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

77. Chapter 77: Hanoi's Steadfast Defense

Responses to Reviews

Thank you to LoneTaker, TheRealD3lph0xL0v3r, pokemonking0924, Dante687, LazinessRules, HunterHQ, kaisershadowhunter, ThePLOThand, SakushiRyu, Jason, SavageSoul, Noobmaster, donkeyboy100, TheBlazingButterfly777, Xxx, FlameFireZero X, Ethan Kironus, blizzardblaze174, and Unnamed for reviewing Chapter 76.

Quick note, Fanfiction dot net's notifications system doesn't appear to be working properly, so you might not get a notification when this chapter drops. That being said, the Fanfiction app does seem to be sending notifications properly, so if you don't have the Fanfiction app on your phone, I would recommend downloading it.

LoneTaker: Arianrhod in this fic is more of a background character, where she has a presence in the backgrounds of multiple characters but won't physically appear. Kind of like Dr. Weissmann but still alive. I already have enough characters to juggle going forward.

TheRealD3lph0Xl0v3r: Yes, Jormungand revived the deceased Ignis, but remember this: When he brought them back, they lost their memories. That is the only reason Aqua or Flame would go along with his plans. So while we will see the returned Ignis again, they may well be very different from how they were in season 2. Especially Lightning and Windy. Also, Thaumiel was killed by Tagoma, not Techbane.

ThePLOThand: No.

SakushiRyu: The name "Stahlritter" comes from the Trails Series. It translates to "Steel Knights" in German.

Noobmaster: Oh, there is a reason Ai and Goldie left a warning for Akira and gave him prep time. We'll find out what that reason was down the road.

Ethan Kironus: The only Fire Emblem game I've played is Three Houses, though I've seen clips of Awakening, Fates, and Engage on YouTube.

Unnamed: I touched on Go's recovery with Galahad and Persephone in Chapters 73 & 74, but I'm not familiar with physical therapy or other recovery methods like it, so I didn't know what to show.

Thank you once again for reading Hidden Memories. I hope you enjoy Chapter 77!

---

Chapter 77: Hanoi's Steadfast Defense

Morningstar's and Playmaker's Duel Disks fall in a black abyss, trailing starlight. They then explode into cards, with Cyspirit Rapid Revolutionary and Decode Talker swiping across the screen. It changes to show an open sky and grassy field, where Yusaku, Yasutake, Takeru, Sachi, Aoi, Masako, Ryoken, Kenshin, Kusanagi, Cam, Akira, Go, Takeshi, Katsumi, Emma, and Kenjo stand. In a sweep of grass, it changes to show a stormy sky, under which Playmaker, Cassiel, Soulburner, Blue Maiden, Lilith, Revolver, and Terminus stand. The title "Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories" above them.

Yasutake is walking slowly across a bridge, a morose look on his face. Zahhak's unmasked face appears above him, looking off into the distance. He then turns his head to look down at Yasutake, his expression blank.

Under a black-and-green digital sky, Cypher leans on a balcony, a sad smile on his face as his amber eyes look out behind black-framed glasses. He pushes himself off from the balcony, showing an open door behind him where five shadows stand, one larger than the others and another distinctly feminine.

Yusaku stands at a street corner in the rain, his eyes closed as the rain washes over him. Behind him and facing the other way, the human Ai runs a hand through his hair, a conflicted expression on his face. Sachi sits underneath an umbrella at a café, sipping coffee and reading on her tablet. Around the corner, Goldie watches her sadly before closing her eyes and turning away.

Akira and Aoi walk out of a hospital, while Takeshi and Persephone walk past them, Takeshi's brother Eiji between them, all three of them laughing. The interior of Café Junpei is then shown, Emily Garcia sitting at a table with Cam, both smiling. At a separate table, Shizuka Midori sips her coffee while a reflection of Sylphid winks in the window.

Masako Himura and Kenshin Hirai stand in front of two graves, their expressions grim. They then switch to Lilith and Terminus, with Magical Musket Mastermind Zakiel standing behind Lilith and Subterror Behemoth Fiendess standing behind Terminus. The four then part, revealing Revolver, who raises his hand and unveils Borrelend Dragon, all three heads roaring.

Jormungand stands in the center of the Ark, the reactor behind him. He pushes his glasses up, the lenses showing Jester and Zahhak. It then cuts to Merlin, Techbane, Chimera, and Erebus. Behind them, Witchcracter Golem Aruru, Cyber End Dragon, a violet-skinned humanoid in gray armor, and another humanoid with a dragonhead attached to its chest and left arm, stand. The scene switches to Athena, Parvati, and Sakuya, and behind them stand an armored knight wielding two swords, a red-armored knight wielding a single sword, and a blue armored knight with an elaborate lance propped on his shoulder.

Roboppi speeds by on their D-Board, Appliancers Laundry Dragon and Propelion behind them. Diana and Sylphid follow, VirtuaBeast Cryptograph Chimera and Dragunity Knight – Vajrayana at their sides. Ai and Goldie are then shown, back-to-back, a wild smile on Ai's face and a stoic, determined look in Goldie's eyes. Dark Templar AtIgnister and Holozoic Apex Beast – Ancient Ankylosaurus rise behind them. A blade then parts the screen, showing Ghost Girl and Blood Shepherd with Altergeist Memorygant and Battledrone General. They fly away, showing Go Onizuka, Galahad, and Persephone with Gouki The Powerload Ogre, Gaia the Magical Knight of Dragons, and Malacoda, Netherlord of the Burning Abyss at their sides.

The screen cuts to Akira and Blue Maiden side by side, Marincess Great Bubble Reef and Tindangle Acute Cerberus launching attacks and causing an explosion. The smoke fades, revealing Playmaker and Soulburner, Cyberse Clock Dragon and Salamangreat Violet Chimera at their sides. Cassiel then steps forward and holds up a card, with Cyseraph Guardian Michael forming behind her. The three duelists share determined looks, then cut to Yasutake Narahiko looking dejected opposite Cypher, who has a melancholic smile. Cypher turns to the camera and winks, a hand raised in greeting.

---

December 28th, Evening…

"So it is four against seventeen."

"Were it any other opponent, I would say this is overkill." Jormungand frowned at the screen. "But against Goldie and Ai, it might not be enough."

Zahhak tilted his head. "You believe they will get past Playmaker, Revolver, Cassiel, and Soulburner?"

"Ai knows their skill levels better than anyone; he would not attack unless he had a way to distract them."

"Hmm." Zahhak gazed at the screens showing the Ignis's battle with Akira's allies. Then he looked at a different screen. One of a hot dog truck outside a café. "Café Nagi is parked outside Café Junpei. Though it seems Playmaker, Soulburner, and Kusanagi are inside their truck instead of the building."

"Little reason to not use Café Nagi's facilities," Jormungand replied without looking. "What about Yasutake Narahiko and Cameron Junpei?"

"They were last seen inside Café Junpei." Zahhak glanced at the Third Anguis. "Is it still necessary to maintain surveillance of them? Ai and Goldie have reappeared now."

"It pays to be cautious; I'll maintain surveillance on them until the Final Ascension Plan is complete."

"Hmm."

After Jormungand had regained his full power, finding Morningstar's and Playmaker's real identities had been a simple matter. Establishing automated surveillance on them in case the Dark Ignis returned to them had been just as easy.

And while Jester had suggested going after them in real life to prevent future interference, Jormungand had shot him down immediately. As far as he was concerned, Playmaker and his friends were not enemies; they were human after all, so it was Jormungand's duty to save them along with the rest of humanity. And since Jormungand had ordered it, Jester had obeyed. The Enforcer might be ruthless, but he would never disobey a direct order.

That and Zahhak made him well aware what would happen to him should he go after Zahhak's little brother again. Ruthless and sadistic Jester may be, but he was not suicidal.

Noting the tone of Zahhak's grunt, Jormungand glanced at the Enforcer and raised an eyebrow. "You seem displeased. I thought you were in favor of leaving them be."

"I am. My thoughts on that matter have not changed."

"Then what is bothering you?"

"…Did you really have to hire him?" Zahhak finally asked. "He is the most useless person I have ever had the misfortune of meeting."

"Ah. That." Jormungand smiled in amusement. "I will admit that when it comes to competency, he is… lacking compared to yourself and the others. But he did discover us on his own and he is very motivated to prove himself. Also, I needed a human to test out the Archaism Deck. To see whether the human mind can notice something an AI would miss."

"He didn't discover Ouroboros; he stumbled into finding us," Zahhak said dismissively. "And do you actually believe you'll get actionable data from him?"

The Third Anguis shrugged. "Perhaps, or perhaps not. Either way, he is here, and it would be a mistake not to make use of him. And if you're worried about actionable data, don't be." Jormungand's smile widened. "I had a discussion with HK, and he was rather eager to test out an idea Cypher gave me. Should things go the way we don't want, HK will provide me plenty of data."

Zahhak sighed deeply. "I hope you are not making a mistake. Because if you are, chances are I'll be the one cleaning up the mess."

---

"It's seventeen opponents," Roboppi noted, looking at the screen on Ai's Duel Disk. "Will we be okay? I'm losing confidence."

Ai hummed. "Everyone does have higher ratings than you."

"Ratings?" Roboppi repeated. Goldie and Diana looked over with raised eyebrows.

Ai raised his right hand in a lecturing pose. "You may not know this, but duelists have ratings." He showed Roboppi the screen on his Duel Disk, which displayed a pyramid. "They're around here." The three Hanoi lieutenants and Spectre were at the bottom of the pyramid, while Revolver, Soulburner, Cassiel, and Diana were at the top. Everyone else was between them.

"Huh? Playmaker and Morningstar aren't there," Roboppi noticed.

"Those two are around here." The screen panned down to show the two duelists underneath the pyramid."

"Eh? They're down there!?"

"They only looked strong because Cypher and I were with them," Ai explained.

"I'll tell Playmaker you said that should we meet," Goldie snarked. "So where are you and I in this diagram?"

"Right here." The screen panned up to show clouds above the pyramid, where Ai and Goldie were.

"That high?" Roboppi questioned.

"We're on a different level than them," Ai boasted.

"Goldie is," Diana agreed. "You? Mmmm…" Ai gave her an annoyed glare.

"Certain placements can be argued, but that graph is mostly accurate," Goldie said. "However, I noticed that Roboppi isn't in that graph."

Roboppi blinked. "That's right! Where am I?"

It panned down to show that Roboppi was way below Playmaker. "Here."

"What!?" Roboppi protested. "That low!?"

"Of course. You have no dueling history. Do you want to raise your rating?"

"I do!"

"Then you're lucky. There are many powerful opponents today to gain experience points. If you work hard, you can rise quickly."

"Is that true? I'm getting inspired!"

"We're counting on you doing your part, Roboppi," Goldie assured them. "Let's begin!"

"Right!"

---

A map of the area showed a signal approaching the outer perimeter. "They're coming!" Kusanagi reported.

"Playmaker, Soulburner!" Akira said. "Revolver, Cassiel! I'm counting on you!"

"Roger!"

Cam blinked as the signal split. "The signal's split into four!"

"It doesn't matter," Revolver dismissed. "Even if Diana is human, I'll show her no mercy for helping the Ignis!"

Cassiel frowned at that but said nothing as the quartet split up. Then her eyes widened as a D-Board approached her. She locked eyes with the girl riding it.

"I found Goldie!" she declared.

"Cassiel," the Gold Ignis said, her yellow eyes narrowing. "I suspected Zaizen would turn to you for help."

"Why are you doing this, Goldie?" Cassiel demanded. "The last time we met, you said your enemy was Ouroboros. Not SOL or humanity!"

"That remains the case," Goldie said. "But my previous methods bore no fruit beyond the deaths of my kin. I cannot repeat my mistakes. So if I must make an enemy of SOL to achieve my goal, then I will do so."

"You don't have to do that!" Cassiel assured her. "We can find another way together!"

"Perhaps. But it is too late for that."

"What!?" Cassiel blinked at Cam's voice in her ear. "There's two Ais and two Goldies!"

"Two Ais and Goldies?" She repeated.

"I admit, I wasn't certain you would be here," the Goldie who appeared in front of Revolver said. "For you to be willing to work with SOL Technologies… you must really hate us to do that."

Revolver narrowed his eyes. "It is my destiny to erase the Ignis. I won't run from that."

"Destiny is a word used by those afraid to change their fate," Goldie replied.

"Which one's the real one?" Kusanagi wondered.

"They need to check," Akira decided. "Playmaker, Soulburner, Revolver, and Cassiel!"

Cassiel narrowed her eyes. She had a feeling it would come to this. "I know. Goldie, I can't let you go any further! I'll stop you and save you!"

"You are welcome to try, Cassiel!" Goldie countered.

"Duel!"

Goldie: 4000 LP

Cassiel: 4000 LP

Goldie: 4000 LP

Revolver: 4000 LP

"I'll go first," Goldie said. "My turn! I activate the Field Spell Card: Holozoic World! While this card is on the field, my 'Holozoic' monsters cannot be banished or destroyed by my opponent's card effects. And when there is a card in the Field Zone, I can Special Summon Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus!" A baby dinosaur with bright orange skin and dark yellow splotches appeared in Attack Position. It stood on four legs, with a stubby tail and a small head on the end of a long neck, with glowing spines on its back. A golden eight-pointed star with a smaller star inside it was on its forehead.

Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus ATK 1200 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit that evolves reality! The summoning condition is a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Algorithmic Apatosaurus in the Link Marker!" The tiny dinosaur entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Holozoic Beast – Terabyte Triceratops!" A baby gold triceratops with silver horns and toes emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Holozoic Beast – Terabyte Triceratops ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"When Algorithmic Apatosaurus is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I add a 'Holozoic' monster from my Deck to my hand, and when Terabyte Triceratops is Link Summoned, I add a 'Holozoic' card from my Deck to my hand." Goldie took two cards from her Deck. "I summon Holozoic Beast – Abstract Allosaurus!" Another orange baby dinosaur, one standing on two legs, appeared and roared.

Holozoic Beast – Abstract Allosaurus ATK 800 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Abstract Allosaurus's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I discard Holozoic Beast – Datalink Dimorphodon to add a 'Holozoic' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand. And when Datalink Dimorphodon is sent from my hand to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon it!" A green avian baby dinosaur appeared in Attack Position.

Holozoic Beast – Datalink Dimorphodon ATK 900 DEF 700 LVL: 4

"Appear again, the circuit that evolves reality! The summoning conditions are two or more Cyberse monsters. I set Abstract Allosaurus, Datalink Dimorphodon, and Terabyte Triceratops in the Link Markers!" The three monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Ancient life! Be reborn through the network and evolve to save the world! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Holozoic Apex Beast – Ancient Ankylosaurus!" A dark gold quadrupedal dinosaur with armored spikes on its back and a club at the end of its tail emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone and roared.

Holozoic Apex Beast – Ancient Ankylosaurus ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"What's this?" Akira gasped. The Ais facing Playmaker and Soulburner had summoned the same monster – AtIgnister Fire Phoenix – and the Goldies facing Cassiel and Revolver had both summoned the same monster as well.

"They're all doing the exact same duel!" Blue Maiden exclaimed.

"What?" Revolver said.

"Ancient Ankylosaurus cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects once per turn," Goldie said. "And while it is on my field, my other 'Holozoic' monsters cannot be targeted for attacks or with card effects." She gestured to her field. "When Abstract Allosaurus is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I add a 'Holozoic' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand, and when Terabyte Triceratops is used to Link Summon, I Special Summon a different 'Holozoic Beast' monster from my Graveyard. Resurrect, Algorithmic Apatosaurus!" The orange four-legged baby dinosaur reappeared in Defense Position.

Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus ATK 1200 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"I activate the Spell Card: Holozoic Nest!" The card showed a small crater, with several large eggs within it. Some of the eggs were cracking, and one had a hole that exposed a pair of red eyes. "When I control a 'Holozoic' Link Monster, I Special Summon two Holozoic Tokens in Defense Position!" Two cracked brown eggs appeared in Defense Position, with red eyes gleaming out of the cracks.

Holozoic Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"After Holozoic Nest is used, I can only Special Summon from the Extra Deck once. For a third time, the circuit that evolves reality! The summoning conditions are three monsters, including a 'Holozoic' monster. I set Algorithmic Apatosaurus and 2 Holozoic Tokens in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the left, top, and right arrows. "Power of darkness! Evolve through the network and bring salvation! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Holozoic Apex Beast – Shadow Stegosaurus!" Another quadrupedal dinosaur emerged from the Link portal at Ancient Ankylosaurus's bottom Link Marker. This one had dark violet skin with pink lines running up and down its body, with the Holozoic symbol on its forehead. It had pink pentagon-shaped glowing plates on its spine, with four spikes of the same material at the end of its tail. The dinosaur's yellow eyes glowed as it roared.

Holozoic Apex Beast – Shadow Stegosaurus ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↑→

"While Shadow Stegosaurus is co-linked, it can negate the activation of a Link Monster's effect. In addition, it prevents my 'Holozoic' monsters from being targeted by my opponent's card effects. I activate the Continuous Spell Card: Holozoic Enclosure!" Cassiel and Revolver gasped as energy chains formed around them and their opponents. "When this card is activated, I place counters on it equal to the total Link Ratings of my 'Holozoic Apex Beast' monsters."

Holozoic Enclosure: 0 C→6 C

"While Holozoic Enclosure has counters on it, it cannot be targeted or destroyed by my opponent's card effects, and no players can declare attacks or take effect damage. But during the End Phase, I remove one counter from it. I end my turn."

Holozoic Enclosure: 6 C→5 C

"A lockdown strategy?" Cassiel questioned.

"Why would…?" Revolver's eyes widened. "Your goal is to stall us!"

Terminus's eye widened. "None of them are the real Dark or Gold Ignis!" he realized. "They're all copies!"

"That's right," Cassiel's Goldie confirmed. "We're copies meant to act as decoys."

---

"A clever strategy," Merlin praised. "Using copies to tie down the strongest duelists so the originals can take out the weaker duelists."

Techbane frowned. He and Merlin were watching the Ignis's battle with Zaizen's allies from the Ark. The other Ouroboros members were also watching from other areas of the Ark.

"But what's the point of this battle?" the former bounty hunter wondered. "If Goldie and Ai know that Jormungand is the Kings, then why not tell Cassiel and Playmaker? They have to know the latter would support them."

"The Gold Ignis appeared before Morningstar during the Ignis War, but didn't tell him about Jormungand's existence," Merlin recalled. "The Third Anguis believes Goldie's reluctance to share information to be her idea of protecting her origin from harm."

"That's worked out well for her," Techbane snarked. He crossed his arms and frowned. "Do you think they'll reach Zaizen?"

"With Playmaker, Cassiel, Revolver, and Soulburner locked down, their chances went up significantly. Their copies just need to stall them until all the other duelists are defeated." Merlin tilted his head and looked at his newest protégé. "But there's something else on your mind," he noticed. "A question you want to ask?"

"…Yes," Techbane admitted. "It's something I've been wondering since I met the Stahlritter; they said Arianrhod is the strongest Anguis. If she's so strong, why hasn't Jormungand asked her to come here?"

Merlin hummed. "Part of it is protocol; Anguis aren't supposed to interfere with each other's work unless ordered to by the Grandmaster, though how closely they follow that directive varies among the Anguis. But most of it is because Arianrhod has her own plans and work in North America, and she isn't the kind to dump her work on others. Even sending the Stahlritter here at all is unusual for her to do; that tells you how much she values her friendship with Jormungand."

Or perhaps she heard Diana is here and she sent the Stahlritter to bring her back, Merlin thought. But he wouldn't say that to Techbane; the former Enforcer's relationship with the Seventh Anguis and the Stahlritter was their business, not his.

Techbane frowned. "Okay, I can understand that. But I was curious about something; what did Athena mean when she said Zahhak's and Arianrhod's duel didn't finish? Were they interrupted?"

"…In a sense," Merlin admitted. He sighed. "This is personal for Zahhak, but I suppose there is little harm in you knowing. Eight years ago, Zahhak was involved in an experiment that had detrimental effects on his health. Jormungand has done what he can, but medication and treatment can't undo the damage done."

"What kind of damage?"

"His heart," Merlin answered. "It was damaged to the point he needs to take medication to avoid being bedridden."

Behind his visor, Techbane's eyes widened. "You mean he defeated Morningstar twice, defeated Persephone and Terminus, and drew with Playmaker and Revolver… all while sick?"

Merlin chuckled. "Yes. To be fair though, his condition does not affect his ability to do his job. Most of the time." He frowned. "The medicine he takes minimizes the effects, but there are limits. If he gets too excited, the medicine can get overpowered."

"…That's what happened with Arianrhod?"

Merlin nodded. "They dueled, and Zahhak got so excited at the prospect of the challenge in front of him that he suffered a heart attack. He survived obviously, but the Grandmaster themselves had to forbid Zahhak and Arianrhod from dueling again for his safety."

The Seventh Anguis pushed Zahhak to the point he had a heart attack out of sheer excitement, Techbane thought. Not even Playmaker and Revolver together could do that… What kind of monster is that woman? With thoughts like that, Techbane turned back to watch the Ignis fight their former allies.

---

Ai smirked at the man across from him. "Looks like you're up first."

"It does," Dr. Genome agreed. "I'm looking forward to seeing how your DNA has evolved since the last time I saw you, Dark Ignis."

"Duel!"

Ai: 4000 LP

Dr. Genome: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn. I activate the Field Spell Card: Helixx Laboratory!" The card showed a lab with two water tanks, one holding Helixx Marmotroll and the other holding Helixx Gothiclone. "When this card is activated, I add a 'Helixx' card from my Deck to my hand." Genome took the card from his Deck, then revealed it. "Since there are no monsters on the field, I discard Helixx Hydrochogre to Normal Summon Helixx Marmotroll without Tributing." A green ogre with dark yellow armor wielding a club appeared.

Helixx Marmotroll ATK 2600 DEF 0 LVL: 5

"I activate Helixx Laboratory's effect! By discarding my second Marmotroll, I can Special Summon a Helixx Token!" A black egg with a violet symbol on it and two tentacles emerging from it appeared in Defense Position.

Helixx Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Appear, our future circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'Helixx' monsters. I set Marmotroll and Helixx Token in the Link Markers!" The two monsters entered the top and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Helixx Gothiclone!" A bipedal monster with a ram's head emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Helixx Gothiclone ATK 0 LINK-2 ↑↓

Ai smirked. "You used that monster against Go Onizuka," he remembered. "It can't be destroyed by battle once per turn and Tributes a monster to inflict effect damage."

"I'm glad to see you remember my cards," Genome said. "But since then, my own dueling has evolved. I activate the Spell Card: Graveyard Incubation! I Special Summon two 'Helixx' monsters from my Graveyard with the same name, but their attack and defense points become 0, their effects are negated, they cannot attack or be Tributed, and they can only be used as Link Material for a 'Helixx' monster. Come, two Helixx Marmotrolls!" Two copies of the green ogre appeared in Attack Position.

Helixx Marmotroll ATK 2600→0 DEF 0 LVL: 5 x 2

"Appear again, our future circuit! The summoning conditions are two 'Helixx' monsters. I set two Marmotrolls in the Link Markers!" The two monsters entered the left and top arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! Helixx Necro Darwin!" An avian monster with a pink body, a silver metallic head and neck, and a gray crest on its chest emerged from the portal at Gothiclone's bottom Link Marker.

Helixx Necro Darwin ATK 1800 LINK-2 ←↑

"And that monster can prevent effect damage," Ai recalled. "But I fail to see how this is evolution; you're using the same monsters you used before."

"Perhaps I am," Dr. Genome allowed. "But while Helixx Laboratory is on the field, my 'Helixx' monsters cannot be targeted by your card effects."

Ai blinked and then smirked in realization. "Ah, that's right; Go defeated you by targeting your monsters and negating their effects. So now you've covered that weakness."

"That's right. I end my turn. So now it's your turn to show off your evolution, Dark Ignis."

"My pleasure! My turn! Draw! I summon Pikari AtIgnister!" A small yellow blob with a pointed white hat appeared.

Pikari AtIgnister ATK 1200 DEF 600 LVL: 4

"Pikari's monster effect! When it is Summoned, I add Ignister A.I. Land from my Deck to my hand. I activate the Field Spell Card: Ignister A.I. Land!" Ai raised his hand. "Appear, the circuit that guides the dark! The summoning condition is a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Pikari in the Link Marker!" The monster entered the bottom-left arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Linguriboh!" A black version of Linkuriboh with narrowed eyes emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Linguriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

Dr. Genome smirked. "I figured you would Link Summon as soon as possible. Which is why I prepared this! I activate the effect of Helixx Hydrochoogre in my Graveyard and banish it!" A beige-skinned muscular humanoid wearing a brown rodent's skin over its shoulders and head briefly appeared. It then broke into particles of light, and those particles covered Gothiclone and Necro Darwin. "When you Special Summon a Link Monster, I can banish Hydrochogre. And for the rest of the turn, I take no battle damage from battles involving my 'Helixx' monsters."

"I see," Ai mused. "Necro Darwin prevents effect damage, so even if I come up with a way to negate Gothiclone's effect, you won't take battle damage."

"That's right," Dr. Genom said smugly. "Can you break through this formation, Dark Ignis?"

"Easily," Ai said happily. "I activate AtIgnister A.I. Land's effect! Since I have no monsters in the Main Monster Zone, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'AtIgnister' monster from my hand. Come, Doyon AtIgnister!" A purple blob with yellow and pink markings appeared in Attack Position.

Doyon AtIgnister ATK 400 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Doyon's monster effect! When it is Summoned, I target and add an 'AtIgnister' monster in my Graveyard to my hand. I'll return Pikari to my hand. And since I control an 'AtIgnister' monster in the Main Monster Zone, I can Special Summon Doshin AtIgnister!" A yellow monster made of three blocks with thin arms appeared in Attack Position.

Doshin AtIgnister ATK 100 DEF 800 LVL: 1

"Appear, the circuit that guides the dark! The summoning conditions are three Cyberse monsters, including a Dark monster. I set Doshin, Doyon, and Linguriboh in the Link Markers!" The three monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "The creation of dark shadows! The wisdom of dark night scatters throughout the world! Gathers in my hand to become the power of rising vigor! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Dark Templar AtIgnister!" A humanoid in violet armor with wings on its back and spikes on its shoulders and kneecaps emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone, swinging a greatsword in its right hand.

Dark Templar AtIgnister ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"I activate Ignister A.I. Land's effect to Special Summon Pikari!" The yellow blob reappeared at Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position.

Pikari AtIgnister ATK 1200 DEF 600 LVL: 4

"Dark Templar's monster effect! When a monster is Special Summoned to Dark Templar's Link Marker, I can Special Summon any number of different Level 4 or lower 'AtIgnister' monsters from my Graveyard to Dark Templar's Link Markers with their effects negated. Resurrect, Doyon!" The purple blob reappeared at Dark Templar's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position.

Doyon AtIgnister ATK 400 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Since I have a monster Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I can Special Summon Fuwafuwa AtIgnister!" A silver blob with three tails appeared in Attack Position. It had black and yellow lines over its body, and the AtIgnister crest was on top of its body.

Fuwafuwa AtIgnister ATK 600 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit that guides the dark! The summoning conditions are two or more Dark, Fire, and/or Light monsters. I set Doyon, Fuwafuwa, and Pikari in the Link Markers!" The three monsters entered the bottom-left, top, and bottom arrows. "The silver bullet! Bring forth renewal through the power of destruction! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Silver Desperado AtIgnister!" The monster that emerged at Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker was a humanoid monster with black skin and dark silver armor covering its legs, chest, and stomach. Above its armor it wore a light silver trench coat with padded shoulders. It had a pair of wings with black-and-silver spines and white membranes, similar to Dark Templar's, and the AtIgnister symbol was emblazoned on the left side of its chest. Its head was covered by a dark silver cowboy hat, and when it raised its head, it revealed red-and-blue eyes. It wielded two black-and-dark silver long pistols in its hands.

Silver Desperado AtIgnister ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↓

Dr. Genome narrowed his eye. "Dark Templar… and Silver Desperado. Master Revolver, it seems the Dark Ignis's monsters are based on the other Ignis."

"Not just his," Revolver replied, glaring at Shadow Stegosaurus. "The Gold Ignis's are as well."

"Silver Desperado's monster effect! Once per turn, I target and Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'AtIgnister' monster from my Graveyard in Defense Position, but only Cyberse monsters can declare an attack this turn. Resurrect, Fuwafuwa!" The silver blob reappeared.

Fuwafuwa AtIgnister ATK 600 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Battle! Silver Desperado attacks Gothiclone!"

Dr. Genome smirked as the Link Monster raised its pistols. "Have you forgotten already? Gothiclone can not only prevent its own destruction by battle once per turn, but it also makes its attack points equal to the monster it's battling!"

"I didn't forget," Ai replied. "But there's more than one way to defeat your monsters. Silver Desperado's additional effect! At the start of the Damage Step, when it is co-linked and it battles your monster, I can return that monster to your hand!"

Dr. Genome's eye widened. "What?"

"Not only that, but Silver Desperado also inflicts damage equal to its original attack points!"

The Hanoi lieutenant grit his teeth and gestured to his field. "Necro Darwin's monster effect! When you activate a card or effect that would inflict damage, Necro Darwin makes that damage 0 and makes its attack points double its original attack points until the end of the turn!"

"That won't happen either," Ai said cheerily. "Fuwafuwa's monster effect! When you activate a monster effect while I control an 'AtIgnister' Link Monster, I Tribute Fuwafuwa!" The silver blob disintegrated. "Necro Darwin's effects are negated, and then one 'AtIgnister' monster I control can make an additional attack during each Battle Phase this turn!"

Dr. Genome grimaced as Necro Darwin slumped over. "The monster that will be attacking again is Silver Desperado. But first its current attack must occur! Go, Silver Desperado! Return Gothiclone to Genome's Extra Deck and inflict damage!" The Link Monster charged a ball of yellow energy and then fired it. The ball tore through Gothiclone, then struck Dr. Genome, making him cry out.

Dr. Genome: 4000→1700 LP

"Silver Desperado can now attack again! But it can only return a monster to the Extra Deck once per turn. Silver Desperado attacks Necro Darwin!" The Link Monster fired a volley of yellow bullets at Genome's second Link Monster, destroying it.

"Due to Hydrochogre's effect, I take no damage from battles involving my 'Helixx' monsters!" Dr. Genome reminded Ai.

"That's true," Ai agreed. "But it doesn't stop damage from direct attacks! Dark Templar attacks you directly!" Ai's second Link Monster roared and charged Dr. Genome, swinging its sword down. The doctor cried out as he was knocked off his D-Board.

Dr. Genome: 1700→0 LP

"He defeated me in a single turn," Dr. Genome muttered. "I'm sorry, Master Revolver…" The man broke apart as his consciousness data was absorbed.

Ai's expression didn't change, but on the inside, he was grimacing. Oh, I hope they're willing to forgive us for this when this is over. Then he blinked as a new opponent approached. "Oh! I was hoping it would be you!"

Spectre smirked at the Dark Ignis's words.

---

Diana looked at the woman across from her. "Baira of the Knights of Hanoi," she recalled. "The creator of the Another virus. And the one who ended it."

"I did do that," Baira remembered. "And you are a former Enforcer of Ouroboros. Working with the Dark and Gold Ignis to take control of SOL."

"Those are true as well."

"Why?" Baira demanded, her visible eye narrowed. "Why would a human work with an AI against her fellow humans?"

"Because Goldie and I share a belief. A belief that requires SOL Technologies to come true." Diana raised her Duel Disk. "I harbor no ill will for you or the Knights of Hanoi, but I will do what I must to achieve my goals."

"In that sense, we are the same." Baira raised her own Duel Disk.

"Duel!"

Diana: 4000 LP

Baira: 4000 LP

"I'll take the first turn!" Baira declared. "I activate the Field Spell Card: Dark Mummy Tomb!" The card showed the interior of a mausoleum, where various blue-skinned humanoids covered in bandages were shambling around. "When this card is activated, I add a 'Dark Mummy' monster or a 'Virus' Normal Trap from my Deck to my hand." Baira took the card, then played. "Since there is a card in the Field Zone, I can Special Summon this card, then destroy that card. Come, Dark Mummy Probe!" A blue monster wrapped in white bandages with its left arm completely covered appeared in Attack Position, then Dark Mummy Tomb shattered.

Dark Mummy Probe ATK 700 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"When Dark Mummy Tomb is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I can add it to my hand. And then I'll activate it again. Unfortunately, I can only add a card from my Deck to my hand once per turn with its effect. I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: Monster Restitch! I Tribute Probe to Special Summon three Dark Mummy Tokens!" The bandaged monster disintegrated and was replaced by three violet flames in Defense Position.

Dark Mummy Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 3

"Appear, our future circuit! The summoning conditions are three 'Dark Mummy' monsters. I set three Dark Mummy Tokens in the Link Markers!" The tokens entered the bottom-left, top, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps!" A bandaged humanoid with a shawl on its head and curved blades at the end of its arms emerged from the portal at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 2400 LINK-3 ↙↑→

"Since I control a 'Dark Mummy' Link Monster, I can activate Dark Mummy Tomb's effect to Set one Normal Trap directly from my Deck." A Set card appeared on Baira's field. "I summon Dark Mummy Detector!" A dark green-skinned humanoid wearing black combat pants and a dark blue tunic appeared at Surgical Forceps' bottom-left Link Marker, bandages wrapped around its arms, legs, and head, with thermometers for feet.

Dark Mummy Detector ATK 800 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Surgical Forceps gains 600 attack points for each monster it points to."

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 2400→3000

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

Diana looked over her opponent's field. At least one of her Set cards must be a Virus card. And even without that, her Surgical Forceps can destroy my monster if it is Summoned to my monster's Link Marker. Behind her visor, her eyes narrowed. Tricky, but I've handled trickier.

"My turn! Draw!"

"Trap activate! Current Corruption Virus! I Tribute the Detector with 0 defense points!" The Dark Mummy monster broke apart, and a wave of violet miasma swept over Diana's field.

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 3000→2400

"Until your 3rd End Phase after this card's activation, the attack points of all monsters you control with 2000 or less defense points becomes 0, their effects are negated, and monsters in your hand cannot activate their effects."

"You used this Trap Card against Blue Angel," Diana recalled. "While it might weaken monsters from my Main Deck, my Link Monsters will be unaffected by your card's effect. Not to mention that you weakened Surgical Forceps to activate this card."

"Only temporarily," Baira countered. "Detector's monster effect! When it is Tributed, I can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower 'Dark Mummy' monster from my Deck in Defense Position. Come, Dark Mummy Infuser!" A pink-skinned monster with syringes for feet appeared at Surgical Forceps' bottom-left Link Marker.

Dark Mummy Infuser ATK 0 DEF 500 LVL: 1

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 2400→3000

"Infuser's monster effect! When it is Summoned to a Zombie Link Monster's Link Marker, I target that monster. So long as Infuser is face-up in the Main Monster Zone, that monster is unaffected by Trap effects, and your monsters cannot target the linked Infuser for attacks. I target Surgical Forceps!"

Diana hummed to herself. "You may have restricted my options, but I can still win this. I summon VirtuaBeast Java Jaguar!" A mechanical quadruped appeared, then a holographic big cat with yellow fur and black spots on its back formed around it.

VirtuaBeast Java Jaguar ATK 1800→0 DEF 900 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning condition is a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster. I set Java Jaguar in the Link Marker!" The big cat entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin!" A humanoid machine within the holographic shell of a green goblin emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Current Corruption Virus may negate the effects of my monsters on the field and in my hand, but it does nothing for the monsters in my Graveyard! When Java Jaguar is used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' monster, I can target a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster and move it to my unoccupied Main Monster Zone. I move Gigabyte Goblin to my center Main Monster Zone."

Baira's eye narrowed. "A monster with a bottom Link Marker that points to the Spell & Trap Zone…"

"I see that Cassiel told you about Goldie's secret weapon," Diana commented. "But that doesn't matter. As Gigabyte Goblin points to the Spell & Trap Zone, I can activate a Link Spell Card! Come, the arrows that strike down evil and protect the world! The Link Spell Card: Salvation Arrows!" The Link Spell Card appeared at Gigabyte Goblin's Link Marker.

Salvation Arrows ↖↑↗

"There it is," Baira muttered. "The Gold Ignis's Link Spell Card."

"Link Monsters linked to Salvation Arrows are unaffected by your card effects," Diana said. "Which means that any Link Monster I summon to its Link Markers cannot be destroyed by Surgical Forceps' effect. Gigabyte Goblin's monster effect! Once per turn, I Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my hand. Come, VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk!" A metal avian with a hologram of a blue bird of prey appeared in Attack Position.

VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk ATK 1600→0 DEF 200 LVL: 4

"Even if your Link Monsters are unaffected by my card effects, your other monsters still have their attack points reduced to 0 and their effects are negated," Baira reminded Diana.

"That won't slow me down. Appear again, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are two 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Hacked Hawk and Gigabyte Goblin in the Link Markers!" The two monsters entered the bottom and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-2! VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix!" A larger avian with a red-and-orange shell emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix ATK 2000 LINK-2 ↓→

"When Hacked Hawk is used to Link Summon a 'VirtuaBeast' monster, I Special Summon a VirtuaBeast Token!" A mechanical turtle with a green-and-brown holographic shell appeared in Defense Position at Salvation Arrows' top-left Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Baira narrowed her eye. "So that's why you summoned your monster to the Extra Monster Zone," she realized. "Because even if Salvation Arrows protects your Link Monsters, it doesn't protect your other monsters from Surgical Forceps' effect."

"Processor Phoenix's monster effect! Once per turn, I Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'VirtuaBeast' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Come, Java Jaguar!" The mechanical feline reappeared in Defense Position at Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker.

VirtuaBeast Java Jaguar ATK 1800→0 DEF 900 LVL: 4

"For the last time, the circuit that changes reality! The summoning conditions are three or more 'VirtuaBeast' monsters. I set Java Jaguar, VirtuaBeast Token, and Link-2 Processor Phoenix in the Link Markers!" The three monsters entered the top, bottom, left, and right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-4! VirtuaBeast Firefox Fenrir!" A massive gray quadrupedal machine emerged from the portal at Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker. A hologram of a wolf with azure fur formed around the machine, with gold cuffs at its ankles and a silver collar around its neck. Its tail was made of steel and tipped with gold. Its yellow eyes gleamed as it raised its head and howled.

VirtuaBeast Firefox Fenrir ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→

Baira blinked. "A Link-4? With 3000 attack points?"

"That's right." Diana gestured to her field. "Battle! Firefox Fenrir attacks Surgical Forceps!" The wolf howled and leapt forward.

The Hanoi lieutenant smirked. "Just the moment I was waiting for. Trap activate! Dust Tornado!"

Diana's eyes widened. "Dust Tornado?"

"Dust Tornado targets and destroys a Spell or Trap Card you control. I'll destroy Salvation Arrows!" A whirlwind shot out of the card towards Diana's field.

"I see," Diana realized. "When Salvation Arrows leaves the field, all monsters linked to it are returned to the owner's hand. You waited until I attacked to take optimal advantage of that effect."

"That's right," Baira confirmed. "Your Link Spell Card may be powerful, but it will be your downfall!"

"It might be… if I hadn't anticipated this." Diana pointed to her field again. "I activate Java Jaguar's effect in the Graveyard! By banishing it, one of my face-up cards is unaffected by your card effects until the end of the turn!"

"What?" Baira gasped. The whirlwind hit the Link Spell Card, but the card stood firm until the wind dissipated. The Hanoi lieutenant grit her teeth. "So you were prepared for that."

"Indeed. The attack continues. Firefox Fenrir's monster effect! When it battles a Link Monster, I can return a 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster in my Graveyard to the Extra Deck, then the monster Firefox Fenrir is battling has its effects negated and its attack points become 0! I return Gigabyte Goblin to my Extra Deck!" Firefox Fenrir swung its steel tail, sending a blade of wind at Surgical Forceps. The Link Monster groaned and slumped over.

Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps ATK 3000→0

Firefox Fenrir howled again and bit down on Surgical Forceps's shoulder. Baira's monster screamed as it exploded, and its owner screamed as well from the resulting shockwave.

Baira: 4000→1000 LP

"I won't prolong this anymore," Diana declared. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: VirtuaBeast Predation!" The card showed VirtuaBeast Network Nemean stalking members of Goblin Marauding Squad through very tall grass. "When my 'VirtuaBeast' Link Monster destroys your monster by battle, VirtuaBeast Predation lets me Tribute my 'VirtuaBeast' monster, then inflict damage equal to that monster's original attack points. I Tribute Firefox Fenrir!" Blue flames formed around the Link Monster. It howled one last time, then exploded outwards. Baira screamed again as she was knocked off her D-Board.

Baira: 1000→0 LP

"Forgive me, Master Revolver," Baira whispered as her body disintegrated. "I underestimated my opponent."

Diana grimaced as Baira disappeared. If things went the way Goldie and Ai wanted, this would only be temporary. It didn't exactly make it easier though.

"Hey!"

The former Enforcer blinked and refocused. Her eyes narrowed on seeing who was approaching her. "So you wish to be my next opponent?"

Persephone nodded. "As a peer to Blue Maiden, I cannot let her brother come to harm!"

---

Goldie narrowed her eyes at her opponent. "You are Faust, yes?"

"I am," the Hanoi lieutenant confirmed. "Gold Ignis, I cannot let you go any further! Even if it costs me my life, I will defeat you!"

Goldie's expression was unchanged. "I doubt that, but feel free to fight as hard as you want."

"Duel!"

Goldie: 4000 LP

Faust: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn!" Faust announced. "I summon Motor Worm Drone!" A dark blue insect with glowing light blue wings and a yellow carapace appeared on his field.

Motor Worm Drone ATK 800 DEF 800 LVL: 3

"Drone's monster effect! When it is Normal Summoned, I add Motor Worm Hive from my Deck to my hand. I'll then activate the Field Spell Card: Motor Worm Hive!" The card showed the interior of a hive with hexagonal sections, with many of them being occupied by Motor Worm Tokens. "While this card is on the field, my Insect monsters cannot be destroyed by your card effects. Furthermore, once per turn, I can Tribute an Insect monster to Special Summon up to three Motor Worm Tokens in Defense Position. I Tribute Motor Worm Drone!" The insect vanished and was replaced by three small blue-and-yellow worms.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 3

"Appear, our future circuit! The summoning conditions are two or more Insect monsters. I set three Motor Worm Tokens in the Link Markers!" The tokens entered the left, bottom-left, and bottom arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Motor Worm Spreader Queen!" A massive insect emerged from the portal to the right Extra Monster Zone. It was primarily maroon in color, with a small head, a slightly larger thorax, and an abdomen that was twice as large as both combined, with a machine hooked up to either side.

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1000 LINK-3 ←↙↓

"Spreader Queen gains 700 attack points for each Insect monster on the field."

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1000→1700

"Spreader Queen's monster effect! Once per turn, when it points to no monsters, I Special Summon a Motor Worm Token to its Link Marker!" A new Token emerged from the machine on Spreader Queen's right side at its bottom Link Marker in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 1700→2400

"While Spreader Queen is on the field, my Motor Worm Tokens cannot be targeted for attacks. I Set two cards. I end my turn."

Ai told me of Playmaker's duel with Faust, Goldie thought. He uses effects to change the opponent's monsters to Insects, further strengthening his ace monster, and also locks their Link Summons. Her eyes narrowed. He will find that strategy ineffective against me.

"My turn! Draw! I summon Holozoic Beast – Abstract Allosaurus!" A tiny orange bipedal baby dinosaur appeared.

Holozoic Beast - Abstract Allosaurus ATK 800 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Abstract Allosaurus's monster effect! I discard Holozoic Beast – Datalink Dimorphodon to add Holozoic World from my Deck to my hand. And as Datalink Dimorphodon was sent from the hand to the Graveyard, it is Special Summoned!" A baby green avian dinosaur appeared in Attack Position.

Holozoic Beast – Datalink Dimorphodon ATK 900 DEF 700 LVL: 4

"I activate the Field Spell Card: Holozoic World!" Goldie raised her hand. "Appear, the circuit that evolves reality! The summoning condition is a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set Abstract Allosaurus in the Link Marker!" Her monster entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Holozoic Beast – Terabyte Triceratops!" A baby triceratops emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Holozoic Beast – Terabyte Triceratops ATK 500 LINK-1 ↓

"When Abstract Allosaurus is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I add a 'Holozoic' Spell or Trap Card from my Deck to my hand, and when Terabyte Triceratops is Link Summoned, I add a 'Holozoic' card from my Deck to my hand."

"You will not!" Faust interrupted. "Trap activate! Worm Bind!" The card showed several Motor Worm Tokens wrapping industrial cables around Decode Talker. "Since I control an Insect Link Monster, I target your Link Monster. That monster's effects are negated, it becomes an Insect monster, and you cannot activate the effects of monsters with the same original name!" A six-legged insect appeared and latched onto Terabyte Triceratops' back. The monster cried out before slumping over, its eyes changing into orange compound eyes. "With another Insect monster on the field, Spreader Queen gains 700 attack points!"

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 2400→3100

Goldie frowned. "Terabyte Triceratops' effects may be negated, but Abstract Allosaurus's effect still lets me add a 'Holozoic' Spell or Trap from my Deck to my hand." She took the card from her Deck. "As there is a card in the Field Zone, I Special Summon Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus!" A baby orange quadruped dinosaur with a long neck, small head, and stubby tail appeared in Attack Position.

Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus ATK 1200 DEF 1300 LVL: 4

"Ancient Ankylosaurus requires Cyberse monsters for material," Goldie mused. "But this one does not. Appear, the circuit that evolves reality! The summoning conditions are two or more 'Holozoic' monsters. I set Algorithmic Apatosaurus, Datalink Dimorphodon, and Terabyte Triceratops in the Link Markers!" The three monsters entered the bottom-left, top, and bottom-right arrows. "The power of destruction! Evolve through cyberspace and take a new form! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Holozoic Apex Beast – Destroyer Dracorex!" A large bipedal dinosaur emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone. It had strong hind legs, short forearms, and a long tail. Its body was dark silver with light silver lines running up and down its body, and black armor with spikes along its spine down to its tail. Its head was angular, with numerous at the front and back of its head, with two prominent horns at the very back, while the Holozoic crest was on its forehead. Its amber eyes gleamed as it opened its mouth and roared.

Holozoic Apex Beast – Destroyer Dracorex ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↙↑↘

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 3100→2400

Cypher, Goldie thought sadly, looking at her monster's back. What would you think of mine and Ai's tribute to you? Hopefully they would get to ask him that question eventually.

"When Algorithmic Apatosaurus is sent from the field to the Graveyard, I add a 'Holozoic' monster from my Deck to my hand." Goldie took a card, then played it. "Since I control a 'Holozoic' monster, I can Special Summon Holozoic Beast – Parallel Plesiosaur!" A baby blue aquatic dinosaur with a long neck appeared in Attack Position at Destroy Dracorex's bottom-left Link Marker.

Holozoic Beast – Parallel Plesiosaur ATK 1000 DEF 700 LVL: 3

"Destroyer Dracorex's monster effect! When a Cyberse monster is Summoned to its Link Marker, I target and destroy a face-up card. I destroy Motor Worm Hive!"

Faust grit his teeth as his Field Spell Card shattered. With it gone, his Spreader Queen could be destroyed by card effects now. "I activate the effect of Motor Worm Drone in my Graveyard! By banishing it, I target Spreader Queen, and for the rest of the turn, Spreader Queen cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects."

"Even if it cannot be destroyed, I can still inflict damage," Goldie countered. "I activate the Equip Spell Card: Holozoic Coating and equip it to Destroyer Dracorex!" A prismatic layer of skin settled over the Link Monster's body, with the exception of its head. "The monster equipped with Holozoic Coating cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and when it battles, my opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step."

"If that is the case-!" Faust gestured to his field. "Trap activate! Motor Worm Clutch!" The card showed several eggs attached to gears, with the eggs hatching and releasing Motor Worm Tokens. "By discarding Motor Worm Bait, I Special Summon two Motor Worm Tokens!" Two more Tokens appeared on Faust's field in Defense Position.

Motor Worm Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 2400→3800

Goldie was undeterred. "I activate Holozoic Coating's effect! Once per turn, I send a 'Holozoic Apex Beast' monster from my Extra Deck to the Graveyard, and until the end of the turn, Destroyer Dracorex gains attack points equal to that monster's attack points. I send Ancient Ankylosaurus to the Graveyard!" Destroyer Dracorex roared as the coating on its body changed to dark gold.

Holozoic Apex Beast – Destroyer Dracorex ATK 2500→5000

Faust grimaced. "Even if you attack Spreader Queen, the most damage you will inflict is 1200!"

"Are you sure about that? Battle! Destroyer Dracorex attacks Spreader Queen!" Silver lightning danced over the monster's horns at her words. "Destroyer Dracorex's monster effect! When it battles your monster, before damage calculation, I can Tribute a 'Holozoic' monster. I Tribute Parallel Plesiosaur!" The blue aquatic dinosaur broke apart. "Destroyer Dracorex then destroys every other monster you control and inflicts 300 points of damage for each one!"

"What!?" Faust gasped. The dinosaur roared before silver lightning shot out of its horns, shredding Faust's three Motor Worm Tokens before striking him.

Faust: 4000→3100 LP

Motor Worm Spreader Queen ATK 3800→1700

"Destroyer Dracorex's attack continues!" Goldie's eyes narrowed. "Spreader Queen may not be destroyed by this battle, but you will still take damage!" The dinosaur roared before it spun around and swung its tail, sending a silver arc at Faust's field. The wave hit Spreader Queen, and while it screeched in pain, it remained standing. Only for the wave to keep going and hit Faust, knocking him off his D-Board.

Faust: 3100→0 LP

"She defeated me so quickly," Faust muttered as his body disintegrated. "Is this what was meant by being above the other Ignis…?"

Goldie remained stone-faced as Faust vanished. A necessary sacrifice, she recalled. A necessary, and temporary, sacrifice to stop Ouroboros. Her eyes narrowed as a new opponent approached. "So you wish to be next?"

"Hell yeah!" Galahad said, placing his fist in his hand. "You're not getting to Zaizen, lady!"

---

"This kid fights well," Ghost Girl commented. She and Blood Shepherd had initiated a Tag-Team Duel against Roboppi, and with their use of their Appliancer Link Monsters, they had inflicted 1400 points of damage to her brother.

"Be careful," Blood Shepherd advised. "They may look like a child, but they're not. They're an AI created by the Dark and Gold Ignis."

"You're starting to understand how great I am!" Roboppi said cheerily. "Big bro made me smart, and big sis taught me many things." They remembered the music, art, architecture, and movies Goldie had shown them. "She showed me how beautiful this world is, and I reached the conclusion that humans just need a helping hand now and then. That's why I'll gain enough experience points to protect them!"

"Protect them?" Ghost Girl repeated in surprise. "If you want to protect humans, why are you attacking SOL?"

"It's impossible to understand an AI," Blood Shepherd said dismissively. "AI with free will are nothing more than humanity's enemy!"

"I wouldn't say we're humanity's enemy," Roboppi interjected. "But big bro and big sis need Zaizen's code key, so for now, SOL Technologies is my enemy! Please bring it on, Ghost Girl!"

---

"Spectre," Ai said, smirking at his opponent. "I'd say it's good to see you again… but I don't think I'd be convincing anyone."

"Thank you for sparing me the false assurance," the Knight of Hanoi replied. "Though I do find it curious you're here instead of trying to save your friend."

Ai blinked. "What?"

Spectre smirked. "I have a good understanding of you from our previous encounters, Dark Ignis. You are someone who values your bonds with others. And the Silver Ignis was captured by Ouroboros." His eyes narrowed. "Ouroboros is the enemy of the Gold Ignis. They are the ones who took Morningstar's Ignis. So why are you wasting time attacking SOL when the more logical answer would be to hunt Ouroboros?"

…Ai had almost forgotten how perceptive Spectre could be. "Why indeed," Ai replied vaguely. "Tell you what? If you beat me here, I'll humor that question."

"Oh? Well, that's just more motivation for me to defeat you." Spectre lightly bowed. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Duel!"

Ai: 4000 LP

Spectre: 4000 LP

"I will take the first turn. I summon Sunseed Genius Loci." A seed held by gold claws appeared on Spectre's field.

Sunseed Genius Loci ATK 0 DEF 600 LVL: 1

"Appear, the future circuit that lights up our path! The summoning condition is a Plant Normal Monster. I set Genius Loci in the Link Marker!" The seed entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Sunavalon Dryas!" A large tree with two pods hanging from its branches and a face in the center emerged from the portal behind Spectre at the right Extra Monster Zone.

Sunavalon Dryas ATK 0 LINK-1 ↓

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

"My turn! Draw!" Ai looked at Spectre's tree and frowned. He remembered how Spectre's Deck worked from his duels with Playmaker and Lightning; if he didn't end this fast, Spectre had the potential to delay him too long.

Fortunately, Ai had designed his Deck to work fast. "I summon Dokidoki AtIgnister!" A dark golden blob in the shape of a Valentine's heart with two stubby arms on its sides appeared, light gold lines on its body and the AtIgnister crest at the top of its body.

Dokidoki AtIgnister ATK 1300 DEF 500 LVL: 4

"Appear, the circuit that guides the dark! The summoning condition is a non-Link 'AtIgnister' monster. I set Dokidoki in the Link Marker!" The monster entered the left arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Dark Infant AtIgnister!" A small violet humanoid with black armor and pink lines running across its body emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone.

Dark Infant AtIgnister ATK 500 LINK-1 ←

"Dark Infant's monster effect! When it is Link Summoned, I add Ignister A.I. Land from my Deck to my hand. I'll now activate the Field Spell Card: Ignister A.I. Land! If there are no monsters in my Main Monster Zone, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower 'AtIgnister' monster from my hand. Come, Doyon AtIgnister!" A violet blob with stubby arms appeared in Attack Position.

Doyon AtIgnister ATK 400 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Doyon's monster effect! When it is Special Summoned, I add an 'AtIgnister' monster from my Graveyard to my hand." Ai smirked and showed Spectre his returned Dokidoki. "And as I control an 'AtIgnister' monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, I Special Summon Fuwafuwa AtIgnister!" A three-tailed silver blob appeared in Attack Position.

Fuwafuwa AtIgnister ATK 600 DEF 900 LVL: 3

"Appear, the circuit that guides the dark! The summoning conditions are three Cyberse monsters, including a Dark monster. I set Doyon, Fuwafuwa, and Dark Infant in the Link Markers!" The monsters entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "The creation of dark shadows! The wisdom of dark night scatters throughout the world! Gathers in my hand to become the power of rising vigor! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Dark Templar AtIgnister!" A violet knight with wings emerged from the portal at the Extra Monster Zone, swinging a greatsword.

Dark Templar AtIgnister ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Impressive," Spectre praised, clapping politely. "But is such a long summoning chant really necessary? You're pressed for time, aren't you?"

"Of course it's necessary!" Ai shot back smugly. "A monster as awesome as Dark Templar needs a worthy intro! I activate Ignister A.I. Land's effect to Special Summon Dokidoki!" The golden heart reappeared in Attack Position.

Dokidoki AtIgnister ATK 1300 DEF 500 LVL: 4

"Dokidoki's monster effect! When it is Special Summoned, I Special Summon an Atignister Token!" A tiny black-and-purple humanoid wielding a glaive appeared at Dark Templar's bottom-left Link Marker in Defense Position.

AtIgnister Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"Dark Templar's monster effect! When a monster is Special Summoned to my Link Monster's Link Marker, I can Special Summon as many Level 4 or lower 'AtIgnister' monsters from my Graveyard to that monster's Link Markers as possible, but their effects are negated. Resurrect, Doyon!" The violet blob reappeared in Defense Position at Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker.

Doyon AtIgnister ATK 400 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Dokidoki's additional effect! Once per turn, I target up to two 'AtIgnister' monsters and change their Attributes to an Attribute I declare. I target Dokidoki and declare Light!"

Dokidoki AtIgnister EARTH→LIGHT

"I overlay the Level 4 Light Dokidoki and Doyon! With these two monsters, I build the Overlay Network!" Ai's Duel Disk released a bolt of violet light, summoning the Xyz cross. "The supernatural! Earth-shattering! Awaken that power from eternal lamentation! Xyz Summon! Come! Rank 4! Light Dragon AtIgnister!" From the summoned galaxy, a gold and yellow dragon with an elongated body and four split wings emerged at Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position, two orange lights circling behind it.

Light Dragon AtIgnister ATK 2300 DEF 1500 RNK: 4 OU: 2

"Xyz Summoning," Spectre muttered. "And Light?" His eyes narrowed. "Interesting…"

"Appear, the circuit that guides the dark! The summoning condition is a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster. I set AtIgnister Token in the Link Marker!" The token entered the bottom-left arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Linguriboh!" A black version of Linkuriboh with narrowed eyes emerged from the portal at Dark Templar's bottom-left Link Marker.

Linguriboh ATK 300 LINK-1 ↙

Everything's set, Ai thought. Time to end this! "Light Dragon's monster effect! I detach an Overlay Unit, then target your monsters up to the number of 'AtIgnister' monsters I control. Those monsters are then destroyed!"

Spectre's eyes widened. "What?"

Light Dragon AtIgnister OU: 2→1

"I'll destroy Dryas!" Ai smirked. "Say goodbye to your mother tree, tree boy!" A bolt of lightning shot down and disintegrated the Link Monster.

Spectre grit his teeth while his eyes twitched. But he stayed silent; he would not give this Ignis the privilege of seeing him lose control.

"Your dueling relies on your 'Sunavalon' Link Monsters," Ai commented smugly. "So I just decided to get rid of it before I battle. I Set one card." I'm confident, not arrogant. "Battle! Dark Templar attacks you directly!" The knight charged at Spectre, its sword raised.

Spectre gestured to his field. "Trap activate! Draining Shield! Your attack is negated, and I gain Life Points equal to your monster's attack points!"

"Ha! I knew that was coming! Linguriboh's monster effect! When you activate a Trap Card, I Tribute Linguriboh to negate the activation and banish it!" The spherical monster shattered alongside Spectre's Trap Card. "Now you don't have monsters or Trap Cards to hide behind!"

It was Spectre's turn to smirk. "You're right about the Trap Cards, but wrong about the monsters!" Ai blinked as a pink-skinned young woman with curly red hair, wearing a dress of black thorns and wielding a rose-topped green staff appeared on Spectre's field in Defense Position.

Sunvine Sage ATK 800 DEF 1300 LVL: 3

"What is that?"

"Sunvine Sage," Spectre explained. "I can Special Summon Sunvine Sage from my hand when a Spell or Trap Card is negated." His smirk widened. "Sorry, but you're not ending this that quickly."

Ai grit his teeth. Well, even if he couldn't end this duel in a single turn, he could at least inflict some damage. "Dark Templar attacks Sunvine Sage!" The knight swung his sword and tore the woman in half, making her explode.

"Sunvine Sage's additional effect!" Spectre declared. "If it is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, the Battle Phase ends! And I Special Summon a 'Sunavalon' Link Monster from my Graveyard." Dryas reappeared.

Sunavalon Dryas ATK 0 LINK-1 ↓

Correction: Ai would not be inflicting any damage this turn. "I end my turn."

"My turn! Draw!" Spectre looked at his card, then at Ai's field. "Looking at your cards, it's obvious to see how much you care about your fellow Ignis. Which makes your current actions all the stranger." His eyes narrowed. "But I'll have the answer to that question soon! I activate the Spell Card: Sunvine Planter!" The card showed a garden with maroon wooden plants growing out of it. "Since I control a 'Sunavalon' monster, I Special Summon two Sunvine Tokens!" Two maroon plants with yellow orbs atop them appeared in Defense Position.

Sunvine Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

"Appear, the future circuit that lights up our path! The summoning conditions are two or more Plant monsters. I set two Sunvine Tokens and Sunavalon Dryas in the Link Markers!" The tokens and a tendril from Dryas entered the bottom-left, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Sunavalon Dryanome!" Dryas morphed into an even larger tree in the Extra Monster Zone with far more pods, and instead of a face, a woman was now in the center of the tree.

Sunavalon Dryanome ATK 0 LINK-3 ↙↓↘

"Oh, the big tree is here," Ai noted. "But you only have one card in your hand; unless you end it this turn, I'll defeat you next turn."

"Then it's good Sunvine Planter has another effect. When I have no monsters in the Main Monster Zone, I can banish Sunvine Planter to Special Summon two Sunvine Tokens!" Two more tokens appeared in Defense Position.

Sunvine Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1 x 2

Ai frowned. He knew where this was going.

"Appear again, the future circuit that lights up our path! The summoning condition is a Plant Normal Monster. I set a Sunvine Token in the Link Marker!" The token entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Sunvine Thrasher!" A blue-skinned humanoid in green robes appeared at Dryanome's bottom Link Marker, swinging a greatsword.

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"Thrasher's monster effect! When it is Special Summoned, I target a linked 'Sunavalon' Link Monster, and Thrasher gains attack points equal to that monster's Link Rating times 800. I target the Link-3 Dryanome!"

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 800→3200

"For a third time, the future circuit that lights up our path! I set my second Sunvine Token in the Link Marker!" The token entered the bottom arrow. "Link Summon! Appear! Link-1! Sunvine Thrasher!" Another humanoid appeared at Dryanome's bottom-left Link Marker.

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 800 LINK-1 ↓

"The second Thrasher's monster effect! I target Dryanome!"

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 800→3200

"Two Thrashers," Ai muttered. Since this was a Speed Duel, Dryanome's Link Markers were restricted, so Spectre couldn't use Thrasher's effect to steal Ai's monsters. Then again, Ai remembered the data on Spectre's Skill from the assault on Mirror LINK VRAINS.

"I Set one card. Battle! The first Thrasher attacks Dark Templar!" The humanoid charged ahead.

Ai smirked. "You're not the only one who hates taking damage! Trap activate! A.I.-CU!" The card showed a hospital room, where an Ai was lying in a bed under a blanket, while a teary-eyed Ai was holding their hand, and a doctor Ai was reading from a clipboard. "I target my 'AtIgnister' monster, and for the rest of the turn, it cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and I take no damage from battles involving it! I target Dark Templar!" Thrasher's sword struck Dark Templar's blade, only for the latter to push and knock Thrasher back to Spectre's field.

The Knight of Hanoi frowned but was undeterred. "Even if you evade damage from this attack, the second will end you! I activate my Skill! Sunavalon Blaze! I Tribute a monster linked to my 'Sunavalon' monster, and then until the end of the turn, one of my Plant monsters gains attack points equal to the Tributed monster's attack points. I Tribute my first Thrasher to grant its attack points to my second Thrasher!" The first Link Monster disintegrated, while the second's sword lit on fire.

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 3200→6400

"You won't damage from battles involving Dark Templar, but the same isn't true for Light Dragon!" Spectre declared. "The difference in our monsters' attack points is 4100! You lose, Dark Ignis!" Ai frowned. "Thrasher attacks Light Dragon!" The warrior roared and leapt into the air, bringing its sword down on the dragon.

Ai smirked. "Don't count your frogs before they hatch!"

"Chickens."

The AI blinked at Spectre's interruption. "The phrase is 'Don't count your chickensbefore they hatch'."

"Really? Well it doesn't matter! I activate the effect of Donyoribo AtIgnister in my hand! When my 'AtIgnister' monster is attacked, I discard Donyoribo, and I take no damage from this battle!"

Spectre grit his teeth. "But Light Dragon is still destroyed!" Thrasher brought its sword down, making Light Dragon explode. "Thrasher's monster effect! When it destroys your monster by battle, I Special Summon that monster to my 'Sunavalon' monster's Link Marker!" The yellow-and-gold dragon reappeared at Dryanome's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position, its eyes glowing red.

Light Dragon AtIgnister ATK 2300 DEF 1500 RNK: 4

"Light Dragon attacking Dark Templar will only result in its own destruction. I end my turn. During the End Phase, Thrasher's attack points return to normal."

Sunvine Thrasher ATK 6400→3200

"Even without A.I.-CU, Dark Templar cannot be destroyed by battle against a monster with the same attack points," Ai informed Spectre. "So if I attack Light Dragon, Dark Templar will survive!" And if I draw the right card, with Donyoribo in the Graveyard now, I'll win this right away. "My turn! Draw!"

"Continuous Trap activate!" Spectre declared. "Sunavalon Bindings!" The card showed Trickstar Holly Angel with dark green vines ensnaring her. "I target Dark Templar!" Vines appeared and wrapped around the Link Monster, binding its arms to its sides. "Dark Templar cannot attack or activate its effects, and during each End Phase, you'll take damage equal to its Link Rating times 400!"

Ai grit his teeth and looked at the card he drew. Not what he was hoping for… but this would work. He would just have to spoil the surprise a little early.

"I activate A.I.-CU's effect in the Graveyard! By banishing it, I add Dokidoki from my Graveyard to my hand. And by using Ignister A.I. Land's effect, I Special Summon Dokidoki!" The gold heart-shaped blob reappeared in Attack Position.

Dokidoki AtIgnister ATK 1300 DEF 500 LVL: 4

"Dokidoki's monster effect! When it is Special Summoned, I Special Summon an AtIgnister Token!" A small black-and-violet humanoid appeared in Defense Position at Dark Templar's bottom-left Link Marker.

AtIgnister Token ATK 0 DEF 0 LVL: 1

"I activate the Spell Card: FA.I.-ghting Spirit! I Special Summon an 'AtIgnister' monster from my Graveyard with its effects negated. Resurrect, Doyon!" The purple blob reappeared in Defense Position at Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker.

Doyon AtIgnister ATK 400 DEF 1600 LVL: 4

"Dokidoki's additional effect! I target up to two 'AtIgnister' monsters and change their Attributes. I target Doyon and AtIgnister Token, changing their Attributes to Earth!"

Doyon AtIgnister DARK→EARTH

AtIgnister Token DARK→EARTH

"Appear, the circuit that guides the dark! The summoning conditions are two or more Earth, Water, and Wind monsters. I set AtIgnister Token, Dokidoki, and Doyon in the Link Markers!" The three monsters entered the top, bottom, and bottom-right arrows. "The golden light of creation! Reside in the hearts of beasts, and evolve! Link Summon! Appear! Link-3! Gold Chimera AtIgnister!" A quadruped with dark gold skin and light gold lines on its body emerged from the portal at Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker. It had two heads – a lion with a light gold metal mane and a goat with light gold horns – and its tail ended in a dark gold snake head, opening its mouth to reveal light gold fangs. The claws at the end of its paws were light gold and jagged, and it had two spines protruding from its back. The spines projected light gold holographic wings, and the two heads roared while the AtIgnister crest formed on the lion's forehead.

Gold Chimera AtIgnister ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓↘

Spectre narrowed his eyes. "Gold Chimera? A monster to represent the Gold Ignis…"

"Gold Chimera's monster effect! Once per turn, I shuffle an 'AtIgnister' monster in my Graveyard into my Deck, then I can add a different 'AtIgnister' monster or an 'A.I.' Spell or Trap from my Deck to my hand. I'll shuffle Dokidoki into my Deck to add TA.I. Strike to my hand."

Ai smirked and gestured to his field. "Battle! Gold Chimera attacks Light Dragon!"

Spectre blinked. "You're attacking when our monsters have the same attack points?"

"I activate the Quick-Play Spell Card: TA.I. Strike! When my 'AtIgnister' monster battles your monster, my monster's attack points become equal to your monster's, and at the end of the Damage Step, the controller of any destroyed monster takes damage equal to that monster's original attack points!"

"Then you'll inflict damage to both of us? But when I take damage, Dryanome's effect will restore my Life Points while you'll retain the damage."

"Not if I take all of your Life Points out at once," Ai countered. "I activate the effect of Donyoribo in the Graveyard! Since an effect was activated that would inflict damage while I control an 'AtIgnister' monster, I can banish Donyoribo to either make the damage 0 or double it. I'll double it!"

"Then both of us will take 4600 points of damage!" Spectre realized with wide eyes. His eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't make a move like that unless you were certain you would survive!"

"You're right," Ai said smugly. "You see, while Gold Chimera is on the field, my co-linked monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or have their effects negated!"

Spectre's eyes widened. That meant-! "Dryanome's monster effect! When my monster it points to is targeted for an attack-!"

"That's pointless!" Ai interrupted. "Gold Chimera also prevents you from activating cards of effects until the end of the Damage Step when my co-linked 'AtIgnister' monster battles!"

Spectre watched with wide eyes as Gold Chimera's two heads fired two beams of gold light at his stolen Light Dragon. The dragon fired back, only for its attack to be overwhelmed.

"I wouldn't have been able to do this if you hadn't stolen Light Dragon," Ai pointed out with a sneer. "So thanks for giving me my victory, Spectre!" The attack hit Light Dragon, making it explode and knock Spectre off his D-Board with a yell.

Spectre: 4000→0 LP

"I'm sorry, Master Revolver," Spectre muttered as violet flames enveloped his body. But why? Why are the Dark Ignis and Gold Ignis attacking SOL instead of rescuing the Silver Ignis? Why is a human helping them? Their enemy is Ouroboros, isn't it?

Spectre's eyes widened in realization. Wait. If their enemy is Ouroboros and they're attacking SOL… Then is Zaizen-? No, that isn't the kind of person he is. Queen? Maybe. I need to tell Master Revolver-!

That was Spectre's last thought before his body dissolved, leaving Ai with a blank face. Until a new D-Board approached him.

"Seems you're the real Ai! I'll stop you!"

Ai smirked. "Hey, Go Onizuka!"

---

"I don't fully understand, but I saw something good," Roboppi cooed as their eyes watered. They had defeated Blood Shepherd and Ghost Girl, and when the vanished, they had reached out to each other. They wiped their eyes. "I'll let big bro and big sis know of these emotions!"

"You'll have to wait a while."

"Huh?"

BANG!

"OW!" Roboppi screamed as they were struck in the back and fell off their D-Board. They continued to yell before the D-Board rematerialized and they landed face-first on it.

"Ow," the household AI groaned. "What was that? Did I get kicked?" They rose to their knees and looked over their shoulder at their back. "Huh?" Their back was glowing gold. In fact, a gold circle was forming around them. "Eh? Is this something from big sis?"

"Yes, but not the 'big sis' you were hoping for."

Roboppi looked to the right and blinked as Lilith's D-Board flew next to them. The former bounty hunter was smirking and holding a smoking pistol.

"You've been a bad child lately Roboppi," Lilith chided. Her smirk widened, and Roboppi felt a chill down their nonexistent spine. "I think it's time you took a few lessons from this big sis."

"…I need an adult," Roboppi whimpered.

---

Goldie's Copies vs. Cassiel and Revolver

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Even though these are two separate duels, Goldie makes the same moves in both Duels.

Turn 1: Goldie (Copy)

Goldie activates the Field Spell Card Holozoic World. While Holozoic World is on the field, Goldie's "Holozoic" monsters cannot be banished or destroyed by her opponent's card effects. As there is a card in the Field Zone, Goldie Special Summons Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus (1200/1300/4) in Attack Position. She uses Algorithmic Apatosaurus to Link Summon Holozoic Beast – Terabyte Triceratops (500/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Algorithmic Apatosaurus was sent from the field to the GY, Goldie can add 1 "Holozoic" monster from her Deck to her hand, and as Terabyte Triceratops was Link Summoned, Goldie can add 1 "Holozoic" card from her Deck to her hand. She adds Holozoic Beast – Abstract Allosaurus and Holozoic Beast – Datalink Dimorphodon to her hand. Goldie Normal Summons Abstract Allosaurus (800/900/3). As Abstract Allosaurus was Normal Summoned, Goldie discards Datalink Dimorphodon to add Holozoic Enclosure from her Deck to her hand. As Datalink Dimorphodon was sent from the hand to the GY, Goldie Special Summons it (900/700/4) in Attack Position. Goldie uses Abstract Allosaurus, Datalink Dimorphodon, and Terabyte Triceratops to Link Summon Holozoic Apex Beast – Ancient Ankylosaurus (2500/3/↙↓↘) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Abstract Allosaurus was sent from the field to the GY, Goldie can add 1 "Holozoic" Spell/Trap from her Deck to her hand, and as Terabyte Triceratops was used as Link Material, Goldie can target and Special Summon 1 "Holozoic Beast" monster from her GY. She adds Holozoic Nest to her hand, then Special Summons Algorithmic Apatosaurus (1200/1300/4) in Defense Position. As she controls a "Holozoic" Link Monster, Goldie activates the Spell Card Holozoic Nest. She Special Summons 2 Holozoic Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position, and for the rest of the turn, she can only Special Summon from the Extra Deck once. Goldie uses Algorithmic Apatosaurus and 2 Holozoic Tokens to Link Summon Holozoic Apex Beast – Shadow Stegosaurus (2500/3/←↑→) to Ancient Ankylosaurus's bottom Link Marker. Goldie activates the Continuous Spell Card Holozoic Enclosure. When Holozoic Enclosure is activated, Goldie places counters on it equal to the total Link Rating of "Holozoic Apex Beast" Link Monsters she controls (Enclosure: 0 C→6 C). While there are counters on Enclosure, it cannot be targeted or destroyed by Goldie's opponent's card effects, neither player can declare an attack or take effect damage, and during the End Phase, she removes 1 counter from Enclosure. Goldie ends her turn (Enclosure: 6 C→5 C).

These duels will continue…

---

Ai vs. Dr. Genome

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Dr. Genome

Dr. Genome activates the Field Spell Card Helixx Laboratory. As Helixx Laboratory was activated, Dr. Genome adds 1 "Helixx" card from his Deck to his hand. He adds Helixx Marmotroll from his Deck to his hand. As there are no monsters on the field, Dr. Genome Normal Summons Helixx Marmotroll (2600/0/5) by discarding Helixx Hydrochogre. Dr. Genome activates Helixx Laboratory's effect, discarding a 2nd Marmotroll to Special Summon 1 Helixx Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. He uses Marmotroll and Helixx Token to Link Summon Helixx Gothiclone (0/2/↑↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Dr. Genome activates the Spell Card Graveyard Incubation, which lets him target 2 "Helixx" monsters in his GY with the same name and Special Summon them, but their ATK/DEF becomes 0, their effects are negated, they cannot attack or be Tributed, and they cannot be used as material for a Link Summon, except for the Link Summon of a "Helixx" monster. He Special Summons 2 copies of Marmotroll (2600→0/0/5 each) in Attack Position. Dr. Genome uses 2 Marmotrolls to Link Summon Helixx Necro Darwin (1800/2/←↑) to Gothiclone's bottom Link Marker. Dr. Genome ends his turn.

Turn 2: Ai

Ai draws. He Normal Summons Pikari AtIgnister (1200/600/4). As Pikari was Normal Summoned, Ai adds Ignister A.I. Land from his Deck to his hand. Ai activates the Field Spell Card Ignister A.I. Land. Ai uses Pikari to Link Summon Linguriboh (300/↙) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Ai Special Summoned a Link Monster, Dr. Genome activates Helixx Hydrochogre's effect in his GY, banishing it. For the rest of the turn, Dr. Genome takes no battle damage from battles involving his "Helixx" monsters. As Ai controls no monsters in his Main Monster Zone, he activates Ignister A.I. Land's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "AtIgnister" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Doyon AtIgnister (400/1600/4) in Attack Position. As Doyon was Special Summoned, Ai can target and add 1 "AtIgnister" monster in his GY to his hand. He adds Pikari to his hand. As Ai controls an "AtIgnister" monster in his Main Monster Zone, he Special Summons Doshin AtIgnister (100/800/1) from his hand in Attack Position. Ai uses Doshin, Doyon, and Linguriboh to Link Summon Dark Templar AtIgnister (2300/3/↙↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Ai activates Ignister A.I. Land's effect to Special Summon Pikari (1200/600/4) to Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. As Pikari was Special Summoned, Ai adds a 2nd Ignister A.I. Land from his Deck to his hand. As a monster was Special Summoned to Ai's zone his Link Monster points to, Dark Templar's effect activates, and Ai targets Dark Templar. Ai can then Special Summon as many different Level 4 or lower "AtIgnister" monsters from his GY to Dark Templar's Link Markers with their effects negated. Ai Special Summons Doyon (400/1600/4) to Dark Templar's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. As Ai controls an "AtIgnister" monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, he Special Summons Fuwafuwa AtIgnister (600/900/3) from his hand in Attack Position. Ai uses Doyon, Fuwafuwa, and Pikari to Link Summon Silver Desperado AtIgnister (2300/3/↙↑↓) to Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker. Ai activates Silver Desperado's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "AtIgnister" monster from his GY in Defense Position. He Special Summons Fuwafuwa (600/900/3).

Silver Desperado attacks Gothiclone. At the start of the Damage Step, Ai activates the co-linked Silver Desperado's effect to return Gothiclone to Dr. Genome's Extra Deck, then inflict damage equal to Silver Desperado's original ATK. As Ai activated a card or effect that would inflict damage to him, Dr. Genome chains Necro Darwin's effect to make the damage 0, then make Necro Darwin's ATK become double its original ATK until the end of the turn. As Dr. Genome activated a monster effect while Ai controls an "AtIgnister" Link Monster, Ai chains Fuwafuwa's effect, Tributing it and targeting Silver Desperado. Necro Darwin's effect is negated, and Silver Desperado can make an additional attack in a row during each Battle Phase this turn. Silver Desperado's effect resolves, and Gothiclone returns to Dr. Genome's Extra Deck (Dr. Genome: 4000→1700 LP). Silver Desperado attacks and destroys Necro Darwin, but Dr. Genome takes no damage due to Hydrochogre's effect. Dark Templar attacks Dr. Genome directly (Dr. Genome: 1700→0 LP). Ai wins.

---

Diana vs. Baira

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Baira

Baira activates the Field Spell Card Dark Mummy Tomb. While Baira controls a "Dark Mummy" Link Monster, she takes no effect damage. As Dark Mummy Tomb was activated, Baira can add 1 "Dark Mummy" monster or 1 "Virus" Normal Trap from her Deck to her hand. She adds Dark Mummy Probe from her Deck to her hand. As there is a card in the Field Zone, Baira Special Summons Dark Mummy Probe (700/0/1) in Attack Position, then destroys Dark Mummy Tomb. As Dark Mummy Tomb was sent from the field to the GY, Baira adds it to her hand. She activates the Field Spell Card Dark Mummy Tomb. Baira activates the Quick-Play Spell Card Monster Restitch, Tributing Probe to Special Summon 3 Dark Mummy Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. Baira uses 3 Dark Mummy Tokens to Link Summon Dark Mummy Surgical Forceps (2400/3/↙↑→) to the right Extra Monster Zone. As Baira controls a "Dark Mummy" Link Monster, she activates Dark Mummy Tomb's effect to Set 1 Normal Trap directly from her Deck. She Sets Current Corruption Virus. Baira Normal Summons Dark Mummy Detector (800/0/1) to Surgical Forceps' bottom-left Link Marker. Surgical Forceps gains 600 ATK for each monster it points to (Surgical Forceps: 2400→3000). Baira Sets 1 card. She ends her turn.

Turn 2: Diana

Diana draws. Baira activates her Set Trap Card Current Corruption Virus, Tributing Detector (Surgical Forceps: 3000→2400). Until Diana's 3rd End Phase after Current Corruption Virus's activation, the ATK of all monsters Diana controls with 2000 or less DEF becomes 0, their effects are negated, and monsters in Diana's hand cannot activate their effects. As Detector was Tributed, Baira can Special Summon a Level 2 or lower "Dark Mummy" monster from her Deck in Defense Position. She Special Summons Dark Mummy Infuser (0/500/1) to Surgical Forceps' bottom-left Link Marker (Surgical Forceps: 2400→3000). As Infuser was Summoned to a zone a Zombie Link Monster points to, Baira targets Surgical Forceps. While Infuser is face-up in the Main Monster Zone, Surgical Forceps is unaffected by Trap effects. Diana Normal Summons VirtuaBeast Java Jaguar (1800→0/900/4). Diana uses Java Jaguar to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Gigabyte Goblin (800/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Java Jaguar was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" monster, Diana can target 1 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster she controls, then move it to the Main Monster Zone. She targets Gigabyte Goblin and moves it to the center Main Monster Zone. Diana activates the Link Spell Card Salvation Arrows (↖↑↗) at the Spell & Trap Zone Gigabyte Goblin's Link Marker points to. Link Monsters linked to Salvation Arrows are unaffected by Baira's card effects, and when Salvation Arrows leaves the field, monsters linked to it are returned to the owner's hand. Diana activates Gigabyte Goblin's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" Monster from her hand. She Special Summons VirtuaBeast Hacked Hawk (1600→0/200/4) in Attack Position. Diana uses Hacked Hawk and Gigabyte Goblin to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Processor Phoenix (2000/2/↓→) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Hacked Hawk was used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" monster, Diana Special Summons 1 VirtuaBeast Token (0/0/1) in Defense Position. Diana activates Processor Phoenix's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "VirtuaBeast" monster from her GY with its effects negated. She Special Summons Java Jaguar (1800→0/900/4) in Defense Position. Diana uses Java Jaguar, VirtuaBeast Token, and Link-2 Processor Phoenix to Link Summon VirtuaBeast Firefox Fenrir (3000/4/←↑↓→) to Salvation Arrows' top Link Marker.

Firefox Fenrir attacks Surgical Forceps. Baira activates her Set Trap Card Dust Tornado, targeting Salvation Arrows and attempting to destroy it. Diana chains the effect of Java Jaguar in her GY, banishing it and targeting Salvation Arrows. Until the end of the turn, Salvation Arrows is unaffected by Baira's card effects. Dust Tornado's effect resolves, but Salvation Arrows is not destroyed. During damage calculation, as Firefox Fenrir is battling a Link Monster, Diana activates its effect, targeting Gigabyte Goblin in her GY and returning it to her Extra Deck. During damage calculation, Surgical Forceps' ATK becomes 0 and its effects are negated (Surgical Forceps: 3000→0). The attack continues and Surgical Forceps is destroyed (Baira: 4000→1000 LP). As her "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster destroyed Baira's monster by battle, Diana activates the Quick-Play Spell Card VirtuaBeast Predation, Tributing Firefox Fenrir and inflicting damage to Baira equal to Firefox Fenrir's original ATK (Baira: 1000→0 LP). Diana wins.

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Goldie vs. Faust

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Faust

Faust Normal Summons Motor Worm Drone (800/800/3). As Drone was Normal Summoned, Faust can add 1 Motor Worm Hive from his Deck to his hand. Faust activates the Field Spell Card Motor Worm Hive. While Motor Worm Hive is on the field, Faust's Insect monsters cannot be destroyed by Goldie's card effects. Faust activates Motor Worm Hive's effect to Tribute 1 Insect monster, then Special Summon up to 3 Motor Worm Tokens in Defense Position. He Tributes Drone and Special Summons 3 Motor Worm Tokens (0/0/1 each). Faust uses 3 Motor Worm Tokens to Link Summon Motor Worm Spreader Queen (1000/3/←↙↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Spreader Queen gains 700 ATK for each Insect monster on the field (Spreader Queen: 1000→1700). As Spreader Queen points to no monsters, Faust Special Summons 1 Motor Worm Token (0/0/1) to Spreader Queen's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position (Spreader Queen: 1700→2400). Faust Sets 2 cards. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Goldie

Goldie draws. She Normal Summons Holozoic Beast – Abstract Allosaurus (800/900/3). As Abstract Allosaurus was Normal Summoned, Goldie discards Holozoic Beast – Datalink Dimorphodon to add Holozoic World from her Deck to her hand. As Datalink Dimorphodon was sent from the hand to the GY, its effect activates, Special Summoning itself (900/700/4) in Attack Position. Goldie activates the Field Spell Card Holozoic World. Goldie's "Holozoic" monsters cannot be banished or destroyed by Faust's card effects. Goldie uses Abstract Allosaurus to Link Summon Holozoic Terabyte Triceratops (500/1/↓) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Abstract Allosaurus was sent from the field to the GY, Goldie can add 1 "Holozoic" Spell/Trap from her Deck to her hand, and as Terabyte Triceratops was Link Summoned, Goldie can add 1 "Holozoic" card from her Deck to her hand. As he controls an Insect Link Monster, Faust chains his Set Trap Card Worm Bind, targeting Terabyte Triceratops. Terabyte Triceratops has its effects negated, it becomes an Insect monster, and Goldie cannot activate the effects of monsters with the same original name (Spreader Queen: 2400→3100). Abstract Allosaurus's effect resolves, and Goldie adds Holozoic Coating from her Deck to her hand. As there is a card in the Field Zone, Goldie Special Summons Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus (1200/1300/4) in Attack Position. Goldie uses Algorithmic Apatosaurus, Datalink Dimorphodon, and Terabyte Triceratops to Link Summon Holozoic Apex Beast – Destroyer Dracorex (2500/3/↙↑↘) to the Extra Monster Zone (Spreader Queen: 3100→2400). As Algorithmic Apatosaurus was sent from the field to the GY, Goldie can add 1 "Holozoic" monster from her Deck to her hand. She adds Holozoic Beast – Parallel Plesiosaur to her hand. As she controls a "Holozoic" monster, Goldie Special Summons Parallel Plesiosaur (1000/700/3) to Destroyer Dracorex's bottom-left Link Marker in Attack Position. As a Cyberse monster was Normal or Special Summoned to Goldie's zone Destroyer Dracorex points to, Goldie can target and destroy 1 face-up card on the field. She targets and destroys Motor Worm Hive. Faust activates the effect of Motor Worm Drone in his GY, banishing it and targeting Spreader Queen. For the rest of the turn, Spreader Queen cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. Goldie activates the Equip Spell Card Holozoic Coating, equipping it to Destroyer Dracorex. Destroyer Dracorex cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and when it battles, Faust cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. Faust activates his Set Trap Card Motor Worm Clutch, which lets him discard Motor Worm Bait to Special Summon 2 Motor Worm Tokens (0/0/1) in Defense Position (Spreader Queen: 2400→3800). Goldie activates Holozoic Coating's effect to send 1 "Holozoic Apex Beast" monster from her Extra Deck to the GY to increase Destroyer Dracorex's ATK by the sent monster's ATK until the end of the turn. She sends Holozoic Apex Beast – Ancient Ankylosaurus to the GY (Destroyer Dracorex: 2500→5000).

Destroyer Dracorex attacks Spreader Queen. Before damage calculation, Goldie activates Destroyer Dracorex's effect, Tributing Parallel Plesiosaur. Any monsters Faust controls besides Spreader Queen are destroyed, and Faust takes 300 damage for each destroyed monster. 3 Motor Worm Tokens are destroyed (Spreader Queen: 3800→1700) (Faust: 4000→3100 LP). The attack continues, but Spreader Queen isn't destroyed (Faust: 3100→0 LP). Goldie wins.

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Ai vs. Spectre

This Duel is conducted as a Speed Duel.

Turn 1: Spectre

Spectre Normal Summons Sunseed Genius Loci (0/600/1). He uses Genius Loci to Link Summon Sunavalon Dryas (0/1/↓) to the right Extra Monster Zone. Spectre Sets 1 card. He ends his turn.

Turn 2: Ai

Ai draws. He Normal Summons Dokidoki AtIgnister (1300/500/4). He uses Dokidoki to Link Summon Dark Infant AtIgnister (500/1/←) to the Extra Monster Zone. As Dark Infant was Link Summoned, Ai adds Ignister A.I. Land from his Deck to his hand. Ai activates the Field Spell Card Ignister A.I. Land. As he controls no monsters in his Main Monster Zone, Ai activates Ignister A.I. Land's effect to Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower "AtIgnister" monster from his hand. He Special Summons Doyon AtIgnister (400/1600/4) in Attack Position. As Doyon was Special Summoned, Ai can add 1 "AtIgnister" monster in his GY to his hand. He adds Dokidoki to his hand. As he controls an "AtIgnister" monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck, Ai Special Summons Fuwafuwa AtIgnister (600/900/3) in Attack Position. Ai uses Doyon, Fuwafuwa, and Dark Infant to Link Summon Dark Templar AtIgnister (2300/3/↙↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. Ai activates Ignister A.I. Land's effect to Special Summons Dokidoki AtIgnister (1300/500/4) in Attack Position. As Dokidoki was Special Summoned, Ai Special Summons 1 AtIgnister Token (0/0/1) to Dark Templar's bottom-left Link Marker in Defense Position. As a monster was Special Summoned to Ai's zone his Link Monster points to, he activates Dark Templar's effect, targeting Dark Templar. Ai can Special Summon as many Level 4 or lower "AtIgnister" monsters from his GY to Dark Templar's Link Markers as possible with their effects negated. He Special Summons Doyon (400/1600/4) to Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position. Ai activates Dokidoki's effect, targeting itself and declaring Light. Dokidoki becomes a Light monster until the end of the turn (Dokidoki: Earth→Light). Ai overlays his Level 4 Dokidoki and Doyon to Xyz Summon Light Dragon AtIgnister (2300/1500/4/2) to Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. Ai uses 1 AtIgnister Token to Link Summon Linguriboh (300/1/↙) to Dark Templar's bottom-left Link Marker. Ai activates Light Dragon's effect, detaching 1 Overlay Unit (Light Dragon: 2 OU→1 OU) to target monsters Spectre controls, up to the number of "AtIgnister" monsters Ai controls, and destroy them. He targets and destroys Sunavalon Dryas. Ai Sets 1 card.

Dark Templar attacks Spectre directly. As Ai's monster declared an attack, Spectre activates his Set Trap Card Draining Shield, targeting Dark Templar and attempting to negate the attack. As Spectre activated a Trap Card, Ai activates Linguriboh's effect, Tributing it to negate the activation of Draining Shield and banish it. As the activation of a Spell/Trap Card was negated, Spectre Special Summons Sunvine Sage (800/1300/3) from his hand in Defense Position. A replay occurs and Dark Templar attacks and destroys Sunvine Sage. As Sage was destroyed by battle and sent to the GY, the Battle Phase ends, then Spectre can Special Summon 1 "Sunavalon" Link Monster from his GY. He Special Summons Sunavalon Dryas (0/1/↓). Ai ends his turn.

Turn 3: Spectre

Spectre draws. As he controls a "Sunavalon" monster, he activates the Spell Card Sunvine Planter, Special Summoning 2 Sunvine Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. Spectre uses 2 Sunvine Tokens and Sunavalon Dryas to Link Summon Sunavalon Dryanome (0/3/↙↓↘) to the Extra Monster Zone. As he controls no monsters in the Main Monster Zone, Spectre activates Sunvine Planter's effect in his GY, banishing it to Special Summon 2 Sunvine Tokens (0/0/1 each) in Defense Position. Spectre uses 1 Sunvine Token to Link Summon Sunvine Thrasher (800/1/↓) to Dryanome's bottom Link Marker. As Thrasher was Special Summoned, Spectre targets Dryanome, and Thrasher gains ATK equal to Dryanome's Link Rating x 800 (Thrasher: 800→3200). Spectre uses 1 Sunvine Token to Link Summon a 2nd Sunvine Thrasher (800/1/↓) to Dryanome's bottom-left Link Marker. Thrasher's effect activates, and Spectre targets Dryanome (Thrasher: 800→3200). Spectre Sets 1 card.

The 1st Thrasher attacks Dark Templar. Ai activates his Set Trap Card A.I.-CU, targeting Dark Templar. For the rest of the turn, Dark Templar cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, and Ai takes no battle damage from battles involving it. The attack continues, but Dark Templar is not destroyed. Spectre activates his Skill Sunavalon Blaze, which lets him Tribute 1 monster linked to his "Sunavalon" monster, then 1 Plant monster he controls gains ATK equal to that monster's ATK until the end of the turn. He Tributes the 1st Thrasher and increases the ATK of the 2nd Thrasher (Thrasher: 3200→6400). Thrasher attacks Light Dragon. At the start of the Damage Step, Spectre activates Thrasher's effect. As Ai's "AtIgnister" monster was attacked, Ai discards Donyoribo AtIgnister from his hand to take no battle damage. The attack continues and Light Dragon is destroyed. As Ai's monster was destroyed by battle by Thrasher, Spectre Special Summons Light Dragon (2300/1500/4) to Sunavalon Dryanome's bottom Link Marker in Attack Position. Spectre ends his turn. During the End Phase, Thrasher's ATK returns to normal (Thrasher: 6400→3200).

Turn 4: Ai

Ai draws. Spectre activates his Set Continuous Trap Card Sunavalon Bindings, targeting Dark Templar. Dark Templar cannot declare an attack or activate its effects, and during each End Phase, Ai takes damage equal to its Link Rating x 400. Ai activates A.I.-CU's effect in his GY, banishing it to add 1 "AtIgnister" monster in his GY to his hand. He adds Dokidoki to his hand. Ai activates Ignister A.I. Land's effect and Special Summons Dokidoki (1300/500/4) in Attack Position. As Dokidoki was Special Summoned, Ai Special Summons 1 AtIgnister Token (0/0/1) to Dark Templar's bottom-left Link Marker in Defense Position. Ai activates the Spell Card FA.I.-ghting Spirit, which lets him target and Special Summon 1 "AtIgnister" monster in his GY with its effects negated. He Special Summons Doyon (400/1600/4) to Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker in Defense Position. Ai activates Dokidoki's effect to target up to 2 "AtIgnister" monsters, declare an Attribute, and change their Attributes to that Attribute until the end of the turn. He targets AtIgnister Token and Doyon and declares Earth (AtIgnister Token: Dark→Earth) (Doyon: Dark→Earth). Ai uses AtIgnister Token, Dokidoki, and Doyon to Link Summon Gold Chimera AtIgnister (2300/3/↑↓↘) to Dark Templar's bottom Link Marker. Ai activates Gold Chimera's effect to target 1 "AtIgnister" monster in his GY. He can shuffle that monster into the Deck, then add 1 different "AtIgnister" monster or 1 "A.I." Spell/Trap from his Deck to his hand. He targets and shuffles Dokidoki into the Deck, then adds TA.I. Strike from his Deck to his hand.

Gold Chimera attacks Light Dragon. If Ai's co-linked "AtIgnister" monster battles while Gold Chimera is on the field, Spectre cannot activate any cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. As Ai's "AtIgnister" monster is battling Spectre's monster, Ai activates the Quick-Play Spell Card TA.I. Strike. Gold Chimera's ATK becomes equal to the ATK of the monster it is battling, and the controller of a monster destroyed by this battle will take damage equal to their destroyed monster's original ATK at the end of the Damage Step. As a card or effect was activated that would inflict damage while Ai controls an "AtIgnister" monster, AI activates Donyoribo's effect in his GY, banishing it to make the damage 0 or double it. He chooses to double it. Gold Chimera's effect prevents Ai's co-linked monsters from being destroyed by battle. The attack continues and Light Dragon is destroyed, then Spectre takes damage equal to Light Dragon's original ATK, with Donyoribo's effect doubling the damage (Spectre: 4000→0 LP). Ai wins.

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Goldie:

Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1200 DEF 1300 Level: 4
If there is a card in the Field Zone: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. You can only use this effect of "Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus" once per turn. You can only use 1 of the following effects of "Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus" per turn, and only once that turn.
-If this card is sent from the hand to the GY: You can add 1 "Holozoic" monster from your GY to your hand, except "Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus".
-If this card is sent from the field to the GY: You can add 1 "Holozoic" monster from your Deck to your hand, except "Holozoic Beast – Algorithmic Apatosaurus".

Holozoic Apex Beast – Shadow Stegosaurus
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2500 LINK-3 ←↑→
3 monsters, including a "Holozoic" monster
"Holozoic" monsters you control cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects. When another Link Monster's effect is activated while this card is co-linked (Quick Effect): You can negate the activation, and if you do, destroy that monster, also you can Special Summon 1 "Holozoic" monster from your GY. If this card is in your GY: You can target 1 "Holozoic" Link Monster you control; Special Summon this card to your zone that monster points to. You can only use 1 "Holozoic Apex Beast – Shadow Stegosaurus" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

Holozoic Apex Beast – Destroyer Dracorex
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2500 LINK-3 ↙↑↘
2+ "Holozoic" monsters
If a Cyberse monster(s) is Normal or Special Summoned to your zone this card points to: You can target 1 face-up card on the field; destroy it. Once per battle, if this card battles an opponent's monster, at the start of the Damage Step (Quick Effect): You can Tribute 1 "Holozoic" monster you control, except "Holozoic Apex Beast – Destroyer Dracorex"; destroy any monsters your opponent controls, except the battling monster, then inflict 300 damage to your opponent for each destroyed monster. You can only use each effect of "Holozoic Apex Beast – Destroyer Dracorex" once per turn.

Holozoic Nest Normal Spell Card
If you control a "Holozoic" Link Monster: Special Summon up to 2 "Holozoic Tokens" (Cyberse/EARTH/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position, also, for the rest of this turn after this card resolves, you can only Special Summon from the Extra Deck once. If your "Holozoic" monster would be destroyed by battle or card effect, you can banish this card from your GY instead. You can only use each effect of "Holozoic Nest" once per turn.

Holozoic Enclosure Continuous Spell Card
When this card is activated: Place counters on this card equal to the total Link Rating of "Holozoic Apex Beast" Link Monsters you control. While this card has a counter, apply these effects.
-This card cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects.
-Neither player can declare attacks, also neither player takes effect damage.
-Once per turn, during the End Phase, remove 1 counter from this card or destroy it.

Holozoic Coating Equip Spell Card
Equip only to a "Holozoic" monster. It cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. If the equipped monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. Once per turn: You can send 1 "Holozoic Apex Beast" monster from your Extra Deck to the GY; the equipped monster gains ATK equal to the sent monster's ATK until the end of the turn.

Dr. Genome:

Helixx Hydrochogre
Attribute: DARK Type: [Fiend/Effect] ATK 2800 DEF 2600 Level: 8
You can Normal Summon this card by Tributing 1 "Helixx" monster. Your "Helixx" monsters cannot be destroyed by card effects. If your opponent Special Summons a Link Monster (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY; for the rest of the turn, you take no battle damage from battles involving "Helixx" monsters you control. You can only use this effect of "Helixx Hydrochogre" once per turn.

Helixx Laboratory Field Spell Card
When this card is activated: You can add 1 "Helixx" card from your Deck to your hand. "Helixx" monsters you control cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn: You can discard 1 "Helixx" monster; Special Summon 1 "Helixx Token" (Fiend/DARK/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0).

Ai:

Fuwafuwa AtIgnister
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 600 DEF 900 Level: 3
If you control an "AtIgnister" monster that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. When your opponent activates a monster effect while you control an "AtIgnister" Link Monster (Quick Effect): You can Tribute this card, then target 1 "AtIgnister" monster you control; negate the activation, and if you do, the targeted monster can make an additional attack in a row during each Battle Phase this turn. You can only use each effect of "Fuwafuwa AtIgnister" once per turn.

Silver Desperado AtIgnister
Attribute: DARK Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↙↑↓
2+ DARK, FIRE, and/or LIGHT monsters
Co-linked cards you control cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower "AtIgnister" monster in your GY; Special Summon it in Defense Position, also monsters you control cannot declare an attack this turn, except Cyberse monsters. At the start of the Damage Step, if this co-linked card battles an opponent's monster: You can return that opponent's monster to the hand, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to this card's original ATK. You can only use this effect of "Silver Desperado" once per turn.

Dokidoki AtIgnister
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1300 DEF 500 Level: 4
If this card is Special Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 "AtIgnister Token" (Cyberse/DARK/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position. You can target up to 2 "AtIgnister" monsters you control, then declare an Attribute; the targeted monsters become that Attribute until the end of this turn. You can only use each effect of "Dokidoki AtIgnister" once per turn.

Gold Chimera AtIgnister
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 2300 LINK-3 ↑↓↘
2+ EARTH, WATER, and/or WIND monsters
Your co-linked monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or have their effects negated. If your co-linked "AtIgnister" monster battles, your opponent cannot activate cards or effects until the end of the Damage Step. Once per turn: You can target 1 "AtIgnister" monster in your GY; shuffle it into the Deck, and if you do, you can add 1 "AtIgnister" monster with a different original name or 1 "A.I." Spell/Trap from your Deck to your hand. If this card is sent from the field to the GY by an opponent's card: You can activate this effect; monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects for the rest of the turn. You can only use this effect of "Gold Chimera AtIgnister" once per turn.

A.I.-CU Normal Trap Card
During the Battle Phase: Target 1 "AtIgnister" monster you control; for the rest of the turn, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects, also you take no damage from battles involving it. You can banish this card from your GY; add 1 "AtIgnister" monster from your GY to your hand. You can only use 1 "A.I.-CU" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

Baira:

Dark Mummy Detector
Attribute: DARK Type: [Zombie/Effect] ATK 800 DEF 0 Level: 1
If this card is Tributed: You can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower "Dark Mummy" monster from your Deck in Defense Position. You can only use this effect of "Dark Mummy Detector" once per turn. Your opponent's monsters cannot target this linked card for attacks.

Dark Mummy Tomb Field Spell Card
When this card is activated: You can add 1 "Dark Mummy" monster or 1 "Virus" Normal Trap from your Deck to your hand. You take no effect damage while you control a "Dark Mummy" Link Monster. If this card is sent from the field to the GY: You can add this card to your hand. If you control a "Dark Mummy" Link Monster: You can Set 1 Normal Trap directly from your Deck. You can only use each effect of "Dark Mummy Tomb" once per turn.

Diana:

VirtuaBeast Java Jaguar
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Cyberse/Effect] ATK 1800 DEF 900 Level: 4
If this card is used to Link Summon a "VirtuaBeast" monster: You can target 1 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster you control; move it to your unoccupied Main Monster Zone. (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 face-up card you control; until the end of the turn, it is unaffected by your opponent's card effects. You can only use each effect of "VirtuaBeast Java Jaguar" once per turn.

VirtuaBeast Firefox Fenrir
Attribute: WATER Type: [Cyberse/Link/Effect] ATK 3000 LINK-4 ←↑↓→
3+ "VirtuaBeast" monsters
The first time each turn this card would be destroyed by battle or card effects, it is not destroyed. If this card battles an opponent's Link Monster, during damage calculation: You can target 1 "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster in your GY; return it to the Extra Deck, and if you do, the opponent's monster's ATK becomes 0 and its effects are negated during damage calculation only.

VirtuaBeast Predation Quick-Play Spell Card
When your "VirtuaBeast" Link Monster destroys an opponent's monster by battle: Target 1 "VirtuaBeast" monster you control; Tribute it, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to that monster's original ATK, also your opponent takes no damage for the rest of the turn. You can only use 1 "VirtuaBeast Predation" per turn.

Faust:

Motor Worm Drone
Attribute: LIGHT Type: [Insect/Effect] ATK 800 DEF 800 Level: 3
When this card is Normal Summoned: You can add 1 "Motor Worm Hive" from your Deck to your hand. (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your GY, then target 1 Insect Link Monster you control; for the rest of the turn, that monster cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects. You can only use each effect of "Motor Worm Drone" once per turn.

Motor Worm Hive Field Spell Card
Insect monsters you control cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects. You can Tribute 1 Insect monster; Special Summon up to 3 "Motor Worm Tokens" (Insect/LIGHT/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position, also you cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except Insect monsters (even if this card leaves the field). You can only this effect of "Motor Worm Hive" once per turn.

Worm Bind Normal Trap Card
If you control an Insect Link Monster: Target 1 Link Monster your opponent controls; it becomes an Insect monster, also it has its effects negated, and for the rest of the turn, your opponent cannot activate the effects of monsters with the same original name.

Motor Worm Clutch Normal Trap Card
Send 1 card from your hand to the GY; Special Summon 2 "Motor Worm Tokens" (Insect/LIGHT/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position. You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon up to 3 "Motor Worm Tokens" (Insect/LIGHT/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position. You can only use 1 "Motor Worm Clutch" effect per turn, and only once that turn.

Spectre:

Sunvine Sage
Attribute: EARTH Type: [Plant/Effect] ATK 600 DEF 1300 Level: 3
When the activation of a Spell/Trap Card is negated (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon this card from your hand. If this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: End the Battle Phase, and if you do, you can Special Summon 1 "Sunavalon" Link Monster from your GY. You can only use each effect of "Sunvine Sage" once per turn.

Sunvine Planter Normal Spell Card
If you control a "Sunavalon" Link Monster: Special Summon up to 2 "Sunvine Tokens" (Plant/EARTH/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position, also for the rest of this turn after this effect resolves, you cannot Normal Summon/Set monsters. If you control no monsters in the Main Monster Zone: You can banish this card from your GY; Special Summon up to 2 "Sunvine Tokens" (Plant/EARTH/Level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0) in Defense Position. You can only use each effect of "Sunvine Planter" once per turn.

Sunavalon Bindings Continuous Trap Card
Target 1 Link Monster your opponent controls; it cannot declare an attack or activate its effects. During the End Phase: Your opponent takes damage equal to its Link Rating x 400. If there are no "Sunavalon" monsters on the field, destroy this card.

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Chapter Preview

Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS: Hidden Memories. Chapter 78 – Charismatic Defense. The Knights of Hanoi have fallen, and now the Charisma Duelists step up to the plate. Galahad holds back Goldie, Persephone confronts Diana, and Go proves his fortitude against Ai. But they aren't the only ones dueling; Lilith faces Roboppi in a demonstration of what she learned under her uncle's tutelage…

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Question of the Chapter

What are your thoughts on Ai's AtIgnister monsters representing Cypher and Goldie?

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Author's Notes

Thank you to SakushiRyu and Haoh Ryu Z-ARC for providing feedback on the duels, and shout outs to TheMaster444 and Ethan Kironus for giving feedback on the new Link-4 VirtuaBeast monster.

This took a while to write, mostly because of real-world shit. After all, Spider-Man 2 came out. I had to play that. But let's go through the chapter. I'll start with the duels. In Episodes 106 and 107, the Knights of Hanoi were defeated offscreen. I wrote these duels to give them a showing, as well as introduce Ai's AtIgnisters representing Cypher and Goldie, and Goldie's Holozoic Apex Beasts representing Ai and Cypher. Of course the Knights lost, and somewhat easily, but considering who their opponents are, that was expected. Meanwhile, Goldie and Ai tie up Revolver, Cassiel, Playmaker, and Soulburner with copies of themselves. I did think of going in-depth with these duels, but I decided it wasn't necessary. Though I do want to discuss Roboppi's changes. Since Ai's plan in season 3 is different, and Goldie is with him, Roboppi is a lot less villainous here. Instead of wanting to get rid of humans to clean up the world, Roboppi sees them as something needing a helping hand. Does this mean Roboppi will have a different fate in this story? Spoilers.

And outside of the duels, we have moments with Ouroboros. The conversation between Jormungand and Zahhak confirms something: Jormungand knows who everyone is in real life. I mean, seriously; the Divine Ignis is the single most powerful AI on the planet. Why wouldn't he be able to find out who they are? But just because he knows their identities doesn't mean he's going to go after them. And it isn't like with Revolver where he has a sense of honor; no, the reason Jormungand doesn't send Ouroboros after Cam and Kusanagi is because he doesn't consider them his enemies. They are human, and Jormungand wants to save humans; why would he exclude them from Final Ascension just because they've opposed him in the past?

That, and Jormungand is aware anyone going after Yasutake in real life will anger Zahhak, and he cares too much about Zahhak's feelings to allow that.

The second moment was Merlin and Techbane. This was to provide information on Zahhak through his duel with Arianrhod. His heart is weak, and if gets too excited, he risks a heart attack. That isn't much of a problem, considering how much stronger he is than everyone else, but it is a factor. And we also got a hint that Diana knows the Stahlritter and Arianrhod. How does she know them? Again, spoilers.

Thank you for reading Chapter 77 of Hidden Memories! Next chapter will have three duels and the conclusions to Goldie's copies vs. Cassiel and Revolver. Look forward to it!