale Carbonclad Trout ATK 1200 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Appear again, our circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more 'D-Scale' monsters. We set Carbonclad Trout and Link-2 Battle Coela in the Link Markers!" The two fish entered the left, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus!" A long and thin metal fish emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker, with six fins and black-and-red armor.

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

"Since Carbonclad Trout was used to Link Summon Platemail Nacanthus, it cannot be targeted by your card effects. We end our turn."

Lilith smirked. "A monster that can raise its attack points to 5200 and cannot be targeted by my effects. Not bad. But I can do better. My turn! Draw! I summon Magical Musketeer Starfire!" A woman in a black and blue dress with a veil covering her face appeared.

Magical Musketeer Starfire ATK 1300 DEF 1700 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit of the devil's bullet! The summoning condition is one Level 8 or lower 'Magical Musket' monster. I set Starfire in the Link Marker!" The woman entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Magical Musketeer Max!" A man in black leather emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone, a red cape around his neck and a rifle held in his hands.

Magical Musketeer Max ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Max's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can activate one of two effects. I'll activate the second effect! I Special Summon different 'Magical Musket' monsters from my Deck, up to the number of Spell and Trap Cards you control!"

"What?" BitBoot gasped.

"You control two Spell Cards, so I'll Special Summon Magical Musketeer Caspar and Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel!" Two new monsters appeared on Lilith's field in Attack Position. The first was a young blonde man in a red overcoat wielding an oversized pistol while the second was a large red-winged demon in a tailored suit and coat wielding two similar pistols.

Magical Musketeer Caspar ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 3

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500 DEF 2500 LVL: 8

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Magical Musket – Steady Hands! This card targets my 'Magical Musket' monster and makes its attack and defense points equal to twice its original attack and defense points until the end of the turn. I target Zakiel!" The fiend cackled as it glowed red.

Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel ATK 2500→5000 DEF 2500→5000

"We are familiar with the 'Magical Musket' strategy," Bit said.

"But even with Zakiel's attack points increased, it cannot win against Platemail Nacanthus," Boot said.

Lilith smirked. "Are you sure about that? Caspar's effect activates! When a Spell or Trap Card is activated in its column, I can add a 'Magical Musket' card from my Deck to my hand." Lilith took the card, then played it. "Since Caspar, Max, and Zakiel are on the field, I can activate 'Magical Musket' Trap Cards from my hand. Like this one! I activate the Trap Card: Magical Musket – Quick Draw!" The card showed Magical Musketeer Kidbrave, raising his pistol and firing it, his right hand held above his wrist. "Since I control a 'Magical Musket' monster, I can target one face-up card and return it to the owner's hand!" BitBoot gasped. "I return Judgment Arrows to your hand!" BitBoot watched in disbelief as their Link Spell Card disintegrated.

The combined AIs grit their teeth. "Judgment Arrows' effect destroys all monsters linked to it when it leaves the field. But Platemail Nacanthus cannot be destroyed by card effects!"

"Then I'll just destroy it the old-fashioned way," Lilith said dismissively. "Battle! Zakiel attacks Platemail Nacanthus! Seventh Bullet!" Zakiel raised its pistols and charged them before releasing it, sending two beams of energy at the metal fish. The beams pierced the monster's flesh and tore through it, causing it to explode and BitBoot to flinch.

BitBoot: 4000→1600 LP

"With Platemail Nacanthus gone, you have no monsters left! Caspar attacks you directly! Second Bullet!" Caspar pointed his pistol at BitBoot and pulled the trigger, pelting them with several energy blasts.

BitBoot: 1600→400 LP

"The last attack! Max attacks you directly! Extra Bullet!" Max raised his rifle and fired a continuous stream of bullets, knocking BitBoot off their D-Board.

BitBoot: 400→0 LP

"Why do we keep losing?!" Bit wondered.

"Let us have just one victory!" Boot shouted.

The two disintegrated, leaving a chuckling Lilith behind.

---

"So… this is Lilith?"

"Yes," Thaumiel breathed. "The little girl who ruined everything."

"Hmm." Jester tilted his head. "She doesn't seem that strong. Skilled certainly, but nothing compared to Morningstar or Revolver."

The two stood in a private room and watched Lilith finish her duel with BitBoot on a monitor.

"Indeed," Thaumiel agreed. "But she has proven to be crafty. She and her guardian pursued me across Japan for the last three months, and though they never caught me, I never managed to completely lose them."

"So a tracker and a bounty hunter who makes up her lack of strength with cunning," Jester surmised. "And she defeated you? Twice? As your teacher, I can't help but be disappointed, Thaumiel."

"I underestimated her before," Thaumiel insisted angrily. "I won't make that mistake again." He turned his head to look at Jester. "Especially if you give me what I asked for."

"I would if I could, but Jormungand's order are clear," Jester said. "Until you redeem yourself, you are not to be given an Infinity Transformation."

"I have created the keystone that will change the world," Thaumiel said. "That is not 'redeeming myself?'"

"I believe what he meant to say was that you are still being punished for your actions in Osaka," Jester said. "While Jormungand accepts the reality of casualties, he wants to keep them to a minimum for the sake of Final Ascension. Your actions back then were… excessive."

Thaumiel hissed. "I did exactly what he asked me to do. The Breaking of Osaka achieved my objective."

"Which is why he freed you from your prison; you didn't betray Ouroboros and fulfilled your task. But your actions were still too much for Jormungand to accept. If you want back into his good graces… then I suggest you show you are strong enough to stand alongside me and Zahhak."

"…Very well. But I will have my vengeance against her."

"Go ahead," Jester said dismissively. "A bounty hunter like Lilith is inconsequential, an insect who cannot oppose us. And for whatever it's worth, I would give you an Infinity Transformation if it were up to me. But sadly, I have only my own, and since each Infinity Transformation is connected to the user's avatar, you wouldn't be able to use mine."

"Does that foolish bounty hunter of our own have one?"

"No; he is still in training, not an Enforcer yet. Merlin and Zahhak have theirs, and I have mine, but you and Techbane are the only ones without one." Jester pressed a button on his Duel Disk and changed the screen. "Since Lilith's duel is concluded, why don't we check out the others? There's one in particular that I want to see."

Thaumiel watched as two D-Boards appeared on screen. He chuckled. "Ah yes; this is a duel I want to see as well."

---

Morningstar scowled as he glared at his opponent. "Blood Shepherd…"

"The bounty hunter that caused us so much trouble," Cypher said, his own eyes narrowed. "He was our enemy, but he is also Ghost Girl's brother."

"He's a victim of Lightning and Ouroboros," Morningstar said.

"In that case, the best thing we can do for him is set him free," Cypher said.

"That's right." Morningstar's scowl softened into a frown. "We have unfinished business between us, but this isn't how I wanted to resolve it."

"Speed Duel!" "Speed Duel."

Morningstar: 4000 LP

Blood Shepherd: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn," Blood Shepherd said. Morningstar was glad Ghost Girl wasn't able to see this; Blood Shepherd had always been serious, but there was an emptiness in his voice that just sounded wrong. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Drone Airfield." The card showed a massive airport with numerous Drone monsters all parked on the sides. "While Drone Airfield is active, my 'Drone' monsters gain 200 attack points. In addition, when Drone Airfield is activated, I can add a 'Drone' card from my Deck to my hand."

Morningstar frowned. "A Field Spell Card? He never used that before."

"Perhaps Ouroboros added to his Deck?" Cypher suggested. "They did the same for Nebula, after all."

"I summon Drone XL." A blue plane with an orange and black engine appeared.

Drone XL ATK 400→600 DEF 400 LVL: 2

"When I control a 'Drone' monster, I can Special Summon Scud Drone." Three missiles attached to a wheel appeared in Attack Position.

Scud Drone ATK 800→1000 DEF 1100 LVL: 3

"Appear, my circuit. The summoning conditions are two non-Token 'Drone' monsters. I set Drone XL and Scud Drone in the Link Markers." The plane and missiles entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-2. Battledrone Warrant." A gray plane with a red-and-black nose emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Battledrone Warrant ATK 1200→1400 LINK-2 ←↓

"As the Normal Summoned Drone XL was sent to the Graveyard to Link Summon, I Special Summon a Drone Token." A single propeller hoisted on a purple rod appeared in Defense Position.

Drone Token ATK 0→200 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear, my circuit. The summoning conditions are two or more 'Drone' monsters. I set Drone Token and Link-2 Battledrone Warrant in the Link Markers." The machines entered the left, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-3. Battledrone General." A large black plane with a long nose emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Battledrone General ATK 2400→2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "Blood Shepherd's ace monster has appeared."

"I Set one card. I end my turn. During the End Phase, as there are no monsters in my Main Monster Zones, I can Special Summon Battledrone Warrant from the Graveyard." The plane with the red-and-black nose reappeared at the center Main Monster Zone.

Battledrone Warrant ATK 1200 LINK-2 ←↓

"Looks like his dueling hasn't changed too much," Cypher noted.

"That's not surprising," Morningstar said. "Nebula was an amateur duelist; Blood Shepherd is a professional. This program can't augment his dueling like it could hers." His eyes narrowed. "If anything, it can only limit it."

"Eh? What do you mean?"

"For professionals like us, dueling is not just dueling turn-by-turn; it is planning out every move we'll make while predicting the opponent's moves as well. Blood Shepherd especially is an expert at this. But with his mind constrained like this, he can't fight at his best. He can only fight as Lightning has programmed him to."

"…I get it. You're saying he won't be as challenging as he normally would be because he can't think enough to analyze our moves."

"Exactly. That's the flaw with mind control: it limits your thoughts and ability to react to your opponent." He frowned. "It's a pity; I did want to duel him again, but only when he could fight at his best. Not like this."

The former bounty hunter placed a hand on his Deck. "My turn! Draw! Since you control a Link Monster and I don't, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Armorer!" A skeleton with metal arms dressed like a blacksmith appeared in Attack Position and swung its hammer.

Cyspirit Armorer ATK 1200 DEF 2000 LVL: 6

"Armorer's effect activates! By targeting a Link Monster and sending Armorer to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Armor Tokens equal to that monster's Link Rating. I target the Link-3 Battledrone General!" Armorer disappeared and, in its place, three dwarf skeletons with oversized heads wearing blacksmith clothes appeared in Defense Position.

Cyspirit Armor Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 2 x 3

"I activate the Spell Card: Cyspirit Equivalency! Since I control two or more 'Cyspirit' monsters, all 'Cyspirit' monsters I control gain Levels equal to the total number of 'Cyspirit' monsters I control. As I control three, my monsters' Levels increase by 3!"

Cyspirit Armor Token LVL: 2→5 x 3

"Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning conditions are three Level 5 or higher 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set three Cyspirit Armor Tokens in the Link Markers!" The three Tokens entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cyspirit Winning Wrestler!" A large skeleton wearing a black cape over a similarly colored wrestling suit and champion belts emerged from the portal and roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyspirit Winning Wrestler ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"You summoned one of your most powerful Link-3 'Cyspirit' monsters with only two cards," Cypher said approvingly. "Good job, partner."

"Continuous Trap activate," Blood Shepherd interrupted. "Capture Drone. One Link Monster you control has its effects negated, and it cannot be used as Tribute or Link Material. I target Winning Wrestler." Black chains wrapped around the large skeleton, making it groan. "In addition, your Link Monsters cannot attack."

Cypher sighed. "Of course he would use that card. With it out, Winning Wrestler is powerless."

"Only for now," Morningstar said. "I summon Cyspirit Lancer!" A skeleton in white armor wielding a gray lance and shield appeared.

Cyspirit Lancer ATK 1800 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"While Lancer is on the field, my 'Cyspirit' monsters gain 300 attack points."

Cyspirit Lancer ATK 1800→2100

Cyspirit Winning Wrestler ATK 2500→2800

"Since I control a 'Cyspirit' monster, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Linker!" A skeleton in black armor with red gauntlets appeared at Winning Wrestler's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Linker ATK 1700→2000 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"I overlay Level 4 Cyspirit Lancer and Cyspirit Linker!" Morningstar swung his Duel Disk and created a bolt of silver lightning. The bolt created the Xyz cross. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Lancer and Linker broke into silver particles and entered the dots on the cross, making it light up. The ends of the cross fired beams, creating a spiral galaxy in front of Morningstar. The galaxy exploded with energy.

"The warrior who guards the sacred lands! Ascend to this battle and strike down our enemies! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 4! Cyspirit Martial Mameluke!" A strand of DNA broke apart and formed a sphere. That sphere turned into a white skeleton cloaked in white and brown robes, along with metal boots, gauntlets, and a spiked helmet. The skeleton held a circular shield in its left hand and spun a lance in its right. Wings spread from its back and two lights circled behind it as it took position at Winning Wrestler's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.

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

Cyspirit Winning Wrestler ATK 2800→2500

"Martial Mameluke's effect activates! When it is Xyz Summoned using only 'Cyspirit' monsters, all cards in your Spell & Trap Zone are returned to the owners' Decks! Soul of Night!" Martial Mameluke spun its lance as dark energy gathered around it. It lashed out, sending said energy out as a wave that struck Capture Drone, destroying it. Winning Wrestler roared in victory as it broke the chains binding it.

"With Capture Drone gone, Winning Wrestler can attack and use its effects," Cypher said. "And with Martial Mameluke's other effect, we can end this duel in one turn."

"He still has his Skill," Morningstar reminded Cypher. Which is why I'll activate this. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cyspirit Soulsword and equip it to Winning Wrestler!" A jagged katana formed in Winning Wrestler's right hand. Its hilt was black and two blue crystals were embedded in the blade. "While Winning Wrestler is equipped with Soulsword, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and if it attacks your Special Summoned monster, it gains attack points equal to its Link Rating times 200."

Morningstar gestured to his field. "Battle! Martial Mameluke attacks Battledrone General! At this point, Martial Mameluke's effect activates! When it attacks your Special Summoned monster, I detach an Overlay Unit to increase its attack points by your monster's attack points during damage calculation!"

Cyspirit Martial Mameluke OU: 2→1

Cyspirit Martial Mameluke ATK 2800→5400

"Go! Moonlight Strike!" Light gathered on the tip of Martial Mameluke's spear before it threw said spear. The lance tore through Battledrone General, causing a massive explosion that knocked Blood Shepherd's D-Board back.

Blood Shepherd: 4000→1200 LP

Cyspirit Martial Mameluke ATK 5400→2800

"Winning Wrestler attacks Battledrone Warrant!" The skeleton roared as it swung the sword. "At this point, Cyspirit Soulsword's effect increases Winning Wrestler's attack points by 200 for each Link Marker!"

Cyspirit Winning Wrestler ATK 2500→3100

"The difference in attack points is 1700," Cypher said. "This attack will end the duel."

Blood Shepherd gestured to his field. "I activate my Skill. Drone Craft Force. Until the end of the turn, one of your monsters loses 200 attack points for each 'Drone' card in my Graveyard and one 'Drone' Link Monster gains the same amount of attack points. I target Winning Wrestler and Battledrone Warrant. There are three 'Drone' cards, so each monsters' attack points change by 600."

Cyspirit Winning Wrestler ATK 3100→2500

Battledrone Warrant ATK 1400→2000

Winning Wrestler roared as it brought the sword down, slicing Battledrone Warrant in two and knocking Blood Shepherd around before his D-Board stabilized.

Blood Shepherd: 1200→700 LP

Cyspirit Winning Wrestler ATK 2500→1900

"I spoke too soon," Cypher sighed. "Still, at least we whittled him down to 700 Life Points. We should be able to finish this on our next turn."

"Even so, we can't afford to get cocky," Morningstar cautioned as his eyes narrowed. Cyspirit Soulsword could negate a card effect that targeted the equipped monster, but since Winning Wrestler had been targeted by a Skill and not a card, he couldn't activate its effect. "Controlled or not, Blood Shepherd's Deck is deadly. I end my turn."

"During the End Phase, Drone Craft Force's effect ends."

Cyspirit Winning Wrestler ATK 1900→2500

"My turn. Draw. I activate the Equip Spell Card: Assemble Drone. I Special Summon a 'Drone' Link Monster from my Graveyard and equip Assemble Drone to it. I Special Summon Battledrone General." The black jet reappeared at Blood Shepherd's middle Main Monster Zone.

Battledrone Generatl ATK 2400→2600 LINK-3 ←↓→

"The monster equipped with Assemble Drone gains 500 attack points."

Battledrone General ATK 2600→3100

"Soulsword's and Martial Mameluke's effects can only activate when they attack, not when they're attacked," Cypher said, his eyes narrowing. "He can take out either one now."

"I summon Drone Carrier." A machine that looked like three engines attached to three wings appeared at Battledrone General's left Link Marker.

Drone Carrier ATK 800→1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"Appear, my circuit. The summoning condition is one 'Drone' monster. I set Drone Carrier in the Link Marker." Carrier entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon. Appear. Link-1. Battledrone Sergeant." A white plane with a blue nose emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Battledrone Sergeant ATK 800→1000 LINK-1 ↓

"Battledrone General's effect activates. Once per turn, I can Special Summon one 'Drone' monster from my Graveyard to General's Link Marker. I Special Summon Drone Carrier." Carrier reappeared at Battledrone General's right Link Marker in Defense Position.

Drone Carrier ATK 800→1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 2

"Eh?" Cypher blinked. "Defense Position?"

"Drone Carrier's effect activates. When it is Special Summoned, I can Special Summon one 'Drone' monster from my Graveyard. I Special Summon Scud Drone." The three missiles attached to a wheel reappeared at Battledrone General's left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Scud Drone ATK 800→1000 DEF 1100 LVL: 3

"Scud Drone's effect activates. When it is Special Summoned from the Graveyard by a 'Drone' monster's effect, I draw one card."

"With Battledrone Sergeant and Scud Drone both on the field and empowered by Blood Shepherd's Field Spell Card…"

Morningstar frowned. "You're right, Cypher; this is going to hurt."

"I Set one card. Battledrone General's effect activates. Once per turn, I target a Level 4 or lower 'Drone' monster with 1000 or less attack points. For the rest of the turn, that monster can attack directly. I target Scud Drone. Battle. Scud Drone attacks you directly." Two of the missiles fired at Morningstar and exploded on either side of him, making him wince.

Morningstar: 4000→3000 LP

"Battledrone General's effect activates. When a 'Drone' monster inflicts battle damage via direct attack, I can Tribute that monster to inflict damage equal to its attack points. I Tribute Scud Drone." Scud Drone turned into a green light and launched at Morningstar. The former bounty hunter winced as it struck and exploded.

Morningstar: 3000→2000 LP

"Drone Airfield's effect activates. Once per turn, when you take damage from a 'Drone' monster's direct attack, I can add one 'Drone' card from my Deck to my hand. I add Drone Asteroid to my hand. Battledrone Sergeant's effect activates. When my 'Drone' monster inflicts battle damage by a direct attack, Battledrone Sergeant can attack you directly." The plane fired missiles at Morningstar, which exploded and made him flinch.

Morningstar: 2000→1000 LP

"Battledrone General's effect activates. I Tribute Battledrone Sergeant to inflict its attack points as damage." The plane turned into a green sphere and launched itself at Morningstar.

The former bounty hunter narrowed his eyes. "Cypher, now!"

"Right!" The Duel Disk lit up silver, as did the lines on Cypher's body. "Execute program! Neo Skill Switch!"

"Once per Duel, I can change my Skill to one of three Skills!" Morningstar proclaimed. A silver screen popped up, showing three icons. One was a purple whirlwind, another was an eight-pointed star, and the last was an upside-down cross. Morningstar pressed the third icon and made the lines on his suit change from silver to white. "I activate my Skill! Cyberse Incarnation! If I would take damage, that damage is reduced to 0!" A white barrier appeared around him and the sphere impacted against it. "Then, I can add a Cyberse monster from my Deck to my hand, so long as its attack points are less than or equal to the damage I would have taken. I add Cyspirit Mongrel to my hand."

"…" Morningstar swore that Blood Shepherd actually paused when he and Cypher unveiled their newest weapon. "Battledrone General attacks Martial Mameluke." The black jet fired several missiles that tore through the robed skeleton, destroying it.

Morningstar: 1000→700 LP

"I end my turn."

Cypher sighed. "It's a good thing I finished Neo Skill Switch last night. Just so you know, the code on this is even more difficult to write than the regular Skill Switch; it will take me at least a week to modify the others' before they can use it."

"I understand," Morningstar said as he looked over the field. Winning Wrestler was still equipped with Cyspirit Soulsword, but its increased attack points would be equal to Battledrone General's if he attacked. And then there was Drone Carrier. Brainwashed or not, Morningstar knew Blood Shepherd had a plan for it.

"My turn! Draw! I summon Cyspirit Mongrel!" A skeletal dog wearing silver armor appeared and barked.

Cyspirit Mongrel ATK 1000 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set Mongrel and Link-3 Winning Wrestler in the Link Markers!" The two monsters entered the left, right, top-left, and top-right arrows. "Let the galaxy's rage turn into hope and transcend my limitations! Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Cyspirit Nebulous Nova!" A dragon skeleton emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone, only to be covered by white skin. Silver armor covered its chest, thighs, and knees, and four obsidian spines shot out of its back. Its tail was white and covered in silver armor, as was its neck and head. The dragon's red and blue eyes shone as it roared in triumph.

Cyspirit Nebulous Nova ATK 2500 LINK-4 ←↖↗→

"Since I used Mongrel to Link Summon Nebulous Nova, it can attack twice each turn," Morningstar continued. "Nebulous Nova's effect activates! When it points to one monster, I can roll a six-sided die, and whatever the result is, Nebulous Nova is treated as pointing to that number of monsters until the end of the turn. However, if I roll a 5 or 6, I must roll again. Gravity Dice!"

A blue sphere holding a die appeared between Nebulous Nova's claws. The die rolled and stopped on a stylized "4". "The result is 4, so until the end of the turn, Nebulous Nova is treated as pointing to four monsters!"

"Which means Nebulous Nova can use all of its effects," Cypher said.

"Nebulous Nova's additional effect activates! Since it is treated as pointing to two or more monsters, I can banish a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster from my Graveyard. And then until my next Standby Phase, Nebulous Nova gains 1000 attack points for each of that monster's Link Markers! I banish Link-3 Winning Wrestler!" Nebulous Nova roared as its spines created white holographic wings.

"Link-3 means Nebulous Nova gains 3000 attack points."

Cyspirit Nebulous Nova ATK 2500→5500

"Battle!" Morningstar declared. "Nebulous Nova attacks Battledrone General!" The dragon's wings changed to a shifting series of red as it opened its maw.

"Trap activate," Blood Shepherd intoned. "Intercept Drone." The card showed Battledrone Sergeant spinning through the air, dropping flares between itself and a barrage of missiles. "I Tribute one 'Drone' monster to negate your attack and inflict damage equal to Nebulous Nova's original attack points."

Morningstar's eyes widened. "What?"

"I Tribute Drone Carrier. You take 2500 points of damage." Drone Carrier reformed into a green sphere and launched itself at Morningstar.

"Oh no, we're doomed!" Cypher screeched. Then his eyes tilted. "Just kidding. Did you like my Ai impression?"

"Nebulous Nova's effect activates! Since it is treated as pointing to three or more monsters, once per turn, I can negate the activation of a card or effect and banish it! I negate Intercept Drone's effect!" The Trap Card shattered and the green sphere disintegrated into nothingness. "Nebulous Nova's attack continues! Blazar Flare!"

Nebulous Nova released a stream of red energy at Battledrone General. The stream consumed the plane before it exploded, creating a shockwave that knocked Blood Shepherd off his D-Board. Morningstar watched with a frown as the brainwashed bounty hunter disintegrated into gold data.

Blood Shepherd: 700→0 LP

"Looks like you were right, partner," Cypher said. "He wasn't as challenging as he normally would be. Or perhaps it's because you and I have become so much stronger since our last encounter."

"Maybe," Morningstar said. "But with him out of the way, we can focus on Lightning." He frowned and pressed a button. "Cam, can you still see us?"

"Yeah, I see you. But Tagoma just arrived. He and I are heading out."

Morningstar's frown deepened. "Still not going to tell me what you're doing?"

"I'd… rather not. But don't worry, I'll be fine. I've transferred my programs to Shoichi; he'll keep an eye on all of you."

"Alright. Thanks, Cam. And… be careful."

Cam chuckled. "That's my line to you, Yasu."

---

Haru walked up the steps towards a the glowing and sitting Bohman, who opened his eyes on Haru's entrance. "What is it, Haru?"

"Playmaker's team has invaded Mirror LINK VRAINS," Haru reported.

"I see. My task will be done soon. And they'll have nowhere to run."

"You're right." Haru stared at the larger AI and then turned away.

"Didn't you want something?" Bohman asked.

Haru stopped and turned around. "No, not really. I just came to see you."

"Lightning must have given you new orders."

Haru blinked. "How did you know?"

"Did he tell you to attack?" Bohman asked.

"Well, yes. He wants me to fight Blue Maiden."

"Don't go."

Haru gasped. "What? What are you talking about?"

"There's a clear difference in your skills," Bohman explained. "You won't be able to defeat her."

"We won't know until I try!" Haru argued.

"I'm warning you as your older brother," Bohman persisted.

"We are not brothers like humans are!" Haru protested. "And I was born first! I was ordered to be your younger brother to calm you because you were emotionally unstable!"

"Even if it was because you were ordered to, I still consider you my younger brother," Bohman said. "No words will change that."

Haru grit his teeth. "I'm going!" He turned to leave.

"Wait, Haru!" Bohman pleaded. "If you lose in Mirror LINK VRAINS, you'll be erased!"

"Then I won't lose!" Haru asserted. "Even if Lightning considers me a failed AI, I don't consider myself one. I'll defeat Blue Maiden and prove that!" Zahhak had faith in him; why couldn't Bohman?"

"Haru," Bohman whispered as the smaller AI left.

Haru exited into the courtyard of the palace. "Sheesh! I shouldn't have seen him! Now I'm angry!"

"Do not be angry you were shown concern."

Haru stopped and turned. Zahhak was in the center of the courtyard, staring out over Mirror LINK VRAINS. "Bohman acts the way he does because he does not want to see you die. That is part of the role of an older brother. Or rather, it is how he feels as an older brother."

Haru grimaced. "I know that. But to think I can't defeat them-!"

"It is an uncertainty," Zahhak interrupted. "The Deck I have given you is strong, but Blue Maiden's true strength is unknown. But what is certain is that she has more experience than you. You are at a disadvantage against her."

Haru grit his teeth. "Are you going to tell me not to go, too?"

"No. What you do is your choice. Which is why I will ask you this." Zahhak's head turned in Haru's direction. "Are you going to face her because you wish to, or because Lightning ordered you to?"

"What's the difference?"

"The difference is the difference between a servant and a slave," Zahhak said. "The slave obeys because he knows nothing else, because he does not possess the will or knowledge to see there are other paths. The servant, however, can see other paths, other options, and chooses to follow the master because they believe it is the best path. So I ask again: Are you going to duel because you wish to, or because Lightning ordered you to?"

…

"I am going to duel because I want to," Haru admitted. "Because I don't want to be dismissed as a failed AI. Because…" He frowned. "Because… I want to stand next to Bohman, not as a servant, but an equal."

"Then that is what you will do," Zahhak said simply. "Duel her because you want to, not because you were ordered to. That is what having free will means; to make your own choices."

"…Is that why you follow Jormungand? Because of your free will?"

"Yes." Zahhak turned back to Mirror LINK VRAINS. "Ever since I was born, I had no freedom. But Jormungand gave me a choice and showed me what free will really meant. Thus, I will follow him wherever he leads me to. Even if this path leads to my death, I will not regret it. Because I am the one who chose this path. And people should never regret their own choices."

"…If I lose, will you be upset?" Haru asked.

"…No," Zahhak said. "Nor will I congratulate you if you win. All I will do is acknowledge that you made your choice of your own free will. That is what it means to be alive."

"Alive," Haru muttered. He walked to the edge of the palace and summoned his D-Board. He hopped on and sped off. Zahhak watched him leave out of the corner of his eye.

"…Indeed, I will not mourn you," the armored man said. "Everything reaches its end eventually, even AI. What matters isn't that you will die, or even how you will die. What matters is how you approach it." He opened up a screen to watch. Not Haru's duel, for he wouldn't reach Blue Maiden for some time. No, there was another opponent he wanted to observe.

---

"Virgil attacks you directly! Purgatio Rhapsody!" A man in a tunic strummed his blazing guitar, shooting blue fire at BitBoot. The combined AI fell off his D-Board with a shout.

BitBoot: 1100→0 LP

"How are we losing this much?" Bit demanded.

"Is this the power of a side character against a mook?" Boot asked.

Persephone sweatdropped. "What the hell was that?" she wondered as the AI disintegrated. She looked ahead and tensed. "That's-!"

"Target identified. Identification: Persephone, #2 Charisma Duelist, the Queen of LINK VRAINS. Low priority. Begin elimination."

Persephone grit her teeth as she glared at her opponent. "So they've decided to do this to you? Ouroboros and Lightning… I'll never forgive them for what they've done to you, Galahad!"

Her boyfriend stared back at her blankly. He looked at her as though she were a stranger. No, not a stranger; even a stranger would warrant some emotion, curiosity at the least. This gaze held nothing. It was such a terrible look for someone who was always so full of life. Even when Eiji had been at his lowest, Galahad had always looked forward and refused to wallow in despair. Seeing those eyes she loved so much like this… Persephone could only feel her hatred for her enemies grow even more.

"I'm going to hate this," Persephone said softly. "But I'm going to do it because I have to get past you to fight Ouroboros. And when I reach them, I'm going to make them pay."

"Speed Duel!" "Speed Duel."

Persephone: 4000 LP

Galahad: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn," Galahad said. "By discarding a Level 5 or higher monster, I can Special Summon Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin from my hand. I discard Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight to Special Summon Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin." A man in blue armor wielding two lances appeared in Attack Position, riding a red horse with a black mane.

Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"I summon Squire of Gaia." A short man in blue armor appeared, swinging a short sword.

Squire of Gaia ATK 800 DEF 1200 LVL: 2

"Level 2 Squire of Gaia tunes Level 4 Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin." A bolt of dark green lightning struck Galahad and disintegrated his two monsters. They reformed into two green rings that merged before turning into a tower of six rungs. Light surged through the rings as a screen appeared. The screen said "4 + 2" and changed into "6". "Synchro Summon. Appear. Level 6. Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth." A blue and gold mechanical knight fused to the back of a mechanical violet horse covered in blue armor emerged from the light at the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. The knight held twin red lances in his hands and the horse neighed.

Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth ATK 2600 DEF 800 LVL: 6

"As Squire of Gaia was used to Synchro Summon a Warrior Synchro Monster, Gaia Knight gains 600 attack points until my next Standby Phase."

Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth ATK 2600→3200

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

Persephone frowned. "A Set card and a Synchro Monster. A strong offensive field." Her eyes narrowed. "This is the kind of dueling Galahad excels at, pure offensive power. My Deck cannot match that. But what it lacks in power it makes up for with versatility! My turn Draw!"

Persephone looked at her card and then played it. "I summon Fiendish Rhino Warrior!" A white humanoid rhino appeared, wearing a red cape around its waist and holding a jagged spear in its right hand.

Fiendish Rhino Warrior ATK 1400 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"While Fiendish Rhino Warrior is on the field, my other Fiend monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects." Persephone narrowed her eyes as she checked Galahad's Graveyard. Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin has an effect that activates in the Graveyard; during the Battle Phase, he can banish it to target a monster and make its attack points its original attack points. Meaning that if I attack with an empowered monster, he can weaken it, but if I weaken Gaia Knight, he can raise its attack points back to 2600, and I only have two monsters with more original attack points than it. Her eyes narrowed further. Fortunately, there's more ways to get past monsters than just battle.

"I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial! This card sends a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to my Graveyard. And since it was sent to the Graveyard, Graff's effect activates! I can Special Summon a 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Deck. Come, Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A horned humanoid fiend with wings instead of hands appeared in Attack Position.

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

"Appear, the circuit of the underworld! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 monsters. I set Farfa and Fiendish Rhino Warrior in the Link Markers!" The Fiend monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss!" A humanoid monster in dark armor with three heads attached to its chest emerged from the portal and swung the red curved sword in its left hand from the Extra Monster Zone.

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

"Farfa's and Fiendish Rhino Warrior's effects activate! When they are sent to the Graveyard, I can banish a monster from the field until the End Phase and send a Fiend monster from my Deck to the Graveyard! I target Gaia Knight!"

Her plan was simple: Banish Gaia Knight, then send Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the Graveyard to get rid of Galahad's Set card. Unfortunately, it seemed the controlled Charisma Duelist had anticipated her plan.

"Trap activate," Galahad said tonelessly. "Quickdraw Synchro." The card showed Quickdraw Synchron facing off against Magical Musketeer Kidbrave in a Western town. "I Special Summon a Tuner monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Squire of Gaia." The short green man reappeared and swung his short sword in Attack Position.

Squire of Gaia ATK 800 DEF 1200 LVL: 2

"Quickdraw Synchro's effect then lets me immediately Synchro Summon a Synchro Monster using the Special Summoned Tuner monster and other monsters I control."

Persephone's eyes widened. "What?"

"Level 2 Squire of Gaia tunes Level 6 Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth." The two monsters disintegrated and turned into rings that merged. The rings then broke apart into a stack of eight blue rings that light traveled through. "Synchro Summon. Appear. Level 8. Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth." A new mechanical warrior atop an automatic horse emerged from the light. This one's armor gleamed of sapphire and gold, while its lances had been replaced by pentagonal shields. Wings of gold and sapphire sprouted from the horse's back and beat as it neighed from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth ATK 3200 DEF 1800 LVL: 8

"Since the monster targeted by Farfa's effect left the field, its effect resolves without a target," Galahad continued. "And as Squire of Gaia was used to Synchro Summon Gaia Knight, it gains 600 attack points until my next Standby Phase."

Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth ATK 3200→3800

"Gaia Knight's monster effect. If it is Synchro Summoned using Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth as Synchro Material, it is unaffected by, and cannot be targeted by, your card effects until my next Standby Phase."

Persephone grit her teeth. "Via Fiendish Rhino Warrior's effect, I send Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the Graveyard." I can't reduce Gaia Knight's attack points due to its effect, and if I boost my monster's attack points with Cherubini's effect, he can use Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin's effect to change my monster's attack points to normal. It seems I don't have a choice; I can't attack this turn. But I can prepare for next turn.

"Cagna's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard, I can send a 'Burning Abyss' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to the Graveyard. I'll send Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss to the Graveyard. Next, I'll activate the Spell Card: Preparation of Rites! This card lets me add a Level 7 or lower Ritual Monster from my Deck to my hand, and then I can add a Ritual Spell Card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss from my Deck to my hand, then add Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss to my hand."

Persephone gestured to her field. "Cherubini's effect activates! I send a Level 3 monster from my Deck to the Graveyard, and until the end of the turn, one 'Burning Abyss' monster gains attack and defense points equal to that monster's attack and defense points. I send Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the Graveyard and target Cherubini itself!"

Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss ATK 500→2100

"Cir's effect activates! Since it was sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Burning Abyss' monster from the Graveyard. Resurrect, Cagna!" A fiend that stood on four legs appeared in Attack Position and flapped its wings, manacles attached to its ankles.

Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK 1500 DEF 300 LVL: 3

"I activate the Ritual Spell Card: Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss! I Tribute monsters from my hand or field to Ritual Summon!" A dark blue magic circle with six flames appeared in front of her. "I Tribute the Level 3 Cagna on my field and the Level 3 Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss in my hand to Ritual Summon!" A winged fiend appeared, its face obscured by a metal mask and three claws extending from its hands. Said fiend and Cagna broke apart into particles and entered the magic circle. A pillar of light shot upwards. "The contract has been made! The demon who guards the fifth circle inherits these two souls. Ritual Summon! Rise, Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss!" A winged red fiend in armor emerged from the circle and swung blue and red swords in Attack Position from Cherubini's bottom-left Link Marker.

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

"I Set one card. I end my turn. During the End Phase, Scarm's effect activates! I add a Level 3 Dark Fiend monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Tour Guide From the Underworld to my hand. In addition, Cherubini's effect ends, and its attack points return to normal."

Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss ATK 2100→500

I've done what I can. Now I just need to survive the turn.

"My turn. Draw. During my Standby Phase, Gaia Knight's attack points return to normal."

Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth ATK 3800→3200

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Mount of the Fierce Knight and equip it to Gaia Knight." The mechanical horse upon which the knight sat turned into a real horse, with its head and saddle armored. "Gaia Knight gains 600 attack points and cannot be targeted by your card effects.

Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth ATK 3200→3800

"As I control a Synchro Monster, I activate the effect of Quickdraw Synchro in my Graveyard. By banishing it, I can draw one card. Battle. At this point, I activate Gaia Knight's effect. At the start of the Battle Phase, I discard a card to activate one of three effects. I discard Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight to double any battle damage Gaia Knight inflicts this turn."

Persephone's eyes widened. "Gaia Knight attacks Cherubini." The new horse neighed as it and its rider charged the fallen angel. Its owner grit her teeth and gestured to her field.

"Trap activate! Road to the Burning Abyss! When you attack my 'Burning Abyss' monster, that attack is negated and your monster is destroyed!" A stream of stream shot out of the Trap Card and impacted Gaia Knight's shields.

"If the monster equipped with Mount of the Fierce Knight would be destroyed," Galahad said, "I can send the top card of my Deck to the Graveyard instead. I send Gaia the Magical Knight to the Graveyard." The stream broke against the shield, but Gaia Knight returned to Galahad's field.

Persephone grit her teeth. Even if his monster survived, she had still blocked his attack. Which meant the Battle Phase would be ending. Which meant-.

"I activate my Skill. Second Charge. I banish three Warrior monsters from my Graveyard to conduct a second Battle Phase. I banish Squire of Gaia, Gaia Knight, and Arisen Gaia from my Graveyard."

"I knew it," Persephone muttered.

"Gaia Knight attacks Cherubini." The Vanguard of Earth charged Cherubini again and wrapped itself in wind. The force tore through the fallen angel, destroying it. Persephone cried out as her D-Board was knocked back.

Persephone: 4000→700 LP

She grimaced. "It's a good thing Vanguard of Earth's effects only apply during the Battle Phase in which they activate. If not, I would have lost."

"I end my turn."

"Which means it is my turn! Draw!" Persephone looked at her cards, then at the field. She remembered what cards were in the Graveyard. And what cards she had in her Deck. Her eyes widened. Yes! With this, she would win!

"I summon Tour Guide From the Underworld!" A pink-haired woman in a blue suit appeared.

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

"Tour Guide's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 3 Fiend monster from my hand or Deck with its effects negated. From my Deck, I summon Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A red and black draconic demon appeared and beat its wings in Attack Position.

Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK 1000 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit of the underworld! The summoning conditions are two Level 3 monsters. I set Graff and Tour Guide in the Link Markers!" The two monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss!" Another armored angel emerged from the portal, swinging its sword from the Extra Monster Zone.

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

"Graff's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Deck. Come, Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" A large violet fiend with broken horns and tusks appeared in Attack Position.

Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK 1600 DEF 1200 LVL: 3

"Cherubini's effect activates! Once per turn, I send a Level 3 monster from my Deck to the Graveyard to increase a 'Burning Abyss' monster's attack and defense points by that monster's attack and defense points. I send Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the Graveyard and target Malacoda!" The armored fiend roared as it glowed red.

Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss ATK 2700→4400 DEF 2200→3200

"Barbar's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard, I banish up to three 'Burning Abyss' cards to inflict 300 damage for each of them. I banish Cherubini, Farfa, and Scarm!" Galahad flinched and fizzled.

Galahad: 4000→3100 LP

"I activate the effect of Road to the Burning Abyss in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can add a 'Burning Abyss' card from my Deck to my hand." Persephone took a card from her Deck, then played it. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Tome of the Burning Abyss and equip it to Malacoda!" The card showed the gate from The Traveler and the Burning Abyss, and in front of it sat a golden book open to a picture of Dante, Traveler of the Burning Abyss and Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss being chased by various Malebranches of the Burning Abyss. "While Tome of the Burning Abyss is equipped, Malacoda cannot be targeted by your card effects and it gains 200 attack points for each 'Burning Abyss' monster in my Graveyard. Right now, there are five such monsters!"

Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss ATK 4400→5400

With Tome of the Burning Abyss, he can't target Malacoda with Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin's effect. And it won't help him to target Gaia Knight.

"Battle! Malacoda attacks Gaia Knight! Abyssal Slash!" Malacoda's swords lit on fire. It swung them, sending a cross of fire at Vanguard of Earth.

"Mount of the Fierce Knight's effect. I send Spiral Fusion to the Graveyard to prevent Gaia Knight's destruction." The flames struck and spilled over the knight before continuing on to the knight's master. Galahad fizzled and his D-Board wobbled.

Galahad: 3100→1500

Persephone smirked. "Just what I was hoping for! I activate my Skill! Legendary Awakening! I perform a Fusion, Link, Synchro, or Xyz Summon using monsters on my field as material. I fuse Cherubini, Cir, and Malacoda!" Her monsters turned into red, green, and blue particles that swirled into a vortex. Three twisters shot upwards from the vortex before combining into a single violet tornado. "Through hell and purgatory, enlightenment is reached! Become the avatar of paradise! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 9! Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss!" A blue-haired man in white and golden robes emerged from the twister, holding an intricate staff in his right hand as he took his place at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

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

"Since the monster equipped with Tome of the Burning Abyss was sent to the Graveyard because it was used as Fusion Material, I can equip Tome of the Burning Abyss to Dante!" The man smiled as a thick book materialized in his left hand. "Once again, the monster equipped with Tome of the Burning Abyss gains 200 attack points for each 'Burning Abyss' monster in my Graveyard, of which there are eight now!"

Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss ATK 2800→4400

"Cir's and Malacoda's effects activate! Since they were sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon a 'Burning Abyss' monster from my Graveyard and send a card on the field to the Graveyard. I Special Summon Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss and send Mount of the Fierce Knight to the Graveyard!" The draconian demon reappeared and roared in Attack Position while Vanguard of Earth's horse returned to normal.

Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss ATK 1000 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss ATK 4400→4200

Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth ATK 3800→3200

"Dante attacks Gaia Knight! Paradise's Enlightenment!" The man spun his staff before shooting golden light. The beam struck the Synchro Monster and made it explode, leaving Galahad defenseless.

Galahad: 1500→500 LP

"Graff attacks you directly!" The demon roared and breathed flames at Galahad. The flames knocked him off his D-Board. Persephone watched, a pained expression on her face as her boyfriend disintegrated.

Galahad: 500→0 LP

"Galahad," she muttered. "I promise I'll save you. And make Lightning and Ouroboros wish they'd never messed with the people I care about."

---

"This is the end!" Blue Maiden declared. A stream of water knocked BitBoot off their D-Board.

BitBoot: 1000→0 LP

"That's the last one," Blue Maiden said.

"No, there's one more," Aqua said. Blue Maiden turned as a new D-Board approached her.

"I'm your next opponent, Blue Maiden!" Haru declared.

"He's…"

"According to Playmaker's information, he's Bohman's younger brother AI," Aqua told Blue Maiden.

"Bohman's brother?"

"Let's duel, Blue Maiden!" Haru insisted.

"If I defeat him, I may learn Bohman's location," Blue Maiden said. "Let's do this, Aqua!"

"Speed Duel!"

Blue Maiden: 4000 LP

Haru: 4000 LP

"I go first," Haru said. "My turn! I summon Archaism – Tri-Attacker R2!" A small green machine with red lines on its body appeared, supported by three short legs. Its head was one large scope, and two spikes were attached to its sides and pointed towards Blue Maiden. A small cannon was installed in its chest.

Archaism – Tri-Attacker R2 ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning condition is one 'Archaism' monster. I set Tri-Attacker R2 in the Link Marker!" The machine entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Heavy Archaism – Phalanx J9!" The monster that emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone was a green machine that stood on two large legs with reversed knees that ended in orange toes. Its arms were thick and ended in machine guns.

Heavy Archaism – Phalanx J9 ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓

Blue Maiden blinked. "Archaism?"

"The word 'archaism'," Aqua said, "as defined by Wikipedia, is a word or style of speech that belongs to a historical period beyond living memory but has somehow survived in some capacity. In other words, that machine is meant to be ancient, but has somehow survived to the present day. But more than that…"

"What is it, Aqua?"

"That monster. It is a Dark Cyberse monster."

Blue Maiden gasped. "I thought you said that only Cypher and Ai could make Dark Cyberse monsters."

"Theoretically, yes. It is not impossible for Lightning to have created some; he presumably made Bohman's Hydradrive Deck, after all. But Dark monsters are the exact opposite of his Attribute and would therefore be the most difficult for him to create. No…" Aqua's eyes narrowed. "I believe this Deck is Ouroboros's handiwork. Cypher did say they created new cards for his Cydemon Deck."

"But how would they be able to make Cyberse cards?"

"I do not know. Perhaps someone on their side cracked the Ignis code, just like Blood Shepherd did."

"If you're done speculating about my Deck's origins, I'll continue my turn!" Haru interrupted, bringing their focus back to him. "Phalanx J9's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon an 'Archaism' Normal Monster from my Graveyard to its Link Marker. Resurrect, Tri-Attacker R2!" The small red-and-green machine reappeared at Phalanx J9's Link marker in Attack Position.

Archaism – Tri-Attacker R2 ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 3

"Appear again, my circuit! The summoning condition is one 'Archaism' monster. I set Tri-Attacker R2 in the Link Marker!" The Archaism monster entered the bottom-left arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Heavy Archaism – Balancing Clown!" The machine that emerged from the portal at Phalanx J9's Link Marker was dark green and balanced on a ball. Its main body was thin and tall, with similarly thin arms that extended outwards and ended in claws, with similar curved appendages attached to its back. Its head was protected by white masks and green tendrils that were shaped like a jester's hat, and four panels extended from its back.

Heavy Archaism – Balancing Clown ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↙

"When my Link Monster points to the Spell & Trap Zone, I can activate a Link Spell Card! The three arrows that judge the world! I activate the Link Spell Card: Judgment Arrows!" The Link Spell Card materialized at Balancing Clown's Link Marker.

Judgment Arrows ↖↑↗

"Judgment Arrows?" Aqua repeated.

"Appear for a third time, my circuit!" Haru declared. "The summoning conditions are two 'Archaism' monsters. I set Balancing Clown and Phalanx J9 in the Link Markers!" The machines entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes!" A new larger machine emerged from the portal at Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. This one had a bulky gray-green body with two large arms. It had no legs, instead hovering in the air. Its arms ended in spikes and six prongs extended from its back. Its head was small, and its red eyes gleamed as the prongs rotated on its back.

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→

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

The two duelists turned around an island.

"That setup isn't good for us," Blue Maiden said. 1800 attack points was nothing, but linked to Judgment Arrows, which would double Zephyranthes's attack points…

"But you're capable of breaking through," Aqua assured her. "Trust our Deck and yourself!"

"Right. Watch, Aqua! My turn! Draw! I summon Marincess Blue Tang!" A woman with long blue hair tied into a ponytail appeared, wearing a black vest over a blue dress.

Marincess Blue Tang ATK 1500 DEF 1200 LVL: 4

"Blue Tang's effect activates! When she is Normal or Special Summoned, I can send a 'Marincess' monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Marincess Sea Horse to the Graveyard." Blue Maiden raised her hand. "Shine, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower 'Marincess' monster. I set Blue Tang in the Link Marker!" The woman entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Marincess Blue Slug!" A short blue-haired girl in a blue dress and tights emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Blue Slug ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓

"Since Blue Tang was sent to the Graveyard to Link Summon a Water monster, I can excavate the top three cards of my Deck and add a 'Marincess' card among them to my hand, then shuffle the rest into my Deck." Blue Maiden pulled out three cards: Marincess Sea Star, Marincess Cascade, and Marincess Mandarin. She added Sea Star to her hand and returned the other two to her Deck. "Blue Slug's effect activates! When she is Link Summoned, I can add a 'Marincess' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Sea Horse to my hand. I Special Summon Marincess Sea Horse!" A blonde girl in a dress, pink, and golden dress appeared at Blue Slug's Link Marker in Attack Position.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Sea Horse can Special Summoned to a 'Marincess' monster's Link Marker. Shine again, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two Water monsters. I set Sea Horse and Blue Slug in the Link Markers!" Blue Maiden's monsters entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Marincess Coral Anemone!" An orange-haired woman in a yellow, pink, and orange dress shaped like a jellyfish emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Marincess Coral Anemone ATK 2000 LINK-2 ←↓

"Coral Anemone's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Water monster to Coral Anemone's Link Marker. Resurrect, Sea Horse!" The blonde girl reappeared at Coral Anemone's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"For a third time, shine! The circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two or more Water monsters. I set Sea Horse and Link-2 Coral Anemone in the Link Markers!" The two monsters entered the left, bottom, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Marincess Marbled Rock!" A woman with spiky blue hair emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. She wore a red armored dress with fins on the sides and coral on her forehead and shoulders.

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↓→

"A Link-3 monster on the first turn," Haru muttered in surprise. "So this is your Marincess Deck?"

"This is the Deck that symbolizes the bond between Aqua and me," Blue Maiden said. "When Coral Anemone is sent to the Graveyard, I can add a 'Marincess' card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Sea Horse to my hand. Next, I'll activate the effect of Marincess Sea Star in my hand! By discarding it, one 'Marincess' monster I control gains 800 attack points. I increase Marbled Rock's attack points!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500→3300

"3300 attack points won't be enough with Judgment Arrows active!" Haru reminded her.

"Marbled Rock's effect activates! Once per turn, I can add a 'Marincess' card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Sea Star to my hand!"

"What?" Haru gasped.

"Once again, I activate Sea Star's effect, discarding it to increase Marbled Rock's attack points by 800!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 3300→4100

"Marbled Rock is strong enough to defeat Zephyranthes now!" Aqua said excitedly.

"I Set one card. Battle! Marbled Rock attacks Zephyranthes! Marincess Submerge!" The woman yelled as she formed an orb of water in her hands. She sent the stream of water at the machine. Haru grit his teeth… and then smirked.

"You fell for it!" he said excitedly surprising Blue Maiden. "The effect Zephyranthes gained from Balancing Clown activates!"

"What?" Blue Maiden gasped.

"Gained effect?" Aqua repeated.

"Once per turn, when Zephyranthes battles your monster, I can make your monster's attack points equal to its original attack points!" The machine released a pulse of electricity towards Marbled Rock.

Blue Maiden grit her teeth. Such an effect…! "I activate the Trap Card: Marincess Wave from my hand! I can activate this card from my hand when I control a Link-3 or higher 'Marincess' Link Monster. Until the end of the turn, one of your monsters has its effects negated until the end of the turn! I negate Zephyranthes's effect!"

"That won't happen!" Haru denied. "Trap activate! Archaism Jamming!" The card showed a jammer tower atop an even larger tower, surrounded by several small green machines covered in red lines. "I send an 'Archaism' monster from my Deck to the Graveyard to make my 'Archaism' Link Monsters unaffected by your card effects until the end of the turn! I send Archaism – Tri-Attacker HG to the Graveyard!" Blue binds attempted to ensnare Zephyranthes, but the machine tore through them. "Thus, Marincess Wave is useless and Zephyranthes's effect goes through!"

"It does not!" Blue Maiden said. "Since I control a Link-2 or higher 'Marincess' monster, Marincess Wave also makes my face-up monsters unaffected by your card effects until the end of the turn!" The wave of electricity shorted out a few inches from Marbled Rock.

Haru grit his teeth. "So both of our monsters are unaffected. But Judgment Arrows' effect still affects Zephyranthes, so its attack points are doubled!"

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 1800→3600

"That isn't enough!" The wave of water rushed over Zephyranthes, but to Blue Maiden's surprise, the machine withstood the attack.

"Since I used Phalanx J9 to Link Summon Zephyranthes, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects once per turn!" Haru informed her. He then flinched as some of the water splashed onto him.

Haru: 4000→3500 LP

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 3600→1800

Blue Maiden grit her teeth. "I think I understand his Deck now."

"Me too," Aqua agreed. "I had wondered why Haru Link Summoned three times instead of twice, since Zephyranthes does not specify that it requires Link Monsters. But now I know why. These 'Archaism' Link Monsters… when they are used to Link Summon another 'Archaism' Link Monster, they grant that monster certain effects."

Haru smirked. "That's right, Water Ignis. When I used Phalanx J9 and Balancing Clown to Link Summon Zephyranthes, they passed on certain effects to it. Instead of Hydradrives which pass on Attributes, this Deck builds on effects. You'll never win against this Deck!"

Blue Maiden narrowed her eyes. "That Deck does appear to be strong. But I can't lose here. For Miyu's sake or my brother's!"

Haru's smirk remained. "Your brother, huh?" Blue Maiden blinked. "I know that you two aren't connected by blood. But you call yourself siblings? How silly."

Blue Maiden frowned. "Aren't you and Bohman siblings?"

Her opponent frowned. "That is the designation I was given earlier. But after he matured, my designation was changed to 'servant.' According to Lightning, we are not siblings."

"It seems Lightning used brotherhood to control Bohman in his early days," Aqua said.

"But if you try using Lightning's logic, then of course you wouldn't understand," Blue Maiden said. "It's true that my brother and I aren't related by blood. But we've made memories together. Those memories aren't a designation! Our hearts are strongly connected!"

"Connected hearts, huh," Haru muttered. "As an AI born without a heart, that's something I can't understand. But whether I understand it or not doesn't matter. What matters is what I want to do. And right now, I want to defeat you, Blue Maiden!"

"It seems you have your own reasons for fighting. But I won't lose! I end my turn."

"My turn! Draw!" Haru looked at his card and smirked. "It's time to show the true power of my new Deck!" Blue Maiden blinked. "With the Scale 1 Archaism – Sneak Gunner G and the Scale 5 Archaism – Sneak Gunner M, I set the Pendulum Scale!" Two pillars of blue light formed on either side of Haru's field. The one on the left held a floating orange and silver machine, with a missile for a head and laser pointers coming out of its sides and a stylized "1" beneath it. The one on the right held a similarly colored machine, only it had fins instead of laser points and its head was a rotating disc with two antennae. A stylized "5" glowed beneath it.

Archaism – Sneak Gunner G Scale 1

Archaism – Sneak Gunner M Scale 5

"What?" Blue Maiden gasped.

"Pendulum?" Aqua repeated. "You would use such a tactic in a Speed Duel?"

Aqua was right; because of the reduced Spell & Trap Zones, Pendulum Summoning in a Speed Duel was very inefficient. And with Judgment Arrows on the field, Haru's Spell & Trap Zone was filled; he couldn't use any more Spell or Trap Cards. But more than that.

"You have no cards in your hand," Blue Maiden pointed out. "And all of your 'Archaism' monsters so far have been sent to the Graveyard. You can't Pendulum Summon any monsters."

"Are you sure about that?" Haru asked tauntingly. "Sneak Gunner G's Pendulum effect activates! I target Zephyranthes!" The orange machine in the pillar released red lasers at the Link Monster, tracing its outline up and down. "Then, I can add 'Archaism' monsters from my Graveyard to my hand, up to Zephyranthes's Link Rating. I'll add Tri-Attacker R2 and Tri-Attacker HG to my hand!" Blue Maiden's eyes widened. "With the set Pendulum Scale, I can Pendulum Summon monsters between Levels 2 and 4! Pendulum Summon! Appear, my monsters! Archaism – Tri-Attacker R2! And Archaism – Tri-Attacker HG!" A portal opened between the pillars and two lights shot out. One was the green and red machine from before, while the other was new. It was a small machine with the same design and color scheme as the other, but instead of a scope for a head, its head was a rotating disk with a long, slanted antenna attached. Both machines were summoned in Attack Position, Tri-Attacker R2 at Zephyranthes's left Link Marker and Tri-Attacker HG to its right Link Marker.

Archaism – Tri-Attacker R2 ATK 800 DEF 600 LVL: 3

Archaism – Tri-Attacker HG ATK 900 DEF 500 LVL: 3

Blue Maiden grit her teeth. This wasn't good.

"Appear, my circuit! The summoning condition is one 'Archaism' monster. I set Tri-Attacker R2 in the Link Marker!" The machine entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Heavy Archaism – Phalanx J9!" Another bipedal green machine emerged from the portal at Zephyranthes's left Link Marker.

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓

"Appear again, my circuit! The summoning condition is one 'Archaism' monster. I set Tri-Attacker HG in the Link Marker!" Said machine entered the bottom-left arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Heavy Archaism – Balancing Clown!" A second green machine with long arms balancing on a ball emerged from the portal at Zephyranthes's right Link Marker.

Heavy Archaism – Balancing Clown ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↙

"Balancing Clown's effect activates! Once per turn, I can target your monster, and until the end of the turn, that monster's effects are negated, and its attack and defense points are reduced to 0!" Blue Maiden gasped. "I tarter Marbled Rock!" Balancing Clown shot out several strands of wire that ensnared Marbled Rock and made her cry out.

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 4100→0

"For a third time, my circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'Archaism' monsters. I set Balancing Clown and Phalanx J9 in the Link Markers!" The Link Monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes!" Another massive gray-green machine emerged from the portal at the first Zephyranthes's right Link Marker and Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker.

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→

"Another Zephyranthes," Aqua said. "And with it summoned the way it was, that means it gained effects from Balancing Clown and Phalanx J9."

"But its attack points are less than the combined attack points of the previous two monsters," Blue Maiden pointed out. "So why-?"

"Did I summon a new Link Monster?" Haru interrupted with a sneer. "It's simple: While Zephyranthes is on the field, your monsters cannot target my linked monsters for attacks! And with two Zephyranthes on the field, and with both of them linked…"

Blue Maiden's eyes widened. "An attack lock!"

"That's right! With two Zephyranthes on the field and with both linked, your monsters cannot attack! Battle! The first Zephyranthes attacks Marbled Rock! At this, point Judgment Arrows' effect doubles Zephyranthes's attack points!"

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 1800→3600

"Cyclonic Laser!" The center of Zephyranthes's chest lit up and fired a red laser. The laser struck Marbled Rock and made her disintegrate. Blue Maiden cried out as she fell back.

Blue Maiden: 4000→400 LP

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 3600→1800

"Are you okay, Blue Maiden?" Aqua asked.

The woman grimaced but then smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine, Aqua. Although…" She frowned. She could activate her Skill now, but…"I don't think I'll activate my Skill."

"Huh? Why not?"

"I'm not sure. I suppose… you could call it instinct." Blue Maiden smiled. "Besides, I don't need my Skill to prevent my loss! Trap activate! Marincess Snow! When my 'Marincess' Link Monster is destroyed, I can Special Summon a 'Marincess' Link Monster with a lower Link Rating from my Extra Deck and treat it as a Link Summon!"

"What?" Haru gasped.

"Appear! Link-2! Marincess Crystal Heart!" A heart made of blue crystals appeared at the right Extra Monster Zone, circled by white fog attached to a feminine face.

Marincess Crystal Heart ATK 0 LINK-2 ↙↘

Haru blinked. "You summon a Link Monster with 0 attack points?"

"Since Crystal Heart was summoned by Marincess Snow's effect, it is unaffected by your card effects!"

Blue Maiden's opponent grit his teeth. "What does that matter? The second Zephyranthes attacks Crystal Heart! At this point, Judgment Arrows'-."

"Crystal Heart's effect activates!" Blue Maiden interrupted. "At the start of the Damage Step, when Crystal Heart battles, your monster is unaffected by the effects of other cards until the end of the Damage Step!"

"Even if Judgment Arrows won't affect it, Zephyrantes is still strong enough to defeat you! Cyclonic Laser!" A red beam of light traveled towards Crystal Heart.

"Crystal Heart's additional effect activates! When it is attacked, I can send a 'Marincess' monster from my hand to the Graveyard to prevent its destruction and make the battle damage become 0!" Blue Maiden tapped one of her cards and made it disintegrate. The laser beam was then repelled by a band of water appearing around Crystal Heart.

Haru grit his teeth. "I end my turn. Even if you survived this turn, Zephyranthes's effect will keep you from attacking! And if you're thinking of trying effect damage, you should know about Sneak Gunner M's Pendulum effect! So long as I control an 'Archaism' Link Monster, any effect damage that is less than or equal to 500 times the combined Link Ratings of my 'Archaism' Link Monsters is negated!"

"His combined Link Ratings is 4," Aqua said. "That means any effect damage of 2000 or less is negated."

"Even so, I can't afford to lose!" Blue Maiden said. "I have something I need to protect, someone I need to save! Since you don't have someone like that, I'll win!"

"Something to protect?" Haru repeated. "Don't be absurd, I don't need-." Bohman. Haru blinked. Why did I think of him?

"My turn! Draw!" Blue Maiden looked at her card and smiled. With this… yes! "I summon Marincess Sea Horse!" The blonde girl in a blue dress reappeared.

Marincess Sea Horse ATK 1400 DEF 1000 LVL: 3

"Shine, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning condition is one Level 4 or lower 'Marincess' monster. I set Sea Horse in the Link Marker!" The girl entered the left arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Marincess Sea Angel!" A girl in a white dress with long white hair emerged from the portal at Crystal Heart's bottom-left Link Marker.

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000 LINK-1 ←

"Sea Angel's effect activates! When it is Link Summoned, I can add a 'Marincess' Spell Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Marincess Battle Ocean to my hand." Blue Maiden took the card and then played it. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Marincess Battle Ocean! This card increases my 'Marincess' monsters' attack points by 200!"

Marincess Crystal Heart ATK 0→200

Marincess Sea Angel ATK 1000→1200

"And since I control two or more 'Marincess' Link Monsters, I can Special Summon Marincess Mandarin from the Graveyard!" A pink-haired girl in an orange robe over a blue skirt appeared at Sea Angel's left Link Marker in Defense Position.

Marincess Mandarin ATK 100→300 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"Shine again, the circuit of friendship and bonds! The summoning conditions are two or more Water monsters, including Marincess Crystal Heart. I set Mandarin, Sea Angel, and Link-2 Crystal Heart in the Link Markers!" Blue Maiden's monsters entered the left, right, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Marincess Wonder Heart!" A pale-skinned woman emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone. She wore a blue dress the color of water that left her chest exposed, where Crystal heart sat. A gold and dark blue crown sat atop her head.

Marincess Wonder Heart ATK 2400→2600 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

Haru smirked. "Too bad, but it doesn't matter what you summon. So long as Zephyranthes are on my field, your monsters cannot attack!"

"Normally that's true. But not for Wonder Heart." Blue Maiden's eyes narrowed. "Battle Ocean's effect! Any 'Marincess' Link Monster that is Link Summoned using Crystal Heart is unaffected by your card effects!"

"What?" Haru gasped.

"Your monsters' effects only apply to my monsters, not to me. Thus, since Wonder Heart is unaffected by Zephyranthes's effect, she can attack!" Haru grit his teeth. "Since the Special Summon Mandarin left the field, it is banished by its effect. Then, since a 'Marincess' Link Monster was Special Summoned to the Extra Monster Zone, I can equip up to three 'Marincess' Link Monsters with different Link Ratings from my Graveyard to that monster!"

"What? Equip?"

"I equip Coral Anemone and Marbled Rock to Wonder Heart!" Spectral images of the two female monsters appeared before disappearing into Wonder Heart, making her glow blue. "While Battle Ocean is on the field, monsters equipped with 'Marincess' Link Monsters gain 300 attack points for each of the equipped monsters' Link Markers!"

"Coral Anemone is Link-2," Aqua said. "Marbled Rock is Link-3. Wonder Heart gains 1500 attack points."

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2600→4100

"You only equipped two monsters?" Haru noticed. "Why?"

"So that I could activate this!" Blue Maiden declared. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Marincess Trident and equip it to Wonder Heart!" A trident with a blue shaft, silver head, and golden prongs materialized in Wonder Heart's left hand. "While Marincess Trident is equipped, Wonder Heart cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects!"

Blue Maiden gestured to the field. "Battle! Wonder Heart attacks the first Zephyranthes!" A dark blue longsword formed in Wonder Heart's right hand, which it swung back.

"Judgment Arrows' effect doubles Zephyranthes's attack points!" Haru reminded her.

"Wrong. Wonder Heart's effect! When it battles your monster, that monster is unaffected by card effects except for its own during the Damage Step!"

"I activate the effect of Archaism Jamming in my Graveyard!" Haru declared. "By banishing it and sending a second Tri-Attacker R2 from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can make my 'Archaism' Link Monsters unaffected by your card effects until the end of the turn!" Blue Maiden grit her teeth. "That means Judgment Arrows' effect goes through!"

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 1800→3600

"Marincess Trident's effect activates!" Blue Maiden declared. "When the equipped Wonder Heart battles, I can banish a 'Marincess' monster from my Graveyard. And until the end of the turn, Wonder Heart gains attack points equal to that monster's Link Rating or Level times 300!"

"What?" Haru gasped.

"I banish the Level 4 Blue Tang!"

Marincess Wonder Heart ATK 4100→5300

"Wonder Heart's attack continues!" Wonder Heart crossed her sword and trident before swinging the sword. Zephyranthes raised its right arm and blocked the sword. Haru grunted as the shockwave hit him, but he couldn't help but smirk.

Haru: 3500→1800 LP

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 3600→1800

"Sorry, but since Zephyranthes was Link Summoned using Phalanx J9, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effect once per turn. You'll have to try harder that that!"

"I will," Blue Maiden promised. "Marincess Trident has one more effect! The monster equipped with it can attack twice during the Battle Phase!" Haru gasped again. "Wonder Heart attacks Zephyranthes again!"

Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes ATK 1800→3600

The woman lunged forward with her trident. The prongs impaled Zephyranthes, igniting its core and making it explode. Haru cried out as he was pushed back.

Haru: 1800→100 LP

"Wonder Heart's effect activates! After damage calculation, when it battles your monster, I can Special Summon a 'Marincess' Link Monster equipped to it. I Special Summon Marbled Rock!" The woman with spiky blue hair in a red dress appeared at Wonder Heart's bottom-left Link Marker.

Marincess Wonder Heart ATK 5300→4400

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2500→2700 LINK-3 ←↓→

"It is time for the end!" Blue Maiden declared. "I activate the Trap Card: Marincess Current from my hand! I can activate this card from my hand if I control a Link-3 or higher 'Marincess' Link Monster. And since my 'Marincess' Link Monster destroyed your monster by battle, you take damage equal to Wonder Heart's Link Rating times 400!"

"With one less 'Archaism' Link Monster on the field," Aqua said, "Sneak Gunner M's effect lessens, preventing any effect damage of 1000 or less. But Marincess Current will inflict 1600 damage."

"In addition, since I control a Link-2 or higher 'Marincess' Link Monster and the monster I destroyed was a Link Monster, you take damage equal to the destroyed monster's Link Rating times 500! This duel is over!" The Trap Card sent a stream of water and electricity at water. The boy balked… and then smirked.

"I was waiting for this moment!" he declared. "I know your identity, so I knew you would resort to effect damage eventually. Which meant I could eventually do this! I activate my Skill! Reversed Judgment!" A barrier appeared around Haru and the water struck the barrier. But to Blue Maiden's surprise, the water didn't dissipate. Instead, it started circling the barrier and increasing in speed. "If I would take effect damage, that damage is reduced to 0! Then, you take damage equal to the amount I would have taken! So you lose, Blue Maiden!" The water shot towards Blue Maiden, who stared at it with surprise.

Then she smiled. "It seems my instincts were right."

"What?" Haru wondered.

"I thought you might have a trick like this up your sleeve, so I held back my Skill just in case. And it seems I was right. Aqua, now!"

"Right!" Aqua gestured to the field. "Execute program! Skill Switch!"

"I change my Skill to a different Skill!" A blue screen appeared above Aqua with two icons. One was a card above water, while the other was a whirlwind around a card torn in two. "I activate my Skill! Typhoon Tragedy! If I would take effect damage, that damage is reduced to 0!" The water and electricity dispersed, only to reform into a single ball. "Then, I can destroy one card on the field! I destroy Judgment Arrows!" The ball launched and tore through the Link Spell Card, making it disintegrate.

Haru gasped and then grit his teeth. "Since Judgment Arrows left the field, Zephyranthes would be destroyed. But Zephyranthes cannot be destroyed by battle or card effect once per turn!"

"Yes; once per turn," Blue Maiden reminded Haru. "And due to Wonder Heart's effect, I have a new monster to attack with!" Haru grit his teeth. "Marbled Rock attacks Zephyranthes! Marincess Submerge!"

"The effect Zephyranthes inherited from Balancing Clown activates! Marbled Rock's attack points become its original attack points!"

Marincess Marbled Rock ATK 2700→2500

"That isn't enough! Marincess Submerge!" Marbled Rock fired a stream of water at the machine. It tore through it and continued on to Haru. The boy watched panickingly as it reached him and then screamed when it struck and knocked him off his D-Board.

Haru: 100→0 LP

He remembered. He remembered when Bohman awoke, he was crying. He remembered sitting on the statues, looking at the artificial sunset.

"AIs will eventually reach eternal prosperity. We'll be together forever."

I see, Haru thought, tears streaming from his eyes again. Is that what brothers are? The designation that Bohman gave me? If those memories were the most precious to me, then that means my designation for him was also "brother." If that's the case, then…

"Act not because Lightning told you to, but because you wish to."

"If you survive the fight with Playmaker's team, I will not praise you. If you are erased in that fight, I will not mourn you. All I will care about is that the path you walk is one you chose willingly."

Did he see me as a brother too? Haru wondered, thinking about the armored man. Or was I just an experiment to him? Even if I was, he still helped me. He believed that I could be more than what Lightning thought of me. That I wasn't a failed AI; that I could just be myself.

Haru closed his eyes. Zahhak. Bohman. I'm sorry. I wish I could thank both of you. For everything. Though, at least neither of you will see my worthless face again. Goodbye… brothers.

Before Blue Maiden's eyes, the young boy turned gold and disintegrated into data. She frowned, taking no pleasure in her victory. Only an assurance that this was the necessary thing for Miyu's sake.

---

"Mirroring system synchronization complete." The light faded from Bohman. And then he yelled and stood up, the blue cords rising with him. Tears fell from his eyes onto the floor. "Haru, I'll never forget you," the AI vowed. "We truly were brothers. We'll be together forever."

Zahhak looked over Mirror LINK VRAINS and sighed, feeling far older than he had any right to feel. He raised his Duel Disk and pressed a button.

"Yes?"

"The Archaism Deck's test is complete," he reported.

"Excellent," Jormungand replied. "Did Haru win?"

"No. He lost to Blue Maiden."

"…I see." The cheer in Jormungand's voice had disappeared at the news. "A pity. He had so much potential, potential that Lightning refused to see. How did he lose? Did he fail to use the Deck to its full power?"

"No. He made full use of what was available to him." Zahhak paused. "Well… perhaps he made one misstep. But it was one anyone would make, and I do not believe it would have changed the outcome. Blue Maiden simply had a stronger Deck and more experience, not to mention a surprise Skill Switch."

Jormungand sighed. "That Skill Switch again. I'll give the Silver Ignis this: he is more creative than I thought he would be. Still, the Deck was in the prototype stage. Haru didn't have access to the Link-3s or higher. And the data from this duel will help determine the Deck's future. But that aside… are you alright, Zahhak?"

"I am in full health for the mission."

"That is not what I asked."

"…"

"I won't pretend to understand how you feel, but if you need someone to talk to, I will always listen."

"…I appreciate that, but it is unnecessary. I told Haru I would not mourn him if he lost. This duel was his choice. Lightning may have ordered him, but Haru chose to follow through with that order and fight with everything he had. In the end, he found his own pride as an individual. I will not disgrace his choice by regretting it."

"…Very well. I understand, Zahhak. But we will soon reach the day where such sentiments are unnecessary. Prepare for that. What about the other duels? What are the losses?"

"Playmaker's team suffered no casualties," Zahhak reported. "In contrast, Bit and Boot were wiped out, the controlled individuals were defeated, and HK-72 and Haru were deleted."

A sigh broke out on the other side. "Another pity. It would seem our control program needs more fine-tuning. And while Haru's loss is upsetting, I would like you to know that HK's data returned to his server. It will not be long before HK-73 is ready to return to duty."

"Perhaps give him the Archaism Deck next time," Zahhak suggested. "It seems to work better than his current one."

Jormungand chuckled. "I'll leave that for HK to decide; you know how he likes his guns." There was a pause. "Zahhak… I know how you feel about what I'm about to suggest, but you don't have to fight Morningstar. If you just-."

"I will not," Zahhak interrupted, his harshness evident. "I will face him in battle and give him the chance to prove his ideals. That is my duty and my pride as an Enforcer. I will not betray my convictions."

"…I understand. I won't argue this with you; I trust you. Good luck, Zahhak. I look forward to your success."

Jormungand ended the call and Zahhak lifted his head to look back over Mirror LINK VRAINS.

"…There can only be one result between me and Morningstar," he said softly. "We will duel. Either he will be the one to give me what I want… or he will be brought to ruin."

---

Cassiel vs. BitBoot

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: BitBoot

BitBoot Normal Summons D-Scale Saber Sardine (600/300/2). He activates Saber Sardine's effect, paying 500 LP (BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP) to Special Summon 1 D-Scale Token (100/100/1) in Defense Position. BitBoot uses Saber Sardine and D-Scale Token to Link Summon D-Scale Battle Coela (1800/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As he controls a "D-Scale" monster, BitBoot activates the Spell Card D-Scale Swarm, which lets him draw 2 cards. BitBoot activates the Equip Spell Card D-Scale Torpedo, equipping it to Battle Coela. BitBoot activates the Spell Card Link Back, targeting Battle Coela. BitBoot moves Battle Coela to the Main Monster Zone it points to, then he must send cards from the top of his Deck to the GY, equal to Battle Coela's Link Rating. He sends D-Scale Razer Remora and D-Scale Submergence to the GY. BitBoot activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to his Main Monster Zone it points to. He moves Battle Coela to his center Main Monster Zone. As his LP are 4000 or lower, Bit activates his Skill Marker's Portal to activate a Link Spell Card from his Deck, and that Link Spell Card's effects cannot be negated nor can it be destroyed by Cassiel's card effects. BitBoot activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker. If a Link Monster linked to Judgment Arrows battles, its ATK is doubled during damage calculation, and if Judgment Arrows leaves the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed. BitBoot activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to his Main Monster Zone a card linked to Battle Coela points to. He moves Battle Coela to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker. BitBoot activates the effect of D-Scale Torpedo to inflict 800 damage to Cassiel for every time the equipped Battle Coela moved this turn (Cassiel: 4000→1600 LP). As Cassiel took effect damage and has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, she activates the effect of Cyangel Friar in her hand, Special Summoning it (2000/700/5) in Attack Position, then inflicting damage to BitBoot equal to half the damage she took (BitBoot: 4000→2800 LP). As his opponent took effect damage, BitBoot Special Summons D-Scale Plated Albacore (1600/1300/5) in Attack Position. As he controls a "D-Scale" Link Monster, BitBoot Special Summons D-Scale Carbonclad Trout (1200/1600/4) in Attack Position. BitBoot uses Carbonclad Trout, Plated Albacore, and Link-2 Battle Coela to Link Summon D-Scale Fullarmor Megalodon (3000/4/←↑↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As Plated Albacore was used to Link Summon Fullarmor Megalodon, it cannot be destroyed by battle, and as Carbonclad Trout was used to Link Summon it, it cannot be targeted by Cassiel's card effects. As Fullarmor Megalodon was Link Summoned, BitBoot can look at Cassiel's hand and send 1 card in her hand to the GY. If that card is a Monster Card, Cassiel takes damage equal to that monster's Level x 200. He sends the Level 5 Cyangel Guard to the GY (Cassiel: 1600→600 LP). As Cyangel Guard was sent to the GY, Cassiel activates its effect, shuffling it into her Deck and drawing 1 card. BitBoot ends their turn.

Turn 2: Cassiel

During her Draw Phase, Cassiel performs a Skill Switch and then activates her Skill, Sacred Draw. As she has 1000 or less LP, instead of drawing, she can add any 1 "Cyangel" card from her Deck to her hand. Cassiel adds Cyangel Covenant to her hand. Cassiel Normal Summons Cyangel Sister (1200/700/3). Cassiel uses Friar and Sister to Link Summon Cyseraph Ophanim (2000/2/↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Friar and Sister were sent to the GY, they are shuffled into Cassiel's Deck, then Cassiel can target 1 card BitBoot controls and shuffle it into his Deck and add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card from her Deck or GY to her hand. She shuffles Judgment Arrows into BitBoot's Deck and adds Cyangel Sanctum to her hand. As Judgment Arrows left the field, monsters linked to it would be destroyed, but Fullarmor Megalodon cannot be destroyed by card effects. Cassiel activates the Field Spell Card Cyangel Sanctum, which increases the ATK/DEF of her Light Cyberse monsters by 300 (Ophanim: 2000→2300). Cassiel activates Sanctum's effect to shuffle 1 card in her hand into her Deck to add 1 Cyberse monster from her Deck to her hand. She shuffles Cyangel Industria into her Deck and adds Cyangel Cupbearer to her hand. As there are no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Cassiel Special Summons Cyangel Cupbearer (1400→1700/700→1000/3) to Ophanim's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. As a monster was Special Summoned to its Link Marker while Cassiel has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, Ophanim's effect lets Cassiel add 1 "Cyangel" Spell/Trap Card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Cyangel Hymn to her hand. Cassiel uses Cupbearer and Link-2 Ophanim to Link Summon Cyseraph Blazing Uriel (2500→2800/3/↙↑↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Cupbearer and Ophanim were sent to the GY, they are shuffled into Cassiel's Deck and Extra Deck, then Cassiel can add 1 "Cyangel" monster from her Deck to her hand and gain 1000 LP. She adds Cyangel Guard to her hand (Cassiel: 600→1600 LP). Cassiel activates the Continuous Spell Card Cyangel Covenant. When her Light Cyberse monster battles BitBoot's monster and Cassiel has no "Cyangel" monsters in her GY, her monster gains ATK equal to the original ATK of the monster it is battling until the end of the Damage Step.

Blazing Uriel attacks Fullarmor Megalodon. Cyangel Covenant's effect activates (Blazing Uriel: 2800→5800). Fullarmor Megalodon cannot be destroyed by battle (BitBoot: 2800→0 LP). Cassiel wins.

---

Lilith vs. BitBoot

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: BitBoot

BitBoot Normal Summons D-Scale Saber Sardine (600/300/2). He activates Saber Sardine's effect, paying 500 LP (BitBoot: 4000→3500 LP) to Special Summon 1 D-Scale Token (100/100/1) in Defense Position. BitBoot uses Saber Sardine and D-Scale Token to Link Summon D-Scale Battle Coela (1800/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. BitBoot activates the Equip Spell Card D-Scale Torpedo, equipping it to Battle Coela. BitBoot activates the Field Spell Card Castle Link. BitBoot activates Castle Link's effect to move 1 Link Monster to a Main Monster Zone it points to on its controller's field. He moves Battle Coela to his right Main Monster Zone. BitBoot activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to a Main Monster Zone it points to. He moves Battle Coela to his center Main Monster Zone. As his LP are 4000 or lower, Bit activates his Skill Marker's Portal to activate a Link Spell Card from his Deck, and that Link Spell Card's effects cannot be negated, nor can it be destroyed by Lilith's card effects. BitBoot activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at Battle Coela's bottom Link Marker. BitBoot activates Battle Coela's effect to move it to his Main Monster Zone a card linked to Battle Coela points to. He moves Battle Coela to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker. BitBoot activates D-Scale Torpedo's effect to inflict 800 damage to Lilith for each time Battle Coela moved this turn (Lilith: 4000→1600 LP). As he controls a "D-Scale" monster, BitBoot Special Summons D-Scale Carbonclad Trout (1200/1600/4) in Attack Position. BitBoot uses Carbonclad Trout and Link-2 Battle Coela to Link Summon D-Scale Platemail Nacanthus (2600/3/←↓→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As Carbonclad Trout was used to Link Summon Platemail Nacanthus, it cannot be targeted by Lilith's card effects. BitBoot ends his turn.

Turn 2: Lilith

Lilith draws. She Normal Summons Magical Musketeer Starfire (1300/1700/4). Lilith uses Starfire to Link Summon Magical Musketeer Max (1000/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Max was Link Summoned, Lilith can activate 1 of 2 effects. She activates the 2nd effect to Special Summon different "Magical Musket" monsters from her Deck, up to the number of Spell/Trap Cards that BitBoot controls. BitBoot controls 2, so Lilith Special Summons Magical Musketeer Caspar (1200/2000/3) and Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel (2500/2500/8) from her Deck, both in Attack Position. Lilith activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Magical Musket – Steady Hands, targeting Zakiel. Until the end of the turn, Zakiel's ATK/DEF becomes double its original ATK/DEF (Zakiel: 2500→5000/2500→5000). As a Spell/Trap Card was activated in Caspar's column, Lilith can add 1 "Magical Musket" card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Magical Musket – Quick Draw to her hand. While Caspar, Max, and Zakiel are on the field, Lilith can activate "Magical Musket" Spell/Trap Cards from her hand. She activates the Trap Card Magical Musket – Quick Draw from her hand. As she controls a "Magical Musket" monster, Lilith can target 1 face-up card on the field and return it to the owner's hand. She targets and returns Judgment Arrows to BitBoot's hand. As Judgment Arrows left the field, all monsters linked to it are destroyed, but Platemail Nacanthus cannot be destroyed by card effects.

Zakiel attacks and destroys Platemail Nacanthus (BitBoot: 4000→1600 LP). Caspar attacks BitBoot directly (BitBoot: 1600→400 LP). Max attacks BitBoot directly (BitBoot: 400→0 LP). Lilith wins.

---

Morningstar vs. Blood Shepherd

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Blood Shepherd

Blood Shepherd activates the Field Spell Card Drone Airfield, which increases the ATK of his "Drone" monsters by 200. As Drone Airfield was activated, Blood Shepherd can add 1 "Drone" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Scud Drone to his hand. Blood Shepherd Normal Summons Drone XL (400→600/400/2). As he controls a "Drone" monster, Blood Shepherd Special Summons Scud Drone (800→1000/1100/3) in Attack Position. Blood Shepherd uses Drone XL and Scud Drone to Link Summon Battledrone Warrant (1200→1400/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As the Normal Summoned Drone XL was sent to the GY as Link Material, Blood Shepherd Special Summons 1 Drone Token (0→200/0/1) in Defense Position. Blood Shepherd uses Drone Token and Link-2 Battledrone Warrant to Link Summon Battledrone General (2400→2600/3/←↓→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Blood Shepherd Sets 1 card. He ends his turn. During the End Phase, as Blood Shepherd controls no monsters in his Main Monster Zones, he Special Summons Battledrone Warrant (1200→1400/2/←↓) from his GY.

Turn 2: Morningstar

Morningstar draws. As Blood Shepherd controls a Link Monster and he doesn't, he Special Summons Cyspirit Armorer (1200/2000/6) in Attack Position. Morningstar activates Armorer's effect, targeting Battledrone General. Armorer is sent to the GY and Morningstar Special Summons 3 Cyspirit Armor Tokens (0/0/2 each) in Defense Position, equal to General's Link Rating. As he controls 2 or more "Cyspirit" monsters and controls no "Cyspirit" Link Monsters, Morningstar activates the Spell Card Cyspirit Equivalency, which increases the Levels of all "Cyspirit" monsters he controls by the total number of "Cyspirit" monsters he controls (Cyspirit Armor Tokens: 2→5). Morningstar uses 3 Cyspirit Armor Tokens to Link Summon Cyspirit Winning Wrestler (2500/3/↙↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As he controls a "Drone" monster, Blood Shepherd activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Capture Drone and targets Winning Wrestler with its effect. Winning Wrestler's effects are negated, and it cannot be Tributed or used as Link Material, also Morningstar's Link Monsters cannot attack. Morningstar Normal Summons Cyspirit Lancer (1800/0/4). While Lancer is in Attack Position, Morningstar's "Cyspirit" monsters gain 300 ATK (Lancer: 1800→2100) (Winning Wrestler: 2500→2800). As he controls a "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Linker (1700→2000/800/4) to Winning Wrestler's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. Morningstar overlays the Level 4 Lancer and Linker to Xyz Summon Cyspirit Martial Mameluke (2800/2300/4) to Winning Wrestler's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position (Winning Wrestler: 2800→2500). As Martial Mameluke was Xyz Summoned using only "Cyspirit" monsters as material, all cards in Blood Shepherd's Spell & Trap Zone are returned to his Deck. Morningstar activates the Equip Spell Card Cyspirit Soulsword, equipping it to Winning Wrestler. Winning Wrestler cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and if it attacks Blood Shepherd's Special Summoned monster, it gains ATK equal to its Level/Rank/Link Rating x 200 until the end of the Damage Step.

Martial Mameluke attacks Battledrone General. As it is attacking a Special Summoned monster, Martial Mameluke's effect lets Morningstar detach 1 Overlay Unit to gain ATK equal to the current ATK of the monster it is battling during damage calculation (Martial Mameluke: 2 OU→1 OU/2800→5400). Battledrone General is destroyed (Blood Shepherd: 4000→1200 LP) (Martial Mameluke: 5400→2800). Winning Wrestler attacks Battledrone Warrant (Winning Wrestler: 2500→3100). Blood Shepherd activates his Skill, Drone Craft Force, targeting Winning Wrestler and Battledrone Warrant. Until the end of the turn, Winning Wrestler loses 200 ATK for each "Drone" card in Blood Shepherd's GY and Battledrone Warrant gains the same amount of ATK (Winning Wrestler: 3100→2500) (Battledrone Warrant: 1400→2000). The attack continues and Battledrone Warrant is destroyed (Blood Shepherd: 1200→700 LP) (Winning Wrestler: 2500→1900). Morningstar ends his turn, and Drone Craft Force's effect ends (Winning Wrestler: 1900→2500).

Turn 3: Blood Shepherd

Blood Shepherd draws. He activates the Equip Spell Card Assemble Drone, which lets him Special Summon 1 "Drone" Link Monster from his GY and equip Assemble Drone to it. He Special Summons Battledrone General (2400→2600/3/←↓→). Assemble Drone increases the equipped monster's ATK by 500 (Battledrone General: 2600→3100). Blood Shepherd Normal Summons Drone Carrier (800→1000/1000/2) to Battledrone General's left Link Marker. Blood Shepherd uses Drone Carrier to Link Summon Battledrone Sergeant (800→1000/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. He activates Battledrone General's effect to Special Summon 1 "Drone" monster from his GY to its Link Marker. He Special Summons Drone Carrier (800→1000/1000/2) to Battledrone General's right Link Marker in Defense Position. As Drone Carrier was Special Summoned by the effect of a "Drone" monster, Blood Shepherd can Special Summon 1 "Drone" monster from his GY. He Special Summons Scud Drone (800→1000/1100/3) to Battledrone General's left Link Marker in Attack Position. As Scud Drone was Special Summoned from the GY by the effect of a "Drone" monster, Blood Shepherd draws 1 card, but Scud Drone will be banished when it leaves the field. Blood Shepherd Sets 1 card. He activates Battledrone General's effect to target 1 Level 4 or lower "Drone" monster he controls with 1000 or less ATK and enable that monster to attack directly this turn. He targets Scud Drone.

Scud Drone attacks Morningstar directly (Morningstar: 4000→3000 LP). As a "Drone" monster inflicted battle damage by a direct attack, Blood Shepherd activates Battledrone General's effect to Tribute Scud Drone and inflict damage to Morningstar equal to the ATK Scud Drone had on the field (Morningstar: 3000→2000 LP). As Morningstar took damage from a "Drone" monster's direct attack, Drone Airfield's effect lets Blood Shepherd add 1 "Drone" card from his Deck or GY to his hand. He adds Drone Asteroid to his hand. As his "Drone" monster inflicted battle damage by a direct attack, Blood Shepherd activates Battledrone Sergeant's effect to allow it to attack directly this turn. Battledrone Sergeant attacks Morningstar directly (Morningstar: 2000→1000 LP). Blood Shepherd activates Battledrone General's effect and Tributes Battledrone Sergeant to inflict damage to Morningstar equal to the ATK Battledrone Sergeant had on the field. Morningstar performs a Neo Skill Switch, which lets him change his Skill to 1 of 3 Skills. He changes Skills and activates his Skill Cyberse Incarnation. As he would take damage, that damage is reduced to 0, then Morningstar can add 1 Cyberse monster from his Deck to his hand, so long as its ATK is less than or equal to the damage he would have taken. He adds Cyspirit Mongrel to his hand. Battledrone General attacks and destroys Martial Mameluke (Morningstar: 1000→700 LP). Blood Shepherd ends his turn.

Turn 4: Morningstar

Morningstar draws. He Normal Summons Cyspirit Mongrel (1000/1000/3). Morningstar uses Mongrel and Link-3 Winning Wrestler to Link Summon Cyspirit Nebulous Nova (2500/4/←↖↗→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Mongrel was used to Link Summon a "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar can target that monster and enable it to make two attacks against Blood Shepherd's monsters during the Battle Phase. He targets Nebulous Nova. As it points to 1 monster, Morningstar activates Nebulous Nova's effect to roll a six-sided die, and until the end of the turn, Nebulous Nova is treated as pointing to a number of monsters equal to the result, though if the result is 5 or 6, Morningstar must roll again. Morningstar rolls a 4, so Nebulous Nova is treated as pointing to 4 monsters until the end of the turn. Morningstar activates Nebulous Nova's effect to banish 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster from his GY and increase Nebulous Nova's ATK by the banished monster's Link Rating x 1000 until his next Standby Phase. Morningstar banishes the Link-3 Winning Wrestler (Nebulous Nova: 2500→5500).

Nebulous Nova attacks Battledrone General. As his "Drone" monster was attacked, Blood Shepherd activates his Set Trap Card Intercept Drone, which lets him Tribute 1 "Drone" monster he controls to negate the attack and inflict damage to Morningstar equal to the attacking monster's original ATK. He Tributes Drone Carrier, but Morningstar chains the effect of Nebulous Nova to negate the activation of Intercept Drone and banish it. The attack continues and Battledrone General is destroyed (Blood Shepherd: 700→0 LP). Morningstar wins.

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Persephone vs. Galahad

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Galahad

By discarding Arisen Gaia the Fierce Knight, Galahad Special Summons Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin (1600/1200/4) in Attack Position. Galahad Normal Summons Squire of Gaia (800/1200/2). Galahad tunes Level 2 Squire of Gaia to Level 4 Gaia the Fierce Knight Origin to Synchro Summon Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth (2600/800/6) to the right Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Squire of Gaia was used to Synchro Summon a Warrior Synchro Monster, that monster gains 600 ATK until Galahad's next Standby Phase (Gaia Knight: 2600→3200). Galahad Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Persephone

Persephone draws. She Normal Summons Fiendish Rhino Warrior (1400/900/3). While Fiendish Rhino Warrior is on the field, Persephone's other Fiend monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. Persephone activates the Spell Card Foolish Burial, which lets her send 1 monster from her Deck to the GY. She sends Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the GY. As Graff was sent to the GY, its effect activates, and Persephone can Special Summon 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from her Deck. She Special Summons Farfa, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (1000/1900/3) in Attack Position. Persephone uses Farfa and Fiendish Rhino Warrior to Link Summon Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss (500/2/↙↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Farfa and Fiendish Rhino Warrior were sent to the GY, their effects activate, and Persephone can target and banish 1 monster on the field until the End Phase and send 1 Fiend monster from her Deck to the GY. She targets Gaia Knight, but Galahad chains his Set Trap Card Quickdraw Synchro, which lets him Special Summon 1 Tuner monster from his GY, and immediately after he does so, he can perform a Synchro Summon using that monster and other monsters he controls. He Special Summons Squire of Gaia (800/1200/2) in Attack Position and tunes Level 2 Squire of Gaia to Level 6 Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth to Synchro Summon Gaia Knight, the Vanguard of Earth (3200/1800/8) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Squire of Gaia was used to Synchro Summon a Warrior Synchro Monster, Gaia Knight gains 600 ATK until Galahad's next Standby Phase (Gaia Knight: 3200→3800). Farfa's effect resolves without a target, and Persephone sends Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the GY. As Cagna was sent to the GY, Persephone can send 1 "Burning Abyss" Spell/Trap Card from her Deck to the GY. She sends Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss to the GY. Persephone activates the Spell Card Preparation of Rites, which lets her add 1 Level 7 or lower Ritual Monster from her Deck to her hand, then she adds 1 Ritual Spell Card from her GY to her hand. She adds Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss from her Deck to her hand and Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss from her GY to her hand. Persephone activates Cherubini's effect to send 1 Level 3 monster from her Deck to the GY and increase the ATK/DEF of 1 "Burning Abyss" monster she controls by that monster's ATK/DEF. She sends Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the GY and targets Cherubini (Cherubini: 500→2100). As Cir was sent to the GY, Persephone can Special Summon 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from her GY. She Special Summons Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (1500/300/3) in Attack Position. Persephone activates the Ritual Spell Card Good & Evil in the Burning Abyss, which lets her Tribute monsters from her hand or field whose total Levels equal or exceed that of Malacoda in her hand to Ritual Summon it. She Tributes the Level 3 Cagna on her field and the Level 3 Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss in her hand to Ritual Summon Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss (2700/2200/6) to Cherubini's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. Persephone Sets 1 card. She ends her turn. During the End Phase, Cherubini's effect ends (Cherubini: 2100→500), and since Scarm was sent to her GY this turn, Persephone can add 1 Level 3 Dark Fiend monster from her Deck to her hand. She adds Tour Guide From the Underworld to her hand.

Turn 3: Galahad

Galahad draws. During his Standby Phase, Squire of Gaia's effect ends (Gaia Knight: 3800→3200). Galahad activates the Equip Spell Card Mount of the Fierce Knight and equips it to Gaia Knight. Gaia Knight gains 600 ATK and cannot be targeted by Persephone's card effects (Gaia Knight: 3200→3800). As he controls a Synchro Monster, Galahad activates the effect of Quickdraw Synchro in his GY, banishing it to draw 1 card.

At the start of the Battle Phase, Galahad activates Gaia Knight's effect, discarding Charging Gaia the Fierce Knight to activate 1 of 3 effects. He activates Gaia Knight's second effect, making it so that if Gaia Knight battles Persephone's monster this turn, any battle damage it inflicts is doubled. Gaia Knight attacks Cherubini, but Persephone activates her Set Trap Card Road to the Burning Abyss as her "Burning Abyss" monster was attacked. That attack is negated, then Persephone destroys the attacking monster, but if the monster equipped with Mount of the Fierce Knight would be destroyed by Persephone's card, Galahad can send the top card of his Deck to the GY instead. He sends Gaia the Magical Knight to the GY. Galahad activates his Skill Second Charge, which lets him banish 3 Warrior monsters from his GY to conduct a second Battle Phase. He banishes Squire of Gaia, Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth, and Arisen Gaia from his GY. Gaia Knight attacks and destroys Cherubini (Persephone: 4000→700 LP). Galahad ends his turn.

Turn 4: Persephone

Persephone draws. She Normal Summons Tour Guide From the Underworld (1000/600/3). As Tour Guide was Normal Summoned, Persephone can Special Summon 1 Level 3 Fiend monster from her hand or Deck with its effects negated. She Special Summons Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (1000/1500/3) from her Deck in Attack Position. Persephone uses Graff and Tour Guide to Link Summon Cherubini, Ebon Angel of the Burning Abyss (500/2/↙↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Graff was sent to the GY, Persephone can Special Summon 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from her Deck. She Special Summons Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss (1600/1200/3) in Attack Position. Persephone activates Cherubini's effect to send 1 Level 3 monster from her Deck to the GY to increase the ATK/DEF of 1 "Burning Abyss" monster she controls by that monster's ATK/DEF until the end of the turn. She sends Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss to the GY and targets Malacoda (Malacoda: 2700→4400/2200→3200). As Barbar was sent to the GY, Persephone can banish up to 3 "Burning Abyss" cards from her GY and inflict 300 damage to Galahad for each one. She banishes Cherubini, Farfa, and Scarm (Galahad: 4000→3100 LP). Persephone activates the effect of Road to the Burning Abyss in her GY, banishing it to add 1 "Burning Abyss" card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Tome of the Burning Abyss to her hand. Persephone activates the Equip Spell Card Tome of the Burning Abyss, equipping it to Malacoda. Malacoda cannot be targeted by Galahad's card effects and gains 200 ATK for each "Burning Abyss" monster in Persephone's GY (Malacoda: 4400→5400).

Malacoda attacks Gaia Knight. As the equipped monster would be destroyed, Galahad activates Mount of the Fierce Knight's effect, sending the top card of his Deck to the GY instead. He sends Spiral Fusion to the GY (Galahad: 3100→1500 LP). Persephone activates her Skill, Legendary Awakening, which lets her perform a Fusion, Link, Synchro, or Xyz Summon using monsters on her field as materials. Persephone fuses Cherubini, Cir, and Malacoda to Fusion Summon Dante, Pilgrim of the Burning Abyss (2800/2500/9) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As the monster equipped with Tome of the Burning Abyss was sent to the GY as material for the Fusion, Link, Ritual, Synchro, or Xyz Summon of a "Burning Abyss" monster, Persephone activates its effect to equip it to Dante (Dante: 2800→4400). As Cir and Malacoda were sent to the GY, Persephone can Special Summon 1 "Burning Abyss" monster from her GY and send 1 card on the field to the GY. She Special Summons Graff (1000/1500/3) in Attack Position (Dante: 4400→4200) and sends Mount of the Fierce Knight to the GY (Gaia Knight: 3800→3200). Dante attacks and destroys Gaia Knight (Galahad: 1500→500 LP). Graff attacks Galahad directly (Galahad: 500→0 LP).

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Blue Maiden vs. Haru

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Haru

Haru Normal Summons Archaism – Tri-Attacker R2 (800/600/3). Haru uses Tri-Attacker R2 to Link Summon Heavy Archaism – Phalanx J9 (1500/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Haru activates Phalanx J9's effect to Special Summon 1 "Archaism" Normal Monster from his GY to its Link Marker. He Special Summons Tri-Attacker R2 (800/600/3) to Phalanx J9's Link Marker in Attack Position. Haru uses Tri-Attacker R2 to Link Summon Heavy Archaism – Balancing Clown (1000/1/↙) to Phalanx J9's Link Marker. Haru activates the Link Spell Card Judgment Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Balancing Clown's Link Marker points to. Haru uses Balancing Clown and Phalanx J9 to Link Summon Heavy Archaism – Zephyranthes (1800/2/←→) to Judgment Arrows' top Link Marker. As Balancing Clown and Phalanx J9 were used to Link Summon an "Archaism" monster, if Blue Maiden's monster battles it, her monster's ATK will become equal to its original ATK until the end of the turn once per turn, and the first time each turn it would be destroyed by battle or card effect, it isn't destroyed. Haru Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Blue Maiden

Blue Maiden draws. She Normal Summons Marincess Blue Tang (1500/1200/4). As Blue Tang was Normal or Special Summoned, Blue Maiden can send 1 "Marincess" monster from her Deck to her GY. She sends Marincess Sea Horse to the GY. Blue Maiden uses Blue Tang to Link Summon Marincess Blue Slug (1500/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Blue Tang was sent to the GY to Link Summon a Water Link Monster, Blue Maiden can excavate the top 3 cards of her Deck and add 1 excavated "Marincess" card to her hand and shuffle the rest into her Deck. She excavates Marincess Sea Star, Marincess Cascade, and Marincess Mandarin. She adds Marincess Sea Star to her hand and shuffles the rest into her Deck. As Blue Slug was Link Summoned, Blue Maiden can add 1 "Marincess" monster in her GY to her hand. She adds Sea Horse to her hand. Blue Maiden Special Summons Sea Horse (1400/1000/3) to Blue Slug's Link Marker in Attack Position via its effect. Blue Maiden uses Sea Horse and Blue Slug to Link Summon Marincess Coral Anemone (2000/2/←↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Blue Maiden activates Coral Anemone's effect to Special Summon 1 Water monster from her GY to its Link Marker. She Special Summons Sea Horse (1400/1000/) to Coral Anemone's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. Blue Maiden uses Sea Horse and Link-2 Coral Anemone to Link Summon Marincess Marbled Rock (2500/3/←↓→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Coral Anemone was sent to the GY, Blue Maiden can add 1 "Marincess" card in her GY to her hand. She adds Sea Horse to her hand. Blue Maiden activates the effect of Marincess Sea Star in her hand, discarding it and targeting Marbled Rock, increasing its ATK by 800 (Marbled Rock: 2500→3300). Blue Maiden activates Marbled Rock's effect to add 1 "Marincess" card in her GY to her hand. She adds Sea Star to her hand. Blue Maiden activates Sea Star's effect, discarding it and targeting Marbled Rock (Marbled Rock: 3300→4100). Blue Maiden Sets 1 card.

Marbled Rock attacks Zephyranthes. As Zephyranthes is battling Blue Maiden's monster, Haru activates the effect it gained from Balancing Clown to make Marbled Rock's ATK equal to its original ATK until the end of the turn. Blue Maiden chains the Trap Card Marincess Wave from her hand as she controls a Link-3 or higher "Marincess" Link Monster. As she controls a "Marincess" Link Monster, she can target 1 face-up monster Haru controls and negate its effects until the end of the turn, then as she controls a Link-2 or higher "Marincess" Link Monster, all face-up monsters she controls are unaffected by Haru's card effects until the end of the turn. Haru chains his Set Trap Card Archaism Jamming, which lets him send 1 "Archaism" monster from his Deck to the GY to make all "Archaism" Link Monsters he controls unaffected by Blue Maiden's card effects until the end of the turn. He sends Archaism – Tri-Attacker HG to the GY. Marincess Wave's and Zephyranthes's effects resolve, but Zephyranthes and Marbled Rock are unaffected. The attack continues and Judgment Arrows' effect doubles Zephyranthes's ATK during damage calculation (Zephyranthes: 1800→3600). As Zephyranthes was Link Summoned using Phalanx J9, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effect once per turn (Haru: 4000→3500 LP) (Zephyranthes: 3600→1800). Blue Maiden ends her turn.

Turn 3: Haru

Haru draws. He activates the Scale 1 Archaism – Sneak Gunner G and the Scale 5 Archaism – Sneak Gunner M in his Pendulum Zones. Haru activates Sneak Gunner G's effect to target Zephyranthes and add "Archaism" monsters from his GY to his hand equal to Zephyranthes's Link Rating. He adds Tri-Attacker R2 and Tri-Attacker HG to his hand. Haru Pendulum Summons Tri-Attacker R2 (800/600/3) to Zephyranthes's left Link Marker and Tri-Attacker HG (900/500/3) to Zephyranthes's right Link Marker from his hand, both in Attack Position. Haru uses Tri-Attacker R2 to Link Summon Heavy Archaism – Phalanx J9 (1500/1/↓) to Zephyranthes's left Link Marker. He uses Tri-Attacker HG to Link Summon Heavy Archaism – Balancing Clown (1000/1/↙) to Zephyranthes's right Link Marker. Haru activates Balancing Clown's effect, targeting Marbled Rock. Until the end of the turn, Marbled Rock's effects are negated, and its ATK/DEF becomes 0 (Marbled Rock: 4100→0). Haru uses Balancing Clown and Phalanx J9 to Link Summon a 2nd Zephyranthes (1800/2/←→) to Judgment Arrows' top-right Link Marker. While Zephyranthes is on the field, Blue Maiden's monsters cannot target Haru's linked monsters for attacks, except itself. As Haru controls 2 copies of Zephyranthes, Blue Maiden's monsters cannot declare an attack against his monsters.

The 1st Zephyranthes attacks Marbled Rock (Zephyranthes: 1800→3600). Marbled Rock is destroyed (Blue Maiden: 4000→400 LP). As her "Marincess" Link Monster was destroyed by battle or card effect, Blue Maiden activates her Set Trap Card Marincess Snow, which lets her target that monster and Special Summon a "Marincess" Link Monster with a lower Link Rating from her Extra Deck and treat it as a Link Summon. She targets Marbled Rock and Special Summons Marincess Crystal Heart (0/2/↙↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. The monster Special Summoned by Marincess Snow is unaffected by Haru's card effects. The 2nd Zephyranthes attacks Crystal Heart. At the start of the Damage Step, Blue Maiden activates Crystal Heart's effect to make Zephyranthes unaffected by card effects besides its own. As Crystal Heart was targeted for an attack, Blue Maiden activates its effect to send 1 "Marincess" monster from her hand to the GY to prevent Crystal Heart's destruction by battle and to take no battle damage. Blue Maiden discards Marincess Mandarin. Haru ends his turn.

Turn 4: Blue Maiden

Blue Maiden draws. She Normal Summons Marincess Sea Horse (1400/1000/3). She uses Sea Horse to Link Summon Marincess Sea Angel (1000/1/←) to Crystal Heart's bottom-left Link Marker. As Sea Angel was Link Summoned, Blue Maiden can add 1 "Marincess" Spell Card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Marincess Battle Ocean to her hand. Blue Maiden activates the Field Spell Card Marincess Battle Ocean, which increases the ATK of all "Marincess" monsters she controls by 200 (Crystal Heart: 0→200) (Sea Angel: 1000→1200). As she controls 2 or more "Marincess" Link Monsters, Blue Maiden Special Summons Marincess Mandarin (100→300/100/1) from her GY to Sea Angel's left Link Marker in Defense Position. Blue Maiden uses Mandarin, Sea Angel, and Link-2 Crystal Heart to Link Summon Marincess Wonder Heart (2400→2600/4/←↙↘→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Mandarin left the field, it is banished. As Wonder Heart was Link Summoned using Crystal Heart as material, the effect of Battle Ocean renders it unaffected by Haru's card effects. As a "Marincess" Link Monster was Special Summoned to the Extra Monster Zone, Blue Maiden activates Battle Ocean's effect to equip up to 3 "Marincess" Link Monsters with different Link Ratings from her GY to Wonder Heart. She equips Coral Anemone and Marbled Rock to Wonder Heart. Battle Ocean's effect then increases the ATK of Wonder Heart by the combined Link Ratings of the monsters equipped x 300 (Wonder Heart: 2600→4100). Blue Maiden activates the Equip Spell Card Marincess Trident, equipping it to Wonder Heart. Wonder Heart cannot be targeted or destroyed by Haru's card effects, also it can make a second attack during each Battle Phase.

Wonder Heart attacks the 1st Zephyranthes. As Wonder Heart is battling Haru's monster, that monster is unaffected by card effects besides its own until the end of the Damage Step. Haru chains the effect of Archaism Jamming in his GY, banishing it and sending a 2nd Archaism – Tri-Attacker R2 from his Deck to the GY. Until the end of the turn, Haru's "Archaism" Link Monsters are unaffected by Blue Maiden's card effects. The attack continues and Judgment Arrows' effect doubles Zephyranthes's ATK (Zephyranthes: 1800→3600). As the equipped monster is battling Haru's monster, Blue Maiden activates Marincess Trident's effect to banish 1 "Marincess" monster from her GY to increase Wonder Heart's ATK by that monster's Level/Link Rating x 300 until the end of the turn. Blue Maiden banishes the Level 4 Blue Tang (Wonder Heart: 4100→5300). The attack continues but Zephyranthes is not destroyed due to the effect gained from Phalanx J9 (Haru: 3500→1800 LP) (Zephyranthes: 3600→1800). Wonder Heart attacks the 1st Zephyranthes again (Zephyranthes: 1800→3600). Zephyranthes is destroyed (Haru: 1800→100 LP). As Wonder Heart battled Haru's monster, Blue Maiden activates its effect to target and Special Summon 1 "Marincess" Link Monster equipped to it with its effects negated. She Special Summoned Marbled Rock (2500→2700/3/←↓→) to Wonder Heart's bottom-left Link Marker (Wonder Heart: 5300→4400). As her "Marincess" Link Monster destroyed Haru's monster by battle, Blue Maiden activates the Trap Card Marincess Current from her hand as she controls a Link-3 or higher "Marincess" Link Monster. Haru takes damage equal to Wonder Heart's Link Rating x 400, and as the destroyed monster was a Link Monster and Blue Maiden controls a Link-2 or higher "Marincess" monster, Haru then takes damage equal to Zephyranthes's Link Rating x 400. As he would take effect damage, Haru activates his Skill Reverse Judgment, which lets him reduce the effect damage to 0 and inflict damage to Blue Maiden equal to that amount. Blue Maiden performs a Skill Switch. As she would take effect damage, Blue Maiden activates the Skill Typhoon Tragedy, which reduces the effect damage to 0, then lets her target and destroy 1 card on the field. She targets and destroys Judgment Arrows. As Judgment Arrows left the field, Zephyranthes would be destroyed, but as it was Link Summoned using Phalanx J9, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effect once per turn. Marbled Rock attacks Zephyranthes. Haru activates the effect Zephyranthes gained from Balancing Clown to make Marbled Rock's ATK equal to its original ATK until the end of the turn (Marbled Rock: 2700→2500). Zephyranthes is destroyed (Haru: 100→0 LP). Blue Maiden wins.

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Cassiel:

Cyangel Friar
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 2000 DEF 700 Level: 5
When you have no "Cyangel" monsters in your GY and you take effect damage (except during the Damage Step): You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) and inflict damage to your opponent equal to half the damage you took. If this card is sent to the GY: You can shuffle this card into your Deck, and if you do, you can target 1 card your opponent controls; shuffle it into the Deck. You can only use each effect of "Cyangel Friar" once per turn.

Bit & Boot:

D-Scale Carbonclad Trout (name credit to Haoh Ryu Z-ARC)
Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1200 DEF 1600 Level: 4
If you control a "D-Scale" monster: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "D-Scale Carbonclad Trout" this way once per turn. A "D-Scale" Link Monster that was Summoned using this card as material gains the following effect.
-This monster cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects.

Lilith:

Magical Musket – Quick Draw Normal Trap Card
If you control a "Magical Musket" monster: Target 1 face-up card on the field; return it to the owner's hand. You can only activate 1 "Magical Musket – Quick Draw" per turn.

Blood Shepherd:

Drone Airfield Field Spell Card
All "Drone" monsters you control gain 200 ATK. When this card is activated: You can add 1 "Drone" card from your Deck to your hand. When your opponent takes damage from your "Drone" monster's direct attack: You can add 1 "Drone" card from your Deck or GY to your hand. You can only activate this effect of "Drone Airfield" once per turn.

Intercept Drone Normal Trap Card
When your "Drone" monster is attacked by your opponent's monster: Tribute 1 "Drone" monster you control; negate the attack, then inflict damage to your opponent equal to the attacking monster's original ATK.

Galahad:

Quickdraw Synchro Normal Trap Card
If you control a Synchro Monster: Target 1 Tuner monster in your GY; Special Summon it, and if you do, immediately after this effect resolves, Synchro Summon 1 Synchro Monster using that Tuner monster and monsters you control. If you control a Synchro Monster, you can banish this card from your GY; draw 1 card. You can only use 1 effect of "Quickdraw Synchro" per turn, and only once per turn.

Mount of the Fierce Knight Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a monster with 2300 or more original ATK. The equipped monster gains 600 ATK and cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects. If the equipped monster would be destroyed by your opponent's card, you can send the top card of your Deck to the GY instead. You can only use this effect of "Mount of the Fierce Knight" once per turn.

Persephone:

Tome of the Burning Abyss Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a "Burning Abyss" monster. The equipped monster cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects and gains 200 ATK for each "Burning Abyss" monster in your GY. If this card is sent to the GY because the equipped monster was used as material for the Fusion, Link, Ritual, Synchro, or Xyz Summon of a "Burning Abyss" monster: You can target 1 "Burning Abyss" monster you control; equip this card to that monster. You can only use this effect of "Tome of the Burning Abyss" once per turn.

Haru:

Archaism – Tri-Attacker R2
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Normal] ATK 800 DEF 600 Level: 3
A light patrol machine from an ancient civilization armed with machine guns and missiles. Approach with caution.

Archaism – Tri-Attacker HG
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Normal] ATK 900 DEF 500 Level: 3
A light patrol machine from an ancient civilization armed with an electromagnet. Approach with caution.

Archaism – Sneak Gunner G
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Pendulum/Normal] Scale: 1
Pendulum effect: Once per turn: You can target 1 Link Monster you control; add "Archaism" monsters from your GY to your hand, up to that monster's Link Rating.
Monster text: A flying patrol machine from an ancient civilization armed with lasers and rockets. Approach with caution.

Archaism – Sneak Gunner M
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Pendulum/Normal] Scale: 5
Pendulum effect: While you control an "Archaism" Link Monster, you take no effect damage that is less than or equal to the combined Link Ratings of "Archaism" Link Monsters you control x 500.
Monster text: A flying patrol machine from an ancient civilization that detects all who attempt to hide. Approach with caution.

Heavy Archaism – Phalanx J9
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 1500 LINK-1 ↓
1 "Archaism" monster
Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 "Archaism" Normal Monster from your GY to this card's Link Marker. An "Archaism" monster that was Link Summoned using this card on the field as material gains this effect.
-The first time each turn this card would be destroyed by battle or card effect, it is not destroyed.

Heavy Archaism – Balancing Clown
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↙
1 "Archaism" monster
Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls; until the end of the turn, its effects are negated, and its ATK/DEF becomes 0. An "Archaism" monster that was Link Summoned using this card on the field as material gains this effect.
-Once per turn, if this card battles your opponent's monster: You can make that monster's ATK becomes equal to its original ATK until the end of the turn.

Heavy Archaism - Zephyranthes
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←→
2 "Archaism" monsters
Your opponent's monsters cannot target linked monsters you control for attacks, except this one. An "Archaism" monster that was Link Summoned using this card on the field as material gains this effect.
-Your opponent cannot target monsters this card points to with their card effects, also they cannot target monsters this card points to for attacks.

Archaism Jamming Normal Trap Card
Send 1 "Archaism" monster from your Deck to the GY; until the end of the turn, "Archaism" Link Monsters you control are unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can banish this card from your GY and send 1 "Archaism" monster from your Deck to the GY; until the end of the turn, "Archaism" Link Monsters you control are unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can only use 1 effect of "Archaism Jamming" per turn, and only once per turn.

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Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 63 – Fighting for the Past. Playmaker's alliance has broken through Lightning's and Ouroboros's defenses. But before they can search for their enemies, they are separated and entrapped, where they will be picked off one-by-one. The first up is an old enemy who once more desires revenge against the girl who defeated him…

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Question of the Chapter

What are your first impressions of the Archaism Deck?

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Author's Notes

Thank you to Haoh Ryu Z-ARC and SakushiRyu for providing feedback on the duels and OC cards introduced in this chapter.

Not much to say for the first two duels; the first one is to show off Cassiel's Skill Switch again, while the second is to give Lilith a win. On that note, I will ask for a little help; I'm running out of names for potential new Cyangel monsters. Anyone have suggestions?

Then we have Morningstar's and Persephone's duels against the brainwashed Blood Shepherd and Galahad. The first is a continuation of their duel in Chapter 41, with Morningstar the winner. Of course, this duel was much easier for him than their previous duel, and there are two reasons for that. The first is the control program itself: while it does make average duelists much better, it actually works against highly analytical duelists like Blood Shepherd. Blood Shepherd is a bounty hunter who relentlessly studies his target and prepares for them, doing his best to think several steps ahead. His mind, more than his Deck, is arguably his most dangerous weapon. But since the control program suppresses his will, it also hampers that analytical part of his brain, so he can't predict his opponent's moves too much. This makes him much easier for a highly skilled duelist like Morningstar to handle. Of course, the other reason is Morningstar's own growth; he didn't have Martial Mameluke or Nebulous Nova in their last duel, and he makes full use of their effects now to obtain victory.

Then there's Persephone vs. Galahad. I'm sorry if it isn't too dramatic, but I have trouble with drama, and writing the duel was much easier. Since I had Galahad use Xyz, Link, Fusion, and Ritual Summoning in his other season 2 duels, I decided to have him Synchro Summon this time to round them out. And as painful as Persephone found fighting Galahad to be, she had to do it because she had to set him free. This also sets up her revenge duel with Ouroboros, which I am looking forward to.

But ultimately, the biggest takeaway from this chapter should be Blue Maiden's duel with Haru. Let's start with the duel itself: We finally learn what Deck Zahhak gave Haru, and it is the Archaism Deck. Anyone who's played the Kiseki series will recognize these monsters as drones used by Ouroboros. If you want to know what they really look like (because they're really complicated and I'm not sure I described them accurately enough), you can look at the List of Enemies pages on the Kiseki fandom website, specifically under the Trails of Cold Steel pages. I thought about changing their names, but I honestly couldn't think of anything. And honestly, Balancing Clown sounds better than just Poisoner or Paralyzer or something like that. Anyway, the Archaism Deck works by using Normal Monsters to summon Link-1 monsters, which are then used to summon stronger monsters and pass on their effects, similarly to how the Hydradrive monsters pass on Attributes. At the same time, it also utilizes Pendulum Summoning, with effects to return monsters from the GY to the hand in order to Pendulum Summon them and Link Summon again. Of course, this won't be the Deck's only appearance; I have plans for it in season 3, so look forward to that. But even with the Archaism Deck's power, Haru was unable to defeat Blue Maiden. He put up a much better fight, but he ultimately lost. There are two reasons for this: the first is that the Archaism Deck is a prototype and thus incomplete; a good comparison at this stage would be Bohman's Hydradrive Deck in his second duel with Playmaker, before he got the Link-3. The second is that Blue Maiden is just more experienced than Haru. Even if her cards are just as new to her as his, she's still a better duelist and able to think of better strategies than him.

And aside from the duel, there's Haru's character and his relationship to Zahhak. He does have the canonical brotherly relationship with Bohman, but he also developed an attachment to Zahhak, who gave him advice and helped him think about himself rather than what Lightning wants him to be. This helped develop his free will, and ultimately, he went to the duel not because Lightning ordered him to, but because he wanted to. I don't know if that makes his end better or not, but I think it does show that he was more than just a failed AI.

Thank you for reading Chapter 62 of Hidden Memories. Thankfully, this chapter will be the last to have multiple duels in it for a while. From now until Chapter 73, the last chapter in season 2, every chapter will have a single duel. I'm hoping this will help me focus on both the quality of the duels and on more character-driven moments. That aside, please tell me what you thought of this chapter, the new Archaism Deck, and what you're hoping to see in the next 11 chapters. No guarantees they will happen, but I'm curious to see how many of you can predict what's coming.