Burning Swarm:

Travelling from the ruins of Coracavus back to Griffin Wing keep hadn't taken as long as travelling there since this time, they could take the short route by travelling through the old gates that had been sealed by the Venatori and could only be opened on the occupied side which couldn't be reached before. Now that the Venatori had been defeated, all it took was pull the lever and the gates opened and soon enough they were all back at Griffin Wing Keep where they could see that most of the Warriors and spellcasters have been sent away. Only a small group remained along with the leadership. Dorian had taken the rest of the team back to Cumberland.

"Ah, I see you have returned from Coracavus." Cullen greeted as he saw Zane return.

"It wasn't easy but we did it." Zane said "The Venatori no long hold that old ruined prison now."

"Which means the Venatori hold here is completely shattered." Fiona said

Anders then noticed someone, it was Servis and he was shock. "Wait, who's that, why is he dressed in Venatori clothing?" he demanded.

Zane sighed "This is going to be a long story, his name is Crassius Servis, he was a student at a school we all went to but it turned out to be an informant for the Venatori."

"So why is he here and free and not in chains?" Fiona demanded

"Because he did not serve the Venatori." Jaden replied "He's not loyal to them, he was brainwashed into serving them."

"I have no memory of what happened." Servis stated "And I also don't know what they are doing. I can't remember anything after they attacked and placed me under some kind of mind control."

"We're keeping an eye on him for now." Zane said

"If he tries anything then the Chazz will deal with him." Chazz smirked.

Alexis looked around "So what now then. There's nothing left here is there."

Cullen shook his head "All of the Venatori strongholds here have been taken out with the exception of Adamant fortress. However, it will take some time before we can plan an assault there as it is still heavily defended and right now, it's not worth the trouble."

"So we will all be going back to Cumberland." Fiona said "We have an expert there who may be able to translate that manuscript you found in the Still Ruins. We hope it may provide the answers as to where this final Old God Spirit card is that you talked about."

"We have to find it before the Venatori does." Cullen stated "But we don't want the Venatori to use this keep again which is why we're destroying it so it will no longer serve them. We have no use for it as all it would do is cost us resources and men so we're abandoning this entire region, there is no need to stay here now."

"Let's just hope that that manuscript has the answers we need." Kallian sighed "Otherwise we may just be running around in circles while the Venatori gets a head of us."

"Plus Solona is still their captive and who knows what she's going through." Jaden said

"If the manuscript proves to be nothing then we still have our other lead in the Arbor Wilds." Anders stated

...

Meanwhile at the Venatori stronghold in a hidden location, high ranking Venatori member Calpernia just arrived after being called back from an operation in the Arbor Wilds. She along with General Samson and been preparing for an assault on an ancient ruin discovered in these ruins known as the Well of Sorrows, an ancient temple from the time of the Dragon Faction which made it of great value to the Venatori. Unlike other old ruins though, this one was not abandoned and seemed to still have inhabitants who had lived in hiding since the war against the Fiends and Zombies which was why the Elder One had ordered an all-out assault on the place. Calpernia had been called back after a scouting mission and like the loyal follower she was, she obeyed the orders without question. She thought the Elder One needed to discuss something important with her.

However when she entered the main room where the Elder One usually greeted his followers, he was nowhere to be found. "Master!" Calpernia called out "Master Elder One!"

"The master isn't here right now." A voice called and Calpernia turned to see another high ranking Venatori member Gordian approaching her "He's out to check out this Well of Sorrows you mentioned in your report."

"So who called me back here then Gordian?" Calpernia demanded. "I should be with the Elder One when he arrives at the Well."

"Oh you will be Calpernia." Gordian sneered "Just not as you are now."

"What are you talking about?" Calpernia asked.

"You see, the Master has decided that you would be more useful to him as a vessel to contain the Well's power but he can't have you like you are now. He needs you weakened and unable to resist hence why he called you back here. This version of you has outlived its usefulness now."

Calpernia was gasped in horror! "I've served him for many years ever since he rescued me from slavery. I've followed his every command without question, was this what he planned for me from the start!?" she yelled.

"I can't say for sure but whatever the case, he no longer has use for you." Gordian smirked and activated his duel disk.

"Fine!" Calpernia hissed activating her own disk. "I'm not going down without a fight and when I'm done with you, the Elder One will pay for his betrayal! I still have one of the things he needs." She pulled out the card which she kept away from her deck.

"Andoral Old God of Slaves." Gordian hissed "You never gave that to the Master when you first found it."

"Well now I'll use it as a weapon against him!" Calpernia hissed as she slotted the card into her deck and shuffled.

"DUEL!"

Calpernia: 8000
Gordian: 8000

"The first move's mine!" Calpernia yelled as she drew a sixth card. "I'll set a monster face-down along with one other card face-down and end my turn."

"I was expecting better from you Calpernia," Gordian replied as he drew a card. "First, I activate the Spell Card, Instant Fusion. By paying 1000 of my own life points, I can summon a level 5 or below Fusion monster from my Extra Deck."

Calpernia: 8000
Gordian: 7000

"So come out, my Mudragon of the Swamp!" he called as a blue lizard looking monster crawled onto Gordian's field. (Level 4: 1900 ATK, 1600 DEF)

"Then I summon Evilswarm Obliviwisp in attack mode." An angry looking blue spirit surrounded by blue flames appeared alongside the lizard. (Level 4: 450 ATK, 2050 DEF)

"Then I'll activate Mudragon of the Swamp's special ability. Now, I can change his own Attribute to any one I wish. So I'll make him change from WATER attribute to DARK." Gordian said as his Mudragon changed from green to black. "Now I'll use my two monsters to build the overlay network!" he called as his two monsters lit up to form two beams which swirled around into a whirlpool in between the two duellists.

"Plague Reaper, collector of souls, it is time for you to harvest the spirits of the weak! I Xyz Summon, Evilswarm Thanatos!" he called as a black knight riding the spirit of a horse appeared on his field. The horse spirit let out a neigh sound. (Rank 4: 2350 ATK, 1350 DEF)

"Already going for an Xyz Summon I see," sneered Calpernia.

"Just doing what needs to be done," replied Gordian. "Evilswarm Thanatos, attack her face-down monster!" the horse spirit ran towards Calpernia's face-down monster. It then flipped up to be a brown monster with fiery wings. (Level 3: 800 ATK, 2000 DEF)

Gordian's monster then stabbed the monster with its sword, destroying him. "You destroyed my Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss," revealed Calpernia.

"I'll set a card face-down and end my turn," Gordian said.

"Hang on a second, my Scarm's special ability now activates," Calpernia called. "Since it was sent to my graveyard this turn; I can add 1 level 3 DARK attribute fiend-type monster from my deck to my hand at the end of this turn. I'll choose Tour Guide from the Underworld." She showed him the card she chose.

"Whatever you say," Gordian replied in boredom.

"And now it's my turn," Calpernia spoke as she drew another card. "I'll summon the Tour Guide from the Underworld that I just added to my hand last turn." A lady in a bus driver's outfit walked onto her field. (Level 3: 1000 ATK, 600 DEF)

"I activate her special ability, when she's summoned, I can summon a level 3 fiend-type monster from my deck by negating its special abilities, I choose Graff, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss." Another brown winged monster appeared on her field. Though this one had a large mouth. (Level 3: 1000 ATK, 1500 DEF)

"Normally, Graff, like all "Burning Abyss" monsters automatically…"

"No need to remind me Calpernia!" Gordian hissed. "I'm fully aware that your "Burning Abyss" monsters would destroy themselves if you have a monster on your field that is not a "Burning Abyss" monster, thank you very much!"

"Just thought I'd remind you why I negated his ability," replied Calpernia. "Now I overlay my Level 3 Graff and Tour Guide!" Her two monsters lit up before going down into their own whirlpool. "The one who has withstood the tests of the inferno, conquering the challenges of hell itself! Come and show off your talent! I Xyz Summon, Dante, Traveller of the Burning Abyss!" she chanted as a blue haired man with red clothing marched onto her field. (Rank 3: 1000 ATK, 2500 DEF)

"I activate his special ability, by using 1 overlay unit, I can send the top 3 cards from my deck to my graveyard, and then Dante gains 500 attack points for each one until the end of the turn," Calpernia spoke as she sent 3 cards to her graveyard. Doing so allowed Dante to grow stronger. (DTotBA: 1000 – 2500 ATK)

"One of the cards I just sent to my graveyard was my Farfa. Now I can activate his special ability along with Graff's that I just detached from Dante."

'It's obvious she's trying to chain-block me,' thought Gordian. 'She'll put her Graff's ability as chain link 2 so her Farfa can't be chained to, which means I won't be able to negate it. While I can't negate Farfa's ability, that doesn't mean I can't stop it affecting my Thanatos.'

"In response to your chain, I activate Evilswarm Thanatos' ability," Gordian spoke. "By using 1 overlay unit, my Thanatos will be unaffected by other card effects this turn." 1 overlay unit was eaten by the horse which then shielded its rider so Thanatos was protected.

"From Graff's effect, I can now summon another "Burning Abyss" monster from my deck, and I choose Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss," she called as a dark blue horned monster appeared on her field. (Level 3: 1600 ATK, 1200 DEF)

"Now from Farfa's effect, I can remove 1 monster on the field from play until the end of the turn. However, as you've made your Thanatos unaffected by other card effect, I'll target him but nothing will happen," Calpernia said as she knew she had to target a monster but she didn't want to remove one of her own monsters from play. "Now Dante, attack his Evilswarm Thanatos!" She called as her monster walked towards Gordian's monster.

"I activate my Trap card, Magic Cylinder!" responded Gordian. "Now your Dante's attack is negated and then you take damage equal to its attack points!" he sneered as two cylinders appeared ready to stop Dante.

"You aren't the only one with a trap Gordian, I activate my Continuous Trap card, Royal Decree!" called out Calpernia. "This card negates all other trap cards on the field which is a pity for you because I know just how Trap-heavy you can be." Calpernia referenced to the fact that Gordian had a lot of traps in his deck. Calpernia's Royal Decree destroyed the cylinders, leaving Gordian's monster vulnerable. Dante punched the horse spirit, causing it to squeal as Dante then punched the rider, causing him to fall, resulting in his destruction.

Calpernia: 8000
Gordian: 6850

"Now Cir, attack him directly!" Calpernia called out as her monster charged at Gordian, knocking him to the ground.

Calpernia: 8000
Gordian: 5250

"Is this the best you can do!?" asked Calpernia in annoyance. "I haven't broken a sweat yet with all my life points intact and you have an empty field. I even have more cards in my hand than you do."

Gordian got up, "I drew our little friend's dad into a false sense of security and look what I did!" declared Gordian, referring to how he killed Solona's dad, Aristide by drawing him into a false sense of security and then taking advantage of it.

"That may have worked on him but it won't work on me. I know you too well," Calpernia responded. "Since Dante attacked this turn, he automatically switches into Defence Mode at the end of this Battle Phase." Dante sat himself down and formed a cross shape with his arms, protecting himself. (2500 DEF)

"I end my turn and Dante's ability wears off so his attack points return to normal, not that it matters since he's in defence mode now," Calpernia finished. (DTotBA: 2500 – 1000 ATK)

"Then it's my move," Gordian sneered as he drew another card. "Since you're stopping my Traps with that Royal Decree, I'll get you back by activating this Spell Card, Dimensional Fissure!"

"Wait with Dimension Fissure, all cards that would go to the graveyard will be removed from play instead!" sighed Calpernia. "I see where you're going with this, you're planning to stop me from using my monsters' abilities that would activate in the graveyard."

"Exactly right," Gordian mockingly clapped. "Now I summon Evilswarm Ketos in attack mode." A disgusting looking creature appeared on Gordian's field. (Level 4: 1750 ATK, 1050 DEF)

"Evilswarm Ketos, attack Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" he called as his creature threw Cir into the air. The force of the throw disintegrated Cir.

Calpernia: 7850
Gordian: 5250

Gordian then looked at the two remaining cards in his hand. 'I have two traps in my hand but I can't use them because of that Royal Decree. If I set them, she'll know that I won't have any cards in my hand and would know what my plan is. I may as well keep these in my hand for now,' he said to himself.

"I end my turn," Gordian said.

"Then I'm up then," Calpernia replied as she drew her next card. 'That Dimensional Fissure really cripples my deck. With all cards getting removed from play instead of going to my graveyard, all my Burning Abyss monsters can't activate their abilities from there. Even if I use Dante's effect to mill 3 cards, because those cards won't go to my graveyard, he won't gain any attack points. To add the cherry on top, while my Royal Decree prevents him from using his trap cards, it also prevents me from special summoning my Burning Abyss monsters from my hand by their own effects as I have a Trap card on my field.' She thought.

"I'll pass, there's nothing I can do," said Calpernia.

"Not so confident now are you?" sniggered Gordian as he drew another card. "I'll set a monster face-down and end my turn."

"Then I'm up then," Calpernia replied as she drew again. "I'll also set a monster face-down but I'll also lay a face-down card and end my turn."

'With her Royal Decree out, that face-down must be a Quick-Play Spell card or something; otherwise, she wouldn't be able to play it,' thought Gordian as he drew another card.

"First I'll flip-summon my Evilswarm Azzathoth," said Gordian as his face-down monster flipped over to reveal a monster with several coloured lizard-like animals huddled together in a ball. (Level 4: 750 ATK, 1950 DEF)

"That will then activate his flip effect, now I can target a special summoned monster on your field and send it right back to your deck. So I'll choose your Dante." Gordian's monster howled causing Dante to retreat.

"You're forgetting one thing Gordian, since Dante is a Xyz monster, he goes to my Extra Deck instead of my Main Deck so I can just Xyz Summon him again,"Calpernia sneered.

"If you can that is," Gordian sneered back. "Now I overlay my level 4 Evilswarm Azzathoth and Ketos!" Gordian's two monsters lit up and a powerful beam shook the field. "Dance, and claim the world! Let every land's blood be a record of your deeds! I Xyz Summon Evilswarm Ophion!" chanted Gordian as a large black-scaled dragon soared onto his field. (Rank 4: 2550 ATK, 1550 DEF)

'That's his signature monster,' thought Calpernia.

"I now activate Ophion's ability, by using 1 overlay unit, I can add 1 Infestation card from my deck to my hand. Since your Royal Decree is still on the field; I'll add the Spell, Infestation Pandemic to my hand," Gordian said as he showed Calpernia a green card. "Now Ophion, attack her face-down monster." He called as his dragon let out a black blast of fire from his mouth, engulfing Calpernia's face down monster which turned out to be a white rhino with a purple face. (Level 3: 1400 ATK, 900 DEF)

"You destroyed my Fiendish Rhino Warrior," exclaimed Calpernia.

"And you can't use its effect either as it wasn't sent to your graveyard!" sniggered Gordian. Calpernia grunted in annoyance of this fact.

'Such a pesky card!' Calpernia hissed to herself.

"I end my turn. Oh and before you think of trying to get your Old God onto the field, you can forget it. While Ophion has an overlay unit, you're not allowed to special summon any level 5 or above monsters," Gordian laughed.

"I'm well aware of that!" hissed Calpernia as she drew another card. "I'll just have to set another monster and end my turn."

"My turn again," Gordian said as he drew another card. "I summon Evilswarm Salamandra in attack mode." A black dinosaur monster appeared on the field. (Level 4: 1850 ATK, 950 DEF)

"I activate his special ability, by removing up to 2 monsters from my graveyard from play, I can increase Salamandra's attack points by 300 for each one. So, I'll remove Evilswarm Thanatos and Mudragon of the Swamp from my graveyard," Gordian revealed as the two monsters disappeared from his graveyard, granting Salamandra extra power. (ES: 1850-2450 ATK)

"Now Salamandra, attack her face-down monster," he commanded as his dinosaur charged at the face-down monster.

"I'll reveal my face-down, the Quick-Play Spell Card, Shrink. Now your attacking monster's attack points are cut in half," Calpernia shouted as her card flipped up.

"Did you forget that I had this card?" Gordian questioned mockingly as he slid a card into his duel disk. "I activate my own Quick-Play Spell, Infestation Pandemic, now all my "Evilswarm" monsters are unaffected by Spells and Traps this turn!" Gordian's card formed a shield around his two monsters. Doing so allowed Salamandra to continue its attack towards its target which turned out to be a second Scarm.

"Now Ophion, attack our master's vessel directly," Gordian laughed as Ophion let out a black blast which hit the ground just in front of Calpernia, the shockwave sent her flying.

Calpernia: 5200
Gordian: 5250

"That enough for you to reconsider denying our master his destiny?" Gordian asked. Calpernia got up onto her feet.

"I really thought we were working together for his destiny. But I cannot allow him to use me to achieve that. There must be some other way like that girl we captured," Calpernia replied thinking they can use Solona as the vessel instead.

"About that," Gordian said. "Master Elder One has already awakened an immense spirit inside her which is why we've been after her all this time. One that can obliterate anything in its path. But, his ultimate goal is to conquer the universe with all 7 Old God cards. However, in order to do that, our Elder One needs the power of the Well of Surrow."

"Hold up!" Calpernia interrupted. "Is that why we were chasing her and her friends, just to unleash something that can rival him? Is that where he's gone to, the Well of Surrow?"

"The Well will allow him to control all 7 Old Gods at the same time. Without it, even 5 Old Gods would be too powerful for him to control. But in order to obtain its power, he needs a vessel. You are his best chance to do that so it has to be you who should be sacrificed." Gordian finished. Calpernia looked in horror at the betrayal.

"So that was why he rescued me, to do his bidding," Calpernia whispered. "AND NOW HE'S USING ME JUST TO GAIN MORE POWER!" she boomed. "You should never had double-crossed me Gordian! I'm done with him!" she roared as she took off her Venatori outfit revealing to be wearing a sleek, golden outfit underneath. "If he's going to have me killed, I can't let that happen, I'll be my own lone wolf!" she roared.

"If that's what you wish, so be it but my orders are to bring you to him so I can't let you escape," Gordian spoke. "I end my turn."

"Then it's my turn!" Calpernia yelled as she drew another card. "I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed so now I can draw 2 cards," she said as she drew twice. "Then I'll activate the Spell card, Forbidden Chalice. This will give 400 extra attack point to your Ophion; however, its abilities are negated." Gordian's Ophion gained extra power, but the shininess of its scales dulled. (EO: 2550 – 2950 ATK)

"With that done, I can special summon Level 5 or above monsters again. Next, I'll summon Crane Crane in attack mode!" A long legged bird with a red body and a long white neck appeared on Calpernia's field. (Level 3: 300 ATK, 900 DEF)

"Due to his ability, I can bring back a level 3 monster from my graveyard by negating its special abilities, so I'll bring back one of the monsters that I milled from my deck earlier in this duel. Come out, Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" she called as her crane lowered its neck to bring a monster through the hole in the ground. That monster turned out to be a purple coloured skull monster. (Level 3: 100 ATK, 2100 DEF)

"I suspect you'll think that I'm going to Xyz Summon Dante again as they have the same level, but no. Rubic is a tuner monster, so I'll tune level 3 Rubic with my level 3 Crane Crane!" Calpernia revealed as her Rubic transformed into three rings while Crane Crane took flight and turned into 3 bulbs of light which the circles surrounded. Then a powerful beam lit up the field.

"Sorrowful guide to hell, sing your legendary tune! The tale of a journey through the inferno! I Synchro Summon, Virgil, Rock Star of the Burning Abyss!" she chanted as a red haired man wearing a cowboy hat and carrying a brown guitar appeared on her field. Her monster played a few guitar screeches to frighten its opponents. (Level 6: 2500 ATK, 1000 DEF)

"I see you're switching things up a bit," Gordian sneered.

"You got that right!" Calpernia spoke. "While your Dimensional Fissure certainly is powerful, it can't protect you from this. I activate Virgil's special ability. By discarding 1 "Burning Abyss" card from my hand, I can shuffle 1 of your monsters back to your deck. But like I said about my Dante, your Ophion is also a Xyz Monster so he goes back to your extra deck!" she called as she discarded the Spell, Good and Evil of the Burning Abyss. Virgil played a loud song from its guitar, forcing Ophion to retreat back to Gordian's deck.

"Now that he's out of the way, Virgil, attack Evilswarm Salamandra! Hard Rock Screech!" Calpernia demanded as her Virgil rank towards Salamandra and played a very loud tune, loud enough to shake Salamandra to smithereens.

Calpernia: 5200
Gordian: 5200

"With that, I end my turn." Calpernia called.

"It's my turn then," Gordian responded as he drew another card. "I'll set a monster face-down and end my turn."

"Then it's my turn!" Calpernia called as she drew another card. "I activate Virgil's special ability again. By discarding Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss, I can shuffle that face-down monster of yours back to your deck!" Virgil did his thing again and Gordian's face-down went away.

"Curses!" yelled Gordian. 'I was hoping she would shuffle Dimensional Fissure away instead and attack my face-down Evilswarm Thunderbird!' he said to himself when the effect happened.

"But that's not all, next I summon Libic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" Calpernia called out as a grotesque monster rose from the fire below. (Level 3: 1300 ATK, 700 DEF)

"Now Virgil, attack Gordian directly! Hard Rock Screech!" she yelled as Virgil's guitar let out another screech, causing Gordian to crouch down, covering his ears.

Calpernia: 5200
Gordian: 2700

"Now Libic, your turn," Calpernia called as her other monster roared at Gordian who was still crouched down as he bore the brunt of the assault.

Calpernia: 5200
Gordian: 1400

Gordian struggled to get back on his feet. "I told you not to double cross me Gordian! And now look! Even with your Dimensional Fissure, I have control," taunted Calpernia.

"You may do for now, but you know that will only delay your own demise," sneered back Gordian.

"Oh shut up already! You're in no position to make me your Elder One's puppet."

"You mean OUR Elder One."

"I told you I was through with him and every one of you for betraying me!"

"As much as you deny it, you ARE one of us and always will be. Now it's time to serve your real purpose," Gordian finished his sentence.

"You can talk the talk, but you aren't walking the walk! I end my turn."

"Now it's my turn," Gordian called as he drew another card. "I activate my own Pot of Greed, so I pick up 2 more cards," he said as he drew twice. "Next I activate Magical Stone Excavation. Now by discarding 2 cards, I can add a Spell card from my graveyard back to my hand." Gordian got rid of 2 trap cards which got removed from play. He then got the only Spell card in his graveyard before Dimensional Fissure activated back to his hand.

"I'll now reuse Instant Fusion. I pay 1000 life points to bring out a level 5 or below Fusion monster. I choose my Elder Entity Norden!" he called as a horse drawn carriage with a man holding a trident appeared on Gordian's field. (Level 4: 2000 ATK, 2200 DEF)

Calpernia: 5200
Gordian: 400

"Are you sure that was a wise move?" questioned Calpernia, "You've only got 400 life points left."

"It's a cost well worth," Gordian answered. "Now I activate Norden's special ability, when he's summoned, I can bring back a level 4 or below monster from my graveyard. And I choose the only monster I have left there, come out, Evilswarm Obliviwisp!" The angry looking blue spirit surrounded by blue flames re-emerged. (Level 4: 450 ATK, 2050 DEF)

"Next I overlay level 4 Elder Entity Norden and Evilswarm Obliviwisp!" Gordian called as Norden stabbed Obliviwisp with his trident and then combined together to form a powerful beam from the ground to the roof of the Venatori stronghold. "Knight of darkness and evil! Bring your prescence and unleash an absolute obliteration of all who are left standing! I Xyz Summon Evilswarm Exciton Knight!" Gordian chanted as a knight wearing shiny silver armour swung its sword wildly. Its eyes glowed bright red. (Rank 4: 1900 ATK, 0 DEF)

"You think that will save you?" Calpernia asked.

"Of course he will!" called out Gordian. "But first I activate the Spell Card, Gold Sarcophagus. So, I remove 1 card from my deck from play, but during my Second Stand-By Phase after this card was activated, I can add it back to my hand." He took a card out from his deck and removed it.

"2 turns?" asked Calpernia. "You won't last that long with only 400 life points."

"We'll just see about that, because the monster I removed from play was Necroface, now I can activate its special ability. When this card is removed from play, we each have to remove the top 5 cards of our decks from play." Calpernia was about to touch her deck until Gordian spoke up, "And that then triggers Exciton Knight's special ability, you see when a card effect is activated either during my turn or your Battle Phase, and you have more cards on the field and in your hand than I do, then all the cards on the field; except for Exciton Knight, are instantly destroyed!"

"No way!" yelled Calpernia as Exciton Knight slashed all 3 cards on her field as well as Gordian's Dimensional Fissure. Additionally, both duellists removed the top 5 cards from their decks.

"By destroying Dimensional Fissure, all the cards were sent to our graveyards." Calpernia explained. "Since Virgil was sent to my graveyard, I get to draw 1 card from my deck. Then, since Libic was sent to my graveyard, I can summon a "Burning Abyss" monster from my hand by negating its special ability. So rise, Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" Calpernia drew a card from her deck and another monster appeared on her field to replace Virgil and Libic that got destroyed. (Level 3: 1700 ATK, 1000 DEF)

'Not that one!' thought Gordian. 'If that Barbar gets sent to her graveyard, it can remove up to 3 of her Burning Abyss cards from her graveyard to deal me 300 points of damage for each. She has 4 Burning Abyss cards in her graveyard. Virgil, Scarm, Libic and Graff. So she can deal me 900 points of damage; but, I only have 400 life points left. I can't afford to have that Barbar go to her graveyard!

"I'll Activate the Spell card, Card of Demise. This allows me to keep drawing cards until I have 3 cards in my hand." Gordian drew 3 cards since his hand was now empty. "I'll place all 3 cards face-down and end my turn. Due to Card of Demise's effect, I must now discard my entire hand. But my hand is now empty so I have nothing to discard," Gordian finished.

"Then this is the end of the line for you!" called Calpernia as she drew another card. "Barbar, attack Evilswarm Exciton Knight!" Barbar sent a mine towards Exciton Knight. 'I may take 200 points of damage but when Barbar gets sent to my graveyard, this duel is mine.' She thought.

"I activate my Trap Card, Dimensional Prism." Gordian called out. "Now the attacking monster is automatically removed from play so say goodbye to your Barbar." Calpernia's monster got removed from play. "Since Barbar didn't get sent to your graveyard, you can't activate its effect to finish me off!" he sneered.

"If only you were so lucky Gordian!" snapped Calpernia. Gordian gasped in surprise. "I now summon Draghig, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss," Calpernia said as a demonic fiend monster appeared on her field. (Level 3: 1100 ATK, 900 DEF)

"Then, since I don't have any Spells or Traps on my field right now, I can also special summon from my hand, Cagna, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" a second monster appeared alongside Draghig on Calpernia's field. (Level 3: 1500 ATK, 300 DEF)

"I now overlay my Level 3 Draghig and Cagna! With these fiery creatures, I build the overlay network!" she called as her two monsters jumped into yet another whirlpool. "I Xyz Summon Leviair The Sea Dragon in Defence Mode!" she yelled as a turquoise blue and orange dragon with a fire-filled head flew onto Calpernia's field. (Rank 3: 1800 ATK, 1600 DEF)

"I activate its special ability, by using one overlay unit, he allows me to bring back 1 level 4 or below monster that was removed from play. So guess who's coming back?" she called.

"Oh no!" yelled Gordian as Leviair set one of its overlay units ablaze to bring back one of Calpernia's removed from play monsters.

"Now come back, Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" Calpernia yelled as Barbar returned to her field. (Level 3: 1700 ATK, 0 DEF)

"Since Leviair isn't a "Burning Abyss" monster, Barbar is automatically destroyed," Calpernia said as Barbar exploded. "You know what that means, don't you? Now I can activate Barbar's special ability, by banishing up to 3 Burning Abyss cards from my graveyard, you take 300 points of damage for each one. "So, I remove Graff, Virgil and Libic from my graveyard to deal you 900 points of damage!" Calpernia called as Barbar's effect triggered. "This duel is over!"

"Think again Calpernia, I activate the Trap Card, Debunk!" Gordian responded. "This trap activates if a monster effect activates either in your hand or in your graveyard. Not only is your Barbar negated but it also gets removed from play. Again." Gordian's trap stopped Barbar from activating, making Calpernia growl in frustration.

"I'll place these 2 cards face-down!" growled Calpernia.

"Then it's my move," Gordian said as he drew another card. A wicked smile appeared on his face. "I could attack your Leviair to stop it using his special ability but I have a better idea. I activate the Spell Card, Mind Control. As its name would suggest, I can control your Leviair's mind and force him to join my side of the field." Gordian's spell brainwashed Calpernia's dragon and it flew over to Gordian. Calpernia gasped as her field was wide open

"It's not all bad news for you though. The monster that I take control of can't attack you and I have to return him to you at the end of this turn. While I can't attack you with Leviair, I can use his special ability. By using its remaining overlay unit, I can bring back one of my own level 4 or below monsters that was removed from play. So come back, Evilswarm Salamandra!" Gordian called as his back dinosaur returned to the field. (Level 4: 1850, 950 DEF)

"Unfortunately, I don't have any monsters in my graveyard so I can't use Salamandra's ability. But I can still attack. Evilswarm Exciton Knight, attack her directly! Evil Slash!" he called as Exciton waved his sword and sliced across Calpernia's face, causing cuts to her face, making her bleed.

Calpernia: 3300
Gordian: 400

"Now Salamandra, attack her directly too!" he called as Salamandra marched forward stamped his foot close to Calpernia, causing a shockwave which sent her flying into the ground hard.

Calpernia: 1450
Gordian: 400

"You may still have more life points than me, but you are in no position to defy our master. Just give in and hand yourself in!" called Gordian.

"You really think that I will just accept to die!?" asked Calpernia as she struggled to get up to her feet, all the while trying to seal the cuts in her face.

"All of us have a purpose and you aren't serving your purpose by defying our destiny!" sneered Gordian.

"You're just using destiny as an excuse to kill me. And I can't let that happen."

"You may try, I end my turn and Mind Control's effect wears off, so Leviair returns to you," Gordian spoke as the blue and orange dragon returned to Calpernia.

"Then it's my turn," Calpernia called as she drew another card. "I summon my second Tour Guide from the Underworld!" she called as a lady in a bus driver's uniformed appeared on her field. (Level 3: 1000 ATK, 600 DEF)

"Since you already know her ability, there's no need for me to explain it again so I'll summon from my deck, Calcab, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" she called as another fiend appeared on her field. (Level 3: 1400 ATK, 0 DEF)

"Before you think of Xyz summoning again, I activate my Trap card, Gift of the Mystical Elf!" Gordian called. "Now I gain 300 life points for every monster on the field. Since there are currently 5 monsters on the field, I gain 1500 life points." He sneered.

Calpernia: 1450
Gordian: 1900

"Whatever! I will still overlay my Level 3 Tour Guide and my Calcab!" Calpernia called as her two monsters built another whirlpool. "The one who has withstood the tests of the inferno, conquering the challenges of hell itself! Come and show off your talent! I Xyz Summon, Dante, Traveller of the Burning Abyss once again!" she chanted as a blue haired man with red clothing marched onto her field. (Rank 3: 1000 ATK, 2500 DEF)

"Now by using 1 overlay unit, I can send the top 3 cards from my deck to my graveyard, giving Dante 1500 additional attack points." Calpernia spoke. (DTotBA: 1000 – 2500 ATK)

"Dante, attack Evilswarm Salamandra!" she called as Dante punched Salamandra in the face, destroying him.

Calpernia: 1450
Gordian: 1250

"After Dante attacks, he switches into defence mode," she called as her monster knelt down. (2500 DEF)

"With that I end my turn."

"It's my move then," Gordian spoke as he drew another card. "It's been 2 turns since I activated Gold Sarcophagus. So now Necroface comes to my hand." He revealed the monster that went to his hand.

"I activate Pot of Greed, so I draw 2 cards." Gordian quickly picked up 2 cards. "Oh what do you know, I've drawn another Pot of Greed, so I draw 2 more cards again!" he sneered as his hand built to 4 cards. "Since you have more monsters on the field than I do, I can special summon from my hand, Evilswarm Mandragora," he announced as a monster with green leaves and sharp green spikes appeared on his field. (Level 4: 1550 ATK, 1450 DEF)

"Next, I summon Necroface." A white headed monster with pink tentacles appeared on Gordian's field. (Level 4: 1200 ATK, 1800 DEF)

"I now activate Necroface's second special ability, when he's normal summoned, I can shuffle all of my cards that are removed from play back into my deck. And then, for each one that returns to my deck, Necroface gains 100 attack points. So I'll shuffle Mudragon of the Swamp and Evilswarm Thanatos back to my extra deck, while the other 14 cards go back to my main deck." Gordian explained as all of his cards that were removed from play returned to his deck.

"Since 16 cards returned to my deck, Necroface gains 1600 attack points." (N: 1200 – 2800 ATK)

"So not only was your Dimensional Fissure benefitting you from stopping me from using my "Burning Abyss" monsters' abilities in the graveyard, it was also boosted that Necroface too!" Calpernia realised.

"In a way yes, but that's not the true reason why I brought him out. Next I activate the Spell Card, Evil Mask! With this, by sending 1 "Evilswarm" monster from my deck to my graveyard, I can choose 1 monster on my field and it can copy that Evilswarm monster's name and ability. So I send Evilswarm Ketos to my graveyard and Necroface's name changes to Evilswarm Ketos."

"Why would you want to change its name?"

"Because now I can overlay Evilswarm Mandragora and my newly named Evilswarm Ketos to build the overlay network!" Gordian called as his 2 monsters leapt upwards into a whirlpool, this time above the two duellists. "Dark dragon of legend, shake and scatter the heavens! The primordial waters will ripple with your call! I Xyz Summon Evilswarm Bahamut!" chanted Gordian as a black dragon with silver wings appeared on his field. (Rank 4: 2350 ATK, 1350 DEF)

'Ah, so that's why he changed Necroface's name. Because if he didn't do that, he wouldn't be able to summon his Bahamut as it requires 2 "Evilswarm" monsters to summon him.' Calpernia concluded to herself.

"I now activate Bahamut's special ability, by using 1 overlay unit, I can take control of 1 of your monsters and I think I'll choose your Dante!" Gordian called as Bahamut flew forwards and grabbed Dante with its claws and flew back to Gordian, forcing Dante to join his field.

"Then I'll switch Dante to attack mode." Dante, who up to this point was knelt down was forced to stand up. (1000 ATK)

"And now I activate his ability, you know what it does so I won't bother explaining," Gordian spoke as he sent the top 3 cards from his deck to his graveyard and Dante gained 1500 attack points. (DTotBA: 1000 – 2500 ATK)

"Now Exciton Knight, attack Leviair The Sea Dragon!" Gordian called as his knight slashed at Leviair and destroyed him. Though since he was in defence mode, Calpernia took no damage. "And now to finish you off with your own monster, how pitiful," Gordian spoke mockingly. Calpernia could only gasp as her own monster got set. "Dante, attack your precious companion directly and end this duel!" he shouted in delight as Dante punched Calpernia in the chest causing her to fall to the ground in a dust ball.

Gordian laughed maniacally as the attack occurred. "Alright master, your vessel is set for you." He said. He reached into his pocket to pick up his communication beacon to contact the Elder One but then the dust cloud settled and he saw Calpernia was still standing.

Calpernia: 2950
Gordian: 1250

"What!? How did you survive?" Gordian yelled.

"I hate to disappoint you Gordian but before Dante could harm me, I activated my Trap card, Nutrient Z. Since I was about to lose at least 2000 life points, this card gave me 4000 life points before Dante punched me," Calpernia revealed as she gained 4000 life points but then took 2500 points of damage. "So effectively, I gained 1500 life points."

Gordian hissed angrily that the strategy he used against Aristide didn't work against Calpernia. "Fine! You'll need those life points as I still have 1 more attack. Evilswarm Bahamut, attack her directly!" he called as his black and silver dragon let out a silver blast from its mouth which led to a massive explosion, sending Calpernia flying into the wall of the hideout.

Calpernia: 600
Gordian: 1250

"Why are you prolonging your inevitable defeat!" mocked Gordian. "You can't stop your destiny to be the vessel for the Elder One!"

Calpernia got up to her feet. "Oh I can Gordian and I will!"

"But look, you have 3 monsters staring you down, you have no cards in your hand. All you have is 1 face-down card and that doesn't scare me in the slightest. Face it, you're simply no match for me and certainly no match for Master Elder One!"

"I admit, I probably wouldn't be a match for him but I cannot allow you to turn me into a vessel for him. Getting killed isn't an option for me."

"Have it your way, now that the Battle Phase is over, your Dante switches to Defence mode." (2500 DEF)

"I'll lay this card face-down and end my turn," Gordian spoke.

"Then it's my turn, I draw!" called Calpernia as she drew another card. "Now, about the face-down that you said you weren't scared of in the slightest?"

"Of course I'm not scared!" hissed Gordian.

"Well, you should be and it will tip the scales of this duel. I activate my Trap card, Return from the Different Dimension!" called Calpernia. "By paying half of my Life Points, I can bring back as many monsters that were removed from play as I can!" Above the two duellists, a dark cloud loomed before it opened to reveal a portal for Calpernia's monsters. "Now arise, Alich, Barbar, Cir, Rubic and Scarm, Malebranches of the Burning Abyss!" she bellowed as her 5 monsters descended from the cloud onto her field.

Calpernia: 300
Gordian: 1250

Alich, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss: (Level 3: 1200 ATK, 0 DEF)

Barbar, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss: (Level 3: 1700 ATK, 0 DEF)

Cir, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss: (Level 3: 1600 ATK, 1200 DEF)

Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss: (Level 3: 100 ATK, 2100 DEF)

Scarm, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss: (Level 3: 800 ATK, 2000 DEF)

"For 5 monsters and only 300 life points to pay, that's a pretty favourable cost if I do say so myself," said Calpernia in smugness

"Before you think of using any of them to Xyz Summon, I activate my Trap card, Spirit Barrier!" Gordian called as his face-down card flipped face up. "Now as long as I have a monster on my field, I won't take any battle damage!"

"You may think that trap will save you, but it won't!" Calpernia declared.

"What do you mean?" asked Gordian.

"Well that would be telling wouldn't it?" Calpernia asked rhetorically. "I activate the Spell card, Share the Pain. With this, by sacrificing one of my monsters, you are forced to sacrifice one of your own. So I'll sacrifice my Alich!" Calpernia's Alich disappeared from her field.

"So Gordian, who will it be?" She asked.

"Exciton Knight, you've served me well," Gordian said as his knight also disappeared.

"Now I activate Alich's special ability, since he was sent to my graveyard, I can choose one monster on the field and negate all of its abilities. I choose my own Rubic, Malebranche of the Burning Abyss!" she called as she pointed at the purple skulled monster.

"Why would you negate your own monster's abilities? They're all "Burning Abyss" monsters so he can't self-destruct," questioned Gordian.

"Simple. Normally, Rubic cannot be used as a Synchro Material for a Synchro Summon except for a "Burning Abyss" Synchro Monster. But by negating its ability, I can use it to Synchro Summon any monster I wish," answered Calpernia.

"Wait, you have 4 level 3 monsters and 1 of them is a tuner. That means…" Gordian gasped.

"You can do the maths! I can make a level 12 Synchro Monster!" declared Calpernia.

"YOU CAN'T!" Gordian yelled furiously

"Oh I can and I will! Now I tune my Level 3 Rubic with my Scarm, Cir and Barbar who are also level 3 each!" she declared as Rubic jumped into the air and formed 3 rings. Her other three monsters went together into the rings and formed 9 light beacons. Then, a sudden tremor shook the field as Calpernia's Synchro Summon took place.

"Almighty Spirit, please heed my cry! Cast your ferocious power on everything in your path and make all living things fall into your command! I Synchro Summon! The very card your Master so badly desired! Andoral, Old God of Slaves!" Calpernia chanted as a gigantic purple dragon descended from above! (Level 12: 5000 ATK, 5000 DEF)

Gordian stared up at the dragon towering over him. "You traitor! That belongs to Master Elder One!" he spat angrily.

"It's your own fault then!" Calpernia responded. "You had the chance to give this card to take this card and I would have let the Elder One use it. Instead you betrayed me and now belongs to me!"

"That thing rightly belongs to the Elder One! And he will get it, one way or another!" Gordian roared.

"Don't be so sure, now everything is set for me to end this duel!"

"You won't"

"Oh I will, but before that happens, both Barbar and Cir activate their special abilities. So Cir lets me bring back one "Burning Abyss" monster from my graveyard so rise once more, Virgil, Rockstar of the Burning Abyss!" She called as the warrior with a guitar reappeared on her field. (Level 6: 2500 ATK, 1000 DEF)

"Then Barbar's effect lets me remove 3 "Burning Abyss" cards from my graveyard and you take 300 points of damage for each one. I remove, Scarm, Libic and Graff. So that's 900 points of damage coming your way!" she called as 3 land mines hurled towards Gordian, causing small explosions.

Calpernia: 300
Gordian: 350

"And now I activate the Old God of Slaves' special ability, when this god is successfully Synchro Summoned, I can take control of all of your monsters!" Calpernia declared. "Fitting that you've been taking my monsters with your card effects, now it's my revenge!"

"You Traitor!" bellowed Gordian as Andoral let out a huge roar which forced both the Dante Gordian stole from Calpernia as well as Evilswarm Bahamut to go over to Calpernia's field.

"With no monsters to protect you, your Spirit Barrier can't protect you now!" called Calpernia.

"You may have somehow defeated me but the Elder One will get to you sooner rather than later!" growled Gordian.

"Oh shut up already!" hissed Calpernia. "I switch Dante back to attack mode!" (1000 ATK)

"NOW ALL MY MONSTERS, SLAUGHETR GORDIAN AND SEND HIM TO HELL!" yelled Calpernia as all her monsters, including Andoral ferociously attacked Gordian without any mercy. The combined attack wiped Gordian off his feet and sent him flying into the wall head first. The wall collapsed from the gigantic explosion. Calpernia just stood with her arms folded on her chest as Gordian lay down, crushed and defeated.

Calpernia: 300 (winner)
Gordian: 0000

Calpernia smiled and walked over to the fallen Gordian "Well, the Master thought he could betray me. Now he will pay the price."

"Oh shut up already!" Gordian growled "The Master will come after you."

"Well now his enemies will know his move now after I inform them." Calpernia stated "And as for you, I think I will leave you as you are and let the master deal with you. After all he will not be happy that you failed and now his enemies will know his plan." She then kicked him in the head and walked away out of the door. She had a new place to head off to now, she would not be welcomed but she had information that she would share with them to grant herself her freedom plus she had something else of interest, Andoral Old God of Slaves. Now she would just have to hope that she would survive the wrath of her former enemies.

Chapter End:

Notes: Well, here's a new chapter and the first major duel of the character Calpernia whose only duel was in the background during the Gordian vs Aristide duel and the first appearance of Andoral Old God of Slaves. Thanks again to my brother for writing the duel which made this chapter even bigger than I initial thought it would be. Although there has been a problem with Fanfiction again as the email alerts seem to be down again, I still don't know how to fix this problem despite following the instructions on the website so I'll see for now, I just hope it doesn't disable the reader alert system again like it did last time in October 2023.