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

65. Chapter 65: Hunter's Spirit

Responses to Reviews

Thank you to ZarcEternal, TheBlazingButterfly777, sanedimentio, SolanaLeonhart, HunterHQ, D3lph0xL0v3r, Jason, Noobmaster, Unnamed, pokemonking0924, Anonymous, FlameFireZero X, Big duels, GoblinSlayer, Ambiguous, NewComer1, SavageWizar9000, Ethan Kironus, Unknown, DivadX, SakushiRyu, Nameless, Jason Liu, Diverg, and Guests for reviewing Chapter 64.

Guest: Spiritcode Talker represents Cypher, not Yasutake, since the Code Talkers are meant to represent the Ignis, not their origins. And I do have a plan for the one that represents Goldie.

And now, let's get on to Chapter 65!

---

Chapter 65: Hunter's Spirit

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.

---

Was it a sin to save a person if that person didn't want to be saved? Was it wrong to perform actions that a person would disapprove of if it meant that person would live? Was it right to let a person die if it was their wish?

Was it okay to commit a wrong act for the right reason?

Yukaro had asked himself that question for the last two years. Was he right to abandon honor and loyalty if it meant saving his grandfather's life? His grandfather didn't think so; he had believed his time had come and wanted to pass ownership of the Cyber Style dojo to Yukaro. But Yukaro had refused and become a bounty hunter to earn the money needed for his grandfather's treatments. He believed that if there was the slightest chance to save his grandfather's life, he should take it.

What would he prefer? That his grandfather be dead and proud of him? Or that he be alive and disappointed in him?

The choice seemed obvious at the time.

And yet, over the last two years, Yukaro had felt doubt nestle in his mind. Not doubt in what he was doing but doubt in whether he would succeed. He had needed to build up a reputation to be taken seriously, and even when he was taken seriously, he failed often enough. That had been evident since he arrived in Den City, where his battles against Morningstar, Playmaker, Cassiel, and Go Onizuka had only worn away at his confidence.

And then Merlin stepped forward and offered him what he wanted; the money needed to save his grandfather. And all he needed to do was duel. To steal from SOL, to take someone's consciousness, and to fight at the behest of a genocidal AI.

Yukaro knew that what he was doing was wrong; he had known that for the last two years. And yet he kept going, because it was his best shot at getting what he needed. So when Merlin made his offer, Yukaro accepted, despite his misgivings. And then he had learned about Ouroboros.

Yukaro would be the first to admit he had mixed feelings about the group; with all the secrecy and advanced programs, they had all the hallmarks of an evil organization from the movies. He knew almost nothing about the group or its goals or motivations. All he had to go on was the people within it.

Merlin he would admit to trusting. The older man had been nothing but supportive of him, offering him advice and guiding him. Yukaro was suspicious that Merlin was manipulating him by showing Ouroboros's good qualities, but most companies looking to hire someone did the same thing; what made Ouroboros different was the level of secrecy they had.

He would admit to trusting Jormungand a little less, but still more than the others; he felt the man had been sincere when he had said he wanted to do everything he could to prevent Yukaro's grandfather's death. He had been polite and candid about what Yukaro needed and did not need to know.

Zahhak and Jester… Yukaro would admit to being scared of them. They had been indifferent to him; not cruel or insulting, just uncaring. But the power he'd seen from Zahhak and the notion that Jester was almost as strong as him… they worried him.

And he hated Thaumiel. Hated him for what he had done to Osaka and to Sylphid. If not for his desperation and Merlin's assurances about him, Yukaro would have refused the offer then and there. But he hadn't, so now he had to reap what he sowed.

---

Techbane watched with a grim frown as the broadcasting sphere disappeared. "So now both of the Charisma Duelists have lost," he muttered. He sighed before opening a comm channel. "Merlin, is it my turn now?" He buried his misgivings about this battle. He was on the job now, so he needed to stay professional.

"Not yet," Merlin answered. "Lightning wants Windy to duel next. You'll go after him."

"Got it. So who's Windy dueling?"

Merlin chuckled in response. "You'll see soon enough, don't worry. And Techbane?"

"Yeah?"

"…Be careful, alright?"

The bounty hunter blinked before his frown morphed into a small smile. "I will, Merlin. I'm much stronger than I was before. This won't be like last time. I'll win for sure."

"I believe you have a good chance of it," Merlin assured him. "Though… be prepared for Zahhak to be annoyed with you if you do win."

Techbane flinched. He wasn't sure what Zahhak's obsession with Morningstar was, nor the reason for it, but he did get the feeling the armored duelist was one of those "the only one allowed to defeat you" types. Well, if he won against Morningstar, he would put up with it. After all, his grandfather would be alive if he did, so he considered the possible consequences to be worthwhile.

"I'll… be prepared for that." Techbane cut the line and turned back to the screen Lightning provided him. Just in time for it to light up again. "So… Windy's facing Soulburner now. I never dueled him myself, but Sylphid lost to him. He's probably close to Morningstar's level, so Windy will have his work cut out for him."

---

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "So it's Windy and Soulburner this time."

"Windy almost defeated Revolver, so Soulburner shouldn't take him lightly," Cypher said. His eyes twisted in a smirk. "But Windy is fighting alone against an Ignis and their partner in perfect sync. Flame and Soulburner should be able to win handily."

"It does give them a higher chance," Morningstar agreed. His eyes narrowed as the broadcast picked up Flame's and Windy's words. "Is what Flame saying true? Is Windy different than he used to be?"

Cypher's eyes narrowed in thought. "Like I've said before, I wasn't around as long as Flame. But… Windy does seem different. He was always a trickster and troll, but he was never cruel about it." His eyes narrowed further in disgust. "He certainly never gave me the impression he would hate his origin enough to kill them."

Morningstar nodded in agreement and watched as the duel began.

"Good luck, Soulburner," Cassiel whispered.

"Windy was never this twisted back in Cyberse World," Aqua observed.

"Are you sure?" Blue Maiden asked.

"Yes. He could be insensitive and rude occasionally, but nothing like this."

"Can you tell if anything is wrong with him?"

"Not from here," Aqua said. "I would need to be face-to-face with him. I'm afraid all I can do is tell you my observations of the duel."

Everyone watched as Windy took his first turn and used it to bring out his Link-3 monster, get rid of one of Soulburner's Trap Cards, and inflict damage. They kept watching as Soulburner took his turn and Link climbed into Salamangreat Heatleo.

"I'll give Flame this; that Salamangreat Deck of his combos really well," Cypher said with a nod.

"Soulburner wasn't very experienced with his Deck, just like Cassiel wasn't," Morningstar added. "But now he's mastered it." And so has she.

Their musings were interrupted by Windy and Flame talking about Windy's partner. And how the Ignis were born from the Lost Incident victims' suffering. Cypher and Morningstar both fell silent at that, but Morningstar noticed that Cypher's fists were shaking.

"…Is this how you feel as well, Goldie?" Cassiel whispered. "That because you were born from my suffering, your presence will only cause me more?"

Revolver grit his teeth as Windy used Salamangreat Sanctuary's activation to bring out his own Field Spell. He remembered how troublesome that card had been in his own duel with the Wind Ignis.

Soulburner attempted to get around Stormrider Turbulence with Salamangreat Beat Bison's effect, but Windy responded with a new Field Spell Card that negated Heatleo's effects and forced Heatleo to attack Bahamut Bomber. Soulburner was able to prevent Heatleo's destruction, but Windy still inflicted damage.

"I'll give the pipsqueak credit; that Deck of his is ridiculously tricky," Cypher admitted.

"But Soulburner is smarter than Windy gives him credit for," Morningstar said. "He'll figure out a way around Windy's cards."

But not this turn. Windy used his cards to destroy Soulburner's monsters and reduce him to 600 Life Points. But instead of despairing, Soulburner and Flame were only more determined to win.

They proved that when Soulburner resurrected Heatleo and used a combination of Equip Cards and monsters to destroy Bahamut Bomber and reduce Windy to 550 Life Points, with Windy only surviving because of a monster effect. Except everyone realized immediately that Windy could have reduced the damage earlier but didn't.

"He intentionally lowered his Life Points to below 1000 so he could use Storm Access," Morningstar grimaced.

"You know, I kinda want to see Jester pop up and stop him," Cypher said. "Just to see the pipsqueak's reaction."

Soulburner ended his turn with a Set card despite Flame's warning, and Windy started his by using Storm Access to gain a new Link Monster. He then Link Summoned his new Link-4 monster, Stormriderflagship Bahamut Bomber Custom, a monster with 3700 attack points.

"…I think Revolver might have had a point," Cypher grumbled.

Morningstar blinked and looked at his partner. "What are you talking about?"

"When Revolver dueled Windy, he said we Ignis have no imagination," the Silver Ignis explained. "Considering Windy's ace monster's name is… that… he might have been right."

The former bounty hunter frowned. "I wouldn't say that. You were very creative when you came up with the Cyspirits, Cyangels, and Cydemons."

"Yes, but I only got the inspiration for them after meeting Dr. Hirai," Cypher countered. "I'd say it's more likely that we borrow creativity from humans rather than have any of our own."

Morningstar's frown deepened but he returned his gaze to the duel. Windy destroyed Soulburner's Set card like Flame expected… only for Soulburner to reveal he had expected Windy to destroy the card and used it to bring back Salamangreat Falco.

Morningstar couldn't help but smirk as Soulburner brought out two new monsters and then overlayed them to bring out Salamangreat Miragestallio.

"So Flame and Soulburner added Xyz Summoning to their Deck," Cypher mused. He chuckled. "That monster isn't as strong as Violet Chimera or Emerald Eagle, but it probably makes up for it in utility."

Soulburner proved Cypher right when Miragestallio brought back Beat Bison, which negated Windy's cards' effects, then used them to bring back Heatleo. Heatleo was then Reincarnation Link Summoned and used its effect to weaken Bahamut Bomber Custom before destroying it, winning Soulburner and Flame the duel.

Revolver watched dispassionately as Windy burned to death and was absorbed by Flame. "Another Ignis has died. But our goal won't be complete until all of them are dead."

"Lightning didn't save Windy that time," Ai noted.

"No second chances," Playmaker agreed.

"Only Bohman and Lightning are left," Blue Maiden said.

"And the Enforcers," Aqua reminded her.

"Two down, six to go," Morningstar said.

---

"You surprise me, Lightning."

The Light Ignis turned as a communication window between him and Jester opened. "I would have thought you'd save him. Allow him to fight again."

"Perhaps I would have," Lightning said. "But I have no use for the foolish. That goes for all of you humans as well."

Jester chuckled. "Fair enough. So it's our turn again? Techbane will be going up now."

"I observed this bounty hunter's last duel with Morningstar. Do you believe he will win another?"

"It is unlikely," Jester candidly admitted. "But he has gotten stronger since they fought before. At the very least, he has a decent chance. Besides… Techbane is very motivated to win this fight."

Techbane had his eyes closed as he breathed deeply in and out. Grandfather… this is for you. I know you won't approve of this. But if this means your life… then I'll accept your anger.

---

Morningstar narrowed his eyes as a breeze went through the temple. "This feeling…"

"Yeah," Cypher agreed, looking around them. "I guess we're next. Someone's coming."

Morningstar glanced around before whipping his head toward the temple's entrance. A man in a gray jumpsuit with armor covering his left arm and a helmet on his head that left his mouth uncovered walked through the gate. The former bounty hunter's eyes narrowed.

"Techbane."

"That's right," the bounty hunter confirmed. "It's time for a rematch, Morningstar. Don't think that this will go like last time."

Above them, Frog and Pigeon materialized. "Ah! Where are we this time?!"

"Senpai, look!"

"Eh?" Frog got a proper look at their surroundings. "Oh! It's a Shinto temple! I haven't been to one of these in years! I'll give Lightning this; it's a really accurate recreation!"

"Not the temple! Down there!"

"Eh?" Frog's eyes widened on seeing the other people there. "That's Morningstar! And the guy in silver… that's Techbane, one of SOL's bounty hunters!"

"What's he doing working for Lightning?"

"Probably getting paid," Frog assumed. "Bounty hunters can be very unscrupulous. Still, this is a good chance to see an amazing duel! Film it, film it!"

"Yes!"

Playmaker and Ai looked up as the broadcast restarted. "That's-!"

"Morningstar," Playmaker said.

Cassiel smiled and sighed in relief. "Thank goodness, they're okay." Her smile turned into a worried frown. "But they're going up against Techbane. He may be against us, but he was never an enemy."

"SOL's former bounty hunter," Revolver said with a scowl.

"Morningstar defeated him before," Terminus said. "But that was before his Deck was modified by Ouroboros."

Morningstar stepped forward so that the central building was behind him. "I don't object to dueling you Techbane, but before we begin, I have a question."

"What's that?"

The former bounty hunter narrowed his eyes. "Why are you doing this? You may be a bounty hunter, but you struck me as having a moral code. Teaming up with Lightning, an AI who wishes to enslave humanity, is far beyond acceptable."

"…You're right about that," Techbane admitted. "If it was just Lightning, then I wouldn't have agreed to this. But as a bounty hunter, my moral code must be flexible. You should know this as well." Morningstar frowned but didn't reply. "But I am not teaming up with Lightning. I am working for Ouroboros. They offered a rather hefty payment for my services, and considering the benefits… I decided it was worthwhile."

"And what benefits would those be?"

Techbane frowned. "You'll understand if I keep that to myself. I know you're a good person, Morningstar. I know that you would sympathize with me if I told you. But my reasons are personal. More than that… I have my pride as a hunter, as a duelist. I won't accept you going easy on me out of pity!"

Morningstar frowned again. What Techbane was saying… it reminded him of when he dueled Galahad, of when Terminus held his brother's fate against him. If Ouroboros was doing something similar…

…Then it didn't matter. It was weighing one life against possibly the world. Morningstar had his own goals to complete and enemies to defeat. Even if it meant Techbane lost someone, he couldn't afford to hold back. Not with what was at stake here.

"Alright then," Morningstar finally said. "If your pride as a bounty hunter is what's driving you forward, then I'll stake my own pride, both as a duelist and as a former hunter, on the line as well. I won't hold back against you, Techbane!"

"And I won't hold back either, Morningstar!"

"Duel!"

Morningstar: 4000 LP

Techbane: 4000 LP

Terminus narrowed his visible eye. "What Techbane was saying… Is Ouroboros blackmailing him?"

"I'll take the first turn," Morningstar declared.

"Eh?" Cypher blinked. "Are you sure that's a good idea, partner? You know how his Cyber Dragons work."

"He didn't use Cyber Dragons against Galahad. But even if he did, there are things I need to do."

"…Alright then."

"Go ahead and take the first turn," Techbane agreed.

"Since there are no monsters on the field, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Illusionist by reducing its attack points to 1800!" A skeleton in a tuxedo and top hat appeared in Attack Position, spinning a wand in its right hand.

Cyspirit Illusionist ATK 2400→1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 6

"Illusionist's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by its own effect, I can add a 'Cyspirit' card from my Deck to my hand." Morningstar took the card, then played it. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Cyspirit Mausoleum! While this card is on the field, possession of my 'Cyspirit' monsters cannot switch, and my linked 'Cyspirit' monsters are unaffected by your monster effects!"

Jester chuckled. "A card made to counter the Cydemons' restrictive effects. How amusing. I wonder if that would actually work."

"Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning condition is one 'Cyspirit' monster. I set Illusionist in the Link Marker!" The tuxedo-wearing skeleton entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller!" A business suit-wearing skeleton emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone, a phone and radio in its hands.

Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"As my 'Cyspirit' monster was sent to the Graveyard as Link Material, Cyspirit Mausoleum's effect lets me draw one card! Cacophonic Caller's effect activates! Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster to its Link Marker in Attack Position, but that monster cannot attack and is destroyed during the End Phase. Come, Cyspirit Teleporter!" A black skeleton in gray armor wielding a baton appeared at Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker.

Cyspirit Teleporter ATK 500 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Appear again, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning conditions are two 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set Teleporter and Cacophonic Caller in the Link Markers!" Morningstar's monsters entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyspirit Jubilant Jester!" A white skeleton wearing a black and gold jester's outfit emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone, spinning a staff.

Cyspirit Jubilant Jester ATK 1800 LINK-2 ↙↘

"I summon Cyspirit Sorceress!" A white skeleton in an elegant black dress appeared, wielding a black metal staff.

Cyspirit Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

"Sorceress's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster from my Graveyard in Attack Position. Resurrect, Teleporter!" The armored skeleton reappeared and swung its baton.

Cyspirit Teleporter ATK 500 DEF 1500 LVL: 3

"Appear for a third time, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning conditions are two 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set Sorceress and Teleporter in the Link Markers!" Morningstar's monsters entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler!" The skeleton that emerged from the portal at Jubilant Jester's bottom-left Link Marker wore a prospector's uniform and had a drill in place of a right hand.

Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→

"Jubilant Jester's effect! When it points to a monster, all 'Cyspirit' monsters I control gain 400 attack and defense points!"

Cyspirit Jubilant Jester ATK 1800→2200

Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler ATK 1600→2000

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

"My turn! Draw! I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cyberdark World! When this card is activated, I add a 'Cyberdark' monster from my Deck to my hand." Techbane took the card, then revealed it. "I activate the effect of the Cyberdark Claw I just added to my hand. By discarding it, I add a 'Cyberdark' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add the Field Spell Card: Cyberdark Inferno to my hand, which I'll now activate! While this Field Spell Card is on my field, my 'Cyberdark' Effect Monsters that are equipped with an Equip Card cannot be targeted or destroyed by your card effects. I summon Cyberdark Keel!" A long and thin black metal dragon appeared on Techbane's field.

Cyberdark Keel ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Keel's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, I can equip a Level 3 or lower Dragon monster from my Graveyard to it. I equip Cyberdark Claw to Cyberdark Keel!" Six silver claws attached to a green apparatus appeared, only for wires from Keel to connect to it. "Keel then gains attack points equal to Claw's original attack points!"

Cyberdark Keel ATK 800→2400

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "This 'Cyberdark' Deck is very similar to Sylphid's Dragunity monsters."

"Yes," Cypher agreed. "Though it seems to flow a bit better than hers."

Techbane continued his turn. "I activate the Spell Card: Foolish Burial! This card sends a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I send Cyberdark Cannon to the Graveyard." The bounty hunter gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Cyberdark World! Once per turn, I can Normal Summon a 'Cyberdark' monster. Come, Cyberdark Edge!" This time, a set of gray and green clawed wings appeared.

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Edge's effect activates! I equip the Level 3 Cyberdark Cannon in my Graveyard to it!" A thin purple monster with claws on it appeared before straightening out into a cannon. Edge grasped the cannon with its claws and connected to it with wires. "Edge gains attack points equal to Cannon's original attack points!"

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800→2400

"Inferno's effect activates! Once per turn, I can return a 'Cyberdark' monster I control to my hand. Then, I can Normal Summon a 'Cyberdark' monster. I return Cyberdark Edge to my hand!" The wings disappeared. "Then I summon Cyberdark Edge again!" The wings reappeared.

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Eh?" Ai tilted his head. "Why would he summon that monster, return it to his hand, then summon it again?" Playmaker only narrowed his eyes.

"Since the equipped Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the Graveyard, I can draw a card! And since Cyberdark Edge was Normal Summoned again, I can equip Cyberdark Cannon to it again!"

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800→2400

"Clever," Cypher admitted. "He equipped his monster, then returned it to his hand and Normal Summoned it again just so he could send the equipped card to the Graveyard and activate its effect."

"Equip Decks can be slow, but his is pretty fast," Morningstar agreed.

"Faster than you think," Techbane declared. "Appear, the circuit of mechanical evolution! The summoning conditions are two Dark monsters. Alternatively, this monster can be Link Summoned by sending a 'Cyberdark' monster equipped with an Equip Card to the Graveyard."

"What?!" Cypher gasped.

"I send Cyberdark Keel equipped with Cyberdark Claw to the Graveyard!" The thin dragon and the connected claws turned into energy and entered the bottom-left and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyberdark Wyvern!" The monster that emerged from the portal looked like a combination of Cyberdark Edge and Cyberdark Keel and roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyberdark Wyvern ATK 1000 LINK-2 ↙↘

"Since Claw was sent to the Graveyard while it was equipped to Keel, I can add a 'Cyberdark' monster in my Graveyard to my hand. I'll return Keel to my hand." Techbane gestured to his field. "Wyvern's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, I can equip a Dragon or Machine monster in my Graveyard to it and increase its attack points by that monster's original attack points. I equip Cyberdark Claw to Wyvern!" The claws reappeared and were attached to Wyvern via cables.

Cyberdark Wyvern ATK 1000→2600

"Battle! Cyberdark Wyvern attacks Thrilled Tunneler!" Wyvern's mouth opened and it fired a pulse of black energy.

"Trap activate!" Morningstar declared. "Cyspirit Illusion! When your monster attacks my 'Cyspirit' monster, I excavate the top card of my Deck. If that card is a 'Cyspirit' monster, then it is sent to the Graveyard and my 'Cyspirit' monsters cannot be destroyed by battle for the rest of the turn. But if it is not, then it is placed on the bottom of my Deck." Morningstar drew and showed Techbane the card. "I excavated Cyspirit Nova. Since it's a 'Cyspirit' monster, Thrilled Tunneler won't be destroyed by this battle!"

"But you will still take damage!" The energy hit Thrilled Tunneler, creating a shockwave that struck Morningstar and made him wince.

Morningstar: 4000→3400 LP

"As the monster equipped with Cyberdark Claw battled, its effect activates! I send a monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard. I send Cyber End Dragon to the Graveyard." Techbane gestured to his field again. "Cyberdark Edge's effect! It can attack directly by halving its attack points during damage calculation!" Morningstar's eyes widened. "Cyberdark Edge attacks you directly!"

Cyberdark Edge ATK 2400→1200

The wings sent out a pulse that struck Morningstar, pushing him back with a grunt.

Morningstar: 3400→2200 LP

Cyberdark Edge ATK 1200→2400

"Since the monster equipped with Cyberdark Cannon battled, I can send a monster from my Deck to the Graveyard. I'll send Cyber Dragon Herz to the Graveyard. Herz's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard, I can add Cyber Dragon from my Deck to my hand. I Set two cards. I end my turn. During the End Phase, as Cyberdark Wyvern is equipped with an Equip Card, I can add a Dragon or Machine monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyberdark Horn to my hand."

"A solid opening," Merlin said with a smile. "He reduced Morningstar's Life Points by almost half and has two strong monsters out." His smile turned into a concerned frown. "It seems though that he's incorporated his Cyber Dragons into the Cyberdark Deck. That was the end goal of giving him the cards, but if their integration isn't perfect…"

"Techbane is definitely stronger than when we last fought him," Morningstar said.

"Yeah," Cypher agreed. "I figured that out when he defeated Galahad. But it doesn't matter how strong he is, does it? We still need to win."

The former bounty hunter's eyes narrowed. "Yes, we do. Even if he has a good reason for fighting for Ouroboros and Lightning, we can't let sympathy betray us. We have to do our best for our own reasons."

"That's right. So let's show Techbane how much stronger we've become as well."

"Right. My turn! Draw! I summon Cyspirit Dancer!" A leotard-wearing skeleton appeared and curtsied to Techbane from Thrilled Tunneler's left Link Marker.

Cyspirit Dancer ATK 1000→1400 DEF 200→600 LVL: 2

"Dancer's effect activates! When it is Normal Summoned, as I control a 'Cyspirit' monster, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster from my hand or Deck in Attack Position with its effects negated. Come, Cyspirit Kid!" A small skeleton in a t-shirt appeared at Thrilled Tunneler's right Link Marker.

Cyspirit Kid ATK 300→700 DEF 200→600 LVL: 1

Techbane scowled. "I remember that monster's effect. More importantly, I know what Thrilled Tunneler's effect does. By Tributing a monster when it points to two monsters, you can place two Spell or Trap Cards on the bottom of the owner's Deck. A dangerous effect… but only if it activates."

Morningstar blinked at that statement. "Continuous Trap activate! Cyberdark Invasion! Once per turn, I can activate one of two effects. I choose to activate the second effect to send an Equip Card equipped to a Machine monster to the Graveyard in order to destroy one card you control! I send the equipped Cyberdark Claw to my Graveyard to destroy Thrilled Tunneler!" The monster attached to Wyvern disintegrated, as did Morningstar's Link Monster, much to his annoyance.

"Damn it!" Cypher cursed. "Now we can't use Kid's effect to take out his monsters!"

Morningstar grimaced. "Since Jubilant Jester no longer points to a monster, my 'Cyspirit' monsters' attack and defense points return to normal."

Cyspirit Dancer ATK 1400→1000 DEF 600→200

Cyspirit Jubilant Jester ATK 2200→1800

Cyspirit Kid ATK 700→300 DEF 600→200

"And since Cyberdark Claw is no longer equipped to Cyberdark Wyvern, my monster's attack points decrease."

Cyberdark Wyvern ATK 2600→1000

"Claw's effect activates! When it is sent to the Graveyard while equipped, I add a 'Cyberdark' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Claw itself to my hand."

"Techbane protected his Spell and Trap Cards, but at a big cost," Ai noted.

"Wyvern is weaker than Jubilant Jester now," Playmaker agreed. "And even if he can't use Thrilled Tunneler's effect, I doubt Morningstar is done."

Morningstar narrowed his eyes but raised his right hand. "Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning conditions are three or more 'Cyspirit' Effect Monsters! I set Dancer, Kid, and Link-2 Jubilant Jester in the Link Markers!" Morningstar's monsters entered the top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right arrows.

Jester raised his head. "That pattern…"

"Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Cyspirit Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl!" A large serpentine dragon skeleton emerged from the portal. Light formed around the skeleton before vanishing, revealing white skin covered in blue lines, four clawed limbs at its sides and a mane of light blue hair sprouting from its neck. Its red and blue eyes gleamed as it roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyspirit Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl ATK 2800 LINK-4 ↙↖↗↘

"That's the Link-4 he unveiled against Jester," Revolver noted. Techbane grit his teeth.

"Since my 'Cyspirit' monster was sent to the Graveyard as Link Material, I draw a card per Mausoleum's effect. Dancer's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon a 'Cyspirit' monster, that monster gains 600 attack points!"

Cyspirit Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl ATK 2800→3400

"Kid's effect activates! When it is used to Link Summon a 'Cyspirit' monster, I can target and destroy one face-up card you control. Your Field Spell Card keeps me from destroying your equipped monsters, but it won't protect Cyberdark Invasion!" Techbane couldn't help but blink as his Continuous Spell Card disintegrated.

"Eh?" Ai tilted his head. "Why would he destroy Cyberdark Invasion? Why not Cyberdark Cannon or Cyberdark Inferno?"

"For the former, it is because if Cannon was sent to the Graveyard while equipped to a monster, Techbane would draw one card," Playmaker informed him. "For the latter, if Cyberdark Inferno is destroyed by Morningstar's card effect, Techbane can add Polymerization or a 'Fusion' Spell Card to his hand."

"Oh! So Morningstar chose World because it didn't have effects like that! But what about Cyberdark World or Cyberdark Wyvern? Why not them?"

"I believe we'll find out."

"I activate Mausoleum's effect! Once per turn, I can target a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster, and until my next Standby Phase, that monster is treated as pointing to a number of monsters equal to its Link Rating."

"What?" Techbane gasped.

"I target Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl and treat it as pointing to four monsters!" Morningstar narrowed his eyes and took a card from his hand. "I Special Summon Cyspirit Jaeger!" A skeleton in a green coat and beret armed with a musket appeared in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Jaeger ATK 1700 DEF 900 LVL: 4

"Jaeger can be Special Summoned if I control a 'Cyspirit' monster. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cyspirit Operation! This lets me add a Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyspirit Linker to my hand, and because I control a 'Cyspirit' monster, I'll Special Summon Linker!" A skeleton in black armor with red gauntlets appeared in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Linker ATK 1700 DEF 800 LVL: 4

Techbane grit his teeth. "Two Level 4 monsters…"

"I overlay Level 4 Cyspirit Jaeger and Cyspirit Linker!" Morningstar declared. The lines on his suit and the wings on his back lit up yellow as a bolt of silver energy shoots out of his Duel Disk. The bolt hits the sky and transforms the area into a starry void, trails of data all around them. The Xyz cross forms beneath his monsters. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" The monsters disintegrate into data and enter the cross, which shoots lasers that form a galaxy before it explodes. "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 skeleton wearing white and brown robes formed from the explosion. Metal gauntlets, boots, and a spiked helmet covered its hands, feet, and head, and it wielded a circular shield in its left hand and a long lance in its right. Silver wings sprouted from its back as it spun its lance from Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position, two orange lights circling behind it.

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

Lightning narrowed his eyes. "The Xyz Monster that Morningstar gained when he dueled Zahhak…"

"Martial Mameluke's effect activates! When it is Xyz Summoned using only 'Cyspirit' monsters, I can return all cards in your Spell & Trap Zone to your Deck!"

"What?!" Techbane gasped.

"I see!" Ai cried out. "That's why he didn't destroy Cannon with Kid's effect! By returning it to the Deck, its effect won't activate!"

Playmaker showed his agreement by smirking.

Techbane grit his teeth. "If that's the case, then I'll activate this! Trap activate! Cyberdark Resolution!" The card showed numerous overlaying frames of Cyberdark Dragon, with each frame becoming clearer and clearer. "Since I control a 'Cyberdark' monster, I take no battle damage for the rest of the turn!"

Morningstar narrowed his eyes but only gestured to his field. "Go! Soul of Night!" Martial Mameluke gathered black energy at its lance's tip and swung said lance, sending a wave of darkness over Techbane's field that sent away Cyberdark Cannon and Cyberdark World. "With Cyberdark Cannon no longer on the field, Edge's attack points return to normal."

Cyberdark Edge ATK 2400→800

"Even if he can't inflict battle damage, at least now he can destroy Techbane's monsters," Revolver said. Then he smirked. "Plus… there's his Link Monster's effect."

"Battle! Martial Mameluke attacks Cyberdark Edge!" No point in activating its effect if he won't take damage, Morningstar thought. "Moonlight Strike!" White energy gathered around the Xyz Monster's lance, which it threw at the pair of wings. The lance pierced them and made them explode, but a barrier formed around Techbane and protected him. "Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl attacks Cyberdark Wyvern! Imperial Fire!" The serpentine dragon fired a beam of blue energy that tore through the other Link Monster. "Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl's effect activates! As it attacked your monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, you take damage equal to your monster's original attack points!"

"What?" Techbane gasped.

"Go! Solar Flare Strike!" This time, the dragon breathed red fire at Techbane, making him raise his arms to protect his face.

Techbane: 4000→3000 LP

"Yes! He inflicted damage!" Ai cheered.

"Techbane still has the lead, but Morningstar has more powerful monsters," Cassiel said with a smile.

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

Techbane grit his teeth. "I can't afford to lose. Not here, not now! My turn! Draw!" Techbane looked at his card, then at Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl. I want to use Cyberdark Resolution's effect… But that monster is still treated as pointing to four monsters. Which means it can negate an effect activated from the Graveyard. So I'll have to get rid of it first.

"Since you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon Cyber Dragon!" The white metal dragon appeared in Attack Position.

Cyber Dragon ATK 2100 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "So despite changing your Deck and dueling so much, you're still using Cyber Dragons."

"I was raised to fight with Cyber Dragons," Techbane responded. "No matter how much power someone offers me, I won't change this part of my dueling."

Merlin smiled. "You have great conviction, Yukaro. Hold onto that."

"By discarding Cyberdark Claw, I can add a 'Cyberdark' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyberdark World to my hand. I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Cyberdark World! Since it was activated, I can add a 'Cyberdark' monster from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyberdark Cannon to my hand."

"Ack!" Ai groaned. "Morningstar got rid of those cards, but Techbane got them back!"

"Be quiet."

"By discarding Cyberdark Cannon, I can add Cyberdark Chimera to my hand. I activate the Spell Card: Cyber Revsystem! This lets me Special Summon Cyber Dragon from my hand or Graveyard. And since Cyber Dragon Herz is treated as Cyber Dragon when its in the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!" A long and thin metal serpent with blue hexagons on its body appeared in Defense Position.

Cyber Dragon Herz ATK 100 DEF 100 LVL: 1

"He has two Machine monsters, and both are Cyber Dragon," Cypher analyzed.

"I know this move," Morningstar grimaced.

"Appear, the circuit of mechanical evolution! The summoning conditions are two Machine monsters, one of which must be Cyber Dragon. I set Cyber Dragon and Cyber Dragon Herz in the Link Markers!" The machine dragons entered the left and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyber Dragon Sieger!" A large metal dragon with blue hexagons on its body and a blue disk in its head appeared and roared from the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyber Dragon Sieger ATK 2100 LINK-2 ←↓

"That's his Cyber Dragon Link Monster," Flame noted. "It can increase a Machine monster's attack and defense points by 2100 during the Battle Phase at the cost of neither player taking damage from Sieger's battles."

Soulburner grit his teeth. "Even if it's meant for the Cyber Dragon Deck, most of the Cyberdark monsters are Machine monsters."

"Since Herz was sent to the Graveyard, I can add another Cyber Dragon to my hand. I summon Cyberdark Keel!" The long, thin, black dragon reappeared.

Cyberdark Keel ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Keel's effect activates! I equip it with Cyberdark Cannon and increase its attack points by Cannon's!"

Cyberdark Keel ATK 800→2400

"I activate Cyberdark Inferno's effect! Once per turn, I can return a 'Cyberdark' monster I control to my hand, then Normal Summon a 'Cyberdark' monster. I return Keel to my hand to Normal Summon Cyberdark Horn!" A brown dragon's head with large claws appeared while Keel disappeared.

Cyberdark Horn ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Since Cannon was sent to the Graveyard while it was equipped to Keel, I can draw a card. Horn's effect activates! I equip it with Cyberdark Claw!" Claw reappeared, only to be held by Horn's claws.

Cyberdark Horn ATK 800→2400

"I activate Cyberdark World's effect to Normal Summon one 'Cyberdark' monster once per turn. Return to the field, Cyberdark Keel!" The thin dragon reappeared.

Cyberdark Keel ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Keel's effect activates! I equip it with Cyberdark Cannon!"

Cyberdark Keel ATK 800→2400

"Two monsters with 2400 attack points and one with 2100," Blue Maiden said.

"They aren't strong enough to take on Morningstar's monsters," Aqua noted. "Even if Sieger can increase the attack points of one monster, it can't do so for another."

"Appear, the circuit of mechanical evolution!" Techbane declared. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyberdark' monsters. Alternatively, I can Link Summon this monster using two 'Cyberdark' monsters equipped with Equip Cards!" Morningstar's and Cypher's eyes widened. "I set Cyberdark Horn equipped with Cyberdark Claw and Cyberdark Keel equipped with Cyberdark Cannon in the Link Markers!" The monsters turned into energy and entered the left, bottom-left, right, and bottom-right arrows.

"Morningstar-!"

"I see it." The former bounty hunter grit his teeth in response to Cypher's alarm.

"Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! Cyberdarkness Wyvern!" A massive dragon, formed from a combination of Cyberdark Keel, Cyberdark Edge, Cyberdark Claw, and Cyberdark Cannon, emerged from the portal and roared from Sieger's bottom Link Marker.

Cyberdarkness Wyvern ATK 2000 LINK-4 ←↙↘→

"That's-!" Ai's eyes widened.

"The monster that defeated Galahad!" Cassiel exclaimed.

"Since Cannon and Claw were sent to the Graveyard while equipped to monsters, I can draw a card and add a 'Cyberdark' monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll return Edge to my hand. Wyvern's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, I can equip a Dragon or Machine monster from my Graveyard to it and increase its attack points by that monster's attack points. I equip Cyber End Dragon to Cyberdarkness Wyvern!" The three-headed silver dragon appeared and was trapped by Wyvern's claws.

Cyberdarkness Wyvern ATK 2000→6000

Morningstar grit his teeth. "I remember Wyvern's effect from when he dueled Galahad."

"Yeah," Cypher said. "If it has an Equip Card, Wyvern prevents us from activating cards or effects during the Battle Phase. And since that effect affects the player, Cyspirit Mausoleum can't stop it."

"Which means that if I want to activate any cards… it has to be now! Trap activate! Cyspirit Backup!"

"What?" Techbane gasped.

"By returning a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster in my Graveyard to my Extra Deck, I can Special Summon a 'Cyspirit' Link Monster from my Extra Deck so long as its Link Rating is lower than the returned monster's. I return Link-2 Jubilant Jester to Special Summon Link-1 Cyspirit Youthful Yakuza!" A skeleton in an open black suit and gray shirt with styled black hair appeared at Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl's bottom-right Link Marker. It seemed to smirk as it spun a handgun and machete in its hands.

Cyspirit Youthful Yakuza ATK 1000 LINK-1 ↓

Revolver blinked and then smirked. "Cyspirit Backup treats this Special Summon as a Link Summon. And the turn Youthful Yakuza is Link Summoned, I take no damage."

"What?" Techbane gasped.

Jester chuckled. "Clever. Cyberdarkness Wyvern keeps him from activating cards during the Battle Phase, so he activated it ahead of time."

Techbane grit his teeth. "If I can't inflict damage, then I'll just wipe your field clean! I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cyberdark Fangs and equip them to Cyberdarkness Wyvern!" Claws similar to those of Cyberdark Horn's appeared and attached themselves to Wyvern's head. "Cyberdark Fangs prevents my other monsters from attacking directly, but in return, it lets Wyvern attack all monsters you control once each!"

Cassiel gasped as Morningstar's eyes widened. "Battle! As Wyvern is equipped with an Equip Card, you cannot activate cards or effects during the Battle Phase! Cyberdarkness Wyvern attacks your three monsters! Supreme Darkness Burst!" The cannon on Wyvern's back fired a blast of black and red energy that consumed all of the monsters on Morningstar's field, making Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl, Martial Mameluke, and Youthful Yakuza explode. When the smoke cleared, Morningstar's field was empty, but he himself was unharmed.

Techbane grinded his teeth again. "I activate Cyberdark Fangs' additional effect! Once per turn, I can equip a Dragon or Machine monster in mine or your Graveyards to Wyvern. From my Graveyard, I equip Cyberdark Cannon to Wyvern. When a monster is equipped by this effect, Wyvern gains 1000 attack points."

Cyberdarkness Wyvern ATK 6000→7000

"Next, I activate the effect of Cyberdark Resolution in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can add a 'Cyberdark' card from my Deck or Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Cyberdark Invasion from my Graveyard to my hand. I Set two cards. I end my turn."

"One of those cards is definitely Cyberdark Invasion," Cypher said.

"Agreed. But more importantly…" A smirk slowly formed on Morningstar's face. "Both of his monsters are Link Monsters."

"Hmm? Oh." Cypher chuckled. "Go ahead, partner. It's been a while since that one got to see any action."

"My turn! Draw! Since you control monsters and I don't, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Swordsman!" A skeleton in blue armor appeared in Attack Position, swinging futuristic swords.

Cyspirit Swordsman ATK 1200 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Swordsman's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by its effect, I add a 'Cyspirit' monster from my Deck to my hand. I activate the effect of Cyspirit Teleporter in the Graveyard! By banishing it, I can Special Summon a Level 3 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Cyspirit Kid!" The dwarf skeleton reappeared in Defense Position.

Cyspirit Kid ATK 300 DEF 200 LVL: 1

Techbane grit his teeth. "Continuous Trap activate! Cyberdark Invasion! Once per turn, I can activate one of two effects. I activate the second effect, sending the equipped Cyberdark Cannon to the Graveyard to destroy Cyspirit Kid!"

Cyberdarkness Wyvern ATK 7000→6000

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "That won't happen! I chain the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cyspirit Racket!" The card showed Youthful Yakuza and several skeletal thugs standing outside a shop, hands on guns as the nervous owner backed up. "Until the end of the turn, my 'Cyspirit' cards cannot be destroyed by battle or your card effects!"

Techbane gasped as Kid remained on the field. Then he grit his teeth again. "Damn it. But since the equipped Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the Graveyard, I can draw a card!"

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning condition is one Level 2 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster. I set Kid in the Link Marker!" The small skeleton entered the bottom-left arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cyspirit Egregious Electrician!" A skeleton in overalls carrying a power box appeared at the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyspirit Egregious Electrician ATK 600 LINK-1 ↙

"Kid's effect activates! I destroy one of your face-up cards! I destroy Cyberdark World!" Techbane winced as his Continuous Spell disintegrated. "In addition, since my 'Cyspirit' monster was sent to the Graveyard for a Link Summon, Mausoleum's effect lets me draw one card."

Morningstar drew, glanced at his card, then returned his eyes to Techbane. "I activate the effect of Cyspirit Racket in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can return up to three 'Cyspirit' monsters in my Graveyard to my Deck. I'll return Cacophonic Caller, Thrilled Tunneler, and Youthful Yakuza to my Extra Deck."

"He returned three Link Monsters to his Extra Deck," Ai realized.

"One of the Cyspirits' greatest weaknesses is that most of their Link Monsters can only use their effects if they were Link Summoned," Playmaker remembered. "He returned them to his Extra Deck to take advantage of their effects again."

"Egregious Electrician's effect activates! Once per turn, by moving a 'Cyspirit' monster at its Link Marker to another Main Monster Zone, I can Special Summon a 'Cyspirit' monster from my hand to Egregious Electrician's Link Marker. I move Swordsman to my center-left Main Monster Zone to Special Summon Cyspirit Acrobat!" A silver skeleton in a light blue leotard, leg warmers, and arm sleeves appeared at Egregious Electrician's Link Marker in Attack Position, a silver hoop in its right hand and a single red eye in its skull.

Cyspirit Acrobat ATK 1700 DEF 1400 LVL: 5

"Acrobat's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned by a 'Cyspirit' card's effect, I can add a 'Cyspirit' card from my Deck to my hand. I'll add Cyspirit Soulsword to my hand!"

"That's a new Cyspirit card," Revolver said.

"Appear, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning condition is one 'Cyspirit' monster. I set Egregious Electrician in the Link Marker!" The Link Monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller!" The suit-wearing skeleton reappeared at the Extra Monster Zone.

Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"Cacophonic Caller's effect activates! I Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monster to its Link Marker in Attack Position, but that monster cannot attack and is destroyed during the End Phase. Come, Cyspirit Samurai!" A skeleton in black and red samurai appeared at Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker, swinging a katana.

Cyspirit Samurai ATK 1800 DEF 1000 LVL: 4

Techbane blinked. "Samurai? Is he planning to Fusion Summon?"

"Appear again, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning conditions are two 'Cyspirit' monsters. I set Samurai and Swordsman in the Link Markers!" The skeletons entered the left and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler!" The skeleton with a drill for an arm reappeared at Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker.

Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler ATK 1600 LINK-2 ←→

"For a third time, the circuit between light and darkness! The summoning condition is one 'Cyspirit' monster. I set Acrobat in the Link Marker!" The monster spun around its hoop before entering the right arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Cyspirit Vivacious Vixen!" A fox skeleton in red and silver armor with wings at its back emerged from the portal, red and blue eyes gleaming from Thrilled Tunneler's left Link Marker.

Cyspirit Vivacious Vixen ATK 1200 LINK-1 →

Techbane blinked again. "Vivacious Vixen?"

"Vivacious Vixen's effect activates!" Morningstar declared. "If it is Link Summoned using a Level 5 or higher 'Cyspirit' monster, I can destroy one Spell or Trap Card on the field!" Techbane's eyes widened behind his mask. "I destroy your Set card!" The bounty hunter grit his teeth as his Set Call of the Haunted shattered. "And now, for a fourth time, the circuit between light and darkness!" The Link portal appeared again, but this time on the ground before him. "The summoning conditions are two or more 'Cyspirit' Link Monsters. I set Vivacious Vixen and Link-2 Thrilled Tunneler in the Link Markers!" His monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows. And when they did, a pillar of fire erupted from the circuit.

Zahhak shifted. "This is…"

"The heaven's wrath that strikes down all opposition!" Morningstar chanted. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Cyspirit Angelic Avenger!" Large silver wings broke the pillar of fire apart, revealing a large skeleton in red and gold armor, two swords strapped to its hips and long blonde hair wreathed in fire reaching past its shoulders. The skeleton roared from a nonexistent mouth from Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker.

Cyspirit Angelic Avenger ATK 2700 LINK-3 ←↑→

"The monster that defeated Spectre," Revolver remembered.

Lilith smirked. "I gave him that card, but this is the first time I get to see him play it. Nice."

"That monster is rather powerful for a Link-3," Lightning mused. "Cypher really outdid himself."

"This could be troublesome," Techbane muttered.

"Angelic Avenger's effect activates!" Morningstar declared. "Once per turn, when it points to at least one monster, I can add a 'Cyspirit' Spell or Trap Card from my Graveyard to my hand. I'll add Cyspirit Backup to my hand."

"With that, he can Special Summon Youthful Yakuza again next turn," Ai noted.

"I activate Cyspirit Mausoleum's effect! By targeting Angelic Avenger, it is treated as pointing to three monsters until my next Standby Phase." Terminus smirked as he remembered what Angelic Avenger's true power was. "Angelic Avenger's additional effect activates! Once per turn, if it points to three monsters, I can return all monsters at its Link Markers to the owners' hands to negate the effects of all other Link Monsters on the field and return their current attack points to their original attack points!"

"What?!" Techbane practically shouted.

"Go! Holy Revision!" Angelic Avenger spread its wings again, which shone with silver light. Cacophonic Caller disappeared as Cyberdarkness Wyvern and Cyber Dragon Sieger groaned.

Cyberdarkness Wyvern ATK 6000→2000

Merlin grimaced. "That is a very nasty effect."

"I activate the Equip Spell Card: Cyspirit Soulsword and equip it to Angelic Avenger!" The Link Monster drew the sword at its left hip in its right hand, only for said sword to change into an elongated katana with blue crystals in the blade and jagged edges. "While Soulsword is equipped to Angelic Avenger, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and when it attacks your Special Summoned monster, it gains attack points equal to its Link Rating times 200 during damage calculation!" Morningstar gestured to his field. "I activate the effect of Cyspirit Acrobat in the Graveyard! By banishing it, Angelic Avenger can attack all monsters you control once each this turn!"

Techbane gasped. "Battle! Angelic Avenger attacks Cyber Dragon Sieger!" The Link Monster unsheathed its second sword and both swords caught fire. "Soulsword's effect activates!"

Cyspirit Angelic Avenger ATK 2700→3300

Go! Heaven's Wrath!" Angelic Avenger spun in a circle and cut off Sieger's head, making it explode. Techbane cried out as he was pushed back by the shockwave.

Techbane: 3000→1800 LP

Cyspirit Angelic Avenger ATK 3300→2700

"Angelic Avenger now attacks Cyberdarkness Wyvern! Heaven's Wrath!"

Cyspirit Angelic Avenger ATK 2700→3300

The Link Monster spread its wings and rose into the air before divebombing the amalgamated dragon. Angelic Avenger's body was encased in fire as it seemed to pass through the dragon, only for the fire to dissipate when it landed on the other side. Th dragon cried out as it exploded, and its master also cried out as he was knocked off his feet and onto his back.

Techbane: 1800→500 LP

Cyspirit Angelic Avenger ATK 3300→2700

"I Set two cards. I end my turn."

Techbane grinded his teeth as he looked up at the glowing barrier that encased the island. This… this feels all too familiar…

"Ahhh!" Yukaro cried out as he landed flat on his back.

"Get up!" The young boy raised his head to look at the old man across from him. The man's face was set in stern lines. "If you are to be the next master of the Cyber Style, then you must be a mountain! Nothing must move you! Once you know what you must do, nothing must stand in your way!"

…That's right, Techbane thought as he sat up. Grandfather did tell me that. But I don't think that this was what he meant. His eyes narrowed. He wanted me to devote myself to a single path. To accept that. To move on. But… But I can't move on! I will save him! I will save my grandfather!

Techbane pushed himself to his feet. "Morningstar," he muttered. "I admire you. Really, I do. In three years, you acquired a reputation no one else could match. When I came to Den City, I had hoped to meet you and be your ally. But it seems that wasn't meant to be." He grimaced. "For the sake of my dream… of my goal… I will not lose! My turn! Draw!"

The bounty hunter looked at his card, then chose a different one. "Since you control a monster and don't, I can Special Summon Cyber Dragon!" Another metal dragon appeared in Attack Position.

Cyber Dragon ATK 2100 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"I summon Cyberdark Edge!" The wings reappeared as well.

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 4

"Edge's effect activates! I equip Cyberdark Cannon to it!"

Cyberdark Edge ATK 800→2400

"I activate Cyberdark Inferno's effect! By returning Cyberdark Edge to my hand, I can Normal Summon a 'Cyberdark' monster." The wings and cannon disappeared. "I summon Cyberdark Chimera!" The monster that appeared was a combination of Cyberdarks Edge, Horn, and Keel like Cyberdark Cannon, only their positions were different. Keel was the dragon's head, with Edge attached underneath it and its claws serving as wings, while Horn was on the back serving as a tail.

Cyberdark Chimera ATK 800 DEF 2100 LVL: 4

"Since Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the Graveyard while equipped, I draw a card! Cyberdark Chimera's effect activates! Once per turn, I can discard a Spell or Trap Card to add Power Bond from my Deck to my hand!"

Morningstar blinked. "Power Bond?!"

"He has a copy of Power Bond?!" Flame said in surprise.

"What's Power Bond?" Soulburner asked. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't remember where he heard about it before.

"Power Bond is a Fusion Spell Card that can only be used by Machine monsters that also doubles their attack points," Flame explained.

"What?!" Soulburner gasped.

"Indeed. It's a powerful card. But it's also a costly one; the end of the turn it's used, Techbane will take damage equal to the amount of attack points his monster gained." Flame's eyes narrowed. "If he uses that card, it could mean his victory. But if Morningstar lasts the turn, then he'll win when Power Bond's damage is inflicted."

"Hey, Playmaker?" Ai spoke up. "I looked through some old records. Isn't that Power Bond card-?"

"It is," Playmaker confirmed. A concerned frown crossed his face. "Power Bond was the ultimate weapon of the legendary duelist Ryo Marufuji. It's said that only the inheritors of the Cyber Style – Marufuji's dueling – are allowed to possess the card."

"So does that make Techbane some kind of dueling prince or something?"

"…Sure, let's go with that."

"I discard Extra-Foolish Burial to add Power Bond to my hand," Techbane continued, unaware of the discussions he'd started. "In addition, once this turn, if I would Fusion Summon this turn, I can banish monsters in my Graveyard as material, but I can only use Dragon or Machine 'Cyber' monsters to Fusion Summon."

"So not only can he summon a monster with double its attack points, he can use monsters in his Graveyard as well," Cypher summarized with scowling eyes.

"I activate the Spell Card: Cyber Cloning!" The card showed Cyber Dragon Drei, another copy of itself mirroring its body, only colored light blue. "By Tributing a Machine monster I control, I can Special Summon a Machine monster from my Graveyard with the same name, but that monster cannot attack this turn."

"Eh? What good is summoning a monster with the same name?" Ai asked.

Playmaker's eyes narrowed. "Normally it isn't. Except all of Techbane's Cyber Dragon monsters are called Cyber Dragon in the Graveyard."

"…Uh oh."

"I Tribute Cyber Dragon to Special Summon Cyber Dragon Sieger, which is treated as Cyber Dragon when in the Graveyard!" The silver dragon disappeared and was replaced by the larger metal dragon with blue hexagons on its body.

Cyber Dragon Sieger ATK 2100 LINK-2 ←↓

"I activate the effect of Cyber Cloning in the Graveyard! By banishing it, I take no effect damage for the rest of the turn!"

"So that's how he'll get around Power Bond's cost," Flame realized. "Not bad."

Merlin smiled. "He won't lose like he did against Go Onizuka again."

"I could use Power Bond now," Techbane muttered. "…But I won't. I have something else to do first. I activate the Spell Card: Overload Fusion! This lets me Fusion Summon a Dark Machine Fusion monster by banishing monsters from my field or Graveyard!"

"If that card banishes your monsters, then I assume you aren't using Cyberdark Chimera's effect for it?" Morningstar asked.

"That's right. I banish Cyberdark Chimera from my field, along with Cyberdark Horn, Cyberdark Keel, Cyberdark Wyvern, and Cyberdarkness Wyvern from my Graveyard to Fusion Summon!" The five monsters appeared on Techbane's field, only to break apart into red, blue, green, orange, and yellow particles that swirled into a vortex. Five twisters shot up and combined to form a violet tornado. "Dark machine that lies dormant in man's heart! Take flight from the abyss and rain doom on the unworthy! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 10! Cyberdarkness Dragon!" The whirlwind broke apart, revealing a massive dragon composed of Cyberdarks Edge, Horn, Keel, Cannon, and Claw. The dragon roared from the Sieger's left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Cyberdarkness Dragon ATK 2000 DEF 2000 LVL: 10

"I'll grant Techbane this," Cypher muttered. "He doesn't lack for variety of ace monsters."

"Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect activates! When it is Special Summoned, I can equip a Dragon or Machine monster in my Graveyard to it and increase its attack points by that monster's attack points. I equip Cyber End Dragon to Cyberdarkness Dragon!" The three-headed dragon reappeared and was grabbed by the larger dragon's claws.

Cyberdarkness Dragon ATK 2000→6000

"I activate Cyberdark Invasion's effect to equip Cyberdark Cannon to Cyberdarkness Dragon and raise its attack points by 1000!"

Cyberdarkness Dragon ATK 6000→7000

"7000?!" Ai boggled.

"He Fusion Summoned that monster to Sieger's Link Marker," Morningstar noted.

"Which means he isn't done," Cypher agreed.

"I activate the Spell Card: Power Bond!" Techbane declared. "I Fusion Summon a Machine Fusion Monster using monsters from my hand and field! And since I used Cyberdark Chimera's effect earlier this turn, I can also banish monsters from my Graveyard! I fuse Cyber Dragon Sieger on my field and banish Cyber Dragon Herz and two more Cyber Dragons to Fusion Summon!" Said monsters appeared on his field only to become red, blue, green, and orange particles that spiraled into a vortex. Four tornados shot upwards before merging into a single violet twister. "Draconian machine that combines the network and time. Let your heads bring ruin to your enemies! Fusion Summon! Come forth! Level 5! Chimeratech Rampage Dragon!" The tornado dissipated, revealing a black block with red lines. Three metal heads shot out of it, with one being Cyber Dragon's head, and the other two belonging to Cyber Dragon Zwei and Cyber Dragon Drei, with their three tails also emerging from the block. The three-headed dragon roared from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

Chimeratech Rampage Dragon ATK 2100 DEF 1600 LVL: 5

"That's a new one," Morningstar muttered.

"Since I used Power Bond to Fusion Summon Rampage Dragon, its attack points are doubled!"

Chimeratech Rampage Dragon ATK 2100→4200

"Rampage Dragon's effect activates!" Techbane declared. "When it is Fusion Summoned, I can target and destroy Spell and Trap Cards on the field, up to the number of its Fusion Materials!" Morningstar's eyes widened. "I used four monsters, so I'll destroy Cyspirit Mausoleum, Cyspirit Soulsword, and your two Set cards!"

Morningstar grit his teeth. "Trap activate! Cyspirit Backup! I target Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl in my Graveyard to return it to my Extra Deck!"

"That's useless!" Techbane countered. "Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect activates! When you activate a card or effect, I can send an Equip Card to the Graveyard to negate the activation of that card and destroy it! I send Cannon to the Graveyard to negate Backup's activation and destroy it!" Morningstar flinched as his card shattered.

Cyberdarkness Dragon ATK 7000→6000

"Rampage Dragon's effect resolves and your remaining Spell and Trap Cards are destroyed!" The three heads fired red, blue, and yellow beams that tore through Angelic Avenger's sword, Morningstar's Set card, and his Field Spell. "And since the equipped Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the Graveyard, I draw a card!"

The former bounty hunter narrowed his eyes. Angelic Avenger is still treated as pointing to three monsters. Which means that since my cards were destroyed, it would inflict damage via its effect. Except… Techbane used Cyber Cloning's effect to take no effect damage for the turn. So its effect tis useless.

Techbane breathed heavily as his heart beat with excitement. "This… This is it," he muttered. "This is the end, Morningstar! I win! Battle! Cyberdarkness Dragon attacks Angelic Avenger! Infinite Darkness Burst!" The dragon opened its maw and fired a beam of red and black energy.

"I don't know why you want to win so badly, Techbane," Morningstar muttered. "But… I can't give up now! I activate the effect of Broken Cyspirits in my Graveyard!"

Techbane gasped when the card appeared. It showed Cyspirit Quixotic Queen kneeling on the ground, her gown in tatters. "That's the card I destroyed!"

"It is," Morningstar confirmed. "And I can activate its effect by banishing it from my Graveyard as well. When my 'Cyspirit' monster battles your monster, Broken Cyspirits increases my Life Points by your monster's attack points!"

"What?!"

"Cyberdarkness Dragon has 6000 attack points, so I gain 6000 Life Points!"

Morningstar: 2200→8200 LP

Techbane stared at his opponent, mouth slightly agape. After a few seconds, he regained his composure and growled. "I should have attacked with Rampage Dragon," he muttered. Morningstar would have gained less Life Points that way.

Merlin frowned. "It seems he let his desperation get in the way. Still, he couldn't have predicted Morningstar's card. A mistake like this is forgivable."

"Even if you'll survive the turn, your Link Monster won't!" The red and black energy tore through Angelic Avenger, which cried out as it exploded. Morningstar covered his face with his arms as the shockwave pushed him back.

Morningstar: 8200→4900 LP

"Chimeratech Rampage Dragon attacks you directly! Evolution Result Devastation!" The three heads fired a combined beam of blue energy. It impacted and exploded, knocking Morningstar off his feet with a yell.

Morningstar: 4900→700 LP

Morningstar's back hit the ground and he groaned against the stimulated pain.

"Morningstar!" Cassiel cried out.

Techbane watched, suddenly tired, as Morningstar pushed himself to his feet. "I couldn't finish you this turn. But I will finish it next turn."

"We'll see about that," Morningstar replied. "At the end of the Battle Phase, Broken Cyspirits' effect lets me draw two cards since I control no monsters." He drew and frowned at his cards.

"I Set one card," Techbane said. "I end my turn. During the End Phase, Power Bond would inflict damage equal to Rampage Dragon's original attack points. But since I used Cyber Cloning's effect, I take no effect damage this turn."

"That damage effect is one-time only," Terminus said. "But Rampage Dragon retains its additional attack points." His eye narrowed. "Techbane has 500 Life Points and Morningstar has 700."

"This turn will decide the outcome," Revolver said.

"…Why did you do it, Morningstar?" The former bounty hunter raised an eyebrow at Techbane's question. "Why did you become a bounty hunter? I know you have no reason to answer me but… I can't help but wonder."

"…Because there were people I cared about," the hacker answered. Techbane lifted his head, obviously surprised at the answer. "I assume you know about the Lost Incident?" His opponent nodded. "That experience broke me. Nearly destroyed me. And the aftermath finished the job." When he had found out Father Narahiko had died… "I almost gave up. But there were people who refused to let me. Who kept me afloat. Who gave me a reason to live again."

Yasu… Cassiel thought forlornly. Playmaker and Soulburner watched with sympathy and sadness. Revolver and Terminus scowled and clenched their fists. Lilith frowned and closed her eyes. And watching from the real world, Kusanagi could only frown in understanding. Zahhak silently watched from within Lightning's palace.

"Because they gave me a chance to live again, I decided I would do everything I had to in order to provide for them." Morningstar closed his eyes. "I became a bounty hunter because there were people I wanted to protect. Someone I wanted to pay back. Someone I wanted to save. And… I quit being a bounty hunter because the one I wanted to save saved herself. Maybe I gave her a helping hand, but ultimately, she broke free of the darkness on her own." He opened his eyes. "I don't know you, Techbane. But this desperation of yours… to ally with Ouroboros and Lightning, despite knowing that they are the wrong side… you have someone you want to save too, don't you?"

The bounty hunter tensed and stayed silent for several seconds before answering. "What does it matter? We are enemies right now. Even if I don't hate you and you don't hate me, neither of us can afford to give in to sympathy. Neither of us can afford to lose."

"…You're right," Morningstar admitted in response to his forlorn tone. "I don't hate you. And no matter how much I sympathize with you, I can't let you win. Not when there are people counting on me to win."

…How ironic, Morningstar thought. For a second, he didn't see Techbane. He saw a blonde man in silver armor. Back then, Galahad fought me because he wanted to save his brother. And now… someone else fights me to save someone they love too. The three of them – himself, Galahad, and Techbane – were so different in so many ways, and yet that single thread, wanting to save someone, tied them together. In a way, Galahad had been lucky. He had been offered salvation by Terminus, who while not a good person, was at least an honorable one. Techbane hadn't been as lucky. But Morningstar could not let pity or sympathy rule him. He had too many people who cared about him to consider losing.

Cam, Sachi, he thought. Yusaku, Takeru, Kusanagi, Ai, Flame, Cypher… We're coming out of this with all of us alive.

"Morningstar?"

The bounty hunter looked down at his partner. "I don't know why Techbane is opposing us," Cypher said. "But I do know what we're fighting for. And we aren't about to lose, are we?"

Morningstar blinked and then smiled. "No, we aren't." He looked up at his opponent. "Bounty hunting for me was a means to an end. I suspect it's the same for you. But even if I wasn't attached to the job, there was something I learned. Something I possessed." His eyes narrowed. "That was the spirit of a hunter. The pride of keeping my word. Even if I duel for another's sake, I won't forsake my hunter's pride!"

"Yes!" Cypher declared. "Now go! Show them your spirit, Morningstar!"

"My turn! Draw!"

"I activate Cyberdark Invasion's effect!" Techbane declared. "I equip Cyberdark Cannon in my Graveyard to Cyberdarkness Dragon as an Equip Card that grants it 1000 attack points!"

Cyberdarkness Dragon ATK 6000→7000

Morningstar looked at the card he drew and narrowed his eyes. "His monsters' attack points are 4200 and 7000," Cypher said. "Cyberdarkness Dragon can negate our effects, but Techbane has to send its Equip Cards to the Graveyard to do that. Which means that he equipped Cannon so he wouldn't have to get rid of Cyber End Dragon and leave Cyberdarkness Dragon with 2000 attack points. Aside from that, he still has a Set card which is likely a Trap Card to protect himself or his monsters."

Cypher's analysis was correct. Fortunately, Chimeratech Rampage Dragon could only use its first effect when it was Fusion Summoned while its second effect only gave it additional attacks. It would have been dangerous had Techbane activated it before his Battle Phase last turn, but it couldn't activate its effect during said Battle Phase.

Morningstar glanced at the card he drew and then at the cards in his hand. A plan started to form, but if it was to work, then he needed to time things just right. "I summon Cyspirit Archer!" A skeleton wearing animal skins appeared, holding a silver longbow.

Cyspirit Archer ATK 1500 DEF 0 LVL: 4

"Since I control a 'Cyspirit' monster, I can Special Summon Cyspirit Navigator!" A skeleton dressed like a pirate with a tricorne hat appeared in Attack Position.

Cyspirit Navigator ATK 1300 DEF 1100 LVL: 3

Morningstar watched but Techbane made no move. Like I thought. He realized he acted too swiftly last turn and has become cautious. He likely won't use Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect unless my effect is too dangerous. Which was just what Morningstar wanted.

"Archer's effect activates! Once per turn, I target a 'Cyspirit' monster and change its Level to between 1 and 6! I target Archer itself and change it to Level 3!"

Cyspirit Archer LVL: 4→3

Techbane tensed. "Two Level 3 monsters," he muttered.

"Xyz Summon," Zahhak surmised.

"I overlay Level 3 Cyspirit Archer and Cyspirit Navigator!" A bolt of silver light changed the field and created the Xyz cross. "With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Morningstar's monsters disintegrated into data and entered the cross, which fired beams that created a galaxy that exploded. "The flying beast who guides the wayward traveler! Ignite the stars beneath your wings! Xyz Summon! Come forth! Rank 3! Cyspirit Polaris Pegasus!"

A DNA strand formed in the galaxy and then broke apart and reformed into a sphere. The sphere changed shape into a white horse skeleton that glowed with light. When the light faded, the horse skeleton was covered in silver skin and plate armor, with black lines running up and down its body. Metal wings sprouted from its back as it shook its silver mane, red and blue eyes glowing as it stood at the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position, two lights circling behind it.

Cyspirit Polaris Pegasus ATK 1800 DEF 900 RNK: 3 OU: 2

"A new Xyz Monster," Techbane muttered.

"It seems Morningstar has expanded his arsenal," Jester muttered.

"Polaris Pegasus's effect activates!" Morningstar declared. "Once per turn, I can detach an Overlay Unit to target one of your face-up cards and shuffle that card into your Deck!"

"What?" Techbane gasped.

"I detach an Overlay Unit to target Cyber End Dragon!"

Cyspirit Polaris Pegasus OU: 2→1

Techbane grit his teeth. "Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect activates! I send the equipped Cyberdark Cannon to the Graveyard to negate your monster's effects and destroy it!" A shockwave rippled out and tore through Polaris Pegasus, making it explode.

Cyberdarkness Dragon ATK 7000→6000

"Since Cannon was sent to the Graveyard while equipped, I draw a card!" Techbane frowned. "You knew that would happen. Did you risk your new monster just to weaken Cyberdarkness Dragon?"

Morningstar smirked. "No. I did that so you would destroy my monster."

"What?"

"Polaris Pegasus's additional effect activates!" Morningstar gestured to his field. "When it is sent to the Graveyard by your card, I can Special Summon up to two Level 4 or lower 'Cyspirit' monsters from my Graveyard in Defense Position with their effects negated!"

"What?!"

"Return to me, Cyspirit Jaeger and Cyspirit Sorceress!" The uniformed skeleton and the dress-wearing skeleton reappeared.

Cyspirit Jaeger ATK 1700 DEF 900 LVL: 4

Cyspirit Sorceress ATK 1400 DEF 400 LVL: 4

Techbane had considered using Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect to negate Polaris Pegasus's effect again, but that would have meant losing Cyber End Dragon. And besides, Morningstar only had one Rank 4 Xyz Monster and he had already used that one.

"What are you going to use those monsters for when Martial Mameluke is already in the Graveyard?" Techbane demanded.

"For starters, I'll get Martial Mameluke back," Morningstar answered. "I activate the Spell Card: Cyspirit Recall!" The card showed a sea of tents, with skeletal soldiers ambling through the field. At the forefront of the picture, a single skeleton in a military uniform was blowing into a bugle. "This card returns up to three 'Cyspirit' monsters in my Graveyard to my Deck! And if I target a Link Monster with this effect, you cannot activate cards or effects in response to this effect!" Techbane grit his teeth. "I return Cacophonic Caller, Angelic Avenger, and Martial Mameluke to my Extra Deck!"

"Yes!" Ai cheered. "Now he can Xyz Summon again!"

"Martial Mameluke gains attack points equal to the monster it attacks if it detaches an Overlay Unit," Playmaker said. "More than that, it also returns all of Techbane's Spell and Trap Cards."

"Won't Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect negate Martial Mameluke's effect?" Aqua asked.

Blue Maiden smiled. "No, it can't. That monster Morningstar has on his field, Cyspirit Jaeger? If he uses that monster to Xyz Summon, then Martial Mameluke will be unaffected by Techbane's monster effects."

"I see. That means Techbane cannot stop it with Cyberdarkness Dragon."

"I activate the effect of Cyspirit Recall in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I can add a 'Cyspirit' card from my Deck to my hand." Morningstar took the card, then gestured to his field. "I overlay Level 4 Cyspirit Jaeger and Cyspirit Sorceress! 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!" The robed and armored warrior formed from the DNA strand, lance and shield in hand, wings spread wide, and two lights circling behind it from the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position.

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

"Martial Mameluke's effect activates! Since it was Xyz Summoned using only 'Cyspirit' monsters, all the cards in your Spell & Trap Zone are returned to your Deck!" Morningstar smirked. "And since I used Cyspirit Jaeger to Xyz Summon Martial Mameluke, it is unaffected by your monster effects! Soul of Night!" Martial Mameluke spun its spear and sent out a wave of dark energy.

Techbane grit his teeth. "Your monster may be immune to monster effects, but not against Trap effects! Trap activate! Cyberdark Infection!" The card showed Parasite Paracide sticking its tentacles through Cyberdark Horn. "By Tributing a 'Cyberdark' monster, the effects of your monsters are negated until the end of the turn! In addition, until the end of the turn, your monsters cannot activate their effects!"

"What?" Cypher gasped.

"I Tribute Cyberdarkness Dragon!" Techbane declared, his dragon shattering at his words. "With Martial Mameluke's effects negated, it can't attack Rampage Dragon. On the next turn, I'll win!"

"You're wrong," Morningstar interjected. "Martial Mameluke retains its effects."

"What?"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Cyspirit Coating!" The card showed Cyspirit Rapid Revolutionary, only its blue trench coat had turned silver and its skull head seemed to be smiling. "Until the end of the turn, one 'Cyspirit' monster I control is unaffected by your card effects!"

"What?!"

"I target Martial Mameluke!" The skeleton's coat turned silver. "With Martial Mameluke unaffected by your card effects, Cyberdark Infection's effect does nothing to it. Which means Martial Mameluke's effect goes through!" Techbane gasped as the dark wave struck and disintegrated Cyberdark Invasion. "Battle! Martial Mameluke attacks Rampage Dragon!" The warrior spun its spear and charged the three-headed dragon.

Morningstar gestured to his field. "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 current attack points!"

Cyspirit Martial Mameluke OU: 2→1

Cyspirit Martial Mameluke ATK 2800→7000

"…Grandfather," Techbane whispered. "I'm sorry."

"Go! Moonlight Strike!" Silver light gathered on Martial Mameluke's lance. It brought the spear down, impaling Rampage Dragon's center block. The dragon exploded and knocked Techbane backed.

The shockwave completely masked whatever tears the bounty hunter shed.

Techbane: 500→0 LP

Techbane grunted as his back hit the ground. Once again, he found himself staring at the sky. "So," he whispered. "This is it. Even after everything I've done… even after becoming as strong as I could… it all amounted to nothing."

…Was this how Go felt when he lost to Galahad?

Techbane lifted his head at the sound of footsteps. He watched as Morningstar approached and his body turned blue.

"You'll log out instead of being absorbed," Morningstar said. "I doubt you'll be back here… but I hope that, in the end, you save the person you wanted to save."

"…As you did, right?" Techbane asked.

The former bounty hunter shook his head. "She saved herself. I just gave her a helping hand."

"…I see." Techbane's head fell back. "I don't know if I'll see you again, Morningstar. But if I don't… I'm glad I came to Den City. Even if it ended in failure, I at least got to meet someone I admire. Someone who more than lived up to the image I had of them."

Morningstar had no response to that. And with his head breaking apart, there was none to give.

"…He may have been our enemy," Cypher said softly. "But he isn't a bad person." His eyes closed. "I don't know what makes me hate Ouroboros more: holding his weakness over his head to make him duel us… or the idea that they themselves aren't bad people."

"…I think you're looking at it the wrong way, Cypher," Morningstar responded. "I don't think it's that they're good or bad. I think… I think it's that they're human."

"…I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or worse," Cypher admitted.

"Me neither, Cypher. Me neither."

---

Lightning sighed as the connection cut. "Another loss. On top of Windy too." He shrugged. "Well, I have no use for fools who lose their focus. All that means is that Bohman will-."

"I have a request."

Lightning blinked as a window opened. "What is it, Jester?"

"You're planning for Bohman to duel Blue Maiden next, right?"

Lightning narrowed his eyes. "Yes. Is that a problem?"

"No. I have no objections to his opponent. I just want to ask that I go before him."

"Oh?"

"I've been getting a little restless since all of this started, and I need to work off some excess energy. And it just so happens that I found… an insect that bit harder than I thought it would. Considering everything… it wouldn't be a problem if I performed a little extermination?"

Lightning looked up at the orb and focused in on the girl sitting in the grass. "No. I suppose it wouldn't. Very well. You may go next, Jester."

The man chuckled. "Much obliged, Lightning."

---

Yukaro blinked his tears away as the blue sphere disappeared. He didn't move from his chair. He just kept staring at the ceiling.

"I'm sorry," he muttered. "I'm so sorry, grandfather."

He didn't know how long he sat stewing in his own misery. All he knew was that he was shaken out of it by the sound of a call trying to connect. He looked down at his Duel Disk.

Ah, Yukaro thought. It's Jormungand. To tell me our contract is terminated.

…Well, it would be better to get this over with, he supposed.

He answered the call. "This… this is Techbane."

"I'm glad you answered, Techbane. It's Jormungand. I admit I was afraid you would be in distress. I'm glad to see you've collected yourself."

"…More or less," he admitted. "Look, I know I lost, but I'm sure there's a task I can complete. I could infiltrate SOL again and-."

"That won't be necessary, Mr. Saiba," Jormungand interrupted. Yukaro's heart sank. "After all, you already completed the task we asked of you."

…What?

"What?" he said aloud.

"You were hired to duel Morningstar and his allies, not defeat them," Jormungand continued. "While winning would have been desirable, loss was also acceptable. You held up your end of our bargain, Mr. Saiba. So please rest assured I'll hold up my end."

"Y-You mean-?"

"I suggest you check your accounts."

Yukaro scrambled out of his chair and over to his laptop. He powered it up, impatiently tapped his knuckles against the table as it went through the startup process, and when it was done, he immediately opened a browser and checked his bank balance.

His eyes widened. "This… This is everything."

"Of course it is. I honor my agreements. Though I do have one request for you."

"What's that?"

"Tell me how his surgery goes." Yukaro could hear the smile on Jormungand's lips. "I believe I told you this before, but I hate seeing people die. Saving someone's life… it's the greatest feeling in the world."

"…Yeah. Yeah, I'll tell you," Yukaro promised. "Thank you, Jormungand. Thank you."

He ended the call and then immediately sought another number. It took him three tries to get the right speed dial, his hands were shaking so badly. But eventually he managed to get the right number.

"Hello?"

"Mom, it's me!"

"Yukaro?"

"Yeah! Listen, I know it's sudden, but I got the money we need. I can call the hospital and schedule the operation as soon as I hang up!"

"Yukaro…"

The young man blinked. That… that wasn't the tone he had been expecting. "What? What is it? Is something wrong?"

"We… We got a call from the hospital twenty minutes ago…"

---

Jormungand couldn't help but smile as Techbane ended the call. Ah, helping to save a life was truly a good feeling.

"You surprise me."

He raised an eyebrow and turned towards the window that had been open for his call. "Your predecessor would not have rewarded him for his failure." The voice was distorted obviously. And without a picture to attach to it.

Jormungand grimaced. "That man… was many things. A genius, to be certain, but also cruel and sadistic. I may have modeled my appearance after him, but I knew enough about him to know what behavior not to emulate." His grimace disappeared and was replaced by a look of curiosity. "And are you telling me you wouldn't have paid him? Forgive me, but that seems even more out of character for you than it would be for me."

The voice chuckled. "No, I would have paid him," they assured him. "He conducted himself with pride and honor. He performed above and beyond what was asked of him. But I do apologize; my comments were out of line."

"No. I understand why you made them." Jormungand turned back to look at the Arc's reactor. "Techbane's defeat is regrettable, but it was also expected. If things go the way I foresee, then this loss won't matter."

"Oh? You believe your plan will work?"

"Of course I do."

"And what gives you such confidence in this plan's success?"

Jormungand's smile widened with pride. "The fact that Zahhak is there. He'll win, and he'll fulfill the mission."

There wasn't even an ounce of doubt in his artificial heart. Zahhak would win. It wasn't a possibility, but an inevitability. A law of nature if you would.

"You put so much faith in that boy. He must be touched."

"You speak as though I am wrong to. Or that you are any different."

The voice chuckled again. "You have me there. So, when he succeeds, you'll have everything you need?"

Jormungand frowned. "Almost everything. The Gold Ignis is still eluding me. But she can't hide forever. Nor can she stop me anymore." He raised an eyebrow at the screen. "And what about you? Did you give my proposal any thought?"

"That I come to Japan to witness your triumph?" The voice hummed. "I'll admit the thought is… tempting. But I'm afraid my own work must take precedence. You understand of course."

"Of course," Jormungand agreed with a friendly smirk. "Though I'll admit to being disappointed. As unlikely as failure is, your presence would make it outright impossible, Seventh Anguis."

"I'm sure it would, Third Anguis," the voice agreed. "But you know that you won't gain anything from me fighting your battles for you. Still…"

"What is it?"

"Your confidence in Zahhak is well-earned, but I am still concerned. I know I cannot help you, but if you ask, I will lend you the Stahlritter."

Jormungand blinked. "Truly? I must admit, this is unexpected. Don't the Stahlritter only take orders from you?"

"They won't obey another Anguis," the voice confirmed. "But if I order them to, they'll follow your orders to the letter."

He hummed and put his hands behind his back. "I'll think about it," he finally said. "For now, I'll get back to the duels. I'm confident in Zahhak's success, but there's always the chance something unexpected could happen."

"I'm glad to see you aren't declaring victory before it's over," the voice said dryly. "Good luck, Jormungand."

"Thank you, Arianrhod."

The call ended at his words. Jormungand turned back to watch the duels, only to blink as an alert sounded.

"That sound is-." He quickly found the alert location and checked the cameras. When he saw what they showed, his nonexistent stomach dropped. "Oh dear…"

---

Morningstar vs. Techbane

This Duel is conducted as a Master Duel.

Turn 1: Morningstar

Since there are no monsters on the field, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Illusionist from his hand in Attack Position, but its ATK becomes 1800 (2400→1800/1000/6). As Illusionist was Special Summoned by its own effect, Morningstar can add 1 "Cyspirit" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Mausoleum to his hand. Morningstar activates the Field Spell Card Cyspirit Mausoleum. So long as Mausoleum is on the field, Morningstar's linked "Cyspirit" monsters are unaffected by Techbane's monster effects, and possession of his "Cyspirit" monsters cannot switch. Morningstar uses Illusionist to Link Summon Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller (500/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Morningstar's "Cyspirit" monster was sent to the GY as Link Material, Mausoleum's effect lets Morningstar draw 1 card. Morningstar activates Cacophonic Caller's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Cyspirit" monster from his Deck to its Link Marker in Attack Position, but that monster cannot attack and is destroyed during the End Phase. He Special Summons Cyspirit Teleporter (500/1500/3) to Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker. Morningstar uses Teleporter and Cacophonic Caller to Link Summon Cyspirit Jubilant Jester (1800/2/↙↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Morningstar Normal Summons Cyspirit Sorceress (1400/400/4). As Sorceress was Normal Summoned, Morningstar can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "Cyspirit" monster from his GY in Attack Position. He Special Summons Teleporter (500/1500/3). Morningstar uses Sorceress and Teleporter to Link Summon Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler (1600/2/←→) to Jubilant Jester's bottom-left Link Marker. As Jubilant Jester points to a monster, all of Morningstar's "Cyspirit" monsters gain 400 ATK/DEF (Jubilant Jester: 1800→2200) (Thrilled Tunneler: 1600→2000). Morningstar Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Techbane

Techbane draws. He activates the Continuous Spell Card Cyberdark World. As Cyberdark World was activated, Techbane can add 1 "Cyberdark" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Claw to his hand. Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark Claw in his hand, discarding it to add 1 "Cyberdark" Spell/Trap Card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Inferno to his hand. Techbane activates the Field Spell Card Cyberdark Inferno. While Inferno is on the field, Techbane's "Cyberdark" Effect Monsters equipped with an Equip Card cannot be targeted or destroyed by Morningstar's card effects. Techbane Normal Summons Cyberdark Keel (800/800/4). As Keel was Normal Summoned, Techbane can equip 1 Level 3 or lower Dragon monster in his GY to Keel and increase its ATK by that monster's original ATK. He equips Cyberdark Claw to Cyberdark Keel (Cyberdark Keel: 800→2400). Techbane activates the Spell Card Foolish Burial, which lets him send 1 monster from his Deck to the GY. He sends Cyberdark Cannon to the GY. Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark World to Normal Summon 1 "Cyberdark" monster. He Normal Summons Cyberdark Edge (800/800/4). As Cyberdark Edge was Normal Summoned, Techbane can equip 1 Level 3 or lower Dragon monster in his GY to Edge and increase its ATK by that monster's original ATK. He equips Cyberdark Cannon to Cyberdark Edge (Cyberdark Edge: 800→2400). Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark Inferno to target 1 "Cyberdark" monster he controls and return it to his hand, then Normal Summon 1 "Cyberdark" monster. He returns Cyberdark Edge to his hand, then Normal Summons Cyberdark Edge (800/800/4). As Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the GY while equipped to a monster, Techbane draws 1 card. As Cyberdark Edge was Normal Summoned, Techbane equips Cyberdark Cannon to it (Cyberdark Edge: 800→2400). Techbane uses Cyberdark Keel equipped with Cyberdark Claw to Link Summon Cyberdark Wyvern (1000/2/↙↘) to the Extra Monster Zone via its effect. As Cyberdark Claw was sent to the GY while equipped to a monster, Techbane can add 1 "Cyberdark" monster in his GY to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Keel to his hand. As Cyberdark Wyvern was Special Summoned, Techbane can equip 1 Dragon or Machine monster to it and increase its ATK by that monster's original ATK. He equips Cyberdark Claw to Cyberdark Wyvern (Cyberdark Wyvern: 1000→2600).

Cyberdark Wyvern attacks Thrilled Tunneler. As Techbane's monster attacked his "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar activates his Set Trap Card Cyspirit Illusion, which lets him excavate the top card of his Deck, and if that card is a "Cyspirit" monster, it is sent to the GY and Morningstar's "Cyspirit" monsters cannot be destroyed by battle for the rest of the turn. Otherwise, it is placed on the bottom of Morningstar's Deck. Morningstar excavates Cyspirit Nova and sends it to the GY. The attack continues but Thrilled Tunneler isn't destroyed (Morningstar: 4000→3400 LP). As the monster equipped with Cyberdark Claw battled, Techbane can send 1 monster from his Extra Deck to the GY. He sends Cyber End Dragon to the GY. Cyberdark Edge can attack directly, but if it does so, its ATK will be halved during damage calculation. Cyberdark Edge attacks Morningstar directly (Morningstar: 3400→2200 LP). As the monster equipped with Cyberdark Cannon battled, Techbane can send 1 monster from his Deck to the GY. He sends Cyber Dragon Herz to the GY. As Herz was sent to the GY, Techbane adds Cyber Dragon from his Deck to his hand. Techbane Sets 2 cards. He ends his turn. During the End Phase, as Cyberdark Wyvern is equipped with an Equip Card, Techbane can add 1 Dragon or Machine monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Horn to his hand.

Turn 3: Morningstar

Morningstar draws. He Normal Summons Cyspirit Dancer (1000→1400/200→600/2) to Thrilled Tunneler's left Link Marker. As Dancer was Normal Summoned and Morningstar controls a "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower "Cyspirit" monster from his hand or Deck in Attack Position with its effects negated. He Special Summons Cyspirit Kid (300→700/200→600/1) from his Deck to Thrilled Tunneler's right Link Marker. Techbane activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Cyberdark Invasion, which lets him activate 1 of 2 effects per turn. Techbane activates its 2nd effect to send 1 Equip Card he controls equipped to a Machine monster to the GY to destroy 1 card Morningstar controls. He sends Cyberdark Claw to the GY to destroy Thrilled Tunneler (Jubilant Jester: 2200→1800) (Dancer: 1400→1000/600→200) (Kid: 700→300/600→200) (Cyberdark Wyvern: 2600→1000). As Claw was sent to the GY while equipped to a monster, Techbane can add 1 "Cyberdark" monster in his GY to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Claw to his hand. Morningstar uses Dancer, Kid, and Link-2 Jubilant Jester to Link Summon Cyspirit Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl (2800/4/↙↖↗↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Morningstar used his "Cyspirit" monster to Link Summon, Cyspirit Mausoleum's effect lets him draw 1 card. As Dancer was used to Link Summon Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl, it gains 600 ATK (Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl: 2800→3400). As Kid was used to Link Summon a "Cyspirit" Link Monster, Morningstar can destroy 1 face-up card Techbane controls. He destroys Cyberdark Invasion. Morningstar activates the effect of Cyspirit Mausoleum, targeting Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl and treating it as pointing to a number of monsters equal to its Link Rating until his next Standby Phase. As he controls a 'Cyspirit' monster, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Jaeger (1700/900/4) in Attack Position. Morningstar activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Cyspirit Operation, which lets him add 1 Level 4 or lower "Cyspirit" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Linker to his hand. As he controls a "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Linker (1700/800/4) in Attack Position. Morningstar overlays the Level 4 Jaeger and Linker to Xyz Summon Cyspirit Martial Mameluke (2800/2300/4) to Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. As Martial Mameluke was Xyz Summoned using only "Cyspirit" monsters as material, Morningstar can return all cards in Techbane's Spell & Trap Zone to the owners' Decks. Techbane chains his Set Trap Card Cyberdark Resolution, which prevents him from taking battle damage for the rest of the turn as he controls a "Cyberdark" monster. Martial Mameluke's effect resolves, and Cyberdark Cannon and Cyberdark World are returned to Techbane's Deck (Cyberdark Edge: 2400→800).

Martial Mameluke attacks and destroys Cyberdark Edge, but Techbane takes no battle damage. Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl attacks and destroys Cyberdark Wyvern. As Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl attacked Techbane's monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, Techbane takes damage equal to Wyvern's original ATK (Techbane: 4000→3000 LP). Morningstar Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 4: Techbane

Techbane draws. As only Morningstar controls a monster, he Special Summons Cyber Dragon (2100/1600/5) in Attack Position. Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark Claw in his hand, discarding it to add 1 "Cyberdark" Spell/Trap Card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberdark World to his hand. Techbane activates the Continuous Spell Card Cyberdark World. As Cyberdark World was activated, Techbane can add 1 "Cyberdark" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Cannon to his hand. Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark Cannon in his hand, discarding it to add 1 Machine "Cyberdark" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Chimera to his hand. Techbane activates the Spell Card Cyber Revsystem, which lets him Special Summon 1 Cyber Dragon from his hand or GY. He Special Summons Cyber Dragon Herz, which is treated as Cyber Dragon while on the field or in the GY, (100/100/1) from his GY in Defense Position. Techbane uses Cyber Dragon and Herz to Link Summon Cyber Dragon Sieger (2100/2/←↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Herz was sent to the GY, Techbane adds Cyber Dragon from his Deck to his hand. Techbane Normal Summons Cyberdark Keel (800/800/4). As Cyberdark Keel was Normal Summoned, Techbane equips Cyberdark Cannon in his GY to it (Cyberdark Keel: 800→2400). Techbane activates Cyberdark Inferno's effect, returning Cyberdark Keel to his hand to Normal Summon Cyberdark Horn (800/800/4). As Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the GY while equipped to a monster, Techbane draws 1 card. As it was Normal Summoned, Cyberdark Horn's effect equips a Level 3 or lower Dragon monster from his GY to it and increases its ATK by that monster's original ATK. Techbane equips Cyberdark Claw to Cyberdark Horn (Cyberdark Horn: 800→2400). Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark World to Normal Summon 1 "Cyberdark" monster. He Normal Summons Cyberdark Keel (800/800/4). As Keel was Normal Summoned, Techbane equips Cyberdark Cannon to Keel (Keel: 800→2400). Techbane uses Cyberdark Horn equipped with Cyberdark Claw and Cyberdark Keel equipped with Cyberdark Cannon to Link Summon Cyberdarkness Wyvern (2000/4/←↙↘→) to Cyber Dragon Sieger's bottom Link Marker via its effect. As Cyberdark Cannon and Cyberdark Claw were sent to the GY while equipped to monsters, Techbane can draw 1 card and add 1 "Cyberdark" monster in his GY to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Edge to his hand. As Cyberdarkness Wyvern was Special Summoned, Techbane can equip 1 Dragon or Machine monster in his GY to it and increase its ATK by that monster's original ATK. Techbane equips Cyber End Dragon to Cyberdarkness Wyvern (Cyberdarkness Wyvern: 2000→6000). Morningstar activates his Set Trap Card Cyspirit Backup, which lets him return 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster in his GY to his Extra Deck, then Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" Link Monster with a lower Link Rating and treat it as a Link Summon. Morningstar returns Link-2 Jubilant Jester to his Extra Deck and Special Summons Cyspirit Youthful Yakuza (1000/1/↓) to Xenodochial Xuihcoatl's bottom-right Link Marker. As Youthful Yakuza was Link Summoned, Morningstar takes no damage for the rest of the turn. Techbane activates the Equip Spell Card Cyberdark Fangs, equipping it to Cyberdarkness Wyvern. While Cyberdark Fangs is equipped to Cyberdarkness Wyvern, it can attack all monsters Morningstar controls once each, and Techbane's other monsters can't attack directly.

As Cyberdarkness Wyvern is equipped with an Equip Card, Morningstar cannot activate cards or effects during the Battle Phase. Cyberdarkness Wyvern attacks and destroys Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl, but Morningstar takes no damage. Cyberdarkness Wyvern attacks and destroys Martial Mameluke. Cyberdarkness Wyvern attacks and destroys Youthful Yakuza. He activates Cyberdark Fangs' effect to target 1 Dragon or Machine monster in his or Morningstar's GY and equip it to Cyberdarkness Wyvern and increase its ATK by 1000. He equips Cyberdark Cannon to Cyberdarkness Wyvern (Cyberdarkness Wyvern: 6000→7000). Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark Resolution in his GY, banishing it to add 1 "Cyberdark" card from his Deck or GY to his hand. He adds Cyberdark Invasion from his GY to his hand. He Sets 2 cards. Techbane ends his turn.

Turn 5: Morningstar

Morningstar draws. As he controls no monsters and Techbane does, he Special Summons Cyspirit Swordsman (1200/900/3) in Attack Position. As Swordsman was Special Summoned by its effect, Morningstar can add 1 "Cyspirit" monster from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Acrobat to his hand. Morningstar activates the effect of Cyspirit Teleporter in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 1 Level 3 or lower "Cyspirit" monster from his GY. He Special Summons Cyspirit Kid (300/200/1) in Defense Position. Techbane activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Cyberdark Invasion, and activates its second effect to send the equipped Cyberdark Cannon to the GY to target and destroy Cyspirit Kid (Cyberdarkness Wyvern: 7000→6000). Morningstar chains the Quick-Play Spell Card Cyspirit Racket, which prevents his "Cyspirit" cards from being destroyed by battle or card effects for the rest of the turn. As the equipped Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the GY, Techbane draws 1 card. Morningstar uses Kid to Link Summon Cyspirit Egregious Electrician (600/1/↙) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Kid was used to Link Summon a "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar can target and destroy 1 face-up card Techbane controls. He destroys Cyberdark World. As Morningstar's "Cyspirit" monster was sent to the GY as Link Material, Cyspirit Mausoleum's effect lets him draw 1 card. Morningstar activates the effect of Cyspirit Racket in his GY, banishing it to target and return up to 3 "Cyspirit" monsters in his GY to his Deck. He returns Cacophonic Caller, Thrilled Tunneler, and Youthful Yakuza to his Extra Deck. Morningstar activates Egregious Electrician's effect to move Swordsman to a different Main Monster Zone and Special Summon 1 "Cyspirit" monster from his hand to its Link Marker. He moves Swordsman to his center-left Main Monster Zone and Special Summons Cyspirit Acrobat (1700/1400/5) to Egregious Electrician's Link Marker in Attack Position. As Acrobat was Special Summoned by a "Cyspirit" monster's effect, Morningstar can add 1 "Cyspirit" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Soulsword to his hand. Morningstar uses Egregious Electrician to Link Summon Cyspirit Cacophonic Caller (500/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. He activates Cacophonic Caller's effect to Special Summon Cyspirit Samurai (1800/1000/4) to its Link Marker in Attack Position. Morningstar uses Samurai and Swordsman to Link Summon Cyspirit Thrilled Tunneler (1600/2/←→) to Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker. Morningstar uses Acrobat to Link Summon Cyspirit Vivacious Vixen (1200/1/→) to Thrilled Tunneler's left Link Marker. As Vivacious Vixen was Link Summoned using a Level 5 or higher "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar can destroy 1 Spell/Trap Card on the field. Morningstar destroys Techbane's Set Call of the Haunted. Morningstar uses Vivacious Vixen and Link-2 Thrilled Tunneler to Link Summon Cyspirit Angelic Avenger (2700/3/←↑→) to Cacophonic Caller's Link Marker. As it points to 1 monster, Morningstar activates Angelic Avenger's effect to add 1 "Cyspirit" Spell/Trap Card in his GY to his hand. He adds Cyspirit Backup to his hand. Morningstar activates the effect of Cyspirit Mausoleum, targeting Angelic Avenger and treating it as pointing to 3 monsters until his next Standby Phase. As it is treated as pointing to 3 monsters, Morningstar activates Angelic Avenger's effect, returning all monsters at its Link Markers to the owners' hands, then negating the effects of all other Link Monsters on the field and making their ATK equal to their original ATK. Morningstar returns Cacophonic Caller to his Extra Deck and negates Cyber Dragon Sieger's and Cyberdarkness Wyvern's effects (Cyberdarkness Wyvern: 6000→2000). Morningstar activates the Equip Spell Card Cyspirit Soulsword, equipping it to Angelic Avenger. Angelic Avenger cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and if it attacks Techbane's Special Summoned monster, it gains ATK equal to its Link Rating x 200 until the end of the Damage Step. Morningstar activates the effect of Acrobat in his GY, banishing it and targeting Angelic Avenger. During each Battle Phase this turn, Angelic Avenger can attack all monsters Techbane controls once each.

Angelic Avenger attacks Sieger (Angelic Avenger: 2700→3300). Sieger is destroyed (Techbane: 3000→1800 LP) (Angelic Avenger: 3300→2700). Angelic Avenger attacks Cyberdarkness Wyvern (Angelic Avenger: 2700→3300). Cyberdarkness Wyvern is destroyed (Techbane: 1800→500 LP) (Angelic Avenger: 3300→2700). Morningstar Sets 2 cards. He ends his turn.

Turn 6: Techbane

Techbane draws. As only Morningstar controls a monster, he Special Summons Cyber Dragon (2100/1600/5) in Attack Position. Techbane Normal Summons Cyberdark Edge (800/800/4). As Cyberdark Edge was Normal Summoned, Techbane equips it with Cyberdark Cannon (Cyberdark Edge: 800→2400). Techbane activates Cyberdark Inferno's effect to return Cyberdark Edge to his hand and Normal Summon 1 "Cyberdark" monster. He Normal Summons Cyberdark Chimera (800/2100/4). As the equipped Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the GY, Techbane draws 1 card. Techbane activates Cyberdark Chimera's effect, discarding Extra-Foolish Burial to add Power Bond from his Deck to his hand, but he cannot use monsters to Fusion Summon, except Dragon or Machine "Cyber" monsters. Techbane activates the Spell Card Cyber Cloning, which lets him Tribute 1 Machine monster he controls to Special Summon 1 Machine monster from his GY with the same name, but that monster cannot attack this turn. He Tributes Cyber Dragon to Special Summon Cyber Dragon Sieger (2100/2/←↓), whose name is treated as Cyber Dragon while in the GY. Techbane activates the effect of Cyber Cloning in his GY, banishing it to take no effect damage for the rest of the turn. He activates the Spell Card Overload Fusion, which lets him Fusion Summon 1 Dark Machine Fusion Monster from his Extra Deck, by banishing Fusion Materials from his field or GY. He banishes Cyberdark Chimera from his field, and Cyberdark Horn, Cyberdark Keel, Cyberdark Wyvern, and Cyberdarkness Wyvern from his GY to Fusion Summon Cyberdarkness Dragon (2000/2000/10) to Cyber Dragon Sieger's left Link Marker in Attack Position. As Cyberdarkness Dragon was Special Summoned, Techbane can equip 1 Dragon or Machine monster in his GY to it and increase its ATK by that monster's original ATK. Techbane equips Cyber End Dragon to Cyberdarkness Dragon (Cyberdarkness Dragon: 2000→6000). Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark Invasion to target 1 "Cyberdark" Effect Monster he controls and equip 1 Dragon or Machine monster in his GY to it as an Equip Card that gives it 1000 ATK. He targets Cyberdarkness Dragon and equips Cyberdark Cannon to it (Cyberdarkness Dragon: 6000→7000). Techbane activates the Spell Card Power Bond, which lets him Fusion Summon 1 Machine Fusion Monster using monsters from his hand or field as material, but as Cyberdark Chimera's effect was activated this turn, he can also use monsters in his GY as Fusion Material by banishing them. Techbane uses Cyber Dragon Sieger on his field and banishes Cyber Dragon Herz and 2 Cyber Dragons from his GY to Fusion Summon Chimeratech Rampage Dragon (2100/1600/5) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Rampage Dragon was Fusion Summoned using Power Bond, it gains ATK equal to its original ATK (Rampage Dragon: 2100→4200). As Rampage Dragon was Fusion Summoned, Techbane can target and destroy Spell/Trap Cards on the field, up to the number of Fusion Materials used for its Fusion Summon. Techbane used 4 monsters, so he can target and destroy up to 4 cards. He targets Cyspirit Mausoleum, Cyspirit Soulsword, and Morningstar's 2 Set cards. Morningstar chains his Set Trap Card Cyspirit Backup, targeting Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl in his GY, but as Morningstar activated a card or effect, Techbane activates Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect to send Cyberdark Cannon to the GY to negate the activation of Cyspirit Backup and destroy it (Cyberdarkness Dragon: 7000→6000). Rampage Dragon's effect resolves and Cyspirit Mausoleum, Cyspirit Soulsword, and Morningstar's Set Broken Cyspirits. As the equipped Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the GY, Techbane draws 1 card. As Morningstar's "Cyspirit" card was destroyed and Angelic Avenger is treated as pointing to more than 2 monsters, Angelic Avenger inflicts 500 damage to Techbane, but Cyber Cloning's effect prevents Techbane from taking damage.

Cyberdarkness Dragon attacks Angelic Avenger. As his "Cyspirit" monster is battling Techbane's monster, Morningstar activates the effect of Broken Cyspirits in his GY, banishing it to gain LP equal to Cyberdarkness Dragon's ATK (Morningstar: 2200→8200 LP). The attack continues and Angelic Avenger is destroyed (Morningstar: 8200→4900 LP). Rampage Dragon attacks Morningstar directly (Morningstar: 4900→700 LP). At the end of the Battle Phase, as Morningstar controls no monsters, he draws 2 cards due to Broken Cyspirits' effect. Techbane Sets 1 card. He ends his turn. During the End Phase, Techbane would take damage due to Power Bond's effect, but takes no damage due to Cyber Cloning's effect.

Turn 7: Morningstar

Morningstar draws. Techbane activates the effect of Cyberdark Invasion, targeting Cyberdarkness Dragon and equipping Cyberdark Cannon to it (Cyberdarkness Dragon: 6000→7000). Morningstar Normal Summons Cyspirit Archer (1500/0/4). As he controls a "Cyspirit" monster, Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Navigator (1300/1100/3) in Attack Position. Morningstar activates Archer's effect to target 1 "Cyspirit" monster he controls to change that monster's Level to between 1 and 6 until the end of the turn. He targets Archer and changes it to Level 3 (Archer: 4→3). Morningstar overlays the Level 3 Archer and Navigator to Link Summon Cyspirit Polaris Pegasus (1800/900/3) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. Morningstar activates Polaris Pegasus's effect, detaching 1 Overlay Unit to target 1 face-up card Techbane controls and shuffle it into the owner's Deck (Polaris Pegasus: 2 OU→1 OU). Morningstar targets Cyber End Dragon, but Techbane activates Cyberdarkness Dragon's effect, sending the equipped Cyberdark Cannon to the GY to negate Polaris Pegasus's effect and destroy it. As the equipped Cyberdark Cannon was sent to the GY, Techbane draws 1 card. As the Xyz Summoned Polaris Pegasus was sent to the GY by Techbane's card, Morningstar can Special Summon up to 2 Level 4 or lower "Cyspirit" monsters from his GY in Defense Position with their effects negated. Morningstar Special Summons Cyspirit Sorceress (1400/400/4) and Cyspirit Jaeger (1700/900/4). Morningstar activates the Spell Card Cyspirit Recall, which lets him target and return up to 3 "Cyspirit" monsters in his GY to his Deck, and if he targets a "Cyspirit" Link Monster with this effect, Techbane cannot activate cards or effects in response to its activation. Morningstar targets and returns Cacophonic Caller, Angelic Avenger, and Martial Mameluke to his Extra Deck. As he has no cards in his hand, he then activates the effect of Cyspirit Recall in his GY, banishing it to add 1 "Cyspirit" card from his Deck to his hand. Morningstar adds Cyspirit Coating to his hand. Morningstar overlays the Level 4 Jaeger and Sorceress to Xyz Summon Cyspirit Martial Mameluke (2800/2300/4) to the Extra Monster Zone in Attack Position. As Martial Mameluke was Xyz Summoned using only "Cyspirit" monsters as material, Morningstar can return all cards in Techbane's Spell & Trap Zone to the owner's Decks. Techbane chains his Set Trap Card Cyberdark Infection, which lets him Tribute 1 "Cyberdark" monster he controls, and until the end of the turn, the effects of Morningstar's monsters are negated, also Morningstar's monsters cannot activate their effects for the rest of the turn. He Tributes Cyberdarkness Dragon, but Morningstar chains his Quick-Play Spell Card Cyspirit Coating, targeting Martial Mameluke. Until the end of the turn, Martial Mameluke is unaffected by Techbane's card effects. Cyberdark Infection resolves, but Martial Mameluke is unaffected. Martial Mameluke's effect resolves, returning Cyberdark Invasion to Techbane's Deck.

Martial Mameluke attacks Rampage Dragon. As it is attacking Techbane's Special Summoned monster, Martial Mameluke's effect activates, detaching 1 Overlay Unit to increase its ATK by Rampage Dragon's current ATK during damage calculation (Martial Mameluke: 2 OU→1 OU/2800→7000). The attack continues and Rampage Dragon is destroyed (Techbane: 500→0 LP). Morningstar wins.

---

Morningstar:

Cyspirit Acrobat
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1700 DEF 1400 Level: 5
If this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Cyspirit" card: You can add 1 "Cyspirit" card from your Deck to your hand. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Cyspirit" monster you control; during each Battle Phase this turn, that monster can attack all monsters your opponent controls, once each. You can only use each effect of "Cyspirit Acrobat" once per turn.

Cyspirit Polaris Pegasus (name credit to savagemaster1999)
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Xyz/Effect] ATK 1800 DEF 900 Rank: 3
2 Level Cyberse 3 monsters
You can detach 1 material from this card and target 1 face-up card your opponent controls; shuffle that card into the owner's Deck. If this Xyz Summoned card is sent from the field to the GY by your opponent's card: You can Special Summon up to 2 Level 4 or lower "Cyspirit" monsters from your GY in Defense Position with their effects negated. You can only use each effect of "Cyspirit Polaris Pegasus" once per turn.

Cyspirit Racket Quick-Play Spell Card
"Cyspirit" cards you control cannot be destroyed by battle or your opponent's card effects for the rest of the turn. You can banish this card from your GY and target up to 3 "Cyspirit" monsters in your GY; shuffle them into your Deck. You can only use each effect of "Cyspirit Racket" once per turn.

Broken Cyspirits Normal Trap Card
When your "Cyspirit" monster battles your opponent's monster: Gain LP equal to that monster's ATK, then at the end of the Battle Phase, if you control no monsters, draw 2 cards. Once per Duel, you can activate the above effect by banishing this card from your GY. You can only activate 1 "Broken Cyspirits" per turn.

Cyspirit Recall Normal Spell Card
Target up to 3 "Cyspirit" monsters in your GY; shuffle them into your Deck, and if you targeted a "Cyspirit" Link Monster with this effect, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects in response to the activation of this effect. If you have no cards in your hand, you can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "Cyspirit" card from your Deck to your hand. You can only use each effect of "Cyspirit Recall" once per turn.

Cyspirit Coating Quick-Play Spell Card
Target 1 "Cyspirit" monster you control; until the end of the turn, that monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can banish this card from your GY and target 1 "Cyspirit" monster you control; until the end of the turn, that monster is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can only use 1 effect of "Cyspirit Coating" per turn, and only once per turn.

Techbane:

Cyberdark Resolution Normal Trap Card
If you control a "Cyberdark" monster: For the rest of the turn, you take no battle damage. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "Cyberdark" card from your Deck or GY to your hand. You can only use 1 effect of "Cyberdark Resolution" per turn, and only once per turn.

Cyberdark Fangs Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a DARK Machine Fusion or Link Monster. During each Battle Phase, the equipped monster can attack all monsters your opponent controls, once each, also other monsters you control cannot attack directly. Once per turn: You can target 1 Dragon or Machine monster in either GY; equip that monster to the equipped monster as an Equip Spell Card that makes it gain 1000 ATK.

Cyber Cloning Normal Spell Card (name credit to Haoh Ryu Z-ARC)
Tribute 1 Machine monster you control; Special Summon 1 Machine monster from your GY with the same name as the Tributed monster. The monster Special Summoned by this effect cannot declare an attack for the rest of the turn. You can banish this card from your GY; you take no effect damage for the rest of the turn. You can only use each effect of "Cyber Cloning" once per turn.

Cyberdark Infection Normal Trap Card
Tribute 1 "Cyberdark" monster you control; until the 2nd Standby Phase after activation, negate the effects of all face-up monsters your opponent currently controls, also your opponent's monsters cannot activate their effects. You can only use 1 "Cyberdark Infection" per turn.

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Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 66 – Life of a Gunwoman. Three enemies have fallen, but five remain. Jester makes his way to his own opponent, and demonstrates the true power of a proper Enforcer…

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Question of the Chapter

Now that all of the support Cyspirit monsters have been revealed, which one is your favorite? Catastrophe Crocodile, Elegant Eagle, Polaris Pegasus, or Wandering Wolf?

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Author's Notes

Thank you to Haoh Ryu Z-ARC, SakushiRyu, and ThePLOThand for helping with the OC cards and the duel of this chapter.

Well, this was a long chapter to write. In this case, I kept getting distracted by other things, namely Naruto fanfiction and gacha hell. I'm pretty sure the former is healthier at least. Anyway, this chapter was Techbane's rematch with Morningstar, and while he ultimately did better than he did in their first duel, he still lost. This was partly because of his own mistakes, but also because he's still adjusting to using the Cyber Dragons and Cyberdark monsters in coordination. That's why he didn't use Cyberdark End Dragon. And besides… I need to save something in case Techbane returns for season 3, don't I?

That aside, we also had the introduction of Morningstar's last support monster, Polaris Pegasus. (Quick sidenote - While I was writing this chapter, I realized something amusing: Polaris Pegasus is the last support monster to be introduced, but it's the first one Ouroboros knows about; Wandering Wolf was used against Playmaker, Elegant Eagle against Diana, and Catastrophe Crocodile against Revolver, and Ouroboros knows nothing about those duels. I just thought that was funny.) We also got some more Cyspirit and Cyber cards aimed at utility and the return of Angelic Avenger, Vivacious Vixen, and Xenodochial Xiuhcoatl, which was fun.

Aside from the duel, the true focus of the duel was Techbane and Morningstar, and the differences and similarities between them as hunters. Techbane didn't tell Morningstar about his situation out of pride, which is something Morningstar understands. And even if he had told Morningstar, it wouldn't have changed the outcome, because Morningstar also has people depending on him and he can't let them down. But Morningstar still deduced that Techbane was fighting for someone else, which led to the comparison to Galahad as well. But unlike Galahad, Techbane has a more flexible moral core and got recruited by someone with far larger long-term goals than Terminus.

And while the duel ended in Techbane's loss, Jormungand still paid him. Someone suspected Ouroboros would hold the money over Techbane's head to make him comply, but I'll just say this: Jormungand isn't the kind of person to do that. He hired Techbane to duel, and he did, so he paid him what he was due. But it seems that Yukaro's problems are still ongoing…

Finally, at the end, we had a cameo from the Seventh Anguis. I'll cut off speculation right now: No, the Seventh Anguis won't be making an appearance in-person. Remember, Ouroboros is a global organization with global responsibilities, and the Seventh Anguis can't drop theirs to help out Jormungand. But that aside, this is also an early cameo to introduce the Stahlritter for season 3. And for Jormungand to get an alert and realize something is wrong with one of his Enforcers…

Thank you for reading Chapter 65 of Hidden Memories. I already said this when I posted Chapter 35 of Fifth Circuit, but I'll repeat it for anyone who doesn't read that story: I'll be taking an extended break from posting chapters so I can finish the duels of this arc and hopefully post the chapters faster. The next chapter won't appear until September, so please look forward to it!